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Month: April 2019

That’s One Item on the Agenda at Employment Law Conference

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Employment

Understanding PFML

John Gannon says there are always hot topics within the broad realm of employment law. And sometimes — actually quite often these days — there are what he called “sizzling hot” topics.

The state’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) law certainly falls in that latter category. Provisions of the bill, specifically the contributions to be paid by employers, go into effect on July 1. The actual law itself doesn’t take effect until Jan. 1, 2021, but the time between now and then will go by quickly, said Gannon, an employment-law specialist with Springfield-based Skoler, Abbott & Presser, adding that employers should do whatever they can to be ready. And there are things they can do, which we’ll get to in a minute.

First, the law itself. Gannon used the single word ‘scary’ to describe it, and he was referring to the reaction of employers large and small who simply don’t know how this piece of legislation, which makes the acronym PFML a new and important part of the business lexicon, will affect their business but have a good right to be scared because of how generous it is.

“This is a payroll tax at its core. So I think employers are going to have questions about how and whether they’re going to be billed, what their tax contributions are going to be, and other concerns.”

Gannon is expecting the Paid Family and Medical Leave Law to be among the main focal points of conversation at the firm’s annual Labor and Employment Law Conference, set for May 21 at the Sheraton Springfield. The conference is staged each year to help local businesses stay abreast of laws and regulations relating to labor issues, said Gannon, and this year there will certainly be a number of issues to discuss. Indeed, breakout sessions are slated on a host of topics, including PFML; wage-and-hour mistakes; harassment, discrimination, and why employers get sued; a labor and employment-law update, how to handle requests for reasonable accommodations (there will be a panel discussion on that topic); and how to conduct an internal investigation.

But Gannon told BusinessWest that paid family and medical leave will likely be the focus of much of the discussion and many of the questions, primarily because the law represents a significant change in the landscape, and business owners and human resources personnel have questions about what’s coming at them.

The first of these questions concerns the contributions to start July 1.

“This is a payroll tax at its core,” he explained. “So I think employers are going to have questions about how and whether they’re going to be billed, what their tax contributions are going to be, and other concerns.”

A 30-page set of draft regulations was recently released by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development’s Department of Family and Medical Leave, and that same office has issued a toolkit for employers with information on everything from remitting and paying contributions to notifying their workforce to applying for exemptions.

There’s quite a bit to keep track of, said Gannon, adding that, under the new law, Massachusetts employees will be eligible to take up to 12 weeks of paid family leave (up to 26 weeks in certain circumstances) and up to 20 weeks of paid medical leave. In most cases, leave may be taken intermittently or on a reduced-schedule basis.

Family leave can be taken to bond with a new child, for qualifying exigency related to a family member on (or called to) active duty or to care for a family member who is in the service, or to care for a family member with a “serious health condition.” Medical leave can be taken for the employee’s own “serious health condition.”

 

John S. Gannon

John S. Gannon

“Someone has a medical impairment, and they need a new chair, or someone needs to change their schedule — they can’t work mornings anymore — or whatever the change in job structure they’re requesting … these matters can get complicated. How do companies handle these requests? Do they have to grant them? How do they work with employees? These are all questions this panel will address.”

In most cases, the annual cap for family leave is 12 weeks, 20 weeks for medical leave, and 26 weeks total cap for both, if needed.

The employee must give at least 30 days notice of the need for leave or as much notice as practicable. The weekly benefit amount maximum is $850 to start; in future years, it will be capped at 64% of state average weekly wage. The weekly benefits will be funded by contributions from payroll deductions into a state trust fund. The initial rate will be 0.063% of the employee’s wages. Employers may require employees to contribute up to 40% toward medical leave and up to 100% for family leave. Employers with fewer than 25 employees are exempt from paying the employer share of the contributions.

Employers must continue employee health-insurance benefits and premium contributions during any period of family or medical leave, said Gannon, and they must restore employees who return from leave to their previous, or an equivalent, position, with the same status, pay, benefits, and seniority, barring intervening layoffs or changed operating conditions.

There are many other conditions and bits of fine print, he told BusinessWest, adding that, while Jan. 1, 2021 is a long seven business quarters away, business owners and managers can and should start to prepare themselves for that day.

They can start by asking questions and getting answers, he said, adding that small businesses with fewer than 50 employees have not had to deal with federal family medical leave regulations and thus are treading into uncharted waters.

“They’re going to have to start thinking about how they’re going to manage this from a staffing perspective,” he said, adding that he is expecting a number of queries along these lines at the May 21 conference and the months to follow.

“Employers have to start thinking about this and getting ready for this now because of how generous the leave portion of this is,” he explained. “This is going to be a real challenge for employers.”

But overall, it’s just one of many challenges facing employers in the wake of the #metoo movement and other forces within employment law, all of which can have a significant impact on a business and its relative health and well-being.

Handling requests for reasonable accommodations is another area of concern, he noted, and that’s why the conference will feature a panel of experts addressing what has become a somewhat tricky subject for many business owners and managers.

“Someone has a medical impairment, and they need a new chair, or someone needs to change their schedule — they can’t work mornings anymore — or whatever the change in job structure they’re requesting … these matters can get complicated,” he explained. “How do companies handle these requests? Do they have to grant them? How do they work with employees? These are all questions this panel will address.”

For more information on the conference, visit skoler-abbott.com/training-programs.

— George O’Brien

YMCA’s Move Is a Risk Worth Taking

By
Opinion

Editorial

The rumors started circulating last fall: The YMCA of Greater Springfield was moving many of its operations into Tower Square in the heart of downtown Springfield.

Soon, the rumors moved to a different plane, a strange one, a place between rumor and fact, where the move was assumed, a proverbial worst-kept secret, but not yet official. And then, it moved to a still-higher level as buildout work began at Tower Square, in earnest, a few weeks ago.

Now the move is official (it was announced late last week), and thus the speculation about what all this means — for the Y, Tower Square, downtown, and the city itself — also escalates to a higher plane.

Suffice it to say this is an intriguing move, one taken out of what amounts to necessity for the Y, which has been facing a number of challenges ranging from declining membership in its fitness center in Springfield to the rising cost of operating and maintaining its nearly half-century-old property on Chestnut Street.

Something needed to happen to give the Y some financial flexibility, some additional visibility, and a chance to grow its programs. Meanwhile, something also needed to happen for the new ownership of Tower Square, which was looking to not only put some vacant space back to revenue-generating use, but also give the facility a spark in terms of everything from foot traffic to much-needed momentum.

It took a while, but the parties came together and came to a deal, one that could substantially alter the fortunes of both entities.

But there are many questions about this move and whether it is going to work for either the Y or Tower Square.

“Something needed to happen to give the Y some financial flexibility, some additional visibility, and a chance to grow its programs. Meanwhile, something also needed to happen for the new ownership of Tower Square …”

Let’s start with the Y. There are already two other health clubs in the heart of downtown and another on the riverfront just a few blocks away. Meanwhile, the Y’s Chestnut Street facility is only a half-mile from Tower Square. So there are naturally questions about whether this move will generate a boost in membership.

Likewise, there are questions, and many of them, about whether Tower Square is the ideal location for Y’s daycare facilities, which are, at this moment in time, its strongest revenue-producing operation. At times, it isn’t easy to get into and out of downtown, and parking will certainly be an issue.

As for Tower Square, the need to fill the large amounts of unused or underutilized space is acute. But are daycare operations and a fitness facility the best use of that space?

Yet, amid all the questions and uncertainty, one thing is clear: this is a bold move for both entities, one that shows large doses of imagination and outside-the-box thinking. And this is what’s needed at both the Y and Tower Square at this time.

Flash back four decades or so, and both were thriving. The Y’s building had recently opened, its membership was large and growing, and the day when there would be gym — or two or three or eight — in every community was still a few decades off. As for Tower Square, it was crammed with thriving retail — clothing stores, record stores, a sporting-goods store, a bookstore, Friendly’s, and much more.

That was then. It seems like a long time ago, because it is. This is now. There is no turning back the clock for either organization, but the clock can be turned forward.

No one really knows if all this is going to work out, but what is known is that neither entity could stand still and simply hope for better days. This move constitutes risk for both parties, a roll of the dice, if you will. But it’s a risk worth taking to secure a better future for both.

At Hampshire College, a Fight to Survive

By
Opinion

Opinion

‘Turmoil’ was already the best word to describe the scene at Hampshire College. And then things got even worse — maybe — with the resignation of president Miriam Nelson (it was announced April 5) and several board members over the past few weeks.

The college is now being led by one of its founders, Ken Rosenthal, and its future is cluttered by even more question marks than there were just a month ago — if that’s possible.

But even as the chaos has escalated, troubled Hampshire, facing huge deficits resulting from sharp declines in enrollment, seems to be in a better place.

We’ll explain. For months, Nelson talked of forging some kind of partnership with another college or university, something akin to arrangements that have helped rescue some other smaller private institutions.

When BusinessWest spoke with Nelson several weeks ago, she talked enthusiastically about finding a partner that could help provide some financial stability but also enable the college to retain some form of independence and still be, well, Hampshire College.

We listened to what she was saying, but with a great deal of skepticism. How could there be a partnership in which Hampshire remained the proudly alternative school that it has been for the past half-century? The quick answer is that there couldn’t be such a partnership.

The students on campus could see this. Alums could see this. Parents of students could see this. That’s why Nelson’s plans were received with not only skepticism but criticism and anger.

As she resigned, she said she had become a distraction from the “important work to establish a sustainable financial model for the school.” And in many ways, she had, although, to be fair, she inherited a serious problem for which there are no easy answers.

Her decisions to seek a partner and later not to accept a full class for next fall polarized the campus in some respects, but it also unified in one important way, we believe.

And that is that some form of consensus may have emerged — that saving a college isn’t the mission here; saving Hampshire College is the mission. There is still some division over what needs to be done, but it seems clear that most students and alums would prefer that, if Hampshire is to survive, it is to survive as an independent institution pledged to continue its unique style and operating flavor.

This was the vote taken by the board of trustees as they were also voting to install Rosenthal as interim president.

Whether the school can raise the money it will take to remain independent and continue operating remains to be seen. The deficits are large, and the problems facing Hampshire and other small private schools are very real.

But it seems that the school and its trustees are resolved to doing things the ‘Hampshire way,’ for lack of a better term, and thus there is perhaps reason for a little optimism amid all this turmoil.

Picture This

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Picture This

A photo essay of recent business events in Western Massachusetts April 15, 2019

Email ‘Picture This’ photos with a caption and contact information to [email protected]

Women’s Leadership Conference

Bay Path University staged its annual Women’s Leadership Conference on March 29. The theme for the day was “Why Not Me,” and a number of keynote speakers and focus sessions addressed that broad topic.

More than 1,700 people attended the day-long conference

More than 1,700 people attended the day-long conference

luncheon keynote speaker Mel Robbins shares the ‘five-second rule’ with the audience

luncheon keynote speaker Mel Robbins shares the ‘five-second rule’ with the audience

Rita Moreno, winner of an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony, and Golden Globe, was the closing keynote speaker at the conference

Rita Moreno, winner of an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony, and Golden Globe, was the closing keynote speaker at the conference

he sizable contingent from MassMutual poses for a photo

he sizable contingent from MassMutual poses for a photo

Dr. Ann Errichetti, chief operations and academic officer at Presence Health

Dr. Ann Errichetti, chief operations and academic officer at Presence Health

Kate Kane, managing director and wealth-management advisor for Northwestern Mutual, were both inducted into the Women Business Leaders Hall of Fame

Kate Kane, managing director and wealth-management advisor for Northwestern Mutual, were both inducted into the Women Business Leaders Hall of Fame



Cutting the Ribbon

Ribbon-cutting ceremonies were conducted on April 5 for a new medical/professional building at 15 Atwood Dr. in Northampton, a project led by Development Associates and Northwood Development, LLC.

Ken Vincunas, right, president of Development Associates, with Ronald Waskiewicz, assistant chief probation officer, and Michael Carey, Hampshire County register of Probate, both tenants in the building

Ken Vincunas, right, president of Development Associates, with Ronald Waskiewicz, assistant chief probation officer, and Michael Carey, Hampshire County register of Probate, both tenants in the building

from left, Vincunas, Susan O’Leary Mulhern of Northwood Development, Eileen O’Leary Sullivan of Northwood Development, Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz, and Travis Ward of Development Associates

from left, Vincunas, Susan O’Leary Mulhern of Northwood Development, Eileen O’Leary Sullivan of Northwood Development, Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz, and Travis Ward of Development Associates

officials cut the ceremonial ribbon

officials cut the ceremonial ribbon

O’Leary Sullivan addresses those gathered at the ceremony

O’Leary Sullivan addresses those gathered at the ceremony



Partnering with the Sox

As part of its ongoing Worcester expansion, Country Bank is teaming up with the Worcester Red Sox as one of the team’s 21 founding partners in anticipation of its move to Worcester in 2021. The bank’s recent annual annual meeting in Worcester featured a keynote address that included a video of the site of Polar Park narrated by Worcester Red Sox President Charles Steinberg, along with remarks regarding the team’s decision to relocate to Worcester.

Pictured, from left, are Rob Crain, senior vice president of Marketing for the Worcester Red Sox; Shelley Regin, senior vice president of Marketing for Country Bank; Paul Scully, President and CEO of Country Bank, and Jack Verducci, vice president of Corporate Partnerships for the Worcester Red Sox.

Pictured, from left, are Rob Crain, senior vice president of Marketing for the Worcester Red Sox; Shelley Regin, senior vice president of Marketing for Country Bank; Paul Scully, President and CEO of Country Bank, and Jack Verducci, vice president of Corporate Partnerships for the Worcester Red Sox.



Show of Support

The YWCA of Greater Springfield recently hosted a somewhat unusual, but important gathering — a show of support for Cheryl Claprood, the recently named acting police commissioner in Springfield, a role she assumes at a time of considerable controversy within the department.

Claprood, center, with Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi and YWCA Executive Director Elizabeth Dineen, a former prosecutor in Hampden County. Behind them are some of the more than 30 women who attended the event

Claprood, center, with Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi and YWCA Executive Director Elizabeth Dineen, a former prosecutor in Hampden County. Behind them are some of the more than 30 women who attended the event

Dineen addresses the gathering

Dineen addresses the gathering



Visit from the Earl of St. Andrews

Elms College recently received a visit from the Earl of St. Andrews, a senior member of the House of Windsor, the reigning royal house of the United Kingdom.

George Philip Nicholas Windsor, Earl of St. Andrews, is the elder son of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, and his wife Katharine, Duchess of Kent. He holds the title Earl of St Andrews as heir apparent to the Dukedom of Kent. The earl stopped by Elms College on his way through Springfield to attend a conference on the Middle East in Washington, D.C., later this week. The conference was co-sponsored by the Next Century Foundation, where he serves as a trustee with retired ambassador Mark Hambley, who is also a trustee of Elms College.

George Philip Nicholas Windsor, Earl of St. Andrews, is the elder son of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, and his wife Katharine, Duchess of Kent. He holds the title Earl of St Andrews as heir apparent to the Dukedom of Kent. The earl stopped by Elms College on his way through Springfield to attend a conference on the Middle East in Washington, D.C., later this week. The conference was co-sponsored by the Next Century Foundation, where he serves as a trustee with retired ambassador Mark Hambley, who is also a trustee of Elms College.



Degrees of Progress

Elms College President Harry Dumay, left, and Springfield Technical Community College President John Cook shake hands after signing a partnership agreement to offer accelerated online degree-completion programs in Computer Science and Computer Information Technology and Security. The bachelor’s degree programs are completely online and accelerated, which means students can earn their degree in 14 months after obtaining an associate degree from STCC.

Elms College President Harry Dumay, left, and Springfield Technical Community College President John Cook

Elms College President Harry Dumay, left, and Springfield Technical Community College President John Cook



Berkshire Blueprint 2.0

1Berkshire recently launched the implementation phase of the Berkshire Blueprint 2.0 at ceremonies at the Colonial Theatre in downtown Pittsfield. The event was the culmination of more than 100 interviews, thousands of hours of work, and more than 20 months of planning and design. 1Berkshire President and CEO Jonathan Butler kicked off the primary outline during the launch by recognizing that $1 billion in regional investments have been made in the Berkshires in just the last three years, noting that investment in the Berkshires is “a good bet.” (Photos by Kara Thornton)

John Bissell, President and CEO of Greylock Federal Credit Union, addresses the large crowd

John Bissell, President and CEO of Greylock Federal Credit Union, addresses the large crowd

Butler, left, with Ben Lamb, director of Economic Development for 1Bershire

Butler, left, with Ben Lamb, director of Economic Development for 1Bershire

from left, Betsy Strickler, chief communications officer for Community Health Programs Inc.

from left, Betsy Strickler, chief communications officer for Community Health Programs Inc.Kevin Pink, Economic Development coordinator for 1Berkshire; and Pittsfield Mayor Linda Tyer



Safety Awards

Peter Pan Bus Lines recently hosted its annual Safety Awards presentation at the Student Prince and the Fort. A total of 175 drivers were recognized for completing 2018 with no accidents, and the company also recognized drivers, operations, and maintenance departments for outstanding customer service and performance.

Michael Drozd was honored as a 2 million-mile driver

Michael Drozd was honored as a 2 million-mile driver

Siyana Abdulbasir received the company’s Customer Excellence Award for outstanding customer service

Siyana Abdulbasir received the company’s Customer Excellence Award for outstanding customer service

Court Dockets

By
Court Dockets

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

Evelyn Acevedo v. Louis Richard Casa and A & R Transport Inc.

Allegation: Motor-vehicle negligence: $8,050

Filed: 3/7/19

HAMPDEN DISTRICT COURT

Perkins Paper, LLC v. Plaza Pizza Inc. d/b/a Mike’s Café and Chip King a/k/a Kerry M. King

Allegation: Money owed for goods sold and delivered: $9,550.19

Filed: 3/1/19

Perkins Paper, LLC v. Masona Inc. d/b/a Masona Grill and Manuel Sifnugel

Allegation: Money owed for goods sold and delivered: $9,754.84

Filed: 3/1/19

Perkins Paper, LLC v. Kobhuntre, LLC d/b/a Honey Dew Donuts – Seekonk and Christopher Brierly a/k/a Christopher R. Brierly

Allegation: Money owed for goods sold and delivered: $11,416.19

Filed: 3/1/19

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Cristy-May Delaney v. CleanState Centers Inc.

Allegation: Employment discrimination: $25,000+

Filed: 2/8/19

Nicole Garvey v. Big Y Foods Inc.

Allegation: Negligence; slip and fall causing personal injury: $300,000

Filed: 2/19/19

Craig Camerlin v. Shibley Court, LLC

Allegation: Negligence; mold exposure causing personal injury: $34,500

Filed: 2/20/19

First Student Inc. v. City of Springfield

Allegation: Motor-vehicle negligence causing property damage: $3.279.88

Filed: 2/22/19

Brendan Burke v. Barings, LLC a/k/a Babson Capital Management, LLC

Allegation: Failure to pay wages, failure to pay overtime, breach of contract: $234,000

Filed: 2/26/19

William Reyes v. Gomez Enterprises III d/b/a McDonald’s and Jorge Gomez

Allegation: Failure to pay wages, failure to pay earned sick time, retaliation: $26,000

Filed: 2/27/19

HAMPSHIRE DISTRICT COURT

Interland Real Estate v. Associated Elevator

Allegation: Breach of service contract: $1,577

Filed: 3/21/19

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

Timothy Lipski v. Notorious Vapors, Samsung SDI America Inc., Samsung SDI Co. Ltd., and Does 1-50, inclusive

Allegation: Product liability, negligence, defective design, negligent manufacture, breach of implied warranty, breach of express warranty; e-cigarette and lithium-ion battery exploded during use, causing personal injury: $100,000

Filed: 3/11/19

Robert Fogel, personal representative of the estate of Bruce Fogel v. Domenick Sciaruto, M.D.; John Levine, PA-C; Ambulatory Care Physicians at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, P.C.; and Ambulatory, Employee, Industrial, Occupational and Urgent Healthcare, LLC

Allegation: Medical malpractice: $25,000+

Filed: 3/15/19

Agenda

By
Agenda

Paid Family and Medical Leave Seminar

April 18: Over the past few months, Massachusetts-based employers have been inundated with information about the upcoming Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave requirements. Unfortunately, this deluge of information has done little to answer employers’ pressing questions. To date, most of this information has been speculative or otherwise subject to change before implementation. In fact, the most helpful information thus far, the new Massachusetts Department of Family and Medical Leave’s draft regulations, has only given an idea of what the program will probably look like. These draft regulations are just that: a draft. They are subject to change prior to the issuance of final regulations. The good news is there are some things we do know for sure, and there is still some time before employer obligations go into effect. Royal, P.C. will host a discussion of the steps employers can begin to take to prepare for the implementation of Paid Family and Medical Leave. The event will be held from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at 270 Pleasant St., Northampton. The price is $30 per person, and registration is limited. For more information or to register, contact Heather Loges at (413) 586-2288 or [email protected].

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

April 20: The Starting Gate at GreatHorse will host breakfast with the Easter Bunny the Saturday before Easter at 9 a.m. The facility is located at 128 Wilbraham Road, Hampden. An Easter breakfast buffet will feature buttermilk pancakes, scrambled eggs, pork sausage links, applewood bacon, golden breakfast potatoes, fresh fruit, mini danish, hot cross buns, bagels, coffee, tea, orange juice, and milk. The event will include Easter crafts and games, including an Easter egg hunt. This event is open to the public. The cost is $35, including tax and service charges. The event is free for children under age 1. Call (413) 566-5158 for reservations.

Springfield Art Stop

April 26: The Springfield Cultural Partnership (SCP) announced the return of Art Stop, a pop-up gallery/street festival hybrid, from 5 to 8 p.m. The SCP is partnering with venues downtown to open galleries in unexpected spaces simultaneously. Additionally, several existing Springfield art galleries along this year’s route will also participate as stops along the Art Stop. Between the galleries, which will have the typical artist talks and receptions, there will be street performances. Art Stop was designed to activate underutilized community spaces with colorful art, create economic opportunity for artists, and bring communities together. Galleries will all be located in downtown Springfield. Each individual gallery opening will have an reception with the artist on site to both sell and talk about their work. This year, the SCP has also partnered with several downtown restaurants that will offer a discount on food to Art Stop attendees who present their Art Stop ‘passport’ on April 26. The SCP, along with organizing the curation of art in the pop-up spaces, is hiring unique buskers to encourage attendees to walk from place to place. Guides will be strategically placed to guide attendees along the Art Stop route. The performers will showcase an array of dance, music, and entertainment. All locations are within a walkable area.

Daffodil 5K Run/Walk & 10K Run

April 28: Big Brothers Big Sisters will host the ninth annual Daffodil 5K Run/Walk & 10K Run. This festive, family-friendly event takes place at Kendrick Park in Amherst, with the race kicking off at 10 a.m.

Before the race, registrants can enjoy Esselon Coffee and a pre-race warmup with 50/50 Fitness/Nutrition. The post-race party for all registrants and volunteers will include a barbecue lunch provided by the Pub, music with DJ Matt Peterson, a bounce house, hula hooping with Hoop Joy, and balloon art. New this year, Crooked Stick Pops will bring their popsicles to the party, and there will be a tent sale of gently used children’s books curated by author and illustrator Diane deGroat. With a goal of raising $60,000 this year, the Daffodil Run is the largest annual fundraiser for CHD’s Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County and provides vital funds for its mentoring programs. This year, it is partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampden County, and participants can decide which agency their fundraising will benefit. “The Daffodil Run is a favorite springtime event in our community, with 1,000 people joining together each year to have fun and support youth-mentoring programs,” said Jessie Cooley, director of CHD’s Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County. “By partnering with our friends in Hampden County, we hope to create an even bigger impact and to match more young people in our region with mentors.” Runners and walkers can register online until Wednesday, April 24, and race-day registration is available beginning at 8 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top three overall finishers in each gender category, as well as top finishers for each age group and top fundraisers. Community members are invited to join the festivities at Kendrick Park and cheer on the runners and walkers along the route. For more information and to register for the race, visit daffodilrun2019.racewire.com.

DiGrigoli Educational Programs

April 29: For the first time in many years, Paul DiGrigoli, owner of DiGrigoli Salon and DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology in West Springfield and a national spokesperson and educator for the beauty industry, will offer his popular seminars to all local salon professionals and business owners. The all-day program at the Log Cabin in Holyoke will kick off at 10 a.m. with DiGrigoli’s most popular program, “Booked Solid,” based off his best-selling book in the beauty industry of the same name. Designed to help stylists, estheticians, nail techs, or anyone in the service industry to increase sales and retention, “Booked Solid” has inspired professionals across the country at major beauty shows, colleges, and businesses for more than 15 years. After lunch, the day will conclude with “How to Build a Healthy Salon or Business” from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. This leadership program, geared towards salon and beauty professionals, business owners, managers, or anyone in a leadership position, will use DiGrigoli’s more than 35 years of experience in the industry to educate on the best leadership practices, how to cultivate a healthy team or healthy business, and how to outperform the competition. This intensive workshop is being made possible through the sponsorship of Sullivan Beauty in New Hampshire. For more information and to purchase tickets, interested stylists and professionals should visit www.sullivanbeauty.com.

Elder-law and Estate-planning Series

May 6, 13, 20: Attorney Karen Jackson of Jackson Law, an elder-law and estate-planning firm, will teach a series of classes highlighting the latest developments in elder law and estate planning at Holyoke Community College (HCC). The six-hour course, called “Elder Law and Estate Planning: What You Need to Know,” will be presented on three consecutive Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m. Jackson will present comprehensive subject matter on what she calls “The Core Estate Plan,” in which she will explain core documents and provide stories and examples. She will also discuss “The Probate Court Process and Medicare Hot Topics” and “Community Care Programs and MassHealth Planning for Nursing-home Care.” In the first session, Jackson will explain each document in the core estate plan. She will discuss the problems that can occur when proper documents are not prepared before a loss of mental capacity or physical health or before sudden loss of life. The second session will address four areas: trusts, the probate court process, Medicare hot topics, and options for community care and home care. Jackson will provide pertinent information and details about each to assist attendees in planning now. In the third and final session, Jackson will introduce the various Medicaid programs that provide long-term skilled-nursing home care in Massachusetts and the financial assistance associated with each. While participants may attend only one session of their choosing, they must still pay the full course cost of $89. To register, call (413) 552-2500 or visit www.hcc.edu/bce.

40 Under Forty Gala

June 20: BusinessWest will present its 13th annual 40 Under Forty Gala, a celebration of 40 young business and civic leaders in Western Mass. The lavish cocktail party, to begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Log Cabin in Holyoke, will feature butlered hors d’oeuvres, food stations, and entertainment — and, of course, the presentation of the class of 2019, which will be profiled in the April 29 issue of BusinessWest and at businesswest.com. Also, the fifth Continued Excellence Award honoree will be announced. Tickets cost $75 per person, and tables of 10 are available. For more information, call (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or e-mail [email protected]. PeoplesBank is the presenting sponsor, Health New England is the Continued Excellence Award sponsor, and WWLP-22 News is the media sponsor. Other sponsors include the Isenberg School of Management, MP CPAs, Mercedes-Benz of Springfield, Live Nation, MGM Springfield, and YPS of Greater Springfield (partner).

‘Thrive After 55’ Wellness Fair

June 21: State Sen. Eric Lesser announced that he will host the third annual “Thrive After 55” Wellness Fair in partnership with Health New England, Springfield College, and the Center for Human Development (CHD). This year’s fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Field House on the campus of Springfield College, 263 Alden St., Springfield. The fair is free and open to the public. With more than 70 local organizations ranging from health and fitness to nutrition and elder law, the annual fair will connect residents of the Greater Springfield area with information and resources to help them thrive. The event will feature several educational seminars which will highlight areas of interest for attendees, including estate planning and elder law, scam avoidance, and diet and nutrition. Heart Song Yoga Center of East Longmeadow will return for a third year with an interactive demonstration of chair yoga and movement. The free program includes a boxed lunch, hundreds of raffle prizes, and access to information and experts. To RSVP, call Lesser’s office at (413) 526-6501 or visit senatorlesser.com/thrive.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

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Chamber Corners

1BERKSHIRE
www.1berkshire.com
(413) 499-1600

• April 24: Good News Business Salute, 7:30-9 a.m. Throughout the year, 1Berkshire selects businesses and organizations to recognize at events called Good News Business Salutes. These may honor an expansion, creation of new jobs, a significant milestone or anniversary, the unveiling of a new program, or a substantial new commitment to the community. The Esther Quinn Award will be given out at this event to an actively involved community member. Cost: $35 for members; $50 for non-members. Register at bit.ly/2H71NS6.

• May 29: 1Berkshire Chamber Nite, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Fairview Hospital, 29 Lewis Ave., Great Barrington. Join us for the May Chamber Nite in partnership with the Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce. Members of either organization get in free for this networking opportunity. To register, visit www.1berkshire.com.

AMHERST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.amherstarea.com
(413) 253-0700

• April 17: Amherst Area Economic Development Panel, 4-6 p.m., hosted by UMass Old Chapel. A presentation of the state of economic development in Amherst and a panel discussion of the community’s strategic advantage as well as a vision for the future of economic development in the Amherst area.

• April 19-28: Daffodil Days. In celebration of spring, the Amherst downtown will be adorned with sprouting daffodils and artistic storefront windows. Many restaurants, cafés, and shops will have special spring offerings and sales.

• May 15: May After 5, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Amity Street Dental. Join us for an evening of networking at Amity Street Dental, and find out more about the work of Dr. Hunt, Dr. Castenson, and Dr. Ivancev, as well as their new ‘Amity plan’ for small businesses. Enjoy food from the Pub. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members.

• May 18: Amherst Downtown Lives United Day. Amherst Downtown businesses are coming together to support United Way of Hampshire County. On May 18, several businesses have pledged 5% of sales or a minimum of $250 to United Way.

FRANKLIN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.franklincc.org
(413) 773-5463

• April 18: Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Polish American Citizens Club, 46 South Main St., South Deerfield. Sponsored by Polish National Credit Union. A networking event featuring a cash bar and an all-Polish menu by Hamel’s Catering. Register at franklincc.org or by e-mailing [email protected].

• April 26: Monthly Chamber Breakfast Series, 7:30-9 a.m., hosted by Terrazza Restaurant. Sponsored by the Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice. Full breakfast will be served during the program, featuring a panel celebrating the contribution of today’s immigrants. Speakers include Laurie Millman, executive director for the Center for New Americans; Abas Cecunjanin, owner of Terrazza Restaurant; Arjen Vriend, owner of Pioneer Gardens Inc.; and Geetu Shokeen, owner of Montague Dental Arts. Register at franklincc.org or by e-mailing [email protected].

• May 9: Franklin County Community Development Corp. Entrepreneur of the year Awards, 5 p.m., hosted by Hawks and Reed Performing Arts Center, 289 Main St., Greenfield. Awards, music, food, and mingling. For more information, visit fccdc.org.

• May 26: Chamber Lunch: noon to 1:30 p.m., hosted by Greenfield Community College Dining Commons. Featuring Mike Kennealy, secretary, Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development. Sponsored by Greenfield Community College Foundation and the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. Cost: $18 for members, $20 for non-members. Register at franklincc.org or e-mail [email protected].

GREATER CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101

• April 17: Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., hosted by Willits-Hallowell Center. Sponsored by Westfield Bank, Holyoke Medical Center, N. Riley Construction Inc., Polish National Credit Union, USI Insurance Services, Spherion Staffing Services, and PeoplesBank. Marketing for small business chief greeter: Chris Thompson of CT Enterprises. Keynote speaker: Alfonso Santaniello of Creative Strategy Agency. Cost: $25 for members, $30 for non-members. Sign up online at chicopeechamber.org/events.

• April 25: Business After Hours – Happy Hour After Hours, 4:30-6:30 p.m., hosted by Exchange St. Station. Come after work and relax and enjoy a drink and some light refreshments. Don’t forget your business cards. Cost: $10 for member, $15 for non-members. Sign up online at chicopeechamber.org/events.

• May 15: May Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., hosted by Munich Haus. Sponsored by: Westfield Bank, Holyoke Medical Center, N. Riley Construction Inc., Polish National Credit Union, USI Insurance Services, Spherion Staffing Services, PeoplesBank, Galaxy Community Council, and the Arbors Kids. Chief Greeter: Stephanie Shaw, Chicopee Veterans Services. Keynote Speaker: Col. Peters of the 439th Airlift Wing. Cost: $25 for members, $30 for non-members. Sign up online at chicopeechamber.org/events.

• May 17: Lights On Art & Culture, 5-8 p.m. Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, Chicopee Cultural Council, SilverBrick Mills, and the City of Chicopee are collaborating once again to show appreciation to those who live, work, and play in the downtown area. For one evening, participating businesses will showcase an artist and/or musician. This is a free event.

• May 21: Chamber Seminar: “Assessing and Developing Future Leaders” with Michael Kline, PsyD, 8:30-10:30 a.m., hosted by La Quinta Inn & Suites. Series sponsored by Westfield Bank. Cost: $30. Sign up online at chicopeechamber.org/events.

• May 23: Business After Hours, 4:30-6:30 p.m., hosted by Williams Distributing. Series Sponsored by Polish National Credit Union. Monthly sponsors are Galaxy Community Council and the Arbors Kids. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Sign up online at chicopeechamber.org/events.

• May 31: Chicopee Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament, 10 a.m. shotgun start, hosted by Chicopee Country Club. Presented by Polish National Credit Union. Sponsored by First American Insurance Agency Inc., Westfield Bank, Holyoke Medical Center, Poly-Plating Inc., Hampton Inn, Residence Inn of Chicopee, Tru by Hilton, ICNE, Roca Inc., and Health New England. Cost: $125 per golfer, $500 per team of four, and/or $20 golfer package that includes 25 raffle tickets and one mulligan. Sign up online at chicopeechamber.org/events.

GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.easthamptonchamber.org
(413) 527-9414

• April 25: Food 4 Thought Lunch & Learn, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., hosted by Mill 180 Park, 180 Pleasant St., Easthampton. Robin Kline, director of Volunteer & Guest Services at Cooley Dickinson Health Care, will facilitate a program about customer Service. If you think it’s no big deal, think again. This seemingly innocuous little detail can make or break an organization. A box lunch is included with registration. Cost: $25 for members, $35 for future members. For more information and to register, visit www.easthamptonchamber.org or call the chamber at (413) 527-9414.

• May 9: Networking by Night, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Glendale Grill, 65 Glendale St., Easthampton. Sponsored by bankESB. Event will feature food provided by Glendale Grill, a cash bar, and business-to-business relationship building. Cost: free to members and their employees, $20 for non-members. Pre-registration is required. For more information and to register, visit www.easthamptonchamber.org or call the chamber at (413) 527-9414.

• May 22: Chamber on the Vine, 5:30-8:30 a.m., hosted by Glendale Ridge Vineyard, 155 Glendale Road, Southampton. Join us for a night under the stars. The Floyd Patterson Band will provide music, the vineyard will provide wine, and food will be provided by Little Truc food truck and Crooked Stick Pops. Pre-registration is required, as tickets are limited. The deadline for refunds is May 15. This is a rain-or-shine event. No tickets will be sold at the door. Cost: $25 for music alone, $35 for music and wine. For more information and to register, visit www.easthamptonchamber.org or call the chamber at (413) 527-9414.

GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.northamptonchamber.com
(413) 584-1900

• April 23: Workshop: CyberSafe, 9 a.m. to noon, hosted by Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton. Presented by Pioneer Training. CyberSafe is a three-hour workshop for non-technical users that focuses on using technology without compromising personal or organizational security. Students will learn the skills they need to protect digital data on computers, networks, mobile devices, and the internet. They will learn how to identify many of the common risks involved in using technology, such as phishing, spoofing, malware, and social engineering, and then learn how to protect themselves and their organizations from those risks. Cost: $50 for members, $60 for non-members.

• May 1: May Arrive @ 5, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Emerson Way, Northampton. A networking event sponsored by Gove Law Office, Keiter Builders, and Kuhn Riddle Architects. Cost: $10 for members.

• May 14: Workshop: “Microsoft Word Tips,” 9-11 a.m., hosted by the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton. Presented by Pioneer Training. This workshop contains a variety of quick tips and tricks in Microsoft Word that will save hours of time. Attendees will learn to add buttons to the Quick Access Toolbar; shortcuts for selecting words, sentences, and paragraphs; and how (and why) to display non-printing characters in a document. Practice using the Format Painter to copy formatting and fix problems with numbered and bulleted lists. Learn to create AutoCorrect entries to correct common typos, and AutoText entries and Quick Parts to easily enter frequently used text. Cost: $25 for members, $35 for non-members.

• May 28: Workshop: “Upgrading to Office 365,” 9-11 a.m., hosted by the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton. Presented by Pioneer Training. Cost: $35 for members, $45 for non-members.

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618

• April 25: Westfield Education to Business Alliance High School Career Fair, 8-10:30 a.m., hosted by Westfield State University, Woodward Center, 395 Western Ave., Westfield. Don’t miss the chance to help shape the future through workforce development in the community. Create connections for your business and the next generation of your workforce by inspiring Westfield High School and Westfield Technical Academy students with career and college exploration. More than 500 students will be in attendance. There is no charge to be a vendor. Register online at www.westfieldbiz.org/events. For sponsorships or more information, call the chamber at (413) 568-1618.

• April 30: Marketplace Sip & Shop, 5-7 p.m., hosted by the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce and the Southwick Economic Development Committee at the Ranch Golf Club, 65 Sunnyside Road, Southwick. Join more than 40 local merchants while sipping your way through the market. Refreshments and cash bar available. This event is free and open to the public. Vendor cost: $50 if bringing a table, $75 if you would like us to provide the table, or if you would like floor space. Vendor sign-up and additional details available online at www.westfieldbiz.org/events. For sponsorships or more information, call the chamber at (413) 568-1618.

SOUTH HADLEY & GRANBY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.shgchamber.com
(413) 532-6451

• April 17: Business After 5, 5-7 p.m., hosted by the Thirsty Mind, located in South Hadley’s Village Commons, across the street from Mount Holyoke College. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. RSVP and direct questions to [email protected], and mail a check, payable to the South Hadley & Granby Chamber of Commerce, to 2 Lyman St., South Hadley, MA 01075.

SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL CHAMBER
www.springfieldregionalchamber.com
(413) 787-1555

• May 1: Rise & Shine Business Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., hosted by the Log Cabin, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Featuring Robert Glazer, founder and CEO of Acceleration Partners. Cost: $25 for members in advance ($30 at the door), $35 for non-members in advance ($40 at the door).

• May 7: Lunch and Learn: “Paid Family and Medical Leave,” 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., hosted by East Mountain Country Club, 1458 East Mountain Road, Westfield. Presented by Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C. Cost: $35 for members, $50 for non-members.

• May 23: Stars & Strikes, 5:30-8 p.m., hosted by the Tap Room at MGM Springfield. Featuring celebrity bowlers, passed appetizers, and unlimited games. Cost: $20

Reservations for all chamber events may be made by visiting www.springfieldregionalchamber.com, e-mailing [email protected], or calling (413) 755-1310.

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.ourwrc.com
(413) 426-3880

• May 9: Networking Lunch, noon to 1:30 p.m., hosted by Crestview Country Club, Agawam. You must be a member or guest of a member to attend. Enjoy a sit-down lunch while networking with fellow chamber members. Each attendee will get a chance to offer a brief intro and company overview. The only cost to attend for members is the cost of lunch (additional $10 fee for non-members). Attendees will order off the menu and pay separately that day. Please note, we cannot invoice you for these events. Register online at www.westoftheriverchamber.com.

• May 15: Night of Networking with YPS, 5-7 p.m., hosted by the Zoo in Forest Park. Bring lots of business cards to this co-hosted event. Mingle, tour, and network for a night of fun and business. Cost: free for members, $10 for non-members. Register online at www.westoftheriverchamber.com.

• May 22: Job Fair 2019: Local Jobs for Local People, 3-8 p.m., hosted by Storrowton Tavern & Carriage House, West Springfield. The West of the River Chamber will host a local job fair. West Springfield and Agawam businesses along with other employment opportunities will be showcased for the public. High-school students, college students, and adults will attend this event looking to begin or advance their careers. This event is free and open to the public. To be a participating vendor, register online at www.westoftheriverchamber.com.

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY OF GREATER SPRINGFIELD
springfieldyps.com

• April 19: April Third Thursday featuring area graduate schools, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Samuel’s at the Hall of Fame. Join us for our monthly Third Thursday while learning about graduate schools from representatives from various area colleges and universities. Cost: free for members, $10 for non-members. Learn more at springfieldyps.com.

• May 18: Third annual Adult Field Day, 9 a.m. to noon, hosted by Train for Life, Chicopee. Teams compete in games for prizes. Beer and food available. No athletic ability required. Special registration pricing before April 18: $20 for YPS, Train for Life, or Extra Innings members; $30 for non-members. After April 18: $25 for YPS, Train for Life, or Extra Innings members; $35 for non-members. To register, visit springfieldyps.com.

People on the Move

By
People on the Move
Matthew Mainville

Matthew Mainville

The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke recently welcomed its new board chair, Matthew Mainville, executive director of the Holyoke Housing Authority. He has been involved with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke as a board member for the last nine years, serving as first vice chair for the last four years. Mainville has 15 years of progressive housing experience in mixed finance development, HOPE VI, and facilities and operational management. He was named executive director of the Holyoke Housing Authority in 2013, overseeing 49 employees and a $22 million budget. An active member of the community, he serves as a board member of the Holyoke Economic Development and Industrial Corp., a member of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission Regional Housing Committee, and a board member with the United Way Emergency Food and Shelter Program. Matthew received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UMass Amherst. The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke also expressed its appreciation for its past board chair, James Sullivan, president of O’Connell Development Group. He led the organization for the past four years and has been a pillar in community development for decades. He will continue to stay involved in the board, serving as an executive committee member.

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Jennifer Adams

Jennifer Adams

Mark Sullivan, president of D.A. Sullivan & Sons, announced the recent promotion of Jennifer Adams to director of Business Development. Since joining the company in 2012 as an administrative assistant, Adams has assumed increasing responsibility and is now responsible for all company-wide marketing initiatives, including advertising, website updates, and social-media channels. She also assists with company procurement by coordinating all phases of the proposal process in response to private, state, and U.S. government requests for proposals/qualifications, as well as assisting estimators with bid-related forms and documentation.

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Stefan Sjoberg

Stefan Sjoberg

Talia Landry

Talia Landry

The law firm of Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury and Murphy, P.C. announced that attorneys Stefan Sjoberg and Talia Landry have recently joined the firm. Both were born and raised in Western Mass. and are graduates of Western New England University School of Law. Sjoberg’s practice encompasses business law, estate planning, probate litigation, and taxation. Landry’s practice includes estate planning and elder law, personal injury, and commercial litigation.

•••••

Leavitt Family Jewish Home, part of JGS Lifecare and Chelsea Jewish Lifecare, acknowledged Dr. Udaya Jagadeesan and Dr. David Pierangelo for their outstanding work. Both doctors recently received a certificate from the Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (AMDA) in honor of the National Day of Recognition for Long-Term Care Physicians. This certificate recognizes the dedication, compassion, and quality of care that Jagadeesan and Pierangelo provide to the long-term residents at Leavitt Family Jewish Home. The U.S. Congress designated this day in 2010 to honor AMDA founder Dr. William Dowd, who recognized that residents of nursing homes were patients with complex medical problems and that physicians need to be involved in establishing standards of management and clinical care for the frail elderly and other residents in long-term-care facilities.

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Michelle Carleton

Michelle Carleton

Michelle Carleton has been promoted to vice president of Residential Services at Berkshire Family and Individual Resources Inc. (BFAIR). She is responsible for overseeing the DDS Residential & Acquired Brain Injury Residential Services, Adult Family Care/Shared Living, and the director of Maintenance. Carleton has more than three decades of experience working in the healthcare and human-service field. Since joining BFAIR in March 2017, she has held the positions of Acquired Brain Injury Program coordinator and most recently director of Acquired Brain Injury Residential Services.

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Mae Stiles

Mae Stiles

Fierst, Kane & Bloomberg, LLP announced that Mae Stiles has become of counsel to the firm. She has 11 years of experience in complex commercial litigation, including antitrust and intellectual property matters, as well as a wide variety of corporate and licensing transactions. Stiles is a graduate of the University of Vermont and the University of Pennsylvania Law School. She is admitted to practice in the state and federal courts of Massachusetts, New York, and California.

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Florence Bank recently announced that Justin LaMontagne and Jennifer Halpin were named the recipients of its 2019 President’s Award, while Susan Seaver was named its Community Support Award winner for 2019. LaMontagne is an information technology specialist at the main headquarters and has been with Florence Bank for two years. He is a graduate of Branford Hall Career Institute and the New England Institute of Art. Halpin is the employee relationship manager at the main headquarters and has been with Florence Bank for four years. She received her associate degree in business administration from Berkshire Community College and a bachelor’s degree in management from UMass Amherst. The President’s Award is a tradition established by the bank in 1995, affording employees opportunities to nominate their peers for this prestigious award that recognizes outstanding performance, customer service, and overall contribution to Florence Bank. Seaver, a mortgage loan originator, joined Florence Bank in May 2014 and has 30 years of banking experience. The Community Support Award was established by the bank in 1997 as a means of formally recognizing employees who are active participants in community events and donate their personal and professional time to local not-for-profit organizations. Each year, the award recipient has the opportunity to select a not-for-profit organization of his or her choice, and the bank makes a donation to that organization. At Seaver’s recommendation, Florence Bank will make a donation to the Michael J. Dias Foundation of Ludlow, which has a mission to help those who are battling the disease of addiction. Seaver is an active member of the community service committee at the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley, and serves as a designated financial counselor for the Way Finders organization, working to confront homelessness in communities throughout Western Mass. She also volunteers as a classroom reader in support of the Link to Libraries organization in East Longmeadow and is an avid supporter of the Michael J. Dias Foundation.

•••••

Tammy Gamache

Tammy Gamache

Gove Law Office announced that paralegal Tammy Gamache has joined the firm. She has more than five years of experience as a paralegal and will be focused on residential and commercial real-estate transactions. Gamache earned her certificate of advanced paralegal studies from Elms College after graduating from Bay Path College with a bachelor’s degree. She is a member of Lambda Epsilon Chi, the National Honor Society in Paralegal and Legal Assistant Studies. She is also a foster for National Great Pyrenees Rescue, an organization that rescues Great Pyrenees dogs from across the U.S. that have been abused, neglected, or picked up as strays.

•••••

John Kovalchik

John Kovalchik

Holyoke Medical Center (HMC) announced the promotion of John Kovalchik to director of ACO Operations. With extensive experience leading healthcare-management initiatives (most recently as manager of the Center for Behavioral Health at HMC), Kovalchik is well-positioned to bring the facility to the next level by improving quality of care, meeting measurable benchmarks, accurately reflecting the hospital’s population’s health risks, and maintaining lower overall healthcare costs — all mandates of value-based ACO models. ACOs, or accountable-care organizations, are provider-led organizations that support new federal and state initiatives to shift from the previous model of fee-for-service healthcare to a value-based system that puts more of the risk on the provider. In his new position, Kovalchik is overseeing management initiatives for the two ACOs in which HMC participates. The first is through a unique partnership with UMass Memorial Medical Center, involving 50,000 lives split among seven hospitals, four federally qualified health centers, and several private physicians’ offices, covering Central and Western Mass. The second is a statewide ACO participating in a major new demonstration to support a value-based restructuring of MassHealth’s healthcare delivery and payment system. For this initiative, HMC partners with the Boston Accountable Care Organization and BMC Healthnet Plan to form an ACO named the BMC Healthnet Plan Community Alliance. Kovalchik is also overseeing HMC’s $750,000 CHART grant from the Health Policy Commission, which provides medication-assisted treatment to patients struggling with opiate addiction with the goal of preventing recidivism and helping patients survive and thrive.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

MBK Recognized as Regional Accounting Leader

HOLYOKE — Accounting Today, a leading publication in the certified public accounting industry, has named Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. a regional leader in its top-100 listing in the March issue. Accounting Today’s annual ranking surveys the largest practices in both tax and accounting in 10 major geographic regions across the country. It employs a host of benchmarking data to evaluate the firms’ growth strategies, service areas, and specific client niches. MBK was recognized as a top firm in the New England region. “MBK is dedicated to our belief in the power and potential of Western Massachusetts,” said Managing Partner James Barrett. “We are very proud to have this local commitment recognized on a national level. Our staff works very hard to provide excellent service to our clients as well as resources and information to business owners and decision makers in our marketplace.”

Western New England Wins National Marketing Awards

SPRINGFIELD — Western New England University (WNEU) was named among the top institutions in the nation in the 2018 Collegiate Advertising Awards and the 34th annual Education Advertising Awards, two programs designed to recognize higher-education organizations for excellence in communications, marketing, advertising, and promotion of their schools. Western New England University and its creative partner, Spark451, received a total of four Gold awards. The university’s centennial logo, created to commemorate 100 years, claimed gold in both competitions. The recently launched WNE: The Magazine of Western New England University claimed gold in the Collegiate Advertising Awards competition. The biannual publication explores stories drawn from a cross section of the university, highlighting faculty research, campus happenings, and alumni achievements. Meanwhile, the “What’s New at WNE?” brochure took home top honors in the brochure category. The annual publication shines the spotlight on the latest university developments, including new facilities, academic programs, and faculty and student accomplishments. 

Smith & Wesson Donates Proceeds from Game Dinner to Pioneer Valley USO

SPRINGFIELD — Smith & Wesson Corp. announced it has contributed more than $32,000 to the Pioneer Valley USO. Proceeds raised from the company’s annual game dinner have benefited the Pioneer Valley USO and its programs supporting American military personnel and their families for more than a decade. Armed-forces members and families access the USO for social, recreational, educational, and entertainment programs and services. At the annual event, Smith & Wesson game dinner attendees enjoy a variety of wild game dishes prepared by a team of dedicated volunteers. One of the most popular events of its kind, the dinner hosts nearly 500 guests, and this year featured menu items including pheasant, elk, bear, boar, moose, and venison. Led by Chef Norm Boucher from Chicopee Comprehensive High School’s culinary department, volunteers created dishes like antelope meatballs marinara, southern-style pulled boar, pot roast of Maine black bear, and wild bird pot pie. In addition to the food-preparation team, Smith & Wesson volunteers donated more than 500 personal hours to make the event a success. The game meat was donated by hunters affiliated with Smith & Wesson, Foggy Mountain Guide Service, and Linx Wildlife Management, among others. This year’s event included a limited number of sponsorships, giving local businesses the opportunity to show their support. Big-game sponsor Thorn Industries of Three Rivers, as well as other area businesses, provided additional support for the USO.

Governor Celebrates Opening of New Physical Sciences Building at UMass Amherst

AMHERST — Gov. Charlie Baker recently celebrated the opening of the new Physical Sciences Building (PSB) at UMass Amherst, a facility funded by the state that fosters and expands cutting-edge collaborative learning and research at the Commonwealth’s flagship campus. “We were pleased to invest in the new Physical Sciences Building, which will serve as a hub for the natural sciences at UMass Amherst,” Baker said. “The facility’s expansion will help foster new research and career opportunities, which will help support the STEM workforce pipeline here in Massachusetts.” The 95,000-square-foot PSB opened this academic year after three years of construction and incorporates the reconstructed West Experiment Station, a 19th-century agricultural soils research laboratory and one of the university’s most historic buildings. Funding for the $101.8 million project included $85 million from the state and $16.8 million financed by the campus through the UMass Building Authority. The PSB provides offices, specialized laboratories, and approximately 130 laboratory benches for the Physics and Chemistry departments. The laboratories are constructed in a layout that can be reconfigured many times during the life of the building. Among other fields, the PSB supports scientific discovery in material science, condensed matter and nuclear physics, and organic chemistry. The faculty hosted in these facilities have collectively been awarded $127 million in grants and are working on the forefront of science.

Franklin First Federal Credit Union Honored with Community Hero Award

SPRINGFIELD — Franklin First Federal Credit Union was honored as a Community Hero at the Credit Union Heroes and Community Bank Heroes Awards Gala on March 28, hosted at MGM Springfield by American Business Media, publisher of Banking New England and Centerpoint magazines. Wolf and Co., one of the nation’s leading tax, audit, and CPA firms, was the gala’s presenting sponsor. The gala recognized 18 community banks and credit unions from across New England for their creation of community partnerships and going beyond the call to aid their community. Franklin First was recognized for its partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Franklin County through the creation of a financial carnival designed to educate youth in the community about identifying, earning, and spending money. Franklin First organized several financial carnivals to coincide with mentoring sessions with local ‘bigs’ (Age 16-18) and ‘littles’ (ages 8-11) as a fun, educational alternative to their normal mentoring sessions. The carnivals involved a series of games designed to identify currency, separate wants from needs, recognize expenses, and experience financial gains and losses, all while tracking their earnings and expenses in a savings register to save up for a fun prize at the end of the night. Franklin First received Silver in the category of credit unions with less than $500 million in assets.

PeoplesBank Named Second-Fastest-Growing Bank In Massachusetts

HOLYOKE — The Boston Business Journal published its list of the fastest-growing banks in Massachusetts, and, following its acquisition of First National Bank of Suffield, PeoplesBank ranked second on the list. “About 50% of our growth came from the merger,” said Brian Canina, chief financial officer of PeoplesBank. “But the untold story is that the rest of that growth was organic. We attribute our organic growth to our mutual charter. We do not have to divert earnings to shareholders, so we can reinvest in our organization and the communities we serve. That means improved technology, better products and services — including rates and terms — as well as a level of investment in the community that is unmatched by our competitors.”

Bay Path Receives Truth Initiative Grant, Pledges to Go Tobacco-free

LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University recently announced it is one of 48 colleges and universities to be awarded a grant from Truth Initiative to adopt a 100% tobacco-free or smoke-free campus policy. The effort is part of a national movement among students, faculty, and administrators to address smoking and tobacco use at college campuses throughout the U.S. Ninety-nine percent of all smokers start smoking before the age of 26, making college campuses a critical part in the fight against youth tobacco use. Since 2015, the Truth Initiative Tobacco-Free College Program, in partnership with CVS Health, has awarded more than $1.8 million in funding to 154 colleges and universities to prevent young adults from starting tobacco use, help tobacco smokers quit, and reduce everyone’s exposure to secondhand smoke. Bay Path University’s efforts are part of a growing trend to clean the air on campuses. Currently, more than 2,342 higher-education institutions in the U.S. have gone smoke- or tobacco-free.

Springfield College Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship Wins Grant

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield College Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship has been awarded a $265,000 grant from the Davis Educational Foundation to assist in the creation of faculty-development opportunities focused on the implementation of real-time assessment procedures to help increase and maintain student academic success. The grant will allow the center to fund faculty from across departments and schools to engage in workshops on assessment, implement those strategies into their courses, and use the assessment data to evaluate program-learning outcomes. The goals are to improve the timelines of interventions when students are not meeting learning objectives and to move the class forward when all students are meeting those objectives. The center will coordinate the training and provide faculty with the ability to engage in scholarship around the development of these assessment procedures.

Briefcase

By
Briefcase

Employer Confidence Slips in March

BOSTON — Business confidence weakened slightly in March amid signs of both a cyclical global slowdown and persistent demographic factors limiting the growth of the labor force in Massachusetts. The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Business Confidence Index lost 0.3 points to 57.9 during March. Confidence remains within optimistic territory but has lost 5.6 points during the past 12 months. The decrease reflected employer concerns about economic prospects for the next six months. Those concerns outweighed growing optimism among manufacturing companies and rising confidence in the Massachusetts economy. The March survey took place as the government announced that Massachusetts created only 20,000 jobs during 2018 instead of the 65,500 previously estimated. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that average payroll job growth in Massachusetts fell from 1.3% in 2017 to 0.9% last year. The AIM Index, based on a survey of Massachusetts employers, is calculated on a 100-point scale, with 50 as neutral; a reading above 50 is positive, while below 50 is negative. AIM President and CEO Richard Lord said employers remain concerned as Beacon Hill lawmakers undertake a broad discussion of how to fund expensive policy priorities such as transportation infrastructure, public education, and clean energy. He noted that AIM will be part of a group assembled by the state Senate to look at the Massachusetts tax code, adding that “Massachusetts must develop a fair strategy to address its spending needs without harming employers who are already struggling to implement a $1 billion paid family and medical leave program along with the rising cost of both health insurance and energy.”

Two Massachusetts Organizations Call for an End to Trashed Rivers

GREENFIELD — The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) and the Charles River Watershed Assoc. (CRWA), two national leaders in the effort to clean up the nation’s rivers, called on Massachusetts lawmakers to take legislative action on reducing trash before it reaches rivers. The two organizations pointed to a number of bills currently working their way through the Massachusetts State House that would, if approved, go a long way to reduce or eliminate trash that might otherwise end up in the state’s waterways. The proposed legislation includes measures to eliminate single-use plastic bags, restrict single-use plastic straws, and eliminate foam from food containers. “For years, thousands of volunteers from these two organizations have been doing their part to keep our rivers clean,” noted CRC Cleanup Coordinator Stacey Lennard. “Now we want decision makers at the state level to do their part in helping redesign our economy so there isn’t waste in the first place.” Added Emily Norton, CRWA’s executive director, “with environmental regulations being rolled back weekly at the federal level, it is more important than ever that we have strong protections for our waterways at both the state and the local levels. We need your help to make sure that happens.” CRC and CRWA also called on the public to join them in urging legislators to do their part by signing CRC’s petition telling manufacturers, businesses, and local government to lead the way on overhauling how plastic and other waste products are made and used, and to take greater responsibility in solving the trash crisis (visit www.ctriver.org/takeaction); joining the 23rd annual Source to Sea Cleanup on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 27-28, along the Connecticut River and tributary streams across the four-state watershed (visit www.ctriver.org/cleanup to learn more); and participating in the 20th annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup on Saturday, April 27 from 9 a.m. to noon (www.crwa.org/cleanup).

Sportsmen’s Land Trust Announces New License Plate

BOSTON — A new Massachusetts passenger plate is now available at all full-service RMV locations for outdoor enthusiasts interested in wildlife conservation, habitat improvement, and guaranteed public access to Massachusetts land. The new “Habitat and Heritage” plate features a whitetail deer buck drawn by Springfield wildlife artist Edward Snyder. Proceeds from the plate will benefit the Massachusetts Chapter of the Sportsmen’s National Land Trust, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2007, dedicated to conserving and improving wildlife habitat for use by the public. With funds from the license plate, the Sportsmen’s Land Trust can further its mission to acquire open space and partner with other like-minded organizations to complete habitat improvement projects across Massachusetts. For more information, visit the special plates section of the Massachusetts RMV website, or e-mail the SNLT at [email protected].

BusinessWest Accepting Continued Excellence Award Nominations

SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest is looking for nominees for its fifth Continued Excellence Award, and will accept nominations through Friday, May 3. The winner of the award will be unveiled at the magazine’s 40 Under Forty gala on Thursday, June 20. Four years ago, BusinessWest inaugurated the award to recognize past 40 Under Forty honorees who had significantly built on their achievements since they were honored. The first two winners were Delcie Bean, president of Paragus Strategic IT, and Dr. Jonathan Bayuk, president of Allergy and Immunology Associates of Western Mass. and chief of Allergy and Immunology at Baystate Medical Center. Both were originally named to the 40 Under Forty class of 2008. The judges chose two winners in 2017: Scott Foster, an attorney with Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas (40 Under Forty class of 2011); and Nicole Griffin, owner of Griffin Staffing Network (class of 2014). Last year, Samalid Hogan, regional director of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (class of 2013), took home the honor. Candidates must hail from 40 Under Forty classes prior to the year of the award — in this case, classes 2007-18 — and will be judged on qualities including outstanding leadership, dedicated community involvement, professional achievement, and ability to inspire. The award’s presenting sponsor is Health New England. The nomination form is available HERE. A list of the past 12 40 Under Forty classes may be found HERE. For more information, call Bevin Peters, Marketing and Events director, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or e-mail [email protected].

Incorporations

By
Incorporations

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

AMHERST

Gabriel Transportation Inc., 91 Cross Brook, Amherst, MA 01002. Kebede Gashie, same. Transportation services.

BELCHERTOWN

Greater Springfield Girls Fast Pitch Softball Program Inc., 168 Barton Ave., Belchertown, MA 01007. Darrell Phillip Weldon, same. Develop, manage, and organize a girls youth fast pitch softball program.

DALTON

Go Fast Inc., 290 Hubbard Ave., Dalton, MA 01226. Evan Drosehn, same. Sales.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Forge Property Management Inc., 444A North Main St., Suite 315, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Lucas Giusto, same. Real estate management.

GRANBY

Flipflopwws Inc., 63 West State St., Suite 972, Granby, MA 01033. Sylvester Jones, same. Real estate development.

HADLEY

Green Blasting Solutions Inc., 42 River Dr., Hadley, MA 01035. Rick M. White, same. Environmentally friendly water-blasting solution.

HINSDALE

Hayan Inc., 70 South St., Hinsdale, MA 01235. Kirankumar N. Patel, 6 Glen Meadow Road, Franklin, MA 02038. Liquor store.

PITTSFIELD

Gotham City Music Group Inc., 137 Leona Drive, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Marissa J. Light, same. Music production, sales, performances.

SPRINGFIELD

Friends of STCC Inc., One Armory Square, Suite 1, P. O. Box 9000, Springfield, MA 01102. Franklin D. Quigley, 10 Old Farm Road, Wilbraham, MA 01095. Own and manage parking facilities in order to exclusively support the charitable and educational operations of Springfield Technical Community College.

THREE RIVERS

Grateful Development Inc., 38 Lariviere Ave., Three Rivers, MA 01080. Christopher A. Spagnoli, same. Real estate development and consultation.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Firsov Express Inc., 52 Southworth St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Vitalii Firsov, same. Transportation.

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and trade names were issued or renewed during the month of March 2019.

AMHERST

Allen Colrain Engineering
51 Spaulding St.
Bruce Allen

Common Share Food Co-op
141 North Pleasant St.
Susan Morrello

Western Mass Investments
11 Amity St.
Daniel Amoneo

BELCHERTOWN

Melanie S. Lewis, Attorney/Mediator
35 Turkey Hill Road, Suite 201A
Melanie Lewis

Northeast Green
21 Plaza Ave.
George Hassenfratz

Rustic Logging & Tree Service Co.
230 Old Enfield Road
Russell Scott Jr.

Wong Garden
147 North Main St.
Tan Wei Wu, Chao Chen

CHICOPEE

Chicopee Dental Care
661 Front St.
Frederick Kapinos

Frederick J. Kapinos, DDS
661 Front St.
Frederick Kapinos

Great China Restaurant
690 Grattan St.
Mun Ying Cheng, Li Qiu Gao

Marshalls #214
591G Memorial Dr.
Kristin Adams

Truehart Wellness
1512 Memorial Dr., Suite E
Rochelle Truehart-Lambert

DEERFIELD

Dana’s Upholstery and Custom Design
754 River Road
Dana Lavigne

Divine Roots Body Care
257 Conway Road
Teresa Munson, Matthew Munson

EASTHAMPTON

The Massage School
1 Northampton St.
Alexei Levine

Tech180 Systems
180 Pleasant St., Suite 211
Christopher Bakker

EAST LONGMEADOW

Automated Tax Services
264 North Main St., Suite 8
Armand Arce

IMA Farm
32 Hampden Road
Alessandro Meccia

Mec’s Landscaping
32 Hampden Road
Alessandro Meccia

HOLYOKE

Cheap Thrills
167 Chestnut St.
Joseph Cox

Chelsi Trucking
2 St. James Ave.
Paul Reynolds

Cleaning Made Easy
898 Main St.
Angelica Navedo

E.B. Apparel Mass Inc.
50 Holyoke St.
Edward Blanco

Hair-Hunterz
326 Appleton St.
Frankie Cardona

Holyoke Chiropractic Center
512 Westfield Road
Conner Laraway

LUDLOW

All Seal Asphalt
41-43 Owens Way
Gerald Veautour

NORTHAMPTON

A2Z Science & Learning Store
57 King St.
Andre Boulay, Devon Boulay

Andy’s Spaceworks
142 Riverside Dr.
Ann Dollard

Body Zen
150 Main St.
Elizabeth Catalano

Creative Property Solutions
8 Wright Ave.
William Patenaude

Liquid Edge Inc.
249 Main St.
Christine Buchholz, Paul Milani

Packard’s Restaurant
14 Masonic St.
Robert McGovern

Steven Santoro
14 Walnut St.
Stephen Kowalczyk

Western Earthworks, LLC
383 Westhampton Road
John Henderson-Adams

PALMER

Amy’s All Natural Soaps
21 Wilbraham St.
Amy Mitchell

Michael Cardin Photography
1142 South Main St.
Michael Cardin

W & W Wood Co.
25 Ruggles St.
Kyle Vallone

Wishful Soaps Co.
63 Commercial St.
Sasha Ustinovich

SOUTHWICK

Aero Green Urban Farm
23 Bonnie View Road
Renee McGee

F.J. Auctions Inc.
58 Fred Jackson Road
Jaime Jacquier

Like New Auto Detailing & Plowing
17 Charles Johnson Road
Robert Barnes Jr.

Shop One Vintage
36 Deer Run Road
Cree Daniels

Three Beans Consulting
8 Meadow Lane
Tina D’Agostino

SPRINGFIELD

Absolute Quality Floor Refinishing
602 Newbury St.
Frederick Taveras

All-Brite Auto Detailing
731 Liberty St.
Michael Brandford

Alpha Painting Services
231 Oak Grove Ave.
Antonio Delesline

Alterations by Elizabeth
657 Chestnut St.
Elizabeth Daniels

Briella’s New Leaf Lawn Care
7 Willowbrook Dr.
Agustin Rosario

Brotherhood Sales
204 Denver St.
Michael Murdock Jr.

Calderon Transportation
90 Cleveland St.
Wilmy Calderon

Cecilia Unisex
2890 Main St.
Alex Nieves

Cubesmart #6099
340 Taylor St.
Davy Tyrell

De Todo un Poco
152 Rifle St.
Damaris Morales

Diaz DJ & Photobooth Services
122 Drexel St.
Celentino Diaz

Diaz Transport
307 Chestnut St.
Josue Diaz

Dragon & Phoenix Inc.
982 Main St.
Ervin Santiago

Hempire Health & Wellness
528 Main St.
Carl Binette

Isabela Mini Market
26 Longhill St.
Daniedys Pena

Journeys #1280
1655 Boston Road, B14
Julie Galbreth

Juguitos, LLC
112 State St.
Pedro Arroyo

Just Money Showroom
18 Forest Park Ave.
Andrew Chamblee

Palma Smoke and Mart
1196 St. James Ave.
Mohamed Mohamed

Paraviya
41 Copley Terrace
Azmaan Mohamed

Parent Villages
107 Ranney St.
LaTonia Naylor

Performance Auto
479 Main St.
Heather MacDonald

Pine Point Property Management
124 Belvidere St.
Nicholas Leigh

Rooted Living
414 Chestnut St.
James Lauzon

Selfish Desire
57 Beverly Lane
Maritza Soto

Smart Wireless
2754 Main St.
Ana Parker

Smarter Money Planning
37 Normandy Road
Jennifer Leydon

TMG Auto Service
26 Vassar St.
Thomas Gonzalez

Top Shelf
240 Chestnut St.
Paul Ramesh

Touch of NYC Hair Boutique
803 Belmont Ave.
Sophia Evans

WARE

Dr. Kani Brown, OD
352 Palmer Road
Kani Brown

Olde Enfield House
82 Dugan Road
Elizabeth Wansick

R.P. Berthiaume Land Clearing & Logging & Trucking
66 Pulaski St.
Robert Berthiaume

Tanglewood Marionettes
108 Church St.
Peter Schaefer

WESTFIELD

A & Z Autos
66 South Broad St.
A & Z Autos Corp.

Gary’s Auto Repair
11 Bartlett St.
Gary Francis

Gulfstream Aerospace Service Corp.
7 Char Dr.
Gulfstream Aerospace Service Corp.

J & A Overhead Door, LLC
1006 Southampton Road
Brian Harvey

Jessica and Co.
277 Elm St.
Jessica Duffy

K-9 Services
3 Klondike Ave.
Donna Blews

Munchy’s Malt Shop
24 North Elm St.
Munchy’s Malt Shop

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Class General Contracting
425 Union St.
Brian Amand

D & A Home Service
83 South Blvd.
Dmitry Ivanov

Milla’s International Cleaning Service
298 Elm St.
Lyudmila Kolesnik

Namaste Adult Daycare
69 Capital Dr.
Dinesh Patel

Precision Manufacturing
54 Myron St.
Peter Bogdan Urbanek

WILBRAHAM

Alisha Evelyn’s Silver Shears
2141K Boston Road
Alisha DeRosier

Life Care Center of Wilbraham
2399 Boston Road
Wilbraham Medical Investors, LP

Matthew Middleton Electrician
2 Bradlind Ave.
Matthew Middleton

Pickleball Vibe
1028 Stony Hill Road
Xuan Le

Platinum Beverage Services, LLC
1070 Glendale Road
Darren Vickery

Wilbraham & Monson Academy
423 Main St.
Brian Easler

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

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

Adhikari, Prem
463 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/14/19

Alicea, Heather Bernadette
2 Hadley Village Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/07/19

Bazan, Kenneth P.
184 School St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/01/19

Bennet, Linda M.
38 Maple St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/19

Bliven, William B.
Noyes-Bliven, Melissa C
51 Beech St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/13/19

Boisclair, Daniel J.
Boisclair, Paula A.
56 Columbus St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/19

Brochu, Deanne T.
a/k/a Edwards, Deanne T.
Cote, Deanne T.
24 Water St.
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/19

Centeno, Jose
Centeno, Maria
147 Sackett Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/14/19

Coyne, Sean O.
25 Fairview Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/01/19

Emerson, Bonnie Ann
16 David St.
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/07/19

Especially for You in Home Services
Napoli, Terese L.
56 Cuff Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/13/19

Figueroa, Jose F.
23 Taylor St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/04/19

Figueroa, Jose F.
23 Taylor St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/04/19

Flechsig, Gregory C.
Flechsig, Lisa M.
252 Christopher Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/15/19

Forte, Michael R.
1 Mildred Circle
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/15/19

Francis, Christopher Alan
20 Bangor St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/01/19

Gecko Peaceworks
Scott, Ronald Alvah
49 North Union St.
Plainfield, MA 01070
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/07/19

Goller, Bethany A.
a/k/a McDonald, Bethany A.
207 Ashley Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/13/19

Griffith, Leslie Evan
85 Willis Road
Phillipston, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/19

Hammon, Scott A.
Hammon, Heather
10 Wheatland Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/06/19

HAMR Tools LLC
Boissonneault, Ryan R.
Boissonneault, Heather R.
a/k/a Rienti, Heather R.
35 Miller St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/28/19

Harrison, Joanne
6 Spring St.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/01/19

Irzyk, Evelyn B.
44 Fanwood Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/13/19

Jacobs, Stacy L.
11 Champlain St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/01/19

Jones, Donna M.
28 Midway St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/14/19

Jubinville, Lisa
100 Webber St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/04/19

Landrau, Rafael
89 Lehigh St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/09/19

Lawrence, Janene M.
319 Fenn St., Apt 4
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/03/19

Lipscomb, Carl W.
18 America St., Apt. D
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/12/19

Maisonet-Pagan, Savier
a/k/a Maison, Savier
41 Smith St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/19

Martinez, Jesus M.
a/k/a Martinez-Duprey, Jesus M.
58 Biddle St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/12/19

Mayhew, Fitzroy P.
210 Maple St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/28/19

McCann, Owen
216 Pineview Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/14/19

McCarron, Donna M.
109 Pomeroy Meadow Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/19

McCarthy, Joann C.
a/k/a Laferriere, Joann
43 Mashapaug Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/11/19

McClendon Trucking
McClendon, Nicholas R.
25 Labonte Ave.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/07/19

Nehmer, Michele A.
24 Church St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/05/19

Odom, James E.
19 Crittenden St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/07/19

Palubinski, Peter R.
65 Cyman Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/05/19

Pappis, Barbara A.
53 Craig Dr., Apt. W3
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/06/19

Parsons, Frank
61 Dartmouth St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/05/19

Perdomo, Magnolia
116 Middlesex St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/07/19

Plourd, Amy M.
a/k/a Crawford, Amy M.
9 Off Lariviere Ave.
Three Rivers, MA 01080
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/11/19

Puza, Daniel J.
11 Knollwood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/12/19

Rothenberg, Richard L.
323 Coles Meadow Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/03/19

Ruddeforth, Laurain M.
73 Robert Dyer Circle
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/13/19

Sagan, Michael P.
Sagan, Christel M.
a/k/a Zoba, Christel M.
65 Fox St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/19

Senecal, Catherine Ellen
P.O. Box 739
Bondsville, MA 01009
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/06/19

Shire Printworks
Isherwood, Sandra J.
a/k/a Isherwood, Sandi
a/k/a Duprey, Sandra
42 Taft St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/03/19

Shubrick, Catrese
a/k/a Shubrick Tucker, Catrese
53 Palo Alto Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/01/19

Sparkes, Winston G.
206 Pearl St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/13/19

St. Jacques, Robert J.
16 Georgetown Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/13/19

Tavares, Maria G.
340 Holyoke St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/06/19

Vincent, Melissa
a/k/a Banerjee, Melissa A.
a/k/a Allegrezza, Melissa A.
a/k/a Henry, Melissa A.
173 North Main St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/19

Wangamati, Bernard W.
917 Suffield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/04/19

Wood, Eric S.
Wood, Elizabeth L.
35 Richard Eger Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/19

Zybura, Michael A.
334 Hampden St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/13/19

Real Estate Transactions

By
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

DEERFIELD

49 Eastern Ave.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $219,100
Buyer: Morgan R. Lentz
Seller: Michael L. Reider
Date: 03/15/19

GILL

9-11 Walnut St.
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Frank C. Becchetti
Seller: Adie, Angelina E., (Estate)
Date: 03/22/19

GREENFIELD

25 Freeman Dr.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $229,000
Buyer: Scott Sibley
Seller: Lisa J. Appleton
Date: 03/26/19

419 Plain Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Hugh F. Connolly-Brown
Seller: Earl G. Schacht
Date: 03/25/19

61 Silver St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Archelon Properties LLC
Seller: Erin D. Baribeault
Date: 03/13/19

180 Wells St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Marc Guillaume
Seller: Lawrence R. Dennett
Date: 03/22/19

LEVERETT

53 Richardson Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $149,160
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Rosemarie Lega
Date: 03/25/19

MONTAGUE

Old Sunderland Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: James A. Arcoleo
Seller: Craven, Barbara L., (Estate)
Date: 03/15/19

43 Coolidge Ave.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: Kara McColgan
Seller: Angel P. Donovan
Date: 03/22/19

NEW SALEM

31 Blackinton Road
New Salem, MA 01364
Amount: $232,500
Buyer: Cindy E. Penniman
Seller: Jennifer M. Sandova
Date: 03/25/19

ORANGE

53 Hamilton Ave.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Donna Dubour
Seller: William J. Rogers
Date: 03/19/19

Town Farm Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Fred L. Heyes
Seller: Randall G. Blackmer
Date: 03/21/19

97 Wheeler Ave.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $200,300
Buyer: Frances A. Roberts
Seller: James G. Spooner
Date: 03/19/19

272 Wheeler Ave.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Ronald Reid-Leshane
Seller: Jaime A. Prohaska
Date: 03/21/19

SUNDERLAND

162 Hadley Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Hikaru Kozuma
Seller: Marie Hudson
Date: 03/14/19

WHATELY

149 Christian Lane
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Nexamp Free Holdings LLC
Seller: Scott Hutkoski
Date: 03/19/19

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

14 Alhambra Circle North
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $182,000
Buyer: Nathan Potts
Seller: Nathan E. Carr
Date: 03/19/19

49 Hamilton Circle
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $217,000
Buyer: Valerie L. Marcil
Seller: Roger L. Slater
Date: 03/14/19

64 Horsham Place
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $231,100
Buyer: Jessica N. Bolton
Seller: Robert A. Pacitti
Date: 03/26/19

279 Maynard St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $236,000
Buyer: Christopher Kaflik
Seller: Katherine L. Burke
Date: 03/14/19

15 Riverview Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $174,900
Buyer: Charline D. Pysher
Seller: Mark E. Wilson
Date: 03/15/19

501 Shoemaker Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Rebecca Sadlowski
Seller: Gilbert, Virginia J., (Estate)
Date: 03/22/19

430-432 South Westfield St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $168,100
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Wayne Wetherell
Date: 03/21/19

927-929 Springfield St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Cidalia Inacio
Seller: Jason A. Larocque
Date: 03/15/19

33 Woodside Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $215,500
Buyer: Stacee A. Cole
Seller: Catherine Corallo
Date: 03/22/19

CHICOPEE

16 Asinof Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Richard Torres
Seller: Michael Fox
Date: 03/25/19

26 Beauchamp Terrace
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $212,500
Buyer: Jason P. Lapierre
Seller: Robert D. Lusty
Date: 03/14/19

77 Casino Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $167,400
Buyer: Victor Monserrat
Seller: Santo L. Arce
Date: 03/25/19

107 Cochran St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $177,500
Buyer: Nicholas B. Rice
Seller: Wendi Lawson
Date: 03/21/19

63 Crestwood St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $141,500
Buyer: Richard E. Morin
Seller: Morin FT
Date: 03/25/19

259 East Main St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Nadeem Sheikh
Seller: Oak Ridge Custom Home
Date: 03/21/19

66 Edmund St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $232,000
Buyer: Antonio Acevedo
Seller: Thomas M. Casey
Date: 03/14/19

49 Fair St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Alexander Pabon
Seller: Kelly M. Petrowski
Date: 03/22/19

124 Farnsworth St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Rachel M. Blase
Seller: Michael J. Bucalo
Date: 03/22/19

1246 Granby Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $1,665,000
Buyer: Whaling Properties LLC
Seller: Longport LLC
Date: 03/14/19

659 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Shaili & Vrinda Realty LLC
Seller: Umar F. Bhatti
Date: 03/22/19

44 Juliette St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Edward Fulke
Seller: Charles Elfman
Date: 03/15/19

74 Kowal Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Deborah R. Ward
Seller: Jeffrey D. McLeod
Date: 03/15/19

39 Lincoln St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Casa Bonita Apartments
Seller: Dorothy A. Gloster
Date: 03/13/19

545 Memorial Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $18,600,000
Buyer: RK Chicopee LLC
Seller: UE Chicopee Holding LLC
Date: 03/18/19

100 Oakwood St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $166,000
Buyer: Haley J. Jarvis
Seller: FNMA
Date: 03/15/19

42 Simonich Circle
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $166,000
Buyer: Michelle M. Sullivan
Seller: Grazyna M. Andruszko
Date: 03/15/19

38 Thomas St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $171,000
Buyer: Ernie Melendez
Seller: Jeanette K. Kornacki
Date: 03/22/19

20 Veterans Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01022
Amount: $1,975,000
Buyer: 20 Veterans Drive LLC
Seller: A. Michael Fleming
Date: 03/22/19

EAST LONGMEADOW

17 Callender Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $224,900
Buyer: Rebecca C. Moriarty
Seller: Richard Colwell
Date: 03/25/19

62 Cooley Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Gina Calabrese
Seller: Casey Montemagni
Date: 03/21/19

7 Melody Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Gary J. Paulette
Date: 03/25/19

15 Nottingham Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $451,000
Buyer: Eric C. Schmitt
Seller: Karen S. Ford
Date: 03/14/19

382 Porter Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $208,000
Buyer: Lachenauer LLC
Seller: US Bank
Date: 03/22/19

3 Saint Joseph Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Robin Abourizk
Seller: Linda M. Taupier
Date: 03/26/19

GRANVILLE

8 South Lane
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $268,000
Buyer: Josh A. Fraser
Seller: Matthew J. Mountain
Date: 03/13/19

HAMPDEN

45 Circleview Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $162,600
Buyer: AEM Property Investment
Seller: USA HUD
Date: 03/15/19

575 Main St.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $247,388
Buyer: MTGLQ Investors LP
Seller: Susan M. Traniello
Date: 03/25/19

136 Raymond Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Fletcher & Maple LLC
Seller: Dangleis, Teresa M., (Estate)
Date: 03/22/19

HOLYOKE

27 Dillon Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $198,000
Buyer: Jose A. Mendez
Seller: Miriam Colon
Date: 03/15/19

55 Elmwood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Kelly A. Lundgren
Seller: Shirley L. Uggiano
Date: 03/19/19

29 Joanne Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Matthew W. Thompson
Seller: FNMA
Date: 03/19/19

21 Pearson Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Susan Monahan
Seller: Camille C. Girard
Date: 03/19/19

6 Robert Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Michael Henry
Seller: Dominick J. Swistro
Date: 03/15/19

35 Roland St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Heather A. Montgomery
Seller: Melissa Rex
Date: 03/21/19

25 Scott Hollow Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Katie L. Haydocy
Seller: Kevin D. Bechard
Date: 03/22/19

2 Stratford Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $134,702
Buyer: Abraxas RT
Seller: USA HUD
Date: 03/15/19

19 Sylvia Lane
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Jason Lajewski
Seller: Murphy, Edward J., (Estate)
Date: 03/20/19

17 Upland Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Scot A. Mulveyhill
Seller: Daniel A. Melao
Date: 03/22/19

14 Washington Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: Sindia Ocasio
Seller: Linh Ngoc-Nguyen
Date: 03/25/19

LONGMEADOW

163 Cambridge Circle
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $402,500
Buyer: Desmond B. Mullally
Seller: Mark L. Lauria
Date: 03/15/19

289 Converse St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Thomas J. Moran
Seller: Hugh J. O’Donnell
Date: 03/25/19

190 Englewood Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $283,505
Buyer: Garrett J. Moulton
Seller: Nero, Walter J., (Estate)
Date: 03/22/19

58 Falmouth Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Thomas J. Anderson
Seller: Michael M. Kwoka
Date: 03/22/19

94 Lawrence Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Maria C. Miranda
Seller: James J. Tallaksen
Date: 03/15/19

120 Longview Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $426,500
Buyer: Nicholas Togneri
Seller: Andrew T. Kleeman
Date: 03/22/19

18 Pioneer Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Laura Y. Sullivan
Seller: Steven Weiss
Date: 03/19/19

57 Sheffield Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $313,000
Buyer: Patrick O’Connor
Seller: Pamela J. Vatrano
Date: 03/15/19

LUDLOW

598 Alden St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $194,000
Buyer: Brock French
Seller: PD Developments LLC
Date: 03/14/19

Autumn Ridge Road #53
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $144,500
Buyer: Eugene L. Martins
Seller: Whitetail Wreks LLC
Date: 03/25/19

120 Cady St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Jose P. Carlos
Seller: Marc D. Soares
Date: 03/26/19

723 Center St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $264,000
Buyer: Christopher Minie
Seller: Shirley A. Coviello
Date: 03/22/19

686 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Jonathan Jorge
Seller: Stephanie S. Villines
Date: 03/14/19

20 Electric Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Leonor Depina
Seller: Jason P. Snyder
Date: 03/26/19

Marias Way #6
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Helder P. Costa
Seller: M&G Investors LLC
Date: 03/15/19

Marias Way #9
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Domingos A. Seguro
Seller: M&G Investors LLC
Date: 03/18/19

105 Moody St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $163,000
Buyer: Chet L. Lokey
Seller: Tatsch, Lorraine C., (Estate)
Date: 03/18/19

MONSON

Boston Road West
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $3,000,000
Buyer: Transform Operating Stores
Seller: Kmart Corp.
Date: 03/19/19

62 Wales Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: David M. Kenyon
Seller: Shane Erskine
Date: 03/22/19

PALMER

Baptist Hill Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $3,000,000
Buyer: Transform Operating Stores
Seller: Kmart Corp.
Date: 03/19/19

114 Belchertown St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Lakyn B. Brozo
Seller: Craig H. Bodamer
Date: 03/15/19

28 Forest St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $262,000
Buyer: Jeffery R. Lucia
Seller: Joshua Pobieglo-Kapinos
Date: 03/21/19

38 Ruggles St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $209,000
Buyer: Amanda E. Rabbitt
Seller: Corey P. Chartier
Date: 03/26/19

150-A Wilbraham St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $3,000,000
Buyer: Transform Operating Stores
Seller: Kmart Corp.
Date: 03/19/19

159 Wilbraham St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $3,000,000
Buyer: Transform Operating Stores
Seller: Kmart Corp.
Date: 03/19/19

230 Wilbraham St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $3,000,000
Buyer: Transform Operating Stores
Seller: Kmart Corp.
Date: 03/19/19

SOUTHWICK

18 Eagle St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Sean B. Leahy
Seller: JMN LLC
Date: 03/22/19

Sawgrass Lane #3
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Hillside Development Corp.
Seller: Fiore Realty Holdings LLC
Date: 03/15/19

6 Tree Top Lane
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $317,500
Buyer: Richard P. Vella
Seller: Ross A. Gazzaniga
Date: 03/15/19

214 Vining Hill Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $207,000
Buyer: Lily M. Psholka
Seller: Miller, Robert L., (Estate)
Date: 03/22/19

SPRINGFIELD

257 Ambrose St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $149,000
Buyer: Daiana Rodriguez
Seller: 855 Liberty LLC
Date: 03/13/19

41-45 Baldwin St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Bao Q. Tran
Seller: Shadowfax Inc.
Date: 03/22/19

175 Bowles Park
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $169,500
Buyer: Salvador Montalvo
Seller: US Bank
Date: 03/15/19

69 Brandon Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Jason W. Brierley
Seller: Isabelle, Pamela A., (Estate)
Date: 03/20/19

44-46 Calhoun St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Kiara L. Pina
Seller: Timber Mills LLC
Date: 03/26/19

1757 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Jose L. Hernandez
Seller: Emtay Inc.
Date: 03/15/19

85 Cedar St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $124,000
Buyer: Genesis Rosario
Seller: Kenneth L. Fitzgibbon
Date: 03/15/19

107 Cedar St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $123,000
Buyer: Dean F. Baiardi
Seller: Victor Amaro
Date: 03/21/19

61 Chilson St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $179,900
Buyer: Eddie Vives
Seller: BP LLC
Date: 03/22/19

31 Dearborn St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $150,809
Buyer: Fatima Martinez
Seller: Vuong Nguyen
Date: 03/22/19

130 Eddy St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $122,000
Buyer: Ismael Acevedo
Seller: Joey Morales
Date: 03/22/19

113 Eddywood St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $148,000
Buyer: Joseph R. Afonso
Seller: BHR Properties LLC
Date: 03/15/19

103 El Paso St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $159,000
Buyer: Jimmy L. Crapps
Seller: Fumi Realty Inc.
Date: 03/13/19

48 Euclid Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: Quanae D. Thomas
Seller: Amat Victoria Curam LLC
Date: 03/15/19

96 Fernwold St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Bao Q. Tran
Seller: Shadowfax Inc.
Date: 03/22/19

47 Franconia St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: Laura A. Walsh
Seller: Robert A. Lyons
Date: 03/21/19

15 Glendell Terrace
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Magda Duverne
Seller: Thanh V. Nguyen
Date: 03/22/19

33 Hanson Dr.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: Theresa A. Bennett
Seller: Eagle Home Buyers LLC
Date: 03/15/19

25 Huntington St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $181,000
Buyer: Jaime J. Melendez
Seller: Jordan P. Healy
Date: 03/26/19

95 Ingersoll Grove
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $268,000
Buyer: Michael Dandrea
Seller: Donna J. Lapointe
Date: 03/15/19

27 Jerilis Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $177,500
Buyer: Juanita M. Davila
Seller: Malaquias, Jaden M., (Estate)
Date: 03/22/19

15 Knollwood St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $173,000
Buyer: Orlando Beltran
Seller: Abdul S. Chaudhry
Date: 03/22/19

55 Larkspur St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $120,100
Buyer: Anthony Nguyen
Seller: US Bank
Date: 03/25/19

133 Longhill St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $938,000
Buyer: Breakthrough Worship Center
Seller: Melha Temple Holding Corp.
Date: 03/26/19

31-33 Longview St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $139,900
Buyer: Rodney W. Brooks
Seller: TM Properties Inc.
Date: 03/15/19

70 Lucerne Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $119,000
Buyer: Ana V. Forbes
Seller: Edward J. Haluch
Date: 03/22/19

50 Midway St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Michael Richardson-Polk
Seller: Shelley Bourgeois
Date: 03/25/19

115-117 Mooreland St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Cristian Deabreu
Seller: HP Rum LLC
Date: 03/18/19

23 Murray Hill Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Wanda Carrillo
Seller: MNL Management LLC
Date: 03/13/19

238 Naismith St.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: John Ngugi
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 03/22/19

129-131 Noel St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Edwin Garriga
Seller: Cruz Borrero
Date: 03/18/19

43-49 Oak St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Nghia Nguyen
Seller: Hedge Hog Industries Corp.
Date: 03/20/19

83 Oakdale St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $135,192
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Maynard, Harold A., (Estate)
Date: 03/15/19

47 Oakwood Terrace
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $237,000
Buyer: Sarah Njoroge
Seller: Viktor Savonin
Date: 03/18/19

97 Overlook Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $239,000
Buyer: Vincent P. James-Mazzuca
Seller: Norman J. Andrekus
Date: 03/25/19

162 Packard Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $139,900
Buyer: Georgina Roy
Seller: Barbara T. Lodi
Date: 03/15/19

535 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Pride Convenience Inc.
Seller: MTK LLC
Date: 03/19/19

936 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $164,900
Buyer: Aida M. Vargas-Dejesus
Seller: US Bank
Date: 03/15/19

1291 Plumtree Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Patricia A. Carney
Seller: Christopher T. Phelps
Date: 03/15/19

1508 Plumtree Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Way FT
Seller: Tadeusz Bialobrzeski
Date: 03/26/19

72 Princeton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $171,000
Buyer: Anthony Plazaola
Seller: Leon Woods
Date: 03/20/19

21-27 Putnam Circle
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Amit Cohen
Seller: Hedge Hog Industries Corp.
Date: 03/18/19

117-119 Ranney St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Luis E. Meono
Seller: Calhoun Street LLC
Date: 03/18/19

1374 South Branch Pkwy.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Annette M. Santiago
Seller: Aracelis Reynoso
Date: 03/18/19

15 Signal Hill Circle
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Campagnari Construction
Seller: Irene A. Jansen
Date: 03/18/19

8 Stebbins St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Harvey Bryson
Seller: Yellowbrick Property LLC
Date: 03/18/19

1170 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Allan D. Dash
Seller: CIG 2 LLC
Date: 03/15/19

77 Valley Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $229,500
Buyer: Maria Roman
Seller: Aguasvivas Realty LLC
Date: 03/20/19

51 Victoria St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Maximo R. Lopez
Seller: Jill M. Kobee
Date: 03/26/19

105 West Allen Ridge Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $172,500
Buyer: Timothy Mullen
Seller: CIG 4 LLC
Date: 03/22/19

105 Welland Road
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Nelida Rivera
Seller: Gabrielle Morgan
Date: 03/26/19

174 Westford Circle
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Emmanuel Tanco-Verdejo
Seller: Joshua M. Glicksman
Date: 03/20/19

Weymouth St.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Jason A. Smidy
Seller: Thomas R. Creed
Date: 03/18/19

17-19 Whittier St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $174,000
Buyer: Chanh Nguyen
Seller: Cesar A. Pina
Date: 03/22/19

33 Woodcliff St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $136,000
Buyer: David P. Casinghino
Seller: Wilmington Savings
Date: 03/14/19

1407-1409 Worcester St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Evan A. Powers
Seller: Edward A. Abraham
Date: 03/21/19

WALES

115 Main St.
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $217,500
Buyer: Janelle L. Vanhook
Seller: Kimberly M. Dugas
Date: 03/22/19

2 Woodland Heights
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $169,672
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Tina L. Martin
Date: 03/22/19

WEST SPRINGFIELD

22 Chapin St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $124,345
Buyer: Jeffrey Bergeron
Seller: Bergeron Renovations & Remodeling
Date: 03/20/19

130 Chilson Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Felicia Hopewell
Seller: Fanos, Lillian M., (Estate)
Date: 03/22/19

363 Dewey St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $304,900
Buyer: Jeremy D. King
Seller: William M. Hartt
Date: 03/19/19

246 Forest Glen
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $315,100
Buyer: Matthew J. Geaughan
Seller: Carolyn C. Marsano
Date: 03/14/19

50 Oleander St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $179,900
Buyer: John Harrelson
Seller: Peter R. Svitenko
Date: 03/22/19

52 Pheasants Xing
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Muradbek Usmonov
Seller: Steven J. Deline
Date: 03/13/19

54 Wellfleet Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Robbin J. Larivee
Seller: West Co. Investments LLC
Date: 03/21/19

92 Winona Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $291,000
Buyer: Nathan Carr
Seller: Laurel Foley-Beauchesne
Date: 03/19/19

WESTFIELD

15 Broadway
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $257,000
Buyer: Vanessa E. Beattie
Seller: George Psychas
Date: 03/15/19

2 Crown St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Prem LLC
Seller: LHJ Properties LLC
Date: 03/22/19

1101 East Mountain Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $474,900
Buyer: Jason Wolfe
Seller: Daniel W. Sears
Date: 03/18/19

59 Knollwood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: MTGLQ Investors LP
Seller: Jonathan P. Maki
Date: 03/25/19

31 Laurel Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $237,000
Buyer: Amanda R. Orton
Seller: CIG 4 LLC
Date: 03/22/19

6 Paper St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $135,740
Buyer: Michael D. Charland
Seller: Jessica L. Kudelka
Date: 03/15/19

29 Paper Mill Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Zachary T. Kulas
Seller: Judith L. Geier
Date: 03/26/19

86 Roosevelt Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $149,485
Buyer: Matthew J. Worley
Seller: Michael L. Pothier
Date: 03/19/19

617 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $1,825,000
Buyer: I&B Properties LLC
Seller: Westfield DG LLC
Date: 03/15/19

84 West Silver St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $162,400
Buyer: John Rekully
Seller: Ruth H. Pinon
Date: 03/15/19

WILBRAHAM

60 Chilson Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $557,000
Buyer: Edison C. DePaula
Seller: Victor R. O’Brien
Date: 03/25/19

312 Glendale Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Abdulghani H. Mourad
Seller: VIP Homes & Associates LLC
Date: 03/21/19

3 Lake Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Crystal L. Morin
Seller: John P. Dubose
Date: 03/15/19

137 Manchonis Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Benjamin Lopez-Ortiz
Seller: Crystal L. Morin
Date: 03/15/19

4 Opal St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: Gregg S. Franklin
Seller: FNMA
Date: 03/15/19

1315 Tinkham Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Vincent M. Desantis
Seller: Kevin T. Burke
Date: 03/19/19

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

36 Alpine Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $368,000
Buyer: Emily A. Potter-Ndiaye
Seller: Marla J. Solomon RET
Date: 03/22/19

72 Curtis Place
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Lawrence D. Hansen
Seller: Green Tree Family LP
Date: 03/15/19

194 Glendale Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Cedric L. Douglas
Seller: Oscar R. Letoile
Date: 03/22/19

182 Pondview Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Aren W. Scanlan-Emigh
Seller: Laszlo Dienes 2015 RET
Date: 03/21/19

BELCHERTOWN

58 Dana Hill
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $241,500
Buyer: Kaileigh M. Keizer
Seller: Stephanie A. Davella
Date: 03/19/19

108 Jabish St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $162,000
Buyer: Todd R. Perry
Seller: Thomas J. Pelissier
Date: 03/25/19

15 North Liberty St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: James P. Kearney
Seller: Joseph R. White
Date: 03/25/19

74 North Washington St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Tammy A. Kane
Seller: Roger L. Archambault TR
Date: 03/18/19

96 Oakridge Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Japheth Dziubek
Seller: Charles C. Kupras
Date: 03/15/19

CHESTERFIELD

6 North Road
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $217,000
Buyer: Town Of Chesterfield
Seller: Michael P. Russell
Date: 03/13/19

CUMMINGTON

Stage Road (off)
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $131,600
Buyer: Robert Levitt
Seller: Harvey Levitt NT
Date: 03/13/19

EASTHAMPTON

22-24 Arlington St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $159,900
Buyer: Julie Copoulos
Seller: Wells Fargo Bank
Date: 03/14/19

19 Franklin St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $349,500
Buyer: James N. Chevalier
Seller: Milo Properties LLC
Date: 03/15/19

21 Mineral St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Raven S. Williams
Seller: Daniel F. Ilnicky
Date: 03/19/19

136 Strong St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $247,200
Buyer: Maximilian A. Rothert
Seller: Elizabeth M. Gibbons
Date: 03/15/19

GRANBY

233 Chicopee St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $308,500
Buyer: Peter Nyzio
Seller: FNMA
Date: 03/13/19

HADLEY

185 Russell St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Ronald Bercume
Seller: Constance I. Mieczkowski
Date: 03/15/19

HATFIELD

135 Depot Road
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $247,000
Buyer: Adrienne R. Aubin
Seller: Darlene J. Dupre
Date: 03/15/19

28 Dwight St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $243,500
Buyer: Katie Russell
Seller: Richard P. Raftery
Date: 03/22/19

HUNTINGTON

28 Pond Brook Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Jonathan Mauterer
Seller: 28 Pond Brook Road Land TR
Date: 03/21/19

NORTHAMPTON

100 Emerson Way
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $610,000
Buyer: Harry Greenhouse
Seller: Julie Starr
Date: 03/22/19

135 Deerfield Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $229,000
Buyer: Catherine J. Potak
Seller: John S. Czerapowicz LT
Date: 03/15/19

159-161 Main St.
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Jennifer Langheld
Seller: Pamela L. Clark
Date: 03/15/19

Ryan Road #2
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: CED Northampton Solar LLC
Seller: Jonathan R. Goldsmith
Date: 03/14/19

17 Walnut St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Rainbow Properties LLC
Seller: Margaret T. Milne TR
Date: 03/22/19

1036 Westhampton Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: P-Tush 1 LLC
Seller: Pruzynski, Edmunds A., (Estate)
Date: 03/13/19

PELHAM

34 Amherst Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Amcas Management LLC
Seller: Lederle, Thomas P., (Estate)
Date: 03/15/19

26 North Valley Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Daniel P. McCullough
Seller: James S. Pepper
Date: 03/26/19

SOUTH HADLEY

48 Abbey St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Jenny Marinuzzi
Seller: Susan B. Martin
Date: 03/15/19

2 Benoit Lane
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $276,500
Buyer: Christopher M. Kibler
Seller: Karen E. Stefanelli
Date: 03/18/19

22 Bunker Hill
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Teri L. Koopman
Seller: US Bank
Date: 03/22/19

107 Lyman St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $229,500
Buyer: Andrew A. Carney
Seller: Scot A. Mulveyhill
Date: 03/22/19

20 Lyman Terrace
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $238,000
Buyer: Mallory E. Pepyne
Seller: Revampit LLC
Date: 03/20/19

94 Richview Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $274,000
Buyer: John F. Cleary
Seller: Suzanne P. Gallagher
Date: 03/15/19

68 School St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $135,300
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Kimberly Palmer
Date: 03/26/19

64 Woodbridge Terrace
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Brian W. Dalke
Seller: John M. Callahan
Date: 03/15/19

SOUTHAMPTON

228 County Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Joshua Thomas
Seller: John W. Richardson
Date: 03/15/19

124 East St.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $229,000
Buyer: Daniel Winchell
Seller: Bruce R. Butman
Date: 03/15/19

WARE

101 Beaver Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $519,000
Buyer: Marie R. Silver
Seller: Janet P. Hanson TR
Date: 03/13/19

207 Osborne Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $142,500
Buyer: Nicholas W. Burgos
Seller: Redwood Properties LLC
Date: 03/21/19

10-12 Pleasant St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Thomas T. Suchodolski
Date: 03/21/19

190 Upper North St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $158,500
Buyer: Brian Herring
Seller: Valmore F. Denine
Date: 03/14/19

WESTHAMPTON

Pisgah Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: Nature Conservancy
Seller: Edward St.John
Date: 03/21/19

WORTHINGTON

8 Dingle Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Nicole Prucnal
Seller: Joshua J. Tanner
Date: 03/25/19

Building Permits

By
Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the month of March 2019.

AMHERST

Amherst College
151 College St.
$20,000 — Remove and replace nine existing antennas with six new antennas and install nine new remote radio heads

CHICOPEE

Berkshire Retail-C, LLC
185 Exchange St.
$5,000 — Remove demising wall

City of Chicopee
104 Baskin Dr.
$25,000 — Construct fiber-optic shed

Daryl Dumala
31 Main St.
$5,000 — Demolish and remove brick structure and regrade area

Grace Slavic Pentecostal Church
5 Meadow St.
$2,000 — Add parapet to rear garage wall

OSJ of Chicopee, LLC
1445 Memorial Dr.
$344,000 — Roofing

EASTHAMPTON

Mountain View Investors
31 Union St.
$30,000 — Interior buildout for new restaurant

GREENFIELD

John Koehler
37 Silvio O. Conte Dr.
$6,000 — Replace rotted cedar clapboards with new siding

O’Reilly Auto Enterprises, LLC
461 Bernardston Road
$1,047,601 — Construct new pre-engineered metal building for O’Reilly Auto Parts

HADLEY

360 Russell, LLC
360 Russell St.
$8,000 — Alter ground sign and wall signs for Verizon Wireless

ENZ, LLC
207 Russell St.
$142,000 — Interior buildout of demised tenant space for Hadley Meadows Dental

FDF Realty, LLP
299 Russell St.
$3,605 — Remove roof and wall to make rear exit safe at Rocky’s Ace Hardware

LONGMEADOW

Glenmeadow Inc.
24 Tabor Crossing
$4,500 — Remove wall to accommodate mechanical removal and replace wall

The Longmeadow Mall, LP
827 Williams St.
$105,000 — Remodel existing interior commercial space at Ahearn Holtzman Inc.

NORTHAMPTON

Atwood Drive, LLC
15 Atwood Dr.
$2,300 — Non-illuminated wall sign for Hampshire Probate

City of Northampton
Bridge Street
$1,000 — Replace exterior door and frame at Bridge Street Cemetery

Taco Bell of America, LLC
203 King St.
$2,700 — Front wall sign at KFC restaurant

Thornes Marketplace, LLC
150 Main St., Suite 365
$13,700 — Renovate existing office

PALMER

IDS Properties
18 East Palmer Park Dr.
$20,000 — Roofing, siding, windows, and garage doors

Dmitry Voloshinov
1415 Main St.
$96,379 — Create six exam rooms for physical therapy and a reception area, and remodel two bathrooms

SPRINGFIELD

Boston Road/Pasco Rt. 20 Retail, LLC
1324 Boston Road
$6,000 — Install fire suppression for hood system at KFC restaurant

Congregation Beth El
979 Dickinson St.
$10,000 — Interior demolition for future buildout of sanctuary

Drama Studio Inc.
41 Oakland St.
$74,621 — Install rooftop solar modules

William Julian Jr.
1019 St. James Ave.
$15,000 — Alter space for restroom reconfiguration and accessibility requirements and repair ceiling at Subway restaurant

MassMutual
1295 State St.
$608,000 — Alter interior office space on third floor

WARE

118 Main Street Ware, LLC
55 East St.
$7,000 — Install new window and repair exterior stairs behind building

WEST SPRINGFIELD

73 State Street, LLC
30 Capital Dr.
$9,890 — Install two doorways

Crepes Tea House
261 Union St.
$15,000 — Roofing

JLL Real Estate, LLC
57 Wayside Ave/
$825,500 — Construct storage-unit facility comprised of four buildings

Dinesh Patel
69 Capital Dr.
$126,000 — Partition wall, rehabilitate window and door openings

Dinesh Patel
69 Capital Dr.
$15,000 — Convert Pace School to adult day care

Tyler Saremi
39-41 Bliss St.
$18,000 — Roofing

Verizon Wireless
380 Union St.
Swap three antennas and three remote radio heads

WILBRAHAM

2387 Boston Road Wilbraham, LLC
2387 Boston Road
$289,177 — Roofing

Eagle Cove, LLC
2650 Boston Road
$6,000 — Hood exhaust blower/duct work

Wilbraham & Monson Academy
552 Mountain Road
$23,000 — Kitchen renovation and roofing

Social Security: When Your Ex-spouse May Be Your Best Friend

By
Local Business Advice

The Wealth Technology Group

By: Gary F. Thomas, JD, LLM, CLU, ChFC, AIF, CDFA

 

Earlier this year, I was conducting a workshop for a small group of clients and their friends. Most had not retired yet, and the discussion turned to Social Security.

After the workshop, a guest of one of my clients approached me somewhat timidly. For example’s sake I’ll call her Mary. Mary left college to support her husband, who was in dental school. Almost immediately after his graduation and licensure, they started a family. She devoted her time to bringing up the children with the intention of finishing her education once the kids were in high school. Unfortunately, the marriage did not survive the stresses of a growing dental practice along with a growing family. The couple divorced. She received child support and additional alimony so that she could finish her education and rejoin the workforce. At 46 years old, she began her new life working for a non-profit social service agency at a very modest salary. Although she remained single, her ex-husband remarried shortly after the divorce was finalized. He continued to work in his practice even though he had also reached full retirement age (FRA).

Because of her shortened working career and modest salary, Mary’s Social Security benefit was $1,150 monthly at her FRA. Mary had decided to keep working and delay collecting benefits because she thought that this strategy would accumulate additional credits and would boost her Social Security benefit by a few hundred dollars a month.

I began to work with Mary in order to discover if delaying benefits would be beneficial.

We determined Mary’s ex-husband’s Social Security benefit at FRA was $2,950 per month.

She was surprised to learn that because they had both reached FRA, she could still claim the greater of her benefit or 50 percent of his benefit, even though they had been divorced for more than 20 years and one had a new spouse. Mary was immediately entitled to $1,475 per month.

Mary shared that she was in a committed relationship and was curious to learn whether, if she were to marry again to an individual with a modest salary history, she would lose the benefit earned from her prior marriage.

In Mary’s case, she would not, because she was over the age of 60. If one remarries before age 60, different rules apply.

Before she left, Mary asked whether her claiming the spousal benefit would reduce either her ex-husband’s benefit or that of his second spouse. The answer was no. Claiming on a former spouse’s account does not reduce their benefit, or that of their new spouse should they remarry.

There is plenty of information on the internet offering incorrect or conflicting advice about Social Security claims. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Changes to Social Security claiming strategies that go into effect this year add still new twists.

Social Security rules affecting divorced couples can be confusing. The law governing divorce finance is complicated, and often not obvious, and making the right decisions about Social Security and other aspects of property division requires the services of a professional with specific training and experience.

Gary Thomas is an attorney and is the Registered Principal of The Wealth Technology Group. He holds a master’s degree in Tax Law and is a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), and an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF).

Social Security Informational Workshop: May 7 & 9th • 6:30 pm

Wealth Technology Conference Center – 130 Southampton Rd, Westfield, MA

 

 

Gary F. Thomas

JD, LLM, CLU, ChFC, AIF, CDFA

“Because it’s not what you make … it’s what you keep!”

Gary is the President of The Wealth Technology Group, with offices in Pittsfield and Westfield. His company serves over a thousand individuals and businesses in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and across the country, helping them reduce taxes, diversify their portfolios, and keep more of what they have.

Gary is a native of Pittsfield and is a graduate of the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and Western New England University Law School. He is a member of the Massachusetts Bar and holds the prestigious Master of Laws in Taxation degree from Boston University Law School. Gary is a Chartered Life Underwriter and a Chartered Financial Consultant. He is also certified as an Accredited Investment Fiduciary, having met the ethical and education standards of a prestigious network of forward-looking investment professionals dedicated to advancing fiduciary responsibility.

Gary has conducted courses on retirement planning, financial management, and estate planning at General Dynamics Corporation, Tubed Products, the Massachusetts Nurse’s Association, Plumbers and Pipefitters Locals 4 and 104, Westfield State University, Berkshire Community College and the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, and has lectured financial planning and insurance professionals throughout the U.S. and internationally on best practices and customer service. He specializes in education about safe money management and the maximization of pension and Social Security benefits, so that his clients enjoy a stress-free retirement.

Gary is a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association, the Financial Planning Association, the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, and the International Association of Financial Planners; he sits on the Board of Directors of the MCLA Foundation. Last year, Gary was honored to be appointed a member of the Board of Trustees for Western New England University. He also underwrites programming for WHMP, Channel 57, and is a member of the Westfield Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau. He was chosen Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year for 2013 by the Western Mass Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Gary is a presence on local media and is sometimes called upon to comment on financial news. Every few weeks Gary also has some fun talking about financial topics with Bax & O’Brien on Rock102. His programs are available on the station websites, and are podcast on iTunes and at www.wealthtechnology.com. He has appeared nationally on Fox Business News, and has been quoted on the Forbes and CNN Money websites.

(800) 266-6793

[email protected]

www.wealthtechnology.com

59% of Small Businesses Use Video for Advertising, Survey Finds

By
Marketing Tips

Courtesy of Rob Starr; Small Business Trends

A new report finds that a good number of small businesses (29%) are spending somewhere in the sweet spot of ($750-$2499) monthly to get the data needed for good online advertising results.

WordStream’s Online Advertising Landscape in 2019 report also found that only 10% of the respondents had a monthly advertising budget less than the low end plateau for effectiveness of $750 monthly. That’s good news and shows a trend that small businesses are recognizing the importance and complexity of digital advertising.

Objectives for Advertising
When the report asked businesses to rank their objectives for advertising, increasing ROI was number one with website traffic number five and optimizing for mobile in last place.

Many of the respondents either didn’t know how to optimize for mobile or didn’t have the time. Over half (59% ) used video to advertise. A full half of the respondents said they did all their marketing in-house.

Read more

The Ultimate Guide to Creating Your Brand Aesthetic

By
Marketing Tips

Courtesy of By Liz Alton; Marketing Daily Advisor

Marketers are operating in a design-driven environment. Here’s how to create a winning brand aesthetic.

The businessman is working on brand ideas at the desk

In today’s mobile and social world, customers have more brand touch points with your company than ever before. They’re seeing your logo, website, company e-mails, social accounts, and more—sometimes several times a day. As a result, your brand’s visuals play a strong role in shaping customer opinions of your brand.

Dial in on the vibe: Aesthetics are about more than just your logo and color palette. Those are part of the picture, but your brand’s overall aesthetic is the larger sum total of different elements of the customer experience. It also includes your team’s attitude, the style of layout you use on your marketing materials, and even the types of in-person experiences or events that you create. If you had to boil down the feeling of your brand, how would you encapsulate it? What “vibe” does your brand give off to customers? Think about ways to reflect your goals and presence in easy-to-convey language. Some examples might include:

Read more

3 Reasons Client Testimonials Are Essential for B2B Marketing

By
Marketing Tips

Courtesy of Claire Swinarski; Marketing Daily Advisor

If you’re trying to land high-quality B2B clients, gathering testimonials is one of the most important things you can do.

Testimonials of past clients are important for any marketer trying to stand out from the crowd, but if you’re trying to attract new business-to-business (B2B) clients, testimonials become that much more essential. Getting past clients to vouch for you will take you further than any self-promotion. Here are three reasons client testimonials are necessary in the B2B marketing space.

The FOMO factor: It’s not uncommon for businesses to have a “fear of missing out”; many companies want to be on the forefront of new technologies, strategies, and trends, and seeing a competitor or a company larger than yours vouch for a business it used makes you much more likely to consider working with that business. Nobody wants to be left in the dust, and if you’re able to make your business seem like the most important one an industry leader could work with, you’re going to quickly inspire new sales. If you can engage a company’s feelings of FOMO by sharing testimonies from other businesses, you’re much more likely to close a sale.

Read more

We Are Entering A Golden Age of Branded and Sponsored Podcasts

By
Marketing Tips

Courtesy of Ida Vallo Morris, Social Media & Content Manager

What is a Podcast?
A podcast is a free, pre-recorded radio show that you can listen to on demand. More and more, podcasts are part of the information stream. They’re the ultimate curated content, that consumers subscribe to and download using their favorite apps, including iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, and many others. The podcast content is quite literally the voice in their head, with over 525,000 active podcasts, across countless categories, with over 18.5M episodes. And, based on the ease of use, proliferation of smartphones, and virtually limitless high-quality subject matter, those numbers are only predicted to grow.

• Over 40% of Americans aged 12 and older have listened to a podcast,
with 24% of Americans listening to podcasts regularly.

There are some big names at the top of the most downloaded podcasts list, including Joe Rogan, Mo Rocca,
Fox News, The New York Times, NPR, and Will Ferrell’s Ron Burgundy. But there’s still room for the little guy: podcasting is relatively easy, as anyone with an internet connection and some inexpensive recording equipment can create a podcast and put it online.

Read more

Holyoke Event to Focus on Equity in Massachusetts Cannabis Industry

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Massachusetts is the first U.S. state to implement a statewide social equity program in the cannabis industry and has done so by creating opportunities for those disproportionately impacted by the drug war to have priority access in the industry and broader social-equity program. As the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) gears up in 2019 with targeted technical assistance for economic empowerment and social-equity applicants, opportunity exists to encourage private-sector collaboration and cooperation among big and small businesses in the emerging Massachusetts cannabis industry. 

Veterans Alternative Healing Inc. (VAH), Cannabis Community Care and Research Network (C3RN), and Joint Venture & Co. are hosting an event on Thursday, April 18 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Gateway City Arts in Holyoke on the topic of “Cannabis Equity: Big Business and Small Business Working Together.” To register for this free event, visit www.cannacenterofexcellence.org/veteran.

As the CCC continues to actively bolster the state’s social-equity program, a complimentary and collaborative effort from the private sector can help ensure that those disproportionately impacted by the drug war have meaningful inclusion in the cannabis industry.

As of April 4, the CCC has received 3,062 total applications, but only 347 (13%) from companies identified as ‘disadvantaged business enterprise’ (DBE). To date, 87% of applicants did not identify as a DBE, 0.3% were disability-owned, 0.9% veteran-owned, 1.4% LGBTQ-owned, 2.3% minority-owned, and 2.9% women-owned, and 4.9% identified as two or more DBE types. The lack of diversity is clear, and as the CCC baseline study reports, capital is the largest barrier to entry for minority businesses. In addition to other efforts the CCC is taking to address identified barriers, it is also actively looking for qualified training vendors for the social-equity program expected to launch this year.

Keynote speakers for the event include Cannabis Control Commissioner Steve Hoffman, BASK CEO Chapman Dickerson, and MRCC Community Director Joe Gilmore. Two panel discussions will be held at the event. The first will focus on inclusion and diversity in entrepreneurship and employment, and ideas for constructive collaboration across the industry. Speakers include Hoffman, Stephen Mandile, Karima Rizk, Shamika Rucker, and Horace Small. The second panel will focus on policy, business, and education models in Western Mass. for inclusion and diversity, with speakers Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse, Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle, Mark Zatryka from INSA, and Jeff Hayden from Holyoke Community College. 

Study data from the VAH, C3RN, and UMass Dartmouth’s ongoing Veterans Health and Medical Cannabis Research Study will be released at the event as well.

Veterans interested in participating in the study will complete an anonymous online survey and see how their results compared to other participating veterans’ answers. All study participants will receive access to cannabis-related discounts, attend monthly support groups managed by VAH, and can elect to participate in additional clinical cannabis studies. The study team has partnered with the Massachusetts chapter of Disabled American Veterans, Revolutionary Clinics, AmeriCann, BASK, the Botanist, the Healing Rose, INSA, and Central Ave Compassionate Care. Study media sponsors include NECANN, SENSI magazine, and Weedmaps. For participating in the study, veterans will receive discounts from the following cannabis and wellness companies in Massachusetts: Revolutionary Clinics, AmeriCann, BASK, the Botanist, the Healing Rose, INSA, and Central Ave Compassionate Care. Veterans can take the survey  at www.cannacenterofexcellence.org/veteran.

HCC Hires Patrick Carpenter as Director of Institutional Advancement

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College recently welcomed Patrick Carpenter as its director of Institutional Advancement. In his new role, Carpenter will serve as the principal gifts officer for the HCC Foundation, facilitate donor cultivation and engagement, and supervise the office of Alumni Relations. 

Before his hiring at HCC, he held advancement positions at Westfield State University as major gifts officer, Boston College School of Law as associate director of University Advancement, and Elms College, his alma mater, as director of Annual Giving.

“We are really excited to have Patrick on board,” said Amanda Sbriscia, HCC vice president of Institutional Advancement and executive director of the HCC Foundation, the college’s nonprofit fundraising organization. “He brings a level of expertise in advancement that will bring our fundraising operation to the next level and, we believe and said in the posting for the job, to nationally recognized heights.” 

Carpenter has worked in higher education since earning his bachelor’s degree in English from Elms College in 2002, starting his professional career at the College of Saint Rose as coordinator of Residence Life before returning to Elms in 2007 as director of Residence Life and eventually moving into the office of Institutional Advancement there.

He has also been a member of the adjunct teaching faculty at Elms since 2011 and served on the Elms College board of trustees and as president of the Elms College Alumni Assoc. In 2014, he received Bay Path University’s Recent Alumni Award, which is presented to a graduate who possesses great leadership potential.

“When you look at what is happening in higher education, particularly with increasing costs, community colleges are really providing an opportunity and a service that is vital to students looking to create a future for themselves and their families,” he said. “HCC, based on everything I have known about this place and have learned since I got here, does a tremendous job caring for the community.” 

Carpenter holds a master’s degree in higher education administration from Bay Path University and is working on his doctor of education degree in higher education administration from Northeastern University.

Springfield Partners for Community Action to Host ‘Protecting Your Assets’ Seminar

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Partners for Community Action Inc. will host its fourth annual “Protecting Your Assets” event on Thursday, April 25 starting at 5:30 p.m. at Springfield Partners, 721 State St. The event is in recognition of National Financial Literacy Month, celebrated every April. Light refreshments will be served, and the event is free and open to the public. Call (413) 263-6500 or e-mail [email protected] to reserve a seat.

This year’s presentation will feature Milagros Johnson, director of the Mayor’s Office of Consumer Information. She will discuss current scams and frauds, how to avoid them, and what to do if you have been scammed or defrauded. Jacob Doser of Key Bank will discuss how to re-establish credit, perhaps after being scammed or defrauded. Additionally, he will talk about rebuilding credit through the Second Chance Banking program.

“This is the prime season that scams and frauds tend to occur,” said Paul Bailey, executive director at Springfield Partners. “Folks are starting to think about home improvements and vacation. Another tricky time is tax season. In our partnership with the IRS, we get regular alerts notifying us of potential frauds. I urge the public to attend this important event, if not to protect yourself, then maybe a loved one.”

Freedom Credit Union to Help Provide ‘A Bed for Every Child’

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — All children deserve a comfortable, restful night’s sleep — a freedom that one regional credit union will help secure for them.

Freedom Credit Union will again partner with the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless on “A Bed for Every Child.” Last year, Freedom contributed $9,000 to the efforts of the Pioneer Valley chapter of the Cooperative Credit Union Assoc. (CCUA), enough to procure 36 beds for area children in need. This year, the institution hopes to raise $10,000, enough for 40 beds.

“Thanks to the characteristic compassion and generosity of our employees, members, and leaders, Freedom actually exceeded our goal by 20% in 2018,” said Freedom President and CEO Glenn Welch. “Those who represent our institution have always demonstrated a firm commitment to community, and I’m confident this initiative will continue to be a shining example of that.”

Every $250 makes a ‘bed buddy,’ which provides one child with a complete bed set: frame, mattress, pillow, linens, and blankets. Like last year, FCU has already pledged a donation of four bed buddies ($1,000 value). Welch has agreed to match this donation once again and has challenged board and staff members to do what they can to help FCU reach its $10,000 goal. The goal for the Pioneer Valley Chapter of CCUA is $25,000, or 100 beds. 

Each FCU branch currently has a collection box on site for anyone who would like to contribute to “A Bed for Every Child” and help Freedom reach its goal. In addition, Freedom will host an employee dress-down day for the cause in April. Each employee who donates will receive a raffle ticket for entry into a prize drawing.

In 2011, the Massachusetts Coalition learned that many public-school students were not getting enough sleep because they did not have their own beds. In response, the coalition launched “A Bed for Every Child,” with a mission to help facilitate the healthy sleep children need to learn and succeed. 

New England Public Radio, WGBY Join Together to Create New England Public Media

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — New England Public Radio and WGBY Public Television announced they will join to create a robust new multi-media organization, New England Public Media (NEPM), with one of the largest newsrooms in Western Mass. With a goal of expanding public media offerings for the people of Western New England, NEPM will build on the strength of each organization to deliver the educational content, cultural and news programs, and community engagement that characterizes public media.

Martin Miller, CEO and general manager of New England Public Radio, will become president of NEPM. Anthony Hayes, general manager of WGBY Public Television, will become chief operating officer and general manager of the new organization. NEPM will be an independently run organization with its own governing board.

“Both New England Public Radio and WGBY have served the people of Western New England for decades, sharing a common mission of creating valued programs and services for our communities,” said Miller. “The role of public media to deliver accurate, trustworthy news and information is more important than ever, and we are excited by the opportunity to play a larger role in sharing the stories of our region.”

Combined, New England Public Radio and WGBY Public Television have 78 employees, and all current employees will be part of the new organization. NEPM’s enhanced newsroom will total about 21 and is expected to grow over the coming years.

“The media environment is constantly evolving, with advances in technology changing the way audiences use media, from mobile viewing to smart speakers,” said Hayes. “This partnership will allow us to develop new digital content to better serve and engage with all of our audiences in new ways. The creation of NEPM means that we can better map our mission to what audiences value and appreciate.”

The WGBH Educational Foundation, which holds the broadcast license for WGBY, will invest $6 million over six years in the new venture. When combined with critical community support for NEPM, this investment will allow for new programming while ensuring in-depth local journalism remains the centerpiece of the combined organization. WGBH will have a seat on the NEPM board.

“Public media plays a vital role in strengthening communities, especially through local journalism and educational media for children and teachers, and we are committed to supporting this critical work by investing in this partnership,” said Jon Abbott, president and CEO of WGBH. “We look forward to the exciting work NEPM will undertake and to the opportunities this will create to bring wider attention to the stories of Western Massachusetts, sharing them across the Commonwealth.” 

UMass Amherst will continue to hold the broadcast license for WFCR 88.5FM, and along with the NEPR Foundation board, it has been actively involved in the negotiations that led to the creation of NEPM. The university remains deeply committed to supporting the growth of public media in Western Mass. and will have a seat on the NEPM Board. 

“The creation of New England Public Media reflects the university’s enduring commitment to the independent news coverage and cultural programming provided by public media,” UMass Amherst Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy said. “UMass Amherst was a founding partner of WFCR nearly 60 years ago, and we are enthusiastic about how this new, 21st-century collaboration will serve our communities with distinction.”

The support of the Five College Consortium has been a vital part of the history and long-standing excellence of WFCR (Five College Radio) and New England Public Radio since its inception. The executive director of the consortium, which includes Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith colleges as well as UMass Amherst, will also serve on the NEPM board.

Along with an expanded news service, NEPM will focus on new content creation including digital music streams, multi-platform and digital programming, and community engagement and education, in addition to the programs audiences now enjoy. A new daily radio program with a local focus will be among the first initiatives the new organization will undertake.

Details will be finalized over the coming months with plans and final approval to be completed this summer.

UMass Amherst Names Sanjay Raman Dean of College of Engineering

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Daily News

AMHERST — Sanjay Raman, associate vice president for the Virginia Tech National Capital Region and president and CEO of the Virginia Tech Applied Research Corp., has been named the new dean of the College of Engineering at UMass Amherst. The announcement was made by John McCarthy, provost and senior vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. Raman begins his new duties at UMass Amherst in August.

“I’m delighted to welcome Sanjay Raman as our next dean of the College of Engineering,” McCarthy said. “He possesses an outstanding combination of skills in academic leadership, research and development, and collaborating with colleagues across academia, industry, and government. We look forward to drawing upon his rich experience in establishing collaborations within and outside the university.”

Raman succeeds Timothy Anderson who served as UMass Amherst’s dean of the College of Engineering from 2013 to 2018. Anderson is a distinguished professor in Chemical Engineering and remains on the faculty. 

At Virginia Tech, Raman is a tenured full professor in the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) based at the Virginia Tech Research Center in Arlington, Va. From 1998 to 2009, he was assigned to the Virginia Tech main campus in Blacksburg.

As the associate vice president for the Virginia Tech National Capital Region, Raman is responsible for planning and executing region-wide initiatives to enhance the university’s research, education, and outreach missions, focusing on cross-cutting themes of data and decision science, integrated security, intelligent infrastructure, global systems science, policy, innovation, and entrepreneurship. 

Since July 2016, he has also served as the president and CEO of the Virginia Tech Applied Research Corp., a 501(c)(3) university-affiliated research organization whose mission is to deliver analytic and technology solutions to the university’s government and non-government customers.

From 2007 to 2013, Raman served as a program manager in the Microsystems Technology Office of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, on loan from the university under Intergovernmental Personnel Act assignments. He is also a graduate of the Virginia Tech Executive Development Institute.

Raman earned his doctorate in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, in 1998 and joined the ECE faculty at Virginia Tech. Prior to his doctoral studies at the University of Michigan, Raman served as a nuclear-trained submarine officer in the U.S. Navy from 1987 to 1992. He earned a bachelor’s of electrical engineering degree, with highest honors, from Georgia Tech in 1987.

Raman is a founding member of the Virginia Tech Multifunctional Integrated Circuits and Systems group, focused on innovative research in analog, mixed-signal, and RF/microwave/mm-wave IC designs, optoelectronics, and RF interfaces. He is an elected fellow of the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) for leadership in adaptive microwave and millimeter-wave integrated circuits. He is also an elected member of the Administrative Committee of the IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society.

Poverty Simulation Gives Future Practitioners Insight into Lives of the Poor

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Daily News

EAST LONGMEADOW — Students from six area college health science programs will have to navigate eviction, juggle childcare, and get from their doctor’s office to the pharmacy before it closes — with limited transportation options. In other words, they’ll experience just another day in the life of the poor. The difficult decisions, catch-22s and varying degrees of humiliation that poor people face will be conveyed to students as they participate in a poverty-simulation exercise as part of their medical training through the Pioneer Valley Interprofessional Education Collaborative.

The event will take place on Tuesday, April 16 from 12:30 to 5 p.m. at the Philip H. Ryan Health Science Center on the East Longmeadow campus of Bay Path University.

The simulation will include students in Bay Path’s physician assistant and genetic counseling programs, as well as students from Elms College (RN), Western New England University (PharmD), Westfield State University (RN), Greenfield Community College (RN), and Springfield College (PT).

These students are positioned to be the future community practitioners in hospitals and healthcare settings throughout Western Mass. and Greater Hartford, home to cities where over one-third of the population lives below the poverty level. At Bay Path, 70% of graduates of the physician’s assistant program go on to work in the region. Participating in a poverty simulation offers perspective on — and compassion for — those they will serve and can help inform the type of treatment they’ll provide.

“As providers, we’ll ask patients to do things we often think are simple tasks: fill the prescription, go to follow-up appointments, choose a better diet for your diabetes. The reality is, poverty is complex, and by beginning to understand the role poverty plays in decision making, providers can gain a new perspective and greater appreciation for decisions patients make,” said Theresa Riethle, director of the Physician Assistant Studies program at Bay Path. 

Poverty simulations are increasingly being integrated into college courses, trainings, and professional-development workshops to give those who work with the poor greater insight into the challenges that inhibit access to care. The program was designed by the Missouri Community Action Network, a group of organizations working to end poverty in that state. The group developed the Poverty Simulation Kit, a set of cards that describe various personas and scenarios. Cards are distributed to participants, who must then navigate the maze of social services, medical-care settings, transportation barriers, and childcare arrangements as they attempt to secure food, shelter, and healthcare.

Pathlight Awards $5,000 Scholarship, Supervision Award to Staff Member

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Pathlight, a Valley leader in residential and community services for people with intellectual disabilities and autism, named Program Manager Victoria Barsaleau the recipient of its annual Donald Fletcher Scholarship.

The $5,000 scholarship, which is awarded yearly, is meant to assist an employee in obtaining an undergraduate degree. A committee of Pathlight board members and staff made the selection after receiving applications from employees. The scholarship is named after Donald Fletcher, Pathlight’s former executive director, who was committed to helping staff pursue their education. This scholarship is in addition to Pathlight’s current tuition-reimbursement program.

“We are so proud to be able to support our employees in their education,” said Pathlight Executive Director Ruth Banta, who announced the award on April 7 at the organization’s annual awards lunch at the Log Cabin. “We know that the key to a better life for people with disabilities is a well-supported staff, and this scholarship is one way we can show that support.”

Barsaleau was also recognized for her leadership with Pathlight’s Michelle Reberkenny Supervisor Recognition award.

She started at Pathlight in 2016, but began her career in human services nine years ago, serving as a direct-support professional supporting people with intellectual disabilities and intensive behavioral needs. She got her start in the field after her father drove her to a day program that supports adults with disabilities and encouraged her to apply for a job. “He knew I was destined for this kind of work,” she said. “And he was right. I immediately fell in love.”

Barsaleau is currently working toward her undergraduate degree at Bay Path University, majoring in human services and rehabilitation.

“I was so shocked,” she said about receiving the scholarship. “I’ve been taking out student loans, and this will pay for the remainder of my education.”

Pathlight programs include Whole Children in Hadley and Autism Connections in Easthampton.

Scenes from the 2019 Difference Makers Event

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Class of 2019 Difference Makers
A look back at this year’s celebration at the Log Cabin on March 28  

Bay Path University Writer’s Day Slated for April 14

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Daily News

EAST LONGMEADOW — Aspiring writers and published authors will assemble at Bay Path University’s East Longmeadow campus on Sunday, April 14 for Bay Path’s 18th Writers’ Day. Guest speakers this year include Jane Yolen, Shahnaz Habib, and C. Flanagan Flynn, and workshop topics include writing and publishing in literary magazines and journals, writing about home, and writing for young readers.

The first hour-long workshop of the day, scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m., will focus on being published in literary magazines and journals. Flynn, former managing editor of Brain, Child: The Magazine for Thinking Mothers and Brain, Teen: The Magazine for Thinking Parents, will teach how to hone query letters, personal essays, and memoir excerpts to catch an editor’s eye and answer the question: what’s the unique angle I can bring to readers? Learning how to use Submittable and Duotrope and other writing venues will also be covered.

The second workshop, scheduled to begin at 1:50 p.m., will focus on how culture, language, and heritage can shape a writer’s identity. Habib, who grew up in India, lives in the U.S., and translates from the south Indian language of Malayalam, will read from one of her recent essays, “A Kerala Native” (published in AFAR) and discuss the challenges and revelations in the act of writing and rewriting about home.

The third and final workshop, scheduled to begin at 3:10 p.m., is a primer on writing and publishing children’s and young adult books. Yolen, called both the Hans Christian Andersen of America and the Aesop of the 20th century, and a multiple-award-winning Pioneer Valley resident, will share some of what she’s learned while penning more than 365 books of prose and poetry for children and adults. Yolen will speak about the breadth and width of children’s book publishing from the 19th century to today, specifically about ever-popular picture books, so easy to read but so challenging to write well. The hows and whys of reaching a variety of young readers will also be discussed.

Check-in begins at noon, and refreshments will be served. Workshops can be purchased individually, or purchased as two- or three-workshop packages with special pricing. The event is open to the public and will be held at the Ryan Center, 1 Denslow Road, East Longmeadow. For more information and to register, visit www.baypath.edu/writersday.

UMassFive College Federal Credit Union Receives Workforce Training Fund Grant

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Daily News

HADLEY — UMassFive College Federal Credit Union announced its selection as one of 68 Workforce Training Fund grant recipients in the state of Massachusetts chosen by the Baker-Polito administration.

As a financial institution deeply invested in the communities it serves, UMassFive takes pride in supporting the local economy through providing quality service and products for its members, and by offering employment opportunities that encourage personal growth and career development. Accomplishing both of these goals means taking a real interest in the professional development of every employee and offering training opportunities so that any staff might become an expert in their chosen field. 

The $174,000 awarded to UMassFive will provide training for current and newly hired employees that focuses on technology-related mastery as well as leadership and management development in order to promote job growth, retention, and increased opportunity. This project is funded by a Workforce Training Fund grant from the state Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. The grant program is administered by Commonwealth Corp.

River Valley Counseling Center Promotes Joy Brock to Program Director of CONCERN EAP

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — River Valley Counseling Center (RVCC) announced the promotion of Joy Brock to program director of the CONCERN Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

“We are pleased to promote Dr. Brock to our leadership team,” said Rosemarie Ansel, executive director of River Valley Counseling Center. “As a licensed psychologist with RVCC for over four years, Joy is experienced not only within her area of expertise, but also within our corporate culture of providing high-quality, compassionate care every time.”

Brock received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Maryland University College, a master’s degree in psychology from Old Dominion University, and a master’s degree in clinical psychology and a doctorate in psychology, both from Regent University. She practiced in Virginia and Florida before moving to Vermont for a clinical psychology internship at the Brattleboro Retreat, where she was involved in the Uniformed Service Program.

Brock joined RVCC in October 2014. Her experience includes being a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, a member of Regent University’s trauma team, and a member of the Florida Red Cross Disaster Action Team. This unique blend of experience supports her role as the new program director of the CONCERN EAP.

“In my previous role, I had the opportunity to work in the CONCERN EAP office and provided short-term, solution-focused counseling to employees to address a variety of issues,” Brock said. “In this new role, I am looking forward to expanding RVCC’s presence within the local community and demonstrating our commitment to providing wellness to both employers and employees.”

BusinessWest Now Accepting Continued Excellence Award Nominations

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest is looking for nominees for its fifth Continued Excellence Award, and will accept nominations through Friday, May 3. The winner of the award will be unveiled at the magazine’s 40 Under Forty gala on Thursday, June 20.

Four years ago, BusinessWest inaugurated the award to recognize past 40 Under Forty honorees who had significantly built on their achievements since they were honored.

The first two winners were Delcie Bean, president of Paragus Strategic IT, and Dr. Jonathan Bayuk, president of Allergy and Immunology Associates of Western Mass. and chief of Allergy and Immunology at Baystate Medical Center. Both were originally named to the 40 Under Forty class of 2008. The judges chose two winners in 2017: Scott Foster, an attorney with Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas (40 Under Forty class of 2011); and Nicole Griffin, owner of Griffin Staffing Network (class of 2014). Last year, Samalid Hogan, regional director of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (class of 2013), took home the honor.

“So many 40 Under Forty honorees have refused to rest on their laurels,” said Kate Campiti, associate publisher of BusinessWest. “Once again, we want to honor those who continue to build upon their strong records of service in business, within the community, and as regional leaders.”

Candidates must hail from 40 Under Forty classes prior to the year of the award — in this case, classes 2007-18 — and will be judged on qualities including outstanding leadership, dedicated community involvement, professional achievement, and ability to inspire. The award’s presenting sponsor is Health New England.

The nomination form is available by clicking here. For your convenience, a list of the past 12 40 Under Forty classes may be found here. For more information call Bevin Peters, Marketing and Events Director, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or e-mail [email protected].

HOW TO RUN A DIGITAL MARKETING CAMPAIGN: PLANNING, MEASURING, AND OPTIMIZING TO IMPROVE PERFORMANCE

By
Marketing Tips

Courtesy of Janine Pollack, Director, Integrated Marketing

Any road trip has a destination—more or less.  The same should be true when starting a digital campaign.  Only by knowing key objectives and measures of success can a road map to achieving them be determined.  Is the campaign goal awareness, site traffic, engagement, online sales, lead generation, or in-store traffic? In most situations, there will be more than one goal, which means there will also be more than one KPI.  And just to complicate matters, for each goal there may be a different strategy.  As a recent article in MarketingLand said, “Once you know where you want to go, it’s much easier to determine the KPIs to ensure you’re on the path to success.” That’s why getting a clear consensus on goals and buy-in from all internal teams is essential to formulating digital strategies.

Read more

TRENDS IN PRINT MARKETING FOR 2019

By
Marketing Tips

Courtesy of The Printing Report

Print marketing is enjoying something of a renaissance at the moment. The Printing Report takes a look at what trends will be driving print marketing innovations in 2019.

1# The revival of the print newsletter

Marketing communications need to cut through the noise of digital channels and one way to do this is through print communications. This has led Forbes commentator John Hall to suggest a renewed role for print newsletters in corporate communication strategies.

2# Augmented print

The trend of combining print with digital is spawning some incredible campaigns – offering advertisers new opportunities to create a virtual shop window on any printed marketing material. It is set to continue in 2019.

Read more

Valley Blue Sox Seek Volunteer Host Families

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Valley Blue Sox are currently searching for volunteer host families for the upcoming 2019 New England Collegiate Baseball League season.

The Blue Sox are a nonprofit, collegiate summer baseball team that recruits baseball players from across the country. Players come to the Valley in hopes of enhancing their draft status and furthering their professional baseball careers.

Volunteer host families offer Blue Sox players housing for the duration of the summer season, which runs from June 5 to August 1.

Families who volunteer to host Blue Sox players will receive the following: paid general admission and concessions vouchers for all family members in the household at all 2019 Blue Sox home games, access to special team events, on-field recognition at the end of the 2019 season, and two tickets to the Western Massachusetts Baseball Hall of Fame induction banquet.

Families are required to provide a private bedroom, which may be shared with another Blue Sox player, with proper bedding, linens, and towels.

Former Blue Sox alumni playing in the majors include Trey Mancini, who is currently hitting .385 with five homers and 11 runs batted in with the Baltimore Orioles, and Tom Murphy, who was recently traded to the Seattle Mariners and activated on their 25-man roster.

The New England Collegiate Baseball League has hosted 195 players who have been selected in the MLB first-year player draft over the past two seasons. Notable league alumni include Stephen Strasburg, Joe Nathan, Adam Ottavino, A.J. Pollock, and more.

Questions regarding hosting Blue Sox players can be addressed to Blue Sox General Manager Chris Weyant at [email protected].

Balise Auto Group to Build Mazda Dealership This Summer

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Balise Auto Group will build a Mazda dealership in the South End of Springfield this summer, the Republican reported. Construction on the $6 million project will begin this summer, and the new dealership is expected to open in 2020, bringing 38 jobs to the South End. Balise currently has a Mazda dealership at 635 Riverdale St. in West Springfield.

“Jeb Balise came to see me and Chief Development Officer Kevin Kennedy a few years ago to express his family’s continued commitment to be part of our Springfield renaissance with major economic-development expansion plans and philanthropic community efforts,” Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno said in a statement. “As he and his family have done for the past 100 years right here in Springfield, they have followed through, and I am so pleased and thankful for their continued belief and investment in our Springfield and my administration as we continue to create more jobs.”

Arrha Credit Union Congratulates Anthony J. Serafino Scholarship Winners

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Michael Ostrowski, president and CEO of Arrha Credit Union, congratulated the 2019 Anthony J. Serafino Scholarship winners: Jessica Smith of Minnechaug Regional High School, Isaac Schein of Longmeadow High School, Taylor Woods of Pioneer Valley Christian Academy, Quinn Serafino of West Springfield High School, and Kaylee Fife of Tantasqua Regional Senior High School.

The $1,000 scholarships were awarded by Arrha to worthy students based on scholastic merit and civic achievement. Recipients must be a senior high-school student, be an Arrha member or student whose parent is a member, be involved in outside activities or community endeavors, and plan to attend a two-year or four-year degree-granting college or university. In addition to the scholarships, each student was given $100 to open an account with a debit card to jump-start their financial future on a positive note.

“We wish each of our recipients the best of luck with their educational endeavors,” Ostrowski said.

Big Brothers Big Sisters to Host Ninth Annual Daffodil Run

By
Daily News

AMHERST — On Sunday, April 28, Big Brothers Big Sisters will host the ninth annual Daffodil 5K Run/Walk & 10K Run. This festive, family-friendly event takes place at Kendrick Park in Amherst, with the race kicking off at 10 a.m.

Before the race, registrants can enjoy Esselon Coffee and a pre-race warmup with 50/50 Fitness/Nutrition. The post-race party for all registrants and volunteers will include a barbecue lunch provided by the Pub, music with DJ Matt Peterson, a bounce house, hula hooping with Hoop Joy, and balloon art. New this year, Crooked Stick Pops will bring their popsicles to the party, and there will be a tent sale of gently used children’s books curated by author and illustrator Diane deGroat.

With a goal of raising $60,000 this year, the Daffodil Run is the largest annual fundraiser for CHD’s Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County and provides vital funds for its mentoring programs. This year, it is partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampden County, and participants can decide which agency their fundraising will benefit.

“The Daffodil Run is a favorite springtime event in our community, with 1,000 people joining together each year to have fun and support youth-mentoring programs,” said Jessie Cooley, director of CHD’s Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County. “By partnering with our friends in Hampden County, we hope to create an even bigger impact and to match more young people in our region with mentors.”

Runners and walkers can register online until Wednesday, April 24, and race-day registration is available beginning at 8 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top three overall finishers in each gender category, as well as top finishers for each age group and top fundraisers. Community members are invited to join the festivities at Kendrick Park and cheer on the runners and walkers along the route.

For more information and to register for the race, visit daffodilrun2019.racewire.com.

Nearing the End of an Era: Bay Path University President Carol Leary to Retire in 2020

By
Daily News

LONGMEADOW — Carol Leary was ready to announce her retirement, but not exactly ready to talk about it.

OK, she talked about it a little, mentioning how it would include, among other things, travel to some of the places she hasn’t been to yet (countries along the Adriatic and in Scandinavia, for example) and ongoing work to maintain the Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine, where she and her husband, Noel, have owned a home for some time now; she’s on that landmark’s preseveration committee.

“Everyone says you have to have a plan for retirement,” she told BusinessWest as she made her announcement public this week. “But I’m too busy working and living to have put any kind of plan together.”

Indeed, she was far more interested in discussing what she and her team want to accomplish over the next 14-15 months, before she officially moves out of the large home on campus she has occupied for the past 25 years.

And it’s a long list. It includes everything from work to advance and expand emerging degree programs in IT and cybersecurity at Bay Path to development of new graduate programs, to efforts to build what she called an ‘ecosystem’ focused on women’s education and helping more women complete degree programs that they may have put aside for one reason for another.

“Right now, we have 11 women’s colleges that have agreed to work together to address the national imperative of these adult women who have never completed their education and who need to have a very productive and successful life, especially as they raise their children and enter their retirement years,” she noted. “I’m excited by the concept of an ecosystem sharing resources among and between colleges and universities.”

It will also include work she categorized this way: “working locally and at the state level to fight against the myth that if one small, private college goes under, all private colleges are going to go under.” That was a reference, obviously, to the closing of Mount Ida College last year and the well-publicized struggles of several other institutions, including Hampshire College.

“And I’m chairing the American Association of Colleges and Universities,” she went on. “So I’ll certainly be keeping busy for the next 15 months.”

‘Keeping busy’ is an understatement, and it has been since Leary became the fifth president at Bay Path in the fall of 1994. Make that a much different Bay Path.

Indeed, back then, this was a college with only undergraduate programs and falling enrollment — maybe 450 students. Today, Bay Path is a university — one with more than 3,400 students — that offers more than 30 degree programs, including doctoral programs, as well as the American Women’s College, the first all-women, all-online baccalaureate program in the nation.

The school has become well-known regionally for the Women’s Leadership Conference it stages every spring, and it is gaining a reputation nationally for developing cutting-edge programs in IT and cybersecurity. And recently, it was named by the Chronicle of Higher Education as one of the 20 fastest-growing baccalaureate colleges in the country, and one of the fastest-growing private nonprofit master’s institutions in the U.S.

As she talked with BusinessWest, Leary acknowledged that she couldn’t have imagined that the school would have come that far in just over 20 years when she arrived. She added that all this progress has come about because of teamwork, vision, continuously raising the bar, and taking an entrepreneurial approach to higher education.

“I saw so much potential, but did I ever imagine where we would be 25 years later? No,” she said. “We have a very strong faculty and staff, and more than that, they’re committed to the mission, and when you’re committed to the mission, you’re fierce — you get up every day and you say, ‘what more can I do?’”

While best-known for her work at Bay Path, Leary has also been active within the local community. She is an emerita trustee and former chair of the Community Foundation of Western Mass., and previously served as chair of the American Assoc. of Independent Colleges and Universities of Massachusetts, chair of the WBGY public television board of tribunes, and on the board of the Beveridge Family Foundation. She also serves on the board of United Bank.

Leary’s work to not only take Bay Path to an exponentially higher plane, but also become a tireless advocate for women’s education — she wrote the book Achieving the Dream: A How-to Guide for Adult Women Seeking a College Degree — and role model for thousands of women in this region has earned her a number of awards and accolades over the past quarter-century, including two from BusinessWest.

In 2016, she was named a Difference Maker by the magazine, and just last December, she became a member of the inaugural class in BusinessWest’s Women of Impact program.

But, as noted, awards have come from a host of different agencies and institutions, including the Pioneer Valley Girl Scout Council, the YWCA of Western Massachusetts, the Women’s Partnership of the Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Pioneer Valley Chapter of the American Heart Assoc., and the Center for Human Development.

Patricia Pierce, chair of the Bay path board of trustees, praised Leary for her accomplishments and the manner in which she has led the college.

“Bay Path trustees know as Carol as a strong, energetic leader who has assembled an outstanding administrative team,” she said in a prepared statement. “We thank her for her and Noel for their uniquely personal commitment and contributions to the university and greater community. Their devotion to the education and well-being of women is the fabric of their lives.”