Home 2020 (Page 19)

Year: 2020

Taxpayers Given Relief with Retirement-plan Loans, Distributions

By Contributor
Accounting and Tax Planning Special Coverage

By All Accounts

By Jim Moran CPA, MST

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.

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
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

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

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Redevelopment of the massive former Cabotville Industrial Park
Community Spotlight

Community Spotlight

Mayor John Vieau

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

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

By Contributor
Technology

From a Distance

By Sean Hogan

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.

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

By
Ben Sullivan
Coronavirus

Driving Forces

Ben Sullivan

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

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

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

By
SSO
Coronavirus

Developments of Note

SSO

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

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

By Contributor
Modern Office

Small Steps for Big Wins

By Sarah Rose Stack

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

By Contributor
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
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
Opinion

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

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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

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

By
Court Dockets

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

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

By
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

By
People on the Move
Prudence Blond

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

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

Daisy Pereira-Tosado joins

Didi de Almeida

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

E. Thomas Foster

Denise Jordan

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

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

By
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

By
Incorporations

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

AGAWAM

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

By
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

By
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

By
Real Estate

The following real estate transactions (latest available) were compiled by Banker & Tradesman and are published as they were received. Only transactions exceeding $115,000 are listed. Buyer and seller fields contain only the first name listed on the deed.

FRANKLIN COUNTY

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

By
Building Permits

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

CHICOPEE

American Towers, LLC
645 Shawinigan Dr.
$25,000 — Modify existing cellular monopole equipment, swap three antennas and three remote radio units, add one cable fiber

Janet Hughes
358 Britton St.
$2,500 — Replace seven windows

Bob Ladas
725 Memorial Dr.
$648,772 — New vehicle service station building

Shawn Peabody
18 Victoria Park
$2,300 — Replace six windows

Valley Opportunity Council
35 Mount Carmel Ave.
$28,950 — Repair parapet masonry

GREENFIELD

278-302 Main Street, LLC
278 Main St., #307A
$25,000 — Divide existing room for storage area, new door and frame, new sink location, upgrade ductwork, minor electrical work, hot-water tank, plumbing

Green Fields Market
144 Main St.
$12,043 — Reconfigure deli area, move serving line, remove half wall

Greenfield Community College
270 Main St.
$28,451 — Accessibility upgrades on first-floor bathrooms

LEE

Eric Montgomery
815 Pleasant St.
$23,000 — Interior demolition

Montra II Inc.
51 Park St.
$10,000 — New exterior door with landing and window

NORTHAMPTON

Cousins Investments, LLC
48 Damon Road
$80,050.19 — Demo flood cuts in offices due to water mitigation

Fernway, LLC
178 Industrial Dr.
$235,532 — Interior demolition, build out partition walls and ceilings

Hampshire Franklin & Hampden Agricultural Society
54 Bridge St.
$129,000 — Proposed radio-frequency equipment on new wooden utility pole, replacing existing wooden utility pole

Hill Institute
83 Pine St.
$37,500 — Add attached shed to existing storage barn

India Palace Restaurant
26-28 Main St.
$414,650 — Renovation and addition of single residential unit

Jo Landers
6 Service Center Road
$68,000 — Divide one tenant space into two, add bathroom and meeting room

PITTSFIELD

Bank Row Realty Trust
8 Bank Row
$72,849 — Roofing

First United Methodist Church
55 Fenn St.
$30,400 — Roofing

Gathering of Israel
16 Colt Road
$11,000 — Roofing

Three Ninety Five North, LLC
391 North St.
$10,000 — Alter new bathroom on first floor of barbershop; install new access door, flooring, and tile

SPRINGFIELD

City of Springfield
962 Carew St.
$8,000 — Repair existing accessible entry ramp at Liberty School

City of Springfield
1170 Carew St.
$57,000 — Alter existing library area for use as four classroom spaces in Van Sickle School

Joseph Frigo, Lisa Frigo
90 William St.
$18,900 — Roofing at Frigo’s Foods

Hamden Home Buyers
557 Worthington St.
$15,000 — Roofing at vacant Lido’s restaurant

Springfield Investment Group, LLC
795 Worcester St.
$91,981 — Alter medical tenant office space for Select Physical Therapy

Springfield Investment Group, LLC
835 Worcester St.
$91,981 — Alter commercial tenant space for medical office use for Select Physical Therapy

Springfield Redevelopment Authority
31 Elm St.
$2,360,920 — Selective interior demolition on seven interior floors, structural repairs and bracing, install new concrete retaining wall, install temporary lighting for proposed mixed-use building

St. Germain Named to Financial Times 300 Top Registered Investment Advisers

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — For the fifth consecutive year, St. Germain Investment Management has been named to the Financial Times 300 Top Registered Investment Advisers (RIA). The 2020 list recognizes top independent RIA firms from across the U.S. This is the seventh annual FT 300 list, produced independently by the Financial Times in collaboration with Ignites Research, a subsidiary of the FT that provides business intelligence on the asset-management industry.

“This is an astounding honor to be recognized yet again,” said Michael Matty, St. Germain president. “Receiving the FT 300 validates what we do: stand by your client and do what’s in their best interest.”

RIA firms applied for consideration having met a minimum set of criteria. Applicants were then graded on six factors: assets under management (AUM), AUM growth rate, years in existence, advanced industry credentials of the firm’s advisers, online accessibility, and compliance records. There are no fees or other considerations required of RIAs that apply for the FT 300.

The FT 300 is one in series of rankings of top advisers by the Financial Times, including the FT 400 (DC retirement-plan advisers) and the FT 400 (broker-dealers).

Wellfleet Launches ‘Back to Work’ Educational Series

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Wellfleet has launched a “Back to Work” education series, offering virtual programs designed to give business leaders from all sectors advice, ideas, and best practices for returning to the office — and to a sense of normalcy.

Wellfleet’s “Back to Work” series, a collection of live and on-demand webinars and online resources available at wellfleetinsurance.com/backtowork, kicked off this spring with a “Healthy Buildings” webinar featuring Dr. Joseph Allen, director of the Healthy Buildings program at Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Allen shared valuable insights on how business leaders can improve workplace buildings to enhance productivity, engagement, and retention among employees, and offered a hierarchy of controls for a safe, multi-faceted approach to repopulating office spaces.

Worried parents can get peace of mind from Sarah Brown Wessling, 2010 National Teacher of the Year, whose on-demand webinar offers perspective, strategy, and support to parents-turned-educators navigating long-term social distancing and the potential for continued remote learning this fall.

Parents can also take advantage of Wellfleet’s Summer Education & Activity Pack, a resource rich with activities, tips, and tools for keeping kids educated and entertained over the summer.

“The ‘Back to Work’ series is one of many ways Wellfleet is helping our business partners and our community navigate these unprecedented times. It’s an extension of Wellfleet’s mission of providing insurance solutions with quality service and uncompromising ethics,” said Drew DiGiorgio, Wellfleet president and CEO.

Insurance-industry-specific webinars round out the “Back to Work” series offerings, including a conversation on “Overcoming Challenges Facing Voluntary Benefits Engagement & Enrollment,” led by Erik Gray, Wellfleet Workplace’s head of Enrollment Experience.

For a complete listing of events and to register, visit www.wellfleetinsurance.com/backtowork.

State Allocates $50 Million in CARES Act Funding to Schools and Colleges

By
Daily News

BOSTON — The Baker-Polito administration announced last week it will allocate more than $50 million in federal CARES Act funds to benefit education in elementary and secondary schools, as well as colleges and universities. The funding from the federal Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund will improve early literacy, expand remote learning opportunities, and cover costs associated with reopening certain schools and colleges, as well as boost financial aid for college students in greater need of financial assistance.

As part of the federal CARES Act, governors in each state were granted a share of discretionary dollars to ensure continuity of educational services during the COVID-19 crisis. The Baker-Polito administration previously allocated nearly $1 billion in federal funds to help municipalities, school districts, and colleges and universities in the Commonwealth address COVID-related expenses.

The latest funding will support the following initiatives:

• Up to $10 million for early-literacy programs that provide extra help to students through grade 3, aimed at remediating learning loss children may have experienced since schools closed in March, as well as accelerate reading skills of children in high-need communities;

• Up to $7.5 million to expand access to online courses, including advanced-placement, early-college, or dual-enrollment courses;

• Up to $25 million to cover COVID-related expenses associated with reopening colleges and universities, as well as certain non-public elementary and secondary schools. Funds will be allocated based on the number and percentage of low-income students these schools enroll;

• Up to $2.5 million in financial aid for low-income college students attending public colleges to ensure they can cover emergency expenses to continue their education; and

• Up to $5 million set aside in an emergency reserve fund.

“Our administration is committed to supporting every student in our schools as districts and universities prepare for the start of the school year,” Gov. Charlie Baker said. “This $50 million investment represents flexible funding that can be used for a variety of critical resources for schools and colleges as they begin to reopen and bring kids back into the classroom, especially in our most vulnerable communities.”

State Senate Passes Bill to Limit Use of Step Therapy

By
Daily News

BOSTON — Last week, the Massachusetts state Senate passed legislation to limit the use of step therapy, or ‘fail-first’ protocols that too often direct patients to cheaper medications rather than those more suitable to treat their condition, the bill’s proponents say.

The bill gives healthcare providers more leverage in determining the most effective treatment options for patients, saving patients from expensive and painful regimens on medications they know to be ineffective or harmful.

“Doctors should be able to prescribe medications to patients that in their best medical judgement lead to healthier outcomes. Providers shouldn’t have to negotiate the pitfalls of fail-first protocols when following what they believe to be the most effective plan of care for their patients,” state Sen. Eric Lesser said. “This bill is a significant step in the right direction, returning power to patients and their doctors.”

Step therapy serves as a cost-saving mechanism that can limit a patient’s ability to access the medication that is most suitable for treating their condition. Insurers that utilize step-therapy protocols require medical providers to prescribe lower-cost medications to patients first, and only grant approval for alternative medications when the cheaper options have failed to improve a patient’s condition. In practice, this results in insurers effectively choosing medications for the patient, even in cases where their providers have recommended an alternative. When patients change insurers, they are often forced to start at the beginning of the step-therapy protocol again, which results in wasteful healthcare expenditures, lost time for patients, and potentially devastating healthcare impacts on the patient, according to the bill’s supporters.

The bill aims to establish guardrails to protect patients in circumstances in which step-therapy protocols are counterproductive or harmful. It would require MassHealth and private insurers to grant exemptions to step-therapy protocols in cases where the protocol-required cost-effective drug is likely to cause harm, is expected to be ineffective, has been tried by the patient previously, is not in the best interest of the patient, or, when adopting it in concert with the patient’s existing medications, would cause harm. Upon granting exemptions, MassHealth and private insurers would be required to provide coverage for the drug recommended by the patient’s provider.

The bill now moves to the state House of Representatives for consideration. If passed, Massachusetts would join 28 other states in curbing step-therapy practices.

BusinessTalk with John Doleva

By
Business Talk Podcast Special Coverage

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

Episode 15: Aug. 3, 2020

George Interviews John Doleva, president and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

George Interviews John Doleva, president and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and Chairman of The Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau and they discuss how the pandemic has impacted the tourism industry and Springfield’s long-term strategic plan moving forward.

Sponsored by:

Monson Savings Bank logo

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO ALL OUR EPISODES

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State Senate Passes Economic-recovery and Development Bill

By
Daily News

BOSTON — On Wednesday, state Sen. Eric Lesser joined colleagues in the Massachusetts State Senate in passing a sweeping economic-recovery and development bill providing much-needed support to businesses, investments in infrastructure, and creating new jobs in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ENDURE Act, co-authored by Lesser, includes provisions for small-business competitive grant programs, housing production, local economic-development projects, capital funding for vocational schools and community colleges, and investments in infrastructure. It also provides support for the tourism and cultural sectors and restaurant industry. Further, to promote equity and protect borrowers and workers across the Commonwealth, the ENDURE Act establishes a Future of Work Commission and creates a Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights.

“Since this crisis started, more than 1 million people have applied for unemployment assistance, and our economy was put into a coma to stop the coronavirus,” said Lesser, Senate chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. “Half of low-income workers at our small businesses have lost their jobs, and the challenges we have faced have been even more pronounced in our Gateway Cities and for our immigrant communities. This legislation gives us the opportunity to rebuild our economy from the bottom up, and from the middle out. It includes vital investments in small businesses, our tourism and cultural sectors, infrastructure, manufacturing, technology, education, and housing development. We need bold solutions that meet this moment and chart a path for a brighter, more inclusive future that works to benefit the entire Commonwealth.”

The legislation also includes new protections for entrepreneurs by enforcing a ban on making bad-faith assertions of patent infringement, a practice known as ‘patent trolling.’ Such claims often entangle new small businesses in costly lawsuits that hamper the companies’ productivity and sap their early seed-stage funds.

“The ENDURE Act will provide a much-needed boost to our economy as it recovers from the dire effects of COVID-19,” said Senate President Karen Spilka. “In crafting this bill, the Senate recognized the need to be bold when addressing the challenges facing restaurant and small-business owners, the clean-energy sector, cultural attractions, and other key sectors that keep our economy humming. I am particularly pleased this bill includes the long sought-after housing production reforms that the Senate has supported for years.”

Northern Berkshires Cancel Fall Events

By
Daily News

BERKSHIRE COUNTY — The city of North Adams, 1Berkshire, and ProAdams have made a collective decision to cancel the 2020 Fall Foliage Parade, Greylock Ramble, and RambleFest events.

Due to gathering restrictions in place as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it would not be possible for the 65th Fall Foliage Parade, along with the 53rd Greylock Ramble and ninth annual RambleFest to take place this October in a way that ensures the safety of residents, visitors, and participants. Combined, these annual events have the potential to draw more than 20,000 participants across the Northern Berkshires.

“Every decision we have made in the interest of protecting public health and public safety in response to the COVID-19 pandemic comes at a cost to our community,” said North Adams Mayor Tom Bernard. “Whether it’s summer events, Fourth of July fireworks, or now the Fall Foliage Parade and other fall traditions in the Northern Berkshires, I share everyone’s disappointment at canceling events that mean so much to our community. I know we all will miss the floats, the great school marching bands, and the chance to see our friends and neighbors along the parade route, but I also look forward to seeing that energy and spirit on display next year when North Adams hosts our next parade.”

Raymond Gargan, ProAdams co-chair, noted that “the volunteers of ProAdams are disappointed that we will not be able to continue these traditions in 2020. However, we will continue to market Adams and Northern Berkshire as a great place to enjoy our beautiful fall foliage season. We look forward to bringing these events back in 2021.”

Adams Town Administrator Jay Green added that “I appreciate the difficult decisions made by the dedicated volunteers who are committed to making Adams and the North Berkshires a better place through annual events such as the Ramble and RambleFest.”

Despite these difficult decisions, the Northern Berkshires welcomes residents and visitors to adhere to the safety precautions and social-distancing guidelines and enjoy the natural beauty, culture, and cuisine offered in the region each fall. Each organization is looking forward to the fall of 2021, when they can once again bring these beloved events back to the community.

“It is disappointing for this region of the Berkshires, but a necessary decision. While we’re encouraged by the return of many important activities in our region, these popular events simply cannot be done responsibly in the current social-distancing world that we reside in,” 1Berkshire President and CEO Jonathan Butler said. “We’re hopeful that 2021 will return these traditions in even bigger and better ways.”

Massachusetts Reports Weekly Increase in Initial Unemployment Claims

By
Daily News

BOSTON — For the week ending July 25, Massachusetts had 19,179 individuals file an initial claim for regular unemployment insurance (UI), an increase of 1,025 over the previous week. Increases were widespread throughout all sectors. From March 15 to July 25, a total of 1,144,983 workers have filed an initial claim for regular UI. For the sixth week in a row, continued UI claims at 502,471 were down 8,235 or 1.6% over the previous week.

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) initial claims filed for the week ending July 25, at 14,850, were 2,448 more than the previous week. Since April 20, 2020, 691,298 claimants have filed an initial claim for the PUA.

The Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), which provided up to 13 weeks of extended benefits, was implemented on May 21. For the week July 18 to July 25, 4,155 PEUC initial claims were filed, 612 lower than the previous week, bringing the total of PEUC filings to 79,278 since implementation.

Springfield Museums to Present ‘Heroes in Healthcare’ Exhibit

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Museums will present “Heroes in Healthcare: Celebrating Springfield’s Medical Community” at the Wood Museum of Springfield History from Aug. 3 through Jan. 24, 2021.

As a complementary exhibit to Hall of Heroes, located on the first floor of the Wood Museum of Springfield History, “Heroes in Healthcare” pinpoints the deep appreciation we all feel for those who put themselves in harm’s way in order to help others.

From the Civil War through present day, doctors and nurses, public-health employees, social workers, and philanthropists have contributed significantly to improving the health of this community with their skills, compassion, and vision. This exhibit examines that history in Springfield.

As stewards of the Baystate Medical Center archives, including materials from its Training School for Nurses, museum staff were able to gather a rich history of healthcare in Springfield, said Maggie Humberston, curator of Library and Archives for the Springfield Museums. “We drew on that collection with its assortment of photographs and institutional history to recount a story of outreach and care, and a long history of striving to meet the public need.”

The Visiting Nurses Assoc. archives are also held at the Wood Museum. Humberston delved into that collection to share remarkable stories of how visiting nurses traveled to the homes of people of all economic backgrounds to not only treat disease, but also to offer wellness training, childcare advice, and, often, a sympathetic ear.

As she researched the local response to the Spanish influenza of 1918, Humberston discovered similar efforts to our own today as we work together to stem the spread of COVID-19 by wearing masks and maintaining social distance. “Gauze masks and open air were deemed very important in combating the Spanish influenza,” she said. “Social distancing was practiced, and people were encouraged to walk to reduce crowding in railroad and streetcars, while streetcars were disinfected every night. The clergy decided to close the churches, and the Board of Health closed just about everything else.”

With the World Health Organization’s declaration of 2020 as the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife, the museums dedicate a part of this exhibit to specifically celebrating the city’s nurses. The museums will also present a Wall of Healthcare Heroes to honor the courageous and dedicated work of area hospitals’ frontline responders.

“When we brought the Hall of Heroes to the Museums, we knew how important it would be to celebrate real-life heroes with a complementary exhibit,” said Kay Simpson, president and CEO of the Springfield Museums. “Our healthcare heroes are helping us all face these unprecedented times with endless examples of heroic service and compassionate care. Thank you to our Healthcare Heroes!”

The Springfield Museums are also grateful for the assistance of Mercy Medical Center and the archives of the Sisters of Providence in documenting the history of their organization.

Two-part Virtual Speaker Series on Race and Art Institutions Slated for August 6, 13

By
Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — In partnership with the Berkshire Cultural Resource Center at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), the MCLA Institute for the Arts and Humanities plans a two-part webinar series on consecutive Thursdays, Aug. 6 and 13, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., featuring Aruna D’Souza, Genevieve Gaignard, and Ben Ripley, who will address conversations on race and transformation within art institutions.

This webinar series is free and open to the public. Participants can register by clicking here.

In part one on Aug. 6, artists Ripley and Gaignard will participate in a live Zoom conversation where they will introduce each other with images of their work to explore the intersections between their artistic practices. Each artist will pose questions to one another to establish a conversation around ‘unlearning’ socially conditioned ways of being; they will then open up the space to invite participant inquiry and dialogue.

Both artists are committed to exploring this platform and using it as a vehicle to address difficult questions around inclusion, diversity, equity, and access in the context of the art world as well in the Berkshires.

This joint session will be the basis for a follow-up panel discussion on Aug. 13 to be moderated by writer D’Souza, who will moderate a panel discussion between Gaignard and Ripley; each artist will continue the conversation by talking about how they address themes of race and transformation within their work while also expanding the conversation beyond art to involve inquiry from the audience.

Following the webinar series, participants will receive additional resources and suggested readings selected by D’Souza to continue the conversation within their own communities.

New EV Charging Stations Available in Downtown Northampton

By
Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — Whalen Insurance, located at 71 King St. in Northampton, now has six new electric-vehicle (EV) chargers installed beneath and powered by its solar canopy. These charging stations are operational and available for public use, charge up to 7.2 kW of power at a cost of $2 per hour, and require no parking fees to access them.

The EV chargers and 62.64 kW solar canopy were both installed by PV Squared, a local solar design and installation company based in Greenfield. The EV project was funded primarily by a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, as a result of the Volkswagen diesel-emissions settlement.

In 2015, Volkswagen admitted to secretly and intentionally installing software in vehicles to cheat state emissions tests, which raised the levels of smog-causing nitrogen oxides up to 40 times higher than permitted. Massachusetts received a partial settlement, and the money is being used to increase the amount of EV charging and infrastructure and promote more electric-vehicle usage throughout the Commonwealth. The goal is to increase air quality and reduce particulate pollution by creating a cleaner transportation sector.

The EV charging station at Whalen Insurance is contributing to the larger environmental goals of the state, while also directly benefiting the local community. Peter Whalen and Janna Ugone own the EV chargers. In addition to the EV charging station, Whalen has invested in six solar projects, totaling 127.92 kW, on various properties in Northampton. On an annual basis, these solar arrays produce a combined 141,591 kWh of electricity, which is equivalent to 110 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2). This translates to an environmental offset of CO2 emissions from 11,265 gallons of gasoline consumed and 110,308 pounds of coal burned. Whalen also loves driving his electronic vehicle.

“I first started investing in renewable-energy projects in 2014, and plan to continue supporting clean energy and clean transportation in the coming years,” he said. “My goal is to be almost completely independent of the use of fossil fuels. I’m really excited about the new EV chargers behind the Whalen Insurance office for the community to use.”

As Students Prepare to Return to College This Fall, What’s Safe, and What’s Not?

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — It’s a difficult decision to make, and there isn’t much time left. Should my son or daughter head off to college this fall with the coronavirus pandemic still prevalent in communities everywhere?

Some colleges will be offering online classes only, but others are welcoming freshmen and other students to a campus which should look much different than in the past, to protect the student body and staff.

One thing is for sure: college environments are high on social contacts, and large gatherings are prime for the spread of COVID-19. What precautions should be taken in classrooms, dorms, and dining halls at college? Dr. Armando Paez, chief of the Infectious Disease Division at Baystate Medical Center, answers these questions and more.

What questions should parents and students be asking their college about safety before returning to the classroom? It is important to ask your college about the policies and procedures they will implement to promote safe behaviors throughout the college environment, as well as their plans to prevent the spread of COVID-19. For example, you should ask about the college’s policies on students violating preventive measures, such as not wearing face coverings or practicing social distancing. Also, what are the guidelines for teachers and students when calling in sick for class, so that there is no fear of reprisal for not coming to class? How is the cafeteria set up to encourage physical distancing? What modifications have been made in the cleaning and disinfecting procedures of classrooms, toilets, and common places on campus?

What are the biggest risks for students heading off to college? The biggest risk is actually becoming infected with COVID-19 while at college, setting off an outbreak in the dormitories and at home and local communities when leaving campus. It is already known that young individuals can get infected, spread the virus, and they can also become severely ill from COVID-19. The risk increases significantly when students do not follow preventive measures, such as maintaining physical distancing.

What would you advise students about their social life at college? It is best at this time to avoid large gatherings, especially indoors, including bars. It is important to keep informed of new guidelines and recommendations from the college, state, and public-health organizations to protect you.

What considerations should there be if you are sharing a dorm room with someone? In light of what we know about COVID-19 transmission, the current dormitory setup will need to be modified for safety. Most dormitories will likely not be operating at full capacity, and single rooms may be available. However, for those sharing rooms, it is important to follow recommended preventive measures, including face coverings, frequent handwashing, and regular disinfection of shared spaces and commonly touched objects and surfaces. If the student or roommate feels sick, the dormitory administration should be notified immediately, and the protocol for isolation and COVID-19 testing, if suspected, should be followed.

What items should parents consider sending their children off to college with that they might not normally think of? Hand sanitizers and disinfectants approved or known to deactivate SARSCoV2, face coverings or masks, and a thermometer.

What about eating in the college dining hall? If eating in the college dining hall can be avoided, I would recommend you eat elsewhere, especially if necessary precautions have not been taken. Any congregation of individuals, such as in a dining hall, always poses a risk of COVID-19 transmission if just one individual is infected. However, most college dining halls, much like dormitories, likely will be modified in such a way that it will be reasonably safe for students to dine in with physical distancing at least six feet apart as much as possible. Other measures that should be adopted include limiting the number of individuals per table, assigning students specified times to come to the dining hall, use of disposable items, and more ‘grab-and-go’ options.

What would you advise a college student with comorbidities, such as diabetes or pulmonary problems, to do? If online learning is an option, this will be the best alternative for someone with comorbidities. If this is not an option, choose activities at the college that require little physical interaction or gathering. Also, avoid being near individuals who do not have face coverings. I cannot overemphasize strictly following preventive measures, such as frequent handwashing, physical distancing, face coverings, and more. If you feel sick or think you may have COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider within 24 hours and follow the school’s recommendations for those who think they might be sick with COVID-19.

Is living in a fraternity or sorority safe? Outbreaks of COVID-19 have been reported in fraternities and similar off-campus quarters. Similar to dormitories, these living quarters should have modifications, rules, and regulations to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Fraternity and sorority parties have been linked to COVID-19 outbreaks and should be avoided.

Can students safely participate in college sports? Yes, I think students can play sports safely following some guidelines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website (cdc.gov) has posted guidelines for playing sports. A player who feels sick or believes they may have COVID-19 should not play and alert their coach. In addition to frequent handwashing, there should not be any sharing of equipment. Handshakes, high fives, and fist bumps are discouraged. The risk of contracting COVID-19 increases depending on the physical closeness of the sport and whether competitions involve teams from different geographic areas. Coaches and spectators should wear face coverings, and coaches must decide if players need to wear them.

Massachusetts Residents Asked to Report Receipt of Unsolicited Packages of Seeds

By
Daily News

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) has been notified that several Massachusetts residents have received unsolicited packages that appear to have originated in a foreign country and contain seeds. While the exact types of seeds in the packages are unknown, the seeds are thought to be invasive plant species that — while not believed to be harmful to humans or pets — could pose a significant risk to agriculture or the environment.

MDAR encourages Massachusetts residents that receive or have received an unsolicited package of seeds to not plant the seeds and immediately complete a form on MDAR’s website to provide information to state plant regulatory officials.

Residents that receive a package should hold on to the seeds and all packaging, including the mailing label. A representative from the U.S. Department of Agriculture or MDAR will be in contact with instructions regarding the collection or disposal of the seeds.

Invasive plant species can threaten the integrity of local ecosystems and displace native plants, including rare and endangered species. The most effective approach to mitigating the risk of invasive plant infestation is to take steps to ensure they are not planted.

Unsolicited packages of seeds have been received by people in several other states across the U.S. over the last several days. On July 28, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a press release announcing it is working with state plant regulatory officials to investigate the situation. The USDA urges anyone who receives an unsolicited package of seeds to immediately contact their state plant regulatory official or plant health director.

UMass Amherst to Make Standardized Tests Optional for Three Years

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Daily News

AMHERST — Beginning with the spring 2021 term, and continuing for each spring and fall term through spring 2023, UMass Amherst will make standardized tests optional for its first-year entering applicants.

For the past several months, the university has monitored how possible, safe, and secure it will be for students to take the SAT or ACT. In recent weeks, said James Roche, vice provost for Enrollment Management, it has become obvious that the challenges to testing presented by the coronavirus pandemic will persist in the months ahead.

“UMass Amherst draws applications from throughout the world, and few, if any, states and countries currently offer testing sites that provide the access and safety that students, families, and schools have come to expect,” he said. “This is especially true for students who already encounter barriers in pursuit of a college education, including under-represented minority, first-generation, and low-income students. Given all these considerations, going test-optional is clearly the right choice.”

Historically, UMass Amherst has used a holistic review to evaluate applicants. The quantitative assessment component of that review was done using a formula that combined the applicant’s high school GPA and the best combination of test scores. Roche said the university’s research shows that, of the separate components, the high-school GPA is a stronger predictor of student performance, persistence, and success; however, it is also known that the combination of the two components provides an even stronger predictor than either the GPA or test score alone.

The university has analyzed three years of data and more than 100,000 applicant records to develop a formula for its test-optional assessment that uses the high-school GPA as the base. For applicants who either have or will submit test scores, UMass Amherst will compare the result of the formula with and without the test score included and give the applicant the highest value of the two. This test-optional approach applies to all majors. As it always has, UMass Amherst will continue to consider the rigor of students’ high-school coursework in its assessment, especially for courses that apply most directly to the applicant’s intended major.

“UMass Amherst has committed to being test-optional for the next three years,” Roche said. “As one of the country’s top 25 public research universities, we look forward to using the test-optional approach during this period to learn more about the relationship between high-school grades and standardized test scores, and to develop even better models for predicting student success in college. Our mission is to identify and recruit students who can grow and thrive at UMass Amherst, progressing to earn their degree as effectively and efficiently as possible.”

STCC Launches New Water-distribution Course

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) will offer an online course this fall to prepare students for careers in the drinking-water industry and to help those working in the field enhance their skills.

The course, called “Concepts & Practices of Drinking Water Distribution,” is being offered through the Workforce Development Center at STCC in partnership with the Massachusetts Water Works Assoc. and the Springfield Water & Sewer Commission. The training, which runs from Sept. 14 to Dec. 4, is free for students enrolled in any community college in Massachusetts. Individuals not enrolled at a community college, as well as employees at water utilities, can register for the class for a fee.

This is the second in a series of courses designed for careers in the water industry. Last fall, a water-treatment course was offered in a similar self-paced online format. Students who completed the training last fall touted the course’s effectiveness and flexibility. The water distribution course will include weekly videos, readings, discussion topics, and quizzes.

Instructor Daniel Laprade, of the Massachusetts Water Works Assoc., has been working in the drinking-water field for more than 35 years and has been an instructor for more than 15 years. He said demand for trained employees in the drinking-water industry continues to grow as older workers retire.

“It’s an exciting and rewarding career,” he said. “Workers will face challenges as communities deal with aging infrastructure. Training such as the type we offer with STCC and the Springfield Water & Sewer Commission is critical to attracting new individuals to the field and enhancing the skills of new and existing employees.”

The 12-week training will help prepare students to take the Massachusetts Drinking Water Operator Grade 2, 3 and 4 Distribution license exams. Licensure is necessary for beginning a career in the drinking-water industry. This course is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Certification of Drinking Water Operators.

Material covered includes hydrology, source waters, basic math and chemistry, regulations, water sampling, hydraulics, distribution-system components (pipes, valves, pumps, tanks, meters), equipment operation and maintenance, safety, and administrative duties.

Someone with a Massachusetts water operator distribution license can work in such positions as water construction and repair technician; construction foreman; equipment operation and maintenance specialist; water-quality technician; SCADA, GIS, or instrumentation specialist; or water-systems manager.

Students who complete the water course can consider continuing their education in fields such as civil engineering, urban studies, software development, business administration, and more.

To enroll online, visit stcc.edu/water. To enroll in person or for more information, call (413) 755-4225 or e-mail [email protected].

COVID-19 Response Fund Awards $725,000 to 26 Nonprofits in Latest Grant Round

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts announced new grants totaling $725,000 to 26 local nonprofits through the COVID-19 Response Fund for the Pioneer Valley, targeting employment assistance, food insecurity, homelessness and foreclosure prevention, and other immediate needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Including this latest round, the Response Fund has awarded more than $5.5 million in grants to nonprofits in Western Mass. that are on the front lines of serving vulnerable populations affected by the crisis. The statewide Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund has provided $4.3 million in funding to support the Community Foundation’s response to the pandemic crisis in this region.

The 26 nonprofits that received the most recent grants from the COVID-19 Response Fund from the Pioneer Valley include Amherst Community Connections, Amherst Survival Center, Brick House Community Resource Center, Center for New Americans, Chicopee Boys & Girls Club, Community Upliftment Program, Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts, Franklin and North Quabbin Children’s Advocacy Center, Franklin County Community Meals Program, LifePath, Mary Lyon Education Foundation, Mental Health Assoc., Montague Catholic Social Ministries, Pioneer Valley Project, Pioneer Valley Workers Center, Project New Hope, Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts, Rivera and Rivera Acts Against Foreclosure, Safe Passage, Springfield Partners for Community Action, St. Mary’s Parish, Sunshine Village, United Service Organization of Pioneer Valley, Valley Opportunity Council, Wheelhouse Farm, and Westfield State Foundation.

The Response Fund has raised $7.6 million from 650 donors, including foundations, businesses, and individuals, as well as resources from the statewide Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund.

According to Katie Allan Zobel, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, “the pandemic is adversely impacting individuals, families, and communities in the region. This round of grants includes funds to address the economic instability that many are facing.”

The Community Foundation welcomes additional donations to the COVID-19 Response Fund for the Pioneer Valley. One hundred percent of donations go to community needs. Gifts can be made online at www.communityfoundation.org/covid19.

City of Springfield Awards 14 Grants in Fourth Round of Prime the Pump Program

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Mayor Domenic Sarno and Chief Development Officer Tim Sheehan announced the awarding of 14 grants totaling $240,000 in a fourth round of the city of Springfield’s Prime the Pump grant program, assisting nonprofits that are responding to critical community needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest grants bring the total provided by the Prime the Pump program to more than $1.5 million.

The nonprofit grants typically range between $10,000 and $25,000. The focus of this round of funding was on small, community-based nonprofits that were addressing critical community needs in Springfield neighborhoods that have been disproportionately impacted by the virus, as well as its secondary impacts, both physical and economic. The scoring criteria also heavily weighted the diversity of the applicant’s governing board, as well as its employment of Springfield residents.

“The nonprofit community is a critical part of Springfield’s economy, and the services that these organizations and institutions provide are even more essential at this time of enormous need,” Sarno said. “I am pleased that Springfield could assist many of the organizations that have tirelessly assisted our city.”

The Prime the Pump Program is funded with Community Development Block Grant funding provided to the city by the CARES Act.

“At a time when the services of our local nonprofits are needed most, they are seeing their revenue generation completely disappear,” Sheehan said. “For many organizations, their doors remain open only by their collective grit, determination, and their belief in the importance their mission. The services these organizations provide to our community are essential, and their importance to our economy cannot be overstated.”

The latest grant recipients include Arise for Social Justice, Morris Child Care, and YMCA Springfield ($25,000); Rivera and Rivera, South End Community Center, Springfield 5A Bulldogs, Springfield Housing Associates, Springfield Vietnamese Cultural Assoc., and Stone Soul ($20,000); Chess Angels Promotions, Christina’s House, Greater New Life Christian Center, and Make It Springfield ($10,000); and MORE ($5,000).

BusinessTalk with Pia Kumar

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Business Talk Podcast

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

Episode 14: July 29, 2020

Thom Fox interviews Pia Kumar, Co-Owner and Chief Strategy Officer of Universal Plastics

Pia Kumar shows off some of the company’s new face shields

Thom Fox interviews Pia Kumar, Co-Owner and Chief Strategy Officer of Universal Plastics on how empathy, employee engagement, and people-centric leadership are helping her essential-business meet the challenges, and demands, of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Tourism Marketing in Pioneer Valley to Receive $250,000 in State Funding

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — State Sen. Eric Lesser was joined by Mary Kay Wydra, president of Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau, and John Doleva, president and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, on Monday to announce $250,000 in funding for tourism marketing in the Pioneer Valley.

“This funding for tourism marketing will help us begin to rebuild and bring business to our restaurants, attractions, and hospitality industry across the board,” Lesser said. “This grant is meant to promote Western Massachusetts for socially distanced activities, and hopefully, when visitors are here, they’ll fill up their gas tanks, buy dinner, buy souvenirs, and help us hire back workers for the many jobs that were lost. This funding is a vital measure to begin putting money back into the local economy and back into our local families.”

Added Wydra, “with abundant opportunities for outdoor and socially distant recreation as well as iconic attractions, Western Massachusetts is well-positioned to welcome visitors. The tourism industry has been particularly hard-hit by the effects of COVID-19, and this funding will provide a much-needed boost to our marketing efforts to safely reopen our industry, generate economic activity for our region, and put people back to work.”

Doleva noted that “Senator Lesser’s work on securing this very important grant to aggressively restart the tourism industry in Western Massachusetts demonstrates his willingness to listen, analyze, and respond to the real need of getting thousands of workers and hundreds of businesses back up and running, which are a major contributor to our local economy. Western Massachusetts is well-positioned to tell the story of safe, serene, fun, and engaging family activities not only for this period as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, but for years to come. This grant will elevate tourism in our region to a new level permanently, and his efforts are appreciated.”

This funding is part of a $1.1 billion coronavirus-response package adopted by both the Senate and House and signed into law on July 24 by Gov. Charlie Baker.

Bay Path to Offer Gap-semester Course to Explore Social-justice Issues

By
Daily News

LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University has put together a unique course for recent high-school graduates looking to explore ways they can impact movements for social justice. The course, “Exploring Pathways to Social Justice,” will combine lectures, discussions, videos, readings, and virtual, experiential learning through the context of history, legal studies, and communications. In addition, the students will participate in presentations by professionals who have channeled their visions for a more just world into careers advocating for social justice and leading their communities.

The three-credit course runs from Sept. 21 to Dec. 21 and is open to recent high-school graduates and college students, whether enrolled at Bay Path University; its online program, the American Women’s College; or any other institution, as well as students who are taking a gap semester while they evaluate their college options. Registration runs until Sept. 16.

The class is a collaboration between several faculty members and will explore social-justice movements, trace the historical roots of the civil-rights struggle, investigate how race factors into the contemporary criminal justice system, and consider strategies for change. Students will be challenged to apply their passion for social justice while learning to express themselves and developing practical skills for academic and professional settings. Through the course material and ongoing opportunities for conversation, they will connect with other students and become part of an inspired, motivated network.

“We created this class for students who may be using this time away from their schools to contemplate how and where to channel their voice and their passion for social justice, as they begin to think about their long-term goals, personally and professionally,” said Gwen Jordan, director of Bay Path’s Justice and Legal Studies department. She will be teaching sections on the criminal justice system, including a focus on the movement devoted to exonerating the wrongly convicted and reforming the system.

“The course really speaks to what we’re striving to do at Bay Path,” Jordan said. “As educators, we look to give our students a larger, deeper picture of the world we’re living in, while also helping them set concrete goals and acquire practical skills to achieve them.”

Additional course information and a registration link are available here.