Day: June 23, 2020

Monson Savings Bank to Open New Branch in East Longmeadow

By
Daily News

EAST LONGMEADOW — Monson Savings Bank announced the expansion of its branch network into East Longmeadow. This new office, located at 61 North Main St., is expected to open in late summer.

The full-service branch will offer an extensive array of consumer and commercial products, traditional banking products, wealth-management products, and several robust digital solutions that have grown more important in today’s environment.

It has been the bank’s goal to further expand the markets it serves. “We are thrilled to be expanding our footprint into the vibrant community of East Longmeadow,” said Steve Lowell, president and CEO of Monson Savings Bank. “We look forward to helping and serving the people and businesses of East Longmeadow and neighboring towns.”

Holyoke Medical Center Submits Proposal to Expand Psychiatric Bed Capacity

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Medical Center (HMC) has submitted a letter of intent and project proposal to the Massachusetts Bureau of Health Care Safety and Quality to expand psychiatric bed capacity.

The letter, sent on June 19, notified the Determination of Need Program that HMC will be completing an application for an additional 64 psychiatric beds. If approved, this will increase the hospital’s total capacity to 84 psychiatric beds, which will serve adult and geriatric populations.

“Our plan is to build a three-level, 68,000-square-foot, 84-bed behavioral-health pavilion on our campus and near the medical center,” said Spiros Hatiras, president and CEO of Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems. “We have completed a comprehensive review and been working with architects and community stakeholders on finalizing building design.”

The Holyoke Medical Center Behavioral Health Pavilion proposal includes 48 adult psychiatric beds, 36 geriatric beds, and 4,000 square feet of shell space for future expansion or uses to be determined later. Population statistics and competitive analysis suggest that there is a need within a 14-mile radius of Holyoke Medical Center for 52 adult psychiatric beds and 36 geriatric psychiatric beds.

The proposal also includes a parking analysis and parking-garage study, which could provide an additional 60 to 180 parking spaces.

Holyoke Medical Center is partnered with Signet Health Corp., assisting the hospital in the delivery of behavioral-health services by providing management and consulting services. The Leo Brown Group, a full-service healthcare real-estate development and solutions company, will design and build the facility.

It is estimated that, once approved by state and local officials, the new facility will take 18 months to complete and become operational.

Girls Inc. of the Valley Launches #BlackGirlFuture Campaign on Social Media

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Girls Inc. of the Valley is sharing a new campaign on social media this week, called #BlackGirlFuture. 

Girls Inc. of the Valley has created social-media graphics and messaging addressing both disparities that impact girls and the future the organization wants to see for them. #BlackGirlFuture will consist of social-media posts across multiple platforms with a graphic and accompanying message each day to encourage girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Upon completion of #BlackGirlFuture, Girls Inc. of the Valley aims to have inspired all girls to see themselves as leaders with the skills and capabilities to improve and influence their local communities. 

Girls Inc. of the Valley’s Instagram account is @girlsincvalley. Anyone interested in the campaign or with questions regarding #BlackGirlFuture may e-mail Jessica Colson at [email protected].

Applied Mortgage Giving Invests in Communities with $45,000 Regional Donation

By
Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — Applied Mortgage Giving announced a new campaign, the Vitality Grant, which will be donated to six local community organizations: Downtown Amherst Foundation (Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce and Amherst Business Improvement District), Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce, Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Franklin County, and United Way of Hampshire County.

These organizations will each receive a portion of the gift to use at their discretion to support their work in the community. The Vitality Grant — sponsored by Applied Mortgage Giving, the charitable arm of Applied Mortgage, a d/b/a of HarborOne Mortgage, LLC — is designed to positively influence and provide opportunities for the success of small businesses and nonprofits in Hampshire and Franklin counties. Applied Mortgage Giving will be partnering with the local chambers and United Ways, hoping to enhance these organizations’ opportunities to meet the specific needs of their communities. 

“The Vitality Grant speaks to our commitment to the success and wellness of our local communities,” said Lindsay Barron LaBonte and Todd Barron, co-branch managers. “During these challenging times, it is essential to support the many businesses and nonprofits that help sustain the cultural and economic vitality of our communities.” 

For more information or questions regarding the Vitality Grant, e-mail LaBonte at [email protected].

Tourism and Hospitality Sector Ramps Up for Uncertain Summer

By
John Doleva
Coronavirus Special Coverage

Destination Unknown

John Doleva

John Doleva says the Basketball Hall of Fame still has a big, important year on tap, even if the schedule has shifted quite a bit.

As he talked with BusinessWest about his industry and his family’s hotel group, Kishore Parmar kept glancing back and forth between the lobby of the Hampton Inn in Hadley and the parking lot outside.

He did so with a look that blended something approaching disbelief — still, after roughly three months of the same view — with resignation.

“This lobby is essentially empty, and this is not how it is,” he explained. “If this were a normal day in June, you’d see families, you’d see business people in and out, there would be staff going up and down the hallways. We would be sold out for tonight, or very close to it.”

Instead, there would be maybe six or eight people staying in this 71-room hotel just off Route 9 that night. The lobby was empty. Just a few vehicles dotted the parking lot, all of which Parmar could identify as belonging to staff.

This view is a metaphor of sorts for what hotels have been experiencing since mid-March, something none of those in it have ever seen before. Business for the Pioneer Valley Hotel Group — which also includes a La Quinta by Wyndham in Springfield, Hampton Inn and Homewood Suites by Hilton in Hadley, Holiday Inn Express in Ludlow, and Hadley Farms Meeting House in Hadley — is off roughly 80% from what it was a year ago. And the numbers would be even worse if some first responders didn’t stay in these hotels in the early days of the pandemic.

Perhaps the most unsettling thing is that Parmar doesn’t know if, when, or for how long things will get appreciably better.

But while the view for all hoteliers in the region is similarly troubling, there are some signs of life in the broad tourism and hospitality sector. Indeed, many area restaurants are now open for outdoor seating, and a good number of them are creating intriguing spaces as they welcome back customers that have been relegated to takeout for more than three months.

Signs at the Hall of Fame

Signs at the Hall of Fame will use players’ wingspans to send a message about standing six feet apart — or, in Giannis Antetokounmpo’s case, more than seven feet.

Meanwhile, some tourist attractions are moving closer to opening their doors. The state’s casinos are eyeing a late June opening — although MGM Springfield has not committed to a specific date — while the Basketball Hall of Fame, which is in the final stages of a $23 million renovation project, is targeting July 1 as its reopening date.

President and CEO John Doleva isn’t sure what kind of turnout that opening will boast, although he told BusinessWest the Hall will be aggressive in marketing what was supposed to be a high point in a year of many high points.

“In January, I sat down with the senior staff and said, ‘first of all, this is going to be the greatest class ever — Kobe (Bryant), Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett. That was before Kobe passed away, which was pretty unbelievable,” he recalled. “On top of that, we had a 100% new museum, top to bottom, that was going to open up on May 1” — not to mention a commemorative coin from the U.S. Mint, to be unveiled at the Final Four in early April.

The coin was eventually released, but the Final Four was cancelled, the 2020 induction was moved into 2021, and, who knows what the July 1 grand opening will bring? But Doleva is optimistic.

“The good news is, all these things are going to happen; it’s not like we lost them. They’re just not on the time frame we thought they would be,” he said. “But we do feel that people want to do stuff — but how will they decide?”

That equation has surely changed in the year of COVID-19.

“People always ask, ‘what am I going to see, what does it cost, how far away from my house is it, and what kind of experience is it?’” he noted. “But kind of rising to the top is, ‘what kind of procedures and protocols does an organization have in place to ensure my family’s health and safety?’

“Safety is paramount at any tourism destination at this point,” Doleva added. “You’ve got to communicate not the traditional marketing of ‘we’re fun and we’re affordable; your family’s going to have a great time and talk about it forever.’ It’s also, ‘you can come here and feel safe — and here’s everything that we’re doing.’”

And that presents an opportunity in a region rich in attractions that are often taken for granted by locals. There are indications that, due to real concerns about traveling in anything but a car, area destinations might get a boost from those looking to take a ‘staycation,’ rather than typical vacation, and that includes visiting sites where they feel safe.

“This lobby is essentially empty, and this is not how it is. If this were a normal day in June, you’d see families, you’d see business people in and out, there would be staff going up and down the hallways. We would be sold out for tonight, or very close to it.”

But a host of challenges remain for this sector, and questions remain about everything from how hotels will serve guests breakfast to whether there will be a Big E — which benefits a number of businesses in this sector — and what that fair might look like. But as tourism lurches back to something resembling life, there’s plenty of hope in the air, too.

Animal Attraction

It was opening day at the Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center in Springfield — a full nine weeks later than usual — but Sarah Tsitso liked what she saw.

“People are definitely responding,” said Tsitso, the zoo’s executive director, as guests took advantage of a new timed reservation system that, at least for now, lets only 10 people in every 10 minutes, to promote social distancing. “It’s great seeing families and children so happy being out seeing the animals, and the animals are happy to see their friends come back. We close the first week of November. That’s a long time to be closed to the public.”

The key word is ‘public.’

“The zoo is open 365 days a year for the animals. They live here, and they’re fed and get vet care whether it’s winter or summer. We rely on the visitor season to generate revenue for the months we’re closed.”

Those nine lost weeks cost the center some $200,000 in revenues, losing not just gate receipts but educational programs, a robust schedule of spring field trips, and three major events typically held annually between March and July.

“That’s a pretty huge loss,” she said. “We’re still not sure what’s happening with summer camps, which would start around June 25. We’re not sure what that’s going to look like.”

Whatever shape the summer takes, it will be better than the waiting game to reopen, during which the zoo managed to secure a Paycheck Protection Program loan to keep staff working and developed the protocols now in place, from a mask requirement and sanitizer stations to additional barrier fences and a one-way path around the grounds.

“It was certainly challenging, but manageable,” Tsitso said. “The biggest change was probably the timed ticketing system. But we were quickly able to identify a system that works for us and get it up and functioning. We were just waiting for the green light.”

The light turned decidedly red for Peter Pan Bus Lines back in March, CEO Peter Picknelly told BusinessWest.

“We ran for a few weeks once the pandemic hit, but within two and a half weeks, sales declined over 90%. So we shut down for about eight weeks,” he said. “Shutting down was one of the hardest things we have ever done.”

When the buses did start rolling again earlier this month, making limited runs to major destination cities, Picknelly was pleasantly surprised. “Activity has been pretty good,” he said after the first week, adding that the second week was looking even busier. “There’s a pent-up demand to get out of Dodge, and that’s what we help people do.”

One issue is that destination cities like Boston and New York are still reopening in their own way, and once the big cities fully open, he expects more of a rush. For now, the company is getting its “sea legs back,” he said, and making sure everyone on the bus feels safe.

Kishore Parmar

Kishore Parmar says the most unsettling thing about the pandemic, from the hotel industry’s perspective, is not knowing when business might get better.

To that end, Peter Pan has improved its contactless boarding procedures while introducing PermaSafe, a CDC-approved product that purifies passenger cabin air while making interior surfaces anti-microbial and self-sanitizing. The company also uses electrostatic handheld sprayers to sanitize and disinfect the buses every night. In addition, passengers are required to wear a face mask at all times, and employees have been issued personal protective equipment, including face masks and hand sanitizer.

“Here’s my theory — nobody wants to get sick; nobody wants to get someone else sick,” Picknelly said. “But nobody wants to be cooped up any longer, either. A lot of what we do is leisure travel, but people also have to travel for medical appointments, for school, for business. There’s not only a pent-up demand to get out of Dodge, there’s also a need.”

But, they also need to feel safe, he said. “As time goes on, people will be more and more comfortable getting out. I’m confident this is going to end way sooner than people think. And I think any smart business person knows, if you want customers to come in — and come back — you’ve got to make them feel safe and comfortable.”

At the hall of fame, protocols in place for the opening include regular disinfection of all frequently touched surfaces, complimentary stylus pens to use on interactive touchscreens, an electrostatic disinfectant air-mist system, and … well, the list is frankly too long to detail all of it here.

“We’ll have the clean team out in the museum unlike ever before,” Doleva said. “People will see it in action.”

And it’s important they see it, he added.

“People are clamoring to get out. They’re looking for the safe places that are paying attention — but I definitely think there is pent-up demand.”

Some will want to be among the early visitors, he added, while others will take a wait-and-see approach. “It will be a short summer, but we are going to showcase the museum. This is a grand-opening summer, and everyone has the opportunity to come here.”

Room for Improvement

Parmar told BusinessWest that, for his group’s hotels, and most all facilities not in the shadow of ski resorts, winter is a slow, difficult time.

And what he fears is that, unless some things change, 2020 might take on the look of a 12-month-long winter in terms of occupancy rates and overall vibrancy.

“We might go from winter … right into another winter,” he said, adding that July, at this moment, doesn’t look much better than June, and the rest of summer and fall amount to a giant question mark.

The company has essentially seen its busiest season wiped off the calendar, losing college commencements, visits to area colleges and universities, business meetings, weddings, bridal and baby showers, and much more.

This certainly isn’t what the company was expecting in 2020, a year that began with hopes and expansion plans. Indeed, this is the first full year for the Homewood Suites facility, opened just over a year ago and off to a solid start, and there were plans to create a new hotel on the site of the old Howard Johnson’s on the Mohawk Trail in Greenfield and completely renovate the Roadway Inn in Hadley, which is currently closed.

That’s were. “We had a plate full for this coming year, and we were very excited about it, but then we had it all taken away,” Parmar said, adding that those projects have been put on ice, and the company is essentially trying to make the most out of what will be a trying year.

The company applied for and received a PPP loan and used it to bring its employees back to work after many were furloughed earlier in the spring. The problem now is that the money is running out, and business certainly hasn’t come back — as evidenced by the parking lot and the front lobby. Parmar said there is little if any leisure business at this point, and also little if any business travel, as companies continue to rely on Zoom meetings.

“We’re bootstrapped right now — we’re counting every penny, we’re counting every dollar,” he said. “We’re doing our best to reduce every cost there is.”

While hotels might continue to struggle, however, many in the tourism sector feel they will see more ‘staycation’ action than usual — particularly if out-of-state travelers are put off by Massachusetts’ suggested (but not required) 14-day quarantine when entering.

“If someone from Enfield wants to come to the Hall of Fame, they’re not going to take a 15-day trip to see a one-day experience. So that’s got to be clarified,” Doleva said. “I do think it is an impediment to tourism. People see ‘suggested,’ they think ‘required.’ So we’re hoping for some clarification because it affects us, and it affects hotels, restaurants, and other attractions.

Doleva said he never foresaw what 2020 would bring when he began a two-year term as board chair for the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau back in November. But he’s been impressed with the planning the GSCVB has done to hit the ground running once tourism ramps up again this summer.

“We have a very aggressive plan to advertise the region like never before, the attractions especially,” he told BusinessWest. “We’ve never brought people together the way we are now. That’s a blessing in disguise — this is bringing the different factions of the tourism business tighter than ever.”

As chair, he also hopes elected leaders develop a greater appreciation of the impact of the tourism and hospitality industry and the numbers of people it employs, as well as the taxes it generates — and make investments in supporting tourism statewide over the long term.

“I think, if we look for the silver lining, this has caused us all to step back and focus on how we’re all interdependent, and when one improves, we all improve,” he added. “We know we have something special out here. It’s a nice place to visit, we’ve got a lot of things to do, and the industry is very focused on safety. Now we need to move forward together.”

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Why Business-interruption Insurance Doesn’t Cover COVID-19

By
Insurance Special Coverage

Sticker Shock

Business-interruption insurance should be a simple idea to explain. But in the era of COVID-19, it has become a thorny topic.

“It is coverage that most businesses have as part of their insurance program; basically, it’s one of the key components to an insurance portfolio for a business,” said John Dowd Jr., president and CEO of the Dowd Agencies. “A covered loss is defined as physical damage to your property or on your property.”

He noted, as one example, a fire that causes a shutdown until repairs are made, with the insurance payout allowing the business owner to pay rent, taxes, and in some cases wages and benefits. “It also covers loss of property, which is a very important coverage.”

But not every event is covered, he noted, and that’s the rub lately among business owners who would like business-interruption insurance to cover losses from the pandemic-related economic shutdown — and lawmakers in several states, including Massachusetts, are pushing to enshrine such losses in the coverage.

“Obviously COVID isn’t covered — the loss that triggers business interruption has to be the result of physical damage to the property,” Dowd reiterated. “The problem with COVID is that’s not physical damage; it’s a virus. It’s specifically excluded, like other transmittable diseases. The way it’s worded, it’s not a coverage situation. As a matter of fact, the insurance industry cannot cover something like that because they can’t estimate the catastrophic potential of such a situation.”

That didn’t stop 39 Massachusetts legislators from co-sponsoring a bill earlier this spring titled “An Act Concerning Business Interruption Insurance,” calling for business-interruption coverage for losses due to “directly or indirectly resulting from the global pandemic known as COVID-19, including all mutated forms of the COVID-19 virus.”

Moreover, the bill asserts, “no insurer in the Commonwealth may deny a claim for the loss of use and occupancy and business interruption on account of COVID-19 being a virus (even if the relevant insurance policy excludes losses resulting from viruses), or there being no physical damage to the property of the insured or to any other relevant property.”

The legislation applies to policies issued to businesses with 150 or fewer full-time employees, and insurance companies can apply to the commissioner of the Division of Insurance for relief and reimbursement of amounts paid on claims through a fund created by the act, subject to eligibility and reimbursement procedures to be established by the commissioner.

John Dowd Jr.

John Dowd Jr.

“The way it’s worded, it’s not a coverage situation. As a matter of fact, the insurance industry cannot cover something like that because they can’t estimate the catastrophic potential of such a situation.”

Such relief would be needed, as Dowd demonstrated with a little math. He noted that, if business-interruption insurance was triggered by COVID-19 for all businesses with fewer than 100 employees, the cost would be between $280 billion and $350 billion — per month. “Our collective surplus of all insurance companies is somewhere between $800 billion and $900 billion. In three months, the industry would be insolvent.”

Having said that, he noted that pandemic coverage is already available — a development that emerged over the past decade following SARS and other global threats. For example, the organization that operates the Wimbledon tennis tournament bought such a policy, which costs more than $1 million a year, but when this year’s event was canceled, the policy paid out $15 million.

Impossible Costs

State legislation is a different matter, of course, aiming to reshape the very nature of business-interruption insurance. New Jersey lawmakers proposed and defeated such a bill this spring, “presumably because they looked into the potential insolvency of insurance carriers,” Dowd said. “And if people can’t buy insurance, what happens to our economy?”

Carl Bloomfield, managing director at the Graham Co., a Philadelphia-based insurance brokerage, recently told Insurance Business America that, while more than a half-dozen states that have proposed this type of legislation, he doesn’t expect the bills to pass.

“Doing it through state legislation would be very detrimental to the country on a go-forward basis from the aspect of overturning centuries of contract law,” he noted. “If you start upsetting the precedent of contract law that’s been established for centuries, that creates a very dangerous environment for all businesses because there’ll be no certainty around something that’s in the contract today, but could be overturned in court.”

If the Massachusetts bill becomes law, constitutional challenges are certain, writes Owen Gallagher, publisher of Agency Checklists, a news source for the Massachusetts insurance industry.

“Carriers would basically take the claims, get documentation that there was actually loss of income or profit, determine if there are covered claims or not, and then the federal government would pay the bill.”

The rewriting of existing insurance contracts, as proposed by this legislation, he notes, would raise constitutional questions under the U.S. Constitution’s contract clause.

“As members of a regulated industry, insurance companies have not fared well in contesting state legislative or regulatory action claiming a constitutional violation of the contracts clause. The United States Supreme Court has upheld laws impairing contracts based on a state promoting public welfare. However, this legislation may be one of the very few laws that fails that minimal test based on its blatant revision of existing insurance contracts for a limited class of insureds.”

The second constitutional challenge arises under the Constitution’s takings clause, which states that private property cannot be taken for public use without just compensation.

“Insurers have had some success contesting laws where a state’s regulatory mandates go too far and amount to a confiscation of property,” Gallagher notes. “In this case, the proposed law creates new obligations that take money from insurance companies and transfers it to small businesses that have suffered economic loss because of state action. It is difficult to see how these insurers would not have had their property taken for a public purpose in violation of the Constitution.”

Dowd sees the U.S. government eventually negotiating a coverage cap for pandemic events much like it did with terrorism in the years following 9/11. “The insurance industry is saying, ‘OK, in the future, we’re willing to participate, but we need a cap, like $250 million, which is the most the insurance industry can absorb for a pandemic, and everything over that, the federal government has to pay.’

“So they’re in the throes of negotiating that,” he said, adding that carrier involvement would likely be voluntary. “That makes sense, as a lot of the smaller mutual insurance companies don’t have nearly the surplus that the Travelers and Liberty Mutuals have. But a lot has to be sorted out.”

A Better Plan?

Dowd, who serves on the board of the Massachusetts Assoc. of Insurance Agents, said that organization backs an idea that would cast insurers in more of a support role to the government on pandemic claims as they relate to business interruption.

“Carriers would basically take the claims, get documentation that there was actually loss of income or profit, determine if there are covered claims or not, and then the federal government would pay the bill,” he explained. “We think that’s a good idea, rather than throw out stimulus money to companies that may not need it, that may not experience a loss of income. Instead, we’d have people file, have their experience validated, and get paid based on need — not an assumption that every small business needs it.”

Such a plan is being considered in the fifth stimulus bill being kicked around in Congress, he added, which makes more sense than forcing insurers to cover for losses they never considered.

“We just don’t have the financial wherewithal to pay that financial bill. We’d be out of business,” Dowd said. “But if we can offer services at an agency level and carrier level, review the claims, and validate the claims, we think that has some merit.”

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Understanding the Employee Retention Credit

By Contributor
Accounting and Tax Planning Special Coverage

This Tax-relief Provision of the CARES Act Brings Advantages to Employers

By Carolyn Bourgoin, CPA

Businesses that either repaid in a timely fashion or did not receive a loan pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) should explore their eligibility for the new Employee Retention Credit, one of the tax-relief provisions of the CARES Act passed on March 27.

Like the PPP loan program, the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) is aimed at encouraging eligible employers to continue to pay employees during these difficult times. Qualifying businesses are allowed a refundable tax credit against employment taxes equal to 50% of qualified wages (not to exceed $10,000 in wages per employee).

Let’s take a look at who is eligible and how to determine the credit.

Who Is an Eligible Employer?

All private-sector employers, regardless of size, that carry on a trade or business during calendar year 2020, including tax-exempt organizations, are eligible employers for purposes of claiming the ERC. This is the case as long as the employer did not receive, or repaid by the safe-harbor deadline, a PPP loan. The IRS has clarified that self-employed individuals are not eligible to claim the ERC against their own self-employment taxes, nor are household employers able to claim the credit with respect to their household employees.

Carolyn Bourgoin

Carolyn Bourgoin

First Step: Determine Eligible Quarters to Claim the Credit

Eligible businesses can claim a credit equal to 50% of qualified wages paid between March 12 and Dec. 31, 2020 for any calendar quarter of 2020 where:

• An eligible employer’s business was either fully or partially suspended due to orders from the federal government, or a state government having jurisdiction over the employer limiting commerce, travel, or group meetings due to COVID-19; or

• There is a significant decline in gross receipts. Such a decline occurs when an employer’s gross receipts fall below 50% of what they were for the same calendar quarter in 2019. An employer with gross receipts meeting the 50% drop will continue to qualify thereafter until its gross receipts exceed 80% of its gross receipts for the same quarter in 2019. Exceeding the 80% makes the employer ineligible for the credit for the following calendar quarter.

This is an either/or test, so if a business fails to meet one criteria, it can look to the other in order to qualify. An essential business that chooses to either partially or fully suspend its operations will not qualify for the ERC under the first test, as the government did not mandate the shutdown. It can, however, check to see if it meets the significant decline in gross receipts for any calendar quarter of 2020 that would allow it to potentially claim the ERC.

The gross-receipts test does not require that a business establish a cause for the drop in gross receipts, just that the percentage drop be met.

Second Step: How Many Employees?

Determining the wages that qualify for the ERC depends in part on whether an employer’s average number of full-time-equivalent employees (FTEs) exceeded 100 in 2019. An eligible employer with more than 100 FTEs in 2019 may only count the wages it paid to employees between March 12, 2020 and prior to Jan. 1, 2021 for the time an employee did not provide services during a calendar quarter due to the employer’s operations being shut down by government order or due to a significant decline in the employer’s gross receipts (as defined previously).

“All private-sector employers, regardless of size, that carry on a trade or business during calendar year 2020, including tax-exempt organizations, are eligible employers for purposes of claiming the ERC.”

In addition, an employer of more than 100 FTEs may not count as qualifying wages any increase in the amount of wages it may have opted to pay employees during the time that the employees are not providing services (there is a 30-day lookback period prior to commencement of the business suspension or significant decline in gross receipts to make this determination).

In contrast, qualified wages of an employer that averaged 100 or fewer FTEs in 2019 include wages paid to any employee during any period in the calendar quarter where the employer meets one of the tests in step one. So even wages paid to employees who worked during the economic downturn may qualify for the credit.

Due to the potential difference in qualifying wages, it is important to properly calculate an employer’s ‘full-time’ employees for 2019. For purposes of the ERC, an employee is considered a full-time employee equivalent if he or she worked an average of at least 30 hours per week for any calendar month or 130 hours of service for the month. Businesses that were in operation for all of 2019 then take the sum of the number of FTEs for each month and divide by 12 to determine the number of full-time employee equivalents. Guidance has been issued by the IRS on this calculation for new businesses as well as those that were only in business for a portion of 2019.

Third Step: Calculate the Credit Based on Qualifying Wages

As mentioned earlier, the Employee Retention Credit is equal to 50% of qualifying wages paid after March 12, 2020 and before Jan. 1, 2021, not to exceed $10,000 in total per employee for all calendar quarters. The maximum credit for any one employee is therefore $5,000.

Wages that qualify toward the $10,000-per-employee cap can include a reasonable allocation of qualified healthcare costs. This includes an allocation of the employer portion of health-plan costs as well as the cost paid by an employee with pre-tax salary-reduction contributions. Employer contributions to health savings accounts or Archer Medical Savings Accounts are not considered qualified health-plan expenses for purposes of the ERC.

Qualifying wages do not include:

• Wages paid for qualified family leave or sick leave under the Family First Coronavirus Relief Act due to the potential payroll tax credit;

• Severance payments to terminated employees;

• Accrued sick time, vacation time, or other personal-leave wages paid in 2020 by an employer with more than 100 FTEs;

• Amounts paid to an employee that are exempt from Social Security and Medicare taxes (for example, wages paid to statutory non-employees such as licensed real-estate agents); or

• Wages paid to an employee who is related to the employer (definition of ‘related’ varies depending on whether the employer is a corporation, a non-corporate entity, or an estate or trust).

Eligible employers who averaged more than 100 FTEs in 2019 will then be potentially further limited to the qualifying wages paid to employees who were not providing services during an eligible calendar quarter.

How to Claim the ERC

An eligible business can claim the Employee Retention Credit by reducing its federal employment-tax deposit (without penalty) in any qualifying calendar quarter by the amount of its anticipated employee retention credit. By not having to remit the federal employment-tax deposits, an eligible business has the ability to use these funds to pay wages or other expenses. In its FAQs, the IRS clarified that an employer should factor in the deferral of its share of Social Security tax under the CARES Act prior to determining the amount of employment-tax deposits that it may retain in anticipation of the ERC. The retained employment taxes are accounted for when the Form 941, Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return, is later filed for the quarter.

If the ERC for a particular quarter exceeds the payroll-tax deposits for that period, a business can either wait to file Form 941 to claim the refund, or it can file the new Form 7200, Advance Payment of Employer Credits Due to COVID-19, prior to filing Form 941 to receive a quicker refund.

If an employer later determines in 2021 that they had a significant decline in receipts that occurred in a calendar quarter of 2020 where they would have been eligible for the ERC, the employer can claim the credit by filing a Form 941-X in 2021.

Additional Rules

For purposes of determining eligibility for the credit as well as calculating the credit, certain employers must be aggregated and treated as a single employer.

Also, as a result of claiming the Employee Retention Credit, a qualifying business must reduce its wage/health-insurance deduction on its federal income-tax return by the amount of the credit.

In summary, the Employee Retention Credit is one of several tax-relief options provided by the CARES Act. As it is a refundable credit against federal employment taxes, it is advantageous to all employers, even those who will not have taxable income in 2020. Employers who did not receive PPP funding should check to see if they meet the eligibility requirements and take advantage of this opportunity.

Please note that, at the time this article was written, Congress was considering additional relief provisions that may or may not have impact on the information provided here. u

Carolyn Bourgoin, CPA is a senior manager at Holyoke-based accounting firm Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.; [email protected]

Area Restaurants Begin to Reopen to Eager Guests

By
Peter Picknelly, right, and Andy Yee
Coronavirus Special Coverage

Breath of Fresh Air

Peter Picknelly, right, and Andy Yee

Peter Picknelly, right, and Andy Yee, two of the co-owners of the Student Prince, stand in a crowded Fort Street a few days after the restaurant reopened.

Lisa Pac has been brewing beer for almost two decades, eventually growing a home-brewing enterprise into Skyline Beer Co., a restaurant, craft beer and wine bar, bakery, and home-brewing supply store in Westfield.

In December, she and business partners Dana Bishop and Daniel Osella realized a dream of moving into a much larger space in the Whip City — a 4,500-square-foot restaurant, tasting room, and 10-barrel brewery on five scenic acres. Early receipts were very strong, and things were looking up.

And then March happened.

“At first, when COVID hit, we shut down for a couple days and had to reassess what we were going to do,” Pac recalled, adding that they told staffers to give them a chance to figure out a plan to stay operational and keep them working. “It was scary — we didn’t know what all this meant.”

But a plan did emerge. Pac and her team went to work simplifying and streamlining the menu before launching a robust takeout business, among other activities.

“It gave us a chance to re-evaluate a lot of things. We had such a strong start, but we got the rug pulled out from under us, so we were chasing our tails. But we were able to catch up with the day-to-day stuff, the construction stuff. It gave us the chance to breathe a little bit and finish up projects we were doing. We also came up with some top-notch beer recipes.”

Most important, while Skyline had to lay off about a third of its staff, a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan allowed it to keep many employed, albeit with different responsibilities; servers shifted to production in the brewery, for example.

“The staff has been awesome, doing what they have to do to help us get here,” Pac said. “They were eager to work. Ever since getting the loan, we did it backwards — we have this staff that’s willing to do whatever we need, so what can we have them do?”

Eventually, Skyline was able to bring back about 90% of its staff; only three or four didn’t return, but the company has created new positions in the brewery, and actually has right around the employee count it had before the pandemic hit. And now that restaurants are allowed to serve patrons outdoors, 14 tables dot an outdoor area, while a major construction project on the back patio awaits Wetlands Commission approval to move forward. “We’ve got some big plans for back there,” Pac said.

Skyline Beer Co

Skyline Beer Co. partners Dana Bishop, Lisa Pac, and Daniel Osella.

Munich Haus in Chicopee has been planning for the reopening as well. Back in March, owner Patrick Gottschlicht recalled, “we shut down completely given all the unknowns surrounding everything. Then we decided to reopen for curbside service, to take the first step in the direction of getting reopened — and our to-go business was more than it has been in the past. A lot of regular customers who hadn’t been able to dine in for a while were excited to get curbside.”

After weeks of takeout only — helped by a PPP loan that got some employees back on the payroll — the German restaurant recently opened its large, outdoor Biergarten, as well as its smaller front deck, and packed them in — well, maybe ‘packed’ isn’t the right word, considering some tables were removed to maintain safe distancing, but the place was booked solid its first week.

“With the big biergarten and the deck, we took advantage of the nice weather. And I think people, with all the restrictions lately, are excited to get back out and get some semblance of normalcy. People are eager to get back out into the world.”

“We were excited to reopen, after being shut down for a while there,” Gottschlicht told BusinessWest. “With the big Biergarten and the deck, we took advantage of the nice weather. And I think people, with all the restrictions lately, are excited to get back out and get some semblance of normalcy. People are eager to get back out into the world.”

Raring to Go

‘Eager’ is also a word that applies to Peter Picknelly when BusinessWest caught up with him two days before the Student Prince & the Fort were set to reopen, with Fort Street in downtown Springfield closed to traffic to accommodate tents, lighting, live music, and anything else that might transform an outdoor dining experience into something a bit more.

“I’m really charged up about what’s happening on Fort Street,” said Picknelly, one one of the establishment’s owners. “We’ve got our menu, all the Fort specialties, and we’ll have entertainment Thursday through Sunday night. It’ll be a downtown festival — we’ve got lights, flags, beer wagons … it’s going to be really cool. It’ll be like a German carnival out there, a mini-Octoberfest between now and Labor Day.”

But one that, at least at first, requires a shift in diner — and server — behavior. The restaurateurs we spoke with talked about table spacing (at least six feet), 90-minute limits on seatings, regular sanitizing practices, and making sure patrons wear a mask, except when sitting down at the table.

“We’ve got the tables about eight feet apart, and people have to wear masks once they leave their table,” Pac said, adding that the team is sanitizing every pen that comes back in, while wearing gloves to boot. In short, she’s balancing guests’ enthusiasm to be dining out with their safety.

“People are champing at the bit right now. That’s why it’s important to make sure we’re safe,” she added. “People do get caught up in the moment — they want to take their masks off and talk to people at another table. I’m a social person; I want to talk to everyone, so I’m trying to keep myself away from the front. It’s a natural thing — we want to talk and hang out. But we’ll constantly remind people about the masks.”

Gottschlicht’s team has been equally diligent. “We’ve already got outdoor seating, which is a big challenge for some restaurants that don’t already have it,” he said. “We went over all the government and DPH restrictions for reopening and implemented all those, and now we’re starting to work on the indoor phase — finding out what restaurants will look like and developing a plan for that.”

At press time, state guidance on indoor dining was still forthcoming, but restaurants are doing their best to plan based on what they’re hearing and common-sense predictions.

The front deck at Munich Haus

The front deck at Munich Haus, as well as the large patio known as the Biergarten, opened recently to very solid business.

“Until the guidance is released, we’re trying to put together a game plan for that, so we’re somewhat ahead of it,” Gottschlicht added.

Picknelly expects indoor seating to begin very soon, perhaps at 25% capacity, though he hopes for 50%. “Until then, the outdoor scene is going to be great.”

He’s just as excited to reopen the White Hut as well, the venerable West Springfield landmark that has begun its second life as a food truck before opening the doors to a renovated indoor space on July 4. And he knows others are pumped, too, to have a variety of dining choices, both casual and takeout, suddenly spring back to life.

“I love my wife’s cooking, but I want to get back out to restaurants,” he said. “There’s a whole other feel to it. It’s entertaining, it’s fun — let someone else serve and do the dishes.”

Next Course

To be sure, restaurants are still dealing with significant challenges, from carving out alfresco seating where none exists to limiting the number of people they can serve to the question of meetings and banquets. Gottschlicht said some event bookings for later this year at Munich Haus have been canceled, while others are waiting to see what restrictions might emerge — for instance, whether they’ll be faced with 50% occupancy or be able to pack the house.

We’re hoping to get some guidance on what we can and can’t do,” he told BusinessWest. “Some want to reschedule, others are taking a wait-and-see approach.”

At the very least, though, dishes are pouring out of the kitchen to guests who are happy just to be getting out of the house.

“It’s a great feeling to get the place back open, and get the staff back to work, too. We’re going on our 16th year, so we’ve put a lot of blood and sweat into Munich Haus and plan to be around a lot longer. I was born in Germany — we’re proud of what we do, of being an authentic German restaurant. It’s definitely a good feeling being back open.”

Pac is feeling good too — partly because business is back up to maybe 90% of its former pace, considering the outdoor dining, continued takeout service, and the brewery.

“I would never wish it on anybody,” she said of the almost three-month economic shutdown, “but I can’t complain because it helped us dial in and gave us a minute to get on the same page with everything. It’s been a wild ride.”

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Landscapers Say Homeowners Are Focused on Lawns, Yard Projects

By Contributor
A few landscapers say hardscape projects are surging.
Coronavirus

The Grass Is Greener

By Mark Morris

Brian Campedelli

Brian Campedelli says the pandemic has definitely contributed to a spike in landscaping business.

On his daily commute from Wilbraham to East Longmeadow, Dave Graziano has never seen lawns as green as they are this year — even with the recent lack of rain. And as project manager for the landscape division of Graziano Gardens, he knows a thing or two about green lawns.

“More than ever, people are working on their homes and their yards,” Graziano said. “Because they’ve been stuck at home for the last few months, they’re way ahead in their yardwork projects.”

BusinessWest spoke with several area landscape contractors who say their residential business is booming this year. With people spending so much time at home, yard projects — both large and small — that were delayed in the past are now getting done.

“There’s definitely a correlation between COVID-19 and a spike in our business,” said Brian Campedelli, president of Pioneer Landscaping. “People are stuck at home and want to enhance their lifestyle, so they are improving their yards.”

For some homeowners, the scale of yard projects has gone far beyond replacing some shrubs or reseeding a lawn. Contractors are finding most of their business has shifted to hardscape projects, such as stone patios, stairways, and outdoor kitchens. Projects like these can cost around $20,000, with larger and more elaborate designs exceeding $100,000. For one project, Campedelli and his crew are working on a “massive patio” with an overhang attached to the house to shelter a bar underneath.

“We’re installing a TV with surround-sound speakers, as well as a firepit so they can chill out next to their pool.”

Where patios already exist, Campedelli said some homeowners want to rip out the existing structures and start fresh with new construction, while others enhance what they have by adding a firepit or accent lighting.

According to Gary Courchesne, president of G & H Landscaping, accent lighting has been in high demand in recent years. Also known as low-voltage accent lighting, it’s the subtle lighting that can enhance a home’s aesthetics, safety. and security.

“Because they’ve been stuck at home for the last few months, they’re way ahead in their yardwork projects.”

“As important as the safety and security features are, about 90% of the time, people choose accent lighting for aesthetic reasons,” Courchesne explained.

Improvements like lighting help owners to better enjoy their property now, while boosting curb appeal if they ever want to sell. Real-estate website Homes.com estimates that, when homeowners install accent lighting, they can recoup about 50% of their investment to the eventual resale value of the home. The return on investment for patios and decks can range from 30% to 73%.

No matter what project homeowners choose, they all have the same objective: low maintenance. Courchesne said some of his customers have asked for “no-maintenance” shrubs. While those don’t exist, he and his crew design layouts with reduced maintenance in mind.

“For example, instead of filling around the shrubs with mulch, which needs replacing every year, we’ll use stones,” he said. “People are definitely leaning toward designs that look nice and are easy to maintain.” 

Graziano echoed that point, noting that, when he replaces old shrubs with new ones, his customers want landscapes that are easy to care for and do not require lots of maintenance. “Everyone has busy lives, and they don’t want to be burdened with spending too much time on yard care,” he said.

For many years, sprinkler systems have been an effective way to maintain lawns with minimal effort and continue to be popular this year, especially newer, more efficient models.

“People who did not have sprinkler systems are getting them installed,” Courchesne said, “and those who own systems but haven’t run them much are using them more this year.”

Growing Revenues

While landscape companies are busy with plenty of projects, it’s not exactly business as usual.

Each day starts with making sure workers have the proper face masks and other personal protective equipment they’ll need for that day. In the past, a crew might ride together to a job, but state guidelines now mandate one person per vehicle, and shared equipment must be disinfected in between users. Contractors have adjusted to all these extra steps because they are grateful to be considered an essential business.

That essential status wasn’t a given at first, though. Back in March, when Gov. Charlie Baker released the first round of essential industries that could remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic, the landscape industry was not explicitly listed. The guidelines allowed for some interpretation that would include them, such as support of essential construction projects.

Gary Courchesne says accent lighting is becoming more popular

Gary Courchesne says accent lighting is becoming more popular

So a coalition of landscapers, golf-course superintendents, and related professionals formed the Green Industry Alliance of Massachusetts (GIA) and appealed to the governor to specifically identify landscaping as an essential industry. The group’s argument centered around the short time window that spring presents for fertilizing, as well as controlling mosquitos, ticks, and other invasive species. The GIA also noted that many homeowners who are physically unable to take on lawn care depend on outside companies to maintain their property.

Shortly after the appeal, the governor declared landscapers essential providing they follow CDC guidelines.

Courchesne said the initial confusion of whether or not they could start their season resulted in some starts and stops in the beginning, but his company is now up to full speed and adjusting to the new protocols.

“Normally, we start the day with our full staff gathered around a conference table,” he said. “Now, we’re meeting in smaller groups out in our yard, so even if there was an infection, it’s not spreading to everyone.” 

In early March, before the governor had ruled on landscapers’ status, Greg Omasta, president of Omasta Landscaping, temporarily closed his business over concerns about the spread of coronavirus.

“We closed for three weeks to make sure all our people were healthy,” he said, noting that this decision put his business behind in some of its early spring projects. “We’re scrambling now to get bark mulching done and plant seasonal flowers and such.”

Campedelli said his company also lost some work early in the spring due to delays caused by COVID-19, but he understands the changing nature of the virus and the guidelines. “We stay current on the latest requirements regarding COVID-19, and we make sure to share those with our workers as they happen.”

A few landscapers say hardscape projects are surging.

A few landscapers say hardscape projects are surging.

Since the go-ahead in March, Campedelli said his company is so busy, he would hire 10 more people if he could. Having enough workers is also a constant challenge for Omasta, who has 30 workers on staff but would like to add six or eight more.

Several contractors said one particular challenge in finding workers this year involves the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, which allows unemployed workers to collect an additional $600 per week through late July. While they all agree the program has merits and is important to help those who are struggling, they also point out that the additional $600 a week keeps some people on the sidelines who would otherwise be working.

Sometimes, filling open jobs is difficult because of the nature of the work. Graziano said the industry has been the same for more than 50 years, and it’s not for everyone. “Either you like to put a shovel in the ground, move mulch around and install pavers, or you don’t,” he told BusinessWest.

A typical landscaping season can run nine months, with three winter months dedicated to snow plowing. As Omasta pointed out, the length of the season is always tied to weather, which determines how early they start in the spring and how late they can work in the fall.

Even when the season is in full swing, rain is a constant variable to consider, Courchesne added. “There was one week in May when, out of six work days, it rained four of them.”

Home Games

When the rain clears, people are looking to get outside, but they’re not ready to stray too far. Until there is more certainty about the coronavirus, many are choosing not to go away on vacation.

Because of this uncertainty, Omasta said, his customers have made the decision to stay put rather than spending a week at the Cape.

“They’re telling me they want to stay home and work on some improvement projects so they can enjoy their backyard this summer,” he noted.

It’s not unusual for homeowners to want a big improvement project and then procrastinate on making the final decision. Courchesne said this year seems different.

“I’m seeing people with less hesitation than normal in their purchasing attitude,” he noted. “They’re saying, ‘we’re home, so let’s do this.’”

Because more people are home, even working from there, he added, they are realizing their home is not such a bad place — and they want to make it even better.

And that has made this a different kind of year for this industry.

Those Who Keep Shelves Stocked Have Learned Many Lessons

By
Coronavirus

Supply Chain of Events

Supply chain.

That’s a two-word phrase that had rarely made its way into the lexicon of most area residents before the COVID-19 pandemic; it was generally assumed that the shelves in the stores would be crammed with product — because they always had been.

But in a year when there have been shortages of cleaning supplies, surgical masks, beef, fish, hair coloring, paper towels, ice cream, rice, frozen pizza, and, yes, toilet paper — a product that has become a metaphor for a crisis — people can no longer take supply chain, and full shelves, for granted.

This has been a learning experience — on a number of levels.

So too for those who work to keep the shelves stocked. For them, it’s a time of relationship building, finding new ways of doing things, and providing ongoing proof that, while the supply chain has been bent — severely and repeatedly — it hasn’t, in their minds, been broken.

“The supply chain has definitely been tested through all this, and there have been shortages of some things, as everyone knows,” said Michael D’Amour, chief operating officer at Springfield-based Big-Y, the fourth-generation, family-owned grocery chain. “But, overall, I think this crisis has shown just how resilient the supply chain is.”

 

Michael D’Amour

Michael D’Amour

“The supply chain has definitely been tested through all this, and there have been shortages of some things, as everyone knows. But, overall, I think this crisis has shown just how resilient the supply chain is.”

 

Doug Baker, vice president of Industry Relations for the Food Marketing Institute, (FMI) agreed.

“Almost weekly we’re getting back numbers, and we’re still seeing double-digit growth across many categories — and you can’t have double-digit growth if inventory is not available,” he said, referring to specific product lines ranging from cleaning supplies to frozen foods. “It’s just a matter of matching inventory with consumer demand, and that’s been the challenge.

“And that’s why we’ve seen shortages — because that inventory output hasn’t been able to rise to the level of consumer demand,” he went on, adding that recent numbers show a slowing of demand that is giving many producers at least a chance to catch up.

In March, on average, the industry was seeing 35% to 40% increases in overall sales volume, Baker said, while in late May, the number was closer to 20% to 25%.

“We’re seeing sales slow, which is helpful because it allows the supply chain to catch up to an extent,” he explained. “But we also have to understand that those are still pretty significant increases, and we’re not going to go back to pre-COVID days, because the public still has yet to engage in a livelihood that they engaged in before the pandemic, and that’s based on where you see them spending their food dollar.”

D’Amour agreed, noting that, as May turned to June, a good number of people were still in something approaching lockdown mode. They were eating most meals at home because restaurants were only open for takeout. They were also still working at home and, therefore, eating lunch at home. Meanwhile, children are home from school, and college students are home as well. This all adds up to people buying more at the supermarket.

As phase 2 of Gov. Charlie Baker’s reopening plan takes effect on June 8, restaurants will be opening for curbside dining, and preschools and day camps will be reopening. And as more and more people go back to their offices — the ones they left in March for space on their dining room table — the ratio of food dollars spent out of the home will start to rise higher.

How long it will take to reach pre-COVID levels — when 54 cents of each dollar was spent outside the home — remains to be seen, said Baker. However, what is certain is that the situation is fluid at best and it could change in a hurry if cases start to surge, a second wave arrives, and people start spending more time working — and eating — at home.

Doug Baker

Doug Baker

“We’re seeing sales slow, which is helpful because it allows the supply chain to catch up to an extent. But we also have to understand that those are still pretty significant increases, and we’re not going to go back to pre-COVID days, because the public still has yet to engage in a livelihood that they engaged in before the pandemic, and that’s based on where you see them spending their food dollar.”

Meanwhile, this new normal has essentially forced chains like Big Y to forge new alliances with suppliers, said D’Amour, noting that as restaurants, colleges, and schools of all kinds closed earlier this year, this created an enormous surplus of inventory, but put the demand on grocery stores, while also creating an opportunity to redeploy goods and resources to grocery retail to meet demand and reduce waste.

One such alliance, one that typifies how suppliers and grocers are working together to forge solutions, involves Little Leaf Farms in Shirley, a local partner and grower of lettuce that saw demand decline dramatically as schools and restaurants closed a few months back and was looking for new opportunities to sell product and reduce the kind of waste that was seen almost nightly on major news broadcasts.

“They’re one example of so many local partners who have sat down with us and worked to figure out how to maximize business between us and keep their stuff growing and moving through the pipeline when the restaurants were shut down,” D’Amour explained. “We worked with them on supply and hotter deals and pricing to keep it moving through the grocery channels.”

For this issue, BusinessWest talked with several players involved with supply chain about the lessons learned to date and how they will help the broad food industry through the uncertain months to come.

Food for Thought

As noted earlier, the laws of supply and demand generally take care of shortages on store shelves — in normal times.

But these are not normal times, said those we spoke with. Still, those laws have applied to items like surgical masks. Hard to find only six weeks ago, they are now seemingly everywhere, and in large quantities, as a number of companies started making them — and more of them.

“Everyone’s getting into the mask business now,” Baker explained, adding quickly that it’s much easier to convert machines to make those products than it is to supply more canisters of Lysol or make more rolls of toilet paper, as simple as that might sound.

“Paper manufacturers have been putting in additional lines,” he said. “But the challenge the industry is facing now is that there two types of fiber used to make toilet paper — there’s recycled fiber and there’s virgin fiber, and with recycled fiber, the supply is low, and not every machine can be converted to use virgin fiber, so you’re going to have less output if you can’t convert.”

And sometimes, because of the pandemic, producers simply cannot meet demand.

That was the case for several weeks — although matters have improved — when it came to supplies of meat and chicken, said Baker, noting that, early on, plants were shut down temporarily. And when they reopened, to keep workers safe, production lines were altered in ways that actually slowed production.

Such specific cases help explain shortages of particular items, said those we spoke with, adding that, overall, many of the empty shelves result from unprecedented demand and panic buying that is starting to wane in many instances. But as the year continues, more lessons will certainly be learned, said D’Amour, adding that there have been plenty of learning experiences already.

Elaborating, he said that, from the beginning, those at Big Y have been watching what’s happening globally, anticipating, and “trying to get on top of things” — a phrase he would use many times — when it comes to everything from employee and customer safety to creating efficient traffic flow in the stores, to keeping items on the shelves.

This has obviously led to new policies and procedures — from the directional arrows on the floors to special hours created for seniors to the plexiglass screens at the check-out counters.

“For us, the biggest component is the people part, and that continues to be stressed by our suppliers, wholesalers, and others,” he said, adding that, while much of that panic buying and hoarding is being talked about in the past tense, the need for diligence remains, and chains like Big Y can’t let their guards down.

Getting back to the supply chain, D’Amour said it has been a struggle in some well-documented areas, but suppliers are responding by trying to increase supply and also reduce the number of overall SKUs to help put some product on the shelves.

“Where people are used to walking down the paper aisle and seeing 150 different choices of bath tissue and paper towels, now they’re seeing far fewer,” he said. “But products are coming back; we’re working with all our partners to get them back in.”

Perhaps the biggest key to providing quality service to customers during the crisis has been efforts to forge new partnerships and stronger relationships with those within the food-service industry, said D’Amour. He mentioned ongoing work with Springfield-based Performance Food Group as one example.

“They’ve done a phenomenal job working with us, working together, to figure out what food they have stuck in the pipeline that we can use,” he explained, adding that, over the past several months, PFG, as it’s called, has even helped with trucking and labor for either Big Y’s warehouse or at wholesale partners. “Most of these partnerships we’ve had have been mutually beneficial, but there are strategies and tactics that we’ve never done before; everyone’s been very open and ready to fight the battle, work together, and think of new ways to partner for the benefit of the consumers.”

Which brings him to Little Leaf Farms. Paul Sellew, owner and founder of that facility, which began operations just four years ago, said it is now part of a larger local-food movement that not only puts fresher produce on the shelves, but in many ways helps ease flow of product through the supply chain.

“People don’t realize that 95% of the leafy greens that you see in the grocery store are grown in California and Arizona,” he explained. “And when you have this global pandemic, an unprecedented situation, that puts stress on the supply chain, so imagine managing a supply chain from Selinas, California to Springfield, as opposed to my supply chain, from Devens, Mass. to Springfield.”

Little Leaf has historically seen much of its business fall into the broad category of food service — restaurants, schools, and other institutions. But with the pandemic and the sharp decline of demand on that side, the company, like many other suppliers, has shifted into retail grocery, which has been a win/win/win, for those growers, the grocers, and, ultimately, consumers.

“When you get these unprecedented events, you really want to make this region stronger and more resilient, and food is such a strong, fundamental component of that,” he went on. “And that’s why we’re so grateful for partnerships like the one we have with Big Y, which has supported us from day one.”

Overall, there is a ‘new normal’ within the grocery/food-service industry, a phrase now being heard in virtually every sector of the economy. It involves a landscape that could change quickly and profoundly depending on the pandemic and its impact.

No one really knows when there will be real light at the end of the tunnel, said D’Amour, adding that Big Y, like all those it is partnering and working with, needs to remain nimble and flexible, and continue to work in partnership with others to not only keep the shelves stocked, but also keep people safe.

Bottom Line

Summing up the past several months, those we spoke with said it’s been a challenging and in many ways difficult time, where, again, many important lessons have been learned that will serve consumers, suppliers, and retailers well in the uncertain months still to come.

“The United States is a country of abundance, and the supply chain is a beneficiary of this abundance,” Baker said. “Yes, the supply chain is strained, and some shortages will be experienced, but it’s not broken — there are not critical disruptions in the supply chain.”

The hope, and the expectation, said D’Amour, is that things will stay that way.

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

A Pandemic of Fraud Schemes

By Contributor
Accounting and Tax Planning

Fight Back with Diligence, Communication, Monitoring, Education

By Julie Quink, CPA, CFE

Julie Quink

Julie Quink

In recent months, business owners have been faced with difficult business decisions and worries surrounding the financial and safety impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the temporary closure of non-essential businesses, layoffs and the health of their workforce, remote work, and financial stability (short- and long-term) for their business.

In short, they have had much on their minds to stay operational on a day-to-day basis or in planning for reopening. And with that, businesses are prime targets for fraud schemes.

As professionals who counsel clients on best practices relative to fraud prevention and detection techniques, we unfortunately are not immune to fraud attempts as well. The filing of fraudulent unemployment claims is a scheme for which we have recent personal experience. The importance of internal controls — and making sure that appropriate controls are in place in a remote environment, with possibly leaner staff levels — should be heightened and reinforced.

Fraudulent Unemployment Claims

The filing of fraudulent unemployment claims has been one of the newest waves of fraud surrounding employees. These claims certainly have an impact for the individual for whom a claim is filed, but also have further-reaching implications for the victimized business as well.

In these schemes, an unemployment claim is filed using an employee’s identifying information, including Social Security number and address. Unfortunately, if you have ever been a victim of a data breach, you can feel confident that your personal information has been bought and sold many times since that initial breach.

Since these claims can be filed electronically, an online account is created by the fraudster for the individual. In that online setup and given that unemployment payments can be electronically paid, the fraudster sets up his or her own personal account as the receiver of the unemployment funds.

“The filing of fraudulent unemployment claims has been one of the newest waves of fraud surrounding employees. These claims certainly have an impact for the individual for whom a claim is filed, but also have further-reaching implications for the victimized business as well.”

In most cases, the first notification that an unemployment claim has been filed is a notice of monetary determination received by the individual via mail at their home address from the appropriate unemployment agency for the state that the claim has been filed with. By then, the claim has already made its way to the unemployment agency for approval and has gone through its system for approvals. In these pandemic times, the unemployment agencies have increased the speed at which claims are processed to get monies in the hands of legitimate claimants, but in the process have allowed fraudulent claims to begin to enter the process more rapidly.

So, you might wonder how this impacts a business if the claim is fraudulently claimed against an individual. Again, with some personal firm experience in tow, we can say that these claims are making it to determination status at the business level.

Even though the claim is fraudulent and, in some cases, the employee is gainfully employed at the business, the claim makes its way to the employer’s unemployment business account. Hopefully, affected individuals have been notified through some means that the claim has been filed. However, employers should not bank on that as a first means of notification of the fraud.

Perhaps employers are monitoring their unemployment accounts with their respective states more frequently because they may have laid off employees, but for those employers who still have their workforce intact, the need to monitor may not be top priority.

Impact of the Scheme

The impact on an employer of a fraudulently filed unemployment scheme targeting one of its employees is not completely known at this time because the scheme is just evolving. However, we do know this scheme merits notification to employees of the scam and increased monitoring of claims — both legitimate and false — by the company, all during a time when financial and human capital resources are stretched.

The scheme could cause employer unemployment contributions going forward to be inflated because of the false claims. For nonprofit organizations, which typically pay for unemployment costs because claims are presented against their employer account, this scheme could have significant financial implications.

For the individual, the false claim, if allowed to move through the system, shows they have received unemployment funds. This has several potential negative effects, including the ability to apply for unemployment in the future, the compromise of personal information, and the potential tax ramifications in the form of taxable unemployment benefits even though the monies were not actually received.

Detection and Prevention Techniques

Internal controls surrounding the human resources and payroll area should be heightened and monitored to encompass more frequent reviews of unemployment claims.

Communication with employees about the unemployment scam and the importance of forwarding any suspicious correspondence received by the employer is key. The employee may be the first line of defense.

Also, working in a remote environment should give business owners cause to pause and re-evaluate systems in place, including data security and privacy. It is unclear how these fraudsters may be obtaining information, but it is critical to be diligent and reinforce the need for heightened awareness relative to e-mail exchanges, websites visited, and data that is accessible.

Diligence, communication, monitoring, and education are important for business owners to prevent and detect fraud. Diligence in ensuring appropriate systems are in place, continued open and deep lines of communication with team members, monitoring relative to the effectiveness of systems, and educating team members on the changing schemes and the importance of their role are effective first steps.

Julie Quink is managing principal with West Springfield-based accounting firm Burkhart Pizanelli; (413) 734-9040.

The COVID-19 Pandemic Alters an Already-evolving Picture

By Contributor
Accounting and Tax Planning

Changes in Benefit Plans

By Melissa English

Melissa English

Melissa English

Audits of employee-benefit plans continue to evolve, and the pace of this evolution is unpredictable.

Areas such as technology and skills continue to grow, as well as industry standards. Now, throw COVID-19 into the mix, and we have to adjust not only to new ways of having these plans audited, but to additional standards that come into play with it.

The Auditing Standards Board has recently been issuing new standards. These standards go hand-in-hand with changes in technology and skills. These standards will improve the provisions of plans, affect the audits of plans, and address risk assessment and quality control. Auditors, as well as plan sponsors and administrators, should understand what these changes are and how they will affect retirement plans.

So what are some of the changes we can expect to see in the near future?

• Accounting Standards Updates (ASU) 2018-09 and 2018-13, which improve the standards on valuation of investments that use net-asset value as a practical expedient and improvements to fair-value disclosures. These both will be effective for years beginning after Dec. 15, 2019; and

• Statement on Auditing Standards (SAS) 134-141, with the biggest impact on limited-scope audits, which will now be called ERISA Section 103(a)(3)(c) audits. These standards will also affect the form and content of engagement letters, auditors’ opinions, and representation letters. The Statement on Auditing Standards was previously effective for years beginning after Dec. 15, 2020 but, due to COVID-19, has been moved, and is effective for years beginning after Dec. 15, 2021.

“Now, throw COVID-19 into the mix, and we have to adjust not only to new ways of having these plans audited, but to additional standards that come into play with it.”

In addition to these new standards, new acts recently came into law:

• The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, which was signed into law on Feb. 9, 2018. This act made changes in regulations for hardship distributions;

• The SECURE Act which became law on Dec. 20, 2019. This act will make it easier for small businesses to set up safe-harbor plans, allow part-time employees to participate in retirement plans, push back the age limit for required minimum distributions from 70 1/2 to 72, allow 401(k) plans to offer annuities, and change distribution rules for beneficiaries. This act also added new provisions for qualified automatic contribution arrangements (QACAs), birth and adoption distributions, and in-service distributions for defined benefit plans; and

• The CARES Act, which was signed into law on March 27, 2020 and acts as an aid and relief initiative from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This act allows participants who are in retirement plans the option of taking distributions and/or loan withdrawals early without penalties during certain time periods for qualified individuals.

Lastly, there are constant discussions on cybersecurity. Cybercrime is one of the greatest threats to every company. Some questions to consider: does your company have a cybersecurity policy in place? Do you have insurance for cybersecurity? What is management’s role on cyber risk management? Do you offer trainings on how to handle cybercrime for both your IT department and all employees of the company? Cyberattacks are a normal part of daily business, but they can be significantly reduced if companies understand the risk, offer adequate resources and trainings, and maintain effective monitoring.

These changes affect most defined-contribution and defined-benefit plans. Plan sponsors should be evaluating these changes and the impact they have on retirement plans.

Some of these changes are optional, some are required, and some require amendments to plan documents. Plan sponsors should be discussing these changes as soon as possible with their third-party administrators and auditors. Remember, it’s the fiduciary’s responsibility to run the plan in the sole interest of its participants and beneficiaries, and to do this in accordance with all industry rules, regulations, and updated standards.

Melissa English is an audit manager at MP P.C. in its Springfield location. She specializes in employee benefit-plan work, such as audits; researching plan issues; compliance regulations, including voluntary plan corrections and self-corrections; and DOL and IRS audit examinations; (413) 739-1800.

Businesses Must Take Lead on Racism

By
Opinion

Editorial

Words and money.

That’s mostly what the business community has been throwing at the problems magnified by the deaths of George Floyd and Rayshard Brooks in recent weeks.

The words have come in the forms of statements from CEOs expressing outrage over what has happened and support for Black Lives Matter. And they’ve come from everywhere, including many companies in this region. Some went public, others were kept internal, but they all struck the same general tones.

The money? It has come in the form of pledges made by corporations to fight racism and increase black wealth, and there have been many of them — from Bank of America, Walmart, Bain Capital, and myriad others.

While the words and monetary donations are welcome, the corporate world, and we’ll include nonprofits in this, needs to do more — much more. It needs to take steps that are sustainable and, well, institutional, to generate the kind of real change this critical moment in time demands.

Businesses large and small need to take the inititiative to not only understand systemic racism and the many forms it takes — that’s the key first step, because so many still do not understand it — but then take steps to address it with changes that become embedded in these companies’ cultures.

As the story on page 6 reveals, there are some signs that this might happen. Signs such as phone calls and e-mails to the Healing Racism Institute of the Pioneer Valley (HRIPV), a 501(c)(3) created several years ago after several area leaders were inspired by what they heard while on a City2City trip to Grand Rapids, Mich. What they saw was a city making slow but steady progress in efforts to understand and combat racism by bringing diverse audiences together in a room and talking about an issue that so few want to talk about.

Through these discussions, individuals and groups come to better understand that racism is real, it is systemic, and it needs to be addressed.

In recent years, HRIPV has hosted more than 800 people for its signature two-day session, which, overall, strives to help attendees understand there is only one human race.

Many of the phone calls and e-mails mentioned earlier involve individuals, groups, businesses, and nonprofits that have attended one of these sessions and want to know, essentially, what more they can do to address this age-old problem.

And as Vanessa Otero, the interim director of HRIPV, told BusinessWest, the ‘what’s next’ involves helping businesses and institutions move beyond acknowledging and comprehending racism to a point where they become anti-racist.

To help them get there, the institute is working to formalize and institutionalize a broader roster of services that include half- and full-day training sessions for board and staffs, onboarding services for companies to help ensure that new hires are ready to engage with an anti-racism work environment, and policies and procedures audits, designed to identify blind spots that disproportionately have an adverse effect on people of color.

We hope the institute builds the infrastructure needed to build and sustain these programs and that area companies and nonprofits embrace them. In the meantime, these same businesses and agencies need to take a hard look at their policies and practices, as well as the makeup of their boards and workforces, with an eye toward creating not only diversity, but equal opportunity.

Many have taken some positive steps in these directions in recent years, and to their own benefit, but much work remains to be done.

In short, while the words in statements and press releases and the checks with several zeroes on them are welcome and often helpful, this moment in time — and that’s exactly what it is — cries out for more.

Some Signs of Progress, but…

By
Opinion

Opinion

A quick look around downtown Springfield and other area communities would reveal that the economy, which had been in a kind of deep freeze for the better part of three months, is showing signs of coming back to life.

Let’s start with the tents. Indeed, they’re an interesting symbol of how the restaurant industry is emerging from a state-forced hibernation of sorts that saw them relegated to takeout service only. Such tents are now to be found in a number of parking lots, alleyways, and even closed streets as restaurants try to claw back with outdoor dining.

Perhaps the most visible sign of all this is Fort Street in downtown Springfield, where the owners of the iconic Student Prince restaurant have placed several tents and created an atmosphere that not only speaks of Europe — where outdoor dining is far more commonplace — but prompts one to wonder why it took a pandemic to create something like this. It’s a wonderful atmosphere that will be in place until the fall, and could become a yearly addition to the downtown landscape. Let’s hope it does.

And there are other signs of life as well, including the pending reopening of the Basketball Hall of Fame, the Springfield Museums, and other attractions. Tourism has become a huge part of this region’s economy, and this economic engine, if you will, won’t be firing on anything approaching all its cylinders until this sector roars back to life.

And that’s the sobering news amid the positive signs we’ve seen lately. Indeed, while these businesses are reopening, they are not roaring back — yet, anyway. As the story on page 10 reveals, hotels and tourist attractions have had a miserable spring, and the summer is dominated by question marks about whether the tourists will come back, and how many of them.

There is optimism that concern about traveling in anything but an automobile will spark a surge of interest in so-called staycations that might benefit the region and its many tourist attractions. The theory goes that, instead of traveling across the country or to other countries — or even Cape Cod or Martha’s Vineyard, for that matter — residents of this state and neighboring states might take in the attractions of Western Mass.

We have to hope some of this happens.

But matters are complicated by several factors, starting with the MGM casino and the many restrictions likely to be placed upon it. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is still discussing a number of guidelines, but at the moment, craps, poker, and roulette will not be allowed, and overall capacity might be set at perhaps 25% of previous levels. These restrictions will make it difficult for MGM to operate in anything approaching a profitable manner, and they will also limit the number of visitors who might come to the casino and then take in more of the region.

Then there’s the matter of the Big E. Huge questions surround what the 2020 fair might look like and whether there will even be a 2020 fair. No Big E, or even a much smaller Big E, would be a huge blow to the hospitality industry that depends on it.

So, while there are some signs of life in the region when it comes to the economy and tourism, we still have a long way to go. v

Picture This

By
Picture This

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

 

Breaking Ground

 

Florence Bank broke ground earlier this month on its third Hampden County branch at 705 Memorial Dr. in Chicopee, the former Hu Ke Lau site. The full-service location will open later this year. The bank has been working with Marois Construction of South Hadley, HAI Architecture of Northampton, and R. Levesque Associates, an engineering firm in Westfield, on the project. Pictured: Florence Bank President and CEO Kevin Day (left) poses with Chicopee Mayor John Vieau at the groundbreaking.

Feeding the Front Lines

 

Ludlow-based Pioneer Valley Financial Group and Mill’s Tavern & Grille recently partnered to cook and deliver food to front-line workers during the pandemic. Starting on April 10, PV Financial donated $350 to Mill’s Tavern each week to help pay for the cost of food and delivery, while a GoFundMe campaign raised more than $2,280 from the community. The donations have allowed Mill’s Tavern and PV Financial to deliver more than 400 meals to hospitals, police and fire departments, and pharmacies across Western Mass., including the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke (pictured), Baystate Mary Lane in Ware, and CVS Pharmacy in Ludlow.

 

Deserving Scholars

This spring, the Holyoke Community College Foundation awarded nearly $210,000 in scholarships to 200 incoming, current, and transferring HCC students and will set a record for the number of scholarships it distributes for the 2020-21 academic year, with 233. The number of applications for scholarships this year increased by 22%, from 391 to 479. Pictured: HCC business major Alexandra Clark is the recipient of this year’s Marguerite I. Lazarz Memorial Scholarship from the HCC Foundation.

 

Agenda

By
Agenda

‘Interrupting Racism’ Training

June 25, 29: Learning to be an active bystander and interrupting racism before it escalates is critical to creating cultural change in the workplace, schools, and communities. Human in Common is poised and ready to help. This innovative business teaches individuals to effectively interrupt bias and discrimination and create policies and practices that amplify racial equity. The Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce has invited Human in Common to offer its timely training, “Interrupting Racism: Policies, Practices, and Everyday Acts of Solidarity for Businesses and Nonprofits.” This two-part Zoom training will occur on Thursday, June 25 from 1 to 4 p.m., and Monday, June 29 from 1 to 4 p.m. This training begins with a timeline of the history of racism in the U.S. to bring awareness to the conditions that have led to systemic racism. Participants will develop a diversity mission statement, practice six ‘ethical upstander’ methods for interrupting racism in the workplace, explore policies and practices to amplify racial equity, and engage in small breakout groups to practice anti-racism skills using real-life scenarios. The event webpage is bit.ly/2MMrNmr, or visit www.facebook.com/events/193655011884223.

Small-business Resource Series

June 25, July 2: Holyoke Community College (HCC) and Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) will continue its series of online workshops for area employers who want to explore programs, services, and grant-funded workforce-training opportunities to boost their small businesses. The 45-minute remote sessions will meet from 9 to 9:45 a.m. and focus on a different government funding source. On June 25, Oreste Varela, branch manager for the U.S. Small Business Administration office in Springfield, will talk about SBA programs and services available to prospective and current entrepreneurs who need assistance starting or expanding their businesses. On July 2, Melissa Scibelli, director of Workforce Development Programs for MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board, will discuss the Registered Apprenticeship program, an innovative, work-based learning model for new hires and incumbent employees that provides funds to assist businesses in closing critical workforce-gap shortages through on-the-job learning and related technical industry training. The Small Business Resource Series is being offered by HCC and STCC through their Training and Workforce Options (TWO) partnership. Advance registration is required for all sessions. To register, visit hcc.edu/business-series. Log-in information for each remote session will be supplied after registration is complete.

Healthcare Heroes Nominations

Through July 1: Since the phrase COVID-19 came into our lexicon, those working in the broad healthcare field have emerged as the true heroes during a pandemic that has changed every facet of life as we know it. And over the past several months, the world has paid tribute to these heroes, and in all kinds of ways — from applauding in unison from apartment-complex windows to bringing hot meals to hospital and nursing-home workers; from donating much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE) to people putting hearts on their front lawns and mailboxes to thank first responders, healthcare workers, postal workers, and others. BusinessWest and its sister publication, the Healthcare News, will pay tribute in their own way, by dedicating their annual Healthcare Heroes program in 2020 to those who are have emerged as true heroes during this crisis. Healthcare Heroes was launched by the two publications in 2017 to recognize those working in this all-important sector of the region’s economy, many of whom are overlooked when it comes to traditional recognition programs. Over the years, the program has recognized providers, administrators, emerging leaders, innovators, and collaborators. For 2020, the program will shift its focus somewhat to the COVID-19 pandemic and all those who are working in the healthcare field or helping to assist it at this trying time. All manner of heroes have emerged this year, and we invite you to nominate one — or several — for what has become a very prestigious honor in Western Mass.: the Healthcare Heroes award. To assist those thinking of nominating someone for this honor, we are simplifying the process. All we desire is a 400- to 500-word essay and/or two-minute video entry explaining why the group or individual stands out as an inspiration, and a truly bright star in a galaxy of healthcare heroes. These nominations will be carefully considered by a panel of independent judges, who will select the class of 2020. The deadline for nominations is July 1. For more information on how to nominate someone for the Healthcare Heroes class of 2020, visit businesswest.com/healthcare-heroes/nomination-form. Videos can be sent via dropbox to [email protected]. Healthcare Heroes is sponsored by Comcast Business and Elms College.

Estate Planning Conference

June 30: Mark Esposito, an attorney at Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C., will speak at the 21st Annual Estate Planning Conference of Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education Inc. (MCLE) on Tuesday, June 30. He will contribute to an expert panel discussion titled “What’s Up in the World of Fiduciary Litigation?” at the 2020 conference, which will take place as a live webcast from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The recorded webcast will be shown during that timeframe on Tuesday, July 14. Esposito joined Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin in 2017 and concentrates his practice in general litigation, with particular emphasis on commercial, trust and estate, and employment and labor litigation. He has counseled various public-sector labor unions and employees in collective bargaining, negotiations, arbitration, and litigation, representing clients in state and federal court as well as before administrative agencies.

Nominations for Humane Awards

Through July 31: Dakin Humane Society is accepting nominations from the public for its Dakin Humane Awards until July 31. Nominees should be people who go out of their way to care for animals in need, people who volunteer to help animals, or people and/or animals who have provided significant public service or shown courage in a crisis. Finalists in each of the award categories will be picked from among the nominees and notified of their selection in August. The award ceremony will be livestreamed at a later date in the fall, and one winner in each of the categories will be announced. There are five awards to be bestowed: the Frances M. Wells Award, given to an individual recognized for notable contributions to the health and welfare of animals; the Youth Award, honoring a hero, age 16 or younger, whose extraordinary care and compassion makes a difference in the life of an animal, and makes the world a kinder and gentler place; the Champion Award, given to a public servant who makes life better for tens of thousands of animals and people in their community, and recognizing their dedication and compassion on behalf of animals and people in need; the Richard and Nathalie Woodbury Philanthropy Award, paying homage to an individual who displays a remarkable sense of stewardship in sharing time, talent, and financial resources to improve the lives of animals and people who love them; and the Animal Hero Award, recognizing an exceptional animal and handler (when applicable) whose valor and extraordinary devotion to people proved life-saving in disastrous or challenging heath circumstances. Nominations are being accepted online only at bit.ly/2NOcgps. Mail-in nominations will not be accepted.

Submission Period for Virtual Art Show

Through Aug. 13: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NAMI Western Massachusetts will present a virtual art show this year, and is now accepting artwork for the show. Submissions are limited to individuals living with a mental-health diagnosis, and the artwork will be displayed on the organization’s website and social-media pages for a limited time, then switched out for new artwork. To submit, e-mail a picture of the art to [email protected]. Note the size of the piece, the medium, and the price if it is for sale. The artist should also specify if they want their name used. The deadline for submissions is Aug. 13.

MCLA Gallery 51 Virtual Artist Series

June 27 to Aug. 8: MCLA Gallery 51 announced that its new online program, the G51 Virtual Artist Series, will be held live on Zoom, at noon on alternating Saturdays. Local, regional, national, and international artists will give virtual tours of their studios and discuss their practices. Discussions with the artists will also be recorded for later viewing. The series kicked off on May 16. The gallery’s full spring programming schedule is available on its website. Upcoming artists include Gladys Kalichini (June 13), who is known for paintings, digital work, and installations that explore history and the marginalization of certain groups; Todd Elliott (June 27), a multi-disciplinary artist whose work is inspired by shapes and forms used in architectural motifs, transpiration design, typography, and logos; Sula Bermudez-Silverman (July 11), whose conceptual work intertwines multiple issues, investigating and critiquing the issues of race, gender, and economics; Kim Faler (July 25), a local, multi-disciplinary artist working in painting, drawing, installation, sculpture, and photography, whose art practice unpacks the emotional weight found within everyday objects and architecture; and Anina Major (Aug. 8), who works with topics of identity, slavery, the female body, Bahamian culture, and more. She considers her creative practice to be a response to continuous erasure and a culture that is constantly being oversimplified.

Elms College Executive Leadership Breakfast

Sept. 22: Elms College has rescheduled its third annual Executive Leadership Breakfast due to state-mandated caution regarding large crowds and coronavirus. U.S. Rep. Richard Neal is still slated to be the keynote speaker for the event, which was originally scheduled for April 9. As the coronavirus pandemic continues to unfold, the college will announce more details as necessary. This annual event features talks by the region’s leaders on topics of relevance that impact all sectors of business and the economy in Western Mass. Speakers at past events have included Dennis Duquette, head of Community Responsibility at MassMutual and president of the MassMutual Foundation, and Regina Noonan Hitchery, retired vice president of Human Resources at Alcoa.

People on the Move

By
People on the Move
Stephen Creed

Stephen Creed

Big Y Foods Inc. announced the appointment of Stephen Creed to the new position of senior director of Distribution and Logistics. Creed is responsible for leading Big Y’s distribution teams as they transition into their newly expanded, 430,000-square-foot space. He reports to Michael D’Amour, executive vice president and chief operating officer. Creed has more than 40 years of experience in the distribution industry, mostly within the supermarket realm. He began his career in 1979 with Stop & Shop Inc., where he held various positions, including produce and grocery receiving and operations. Throughout his career, he’s held positions of increasing responsibility at companies such as Spartan Stores in Michigan, where he was the assistant warehouse manager. At C&S Wholesale Grocers Inc. in Massachusetts and Vermont, Creed started as facility manager and then became director of Perishables Distribution. In 1997, he was appointed director of operations for Quality King Distributors Inc. in New York, where he managed nationwide distribution from five separate warehouses consisting of food, pharmaceuticals, health and beauty care, fragrances, and general merchandise. He later became director of distribution for Supervalu in Suffield, Conn., before being promoted to project director for Corporate Distribution at its headquarters in Minnesota and later promoted to general manager, Logistics Services in its Midwest Regional Headquarters Distribution Center in Kenosha, Wis. Returning to his roots in New England from 2005 to 2019, Creed joined Associated Grocers of New England in Pembroke, N.H. He started as vice president, Warehousing and Transportation, and became senior vice president, Warehousing and Transportation until his most recent position there as senior vice president, Supply Chain Management. Creed has served on the New Hampshire Motor Transport Assoc. and the Ryder National Food & Beverage Advisory Board. His professional training includes the Cornell University Executive Food Management Program along with Dale Carnegie Executive Management and Zenger-Miller Quest Training.

•••••

Max Scherff

Max Scherff

Max Scherff has been appointed general manager at the Red Lion Inn. He will oversee the historic hotel’s operational strategy to ensure execution of Main Street Hospitality’s quality standards of service and hospitality. As general manager, Scherff will be responsible for creating and maintaining a customer-driven hotel. He will also oversee and inspire employees to meet and exceed guest expectations by consistent delivery of both product quality and service excellence. Additional responsibilities include collaborating with Main Street’s vice president of Operations and director of Finance on budget concepts for the entire property. Prior to his new role at the Red Lion Inn, Scherff worked at Canyon Ranch in Lenox. While there, he served as hotel director and, before that, food and beverage director. Additional experience includes roles as assistant food and beverage director/director of banquets at the Omni Shoreham in Washington, D.C., and assistant food and beverage director at the Omni William Penn in Pittsburgh. Before heading to the East Coast, Scherff worked in San Francisco, holding leadership roles at the Palace Hotel and the Fairmont, where he was named employee of the year in 2011.

•••••

Daniel Bradbury

Daniel Bradbury

Associated Builders recently welcomed Daniel Bradbury into the newly created position of director of Sales and Marketing for Massachusetts Operations. Sales Associate Scott Downie will remain with Associated Builders and focus on sales and business development in the Connecticut market. Bradbury comes to Associated Builders with 20 years of experience working in the construction industry, having previously worked with several premier custom home builders and remodeling companies in Western Mass. “Despite the challenges of starting a new sales position during a global pandemic, I am excited to join the strong team at Associated Builders and hit the ground running,” he said. “It is my belief that clear communication and follow-through are the keys to building a trusting business relationship, and my goal is to provide exceptional customer service. In my new role, I hope to facilitate our customers’ business growth by helping them realize the full potential of their existing work environment or paving the way for expansion into a new, purpose-built facility.”

•••••

Keith Fairey

Keith Fairey

Way Finders’ board of directors announced that Keith Fairey will serve as its next president and CEO, succeeding Peter Gagliardi, who will retire on June 30 after nearly 30 years of service with the organization. Way Finders began a national search for its new CEO following Gagliardi’s retirement announcement in December. The search process was led by six members of Way Finders’ board of directors in partnership with consultants from Marcum LLP. Fairey most recently served as senior vice president at Enterprise Community Partners Inc., where he led the management, oversight, and strategic guidance of Enterprise’s 11 regional market teams across the U.S. Fairey has extensive experience in community development and real-estate finance, organizational development, and strategic planning. Enterprise Community Partners is a national nonprofit organization that brings leaders in policy and investment together to advance local affordable-housing development. Since its inception 35 years ago, Enterprise has created more than 660,000 homes nationwide with more than $50 billion in investment. Prior to joining Enterprise, Keith was chief operating officer of Mount Hope Housing Co. in the Bronx, N.Y. He has also served as the assistant director of Community Pride, the community-building program of the Harlem Children’s Zone. Fairey has a master of public administration degree with a concentration in public finance and financial management from New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, and a bachelor’s degree in history education from the University of Delaware.

•••••

Nearly 100 colleagues recently joined an online celebration to honor Professor Hava Siegelmann of the UMass Amherst College of Information and Computer Sciences (CICS), as she received the rarely awarded Meritorious Public Service Medal from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) of the U.S. Department of Defense. It is the third-highest honor the Department of the Army can bestow on a private citizen. Siegelmann’s citation noted that “she created and managed some of DARPA’s largest and most advanced AI programs, including L2M — developing next-generation advanced AI systems capable of learning in real time and applying learning to environments and circumstances not specifically trained for.” Siegelmann, whose career is characterized by thinking outside the box, created a different atmosphere for the L2M project than is usual at DARPA. With its support, she insisted that the large, diverse teams of scientists she chose from the nation’s top university and industry research organizations must actively collaborate. The medal cites another major DARPA program Siegelmann created called GARD (Guaranteeing AI Robustness Against Deception), which aims to establish the theoretical machine-learning system vulnerabilities, characterize properties that will enhance system robustness, and encourage the creation of effective defenses. As systems become more advanced, these advancements open new avenues by which they can be attacked. GARD identifies often-obscure, technically complex vulnerabilities and builds new-generation defenses for them. DARPA also points out that Siegelmann’s “exceptionally productive” term included developing a system that administers insulin plus dextrose to maintain glucose at safe levels for patients in critical care and those with diabetes; sensors to identify dangerous chemicals from a safe distance; collaborative, secure learning systems that allow group collaboration without revealing sensitive data; and methods to identify attacks by reverse engineering to secure the system and find the attacker.

•••••

Mark Dunn

Mark Dunn

Holyoke Medical Center announced the appointment of Mark Dunn as director of Health Information Management (HIM), a role in which he will ensure efficient and compliant handling of all patient records and related documents. In addition to his role at Holyoke Medical Center, Dunn is also an adjunct instructor of Health Information Management at both Manchester Community College and Charter Oak State College in Connecticut. Most recently, Dunn served as corporate director of HIM and privacy officer at Masonicare, a senior-health and retirement-living organization in Connecticut. His prior experience included information-management positions with Cornell-Scott Hill Health Corp., Yale New Haven Hospital, and Smart Document Solutions, all in New Haven, Conn.; Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, N.Y.; and Phelps Memorial Hospital Center in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y. Dunn is a registered health information administrator. He received his bachelor’s degree in administration from SUNY University at Stony Brook, N.Y., and his master’s degree in health services administration from Iona College in New Rochelle, N.Y. He also holds a post-master’s certificate in long-term post-acute care, and a post-baccalaureate certificate in health information administration.

•••••

Western New England University’s board of trustees announced the unanimous appointment of Robert Johnson as the institution’s sixth president, according to Kenneth Rickson, board chair. Johnson succeeds Anthony Caprio, who has served as WNEU’s president for more than 24 years — the longest presidential tenure in the history of the university.

Johnson currently serves as chancellor of UMass Dartmouth. He will begin his new role as president of WNEU on Aug. 15.

Johnson’s 30-year leadership career spans nonprofit colleges and universities in the Northeast and Midwest, including public, private, urban, rural, small, and large institutions with enrollments from 2,000 to more than 25,000 students. Prior to becoming chancellor at UMass Dartmouth, he served as president of Becker College in Worcester from 2010 to 2017. He has held leadership positions with Sinclair College, the University of Dayton, Oakland University, and Central State University in Ohio. His career reflects several firsts — not only as an African-American leader, but also as the youngest person to hold senior administrative roles.

Johnson’s tenure at UMass Dartmouth resulted in a number of significant accomplishments, including leading the region to create a framework for the blue economy, which will be an ecosystem to drive job creation, economic development, and entrepreneurship; launching a $188 million construction and renovation project for new housing and dining; the renovation of its Science and Engineering building; and securing the largest single research grant in the history of the university, $4.6 million from the Office of Naval Research.

As President of Becker College from 2010 to 2017, Johnson led enrollment growth for seven consecutive years by 23%, increased degrees awarded by 53%, and boosted the graduation rate by 29%. His innovative leadership elevated the reputation of the digital games program, ranked third in the world, and first in New England, by the Princeton Review. He also helped create the first bachelor’s degree in the U.S. in global citizenship. The U.S. Department of Economic Development designated the college as one of 60 schools as a University Center. Creating the Agile Mindset positioned its curriculum with a unique niche in the higher-education landscape.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick appointed Johnson to the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, and Gov. Charlie Baker appointed him to the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education and the Hate Crimes Task Force and the Black Advisory Council.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Mill Town Buys Bousquet Mountain

PITTSFIELD — Mill Town, a community-impact investment firm, announced it has acquired Bousquet Mountain, one of the oldest ski areas in the country and a training ground for many top U.S. ski racers, from the Tamarack Ski Nominee Trust and owners Sherry and P.J. Roberts. The sale includes 155 acres across four parcels, including the summit of Yokun Ridge, 22 trails, multiple buildings, and operational equipment. “We are excited to keep Bousquet as a vital recreational resource for the region,” said Tim Burke, Mill Town’s CEO and managing director. “A significant focus of our work is to invest in and improve businesses, real estate, and outdoor recreational assets in Pittsfield to make it a stronger city and an appealing place for families and employers. Bousquet met all of these criteria. We plan to invest in the ski-operation infrastructure and the lodge, and we are excited to work with strong partners to enhance the on-mountain experience.” On that front, Mill Town and Berkshire East Mountain Resort of Charlemont announced a collaboration agreement. As part of this agreement, Berkshire East and Catamount management, including owners Jon and Jim Schaefer, will advise Bousquet on capital and operational decisions and investments. Bousquet will also be a component of the Berkshire Pass, joining Berkshire East and Catamount as the third mountain to be featured as part of this season-pass program. “We are thrilled to partner with Mill Town to ensure Bousquet will be a respected skiing and outdoor-recreation asset for years to come,” Jim and Jon Schaefer said. “Positioned between Berkshire East and Catamount, we feel that Bousquet will provide significant value to Berkshire Pass holders as another great skiing and riding option in Western Massachusetts. We think there is a great future here.”

Springfield College Students Assist with COVID-19 Data Project

SPRINGFIELD — Students from the Springfield College health science major have been working on a national project to track the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S. Students Yue Li, Ashley Tanner, Alexandra Christine Jones, Brenna Keefe, Dhruvi Patel, and Callie Dowd have been taking part in an internship to assist with this project. Participating students are responsible for tracking historical data and collecting daily data, as well as participating in special-interest team projects that include computer-based automation, data visualization, infectious disease, policy, social media, and fundraising. This internship is part of BroadStreet’s COVID-19 Data Project, a collaboration of more than 200 students, statisticians, epidemiologists, healthcare experts, and data scientists throughout the country, Springfield College Assistant Professor of Public Health Sofija Zagarins explained. The project is a collaboration of more than 40 colleges and universities throughout the U.S., bringing together people who are committed to having the most accurate, community-level data about COVID-19 positive tests and fatality rates. Along with Springfield College, colleges and universities also taking part include Harvard University, Yale University, Boston University, Temple University, and Duke University. Through BroadStreet’s COVID-19 Data Project Internship, healthcare professionals have access to data that can help them to improve how they spend their time and resources on improving community health. “We have been humbled by the outpouring of support, especially from the collegiate community,” BroadStreet co-founder Tracy Flood said. “We know that, right now, students have a unique set of challenges trying to navigate these difficult times. Despite this, we wanted to recognize students who have graciously donated their time and talent to our project.” For more information about the project, visit covid19dataproject.org to follow along with information and updates from the participants.

Eversource Completes Westfield Reliability Project

WESTFIELD — Eversource has completed construction of the Westfield Reliability Project, installing a three-mile-long electric circuit on an existing 115-kilovolt overhead transmission line in Westfield to help ensure the continued and safe delivery of reliable power. Part of the energy company’s work to ensure reliability for customers, the Westfield Reliability Project is one of many transmission upgrades to help meet the electric system’s evolving needs to support a clean-energy future. “With many people continuing to work and learn from home, the safe and reliable delivery of power has never been more essential than it is during these uncertain times,” said Eversource President of Transmission Bill Quinlan. “The completion of the Westfield Reliability Project is an exciting development in our efforts to serve our customers and to support economic growth in the future. As restoration and landscaping continue through the spring and summer, we will maintain close communication and collaboration with our host communities, property owners, and businesses while adhering to social distancing and other best practices to safeguard health and prevent the spread of COVID-19.” The power lines have been installed on existing structures along the right of way from the Pochassic substation, near Oakdale Avenue, to the Buck Pond substation near Medeiros Way. The Westfield Reliability Project also includes constructing new equipment adjacent to Eversource’s existing Pochassic substation and related upgrades to the Buck Pond substation. Eversource representatives have been working closely with city officials. As the energy company’s crews and contractors work to complete final construction activities, including environmental monitoring and reporting, they continue to follow strict safety precautions, including practicing social distancing, wearing face coverings, and using enhanced sanitation practices. “We are grateful to our host communities for their input and partnership throughout the planning process, as well as their understanding and patience, as we work together to serve the public during the pandemic,” Quinlan said. “We remain committed to being a good neighbor and environmental steward as this project will deliver benefits to the region for years to come.” This project is one of several designed to strengthen the electric system serving Pittsfield, Greenfield, and surrounding areas.

Area Nonprofits Receive $230,000 from Harvard Pilgrim Foundation

WORCESTER — A total of 25 Central and Western Mass. nonprofits have received nearly $230,000 from the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation for COVID-19 relief efforts. Most organizations in the region received a $10,000 grant for supporting community needs during the pandemic, such as food access and meal delivery, services for older adults and immigrant families, social and community services, and emergency response. “Now more than ever, it is so critical to support our communities and organizations who are providing services to those residents of Central and Western Mass. impacted by COVID-19,” said Patrick Cahill, vice president and Massachusetts market lead for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, the foundation’s parent company. “The impact of this pandemic is enormous, and right from the start, we responded to the immediate needs facing nonprofit partners and communities. We are very grateful to all who are helping to feed and care for our community members, and we are committed to supporting them in the weeks and months ahead.” Among the 25 recipients, the following 10 Western Mass. organizations received funding as part of the Harvard Pilgrim Foundation’s COVID-19 Assistance Fund: Berkshire County Arc (Pittsfield), Gardening the Community (Springfield), Greater Springfield Senior Services (Springfield), Grow Food Northampton (Northampton), Just Roots Inc. (Greenfield), Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry (Chicopee), Nuestras Raices Inc. (Holyoke), Rooting Rises (Pittsfield), Stone Soup Café Inc. (Greenfield), and UMass Amherst. The Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation committed more than $3.5 million in initial grants for COVID-19 relief efforts in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Connecticut.

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.

AGAWAM

Iki Iki Inc., 1325 Springfield St., Unit 5, Agawam, MA 01030. Louis Ryu, 170 East Hadley Road #36, Amherst, MA 01002. Full-service restaurant.

EASTHAMPTON

Lock and Key Realty Inc., 218 East St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Jordan Healy, same. Real estate brokerage.

HOLYOKE

Pay4education Inc., 28 Stanford St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Patrick Kandianis, same. Marketing and development of software.

HOUSATONIC

JMP Carpentry Inc., 8 Meadow St., Housatonic, MA 01236. Derk Potoski, same. Carpentry and construction services.

LEE

Lee Softworks Inc., 71 Main St., Lee, MA 01238. Patrick H. Consolati, 145 Via Maria, Lee, MA 01238. Software development and sales.

MONSON

Let’s Bee Kids Playcenter Inc., 238 Silver St., Monson, MA 01057. Tuanny Arruda Chase, same. Entertainment center.

NORTH ADAMS

Notch Ventures Inc., 385 Notch Road, North Adams, MA 01247. Mark Meehan, same. Full-service restaurant.

NORTHAMPTON

New England Hydrofarm Inc., 12 Lawn Ave., Northampton, MA 01060. Peter Alan Curran, same. Provide experience, education, and training with greenhouses and hydroponics, as well as innovative tech in food production and other related activities.

PITTSFIELD

Lumiere Eye Care Associates, PC, 82 Wendell Ave, Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Laroushna Witty, same. Optometry services.

SHUTESBURY

Moran & MacCartney Inc., 20 Schoolhouse Road, Shutesbury, MA 01072. Rachael L. Moran, same. Full-service restaurant with alcohol service.

SPRINGFIELD

KLK Distribution Corporation, 1396 Parker St., Springfield, MA 01129. Jose M. Gautreaux, same. Distribution.

Ministry of Restoration Community Development Inc., 82 Tilton St., Springfield, MA 01109. India I. Kyles, same. Faith-based organization serving community by engaging in a broad range of strategies that promote health, education, and development.

Paula’s Barn Inc., 48 Burdette St., Springfield, MA 01108. Paula A. Echeverri Durango, same. Own and operate childcare facilities.

WARE

Mak-8-Mass Inc., 54 West Main St., Ware, MA 01082. Ho M. Mak, same. Restaurant.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

JVA Transportation Inc., 16 Amostown Road, West Springfield, MA 01089. Alla Rossoshanskiy, same. Trucking.

MR Siding Inc., 96 New Bridge St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Maksim Reznichenko, same. Construction.

WESTFIELD

Opik Corp., 53 Orange St., first Floor, Westfield, MA 01085. Oleh Pikulskyi, same. Construction.

WILBRAHAM

Innovative Mobile Electronics Inc., 11 Ridgewood Road, Wilbraham, MA 01095. Nicholas B. Frazier, same. Automotive and marine electronics and accessories.

DOING BUSINESS
AS CERTIFICATES

The following business certificates and/or trade names were issued or renewed during the months of May and June 2020. (Filings are limited due to closures or reduced staffing hours at municipal offices due to COVID-19 restrictions).

BELCHERTOWN

Palette to Page
74 Bay Road
Paige Chiarette

EAST LONGMEADOW

Hazel the Salon
634 North Main St.
Dianne Caron

Murphy Plumbing and Heating
P.O. Box 564
David Grimaldi

Petco #3783
440 North Main St.
Petco

Rage Worldwide Photography
29 5th St.
Morgan Belanger

Sons of the Desert
19 North St.
Scott Davis

Sweat Power Yoga
219 Shaker Road
Krystal Say

Well Being Therapeutic Massage
143C Shaker Road
Vivian Bresnitz

LONGMEADOW

The Chili Station
98 Longview Dr.
Jeffrey Belkin

Dream Nail & Spa
927 Shaker Road
Guanghao Han

Fibrenew Springfield
82 Canterbury Lane
Brian Newburn

PawsCalls
75 Rugby Road
Kara Ryczek

Pressure Point Washing
113 Chiswick St.
Anthony Heim

WESTFIELD

413 Auto Repair
128 Meadow St.
128 Meadow Street, LLC

All-Stars Dance Center
209 Root Road
Kimberlee Starsiak

DB Tractor Works
177 Bates Road
Don Bienvenue

Good Choice Home Improvement
21 Paper St.
Igot Khomichuk, Vitaly Khomichuk

The House Doctor
Chris Black
40 Crane Ave.

Igor’s Construction & Remodeling
134 Little River Road
Igor Kravchuk

Lux & Linen
132 Northridge Road
Yelizaveta Tverdokhlebov

The Maple Leaf
11 Arnold St.
Arnold St. Enterprises, LLC

Sweet JJs
38 Orange St.
Sweet JJS

Thermal Control
110 Park River Dr.
David Amedeo

Doing Business As Certificates

By
DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and/or trade names were issued or renewed during the months of May and June 2020. (Filings are limited due to closures or reduced staffing hours at municipal offices due to COVID-19 restrictions).

BELCHERTOWN

Palette to Page
74 Bay Road
Paige Chiarette

EAST LONGMEADOW

Hazel the Salon
634 North Main St.
Dianne Caron

Murphy Plumbing and Heating
P.O. Box 564
David Grimaldi

Petco #3783
440 North Main St.
Petco

Rage Worldwide Photography
29 5th St.
Morgan Belanger

Sons of the Desert
19 North St.
Scott Davis

Sweat Power Yoga
219 Shaker Road
Krystal Say

Well Being Therapeutic Massage
143C Shaker Road
Vivian Bresnitz

LONGMEADOW

The Chili Station
98 Longview Dr.
Jeffrey Belkin

Dream Nail & Spa
927 Shaker Road
Guanghao Han

Fibrenew Springfield
82 Canterbury Lane
Brian Newburn

PawsCalls
75 Rugby Road
Kara Ryczek

Pressure Point Washing
113 Chiswick St.
Anthony Heim

WESTFIELD

413 Auto Repair
128 Meadow St.
128 Meadow Street, LLC

All-Stars Dance Center
209 Root Road
Kimberlee Starsiak

DB Tractor Works
177 Bates Road
Don Bienvenue

Good Choice Home Improvement
21 Paper St.
Igot Khomichuk, Vitaly Khomichuk

The House Doctor
Chris Black
40 Crane Ave.

Igor’s Construction & Remodeling
134 Little River Road
Igor Kravchuk

Lux & Linen
132 Northridge Road
Yelizaveta Tverdokhlebov

The Maple Leaf
11 Arnold St.
Arnold St. Enterprises, LLC

Sweet JJs
38 Orange St.
Sweet JJS

Thermal Control
110 Park River Dr.
David Amedeo

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

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

Allen, Sandra Lea
c/o Julie A. Mercure POA
37 Roosevelt Ave. Apt. 3
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/19/2020

Caloon, Thomas J.
Caloon, Kathleen M.
125 Bemis Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/22/2020

Chickering, Sue E.
P.O. Box 302
Bondsville, MA 01009
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/26/2020

Draper, Mark O.
Draper, Jacqueline W.
34 McCauley Lane
Williamstown, MA 01267
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/31/2020

Duquette, Benjamin J.
Duquette, Jeannine M.
20 Graham St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/22/2020

Essential Wellness Center
Longevity Massage and Skincare
Lebedinskaya, Olesya Yuryevna
59 Pochassic St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/22/2020

Gemme, Dennis Raymond
79 Federal St.
Millers Falls, MA 01349
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/27/2020

Giminiani, John Patrick
18 Raymond Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/28/2020

Goad, Stephen Clayton
Goad, Arleen Janet
181 Merrimac Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/28/2020

Gonzalez, Esther M.
15 Girard Ave. Apt. 212
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/29/2020

Hamelin, Ruth
52 Mohawk Forest Blvd.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/29/2020

Harper, Virginia Davis
170 East Hadley Road #33
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/28/2020

Krause, Heidi Lillian
133 Jabish St. Apt. G4
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/27/2020

LaChance, William Michael
28 Revere Circle, Apt. B
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/18/2020

Loncrini, Eugene G.
832 Converse St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/18/2020

Mavis, Susan M.
17 Stratfield Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/28/2020

Macedo, Karen Ann
118 Laurel St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/19/2020

Messier, Traci J.
47 Terry Lane
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/18/2020

O’Donnell, Sean C.
73 Hall Road #18
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 13
Date: 05/28/2020

Paynter, Patricia
297 Daniel Shays Highway
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/20/2020

Pollack, Dereck
60 Old Poor Farm Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/29/2020

Rijos, Xiomary Garcia
153 First St. Apt. B
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/22/2020

Severns, Thomas J. W.
PO Box 238
West Warren, MA 01092
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/27/2020

Slade, Mackenzie
20 Easthampton Road, Apt. J1
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/29/2020

Stone, Peter
295 Bromley Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/28/2020

Stucklen, Kenneth Howard
628 Mill St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/20/2020

Ward, Samantha Marie
79 Montague City Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/22/2020

Wassmann, Nathanael Kirk
42B Princeton Ter.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/27/2020

Wemett, Thomas W.
83 Royalston Road
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/28/2020

Wheatley, Rodney Y.
P.O. Box 262
Leeds, MA 01053
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/31/2020

Williams, Tammy
216 Ambrose St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/29/2020

Zajchowski, David Paul
71 Edwards Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/31/2020

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

BUCKLAND

30 Avery Road
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: William E. Sparks
Seller: Keith W. Wall
Date: 06/01/20

COLRAIN

236 Ed Clark Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $225,500
Buyer: Clinton M. Patenaude
Seller: Barrett G. Martin
Date: 06/01/20

309 Main Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: David Conlon
Seller: Rockwell J. Lively
Date: 05/29/20

CONWAY

408 Wilder Hill Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Dakota Deane
Seller: Holbrook, Sue E., (Estate)
Date: 05/22/20

DEERFIELD

89 Mill Village Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Craig J. Tiedemann
Seller: Kenneth W. Perkins
Date: 05/29/20

108 North Main St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Roxanne E. Smead
Seller: Steven Boro
Date: 05/29/20

ERVING

6 Forest St.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $161,000
Buyer: David Property Management
Seller: Allan R. Young TR
Date: 05/27/20

GREENFIELD

109 Birch St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Edward J. Hinge
Seller: Jamie T. Coffin
Date: 05/29/20

180 Chapman St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Allisia Cole-Williams
Seller: Ananda I. Larson
Date: 05/29/20

40 East Wayland Dr.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Jamie T. Coffin
Seller: K. McIntyre-Bernier RET
Date: 05/29/20

53 Elm St.
Greenfield, MA 01376
Amount: $119,587
Buyer: Keith Goduti
Seller: Nathan W. Keefe
Date: 06/02/20

82 Federal St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Ruggeri LLC
Seller: Ruggeri, Alphonse A., (Estate)
Date: 05/28/20

9 Ferrante Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Jeffrey M. Sautter
Seller: Rachel Reffsin
Date: 06/01/20

103 High St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Joshua Ruder
Seller: Stuart R. Provost
Date: 06/02/20

243 High St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Sean M. Roe
Seller: Allen Fowler
Date: 05/22/20

72 Maple St.
Greenfield, MA 01376
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: Daniel T. Mickus
Seller: William D. Markert
Date: 05/20/20

25 Mary Potter Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: David White
Seller: Bradford K. Marks
Date: 06/01/20

19 Norwood St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Eloise Michael
Seller: Mariette L. Poginy
Date: 05/22/20

13-15 Osgood St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Ruggeri LLC
Seller: Ruggeri, Alphonse A., (Estate)
Date: 05/28/20

167 Silver St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Brian N. Dew
Seller: David J. Larue
Date: 05/22/20

15 Summer St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $237,500
Buyer: Joel E. Corbin
Seller: Petru Balan
Date: 06/01/20

HAWLEY

86 W. Hill Road
Hawley, MA 01339
Amount: $446,240
Buyer: Thomas S. Justice
Seller: Robert R. Harding
Date: 05/29/20

LEVERETT

253 Shutesbury Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $467,527
Buyer: Zachary L. Katz
Seller: Margaret J. Speas
Date: 05/26/20

MONTAGUE

111 L St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $191,923
Buyer: Pioneer Valley Redevelopers
Seller: Carlton, William 2nd, (Estate)
Date: 06/01/20

288-290 Montague City Road
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Kevin R. Gnoza
Seller: Tonya M. Gnoza
Date: 05/20/20

15 Norman Circle
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: John J. Zywna
Seller: Kevin Randall
Date: 05/22/20

91 Taylor Hill Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Anna R. Leschen-Lindell
Seller: Allen Ross
Date: 06/02/20

NORTHFIELD

83 Captain Beers Plain Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Tyler L. Inman
Seller: Eugene Rice
Date: 05/28/20

33 Gill Center Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $278,000
Buyer: Andrew J. Lebaron
Seller: Alcide A. Lecuyer
Date: 05/22/20

SHELBURNE

1 Little Mohawk Road
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Daniel J. Moro
Seller: Michael Browning
Date: 06/01/20

67 Percy Roberts Road
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $540,000
Buyer: Michael C. Hayes
Seller: Stephen R. McCabe
Date: 06/01/20

SHUTESBURY

46 Locks Pond Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Joanna Weinberg-Lawless
Seller: Sarah A. Mitzel
Date: 05/27/20

SUNDERLAND

82 South Plain Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $412,000
Buyer: Terry Randall
Seller: Jason Viadero
Date: 05/28/20

WHATELY

144 Christian Lane
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Thomas E. Borawski
Seller: Irene P. Farrick IRT
Date: 05/22/20

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

27 Belvidere Ave.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Ryan M. Piquette
Seller: Kathleen S. Bishop
Date: 05/21/20

67 Colemore St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Sean Stevenson
Seller: Patriot Living LLC
Date: 05/29/20

164 Colemore St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Kimberly A. Siegel
Seller: Christina D. Kalashian
Date: 05/21/20

250 Cooper St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $154,250
Buyer: Daniel Beauregard
Seller: USA HUD
Date: 05/28/20

69 Forest Hill Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Gary M. Bisiniere
Seller: David Sgueglia
Date: 05/22/20

23 Giffin Place
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Scott E. Skolnick
Seller: Eric Lottermoser
Date: 05/22/20

105 High St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Angela M. Gauthier
Seller: Thomas H. Fox
Date: 05/22/20

49 Letendre Ave.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Tirone Development Corp.
Seller: Stephen M. Buynicki
Date: 05/29/20

62 Northwood St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $148,100
Buyer: Alex Vilkhovoy
Seller: USA VA
Date: 05/29/20

117 Princeton Ave.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $379,900
Buyer: Craig Fiermonte
Seller: Christopher P. Counos
Date: 05/22/20

106 School St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $194,200
Buyer: David Williams
Seller: Williams, John H. Jr., (Estate)
Date: 05/29/20

349 Shoemaker Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $229,900
Buyer: Michael Matuh
Seller: Nancy M. Power
Date: 06/02/20

6 Spencer St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Fabio Montefusco
Seller: Petro Boyko
Date: 05/29/20

58 Valley Brook Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Kevin Russell
Seller: Aleksandr Salagornik
Date: 05/21/20

230 Valley Brook Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $343,000
Buyer: David Zuev
Seller: David R. Gallerani
Date: 05/27/20

51 Wrenwood Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Thomas H. Fox
Seller: Dustin L. Ruby
Date: 05/29/20

BRIMFIELD

86 1st St.
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: David Markham
Seller: Ronald M. Lombardi
Date: 05/21/20

CHICOPEE

48 Alvord Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $137,500
Buyer: Avet RT
Seller: Robert H. Allen
Date: 05/27/20

21 Barby Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $249,900
Buyer: Luz M. Garcia
Seller: James A. Geoffroy
Date: 05/29/20

108 Blanchwood Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Ethan L. Gross
Seller: Brian M. Keough
Date: 05/28/20

91 Borys Circle
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $247,000
Buyer: Eric R. Lasante
Seller: Elizabeth A. Theroux
Date: 05/26/20

126 Boucher Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $219,000
Buyer: Sara M. Brown
Seller: Steven Parentela
Date: 05/29/20

411 Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Juan Morales-Matos
Seller: Gene Ostrovoskiy
Date: 06/01/20

63 Clarendon Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Eduardo Zayas
Seller: Christopher Nascembeni
Date: 05/22/20

475 Dale St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: Michael P. Brown
Seller: Revampit LLC
Date: 05/21/20

207 Frontenac St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $247,000
Buyer: Keith Farrell
Seller: Andrew K. Warner
Date: 05/22/20

77 Glendale St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Katie Desnoyers
Seller: Donald D. Desnoyers
Date: 05/27/20

1321 Granby Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $264,000
Buyer: Monnette Martin
Seller: Efrosini Sullivan
Date: 05/22/20

69 Hillcrest St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Marcal Gaynor
Seller: CIG 4 LLC
Date: 06/01/20

78 Labelle Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $302,500
Buyer: Ruby A. Rivera
Seller: Nicole K. Maslar
Date: 05/29/20

78 Laramee St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Anette T. Gonzalez
Seller: Stephen P. Malanaphy
Date: 05/22/20

Madison St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $262,000
Buyer: Christopher N. Jarrett
Seller: Timothy J. Rzeszutek
Date: 05/26/20

15 May St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Dahlke IRT
Seller: Patrick E. McGrath
Date: 05/28/20

232 Montcalm St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Round 2 LLC
Seller: Works Of Art LLC
Date: 06/01/20

101 Sunflower Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $182,500
Buyer: Beatrice Matos
Seller: Thomas M. Luce
Date: 06/01/20

Sycamore Lane #7
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Jan Poplawski
Seller: Grandview Development Assocs. LLC
Date: 05/29/20

EAST LONGMEADOW

45 Brookhaven Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Paul T. Carr
Seller: CIG 4 LLC
Date: 05/22/20

155 Elm St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Tiffany N. Chhibber
Seller: Bernard V. Gaudette
Date: 06/02/20

326 Elm St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $259,000
Buyer: James Williamson
Seller: Michelle S. Siciliano
Date: 06/02/20

228 Pleasant St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $173,000
Buyer: Barbara J. Nutbrown
Seller: Carine Bryan
Date: 05/28/20

18 Poplar St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $198,000
Buyer: Olinda I. Trejo
Seller: Michael D. Akers
Date: 05/21/20

33 Porter Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $249,900
Buyer: Erika M. Noble
Seller: Susan E. Obrien
Date: 05/29/20

278 Porter Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $287,500
Buyer: Robert Bryan
Seller: Adele C. Hill
Date: 05/29/20

28 Powder Hill Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Brian M. Keough
Seller: 28 Powder Hill Road NT
Date: 05/28/20

271 Prospect St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Deidre L. Fitzpatrick
Seller: Christopher M. Eckers
Date: 05/28/20

151 Smith Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Lynda M. Bishop
Seller: Paul J. Fydenkevez
Date: 06/01/20

569 Somers Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Janine Prokop
Seller: Frank H. Twyeffort
Date: 05/26/20

25 Vreeland Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $176,000
Buyer: Grazia Caputo
Seller: Julia L. Frigo
Date: 06/02/20

311 Westwood Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Joseph P. Martin
Seller: Alexander Ortiz
Date: 05/29/20

HAMPDEN

30 Mohawk Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Juan C. Rodriguez
Seller: Jason W. Sheridan
Date: 06/01/20

2 Scantic Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Justin Shuma
Seller: Mark J. Gentile
Date: 05/22/20

31 Stafford Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $217,550
Buyer: Sara Biscaldi
Seller: Bank Of America
Date: 05/27/20

94 Thresher Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Jason W. Sheridan
Seller: Cumberland Blues RT
Date: 06/01/20

HOLLAND

384 Mashapaug Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Jean Solaroli
Seller: Central Western Mass. Holdings
Date: 05/22/20

100 May Brook Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Nathan A. Letendre
Seller: Robert F. Terbush
Date: 05/22/20

77 May Brook Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $289,900
Buyer: Kristen Houatchanthara
Seller: Derek Wales
Date: 05/26/20

7 Williams Lane
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $349,000
Buyer: Brian P. Leduc
Seller: William Wakefield
Date: 05/20/20

HOLYOKE

9-11 Arlington St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Nicholas A. Duclos
Seller: John A. Vassallo
Date: 05/29/20

26 Edbert Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $204,000
Buyer: Jennifer Bonnano
Seller: Robert E. Wojcik
Date: 05/27/20

8 Harrison Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $187,100
Buyer: Perry McDonnell
Seller: Karen M. Lasante
Date: 05/26/20

10 Keefe Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Gregory Medina
Seller: Rodphey Sholem Cong
Date: 05/22/20

158 Ontario Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $254,000
Buyer: Alexander S. Nielsen
Seller: Alexandro S. Laftsidis
Date: 06/02/20

LONGMEADOW

108 Bel Air Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Boniface A. Anoje
Seller: Russell, James A., (Estate)
Date: 05/27/20

10 Elmwood Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Nicole M. Forys
Seller: David H. Cosgriff
Date: 05/29/20

324 Farmington Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $660,000
Buyer: Jonathan Moseley
Seller: Erica Broman
Date: 06/01/20

50 Hilltop Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $629,500
Buyer: Elie Semaan
Seller: Richard W. Purrington
Date: 05/22/20

249 Lynnwood Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Roy FT
Seller: Jennifer D. Santos
Date: 05/26/20

270 Park Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Andrew Michael
Seller: Robert Kushner
Date: 05/27/20

86 Pleasantview Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $409,000
Buyer: John W. Miller
Seller: Benjamin J. Weiss
Date: 05/22/20

Summit Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $342,000
Buyer: Laurianne Gentile
Seller: 51 Summit Ave LLC
Date: 05/22/20

27 Wendover Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $637,000
Buyer: Kar Grassetti-Stolpinski
Seller: Elizabeth H. Carando
Date: 05/26/20

LUDLOW

43 Arch St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Michael F. Jacquinet
Seller: John E. Jacquinet
Date: 05/27/20

27 Arnold St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $219,900
Buyer: Jason Maurice
Seller: Letourneau, Rejeanne M., (Estate)
Date: 05/29/20

23 Cady St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Sandra Salmeron
Seller: Michele M. Mesheau
Date: 05/22/20

259 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Stephen M. Koziol
Seller: Gregory H. Allen
Date: 05/29/20

800 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Olivia Beaudette
Seller: Nicole J. Allen
Date: 05/22/20

805 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Rachael Witt
Seller: William R. Falconer
Date: 06/02/20

108 Kendall St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $383,000
Buyer: James J. Huff
Seller: Dennis A. Sieracki
Date: 06/01/20

230 Kendall St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $276,900
Buyer: Ian S. Mitnick
Seller: Paul T. Carr
Date: 05/22/20

88 Kirkland Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $214,000
Buyer: Justin M. Gelinas
Seller: Karen Szlosek-Welch
Date: 05/22/20

65 Paulding Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $249,900
Buyer: Jose M. Bermudez
Seller: Richard J. Abdow
Date: 05/29/20

190 Sewall St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $212,000
Buyer: Alyssa Dailey
Seller: Fernando Blanco
Date: 05/29/20

81 Willard Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Karen L. Szlosek
Seller: Tomasz Marszalek
Date: 05/22/20

MONSON

28 Ayers Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $308,000
Buyer: Christopher Fontaine
Seller: Jill L. Ingrassia
Date: 05/21/20

171 Hovey Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $679,900
Buyer: Fisher RET
Seller: John M. Leone
Date: 05/27/20

33 Main St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $242,926
Buyer: Wilmington Savings
Seller: George M. Gignac
Date: 05/29/20

76 Waid Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Clifford W. Zimmer
Seller: Thomas M. Joseph
Date: 05/22/20

MONTGOMERY

83 Main Road
Montgomery, MA 01085
Amount: $297,000
Buyer: Taylor V. Smith
Seller: Eva A. Yusenko
Date: 06/02/20

PALMER

1426 Park St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Cody L. Allen
Seller: Randall G. Ketterman
Date: 05/29/20

125 Thompson St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Gary Labonte
Seller: Joseph S. Mastalerz
Date: 05/28/20

RUSSELL

961 Blandford Road
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $194,900
Buyer: Paul D. Sporbert
Seller: Newrez LLC
Date: 05/29/20

883 General Knox Road
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $349,500
Buyer: Ryan Lombardini
Seller: Jamie Desormier
Date: 05/22/20

SPRINGFIELD

616 Alden St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $206,000
Buyer: Aura L. Geoffrey
Seller: Erica L. Allen
Date: 05/27/20

47-49 Algonquin Place
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Natasha Vazquez
Seller: Ruby Realty LLC
Date: 05/22/20

107 Ardmore St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Yaritzi Troche
Seller: Chelsi K. St.Amand
Date: 05/21/20

120 Atwater Road
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Christopher D. Dougherty
Seller: Elizabeth S. Belle-Isle
Date: 05/21/20

13 Beauregard St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $167,000
Buyer: Eren V. Martinez-Garcia
Seller: Sandra L. Giroux
Date: 05/29/20

19 Beechwood Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Mohammad S. Raghfar
Seller: Dellaera-Smith, Rosa A., (Estate)
Date: 05/26/20

438 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Shaynah M. Smith
Seller: Emtay Inc.
Date: 06/02/20

818 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Ravin S. Acharya
Seller: Chandra Bhattarai
Date: 05/28/20

19-21 Belmont Place
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Nicholas Albert
Seller: David L. Kwasnik
Date: 05/29/20

206 Bowles Park
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $214,000
Buyer: Christian L. Perez
Seller: Mark D. Rossini
Date: 05/28/20

95 Briggs St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Jasmen Caraballo
Seller: Ileana Garcia
Date: 05/29/20

56 Burton St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: David K. Nikolov
Seller: John L. Moylan
Date: 05/29/20

1762 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Tomas L. Flores-Pagan
Seller: Mohammed Al-Bayati
Date: 05/29/20

48 Carlisle St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $179,000
Buyer: Tonya C. Powell
Seller: Cabral FT
Date: 05/29/20

131 Carnarvon Circle
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Jason J. Linton
Seller: Ramon Mercado
Date: 05/29/20

135-137 Cedar St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $288,000
Buyer: Migdalia Valentin
Seller: Simon Shapovalov
Date: 05/29/20

642 Cooley St.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $129,231
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Lakeview Loan Servicing
Date: 05/22/20

14 Cottonwood Lane
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $194,000
Buyer: Riley Pascall
Seller: John Lewis
Date: 05/22/20

83 Dana St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Alicemar Bruno
Seller: Michael D. Wiggins
Date: 05/28/20

10 Donbray Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $206,900
Buyer: Veronica Arroyo
Seller: Sean M. Forys
Date: 05/29/20

28 Drury St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Yvonne Grondin
Seller: Eggleston, Russell A., (Estate)
Date: 05/29/20

90 Embury St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Gayemarie E. Poole
Seller: William J. Guilbe
Date: 05/29/20

16 Emily St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Ronald Pelletier
Seller: Brandon M. Tessier
Date: 05/28/20

51 Farnsworth St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Daniel Cortes
Seller: Joseph D. Zukowski
Date: 05/29/20

66 Flint St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Diane L. Rattelle
Seller: Orlando Rosario
Date: 05/28/20

34-36 Forest Park Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $166,000
Buyer: Donald Mitchell
Seller: B. Michael Destasio
Date: 05/29/20

257 Fort Pleasant Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Luis J. Rattia
Seller: Bruce E. Urbschat
Date: 05/28/20

526 Gifford St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Kelnate Realty LLC
Seller: Kathryn M. Lick
Date: 05/21/20

67 Gillette Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Gabriela Santiago
Seller: Alfred Shattelroe
Date: 05/29/20

814 Grayson Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Madeline Ruiz
Seller: Yamaira Gonzalez
Date: 05/29/20

216 Gresham St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Jose M. Vazquez
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 05/28/20

226 Gresham St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $319,900
Buyer: Heriberto Merced
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 05/29/20

90-92 Grover St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Claudia P. Brito
Seller: Emtay Inc.
Date: 06/01/20

45 Hartwick St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Christina Maynard
Seller: Stephanie E. Maynard
Date: 05/22/20

254 Hartwick St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Carly R. Kimball
Seller: Aaron D. Baboval
Date: 06/01/20

12-14 Howes St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $276,000
Buyer: L. F. Victoriano-Martinez
Seller: Aguasvivas Realty LLC
Date: 05/29/20

60-62 Humbert St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Jannette Rivera-Vega
Seller: MBC Properties LLC
Date: 05/26/20

70 Jennings St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $338,000
Buyer: James Yates
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 05/26/20

57 Johnson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Wayne Lawrence
Seller: Xiuyu Ma
Date: 06/01/20

76 Keith St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Clary I. Rosario
Seller: Robert L. Hertz
Date: 05/20/20

73 Lois St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Elijah G. Cruz
Seller: Antigone Panidis
Date: 06/02/20

30-32 Los Angeles St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $148,000
Buyer: Julio Rodriguez
Seller: Edite R. Fragoso
Date: 05/29/20

Ludlow Ave.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Grace Y. Rosado-Nieves
Seller: Juan C. Rodriquez
Date: 05/29/20

17 Marble St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Audriana L. Vargas
Seller: Timber Mills LLC
Date: 05/22/20

16 Mayfield St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Emanuel H. Williams
Seller: Fabio Montefusco
Date: 05/29/20

53 McKnight St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $151,750
Buyer: Manuel Rivera-Delvalle
Seller: Nolava LLC
Date: 05/27/20

62 Midway St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $163,000
Buyer: Joeilys Diaz-Ofray
Seller: Jose M. Bermudez
Date: 05/28/20

251 Morton St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $212,000
Buyer: Shalon Merriman
Seller: Corey Pascuzzi
Date: 05/28/20

379 Oak St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $125,500
Buyer: Rise & Walk Ministry
Seller: J&J Genesis LLC
Date: 05/22/20

24 Old Brook Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Maria M. Gonzalez
Seller: Bally David LLC
Date: 05/29/20

418 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $139,700
Buyer: Cynthia Santiago
Seller: SLC Associates LLC
Date: 05/29/20

1342 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Stacy Serrano
Seller: Scott G. Griffin
Date: 05/27/20

282-284 Parkerview St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Elton N. Fernandes
Seller: Andrew M. Gagnon
Date: 05/22/20

31-33 Parkside St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Anselmo A. Linares
Seller: Walkis Figueroa
Date: 05/20/20

76 Penncastle St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Reinaldo Nieves-Negron
Seller: William Sweeney
Date: 05/21/20

149 Powell Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Elizabeth H. Mercieri
Seller: Diana-Jo Mominee
Date: 05/22/20

168-170 Prospect St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Kim D. Saul
Seller: Heriberto Merced
Date: 05/29/20

295 Rosewell St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Carlos Lopez-Rivera
Seller: Western Mass. Property Developers
Date: 05/28/20

17-21 Rupert St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Kenneth E. Osorio
Seller: Oussoud Abdulbaki
Date: 05/22/20

265 Starling Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Janine M. Jarvais
Seller: Kevin Panetta
Date: 05/27/20

1062-1064 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $261,000
Buyer: Arleni Cruz
Seller: William Rodriguez
Date: 05/20/20

27 Talmadge Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $151,000
Buyer: Jason Boulanger
Seller: Irina Ros
Date: 06/01/20

107 Thompson St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Emanuel Correa-Cruz
Seller: Erika Santiago
Date: 05/27/20

423 Tiffany St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Khadga B. Pradhan
Seller: Michael J. Commisso
Date: 05/22/20

95 Timothy Circle
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $191,000
Buyer: Juan Martinez
Seller: Kevin C. Ward
Date: 06/02/20

94 Upland St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $132,500
Buyer: Eurico M. Vega
Seller: John Diamond
Date: 05/29/20

35 Vadnais St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Tiany A. Saldana-Reyes
Seller: Migdalia Vega
Date: 05/29/20

66 Wait St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Felix Padilla
Seller: Sonia N. Rodriguez
Date: 05/27/20

24 Van Horn Place
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Zahoor U. Haq
Seller: Jose Rijo
Date: 05/21/20

29 Warriner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Wayne Lawrence
Seller: Xiuyu Ma
Date: 06/01/20

119 West Canton Circle
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $116,000
Buyer: Xiomara Ortiz
Seller: Jacqueline I. Larochelle
Date: 05/21/20

875 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Mayra Martinez-Montalvo
Seller: Jonathan R. Geoffroy
Date: 05/27/20

103 Winterset Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Brandon L. Kenfield
Seller: Erin E. Fontaine
Date: 05/21/20

42 Woodlawn St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Cintia I. Ruiz
Seller: Malibu Rentals LLC
Date: 05/20/20

109-111 Woodmont St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $219,000
Buyer: Thomas A. Oakley
Seller: Rental Properties LLC
Date: 05/22/20

1397 Worcester St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: Savier Hernandez
Seller: Yevgeniy Rudenko
Date: 05/22/20

SOUTHWICK

31 Congamond Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $182,000
Buyer: Jessica M. Taylor
Seller: Cigal, Clayton A. Sr., (Estate)
Date: 05/20/20

21 Lauren Lane
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $372,000
Buyer: Robert Jedlicka
Seller: Harry C. Lane
Date: 06/02/20

16 Oak St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: My Three Sons Investments
Seller: Shauna J. Cox
Date: 06/02/20

10 Southwick Hill
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $328,000
Buyer: Eladio Soto
Seller: Cancks Properties LLC
Date: 06/02/20

TOLLAND

250 Harvey Mountain Road
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Gary E. Bliven
Seller: Richard Deblois
Date: 05/20/20

237 Slope Road
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $264,000
Buyer: Sureyya Iscan
Seller: Anthony V&A Falcone RET
Date: 05/22/20

WALES

12 Haynes Hill Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Porfirio N. Espinosa
Seller: FNMA
Date: 06/02/20

107 Stafford Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Luke A. Smith
Seller: Richard Anischik
Date: 06/02/20

WESTFIELD

96 Apple Blossom Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Amy M. Gendron
Seller: Henchey, Gertrude S., (Estate)
Date: 05/28/20

84 Bates Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $324,413
Buyer: Travis K. Lucia
Seller: BP LLC
Date: 06/02/20

9 Big Wood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Melanie M. McNamara
Seller: Stephen H. Collins
Date: 06/01/20

296 Buck Pond Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Vladimir Telelyuyev
Seller: Nancy R. Pasquini
Date: 05/29/20

18 Canterbury Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Roman Kizilov
Seller: Oak Ridge Custom Home Builders
Date: 05/29/20

5 Crane Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Nancy L. Stebbins
Seller: Elizabeth Dansereau
Date: 05/29/20

14 Cross St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Daniel A. Cocrane
Seller: Travis K. Lucia
Date: 06/02/20

20 Crown St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Zachary A. Coderre
Seller: Richard G. Piper
Date: 05/28/20

104 Elizabeth Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Charles A. Courchesne
Seller: Paul D. Sporbert
Date: 05/29/20

43 Fowler St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $218,000
Buyer: Morgan M. Schneider
Seller: Vladimir Burnusuz
Date: 05/28/20

35 Grandview Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $196,000
Buyer: Brooke W. Matuszko
Seller: Goodwin, Ellen E., (Estate)
Date: 05/26/20

1097 Granville Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Elizabeth Dansereau
Seller: Joseph M. Scamardella
Date: 06/01/20

11 Grove Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Yurii Chmut
Seller: Beatrice Matos
Date: 05/29/20

28 Joseph Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: John A. Vassallo
Seller: Jeffrey C. Keating
Date: 05/29/20

6 Livingstone Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Hiba M. Al-Bandar
Seller: Andrey Kulyak
Date: 05/29/20

222 Munger Hill Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $424,900
Buyer: Meagan A. French
Seller: Diana J. Petersen-Wiggs
Date: 06/01/20

73 Overlook Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $357,450
Buyer: William Villecco
Seller: Robert H. Capell
Date: 05/28/20

22 Pinewood Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Zachary S. Mackenchnie
Seller: James C. Ruffo
Date: 05/22/20

95 Prospect St. Ext.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $156,000
Buyer: Saad Q. Mohammed
Seller: Jean C. Boyden
Date: 05/22/20

16 Ravine Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $304,000
Buyer: Bethany E. Healy
Seller: Tina Lacroix
Date: 05/29/20

30 Raymond Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Dionysios Koulianos
Seller: Thomas D. Vitro
Date: 05/22/20

40 Robinson Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Nicholis J. Hope
Seller: Maryjo C. Rood
Date: 05/29/20

434 Russell Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $895,000
Buyer: Evelyn Rose LLC
Seller: J&F Management LLP
Date: 05/21/20

42 West Silver St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Donald G. Finamore
Seller: Janice N. Phillips
Date: 05/29/20

56 Western Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $253,000
Buyer: Crossroads Property Investments Inc.
Seller: Brenda J. Fedora
Date: 05/29/20

19 Woodland Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $153,000
Buyer: Kevin P. Clark
Seller: Clarence Cormier
Date: 05/28/20

WILBRAHAM

123 Bartlett Ave.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $196,000
Buyer: Joseph Belanger
Seller: Melissa Sullivan
Date: 05/27/20

436 Dipping Hole Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $161,000
Buyer: Jason S. Balut
Seller: Lakeview Loan Servicing
Date: 05/29/20

12 Hickory Hill Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Lindsay M. Tanguay
Seller: S. W. Andwood Construction
Date: 06/02/20

445 Monson Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $332,000
Buyer: Jennifer Darcy
Seller: Cynthia A. Scott
Date: 05/28/20

86 Oakland St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: David Z. Gardner
Seller: Jeffrey L. Vanderscoff
Date: 06/01/20

8 Red Bridge Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Roger R. Duguay
Seller: Michael S. Sheehan
Date: 05/29/20

847 Ridge Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $532,000
Buyer: Howard Hoffman
Seller: Marc H. Long
Date: 05/28/20

427 Soule Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $166,000
Buyer: William H. Kemple
Seller: Lois J. Ganieany
Date: 05/29/20

10 Stirling Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: John D. Piatelli
Seller: Clifford W. Zimmer
Date: 05/22/20

713 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Jonathan D. Meyer
Seller: James M. Gouin
Date: 05/28/20

WEST SPRINGFIELD

125 Charles Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $168,500
Buyer: Eugenio V. Bermudez
Seller: SRV Properties LLC
Date: 06/01/20

13 Cora St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $206,000
Buyer: Bethany A. Dirocco
Seller: John T. Langlois
Date: 05/26/20

95 Elm St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $1,550,000
Buyer: Saremi LLP
Seller: Peoples United Bank
Date: 05/29/20

48 Highland Lane
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $293,000
Buyer: Stanislav Pchelka
Seller: Dianne M. Broderick
Date: 05/29/20

33 Jeffrey Lane
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $359,900
Buyer: Frank N. Roda
Seller: Bryan M. Bengle
Date: 05/29/20

33 Kelly Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $351,000
Buyer: Gina M. Lewis
Seller: Gary E. Lubas
Date: 05/22/20

139 Monastery Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: John T. Langlois
Seller: Christopher J. Battista
Date: 05/26/20

1103 Morgan Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Nataniel H. Brathwaite
Seller: Vladimir Nakhabenko
Date: 05/22/20

175 Morton St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $116,560
Buyer: Beaver Brothers Realty
Seller: Reverse Mortgage Solutions
Date: 05/29/20

103 Pheasants Xing
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: Bryan M. Bengle
Seller: Kimberly A. Jedlicka
Date: 05/29/20

573 Piper Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Sara E. Collier
Seller: Michael Ford
Date: 05/29/20

811 Piper Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $156,000
Buyer: Brian D. Siebold
Seller: Deutsche Bank
Date: 05/28/20

110 Quarry Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Gia Z. Catanzarite
Seller: James L. Mack
Date: 06/01/20

67 Redden Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Adam K. Bourdon
Seller: Timothy J. Garand
Date: 06/02/20

59 Robinson Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $212,500
Buyer: Nicholas A. Henchey
Seller: Richard Guillemette
Date: 05/28/20

530 Rogers Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $790,000
Buyer: Community Developers Inc.
Seller: John J. Strauss
Date: 06/01/20

56 Stone Path Lane
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $247,000
Buyer: Andrew Carney
Seller: First Baptist Church
Date: 05/27/20

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

23 Potwine Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Yuki Yoshimura-Takahashi
Seller: Nathan Baruch-Green
Date: 05/22/20

82 Rambling Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $555,000
Buyer: Nianqiang Wu
Seller: Orrin B. Clifford
Date: 05/26/20

233 Stanley St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $287,500
Buyer: Timothy Gassler
Seller: Lily F. Meadows
Date: 05/20/20

40 Summerfield Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $601,750
Buyer: Golbon Zakeri
Seller: Janet Bordwin
Date: 05/22/20

28 Tanglewood Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: Kalavally Sriharan
Seller: Daniel J. Miller
Date: 05/20/20

BELCHERTOWN

29 Dogwood Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $429,900
Buyer: Albert Grimaldi
Seller: J. N. Duquette & Son Construction
Date: 05/22/20

483 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Justin Collin-Allen
Seller: Dorothy E. Lane
Date: 05/27/20

685 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Cynthia S. Bright
Seller: GJL RNL NT
Date: 05/29/20

48 Magnolia Lane
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $424,900
Buyer: James McNamara
Seller: J. N. Duquette & Son Construction
Date: 05/29/20

49 Mountain View Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $382,000
Buyer: Charlyn N. Oliva
Seller: Matthew C. Dufresne
Date: 06/01/20

231 Summit St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Mary E. Medeiros
Seller: Alexander Kubacki
Date: 05/27/20

EASTHAMPTON

96 Briggs St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $311,700
Buyer: Dack FT
Seller: Aurelia E. Sudnick
Date: 05/20/20

6 Chapman Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Christopher Thompson
Seller: Jason J. Buikus
Date: 05/29/20

103 Cottage St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: John R. Cowan
Seller: Milo Properties LLC
Date: 05/20/20

53-55 Emerald Place
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $212,500
Buyer: Herman R. Copen RET
Seller: Gladys T. Lithanstanski
Date: 05/20/20

94 Holyoke St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Kelsey S. Hall
Seller: Christa C. Chiarello
Date: 05/28/20

18 Lawson Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Todd Carson
Seller: Marie Bolduc RET
Date: 05/29/20

88 Loudville Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Edward Cohen
Seller: Kerren A. Errico
Date: 05/20/20

52 Main St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $2,100,000
Buyer: Easthampton Savings Bank
Seller: Bank Of America
Date: 05/29/20

51 Mount Tom Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $123,150
Buyer: Carrie L. Hague
Seller: Mark L. Rollins
Date: 05/26/20

98 Oliver St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Cheryl J. Oakley
Seller: Amber Barlow
Date: 05/29/20

6 Olympia St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Justin A. Albert
Seller: Marja J. Davenbrie
Date: 05/22/20

64 Parsons St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Malibu Rentals LLC
Seller: Michael J. Skubiszewski
Date: 05/21/20

20 Pine St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Dean T. Couture
Seller: Pelkey, Phoebe E., (Estate)
Date: 05/29/20

39 Plain St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Cindy Suarez
Seller: Karen E. Bacon
Date: 05/27/20

103 Strong St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Gabriel Aquino
Seller: Carol A. Taylor
Date: 05/22/20

GRANBY

193 Amherst St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Jonathan S. Szymonik
Seller: Brian S. King
Date: 06/01/20

117 South St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $241,000
Buyer: Lindsey A. Whitacre
Seller: Lori Ellison
Date: 05/29/20

HUNTINGTON

118 County Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Cody R. Lussier
Seller: Jason G. Paquette
Date: 05/29/20

227 Norwich Lake
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $276,000
Buyer: Kate Albright-Hanna
Seller: Kimberly R. Lucey
Date: 05/26/20

NORTHAMPTON

42 Bliss St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $182,500
Buyer: Bliss Hampshire TR
Seller: US Bank
Date: 05/28/20

120 Coles Meadow Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $535,000
Buyer: Eileen Wynne-Ball
Seller: Cynthia A. Suopis
Date: 05/21/20

170 Federal St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $301,100
Buyer: Nu-Way Homes Inc.
Seller: Jones, Cynthia A., (Estate)
Date: 05/29/20

7 Gilrain Ter.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Colleen C. Currie
Seller: Luis C. Granda
Date: 05/22/20

15 Hampden St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Paula Turow
Seller: Cynthia T. Dolgoff
Date: 06/01/20

9 Harlow Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $389,000
Buyer: Melissa A. Barillaro
Seller: Barry H. Daggett
Date: 05/29/20

291 Locust St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: John M. Harner
Seller: Jill McCutcheon
Date: 05/29/20

224 North Maple St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Brent M. Durbin
Seller: Constance G. Burkhardt
Date: 06/01/20

808 Ryan Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Alison Schoen
Seller: Martha B. Izer RET
Date: 05/22/20

264 South St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Jonathan M. Roberts
Seller: Christopher J. Cowan
Date: 05/21/20

277 State St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: William W. Reymond
Seller: Francis A. Cushing
Date: 05/28/20

PELHAM

30 Boyden Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Thomas M. Mei
Seller: Christopher S. Sutherland
Date: 06/01/20

30 Jones Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Jennifer Benham
Seller: Norman L. Page
Date: 05/21/20

SOUTH HADLEY

28 Berwyn St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $177,500
Buyer: Bridget Duplisea
Seller: David B. Beiser
Date: 05/27/20

47 Charon Ter.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $284,900
Buyer: Evan M. Oroark
Seller: Jonathan S. Szymonik
Date: 06/01/20

23 Jewett Lane
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $374,900
Buyer: Sheri E. Kurtz
Seller: Holly E. Hanson
Date: 05/29/20

55 Judd Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Anthony J. Grey
Seller: Kaylan Macinnes
Date: 05/29/20

11 Laurie Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $147,500
Buyer: Marissa Montemagni
Seller: US Bank
Date: 05/28/20

3 Lincoln Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $249,900
Buyer: Matthew A. Travis
Seller: Stefania Farace
Date: 06/01/20

33 Ludlow Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $145,900
Buyer: Nicolette M. Henderson
Seller: Debra Bombard
Date: 05/29/20

536 Newton St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $198,000
Buyer: Nathan Bergeron
Seller: Michael J. Dubuc
Date: 05/21/20

149 Old Lyman Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Josue Colon
Seller: USA VA
Date: 05/28/20

35 Woodlawn St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Geri S. Leporati
Seller: Lance R. Cote
Date: 05/27/20

SOUTHAMPTON

387 College Hwy.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Marc A. Labrie
Seller: David D. Eichstaedt
Date: 05/22/20

94 County Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Alexandr Carapunarli
Seller: Todd Carson
Date: 05/29/20

63 East St.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Carl A. Prucnal
Seller: Pariseau, Barbara J., (Estate)
Date: 05/22/20

9 Glendale Woods Dr.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Tina M. Lacroix
Seller: Justin Tilton
Date: 05/29/20

95 Gunn Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $462,000
Buyer: Michael S. Browning
Seller: Peter Janocha
Date: 06/01/20

9 Russellville Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Brittany E. Grout
Seller: Michelle Eldridge
Date: 05/22/20

WARE

51 Coffey Hill Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: Christopher D. Fielding
Seller: USA HUD
Date: 05/21/20

13 Juniper Hill Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Dustin R. Pennington
Seller: Christopher D. Dymon
Date: 05/26/20

3 Mattson Blvd.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $218,000
Buyer: Deanna D. White
Seller: Eric Allard
Date: 05/29/20

150-R North St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: James E. Beauregard
Seller: Marlene T. Beauregard
Date: 05/21/20

68 Shoreline Dr.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Licia J. Galinsky
Seller: Girard, Alvenia M., (Estate)
Date: 06/02/20

5 Warebrook Village
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Alise Sampson
Seller: Karla Harder
Date: 05/22/20

WESTHAMPTON

45 Perry Hill Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Justin A. Prucnal
Seller: Carl A. Prucnal
Date: 05/22/20

WORTHINGTON

14 Huntington Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Eric B. Rice
Seller: Robert Baillargeon
Date: 05/29/20

388 Huntington Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $215,900
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Colin Keefe
Date: 05/28/20

Building Permits

By
Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the months of May and June 2020. (Filings are limited due to closures or reduced staffing hours at municipal offices due to COVID-19 restrictions).

CHICOPEE

101 Front Street Trust
101 Front St.
$12,000 — Expand four existing openings

Broadway Street, LLC
421 Broadway
$26,590.67 — Roofing

Etan Shalem
591M Memorial Dr.
$375,000 — Fit out existing retail space for Spectrum service center

Shawn Peabody
18 Victoria Park
$2,300 — Remove six windows and install six vinyl replacement windows

Rai Ram
60 School St.
$16,000 — Rebuild staircases, decking, handrails, rails, and posts

GREENFIELD

Children’s Advocacy Center of Franklin County and North Quabbin
56 Wisdom Way
Demolish garage

Tapestry
278 Main St., Suite 307A
$25,000 — Divide room for storage area, new door and frame, new sink location, upgrade ductwork, minor electrical work, hot-water tank

Valley Medical Group
329 Conway St.
$20,000 — Repair building after vehicle collision

LEE

Berkshire Corporate Realty, LLC
480 Pleasant St.
$5,650 — Relocate existing wet sprinklers to accommodate new floor plan

MKJ Real Estate, LLC
195 Water St.
$53,885 — Install 60 solar panels via roof mount

LENOX

Adams Community Bank
7 Main St.
$20,710 — 36 white vinyl replacement windows with internal gridwork

Stanley Rosen
91 Walker St.
$9,000 — Roofing

SPRINGFIELD

299 Page Blvd., LLC
299 Page Blvd.
$1,270,786.76 — Alter space at former shooting range for new tactical training center for Springfield Police Department

Astro Logistics, LLC
126 Memorial Dr.
$27,955 — Alter space for additional concrete tank support pedestal and containment walls in existing interior tank containment area

Baystate Medical Center Inc.
759 Chestnut St.
$79,748 — Install new partitions, doors and frames, drywall on existing studs, and acoustical ceilings

Charles D’Amour, Donald D’Amour
90 Memorial Dr.
$30,000 — Add three cellular antennas and three remote radio units, replace six remote radio units on existing AT&T tower

Commonwealth Academy Holdings, LLC
7 Ames Hill Road
$39,000 — Alter space for accessible restroom in Ray House at Commonwealth Academy

Crown Atlantic Co., LLC
22 Birnie Ave.
$30,000 — Remove and replace three antennas and three remote radio units on existing AT&T tower

Gulmohur 546 Sumner Corp.
544 Sumner Ave.
$30,000 — Alter vacant commercial space for new beauty salon

Norley Realty Inc.
350 Albany St.
$25,000 — Remove and replace six antennas, remove three remote radio units and install 12 remote radio units and one DC-only squid on existing AT&T tower

Remic Properties
455 Breckwood Blvd.
$125,000 — Alter tenant space for future interior fit-out for Family Dollar

WILBRAHAM

2030 Boston Road, LLC
2030 Boston Road
$3,000 — Sign for Executive Real Estate