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Year: 2017

AIC Bucks Enrollment Trends Through Innovation, Being Nimble

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Education Sections

Degrees of Growth

The AIC campus

The AIC campus has seen considerable change over the past decade, and the picture continues to evolve, with a planned addition and renovations for an existing building to house exercise science classes.

American International College has again earned placement on the list of the fastest-growing colleges in the country. Overall, the institution has nearly doubled its enrollment over the past decade or so, largely out of necessity. But the methods for achieving such growth — specifically in response to trends within the marketplace and a high-touch approach to student needs — offers lessons to schools of all sizes.

Jonathan Scully was searching for a word or phrase to describe the situation when it comes to enrollment on college campuses today.

He eventually settled on “it’s scary out there,” which certainly works, given the current trends. Indeed, according to data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, there were 18,071,000 students taking classes on American campuses in the spring of this year. That number was 19,619,000 million three years earlier, a nearly 8% decline. According to most reports, the numbers have been falling rather steadily, about a percentage point or two the past several years, with no real change on the horizon.

There are a number of reasons for this drop, noted Scully, dean of Undergraduate Admissions at American International College (AIC), who listed everything from smaller high-school graduating classes to a relatively strong economy — when times are worse, people often stay in school after graduating or return to school because they are unemployed; from outmigration to steep competition for a smaller pool of students.

Whatever the reasons, most schools — from community colleges to some prestigious four-year institutions — are struggling to maintain their numbers and, at the same time, their standards for admission.

AIC has managed to not only buck these trends but achieve status as one of the fastest-growing schools in the country, said Scully and Kerry Barnes, dean of Graduate Admissions.

Jonathan Scully

Jonathan Scully says AIC takes a high-touch approach with students, both before and after they arrive on campus.

Indeed, the Chronicle of Higher Education recently named AIC one of its “fastest growing colleges in the United States,” the sixth time the school has made that list in recent years. Among private, nonprofit doctoral institutions, AIC placed fourth among the top 20 colleges and universities in the country, with a 95% growth rate. Overall, AIC nearly doubled its enrollment between 2005 and 2015. (Worcester Polytechnic Institute, ranked ninth, is the only other school in the Commonwealth that placed in the same category.)

Most of this growth has come at the graduate level, where overall enrollment has risen from 415 to more than 2,000 over the past decade, but there has been improvement on the undergraduate side as well, with the overall numbers up 5% over that same period, much better than the national averages.

AIC has achieved such growth in large part out of necessity. A decade ago, the school was struggling mightily and needed to make a number of adjustments, in everything from its physical plant to its enrollment strategies, to attract students to its campus. But the climb up the charts has also resulted from ongoing and heightened attention to the needs of both the business community and students.

Regarding the former, said Barnes, the college has surveyed the marketplace and worked with businesses across a number of sectors to identify in-demand skill sets and areas of need when it comes to trained professionals. This has led to creation of new degree programs in areas ranging from occupational therapy to casino management.

“We’ve been able to identify key trends within the marketplace,” said Barnes, “but also work with local businesses to say, ‘what do you really need?’ and ‘what do you want students to have in order to be successful in their positions?’ or ‘what are your current employees looking for, and what do you need them to know?’”

Such questions, and the answers to them, have led to the creation of new degree programs, specific areas of study, and even new facilities, such as the expansion of a building on State Street, across from the main campus for exercise science programs.

As for the latter, said Scully, AIC is working hard — much harder than it once did — to assist students (many of them first-generation college students) both before and after they actually start attending classes in an effort to make them more comfortable and better able to meet the many challenges confronting them.

“We focus on a high-touch approach, and we take it all the way through — from recruitment to the time students are on campus,” he explained. “We realize that students aren’t always going to be ready for the rigors of college, not ready for application process, not ready to take that step on their own. And rather than say ‘figure it out — or don’t,’ we hold their hand the whole way and give them whatever they need.”

Add it all up, and it becomes easy to see why AIC has now become a regular on the Chronicle of Higher Education’s fastest-growing colleges chart.

For the this issue and its focus on education, BusinessWest talked with Barnes and Scully about how the school intends to continue earning placement on that list, even as the enrollment picture becomes ever more scary.

Class Action

They call it ‘summer melt.’ And they’re not talking about ice cream.

Indeed, college administrators use that term to refer to those students they lose between the time they sign on the proverbial dotted line and when classes begin in the fall. There are many reasons for this meltage, said Scully, including financial matters and other personal issues.

“It’s a big problem for a lot of institutions, especially those like AIC,” he explained, referring to the large percentage of low-income and first-generation students at the school. “A student pays their deposit, they intend to enroll, but they fall off for any number of reasons.”

AIC has devoted a considerable number of resources — all of them in that category of hand-holding — to the matter, and as a result, it has seen its melt rate drop from 18% a few years ago to 11%, just below what would be average for schools with AIC’s size and demographics.

This dramatic improvement in a critical area is just one example of how AIC is bucking national trends with regard to attracting and retaining students — and the manner in which it is achieving such results.

Kerry Barnes

Kerry Barnes says graduate programs at AIC have enjoyed explosive growth as the school responds to changing needs in the business community.

But before getting more in-depth about the present and future, it would be prudent to first take a look back — to where AIC was about a decade or so ago.

Talk about scary … that would be an apt description of the picture on campus. Neither Scully nor Barnes was around back then, but they’re both from this area, and they both know what the conditions were like.

“It was a very different place back then,” said Scully. “The physical plant was in decline, the enrollment numbers were falling, technology was lacking. But sweeping reforms were instituted, and they continue today.”

Indeed, both Barnes and Scully give considerable credit to AIC President Vince Maniaci, who arrived on campus in 2005 and made increasing enrollment his first priority — again, out of necessity and real threats to survival.

“There’s a lot to be said for a leader who’s willing to take educated risks,” Barnes told BusinessWest. “We’ve been very thoughtful in our growth, and Vince has supported that, and so has the board of directors. And that’s very important for a school our size to rebound from where we were 10 years ago.”

AIC’s successful efforts to roughly double its enrollment are attributable to a number of factors, said Scully and Barnes, but mostly, it all comes back to working harder, listening better, being innovative, and being nimble. And they have examples for each category.

With regard to working harder, Scully noted everything from those hand-holding efforts he described to more aggressive recruiting across the school’s main catchment area — Massachusetts and Connecticut.

He said there are eight admissions staffers, a big number for a relatively small undergraduate population (roughly 1,500 students), but it’s indicative of that high-touch approach and a reason why the melt numbers are comparatively low.

And this approach continues after the student arrives on campus.

“We hand things off to the academic side, to the student-life side,” said Scully. “They pick up the baton and run with it, and make sure students are treated the same way we treat them during the recruitment process; they get what they need, they get the attention, and they never become a number.”

As for the listening part, Barnes noted, again, that it involves a number of constituencies, including one she called simply the “marketplace.”

By that, she meant careful watching of trends and developments with regard to jobs — where they are now and where they’ll in be the years and decades to come — but also concerning the skills and requirements needed to take those jobs.

panoramic

As one example, she cited education and, specifically, a requirement in Massachusetts for teachers to become licensed. “We’ve been able to identify programs with growth potential, specifically to meet the needs of the local K-12 districts,” she explained. “We’ve been able to work with those districts to make sure we’re bringing the right licensure programs to their areas; that’s been hugely successful for us.

“We’ve been able to create very structured growth within our own programs to help meet what the market in Springfield needs,” Barnes went on. “In healthcare, we’ve had considerable growth in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and family nurse practitioners, but we’ve also been able to branch off and start key programs like the resort and casino management program, an arm of the MBA program.”

Scully agreed, noting that, with undergraduate programs — and all programs, for that matter — there is an emphasis on creating return on investment for those enrolled in them, something that’s being demanded by both students and the parents often footing the bill.

“We’re focused on programs that the market demands, that are interesting, and that are ROI-driven,” he explained, referencing, as examples, offerings in visual/digital arts, public health, theater, exercise science, and other fields.

“There’s going to be a high demand for exercise science graduates, athletic trainers,” he explained. “So we’re giving the market what it needs.”

As for innovation and nimbleness, they go hand in hand — with each other and also the ‘working hard’ and ‘listening’ parts of the equation. It’s one thing to listen, said Barnes, and it’s another to be able to respond quickly and effectively to what one hears and sees.

AIC has been able to do that, not only with new programs, but also in how programs are delivered, such as online, on weekends in some cases, and in accelerated fashion in other instances.

“We’re being very smart about the programs that we’re offering, and we’re working closely to update everything on the academic side to make sure it’s relevant,” she went on, adding that, in addition to relevancy, the school is also focused on flexibility and enabling students to take classes how and when they want.

“I think it’s cliché to say we’re nimble, but we are,” she told BusinessWest. “We’re able to a do a lot of things that larger institutions can’t, and we’re really in tune with our students and what they need.”

Determined Course

All this explains why AIC is making the best of a scary situation, especially on the undergraduate level.

The school’s presence on — and rise up — the fast-growing colleges list is significant and makes for good press for the institution. More important, though, is how such growth was accomplished.

Words such as ‘relevancy,’ accronyms like ROI, and phrases such as ‘high-touch’ do a good hob of telling this story.

It’s a story of a remarkable rebound in a relatively short time — with more intriguing chapters to come.

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

Super 60 Honorees Are a Diverse, Dynamic Mix

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super60feature-1017b
Cover Story Sections Super 60

Saluting Success

super60logoA large technology company that has been a fixture in Western Mass. for decades and a craft-beer startup that has quickly shot from obscurity to a large cult following may boast very different histories, but they have one thing in common: they are the top honorees in this year’s Super 60 awards.

“The success of this year’s winners is a clear indication that our regional economy is strong and reflects the diverse nature of our industries,” said Nancy Creed, president of the Springfield Regional Chamber, which is presenting the Super 60 honors for the 28th year. A celebration event honoring this year’s class will be held Friday, Oct. 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Chez Josef in Agawam.

Whalley Computer Associates Inc. of Southwick placed atop this year’s Total Revenue listing, followed by Marcotte Ford Sales Inc. of Holyoke and Commercial Distributing Co. Inc. of Westfield. In the Revenue Growth category, which recognizes the fastest-growing firms in the region, Tree House Brewing of Charlton tops the 2017 list, followed by Five Star Transportation Inc. of Southwick and LavishlyHip, LLC, an online outfit based in Feeding Hills.

“In just two short years of operation, Tree House Brewing, Inc., has moved straight to the top of the Revenue Growth category in its first year as a Super 60 winner,” she said.  “And LavishlyHip, an online retailer that garnered the top honors last year has returned in the top three this year.”

To be considered, companies must be based in Hampden or Hampshire counties or be a member of the Springfield Regional Chamber, have revenues of at least $1 million in the last fiscal year, be an independent and privately owned company, and be in business at least three full years. Companies are selected based on their percentage of revenue growth over a full three-year period or total revenues for the latest fiscal year.

Creed noted that this year’s winners hail from 17 communities across the region and represent all sectors of the economy, including nonprofits, transportation, energy, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, retail, and service. One-quarter of the Total Revenue winners exceeded $30 million in revenues. In the Revenue Growth category, one-quarter of the top 30 companies had growth in excess of 100%.

Four companies in the Total Revenue category also qualified for the Revenue Growth category, while 15 companies in the Revenue Growth category also qualified for the Total Revenue category, although each honoree is listed in only one category.

Tickets to the Oct. 27 event cost $60 for chamber members, $75 for general admission. Reservations may be made for tables of eight or 10. The deadline for reservations is Wednesday, Oct. 18. No cancellations will be accepted after that date, and no walk-ins will be allowed. Reservations must be made in writing, either online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com or by e-mail to [email protected].

Total Revenue

1. Whalley Computer Associates Inc.
One Whalley Way, Southwick
(413) 569-4200
www.wca.com
John Whalley, president
WCA is a locally owned family business that has evolved from a hardware resale and service group in the ’70s and ’80s into a company that now focuses on lowering the total cost of technology and productivity enhancement for its customers. Boasting nearly 150 employees, Whalley carries name-brand computers as well as low-cost compatibles.

2. Marcotte Ford Sales Inc.
1025 Main St., Holyoke
(800) 923-9810
www.marcotteford.com
Bryan Marcotte, president
The dealership sells new Ford vehicles as well as pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs, and features a full service department. Marcotte has achieved the President’s Award, one of the most prestigious honors given to dealerships by Ford Motor Co., on multiple occasions over the past decade. It also operates the Marcotte Commercial Truck Center.

3. Commercial         Distributing Co. Inc.
46 South Broad St., Westfield
(413) 562-9691
www.commercialdist.com
Richard Placek, Chairman
Founded in 1935 by Joseph Placek, Commercial Distributing Co. is a family-owned, family-operated business servicing more than 1,000 bars, restaurants, and clubs, as well as more than 400 package and liquor stores. Now in its third generation, the company continues to grow by building brands and offering new products as the market changes.
A.G. Miller Co. Inc.
57 Batavia St., Springfield
(413) 732-9297
www.agmiller.com
Rick Miller, president
Early in its history, A.G. Miller made a name in automobile enameling. More than 100 years after its founding in 1914, the company now offers precision metal fabrication; design and engineering; assembly; forming, rolling, and bending; laser cutting; punching; precision saw cutting; welding; powder coating and liquid painting; and more.

Aegenco Inc.
55 Jackson St., Springfield
(413) 746-3242
www.aegisenergyservices.com
Spiro Vardakas, president
Aegenco, an energy-conservation consulting firm and the manufacturing arm of Aegis Energy Services, has grown steadily since its inception in 2005.

Aegis Energy Services Inc.
55 Jackson St., Holyoke
(800) 373-3411
www.aegischp.com
Lee Vardakas, owner
Founded in 1985, Aegis Energy Services is a turn-key, full-service provider of combined heat and power systems (CHPs) that generate heat and electricity using clean, efficient, natural-gas-powered engines. These modular CHP systems reduce a facility’s dependence on expensive utility power, reduce energy costs, and reduce one’s carbon footprint.

Baltazar Contractors Inc.
83 Carmelinas Circle, Ludlow
(413) 583-6160
www.baltazarcontractors.com
Frank Baltazar, president
Baltazar Contractors has been a family-owned and operated construction firm for more than 20 years, specializing in roadway construction and reconstruction in Massachusetts and Connecticut; all aspects of site-development work; sewer, water, storm, and utilities; and streetscape improvements.

Braman Pest
147 Almgren Dr., Agawam
(413) 732-9009
www.bramanpest.com
Gerald Lazarus, president
Braman has been serving New England since 1890, using state-of-the-art pest-elimination procedures for commercial and residential customers, and offering humane removal of birds, bats, and other nuisances through its wildlife division. The company has offices in Agawam, Worcester, and Lee, as well as Hartford and New Haven, Conn.

City Enterprises Inc.
38 Berkshire Ave., Springfield
(413) 726-9549
www.cityenterpriseinc.com
Wonderlyn Murphy, president
City Enterprises Inc. offers skilled general-contracting services to the New England region. Priding itself on custom design and construction of affordable, quality homes and the infrastructure surrounding them, the firm executes its mission in a way that supports community empowerment through job opportunities and professional development.

filli, lcc d/b/a con-test                                     analytical laboratory
39 Spruce St., East Longmeadow
(413) 525-2332
www.contestlabs.com
THOMAS VERATTI SR., FOUNDER
Established in 1984, Con-Test provides environmental consulting and testing services to clients throughout Western Mass. The laboratory-testing division originally focused on industrial hygiene analysis, but expanded to include techniques in air analysis, classical (wet) chemistry, metals, and organics, analyzing water, air, soil, and solid materials.

EG Partners, LLC d/b/a Oasis Shower Doors
646 Springfield St., Feeding Hills
(413) 786-8420
www.oasisshowerdoors.com
tom daly, President
Oasis Shower Doors, New England’s largest designer, fabricator, and installer of custom frameless glass shower enclosures and specialty glass, has rapidly expanded its operations in recent years, with showrooms located at Feeding Hills, Weymouth, and Peabody, Mass., as well as Avon, Conn.

Fuel Services Inc.
95 Main St., South Hadley
(413) 532-3500
www.fuelservices.biz
Steve Chase, President and CEO
Full-service home-comfort and energy-solutions firm offering heating oil and propane delivery; plumbing, air-conditioning, and natural-gas services; installation of heating, cooling, water, and indoor-air-quality equipment; and more. The company serves more than 30 communities in Western Mass. and provides 24-hour emergency service.

The Futures Health Group, LLC
136 William St., Springfield
(800) 218-9280
www.discoverfutures.com
Brian Edwards, CEO
Futures provides occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language therapy, special education, nursing, mental health, and other related services to schools and healthcare facilities across the U.S. Founded in 1998, it continues to be managed by expert practitioners in their fields.

The Gaudreau Group
1984 Boston Road, Wilbraham
(413) 543-3534
www.gaudreaugroup.com
Jules Gaudreau, president
A multi-line insurance and financial-service agency established in 1921, the Gaudreau Group helps clients respond to an ever-changing economic environment. The agency offers a broad range of insurance and financial products from basic life, home, and auto insurance to complex corporate services, employee benefits, and retirement plans.

Haluch Water Contracting Inc.
399 Fuller St, Ludlow
(413) 589-1254
Thomas Haluch, president
For more than 30 years, Haluch Water Contracting has served the region as a water-main construction and excavation contractor specializing in water, sewer, pipeline, communications, and power-line construction.

JET Industries Inc.
307 Silver St., Agawam
(413) 786-2010
www.jet.industries
Michael Turrini, president
Jet Industries Inc. is a leading design build electrical, mechanical, communications and fire sprinkler contractor. What began as a small, family-run oil company founded by Aaron Zeeb in 1977 has grown into one of the nation’s largest companies of its type with over 500 employees servicing projects all across the country.

Kittredge Equipment Co. Inc.
100 Bowles Road, Agawam
(413) 304-4100
www.kittredgeequipment.com
Wendy Webber, president
Founded in 1921, Kittredge Equipment Co.is one of the nation’s leading food-service equipment and supply businesses. It boasts 70,000 square feet of showroom in three locations. The company also handles design services, and has designed everything from small restaurants to country clubs to in-plant cafeterias.

Lancer Transportation & Logistics and Sulco Warehousing & Logistics
311 Industry Ave., Springfield
(413) 739-4880
www.sulco-lancer.com
Todd Goodrich, president
In business since 1979, Sulco Warehousing & Logistics specializes in public, contract, and dedicated warehousing. Lancer Transportation & Logistics is a licensed third-party freight-brokerage company that provides full-service transportation-brokerage services throughout North America.

Louis and Clark Drug Inc.
309 East St., Springfield
(413) 737-7456
www.lcdrug.com
Skip Matthews, president
Since 1965, Louis & Clark has been a recognized name in Western Mass., first as a pharmacy and later as a resource for people who need home medical equipment and supplies. Today, the company provides professional pharmacy and compounding services, medical equipment, independent-living services, and healthcare programs.

Maybury Associates Inc.
90 Denslow Road, East Longmeadow
(413) 525-4216
www.maybury.com
John Maybury, president
Since 1976, Maybury Associates Inc. has been designing, supplying, and servicing all types of material-handling equipment throughout New England. Maybury provides customers in a wide range of industries with solutions to move, lift, and store their parts and products.

Notch Mechanical Constructors
85 Lemay St., Chicopee
(413) 534-3440
www.notch.com
Steven Neveu, president
A family-owned business since 1972, Notch Mechanical Constructors provides piping installation and repair services to facilities throughout southern New England. Its team has the capacity to address process and utility piping challenges at any business within 100 miles of its locations in Chicopee and Hudson, Mass.

O’Connell Care at Home
One Federal St., Bldg. 103-1, Springfield
(413) 533-1030
www.opns.com
Francis O’Connell, president
For more than two decades, O’Connell Care at Home, formerly O’Connell Professional Nurse Service, has grown to deliver a range of home-health and staffing services across the Pioneer Valley. Services range from nursing care and geriatric healthcare management to advocacy and transportation.

PC Enterprises Inc. d/b/a Entre Computer
138 Memorial Ave., West Springfield
(413) 736-2112
www.pc-enterprises.com
Norman Fiedler, CEO
PC Enterprises, d/b/a Entre Computer, assists organizations with procuring, installing, troubleshooting, servicing, and maximizing the value of technology. In business since 1983, it continues to evolve and grow as a lead provider for many businesses, healthcare providers, retailers, and state, local, and education entities.

Rediker Software Inc.
2 Wilbraham Road, Hampden
(800) 213-9860
www.rediker.com
Andrew Anderlonis, president
Rediker software is used by school administrators across the U.S. and in more than 100 countries, and is designed to meet the student-information-management needs of all types of schools and districts. For example, 100,000 teachers use the TeacherPlus web gradebook, and the ParentPlus and StudentPlus web portals boast 2 million users.

Specialty Bolt & Screw Inc.
235 Bowles Road, Agawam
(413) 789-6700
www.specialtybolt.com
Kevin Queenin, president
Founded in 1977, Specialty Bolt & Screw (SBS) is a full-service solutions provider of fasteners, vendor-managed inventory (VMI) programs, and C-class commodities. Based in Agawam, it has locations in Valcourt, Quebec; Juarez, Mexico; Queretaro, Mexico; Rovaniemi, Finland; and Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Troy Industries Inc.
151 Capital Dr., West Springfield
(413) 788-4288
www.troyind.com
Steve Troy, CEO
Troy Industries was founded on the principle of making reliable, innovative, over-engineered products that function without question when lives are on the line. Troy is a leading U.S. government contractor that designs and manufactures innovative, top-quality small-arms components and accessories and complete weapon upgrades.

United Personnel Services Inc.
1331 Main St., Springfield
(413) 736-0800
www.unitedpersonnel.com
Patricia Canavan, president
United provides a full range of staffing services, including temporary staffing and full-time placement, on-site project management, and strategic recruitment in the Springfield, Hartford, and Northampton areas, specializing in administrative, professional, medical, and light-industrial staff.

W.F. Young Inc.
302 Benton Dr., East Longmeadow
(800) 628-9653
www.absorbine.com
Tyler Young, CEO
This family-run business prides itself on offering a variety of high-quality products that can effectively improve the well-being of both people and horses with its Absorbine brands.

Webber & Grinnell Insurance Agency Inc.
8 North King St., #1, Northampton
(413) 586-0111
www.webberandgrinnell.com
Bill Grinnell, president
Webber and Grinnell’s roots can be traced back to 1849, when A.W. Thayer opened an insurance agency on Pleasant Street in Northampton. The agency, which offers automotive, business, homeowners, employee benefit, and other types of products, serves more than 5,000 households and 900 businesses throughout Western Mass.

WestMass ElderCare Inc.
4 Valley Mill Road, Holyoke
(413) 538-9020
www.wmeldercare.org
Priscilla Chalmers, Executive Director
WestMass ElderCare is a private, nonprofit agency with a mission to preserve the dignity, independence, and quality of life of elders and disabled persons desiring to remain within their own community. Programs include supportive housing, home care, options counseling, adult family care, nutrition programs, and adult foster care.

Revenue Growth

1. Tree House Brewing Company Inc.
129 Sturbridge Road, Charlton
(413) 523-2367
www.treehousebrew.com
Nate Lanier, Damien Goudreau, Dean Rohan, Owners
The opening of a 45,000-square-foot facility in Charlton speaks to the recent growth of this brewery. Tree House was founded in Monson 2011, but in 2015 counted just one employee and 55 barrels of cellar space. The new facility can accommodate 50,000 barrels of cellar space, which will enable the brewery to produce up to 125,000 barrels a year.

2. Five Star Transportation Inc.
809 College Highway, Southwick
(413) 789-4789
www.firestarbus.com
Nathan Lecrenski, president
Five Star provides school-bus transportation services to school districts and charter schools throughout Western Mass. From its launch a half-century ago with a single bus route, the company currently services more than 12 school districts and operates a fleet of more than 175 vehicles.

3. Lavishlyhip, LLC
Feeding Hills
www.lavishlyhip.com
Rika Woyan, owner
This online retailer of jewelry and accessories offers accessory collections from the latest top designers. By meeting with the designers in their showrooms and at industry events, it stays on top of what is trending. Shoppers will find hip and classic jewelry for women and men, cashmere, silk and blend scarves, and hair accessories.

Adam Quenneville Roofing and Siding Inc.
160 Old Lyman Road, South Hadley
(413) 525-0025
www.1800newroof.net
Adam Quenneville, CEO
Adam Quenneville offers a wide range of residential and commercial services, including new roofs, retrofitting, roof repair, roof cleaning, vinyl siding, replacement windows, and the no-clog Gutter Shutter system. The company has earned the BBB Torch Award for trust, performance, and integrity.

Alliance Home Improvement Inc.
375 Chicopee St., Chicopee
(413) 331-4357
www.alliancehomeinc.com
sergiy suprunchuk, president
Alliance is a professional local contractor providing quality and reliable residential services. Its products are Energy Star certified, and most of them have lifetime warranty provided by the manufacturer. Services include siding, windows, doors, roofs, gutters, faux stone siding, and custom-built homes.

Baystate Blasting Inc.
36 Carmelinas Circle, Ludlow
(413) 583-4440
www.baystateblasting.com
Paul Baltazar, president
Baystate Blasting, Inc. is a local family owned and operated drilling and blasting firm located in Ludlow, Massachusetts that began in 2003.   Sitework, heavy highway construction, residential, quarry, portable crushing and recycling, ATF licensed dealer of explosives as well as rental of individual magazines.

Center Square Grill
84 Center Square, East Longmeadow
(413) 525-0055
www.centersquaregrill.com
Michael Sakey, Bill Collins, Proprietors
Center Square Grill serves up eclectic American fare for lunch and dinner, as well as an extensive wine and cocktail selection and a kids’ menu. The facility also has a catering service and hosts events of all kinds.

Charter Oak Insurance &                        Financial Services Co.
330 Whitney Ave., Holyoke
(413) 374-5430
www.charteroakfinancial.com
Peter Novak, General Agent
A member of the MassMutual Financial Group, Charter Oak been servicing clients for more than 125 years. The team of professionals serves individuals, families, and businesses with risk-management products, business planning and protection, retirement planning and investment services, and fee-based financial planning.

Chicopee Industrial Contractors Inc.
107 North Chicopee St., Chicopee
(413) 538-7279
www.chicopeeindustrial.com
Carol Campbell, president
Founded in 1992, Chicopee Industrial Contractors is an industrial contracting firm specializing in all types of rigging, heavy lifting, machinery moving, machine installation, millwrighting, machine repair, heavy hauling, plant relocations, concrete pads, foundations, and structural steel installations.

Community Transportation Services
288 Verge St., Springfield
(413) 732-1500
Houshang Ansari, president
Community transportation is a locally owned medical, elderly, and VIP transportation service founded in 1991. Its goal is to provide the community with safe and affordable transportation services. It is especially committed to meeting the transportation needs of senior citizens and the physically and mentally challenged.

Courier Express Inc.
20 Oakdale St., Springfield
(413) 730-6620
www.courierexp.com
Eric Devine, president
Courier Express is committed to providing custom, same-day delivery solutions for any shipment. Its focal point is New England, but its reach is nationwide. The company strives to utilize the latest technologies, on-time delivery, customer service, and attention to detail to separate itself from its competitors.

Court Square Group Inc.
1350 Main St., Springfield
(413) 731-5294
www.courtsquaregroup.com
Keith Parent, president
Court Square is a technical strategic advisor to the life-science and biotech industries. Consulting services include business analysis and consulting, information security and disaster recovery, SharePoint and document management, long-term archiving, project management, and much more.
FIT Staffing Inc.
25 Bremen St., Springfield
(413) 363-0204
www.fitstaffingsolutions.com
Jackie Fallon, president
FIT Staffing, founded in 2005, provides a personal approach to connecting companies to the right IT professionals. FIT takes the time to meet the hiring manager to determine the exact qualifications, skills, and personality traits for the client’s ideal candidates. Meanwhile, FIT’s extensive listing of local IT openings is continuously updated.

Fletcher Sewer & Drain Inc.
824A Perimeter Road, Ludlow
(413) 547-8180
www.fletcherseweranddrain.com
Teri Marinello, president
Since 1985, Fletcher Sewer & Drain has provided service to homeowners as well as municipalities and construction companies for large pipeline jobs. From unblocking kitchen sinks to replacing sewer lines, Fletcher keeps up to date with all the latest technology, from high-pressure sewer jetters to the newest camera-inspection equipment.

Gleason Johndrow Landscaping Inc.
44 Rose St., Springfield
(413) 727-8820
www.gleasonjohndrowlandscaping.com
Anthony Gleason II, David Johndrow, Owners
Gleason Johndrow Landscape & Snow Management offers a wide range of commercial and residential services, including lawn mowing, snow removal, salting options, fertilization programs, landscape installations, bark-mulch application, creative plantings, seeding options, pruning, irrigation installation, maintenance, and much more.

Kelley & Katzer Real Estate, LLC
632 Westfield St., West Springfield
(413) 209-9933
www.kelleyandkatzerrealestate.com
Joe Kelley, Christine Katzer, Co-owners
Kelley & Katzer combines more than 40 years of real-estate experience with a modern approach. It is involved every step of the way of the real-estate process, guiding clients with a hands-on approach and knowledge of the real-estate market, blended with a genuine understanding of clients’ needs.

Knight Machine & Tool Company Inc.
11 Industrial Dr., South Hadley
(413) 532-2507
Gary O’Brien, owner
Knight Machine & Tool Co. is a metalworking and welding company that offers blacksmithing, metal roofing, and other services from its 11,000-square-foot facility.

Market Mentors, LLC
30 Capital Dr., Suite C, West Springfield
(413) 787-1133
www.marketmentors.com
Michelle Abdow, principal
A full-service marketing firm, Market Mentors handles all forms of marketing, including advertising in all mediums, media buying, graphic design, public relations, and event planning.

Martinelli, Martini & Gallagher Real Estate Inc.
1763 Northampton St., Holyoke
(413) 736-7232
www.buywesternmass.com
Paul Gallagher, president
Gallagher Real Estate boasts four locations in Holyoke, Agawam, South Hadley, and Springfield, offering commercial and residential sales and leasing services, as well as a real estate school and a separate division devoted to handling property-management needs.

North Atlantic Trucking Inc.
100 Progress Ave., Springfield
(413) 455-3981
www.northatlantictrucking.com
James Vieu, Director of Fleet Services & Financials
North Atlantic Trucking began by hauling a variety of products, including paper, plastic, metal, and more. The company is rapidly growing with a current fleet of 15 vehicles providing transportation services for miscellaneous products throughout the U.S.

Northeast IT Systems Inc.
777 Riverdale St., West Springfield
(413) 736-6348
www.northeastit.net
Joel Mollison, president
Northeast is a full-service IT company providing business services, managed IT services, backup and disaster recovery, and cloud services, as well as a full-service repair shop for residential customers, including file recovery, laptop screen replacement, PC setups and tuneups, printer installation, virus protection and removal, and wireless installation.

Paragus Strategic IT
112 Russell St., Hadley
(413) 587-2666
www.paragusit.com
Delcie Bean IV, president
While still in high school, Delcie Bean founded Paragus IT in 1999, first under the name Vertical Horizons and then Valley ComputerWorks. Under the Paragus name, it has grown dramatically as an outsourced IT solution, providing business computer service, computer consulting, information-technology support, and other services to businesses of all sizes.

Rock Valley Tool, LLC
54 O’Neil St., Easthampton
(413) 527-2350
www.rockvalleytool.com
Elizabeth Paquette, president
Rock Valley Tool is a 17,000-square-foot facility housing a variety of both CNC and conventional machining equipment, along with a state-of-the-art inspection lab. With more than 40 years of experience, the company provides manufactured parts to customers in the aerospace, commercial/industrial, and plastic blow-molding industries.

Rodrigues Inc.
782 Center St., Ludlow
(413) 547-6443
Antonio Rodrigues, president
Rodrigues Inc. operates Europa Restaurant in Ludlow, specializing in Mediterranean cuisine with an interactive dining experience, presenting meals cooked on volcanic rocks at tableside. Europa also offers full-service catering and banquet space.

Royal, P.C.
270 Pleasant St., Northampton
(413) 586-2288
www.theroyallawfirm.com
Amy Royal, owner
Royal, P.C. is a woman-owned law firm that exclusively represents and counsels businesses on all aspects of labor and employment law. It represents a wide range of businesses throughout the New England states and nationally, and is an approved panel counsel for insurance companies that provide employment-practices liability insurance to employers.

Safe & Sound Inc.
428 East St., Chicopee
(413) 594-6460
www.safeandsoundhq.com
Michael Laventure, owner
Since 1983, Safe and Sound Inc., a family-owned company, has been providing customers with a wide selection of quality components such as home theater speakers, audio/video receivers, amplifiers, subwoofers, as well as car audio, remote starters, and security.

Taplin Yard, Pump & Power
120 Interstate Dr., West Springfield
(413) 781-4352
www.fctaplin.com
Martin Jagodowski, president
Taplin has been servicing the local area since 1892, and is an authorized dealer for parts, equipment, service, and accessories for a wide range of brands. It boasts a large inventory of zero-turn mowers, commercial lawn equipment, lawnmowers, lawn tractors, trimmers, blowers, generators, pressure washers, pole saws, sprayers, chainsaws, and more.

Valley Home Improvement Inc.
340 Riverside Dr.,
Florence
(413) 517-0158
www.valleyhomeimprovement.com
Steven Silverman, owner
Valley Home Improvement has specialized in home improvement, renovations, and remodeling service since 1991. Home-improvement and remodeling services include kitchen design, bathrooms, additions, sunrooms, screen porches, basement finishing, weatherization/insulation services, garages, and custom cabinetry and countertops.
VertitechIT
4 Open Square Way, #310, Holyoke
(413) 268-1600
www.vertitechit.com
Michael Feld, CEO
Calling itself a group of advisors, confidantes, strategists, and innovators for hire, Vertitech has, in its own words, created a new path to IT transformation, aiming not just to solve technical problems, but to develop the strategic solutions that make an organization or healthcare institution thrive.

Western Mass  Demolition Corp.
50 Summit Lock Road, Westfield
(413) 579-5254
www.wmdemocorp.com
Dale Unsderfer, president
Western Mass Demolition Corp. has a wide range of services to meet clients’ demolition and recycling needs, including complete structure removal, selective works, emergency and fire on call, lowboy and equipment hauling, building separation, abatement and remediation, concrete cutting and breaking, oil-tank removal, recycling, reuse, and salvage.

New Women’s Fund Leader Wants to Broaden the Agency’s Impact

By
womensfeature600x200
Features

Change Agent

Donna Haghighat

Donna Haghighat

Donna Haghighat has seen a number of titles on her business cards over the years — everything from ‘tax attorney’ to ‘grants manager’ to ‘founder and CEO’ — yes, she’s launched a few businesses of her own. A common denominator with most all those career stops has been a desire to work with women and girls to identify goals and opportunities and remove the barriers to realizing them. Call it a passion — one that has brought her to her latest business card, which reads ‘CEO, Women’s Fund of Western Mass.’

“She changed the world for women.”
That was the simple six-word response Donna Haghighat summoned, after a few moments of thought, when asked why she sought to become the next director of the Women’s Fund of Western Mass.

By way of explanation, she said this is a mantra of sorts that she lives by, but also something she would perhaps like people to say about her when her career is over — which won’t be for quite some time now.

She told BusinessWest that she took this position with the hope, and expectation, that she could better live up to that mantra — and, well, also make it more likely that people will be saying that about her.

In many ways, they already are.

Indeed, Haghighat (pronounced Ha-gi-gat) has spent most of her career in positions devoted largely or entirely to that mission of changing the world for women, in some way. Her résumé includes a stint as the chief Engagement & Advocacy officer for the Hartford Region YWCA, and another as founder and CEO of a “social entrepreneurial website,” as she called it, called shoptimize.org, which featured products from emerging women entrepreneurs. Her background also includes work as the grants and programs manager for the Women’s Advancement Initiative at the University of Hartford and as executive director of the Aurora Women & Girls Foundation in Hartford.

She started out as a tax attorney and served for two years earlier this decade as the chief development officer for the Hartford Public Library, but assisting women and girls has been her real passion.

“Even when I wasn’t working professionally in women’s funding, I’ve always done that on an individual level even when I couldn’t do it on an organizational level,” she explained. “So for me, when this opportunity presented itself — one that would allow me to work at an organizational level to really bring about bigger change and mobilize the collective resources of women and their allies — it was really a no-brainer.”

She said she came to the Women’s Fund primarily because two of its main focal points — awarding grants to agencies and programs focused on assisting women and girls and developing programming on women’s issues and leadership — also happen to be her two main focal points.

womens-fund-logo

With the former, she’ll strive to “strengthen the strategy concerning our grant making,” as she put it, meaning a more concerted effort to identify specific issues the grants are intended to address.

And with the latter, she is intrigued by both the prospect of building upon existing initiatives, such as the hugely successful Leadership Institute of Political and Public Impact (LIPPI) program, and new undertakings, such as the Young Women’s Springfield Initiative (YWSI), which features young women leaders working together with adult mentors to create a roadmap for their collective futures.

“I like that we’re able to do both grant making and on-the-ground programming as well,” she explained. “We’re helping women and girls in Massachusetts right now, and also building for the future in terms of shaping future leaders.”

When asked what was on her to-do list for the Women’s Fund, she started by talking about the organization’s mailing address. At the moment — and for the foreseeable future, it is 276 Bridge St. in Springfield, a strategic location chosen by the previous administration to address another item on Haghighat’s list — creating more visibility for the organization.

But that’s the address of the new Innovation Center in Springfield, an ambitious project led by DevelopSpringfield, MassDevelopment, and other partners that is currently in a holding pattern (construction work ground to a halt in May) amid funding problems and a now a lawsuit filed by the general contractor over non-payment for services and materials.

Haghighat, who started on Sept. 1, said the Women’s Fund is a tenant in the Innovation Center and has no control over the fate of the project. So while she watches as those issues play themselves out, she’ll focus on what she can control, specifically the programming and grant awarding she mentioned, efforts that should be boosted by another new addition at the agency.

That’s Christine Monska, who has joined the Women’s Fund as program officer for Leadership Programs, and in that position will play a lead role in administering the Young Women’s Initiative as well as other programs.

Overall, Haghighat said the broad goal for all members of her team is to make the Women’s Fund a greater resource and a stronger vehicle for positive change for girls and women across the region.

For this issue, BusinessWest talked at length with her about what brought her to the Women’s Fund and also about where she wants to take this organization that lives by the same mantra she does.

Seizing an Opportunity

Haghighat said she became aware of the position at the Women’s Fund in a roundabout fashion, but one that speaks to how her skill set matches what the agency was looking for its next leader.

She had recently launched a consulting firm called Collabyrinth Collective, LLC, one that provided guidance to small businesses and nonprofits in realms ranging from marketing and fund-raising to diversity and inclusion.

Fast-forwarding a little, she said she reached out to friend and former Trinity College classmate Patricia Canavan, president of United Personnel, about her new venture, and in turn, Canavan asked her if she would ever consider taking on interim CEO opportunities.

They would eventually go on to discuss one such opportunity at length, one that didn’t pan out due mostly to issues of timing (Haghighat had a lengthy trip to China already on the calendar). But not long thereafter, the discussion would take a much different, rather serendipitous tone, because Canavan would be assigned the task of chairing the search committee charged with choosing a successor to outgoing Women’s Fund CEO Elizabeth Barajas-Román.

“She [Canavan] was reminded that I had considerable women’s funding experience,” Haghighat went on, adding that while she wasn’t exactly looking for a new opportunity and was enjoying her consulting work, the Women’s Fund of Western Mass. intrigued her on a number of levels.

Specifically, the WFWM position offered an opportunity to take experiences from several previous career stops involving women, fund-raising, and both, and apply them at an organization that is clearly in growth mode and developing new ways to carry out its multi-faceted mission.

Such as the YWSI, an initiative that has enormous promise on a number of levels, said Haghighat.

Elaborating, she said the Women’s Fund of Western Mass. is part of a coalition of eight women’s foundations across the country (the others are in Birmingham, Dallas, Los Angeles, Memphis, New York City, Washington, D.C., and the state of Minnesota) taking part in the Young Women’s Initiative.

In Springfield, the program will kick off Oct. 18 at UMass Center at Springfield, an event designed to highlight some of the key issues facing girls and women in the Commonwealth’s third-largest city and what the Women’s Advisory Council (YWAC) plans to do about them.

The program was inspired by an effort in New York City launched by an organization called Girls for Gender Equity, funded by the New York Women’s Foundation, Haghighat explained, adding that the Women’s Funding Network, of which the WFWM is a member, saw great potential in the initiative, which led to the pilot programs launched in those eight areas.

Here’s how it works. Girls and women from Springfield — meaning they are from the City of Homes if not necessarily living there now (they may be away at college, for example) — are eligible to participate in the program, which enlists them to both identify concerns and learn how positive change can come about.

“Through these young women, the program helps identify the concerns and the barriers that these women are seeing in their own lives,” she explained. “And then it will teach them about what public policy is all about and how they can affect public policy by looking at the issues affecting them and pushing for change.”

YWSI will partner the Women’s Fund with the city of Springfield, she went on, adding that funding for the initiative has been secured from MassMutual. It will focus primarily, but not exclusively, on girls and women of color, and will invite a number of stakeholders to be part of the process of initiating change and progress.

“Here’s an opportunity for young people to be at the center of efforts to try to change some of the things that are impeding their own progress and keeping them from reaching their full potential,” she went on, before motioning to the words written on large sheets of paper affixed to the walls outside her office.

Those words were some of the collective thoughts gathered at a host of so-called ‘listening tours’ staged in the run-up to the start of the program.

The girls and women gathered for those tours listed a broad array of interests (a list that including everything from fashion to arts to ‘daydreaming’) as well as concerns, barriers, supporters, and more, she said, adding that the collected thoughts serve as a form of preliminary database as the project gets underway.

“We’re learning a lot about what young women in Springfield see as both their opportunities and challenges,” she said. “And that’s going to help us inform our curriculum.”

The participating girls and women (Haghighat is expecting between 20 and 30 of them) will meet at least monthly between now and the spring.

While launching YWSI, Haghighat and her team will address a host of other issues on her growing to-do list.

Included on that list are bringing on two new staff members (Monska and an intern tasked with working on the YWSI program) and “having the team coalesce under my leadership,” as Haghighat put it, as well as work to finesse a recently drafted strategic plan.

Also on the list are increasing visibility for the Women’s Fund as well as staging more events like the LIPPI alumni gathering recently held in Shelburne Falls.

And for Haghighat personally, after spending the bulk of her career working in and around Hartford, she plans to work hard at becoming more familiar with this region, its institutions, its resources, and potential partners moving forward.

Impact Statement

Asked to look ahead to next spring and, more specifically, toward what she hopes and expects participants in the YWSI program to come away from that effort with, Haghighat offered thoughts that reflected not only on that initiative, but also what has become her life’s work.

“I want to have these young people walk away having a clearer sense of what their own challenges and opportunities are,” she said, “as well as an understanding of how policies work and how they can speak up and either join other groups or create their own groups to effect change that will remove barriers and hopefully amplify the opportunities they have so that not only them but also other young women can benefit.”

The wording varies, but that’s essentially the mission of every agency or business she’s ever worked for, including her own consulting company.

It’s about changing the world for women — for the better. That’s a mantra, but it’s also a career, one that has brought Haghighat to Springfield and the Women’s Fund.

Where she will take the organization remains to be seen, but the goal is clear: to broaden its impact and make it even more of a change agent.

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

Building Permits

By
Building Permits Departments

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

AGAWAM

Luigi Chiarell
371 South Westfield St.
$75,000 — Construct self-storage building

Frank DeCaro, Joseph DeCaro
1226 Springfield St.
$15,000 — Demolish fire-damaged building

Fisher Scientific Co.
325 Bowles Road
$702,843 — Roofing

AMHERST

Amherst Office Park, LLC
417 West St.
$3,550 — Relocate fire sprinkler heads for new tenant layout

Amherst Pelham School District
21 Mattoon St.
$10,000 — Build two mansard garages

The Common School Inc.
521 South Pleasant St.
$1,500 — Install handicap ramp

Peace Development Fund
44 North Prospect St.
$27,167 — Install solar panels on roof

EAST LONGMEADOW

Countryside Store
334 Somers Road
$3,000 — Roofing

Mattress Firm
32-48 Center Square
$30,000 — Commercial alteration

HADLEY

Chamisa Corp.
31 Campus Plaza, Suite B
$33,600 — Reconfigure interior partitions, plumbing, HVAC, ductwork, modify hallway and entrance to accessible restroom

LONGMEADOW

Longmeadow Mall, LP
793 Williams St.
$10,000 — Alteration to restroom and interior finish renovations

LUDLOW

Ludlow Fish & Game
857 Sportsmens Road
$5,400 — Soffit repairs

NORTHAMPTON

ES Realty Corp.
34 Bridge St.
$6,000 — Illuminated wall sign

Robert Gougeon
36 Main St.
$650 — Illuminated wall sign for Dodson & Flinker

Robert Gougeon
36 Main St.
$195 — Non-illuminated wall sign for Dodson & Flinker

PALMER

Pathfinder Regional Vocational School
240 Sykes St.
$35,489 — Install new acoustical ceiling and fire blocking in machine shop

Stephen Stathis
1313 Park St.
$5,000 — New sign

Town of Palmer
4105 Main St.
$27,000 — Cut through non-bearing block wall at Palmer High School to install steel jamb, fire doors

SPRINGFIELD

Astro Chemicals
126 Memorial Dr.
$23,010 — Construct additional concrete tank support pedestal in exterior containment area and construct additional concrete tank support pedestal in interior containment area with two additional containment walls for the new tank

Baystate Health
3300 Main St.
$250,000 — Interior renovation of Café 3300 space at Tolosky Center

Baystate Health
3350 Main St.
$257,394 — Renovate CT scan room for new machine

Baystate Health
3400 Main St.
$12,000 — Interior demolition of finishes and partitions

Baystate Health
3601 Main St.
$195,712 — Renovate shell space into office space

Fontaine Brothers
506 Cottage St.
$80,000 — Alteration of leased area and construction of handicapped-accessible exterior ramp

MassDevelopment
1550 Main St.
$232,627 — Tenant fit-out

Springfield Water & Sewer Commission
71 Colton St.
$104,000 — Roofing

WEST SPRINGFIELD

CH Realty VII/CG Mact Bird, LLC
518 Memorial Ave.
$95,000 — Construct addition to existing car wash to enclose pre-wash and cashier area

Heritage Ventures
1702 Riverdale St.
$20,000 — Remove and replace shingles

Richard Korris
152-170 Elm St.
$87,875 — Roofing

William Matte
842 Main St.
$7,000 — Place pre-made storage shed on premises of Main Auto Sales

Nouria Energy Corp.
2667 Westfield St.
$34,995 — Roofing

Town of West Springfield
26 Central St.
$62,000 — Install new rooftop unit to service third-floor detectives bureau

Verizon Wireless
380 Union St.
$15,000 — Replace antenna panels and remote radio heads on existing smokestack

WILBRAHAM

Wilbraham Animal Hospital
2424 Boston Road
$6,000 — New sign

The Kids Dentist
1984 Boston Road
$1,800 — Replace three existing signs

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies Departments

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

Albaladejo, Francisco
24 Ednsons Court
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/14/17

Badillo, Omaira
235 Walnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/15/17

Bedell, Amy Bertha
a/k/a Kolick, Amy Bertha
a/k/a Phelps, Amy Bertha
a/k/a Bedell, Amy Bertha
16 Myrtle St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/14/17

Big Daddy’s Homemade Ice Cream
Smith, David J.
100 Brandon Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/06/17

Boardman, Sanford
a/k/a Boardman, Sandy
6 James St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/08/17

Boudreau, James F.
16 Victoria Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/14/17

Boyd, Edward W.
52 Emmett St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/13/17

Bridges, Lynne B.
115 Berkshire Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/08/17

Brown, James W.
151 Gilbert Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/06/17

Broxton, Lynette R.
5 West Laramee Green
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/13/17

Calderwood, Letitia
239 Main St., Apt 1
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/08/17

Carattini, Melissa M.
17 Lakeshore Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/31/17

Ethier-Allen, Carol Ann
164 Highland Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/10/17

Ewing, Steven Michael
5 Mark St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/31/17

Farrell, Jeannine L.
a/k/a Farrell, Nina L.
66 Cronin Hill Rd
Hatfield, MA 01038
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/31/17

Finish Line Auto
Marier, Francis
678 Britton St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/08/17

Haire, Emily Anne
5 Berard Circle
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/14/17

Hait, Christian T.
19 Ballard St., Apt. 1
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/08/17

Johnson, Todd F.
Johnson, Julie
a/k/a Stedman, Julie
1401 Longmeadow St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/12/17

Josefek, Andrea Kathryn
64 Munsing Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/01/17

Lamon, Robert C.
40 Riley Switch Road
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/04/17

Laprade, Meaghan Ashley
158 Old Sunderland Road
Montague, MA 01351
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/01/17

Lowell, Jennifer L.
15 Central St.
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/12/17

Maldonado, Bartolo
a/k/a Oliveras, Bartolo Maldonado
Maldonado, Gladys Odette
142 Brittany Manor Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/08/17

Martone, Sheila M.
222 Stebbins St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/06/17

Montgomery, Darren R.
569 Westfield St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/12/17

Murphy, Lawrence W.
Murphy, Doreen
620 North Westfield St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/06/17

Nadeau, Philip W.
4 Manola St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/15/17

O’Lari, Sarah Madeline
a/k/a O’Lari-Woods, Sarah Madeline
a/k/a O’Lari-Muniz, Sarah Madeline
47 Congress St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/06/17

Payen, Evarice
247 Allen Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/10/17

Photography by Corinna
Cole, Corinna S.
a/k/a Spinale, Corinna
50 Normandy Road
Lynn, MA 01902
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/15/17

Riley, Jessica L.
34 Amherst Ave.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/01/17

Rough-Lewinski, Jennifer
81 Lamb St.
South Hadley, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/31/17

Schnopp, Glenn P.
15 Water St., Apt. B
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/31/17

Sepulveda, Maria D.
PO Box 60562
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/31/17

Tatro, Phyllis A.
183 Winton St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/10/17

Van Buren, Lisa M.
325 Walnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/15/17

Vasquez, Louis A.
14 High St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/12/17

White, Karen Marie
163 Saint James Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/06/17

Valley Blue Sox to Host Fan-appreciation Celebration Oct. 19

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Valley Blue Sox announced they will host a special fan-appreciation party on Thursday, Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. at La Quinta Inn & Suites at 100 Congress St. in Springfield. La Quinta is the presenting sponsor of the event, and admission is free and open to the general public.

Fans will be treated to free food and beer at the event as well as an opportunity to take free photos with the Faye Vincent Sr. Cup, awarded to the Blue Sox following their championship win in August. In addition, fans will have the opportunity to purchase Blue Sox 2017 NECBL championship T-shirts. They will also have a chance to grab an early-bird flex package that will include a free Blue Sox championship T-Shirt ($15 value) with the purchase of a 12-pack of 2018 flex tickets for $59.

“We like to give back to our fans whenever we get the right opportunity to do so,” said Blue Sox President Clark Eckhoff. “Coming off such a successful 2017 campaign, it’ll be a wonderful opportunity for fans and sponsors to interact with Blue Sox staff, get a chance to see the championship trophy up close and personal, and be able to get access to our championship gear on the spot.”

The Blue Sox won their first league title in franchise history in August, sweeping the Ocean State Waves in the championship series. The team enjoyed a rush of success off the field as well, finishing 10th overall in the nation in attendance among more than 250 summer collegiate baseball teams.

“Our success this year was a great achievement — but it’s a shared success,” said Blue Sox General Manager Hunter Golden. “Our sponsors have stepped up to support us, and our fans are the driving force in everything we do, so we want to make sure they get to share in the experience as well.”

The event, free and open to the public, will be held at the bar area in the main lobby of La Quinta, which is sponsoring the event. Free food will be provided by the hotel, and door prizes will be given away over the course of the evening.

Real Estate Transactions

By
Departments Real Estate

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

ASHFIELD

1379 West Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: 78 Acres T
Seller: Deborah G. Thomas
Date: 09/15/17

BERNARDSTON

61 Deane Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $130,380
Buyer: Bank Of America
Seller: Robert Ehalt
Date: 09/12/17

467 Huckle Hill Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: William C. Glabach
Seller: Walsh, Timothy J., (Estate)
Date: 09/13/17

30 Keets Brook Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Jonathan Peterson
Seller: Jane C. Chase
Date: 09/12/17

COLRAIN

10 Main Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Kathryn A. Bosyk
Seller: Donelson INT
Date: 09/13/17

CONWAY

377 Bardwells Ferry Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $435,050
Buyer: Hanna B. Sherman RET
Seller: Pixie J. Holbrook
Date: 09/15/17

68 Hamilton Dr.
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: David B. Whittier
Seller: Drew E. Powers
Date: 09/13/17

DEERFIELD

247 Greenfield Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: GM Real Estate LLC
Seller: Helene W. Petrovic
Date: 09/15/17

149 Long Plain Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Michael R. Morawski
Seller: Andrea Morawski
Date: 09/15/17

151 River Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $257,000
Buyer: Mark W. Puchalski
Seller: Ian W. Walls
Date: 09/13/17

19 Stage Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $242,000
Buyer: Mark T. Predmore
Seller: James W. Laughner
Date: 09/14/17

42 Thayer St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $192,000
Buyer: Jeffery B. Johnson
Seller: Elizabeth N. Clarke
Date: 09/15/17

ERVING

68 Mountain Road
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Robert L. McNamee
Seller: Louise E. Golosh
Date: 09/14/17

GREENFIELD

44 Forest Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $196,500
Buyer: Tyronne E. Henderson
Seller: David M. Gaboury
Date: 09/12/17

51 Ferrante Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $237,750
Buyer: Adam D. Gleason
Seller: Linda A. Lewandowski
Date: 09/07/17

36 Meadow Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Joshua A. Zera
Seller: Troy Santerre
Date: 09/15/17

8 Plantation Circle
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $219,900
Buyer: Lori L. Caples
Seller: Jamie B. Spofford
Date: 09/15/17

27 Pond St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: James A. Allen
Seller: Carolyn J. Heiden
Date: 09/15/17

HEATH

29 Judd Road
Heath, MA 01346
Amount: $208,000
Buyer: F. R. O’Donnell
Seller: Martha R. McDonough
Date: 09/15/17

MONTAGUE

312 Montague City Road
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $151,000
Buyer: Lilith G. Wolinsky
Seller: Janelle E. Rivers
Date: 09/15/17

5 Park St.
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $161,900
Buyer: Jessica Pivero
Seller: Scott M. Kuzmeskus
Date: 09/05/17

NEW SALEM

39 North Main St.
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Susan Ressler
Seller: David J. Larue
Date: 09/11/17

NORTHFIELD

519 Warwick Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Brandon Snow
Seller: Jennifer D. Williams
Date: 09/08/17

ORANGE

180 Athol Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $159,000
Buyer: Stephen P. Johnson
Seller: Betty E. Kimball
Date: 09/15/17

10 Fountain St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $123,500
Buyer: Justin D. Nelson
Seller: Steven E. Adam
Date: 09/14/17

42 Hamilton Ave.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: Christopher C. Girouard
Seller: Jeanne M. Shelton
Date: 09/15/17

SHELBURNE

271 Old Greenfield Road
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $537,000
Buyer: David Freitas
Seller: Gordon M. Glier
Date: 09/07/17

SUNDERLAND

260 North Main St.
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $252,500
Buyer: Madeline R. Nussbaum
Seller: Travis J. Lamothe
Date: 09/15/17

50 South Main St.
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Mitchell J. Kuc
Seller: Joy H. Parsons
Date: 09/13/17

WHATELY

91 Westbrook Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $458,200
Buyer: Jeffrey Waskiewicz
Seller: Peter Ells
Date: 09/08/17

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

18 Blacksmith Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Antoine Elias
Seller: Ronald C. Goulet
Date: 09/07/17

16 Conners Cove
Agawam, MA 01001
Date: 09/15/17
Amount: $424,900
Buyer: Seth Paulo
Seller: Kenneth P. Douthwright
Date: 09/15/17

56 Cooper St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Charlee D. Gebeau
Seller: Mary E. Pietroniro
Date: 09/15/17

71 Country Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $311,000
Buyer: Rashaine A. Johnson
Seller: Gerald M. Landry
Date: 09/14/17

26 Dartmouth St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $122,000
Buyer: Brahman Holdings LLC
Seller: Josephine Taylor
Date: 09/05/17

86 Forest Hill Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $284,000
Buyer: Dominic Costanzi
Seller: Jessica L. Paulo

29 Harvey Johnson Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Sean Demartino
Seller: Daniel C. Watson
Date: 09/14/17

707-709 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: James Acerra
Seller: Main-School Realty LLC
Date: 09/13/17

Maple View Lane #4B
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $1,113,500
Buyer: Elias Family LP
Seller: T. Russo Construction Corp.
Date: 09/12/17

Maple View Lane #4C
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $1,113,500
Buyer: Elias Family LP
Seller: T. Russo Construction Corp.
Date: 09/12/17

Maple View Lane #4D
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $1,113,500
Buyer: Elias Family LP
Seller: T. Russo Construction Corp.
Date: 09/12/17

Maple View Lane #4E
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $1,113,500
Buyer: Elias Family LP
Seller: T. Russo Construction Corp.
Date: 09/12/17

Maple View Lane #4F
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $1,113,500
Buyer: Elias Family LP
Seller: T. Russo Construction Corp.
Date: 09/12/17

418 Meadow St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $127,479
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Andrew S. Finnie
Date: 09/07/17

129 Meadowbrook Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $251,000
Buyer: William S. Duggan
Seller: Donna J. Gregory
Date: 09/12/17

46 Old Mill Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Sudhirkumar V. Patel
Seller: Rebecca Scibelli
Date: 09/07/17

50 Partridge Lane
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $198,500
Buyer: Charles M. Chalmers
Seller: Ann T. Ledger
Date: 09/08/17

46 Rosie Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Vasiliv Ivanov
Seller: PNC Bank
Date: 09/12/17

87 Strawberry Hill Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Rexhep Nuhiu
Seller: Nicholas Annino
Date: 09/15/17

BLANDFORD

12 Julius Hall Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $269,000
Buyer: Robert S. Decoteau
Seller: Wayne Roberts
Date: 09/06/17

BRIMFIELD

4 3rd St.
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: Vito L. Novembrino
Seller: Richard C. Nicoli
Date: 09/11/17

54 Crestwood Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Hope
Seller: Roger Woods
Date: 09/12/17

38 Tower Hill Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Elizabeth Murak
Seller: Elizabeth H. Gouin
Date: 09/15/17

CHESTER

10 Hampden St.
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Matthew Drenen
Seller: Thomas O’Brien
Date: 09/08/17

CHICOPEE

127 Acrebrook Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Monica Rosskothen
Seller: Jennifer M. Pete
Date: 09/15/17

169 Casey Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $214,900
Buyer: Martin J. Iwasinski
Seller: Matthew E. Carroll
Date: 09/15/17

127 Champagne Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $147,000
Buyer: Tanya T. Kokoszyn
Seller: Linda F. Sarnelli
Date: 09/15/17

960 Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Victor Lizardo
Seller: USA HUD
Date: 09/13/17

225 College St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $127,678
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Brenda J. Gallant
Date: 09/07/17

18 Devlin Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $272,900
Buyer: Laurie Berry
Seller: Timothy J. Dorman
Date: 09/15/17

211 Fairview Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Amer Aljashaam
Seller: Roxanne L. Finn
Date: 09/15/17

782 Front St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Horace E. Robinson
Seller: Harry E. Knights
Date: 09/07/17

95 Gill St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: A. Rodriguez-Monsalve
Seller: Lorraine A. Kerr
Date: 09/13/17

156 Goodhue Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $219,900
Buyer: John M. Pollard
Seller: Kimberly A. Rodrigo
Date: 09/12/17

19 Grace St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Scott R. Freniere
Seller: James A. Moreau
Date: 09/15/17

924 Granby Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: John A. Marchand
Seller: Jill E. Krystofik
Date: 09/07/17

29 Hampshire St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Matthew W. Beaudette
Seller: Keem LLC
Date: 09/15/17

64 Kendall St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Abbas Altamimi
Seller: Linda J. Masek
Date: 09/05/17

71 Laramee St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $165,500
Buyer: Saul A. Caban-Bonilla
Seller: DGL Properties LLC
Date: 09/13/17

29 Marion St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $137,950
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Martha M. Ford
Date: 09/11/17

377 Montgomery St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $970,000
Buyer: Z. A. Durrani LLC
Seller: W. Anthony Hojnoski
Date: 09/13/17

439 Prospect St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $164,900
Buyer: Lanell C. Johnson
Seller: Eric J. Ulitsch
Date: 09/13/17

19 Rose St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $207,500
Buyer: DJD Real Estate LLC
Seller: Timothy M. Foley
Date: 09/13/17

EAST LONGMEADOW

31 Greenwich Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $249,000
Buyer: Anthony C. Racco
Seller: Todd Hope
Date: 09/07/17

95 Maple St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $239,000
Buyer: Rebecca D. Hutchins
Seller: Michelle A. Murray
Date: 09/08/17

36 Markham Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $422,000
Buyer: Dominic E. Dinoia
Seller: Geraldine Kasulinous
Date: 09/15/17

210 Prospect St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $507,500
Buyer: Danielle E. Damour
Seller: James A. Stewart
Date: 09/08/17

351 Somers Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: David E. Florence
Seller: Cynthia M. Drenthe
Date: 09/15/17

554 Somers Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Ryan Provencher
Seller: Robert Paulides
Date: 09/14/17

32 South Meadow Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $408,000
Buyer: Ryan M. Geisler
Seller: John C. Stuckenbruck
Date: 09/08/17

9 Westminster St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Kevin P. Kusey
Seller: Richard Paige
Date: 09/06/17

34 Windsor Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $439,500
Buyer: Jeffrey J. Drake
Seller: Steven R. Wesley
Date: 09/08/17

GRANVILLE

119 South Lane
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $256,000
Buyer: Karen E. Ross
Seller: Peter Strniste
Date: 09/14/17

HAMPDEN

96 Chapin Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: P. K. Bagley-Bacigalupo
Seller: Kenneth H. Hultstrom
Date: 09/14/17

23 Valleyview Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $218,000
Buyer: N. B. Florian-Theriaque
Seller: Jonathan P. Kielbania
Date: 09/13/17

HOLLAND

15 Lakeridge Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Nielson
Seller: Annette G. Kelehan
Date: 09/15/17

5 Linder Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: Joshua R. Guerraz
Seller: Steven J. Grimaldi
Date: 09/14/17

46 Wales Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $366,992
Buyer: Michael R. Scanlon
Seller: Nicholas B. Lafauci
Date: 09/08/17

HOLYOKE

211 Bemis Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Jill L. McCormick
Seller: Alissa A. Fontaine
Date: 09/08/17

29 Brookline Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Ann Hill
Seller: Amber T. Vail
Date: 09/15/17

39-41 Calumet Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: William T. Lyle
Seller: William T. Lyle
Date: 09/06/17

12 Corser St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $383,400
Buyer: Tnop Inc.
Seller: 1866 Northampton St. Inc.
Date: 09/12/17

14 Corser St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $383,400
Buyer: Tnop Inc.
Seller: 1866 Northampton S.t Inc.
Date: 09/12/17

23 Dale St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $182,500
Buyer: Melanie D. Demetriou
Seller: Cynthia A. Jackson
Date: 09/15/17

72 Elmore St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $136,556
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Kimberly A. Fontaine
Date: 09/08/17

334 Homestead Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: Madeline Rodriguez
Seller: Gray, Dorothy H., (Estate)
Date: 09/08/17

32-34 Magnolia Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $173,500
Buyer: Virginia Ocampo
Seller: Susan M. Storozuk
Date: 09/15/17

175 Michigan Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $227,500
Buyer: Matthew Lyman
Seller: Heather E. Midura
Date: 09/15/17

27 Morgan St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Brian D. Murphy
Seller: Keith M. Holbrook
Date: 09/05/17

180 Mountain View Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $234,950
Buyer: Chad Fontaine
Seller: Sean M. Pelletier
Date: 09/11/17

1238 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Amy B. Carrier
Seller: EDC Real Estate LLC
Date: 09/08/17

1850 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $1,166,600
Buyer: PeoplesBank
Seller: 1866 Northampton St. Inc.
Date: 09/12/17

1864-1866 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $1,166,600
Buyer: Peoplesbank
Seller: 1866 Northampton St. Inc.
Date: 09/12/17

51 Portland St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $202,000
Buyer: Lindsay A. Pasdera
Seller: Elaine F. Vega
Date: 09/15/17

15 Shepard Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $266,000
Buyer: Pathlight Inc.
Seller: Jon D. Lumbra
Date: 09/06/17

167 Sky View Terrace
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Jacqueline P. Fraser
Seller: Daniel J. Desnoyers
Date: 09/14/17

12 Valley Heights
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Linda M. Devine
Seller: Michael W. Zaremba
Date: 09/14/17

42 West Glen St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Abraham J. Pabon-Serrano
Seller: Don H. Oyer
Date: 09/11/17

LONGMEADOW

625 Converse St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $303,000
Buyer: Mark Papirio
Seller: Ira A. Pollack
Date: 09/08/17

34 Cooley Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Steven L. Groccia
Seller: Greg A. Desrosiers
Date: 09/05/17

177 Cooley Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Rakesh Talati
Seller: William J. Mitchell
Date: 09/12/17

734 Longmeadow St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $470,200
Buyer: Longmeadow Historic Preservation
Seller: JP Morgan Chase Bank
Date: 09/07/17

756 Shaker Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $272,900
Buyer: Geoffrey M. Long
Seller: Thomas A. Lepper
Date: 09/15/17

24 Wendover Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $542,500
Buyer: Daniel R. Schwarting
Seller: Elizabeth L. Tetreault
Date: 09/06/17

52 Whitmun Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Bryant E. Ostrander
Seller: Jonathan M. Retchin
Date: 09/15/17

108 Yarmouth St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $232,500
Buyer: Yana Powers
Seller: Ernest R. Zavalunov
Date: 09/06/17

LUDLOW

92 Cady St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Joshua W. Banas
Seller: Joan W. Lewis
Date: 09/15/17

791 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $207,000
Buyer: Julie Dicesare
Seller: Maura C. Archuleta
Date: 09/15/17

73 Eden St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Sean M. Burns
Seller: Joan Nunziato
Date: 09/05/17

Gaudreau Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $256,000
Buyer: Jill E. Krystofik
Seller: Lisa F. King
Date: 09/07/17

238 Holyoke St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $219,900
Buyer: Virgina L. Kielbania
Seller: Joseph L. Hart
Date: 09/13/17

81 Lawton St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $267,379
Buyer: Luke Palatino
Seller: Gilbert & Son Insulation
Date: 09/05/17

278 Poole St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Noel A. Laguerre
Seller: Jason R. Pease
Date: 09/15/17

537 Poole St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Elizabeth H. Gouin
Seller: John P. Gaviglio
Date: 09/15/17

23 Shawinigan Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $159,900
Buyer: Yaser Sierra
Seller: Noel A. Laguerre
Date: 09/15/17

MONSON

1 Brookside Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Edward K. Smith
Seller: Donald H. Jones
Date: 09/11/17

39 Crest Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Jonathan R. Bucior
Seller: Jereth M. Hodge
Date: 09/08/17

127 Moulton Hill Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Elaine H. Anderson
Seller: Meffen, Robert P., (Estate)
Date: 09/15/17

51 Stafford Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $198,378
Buyer: Jake T. Janas
Seller: Monson-Glendale United
Date: 09/05/17

PALMER

234 Breckenridge St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Benjamin S. Gravel
Seller: Maple Ledge Associates
Date: 09/15/17

12 George St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Meagan C. Perrier
Seller: Wayne M. Smith
Date: 09/05/17

3013-3015 Hill St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $163,000
Buyer: Bret M. Pisarski
Seller: Fred P. Gralinski
Date: 09/12/17

3099 Pine St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $124,000
Buyer: Jake B. Demarey
Seller: Harry C. Pegg
Date: 09/08/17

16 Stewart Court
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $119,800
Buyer: Joshua M. Dupuis
Seller: FNMA
Date: 09/11/17

3 Walters Way
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $298,000
Buyer: James A. Moreau
Seller: Kimberley K. McLoskey
Date: 09/15/17

372 Ware St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: John M. Griggs
Seller: Tanya A. Saylor
Date: 09/14/17

SOUTHWICK

179 Berkshire Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Teddy J. Cieplinsky
Date: 09/12/17

175 College Hwy.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $159,900
Buyer: Thomas A. Montagna
Seller: Keenan, Michael P., (Estate)
Date: 09/15/17

5 Echo Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $149,000
Buyer: Walter R. Tucker
Seller: Jon E. Lafreniere
Date: 09/14/17

147 Fred Jackson Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Keith Walker
Seller: Kevin M. Solek
Date: 09/08/17

26 Laro Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $388,000
Buyer: Joseph R. Searles
Seller: Paula Lapolice
Date: 09/06/17

4 Miller Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Nikolay T. Nedeoglo
Seller: Marc A. Hanks
Date: 09/12/17

342 North Loomis St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Paula Lapolice
Seller: Paul R. Breveleri
Date: 09/11/17

37 Pineywood Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $226,000
Buyer: Brian L. Hersey
Seller: Joseph Searles
Date: 09/06/17

SPRINGFIELD

22 Amanda St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $126,400
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Christopher M. McCrae
Date: 09/12/17

114 Andrew St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $124,000
Buyer: Teresa Mateo
Seller: Pioneer Housing LLC
Date: 09/12/17

1289 Bay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $232,000
Buyer: Jean W. Cesar
Seller: Grahams Construction Co.
Date: 09/15/17

726 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $223,900
Buyer: Airbel Real Estate LLC
Seller: Hampden Realty LLC
Date: 09/06/17

788 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $202,000
Buyer: Airbel Real Estate LLC
Seller: Yellowbrick Property LLC
Date: 09/05/17

165 Belvidere St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $151,009
Buyer: JP Morgan Chase Bank
Seller: Stanley Cross
Date: 09/05/17

1010 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Carmen M. Berrios
Seller: Nicholas A. Crespo
Date: 09/11/17

620 Bradley Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: DJD Real Estate LLC
Seller: Timothy M. Foley
Date: 09/13/17

1330 Bradley Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Luis F. Gomez
Seller: Elizabeth Belle-Isle
Date: 09/15/17

90 Canterbury Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $159,600
Buyer: Ashley A. Dutton
Seller: Richard G. Bangs
Date: 09/08/17

1459 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $184,000
Buyer: Gloria Velez
Seller: David R. Bellucci
Date: 09/15/17

98 Carr St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $228,000
Buyer: Jorge L. Serrano
Seller: Robert D. Baldwin
Date: 09/08/17

73 Castle St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Thelma L. Thomas
Seller: Arthur G. Knodler
Date: 09/11/17

24 Cindy Circle
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $181,500
Buyer: Paul Ouimette
Seller: Deborah M. Moran
Date: 09/15/17

61 Crystal Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Errol G. Green
Seller: Michael Zheng
Date: 09/15/17

121 Dartmouth Terrace
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $263,000
Buyer: Louis A. Love
Seller: Greg Welch
Date: 09/08/17

111 Dayton St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Leroy Dixon
Seller: Brendan P. Cronin
Date: 09/08/17

17 Doyle Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Ali Alzubaidi
Seller: Janice M. Klaus
Date: 09/14/17

92 Ellendale Circle
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $243,000
Buyer: Sonia N. Fields
Seller: Choo Duk-Heiskala
Date: 09/15/17

17 Ellsworth Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $124,500
Buyer: FHLM
Seller: Andrew J. Pac
Date: 09/12/17

34 Eloise St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $124,000
Buyer: HSBC Bank
Seller: Tarra M. Saccamando
Date: 09/06/17

55 Fenway Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $134,000
Buyer: Country Development Corp.
Seller: Joan E. Butler
Date: 09/12/17

35 Flower St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Shamieka Stewart
Seller: Migual A. Rodrigez
Date: 09/14/17

56-60 Fort Pleasant Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $925,000
Buyer: 56-60 Fort Pleasant LLC
Seller: Youngs Realty Management
Date: 09/15/17

141 Freeman Terrace
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Betzaida Diaz
Seller: Jose Matos
Date: 09/15/17

64 Glencoe St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $123,124
Buyer: Bayview Loan Servicing
Seller: Luis Cintron
Date: 09/14/17

74 Glenham St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $164,900
Buyer: Eugene L. Pretlow
Seller: US Bank
Date: 09/15/17

44-46 Gordon St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $153,000
Buyer: Melanie Pham
Seller: Norman W. Green
Date: 09/15/17

41 Grand St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Antony Massop
Seller: Leon Hutt
Date: 09/15/17

14 Horne St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $272,000
Buyer: Raymond Aguirre
Seller: East Coast Contracting
Date: 09/05/17

11 Isabel St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Leidy T. Ferreira
Seller: Raymond R. Duval
Date: 09/15/17

31-33 James St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Glenroy Henry
Seller: Share Point LLC
Date: 09/06/17

26 Macomber Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $170,600
Buyer: Barbara Bauer
Seller: Heather M. Friedrich
Date: 09/08/17

99 Merrimac Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $126,000
Buyer: Yolanda L. Arroyo
Seller: Lori A. Randall
Date: 09/06/17

66 Oak Ridge St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $219,000
Buyer: Tam Le
Seller: Carlos A. Maio
Date: 09/15/17

27-29 Oakwood Terrace
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: Victor M. Lopez-Garcia
Seller: Onota Rental LLC
Date: 09/12/17

105 Old Brook Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Richard A. Stennett
Seller: FNMA
Date: 09/15/17

28 Osgood St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $124,000
Buyer: Omar Guzman
Seller: Sheila V. Rivera
Date: 09/06/17

1434 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Angel L. Guzman
Seller: James T. McInerney
Date: 09/15/17

1801 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Boondock Enterprises LLC
Seller: Javal Inc.
Date: 09/05/17

1357 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $187,500
Buyer: Henry Mercado
Seller: Sherry A. Marchessault
Date: 09/13/17

25 Riverview Terrace
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $228,000
Buyer: Charles Mutigwe
Seller: Kerri Saucier
Date: 09/11/17

22 Roosevelt Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Ryan Kennedy
Seller: Ziohomz & Properties LLC
Date: 09/08/17

10-12 San Miguel St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Samuel V. Verges
Seller: Antoni M. Bryda
Date: 09/11/17

54 Slater Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: James E. Stewart
Seller: Buchanan, Joseph N, (Estate)
Date: 09/05/17

165 Stapleton Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Eddie Sierra
Seller: Joy M. Grandfield
Date: 09/14/17

87 Wakefield St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $129,000
Buyer: Allen T. Collins
Seller: Nicholas M. Falardeau
Date: 09/07/17

112 West Canton Circle
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $124,900
Buyer: Brian A. Johnson
Seller: Thomas E. Pitts
Date: 09/08/17

75 Wrenwood St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $122,564
Buyer: Damian Cieszkowski
Seller: HSBC Bank
Date: 09/08/17

TOLLAND

302 Fox Den Road
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: George P. Damico
Seller: Juan N. Rodriguez
Date: 09/15/17

92 Porcupine Point Road
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $585,000
Buyer: 210 Woodcliff Road RT
Seller: Theodore F. Babbitt
Date: 09/08/17

WALES

28 Ainsworth Hill Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Brian Farnham
Seller: Michael Milanese
Date: 09/13/17

161 Stafford Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $173,750
Buyer: Ronald Besaw
Seller: Elizabeth M. Besaw
Date: 09/13/17

WEST SPRINGFIELD

159 Albert St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $250,555
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Christopher J. Lozinski
Date: 09/07/17

6 Druids Lane
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $239,900
Buyer: Miguel A. Santana
Seller: Celeste D. Piccin
Date: 09/15/17

40 Elmdale St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $179,000
Buyer: Kash Reddy LLC
Seller: White Birch Garden Apartments
Date: 09/15/17

367 Lancaster Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Matthew D. Lane
Seller: Gallo, Paul, (Estate)
Date: 09/15/17

250 Poplar Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $232,000
Buyer: Shannon Cavanaugh
Seller: Rebecca J. Willson
Date: 09/14/17

673 Rogers Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $276,000
Buyer: Robert A. Spiegler
Seller: Rosemary Hannoush-Helou
Date: 09/12/17

29 Webster Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $176,000
Buyer: Bret Biram
Seller: Robin R. Sheldon
Date: 09/08/17

WESTFIELD

48 Berkshire Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Richard Holve
Seller: Michael Hebda
Date: 09/06/17

4 College Park Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $279,900
Buyer: Christopher F. Newby
Seller: Maria C. Letasz
Date: 09/15/17

8 Frederick St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Noah L. Goldstein
Seller: John F. Hyland
Date: 09/07/17

72 Glenwood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Christopher J. Krutka
Seller: William J. Carrigan
Date: 09/13/17

4 Greenwood St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Brian F. Dellatore
Seller: Diamond Investment Group
Date: 09/08/17

77 Heggie Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $127,100
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Jessica A. Maynard
Date: 09/13/17

37 Highland View St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $118,900
Buyer: Pennymac Loan Services
Seller: Evelyn Serrano
Date: 09/06/17

7 Hillary Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $387,000
Buyer: Scott M. Gray
Seller: Ronald J. Stevenson
Date: 09/08/17

44 Jefferson St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: JP&SP Realty LLC
Seller: Ronald D. Kaddy
Date: 09/15/17

37 Northridge Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Jason M. Wheeler
Seller: Teresa A. Lathrop
Date: 09/08/17

18 Old Holyoke Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Matthew E. Bittlingmeier
Seller: Jason M. Wheeler
Date: 09/08/17

23 Pearl St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Krista D. Chechile
Seller: Jessica L. Crandall
Date: 09/15/17

220 Prospect St., Ext
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $287,000
Buyer: Arion M. Slingerland
Seller: Brian T. Cleland
Date: 09/06/17

81 Roosevelt Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: Kamlyn Allman
Seller: Robert G. Gordon
Date: 09/15/17

15 Skipper Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $228,500
Buyer: Michael Hebda
Seller: Michael C. Chechile
Date: 09/06/17

16 Sherman St., Ext
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: David J. Zagula
Seller: George R. Fleury
Date: 09/15/17

62 South Meadow Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $209,659
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Christine A. Koske
Date: 09/12/17

710 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: MRC Enterprises LLC
Seller: Sandra L. Boyd
Date: 09/05/17

47 Steiger Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $197,000
Buyer: Carrie M. Baker
Seller: James E. Angell
Date: 09/15/17

128 Susan Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $242,000
Buyer: Andrey Saykin
Seller: Melissa A. Fenton
Date: 09/12/17

31 Susan Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $262,000
Buyer: Nathaniel Towse
Seller: Bethann McCoy
Date: 09/14/17

35 Turnpike Industrial Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $5,100,000
Buyer: G&I 9 Cadence LLC
Seller: Canam Po LP
Date: 09/05/17

68 Valley View Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Christopher J. Burke
Seller: Aileen M. Weaver
Date: 09/08/17

120 West Silver St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Maria C. Letasz
Seller: Elizabeth A. Butcher
Date: 09/15/17

292 West Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $279,900
Buyer: Henry M. Bisbee
Seller: Joseph F. Hebda
Date: 09/11/17

25 Woodland Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Roger W. Fleury Jr RET
Seller: Tallage Adams LLC
Date: 09/15/17

WILBRAHAM

5 Branch Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Tatiana Eskandarinejad
Seller: Bruce R. Bergeron
Date: 09/08/17

194 Crane Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $371,500
Buyer: Kelly D. Hayes
Seller: Ruth A. Giroux
Date: 09/07/17

2 Greenwood Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Donna J. Gregory
Seller: Rena M. Mathews
Date: 09/11/17

4 Maplewood Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $289,000
Buyer: Joseph A. Cordi
Seller: Thomas J. Doyle
Date: 09/15/17

10 Poplar Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Mark Pafumi
Seller: FNMA
Date: 09/06/17

8 Sherwin Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $419,900
Buyer: Anthony M. Caratozzolo
Seller: AC Homebuilding LLC
Date: 09/06/17

10 Sherwin Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $139,900
Buyer: Michael Dyer
Seller: Sherwin Road RT
Date: 09/06/17

60 Washington Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Erik Vanderleeden
Seller: Schaefer, Sophia, (Estate)
Date: 09/15/17

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

24 Aubinwood Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Cora Fernandez-Anderson
Seller: ARJ 15 T. B
Date: 09/05/17

9 Carriage Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $307,500
Buyer: Kristine Afrikyan
Seller: Timothy C. Thompson
Date: 09/15/17

792 East Pleasant St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $347,500
Buyer: Geoffrey C. Dawe
Seller: Carol Lynch
Date: 09/14/17

144 Glendale Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: MTGLQ Investors LP
Seller: Bilal M. Ghandour
Date: 09/12/17

36 Hartman Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Qiye Sun
Seller: Cassandra L. Kosloski
Date: 09/05/17

337 Meadow St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Mark Power
Seller: Robert E. Devine
Date: 09/15/17

157 Mill Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $228,000
Buyer: Amherst College
Seller: Robert T. Sweeney
Date: 09/11/17

226 Pine St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $222,500
Buyer: Julia N. Khan
Seller: Burlin Barr
Date: 09/08/17

70 Stony Hill Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $259,000
Buyer: Carla R. Savetsky
Seller: Omar S. Dahi
Date: 09/05/17

135 Summer St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Ian Walls
Seller: Verrill, Elizabeth H., (Estate)
Date: 09/13/17

40 Van Meter Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $294,900
Buyer: Danielle Raad
Seller: Ian Boyd
Date: 09/08/17

BELCHERTOWN

62 Clark St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $238,500
Buyer: Elis Feingold-Jackendoff
Seller: Shauna M. Roper
Date: 09/08/17

110 Daniel Shays Hwy.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Amanda R. Kavanagh
Seller: US Bank
Date: 09/05/17

6 Forest Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $270,500
Buyer: Jennifer A. Miller
Seller: Matthew R. Streeter
Date: 09/07/17

10 Sabin St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: George I. McDaniel
Seller: Patricia M. Lafore
Date: 09/15/17

690 South Washington St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $389,450
Buyer: Keith Lussier
Seller: Whisperwood LLC
Date: 09/06/17

CHESTERFIELD

67 Stage Road
Chesterfield, MA 01026
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Eric W. Liimatainen
Seller: Bisbee, Alice C., (Estate)
Date: 09/13/17

EASTHAMPTON

198 East St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Shawn T. Forest-Ussach
Seller: Robert G. Redfern
Date: 09/08/17

7 Franklin St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $249,900
Buyer: Harold J. Weeks
Seller: Revampit LLC
Date: 09/12/17

57 Highland Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Terri L. Garvey
Seller: Kimberly A. Potasky
Date: 09/05/17

63 Highland Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $316,000
Buyer: Kathleen Etzel
Seller: Kevin C. Netto
Date: 09/08/17

4-6 Mill St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $282,500
Buyer: Joshua H. Cornehlsen
Seller: Jessica S. Gifford
Date: 09/14/17

55 Northampton St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $329,900
Buyer: Michael Hempstead
Seller: Jennifer M. Dragon
Date: 09/08/17

18 Oliver St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Theodore D. Towne
Seller: No Place Like Home Properties
Date: 09/08/17

8 Robin Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $312,400
Buyer: Marilyn G. Mooers
Seller: Colby E. Quinn
Date: 09/06/17

4 Torrey St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $349,500
Buyer: Corey K. Lalime
Seller: Jeffrey R. Hildreth
Date: 09/05/17

45 Westview Terrace
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Kate M. Hancock
Seller: Virginia F. Raymond RET
Date: 09/06/17

8 Williams St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Allison T. Butler
Seller: Nancy A. Scott
Date: 09/13/17

3 Willow Circle
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Matthew P. Boruchowski
Seller: Timothy M. Davis
Date: 09/12/17

GRANBY

18 Darrel Ave.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $249,900
Buyer: Mark Hansel
Seller: Jason Balut
Date: 09/05/17

19 Jennifer Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $337,000
Buyer: Onur Onder
Seller: Todd Blais
Date: 09/07/17

107 Maximilian Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Brian C. Carillon
Seller: Frank L. Bradfield
Date: 09/11/17

34 North St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Steven W. King
Seller: Brian C. Carillon
Date: 09/07/17

55 North St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: Henry J. Wielgosz
Seller: Patrick E. Kappenman
Date: 09/11/17

HADLEY

7 Meadowbrook Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Devin R. Tomlinson
Seller: Moakler FT
Date: 09/08/17

204 River Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Donald C. Sadler
Seller: Mitchell J. Kuc
Date: 09/13/17

70 Russell St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Goldman Sachs Mortgage Co.
Seller: R. Susan Woods
Date: 09/07/17

HATFIELD

23 Bridge St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Robert A. Liebenow
Seller: Frank L. Liebenow
Date: 09/05/17

118 Elm St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Catherine M. Moriarty
Seller: Eric W. Liimatainen
Date: 09/13/17

48 Main St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Peter P. Grandonico
Seller: Harold F. Green
Date: 09/15/17

HUNTINGTON

4 Searle Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Joseph T. Wichowski
Seller: William A. Shover
Date: 09/08/17

MIDDLEFIELD

1 Skyline Trail
Middlefield, MA 01011
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Sean G. Duma
Seller: Robyn T. Stimpson
Date: 09/12/17

NORTHAMPTON

259 Acrebrook Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $254,000
Buyer: Holly A. Sweeney
Seller: Anthony L. Bombard
Date: 09/15/17

80 Damon Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $126,000
Buyer: Benjamin Dion
Seller: John A. Marchand
Date: 09/07/17

189 Drury Lane
Northampton, MA 01027
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: William H. Marotto
Seller: Crescione LT
Date: 09/13/17

18 Fairview Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $402,000
Buyer: Anna Lusardi
Seller: Susan E. Stebbins
Date: 09/08/17

9 Federal St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $259,000
Buyer: Amy E. Martyn
Seller: Cecilia G. Martyn RET
Date: 09/12/17

90 Franklin St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $580,000
Buyer: Katharine Gartner
Seller: Stephen S. Daniell
Date: 09/11/17

31 Graves Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $408,000
Buyer: L. G&M B. Williams LT
Seller: Esther G. Gendel
Date: 09/13/17

160 Nonotuck St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $264,100
Buyer: Richard C. Weis
Seller: Charles K. Barcomb
Date: 09/08/17

123 Williams St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Valley Building Co. Inc.
Seller: William J. Blizniak
Date: 09/14/17

SOUTH HADLEY

614 Amherst Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Henry Bristol
Seller: Murphy, Karen R., (Estate)
Date: 09/07/17

295 East St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Henry Komosa
Seller: Bank New York Mellon
Date: 09/08/17

52 Lyman St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $131,200
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Arthur L. Stoltz
Date: 09/12/17

446-448 Newton St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: 446-448 Newton St. Realty
Seller: Kay G. Lerner
Date: 09/14/17

3 Sunset Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $255,900
Buyer: Timothy J. Dorman
Seller: Deborah L. Phoenix
Date: 09/15/17

13 Susan Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Berengere Cusin
Seller: Christine P. Jaspersohn
Date: 09/08/17

SOUTHAMPTON

56 Cottage Ave.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Christopher T. Amidon
Seller: Monahan, Thomas M., (Estate)
Date: 09/08/17

WARE

2 Lagoon Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $243,000
Buyer: Charles E. Howard
Seller: Edward T. Hudson
Date: 09/15/17

62 Old Gilbertville Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: Benjamin M. St.George
Seller: Marie A. Rathemacher-Reo
Date: 09/14/17

76 Old Poor Farm Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Roger L. Dugas
Seller: Troy Booth
Date: 09/13/17

292 Osborne Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $259,900
Buyer: Sharyn C. Trott
Seller: Rabschnuk FT
Date: 09/08/17

2 Susan Dr.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: John F. Slattery
Seller: Joel Harder
Date: 09/14/17

238 West St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Danny T. Harper
Seller: Robert E. Varney
Date: 09/08/17

WILLIAMSBURG

91 Main St.
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $356,000
Buyer: Susan E. Stebbins
Seller: Kathleen B. Etzel
Date: 09/08/17

Incorporations

By
Departments Incorporations

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

CHICOPEE

Ela Deli Inc., 226 Exchange St., Chicopee, MA 01013. Elzbieta Magda, 75 Wheatland Ave., Chicopee, MA 01020. Deli & grocery store.

CUMMINGTON

LM Cubed Inc., 320 Stage Road, Cummington, MA 01026. Mark    F. Sullivan, same. Providing solutions for clients’ needs arising from construction activities they have undertaken.

EAST LONGMEADOW

J&B Fleet Maintenance Inc., 290 Westwood Ave., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Suzanne Lynch, same. The repair of tractor-trailer trucks.

HOLYOKE

Holy Spirit International Chaplin of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 460 Tokeneke Road, Holyoke, MA 01040. Norma Rodriguez, 60 Alvord Ave., Chicopee, MA 01020. Volunteer services to the community and the poor through religious and non-religious outreach.

LEE

K.B. Regency Inc., 65A Fairview St., Lee, MA 01238. Karen Hawkins, same. Author.

LEVERETT

Coolcap Fund Inc., 88 Shutesbury Road., Leverett, MA 01054. Roger Bird, same. Provides poor smallholder farmers in Kenya and other African counties with low-cost-to-buy farming equipment at a price they can afford with terms they can meet.

MONSON

Eight Eight One Entertainment Inc., 189 Hovey Hill Road, Monson, MA 01057. John P. Siniscalchi, same. Operation of restaurant and lounge.

SOUTH DEERFIELD

Frontier Youth Football Association Inc., 195 North St., South Deerfield, MA 01373. Jennifer Hannum, same. Non-profit that provides an opportunity for eligible youth (ages 8-14) to engage in athletic exercises in a supervised, organized, and safety-oriented manner.

SOUTHAMPTON

Green Thumb Investment Corp., 170 Pomeroy Meadow Road, Southampton, MA 01073. Leakhena Som, same. Investing in medical dispensaries and cultivation.

SPRINGFIELD

Hampden County Bar Foundation Inc., 50 State St., Room 137, Springfield, MA 01103. Kevin V. Maltby, 165 Viscount Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Raise and expend funds for research in the public interest in any branch of the law.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Eagle Express Freight Inc., 480 Cold Spring Ave., West Springfield, MA 01089. Arber Allajbegu, same. Transportation services.

Court Dockets

By
Court Dockets Departments

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

CHICOPEE DISTRICT COURT

Donald Kendal v. Home Depot USA Inc. and Electric Eel Manufacturing Co.

Allegation: Personal injury: $9,092.37

Filed: 9/15/17

FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT

Jess Douglas v. Monahan Trucking, LLC

Allegation: Failure to pay prevailing wage: $90,000

Filed: 8/9/17

HAMPDEN DISTRICT COURT

Steven Kinsley v. Dave’s Sheet Metal Inc.

Allegation: Motor-vehicle negligence causing injury: $6,488.13

Filed: 9/6/17

Insignia Inc. d/b/a The Sign Center v. Universal Wilde Inc.

Allegation: Money owed for goods sold and delivered: $10,436.48

Filed: 9/15/17

American Builders and Contractors Supply Co. Inc. d/b/a ABC Supply Co. Inc. v. Brian E. Drenen d/b/a Southwick Builders

Allegation: Money owed for goods sold and delivered, unjust enrichment, breach of credit documents: $7,183.76

Filed: 9/15/17

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Fanony Montoya-Plavan and Caleb Plavan v. Allegra Daniela Deucher, M.D.; Alice M. Shin, M.D.; and Olivia H. Chang, M.D.

Allegation: Medical malpractice: $231,000

Filed: 9/7/17

Brenda Morales v. City of Springfield

Allegation: Motor-vehicle negligence causing injury: $29,941

Filed: 9/12/17

67 Market Street, LLC v. Service Experts of the Berkshires, LLC; Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning – Massachusetts, LLC; and Berkshire Air Conditioning, LLC

Allegation: Money owed for services, labor, and materials: $225,000

Filed: 9/14/17

N.L. Construction Inc. v. DevelopSpringfield Corp. and 276 Bridge Street, LLC

Allegation: Money owed for services, labor, and materials: $253,894

Filed: 9/14/17

HAMPSHIRE DISTRICT COURT

Cornetta A. Young v. Realty Resources Chartered, LLC and Nash Hill Place

Allegation: Slip and fall causing injury: $6,995

Filed: 9/8/17

PALMER DISTRICT COURT

Shafiis’ Inc. d/b/a TigerPress v. Jamie Jordan d/b/a Stone Age Advertising and d/b/a Ad-Advantage and d/b/a Big Coaster

Allegation: Money owed for services: $10,973.82

Filed: 9/6/17

Picture This

By
Departments Picture This

Hats Off to Square One

The 12th annual Square One Tea drew about 400 supporters who celebrated the work the provider of early-learning and family services does on behalf of thousands of families throughout the Greater Springfield region. “Year after year, we look forward to this wonderful opportunity to highlight the work we are doing and the impact that our programs and services have had on the thousands of children and parents who have been served by Square One,” President and CEO Joan Kagan said. “It is so gratifying to hear from our guests how much they enjoy being a part of this special day, and it’s always fun to see who is going to have the best hat.”

From left, Yvette Frisbee, Gladys Oyola, Joan Kagan, Denise Jordan, and Marian Sullivan.

From left, Yvette Frisbee, Gladys Oyola, Joan Kagan, Denise Jordan, and Marian Sullivan.

From left, Ashley Kohl, Lamont Clemons, Lauri Doleva, Christine Dingler, and John Doleva

From left, Ashley Kohl, Lamont Clemons, Lauri Doleva, Christine Dingler, and John Doleva

From left, Sam Edwards, Jennifer Sanchez, Justin Roberts, Lidya Rivera, and Angelo Puppolo

From left, Sam Edwards, Jennifer Sanchez, Justin Roberts, Lidya Rivera, and Angelo Puppolo

Golf FORE Health Raises More Than $104,000 for New Breast Center

By
Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — Friendly rivalry and a passion to support the new Breast Center at Cooley Dickinson brought more than 144 players, sponsors, and volunteers to the Orchards on Oct. 2. In its 28th year, the Golf FORE Health Tournament surpassed the event’s fund-raising goal, bringing in $104,000.

Beautiful New England fall weather made the perfect backdrop for a day of camaraderie and community. Players were challenged by a championship-level golf course peppered with refreshment stations and contests. On-course highlights included hot dogs and refreshments from the Friends of Cooley Dickinson, lobster rolls from the Smithsonian Chowder House, barbecue from Bub’s BBQ, and ice cream from Mt. Tom’s Ice Cream. An exciting new addition to the tournament, an air cannon, gave players the opportunity to fire golf balls towards the 8th hole.

This year’s major sponsors included M.J. Moran Inc., bankESB, Tom & Sue Hodgkins, and Pioneer Valley EMS. Proceeds supported the construction of the new Breast Center, ensuring critical breast-care needs will be met at Cooley Dickinson.

“Projects like the new Breast Center would not be possible without the support of our community, our volunteers, and the Golf FORE Health Committee, who worked tirelessly on the tournament for months securing sponsorships, raffle prizes, and participants,” said Diane Dukette, chief Development officer at Cooley Dickinson Hospital.

The event concluded with dinner at the clubhouse, a silent auction, and short speeches by tournament co-chairs Natalie Didonna and Pat Brough, Cooley Dickinson Health Care President and CEO Joanne Marqusee, and Dr. Michelle Helms of Cooley Dickinson Medical Group General Surgical Care, a self-described “passionate promoter” of breast health who will be integrating surgical services with the center.

“Cooley is committed to delivering compassionate and personalized care to every patient and family we serve,” Marqusee said. “The new Breast Center allows us to provide exceptional care in a patient-centered environment. We are truly grateful for all who participated and supported this year’s tournament.”

Past Golf FORE Health events have provided funding for the Massachusetts General Cancer Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital (2013, 2014, and 2015), the Nursing Education Program (2012), the Locust Street Entrance Renovation (2011), the Cardiovascular Program (2010), the Emergency Department (2009), the Center for Midwifery Care (2008), and the Pediatric Hospitalist Program (2007).

Survivor Journeys Invites Community to Halloween Gala at Chez Josef

By
Daily News

AGAWAM — Survivor Journeys invites the community to the third annual Halloween Gala sponsored by Health New England and S. Prestley and Helen Blake, which will take place on Saturday, Oct. 28 at 6:30 p.m. at Chez Josef, 176 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam. The cost of the gala is $60 per person or $600 for a table of ten and includes dinner, music, and dancing. A cash bar will be available. Costumes are encouraged.

Survivor Journeys provides social and emotional support services to cancer survivors, their families, and caregivers. Services are built on collaboration with local providers and cancer survivors, along with regional and nationally recognized cancer organizations.

Survivor Journeys also announced that the organization will benefit from the generosity of the S. Prestley and Helen Blake Fund at the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, which has offered a $25,000 matching grant challenge to Survivor Journeys. The S. Prestley and Helen Blake Fund will match all funds raised, up to $25,000, by Survivor Journeys by Dec. 31.

Visit www.survivorjourneys.org to purchase individual tickets or tickets for a table of 10. Corporate sponsorships are available. E-mail [email protected] with any questions about sponsorships, support groups, or developing programs.

Opinion: Don’t Try to Alter Dr. Seuss’ World

By
Daily News

We can’t say with any degree of certainty whether Theodor Geisel would appreciate all the controversy that’s been swirling about his work recently. But we think he probably would.

Throughout his career, he never shied away from politics or controversy, and, more than anyone else, he understood that his works were always a matter of interpretation and that people often saw in them what they wanted to see.

Don’t forget, it was Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss, who, in 1974, just a few days before President Richard Nixon resigned in the wake of the Watergate scandal, sent columnist Art Buchwald a copy of his book Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go Now! — with ‘Marvin K. Mooney’ crossed out and replaced with ‘Richard M. Nixon.’ Buchwald asked if Geisel if he could reprint it, and despite warnings from his publisher that this was probably not a good idea, Geisel gave his blessing to do so.

And that’s just one example of how the author eschewed the ‘play it safe’ and ‘let’s be careful not to offend anyone’ theory of the universe, one that has pretty much taken over life as we know it in 2017, where political correctness — or the endless pursuit of it — is the order of the day.

Which brings us to the recent controversy about Seuss and his work. First, a librarian in Cambridge refused to accept Dr. Seuss books given to her by the current First Lady, claiming that the author was a “tired and worn ambassador for children’s literature” and that his illustrations are “steeped in racist propaganda, caricatures, and harmful stereotypes.”

Next, three children’s authors said they would boycott a festival at the recently opened Seuss museum in the Quadrangle because of an image of a Chinese man on a mural at the museum, complete with chopsticks, one they said was a “jarring racial stereotype.”

In response, the museum’s leaders have said they will replace the mural with “a new image that reflects the wonderful characters and messages from Dr. Seuss’ later works.”

That decision didn’t sit well at all with Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, who called on the museum to consider leaving the offending mural in place. Meanwhile, restaurateur and developer Andy Yee, the son of Chinese immigrants, took offense at the proposed removal and, along with business partner Peter Picknelly, offered to buy the mural to display elsewhere.

“Where do we draw the line?” the mayor asked in his statement. “This is political correctness at its worst, and this is what is wrong with this country?”

As we said at the top, Theodor Geisel probably would have liked all this — and we’re just going to guess that he would be right there with the mayor on this one, saying, in essence, ‘my work is my work; interpret it how you will, and discuss it as you will.’

But we’re just speculating.

Actually, what Ted Geisel would do is not the issue here. It’s what the museum should do in this matter, and this is not an easy question to answer.

The new facility in the Quadrangle is called the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum. His world was different from this one, and his world (and his works) certainly included a number of stereotypical images, many of which would be considered harmful to those who see them.

Does the museum present this world unvarnished, or does it take pains — as it looks like it will — to only show the parts of this world that probably (that’s probably) won’t offend anyone?

While we completely understand why the museum would take out the mural in question — this image may indeed be offensive to some Asians (if not Yee), and there are plenty of ‘safer’ images, for lack of a better term — this is a very slippery slope to start down, or continue down, because we started down it a long time ago.

If museums start removing art (and that’s what this is) that offends someone, anyone, then soon we’ll be looking at blank walls. It’s the same with books, statues, monuments, and buildings named after people.

Let the discussion continue. Theodor Geisel would have liked it, and he probably would have joined right in.

Western New England University Named a College of Distinction

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Western New England University is featured in the Colleges of Distinction guidebook, a widely used review publication that provides a discerning look at colleges throughout the U.S. Based on the judgments of guidance counselors, educators, and admissions professionals, the Colleges of Distinction guidebook honors colleges that excel in key areas of educational quality.

“Western New England University is excited that Colleges of Distinction has recognized our outstanding qualities and has again included us in the guidebook,” said Bryan Gross, vice president for Enrollment Management and Marketing at WNEU. “As one of the few small institutions in the country that has achieved the highest accreditation standards for business (AACSB), engineering (ABET), and law (ABA), the university successfully combines the highest standards of learning with one-on-one student attention in a vibrant and engaging community, and one that provides a quality experience, leading to successful outcomes.”

The university serves approximately 4,000 students, including 2,650 undergraduate students. In order to qualify for inclusion in the guidebook, WNEU was evaluated for its performance in the ‘four distinctions’: ‘engaged students,’ ‘great teaching,’ ‘vibrant communities,’ and ‘successful outcomes.’ Guidance counselors and admissions professionals around the country recommended Western New England highly in all four categories. The university was particularly noted for its active student body, devoted faculty, and academic programs based on developing collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Already recognized by Colleges of Distinction for its innovative approach to education, Western New England University has been honored further for its blending of the liberal arts with professional programming in business, education, and engineering. The 21st-century job market now demands employees who are both stellar communicators and critical-thinkers, and WNEU’s well-rounded approach to career development aims to prepare students to take on the post-graduation world.

“The single most important goal we set for ourselves at the university is to maintain the highest level of educational quality and to help assure the success of each of our students,” said Anthony Caprio, WNEU president. “At Western New England University, it is the high level of commitment to this goal that defines not only who we are, but also what we value as educators.”

Advanced Restoration Group Pledges $15,000 to Cancer House of Hope

By
Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Advanced Restoration Group, a fire and water restoration business based in Easthampton, has pledged $15,000 over three years to CHD Cancer House of Hope. Jason Gale, owner of Advanced Restoration Group, presented a check on Oct. 12 at Cancer House of Hope, located at 1999 Westfield St., West Springfield.

“We’re a young, growing business, and we wanted to become an active community partner by giving something back as a business,” Gale said. “My operations director, Amy Meo, reached out to Kim Lee from CHD, and together we all agreed that Cancer House of Hope was an ideal organization to support. It really is a wonderful connection because we’re all in the business of helping people. My company restores people’s homes and businesses after a disaster, and Cancer House of Hope restores people’s hope when they’re facing the life-altering impact of a cancer diagnosis.”

Advanced Restoration Group is targeting its donation to support A Night of Light, an annual fund-raising event for CHD Cancer House of Hope. “For A Night of Light, people purchase luminary bags, which are lit and placed on the Storrowton Village Green in West Springfield to remember those we have lost to cancer and honor those who are survivors,” said Joseph Kane, program director for Cancer House of Hope. This year, A Night of Light takes place on Thursday, Nov. 16 from 6 to 8 p.m.

“A Night of Light is a beautiful evening of music, remembrance, and hope that honors friends and loved ones and supports the many programs and services offered by Cancer House of Hope,” said Lee, vice president of Development for the Center for Human Development (CHD). “We are thrilled that Advanced Restoration Group is supporting Cancer House of Hope, and their generous donation will enable us to leverage the power created by A Night of Light, over and over.”

CHD Cancer House of Hope works to enhance the lives of people with cancer and those who care about them by providing emotional, educational, social, and spiritual support. The house provides a range of cancer-support services and relaxation programs at no cost to those who face this devastating disease.

Advanced Restoration Group serves Western Mass. and Connecticut with specialized services to restore homes and businesses that have been damaged by fire, water, mold, storms, or wind.

State Awards HCC $229,500 for New Culinary Arts Institute

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — The HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute got a big boost yesterday from the governor’s office with the awarding of a $229,500 grant for the purchase of computer and kitchen equipment for the new downtown training facility, which is expected to open next month.

During an appearance at Nashoba Valley Technical High School in Westford, Gov. Charlie Baker announced a total of $9.5 million in Workforce Skills Capital Grants to 32 community colleges, high schools, and educational institutions to enhance and expand career training programs like the ones Holyoke Community College (HCC) will be operating at the Cubit Building on the corner of Race and Appleton streets in the city’s Innovation District.

“These Skills Capital Grants will help boost our economy and equip students with new skills, knowledge, and experience with state-of-the-art equipment across the Commonwealth,” Baker said. “We look forward to continuing our work with these 32 institutions and previous awardees to enhance their programs and develop a skilled workforce ready to meet the needs of the Commonwealth.”

The HCC grant will be used to buy 32 computer workstations, networking infrastructure, and software programs unique to hospitality- and culinary-industry workplaces, as well as kitchen equipment such as refrigerators, grill and fry tables, ice machines, skillets, griddles, steamers, and dishwashers.

“All the items purchased with the grant will directly support workforce training for occupations within the growing hospitality and culinary-arts industry of Western Massachusetts, including preparing workers for MGM Springfield, one of our major employer partners,” said Amy Dopp, HCC’s interim vice president of Institutional Advancement. She said the new equipment will allow the college to increase the number of seats available in its credit and non-credit programs and be able to customize instruction to meet the needs of local employers.

Construction of the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute, which will occupy nearly 20,000 square feet on the first and second floors of the Cubit Building, is expected to completed in late November, with non-credit workforce-training programs beginning in December. HCC’s credit programs in hospitality and culinary arts will relocate from the main campus to the new facility for the beginning of the spring 2018 semester.

City of Springfield to Recognize Unify Against Bullying on Oct. 16

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Mayor Dominic Sarno and representatives of Unify Against Bullying will hold a ceremony on Monday, Oct. 16 at 2:15 p.m. on the steps of City Hall. Sarno, on behalf of the city, will extend congratulations to Unify Against Bullying in recognition of its participation in National Bullying Prevention Month, and will proclaim Oct. 16 “Unify Against Bullying day”.

Unify Against Bullying’s mission is to bring an end to bullying through the celebration of true diversity. There are countless children waging quiet battles against bullying. Many believe they are alone. The organization wants these children to know they are far from alone, supported by a loving, caring community of fellow students, teachers, parents, brothers, sisters, business leaders, and others.

Gándara Center’s Project Health to Host HIV/AIDS Vigil Today

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Gándara Center’s Project Health program will host its 20th annual HIV/AIDS Vigil for the Springfield community today, Oct. 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. The vigil begins at the corner of Bancroft and Main streets, where a brief gathering will be followed by a march to the North End Youth Center, which will host bilingual community speakers, poets, jazz singers and other vocal performances, dancing, and more. The event concludes at 8 p.m. with a unity circle.

The Project Health HIV/AIDS vigil was created in 1997 bring HIV/AIDS awareness to the Springfield Latino community and honor those living with the disease. Additionally, October is National Latino HIV/AIDS Awareness Month, and this year AIDS Awareness Day will be celebrated on Sunday, Oct. 15.

“The vigil was really a way to shed light on those who live with these conditions and let them know they aren’t alone,” said Gándara Center’s Project Health Program Director Jesus Aguirre. “HIV is not a death sentence, but it’s about a healthier way of living. The vigil provides awareness and education in the community in hopes of helping to prevent spreading HIV.”

For the past 20 years, Gándara Center’s Project Health program has provided bilingual case-management services for individuals in the Springfield area who are HIV-positive or have AIDS. Case managers help those living with HIV/AIDS to access medical, mental health, and addiction treatment and provide education to maintaining a healthy, positive lifestyle.

This event is free and open to the public; all are welcome to walk in the vigil or participate in the festivities at the North End Youth Center. For additional information about the vigil or Project Health, call Program Director Jesus Aguirre at (413) 732-2120.

Country Bank Donates $7,250 to Local Schools

By
Daily News

WARE — Country Bank surprised 29 local schools, who participate in the bank’s Savings Makes Sense school banking program, with a $250 gift card to Staples, to help cover the cost of back-to-school supplies.

“We know how difficult it is for the schools to have the supplies they need when budgets become tight,” said Jodie Gerulaitis, vice president, Community Relations at Country Bank. “They are truly so grateful and appreciative of this gift.”

One principal noted, “this donation is greatly appreciated. The past few years, we have used the gift card to purchase signs and posters for the hallways, auditorium, and cafeteria to support our school-wide positive-behavior program. The components of ‘Be Safe, Be Responsible, Be Respectful, and Be a Learner’ are posted throughout the building as a visual reminder of the expectations, and it has had such a positive effect on the students. Thank you, Country Bank, for your continuous support.”

It has been reported that teachers annually spend about $250 of their own money, on average, to purchase items for their classrooms.

Plainridge Park Casino Releases First-year Economic Impacts

By
Daily News

HADLEY — The UMass Donahue Institute released an analysis of the impacts from Plainridge Park Casino’s first year of operation.

The Institute worked directly with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) and Plainridge Park Casino (PPC) in Plainville to determine the economic footprint of PPC’s operations, including employment, wages, vendor spending, and fiscal impacts from taxes and other assessments paid to government. Researchers also analyzed how shifts in patron spending as a result of gaming expansion affected the state.

The economic impacts of a new casino opening in Massachusetts are not limited to the impacts of employees spending new wages in their communities. The casino also purchases goods and services from other firms, and state and local governments collect taxes and other assessments from the casino, allowing them to spend more than they would otherwise have been able to. Alternately, and as with any new attraction, some of PPC’s revenue is coming from consumers who previously spent their money at other Massachusetts businesses, and those businesses are affected by the loss of support.

Among the report’s highlights:

• In PPC’s first 12 full months of operation (July 2015 through June 2016), patrons spent approximately $172.5 million on gambling and non-gambling activities at the facility.

• The majority of patrons surveyed at PPC were identified as ‘recaptured’ patrons who would have spent their money gambling out of state had PPC not opened, while others were out-of-state visitors whose visit was prompted by the casino. Recaptured patrons are responsible for $100 million of the $172.5 million spent at PPC. Out-of-state residents spent $36 million at PPC. Another $36.6 million was spent by Massachusetts residents who otherwise would have spent their money elsewhere.

• The largest single source of new economic activity came from $81 million in taxes and assessments collected from the casino’s gross gaming revenue. Of those funds, $77.6 million in payments were made to various Massachusetts government entities, with $66.4 million given directly to cities and towns in the form of local aid.

• PPC created approximately 556 new jobs at the casino and $17.8 million in wages. In total, PPC created or supported 2,417 jobs in the Commonwealth with 1,633 jobs in the private sector.

• PPC supported $19.1 million in spending on vendors, membership organizations, and charitable causes.

• Visitors to PPC spent an estimated $3.2 million in the Plainville area in the course of visiting the casino.

“The principal motivation for the Legislature in crafting the gaming law was to recapture the approximately $1 billion spent annually by Massachusetts residents at out-of-state casinos,” said MGC Chairman Steve Crosby. “This report demonstrates emphatically that we are in the process of accomplishing that important objective.”

MBK Launches New Website Featuring Western Mass. Imagery

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. announced the launch of its new website. Featuring dramatic original photography of the Pioneer Valley, mbkcpa.com is a written and visual depiction of MBK’s core mission to serve individuals, businesses, and organizations throughout Western Mass. and beyond. A firm with deep roots, MBK takes a fresh perspective on why it does business in this community and declares its belief in the power and potential of the region.

“We’re very happy with the way the new site highlights our commitment to the individuals and businesses in Western Massachusetts,” said MBK Partner James Barrett. “We work with many local, independent, and family-owned businesses and are always inspired and energized by the strength of community found here in the Pioneer Valley. Our hope was to render this sentiment not only through words, but through a compelling visual representation as well. This new site reflects our passion for our clients, staff, and our community as we move toward the next generation here in Western Mass.”

MGM Springfield Welcomes Marketing and Communications Staff

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — MGM Springfield announced the team that will oversee its marketing, advertising, and communications efforts, welcoming Sarah Moore as vice president of Marketing, Advertising & Retail and Saverio Mancini as director of Communications.

“I’m very excited about the team we continue to assemble to lead MGM Springfield,” MGM Springfield President Michael Mathis said. “I’m especially pleased that we were able to recruit New England natives and industry veterans for these two important positions. Moore and Mancini bring an abundance of experience to our resort that is exceeded only by their passion for our vision and their understanding of Springfield’s rich heritage.”

Moore assumes responsibility for the development and execution of strategic marketing plans and overall brand management as well as oversight of retail operations and leased outlets. She joins the MGM Springfield team with more than a decade of experience at MGM Resorts International. Most recently, she was responsible for the marketing, advertising, and retail strategy for the newly opened MGM National Harbor. She previously worked as Brand Marketing director and director of Sustainable Operations at MGM Resorts for more than five years. Prior to that, she was on the opening teams for ARIA, Vdara, and Crystals at CityCenter, all in Las Vegas. She is a graduate of Roger Williams University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing.

Mancini, who will work closely with Moore, will oversee the execution of external media and communications, as well as manage key brand corporate communications and public relations that support and enhance the image of MGM Springfield. He comes to MGM Springfield from Quinn & Hary Marketing in New London, Conn., where he was vice president of Public Relations. His client roster included Saybrook Point Inn & Spa, Old Saybrook, Conn.; Cape Arundel Cottage Preserve, Arundel, Maine; and the Connecticut Tourism Coalition. Before that, he spent nearly eight years managing and implementing successful communications and public-relations efforts for the pre-opening, grand opening, and subsequent expansions of Mohegan Sun in Connecticut.

He started his career as a weekly newspaper reporter, and his previous experience also included a stint as vice president in the Connecticut office of Boston-based Regan Communications. He earned his MBA in hospitality and marketing from Johnson and Wales University and his bachelor’s degree in communications sciences from the University of Connecticut.

Women’s Fund Slates Young Women’s Initiative Kickoff for Oct. 18

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts (WFWM) will host its inaugural Young Women’s Initiative (YWI) Kickoff on Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the UMass Center at Springfield. Christine Monska, new program officer for Leadership Programs with WFWM, will host the city-wide youth event to highlight some of the key issues girls and young women face in the city of Springfield, and what the organization’s Young Women’s Advisory Council (YWAC) plans to do about it.

Parents, teachers, community supporters, and champions are encouraged to bring a young person in their life to this event. The kickoff celebration is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be available. Opening remarks will be delivered by Springfield City Councilor Justin Hurst. This program features young women leaders working together with adult mentors to create a road map for their collective futures. The kickoff will center the voices of Springfield young women in their own leadership development. To RSVP, e-mail Ellen Moorhouse at [email protected] by Monday, Oct. 16.

The Young Women’s Initiative (YWI) Springfield Partnership is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at driving economic prosperity for young women. YWI is led by a coalition of eight women’s foundations across the U.S. The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts is piloting the Springfield Partnership, a unique program that will produce systems change on behalf of young women in the region’s largest city.

“I am thrilled to join the Women’s Fund as our transformative leadership programs expand to include young women,” said Monska. “When young women and girls utilize their voices to become leaders in their community, our nation becomes one step further to achieving gender equity. I am honored to lead a program dedicated to fostering greater opportunity for Springfield’s young women and girls.”

Monska comes to the WFWM with extensive experience in program and curriculum development, capacity building, and advocacy for gender-inclusive policymaking at the international, national, and local levels. As a Western Mass. native who served as a district director for state Sen. Ben Downing and commissioner for the Berkshire County Commission on the Status of Women, she brings deep understanding of the structural barriers young women and girls continue to face in the community. She remains the Continuing Education advisor for Bard Microcollege in Holyoke, the nation’s first college for low-income women whose educations have been disrupted by pregnancy or other barriers to four-year degree programs and career opportunities.

Monska earned her master’s degree in global affairs, international law and human rights at New York University, Harvard Business School’s HBX CORe focusing on business analytics and financial accounting, and a bachelor’s degree in government from Smith College.

CNBC Commentator Ron Insana to Keynote Expo Lunch Event

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Business & Innovation Expo of Western Mass., the seventh annual business-to-business show produced by BusinessWest and the Healthcare News, slated for Thursday, Nov. 2 at the MassMutual Center, will present a lunch event featuring keynote speaker Ron Insana, senior analyst and commentator with CNBC.

Titled “Trumponomics,” Insana’s talk will address how Washington will affect the economy in the years ahead. As the U.S. and global economies move toward recovery, Insana will apply his journalistic perspective to how Wall Street, Main Street, and Washington shape what the new normal means for everyone.

The event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with check-in starting at 11:30 a.m. The cost is $25. To register, visit www.wmbexpo.com.

A financial journalist with the experience of working for and running his own hedge fund, Insana offers clear insights on the ever-changing status of the economy. Currently host of a nationally syndicated daily radio show in addition to his roles at CNBC, he has access to the top financial players in Washington and on Wall Street and translates the market signals and political maneuvers into information everyone understands. His hands-on experience in the financial industry — through some of the markets’ most turbulent times — give an added depth of perspective. He offers practical advice on what individuals and businesses can and should do now to protect what they have and to find opportunities in any type of market condition. Insana is the author of Traders’ Tales, The Message of the Markets, TrendWatching, and most recently How to Make a Fortune from the Biggest Bailout in U.S. History: A Guide to the 7 Greatest Bargains from Main Street to Wall Street.

The Expo 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 Services 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), Elms College (information booth sponsor), Smith & Wesson (Workforce Support Center sponsor), Savage Arms (JoinedForces parking 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.

Jean Deliso Named to New York Life Chairman’s Council

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Daily News

AGAWAM — Jean Deliso, CFP has been named a member of the 2017 Chairman’s Council of New York Life. Members of the elite Chairman’s Council rank in the top 3% of New York Life’s sales force of more than 12,000 licensed agents in sales achievement. Deliso has accomplished this level of achievement for six consecutive years.

Her passion for finance and strategic planning led to the creation of Deliso Financial and Insurance Services in 2000. She began her career in corporate accounting in Tampa, Fla., where she consulted with small-business owners on financial operations and maximizing performance.

Deliso has been a New York Life agent since 1995 and is associated with New York Life’s CT Valley General Office in Windsor, Conn. She is currently chairman of the board of the Baystate Health Foundation and a board member of the Community Music School of Springfield. She is past chairman of the board of the YMCA of Greater Springfield, past board member of AAA Pioneer Valley, and past trustee of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts and the advisory council at Bay Path University.

Deliso Financial and Insurance Services is not owned or operated by New York Life Insurance Co. or any of its affiliates.

Business & Innovation Expo Social to Feature Food Competition

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Business & Innovation Expo of Western Mass., the seventh annual business-to-business show produced by BusinessWest and the Healthcare News, will conclude with the annual Expo Social from 3 to 5 p.m. — an event that will feature a new, tasty twist.

The social will include a “Best in Show” food-sampling competition. Those who register as Expo Social food exhibitors will be entered into the food competition. Expo attendees will vote for their favorite food item by dropping a token in the jar with the name of their chosen food exhibitor. Attendees are given one token each.

The “Best in Show” winner will be awarded with an advertising campaign in BusinessWest as well as editorial content in the magazine’s annual Restaurant Guide. Participants in the competition must be ready to serve their entry by 2:45 p.m., no exceptions. Vendors can register by clicking here.

The Expo, set for Thursday, Nov. 2 at the MassMutual Center, will also 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 Services 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), Elms College (information booth sponsor), Smith & Wesson (Workforce Support Center sponsor), Savage Arms (JoinedForces parking 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.

Martha Rickson Joins Polish National Credit Union

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Daily News

CHICOPEE — Martha Rickson has joined Polish National Credit Union as assistant vice president, retail sales administrator.

Rickson has more than 37 years of retail and commercial banking experience. In her new position, she looks forward to returning to her Wilbraham roots and to the opportunity to introduce Polish National Credit Union to the many customers and friends she has made over the years in that community and in Hampden, Palmer, and Monson as well.

Rickson is a graduate of Springfield Technical Community College, the American Banking Institute, and the New England School of Financial Studies at Babson College. During the course of her career, she was the recipient of the Western Mass Peer Choice Award and a Customer Service Award with national recognition by “Your Money.” She also developed an ongoing refer-a-friend program as a sales tool for attracting new retail business and initiated a financial-awareness education program for graduating high-school seniors. She has also served as treasurer of the Wilbraham Chamber of Commerce.

“Martha has gained a reputation for exceptional service and earning the trust of the community, and she also has the expertise to help change lives,” said James Kelly, president and CEO of Polish National Credit Union. “Her background in retail and commercial banking, complemented by her dedication to developing and maintaining rewarding customer relationships, will serve her well for continued success in her new role with us. We are pleased to have her on our team.”

I Found Light Against All Odds to Hold Masquerade Ball Gala Nov. 4

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — I Found Light Against All Odds will present its first annual Masquerade Ball Gala on Saturday, Nov. 4. The festivities will include horse-and-carriage photos, food stations, presentations, and music.

The gala will take place at Chez Josef, 176 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam, from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. Black ties and masks are encouraged. Tickets are $80 per person and can be purchased by clicking here.

The proceeds from this event will be used to award eight $500 scholarships and one $1,000 scholarship for the 2017-18 school year. The recipients will be formerly at-risk high-school seniors from nine different high schools in surrounding cities and towns who have overcome the darkness in their lives, found light in education, and are headed to college. The student from the community with the most attendees at the gala will be the one to receive the $1,000 scholarship.

Main Street Hospitality Group Grows Its Berkshires Portfolio

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Daily News

STOCKBRIDGE — Sarah Eustis, CEO of Main Street Hospitality Group, announced the addition of a sixth hotel into the company’s portfolio with the acquisition of the Briarcliff Motel in Great Barrington.

“The addition of this property to the Main Street family reinforces our commitment to the Berkshires as stewards of a 50-year legacy of hospitality in the region,” said Eustis. “The Briarcliff is a perfect fit to our portfolio and an ideal complement to its sister hotels, and we are so grateful to Richard and Clare Proctor for entrusting its future with Main Street.”

Main Street Hospitality took ownership of the 16-room, 1960s-era Briarcliff Motel, located at 506 Stockbridge Road, earlier this month.

“Since Richard and I opened Briarcliff in 2011, we have found the Berkshires to be a great place to live and run a small, independently minded business, and we’re filled with gratitude to the many people we’ve met who have encouraged and helped us along the way,” said Clare Proctor. “It’s time for the next big step, both for us and for the Briarcliff, and we are delighted to be passing the place into the hands of Main Street Hospitality: a company who will continue to shepherd it forward under Sarah Eustis’ passionate leadership.”

The acquisition was financed by Lee Bank of Great Barrington, Eustis noted. “Lee Bank is a valued partner to Main Street Hospitality, and we appreciate the confidence their employees have in our business.”

Main Street Hospitality includes six properties, 275 rooms, and 350 employees in Western Mass. Its footprint now expands from its affiliate property Race Brook Lodge in Sheffield in the southern part of the county, to the Briarcliff in Great Barrington, through Stockbridge, home of the flagship Red Lion Inn and Maple Glen at the Red Lion Inn, to centrally located Hotel on North in Pittsfield and further up county to the Porches Inn at MASS MoCA in North Adams.

“Independent hoteliers are facing so many new challenges in managing and marketing their properties, especially in the face of growing competition from shared-economy companies like Airbnb and a proliferation of brands,” said Eustis. “As we to continue to evolve as an operator and developer of independent hotels both within and outside of the Berkshires, we’re finding a rich pipeline of opportunities to grow the Main Street portfolio further.”

Salons to Participate in Cut-A-Thon to Benefit Unify Against Bullying

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Daily News

EAST LONGMEADOW — Western Mass. hair salons are helping to make a difference in the fight against bullying, one haircut at a time.

On Saturday, Oct. 21, salons across Western Mass. will participate in a one-day Cut-A-Thon to benefit Unify Against Bullying. Salons will donate proceeds from haircuts, blowouts, and styling to the anti-bullying organization. The salons will even offer temporary pink hair color, reflecting the signature color of Unify Against Bullying. In addition, each salon will add its own activities and promotions for the event.

“It’s a fun day for a great cause, and everyone leaves the salon feeling and looking fabulous, each in their own unique way. We love how each salon is embracing Unify Against Bullying and being creative in their vision for the Cut-A-Thon,” said Christine Maiwald, executive director of Unify Against Bullying.

Each participating salon will be the exclusive Unify Cut-A-Thon salon in its city or town. Salons that want to participate may contact Maiwald at [email protected].

To date, participating salons include Cutting Edge Salon & Day Spa, 975 Springfield St., Feeding Hills; Gasoline Alley, 250 Albany St., Springfield, Hair West, Spa West, 322-326 West Ave., Ludlow; New Decadence Hair Designers, 375 Franklin St., Melrose; and Siciliano Salon, 1362 Westfield St., West Springfield.

AIC Announces Groundbreaking for New Facility

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) announced the groundbreaking ceremony for its new educational facility will take place Wednesday, Oct. 18, starting at 3 p.m. Guests and speakers include U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, AIC President Vincent Maniaci, AIC board of trustees Chair Frank Colaccino; AIC Dean of Health Sciences Cesarina Thompson, and AIC Student Government Assoc. President Dante Raggio.

Located at 1020 State St., the building will house the college’s new exercise science programs in addition to expanded occupational therapy and physical therapy offerings. It is a complete remodel of the existing edifice and includes new construction. The one-level building will grow to a two-story structure totaling more than 20,000 square feet. Athletic-training programs will be introduced beginning in 2021.

Located in the geographic center of Springfield, this new facility complements the ongoing redevelopment of downtown by extending revitalization efforts up the State Street corridor to the Mason Square/Upper Hill neighborhood.

“With the increasing emphasis on health promotion, fitness, and disease prevention, there is a need to competitively prepare our students as exercise-science professionals who can practice in the growing areas of performance training and sports medicine in addition to the ever-expanding fields of occupational and physical therapy,” Thompson said. “This new facility will enhance the students’ educational experience, enabling them to be well-equipped to practice in an evolving and complex healthcare system.”

The state-of-the-art facility will boast a variety of lab, rehabilitation, and human-performance spaces, and will allow for clinical simulations. It will also contain classroom space and faculty offices.

West of the River Chamber of Commerce Presents Food Fest West

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Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The West of the River Chamber of Commerce announced its annual Food Fest West will be held Wednesday, Oct. 25 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Springfield Country Club in West Springfield.

The event will feature a DJ, dancing, and food from area restaurants including Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Crestview Country Club, Hofbrauhaus, LPVEC, Main Street Deli, Nadim’s Restaurant, Partner’s Restaurant, Springfield Country Club, Sorrento’s Pizza, Souper Sweet Sandwich Shop, Storrowton Tavern, Tekoa Country Club, the Westfield State University culinary team, and more. Cigar Room II will be on hand so attendees can enjoy a cigar on the country club’s patio.

Proceeds raised by Food Fest West will benefit the Partnership for Education and the WRC Educational Fund, which provides grants to businesses for on-the-job training and continuing-education needs. Tickets are $25 in advance or $35 at the door. Tickets may be purchased online by visiting www.westoftheriverchamber.com.

Business & Innovation Expo to Feature ‘Ask an Expert Roundtable’

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Business & Innovation Expo of Western Mass., the seventh annual business-to-business show produced by BusinessWest and the Healthcare News, will introduce a new feature this year, called the “Ask an Expert Roundtable.” Ten business professionals in the community will share their expertise with a table of guests for 45 minutes. During that time, they will give a rundown of their professional experience, take questions, and participate in an open, relaxed dialogue with attendees.

Participants include Pam Thornton of Name Net Worth (who will focus on LinkedIn and social-media marketing); Amy Royal of Royal, P.C. (focus on employment law); Jenny MacKay of the Gaudreau Group (focus on healthcare reform); Sheila Magalhaes of Heartsong (focus on modern mindfulness); Angela Lussier of Speaker Sisterhood (focus on finding one’s voice and being more assertive); Ira Bryck of the Family Business Center of Pioneer Valley (focus on family-business work balance); Tracey Gaylord of Granite State Development Corp. (focus on funding one’s next big idea, big or small); Lorenzo Macaluso of the Center for EcoTechnology (focus on how to make a company green); and Jonathan Butler of 1Berkshire Chamber (focus on board of director succession planning); and Tiffany Appleton of Johnson & Hill Staffing (focus on recruiting, interviewing, and hiring).

The Expo, set for Thursday, Nov. 2 at the MassMutual Center, will also 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 Services 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), Elms College (information booth sponsor), Smith & Wesson (Workforce Support Center sponsor), Savage Arms (JoinedForces parking 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.

Driving for the Cure Golf Tournament Raises Record Amount

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Daily News

HADLEY — The Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament set a new fund-raising record by raising $131,300 to support Dr. Patrick Wen and his research colleagues in the Center for Neuro-Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

The tournament was held on Aug. 21 at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow and Elmcrest Country Club in East Longmeadow, followed by a dinner at Twin Hills Country Club attended by more than 300 guests. The dinner featured a performance by Noah Lis from The Voice along with John Dennis, celebrity emcee of the WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon and featured a raffle and live and silent auctions. The event’s platinum sponsor was Edmunds.

The tournament was started by Carla and Tommy Cosenzi, co-presidents of TommyCar Auto Group, to honor the legacy of their father, Tom Cosenzi, who passed away from a glioblastoma in 2009 and dreamed of a cure for brain cancer. What started as a small, four-team tournament in 2009 has grown to become one of the largest charity tournaments in Western Mass., with more than 52 teams and 300+ participants.

Proceeds from tournament sponsorships help Dana-Farber researchers design novel clinical trials to test and develop targeted therapies that have not previously been studied in brain tumors, initiate several clinical trials in immunotherapy, and conduct groundbreaking basic research to guide new therapeutic approaches. Since its inception in 2009, the Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament has donated $830,712.

“Every year, I think it’s the best one yet,” said Carla Cosenzi. “However, I’m proud to say that our players and sponsors continue to come through, making each year more successful than the last.”

Visit tomcosenzidrivingforthecure.com for information about the 2018 tournament, which will mark the event’s 10th year.

Thunderbirds Ink Marketing Partnership with State Lottery

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Thunderbirds, AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers, announced a new marketing partnership with the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission. The Lottery will receive branding at Thunderbirds home games and arena signage at the MassMutual Center.

The organizations have launched a “Salute to Soldiers” initiative. As part of this military-appreciation platform, an armed forces member or veteran, along with their family, will be recognized at Friday home games. This program is designed to honor men and women for going beyond the call of duty. The partnership will also feature “Winning Weekdays,” which reward all fans in attendance with a ticket to a future game when the T-Birds win.

“Sports and the lottery are both synonymous with winning,” said Chris Thompson, senior vice president, Sales & Strategy for the Thunderbirds. “The Thunderbirds are excited to partner with the most successful lottery in the country and share our mission of giving back to the community.”

Added Edward Farley, assistant executive director and chief administrative officer, Massachusetts State Lottery Commission, “we are excited about this opportunity to recognize deserving individuals among us who have dedicated themselves to serving others.”

The Thunderbirds opened their 2017-18 home ice schedule on Oct. 14 with a matchup with the rival Hartford Wolf Pack. Ticket memberships, including season tickets, are on sale now, starting at $12 per game. Thunderbirds full-season ticket members receive the most benefits, including a refillable collector’s mug and a commemorative jersey. For more information or to order, call (413) 739-4625 or visit www.springfieldthunderbirds.com.

New England Unemployment Rate Holds Steady in August

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Daily News

BOSTON — The New England Information Office of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has released New England and state unemployment numbers for August 2017. These data are supplied by the Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) program, which produces monthly and annual employment, unemployment, and labor-force data for Census regions and divisions, states, counties, metropolitan areas, and many cities.

The New England unemployment rate was little changed at 4.0% in August. One year ago, the New England jobless rate was 3.9%. The U.S. jobless rate was little changed from July at 4.4%. No New England state had a significant over-the-year jobless rate change.

UMass Chemical Engineers Develop Non-toxic Nanofiber Fabrics

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Daily News

AMHERST — Chemical engineers Jessica Schiffman and Sarah Perry at UMass Amherst have developed nanofiber fabrics that are green and non-toxic that can be used in medical, environmental, personal-care and food-packaging applications. The research is supported by a three-year, $338,180 grant from the National Science Foundation.

Schiffman and Perry say the key to their research is thinking differently about polymers. While traditional methods of making polymer-based fibers require the use of toxic organic solvents, this new approach uses polymers that assemble to form fibers from a solution of water and salt. The resultant fibers are highly stable even if exposed to high temperatures or they are submerged in organic solvents. The grant supports fundamental research into the development and application of these new, green nanofiber fabric materials.

The existing method for making nanofibers is based on a process known as ‘electrospinning,’ where an electrical force is used to ‘draw’ or pull charged threads of polymer solutions into solid nanoscale fibers that cluster to form a soft, flexible fabric. This well-known method has been demonstrated to form fibers from more than 100 different polymers.

However, the use of such nanofiber fabrics is sharply limited because of the potential for residual toxic solvents or chemicals in the final product. By using this new, non-toxic, environmentally friendly approach, Perry and Schiffman say they will vastly expand the potential uses for the fabrics.

“This is a fundamental game changer,” Schiffman says. Perry added that the new method for creating the nanofibers “opens whole new fields of research and applications.”

New uses for the tissue-paper-like materials could include advanced wound dressing technologies where the fibers could simultaneously deliver medicine while removing infected, oozy exudate from wounds. They could also be used for water treatment and in the food-processing industry to detect when food has spoiled or contains harmful bacteria or other health threats, Schiffman and Perry said. Other uses might include cleaning chemical spills, delivering pesticides to crops, facial wipes, and food packaging.

Ayre Real Estate Welcomes Valerie Krolicki

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Daily News

AGAWAM — Valerie Krolicki recently joined Ayre Real Estate Co. Inc. as a full-time real-estate sales associate. She is a graduate of Hopkinton High School and has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in education from Northeastern University in Boston.

Krolicki is the daughter-in-law of the late Cynthia ‘Cindy’ Ayre, formerly of Ayre Real Estate and past president of the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley and Realtor of the Year. She can be reached at Ayre Real Estate, 644 Main St., Agawam; (413) 789-0812, ext. 131; or [email protected].

Mercedes-Benz of Springfield Owner to Deliver Lecture at Bay Path

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Daily News

LONGMEADOW — Michelle Wirth, owner of the new Mercedes-Benz of Springfield, will deliver the 2017 Innovative Thinking and Entrepreneurship Lecture at Bay Path University. The event will be held on Thursday, Oct. 12 in the Blake Student Commons on the Longmeadow campus. A networking continental breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m., with the lecture to follow at 8:15 a.m.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information or to register, visit www.baypath.edu/michellewirth.

After graduating from Lehigh University with a degree in mechanical engineering, Wirth began her professional career with Mercedes Benz USA, and held positions in engineering, public relations, and marketing. In her roles, she was able to travel to the company headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany. To achieve brand excellence, she observed, the company encourages a culture of innovation through employee collaboration — a philosophy that she embraces in her own day-to-day leadership.

“When your approach is ‘everyone deserves the best life has to offer’ … and you trust in the idea that there is plenty for everyone, I believe the universe conspires with you,” Wirth said. “Opportunities seem to pop up everywhere, and the feeling of abundance and generosity just propagates.”

Wirth joins a long list of past speakers for the Innovative Thinking and Entrepreneurship Lecture, including Susan Marvin, president of Marvin Windows and Doors; Sue Morelli, CEO and president of Au Bon Pain; and Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, among others. The lecture is sponsored by Strategic Alliances and the Advisory Council at Bay Path University.

Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley Gives $6,000 to Hurricane Relief

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The law firm of Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan and Blakesley this week donated $6,000 to the Red Cross as part of a sponsorship for the organization’s hurricane-relief golf tournament held Oct. 2 at the Haven Country Club in Boylston.

“In the wake of hurricanes Harvey and Maria, we wanted to make a contribution that we knew would make a difference,” said firm partner Patrick McHugh. “There is no organization as committed to providing life saving assistance as the Red Cross.”

McHugh and the law firm have many clients with direct ties to Puerto Rico and are involved in the Puerto Rican community in Western Mass. and throughout the state.

“When you see such devastation in Puerto Rico and, of course, in Texas and Florida, you feel a need to do what you can. It’s frustrating to be so far away, but it is critical that all of us as Americans work to affect a positive outcome for the people who are so tragically impacted by these natural disasters,” said McHugh, who is also a Red Cross board member. “I know first-hand the incredible work that the Red Cross does, and our firm for decades has stood with this organization to lend whatever support we can to their efforts. We are so very proud of our affiliation with them.”