Home 2020 (Page 37)

Year: 2020

Court Dockets

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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.

HAMPDEN DISTRICT COURT

American Builders & Contractors Supply Co. Inc. d/b/a ABC Supply Co. Inc. v. Cole Home Improvement, LLC; Stephen D. Cole a/k/a Stephen Cole a/k/a Steve Cole; and Lincoln Cole a/k/a Lincoln P. Cole

Allegation: Breach of contract for goods sold and delivered, breach of personal guaranty: $19,013.57

Filed: 1/30/20

 

Rhonda Skinner v. Family Dollar Stores of Massachusetts, LLC and Congregation Sons of Zion Inc. of Holyoke

Allegation: Negligence; slip and fall causing injury: $24,000

Filed: 2/6/20

 

Luis Vazquez v. K & D Auto

Allegation: Sale of defective vehicle, unfair and deceptive business practices: $3,475.27

Filed: 2/6/20

 

Margarita Casillas v. Walmart Inc.

Allegation: Negligence; slip and fall causing injury: $7,016.72

Filed: 2/12/20

 

Edward F. Corcoran Plumbing & Heating Co. Inc. v. 360 laundry, LLC

Allegation: Breach of contract for labor and materials: $15,446.12

Filed: 2/21/20

 

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Jason Codding v. Holyoke Mall Co., LP

Allegation: Negligence causing personal injury: $25,000

Filed: 1/17/20

 

Tammy Isaac-Brown v. Cumberland Farms of Massachusetts Inc.

Allegation: Negligence; slip and fall causing injury: $100,000

Filed: 1/21/20

 

Gaetano “Guy” Santaniello v. Kane Scrap Iron & Metal Inc.

Allegation: Negligence; slip and fall causing injury: $200,000

Filed: 1/21/20

 

Joseph S. Puc v. Stuart Hershman, M.D.; Shivam Narendra Upadhyaya, M.D.; Dana R. Sajed, M.D.; and the Massachusetts General Hospital Inc.

Allegation: Medical malpractice: $50,000+

Filed: 1/22/20

 

Kristen Fay v. Walmart Stores East, LP; WSE Management, LLC; and Walmart

Allegation: Employment discrimination

Filed: 1/23/20

 

Richard M. Green Jr. v. the Whiting-Turner Contracting Co.

Allegation: Negligence causing personal injury: $510,000

Filed: 1/30/20

 

Irene Kathuria v. Dental Dreams, LLC and Sameera Houssain

Allegation: Employment discrimination: $120,000+

Filed: 2/4/20

 

Commerce Insurance Co. a/s/o Janette Vega v. Pioneer Valley Transit Authority

Allegation: Motor-vehicle negligence: $6,592.36

Filed: 2/5/20

 

NMD Inc. d/b/a A & M Landscaping v. JGS Lifecare Corp. f/k/a Jewish Geriatric Services Inc.

Allegation: Breach of contract, unjust enrichment: 44,802.50+

Filed: 2/5/20

 

Zachary Charbonneau v. PM Auto Transport Inc. and Matthew S. Hoydilla

Allegation: Motor-vehicle negligence causing personal injury: $64,308.75

Filed: 2/5/20

Agenda

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Agenda

Bowl for Kids’ Sake

March 27-28: Bowl for Kids’ Sake, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Franklin County’s biggest fundraiser of the year, will take place on March 27 at Shelburne Falls Bowling Alley and March 28 at French King Bowling Center in Erving. This year’s theme, “Slide Back to the 60’s,” will feature a life-size plinko game, 60’s dance instruction, a newlywed-themed photo booth, era-themed music, costume contests, bowling, and much more. There is no cost to attend the event, but fundraising is strongly encouraged. Big Brothers Big Sisters programs are provided at no cost to the children or children’s families, nor to the volunteer mentors. It is a 100% donor-supported nonprofit that has been serving the youth of Franklin County for 53 years. For more information about the event or to register to attend, visit www.bbbs-fc.org or call (413) 772-0915.

Women’s Leadership Luncheon Series

March 27, April 10, May 8, June 19: Women leaders of prominent area institutions will be the featured presenters at the spring 2020 Women’s Leadership Luncheon Series hosted by Holyoke Community College and the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce at the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute. During the four-part, monthly “Leadership in Your Future 2020” series, each of four presenters will sit at a different table each week and speak on a subject of their choosing. Over the course of the four-session series, they will rotate among the tables so guests have the opportunity to hear all the presentations. The four presenters are Theresa Cooper-Gordon, commissioner, Holyoke Housing Authority (“Self-Determination”); Priscilla Kane Hellweg, executive/artistic director, Enchanted Circle Theater (“In it for the Long Haul”); Jody Kasper, chief of Police, city of Northampton (“Rising to the Top”); and Christina Royal, president, Holyoke Community College (“Leading Through Change”). The luncheons run from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute, 164 Race St. Lunch will be prepared and served by students in the HCC Culinary Arts program. The series will provide an opportunity to learn from women leaders of area institutions and a chance for participants to network with their peers and gain insights on building their own careers. The cost is $150 for all four sessions. Seating is limited. For more information or to reserve a seat, contact Valentyna Semyrog at (413) 552-2123 or [email protected].

Unify Against Bullying Cut-a-Thon

April 4: Hair-salon owners and their teams are being asked to make a difference in the fight against bullying. Unify Against Bullying is looking for local and regional salons to participate in a one-day Cut-a-Thon, donating proceeds from haircuts, blowouts, and styling to the anti-bullying organization. Some salons will also offer temporary pink hair color — the signature color of Unify Against Bullying. In addition, each salon will add its own fun activities and promotions for the event. Although the main event is being held on April 4, some salon owners can choose the option to hold the fundraiser for the whole month to make it easier on their team. This year, Basia Belz, a Unify Against Bullying board member and owner of Vivid Hair Salon, located at 99 Elm St., Westfield, will chair the event. Salon owners who wish to participate can contact Belz at (413) 564-0062 or [email protected].

Disability Film Festival

April 5: Whole Children, a program of Pathlight, will partner with Five College Realtors to present the fifth annual Focus on Disability Film Festival at 4 p.m. at the Northampton Center for the Arts, 33 Hawley St., Northampton. The festival will feature seven films, including six short films from SproutFlix, which exclusively distributes films featuring people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and will conclude with the premiere of This Is Me, a Pathlight-made original documentary. All the films highlight the importance of the performing and visual arts in the lives of people with disabilities. This Is Me is about Whole Children’s performing-arts program, now in its ninth year, and was filmed during the creation of last year’s original production. It discusses the history of the program and what is means to the actors, who are local children and adults with disabilities, and their families. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Amherst author Cammie McGovern and featuring young adults with disabilities who express themselves through performing arts. A reception will follow the panel. All proceeds from the film festival support Whole Children’s inclusive programming for children and teens. Whole Children, a program of Pathlight, offers a wide range of after-school, weekend, and vacation enrichment programs for children of all ages and abilities, particularly those with special needs. Classes include gymnastics, art, martial arts, dance, music, social skills, yoga, sports, and theater.

Elms College Executive Leadership Breakfast

April 9: Elms College will host its third annual Executive Leadership Breakfast for the region’s business executives, state and local legislators, and community leaders. The keynote speaker for the event is U.S. Rep. Richard Neal. His talk, “Leadership in Turbulent Times,” will examine how our congressional delegation is providing leadership on issues that could impact the economy of the Western Mass. region. Neal was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1988. He currently serves as chair of the powerful tax-writing Ways and Means Committee. This annual event features talks by the region’s leaders on topics of relevance that impact all sectors of business and the economy in Western Mass. Corporate sponsorships are available for this event, and an invitation is required to attend. For more information on the various sponsorship opportunities or to request an invitation, call the Elms College Office of Institutional Advancement at (413) 265-2448.

Bay Path President’s Gala

April 18: Bay Path University’s fourth annual President’s Gala will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel. While the event will continue its tradition of raising funds for student scholarships, it will also celebrate the legacy of Carol Leary, who will retire in June after 25 years as Bay Path president. The gala will feature a tribute to Leary and her husband Noel, silent and live auctions, dinner, and dancing with live entertainment. Last year’s event netted more than $360,000 in support of student scholarships. The President’s Gala will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by a seated dinner at 7:30 p.m. The tribute will start at 8:30 p.m., and at 9 p.m., guests will be invited to dance the night away. To learn more about the gala, including sponsorships, purchasing tickets, and donating to or participating in the auction, visit www.baypath.edu/gala or contact Meg Morrill at (413) 565-1396 or [email protected].

Knights of Columbus Golf Tournament

May 22: The Greenfield Knights of Columbus, Council #133, will host its seventh annual charity golf tournament at the 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, lunch and dinner, and prizes for the winners. Those less inclined to tee off and who would rather enjoy the views of the 18th green while supporting a good cause can take in a meal at Zeke’s Grill. Dinner-only tickets are available for $30. Raffles and a silent auction will feature lottery tickets, gift cards, a three-day Cape Cod vacation, Crumpin-Fox and Hopyard golf certificates, a mystery box, and more. There will also be a hole-in-one contest for a chance to win a new car. In addition to the United Arc — which supports people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities in achieving the universal goals of inclusion, choice, and independence — 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 Hospital Wheeling for Healing, Farren Hospital Gift of Light, the Greenfield Homeless Shelter, monthly community meals, honoring veterans by placing flags on graves for Memorial Day and Wreaths Across America wreaths placed on graves at Christmas, several youth sports programs, and more. To sign up or to get 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) 774-2801, or Joe Ruscio at (413) 768-9876.

Hooplandia

June 26-28: Hooplandia, the largest 3-on-3 basketball competition and celebration on the East Coast, will take place on June 26-28, 2020, hosted by Eastern States Exposition and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The event will feature hundreds of games for thousands of players of all ages and playing abilities, with divisions for young girls, boys, women, men, high-school elite, college elite, pro-am, ‘over the hill,’ wheelchair, wounded warrior, Special Olympians, veterans, first responders, and more. More than 100 outdoor blacktop courts will be placed throughout the roadway and parking-lot network of the Eastern States Exposition fairgrounds in West Springfield. Slam-dunk, 3-point, free-throw, dribble-course, vertical-jump, and full-court-shot skills competitions will be spotlighted. Themed state courts will be mobilized along the Exposition’s famed Avenue of States. Featured ‘showcase games’ will be held on new court surfaces in the historic Eastern States Coliseum and on the Court of Dreams, the center court of the Basketball Hall of Fame. To register or for more information, visit www.hooplandia.com.

Difference Makers

Sept. 10: Due to coronavirus concerns, BusinessWest has decided to postpone its 12th annual Difference Makers event that was scheduled to take place on Thursday, March 19. The event will now take place on Thursday, Sept. 10 at the Log Cabin. With the growing concerns surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, and under the CDC’s recommendations, BusinessWest felt this was the most appropriate and responsible action to take. Event sponsors include Burkhart Pizzanelli, Mercy Medical Center/Trinity Health Of New England, Royal, P.C., and TommyCar Auto Group, while the Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament, MHA, and United Way of Pioneer Valley are partners. For more info visit www.businesswest.com or call (413) 781-8600.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

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Chamber Corners

AMHERST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.amherstarea.com
(413) 253-0700

• April 15: April After 5, 5-7 p.m., sponsored by Paciorek Electric at its DiamondBack Properties, LLC Building, 65D Elm St., Hatfield, with food and drink catered by Grill N’ Chill. Enjoy this night of networking with people from across the Valley. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members.

GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.explorenorthampton.com
(413) 584-1900

• May 6: May Arrive@5 netWORK, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Look Park, Florence. Sponsored by Greenfield Community College Foundation, Keiter Builders LLC, and Webber & Grinnell Insurance. Our netWORK Arrive@5 series will feature a nonprofit in the Greater Northampton community and invite Arrive@5 guests to participate in a project to benefit that organization. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. To register, visit northampton.chambermaster.com/events/details/2020-arrive-5-network-may-6-3809.

• June 3: June Arrive@5, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Greenfield Cooperative Bank, Florence. Networking event. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. To register, visit northampton.chambermaster.com/events/details/2020-arrive-5-june-3-3810.

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618

• April 24: Legislative Luncheon – This event will be rescheduled – please stay tuned – hosted by Shortstop Bar & Grill, 99 Springfield St., Westfield. Mike Dobbs of Reminder Publications will moderate a panel of legislators at our annual Legislative Luncheon. This is an opportunity for your voice to be heard on issues or budget items that affect your business or employees. Confirmed panelists include state Reps. Natalie Blais, Aaron Vega, and John Velis; and Westfield Mayor Donald Humason. Invited panelists include state Sen. Adam Hinds and state Reps. Nicholas Boldyga, Smitty Pignatelli, and Lindsay Sabadosa. Cost: $35 for members, $50 for non-members. For more information and to register, visit westfieldbiz.org/events or call (413) 568-1618.

SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL CHAMBER

www.springfieldregionalchamber.com
(413) 787-1555

• May 6: Rise & Shine Breakfast, Networking Opportunity, and Educational Program, 7:15-9 a.m., hosted by the Log Cabin, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Sponsored by United Personnel and MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board. Cost: $25 for members in advance ($30 at the door), $35 general admission ($40 at the door).

• May 14: Stars & Strikes Celebrity Bowling Fundraising Competition, 5:30-8 p.m., hosted by MGM TAP Sports Bar, One MGM Way, Springfield. Cost: $20 for members and potential members in advance ($30 at the door). Includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, unlimited bowling, and games.

To register for any chamber event, visit www.springfieldregionalchamber.com, e-mail [email protected], or call (413) 755-1310.

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.ourwrc.com
(413) 426-3880

• May 5: Job Fair 2020 – Local Jobs For Local People, 4-7 p.m., hosted by Storrowton Tavern/Carriage House, West Springfield. The West of the River Chamber will host a local job fair. West Springfield and Agawam businesses, along with other employment opportunities, will be showcased for the public. High-school students, college students, and adults will attend this event looking to begin or advance their careers. This event is free and open to the public. To be a participating vendor, register online at www.westoftheriverchamber.com.

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY OF GREATER SPRINGFIELD

springfieldyps.com

• April 16: YPS Third Thursday Networking Night, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Towne Taproom. Enjoy complimentary appetizers and a cash bar. Cost: free for YPS members, $10 for non-members. Register at springfieldyps.com.

• May 2: Fourth annual YPS Adult Field Day, 9 a.m. to noon, hosted by Extra Innings and Train for Life of Chicopee. This throwback to elementary school is built with adults in mind for a team-building competition. Register at www.runreg.com/ypsfieldday. Registration includes participation in activities, after party and lunch from 350 Grill, T-shirt, DJ, prizes, refreshments, and more. Early-bird pricing and sponsorships are available.

People on the Move

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People on the Move

Patricia Covalli

Florence Bank has named Patricia Covalli its Community Support Award winner. Covalli, a collections officer, joined the bank in February 2015 and has 25 years of banking experience. The Community Support Award was established by Florence Bank in 1997 as a means of formally recognizing employees who are active participants in community events and donate their personal and professional time to local not-for-profit organizations. Each year, the award recipient has the opportunity to select a not-for-profit organization of his or her choice, and the bank makes a donation to that organization. At Covalli’s recommendation, Florence Bank will make a donation to Soldier On. The mission of Soldier On, based in Leeds, is to provide formerly homeless veterans with permanent, supportive, sustainable housing. Covalli serves her community as an active member of the United Way of Hampshire County. She also serves as a fundraising volunteer for Florence’s Look Park and volunteers at Northampton’s Interfaith Cot Shelter.

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Dawn Bryant

Colleen Berndt

Edward Stambovsky

Nicholas LaPier CPA PC announced that three local CPAs have joined the firm. Dawn Bryant, CPA, recently joined Nicholas LaPier, CPA PC as an audit manager. She has worked in public accounting for more than 25 years, with her primary focus in auditing and specializing in not-for-profit organizations. Her experience also includes working with for-profit businesses in various industries including retail, distribution, and construction. Bryant earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting, financial track, graduating summa cum laude from the University of North Carolina at Asheville. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA). She serves as board president for a private foundation and teaches a nonprofit business functions course for the University of Connecticut. Colleen Berndt, CPA, recently joined the firm as a tax manager. She has worked in public accounting for more than 30 years, with a primary focus in business taxation and consulting. She earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from American International College in Springfield and is a member of AICPA and MSCPA. She serves on various local nonprofit boards. Edward Stambovsky, CPA, also recently joined the firm. He has worked in public accounting for more than 40 years, with a primary focus on business, individual, and trust taxation, and has consulted with businesses throughout his career. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from UMass Amherst and is a member of AICPA and MSCPA.

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The Collins Companies, one of the largest industrial distributors of pipe, valves, and fittings and engineered specialties serving the Northeast, announced a change in executive management roles. Owner and President Brian Tuohey has assumed the role of CEO and has promoted Vice President of Sales Paul Andruszkiewicz to President. In addition, Dave Shepard, branch manager of the Haverhill sales office, will lead the Collins sales team as director of Sales. He has more than 25 years of experience in the industry, first purchasing for Atwood and Morrill and then in sales for Power House Supply before Collins acquired Power House in 2015. Headquartered in East Windsor, Conn., the Collins Companies is comprised of Collins Pipe & Supply Co., Collins Controls, Niagara Controls, Collins Niagara, Power House Supply Co., and International Valve and Instrument, with nine locations throughout New England and Upstate New York.

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Laureen Borgatti

Way Finders Inc. named Laureen Borgatti its new chief operating officer. She has been employed by the organization for 27 years, serving in various administrative capacities, most recently as the organization’s chief of staff and chief administrative officer. Most recently, she served as internal project manager for the construction of Way Finders’ new Housing Center, to be completed in April. Borgatti chairs the board of directors of the Human Service Forum, a membership organization that assists members in better addressing the needs of the people they serve throughout the Pioneer Valley. She sits on the board of directors for the new Housing Navigator, an initiative led by the Kuehn Charitable Foundation to develop an online search tool that will give people with low and moderate incomes the ability to quickly find available, affordable rental units anywhere in Massachusetts. She also serves on the board of directors of the Dakin Humane Society.

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Betsey Quick

Bulkley Richardson announced that Betsey Quick, executive director, was named the “Excellence in the Law” honoree for Firm Administration and Operations by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. Quick joined the firm in September 2017 and, during her short tenure in this role, has made a significant impact, including increasing the firm’s productivity, implementing policies, and advancing the overall mission of the firm. Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly honors individuals in the categories of Firm Administration and Operations, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Marketing, Paralegal Work, Pro Bono, and Up & Coming Lawyers. Quick will be recognized at a reception on Thursday, April 30 at the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel in Boston.

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Thomas Robitaille

Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) named Thomas Robitaille an instructor in Mechanical Engineering Technology. Robitaille is the third generation in his family to join this field after his father and grandfather. A STCC graduate with an associate degree in mechanical engineering technology, he has been working as a CNC machinist and programmer at MTG Inc. in Westfield since October 2016. While at STCC, he was a peer tutor for mechanical engineering technology. He also taught a fall 2017 lecture and lab course in the program, which prepared him for this teaching position. Prior to coming to STCC, Robitaille was a non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Marine Corps Infantry from 2009 to 2014, stationed out of Camp Lejeune, N.C. While enlisted, he served two combat tours in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

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Jasmine Rivera-Boucher

Jasmine Rivera-Boucher has been promoted to director of Adult Foster Care (AFC) and Shared Living (SL) services at BFAIR. The director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of both programs, the development and implementation of the AFC/SL, accreditation, policies, and procedures as well as the fiscal administration of the AFC department. The director ensures that all funders’ regulations are met, which includes oversight of the referral and intake process in collaboration with the Department of Developmental Services, the Department of Mental Health, and other funding and referral sources. Prior to her promotion from assistant director, Rivera-Boucher worked at the Key Program in Pittsfield and graduated from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts with a degree in psychology. She also holds a degree in gerontology from Maria College and certification as dementia friend trainer.

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Meghan Lynch

Happier Valley Comedy, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing more laughter, joy, and ease to Western Mass. (and the world) through the tenets of improv comedy, named Meghan Lynch to its board of directors. Lynch is the CEO of Six-Point Creative in Springfield, a brand strategy agency serving second-stage businesses. Lynch co-founded Six-Point in 2007 and was named an Enterprising Woman of the Year in 2019 for her company’s growth and her commitment to supporting other women entrepreneurs. Lynch first became acquainted with Happier Valley Comedy when its president and founder, Pam Victor, facilitated a THROUGH LAUGHTER Professional Development workshop for the Women Presidents’ Organization, of which she’s a member. In 2017, Lynch invited Victor to Six-Point Creative to facilitate the first of many professional-development workshops for the staff and clients.

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The Mass Cultural Council announced the 2020 Artist Fellowship awards in drawing and printmaking, poetry, and traditional arts. Among this year’s fellowship awardees is artist Kelly Popoff, faculty member in the Art Department at Greenfield Community College (GCC). The awards include 19 fellowships of $15,000 and 16 finalist awards of $1,500. Applications were open to all eligible Massachusetts artists. A total number of 632 applications were received: 363 in drawing and printmaking, 243 in poetry, and 26 in traditional arts.

Company Notebook

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Company Notebook

Bacon Wilson to Donate $25,000 for Firm’s 125th Anniversary

SPRINGFIELD — Bacon Wilson announced that, in honor of its 125th anniversary year, the firm will donate $25,000 to various community organizations throughout the Pioneer Valley. Bacon Wilson will make five contributions of $1,250 for each quarter of 2020. After gathering suggestions from members of the firm, first-quarter contributions of $1,250 were awarded to:

• Michael J. Dias Foundation, which provides aid and education for individuals and families on substance abuse, and help for those battling the disease of addiction;

• All Out Adventures, which promotes health, community, and independence for people with disabilities, seniors, veterans, and their families and friends through outdoor recreation;

• Amherst Survival Center, which connects people to food, clothing, healthcare, wellness, and community, primarily through volunteer efforts;

• Our Community Table: Westfield Soup Kitchen, a 100% volunteer organization dependent upon donations to provide a clean and safe environment to serve those in need; and

• Treehouse Foundation, an intergenerational community neighborhood where adoptive families and their children, older youth, and elders invest in one another’s health, dreams, and futures.

Bacon Wilson will announce recipients for the firm’s remaining quarterly giving in June, September, and December.

Eversource Energy to Purchase Columbia Gas of Massachusetts

BOSTON — Eversource Energy announced it has reached an agreement to purchase the Massachusetts natural-gas assets of Columbia Gas for $1.1 billion from NiSource. The acquisition will bring Columbia Gas operations in Massachusetts under local ownership by the largest energy company in New England. Columbia Gas currently serves 330,000 natural-gas customers in more than 60 communities in Massachusetts. Eversource has 300,000 natural-gas customers and 1.5 million electric customers in 51 communities across the Commonwealth. Many communities that Columbia Gas serves with natural gas already receive electric service from Eversource. Under the asset-purchase agreement, liabilities related to the September 2018 gas distribution incidents in the Merrimack Valley will remain the responsibility of Columbia Gas’s current parent company, NiSource. Eversource plans to finance the transaction with a balance of new equity and debt that maintains its credit profile. The parties expect to close the transaction by the end of the third quarter 2020.

Isenberg Again Ranks First for MBA Online Education

AMHERST — For the fourth year in a row, the online MBA offered by the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst topped the rankings of U.S. programs — and came out number three in the world — in the Financial Times survey. Isenberg has offered an AACSB-accredited MBA degree program entirely online since 2001, making it one of the most well-established and robust online degrees in the country. Currently, more than 1,100 students are enrolled in the program. In addition to its overall position in the 2020 Financial Times ranking, the Isenberg online MBA also stood out in a number of data areas, based on information collected by the publication from members of the 2016 graduating class. It ranked first in the world for salary increase, with alumni reporting that they earn 46% more now than they did when they graduated from the Isenberg MBA program; second in the U.S. for average current salary ($168,046); and first in the U.S. for value.

American International College Named To Military Friendly Schools List

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) has again been named a Military Friendly School. VIQTORY, a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business that connects the military community to civilian employment and educational and entrepreneurial opportunities, has released the 2020-21 Military Friendly​​ Schools list, providing a comprehensive guide for veterans and their families using data sources from federal agencies, veteran students, and proprietary survey information from participating organizations in order to help them select the best college, university, or trade school to receive the education and training needed to pursue a civilian career. Institutions earning the Military Friendly​ School designation are evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey completed by the school. This year, fewer than 800 schools nationwide earned this prestigious designation. Methodology and criteria were determined by VIQTORY with input from the Military Friendly​ ​Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher-education and military-recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the individual institution’s survey scores with the assessment of its ability to meet thresholds for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, persistence (degree advancement or transfer), and loan default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.

Girls Inc. of the Valley Receives $500,000 Grant

HOLYOKE — Girls Inc. of the Valley announced plans for major expansion and the launch of its new campaign. The organization is in the early stages of an ambitious, comprehensive campaign, “Her Future, Our Future,” with three primary goals: to develop a permanent Girls Inc. home in downtown Holyoke; to expand school-based programming in Holyoke, Chicopee, and Springfield; and to extend the Eureka! STEM education program. To that end, it has received $500,000 in support from the Kendeda Fund, a private grantmaker based in Atlanta. This transformative gift will support the expansion of Girls Inc. of the Valley’s programs and create a stronger network that encourages girls to achieve. Girls Inc. of the Valley is launching this campaign to offer more girls fundamental support and research-based programming. These programs are designed to empower girls and present them with opportunities to navigate barriers they face in school and beyond.

Women’s Fund to Award $45,000 to Groups Addressing Sexual Violence

SPRINGFIELD — The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts (WFWM) announced a spring grant cycle to fund organizations that are working to fight sexual violence in the Western Mass. region. Funding for this grant cycle is made possible by a grant the WFWM received from the Fund for the Me Too Movement and Allies (the Me Too Fund), housed at the New York Women’s Foundation. Joining the Washington Area Women’s Foundation, the Women’s Foundation of California, and the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota in this work, WFWM will carry out the Me Too Fund’s goal of ensuring ongoing philanthropic investments toward transforming the oppressive systems that produce structural inequalities of power that result in harassment and violence by making grants from this fund in and for the local community. Applications will be accepted from women- and girl-serving organizations in all four counties of Western Mass. through March 31. Projects funded by this grant from WFWM must focus on prevention and/or intervention of sexual violence and harassment. Visit mywomensfund.org for additional information or to apply.

GCAi Launches Videos for Peter Pan’s App Marketing and Perks Rewards Program

SPRINGFIELD — Riders on any Peter Pan bus right now will not only view a new app-marketing video but also a new Perks Rewards program video. In between the two marketing videos is a brief welcome message by company Chairman and CEO Peter Picknelly. Garvey Communication Associates Inc. (GCAi) produced the three videos, which are already being shown on all routes in the Northeast Corridor. Each of them was produced by award-winning video producer Darcy Young, one of the only female video producers in the market. The concepts and scripts were developed by GCAi founder John Garvey. The app and rewards videos will be disseminated through digital marketing campaigns in specific markets on the East Coast in the near future. These videos are the third in a series of passenger videos produced by GCAi that began when Peter Pan Bus Lines separated from Greyhound Bus Lines in 2017. The videos can be viewed at gcaionline.com/video.

Webber & Grinnell Acquires Roger Menard Insurance Agency

NORTHAMPTON — Webber & Grinnell Insurance announced the acquisition of Roger Menard Insurance Agency at 241 King St., Northampton. “Roger and I have been talking about this for a long time, and we are fortunate to be able to continue his legacy of great customer service to his clients,” said Webber and Grinnell President Bill Grinnell. “Our office is only a quarter-mile down the street, so it will be an easy adjustment for his clients. We also represent the same insurance carriers as Roger Menard Insurance, which will make the transition go very smoothly. Menard added that “Webber and Grinnell is the premier insurance agency in Northampton, and I know my clients will be treated very well. I’ve truly enjoyed this business and the relationships I have developed along the way. But after 36 years, it’s time to do something different. I will still be available to answer any questions during the transition.”

DAISA Enterprises to Facilitate Healthy Children and Families Event

SOUTH HADLEY — DAISA Enterprises, a food-systems and community health strategy firm based in South Hadley, was selected by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to design and facilitate a convening of Healthy Children and Families grantees for 2020. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), based in Princeton, N.J., is the largest philanthropic foundation in the U.S. focused solely on health, striving to advance policy, system, and environmental changes that create the conditions to foster families’ opportunities to promote healthy child development. The Healthy Children and Families convening will be a forum for sharing lessons and leveraging insights among grantees, partners, stakeholders, and RWJF staff around strategies to achieve this goal and prioritize health equity. More than 100 health leaders are expected to attend this event this spring or summer.

Health New England a Finalist in Healthiest Employers Program

SPRINGFIELD — Health New England has been recognized as one of the 2019 finalists of the Healthiest Employers of Massachusetts, a nationally recognized awards program powered by the Springbuk Health Intelligence Platform. Applicants to the Healthiest Employers awards program were evaluated across six key categories, representing a holistic view of employee well-being: culture and leadership commitment, foundational components, strategic planning, communication and marketing, programming and interventions, and reporting and analytics. All companies that applied to the awards program were ranked according to the proprietary Healthiest Employers Index, a 1-100 rubric for employee well-being programming. Ranked second in the 100- to 499-employee size category in Massachusetts, Health New England was honored for its commitment to employee health and corporate health programming. As an award finalist, Health New England has demonstrated a strong commitment to the health and well-being of its team members.

Bay Path Earns ‘A’ Grade for Early Reading Courses

LONGMEADOW — The National Council on Teacher Quality released its scores for the 2020 Teacher Prep Review, ranking Bay Path University’s Early Reading course content in undergraduate, traditional, elementary-education programs with an ‘A’ designation. Reading ability is a key predictor of future educational gains and life success, and more than one-third of American children are not able to read by the fourth grade, with black and Hispanic children being disproportionately affected. Successful reading instruction is essential to achieving educational equity, yet only seven programs in Massachusetts received an ‘A’ ranking. After reviewing course syllabi and required textbooks, programs were ranked based on the following criteria: the availability of explicit instruction on each of the five components of reading instruction — phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension strategies; support for instruction with high-quality textbooks that accurately detail established principles of scientifically based reading practices; and evidence that teacher candidates must demonstrate mastery through in-class assignments, tests, and field work.

Scout Curated Wears Supports Dress for Success

SPRINGFIELD — Scout Curated Wears started out as a local business and quickly turned into a nationwide sensation with its signature item, which converts from a wrap bracelet to a necklace. But the company is equally proud of its commitment to give back 10% of its net proceeds to support women’s organizations. Dress for Success Western Massachusetts is one of the nonprofits that benefits from the generosity of Scout Curated Wears and owner Lora Fischer-DeWitt. Women in the Greater Springfield community benefit from both a network of support and programs developed by Dress for Success. These programs, which are designed to be responsive to both women and employers, include the Foot in the Door workforce-readiness program; the Boutique, which provides women with professional attire for interviews and employment; the Margaret Fitzgerald One-on-One mentor program; and the Professional Women’s Group, designed to promote employment retention and career advancement. Fischer-DeWitt changes the lives of women who come through these programs by providing an annual contribution and by sponsoring Common Threads, an annual event celebrating of the accomplishments of women who have come through Dress for Success Western Massachusetts programs. This year’s event is scheduled for Thursday, April 16 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Springfield Sheraton.

Elms School of Nursing Ranks in Top 10 in State

CHICOPEE — The School of Nursing at Elms College ranks in the top 10 of “Best Nursing Schools in Massachusetts,” according to a recent ranking by registerednursing.org. To determine this year’s rankings, registerednursing.org researched the 40 nursing programs across the state and analyzed their students’ performance on the NCLEX-RN exam over the past five years. In 2019, Elms College nurses achieved a 97% pass rate on the exam, while the national pass rate was 91%. This is the third top-10 ranking for Elms College’s School of Nursing over the past year. It has been ranked in the top 10 of nursing schools in Massachusetts according to both nurse.org and niche.com.

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.

DALTON

Wilkinson Building & Remodeling, Inc., 85 Central Ave., Dalton, MA 01226. John Wilkinson, same. Construction, remodeling, restoration.

GREAT BARRINGTON

Alston Method Inc., 446 Monterey Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230. Joseph Antoine Alston, PO Box 625, Housatonic, MA 01236. Wellness training.

HOLYOKE

The Western New England Music Alliance Inc., 115 Ridgewood Ave., 115 Ridgewood Ave., Holyoke, MA 01040. Mark Sherry, same. Assist and advance the careers of talented creative local musicians who write original music and to promote western New England as a destination for original music writing and production.

LENOX

86 The Weeds Inc., 115 New Lenox Road, Lenox, MA 01240. Laura Shack, same. Lawn care and landscaping services.

MONSON

A & H Transport Inc., 19 Woodridge Road, Monson, MA 01057. John R. Withers, same. Transportation of goods, equipment, and natural resources.

NORTH ADAMS

The Green Inc., 5 Main St., Suite 105, North Adams, MA 01247. Paul Gordo, 19 Elder Ave., North Adams, MA 01247. To support and promote artistic, religious, community building, anti-poverty and health initiatives and provide an accessible meeting space for same in northern Berkshire.

NORTHAMPTON

The Treaty Awareness Campaign Inc., 59 Gleason Road, Northampton, MA 01060. Andrew Blinn Larkin, 53 Clark Ave. #1, Northampton, MA 01060. Educating the general public about the risks and consequences of nuclear war, the possibility and consequences of accidental or intentional detonation of a nuclear weapon and the radiological effects of uranium mining, enrichment, production, testing and waste disposal associated with such weapons.

PALMER

Altitude Organic Corporation of Massachusetts, 1235 Thorndike St., Palmer, MA 01069. Aaron Bluse, 702 Zion Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Cultivate, manufacture, market, promote, sell, distribute medicinal cannabis and related products.

PITTSFIELD

Veska Inc., 225 Lenox Ave., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Vickery Richard Allen, same. Web and software development.

Aircity Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Amir Banihashem, same. Develop software, provide consulting and services.

At Ease Massage for Veterans Inc., 476 Fenn St. #2, Pittsfield, MA 01201. John Strac same. Providing therapeutic massage to our veterans and their families.

SOUTH DEERFIELD

The Velodrome Project of Massachusetts Inc., 9 Crestview Dr., South Deerfield, MA 01373. James Fitzgerald, same. Sports and recreation.

SPRINGFIELD

The Arabia Felix Foundation Inc., 190 Longhill St., Springfield, MA 01108. Mark G. Hambley, same.

Thinkers & Dreamers Inc., 19 Hillcrest St., Springfield, MA 01109. Springfield, MA 01109. Le’ron D. McClain Fox Chase Dr., Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. Provides free mentoring and tutoring services to at-risk inner-city youth of color.

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and trade names were issued or renewed during the month of February 2020.

AMHERST

Amherst Healing Arts
409 Main St.
Elya Manah Rowa

Amherst Welding Inc.
330 Harkness Road
Darrin Brown

The Laundry Club
6 University Dr.
Peter Colt

Mt. Pollux Music
1301 South East St.
Dan Kennedy

Nouria
399 Northampton St.
Tony El-Nemr

BELCHERTOWN

Marbl Chocolates
6 Hemlock Hollow
Elisabeth Patel

Ryan M. Padden Residential & Commercial Specialist
13 Sargent St.
Ryan Padden

Shady Glen Boarding Kennel
37 Amherst Road
Cynthia Meaux

SMA Consulting
210 Jensen St.
Salvatore Amato

Uncommon Cuts
7 Brandywine Dr.
Grete McGinnis

CHICOPEE

Chicopee Liquors
856 Memorial Dr.
Ankit Patel

Moon Magic
151 East Main St.
Dorenda Taft, Wanda Valentin

Woodcrafter 413
47 Arlington St.
Gary Ladue

DEERFIELD

Textur Beauty Bar
8B Elm St.
Carleigh Dlugosz

HOLYOKE

Freight Movers
43 Cherry St.
Irving Roman

Great Clips
98 Lower Westfield Road
Impachelvan Vithiananthan

Real Dry Waterproofing
137 Dupuis Road
Stephen Wall

Sweet Dogs Bakery
22H Maple Crest Circle
Sarah Kukla

EASTHAMPTON

Ain’t Your Average B….
21 Mineral St.
Raven Williams

Big Top Quilts
62 Briggs St.
Audrey Hyvonen

Confluence Mediation
123 Union St., Suite 201-5
Abdallah Ghalayini

Embark Industries
116 Pleasant St., Suite 245
Dmitry Gordievsky

Lev Networks
59 East St.
Samuel Lev

Moove In Self Storage
2 Industrial Parkway
Investment Real Estate Management, LLC

Moove In Self Storage
Main Street
Investment Real Estate Management, LLC

Nirvana Yoga, LLC
384 Main St.
Andy Stenson, Kate Stenson

Nouria
124 Northampton St.
Tony El-Nemr

EAST LONGMEADOW

Daniel Berard
P.O. Box 562
Daniel Berard

Dave Your Window Butler
64 Meadowbrook Road
Dave Morgan

JJK Productions
118 Lee St.
Josh Kelleher

Journey with Janet
82 Gates Ave.
Janet Weinberg

GREENFIELD

ARM Insurance
22 Laurel St.
Amy Morey

Boxlo Studio
55 Pierce St.
Gallagher Hannan, David Erickson

Flash Photo Booth
53 Cleveland St.
Staci Hickey

Greenfield Group Real Estate
29 Mill St., Suite 1
William Martin

Hawks and Reed
289 Main St.
Steven Goldsher

His and Hers Comics
40 Bank Row
Nishon Morgan

Knapp Construx
258 Hope St.
Steven Knapp

Nouria
63-69 Main St.
Tony El-Nemr

Rachael’s Closet
207 Main St.
Rachael Hurley

Savage Interiors
69 Riddell St.
Brooke Savage

The Spirit Shoppe
402 Federal St.
Deerfield Spirit Shoppe Inc.

Tech Clinic
324 Main St.
Jodi Thompson

Women’s Integrative Pelvic Rehabilitation
486 Main St.
Laura Manfield-Goodridge

Z’s Corner
4 Mill St.
Zain Naveed, Naveed Butt

LONGMEADOW

Aspen Lawn
56 Maplewood St.
Joel Wun, Antonina Ventino

Linda Lasorsa, Certified Color Consultant
44 Homestead Blvd.
Linda Lasorsa

Marblelife of Western Massachusetts
126 Belleclaire Ave.
Michael Barbieri

LUDLOW

Deanna Maziarz at From Hair On
733 Chapin St.
Deanna Maziarz

Discount Motor Sales Inc.
135 Carmelina Circle
Scott Shaw

Elaine at From Hair On
733 Chapin St.
Elaine McGrath

Hair Styles by Gina
733 Chapin St.
Gina Yelle

Hair West
322 West Ave.
Diane Bode

Nouria
425 Center St.
Tony El-Nemr

R & R Draft Service
398 Westerly Circle
Richard Lamotte

Smithland Supply
433 Center St.
Jim Wachner

NORTHAMPTON

Andy’s Spaceworks
142 Riverside Dr.
Ann Dolland

The Blue Marble
150 Main St.
Cathie Walz

Dead Again Vintage
69 Union St.
Vuk Whallon

Electric Eye Records
52 Main St., Suite 6
Andrew Crespo

Firebrand Events
221 Pine St., Suite 136
David Cowan Jr.

Funny 4 Funds – Pioneer Valley
139 Damon Road, Apt. E
Laurem Cahillane, Timothy Lovett

The Ken Frank Blues Band
9 Wilson Ave.
Kenneth Frank

Matthew Dibrindisi
42 Stone Ridge Dr.
Matthew Dibrindisi

Skibiski Real Estate
426 Hatfield St.
John Skibiski

Smithland Supply
142 North King St.
Jim Wachner

SPRINGFIELD

Cali
813 State St.
Tokiko Gomez

Capital Income Tax Corp.
1655 Main St.
Nathilda Ramirez

Carew Mini Market
158 Carew St.
Martin Severino

Cassi Cakes
122 Florence St.
Cassandra Gadson

Clean Crafts Remodeling
53A King St.
Manuel Colon

High Grace Boutique
39 Webster St.
Altagracia Barreras

Hiline Auto Detail
1469 State St.
Jaime Rodriguez

HNE
1 Monarch Place, Suite 1500
Health New England

HNE Advisory Services Inc.
1 Monarch Place, Suite 1500
HNE Advisory

HNE Insurance Co.
1 Monarch Place, Suite 1500
HNE Insurance Co.

Nestle Waters USA
150 Carando Dr.
Nestle Waters North

Nilsa’s Tax Services
906 Carew St.
Nilsa Laboy

Nouria
1313 Boston Road
Nouria Energy Retail

Nouria
487 East Columbus Ave.
Nouria Energy Retail

Nouria
833 East Columbus Ave.
Nouria Energy Retail

Nouria
720 Hall of Fame Ave.
Nouria Energy Retail

Nouria
730-744 Sumner Ave.
Nouria Energy Retail

Nouria
93 West Broad St.
Nouria Energy Retail

Nouria
1200 Wilbraham Road
Nouria Energy Retail

Subway of Downtown Springfield
1400 Main St.
Clifford Laraway

SVS Services
18 Noel St.
Ivan Grechka

Tavarez Real Estate
265 Belmont Ave.
Silverio Tavarez

Time Out
37 Waldorf St,
Clarence Reid

Torres Construction
752 Belmont Ave.
Reinerio Torres

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Hazen Enterprises Inc.
61 Winona Dr.
Lawrence Hazen

JG Site Services
78 Poplar Ave.
Jonathan Goddard

Little George’s
2648 Westfield St.
Costas Anamisis

Monica Monroe Entertainment
608 Westfield St.
Damonique Veighey

Monique Renee Studio
677 Westfield St.
Anna Gaudet

Raymour & Flanigan Furniture
1406 Elm St.
Neil Rube

Techniq
358 Park St.
Megan Gentile

USA Medical Supply
340 Memorial Ave.
Richard Spafford

Vlads Transportation
534 Union St.
Volodymyr Zhukovskyy

Walgreens #17540
99 Westfield St.
Todd Heckman

WILBRAHAM

Annie’s Candles 01095
10 Blueberry Hill Road
Anne Marie King

Executive Real Estate Group Inc.
2030 Boston Road, #1
Amy Rio, Tanya Vital-Basile, Angela Mancinone

IslandGrafics
393 Main St., Unit 2
Robert Landgraf

Retro Rental Services
499 Main St.
John Paterno

Successful-Learner
755G Glendale Road
Lorri Comeau

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

The following bankruptcy petitions were recently filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court (bankruptcy petitions omitted from our last are include hereunder). Readers should confirm all information with the court.

Allen, Ernest
Allen, Lisa M.
53 Tilton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/27/20

Andre, Lenna
137 Vienna Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/22/20

Arroyo, Christopher
5 Deveau St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/01/20

Baker, Christopher R.
Hendrick, Michelle C.
35 Indian Hill
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/28/20

Barnard, Karen
12 Hanover St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/07/20

Barrena, Hope
1063 Main St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/24/20

Bayram, Haci I.
19 Munsing Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/22/20

Bazluke, Samuel R.
643 Suffield St., Apt. 3
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/24/20

Bedard, Hector F.
203 El Paso St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/30/20

Berkshire Frame to Finish
Pascucci, Donald F.
93 Bushey Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/23/20

Berube, Christine B.
40 Old Stockbridge Road, Apt. 5B
Lenox, MA 01240
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/11/20

Bogacz-Lazzara, Staci A.
a/k/a Lazzara, Staci A.
42 N Main St
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/20

Brantley, Evins Cephus
91 Dunmoreland St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/31/20

Briones, Paciencia
7676 Maple St., Unit 1005
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/20

Cabana, Ashley R.
45 Oakland St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/14/20

Cammock, Kareen J.
517 Dickinson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/04/20

Caputo, David Anthony
903 Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/27/20

Cerruti, Christopher E.
58 Brown St., Apt. 1
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/03/20

Chambers, Denise A.
a/k/a Smith, Denise A.
a/k/a Watson, Denise Annemarie
157 Navajo Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/20/20

Collins, John
88 Debra Place, Apt. 3A
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/21/20

Colon, Felix Casillas
13 Gould Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/31/20

Corbisiero, Sandra M.
405 Beacon Circle
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/07/20

Cortis, Thomas S.
21 Elm Ave., Unit 3
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/21/20

Cuadra, Adan Antonio
230 Athol Road
Phillipston, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/31/20

DaSilva, Vicky M.
38 Third St., 1st Fl.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/03/20

Dejesus, Frank E.
74 Newhall St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/31/20

Delvalle, Xavier
150 Old Lane Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/14/20

Diaz, Gloryvee
a/k/a Mulero, Gloryvee
Diaz, Glory D.
a/k/a Diaz Diaz, Gloryvee
41 Savoy Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/31/20

Diroma, Michael F.
Diroma, Allyson M.
13 Canal Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/31/20

Eady, Percy K.
116 Glen St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/07/20

Felton, Shirley M.
483 Bay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/06/20

Garcia, Mariaelena
a/k/a Garcia, Maria Elena
74 N Whitney St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/16/20

Gardner, Angela M.
P.O. Box 845
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/06/20

Gaudet, Monique
a/k/a Wallace, Monique
5C Mansion Woods Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/28/20

Goldberg, Scott B.
490 White St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/21/20

Gonzalez, Diane
44 Boucher Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/13/20

Grajales, Elizabeth
187 Longmeadow St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/05/20

Henry, Natalie A.
a/k/a Henry-Walker, Natalie A.
140 Buckingham St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/16/20

Hulk Delivery Services
Wills-Goldson, Shaymis C.
59 Alvin St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/03/20

Hunt, Christopher W.
131 Liberty St.
First Floor
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/14/20

Huremovic, Sabahudin
a/k/a Huremovic, Elvisa
19 Falvey St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/21/20

Iellamo, Christopher Joseph
27 Stewart Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/15/20

Ireland, John T.
Ireland, Valerie J.
a/k/a Boody, Valerie J.
50 Bellmore Dr.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/03/20

Jones, Niki M.
75 Springfield St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/24/20

Keefe, Colin
252 Wells St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/27/20

Kickery, Gerald T.
7 Elmvale Place
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/14/20

LaRouche, Shirley S.
37 Echo Lane
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/12/20

Leboeuf, Colleen Marie
1533 Elm St.
Room 215 Econo Lodge
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/30/20

Loncrini, Kimberly A.
27 Rondeau St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/31/20

Maloney, Michael P.
Maloney, Brittany K.
a/k/a Carlo, Brittany K.
581 Stafford Hill Road
Cheshire, MA 01225
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/11/20

Maureen’s Sweet Shoppe
Dempsey, Maureen M.
a/k/a Basile, Maureen M.
47 Cass Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/23/20

Mazeika, Robert C.
Mazeika, Erin B.
21 Princeton St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/16/20

McClelland, Vicki Lynn
65 Cheryl Circle
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/31/20

Menzie, Jermaine O.
87 Garfield St., 2nd Fl.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/10/20

Moran, Thomas J.
289 Converse St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/09/20

Morris, Joseph G.
1107 Memorial Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/06/20

Morrissey, Dayna Marie
97 Williamsville Rd
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/07/20

Ng, Jack
209 Woodcrest Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/03/20

Nichols, Patrick S.
Nichols, Beth E.
P.O. Box 1910
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/06/20

Nivar, Sharon T.
43 Vernon St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/10/20

Nunez, Maria D.
1583 Riverdale St., Apt 5
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/03/20

O’Connell, William F.
1368 Amostown Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/22/20

Oprecht-Kum, Patricia Sebena
35 Sunset Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/12/20

Pack, Karen B.
a/k/a Steinfeldt, Karen B.
4 Marie St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/12/20

Parent, Tina M.
39 South Maple St., 1st Fl.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/06/20

Parker, Ronald E.
322 Main St., Apt. E
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/20

Richardson, Gerald W.
121 Cedar St., Unit 1R
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/16/20

Robbins, Andrew C.
89 Judson St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/10/20

Roberts, Michael J.
Roberts, Melissa A.
44 Devens St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/10/20

Rogers, Homer L.
115 Covell Road
Granville, MA 01034
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/14/20

Ross, Cristy M.
52 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/29/20

Ryan, Seth W.
80 Damon Road
Unit 3204
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/27/20

Schleis, Leslie Dube
152 Pine Ave.
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/03/20

Schmidt, Gregory W.
72 Feeding Hills Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/12/20

Shevchuk, Svetlana K.
26 Hunters Slope
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/10/20

Silva-Wemette, Jessica L.
12 Margaret St.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/10/20

Smith, Shelby C.
7E Mansion Woods Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/24/20

Spiegel-Savoie, Helen
a/k/a Spiegel-Lee, Helen
46 Cross St.
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/10/20

Steele, Taijhia C.
87 Edbert St., Apt. A
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/05/20

Stone, Jeremy S.
Stone, Cara S.
a/k/a Quinlan, Cara S.
111 Elm St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/28/20

Thibodeau, Gerard
375 Pequoig Ave.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/05/20

Valley, Audrey R.
PO BOX 1471
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/03/20

Wallace, Anthony
18 Saab Court, Apt. 505
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/28/20

White, Kenneth
27 Applewood Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01022
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/03/20

Wisnewski, Matthew M.
PO BOX 131
Oakham, MA 01068
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/15/20

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

186 Bald Mountain Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $209,000
Buyer: Jessica L. Norman
Seller: Troy Santerre
Date: 02/19/20

BUCKLAND

153 East Buckland Road
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $192,097
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Sheila A. Gammon
Date: 02/24/20

CHARLEMONT

7 Main St.
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Zoar Outdoor Adventure
Seller: Charlemont Land Preserve
Date: 02/18/20

920 Tea St.
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Zoar Outdoor Adventure
Seller: Charlemont Land Preserve
Date: 02/18/20

17 Tea St. Ext.
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Zoar Outdoor Adventure
Seller: Charlemont Land Preserve
Date: 02/18/20

Warfield Road
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Zoar Outdoor Adventure
Seller: Charlemont Land Preserve
Date: 02/18/20

DEERFIELD

35 Captain Lathrop Dr.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Holly T. Babcock
Seller: Dennis A. Seymour
Date: 02/14/20

23 Lee Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $196,500
Buyer: Anthony Martino
Seller: US Bank
Date: 02/21/20

104 Sunderland Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: 104 Sunderland Road LLC
Seller: David A. Rohrs RET
Date: 02/12/20

Wells Cross Road #D
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Pioneer Gardens Inc.
Seller: John G. Savage Realty Corp.
Date: 02/14/20

ERVING

163 North St.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $253,700
Buyer: Luis F. Iturbe
Seller: Edward Hofmeister
Date: 02/21/20

63 State Road
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Cody S. Willor
Seller: Alan Cafarella
Date: 02/21/20

GREENFIELD

317 Davis St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $175,800
Buyer: Mac Newman
Seller: H. Peter Wood
Date: 02/21/20

163 Montague City Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: William A. Theis
Seller: Mark P. Wisnewski
Date: 02/14/20

MONTAGUE

80 2nd St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $181,000
Buyer: 108 Properties LLC
Seller: Richard A. Baker
Date: 02/21/20

NORTHFIELD

57 Ashuelot Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Jeffery C. Tarr
Seller: Tina M. Smith
Date: 02/24/20

130 Main St.
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Gail M. Doolittle
Seller: Northfield Mount Hermon
Date: 02/13/20

1158 Millers Falls Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Peter Sund
Seller: Laurence D. Stearns
Date: 02/21/20

164 Upper Farms Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Patricia M. Kinsella
Seller: Margaret G. Daniels
Date: 02/18/20

ORANGE

139 South Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Shane Barbato
Seller: Susan I. Barbato
Date: 02/25/20

340 Walnut Hill Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Robert E. Smith
Seller: Harold C. Matthews
Date: 02/14/20

SUNDERLAND

57 Plumtree Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $218,000
Buyer: Jodiann Thomas-Jackson
Seller: Michael Murray
Date: 02/14/20

WHATELY

101 Haydenville Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $334,000
Buyer: Robin S. Weiss
Seller: Marsha E. Martin
Date: 02/14/20

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

42 Alhambra Circle South
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $182,000
Buyer: Corrie Strunk-Ackerley
Seller: Alison K. Anderson
Date: 02/25/20

15 Belvidere Ave.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Alison Bonafini
Seller: Naples Property Group LLC
Date: 02/20/20

3 Centerwood Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Alice Krajewski
Seller: MTGLQ Investors LP
Date: 02/14/20

18 Cesan St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $270,400
Buyer: Eric Graziano
Seller: Barbara J. Nitri
Date: 02/14/20

15 Clematis Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $248,000
Buyer: David G. Bruneau
Seller: Patriot Living LLC
Date: 02/19/20

71 Columbia Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $132,750
Buyer: Petr Kiforishin
Seller: Deutsche Bank
Date: 02/14/20

29 Florida Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $224,000
Buyer: Donald T. Mercure
Seller: Casey E. Federico
Date: 02/12/20

48 Florida Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Todd Downie
Seller: CDM Properties LLC
Date: 02/13/20

190 Mill St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Miguel A. Ortiz
Seller: Lourdes Quinones
Date: 02/12/20

22 Mulberry St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $239,900
Buyer: Shawn M. Zaborowski
Seller: Peter Mozdzanowski
Date: 02/18/20

122 Southwick St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Kelly M. Gilmore
Seller: Tina M. Eggleston
Date: 02/14/20

662 Springfield St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: West Co. Investments LLC
Seller: Parlay Of MA LLC
Date: 02/12/20

BLANDFORD

30 Brookman Dr.
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $258,000
Buyer: Lois R. Quartararo
Seller: William Bunnell
Date: 02/18/20

CHESTER

192 Abbott Hill Road
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Adam S. Wade
Seller: USA VA
Date: 02/21/20

CHICOPEE

78 Arthur St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $189,600
Buyer: Adam G. Roy
Seller: James R. Guilbeau
Date: 02/13/20

14 Dresser Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Elizabeth Ramos
Seller: Kozik, Caroline M., (Estate)
Date: 02/21/20

10 Everett St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $117,800
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Elaine Ittner
Date: 02/24/20

159 Fletcher Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $244,000
Buyer: Marina Polyakova
Seller: Judith A. Tracy
Date: 02/21/20

101 Front St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: 101 Front Street NT
Seller: Audrey G. Mascaro
Date: 02/14/20

79 Lauzier Ter.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Jose E. Martinez
Seller: Erek J. Machowski
Date: 02/21/20

860 Meadow St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $225,800
Buyer: Noelia Rivera
Seller: Maria M. Biskup
Date: 02/12/20

2012 Memorial Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $1,407,116
Buyer: Western MA EEN LLC
Seller: CH Realty 7 CG Mact Bird
Date: 02/13/20

94 Prospect St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Dulong Holdings LLC
Seller: Lavallee Group Inc.
Date: 02/24/20

23 Ralph St.
Chicopee, MA 01109
Amount: $331,500
Buyer: Rachel E. Lacourse
Seller: Sodi Inc.
Date: 02/13/20

EAST LONGMEADOW

239 Elm St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Shelby Gray
Seller: Penny L. Griswold
Date: 02/21/20

93 Parker St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: John C. Burney
Seller: Nu-Way Homes Inc.
Date: 02/21/20

Pease Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Emanuele Marino
Seller: Kane, Joseph R., (Estate)
Date: 02/13/20

HOLLAND

5 Brook Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Paul Gabriau
Seller: Lisa A. Lewis
Date: 02/21/20

12 Hamilton Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $155,500
Buyer: David L. Breor
Seller: Lawrence N. Bilodeau
Date: 02/24/20

48 Stafford Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: James J. Herrick
Seller: Jerome Lafrance
Date: 02/21/20

82 Stafford Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Meegan L. Bullock
Seller: AMTD LLC
Date: 02/14/20

76 Vinton Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $237,000
Buyer: Christie Salisbury
Seller: Holly L. Brodeur
Date: 02/21/20

HOLYOKE

179-185 Chestnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $349,000
Buyer: TKJM LLC
Seller: 179-185 Chestnut LLC
Date: 02/13/20

62 Clayton Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Zachary Bullough
Seller: Abbey, Leonard Guy, (Estate)
Date: 02/18/20

43 Eastern Promenade St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Keila T. Medina-Mercado
Seller: Michael P. Volmer
Date: 02/19/20

28 Mackintosh Ter.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $157,500
Buyer: Felix J. Morales
Seller: Daniel C. Ross
Date: 02/13/20

1106 Main St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $195,933
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Andrew R. Shaddock
Date: 02/12/20

284 Maple St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $119,925
Buyer: HSBC Bank
Seller: Julia H. Durchanek
Date: 02/19/20

215 Mountain View Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $347,967
Buyer: Lakeview Loan Servicing LLC
Seller: Darrell M. Johnston
Date: 02/18/20

10 Summit Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Nina Olender
Seller: Edward Olender
Date: 02/14/20

6 Upland Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Megan Brunelle
Seller: James M. Brunelle
Date: 02/14/20

264-266 Walnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $194,250
Buyer: Frankie Sanchez
Seller: Joseph F. Schiappa
Date: 02/25/20

LONGMEADOW

83 Berwick Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Kimberly Smith
Seller: Dominick J. Dieni
Date: 02/13/20

547 Converse St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $297,000
Buyer: Joseph Ekmalian
Seller: Paul F. Kennedy
Date: 02/21/20

125 Field Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $321,000
Buyer: Gina M. Trapani
Seller: James Hendry
Date: 02/14/20

13 Glenwood Circle
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $199,000
Buyer: Jacqueline C. Soltz
Seller: Raymond Beattie
Date: 02/25/20

91 Knollwood Circle
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $635,000
Buyer: Benjamin J. Weiss
Seller: Eric C. Jan
Date: 02/21/20

737 Shaker Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Patrick Curry
Seller: Margo Whitt
Date: 02/14/20

39 Vanguard Lane
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $329,000
Buyer: Natalie L. Degruyl-Burns
Seller: Gary S. Sylvester
Date: 02/18/20

84 Wilkin Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $336,900
Buyer: Jasmin Hutchinson
Seller: Oleg E. Berdnikov
Date: 02/14/20

LUDLOW

98 Bridle Path Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $239,900
Buyer: Luis A. Rego
Seller: Cheryl A. Hastings
Date: 02/21/20

530 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: HSBC Bank
Seller: Donna M. Leto
Date: 02/24/20

57 Grimard St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $209,400
Buyer: Tracey A. Ware
Seller: Michael T. Robar
Date: 02/14/20

44 Highland Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Chun J. Kim
Seller: Stephanie E. Salvador
Date: 02/24/20

MONSON

37 Bradway Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $322,000
Buyer: Marcus Edmonds
Seller: Michael C. Delong
Date: 02/14/20

15 Fenton Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $349,900
Buyer: James A. Muckinhaupt
Seller: David G. Bruneau
Date: 02/19/20

22 Lower Hampden Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $120,900
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Timothy R. Coto
Date: 02/20/20

276 Stafford Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Amrap LLC
Seller: AJN Rentals LLC
Date: 02/20/20

PALMER

2009 East St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Timothy R. Coleman
Seller: Todd M. Nareau
Date: 02/14/20

3003 Oak St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $242,000
Buyer: Matthew D. Corsi
Seller: Shelly R. Brown
Date: 02/12/20

1257 South Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $242,500
Buyer: Weihua Zeng
Seller: Madeline D. Davidson
Date: 02/20/20

18 Wright St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Judy Bergdoll
Seller: US Bank
Date: 02/19/20

SOUTHWICK

111 Feeding Hills Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $214,500
Buyer: Lawrence V. Allen
Seller: Michael Abelin
Date: 02/21/20

SPRINGFIELD

140 Ambrose St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $265,500
Buyer: Jennifer Y. Perlera
Seller: Campagnari Construction
Date: 02/21/20

355 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $585,000
Buyer: Diplomat Enterprises LLC
Seller: Daniel J. Molta
Date: 02/19/20

40 Bissell St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $165,640
Buyer: Flagstar Bank FSB
Seller: Hannah A. Wachira
Date: 02/13/20

37 Border St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $212,000
Buyer: Luis D. Pumarejo
Seller: Xaver A. Sierra
Date: 02/14/20

22 Broad St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Bar South Holdings LLC
Seller: Grace Feghali-Ramah
Date: 02/18/20

86 Castle St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $194,000
Buyer: Hortense S. Miller
Seller: Hanh D. Troung
Date: 02/21/20

38 Colorado St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $217,000
Buyer: Brittany Gage
Seller: Robert H. Claremont
Date: 02/12/20

11-15 Dawes St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $191,000
Buyer: Eric Henson
Seller: TM Properties Inc.
Date: 02/21/20

Delaware Ave. #366
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Bretta Construction LLC
Seller: Sherry A. Marchessault
Date: 02/14/20

Delaware Ave. #367
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Bretta Construction LLC
Seller: Sherry A. Marchessault
Date: 02/14/20

6 Drumlin Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $162,750
Buyer: Ryan Carabine
Seller: Michael Stewart
Date: 02/24/20

159 East St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $151,000
Buyer: Carmen J. Santos
Seller: Lourdes J. Mercado
Date: 02/14/20

159 Fair Oak Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Xin Li-Smigiel
Seller: Denise M. Dowd
Date: 02/21/20

16 Fenimore Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Klotz
Seller: John P. Wysk
Date: 02/24/20

264 Fountain St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $261,000
Buyer: Christopher Iennaco
Seller: William Raleigh
Date: 02/19/20

17 Frank St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Adam Hajdamowicz
Seller: Ronald R. Napolitan
Date: 02/14/20

17 Gary Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Thomas M. Rickson
Seller: Clayton J. Goodrow
Date: 02/20/20

64-66 Glenwood St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Kelvyn Batia
Seller: Blythewood Property Mgmt.
Date: 02/20/20

25-27 Humbert St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Joan Wellington
Seller: MBC Properties LLC
Date: 02/25/20

41 Hyde Ave.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Willy J. Cardona
Seller: Omar Almodovar
Date: 02/24/20

15 Juniper Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Nicole S. Nixon
Seller: Nicole A. Mason
Date: 02/12/20

37 Kathleen St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Bradley Rolland
Seller: Ashley Rolland
Date: 02/18/20

279-281 Lexington St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Irma Rivera-Matos
Seller: Ana Lopez
Date: 02/24/20

34 Lorimer St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $272,000
Buyer: Xaver A. Sierra
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 02/14/20

82 Malden St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Binh T. Nguyen
Seller: Michael J. Molinari
Date: 02/12/20

26 Mandalay Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $213,000
Buyer: Ashiah B. Richeme
Seller: Zandra Engel
Date: 02/12/20

198-200 Marion St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $1,055,000
Buyer: Maribay Apartments LLC
Seller: CNI Corp.
Date: 02/18/20

206 Marsden St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Nathan J. Cortez
Seller: Angel O. Alban
Date: 02/13/20

28-30 Maryland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: JR Real Estate LLC
Seller: 28-30 Maryland Street LLC
Date: 02/14/20

22 Mayfield St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $213,000
Buyer: Jill A. Raschi
Seller: Anthony J. Spear
Date: 02/12/20

113 Mill St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Michael J. Dias Foundation
Seller: Orange Park Mgmt. LLC
Date: 02/13/20

164-166 Northampton Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Tamara N. Barnett
Seller: Domingos Enterprises LLC
Date: 02/18/20

1915 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $148,000
Buyer: Javelin Parra
Seller: Kemuel Perez
Date: 02/24/20

37 Parkside St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $181,500
Buyer: Theresa Thomas
Seller: Nitsy J. Torres
Date: 02/19/20

125 Pine Acre Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Rebekah E. Morin
Seller: Isabel Bettencourt
Date: 02/25/20

93 Pocantico Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Spencer O’Quinn
Seller: Kevin D. Blake
Date: 02/14/20

16 Powell Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Joyce Bunn
Seller: Angelo Deguglielmo
Date: 02/14/20

52 Price St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Yegor Stefantsev
Seller: Juana Howard
Date: 02/21/20

54 Price St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Yegor Stefantsev
Seller: Juana Howard
Date: 02/21/20

112 Quaker Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $130,819
Buyer: Wilmington Savings
Seller: John M. Lacey
Date: 02/24/20

335 Rosewell St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $197,000
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Mia Mayes
Date: 02/20/20

878 Saint James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $193,500
Buyer: 716 Spring Valley LLC
Seller: Thomas Alexopoulos
Date: 02/21/20

1347 South Branch Pkwy.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $211,000
Buyer: Christopher Paciotti
Seller: Mount Calvary Baptist
Date: 02/12/20

3 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: LL Corner Realty LLC
Date: 02/19/20

59-61 Sycamore St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $222,900
Buyer: Petula P. Williams
Seller: Bert Wright
Date: 02/21/20

44 Tourigny St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $123,000
Buyer: Extremely Clean 2 LLC
Seller: Brital 1987 LLC
Date: 02/14/20

17-19 Trinity Ter
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Cadence Capital Group LLC
Seller: Mario Cosentini
Date: 02/14/20

184-186 Westford Circle
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $159,200
Buyer: Luis O. Baez
Seller: Milton Batiste
Date: 02/21/20

133-135 Woodside Ter
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Birkti Weldemariam-Hagos
Seller: Xiuli Li
Date: 02/14/20

SOUTHWICK

198 Hillside Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Tina Eggleston
Seller: Hector E. Garcia
Date: 02/14/20

55 Sam West Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: D. C. Saltmarsh & Co LLC
Seller: Terrence J. Welch
Date: 02/12/20

WESTFIELD

15 Aviator Way
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Michelle A. Dame
Seller: Alexandria M. Vassallo
Date: 02/21/20

69 Bristol St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $186,000
Buyer: Blake E. Croteau
Seller: Zygarowski, Barbara, (Estate)
Date: 02/25/20

7 Bush St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: JDK Properties LLC
Seller: Anthony Badohu
Date: 02/14/20

9 Cardinal Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Alexandria M. Vassallo
Seller: Raymond F. Neilsen
Date: 02/21/20

36 Cardinal Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $423,000
Buyer: Jonathon W. Fiore
Seller: William F. Barry
Date: 02/14/20

32 Char Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $640,000
Buyer: LWIL Properties LLC
Seller: Char Drive Realty LLP
Date: 02/20/20

24 Coolidge Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Nicole N. Richmond
Seller: Julie Hall-Case
Date: 02/21/20

30 Cross St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $212,000
Buyer: Keith Swords
Seller: Kenneth B. Beagle
Date: 02/14/20

18 Dubois St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $159,999
Buyer: Niles R. Lavalley
Seller: Plata O. Plomo Inc.
Date: 02/21/20

34 Fowler St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Spencer R. Hastings
Seller: Jacob O. Doser
Date: 02/14/20

10 Franklin Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Anna Hitchcock
Seller: US Bank
Date: 02/24/20

48 Knollwood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $252,000
Buyer: Karla Santiago-Ruiz
Seller: Eric Boissy
Date: 02/14/20

22 Mechanic St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Angelo A. Liquori
Seller: John W. Cody
Date: 02/14/20

77 Old Farm Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Kenneth Lebel
Seller: Sean C. Shelander
Date: 02/21/20

48 Pineridge Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $373,000
Buyer: Rachel M. Wielgus
Seller: Seth M. Ellis
Date: 02/20/20

72 Pineridge Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $362,500
Buyer: Eric H. Boissy
Seller: Daniel R. Welch
Date: 02/14/20

36 Sylvan Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $710,000
Buyer: Carlos B. Bermejo
Seller: Aleksandr Kiforishin
Date: 02/13/20

39 West School St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $153,500
Buyer: Mohammad Saleem
Seller: PNC Bank
Date: 02/21/20

WILBRAHAM

48 Brainard Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $309,000
Buyer: Paul A. Cacciola
Seller: Scott M. Gierlich
Date: 02/14/20

13 Craigwood Ter.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Virginia F. Barry
Seller: Mark A. Edgar
Date: 02/21/20

436 Dipping Hole Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Lakeview Loan Servicing LLC
Seller: Kevin C. Johnson
Date: 02/14/20

8 East Colonial Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $331,000
Buyer: Rafael Santiago
Seller: John W. Collins
Date: 02/24/20

319 Main St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Russell L. Powell
Seller: Frances D. Tenbrook
Date: 02/14/20

7 Pine Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $214,000
Buyer: Kevin Dorsey
Seller: Deborah A. Brackney
Date: 02/14/20

125 River Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Custom Homes Dev. Group
Seller: Michael S. Misaszek
Date: 02/24/20

5 Woodland Dell Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: 5 Woodland Dell LLC
Seller: Wilbraham Masonic Building
Date: 02/14/20

WEST SPRINGFIELD

21 Benedict St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Juan R. Santos
Seller: James Lema
Date: 02/24/20

103 Craiwell Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: David J. Boido
Seller: Ruth Pacitti-Boido
Date: 02/18/20

33 Elm Circle
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Goffer Construction Inc.
Seller: Ryni P. Zabala
Date: 02/20/20

133 Janet St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $184,800
Buyer: Gerard L. Desjardins
Seller: Ahrayah M. Julian
Date: 02/21/20

120 Larivee Lane
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Brent N. Verrier
Seller: Catherine J. Manzon
Date: 02/18/20

52 Lewis Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Ariel I. Bermudez
Seller: Derek Stevens
Date: 02/20/20

9 Railroad St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $329,900
Buyer: Ross C. Larson
Seller: Dmitriy M. Shapovalov
Date: 02/12/20

88 Rogers Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Kenneth A. Williams
Seller: Anita A. Moore
Date: 02/21/20

140 Upper Beverly Hills
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: CIG 4 LLC
Seller: James R. Kulik
Date: 02/21/20

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

112 Heatherstone Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Nadia Sadhu
Seller: Elizabeth Becker-Parker
Date: 02/21/20

388 Middle St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: G. Rezende-Siqueira
Seller: Rebecca H. Mazur
Date: 02/18/20

EASTHAMPTON

16 Russell Lane
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $292,450
Buyer: Ronald W. Albertson
Seller: Bette J. Trenholm
Date: 02/14/20

15 South St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: John V. Burke
Seller: Majike Ann, (Estate)
Date: 02/14/20

48 Westview Ter.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Christina A. Belfakih
Seller: Victor M. Rodite
Date: 02/21/20

GOSHEN

104 Ball Road
Goshen, MA 01096
Amount: $143,500
Buyer: Nordic Real Estate LLC
Seller: USA VA
Date: 02/25/20

HADLEY

85 Russell St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: 48 Bay Road NT
Seller: 859 LLC
Date: 02/14/20

229 Russell St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Jamyang Jamyang
Seller: Megan 229 Russell LLC
Date: 02/19/20

HATFIELD

25 Bridge St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Gregorz S. Tyrala
Seller: Edward Mogelinski
Date: 02/24/20

HUNTINGTON

14 Russell Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Westfield Bank
Seller: Peoples United Bank
Date: 02/24/20

NORTHAMPTON

68 Bliss St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $409,650
Buyer: Luna Greenwood
Seller: Ann S. Knickerbocker
Date: 02/20/20

218 Crescent St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $619,000
Buyer: Peter B. Simon
Seller: Suellen L. Hamkins
Date: 02/14/20

35 Higgins Way
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $630,265
Buyer: Suellen L. Hamkins
Seller: Sturbridge Development LLC
Date: 02/14/20

42 Stonewall Dr.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $900,000
Buyer: Mark S. Valone
Seller: Paul J. McNamara
Date: 02/12/20

SOUTH HADLEY

32 Highland Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Edward S. Scott
Seller: Jieun Park
Date: 02/25/20

4 Roundelay Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $128,500
Buyer: Leslie J. Prouty
Seller: Douglas M. Prouty
Date: 02/21/20

4 South Sycamore Knolls
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $349,900
Buyer: Laurie Nichols
Seller: Mark Guerber
Date: 02/21/20

SOUTHAMPTON

194 Brickyard Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Christopher B. Nearey
Seller: Brian C. Sotkewicz
Date: 02/18/20

169 College Hwy.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: Christ Community Of Hampshire
Seller: Opa Opa LLC
Date: 02/12/20

22 Mountain View Circle
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: Roland Barbeito
Seller: US Bank
Date: 02/20/20

7 Woodmar Lane
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $540,000
Buyer: Paul A. Boucher
Seller: David Garstka Builders
Date: 02/13/20

WARE

2 Briar Circle
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Zimmer IRT
Seller: G. Harder-Kirkham IRT
Date: 02/19/20

24 Lovewell St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $194,900
Buyer: Stephen D. Ratcliffe
Seller: Mark P. Chevrette
Date: 02/21/20

14 Mattson Blvd.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Matthew C. Bail
Seller: Charles E. Gordon
Date: 02/12/20

58 Old Gilbertville Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $267,000
Buyer: Eugene Blais
Seller: Robert J. Skowyra
Date: 02/18/20

5 Ross Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $159,750
Buyer: Wilmington Trust
Seller: James Parker
Date: 02/13/20

Building Permits

By
Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the month of February 2020.

AMHERST

Mauro Aniello
71 North Pleasant St.
$14,594 — Construct employee storage locker, new partition wall, new door, mop sink closet with door

Messer Investments Inc.
90 Gatehouse Road
$468,000 — Interior renovation of existing wood-framed building, new roof dormer, two additions

CHICOPEE

City of Chicopee
725 Front St.
$29,115 — Two clean agent fire suppression systems

DKRV Commercial Properties, LLC
1247 East Main St.
$40,000 — Repair damage to interior and exterior walls

EASTHAMPTON

A-Z Rental Properties
4 Liberty St.
$15,000 — Remodel existing office space

City of Easthampton
200 Park St.
New access road, building excavation, drainage, utilities, sewer- and water-line construction

Crown Meadow Corp.
232 Park St.
$1,129,865 — Ground-mounted solar photovoltaic array

Eastworks, LLP
116 Pleasant St.
$80,000 — Demolish and remove smokestack down to chimney base

Charles Edward Realty Trust
32 Union St.
$1,000 — Install five signs, replace faces on existing free-standing sign

RVC Properties, LLC
228 Northampton St.
$3,907,500 — Construct new grocery store

EAST LONGMEADOW

Berkshire Bank
72 Shaker Road
Sheet metal

GREENFIELD

Bank of America
471 Bernardston Road
Change face of signs

Valley Steel Stamp Inc.
15 Greenfield Road
Install solar panels on roof

HADLEY

Hadley Corner, LLC
344 Russell St.
$1,500 — Wall sign for Joy Bowl

Target Corp.
369 Russell St.
$11,542 — Interior renovations, including finish updates, minor reconfiguration, replace lighting, plumbing, modifications to HVAC and sprinkler; exterior work, including new finishes at entrance, signage, and repainting

W/S Hadley Properties II, LLC
355 Russell St.
$8,000 — New wall sign for Sports Clips

LEE

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
215 Laurel St.
$25,000 — AT&T to remove three existing antennas and six existing TMAs, install three new antennas and six new TMAs with two new coaxial lines

Patriot Armored Systems Holding, LLC
100 Valley St.
$220,000 — Construct two additions

Prime Retail, LP
50 Water St.
$5,026 — Replace gas-fired RTU

LENOX

Church Street Inn, LLC
16 Church St.
$203,000 — Remodel and renovate existing bathrooms

MRG CRW Holdings, LLC
55 Lee Road
$81,173 — Install fire-protection sprinklers in great hall

LONGMEADOW

GPT Longmeadow, LLC
670 Bliss Road
$4,000 — New sign for Peoples United Bank

NORTHAMPTON

Janet Egelston
11 Brewster Court
$120,000 — Add seating to brewhouse area, reducing brew-space area

Janet Egelston
11 Brewster Court
$55,000 — Add two bathrooms

Janet Egelston
11 Brewster Court
$49,000 — Sunroom renovation

Masonic Street Trust
32 Masonic St.
$713,000 — Fire repair

Massachusetts Electric Co.
545 Haydenville Road
$230,000 — Roofing

Resinate of Northampton
110 Pleasant St.
$154,000 — Build out retail cannabis store

PALMER

MA SVC, LLC
1001 Thorndike St.
$105,500 — Interior remodeling at CVS

SPRINGFIELD
Boston Road/Pasco Rt. 20 Retail, LLC
1340 Boston Road
$250,000 — Alter tenant space for a fit-out for Starbucks

City of Springfield
130 Pearl St.
$8,000 — Construct closet in Police Department garage area for body-cam program

GELW Mass II, LLC
1341 Main St.
$2,000,000 — Convert second, third, and fourth floors of mixed-use structure into 18 apartments

Hoffman Financial Team
140 High St.
$238,000 — Replace drywall and cosmetic work in office space

Icarian Real Estate Advisors, LLC
109 Mill St.
$11,400 — Alter tenant space to create accessible restroom in taekwondo studio

RVN Storage I, LLC
55 Fisk Ave.
$3,800,000 — Alter space and add a second level for Life Storage facility

Springfield 3640 Medical Properties, LLC
3640 Main St.
$55,282 — Alter medical tenant office space in Suite 302 for Advanced Vein Care Center

Springfield Investors, LLC
1105 Boston Road
$24,000 — Alter space to remove, relocate, and add fixtures at checkout in Walmart

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Tony Alfarone
1140 Memorial Ave.
$50,000 — Renovate existing building

Center for Human Development
229 City View Ave.
$4,128.92 — Remove iron railing along edge of elevated floor and stairs, replace with wall, construct new stairs

Go Gri Bros. Inc.
3 Central St.
$5,000 — Remove wall and insulate, remove and reinstall exterior brick veneer, repair exterior door

Pauline Paige
82 Lower Massachusetts Ave.
$90,000 — Repair from tree strike, including framing, roofing, and interior repairs

Source of Life Church
802 Main St.
Insulation

WILBRAHAM

2030 Boston Road, LLC
2030 Boston Road
$85,000 — Renovate existing interior space into realty office

JCE Realty, LLC
2377 Boston Road
$199,000 — Remove and replace wall partitions and finishes to create dental office

Berkshire Bank Outlines Steps to Support Customers Impacted by COVID-19

By
COVID-19

BOSTON — Berkshire Bank announced programs to provide additional financial flexibility to customers who may face financial hardship due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 virus.

Effective Wednesday, March 18 for an initial 30-day period, Berkshire Bank is offering the following enhancements to all of its customers:

• For retail banking, consumer loan, and mortgage customers, the bank is increasing daily debit-card spending limits, waiving penalties for early CD withdrawals up to $20,000, and offering an option to forbear consumer and mortgage loan payments for one to three months.

• For small-business customers, the bank is increasing daily debit-card spending limits, waiving penalties for early CD withdrawals up to $20,000, and offering the ability to leverage specific options for consideration to forebear the loan.

“We understand that COVID-19 and the necessary precautions we are all taking to prevent its spread have begun to impact members of our community in meaningful ways,” said Richard Marotta, CEO of Berkshire Bank. “In addition to these initial steps to provide our customers financial flexibility, we will continue to explore additional ways to support our customers and neighbors during this difficult time. As a committed member of our community, we understand how essential it is that we all work together at this time.”

Berkshire Bank is actively engaging with partners like the Massachusetts LGBTQ Chamber and the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, among others, to provide funding assistance to small businesses that are most impacted by the financial implications of the pandemic. “We are exploring ways to provide a unique selection of low-interest rate solutions underwritten by our community partners. We intend to set aside $3 million in available capital to support this effort,” Marotta said.

In addition, the Berkshire Bank Foundation has earmarked an incremental $500,000 for small-business grants to help businesses that do not have the ability to pay.

HUB International Offers Webinar to Help Businesses Navigate Through Pandemic

By
COVID-19

EAST LONGMEADOW — HUB International is responding to numerous inquiries asking for more guidance through the coronavirus crisis by holding a webinar on Tuesday, March 24 from 2 to 3 p.m. To sign up, click here.

The novel coronavirus crisis is impacting businesses in all industries in significant ways. As reports of the disease spread, so do concerns about supply-chain disruption, business operations, and employee safety and well-being. A panel of HUB International specialists will deliver an executive overview of the critical issues businesses need to consider and plan for as they navigate through this pandemic.

This webinar is intended for business owners, executives, and HR leaders who need to make strategic decisions on how to manage their day-to-day business operations while mitigating risk and supporting employee health and safety.

Topics will include business continuity planning, and how to quickly develop a crisis plan to address this current scenario; insurance coverages that may apply and how to approach the claims process; pay continuation, leave, and employee-benefits issues for U.S. employers; and practical tips and considerations regarding employer legal compliance, including FMLA, ADA, FLSA, OSHA, and Title VII.

Identifying the critical people and processes that have the biggest impact on a business is key to creating a response plan to minimize disruption. This webinar will give business leaders a practical playbook to help manage their business through this crisis.

A Note from the Editor

By
COVID-19 Daily News

The novel coronavirus has changed virtually every facet of life here in Western Mass. — and across the country. It is a fast-moving story with far-reaching implications. Each day the situation changes. Those of us at BusinessWest will do our best to keep our readers informed and be that trusted source of information that everyone needs in times of crisis.

While the magazine publishes twice monthly, its website, businesswest.com, will be updated repeatedly over the course of each day to help keep readers up to date with breaking news. Also, we will be posting stories on everything from how the business community is responding to this crisis to what business owners and managers must do to lead effectively in these unprecedented times. Click here for our COVID-19 updates.

Since it was launched in 1984, BusinessWest has been the go-to source for information about this region’s business community and the people, institutions, and issues that shape it. We will continue to be that source in this time of unparalleled change and challenge.

In these times, many people will be working remotely. In addition to accessing BusinessWest online, readers may wish to have a home subscription or their business subscription rerouted to their home address. To do this, call (413) 781-8600 or e-mail [email protected] and [email protected], or visit us online at businesswest.com.

Governor Closes Schools, Bans Large Gatherings to Combat COVID-19 Spread

By
COVID-19 Daily News

BOSTON — On Sunday, the Baker-Polito administration announced a three-week suspension of school operations for educational purposes at all public and private elementary and secondary schools in the Commonwealth beginning Tuesday, March 17, and a series of new guidance and legislation in response to COVID-19, including a ban on gatherings of more than 25 people.

“Our administration is taking these rapid steps to protect the health and safety of our residents to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” Gov. Charlie Baker said. “We know that a lot of the measures we are putting into place, including mandatory school closures and prohibiting gatherings of 25 people or more, will cause disruption in people’s day-to-day lives. With the steps we are taking today, we can ensure residents can still access key state services while taking necessary precautions to limit the spread of COVID-19.”

The suspension of educational programming will not necessarily affect the availability of school buildings for the provision of food or other essential non-educational services. As April 6 — the first weekday following the three-week closing — approaches, the administration will provide additional guidance.

During this period, the administration notes, it is critical that students and their families, as well as school staff, stay home as much as possible. If an individual needs to leave home, it is essential to strictly follow social-distancing guidelines by avoiding crowds, canceling social gatherings, and maintaining a safe separation of at least six feet from others. Restricting access to school buildings will have little impact on public health if these best practices are not followed in good faith.

Although schools must suspend in-person educational operations, staff should be planning for how best to equitably provide alternative access to student learning opportunities during this period and potentially beyond. Equally important, school personnel should develop plans for ensuring to the greatest extent possible that families have access to essential non-academic services for their children — especially involving special-education and food services for students who are most vulnerable.

The suspension of educational operations at K-12 schools will inevitably affect the provision of preschool and childcare services. Although the state is not ordering the closure of childcare programs at this time, it is strongly urging childcare providers to strictly observe guidelines that are being issued by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) and the Department of Public Health (DPH), which call for temporary closures based on actual direct or indirect exposures to individuals with COVID-19.

At the same time, EEC will prioritize the maintenance and expansion of childcare capacity serving frontline healthcare workers and first responders across the state.

With regard to higher education, the Department of Higher Education and DPH strongly recommend that colleges and universities, both public and private, continue to pursue strategies to reduce the need for students to be on campus, including suspending in-person classes and implementing institution-wide programs to shift to remote learning, technology-enabled solutions, and other tools to allow students to successfully complete course and degree requirements. Institutions should also pursue strategies to reduce the need for faculty and staff to be on campus by maximizing remote work opportunities, while maintaining essential on-campus services, especially for residential students who cannot safely return home. Additional guidance will be forthcoming.

Baker also issued an emergency order limiting gatherings to no more than 25 individuals and prohibiting on-premises consumption of food or drink at bars and restaurants, beginning on March 17 and effective until April 6.

Meanwhile, DPH issued guidance today that includes the following:

• All commercial insurers, self-insured plans, and the Group Insurance Commission are required to cover medically necessary telehealth services related to COVID-19 testing and treatment. Insurers must do this without requiring cost sharing of any kind — such as co-pays and coinsurance — for testing and treatment. Additionally, insurers cannot require prior authorization for these services.

• All assisted-living residences are to ban visitors to protect the health of residents and staff. This is in addition to the federal guidance issued on Friday that bans visitors to nursing homes and rest homes.

• All hospitals operated by the Department of Public Health or the Department of Mental Health are to screen all visitors and restrict visitation if individuals show any indication of illness. In addition, hospitals must cancel non-essential elective procedures.

Springfield Museums to Close Temporarily from March 14 to April 3

By
COVID-19

SPRINGFIELD — In response to the community health effort to slow and stem the spread of COVID-19, the Springfield Museums will be closed to the public March 14 through April 3. All public events, programs, classes, trips, and club meetings are canceled or postponed.

“The Museums’ leadership made this decision as a proactive and cautious response to help ensure the health and safety of our staff and volunteers, visitors, and community,” said Kay Simpson, president and CEO of the Springfield Museums.

During this time, all public gatherings at the Museums are cancelled or postponed. Refunds will be issued to visitors who have purchased tickets or registrations for events, programs, classes, or excursions. The Museums will continue to carefully monitor the situation and will share updates as they become available.

“While our doors are closed,” Simpson added, “activity in the Museums will continue as the staff prepares to reopen with new and exciting programming and exhibits for our visitors.”

Governor Bans Gatherings of 250 People or More

By
COVID-19

BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker announced a statewide ban today, March 13, on all gatherings of 250 people or more to combat the spread of COVID-19. The ban is effective immediately.

The order includes, but is not limited to, community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based events; sporting events with spectators; concerts; conventions; fundraisers; parades; fairs; festivals; and any similar event or activity that brings together 250 or more persons in a single room or single space at the same time in a venue such as an auditorium, stadium, arena, large conference room, meeting hall, theater, or any other confined indoor or outdoor space.

Baker said the order does not apply to normal operations at airports, bus and train stations, medical facilities, libraries, shopping malls and centers, polling locations, grocery or retail stores, or other spaces where 250 or more persons may be in transit.

The order also does not apply to restaurants, “provided that they should, when possible, encourage social distancing,” or typical office environments, government buildings, or factories.

Nor does the order apply to higher education or K-12 schools, as long as assemblies or classes of more than 250 people are avoided.

“That guidance gives schools very specific advice about when to close individual schools and for how long,” Baker said. “Our public-health officials do not recommend school systems shut down systemwide at this time. They recommend careful monitoring of students and temporary closures to allow for schools to clean and reopen.”

Wistariahurst Temporarily Shutters Public Offerings, Delays Season Opening

By
COVID-19

In order to protect the community and join in public efforts to keep any regional coronavirus outbreak under control, Wistariahurst is cancelling its public offerings, suspending its volunteer program, and delaying its season opening for a minimum of 30 days.

“Along with so many of our peers in this community and across the globe, Wistariahurst is taking our role as a heavily trafficked public site seriously and closely monitoring the situation,” Director Kate Preissler said. “Despite having been in our offseason, we have maintained a high level of activity at Wistariahurst in the last months with school groups, college visitors, and special events. Without shifts in our work, those numbers will only increase in the coming weeks. We are committed to aid in the prevention of the spread of this and other viruses in our region in whatever ways we can.”

The decision aligns with the protective guidelines set in place by the city of Holyoke regarding public gatherings, she said, but also takes into account certain special circumstances at Wistariahurst, including the presence on its staff and volunteer team of people with vulnerabilities to this and other infections; the museum’s dual role as an educational facility and steward of the historic preservation of this site, which brings extra challenges when it comes to thoroughly disinfecting its historic materials; the fact that its audience is an eclectic mix of students, people visiting the area from out of town, and individuals over age 60; and the intimate spaces in the old home, making the recommended distancing of three to six feet between people impossible for large groups.

For now, administrative offices will remain staffed and available for questions by phone and e-mail. In-person archival research appointments are suspended but the city historian will remain available for research inquiries via e-mail and phone.

“Our extended seasonal closure will provide us with the time and space to embark on new projects, virtual engagement materials, and more. Stay tuned for additional updates and communications,” Preissler said. “Thank you to everyone in our community who supports us with your presence, your membership, your volunteerism, and your energies. We are inspired, as always, with the way that our fair city bands together in times of need.”

An Appreciation: Tim Brennan Was a Planner and a Visionary

By
Daily News

Tim Brennan

Tim Brennan, the long-time executive director of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, who retired only nine months ago, died this week after a short illness. He is being remembered by a legion of family, friends, and people he worked with — and who didn’t work with Tim on something? — as a gentleman, a leader, and, first and foremost, a planner and a visionary.

Tim had a very broad job description in his role with the PVPC, but in large part, it all came down to looking not just years but decades down the road, anticipating (not guessing) what the future would bring, and helping to prepare an entire region for that day.

And he did it exceedingly well. He was passionate about everything from rail service to bike paths to cleaning up the Connecticut River. But mostly, he was passionate about this region and making it a better place — for today, and tomorrow.

Brennan, honored by BusinessWest with its Difference Makers award nearly a decade ago, devoted virtually his entire professional life to the Pioneer Valley and its diverse communities, and this region owes him a great deal. He would say otherwise, of course. He would say only that he was honored to serve.

And that’s just one of the reasons he’ll be greatly missed.

 

Holyoke Community College Announces Event Cancellations

By
COVID-19

HOLYOKE — In accordance with recommendations from public health authorities, Holyoke Community College (HCC) has cancelled these previously scheduled college events:

• March 12: HCC Jazz Night at Theodore’s in Springfield

• March 13-14: HCC Jazz Festival

• March 19: HCC College for a Day

• March 24, 25, 31: HCC French Film Festival

• March 25: College Career Centers of Western Massachusetts Spring Career Fair

• March 28: Cannabis Career Fair

Visit www.hcc.edu/about/news-events-and-media/news-stories/event-cancellations for further updates on event cancellations.

STCC Is Closed Friday to Prepare for Deep Cleaning

By
COVID-19

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) is closed today, March 13, to prepare for a deep cleaning.

Campus Facilities will hire an outside vendor to perform the cleaning over the weekend. While there are no known cases of the coronavirus known as COVID-19 on campus or within the city of Springfield, STCC will undergo an extensive cleaning out of an abundance of caution.

STCC continues to consult with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the city of Springfield, with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Students will be away from campus for spring break, which runs Monday, March 16, through Friday, March 20. The campus, however, will resume normal business on Monday, March 16. College administrators will continue developing plans for continuity of instruction.

Updates will be posted as they become available at stcc.edu/coronavirus.

BusinessWest Postpones Difference Makers Gala, Reschedules Event for Sept. 10

By
COVID-19 Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — After much thought and consideration, and out of an abundance of caution, BusinessWest has made the decision to postpone our 12th annual Difference Makers event, which was scheduled to take place on Thursday, March 19. The event will now take place on Thursday, Sept. 10 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke.

With the growing concerns surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, and under the CDC’s recommendations, we felt this was the most appropriate and responsible action to take. We are grateful to our sponsors for making this event possible and are looking forward to celebrating our 2020 Difference Makers with all of you later this year. Thank you for your understanding.

Event sponsors include Burkhart Pizzanelli, Mercy Medical Center/Trinity Health Of New England, Royal, P.C., and TommyCar Auto Group, while the Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament, MHA, and United Way of Pioneer Valley are partners.

Pilot Precision Products Welcomes New Business-development Professional

By
Daily News

SOUTH DEERFIELD — Pilot Precision Products, the parent company of duMONT Minute Man Industrial Broaches and Hassay Savage broaching tools, and the exclusive American distributor of Magafor and GMauvaisUSATM products, announced that Marco Morgado has joined the team in the role of the director of National Business Development.

“We’re very excited to welcome Marco to his new and well-deserved role,” said CEO and founder Eric Hagopian. “His extensive cutting-tool and distribution experience is an excellent fit for Pilot and will help us further expand and solidify the strong client relationships for which we’re known.”

In his position, Morgado is responsible for directing marketing, sales operations, management of the company’s independent sales representatives, and leading the business’ growth strategy. He brings more than two decades of experience to his new role, gleaned from previous positions at Atlantic Fasteners, Kennametal, and other industry players.

Educated at Westfield State University in business management, Morgado is the recipient of business leadership awards from the Chicopee Chamber of Commerce and others.

Freedom Credit Union Hires Debra Mainolfi as West Springfield Branch Officer

By
Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Freedom Credit Union announced that Debra Mainolfi has been hired as branch officer at its West Springfield location.

“We’re thrilled to have Debra join the Freedom Credit Union team,” said Glenn Welch, president and CEO. “With over 25 years of experience in finance, and with her previous roles in banking as branch manager and assistant vice president, she has the obvious knowledge, skills, and drive to help manage our West Springfield location and to serve that community of Freedom customers.”

Mainolfi began her finance career as a licensed agent for major national insurance providers, working closely with businesses and families to design retirement and succession plans through both insurance and mutual funds. Following her later roles in banking, she joined Freedom in 2019.

As part of her long commitment to community service, she serves on the executive board of directors for Unify Against Bullying, an organization working to end bullying through the celebration of diversity. In addition to serving on other boards, she previously facilitated a financial-literacy program at Sunshine Village and collaborated on a similar program for refugees with Catholic Charities and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

MBK Donates $10,000 to Fund Non-violent Crisis-intervention Training for MHA Staff

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C., (MBK) recently made a $10,000 donation to the Mental Health Assoc. Inc. (MHA) to fund non-violent crisis-intervention training for MHA’s direct-care staff.

“To train in non-violent crisis intervention is an important professional-development opportunity for MHA staff,” said Cheryl Fasano, president and CEO of MHA Inc. “MHA does not use physical restraint in any form, so our staff members need skills to safely de-escalate and manage challenging behaviors in a non-violent manner. Our training curriculum from the Crisis Prevention Institute goes further by also helping better equip our staff to prevent difficult situations from escalating. That’s good for the safety of our staff and the benefit of the people we care for. This kind of specialized training is not covered under the state contracts that fund the operation of our programs. Generous gifts like the one from Meyers Brothers Kalicka make these professional-development opportunities possible.”

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to contribute to the training and programing at the Mental Health Association,” said Rudy D’Agostino, partner at Holyoke-based MBK. “We applaud the challenging work that the professionals at MHA take on every day and understand that non-violent crisis intervention is an important tool for those professionals. Seeking resolutions through de-escalation and helping individuals find the care and treatment they need to heal and grow is an important mission. We’re proud to partner with MHA.”

The Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) is an international training organization committed to best practices and safe behavior-management methods that focus on prevention. Since 1980, more than 10 million professionals around the world have participated in CPI training programs.

Jason MacLeod, director of Training for MHA, oversees the organization and delivery of CPI training for MHA staff. “We kicked off our training in the summer of 2019 using CPI’s train-the-trainer model,” he noted. “Three staff members and I took part in a four-day session led by experienced CPI facilitators. Since then, the four of us have been training MHA’s direct-care staff and supervisors who work with residents of our programs every day. About 150 staff members have been certified to date, and we are working to have everyone certified by the end of 2020. In addition, all new direct-care staff members are trained in CPI’s methods as part of their onboarding. Demand for the training is high as the agency continues to grow, and MHA’s leadership team is considering whether other members of staff should be trained as well.”

MacLeod pointed to the need for greater space to accommodate CPI training. “There’s a lot of physical skill building, role playing and practice going on,” he explained. “Staff training is a full eight-hour day with one or two trainers, depending on the size of the trainee class. Trainers and the staff they train all need to recertify every two years. Staff are finishing our training with vocal, enthusiastic comments about how it improves their ability to do their job. That was a goal going in, so we’re excited.”

Added Fasano, “during a crisis, we have to call for emergency services, which can often lead to the temporary removal of the person to another setting and potentially the use of additional medications. This can be disruptive or even traumatic for that person, as well as for any family members involved. The CPI non-violent crisis intervention training helps our staff to recognize individual triggers and signs of each person in our care who is at risk for having a crisis event, and to help prevent people from reaching that point. The training also helps our staff to more effectively de-escalate a situation if a person does enter a crisis state. This will help create a safer, more stable living and working environment for everyone in our residential and visiting support programs.”

Bay Path’s Women’s Leadership Conference Postponed Due to Coronavirus

By
COVID-19 Daily News

LONGMEADOW — Due to concerns around coronavirus and following guidance from the CDC, WHO, and Massachusetts Department of Public Health regarding large gatherings, Bay Path University has made the decision to postpone this year’s Women’s Leadership Conference (WLC), scheduled for March 27 at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield, to April 9, 2021.

Full refunds will be processed by Eventbrite within 30 business days.

The WLC is the region’s premier women’s leadership event for professional and personal networking. For 24 years, it has assembled a community of women and men for professional development, to honor each other’s experiences, and celebrate each other’s aspirations.

Although Bay Path cannot guarantee the exact speakers at next April’s conference, organizers are doing everything possible to mirror this year’s line-up. “We can promise an amazing conference in line with the delivery of the past 24 events,” the university noted in a statement.

“Although we are deeply disappointed to make this decision, the health, wellness, and safety of our over 2,000 attendees are our number-one priority,” it went on. “We were so looking forward to being with you on the 27th of March.  We hope you will be excited to join us for the rescheduled event.”

Participants who have questions concerning the Women’s Leadership Conference should e-mail [email protected].

HCC Welcomes Dale Brown as Assistant Director of Public Safety

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) recently welcomed Dale Brown of Sunderland as its assistant director of Public Safety.

Brown comes to HCC with more than two decades of law-enforcement experience, both as a military officer and as a civilian. He most recently worked for the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office in Northampton, where he was a deputy sheriff and corrections officer in the Hampshire County corrections system, while also serving in part-time positions at Greenfield Community College as a special state police officer and as a patrol officer in Sunderland.

At HCC, Brown serves as second in command to campus Police Chief Laura Lefebvre, the director of Public Safety. He started in his new job in January.

Brown is a 15-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, where he served in military law enforcement as a master sergeant, technical sergeant, staff sergeant, senior airman, and airman. During his service, he experienced multiple overseas deployments, including during operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

Brown earned his associate degree in criminal justice from the Community College of the Air Force and his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from American Military University. He also holds a third-degree black belt in taekwondo.

Behavioral Health Network Receives $15,000 Grant From Country Bank

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Behavioral Health Network Inc. (BHN) has been awarded a $15,000 grant from Country Bank, which will fund direct services for BHN’s domestic-violence programs in Ware.

Country Bank’s grant to BHN will be used for innovative support and advocacy services for domestic-violence survivors, which includes partnering with Country Bank employees in offering the economic-freedom initiative known as Money School. BHN’s Money School program is an award-winning, trauma-informed financial-independence initiative designed to create long-term safety and economic security for survivors of domestic violence.

The grant will also be used to provide prevention-education work in local schools, and for interruption and prevention services for perpetrators of domestic violence.

“Country Bank is honored to support the vital work that is provided to survivors through BHN’s domestic-violence programs. We are fortunate to have programs locally that support our communities and those in need of these services,” said Shelley Regin, Country Bank’s senior vice president of Marketing and an advisory board member of BHN.

Added Kathy Wilson, president and CEO of BHN, “we are thankful to Country Bank for this important funding that supports the critical programming we provide to survivors of domestic violence. These funds, and Country Bank’s prior support, allow us to work with survivors in taking their first steps in achieving financial freedom. This support helps us in the complicated work of recovery with survivors, and we appreciate Country Bank’s community leadership.”

Country Bank has long been a supporter of BHN’s programs and mission, making frequent donations to BHN Valley Human Services in Ware.

OMG Roofing Products Names Geoff Medeiros Vice President of Sales & Marketing

By
Daily News

AGAWAM — As part of previously announced organizational changes by OMG Inc. to accelerate growth, the company has named Geoff Medeiros vice president of Sales and Marketing for the Roofing Products Division.

In this role, Medeiros is responsible for developing and executing the division’s overall sales and marketing strategy to support its three business units: Fasteners, Adhesives & Solar, and Metal Accessories, which includes Edge Metal. In addition, he is responsible for overseeing the company’s Marketing Communications and Customer Service departments. He reports to Peter Coyne, senior vice president and general manager of OMG Roofing Products.

“Geoff is a great fit for the company and this position,” Coyne said. “He is a strong leader with a proven track record of helping companies create long-term customer value.”

Medeiros joins OMG from Welch’s, where he was general manager, responsible for strategic growth and marketing for the company’s core product lines. Prior to joining Welch’s, he was vice president of Brand Management and Product Development with the Yankee Candle Co. He started his career at Nestle before becoming a brand manager for Hasbro.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Providence College and an MBA in international business from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University.

Area Employers Have Questions; Here Are Some Answers

By Contributor
Coronavirus

Coronavirus in the Workplace

By John Gannon and Andrew Adams

John S. Gannon

John S. Gannon

Andrew Adams

Andrew Adams

For those of you not living under a rock or in Antarctica, COVID-19 (the novel coronavirus), has become a topic of everyday discourse. As the number of reported COVID-19 cases rise, so do the concerns for businesses and their employees.

Employers are wondering what, if anything, they can do to help their workplace remain safe. At the same time, employees may fear coming into the office and working alongside sick colleagues or customers. Can these folks stay home? Can employers force them to stay home? Do businesses have to pay employees who stay home? Should they pay them? These are some of the questions we tried to answer during this rapidly evolving situation.

How Does Coronavirus Relate to Workplace Laws?

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is tasked with enforcing workplace anti-discrimination laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Several years ago, the EEOC put out guidance explaining that the ADA is relevant for employers to consider during pandemic preparation because it regulates the types of questions and actions employers can take when dealing with employees suffering from medical impairments.

“Employers should maintain flexible policies that permit employees to stay home to care for a sick family member. Employers should be aware that more employees may need to stay at home to care for sick children or other sick family members than usual.”

Recently, the EEOC referenced this guidance when discussing coronavirus, and also stated that the guidance does not interfere with or prevent employers from following the guidelines and suggestions made the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about steps employers should take regarding coronavirus.

CDC’s Recommended Strategies for Employers

The CDC’s “Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers” lists several suggestions for employers to implement in their practices. We summarize the most relevant recommendations below:

• Actively encourage sick employees to stay home.

• Ensure sick-leave policies are flexible and consistent with public health guidance. Employers should maintain flexible policies that permit employees to stay home to care for a sick family member. Employers should be aware that more employees may need to stay at home to care for sick children or other sick family members than usual.

• Separate sick employees. Employees who appear to have acute respiratory illness symptoms (i.e. cough, shortness of breath) upon arrival to work or become sick during the day should be separated from other employees and be sent home immediately.

• Emphasize staying home when sick, respiratory etiquette, and hand hygiene by all employees. The CDC recommends that employers provide soap and water and alcohol-based hand rubs in the workplace, and instruct employees to clean their hands often with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% to 95% alcohol, or wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• Advise employees to take certain steps before traveling, including checking the CDC’s Traveler’s Health Notices for the latest guidance and recommendations for each country to which employees will travel.

• Employees who are well but have a sick family member at home with COVID-19 should notify their supervisor and refer to CDC guidance for how to conduct a risk assessment of their potential exposure.

• If an employee is confirmed to have COVID-19, employers should inform fellow employees of their possible exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace but maintain confidentiality as required by the ADA.

Some Questions and Answers

Here are some of the most common questions we have been getting from businesses in connection with the coronavirus outbreak:

Can employers ask for more information from employees who call out sick? Yes, employers can ask employees if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms, as long as they treat all information about sickness as confidential.

Can employers request that employees stay home if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms? Yes, but employers should consider whether they will pay employees who are asked to stay home due to possible coronavirus exposure. Also, absenteeism policies should be relaxed if you require an employee to remain at home, or if the employee is required to stay at home due to a mandatory requirement. Employers should be mindful of employment laws that speak to sick-time usage, including the Massachusetts Earned Sick Time Law.

When an employee returns from travel during a pandemic, must an employer wait until the employee develops influenza symptoms to ask questions about exposure to pandemic influenza during the trip? No. If the CDC or state or local public health officials recommend that people who visit specified locations remain at home for several days until it is clear they do not have pandemic influenza symptoms, an employer may ask whether employees are returning from these locations, even if the travel was personal.

May an employer encourage employees to telework (i.e., work from an alternative location such as home) as an infection-control strategy during a pandemic? Yes. The EEOC states that telework is an effective infection-control strategy. In addition, employees with disabilities that put them at high risk for complications of coronavirus may request telework as a reasonable accommodation to reduce their chances of infection.

Do we have to pay employees who stay home sick? As a general rule, non-exempt/hourly employees are only required to be paid for any time they perform work. If a non-exempt employee is required by you or a public health authority to stay home, they do not need to be compensated for that time, unless they have company-provided sick-time benefits. However, businesses need to consider fairness in this situation.

Employers should encourage the use of unused vacation or personal time if the employee is out of sick time, and also be wary of employee morale problems that could arise if employees are required to remain out of the office and are forced to go without pay. This is especially true given the comments that members of Congress on both sides of the aisle have made regarding the need for American businesses to step up and pay workers for time out that may be occasioned in a pandemic scenario.

In short, employers without telecommuting options should consider paying employees for time spent under self-quarantine, even if the employee is out of sick-time benefits. Employers should also remember that their exempt employees should be paid full salaries if they perform any work during a work week, even if it is done at home.

Employers should be carefully monitoring the CDC website for updates and information. In addition, now is a good time to review your company sick-leave policy and consider whether you will allow for more time off during pandemics. We also recommend that employers consult with labor and employment counsel on this complex situation if they are planning to take action against sick employees or instituting any new policies.

John Gannon is a partner with Springfield-based Skoler, Abbott & Presser. He specializes in employment law and regularly counsels employers on compliance with state and federal laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and the Occupational Health and Safety Act. He is a frequent speaker on employment-related legal topics for a wide variety of associations and organizations. Andrew Adams is an associate with the firm and specializes in labor and employment law; (413) 737-4753.

Gov. Charlie Baker Declares State of Emergency in Response to Coronavirus

By
COVID-19 Daily News

BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker declared a state of emergency in Massachusetts on Tuesday to support the Commonwealth’s response to the outbreak of coronavirus.

The Baker-Polito administration also announced new guidance for executive-branch employees in order to prevent and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. This includes discontinuing all out-of-state work-related travel; canceling or virtually holding conferences, seminars, and other discretionary gatherings; informing employees not to attend external work-related conferences, seminars, or events; reminding employees feeling sick with fever or flu symptoms to not come into work; and encouraging high-risk employees to talk with their supervisors to review possible alternative work assignments.

Regular internal government business will continue, and these new measures complement other precautions that have been put in place in recent days encouraging proper self-care and hygiene and increasing cleaning and sanitizing of government buildings and offices.

“We will continue planning and preparing to mitigate the spread of this disease, and have issued new guidance for executive-branch employees in the Commonwealth,” Baker said. “I urge employers and other large organizations to follow our example and limit or eliminate non-essential travel, limit or eliminate large events where possible, and explore telework where appropriate for your organization. We are also urging older adults and those with health issues to avoid large crowds and large events.”

The guidance for executive-branch employees goes into effect today, March 11, and will be revisited in 30 days or sooner as circumstances dictate.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has been activated and is bringing together health, human-services, public-safety, and other government leaders. This working group follows the Department of Public Health’s (DPH) infectious-disease task force that was assembled in January.

The administration also issued updated guidance to members of the public. This guidance is posted on the DPH website, www.mass.gov/2019coronavirus.

The administration urges older adults and those with health issues to avoid large crowds and events. Individuals who live in households with vulnerable people, like elderly parents, should also consider avoiding crowds.

Today, DPH will distribute guidance to long-term-care facility operators. This guidance will outline how these facilities should protect elderly residents at higher risk for coronavirus. This will include banning visitors who show signs or symptoms of a respiratory infection (fever, cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat). Visitors will be prohibited if they had contact in the last 14 days with someone with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, are under investigation for COVID-19, or have been sick. Visitors will be prohibited if they have traveled internationally in the last 14 days or are residing in a community where community-based spread of COVID-19 is occurring. Visitors will not be allowed to visit long-term-care facilities if they currently feel sick or exhibit symptoms.

Regarding K-12 schools, the Department of Secondary and Elementary Education (DESE) is providing local schools with relief from attendance and school-year requirements so that schools have the flexibility to make decisions on temporary closures due to coronavirus.

Specifically, the longest any school district will be required to go is its already-scheduled 185th day. No schools will be required to be in session after June 30. For accountability purposes for school year 2019-20, DESE will calculate chronic absenteeism as of March 2 and disregard all attendance data for the remainder of the school year.

In addition, DESE Commissioner Jeff Riley is strongly urging all districts to cancel all out-of-state travel at this time. This is in addition to the administration’s existing request for schools to cancel international trips.

The Department of Public Health will be issuing updated guidance to superintendents on how to address cases that arise at a school, including potential school closures.

Employer Confidence Steady in February Prior to Market Gyrations

By
Daily News

BOSTON — Business confidence remained steady in Massachusetts during February in a survey taken mostly prior to the late-month market gyrations touched off by COVID-19.

The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Business Confidence Index fell 0.2 points last month to 62.1. The reading was 3.9 points higher than a year ago and well within optimistic territory.

February confidence reflected weakening employer views about conditions six months out and about prospects for their own companies. Those indicators are likely to fall again in March as companies factor in the potential effect of COVID-19 on profitability, employee productivity, and travel policies.

“The underlying indicators of the U.S. and Massachusetts economies remain strong, but fallout from COVID-19 introduces a huge amount of uncertainty into the economic picture,” said Raymond Torto, professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Design and chair of AIM’s Board of Economic Advisors (BEA).

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

The constituent indicators that make up the Business Confidence Index were mixed during February. The Massachusetts Index assessing business conditions within the Commonwealth fell 0.4 points to 65.8, leaving it 5.0 points higher than in February 2019. The U.S. Index was virtually flat, rising 0.1 points to 60.9.

The Future Index, measuring expectations for six months out, declined 1.0 point to 61.8, a year-over-year gain of 3.0 points. The Current Index, which assesses overall business conditions at the time of the survey, gained 0.5 points to 62.4

The Employment Index was up 0.2 points in February and 2.9 points for the year. The Employment Index continues to lag the overall business-confidence reading amid a persistent shortage of workers that may become more pronounced as large numbers of Baby Boomers retire.

Non-manufacturers (62.8) were more confident than manufacturing companies (61.4). Large companies (66.3) were more optimistic than medium-sized (61.4) or small (56.3) companies. Companies in Eastern Mass. (63.4) were more optimistic than those in the west (59.9).

Edward Pendergast, managing director of Dunn Rush & Co. and a BEA member, noted that confidence among small businesses dropped from 63.0 in January to 56.3 in February, leaving the reading a full point lower than it was 12 months ago.

“Business formation and entrepreneurial activity remain strong in Massachusetts, yet owners of small companies are less optimistic about their prospects than they have been,” he said. “It will be an interesting measure to watch as the year progresses.”

AIM President and CEO John Regan, also a BEA member, said the Massachusetts economy has reached a turning point as lawmakers debate raising taxes to pay for transportation-infrastructure improvement.

The state House of Representatives last week passed a $600 million transportation-financing bill that would increase the gasoline tax and established a tiered minimum corporate tax.

“AIM believes that any transportation-financing source should have some nexus to transportation, and the change in corporate minimum tax lacks that nexus,” Regan said. “We support policies and responsible new investment to reduce congestion, grow capacity to deliver capital projects, lower carbon emissions in the transportation sector, and ensure accountability and transparency in transportation-investment spending.”

Bulkley Richardson Launches COVID-19 Response Team

By
COVID-19 Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — As developments surrounding COVID-19 continue to escalate daily, concerns beyond personal health and safety have quickly emerged. The virus has already made a significant impact on the global economy, altering the way businesses operate, as well as potentially seismic shifts in consumer activity.

To address issues critical to businesses and their employees, Bulkley Richardson has launched a COVID-19 response team comprised of seasoned attorneys in the areas of business, finance, employment, schools, healthcare, and cybersecurity. In this time of great uncertainty, businesses are seeking legal counsel to help navigate this fluid landscape and prepare as we enter a period of uncertainty and rapid change.

Bulkley Richardson understands that each business will be affected differently and that taking proactive measures may help to minimize the risk of business interruptions. This COVID-19 response team has prepared an initial catalog of issues to be considered by each business owner or manager and has posted this information at bulkley.com. In the upcoming days, we will be expanding on this list and providing further detailed guidance. If you have specific questions, contact a member of the COVID-19 response team below or call (413) 272-6200.

The team consists Scott Foster (business, cybersecurity), Mark Cress (business, banking and finance), Mary Jo Kennedy (employment), Ryan Barry (business, banking and finance, healthcare, schools, colleges, and universities), Judge John Greaney (strategy), and Christopher St. Martin (employment, teleservices).

Robinson Donovan Law Firm Moves to New, Expanded Northampton Location

By
Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — Robinson Donovan, P.C., a full-service law firm, announced it has moved from its previous Northampton office to a more expansive location at 351 Pleasant St. The firm’s phone number, (413) 732-2301, remains the same.

“We wanted to make things as convenient as possible for our growing list of clients in Hampshire County,” Partner Michael Simolo said. “We can now meet with them more comfortably. The response from clients has been very positive.”

Partner Jeffrey Trapani, added that “our new office in Northampton has plenty of meeting space, free parking, and easier access. Quite a few of our attorneys live in Hampshire County, so having an expanded office in Northampton makes sense for us operationally as well and helps us better serve our clients throughout the Pioneer Valley.”

7 Ways to Engage Your Customers in Meaningful Conversation

By
Marketing Tips

Courtesy of OutBoundEngine.com

As a business professional, you know the importance of engaging your customers. Connecting on a deeper level is the way to build trust and long-term loyalty. In-person and face-to-face are great options to accomplish this. Social media and email marketing have also become important ways to engage your customers in meaningful conversation.

But simply sending out an occasional newsletter or social media post isn’t going to cut it. Therefore, you’ve got to engage customers in meaningful conversation just like you would if you were face to face or on the telephone. You may be thinking of ways to do this right now and coming up short. Good news! We’ve done the legwork for you.

Read more

Valley Vodka Inc. Announces Partnership with Julious Grant and Ty Law

By
Daily News

HADLEY — Valley Vodka Inc., maker of award-winning V-One Vodka, announced a new partnership with liquor-industry giant Julious Grant and NFL Hall of Famer Ty Law.

Grant brings 29 years of executive-level experience in the spirits industry, having held senior leadership roles in sales and marketing in some of the most successful companies in the world, most recently as chief commercial officer of US Beam Suntory from 2013 to 2019.

Law is widely regarded as one of the best defensive backs of all time, playing 15 seasons in the NFL. He won three Super Bowls with the New England Patriots, and his 53 interceptions rank 24th in league history. In 2019, Law was the 323rd person inducted into the sport’s Hall of Fame.

This partnership comes on the heels of Valley Vodka Inc. completing a multi-million-dollar purchase and renovation of its own ‘farm to glass’ distillery in Kamień, Poland. V-One Vodka had been contract-distilled in Poland, but, being obsessed with the entire vodka-production process, V-One creator Paul Kozub’s dream was to grow his own ingredients, distill, and bottle in one location. For five years, he searched Poland for the ideal spot.

“Once I saw this historic distillery located right next to the world-famous Vistula River, I knew this was the perfect place to craft V-One,” Kozub said. “With our new distillery, expanded production, and new packaging, this is the perfect time to introduce more people to our clean-drinking vodka. Julious and Ty are tremendous assets to help us expand distribution and increase brand awareness.”

Holyoke Community College Receives Record $7.5 Million Donation

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) has received by far the largest donation in the college’s 74-year history — $7.5 million — and what could very well be the largest donation ever recorded by a community college in Massachusetts.

The gift comes from a familiar source, the Elaine Nicpon Marieb Foundation, established by the late Elaine Marieb, a longtime HCC faculty member, alumna, best-selling textbook author, and Northampton native.

The $7.5 million includes $5 million outright and a $2.5 million matching gift that will go toward future renovations of HCC’s main science facility, the Marieb Building, as part of a multi-phase plan to expand the recently opened Center for Life Sciences to encompass the entire three-story structure.

“This gift is a testimony to the importance of community colleges in the lives of their students,” said Carlos Santiago, commissioner of the state Department of Higher Education. “Under President Royal’s leadership, HCC is to be congratulated for raising the bar for community-college philanthropy that will benefit all of our public institutions.”

Marieb died in December 2018. During her lifetime, she was the college’s biggest benefactor, donating more than $1.5 million to HCC in large and small amounts, including a $1 million gift in 2014 to support construction of HCC’s Center for Health Education & Simulation and the Center for Life Sciences.

Until then, HCC had received only one other gift of that magnitude, a $1 million donation from alumnus and Yankee Candle Co. founder Michael Kittredge in 2003 to establish the Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development.

Last year, the Marieb Foundation made a $1 million legacy gift to the college that Marieb had set up as part of her estate plan, money targeted for HCC programs that benefit non-traditional-age students, particularly women.

The Center for Life Sciences opened in 2018 on the first floor of the Marieb Building, featuring state-of-the-art microbiology and biotechnology labs as well as an ISO-certified, instructional cleanroom.

“This is thrilling,” HCC president Christina Royal said. “We are honored and incredibly grateful for the Marieb Foundation’s generous and unprecedented gift. This will support HCC’s continued investment in high-demand, high-wage fields in STEM and healthcare and help us provide generations of students with the academic space and experience they need and deserve. The Marieb Building represents the heart of her life’s work, since HCC is where her career began.”

According to a database maintained by the Chronicle of Philanthropy, the $7.5 million gift to HCC is the single largest private donation ever made to a community college in Massachusetts. The largest previous gift was a $5 million donation to Cape Cod Community College in January 2019.

“Dr. Marieb’s belief in HCC was extraordinary,” said Amanda Sbriscia, HCC’s vice president of Institutional Advancement and executive director of the college’s nonprofit fundraising corporation, the HCC Foundation. “Private and individual philanthropy to our community colleges sends a powerful message about the exceptional quality of education our students receive, because these gifts come most often from the alumni and friends who have experienced those classrooms firsthand.”

The $7.5 million Marieb donation follows the Feb. 28 grand opening of the HCC Campus Center after a two-year, $43.5 million renovation and expansion.

Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. Promotes Brittany Bird, Welcomes Sarah Rose Stack

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. (MBK) recently promoted Brittany Bird and welcomed Sarah Rose Stack to the firm.

Bird was promoted to senior associate. She holds an associate degree in business administration and management from Holyoke Community College, where she was one of the school’s valedictorians, and a bachelor of business administration degree with a major in accounting from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst.

During her time at the firm, she earned the MBK Thought Leader 2019 Award for published articles on behalf of the firm. Prior to working at MBK, she worked in the customer-service industry.

Stack is the firm’s new Marketing & Recruiting manager. MBK recently embarked on a rebrand, which included a new logo, interior design, and mission and vision statement. Stack will help bring this new mission to maturity and will implement a variety of new strategies and connections to actualize the firm’s vision. With 15 years of digital marketing, design, and communications experience, she will bring a fresh perspective to the firm’s social-media strategy, revamped digital presence, community involvement, thought leadership, and more.

Stack studied music education at UMass Amherst, and has worked in website development and marketing on myriad products and services since 2005. She is a member of the Assoc. for Accountant Marketing.

UniTech Services Group Promotes Michael Bovino to Vice President

By
Daily News

LONGMEADOW — UniTech Services Group, a subsidiary of UniFirst Corp., recently announced that Michael Bovino was promoted to vice president, bringing 35 years of contamination-control and management experience to the leadership role.

“I look forward to helping UniTech stay ahead of shifting industry trends by continually innovating to serve the evolving needs of our customers,” said Bovino, noting that his combined perspective on business and engineering will inform his management of the nuclear-industry service provider.

Over the past 23 years, Bovino has climbed the UniFirst management ranks from general manager to division general manager, and ultimately now to vice president of UniTech. He most recently served as division general manager for UniClean, a fellow UniFirst subsidiary, where he was responsible for profit and loss, while overseeing all facets of the business.

The new vice president’s career began with Public Service Electric & Gas of New Jersey, where he acted as technical manager at various nuclear power stations for several years. He then joined UniTech in 1990, playing a vital role in the company’s success as manager of Health Physics and Engineering for six years before pursuing more senior management roles within UniFirst.

Bovino holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental public health from SUNY Cortland, with minors in biology and geology; a master’s degree in environmental and nuclear engineering concentrated in health physics from the University of Florida; a prior certification by the American Board of Health Physics; and an MBA concentrated in business management and financial accounting from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst. Since 2018, he has also served as a voting member of the SUNY Cortland Alumni Assoc. board of directors, as well as the board’s finance and Park Alumni House committees.

Bovino replaces the newly retired George Bakevich, who served as vice president for 36 years. During Bakevich’s tenure, he oversaw major company expansions throughout the U.S., Europe, and Canada, including recent acquisitions in the area of radioactive-waste processing to support power-plant-decommissioning projects.

“Our team and our customers have benefitted from Bakevich’s consistent leadership for a very long time,” said Gregg Johnstone, UniTech Services Group director of Sales and Marketing. “We’re very confident that Bovino’s experience and insights will help us continue to innovate, solve complex industry issues, and act as a true strategic partner to our customers.”

Mercy Medical Center Announces Visitation Policy Change

By
HCN News & Notes

SPRINGFIELD — As a result of potential cases of COVID-19 in the state and surrounding states, Mercy Medical Center and Providence Behavioral Health Hospital have implemented new restrictions on visitation, effective immediately. These restrictions are in place for the protection of patients and colleagues.

The visitor restrictions are in place at Mercy Medical Center, Family Life Center for Maternity, Weldon Rehabilitation Hospital, and Providence Behavioral Health Hospital. The visitor restrictions are as follows and will remain in effect until further notice:

• Visitors will be limited to one at a time per patient;

• No visitors under 14 years old will be permitted; and

• Do not visit if you have any symptoms of a cold, the flu, or COVID-19.

In order to provide an environment that is as safe as possible for patients, visitors, and colleagues, all visitors are encouraged to wash their hands with soap and water frequently, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer; use a tissue to cover any coughs or sneezes; and assess their own health and, if at risk for illness or displaying any symptoms, consider staying home.

“We recognize that the care and support of your loved ones is important,” the hospital noted in a statement. “With proper authorization in place, we commit to communicating with family and friends as frequently as possible.”

Cooley Dickinson Hospital Announces Visitation Policy Change

By
HCN News & Notes

NORTHAMPTON — Given the ever-changing nature of the coronavirus/COVID-19, Cooley Dickinson Hospital is changing its visitor guidelines and restricting visitors, effective immediately. The new guidelines include:

• One visitor per patient at a time;

• No children under age 16;

• Anyone with upper respiratory symptoms, including fever, sore throat, or cough, regardless of travel history, should postpone their visit to Cooley Dickinson Hospital patients or staff until they feel better; and

• Anyone who has recently visited China, Iran, Italy, Japan, or South Korea, or other areas where coronavirus has been reported — or has been in contact with someone who is sick and who has been to one of the countries listed above — should postpone their visit to Cooley Dickinson Hospital.

Anyone who need to visit a loved one should practice good hand hygiene and follow the proper steps for cleaning their hands, which are on signs posted around the hospital. Specifically:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based gel;

• Avoid touching your eyes, notes and mouth;

• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue or your inner elbow, and do not sneeze into your hands. Discard the soiled tissue in a wastebasket and clean your hands.

“At Cooley Dickinson, we take the health and safety of our patients, visitors, and community members seriously,” the hospital said in a statement. For the most up-to-date information, visit the CDC or Massachusetts Department of Public Health website.