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Year: 2021

Polish National Credit Union, Premier Source Credit Union to Merge

By Contributor
Jim Kelly
Banking and Financial Services

‘A True Win-Win’

By Mark Morris

Jim Kelly

Jim Kelly says PNCU and Premier Source offer services and expertise that benefit each other.

Polish National Credit Union started in 1921 with an investment of $325 and has grown to more than $700 million in assets today. But there are always ways to improve and expand its services, said President and CEO Jim Kelly, who describes PNCU’s recently announced merger agreement with Premier Source Credit Union as a joining of two forces.

“No one at Premier Source will be losing their job,” he said. “In fact we are counting on their expertise on offering credits cards to members which is a business we’re not in right now.”

Meanwhile, confronted with rising costs to keep up with technology, compliance, and talent retention, Premier Source had begun looking into a merger as its best way forward. CEO Bonnie Raymond said that, after considering a number of factors, Polish National emerged as the best fit.

“As a larger organization, Polish National offers in-house mortgages and commercial lending, while we bring our credit-card portfolio to expand to their membership,” Raymond said. “Along with the credit-card business, they will benefit from the expertise of our staff, so it’s a true win-win.”

Kelly added that organic growth in Western Mass. is not easy. That’s why he called the merger with Premier Source a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” The current Premier Source headquarters on North Main Street in East Longmeadow will become the ninth branch for Polish National, which is headquartered in Chicopee. That location also addresses one of Kelly’s strategic goals in finding additional space.

“We’re a growing credit union, and there’s not much room left at our headquarters in Chicopee or at our operations center in Wilbraham,” he said. “The Premier Source building is large and beautiful, so it helps us in a huge way.”

What has become known across the U.S. as the Great Resignation has also affected the two credit unions. Between retirements and just leaving the job due to COVID-19 concerns, both organizations felt the impact of people leaving. Raymond noted that the merger will help address staffing issues for both.

“This was another win-win because our staff will stay employed while Polish National will be able to bring on experienced help to fill any openings they might have.”

“This was another win-win because our staff will stay employed while Polish National will be able to bring on experienced help to fill any openings they might have,” she explained.

In recent years, both organizations have grown through mergers with smaller credit unions. On a national level, Kelly told BusinessWest, approximately one credit union per day is involved in a merger.

 

Strategic Partnership

Premier Source began in 1941 as Kelko Credit Union, founded by employees of the Kellogg Envelope Company. Over the years, Premier Source acquired employee credit unions from companies such as Spalding, Hasbro Games, and Western Mass Electric. While membership now exceeds 4,500, Raymond said its growth still doesn’t provide the economies of scale of larger institutions.

“For example, interactive teller machines have become popular, but they are extremely pricey, and just buying one doesn’t recoup the investment,” she said. At $80,000 each, an institution needs to own several ITMs to find any economies of scale.

By agreeing to the merger, Premier Source will not be investing in ITMs, but its members will see a direct benefit. A common practice when a credit union merges involves paying a dividend to its members. Raymond explained that members are the reason Premier Source has a strong capital foundation, so the board will soon vote for a special dividend to compensate members for staying with the credit union.

“It’s a way to reward members for their longevity. Members who have been with us for more than 10 years will receive the largest dividend,” she said, adding that most members have belonged to Premier Source for more than 10 years.

Far from a cold and calculated business deal, Kelly said a credit-union merger is typically a more personal type of transaction, done only with people who have earned one’s trust.

“You don’t merge with someone you’ve only met a few months ago,” he noted. “It usually involves people you’ve known for at least several years because you want to make sure your members and employees are taken care of as a result of the merger.”

Kelly said he and Raymond go way back, having crossed paths many times because they work in the same industry. “I’ve known Bonnie for a long time. She is a high-quality and talented person.”

The next step in the merger process involves regulatory approval from the Massachusetts Division of Banks, the National Credit Union Administration, and the Massachusetts Credit Union Share Insurance Corp., as well as approval from the memberships of both credit unions.

A recent news release suggested the merger could be completed by the spring of 2022. Kelly, a former regulator, said he would not offer a timetable because it’s completely in the hands of the regulators as to when they complete their work on the merger.

 

Healthy Outlook

Polish National ranks 174th among the top 200 healthiest credit unions in the country, according to the Cooperative Credit Union Assoc. Kelly is proud of this accomplishment and noted that it’s positive news considering there are 5,164 credit unions in the U.S.

For now, the numbers Kelly looks forward to involve the 4,500 Premier Source members joining the 25,000-plus members of Polish National. It’s a fitting way to start the next 100 years of the credit union,” he said.

“While our founders were Polish, we have always been a community credit union and will continue that tradition,” he added, noting that the quote credited to the revered TV22 meteorologist John Quill still rings true: “you don’t have to be Polish to be a member.”

Mistakes in Classifying Your Workers Can Be Costly

By Contributor
Banking and Financial Services

Contractor or Employee?

By Sarah Rose Stack

 

Even prior to the pandemic, the ‘gig economy’ was growing at unprecedented rates. That growth has only been accelerated with more traditional companies relying on remote workers and hiring more contractor workers. Freelancing is big business, with nearly $1 trillion of income generated. However, although that total number is impressive, independent contractors earn 58% less than full-time employees (FTEs), and more than half don’t have any employer-provided benefits.

From a business perspective, there are advantages and disadvantages to how a company classifies its workers. With employees, you’ll have more control, but that comes with more compliance obligations. With contractors, you’ll have fewer compliance obligations, but you will also have less control.

“From a business perspective, there are advantages and disadvantages to how a company classifies its workers.”

Some tax advantages to hiring independent contractors include the ability to avoid several tax obligations that apply to employees. For example, a company generally isn’t required to withhold federal or state income taxes, pay the employer’s share of Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes, withhold the workers’ share of FICA taxes, or pay federal or state unemployment taxes.

In addition, companies that use contractors may avoid other obligations, such as the requirement to pay minimum wages and overtime under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act and similar state laws, furnish workers’-compensation insurance (in many states), make state disability-insurance contributions, or provide employee benefits.

Keep in mind that simply having a written agreement or labeling a worker as an independent contractor doesn’t make them so. The IRS and other government agencies look at all the facts and circumstances to determine whether workers are misclassified.

When someone is hired, they must be classified as either an employee or an independent contractor. Here’s how the IRS determines worker status.

 

Behavioral Control

If the company has a great deal of control over the behavior of the worker — for example, where they work, when they work, or how they perform their jobs — the worker should be classified as an employee. If the company is giving the worker evaluations, conducting extensive or ongoing training about procedures and methods, or demanding that the worker attend daily meetings or set hours, then the worker is more likely an employee. Independent contractors will customarily set their own hours, decide on how to implement a project, and dictate where they work.

 

Financial Control

If a company provides equipment for the worker (tools, software, computers, phone, etc.), often reimburses expenses, and/or pays on regular and ongoing basis, then the worker is more likely to be an employee. The IRS clarifies by considering the following:

• Significant investment in the equipment the worker uses in working for someone else;

• Unreimbursed expenses, which independent contractors are more likely to incur than employees;

• Opportunity for profit or loss, which is often an indicator of an independent contractor;

• Services available to the market, as independent contractors are generally free to seek out business opportunities; and

• Method of payment. An employee is generally guaranteed a regular wage amount for an hourly, weekly, or other period of time even when supplemented by a commission, while independent contractors are most often paid for the job by a flat fee.

 

Relationship

Perception of the relationship is considered, but the interactions between workers and employees is what ultimately defines the relationship. Written contracts are considered; however, an employer cannot classify their workers as independent contractors when they, in fact, treat them like employees. If the company is providing employee benefits, insurance, paid time off, sick days, or pension plans, then the worker is most likely an employee.

Another area to consider is the permanency of the relationship. Employees are more likely to be hired indefinitely, and either party can terminate the relationship at any time, for any legal reason. Independent contractors’ rights are subject to a contract.

 

Penalties for Misclassifying Workers

The consequences for misclassifying employees as independent contractors can include IRS penalties and other non-tax implications. The IRS may assess back taxes against the company and demand that the company pay the employees’ share of unpaid payroll and income taxes, regardless of whether or not the independent contractors met those tax obligations. Companies can also expect to pay IRS penalties and interest. Further, workers can file a lawsuit against employers to demand back pay, overtime, and benefits.

 

Review Your Current Workers’ Status and Hiring Policies

The potential tax and non-tax savings do not outweigh the significant cost of misclassifying workers. It’s important to review your hiring policies, even if you are comfortable with your classification of current workers, to ensure that you are meeting all applicable standards for classification. Talk with your advisors if you believe you may have misclassified an employee or have questions about the standards.

 

Sarah Rose Stack is the Marketing manager for Holyoke-based accounting firm Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.

The Death of Long-term Thinking

By Contributor
Banking and Financial Services

And Why Investors Should Consider Re-evaluating This Strategy

By Jeff Liguori

 

Humans are historically bad at long-term thinking. In the world of finance, that behavior has dramatically worsened over the past 50 years.

Today, the average investor holds an individual stock for less than six months; in the late 1990s, that period was approximately two years. Go back to the 1950s, and investors were holding individual stock for nearly eight years on average.

What has caused such a drastic shift in investor behavior? First, access to markets has never been greater, which creates ample amounts of liquidity for trading. Second, ever-growing reams of information are disseminated at lightning speed, preying on our psyches. Finally, the cost to trade shares of a stock is negligible — in many cases, zero. Each of these trends is quite beneficial to the average investor. However, the combination of these factors promotes behavior that does not support a long-term view of investing.

For the sake of analysis, let’s look at the performance of Target Corp. (symbol: TGT). From July 1, 2013 through Nov. 30, 2021, the total return of Target’s stock (price appreciation and dividends) was 350%. During that same timeframe, the S&P 500 had a total return of 230%. However, shares of Target largely underperformed the broader market in the five years following July 1, 2013, returning 29% vs. 86% for the S&P 500.

Jeff Liguori

Jeff Liguori

“Ever-growing reams of information are disseminated at lightning speed, preying on our psyches.”

There was no lack of bad news in that five-year period, including a change in leadership with a new CEO and a failed plan to expand into Canada that cost the company more than $5 billion. But a patient investor with a long-term view, who believes in owning solid businesses, has been handsomely rewarded by staying with Target.

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal highlighted a little-known mutual fund manager, Wilmot Kidd, who has had exceptional investment performance.

“Over the past 20 years,” it notes, “Mr. Kidd’s Central Securities Corp. … has outperformed Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Over the past 25, 30, 40, and even nearly 50 years under Mr. Kidd, Central Securities has resoundingly beaten the S&P 500. The keys to his success? Patience, concentration, and courage.

“If you had invested $10,000 in Central Securities at the end of March 1974, when Mr. Kidd officially took over,” the article continues, “you would have had nearly $6.4 million by the end of this October, according to the Center for Research in Security Prices. The same amount put into the stocks in the S&P 500 would have grown to $1.9 million.”

Analysis on Kidd’s fund suggests an average holding period north of 10 years. But some of the companies in which Central Securities is invested have been part of the fund for more than 30 years. And during Kidd’s tenure, the fund has underperformed the S&P 500 several times. But having the courage of his convictions, and staying invested through market cycles, has served his clients very well, despite periods of underperformance.

Investing today is about constant measurement. Companies produce quarterly earnings reports, compelling Wall Street analysts to change projections and adjust ratings, which forces investors to rethink their investment ideas. Add in exogenous events to amplify anxieties, and it is no surprise that the investing public has become so shortsighted. No, I don’t worry about the potential ramifications of Russia invading Ukraine on my stock portfolio (an actual assertion from a client!).

As a kid, I remember my grandfather diligently keeping track of the few stocks he owned, writing the end-of-month prices in a journal. He didn’t have the luxury of technology; his analysis was straightforward and pragmatic. He invested in companies with which he was familiar. He had no formal degree, having to forgo college to support his family during the Depression. The son of immigrants, he owned and operated a small grocery store whose customers were almost entirely working-class or even working poor.

One of his suppliers was a company called Corn Products Inc. The company still exists, now called Ingredion (symbol: INGR). For him, investing was about owning a piece of this company that he had a personal connection to, in the hopes of growing a nest egg. Whenever there was ‘extra’ money from his earnings, he would add to his positions. My grandfather retired in 1982 having never earned more than $30,000 in any given year. The value of his portfolio exceeded $600,000 prior to his death in 2011.

He didn’t know he would live for nearly a century, passing at age 97, but he sure invested like it. u

 

Jeff Liguori is the co-founder and chief Investment officer of Napatree Capital, an investment boutique with offices in Longmeadow as well as Providence and Westerly, R.I.; (401) 437-4730.

Reflecting on an Uncertain Year

By
Opinion

Editorial

 

Well, that year was … something.

It was certainly something different than 2020, when COVID-19 took everyone by surprise, not only launching a serious health crisis, but disrupting the economy in ways both immediate — many businesses were shut down for weeks and even months — and in the longer term (the broken supply chain).

Everyone learned to pivot — yes, the word everyone got sick of in 2020 — and that made us all more resilient during 2021, a year when business began getting back to normal in some ways, while in other ways, we wondered if we’d ever see normal again.

Take remote work, which may prove to have the longest legs when it comes to trends that emerged from COVID. By the fall of 2020, employers were crafting plans to bring homebound workers back to the office. Plenty of those workers didn’t want to return, and made it clear they were perfectly productive without a commute or face-to-face contact with co-workers. More than a year later, many of those employers have backed off and have made remote work, or at least a hybrid schedule, a more or less standard model.

We certainly hope supply-chain and inflation challenges don’t prove to have the longest legs, because those are problems no one can afford to live with forever. We’ll see what the federal response is in 2022 — rising interest rates seem inevitable — and how these issues continue to depress the ability of businesses to invest and grow.

The other factor suppressing business growth, of course, is an ongoing workforce crunch — a combination of older workers retiring early and younger ones wielding newfound leverage in surprising ways. Whatever the factors, the Great Resignation is real, and will continue to reverberate into 2022.

That said, all that pivoting created a more resilient business culture in Western Mass. this year, one that has become more nimble, more adaptable, and more entrepreneurial. Sectors like tourism rebounded nicely, while cannabis continued its unimpeded progress. .

But back to that hard-earned sense of resilience. Whatever industry we covered this year — construction, auto sales, manufacturing, nonprofits, you name it — when we spoke with business leaders, no one shied away from the lingering pandemic and its global side effects, and how those factors continue to make it difficult to do business.

But there’s a sense of optimism in the air, too. Many feel like, if they’ve made it this far, 2022 can only get better, even if no one can be sure when the pandemic and its ill effects will recede. They’ve survived, they’ve rebounded, they’ve learned — and they know their customers want to get back to normal, to buy and invest and experience as they used to.

In some ways, it’s frustrating to think we’d be in better shape than we are now, on many levels. But for most, things did get a little better in 2021 — and we’re sensing plenty of optimism for 2022. And we’ll stay on top of it, as always. Happy holidays from BusinessWest.

Picture This

By
Patient-care staff at Baystate Children’s Hospital
Picture This

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

 

 

Delivering Holiday Cheer

American Eagle Financial Credit Union celebrated the season of giving by delivering baskets of holiday cheer to Hampden County families with loved ones who faced challenges from the pandemic or illness this past year. AEFCU representatives presented baskets filled with holiday treats, gifts, and Bright Nights tickets to special-education teachers at West Springfield High School, families staying at Ronald McDonald House of Springfield, and patient-care staff at Baystate Children’s Hospital. In addition, Bright Nights tickets and gift cards were delivered by Springfield radio stations on the credit union’s behalf to Shriners Children’s New England and the Boys & Girls Club of Springfield.

AEFCU representatives

AEFCU representatives presented baskets filled with holiday treats, gifts, and Bright Nights tickets to special-education teachers at West Springfield High School

 

Families staying at Ronald McDonald House of Springfield

Families staying at Ronald McDonald House of Springfield

 

Patient-care staff at Baystate Children’s Hospital

Patient-care staff at Baystate Children’s Hospital

 

 

Touring Small Businesses

On Dec. 12, state Sen. Eric Lesser hosted a small-business holiday tour with Grace Barone, executive director of East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce (ERC5), visiting several member businesses of ERC5. The pair, joined by state Reps. Brian Ashe and Jacob Oliveira, visited Pete’s Sweets in East Longmeadow, the Scented Garden Gift Shoppe in Wilbraham, Vanished Valley Brewing in Ludlow, Rosewood Home & Gifts in Hampden, Center Square Grill in East Longmeadow, and the Longmeadow Shops.

 

Pete’s Sweets in East Longmeadow

Pete’s Sweets in East Longmeadow

 

Scented Garden Gift Shoppe in Wilbraham

Scented Garden Gift Shoppe in Wilbraham

 

 

 

 

People on the Move

By
People on the Move
Darlene Rodowicz

Darlene Rodowicz

The Berkshire Health Systems board of trustees announced that a leadership transition will take place at BHS early in the new year. David Phelps, president and CEO, announced that he will leave BHS in early 2022, concluding a 31-year career of service to the local community, with 28 as the system’s chief executive. The 20-member board unanimously voted to appoint Darlene Rodowicz as the next president and CEO. Bart Raser, chair of the board, highlighted key successes from Phelps’s distinguished career as CEO, including rehabilitating the financial resources of the once-troubled health system, implementing substantial technological and facility improvements such as the Crane Center for Ambulatory Surgery and the BMC Cancer Center, building BHS’s affiliated long-term-care company, developing important clinical partnerships like Berkshire Medical Center’s membership in the Dana-Farber Cancer Care Collaborative, and cultivating important relationships with local and state leaders that elevated the status and reputation of Berkshire Health Systems across the Commonwealth. Raser also praised Rodowicz as a strong leader with more than 30 years of experience in healthcare, a deep knowledge of the Berkshire community, and a sterling reputation among government leaders and healthcare colleagues across the Commonwealth. He particularly highlighted her leadership in orchestrating BHS’s successful pandemic response over the past two years. Rodowicz joined BHS in 1984 and served in various positions of increasing responsibility, including as chief financial officer from 2005 to 2020, when she was appointed executive vice president. She holds an MBA from Western New England College and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from UMass Amherst.

•••••

Tyler Humphrey

Tyler Humphrey

Viktoriia Protsyk

Viktoriia Protsyk

Troy Tanzer

Troy Tanzer

Bacon Wilson, P.C. announced that Tyler Humphrey, Viktoriia Protsyk, and Troy Tanzer have joined the firm as associate attorneys. Humphrey is a member of Bacon Wilson’s business, corporate, and finance team. He has significant experience in business matters, including real-estate transactions, business formations, and dispute resolution. He has been practicing law for seven years, having earned his juris doctor degree cum laude from Suffolk University Law School in 2015, and a bachelor’s degree from Westfield State College in 2012. He was named to the Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch list for 2021-22 in the area of banking and finance law. Protsyk is a member of Bacon Wilson’s estate planning and probate team. She is licensed to practice in both Massachusetts and Connecticut, and will sit for the Florida bar exam in February 2022. Fluent in both Russian and Ukrainian, she received her juris doctor degree cum laude in 2021 from Western New England University School of Law, and earned a bachelor’s degree summa cum laude from Central Connecticut State University in 2018. Tanzer is a member of Bacon Wilson’s land use, zoning, and development team. He earned his juris doctor degree in 2021 from Western New England University (WNE) School of Law, having also earned an MBA the same year from WNE. He received his bachelor’s degree magna cum laude from WNE in 2017. He volunteers his time to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance clinic in Springfield, providing assistance with tax-return preparation and electronic filing. He works primarily from Bacon Wilson’s Amherst location.

•••••

Henry “Joe” Long Jr.

Henry “Joe” Long Jr.

American International College announced that Henry “Joe” Long Jr. joined AIC as associate vice president for Institutional Advancement on Nov. 29. Long will oversee all development operations, including major gifts, planned giving, annual giving, grants, advancement services, and constituent records. With more than 20 years of experience in fundraising, team building, and securing major and planned gifts, he comes to AIC from UMass Amherst, where he served as the executive director of Development for Libraries. At UMass Amherst, he partnered with a dedicated staff to enhance philanthropic support for all three library locations and strengthen donor stewardship and communication. Prior to UMass, Long worked at Springfield College for more than a decade with success in major giving, athletics development, and parent giving. Additionally, he has held numerous advancement leadership roles at Plymouth State University, including alumni director and interim director of advancement. Long served as a member of the board of directors for the Council of Advancement and Support of Education, District I, from 2009 to 2016, and currently serves on the African American Development Officers (AADO) network and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Diverse Philanthropy and Leadership Conference committee. His wife, Moira Long, is the head women’s volleyball coach at Springfield College.

•••••

Douglas Scanlon

Douglas Scanlon

Holyoke Community College (HCC) recently welcomed Douglas Scanlon to the college’s Institutional Advancement team as its first development and external communications coordinator. Scanlon comes to HCC after serving for seven years as communications specialist in the Development office at Springfield College. Before that, he worked as assistant director of Institutional Marketing for Elms College in Chicopee. At HCC, he will be responsible for creating print, digital, and event-related messaging to support donor engagement, community engagement, and fundraising. He started on Nov. 29. Scanlon holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications from St. Bonaventure University in New York.

•••••

Rosey Mazza

Rosey Mazza

LUSO Federal Credit Union recently announced the appointment of Rosey Mazza as vice president of Lending, as well as the promotions of Wilbraham staff members Timothy Tracy and Stephen Lopes to branch manager and assistant branch manager, respectively. Mazza has close to 20 years of retail banking experience and previously served as LUSO’s Lending department manager for more than 14 years. As the newly appointed vice president of Lending, she will oversee the planning, directing, and organizing of the strategic and operational activities of LUSO’s retail and commercial lending programs. LUSO also promoted two Wilbraham-based member service representatives. Tracy has served the community as a senior member service representative at the Crane Park branch for the last four years. As branch manager, he will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the branch with Lopes’ assistance. Lopes began his career with LUSO in 2017 as a member service representative at the main branch and transitioned to the Crane Park location in 2020 as the head teller.

•••••

Steve Herrell, founder of Steve’s Ice Cream in Somerville and Herrell’s Ice Cream in Northampton, announced the release of his new book, Ice Cream and Me. The book is somewhat biographical and contains stories from his 41 years as an innovator in the ice-cream industry. It is illustrated by local artist Allie Martineau. Herrell started ice-cream making at his business, Steve’s Ice Cream, in 1973, offering a creamy and dense ice cream and originating the mix-in. He created such notable flavors as Cookies ‘n’ Cream and Heath Bar Crunch. These innovations revolutionized the ice-cream industry. Ice Cream and Me is available at Broadside Books, A2Z Science and Nature, and Booklink Booksellers, all in Northampton; Amherst Books in Amherst; Odyssey Bookstore in South Hadley; and on Amazon.

•••••

Yamilca Nogué

Yamilca Nogué

The Children’s Study Home (CSH) announced that Yamilca Nogué has been named the new director of Community Relations and Development. She joins the CSH senior leadership team and will work closely with the Executive Director and CEO William Dávila. Nogué brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit and human services. Prior to joining the Children’s Study Home, she worked as a fundraising event coordinator for a large Western Mass. program and during that time also supervised its homefinding team, recruiting foster homes. She has a passion for working with and advocating for children. In addition to her professional experience, she has remained actively involved in her community and serves as a volunteer for the WNBA Her Time to Play program. Nogué is the first woman of color and first Latina to hold this position. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in counseling foundations and her MBA at Bay Path University. She is also a licensed social worker in the state of Massachusetts.

•••••

Mary Cate Mannion

Mary Cate Mannion

Willie Ross School for the Deaf (WRSD) announced that Mary Cate Mannion has joined the school’s board of trustees. Mannion works for Garvey Communication Associates Inc. (GCAi) and is a former news anchor and reporter for Western Mass News. Mannion said her hard-of-hearing sister is part of the inspiration behind her joining the school’s board of trustees. Her sister underwent surgeries and gained more language access through hearing aids and the use of American Sign Language (ASL), and is now an educator at a school for the deaf and hard of hearing on the West Coast. Mannion is a public relations analyst and video producer with eight years of storytelling experience. She previously worked as a news reporter for WMTW-TV in the Portland, Maine area, and prior to that was at Western Mass News. She earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from Emerson College.

•••••

Mary Akers

Mary Akers

The board of directors of Work Opportunity Center Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals with developmental disabilities obtain employment in the community and promoting social inclusion, has appointed Mary Akers as its new executive director. Akers replaces long-term Executive Director Robert MacDonald, who retired after 40 years. Following a 15-year career at American International College, where she served as associate athletic director and senior woman administrator, Akers joined Work Opportunity Center as its first assistant executive director in February 2015. She has held the position of interim executive director since January 2021. Akers holds an associate degree in business management from Elizabethtown Community College, and she received both her bachelor’s degree in business and MBA from American International College.

•••••

Carolyne Hannan

Carolyne Hannan

Comcast has named Carolyne Hannan senior vice president of the company’s Western New England Region, leading a team serving more than 300 communities across Connecticut, Western Mass., Vermont, Western New Hampshire, and New York. In this role, Hannan is the top executive responsible for all aspects of the business, including customer experience, sales, marketing, operations, and financial performance. Hannan, who has held a series of progressively more senior management positions at Comcast over the past 17 years, returns to the Western New England Region, where she previously served as vice president of Sales and Marketing from 2008 to 2010. In her most recent role, Hannan served as vice president of Sales & Marketing for Comcast’s Freedom Region, which serves customers across Greater Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Northern Delaware.

•••••

United Way of the Franklin & Hampshire Region has added four new members to its staff team, allowing it to enhance its work with partner organizations, donors, and general operations. The new hires will augment the organization with their combined experience in leadership, education, marketing, donor relations, database management, and accounting. They are all eager to be part of a nonprofit that impacts the community in a positive way. Jenny Coeur will serve as United Way’s program coordinator, Jenna Farrell as donor relations manager, Jennifer Nhong as database assistant, and Cathy Zimmerman as the organization’s bookkeeper. Coeur, who began her work at United Way in mid-July, was previously a teacher and Math Department chair at Applewild School in Fitchburg. She has 13 years of experience in public and independent education as a community-focused teacher, program developer and coordinator, and department chair. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Hampshire College and a master of education degree from UMass Amherst. Farrell took on her role as donor relations manager in mid-September and will apply the experience she gained in the nonprofit world at UMass Amherst and skills she honed while working at for-profits in marketing and event management. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western New England University. Nhong started in her new role in early October and will help manage United Way’s database. She worked for 13 years at MicroTek, a nonprofit cable manufacturing company in Chicopee, in production, quality, and planning and management. Zimmerman has worked as an accountant for Temp-Pro, Argotec, Sisters of Providence, and Holyoke Medical Center. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Elms College. She began her new role in early October.

Court Dockets

By
Court Dockets

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

 

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

 

Elvira Torres, Juan Torres, Alesandra Sosa p/p/a Elvira Torres, Lisandra Vega p/p/a Elvira Torres, and Juan Carlos Torres p/p/a Elvira Torres v. Adrienne Tran, M.D.; Ravnet Thind, M.D.; Keith Reisinger-Kindle, D.O.; Shiva Niakan, D.O.; Sarah Nathan, M.D.; Megan Miller, M.D.; Ian Goldsmith, M.D.; Eilean Attwood, M.D.; Carolyn Delk, D.O.; and Sophia Bachilova, M.D.

Allegation: Medical malpractice, wrongful death: $50,000+

Filed: 11/4/21

 

Jane Wolchuck v. Dollar Tree Stores Inc.

Allegation: Negligence; slip and fall causing personal injury: $96,151.90

Filed: 11/16/21

 

Clover Marsh v. Blue Tarp Redevelopment LLC d/b/a MGM Springfield

Allegation: Negligence; slip and fall causing personal injury: $9,295.43

Filed: 11/17/21

 

Chacon Trucking LLC v. Northeast Industrial Diesel Inc.

Allegation: Breach of contract, fraud in the inducement and misrepresentation: $52,215.85

Filed: 11/19/21

 

Jorge Baez v. Baymark Detoxification Services Inc.

Allegation: Employment discrimination: $50,000+

Filed: 11/23/21

 

Alton E. Gleason Co. Inc. v. Dietz Construction Corp.

Allegation: Breach of contract: $189,163.58

Filed: 11/24/21

 

Agenda

By
Agenda

Winter Farmers’ Market

Every Saturday: Hampshire Mall has welcomed back the Winter Farmers’ Market this season. It will run every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Target wing, through April 2. The market will be closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day. All winter long, fresh vegetables and fruit, meat, cheese, bread, crafts, and more will be available from local farmers and artisans. Some of the vendors participating this season include Atlas Farm, Berkshire Mountain Bakery, Chase Hill Farm, Quabbin Hill Farm, and many more. EBT/SNAP and HIP benefits are accepted. A list of participating vendors will be updated at wfmhm.com/our-vendors.

 

 

The Fort Carolers

Through Dec. 24: The famous Fort Carolers have returned to the Student Prince and the Fort Restaurant, where Christmas caroling will take place every night in the dining area through Christmas Eve. For more than eight decades, Christmas caroling has been part of the holiday festivities at 8 Fort St. For many families, friends, and companies, it has become an annual tradition to visit the Student Prince and the Fort this time of year to hear the Fort Carolers sing the classics while enjoying the restaurant’s authentic German and American fare, along with lots of good cheer. This year they are back with ‘snow’ bubbles and lights. The Student Prince and the Fort Restaurant has hosted Christmas caroling for more than 80 years. What once started out as a few carolers at the door has turned into an annual nightly performance of Christmas caroling for the many generations of customers who visit Springfield’s landmark restaurant for the holidays. Reservations are necessary, and can be made by calling (413) 734-7475.

 

Asnuntuck Wintersession

Dec. 27 to Jan. 14: Asnuntuck Community College (ACC) is once again offering a three-week wintersession. Registration is currently underway for 15 online accelerated courses that will be taught during the college’s winter break. The courses include Art Appreciation, Art History II, Introduction to Nutrition, Principles of Genetics, Principles of Management, Introduction to Software Applications, Spreadsheet Applications, Leadership in Early Childhood Programs, Introduction to Human Services, Massage Theory & Practice, Medical Terminology, Law and Ethics for Health Careers, General Psychology I, General Psychology II, and Principles of Sociology. Art History II and Principles of Sociology require either no or a low-cost ($40 or less) textbook. Phlebotomy Externship is also being offered. Visit the website www.asnuntuck.edu for more information. Current non-students can click ‘Become a Student’ at the top of the page to begin. The session provides a way for students at other colleges to earn credit to be transferred back to their home institution. Students are advised to check with their college regarding transferability of courses.

 

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

STCC Receives $55,000 from Community Foundation

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) received two grants worth $55,000 from the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts. A $30,000 Flexible Funding Grant awarded to the STCC Foundation will be used to boost the student-empowerment fund, which was created as a resource for students facing a variety of barriers standing in the way of their ability to complete their education. Students in need of support for short-term housing, transportation, childcare, academic program resources, and nutritious meals can apply for the help they need through the empowerment fund, freeing them to focus on their studies and complete their programs. A separate $25,000 grant from the Community Foundation will be used to fund the STCC’s COVID-19 vaccine video. STCC has created a video to promote vaccinations. All community colleges in the Commonwealth are requiring students, faculty, and staff to be fully vaccinated by the start of the spring semester in January. This vaccine requirement is aimed at ensuring the safest learning and working environment possible for all members of the STCC community. The STCC Foundation, a nonprofit organization, helps STCC meet its goals and commitment to provide superior educational opportunities to the community.

 

U.S. Tsubaki Supports Innovation, Entrepreneurship at WNE

SPRINGFIELD — Western New England University (WNE) announced that Chicopee-based U.S. Tsubaki Automotive (USTA) made a gift of $12,500 to support the university’s colleges of Business and Engineering’s Product Development and Innovation (PDI) course over the next five years. Taught in the fall semester, PDI is comprised of business and engineering students who develop an idea at the onset of class and grow the concept into a limited, functional prototype supported by a business plan. Student teams demonstrate their project innovations at the annual PDI Showcase held the first week of December. Attending the event are members of the university’s board of trustees and several area economic-development leaders and investors. The attendees invest ‘Golden Bear investment dollars’ into the innovations they believe have the most commercial potential. Some of the innovations continue as senior design projects, while others compete in the Grinspoon Spirit Awards and the Draper Competition. The university patents select innovations that have the most potential.

 

Springfield WORKS Wins $100,000 Grant in Partnership with Home City Development

SPRINGFIELD — A $100,000 Urban Agenda Grant was recently awarded to Springfield WORKS, the lead applicant in a team including Home City Development Inc. as the primary partner. The funds will be used to facilitate a community-wide collaboration, with the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council to manage, coordinate, and support the work of numerous participating program partner organizations, in efforts to help families in Springfield achieve economic stability. The funds will go toward the 2Generation/Whole Family Approach to Pathways to Careers and Home Ownership Program, which is a holistic, creative, and collaborative approach that helps low-income families access career-development tools and training to successfully position individuals on a positive career trajectory. This program will focus on adults and children, addressing the gaps and barriers within multiple systems, including the ‘cliff effect,’ which makes transitioning out of state assistance programs challenging. This project also brings a gender- and racial-equity lens to workforce strategies. Home City Development is the main partner in this project, which means all program participants are Home City Development residents. The program will incorporate the Springfield WORKS’ 2Generation/Whole Family Approach with Home City Development’s HUD Family Self Sufficiency program. Other partners include Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts, HCS Head Start, EforAll, Families First, Springfield Partners for Community Action, and MassHire Springfield. Springfield WORKS leverages employer partners including Baystate Health, MGM Springfield, United Personnel/Masis, Springfield Public Schools, and others for career pathway opportunities.

 

MCLA Department of Business Administration Earns ACBSP Accreditation

NORTH ADAMS — MCLA’s Department of Business Administration has earned accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). This accreditation covers all the department’s business-degree paths, as well as the college’s MBA program. A global accreditation agency, ACBSP focuses on recognizing teaching excellence, determining student learning outcomes, and a continuous improvement model. ACBSP’s student-centered teaching and learning approach, which is measured and analyzed for quality, ensures that students gain the right skills from their educational investment. Institutions with programs accredited by ACBSP are committed to continuous improvement that ensures their business program will give students the skills employers want. MCLA’s Department of Business Administration already has an excellent track record for job placement. Recent graduates have secured full-time work at major national companies like BDO Consulting, General Dynamics, and Google. MCLA accounting majors who sit for the certified public accountant exam currently have a 100% pass rate.

 

Hancock Associates Acquires Sherman & Frydryk

DANVERS — Hancock Associates, a leading provider of land-surveying, civil-engineering, and wetland-science services, recently announced it has acquired Sherman & Frydryk, LLC, a land-surveying and civil-engineering firm located in Palmer. With roots dating back to 1950, Sherman & Frydryk’s long list of clients includes residential and commercial developers, municipalities, service utilities, MassDOT, hospitals, and more throughout Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester counties and the surrounding areas. Sherman & Frydryk will operate as a division of Hancock Associates. Don Frydryk will serve as regional office manager, and the current staff will continue to be part of the Sherman & Frydryk team. The acquisition assists Hancock in expanding services to Central and Western Massachusetts. It also adds historical survey records from W.H. and H.W. Brainerd, John Casey, Nathaniel Clapp, Charles Dingman, R.O. and G.F. Dingman, Kenneth Sherman, Sherman and Woods, Sherman & Frydryk, Richard Stowe, and Arthur Sullivan to Hancock’s collection of land-surveying and civil-engineering resources.

 

Junior Achievement Gets Support from Balise Auto Group

SPRINGFIELD — Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts is getting assistance from a local auto dealer for one of its educational programs about car ownership. Balise Auto Group volunteers will present JA All About Cars, a Junior Achievement program that explores the personal-finance considerations that go into purchasing a vehicle, to nearly 200 students in six area high schools during December. JA All About Cars programs are funded by a grant from American Honda Finance Corp. Through the program, students make a real-world connection to the car-buying experience, motivating them to make good financial decisions when buying or leasing. Following participation in the program, students will be able to consider whether a dream car is a realistic purchase for most people, explore their driving needs and things to consider when choosing a car, identify a car that meets their needs, and research the cost and understand the pros and cons of financing or leasing a car.

 

Frontier Launches Non-stop Service From Bradley to Cancun, San Juan

WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) announced the debut of new, non-stop service from Bradley International Airport to Cancun, Mexico and San Juan, Puerto Rico on Frontier Airlines. The service to Cancun International Airport will commence on Feb. 17 and will operate seasonally, three times a week. The service to San Juan Airport will commence on Feb. 18 and will operate year-round, three times a week. To view flight times and booking options, visit www.flyfrontier.com. In addition to the service to Cancun and San Juan, Frontier offers non-stop service from Bradley to Atlanta, Denver, Miami, Orlando, and Raleigh-Durham. The airline has been operating at Bradley since 2018.

 

Incorporations

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Incorporations

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

AGAWAM

A Ceramic Studio Corp., 7 Southbridge Dr., Agawam, MA 01001. Laura Destin, 10 Strawberry Hill Road, Feeding Hills, MA 01030. Paint your own pottery and clay classes.

Advanced Structural Concrete Co., 72 Riverview Ave., Agawam, MA 01001. Oleg Aliyev, same address. Concrete services.

CHICOPEE

JLP Business Consulting Inc., 196 Fletcher Circle, Chicopee, MA 01020. Jennifer Perry, same. Business consulting.

JR Service Corp., 76 Sheridan St. Rear, Chicopee, MA 01020. Nahor Santos De Souza, same address. Janitorial and cleaning services.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Ichiban 422 Inc., 422 North Main St., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Ming Chen, 17 Maynard St., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Restaurant.

NRC Holdings Inc., 94 Maple St., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Seth J. Goodman, same address. Holding company.

HOLYOKE

ICC Brokerage Inc., 110 North Bridge St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Daniel J. Searles, 45 Lexington Circle, Southwick, MA 01077. Hauling scrap metal.

La Primera Iglesia De Dios Inc., 637 South Summer St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Pastor Luis P. Martinez, 49 Edward St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Church.

NORTHAMPTON

Higgins Way HOA Inc., 51 Higgins Way, Northampton, MA 01060. Thomas W. Cain, 63 Higgins Way, Northampton, MA 01060. District association.

PALMER

Ola Greek Corporation, 1 Chamber Road, Palmer, MA 01069. Emmanuel Maherakis, 21 Keenan St., Watertown, MA 02472. Sales of food products.

SPRINGFIELD

Hamidov Corporation, 82 Beaumont St., Apt 2., Springfield, MA 01108. Bakhtiyar Hamidov, same address. Transportation.

Harriett’s House Inc., 208 Groveland St., Springfield, MA 01108. Christina Huff, same address. Transitional support for youth.

S.A.F.E Inc., 33 Osceola Lane, Springfield, MA 01201. Jennifer C. Grom M.D., same address. Financial scholarships.

WESTFIELD

LaFlamme’s Auto & Truck Services Inc., 33 Fairfield Ave., Westfield, MA 01085

Doing Business as Certificates

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DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and/or trade names were issued or renewed during the months of November and December 2021. (Filings are limited due to closures or reduced staffing hours at municipal offices due to COVID-19 restrictions).

DEERFIELD

Abacus Benefits Plus
106 North Main St.
Richard Cahillane

Alliance Partners Real Estate LLC
249 Conway Road
Donna Wesoloski

Brookside Cemetery
7 Wequamps Dr.
William Leno

HADLEY

Arizona Pizza
367 Russell St.
Phoenix Restaurant Concepts LLC

Barstow’s Dairy Store
172 Hockanum Road
Steven Barstow

Comfort Inn and Suites
400 Russell St.
Hadley Hospitality LLC

Creamy Delights
71 Lawrence Plain Road
Patricia McMarthy

Flayvors of Cook Farm
129 South Maple St.
Debra Cook

Life Dental Specialties
190 Russell St.
Anthony Quinta

Megan’s Valley
8 Mill Valley Road
Brenda Fydenkevez

Mill Valley Milk Co.
102 Mill Valley Road
Kristin Mayer

Mitch’s Marina
4 Mitch’s Way
Mervil Broussard

Primo Pizza
103 Russell St.
Ismael Alvarado

SOUTHWICK

Affordable Design and Décor
535 College Highway
Maria Michaud

Styles by Sara
320 College Highway
Sara Auclair

WESTFIELD

A.J. Virgilio Construction Inc.
86 Medeiros Way
Anthony Virgilio

Golden Peacock
1029 North Road
SQW LLC

Nails R Us
35 Elm St.
Dung Kim Le

New Leash on Life Dog Grooming
1144 Southampton Road
Rachel Kalis

O’Reilly Auto Parts #6156
609 East Main St.
O’Reilly Auto Enterprises

Tobiko
110 Airport Road
Papps Bar & Grill LLC

Wyben Orchards LLC
542 Montgomery Road
Brian Hartley

WEST SPRINGFIELD

BCS Performance
100 Doty Circle
Jason Brazee

Blue Moon Smoke Shop
353 Memorial Ave.
Blue Moon Smoke Shop

Camp Collectibles, Jewelry & Antiques
23 Bonnie Brae Dr.
David Camp

Crepes Tea House
261 Union St.
Arturas Ribinskas

Cuts by Jay
715 Main St.
Jadiel Mercado

My Lawn Guys
711 Amostown Road
My Lawn Guys

Quality Life Adult Day Services #1
52 Wayside Ave.
Gina Martin

Quality Life Adult Day Services #2
52 Wayside Ave.
Gina Martin

Super 8
1500 Riverdale St.
Dilip Rana

Supreme Brass and Aluminum Casting
210 Windsor St.
Domenico Rettura

Bankruptcies

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Bankruptcies

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

Calderon Orduna, Saray
45 Laclede Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 11/15/2021

Fournier, Cheryl Ann
36 Kaveney St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 11/15/2021

Jablonski, Anne Elizabeth
150 Hillside Road, Unit 19
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 11/22/2021

Landry, Linda M.
35 Arliss St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Date: 11/19/2021

LaValley, John C.
24 Worthy Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Date: 11/08/2021

Macko, Marissa N.
119 Brockway Lane
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Date: 11/10/2021

Madera-Freytes, Julio L.
78 Rittenhouse Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Date: 11/17/2021

McCabe, Michael T.
56 Perrine Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Date: 11/16/2021

Munford, Loretta A.
297 Hermitage Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 13
Date: 11/11/2021

Murray, Patricia J.
71 Kennebunk St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Date: 11/17/2021

Perry, Danica R.
16 North St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Chapter: 13
Date: 11/12/2021

Rivera, Lilia Abangan
a/k/a Scher, Lilia
6 Breman St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Date: 11/19/2021

Scianghetti, Kimberly
7 Clinton Ave., Apt. 2L
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 11/18/2021

Real Estate Transactions

By
Real Estate

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

BUCKLAND

11 Bray Road
Buckland, MA 01370
Amount: $221,500
Buyer: Ronald Cole
Seller: Theresa A. Byrd
Date: 11/22/21

92 East Buckland Road
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Ryan M. Lawless
Seller: James T. Hicks
Date: 11/15/21

103 North St.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Sarah H. Buck
Seller: Parsons INT
Date: 11/19/21

21 Walker Road
Buckland, MA 01370
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Anne I. Naughton
Seller: Kavita H. Hunt
Date: 11/15/21

CONWAY

South Shirkshire Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Anthony T. Rice
Seller: Stanley S. Goddard
Date: 11/19/21

3102 Shelburne Falls Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Drew H. Chapman
Seller: Jennifer Menendez
Date: 11/18/21

DEERFIELD

7 Thayer St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Teresa Beaudry
Seller: First York 2 LLC
Date: 11/15/21

West St.
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Ronald Gnatek
Seller: William A. Erman
Date: 11/18/21

GILL

48 French King Hwy.
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Swampbass Inc.
Seller: Dennis D. Underwood INT
Date: 11/18/21

32 River Road
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: David J. Duprey
Seller: Brian D. Campbell
Date: 11/15/21

GREENFIELD

16 Alden St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Rebecca E. Neubardt
Seller: Beth M. Greeney
Date: 11/15/21

45 Bank Row St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Asset Row LLC
Seller: Karen M. Fritz-O’Hare
Date: 11/26/21

220 Chapman St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $200,550
Buyer: Adam K. Phelps
Seller: Seth E. Cassin
Date: 11/23/21

100 Conway St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $316,000
Buyer: Elizabeth A. Fraser
Seller: Bonnie L. Bobetsky
Date: 11/19/21

30 Fort Square
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: 30 Fort Square LLC
Seller: Judith Moman
Date: 11/15/21

159 Leyden Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $224,900
Buyer: Kelly Hanley
Seller: Erin R. Scanlon
Date: 11/19/21

10 Locust St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Bethany Mcmahon
Seller: Holewa, Edward C., (Estate)
Date: 11/18/21

101 Norwood St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $228,100
Buyer: Scott Keldun
Seller: Kenneth R. Caouette
Date: 11/15/21

4-6 Power Square
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: PDV Inc.
Seller: Rose M. Sinclair
Date: 11/19/21

51 Riddell St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Molly E. Barnes-Sellers
Seller: Julia A. Forrestall
Date: 11/19/21

HEATH

71 Dodge Road
Hawley, MA 01339
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Vincent D. Frano
Seller: Barbara S. Weeks
Date: 11/15/21

124 East Hawley Road
Hawley, MA 01339
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Lien Vuong
Seller: Andrew F. Graves
Date: 11/15/21

229 Number 9 Road
Heath, MA 01367
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Julie E. Troy
Seller: Ralph Demech
Date: 11/19/21

LEVERETT

259 Long Plain Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Craig Nelson
Seller: Peggy J. Feldman
Date: 11/19/21

MONTAGUE

59 Dell St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Donna M. Liebl
Seller: Heather Sheperd
Date: 11/19/21

120 Millers Falls Road
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $152,600
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Peter M. Jacob
Date: 11/18/21

ORANGE

99 Burrill Ave.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Sonja D. Cooley-Johnson
Seller: Audrina Cadet
Date: 11/19/21

171 Chase St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Mellyn Costello
Seller: Alex D. Wiltz
Date: 11/22/21

42-44 East Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $269,900
Buyer: Jeremy J. Duhaime
Seller: Kevin Esposito
Date: 11/17/21

53 Fairman Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $279,990
Buyer: William E. Sword
Seller: Daniel R. White
Date: 11/16/21

20 Fieldstone Dr.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Bethany Leslie
Seller: Kevin W. Colo
Date: 11/23/21

5 Gibbs Court
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Jessica J. Scribner
Seller: Robert D. Anderson
Date: 11/15/21

12 Gibbs Court
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Jessica J. Scribner
Seller: Robert D. Anderson
Date: 11/15/21

54 West River St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $219,000
Buyer: Russell P. Gifford
Seller: Carrie L. Look
Date: 11/19/21

24 Winter St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $303,000
Buyer: Timothy Thebeau
Seller: Kristen L. Dumas
Date: 11/15/21

SHELBURNE

1548 Mohawk Trail
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Tomer Frey
Seller: Janice E. McMahon
Date: 11/24/21

WARWICK

176 Orange Road
Warwick, MA 01378
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Elliot D. Rosen
Seller: Lawrence A. Kilroy
Date: 11/24/21

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

130 Brien St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $332,000
Buyer: Phillip Streechon
Seller: Stanley B. Wright
Date: 11/19/21

33 Calico Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Rixing Wu
Seller: Christopher D. Lagac
Date: 11/15/21

60 Campbell Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $334,900
Buyer: Lee J. Simmons
Seller: Anthony T. Depalo
Date: 11/19/21

6 Carol Ave.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Imri Nuhiu
Seller: Barr, Marjorie B., (Estate)
Date: 11/19/21

27 Coyote Circle
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Greg Burkovskiy
Seller: Dmitriy Burkovskiy
Date: 11/24/21

26 Danny Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Timothy Dean
Seller: Raymond S. Guerette
Date: 11/24/21

19 Fruwirth Ave.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Timothy J. Ryan
Seller: Ryan, Janice E., (Estate)
Date: 11/23/21

7 Lango Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $689,000
Buyer: Messier TR
Seller: Jeffrey E. Harbey
Date: 11/16/21

12 Ridgeway Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Matthew C. Bassette
Seller: Edward G. Faits
Date: 11/22/21

60 Ridgeway Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $216,900
Buyer: Arthur Granger
Seller: Scott Bognar
Date: 11/24/21

94 School St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $307,000
Buyer: Michael Rodney
Seller: Manchester Enterprises LLC
Date: 11/19/21

43 Spring St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Raphael Nunez
Seller: Sherry E. Petrucci
Date: 11/17/21

18-20 Springfield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: P2SP Corp.
Seller: George M. Watson
Date: 11/15/21

637-639 Springfield St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Tomasz Komar
Seller: Michael J. Boyster
Date: 11/18/21

CHESTER

182 Abbott Hill Road
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Lynne King
Seller: Brian Nogueira
Date: 11/19/21

113 East River Road
Chester, MA 01050
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: David W. Lafogg
Seller: Zachariah French
Date: 11/24/21

82 Lyman Road
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $242,000
Buyer: Adam R. Bryant
Seller: Oliver B. Scott
Date: 11/15/21

CHICOPEE

47 Bourbeau St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Luis R. Lopez-Rodriguez
Seller: Samuel C. Bernash
Date: 11/24/21

51 Bridle Path Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Corinne E. Dumont
Seller: Helene N. Kaczowka
Date: 11/23/21

477 Britton St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Kaiying Chen
Seller: Roger E. Leblanc
Date: 11/16/21

132 Cochran St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Joanne T. Sanders
Seller: Vincent J. Cole
Date: 11/23/21

12 Edward St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Victoria A. Engel
Seller: Harry D. Kofidis
Date: 11/17/21

90 Gelinas Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Craig S. Carneiro
Seller: Ramona J. Roy 2019 RET
Date: 11/23/21

162 Hampden St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $284,000
Buyer: Daritza Muniz
Seller: Krista Surprenant
Date: 11/23/21

45 Hendrick St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $298,000
Buyer: Marysol C. Alicea
Seller: Warren, Shirley A., (Estate)
Date: 11/18/21

8 Jennings St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Francisco Valle
Seller: Paul S. Wojcik
Date: 11/15/21

56 Laclede Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Dawn M. Szymczyk
Seller: Christine M. Perry
Date: 11/17/21

153 Lawrence Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $286,000
Buyer: Ismail Belhoucie
Seller: Chris Makusiewicz
Date: 11/16/21

Lombard Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Lombardz LLC
Seller: Waste Management Of Mass. Inc.
Date: 11/24/21

475 Lombard Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Lombardz LLC
Seller: Conn. Valley Sanitary Waste
Date: 11/24/21

487 Lombard Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Lombardz LLC
Seller: Conn. Valley Sanitary Waste
Date: 11/24/21

190 Marion St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Krista Suprenant
Seller: JHP Builders LLC
Date: 11/23/21

13 Montclair St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $219,900
Buyer: Taiye M. Ologunro
Seller: Valerie K. Daviau
Date: 11/23/21

126 Mountainview St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $214,000
Buyer: Erik Kaplan
Seller: Anne M. Kaplan
Date: 11/15/21

50 Orchard St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Jerad P. Ostrowski
Seller: Ruszala, Walter F. Sr., (Estate)
Date: 11/17/21

260 Sheridan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Shaina M. Rivera
Seller: Eldridge W. Lauderdale
Date: 11/19/21

466 Sheridan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Michael McCusker
Seller: John F. Hurley
Date: 11/19/21

500 Sheridan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: David Mullins
Seller: Mark J. Dion
Date: 11/19/21

563 Springfield St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Robert Schular
Seller: Pierre J. Saintilus
Date: 11/18/21

54 Wilmont St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $228,000
Buyer: Allyson Grammo
Seller: Paul F. Strong
Date: 11/18/21

EAST LONGMEADOW

4 Canterbury Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $565,000
Buyer: Patrick J. Walsh
Seller: Keith J. Stone
Date: 11/24/21

45 Clareside Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $398,000
Buyer: Ruan P. Da-Costa-Quintes
Seller: Lincoln, Richard H., (Estate)
Date: 11/19/21

75 Helen Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $225,350
Buyer: Jennifer Lee
Seller: Sheriffs, Marilyn R., (Estate)
Date: 11/17/21

3 Hidden Ponds Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $557,200
Buyer: Meaghan Graham
Seller: Dark Star RT
Date: 11/24/21

115 Lasalle St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Michael Carabetta
Seller: Joan E. Ernsting
Date: 11/19/21

20 Oak Bluff Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Onexis Y. Iturrino
Seller: Verdon J. Anderson
Date: 11/16/21

242 Pleasant St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Peter J. Laberge
Seller: Catherine J. Clark
Date: 11/16/21

15 Powder Hill Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $372,900
Buyer: Sarah Saffee
Seller: Nicole L. Collins
Date: 11/17/21

54 Savoy Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Maria Decesare
Seller: Tilli, Lola, (Estate)
Date: 11/16/21

47 Senecal Place
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $510,000
Buyer: Anthony C. Fowler
Seller: Joshua J. Wingler
Date: 11/15/21

192 Westwood Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Emily Thomas
Seller: James A. Fiore
Date: 11/24/21

HAMPDEN

27 Bennett Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $369,900
Buyer: Matthew Stacey
Seller: Michael J. Marion
Date: 11/19/21

53 Greenleaf Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: John K. Bennett
Date: 11/24/21

23 Mountain Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $259,000
Buyer: Brandon Houle
Seller: Boynton, Helen R., (Estate)
Date: 11/23/21

185 Raymond Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Luis D. Severino
Seller: Janis K. Degrandpre
Date: 11/23/21

HOLLAND

187 Brimfield Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Mark A. Sommers
Seller: Lauren P. Hand
Date: 11/23/21

6 Davidson Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Laurette M. Johnson
Seller: Nelson A. Rouette
Date: 11/26/21

25 Forest Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Rose A. Lauria
Seller: Matthew McNutt
Date: 11/19/21

4 May Brook Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Kayleigh Nappi
Seller: William J. Fonner
Date: 11/15/21

215 Stafford Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Ricky B. Lundin
Seller: Gerald Germaine
Date: 11/24/21

HOLYOKE

12 Anderson Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $292,000
Buyer: Fabricio I. Martinez-Vera
Seller: David N. Plante
Date: 11/15/21

60 Berkshire St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Wilmarie Ortiz-Rivera
Seller: Darianna Cordero-Ortiz
Date: 11/15/21

122-124 Center St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Josue M. Ortiz
Seller: Acles LLC
Date: 11/15/21

126-128 Center St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Angie Guzman
Seller: Acles LLC
Date: 11/23/21

24 County Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Grayson T. Nash
Seller: Michael C. Carriveau
Date: 11/19/21

16 Evergreen Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $249,000
Buyer: Lauren A. Walker
Seller: Ashley L. Beaulieu
Date: 11/15/21

35-37 Gilman St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Xin Zhao
Seller: Andre P. Tourigny
Date: 11/22/21

30 Glen St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Alexandra Woolner
Seller: John J. Joyce
Date: 11/18/21

1074 Hampden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Frank Garriga
Seller: Janice Barna-Fontaine
Date: 11/15/21

3 Holly Grape Circle
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $530,277
Buyer: Timothy J. Carreira
Seller: Nathan Steffenhagen
Date: 11/18/21

16 Kay Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Breyka Torres
Seller: Kevin Cruz
Date: 11/15/21

4 Lenox Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $248,000
Buyer: Keith R. Fisher
Seller: E. Kent Dandy
Date: 11/19/21

98 Lincoln St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Noah W. Bond
Seller: Monette, Theodore A. Jr., (Estate)
Date: 11/19/21

183 Pearl St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: NJRE Property Group LLC
Seller: June, Eileen K., (Estate)
Date: 11/15/21

130 Pine St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $203,760
Buyer: Behavioral Health Network
Seller: Phoenix Houses Of New England
Date: 11/17/21

132 Pine St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $203,760
Buyer: Behavioral Health Network
Seller: Phoenix Houses Of New England
Date: 11/17/21

5-7 Portland St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Solemar Mercedes
Seller: Maria M. Mercedes
Date: 11/22/21

82 Sheehan Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $251,000
Buyer: Michael P. Coyle
Seller: William D. Ashton
Date: 11/24/21

74 Vermont St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Carole Hebert
Seller: Dmitriy Y. Bazukin
Date: 11/19/21

241-243 West Franklin St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Maria G. Montoya
Seller: KNC Home Renovations LLC
Date: 11/16/21

249 West Franklin St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $249,000
Buyer: James A. Contieri
Seller: Stephanie Skowronek
Date: 11/16/21

LONGMEADOW

73 Bel Air Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Janee Mays
Seller: Sophie Sergentanis
Date: 11/19/21

9 Caravelle Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Kathleen Lonergan-Fehily
Seller: Charlotte Zeller
Date: 11/19/21

113 Chiswick St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $457,500
Buyer: Jessica Melaas
Seller: Anthony E. Heim
Date: 11/16/21

815 Frank Smith Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $342,500
Buyer: Jason Morris
Seller: Robert M. Krasner
Date: 11/15/21

48 Hillcrest Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $443,000
Buyer: Shashank Kapadia
Seller: Nora S. Gerard
Date: 11/23/21

20 Kimberly Circle
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Christopher Bushey
Seller: Sarah A. Hanson
Date: 11/24/21

107 Lincoln Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Paul D. Noreau
Seller: Anne E. Magill
Date: 11/19/21

52 Quinnehtuk Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $595,000
Buyer: Mark A. Suchy
Seller: D. Lertwongchatchawal
Date: 11/22/21

66 Westmoreland Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Clayton Mcgrath
Seller: Karen R. McCarthy
Date: 11/22/21

LUDLOW

206 Cady St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Erin E. Middleton
Seller: Katherine M. Dias
Date: 11/22/21

61 Dale St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Michelle C. Alves
Seller: Jose C. Alves
Date: 11/15/21

562 Holyoke St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $2,325,000
Buyer: Monomoy Properties Ludlow Mass. LLC
Seller: United Development Group LLC
Date: 11/16/21

24 Lillian St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Clotide Cestroni
Seller: Eduardo Sanchez
Date: 11/19/21

186 Lyon St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Matthew Nay
Seller: Mark R. Geibner
Date: 11/16/21

628 Miller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $253,000
Buyer: Alyson A. Bruneault
Seller: Laurie Garrow-Harris
Date: 11/18/21

73-75 Minechoag Heights
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $360,500
Buyer: Gabrielle M. Leal
Seller: Jose A. Gonzalez
Date: 11/19/21

429 Moore St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Shawn J. Lebeau
Seller: Kym M. Sevigne
Date: 11/15/21

264 Ventura St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Torkwan Boonnag
Seller: David P. Bogacz
Date: 11/22/21

195 West St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $286,000
Buyer: Dakota M. Smith
Seller: Partyka, Joseph F. Jr., (Estate)
Date: 11/24/21

MONSON

45 Bethany Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Buck Ridge Real Estate LLC
Seller: 45 Bethany Road LLC
Date: 11/23/21

15 Bridge St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $276,000
Buyer: Jonathan Kosnicki
Seller: Gaston M. Mengel
Date: 11/16/21

16 Crest Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Caitlyn N. Wojcik
Seller: Mary E. Bibeau
Date: 11/17/21

6 Fenton Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: John Wagner
Seller: Susan M. Shields
Date: 11/23/21

26 Green St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: AJC Investment Group LLC
Seller: Zorra, Lynn Angela, (Estate)
Date: 11/22/21

PALMER

21 Brainerd St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Timothy L. Wood
Seller: George M. Currie
Date: 11/16/21

10 Deborah St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Lucas G. McDiarmid
Seller: McKee, Robert, (Estate)
Date: 11/23/21

3030 Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Joseph Martowski
Date: 11/17/21

1 Park Ave.
Palmer, MA 01057
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Miroslav Hytych
Seller: Bruce J. Charwick RET
Date: 11/19/21

4 Park Ave.
Palmer, MA 01057
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Miroslav Hytych
Seller: Bruce J. Charwick RET
Date: 11/19/21

95 Rondeau St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Stewart A. Terrien
Seller: Michael A. Robare
Date: 11/26/21

20 Searle St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $239,500
Buyer: Adam Burns
Seller: Lewis E. Prentiss
Date: 11/23/21

RUSSELL

556 Woodland Way
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: William St.Peter
Seller: Timothy L. Garwacki
Date: 11/22/21

SOUTHWICK

10 2nd St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Douglas H. Post
Seller: Town Of Southwick
Date: 11/15/21

83 Bungalow St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Bryan S. Haselkorn
Seller: Frances A. Ide
Date: 11/24/21

18 Eagle St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $182,500
Buyer: Robert I. Pisiakowski
Seller: Sean B. Leahy
Date: 11/16/21

41 Miller Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $198,000
Buyer: Jessi J. Duval
Seller: Maegan A. Leon
Date: 11/24/21

15 Patriots Way
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Jonathan M. Dunham
Seller: Todd G. Clark
Date: 11/15/21

13 Salem Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $456,000
Buyer: Daniel J. Rosenthal
Seller: Steven Matta
Date: 11/19/21

SPRINGFIELD

30 Adams St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $181,000
Buyer: Veteran Stan LLC
Seller: Aurelio Daniele
Date: 11/19/21

20 Alvin St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Natasha Rodriquez
Seller: Orcutt, Janet A., (Estate)
Date: 11/16/21

55 Ambrose St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $720,000
Buyer: Phantom Holdings LLC
Seller: Hedge Hog Industries Corp.
Date: 11/22/21

89 Amore Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $202,500
Buyer: Neffertari G. Johnson
Seller: Richard D. Little
Date: 11/22/21

653 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $279,800
Buyer: Roberto A. Perez
Seller: Global Homes Properties LLC
Date: 11/18/21

910-912 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $127,500
Buyer: WMass Capital Partners LLC
Seller: Howard, James B. Sr., (Estate)
Date: 11/15/21

160 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Maria D. Sanchez
Seller: Ontour Properties Inc.
Date: 11/18/21

55 Blaine St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $269,000
Buyer: Delphine Kabatesi
Seller: Joseph M. Santaniello
Date: 11/18/21

1021 Boston Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $1,035,000
Buyer: Springfield Storage
Seller: M&B Revocable Bousquet TR
Date: 11/22/21

171 Breckwood Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Arcadio T. Alvarado
Seller: Birgit T. Velazquez
Date: 11/23/21

67 Brightwood Ave.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $244,000
Buyer: Carlos Diaz
Seller: Victor Gomez
Date: 11/19/21

38 Bruce St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: Jesus A. Molina-Pagan
Seller: Siobhan M. Rosa
Date: 11/19/21

83 Burnside Ter.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Mae E. Humphreville
Seller: Charlotte M. Roda
Date: 11/22/21

846-848 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Angel M. Font-Perez
Seller: Gabriel Vargas
Date: 11/17/21

1614 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Scott M. Cigal
Seller: Obear Construction Co. Inc.
Date: 11/15/21

85 Cedar St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $163,000
Buyer: Natalie Sanchez
Seller: Genesis Rosario
Date: 11/24/21

240-242 Central St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $123,280
Buyer: Behavioral Health Network
Seller: Phoenix Houses Of New England
Date: 11/17/21

65 Clement St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Merilda Palmer
Seller: Gabriele Darco
Date: 11/19/21

24 Cleveland St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Sancha Petergay-Taylor
Seller: Taiye M. Ologunro
Date: 11/23/21

369 Commonwealth Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Sean M. Romanski
Seller: Billy M. Pauze
Date: 11/19/21

117 Dawes St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: 117 Dawes Street LLC
Seller: Njoroge Wamunyuah
Date: 11/15/21

41 Felicia St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Christvie St.Jean
Seller: Colleen Markham
Date: 11/16/21

77 Firglade Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: College Rentals LLC
Seller: Gregg A. Richers
Date: 11/23/21

17 Forest Park Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $555,000
Buyer: Maynard Hamre Investments LLC
Seller: Sa Holdings 2 LLC
Date: 11/19/21

35 Gail St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Michael Molinari
Seller: OB Properties LLC
Date: 11/23/21

39 Gardens Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Juan L. Rivera-Huertas
Seller: Bryan D. Trombley
Date: 11/19/21

91 Geneva St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Francis E. Leitl
Seller: Jessica Emmonds
Date: 11/18/21

44 Glenham St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $720,000
Buyer: Phantom Holdings LLC
Seller: Hedge Hog Industries Corp.
Date: 11/22/21

20 Goldenrod St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $720,000
Buyer: Phantom Holdings LLC
Seller: Hedge Hog Industries Corp.
Date: 11/22/21

290-292 Goodwin St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Unlimited Plus Realty LLC
Seller: Ethel L. Lord
Date: 11/19/21

146 Gresham St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Joyce A. Serwaah
Seller: BRVS LLC
Date: 11/16/21

140 Groveland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Wilbraham Builders Inc.
Seller: Sonia Miner
Date: 11/15/21

81 Hayden Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $720,000
Buyer: Phantom Holdings LLC
Seller: Hedge Hog Industries Corp.
Date: 11/22/21

18-20 Healey St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $349,900
Buyer: Vignesh Vellingiri
Seller: Viktor Savonin
Date: 11/23/21

26 Hebron St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $153,000
Buyer: Liora Lan
Seller: Nektar A. Papoutsakis
Date: 11/19/21

19 Hermitage Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Sean M. Lemke
Seller: Enaida F. Feinberg
Date: 11/18/21

87 Hillside Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Oral Davis
Seller: Lesley M. Williams
Date: 11/16/21

49 Hobson St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Salim Abdoo
Seller: Gilbert R. Corliss
Date: 11/19/21

21 Home St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Edgardo Torres
Seller: Ronald T. Johnson
Date: 11/19/21

412 Island Pond Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $126,000
Buyer: Wilmington Savings
Seller: Frank M. Marzano
Date: 11/24/21

42 Kulig St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Sandra I. Perez
Seller: Steven P. Cardwell
Date: 11/22/21

160 Laurelton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $123,000
Buyer: Nres LLC
Seller: Katherine Spada
Date: 11/22/21

45 Lindsay Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Joseph Nowak
Seller: Linda M. Downs
Date: 11/19/21

5 Madison Ave.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $175,120
Buyer: Behavioral Health Network
Seller: Phoenix Houses Of New England
Date: 11/17/21

91 Marion St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Patrick Aristide
Seller: Cassandra Miller
Date: 11/23/21

51 Mary Coburn Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Vanessa Rodriguez
Seller: Raul Quinones
Date: 11/23/21

28 Merrimac Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $196,000
Buyer: R. L. Concepcion-Camacho
Seller: Noor Mahmdah
Date: 11/16/21

99-101 Middlesex St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: PFGC LLC
Seller: Kelnate Realty LLC
Date: 11/19/21

75 Morningside Park
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $267,000
Buyer: Tasha Henry
Seller: Home Staging & Realty LLC
Date: 11/22/21

52 Mulberry St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Yaquelina N. DeCarela
Seller: B2R LLC
Date: 11/19/21

84 Northway Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Kaitlyn R. McLaughlin
Seller: Hassan Saleh
Date: 11/24/21

408 Nottingham St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Christina Bastien
Seller: Siam Williams Investment Group LLC
Date: 11/22/21

185 Oakland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: 185 Oakland Street LLC
Seller: Amat Victoria Curam LLC
Date: 11/19/21

403 Orange St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $376,000
Buyer: Squire Investments LLC
Seller: Kan Zhang
Date: 11/17/21

179 Overland St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Laurie Lavoie
Seller: Ann M. Speer
Date: 11/22/21

108 Parallel St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $212,000
Buyer: Angel R. Reyes-Rios
Seller: Carmen M. Santiago
Date: 11/22/21

380 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Sa Holding 2 LLC
Seller: Antoine V. Wilson
Date: 11/18/21

118 Pasco Road
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $249,000
Buyer: Nancy L. Satas-Oteri
Seller: Ivor R. Santos
Date: 11/17/21

37 Paulk Ter.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $227,500
Buyer: Dorcas Torres
Seller: Janet M. Dermody
Date: 11/17/21

17 Pequot St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Luis Mathews
Seller: Luis D. Severino
Date: 11/23/21

206 Pine Acre Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $268,500
Buyer: Ashley Johnson
Seller: Lisa M. Summers
Date: 11/19/21

1463 Plumtree Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Scuelin Necklee-Thompson
Seller: Garner, Albert Y., (Estate)
Date: 11/24/21

18 Porter St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $237,000
Buyer: Lewen Cotte
Seller: Donville Riley
Date: 11/23/21

87 Quincy St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Hung Tien
Seller: MPower Capital LLC
Date: 11/17/21

236 Ramblewood Dr.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Kingsley C. Nweme
Seller: Samuel Sevelo
Date: 11/19/21

19-21 Ringgold St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Yeraly Aquino
Seller: Eduardo Valentin
Date: 11/22/21

108-110 Rochelle St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $181,200
Buyer: Denita E. Stone
Seller: Sharon A. Goodman
Date: 11/19/21

281 Roosevelt Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Luis E. Santiago
Seller: Paquette, Marion, (Estate)
Date: 11/19/21

23 Saint James Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Serem Inc.
Seller: 90 Termar Property LLC
Date: 11/22/21

1375 South Branch Pkwy.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Jason Ham
Seller: Dorothy F. Kenyon
Date: 11/16/21

146 Spear Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $256,000
Buyer: Chenghua Deng
Seller: Bonita Atanian
Date: 11/22/21

52 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Tree House C. LLC
Seller: Faith United Church
Date: 11/18/21

32 Sunridge Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Yaisy D. Melendez
Seller: Betty Y. Alban
Date: 11/17/21

71 Trafton Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Kevin Nguyen
Seller: Thuy T. Nguyen
Date: 11/17/21

159 Waldorf St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Tod W. Jackson
Seller: Maureen O’Sullivan
Date: 11/16/21

29 West Alvord St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $720,000
Buyer: Phantom Holdings LLC
Seller: Hedge Hog Industries Corp.
Date: 11/22/21

40-42 Wait St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Rodimiro Mendez-Garcia
Seller: Jose Colon
Date: 11/19/21

95 Weymouth St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Adin E. Vera
Seller: Jason A. Smidy
Date: 11/19/21

57-59 Windsor St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $219,000
Buyer: Karen F. Matlock
Seller: Sam L. Grant
Date: 11/17/21

218 Winton St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Betty Deangelis
Seller: Catherine E. Reynolds
Date: 11/17/21

1313 Worcester St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $266,000
Buyer: Kiaranisha Ortiz
Seller: Sandra M. Pereira
Date: 11/16/21

WALES

6 Woodland Dr.
Wales, MA 01057
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Jennifer Buckley
Seller: Maureen Pasquale
Date: 11/23/21

WEST SPRINGFIELD

2-4 Amostown Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Hoang M. Vo
Seller: Edward M. McCaffrey
Date: 11/18/21

224 Ashley Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: Shane W. Dupuy
Seller: Cheryl A. Albano
Date: 11/17/21

121 Autumn Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $278,000
Buyer: Lea Meli
Seller: Ruth M. Henry
Date: 11/19/21

52 Baldwin St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $443,800
Buyer: 52 Baldwin Street LLC
Seller: Purple Diamond Realty LLC
Date: 11/24/21

208 Bear Hole Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Eric Hernandez
Seller: Rosemarie Jakubaszek
Date: 11/17/21

153 Bosworth St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Ahmed A. Salame
Seller: MAA Property LLC
Date: 11/19/21

512 Elm St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Samuel Sevelo
Seller: Frederick J. Lyman
Date: 11/19/21

46 Hemlock Hill Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Ikmet Lomanov
Seller: Lori Ann Paterwic
Date: 11/17/21

220 Hillcrest Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Genesis Rosario
Seller: Brandon L. Carrillo
Date: 11/24/21

246 Hillcrest Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Adrien A. Ouellette
Seller: John Bobrowski
Date: 11/23/21

4 Johnson St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $256,000
Buyer: Marc Casey
Seller: Eric Andrews-Hernandez
Date: 11/17/21

46 Lotus Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $275,700
Buyer: Cody Lariviere
Seller: Gregory W. Bushey
Date: 11/19/21

327 Morgan Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Harry Kalamarakis
Seller: Gabrielle Remillard
Date: 11/17/21

290 Morton St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Rudi N. Spano
Seller: Adam Bryant
Date: 11/15/21

25 Mulcahy Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $519,000
Buyer: Heather A. Garbacik
Seller: Dennis Francis
Date: 11/16/21

28 Orchardview St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $186,500
Buyer: Katelyn M. Hartford
Seller: Bryn S. Paparello
Date: 11/22/21

80 Orchardview St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Kaeli E. Howard
Seller: Emmanuel Kadima
Date: 11/24/21

121 Sawmill Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Dennis P. Powers
Seller: Raymond J. Stevens
Date: 11/24/21

86-88 Worcester St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Steven E. Kaufman
Seller: Eric B. Lachapelle
Date: 11/16/21

WESTFIELD

23 Atwater St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $268,000
Buyer: Catherine Bastein
Seller: Joshua M. Laprade
Date: 11/19/21

3 Bayberry Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Douglas Fuller
Seller: Daniel W. Murphy
Date: 11/18/21

23 Chestnut St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Robin Glover
Seller: George Phillips
Date: 11/24/21

28 East Silver St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: TGC Investments LLC
Seller: Eastman Holdings LLC
Date: 11/23/21

8 Greylock St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $262,700
Buyer: Ricardo Medina
Seller: Jeffrey C. Keating
Date: 11/23/21

407 Hillside Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Joshua McLain
Seller: Sandra Sporbert
Date: 11/15/21

52 Knollwood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $223,500
Buyer: Mikhail V. Sharakin
Seller: Agnes M. Longridge
Date: 11/15/21

75 Moseley Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $282,000
Buyer: Zachery Scott
Seller: Patrick W. Barrett
Date: 11/24/21

10 New Broadway
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Ceasar R. Vicenty
Seller: Angelo P. Castagna
Date: 11/16/21

65 Notre Dame St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $235,500
Buyer: Minas Alitbi
Seller: Melissa M. Taylor
Date: 11/19/21

118 Old Farm Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Murphy
Seller: Jennifer L. Hayes
Date: 11/23/21

97 Otis St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Daniel Dubovy
Seller: Roland A. Tietze
Date: 11/23/21

137 Putnam Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Charlene Couchon
Seller: Peter C. Zaleski
Date: 11/18/21

1008 Russell Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Jeremy A. Black-Manazer
Seller: Oleg Temchenko
Date: 11/23/21

315 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Plata O. Plomo Inc.
Seller: Nicholas A. Roselli
Date: 11/18/21

204 Springdale Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Amanda N. Carbone
Seller: 204 Springdale Road LLC
Date: 11/16/21

24 Wilson Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Nesser Yaseen
Seller: Irina Velikiy
Date: 11/19/21

13 Wintergreen Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: Kristine A. Foley
Seller: James M. Burek
Date: 11/15/21

21 Woodsong Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Konrad M. Jazwierski
Seller: Robert S. Beman
Date: 11/24/21

WILBRAHAM

285 3 Rivers Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $329,000
Buyer: ASL 3 Rivers Land Holdings
Seller: Gilmar Realty LLC
Date: 11/23/21

24 Bartlett Court
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Julia Cianciolo
Seller: Michael J. Barcome
Date: 11/15/21

11 Circle Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Brian Nogueira
Seller: Shaukat Matin
Date: 11/24/21

35 Glenn Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Sandra A. Martin
Seller: Inna Gordon
Date: 11/16/21

5 Oxford Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Dnepro Properties LLC
Seller: Lapointe, Elizabeth A., (Estate)
Date: 11/23/21

186 Tinkham Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $457,000
Buyer: Rices Fruit Farm LLC
Seller: Robert L. Matthews
Date: 11/16/21

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

92 Grantwood Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $398,000
Buyer: Seunghun Kang
Seller: Frank A. Cable
Date: 11/23/21

409 Henry St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $791,000
Buyer: Devin R. Desmarais
Seller: Hannah Z. Meeran
Date: 11/19/21

7 Moss Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Jiamin Li
Seller: Almadan Inc.
Date: 11/19/21

36 Mount Pleasant
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $610,000
Buyer: Christine Bentsen
Seller: Joan L. Burgess NT
Date: 11/18/21

104 Shays St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Suzanne R. Holmes-Farley
Seller: Cheryl M. Johnston RET
Date: 11/19/21

60 Valley View Circle
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Forrest A. Wellman
Seller: Forrest A. Wellman
Date: 11/15/21

11 Wildflower Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $632,000
Buyer: Don A. Ripley
Seller: Ethan J. Pope
Date: 11/17/21

BELCHERTOWN

168 Barton Ave.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $545,000
Buyer: Benjamin P. White
Seller: Darrell P. Weldon
Date: 11/19/21

670 Bay Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Richard Lesperance
Seller: Colleen M. Duroshea
Date: 11/18/21

80 Michael Sears Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: New Foundland RT
Seller: Steeley, Donald R., (Estate)
Date: 11/19/21

227 Old Enfield Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $439,900
Buyer: Libby Overly
Seller: Alan K. Young
Date: 11/22/21

138 Sargent St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Allison M. Brown
Seller: Elizabeth A. Hyde-Gold
Date: 11/15/21

25 South Washington St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Noah Fossner
Seller: Michael J. Fine
Date: 11/24/21

181 Warner St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Rebekah Diky
Seller: Arrin B. Barnes
Date: 11/15/21

15 Westwood Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Paul Bessette
Seller: Raymond Marsh
Date: 11/15/21

CUMMINGTON

64 Cole St.
Cummington, MA 01098
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: Fern Hearth LLC
Seller: Clemo, Nancy Ellen, (Estate)
Date: 11/24/21

91 Porter Hill Road
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Jean D. Clarke
Seller: Peter A. Sloan
Date: 11/16/21

52 Upper Bryant Road
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $1,050,000
Buyer: Benjamin B. Bederson
Seller: Bryant Farm RT
Date: 11/18/21

EASTHAMPTON

17 Adams St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $896,700
Buyer: RH Litwin LLC
Seller: Adams St. Residences LLC
Date: 11/16/21

41 Cherry St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $179,000
Buyer: Sa Holdings 2 LLC
Seller: Jacquelyn Copperwheat
Date: 11/15/21

84 Phelps St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $189,629
Buyer: Russell Cable
Seller: Robert J. Dibrindisi
Date: 11/19/21

67 Plain St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Colleen M. Longley
Seller: Margaret Forget
Date: 11/22/21

9 Sandra Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Anthony O’Brien
Seller: Howard D. Booth
Date: 11/16/21

21 Summer St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $411,000
Buyer: Sean Abbott
Seller: Pamela S. Kennedy
Date: 11/16/21

20 West Green St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Elizabeth A. Hill
Seller: Michael J. Twohig
Date: 11/19/21

GOSHEN

47 Aberdeen Road
Goshen, MA 01032
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Diane K. Todrin RET
Seller: Barbara A. Briotta
Date: 11/23/21

GRANBY

20 Carver St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $555,000
Buyer: Wayne Jarrett
Seller: Tony Almeida
Date: 11/15/21

225 Chicopee St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Beatriz Rivera
Seller: Interbartolo & Ricupero LP
Date: 11/19/21

8 Philip Circle
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Alex R. Theriault
Seller: Drouin, Joan M., (Estate)
Date: 11/16/21

HADLEY

168 Bay Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Tiffany M. Castillo
Seller: Marlaina H. Cataldi
Date: 11/24/21

7 Maplewood Ter.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Eddy C. Augustin
Seller: Christine E. Eustis
Date: 11/23/21

HATFIELD

96 Straits Road
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $287,000
Buyer: Michael Ferraro
Seller: Robert B. Lowney
Date: 11/19/21

HUNTINGTON

12 Aldrich Ave.
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $246,000
Buyer: Stuart Holt-Luhrmann
Seller: 12 Aldrich Ave Land TR
Date: 11/15/21

246 Norwich Lake
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $434,000
Buyer: Hampshire Regional Young
Seller: Lazy Lodge TR
Date: 11/18/21

21 Old Chester Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $301,000
Buyer: Bryan E. Bussler
Seller: Kathleen M. Hamel
Date: 11/17/21

NORTHAMPTON

30 Audubon Road
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $343,000
Buyer: Thomas Shread
Seller: David D. King
Date: 11/23/21

215 Brookside Circle
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Rebecca L. Edwards
Seller: Carole A. Lafleur
Date: 11/23/21

292 Elm St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $675,000
Buyer: Tory Peterschild
Seller: Erika J. Laquer
Date: 11/23/21

22 Liberty St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Thomas K. Leahy
Seller: Joanne Comerford
Date: 11/23/21

13 Lilly St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $530,000
Buyer: Blake W. Bos
Seller: Judith Gordon
Date: 11/22/21

221 North Main St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $369,900
Buyer: Timothy J. Fisher
Seller: Lacroix, Donna E., (Estate)
Date: 11/17/21

177 Prospect St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $610,000
Buyer: Pioneer Enterprises LLC
Seller: David W. Mason
Date: 11/18/21

35 West Farms Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $272,000
Buyer: Sebastian Ross
Seller: Property Advantage Inc.
Date: 11/22/21

105 Willow St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Malcolm M. Harper
Seller: Adin Thayer
Date: 11/16/21

PELHAM

112 Buffam Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $620,000
Buyer: S. Purkayastha TR
Seller: Ronald A. Jones
Date: 11/22/21

134 Harkness Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $966,000
Buyer: Ethan Chapin
Seller: Leon J. Osterweil
Date: 11/24/21

153 North Valley Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Martin J. Miller
Seller: Shirley F. Conant
Date: 11/15/21

SOUTH HADLEY

37 East St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Francisco Mejia-Leiva
Seller: Andrew Strout
Date: 11/19/21

491 Granby Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $217,500
Buyer: CSI Realty Holdings LLC
Seller: DGT Realty LLC
Date: 11/15/21

94 Lyman St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $224,900
Buyer: Yonatty Y. Abreu
Seller: David T. Daly
Date: 11/23/21

9 Lyon Green
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $494,900
Buyer: William T. Conroy
Seller: JN Duquette & Son Construction Inc.
Date: 11/19/21

376 North Main St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $334,900
Buyer: Jan Midura
Seller: Nancy C. Godbout
Date: 11/24/21

154 Old Lyman Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Josue Anibal-Torres
Seller: Thomas J. Szydziak
Date: 11/17/21

68 Ridge Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Rachel R. Breton
Seller: Barbara R. Sullivan
Date: 11/18/21

121 Sunset Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Jiva Fein
Seller: Freda Peters
Date: 11/16/21

15 Valley View Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $610,000
Buyer: David A. Hammer
Seller: Daphne L. Hall
Date: 11/24/21

SOUTHAMPTON

14 Camp Jahn Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $244,900
Buyer: Lucile Duncan
Seller: B9 Industries Inc.
Date: 11/23/21

141 Fomer Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $530,000
Buyer: Kristina M. Steffenhagen
Seller: Ciejek, Stanley J. Jr., (Estate)
Date: 11/24/21

WARE

77 Church St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Eugene M. Rich
Seller: John E. Carroll
Date: 11/19/21

178 Greenwich Plains Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Shelby M. Bauman
Seller: Interbartolo & Ricupero LP
Date: 11/22/21

28 Moriarty Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Erin A. Foss
Seller: Perrault, Sheila, (Estate)
Date: 11/23/21

70 Quarry St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Brian F. Bedard
Seller: Catherine Buelow-Cascio
Date: 11/18/21

21 Warebrook Village
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Donna M. Warburton
Seller: Sonya M. Reed
Date: 11/22/21

31-33 Williams St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Sharper Holdings LLC
Seller: Richard R. Goyette
Date: 11/24/21

WILLIAMSBURG

17 Chesterfield Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: Steven Russell
Seller: Poverty Mountain LLP
Date: 11/18/21

WESTHAMPTON

Blueberry Hills Road #6
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Martin M. Downey
Seller: Patrick Properties LLC
Date: 11/19/21

133 Edwards Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $565,000
Buyer: Eric W. Marek
Seller: Carol A. Perman
Date: 11/17/21

46 Laurel Hill Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $574,900
Buyer: Mark A. Fanty
Seller: M. & Tina Kerdavid TR
Date: 11/19/21

116 North Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Austin C. Hathaway
Seller: Eunice Hathaway
Date: 11/19/21

WORTHINGTON

221 Old Post Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $699,900
Buyer: Nathaniel Robinson
Seller: Edward J. Harvey
Date: 11/22/21

206 Sam Hill Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Nancy A. Persons
Seller: Shane E. Kasala
Date: 11/16/21

Building Permits

By
Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the months of November and December 2021. (Filings are limited due to closures or reduced staffing hours at municipal offices due to COVID-19 restrictions).

CHICOPEE

Center Group LLC
82 Springfield St.
$28,000 — Roofing

City of Chicopee
38 Broad St.
$250,000 — Demolition and removal of Fairview Park pool and associated piping, remove debris, backfill with clean fill to surrounding grades, loam and seed disturbed areas

City of Chicopee
687 Front St.
$250,000 — Demolition and removal of Szot Park pool and associated piping, remove debris, backfill with clean fill to surrounding grades, loam and seed disturbed areas

Meadow Street Partners LLP
307 Meadow St.
$70,000 — Install antennas, ancillary tower, and ground equipment at unmanned wireless facility
River Edge Management Corp.
43 Grattan St.
$11,200 — Roofing

RK Chicopee LLC
545 Memorial Dr.
$7,500 — Roofing

South Hadley Waste Water Treatment Plant
2 James St.
$62,000 — Install new fire-alarm system

HADLEY

CBR Realty Corp.
189 Russell St.
Roofing

Andre Laflamme, Anna Laflamme
79 River Dr.
Replace guardrail on upper second-floor deck and stairs

Matthew Olszewski
36 Lawrence Plain Road
Roofing on back barn

LEE

Sean Stephen, Tracy Stephen
68 Main St.
$2,500 — Remove existing door and transom, supply and install new thermally broken frame and door

Alan Wilcox, Lynn Bertelli
15 Margerie St.
$11,450 — Roofing

LENOX

CR Resorts LLC
165 Kemble St.
$24,805 — Repair roof leak and replace damaged interior drywall, insulation, and associated finishes in pavilion building

Housatonic Hotel LLC
194 Pittsfield Road
$174,000 — Install new wet zone system for heated areas on first and second floors and a dry system for the attic

MRG CRW Holdings LLC
55 Lee Road
$330,000 — Renovate 28 bathrooms

PVI Lenox Village LLC
51 Church St.
$18,400 — Remove skylight, install kitchen, modify bathroom frame area for new furnace

NORTHAMPTON

Atelier LLC
20 Ladd Ave.
$37,000 — Install fire-suppression system

Colvest Northampton LLC
303 King St.
$50,000 — HVAC

Colvest Northampton LLC
303 King St.
$7,950 — Wall sign for New England Orthopedic Surgeons

Colvest Northampton LLC
303 King St.
$7,950 — Wall sign for New England Orthopedic Surgeons

Congregation B’nai Israel Inc.
237 Prospect St.
$44,000 — Renovate garage

EZMJ LLC
17 Main St.
$5,060 — Platform and ramp

NEC Ventures II Inc.
308 King St.
$5,027 — Reface ground sign for Golden Nozzle

Northampton Historical Society
66 Bridge St.
$12,000 — Interior demolition

Oxbow Professional Park LLC
8 Atwood Dr.
$40,000 — Illuminated ground sign

Smith College
Bedford Ter.
$217,098 — Retrofit sprinkler system

Smith College
53 West St.
$50,000 — Demolish structure

Southpaw Properties LLC
28 North Maple St.
$83,834 — Solar panels on roof

Sullivan Real Estate LLC
176 Prospect St.
$12,000 — Roofing

PITTSFIELD

Roy Andersen Jr.
25 Bartlett Ave.
$17,000 — Supply new fire-alarm system with heat detectors in individual units, and upgrade hardwired system in each unit

Esther Bolen
25 Madison Ave.
$8,576 — Install new fire-warning system

Mary Dinicola
31 Brown St.
$3,500 — Roofing

Egos Realty Partners LLP
$16,000 — Remove all partition walls, ceilings and flooring back to unit separation walls

Ferris Realty Trust
172 Elm St.
$5,000 — Install hardwired smoke/CO detector in VFW/dental office

WDM Properties, LLC
161 Bradford St.
$9,572 — Install new fire-warning system

SPRINGFIELD

43 Sullivan St. Inc.
43 Sullivan St.
$63,000 — Remodel interior to include handicap bathroom and embalming prep room, build new ramp and stairs at front entrance

401 Liberty Street LLC
179 Taylor St.
$10,000 — Interior demolition

Baystate Health
2 Medical Center Dr.
$465,912 — Alter medical office space on fifth floor of Baystate Medical Office Building

Baystate Medical Center Inc.
759 Chestnut St.
$55,170 — Alter space to include new Fall Prevention Monitoring Office

Century Pacific Housing Partnership
15 Girard Ave.
$50,600 — Remove and replace nine antennas on Verizon telecommunications tower

City of Springfield
299 Sumner Ave.
$100,000 — Repair support footings, wood flooring, siding, and roof covering on Forest Park trolley barn

Colvest/Columbus Springfield LLC
1245 East Columbus Ave.
$9,773.85 — Install fire-alarm system for interior alteration at Burger King, include drive-up service

Crown Atlantic Co. LLC
22 Birnie Ave.
$70,000 — Add three cellular antennas and associated equipment to existing monopole tower for Dish Wireless

Five Town Station LLC
354 Cooley St.
$763,111 — Alter interior tenant space at Five Town Plaza for new Pet Supplies Plus

Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services
3 Rutland St.
$75,500 — Roofing

Dave Price
44 Hampden St.
$3,945,000 — Remodel office at WGBY New England Public Media

RJB Properties LLC
35 Bronson Ter.
$1,000 — Remove two garage doors and frame in new doors, install siding for newly framed area

WILBRAHAM

JCE Realty LLC
2377 Boston Road
$2,000 — Install new wall sign

Prime Group Wilbraham LLC
2350 Boston Road
$2,200 — Install wall sign and ground sign for Extra Space Storage

Baker-Polito Administration Announces COVID-19 Mask Advisory, Hospital Support

By
Daily News

BOSTON — Today, the Baker-Polito administration announced additional measures to address a recent rise in COVID-19 cases and to ensure acute-care hospitals have sufficient capacity to care for both COVID and non-COVID patients.

The Commonwealth’s healthcare system is facing a critical staffing shortage which has contributed to the loss of approximately 500 medical/surgical and ICU hospital beds since the beginning of the year. Hospitals are also seeing a high level of patients, many due to non-COVID related reasons.

Residents are reminded that getting a vaccine and booster remain the best way to protect against serious illness or hospitalization from COVID. The Department of Public Health (DPH) released updated COVID breakthrough data this week showing that 97% of COVID breakthrough cases in Massachusetts have not resulted in hospitalization or death. Unvaccinated individuals are five times more likely to contract COVID than fully vaccinated individuals and 31 times more likely to contract COVID than individuals who have a booster.

Massachusetts is a national leader in COVID-19 vaccinations, with more than 94% of eligible residents having received at least one dose. More than 89% of the entire Massachusetts population has at least one dose, and 74% of the entire population is fully vaccinated. Massachusetts also leads the nation in vaccinating communities of color, with 68% of all black residents and 67% of all Hispanic residents receiving at least one dose, compared to 42% of black residents and 52% of Hispanic residents nationally.

DPH released an updated mask advisory today, recommending that all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask or face covering in indoor, public spaces.

DPH particularly urges this recommendation for individuals who have a weakened immune system or are at increased risk for severe disease because of age or an underlying medical condition, or if someone in their household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated.

All people in Massachusetts (regardless of vaccination status) are required to continue wearing face coverings in certain settings, including transportation and healthcare facilities. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s current mask requirement is not impacted by this advisory.

Gov. Charlie Baker is activating up to 500 members of the Massachusetts National Guard to address the non-clinical support needs of hospitals and transport systems. Up to 300 of these Guard members will begin training this week and will support 55 acute-care hospitals, as well as 12 ambulance service providers across the Commonwealth.

DPH surveyed all hospitals and ambulance service providers and, in concert with the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Assoc., has identified five key roles that non-clinical Guard personnel can serve in support hospital operations for up to 90 days: driving ambulances used to transfer patients between two healthcare locations, such as when patients are discharged from a hospital and transferred to a long-term-care facility; providing continuous or frequent observation of a patient who is at risk for harm to themselves; helping to maintain a safe workplace; bringing patients via wheelchair or, if needed, stretcher, from their patient room to tests such as X-ray or CT scan, or from the emergency department to their inpatient floor; and delivering patient meals to their rooms. Guard personnel will be deployed to the field beginning Dec. 27.

DPH also released updated guidance to hospitals concerning non-essential, elective, invasive procedures. To preserve healthcare personnel resources, effective Dec. 27, all hospitals are directed to postpone or cancel all non-essential elective procedures likely to result in inpatient admission in order to maintain and increase inpatient capacity.

Patients are reminded to still seek necessary care at their hospital or from their healthcare provider.

Greenfield Savings Bank Names Kevin DeRosa VP of Retail Distribution Network

By
Daily News

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Savings Bank (GSB) announced the hiring of Kevin DeRosa as vice president for its Retail Distribution Network. He will be responsible for overseeing the retail operations of all GSB offices and the bank’s contact center, which includes teller and customer service in the lobbies, the call center, and the teller services offered through the bank’s network of Teller Connect ATMs, which provide GSB teller service via video.

“Kevin has joined GSB with more than 11 years of experience in the banking industry,” said John Howland, president and CEO of Greenfield Savings Bank. “Kevin’s experience in managing bank retail operations and customer contact centers, as well as his commitment to excellent customer service, mirror our bank’s core values.”

DeRosa earned a bachelor’s degree in business finance and an MBA from the University of New Hampshire. He graduated from the CUNA Management School as a certified credit union executive and has also earned the designation of credit union compliance expert. He has recently received a National Excellence Award from the Credit Union National Assoc. for developing a solutions-based sales program.

He is also an adjunct professor at Vermont State Colleges and at the Community College System of New Hampshire, where he has taught since 2014. He is very active volunteering in the Claremont, N.H. area at Riverstone Church and has been a past board member and treasurer of the Greater Claremont Chamber of Commerce. He is also a past member of the Norwich, Vt. Business Council.

Holyoke Community College Delivers $3.77 Million in Relief Aid to Students

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Just when they might need it most, students at Holyoke Community College (HCC) are getting a holiday gift from the college totaling $3.77 million. The money is part of CARES Act pandemic-relief funds provided by the federal government.

More than 3,500 eligible HCC students have each received, or will soon receive, block grants of $600 to $2,500, depending on their enrollment status and expected family contribution as determined by their financial-aid eligibility. The average grant is about $1,000.

The cash grants are unrestricted, meaning students can use them however they want, and the money does not need to be repaid. Accepting the money also will not reduce a student’s financial-aid award.

“I received my CARES Act money transfer late last week,” said HCC student Jennifer Lagoy, who is majoring in foundations of health. “It was a great surprise, very much appreciated with the holidays upon us and needing to buy some last-minute gifts and pay my home heating bill.”

This is the fourth semester in a row that HCC has provided pandemic-relief funds directly to students. The federal CARES (Conavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act provides funding to students to offset the expenses they might have incurred when colleges switched from face-to-face to remote learning. That could mean having to buy a computer, buying or upgrading internet access, or paying increased utility costs from being home, among other expenses.

“HCC has received a total of about $10.6 million from federal and state allocations designated directly for student relief during the pandemic,” said Narayan Sampath, HCC’s vice president of Administration and Finance. “With the holidays around the corner, we wanted to provide some more relief to students who continue to face numerous challenges because of the pandemic.”

Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Receives $5 Million for Food-distribution Center

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — On Monday, state Sen. Eric Lesser was joined by Chicopee Mayor John Vieau, members of Chicopee’s legislative delegation, and Andrew Morehouse, executive director of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, to announce $5 million in funding secured to build a food-distribution center and headquarters in the city of Chicopee. Lesser acted as lead sponsor in the Senate, securing this state funding in the ARPA spending bill signed into law on Dec. 13.

“The Food Bank of Western Mass. provides vital services to those in need in our region. With this funding, we have put them in striking distance of their new building capital campaign, which will be located at the heart of the need,” Lesser said. “There has never been a time where the work of the Food Bank has been more important, and we remain committed to working with them to address food insecurity in Western Mass. until it exists no more.”

Morehouse expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Food Bank’s board of directors and employees, as well as households across the four counties of Western Mass. who struggle to put food on the table.

“This tremendous investment in the Food Bank’s future food-distribution center and headquarters in Chicopee will enable us to carry out our mission for decades to come,” he said. “I would like to thank Senator Lesser for leading the charge with his fellow Chicopee state legislators and for the support of the entire Western Massachusetts legislative delegation and Governor Baker. Together, this public-private partnership will achieve our vision of a Western Massachusetts where no one goes hungry and everyone has access to healthy food.”

State Sen. John Velis called the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts “a force multiplier. It is a gift that keeps on giving for so many people over and over again, fulfilling so many needs.”

State Sen. Adam Gomez added that “it has been an extraordinary privilege to work on issues like food insecurity. Five million dollars is an extraordinary amount of money to be able to complete this project, and I am happy to be a part of it.”

Behavioral Health Network Receives $125,000 Donation Commitment from PeoplesBank

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Behavioral Health Network Inc. (BHN) announced it has received a $25,000 donation from PeoplesBank to benefit the Katherine B. Wilson Staff Excellence Fund. It is the first installment of a $125,000 commitment over the next five years.

BHN established the Katherine B. Wilson Staff Excellence Fund to support the career and professional development of the organization’s workforce and assist in achieving social-justice objectives. Through community partnerships, valuable in-kind services, and generous donations, BHN seeks to address a variety of staff professional-development opportunities. The fund will provide support for scholarship funds and forgivable loans for staff to further their education at local colleges, along with licensure support.

“BHN made a compelling case that the engagement/skillset of their workforce has an enormous impact on their ‘end users’ – something we know to be true, even in a seemingly different industry such as banking,” said Matthew Bannister, senior vice president, Marketing and Corporate Responsibility at PeoplesBank. “It is the ‘hand up, and not handout’ to these vulnerable populations that hews most closely to our giving philosophy, so we are comfortable that this program will produce those desired results.”

Steve Winn, president and CEO of BHN, added that “we are deeply grateful to PeoplesBank for their generosity and partnership. Through this commitment, PeoplesBank demonstrates understanding of the importance of ensuring high-quality behavioral-health services to the Western Massachusetts community. Supporting BHN’s essential workforce accomplishes that goal.”

Holidays Can Challenge Sobriety

By Contributor
Opinion

Opinion

By Alane Burgess

 

The holidays are a stressful time in some way, shape, or form for everyone. However, for those folks in recovery, this stress can become intensified around festivities and traditions tied to the season and undermine their sobriety.

An individual in recovery invited to a work gathering may ask themselves, “what am I going to do if someone offers me a drink or they offer me a substance? I may feel uncomfortable disclosing to my colleagues and my co-workers or other people that I am in recovery.”

Holiday gatherings with family members can be an emotional minefield of negative memories, bringing up feelings of guilt, shame, and remorse. There is also the potential for an individual in recovery to know they will be with a close family member with an addiction that is untreated. The person in recovery wants to avoid being offered an alcoholic beverage or other type of substance, and this type of encounter could present an especially stressful situation for them.

The question for the pern in recovery becomes, “am I going to be able to say no or be able to help myself prepare for a situation that I know that I may not feel comfortable in from an emotional standpoint?”

I address these situations around holiday sobriety with the individuals I work with in recovery by telling them to continue to focus on their physical and mental health.

Rest, relax, and rejuvenate are three key words to remember about self-care during the frustrations, busyness, and exhaustion of the holidays. I ask people to ask themselves, “am I getting good sleep at night? Am I eating healthy? Am I engaging in exercise?”

I work, too, with people on the ability to say no or to pass on going to a certain celebration or relative’s house. If someone does go to an event, they should have an exit plan so they can leave if things start to get really uncomfortable or they feel their sobriety might be at risk.

Most importantly, holiday sobriety is about staying connected to one’s support system. This may be a close friend or a fellow member in a self-help meeting. It could be a sponsor or a pastor.

Sometimes people get so caught up in the holidays that they skip a support meeting or call to their sponsor. This could be a real trigger for someone to worry about — that they get out of their routine and their pattern of supports that they have for their security relapse planning.

What would I advise someone hosting a celebration or family gathering and inviting someone they know is in recovery?

Make sure there are a lot of choices available in terms of non-alcoholic beverages — many drinks advertised as “non-alcohol” contain some alcohol.

Also, have an open dialogue with the individual who is in recovery and ask them, “what can be done to help you feel safer and more comfortable with your recovery while you are here?”

I really believe in people having as much open dialogue as possible. The person in recovery is the best person to say what is going to be most helpful to them. Sometimes people’s actions are really well-intended, but they may not realize their actions could trigger a relapse.

And I always tell the person in recovery that their recovery and sobriety come first and to be honest with themselves in that approach. I remind them again: if you don’t feel going to any particular celebration or event is safe for you in your recovery this holiday season, it is OK to say no, and it is important as well to remain engaged with your supports — all those things that have helped you stay in your routines.

 

Alane Burgess is a licensed mental-health clinician and director of the Mental Health Association’s BestLife Emotional Health & Wellness Center.

Sen. Lesser, Rep. Williams Announce Funding for Farmers’ Market at Forest Park

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — State Sen. Eric Lesser was joined by state Rep. Bud Williams and Jodi Manning, manager of the Farmers’ Market at Forest Park, to announce $75,000 in funding secured to support staffing, website development, outreach, and education for the Farmers’ Market. Lesser acted as lead sponsor in the Senate, securing this state funding in the ARPA spending bill signed into law last week.

“The Farmers’ Market at Forest Park is a vital resource for a traditionally underserved part of our community,” Lesser said. “This funding will allow the market to continue its mission to combat food insecurity while providing an opportunity for our community to access fresh and healthy food year round at an affordable price — and in a way that incentivizes supporting our local farms.

Williams added that “this pandemic has pulled back the veil for a lot of insecurities within our society, and food insecurity is one of them. I’ve been coming to the Farmers’ Market for over 20 years, and it does what it’s designed to do, fresh produce in food.”

Manning noted that “the role Massachusetts farmers markets play in combating food insecurity is largely unknown. We are extremely grateful to Senator Lesser for recognizing the market’s importance, and for his advocacy. This funding will allow us to improve accessibility of fresh and healthy food to our more vulnerable residents in the community, all while supporting local agriculture.”

Valley Community Development Names Alexis Breiteneicher Executive Director

By
Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — Valley Community Development announced Alexis Breiteneicher has been named executive director.

She comes to Valley after almost eight years at Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA), where she served as director of Development. Before that, she was the Development manager for the Trustees of Reservations and worked for the Melville Charitable Trust in Boston. She also has considerable experience working with nonprofit organizations that support low-income communities, with an emphasis on finding solutions to homelessness.

“We are thrilled that, in Alexis, we have an executive director with local roots and experience and a proven track record in strengthening the economic well-being of our community,” said Madeline Weaver Blanchette, president of the organization’s board of directors. “Our staff and board look forward to working with Alexis as Valley continues to build affordable housing, provide assistance to small businesses, and help people attain and retain home ownership.”

Board President Peter Jessop had been serving as interim executive director prior to Breiteneicher’s hire.

“I am excited to take this next step in my career with an organization so aligned with my beliefs and passions,” Breiteneicher said. “Valley Community Development plays such an important role in expanding opportunities for Valley residents. I look forward to working with an excellent staff and board toward an ever-more equitable, viable, and vibrant local economic ecosystem.”

‘Addressing Conflict in Schools Using Non-violent Strategies’ to Be Presented on Jan. 17

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Western New England University (WNE) School of Law’s Center for Social Justice will present “Addressing Conflict in Schools Using Non-violent Strategies” in conjunction with the Greater Springfield Campaign Nonviolence on Monday, Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. Executive Director of Nonviolent Schools RI Robin Wildman will lead this discussion. Click here to register for this virtual Zoom event.

Wildman has been a senior-level Kingian Nonviolence practitioner and teacher for 20 years and a public-school teacher for 28 years (recently retired). Her current role with Nonviolent Schools RI is a result of her desire to train those who work in the field of education in Kingian Nonviolence so that they can work towards institutionalizing the philosophy and conflict-reconciliation strategies, thus transforming the climate and culture of their schools.

She has conducted workshops, given lectures, and trained hundreds of adults and children in methods to address and reconcile conflict used by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. She is the author of a Kingian Nonviolence curriculum used nationally and internationally, as well as a post-training reflection journal.

Wildman has worked closely for 20 years with her mentor and the honorary board chair of Nonviolent Schools RI, noted civil-rights leader Bernard LaFayette Jr., who worked with King. She believes giving students and school staff the tools to understand and address conflict will significantly reduce school violence in all its forms and lead to a more just environment in which students can thrive and achieve their full potential.

UMass Amherst Research Compares Nutritional Values of Beef, Meat-free Burgers

By
Daily News

AMHERST — In the largest-ever nutritional comparison of beef and alternative burgers available to U.S. consumers, a UMass Amherst analysis found that packaged beef burgers on average contain more calories, protein, fat, and cholesterol — and less sodium and fiber — than imitation and veggie burgers.

On average, veggie burgers contain the least fat, the most carbohydrates, and the most vitamin A and vitamin C, while imitation burgers contain the most sodium, vitamin D, iron, and potassium.

The findings, based on an analysis of 158 products — 89 veggie burgers, 41 conventional burgers, and 28 imitation burgers — were published in the International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition.

Sensory scientist and senior author Alissa Nolden, assistant professor of Food Science at UMass Amherst, said surveys have shown that consumers are very concerned about the nutritional value of meat-free burgers on the market. “In one survey, taste was a huge reason why consumers were adopting changes, but nutrition was also a primary concern. And the top nutritional concern was protein.”

Nolden compiled and analyzed the data with a team of students and co-authors, including then-high-schooler Natalie Goeler-Slough, who had won a Massachusetts Life Sciences Center apprenticeship. Goeler-Slough, a native of Northampton, is now studying at Haverford College in Pennsylvania.

Even as meat-eating increases globally, UMass Amherst food scientists are at the forefront of efforts to develop healthier, better-tasting, and sustainable plant-based foods that mimic fish, milk, cheese, and eggs, as well as meat.

Nolden, as a sensory scientist, focuses on the complexities of creating products to enhance food enjoyment. She noted the huge nutritional variability in the burger products on the market, which is important for consumers to be aware of when substituting beef for non-meat burgers.

“There are tons of options for consumers to try, and they might not be aware of the nutritional differences,” she said. “The goal of this study wasn’t to say one product category is healthier than the other. We wanted to look at the nutrients, which can sometimes become a lower priority during product development because there is a strong focus on making the product taste delicious.”

Consumers who read nutritional labels closely can make better choices about their needs. “If you’re looking to reduce your overall calories, then veggie burgers could be beneficial for some consumers,” Nolden said. “People who are looking to consume veggie burgers don’t need them to taste like meat; they can embrace the flavors and textures of those veggie ingredients. Unlike imitation meat, veggie burgers don’t have to have as much protein as conventional burgers, which was a finding of this study.”

It’s more challenging to develop imitation burgers that are trying to match conventional burgers in their appearance, texture, taste, and amount of protein. “You might think that, because an imitation burger is plant-based, it would be lower in things like saturated fat, when, in fact, in order to make it taste better, they incorporate things like coconut oil,” she noted.

The burger-development industry is the most important target of the study’s findings, which Nolden said can help food scientists identify areas that need nutritional improvement.

The paper concludes, that “these findings can help to inform future work related to determining important nutritional drivers for consumer acceptance and consumption, improving the nutritional content of the alternative product to match conventional products, and informing on the potential nutritional implications of consuming a diet consisting of sustainable or plant-based products.”

BusinessTalk with Dr. Robert Roose, chief medical officer for Mercy Medical Center

By
Business Talk Podcast Special Coverage

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

Episode 93: December 20, 2021

George Interviews Dr. Robert Roose, chief medical officer for Mercy Medical Center

Dr. Robert Roose

BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien has a lively, wide-ranging discussion with Dr. Robert Roose, chief medical officer for Mercy Medical Center.  The two talk about everything from the state of the pandemic and the arrival of the Omicron variant, to the immense challenges facing hospitals today, to the ongoing workforce crisis and the many ways it is impacting this important sector of the economy.  It’s a compelling discussion and must listening, so join us on BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest in partnership with Living Local.

 

Sponsored by:

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SSO Begins Search for New Interim Director as John Anz Accepts New Position

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) board announced that interim Executive Director John Anz, who formerly served as Development director, will be accepting another position outside of the SSO. Concurrently, the board has begun the process of identifying and hiring a new interim leader for the organization. The SSO management committee will serve as the committee to conduct the search process.

Tony Falcetti, in his role as committee chair, noted that “the SSO management committee has been tasked with the responsibility to organize a search for a new interim leader for the organization during this period of transition. While the SSO remains at a crossroads due to the absence of a labor agreement with the musicians’ union, we believe it is in the best interest for the future health of the organization to identify new interim leadership, and that process has already begun.”

Falcetti said there was no timetable for the search process. The board is also hopeful that a new labor agreement can be reached so that planning for a sustainable future for SSO can be charted.

Anz said the announcement about his new position will be shared at a later date in order to allow the hiring organization to inform internal staff and related constituencies.

“John served the Springfield Symphony Orchestra admirably as Development director, and we are particularly grateful for the leadership he provided in the interim executive director position, which was difficult given the current stalemate with the union,” Falcetti said. “We wish him well in his new endeavor and are thankful for all of his efforts on behalf of the organization.”

Anz added that “it has been my great pleasure and privilege to be a part of this important cultural partner in our community these past few years. Despite the many recent challenges we have faced, I have complete confidence in the current leadership of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. I look forward to the SSO’s triumphant return to the concert stage and continuing to be a patron and supporter now and in the years to come.”

Massachusetts Unemployment Ticks Up Slightly in November

By
Daily News

BOSTON — The state’s November total unemployment rate increased by one-tenth of a percentage point to 5.4%, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) preliminary job estimates indicate Massachusetts gained 16,800 jobs in November. This follows last month’s revised gain of 26,400 jobs. The largest over-the-month private-sector job gains were in leisure and hospitality; professional, scientific, and business services; and educational and health services. Since the employment trough in April 2020, Massachusetts has gained 519,500 jobs.

From November 2020 to November 2021, BLS estimates Massachusetts gained 196,000 jobs. The largest over-the-year gains occurred in leisure and hospitality; professional, scientific, and business services; and education and health services.

The November unemployment rate was 1.2% above the national rate of 4.2% reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The labor force increased by 14,100 from 3,726,300 in October, as 8,200 more residents were employed, and 5,900 more residents were unemployed over the month.

Over the year, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was down by 3.0%.

The state’s labor-force participation rate — the total number of residents 16 or older who worked or were unemployed and actively sought work in the last four weeks — was up three-tenths of a percentage point at 66.3%. Compared to November 2020, the labor-force participation rate is up 0.4%.

WNE’s Steven Li to Lead IEEE Reliability Society 2022 Slate of Officers

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Zhaojun ‘Steven’ Li of the Western New England University (WNE) College of Engineering has been elected to serve as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Reliability Society’s 2022 president. Election results were announced in early December.

Li is an associate professor with the Department of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management at WNE. He currently serves on the editorial board for IEEE Transactions on Reliability and is the lead editor of IEEE Access Reliability Society Section. He served as the vice president for publications of the IEEE Reliability Society in 2019 and has been the treasurer since 2020. He also served as a board member of the IISE Quality Control and Reliability Engineering Division. He is an ASQ-certified reliability engineer and Caterpillar Six Sigma Black Belt. His research interests include data analytics, applied statistics, operations research, and reliability engineering. He is a senior member of IEEE and IISE.

Li was named Engineer of the Year by IEEE Reliability Society in 2020. He received his PhD in industrial engineering from the University of Washington.

Established in 1884, the IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. The IEEE Reliability Society promotes recognition of the reliability profession, develops and disseminates reliability best practices, and is a resource for collaboration among reliability professionals.

“I am very honored and humbled to be elected as the president of the IEEE Reliability Society,” Li said. “I will be listening to our members’ voices and to enhance the membership benefits in multiple dimensions, such as active member engagement, publications, new technical activities, and other initiatives. I look forward to serving our community in this new role and working together to embrace growth and excellence.”

Registration Open for Wintersession Classes at HCC

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Registration is open for Wintersession classes at Holyoke Community College (HCC), offering new and returning students — as well as students from other colleges home on holiday break — the opportunity to earn a semester’s worth of credits for one class in just 10 days.

HCC’s two-week Wintersession term begins Monday, Jan. 3, and runs until Friday, Jan. 14. The registration deadline for Wintersession classes is Dec. 31.

Students can earn up to four credits by taking Wintersession classes in a wide variety of academic areas: anthropology, communication, criminal justice, economics, engineering, environmental science, geography, law, management, marketing, mathematics, radiology, social science, and sociology. Courses are being offered both on campus and online.

“Wintersession at HCC is a great way for students to pick up a bunch of academic credits in a short amount of time, to complete a prerequisite for another course or just lighten their spring course load,” said Mark Hudgik, HCC’s director of Admissions.

Starting Jan. 3, students must be vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend classes on campus. Students must submit proof of their vaccination status before being allowed to register for on-campus classes. Students who plan to register only for online or remote classes do not have to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Registration is also open at HCC for spring 2022 classes. Full-semester classes begin Monday, Jan. 24, with additional Flex Start dates on Feb. 14 (Spring Start II) and March 28 (Spring Start III).

Full-term spring classes run for 14 weeks. Spring Start II classes run for 12 weeks, and Spring Start III classes run for seven weeks.

To enroll for a Wintersession class, visit hcc.edu/wintersession. To enroll for spring 2022, visit hcc.edu/admissions.

Bova, Harrington & Associates Joins Whittlesey

By
Daily News

HARTFORD, Conn. — Whittlesey, one of New England’s largest accounting, advisory, and technology firms, announced that Bova, Harrington & Associates has joined the firm effective Dec. 3. The merger expands Whittlesey’s footprint in Western Mass.

“Our shared values and common industries, services, and culture will bring outstanding value to our clients and community,” said Drew Andrews, Whittlesey’s CEO and managing partner. “The addition of Bova, Harrington & Associates will reinforce our growth strategy and extend our region’s reach. Together, we look forward to expanding our New England presence and new partnership.”

Bova, Harrington & Associates is a full-service CPA firm that provides tax, assurance, and business-advisory services.

“Joining the Whittlesey team is a perfect blend of common values and a commitment to the highest standards of client service,” said Joe Bova and Steve Harrington of Bova, Harrington & Associates. “Whittlesey’s extensive resources offer an opportunity to greatly expand our offerings to serve our clients better and create opportunities for our team. We are excited about our next chapter.”

Springfield YPS, Advertising Club to Host Annual Membership Event

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — The Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield (YPS) and the Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts will host an annual Mix & Mingle membership event to support young professionals and encourage them to become more involved and invested in their local communities.

The Mix & Mingle membership event will take place on Thursday, Jan. 20 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Paper City Bar & Grill, 241 Whiting Farms Road, Holyoke. Members can register for the event by clicking here.

The Springfield YPS is an organization built to exchange ideas, share common interests, and cultivate its membership to serve as the Pioneer Valley’s leaders of tomorrow. YPS aims to engage the younger demographic in distinct areas such as business and career development, networking, cultural involvement, community involvement, educational opportunities, volunteerism, recreational and social activities, and more.

The Ad Club of Western Massachusetts is the premier organization for all marketing and communications professionals in Western Mass. and Northern Connecticut. The club offers its members the ability to advance and enrich the advertising community by acting as a catalyst for idea exchange, professional development, and creative energy.

“I am thrilled to be partnering up with Springfield YPS to bring together the area professionals and creative community,” said Kelly McGiverin, multi-platform senior account executive at the Ad Club of Western Massachusetts. “I believe in the mission behind both organizations and am looking forward to growing awareness of both.”

HCC Foundation Welcomes New Board Members

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — HCC Foundation Inc., the nonprofit fundraising arm of Holyoke Community College, has added four new members to its board of directors, including three alumni.

Wendy Fox (’16)  is director of Curriculum Development for Onramp Invest, a crypto-asset management company. A graduate of HCC and the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst, Fox worked with the UMass Foundation board and UMass alumni board as an administrative fellow for corporate engagement at the university.

Maura Greaney (’93) is director of Philanthropy, Development Communications, and Special Events for the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy. Greaney has an extensive background in nonprofit fundraising, grant writing, event planning, and development. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Mount Holyoke College and a master’s degree from UMass Boston.

Erin Godfrey is director of Odyssey House, a program of Viability, a Holyoke nonprofit that supports individuals with disabilities and other societal advantages. She is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College whose husband, Chris Godfrey, attended HCC through the support of the college’s veterans programs, and both were involved with the HCC Military Club while he was a student.

Camille Theriaque (’12) is a licensed clinical social worker with MiraVista Behavioral Health Center in Holyoke. As a student at HCC searching for a second career, Theriaque, a retired Holyoke firefighter, received a 29 Who Shine award from the state Department of Higher Education as well as a prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Mount Holyoke College and a master’s degree at Smith College.

“HCC gave me back my life with a purpose, lifelong friends, and renewed my love of learning,” Theriaque said in her board application. “I truly loved my time there and want to give back to the college that gave me so much more than an education.”

The foundation board approved the appointment of the new directors to three-year terms at its annual meeting on Dec. 7.

“We are delighted to have Wendy, Maura, Erin, and Camille join the board,” said Amanda Sbriscia, HCC’s vice president of Institutional Advancement and executive director of the HCC Foundation. “They have a passion for our mission and bring a rich and diverse wealth of professional experience as well as intrinsic understanding of our students.”

The HCC Foundation has total net assets of $21.4 million and an endowment of $15 million, the largest of all 15 community colleges in Massachusetts, thanks in large part to more than 170 endowed scholarships established by alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the college.

Sean Rogers Named Managing Director of Care Coordinate, LLC

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Daily News

MASSACHUSETTS — Care Coordinate, a statewide network that provides access to high-quality and cost-effective home- and community-based services, of which LifePath is a partner, named Sean Rogers its managing director.

A senior-level executive with extensive home-care and community-based experience, Rogers most recently served as vice president of Strategy and Development at Amedisys, a leading provider of in-home healthcare for older adults. Additionally, he has held state government leadership positions at the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, where he served as director of Operations, and with the Department of Mental Health as director of Budget and Core Services for the metro-suburban region.

In this new position, Rogers will leverage the strength of Care Coordinate’s network of aging-services access points (ASAPs) to offer a single, statewide entity for insurance plans, accountable-care organizations, and other providers and payers to manage and administer long-term services and supports that drive quality care and improved outcomes for its partners. Services offered include in-home case management, care transitions, provider-network management, third-party billing and claim operations, and consultative solutions.

“Sean has the technical, operational, and programmatic expertise to lead this newly formed LLC,” said Allan Ouimet, executive director of Highland Valley Elder Services Inc., and president of Care Coordinate’s board of directors. “I am confident that his extensive knowledge of healthcare and home care will aid in the development of strategic alliances and contractual efficiencies to better serve the medical and insurance industry in Massachusetts. This will ultimately lead to better care and quality outcomes for older adults who wish to remain in their own home and community.”

Barbara Bodzin, executive director of LifePath, added that “Sean is an exceptionally thoughtful and skilled leader, with the requisite knowledge and navigational insights to advance the goals of Care Coordinate. I have full confidence in his ability to expand our partnerships and bolster the impact of the ASAP network through the delivery of high-quality, long-term support services vitally needed across the state.”

Rogers received his education and training in human-resource management, financial systems, administration, and leadership from the U.S. Coast Guard. He is currently on the board of directors of the Home Care Aide Council and serves as president of the board of the Home Care Aide Foundation.

“I am excited to work with the exceptional leadership team of Care Coordinate’s board of directors and to lead the organization in the delivery of efficient, effective, and high-quality community-based care,” Rogers said. “I am looking forward to leveraging the decades-long expertise of the ASAP network and will work to further expand the value it has brought to the long-term services and supports community.”

Ludlow Mills Among Projects to Receive State Funding from Site Readiness Awards

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Daily News

LUDLOW — On Tuesday, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy, and MassDevelopment President and CEO Dan Rivera were joined by state and local officials and representatives from Westmass Area Development Corp. to announce $2,834,850 in funding to nine projects — including Ludlow Mills, the only Western Mass. project of the nine — in the sixth round of Site Readiness Program awards.

The Site Readiness Program is part of the Community One Stop for Growth, a single application portal and collaborative review process for grant programs launched in January to make targeted investments based on a development continuum. The program was established to help municipalities, private-sector businesses, and nonprofit economic-development entities advance prime sites for large-scale industrial and commercial use. The funding will be used for a variety of pre-development work, including planning studies, feasibility studies, master planning, environmental work, strategic land acquisition, and site improvements, increasing the development potential of nearly 665 acres across the Commonwealth.

In this round, Westmass Area Development Corp. is receiving $650,000 that will fund the design of a new access road, new water and sewer infrastructure, survey work, and parking areas as part of plans to redevelop the 130-acre Ludlow Mills site at 100 State St.

Also on Tuesday, the Baker-Polio administration celebrated Ludlow’s second One Stop award of $250,000 through the Underutilized Properties Program. The funding, which was also awarded to Westmass Development Corp., will be used for capital improvements to the historic stockhouses also within Ludlow Mills.

“Through the One Stop, our administration can continue helping cities and towns move forward with development projects that are critical to their future economic success,” Gov. Charlie Baker said. “The Site Readiness Program supplies key stakeholders with the financial assistance they need to prepare key sites for revitalization.”

Added Polito, “now in its sixth year, the Site Readiness Program complements other state programs like the Brownfields Redevelopment Fund, MassWorks, and the Underutilized Properties Program that support communities looking to advance their economic-development goals. Cities, towns, and their partners can easily access information about these resources through Community One Stop for Growth, a new simple and streamlined application portal for the Commonwealth’s community-development grant programs.”

Administered by MassDevelopment, the Site Readiness Program aims to boost Massachusetts’ supply of large, well-located, project-ready sites; accelerate private-sector investment in industrial and commercial projects; and support the conversion of abandoned sites and obsolete facilities into clean, actively used, tax-generating properties. Its first five rounds provided nearly $13.6 million for 58 projects in almost every region of the Commonwealth, increasing the development potential of 5,073 acres across Massachusetts. On Jan. 14, the administration signed new economic-development legislation providing $15 million in reauthorizations for the Site Readiness Program.

In One Stop’s inaugural round, the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development received 267 expressions of interest from 178 communities through the new, simplified process. For this year’s awards, 196 grant applications received a total of $88.7 million for projects in 122 communities.

“The Site Readiness Program that we included in the economic-development bill is an essential component to getting underutilized properties back to productive use and generating economic growth in our communities,” state Sen. Eric Lesser said. “The Ludlow Mills is an excellent example of what is possible with smart state investment that can catalyze broader transformations across our Commonwealth.”

Ludlow Select Board Chair William Rosenblum noted that “the town of Ludlow looks forward to our continued relationship with Westmass Area Development. We welcome the opportunity to revitalize the Ludlow Mills in a manner that will benefit the taxpayers of Ludlow.”

Westmass President and CEO Jeff Daley added that “Westmass is grateful for programs like Site Readiness, as this allows us to unlock the capabilities of projects that will have a long-term, positive impact on the Ludlow Mills, Ludlow, and the Commonwealth,” and that “these dollars are the first step at redeveloping the largest brownfield project in New England.”

Girls Inc. of the Valley Receives $1 Million Pledge

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — Girls Inc. of the Valley has received a generous $1 million gift from the Elaine Nicpon Marieb Charitable Foundation in support of its Eureka! program and as part of the Girls Inc. of the Valley campaign, “Her Future, Our Future.” This $1 million commitment will provide approximately two-thirds of the total cost of Eureka! programming over the next five years.

The next five years are important for Eureka! because the program will be taken from its pilot status into a full-fledged model with strong longitudinal outcome data and long-term professional evaluation. With this data and evaluation, the program will have opportunities to attract national-level institutional support, including through the national Girls Inc. network and Girls Inc. of the Valley’s Eureka! partner, UMass Amherst.

In order to continue to build opportunities for girls in the region, Girls Inc. is conducting its first major capital campaign. The “Her Future, Our Future” campaign is a bold initiative designed to significantly increase tangible opportunities for girls to develop confidence and interest in achieving academic and personal success. With STEM careers from nursing to engineering to lab sciences to computer programming playing an ever-more important role in the workforce, Eureka! provides a major opportunity to open up those career pathways to more than 120 girls per year and to position those girls for success in gaining access to higher education. Overall, “Her Future, Our Future” will support significant expansion at Girls Inc., to the point that it will serve approximately 5% of all girls in the Holyoke, Springfield, and Chicopee public-school systems.

The campaign seeks to raise $5 million to accomplish three critical strategic goals: building a permanent home in downtown Holyoke; expanding school-based programming in Holyoke, Chicopee, and Springfield; and advancing and sustaining Eureka! by securing the program and solidifying its role as an important regional pipeline to higher education and STEM careers.

“The Elaine Nicpon Marieb Foundation’s investment in Girls Inc. and Eureka! is truly indicative of their commitment to creating tangible pathways to brighter futures for girls,” said Suzanne Parker, executive director of Girls Inc. of the Valley. “Their dedicated support of our Eureka! program, which encourages girls to explore opportunities in STEM and higher education, aligns with that priority. We are so grateful to the foundation’s trustees for their partnership, their generosity, and their belief in the work that we do at Girls Inc. of the Valley. This is a transformational commitment for us and an anchor gift to the ‘Her Future, Our Future’ campaign.”

Berkshire Health Systems Board of Trustees Names New President and CEO

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Daily News

PITTSFIELD — The Berkshire Health Systems board of trustees announced that a leadership transition will take place at BHS early in the new year. The 20-member board unanimously voted to appoint Darlene Rodowicz as the next president and CEO, following the announcement of current CEO David Phelps’s departure.

“When Dave shared his intention to retire with the board several years ago, we asked that he participate in a thorough succession-planning process,” explained Bart Raser, chair of the BHS board of trustees, adding that the board did, indeed, engage in a multi-year succession-planning process designed to ensure a smooth leadership transition and support the strategic advancement of BHS.

“We wanted to guarantee that all health-system leadership roles were staffed with skilled executives and that the board would have a viable internal candidate to consider as a potential successor,” Raser added. “After carefully coordinating the process and weighing all possible options, the board is thrilled to appoint Darlene as the next CEO of Berkshire Health Systems, and, notably, the first female CEO in the organization’s history.”

Raser praised Rodowicz as a strong leader with more than 30 years of experience in healthcare, a deep knowledge of the Berkshire community, and a sterling reputation among government leaders and healthcare colleagues across the Commonwealth. He particularly highlighted her leadership in orchestrating BHS’s successful pandemic response over the past two years.

“Darlene has demonstrated excellence, effectiveness, and grace under fire throughout the past two years in the battle against COVID-19. Berkshire County will be lucky to have her at the helm to face any new challenges that the pandemic and the healthcare industry may send our way,” Raser said.

Phelps agreed. “From working side by side for years, I know that Darlene is uniquely qualified for this position, and I couldn’t be happier that she will be taking on this new role,” he said.

Rodowicz expressed her appreciation to Phelps for maintaining high standards for integrity, dedication, and excellence throughout his career at BHS.

“Our organization has enjoyed great success under Dave’s leadership. To be able to build upon all we’ve done together for decades is a tremendous opportunity,” she said. “I am grateful that I will be able to partner with our extraordinary team of providers and healthcare professionals, who are the heart and soul of BHS. Caring for every person in our community is the reason why we all are here, and, as a Berkshire native, I can’t think of a greater honor.”

Rodowicz joined BHS in 1984 and served in various positions of increasing responsibility, including as chief financial officer from 2005 to 2020, when she was appointed executive vice president. Rodowicz holds an MBA from Western New England College and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from UMass Amherst.

Community Foundation Announces Promotion, New Appointments

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts (CFWM) announced the promotion of Colleen Kucinski to director of Education Impact and Partnerships, and the appointments of Meredith Lewis as director of Community Impact and Partnerships and Bandhana Sinha as business analyst.

Kucinski, who celebrated her sixth anniversary at CFWM in September, will now direct post-secondary programs, Western Mass Completes, and other initiatives, including a forthcoming focus on supporting a strong start for all children. Prior to administering CFWM’s $2 million scholarship and interest-free loan program as a senior program officer at the foundation, Kucinski spent more than 20 years working directly with students at area colleges, including Greenfield Community College, where she served as director of Career Services and later as director of Admission. She earned a master of education degree at Springfield College.

In her new role, Lewis has oversight of all aspects of community investments, including the design, implementation, and monitoring of grant-making activities to direct the foundation’s community-impact goals. She previously served as director of Content, Education, and Family Experience for PJ Library, a global literacy program, as well as in a variety of roles, including managing editor and chief operating officer, at 70 Faces Media. She received her master of public administration degree and a master’s degree in Hebrew and Judaic studies from New York University, and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University.

In a newly developed position, Sinha is responsible for leveraging technology and data to drive productivity and innovation. In recent work, she served as an IT business analyst for Equinix and a business initiatives consultant for Wells Fargo in the San Francisco Bay area. Sinha received her post-graduate diploma in management from New Delhi Institute of Management and her bachelor’s degree in business management from Bangalore University.

City Tire Donates $20,000 to Baystate Children’s Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — A three-state fundraising effort and matching company contribution by City Tire and Auto Centers has netted Baystate Children’s Hospital and Shriners Hospitals for Children – Springfield donations of $10,000 each. The company raised the funds through contributions on specific auto services for the past six months and announced the contributions in time for the holiday giving season.

“Our customers responded and agreed with our perception that all it takes is to talk to someone who has had a child treated by these hospitals, and you realize the importance of their work,” said Peter Greenberg, president of City Tire and Auto Centers.

Dr. Charlotte Boney, pediatrician-in-chief at Baystate Children’s Hospital, underscored the importance of such contributions. “When you make a donation to Baystate Children’s Hospital, you are not just writing us a check, you’re taking care of children in your community. We couldn’t do this without our partners like City Tire and other donors that really make it possible for us to have state-of-the-art equipment and important programs like child life and palliative care.”

Stacey Perlmutter, director of Development at Shriners Hospitals for Children – Springfield, thanked City Tire and Auto Centers for its contribution and explained how the support would benefit the children. “Shriners Hospitals for Children in Springfield is so grateful for City Tire and the community for their generosity. Their support will help us provide life-changing, quality care to patients regardless of their ability to pay. We could not do what we do without them.”

Governor Signs $4 Billion Federal COVID-19 Relief Funding Spending Bill

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Daily News

BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker signed a $4 billion spending plan on Monday to support continued recovery across key priority areas, making substantial investments in housing and home ownership, healthcare, workforce development, premium pay for essential workers, and infrastructure. The funding, first proposed by the Baker-Polito administration in June, will put to work a portion of the Commonwealth’s direct federal aid from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

“The pandemic has had a significant impact on Massachusetts workers, families, communities, and businesses for nearly two years, and today’s signing directs billions of dollars in relief toward those hardest hit across the Commonwealth,” Baker said. “While this package falls far short of the investment I called for to address the housing shortage, the important investments included in this bill will help to accelerate Massachusetts’ economic recovery and provide long-lasting benefits to infrastructure, healthcare, education systems, and small businesses.”

The bill authorizes up to $2.55 billion in spending from the $5.29 billion ARPA Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Funds provided to Massachusetts in May. This direct federal aid is intended to support urgent COVID-19 response efforts, replace lost revenue, support immediate economic stabilization for households and businesses, and address unequal public health and economic challenges in Massachusetts cities and towns. After accounting for spending in this bill and previously announced commitments, approximately $2.3 billion of the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Funds will remain to be further appropriated.

“The Commonwealth has worked diligently over the past two years to deploy billions worth of federal support to strengthen our economic recovery, support those in disproportionately impacted communities, and get people back to work,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Michael Heffernan. “We appreciate the collaboration of our colleagues in the Legislature on this bill to invest in healthcare, housing, and the Massachusetts workforce and look forward to even more critical investments in 2022 with the remaining ARPA funds.”

Coupled with the authorized ARPA dollars, $1.45 billion in spending is appropriated from the Transitional Escrow Fund, made up of state fiscal year 2021 surplus funds. The bill assigns the secretary of Administration and Finance the responsibility of matching expenditures to the most appropriate funding source, which provides important flexibility in recognition of the significant federal rules and regulations associated with federal funds.

Highlights of the plan include:

Housing

• $150 million to finance the statewide production of housing for various populations, including seniors and veterans;

• $150 million for public housing maintenance;

• $115 million for rental housing production and to provide increased housing options to residents of disproportionately impacted communities;

• $115 million to support housing production in disproportionately impacted communities through MassHousing’s CommonWealth Builder Program and similar efforts; and

• $65 million to support expanded home-ownership opportunities, focused on first-time home buyers who are residents of disproportionately impacted communities.

Healthcare

• $400 million for addiction treatment and related behavioral-health services, workforce, and infrastructure;

• $260 million for fiscally stressed hospitals in disproportionately impacted municipalities;

• $200 million for local and regional public health, including local boards of health staffing, technology, and training;

• $50 million for workforce retention and capital improvements at nursing facilities and $30 million to support loan repayment, retention, and recruitment programs for human-service workers; and

• $37.5 million for grants to reduce juvenile delinquency, youth homelessness, and summer jobs.

Workforce Development

• $500 million to support the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund;

• $500 million for premium pay for low-income essential workers;

• $107.5 million for workforce and career technical skills training; and

• $24.5 million for workforce development and capital grants to YMCAs and Boys & Girls Clubs.

Economic Development

• $135 million to support cultural facilities and tourism assets throughout Massachusetts; and

• $75 million for grants to small businesses, $50 million of which will go to businesses reaching underserved markets and minority, women, and veteran owned businesses; and $25 million reserved for small businesses that did not qualify for prior programs.

Infrastructure Investment

• $100 million to fund grants for water and sewer infrastructure improvements;

• $100 million to improve culverts, dams, and other environmental infrastructure;

• $90 million for marine port development;

• $50 million to close the digital divide and increase broadband internet access;

• $44.8 million for food security; and

• $25 million for greening gateway cities.

Education

• $105 million for a variety of education supports, including recovery grants to state universities and community colleges, workforce support for special-education schools, and support for recruiting educators of color;

• $100 million for public school-district HVAC grants; and

• $100 million for capital grants to vocational high schools and career technical education programs.

Berkshire Health Systems President and CEO Retiring After More Than 30 Years

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Daily News

PITTSFIELD — David Phelps, president and CEO of Berkshire Health Systems (BHS), the region’s largest employer, announced that he will leave BHS in early 2022, concluding a 31-year career of service to the local community, with 28 as the system’s chief executive.

“After engaging in thoughtful succession planning with the BHS board of trustees for the past three years and with the confidence that we now have a full complement of experienced executive leaders in place at BHS, I know that now is the right time is right for making this transition,” Phelps said.

Bart Raser, chair of the BHS board of trustees, spoke on behalf of the organization in response to Phelps’s announcement, noting that “ensuring an orderly leadership transition has been incredibly important to Dave and board members alike. We are sincerely grateful to Dave for working with us to facilitate a smooth process for his departure and are pleased that we will be able to share more about the appointment of a new CEO for Berkshire Health Systems later this week.

“Today, we would like to recognize and celebrate Dave’s tremendous accomplishments at BHS over more than 30 years,” Raser went on. “The scale of the transformation that Dave has achieved at our organization is a testament to his selfless leadership, his bright vision, and his tireless advocacy for the people of the Berkshires. There is no way to adequately thank him for all he has done to care for Berkshire County.”

Raser highlighted key successes from Phelps’s distinguished career as CEO, including rehabilitating the financial resources of the once-troubled health system, implementing substantial technological and facility improvements such as the Crane Center for Ambulatory Surgery and the BMC Cancer Center, building BHS’s affiliated long-term-care company, developing important clinical partnerships like Berkshire Medical Center’s membership in the Dana-Farber Cancer Care Collaborative, and cultivating important relationships with local and state leaders that elevated the status and reputation of Berkshire Health Systems across the Commonwealth.

“Continually developing new opportunities to care for the people of Berkshire County alongside our exceptional providers and staff at BHS has been the honor of a lifetime,” Phelps said. “I am incredibly proud of our entire organization’s commitment to service, compassion, and excellence in patient care, and I am grateful to my colleagues and my community for having entrusted me with protecting, cultivating, and advancing the BHS mission for the past 28 years.”

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