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Month: March 2022

IT Firms Help Clients Navigate an Increasingly Complex Landscape

By
Technology

All Systems Go

 

 

One of the surprises of the pandemic’s early days was how quickly companies of all kinds were able to move their workers to remote, home-based setups. Much of the credit for that goes to the IT teams who helped them achieve that transition quickly. It’s just one way IT firms help clients navigate changes in technology, defend against constantly evolving cyberthreats, and make regular assessments of what a business needs to be efficient and effective.

 

 

It can start with a cyber breach. Or questions from an insurance company. Or a business simply realizing it needs a hand with its technology.

“Different clients call for different assessments,” said Joel Mollison, president of Northeast IT in West Springfield. “They might say, ‘we don’t know where we are with our technology,’ or maybe they have an outsourced IT department, but they’re having an ongoing issue, which triggers a call. ‘What are we doing right, what are we doing wrong?’ They want a second set of eyes on something.”

What they often find, he added, is “they don’t know what they don’t know,” and the conversation turns to this: what is the desired IT outcome?

“Every client is obviously unique,” Mollison said. “We want to work with them and understand how their business operates. We’re just an extension of their business. Our solutions need to be in line with their technology and business goals. So normally, when we work with a new business, we assess what they have currently and discuss what kind of issues they may be having or sticking points — maybe they’re not able to conduct business as fast as they would like, or their technology doesn’t work for them.”

“We’re just an extension of their business. Our solutions need to be in line with their technology and business goals.”

Or, these days, they have questions about maintaining and securing remote-work connections. Whatever the case, the high-tech side of the business world isn’t getting less complicated, highlighting the role that IT firms play for their clients.

“The goal for us is to act like your internal IT department,” said Jeremiah Beaudry, president of Bloo Solutions in Chicopee, and that means learning the ins and outs of a client’s business and how it uses hardware and software, so Bloo can make holistic recommendations about its technology needs.

Jeremiah Beaudry

Jeremiah Beaudry says his goal is to act like a client’s internal IT department, in every facet that may entail.

“Every business is different, and their needs are different. They all serve their clients differently,” Beaudry added. “Not every solution is right for every business, so one-size-fits-all packages don’t really work. We also want to know what tools you’re using now: are there redundancies that overlap, or are there other tools that are more unified and give you a more collaborative, one-pane-of-glass solution?”

Sean Hogan, president of Hogan Technology in Easthampton, recently published a blog post citing a report that worldwide IT spending is projected to total $4.5 trillion in 2022, an increase of 5.5% from 2021.

“This is a monumental amount of growth which can likely be attributed to employers embracing work-from-home or hybrid-work environments, security concerns over cybersecurity breaches, and the world’s desire to utilize cloud technology,” he wrote. “For small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs), this means that they will have more access to enterprise-level technology solutions, which will empower them to drive productivity and increase their bottom line, if they position themselves properly.”

 

Serve and Protect

It all starts with the basics, Beaudry said, with security topping the list.

“What data do you have now? How are you securing data to keep it out of bad actors’ hands, while making it easy for employees to access it? Balancing access with security is the hardest part.”

For example, people may dislike retyping a password every time they wake their computer up from screen-saver mode, but there’s a reason for that vigilance. And because passwords need to be complex — and people generally use a lot of them — he stresses the use of a password vault. “We’re getting people to adopt them instead of leaving Post-It notes all over their desk, which is a pretty huge fail.”

Bloo is putting more emphasis on end-user access in general, he went on — teaching people how to spot phishing attempts and e-mails from bad actors, and knowing what files are safe to open and download, and which aren’t. “That was important before the pandemic, but once people started working remotely, it added on variables to the mix.”

Mollison said a lot of IT security-tightening measures are being driven by the insurance industry.

“They’ve clamped down on organizations, requiring you to fill out a lengthy statement of your current security. That’s a big thing that’s happening, so there’s been a lot of discussion around that. A lot of times, folks come to us — they get that questionnaire and don’t even know how to answer it. They have an internal IT person, but it’s not their day job, just a hat they wear. So a lot of times, they come to us to make sure their business insurance is going to cover them. Actually, I’ve heard from a few firms that are paying an additional premium because they don’t have basic security pieces in place.”

Besides security and maintaining the network, Northeast also works with clients on replacement cycles for hardware and technology updates. “When Windows 7 went away in January 2020, all our clients knew about it well in advance, and had years to prepare for it and make changes. Those are the types of things we’re continuously doing to put clients in the best position in regard to technology and compliance.”

All of this has become increasingly difficult for businesses to handle in house, he added. “There are so many pitfalls, so much change. It takes a team of experts who understand the technology, the security levels, who understand all the concepts and how they relate to a particular organization.”

Joel Mollison

Joel Mollison says helping clients navigate cybersecurity is part technology, part behavior training.

Some services deal with the human side of IT and cybersecurity, Mollison noted.

“We’ve done training sessions with clients to go over common phishing techniques and what to look for to distinguish whether an e-mail is credible or not. Obviously, we promote spam filters and other security measures, but we’ll still do a phishing campaign and training videos, making sure our end users are keeping up with what they may see in the real world. Even spam-filtering technologies are not foolproof — things still get through.”

Small businesses shouldn’t assume they’re not targets, Hogan wrote — quite the contrary, actually. “For most small businesses, their IT defense strategy is to simply hope they aren’t a target; however, as larger enterprises increase their spending and become tougher to break into, unprepared SMBs will unfortunately become an ideal target.”

Sean Hogan

Sean Hogan

“All of this increased IT spending is reflective of a world that is accelerating its migration into a fully digital world, when we thought things were already moving in that direction as fast as they could.”

Mollison said Northeast doesn’t conduct free assessments with potential clients because he wants companies to be committed to the process.

“We want to develop a relationship with an organization and be their outsourced IT department and provide these types of services and help them grow, and that starts with being invested in participating in their assessment,” he told BusinessWest. “I’ve seen a lot of boilerplate, free assessments from other IT firms, and there’s not much to it, and they don’t do much for the clients.”

 

From a Distance

The shift to remote work over the past two years kept IT firms busy, but the ease of transition varied, Beaudry said.

“Working remotely is so different for each business; some clients just use Microsoft Word and Office docs, and working remotely is a pretty easy-to-accomplish task, versus some companies, which have a line of business applications and complex software, and you have to set up secure, virtual private networks to allow employees to access them.”

Businesses that weren’t already set up to work remotely found challenges early on, but they soon adapted — as the still-ongoing work-from-home revolution has made obvious.

“Most of our clients already had the technological components to work remotely, so it wasn’t a big issue,” Mollison said. “Numerous insurance agencies were remote within 48 hours. It really wasn’t a big deal for most companies — it usually boiled down to licensing and multiple security steps and VPNs.”

Whether at a business site or remotely, Beaudry said Bloo handles a wide range of IT issues for clients, including supporting the servers, hardware, and software applications; creating file shares; managing the servers; and maintaining security measures and patches.

“It’s a constant process; you have to be vigilant with those things,” he said. “We’re also dealing with end-user issues — ‘oh, my app won’t run,’ or ‘this program is giving me an error.’ It’s a lot of stuff to deal with, and now that this all stuff going remote, it’s evolving — instead of monitoring hardware, we’re having to monitor the dashboards for multiple cloud servers and take a look at 100 or 200 alerts a month; do these alerts all need action? Is it just an informational alert, or is there a pattern of things happening constantly?

“We’re a managed service provider,” he went on, “which means we are proactively doing all these things just as if you had an internal IT department. If the user is constantly pushing the limits of performance of that machine, we can see that on our dashboard.”

Speaking of which, Beaudry makes sure hardware assessments happen on a regular basis, “but we do a good job monitoring these things proactively, so we can avoid too many surprises,” he said, thereby avoiding unexpected downtime and loss of productivity. “Those surprises are what cost you the most money.”

And the bottom line matters, Hogan said, which is why companies of all kinds are investing in IT to boost efficiency and protect their assets.

“IT spending has increased so dramatically because the pandemic forced decision makers to make their organizations more flexible. They’re starting to understand the increased potential that they have to become more efficient with the latest in technology,” he wrote. “All of this increased IT spending is reflective of a world that is accelerating its migration into a fully digital world, when we thought things were already moving in that direction as fast as they could.”

 

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

WNE’s Jessica Marcellino to Speak at Women’s Fund Event on March 31

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Staff Attorney Jessica Marcellino of Western New England University School of Law’s Center for Social Justice will join a panel of local service providers on Thursday, March 31 in a virtual discussion presented by the Women’s Fund. “Wait … What?! International Transgender Day of Visibility” will reveal important and affordable services for trans and gender-diverse communities in Western Mass.

Marcellino is the founder of GAIP, the Gender Affirming Identification Project, which is the newest project of the Center for Social Justice.

“The center is honored to be able to contribute to the LGBTQ+ community in such an essential way,” Marcellino said. “Unfortunately, many in the LGBTQ+ community face significant barriers to obtaining something as fundamental as accurate government identification. The center recognized this need, and that was the impetus behind GAIP.”

The Gender Affirming Identification Project is a pro bono legal program that provides comprehensive guidance to people seeking gender-affirming legal services and assists Massachusetts adult residents seeking gender-affirming changes to their state and federal identification documents. In addition, GAIP is able to assist with non-legal recommendations for gender-affirming-related services, such as access to health insurance or finding a primary-care physician. Outreach and resources are focused on Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties.

Marcellino joined the center in March 2021 and graduated from WNE Law School in 2012 as a public-interest scholar. Her law-school and professional experience has centered on assisting those in need, including positions with CPCS public defenders in the Springfield Superior Court, as a law clerk for the Springfield Housing Authority, and as counsel at a private injury firm in Springfield for seven years prior to joining the center. She currently serves as co-chair of the Access to Justice Commission’s consumer-debt subcommittee. She oversees the Center for Social Justice’s client-facing initiatives and serves as the lead attorney of each of the center’s free legal-services programs.

“We are excited to help those in need, and we have pro bono legal volunteers and attorneys ready to assist,” Marcellino added. The GAIP is made possible by the support of the Gervino-Ward LGBTQ+ annual summer stipend.

Since its launch in 2019, the Center for Social Justice has achieved success in its mission to advance justice through research, education, advocacy, innovation, and public engagement. The center’s pro bono initiatives assist marginalized and underserved, BIPOC, low-income, women, LBGTQ+, and immigrant communities.

Bulkley Richardson Supports Baystate Children’s Hospital’s Youngest Patients

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Throughout the course of a year, the Davis Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Baystate Children’s Hospital cares for more than 800 newborns. These babies are fighters, but they require essential care. Many have come into the world too early; others emerge with medical challenges that need to be addressed in the moments after birth. All of them deserve the best chance for a healthy life.

Bulkley Richardson, a Springfield-based law firm, recently made a $10,000 gift to support that essential care through the purchase of a transcutaneous CO2 monitor. This device provides a non-invasive and efficient way to monitor newborns’ exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide (CO2) when they require a ventilator to assist their breathing. It also allows the team to review and respond to important health details in real time instead of through multiple painful blood draws.

“We are so appreciative of Bulkley Richardson for their generous support of this technology,” said Stephanie Adam, manager of the NICU and Continuing Care Nursery. “For newborns in our care, being able to monitor and respond to changes in a way that does not put them in any discomfort is one more way that we can provide the highest level of compassionate care. This technology is a game changer for our sickest infants.”

With one in 10 families needing the NICU in their lifetime, this type of equipment will be used by many and provide a more comfortable experience for Baystate’s youngest patients.

“We wanted to contribute to the care of our most vulnerable citizens,” said Peter Barry, partner at Bulkley Richardson. “These CO2 monitors provide essential data in a non-invasive manner, eliminating additional pain and discomfort to newborns who may already be struggling. I understand the helplessness of seeing your child or grandchild in distress and hope that our gift will bring some peace of mind to those with children in need of monitoring.”

Anyone who would like to support care for infants in the NICU, can contact the Baystate Health Foundation at (413) 794-5444 or [email protected].

American International College Named to 2022-23 Military Friendly Schools List

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) announced it has earned the 2022-23 Military Friendly School designation.

Institutions earning the Military Friendly School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2022-23 survey, with 665 recognized for going above the standard.

The 2022-23 Military Friendly Schools list will be published in the May and October issue of GI Jobs magazine and can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.

Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the Military Friendly Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher-education and military-recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, persistence (degree advancement or transfer), and loan-default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.

“American International College is proud to be recognized as an institution that assists individuals who serve our country,” said Nicolle Cestero, chief operating officer, executive vice president, and chief of staff at AIC. “As an institution that provides access and opportunity in a diverse community, we appreciate the opportunities and experiences provided by the Armed Forces for personal growth and leadership. Recognizing the solid foundation provided by military service, the college offers transfer credits for students’ time in the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard, helping active-duty service members and veterans get a head start on earning their degrees.”

Kayla Lopez, national director of Military Partnerships for Military Friendly, added that “Military Friendly is committed to transparency and providing consistent, data-driven standards in our designation process. Our standards provide a benchmark that promotes positive outcomes and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunity for the military community. This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages colleges to evolve and invest in their programs consistently. Schools who achieve awards designation show true commitment in their efforts, going over and above that standard.”

Greenfield Cooperative Bank Offers Assistance to Homebuyers

By
Daily News

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank has been selected to participate in Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston’s Equity Builder Program, which assists local homebuyers with down-payment and closing costs as well as homebuyer counseling and rehabilitation assistance.

The program provides grants to financial institutions to assist households earning up to 80% of the area median income. Borrowers are eligible to receive up to $22,000 in assistance on a first-come, first-served basis. Buyers must also complete a homebuyer counseling program.

“This grant program is designed to ease some of the challenges associated with a home purchase, particularly in areas where home prices are on the rise. We are pleased to participate to help borrowers become homebuyers, while also supporting the financial stability and vitality of our communities,” said Jane Wolfe, senior vice president of Residential Lending for Greenfield Cooperative Bank.

The bank is eligible to receive up to $220,000 in 2022 through the Equity Builder Program depending on availability of funds. Since 2003, the Equity Builder Program has awarded more than $48.9 million in funds, assisting 4,251 income-eligible households in purchasing a home.

To learn more about applying for assistance, call the Greenfield Cooperative Bank Residential Loan Origination department at (413) 772-5000, ext. 490.

Work Has Changed — Forever

By
Opinion

Editorial

 

Flash back exactly two years ago, to a time when employees of companies across the region — from banks to nonprofits; hospitals to health plans — packed up their computers and whatever else they needed and went home to work.

Initially, we thought two things that never really happened the way we expected. The first was that these workers wouldn’t be gone for long — maybe a few weeks, maybe a few months, depending on how things went. The second was that, just as everyone left en masse, so would everyone return en masse.

Indeed, two years later, many still haven’t returned. And they certainly haven’t returned all at once.

And most importantly, most of those who have returned — and will return in the coming weeks and months — won’t be going to the office five days a week.

Suffice it to say the world of work has changed considerably since COVID-19 entered our lives — and there is simply no way things will go back to the way they were. The genie is out of the bottle, if you will, and there is no getting it back in.

But except for the long-term implications of this new world order on office properties, the restaurants and bars located around them that count these workers as patrons, and cities like Boston, New York, and even Springfield — and that’s another story — these developments are mostly positive.

In many ways, the move to flexible schedules and greater concern for the needs of employees is something businesses should have been thinking about long ago — and a few of the more progressive ones certainly were.

What the pandemic did, among other things, was show the business community that it could be done — that employees could work remotely and be just as effective as they were in the office, if not more effective — and that it should be done.

Miriam Siegel, first senior vice president and chief culture officer at Ware-based Country Bank, probably said it best when she told BusinessWest, “one of the big things we’ve learned at the bank is that we have to recognize that we don’t live in a one-size-fits-all working world anymore.”

For the 200 or so years leading up to the pandemic, one size did fit all — at least in most cases. Almost everyone worked at the office. Almost everyone worked Monday through Friday. Almost everyone worked roughly 9 to 5.

One-size-fits-all worked for employers before the pandemic, and it worked for most employees, although they learned over the past two years that flexible schedules work better.

And what employers are learning now is that flexible schedules work better for them as well. They work because employees are generally happier. They work because, in some cases, productivity actually improves when people work remotely or in hybrid schedules. And they work because the biggest challenge facing all employers right now is attracting and retaining talent, and they’ve already found that they fare much better with those challenges if they can be accommodating to their employees.

Six months into the pandemic, most workers were still looking forward to the day when they could return to the office full-time. Not long after that, most were looking forward to perhaps not returning at all.

That’s how much the world of work has changed. And while we can’t say definitively what the future will bring, it seems almost certain that these changes are here to stay.

Picture This

By
Picture This

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

 

 

 

Meeting a Critical Need

Baystate Health and Kindred Behavioral Health, a division of LifePoint Health, broke ground on March 8 in Holyoke on a new, state-of-the-art behavioral-health hospital. Baystate Behavioral Health Hospital will be located on 45 Lower Westfield Road and will feature 120 semi-private rooms and 30 private rooms for the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health. The 23,230-square-foot, four-story facility will feature a wide range of programs to meet patients’ varying treatment needs, as well as large activity and therapy rooms, a gym for therapy services, multiple courtyards, and outdoor recreation spaces where patients can interact with each other and their family members. The $72 million project is estimated to take 16 months to complete, with an expected opening in August 2023.

 

 

Grand Opening

Amherst welcomed the newest player in cannabis retail with a grand opening and ribbon cutting at Pleasantrees, located at 422 Amity St., on March 5. Pictured, from left: Paul Bockelman, Amherst town administrator; Zach Wilson, director of Retail at Pleasantrees; Koby Gardner-Levine from U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern’s office; Pleasantrees employees Nasya Dobbins and Kimmy Burlak; and Claudia Pazmany, executive director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce.

 

 

Campus Tour

State legislators visited Greenfield Community College on Feb. 28, to tour the campus and learn how support from lawmakers can help GCC continue to provide quality, affordable education and workforce development. Visiting lawmakers included state Sens. Jo Comerford and Adam Hinds and state Reps. Lindsay Sabadosa, Natalie Blais, Susannah Whipps, Mindy Domb, and Paul Mark. The contingent explored the GCC campus, discussing the evolution of the college during the COVID-19 pandemic and changes the college is making to better prepare students for the workforce.

 

 

Agenda

By
Agenda

Difference Makers

March 24: Since 2009, BusinessWest has been recognizing the work of individuals, groups, businesses, and institutions through a program called Difference Makers. The 14th annual Difference Makers celebration will be held at the Log Cabin in Holyoke from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets cost $75 and can be ordered at businesswest.com/difference-makers/difference-makers-tickets. The 2022 Difference Makers include Tara Brewster, vice president of Business Development at Greenfield Savings Bank; the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts; Heriberto Flores, president of the New England Farm Workers’ Council; John Greaney, retired State Supreme Court justice and senior counsel at Bulkley Richardson; Ruth Griggs, president of the Northampton Jazz Festival and principal at RC Communications; Ted Hebert, owner of Teddy Bear Pools and Spas; I Found Light Against All Odds and Its Founder and CEO, Stefan Davis; and Roca Holyoke and Springfield. Their stories are told in the Feb. 16 issue of BusinessWest and at businesswest.com. The sponsors for this year’s program are Burkhart Pizzanelli, the New England Farm Workers’ Council, the Royal Law Firm, TommyCar Auto Group, and Westfield Bank.

 

Drive-thru Food Drive

March 26: The Hampshire, Franklin & Hampden Agricultural Society, the nonprofit organization that manages the Three County Fair, the oldest ongoing agricultural fair in the country, will conduct a drive-thru food drive outside its main office at 54 Fair St. in Northampton. The fair held its last food drive in the spring of 2020 during the onset of the pandemic and delivered more than 2,000 pounds of food to area pantries. The fair is seeking non-perishable foods such as canned fruit, soup, tuna, and vegetables, plus cereal, pasta, pasta sauce, and peanut butter for area food pantries that have partnered with the fair, including the Easthampton Community Center, the Franklin County Meals Program, the Helping Hands Cupboard Food Pantry at BOCC in Belchertown, and the Westhampton Congregational United Church of Christ food pantry. Each vehicle that donates will be supplied with a pair of complimentary tickets to the 2022 Three County Fair, scheduled for Sept. 2-5. Donations can be dropped off at the fair’s main office at 54 Fair St. in Northampton between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The fair requests that donations be compiled in disposable bags or boxes for volunteers to easily accept them from vehicles.

 

UMass 5K Dash and Dine

April 9: After a two-year hiatus, UMass Dining Services will host its 11th annual UMass 5K Dash and Dine on campus starting at 9 a.m. The goal of the event is to promote health and wellness at the university while raising funds for the Amherst Survival Center. In total, UMass dining has been able to raise more than $50,000 for the Amherst Survival Center. The 5K features a USA Track and Field certified course to runners, walkers, and wheelchair participants. When race participants are finished, all are welcomed to have lunch at the award-winning dining commons on campus. The race fee is $10 for all UMass and Five College students, $15 for UMass Amherst faculty and staff, and $20 for the general public. Children age 8 and under may participate for free. This race fee includes registration and the complimentary meal. Online registration ends at midnight on Wednesday, April 6. Walk-up registration is available on race day. To register for the event or make a donation, visit runumass.com.

 

MOSSO Chamber Music Series

April 14: The Westfield Athenaeum continues its three-concert chamber music series at 7 p.m., with musicians of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, known as MOSSO, providing the music. A woodwind quintet of MOSSO musicians will be showcased, and Guy McLain, executive director of the Westfield Athenaeum, will offer a pre-performance talk at 6 p.m., which is free to ticket holders. Ann Bobo, principal flute, and Nancy Dimock, principal oboe, will be joined by their colleagues Ian Greitzer, clarinetist, Ron Haroutunian, bassoonist, and horn player Robert Marlatt. The MOSSO season at the Westfield Athenaeum opened on March 10, and will conclude with a concert on May 19, with a program to be announced soon. Tickets for the concert cost $20 and must be purchased in advance at the Westfield Athenaeum during business hours, or online at www.westath.org. Audience members will be required to wear masks.

 

Springfield Symphony Orchestra Spring Concerts

April 22, May 13: The Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) Board announced two spring concerts will be hosted at Springfield Symphony Hall with former SSO Music Director Mark Russell Smith serving as guest conductor. Smith is music director and conductor of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. He previously served as music director for the SSO from 1995 through 2000. He has worked as director of New Music Projects for the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and artistic director of Orchestral Studies at the University of Minnesota, and has also served as music director for the Richmond Symphony Orchestra and Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra. Details about the concerts, program, and availability of tickets will be forthcoming and available at springfieldsymphony.org.

 

sheLEADS Conference

May 20: The Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce will host sheLEADS, a woman’s conference aimed at building a bold, brave community of women in the 413 with an eye on professional development and beyond. “This is a high-energy day filled with professional development, relationship- and leadership-building opportunities. Our focus is on providing attendees tools and connections that they didn’t have when they walked in,” said Moe Belliveau, the chamber’s executive director. The day begins at the Boylston Room in Easthampton at noon and ends with networking at Abandoned Building Brewery. In between, attendees can look forward to “Activating Your Leadership Strengths,” facilitated by Colleen DelVecchio of Colleen DelVecchio Consultants; “The Language of Leadership,” a panel discussion featuring Pia Kumar, chief strategy officer at Universal Plastics, Lynnette Watkins, president and CEO of Cooley Dickinson Health Care, and Waleska Lugo-DeJesus, CEO of Inclusive Strategies; and “Be Great Where Your Feet Are,” featuring keynote speaker Robyn Glaser Sr., vice president, Business Affairs for the Kraft Group. For tickets and details, visit www.easthamptonchamber.org.

Chamber Corners

By
Chamber Corners

1BERKSHIRE

(413) 499-1600; 1berkshire.com

 

March 22: Berkshire Economic Recovery Project Kickoff Workshop: “Maximize Your Business Communications,” 4-6 p.m. In this workshop, Dr. Michael Miller will work to improve communications capabilities and events for small-business leaders to support their marketing, sales, and branding activities, including pitch, sales, and other presentations; formal speeches; the so-called ‘elevator speech’ for business networking; and event planning and production. Based on the business types and needs of the individuals participating in this cohort, the following are among the topics that will be reviewed and discussed in an interactive 2-hour session: setting goals, knowing your audience, the power of stories, and how to be confident and authentic. Register at bit.ly/3tZUp2n.

 

March 23: 1Berkshire Entrepreneurial Meetup, 9-10:30 a.m., Ward’s Nursery & Garden Center, 600 South Main St., Great Barrington. Reconnect with your colleagues over coffee and hear from Greg Ward about his experience operating this multi-generational family business. Sponsored by Pittsfield Cooperative Bank. Visit 1berkshirestrategicalliancemacoc.weblinkconnect.com/events to register.

 

April 6: Berkshire Economic Recovery Project Kickoff Workshop: “Essentials of Digital Marketing,” 4-6 p.m. Francesca Olsen is a writer and consultant with more than a decade of experience in marketing and communications, from branding to digital strategy. She works with small-business owners and creative professionals who want to sharpen their digital marketing strategy, build a following online, launch new projects, and more. She also advises and supports businesses, artists, nonprofits, and startups on social media, content marketing, digital advertising strategy, and general PR and communications. She regularly gives workshops on digital marketing for artists and small business owners, including as a trainer for MASS MoCA’s Assets for Artists program. Register at bit.ly/3AEWO3W.

 

AMHERST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

(413) 253-0700; amherstarea.com

 

April 7: 10th Anniversary Margarita Madness, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Interskate 91 at the Hampshire Mall. Mix, mingle, and network at our largest signature event of the year, featuring live music, food, games, and a raffle. Enjoy an evening of tasty margaritas and vote for your favorite. Local restaurants showcase their fare, and there are dozens of raffle prizes donated by Amherst Area Chamber members. Cost: $35 pre-registered, $45 at the door. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Dakin Humane Society.

 

GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

(413) 534-3376; holyokechamber.com

 

April 6: Holyoke Leaders Reception, 5:30-8 p.m., International Volleyball Hall of Fame. Join us to mingle and connect with our state senator, state representative, mayor, treasurer, city clerk, City Council, and School Committee. Let your voices be heard by those representing our city and state and hear how they plan to foster and grow a more inclusive Holyoke. Cost: $25 for one, $40 for two. Register at holyokechamber.com.

 

April 13: Power Hour with Canna Provisions, 9-10 a.m. Join us for coffee and treats from Blue Door Gatherings while we learn from Meg Sanders, COO and co-owner of Canna Provisions, who will educate attendees on the power and benefits of cannabis, the provisions it offers, and how it is economically driving our community. Plus, a guided tour of Canna’s eclectic dispensary in one of Holyoke’s old mills. No cost, but register in advance at holyokechamber.com.

 

May 18: Spring Fling at Westfield Bank, 4:30-7 p.m. Join us for an lawn party at Westfield Bank, enjoy the feel of spring, and make new connections. Hearty hors d’oeuvres, open bar, raffles, and more. Cost: $10 for members, $20 for non-members. Registration to open April 1.

 

SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL CHAMBER

(413) 787-1555; springfieldregionalchamber.com

 

March 24: Fire & Ice, 5:30-8 p.m., Springfield Country Club, 1375 Elm St., West Springfield. Join us for our annual craft cocktail competition featuring area establishments mixing up creative fire- and ice-themed cocktails. Sample the concoctions and vote for your favorite. Cost: $75 for SRC members ($85 at the door); $85 for non-members ($95 at the door). Non-sampling ticket cost is $30. Sponsored by Florence Bank. Register online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.

 

April 13: Government Reception 2022, 5-7 p.m., U.S. Courthouse, 300 State St., Springfield. Meet socially with local, state, and federal officials, including state representatives and senators, area mayors, and City Council members. Cost: $60 for members in advance, $70 for non-members in advance, $75 at the door. Sponsored by Comcast, Baystate Health, MassMutual, and AMR. Register online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.

 

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

(413) 426-3880; www.ourwrc.com

 

March 23: Job Fair 2022, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Storrowton Tavern/Carriage House, West Springfield. The West of the River Chamber will be hosting a local job fair. West Springfield and Agawam businesses, along with other employment opportunities from around Western Mass., will be showcased for the public. High-school students, college students, and adults will be attending this event looking to begin or advance their careers. This event is free and open to the public. To be a participating vendor, register at business.ourwrc.com/events.

Lessons in Social Mobility

By Contributor
Opinion

Opinion

By James F. Birge

 

This isn’t another COVID think piece written by a college president. This is a story about upward mobility in the face of the most significant public health crisis of our lifetime.

In fact, the faculty and staff at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) are so dedicated to this mission that we’ve received national recognition for it — MCLA ranks 21st on U.S. News and World Report’s list of the 50 public and private “Top Performers on Social Mobility,” which measures how well schools graduate students who receive federal Pell Grants. These grants are typically awarded to those whose families make less than $50,000. The publication also ranked MCLA as a 2021 Top Ten College for the third consecutive year, and the ninth time in the past 11 years.

Nearly half of MCLA students are Pell Grant recipients, the highest percentage across the Massachusetts state-university system. More than 40% are the first in their families to go to college. Nearly 85% of students receive some kind of financial aid.

These are students who need support in their academic journey. Many are balancing work and family commitments. Many are coming from urban areas and are discovering what it is like to live in a rural area for the first time. Many have no frame of reference for what a college experience is like. They are discovering who they are, and who they want to be, in a time of global upheaval, and many of them have seen increased economic insecurity as a result of COVID-19.

What does a commitment to social mobility look like during a pandemic? Here are some examples.

• In 2020, MCLA kicked off its TRiO Program, supported by a $1.2 million federal grant, which works toward increasing the retention, good academic standing, and graduation rates of low-income, first generation, and students with disabilities. This program serves up to 160 students a year;

• MCLA’s Office of Admission adopted a test-blind policy in 2020 and waived SAT requirements for students applying for the fall 2021 and 2022 semesters;

• In 2020, in response to economic uncertainties brought on by the pandemic, MCLA established the Resiliency Fund, which has to date distributed nearly $300,000 to 296 students in need;

• The MCLA Food Pantry combats student food insecurity, supported with student volunteer work and donations; and

• MCLA boasts more than 100 of its own private scholarships, including five new additions since 2020.

Like all other schools, MCLA has seen its enrollment decline as a result of the pandemic. Still, we continue to serve these students well. We continue to graduate our high-need students at higher rates than the national average, and the vast majority of MCLA graduates — 93% — land jobs or get accepted into some of the finest grad schools in the country. Helping our under-resourced students achieve a college education will help them earn more in their lifetimes, find fulfilling careers, and live meaningful lives. Public colleges help contribute to furthering economic equity every day, and we are proud to make this part of our mission as an institution.

I’m incredibly proud of all our students, as well as our incredible faculty and dedicated staff, who are changing individual lives and working toward a more equitable future.

 

James F. Birge is president of MCLA.

People on the Move

By
People on the Move

Lora Wondolowski, the founding executive director of Leadership Pioneer Valley (LPV), and the organization’s leader since 2011, will leave her post on April 1. Her leadership has been integral to all aspects of LPV’s operations, with notable successes including the growth of the core LEAP program, the Leaders on Board initiative, building strategic partnerships, and improving and stabilizing operations and organizational processes. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the first graduating class. Upon her departure, the board plans to appoint an interim executive director until finding a permanent executive director. Wondolowski and the LPV board of directors are working with staff and stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition for LEAP participants, partners, and supporters.

•••••

Tech Foundry, with a mission to support the region’s growing need for a qualified technology workforce and elevate underrepresented groups into sustainable careers in information technology, announced the appointment of Tricia Canavan as its CEO effective March 21. Canavan will succeed Bruce Dixon, who resigned to pursue new opportunities. Founded in 2014, Tech Foundry has offered internships, networking opportunities, and instruction to traditionally low-income, underserved populations, preparing graduates for entry-level IT work in the Pioneer Valley. These programs are offered free of charge to participants through donations from area businesses and members of the local community. With a background in nonprofit and business management, workforce development, and adult education, Canavan currently serves as executive vice president of corporate relations and advocacy for Masis Staffing Solutions. Previously, she served as CEO of United Personnel, which was acquired by Masis in May 2021. She chairs the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council, co-chairs Springfield Business Leaders for Education, and serves on the boards of Associated Industries of Massachusetts, MassHire Hampden County, and the Springfield Public Forum.

•••••

Mount Holyoke College President Sonya Stephens announced that she will step down in August to become president of the American University of Paris. Stephens joined Mount Holyoke in 2013 and served as vice president for Academic Affairs and dean of faculty before being appointed acting president in 2016 to replace Lynn Pasquerella. In 2018, the board of trustees voted to remove the ‘acting’ title. In a letter to the Mount Holyoke community, Stephens said her new role in Paris is a “unique opportunity to advance a contemporary expression of the liberal arts in France — one that brings together so many of my intellectual and administrative interests and commitments.” She added that “it has been an extraordinary honor and a privilege to serve you and Mount Holyoke since 2013 and to work in concert with brilliant and exacting students, with a faculty that is as devoted to outstanding scholarship as it is to cultivating inquiry in others and with a leadership team and staff so exceedingly devoted to our mission. It has been inspiring and motivating to work with such an engaged, thoughtful, generous, and dedicated board of trustees, and to come to know, admire, and deeply appreciate the wider alum community. While I have held different roles over these nine years, I see our work together as a continuum — one focused resolutely on the future strength of the college, on enhancing the exceptional educational experience it offers, and on the community that makes this possible, here on campus, across the nation, and worldwide.”

•••••

Jaclyn Stevenson

Jaclyn Stevenson

Jaclyn Stevenson has been appointed director of Marketing and Communications at Shakespeare & Company, a nonprofit theater performance, education, and actor-training organization based in Lenox. In her position, Stevenson directs all marketing and communications efforts for the company and supervises the Graphic Design and Patron Services departments, including in the areas of audience engagement, retail operations, and concessions. She also serves as co-chair of the communications subcommittee of the IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility) committee, and as liaison to the Lenox Cultural District steering committee. Stevenson brings more than 20 years of communications experience to the position, having worked with a wide range of clients, including Toyota Motor Corp., CIGNA Healthcare, Disney World Sports, Spalding, and many others. Most recently, she served as director of Marketing and Communications for Columbia-Greene Community College, part of the State University of New York system. A BusinessWest 40 Under Forty honoree in 2012, she holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Bridgewater State University and a master’s degree in organization development from American International College, as well as several certifications relative to web accessibility, social-media management, and risk management.

•••••

Susan Henrichon

Susan Henrichon

American International College (AIC) has appointed Susan Henrichon dean of the School of Education. Henrichon joined American International College in 2018, bringing more than 30 years of experience in PK-12 public education, with more than 15 years spent in senior leadership roles. Most recently, she served as the associate dean of academic programs while teaching extensively in the School of Education, and additionally serving as a senior instructor and program supervisor for graduate students. Prior to coming to AIC, Henrichon was an assistant superintendent of schools in Oxford and director of Special Education and Student Services for the Oxford Public Schools system. Before that, she was the director of Pupil Personnel Services in Monson, director of Special Education in Easthampton, director of Student Services for the Southwick-Tolland-Granville school district; special-education team leader in the Holyoke Public Schools; and assistant department head of Quality Assurance at the Monson Developmental Center. Henrichon has been recognized by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for her work. Her professional affiliations include the Massachusetts Assoc. of School Superintendents, the Worcester County Superintendents Assoc., Massachusetts Administrators for Special Education, the Western Massachusetts Special Education Directors Assoc., the Assoc. for Supervision and Curriculum Development, and the Council for Exceptional Children. She received a doctor of education degree in educational administration at Northcentral University in Phoenix; her certificate of advanced graduate studies in educational administration from the University of Massachusetts; a master’s degree in education, special education, from Westfield State University; and a bachelor’s degree from Plymouth State University in Plymouth, N.H.

•••••

Michelle Jarvis-Lettman joined Elms College as director of Financial Aid in January. She has 15 years of experience within student financial services with positions at Worcester State University, Springfield Technical Community College, Wesleyan University, University of Hartford, and Ironbridge Resources, LLC. She has presented on the topic of financial aid to many audiences, including the Massachusetts Assoc. of Student Financial Aid Administrators in 2019. Jarvis-Lettman received her master’s degree in higher education administration from Bay Path University after completing her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Worcester State. She was recently appointed to Worcester State’s Athletic Hall of Fame Committee. She also coaches basketball. In addition, the Elms College Graduate Admission Office recently announced the promotion of Stefany Scliopou to director of Graduate and Continuing Education Admission. She is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management. After working in the hotel industry for nine years, she transitioned into higher education, where she completed her MBA degree with Elms College. For the last six years, Scliopou has worked in a graduate admission role helping non-traditional adult students embrace their next-level education endeavors. She has worked alongside students and program directors to ensure exceptional student support. In addition, she is the academic coordinator for the Elms-HCC business-degree-completion programs as well as a part-time adjunct. She serves on the board of the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield, the Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce events committee, and the parish council board for St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Springfield.

•••••

Tahirah Amatul-Wadud

Tahirah Amatul-Wadud

The Massachusetts chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR Massachusetts) announced that Tahirah Amatul-Wadud has been chosen to serve as its new executive director. Amatul-Wadud is an attorney based in Springfield with more than 16 years of experience in corporate, family, and civil-rights law. A former staff attorney with Western Massachusetts Community Legal Aid before entering private practice, she served as a commissioner with the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women from 2014 to 2020. In 2016, she rose to national prominence serving as the principal attorney on behalf of the residents of Islamberg, N.Y. against Robert Doggart, an anti-Muslim conspiracy theorist who had planned a violent attack against the community. In 2018, she ran for Congress in Massachusetts’ first district, securing 30% of the vote. She served as vice president of the board of directors at CAIR Massachusetts from 2016 to 2018 and its president since 2018, and during her tenure has overseen the organization’s restructuring and rapid growth. CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

•••••

Darcy Young

Darcy Young

The Irish Echo, the premier news title in Irish America since 1928, presented Darcy Young with a Top 40 Under 40 award at its 15th annual event at Rosie O’Grady’s in New York City on Feb. 25. The popular event is a celebration of the Irish and Irish Americans who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields of work before reaching age 40. Young was selected for her service to Irish community. A former Colleen, she currently serves as the communications chair for the Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee and has served on the board and many of the subcommittees. The Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee promotes and celebrates Irish heritage in Western Mass. through enriching experiences for its members, yearly honorees, and scholarships for students. One of her favorite volunteer efforts is chaperoning the Colleen and her court every year as they travel to a variety of public presentations to share their Irish heritage. She is also a member of the John Boyle O’Reilly Club. Young has served as a media professional for more than a decade, first at ABC and FOX news affiliates and most recently as director of Digital Public Relations at Garvey Communication Associates Inc. and a video producer at New England Corporate Video. She also serves on the executive board of the Children’s Study Home.

•••••

ArchitectureEL Inc. (AEL) recently welcomed a new member, Marco Crescentini, to its team as senior project architect. ArchitectureEL Inc. provides professional design services on a wide range of projects, including both new buildings and renovations to existing structures. The firm boasts significant experience in accessibility, historic preservation, educational and commercial design, as well as extensive experience in both private and multi-family residential development. “I am thrilled to hold a position on the AEL team, as they are a group of creative and hardworking individuals,” Crescentini said. “I hope to contribute to the success of the company and to collaborate on some of the intriguing and influential jobs we have before us.”

•••••

Leadership Pioneer Valley (LPV) announced new campaign co-chairs for the LEAP 2023 campaign, Jason Randall and Ayanna Crawford. Both are alumni of the class of 2013. They will be leading the effort to connect with businesses and potential applicants about the benefits of LPV’s LEAP program. Randall is director of Human Resources at MGM Springfield and a current LPV board member. He is involved with Springfield Works and Springfield Business Leaders for Education. Crawford is president of AC Consulting and Media Services and specializes in communications workshops in the New England area. She currently leads an after-school program for girls, positions herself as an educator in the Springfield Public Schools, and works for state Rep. Orlando Ramos. In its 11 years, more than 300 individuals representing more than 100 companies, organizations, and municipalities have participated in LEAP. The program has filled a critical need for a leadership program that builds a network of emerging leaders to address the challenges and opportunities of the region. LPV will begin accepting LEAP applications in April, with an application deadline of July 1.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Country Bank Gives Back with $1.1 Million in Donations in 2021

WARE — Country Bank reported that its community donations for 2021 totaled more than $1.1 million. The bank’s philanthropic efforts supported local nonprofits throughout the communities it serves, with more than 300 organizations receiving grants in 2021. In addition, the bank’s staff volunteered 478 hours of service. The bank’s annual meeting at Polar Park created a buzz when it surprised the executive directors of two regional food banks by pledging a total of $1 million to the Worcester County Food Bank and the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. The bank didn’t stop there; recognizing the need to address hunger throughout its markets, in addition to the $1 million pledge, it provided an additional $100,000 in donations to food programs throughout the region. Other organizations receiving donations included Behavioral Health Network, Hanover Theater, Quaboag Valley Community Development Corp., Revitalize Community Development Corp., Springfield Rescue Mission, the Children’s Trust, Provision Ministry, United Way of Central Massachusetts, Ronald McDonald House, and YWCA. During its annual Season of Giving campaign, Country Bank supported more than 2,500 local individuals with gifts of meals, toys, winter hats, mittens, and other essential items for those in nursing homes, shelters, and local schools.

 

Berkshire Bank Foundation Gives $596,800 to 87 Nonprofits in Q4

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Bank announced $596,800 in philanthropic investments from its foundation during the fourth quarter of 2021. The grants awarded cover a wide range of projects that help foster upward economic mobility, support overall well-being, and enhance opportunities for individual success in the communities the bank serves. The investments also support the company’s BEST Community Comeback, which includes a planned $15 million in community contributions by the end of 2024. Eighty-seven local nonprofit organizations received grants at the end of last year to assist with a wide range of critical projects in the areas of housing, education, economic revitalization, and health. The Berkshire Bank Foundation is committed to supporting programs that work toward providing equitable opportunity for economic prosperity.

 

Valley Vodka Supports Ukraine; Founder Paul Kozub Visits Border

HADLEY — Valley Vodka Inc., maker of V-One Vodka, announced it will donate $1 for every bottle sold in the month of March, according to founder Paul Kozub. Kozub also visited the V-One distillery located in Kamien, Poland on March 6 and brought $5,000 directly to the border to support refugees. The distillery is located about two hours from the Ukraine border. “My life was forever changed for the better when I made my first trip to Eastern Poland 17 years ago to start my craft-vodka business,” Kozub said. “In 2019, I purchased a distillery in Kamie, Poland. It is just a few hours from the Ukrainian border. I feel compelled to do something to help the people of Ukraine.” V-One Vodka has been crafting small-batch vodka in Eastern Poland since 2005, and in 2019, it purchased its own distillery in Kamien, about two hours southeast of Warsaw.

 

Three Western Mass. Firms Take Home Impact Awards

WATERTOWN — MassEcon, the state’s private-sector partner in promoting business growth in Massachusetts, recently announced its 18th annual Team Massachusetts Economic Impact Award winners, recognizing 14 companies for their outstanding contributions to the Massachusetts economy, including three based in Western Mass. The companies were selected for establishing new operations in Massachusetts or expanded existing operations. Each employer added new jobs and facility investment; pursued social impact through community involvement or philanthropic efforts; and embraced equity, diversity, and inclusion practices. The winners will be honored at Gillette Stadium on April 7. The winning companies from Western Mass. include Big Y Foods of Springfield (gold), which, since January 2020, has added 52 new jobs and invested $50.9 million in a 232,000-square-foot expansion in Springfield for its Fresh & Local Distribution Center; White Lion Brewing Co. of Springfield (silver), which reactivated 8,000 square feet of space that sat vacant for more than 15 years and on-boarded an additional 3,000 square feet of storage, marking a total expansion of 11,000 square feet in Springfield, as well as adding 13 new employees and donating close to $25,000 to the community; and United Aircraft Technologies of Pittsfield (bronze), which plans on investing in 7,000 square feet of vacant office space in Pittsfield and is looking to hire four new team members in 2021 in addition to the five already onboarded earlier this year.

 

Phillips Insurance Agency Named 2021 Elite Agent by Liberty Mutual

CHICOPEE — Phillips Insurance Agency Inc. was named a 2021 Elite agent by Liberty Mutual Insurance. The award recognizes the contributions of the top-performing agencies in the country. Phillips is the only agency in Massachusetts to win the award for 15 straight years, and was recognized at the President’s Club award ceremony at the Four Seasons in Kapolei, Hawaii in December. Phillips Insurance Agency, established in 1953, is a full-service risk-management firm with a staff of 31 professionals and the largest independently owned agency in Western Mass. The agency handles the personal and commercial insurance needs for thousands of individuals and businesses throughout the Northeast.

 

Pittsfield YMCA to Modernize, Expand Child Care

PITTSFIELD — MassDevelopment has partnered with Lee Bank, Adams Community Bank, and Greylock Credit Union to provide $6.5 million in loan financing to Berkshire Family YMCA, which is using the proceeds to renovate and expand its main facility at 292 North St. in downtown Pittsfield. Constructed in 1909, the historic building’s last major renovation took place in 1981. As part of this new renovation, Berkshire Family YMCA is building an accessible indoor track for exercise and rehabilitation purposes for use by people of all abilities, adding a youth basketball court, and upgrading its fitness center. The organization is also creating newly configured program spaces and updating restrooms, improvements that will increase capacity of its nationally accredited child-development program to serve an additional 25 infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. MassDevelopment provided a $5 million loan, with Adams Community Bank, Greylock Credit Union, and Lee Bank each providing $500,000 loans. The project is also supported by a $1 million Massachusetts Early Education and Out of School Time (EEOST) grant. Berkshire Family YMCA consists of three branches serving Berkshire County and Southern Vermont: the Pittsfield branch at 292 North St., a Northern Berkshire branch located at 22 Brickyard Court in North Adams, and the Bennington Recreation Center branch located at 655 Gage St. in Bennington, Vt.

 

BFAIR, Greylock Federal Credit Union Promote Brain-injury Awareness

NORTH ADAMS — BFAIR and Greylock Federal Credit Union have partnered together to raise awareness during the month of March to promote brain-injury awareness. March is National Brain Injury Awareness Month. In the U.S., more than 5.3 million children and adults have a brain injury, or about one in 60. Acquired brain injuries (ABI) are those that happen after birth and can result in physical, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive impairments. The primary causes of ABI are trauma, stroke, tumors, degenerative diseases, alcohol and other toxins, and lack of oxygen to the brain, according to the Brain Injury Assoc. of America. With support from presenting sponsor Greylock Federal Credit Union, BFAIR will be distributing bike helmets to promote brain health and safety. More information on distribution will be available on the BFAIR website at www.bfair.org/brain-injury-awareness-month.

 

Amherst College Music Department Donates Steinway Piano to the Drake

AMHERST — The Drake, the Downtown Amherst Foundation’s (DAF) soon-to-open arts and cultural venue, will be the permanent home of a Steinway & Sons piano, thanks to a gift from the Amherst College Department of Music. The department donated the instrument after the college made a $100,000 gift to the Drake project in January 2022. Steinway pianos are widely recognized as the best pianos made. The specific model the college is donating, the Steinway B, is considered the finest high-resolution piano in the world, and is generally used in mid-sized venues like the Drake, according to the Steinway & Sons website. The instrument will arrive after construction is complete in April. The Downtown Amherst Foundation is in the final stages of fundraising for the Drake, Amherst’s first dedicated live performance and music venue. In addition to the music-loving supporters who have donated to the Drake’s Patronicity page, Amherst College, the town of Amherst, and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development have offered support to the project.

 

Bradley International Airport Welcomes Back Air Canada

WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) announced that Air Canada will restore its non-stop service between Bradley International Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport this summer. The airline last operated the flight in the spring of 2020, before international travel was disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting June 1, the flights will operate daily, year-round. “After nearly two years of international travel disruptions, we are thrilled to welcome back Air Canada to Bradley International Airport,” said Kevin Dillon, executive director of the CAA. “Air Canada has been an important partner for many years at our airport, facilitating seamless connectivity between our regions. The resumption of the Toronto service is a major milestone on our road to recovery. Today, we extend our thanks to Air Canada for their continued commitment to Bradley International Airport and for underscoring the importance of this route with their return to Connecticut.”

Incorporations

By
Incorporations

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

AGAWAM

MA Basics, Inc., 44 River St., Agawam, MA 01001. Muhammad M. Taqi, same address. Online marketplace sales.

BELCHERTOWN

Nick’s Waves of Change Inc., 378 Rockrimmon St., Belchertown, MA 01007. Jennifer Boileau, same address. Memorial scholarship fund.

CHICOPEE

Cloud Pearl Inc., 140 Padgette St., Unit D., Chicopee, MA 01022. Shahid Habib, 19 Spring Meadows, South Hadley, MA 01075. Retail services.

Lama Palmer Chapter Inc., 25 Nassau St., Chicopee, MA 01013. George Estrada Jr., same address. Motorcycle membership association.

EASTHAMPTON

Bikes Fight Cancer Inc., 258 Park St., Easthampton, MA 01027. John Morin, same address. Cancer awareness organization.

HAMPDEN

The Broussard Solution Inc., 27 Stony Hill Road, Hampden, MA 01036. Joseth M. Broussard, same address. Commercial and residential contracting.

HOLYOKE

The Wellness Drip Inc., 98 Lower Westfield Road, Suite 101, Holyoke, MA 01040. Alyssa R. McKenna, same address. IV hydration services.

MONSON

Double-A-Molding Inc., 26 Munn Road, Monson, MA 01057. G. Ross Wulfing, same address. Designing and manufacturing injection molded parts.

SPRINGFIELD

Chicken & Shrimp, Corp., 39 Virginia St., Apt. B, Springfield, MA 01108. Christopher Charles, same address. Fast food restaurant.

Conde Technology Systems, Corp., 1111 Dickinson St., Springfield, MA 01008. C. Whitaker Battle, same address. Research and development.

Elite Trucking and Logistics Inc., 73 Bessemer St., Springfield, MA 01104. Ramon Eduardo Tapia, same address. Trucking and logistics.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Maher Logistics, 555 Main St., 1st Floor, West Springfield, MA 01089. Maher Awkal, same address. Long-and short-haul trucking.

Naples Waste Removal Inc., 150 Front St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Lucas Giusto, 444-A North Main St., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Commercial dumpsters.

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and/or trade names were issued or renewed during the month of February 2022. (Filings are limited due to closures or reduced staffing hours at municipal offices due to COVID-19 restrictions).

DEERFIELD

Bergeron Drain Pro
18 Stillwater Road
Derek Bergeron

Deerfield Auto Body
43 North Hillside Road
Scott Kolakoski

Eaglebrook School
271 Pine Nook Road
Bridget Hale

HADLEY

Allard’s Farm
41 South Maple St.
Wayne Goulet

Alligator Brook Farm
42 Lawrence Plain Road
James Gnatek

Be Vital Wellness
226 Russell St.
Jeanette Wilburn

Burke Farm
241 Russell St.
Lisa Sanderson

Czepiel Aert & Design
15 Sunrise Dr.
Patricia Hayes

Henell Tax & Business Services
195 Russell St., B10
Karen Henell

Howard Johnson
401 Russell St.
HJ Lodge LLC

Moe’s Southwest Grill
379 Russell St.
Sagar Shah

Out of This World Cleaning
116 Rocky Hill Road
Lindsey St. Laurence

 

NORTHAMPTON

Adventure Clothing Co.
20 West Parsons Lane
Harry Jessup, Cook Goldberg

Black Orchid Jewelry Inc.
162 Main St.
Katelyn Rennie

Daily Hampshire Gazette
115 Conz St.
H.S. Gere & Sons Inc.

Ernie’s Towing
376 Easthampton Road
Frank Fournier III

Everything Is Life
65 Roe Ave.
Patrizia de Libero

Groundings
7 Main St.
Lauren Pacosa

Hazy Cosmic Drive Healing
200 Main St., #2A
Jolie Therrien

Integral Guesthouse
73 Willow St.
Christopher Spicer

Jackson & Connor
150 Main St., Suite 2250
William Brideau

Kairos Pilgrimges
65 Roe Ave.
Patrizia de Libero

Kathleen Doe Creative Design
39 Garfield Ave.
Kathleen Doe

Many Graces
150 Main St.
Kel Komenda

Measured Marketing Lab
152 Crescent Ave.
Christopher Chaput

Nature Mind Coaching
179 North Maple St.
Melinda Dow

Pinocchio Pizzeria
122 Main St.
Oscar Saravia

Sarah Crawford, LICSW
24 North Maple St., #1
Sarah Crawford

Simply Chic Crafts
200 Main St., #2A
Desirae Palmer

Simply Skin
41 Locust St.
Sarah Zawalick

Skyblue Pink Calligraphy & Design
71 Sheffield Lane
Anya Malkin

Soham Yoga School
65 Roe Ave.
Patrizia de Libero

VIVE Collision
220 King St.
Scott Leffler

Wayside Auto & Truck Sales
376 Easthampton Road
Frank Fournier III

SOUTHWICK

Hope – ODAAT
29 Lexington Circle
Rachael Kowal

J. Rad Excavating
Joshua Radwilowicz
261 South Loomis St.

WESTFIELD

Designing Women Craft Retreats
3 Pearl St.
Mary Jane Smith

Ellen A. Latour, DNP, LLC
88 Yeoman Ave.
Ellen Latour

Fran Bozak Electro Mechanics
306 Russell Road
Francis Bozak

Hampden County HVAC Inc.
108 Wild Flower Circle
Diogo Blanco

JDG Painting
247 Elm St.
Jason Garwacki

John Clark Construction
621 West Road
John Clark

RJ Sanding
26 Pontoosic Road
Roger Cortis Jr.

Thayer Street Publishing
303 Steiger Dr.
Heidi Colonna

VM Construction & Millwork
43 Sabrina Brook Lane
Slav Mokan

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Advanced Repair and Design
90 Butternut Hollow
Tod Kopyscinski

Alnassir International Market
205 Elm St.
Abdullah Nassir

Anthony Bedinelli Photography
2052 Westfield St.
Anthony Robert

Dolce Vita
1020 Memorial Ave.
Sarah Perez

Gelz by Mels
2260 Westfield St.
Melissa Nguyen

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

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

A Tiny Studio
Grover, Jeanne Elizabeth
PO Box 141
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/15/2022

Burhoe, Curtis A.
Burhoe, Claudia D.
10 Tob Hill Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/04/2022

Clapper, LouAnn M.
193 Elberon Ave., Apt 6D
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/31/2022

Correa, Freddy
Correa, Susan Ann
1271 St. James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Date: 02/09/2022

Corsino, Glorimar
874 Beacon Circle
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/31/22

Hamel, Amanda
24 Barber St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/31/2022

Lafosse, Jason S.
245 Park St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/01/2022

Martinez, Joseph A.
Sanchez, Jennifer
169 Prospect St., Apt. 2
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/31/2022

Mruk, Rosemary S.
1351 Old Keene Road
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/15/2022

Nye, Eric
78 Main St.
Blandford, MA 01008
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/04/2022

Quintero, JeanPierre
52 Herman St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/10/2022

Renaud, Steven F.
5 Brainard Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/11/2022

Rosa, Christina Ann
141 Robbins Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/07/2022

Washington, Robert C.
111 Manchester Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/15/2022

Whitley, Tyena Athena
49 Sylvester St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/02/2022

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

ASHFIELD

335 Beldingville Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Kyle L. Taylor
Seller: Lynn M. Taylor
Date: 02/18/22

335 Hill Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Kyle L. Taylor
Seller: Lynn M. Taylor
Date: 02/18/22

BERNARDSTON

27 Gill Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Matthew M. Rogowski
Seller: Elizabeth A. Jacobs
Date: 02/07/22

BUCKLAND

44 Green St.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: John Lawson
Seller: DC Cote Properties LLC
Date: 02/14/22

CHARLEMONT

14 Harmony Heights
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Anthony J. Grey
Seller: Bradley J. Rice
Date: 02/15/22

181 Main St.
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Parsonage LLC
Seller: Charlemont Federated
Date: 02/08/22

COLRAIN

49 Fairbanks Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $223,100
Buyer: Joshua Breitner
Seller: William Watkins
Date: 02/18/22

CONWAY

36 Upper Baptist Hill Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Arthur P. Hardigg
Seller: James S. Hardigg RET
Date: 02/14/22

DEERFIELD

6 King Philip Ave.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Matthew D. Donaldson
Seller: Charlene A. Chmura
Date: 02/11/22

ERVING

2 Forest St.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Travis D. McKelvey
Seller: Camilla D. Lusco IRT
Date: 02/11/22

40 West Main St.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Zachary R. Richards
Seller: Nelson Nieves
Date: 02/11/22

GILL

80 Center Road
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Benjamin Woodard
Seller: Frederick W. Sheard
Date: 02/18/22

180 Main Road
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Michael J. Leva
Seller: Joseph M. Parzych
Date: 02/17/22

12 West Gill Road
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $555,000
Buyer: David Edelman
Seller: Bernier, Marc J., (Estate)
Date: 02/09/22

GREENFIELD

9 Bowles St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Stephen A. Hermann
Seller: James Richards
Date: 02/08/22

8 Cooke St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Robert L. Kidder
Seller: Deborah L. Deskavich
Date: 02/18/22

36 Colrain St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Alexia Manin
Seller: Jeffrey T. Hendricks
Date: 02/07/22

259 Conway St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Shahid D. Habib
Seller: Bruce J. Bednarski
Date: 02/07/22

22 High St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $366,000
Buyer: Jared D. Mallet
Seller: Wilhelmi, Dorota, (Estate)
Date: 02/07/22

30 Main St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Ray A. Newton
Seller: Lisa Ashcraft
Date: 02/07/22

70 Main St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: MAG Real Estate Holdings of Greenfield
Seller: Melissa A. Winters
Date: 02/09/22

125 Maple St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $312,000
Buyer: Matthew Goglin
Seller: Jackson T. Powers
Date: 02/07/22

20 McLellan Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: A Plus Enterprise Inc.
Seller: Dunn, Roger F., (Estate)
Date: 02/18/22

58 Smith St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $239,999
Buyer: Kim Yap
Seller: Bartos, Dorothy M., (Estate)
Date: 02/11/22

60 Washburn Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Michele M. Waters
Seller: Elaine A. Perchak
Date: 02/11/22

39 Wildwood Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $152,500
Buyer: Nicole M. Moore
Seller: Kaye To
Date: 02/11/22

9 Willow St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Nathan J. Sugerman-Castle
Seller: James P. Curtis
Date: 02/17/22

HAWLEY

292 East Hawley Road
Hawley, MA 01339
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Hawley Preserve LLC
Seller: Cheryl A. Yates
Date: 02/18/22

LEYDEN

838 Greenfield Road
Leyden, MA 01301
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Oscar R. Cornejo
Seller: Saline 2019 RET
Date: 02/17/22

 

MONTAGUE

38 1st Ave.
Montague, MA 01347
Amount: $238,500
Buyer: Curtis Weaver
Seller: John H. Stewart
Date: 02/16/22

104 4th St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Amanda L. Nash
Seller: 104 Fourth St. LLC
Date: 02/17/22

5 Kingsley Ave.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $134,000
Buyer: Toni Costa
Seller: Brian Costa
Date: 02/18/22

52 Montague St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Ethan Sicard
Seller: Matthew D. Donaldson
Date: 02/11/22

119 Old Sunderland Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Ryan Richards
Seller: Suzanne Webber
Date: 02/08/22

NORTHFIELD

28 Hamilton Dr.
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $234,500
Buyer: S&A RT
Seller: William S. Robinson
Date: 02/18/22

88 Mount Hermon Station Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Jason R. Bassett
Seller: Black, Lois M., (Estate)
Date: 02/07/22

271 West Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: David W. Leduc
Seller: Michael Wasilauski
Date: 02/15/22

ORANGE

42 Cheney St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Jarad May
Seller: Edward J. Berte
Date: 02/17/22

564-566 East Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Kanchana Fernando
Seller: Wayne D. Whitmore
Date: 02/15/22

54 East Myrtle St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Kyle A. Carr
Seller: Daniel Carr
Date: 02/16/22

140 Memorial Dr.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Keri L. Barros
Seller: Tracey Weed
Date: 02/07/22

72 North Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Jet Investment LLC
Seller: Ames Rental Properties LLC
Date: 02/11/22

864 North Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Richard Wilson
Seller: Pamela Kessler
Date: 02/08/22

85 Pleasant St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Efrin Troche
Seller: William P. Brown
Date: 02/16/22

195 South Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $333,000
Buyer: Michael R. McGehee
Seller: Ashley Warner
Date: 02/18/22

35 Summer St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Homestead Real Estate Investments LLC
Seller: Stephen E. Cody
Date: 02/07/22

SUNDERLAND

70 Plumtree Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $373,000
Buyer: Robert L. Hesseltine FT
Seller: Nancy R. Gesualdi
Date: 02/18/22

49 South Silver Lane
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Plata O. Plomo Inc.
Seller: Nhu L. Nguyen
Date: 02/07/22

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

100 Columbia Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Jeffrey B. Correia
Seller: Dawna Fuller
Date: 02/18/22

108 Franklin St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Hassan Saleh
Seller: US Bank
Date: 02/10/22

507 Franklin St. Ext.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Robert A. Lisciotti
Seller: Edmunds, Mary E., (Estate)
Date: 02/16/22

71 Garden St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Vilkh Holding LLC
Seller: ASDA LLC
Date: 02/07/22

93 Joanne Circle
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Bruce R. Corbiere
Seller: ZF SPV LLC
Date: 02/16/22

30 Logan Place
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Yuriy Havlytyuk
Seller: Andrew J. Fox
Date: 02/11/22

1166 North St. Ext.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Pedro Alicea
Seller: Joel Howe
Date: 02/15/22

55-57 North Westfield St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $284,500
Buyer: Logan Kruse-Leduc
Seller: E. Steven Damon
Date: 02/18/22

28 Oxford St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Edwan Alzuhairi
Seller: TLC Construction Inc.
Date: 02/18/22

207 Poplar St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Jane R. Beresford
Seller: Margo L. Vanzandt
Date: 02/09/22

12 School St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Jbella Realty LLC
Seller: Roland A. Ciocca
Date: 02/07/22

BRIMFIELD

54 Dearth Hill Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $660,000
Buyer: Lawrence D. Simonetti
Seller: Michael W. Sheerin
Date: 02/11/22

36 Warren Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $117,000
Buyer: 36 Warren Road RT
Seller: Christine Waible
Date: 02/11/22

CHESTER

104 Middlefield Road
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Hope Mauran
Seller: Kathleen A. Engwer
Date: 02/14/22

174 Route 20
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $169,900
Buyer: Randy A. Woodis
Seller: Dean Schmidt
Date: 02/14/22

CHICOPEE

28 Adams St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Mint Realty Group LLC
Seller: Gary M. Cloutier
Date: 02/17/22

106 Bell St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Maurice Turner
Seller: Ahmed Aljashaam
Date: 02/18/22

6 Charles St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Susana E. Chirino
Seller: Blue Sky Investment Group LLC
Date: 02/14/22

394 East St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $161,255
Buyer: Methuselah RT
Seller: Melanie M. Ethier
Date: 02/15/22

39 East Street Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $249,900
Buyer: Madeline Puma
Seller: Susan L. Gouin
Date: 02/11/22

21 Emery St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $334,000
Buyer: Karen Chi
Seller: Ryszard Starsiak
Date: 02/10/22

357 Hampden St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Drew Nalewanski
Seller: Eugene D. O’Shea
Date: 02/08/22

49 Harrison Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $322,000
Buyer: Brady Williams
Seller: Rudolph P. Lysick
Date: 02/17/22

107 Labelle Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Anton Zenchenko
Seller: Clifford W. Robinson
Date: 02/11/22

725 Lombard Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $176,500
Buyer: EMI Investments LLC
Seller: Schutte, Dale R., (Estate)
Date: 02/11/22

51 Lorimer St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Chaz Carmichael
Seller: John H. Garvulenski
Date: 02/11/22

773 McKinstry Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Jonjay Elliott
Seller: Lawrence F. Army
Date: 02/18/22

783 McKinstry Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Elena Soboleva
Seller: Lawrence F. Army
Date: 02/15/22

63 Mellen St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Antonio Martinez
Seller: Timothy S. Beauchamp
Date: 02/08/22

297 Prospect St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $228,400
Buyer: John R. Stoddard
Seller: Lisa Donnelly
Date: 02/16/22

10 Rivest Court
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Grace E. Szydziak
Seller: Jennifer J. Wozniak
Date: 02/15/22

850 Sheridan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $1,300,000
Buyer: Procon Group LLC
Seller: BDF Realty Co. LLC
Date: 02/07/22

EAST LONGMEADOW

5 Cosgrove St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Jose Perozo
Seller: Fumi Realty Inc.
Date: 02/17/22

168 Denslow Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $3,045,000
Buyer: Lachenauer LLC
Seller: MTJ Realty LLC
Date: 02/14/22

696 Parker St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $364,000
Buyer: Gino J. Lopriore
Seller: AEM Property Investments LLC
Date: 02/18/22

18 Poplar St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Angelo Fabozzi
Seller: Olinda I. Trejo
Date: 02/14/22

330 Porter Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Joseph Melfi
Seller: Fredia L. Degray
Date: 02/18/22

5 Revere St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Amber M. Demaio
Seller: Carl R. Hindes
Date: 02/09/22

37 Taylor St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Gerardo Acosta-Barreto
Seller: Giovanni Montefusco
Date: 02/11/22

30 Vreeland Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Tyler J. Wheelock
Seller: Robert F. Sheehan
Date: 02/18/22

HAMPDEN

South Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $309,900
Buyer: Travis M. Phillips
Seller: Russell T. Cable
Date: 02/18/22

HOLLAND

4 Howlett Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $346,000
Buyer: Kate Meadows-Berti
Seller: Ontour Properties Inc.
Date: 02/09/22

HOLYOKE

17-21 Allyn St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $1,500,000
Buyer: Michael Dee
Seller: Blythewood Property Management LLC
Date: 02/14/22

40 Beacon Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Natalie Martinez
Seller: Donna Mathes
Date: 02/18/22

85 Beech St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $189,900
Buyer: Lauren Cook
Seller: James A. Ryan
Date: 02/18/22

147 Beech St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Aiden C. Moriarty
Seller: Graciela Rodriguez
Date: 02/16/22

19 Cherry St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $159,000
Buyer: Edward A. Cianci
Seller: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Date: 02/10/22

66 Elmwood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Sherry Bowden
Seller: Shawn R. McNulty
Date: 02/14/22

249 Hampden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: 536 Worthington St. LLC
Seller: Harold F. Skelton
Date: 02/17/22

Mountain Road Lot 1
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Anna R. Evans
Seller: Adam J. Mulcahy
Date: 02/17/22

461 Mountain Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $292,000
Buyer: Daniel J. McColgan
Seller: Revampit LLC
Date: 02/18/22

161-1/2 Oak St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $276,000
Buyer: Laura M. Bogart
Seller: Alycar Investments LLC
Date: 02/11/22

27 Oscar St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Yomary Figueroa
Seller: Bey, Kim M., (Estate)
Date: 02/07/22

146-148 Pearl St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $1,500,000
Buyer: Michael Dee
Seller: Blythewood Property Management LLC
Date: 02/14/22

163 Pleasant St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Mary W. Nelson
Seller: Robert R. Kraus
Date: 02/18/22

9-11 Quirk Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: David Wodecki
Seller: Milton J. Wodecki
Date: 02/18/22

10 Robert Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $364,000
Buyer: Yaniana Mendoza-Torres
Seller: Oscar Reyes
Date: 02/08/22

436 Rock Valley Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Brian D. Buckley
Seller: Morrissey, Maureen, (Estate)
Date: 02/18/22

172 Sargeant St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Pcity LLC
Seller: Zafar Iqbal
Date: 02/18/22

259 Sargeant St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Christopher Dyson
Seller: Sandra Dias
Date: 02/18/22

LONGMEADOW

299 Concord Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $830,000
Buyer: Gerald Lazarus
Seller: Robert K. Costa
Date: 02/18/22

LUDLOW

52 Bluegrass Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Unyierie W. Idem
Seller: Sally A. Gwaiazdowski
Date: 02/18/22

700 Center St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Paula Bogacz
Date: 02/07/22

89 Cislak Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $670,000
Buyer: Eric A. Ellison
Seller: Norbert A. Pereira
Date: 02/18/22

26 Hampden St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Kaitlynn Monette
Seller: Indila RT
Date: 02/17/22

129 Lakeview Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $297,000
Buyer: Larsen Marcel
Seller: Marie I. Anderson
Date: 02/10/22

78 McKinley Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $280,500
Buyer: Sherri A. Plasse
Seller: Louise M. Sedelow
Date: 02/18/22

178 Prospect St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Adrian Aponte-Cruz
Seller: Jose L. Pederneira
Date: 02/15/22

260 Prospect St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Gina M. Forbes
Seller: Bryan J. Forbes
Date: 02/15/22

Winsor St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $306,500
Buyer: Cengiz Ibas
Seller: Inci Kavraz
Date: 02/15/22

MONSON

12 Hampden Ave.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Real Estate Investment Northeast
Seller: Amber M. Demaio
Date: 02/09/22

340 Main St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Cynthia Harris
Seller: James R. Young
Date: 02/18/22

178 Palmer Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $117,000
Buyer: Piper Lowe Real Estate
Seller: Ally Bank
Date: 02/18/22

42 Waid Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Adam Pafumi
Seller: Darnley, Carol P., (Estate)
Date: 02/09/22

PALMER

52 Flynt St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Benjamin Schenkman
Seller: Bruce R. Corbiere
Date: 02/15/22

121 Flynt St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $287,000
Buyer: Dylan A. Costa
Seller: Arthur L. Biron
Date: 02/08/22

3134 South Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $139,000
Buyer: James Coyer
Seller: Sandra Gouvin
Date: 02/11/22

247 Thompson St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Brittany Thibeault
Seller: Paula L. Matukaitis
Date: 02/07/22

RUSSELL

55 Woodland Way
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Aleksandr P. Baraban
Seller: James E. Unger
Date: 02/14/22

SPRINGFIELD

29 Acton St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $275,500
Buyer: Betty Nakitto
Seller: Eagle Home Buyers LLC
Date: 02/17/22

40 Albee St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $261,000
Buyer: Rebecca A. Langlands
Seller: Michael R. Stamouli
Date: 02/17/22

1003 Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Diane Kolman
Seller: Artie Berns
Date: 02/15/22

1451 Bay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Amat Victoria Curam LLC
Seller: Hedge Hog Industries Corp.
Date: 02/14/22

3 Beacon St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Amat Victoria Curam LLC
Seller: Hedge Hog Industries Corp.
Date: 02/14/22

39 Bellevue Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $329,000
Buyer: Hommy Colon
Seller: Plata O. Plomo Inc.
Date: 02/16/22

48-50 Blodgett St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $219,000
Buyer: Cottages By Lorraine LLC
Seller: Uriel Reyes
Date: 02/08/22

28 Bosworth St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Nextgen Construction Service Inc.
Seller: Fyxer Up Properties LLC
Date: 02/08/22

42 Brewster St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Etabav RT
Seller: Kenneth Lamoureux
Date: 02/14/22

22 Burr St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $244,000
Buyer: Sebastian A. Rodriguez
Seller: Sugandh Bhatia
Date: 02/11/22

270-272 Centre St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $351,000
Buyer: BRVS LLC
Seller: Siam Williams Investment Group LLC
Date: 02/17/22

157 Clearbrook Dr.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $505,000
Buyer: Thomas J. Daniels
Seller: Grahams Construction Inc.
Date: 02/17/22

65 Clydesdale Lane
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Fernando L. Figueroa
Seller: Waleska I. Burgos-Vega
Date: 02/14/22

50 Dawes St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $252,000
Buyer: Pratik Mandavgade
Seller: Andrew L. Rohan
Date: 02/07/22

87 Dorset St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Edwin Rodriguez
Seller: Jonathan J. Demars
Date: 02/11/22

54 Duryea St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Spring Park Properties Inc.
Seller: Plante, Elizabeth J., (Estate)
Date: 02/10/22

933 East Columbus Ave.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $2,028,500
Buyer: Gandara Mental Health Center
Seller: East Columbus Avenue LLC
Date: 02/09/22

94-96 Edgewood St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $298,000
Buyer: Abraham Merida
Seller: Novelette Coleman
Date: 02/08/22

41 Fairhaven Dr.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $322,000
Buyer: Brendaliz Vallejo
Seller: Denise D. Harper-Forde
Date: 02/11/22

196 Forest Park Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Arie Myrmo
Seller: Paige N. Derry
Date: 02/11/22

41 Garfield St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Emmanuel Marte
Seller: Heather M. Goodyear
Date: 02/07/22

81 Garvey Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Aguasvivas Realty LLC
Seller: Sullivan, Oscar Jr., (Estate)
Date: 02/14/22

321 Gilbert Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: Shadina M. Johnson
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 02/07/22

64-66 Glenwood St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $276,000
Buyer: Urbain Coly
Seller: Kelvyn Batia
Date: 02/16/22

132 Gresham St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: 716 Spring Valley LLC
Seller: BRVS LLC
Date: 02/08/22

136 Gresham St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: 716 Spring Valley LLC
Seller: BRVS LLC
Date: 02/08/22

165 Gresham St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $238,000
Buyer: Jeniffer Vazquez-Nieves
Seller: Lester E. Johnson
Date: 02/07/22

364 Island Pond Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Miguel Vargas
Seller: James Coombs
Date: 02/07/22

34 Juliet St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Delson F. Nunez
Seller: Bukowski Construction LLC
Date: 02/18/22

69-71 Knollwood St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Knollwood Property Group LLC
Seller: Jahmeelah O. Bai-Grandson
Date: 02/07/22

22 Lancaster St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $247,000
Buyer: Floyd A. Roberts
Seller: Misty D. Phillips
Date: 02/18/22

8-10 Langdon St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Revitalized Renovations
Seller: Osullivan, John B., (Estate)
Date: 02/07/22

141-143 Leyfred Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Victor C. Alonso
Seller: Charles E. Gordon
Date: 02/18/22

76 Lorenzo St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $149,000
Buyer: Emmanuel Moran
Seller: Marwah Almidani
Date: 02/18/22

318-1/2 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Halastra
Seller: Edyta Halastra
Date: 02/15/22

14 Mandalay Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Alanna Bernstein
Seller: Michael C. Krobock
Date: 02/07/22

25 Manhattan St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Paul B. Mock
Seller: William M. Fossa
Date: 02/10/22

27 Margerie St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Jarvis Q. Lee
Seller: Joel A. Rapalo
Date: 02/11/22

74 Margerie St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Amat Victoria Curam LLC
Seller: Hedge Hog Industries Corp.
Date: 02/14/22

206 Mazarin St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Dylan T. Barkoski
Seller: Ramon J. Alvarez
Date: 02/17/22

217 Mazarin St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Everett Vaughn
Seller: Jesslyn Dejesus
Date: 02/14/22

32 Monrovia St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Daniel M. Reyes
Seller: Lisa M. Merriweather
Date: 02/15/22

29-31 Morris St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $229,000
Buyer: Carlos Rodriguez
Seller: Antonio Calabrese
Date: 02/09/22

68-70 Narragansett St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Amat Victoria Curam LLC
Seller: Hedge Hog Industries Corp.
Date: 02/14/22

217 Oakland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Sulla M. Silva
Seller: Nathaniel T. Swift
Date: 02/18/22

5 Olney Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $160,946
Buyer: Wilmington Trust
Seller: Kate E. Irwin
Date: 02/17/22

85 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Janisette Silveira
Seller: CTL Realty LLC
Date: 02/14/22

55 Perkins St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $333,000
Buyer: Oluwakemi Crayton
Seller: Santana Real Estate Inc.
Date: 02/18/22

49 Prospect St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Athime Continual Wealth
Seller: Yuriy Rudenko
Date: 02/07/22

17 Rapalus St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Tracy Godbout
Seller: Jose Teixeira
Date: 02/18/22

15 Rencelau St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: Lawrence Bystran
Seller: Jerry Torres
Date: 02/16/22

867 Roosevelt Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Timothy Jackson
Seller: Crossover Corp. Inc.
Date: 02/18/22

15 Ruthven St.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $267,000
Buyer: Marcial Rosado
Seller: Angel L. Munoz
Date: 02/18/22

20 Saint James Circle
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Waleska I. Burgos-Vega
Seller: Peter E. Kratimenos
Date: 02/14/22

24 Schley St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $211,500
Buyer: Yadira R. Algarin
Seller: Juan C. Flores
Date: 02/17/22

48 Scott St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Luz Vargas-Natal
Seller: Martin J. Stevens
Date: 02/14/22

248 Shawmut St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Cherry Tree Realty LLC
Seller: Joan P. Kool
Date: 02/18/22

83 Sherbrooke St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Emily Torres-Figueroa
Seller: Daniela D. Urena
Date: 02/11/22

52-54 Somerset St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Michael A. Bisrat
Seller: Quang M. Nguyen
Date: 02/11/22

1427 South Branch Pkwy.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Novelette Coleman
Seller: Alfred J. Long
Date: 02/08/22

18 Stanhope Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Brital 1987 LLC
Seller: Kahlil Crittendon
Date: 02/09/22

352 Stapleton Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Sheila A. Harris
Seller: Brown, Walter N., (Estate)
Date: 02/14/22

34-36 Sterling St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $276,000
Buyer: Justin S. Correa
Seller: Jacey M. Rondeau
Date: 02/09/22

426 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: A. M. Estrella-Deurena
Seller: Agatha Worrell
Date: 02/09/22

309 Sunrise Ter.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $249,900
Buyer: John R. Barnett
Seller: Blueline Management LLC
Date: 02/08/22

151-153 Trafton Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $244,900
Buyer: Vananh Nguyen
Seller: Thao Pham
Date: 02/15/22

259 Tremont St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $202,000
Buyer: Melanie M. Martin
Seller: Cheryl A. Salamon
Date: 02/15/22

96-98 Wait St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Wait Street RT
Seller: James M. Moriarty
Date: 02/15/22

59 Wayne St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $256,000
Buyer: Romario O. Jackson
Seller: Shamichae D. Weidman
Date: 02/18/22

60 Wayne St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $211,000
Buyer: Platinum Homes LLC
Seller: Kevin M. Riddell
Date: 02/16/22

28 West Alvord St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Kiesha Cooley
Seller: Rodman Capital Group LLC
Date: 02/15/22

616-618 White St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Anthony M. Santaniello
Seller: Gary A. Daula
Date: 02/09/22

34 Wilbraham Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Knox Residences I. LP
Seller: James S. Hwang
Date: 02/11/22

42 Wilbraham Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Knox Residences I LP
Seller: James S. Hwang
Date: 02/11/22

48 Wilbraham Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Knox Residences I LP
Seller: James S. Hwang
Date: 02/11/22

1423 Worcester St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $243,000
Buyer: Lirymar Rivera
Seller: Phillip Vivenzio
Date: 02/18/22

72 Wrentham Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Rodman Capital Group LLC
Seller: Casey Roginski
Date: 02/09/22

SOUTHWICK

14 Babb Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: John P. Colucci
Seller: Maheux, Richard W., (Estate)
Date: 02/18/22

122 Berkshire Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Thomas R. Maynard
Seller: Norman H. Storey
Date: 02/07/22

11 Falmouth Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Ashley Garlo
Seller: Maksim Dzyubenko
Date: 02/07/22

23 Feeding Hills Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Jose N. Barrios
Seller: Laelia LLC
Date: 02/16/22

20 Grandview St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Arthur F. Owen
Seller: Joan E. Boissonnault
Date: 02/18/22

103 Point Grove Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $349,900
Buyer: Jeno 103 LLC
Seller: Donna L. Maynard
Date: 02/07/22

79 Powder Mill Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $221,000
Buyer: Colin B. Murphy
Seller: Russell E. Orne
Date: 02/15/22

7 Silvergrass Lane
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: Nicholas Byrnes
Seller: Hamelin Framing Inc.
Date: 02/15/22

TOLLAND

25 Fiddlehead Lane
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Joshua Bain
Seller: Kelsey Robare
Date: 02/18/22

219 Owls Nest Lane
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: DL Homes LLC
Seller: Keith J. Murphy
Date: 02/15/22

WEST SPRINGFIELD

44 Day St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Ulugbek Gusenov
Seller: Cascade Funding Mtg. T HB7
Date: 02/18/22

91 Hampden St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Carmen Santos
Seller: Tara N. Adhikari
Date: 02/15/22

42 Houston Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Tamara Wozniak
Seller: Larkspur LLC
Date: 02/15/22

96 Labelle St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $201,000
Buyer: Kayla Bonafilia
Seller: Adam Pafumi
Date: 02/09/22

1236 Memorial Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Hussein A. Nuwab
Seller: Joseph A. Argiro
Date: 02/11/22

136 Queen Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $206,100
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Joseph A. Pieciak
Date: 02/17/22

132 Riverdale St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Emmanuel Ortiz-Sierra
Seller: Rosemarie Condarcuri
Date: 02/11/22

65 Van Horn St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Michael T. Hahn
Seller: Susan T. Frasca
Date: 02/11/22

WESTFIELD

41 Fowler St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $226,500
Buyer: Samuel N. Duffy
Seller: Samantha L. Pielock
Date: 02/07/22

237 Fowler Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $539,000
Buyer: Gregory Valentine
Seller: Christopher M. Dolan
Date: 02/14/22

33 Grenier Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $281,000
Buyer: Marilyn Oleksak
Seller: Martha M. Korostynski
Date: 02/18/22

25 Heritage Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Zachary B. Demers
Seller: Stanley J. Osowski
Date: 02/15/22

504 Holyoke Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Anthony Deven
Seller: Snow, Stanley M., (Estate)
Date: 02/15/22

5 Leonard Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $219,000
Buyer: Christopher M. Robare
Seller: Timothy R. Tierney
Date: 02/18/22

10 Llewellyn Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Stanley J. Osowski
Seller: Ashley A. Schultz-Emiliano
Date: 02/15/22

40 Maple Ter.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Ross J. Lebo
Seller: Ashley R. Diduk
Date: 02/07/22

10 Noble Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Timothy M. Hayes
Seller: David J. Silvia
Date: 02/15/22

30 Old Farm Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Joshua J. Taylor
Seller: Malia Home Buyers LLC
Date: 02/18/22

89 Otis St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Melodie Perez-Roldan
Seller: Fumi Realty Inc.
Date: 02/08/22

180 Root Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $397,000
Buyer: Fredrick H. Knight
Seller: Neil Petrucelli
Date: 02/14/22

1 Saint Paul St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: John D. Bruce
Seller: Trisha M. Garcia
Date: 02/10/22

35 Skyline Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Vitaliy Y. Bardakov
Seller: Ronald D. Mack
Date: 02/14/22

315 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $273,000
Buyer: Kimberly A. Davidson
Seller: Plata O. Plomo Inc.
Date: 02/16/22

104 Woodside Ter.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Benjamin Gordon
Seller: Zachery Demers
Date: 02/15/22

WILBRAHAM

18 Bruuer Ave.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $341,000
Buyer: Walter B. Robinson
Seller: Campagnari Construction LLC
Date: 02/09/22

20 Bungalow Point
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Ryan St.Germain
Seller: Marc G. Gaudreau
Date: 02/15/22

11 Sunnyside Ter.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Michael C. Malzenski
Seller: Edward M. Malzenski
Date: 02/14/22

 

 

 

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

416 Bay Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $1,125,000
Buyer: Plum Brook Farm LLC
Seller: Small Ones Farm LLC
Date: 02/15/22

74 East Leverett Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $612,500
Buyer: Yuqing Guo
Seller: Dugubrown Construction LLC
Date: 02/10/22

32 Hitchcock Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Amherst College
Seller: Martha M. Umphrey
Date: 02/07/22

52 Stagecoach Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: KS Real Estate Group LLC
Seller: Jeryl A. McGuire
Date: 02/18/22

19 Thayer St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: KGT Associates LLC
Seller: FNMA
Date: 02/11/22

BELCHERTOWN

296 Daniel Shays Hwy.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $268,000
Buyer: Kakas Cornelia
Seller: Amber K. Merceri
Date: 02/11/22

10 Keys Ave.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Nicholas B. Daniel
Seller: Jared Newell
Date: 02/09/22

2 Rimrock Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $379,000
Buyer: Michael E. Guenette
Seller: Kenneth Line
Date: 02/18/22

190 Sabin St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Nicholas P. Sheldon
Seller: Hilda I. Pons-Loud
Date: 02/07/22

25 Shea Ave.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Jessica Pacheco
Seller: Andrew I. Rainaud
Date: 02/15/22

216 Stebbins St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Andrea Guerron
Seller: US Bank
Date: 02/17/22

50 West St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $590,000
Buyer: Wen X. Lian
Seller: John P. Labrecque
Date: 02/09/22

EASTHAMPTON

13 Elliot St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $346,500
Buyer: Shawn Toohey
Seller: James M. Welch
Date: 02/14/22

109 Everett St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Roman Catholic Bishop
Seller: Jeffrey J. Wolak
Date: 02/10/22

3 Fugere Court
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Anthony S. Tuck
Seller: Gleason Johndrow Rentals
Date: 02/16/22

85 Holyoke St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Malia Homebuyers LLC
Seller: Stephen J. Demerski
Date: 02/17/22

283 Loudville Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Curtis L. Simpson
Seller: Nancy J. Hamelin RET
Date: 02/17/22

93-95 Main St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $875,000
Buyer: Lilulo LLC
Seller: Pizzatronics Worldwide
Date: 02/16/22

Pomeroy St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: New England Remodeling
Seller: Mountain View Investments LP
Date: 02/08/22

GRANBY

122 Amherst St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $128,000
Buyer: Richton & Wynne LLC
Seller: Herbert A. Everett
Date: 02/14/22

40 Greenmeadow Lane
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Luis Eugenio
Seller: Eric Jacobsen
Date: 02/17/22

14 Karen Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Lisa H. Berge
Seller: Berge 2009 Karen Dr. TR
Date: 02/17/22

HADLEY

11 Ladyslipper Lane
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $520,000
Buyer: Joshua Relin
Seller: Therese Fleming-Dudek
Date: 02/07/22

231 Russell St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $730,000
Buyer: One Northampton St. Enterprises
Seller: Tomlan Realty LLC
Date: 02/14/22

11 Sylvia Heights
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Aaron T. Soules
Seller: Mourad Belfakih
Date: 02/07/22

MIDDLEFIELD

100 Town Hill Road
Middlefield, MA 01235
Amount: $382,000
Buyer: Christopher J. Gauthier
Seller: Savery Family 2021 TR
Date: 02/15/22

NORTHAMPTON

113 Bliss St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $466,000
Buyer: Shalyn N. Kempema
Seller: Marsha Leavitt
Date: 02/18/22

866 Burts Pit Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Nicholas S. Riggall
Seller: Brian Lienert
Date: 02/07/22

Federal St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Nu Way Homes Inc.
Seller: Suzanne M. Douville
Date: 02/15/22

5 Franklin St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $760,000
Buyer: Reliance Holdings Corp.
Seller: Viability Inc.
Date: 02/14/22

220 King St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $2,282,400
Buyer: Store Master Funding XXV
Seller: Acme Realco LLC
Date: 02/17/22

89 Market St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: David S. Coburn
Seller: Jason N. Mark
Date: 02/17/22

83 North St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $450,500
Buyer: Danica Phelps
Seller: Nancy C. Chamberlin RET
Date: 02/07/22

54 Platinum Circle
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Choquette Capital Investments LLC
Seller: Wicked Deals LLC
Date: 02/11/22

52 Prospect Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $647,000
Buyer: Amy E. Mager
Seller: Glickman, Evalyn G., (Estate)
Date: 02/07/22

67 Riverbank Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $530,000
Buyer: Ian A. Wilson
Seller: Jesse L. Lang LT
Date: 02/17/22

428 Westhampton Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $675,000
Buyer: Jana Harvill-Correa
Seller: Steven Berlin
Date: 02/11/22

PELHAM

96 Daniel Shays Hwy.
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Warren K. Castonguay
Seller: Timothy R. Smith
Date: 02/11/22

SOUTH HADLEY

55 Judd Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Joseph Rosenbaum
Seller: Anthony J. Grey
Date: 02/15/22

645 Newton St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Min Realty LLC
Seller: Gaunt, Joseph H. Jr., (Estate)
Date: 02/15/22

10 Ranger St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Teresa Lewis
Seller: John A. Dent
Date: 02/09/22

SOUTHAMPTON

Cook Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: New England Remodeling
Seller: Mountain View Investments LP
Date: 02/08/22

11 Maple St.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $282,000
Buyer: Alla Katsnelson
Seller: Stacey J. Piandes
Date: 02/11/22

117 Strong Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Kevin C. Netto Construction Inc.
Seller: Deborah A. Peters
Date: 02/10/22

WARE

29 Canal St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $198,000
Buyer: Amy Barry
Seller: Robert T. Jacques
Date: 02/07/22

79-1/2 East St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Karen M. Gallant
Seller: Eric D. Even
Date: 02/07/22

11 Grove St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $279,900
Buyer: Eleanor Mercure
Seller: Concepcion A. Wnek
Date: 02/08/22

11-13 Storrs St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Jarad M. Chase
Seller: Brian W. Coulombe
Date: 02/17/22

Building Permits

By
Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the month of February 2022. (Filings are limited due to closures or reduced staffing hours at municipal offices due to COVID-19 restrictions).

CHICOPEE

Chois Property Management LLC
551 East St.
$62,000 — Roofing

HADLEY

Sarah Khan, Henrey Drewal
68 Comins Road
Renovate chicken coop

Pyramid Mall of Hadley Newco LLC
367 Russell St.
Tenant fit-up for a trampoline park

LENOX

The Frederick LLC
2 Kemble St.
$4,500 — Select investigative demolition

NORTHAMPTON

American Tower Corp.
114 Glendale Road
$25,000 — Modify equipment

Colvest/Northampton LLC
303 King St.
$175,000 — Foundation

Cooper’s Dairyland of Northampton LLC
49 State St.
$41,800 — Replace 36 vinyl windows

Florence Congregational Church
130 Pine St.
$15,000 — Reinforce floor structure

Good View LLC
11 Michelman Ave.
$16,000 — Install Lally columns and open walls

Marsam LLC
132 Main St.
$175,500 — Repair limestone and bricks

PITTSFIELD

Susan Danahey
474 Tyler St.
$1,000 — Install four hardwired smoke/CO combo in common areas

Eagle Street Associates Nominee Trust
33 Eagle St.
$7,500 — Selective demolition of existing partition walls to create space for classroom

Ghes Realty LLC
652 East St.
$24,300 — Install new structural steel beam for new service reception area

SPRINGFIELD

1072 Estate Holdings LLC
1072 State St.
$40,000 — Divide former Imperial Super Grocery into four new tenant spaces

Back Spin LLC
785 Page Blvd.
$24,000 — Roofing

Baystate Medical Center Inc.
759 Chestnut St.
$1,982,588 — Alter roof covering for use as roof garden between south building tower and north building tower

Baystate Medical Center Inc.
759 Chestnut St.
$1,927,350 — Add pedestrian bridge connecting fourth floor of south building tower to north building tower

Baystate Medical Center Inc.
759 Chestnut St.
$47,800 — Alter interior office space in Springfield Building

Haymarket Square Associates LP
1686 Boston Road
$26,500 — Build separation wall turning former Chuck E. Cheese into two tenant spaces, install new doors and demolish stage

Kentucky Fried Chicken
3111 Main St.
$9,500 — Install fire/burglar alarm system

Loomis Communities
807 Wilbraham Road
$19,700 — Remove separation wall and bathroom fixtures and combine unit with adjacent unit at Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing

Poly-Metal Finishing Inc.
1 Allen St.
$33,000 — Verizon Wireless to remove and replace three roof-mounted cellular antennas and associated equipment

SBA Communications Corp.
1400 State St.
$110,000 — AT&T to install 12 new antennas on existing tower

Springfield Express Laundry
470 Main St.
$17,200 — Install security/burglar alarm system

Springfield Redevelopment Authority
55 Frank B. Murray St.
$2,300 — Alter interior space and install partition wall at Union Station

TD Banknorth NA
950 State St.
$52,730 — Alter interior office space for use as dental office

Vibra Healthcare Real Estate Co. II LLC
1414 State St.
$30,000 — Verizon Wireless to add six new cellular antennas and six new radios to existing monopole

 

Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury and Murphy Announces New Shareholder, Associate

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury and Murphy, P.C. (DWPM) announced that the firm has elected Angelina Stafford as a new shareholder and welcomed to its team attorney Justin Kissell as an associate.

Stafford, who was previously an associate attorney at DWPM, concentrates her practice on trust and estate matters, including estate and tax planning, estate and trust administration, business succession planning, and probate litigation.

Stafford earned her juris doctor degree summa cum laude from Western New England University and her bachelor’s degree with distinction from the University of Michigan. Prior to joining Doherty, Wallace in 2013, she clerked for the Connecticut Appellate Court. She is admitted to practice in Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Kissell joined the firm in 2021 and became an associate attorney in January 2022 after being admitted to the bar. He is a graduate of Suffolk University Law School in Boston. While at Suffolk, he was the chief note editor for the Journal of Health & Biomedical Law. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics, with a minor in political science, at the University of New Hampshire.

Kissell’s experience includes working as a law clerk at Rimon, P.C. in Boston, where he worked in trusts and estates, taxation, and general business. Prior to that, he was a summer intern at the Dedham District Court, working with the Hon. Judge Michael Pomarole. He is admitted to practice in the state of Massachusetts.

“We are proud to welcome Angie as a shareholder at Doherty, Wallace. She is a vital part of our estate planning and probate practice, and is ready to help individuals and families prepare for the future,” said W. Garth Janes, managing partner at DWPM. “Justin joins our business practice and adds depth to our corporate and real-estate practice.”

Massachusetts Unemployment Creeps Up in January

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Daily News

BOSTON — The state’s January total unemployment rate increased by two-tenths of a percentage points to 4.8%, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) preliminary job estimates indicate that Massachusetts gained 10,600 jobs in January. This follows the previous month’s revised gain of 14,500 jobs. The largest over-the-month private-sector job gains were in professional, scientific, and business services; leisure and hospitality; construction; and manufacturing. Employment now stands at 3,609,000. Since the employment trough in April 2020, Massachusetts has gained 558,000 jobs.

From January 2021 to January 2022, BLS estimates that Massachusetts gained 178,100 jobs. The largest over-the-year gains occurred in leisure and hospitality; professional, scientific, and business services; and education and health services. Financial activities was the only sector to see job losses.

The January unemployment rate of 4.8% was 0.8% above the national rate reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The labor force increased by an estimated 15,700 from 3,751,500 in December, as 9,400 more residents were employed, and 6,200 more residents were unemployed over the month.Over the year, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was down by 2.3%.

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 to 65.8%. Compared to January 2021, the labor-force participation rate was up 0.6%.

Holyoke Mall to Host Get Hired Job Fair on May 5

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Mall will host an in-person job fair on Thursday, May 5 from 3 to 6 p.m. on the lower level near Macy’s. Sponsored by Valley Opportunity Council, the Get Hired Job Fair is a convenient opportunity for Western Mass. employers to interview and hire workers, and to help job seekers connect with businesses who need their skills.

Employers from a variety of industries will be in attendance looking for candidates at all skill levels. Several stores and venues at Holyoke Mall will also be in attendance to fill open positions. The event is free to attend for all job seekers. Employers that have already signed up to staff a table include MGM Springfield, Holyoke Medical Center, Springfield College, Trinity Senior Communities, and Valley Opportunity Council.

Employers interested in participating in the upcoming job fair should contact Jim Geraghty, advertising representative for Holyoke Mall, at (617) 840-2998 or [email protected]. For full details regarding the job fair, visit www.holyokemall.com/event/get-hired-job-fair.

YPS, WRC to Host St. Patrick’s Day Networking Event on March 16

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — The Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield (YPS) will host an early St. Patrick’s Day celebration in partnership with the West of the River Chamber of Commerce (WRC) at West Springfield’s Irish House Restaurant & Pub, 429 Morgan Road, on Wednesday, March 16 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Presented by event sponsors LiftTruck Parts & Service and Haselkorn Inc., the event will support and encourage networking among area young professionals while also celebrating the St. Patrick’s day holiday. The event will include complimentary appetizers, networking opportunities, and a cash bar.

“Events like this will help retain individuals who are enthusiastic about the future of the community and their personal endeavors,” YPS President Heather Clark said. “YPS is here to exchange ideas, share common interests, and cultivate membership to serve as local leaders of tomorrow. We’re hopeful that our networking events will make it easier to make meaningful connections that will help local young professionals thrive.”

Springfield YPS concentrates its efforts on business and career development, networking, social and cultural involvement, and community activism. Its diverse membership comes from a wide range of professions and backgrounds united by a commitment to make Springfield a better place to work, live, play, and stay.

Registration is free for YPS and WRC members and $10 for non-members. Click here to register.

SSO to Produce Six Concerts for 2022-23 Season

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) announced it will produce a 2022-23 season that will include at least six concerts at Symphony Hall, and that tickets are now on sale for the first of two spring concerts to be held on Friday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m.

SSO interim Director Paul Lambert said the SSO is planning a season of at least six concerts at Symphony Hall. Performances are being scheduled while the SSO and the musicians’ union continue contract negotiations.

Lambert said tickets for the SSO’s first of two spring concerts, “Of Heroes and Poets,” are now on sale to the public. Tickets for the April 22 concert, featuring Cuban-American cellist Thomas Mesa, can be purchased at www.springfieldsymphony.org/event/of-heroes-and-poets or by calling the SSO box office at (413) 733-2291. The box office is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tickets for the SSO’s May 13 concert, “Dances of Spring,” are also on sale on the SSO website. More details about that concert will be forthcoming.

Mesa, the featured visiting artist on April 22, is a musician affiliated with the Detroit-based Sphinx organization. Focused on increasing representation of black and Latinx artists in classical music, Sphinx is a social-justice organization dedicated to transforming lives through the power of diversity in the arts. Mesa will perform Antonin Dvorak’s Cello Concerto. The symphony will also present William Grant Still’s Danzas de Panama and Robert Schumann’s Symphony #2.

Mesa has received numerous awards and recognitions and has appeared as a soloist with orchestras in the U.S. and Mexico, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, Santa Barbara Symphony, Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, and the Cleveland Orchestra.

Mark Russell Smith, who previously served as music director and conductor of the SSO from 1995 to 2000, will serve as guest conductor for both the April 22 and May 13 concerts. Smith is music director and conductor of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. He has worked as director of New Music Projects for the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and artistic director of Orchestral Studies at the University of Minnesota, and has also served as music director for the Richmond Symphony Orchestra and Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra.

Forest Park Zoo to Host Eggstravaganza on April 16

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Zoo in Forest Park will host its annual Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event will include grab-and-go stations for children with take-and-make activities, prize-filled Easter eggs, books, and candy while supplies last. There will also be animal encounters and enrichment to allow guests an up-close look at some of the animals, as well as free face painting and visits from Felix the Fox and Andy the Armadillo.

“While the Zoo hosts Eggstravaganza every year, the staff does an amazing job of creating a new, exciting atmosphere with crafts, activities, and fun for all eventgoers each season,” said Caroline Cay Adams, director of education at the Zoo in Forest Park. “We are so honored that we can host such a popular event for the Greater Springfield community and beyond.”

Pre-registration is required to attend. No additional tickets will be sold at the door. Registration closes April 11 or when all tickets are sold. To purchase tickets, visit www.forestparkzoo.org/eggs.

Elizabeth Román Joins NEPM’s Newsroom

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Elizabeth Román will New England Public Media’s newsroom as managing editor for news after reporting for nearly two decades at the Republican. In recent years, she has also edited El Pueblo Latino, co-founded Colectivo de Medios Latinos, and appeared as a panelist on NEPM’s “The Short List” and “Connecting Point.” In her role at NEPM, she will edit daily news stories, work to expand the diversity of sources in news coverage, and explore ways to create more Spanish-language news content.

“I am thrilled to welcome Liz to the newsroom,” said Sam Hudzik, NEPM news director. “She is a consummate professional with almost two decades of experience covering the stories of our region.”

Elizabeth is a lifelong resident of Springfield and the daughter of Puerto Rican parents who migrated to Massachusetts from the island more than 40 years ago. She is a graduate of Holyoke Community College and UMass Amherst. Throughout her career as a print journalist, it has been her objective to provide accurate representation of communities of color in Western Mass., and she is excited to continue that work at NEPM. She will join New England Public Media on Monday, March 14.

Pioneer Valley Credit Union Donates to CSO for Friends of the Homeless Shelter

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Pioneer Valley Credit Union donated $100 worth of thermal layers, hats, socks, sweaters, and sweatpants and an additional monetary donation of $500 for a grand total of $600 to Clinical & Support Option’s (CSO) Friends of the Homeless Shelter in Springfield.

The warm-clothing collection efforts were made at the Sixteen Acres and East Springfield branches throughout the month of February in addition to the option to donate over the phone.

“Pioneer Valley Credit Union is more than happy to support such a great local cause in efforts to help keep our community warm,” said Anabela Grenier, president and CEO.

CSO’s Friends of the Homeless program is more than an emergency shelter. In addition to offering more than 1,000 individuals with a warm bed and hot shower each year, the program also assigns case workers to each guest. It also serves three community meals each day, offers a robust resource center, and operates low-income housing units for those in need.

Asnuntuck to Hold Open House on April 7

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Daily News

ENFIELD, Conn. — Asnuntuck Community College (ACC) will hold an open house on campus on Thursday, April 7. The event will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. and feature information about ACC’s credit and credit-free opportunities.

The evening will include an information session, including information about Asnuntuck’s free Children’s Cooperative Reading Room and small group tours of the campus, including the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center. A resource fair will also take place that night, and ACC’s Follett Bookstore will be open for business during the event.

There is a bonus for new students who attend the open house. Students who are accepted into a credit-bearing program for summer or fall and register that night for courses will be entered for a chance to win a $1,000 scholarship from the Asnuntuck Foundation.

Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended. Visit asnuntuck.edu/admissions/visit-us to learn more and reserve a spot.

BusinessTalk with Marc Joyce, chairman of the 69th Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade

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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.

Go HERE to view all episodes

Episode 104: March 14, 2022

George Interviews Marc Joyce, chairman of the 69th Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Marc Joyce

 BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien has a lively, wide-ranging discussion with Marc Joyce, chairman of the 69th Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The two talk about the long, three-year wait for the 69th parade, the impact of this institution on Holyoke and the surrounding region, and what’s on tap for highly anticipated 2022 parade and road race. It’s all must listening, so join us on BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest in partnership with Living Local and sponsored by PeoplesBank.

Sponsored by:

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UMass Amherst College of Engineering Receives $10 Million Gift

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Daily News

AMHERST — The UMass Amherst College of Engineering (COE) has received a $10 million gift from Jerome and Linda Paros aimed at accelerating its cutting-edge work in atmospheric research and hazard mitigation by enabling a new center of excellence. The gift is the largest ever received by the college.

The gift will support the translation of ongoing and future research into improved hazardous weather predictions, alert systems, and policies that will save lives as the world continues to experience increases in the intensity and frequency of storms and other extreme weather events that stem from climate change. The $10 million gift will provide discretionary support for the new Paros Center for Atmospheric Research, funding for the Paros Fellows/Scholars Endowed Fund for graduate fellowships and undergraduate scholarships, and to establish the Paros Chair of Atmospheric Research and Hazard Mitigation.

“This transformative gift is a recognition of the tremendous talent and expertise we have at UMass Amherst,” College of Engineering Dean Sanjay Raman said. “Jerry and Linda Paros are enabling us to build on our established track record of accomplishment in ways that will have a profound impact on our nation and the global community. This gift will greatly enhance our capability to translate research in areas such as radar systems, the internet of things, data science and artificial intelligence, and unoccupied aerial vehicles into real-world hazard mitigation systems. It is an extraordinary investment, and we are deeply grateful.”

Building upon UMass Amherst’s leadership in the field through the Center for Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere (CASA) — an engineering research center housed at UMass and established through prior National Science Foundation funds — this new funding will enable UMass researchers to expand CASA’s original mission to explore new frontiers in atmospheric measurement, science, and technology.

Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy noted that UMass faculty have been at the forefront of this effort. “Through their innovation, our researchers are building a new level of safety for communities around the world,” he said. “Now, with this gift, we will expand our understanding of hazardous weather conditions and explore the next generation of life-saving strategies.”

Jerome Paros, a 1960 UMass Amherst alumnus, is a leader in the field of geophysical measurements. He holds more than 50 patents and is the founder, president, and chairman of Paroscientific Inc., Quartz Seismic Sensors Inc., and related companies based in Redmond, Wash. These companies use the quartz crystal resonator technology he developed to measure pressure, acceleration, temperature, weight, and other parameters. His work has improved the measurements of geophysical phenomena such as tsunamis, earthquakes, and severe weather, and enhanced knowledge about the complex earth, air, and ocean processes that produce climate change. In the mid-2000s, Jerome and Linda Paros endowed a fund in measurement science at UMass Amherst, with the goal of creating synergy in this field of study between the COE and the College of Natural Sciences.

Paros holds an undergraduate degree in physics from UMass Amherst and a graduate degree in physics from Columbia University. He is an International Society of Automation fellow and received the society’s Si Fluor Technology Award in 1980 and the Albert F. Sperry Founders Award in 2006. UMass honored him with a Distinguished Achievement Award in 2011.

Bulkley Richardson Welcomes Two Attorneys

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Bulkley Richardson recently welcomed James Moher and Michael McAndrew to the firm.

Moher joined the firm as counsel in the Business and Finance department, where his practice will focus on general corporate and business matters, including mergers and acquisitions and other transactional work. He will also be active in the areas of cannabis and other emerging businesses.

Moher previously practiced at a Hartford, Conn. law firm and most recently was founder and CEO of a successful startup business, giving him an insider’s perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by a small business. He received a bachelor’s degree from Boston College in 2008 and a juris doctor from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 2011.

McAndrew joined Bulkley Richardson’s Litigation department as an associate.

Previously, McAndrew was a law clerk at several area law firms and served as a clerk intern to the Hon. Alfred Covello in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut. He received a bachelor’s degree from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, magna cum laude, in 2018 and a juris doctor from Western New England University School of Law, magna cum laude, in 2021.

“The firm is honored to have two outstanding lawyers join the firm’s largest practice areas,” said Dan Finnegan, Bulkley Richardson’s managing partner. “Finding qualified candidates has been tough for all law firms, but we have kept our standards high. James and Mike fall nicely into our model for growth and will contribute to the firm’s overall success.”

MLK Family Services Board Elects Aieshya Jackson, Darren James to Leadership Roles

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The board of directors of Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services has elected Aieshya Jackson as vice president and Darren James as treasurer.

“Aieshya and Darren have stepped up to take on more responsibility just when our organization needs it most,” said Calvin Hill, chair of Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services. “They bring critical skills to our leadership team and an integral part of our future.”

Jackson is a business manager for the city of Springfield Library Department and has more than 15 years of financial-services experience. She is a graduate of Bay Path University, where she earned a master’s degree in healthcare management. She also attended the Connecticut School of Finance and Management.

James is a financial representative for Northwestern Mutual and has more than eight years of financial-services and operations experience. He earned a bachelor’s degree from American International College with a concentration in communications and business.

DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology Adding Nail & Esthetics Programs, Closes Salon

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Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology is getting a makeover. The school, which opened its doors in 2002, will be renovating and expanding this spring to add a nail program and an esthetics program.

Paul DiGrigoli, owner and CEO of the DiGrigoli Companies, first opened DiGrigoli Salon in 2000 on Riverdale Street in West Springfield. A couple years later, he added the fully accredited and award-winning DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology, which has produced hundreds of cosmetologists in the Western Mass. area and beyond. Due to the expansion of the school, DiGrigoli Salon officially came to an end on Feb. 26. The extra space from the salon will allow for larger facilities and amenities for both students and clients of the new DiGrigoli School.

“We’re excited to welcome new components of the beauty industry — the nails and esthetics — to our company,” says DiGrigoli of the expansion. “Several local schools have closed recently, and the creative people of the area need an outlet for their passion. The goal is to get them working in an industry they can grow and flourish in.”

Renovations will begin in spring, and details of the new programs and enrollments will be available by fall 2022. The currently running cosmetology program will continue uninterrupted, with its next class starting on May 3. Former clients of DiGrigoli Salon are welcome to visit the school’s student salon, which offers a variety of hair and basic manicure services. Appointments can be made by calling (413) 827-0037 or on a walk-in basis.

Musicians of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra Builds Management Team

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Musicians of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, the not-for-profit organization also known as MOSSO, has engaged a management team to assist in producing live classical-music concerts for Greater Springfield and Western Mass.

MOSSO Chair Beth Welty (who will also serve as MOSSO’s interim librarian) announced that Douglas Evans, former CEO at the Bushnell in Hartford, Conn., will serve as management consultant. Mark Auerbach, an area public-relations consultant who was the Marketing director of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra from 1982 to 1985, will serve as public-relations and marketing consultant. Northampton- and Hartford-based development specialist Nancy Wheeler of WheelerConnect will work with MOSSO as a major-gifts consultant. And Gregory Jones, who has worked in concert production with artists including Simon & Garfunkel and Bob Dylan, will coordinate productions.

Welty added that Sarah Sutherland, a MOSSO horn player with a mathematics and statistics degree, will be MOSSO’s finance director, and Lauren Winter, MOSSO’s principal horn player, will coordinate box-office operations and personnel. Matthew Anderson, who holds a bachelor’s degree in composition from the Hartt School and an MBA from the University of Hartford, will work in production.

“With a successful concert last fall in Symphony Hall, chamber-music performances in Westfield and Longmeadow, and the upcoming MOSSO’s Virtuosos concert in Symphony Hall on March 26, we are building our performance schedule,” said Welty, adding that MOSSO will return to Symphony Hall in June with a tribute to the late Broadway composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim. “We are planning to announce a robust season for the summer and 2022-23. With a management team in place, a strategic plan, and development efforts, we are now poised to bring live classical music to our audiences.”

KeyBank Announces Support for Humanitarian Efforts for Ukraine

By
Daily News

CLEVELAND — KeyBank announced several steps it is taking to support humanitarian efforts currently underway for the people of Ukraine. In a message to employees, Chris Gorman, KeyCorp chairman and CEO, announced $150,000 in grants from KeyBank Foundation and a 1:1 employee matching-gift program.

KeyBank Foundation will give a $100,000 grant to the American Red Cross to support its efforts to provide food, water, and other essential items and services to the people of Ukraine. The Red Cross has teams on the ground in Ukraine and neighboring countries helping families and working to repair vital infrastructure, support health facilities with medicines and equipment, and support families with food and hygiene items. KeyBank Foundation will also make a $50,000 grant to UNICEF for its work supporting children and families impacted by the war in Ukraine.

In addition, KeyBank is launching a 1:1 employee matching-gift program through KeyBank Foundation that will help amplify and raise the collective voice of teammates in support of Ukraine. As part of this program, KeyBank Foundation will prove a dollar-for-dollar match for all employees up to $5,000, for several organizations supporting humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, including Americares, CARE, Project Hope, Save the Children, and World Central Kitchen.

“Over the past week, we have witnessed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with both shock and deep concern,” Gorman said. “The remarkable resilience of the Ukrainian people has been a source of inspiration for me and for the entire world. Together, we have a longstanding tradition of supporting communities near and far, especially in times like these. This is one of the many reasons I am proud to be part of the Key team.”

Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley to Host Virtual Session on Climate Change on March 14

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Daily News

BELCHERTOWN — The Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley will host a virtual information session on climate change and its impact locally and globally on Monday, March 14 at 6 p.m.

Ollie Perrault, a 15-year-old climate activist and youth climate leader of Easthampton, will be the guest speaker. She has been working with other local climate-action organizations to spark social change since she was 11.

Perrault is a founding member of a new, local, youth-led climate-action group, Youth Climate Action Now, that works to empower other young people to lead the next steps in the fight against the climate crisis.

The virtual meeting is free and open to the public. To receive a Zoom invitation, e-mail [email protected].

“Climate change is a major global crisis,” said Mary Knight, communications chair of the Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley. “While Zonta International is not an environmental or disaster-response organization, climate change disproportionately affects women and girls, and action is needed from a gender-equality perspective.”

Across the globe, women and girls are more heavily impacted by climate change than men because women, as caregivers and food providers, are more vulnerable when flooding and drought occur, Knight said. Even in stable regions, women can face systematic violence that escalates during periods of instability, and during extreme weather events, women are at greater risk of being injured, killed, displaced, and unemployed.

“Globally, women have less socioeconomic power than men, so it is harder for them to recover from disasters,” she added, noting that the United Nations highlights the need for gender-sensitive responses to climate change, but average female representation on negotiating bodies is well below 30%.

“Much of this disadvantage can be rectified through Zonta’s existing advocacy, health, education, and violence-eradication programs,” Knight said. “However, we need to ramp up our activities to ensure that girls are educated, child marriage is ended, gender equality gaps are closed, and women are supported to take on leadership positions in the workplace, community, and political spheres.”

OMG Inc. Hires Talent-acquisition Specialist

By
Daily News

AGAWAM — OMG Inc. has hired Brianna Akers as talent-acquisition specialist. In her new role, Akers will work closely with the talent-acquisition manager and the company’s management team to develop and implement strategic hiring strategies that expand the employee base across all facilities for continued growth. She reports to Gina Williamson, talent-acquisition manager.

Akers began her career at ProAmpac as a human-resources coordinator, supporting payroll, recruitment, benefits administration, and other aspects of human resources. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Western New England University and a master’s degree from Springfield College.

UMassFive Announces Three Management Promotions

By
Daily News

HADLEY — UMassFive College Federal Credit Union announced three recent management-team promotions: Assistant Vice President of Finance/Controller Linda Schmidt, Interactive Teller Machine (ITM) Supervisor Robert Walters III, and Hadley Branch Manager Brittany Ward.

Schmidt’s career at UMassFive began in 2010 as a teller and a Call Center representative. Her role quickly progressed to a Contact Center supervisor, where she remained until 2014. That year, she moved into the Finance department, holding the title of staff accountant until 2016, and most recently serving as financial analyst. In her new position, she will oversee the Finance department, as well as perform all controller responsibilities for the credit union. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in accounting at the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst.

“As the credit union continues to grow, the complexity of the accounting challenges handled by our Finance team has increased significantly over the last few years, and I am proud of how our staff has risen to the occasion,” Schmidt said. “I am looking forward to applying all that I have learned and the experience I have acquired throughout my 11-year tenure at UMassFive to shape and guide the department moving forward.”

Walters’s career at UMassFive began in 2018 as a member service specialist in the Hadley branch, and he was most recently promoted to backup supervisor in January 2020. In his new position, he will oversee the daily operation of the ITM department, ensuring adequate staffing levels for member volume, troubleshooting the video teller machines, and ensuring members have an excellent service experience.

“As ITM supervisor, I look forward to working with the ITM and branch drive-up teams and building upon ways we can serve our membership and community,” Walters said.

Ward began her career at UMassFive seven years ago and has held multiple positions during her tenure at the credit union. Starting as a member service specialist, she moved on to become a retail trainer, ITM supervisor, assistant manager in the Contact Center, and most recently the ITM manager. In her new role, she will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Hadley branch, including the training and development of the branch staff.

“In my new role as Hadley branch manager, I look forward to providing financial education, personalized attention, maintaining strong partnerships with organizations in our local community, and providing a workplace culture that encourages professional growth, empowerment, member advocacy, and teamwork,” Ward said.

Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts Opens Submissions for Annual Scholarship

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Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts Scholarship Committee announced that a $1,000 communications scholarship will be awarded in 2022, and applications are now available. Visit adclubwm.org/scholarships to download the guidelines and application form. The information is also available by calling the Ad Club at (413) 342-0533.

The Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts supports future generations of creative professionals with an annual scholarship. It is awarded to one or more deserving Western Mass. high-school graduates going to college to study communication arts.

Western Mass. seniors who plan to attend an accredited college or technical school to study advertising, communications, marketing, or graphic arts and will be attending in September 2022 are encouraged to apply. The scholarship must be applied against tuition and fees at the school. Candidates will be judged on academic performance; extracurricular activities; community service and/or work experience; a demonstrated interest in advertising, communications, marketing, or graphic design; personal recommendations; and a letter of introduction outlining future plans.

Completed scholarship applications and all support materials must be submitted to the Ad Club, postmarked by April 15. The scholarship will be awarded in May, and the recipient will be recognized at the Ad Club’s Creative Awards show in September.

March 11 Concert Marks Return of HCC Jazz Festival

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — After being canceled the last two years, the annual Holyoke Community College Jazz Festival returns for 2022 with a big-band concert on Friday, March 11, featuring the Amherst Jazz Orchestra along with members of the HCC jazz faculty.

The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in HCC’s Leslie Phillips Theater in the Fine & Performing Arts building on the main HCC campus, 303 Homestead Ave.

The HCC Jazz Festival was last held in March 2019 with Grammy-winning saxophonist Paul Winter as the guest artist for the two-day event. Jazz Festivals in 2020 and 2021 were cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Amherst Jazz Orchestra, led by trombonist David Sporny, has been a mainstay of every HCC Jazz Festival since the first in 1998. Traditionally, the festival opens with the concert on Friday night with a special guest artist playing with the orchestra, followed by jazz workshops with area high-school musicians and a closing concert on Saturday afternoon.

This year’s concert will be a one-day event with the Amherst Jazz Orchestra as the headliner and spotlighting members of the HCC jazz faculty: Ted Levine (saxophone), Geoff Cunningham (trumpet), Pete Grimaldi (trumpet), and Robert Ferrier (guitar).

“It’s been a long two years, and while we won’t be having our usual guest artist, student performances, and clinics, we will be having a big-band concert with the Amherst Jazz Orchestra that will feature some of our HCC faculty,” said Ferrier, the Jazz Festival co-founder and organizer. “It’ll be great to be back on stage again, even if it’s only for one night. Hopefully we’ll be back to our traditional two-day event next year.”

The concert is free for HCC students, faculty, and staff, and $10 for the general public. Call (413) 552-2485 for more information.

Baystate Health, Kindred Behavioral Health Break Ground on Behavioral-health Hospital

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Baystate Health and Kindred Behavioral Health, a division of LifePoint Health, broke ground on March 8 in Holyoke on their new, state-of-the-art behavioral-health hospital being built to meet the community’s increased need for specialized behavioral-health services and to address the dire shortage of beds in the region.

The 150-bed, free-standing facility, to be called Baystate Behavioral Health Hospital, will be located on 45 Lower Westfield Road and will feature 120 semi-private rooms and 30 private rooms for the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health. The new hospital will increase patient access to Baystate Health’s specialty inpatient behavioral healthcare for adults, including geriatric patients, as well as adolescents and children, by more than 50%.

“As a psychiatrist, I have first-hand knowledge of the suffering and tragedy associated with people whose mental-health needs are not met,” said Dr. Barry Sarvet, chair of Psychiatry at Baystate Health. “Upon its completion, Baystate Behavioral Health Hospital will not only improve access to care, but also offer a beautiful environment of care and new clinical programs for people in need of intensive mental-health services, where they can feel safe, comfortable, and engaged in healing relationships with members of their care team.”

Dr. Mark Keroack, president and CEO of Baystate Health, added that “mental health is an integral part of the overall health and well-being of the communities we serve. Baystate Health takes its mission seriously, to improve the health of the people in our communities every day. As other doors have closed in the region, we are pleased to be opening a brand-new facility dedicated to serving the behavioral-health needs of our most vulnerable population.”

The 23,230-square-foot, four-story facility is designed specifically for behavioral-health services to foster a better healing environment for patients and will feature a wide range of programs to meet patients’ varying treatment needs. The hospital will feature large activity and therapy rooms, a gym for therapy services, multiple courtyards, and outdoor recreation spaces where patients can interact with each other and their family members.

The $72 million project is estimated to take 16 months to complete, with an expected opening in August 2023. Kindred Behavioral Health, which is a wholly owned business of LifePoint Health, will manage day-to-day operations of the hospital, while Baystate Health psychiatrists and advanced practitioners will provide care under Sarvet’s medical leadership.

“This is a great day for our partnership with Baystate Health and for residents of Western Massachusetts as we take this symbolic first step to officially launch a project that will greatly improve access to much-needed behavioral-health services in this part of the state,” said Jason Zachariah, president of Integrated Solutions at LifePoint Health. “We are excited to break ground on this hospital and look forward to passionately advocating for our patients and delivering the kind of exceptional behavioral-health outcomes that lead to a healthier community.”

Until the new hospital is completed, Baystate will continue to operate its inpatient behavioral-health units at its three community hospitals, Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield, Baystate Noble Hospital in Westfield, and Baystate Wing Hospital in Palmer. Upon completion of the facility, inpatient behavioral health in these units will cease, and patient care will be transferred to the new facility.

Emergency-care services will continue to be provided at all Baystate Health hospitals, and the treatment of behavioral-health patients with medically complex conditions will continue at Baystate Medical Center in its Adult Psychiatric Treatment Unit.

HCC Lands $147,000 Grant to Buy Mobile Culinary-arts Lab

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — When is a food truck not a food truck? When it’s a mobile culinary-arts laboratory.

Holyoke Community College (HCC) has been awarded a $147,000 Skills Capital Grant to purchase a truck for its culinary-arts program that will be used as a mobile kitchen for community outreach and education.

“It’s not our intention to sell food out of the truck as a means to generate revenue,” said HCC Professor Warren Leigh, co-chair of the culinary-arts program. “We’re not going to set up on the corner and sell tacos and hot dogs. We are absolutely going to cook in it, but the main purpose is to engage the community. At the same time, our students will gain experience in food-truck operations.”

The funds, from Gov. Charlie Baker’s Workforce Skills Cabinet, are part of a new, $3.3 million package of grants to 20 educational organizations in Massachusetts for updating equipment and expanding student enrollment in career education programs.

According to the award letter, HCC will use the $147,000 to purchase and outfit a mobile food lab that will support both credit and non-credit culinary-arts programs and also incorporate other areas of study, including nutrition, health, business, and entrepreneurship. HCC’s grant application notes that residents of Holyoke face a high level of food insecurity and that downtown Holyoke has been identified as a ‘food desert.’

“HCC will deploy the truck to bring food to neighborhoods of downtown Holyoke,” HCC wrote in its application. In addition, the college plans to connect this project to its downtown Freight Farms initiative with a focus on basic nutrition, local produce, and healthy eating.

Leigh envisions using the mobile food lab to engage community partners such as the Holyoke Boys & Girls Club and area food pantries. Students will meet with representatives from area organizations to create menus based on ingredients of their choice or what might be seasonally available.

“We’ll be there with our kitchen on wheels and help them understand that they can take this product XYZ and make it into something interesting, cooked in a fashion they would like,” he explained.

Once the truck arrives — sometime later this year — food-truck operations will be worked into the current culinary-arts curriculum in both credit and non-credit courses such as event planning and line-cook training. Students will have to learn to cook in a much smaller space than they are used to in the kitchens at the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute; they’ll also have to learn food-truck logistics, such as how to dispose of dirty ‘grey’ water, replenish the kitchen with fresh water, and maintain a stable power source.

“You have to have a production plan, just like you do in a restaurant, but now it’s even more important because you’re going into a vehicle and driving away from your home base,” Leigh said. “It’s like catering off site. You have to bring everything you need.”

According to statistics, the growth of food trucks outpaced restaurant growth 5.5% to 4.3% in 2021, spurred in part by the pandemic. According to the research journal IBIS World, the industry was already experiencing rapid growth in the five years before.

“What’s really cool about food trucks is that it allows you to enter the industry much more inexpensively,” Leigh said. “If you’re opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant from scratch, the vent hood alone can cost $20,000 to $50,000, so it’s a much lower bar getting started. It’s a great way to put in a minimal investment and test out your concept without a lot of risk.”

He cites the example of HCC culinary arts alumna Nicole Ortiz, who wrote a letter in support of the grant and started her own culinary career with her Crave food truck business. Ortiz now also runs Crave restaurant on High Street in Holyoke.

“Nicole started with that small trailer that she bought with a grant from EforAll,” Leigh said, referring to Holyoke SPARK’s Entrepreneurship for All initiative. “She got going, and now she’s in a brick-and-mortar site.”

He said the HCC mobile food lab will have an awning like a food truck and a window pass for food and will also be equipped with cameras in the cooking area and a flat-screen TV on the outside so people can watch what’s going on inside.

“Other organizations, their idea of engaging with the community is pop-up tents and Bunsen burners,” Leigh said. “We’re going to show up, and it’s going to look like a professional operation. It will be a professional operation.”

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