Day: August 4, 2020

BOSTON — Confidence among Massachusetts employers weakened during July after two months of gains as the COVID-19 pandemic shrank the U.S. economy at a 33% annual clip during the second quarter.

The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Business Confidence Index fell 3.2 points to 45.8, indicating a predominantly pessimistic outlook among businesses throughout the Commonwealth. Confidence was 16.2 points less than in July 2019.

The decrease, which came four months after the index suffered the largest one-time decline in its history, reflected concern among employers that surging COVID-19 cases in other parts of the country could eventually spell a prolonged and uneven national economic recovery.

Employers, in fact, showed significantly more confidence in the prospects of the Massachusetts economy than the national one, as the Massachusetts Index portion of the BCI rose 2 points in July while the National Index tumbled 6.5 points.

“Businesses continue to face uncertainty around both the public-health crisis and the economic crisis brought about by shutdowns and stay-at-home orders,” said Raymond Torto, professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Design and Chair of the Board of Economic Advisors (BEA). “The uncertainty will only intensify as cities and towns debate what to do about opening schools in September.”

The AIM Index, based on a survey of more than 140 Massachusetts employers, has appeared monthly since July 1991. It is calculated on a 100-point scale, with 50 as neutral; a reading above 50 is positive, while below 50 is negative.

The constituent indicators that make up the Business Confidence Index were mostly lower during July. Employers’ confidence in their own companies fell 4 points to 47.6 after moving into optimistic territory the previous month for the first time since the COVID-19 shutdown.

The gain in the Massachusetts Index assessing business conditions within the Commonwealth brought it to 48.8, 19.4 points lower than a year ago. The U.S. Index measuring conditions nationally ended the month at 37.2, losing 25.4 points during the past 12 months.

The Current Index, which assesses overall business conditions at the time of the survey, slid 4.3 points to 42.0. The Future Index, measuring expectations for six months out, dropped 2.2 points to 49.6. The Employment Index declined slightly — 0.5 points to 47.7 — while the Sales Index, a leading indicator, declined 9.1 points to 42.6 points.

Manufacturing companies (46.7) were more confident than non-manufacturers (44.8). Medium-sized companies (46.9) were more optimistic than small companies (45.9) or large companies (44.1). Companies in Western Mass. (46.3) were more upbeat than those in Eastern Mass. (45.3).

Katherine Kiel, professor of Economics at the College of the Holy Cross and a BEA member, said employers continue to face headwinds in a Massachusetts economy that declined at a staggering 43.8% annual rate during the second quarter.

“The pandemic affected Massachusetts and other northeastern states early and severely during the second quarter, so it’s not surprising that Massachusetts now has the highest unemployment rate in the nation at 17.4%,” Kiel said. “September will mark a critical juncture in the recovery as we see how many students return to college campuses and how schools handle the start of classes.”

AIM President and CEO John Regan, also a BEA member, said a key factor for Massachusetts employers moving forward will be the willingness of the federal government to provide financial support to the Commonwealth’s struggling unemployment-insurance system.

Projections from the most recent Unemployment Trust Fund Outlook Report estimate the fund will run a $6.6 billion deficit over the next several years. Employer contributions are due to increase from $1.6 billion this year to $2.2 billion in 2021.

“AIM strongly supports measures that will stabilize the unemployment-insurance system and moderate potential unemployment-tax increases for employers already struggling to keep their doors open,” Regan said.

Christopher Mainard, Amanda Limero Join St. Germain Investment Management

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Michael Matty, president of D.J. St. Germain Investment Management Co. Inc., announced the appointment of Christopher Mainard to Operations specialist and Amanda Limero to Client Services and Operations associate.

Mainard has a strong working knowledge of trading, client services, financial operations, and data analysis, with more than 20 years of experience in those fields.

His career began in the compliance division of Hartford, Conn.-based Advest Inc. His experience there included responsibilities in retirement operations, subsequently becoming the Operations supervisor for the Investment Management department. His career continued to expand with experience gained from other investment-management firms in Boston. While at Taylor Investments, he was a Trading and Portfolio specialist.

Limero, who will be working out of St. Germain’s d/b/a Gage-Wiley office in Northampton, has more than 18 years of banking experience and brings a wide range of skills in operations, administration, corporate communications and customer relationships. She spent the past 13 years at United Bank, with the last five of those years as a Payment Operations manager.

She holds an associate degree in liberal arts from Holyoke Community College and a bachelor’s degree in business management from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst. She recently passed the Securities Industries Essential Exam, a new-for-2020 requirement pertinent to the securities industry.

Real-estate Licensing Course Starts Sept. 9

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Beginning Sept. 9, the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley will sponsor a 40-hour, 14-class, sales-licensing course to help individuals prepare for the Massachusetts real-estate salesperson license exam. The course will be completed on Oct. 15. Tuition is $400 and includes the book and materials. For an application, call the (413) 785-1328 or visit www.rapv.com.

The Realtors Assoc. has taken all necessary COVID-19 sanitary precautions in accordance with CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines to ensure the safety of its students. Classes are limited to 18 students.

IT Bond Bill Includes $300,000 for Town of Amherst

Daily News

BOSTON — State Rep. Mindy Domb announced designated funding in the amount of $300,000 for the town of Amherst for information-technology (IT) upgrades in the recently passed IT bond bill. Domb joined her colleagues in the state Legislature to pass the legislation, which authorizes up to $1.7 billion in spending for the improvement of IT equipment and related projects in Massachusetts.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has shined a light on the importance of digital equity and the need to ensure a strong information-technology infrastructure that is available to all. I am proud to have played a role in making sure the 3rd Hampshire gets our fair share of state resources,” Domb said. “This funding will assist the town of Amherst to undertake projects in the coming years as varied as providing free wi-fi internet access in downtown Amherst for the benefit of people who need it, including people who are experiencing homelessness, visitors, and small businesses; connecting underserved residents to wi-fi internet access by expanding wi-fi internet access to key municipal parking lots near town and school buildings; purchasing IT equipment for disaster preparation and contingency preparedness; delivering information-technology technical assistance to the Amherst Senior Center and its participants and acquiring necessary IT equipment for their benefit; and expanding remote-work capabilities and creating efficiencies in town government functions.”

Paul Bockelman, Amherst town manager, added that “the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the town to make significant investments in technology and migrate services to online platforms. It is important that the state recognize the need for further investment, and I thank Rep. Domb for her advocacy to ensure this commitment for the town of Amherst is included in this important bill.”

COVID-19 May Bring Lasting Change to the Landscape

By Joseph Bednar August 4, 2020

Coronavirus Cover Story Modern Office

The Future of Work

Michael Galat, vice president of Employee Services at Big Y.

When businesses sent employees home in mid-March, many thought it would be for just a few weeks. Instead, as the pandemic lingered, weeks stretched into months, and now, even as companies are allowed to bring their teams back on site, many have not. The reason? Employers say it makes little sense to risk their people’s health if they can do their job just as well at home. But … if they can work effectively at home, why bring them back at all? That’s a conversation many companies are having as they ponder the future of the workplace in the COVID-19 era.

Big Y Foods is one of the region’s largest companies, with more than 11,000 employees throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. It has also been an essential business throughout the pandemic, so it never shut down.

Many of its employees — those who stock shelves, prepare food, work the cashier lines, and do any number of other tasks — must do their jobs on site, in a specific location. But at Big Y’s 300-employee-strong customer-support center in Springfield, which supports those frontline workers, that wasn’t necessarily the case.

“About 80% of them started working from home once COVID-19 started gaining traction,” said Michael Galat, vice president of Employee Services at Big Y. That shift meant setting everyone up with the right equipment if they didn’t have it at home, and also putting together a best-practices guide for working remotely. “Whether people are working remotely or not, they need to have access and be available to support those locations.”

The lesson learned over four months? They did their jobs just fine. And until COVID-19 begins to subside in earnest, Big Y is taking its time bringing employees — at least the ones who don’t have to work in the stores — back to their pre-pandemic workspaces.

“We’re definitely taking our time. We’re at about 30% in the support center now,” Galat said. “Obviously this is peak vacation time, but we are slowly, and I mean slowly, reintegrating people in the support center.”

PeoplesBank is learning similar lessons about what employees can accomplish at home, said Amy Roberts, chief Human Resources officer.

“There’s always a concern, when you don’t have someone on site, because you can’t see what they’re doing. Are they working?” she said. “But we haven’t really missed a beat in terms of productivity levels. Some people like working from home — it works for them — while some people prefer working in the office, and they can’t wait to come back. But for overall productivity and meeting the needs of customers, we haven’t had any concerns.”

Roberts doesn’t see a day, post-pandemic, when the majority of bank employees are still working at home. But functioning so well over the past few months has at least gotten HR leaders talking.

“Is this something we can do on a more permanent basis? We’re still trying to figure out the right blend. But there seems to be some opportunity for flexible work options, and I think we’re going to do that in the future.”

“Is this something we can do on a more permanent basis? We’re still trying to figure out the right blend,” she told BusinessWest. “But there seems to be some opportunity for flexible work options, and I think we’re going to do that in the future.”

Patrick Leary has had those conversations, too. As a partner with MP CPAs, he understands that much of his business is face to face with clients. “But I don’t think we’ll go back to 100% on site.”

Elaborating, he explained that “the model of having everyone show up at 9 o’clock and work all day until 5, then go home, I think it’s really been proven that it doesn’t need to be that way. Yes, we need to have people available, and we can’t have somebody that decides, ‘I want to enjoy my day, so I’ll start the workday at 5 p.m. and work till 1 a.m.’ — although some of the 20-somethings might like that; me, I need to be in bed by 9.”

But while it’s true that employees need to be available to field phone calls and take appointments during core work hours, he went on, it may not be necessary to have everyone working in the same place at the same time.

“I think our ideas about what is a regular workplace have completely changed,” Leary went on, and it wasn’t sending everyone home in March that shifted those ideas; it was how long the stay-at-home trend has lasted.

Amy Roberts says PeoplesBank has to balance the benefits of working at home with the interactive employee culture it has cultivated.

“If everyone went home, and two weeks later they were back in the office, we wouldn’t be having this conversation,” he noted. “But we’ve proven in four months that people can work at home, work efficiently at home, and accept working at home.”

These three companies — a supermarket chain, a bank, and an accounting firm — all have totally different business models and customer needs, yet they’re all saying the same thing when it comes to the workplace of the future, and specifically whether remote work is here to stay: nothing is set in stone, but it’s a conversation worth having.

Shifting on the Fly

Shifting to remote appointments back in March was a smooth process, Leary said, partly because all the clients were working remotely, too.

“That part of it was not overly challenging,” he added. “And we had stress-tested our internal systems about a month earlier as good practice, just to see how we were doing. We did some modifications, so system-wide, we were in good shape. We had been using voice over internet for the phones, so when someone called at the office, it could ring at the house. So we were good there.”

The company did need to work through some quality-control issues, however, especially since the team was being physically separated during the heart of tax-preparation season.

“That, to me, was the biggest challenge,” he said. “Most people are accustomed to doing that in face-to-face settings, but we did it with everyone at home. We developed some protocols for how that would work.”

The firm created a schedule for individuals to come to the office to pick up packages, scan documents, and send them to the right people.

“The model of having everyone show up at 9 o’clock and work all day until 5, then go home, I think it’s really been proven that it doesn’t need to be that way.”

“Then there was the whole PPP thing, working with virtually all our business clients, showing them how to apply for it, and making sure they knew they rules, which were evolving almost daily,” Leary recalled. “We had a core group staying really closely involved and on top of the regulations, and we did a couple of webinars for clients.”

Then there was COVID-19 itself. “We were helping clients through their issues with business being called off — what do they do for cash flow?” he went on. “But the biggest challenge for me was that it all occurred during our busiest time.”

Banking customers were dealing with some of the same issues, as well as their usual needs, and PeoplesBank leaders were quick to make sure employees were set up to work at home.

“In a matter of two weeks, we assigned something like 150 Chromebooks and issued VPN access to all office items,” Roberts said, noting that about 170 people who work in the office were sent home to work. Some, who could not get the access they needed for whatever reason, were paid until the issues were resolved, and they began working from home as well.

These days, the main office is about 25% occupied, with most still working totally from home and others coming into the office one or two days a week. Like Leary, Roberts said discussions have already taken place regarding what the past four months mean for the future of remote work.

“There are definitely limitations, if we’re going to pursue it is a work type,” she said. “We’re going to need technology that ensures full access and takes care of the little things you experience when you’re at home instead of the office, like system slowdowns and delays.”

In short, if PeoplesBank is going to expand remote work in perpetuity — and not just because a pandemic has forced much of the work world home — it needs to the same experience from a work standpoint. “We’ve highlighted things that can be better. But for the most part, it’s been pretty seamless.”

Leary said the current situation has opened his eyes to internet infrastructure needs in the community, especially in places like the hilltowns, which can run into slow speeds and spotty cell service. “If this becomes the new norm, we can’t have someone working in their house who can’t connect to the outside world efficiently.”

Remote Learning

For a company like Big Y — which, between its supermarkets, convenience stores, and gas stations, is a 24/7 operation — flexible work options on the customer-support side make sense, Galat said.

“We’re able to give flexibility to that employee who may have childcare issues, or is caring for an elderly parent, and it allows us to support our stores while minimizing the amount of people who come in here,” he said, which remains an issue with the pandemic still a threat. “So having flexibility of schedule helps their personal lives and also our workplace.”

Patrick Leary says a shift to more permanent work-at-home options will require an investment in technology.

Claire D’Amour-Daley, the chain’s vice president of Corporate Communications, agreed. “Some have even felt more productive at home than here. It will certainly be part of the workplace of the future.”

She was especially impressed that the company was able to shift how it did business — not just moving some employees home, but taking steps to protect the ones in the stores — essentially on the fly.

“We’re used to working quickly, but not that quickly,” she said. “The stores were slammed the first few weeks, and this added yet another element of urgency. But we never stopped; we quickly pivoted to serve our stores and our customers in an unprecedented manner.”

“We made it work, and we needed to,” Galat added. “We needed to stay connected more than ever during this time.”

That said, “there are more discussions to be had,” he continued. “Absolutely, some lessons were learned — we’re able to support our locations — but when you look at the company-culture part of it, you lose that social aspect.”

To counter that, remote employees have been conferencing over Zoom three or four times a week, in some departments every day. Meanwhile, they’ve been issued guidance for working efficiently at home, from creating a comfortable, ergonomically correct work area to setting aside time for mind-clearing breaks.

“Eighty to 85% of the feedback has been positive,” Galat said. “People have been able to get their products done. Some have missed the social element, but for others, there’s value in the time saved not commuting in traffic.”

PeoplesBank has long promoted an interactive, employee-centric culture, and that has to be considered when pondering the future of the workplace.

“We rely on that interaction and engagement you get by being in the office together as a group,” Roberts said.

“Making sure we can continue that interactive part of our culture is something I’m really focused on right now. That’s a tricky one. If you have a completely remote workforce, you lose some of those engagement opportunities, and you have to shift some of the ways you engage. We’re not going to let that stop us from pursuing flexibility, but we have to consider the great culture that we have.”

Home or Away?

While employee culture and technology requirements are certainly legitimate topics of discussion, none of the professionals who spoke with BusinessWest expressed much concern about employee accountability and efficiency — “our concerns about people not doing their work dissipated pretty quickly,” D’Amour-Daley said — meaning remote workers may indeed have a broader role in the future.

“It’s been interesting to say the least,” Leary said. “I’ve fallen into a pretty good routine from day one. I’ve tried to make it a regular day: shower, get dressed — not in a suit, but not pajamas — and sit down at my computer. It makes for a more normal routine than saying, ‘I’ll get to work when I get to it.’ And I think most people would feel the same.”

Expanded use of remote work would also open up opportunities for both companies and employees, especially those who want to live in, say, Boston or New York City, he noted. Those individuals could expand their job-search horizons, while Western Mass. could become a more attractive place for businesses to set down roots, taking advantage of the region’s relatively low lease rates while hiring from afar.

All these opportunities can only open up if remote work proves a viable option. And companies of all types are starting to think it is.

“I haven’t had a single client call and say, ‘hey, I was talking to Sally, and I heard a dog barking in the background; it was really distracting,’” Leary said. “I actually think the idea of working from home is good for people. In that time they’d be commuting, maybe they’re exercising or spending more time with their family.

“People do miss the social interaction,” he was quick to add. “Maybe they live alone, or it’s just them and their significant other in the office.”

But the employees of MP CPAs who are back in the office — about half the team — are there by choice, he said, with others choosing to remain at home.

Because it works. And employers like things that work. So, in this era of Zoom and home offices and (sometimes) pajamas, they’re paying attention.

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Paul Belsito Eyes ‘Impact Philanthropy’ as He Takes Helm at Davis Foundation

Coronavirus Special Coverage

Features Special Coverage

Mission: Accepted

Paul Belsito

Paul Belsito admits he’s struggling somewhat with Zoom and conference calls — not the technology, but the nature of those forms of communication.

He’s a people person, and he likes meeting them face to face — and not on screen or over the phone.

“I enjoy going to events and networking — that’s how I meet people,” he said, noting that there haven’t been any opportunities like that since he’s arrived, and he’s looking to the day when they return. “Zoom is OK, and I’m getting good at it, but it’s not the same.”

But it is reality in the summer of 2020, and this is how Belsito, chosen late this spring to fill the rather large shoes of Mary Walachy as executive director of the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation, has been going about what will remain his primary assignment for the foreseeable future.

And that is to ‘meet’ as many people as possible and come to fully understand the many issues and challenges facing the Western Mass. community.

“This is a world built on relationships, and you have to understand people’s perspectives and listen actively so you can help build on the foundation that’s been laid,” he explained, adding that, since arriving in early June, he’s been doing a lot of listening, with the intention of acting — and collaborating with others — on what he’s hearing.

It’s an assignment he accepts with considerable enthusiasm, and one to which he brings an intriguing background, blending work in financial services, government (he was district director for state Sen. Edward Augustus), higher education (he was executive assistant to the president at Assumption College in Worcester, his alma mater), and philanthropy; most recently he served as president of the Hanover Insurance Group Foundation in Worcester and assistant vice president for Community Relations.

And he intends to draw on all that experience in a role that involves everything from community outreach to regional problem solving, but mostly comes down to what Belsito calls “impact philanthropy.”

“A lot of my work has been grounded in community work,” he said, using that phrase to describe many of his career stops. “Getting involved and influencing has always been part of my DNA, and it’s generational in many ways — my family was very involved in the community in Worcester.”

This devotion to community work, as well as an opportunity to continue and build on Davis Foundation initiatives in literacy, early-childhood education, improving the Springfield Public Schools, and other endeavors, drew him to the Davis Foundation, created by George Davis, founder of American Saw & Manufacturing, and his wife Irene, and the opportunity to succeed Walachy, whose work he has admired from Worcester.

“The work that Davis has done in literacy and specifically early education is well-known throughout the Commonwealth,” he noted. “I had known them from that lens of an active member in a peer community trying to work on the same issues; Mary is a household name in the early-education space throughout the Commonwealth, and her name is often brought up as someone to model in her guidance on how to pull these programs together.”

Coming to Springfield from Worcester, Belsito said there are many similarities between the state’s second- and third-largest cities (with Worcester being the former), and common challenges. These include everything from education to economic development and job creation. But they are different and unique communities with their own “personalities,” as he called them.

“This is a world built on relationships, and you have to understand people’s perspectives and listen actively so you can help build on the foundation that’s been laid.”

“Worcester and Springfield are not the same, although they do have similar traits,” he noted. “It’s my job to listen and maybe take some of my experiences from Worcester and share those with folks in Springfield. Maybe one in 20 will catch and improve the lives of children and families.”

Meanwhile, recent events have brought other priorities to the fore, including the plight of the region’s nonprofits, many of which have been severely impacted by the pandemic from the standpoints of revenue and sustainability, and the broad issue of racial justice, which the foundation has helped address through creation of the Healing Racism Institute, now a separate 501(c)(3), but still very much affiliated with the Davis Foundation.

Paul Belsito says his primary goal is to build on the foundation created by the Davis Foundation with initiatives such as Educare Springfield, a unique early-education facility that opened its doors last fall.

And these emerging issues are dominating many of those discussions he’s been having as he goes about listening and building relationships.

For this issue, BusinessWest talked at length with Belsito about his new role, but especially about the challenges facing Springfield, the region, and its large core of nonprofits — all of which have looked to the Davis Foundation over the years for not simply financial support, but also direction and leadership.

Moving forward, he said the foundation will be continuing in those roles and constantly looking for new ways in which to make an impact and move the needle.

Background: Check

Tracing the steps that brought him to the Davis Foundation’s suite of offices in Monarch Place, Belsito said his professional career started at Flagship Bank and Trust Co. in Worcester, where he served as a trust administrator, working with families to help manage their assets and trusts.

While in that role, he started doing volunteer work within the community, and before long, his career aspirations changed.

“All of a sudden, everything flipped, and the volunteer work became a career,” he told BusinessWest, adding that, in 2005, he started working for Augustus, now the city manager in Worcester. After a stint as a private consultant, he became executive assistant to the president at Assumption, which was, in many ways, a continuation of the work he did at the State House.

“I worked for a state senator who was very driven by policy, not politics,” he explained. “His mindset was, while we were in that building, how could we improve the lives of people not only in that district, but across the Commonwealth? The policy piece was very important to me, and it carried over to the higher-education piece.”

From Assumption, he went to Hanover Insurance, which, like MassMutual in this market, has historically been deeply involved in the community, often serving as a “catalyst for change,” as he put it.

He started in community relations and eventually became president of the Hanover Insurance Group Foundation.

“As we began to pivot on how to not only make the company a world-class company but also the city in which it was headquartered, I did a lot of work with the Worcester Public Schools, with the Hanover Theater, and various organizations within the community that really helped to round out the experience for children and families so that they would be successful out in the community,” he said, noting that perhaps the most significant initiative launched by the Hanover Foundation is the Advancement Via Individualized Determination (AVID) college-readiness program in the Worcester Public Schools.

“It was an honor to work for a company that was so committed to impact philanthropy,” he went on, “which is trying to move the needle and have outcomes and data that support the investment that you’re making.”

Slicing through his job description at Davis, he said it’s to generate this type of needle-moving philanthropy — or more of it, because the foundation has been involved in a number of potentially game-changing initiatives, including Cherish Every Child, a nationally recognized Reading Success by 4th Grade program, the advocacy group Springfield Business Leaders for Education, and, most recently, the effort to establish the innovative Educare Springfield early-education center, which opened last fall near the campus of Springfield College.

“One of the things that struck me about the Davis family was the humility with which they do their work. They want to be sure they’re supporting things that generate outcomes and improve the quality of education and quality of life for children and families in the region.”

The desire to continue such initiatives and create more of them brought Belsito to Springfield (via Zoom) to interview for the Davis job, a job posting that came about as he was looking for a new challenge after spending a short stint working for the city of Worcester on its COVID-19 response.

“I had known of Davis for a long time — and we actually used Davis and the work that Springfield was doing as one of the models as we were developing a reading-for-success program what would work best for our community.”

Forward Thinking

Looking ahead, Belsito said that, as the Davis Foundation continues its mission of service to the community, the specific direction of its initiatives will be determined by recognized needs within area cities and towns.

But he’s certain that education and a hard focus on young people will be at the heart of those discussions.

“One of the things that struck me about the Davis family was the humility with which they do their work,” he explained. “They want to be sure they’re supporting things that generate outcomes and improve the quality of education and quality of life for children and families in the region.

“And if you look at the legacy of the family, that’s been a consistent theme,” he went on. “And as we look to the next phase of where the Davis family’s impact will be, I believe that it will consistently be in education and literacy, but we also have a new generation of family members who are getting more active within the community, so how do we integrate some of their perspectives in making sure that we have a consistent, shared goal of improving the lives of children and families in Hampden County?”

Beyond this shared goal, there are new and emerging needs within the community, he said, noting, as one example, the mounting challenges facing the region’s large core of nonprofit organizations, many of which were struggling with finances before COVID-19.

“Many nonprofits are in a vulnerable state from a financial perspective,” he noted. “And this experience from the past few months has only exacerbated that. So we want to look at how Davis and organizations like the Community Foundation of Western Mass. can come together to help ensure that the mission-driven organizations that are needed for the community to be successful can thrive and be able to provide the services they need.

“Even from the start of my interview process at Davis to today, a lot has changed,” Belsito went on, referring not only to the pandemic and its repercussions, but also George Floyd’s death and the resulting focus on racial justice. “Perspectives have changed, and priorities have changed, and so we need to convene people at the local level and ask, ‘what does this community need to be successful?’”

What hasn’t changed are the many social determinants of health — from housing and transportation to food insecurity and job losses — that are impacting quality of life in the region, he continued, adding that COVID-19 has helped shine a light on inequities in the system and the need to initiate steps to address them.

And when it comes to such efforts and other initiatives, the key is listening to members of the community and creating a dialogue about to address these problems, he said, adding that the Davis Foundation has historically been a leader in such discussions, and it will continue to play that role into the future.

“I’m a believer that, when you pull people together, there’s usually a solution that can be found,” he said, using that phrase to refer to everything from the sustainability of nonprofits to improving public education.

‘Meeting’ the Challenge

Left with what he says is little choice, Belsito has become quite savvy with Zoom and other virtual methods for meeting and getting to know people.

It’s not as he would want it, but it is indeed reality. And so are the many challenges confronting Springfield and the region, many of them amplified or accelerated by a pandemic that has been relentless.

Belsito said his first assignment is to understand what makes Springfield Springfield, and it is ongoing. From there, his job is to pull people together — something the Davis Foundation has always been good at it — and, when possible, move the needle.

He’s made it a career to take on such work, and he’s more than excited about what the next chapter might bring.

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

As Shoppers Gradually Return, Retailers Face Uncertain Outlook

By Joseph Bednar August 4, 2020

Step Inside

Jade Jump and Nate Clifford, owners of Cornucopia in Northampton.

For Dave DiRico, the forced shutdown of retail outlets across the Commonwealth in March could not have been more ill-timed.

After all, late March is when many golfers, a good number of them armed with gift certificates from the holidays, start filing into his store in West Springfield, DiRico’s Golf & Racquet, and reload for the coming season. They come in looking for new clubs, balls, bags, shoes, and other accessories.

And they keep coming in through the spring, said DiRico, noting that, aside from the holidays, March, April, and May are by far his busiest months.

But not this year, obviously, as he was closed completely until early May and then open for curbside sales only — something this business isn’t really suited for — for several weeks.

But when he did reopen … well, the surge in business might not make up for everything that was lost during the shutdown, but it has been significant and in many ways surprising. Indeed, in addition to what could be called pent-up demand — people who needed to reload and had to wait until he was open to do so — the pandemic has actually created a mini-explosion of interest in golf, because it’s one of the few sports that can still be played under the current restrictions and advisories on social distancing.

“Things took off … it’s been crazy,” DiRico told BusinessWest. “One of the few outdoor activities you can have right now is golf; we have kids who were supposed to do internships and can’t, and they’ve taken up golf. We have kids who played baseball and summer sports and couldn’t play those, so they’ve taken up golf. We have spouses who’ve never played the game who have taken up golf.

“Couple that with our regular business,” he went on, “and June and July have taken off like a rocket ship.”

Nate Clifford has also navigated the ups and downs of shutting down and reopening at Cornucopia, the natural-foods store he and his wife, Jade Jump, own at Thornes Marketplace in downtown Northampton. They were among many shop owners who had to shift their business model on the fly to survive the past few difficult months.

“Shoppers are saying, ‘I just wanted to shop with somebody locally.’ We’re hearing a lot of that. I think that’s awesome.”

In fact, March 15, the day they and all the other Thornes stores shut down, was the couple’s one-year anniversary of buying the 40-year-old establishment. Though sales of food and wellness products may have made Cornucopia an essential business in the state’s eyes, Thornes made a decision to shutter the whole complex, and that meant Cornucopia, too.

“We understood, but we made an impassioned plea to the landlord to give us some access for pickup and delivery, with the goal of helping people, especially the older population around here who need us,” Clifford said. One day later, on March 16, they were back in business with that new model.

“We put a simple order form up on the website and told people, ‘you shop here; you know what’s here — what’s your wish list, and we’ll get the best possible order for you.’ We delivered, or you could pick it up and we’d run it out to you, put it in your trunk or in the passenger window, whatever you were comfortable with. We did that for three months, and we were overwhelmed with the support we got.”

That support was certainly reflected on June 15, the first day shoppers were allowed back in the store itself. “We had such a rush of people, I had to step into the back room to shed a few tears,” Clifford said. “I thought, ‘we’re going to be OK.’”

Unfortunately, not all retailers can say the same thing. They’ve seen some pent-up demand, to be sure, but 2020 is turning into a very challenging year as many shoppers are staying home, cutting back on their spending (or both), and doing most of their buying online.

Still, retailers are happy to be open again, even if the long-term outlook is mixed, and consumer confidence remains uncertain.

One Step at a Time

Sharon Cohen, who has owned Footbeats for Women at Thornes for the past four years, noted that, without college students and tourists from out of town, business is slower than is typical for this time of year, but customers are returning steadily. She’s happy to see them, especially after instituting the safety measures mandated by the state — and by common sense.

“We’ve revamped the way the store is laid out to promote social distancing,” Cohen said. “Shoppers are saying, ‘I just wanted to shop with somebody locally.’ We’re hearing a lot of that. I think that’s awesome.”

After Thornes was shut down in mid-March, Cohen launched a website so customers could still purchase her shoes, and, like Clifford, she delivered to peoples’ homes. Every Friday afternoon, she used Facebook Live to talk about shoes in stock and offer commentary on trends and new styles.

“I’d pick them off the displays on the wall and talk about them. Customers would text and ask questions about cost or size,” she said, noting that she will likely continue that practice. “We tried new, inventive ways to meet the customers.”

In the store, she tries to strike a balance between customer needs and safety; for example, when customers try on a pair of shoes, if they are leather and cannot be sanitized, the shoes are put in quarantine for 24 hours, as per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

Dave DiRico says a mini-explosion in the popularity of golf has helped offset some of the huge losses incurred when his shop was shut down by the pandemic during the spring.

Thornes management has instituted many new protocols and equipment, including iWave ionizing air filters that heighten air quality, foggers that sanitize the building nightly, and door monitors at each of the two open entrances to ensure that people entering wear masks and sanitize their hands. The complex also installed hands-free door openers on bathroom doors.

“Thornes has done a lot to prepare for our opening, and we continue to stay educated and follow safety protocols,” said Richard Madowitz, the marketplace’s co-president. “We are receiving consistent positive feedback from shoppers on the cleanliness of the building and their comfort. We are providing a safe environment.”

All shared tables and chairs on the building’s second and third floors have been removed, and directional arrows on the floors separate traffic and promote social distancing.

“Signage is everywhere,” Madowitz stressed. “Each store is managing its state-mandated capacity count, and Thornes itself is managing the state-mandated capacity counts for its common spaces without shops.”

“I make sure people who come into the store feel safe. I’m doing what I feel is right by my customers and staff. That’s my focus.”

Mask compliance is high, at 99%, he noted, adding that “masks are not required for those with medical conditions that prevent them from wearing one.”

Despite what he calls a “vocal minority” making waves nationally about mask wearing, Clifford said his customers have been respectful of the mandate.

“We’re dealing with people who have health issues, and I’d say the average customer spending big amounts is over 50, getting supplements, taking to our expert staff. We want them to feel safe,” he told BusinessWest. “For those folks who don’t want to wear masks, even for legitimate reasons, we still have pickup and curbside. But I make sure people who come into the store feel safe. I’m doing what I feel is right by my customers and staff. That’s my focus.”

Visitors to Holyoke Mall are greeted with a similarly wide range of mandates, from face coverings and six-foot distancing to directional arrows and guidance to wash hands, use sanitizer, and avoid touching products unless purchasing them, said Lisa Wray, the mall’s director of Marketing.

In return, the mall has enhanced its cleaning and sanitizing of the common areas and numerous touch points, restrooms, seating areas, and food court, and the cleaning team is utilizing new electrostatic sprayers, leveraging the same technology used to clean hospital rooms, using an approved disinfectant recommended by the CDC. In addition, Holyoke Mall employees, security, housekeeping staff, and contractors undergo daily health screenings.

Sharon Cohen says she used online outreach and a sales website to stay afloat during the shutdown.

All those steps were necessary, Wray said, to not only bring customers back, but make them feel safe upon return.

“Having our tenants close with thousands of employees and their livelihoods impacted is certainly difficult; however, the safety and well-being of our guests, employees, and tenants is of primary importance,” she told BusinessWest.

“We have been seeing guests steadily return to the shopping center, and even with reduced occupancy, tenants have been seeing strong sales,” she added. “With the back-to-school season upon us and the sales-tax holiday weekend at the end of August, we’re hopeful the months ahead will continue to trend positively. We’re cautiously optimistic that the fourth quarter will continue to ramp upward, as guests adapt to this new way to shop.”

Warning Signs

That optimistic view isn’t shared by the entire retail industry. Just last week, two businesses at the Shops at Marketplace in downtown Springfield — Serendipity and Alchemy Nail Bar — announced they were closing, unable to stay afloat after the forced pandemic closure and an inability to procure business aid from either the federal Paycheck Protection Program or the city’s Prime the Pump grants.

Meanwhile, on a national level, Tailored Brands, which owns suit sellers Men’s Wearhouse and Jos. A. Bank, is closing hundreds of stores and drastically reducing its corporate workforce as the pandemic continues to decimate the retail industry.

GlobalData Retail recently noted that year-over-year sales of men’s formal clothing fell by 74% between April and June, and not just because stores were closed. “While this deterioration will ease over time, demand will remain suppressed for the rest of 2020 and well into 2021 as office working, business meetings, and socializing are all reduced.”

Fortunately for DiRico, the pandemic has done the opposite in the golf sector, creating some opportunities in the form of new players who need equipment — with many of them using stimulus checks to buy it. But there are challenges as well, starting with shortages of stock caused by closure of factories and then restrictions on capacity.

“Our biggest problem right now is getting equipment,” he explained. “That’s because most of our manufacturers are based in California, where only 40% of the factory is open, which means they can only produce ‘X’ amount of clubs for the world; it’s slow in getting equipment.”

Other challenges include the many the new rules and protocols regarding social distancing and sanitizing, he went on. Still, for the customer, things are pretty much business as usual, meaning they can still try on shoes or gloves and take a few practice swings with a driver in the simulator.

‘Normal’ is not a word that comes to mind when describing operations or this year in general, but overall, the surge the game has seen will certainly help make 2020 less forgettable, DiRico went on, and it offers considerable hope for the future — if those who have taken up this difficult, expensive, and time-consuming game can find a way to stay with it.

“For the past 15 years or so, golf has been on the decline,” he said, listing cost and time among the big reasons. “Now, some of the pros I’ve talked with say they’re booked solid; they have tee times from 6:30 to 4. And membership at the country clubs is up. If these clubs can retain just 15% of these new golfers, they’ll be in good shape.”

For Cornucopia, the pandemic offered an opportunity to build an online, pickup, and delivery presence it might not have otherwise, Clifford said — one it will continue to maintain, opening up new business avenues.

“We were thrilled to be able to pivot to that quickly. That’s one thing Jade and I do well, being flexible and doing whatever we need to survive. We’re resilient, and now that we have a strong foundation, if we were ever to experience another shutdown, we’ll be able to continue the cash flow.”

These days, sales volume isn’t what it was on reopening day on June 15, and won’t be until colleges are back in session. “That’s when you normally see more foot traffic; July is not a busy retail time,” Clifford noted, adding that a weakened tourism season isn’t helping, as even visitors to the Berkshires often make their way to downtown Northampton for an afternoon. “That’s not happening right now.”

But he’s cheered that all the Thornes businesses are open seven days a week. “That has caused a lot more consistency in the shopping experience, when the stores are open and welcoming people and wanting them to come in and physically shop.”

And hoping that extended shutdown is a thing of the past.

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Taxpayers Given Relief with Retirement-plan Loans, Distributions

Accounting and Tax Planning Special Coverage

By All Accounts

By Jim Moran CPA, MST

Jim Moran CPA, MST

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act has provided taxpayers affected by COVID-19 with some relief in the area of retirement-plan distributions and loans.

A coronavirus-related distribution is allowed by a qualified individual from an eligible retirement plan made from Jan. 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020, up to an aggregate amount of $100,000. A qualified individual must meet one of these criteria:

• Diagnosed with the virus SARS-CoV-2 or with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by a test approved by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC);

• Spouse or dependent is diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 by a test approved by the CDC;

• Experienced adverse financial consequences as a result of being quarantined, furloughed, laid off, having work hours reduced, or being unable to work due to lack of childcare due to SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19; or

• Experienced adverse financial consequences as a result of closing or reducing hours of a business that is owned or operated by the individual due to the SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19.

An ‘eligible retirement plan’ is defined as the type of plan that is eligible to accept tax-free rollovers. It includes 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, governmental 457 plans, and IRAs (including SEP-IRAs and SIMPLE-IRAs). It does not include non-governmental 457(b) plans. The $100,000 withdrawal limit applies in aggregate to all plans maintained by the taxpayers.

For individuals who are under age 59½, the act waives the 10% early-withdrawal penalty tax. Although the 10% penalty will be waived, any potential income taxes associated with the retirement plan or IRA withdrawal will still be assessed. The act also suspends the 20% tax-withholding requirements that may apply to an early distribution from a 401(k) or other workplace retirement plan.

“Your tax liability owed to the IRS at the end of the year may be higher than expected if you choose not to withhold the suggested 20%.”

Just keep in mind, your tax liability owed to the IRS at the end of the year may be higher than expected if you choose not to withhold the suggested 20%.

When it comes to paying the resulting tax liability incurred due to the coronavirus-related distributions, the CARES Act allows you a couple of options: spread the taxes owed over three years, or pay the taxes owed on your 2020 tax return if your income (and, thus, your tax rate) is much lower in that year.

SEE: List of Accounting Firms

Taxpayers may also repay the coronavirus-related distributions to an eligible retirement plan as long as the repayment is done within three years after the date the distribution was received. If the taxpayer does repay the coronavirus-related distribution in the three-year time period, it will be treated as a direct trustee-to-trustee transfer so there will be no federal tax on the distribution. This may mean an amended return will have to be filed to claim a refund attributable to the tax that was paid on the distribution amount that was included in income for those tax years.

Retirement-plan Loans

Loans from eligible retirement plans up to $100,000 to a qualified individual are available for any loans taken out during the six-month period from March 27, 2020 to Sept. 23, 2020. This is up from the previously allowed amount of $50,000.

Participants must repay standard retirement-account loans within five years. The CARES Act allows borrowers to forgo repayment during 2020. The five-year repayment clock begins in 2021. The loan will, however, continue to accrue interest during 2020.

If you have an existing loan outstanding from a qualified individual plan on or after March 27, 2020, and any repayment on the loan is due from March 27, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2020, the due date for any loan repayments are delayed for up to one year.

Employers may amend their plans for the above hardship provisions to apply no later than the last day of the plan year that begins on or after Jan. 1, 2022 (Dec. 31, 2022 for a calendar-year-end plan). An additional two-year window is allowed for governmental plans; however, IRS Notice 2020-51 clarifies that employers can choose whether to implement these coronavirus-related distribution and loan rules, and notes that qualified individuals can claim the tax benefits of coronavirus-related distribution rules even if plan provisions are not yet amended.

Administrators can rely on an individual’s certification that the individual is a qualified individual (and provides a sample certification), but also notes that an individual must actually be a qualified individual in order to obtain favorable tax treatment. IRS Notice 2020-50 provides employers a safe-harbor procedure for implementing the suspension of loan repayments otherwise due through the end of 2020, but notes there may be other reasonable ways to administer these rules.

Please note that the loan provisions apply only to qualified plans such as 401(k), 403(b), and governmental 457 plans; loans may not be taken from IRAs.

Each retirement plan’s rules and requirements supersede the CARES Act. In addition, it is important to remember that not all retirement-plan sponsors allow loans. Before taking out any loan, it is important to check that your employer’s plan adopts these provisions.

Suspension of RMDs

The CARES Act has suspended required minimum distributions (RMDs) for 2020. Individuals over age 70½ (for those born prior to July 1, 1949) or 72 (for those born after July 1, 1949) were required to take a minimum distribution from their tax-deferred retirement accounts.

Most non-spousal heirs who inherited tax-deferred accounts were also required to take an annual RMD. Under the CARES Act, RMDs from qualified employer retirement plans such as 401(k), 403(b), and 457 plans, will be waived. Even those individuals not affected by the coronavirus can waive the RMDs.

For individuals who have already taken their 2020 RMD, the CARES Act allows you to put it back into your retirement account. IRS Notice 2020-51 qualifies the distribution as an eligible rollover distribution if repaid in full by Aug. 31, 2020.

Jim Moran is a tax manager at Melanson, advising clients on individual and corporate tax matters; [email protected]

Pandemic Opens Door to a Permanent Role for Telehealth

By Joseph Bednar August 4, 2020

Special Coverage Technology

Taking the Long View

The idea of doctors and patients communicating across a distance, via a video connection, is not a new one, Carl Cameron notes. But COVID-19 “opened the floodgates” to making it a reality for millions.

“The barriers that have always been there for telemedicine are, one, you had to be able to see the patient, and two, the reimbursement around it. But with COVID, all that got waived,” said Cameron, chief operating officer at Holyoke Medical Center (HMC). “And the governor came out and said, ‘look, for televisits and the phone, video, however you can get the visit done, and we expect the payers to pay for it like it’s an in-person visit.’”

So health organizations started doing just that. “We started with basic things like getting some iPads, getting some physician PCs set up, and then it was, ‘OK, what are we going to use for an application?’” Cameron said, noting that they started with a mixture of FaceTime, Google Meet, and a product known as Doximity.

“A lot of doctors are familiar with that; it meets all the security requirements of HIPAA in terms of being a secure channel,” he explained. “You basically send a link to the patient, and they just click it, and it creates the connection with the doc. It even uses a virtual telephone number for the doc, so it doesn’t have to be their actual cell phone. It’s a very easy process.”

Among the physicians pleased with the expansion of telehealth is Dr. Kartik Viswanathan of Holyoke Internal Medicine.

“Before the pandemic happened, we were seeing close to zero televisits. During the pandemic, we started doing televisits to reduce the number of people coming in. Infection was rampant, and at that time, we didn’t want people in the waiting rooms, and when seeing patients, we needed to be completely in PPE and masks.”

“The barriers that have always been there for telemedicine are, one, you had to be able to see the patient, and two, the reimbursement around it. But with COVID, all that got waived.”

So government did the right thing, he added, freeing up telehealth to be billed like a regular office visit. “Remarkably, it was very popular with patients. They loved it,” he said, noting that patients appreciated not having to drive to the office, and if a doctor was running late, it was OK, since they were at home. “They weren’t upset if they were 15 or 20 minutes behind.”

Cameron agreed. “We were using it wherever possible and where the government would allow us to get paid for it. Obviously, with COVID, nobody wanted to leave their house — as a country, we didn’t have a good understanding of how the disease spread; everyone was saying shelter in place, so people didn’t really want to go out.

As a result, practices saw significant dips in volume, he went on. “But as we put the telemedicine in place, I was eventually able to bring us up to just below pre-COVID numbers for office visits. We still had some patients, depending on the acuity, who needed to be seen in the office or the ER, but we were doing 75% to 80% of our visits via telemedicine.”

Viswanathan said having the distance alternative reduced anxiety in patients during a generally anxious time. “They were happy to see us. Even with COVID testing, people had so many questions, and just the fact they could speak with us, communicate with us, really relieved a lot of the anxiety for them.”

Carl Cameron says the technology needed for effective telehealth exists, and so does patient demand.

And now, with medical practices largely back open, albeit under strict safety protocols? “Televisits are here to stay,” he told BusinessWest. “As a provider, I find it convenient, and the patient finds it convenient. I think it will still be 20% to 30% of daily visits even after the pandemic is over.”

Pros and Cons

Viswanathan conceded that televisits aren’t the same as in-person visits, in a number of key ways.

“The challenges come when we don’t know the patients from before — when it’s a new patient we’ve never seen before. There’s a little discomfort level that I haven’t seen him. But for established patients and managing chronic illnesses, it’s just great,” he said.

“It can’t replace all office visits because we really need to see some patients — there are subtle signs we tend to miss if we’re seeing only through a camera. There are procedures we can’t do on a television. If they have a rash, that is not well-examined on television. Those are some challenges.”

Medical organizations have brought up technology access gaps as well, particularly among certain demographic groups. Health Affairs, an online publication of Project HOPE, recently reported that more than one in three U.S. households headed by a person age 65 or older do not have a desktop or a laptop, and more than half do not have a smartphone. While family members or caregivers can help, one in five Americans older than age 50 suffer from social isolation.

Access to technology is also a barrier in other ages and minority groups. Children in low-income households are much less likely to have a computer at home than their wealthier classmates. More than 30% of Hispanic or black children do not have a computer at home, as compared to 14% of white children.

“We evolved from doing it very quickly and responding to the pandemic — how do we keep our patients safe and get them the best care possible? — to asking, what does this look like going forward?”

Even on the provider side, organizations have work to do to fit telehealth seamlessly into traditional practices, Cameron said.

“We need to continue to beef up the infrastructure so that it allows for effective management of both televisits and in-person visits, so that the physician can be flexible,” he explained. “They can take a laptop, go into a room, do a normal visit with a person, do their documentation, and then, for televisits, go slide it into a docking station where they have two monitors up; they’ve got the documentation and can see the patient at the same time, right in front of them.”

Like other trends that evolved on the fly during the pandemic, like remote work (see story on page 22), telehealth may have served its purpose well during these chaotic months, but to make it a permanent fixture will require planning.

“We evolved from doing it very quickly and responding to the pandemic — how do we keep our patients safe and get them the best care possible? — to asking, what does this look like going forward? With the efficiency and effectiveness I saw with our practices, this is absolutely a tool we can continue to develop.”

One of the evolutions in Cameron’s organization may be a move toward expanding the use of Doximity, perhaps in conjunction with the Meditech web portal, where parients can schedule a telehealth visit on the latter, and the link is sent via Doximity.

“It’s not like the technology isn’t there, and it’s going to continue to evolve and move forward,” he went on. “But what’s made it a reality is now, you can get paid for it, and there’s some funding out there to beef up the infrastructure.”

Peace of Mind

While primary care and certain specialties are making strong use of telemedicine, behavioral health has been a particularly fertile field. The Mental Health Assoc. (MHA) began using its own platform, called TeleWell, through its BestLife Emotional Health and Wellness Center in January, just before COVID-19 arrived in the U.S.

Through TeleWell, clients could connect remotely with a clinician, recovery coach, or prescriber for varying times and frequencies.

“The response from the community has been positive, with many individuals requesting the ability to continue receiving services utilizing TeleWell in the future,” said Sara Kendall, vice president of Clinical Operations.

“The flexibility of MHA’s TeleWell best matches the ability of individuals to receive services, while also in a location of their choice, in which they are comfortable,” she added, noting that client feedback suggests a growing role for this model in the future. “The adaptive world of today has been a benefit to the critical to needs of tomorrow.”

MHA recently announced $13,333 in grant funding provided by Baystate Noble Hospital to advance Well Aware, an information and education initiative that aims to raise awareness of the availability of telehealth services to help people dealing with the challenges of opioid and substance use disorders in the Greater Westfield area.

“The ability to connect via TeleWell can be of critical importance for people who cannot partake of services in person due to the COVID-19 crisis, a lack of transportation, or concern about the stigma often associated with seeking help,” said Kimberley Lee, vice president of Resource Development and Branding for MHA, adding that TeleWell can be an important bridge to enable people to receive the care they need from the safety of their own homes, and that, for people with opioid and substance-use disorders who either wish to enter into recovery or are already in recovery, being able to keep regular appointments with a counselor is critical for them to achieve success in staying sober.

“This is especially important during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, which has upended our society and created a new normal of social distancing,” said Ron Bryant, president of Baystate Noble Hospital. “This practice has resulted in large numbers of people who feel isolated from their families, their circle of friends, and their normal life’s routine. This in turn can result in anxiety, depression, loneliness, and an overwhelming sense of fear and uncertainty, all of which can be addressed through behavioral-health services.”

It’s not just behavioral-health professionals saying telehealth offers an easier and less anxiety-ridden experience, one that makes it more likely patients will keep their appointments. Cameron reports the same trend at Holyoke Medical Center’s practices.

“One thing we found was our no-show rates dropped dramatically,” he said. “It’s pretty easy for the patient. They’re notified at home, and all they have to do is connect. They don’t have to go anywhere.”

As offices reopened to the public, he continued, “we’re probably a mix now of 60% in office, 40% telemedicine. So it’s shifted a little bit, but our goal is to continue to push it as a tool for the providers because, in certain cases, it’s more efficient and effective. It’s actually quicker for the patient and provider.”

Cameron doesn’t expect demand to be an issue, especially as more patients try out a remote visit, he said, noting that a couple of family members recently scheduled televisits and were surprised how easy and effective a visit could be without having to go to the office.

“There’s a push by the state and the feds to keep this in place as a tool to connect with patients. There’s been a push to extend it, make it permanent as a way to get paid, and at the full rate of an office visit. There are definitely enough patients out there who want this.”

Generation Gap

Viswanathan agrees that patients have adapted to the technology. Even older patients, who might not be comfortable with technology, have responded positively when a family member or visiting nurse has shown them how to access it. “When they see the benefits and ease of using it, their acceptance just shoots up.”

Most physicians like having the option as well, Cameron said, noting its potential in on-call situations, when a doctor can send a patient a link and get connected quickly.

“It’s a great tool that gives us much more flexibility. So I don’t see this going away,” he told BusinessWest.

As COVID-19 cases subside, some practices are going back to seeing most patients in person, he noted, but HMC continues to reinforce the use of telehealth. “This is a tool we want to use for the right visits. We want to make sure we give the option to patients. And, as we beef up the technology around it, docs like it.”

One reason, Viswanathan said, is it opens up a practice’s business to patients who may live farther away than they’d like to drive on a regular basis. He also foresees a day when community centers are equipped with telehealth ‘booths’ where patients can transmit their information and be connected to a doctor.

“It will never replace a visit,” he added, “but I think there’s going to be so much innovation around this.”

Part of Cameron’s job will be to continue to educate providers on how telehealth can be an effective tool.

“We still have older docs not accustomed to using all the technology. Back in ’07, EMR was a challenge. Now we’re asking them to do person-to-person visits via telephone or video,” he said. “So I think we’re still early in the process, but I’ve seen tremendous benefit to this that I don’t think is going to go away. And our plan here is to continue to educate, build the technology around it, and make it easier and more efficient for our providers and the whole system.” u

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Chicopee Mayor Sees Pandemic as Temporary Impediment

Community Spotlight

Mayor John Vieau says COVID-19 has put a damper on many of his plans for Chicopee, but he remains optimistic about the city and its future.

John Vieau wasn’t exactly planning on running for mayor last summer.

That’s because he was reasonably sure that incumbent and two-time Mayor Richard Kos would be seeking another two-year term — and Kos eventually did take out papers for re-election. And when Kos ultimately decided in February 2019 to return to his law practice instead of the corner office, Vieau, a Willimansett native and long-time alderman from Ward 3, didn’t exactly jump into the race.

Indeed, he had to think long and hard about this decision, especially the prospect of leaving a well-paying job with the Commonwealth — specifically, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) — and take a pay cut to serve as mayor.

“I’m not a gambler,” said Vieau with a laugh, adding that he ultimately decided to run for mayor — and prevail over a crowded field — but take a leave of absence from his job with MassDOT so he can ultimately return when he’s finished with City Hall.

That careful due diligence notwithstanding, being mayor has been a long-time goal, if not a dream job, for Vieau, who said he fully understood everything that came with the territory … except maybe a global pandemic.

COVID-19 has changed virtually every aspect of municipal management — from greeting guests at City Hall (elbow bumps instead of handshakes) to making a budget — and made just about every facet of economic development, from maintaining the momentum that was building downtown to beginning the next stage in the life of the massive Cabotville Industrial Park, that much more difficult.

“It’s put a lot of things on pause,” said Vieau, who put the accent on ‘lot,’ noting that the pandemic has impacted municipalities as hard as it has hit specific economic sectors and individual businesses. It has affected how city business is conducted, sharply reduced revenues, and, as noted, put a number of projects on ice.

“We put guidelines in place that were more strict than what the governor rolled out initially with regard to stores. And other states, and businesses like Walmart, were adopting our rules, our guidance, and our procedures. We acted swiftly, and we saved lives.”

“All the ideas and things that were happening are sitting on the back burner as we combat this time of uncertainty and crisis,” he said while summing things up succinctly, before amending to say ‘most all’ the ideas and projects.

Indeed, there are some things happening, from a new Florence Bank branch at the site of the old Hu Ke Lau on Memorial Avenue to a new restaurant, Jaad, located downtown. But, as he said, the pandemic has certainly slowed the pace of progress at a time when he thought the downtown, and the city as a whole, were seeing a renaissance of sorts.

But Vieau, while not exactly welcoming the challenge of COVID-19, is embracing it to some extent and looking upon it as a stern test of his management and leadership capabilities — a trial by extreme fire, if you will.

He noted that he took his first full weekend off since March early last month, and said it felt good to get some rest. But he fully understands that the future is a very large question mark, and the pandemic certainly isn’t done making life difficult for the residents and leaders of the region’s second-largest city.

“We have to remain diligent,” he said, echoing the governor when it comes to the pandemic and how the city, the state, and the country, are far from out of the woods. “We have to do everything we can to keep this under control.”

For this, the latest installment if its Community Spotlight series, BusinessWest talked at length with the city’s relatively new mayor about life in the age of COVID-19 and how he’s trying to see his community through to the other side of this crisis.

Numbers Game

At one point in his talk with BusinessWest, Vieau paused and reached for some papers on his desk — the latest reports on the state of the pandemic in his city.

He didn’t have to consult the paperwork to know the numbers — he had already pretty much committed them to memory — but he did so to show just how much data he and others in municipal management have to keep track of, and just how committed he is to understanding everything he can about the spread of the virus on any given day — or moment, for that matter.

“I look at the numbers every day,” he said. “Unfortunately, we’ve had 10 deaths in the city, people with underlying conditions, ages 58 to 100. We have, today, 41 open cases of COVID-19, 399 people who have recovered, and we have 45 people in the N/A group, meaning they’re probably residents of the city that are now in assisted living, some form of nursing home, or other facility that’s not in Chicopee.”

This attention to detail is just part of managing the pandemic, or managing during the pandemic, to be more precise, he said, adding that he has a 10 a.m. conference call with his ‘COVID team’ every day, and these calls have led to some aggressive and ultimately effective efforts to slow the spread of the virus.

Indeed, Chicopee was among the first, and most vigilant, cities when it came to requiring masks in stores and other public places and putting other measures in place to slow the spread of the virus.

“We put guidelines in place that were more strict than what the governor rolled out initially with regard to stores,” he noted. “And other states, and businesses like Walmart, were adopting our rules, our guidance, and our procedures. We acted swiftly, and we saved lives.”

Redevelopment of the massive former Cabotville Industrial Park into apartments is one of many projects in Chicopee now clouded by question marks as a result of the pandemic.

This is not exactly what Vieau signed on for when he took out papers for mayor last winter, soon after Kos opted not to seek re-election. What he did sign up for was a chance to take what has become a career of service to the city to a higher level.

That career started with a stint on the Planning Board — he was appointed by Kos during his first stint as mayor — and went to a different plane when he was talked into running for the open Ward 3 seat on the Board of Aldermen 16 years ago, not long after he took a job at MassDOT handling eminent-domain work.

“I saw this an opportunity to get more involved,” he told BusinessWest. “This was the area where I grew up; to have a chance to represent it as an alderman was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”

Vieau spent the last four of those 16 years as president of the board, and was content to go on representing his ward until Kos decided not to seek another term. Vieau said he received calls from the media within an hour of Kos’s announcement asking if he was going to run, and his quick answer was ‘no,’ for those reasons stated earlier. But after talking with family, friends, constituents, and his employer, and after learning he could take a leave of absence, he ultimately decided to run.

There were many planks to his campaign, from public safety to downtown revitalization to new-business development, and the pandemic has certainly made it more difficult to address any of them.

“Everything I ran on, all the ideas and things that we were hopeful to accomplish here in the city of Chicopee, have been put on hold as we get through this,” he said. “Instead, we’ve been focused on keeping people safe, first and foremost, and how you’re going to handle the budget gaps. It’s not something I’m unfamiliar with — I’ve been involved in the approval of 16 mayor’s budgets — but this is different.”

Elaborating, he said his administration has devoted considerable time and energy to assisting the small businesses that have been impacted by the pandemic — and there have been many of them.

For example, $150,000 in Community Development Block Grant monies were directed toward impacted businesses early on in the pandemic, said the mayor, and later, an additional CDBG grant of $706,000 was received and will be used to “turn the lights back on,” as the mayor put it, at businesses that have been forced to close in the wake of the crisis.

Holding Patterns

One of Vieau’s stated goals for his first term as mayor was to build on the recognizable progress registered in the central business district, where, through initiatives such as regular Friday-night ‘Lights On’ programs and other initiatives, downtown businesses were put in the spotlight, and area residents responded by turning out in large numbers.

The pandemic, which has hit hospitality-related businesses and retail especially hard, took a good amount of wind out of those sails, said the mayor.

“Things were progressively looking better for the future of our downtown — for reviving it. We want to continue these efforts — we just need to get through this period of uncertainty. We’re excited about what can happen, and I think everyone is.”

“We had the Cultural Council firing on all cylinders — we were going to have this amazing, new, energetic downtown that everyone would want to come to,” he said. “We were having Lights On events on Friday nights and had food trucks … all these fun things were happening, and … COVID-19 just put the brakes on it all.”

The hope is that businesses downtown can weather what could be a lengthy storm and emerge stronger on the other side, said Vieau, adding that, if they can, some building blocks can be put into place that might bring additional vibrancy to that once-thriving area.

These building blocks include the Mass Development-funded Transformational Development Initiative (TDI) grant that brought a TDI fellow, Andrea Moson, to the city for a two-year assignment to be dominated by downtown-revitalization efforts, a C3 Policing program aimed at making the area more safe and improving the overall perception of the downtown, and development projects, such as two planned housing initiatives downtown.

One involves the former Cabotville Industrial Park, where 234 units of one-bedroom and efficiency units of affordable housing comprise the first phase of that massive project, and the other involves an additional 100 units at Lyman Mills.

Chicopee at a Glance

Year Incorporated: 1848
Population: 55,298
Area: 23.9 square miles
County: Hampden
Residential Tax Rate: $17.46
Commercial Tax Rate: $33.93
Median Household Income: $35,672
Median Family Income: $44,136
Type of Government: Mayor; City Council
Largest Employers: Westover Air Reserve Base; J. Polep Distribution Services; Callaway Golf Ball Operations; Dielectrics; MicroTek

* Latest information available

These projects, which the mayor expects to proceed, are considered critical to the revitalization of the downtown area because of the vibrancy and foot traffic they will potentially create.

“We’re looking at young professionals and empty-nesters moving into these units,” he noted. “That influx of people will need goods and services.”

As for the TDI grant, it will be used to help new businesses locate in the downtown, fund tenant improvements, and, in general, bring more vibrancy to the area. Earlier this year, grant monies were funneled in $5,000 amounts to businesses impacted by the pandemic to help them through those perilous first several weeks.

“Things were progressively looking better for the future of our downtown — for reviving it,” he continued. “We want to continue these efforts — we just need to get through this period of uncertainty. We’re excited about what can happen, and I think everyone is.”

While most projects are being talked about in the future tense, some developments are already taking place downtown, said the mayor, noting the arrival of Jaad, a Jamaican restaurant; the pending relocation of the Koffee Kup bakery from the Springfield Plaza to East Main Street in Chicopee, and ongoing work to restore and modernize perhaps the city’s most recognizable landmark, City Hall.

Phase 1 of that project, which involves restoration of the auditorium, is ongoing, said the mayor, adding that this $16 million initiative also includes new windows, roof work, and other work to the shell of the historic structure. Phase 2, which is on hold, will involve interior renovations, modernizing the structure, and making it what Vieau called “active-shooter safe.”

Managing the Situation

As noted earlier, Vieau was happy to finally to get a full weekend off — not that mayors actually get weekends off, given the many events they must attend and functions they carry out.

But the weekends from March through early July were filled with more than ribbon cuttings, dinners, and school graduations. There was hard work to do to manage the pandemic and help control the many forms of damage it has caused.

This wasn’t exactly what he signed up for, and it has put a real damper on many of his plans for his first term. But COVID-19 is reality, and seeing his city through the crisis has become Vieau’s primary job responsibility. There’s no manual to turn to, but he feels he has the experience to lead in these times of crisis.

After all, he has made public service a second career.

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

Managers Need to Manage the Technology, People, and Culture

Technology

From a Distance

By Sean Hogan

Sean Hogan

COVID-19 has changed the way we all do business. The remote workforce, which was embraced by a few, is now the new norm and embraced by almost all businesses. The question lingers, though: will this revert when there is a vaccine and we go back to the normal, non-pandemic lifestyle?

Many believe that remote workforce is here to stay, and these numbers seem to be growing with each week and month. But to do that, we need to understand how to manage our remote workforce and embrace technology to support our staff.

To do this effectively, managers need to manage the technology, the people, and the culture. Let’s take them in order.

Managing Technology

Our company, Hogan Technology, has sold and configured videoconferencing and collaboration systems for 25 years. We would set up conference rooms with audio and video so clients could establish videoconferences with employees and customers.

In the past, we saw most of this technology gather dust; at first, a client would embrace video collaboration, but it would quickly be disregarded. The older video and collaboration technology platforms were clumsy and difficult to navigate. Staff would quickly give up trying to learn how to use the tech.

Today’s collaboration tools are extremely easy to use, especially for the younger generation that grew up on smartphones. COVID-19 has promoted the skyrocking popularity of services like Zoom and Microsoft Teams. These tools can be used to enhance your company communications and productivity, but we need to know how to use these tools.

Hogan has had remote employees for more than seven years; the challenge has been including those employees in the day-to-day interaction at the office. Pre-COVID, we rarely had video meetings; now, we meet several times a day via video to collaborate and share data.

“Many of my clients have been quickly thrust into the remote workforce with little or no experience with online collaboration. They have quickly learned how to host and manage online collaboration.”

Meanwhile, many of my clients have been quickly thrust into the remote workforce with little or no experience with online collaboration. They have quickly learned how to host and manage online collaboration. Hogan has adopted a platform for the security and simplicity of the service. We host several Hogan Teams meetings per week. We have fixed meetings and ad hoc meetings. Our fixed meetings are administered by our staff; we create the team, invite the necessary personnel, and share all pertinent data to the Teams site for ease of retrieval. Teams has a smartphone app, desktop app, and browser login.

We have noticed that our video meetings are more focused than our traditional conference room meetings, our data is consolidated, and our agendas are clear.

SEE: List of Computer Network/IT Services

I must admit that, at first, I was resistant to host sales and client meetings through video collaboration. It took some time and some failures — I completely failed on my first large Zoom conference, but eventually, I embraced the meetings. Throughout the pandemic, all introductory sales meetings have been on Teams, and to my shock they have gone well. We print fewer documents, we save on travel expense, and we can host more meetings per day than before. If we are looking for bright spots during this COVID-19 madness, then this would be one.

Oddly enough, because meetings are so easy, we tend to meet more and share more. We understand that the end game is improving communications; whenever we have a management meeting, we are stressing the need to communicate better, internally and externally. COVID has forced us to communicate better, faster, and more efficiently.

Managing People

We have had many clients request analytics or reports so they can better track the performance of remote employees. There are several ways to track productivity, such as call-volume reports, CRM usage reports, presence activity reports, internet-usage reports, and so on. Personally, I manage my staff to their individual goals; if I have an employee who is exceeding his or her goals, then I don’t need to be very granular with activity reporting. I will use their analytics to compare to other personnel; this helps me determine where I need to focus my attention.

It is critical to protect your company’s endpoints no matter where they reside. If an employee uses a business machine at home, that machine needs to have updated anti-virus, malware protection, multi-factor authentication, and end-point detection and response.

Managing the Culture

Culture is a critical piece in all businesses. Corporate culture refers to the beliefs and behaviors that determine how a company’s employees and management interact. Often, corporate culture is implied, not expressly defined, and develops organically over time. It can be a challenge to maintain your culture while working with a remote workforce.

We have found that we need to engage our employees through collaboration. Our meetings are not just management telling staff what needs to be done and how to do it. The meetings must engage all the personnel — they need to be part of the solution, and we as managers need to stop talking and start listening. This helps cement our team culture.

The key is that we listen to everyone, and other businesses should embrace this mindset. You need to sit back and ask, ‘what is our culture?’ ‘Who are we?’ ‘What matters to our clients?’ and ‘How do we support our community?’

It’s critical to know your culture and even more critical to defend your culture. Make sure your team knows what matters.

In this time when more and more people are working remotely, it’s important to manage the technology. But it’s equally important to manage people and culture.

Sean Hogan is president of Hogan Technology; (413) 585-9950.

Lack of Inventory, Skyrocketing Prices for Used Cars Dominate Market

Coronavirus

Driving Forces

Ben Sullivan says inventory has been an issue for many car dealers, but overall, the picture is much brighter than analysts were predicting in the spring.

Back in the earliest and darkest days of the pandemic (at least in this part of the country), analysts within the auto industry were predicting that overall sales for 2020 might be off perhaps as much as 80% from the year prior.

Those projections turned out to be well off the mark, as were some of the later estimates as well, said Ben Sullivan, chief operating officer for Balise Motor Sales, adding that a number of factors have made this year — and it’s a little more than half over, so a lot can still happen — much better than perhaps anyone could have imagined back in late March and early April.

These factors include stimulus checks that provided some disposable income for many people, as well as some extremely attractive incentives from the manufacturers, including 0% interest for as many as 84 months, job-loss protection, and no payments for six months.

“From an auto-dealer standpoint, I don’t think we were intended to be direct beneficiaries of any stimulus money,” Sullivan said. “But what the consumers are doing with the money has certainly offset what we expected to be a much steeper decline in the auto business than what we have actually experienced.”

But some of these same factors, coupled with pandemic-forced factory shutdowns, have created a slew of challenges for auto dealers as well. These include shortages of inventory for new cars, although there seems to be some improvement on that front, according to those we spoke with, and an even more pronounced shortage of used cars, which is spurring something almost historic when it comes to the prices offered to those willing to trade in vehicles or just sell them outright — something that’s happening with increasing frequency.

“There’s an unbelievable shortage of used cars,” said Sullivan. “There just weren’t as many cars coming into the system, for a variety of reasons, and that made used-car trade-in values go up. And people are recognizing that and saying, ‘if there if was a time to trade in a car, now’s the time’ — and that’s helping the new-car market.”

As for overall inventory, a drive by any dealership in the area would reveal fewer cars in the lot, a clear reflection of what’s happening with both new and used vehicles, said Peter Wirth, co-owner of Mercedes Benz of Springfield, noting that his store is typical in most respects. There’s a smaller supply of used cars (only about 12 days, as opposed to the 30-to 45 days that would be typical) and fewer new cars as well as the factories try to catch up for the time lost when they were closed or making other products, such as respirators, in the case of General Motors.

“There just weren’t as many cars coming into the system, for a variety of reasons, and that made used-car trade-in values go up.”

The situation is improving, though, and by late August, most expect a return to something approaching normalcy.

“We’re starting to see inventories coming back, which is exciting for all of us,” said Carla Cosenzi, president of TommyCar Auto Group, adding that, while the landscape may change and there remains a good deal of uncertainty, there is currently demand for those cars that will soon be filling the lots.

Which is good because, while sales of used cars (if dealers can get them) have been more than solid, new-car sales have been off — but, again, not as much as the experts thought they would be back when states were shut down and governors were rolling out phased reopenings.

“I’d say, on average, the sales pace for the new-vehicle industry in the Northeast is probably down 10% to maybe 15%,” said Sullivan, adding that these numbers could not have been imagined back in the spring, when it looked like the bottom might fall out of the market.

Looking ahead … well, looking ahead is something that’s difficult in any sector. But those we spoke with said that, overall, dealers are in decent position for quarters three and four. Inventories are improving, there is still some pent-up demand, there are still plenty of incentives, and new models are arriving on many lots.

But as they’ve seen already this year, things can change in a hurry, and projections — as those made way back in March can attest — are difficult to make.

Hitting the Accelerator

As he talked with BusinessWest at the Mercedes dealership on Burnett Road, just off turnpike exit 6, Wirth noted that, in many respects, a touch of normalcy has returned to this store, and the business of car selling in general.

Indeed, he noted there were several people sitting in the service waiting area, more than there would have been back in the spring, when ‘pickup and dropoff’ was the order of the day — and it’s still a popular option. Meanwhile, all employees are back at the dealership — many of those who could were working remotely in the earlier days of the pandemic — although there are now vacant workstations between those with people, and some sport plexiglass dividers between them. Perhaps most importantly, business is … well, perhaps not normal, but it’s certainly in the ballpark.

Peter Wirth says business is returning to something approaching normal at Mercedes-Benz of Springfield, and the summer and fall look promising as new models roll in.

In many respects, the dealership is well-positioned for a solid year, despite the pandemic and various negative forces it has created, Wirth said, listing everything from those aforementioned factory incentives — Mercedes has them as well — to lingering, pent-up demand; from new models arriving regularly to the mix of vehicles consumers are demanding.

“This might be the second year that we’re producing more SUVs than cars on the new-car side, and we’re almost at 60-40 now,” he explained. “It took us a couple of years to get there, but that’s what the market wants. So, maybe for the first time in five years, we’re actually in sync with what the market wants, and I think that’s going to help us.”

But while there are some signs of normalcy and even progress when it comes to sales volume, there are reminders everywhere that these are very different times — from the masks on the customers and employees to the deep cleaning that accompanies every car that leaves the service bay, to the cars in the lot, or the lack thereof, to be more precise.

Sullivan told BusinessWest that inventory has been an issue across the broad portfolio of makers within the Balise stable. Closed factories were a big contributor to the problem, he said, but supply-chain issues were, and still are, a factor as well.

“Next to the tsunami that hit Japan, the pandemic and everything it has brought has had perhaps the most impact the auto industry has seen since World War II,” he explained. “The supply chains got interrupted, and this is a global industry; there’s parts from Scandinavia, China, Japan, Mexico, Canada, the list goes on. And it really only takes one part to not be able to have a production line running.

“If you have a plant that goes down, and you’re missing that key component, you can’t build an F-150, or a Silverado, or a Camry,” he went on. “The industry has been absolutely disrupted from an availability standpoint. But the good news is that it’s a pretty resilient industry; they find other suppliers and ways to navigate through. But we are a low point of availability.”

Some makers were hit harder than others, he continued, noting that General Motors never fully recovered from the strike of last year before the pandemic hit, and the arrival of COVID-19 further complicated matters, especially when it comes to the production of trucks, one of the more popular items in recent years.

Unlocking Options

Overall, though, and especially as the summer has progressed, buyers have had a better time of trying to find the make, model, and color they want. Mercedes has a sister store in New York that effectively doubles the dealership’s chances of quickly supplying want the buyer wants, and Balise and TommyCar have similar relationships within the industry.

Some are settling for maybe their second-favorite color or a model with most but not all the options they were looking for, said those we spoke with, while others chooose to wait for exactly what they want. And the wait is getting slightly shorter.

“We’re lucky that we carried a good days’ supply of inventory before this happened, so we were in a good position as far as the number of units we were able to maintain through this, and now, we’re starting to see the manufacturers supplement the inventory back,” Cosenzi said. “But the biggest hurdle was being able to get the exact specifications a customer was looking for when it came to new cars.”

If the new-car market is getting somewhat back to normal, the same can’t really be said for used-car buying, which, as noted earlier, is in what would have to be called uncharted territory — or at least a place visited very infrequently.

Using words and numbers, those we spoke with said demand for used cars is through the roof — even for convertibles — and this is definitely a sellers’ market.

Carla Cosenzi says getting used cars has been a real issue for most car dealers, and that will continue to be a challenge for the foreseeable future.

Sullivan knows, because he recently was a seller — if you count trading in as selling.

“I traded my wife’s car in two weeks ago, but it really is the best time you could ever ask for,” he said, adding that prices are up, on average, almost $1,800 per car over the past few months. “With my car, I got $2,000 more than I would have two months previous — or two months from now. It just happens to be that timing in the market — the used-car market has defied every industry analyst’s predictions during COVID.”

Overall, a number of factors are contributing to the bustling used-car market in the 413, Wirth said. For starters, this is more of a used-car market than a new-car market, and from all he can gather — he’s been in it for four years — it always has been. What’s more, with the pandemic creating questions about the future and some economic uncertainty for many, used cars are being seen as an attractive, less risky option than buying new — even with all those incentives from the carmakers.

But supply, as it is with new cars, is perhaps the biggest driving force.

“I think that the used-car market will fall at some point, but you never know; it’s so hard to predict what’s going to happen given the circumstances.”

Sullivan told BusinessWest that most all of the auction houses where so many used cars are acquired by the dealers were closed for a long stretch early this year, removing those supplies. Meanwhile, many leases were extended due to the pandemic, taking those cars out of circulation. And some consumers simply decided that, given the conditions, they would hang onto their car for at least another year.

All this forced dealers to look elsewhere and explore options ranging from buying some of the suddenly unneeded rental cars cluttering lots across the country to buying cars off the street, a tactic Balise deployed.

And that imagination has been needed, because demand — fueled by cautiousness in the era of COVID-19 and other factors — has certainly spiked.

Bottom Line

As for what happens next … it’s hard to say with any certainty, because there are so many unknowns when it comes to the virus, the economy, additional stimulus, and other factors.

“There’s so much uncertainty, but especially when it comes to where the customer demand will settle in,” said Cosenzi. “And we’re prepared to adjust our operations accordingly. We’re starting to see a lot of the manufacturing plants open up and trucks pulling into the dealerships with the cars we’ve been waiting for. I think that the used-car market will fall at some point, but you never know; it’s so hard to predict what’s going to happen given the circumstances.”

Sullivan agreed.

“We’re not out of the woods yet,” he said. “And we’re incredibly grateful for being in as good shape as we are. When we looked at what the analysts were saying, that can really put a lump in your stomach. I’d like to say that we’re wildly optimistic, but we can’t be because we know there’s some choppy waters ahead.”

With that, he spoke for everyone in a business that has fared much better than most could have dreamed, but is still staring at some rather large question marks.

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

While Playing the Waiting Game, SSO Keeps the Music Coming

Coronavirus

Developments of Note

The SSO hasn’t been able to perform live since the pandemic arrived, but it has found ways to keep the music coming.

Susan Beaudry called it a ‘stop the presses’ moment — quite literally.

Indeed, the program book for an adjusted, and truncated, 2020-21 season for the Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) was at Hadley Printers back in April, and the presses were set to roll. But at the very last moment, the order was canceled.

“The tenor of our industry was … ‘I wouldn’t say anything, I wouldn’t announce a season,’” said Beaudry, adding that, back then, as the number of cases in this state and around the country were soaring, industry groups were advising that it didn’t make sense to put a schedule down in black and white. And it still doesn’t.

“When you’re selling, which is what we’re doing when we announce a season, it’s very difficult in this climate,” she told BusinessWest. “People are afraid, still, to make a commitment — they’re not sure they want to gather in large groups, or they’re not sure what their financial situation is going to be. They’re not going to pre-buy for a concert that may be months away; we just felt it was an awful lot to ask our patrons and the community to make that kind of commitment.”

This episode captures, in poignant fashion, the state of limbo in which the SSO, and most all other institutions of its kind, now resides.

In short, the future is unknown, and when it comes to live performances before real audiences — the absolute lifeblood of these orchestras — it comes down to a waiting game. A wait for a vaccine, most probably, or perhaps an effective treatment for the virus. Something that will prompt the governor of the state to give the green light for phase 4 of his reopening plan.

“We’re listening and waiting,” Beaudry said. “We’re not planning based on our needs or our desires; we’re just listening. And when it’s the right time, we have a season ready to rock and roll. We may have to move some dates around, we may have to move some soloists around … but we know what we’re doing when the time comes.”

“People are afraid, still, to make a commitment — they’re not sure they want to gather in large groups, or they’re not sure what their financial situation is going to be.”

Beaudry stressed that she and others at the SSO are not simply waiting. Far from it.

In fact, she said she’s probably working harder and longer than she would during a typical season, largely because of an even longer to-do list.

It includes providing music to an audience — not the typical audience and not in the typical way; the SSO is now offering the HomeGrown Series, a weekly (Wednesday) webcast featuring a performance, demonstration, or lecture. It also includes fundraising, creating a fund to pay musicians sidelined by the pandemic, planning — as much as that assignment can be carried out in the COVID era — and working ever harder to create ways to broaden the orchestra’s audience.

Indeed, those at the SSO were well aware, long before anyone had ever heard the term COVID-19, that it needed to expand its base of patrons and supporters, said Beaudry, adding that the pandemic has perhaps brought a greater sense of urgency to this work.

“What we’re not doing is waiting,” she explained. “We’re fully engaged, and we’re working very, very hard. We still have to raise money, we still have to market our brand, we have to keep our musicians in front of our patrons, we have budgetary issues, a strategic plan to undertake … I’m working harder and longer hours than ever, but it’s exciting, fun, and rewarding work.”

As BusinessWest continues its extensive coverage of the pandemic and its broad impact on the region and its business community, we take an in-depth look at the SSO and how it intends to not just weather the storm but use the time and this extreme challenge to examine how to change and become a stronger institution moving forward.

Working in Concert

As she and others at the SSO packed up their computers and whatever else they might need in mid-March and left the orchestra’s offices in downtown Springfield to work at home, the expectation was that it would be for just a few weeks, said Beaudry, adding that this was roughly the same mindset taken with regard to shelving events on the schedule.

Indeed, even before state and federal shutdown orders were put if effect, orchestras, knowing that their audiences are dominated by seniors, began postponing or canceling events — a few weeks or a month at a time.

“We were halfway through March, and we said, ‘let’s just cancel the rest of March,’” she explained, noting that there were several events impacted, from a show at Symphony Hall to a chamber-music performance at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow. “The board agreed — ‘it’s prudent, it’s the right thing to do … let’s not worry about April yet.’”

Soon, though, those at the SSO had a lot more to worry about than just April. As the full scope of the pandemic became clear, the rest of the season was canceled — and soon it also became apparent that the new season, which traditionally starts in September, was now a huge question mark.

Susan Beaudry says that, while waiting for the green light to start its new season, the SSO is busy with everything from fundraising to building its brand to undertaking a strategic plan.

Which takes us back to that order to stop the presses. The program book that was set to roll detailed a truncated schedule that would start with the popular Holiday Pops performance and include four or five other events, said Beaudry.

Now, as noted, even that shorter, simpler schedule is very much in doubt — but ready to go when and if the word — in whatever form it takes — is given.

In the meantime, there is much more than waiting to do — starting with the HomeGrown series, which started back in April with Maestro Kevin Rhodes performing some Brahms on the piano. Over the ensuing weeks, the program has presented a variety of short programs featuring individual artists and even the entire oboe section.

“It’s been very successful, and we’ve received some very positive feedback,” Beaudry said. “It redirects people to a less stress-filled subject and a little levity, a little beauty. As we’ve always said, the healing power of music is very real, and the longer this pandemic lingers, the more that rings true.”

But to provide that healing power, the orchestra must survive what will almost certainly be its most difficult financial test — although it has weathered many over the years, including recessions and even world wars. This one is different, because there are so many unknowns, said Beaudry, adding that the pandemic has already forced the orchestra to furlough some staff and reduce hours for those who remain; she personally volunteered to take a 30% pay cut.

“We’ve basically lost a season,” she said, referring to the second half of the 2019-20 season and the first half of the upcoming season — at least. “We have no box-office sales right now, and we still have expenses.”

A Paycheck Protection Program loan helped keep staffers employed for several months, but those funds ran out, she went on, forcing the furloughs that were announced several weeks ago.

Moving forward, and with no program book for the upcoming season and no concerts to sponsor at the moment, the SSO is looking for different ways to provide value for its sponsors, and for those sponsors to provide the continued support needed to propel the orchestra to the proverbial other side of the pandemic.

“What we’re hoping is that we can turn sponsorship into a sustainability partnership,” she explained, “where these sponsors are going to philanthropically help us get over the hump so that we’re solvent on the other side and ready to take our place in the community and on stage when this whole thing is done. And the only way we do that successfully is with the full support of the community around us.”

While sustainability is now the most critical issue, a related need — to change and broaden the audience base — takes on even more importance in this era of COVID-19.

“We need to remind ourselves that not everyone is going to get dressed up on a Saturday night and drive to downtown Springfield from wherever and sit for two or three hours through a concert,” she explained. “It’s a commitment to come, so we need to figure out what people want to come to and how we can morph — not that we’re going to change our mission; we’re a classical music organization, and we intend to remain that.

“There are lots of considerations for us to make what we do a better product,” she went on, adding that, in some ways, the pandemic is amplifying the need for change and perhaps accelerating the process. Meanwhile, it is also helping to move the SSO in directions it knew it needed to move, such as virtual offerings, like HomeGrown.

“What COVID did was prompt us to ask, ‘what can we do virtually — how can we reach bigger audiences with a stronger reach electronically and virtually?’” she told BusinessWest. “That is a new wave of performances. We’re a live-performance organization; that’s really how we’ve focused — how do we get people to Symphony Hall? But if we can figure out how to best use livestreaming, who can we reach? What does that do for our education programs and our performances, or even the snowbirds who are gone for half our season?”

On a Final Note…

“This music is not in the notes, but in the silence between.”

That’s a quote from Mozart, and it now graces the SSO’s home page in large, bold type.

Not nearly as large and bold as the words “When the Orchestra Returns, Your Seat Will be Waiting.”

That’s a confident pronouncement in itself, with emphasis on the word ‘when.’

“We’ve been around for 76 years, and we’ve been through wars and other disasters, and we’ll get through this, too,” Beaudry said in conclusion. “We’re here to serve; we’re mission-driven. That’s the priority, and we’ll be ready.”

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

Staying Focused, Staying Healthy Are Keys to Working at Home

Modern Office

Small Steps for Big Wins

By Sarah Rose Stack

Sarah Rose Stack

Work-life balance in 2020 has been different, to say the least. And many people have unexpectedly found themselves in a new office … at home. This trend does not seem to be going away. In fact, many businesses plan to extend their work-from-home policies through the end of the year and are considering more permanent work-from-home plans.

If you are working from home, the expectation is that you are working from home. However, if you are not accustomed to this new environment, it can be tricky to perform to your fullest potential while also maintaining work-life balance. You and your employees may need to take additional steps to invest in overall well-being in order to remain effective at work.

Here are some things to think about, focusing on healthy mind, body, and spirit.

Mind

Staying focused and on task is key for productivity. Keep your mind clear and focused. To do that:

• Take a Break. Step away from screens occasionally. Don’t forget to give yourself a few minutes throughout the day to recharge in the same way that you would if you were in the office.

• Fully Participate. Nothing will help you enjoy your time off more then a job well done during your time on. Be engaged during meetings. Put your full workday in. Remain committed to your mission and vision while working. Your mind will appreciate the normalcy, you will do better work, and you will find it easier to turn off your work at the end of the day.

• Schedule Tasks, but Set Limits. Stay organized and on task by being clear about how you will spend your time. Schedule appointments with yourself to complete work. Limit tasks based on how much time it would normally take to complete them in the office.

• Set Ground Rules with Your New ‘Colleagues.’ If you are working remotely due to COVID-19, chances are that there are more people hunkered down at home too. To stay productive and avoid frustration, communicate with your family about boundaries so that you minimize interruptions and distractions.

• Set Up Your Home Office. Remember your first day of work, when you brought in a box of favorite things to keep you inspired and productive? Take some time to set up your new dedicated home-office space. Keep your work area organized and separate from your ‘life’ area. Even setting up a simple desk or table in a dedicated space will help you get into work mode when it is time. It can also prevent your work from overrunning your kitchen, living room, bedroom, or all of the above.

Body

Working — and doing everything else — at home can leave us feeling sluggish. Stay energized to feel and do your best.

• Take a Walk. If you’re taking a 10-minute break, don’t waste it scrolling on your phone. Go outside and take a walk. The combination of sunlight, fresh air, change of scenery, and movement can give you an injection of energy to get back at it.

• Stand Up. On a conference call or virtual meeting? Stand up or even walk or pace during the call. The walk can increase your focus, and you can also get some exercise at the same time.

• Try Yoga to Increase Focus. Did you know certain yoga poses may increase focus and concentration? Try yoga in the morning before work, or mid-afternoon to increase your focus and stay active. Poses for focus include tree, eagle, warrior III, half-moon, dancer, extended hand to toe, side plank, crow, and headstand.

• Choose Healthy Snacks and Meals. With a full range of access to unlimited food and snacks, it can be easy to fall off track and overdo it on the junk food. This obviously can lead to fatigue and become problematic if it becomes habitual. Maintaining a healthy diet with good portions will keep you fueled and energized.

• Drink More Water. Keeping hydrated is critical for well-being. Again, with full access to your kitchen, you may be prone to drink more sugary drinks, coffee, or soda than you normally would. Or you may not be taking in as much water as you usually do. Keep a water glass at your desk (but not near electronics) so you can stay hydrated throughout the day.

Spirit

Acknowledge emotions that are coming up as you navigate a new work situation and then take steps to redirect the narrative.

• Practice Gratitude. Showing appreciation can help you feel more positive emotions. Thank your colleagues when they help you with something. Take a moment to be grateful for the opportunity to work from home right now. Studies show that people who feel and express gratitude generally have a greater level of happiness.

• Go Outside. During social distancing, you can still leave your home to go for a walk or simply enjoy a cup of coffee on the porch. Research has shown that going outside can improve your short-term memory, restore mental energy, relieve stress, improve concentration, and increase your creativity.

• Stay Connected to Colleagues. While you can’t swing by a co-worker’s office to chit-chat, you can take a few minutes each day to connect. Whether it’s a private Facebook group, Teams, or group chat, take some time to check in. Talk. Laugh a little. Share photos, comments, and videos. Motivate each other to do great work together. Staying connected keeps us together while we’re apart.

Healthy Perspective

Small actions that are taken consistently can add up to big results. Focus on the three big rocks and the small wins that can be achieved within them to position yourself for a healthy mind, body, and spirit while working from home … and, for that matter, working from anywhere.

As you and your employees navigate this new work-from-home environment, remember that being productive and healthy is good for business and good for people. Many find that, when they have accomplished their goals during the day, they are able to relax and enjoy their time ‘at home.’ On the contrary, if they have been distracted throughout the day, they may find that nagging feeling of work piling up and following them everywhere.

Create a dedicated space, hours, boundaries, and habits to increase effectiveness and maintain a healthy work/life balance while working from home.

Sarah Rose Stack is marketing and recruiting manager with Holyoke-based accounting firm Meyers Brothers Kalicka; (413) 322-3401.

SECURE Act Changes Rules on Required Minimum Distributions

Accounting and Tax Planning

A Primer on RMDs

By Bob Suprenant, CPA, MST

Bob Suprenant, CPA, MST

With all that’s happened in the world this year, the SECURE Act, signed into law on Dec. 20, 2019, seems to have been robbed of the celebration it deserves.

Let’s give it its due and weave our way through the 2020 rules for what are known as RMDs.

First, what is an RMD, or required minimum distribution? It’s the minimum amount you must take out of your retirement plan — 401(k), IRA, 403(b), etc. — once you reach a certain age. The theory is that the amount in your retirement plan will be liquidated as you age.

To calculate the RMD, as a general rule, you divide the balance in your account at the end of the previous year — for this year, it would be Dec. 31, 2019 — by the distribution period found in the Uniform Lifetime Table. These tables currently run through age 115. Seriously.

Who Must Take an RMD?

This is where we blow the party horns and throw the confetti. These rules changed on Dec. 20, 2019. If you reached age 70½ in 2019, you were required to take your first distribution by April 1, 2020. If you reach age 70½ in 2020, you are not required to take your first distribution until April 1, 2022.

At the risk of putting a wet blanket on the fun, if you do not take the full amount of your RMD and/or you do not take it by the applicable deadline, there is a penalty. The penalty is an additional tax of 50% of the deficiency. The additional tax can be waived if due to reasonable error and you take steps to remedy the shortfall.

Did COVID-19 Change This?

Yes, the CARES Act, which was signed into law on March 27, 2020, included provisions that waived the requirement for RMDs in 2020. This also happened in 2009 when the stock market crashed. In 2020, RMDs are not required. The RMD waiver also applies to inherited IRAs.

It keeps getting better. On June 23, 2020, the IRS released Notice 2020-51, which allows those who have taken an RMD in 2020, but wish they hadn’t, to return the money to the retirement plan by Aug. 31.

There is a bit of a catch here, though. Most who take RMDs have federal and state tax withholdings on their distributions. Under this relief, the entire distribution must be returned to the retirement plan, not the distribution net of taxes.

By way of example, if you have a gross RMD of $20,000 and there is $3,000 in federal and state withholding, your net distribution is $17,000. To have none of your RMD taxed, the $20,000 must be returned to the retirement plan by Aug. 31. If you return only $17,000, you will be taxed on a $3,000 distribution.

Do I Take an RMD In 2020?

I know I don’t need to take an RMD in 2020, but should I? The answer is … it depends. And you should consult your tax advisor. Ask this individual to run projections to see what the best amount is for you to take as a distribution. For married joint filers, the 12% federal tax bracket includes taxable income up to $79,000. For amounts over $79,000, the tax bracket is at least 22%, a full 10% increase.

For many of my clients, I try to take full advantage of the lower tax bracket and get their incomes as close to the $79,000 as possible. Other clients, who use their retirement-plan distributions to make their charitable contributions (a very wise idea as you will generally save state taxes in addition to possibly saving federal taxes), should probably take a retirement-plan distribution in 2020.

Those who are aged may also want to take a distribution. Under the inherited IRA rules, your IRA beneficiaries will be required to take distributions, so consider their tax rates compared with yours.

As always, in the tax code, there are exceptions to exceptions, and this brief summary is only the cocktail hour. Be aware that you are not required to take an RMD for 2020. If you have taken an RMD, you can return it by Aug. 31. Do some tax planning to determine the best amount for your 2020 retirement-plan distribution.

Bob Suprenant, CPA, MST is a director of Special Tax Services at MP CPAs in Springfield. His focus is working with closely held businesses and their owners and identifying and implementing sophisticated corporate and business tax-planning strategies.

How, and Where, Will We Work?

By Editorial August 4, 2020

Opinion

Editorial

Nearly five months into the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the biggest issues — and questions — to emerge involves remote work and its future.

Indeed, while many people have returned to the office over the past several weeks, large numbers of employees continue to work from home. And the longer they do that — with generally positive results when it comes to productivity and overall satisfaction among managers and workers alike — the more people ask the $64,000 question: is this the future of work?

The answer right now is, by and large, ‘we don’t know — but we’re certainly looking at it.’ And the reasons for this are obvious. Having large numbers of people working at home could save companies considerable amounts of money on real estate, office design and accommodations, and other expenses. And from some of the early reports, they can do this while making employees happier — most of them enjoy working from home and not commuting — and perhaps more productive, partly because, again, they’re happier and they’re not commuting.

But this goes well beyond real estate, and that’s why this issue deserves the attention it is now getting. Remote work has the potential — the potential, mind you — to perhaps level the playing field when it comes to urban and rural areas, and also perhaps change the landscape when it comes to downtowns dominated by office buildings — and the businesses that serve the workers in those buildings.

That’s perhaps. We’re getting a little ahead of ourselves, but not really. These are the kinds of questions — and scenarios — that are already being talked about.

As that talk goes on, so does the discussion about remote work itself. As noted earlier, most of the early returns are positive. Companies do talk about how they miss the in-person interactions and a loss of the some of the collaborative spirit that comes with having everyone working in the same space.

But generally, they also talk about how productivity has not been impacted by people working at home, and how much employees appreciate these new arrangements. Some companies, like Google, have already told employees (most of them, anyway) they can and will work at home until roughly this time next year.

Whether these arrangements are being made, tolerated, and even applauded purely because of the pandemic remains to be seen. Maybe, when there’s a vaccine, everyone will return to the office and things will be as they were in February 2020.

But that now seems unlikely. COVID has, in many ways, shown the world that working from home is a viable option, one that could bring benefits for employers and employees alike. And this opens up a number of possibilities.

Indeed, individuals now living in Boston won’t have to live in that area to work for companies located there. They can live in Western Mass., where the living is cheaper, the air is cleaner, and the roads are less clogged (for now). Speaking of roads, do we have to worry about them being clogged again?

Meanwhile, people living in Western Mass. won’t have to work for companies located in Western Mass. Some of them don’t anyway, but now more can enjoy that option.

And what about high-speed rail? Will we still need it if far fewer people will need to travel across the state to work? Seems like the playing field may be leveled without it.

While in some respects these seem like questions for another day, they are appropriate to ask right now. And if the pandemic lingers and people continue to work from home successfully and productively into next year, these questions will be asked more and more — and the answer might well become obvious, if it isn’t already.

There have been many stories to emerge from this pandemic, but remote working may be the biggest of them all. There are many questions still to be answered and research to be done, but this may just be the future of work — or a very big part of it. And the impact could be enormous.

Small Businesses Need Support

By Editorial August 4, 2020

Opinion

The recent news that two small businesses located in the Shops at Marketplace in downtown Springfield — Serendipity and Alchemy Nail Bar — will be closing permanently due to a sharp decline in business from the pandemic provides more direct evidence of the damage being done to the business community from this crisis.

A number of small businesses have already closed over the past four and a half months, and those numbers will surely rise as the pandemic continues to keep people in their homes. Many of these closings are seemingly unavoidable — they involve businesses, such as event venues, bars, and restaurants, where people gather in large numbers indoors, something the pandemic has made all but impossible if people want to stay safe.

But some could be avoided if the residents of this area find ways to provide needed support. Many are already doing that, but these numbers need to grow if the Western Mass. business community is to avoid losing more of its valued members.

And we say valued, because that’s exactly what they are. Businesses are not simply establishments that occupy space in buildings and provide goods and services. They are part of the community, and often a big part.

They employ people. They pay taxes. They support organizations like the United Way and the Chamber of Commerce. Their employees often serve on boards and commissions and lend their support to local causes.

When a business closes, we lose a lot more than a place to buy shoes. When a restaurant closes, we lose more than our favorite pizza joint. When a tourist attraction shuts its doors, we lose more than a place to take the kids on a Saturday.

Supporting local businesses has always been important, but it is even more so during this crisis because so many of them are imperiled. As we have chronicled over the past several months, ventures in every sector of the economy have been rocked by this pandemic.

Indeed, companies recording sales of 60% or 70% of last year’s totals are having a good year. And most are not in that category, with declines of 70%, 80%, or even 90% over last year. Many of these businesses have been helped by assistance from the federal government in the form of PPP loans, SBA loans, and small grants from individual cities and towns. But many have exhausted those funds, and the pandemic shows no signs of letting up.

It doesn’t take someone with a degree in accounting to understand that most businesses simply cannot sustain losses like this for much longer. And some have already concluded that they can’t sustain them any longer.

With each headline like the one about Serendipity and Alchemy closing, there is regret about what we’ve lost. And as mentioned earlier, we lose more than a shop that sells an item or makes good Italian food. We lose tax dollars, and we lose a piece of our community.

There are many ways to support a business even if you can’t visit it in person — from buying a gift certificate to getting takeout to buying online. And by exercising these options, we can perhaps avoid losing some of the businesses that still call Western Mass. home.

Picture This

Picture This

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

Brewing Up Some News

Joined by state Rep. Tom Petrolati and leadership from Westmass Area Development Corp., Loophole Brewing Services announced plans for its new location at 90 First Ave. in Ludlow. The planned 21,000-square-foot brewery, taproom, and beer garden will occupy the former jute-processing building on a 2.5-acre parcel at the eastern end of the Ludlow Mills complex. Loophole co-founders Jeff Goulet, Aaron Saunders, and Todd Snopkowski plan to acquire the space from Westmass. In addition to the brewing operations, Loophole plans to have food offerings and more for taproom and beer-garden guests.

Meeting a Surging Need

Easthampton Community Center Executive Director Robin Bialecki and Thomas Conner, Florence Bank branch manager and vice president

Florence Bank donated $7,500 to the Easthampton Community Center to support its Food Pantry Program that serves 22 towns throughout the Pioneer Valley and provides food each month to 6,000 food-insecure individuals in need, including more than 600 children in the greater Easthampton area through the Kid’s Summer Pantry Program.

Drive-by Party

On July 15, Fleming Cocchi, a longtime resident of Wilbraham, turned 100 years old, and Visiting Angels of West Springfield, the home-care service that has taken care of Cocchi and his wife since 2014, organized a drive-by celebration. A parade of friends, family, and community members — including fire trucks and police cars — gathered to drive by Cocchi’s house with signs, balloons, bows, and birthday wishes. Cocchi waved from his porch with a big smile on his face as the cars and trucks passed by.

Court Dockets

Court Dockets

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

HAMPSHIRE DISTRICT COURT

Florence Casket Co. v. Westfield Funeral Home and Cremation, LLC

Allegation: Money owed on sale of caskets delivered and received: $16,049.71

Filed: 3/12/20

Michael Kenny, PPA and Karen Kenny v. TP Equipment Leasing, LLC and Petro Kabysh

Allegation: Motor-vehicle accident causing injuries: $39,372.47

Filed: 5/13/20

DSV Air & Sea Inc. v. GDMC USA, LLC d/b/a Vomax

Allegation: Money owed for transportation and/or logistics services: $11,430.86

Filed: 7/17/20

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

University of Massachusetts Building Authority v. All State Construction Inc. and Northern Construction Service, LLC

Allegation: Negligence causing property damage: $1,383,008

Filed: 2/18/20

Alfonso Longobardi v. Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.

Allegation: Fraudulent misrepresentation, negligent misrepresentation, breach of contract, intentional infliction of emotional distress

Filed: 2/20/20

Matthew Howard v. Cooley Dickinson Healthcare, Massachusetts General Hospital Affiliate

Allegation: Medical malpractice: $36,900,000

Filed: 3/4/20

Christy Giles v. Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home Inc.

Allegation: Negligence causing personal injury: $74,067.08

Filed: 3/12/20

Kimberly Mook v. Belchertown Public Schools, et al

Allegation: Wrongful termination, breach of contract: $230,000

Filed: 4/17/20

Agenda

Agenda

Virtual Job Fair

Aug. 4: With government-mandated social-distancing restrictions in place, the West of the River Chamber of Commerce (WRC) will hold its annual job fair virtually this year. With the extra unemployment money individuals are receiving about to expire, and local businesses beginning to reopen, the WRC is looking to help its members in any way it can. The Zoom event will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. This is a free event for attendees, and vendors and attendees can both register online. Each vendor will have the opportunity to speak to the attendees as a whole group about their company and what positions they are looking to fill. At the conclusion of the group session, each vendor will have a breakout room where attendees can ask more detailed information and exchange contact information. The event is sponsored by Reminder Publications. For more information and to register, visit www.westoftheriverchamber.com.

Driving for the Cure Golf Tournament

Aug. 17: TommyCar Auto Group announced that its 12th annual Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament will be held at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow. Money raised supports neuro-oncology research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Since its inception, this annual golf tournament has raised more than $1 million. The scramble-style tournament features a ‘Tee Off Against Cancer’ shotgun start. Players will enjoy 18 holes of golf and exciting on-course activities. Sponsorship packages range from $50 to $15,000, and foursomes start at $1,250. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or to register a foursome, visit tomcosenzidrivingforthecure.com. Volunteers and sponsors can also contact Gayle Bover at (413) 341-1917 or [email protected].

Knights Of Columbus Golf Tournament

Aug. 21: The Greenfield Knights of Columbus Council #133 will host its seventh annual charity golf tournament at Crumpin-Fox Club in Bernardston. This year, the Greenfield Council #133 recognizes the United Arc as its tournament partner. The event will be an 18 hole, four-person scramble with tee advantages for senior golfers. The entry fee of $125 per person includes greens fees, carts, use of the practice range, and prizes for the winners. A $35 gift card will be given to all golfers, which can be used at any time for meals, merchandise, or golf-related items. Raffle tickets will be sold, with prizes including a three-day Cape Cod vacation, a sports package, golf certificates, a ‘mystery box’ provided by the United Arc, restaurant certificates, auto packages, and much more. A hole-in-one contest will offer a chance to win a new car or other significant prizes. In addition to the United Arc, the proceeds from the event will be used to fund a number of Council #133’s worthy causes in Greenfield and Franklin County, including the Pan Mass Challenge, Baystate Franklin Medical Center’s Wheeling for Healing, Farren Hospital’s Gift of Light, the Greenfield Homeless Shelter, monthly community meals, high-school scholarships, honoring veterans on Memorial Day and having Wreaths Across America wreaths placed on graves at Christmas, several youth sports programs, and more. To sign up or for more information, call Lou Grader at (413) 774-2848, Dan Arsenault at (413) 774-5258, Bob Wanczyk at (413) 774-2465, Paul Doran at (413) 522-1800, or Joe Ruscio at (413) 768-9876.

Women’s Leadership Luncheon Series

Aug. 26, Sept. 30, Oct. 28: On July 29, Holyoke Community College President Christina Royal and Amanda Sbriscia, HCC’s vice president of Institutional Advancement, kicked off a reimagined monthly Women’s Leadership Luncheon Series. The 2020 Women’s Leadership Luncheon Series, postponed from spring due to COVID-19, will now take place virtually over Zoom on the last Wednesdays of each month from noon to 1 p.m. The series is sponsored by HCC and Training and Workforce Options (TWO), a collaboration between HCC and Springfield Technical Community College. Each lunchtime event will feature two presenters leading discussions on different topics. On Aug. 26, “Empowering Women in the Workplace” will be presented by Denise Jordan, executive director, Springfield Housing Authority; and Julie Quink, managing partner, Burkhart, Pizzanelli, P.C. On Sept. 30, “Comfortable in Your Own Skin, Finding Your Voice” will feature Tanisha Arena, executive director, Arise for Social Justice; and Pam Victor, owner, Happier Valley Comedy. On Oct. 28, “Women Leaders in Non-Traditional Businesses” will be presented by Colleen Loveless, president and CEO, Revitalize Community Development Corp.; and Nicole Palange, vice president, V&F Auto. Each session costs $20 each, or $50 for the full series. Registration is required. Space for each luncheon is limited to 25. To register, visit hcc.edu/womens-leadership.

Golf FORE Health Tournament

Sept. 14-15: The 31st annual Golf FORE Health Tournament, Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s only major fundraising event, will be held at the Crumpin-Fox Club in Bernardston. COVID-19 has altered every aspect of people’s personal and professional lives. Today, the need for support for the local hospital is greater than ever, and many businesses have reached out asking how to help Cooley Dickinson care for its patients and our community. This year’s tournament will be played in a social-distancing format with tee times every 10 minutes starting at 8 a.m., and will now be played over two days and adhere to all current Massachusetts COVID-19 golf guidelines. Each team will play on one of the two days. This means the annual post-event banquet will not take place, but organizers say they have been able to incorporate some exciting new tournament additions and give sponsors the greatest amount of exposure. The lead platinum sponsors are bankESB and MJ Moran Inc. To secure a team or to sponsor the event, visit www.cooleydickinson.org/golf. Questions should be directed to Jennifer Margolis at [email protected] or (413) 582-2255.

People on the Move

People on the Move

Prudence Blond

Prudence Blond has been promoted to vice president and trust officer at Greenfield Savings Bank. In her new position, Blond, as a client service officer, oversees the administration and tax departments and also works with the Bank’s internal and external auditors. Blond joined the bank after graduating from Greenfield Community College in 1997 as a teller. In 1999, she was promoted to trust operations associate with responsibility for processing operational work along with administrative assistant tasks of the GSB Trust Department. Over the next 10 years, she began to work directly clients and was promoted to assistant trust officer, then trust officer, then to assistant vice president and trust officer before her new promotion to vice president and trust officer. After graduating from GCC, she earned a personal trust diploma through the American Bankers Assoc. in 2011 and a general financial services diploma through the Centre for Financial Training. She has continued to take educational classes in administration, personal tax preparation, trust and estate-tax preparation, financial planning, and IRAs. She earned her certified trust and financial advisor (CTFA) designation in 2012 through the Institute of Certified Banks. Blond is currently serving on the board of directors, personnel committee, and nominating committee at LifePath Inc. (formerly known as Franklin County Home Care Corp.). She is a member of the annual campaign team at Greenfield Community College. She has previously served on the board of trustees, as treasurer, and as Sunday school superintendent at Robbins Memorial Church.

•••••

Kevin Bowler

Michael Tucker, president and CEO, announced that Kevin Bowler has joined Greenfield Cooperative Bank as the new senior vice president of Loan Resolution. He began working in the Northampton office on July 1. “Kevin brings to us over 30 years of lending experience,” Tucker said. “We are lucky to have someone with his level of experience in handling and working with commercial and residential credits to help them through these times.” Bowler, who will report directly to Tony Worden, executive vice president and chief operating officer, previously worked for Peoples United Bank (the Bank of Western Massachusetts). He has a bachelor’s degree from Westfield State University.

•••••

Leadership Pioneer Valley (LPV) recently welcomed Lidya Rivera-Early of Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) to its board of directors. Rivera-Early has a demonstrated history of serving on various boards and committees within the community. As an LPV LEAP alumna, she also brings a passion for both the mission of the organization and the continued success of the Pioneer Valley. “We are delighted to have Lidya join us,” said Lora Wondolowski, Leadership Pioneer Valley executive director. “Lidya understands firsthand the value of LPV. She will bring her voice, skills, and experiences to the board and will help LPV to fulfill its mission of building and connecting more diverse, committed, and effective leadership for the Pioneer Valley.” The Board also announced that Russell Peotter and Annamarie Golden will continue for an additional year in their current roles as chair and vice chair, respectively. Francia Wisnewski will continue as clerk, and Callie Niezgoda as treasurer.

•••••

Daisy Pereira-Tosado joins

Didi de Almeida

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts (CFWM) announced two new staff members, filling key development and finance roles at the organization. Daisy Pereira-Tosado joins CFWM as director of Philanthropy, and Didi de Almeida has been hired as account manager. Pereira-Tosado is responsible for bolstering and diversifying the foundation’s development strategy. She brings 25 years of experience in the nonprofit arena and has led and served in leadership roles for community-based organizations, most recently as senior director of Philanthropy at New England Public Media. Pereira-Tosado has developed many valuable resources for the local community as an active volunteer for local organizations such as Girls Inc. of Holyoke, Link to Libraries, and the Springfield Puerto Rican Day Parade Committee. She is a graduate of Boston University. Meanwhile, de Almeida brings seven years of experience in nonprofit accounting management for local nonprofit organizations, and recently earned her MBA from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst. Prior to her graduate studies, de Almeida was fiscal manager for the Center for New Americans, business manager for the Brick House Community Resource Center, and staff accountant for the MassHire Franklin Hampshire Career Center. Her experience includes budgeting, compliance, financial reporting, expense tracking, tax filing, and audit preparation.

•••••

Bulkley Richardson announced that Christopher Gelino will be spending the next several weeks at the firm as a summer associate. During this assignment, he will have the opportunity to assist with legal work from all practice areas within the firm. Gelino is currently attending the University of Connecticut School of Law with an expected graduation date of May 2021. He is a 2014 graduate of the University of Connecticut, where he received degrees in both political science and human rights, and was recognized as a university honors scholar. He also earned a master’s degree in international politics in 2017 from the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London.

•••••

E. Thomas Foster

Denise Jordan

American International College (AIC) recently welcomed two members to its board of trustees: E. Thomas Foster and Denise Jordan. Foster is managing director of the Retirement Advisor University Speakers Bureau. A 1970 graduate of American International College, he also attended Suffolk University Law School. In a career spanning more than 30 years, he is well-regarded as an industry expert, educating and advising individuals and businesses on the retirement marketplace, including products, legislation, regulation, and compliance. Most recently, Foster served as the spokesperson for MassMutual Retirement Services, working directly with financial advisors and employers to educate about 401(k) and other qualified retirement-savings plans. In 2007, he co-authored a book on practice management for advisors titled To Sell or Not to Sell … Employer Retirement Plans. He has been featured in numerous publications, including the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, the Dallas Morning News, the Miami Herald, the Los Angeles Times, Forbes, Kiplinger, Financial Planning, Investment News, and the London Stock Exchange. Jordan was born and raised in the city of Springfield. She attended Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, where she received a bachelor’s degree in political science, and in 2000, she earned a master’s degree in human resource development from American International College. AIC presented Jordan with an honorary doctor of laws degree in 2019, awarded for outstanding achievement in the social sciences and for significant community contributions at the local and national levels. Jordan worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in a variety of roles for more than 20 years. In 2008, she became the city of Springfield’s first African-American chief of staff, a position she held for more than a decade in the office of Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno. She currently serves as executive director of the Springfield Housing Authority, the third-largest public housing authority in the state. She has held seats on many boards and has won several awards for her volunteer work.

•••••

Crystal Cote-Stosz

Christopher Heights of Northampton announced that Crystal Cote-Stosz has joined its team as executive director, effective immediately. Cote-Stosz brings a long history of elder-care experience. She began her career in elder care in 2007 as an information and referral specialist and later moved up to a geriatric resource advisor with Greater Springfield Senior Services. In 2009, she and her family relocated to Easthampton, and in 2010, she accepted a position in social work at the Northampton Senior Center. Within a year at the senior center, she was promoted to assistant director. Her responsibilities included volunteer recruitment, scheduling, training, and supervising the social worker, activities director, and fitness center, ensuring the needs of elders in the Northampton community were met with dignity, respect, and enthusiasm. Cote-Stosz’s commitment to serving elders presented a new opportunity in 2016 at the Lathrop Home in Northampton, where she accepted the position of executive director in 2016 and focused her talents on expanding relationships with community partners, developing effective teams within the Lathrop community, and increasing resident census to stabilize the operations of the home. She said she enjoyed the growth opportunity and experiences she had at the Lathrop Home and is now accepting this new opportunity to expand to a larger community.

•••••

Country Bank announced several grant recipients associated with its Community Heroes campaign, an effort to recognize exceptional acts of service by local individuals in the region and the continued fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the campaign, more than 200 heroes were nominated through an online submission process explaining why they should be chosen. A new hero was selected each week and awarded a $250 gift card to the local business of their choice. In addition, a donation to a COVID-19 relief organizations was made in their name. The chosen Community Heroes include Noelle Grace Efantis, registered nurse at Baystate Wing Hospital; Michelle and Jay Demore of Demore’s Automotive Center; Paula Perrier, director of Child Development Services at the YMCA Tri-Community Child Development Center; Benjamin Mead, operations manager of Environmental Services at St. Francis Hospital; Alan Tracy, Pioneer Valley USO director at Westover Air Reserve Base; and the directors and transit care specialist at Beers & Story Funeral Home of Palmer. Country Bank continues to be one of the many businesses supporting its communities throughout the pandemic. The bank has made $450,000 in donations to local COVID-19 relief efforts and continues to look for ways to give back in a meaningful way during these challenging times.

•••••

Mary-Anne Schelb

Adam Berman, president of JGS Lifecare, announced that Mary-Anne Schelb has rejoined the JGS Lifecare team as director of Business Development for the Western Mass. market. Prior to returning to JGS Lifecare, Schelb led marketing operations at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital in Ludlow. In her prior role at JGS Lifecare as director of Sales and Community Relations, she developed strategic partnerships and spearheaded the efforts that succeeded in making Longmeadow a dementia-friendly community. Prior to that, she headed up sales, marketing, and community relations at Monastery Heights Assisted Living in West Springfield. Schelb is very active in numerous community organizations. She is a Rotarian, a board member of the East of the River Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the West of the River Chamber of Commerce, the Retirement Marketing Directors Assoc., the Western Massachusetts Eldercare Professionals Assoc., the Women Business Owners Alliance, the Western Mass. Elder Care Conference steering committee, and the Tri-County Partnership, just to name a few. She began her career with an accounting certification from St. John’s School of Business and worked in the mainstream until continuing onto a more wellness-based path as a Holistic Health Practitioner, holding master/teacher certifications from the International Center for Reiki Training. She is also a certified cranial sacral therapist in Profound Neutral from the Neurovascular Institute.

Company Notebook

Company Notebook

Daniel O’Connell’s Sons Tapped for WSU Parenzo Hall Renovation

WESTFIELD — Westfield State University, in partnership with the Massachusetts Division of Capital Assets Management and Maintenance (DCAMM), announced the selection of Holyoke-based Daniel O’Connell’s Sons Inc. to serve as construction manager for the university’s $40 million Parenzo Hall renovation project. The construction manager selection committee — consisting of three DCAMM representatives, architect James Loftus of Miller Dyer Spears of Boston, and David Riggles, associate director for Projects and Space Management at Westfield State — received 12 responses to DCAMM’s request for qualifications and eight final proposals for the project. The final construction-manager selection was made based on the firm’s qualifications, experience, past performances, and reviews of performance records in comparison to the others. The university plans to transform the 64-year-old Parenzo Hall — the oldest building on campus — into a state-of-the-art hub for student success and development. Renovations will include the creation of two new centers — the Center for Student Success and Engagement (CSSE) and the CoLab (collaboration laboratory). The renovation of swing space to relocate current Parenzo Hall tenants is underway and expected to be completed this winter. Groundbreaking for Parenzo’s reconstruction is anticipated in summer 2021. The renovation is expected to take approximately two years. The CoLab will leverage technology to serve as a nexus for innovative collaboration in Western Mass., partnering with K-12 school districts, community colleges, and industry partners. It will teach students and community partners how to productively engage in online and hybrid environments that increase flexibility for students, facilitate co-enrollment, expand course choices, and provide a bridge to employment. The CoLab will work with community colleges to ease the transfer process by offering financially supported hybrid-style programs and boot camps. It will work with chambers of commerce and economic-development boards to broker relationships, inform curriculum, and secure support. The CSSE will address the university’s goals of increasing retention and graduation rates, as well as reducing achievement gaps and the continuing decline in the number of working-age adults. In addition, it will increase student preparation for advanced learning and support exploration of career pathways in elementary and high schools to prepare them for on-the-job training. New and in-demand certificate programs and advanced study options will be offered to its business partners, utilizing technology. The Commonwealth is helping to finance the project via a $21.25 million spending bill that was signed by Gov. Charlie Baker during a July 2018 visit to campus.

Baystate Health, Kindred Healthcare to Partner on Behavioral-health Hospital

SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Health and Kindred Healthcare, LLC announced plans to form a joint venture that will build and operate a $43 million, state-of-the-art behavioral-health hospital in Western Mass. The 120-bed facility will address the shortage of behavioral-health beds in the region, increasing patient access to Baystate Health’s specialty inpatient behavioral healthcare for adults (including geriatrics), adolescents, and children by more than 50%. Kindred will manage day-to-day operations of the hospital, and Baystate Health psychiatrists and advanced practitioners will provide care under the medical leadership of Dr. Barry Sarvet, chair of Psychiatry at Baystate Health. The hospital will be designed specifically for behavioral-health services to foster a better healing environment for patients. The hospital will feature distinct units to meet patients’ varying treatment needs and is expected to employ more than 200 direct caregivers and ancillary staff. Baystate had planned last year to partner with US HealthVest, LLC on a $30 million behavioral-health hospital, but ended that relationship in November following news reports alleging substandard care at other HealthVest facilities, and began searching for a new partner. Baystate Health remains interested in a centrally located Holyoke location and is in discussions with the city of Holyoke regarding the potential acquisition and development of a property on Lower Westfield Road. It is anticipated that, from the time the site is secured, it will be at least two years before the new hospital is operational, pending regulatory and other approvals. Until the new hospital is completed, Baystate will continue to operate its inpatient behavioral-health units at its community hospitals — Baystate Franklin Medical Center, Baystate Noble Hospital, and Baystate Wing Hospital. Upon completion of the new facility, those units will be closed. Emergency-care services will continue to be provided at all Baystate Health hospitals, and the treatment of medically complex patients will continue at Baystate Medical Center in its Adult Psychiatric Treatment Unit.

Elms College Receives Grant to Fund Experiential Learning

CHICOPEE — Elms College announced it has been awarded a $240,000 grant from the Davis Educational Foundation (DEF) in support of its Experiential Learning Mastering Success (ELMS) – Real World Ready! learning initiative. The grant will be dispersed over the next three years. The overall goal of the ELMS – Real World Ready! learning initiative is to provide at least one high-impact experiential learning opportunity to every student during their college career. Experiential learning is one of the five pillars of the college’s 2020-23 strategic plan. Students can participate in internships, research, study-abroad trips, and service learning opportunities. The first-year disbursement of the grant will support hiring a director of Experiential Learning, providing professional development for faculty and staff, and broadening of the college’s third annual Innovation Challenge (IC). The IC is a three-day event in which students work in teams and explore the intersection of social relationships, business economics, public education, and social justice. Over the past two years, Elms students have developed creative ideas to alleviate homelessness and address bullying. The upcoming Innovation Challenge in the fall 2020 semester will expand participation from 60 students to the entire first-year class. The ELMS – Real World Ready! learning initiative and the DEF grant build on the philanthropic scholarship funding currently available to students through the donor-funded Keating Schneider Experiential Learning Fund and the Elms Advantage Internship program.

WNEU to Offer MS Program in Construction Management

SPRINGFIELD — Western New England University (WNEU) announced the addition of a new master of science program in construction management to the list of graduate-degree offerings. U.S. News and World Report ranks construction manager first in “Best Construction Jobs” and 43rd in “100 Best Jobs” with a low unemployment rate of 2.3%. The Bureau of Labor Statistics website shows that the job outlook growth (2016-26) for Construction Managers is 11% (faster than average), with a median salary of $93,370 per year. With courses rooted in civil engineering, industrial engineering, and engineering management, the program strives to provide a well-rounded knowledge base in engineering as it pertains to construction management. Elective opportunities in business and management will give students a perspective into the business world that will prepare them for management and leadership roles. The program is tailored for students to choose from three options to complete the degree. The all-course option allows students to complete the 10 graduate courses that include open electives, choosing from courses in civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering as well as engineering management and business. Through the project or thesis options, students will work with a faculty advisor to take a deeper dive in a topic of interest, culminating in a final report and presentation. Applications are now being accepted for the MS in construction management program. Classes begin Sept. 28. To learn more, call the Office of Graduate Studies at (413) 782-1517 or e-mail [email protected].

Dress for Success to Collaborate with the Links Inc. on Mentorship Program

Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts announced a partnership with the Greater Springfield chapter of the Links Inc. Founded in 1946, the Links Inc. is an international, not-for-profit organization that brings together professional women of color to serve their communities through volunteerism and philanthropy. Its ultimate goal is to sustain the culture and economic survival of African-Americans and people of African ancestry. The work of the Links Inc. aligns well with the mission of Dress for Success, specifically the Margaret Fitzgerald Mentor Program. This program, named for a Physics Department secretary from Mount Holyoke College who provided help and encouragement for women entering that male-dominated field in the 1970s, pairs women who are overcoming great odds to achieve economic independence with professional women who volunteer to work with them one-on-one. Together, they establish individual goals and work on self-esteem, résumé building, workplace etiquette, interview skills, work/life balance, and more. By establishing a trusting rapport and sharing the wisdom of experience, mentors helps move their mentees from career readiness to action. Though the mentorships last one year, the impact lasts a lifetime. Beginning on Aug. 14, women from the Greater Springfield chapter of the Links Inc. will serve as mentors to women of color who have been recruited to the Margaret Fitzgerald Mentor Program from both Dress for Success programs as well as their partners in the community. The mentorships will continue until August 2021, when the mentees will be invited to join the Dress for Success Professional Women’s Group.

6 Bricks Wins Provisional License to Advance Cannabis Dispensary

SPRINGFIELD — 6 Bricks, LLC was chosen to receive a state provisional license from the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission. Last year, the city of Springfield awarded 6 Bricks one of just four licenses to operate a cannabis dispensary in the city. For more than a year before the award by Springfield, 6 Bricks had been preparing for the city application process, engaging and working with architects, industry and profession experts, security professionals, and others as to how best to propose a community-oriented facility and operation that would include and benefit the city and surrounding neighborhood community. 6 Bricks incurred substantial expense and invested significant time securing data and planning strategies to put forth a winning application to the city and the state, including hiring and working with engineering firm Vanhasse Hangen Bustin Inc. to produce traffic and other studies. 6 Bricks worked extensively with former Springfield Police Officer John Delaney on a security plan for operation; he assembled a team of former law-enforcement professionals who have advised the project from the idea stages to the present. Achieving provisional-license status means 6 Bricks, LLC has moved one step closer to being able to open a facility on Springfield. Of the four Springfield applicants, 6 Bricks is the first to be awarded this status.

Incorporations

Incorporations

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

AGAWAM

Kielbasa & Dairy Inc., 266 Walnut St., Agawam, MA 01001. Larisa Mironova, same. Food sales.

AMHERST

Human Rights Advocacy Center Inc., 135 East Hadley Road, Amherst, MA 01002. Mohamed Ibrahim, same. Promote human rights, immigrants and social and economic rights. Human rights education, training human rights activist and support and help all victims of human rights violation.

EASTHAMPTON

Havoc Industries Inc., 412 Main St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Christopher Graham, same. Manufacturing and sale of after-market equipment and parts for all terrain vehicles.

FLORENCE

Florence Ventures Inc., 60 Main St., Florence, MA 01062. Konstantinos N. Sierros, 292 Old Wilson Rd., Florence, MA 01062. Restaurants.

HOLYOKE

Donald Lee Wroth Memorial Corp., 47 Sun Valley Road, Holyoke, MA 01040. Gertrude Margaret Wroth, same. This entity will be used to fund a yearly scholarship. It will be used to benefit children or grandchildren of local firefighters.

East2west Transport Inc., 332 Cherry St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Swostik Rana Magar, 48 Old Lyman Road, South Hadley, MA 01075. Transportation.

LENOX

Green Burial Massachusetts Cemetery Inc., 3 Emerson Lane, Lenox, MA 01240. Candace Currie, same. Purchase, maintain, and preserve burial grounds.

LONGMEADOW

Dream Nail & Spa Inc., 927 Shaker Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Guanghao Han, same. Nail salon and spa.

NORTH ADAMS

Honey Beer & Wine Inc., 524 Union St., North Adams, MA 01247. Sureshkumar Patel, 116 Lenox Ave., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Package store.

NORTHAMPTON

Gage-Wiley Group Inc., 120 King St., Northampton, MA 01060. Christopher B. Milne, 119 Prospect St., Northampton, MA 01060. Investment advisor.

Highbrow Inc., 12 Craft Ave., Northampton, MA 01060. Andrew Brow, 30 High St., #2, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Restaurant.

SPRINGFIELD

Crystalline Cleaners Inc., 15 Park St., Unit 402, Springfield, MA 01103. Tatiana P. Donaldson, same. Cleaning services and products.

Early Enterprise Inc., 143 Main St., Suite 106, Springfield, MA 01105. Andrae Gillylan, 39 Hawthorne St., Springfield, MA 01105. Transportation of individuals for medical purposes for free or low- cost throughout the Commonwealth.

House of Prayer Heart for The Nations Church Inc., 100 Ravenwood St., Springfield, MA 01119. Joel A. Burgos, same. Place of worship.

Iglesia De Dios Pentecostal Jesus Faro De Luz Inc., 55 Allen Park Road Apt. #A, Springfield, MA 01118. Hiram Martinez-Soto, same. Teaching of biblical doctrine.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Derenzy Business Technologies Inc., 130 Doty Circle, West Springfield, MA 01089. John Kenneth Daigle, 83 East St., Southampton, MA 01073. Copier, printer sales and services.

Doing Business As Certificates

DBA Certificates

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

HADLEY

Active Chiropractic
8 Goffe St.
Bradford Eichwald

Claire’s #5448
367 Russell St.
Claire’s Boutiques Inc.

Dwight Home Improvements
27 Maple Ave.
Thomas Dwight

Exotic Automotive Service
373 River Dr.
Paul Narus

Farm Shop and Café
10 Rocky Hill Road
Shannon Rice-Nichols

Strong as a Mother Coffee
185 Russell St.
Brandy Fill

Walmart #2683
337 Russell St.
David Reading

NORTHAMPTON

Caschetta Consulting
211 Crescent St.
Mary Beth Caschetta

Electric Soul Skin Care
151 Main St.
René Maserati

Hampshire Sheriff’s Office
205 Rocky Hill Road
David Foley

HoleyMoleys Comics and Collectibles
90 King St., Unit 3
Anthony Barrineau

North King Motel
504 North King St.
Shweta Patel

Passalongs
198 Sylvester Road
Adrienne Ehlert-Bashista

Yankee Mattress Factory Inc.
104 Damon Road
Joseph Noblit

SOUTHWICK

Country Colonial Shop
408 College Highway
Joseph Radwilowicz

ICS Coatings and Polishing
282 South Loomis St.
Patrick Clarke

Kirk Samuelsen
13 Honey Pot Road
Kirk Samuelsen

Practical Painting Services
2 Country Club Dr.
Richard Lemon

Raw Consulting, LLC
31 Ranch Club Road
Rebecca White

Tyson Carpenter Electric
15 Jeffrey Circle
Tyson Carpenter

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Five Guys
1268 Riverdale St.
Darisel Lopez

Homans Associates II, LLC
78 Interstate Dr.
Richard Iandoli

Pintus Indian Palace
25 Park Ave.
Sarabjit Chawla

Riverdale Storage Center Inc.
143 Doty Circle
Jan Chrzan

SJH Cleaning Service
67 Vincent Dr.
Steven Hieronymus

Soliris Music Publishing
65 Craig Dr.
Soliris Santos

Starry Nights Stitchery
31 Clayton Dr.
Starr Corcoran

T-Mobile Financial, LLC
1102 Riverdale St.
Chris Miller

T-Mobile Leasing, LLC
1103 Riverdale St.
Chris Miller

T-Mobile Northeast, LLC
1102 Riverdale St.
Chris Miller

Bankruptcies

Bankruptcies

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

Ana Rivera Daycare
Sunshine Family Day Care
Rivera-Acevedo, Ana C.
75 Charles St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/18/2020

Arvelo, Celestino
239 White St., Apt. 1
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/26/2020

Choi-Gomez, Rafael
73 Barrett St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 06/26/2020
Date: 7

Erickson, Stefanie L.
Erickson-Murray, Stefanie L.
31 Acrebrook Road
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/26/2020

Gagne, Jennifer M.
a/k/a VanTassell, Jennifer
73 Yorktown Court
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/18/2020

Gilmore, Michael Anthony
114 Endecott St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/26/2020

Johns, Dirk A.
10 Brookside Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/16/2020

Lacharite, Aaron M.
PO Box 572
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/26/2020

Langlois, Walter
174 Ellendale Circle
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/24/2020

Mann, Michelle L.
402 Ohio Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/24/2020

McCarthy, John D.
McCarthy, Quevia P.
a/k/a Amaral, Quevia P.
24 Melha Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/23/2020

Nawskon, Amber M.
16 Milton St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/24/2020

Palmer, Johnathan R.
4008 Church St.
Thorndike, MA 01079
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/26/2020

Prukalski, Andrea M.
66 Laura Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/25/2020

Realistic Solutions MR
Berard, Mary Jean
730 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/26/2020

Rivera, Elizabeth
70 Broadway St., Apt. 128
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/24/2020

Rosario, Cruz
60 Patterson Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/30/2020

Shaker Road LLC
785 Williams St., Suite 352
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 11
Date: 06/17/2020

Tandoh, Augustin
a/k/a Tandoh, Augustine
3 Students Lane, Apt. 2
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/24/2020

Thompson, Martha E.
27 Campechi St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/24/2020

Walker, David G.
Walker, Caitlin A.
11 Holbrook St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/26/2020

Woodburn, Victoria Anne
33 Homer Ave., Apt. B-3
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/18/2020

Yankson, Bernard E.
Yankson, Susana
415 Bardwell St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/26/2020

Real Estate Transactions

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

BERNARDSTON

32 Brattleboro Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Jose A. Calazan
Seller: Angela I. Hyrne
Date: 07/06/20

28 Hillcrest Dr.
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $243,000
Buyer: Terri L. Hewes
Seller: Douglas J. Depault
Date: 07/07/20

26 Saw Mill Lane
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $292,500
Buyer: Jennifer L. Stafford
Seller: David B. Lorenz
Date: 07/02/20

135 South St.
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $423,000
Buyer: Christopher G. Hewitt
Seller: Scott Digeorge
Date: 06/30/20

BUCKLAND

58 Clesson Brook Road
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $256,500
Buyer: Riley M. Dupree
Seller: Peter D. Robinson
Date: 07/03/20

72 Elm St.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: Elizabeth M. Lovance
Seller: Elia A. Sinaiko
Date: 06/29/20

10 Kratt Ave.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: John J. McCarthy
Seller: Debra B. Tulsky
Date: 07/08/20

COLRAIN

21 Heath Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Margaret Barrows
Seller: Brian D. Godin
Date: 06/30/20

CONWAY

320 Main Poland Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: John Craine
Seller: Richard P. Fitzgerald
Date: 06/29/20

Shelburne Falls Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $142,500
Buyer: Owen E. Wormser
Seller: John L. Harris
Date: 06/30/20

DEERFIELD

32 Graves St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $336,000
Buyer: Zachary Battistoni
Seller: Hayley L. Gilmore
Date: 07/02/20

108 North Hillside Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Kirsten Oxboel
Seller: Michael Pollitt
Date: 07/10/20

North Main St.
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $272,000
Buyer: Town Of Deerfield
Seller: Joyce H. Pervere
Date: 07/02/20

28 Thayer St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Michael Chalifoux
Seller: J2K Realty LLC
Date: 07/07/20

GREENFIELD

194 High St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $177,500
Buyer: Robert C. Janvrin
Seller: Wells Fargo Bank
Date: 07/09/20

226 High St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $290,500
Buyer: Kate L. Ben-Ezra
Seller: Stanley S. Mellas
Date: 07/10/20

39 Highland Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: Darius Greenbacher
Seller: Joan R. Schwartz
Date: 06/30/20

466 Mohawk Trail
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Michael J. Pervere
Seller: Smith, Donald G., (Estate)
Date: 07/10/20

45 Sauter Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $223,000
Buyer: Sherri Haughey
Seller: Kellie J. Mackenzie
Date: 07/10/20

LEVERETT

59 Juggler Meadow Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: Carolyn Roust
Seller: Deborah D. Pease
Date: 07/06/20

63 Juggler Meadow Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $307,500
Buyer: Brian W. Boyles
Seller: Joel R. Acker
Date: 06/30/20

LEYDEN

119 East Hill Road
Leyden, MA 01337
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Holly A. St.Clair
Seller: Paula Sayword
Date: 07/09/20

MONTAGUE

10 Davis St.
Montague, MA 01301
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Marilyn T. Squier
Seller: Carroll, Jane E., (Estate)
Date: 06/30/20

3 George Ave.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $209,000
Buyer: Daniel E. Arsenault
Seller: Lisa J. Warner
Date: 07/10/20

20-22 Maple St.
Montague, MA 01301
Amount: $261,300
Buyer: Maple St Productions LLC
Seller: Fenwick LLP
Date: 07/09/20

98 South Prospect St.
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: Alexander L. Lapenta
Seller: Shawn Peyton-Pack
Date: 07/10/20

36 Turners Falls Road
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Tylar L. Archambault
Seller: Joseph D. Mew
Date: 07/01/20

544 Turners Falls Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Susan S. Cornett
Seller: Klaus, Anna L., (Estate)
Date: 06/30/20

49 Vladish Ave.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Joseph D. Mew
Seller: Joseph F. Sulda
Date: 07/01/20

NEW SALEM

410 Daniel Shays Hwy.
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Quabbin Stop LLC
Seller: NSGS RT
Date: 06/29/20

199 North Main St.
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $226,500
Buyer: Jackson B. Gale
Seller: Jamie P. Gleason
Date: 07/10/20

17 Whitaker Road
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Brenden Kuntz
Seller: No Pl Like Home Pro LLC
Date: 07/01/20

NORTHFIELD

74 Pierson Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Nicholas Peduzzi
Seller: Nelson INT
Date: 06/30/20

9 Riverview Dr.
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Chelsea R. Depault
Seller: Robert L. Haughey
Date: 07/08/20

ORANGE

75 East Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Cynthia A. Butler
Seller: US Bank
Date: 07/10/20

549 East Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Arthur McDonald
Seller: Currier Road Holdings LLC
Date: 07/06/20

20 Eddy St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $144,200
Buyer: Bernard L. Raymer
Seller: Tracy L. Gaida
Date: 07/01/20

105 Gidney Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $276,400
Buyer: Alicia Santana
Seller: Ingrid Willard
Date: 07/08/20

326 Holtshire Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Kimberly Scot
Seller: Bertie J. Barrows
Date: 07/02/20

North Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Nicole M. Lyman
Seller: Mark E. Lyman
Date: 07/08/20

31 Prescott Lane
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Steven Godinez
Seller: Tanyah Frost
Date: 07/06/20

153 West River St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $248,500
Buyer: Courtney Mitchell
Seller: Thomas Strunjo
Date: 07/03/20

84 Walnut Hill Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: John L. Alden
Seller: Jacob P. Poirier
Date: 06/29/20

SHELBURNE

10 Deerfield Ave.
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Residences Mill Falls LLC
Seller: Legacy Project LLC
Date: 06/30/20

107 Main St.
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $212,500
Buyer: Dorothy S. Corman TR
Seller: KLW Grandison INT
Date: 06/30/20

SHUTESBURY

9 Haskins Way
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Kevin G. Rudden
Seller: Mary D. Brooks
Date: 07/08/20

452 West Pelham Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $308,000
Buyer: Nathan S. Murphy
Seller: Corinne S. Andrews
Date: 07/01/20

SUNDERLAND

54 North Plain Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $580,000
Buyer: Briana H. Banas
Seller: Missy V. Ehrgood RET
Date: 06/30/20

WARWICK

145 Chase Hill Road
Warwick, MA 01378
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: David Wells
Seller: Jones, Emily M., (Estate)
Date: 07/08/20

WHATELY

5 Eastwood Lane
Whately, MA 01373
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Douglas E. Coates
Seller: Jawk Inc.
Date: 07/02/20

3 Grey Oak Lane
Whately, MA 01373
Amount: $489,000
Buyer: Grant Ritter
Seller: Hamelin Framing Inc.
Date: 06/30/20

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

390 Barry St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $303,000
Buyer: Shelly F. Smith
Seller: Daniel M. Beaudry
Date: 07/10/20

10 Birch Hill Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $339,000
Buyer: Pawel J. Muskus
Seller: Kamran K. Sherwani
Date: 06/30/20

24 Christopher Lane
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $379,000
Buyer: John R. Lapierre
Seller: Frank D. Grabinski
Date: 07/01/20

220 Clover Hill Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $449,000
Buyer: Daniel M. Beaudry
Seller: Kevin P. Malloy
Date: 07/10/20

20 Edward St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: A. A Merrill-Fierro
Seller: Shaun M. Jennings
Date: 07/10/20

116 Edward St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $259,000
Buyer: Aaron F. Starke
Seller: Brian W. Elliott
Date: 06/29/20

25 Fernwood Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Jonathon Mach
Seller: Sheehan, Thomas G., (Estate)
Date: 07/02/20

32 Giffin Place
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Daniel B. Bobecki
Seller: Alan D. Bobecki
Date: 07/02/20

64 Greenacre Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Jeffrey A. Blews
Seller: Craig A. Fiermonte
Date: 06/30/20

154 Lancaster Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $312,000
Buyer: Jagruti V. Patel
Seller: Dinesh B. Patel
Date: 07/01/20

40 Lango Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Steven F. Bradway
Seller: Svetlana Strela
Date: 07/10/20

141 Lealand Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $232,900
Buyer: Michael S. Perrot
Seller: Turgeon, Donald A., (Estate)
Date: 07/01/20

691 Mill St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $197,000
Buyer: Samantha Anderson
Seller: Steven D. Olihan
Date: 07/01/20

887 North St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Keeley J. Conte
Seller: Bryant, John L., (Estate)
Date: 07/08/20

27 Pleasant Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Kirk J. Castonguay
Seller: Smus, Lois, (Estate)
Date: 06/30/20

52 Zacks Way
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: William I. Kukharchuk
Seller: Ellen Davilli
Date: 07/02/20

BLANDFORD

49 North Blandford Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $424,900
Buyer: Walter Selkirk
Seller: Andrew R. Cekovsky
Date: 06/30/20

142 North Blandford Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $399,900
Buyer: Cindi M. Muszynski
Seller: William G. Messier
Date: 07/10/20

7 Shepard Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Daniel A. Kidder
Seller: Melvin Hess
Date: 07/06/20

BRIMFIELD

19 2nd St.
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $229,400
Buyer: Laura A. Hudock
Seller: Michael P. Gonynor
Date: 07/10/20

251 Brookfield Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $121,900
Buyer: Kathleen Gass
Seller: US Bank
Date: 07/02/20

122 Haynes Hill Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $287,000
Buyer: Daniel D. Cournoyer
Seller: Sandra J. Giusto
Date: 07/01/20

CHICOPEE

37 Albert St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Christopher Warwick
Seller: Danielle A. Langevin
Date: 06/29/20

19 Ash St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Source 9 Dev LLC
Seller: James W. Rokosz
Date: 07/09/20

20 Ash St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Source 9 Dev LLC
Seller: James W. Rokosz
Date: 07/09/20

23 Celestine St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Robert Holmes
Seller: MHFA
Date: 06/30/20

153 Center St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Source 9 Dev LLC
Seller: James W. Rokosz
Date: 07/09/20

25 Circle Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $228,000
Buyer: Heather M. Fortin
Seller: Nicholas R. Gumlaw
Date: 06/30/20

19 Clinton St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $123,000
Buyer: Stoney RT
Seller: Nestor Lagares
Date: 07/01/20

18 Curtis St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Ruth N. Adams
Seller: Michael C. Beck
Date: 06/30/20

40 David St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $346,000
Buyer: Eloy Figueroa
Seller: DDL Properties LLC
Date: 07/02/20

214 Dayton St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $264,000
Buyer: Anthony W. Dominguez
Seller: Dennis J. Murphy
Date: 07/01/20

89 Deane St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Kyle S. Sawicki
Seller: Jessica M. Czernich
Date: 07/02/20

15 Dejordy Lane
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: David Walsh
Seller: Gregory Danis
Date: 07/01/20

62 Dillon St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Diane S. Matos
Seller: Jonathan A. Anderson
Date: 06/29/20

67 Guerin St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $327,000
Buyer: Deshawn A. Brown
Seller: Dorel Kodreanu
Date: 07/02/20

26 Holland St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Kathyrn C. Moylan
Seller: Blanco Realty LLC
Date: 07/10/20

27 Laurel St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Julee Henry
Seller: Deshawn A. Brown
Date: 07/02/20

19 Mary St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $412,000
Buyer: TM Properties Inc.
Seller: JPNTT Real Estate LLC
Date: 07/10/20

12 McKinley Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Carlos Feliciano
Seller: Christine M. Brisbois
Date: 07/01/20

433 Prospect St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $239,000
Buyer: Michael J. Millard
Seller: Cristobal Malave
Date: 07/10/20

47 Putting Lane
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Jocelyn Forcier
Seller: Thomas J. Lehoullier
Date: 07/06/20

25 Quartus St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Steven R. Williams
Seller: Oleksandr Boyko
Date: 07/09/20

18 Roberts Pond Lane
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Flipping Springfield Investment Group
Seller: Ruby Realty LLC
Date: 07/03/20

34 Sandra Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Patrick L. O’Connor
Seller: Marie T. O’Connor
Date: 07/01/20

16 Sanford St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Wanda I. Santos-Pollock
Seller: Liena Mor
Date: 07/01/20

25 Searles St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $194,000
Buyer: Donna L. Blanchard
Seller: Marilyn L. Loudon
Date: 07/02/20

32 Victoria Park
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Christopher J. Davitt
Seller: Nadine Kosiba
Date: 06/30/20

49 Willwood St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Roger Constant
Seller: Przybyl, Anna, (Estate)
Date: 07/09/20

EAST LONGMEADOW

6 Athens St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01108
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Brian Bartholomew
Seller: Peter B. Morton
Date: 06/30/20

Bella Vista Dr. #23
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $585,864
Buyer: Thomas J. Gernux
Seller: AC Homebuilding LLC
Date: 07/02/20

95 Bent Tree Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Paul A. Nardi
Seller: Clifford M. Noreen
Date: 07/01/20

12 Cooley Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $208,571
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Patricia L. Prunty
Date: 07/10/20

62 Euclid Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $207,500
Buyer: Meredith L. Ryan
Seller: Ryan M. Barton
Date: 07/09/20

175 Dwight Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Katherine H. Kimball
Seller: Stephanie M. Lussier
Date: 07/01/20

29 East Circle Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Rhyan T. Belisle
Seller: Michael C. Meck
Date: 07/03/20

46 Fields Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $622,800
Buyer: Annette E. McCary
Seller: D. R. Chestnut LLC
Date: 07/07/20

35 Mayflower Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $412,000
Buyer: Robert Shoen
Seller: Shannon Levesque
Date: 07/01/20

620 Parker St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Robert F. Spellman
Seller: 620 Parker Street LLC
Date: 07/02/20

635 Parker St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Sarah Gomes
Seller: Joniec, John M., (Estate)
Date: 07/06/20

270 Prospect St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $419,000
Buyer: Archana Krishnan
Seller: Andrew Vital
Date: 06/30/20

15 Rogers Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Lauren McBride
Seller: Robert M. Shoen
Date: 06/30/20

3 Vineland Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $147,000
Buyer: Joseph M. Santaniello
Seller: JP Morgan Chase Bank
Date: 06/30/20

15 Virginia Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $259,000
Buyer: Brennan Moriarty
Seller: Helen L. VanTassel
Date: 07/09/20

23 Wood Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $239,900
Buyer: Alexander Gendron
Seller: Anna C. Judd
Date: 07/10/20

GRANVILLE

512 Main Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: Lang J. Maron
Seller: Arthur F. Smith
Date: 07/06/20

HAMPDEN

47 Chapin Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $237,500
Buyer: Thomas Edgerton
Seller: Jennifer Beylard
Date: 07/07/20

HOLLAND

78 Alexander Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $199,000
Buyer: Karen A. Dolan
Seller: Ralph H. Verrier
Date: 07/10/20

184 Mashapaug Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $306,000
Buyer: Nestor Lagares
Seller: Scott M. Jacobs
Date: 07/01/20

332 Mashapaug Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Brandon L. Goodwin
Seller: Gary A. Galett
Date: 07/02/20

38 Stony Hill Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Tahra I. Alaoui
Seller: James G. Delisa
Date: 06/30/20

90 Vinton Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Angela L. Valentin
Seller: Paul H. Foster
Date: 06/30/20

HOLYOKE

154 Apremont Hwy.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Natalie Andrew
Seller: Leokadia Plotnikiewicz
Date: 07/01/20

1 Bowers St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Jose M. Buscan-Dutan
Seller: Jadwiga Dronski
Date: 07/02/20

8 Columbia St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Camille Lopez
Seller: Michelle M. Rodriguez
Date: 07/09/20

807 High St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Albert E. Paone
Seller: Louis J. Luchini
Date: 07/01/20

51 Hillview Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $359,900
Buyer: Jacob A. Morrill
Seller: David B. Grey
Date: 07/10/20

131 Norwood Terrace
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Joel Coburn
Seller: Devin M. Sheehan
Date: 07/10/20

203 Ontario Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $339,900
Buyer: Devin M. Sheehan
Seller: William S. Guard
Date: 07/10/20

51 Park Slope
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $218,000
Buyer: Henry P. Sundell
Seller: B&B Real Estate LLC
Date: 07/03/20

17-19 Parker St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Mario Tedeschi
Seller: Lucille A. Roule
Date: 06/30/20

253-255 Sargeant St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Iris Rosario
Seller: George A. Kaye
Date: 07/02/20

596 South St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Arcoleo Realty LLC
Seller: Peoples Bank
Date: 07/07/20

5 Vernon St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Desiree Burgos
Seller: Carlos H. Claudio
Date: 07/07/20

128 Westfield Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $141,000
Buyer: Jahjan LLC
Seller: Wilmington Savings
Date: 07/07/20

464 Westfield Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $214,900
Buyer: Anyssa D. Pion
Seller: Patricia A. Smith
Date: 06/30/20

25 Woods Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Nicole M. Gebo
Seller: David J. Creran
Date: 07/10/20

LONGMEADOW

245 Blueberry Hill Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: David W. Harte
Seller: Pedro Caceres
Date: 07/01/20

14 Brooks Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Kevin Huang
Seller: Patrick P. Dippel
Date: 06/29/20

50 Ferncroft St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Renatto M. Segura
Seller: Gerard J. Salvas
Date: 07/02/20

739 Frank Smith Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $493,750
Buyer: Alexander M. Smith
Seller: William T. McCarry
Date: 07/02/20

37 Homestead Blvd.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Tyler Kelleher
Seller: Gerald J. Scanlon
Date: 07/01/20

170 Hopkins Place
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Kathleen Milani
Seller: Daniel R. Godbout
Date: 06/29/20

97 Lynnwood Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Nathaniel R. Pang
Seller: Pranay R. Kanake
Date: 07/08/20

181 Magnolia Circle
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: William J. Plaut
Seller: Aimee L. Leonard
Date: 07/01/20

175 Meadowlark Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Etabav RT
Seller: Gail H. Doolan
Date: 06/30/20

125 Northfield Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $861,000
Buyer: Matthew R. Deluzio
Seller: Mark J. Stone
Date: 07/01/20

148 South Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $324,999
Buyer: Jonathan J. Jasak
Seller: John W. Smith
Date: 07/01/20

71 Tedford Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Joan M. Treiber
Seller: Paul C. Brennan
Date: 06/30/20

48 Willow Brook Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Jodie Foster
Seller: Meadows RE LLC
Date: 06/29/20

LUDLOW

Autumn Ridge Road #46
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $134,900
Buyer: Brian J. Allen
Seller: Whitetail Wreks LLC
Date: 07/02/20

150 Church St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $292,000
Buyer: Shaunelle E. Mbusi
Seller: Mark A. Visconti
Date: 07/07/20

27 Duke St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Sabrina J. Almodovar
Seller: Tamara A. Soares
Date: 07/09/20

132 James St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $262,000
Buyer: Christina R. Ridolfi
Seller: Sergio A. Dias
Date: 07/02/20

70 Kirkland Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Raymond L. Brousseau
Seller: Amanda Provost
Date: 06/30/20

6 Leland Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Annette Deleo
Seller: Janusz Szlosek
Date: 06/30/20

108 Letendre Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Robert R. Letendre
Seller: Lynn A. Taylor
Date: 07/10/20

89 Paulding Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $284,900
Buyer: Rachael Jurgensen
Seller: Andrew J. Woods
Date: 07/10/20

20 Park Terrace
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Emily Burdick
Seller: Matthew Iwasinski
Date: 06/30/20

161 Pine St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Heather Horne
Seller: Rachael R. Jurgensen
Date: 07/10/20

302 Ventura St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $378,900
Buyer: Amanda E. Provost
Seller: Stephen G. Witkowsky
Date: 06/30/20

304 Ventura St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Daniel A. Morais
Seller: David E. Walsh
Date: 06/30/20

MONSON

19 Flynt Ave.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Christopher B. Loud
Seller: Cascade Funding 2017-1
Date: 07/10/20

276 Stafford Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Ashley Felix
Seller: Amrap LLC
Date: 07/03/20

PALMER

2287 Baptist Hill Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $226,000
Buyer: Zachary Couture
Seller: Ronald A. Altieri
Date: 07/09/20

32 Beech St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Richard Callahan
Seller: Dennis P. Cote
Date: 07/07/20

125 Boston Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Angela M. Anderson
Seller: Carolyn J. Caradonna
Date: 07/10/20

215 Burlingame Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $136,000
Buyer: Xing G. Wang
Seller: Keith E. Leaning
Date: 07/09/20

4010-4012 Center St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $239,900
Buyer: Christina Diaz
Seller: JNB Property Investments Inc.
Date: 07/01/20

4018 Hill St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Omar Torres
Seller: Janosik Realty LLC
Date: 07/10/20

123 Laurel Road
Palmer, MA 01095
Amount: $725,000
Buyer: Roger A. Parker
Seller: Jocelyne Bolduc
Date: 07/01/20

1672 North Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: David C. Bull
Seller: Matthew J. Reynolds
Date: 07/10/20

SOUTHWICK

74 Berkshire Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $130,500
Buyer: Brandon M. Tessier
Seller: Darlene E. Bush
Date: 07/09/20

186 Berkshire Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $635,000
Buyer: Michael T. Goralski
Seller: Patricia A. Gendron
Date: 07/02/20

418 College Hwy.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Adelord J. Cheverier
Seller: Wilmington Savings
Date: 06/29/20

28 Lauren Lane
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $675,000
Buyer: Paula Brooks
Seller: Kathryn A. Green
Date: 07/10/20

143 North Lake Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Michael R. Cormier
Seller: Steve Wenninger
Date: 07/06/20

15 North Pond Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Daniel R. Hess
Seller: Evergreen Way Realty LLC
Date: 07/01/20

12 Point Grove Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $224,000
Buyer: Kyle P. Boyd
Seller: Laura Marcotte
Date: 07/03/20

2 Sterrett Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $474,900
Buyer: Robert H. Deburro
Seller: Jeffrey D. Woodman
Date: 07/07/20

7 Veteran St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Thomas Bozek
Seller: Trista Rice
Date: 06/30/20

SPRINGFIELD

27 Aberdeen Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Hector Luis-Sifonte
Seller: Martin Zigwati
Date: 06/30/20

156 Ambrose St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $179,000
Buyer: Irene Costello
Seller: Campagnari Construction LLC
Date: 06/30/20

162 Ambrose St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $262,900
Buyer: Jonathan S. McDonough
Seller: Campagnari Construction LLC
Date: 06/29/20

243 Ambrose St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $217,500
Buyer: Emanue Rodriguez-Collazo
Seller: Kenneth L. Owens
Date: 06/29/20

159 Barrington Dr.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Martin Zigwati
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 07/06/20

86 Belvidere St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Sonarik M. Ruiz
Seller: Joseph S. Malmborg
Date: 07/01/20

49 Benz St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $166,700
Buyer: Ricardo Albano
Seller: Alan E. Okun
Date: 07/01/20

24 Berbay Circle
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Kenneth L. Owens
Seller: Matthew J. Slowik
Date: 06/29/20

13 Biella St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: BP LLC
Seller: Bessone, Martha A., (Estate)
Date: 07/03/20

16 Birch Glen Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $221,000
Buyer: Jeffrey T. Copland
Seller: John P. McDonough
Date: 07/10/20

13 Bissell St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Crystal Rivera
Seller: Madeline Lasanta
Date: 07/09/20

152 Bowles St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Johanny Serrano
Seller: Yvonne Haughton
Date: 06/30/20

26 Byron St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Picarden LLC
Seller: Rosamay C. Lewis
Date: 06/30/20

140 Canterbury Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Ellen T. Johnson
Seller: Kevin A. Janisieski
Date: 07/10/20

52 Canterbury Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $238,000
Buyer: Junli Yang
Seller: Patriot Living LLC
Date: 07/09/20

79 Castle St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Netra Pradhan
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 07/07/20

102-104 Cherrelyn St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Hoa Legacy TR
Seller: Edward A. Roy
Date: 06/30/20

33 Churchill St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $214,900
Buyer: Elaine Hebert-Dancik
Seller: Peter A. Slowinski
Date: 07/08/20

239 Cooper St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $188,500
Buyer: Mark T. Bienia
Seller: Tricia L. Gelinas
Date: 07/10/20

225 Corona St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Tiffany Groover
Seller: Michael Pope
Date: 07/08/20

15 Cortland St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $164,500
Buyer: Lilly K. Rivera
Seller: ARO Realty Inc.
Date: 06/29/20

130 Darling St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $166,000
Buyer: Kyle Gatling
Seller: Thomas K. Reen
Date: 07/09/20

5 Donbray Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $224,400
Buyer: Travis L. Tart
Seller: Torrey M. Santini
Date: 06/30/20

58 Dutchess St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Gardner E. Belton
Seller: Sharon L. Gagnon
Date: 07/01/20

246 Dwight Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: William P. Tallarita
Seller: SA Capital Group LLC
Date: 07/01/20

28 East Allen Ridge Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Harriett Webb
Seller: Freddie Ladson
Date: 07/01/20

257-259 East St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Neysa Guzman
Seller: Eliel Rodriguez
Date: 07/03/20

24 Elizabeth St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $227,000
Buyer: Ricardo Sanchez-Flores
Seller: CIG 4 LLC
Date: 07/01/20

80 Euclid Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Nikko J. Gutierrez
Seller: Dnepro Properties LLC
Date: 07/01/20

151 Gardens Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: Christopher Bones
Seller: Melro Associates Inc.
Date: 06/29/20

126 Granger St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $118,000
Buyer: Sean M. Harrington
Seller: Sarah Cox
Date: 07/10/20

220 Gresham St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Jacob D. Goudreau
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 07/10/20

55 Harkness Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $196,000
Buyer: Alexandra Santiago
Seller: Kristin Mazzaferro
Date: 06/30/20

405 Hermitage Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Omar Rosario
Seller: Dreana M. Coppolo
Date: 07/07/20

78 Homestead Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: Christian Wiernasz
Seller: Bruce, Helen, (Estate)
Date: 07/02/20

183 Jewett St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Natasha Cintron
Seller: US Bank
Date: 07/02/20

89 Kimberly Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Desmon J. Grant
Seller: Wanda Lebron
Date: 06/29/20

25 Kirk Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: 25 Kirk Drive Partnership
Seller: Carol H. Fuller
Date: 07/07/20

115 Laconia St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Michael Albano
Seller: TL Bretta Realty LLC
Date: 06/30/20

55-57 Lawe St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $306,000
Buyer: Julio S. Rivera-Batista
Seller: TL Bretta Realty LLC
Date: 07/02/20

27-29 Longview St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Alycar Investments LLC
Seller: Edens Duphresne
Date: 07/03/20

28 Lorimer St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Armando J. Rodriguez
Seller: Jennifer A. Whitney
Date: 07/10/20

54 Lucerne Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $135,900
Buyer: Ashley M. Gadson
Seller: Samantha Richards
Date: 06/30/20

1155 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $1,500,000
Buyer: Freedom Credit Union
Seller: Clock Tower LLC
Date: 07/10/20

223 Mary Coburn Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $146,000
Buyer: Amelia Ortega
Seller: Barbara Gowan
Date: 07/02/20

62 Melba St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Dawn Waskiewicz
Seller: Denali Properties LLC
Date: 07/03/20

111 Methuen St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Imani J. Gladden
Seller: Roger Parker
Date: 06/30/20

128 Mill St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $308,000
Buyer: 128 Mill St RT
Seller: Mill Mansion Assocs. LLC
Date: 07/10/20

50 Naismith St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Michelle M. Rodriguez
Seller: Francisco Martinez
Date: 07/09/20

60 Parkside St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Eliezer Rodriguez
Seller: Revitalized Renovations
Date: 07/09/20

43 Pasco Road
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $153,000
Buyer: Stacey Smith
Seller: Lachenauer LLC
Date: 07/01/20

184 Patricia Circle
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Alexis Maldonado
Seller: Lori A. Benoit
Date: 07/10/20

14-16 Pequot St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Frances M. Garcia
Seller: Home Equity Associates Realty
Date: 07/03/20

38 Pine Acre Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Bradford E. Smith
Seller: Nicholas Capaccio
Date: 07/02/20

37 Pineywoods Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: John B. Cook
Seller: Monica Goldman
Date: 07/08/20

160 Plumtree Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Thomas Normoyle
Seller: Kevin J. Hoar
Date: 07/02/20

31 Ravenwood St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Yordy L. Santos
Seller: Carlos Aguasvivas
Date: 07/07/20

182 Rosewell St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Sonia A. Perry
Seller: Borgy LLC
Date: 07/02/20

165 Seymour Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Javier A. Rivera
Seller: SA Capital Group LLC
Date: 07/09/20

183 Seymour Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Haleigh E. Sullivan
Seller: Hedge Hog Industries Corp.
Date: 07/09/20

120-122 Slater Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $196,000
Buyer: Michael Manley
Seller: Makensy Nicolas
Date: 07/02/20

32-34 Smith St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $167,900
Buyer: Anibal Aviles
Seller: Rita M. Panasian
Date: 07/06/20

113-117 State St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Freedom Credit Union
Seller: Mason Building LLC
Date: 07/10/20

53 Stebbins St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $134,900
Buyer: Humboldt Realty LLC
Seller: Ruby Realty LLC
Date: 07/03/20

330 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Jose M. Aviles-Mateo
Seller: TM Properties Inc.
Date: 07/07/20

94 Surrey Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $179,900
Buyer: Cody Minahan
Seller: Justin Ferreira
Date: 06/29/20

100 Thornfell St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Manuel Melendez
Seller: Lisa L. Rizzo
Date: 06/29/20

46 Tinkham Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $214,900
Buyer: Thomas J. Ford
Seller: Douglas A. Leblanc
Date: 07/08/20

307 Union St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Eduardo Vargas
Seller: Steve J. Crenshaw
Date: 07/02/20

33-35 Van Ness St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $126,000
Buyer: Ruben Gonzalez
Seller: Maria E. Lozada
Date: 06/30/20

24 Welcome Place
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Kelord Z. Kynard
Seller: JJJ 17 LLC
Date: 07/01/20

99 White St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $206,500
Buyer: Hindio S. Ali
Seller: Joseph Rosinski
Date: 07/01/20

59 Wilmont St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $162,555
Buyer: Timber Mills LLC
Seller: NRZ REO 6B LLC
Date: 07/02/20

37-39 Virginia St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $198,000
Buyer: Ismael Bernabel
Seller: Dashira S. Torres
Date: 07/08/20

383-385 Water St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Boston Federal Investment Holding Corp.
Seller: Tok Chang
Date: 07/09/20

82 Welland Road
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $237,000
Buyer: Tyler Ciecko
Seller: Elizabeth A. Simpson
Date: 07/09/20

36 Weymouth St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $182,000
Buyer: Mary L. Disantis
Seller: Moran, Lois A., (Estate)
Date: 07/10/20

315 Winton St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Elizabeth A. Duffy
Seller: Cantalini, Margaret A., (Estate)
Date: 07/10/20

130 Woodcrest Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Alex A. Quintero-Holguin
Seller: Joshua J. Mastey
Date: 07/01/20

31 Worcester Ave.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Round 2 LLC
Seller: Jose A. Rivera
Date: 06/29/20

1063 Worthington St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Medina A. Ali
Seller: R. Leroy Moser
Date: 07/01/20

86 Wrenwood St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $224,000
Buyer: Susan E. Grady
Seller: David A. Valliere
Date: 06/29/20

WEST SPRINGFIELD

177-179 Ashley St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $283,500
Buyer: Richard Peterson
Seller: Joyce E. Babbin
Date: 07/08/20

164 Belmont Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $228,000
Buyer: Natali Flores
Seller: David L. Ferioli
Date: 07/10/20

135 Birnie Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Khushal Gogri
Seller: Brian Kolodziej
Date: 07/10/20

174 Chestnut St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Yelena G. Bidwell
Seller: Humboldt Realty LLC
Date: 06/29/20

24 Cooper St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $243,000
Buyer: Jeannette C. Landrie
Seller: Jake E. Robertson
Date: 07/10/20

878 Dewey St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Todd Bajor
Seller: Christopher J. Carlisle
Date: 07/10/20

881 Dewey St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Ahmed Qays-Aljarrah
Seller: Stephen M. Ramirez-Miller
Date: 07/07/20

620 Elm St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Kaela F. Saltmarsh
Seller: Michael J. Keane
Date: 06/29/20

21 Lyman St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $194,900
Buyer: JBD Empire LLC
Seller: Ruby Realty LLC
Date: 07/01/20

28 Nelson St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $214,000
Buyer: Mary Johnston
Seller: Steven J. Coffey
Date: 07/01/20

563 Piper Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $233,900
Buyer: Melissa Garcia
Seller: Laurie L. Littman
Date: 07/01/20

647 Piper Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Lisette Antonmarchi
Seller: Steven T. Betti
Date: 07/10/20

770 Prospect Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Jessica L. Robertson
Seller: Michael A. Vazquez
Date: 06/30/20

38 Upper Beverly Hills
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $282,500
Buyer: Trevor Cupp
Seller: David E. Merck
Date: 07/08/20

174 Wolcott Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $214,000
Buyer: Ashley O. Miehm
Seller: Edward C. Sullivan
Date: 06/30/20

WESTFIELD

27 Angelica Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $437,000
Buyer: Joseph A. Marden
Seller: Emily Walsh
Date: 06/30/20

89 Belleview Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $312,000
Buyer: William Messier
Seller: Paul K. Browne
Date: 07/10/20

15 Blue Sky Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $402,500
Buyer: Jeffrey Angers
Seller: Lawrence St.John
Date: 06/29/20

5 Castle Hill Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Shawn J. Kingsley
Seller: Terry J. Bennett
Date: 06/30/20

112 City View Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Tok Chang
Seller: USA HUD
Date: 07/10/20

11 Clark St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $124,700
Buyer: Kenneth B. Beagle
Seller: USA HUD
Date: 07/08/20

69 Deer Path Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Brian Dietter
Seller: Freedom Mortgage Corp.
Date: 07/03/20

6 Elise St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $5,500,000
Buyer: RE Invest 1 LLC
Seller: McNairn Realty Inc.
Date: 07/02/20

8 Elise St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $5,500,000
Buyer: RE Invest 1 LLC
Seller: McNairn Realty Inc.
Date: 07/02/20

9 Frederick St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $197,500
Buyer: Kyle V. Lannon
Seller: Janice L. Lemon
Date: 07/01/20

1779 Granville Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Kimberly Kowalski
Seller: Thomas Kowalski
Date: 06/29/20

123 Hampton Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Barbara F. Hyams
Seller: Joseph N. Zurheide
Date: 07/09/20

723 Holyoke Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $181,000
Buyer: Matthew R. Bergstorm
Seller: First Horizon Bank
Date: 07/01/20

10 Knox Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $556,000
Buyer: Andrew R. Cekovsky
Seller: Ricardo A. Mujica
Date: 06/30/20

394 Northwest Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: William F. Barry
Seller: Edgar L. Williams
Date: 07/02/20

156 Old Cabot Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Aleksander Glib
Seller: Giberson Construction Inc.
Date: 06/29/20

168 Prospect St., Ext.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Gail Foley
Seller: Shannon L. Oleksak
Date: 07/08/20

26 Saint Paul St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $233,000
Buyer: Andrew C. Delusa
Seller: Timofey P. Banar
Date: 06/30/20

26 Skipper Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Y&S Properties LLC
Seller: Jean M. Jasmin
Date: 07/03/20

78 South Maple St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $216,500
Buyer: Megan C. Sara
Seller: Charles E. McDaniel
Date: 07/10/20

56 Susan Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $272,000
Buyer: Damion A. Dallas
Seller: Lavelle, Michael J., (Estate)
Date: 07/08/20

39 Taylor Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Aric Cragen
Seller: Carla A. Bara
Date: 06/30/20

WILBRAHAM

164 Bartlett Ave.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Y. R. Hernandez-Gonzalez
Seller: Janice Morris
Date: 06/30/20

143 Crane Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Marc W. Copolla
Seller: Christine Caster
Date: 07/07/20

18 Glenn Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $383,100
Buyer: Garrett A. Fortin
Seller: John M. Murphy
Date: 07/02/20

36 Grove St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $144,000
Buyer: Walter M. Presz
Seller: Walter M. Presz
Date: 07/01/20

4 Maplewood Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $283,000
Buyer: Nathavy Phok
Seller: Sharon Cordi
Date: 07/07/20

22 Pine Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Courtney Skutnik
Seller: Charles A. Hill
Date: 07/01/20

8 Sherwin Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $479,900
Buyer: Mark Visconti
Seller: Anthony M. Caratozzolo
Date: 07/07/20

1179 Tinkham Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Dnepro Properties LLC
Seller: John W. Verani
Date: 07/10/20

11 Wellfleet Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Julianna E. Eagles-Fox
Seller: Debra A. Lheureux
Date: 07/09/20

3236 Wilbraham Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: John P. McDonough
Seller: Hazel Zebian
Date: 07/10/20

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

21 Hazel Ave.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Jason T. Hebb
Seller: Samuel Hebb
Date: 06/29/20

Kingman Road #19
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Jeremy Ober
Seller: Phil Potts Idaho LLC
Date: 07/01/20

65 Logtown Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Mariana Z. Ivanova
Seller: Korei H. Klein
Date: 07/01/20

30 Palley Village Place
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $541,000
Buyer: Jonathan Anderson
Seller: Stanton L. Eads
Date: 07/01/20

32 Trillium Way
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $487,800
Buyer: Cole D. Fitzpatrick
Seller: William H. Highter
Date: 07/10/20

165 West St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $347,700
Buyer: Asher Pandjiris
Seller: Warren J. Goldstein
Date: 07/08/20

BELCHERTOWN

377 Bardwell St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $369,000
Buyer: Sara E. Utzschneider
Seller: Jeffrey A. Sansoucy
Date: 06/29/20

7 Eastview Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $244,000
Buyer: Joshua Reynolds
Seller: UMassFive College FCU
Date: 07/01/20

68 Magnolia Lane
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Patrick S. Pica
Seller: JND & Son Construction Inc.
Date: 06/30/20

36 Maplecrest Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Ryan J. Nugent
Seller: Janice E. Boudreau
Date: 07/02/20

591 North Liberty St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Randy Hawk
Seller: Elizabeth A. Pobieglo
Date: 06/30/20

37 Poole Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: FSG Realty LLC
Seller: Andrea R. Zax
Date: 07/08/20

147 Sargent St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Jesse A. Ritter
Seller: Kathy L. Ritter
Date: 06/30/20

1 Terry Lane
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Alexander D. Mackenzie
Seller: Jennifer L. Dupuis-Krause
Date: 06/30/20

143 Wilson Road
Belchertown, MA 01056
Amount: $421,000
Buyer: James R. Graham
Seller: Benjamin A. Surner
Date: 06/29/20

EASTHAMPTON

5 Donais St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $277,000
Buyer: Lemeland RET
Seller: Milczarek, Leonard J., (Estate)
Date: 07/09/20

268 East St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Thomas A. Miranda
Seller: R. Gene Duda
Date: 07/01/20

1-3 Harrison Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $284,000
Buyer: Craig N. Beaudry
Seller: Stanislawa Wilk
Date: 07/10/20

16 Holyoke St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Robert E. Dragon
Seller: Patrick McMahon
Date: 06/30/20

124 Park St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $314,500
Buyer: Pamela J. Niver
Seller: Mary A. Holmes
Date: 07/08/20

167 Park St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Elizabeth B. Lewis
Seller: Ellen M. Lacroix
Date: 06/30/20

GOSHEN

244 Berkshire Trail West
Goshen, MA 01032
Amount: $242,500
Buyer: Vuk Whallon
Seller: Floyd S. Merritt
Date: 07/02/20

51 Hammond Circle
Goshen, MA 01096
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Francis X. Schroeder
Seller: Edmund J. Cassidy
Date: 07/02/20

208 South Chesterfield Road
Goshen, MA 01096
Amount: $290,500
Buyer: Samuel Ostroff
Seller: Maureen A. Rooney
Date: 06/30/20

Shaw Road
Goshen, MA 01032
Amount: $242,500
Buyer: Vuk Whallon
Seller: Floyd S. Merritt
Date: 07/02/20

GRANBY

531 Amherst Road
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: James E. Kicza
Seller: Patrick J. Davis
Date: 07/10/20

40 Kendall St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $369,900
Buyer: Margaret E. Testa
Seller: Nancy A. Hoffenberg
Date: 06/29/20

112 South St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Joseph Perez
Seller: Laverdiere, Pauline A., (Estate)
Date: 07/07/20

HADLEY

8 Hadley Place
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Justin M. Pelland
Seller: Thomas P. Pitta
Date: 06/29/20

130 Middle St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $149,900
Buyer: James M. Rodrigue
Seller: Valley Building Co. Inc.
Date: 06/30/20

215 Russell St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Stewart Aragon
Seller: Joyce C. Fill
Date: 06/30/20

HATFIELD

18 Bridge St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Patrick Harper
Seller: Jason Laprade
Date: 06/30/20

138 North Hatfield Road
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Eric A. Bodzinski
Seller: Robert & Frieda Omasta TR
Date: 07/02/20

13 Plantation Road
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $247,000
Buyer: Kenneth D. Neyhart
Seller: Macarthur LLC
Date: 06/30/20

HUNTINGTON

39 Searle Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $248,500
Buyer: Bridget E. Hartnett
Seller: Joel M. Estes
Date: 07/02/20

NORTHAMPTON

292 Acrebrook Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Richard E. Rowe
Seller: Norman R. Soule
Date: 07/08/20

333 Acrebrook Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $429,900
Buyer: Julie A. Nergararian
Seller: MJ Homes LLC
Date: 06/30/20

765 Bridge Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Laura J. Dintino
Seller: Francis X. Donohue
Date: 07/01/20

11 Carpenter Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Shumway Properties LLC
Seller: Straub, Bernard, (Estate)
Date: 07/08/20

50 Conz St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $745,000
Buyer: Cheesemaking LLC
Seller: World War 2 Veterans Association
Date: 07/10/20

9 Corticelli St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Jason Ditzian
Seller: Joseph M. Linnell
Date: 07/09/20

21 Dewey Court
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Jeffrey F. Kelly
Seller: Ezra B. Riber
Date: 07/06/20

330 Elm St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $1,095,100
Buyer: 2014 IRT
Seller: Donald J. Sonn
Date: 07/09/20

43 Fern St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Suzanne West
Seller: Barbara L. Chalfonte
Date: 07/09/20

5 Fort St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $246,900
Buyer: Elena A. Azzoni
Seller: John F. Ryan
Date: 07/07/20

272 Hatfield St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Kyaw N. Thu
Seller: Eloise B. Leigh
Date: 07/07/20

104 Moser St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $499,000
Buyer: Regina Towne Bragdon INT
Seller: Jeffrey A. Good
Date: 07/01/20

46 Olive St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Stephen N. Thomas
Seller: Deborah A. Hordon
Date: 07/01/20

76 Sandy Hill Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $302,000
Buyer: George T. Hagar-McKee
Seller: Loom Properties LLC
Date: 06/29/20

14 South Park Terrace
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $287,250
Buyer: Leanna Oen
Seller: Nancy E. Mathers
Date: 07/01/20

91 Whittier St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Mary K. Frodema
Seller: Dennis M. Courtney
Date: 07/01/20

PELHAM

8 North Valley Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Alexandra A. Taylor
Seller: Matthew P. Goulet
Date: 07/01/20

191 North Valley Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $397,500
Buyer: Lauren Ingold-Smith
Seller: Michael C. Hayes
Date: 06/29/20

PLAINFIELD

10 Monument St.
Plainfield, MA 01070
Amount: $171,000
Buyer: Albert Cusson
Seller: Mark D. Renner
Date: 06/30/20

SOUTH HADLEY

164 Amherst Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Matthew Marotta
Seller: Joseph A. Ferro
Date: 06/29/20

Bombardier St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Kathleen A. Duffy-Silcott
Seller: Steven P. Lemanski
Date: 06/30/20

24 Brigham Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: David L. Faytell
Seller: Kelley Labrie
Date: 06/30/20

4 Douglas Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Kathleen A. Duffy-Silcott
Seller: Steven P. Lemanski
Date: 06/30/20

10 East Red Bridge Lane
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $504,900
Buyer: Mark C. Paquette
Seller: Juan A. Marin
Date: 07/01/20

28 Fairlawn St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $312,000
Buyer: Nikolai A. Gutwaks
Seller: Salim Abdoo
Date: 07/10/20

586 Granby Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Shannon Rebeiro
Seller: Kendrick, Beverly A., (Estate)
Date: 06/29/20

10 Grandview St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Janice E. Boudreau
Seller: Rhyan T. Belisle
Date: 07/03/20

14 Hadley St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Tunde Gyorgy
Seller: Walter J. Selkirk
Date: 06/30/20

23 Highland Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Liena Mor
Seller: Steven M. Scagliarini
Date: 07/01/20

75 Lamb St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Aida L. Roman
Seller: Paul W. Foerster
Date: 07/07/20

16 Main St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $147,220
Buyer: Caitlin Shea
Seller: 10 Minute Media LLC
Date: 07/06/20

344 Newton St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $172,500
Buyer: Lindsey M. Lord
Seller: John G. Giroux
Date: 07/02/20

8 Smith St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $179,000
Buyer: Taylor M. Robbins
Seller: Eric Castonguay
Date: 06/29/20

16 West Cornell St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $288,000
Buyer: Carolina C. Mussi
Seller: Eden M. Clark
Date: 07/07/20

1 West Main St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: FTI RT
Seller: Wayne K. Cordes
Date: 06/30/20

113 Woodbridge St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Wendy N. Dagle
Seller: Thaddeus L. Mish
Date: 07/06/20

14 Young Circle
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Megan Whalen-Davis
Seller: Diana Maloney
Date: 07/10/20

SOUTHAMPTON

123 Glendale Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Elizabeth M. Koch
Seller: Alex K. Phakos
Date: 07/07/20

53 Gunn Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: David Monroe
Seller: Deblase, Stacey A., (Estate)
Date: 07/10/20

55 Gunn Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $307,000
Buyer: Seth R. Taylor
Seller: John A. Shepard
Date: 06/30/20

71 Middle Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Susan M. Kasa
Seller: Ryan L. Geeleher
Date: 07/08/20

24 Noreen Dr.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Sean S. Sormanti
Seller: Jeffrey D. Bieg
Date: 07/07/20

118 Strong Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Zachary T. Laporte
Seller: Jimmy L. Boze
Date: 06/30/20

WARE

55 Aspen St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $176,000
Buyer: Charlene L. Boudreau
Seller: Kara A. Alman
Date: 07/02/20

413 Belchertown Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $259,900
Buyer: Richard Gregoire
Seller: Russell N. Bergeron
Date: 07/09/20

561 Belchertown Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $226,000
Buyer: Ashley Tanguay
Seller: Deborah Jacque-Cohen
Date: 06/29/20

24 Berkshire Circle
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $226,780
Buyer: Broker Solutions Inc.
Seller: John Wellman
Date: 07/02/20

27 Berkshire Dr.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $242,500
Buyer: Joshua Burton
Seller: Best4u RT
Date: 07/01/20

60 North St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Christina I. Booth
Seller: Dennis A. Pariseau
Date: 07/07/20

27 Prospect St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Jeffrey W. Jurczyk
Seller: Priscilla A. Fuller
Date: 06/29/20

7 Warebrook Village
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Judith M. Renaud
Seller: Tonette K. Whitney
Date: 07/03/20

11-13 Webb Court
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Vikki Patrakis
Seller: Brenda Cooper
Date: 06/29/20

3 Williston Dr.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Marcus P. Lafountain
Seller: Mary L. Mozden
Date: 06/29/20

WESTHAMPTON

258 Chesterfield Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $236,400
Buyer: Samantha Braastad
Seller: Elizabeth H. Wassmann
Date: 06/30/20

71 Pine Island Lake
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $157,500
Buyer: Terri Schmidt
Seller: Wendy P. Blow IRT
Date: 06/30/20

12 South Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $297,500
Buyer: Nicholas J. Jarjoura
Seller: G. G&E J. Anderson IRT
Date: 06/30/20

WILLIAMSBURG

17 Hyde Hill Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: John M. Holhut
Seller: Duval FT
Date: 07/07/20

Building Permits