Home 2020 June (Page 2)

Month: June 2020

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

State Launches Step Two of Second Phase of Economic Reopening

By
COVID-19 Daily News

BOSTON — The Baker-Polito administration announced that the second step of phase 2 of the Commonwealth’s four-phase reopening plan will begin today, June 22, to allow additional industries to resume operations under sector-specific guidelines.

The following will be eligible to reopen today: indoor table service at restaurants; close-contact personal services, with restrictions; retail dressing rooms, by appointment only; and offices, at 50% capacity.

In order to give those businesses time to prepare, the administration had previously released sector-specific guidance in advance of phase 2 for industries including restaurants, close-contact personal services, and sectors not otherwise addressed.

Before these sectors can resume operations under the guidelines, businesses must meet all safety standards, create a COVID-19 control plan, and complete a self-certification.

On May 18, the administration released a four-phase plan to reopen the economy based on public-health data, spending at least three weeks in each phase. Key public-health data, such as new cases and hospitalizations, have been closely monitored and shown a significant decline, allowing for the second step of phase 2 to begin.

Massachusetts Unemployment Rate Up Slightly in May

By
Daily News

BOSTON — The state’s total unemployment rate rose one-tenth of a percentage point to 16.3% in May following a revision to the April rate of 16.2%, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) preliminary job estimates indicate Massachusetts added 58,600 jobs in May. This follows last month’s revised loss of 646,700 jobs. Over the month, the private sector added 65,700 jobs as gains occurred in construction; leisure and hospitality; education and health services; professional, scientific, and business services; trade, transportation, and utilities; other services; manufacturing; and financial activities. Information and government lost jobs over the month.

From May 2019 to May 2020, BLS estimates Massachusetts lost 605,000 jobs. Losses occurred in each of the private sectors, with the largest percentage losses in leisure and hospitality; other services; construction; and trade, transportation, and utilities.

The labor force increased by 123,200 from 3,406,900 in April, as 100,000 more residents were employed and 23,200 more residents were unemployed over the month.

Over the year, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by 13.4%.

The state’s labor-force participation rate — the total number of residents 16 or older who worked or were unemployed and actively sought work in the last four weeks — increased to 62.4%. Compared to May 2019, the labor force participation rate is down by 5.1%.

Community Foundation’s $35,000 Grant Boosts HCC Student Emergency Fund

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — After COVID-19 broke, applications to the President’s Student Emergency Fund at Holyoke Community College (HCC) soared. The fund, established by President Christina Royal through the HCC Foundation, is meant to assist students facing unanticipated financial burdens, such as a lack of affordable housing, childcare expenses, and transportation.

For the 2019-20 academic year, 93% of student requests to the fund have come since mid-March. As HCC transitioned to remote learning, nearly $25,000 has been distributed to help students facing income loss and struggling to pay their bills in the midst of the pandemic.

“We are talking about an average gift of $500,” said Amanda Sbriscia, HCC vice president of Institutional Advancement and executive director of the HCC Foundation, the college’s nonprofit fundraising corporation. “That is often the difference between staying on a path to a college degree or never being able to return to the classroom. Studying and learning remotely has meant added an unanticipated expenses for our students. Faster internet, upgraded technology, housing and food costs, utility bills — seemingly simple shifts in daily life are easy to manage for some, but for many HCC students, they can derail their entire education.”

This week, the President’s Student Emergency Fund at HCC received a $35,000 boost in the form of a grant from the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts (CFWM) designated for COVID-19 relief. The HCC Foundation was one of 29 area nonprofits receiving financial assistance in the latest round of COVID-19 relief funds from the Community Foundation.

“You are receiving this grant thanks in part to funding from the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund,” Jim Ayres, CFWM vice president for Programs & Strategy, said in an e-mail to Sbriscia. “The Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund works in concert with regional community foundations and nonprofit leaders to support those across the state most impacted by the COVID-19 health crisis, focusing on essential frontline workers and vulnerable populations, including the homeless, immigrant populations, people with disabilities, and those facing food insecurity.”

With the Community Foundation grant, the HCC Foundation has now raised $72,480 for the President’s Student Emergency Fund since late March when it launched the “TogetherHCC” fundraising campaign in response to the pandemic, placing the total amount of dollars available for student relief at $190,000.

The largest single donation to the campaign was $20,000 from HCC alumna Margaret “Peg” Wendlandt (’58) and her husband, Gary, who have supported the emergency fund since it was established three years ago. The rest of the contributions have come in much smaller increments from 160 individual donors and area businesses.

“We are so grateful to the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, our alumni, and HCC employees and friends for believing in the power of our emergency fund to help our students,” Sbriscia said. “In one way or another, all our students have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The sense of relief and comfort we’re able to provide thanks to the generosity of so many is honestly life-changing for them.”

Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts Unveils Power Up Activity Kit

By
Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts unveiled the Power Up Activity Kit to help keep Western Mass. girls active and healthy through the summer while inspiring creativity, encouraging movement, and teaching new skills. Girls on the Run is a leader in developing and delivering life-changing programs for girls through more than 75 sites across Western Mass. and has served more than 5,400 girls since it was founded in 2015.

After the cancelation of schools, implementation of social distancing, and the restrictions around large public events due to the coronavirus pandemic, the nonprofit adapted quickly to alter its spring season to continue to deliver on its mission to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident. This new offering also delivers on that mission.

“Providing girls with opportunities to develop empathy, build resiliency, and identify and understand their values, choices, and emotions are important now more than ever before,” said Alison Berman, council director of Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts. “It is never too early for girls to learn how to put these important skills into practice. This kit will help girls move, laugh, and grow, and in the process find their inner girl power.”

The at-home kit includes 50 activities to fuel girls’ mind, body, and spirit that emphasize the important connection between physical and emotional health. Each activity helps girls learn important skills, such as how to cope when things get difficult, demonstrate care for self and others, and practice positivity. From silly starters to fun movement games and challenges, the activities were designed to get girls to laugh, create, and grow.

Available at www.girlsontherunwesternma.org, the kit costs $49 and includes the Power Up Activity Book, an exclusive GRL PWR T-shirt, a physical-activity training plan, a completion certificate, and a few other fun surprises, delivered directly to each girl’s doorstep.

The nonprofit organization is also raising funds to provide sponsored kits to girls within the community. Visit the website to make a donation.

“For five years, we have always done everything we can to support all girls as they navigate adolescence,” Berman said. “This kit will help her grow her confidence and realize the potential she has to power up.”

BusinessTalk With Bob Nakosteen

By
Business Talk Podcast Special Coverage

We are excited to announce that BusinessWest, in partnership with Living Local, has launched a new podcast series, BusinessTalk. Each episode will feature in-depth interviews and discussions with local industry leaders, providing thoughtful perspectives on the Western Massachuetts economy and the many business ventures that keep it running during these challenging times

Episode 5: June 29, 2020

George Interviews Bob Nakosteen of UMass Amherst, Isenberg School of Management 

George O’Brien interviews Bob Nakosteen, Department Chair & Professor of Operations & Information Management for UMass Amherst, Isenberg School of Management and discusses the economic, health, and political climate as it pertains to education, business, and consumer confidence.

Sponsored by:

18_CommercialServices-2Color

Also Available On

BusinessTalk With Christina Royal

By
Business Talk Podcast Special Coverage

We are excited to announce that BusinessWest, in partnership with Living Local, has launched a new podcast series, BusinessTalk. Each episode will feature in-depth interviews and discussions with local industry leaders, providing thoughtful perspectives on the Western Massachuetts economy and the many business ventures that keep it running during these challenging times

Episode 3: June 22, 2020

George Interviews Christina Royal, President of Holyoke Community College

Christina Royal

George O’Brien interviews Christina Royal. O’Brien and Royal discuss how the pandemic has disrupted and impacted higher education, its students, and the plans of adaptation for Fall 2020.

Sponsored by:

18_CommercialServices-2Color

Also Available On

BusinessTalk With Rick Sullivan

By
Business Talk Podcast Special Coverage

We are excited to announce that BusinessWest, in partnership with Living Local, has launched a new podcast series, BusinessTalk. Each episode will feature in-depth interviews and discussions with local industry leaders, providing thoughtful perspectives on the Western Massachuetts economy and the many business ventures that keep it running during these challenging times

Episode 4: June 24, 2020

Thom Interviews Rick Sullivan 

Thom Fox interviews Rick Sullivan, President & CEO of the Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts. Thom and Rick discuss the unique opportunities COVID presents for WesternMA’s future, local employer’s approach to the region’s unemployed, and resources to support small business owners.

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Area Leaders Say Momentum Can Generate Action to Address Systemic Racism

By
Vanessa Otero
Cover Story

Seizing the Moment

Vanessa Otero

Vanessa Otero, interim director of the Healing Racism Institute of Pioneer Valley.

Vanessa Otero said the phone started ringing just a day or two after George Floyd was killed on a street in Minneapolis and the world, and this region, began to react to what it saw — and felt.

On the other end of the line were those in leadership positions at area businesses, institutions, and nonprofits who wanted to know what the Healing Racism Institute of the Pioneer Valley (HRIPV), the 501(c)(3) Otero now serves as interim director, could do to help not only educate those at these companies and agencies about racism — something it’s been doing for several years now — but take the conversation to a different, much higher plane.

And then convert the talk into far-reaching action.

“Every day, we have two or three organizations reaching out, people who have been through our two-day session, saying, ‘can we talk about what more we can do — the what now?’” she said. “And we’ve initiated a process to add that ‘what now?’”

Elaborating, she noted that, in response to these inquiries, HRIPV — which has seen more than 800 area residents and business leaders attend its signature two-day sessions, where participants learn, grow, and process the effects of racism within individuals and the community as a whole — is committed to formalizing and institutionalizing an expanded roster of services that includes everything from onboarding training for new hires at area companies and agencies to full- and half-day training sessions for staffs and boards (more on all this later).

These phone calls — and HRIPV’s commitment — provide just some of the many forms of evidence that George Floyd’s death, more than any similar incident before it or since, has created a real opportunity — as much as all those we spoke with regretted the use of that term in this circumstance — to bring about real and lasting change when it comes to systemic racism and equal access to opportunity.

“We’ve just reached a tipping point,” said Ronn Johnson, president and CEO of Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services in Springfield, who is being honored by BusinessWest as one of its Difference Makers for 2020. “We’ve reached that point where we’ve really grabbed hold of something that has the potential to change social policies.”

Frank Robinson, vice president of Public Health at Baystate Health, who has been actively involved with the Healing Racism Institute since it was blueprinted by John Davis, a director of the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation and others after they were inspired by a similar initiative in Grand Rapids, Mich., agreed.

Ronn Johnson

Ronn Johnson stands near a mural depicting the names of dozens of victims of police brutality. The art has become an inspiration to many visitors.

He told BusinessWest that the George Floyd killing, coupled with the way in which the pandemic has further exposed racial inequalities, has created a compelling opportunity to create a dialogue about not just racism, but the systemic racism that exists in many corporations and institutions.

“I call COVID the great magnifier,” he noted. “The pandemic has created an opportunity, if you look at the glass as half-full, to visit problems that have been magnified by its presence. Someone talked about COVID as a magnifier, and then they talked about the ongoing structural problems it has revealed as the virus of 1619, the beginning of slavery.

“We’ve done a good job of getting folks to understand racism and perhaps their role in it,” he went on, referring to the HRIPV specifically. “Now is the time to deepen that conversation so we look at some of the structural and systemic issues that perpetuate the problem — and that’s a slightly different conversation than the ones we’ve been having.”

But while there is general optimism that the confluence of events in this unforgettable spring of 2020 will indeed change the landscape in profound ways, those we spoke with acknowledged there is much work to be done, and none of it is particularly easy. So much work, in fact, that some are feeling overwhelmed by the assignment confronting them.

The place to start, said Christina Royal, president of Holyoke Community College (HCC), is with each business, each institution, and each individual asking what they can do to address this issue in their own way.

“And if they’re already taking some actions, they need to ask what more they can do,” she said, adding that this is exactly what HCC is doing. It already has a number of programs and initiatives in place to help level what has historically been an unlevel playing field when it comes to access to opportunities for individuals of color, but Royal acknowledged that more needs to be done.

Mark Keroack, president and CEO of Baystate Health, expressed similar sentiments.

“Just in the past few months, it’s become clear that it’s not enough to travel the personal journey yourself and get your head and your heart in the right place,” he said. “You also need to be aware of the fact that all around us is this system that tends to favor white people. And then the question is — what are you going to do about it? And it’s not straightforward; there’s a lot of thinking and learning, and trying this and trying that.”

“We’ve just reached a tipping point. We’ve reached that point where we’ve really grabbed hold of something that has the potential to change social policies.”

For this issue, BusinessWest takes an in-depth look at how the events of the past several weeks have indeed created an important opportunity to address the large and complicated issue of racism in this country — and how to maximize that opportunity.

Changing the Conversation

Tracing the history of the HRIPV, Davis turned back the clock almost a decade, to a trip to Grand Rapids that was part of the City2City program that also took leaders of this region to Greensboro, N.C., Bethlehem, Pa., and Chattanooga, Tenn. During that visit to Michigan, while hearing about efforts to drive economic development, revitalize the central business district, and improve schools, participants also heard about a program within the local chamber of commerce called the Institute for Healing Racism.

A small group of those participants returned to Grand Rapids to experience the two-day Facing Racism program firsthand, and upon returning, they established the regional anti-racism workgroup to gauge interest in pursuing the development of a similar initiative in Western Mass., said Davis, noting that, with the Grand Rapids program as a model, the Healing Racism two-day program and curriculum was established.

“The minute I saw it, I said, ‘we’ve got to get this going in Springfield,” said Davis, noting that this wasn’t the first effort to create such a program in Greater Springfield — others had been attempted in the ’90s — but it was the first that gained enough traction to get off the ground. And it was clearly needed, he noted.

“It was something I could see in the community — there was a clear lack of understanding about racism; no one wanted to talk about it,” he told BusinessWest. “Everybody talked about it in their own little worlds, but the conversations I witnessed were not the conversations that were needed. If you did a survey of the white population and asked them how many were racist, 99% would say they weren’t racists. But if you did a survey of people of color and asked them if they lived in a racist society, they’d all say ‘yes.’ So there was a huge disconnect that I could see.”

Frank Robinson

Frank Robinson says the COVID-19 pandemic has magnified issues of racism and inequality and helped provide a real opportunity to take the conversation to a higher plane.

In an effort to address this disconnect, two-day sessions, again modeled on those in Grand Rapids, were created where participants did a good amount of listening to those of other races. And by listening, participants, which included police, business leaders, nonprofit leaders, a district attorney, members of the media, and other constituencies, learned that issues of racism and inequality were real in the Pioneer Valley.

The challenge, and the assignment, moving forward is to continue the dialogue, but also take this initiative to a higher plane, Otero said.

“We’d like to get to the point where, as in Grand Rapids, we’re embedded in organizations so that we can leave them with capacity to train and have these conversations in institutions so that they become anti-racist institutions,” said Otero, who took the helm of this agency just a few weeks ago and is still awaiting her business cards. “Because the antidote to out-and-out racism is ‘I’m anti-racist,’ which means you’re taking action to address this issue and you realize your privilege within that system and are taking action against it.”

Elaborating, she circled back to those phone calls and e-mails and inquiries about ‘what now’ when it comes to educating people about racism, broadening the conversation, and institutionalizing new policies and ways of doing things.

“Building on what’s already there, we’ve created a menu of services that we could work with organizations to implement,” Otero explained, “to ensure that anti-racism conversations continue to happen and grow, to the point where the organization itself can make the decision to be anti-racist, because that’s the key to institutionalizing this kind of work and this kind of thinking.”

“We’ve done a good job of getting folks to understand racism and perhaps their role in it. Now is the time to deepen that conversation so we look at some of the structural and systemic issues that perpetuate the problem — and that’s a slightly different conversation than the ones we’ve been having.”

This ‘what now’ has been in place for some time, she went on, but it hasn’t been effectively “activated.” To provide this deeper roster of services, the HRIPV will need an infrastructure, she said, as well as a large cadre of trainers and facilities. And this will likely require funding in the form of a capital campaign.

But the need is real, and the agency is committed to having these programs in place later this year, she told BusinessWest.

Moving Beyond Words

Johnson acknowledged that, in the wake of the Floyd killing, statements condemning police violence and systemic racism have come from all corners of society — CEOs of major corporations, athletes, political figures, prominent actors and musicians, nonprofit leaders, and ordinary citizens.

These statements are appreciated, and do have value, he told BusinessWest, but the emphasis now must be on moving beyond words and into the realm of action to recognize, understand, and address actions and policies that contribute to systemic racism and inequality.

And this is starting to happen on a number of levels, he and others noted, citing everything from NASCAR’s decision to ban the confederate flag at its events to the NFL acknowledging it was wrong to discourage its players from kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial inequality and police brutality, to new bills aimed at banning police use of chokeholds.

But if the region and the nation are to fully seize this moment in time, they say, every business, institution, and municipality has to take a truly deep dive on this matter and make a commitment to effect real change.

And those we talked with expressed optimism there is now the requisite amount of momentum to do just that. And it has been created by what many described as a perfect storm of conditions — the incidents involving George Floyd, Rayshard Brooks, and many others over the years; the racial inequalities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic; and the fact that so many were home watching these events unfold. Despite incidents of violence and looting, those we spoke with believe the protests and marches, such as those in Springfield and other area communities, have created mostly positive energy and, in many respects, resolve not to let this opportunity be lost.

“I give credit to the young people for doing this — they’re carrying the passion,” Johnson said. “I was talking to a vice president at one of the local colleges; he’s talking about meeting with students who are not even on campus and may not return to campus, but are intent on finding out what this particular college is going to have to do to change in terms of some of the social conditions they’ve experienced.”

John Davis

John Davis, one of the founders of the Healing Racism Institute, says the agency was created to start a much-needed dialogue about race and racism.

Others we spoke with agreed, but acknowledged that progress can only come if the words in those statements and advertisements that so many businesses and institutions have generated in recent weeks are backed up with action and a lasting commitment to change.

“I would to say to my colleagues at other nonprofits … ‘look at your organizational structures — you’re serving largely Latino and African-American families, but your boards are almost all white,’” said Johnson, adding that, at many of these agencies, diversity exists at the lower levels of the employment spectrum, but not at the top. “They need to take a look at the leadership and make sure it reflects the composition of the folks they are servicing; that’s important for us to do.”

Even before the events of these past few weeks, many area businesses, institutions, and nonprofits were already looking inward — at policies, practices, and procedures — with an eye toward making them more anti-racist, to borrow Otero’s phrase.

And now, this confluence of circumstances is compelling some to look harder and deeper at what they’re doing (or not doing) and how.

At Baystate Health, Keroack said, the events of past several weeks have brought greater urgency to the discussion about the many forms of systemic racism, especially when it comes to public health.

“Here, as in so many communities across the country, communities of color are disadvantaged in some very fundamental ways when it comes to chronic disease burden — more asthma, more diabetes, more obesity, more hospitalizations for mental health, more maternal mortality, more infant mortality,” he explained. “And a shorter life span at birth; in some neighborhoods in Springfield, the average life span is 70, versus other neighborhoods where it’s 80, and suburban communities where it’s over 80. Your zip code really affects your health status in a very fundamental way.”

In response to this, Baystate is working with accountable-care organizations to address the health concerns of an assigned group of people — in this case, 40,000 people who receive care at inner-city health centers.

“But practicing medical care is not going to get where you need to be,” he went on. “You need to address the social determinants of health — housing, nutrition, transportation, legal aid, and public safety … and there’s a ton of work to be done.”

Meanwhile, the company is looking internally, at its practices and systems, with an eye toward creating greater diversity at all levels.

“We need to look at the systems that are in place, both in society and for me in this large organization, around hiring, advancement, and representation around the table of diverse voices,” he told BusinessWest. “We’ve worked very hard to build diversity on our board of trustees, but we still have a long way to go in terms of our leadership ranks.”

At the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC), there has been action in the form of new policies and procedures when it comes to hiring and posting positions, said the agency’s executive director, Kim Robinson.

These included the formation of something called the Race, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice Committee, which was formed by employees at the agency last year to address such issues within the organization. It was spawned in part by a housing study undertaken by the PVPC that revealed a number of disparities and what she called a “segregated community” across the region.

Christina Royal

Holyoke Community College President Christina Royal says racism is “structural and systemic,” so Band-Aid solutions are not going to fix root-cause issues.

“From that time on, we’ve been talking more and more within our organization about the need to do a race and equity plan for a region,” she said. “We think this is work that would be very interesting to undertake with other groups committed to this kind of work and seeing equity, social justice, and economic opportunity.”

While exploring when and how such a study might be undertaken, the PVPC has looked inward and seen a need to change language in its handbook and adopt several new policies when it comes to hiring.

“We’re going to require race, equity, and diversity training for every single one of our employees,” Robinson said. “And we’ve been evaluating where we post jobs to see if there was any inherent bias in that. We’ve added some additional avenues because we want to make sure we’re getting the word out to lots and lots of people.”

Looking Ahead — with Hope

At Holyoke Community College, Royal said the school continues to address issues of race and equality through initiatives designed to remove barriers and help see students through to completion of what they’re working to achieve. And it does so with the understanding that the problems are real and require lasting solutions.

“Racism is structural, and it’s systemic, so a Band-Aid solution is not going to fix the root-cause issues,” she explained. “It does start with having a commitment and an obligation to speak out against hatred, intolerance, and prejudice so we can really work toward building a truly equitable society.

“I feel a lot of pain with what’s happening in the world, but I also feel there’s a purpose to it,” said Royal, who is biracial and acknowledged that, five years before she was born, it would have been illegal for her parents to marry. “I do feel a sense of urgency and responsibility to contribute toward making our world better and our Pioneer Valley region better.”

She said equity remains a huge issue at her school and within society in general, and thus HCC has made it a priority to level the playing field when possible.

“We know that there are achievement gaps between our white students and our students of color,” she noted. “And we have a responsibility and a commitment to do better in this regard.”

She started with a town-hall meeting on June 3 to create dialogue about what was playing out on the news, but acknowledged that the school’s commitment goes beyond conversation.

“It starts with speaking out, but it doesn’t end there,” she said. “Authenticity of commitment to these issues is very important because, as I said, a Band-Aid approach isn’t going to work.”

Surveying the landscape around him, including a new mural at Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services that memorializes victims of police aggression and the people who have come to see it and take a selfie in front of it, Ronn Johnson reiterated his belief — and his hope — that real change is possible and perhaps even imminent, and that he feels privileged to be part of all that’s happening.

“I’m proud to be alive at this particular point in time,” he told BusinessWest. “I just feel that we’re at a place where we’ve really turned a corner; we’ve hit that tipping point where we’ll be able to look back two or three years from now and say, ‘that moment was worth it.’”

He’s certainly not alone in that sentiment — or the knowledge that much has to happen for people to be able to utter those words.

A seminal moment has arrived, and an opportunity has presented itself. It’s now incumbent on the businesses, institutions, and residents of this region to seize this moment.

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

Massachusetts Announces Additional Tax-relief Measures for Businesses

By
Daily News

BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, Senate President Karen Spilka, and House Speaker Robert DeLeo announced additional administrative tax-relief measures for local businesses that have been impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, especially in the restaurant and hospitality sectors.

This tax relief builds upon previous, similar tax extensions and includes postponing the collection of regular sales tax, meals tax, and room-occupancy tax for small businesses that would be due from March through August, so that they will instead be due in September. Additionally, all penalties and interest that would otherwise apply will be waived.

“We are proud to join our colleagues in the Legislature to announce this additional relief for local businesses throughout Massachusetts while we all continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and work to protect the health and safety of the Commonwealth’s residents,” Baker said. “These administrative changes extend tax-relief measures put into place earlier in March and will allow additional support for local companies, including small businesses in the restaurant and hospitality industries.”

Businesses that paid less than $150,000 in regular sales plus meals taxes in the year ending Feb. 29, 2020 will be eligible for relief for sales and meals taxes, and businesses that paid less than $150,000 in room occupancy taxes in the year ending Feb. 29, 2020 will be eligible for relief with respect to room-occupancy taxes.

For businesses with meals tax and room-occupancy tax obligations that do not otherwise qualify for this relief, late-file and late-pay penalties will be waived during this period.

“The Commonwealth is carrying out a historic response to the COVID-19 crisis,” Polito said. “We continue to seek ways to provide local businesses with tools, resources, and support to help reopen the Massachusetts economy while also ensuring key public-health measures are in place.”

STCC Receives $35,000 COVID-19 Relief Grant from Community Foundation

By
COVID-19 Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) received a $35,000 grant to help students affected by the COVID-19 health crisis.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts awarded the grant through the COVID-19 Response Fund for the Pioneer Valley. STCC was one of several organizations to receive financial help in the latest round of awards through the COVID-19 Response Fund.

The Community Foundation, which announced the grant on June 16, said the award is made possible in part through funding from the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund, which works in concert with regional community foundations and nonprofit leaders to support those across the state most impacted by the COVID-19 health crisis.

The grants are designed to address immediate needs for families, mental health, and food justice during the COVID-19 pandemic.

STCC President John Cook said the financial help is much-needed and appreciated during the pandemic, which has had a significant impact on populations served by STCC, including students of color.

“On behalf of a grateful college, we would like to express our appreciation for this award,” Cook said. “These are very difficult and complex times for public higher education, and we could not be more thankful for support from the Community Foundation.”

UMass Amherst Contributes to Development of Open-source N95 Respirator

By
COVID-19 Daily News

AMHERST — In one of the latest COVID-19 response projects at UMass Amherst, the Advanced Digital Design and Fabrication (ADDFab) laboratory is collaborating with a global network of design, engineering, and manufacturing experts to help develop an open-source N95 face mask.

ADDFab, one of the core facilities at UMass’s Institute for Applied Life Sciences, has been rapidly preparing 3D prints of prototype parts and molds for Cofab Design in Holyoke. Cofab business partner and design engineer Aaron Cantrell is one of the primary leaders of the Open Standard Respirator project, a nonprofit effort to broaden protective equipment supply for COVID-19 and beyond. The other leaders are biomechatronics engineer Matt Carney of the MIT Media Lab Biomechatronics Group and Philip Brown, assistant professor of Biomedical Engineering at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.

The project grew out of a grassroots desire to address the critical shortage of N95 masks caused by the pandemic. “There was a huge increase in demand that was beyond the ability of existing manufacturers to keep up with in a quick way,” Cantrell said. “There were no designs for people who wanted to chip in and start to help with this problem.”

Cantrell and Cofab’s two other partners, Mike Stone and Jake Horsey, with whom ADDFab has previously worked, needed a prototyping partner that could produce parts overnight and economically for the modular, reusable, filtering facepiece respirator. ADDFab student workers were able to turn around prototype pieces in both laser-sintered nylon and UV-cured polymer the day after the designs were digitally received in the lab.

“This project is a really good fit for our lab,” ADDFab Director David Follette said. “We can use high-end printers to print molds for silicone parts, which have very demanding requirements for accuracy and surface finish.”

Both Follette and Stone agree that the ongoing, local working relationship between ADDFab and Cofab quickly pushed the project forward. “To get prototypes that quickly from a third party or online service bureau would just be astronomically expensive, and then require overnight shipping,” Follette said.

Added Stone, “there was a huge amount of pressure to do this quickly, and we were sprinting to get things done. We had a trusted relationship with someone within driving distance from us who can deliver high-quality components using world-class materials and processes. This was the best-case scenario.”

Among other parts, ADDFab printed the mold tooling for the silicone face piece, allowing Cofab to test it out before committing to expensive metal tooling necessary for mass production.

“By locally 3D printing the molds and testing them quickly, they could be much more confident in their design when beginning to manufacture at scale,” Follette explained.

Cofab used the prototypes to finalize its design of the mask, which is now being field-tested at sites around the world. “It’s free for people who want to produce it,” Stone said. “At the end of the day, we want safe, reliable PPE to be in the hands of more people.”

A nonprofit will hold the license for the respirator design, and the makers will be responsible for seeking any certifications or approvals, if desired.

“On a bigger-picture front,” Stone said, “this is how open-source medical products might be able to work in the future.”

Time Is Running Out to Nominate a Healthcare Hero

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — 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. The deadline for nominations is July 1.

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.

Here are some examples of those who have become real heroes:

• Doctors and nurses;

• Emergency-room personnel, including doctors, nurses, orderlies, techs, triage, receptionists, and others;

• EMTs;

• Police and firefighters;

• Nursing-home personnel, everyone from frontline providers to administrators;

• End-of-life care providers;

• Administrators leading the efforts to battle the pandemic;

• Behavioral-health practitioners helping people and families navigate this crisis;

• Individuals and groups from our community who have stepped up to help healthcare workers with everything from hot meals to PPE;

• Companies that have pivoted and commenced production of materials such as PPE to help those in healthcare confront the pandemic;

• Scientists working behind the scenes to develop a vaccine or new types of PPE; and

• Truck drivers delivering supplies to hospitals and other providers.

These are just a few examples, and there are myriad others. In truth, everyone who goes to work in a hospital, nursing home, assisted-living facility, or other healthcare facility, thereby risking their own health, and perhaps their life, is a hero.

In many respects, all these heroes will be honored at the Healthcare Heroes event, now scheduled for this fall at the Springfield Sheraton. And to honor all of them, we want to bring to the podium a number of individuals and groups that represent everyone who has become a hero in these trying times.

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.

For more information on how to nominate someone for the Healthcare Heroes class of 2020, click here. Videos can be sent via dropbox to [email protected].

Healthcare Heroes is sponsored by Comcast Business and Elms College.

Massachusetts Gaming Commission Discusses Guidelines for Reopening Casinos

By
Daily News

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Gaming Commission met this week to discuss detailed guidelines for reopening the state’s casinos. The full report, to be voted on next week, is available by clicking here.

Among the guidelines are copious instructions about what casinos must do to clean and sanitize the facilities, both before the yet-to-be-determined reopening date and each day thereafter.

Also, craps, roulette, and poker will be unavailable at first, and plexiglass dividers at blackjack tables will separate players from dealers and each other. Slot machines must be spaced a minimum of six feet apart, or separated by plexiglass shields.

Food service and consumption will be limited to designated areas. While beverage service will be allowed in the gaming area, guests must still wear masks and may lower them only to drink.

The commission could also limit occupancy to as few as 25% of each casino’s regular capacity. For MGM Springfield, that would lower capacity from 7,400 to 1,870.

Springfield Museums Announce Steps Being Taken to Reopen Safely

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Museums hope to reopen to the public soon, in cooperation with Gov. Charlie Baker’s four-phase plan. The museums could begin welcoming visitors inside in early July in alignment with phase 3. Currently, visitors are welcome on the museums’ outdoors grounds.

Looking forward to reopening, the museums have been purchasing CDC-recommended cleaning supplies in abundance; adding plexiglass shields and no-touch credit card machines at the Welcome Center desk, Museum Store, and Blake House Café; increasing the signage for safety protocols, including wearing masks, social distancing, and frequent washing of hands; installing one-way traffic indicators for each museum and the Quadrangle green; and securing personal protective equipment for staff.

“The museums are working to ensure we offer a wonderful a museum experience, as our visitors have come to expect from our unique, multi-disciplinary museums,” said Kay Simpson, president and CEO of the Springfield Museums. “And we are putting into place protocols to help ensure visitor-experience is as safe as possible. Each of us plays a role in a safe reopening, with social distancing, face masks, and additional health and safety precautions in place.”

For those comfortable with hands-on experiences, the museums have all interactive exhibits in place and have added more hand-sanitizing stations and more frequent cleaning by the staff. Visitors will be encouraged to sanitize their hands before and after they use an interactive exhibit.

For those who look forward to a low- or no-touch experience still informed by educators and curators, the museums have introduced a mobile guide available through visitors’ smartphones. “The guide includes virtual gallery tours and maps,” said Larissa Murray, director of Education. “And it features interactive scavenger hunts that integrate learning with fun facts and beautiful images.”

The Museums have also enhanced smartphone audio tours, adding more stations to the Science Museum, D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts, and Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum. The Seuss Museum audio tour is available in English, Spanish, and Chinese.

“We really miss everyone,” Murray said. “Having families back at the museums, ready to celebrate this summer, will be such a great treat. And we are ready to make sure they have a great time.”

Educators in each of the museums’ facilitated spaces — the Cat’s Corner, the Smithsonian Spark!Lab, and the Art Discovery Center — have created single-use packets and set up activities that can be done at social distance.

“For centuries, museums have offered a place of solace,” said Heather Haskell, vice president of the Springfield Museums and director of its art museums. “We are a place where people can be together with plenty of room for social distance while still enjoying an experience in community.”

Big E to Host Drive-thru Fair-foods Event on June 27-28

By
Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Eastern States Exposition (ESE) is introducing “A Taste of the Big E,” a drive-thru event that previews 11 of the fair’s favorite food vendors and their offerings, including the iconic Big E Cream Puff and more, on Saturday, June 27 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, June 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“It brings me great pleasure to welcome guests to our grounds and provide a sample of their favorite Big E foods at this unique event,” ESE President and CEO Gene Cassidy said. “It is our hope that people will come from far and wide to get a taste of what’s to come in September at the fair.”

There is no entry fee, and drivers will enter the grounds at Gate 9 and be directed by parking staff to follow a designated path to New England Avenue. Food stands will be set up on each side of the road, and vehicles will enter single file.

Guests will be able to order, pay, and pick up their food before moving forward to the next two stands. Vendors will work quickly to take orders, process cash and credit-card payments, and deliver food to the vehicles. Guests will be asked to remain in their vehicles at all times and wear face masks or coverings when ordering and accepting food from vendors.

The final stop will be the Big E Cream Puff Mobile Bakery, situated on the Court of Honor. This marks the first time in the bakery’s history that Big E Cream Puffs and Big Eclairs will be available outside of the fair. Guests will then be directed to exit the grounds via Gate 2 onto Memorial Avenue.

Menus and more information can be found at www.thebige.com/tasteofthebige.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the West Springfield Parish Cupboard. Through financial contributions and food donations, the Parish Cupboard has been able to help thousands of citizens in West Springfield and Agawam for more than 30 years.

Springfield College Art Therapy/Counseling Master’s Program Accredited

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield College Art Therapy/Counseling master’s-degree program has been granted initial accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), effective immediately.

Awarded after a peer review by the Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education and the CAAHEP board of directors, this accreditation determined the Springfield College Art Therapy/Counseling program was in substantial compliance with nationally established accreditation standards.

“This truly is such a great day for Springfield College, and I want to say thank you to everyone who helped in this process. It truly was a team effort,” said Springfield College Art Therapy/Counseling and Art Education Director Simone Alter-Muri. “We had such an amazing advisory committee helping us through this process. We can’t thank everyone enough for their dedication and support.”

Students enrolled in the program will have the option to either pursue a master of science or master of education degree. Graduates are master’s-level clinicians who can jump right into the workforce or pursue additional licensure opportunities, which will allow them to earn a license in the mental-health field after graduation and to obtain board certification as an art therapist.

“To all of our Springfield College alumni, who through art therapy are making the world a better place, thank you, and this couldn’t have occurred without you,” Alter-Muri said.

UMass to Expand Online Educational Opportunities for Adults

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Daily News

BOSTON — The University of Massachusetts and Chapman University System announced their intent to form an exclusive strategic partnership between UMass Online and Brandman University to expand educational opportunities for adult learners in Massachusetts and across the nation.

This partnership, expected to be finalized later this year, will be launched as millions of adults in Massachusetts and across the U.S. need flexible, high-quality, and affordable online-education alternatives now and as they recover from the economic dislocation caused by COVID-19, which has disproportionately impacted communities of color.

Based in Irvine, Calif., Brandman was established in 1958 by Chapman University, a 159-year-old private institution in Orange, Calif. Originally founded to deliver high-quality education to active-service military, Brandman has evolved into a widely recognized leader in online education, with a strong record of serving veterans and a diverse range of adult learners.

The partnership will augment UMass Online, which now supports more than 25,000 students, strengthening its technology platform and student-support services tailored to adult learners.

“As our state and national economies are rapidly shifting, we need to do more for adults who are already in the workplace and those who have been displaced to enhance their current skills and develop new ones,” said UMass President Marty Meehan, who first announced plans to scale up online programs for adult learners last year. “Quality, affordability, and flexibility in higher education are needed more than ever to address the troubling lack of economic mobility. Through this partnership, we will deliver for the citizens of the Commonwealth and for learners across the nation. Given the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic and the vivid impact of racial inequality, a venture that previously seemed important to us is now nothing less than essential.”

Meehan recently cited dramatic declines in the number of high-school graduates and employers’ need for a highly skilled workforce in announcing plans to scale up online programming at UMass. He also cited the “troubling lack of economic mobility” among African-Americans and Hispanics. The economic disruption caused by COVID-19 has accelerated these challenges, and the need for new online education programs that remove the obstacles adult learners often face is now even more urgent.

A key target group for the partnership will be adult learners in underserved communities. According to a Strada Network survey of 4,000 adults, most Americans (62%) are concerned about unemployment, but African-Americans are moreso (68%), and their Latinx and Asian counterparts are even more worried (72%). The same study indicated that 53% of adult learners prefer online education opportunities.

“It is not a simple matter to accommodate adults who have to juggle children, jobs, elder care, and college attendance when the classes we offer are largely available during the work day,” said Katherine Newman, chancellor of Academic Programs fior the UMass system. “By far the best solution is to be found in rigorous, creative online education. All of us in higher education discovered how important distance learning is when the pandemic made on-campus classes impossible. But to scale up online education, we are going to need to do much more than translate our current curriculum to Zoom. We need to grow an affordable, flexible form of online education.”

CISA Welcomes Three New Board Members

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Daily News

SOUTH DEERFIELD — CISA (Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture) recently welcomed three new board members: Myra Marcellin, vice president and senior loan officer at Farm Credit East; Tessa White-Diemand, of Diemand Farm in Wendell; and Elizabeth Wroblicka, environmental consultant at Conservation Works. The three were voted in during CISA’s annual meeting, held virtually on May 21, and will serve three-year terms.

CISA, a South Deerfield based nonprofit, strengthens farms and engages the community to build the local food economy. CISA’s board is made up of both farmers and community members who represent a range of business and community ties. These three board members have expertise in a variety of topics directly related to CISA’s work, including firsthand farming experience, land conservation, and farm financing.

Marcellin serves in the local community, participating in the music ministry at her church, and she had served on the board of directors of the Boys & Girls Club Family Center until mid-2019. She has served in the agricultural community as well, representing Farm Credit East in various capacities and previously serving on the Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom board of directors. She currently serves as a regular trustee to the Eastern States Exposition, representing the state of Massachusetts.

White-Diemand returned to her family farm in 2017 after working in the social-work field for many years. She is the third generation to work the Diemand Farm in Wendell, raising grass-fed beef cattle, broiler chickens, cage-free laying hens, and pasture-raised turkeys. The farm also has a small commercial kitchen that produces value-added products which are sold at their small farm store and across the Pioneer Valley.

Wroblicka has dedicated her more than 25-year career to protecting important natural resources, including many farms and forests in the Pioneer Valley. Currently, as part of a team of environmental consultants at Conservation Works, LLC, she specializes in land-conservation transactions and helping landowners figure out the best way to protect their land. She has served as chief of Wildlife Lands for the Massachusetts Division of Wildlife, on staff at several land trusts, and as an attorney in private practice. She volunteers with several nonprofits and sits on the Northampton Conservation Commission.

Royal, P.C. Moves Headquarters to Springfield

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SPRINGFIELD — The law firm of Royal, P.C. has moved to Springfield. Founded by attorney Amy Royal in 2008, Royal, P.C. is now located in the Indian Orchard section of Springfield, at 819 Worcester St., Suite 2.

“Springfield is where I grew up, so it felt natural to relocate my law firm here,” Royal said. “Indian Orchard, with its unique history, has always felt like a special place within the city to me, and its geography otherwise places us in a more centralized location with respect to our Central and Eastern Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut clients.”

The telephone and fax numbers of (413) 586-2288 and (413) 586-2281 remain the same. For more information about the firm, visit www.theroyallawfirm.com.

Attorney Mark Esposito to Speak at 21st Annual Estate Planning Conference

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — 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.

A summa cum laude graduate of Boston University School of Law (2008) and magna cum laude graduate of Williams College (2005), sposito was named to the 2018 Massachusetts Rising Stars in the field of general litigation. He is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and its Massachusetts chapter.

Western New England University Names Robert Johnson Its Sixth President

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — 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.

“We believe we have found the perfect leader to build on our growth as an institution as we chart a course for Western New England’s second century,” Rickson said. “A scholar in the areas of educational leadership, cultural diversity and leadership, marketing and enrollment management, and the future of work, Dr. Johnson is a renowned thought leader who speaks and writes about the future of work, the agile mind, the agile university, and innovating for social impact.”

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

“Building on the leadership and legacy of Dr. Caprio is humbling and an honor,” he said. “His transformation and elevation of Western New England University for 24 years is historic. I look forward to engaging with the campus community to create a shared ambition in writing its next chapter in this extraordinary time, and navigating through this global pandemic and social unrest with a sense of humanity and civility.”

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.

“The Agile Mindset, which provides students the skillset and mindset to create new value with essential human skills to meet the demands of the future, will be critical to the academy in a post COVID-19 world,” Johnson said. “I look forward to working with our community to evolve the paradigm for the higher-education industry that steeps our students with a sense of humanity, grounding them in the liberal arts with an entrepreneurial spirit that spurs innovation and transforms the world.”

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.

A native of Detroit, Johnson was inspired to pursue a life of education for the social good by his uncle, who was a classmate of Martin Luther King Jr. Johnson holds a Ph.D. in higher education administration from Touro University International, formerly a division of Touro College in New York City; a master’s degree in education administration from the University of Cincinnati; a bachelor’s degree in economics from Morehouse College in Atlanta; and a certificate in applied neuroscience from MIT Sloan School of Management.

Big Y Appoints Theresa Jasmin CFO

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SPRINGFIELD — The board of directors of Big Y Foods Inc. announced the appointment of Theresa Jasmin as CFO following the recent retirement of William Mahoney. She is responsible for the company’s strategic planning, finance, accounting, treasury, and tax functions. As a senior member of the executive team, she reports to Charles D’Amour, president and CEO, along with Big Y’s board of directors. She also represents the first woman to be appointed to the company’s C-suite.

Jasmin has more than 25 years of experience in the food industry. She began her career at Friendly Ice Cream Corp., where she held senior management positions in both Treasury and Accounting. She joined Big Y in 2005 and held several positions of increasing responsibility in accounting and finance. She became controller in 2010. In 2014, she was appointed senior director of Finance, followed by vice president of Finance in 2016 until her new appointment.

Jasmin holds a BBA from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst and an MBA from Western New England University.

In 2014, she was named a Top Woman in Grocery by Progressive Grocer magazine and was a founding member of Big Y’s Women LEAD (Leaders Engaged in Action and Development), the company’s first-ever employee-resource group charged with inspiring and empowering women. She currently serves on the executive committee and as treasurer for the YMCA of Greater Springfield. She also serves on the finance committees for both the Massachusetts and Connecticut Food Associations.

MCLA Gallery 51 Offers Virtual Discussion of Time Cover by Titus Kaphar

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Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Gallery 51 will hold an online conversation about artist Titus Kaphar’s painting “Analogous Colors,” which graced the June 15, 2020 cover of Time magazine. The gallery will explore this piece through the lens of the nation’s recent events on Wednesday, June 24 from 5 to 6:30 p.m., using VTS Visual Thinking Strategies.

During this event, art will be the vehicle to create and sustain non-judgmental dialogue, with an opportunity to learn from one another’s observations.

Gallery 51 is committed to creating safe spaces for discourse and dialogue with, about, and through art. If not now, gallery leadership asserts, then never will people be able to engage in honest discussion about race and the experience of black and brown people in the U.S.

To register for this event, click here. For more information about upcoming programs, click here.

Westfield State Accepting Applications for Addiction Counselor Education Program

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Daily News

WESTFIELD — Westfield State University’s College of Graduate and Continuing Education is accepting applications for the 2020-21 addiction counselor education (ACE) program. Classes will be held evenings and weekends starting in September 2020 and ending in May 2021.

The goal of this non-credit certificate program, offered at the university since 1991, is to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and techniques necessary for the successful treatment of individuals and families afflicted by alcoholism and/or other drug addictions. This program has been highly instrumental in the professional development of individuals in Western Mass. who are either working or interested in the growing healthcare field of addiction services.

To help with this mission, Westfield State also offers the ACE program at a satellite location, in Pittsfield, to help train potential counselors in the Berkshires area to fill critical positions in treatment facilities that are understaffed and unable to fill open positions.

Applications for both programs are available online at www.westfield.ma.edu/ace. For more information, or to receive an application by mail, contact Brandon Fredette at [email protected] or (413) 572-8033.

Daniel Bradbury Joins Team at Associated Builders

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Daily News

SOUTH HADLEY — 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.”

UMass Amherst’s Hava Siegelmann Honored by U.S. Department of Defense

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Daily News

AMHERST — 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.

“The distinctive accomplishments of Dr. Siegelmann reflect great credit upon herself, DARPA, and the Department of Defense,” reads the citation in part.

Added Siegelmann, “I didn’t know that anyone was noticing what I do. It was so touching, and a complete surprise. I feel honored to be contributing. I think UMass should get credit for supporting me to run a very advanced AI lab such that the government wanted to invite me, and for allowing me to join what is literally the world’s most advanced and sophisticated AI initiative.”

CICS Dean Laura Haas added that “I am extremely proud of Hava’s service to DARPA and the nation. Our college is dedicated to a vision of computing for the common good, and Hava’s work at DARPA has helped to advance AI for us all.”

Siegelmann went to DARPA as a program manager in July 2016, where her charge included “that the United States needs to stay on top in AI,” she recalled.

Her 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. “Such a large leap in AI technology can only be achieved when we top researchers all put our strengths together and learn from each other,” she said.

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, she noted.

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.

“L2M has had major success in creating systems capable of learning and improving in real time,” Siegelmann said.

Red Lion Inn Reopens to Public

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Daily News

STOCKBRIDGE — The venerable Red Lion Inn in the heart of the Berkshires has reopened, and is ready to welcome guests back to the iconic front porch to relax in rocking chairs after a day spent outdoors soaking in the region’s fresh air and open spaces.

“The Berkshires are an ideal destination for travelers to truly get away and reconnect with nature,” said Max Scherff, general manager at the Red Lion Inn. “Several months of strategic planning have led to the creation of safeguards that ensure the highest levels of hygiene and cleanliness are met. We look forward to warmly, and safely, welcoming our guests to the Red Lion Inn.”

The Red Lion Inn will offer alfresco dining daily in the Courtyard starting with breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m. on weekdays and until 10:30 a.m. on weekends. Lunch will be served from noon to 2:30 p.m. Dinner service is from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Limited menu items will be offered from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Takeout and room-service options are also available.

Local Businesses Donate More Than 400 Meals for Frontline Workers

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Daily News

LUDLOW — The novel coronavirus has sparked a public-health emergency that has required frontline workers like doctors and nurses, first responders, and pharmacists to work tirelessly to keep the public safe. With this in mind, Ludlow-based Pioneer Valley Financial Group and Mill’s Tavern & Grille formed a partnership to cook and deliver food to the frontline workers who need the community’s support the most.

Starting on April 10, each week, PV Financial donated $350 to Mill’s Tavern to help pay for the cost of food and delivery, while also relying upon donations from the community through a GoFundMe campaign that raised more than $2,280.

“This is my way of giving back to those frontline workers who are sacrificing and contributing so much to keep us safe during these tough times,” said Paul Marques, owner of Mill’s Tavern & Grille.

Donations to the GoFundMe campaign have allowed Mill’s Tavern and PV Financial to deliver more than 400 meals to hospitals, police and fire departments, and pharmacies all across Western Mass. These locations include the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, Baystate Mary Lane in Ware, and CVS Pharmacy in Ludlow.

“Delivering to local doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and National Guard members working diligently during these uncertain times means more than just providing free meals,” PV Financial Managing Partner Edward Sokolowski said. “It’s a show of support to members of our community fighting an unspeakable tragedy, putting themselves at risk to keep others safe.”

Alumni Achievement Award Nominations Close Today

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Today is the last day to submit nominations for BusinessWest’s sixth annual Alumni Achievement Award. The deadline is 5 p.m. — no exceptions.

When BusinessWest launched its 40 Under Forty program in 2007, it did so to identify rising stars across our region — individuals who were excelling in business and through involvement within the community — and celebrate their accomplishments.

In 2015, BusinessWest announced a new award, one that builds on the foundation upon which 40 Under Forty was created. It’s called the Alumni Achievement Award (formerly the Continued Excellence Award). As the name suggests, it is presented to the 40 Under Forty honoree who, in the eyes of an independent panel of judges, has most impressively continued and built upon his or her track record of accomplishment.

To nominate someone for this award, visit businesswest.com/40-under-forty/40-under-forty-alumni-achievement-award. Only nominations submitted to BusinessWest on this form will be considered. Candidates must be from 40 Under Forty classes prior to the year of the award — in this case, classes 2007 to 2019.

Past winners include: 2019: Cinda Jones, president, W.D. Cowls Inc. (40 Under Forty class of 2007); 2018: Samalid Hogan, regional director, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (class of 2013); 2017: Scott Foster, attorney, Bulkley Richardson (class of 2011), and Nicole Griffin, owner, ManeHire (class of 2014); 2016: Dr. Jonathan Bayuk, president, Allergy & Immunology Associates of New England (class of 2008); 2015: Delcie Bean, president, Paragus Strategic IT (class of 2008).

The 2020 honoree will be announced at the 40 Under Forty gala later this year. The presenting sponsor of the Alumni Achievement Award is Health New England.

Eversource Completes Westfield Reliability Project

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Daily News

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.

Two-part ‘Interrupting Racism’ Online Training to Be Offered on June 25, 29

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Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — 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.

Human in Common Director Deborah Cohen noted that the Harvard Business Review and the Equal Opportunity Opportunity Commission (EEOC) found that, after 30 years of legislation, racial and sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace are still at epicemic levels, and traditional diversity trainings don’t seem to be working. The EEOC, Harvard Business Review, and now Forbes are recommending active bystander training to prepare workers with the skills to appropriately intervene.

“Too often, well-intentioned people want to do the right thing, but are afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing, and as a result remain silent,” Cohen said. “This workshop breaks it down, teaching specific skills and providing opportunities to practice in a supportive environment. The result is greater awareness, confidence, and ability to nip problems in the bud. Participants leave with a diversity mission statement, language for effectively and respectfully interrupting bias, and specific policies and practices to amplify racial equity.”

The event webpage is bit.ly/2MMrNmr, or visit www.facebook.com/events/193655011884223.

Initial Unemployment Claims Up Slightly Last Week in Massachusetts

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Daily News

BOSTON — Massachusetts had 44,660 individuals file an initial claim for standard unemployment insurance (UI) from May 31 to June 6, an increase of 17,626 over the previous week. Since March 15, a total of 968,899 initial claims have been filed for UI. At 565,898, continued UI claims decreased by 9,964 or 1.7% over the previous week, the second consecutive week of decline.

There were 20,991 Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) initial claims filed for the week ending June 6, 33,290 fewer than the previous week. Since April 20, 2020, 594,068 claimants have filed for PUA.

The Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), which provided up to 13 weeks of extended benefits to individuals who have exhausted or expired their regular unemployment compensation since July 2019, was implemented on May 21. For the week ending June 6, 3,692 PEUC claims were filed, bringing the total of PEUC filings to 46,945 since implementation.

Mill Town Acquires Bousquet Mountain, Announces Partnership with Berkshire East

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Daily News

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.”

UMassFive Steps Up to Help Students, Families Pay for College in Uncertain Times

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Daily News

HADLEY — With uncertainty surrounding whether colleges will reopen this fall for in-person classes, and new financial realities brought about by the ongoing pandemic, many families will be facing difficult decisions about higher education in the coming weeks. UMassFive College Federal Credit Union, in collaboration with Credit Union Student Choice (CUSC), is rising to meet this challenge by providing clear guidance and flexible funding solutions for college-bound students and their families.

“Planning and paying for college is stressful for families even in the best of times,” said Craig Boivin, vice president of Marketing at UMassFive. “With so many unanswered questions about the upcoming fall semester, we’re expanding our offerings to include a new online hub of timely articles and resources, as well as an even more flexible college-funding solution with our private education line of credit.”

UMassFive’s application process now allows borrowers to establish a line of credit without requiring them to specify a school or input a specific loan amount. This innovative approach is unique in the private student-loan marketplace and will give borrowers peace of mind, knowing they have secured funding regardless of their decision for this fall. Additionally, this setup means borrowers know what funds they have available now, and in the future, without the need to reapply each year. Once they have decided on attendance at a particular school and/or determined the exact loan amount needed, borrowers can easily return to their account to finalize their funding request.

“UMassFive has offered a private education line of credit through our partner, Credit Union Student Choice, for the past 11 years to help families responsibly fill funding gaps that remain after other sources have been exhausted,” Boivin said. “Our solution features competitive interest rates, in-school deferred payment, and a graduated repayment option. Now more than ever, we recognize that families are seeking both financial support and trusted experts to turn to for information. As their local credit union, we are here to fulfill those needs.”

In addition to the online information hub, UMassFive members can receive one-on-one advice about planning and paying for college from a college access and repayment counselor and access an online library of self-paced webinars.

To learn more about UMassFive’s private student lending solution, visit umassfive.studentchoice.org.

Big Y Appoints Stephen Creed Distribution Leader

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — 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.

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