Home 2019 June (Page 3)

Month: June 2019

Freedom Credit Union Holds Annual Summer Food Drive

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Freedom Credit Union is once again holding its annual summer food drive to benefit the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Donations can be brought to Freedom branch locations in the Pioneer Valley through Sept. 27.

“Credit unions are built on the principle of neighbors helping neighbors, and that’s exactly what our summer food drive aims to do as well,” said Freedom President and CEO Glenn Welch. “Hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity affect people everywhere, including the four counties of Western Massachusetts. We are confident our members will rise to help us meet this challenge.”

Suggested donations of non-perishable food and personal care items include hot and cold cereals; packaged rice and grains; pasta and noodles; canned beans and vegetables; canned and dried fruit; peanut butter and nuts; granola bars and crackers; powdered or evaporated milk; instant potatoes; canned chicken, fish, and meat; cooking oils and spices (in plastic containers); canned soups, stews, and chili; powdered or canned baby formula; diapers, wipes, and toilet paper; shampoo and body wash; and toothpaste and toothbrushes.

For safety, items in glass jars or bottles, homemade food, unlabeled items, baby food, and severely dented cans cannot be accepted.

New Valley Bank & Trust Co. Officially Opens Its Doors

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield’s first startup bank in 11 years has officially opened its doors.

New Valley Bank & Trust Co. received final regulatory approval and staged a press conference on June 10 to celebrate what co-founder Jeff Sullivan called “a business bank for the ambitious.”

“We’re mindful of the privilege we’ve been granted, and we intend to not only be responsive to our shareholders, but to be responsible to the communities we serve,” co-founder Frank Fitzgerald added during a gathering of supporters, co-investors, business leaders, and elected officials.

The bank’s headquarters are up and running, located on the ninth floor of Monarch Place in downtown Springfield. This site will be coupled with a drive-thru location at 1930 Wilbraham Road in Sixteen Acres, which will be opening in a few months. 

The founders of the bank include Fitzgerald, chairman; Jeff Sullivan, president and CEO; Jim Garvey, president of St. James Check Cashing; and Dennis Murphy of Ventry Associates.

Fitzgerald admitted he and Garvey kicked the idea around for a few years, but it wasn’t until Sullivan, a long-time banking leader in the region, became involved that the bank became a reality.

“We’re fortunate to have Jeff,” he said. “His credentials and his experience are perfectly aligned with the job description for the CEO of this bank.”

Sullivan said Valley Bank has set several goals, first and foremost being a high level of engagement with customers, which he says has been missing at a lot of banks. Secondly, he hopes the bank will build off the recent successes in Springfield and connect the small-business community to that success.

“We hope to provide access to the banking system to build wealth for workers and their families, in addition to building wealth for business owners,” he explained.

Mayor Domenic Sarno praised the founders and staff of the bank, and said that, when the bank examiners and commissioner presented the idea to him, it was a “simple decision.” 

“Every businessman or businesswoman deserves to make a dollar. These individuals, led by Attorney Frank Fitzgerald, many times, if not all the time, do this out of the goodness in their heart because they believe in the city of Springfield,” said Sarno, adding that economic development in the city of Springfield is not restricted to large projects. “There’s a lot of other development going on with small to mid-sized businesses, and they need access to capital, and that’s exactly what the New Valley Bank is looking to do.”

Sullivan said New Valley has created something that “runs on a different set of rails” than other local banks, and promised that, in a quickly-changing industry, the new bank is ready for those changes.

STCC to Launch Online Giving Day on June 12 to Boost Scholarships for Students

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Technical Community College Foundation will kick off a new tradition on Wednesday, June 12 with its first online giving day.

For 24 hours, people will have a chance to contribute through STCC GIVES and help build scholarships to ensure that students have the support they need to succeed.

“We are grateful for the support we have received over the years from our donors,” said Director of Operations & Donor Relations Kelly Galanis. “Whether you’ve donated in the past or you’re thinking of being a first-time donor, STCC GIVES on Wednesday is a perfect opportunity to help transform the lives of our students.”

Galanis said donors will have many options to support students: make a gift online by visiting bit.ly/stccgives; text ‘STCCGives’ to 50155; call the STCC Foundation at (413) 755-4529; drop off cash or checks at the STCC Office of Advancement in Garvey Hall; or mail a donation to STCC Office of Advancement, One Armory Square, Springfield, MA 01102.

Galanis said the goal is to raise at least $35,000 in a single day to help the STCC Foundation create scholarships for students. Participants on Wednesday will be eligible for prizes.

Scholarships helped students like Mohamed Gabriel, an engineering science transfer major who graduated in May. While at STCC, he received several scholarships and was invited to speak to donors at an STCC Foundation event on May 23.

“In my second year, I heard about scholarships. At first I thought, ‘I don’t think I’ll get any.’ But then I thought, ‘why not try?’ So I did. I went and applied for as many as I could and ended up getting not just one, but six scholarships. I knew I could worry a little less about the financial aspects of school and focus more on academics.”

Another student who graduated in May with a degree in biotechnology, Maria Ramos, said she would use her $2,000 scholarship to pay off loans. “It’s amazing,” she said. “This is going to help me out so much.”

Helder Serrazina, who is pursuing his degree in business administration, received the Jean and Jim Genasci Honorary Scholarship, which is awarded to LGBT students who demonstrate how they actively serve as a leader or role model and promote the goals of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.

Serrazina said he was honored to receive the award. He plans to study at the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst and dreams of one day earning a law degree from Harvard University.

A total of 57 STCC student scholarship winners were celebrated at the STCC Foundation’s Scholarship & Awards Breakfast.

The STCC Foundation and the college provided $1.1 million to support students in fiscal year 2019.

HCC Honors Lucy Perez for Distinguished Service

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — Lucy Perez, a longtime area educator, is the recipient of the 2019 Distinguished Service Award from Holyoke Community College.

The award recognizes the achievements of individuals whose dedication and outstanding service to HCC have enhanced the value of the student experience and improved the quality of life for all on campus.

Perez, an HCC graduate from the class of 1987, has been a member of the HCC board of trustees since 2013 and also serves on the HCC alumni council and HCC Foundation board. She holds an associate degree in liberal arts from HCC, a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Mount Holyoke College, and a master’s degree in education and a certification in advanced graduate studies from UMass, where she concentrated in English language acquisition and literacy.

She started her career in education at HCC, working first as a counselor for the college’s fledgling English as a second language program and later as its program coordinator. She taught education for many years at HCC and at Springfield Technical Community College, where she served as assistant dean of students before moving on to work for many years in human-resources administration and recruitment for the Springfield Public Schools. She now works in human resources at Mount Holyoke College as its talent acquisition manager. 

HCC president Christina Royal presented the Distinguished Service Award to Perez at HCC’s 72nd commencement ceremony at the MassMutual Center in Springfield on June 1.

“Over her long career, Lucy has worked tirelessly to strengthen the diversity of students, faculty, and staff in public schools and on college campuses around the region because she believes education should be accessible to all,” Royal said. “As a member of the HCC board of trustees, alumni council, and foundation board, she brings new ideas and questions and challenges us all to improve. We count on Lucy to be a strong voice, and this award bears witness to her dedication and commitment.”

Greenfield Cooperative Bank Offers Equity-building Assistance to Homebuyers

By
Daily News

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank and its Northampton Cooperative Bank Division has been selected to participate in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston’s Equity Builder Program, which assists local homebuyers with down-payment and closing costs as well as homebuyer counseling and rehabilitation assistance.

The $3.6 million program provides grants to financial institutions to assist households at or below 80% of the area median income. Borrowers are eligible to receive up to $15,000 in assistance on a first-come, first-served basis. Buyers must also complete a homebuyer-counseling program.

“Homeownership is not easily attainable for many households, so we are pleased to offer this assistance to help individuals and families purchase a home,” said Jane Trombi, senior vice president of Residential Lending at Greenfield Cooperative Bank. “Home ownership helps build wealth and create financial stability, and programs that assist homebuyers can be effective in adding to the vibrancy of our communities.”

Greenfield Cooperative Bank is eligible to receive up to $150,000 in 2019 through the Equity Builder Program depending on availability of funds.

Since 2003, the Equity Builder Program has awarded more than $38.8 million in funds, assisting 3,512 income-eligible households to purchase a home.

Credit approval and other conditions apply. For more information, contact Greenfield Cooperative Bank’s Residential Loan Origination Department at (413) 772-5000, ext. 490.

That’s What the PVPC’s Tim Brennan Has Done for the Past 47 Years

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Tim Brennan has made rail service one of many points of emphasis during his tenure.
Cover Story

Bringing the Future into Focus

Tim Brennan has made rail service one of many points of emphasis during his tenure.

Tim Brennan has made rail service one of many points of emphasis during his tenure.

Tim Brennan’s almost-half-century-long career with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission will draw to a close later this summer. As he pivots into retirement, Brennan talked with BusinessWest about the many ways the landscape has changed over the past four and half decades, and especially the emergence of a more regional focus in the Valley.

Tim Brennan says that planners — good ones, anyway — live in what he calls “two time zones.”

“One is the present, and the other is typically 20 years out,” he told BusinessWest. “You’re dealing with the here and now, but you’re also trying to anticipate a problem that might hurt us and ward it off, or an opportunity that we should grab and not squander — and all that makes for an interesting career.”

Brennan has been living in these two time zones for nearly 50 years now, the past 47 of them with what is now known as the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC), and the past 40 as executive director of that agency, which has a mission effectively summed up in its name.

Over those years, Brennan and the PVPC, always working collaboratively with municipalities, state leaders, and other business and economic-development-related agencies, has succeeded in changing the local landscape in all kinds of ways — from cleanup of the Connecticut River to creation of the Western Mass. Economic Development Council; from the building of bike trails across the region to the re-establishment of north-south rail service to a number of Western Mass. communities.

“You’re dealing with the here and now, but you’re also trying to anticipate a problem that might hurt us and ward it off, or an opportunity that we should grab and not squander — and all that makes for an interesting career.”

It was primarily a desire to continue working on the front lines to expand that north-south rail service, among other pressing projects, that has kept Brennan in this job into his 70s (he’s now 71), although he is coming to the end of the line, as they say in the rail industry, when it comes to this phase of his life.

Indeed, Brennan will be officially retiring toward the end of August, handing over the reins of the PVPC to a successor to be chosen in a matter of days.

So, for this issue, we conducted what amounts to an exit interview with Brennan, whose work has been spotlighted in this magazine on countless occasions, perhaps most notably when BusinessWest bestowed its coveted Difference Makers award upon him in 2011.

Looking back on his career, Brennan said there have been a number of success stories, none of which were scripted quickly or easily. In fact, he said, over the course of his nearly 50-year career, patience and tenacity have been his (and his agency’s) best virtues — out of necessity.

the Connecticut River is no longer the “best-landscaped sewer in the country.”

Tim Brennan says there’s still work to do, but the Connecticut River is no longer the “best-landscaped sewer in the country.”

“One of the hardest lessons I learned, and I learned it early on, is that oftentimes, you can make the best of plans, but that doesn’t guarantee they’ll get implemented,” he noted. “You’ve got to stay with it because the planner is frequently not the implementer; you have to keep trying if it’s a good idea.”

As an example of this phenomenon, he cited the PVPC’s long and hard work to create bike trails.

“Back in the ’70s, a concept that came up was the Five College Bikeway; it got a lot of attention and a lot of buzz,” he explained. “But after the buzz wore off, everyone abandoned it. I thought, ‘this has merit; we ought not let it drop.’ It took us 20 years, but I was up cutting the ribbon for the Norwottuck Trail.

“My mantra here is, ‘we plan, we do, and we measure what we do,’” he went on. “And with the doing, you always have to have partners, whether it’s communities at town meeting, a City Council, the state Legislature, MassDOT — whoever the implementers are, we have to tag-team to get our plans to fruition.”

As he winds down his career in planning, Brennan noted that, in many ways, things have come full circle — for both himself and this region.

Elaborating, he said one of the first projects he embraced was cleaning up the Connecticut River, a discussion he introduced by citing that often-quoted line from the early ’70s (he believes it’s from the New York Times) about the river being the “best-landscaped sewer in the country.”

“It’s not a sewer anymore,” said Brennan. “We now have class-B water above the Holyoke Dam; we’ve been working at it for more than 30 years, and we’ve cut the pollution levels by more than 50%. We still have a long way to go, but it’s not a landscaped sewer anymore, and above the Holyoke Dam, it’s a real treasure.

“One of the hardest lessons I learned, and I learned it early on, is that oftentimes, you can make the best of plans, but that doesn’t guarantee they’ll get implemented. You’ve got to stay with it because the planner is frequently not the implementer; you have to keep trying if it’s a good idea.”

As prepares to step away from the PVPC and shift his focus to travel, working for his daughter’s flower-growing business, traveling, and perhaps sailing (more on all that later), Brennan said the environment is once again perhaps the top focus of the agency’s energy.

That’s made clear by the title on the program for the organization’s annual meeting on June 13 in Northampton — “Combating Climate Change” — and the accompanying artwork, a thermometer positioned over a globe taking on a decidedly reddish hue.

Regionally, Brennan and the PVPC have helped changed the climate in this region in a figurative sense. For this issue, we take a look back and, in the spirit of working in two time zones, ahead.

On the Right Track

Brennan told BusinessWest that his daughter first started asking him when he might retire maybe six or seven years ago. His standard response — and he obviously gave it more than a few times — was “in a few years.”

A few became more than a few, and he pressed on well beyond what is considered traditional retirement age (if there is still such a thing) because he found his work in those two time zones “intoxicating,” a word he would use at least a few times.

Besides, he wanted to help steer those efforts to expand north-south rail to a successful conclusion. And it appears he has.

Indeed, the state is close to finalizing an agreement to increase the runs from Springfield north to such communities as Holyoke, Northampton, and Greenfield from the current one a day (the Vermonter) to two a day in the morning and two more in the afternoon, in addition to the Vermonter, on a two-year trial basis.

The additional runs will become permanent, said Brennan, if 24,000 net new riders can be added over the next two years. And he’s confident that threshold can be met.

“Every single year since we moved the train back onto the main line, there’s been steady growth, double-digit growth,” he said. “Northampton has been the standout, but overall, the service has worked as we had imagined — ‘put the train where the people are, and if you have a service that’s attractive, they’ll use it.’ But the service is lean north of Springfield, and we think we can attract those 24,000 riders if we can offer more variety.”

Work to secure this expansion of rail service would be a fitting bookend to a career with the PVPC that saw a young Brennan accept, as one of his first assignments with the agency, creation of the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority.

Tim Brennan says it has taken time to materialize, but the Springfield renaissance is real.

Tim Brennan says it has taken time to materialize, but the Springfield renaissance is real.

“The state Legislature, then led in the House by David Bartley from Holyoke, created regional-transit-enabling legislation, and my boss got the job and essentially said to me, ‘go make it happen,’” recalled Brennan, who said his career has been marked by, and really prolonged by, a string of intriguing projects like that one.

He traces his love affair with the region to the many times he drove across the state while moving his sister to a succession of new residences while she was attending Northeastern University.

Those rides coincided with a search for graduate schools as he was wrapping up his bachelor’s degree work at SUNY Buffalo.

“I just sort of become fascinated with New England,” he explained. “And that’s when I narrowed my search for graduate schools. I came out here to visit UMass, and I just loved the region from the get-go.”

Near the end of his graduate training at UMass, Brennan had the opportunity to work in Northampton under Mayor Shaun Dunphy, at the time the youngest mayor in the Commonwealth.

“He was incredible mentor — I really enjoyed working for him,” said Brennan, adding that his time in the city coincided with the beginning of what become a meteoric rise that has in many ways sustained itself for more than four decades.

“He had me working in solid-waste management,” Brennan said of Dunphy. “And then two projects bubbled up downtown; one was Fitzwilly’s, and the other was Thornes Marketplace, and it was with those two that the resurgence of Northampton really began, and it goes on to this day.”

On a more gradual pace, he believes progress has spread across the region over the past four decades, and the planners at the PVPC have had a lot to do with that.

Brennan joined the agency in 1973, and was one of a handful of staffers. He took the helm in late 1980 and has presided over continuous growth of the PVPC to a staff of more than 50.

Current Events

When asked to compare things in the Pioneer Valley today to the way they were when he took the helm at the PVPC (when Jimmy Carter patrolled the White House), Brennan said the picture has improved in a number of ways.

Progress in and on the Connecticut River is one of the most obvious, he noted, but the cities are, by and large, healthier and more vibrant, and the region as a whole is in many ways more competitive from an economic-development standpoint than it was all those years ago.

And one of the reasons for that is a … well, more regional approach to doing things, something the PVPC helped inspire through another of Brennan’s many success stories — the Plan for Progress.

First drafted a quarter-century ago, the plan was intended to be a blueprint, or road map, for progress, with a focus on both the present and especially the future, said Brennan, adding that one of its first main thrusts was for the creation of a regional economic-development council. Two years later, the EDC was born.

“There was sort of a breakthrough in Boston — for the first time, an administration acknowledged, ‘hey, wait a minute, Massachusetts is not one homogenous economy, it’s a set of discrete regional economies,’” he recalled, referring specifically to the administration of then-Gov. William Weld. “The state realized it needed to set the big table for the entire state — policies, regulations, and programs — but it really needed the regions to do the nitty-gritty details of the economy of the Pioneer Valley versus the Cape or the Berkshires.

“It was sort of a challenge, and we took on the challenge — we went after this,” he went on, adding that the Pioneer Valley was really the first region to take on the assignment of creating a plan for progress.

Over the years, this plan has seen a number of updates — major revisions every 10 years and smaller ones every five years — that have added new points of emphasis, everything from pre-K-to-12 education to workforce building (work prompted by the mass retirement of the Baby Boom generation); from the arrival of MGM Springfield and its impact on traffic to creating a new generation of leaders, a movement that sparked creation of the Pioneer Valley Leadership Council.

“Every year, we actually take a look and do an annual report that the feds look for,” Brennan told BusinessWest. “But the five-year and the 10-year updates … those are the real opportunities to take the car into the garage and really tear the engine apart and make sure it can run for another five years.”

“Overall, the service has worked as we had imagined — ‘put the train where the people are, and if you have a service that’s attractive, they’ll use it.”

As for the EDC, it came about out of recognition that the private sector needed to play a role in economic-development efforts, he noted, adding that the regional-planning mindset has been taken to a new, higher, and, in his view, necessary plane, with creation of the Knowledge Corridor, which packages the area between Greenfield and New Haven into one “super region.”

“The geography of the region is not municipal,” he said. “You have to operate at a regional level in order to be consequential when it comes to the economy. And we’ve actually tried, in an informal way and with some modest success, to go interstate with that with the Knowledge Corridor partnership — you have to be super-regional.”

The Heat Is On

Brennan told BusinessWest that, while a regional approach is critical, healthy cities, and especially a healthy capital city — and Springfield is considered the capital of the Valley — are critical.

And that’s why the progress the City of Homes has enjoyed over the past decade in particular is so important for the region.

“It’s taking a long time, but the renaissance in Springfield is real, and there’s evidence of it everywhere you look,” he said. “Some of it has come through work that we’ve helped with, like Union Station and the rail projects, but much of it has come from the work of the city itself through projects like MGM, CRRC, and work that’s starting to happen with housing.

“They’ve come from a place that’s pretty dark,” we went on, referring to Springfield’s leaders, “to a place that’s pretty interesting, exciting, and building momentum as time goes on.”

ValleyBike, a regional bike-sharing program, represents just one of the many ways the landscape has changed during Tim Brennan’s tenure leading the PVPC.

ValleyBike, a regional bike-sharing program, represents just one of the many ways the landscape has changed during Tim Brennan’s tenure leading the PVPC.

Surveying the scene in Springfield, and the region as a whole, Brennan said the linchpin to further progress and taking the renaissance to a much higher level is attracting young people.

“I hear this refrain all the time — when young people are prepared to settle down and have kids, they return to the Valley,” he said. “But many leave in the first stage of their career to chase bright lights, whether it be Boston, Atlanta, or Austin, Texas. We have to continue to look for ways to get into that vibrant mid-city niche.”

And one of the obvious keys to attracting young people is jobs, he went on, adding that this brings him to one project he knew he couldn’t finish before he left the PVPC, but wanted to at least see into the implementation stage — a high-speed east-west rail line.

He hasn’t been able to do that, either, but the planning commission, again, working with other agencies and individuals such as state Sen. Eric Lesser, has at least swayed the state to again study the concept.

“We did manage to convince the state not to throw the idea away entirely,” he noted, adding that the ongoing study will likely be wrapped up in a year or so.

East-west rail is critical to this region, he said, noting specifically the plight of many rural communities seeing their populations age and decline — a dangerous double whammy — and looking toward high-speed rail as one way to put their communities back on the map, especially as potential homes to young professionals who could work in the eastern part of the state, where the preponderance of good jobs are.

But Boston needs it as well, he said, adding that the Hub, while exploding economically, is suffering from a number of growing pains, including choking traffic and sky-high real-estate prices that threaten to limit its ceiling.

“It’s about 90 miles to Boston; if you equip the train with state-of-the-art wi-fi, we can replicate what my colleagues in California have talked to me about for years,” Brennan explained. “You get employers to allow their staff to log on to work while they’re on the train, so their commute time is work time. And they don’t necessarily have to go to work every day the way the world works now.”

However, Boston is facing what he sees as a much bigger problem — potentially devastating consequences from climate change.

“I’ve read the reports from the fourth climate assessment, and that was pretty startling in terms of what the scientists are saying,” he noted. “They’re saying, ‘folks, we don’t have a lot of time; get on this now.’”

Thus, it’s with those warnings that Brennan is coming full circle, as he noted, with the focus on the environment. Specifically, the annual meeting will feature a keynote address from Kenneth Kimmell, president of the Union of Concerned Scientists. The title of the program? “The Heat Is On: The Compelling Case for Confronting Climate Change and Realizing a Better Future.”

“I’m trying to leave here saying, in a backhanded way, ‘I came in here to this office, and the biggest challenge was the Connecticut River cleanup,’” Brennan said. “And I’m leaving with this — a warning about something that could kill people and create economic and other forms of devastation. We really do need to get on it.”

Living in the Present

As noted, climate-change work and helping to bring east-west rail service to fruition are assignments that will fall to the next director of the PVPC.

As for Brennan, the planning he’ll be focused on concerns his retirement, and he intends to carefully plan that as well.

He said there won’t be any consulting work for him — even though there would undoubtedly be many opportunities to do that. He plans to work for his daughter, do some traveling — he’s thinking about a trip to Spain and Portugal — and maybe learn how to sail. He has his pilot’s license but intends to keep his feet firmly on the ground.

He’ll also do something he hasn’t done in close to 50 years — work in one time zone. His goal is to find that equally intoxicating.

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

Food Trucks Grow in Popularity — and Evolve in Intriguing Ways

By
John Grossman and Dawn Cordeiro of Holyoke Hummus
Restaurants

Meals on Wheels

John Grossman and Dawn Cordeiro of Holyoke Hummus

John Grossman and Dawn Cordeiro of Holyoke Hummus

As the operator of one of the region’s more popular food trucks points out, food-truck culture in the Pioneer Valley is different than it is in metro areas like Manhattan, where the trucks are a constant street-corner sight. Here, they’re more common at fairs, music festivals, and community gatherings, in addition to city streets. And a few have morphed into brick-and-mortar locations as well, which operate in synergy with the mobile kitchens, giving patrons even more opportunities to experience new tastes.

John Grossman has told the story often about the year — it was 2013 — he attended the Holyoke Brick Race, an annual stock-car event in the Paper City. Organizers arranged for food vendors, but none showed up.

“I had been traveling to New York for work, and I was used to seeing falafel trucks on every other corner, and I really wanted to see food like that here,” he recalled. “I told the mayor, ‘next year, I’m going to be here with a falafel cart.’ He said, ‘go ahead, John, you do that.’ That’s all the inspiration and shoving I needed. Our first gig was the race a year later.”

Grossman calls his food truck the Great Garbanzo, and has since added a smaller trailer called the Little Chickpea. He and his wife, Dawn Cordeiro, have turned their enterprise, Holyoke Hummus, into a staple at events like Food Truck Fridays at MGM Springfield and Abandoned Building Brewery, as well as community events, music festivals, and other gatherings across the region, like last weekend’s Run the Runway 5K at Westover Air Reserve Base.

Festivals and other public gatherings have been key to the success of most regional food trucks, he said, as opposed to places like Manhattan, where they’re a constant sight on city streets.

“There isn’t the urban density to support food trucks” lined up along streets, he noted, adding, however, that MGM and others have done well to create buzz around weekly food-truck events.

“It’s not the people in the casino coming out to that; it’s the people who work downtown who say, ‘hey, there’s a bunch of food trucks,’” he told BusinessWest. Making food trucks a regular sight along city streets outside of festivals and events, he added, requires permitting and parking tangles that can be difficult to navigate, although many have done so in Western Mass.

Like Sun Kim, who launched her food truck, Sun Kim Bop, in Amherst in 2014, but eventually decided downtown Springfield would bring more traffic, so she set up shop in front of Tower Square in downtown Springfield.

Bop is cooked rice molded into a bun and grilled; it’s the foundation for her Bop Burger, a seasoned rice bun with dry seaweed sprinkles, sauteed kimchi, and pork, beef, or chicken in between.

“It’s a tough business, but exciting. It’s a good way to get to know people,” she said. “During the warm season, people want to go outside to eat, or have an outing with their employees, and the food truck can go anywhere — in a field, in a park.”

At events, she added, “so many restaurants come with a tent to set up, and they take quite a while, but with the truck, we can set up within 10 minutes and start to feed people.”

Her authentic Korean street food soon developed a following, but there was a problem: what to do during the cold months?

“We had a long break during the winter, from November through April, when we closed. Food-truck season is quite short — maybe two-thirds of the year — and I felt like people might forget about us during the winter. I felt like we were starting our business over every spring,” she said. “But with a restaurant, we could stay connected to people. They could keep coming back to the same place and remember us.”

So, two years ago, she opened a Sun Kim Bop restaurant on Main Street. And she’s not the only one who turned mobile success into a storefront; Holyoke Hummus opened its restaurant on High Street, across from Holyoke City Hall, two years ago, starting with lunch service and adding breakfast this past January.

Sun Kim says her restaurant patrons will often seek out the food truck

Sun Kim says her restaurant patrons will often seek out the food truck, and vice versa, bringing synergy to her two-pronged business.

For our annual Restaurant Guide, BusinessWest checks in with a few local food trucks, and learns how that model has evolved for them, or will, into brick and mortar sites that coexist along with those kitchens on wheels.

Local Flavor

Jake Mazar and Will Van Heuvelen both come from a farming background, and both worked at Brookfield Farm in Amherst when they got an idea.

“Will’s background is in cooking and baking, and mine is in business management,” Mazar said. “But we both came to the Valley to pursue agriculture and had a passion for local food.”

Brookfield Farm had no commercial kitchen, though, and the pair wanted to take their food passions further. So they launched a food truck called Wheelhouse.

Jake Mazar (left) says he and Will Van Heuvelen

Jake Mazar (left) says he and Will Van Heuvelen want to take concepts that resonate with the agricultural movement and make them more accessible to the public.

“We wanted to take a lot of the same concepts that resonate so strongly with the local agricultural movement and make them more accessible to the public,” Mazar explained.

Wheelhouse got rolling in 2015, bringing the wheeled kitchen to food-truck events, farmers markets, festivals, and fairs over the first couple of years. It still takes part in some 75 events per year, but mixed in with music festivals, like the Green River Festival, and other public gatherings is an increasing number of private, catered events.

“For some of those, we don’t actually use the food truck,” he said. “Or, sometimes we bring the food truck to a wedding and do a family-style dinner, followed by late-night tacos from the truck. We do a lot of private events, and generally, we don’t do as many public events as we used to.”

That evolution has brought them to the next step, and they’re in the process of purchasing a property in Amherst to — much like Holyoke Hummus and Sun Kim Bop — open up a brick-and-mortar version of Wheelhouse.

“Will and I both think the Valley is such a unique place, in large part because of the agricultural heritage here, and the amazing small farms and growers — and large farms and growers. We can get grain here, dairy, fruit, vegetables, meat, mushrooms, fish — you name it, there’s a different place for it,” he said. “And it’s sort of our mission to highlight the amazing work these growers are doing. The farms contribute in a big way to the culture of our communities, and we want to shine a spotlight on them.”

It’s a shifting spotlight, to be sure, as the menus at Wheelhouse are constantly in flux, based on what’s coming out of the ground locally that month — from spring vegetables to summer fruits to root vegetables when the weather cools down.

“We change the menus basically every week based on what’s fresh, what’s going to be in season,” he said, noting that will be a feature at the brick-and-mortar restaurant, too. “That’s a big challenge, to accommodate what’s available in a given week.”

Dawn Cordeiro are among a handful of food-truck operators

John Grossman and Dawn Cordeiro are among a handful of food-truck operators who have translated their success into a brick-and-mortar restaurant — or are planning to do so.

What helps is that the Pioneer Valley is home to a progressive, multi-cultural, and culinary adventurous population that’s open to new tastes, and that means opportunity for truck owners who can carve out a niche, as Grossman has with his creative takes on falafel and hummus.

“People in Holyoke are interested in a wide variety of foods,” he said.

As for the restaurant, “it has a fun vibe,” he added. “We always knew lunch and dinner would be the bread and butter. But we started breakfast at the beginning of the year, and we also went to seven days a week. We were able to grow the restaurant in ways we weren’t even thinking about.”

He wasn’t sure High Street was ready for a seven-day operation, he noted, because it’s a largely commercial district that clears out after business hours.

But we heard people telling us, ‘I live in Holyoke but work in Springfield, and I can’t get back from work in time to eat at your place. Weekends would be great.’ And weekends are going nicely; people are happy we have food available every day.”

Rolling On

Still, food trucks are still about getting into plenty of outdoor events and raising their profile — usually for one type of food, as Grossman has done, and as Kim has done with Korean street food.

She told BusinessWest she’s relieved to have the Main Street shop, as a food-truck-only business was problematic in some ways. Simply put, it’s not easy to prepare everything without a commercial kitchen, with limited space and always having to supply electricity, gas, and water to the vehicle.

“It was tough; we were working without a real kitchen, like a restaurant has. That’s why we started thinking, ‘if I opened up a restaurant, we could prep all those things in the restaurant’s kitchen.’”

In fact, the truck and restaurant have boosted each other, Kim noted. “Sometimes people who find us at the truck come to the restaurant, and the restaurant people come to the truck. They both have the same logo and colors, and they can make a connection. Rather than having only a restaurant or truck, that really gives us synergy.”

Cordeiro has been out front with marketing Holyoke Hummus — both the food truck and the restaurant — especially online. “We’re mobile, and people are mobile, too, and that’s how you reach them,” Grossman said. “She’s been a great voice for us, explaining who we are and reaching people who’ll want to follow us around and be a part of this.”

As for Mazar, “I like to joke that we started this business just so we get to eat more of Will’s food,” he said. “At the end of the day, we just love food. We’re not trying to be pretentious about it; we just want to make it accessible.”

When asked what he enjoys about the mobile food lifestyle, he was quick to respond.

“It’s the people — well, the combination of people and food. Food trucks are a great interaction between the natural world and the human world. That’s a great inspiration for Will and me. We work with amazing farms — it all starts with them — and we get to see people experience the natural world in an incredibly delicious and satisfying way.”

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Our Annual Guide to Summer Events in Western Mass.

By
Travel and Tourism

Fun in the Sun

Summertime is a great time to get away, but in Western Mass., it’s also a great time to stick around and enjoy the many events on the calendar. Whether you’re craving live music or arts and crafts, historical experiences or small-town pride, the region boasts plenty of ways to celebrate the summer months. Here are a few dozen ideas to get you started.

June

Granby Charter Days
Dufresne Park, Route 202, Granby, MA
www.granbycharterdays.com
Admission: Free
• June 14-16: This annual town fair celebrates the adoption of Granby’s charter in 1768. This year’s event promises an array of local vendors and artisand, arts and crafts, contests, tractor pulls and an antique tractor show, an oxen draw, helicopter rides, a petting zoo, live music headlined by Trailer Trash, midway rides, a pancake breakfast, fireworks, and more.

Worthy Craft Brew Fest
201 Worthington St., Springfield, MA
www.theworthybrewfest.com
Admission: $35-$45
• June 15: Smith’s Billiards and Theodores’ Booze, Blues & BBQ, both in the city’s entertainment district, will host two dozen breweries, live music, and food served up by Theodores’, Thai Chili Food Truck, and Nora Cupcake Co. The event will also feature a home-brew contest; Amherst Brewing will make the winner’s beer and serve it at next year’s Brew Fest.

Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival
358 George Carter Road, Becket
www.jacobspillow.org
Admission: Prices vary
• June 19 to Aug. 25: Now in its 86th season, Jacob’s Pillow has become one of the country’s premier showcases for dance, featuring more than 50 dance companies from the U.S. and around the world. Participants can take in scores of free performances, talks, and events; train at one of the nation’s most prestigious dance-training centers; and take part in programs designed to educate and engage audiences of all ages.

Out! for Reel LGBT Films
274 Main St., Northampton, MA
www.outforreel.net
Admission: $7-$12
• June 22: Out! For Reel LGBTQ Films celebrates National Pride Month with a mini film fest at the Academy of Music Theatre in Northampton. This year’s theme is “This American Lesbian Life: Uplifting (and Fun) Stories in Short Films.” Out! For Reel invites everyone in the community to enjoy these entertaining, inspiring, and award-winning films.

New England Food Truck Festival
1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield, MA
www.nefoodtruckfest.com
Admission: $6-$35
• June 22-23: The New England Food Truck Festival, on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition, is the largest event of its kind in New England, featuring close to 50 of New England’s premier food trucks, live music, and family fun. An array of entertainment is slated throughout the weekend, from local bands to face painting, to enjoy along with a taco, grilled cheese, or hundreds of other tasty options.​

The Capitol Steps
55 Lee Road, Lenox, MA
www.capsteps.com
Admission: $49
• June 28 to Aug. 30: Since they formed in 1981, political satirists the Capitol Steps have recorded more than 30 albums and can be heard four times a year on NPR during their “Politics Take a Holiday” specials. They will release their new CD, The Lyin’ Kings, in time for their annual summer residency at Cranwell Spa and Golf Resort. Cranwell performances are nightly excluding Tuesdays throughout the summer.

July

Old Sturbridge Village Independence Weekend Celebration
1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge
www.osv.org
Admission: $14-$28; free for children under 4
• July 3-4: At this celebration of America, visitors can take part in a citizens’ parade, play 19th-century-style ‘base ball,’ march with the militia, make a tri-cornered hat, and sign a giant copy of the Declaration of Independence. Children and families will enjoy some friendly competition with games, and a reproduction cannon will be fired. On July 4, a citizen naturalization ceremony will take place on the Village Common.

Monson Summerfest
Main Street, Monson
www.monsonsummerfestinc.com
Admission: Free
• July 4: In 1979, a group of parishioners from the town’s Methodist church wanted to start an Independence Day celebration focused on family and community. The first Summerfest featured food, games, and fun activities. With the addition of a parade, booths, bands, rides, and activities, the event — now celebrating its 40th anniversary — has evolved into an attraction drawing more than 10,000 people every year.

Berkshires Arts Festival
380 State Road, Great Barrington
www.berkshiresartsfestival.com
Admission: $7-$14; free for children under 10
• July 5-7: Ski Butternut may be best-known for … well, skiing, of course. But the property also plays host to the Berkshires Arts Festival, a regional tradition now in its 18th year. Thousands of art lovers and collectors are expected to stop by to check out and purchase the creations of more than 175 artists and designers, and take in a performance by ‘chamber-folk’ trio Harpeth Rising on July 6.

Brimfield Outdoor Antiques Show
Route 20, Brimfield
www.brimfieldshow.com
Admission: Free
• July 9-14, Sept. 3-8: After expanding steadily through the decades, the Brimfield Antique Show now encompasses six miles of Route 20 and has become a nationally known destination for people to value antiques, collectibles, and flea-market finds. Some 6,000 dealers and close to 1 million total visitors show up at the three annual, week-long events; the first was in May.

Yidstock
1021 West St., Amherst
www.yiddishbookcenter.org/yidstock
Admission: Festival pass, $236; tickets may be purchased for individual events
• July 11-14: Boasting an array of concerts, lectures, and workshops, Yidstock 2019: the Festival of New Yiddish Music brings the best in klezmer and new Yiddish music to the stage at the Yiddish Book Center on the campus of Hampshire College. The eighth annual event always offers an intriguing glimpse into Jewish roots, music, and culture.

Green River Festival
One College Dr., Greenfield
www.greenriverfestival.com
Admission: Weekend, $139.99; Friday, $44.99; Saturday, $69.99; Sunday, $64.99
• July 12-14: For one weekend every July, Greenfield Community College hosts a high-energy celebration of music; local food, beer, and wine; handmade crafts; and games and activities for families and children — all topped off with hot-air-balloon launches and Friday- and Saturday-evening ‘balloon glows.’ The music is continuous on three stages, with more than 35 bands slated to perform.

Northeast Balloon Festival
41 Fair St., Northampton, MA
www.northeastballoonfestival.com
Admission: $7.50-$15; free for children under 13
• July 12-14: This annual event, held at the Three County Fairgrounds, features balloon rides, walk-in balloons, nighttime balloon glows, and pilot meet-and-greets, as well as a vendor expo, craft beer, live music, and more. More than 30 of New England’s top food trucks will offer an array of tastes, while amusement rides and a petting zoo have been added for the first time.

Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival
300 North Main St., Florence
www.glasgowlands.org
Admission: $5-$18, free for children under 6
• July 20: Celebrating its 26th anniversary this year, the largest Scottish festival in Massachusetts, held at Look Park, features Highland dancers, pipe bands, a pipe and drum competition, animals, spinners, weavers, harpists, Celtic music, athletic contests, activities for children, and the authentically dressed Historic Highlanders recreating everyday life in that society from the 14th through 18th centuries.

Celebrate Ludlow
Ludlow Fish & Game Club
200 Sportsmans Road, Ludlow, MA
Admission: Free
• July 27: Celebrate Ludlow began in 2000 as an extension of a parade and picnic in 1999 to celebrate the town’s 225th anniversary, and has continued annually ever since. The event, held at Ludlow Fish & Game Club and put on with the help of numerous local nonprofit organizations, typically features live bands, food, games, activities for children, and fireworks to cap off the evening.

Hampden County 4-H Fair
1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield
www.easternstatesexposition.com
Admission: Free
• July 28: More than 200 youth from Hampden County, and 4-H members from Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, and Worcester counties, will showcase projects they have made, grown, or raised during the past year. Events include a horse show and other animal exhibitions, a fun run, a talent show, a scavenger hunt, raffle drawings, arts and crafts, and more.

August

High Hopes Music and Arts Festival
One MGM Way, Springfield, MA
www.mgmspringfield.com
Admission: $25-$35
• Aug. 3: Paddle Out Productions is partnering with MGM Springfield to bring a day of music, food, and arts to the Plaza at MGM Springfield. Renowned Queen tribute band Almost Queen will headline the bill and will be joined by Roots of Creation’s Grateful Dub, a reggae-infused tribute to the Grateful Dead; the Eagles Experience; and local acts Atlas Grey and Joon.

Kids Safety Expo
1000 Hall of Fame Ave., Springfield, MA
www.kidssafetyexpo.com
Admission: Free
• Aug. 3: Children and parents can combine fun activities with critical safety education during the 11th annual Kids Safety Expo at the Basketball Hall of Fame. Attendees will have meet-and-greets with area law-enforcement officers, popular characters, and local mascots, and the first 500 children who attend will receive complimentary bicycle helmets.

Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival
Court Square, Springfield
www.springfieldjazzfest.com
Admission: Free
• Aug. 10: The sixth annual event will offer a festive atmosphere featuring dozens of locally and internationally acclaimed musical artists. More than 10,000 people are expected to attend. This internationally heralded festival has become a powerful expression of civic pride, uniting the region’s diverse cultural communities through music, arts, education, and revelry.

Downtown Get Down
Exchange Street, Chicopee
www.chicopeegetdown.com
Admission: Free
• Aug. 23-24: Downtown Chicopee will once again be transformed into a massive block party. Now in its fifth year, the event — which typically draws some 15,000 people to the streets around City Hall — will feature live music from nine bands, as well as attractions for children, local food vendors, live art demonstrations, and a 5K race on Aug. 24.

Celebrate Holyoke
Downtown Holyoke
www.celebrateholyokemass.com
Admission: Free
• Aug. 23-25: Celebrate Holyoke is a three-day festival that made its return in 2015 after a 10-year hiatus. This year’s festival, expected to draw more than 10,000 people downtown, will include plenty of live musical performances, food and beverages from local restaurants, activities for children and families, and goods from local artists, crafters, and creators of all kinds.

Red Fire Farm Tomato Festival
7 Carver St., Granby, MA
www.redfirefarm.com
Admission: $5; free for children under 8
• Aug. 24: When the tomatoes are ripe and delicious in the August fields, Red Fire Farm hosts its annual Tomato Festival. Attendees can taste (and buy) a rainbow of tomato varieties grown on the farm and vote for their favorites. Bands play out back while visitors snack on food from local vendors, go on a wild edibles walk, pick cherry tomatoes, listen in on a cooking workshop, and more.

September

Glendi
22 St. George Road, Springfield
www.stgeorgecath.org/glendi
Admission: Free
• Sept. 6-8: Every year, St. George Cathedral offers thousands of visitors the best in traditional Greek foods, pastries, music, dancing, and old-fashioned Greek hospitality. In addition, the festival offers activities for children, tours of the historic St. George Cathedral and Byzantine Chapel, vendors from across the East Coast, icon workshops, movies in the Glendi Theatre, cooking demonstrations, and more.

Mattoon Street Arts Festival
Mattoon Street, Springfield
www.mattoonfestival.org
Admission: Free
• Sept. 7-8: Now in its 47th year, the Mattoon Street Arts Festival is the longest-running arts festival in the Pioneer Valley, featuring about 100 exhibitors, including artists that work in ceramics, fibers, glass, jewelry, painting and printmaking, photography, wood, metal, and mixed media. Food vendors and strolling musicians help to make the event a true late-summer destination.

FreshGrass Festival
1040 MASS MoCA Way, North Adams
www.freshgrass.com
Admission: $48-$135 for three-day pass; free for children under 6
• Sept. 20-22: The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art is known for its musical events, and the Fresh Grass festival is among the highlights, showcasing more than 50 bluegrass artists and bands over three days. This year, the lineup includes Greensky Bluegrass, Calexico and Iron & Wine, Andrew Bird, Mavis Staples, Kronos Quartet, Tinariwen, Steep Canyon Rangers, and many more.

All Summer Long

Valley Blue Sox
MacKenzie Stadium, 500 Beech St., Holyoke
www.valleybluesox.com
Admission: $5-$7; flex packs $59-$99
• Through. Aug. 1: Western Mass. residents don’t have to trek to Boston to catch quality baseball. The Valley Blue Sox, two-time defending champions of the New England Collegiate Baseball League, play close to home at MacKenzie Stadium in Holyoke. Frequent promotional events like postgame fireworks and giveaways help make every game a fun, affordable event for the whole family.

Westfield Starfires
Bullens Field, Westfield, MA
www.westfieldstarfires.com
Admission: $7-$10
• Through. Aug. 4: The newest baseball team to land in Western Mass., the Starfires, a member of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League, is playing its inaugural season at Bullens Field in a city with plenty of baseball history. The league itself has been expanding and growing its attendance in recent years, and 30 of its players were drafted last June by major-league organizations.

Berkshire Botanical Garden
5 West Stockbridge Road, Stockbridge, MA
www.berkshirebotanical.org
Admission: $12-$15; free for children under 12
• Through. Oct. 11: With 15 acres of public gardens, Berkshire Botanical Garden’s mission is to fulfill the community’s need for information, education, and inspiration concerning the art and science of gardening and the preservation of the environment. In addition to the garden’s collections, visitors can enjoy workshops, special events, and guided tours.

Crab Apple Whitewater Rafting
2056 Mohawk Trail, Charlemont
www.crabapplewhitewater.com
Admission: Varies by activity
• Through. Oct. 14: Wanna get wet? Crab Apple is a third-generation, multi-state family business that operates locally on the Deerfield River in the northern Berkshire Mountains of Western Mass. Its rafting excursions range from mild to wild, full- or half-day runs, in rafts and inflatable kayaks. In short, Crab Apple offers something for everyone, from beginners to more experienced rafters.

The Zoo in Forest Park
293 Sumner Ave., Springfield, MA
www.forestparkzoo.org
Admission: $5-$10; free for children under 1
• Through. Oct. 14: The Zoo in Forest Park, located inside Springfield’s Forest Park, is home to more than 175 native and exotic animals representing a large variety of species found throughout the world and North America. Meanwhile, the zoo maintains a focus on conservation, wildlife education, and rehabilitation, while offering special events like Zoo on the Go, guided tours, and discovery programs.

Six Flags New England
1623 Main St., Agawam, MA
www.sixflags.com/newengland
Admission: $46.99; season passes $75.99
• Through. Oct. 27: Continuing an annual tradition of adding a new major attraction each spring, Six Flags New England recently unveiled Cyborg Hyper Drive, a spinning thrill ride in the dark. Other recent additions include Harley Quinn Spinsanity, the Joker 4D Free Fly Coaster, the looping Fireball, and the 420-foot-tall New England Sky Screamer swings. And the Hurricane Harbor water park is free with admission.

Historic Deerfield
84B Old Main St., Deerfield, MA
www.historic-deerfield.org
Admission: $5-$18;
free for children under 6
• Year-round: This outdoor museum interprets the history and culture of early New England and the Connecticut River Valley. Visitors can tour 12 carefully preserved antique houses dating from 1730 to 1850, and explore world-class collections of regional furniture, silver, textiles, and other decorative arts. Summer activities include educational lectures, cooking demonstrations, and exhibitions of period items and art.

 

White Lion Brewing Moves Aggressively to Build Its Brand

By
Ray Berry and business partner Ashley Clark
Entrepreneurship

Stout Measures

Ray Berry and business partner Ashley Clark

Ray Berry and business partner Ashley Clark at the company’s beer garden in Tower Square Park.

Ray Berry said he recently delivered what amounted to the commencement address for the most recent accelerator class at SPARK EforAll Holyoke.

When asked for a synopsis of that speech, Berry, founder and general manager of Springfield-based White Lion Brewing Co., said he talked to the fledgling business owners about the roller-coaster ride that is entrepreneurship — the ups and downs, successes, failures, and inevitable pivots.

“They’re traveling the same journey I traveled,” he said of his time working with Valley Venture Mentors and taking part in its accelerator program. “I talked about what worked and what didn’t work, what I would do if I had the opportunity to change something, and how, at the end the day, you win some along the way and you lose some, and that just makes your company stronger and the team around you stronger; you ride that wave of experience.”

He was speaking, of course, from experience — lots of wave riding, in fact, as he’s taken White Lion from a part-time pursuit, a concept he launched while working for the United Way of Pioneer Valley, to a full-time passion.

“At the end the day, you win some along the way and you lose some, and that just makes your company stronger and the team around you stronger; you ride that wave of experience.”

Indeed, he told BusinessWest that the casual observer might not be aware of those turns, dips, challenging times, and pivots, but there have been many of each on this ride, which started in 2011.

“A lot of people see what’s on the surface, but they rarely get a glimpse of what’s going on behind the scenes,” he explained. “The late nights, a lot of conversation, a lot of strategy … and during that process, there are some wins, and there are some losses. In our business, it’s about sales, and through that journey, you gain accounts, and you lose some accounts.”

For White Lion, the journey has come to an intriguing place — one where the venture is taking dramatic steps to expand its footprint geographically, while also increasing its presence in the region and playing an ever-larger role in the ongoing renaissance in Springfield.

These efforts take several forms, especially the ongoing plans to create a brewery and taproom in Tower Square, specifically at the long-vacant site of the former Spaghetti Freddy’s restaurant.

Berry and other partners recently appeared before the Armory Quadrangle Civic Assoc. to talk about their plans and what they might mean for the city and Tower Square, and in a few weeks they’ll do the same before the City Council, which must grant a special permit for the project to move forward.

Meanwhile, the company has moved forward with plans for a beer garden in Tower Square Park, the small park across Main Street from the office/retail complex. Actually, Berry likes to call this “an outdoor beer, music, food, and family venue,” a phrase that certainly captures what it’s all about.

Indeed, there’s White Lion on tap, but there’s also music — the Standing Bear Band and the Buddy McEarns Band were among the first acts booked — as well as rotating food trucks and other food providers, and activities for the entire family.

The venture is a logical extension of the White Lion Wednesdays pop-up beer gardens that drew a popular response, said Ashley Clark, a cash-management officer at Berkshire Bank, part of the White Lion team for several years, and now a managing partner. And it is an important step forward as the company works to build its brand while also being part of the efforts to bring more vibrancy to Springfield and its central business district.

“The White Lion Wednesdays were created so that everyone could leave work, stop, have a beer, hang out for a little bit, and be on their way,” said Clark. “Now, with the beer garden stationary in one place, the event is created not just for people leaving work, but also for families.”

White Lion’s new beer garden was designed to be enjoyed by the whole family.

White Lion’s new beer garden was designed to be enjoyed by the whole family.

Combined, these ambitious steps add up to a critical moment in the company’s brief history and represent an intriguing new chapter in the story.

“We’re at a pivotal stage of growth — we have strong programming, we have strong community engagement, we’re in the midst of building a brewery, and we’re clearly growing by way of volume and the amount of sales that are hitting the market,” Berry said, adding that, once the downtown brewery opens, the company will add another six to 12 employees, taking growth to another, much higher plane.

For this issue’s focus on entrepreneurship, BusinessWest talked with Berry and Clark about White Lion and the latest strategic initiatives in its business plan — but also about those basic tenets of business that Berry passed on in his recent address — especially the part about riding that wave of experience.

Lager Than Life

Returning to that address at the SPARK EforAll event, Berry said he spent a good deal of time talking about pivoting, how natural it is, and how important it is.

“I talked about how people in business often get stuck in their lane — we don’t want to venture out, for whatever reason,” he explained. “So I was very strong in touching on fear of failure, the risk quotient, the need to pivot, the need to listen … but how also, at the end of the day, you’re responsible for the decisions you make, and you have to live by them.

“To change course is a natural part of a growing business,” he went on. “And sometimes, those forces are financial, demand, supply, government regulation, and more, so you always have to be aware of all of those fronts.”

Listening, pivoting, and moving out of the lane pretty much sum up what is approaching a decade of business for White Lion, a brand that now boasts several different labels and has made the White Lion imagery part of the landscape in Springfield — and beyond.

But none of it has been easy, said Berry, who cited his plans — first envisioned several years ago — for building a brewery downtown as a solid example.

“It’s been a journey, and we’ve really come full circle,” he told BusinessWest. “From day one, we wanted the brewery to be part of the downtown fabric; we wanted to be in the heart of what was being called a renaissance, a resurgence in downtown Springfield.”

While many breweries are located in more rural areas, in old mills along rivers and streams, Berry said some have set up shop in the central business district and been part of downtown revitalization efforts.

He noted Brooklyn Brewery — a venture that has played an important role in the meteoric rise of that New York borough in recent years — as an example he’s in many ways trying to emulate.

“They took it upon themselves to invest in a highly dilapidated area in Brooklyn,” he said. “And since that investment, that entire area has been redeveloped, and it’s become a destination.

“White Lion is anchored in the heart of a metropolitan area,” he went on, adding that he was determined to build a brewery somewhere downtown.

But the search became more complex than he could have anticipated.

“I think that, in the beginning, I might have been a little naïve, feeling right from the onset that there would be a lot of opportunity, and space, for a brewery, and that was just not the case,” he said, adding that it soon became clear that the company was going to have to fit, or “mold,” itself into a suitable location downtown.

He looked at a number of options, including the old Rain nightclub building in Stearns Square, a property in Market Place that was eventually deemed more expensive to rehab than new construction, and 1350 Main St., also known as One Financial Plaza, before the focus shifted to Tower Square.

Actually, it was the new ownership of that landmark property that approached him.

White Lion partners

White Lion partners Ashley Clark and Ray Berry with brand ambassadors Scott Freniere, second from left, and Jeremy Eickelberg at the beer garden.

“They wanted us to be part of their plans to make Tower Square a destination of its own,” he said. “We were intrigued and felt very comfortable in those discussions.”

One of the new owners of Tower Square, Vid Mitta, has also become an equity partner in White Lion, said Berry, adding that the ownership team has expanded in recent months and now includes several managing partners, including Clark and brewer Mike Yates.

What’s on Tap?

It was this expanded team that appeared before the Armory Quadrangle Civic Assoc. last week, and is slated to make its case to the City Council later this month (they certainly believe they have a strong one).

If all goes as planned — and the brewing equipment has already been moved in — roughly 98% of production will take place in downtown Springfield, said Berry, adding that the remaining 2% — the bottles supplied to MGM Springfield (the rest are cans) — will be contracted out.

And while pressing on with the plans for the brewery, the owners are taking bold steps to build the brand and expand its footprint.

The beer garden is one of these steps, said Clark, adding that a permanent location for the beer garden and an expansion from Wednesdays to Wednesday through Saturday was a logical progression, and one that made this a family event.

“We’ve created an environment where, if you’re a mother and father with two young kids, everyone can come down on Saturday afternoon or Friday night and listen to some music and play games, and all have a good time,” she said, adding that the garden is open from 4 to 9 p.m.

Meanwhile, outside the city, the brand, which self-distributes, has now extended its reach across the state to Cape Cod and continues to look for new growth opportunities, said Berry, adding that it now has more than 750 accounts — and counting.

“We’ve been able to grow in Central and Eastern Mass. through hard work and forging relationships,” said Berry, who credits another fairly recent addition to the team, Blair Landry, a veteran of the craft-beer industry who had already forged a number of relationships on the distribution side within the industry with another label, and has been re-engaging with the White Lion brand. “Locally, it’s a much cleaner and clearer conversation because we’re local. Through the relationships that all of us have, we’ve been able to onboard a number of accounts that have enabled us to grow considerably over the past two years.”

He said the decision to self-distribute, while somewhat unusual, is a pivot— again, one of many — that has benefited the company in a number of ways.

“Early on, we relied too heavily on distribution partners,” he explained. “Those distribution partners can open doors, but they’re also managing another 100 to 150 brands, and that led us to make a pivot; we felt we could have a stronger level of engagement by doing it on our own, and we’ve been able to demonstrate that by opening up many more accounts and strengthening our outlook going forward.”

He acknowledged there is a tremendous amount of competition within the craft-beer industry, and new brands enter the market seemingly every week. But he said this competition provides both challenges and opportunities, with the latter coming to those willing to put in the work and make their brand stand out in a crowded marketplace.

“Craft is about local; craft is about conversation and fostering relationships,” he explained. “If you can engage and foster relationships and have good beer and be true to your word, you’re going to be able to open some doors, and we’ve done that.”

Hip Hops

Berry told BusinessWest that, if all goes smoothly — and what he told the accelerator graduates at commencement is that things certainly don’t always go smoothly — the first can of White Lion will be rolling off the line at the facility in Tower Square late this summer.

It will be an important moment for the company given the stage in its development and the location of the brewery — the heart of downtown Springfield.

But, in reality, it’s just the latest in a number of big moments, with many more likely to come as the team at White Lion continues to ride that wave of experience and continue its remarkable journey.

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

Ion Lighting Distribution Succeeds Against Significant Odds

By
Sean Callahan (left) and James Jaron
Construction

Shining Example

Sean Callahan and James Jaron didn’t expect the level of competition — make that outright opposition — they faced when they decided to enter the field of lighting distribution, which is dominated by a handful of huge, national players. But through patience, persistence, and adherence to a customer-first philosophy, they broke through, and gradually expanded their locally owned firm into a major regional player. And they’re not done lighting the way to further growth.

Opening a business — and keeping it going — isn’t an easy proposition. Still, Sean Callahan and James Jaron had no idea what obstacles lay before them when they decided to open Ion Lighting Distribution Inc. in 2016.

Jaron owned Zap Electric in Chicopee, and Callahan worked for Needham Electric Supply. “One day, we decided we needed to perfect one area of the distribution business, and that was the lighting,” Jaron said, noting that, in the large, corporate-owned stores, “the guy across the counter knows nothing about lighting, so he has to call somebody to call somebody to get some rep to talk to you” — and that adds layers of cost.

“So we established a distribution company from scratch, against all odds,” he said.

Those odds included a full-court press by those aforementioned large companies, he recalled. “They made a big effort to make sure we failed by cutting off our supply houses and manufacturers, telling them, ‘we’re multi-million-dollar companies; don’t sell to these guys, or we’re going to cut you off.”

Callahan remembers it well. “The day we started the company, I reached out to people I’d known for 15 or 18 years. All the manufacturers’ reps, literally 100%, across the board, all of them said ‘no.’ I was leaving a perfectly good job, I had customers ready to buy, and when I started reaching out to our manufacturers, it was ‘no,’ across the board — because our competition was trying to squeeze us out.”

He went so far as to e-mail the CEOs of those companies, saying, “‘I’ve been selling your products for 15 years.’ And they would look into it and say, ‘we’re not taking on new distribution at this time.’ It was very difficult to get started, but it’s nice to have people coming to us now saying, ‘hey, we screwed up. We didn’t think it was possible you guys would last. We want to do business.’”

Today, the Chicopee-based firm covers the state of Connecticut and Western and Central Mass., and extends into Rhode Island and New York City as well — and is looking to move into its fifth different facility in four years, all to accommodate Ion’s growth. How Callahan, the company’s president and CEO, and Jaron, principal and treasurer, managed that feat is a lesson in persistence.

Early on, Callahan said, “we flew to Hong Kong and China and met with manufacturers. Through that process, we found most major companies were buying overseas. So we got set up with container companies there and here and opened our business. As we got traction, more vendors started jumping on board because they saw we weren’t giving up. But it took a little while.”

Today, Ion purchases only in the U.S., he noted. “But it was tough getting started, and that was our only option at that point. It took a little more capital getting started than we would have liked, but eventually, we got our first vendor here — a small company we never would have thought about.”

Sean Callahan (left) and James Jaron

Sean Callahan (left) and James Jaron are looking for a larger headquarters — it would be their fifth in four years — to consolidate their warehouses and accommodate more growth.

Electricians are busy this summer installing 14,000 LED lights in the Du Bois Library building at UMass Amherst, one example of a large project for which Ion distributed products. But it deals with small businesses, too.

“Little by little,” Callahan said, we started picking up more and more work, and now we can sell top-of-the-line lighting on a big UMass project or commercial job, but we also have affordable lights for someone with a machine shop or small business who doesn’t want to pay top dollar when they can buy a fixture for $50.”

Green from Green

Ion is not an installer, Jaron emphasized; rather, it sells lighting to businesses, municipalities, and schools, as well as contractors, which is the ideal client.

Today, the company is a top-five distributor for Mass Save, a rebate program for using energy-efficient products; all the states Ion distributes in have similar initiatives. But the pitch isn’t just about cost savings.

“Think about the impact we have on the environment — it’s mind-boggling,” he told BusinessWest. “When we think about LEDs, we think about rebates and electric bills, but really, it’s an environmentally conscious thing to do.”

At the same time, the goal is to give customers the best solutions for the best price. “Our products are tested. If it doesn’t pass my scrutiny as an electrician, we don’t put it out,” he said, noting that Energy Star-rated products automatically imply that the fixture has a five-year warranty and has been through a rigorous quality-assessment process.

Jaron also noted that some of the large distributors won’t always explain the Mass Save rebate to customers and pocket the savings themselves.

“We put that savings in your pocket. We’re not doing anything hocus-pocus; we’re just being fair and giving customers what they need. We take care of our customers and talk to them like human beings,” he said. “Companies out there don’t want people to know. They’re gouging the end users. We said, ‘no. Make your margins, make money, but play fair, be a human being.’ You’ve got to do the right thing, and that’s what we’re doing, and that’s why our competition hates us. We’ve disrupted their little game. And our customers are very happy.”

A lot of people don’t understand the Mass Save incentives, Callahan said, so Ion makes a point of helping people maximize them. Jaron added that Ion has no commitment to any manufacturer’s rep, which makes it fairly unique in the upper tier of the industry — and allows for more cost savings.

“When the big supply houses have a commitment, they have to use their product. So when you come in buy a fixture, they’re obligated to use these certain brands for $120 or $130, where we have the same fixture, with the same manufacturer — apples to apples — and we can sell it to you for $80. Then add the Mass Save rebate, and it goes down to $40. Think about that for a second. No wonder they were terrified — because we’re not handcuffed to use certain brands.”

In many cases at corporate-owned distributors, Callahan said, the end user saw the inflated price and often decided not to buy because they didn’t have all the facts and options, and that was frustrating.

“But we found all these little offshoot manufacturers’ reps, all these other companies that we can work with, and can offer good, solid products that I would put up against any mainline manufacturers, and we were able to have stuff people could afford.”

Ion has a presence throughout Southern New England and New York City

Ion has a presence throughout Southern New England and New York City, and a forthcoming e-commerce website aims to expand sales nationally.

Take auto garages, for instance, which use big, 400-watt fixtures that stay on for long hours. Many shop owners have seen the long-term savings of LED lighting — typically knocking off two-thirds to three-quarters of the old cost — and were willing to make the shift. But Mass Save also, in many cases, brought the initial cost of the new fixtures down to nearly nothing.

“And the maintenance is almost none; you can go 10 to 15 years without changing a bulb,” Jaron said. “With the price, the maintenance, and the environment, it’s just a win-win-win.”

Seeing the Light

When Callahan and Jaron went into electrical distribution, they decided early on it would be in everyone’s benefit — theirs and customers’ — to focus on lighting. “That was our niche, that’s what I had a passion for, and it’s what I gravitated toward throughout my career,” Callahan said. “We decided we could do lighting better than anyone else. So that’s all we do.”

It’s a model that has worked. Counting outside salespeople, Ion’s team numbers about 15, and sales have grown significantly every year. After opening in an office above Main Street in Northampton, the firm has relocated three times in the mill district of downtown Chicopee, and is looking to expand again, in order to consolidate all its operations, including its additional warehouses currently located in Palmer and Springfield.

Callahan isn’t worried demand for LED lighting will dry up anytime soon, with so many businesses and municipalities still in need of a changeover. “You can drive down any street anywhere, and you’ll find opportunities.”

Meanwhile, he noted, Ion is getting ready to launch an e-commerce website. “We’re excited to bring it to a national level and start selling to everyone in that way as well.”

He and Jaron are gratified by stories like a big job they supplied lights for in Worcester. They later received letters from the thankful customer, noting that electricity costs had dropped from almost $120,000 a month to around $68,000 — with the savings essentially paying for the project cost in year one.

“Three years ago, it was tough. We’re one of the only privately owned companies like this, because every other supply company is owned by a multi-million-dollar corporation somewhere,” Jaron said. “Now, these reps that didn’t want to talk to us, they’re coming through the doors, apologizing.”

Joseph Bednar can be reached at bednar@businesswest.

It’s Easy, but Risky, to Overlook the Feet

By
Terrence McKeon demonstrates an orthotic insert for a patient.
Health Care

Taking Important Steps

By Mark Morris

Dr. Christopher Peteros prepares a patient for laser therapy.

Dr. Christopher Peteros prepares a patient for laser therapy.

Spring weather in New England is a great time to shake off winter’s cabin fever and head outside to take a walk, go for a run, or play a sport. Spring also means an increase in foot injuries from people being too active, too soon.

While overdoing it can cause aches and pains in many areas of the body, it’s easy to overlook our feet, which support everything else and are key to overall quality of life. Those who specialize in this realm of care have a simple word of advice: don’t.

They stress the importance of taking care of one’s feet, listening to them when they are sore and need attention, and fully understanding how it’s not unusual for foot pain to be the cause or the result of other pain in the body.

“Sometimes foot pain causes knee, hip, or back issues, and by the same token, if someone has pain in their knees or back, it puts the foot in an awkward position, resulting in foot pain,” said Dr. Christopher Peteros, a podiatrist with New England Foot Specialists in Longmeadow, who stressed the importance of paying attention to pain, calling it our body’s early-warning system.

“If you feel pain in your foot, knee, or ankle, it’s telling you to stop what you’re doing,” he told BusinessWest. “It’s like the ‘check engine’ light in your car.”

When we walk or run, the foot’s natural movement is known as pronation (the inward roll of the foot) and supination (the outward roll of the foot), both of which move us forward while providing support, cushioning, and balance. Too much or too little of either pronation or supination can cause pain in the feet and other parts of the body.

“I’m not telling people to go walk in the middle of the street, but if you know of a neighborhood with a cul-de-sac or a circular street, those are better choices than sidewalks, which are a harder force on our bodies.”

Terrance McKeon, a physical therapist with Cooley Dickinson Health Care’s Rehabilitation Services in South Deerfield, refers to the foot as the ‘victim,’ because it’s often the one in pain while the culprits can be nearby or as far away as the hip or pelvis. To carry the analogy further, McKeon said that, when investigating the cause of foot pain, the calf muscle is often a prime suspect, because when the calf muscles are tight, the body adjusts by collapsing the foot.

“Your foot tries to maintain balance by unnaturally scrunching the toes,” he explained. “Then the fascia gets stretched, the Achilles tendon gets overstretched, and you may even wiggle your pelvis, all because your calf muscles aren’t letting you get over your foot.” 

Brianna Butcher, a physical therapist at Select Physical Therapy in Enfield, agreed. “When someone walks in with foot issues, the first thing I check is their hips,” she said, adding that, since the glute muscles tend to be weak in many people, it causes more strain to be put on the leg and foot to compensate and maintain balance.

For this issue, we take an in-depth look at what causes foot pain and discomfort and how to prepare your feet for activity.

Walking the Walk

Those who spoke with BusinessWest there are a number of factors that contribute to one’s overall foot health — or lack thereof. These include everything from the level of exercise to the type and condition of the shoes being worn, to the surface that people walk or run on.

Terrence McKeon demonstrates an orthotic insert for a patient.

Terrence McKeon demonstrates an orthotic insert for a patient.

People should be thinking about all of them and making smart decisions, said Butcher, who noted, for example, that serious runners opt for an asphalt road instead of a concrete sidewalk, because the asphalt surface is slightly less harsh on our bodies than concrete.

“I’m not telling people to go walk in the middle of the street, but if you know of a neighborhood with a cul-de-sac or a circular street, those are better choices than sidewalks, which are a harder force on our bodies,” she said, adding that, for those who live near a track, that’s an even better option than walking on the street.

While sidewalks can be too hard on our feet, Peteros said treadmills can create the opposite problem and result in repetitive-motion injuries.

“Some treadmills can be too soft, so as your foot sinks in, it creates an abnormal amount of repeated pronation while the person is walking, which can lead to tendinitis or plantar fasciitis.”

One of the most common causes of foot pain, plantar fasciitis affects the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from heel to toe. The plantar fascia acts like a shock absorber to support the arch of the foot. Too much strain on it leads to a stabbing pain in the heel.

Many factors can contribute to plantar fasciitis, but it often results from a change in activity levels that puts more stress on the heel. Peteros said likely candidates for plantar fasciitis include the person who hasn’t run in years and then decides to pursue it again, as well as the person who goes on vacation and does more walking than normal while wearing flimsy shoes.

Peteros said a person with plantar fasciitis tends to experience severe pain in the morning after just waking up. The pain subsides a little after moving around, and then, by the end of the day, it increases. He said the pain can move into a cycle that won’t easily go away.

“It’s a very difficult thing to treat in some cases,” he said, “because you’re using that sore foot for every other step you take, unlike a sore hand where you can just carry it around.”  

The first remedy Peteros suggests for plantar fasciitis and other foot injuries is the easy-to-remember acronym RICE: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. People can do this on their own, and in many cases RICE along with good, supportive shoes is enough to solve the problem. If that doesn’t work, he has a variety of treatments to further care for plantar fasciitis.

Anti-inflammatory medicines or cortisone shots are two possible treatment options. While cortisone can be effective for some, Peteros said, he cautions against its overuse because the shots can create ruptures in the plantar fascia instead of healing it.

For several years, he has used laser therapy to treat plantar fasciitis. As an alternative to anti-inflammatory medications, laser therapy uses a beam of light so it’s painless for the patient, works to reduce inflammation, and allows for faster healing. He said the success rate for healing injuries by laser therapy is about 80%.

“Depending on the injury, most patients will need between five and 10 treatments, which take about 10 minutes each. It may not always lead to a cure, but it speeds up the process,” he said.

For chronic foot issues, Peteros also uses shock-wave therapy, which treats plantar fasciitis with sound waves. He said it functions much like the technology that uses sound waves to break up kidney stones, adding that the same company makes the two machines.

When taken care of quickly, he said most people will get great results and no longer need treatment for their plantar fasciitis.

“Some patients may get an occasional flare-up, usually because they did something they shouldn’t have done. The key is to be aware of it, protect yourself, and stop as soon as you feel any pain.”

Getting to the Bottom of Things

That bit of advice applies to all aspects of foot care, said McKeon, who told BusinessWest that, overall, it’s best to best to be proactive and avoid the energetic enthusiasm of taking too much advantage of a nice spring day.

“Your brain says, ‘I used to run five miles a day,’ but when you’ve gone all winter without running even one or two miles, that’s breaking the 10% rule,” he said, explaining that the best way to prevent injury when approaching spring activities is to take it easy in the beginning and gradually increase activity levels no more than 10% a week.

Physical therapists have used the 10% rule for years, and recent studies have supported the idea that the body can react and get stronger from a 10% increase each week for nearly any activity.

“If you can obey the rule, especially for weight-bearing activities like walking and running, you’ll be fine,” said McKeon.

Brianna Butcher inspects a patient’s foot for injury.

Brianna Butcher inspects a patient’s foot for injury.

This can require some pre-planning, he added, noting that simple heel-raising exercises for the calf muscles are a good way to get ready for a walking or jogging routine.

“Strengthening calf muscles is easy because you just go up and down on your toes. Go up on your toes to hit full height, then back down, and do them until you get tired,” he said, adding that the yoga position downward-facing dog is an effective exercise for tight calf muscles. He then stressed that the 10% rule also applies to the stretches.

As essential as good conditioning is to prevent foot injury, these proactive steps can easily be undone by cheap or worn-out shoes — or the wrong kind. McKeon said serious runners should consider new shoes every six months because the foam in the shoe that absorbs the energy of running will lose its ability to bounce back with heavy use.

Peteros also emphasized the importance of protecting the feet with good hygiene and proper shoes. “Whether you are a runner, walker, or any type of athlete, good, supportive shoes are the foundation of healthy feet.”

Peteros recommends shoes designed for the specific activity in mind, with a stiff sole. “If you can bend the shoe in half, it’s not offering support.”

One of the best examples of warm-weather shoes that provide no support are the ever-popular flip-flops. Peteros did not condemn them, necessarily, but referred to them as “purpose-built.”

“If you’re sitting around the pool, or at the beach, or even on your back deck with an iced tea, they’re perfectly fine to wear,” he said, adding that problems arise when people continually wear flip-flops around town, because the feet have to work hard just to keep them on. “Your toes are scrunching as they’re trying to grip the flip-flop, and there’s just no support; they’re actually more trouble than they’re worth.” 

Peteros also mentioned the dangerous practice of people who wear flip-flops to mow the lawn, adding that yardwork is another place where good, supportive shoes matter.

“A lot of people retire their old, beat-up sneakers to wear in the yard, but when you’re doing yardwork, you’re often on uneven ground, when your feet need support the most.”  

A work boot or hiking boot is a great choice for yardwork, he said, because they are lightweight and supportive. Meanwhile, high-top or low-cut shoes are both fine, he noted, stressing that these shoes should be kept just for yardwork; don’t retire them to the yard only after they’ve worn out.

Because every foot is different, people with overly high arches or flat feet often need additional support from custom orthotic inserts. Peteros admits that some people can get good results with over-the-counter insoles and advised that, when shopping for inserts, firmer is better. When a custom orthotic insert is needed, he said the old methods to make them have given way to 3-D digital imaging that results in an orthotic that fits the exact contours of the person’s foot.

“We used to make casts and molds and have people step in foam. I haven’t done those things in at least nine years; it’s all digital now.” 

McKeon said finding the right footwear for those at one extreme or another can be tricky, while people whose feet are more in the middle range may be able to slowly build up strength in their feet and avoid using an insert.

“I tell people that, if they gradually increase their activity levels following the 10% rule, they can improve the strength in their foot,” he explained. “This works well with athletes who don’t like wearing orthotic inserts.”

So, before taking on outdoor activities this spring, remember supportive shoes, the 10% rule, and RICE. You’ll prevent injury to your feet and better enjoy the spring weather.

Introducing the Fifth Annual Continued Excellence Award Finalists

By
Features

Fabulous Five

With a whopping 480 past 40 Under Forty winners, it’s no easy task to choose the one who has accomplished the most since his or her selection. But, for the fifth straight year, our judges are giving it a try.

“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. And, like previous years’ finalists, these five individuals have certainly done that.”

This year’s crop of finalists were chosen from a field of 60 nominations by three independent judges: Elizabeth Cardona, executive director of Multicultural Affairs and International Student Life at Bay Path University; Scott Foster, partner with Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas; and Susan O’Connor, vice president and general counsel at Health New England.

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: Foster (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.

The winner of the fifth annual Continued Excellence Award will be announced at this year’s 40 Under Forty Gala, slated for Thursday, June 20 at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke. The nominees are:

Michael Fenton

Michael Fenton

Michael Fenton

When Fenton was named to the 40 Under Forty in 2012, he was serving his second term on Springfield’s City Council and preparing to graduate from law school. He was also a trustee at his alma mater, Cathedral High School, where he dedicated countless hours to help rebuild the school following the 2011 tornado.

Since then, Fenton continues to serve on the City Council — including as its president from 2014 to 2016 — and is a shareholder at Shatz, Schwartz & Fentin, P.C., practicing in the areas of business planning, commercial real estate, commercial finance, and estate planning. He received an Excellence in the Law honor from Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly and was named a Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2014 through 2017.

Meanwhile, in the community, he is a founding member of Suit Up Springfield; a corporator with Mason Wright Foundation; a volunteer teacher at Junior Achievement; a member of the Hungry Hill, Atwater Park, and East Springfield civic associations; and an advisory board member at Roca Inc., which helps high-risk young people transform their lives.

Anthony Gleason II

Anthony Gleason II

Anthony Gleason II

Gleason was just 24 when he earned the 40 Under Forty designation in 2010. At the time, he was commercial sales manager at Roger Sitterly and Son, overseeing about 20 people, while also managing the operations of his own company, Gleason Landscaping, which at the time was bringing in $500,000 in annual revenues.

Today, he’s no longer affiliated with Sitterly, as his landscaping and snow-removal outfit now services all of New England, employing more than 100 people during the landscaping season and 300 during the winter. The firm grosses more than $10 million annually and is the 32nd-largest snow-removal company in the country. He also co-owns Gleason Johndrow Rentals, which has a portfolio of properties valued at $10 million. He’s also a co-owner of MAPAM-1, LLC and a director of Gleason Brothers Inc.

Meanwhile, Gleason is active with Spirit of Springfield, leading the largest cadre of volunteers for the annual World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast, serving on the organization’s golf committee, and sponsoring Bright Nights and the Bright Nights Ball. He has also donated landscaping services to a number of municipal and nonprofit projects.

Cinda Jones

Cinda Jones

Cinda Jones

Jones was a member of the inaugural 40 Under Forty class of 2007, chosen not just for her role as president of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors, but for her ninth-generation leadership of WD Cowls Inc., which managed timberland in 31 communities. At the time, she managed the company’s real-estate division and oversaw its sawmill and planing mill.

Since then, Jones has grown Cowls’ timberland base by more than 1,000 acres, closed the unprofitable sawmill, and built nothing short of a new town center, called North Square, in its place. She also hosts two major solar farms and is planning more, and sold the largest conservation restriction in state history; the 3,486-acre Paul C. Jones Working Forest raised $8.8 million and was named for her father. This year, she will add 2,000 more across to her conservation legacy.

Jones also stays active in the community with the Amherst Survival Center, donating her contractors’ time to mow and plow for this food bank and sponsoring community food-collection programs.

Eric Lesser

Lesser was chosen for the 40 Under Forty class of 2015 following his election to the state Senate in November 2014. Elected at just 29 years old, he represents nine communities in the First Hampden & Hampshire District. His legislative agenda focuses on the fight for greater economic opportunity and quality of life for Western Mass., with initiatives around high-speed rail, a high-tech economy, job training, and innovation in government. He also spearheads the Senate’s agenda on millennial issues, including technology policy, student debt, and greater youth engagement in public affairs.

Since 2015, in addition to securing several leadership positions in the Legislature, Lesser has been overwhelmingly re-elected senator twice, and has authored several pieces of successful legislation, including lowering the cost of Narcan for first responders, which has contributed to a decrease in the Commonwealth’s overall opioid deaths for two straight years.

Lesser has also supported economic programs that bridge the gap between Boston and Springfield and has secured hundreds of thousands of dollars for area organizations, including Valley Venture Mentors, the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts, Greentown Labs, and more.

Meghan Rothschild

Rothschild, then development and marketing manager for the Food Bank of Western Mass., was named to the 40 Under Forty class of 2011 mainly for her tireless work in melanoma awareness. A survivor herself, she began organizing local events to raise funds for the fight against this common killer, and launched a website, SurvivingSkin.org, and TV show, Skin Talk, that brought wider attention to her work.

Since then, Rothschild has stayed busy, increasing her profile with the Melanoma Foundation of New England and IMPACT Melanoma, and hosting a community talk show on 94.3 FM. Most notably, however, she has grown Chikmedia, a woman-focused marketing firm, into a true regional force. The firm recently marked its fifth anniversary and continues to expand its roster of clients, community workshops, branded events, and social-media impact.

Rothschild also teaches at Springfield College and is a board member at the Zoo at Forest Park, donating her time to its marketing and PR initiatives. She has also participated in events benefiting the Holyoke Children’s Museum, Junior Achievement, and a host of other groups.

Here Are Five Trends to Look for in Outdoor Design

By
Construction

Surveying the Landscape

The National Assoc. of Landscape Professionals (NALP) recently released its annual list of the top 2019 landscape trends.

Drawing upon the expertise of the industry’s 1 million landscape, lawn-care, irrigation, and tree-care professionals, NALP annually predicts trends that will influence the design and maintenance of backyards across America in the year ahead. NALP develops its trends reports based on a survey of its members. It also draws from the expertise of landscape professionals from across the U.S. who are at the forefront of outdoor trends.

“Homeowners yearn for beautiful outdoor spaces without the hassle of upkeep. With the rise of multi-functional landscape design and automated processes, consumers can spend more time enjoying their landscapes than ever before,” said Missy Henriksen, NALP’s vice president of Public Affairs. “This year’s trends reflect current lifestyle preferences as well as innovations happening in the industry that are transforming landscapes across the country.”

NALP listed the following five trends influencing outdoor spaces in 2019.

Two-in-one Landscape Design

Functional elements are becoming a necessity in today’s landscapes. Consumers desire stunning outdoor features that have been cleverly designed to serve a dual tactical purpose. An edible vertical garden on a trellis that acts as a privacy fence, a retaining wall that includes built-in seating for entertaining, and colorful garden beds that divide properties all combine function and style.

Automated Lawn and Landscape Maintenance

The latest technology and equipment allow tasks to be more streamlined and environmentally efficient than ever before. Robotic lawnmowers continue to rise in popularity among both homeowners and landscape professionals. Also, programmable irrigation systems and advanced lighting and electrical systems help outdoor spaces become extensions of today’s smart homes. Homeowners relish knowing these technological advancements give them more time to relax and enjoy their outdoor spaces.

Pergolas

A staple of landscape design for years, pergolas constructed of wood or composite materials are now becoming more sophisticated. They can now come with major upgrades, including roll-down windows, space heaters, lighting, and sound systems. When paired with a luxury kitchen, seating area, or fire feature, pergolas can become the iconic structure for outdoor sanctuaries.

Pretty in Pink

Pops of coral and blush are anticipated to add a more feminine touch to landscapes this year. With ‘living coral’ named Color of the Year by Pantone, a leading provider of color systems and an influencer on interior and exterior design, landscape professionals predict this rich shade of pink could bring fresh blooms of roses, petunias, zinnias, and hibiscus to flower beds. Experts also anticipate light blush tones to become the ‘new neutral’ and another option for hardscapes and stone selections.

Mesmerizing Metals

Whether homeowners want a bold statement or whimsical touch, incorporating metals can bring new dimensions to landscape design. Used for decorative art, water features, or furniture and accessories, creative uses of metals, including steel and iron, can make for lovely accents or entire focal points.

Value Alliance Provides Buying Power for Independent Hospitals

By
Spiros Hatiras
Health Care

Leveling the Playing Field

Spiros Hatiras

Spiros Hatiras says the Massachusetts Value Alliance has created what he called a “virtual system” for the state’s independent hospitals.

Spiros Hatiras was asked about the Massachusetts Value Alliance and, more specifically, how it improves the buying power of its members, including the one he serves as president and CEO — Holyoke Medical Center (HMC).

He handled the assignment by referencing the hospital’s ongoing work to implement a new electronic medical record (EMR) system, and with an analogy that puts this concept in its proper perspective.

“Let’s say you went to Ford and asked them to build you a car, but told them that, instead of putting the power-switch buttons on the window side, you wanted them on the center console — the cost to customize the car the way you wanted it would be enormous,” he explained. “It’s the same with EMR; what hospitals used to do, and still do, is go to an EMR vendor and ask them to come in and build and install a system for that hospital.”

The Massachusetts Value Alliance, or MVA, as it’s called, is a coalition that is enabling its members to depart from that expensive scenario.

Indeed, several members of the alliance, which now includes 14 community hospitals, have come together to order an EMR system that will be customized for a group — with minor tweaks for each specific facility — and not one hospital. The savings will be substantial — in fact, Hatiras pegs the cost at roughly $5 million for HMC, close to half of what the cost might have been.

“Instead of us individually customizing, we get three hospitals to come together and say, ‘what are the features that make sense for all of us, and let’s build it one time and implement it in three locations.’”

“Our patients are not that different; in fact, they’re not different at all from the other hospitals, and the processes that we use are very similar — the order set, the treatment protocols, are all very similar,” he told BusinessWest. “So, instead of us individually customizing, we get three hospitals to come together and say, ‘what are the features that make sense for all of us, and let’s build it one time and implement it in three locations.’”

This is the very essence of the MVA, which was formed three years ago by founding members Emerson Hospital in Concord, Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro, and South Shore Health in South Weymouth. It has added new members steadily since then, and the alliance now also includes HMC, Berkshire Medical System, Harington Healthcare System, Heywood Healthcare, Lawrence General Hospital, Signature Healthcare, and Southcoast Health.

These are smaller, independent hospitals that enjoy the benefits of being independent and the ability that gives them to be focused on the needs of their respective communities, said Dr. Gene Green, president of the MVA board of trustees and president and CEO of South Shore Health. But they don’t enjoy the buying power and other cost-saving benefits of being in a larger healthcare system.

Dr. Gene Green

Dr. Gene Green says the MVA gives its members a very potent commodity in these challenging times — buying power.

The MVA, operating under the slogan “Health Care Is Better When We Work Together,” was created to level the playing field in at least some ways.

“There’s always greater bargaining power with numbers,” Green explained, adding that the MVA has helped its members reduce the cost of everything from laboratory services for their patients to health insurance for their employees. “Although a lot of people do group purchasing on common things, there are other things, especially within hospitals and healthcare systems, that are specialized, and so the question was, ‘how do we help each other bring our numbers together and help each have more bargaining power with third-party vendors?’”

The MVA was the answer to the question. It was in many ways inspired by a similar system in Connecticut called the Value Care Alliance (VCA), said Green, and today, the two alliances are collaborating to create additional economies of scale.

For this issue, BusinessWest takes an in-depth look at the Massachusetts Value Alliance and at how it is benefiting its members across the state during what remains a very challenging time for all hospitals, but especially the smaller, independent institutions.

Group Rates

Hatiras told BusinessWest that he was approached by the president of Sturdy Memorial not long after the MVA was created and encouraged to become part of the new group.

As he recalls the conversations, it wasn’t a very hard sell.

That’s because the value — yes, you’ll be reading that word a lot during this discussion — was readily apparent. And value is something these hospitals certainly need.

“We were quick to join — we’ve been a member almost from the beginning,” said Hatiras. “This is something we ought to be doing because, as independent hospitals, our resources are much more limited.

“This was a way to bring these hospitals together and join forces in terms of acquiring resources without merging assets or governance,” he went on, recounting two of the obvious downsides to becoming part of a large healthcare system. “We’re creating an almost virtual system.”

And within this virtual system, there exists that all-important commodity of businesses of all kinds, but especially hospitals that purchase a seemingly endless array of products and services — buying power. The alliance uses it with everything from laboratory services — there’s a contract with Quest Diagnostics — to elevator services, Green explained.

“The question was, ‘how do we help each other bring our numbers together and help each have more bargaining power with third-party vendors?’”

“It was a way for us to help each other find cost reductions and efficiencies to help drive down the cost of care, hopefully — unfortunately, revenues are declining at the same time we’re doing the cost cutting — and serve our communities.”

Hatiras agreed.

“We don’t have the benefits of a, quote-unquote, system,” he said, referring to the independent hospitals in the MVA. “But we replicated a lot of the those benefits with this alliance.

“We don’t have a mothership that can come to the rescue if one of its members isn’t doing so well — we don’t have that backup,” he went on. “But aside from that, all the other benefits of a system are there — the sharing of information, the sharing of best practices, collaboration, shared negotiation on resources, and more.”

And the alliance enables its members to enjoy greater buying power while also remaining independent, meaning decisions are made locally, a quality these hospitals covet.

“As independents, we’re very focused on our communities, and we’re very proud of that,” said Green. “That’s one of the reasons we came together — to see how we could help one another through cost-effective measures to be able to carry on our missions. We all have the same mission and focus on patient care, patient experience, and high quality.

“All of us are good at partnering with people in our own communities,” he went on, “which made us naturals to be able to partner with one another.”

Green said the group will collectively decide where opportunities to collaborate may exist, and then individual members have the opportunity to opt in or not, an operating mindset that provides members with a good deal of flexibility.

“We didn’t want to force anyone into doing something,” he explained. “If you had a contract that was good for five years, when that expires — and we have one — you can opt in, or you can stay with your own, depending on the relationship.

Which brings us back to that example of EMR that Hatiras mentioned. It’s a perfect example of just how and why the alliance works.

This is a project that involves HMC, Harrington Healthcare System, and Heywood Healthcare, all working with EMR-system designer Meditech.

“This allows to take advantage of tremendous economies of scale because we work on a common build and share common resources, which allows to do this build at a significantly lower cost than if we did it alone,” said Hatiras, adding that HMC will go first, with the other hospitals to follow, with an August 2020 ‘go live’ date for the system.

Bottom Line

Green told BusinessWest that, as reimbursement rates for care decrease, or hold steady, and as the price of technology and everything else hospitals buy continues to increase — the savings generated by the MVA are even more important.

“They enable us to stay afloat,” he said in a voice that clearly conveyed just how challenging these times are for all hospitals, but especially those who have chosen to remain independent.

That choice has left them without a safety net, if you will, but in the MVA, they have something that replicates a system in so many ways.

As that chosen slogan suggests, healthcare is better when people work together.

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

Performance Coaching, Behavioral Expertise Bring Range of Benefits

By
Features

This Isn’t Your Grandparents’ HR Department

By Michael Klein

Michael Klein

Michael Klein

When Showtime network’s Wall Street drama Billions launched its fourth season this year, most viewers did not realize one of its main characters is modeled after a job that exists in the real world — a role that is quite familiar to business coaches and HR directors who have specialized training in mental health.

In fact, in companies similar to the fictitious Axe Capital on Billions, the role of the in-house performance coach and psychiatrist Wendy Rhoades is not new. Wall Street traders have used psychologists and psychiatrists for years to make sure that they maximize their confidence, optimism, performance, and earning potential in stressful and highly demanding situations.

It’s impossible to work effectively in any job without running into roadblocks periodically. The character of Wendy Rhoades has had an important educational impact. We know that one of the biggest differentiators regarding success at work is managing internal roadblocks and reacting thoughtfully to external ones. While a few industries understand the benefit to the bottom line in having highly trained, in-house advisors and coaches for employees and managers, most haven’t caught on yet.

This is not personal therapy or counseling at work like employee-assistance programs (EAPs). It is helping employees perform at peak capacity in their jobs based on their own drive to do well and manage barriers at work.

On Wall Street, the work of Ari Kiev is often referenced as the first clear example of this unique in-house role in businesses. Kiev, a psychiatrist, focused early in his career on depression and suicide, leading ultimately to a career helping athletes and Wall Street traders achieve peak performance.

By studying their behavior patterns and subconscious fears, he helped traders gain insight into their tendencies toward denial and rationalization that could subvert their investment goals. He helped traders develop visualization and relaxation techniques to escape their fear of failure and achieve their performance goals.

It is critical that companies and their employees know these are not medical or psychiatric interventions. Referrals to local therapists can be made when the conversations steer toward personal issues and history.

Many people confuse this with therapy because it does involve conversations about personality, behavioral habits, and self-awareness. But this work at small companies with managers and employees is not about mental health; we don’t discuss parenting, family, substance-abuse, or any other personal issues. It is exclusively about work performance and professional development.

Chicago-based management psychologist Gail Golden believes the psychologist’s toolkit is relevant and tremendously useful in this role.

“Reframing, confrontation, changing perspectives — all of these can rapidly accelerate performance when used by a professional,” she said. “A large part of performance coaching is about managing energy — teaching leaders to utilize their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual energy for maximum stamina and effectiveness.”

Unlike the Billions coach’s focus on maximizing performance in service of profitable stock trades and income potential, in-house psychologist-advisors work with a much broader variety of issues, including:

• Staff supervision;

• Interpersonal communication;

• Career development;

• Organizational change;

• Team effectiveness;

• Employee conflict;

• Role clarity;

• Transition management;

• Working with new leaders; and

• Other topics related to work roles, responsibilites, and performance.

While these types of ‘soft skills’ are often addressed via training workshops and seminars, data shows that, without one-on-one coaching, these skills typically do not transfer from the classroom to the job. And even when they do, they are quickly lost without ongoing attention and energy.

While these topics often overlap with the responsibilities and tasks of human-resource professionals, a key difference lies in the (part-time) on-site coach’s objectivity, ‘outsider’ status, and not being part of the organization’s HR department or management processes.

When managers and employees consult with an in-house psychologist or performance coach, they know the insight, advice, and challenges they are confronting are designed to help them be more productive, advance their career, or minimize some difficulty they are having at work. They share information and concerns they would never share with HR, or any other employee, for fear of it hurting their career, getting back to their manager, or, often, just causing painful embarrassment.

What many companies haven’t realized is that having a highly trained and experienced professional in this role can benefit the organization, whether it results in a better manager, higher-performing employees, less workplace conflict and drama, or simply greater employee-driven professional development.

Michael A. Klein, Psy.D. is a Northampton-based performance advisor and business coach. Klein, who holds a doctorate in clinical psychology, has worked with small and mid-size businesses in the Pioneer Valley in an on-site capacity since 2008, including Paragus Strategic IT, American Benefits Group, and Westside Finishing, among others; (413) 320-4664; [email protected]

Dr. David Hirsh Reflects on Decades of Change in Dentistry

By
Dr. David Hirsh
Health Care

Implanted Thoughts

Dr. David Hirsh

Dr. David Hirsh says mini dental implants can hold a bridge or crowns in place without requiring surgery and months of recovery.

Early in his career, Dr. David Hirsh used to perform dental work for the then-Springfield Indians, and even back then, there was a clear generational divide among hockey players — one measured by how many teeth they had.

“Everybody used to talk about hockey players having no teeth,” he told BusinessWest. “But the young players grew up with helmets, facemasks, and mouthguards, and they came to the office here, and they had beautiful teeth. Their older counterparts would smile, and there would be nothing there.

“It was a matter of education,” he went on, comparing it to how today’s athletes have a better understanding of concussions for the same reason.

But that focus on education holds true among all dental patients, Hirsh added, not just athletes. Simply put, dentists are seeing people make it past their childhood and young adulthood with healthier teeth than in decades past. “We see a tremendous difference in the younger population, which is very satisfying.”

Since launching his practice in downtown Springfield in 1981 — he has expanded the Bridge Street office four times since then — Hirsh has seen plenty of change in the way care is delivered, particularly in the realm of implants, especially the mini implants he has become known for regionally (more on that later). But some of that change has to do with improving habits.

“We’re here to restore teeth and fix teeth and help patients smile and look good. But we would much rather get these people when they’re younger — meaning children or young adults — and guide them and help them to maintain their teeth,” he explained.

“There’s no fun in making someone a denture,” he went on. “There’s no fun in having to restore a full arch with implants. We do it because there’s a need. But that’s not the goal of dentistry. The goal of dentistry is clearly prevention. My goal has always been having a strong hygiene program, a strong prevention program, and helping guide people — and helping parents guide their children — to better oral health so they won’t have to be in a situation where they need a root canal, bridges, partials, dentures. Those things aren’t the goal. That’s not what we want.”

“There’s nothing more satisfying to me than to have a patient come in missing teeth, and they leave here with a beautiful smile, and they have tears in their eyes.”

But because there will always be a need for restorative dentistry, Hirsh — who practices with Dr. Kelly Soares under the umbrella of PeoplesDental — has taken advantage of plenty of innovations in the world of implants, with the goal of restoring not only teeth, but quality of life to patients with less recovery time than ever before.

Tooth of the Matter

When implants first came on the scene a half-century ago, Hirsh said, they were designed differently, and didn’t exclusively use titanium as they do today, so a membrane would form between the metal and the bone, causing the implants to loosen up.

“Today, every implant system is based on titanium technology — all of them,” he explained. “Titanium is the only metal that fuses directly to bone without forming a membrane around it.”

Implants are typically a surgical procedure, placed into exposed bone after the gums are opened up. “A hole is drilled, the implant is tapped in or screwed in very gently, and then the gums are sutured closed, and you have to wait anywhere from six to eight months in the lower jaw — four to six months in the upper — for that titanium implant to fuse with the bone.”

While traditional implants do a good job of anchoring crowns, bridges, and other structures over the long term, mini dental implants, or MDIs, have been a game changer for Hirsh’s practice.

MDIs are solid, one-piece, titanium-coated screws that take the place of a tooth root. They are much thinner than traditional dental implants and were originally designed to hold dentures in place. However, they have other benefits, including the fact that they stimulate and maintain the jawbone, which prevents bone loss and helps to maintain facial features. In addition, they are stronger and more durable than crowns and bridges that have been cemented into place.

They were first used in the ’90s and have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for long-term use for fixed crowns and bridges and removable upper and lower dentures.

PeoplesDental in Springfield is now certified among a group known as Mini Dental Implants Centers of America — the only one, in fact, in a region that stretches from the Berkshires to Worcester, and from Vermont to Hartford. The organization is associated with the Shatkin Institute, the largest training center in America for MDIs.

“For reasons I don’t understand, mini implants in this area in New England are not widely utilized,” Hirsh told BusinessWest. “I think we’re a little slower than other areas of the country to experiment and do new things. When we have something that works, we don’t like to change. When traditional implants began in the late 1960s, early ’70s, the biggest negative voices were from dentists themselves — ‘you can’t put metal in somebody’s bone.’ Then, all of a sudden, by seeing what could be done, they came around.”

The same may soon happen with MDIs, he went on. “More people around the country are learning that minis are a very, very good alternative to traditional implants. The mini implants are not shorter, they’re just narrower; the largest minis today are equivalent to the thinnest traditional implants. The difference is basically the placement of them and what’s involved from a patient perspective.”

Most notably, no surgery is involved. Rather, the dentist makes a small hole through the gum tissue and into the bone, and screws the implant in.

“It gets its retention from the screwing effect, so you don’t have to wait six to eight months,” Hirsh explained. “That very day, you take an impression and make your final crown or bridge or whatever you’ll use it for.”

He likened the procedure to drilling a thin screw into a piece of wood. “You drill a pilot hole first, then put a screw in that’s a little bigger than the hole, so it bites into the wood. The same thing happens here, except it bites into the bone. It’s about half the cost, it’s less invasive, and there’s less chance of infection and the many types of sensitivity and soreness afterward because that usually comes from the cutting and the stitching.”

Quality of Life

More important, however, is the impact of mini implants on patients’ quality of life, Hirsh said, particularly for those wearing lower dentures.

“Lower dentures float all over the place. Nobody’s ever happy with their lower denture. It sits on a ridge like a horseshoe, and their tongue hits it and lifts it up, and they use pastes and powders that are uncomfortable and taste bad. And at restaurants, they can only eat what their teeth permit them to eat.”

With mini implants, however, a dentist can place four implants into the arch and corresponding attachments into their denture, and the denture can snap into place that same day. When they are used to stabilize upper dentures, the palate portion of the denture can be cut away, which makes it more comfortable and improves the taste of food.

“They can take it out to clean it, but it’s not going to move around,” he said. “There’s no paste or powder, it’s cost-effective, and it changes their life. I’ve done commercials with patients who bite into apples or corn with dentures, and they feel it’s rock solid.”

That’s gratifying for someone who has spent nearly 40 years helping people find solutions to dental issues that stem from genetics, accidents, environmental factors, and plain old bad habits.

In his earlier days, he explained, before dental insurance became more widely accessible, it was more common than today for families to avoid the dentist because of cost — or, if a tooth went bad, just opt for an extraction over a root canal.

“They were in a bad financial situation, or they weren’t educated to take care of their teeth, or a combination of both,” he told BusinessWest. “One tooth goes bad, and they need a root canal to save it, but they don’t want to spend the money, or don’t see the value in it. So they have that tooth extracted, and a year later, another one hurts, and it’s the same thing. All of a sudden, you’re looking at half a mouth of teeth, and half a mouth can’t do the work of a full mouth.”

Sometimes it’s a long process — decades, perhaps — to get to that point, or perhaps something happened suddenly, like a car accident or being struck in the teeth, but without insurance, it can be a challenge for families to get the work they need, at a time when procedures have become less invasive, in many cases, and more cutting-edge.

That’s changing, he said, not just on the insurance front, but as the result of decades of education and advertising the benefits of healthy oral habits. “When I see today’s young people, I don’t think, in the future, we’re going to see the amount of restorative need we see today.”

Until then, Hirsh aims to continue fixing what he can and helping young people forge a path to a future without implants. He’s scaled back to three days a week as he approaches retirement, but says the leisure activities of those coming years may not make him as happy as his current work does.

“There’s nothing more satisfying to me than to have a patient come in missing teeth, and they leave here with a beautiful smile, and they have tears in their eyes,” he said. “I’m not a golfer, but I fully understand hitting a great golf shot is very satisfying — but no one can convince me it’s as satisfying as doing something like that for a patient.”

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Innovate413 Looks to Take Its Mission to a Higher Level

By
Robyn Caody, left, and Samalid Hogan are working to take Innovate413 to the next level as a resource to the region.
Entrepreneurship

Becoming a Resource

Robyn Caody, left, and Samalid Hogan are working to take Innovate413 to the next level as a resource to the region.

Robyn Caody, left, and Samalid Hogan are working to take Innovate413 to the next level as a resource to the region.

Samalid Hogan says that, when the website Innovate413 was launched roughly four years ago, it was with a desire to not only promote entrepreneurship and innovation in the region, but to inspire more of both.

And when she agreed to essentially take over the initiative early last year, she admitted the original goal was just to “keep it going,” as she put it, because she could clearly see the value it represented.

But rather than just keep it going, she has committed herself to taking its mission, and its offerings, to a much higher level. And with the help of a growing team that includes Robyn Caody, a business-culture and brand strategist who relocated to the region from New York City, Hogan, best known as director of the Western Mass. Small Business Development Center and winner of BusinessWest’s Continued Excellence Award last year, is doing just that.

Indeed, Innovate 413, or Inno413, for short, has become a multi-platform initiative, with a website (www.innovate413) as well as a monthly newsletter and comprehensive calendar of events related to entrepreneurship, professional development, and business management.

In addition to publishing original content, Innovate413 also aggregates and links to entrepreneurial news from outside sources, provides resources for entrepreneurs in the Pioneer Valley, and encourages its partner organizations to submit their own content highlighting innovative trends within their businesses.

The broad goals, said Hogan, are to educate and motivate the audience and also promote the region and all that’s happening within it, especially when it comes to a steadily growing startup community.

“There’s a big start-up culture here, a culture of creativity — I could sense that. But since I moved here, it’s been hard to find these people; I know they’re here, but where’s the community hub? How can I find out what people are doing? Innovate413 is a way to make that more obvious.”

“When I took it over, the goal was to just keep it alive and post items on the site,” she explained. “But now we’re actively engaged in taking this to the next level and making it much more of a resource.”

Caody agreed. She said she relocated to this region partly because of the large amounts of creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that exist here, and a desire to be part of all that. She joined Innovate413 to help shed some light on all that’s going on.

“There’s a big startup culture here, a culture of creativity — I could sense that,” she explained. “But since I moved here, it’s been hard to find these people; I know they’re here, but where’s the community hub? How can I find out what people are doing? Innovate413 is a way to make that more obvious.”

The content currently on the site provides an effective snapshot of the mission and how it’s carried out. There are several stories from the pages of BusinessWest — including those highlighting agencies such as TechSpring, Valley Venture Mentors, the Berthiaume Center for Entrepreneurship at UMass Amherst, 1Berkshire, and others — and other media outlets. But there is more original content, such as a piece on the upcoming Demo Day, written by Paul Silva, president of Launch413, and short stories on individual businesses.

The site prints articles from agencies like TechSpring (one of the original founders of the site, along with Click Workspace and PixelEdge), Greentown Labs, and others, and submissions from individual entrepreneurs looking to help educate others or just tell their own story.

Headlines on educational stories currently on the site range from “Five Signs You Might Have Second-stage Business” to “Should You Get a Business Certification?” Meanwhile, there are profiles (again, many from BusinessWest) on agencies and businesses ranging from Happier Valley Comedy to Central Rock Gym.

The team at Innovate413 now includes Hogan; Caody, serving as chief Development officer; and Mychal Connolly Sr., an entrepreneur (he founded the venture Stinky Cakes), author, and speaker who serves as chief Marketing officer.

Together, they’re working to make the initiative more of a resource for area entrepreneurs — and the region as a whole — and an ever-more-important part of the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Western Mass.

“There’s a lot of opportunity here because a lot of organizations that are not really innovative have found themselves wanting to innovate. And we can really be a resource to these agencies.”

The goal moving forward, said Hogan, is to create more original content, build a subscriber base for the monthly newsletter — there are currently a few hundred, and the goal is 1,000 — and continually build the calendar, which is becoming a popular and valuable resource,

Indeed, the calendar posts events being staged by 16 different area organizations within the ecosystem, and organizers do the hard work by pulling the items off those agencies’ websites.

“We post anything that helps entrepreneurs,” said Hogan. “That includes training and educational programs such as those on how to start a business, networking events, pitch competitions, leadership programs, things like Demo Day, blockchain-technology meetups … anything that helps educate entrepreneurs.”

And, looking down the road, those at Innovate413 have a vision of perhaps creating events to help promote entrepreneurship. As with the startups it spotlights, the initiative’s business plan is evolving, said Caody.

“Ultimately, we want to create a community of entrepreneurs and small-business owners,” she said, adding that there is a considerable amount of momentum building within the startup community and the ecosystem that supports it, and Innovate413 wants to tap that energy and use it to fuel additional growth.

Like any business in this region, Innovate413 has the broad goal to be sustainable, said both Hogan and Caody, adding that the initiative is laying a solid foundation that will enable it to do just that.

“There’s a gap when it comes to this kind of service in this region, and we’re filling it, slowly but surely,” said Hogan. “We’re getting there.”

Caody agreed. “There’s a lot of opportunity here because a lot of organizations that are not really innovative have found themselves wanting to innovate,” she explained. “And we can really be a resource to these agencies.”

—George O’Brien

He Kept the Focus on the Future

By
Opinion

Editorial

As anyone in business knows, it’s hard enough to project out a few months or even a few weeks, let alone several years or even a few decades.

But that’s been Tim Brennan’s job for almost 50 years now, and suffice it to say he’s done it very well. While keeping one eye on the present and immediate future, the director of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission has kept the other on what the world, and this region in particular, will likely look like in 20 or 30 years when it comes to infrastructure, workforce demands, recreational needs, and even climate change.

In a few weeks, Brennan will be calling it a career — as we said, a long and fruitful career, for himself and the region he became passionate about.

It was fruitful for him because, as the story that begins on page 6 makes clear, it was in what amounted to a dream job, doing work he found “intoxicating.” And beneficial for the region, because Brennan did a capable job of keeping the focus on the future and anticipating what it might bring.

We believe his most significant contribution — and it was a team effort, to be sure — is the Plan for Progress. We say ‘is,’ because this is a working document, one that will be continually changed and updated as times, and the region’s needs, change.

The first iteration of the plan detailed the need for an economic-development entity to put the focus on regional progress at a time when individual communities were battling with each other for employers, often to the benefit of the employer, and not the municipalities involved in those competitions.

This recommendation led to the formation of the Western Mass. Economic Development Council, which has been in the forefront of efforts to advance the region and put its best foot forward — and today, that region includes both Western Mass. and Northern Conn. — the so-called Knowledge Corridor.

More recent iterations of the plan have helped the region place greater emphasis on maintaining a strong workforce in the wake of retiring Baby Boomers, training the next generation of leaders, and other priorities.

Meanwhile, throughout his tenure, Brennan has put a strong emphasis on the environment (from Connecticut River cleanup to climate change), infrastructure (especially when it comes to rail service for a region where it has been missing for the past several decades), and making cities places in which people, and especially young people, will want to work and live.

One of his pet projects, a high-speed rail line connecting this region with Boston, has not come to fruition — yet. But Brennan has been one of the leaders from this region who have worked hard to keep this issue alive when it could easily have died on the vine.

Brennan leaves some very big shoes to fill, but he has set a tone for effective planning in this region. Through his efforts, a foundation has been laid, in the form of the Plan for Progress and other initiatives, that will make this region better able to anticipate change and be prepared for it.

That is Tim Brennan’s legacy, and he and this region should be proud of it.

Kennedy Set a Tone for City’s Revival

By
Opinion

Editorial

When Kevin Kennedy took over as Springfield’s chief Development officer after a lengthy stint as aide to U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, the city was in a much different place — a much darker place.

It was only a year or so removed from being in receivership and only a few months into the complex, and quite overwhelming, task of rebuilding after a tornado roared through the heart of the city. The casino era was just beginning, and no one really dared dream that one might be built in Springfield. No one had ever heard of a Chinese company called CRRC, and the city’s downtown was, for the most part, living in the past.

Flash forward nearly eight years, and Springfield is a much different, much brighter, much more vibrant place, with a billion-dollar casino and, overall, more than $4 billion in new development over the past several years.

Kennedy, who announced Monday that he will be retiring late this summer, didn’t do it all by himself, obviously. But he set a tone, an aggressive tone, a set-the-bar-higher-than-most-people-would-dare tone.

And it has produced results. MGM is the most obvious example, but there are many others, including Union Station (a project Kennedy worked on for more than 25 years), progress on creating much-needed market-rate housing, growth of the entertainment district, and the start of work to redevelop the so-called ‘blast zone.’

At the press conference to announce Kennedy’s retirement, Mayor Domenic Sarno described him as a “nuts and bolts guy,” and that’s a fairly apt characterization. He knew how to bring a project from the starting line to the finish line, and that’s exactly what the city needed at this critical stage in its history.

It was said that he knew how to get things done, and during his tenure, he proved that repeatedly.

These will be big shoes to fill, and the assignment falls to Timothy Sheehan, currently director of the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency in Connecticut. It will be his job to build on the momentum Kennedy has helped create. There is still considerable work to do in Springfield; yes, many significant pieces have been added and the outlook is much brighter, but the city must be able to seize this moment in its history.

We can only hope that Sheehan can continue Kennedy’s pattern of getting things done.

Picture This

By
Jennifer Connelly, president of JA of Western Mass., with students from Granite Valley Middle School in Monson
Picture This

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

 

Inspiring Young People

Junior Achievement of Western Mass., working in concert with Associated Industries of Mass. (AIM) and a host of area businesses, staged the inaugural JA Inspire program at the MassMutual Center late last month. The event is a type of job fair for area young people, designed to not only introduce them to potential careers and area employers, but offer insights into what it will take to enter these fields. More than 400 students from 12 area schools and youth organizations attended, and 42 area companies participated.

Jennifer Connelly, president of JA of Western Mass., with students from Granite Valley Middle School in Monson

Jennifer Connelly, president of JA of Western Mass., with students from Granite Valley Middle School in Monson

Kristin Carlson, president of Peerless Precision, talks with a student about opportunities in manufacturing while Dawn Creighton, Western Mass. Director for AIM, listens in

Kristin Carlson, president of Peerless Precision, talks with a student about opportunities in manufacturing while Dawn Creighton, Western Mass. Director for AIM, listens in

students visit the Comcast booth

students visit the Comcast booth

students from M. Marcus Kiley Middle School in Springfield pose for a group shot

students from M. Marcus Kiley Middle School in Springfield pose for a group shot

students take part in the activities at the Florence Bank booth

students take part in the activities at the Florence Bank booth

 

 

Paul Harris Winners

The Rotary Club of Holyoke recently bestowed Paul Harris Fellowships, Rotary International’s highest honor, upon two community leaders, Peter Rosskothen and Edward Caisse III. Rosskothen is co-owner of the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, the Delaney House, and other businesses. He is actively involved with a number of area groups and organizations, including the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce, the Pioneer Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Link to Libraries. Caisse is unit director of High Risk/Community Initiatives for the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, known for his work with the Safe Neighborhoods Initiative in Holyoke. Here, Holyoke Rotary Club President Robert McKay, center, congratulates Rosskothen, left, and Caisse.

 

 

TWO Grants

Training & Workforce Options (TWO) helped obtain grants to train workers at Savage Arms in Westfield and Conklin Office Furniture in Holyoke. The Baker-Polito administration in March announced the awarding of $7.48 million in Workforce Training Fund Program grants that will fund training for almost 6,000 workers and is expected to create more than 1,100 new jobs in the Commonwealth over the next two years. The awarded grants included $238,485 for customized training for 67 workers at Savage Arms and $48,820 to train 72 workers at Conklin Office Furniture. The training at Savage Arms will help workers learn to operate computer numerical control (CNC) machines. The grant also includes training in English as a second language. The company expects to add 54 new jobs by 2021. The grant for Conklin Office Furniture will pay for the training of 72 workers in a range of skills, from customer service and team building to sales and leadership. Here, Mark Stafinksi, left, who completed the Introduction to Manufacturing Technologies course facilitated by TWO, stands with Michael Welsh, director of Human Resources at Savage Arms, and Tracye Whitfield, director of Business Development at TWO.

 

 

Breaking Ground

MassMutual was joined by Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, and the Fallon Company as it broke ground recently on the company’s new commercial building in Boston’s booming Seaport district at 10 Fan Pier Boulevard. This is an integral milestone in support of MassMutual’s multi-year plan to expand in its home state of Massachusetts. Once completed, the new, 17-story, 310,000-square-foot building will house approximately 1,000 MassMutual employees. MassMutual is also renewing its commitment to Springfield, the city of its founding, by adding 1,500 jobs to its headquarters by the end of 2021. Here, MassMutual Chairman, President, and CEO Roger Crandall (eighth from left) is holding the original shovel used for the groundbreaking of MassMutual’s headquarters building in Springfield in 1925. From left, Sean Anderson, head of Facilities at MassMutual; Susan Cicco, head of Human Resources & Employee Experience at MassMutual; Richard Martini, chief operating officer at the Fallon Company; Anis Baig, head of Talent Acquisition & People Analytics at MassMutual; Jennifer Halloran, head of Marketing and Brand at MassMutual; Joe Fallon, founder, president, and CEO of the Fallon Company; Walsh; Crandall; Baker; Teresa Hassara, head of Workplace Solutions at MassMutual; Pia Flanagan, chief of staff at MassMutual; Mike Fanning, head of MassMutual U.S. (MMUS); Gareth Ross, head of Enterprise Technology and Experience at MassMutual, and Renee Roeder, head of the MMUS Business Project Management Office at MassMutual.

 

 

Legacy Gift

During her lifetime, Elaine Marieb donated more than $1.5 million to Holyoke Community College in large and small amounts she once described as “tokens of gratitude” to the institution where she earned her nursing degree and taught biology for 24 years. Even after her death in December, Marieb’s generosity continues. HCC is the beneficiary of a $1 million legacy gift Marieb set up as part of her estate plan, money earmarked for HCC programs that support non-traditional-age students. The gift was officially announced on May 28 at HCC’s monthly board of trustees meeting, followed by the presentation of a $1 million ceremonial check. Pictured, from left, HCC Foundation board chair John Driscoll, HCC Vice President of Institutional Advancement Amanda Sbriscia, HCC President Christina Royal, and HCC board of trustees chair Robert Gilbert hold a ceremonial check for $1 million from the Elaine Nicpon Marieb Foundation.

 

 

Rally Against Cancer

Country Bank’s Employee Charitable Giving program recently donated $26,000 to the Jimmy Fund’s Rally Against Cancer. Team captains Eric Devine, Bonnie Trudeau-Wood, and Jeremy Toussaint led Team Country Bank with fundraising activities to help them exceed their goal of $25,000 and claim the first-place spot in the Corporate Team Challenge. Fundraising activities included staff-donated raffle baskets for employees to win, paying to wear jeans on casual Fridays, a bus trip, bake sales, and online staff donations. In addition to these activities, Country Bank provided a generous matching donation.

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
Amanda Banks v. William Lonny Koons, J.B. Hunt Transport Inc., and Family Dollar Inc.
Allegation: Motor-vehicle negligence causing injury: $3,922
Filed: 4/10/19

HAMPDEN DISTRICT COURT
Michael Morales v. Stephen Smith and Fletcher Sewer & Drain Inc.
Allegation: Motor-vehicle negligence causing personal injury: $6,938.84
Filed: 4/2/19

Geraldine Lauriente v. Liberty Medical Building Assoc., LLP and Samuel D. Plotkin & Associates Inc.
Allegation: Negligence; slip and fall causing personal injury: $7,034.22
Filed: 4/17/19

Mary Lou Madigan v. State Street Retail, LLC d/b/a Family Dollar
Allegation: Negligence; slip and fall causing personal injury: 7,680.57
Filed: 4/24/19

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
D. Bradley Sullivan, Ph.D. v. Western New England University
Allegation: Breach of contract, family medical leave retailiation: $568,546
Filed: 4/19/19

Deborah Alves v. Stop & Shop
Allegation: Negligence; slip and fall causing personal injury: $83,598.28+
Filed: 4/20/19

Gerald M. Daniele v. Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society Inc.
Allegation: Negligence causing personal injury: $35,560.30
Filed: 4/22/19

North Mill Capital, LLC v. Green Publishing Co. Inc.
Allegation: Money owed for goods sold and delivered: $45,908.64
Filed: 4/24/19

Springfield Florist Supply Inc. v. Pat Parker and Sons Florist
Allegation: Money owed for goods sold and delivered: $32,888.03
Filed: 4/25/19

Mariahelena Andre as personal representative of the estate of Barbara Leitao v. Wingate Healthcare Inc.
Allegation: Personal injury and wrongful death: $65,000
Filed: 4/25/19

Yolanda Rosario v. Northeast Health Group Inc. d/b/a Willimansett Center West
Allegation: Discrimination, retailiation, wrongful termination: $25,000+
Filed: 4/29/19

Fred C. Gloeckner & Co. Inc. v. Liberty Family Farms Inc.
Allegation: Money owed for goods sold and delivered: $92,560.70
Filed: 4/30/19

Mohamed A. Ali v. Bernardino’s Bakery
Allegation: Employment discrimination: $36,060
Filed: 5/2/19

Maria Cruz v. Willimansett Center West RE, LLC; Willimansett Center West; and the Northeast Health Group Inc.
Allegation: Negligence causing personal injury: $35,000
Filed: 5/2/19

HAMPSHIRE DISTRICT COURT
Julie Foley v. ServiceNet Inc.
Allegation: Negligence; slip and fall causing personal injury: $26,426.25
Filed: 5/1/19

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT
Nancy L. Abdalla, personal representative of the estate of Isam Abdalla v. Vijaya K. Vudathaneni, M.D.; Ghanshyambhai T. Savani, M.D.; and Syed S. Ali, M.D.
Allegation: Medical malpractice, wrongful death: $1,517,302
Filed: 4/29/19

Chamber Corners

By
Chamber Corners

1BERKSHIRE

www.1berkshire.com

(413) 499-1600

• June 25: Chamber Nite, 5-7 p.m., hosted by the Kittredge House, 444 Main St., Dalton. This event is a free networking opportunity for members of 1Berkshire.

 

AMHERST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.amherstarea.com

(413) 253-0700

• June 12: New Members Reception, 5-7 p.m., hosted by the Powerhouse at Amherst College. Recognizing our newest members with an evening of live music, a signature summer cocktail, food tastings, and networking. Visit www.amherstarea.com/events to register.

• June 13-15: Taste of Amherst, Thursday, 5-9 p.m.; Friday, 5-10 p.m., Saturday, noon to 10 p.m. The Amherst Area Chamber and the Amherst Business Improvement District present Taste of Amherst, bringing together local restaurants and food vendors, live music, carnival activities, and more on the Amherst Town Common. Visit www.amherstarea.com/events to register.

 

FRANKLIN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.franklincc.org

(413) 773-5463

• June 19: Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., hosted by People’s United Bank, 45 Federal St., Greenfield. Networking event with refreshments sponsored by People’s United Bank. Cost: $10. To register, e-mail www.franklincc.org.

• June 21: Annual Meeting and Legislative Breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m., hosted by Eaglebrook School, Deerfield. Cost: $15 for members, $20 general admission. To register, e-mail www.franklincc.org.

 

GREATER CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.chicopeechamber.org

(413) 594-2101

• June 13: Business After Hours: Interstate Towing Inc. 20th anniversary celebration, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Series sponsored by Polish National Credit Union. Marketing tables available for $75. Free to attend, but RSVP required. Sign up online at chicopeechamber.org/events.

• June 19: Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., hosted by Elms College Campus Center. Sponsored by Westfield Bank, Holyoke Medical Center, Polish National Credit Union, N. Riley Construction Inc., USI Insurance Services, Spherion Staffing Services, and PeoplesBank. Chief Greeter: Jessica Dupont, Health New England and Dress for Success. Keynote speaker: Meghan Rothschild, Chikmedia. Cost: $23 for members, $28 for non-members. Sign up online at chicopeechamber.org/events.

 

GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.easthamptonchamber.org

(413) 527-9414

• June 11: “In the Know” Panel Series and Networking, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Fort Hill Brewery, 30 Fort Hill Road, Easthampton. The Chamber offers the second in the “In The Know” panel series, where a panel made up of Gen Brough, president, Finck & Perras Insurance; Dave Griffin Jr., vice president, Dowd Agencies; and Matt Waugh, president, Waugh Agency Insurance will discuss insurance needs. Get the insight you need to consider to protect yourself and your business. Refreshments will be served courtesy of Nini’s. Cost: $15 for members, $30 for non-members. Pre-registration is a must. No tickets will be sold at the door. For more information and to register, visit www.easthamptonchamber.org or call the chamber at (413) 527-9414.

• June 26: Speaker Breakfast: Cyber Breach Symposium, 7:30-9 a.m., hosted by Williston Northampton School, 19 Payson Ave., Easthampton. Featuring Mat Reardon, Beazley Group. Learn what steps you can take to minimize your risk. Cost: $25 for members, $35 for non-members. For more information and to register, visit www.easthamptonchamber.org or call the chamber at (413) 527-9414.

 

GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.holyokechamber.com

(413) 534-3376

• June 19: Business Person of the Year and Annual Meeting Dinner Reception, 5-8 p.m., hosted by the Wherehouse?, 109 Lyman St., Holyoke. Join us for an elegant evening of recognition as we honor Barry Farrell of Farrell Funeral Home as our Business Person of the Year and Maria D. Ferrer, M.D. Beauty Salon as the Henry Fifield recipient. There will be plenty of food, drink, and connections. Past Business Person of the Year Mike Hamel will serve as master of ceremonies.

 

• June 26: Business After Hours and ribbon-cutting ceremony, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Pulp, 80 Race St., Holyoke. Join us as we celebrate the grand opening of one of Holyoke’s newest businesses. Pulp is a unique gallery right on the canals featuring the work of artists and makers. There will be light hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine, live music, art, and connections.

 

GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.northamptonchamber.com

(413) 584-1900

• June 13: Torch: Our Time to Shine, 6-10 p.m., hosted by the Academy of Music, Northampton. Sponsors: Cooley Dickinson, the Daily Hampshire Gazette, Florence Bank, PeoplesBank, BusinessWest, Leadership Pioneer Valley, Keiter Builders, and Aladco Linen Services. The opening red-carpet reception will feature community-facilitated illustration to envision the future of Northampton, a program with musical entertainment from the Downtown Sounds Co-Op House Band, Pioneer Valley Performing Arts’ Spectrum A Cappella, and the Green Street Brew. The program will honor leadership transitions within the community, including the organization’s own Suzanne Beck and her successor. The evening continues with a party under the stars, food, and festivities behind the Academy of Music. Cost: $150, community investor; $100, chamber supporter; $50, entrepreneur. Register at aomtheatre.ticketfly.com.

July 10: July Arrive@5, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Miss Florence Diner, 99 Main St., Florence. A networking event sponsored by Delap Real Estate, Northampton Cooperative Bank, and the Hub. Cost: $10 for members.

 

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.westfieldbiz.org

(413) 568-1618

• June 13: Chamber’s 60th Diamond Celebration, 5-8:30 p.m., hosted by the Ranch Golf Club, 65 Sunnyside Road, Southwick. Sponsored by Diamond, Mestek Inc., Berkshire Bank, United Bank, Arrha Credit Union, Rehab Resolutions, G.I.L.T.E. Bakery Service, and Adform Interiors. Join us for dinner as the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce celebrates 60 years of service to our business community. Join us for a walk down memory lane, and learn what is happening now and what the future will bring for the chamber. During the cocktail hour, network with some old friends, and hopefully make new ones. For every two tickets sold, you will receive a $100 gift card from the chamber to Andrew Grant Diamond Center. Guests will also receive a commemorative pin. Cost: $60 per person. Register online at www.westfieldbiz.org/events. For sponsorships or more information, call the chamber at (413) 568-1618.

• June 17: After 5 Connections, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Westfield Bank, 462 College Highway, Southwick. Refreshments will be served. A 50/50 raffle will benefit the chamber scholarship fund. Bring your business cards and make connections. Cost: free for chamber members, $15 for non-members (cash or credit paid at the door). Sign up online at www.westfieldbiz.org/events. For more information, call the chamber at (413) 568-1618.

 

SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL CHAMBER

www.springfieldregionalchamber.com

(413) 787-1555

• June 19: “Powering Your Exports,” a program for manufacturing and tech companies, 8:30-10:30 a.m., hosted by TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St., Springfield. Presented by the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network and the Massachusetts Export Center. Registration is free at www.msbdc.org.

 

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.ourwrc.com

(413) 426-3880

• June 13: Annual Breakfast and Morning of Comedy, 7-9 a.m., hosted by Chez Josef, Agawam. The event will kick off with the welcoming of new chairman Ryan McLane and the incoming WRC board of directors. Then join us for a few laughs with comedian Tom Hayes from North Shore Comedy in Boston. Cost: $35 for members, $45 for non-members. Sponsorships and program advertising available. For more information and tickets to this event, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or [email protected].

 

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY OF GREATER SPRINGFIELD

springfieldyps.com

• June 13: Networking Night, 5-7 p.m., hosted by 350 Grill. Join us for our signature networking night and enjoy appetizers. Cost: free for members, $10 for non-members.

• June 25: Leadership Luncheon, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., hosted by Valley Venture Mentors, 276 Bridge St., Springfield. Enjoy an informal lunch and networking while hearing from Kristin Leutz, CEO of Valley Venture Mentors. Cost: free for members, $15 for non-members.

Agenda

By
Agenda

Granby Charter Days

June 14-16: Granby Charter Days is an annual, three-day community fair marking the 251st birthday of Granby. It takes place at Dufresne Park Recreation Area on Route 202 in Granby and will feature live bands such as Trailer Trash, King Kountry, Moose & the High Tops, and the Side Effects. Events include tractor, truck, and oxen pulls; food, including the Granby Police Department’s pancake breakfast; a fishing derby; a volunteer militia living-history encampment; an American Legion beer tent; helicopter rides; amusement rides; exhibits; and fireworks. Alden Credit Union serves as this year’s presenting sponsor.

New Cannabis Series

June 18: Bulkley Richardson announced a new series consisting of events, written alerts, and related resources from professionals for professionals within Massachusetts’ cannabis industry. The launch event will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Bulkley Richardson’s offices located at 1500 Main St., Springfield. The firm will welcome Tina Sbrega, president and CEO of GFA Federal Credit Union, the first financial institution in the state to serve recreational marijuana companies. She will cover the regulatory hurdles to banking in the cannabis industry, what services are available, how to apply for an account, and how to be a compliant ‘bank customer.’ Restricted by federal laws from opening bank accounts in federally insured financial institutions, legal cannabis businesses are forced to conduct all transactions in cash. Recognizing the risks a cash-based business poses for public safety, Sbrega and the GFA Federal Credit Union board created a subsidiary to bring a turnkey banking service to the Massachusetts and New Hampshire cannabis industry. Lunch will be served. Registration is required. To sign up, e-mail [email protected].

Paid Family and Medical Leave Seminar

June 20: 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].

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 is profiled in the April 29 issue of BusinessWest and at businesswest.com. Also, the fifth Continued Excellence Award honoree will be announced. Limited standing-room-only tickets are still available for $75 per person. 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 Baystate Health, the Isenberg School of Management, MP CPAs, Mercedes-Benz of Springfield, Live Nation, MGM Springfield, Comcast Business, and YPS of Greater Springfield (partner).

STEM Starter Academy Summer Bridge Program

July 1 to Aug. 9: Registration is open for Springfield Technical Community College’s free STEM Starter Academy Summer Bridge program. Anyone interested must register by the June 14 deadline and be a Massachusetts high-school graduate in the class of 2017, 2018, or 2019; be a Massachusetts resident; submit an STCC admissions application for the fall 2019 semester; have a grade point average of 2.0 or above; have parent or guardian permission if under 18 years old; and submit a STEM Starter Academy application. The program, which is ideal for those who are interested in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) careers, offers participants free college credits, books, guest speakers, activities, lunch, field trips, and tutoring. Students will earn a $400 stipend upon successful completion. For additional information and to apply, visit stcc.edu/apply/stem. Contact Reena Randhir, director of STEM Starter Academy, with questions at [email protected] or (413) 755-4576.

Filmmaking Workshops

June 24-28, July 8-12: The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative (BFMC) will host two summer filmmaking workshops: one for 15- to 19-year-olds from Monday, June 24 to Friday, June 28, and one for 11- to 14-year-olds from Monday July 8 to Friday, July 12. These week-long workshops will meet daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Berkshire Community College’s South County Campus, 343 Main St., Great Barrington. Early dropoff (9 a.m.) and late pickup (5 p.m.) is available by request. The purpose of the workshops are twofold: for kids to experience what it’s like to work on a real movie crew from creation of an idea to the final edit of the project, and for the group to produce a high-quality short film championed in every aspect by everyone in the group. Specific topics covered will include story structure, screenwriting, character development, cinematography, sound recording and mixing, lighting, editing, sound design, and marketing. The course is being taught by writer, director, actor, and educator Patrick Toole. All equipment will be provided. The cost for the week-long workshop is $325. Students will need to bring lunch. Class size is limited. To register online, visit shop.berkshirecc.edu or call (413) 236-2127.

People on the Move

By
People on the Move
Lisa Kmetz

Lisa Kmetz

Michael Turley

Michael Turley

Brandon Lively

Brandon Lively

Anthony Worden

Anthony Worden

Michael Tucker, president and CEO of Greenfield Cooperative Bank, announced that the board of directors approved the promotions of Lisa Kmetz to senior vice president – Retail and BSA/security officer, Michael Turley to senior vice president and controller, Brandon Lively to executive vice president, Information Systems, and Anthony Worden to executive vice president and senior commercial loan officer.

Kmetz has 38 years of experience, having started at the former Bank of New England – West. She also spent time at the former United Savings Bank before joining Northampton Cooperative Bank in 1998. She is responsible for managing the branch network for the bank and its security functions as well as coordinating the bank’s charitable-giving efforts. She earned her associate degree in business administration from Holyoke Community College and completed a certificate program in computer information systems from Western New England University. She is a volunteer board member of the Lathrop Community. Turley has 39 years of experience in banking and finance. He joined Greenfield Cooperative Bank in September 2013. He is a graduate of Union College in New York with a degree in economics and attended the MBA program at Western New England University. He is active in the community as a long-time member of the Buckland Finance Committee and several other committees within Buckland. Lively has more than 22 years of banking experience and joined GCB in 1999. He is responsible for the bank’s electronic banking department, information systems, and online security, as well as managing the staff that handle these areas. He received his associate degree in information systems from Greenfield Community College and is a graduate of numerous systems-related programs and certificates. He has been active with the United Way allocations panels and several other groups. Worden has more than 20 years of experience in commercial lending and has been with GCB since 2008. His focus is managing the bank’s commercial lending arm. GCB provides financing for equipment, working capital, and commercial mortgages for small to mid-sized businesses primarily in Franklin and Hampshire counties. Worden earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration and his MBA from UMass Amherst, and also graduated from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at the University of Pennsylvania in 2017. He is active with the town of Greenfield Cable Advisory Committee and the Turners Falls Downtown Working Group.

•••••

John Page

John Page

Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Claudia Pazmany announced the recent addition of John Page as full-time Membership & Marketing manager. Page, who has been serving as an intern in this position for the last 10 months while completing his undergraduate studies, earned a BBA in 2019 in operation and information management from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst, where he also studied political science and was a member of the Commonwealth Honors College. He received the Amherst Area Chamber and Cooley Dickinson Health Care Scholarship in 2015. He had been working for UMass Dining for five years, rising through the ranks, before joining the chamber in 2018. He has a passion for civic engagement and politics and serves on a number of local committees.

•••••

Garth Janes

Garth Janes

Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury and Murphy, P.C. has elected Garth Janes as managing partner. He joined the firm in 1988 and concentrates his practice in general business law, succession planning, and mergers and acquisitions. Janes is past chairman and a current member of the board of tribunes of WGBY-TV, Springfield’s public television station, as well as a past member of the board of directors of the WGBH Education Foundation. He is also past chairman of the board of advisors of the Springfield Enterprise Center at Springfield Technical Community College and past chairman of the Richard Salter Storrs Library in Longmeadow. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Tufts University, a juris doctor from Cornell Law School, and a master of public administration degree from the Kennedy School of Government.

•••••

John Perry

John Perry

John Perry, who welcomed patrons to the Student Prince & the Fort restaurant for more than 20 years, is back as assistant general manager. In that role, he will oversee day-to-day operations and do a little bit of everything, including interacting with customers. He returned briefly for three years from 2014 through 2017, but he left again to pursue other interests. During his leave, Perry said the Student Prince & the Fort stayed on his mind and in his heart, and he wanted to return. “I’ve always tried not to let the Student Prince define me, but it does,” he said. “Yes, I’m a father, a husband, and a friend to many, but the Student Prince has become that other part of my life. I’m here to witness the birth of the next generation as parents share their Student Prince experience with their children.”

•••••

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, in partnership with the Estate Planning Council of Hampden County and the Pioneer Valley Estate Planning Council, recently announced Hyman Darling, a shareholder with Bacon Wilson, as the the recipient of the Distinguished Advisor in Philanthropy Award, to honor the important role that professional advisors play as champions of philanthropy in the region. In receiving the award, Darling was also given the opportunity to award a grant of $1,000 the charity of his choice. Professional advisors make critical connections between their clients and the mission-driven organizations that serve to enhance quality of life in the region. The Community Foundation recognizes an advisor each year in partnership with the Estate Planning Council of Hampden County and the Pioneer Valley Estate Planning Council who has distinguished himself or herself in philanthropic leadership. Darling is the chair of the Estate Planning and Elder Law department at Bacon Wilson. He holds many honors and awards, and is a well-known estate planner.

•••••

Bulkley Richardson announced that Ethan McNiff will spend the next several months at the firm as a summer associate. During his 10-week assignment, he will have the opportunity to assist with work from all practice areas. McNiff is currently attending Northwestern Pritzker School of Law in Chicago with an expected graduation date of May 2021. He is a graduate of the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst, where he received a bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, in finance and legal studies in 2014. Since his undergraduate studies, he has worked as an investment operations representative and treasury analyst.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

UMass Ranks Among Best in World for Patents Awarded

BOSTON — Solidifying its reputation as a world-class research and innovation leader, UMass ranks 37th on the “Top 100 Worldwide Universities Granted U.S. Patents in 2018” list released by the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) and the Intellectual Property Owners Assoc. (IPO). This is the sixth consecutive year UMass has landed on the prestigious list, and the university rose eight places in this year’s rankings. With 58 patents awarded in calendar year 2018, UMass ranks first among public universities in New England, third overall in New England, and 30th overall in the U.S. “These rankings reflect the significance and the entrepreneurial opportunity of the research enterprise at UMass,” President Marty Meehan said. “Every day, our renowned faculty are unlocking new discoveries and creating new intellectual property with the possibility of creating new products and companies right here in Massachusetts.” In addition to patent awards, UMass filed 203 invention disclosures, executed 32 licensing deals, and launched eight startup companies in fiscal year 2018. “These 58 patents, and the jump in our ranking, are an excellent indicator of the strength of our entrepreneurial activity,” said Katie Stebbins, vice president for Economic Development in the UMass President’s Office. “What these numbers show is that UMass is one of the best in the world at developing world-class research and delivering it to the marketplace.” UMass is the fourth-largest research university in New England, with more than $650 million in annual research and development. Founded in 2010, the NAI is a nonprofit organization of universities and governmental and nonprofit research institutions with more than 4,000 members. The IPO is a trade association of owners of patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets founded in 1972. The NAI and IPO have published the “Top 100 Worldwide Universities Granted U.S. Patents” report annually since 2013. Rankings are compiled by calculating the number of utility patents granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which list a university as the first assignee on the issued patent.

The University of Massachusetts also ranked 71st on the Reuters list of the “World’s Most Innovative Universities.” The Reuters ranking highlights the educational institutions doing the most to “advance science, invent new technologies, and help drive the global economy.”

Baystate Medical Center Awarded $3,949,912 from Mass. Life Sciences Center

SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Medical Center has been awarded $3,949,912 in grant funding from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) in a competitive program designed to sustain the Commonwealth’s competitive edge in advancing human health. “This support will expand our capacity to perform efficient and compliant clinical trials by building a Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) at Baystate Medical Center, speed medical advances, and make novel treatments available to our diverse patient population,” said Dr. Peter Friedmann, chief Research officer for Baystate Health and associate dean for Research at UMass Medical School – Baystate. Baystate is among 11 hospitals, colleges, and other institutions to receive a total of $30.95 million in capital-grant funding to support the state’s global leadership in the life-sciences sector. There were 45 applications. The funding, provided through the MLSC’s Competitive Capital Program, is designed to support advances in human health, accelerate innovation in the areas of clinical and translational research, and expand the capacity of life-sciences development and job growth across the Commonwealth. The MLSC’s Competitive Capital Program invests capital dollars through a competitive process in high-potential economic-development projects that promise to make significant contributions to the state’s life-sciences ecosystem. The program aims to address funding gaps in capital dollars, industry support, and federal funding for educational institutions, incubators, research institutions, and workforce-training programs, while also catalyzing private and philanthropic investment to match state investment and preparing the life-sciences workforce of the future.

Springfield College School of Social Work Participates in Study Abroad in Romania

SPRINGFIELD — For the second consecutive year, Springfield College School of Social Work Professor Karen Clark-Hoey is leading a short-term study-abroad program in Romania, where she had lived and worked under Peace Corps and Fulbright from 1994 to 1997. Clark-Hoey will travel with 17 social work students from the Springfield and Worcester campuses for experiential learning on the study of social work in Romania more than 25 years after inception. “This trip is an opportunity for our students to learn firsthand from the social-work educators who first launched the profession in the early years following Romania’s 50 years of communism, and for them to gain an understanding of what it took to build systems of care for vulnerable populations across the practice spectrum where none had existed before,” Clark-Hoey said. The visitors will be working with the Department of Social Work at Babes-Bolyai University, where they will receive instruction from faculty, meet and share experiences with Romanian social work students, and make site visits to various agencies. Along with the experiential learning opportunities, the group will enjoy cultural experiences, including a visit to forests and castles deep in the region of Transylvania, a visit to Bridal Veil Falls, and participation with Outward Bound Romania, a nonprofit organization specializing in outdoor activities, both educational and recreational, that was founded in 1993 as an independent member of the internationally recognized Outward Bound International.

Ross Webber and Grinnell Moving to New Location

HOLYOKE — Ross Webber and Grinnell Insurance and Webber and Grinnell Employee Benefits are moving their offices down the street from 150 Lower Westfield Road to 98 Lower Westfield Road, Holyoke. The third-floor office suite located above Pier One has recently been remodeled to accommodate the transition. “Our team is very excited about our new space,” said Bill Grinnell, president of the agency. “It has wonderful natural light and a very contemporary feel. It also gives us enough space to continue to grow the agency, and, being at the crossroads of I-91 and I-90, it’s an easily accessible location for our clients. We’ll continue our office hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.” Webber and Grinnell purchased Ross Insurance in May 2018 and moved its employee-benefits company to the Holyoke location last November.

Hogan Technology Offers SD-WAN as a Service to Small, Mid-sized Customers

EASTHAMPTON — Hogan Technology, a leading managed-technology-services provider, announced that it now offers SD-WAN as a service to its small to mid-sized business customers (SMBs). SD-WAN is a leading technology; according to research firm Gartner, “by the end of 2019, 30% of enterprises will deploy SD-WAN technology in their branches.” The reason for the technology’s rise in popularity is due to its simultaneous capacities to increase productivity within an organization while also reducing the total cost of ownership. SD-WAN is an acronym for software-defined networking in a wide-area network (WAN). SD-WAN simplifies the management and operation of a WAN by separating the networking hardware from its control mechanism. This concept is similar to how software-defined networking implements virtualization technology to improve data-center management and operation. A key application of SD-WAN is to allow companies to build higher-performance WANs using lower-cost and commercially available internet access, enabling businesses to partially or wholly replace more expensive private WAN connection technologies such as multi-protocol label switching. SMBs that need to scale up or scale down quickly, or need to run multiple remote offices or would like greater visibility into their networks, can benefit greatly from this technology.

Berkley Human Services Selects Smith Brothers as Regional Representative

EASTHAMPTON — Berkley Human Services, a leading provider of insurance and risk-management services for social services across the U.S., has selected Smith Brothers Insurance to represent it in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York. Smith Brothers, which has offices in Easthampton and West Springfield and is headquartered in Glastonbury, Conn., is an independently operated, top-100 broker in the U.S., withd has offices throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York. “For decades, we have had great relationships with many of the W.R. Berkley companies,” said Joe Smith, president and CEO of Smith Brothers. “The addition of Berkley Human Services in our social-services specialty will enhance our growth plans, and, with our home base in Hartford County and expansion in Massachusetts and New York, we look forward to helping these organizations help others.”

Valley Health Systems Employees Donate Clothing to Dress for Success

HOLYOKE — Employees of Valley Health Systems, which includes Holyoke Medical Center, Holyoke Medical Group, Holyoke VNA Hospice Life Care, and River Valley Counseling Center, generously donated clothing to benefit Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts on May 16. A Holyoke Medical Center van was filled with women’s professional clothing, shoes, and accessories and delivered to the Dress for Success Boutique, located at the Eastfield Mall in Springfield. Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts collects new or gently used, freshly dry-cleaned or laundered suits, scrubs, business-appropriate apparel, shoes, and accessories for women. “Doing a clothing drive was very generous of River Valley Counseling Center and Valley Health Systems,” said Margaret Tantillo, executive director of Dress for Success Western Massachusetts. “The clothing ultimately helps a woman secure employment and helps her become financially independent.”

Briefcase

By
Briefcase

Massachusetts Unemployment Falls Below 3% in April

BOSTON — The state’s total unemployment rate for April was down one-tenth of a percentage point at 2.9%, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) preliminary job estimates indicate Massachusetts added 4,100 jobs in April. Over the month, the private sector added 4,000 jobs as gains occurred in construction; professional, scientific, and business services; education and health services; financial activities; information; and other services. Trade, transportation, and utilities; manufacturing; and leisure and hospitality lost jobs over the month. From April 2018 to April 2019, BLS estimates Massachusetts added 37,100 jobs. The April unemployment rate was 0.7% lower than the national rate of 3.6% reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Preliminary estimates indicate that, in April, the Massachusetts unemployment rate fell below 3% for the first time since December of 2000,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Rosalin Acosta. “Year to date, the Commonwealth’s economy has added 25,400 jobs, showing that, even with a low, 2.9% unemployment rate, Massachusetts employers continue to add jobs to help fuel their growth needs.” The labor force decreased by 3,200 from 3,843,500 in March, as 1,600 fewer residents were employed and 1,600 fewer residents were unemployed over the month. Over the year, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped six-tenths of a percentage point. The state’s labor-force participation rate — the total number of residents 16 or older who worked or were unemployed and actively sought work in the last four weeks — decreased one-tenth of a percentage point to 67.8%. Compared to April 2018, the labor-force participation rate is up 0.4%. The largest private-sector percentage job gains over the year were in professional, scientific, and business services; information; construction; and education and health services.

Manning Family Gift Will Advance Innovative Research at UMass

AMHERST — UMass Amherst alumnus Paul Manning and his wife, Diane Manning, have committed $1 million through their family foundation to establish the Manning Innovation Program, which provides three years of support in advancing a robust and sustainable pipeline of applied and translational research projects from UMass Amherst. It will allow the university’s College of Natural Sciences (CNS) to support bold, promising researchers, providing resources for them to innovate in new directions and to develop real-world applications for their discoveries. The initiative will provide assistance to researchers and business students across campus through the critical early stages on the path to commercialization, such as ideation, proof of concept, and business development. Faculty will receive seed funding and engage in business training and mentorship from a number of campus units, including the Institute for Applied Life Sciences, the College of Natural Sciences, the Berthiaume Center for Entrepreneurship, and the Isenberg School of Management. The first grant to be awarded from the Manning Innovation Program will support research on a topic that hits close to home for the Manning family, Stargardt disease. Both of the Mannings’ sons, Bradford and Bryan, have the disease, which causes loss of central vision. Currently, there is no treatment to delay or cure the disease. The two Manning brothers now run a clothing line called Two Blind Brothers, and they donate all of its proceeds directly to blindness research. Abigail Jensen, associate professor of Biology, will use a $40,000 grant to support her research on Stargardt disease and possible therapies using zebrafish. Her research seeks to identify how the disease works on a molecular level. Development of zebrafish with therapeutic mutations subverting Stargardt disease at the genetic level provides the first opportunity to discover the molecular mechanism of cone-photoreceptor degeneration and potential pathways for translation of research to therapeutic applications. In keeping with the university’s core values, the Manning Innovation Program will stimulate, recognize, and reward innovation. It will foster a culture of entrepreneurship in the college and enhance the spirit of collaboration among Isenberg School of Management advisors, science and technology researchers, and industry experts. Further, the Manning Foundation’s gift provides vital investment to support UMass as a partner of choice in advancing and applying knowledge and innovation for the betterment of society. The next wave in the application process for the Manning Innovation Program will result in a new round of applications being submitted by July 15. The review committee will notify recipients at the end of August, and the next round of projects could begin in September. Paul Manning, an entrepreneur with 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry, most recently founded PBM Capital Group in 2010. PBM Capital is a healthcare-focused private investment group that looks for opportunities to use its entrepreneurial and operational experience to make high-growth pharmaceutical, molecular-diagnostic, gene-therapy, life-science, health and wellness, and consumer product investments. He was the anchor investor in Maroon Venture Partners, the first venture-capital fund at UMass Amherst. Created in 2017, the fund is a $6 million, for-profit investment vehicle created to support alumni, faculty, and student businesses in their early stages.

Communities Receive $647,000 for Middle-school Exploration Programs

BOSTON — American Student Assistance (ASA), a national nonprofit, announced it has awarded grants totaling $647,000 to seven Massachusetts school districts, including two in Western Mass., to fund career and interest exploration programs for middle-school students. The school communities, which will receive their funding over the course of three years, will begin implementing the programs in the 2019-20 school year. In Western Mass., Monson Public Schools will launch the Careers in the Middle program, providing students in grades 6 to 8 with classroom lessons, field trips, and events that will expose them to career-awareness opportunities. “Monson is thrilled to be chosen by ASA to partner to provide additional resources that focus on our middle grades,” said Robert Bardwell, director of School Counseling and School-to-Career coordinator. “This grant will give us the opportunity to do more for our middle-level students and collect data that tells us which activities are best to facilitate and encourage career development early on.” Meanwhile, Springfield STEM Academy will enhance and expand the Tech/Engineering Exploration program to expose students to new fields such as bioengineering, solar and wind engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. “Exposing students to biological, solar, wind, electrical, and mechanical engineering at a young age is a potential game changer for their rest of their lives,” Superintendent Daniel Warwick said. “It allows them to think about the wide array of STEM careers in real ways and opens the door to unlimited possibilities in this burgeoning field. We are extremely grateful that this ASA grant will help us provide this opportunity for our students.”

Employer Confidence in Massachusetts Falls in May

BOSTON — Employer confidence weakened in Massachusetts during May amid renewed trade tensions and concerns among companies about increased operating costs from paid family leave and other government mandates. The outlook among business leaders has moved in a narrow, overall optimistic range for much of 2019. However, the Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Business Confidence Index lost 3.2 points last month to 57.1, its lowest level since October 2016. The Index has declined 9.5 points since May 2018. All the constituent indicators that make up the BCI weakened during May, with the largest drop coming in employer views of conditions six months from now. The erosion of confidence during the past 12 months has been driven largely by caution about the national economy and concern among manufacturing companies. “The Business Confidence Index continues to reflect the Goldilocks economy in which we find ourselves — U.S. GDP growth is expected to remain at a modest level of 2% to 3%, and there is not much inflation or deflation. There are both encouraging signs and red flags,” said Raymond Torto, chair of AIM’s Board of Economic Advisors (BEA) and lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Design. Several employers participating in the survey said regulatory costs have become a significant concern. “The cost to operate has increased dramatically — higher wages, benefit costs, supply costs, and cost of compliance with all the new regulations coming out of the State House,” one employer wrote. Constituent indicators showed a broad-based retrenchment during May. The Massachusetts Index assessing business conditions within the commonwealth fell 2.3 points to 60.9, while the U.S. Index shed 3.3 points to 55.0. The Massachusetts reading has declined 9.1 points during the past 12 months, and the U.S. reading has dropped 14.3 points during the same period. The Future Index, measuring expectations for six months out, tumbled 4.5 points to 56.0. The Current Index, which assesses overall business conditions at the time of the survey, lost 1.8 points to 58.2, 8.4 points lower than a year ago. The Employment Index declined 1.2 points for the month and 5.1 percent for 12 months. Analysts say employers continue to struggle to find qualified workers in a state economy with a 2.9% jobless rate. AIM President and CEO John Regan, also a BEA member, said the national economic uncertainty comes at a time when Massachusetts employers are struggling with a series of expensive new employment-law mandates such as the state’s $1 billion paid family and medical leave program. “AIM has joined Raise Up Massachusetts and other groups in asking the Baker administration to delay the scheduled July 1 start of paid leave by three months to provide employers time to consider how much of the cost they will share with workers and whether they wish to opt out of the state system,” Regan said. “The delay is necessary to ensure a smooth rollout of this new entitlement.”

Opioid-overdose Death Rate Falls 4% in Massachusetts

BOSTON — The opioid-related overdose death rate in Massachusetts continues to decline, falling an estimated 4% between 2016 and 2018, according to updated figures rin the latest quarterly opioid-related overdose deaths report by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. For the first three months of 2019, preliminary data shows 497 confirmed and estimated opioid-related overdose deaths. The decline in opioid-related overdose deaths is occurring despite the persistent presence of the deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl. In 2018, fentanyl was present in the toxicology of 89% of those who died of an opioid-related overdose and had a toxicology screen. The presence of some stimulants, such as cocaine and amphetamines, has also been increasing in opioid-related overdose deaths since 2017, while the presence of heroin or likely heroin in opioid-related overdose deaths has been declining since 2014. “While we remain encouraged that opioid-related overdose deaths have declined over the last two years, the epidemic continues to present very real challenges across Massachusetts that are made worse by the presence of fentanyl, cocaine, and amphetamines,” said Gov. Charlie Baker. “We look forward to working with our colleagues in the Legislature to provide the $266 million we proposed in our budget to support prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services in addition to $5 million for a new Regional Fentanyl Interdiction Task Force.” In 2018, the total number of confirmed and estimated opioid-related overdose deaths was 2,033. That’s 17 fewer deaths than the 2,050 confirmed and estimated in 2017. By comparison, there were 2,100 confirmed opioid-related overdose deaths in 2016. “The inroads we are making are also the result of our relentless focus on using data to drive our decision making around programs and policies,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders. “We continue to focus our efforts on multiple strategies that are proven effective.”

Massachusetts Health Officials Report Second Case of Measles

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a case of measles was diagnosed in a child in Greater Boston on May 24. During the infectious period, the child was present in a number of locations in Quincy and Weymouth that could have resulted in exposure to other people. This second case of measles this year in Massachusetts has occurred in the context of a large national outbreak of measles and a very large international outbreak. “Lack of vaccination, combined with domestic and international travel, has resulted in the spread of measles nationally and internationally,” said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Monica Bharel. “Getting vaccinated is the best way for people to protect themselves from this disease.” DPH urges all those who do not know their measles immunization status to get vaccinated with at least one dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Measles vaccine given within 72 hours of exposure may prevent measles disease, and vaccination beyond this window will provide protection from subsequent exposures. DPH, local health departments, and healthcare providers are working to contact individuals at high risk for exposure. Early symptoms of measles occur 10 days to two weeks after exposure and may resemble a cold (with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes), and a rash occurs on the skin two to four days after the initial symptoms develop. The rash usually appears first on the head and then moves downward. The rash typically lasts a few days and then disappears in the same order. People with measles may be contagious up to four days before the rash appears and for four days after the day the rash appears. People who have had measles, or who have been vaccinated against measles per U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations, are considered immune.

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests in Growth of Ludlow’s Manufacturing Sector

LUDLOW — U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is investing $3.1 million in the town of Ludlow to help support of the growth of local manufacturing by improving Riverside Drive. The project, to be matched with $3.1 million in local funds, is located in a Tax Cuts and Jobs Act-designated Opportunity Zone and is expected to create more than 950 jobs and generate more than $90.6 million in private investment. “Improving Riverside Drive will support the needs of larger commercial and industrial users, which require reliable water and sanitary sewer systems, as well as electric and communication services, to be competitive in the regional and global economy,” Ross said. “The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Opportunity Zone designation will further incentives businesses to invest in the area and develop the local economy.” U.S. Rep. Richard Neal noted that the investment will bring the Riverside Drive project at Ludlow Mills one step closer to completion. “I have visited the site many times and know how important this federal investment is to the town of Ludlow. The transformation of the former mill on the Chicopee River has been impressive, and I am pleased to have been an enthusiastic supporter of this business and housing venture from the start.” The Riverside Drive improvement project will include construction of approximately 4,500 feet of public roadway, including water and sewer lines and underground utilities, to provide safe and adequate access to new manufacturing space within Ludlow’s industrial area. This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC). EDA funds the PVPC to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic -development road map to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment, and create jobs.

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.

HOLYOKE

Nova Leap Health Ma II Inc., 1593 Northampton St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Christopher Dobbin, 104-37 Wentworth St., Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada. Provide personal care services, homemaking, non-medical companion care.

HOUSATNOIC

Pilot Recording Studios Inc., 1073 Main St., Housatonic, MA 01236. William Schillinger, same. Recording studio.

PALMER

Northern Hope Foundation Inc., 30 Burlingame Road, Palmer, MA 01069. Syed M Naveed, 10 Kendall Dr., Northborough, MA 01532. Organization dedicated to improving the lives of children battling debilitating or chronic medical conditions through wish granting services and financial support to them and their families.

PITTSFIELD

Nourish the Sheep Corporation, 152 North St 41, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Zachari Durso, 152 North St., Suite 41, Pittsfield, MA 01201. We connect services and build systems to streamline the process of getting assistance. We offer classes, training and other educational programs to clients and agencies.

Nurclan Inc., 180 Elm St., Suite I, Apt 229, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Nurbek Murzakhanov, same. General freight trucking service.

On Time Inc., 82 Wendell Ave. Ste 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Thiago Dos Santos, same. State-to-state transportation.

SOUTHAMPTON

P&M Mechanical Inc. 27 Gilbert Road, Southampton, MA 01073. Pawel Misniakiewicz, same. HVAC services.

SPRINGFIELD

R L Chayle Inc., 176 1/2 Main Street Indian Orchard, Springfield, MA 01151. Renata Lancaster, same. Regulated and licensed sales of marijuana products.

River Valley Chiropractic, P.C., 1003 St. James Ave. Unit 2, Springfield, MA 01104. Spencer R. Burling, same. Chiropractic services.

WESTFIELD

Picture Perfect Ponds Inc., 1911 East Mountain Road, Westfield, MA 01085. Jeffrey Richard Paquette, same. Building and maintaining landscaping ponds.

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates

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

AMHERST

Protonix
59 Country Corners Road
Trent Poole

Purele Waxing Salon
190 University Dr.
Purnima Relekar

Technical Design Services
59 Country Corners Road
Trent Poole

Turbo Clean Car Detailing
44E Southpoint Dr.
Brenda Saravia

Vital Milk
13 Montague Road
Dawn Kennedy

West Street Coffee & Tea
450 West St.
Christopher Rollins

BELCHERTOWN

LM Dreams Publishing and Designs
5 Eastview Dr.
Lynn Yovina

Stonewash
268 Bay Road
Sean Csogi

CHICOPEE

Advanced Basement
44 Blanche St.
Konstantin Tkachenko, Yladislav Morozov

Affordable Home Repairs
88 Bemis St.
Scott Roth

Chicopee High School Boys Lacrosse
22 Honeysuckle Dr.
Sarah Fisher

Donna Merrill, LICSW
155B Grove St.
Donna Merrill

Jeffrey Welch Electric
1818 Memorial Dr.
Jeffrey Welch

Kin’s Auto Sales, LLC
1095 Chicopee St.
Joaquin Rodriguez

DEERFIELD

Evergreen BBQ and Catering
32 Sawmill Plain Road
James Waitkus

J. Burniske Landscaping & Excavation, LLC
Jeffrey Burniske

EASTHAMPTON

Dream Buy Fix & Flip Houses
203 Loudville Road
Marie Antoine

Eastampton Farmer’s Market
11 Clepp St.
Stanley McCoy, Joseph McCoy

Scout Curated Wares
180 Pleasant St., #206
Lora Fischer-DeWitt

Sonnet & Sparrow
84½ Cottage St.
Cynthia West

EAST LONGMEADOW

Cabelo Salon
51 Prospect St.
Kim Loiselle, Luanne Perham

D & B Mechanical
631 North Main St.
Daniel Murray

Jack Chen
59 Maple St.
Sheng Dong

Laura Tondera
55 Mapleshade Ave.
Laura Tondera

Meadow Motor Cars
179 North Main St.
Barry Gray

Olympia Sports
446 North Main St.
Kenneth Betting

Richard A. Calvanese, CPA
200 North Main St.
Richard Calvenese

GREENFIELD

The Center for Callings and Courage
34 Glenbrook Dr., Apt. 2E
Core Brilliance Academy Inc.

Eli Painting
49 Silver St.
Ilie Placinta

Gleason Law Firm, LLC
377 Main St., Suite 9
Deirdre Gleason

Homestead Habitats
55B Leyden Road
Martin Anderton

Joseph Moss
30 Phillips St.
Joseph Moss

New 2 You
369B Federal St.
Craig Wray

Pixel Milk
38 Grove St.
Nathaniel Meltzer

Reade Roofing
429 Deerfield St.
Derrick Reade

Revolution Heating
59 Forest Ave.
Susanna Cypher

Tractor Supply Co.
75 Newton St.
Tractor Supply Co.

HOLYOKE

Cosmo Prof
2271 Northampton St.
Beauty Systems Group, LLC

Dollar Tree Stores #2495
2269 Northampton St.
Dollar Tree Stores Inc.

DMC Consulting
16 Carol Lane
Dawn Cordeiro

Green Gardens Landscaping
14 Charles St.
Jennifeer Schultz

The Hair Place
103 Chapin St.
Ronald Holland

Holyoke Tax Service
295 High St., Suite 207
David Yos

In Three Consulting
131 Norwood Terrace
Michael Dodge

Juju’s Ice Cream
915 Main St.
Roushedia Liburd

Machos Baked Potatoes Burritos
222 Pine St.
Arnaldo Lopez

McKenney Electrical Co. Inc.
100 Northampton St.
David McKenney, Nora Wine

Pandora
50 Holyoke St.
Jenna Joseph

Santiago Nursing
46 Magnolia Ave.
Damaris Santiago-Martinez

Taxi Colectivo
111 Lincoln St.
Scott Whitney

Total Wellness Inc.
59 Bobala Road
Amanda Wilson, M.D.

Vapers Edge
241 Main St.
Anthony Caldalda

Version 55
71 Sycamore St.
Orlando Rivera Jr.

LUDLOW

A & B Classic Cars
409 West St., Unit A
Barry Linton, Alex Simao

Joanne Merriam at Salon Accents
247 East St.
Joanne Merriam

Serco Inc.
15 Westover Road
Yongjoon Choi

Twisted Oaks Farm, LLC
319 West St.
Jeffrey Grassette

WinnResidential – Residences at Mill 10
68 State St.
Winn Managed Properties, LLC

NORTHAMPTON

Andreascalianos.com
68 Bradford St., Suite H
Andreas Calianos, Alejandro Levins

Atkinson Family Practice
6 Hatfield St.
Katherine Atkinson

Captain Candy
150 Main St., Suite 13
Levi Smith

Helander School of Music
205 State St., Apt. 2
Joel Helander

Morrow’s Auto Repair
50 Hatfield St.
Dave Morrow

Periodyssey
151 Crescent St.
Richard West

Simply Serenity
139A Damon Road
Francisca Fernandez Nieves

Stowe Bear Hardscapes
32 Bedford Terrace
Bryce Hollingsworth

SOUTHWICK

Bill Gore Wood Craft
27 South Longyard Road
William Gore

Deb’s Doll Clothes and Accessories
27 South Longyard Road
Debra Gore

SPRINGFIELD

Adolphus Hair Styles
54 Patton St.
Abraham Adolphus

All That Braiders
542 Page Blvd.
Anita Morris

Beautiful Nails
1257 Boston Road
Jasmine Pham

Bellevue Global Solutions
35 Mooreland St.
Nathaniel Gonzalez

Bernae’s Blackbox Cosmetics
307 Union St.
Barbara Crenshaw

Closed Eyes Never Triumph
374 Main St.
Douglas Moore Jr.

Colorful & Cleansed
16 Prince St.
Tameka Reeves

Concordis Language Services
414 Chestnut St., #1128
Anthony Ottey

Cumberland Farms #6717
70 Park St.
Cumberland Farms Inc.

Denny Enterprises
103 Duryea St.
Adam Denny

Digital Boombox Network
34 Front St.
Llatta Belvin

Fratelli’s Pizza
450 Plumtree Road
Dominic Arillotta

Fresh Acres
1941 Wilbraham Road
Michael Gold

Fufu’s Beauty Supply
942 State St.
Dine Amadou

Holiday Inn Express
145 State St.
Jhanvi Hospitality

Imperial Aquatics
390 Dickinson St.
Tommy Phan Le

Junior’s Auto Body Repair
151 Pine St.
Catalino Maldonado Jr.

Lassend Home Improvement
396 St. James Ave.
Arnaldo Lassend

Luciano Painting
81 Pembroke Circle
Moises Luciano

Millie’s Cleaning Service
41 Humbert St.
Virgen Velez

MJM Services
16 Willowbrook Dr.
MJM Services

The Northernaires
370 Abbott St.
Charles Fryar

OHMZ Entertainment
140 Croyden Terrace
Omar Anderson

Poland Spring Co.
170 Carando Dr.
Nestle Waters North

Project A
14 Hollywood St.
Alexis Diaz

Saga
90 Worthington St.
Paul Ramesh

Tejada Market #3
537 Union St.
Rowenny Joel

Unapologetically Me
37 Stratford Terrace
Arlyana Dalce-Bowie

Wheeler’s Convenience
954 State St.
MMA Retail Inc.

When Nutrition
24 Arnold Ave.
Yvette Parker

Xtremex American Business
45 Claremont St.
Darnell Hunter

WESTFIELD

Alma Transport
17 Saint Dennis St.
Sergey Bazukin

Andy’s Custom Built Sheds
11 Paper St.
Andy’s Custom Built Sheds

Bella Roma Pizza
57 Southwick Road
Westfield Pizza Inc.

D & H Cleaning
1 Jeffrey Lane
D & H Cleaning

D & S Cleaning Service
16B Sunflower Lane
Yanina Golob

GPS Builders, LLC
48 Marla Circle
Gregory Strattner

IM Press
30 Lozier Ave.
Robert Marco

Maurice Ferriter & Sons
28 Prospect St.
Maurice Ferriter

New Age Construction & Remodeling
63 Beverly Dr.
Justin Curran

Priority Billing Partners, LLC
64 Pineridge Dr.
Priority Billing Partners

Teyko Construction
990 Russell Road
Andrey Bateyko

Wick Customs
18 Northwest Road
Wick Customs

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Central Chevrolet Inc.
675 Memorial Ave.
Todd Volk

Clements Property Service
64 Bosworth St.
Kevin Turcotte

Make Overs
450 Main St.
James Seward

Mr. Safety
54 Christopher Terrace
David Schmidt

Ouimette Printing
40 Kelso Ave.
David Ouimette

Park St. Tints Man
287 Park St.
Hamza Mohammed

Wedding Dreams
309-311 Elm St.
Ivgenii Gusiev

West Side Inn
1032 Riverdale St.
Pinky Patel

Westgate Motors Inc.
1236 Memorial Ave.
Hussein Alnuwab

WILBRAHAM

Cosimini Tile
804 Tinkham Road
Nick Cosimini

Green Acres Fruit Farm
868 Main St.
Kathleen Smedberg

New Generations Plumbing
4 Evangeline Dr.
Dennis Chaffee Jr.

RE/MAX Connections
2141H Boston Road
Karen King

Wilbraham Barber Shop
1 Springfield St.
Greg Lockhart

Wilbraham Inn
2009 Boston Road
Mala Patel, Rajesh Patel

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

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

Amparo, Edward F.
96 Naismith St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/03/19

Barrington, Francis J.
Barrington, Phyllis B.
14C Castle Hill Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/29/19

Beach, Meko
a/k/a Beach, Michele Lee
60 Montgomery St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/09/19

Beauvais, Shelly L.
43 Pheasant Lane
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/14/19

Beery, Donna L.
76 Pheasant Run Circle
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/03/19

Canavan, Vincent M.
Corbett, Shannon M
210 Meadow St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/14/19

Cardinal, Tammy Clark
a/k/a Clark, Tami
135 Moore St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/10/19

Daniel, Kayla A.
a/k/a Allen, Kayla
a/k/a Phillip, Kayla
162 Jasper St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/08/19

Dascanio, Jennifer Marie
a/k/a Puccio, Jennifer M.
119 Sampson Parkway
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/10/19

Diaz, Enid S.
47 Ardmore St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/02/19

Gaudette, Michael J.
Gaudette, Tina M.
301 Lenox Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/15/19

Griffin, Timothy Paul
Griffin, Rachel Ann
a/k/a Cruz, Rachel Anna
31 School St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/14/19

Hair By Patrick
Mansfield, Patrick John
14 Ladyslipper Lane
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/13/19

Hayes, Jeremey D.
Hayes, Satira M.
59 Carson Ave.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/10/19

Higgins, Samuel W.
P.O. Box 3962
Springfield, MA 01101
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/09/19

Judicki, Gordon
44 Governor Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/09/19

Kashmanian, Anthony M.
8H Castle Hill Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/13/19

Lamay, Bruce R.
P. Box 808
West Warren, MA 01092
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/14/19

Lapointe, Jennifer K.
476 Frank Smith Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/19

LaRose, Amanda M.
9 Allison Lane
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/06/19

Libby, Jamie J.
a/k/a Hall, Jamie J.
78 Mansfield St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/29/19

Little, Kevin A.
146 Three Rivers Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/03/19

Maher, Kevin M.
36 Danforth Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/03/19

Marks, Bradford K.
25 Mary Potter Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/30/19

McCallum, Michael R.
57 Willwood St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/06/19

Nquyen, Tom
P.O. Box 81004
Springfield, MA 01138
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/07/19

Packard, Christopher J.
145 North Whitney Ave.
Back Unit
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/13/19

Pasha, Shahid M.
24 Chapin St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/19

Racine, Katherine Y.
561 Armory St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/30/19

Rebecca Stone Aesthetics
Stone, Rebecca L.
41 Debra Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/19

Reyes, Marian Angelique
18 Highland Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/29/19

Sahagian, Clovine E.
81 Harrington St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/05/19

Sanchez, Damaris
8 Grover St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/29/19

Serrazina, Rui Ribeiro
726 Franklin St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/15/19

Simpson, Roger A.
119 Appleton St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/08/19

Smith, Susan Patricia
312 County Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/13/19

Stowell, Dayle Elizabeth
a/k/a Stowell, Beckie
35 Miller Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/29/19

Sumner, Bridget Lynn
333 Eagle St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/13/19

Thayer Property Service
Thayer, Stephen W.
7 Coburn St.
Colrain, MA 01340
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/02/19

Thomas, Mary K.
16 Western View Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/15/19

Toto, Matthew L.
Toto, Cheryl L.
71 Elizabeth Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/02/19

Washburn, Trinity
55 Whiteloaf Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/14/19

Wehry, Jennifer Ann
29 Scammell Ave
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/19

White, Daniel
98 Elizabeth St., Apt. 2B
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/14/19

Wicked Willows, Inc.
Halloween Asylum
Christmas Corner
Action Figure Planet
The Gundam Galaxy
Cote, Nancy Ann
Mimitz, Brandy Lee
2 Virginia Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/13/19

Wilkins, Andrew L
14 Woodlawn St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/03/19

Wimes-Womack, Mary T.
154 Lamplighter Lane
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/19

Womack, Darren A.
154 Lamplighter Lane
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/19

Woodbury, Susan M.
118 Clairmont Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/14/19

Zurawski, Max
Zurawski, Kathy A.
113-F Ashley Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/14/19

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

ASHFIELD

822 West Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $243,000
Buyer: Bernard 1998 RET
Seller: David L. Silver
Date: 05/15/19

BERNARDSTON

361 Brattleboro Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Brian L. Lahoski
Seller: Wysk, Eunice L., (Estate)
Date: 05/10/19

108 Hoe Shop Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $196,000
Buyer: Kayla J. King
Seller: Carla Greenburger
Date: 05/20/19

179 Shaw Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $126,400
Buyer: Bank New York Mellon
Seller: Robert H. McCollum
Date: 05/14/19

DEERFIELD

11-A Snowberry Circle
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $300,450
Buyer: James Foudy
Seller: Ragus LLC
Date: 05/10/19

GILL

4 Oak St.
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Alexander C. Ware
Seller: Kenneth P. Sears
Date: 05/20/19

150 West Gill Road
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $239,000
Buyer: Jeremy M. Roussel
Seller: E. Dorothy Underwood
Date: 05/08/19

GREENFIELD

33 Cleveland St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Elizabeth L. Leonard
Seller: Gloria Funkhouser
Date: 05/15/19

212 Davis St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $249,900
Buyer: LCS Realty LLC
Seller: Layne V. Floyd
Date: 05/15/19

191 Fairview St., West
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $134,900
Buyer: Dominic C. Nett
Seller: Denison E. Stowe
Date: 05/10/19

55 Smith St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $163,900
Buyer: William Thompson
Seller: Thomas A. Deangelis
Date: 05/15/19

23 Western Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Brendon R. Steele
Seller: Ha T. Nguyen
Date: 05/17/19

HEATH

92 Branch Hill Road
Heath, MA 01346
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Daniel N. Clark
Seller: Nathan W. Clark
Date: 05/15/19

MONROE

25 Davis Road
Monroe, MA 01350
Amount: $118,000
Buyer: Samuel H. Wilds
Seller: Moses C. Pierce
Date: 05/15/19

MONTAGUE

41 Main St.
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Bryan G. Hobbs
Seller: Gary Newcomb
Date: 05/14/19

NEW SALEM

153 Moosehorn Road
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $264,900
Buyer: Todd M. Goodale
Seller: Stephen B. Jarvis
Date: 05/15/19

NORTHFIELD

154 South Mountain Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $1,985,274
Buyer: MWD Asset Servicing LLC
Seller: Redemption Church Christ
Date: 05/10/19

ORANGE

53 Burrill Ave.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $194,999
Buyer: Debra Comeau
Seller: Conquest 2 LLC
Date: 05/21/19

110 Horton Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $161,400
Buyer: Nick H. Steiman
Seller: Brenda B. Berry
Date: 05/21/19

64 Prentiss St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Lorna M. Bobilin
Seller: Seth R. Brousseau
Date: 05/10/19

210 Wheeler Ave.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $674,000
Buyer: Orange Capital Holdings
Seller: Stephen P. Johnson
Date: 05/14/19

SHELBURNE

360-A Patten Road
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Brent R. Hartley
Seller: David W. Patrick
Date: 05/17/19

SHUTESBURY

412 Montague Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Angela Cherniak
Seller: Berri Jacque
Date: 05/17/19

65 Schoolhouse Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $433,500
Buyer: Louis W. Graham
Seller: Jeffrey A. Sward
Date: 05/13/19

SUNDERLAND

41 Country Lane
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $448,000
Buyer: Nathan Chan
Seller: Donald R. Spearance
Date: 05/08/19

26 Falls Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Ramona J. Kirschenman
Seller: Jacalyn M. Condie
Date: 05/10/19

18 Howard Hepburn Dr.
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $359,900
Buyer: Sara Ross
Seller: Melinda J. Martin
Date: 05/15/19

10 Reservoir Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Gregory M. Gottschalk
Seller: Melissa A. Telega
Date: 05/13/19

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

151 Barry St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $276,000
Buyer: Scott F. Barton
Seller: Daniel J. Borkosky
Date: 05/15/19

111 Clover Hill Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $238,000
Buyer: Mark B. Pease
Seller: Felix Decesare
Date: 05/14/19

67 Elm St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Charles R. Martin
Seller: K and C Associates LLC
Date: 05/17/19

116 Letendre Ave.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Vineyard Partners Limited
Seller: Anthony P. Albro
Date: 05/14/19

346 North St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Richard J. Birk
Seller: Richard C. Birk
Date: 05/15/19

113 Parker St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Laurie B. Hill
Seller: Ralph L. King
Date: 05/09/19

10-12 Randall St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Marc F. Birchenough
Seller: Carl H. Brumley
Date: 05/08/19

94 Raymond Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $173,000
Buyer: George R. Ghareeb
Seller: Shearer, Lola M., (Estate)
Date: 05/10/19

395 River Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Howie Realty LLC
Seller: Michael Bshara
Date: 05/15/19

520 School St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $297,000
Buyer: Bernard F. Wilkes
Seller: Kevin B. Tos
Date: 05/13/19

BRIMFIELD

7 Main St.
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $296,000
Buyer: Cumberland Farms Inc.
Seller: Country Bank For Savings
Date: 05/10/19

35 Knollwood Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $224,900
Buyer: Justin P. Streicher
Seller: Aric S. Kimball
Date: 05/21/19

142 Old Palmer Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Rita J. McBride
Seller: Roger R. Couture
Date: 05/13/19

CHICOPEE

14 Bell St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $167,000
Buyer: Thomas Fregeau
Seller: Steven J. Pietras
Date: 05/09/19

15 Celestine St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Celestine RT
Seller: Michael A. Tessier
Date: 05/08/19

16 Cooney Place
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $134,900
Buyer: Angel L. Morales
Seller: Telea Y. Shepard
Date: 05/17/19

53 Ellerton St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $162,500
Buyer: Nicole M. Gerrard
Seller: Joseph W. Dudek
Date: 05/17/19

39 Fairview Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $116,000
Buyer: Faiza Abdullah
Seller: US Bank
Date: 05/08/19

20 Frink St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $164,842
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Kenneth J. Clark
Date: 05/09/19

134 Gelinas Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $143,000
Buyer: Nathan Stevens
Seller: Joan R. Allen
Date: 05/09/19

501 Granby Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $131,940
Buyer: Vested RT
Seller: US Bank
Date: 05/14/19

481 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Tan-Tan Associates LLC
Seller: Epsilon Property Mgmt. Inc.
Date: 05/17/19

143 Mandalay Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Christopher J. Wright
Seller: Ryan P. Spring
Date: 05/09/19

116 Marten St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Salwan AlBayati
Seller: Nicholas P. Baruffaldi
Date: 05/20/19

2009 Memorial Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Lauren M. Magri
Seller: Peter A. Magri
Date: 05/08/19

2040 Memorial Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $197,000
Buyer: Alfred A. Chagnon
Seller: At Home Properties LLC
Date: 05/17/19

461 Prospect St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: John M. Hewitt
Seller: Robert J. Arcott
Date: 05/17/19

51 Providence St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Michael Asante
Seller: CIG 4 LLC
Date: 05/10/19

111 Sherman Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Corey Meckling
Seller: Carlos J. Aguasvivas
Date: 05/09/19

272 Skeele St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $141,000
Buyer: Jeramy Smith
Seller: US Bank
Date: 05/20/19

27 Szetela Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $249,900
Buyer: Matthew P. Zabik
Seller: Ryan J. Franczek
Date: 05/17/19

55 Taylor St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $209,000
Buyer: Danny Rosario
Seller: Guy Labate 2018 LT
Date: 05/15/19

EAST LONGMEADOW

6 Capri Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $169,900
Buyer: Glenn Genest
Seller: Kent Pecoy & Sons Construction
Date: 05/10/19

419 Chestnut St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Diana Kumisca
Seller: Steven H. Haynes
Date: 05/10/19

64 Colony Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Steven Haynes
Seller: Renee Coppolo
Date: 05/10/19

21 Dearborn St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $179,900
Buyer: Nichol A. Catellier
Seller: Catherine A. Helgoe-Fett
Date: 05/10/19

38 Forbes Hill Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $441,000
Buyer: Daniel E. Saxe
Seller: Moltenbrey Builders LLC
Date: 05/10/19

41 Forest Hills Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $267,000
Buyer: Peter T. Gauvin
Seller: Kevin J. Minchella
Date: 05/13/19

46 Glen Heather Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $226,500
Buyer: Katherine A. Robertson
Seller: Kurt H. Walther
Date: 05/15/19

160 Hampden Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Rose M. Spada
Seller: Jonathan D. Rainey
Date: 05/17/19

14 Harkness Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Chang & Woo Inc.
Seller: Omega Cleaners LLC
Date: 05/17/19

30 Heritage Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $569,000
Buyer: Jason Lopes
Seller: Michael A. Zwirko
Date: 05/10/19

46 Highlandview Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $175,500
Buyer: Thomas P. Ogoley
Seller: Brian Palazzi
Date: 05/10/19

77 Mapleshade Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Melinda Nadeau
Seller: Luca Bertuccioli
Date: 05/15/19

81 Mapleshade Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Joseph D. Stebbins
Seller: George T. Brodeur
Date: 05/10/19

214 Meadowbrook Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Hunter Shea
Seller: Robert M. Torcia
Date: 05/21/19

4 Meadowlark Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $577,000
Buyer: Robert M. Simone
Seller: Thomas Zatko
Date: 05/17/19

155 Patterson Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $344,900
Buyer: Hanbyul Chang
Seller: Angelo A. Gomez
Date: 05/08/19

20 Pecousic Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $389,900
Buyer: Phengtag Lee
Seller: Viktoriya Samarina
Date: 05/15/19

194 Pleasant St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $289,000
Buyer: Paul R. Olson
Seller: LG Industries LLC
Date: 05/20/19

100 Ridge Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Steven H. Haynes
Seller: Steven H. Haynes
Date: 05/10/19

25 Robin St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $336,000
Buyer: Kwang S. Shin
Seller: Christopher S. Haviland
Date: 05/15/19

39 Thompson St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $202,000
Buyer: Kari E. Welch
Seller: CIG 4 LLC
Date: 05/17/19

HAMPDEN

43 Carmody Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Jamin Anderson
Seller: Waverly T. Weinberg
Date: 05/16/19

336 Wilbraham Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Andrew M. Poirier
Seller: Benny Gosvig
Date: 05/13/19

HOLYOKE

2 Alderman St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $137,000
Buyer: Eric A. Bacon
Seller: Bonita J. Catalfamo
Date: 05/21/19

10 Bray Park Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $212,000
Buyer: Kyle Thibodeau
Seller: Michelle Saunders
Date: 05/17/19

906-910 Hampden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Lomonicky LLC
Seller: William L. Luchini
Date: 05/14/19

916-918 Hampden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Lomonicky LLC
Seller: William L. Luchini
Date: 05/14/19

928-930 Hampden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Lomonicky LLC
Seller: William L. Luchini
Date: 05/14/19

400 Homestead Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $174,900
Buyer: John J. Sinowski
Seller: Christine D. Dragon
Date: 05/15/19

339 Jarvis Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Andrey Bateyko
Seller: Robert Lemiech
Date: 05/10/19

102-106 Linden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $1,500,000
Buyer: Salisbury Worcester LLC
Seller: Plaza Court Realty Inc.
Date: 05/15/19

Nonotuck St. (rear)
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Lomonicky LLC
Seller: William L. Luchini
Date: 05/14/19

122-124 Nonotuck St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Lomonicky LLC
Seller: William L. Luchini
Date: 05/14/19

128 Nonotuck St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Lomonicky LLC
Seller: William L. Luchini
Date: 05/14/19

2055 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Chelsea M. Derouchey
Seller: Heather L. Roberts
Date: 05/10/19

13 Steiger Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Noelle M. Bonnevie
Seller: Muhammad B. Chaudhery
Date: 05/17/19

123 Sycamore St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $150,500
Buyer: Jiovan Beauchamp
Seller: Dudley, Richard W., (Estate)
Date: 05/13/19

15-17 Taylor St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Julie Tajima
Seller: US Bank
Date: 05/20/19

58 Taylor St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Julia Willett-Jeffries
Seller: Rachael A. Frank
Date: 05/14/19

179-183 Walnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $311,000
Buyer: Jonathan R. Williams
Seller: Mark R. Larose
Date: 05/15/19

LONGMEADOW

655 Converse St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: CIL Realty Of Mass Inc.
Seller: Steven Kofsky
Date: 05/10/19

141 Green Hill Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $465,900
Buyer: Denise A. Monday
Seller: Marisa A. Pease
Date: 05/14/19

79 Viscount Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $385,900
Buyer: Emily J. Steele
Seller: Edward F. Barbeau
Date: 05/20/19

38 Westmoreland Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: 88 Casino Terrace LLC
Seller: Scanlon, Adaline V., (Estate)
Date: 05/09/19

61 Wilkin Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $379,500
Buyer: Tarun K. Ohri
Seller: Constantine Delis
Date: 05/16/19

506 Williams St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Christopher D. Rea
Seller: Joanne J. Belmont
Date: 05/20/19

LUDLOW

185 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $247,000
Buyer: Sercan Demirci
Seller: Paula J. Chartier
Date: 05/15/19

829 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Savanna Thibeault
Seller: Gracinda Ribas-Genovevo
Date: 05/17/19

82 Edgewood Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $252,000
Buyer: Luis Rosado
Seller: Donna E. Foley
Date: 05/10/19

389 Fuller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: James A. Pafumi
Seller: David F. Smith
Date: 05/10/19

229-231 Howard St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $284,500
Buyer: Ludlow Housing Authority
Seller: Manuel R. Coelho
Date: 05/16/19

39 Lavoie Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Jodie L. King
Seller: Fernanda Surreira
Date: 05/10/19

21 Mineral Spring Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Liza-Anne C. Raymond
Seller: Teri E. Marinello-Mazur
Date: 05/20/19

103-105 Poole St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $207,000
Buyer: John P. Tluszcz
Seller: Richard T. Martin
Date: 05/15/19

345 West St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Miroslaw Kopec
Seller: Dorothy Crevier
Date: 05/17/19

MONSON

18 Circle Dr.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $259,900
Buyer: Nicholas Gauthier
Seller: Jereme J. Tidwell
Date: 05/17/19

28 Country Club Dr.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $248,000
Buyer: Jeremy R. Paine
Seller: Kenneth Longtin
Date: 05/17/19

11 Pine St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $239,000
Buyer: Jayme Barrett
Seller: Thomas C. Brooks
Date: 05/15/19

PALMER

150 3 Rivers Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $254,000
Buyer: Jason M. Banas
Seller: Blueline Management LLC
Date: 05/09/19

92 Beech St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Brian J. Sullivan
Seller: MTGLQ Investors LP
Date: 05/10/19

3201 Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $179,900
Buyer: Kellie Morse
Seller: Crystal A. Dennison
Date: 05/20/19

79 Peterson Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Crystal A. Dennison
Seller: Susan Kinsella
Date: 05/20/19

12 Woodland St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $224,900
Buyer: Heather Clark
Seller: Fayla P. Anderson
Date: 05/16/19

SPRINGFIELD

32 Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $202,000
Buyer: Francisco J. Diaz
Seller: Manfred Karori
Date: 05/17/19

276 Arnold Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $289,900
Buyer: Cynthia J. Rivera
Seller: Julio A. Miranda
Date: 05/13/19

40 Bartels St.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $211,500
Buyer: Brian T. Tongue
Seller: David J. McKenzie
Date: 05/17/19

11 Batavia St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Wilbraham Builders Inc.
Seller: Nice Cars LLC
Date: 05/17/19

1545 Bay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Aramis Rodriguez-Lopez
Seller: Grahams Construction Inc.
Date: 05/16/19

20-22 Beauregard St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $203,500
Buyer: Jonathan N. Sanchez
Seller: Chenevert Properties LLC
Date: 05/16/19

232 Breckwood Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: William Ortiz
Seller: Celia J. Alvarado
Date: 05/10/19

439 Cadwell Dr.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $217,000
Buyer: Giuseppe Leone
Seller: James R. Pouliot
Date: 05/10/19

131-133 Carver St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Janet M. Mock
Seller: Maria Caceres
Date: 05/10/19

133 Catharine St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Orange Park Management
Seller: Orange Park Management
Date: 05/21/19

146 Chapin Terrace
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Logan A. Stewart
Seller: Angela Pendleton
Date: 05/16/19

98 Cherokee Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $182,900
Buyer: Margaret Elva-Merry
Seller: Michael Surprise
Date: 05/15/19

154 Darling St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Alaina Hurst-Medina
Seller: Jose R. Marquez-Vargas
Date: 05/08/19

43 Druid Hill Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Daniel T. Gramarossa
Seller: Shirley L. Derrah
Date: 05/21/19

31 Dutton St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $161,500
Buyer: Franco A. Bruno
Seller: Dutton LLC
Date: 05/16/19

Euclid Ave.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $216,000
Buyer: Sol D. Rivera
Seller: Dnepro Properties LLC
Date: 05/10/19

14 Fairfield St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Michael R. Ferrier
Seller: Kaelan Rhiannon-Royall
Date: 05/10/19

12 Fallston St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Margaret A. Patterson
Seller: Travis P. Reed
Date: 05/10/19

62 Fern St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Andrew Mutebi
Seller: Hannoush Buys Houses LLC
Date: 05/08/19

16 Fordham St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $151,000
Buyer: Mary A. Figueroa-Torres
Seller: Scott E. Kerkhoff
Date: 05/16/19

29 Foster St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Abigail Cordero-Roman
Seller: Madison Property Investors
Date: 05/17/19

492 Gifford St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Miguel Sanchez
Seller: US Bank
Date: 05/16/19

37 Glen Albyn St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Jessica Rodriguez
Seller: FHLM
Date: 05/14/19

12-14 Healey St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Carlos L. Figueiredo
Seller: Sharon A. Goodman
Date: 05/08/19

103 Huron St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Juan Salas
Seller: Gloria E. Lopez
Date: 05/21/19

93 Joanne Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $331,000
Buyer: Vonetta Walker
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 05/08/19

25 Juniper Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $206,000
Buyer: Wilfredo Ramos
Seller: Christina J. Ostiguy
Date: 05/16/19

70 Knollwood St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Jose Santos
Seller: 21 Capital LLC
Date: 05/10/19

149-151 Maynard St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $184,900
Buyer: Jose A. Ramos
Seller: Jacqueline M. Davis
Date: 05/10/19

19 Merrill Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $126,000
Buyer: Edward D. Bancroft
Seller: Shawna L. McNamara
Date: 05/15/19

155 Methuen St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $129,900
Buyer: Nephtali Lora
Seller: James W. Fiore
Date: 05/16/19

31 Middle St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $163,000
Buyer: Ana R. Rivas
Seller: Brian D. Dubay
Date: 05/10/19

18-20 Milton St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Doralis N. Perez
Seller: BP LLC
Date: 05/14/19

26 Montclair St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Jorge L. Camacho
Seller: Sol M. Culhane
Date: 05/15/19

224 Naismith St.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Tyrome M. Witherspoon
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 05/17/19

27 Newhall St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: Edmundo Rivera-Haddock
Seller: CIG 3 LLC
Date: 05/17/19

23 Newman St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: George Macridis
Seller: AAD LLC
Date: 05/10/19

21 Oak Grove Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $198,000
Buyer: Beverley A. Cunningham
Seller: Leon A. Blake
Date: 05/14/19

218 Oakland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $219,000
Buyer: Jovany Lopez-Perez
Seller: Alfredo Lopez
Date: 05/21/19

90 Ogden St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Todd A. Macisisak
Seller: Jean C. Letendre
Date: 05/13/19

98 Orange St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: Juan A. Ortiz
Seller: Juan M. Vera
Date: 05/17/19

259-261 Orange St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Julian Solano
Seller: Nelson Reynoso
Date: 05/10/19

201 Overlook Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $225,900
Buyer: Angela M. Pendleton
Seller: Mohammed AlBayati
Date: 05/16/19

44-46 Palmyra St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Jonathan R. Saenz
Seller: Carmine E. Dibella
Date: 05/14/19

63 Peer St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $159,000
Buyer: Noemi J. Cruz
Seller: Aida L. Ruiz-Batiste
Date: 05/13/19

30-32 Pembroke St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Jodi Shaw
Seller: JJS Capital Investment
Date: 05/14/19

25 Queensbury Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $179,000
Buyer: David McKenzie
Seller: Alexander W. Koldys
Date: 05/17/19

48-50 Rifle St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $122,500
Buyer: Rifle Street Partners TR
Seller: TM Properties Inc.
Date: 05/10/19

43 Rockland St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $182,000
Buyer: Tara B. Neddeau
Seller: Carol A. Lynch
Date: 05/17/19

393 Saint James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Travis Peck
Seller: Deluca Development Corp.
Date: 05/21/19

526 Saint James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Wilbraham Builders Inc.
Seller: Nice Cars LLC
Date: 05/17/19

1093 Saint James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Maritza Rodriguez
Seller: Debra A. Gallo
Date: 05/09/19

141 Sherman St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $122,800
Buyer: Rachel S. Cooper
Seller: Sonia Cotto
Date: 05/15/19

79-81 Silver St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Felix Fuentes
Seller: Cornerstone Homebuying
Date: 05/17/19

55 Spencer St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $167,500
Buyer: Jose M. Tejeda
Seller: John L. Rodriguez
Date: 05/15/19

1319 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Marisabelle Hernandez
Seller: Michelle M. Labranche
Date: 05/20/19

26 Thames St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Mary Miller
Seller: Steven L. Mundahl
Date: 05/09/19

26 Trillium St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $157,900
Buyer: Keritza M. Ostalaza
Seller: Daniel C. Brightwell
Date: 05/21/19

31 Undine Circle
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $117,000
Buyer: Bank New York Mellon
Seller: Julie A. Houle
Date: 05/15/19

62 Victoria St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Christina Bolduc
Seller: Real Estate Invest Northeast
Date: 05/16/19

71 Wachusett St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Mariana B. Sanchez
Seller: Springhouse Properties
Date: 05/10/19

293-295 Walnut St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $163,111
Buyer: JJS Capital Investment
Seller: JJS Capital Investment
Date: 05/10/19

128 Warrenton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Afra Ratzkoff
Seller: Natalya Kozodoy
Date: 05/17/19

77 Webber St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $143,621
Buyer: MTGLQ Investors LP
Seller: Esther Cruz
Date: 05/20/19

1954 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Pioneer Valley FCU
Seller: KMJ Associates LLC
Date: 05/14/19

127 Winton St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $179,000
Buyer: Jahaira Rosario
Seller: Mary K. Frodema
Date: 05/10/19

114 Wolcott St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $174,000
Buyer: Gregorio J. Diaz
Seller: Luis A. Cruz
Date: 05/10/19

20 Woodmont St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Luis G. Centeno
Seller: Rayan Chawki-Abdulbaki
Date: 05/17/19

106 Wrenwood St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Mollie Burns
Seller: Jeffrey J. Kristek
Date: 05/10/19

SOUTHWICK

3 Falcon Crest
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Joshua P. Mackey
Seller: Paul Lapointe
Date: 05/15/19

23 Gargon Terrace
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $233,000
Buyer: Jennifer M. Forest
Seller: CIG 2 LLC
Date: 05/15/19

57 George Loomis Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $217,000
Buyer: Brooke A. Schomburg
Seller: Michael R. Craig
Date: 05/17/19

37 Grove St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $327,000
Buyer: Bryan J. Richton
Seller: Ryan Ochoa
Date: 05/17/19

18 Ham Hill Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Alexander R. St.Aubin
Seller: Thomas E. Pitts
Date: 05/21/19

41 Miller Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $134,900
Buyer: Maegan A. Leon
Seller: Alan L. Hoyt
Date: 05/10/19

4 Shaggbark Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Janet Wilson
Seller: Victor J. Ramah
Date: 05/10/19

91 Will Palmer Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Daniel B. Quigley
Seller: Christopher J. Lucia
Date: 05/15/19

TOLLAND

218 South Village Road
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Marc Sininsky
Seller: Roy P. Torzullo
Date: 05/15/19

WESTFIELD

5 Denise Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Guidewire Inc.
Seller: John M. Hewitt
Date: 05/17/19

106 Devon Terrace
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $367,000
Buyer: Sergey Bateyko
Seller: Edward D. Knapp
Date: 05/13/19

29 Elizabeth Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $262,000
Buyer: Matthew Ropeter
Seller: Garland, Emond A., (Estate)
Date: 05/10/19

55 Hillside Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Scott M. Dashnaw
Seller: Barbara Dashnaw
Date: 05/14/19

62 Laro Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $246,000
Buyer: Karen M. Brunelle
Seller: Christopher J. Wroblewski
Date: 05/21/19

15 Massey St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Wesley E. Punch
Seller: MS Homes LLC
Date: 05/15/19

32 Mechanic St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $143,000
Buyer: Matthew Scouras
Seller: TM Properties Inc.
Date: 05/10/19

97 Mullen Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Dieynaba Kida
Seller: Patricia I. Vachula
Date: 05/10/19

228 Old County Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $239,000
Buyer: Angel L. Arenas
Seller: Cheryl L. Thivierge
Date: 05/17/19

57 Orange St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Aleksandr Katykhin
Seller: Lake Rentals LLC
Date: 05/20/19

514 Southwick Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $204,500
Buyer: Sara E. Korte-Popp
Seller: Christopher F. King
Date: 05/17/19

44 Stuart Place
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $266,000
Buyer: Keith Watson
Seller: Susan A. Leavitt
Date: 05/21/19

60 White St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Michael J. Hearn
Seller: Carol A. Kucefski
Date: 05/14/19

99 White St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: JDK Properties LLC
Seller: Roland S. Barbeito
Date: 05/09/19

44 Woodbridge Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $258,000
Buyer: Jason M. Edinger
Seller: Richard A. Rubin
Date: 05/17/19

WILBRAHAM

1984 Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: ET Realty LLC
Seller: JCE Realty LLC
Date: 05/21/19

14 Devonshire Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Brian E. Couture
Seller: Robert Colbath
Date: 05/15/19

895 Glendale Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $289,000
Buyer: Christopher L. Moreno
Seller: Erreick D. Stewart
Date: 05/17/19

16 Hunting Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $257,500
Buyer: Henry Bradford
Seller: Leslie Rogers-Morgan
Date: 05/13/19

10 Julia Way
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $429,900
Buyer: Malia A. Weber-Parker
Seller: AC Homebuilding LLC
Date: 05/10/19

540 Main St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $203,999
Buyer: Anthony Carnevale
Seller: FNMA
Date: 05/17/19

674 Main St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Thomas R. Gour
Seller: James M. Ferris
Date: 05/20/19

16 Raymond Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: John W. Harlan
Seller: Mary S. Sullivan
Date: 05/15/19

400 Springfield St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Jeffrey A. Levasseur
Seller: John W. Harlan
Date: 05/15/19

5 Tracy Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Matthew O’Neil
Seller: Lee, Marlene R., (Estate)
Date: 05/17/19

WEST SPRINGFIELD

60 Autumn Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Jesse Weaver
Seller: Kyle F. Perry
Date: 05/17/19

66 Chestnut St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $136,000
Buyer: Mark Roulston
Seller: Janet L. Paro
Date: 05/13/19

61 Dorwin Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: James F. Fricke
Seller: Andrew R. Paine
Date: 05/13/19

35 Forest Glenn
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: CIL Realty Of Mass Inc.
Seller: Alan Verson
Date: 05/10/19

27 Goldenview Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $294,900
Buyer: John J. Strauss
Seller: Filomena Ciocca
Date: 05/15/19

62 Hampden St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $176,900
Buyer: Nicolle M. Hulse
Seller: Allen J. Devoie
Date: 05/10/19

23 Morton St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Christopher J. Perry
Seller: John W. Perry
Date: 05/10/19

73 Nelson Circle
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $237,000
Buyer: Richard G. Wyner
Seller: Chelsea P. Calabrese
Date: 05/14/19

165 Ohio Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Andrea Lacasse
Seller: Theresa A. Selvoski
Date: 05/17/19

291 Ohio Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Adam Cote
Seller: Charles E. Moran
Date: 05/15/19

22 Orchardview St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $242,500
Buyer: Laura E. Andersen
Seller: Margaret Elva-Merry
Date: 05/15/19

101 Orchardview St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $259,900
Buyer: Erin B. Diaz
Seller: Joseph Kennedy
Date: 05/10/19

361 Prospect Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $196,000
Buyer: Jose Ramos
Seller: Adam J. Cote
Date: 05/15/19

32 Sikes Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $319,000
Buyer: Thomas H. Wiggin
Seller: Elizabeth E. Iovine
Date: 05/16/19

28 Talcott Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $130,598
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Elaine S. Percy
Date: 05/17/19

562 Westfield St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Westfield Street Building LLC
Seller: Syed Sons Inc.
Date: 05/10/19

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

72 Blackberry Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $381,000
Buyer: Abel Lenz
Seller: Mira Menon
Date: 05/14/19

East Pleasant St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $238,000
Buyer: C. Shanky & J. Feeney RET
Seller: Billie Marie Howes TR
Date: 05/15/19

610 East Pleasant St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $502,000
Buyer: C. Shanky & J. Feeney RET
Seller: Merle L. Howes TR
Date: 05/15/19

BELCHERTOWN

641 Daniel Shays Hwy.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $337,500
Buyer: Principle Property Mgmt.
Seller: Shawn Kirby
Date: 05/17/19

263 Gulf Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $354,000
Buyer: Jeffrey A. Sward
Seller: Elizabeth L. Loughran FT
Date: 05/13/19

171 Munsell St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Robert C. Pellegri
Seller: Minnie J. White
Date: 05/09/19

74 North Washington St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Tammy A. Kane
Seller: Roger L. Archambault TR
Date: 05/13/19

83 Rockrimmon St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Scott A. Schlef
Seller: Saramma Thomas
Date: 05/08/19

CHESTERFIELD

43 Bisbee Road
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Daniel C. Bisbee
Seller: Bisbee, William H., (Estate)
Date: 05/20/19

92 South St.
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Laura Noel
Seller: Karla Reinertson
Date: 05/15/19

EASTHAMPTON

69 Clark St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Daniel W. Sullivan
Seller: David A. Nadroski
Date: 05/20/19

99 Cottage St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Kep Holdings LLC
Seller: James A. Zedonis IRT
Date: 05/08/19

42 Division St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $235,200
Buyer: Brenda B. Gawron
Seller: Buzzee, Sylvia A., (Estate)
Date: 05/20/19

20 Highland Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Alex K. Phakos
Seller: Joanille A. Kmiecik
Date: 05/17/19

157-159 Pleasant St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $208,000
Buyer: Roger W. Salloom
Seller: Muriel L. Brown
Date: 05/14/19

18 Sandra Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Simone Palladino
Seller: Catherine J. Potak
Date: 05/10/19

GOSHEN

40 Fuller Road
Goshen, MA 01032
Amount: $262,000
Buyer: Robin B. Langer
Seller: Mary J. Sondrini
Date: 05/20/19

GRANBY

8 Hubbard Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $319,000
Buyer: Oliver Reams
Seller: S&C Homebuyers LLC
Date: 05/15/19

122 Maximilian Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Richard P. Hooker
Seller: Laurie A. Parlengas
Date: 05/17/19

42-A New Ludlow Road
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Oscar R. Rodas
Seller: Proulx, Alfred G. Jr, (Estate)
Date: 05/15/19

HADLEY

2 Meagans Way
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $805,000
Buyer: Frank Patel
Seller: Gwen A. Quinlan
Date: 05/17/19

HATFIELD

69 Old Stage Road
Hatfield, MA 01088
Amount: $580,000
Buyer: Jaf Chiang
Seller: Jeanne D. Mazuch
Date: 05/17/19

NORTHAMPTON

Burts Pit Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: City Of Northampton
Seller: Jonathan R. Goldsmith
Date: 05/16/19

19 Carolyn St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Joanne L. Rome
Seller: Terez Waldoch RET
Date: 05/13/19

36 Conz St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Jeffery F. Dalzell
Seller: Laurie E. Clark
Date: 05/21/19

79 Higgins Way
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $529,750
Buyer: Kimberly Enderle
Seller: Sturbridge Development
Date: 05/16/19

130 Prospect Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $599,000
Buyer: Gwendolyn J. Bass
Seller: Dhara M. Macdermed
Date: 05/14/19

19 Washington Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $522,500
Buyer: Michael Shashoua
Seller: William G. Sherr
Date: 05/14/19

923 Westhampton Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $266,000
Buyer: Timothy E. Sossa
Seller: Andree E. Uhlig TR
Date: 05/20/19

Westhampton Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: City Of Northampton
Seller: Jonathan R. Goldsmith
Date: 05/16/19

PELHAM

1 Amherst Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Matteo Ramos-Mucci
Seller: Douglas F. Challenger
Date: 05/14/19

SOUTH HADLEY

66 Bridge St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Alpal Properties LLC
Seller: S&C Homebuyers LLC
Date: 05/17/19

16 Carlton St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: Gregory A. Hart
Seller: Mannix, Mary A., (Estate)
Date: 05/14/19

395 Hadley St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Nicholas R. Bernier
Seller: Frank G. Mendoza
Date: 05/10/19

3 Hillside Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $226,000
Buyer: Thomas F. Shea
Seller: Alexandria B. Boyle
Date: 05/14/19

16 Jewett Lane
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $333,900
Buyer: Steven M. Schmeiser
Seller: Stephen & J. M. Ellengurg RET
Date: 05/21/19

149 Old Lyman Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $134,480
Buyer: Freedom Mortgage Corp.
Seller: David H. Sudyka
Date: 05/21/19

8 Parkview Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Jeffrey J. Kristek
Seller: Maureen J. Sparrow
Date: 05/10/19

14 Pershing Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Daniel Jusino
Seller: Barbara C. Dupre
Date: 05/20/19

32 Saybrook Circle
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $204,000
Buyer: Joshua P. Lenardson
Seller: Christopher Charette
Date: 05/10/19

SOUTHAMPTON

7 Donna Marie Way
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: James K. Patenaude TR
Seller: Donald E. Backstrom LT
Date: 05/21/19

WARE

127 Church St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Nicole A. Durand
Seller: Patrick N. Patierno
Date: 05/16/19

47 Crescent St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Molly A. Pulchtopek
Seller: Norman J. Bartkowiak
Date: 05/17/19

2 Crescent Terrace
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $194,000
Buyer: Melissa Kapinos
Seller: Donald E. Tremblay
Date: 05/16/19

31 Fisherdick Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $432,000
Buyer: CIL Realty Of Mass Inc.
Seller: David F. Porowski
Date: 05/10/19

9 Howard Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $266,000
Buyer: Pablo E. Ramierz-Morales
Seller: Ryan A. Sidur
Date: 05/21/19

15 Kingsberry Lane
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $182,500
Buyer: Douglas P. Pulchtopek
Seller: Molly A. Pulchtopek
Date: 05/17/19

190 Old Gilbertville Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $357,500
Buyer: Laura B. Dennis
Seller: Kathleen A. Wheeler
Date: 05/17/19

Building Permits

By
Building Permits

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

AMHERST

Town of Amherst
4 Boltwood Ave.
$8,000 — Install mini split system in server room

Town of Amherst
4 Boltwood Ave.
$7,500 — Install interior partitions, wiring, create two storage rooms and mail room

CHICOPEE

Meadow Street Partners, LLP
317 Meadow St., Units 5A, 5B
$80,000 — Build out additional office/training area in existing tenant space

Fernando Pires
24 Casino Ave.
$12,200 — Roofing

Mike Tarrant
83 Center St.
$1,350 — Roofing

DEERFIELD
Deerfield Academy
13 Albany Road
$492,000 — Retrofit air-handling units

Deerfield Academy
53 Old Main St.
$153,000 — Solar array on south side of new health center

Mycoterra
75 Stillwater Road
$63,316 — Install roof-mounted solar array

Red Roof Room
9 Greenfield Road
$28,000 — Sign

EASTHAMPTON

Keystone Enteprises
122 Pleasant St.
$75,000 — Build out interior space at INSA

Palmer Paving Corp.
23 Arthur St.
$162,000 — Erect accessory building

Wells Fargo Bank
22-24 Arlington St.
$21,700 — Install vinyl siding

EAST LONGMEADOW

CHD
736 Parker St.
7,500 — Demolish guest house

CHD
742 Parker St.
$54,000 — Convert garage to rec room

Redstone Pasta
642 North Main St.
$128,000 — Remodel bathrooms, new stairs

GREENFIELD

Baystate Franklin Medical Center
164 High St.
$6,350 — Fire protection for behavioral-health pod

Country Club of Greenfield
244 Country Club Road
$6,860 — Install pine ceiling on back deck

RCK Greenfield, LLC
5 Pierce St.
$48,183 — Remove and replace six packaged commercial HVAC units

Nicole Stafford
335 Federal St.
$3,000 — Insulation

HADLEY

303 Russell Street, LLC
303 Russell St.
$254,846 — Interior buildout for Harbor Freight store

303 Russell Street, LLC
303 Russell St.
$8,000 — Two new wall signs for Harbor Freight store

Parmar and Sons Inc.
41 Russell St.
$1,250 — New sign for Pathlight on building roof

Chang Tso-Cheng
459 Russell St.
$28,100 — Roofing

Town of Hadley
46 Middle St.
$143,350 — Install HVAC system for senior center

W/S Hadley Properties II, LLC
353 Russell St.
$745,000 — Tenant build-out for 110 Grill

LEE

Ronald Halpin
645 Pleasant St.
$28,000 — Repairs following burst heating pipes

MRG CRW Holdings, LLC
55 Lee Road
$34,600 — Install fire-sprinkler system in Cottage D

MRG CRW Holdings, LLC
55 Lee Road
$3,418,728 — Renovate existing spa to accommodate a renovated spa, commercial kitchen, and culinary educational training areas

LENOX

Art First Lenox, LLC
22 Walker St.
$5,000 — Install sink, coffee counter, and prepared food sales counter in gallery space

LONGMEADOW

Bliss Williams, LLC
679 Bliss Road
$4,000 — New signage for Big Y

NORTHAMPTON

The Brush Works, LLC
221 Pine St.
$11,500 — Build wall, fix bathroom, fire protection

Ellery Owner, LLC
259 Elm St.
$1,400 — Illuminated monument ground sign

ES Realty Corp.
34 Bridge St.
$40,000 — Add interior half-walls, change toilet, slop sink, entry door changes

Glass Lake Partners, LLC
43 Ladd Ave.
$38,000 — Convert space to marijuana processing facility

Hampshire Regional YMCA
286 Prospect St.
$46,000 — Roofing

Kendrick Property
31 Lyman Road
$29,400 — Roofing

King Enterprises
176 King St.
$32,200 — Roofing at Florence Savings Bank

Northampton Montessori Society
51 Bates St.
$2,500 — Roofing

Northwood Redevelopment, LLC
23 Atwood Dr.
$72,500 — Enclose parking spaces with motorized gate, add private entry door into building

Smith College
44 College Lane
$27,000 — Renovate two rooms in Sabin-Reed Hall

Smith College
College Lane
$66,000 — Interior lab renovation at Scott Gymnasium

Smith College
50 Elm St.
$6,000 — Repair and replace stair assembly at Clark Hall

SPRINGFIELD

Bar South Land Holdings, LLC
450 Main St.
$30,000 — Demolish existing building

Baystate Medical Center Inc.
280 Chestnut St.
$8,950 — Alter space for new media room on fifth floor

Chestnut Springfield Inc.
146 Chestnut St.
$11,500 — Alter interior space on first and fifth floors of Libertas Academy Charter School for educational use

Chestnut Springfield Inc.
146 Chestnut St.
$2,100 — Interior demolition for future build-out on first and fifth floors of Libertas Academy Charter School

Clinical & Support Options Inc.
755 Worthington St.
$5,000 — Build two new offices

KMJ Associates, LLC
1954 Wilbraham Road
$15,000 — Interior demolition for future build-out for Pioneer Valley Credit Union

Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center
3 Rutland Ave.
$62,345 — Install solar panels on existing building

RLM Enterprise, LLC
83 Gilman St.
$2,300 — Roofing

Smithfield Packard Meats Corp.
20 Carando Dr.
$120,000 — Roofing

Springfield Library & Museums Assoc.
85 Chestnut St.
$89,772 — Install solar panels on existing building

WARE

118 Main Street Ware, LLC
135 Main St.
$3,100 — Change out 10 windows

Aldrich Management Co., LLC
124 West St.
$150,000 — Tenant fit-out

Sengen Properties, LLC
48-58 Park St.
$28,000 — Roofing

WEST SPRINGFIELD

333 Elm St. Realty Trust
333 Elm St.
$22,527 — Remove existing window and modify opening to accept new ATM

Agri-Mark
1000 Riverdale St.
$7,000 — Remodel office in basement

DDRM Riverdale Shops, LLC
931 Riverdale St.
$143,700 — Interior renovations to dining room, including new wall finishes and new décor/seating package; exterior renovations, including new paint

DDRM Riverdale Shops, LLC
935 Riverdale St.
$54,000 — Interior renovations of existing commercial retail space, creating new, 30-seat restaurant

EPT Nineteen Inc.
864 Riverdale St.
$868,802 — Remodel interior of existing movie theater

Hampden Charter School of Science
511 Main St.
$118,900 — Construct two classrooms

Kevin Knight
82 Elm St.
$25,000 — Frame two walls, add storage room, pad out existing wall for plumbing

Landmark at Monastery Heights
110 Monastery Ave.
$1,400 — Install handicap ramp

Phillip Patel
1573 Riverdale St.
$40,000 — Interior renovations

Jazz & Roots Festival Brings People, Energy to Springfield

By
Features

Striking a Chord

By Kayla Ebner

Evan Plotkin has always been a firm believer in the arts as an economic-development strategy and vehicle for “changing the conversation about Springfield,” as he likes to say.

And this belief has manifested itself in a number of ways, from the manner in which he has turned 1350 Main St. (the downtown Springfield office building he co-owns) into a type of art gallery to the sculptures he has helped bring to the central business district, to his long-time support of the Springfield Museums and other institutions.

But perhaps the most visible, and impactful, example of his work to use the arts to bring people — and energy — to the city and its downtown is the annual Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival, the sixth edition of which is slated for Aug. 10.

“We’re putting a light on Springfield that is very positive,” said Plotkin, one of the founders of the festival. “The reputation of the jazz festival has been very positively received throughout the music world, regionally and beyond. That has a lot of benefits to changing the conversation about Springfield; you can talk about a lot of things about Springfield, but now you can add the festival to those things.”

The festival strives to connect people of all ages, races, and backgrounds through music and the arts, said Plotkin, and also connect people to Springfield, a city clearly on the rise.

The festival is known for bringing both established and up-and-coming artists together to perform on the same stage — actually, several stages. The 2019 festival headliner is Elan Trotman, who will perform on a stage in the plaza at MGM Springfield at 10 p.m., kicking off the festival’s after-party.

Other performers of the day are split between two stages of equal importance in or near Court Square; the Charles Neville Main Stage and the Urban Roots Stage will offer performances simultaneously.

Artists for the 2019 lineup include Cory Henry and the Funk Apostles, Elio Villafranca & the Jass Syncopators, Tia Fuller, Samite, Firey String Sistas!, Kotoko Brass, Molly Tigre, Convergence Project Trio, Tap Roots, and the Holyoke Community Jazz Ensemble. Local artists from the Springfield area include the Billy Arnold Trio, Bomba De Aqui, and Ryan Hollander.

This year marks the festival’s second without Charles Neville, member of the Neville Brothers and beloved performer at the event, who died in April 2018. Neville’s wife, Kristin, co-founded the event with Plotkin and Blues to Green, a nonprofit organization that uses music to bring people together through performances, and hopes to unite people from many different communities in Springfield that share a common love for art and music.

The organization also works to create a more positive image for Springfield and help erase negative perceptions about the City of Homes. Plotkin told BusinessWest that Charles Neville’s impact on the festival lives on through the performances at the annual event.

“I think he really believed in the healing power of music and its ability to bring people together as one people,” said Plotkin, adding that Neville acted as a guiding light for the festival. “His presence spoke more than almost anything.”

The free outdoor festival has drawn thousands of people to Court Square, giving people the opportunity to meet other music lovers. The $200,000 budget for the event comes completely from sponsors and volunteers.

Plotkin said support for the event has been tremendously helpful, and the positive reactions from attendees are what drive the producers to make it bigger and better each year.

“I love the fact that people are so animated and excited about the music,” said Plotkin, adding that the music ranges from Latino bands to blues artists to gospel singers. “The audience embraces the variety of different genres and feels like this is something that belongs to them.”

Hollander, one of the local artists set to perform at the 2019 festival, agreed that jazz music has the ability to bring people together. “I think jazz music is intended to be the music of the people,” he said.

City on the Rise

The Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival comes at a time where the arts are playing a significant, and growing, role in the revitalization of Springfield and also in creating a better vibe in the city. Examples abound, including everything from high-profile, MGM-organized concerts at the MassMutual Center (Stevie Wonder and Cher have performed, and Aerosmith is booked for this summer) to Fresh Paint Springfield, a mural project downtown that has changed the face of many buildings and structures.

“I think this festival coming off of the mural festival is going to push us forward in terms of really positive impressions that people will have about the city,” Plotkin said.

Hollander agreed, noting that the opening of MGM and other initiatives have created more vibrancy and more nightlife, complemented by a greater police presence and, overall, fewer concerns about crime and safety.

“I think that Springfield is definitely on the rise,” he told BusinessWest. “The general downtown just feels safer in most parts. I think any time we find other things to occupy ourselves with, we’re less likely to resort to crime or violence. The festival is an opportunity to do something non-violent and be entertained.”

In 2016, Jazz Times magazine named the Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival one of the best jazz festivals to attend, and Plotkin hopes the event can continue to grow in both size and stature.

“The jazz festival helps to define the downtown from its walkability,” he said, adding that his goal would be to model the festival after other famous ones in the region, like the Newport Jazz Festival, and set up several different stages and venues around the downtown area.

“Ultimately, a really cool concept to grasp is how walkable the city is, because that implies that it’s safe,” he said. “A walkable city is a safe city. The more people who are walking the streets, the less worries you have about crime and safety.”

As an example of this phenomenon, he cited the underpass that connects the downtown with Riverfront Park, which has been painted into a Dr. Seuss mural by John Simpson. This connector, Plotkin said, used to be a place where people did not want to go because they were afraid to cross the highway to go to the riverfront.

“Now, by painting that underpass and creating activities on that side of the river as well as downtown, you’re creating this connector,” he explained, adding that the jazz festival acts similarly, showing how possible it is to bring all communities in Springfield together as one. “We haven’t reached that ultimate goal of having this festival throughout the downtown, but by doing the jazz festival, you can see the potential of what can happen if we carry this throughout downtown.”

Plotkin remembers a time in his early 20s where he was able to walk to bars and restaurants downtown and feel completely safe, and feels that Springfield is making its way there once again.

“I think, today, it’s the safest the city has ever been downtown,” he said. “And it can only get better as we finish construction on several parks and as we start to program them with music. That’s where a wall becomes a bridge.”

Wellfleet Celebrates Move to Tower Square

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Vid Mitta, managing partner of Tower Square, called Wellfleet’s relocation to the downtown Springfield office tower “a big thing.”

It’s even bigger when one considers how far the company has come, said Drew DiGiorgio, Wellfleet’s president and CEO.

“When we started, it was five employees,” DiGiorgio said. “My office was not an office — it was a desk and a chair at the bottom of the stairs at a barbershop in Wilbraham. We would open up envelopes, and I would lick them because didn’t even have the little spongy thing. To go from that to this is pretty humbling.”

Wellfleet, a Berkshire Hathaway company providing accident and health-insurance products, officially announced the relocation of its national corporate headquarters — and 150 of its employees — to the 10th, 11th, and 12th floors of Tower Square with a press conference on Friday.

“To me, Wellfleet is a home-grown, Springfield-based company which has grown to this size today, and we should applaud their success,” said Mitta, who announced that Wellfleet’s name will be placed on the tower as its anchor tenant.

Wellfleet — which has built a national niche insuring college students, handling more than 100,000 students at more than 200 colleges and universities — has outgrown its current office space on Roosevelt Avenue in Springfield. The new offices at Tower Square will give employees up to 80,000 square feet of class A office space and provide ample room for Wellfleet’s new and growing Workplace Benefits division.

DiGiorgio said Wellfleet employees, when asked what’s appealing about Tower Square, cited the attractive workspace, natural light, city views, and covered parking, as well as the food options downtown and the fact that the district has been emerging economically in recent years.

“A lot of people, years ago, said, ‘what can you expect? It’s Springfield,’” Mayor Domenic Sarno said. “More and more people are saying now, ‘why not Springfield?’”

He added that Tower Square’s owners have been aggressive and creative in bringing an eclectic mix of business to the facility, from Wellfleet to the YMCA of Greater Springfield to White Lion Brewing Co.

“I won’t say the downtown is re-emerging as much as it is reinventing itself,” the mayor added. “Springfield is getting on the map. And my administration continues to be business-friendly because it brings jobs.”

Formerly known as Consolidated Health Plans, Wellfleet branded under its current name in January, uniting its insurance carriers and claims-administration organizations under one marketing name. It boasts approximately 175 employees, 150 of whom work in Springfield; others work remotely or from satellite offices in Florence, S.C. and San Rafael, Calif.

Governor Authorizes $200 Million in Chapter 90 Transportation Funding to Cities and Towns

By
Daily News

BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker signed a bill authorizing $200 million in Chapter 90 transportation funds to support all 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts. Since taking office in 2015, the Baker-Polito administration has awarded a total of $1.14 billion through the Chapter 90 formula.

“Chapter 90 funding provides cities and towns with critical resources to carry out important projects like highway construction and road paving to improve local infrastructure in communities across Massachusetts,” Baker said. “We thank the Legislature for working with our administration to pass this bill and continue our support for local officials this construction season.”

Added Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, “investing in local infrastructure helps improve travel for residents and connect them to economic opportunities. Providing consistent Chapter 90 funding is one of the many ways in which our administration continues to serve as a reliable partner to all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth.”

Community Access to the Arts Breaking Ground on Future Home Today

By
Daily News

GREAT BARRINGTON — Community Access to the Arts (CATA) will hold a groundbreaking ceremony at the organization’s future home at 420 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington today at 11 a.m. The new arts center will establish a permanent home for CATA and allow the organization to expand its innovative arts programs for people with disabilities.

“After 26 years of renting space, CATA will now have a true home — one that will double our existing space for artists with disabilities,” Executive Director Margaret Keller said. “With the growth we’ve achieved in recent years, we have been bursting at the seams. Now, after intensive planning, we are ready to take this pivotal step forward to give our CATA artists the space they deserve. We can’t wait to share our plans with the wider community at the groundbreaking and in the months ahead.”

The two-story, 6,400-square-foot facility will double the organization’s existing studio space, with two new art studios — one for visual arts and writing, the other for dance and performing arts. The new arts center will also embody the principles of universal design, making the facility accessible to every person. For the first time, the building will bring the organization’s studios and offices under the same roof.

“CATA is a statewide, respected organization which provides those with special abilities a community, a family, and a place to express themselves,” state Rep. Smitty Pignatelli said. “I can think of no better way to represent the home CATA creates for so many than by literally breaking ground on what will be a new building.”

Formerly the Renaissance Arts Center, the building will undergo an extensive renovation to prepare for its new life as the CATA Arts Center. Architects Clark & Green are leading the design of the renovation, and Allegrone is managing construction. Construction is slated to begin in July, with the building opening in early 2020.

Since 1993, CATA has brought more than 20,000 life-changing arts workshops to more than 2,000 people with disabilities throughout Berkshire and Columbia counties. In the last five years, CATA has dramatically increased its program offerings, serving more than 70% more people, while also expanding public programs, including performances, readings, and art exhibits featuring work by CATA artists with disabilities.

Friends of Cooley Dickinson, Northampton Historical Commission to Host Home Tour

By
Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — On Saturday, June 29 from noon to 4 p.m., six award-winning historic-preservation homes will be open to the public. Tickets are necessary for admission and are available at the Cooley Dickinson Hospital Gift Shop, Cooper’s Corner, State Street Fruit Store, and downtown at Essentials and the Baker’s Pin. Tickets cost $25, and will also be available the day of the event at the CDH Gift Shop.

Friends of Cooley Dickinson is a group of volunteers dedicated to supporting the hospital through fundraising, advocacy, and ambassadorship. Its goal is to make a difference in the health of the community. The Northampton Historical Commission has been designating historic-preservation awards since 1975, recognizing projects that have contributed to the historic character of the city of Northampton and raised awareness about the importance of historic preservation.

The collaborative event includes a tour of the following homes: 41 Lyman Road (award year: 2007), 30 Munroe St. (1996), 302 Elm St. (2018), 78 North Elm St. (2000), 62 Chestnut St. (2003), and 123 Meadow St. (2002).

Gareth Ross to Head MassMutual’s Enterprise Technology and Experience Organization

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — MassMutual announced that Gareth Ross has been named head of the new Enterprise Technology and Experience (ETX) organization, which is responsible for all of the company’s internal and external technology and digital efforts, as well as direct-to-consumer marketing efforts. Industry leaders Arthur Riel and Jim Routh have also joined MassMutual and the ETX organization as head of Core Technology & Initiatives and head of Enterprise Information Risk Management, respectively.

“Gareth brings a distinct combination of strategic vision and proven ability to build and lead top teams to this expanded role,” said Roger Crandall, MassMutual chairman, president, and CEO. “I am confident that Gareth and his strong leadership team will continue to develop superior technology and digital solutions to deliver a seamless experience to our policyowners, customers, distribution partners, and employees.”

Since joining MassMutual in 2008, Ross has held various leadership roles, beginning in Corporate Finance and Strategy, heading up the company’s distribution strategy team within the insurance business, and establishing MassMutual’s direct-to-consumer business and industry-leading data-science capabilities. Under Ross’ direction, MassMutual has invested in data science over the past six years, establishing an in-house data-science group that creates knowledge and builds services from data that enable enterprise-wide data-driven decision making through science and applied research.

Prior to MassMutual, Ross held financial-planning, management-consulting, and business-analyst roles with Capmark Financial, General Motors, the New York Treasurer’s office, the Coca-Cola (Japan) Co., the World Bank, Fidelity Investments, and Deloitte Consulting.

Riel has been named head of Core Technology & Initiatives, a newly created role that oversees the prioritization and delivery of strategic technology projects across the company, as well as internal and external information-systems applications, platforms, and infrastructure. 

Riel brings more than 30 years of experience in system and application design and technology delivery to MassMutual, as well as an exceptional track record in developing and executing complex business and technology strategies. He has worked in senior technology-management roles at various organizations, including Moody’s, NYSE EuroNext, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley. Most recently, he served as chief Enterprise architect and chief Information officer of Finance IT for the World Bank.

Riel also founded two technology companies in the areas of computer-science training and compliance-technology solutions, has taught hundreds of courses in both academic and industry environments, and authored several research papers.

Routh has been appointed head of Enterprise Information Risk Management. In this role, he will drive a holistic information risk-management approach across the company, with a focus on managing cybersecurity risks, ensuring all cybersecurity-related regulatory and compliance requirements are met, and overseeing the safeguarding of MassMutual’s information assets.

Routh is a well-known visionary and recognized leader in the cybersecurity industry who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience and a demonstrated track record for delivering security capabilities that drive business results. Most recently, he served as chief Information Security officer (CISO) for CVS Health, where he led the security integration for CVS Health in the acquisition of Aetna and developed a three-year plan for achieving enterprise level resilience. Prior to that, he served as CISO for Aetna, global head of Application and Mobile Security at JP Morgan Chase, and CISO at KPMG, the Depository Trust & Clearing Corp., and American Express.

Routh is a former board and committee chairman of the Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center and the former chairman of the Health Information Sharing and Analysis Center. He received the 2017 Evanta Breakaway Leadership Award and the 2016 ISE Luminary Award among many other awards and honors throughout his career.

“I’m excited to welcome some of the nation’s leading tech talent to MassMutual and our ETX leadership team,” said Ross. “Arthur’s entrepreneurial mindset and proven ability to lead major initiatives and Jim’s reputation as a thoughtful and innovative leader who builds exceptional and diverse teams will be invaluable as we work to establish and drive MassMutual’s vision for all of our technology and digital efforts.”

Manufacturing Association to Host Event at STCC with U.S. Rep. Richard Neal

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Representatives of manufacturing companies in Western Mass. will host a workforce-development discussion on Monday, June 10 at Springfield Technical Community College featuring U.S. Rep. Richard Neal as keynote speaker.

The event, scheduled for 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on the seventh floor of Scibelli Hall at STCC, will feature panel discussions on workforce development and how to do business with defense contractors. Recruiters from General Dynamics in Pittsfield will be on hand to talk to any STCC students or graduates about careers at their company.

Members of the Western Mass. chapter of the National Tooling and Machining Assoc., a group that promotes the precision-manufacturing industry, can attend for free. There is a $10 fee for non-members to cover expenses. A continental breakfast will be served.

To register, visit www.eventbrite.com and search for ‘WMNTMA’ or ‘STCC.’

Renew Window Cleaning’s Melody Edwards Honored Guest at Italian Trade Show

By
Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — Melody Edwards, owner of Renew Window Cleaning, was selected by the Italian Trade Agency to attend the Pulire Trade Show as a U.S. delegate and honored guest. The show, the largest professional cleaning-industry trade show in Italy, was held last month at the Veronafiere Exhibition Centre in Verona.

Edwards was chosen for her creativity and professionalism during her 25-year involvement with the industry, and for her passion for promoting women in this often-male-driven industry. The event was sponsored by the Italian government and organized to give U.S. companies the opportunity to network and meet with leading Italian manufacturers. There were 300 exhibitors and over 17,000 visitors.

Edwards was raised in the Pioneer Valley, and after graduating high school, she started cleaning windows to save money for a trip to Europe. During that trip, her plans to visit Italy fell through. Now, 25 years later, she was able to go. Among the highlights of this trip was “interacting with delegates from other countries,” she said, noting that she was joined by delegates from South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Canada, and Turkey. “And I got to give input on product development. I love giving input. I made contacts and connections. It was Italy — how could it not be fun?”

Florence Bank Honors 11 People for Community Service, Grants $5,500 to 11 Nonprofits

By
Daily News

FLORENCE — In 2011, it seemed a leukemia diagnosis was the worst thing that could happen to Gayle Bradley’s grandson. But in 2015, after four years of remission, the then-10-year-old Luke Bradley relapsed and also contracted bacterial meningitis.

Luke spent six weeks in intensive care, suffered seizures, and barely survived the damage to his ventricles and brain. Luke spent 15 months living in a hospital and recovered slowly. Now, he is in remission once again, and just completed his freshman year of high school. Clearly impacted by the trauma of Luke’s illness, his family founded a nonprofit, called LukeStronger Inc., to offer financial relief to other families with a child battling cancer.

“We were blessed to have so many people help us as we went through this fight, so this foundation is our way of giving back,” Gayle Bradley said.

In May, the LukeStronger fund received a $500 boost after Gayle Bradley was named one of 11 Florence Bank Community Champions. As part of its Community Champions Sweepstakes program, the bank offered each of the 11 champions a $500 grant to be donated to a nonprofit of their choice.

Bradley chose LukeStronger; all funds raised by the organization this year will support the family of 3-year-old Surai Gomez, who is battling high-risk neuroblastoma. Bradley was nominated for the Community Champion award by Florence Bank customer Jessica Randall of Granby.

In all, 218 nominations were cast at Florence Bank’s 11 branches for 11 champions, and Florence Bank granted a total of $5,500 to 11 nonprofits in Hampshire and Hampden counties, and beyond.

As part of the sweepstakes, customers in each branch were invited to cast one vote in their neighborhood branch for a person in their community who goes above and beyond to ensure that residents are safe, healthy, and happy. Voting took place from April 15 through May 6. Winners were selected at random from all the nominees in each branch. The winners had the privilege of selecting an area nonprofit to receive a $500 grant.

Bradley was nominated in the Granby branch. The following are the other 10 branch champions and the nonprofits they chose to support with the $500 grant: Springfield: Myles Callender, Revitalize Community Development Corp.; West Springfield: Allen Howard, Shriners Hospitals for Children – Springfield; Belchertown: Jim Phaneuf, the Jimmy Fund; Amherst: Naz Mohamed, who split the award evenly between Amherst Community Connections, Amherst Survival Center, and the Sojourner Truth School for Social Change Leadership; Hadley, Gary Glenn, Newman Catholic Center at UMass Amherst; King Street, Northampton: Jane Lyons, Friends of Children; downtown Northampton: Diane Porcella, Northampton Neighbors; Easthampton: Robin Bialecki, Easthampton Community Center; Florence: Jacob Fine, Pioneer Valley Workers Center; and Williamsburg: Sue Labrie, Goshen Firefighters Assoc.

Labrie was the champion recognized by the Williamsburg branch, where she received nearly 30 different nominations. The grant to the Goshen Firefighters Assoc. will support ongoing efforts, including fire-safety education, a topic she is passionate about.

Labrie began teaching fire-safety lessons through the SAFE (Student Awareness of Fire Education) program more than 20 years ago to students at the old Goshen Center School. Over the years, she expanded the program so that children from preschool through grade 6 at New Hingham Regional Elementary School, serving Goshen and Chesterfield, can receive fire- and life-safety education five times throughout each school year. She also teaches fire- and life-safety lessons to Goshen’s senior citizens.

This January, her efforts were credited by a family in Goshen with saving their lives. With temperatures in the teens, Jess and Phil Judd of Goshen put their knowledge to work when a fire in their home blazed out of control. The Judds, with their four young sons, were awakened by smoke alarms and escaped their burning home with only the clothes on their backs.

Firefighters said the family’s quick response was due to them having a prepared family home-escape plan that helped them get out in a matter of minutes. Labrie believed that, if the home did not have working smoke alarms, the headlines would have been tragic.

“The Judds’ story really impacted me and the Goshen Fire Department not only because they’re a family we know and love, but because sometimes you just don’t know if you truly reach people when teaching these programs,” Labrie said. “Houses can be replaced; people can’t. This is why we teach children as young as preschool and keep reinforcing the messages and skills throughout elementary school.”