Month: March 2023

SPRINGFIELD — These are exciting, challenging, and ever-changing times for healthcare and the businesses and individuals providing it. To better inform and educate its readers about the many issues, trends, and developments in the healthcare sector, BusinessWest and businesswest.com will be introducing a new, monthly segment that will present content from its sister publication, the Healthcare News (HCN), and healthcarenews.com.

This new resource will be called “HCN Monthly Feature,” bringing news and information on the many health, wellness, and fitness issues and developments of today, from both regional and national sources. Each HCN Monthly Feature will have specific themes and points of emphasis — everything from health and fitness (this month’s feature; see businesswest.com) to behavioral health; from cancer care to a salute to the region’s nurses — and it will be made available online at both businesswest.com and healthcarenews.com, as well as via daily e-newsletters BusinessWest Daily News and HCN News & Notes, making it readily available to subscribers and consumers in the Western Mass. region and beyond.

For subscriptions, additional information, and to send us your news and story ideas, please visit BusinessWest at www.businesswest.com and HCN at www.healthcarenews.com.

Elms College, Holyoke Community College Sign Transfer Agreement

By BusinessWest Staff March 31, 2023

CHICOPEE — Elms College and Holyoke Community College (HCC) signed an articulation transfer agreement that will make it easier for HCC students to complete their bachelor’s degree at Elms College in either biology or biotechnology.

HCC students who earn an associate degree in biology or biotechnology with a minimum GPA of 2.0 will be able to transfer at least 60 credits and enroll into Elms College’s bachelor-degree programs in either biology or biotechnology.

“We are delighted to partner once again with Holyoke Community College to offer students an opportunity to continue their education at Elms College,” said Harry Dumay, president of Elms College. “The increase in college graduates resulting from this agreement will serve our shared goal of improving access to higher education for all students.”

The agreement is effective immediately so that HCC biology and biotechnology students who graduate this spring and meet the requirements of the agreement can matriculate into Elms this fall as third-year students.

“Elms College has been a college of choice for many Holyoke Community College students,” HCC President Christina Royal said. “We are excited to expand our partnership for the benefit of our students who want a seamless transfer experience in STEM fields of study.”

For information about the program, contact [email protected] or [email protected].

Baystate Wing Hospital Announces Earmark to Support Substance-use Treatment

By BusinessWest Staff March 31, 2023

PALMER — Baystate Wing Hospital (BWH) received a $50,000 FY 2023 legislative earmark to focus on the prevention and treatment of opioid-related substance-use disorders in the Baystate Health Eastern Region. The earmark in the FY 2023 state budget was made by state Rep. Todd Smola to support public-health-related programs and initiatives that reduce health disparities, promote community wellness, and increase access to prevention, treatment, recovery, and referrals for people with opioid and substance-use disorders in the hospital’s service area.

Opioid and substance-use disorders were identified as significant health needs in BWH’s 2022 community health needs assessment.

The BWH Opioid Task Force is focused on addressing the many individual, environmental, and societal factors facing individuals with substance-use disorders. The task force, made up of hospital team members, aims to meet the needs of the local community who seek care in the Emergency Department and other outpatient departments throughout the hospital. The team will work to increase access to prevention, treatment, recovery, and referrals for people with opioid and substance-use disorders who live in the BWH service area, which includes Belchertown, Brimfield, Brookfield, East Brookfield, Hampden, Hardwick, Holland, Ludlow, Monson, New Braintree, North Brookfield, Palmer, Wales, Ware, Warren, West Brookfield, and Wilbraham.

“I am pleased to have advocated for state resources to be used in my district to continue combating the serious issues related to opioid and substance-use abuse,” Smola said. “It is critical we have well-trained healthcare professionals and community partners to serve our region and to work with families impacted by this deadly scourge. I look forward to seeing these good works continue.”

Lauren Mansfield, Behavioral Health practice manager of Baystate Griswold Center, added that, “as the patients facing opioid-related substance-use disorders needs have grown more complex, focusing on coordination and communication across all the patient’s healthcare providers has become increasingly crucial. Our hospital Opioid Task Force and our care teams will collaborate to continue to increase access to care and resources for people with substance-use disorders; reduce or eliminate the projection of stigma focusing on the care of the person, not his or her condition; and distribute harm-reduction kits to those in need. Patients and their families will benefit from increased access to care as we work to build trust in our healthcare environment.”

Proposals for ‘Free’ Community College May Have Broad Impact

By George O'Brien March 31, 2023

GCC campus, as a whole, is innovative and entrepreneurial

Education

A Potential Game Changer

John Cook says that, while the cost of a community-college education (roughly $7,000 per year) isn’t high, at least when compared with that of a four-year institution, public or private, it can be, and often is, a barrier that some cannot overcome, even with financial aid.

And for others, it’s enough of an obstacle for them to think twice about college — or not at all.

“Like anything in our lives, we can’t just separate this cost or isolate it from all the other considerations for a human being; it’s one more thing, one more cost in the lives of so many … this is why we see students drop out, or say ‘now is not the time,’” said Cook, president of Springfield Technical Community College (STCC). “Any way to get a whole lot of people, frankly, to take this second look is a good thing.”

With that, Cook added his voice to many others who are praising Gov. Maura Healey’s inclusion in the budget of something she calls MassReconnect, which would fund free community-college certificates and degrees to the Commonwealth’s residents who are age 25 and older and have not yet earned a college degree.

“This is a group of adults, many of whom have college credits, that we really want to encourage to come and take another look at college.”

John Cook

According to some statistics released by the state, roughly 2 million residents would be eligible for the program — individuals who have a high-school diploma but not a college degree — and perhaps 700,000 of these individuals already have some college credits.

MassReconnect, which is actually one of two ‘free’ community-college programs that have been proposed (Senate President Karen Spilka has proposed free community college for all students), would provide both incentive and the means for many people to return to college and get the degree or certificate that might open a door to not just a job, but a career, said Christina Royal, president of Holyoke Community College (HCC).

“This is a potential game changer,” she told BusinessWest, adding that MassReconnect targets what she called the “emerging space of adult learners,” individuals who want a college education, but are held back by competing demands on their life, including family and work.

“The governor’s MassReconnect proposal is a great starting point that increases access for adult learners who don’t already have a college credential,” she went on. “It’s designed to help them finish that stretch so they can get a college credential.”

Michelle Schutt, president of Greenfield Community College, concurred. She said GCC ran some numbers and determined that nearly 200 of the roughly 1,400 students currently enrolled would qualify for the program. “That’s not insignificant,” she said, adding that many more in the community who are not enrolled who might be inspired to connect, or ‘reconnect,’ as the case may be.

“I’m incredibly excited about this,” she added. “Reconnecting with those people who have some college but no degree and letting them know that there’s a new opportunity here has great potential for the community colleges and GCC specifically.”

Rick Sullivan, president and CEO of the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council, agreed.

Using similar language, he said MassReconnect could have broad and powerful impact over time, providing benefits for the region, its employers, and both community colleges and the four-year institutions for which they are feeders.

“Reconnecting with those people who have some college but no degree and letting them know that there’s a new opportunity here has great potential for the community colleges and GCC specifically.”

Michelle Schutt

Based on initiatives in Michigan and Tennessee, the MassReconnect proposal actually goes further than those programs by covering more than just tuition; it also covers mandatory fees, books, and various support services. It is designed to remove barriers to getting the college degree that is needed to succeed in most jobs today, and it holds significant promise to just that, said those we spoke with.

Cook told BusinessWest that the average age of a student at STCC is 26, a statistic that might surprise some, but certainly helps explain the thinking behind MassReconnect and its potential impact.

“This idea is right in our wheelhouse,” he noted. “This is a group of adults, many of whom have college credits, that we really want to encourage to come and take another look at college.”

Indeed, he went on, for many individuals over age 25, there are now many competing forces when it comes to the weekly budget, and for a good number of them, higher education is something that doesn’t make the cut. MassReconnect, as he noted earlier, provides people an opportunity to rethink college education.

“There are many students who might just have the perception that they are priced out,” he said. “And when we give them a chance to look at this, they might realize, ‘OK, that business degree is not out or my reach,’ or ‘maybe a manufacturing program isn’t going to be too big a lift for me.’”

Ripple Effects

Royal concurred, and noted that MassReconnect will bring more attention to the state’s community colleges — and the careers that individuals can access with two years (or less) of college education.

“Massachusetts, as a state, needs to move beyond the notion that everything requires a bachelor’s degree,” she told BusinessWest. “There are many jobs where an associate degree would either elevate their wages or help them gain a footing toward a career change or a particular job.”

Cook agreed, and said he considers MassReconnect to be an investment in the state’s community colleges and a huge opportunity to introduce more individuals to the value of the education provided by these schools and their ability to help open doors.

“At this price point, and with our class sizes, you won’t find a better deal,” he told BusinessWest.

“Massachusetts, as a state, needs to move beyond the notion that everything requires a bachelor’s degree.”

Christina Royal

Schutt noted that these arguments and others have been born out in other states where the notion of free community college has become reality, especially Michigan, which adopted a model on which MassReconnect is based and has had it in place for three years now. She said that state has measured its success in many ways.

“From the number of people who came to the college to the number earning better wages, and more, this model has proven successful,” she said. “Those schools recognize that these are students they wouldn’t have otherwise.”

As he assesses MassReconnect and the broad concept of free community college, Sullivan said there will be a broad trickle-down resulting from making these schools more accessible.

For starters, the community colleges themselves will benefit, he said, noting they have been hit hard by sharp declines in enrollment over the past decade, a trend only exacerbated by the pandemic.

Cook qualified this decline by pointing out that STCC’s enrollment — just over 3,600 — is down a full 50% from the school’s peak in 2012 of roughly 7,000, numbers that reflect everything from smaller high-school graduating classes to a still-robust economy featuring low unemployment — the conditions that don’t spur enrollment at community colleges.

But enrollent has become a challenge at most all public and private institutions, Sullivan noted, adding that, over time, this concept of free community college could provide a boost for the large and important ‘Eds’ component of the region’s economy.

“Western Mass. is really lucky … obviously, we have four community colleges [STCC, HCC, Greenfield Community College, and Berkshire Community College] that are well-respected and do a great job,” he said. “But they are also feeders into our four-year colleges and universities, and we’re fortunate that we’ve got such a high-end cohort of four-year and community colleges in this region, and it is an important part of our economy.

“Most all of these schools are looking to bring in more students to be able to grow,” he went on. “So it shouldn’t be lost on people that, in many cases, the community colleges are the start of the training and retraining of that workforce.”

Elaborating, he said that while the higher-ed sector will benefit from free community college, the broader impact will be on the region’s employers, which have been struggling with workforce issues, to one degree or another, for the past several years.

“Workforce is the issue that every single employer is facing right now, and it’s probably the biggest barrier to growth; it doesn’t matter what sector you’re in,” Sullivan said. “This opportunity to bring it back — or, to use the governor’s phrase, ‘reconnect’ — is a good one for our region.”

Cook agreed, and noted that while sectors — and college programs — may not be greatly impacted by MassReconnect (many healthcare programs, such as nursing, already boast strong enrollment), there are others that will, because the assistance from the state might act to remove a barrier to exploring certain fields.

He mentioned manufacturing as one of them, noting that, while this sector features well-paying jobs and attractive opportunities, it still manages to elude the attention of many job seekers.

“I would love for us to continue to demystify manufacturing, to see people realize it’s very much a high-tech, high-end, laboratory type of setting for so many of the professionals working in this field,” he said, adding that MassReconnect, if it becomes reality (and it has the support of many in the State House), could help achieve that.

Bottom Line

Overall, and combining MassReconnect with the elimination of COVID vaccine requirements and proposed fee-stabilization initiatives, Cook can envision a lift in enrollment for this fall’s semester — perhaps a 2%, 3%, or 4% gain, this on top of a 4% improvement registered this spring.

Just how big a lift remains to be seen, obviously, but any improvement would be a step in the right direction, he said, and hopefully the first of many such steps.

Tackling Issues of Nutrition, Hunger Requires Multi-level Approach

By Joseph Bednar March 31, 2023

Healthcare News

All Hands on Deck

In the six months since the Biden-Harris administration hosted the second-ever White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern has recognized the significance of the moment — only, he hopes it’s more than a moment.

“The first and only other conference was held more than 50 years ago — in 1969, the year we put somebody on the moon,” McGovern said at a recent virtual gathering with officials from food-justice organizations, farm advocates, public-health leaders, healthcare providers, and other legislators, to discuss the White House event, legislative action that has emerged in its wake, and what is being done in Massachusetts — and what more can be done — to end hunger.

Liz Wills-O’Gilvie

“The only way that we’re going to eradicate hunger and improve health is by centering our work with a racial-equity lens.”

“Out of this conference came an ambitious but achievable roadmap to end hunger and reduce diet-related disease by the year 2030,” McGovern said, adding that the conference has the potential to impact even more change than the 1969 event, which is saying a lot, since innovations like WIC, the modern-day SNAP program, and better food labeling came out of that session.

“There were so many important things,” he went on. “But I think this conference, if we do the follow-through, has the potential to have even a greater impact on this country.”

The March 17 briefing, attended by about 300 people, was co-hosted and organized by the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Growing Places, Stone Soup Cafe, CISA, the Springfield Food Policy Council, the Massachusetts Food System Collaborative, Project Bread, and the Western Mass. state legislative delegation, including state Sen. Jo Comerford and state Rep. Mindy Domb.

Liz Wills-O’Gilvie, who chairs the Springfield Food Policy Council, saw the historic nature of the White House event, which she attended, from a unique perspective: her own personal history as “a little Black girl from Springfield who was dependent upon commodities food before food stamps as we know it now existed.

“Our family’s life improved when food stamps emerged out of the last conference,” she recalled, “so I was struck by the significance of the moment I got to be there in that room and hear both President Biden and Secretary [of Agriculture Tom] Vilsack make the comments that they did … that the only way that we’re going to eradicate hunger and improve health is by centering our work with a racial-equity lens.”

To that end, Wills-O’Gilvie called Massachusetts’ Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) — which reimburses EBT card users when they used SNAP benefits for healthy produce from local farm vendors — a tool for racial equity as well as a way to improve the health of families.”

She also called for making universal free school meals permanent in the Bay State, a priority shared by Domb, who also praised HIP, talked up the benefits of food-literacy education, and called for a conversation about hunger on college campuses.

“We need to make universal free school meals in Massachusetts permanent,” Domb said. “It’s terrific that we extended it this year. It’s wonderful that the Legislature in the supplemental budget has included additional money to make sure it continues through the end of this academic year.”

“There’s obviously much, much more that needs to be done in these areas. But we’re off to a good start. And there is finally momentum at a national level behind efforts to end hunger.”

U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern

But she said expansion of such benefits during COVID demonstrated how important they are to families, even beyond the pandemic. “So we need to make sure that that continues.”

One Bite at a Time

McGovern said President Biden has made it clear that the federal government wants to implement an aggressive national strategy to end hunger in the next decade.

“In the months following the conference, Congress has gotten to work on some of the priorities that were laid out in the strategy,” he noted. “We created a permanent summer EBT program to give families with kids $40 per child per month over the summer, when we know that hunger is often worse. It’s a small step in the right direction, but it’s an important step in the right direction. And especially during these times of high inflation and especially in the aftermath of the SNAP pandemic boost being cut, this is really, really crucial.”

He also said lawmakers responded to a recent EBT-skimming problem by requiring benefit replacement for those who had SNAP benefits stolen through no fault of their own, mandated that the Department of Defense screen military families for food insecurity, and passed the Food Donation Improvement Act to make it easier for retailers, manufacturers, farmers, and schools to donate food directly to hungry people.

“And we passed a massive omnibus spending bill that includes the highest level of non-defense spending in history. That translates into robust funding for WIC, farm-to-school grants, school meal equipment grants, among other things,” McGovern went on. “There’s obviously much, much more that needs to be done in these areas. But we’re off to a good start. And there is finally momentum at a national level behind efforts to end hunger. We have people in the administration saying that we want to end hunger.”

He also recently introduced legislation to permanently increase the reimbursement rates paid by the federal government to schools for every breakfast and lunch served.

“We talk a lot about the quality of food that we provide our kids in school, but we also talk about the importance of supporting our local farmers,” he explained. “With a little more money for breakfast and lunch, it gives school districts and people who oversee school meals some flexibility to do some things that, right now, they don’t do because it’s too complicated or it might cost a little bit more.”

Kirsten Levitt, executive chef and co-director of Stone Soup Café, a volunteer-driven, pay-what-you-want meal spot in Greenfield, also attended the White House conference and came away with the belief it will take all sectors of the nation to eradicate hunger, and Western Mass. has the ability to be a national model for its emphasis on farms, food, and nutrition. She added that children will be the best ambassadors for health and nutrition, especially if school meals are funded properly.

Erin McAleer, president of Project Bread, an anti-hunger nonprofit based in Boston, identified five pillars to a statewide strategy on hunger, nutrition, and health: increasing access and improving quality of child-nutrition programs, increasing access and affordability of food for all, integrating food access into healthcare, strengthening and integrating the local food system, and ensuring economic stability and promoting economic opportunities to address the root causes of hunger.

“I never imagined I would be sitting in a room with the president of the United States, and certainly never imagined I would be sitting in the room when he expressed that what I went through my childhood was unacceptable — that food insecurity is unacceptable,” McAleer said.

“When 21% of families in Massachusetts are food-insecure and 33% of the Black and Latino families in Massachusetts are food-insecure, that is a systemic issue. And that requires systemic solutions. Too often, we focus on individualized solutions when it comes to this issue.”

Erin McAleer

“What I really appreciated about the plan that was put together by the White House is the focus on systemic solutions,” she went on. “When 21% of families in Massachusetts are food-insecure and 33% of the Black and Latino families in Massachusetts are food-insecure, that is a systemic issue. And that requires systemic solutions. Too often, we focus on individualized solutions when it comes to this issue.”

McGovern agreed that fighting hunger and improving nutrition is a battle that can, and should, be waged on all levels — federal, state, and local.

“There are things that can be done at the local level — things like expanding access to culturally appropriate cooking classes, bringing gardens and hydroponics to every school, and more robust food-recovery partnerships. All of this is going to require close collaboration.”

Menu of Activity

On the state level, myriad bills have been filed recently relating to nutrition, hunger, and agriculture: “An Act Relative to Universal School Meals,” “An Act to Promote Food Literacy,” “An Act Protecting Our Soil and Farms from PFAS Contamination,” “An Act Strengthening Local Food Systems,” “An Act Promoting Equity in Agriculture,” “An Act Relative to an Agricultural Healthy Incentives Program,” “An Act Supporting the Commonwealth’s Food System,” “An Act Encouraging the Donation of Food to Persons in Need,” “An Act Establishing the Massachusetts Hunger-free Campus Initiative” … the list goes on.

Comerford said those who organized the March 17 briefing with McGovern wanted participants to be inspired by the White House’s 2030 hunger goals, tackle diet-related diseases like hypertension and obesity in the Commonwealth, and strengthen the region’s food system and farms in the process.

“We also want to help participants take away concrete and timely action steps around critical budget priorities and policy proposals that are going to move the Commonwealth boldly toward ending hunger in just a handful of years.”

Experts Reveal Ways to Stay Fit Working from Home

By Contributor March 31, 2023

Healthcare News

An Active Office

Standing desks are standard at many local companies.

Since COVID-19 swept across the globe, many industries have shifted to fully remote or hybrid working. During the pandemic, 70% of the workforce was working from home, and since then, 62% of companies have planned to incorporate remote work, be it fully remote or hybrid.

With more and more people working from the comfort of their own home, concerns have arisen that this model may be associated with more sedentary lifestyles and, in turn, increased risk of obesity. Most of our calories throughout the day are burned through non-exercise activity thermogenesis, which includes walking and other basic activities. When working from home, sometimes those activities can be even more limited.

Here are a few ideas from online fitness resource Total Shape to stay fit even while working from home.

Standing Desk ($150-$600)

Standing desks have gained popularity over the last few years and have been proven to provide many positive health benefits. Simply put, standing burns more calories than sitting, even if you simply stand still. Research has also shown that 66% of workers felt more productive, and 87% felt more energized, using standing desks. Standing activates the muscles in your legs and core while stimulating circulation, which can help you to burn extra calories (typically 60 to 90 per hour) and build your strength. Standing desks come in a range of styles and cater to many different budgets, meaning this is an accessible option for all.

Desk Treadmill ($200-$800)

Although it is a more expensive option, this is one of the most effective ways to stay fit while working at home. It essentially takes the standing desk a step further by adding the walking element. Studies have shown that walking between 1 and 2.5 mph can lead to an extra 170 to 240 calories burned per hour. Not only have people encountered the physical benefits of getting more exercise, but walking helps oxygenate the brain by stimulating blood circulation. In other words, we think better and more efficiently when we walk. With most people having busy schedules outside of work, it can be difficult to get the recommended amount of physical exercise, which makes this a great way to stay fit while working from home.

Under-desk Bike ($50-$200)

A very similar concept to the desk treadmill, an under-desk bike features a small set of pedals that can slide under your desk so that you can pedal while sitting. The small machines can be altered to have more resistance, which makes it harder or easier to pedal. This type of aerobic exercise is good for staying fit and can help strengthen your legs and joints. Studies estimate that pedaling while seated can burn up to 10 calories per minute, depending on the intensity, which means you could burn up to 600 calories per hour. However, the average gentle pedaling will most likely burn 100 to 300 calories per hour.

Resistance Bands ($15-$40)

Resistance bands are an affordable option to help train your body and get fitter, by helping you build muscle and burn calories (180 to 250 per hour) while seated at your desk. You can perform plenty of passive resistance-band workouts even when you’re doing something at your desk, and in between typing and during brainstorming sessions, your body can keep active alongside your mind. Exercises could include bicep curls, overhead tricep extensions, and shoulder raises. However, there are many variations and other exercises that can be done with resistance bands. A study published in 2022 showed that resistance-band training lowers body fat in people who are overweight better than other forms of training, including free weights and body-weight exercises.

Seven-minute Workout

Searching ‘seven-minute workout’ on an app store will reveal an app that will guide you through various workouts you can do in your own home, which take just seven minutes at a time. The best thing about the seven-minute workout app is that its programs are designed especially for people who are doing the workouts at home, and who have no special equipment. The brief nature of these workouts allows people with busy schedules to fit in exercise and can help break up your workday, which can increase productivity while burning 20 to 50 calories per session. While there are some in-app purchases available, you can use the app completely free, so there’s nothing stopping you from getting started.

Diet

Exercise and living an active lifestyle are obviously important in staying fit and healthy; however, diet is a key contributor to overall health and fitness. People with few distractions at home may find they are more aware of hunger than they would be at the workplace, which can lead to more snacking and possibly an unhealthier diet. By focusing on eating healthy foods and healthy snacks, people who work from home can ensure they are staying fit and keeping their bodies healthy. Studies show that both the overall composition of the human diet and specific dietary components have been shown to have an impact on brain function, which means diet isn’t only going to keep you fit, but it’s going to improve cognitive function, and thus the quality of work produced.

Why It’s Important

A spokesperson from Total Shape noted that “roughly two in three people in the U.S. are overweight, and with many aspects of life becoming more sedentary, it’s important that people try to find new ways to keep fit and healthy. Life has become busy and more expensive, meaning that it’s harder to find the time and money to attend gyms or activities that help us to remain fit. This guide provides a plethora of choices for people on various budgets and with specific preferences to ensure we are keeping ourselves healthy.”

Total Shape is a fitness resource site providing information about workouts, supplements, and fitness to help people reach your goals. Total Shape does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Why Many Diets Don’t Stick, and How to Improve the Odds

By Contributor March 31, 2023

Healthcare News

Set Up to Fail

“How to lose weight fast” has an average 284,000 monthly search volume in the U.S., demonstrating that Americans are desperate for a quick fix to help shed those unwanted pounds in time for summer.

How to lose weight is one of the most pressing health questions for many people. As many as 95% of dieters fail to reach their body target or quickly backslide and regain the weight they lost once their diet is finished. Because of this, a massive number of people are serial dieters who skip from one eating plan to the next, trying to find best way to lose weight and keep it off.

While there are thousands of diets to choose from, the overall rule is, if you want to lose weight, get toned, build muscle, or even just improve your energy levels, you’ll probably need to change what you eat.

“Provided that your diet of choice meets your caloric needs, it will have the desired effect,” an exercise and nutrition expert at online resource Fitness Volt said. “For example, consume fewer calories than you need, and you will burn fat and lose weight, but consume more than you need, and you will gain weight.

“However, most people fail to stick with their diet long enough for it to work sustainably. They’re strong out of the gate, but soon fall off the wagon and return to their previously sub-optimal eating plan,” the expert continued. “That’s why so many of us lose weight only to regain it shortly afterward, and it seems long-term, sustainable weight loss is rare nowadays.”

According to Fitness Volt, here are six reasons why most diets fail.

Foods Are Too Restrictive

Most diets ban certain food or food groups. For example, the paleo diet excludes all processed foods, while keto severely limits your carb intake. Other diets will cut out sugar or alcohol. The problem is, while cutting out certain foods can help contribute to your daily calorie deficit, this technique is also guaranteed to trigger cravings.

Essentially, any diet that bans a particular food or food group will invariably result in cravings, driving you to cheat on your diet. So allow yourself the smallest amount of this particular food or drink to allow your body to feel like it isn’t being deprived of something. In other words, everything in moderation.

Ingredients Cost Too Much

It is good to follow a diet of healthy, fresh ingredients, but with food being one of life’s unavoidable expenses, it will be harder for you to sustain this diet plan long-term if you aren’t always financially stable.

For example, some diets specify that you must eat expensive foods and that somehow these products are better for weight loss than those that are more reasonably priced. Organic vegetables and grass-fed beef from free-roaming cattle cost a lot more than the basics you get at Costco, but nutritionally are not all that different. They certainly won’t help you lose weight faster.

For a diet to be sustainable, you need to be comfortable with how much your food costs. For example, if your grocery bill doubles overnight, you’ve got a ready-made excuse for quitting your new eating plan.

It’s Too Complicated

To make diets unique, they are often unnecessarily complicated. This complexity can often cause people to make mistakes or just give up after a while.

Food-combing diets are a perfect example of this. Some may say things like “you can’t eat fat and carbs in the same meal,” which looks OK on paper, but makes meal prep far more complicated than it needs to be. Ultimately, for any diet to work, it needs to be simple enough to follow every day.

Perfection or Failure

Diets can often be very prescriptive and allow no variation. However, in everyday life, any diet can be difficult to stick to. Perhaps you have a friend’s birthday or an off day, and you decide to indulge in something sweet.

The reality is that your diet doesn’t have to be perfect; it just needs to pretty good most of the time, which is more than enough to reach weight-loss goals.

Ignoring the Long Term

Putting a timeframe on any diet sets you up for failure. Some of the most common ways diets are advertised are through their quick-fix timestamp, like “lose 30 pounds in 90 days” or “30-day get-ripped plan.”

Excess body fat accumulates over many years, and no one goes to bed lean and then wakes up fat. Likewise, achieving your body goal could take many months, or even years. To achieve a significant result in just a few weeks, any diet must be very restrictive, and, therefore, it may be unsustainable, as your body will soon put the weight back on that it dramatically lost. Before considering any diet, ask yourself, “can I follow it for the next six to 12 months?”

What’s the Science?

Some diets are based on very flawed science or may not be based on any science at all. One example of this is calorie-burning or negative-calorie foods, such as celery. No food burns more calories than it contains, and these claims are very misleading.

Effective diets work by manipulating your calorie balance. Consume fewer calories, and your body will make up the shortfall by using stored body fat for energy. No deficit means no fat burning. There are no shortcuts around this law of thermodynamics.

Bottom Line

As a rule, if a diet promises something that sounds too good to be true, it probably is, so don’t fall for it.

“Fortunately, healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or unpleasant, and weight management doesn’t have to take over your life,” Fitness Volt’s expert said. “You don’t even have to give up your favorite foods. However, you will need to quit looking for short-term fixes and adopt healthier, long-term habits.”

Fitness Volt is a comprehensive online resource dedicated to strength sports. Its mission is to empower readers with tried and tested knowledge and practices surrounding the latest fitness and nutritional information.

Cybersecurity Conference This Fall Will Help Businesses Stay Safe

By Contributor March 31, 2023

Technology

Layers of Protection

By Mark Morris

As the world increases its dependence on the internet for all kinds of transactions, keeping everything secure becomes a constant challenge.

Cybersecurity experts compare their work to an ‘arms race’ in which every new, secure tool they put in place motivates cybercriminals to find a new way to defeat it.

“When you think about it, we need to be right all the time; they only need to be right once,” said Charlie Christianson, president of CMD Technology Group, which installs computer networks for all kinds of companies and keeps them safe.

Paul Whalley, president of Growth for Your Company (G4YC), said cybersecurity is like physical security in that, the more difficult it is for criminals to defeat, the better the odds of not being a victim.

“For example, if criminals want to rob a house, they are more likely to hit the house with an open door over one with bolted locks on every door, tightly shut windows, and a sign out front that says they have a security system.”

“Two-thirds of people use the same passwords on multiple online accounts. Imagine if a cybercriminal knows that one password and can log into your financial, work, or cloud accounts. It happens every day to millions of people.”

In his current venture with G4YC, Whalley helps companies like CMD Technology Group grow their business. In addition, Growth for Your Company is organizing a cybersecurity conference on Tuesday, Sept. 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow. The idea is to educate local business leaders and IT professionals on evolving cyberthreats and the latest tools to combat them.

Businesses that purchased antivirus software years ago may think they are protected, but Christianson noted that, even if the old software blocks a cyberattack, it can take months to determine the source of the attack and how it gained entry.

“The new software tools can make a huge difference because they will immediately point you in the right direction to find the problem,” he said. “Some will block the threat and move it to a safe server to determine if it needs to be quarantined.”

Two-factor authentication (2FA) — that access code a bank sends by text after the customer inputs a password — has emerged as a strong deterrent against outside attacks. Encouraging safe practices such as a written policy to guide employees on how to act when they are using the company’s system is another key to fighting cyberattacks.

The software tools are only as good, however, as the people using them. Scott Augenbaum is a retired FBI agent and cybercrime-prevention trainer who is scheduled to present at the fall cybersecurity conference. Augenbaum contends that online safety begins with basic practices everyone can follow, starting with passwords.

“Two-thirds of people use the same passwords on multiple online accounts,” he said. “Imagine if a cybercriminal knows that one password and can log into your financial, work, or cloud accounts. It happens every day to millions of people.”

When he retired from the FBI in 2018, Augenbaum said, cybercrime was a $4 trillion problem. Since then, the cost to society has doubled. “The pandemic ruined everyone’s lives except the cybercriminals. So many people were shopping online, working from home, and logging in remotely to our most critical sites.”

In addition to using 2FA, Augenbaum recommends that businesses and individuals identify what he calls “mission-critical accounts,” such as banks, credit cards, and cell-phone accounts, and make sure each password is unique and at least 12 to 15 characters long.

All three cybersecurity experts told BusinessWest no one is too small to be a target for cybercriminals.

“Every one of the victims I’ve worked with felt they didn’t fit the victim profile,” Augenbaum said. “Anyone who thinks they are immune because they are a small business increases their chances of joining the list of small businesses that have been victimized.”

Christianson agreed, and gave an example of someone who owns a pizza shop. “That person might think they are only in the pizza business, so what could happen? Well, they most likely process credit-card transactions, and that’s a gold mine to a cybercriminal.”

He added that it’s important for a business owner to consider what is unique in their environment that makes them vulnerable to a cyberattack. There was a time when insurance for cyberattacks could quickly help a company get back to business but after years of increasing claims, that has changed.

“There is a new landscape for cybersecurity insurance companies,” Whalley said. “Companies are now more stringent on eligibility to get cyberinsurance.”

Before selling a cybersecurity policy, Christianson added, insurers want to know that a business has built several layers of protection into its systems.

“Just like an onion has layers, an effective security system also has layers to make it harder to penetrate a company’s data,” he explained. “If one layer gets defeated, there’s another one right behind it to stop a potential breach.”

The Sept. 19 conference will focus, in large part, on how to create those layers of protection with technology and a more educated human element.

“Along with the technology, we will be encouraging training so everyone understands how to mitigate the risks,” Christianson said. “We all have a role to play in preventing cyberattacks.”

104th Fighter Wing to Participate in Red Sox Home-opener Flyover Today

BOSTON — The 104th Fighter Wing of the Massachusetts National Guard, stationed at Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport; and the 158th Fighter Wing of the Vermont National Guard are scheduled to perform a flyover for the Red Sox home opener today, March 30, at Fenway Park.

The Red Sox will host the Baltimore Orioles in the opening-day matchup at 2 p.m. The four-aircraft flight, two F-35As and two F-15Cs, will conduct the flyover during the opening ceremony.

The flyovers performed by the 104th Fighter Wing’s F-15 Eagles during any special events serve as an additional training opportunity for the pilots and ground crews, and are scheduled if the operational mission allows, as part of the annual flying-training plan.

Max Tavern to Host Networking Event with Springfield Regional Chamber, YPS

SPRINGFIELD — Max Tavern, in partnership with the Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield (YPS) will present Max on Monday on April 3 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Max Tavern, 1000 Hall of Fame Ave., Springfield.

Attendees will network and mingle while enjoying cocktails and complimentary hors d’oeuvres. Representatives from YPS will be present and able to answer any questions about the organization.

RSVP by emailing AnneMarie Harding at [email protected] or calling (413) 244-4055.

All Our Kids Inc. to Host Third Annual Sundae Funday 5K and Family Fun Fest

WESTFIELD — Marianna Litovich, founder and executive director of All Our Kids Inc., announced the organization’s third annual Sundae Funday 5K and Family Fun Fest will take place on Saturday, May 6 from 9 a.m. to noon at Stanley Park in Westfield.

The event will kick off with a 5K run/walk and simultaneous family festival that is open to the public. Families can enjoy games, crafts, prizes, food, community information, and lots of entertainment. “This event helps All Our Kids raise awareness, celebrate foster and adoptive families, bring our community together, and have fun,” Litovich said.

Anyone interested in registering to run or walk the 5K or sponsor this nonprofit fundraiser can visit fosteringaok.org/aok5k.

UMass Dining to Host 5K Dash and Dine to Benefit Amherst Survival Center

Features Golf Preview Special Coverage

AMHERST — UMass Dining Services will host its 12th annual UMass 5K Dash and Dine on campus Saturday, April 22 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 $57,000 for the Amherst Survival Center.

The 5K features a USA Track and Field (USATF) certified course to runners, walkers, and wheelchair participants. When race participants are finished, all are welcome to have lunch at an award-winning Dining Commons on campus.

“It’s fantastic to see the UMass community come together for such a great cause,” said Ken Toong, executive director of Auxiliary Enterprises. “We’re a big believer of building community through food and promoting health and wellness; this event is another shining example of this. I’m extremely proud of our team and what we are able to accomplish.”

The race fee is $10 for all UMass and Five College students, $20 for UMass Amherst faculty and staff, and $25 for the general public. Children 8 years and under may participate for free at the annual fun run at 10 a.m. The fee includes registration, T-shirt, and the complimentary meal at the Hampshire or Berkshire Dining Commons. Online registration ends on Wednesday, April 19, but walk-up registration is available on race day.

The schedule includes check-in at the Southwest Horseshoe at 9 a.m., the fun run at 10 a.m., the start of the race at 11 a.m., an award ceremony at 11:30 a.m., and lunch at noon. To register for the event or make a donation, visit runumass.com.

“We are so excited to see Dash and Dine on campus again. This event is such a perfect fundraiser for the center,” Amherst Survival Center Executive Director Lev Ben-Ezra said. “It is all about community, everyone pitching in, and world-class cooking. A huge thank you to everyone who makes it possible and comes out to join.”

Discovery High Students Gain an ‘Identity’ Through Early College

By George O'Brien March 30, 2023

Cover Story Education

Taking Themselves More Seriously

Izabella Martinez

At first, Izabella Martinez said, she was somewhat intimidated by the prospect of taking college courses when she was only a freshman in high school.

But then, when she got into it, that apprehension soon melted away and was replaced by a host of emotions and feelings, but mostly pride in accomplishment in taking, and doing well in, courses such as Introduction to Computer Technology, English 101, Art, Philosophy, Public Speaking, and what she considers her favorite thus far — College Writing.

“The teacher gave us a lot of freedom to write about what we felt passionate about,” said Martinez, a student at Discovery Early College High School in Springfield, a unique learning center that opened its doors in 2021. “I was able to improve my writing skills while also having creative freedom.”

Martinez believes she’ll have at least 24 college credits by the end of her sophomore year at Discovery. But she’ll have much more than that. She’ll have a higher level of confidence and perhaps something even more important — higher aspirations when it comes to her career and what’s doable, and the wherewithal to get to where she wants to go.

“One thing that we continued to struggle with was the number of people attending college and who were on a path to a living wage. The usual marker for success is graduation, and we were ringing that bell. But we weren’t seeing students entering into high-paying positions right after college, or who were pursuing college, in the way we wanted.”

And this, is a nutshell, is what Discovery High School (DHS), part of the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership (SEZP) — an independently governed nonprofit established in 2015 as a collaboration between Springfield Public Schools, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the Springfield Education Assoc. — is all about.

It uses what’s called a ‘wall-to-wall’ model to build viable future career pathways for students by enabling them to take college classes while in high school — and perhaps even earn an associate degree by the time they graduate — without having to pay for the college courses.

As he talked about the school, why it was created, and its overall mission, Matt Brunell, co-executive director of the SEZP, said the inspiration came in the form of statistics showing that, while Springfield’s high-school graduation rates were improving, the number of students going to college, and succeeding there, were not growing.

Matt Brunell says Discovery High School was designed to propel students to achieve a living wage within four years of graduation.

“One thing that we continued to struggle with was the number of people attending college and who were on a path to a living wage,” he explained. “The usual marker for success is graduation, and we were ringing that bell. But we weren’t seeing students entering into high-paying positions right after college, or who were pursuing college, in the way we wanted.”

“Three years ago, we took a hard look at industry and labor trends in the area, and we looked at which businesses were going to be growing over the course of the next several years,” he went on. “And we thought differently about a high-school model that would project and send students on that path to a living wage.”

Elaborating, he noted that DHS was designed to propel students to achieve a living wage within four years of high-school graduation. It does this by providing academic pathways that focus on high-demand careers in technology, computer science, engineering, and teaching.

But mostly it does this by inspiring students to “take themselves seriously.”

There are quotation marks around those words because all those we spoke with at DHS used them early and often.

“What she’s developed is an identity around college, and it’s really sticky.”

Especially Declan O’Connor, executive principal of Discovery, who referenced one student who will have amassed 24 college credits by the end of her sophomore year.

“What she’s developed is an identity around college, and it’s really sticky,” he told BusinessWest. “Kids are just starting to understand that this is real, and they’re looking toward their future, and they’re taking themselves seriously.”

Farrika Turner, assistant principal at Discovery, agreed.

“We’re really excited to see our Black and Brown students not be afraid of college, for their families not to be afraid of college and whether it will be attainable for them, to see parents become interested in returning to college and maybe take some of the classes that their children are taking,” she said. “And to have students see themselves as a college student, not as a high-school student that’s taking a course or two here and there that doesn’t add up to anything — they’re working toward the degree they’re interested in after high school.”

Farrika Turner says students at Discovery High are taking themselves, and their prospects for future employment, more seriously.

It will be another two years before DHS graduates a class of students. And it will be several years before those involved can compile real data on the outcome of students. But those we talked with said the early-college model is demonstrating promising results in many settings. Meanwhile, they say it is not too early to say it is succeeding at Discovery — at least when it comes to the very unofficial mission of getting students to take themselves more seriously.

Course of Action

As he led BusinessWest on a tour of DHS, O’Connor stopped in one classroom where students were learning how to create a circuit and, ultimately, a very small-scale solar panel, and in another, an Introduction to Digital Media class was ongoing where students were getting their pictures taken and compiling information to create their ‘digital brand.’

As inspiration, they were using a brand created by Ruth Carter, the costume designer from Springfield who has won two Oscars for her work on the Black Panther film franchise.

These are not college courses, he explained, but they are solid examples of how students at the school learn by doing, work together, and gain resolve by creating solutions and solving problems.

And this is what Brunell and others had in mind when they conceptualized this relatively new kind of high school.

“We’re really excited to see our Black and Brown students not be afraid of college, for their families not to be afraid of college and whether it will be attainable for them, to see parents become interested in returning to college and maybe take some of the classes that their children are taking.”

“We wanted to create a very small high school where kids were known, where they were cared for and loved during their time here, and where they could get really personalized attention and see themselves in careers that have been under-represented by Black and Brown folks in this community,” he said.

“Discovery High School is our attempt to take a really critical look at the STEM industries and to get students on a stronger pathway to those jobs,” he went on, adding that the Empowerment Zone board ultimately authorized the school in the spring of 2021, and it opened its doors that fall.

The school has open enrollment and is open to all students, said O’Connor, adding that there is no selection process. Overall, the school boasts a diverse population and draws from across the city. These students represent all levels of academic achievement as well.

“The child who chooses us … they know we are and what we’re about,” he explained. “They choose us mostly because they’re invested in our STEM pathways; they like to game, they like computers, they’re interested in engineering — or at least they think they are — and a lot of our students are those who traditionally didn’t do well in school, but have a big curiosity about technology.”

Now boasting 120 students, with plans to expand to 90 students per grade, DHS, as noted earlier, operates under the Early College model, which, as that name suggests, introduces students to college classes while they are high school. This not only gives them a solid head start when they get to college, said Declan, but it gives them that confidence and pride in accomplishment that Martinez spoke of.

Declan O’Connor, principal of Discovery High School, says students there “gain an identity” by taking college classes.

O’Connor said every student at the school can take college classes, and most of them do, with DHS working in partnership with Holyoke Community College, Springfield Technical Community College, Worcester State University, and Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester. Classes take place at Discovery, online, and on the Quinsigamond campus.

As they take them, they are provided with plenty of support, he noted, adding this is an essential ingredient in this success formula, because they are real college classes, something he needed to be assured about himself.

“When I first started this and as I was learning about early college, I asked, ‘are these real college classes, or are they watered-down college classes that are a version for high-school kids?’” he recalled. “And Worcester State sternly said, ‘these are the same college classes.’ So the expectations didn’t change, but what had to be put in place was just a lot of supports for students.”

And what he’s learned over the past 20 months or so is that the students can handle these classes, academically; it’s the other aspects of that challenge, as they are for actual college students, that prove to be the bigger hurdle.

“These students didn’t have trouble doing the work,” he explained. “The challenge was more just ‘teenager stuff’ — following through, doing your homework, and submitting your assignments. Some of the students will say some of the classes they will take in the colleges are easier than 10th-grade English class.

“It’s really cool to see the shift from when they entered high school — to go from being scared and wondering, ‘what am I going to do with my life?’ to start future-planning and talking about their future in ways that make sense, and the feeling ‘I’m going to make some good money.’”

“A lot of it was just executive functioning,” he went on. “But when it came to the actual content of the classes, they were just fine because what we know about all of our kids is that, cognitively, they all have the capacity to learn.”

Learning Experiences

The learning at DHS has a stated purpose, said all those we spoke with — to put students on a path to not just a high-school diploma, but that living wage Brunell spoke of.

And this goes back to that notion of the students taking themselves seriously, an undertaking that comes with that confidence gained from taking those college classes, thus making students more ready not only for their actual college experience, but what can come after it.

“Early college for these students is an identity thing,” he explained. “They develop an identity around going to college, and there’s a lot of demystifying of going to college that happens along the way — they no longer have to wonder what college is like. Maybe they’re the first generation in their family to go to college, and in their freshman year, they can break down that psychological barrier of going to college.”

This ability to establish such an identity is one of the ways the faculty and administrators at Discovery are measuring success, more than two full years before anyone is handed a diploma or earns enrollment at a college or university.

Students at Discovery High participate in a project to create a circuit, one of many examples of hands-on learning at the school.

“When the Empowerment Zone surveyed the schools in the entire country that were getting the strongest results for kids, the most predictive quality of the schools that were propelling kids to earn a living wage was whether or not kids were taking college classes in high school,” Brunell said. “It is far more predictive of college matriculation, of college success, of college achievement, of getting the diploma. If they can, during their high school years, actually spend the time in college-level classes and see themselves as being able to take those classes … this is the biggest element for us.”

Brunell said the state recently started compiling data on the salaries earned by the graduates of specific high schools. Looking out five years or so, he projects this data will show that DHS students are faring better than those in high school with more traditional models.

“We see this as the benchmark for whether or not the school is a success,” he said. “When we look at the average number of college credits earned by freshman and sophomores at Discovery High School, we’re incredibly enthused — this is a leading indicator that the school is on the right track.”

Elaborating, he said there will be several ‘winners’ to emerge from the creation of DHS and schools like it, starting with the students, who can earn up to 60 college credits and, as noted, perhaps even a degree in high school, without having to go into debt (those costs are absorbed by the school’s general-fund budget or philanthropy from groups such as the Barr Foundation and New Schools Venture Fund, as well as, locally, the Davis Foundation).

Other winners are the participating colleges, who gain enrollment, revenue, and, in some cases, future students, as well as area employers, especially those in technology-related fields, who are struggling, as other sectors are, to attract and retain qualified talent.

Another indicator of early success at DHS is the level of confidence exuded by students like Izabella Martinez, said Turner, noting that she and others can see this confidence build and reflect itself in how students see themselves and talk about the future.

“It’s really cool to see the shift from when they entered high school — to go from being scared and wondering, ‘what am I going to do with my life?’ to start future-planning and talking about their future in ways that make sense, and the feeling ‘I’m going to make some good money.’

“We see students come in and say, ‘I just want to graduate from high school, get a job, and help my family,’” she went on. “Now they’re understanding that they don’t have get a job at Geek Squad at Best Buy — ‘I can be a programmer; I can use my skills to go in the military and work in cybersecurity.’ It’s really cool to see that change, that mind shift.”

That’s what happens when young people start to take themselves, and their futures, more seriously.

Golf Businesses Expect Recent Surge to Continue into 2023

By George O'Brien March 30, 2023

Staying the Course

Ted Perez, long-time pro at East Mountain Country Club

When Ted Perez Jr. talks about the 2023 golf season, he uses the present tense — and even the past tense on occasion.

Indeed, Perez, the pro and co-owner of East Mountain Country Club in Westfield, said the season — for his course, anyway — began in January, as it sometimes does; this family-owned club is famous for being open whenever there is no snow on the ground.

But this January was different from just about any other that came before it, said Perez, who said the course was probably open for play all but a few days that month. And it was open most every day the first three weeks in February as well.

March wasn’t as kind, with the course closed several days by snow and play reduced to a trickle on many others, he said, but overall, it’s been a phenomenal start to 2023.

“I’ll call this a non-winter,” said Perez, whose father, Ted Perez Sr., built this course, located just a long par 5 from the runways at Barnes Municipal Airport, 60 years ago. “I wish every winter could have been like this one.”

Elaborating, he said winter golf of this kind is a real boon for the course because the revenue generated isn’t offset by the expenses encumbered most of the rest of the year, everything from cutting the grass to overseeding the fairways to paying the people to perform those tasks. “My father used to say, ‘it’s like finding money on the street.’”

As the 2023 season begins for most courses in the region — a few others were open for play through during stretches of the winter — they are hoping that their springs, summers, and falls are as good, relatively speaking, as Perez’s winter was.

“My father used to say, ‘it’s like finding money on the street.’”

Actually, they’ll settle, if that’s the right word, for what they’ve seen the past few years, a recognized surge in play that started during the summer of 2020, the height of the pandemic, when there was little else for people to do — they couldn’t even play tennis due to restrictions imposed by the state.

That surge continued into 2021 and then 2022, said Jesse Menachem, executive director and CEO of the Massachusetts Golf Assoc., noting that the numbers were down slightly in 2022 from 2021, but still better than the years leading up to the pandemic.

“We saw levels jump considerably in 2020 and into 2021,” he told BusinessWest. “In 2022, we were able to sustain levels and continue to grow. Overall, we’ve been able to retain the new golfers and the golfers who were brought back into the game by the pandemic. Our facilities, our operators, and our organizations are doing a great job of keeping the game sticky, keeping it relevant.”

The questions on everyone’s mind going into the new year are … will this surge continue?, and to what extent? As with the weather — always the biggest question mark heading into a new year — no one really knows the answers, but those we spoke with project another solid year for the local golf industry.

EJ Altobello, head pro at Springfield Country Club, is among those projecting the recent surge in the region’s golf industry will continue in 2023.

EJ Altobello, head pro at Springfield Country Club, a private club, said most all signs point to a continuation of current trends (his club now has a healthy waiting list for membership), and he points to Florida, where the first three months of the year have been on par (yes, that’s an industry term) with the past few seasons, as evidence.

“They’re off to a great start,” he noted. “Golf retail is off to a great start, golf rounds are off to a great start, and I think things will go the same way up here — there’s no reason to believe otherwise.”

Steve Elkins, chair of the board at Amherst Golf Club, a nine-hole track owned by Amherst College and managed by the board members, agreed. He said the past few years have been solid, and revenues have helped put the course on more solid ground than it has been in some time.

“We’re in good shape … we’re in as a good a shape as we’ve been in a very long time,” he said, adding quickly that courses have to be careful and smart with their spending to stay in solid shape financially.

On the downside, if it can be considered that, it is somewhat more difficult to get a tee time at some courses, said Menachem, and there are now waiting lists at many private clubs. So accessibility is certainly not what it was in the pre-pandemic years.

But for those in this unpredictable business, those are definitely good problems to have.

Green Lights

It’s called Good Friday, Bad Golf.

That’s the name of the first organized golf outing of the year at East Mountain Country Club, and, as that name suggests, it’s played every year on Good Friday, which means that some years, it isn’t played at all due to inclement weather, especially when Easter comes earlier rather than later.

This year, it’s set for April 7, and Perez is hoping his luck with the weather in 2023 holds, because there are 140 signed up for golf and the dinner to follow it. Meanwhile, April 7, or thereabouts, is when most courses in the area project to be open, if not a week or more earlier — a solid head start over most years.

“We saw levels jump considerably in 2020 and into 2021. In 2022, we were able to sustain levels and continue to grow. Overall, we’ve been able to retain the new golfers and the golfers who were brought back into the game by the pandemic.”

Jesse Menachem

And as they open, they’re expecting to see roughly what they’ve seen for nearly the past three seasons — more business than they were seeing in the years leading up to the pandemic. In most cases, much more.

Indeed, through the end of the 2010s, golf was in the doldrums, continuing a downward trajectory that started in the early 2000s. For many, and especially the younger generations, the game was too time-consuming and too expensive, and they were putting their time and money elsewhere.

Public courses struggled to get daily play, often despite attractive specials, and private clubs, many of which had been historically full and boasted waiting lists, had plenty of spots available and were marketing themselves far more aggressively than ever before to bring in new members — and much-needed revenue.

The downward spiral was punctuated by the closing of several courses in the area, including Hickory Ridge in Amherst, Pine Grove in Northampton, and Southwick Country Club. Despite this thinning of the herd, many area courses continued to struggle.

Then, the pandemic came.

Golf was still slow and still comparatively expensive, but suddenly, people didn’t seem to care, or care as much. People of all ages and other demographic categories were looking for things to do, ways to keep active as they were eating and drinking more, and opportunities to socialize — and golf could check all those boxes, to one extent or another.

Then-Gov. Charlie Baker lifted tight restrictions on golf in early May 2020, and for the rest of the year, clubs saw surges in play, memberships, and retail sales.

Elkins said Amherst Golf Club (AGC) received a huge boost from students, most of them from UMass, who were still living in the area but not attending classes in person. Looking for things to do with their time, maybe 30 bought attractively priced memberships at AGC, a semi-private course.

Amherst Golf Club, a 9-hole track with a long history, has seen an increase in memberships and overall play since the start of the pandemic.

“We got a huge COVID bounce from students who couldn’t attend classes in person,” he said. “It was a one- or two-year bump, and now it’s gone away.”

Still, membership remains solid — it’s currently at about 265, down from the peak but certainly up from the pre-COVID years — and daily play (there’s a $32, play-all-day rate) has been stable as well and certainly helped by the closing of Hickory Ridge (just a mile or so down the road) a few years ago.

Different Strokes

The surge in play — and spending at local clubs — continued, and even accelerated, in 2021, despite the loss of maybe two dozen days of play to seemingly non-stop rain.

The skies brightened in 2022 — when obsessive heat was the bigger problem — and those trends continued. Indeed, almost everyone we spoke with said 2022 was down slightly from the year before, but still quite solid and better than pre-pandemic.

“Last year wasn’t quite as good, but right in that same ballpark,” said Altobello, using total rounds and membership, which is at a 15-year high, and his main measuring sticks. He noted that the difference might have been as simple as more people returning the office last year, making it somewhat more difficult to “sneak out for an afternoon round,” as he put it.

Overall, though, the numbers were quite good, and they provided ample evidence that those who picked up the game during the pandemic, or picked it up again after putting it down, were, indeed, staying with it, said Altobello, adding that these increases were across the board, and especially encouraging when it comes to women and young people, two demographic groups that many feel hold the key to the long-term success of the industry.

“The indicators are that they are still here,” he said. “How long they stay … that’s to be determined. But as of right now, they’re still out there playing. We’re seeing more and more women in the game, more and more men in the game, and we’ve had a great increase in our youth programs as well.”

As play picked up over the past few years, there were some changes to the landscape, ones that reflect concerns about the cost of the game and the time it consumes, said those we spoke with. Indeed, the nine-hole outing, or ones that are even shorter, became far more common, and more accepted, than perhaps ever before.

“In many cases, people only have time for nine holes. That’s roughly two and a half hours on a full course, and that’s all the time many people have.”

“Ten or 15 years ago, that wasn’t even a thought,” Menachem said of a nine- or maybe six-hole round. “It was either 18 holes or nothing; now, nine holes is a far more realistic and accepted option for those with families, for those with shorter windows of time to play before work or after work. That is definitely a positive.”

Dave Twohig, the head pro at Amherst Golf Club for more than 40 years, agreed. “In many cases, people only have time for nine holes,” he said. “That’s roughly two and a half hours on a full course, and that’s all the time many people have.”

Amherst actually has two “loops,” as he called them, holes 1-5 and 6-9 — both wind up back at the clubhouse — that people can play if they have just an hour or so and want to get a little play in, and many do just that.

Round Numbers

Looking ahead, or at what’s right in front of them, in the case of East Mountain and other courses that have been open for play in Q1, those we spoke with said the outlook for 2023 is colored by optimism.

And the head start many courses were able to get will certainly help, said Menachem.

Indeed, he said that, for tracks like East Mountain and many others, especially in Eastern Mass. and on the Cape (maybe 20% of the state’s courses), the robust first quarter provides needed cash flow, as Perez noted, when there are few, if any, offsetting expenses.

“It’s like found money,” said Menachem. “You’re running on a thin operation, and you’re allowing access to the golf course in the condition that it’s in without much preparation on the maintenance front; it’s not too much of a heavy lift, and the revenue you’re able to derive should completely outweigh the expenses.”

Also, the early, solid start provides a buffer against possible headwinds, such as heavy rain and excessive heat, later in the year, he went on.

Meanwhile, almost all courses should be able to open earlier than what would be considered normal, said Menachem, who, as he spoke with BusinessWest a few weeks back, said 60 to 70 were already open.

Despite all the optimism that prevails within the industry, there are still challenges to be overcome.

Indeed, the ongoing workforce crisis is still making it more difficult to attract and retain help than it has been historically.

“Labor is still a huge issue, especially on the maintenance and operations side of the game,” Menachem said. “It’s not always been attractive to get up early and set up a golf course, and we want to make sure we can support the next generation of staff and make sure wages are competitive with other industries. Meanwhile, being a seasonal sport also has its challenges.”

Elkins agreed, noting that Amherst Golf Club has increased pay rates to remain competitive and hire and retain not only young people, but also some retirees looking to work and stay active.

Meanwhile, the higher cost of … well, just about everything poses stern challenges for clubs, most of which are operating on rather thin margins and without huge reserves to fall back on. In a word, clubs need to be careful, said Elkins, adding that this certainly the case at AGC.

“Making sure that we manage our cash is really important,” he noted. “Like a lot of courses, we’re in good shape, but we’re not going to spend a ton of money on something that’s not core to the course, because it’s risky. We want to make sure we have a good capital reserve and that we spend our money wisely.”

Perez agreed, noting that, despite his great start to 2023, he knows things can change quickly, and he’s learned to reserve judgment until he’s added up all the numbers in December.

“I don’t get too caught up in all the numbers until the end of the year,” he said. “I’ve been doing this a long time, and I know better than to get too excited in March. But it is good to have a non-winter like this one; it beats the alternative.”

Staying on a Roll

With the non-winter of 2023 now in the rear view, the region’s golf industry looks forward to the next three seasons.

They do with a spring in their step — figuratively but also quite literally, and optimism that the recent surge the game has enjoyed will continue.

Time will tell if they are right, but all signs indicate that area operators will be able to stay the course — in all kinds of ways.

Fitness Centers Report Renewed Interest in Getting Healthy

By Contributor March 30, 2023

Healthcare News Special Coverage

Second Wind

By Mark Morris

Steve Conca says he’s seen a post-pandemic uptick in people wanting to take charge of their health.

Editor’s Note:

These are exciting, challenging, and ever-changing times for healthcare and the businesses and individuals providing it. To better inform and educate its readers about the many issues, trends, and developments in the healthcare sector, BusinessWest will be introducing a new, monthly segment that will present content from its sister publication, Healthcare News (HCN) .

This new resource will be called “HCN Monthly Feature,” bringing news and information on the many health, wellness, and fitness issues and developments of today, from both regional and national sources. Each HCN Monthly Feature will have specific themes and points of emphasis — everything from health and fitness (this month) to behavioral health; from cancer care to a salute to the region’s nurses — and it will be made available online at both businesswest.com and healthcarenews.com, as well as via the daily e-newsletters BusinessWest Daily News and HCN News & Notes, making it readily available to subscribers and consumers in the Western Mass. region and beyond.

For subscriptions, additional information, and to send us your news and story ideas, please visit BusinessWest and HCN

Marina Lebo remembers what Healthtrax in East Longmeadow looked like during the pandemic — and is glad it looks a lot different now.

“The plastic barriers are down, and the equipment is all back where it was,” said Lebo, vice president of Operations at the club. “We have more cleaning supplies available, but that’s the only difference.”

Fortunately, that return to normal is manifesting in other ways as well — including an increase in activity.

That’s only natural; at the start of the pandemic in March 2020, fitness centers were forced to shut down. Three months later, they were allowed to reopen at 40% occupancy only after installing clear plastic barriers at the front desk, mandating masks for everyone, spacing out exercise machines, and providing lots more sanitizing wipes to clean the equipment after each use.

With Healthtrax membership back to about 70% of pre-pandemic levels, Lebo’s goal is to keep increasing everyone’s comfort level to encourage going to the club as a normal activity again.

Steve Conca, owner of Conca Sport and Fitness in West Springfield, described the last few years as a whirlwind. He’s grateful his business has survived — and even thrived — since the early days of the pandemic.

“We don’t have a huge membership base, probably around 150, and it’s a very tight-knit community where people support each other inside and outside the gym,” he said.

When everything shut down in the spring of 2020, Conca began meeting with clients outdoors and over Zoom. “Everyone stuck with us, which was great. We didn’t lose too many people once we got back into the swing of things.”

Outdoor gatherings and livestreams were options Ashley Brodeur also used to keep her business going during the height of the pandemic. The owner of Active Lifestyle Fitness in Agawam hosted a private group on Facebook Live to keep her members on a regular workout schedule. While she appreciated virtual classes as a short-term necessity, she said, nothing beats the in-person experience.

In fact, shortly after in-person sessions resumed, Brodeur noticed several members getting easily winded from doing the same workouts they were performing during the livestream sessions. “When I asked why, they admitted that they weren’t doing the entire workout at home.”

So everyone was glad to return, she went on. “There is an accountability in having to show up somewhere and having someone watch how you are exercising.”

Wake-up Call

Everyone who spoke with BusinessWest pointed out that the pandemic served as a wake-up call about the importance of good health. As their members return to fitness centers, all agree there’s a new emphasis on getting results.

Marina Lebo says the rise of flexible and hybrid work schedules has led to Healthtrax being busy at less traditional times.

“I think a lot of people’s minds shifted during the pandemic,” Brodeur said. “Instead of working out to quickly lose some weight, our typical member now seeks a higher quality of life and to avoid becoming an unhealthy person.”

Lebo noted that the most vulnerable people to getting COVID usually have issues with obesity or struggle with other health problems.

“There’s been a realization that, if you stay in shape, you will be better-prepared for all kinds of ailments, and you’ll be less likely to have symptoms over someone who isn’t as healthy.”

For the past year or so, Conca has seen a resurgence in his West Springfield facility due to people taking more initiative with their own health and wellness — especially older people or those who navigated the pandemic with heart disease, diabetes, weight issues, or other health factors, and now want to improve their outlook.

“They weren’t really paying attention to their fitness or health before,” he said. “These are folks who want to take a much closer look at their health.”

Most of Conca’s members are in their mid-40s through their 60s. “We have some folks in their 30s, but they’re not the majority,” he said. “It’s a nice mix of folks, and no one’s here for vanity reasons like getting ready for bikini season. They want to move better, feel better, take care of themselves. When they go on vacation, they want to be able to go on a hike without pain.”

The demand for more results-oriented workouts has meant growth in the personal training and small-group training programs at Healthtrax. Lebo said the small-group training appeals to people who like a dedicated workout at a scheduled time.

“If you’re a biker, golfer, tennis player, runner, obviously you can’t go as fast and hard and aggressive as you did in your 20s or 30s, but you can still go out and enjoy doing it, at maybe a little less intensity.”

“If you have a goal and you start to see results, you are more likely to stick with the training,” she said. “It’s far more effective than going to the gym for weeks, doing your own thing, and not seeing any noticeable results.”

To establish a starting point for fitness, Healthtrax uses a high-tech body-composition machine known as InBody 570. While the user stands on it barefoot and holds the handles, the machine provides a wealth of fitness information that helps a person understand what type of workout would benefit them most.

“For example, someone who is thin might learn they are not as fit as they thought, and the InBody might also reveal a heavy person has a good amount of muscle, so they can concentrate on exercises that burn fat,” Lebo said.

At Active Lifestyle Fitness, Brodeur offers what she calls a 6 Week Transformation Challenge, with an emphasis on strength, cardio health, and flexibility. She emphasized this is not a quick fix, but a results-oriented approach to a healthy and balanced body.

“We developed this program because people told me, ‘I need help. I don’t want to mess around with my health anymore’” she said. “It’s been successful because it centers around the basics of helping people properly move their body and build strength.”

Instead of just wanting to lose some weight, Ashley Brodeur says, today’s fitness crowd is looking to improve their quality of life.

An emphasis on long-term health comes with many rewards. Conca noted that, while everyone knows the definition of ‘lifespan,’ he talks with members about ‘healthspan’ — the number of years one spends without being hampered by chronic disease — and ‘playspan,’ the number of years one is able to continue to enjoy favorite activities.

“If you’re a biker, golfer, tennis player, runner, obviously you can’t go as fast and hard and aggressive as you did in your 20s or 30s, but you can still go out and enjoy doing it, at maybe a little less intensity.”

Understanding the value of that playspan, and of maintaining the ability to enjoy quality-of-life moments like getting on the floor to play with a grandchild and easily getting back up, puts a real-life emphasis on fitness goals, Conca said, which are more powerful than the numbers attached to weight-loss goals.

“When they come here, a lot of folks are not in a good place; they’re struggling, and there’s a lot of misinformation out there,” he explained, adding that many people have tried different approaches but lacked proper accountability along the way.

“We really personalize it. I’ve been really blessed to help people and have a team around me who feel the same way. It’s exciting because we’re really helping people.”

Opportunity Knocks

Lebo has seen a huge change involving when people choose to access her club. In the past, the hours before and after work were consistently busy, while the club was practically a ghost town in the early afternoon. That’s no longer the case.

“We are busy at all different times during the day,” she said. “With more people working from home or on floating work schedules, they might come in after 9 a.m. or after 2 p.m.”

All-day activity has been a positive development because, in addition to seeing activity all day, members no longer experience those congested times waiting to use the more popular exercise equipment.

“It’s also good for our training classes because we can schedule throughout the day instead of trying to jam everyone in after work,” Lebo said.

Whether it’s through personal training sessions, small groups, open gym time, or an introductory, six-week program called Mastering Your Best Self, Conca emphasizes that fitness should not be stressful. In fact, when done properly, it should reduce other stressors in life.

“Everyone’s dealing with something, whether it’s physical stress, financial stress, or family situations, taking care of someone. Everyone’s got a lot of stuff on their plate. So we try not to make fitness another burden for them,” he said.

“We want people to recognize, they have an opportunity to take better care of themselves, and it’s going to make all those things they are dealing with much more manageable. Fitness can be fun, let’s not make it a punishment.”

From Personal Finance to Fitness to Travel, There’s an App for Everything

By Joseph Bednar March 30, 2023

Special Coverage Technology

The World in Your Pocket

It’s staggering how much accumulated knowledge is available with a few taps on a smartphone screen. Whether Apple or Android, countless apps are available to help users with a wide range of tasks, from managing their finances to tracking their fitness goals to getting an education in various topics to making travel easier and more fun.

For this year’s roundup of what’s hot in technology, BusinessWest checks in on what the tech press is saying about some of the most popular smartphone apps.

Dollars and Sense

Smartphones have put a world of personal finance in people’s hands. For example, Intuit’s Mint gives users a real-time look into all their finances, from bank accounts and credit cards to student loans and 401(k) accounts.

“Let’s start with Mint’s very high ratings in both the App Store and Google Play,” Nerdwallet notes. “It’s free and syncs many kinds of accounts: checking and savings, credit cards, loans, investments, and bills. As far as the actual budgeting, Mint tracks your expenses and places them in budget categories. You can personalize these categories, which are unlimited. You set limits for these categories, and Mint lets you know if you’re approaching those limits.”

Besides those budgeting features, Nerdwallet notes, Mint may help users pay down debt, save more money, and track goals, while showing users their credit score and net worth. As a bonus, Mint provides plenty of support for using the app, including a detailed FAQ.

As its name notes, You Need a Budget, or YNAB, earns top grades from Investopedia because of the company’s renowned budgeting philosophy and reputation. YNAB says new budgeters typically save $600 in their first two months and more than $6,000 in their first year. It includes customizable reports that break down the user’s income and expenses by category, account, and time frame, with the aim of helping users get their finances in order.

“YNAB allows you to sync your bank accounts, import your data from a file, or manually enter each transaction,” the site adds. “After signing up, you create your first budget and assign every dollar a purpose, such as your rent or car payment. The goal is to eventually get at least one month ahead, so you’re spending money you earned 30 days ago. The company offers extensive educational resources and customer support to keep you on track.”

For investors, Forbes recommends Empower (formerly Personal Capital) for its outstanding reporting options, desktop capabilities, investment-management platform and spending tracking. Empower gives a holistic view of customers’ entire financial picture, from day-to-day spending to tracking portfolio performance.

“The app has several savings tools designed to help build retirement savings and emergency funds and pay down debt,” the publication adds. “It also has excellent advisory tools, including an investment checkup, investment-fee analyzer, financial planning, cash-flow tracking, education cost planning, and real-time net-worth tracking. All of these tools give detailed insights into your current financial picture, while also helping you plan for the future. The list of features may sound overwhelming, but the app is easy to use.”

Meanwhile, CNBC sings the praises of PocketGuard, which, among other features, taking into account the user’s estimated income, upcoming expenses, and savings goals, and uses an algorithm to show how much is available for everyday spending. The app categorizes expenses; syncs to bank accounts and credit cards; and boasts security features like bank-level encryption, PIN codes, and biometric IDs.

Beyond the Workout

Moving beyond financial wellness to physical wellness, countless apps are available to offer information on what to eat, how to exercise, and how to stay committed to better habits.

Forbes recommends FitOn, which offers a wide variety of workouts, including cardio, strength, high-intensity interval training, dance, yoga, Pilates, Barre, and more. It even features workouts led by celebrities like Gabrielle Union, Julianne Hough, and Jonathan Van Ness. Classes are available in real time with the app’s live classes feature or through on-demand workouts.

With a live leaderboard and real-time heart rate tracking via Apple Watch, users can track their progress and fitness goals. Upgrading to the Pro version grants users access to more than 500 recipes, live workout video calls, personalized meal plans, and more.

One of the most popular nutrition apps is MyFitnessPal, which offers a wealth of tools for tracking what and how much the user eats and how many calories they burn through activity, according to PC Magazine.

The app is also a top pick of Verywell Fit, which notes that “MyFitnessPal is our pick for best overall fitness app because of its robust food and activity database, easy-to-use logging and tracking tools, library of workouts, and ability to connect to several other apps.” It includes a database of more than 14 million foods, is customizable based on health goals, and offers restaurant menu logging as well.

According to CNET, Nike Training Club provides various workout programs such as body-weight exercises, high-intensity interval training, cross training, yoga, core exercises, and even expert health tips by Nike trainers to keep you on track.

“The workouts are easy to follow because there are video demonstrations of each exercise with the allotted time you should be doing them,” CNET notes. “This keeps you from losing track during your workout and mentally prepares you for the following exercise. The app also connects to your Apple watch to provide health metrics such as your heart rate and logs your activities. The best part of this app is that it’s free and gives you access to many resources no matter if you’re a beginner or more advanced.”

Although Peloton is famously associated with the home-workout bike of the same name, the workouts on the app don’t all require users to have the bike or other equipment, U.S. News and World Report notes, while boxing, running, yoga, and many more types of fitness workouts are available on the app.

Women’s Health agrees, adding that “testers loved the huge choice of workouts available, from strength sessions to yoga to meditation, and found it easy to filter classes on the app by duration and difficulty to find the right one for them. Our team also said they were persuaded to push beyond their usual limits during each session thanks to motivational instructors, who helped keep their form in check with non-stop helpful pointers — though some testers found them a tad too intense for their liking.”

So Much to Learn

Countless popular apps focus on education and learning for all ages. For kids, Verywell Family recommends Khan Academy, which collaborates with the U.S. Department of Education and myriad public and private educational institutions to provide a free, world-class education for anyone.

“From preschoolers to high-schoolers, there are few educational apps that can measure up to Khan Academy when it comes to the wide range of courses it offers to students of all ages,” the site notes. “Khan Academy’s YouTube videos cover most subjects at a range of levels: math, science and engineering, arts, humanities (which includes history and social studies), economics, AP courses, and test prep.”

It adds that Khan Academy is popular among students, parents, and educators because its videos are engaging and targeted at visual learners, using photos, maps, and other illustrations, and because it allows students to work at their own pace.

For teachers, Education Corner calls Google Classroom an excellent resource. “It pulls together all of the G-Suite apps (Docs, Slides, Sheets, and Draw). Teachers can create assignments and announcements for individual classes. They can attach worksheets, slideshows, or weblinks (along with many other things) and set deadlines. The work can be marked/graded and returned to students for further work.”

When a student completes work, it gets saved automatically to their Google Classroom class folders in their Google Drive (which are set up automatically). All work is saved securely. Students may submit class comments that are viewable to all students and teachers assigned to that ‘classroom,’ which leads to collaborative working.

My eLearning World touts HOMER as a personalized learning app designed to help younger kids fall in love with learning, featuring more than 1,000 learning activities across all subjects. “From toddlers to second-graders, this educational app is a fit for every eager kid ready to learn something new, especially younger kids early in their development. HOMER is an early learning software designed to help children develop their critical thinking skills. It helps them build their confidence for the future by leading them on their customized educational journey.”

HOMER features a variety of interactive lessons, stories, and activities that are tailored according to the student’s individual skills, age, and interests. “The level of personalization is what really sets HOMER apart from other kids educational apps,” My eLearning World notes, “and it’s why this is our favorite app for keeping children of various ages and skills engaged and learning at their own pace.

For learning another language in the go, Lifewire gives top marks to Duolingo, which “stands out among language-learning apps, and among education apps overall. Duolingo includes dozens of languages, including a couple of fictional ones just for fun. Each language offers a mostly linear path divided into topics of conversation. Each topic presents you with short exercises to familiarize you with the material through spoken and written formats.”

The app encourages users to make a habit of practicing with a reward system and a social component. The rewards can be spent in the app’s store on powerups and fun accessories. Meanwhile, the in-app social network encourages users to invite friends to the app and compare scores.

Now Go Away

Thinking about a vacation? PC Magazine says Hopper “is an app you definitely want to use while you’re planning a trip and before you buy any tickets. The mobile-only app tracks flight prices and gives you clear advice on the best time to buy — including through notifications when the price drops. What makes this travel app valuable is its level of detail. It doesn’t just tell you to wait to buy your ticket, but gives you a date when the price will likely rise. You can book through Hopper, too, with a commission fee of a few dollars.”

Travel + Leisure notes that flight prices can fluctuate, making it tricky to decide whether to book right away or hold off. Hopper can remove some of the uncertainty by predicting the best time to find the cheapest fares, saving up to 40%. The app also has a price-monitoring feature so users can select a particular flight and receive alerts if the price drops. They can also compare the prices and amenities of more than 250 airlines and get alerts about airfare flash sales.

For lovers of the great outdoors, Travel + Leisure also sings the praises of AllTrails, noting that “this app will provide you with the area’s best hiking, biking, and running trails. In addition to details on length, starting location, and trail quality, AllTrails includes reviews and photos from a community of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll find useful information like what to pack, obstacles you’ll find along the route, and the best scenic spots to check out.”

Finally, Afar singles out TripIt, which automatically tracks confirmation emails for flight itineraries, hotel, or Airbnb bookings; car rentals; restaurant reservations; and even event tickets, then populates those travel plans into an itinerary that be viewed in one place.

“The easy-to-use organizational app makes it simple to share the consolidated information with family or friends, so you can send them your itinerary directly and avoid having to answer repeated texts like, ‘when are you landing again?’ to coordinate an airport pickup,” Afar notes. “TripIt even features a personalized travel stats page for really data-hungry folks who want to know how many trips they’ve taken or countries they’ve visited — and that’s just in the free version.” Meanwhile, the paid version includes extras like real-time flight alerts, TSA wait times, and loyalty reward program updates.

In short, whatever you’re looking to improve in your life, as Apple’s famous ad slogan notes, there’s an app for that.

Greenfield Envisions a Future-focused Downtown

By Joseph Bednar March 30, 2023

Community Spotlight Special Coverage

Community Spotlight

MJ Adams, seen with one of Greenfield’s signature bees, says commercial and residential development are equally important downtown.

MJ Adams recalled a community event in February 2020 called “A Deliberate Downtown: Growing by Design.”

“Because so many interesting things were happening downtown at that time, and we were getting ready to launch a downtown-revitalization effort, we wanted to engage everyone in the community conversation about downtown,” said Adams, Greenfield’s director of Community and Economic Development.

Then the pandemic struck, the world went into lockdown, and the city pressed pause on its plan, she said. But only a pause.

“The COVID-19 pandemic changed many things about the city’s growth plans for the short term, all of 2020 and most of 2021, but it did not change the grit, determination, and resiliency of our city’s business and government leaders,” Mayor Roxann Wedegartner said in a recent state-of-the-city address, noting that municipal leaders moved forward with construction and revitalization programs, aided by a rush of state and federal money intended to pump life into the economy and infrastructure.

During that time, the city broke ground on a new, $20 million library (set to open this spring), solidified a location for its new $21 million fire station (expected to open early next year), and built a temporary fire station to ensure continued service.

“These projects are a testament to the willingness of Greenfield citizens to fund essential services that serve our city and surrounding communities,” she said, adding to that list a skate park soon to open between Chapman and Davis streets downtown, funded with a combination of state grant money and city capital-improvement funding.

It’s all part of what the mayor calls the city’s ‘rurban’ lifestyle, an appealing combination of urban amenities and a rural feel, all highlighted by a downtown set to undergo significant changes to make it more liveable, walkable, and attractive for businesses and visitors alike.

“Downtown areas throughout the nation are changing; some have dried up completely, while others, like ours, are focusing on recognizing demographic and business shifts and are embracing that change,” Wedegartner said in her address. “We have a robust downtown-redevelopment strategy focused on transformational change incorporating available and new housing, new infrastructure improvements, and retail and commercial opportunities. Here is where we merge our economic-development, infrastructure, and housing efforts into a cohesive plan.”

What’s in Store?

A significant element in the downtown mix is the former Wilson’s Department Store site, which is being converted into an intriguing mixed-use development.

The city brought together the Community Builders and MassDevelopment in the acquisition and redevelopment of the former Wilson’s property, originally built in 1882. The redevelopment will create approximately 65 residential rental units and will reactivate prominent first-floor and basement retail spaces through the relocation and expansion of Franklin Community Co-op’s Greenfield store, Green Fields Market.

“In addition to creating much-needed, high-quality housing in Greenfield, relocating and expanding Green Fields Market will provide the community with access to healthy food in an area of Greenfield currently without a full-service grocery store,” said Rachana Crowley, director of Real Estate Development at the Community Builders, when the project was announced. “We’re proud to be a part of this team which will create new housing and employment opportunities and invest in a strong and robust Main Street in Greenfield.”

Adams said attracting a combination of commercial and residential tenants through mixed-use development has been important in the ongoing downtown plan. “What happens downtown, how we perceive it, is how the region perceives us as a community. So we knew we had to work on downtown. And we knew we couldn’t leave Wilson’s sitting empty.”

Jessye Deane says Greenfield businesses thrive through connections with myriad agencies that provide technical, financial, and other forms of support.

Adams called upper-story redevelopment “a significant building block in our efforts to create more business development and housing in Greenfield.” But the Wilson’s project is only one piece; another 36-unit development on Wells Street will hit the construction phase soon, and developers are eyeing other potential residential-development sites both within and outside of Greenfield’s downtown sector.

“We know we need to take a look at the missing middle-market supply of housing that serves working people who are not eligible for subsidized housing but are also struggling to find housing in any market now,” she said. “This is an issue for the whole state. Everyone is feeling, quite accurately, that we’ve made progress with affordable rental housing, but now we need to work on other aspects of the market.”

Adams feels like Greenfield is an attractive market for people looking for a place to live because it’s considered more affordable than other communities and boasts strong transit links to the rest of the region and beyond.

A $7.8 million, state- and federally funded multi-modal Main Street improvement project should only lend momentum to that perception, she and Wedegartner believe. The mayor appropriated $288,900 in capital funds for engineering and design of the project, which begins 100 feet to the east of Colrain Street and ends at High Street. The project is on track to be included in MassDOT’s Transportation Improvement Program, with construction slated to begin as early as fall 2026.

“While this project is underway, the city will also be able to upgrade underground utilities, primarily our water and sewer infrastructure. This will save the city money as we will not need to dig up Main Street twice,” the mayor noted, adding that additional grant money is being used to fund a parking-management study for the downtown area.

One significant goal of all this, she told BusinessWest, is to make Main Street more pedestrian- and bike-friendly, including continued efforts to make Court Square a pedestrian plaza. “Route 2A can never be pedestrian-only; Main Street has to be open to all traffic. But there’s significant work being done curb to curb.”

“I’m fond of saying that, in five years, you’re not going to recognize Main Street.”

Wedegartner stressed that development activity in Greenfield extends well beyond downtown. The Planning Department and City Council continue work to rezone about 40 acres across Route 2A from the I-91 Industrial Park as additional industrial space geared to attracting more advanced manufacturers and sustaining existing manufacturers who have run out of space in the current industrial park.

Jessye Deane, executive director of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and Regional Tourism Council, said one of the city’s selling points is its balance between that industrial sector and the sorts of small, locally owned shops and eateries that dot the downtown, as well as attractions ranging from Greenfield Garden Cinemas, which recently celebrated its 94th birthday, to Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center.

Greenfield at a glance

Year Incorporated: 1753
Population: 17,768
Area: 21.9 square miles
County: Franklin
Residential Tax Rate: $19.65
Commercial Tax Rate: $19.65
Median Household Income: $33,110
Median Family Income: $46,412
Type of Government: Mayor, City Council
Largest Employers: Baystate Franklin Medical Center, Greenfield Community College, Sandri
* Latest information available

The owners of Greenspace Co-work, located upstairs from Hawks & Reed, have been bringing local businesses together at a monthly event called Business Breakdown, and Deane has been impressed with what they’re saying.

“The Business Breakdowns are so interesting; we’re hearing how many people not originally from this area chose to start a business in Greenfield because there are so many resources available — partnerships with the chamber and the Franklin County CDC and the city — and how glad they are that they did choose Greenfield.

“Greenfield is the seat of Franklin County,” she added. “When Greenfield does well, all of Franklin County does well. So it’s good to see Greenfield making such a concerted effort to revitalize the downtown.”

Partners in Progress

With technical and financial assistance and other resources provided to businesses through agencies like the CDC, Common Capital, the chamber, and others, and workforce-development efforts at Greenfield Community College, Franklin County benefits strongly from a culture of partnership, Deane said.

“It feels like there’s this collective effort to really build on the partnerships; it’s one of the things Franklin County generally does very well,” she explained. “Working through the pandemic, we had effective partnerships, and I’m really seeing those grow as we’re able to share resources and think more strategically about the next generation of Greenfield and what the city should look like.”

That said, “I’ve been really impressed with the energy and momentum I’m seeing in Greenfield,” she told BusinessWest. “We’ve seen the city of Greenfield creating an environment more attractive to businesses, while simultaneously supporting the outstanding businesses we already have to make sure we’re ensuring their success.”

That’s Wedegartner’s goal too, of course, even as she asks people for patience as all the visible signs of progress come together downtown over the next few years, from the new library and fire station to new housing and a more walkable city center.

“I’m fond of saying that, in five years, you’re not going to recognize Main Street,” she told BusinessWest. “It’s going to be so different and so much more vital in so many ways. But it’s going to take time.”

STCC to Host Author, Social-justice Advocate Dorothy Roberts

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) is celebrating Women’s History Month with speaker Dorothy Roberts, an author, law professor, and social-justice advocate who will present on race-based medicine.

Roberts will speak on Thursday, March 30 from 11 a.m. to noon in the Scibelli Hall Theater in Building 2. The event is free and open to the public. STCC has been highlighting Women’s History Month with speakers and other events on campus during March.

An in-demand speaker, Roberts’ TED talk on race-based medicine drew more than 1.5 million views. Her new book, Torn Apart, examines racism and the child welfare system in the U.S. She will discuss issues raised in her 1997 book Killing the Black Body: Race, Reproduction, and the Meaning of Liberty.

The STEM Center at STCC, which offers services and academic support for all students taking STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) classes, is presenting the event.

“We are excited to host Dorothy Roberts at STCC. Hearing the incredibly powerful words of Dorothy Roberts in person is an opportunity you won’t want to miss,” said Marlene Johnson, Title V STEM grant project director and STEM Center director.

Roberts is the 14th Penn Integrates Knowledge Professor and George A. Weiss University Professor of Law & Sociology at the University of Pennsylvania. In 2022, she was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

She has joint appointments in Penn’s departments of Africana Studies and Sociology and the Law School, where she is the inaugural Raymond Pace and Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander Professor of Civil Rights. She is also the founding director of the Penn Program on Race, Science, and Society.

Local Author J.D. O’Brien Releases Debut Crime Novel

EASTHAMPTON — Western Mass.-based author J.D. O’Brien’s debut crime novel, Zig Zag, was recently released in hardcover by Schaffner Press, an independent publisher in Tucson, Ariz., with a paperback edition coming later this year.

In Zig Zag, a botched marijuana-dispensary heist in the San Fernando Valley sends burned-out bail bondsman Harry Robatore deep into the Mojave Desert trailing two lovers on the run. What follows is a stoned journey across the dive bars, neon-lit motels, and lost highways of the American West, building to an explosive showdown at a ghost-town tourist trap.

Jacket blurbs for the novel feature praise from top crime writers, including Shoot the Moonlight Out author William Boyle, who describes it as “a cosmic American crime odyssey” in the vein of James Crumley, and Rovers author Richard Lange, who describes it as “Elmore Leonard meets Warren Zevon, with a wry sensibility all its own.” Pineapple Express and Eastbound & Down director David Gordon Green says Zig Zag “feels like a great ’70s movie.”

Since its release in February, Zig Zag has been named a Southwest Book of the Year by the Pima County Library and was a pick of the week by popular publishing-industry resource Shelf Awareness, who says O’Brien “comes off as a seasoned pro … in this engrossing page-turner.”

Before returning to the Pioneer Valley, the author lived in Los Angeles for a number of years, including a stint in Van Nuys, the gritty neighborhood where much of Zig Zag is set. The book was also informed by several road trips through the Mojave Desert. O’Brien currently works as a copywriter at Darby O’Brien Advertising in South Hadley. He is working on a sequel to Zig Zag.

Jennifer Hashley to Discuss Economics of Climate-Smart Agriculture at MCLA Today

NORTH ADAMS — Jennifer Hashley, the Trisha Perez Kennealy and Michael Kennealy director of New Entry Sustainable Farming Project, will give a talk titled “Economics of Climate-smart Agriculture” today, March 29, at 5:30 p.m. at the MCLA Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation, Room 121. This event is free and open to the public as part of MCLA’s Green Living Seminar series.

Hashley is a leader in local food-systems work, focusing on beginning farmer development. Her role at New Entry includes building community partnerships, developing new programs and services, mentoring and supporting project staff, securing sustainable resources for all program operations, writing grants, strategic planning, and overseeing incubator training farm site infrastructure and a multi-year sustainable-agriculture training curriculum in specialty crops and livestock production for limited-resource farmers.

Hashley’s efforts at New Entry have transformed it into a nationally recognized farmer-training program with multiple components: training and technical assistance, marketing, finding land and resources, hands-on learning at training farms, accessing government programs and resources, and conducting training for other incubator farm and community food-security projects across the U.S. Hashley also excels in working side-by-side with farmers in the field, at markets, and in the classroom.

As part of the Agriculture, Food and Environment program at Tufts University’s Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Hashley is also an Agricultural Science and Policy lab instructor, helping to bridge the gap between graduate students’ classroom learning and practical, farm-based education.

MCLA’s annual Green Living Seminar Series continues through April 19, presenting a series of lectures on the theme of “Capitalism and the Environment.” Every semester, the Green Living Seminar Series centers around a different topic that is timely and relevant to current sustainability issues. Seminars take place on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m.

The 2023 series is a presentation of the MCLA Environmental Studies Department. Podcasts will be posted online following each presentation at www.mcla.edu/greenliving.

Mill District General Store to Host Egg Hunt on April 8

NORTH AMHERST — Based on the community’s enjoyment of last year’s inaugural event, the Mill District General Store will host the second annual Great Mill District Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Lavender the Funny Bunny will be on hand to meet and be photographed with kids and adults alike. The event will take place in front of the Mill District General Store, located off North Square at 91 Cowls Road, North Amherst. Three egg-hunting sessions are scheduled from morning to early afternoon.

“We saw a great turnout in 2022, with families enjoying the day,” W.D. Cowls’ Senior Communications Director Tim O’Brien said. “This year, to make it easier for the littler ones, we’re creating three egg-hunt areas with three separate collecting rounds, plus we’re tripling the number of hidden eggs and including additional fun activities.”

To complement the egg hunt, organizers have arranged photo-ops with Lavender the Funny Bunny and an opportunity to meet live rabbits. Youngsters will also have the chance to find one special golden egg each round, with a $25 general-store gift card inside.

Participation is limited to the first 40 kids registered in each of the three sessions, which will be held at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. More information and event registration can be found at www.generalstorelocalgallery.com/events.

Court Dockets

Court Dockets

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

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Linda Santos v. Moran Foods LLC d/b/a Save-A-Lot Ltd.

Allegation: Negligence; slip and fall causing personal injury: $35,215.61

Filed: 2/22/23

LM Insurance Corp. v. Golden Nails Construction Corp.

Allegation: Money owed for insurance premiums: $258,857.14

Filed: 2/23/23

Douglas DeLeo v. Stafford Pools LLC

Allegation: Breach of contract, intentional misrepresentation, negligent property damage: $75,000

Filed: 2/24/23

Waterman Excavating Inc. v. Wingwell LLC and Thorndike LLC

Allegation: Breach of contract: $937,048.77

Filed: 3/1/23

Maya McIntyre v. Brockway Transport Inc., DRT Transportation LLC, and John Doe

Allegation: Motor-vehicle negligence causing personal injury: $75,000

Filed: 3/1/23

Ronald Michonski and Nancy Michonski v. Northeastern Exteriors LLC d/b/a Rhino Shield of New England

Allegation: Breach of contract to paint house: $250,000

Filed: 3/3/23

Ralph Peppers v. Plastipak Packaging Inc.

Allegation: Negligence; slip and fall causing personal injury: $3,107

Filed: 3/6/23

Wanda Rivera v. Family Dollar Stores of Massachusetts Inc.

Allegation: Negligence; slip and fall causing personal injury: $157,513.20

Filed: 3/6/23

Paul Ross v. Blake Thermal Sales & Service Inc.

Allegation: Breach of contract: $100,000+

Filed: 3/8/23

Editorial

By Editorial March 29, 2023

Opinion

East-west Rail a Worthwhile Goal

“This is an easy fix. Please fix it. Make it easy for us. Make it easy for me to get to work.”

Those were the words of Gina Nortonsmith, who lives in Northampton but works in Boston, as reported by the Berkshire Eagle.

The occasion was a pair of hearings on east-west passenger rail service in Massachusetts, the latest in a series of meetings being held by the Western Massachusetts Passenger Rail Commission.

Nortonsmith’s sentiments are no doubt shared by many in Western Mass. who work in the eastern part of the state, or travel there often for other reasons, from medical appointments to ballgames and concerts.

What many state officials and lawmakers no doubt take issue with is the word ‘easy,’ at least when it comes to bringing such rail service into existence. Because it certainly won’t be easy — or inexpensive.

But our feeling has long been that the price tag — an initial outlay of $2.4 billion to $4.6 billion, according to MassDOT, plus ongoing maintenance costs — is worth it.

The reasons are myriad. In an age of remote and hybrid work models — which don’t seem to be going away — rail service could be a boon for those who need to work in or near Boston but want the lower cost of living and what they see as a higher quality of life in the Valley or the Berkshires. Conversely, it would open up job opportunities out east for those already living here.

“Key passenger rail stops along the east-west passenger line would provide a catalyst for economic growth throughout the area,” Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno said in written testimony at the Springfield hearing. “The iron is hot, and now is the time to strike. This project would open up myriad positive possibilities, including opportunities for economic development, jobs, and housing.”

Enhanced rail could also bring more tourism dollars to Western Mass. — which is rich in cultural and recreational destinations — by making it easier for Eastern Mass. denizens to spend some time here.

The service would likely connect Pittsfield to Boston via a high-speed train with proposed stops in Chester, Springfield, Palmer, and Worcester. From an environmental perspective, fewer cars on the Mass Pike and other roads means fewer emissions, and that’s a plus for the health of the entire corridor.

While talk of east-west service had been frustratingly fruitless for rail advocates in recent years, their dream got some concrete encouragement last summer when an $11.4 billion infrastructure bond bill backed by former Gov. Charlie Baker authorized $275 million toward expansion of passenger rail and created the Western Massachusetts Passenger Rail Commission to gather information about the feasibility of such a project.

U.S. Rep. Richard Neal and many influential local lawmakers have been stalwart supporters of such a plan. And in her FY 2024 state budget, Gov. Maura Healey proposed directing $12.5 toward the project, including the hiring of a project director, design of a station in Palmer, and track improvements in Pittsfield — all of which points to continued support from the governor’s office to make east-west rail a reality.

The plan still has many hurdles to clear; it’s far from a done deal, and may never happen — because, as we noted, it’s not easy.

But the payoff would go far beyond making commuters’ lives a little easier. From the perspectives of economic growth, tourism dollars, and even climate and health, we hope this theoretical train keeps chugging toward an actual, feasible plan.

Mental-health Needs Continue

By Contributor March 29, 2023

Opinion

By Negar Beheshti, MD

The emergency declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic may end on May 11, depending on the specific policies and guidelines of each country or region. However, the mental-health needs of individuals affected by the pandemic are likely to continue long after the official declaration ends.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant stress and uncertainty for many people, including social isolation, financial difficulties, and concerns about health and safety. These stressors can take a toll on mental health, leading to symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental-health issues.

While the end of the pandemic may bring some relief, it is important to recognize that the mental-health impacts of the pandemic may be long-lasting. Therefore, it is essential to continue to prioritize mental healthcare and support, both for those who have been directly affected by the pandemic and for the general population.

This can include accessing mental-health services, practicing self-care strategies such as mindfulness and exercise, and seeking support from friends, family, or mental-health professionals as needed. By taking steps to address their mental health, individuals can promote their overall well-being and resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.

Mental Health America’s 2023 ranking of states in terms of higher access to mental healthcare shows Massachusetts continues in a top position. The Commonwealth, which has made access a priority through its recent creation of Community Behavioral Health Centers, ranks second, as it did in 2022, in terms of such markers as access to insurance, treatment, and quality and cost of insurance.

Lack of affordability and lack of access are consistently among the barriers cited in seeking mental healthcare, so it is good to see the state maintain its ranking on access in comparison to other states. Massachusetts, through its Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform, is working to reduce these barriers, and we here at MiraVista are proud that our opening nearly two years ago in the middle of the pandemic created additional inpatient psychiatric beds in the state for both adults and youth, as well as expanded inpatient treatment for substance use.

Still, the need for increased mental-health services — and the funding to support them — to meet demand continues both in the state and nationally.

The pandemic brought attention to the existing gaps in mental-health services and has spurred efforts to address them. It is crucial to recognize that the need for mental-health support and resources continues to exist post-pandemic, and individuals should be encouraged to seek help and support whenever necessary.

Our experienced clinicians deliver patient-centered and evidence-based care, helping those with mental-health and substance-use conditions to find their road to recovery in order to live a fulfilling life.

Dr. Negar Beheshti is the chief medical officer for MiraVista Behavioral Health Center in Holyoke and its sister hospital, TaraVista Behavioral Health Center, in Devens. For more information on MiraVista’s psychiatric services, visit www.miravistabhc.care.

Picture This

Picture This

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

Gift of Gratitude

Mercy Medical Center announced that Liberty Bank Foundation has pledged a gift of $25,000 to the fundraising effort to create the Andy Yee Palliative Care Unit. Following his cancer diagnosis, well-known restaurateur Andy Yee sought treatment at the Sister Caritas Cancer Center at Mercy Medical Center. Grateful for the care Yee received until his passing in 2021, his wife, Sarah, approached hospital leaders about creating a space dedicated to palliative care.

Pictured, from left: Mercy’s Geoffrey Hoyt; Liberty President and CEO David Glidden; Mercy and Trinity Health Of New England Medical Group President Deborah Bitsoli; Sister Caritas Cancer Center Director Dr. Philip Glynn; Sarah Yee and son Jamie Yee; and Liberty’s Tony Liberopoulos and Jeffrey Sattler.

Shining Stars

The Greater Chicopee Chamber opf Commerce’s signature Shining Stars Awards Gala, held March 3 at the Castle of Knights, recognized McKinstry Market Garden Inc. as Business of the Year, Holyoke Community College (HCC) as Nonprofit of the Year, Judith Corridan Danek as Citizen of the Year, and Mim Zayas as Volunteer of the Year.

Pictured, back row, from left: Mike Knapik of Baystate Health; HCC President Christina Royal; Chicopee Mayor John Vieau; Bill McKinstry, Will McKinstry, and Warren McKi nstry of McKinstry Market Garden; Chicopee City Treasurer Marie Laflamme; Michelle Wirth of Mercedes-Benz of Springfield; and state Sen. Jake Oliveira. Front row, from left: Mim Zayas of Masis Staffing and Judith Corridan Danek of Health New England.

Celebrating Opportunities

ServiceNet recently hosted Massachusetts Secretary of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Kate Walsh, acting Undersecretary of Human Services Dana Sullivan, and Commissioner of Disability Services Jane Ryder to its Rooster Café in Northampton. They were joined by state Sen. Jo Comerford and state Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, among other guests. Participants in ServiceNet’s Rooster Café culinary program prepare meals and serve customers, using many ingredients from ServiceNet’s Prospect Meadow Farm in Hatfield.

Pictured, from left: ServiceNet President and CEO Sue Stubbs, culinary program participant Dani Rizzo, ServiceNet Director of Vocational Services Shawn Robinson, Comerford, and Ryder.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

Chamber Corners

1BERKSHIRE

(413) 499-1600; www.1berkshire.com

March 29: Go Fund U Session #3: “The Bandwagon Effect and VIPs,” 5-7 p.m., hybrid event, hosted online or at Berkshire Innovation Center, 45 Woodlawn Ave., Pittsfield. Create a bandwagon that other folks want to jump onto. Understand how to identify and communicate with your VIPs before launch to increase your chances of reaching your funding goal. In this session, we’ll also discuss setting your funding target, determining reward levels, and strategies for during and after your campaign. This is your opportunity to learn the secret recipe for crowdfunding success. Register at www.1berkshire.com.

AMHERST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

(413) 253-0700; www.amherstarea.com

March 30: Margarita Madness, 5:30-7:30 p.m., hosted by Interskate 91 at the Hampshire Mall, 367 Russell St., Hadley. TommyCar Auto Group returns as presenting sponsor. Mix, mingle, and network at our largest signature event of the year. Enjoy an evening of tasty margaritas and vote for your favorite. Local restaurants showcase their fare, and there are dozens of raffles prizes donated by Amherst Area Chamber members. Cost: $35 pre-registered at www.amherstarea.com, $45 at the door.

EAST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

(413) 575-7230; www.erc5.com

April 4: Coffee Hour Connections with ERC5, 8:30-9:30 a.m., hosted by Hillary Lynn Photography, 200 Center St., Suite 5, Ludlow. Join us as we gather to build relationships and Hillary shares more about the work she is doing with brand imagery that tells a story and connects with your dream clients. Register online at www.erc5.com.

GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

(413) 534-3376; www.holyokechamber.com

March 29: After Hours and Ribbon Cutting at Fame, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Fame, 386 Dwight St., Holyoke. Join as we celebrate the grand opening of Fame with small, homemade bites; craft beer and cocktails; and connections. To register, visit www.business.holyokechamber.com/events.

GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

(413) 584-1900; www.northamptonchamber.com

April 4: Arrive @ 5, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Danco Modern, 10 West St., Hatfield. Our monthly networking get-together is the perfect place to expand your circle of connections in the business community. New to (or nervous about) networking? Join us at 4 p.m. for a Warm Welcome pre-party and get tips from our experts. Sponsored by Reider Media, Delap Real Estate, and Applied Mortgage. First Impressions sponsored by Finck & Perras. This is a free event. Register online at www.explorenorthampton.com.

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

(413) 568-1618; www.westfieldbiz.org

April 5: Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m., hosted by Armbrook Village, 551 North Road, Westfield. Mayor Michael McCabe will update the attendees on City Hall activities, and there will be an opportunity to ask the mayor questions. This event is free to attend. To register, visit www.westfieldbiz.org.

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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

April 4: April Lunch & Learn with ERC5, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., hosted by Villa Rose, 1428 Center St., Ludlow. Learn from our panelists how to maintain and grow in 2023 and beyond. Hear valuable tips for making every penny count in your business and how to effectively use your dollars to your advantage. Cost: $25 for members, $35 for non-members. To register, visit www.ourwrc.com.

Agenda

Agenda

Empty Bowls Fundraiser

April 1: The Amherst Survival Center will host its 15th annual Empty Bowls fundraiser from noon to 4 p.m. at the center’s site at 138 Sunderland Road, North Amherst. Empty Bowls will offer in-person dining at the center, with service from state legislators, town leaders, and other special guests. Attendees may also take their soup to go. Guests select a unique, handcrafted bowl made by a local artist and choose between a dozen soups donated by local restaurants and freshly baked bread. Meat, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free soup options will be available. The keepsake bowl is theirs to keep as a reminder of all the other bowls they have helped to fill. Soft drinks are included, and wine and hard cider are available for purchase (cash only). Tickets cost $50 and are available online at www.amherstsurvival.org/emptybowls or by calling the Amherst Survival Center at (413) 549-3968, ext. 108. Guests who don’t want a handmade bowl may also choose soup-only tickets for adults ($30) or for children ($10). Children 2 and under are free. Tickets can also be purchased in person on the day of at the event.

SSO Chamber Concert

April 2: The Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) will host its second chamber concert of the season at 3 p.m. at First Church of Christ, 763 Longmeadow St., Longmeadow. The concert will feature the Casey String Quartet, which is made up of Springfield Symphony Orchestra musicians. Four Springfield Symphony Orchestra string musicians that make up the Casey String Quartet will perform, including cellist Patricia (Tish) Edens, violinist Miho Matsuno, violinist Robert Lawrence, and violist Martha McAdams. The chamber concert will feature works by Edward Elgar, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Benjamin Britten, three composers whose works the Springfield Symphony Orchestra will be performing at its next concert at Symphony Hall on Saturday, April 15. The quartet will also perform a piece by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Tickets can be purchased by calling the SSO box office at (413) 733-2291. Tickets cost $30 for adults and $10 for youth ages 4-18.

Best of Valley Voices Story Slam

April 8: The Best of Valley Voices Story Slam collaboration between the Academy of Music Theatre and New England Public Media will stage its eighth competition at the Academy of Music at 7:30 p.m. Audience members selected the top three storytellers from four slams performed at a variety of venues in the Valley between December and March, and now they will compete for the best of the best. Both novice and experienced storytellers will be sharing their five-minute, first-person narratives live on stage, and the audience will select the winner. Co-producers Lyrical Faith and Vanessa Cerillo, along with singer and songwriter Adam McElreath, will lead the audience along with the rules and voting tips. For further information or to purchase tickets, visit www.aomtheatre.com or call (413) 584-9032, ext. 105, Tuesday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m.

Free Shred Days

April 15, May 13: bankESB invites customers and members of the community to two free shred days at local offices. The events will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on the following dates and locations: April 15, bankESB, 241 Northampton St., Easthampton; and May 13, Home Depot parking lot, 350 Russell St., Hadley. No appointment is necessary. Local residents can reduce their risk of identity theft by bringing old mail, receipts, statements or bills, canceled checks, pay stubs, medical records, or any other unwanted paper documents containing personal or confidential information and shredding them safely and securely for free. Valley Green Shredding, a professional document-destruction company, will be on site and can accept up to two boxes of documents per person.

Harmonia V Concert

April 20: The Westfield Athenaeum and MOSSO (Musicians of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra) will present the third of a three-concert chamber music series, with Harmonia V performing at 7 p.m. Guy McLain, executive director of the Westfield Athenaeum, will offer a pre-performance talk at 6 p.m., which is free to ticket holders. The Connecticut-based Harmonia V, an innovative woodwind quintet, performs standard literature, seldom-heard treasures, and dynamic contemporary music. Members of the quintet include Springfield Symphony Orchestra and MOSSO horn player Robert Hoyle; Jennifer Berman, flute; Janet Rosen, oboe; Jim Forgey, clarinet; and Jackie Sifford Joyner, bassoon. The Harmonia V program, “April in Paris,” includes music by Fauré, Ravel, and Debussy. For information on Harmonia V, visit www.harmoniav.com. Tickets for the concert cost $25 and must be purchased in advance at the Westfield Athenaeum during business hours, or online at www.westath.org.

Difference Makers Gala

April 27: The 15th annual Difference Makers Gala will be held at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. Since 2009, BusinessWest has been recognizing the work of individuals, groups, businesses, and institutions through this recognition program. The 2023 Difference Makers was announced, and their stories told, in the Feb. 20 issue of BusinessWest and at businesswest.com. Tickets cost $85 each, and tables of 10-12 are available. To purchase tickets, visit businesswest.com/difference-makers. Partner sponsors for this year’s program include Burkhart Pizzanelli P.C., the Royal Law Firm, TommyCar Auto Group, and Westfield Bank.

Pioneer Valley Conference for Women

May 4: The Pioneer Valley Conference for Women will host its first in-person event at the Marriott in downtown Springfield. The theme of the conference is “Let Go.” Leading the speaker lineup are Paulette Piñero, social entrepreneur, writer, and leadership coach, and Yvonne Williams, author of Tested Faith and It’s All About the Shoes. Each will provide a keynote address to an expected audience of more than 300 attendees. The conference highlights topics that were chosen by the women of Western Mass., based on current trends and interests. Alison Maloni, owner of Alison May Public Relations, news anchor for a national network, and bestselling author of Breaking in the News: Build Buzz for Your Brand, will emcee the conference. Local comedian Jess Miller will entertain attendees during a VIP Comedy Kick-off the evening before the conference; tickets cost $35. The cost to attend the Pioneer Valley Conference is $52, which includes breakfast, lunch, a swag bag, and an afternoon celebration with a female DJ and complementary wine and hors d’oeuvres following the full-day conference. The lunch sponsor is M&T Bank. The panel sponsor is Westfield Bank. The network sponsors are Smith Executive Education and USI Insurance. The small-business sponsors are Lovelace Design and Rooted Flowers. Keeping with the goal of accessibility, the conference will also be available virtually for those who are more comfortable watching through a screen. Sessions will be taped for future viewing. For more information on keynote speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and panelists, visit sheslocal.org/pioneer-valley-conference-for-women.

Hooplandia

June 23-25: Registration for Hooplandia, a 3×3 basketball tournament and festival, is now open at www.hooplandia.com and includes levels of play for all ages and divisions. The tournament, presented by the Eastern States Exposition (ESE) and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, will take place on the grounds of ESE in West Springfield June 23-25, with special games at the Hall of Fame in Springfield. The event is expected to attract thousands of fans and players as hundreds of games take place across more than 70 courts. Divisions of play have been created to provide an all-inclusive environment for players of all ages and playing abilities. With brackets that include veterans, first responders, youth, wheelchair athletes, college elites, and many more, there’s a spot on the court for everyone. Players are invited to build teams of four, create their own unique team name and uniforms, and register at www.hooplandia.com. Team fees range from $75 to $190, with children under 8 and participants in the Special Olympics category being free of charge. Hooplandia has teamed up with Boys and Girls Clubs throughout the region as its designated philanthropic partner, providing $10 from every team registration to support the mission and programs of the clubs. Partnership opportunities for Hooplandia are available at a variety of levels to help underwrite all areas of play, including Boys & Girls Club youth, active military, veterans divisions, and more. Anyone interested should email [email protected]. Hooplandia welcomes participation from youth team referees, scorekeepers, Fan Village contest facilitators, and volunteers for myriad duties to help make this inaugural year a success. Those interested in participating in this groundbreaking event can fill out the volunteer form at www.hooplandia.com.

MOSSO Concert

July 23: MOSSO (Musicians of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra) will make its Sevenars Concerts debut in Worthington at 4 p.m. MOSSO and Friends, which opened the Westfield Athenaeum series, features violinist Beth Welty, horn player Sarah Sutherland, and pianist Elizabeth Skavish. They will perform Frédéric Duvernoy’s Trio No. 1 for Violin, Horn, and Piano; Trygve Madsen’s Trio, Op. 110 for Violin, Horn, and Piano; and Johannes Brahms’ Trio in E-flat Major for Violin, Horn, and Piano. Sevenars performances are held at the Academy, South Ireland Street and Route 112, South Worthington. There is no charge for admission to the performance, and no tickets are needed, although donations at the door are welcome ($20 or more per person is suggested to help defray expenses). For program details and information on Sevenars, visit www.sevenars.org.

People on the Move

People on the Move

O’Reilly, Talbot & Okun (OTO) recently announced nine staff additions and promotions: Jonathan Hermanson, Lori McCarthy, Caren Irgang, Lily Elkhay, Kaitlyn Sistare, Pierre Carriere, Elise Zalenski, Toby Simmons, and Christine Arruda.

Jonathan Hermanson

Lori McCarthy

Caren Irgang

Lily Elkhay

Kaitlyn Sistare

Pierre Carriere

Elise Zalenski

Toby Simmons

Christine Arruda

• Hermanson earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry and environmental science. Before moving to Massachusetts, he worked in environmental consulting for five years in Kansas City. As an environmental scientist at OTO, he helps the team with Massachusetts Contingency Plan work and risk characterization, as well as environmental compliance. He also assists the asbestos and industrial hygiene team. Some of his latest achievements while at OTO are becoming a radon measurement professional and a certified hazardous materials manager.

• McCarthy earned her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. This degree taught her how releases of hazardous chemicals to the environment can have negative health effects to humans and animals nearby. She then went on to study a second degree in environmental sciences. With more than 20 years of experience in her field, she has worked on sites across New England, finding solutions to remediate the releases of oil and hazardous materials. At OTO, McCarthy was most recently promoted to associate and is the team leader for the environmental sector.

• Irgang earned her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and then went on to earn her master’s degree in civil engineering at Manhattan College. Irgang has experience in structural engineering from building and bridge engineering in New York City and performing construction inspections. Joining OTO as a Level II engineer, Irgang is performing geotechnical investigations and design and field oversight. She continues to utilize her structural engineering skills and provides an added perspective to our geotechnical projects.

• Elkhay is earning her bachelor’s degree in marketing at UMass Amherst and brings her experience from her previous internship. As the marketing intern, Elkhay has posted on OTO’s social-media pages, created ads, and performed any other as needed marketing tasks.

• Sistare is a 2022 graduate from Western New England University (WNE), earning her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering with an environmental engineering concentration. At WNE, she and her team’s senior project placed first in the civil engineering department. She primarily works with the geotechnical group at OTO as a Level I engineer, but also assists the environment group.

• Carriere graduated from WNE in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. During his studies, he gained experience in many areas, including surveying, technical writing, CAD, soil and materials testing, and collaboration skills. Joining OTO as a Level I engineer, he has become heavily involved in field work and working on site, as well as working on proposals, reports, and site plans in the office.

• Zalenski earned her MBA in 2010 and has spent the last nine years developing her skills in office management, HR, IT, and bookkeeping. She has worked in residential and light commercial water treatment, which provided experience in site evaluations, water testing, treatment design, and reviewing EPA, DEP, and local board of health regulations and practices. As OTO’s office manager and executive assistant, she will be managing the day-to-day needs of the staff that may arise in the areas of IT, telephones, general building or parking issues, and scheduling events and vacations, along with providing support for OTO’s president, Ashley Sullivan.

• Simmons has brought her 20 years of field-technician experience to OTO. As an environmental technician, she has taken on many field duties to make sure the job is done safely and efficiently.

• Arruda has been with OTO for more than 25 years and has been part of the internal leadership transition taking place since 2020. As a result, she was promoted to associate this past year and serves on the company’s operations committee. With more than 20 years of experience as a both a certified indoor environmental consultant and Environmental Protection Agency-accredited and Massachusetts-licensed asbestos inspector, she manages and works on numerous types of indoor environmental issues, including asbestos, radon, HVAC, chemicals, and microbial contamination. She also is an National Radon Proficiency Program-certified radon-measurement professional who can perform single, multi-family, large-building, school-building, and water-radon-measurement services.

•••••

Country Bank announced that Erin Pope has joined its Innovation & Technology division in Ware. Before joining Country Bank, Pope worked at Digital Credit Union and American Tower. Pope holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and received certification in Professional Scrum Master 1. “At American Tower, I managed a network-operations team responsible for the global office and data-center infrastructure,” she said. “It was through working with this team that I learned the importance of strength and a diverse team. I am excited to join Country Bank’s storied history and contribute to its continued success. I hope to support the team by increasing engagement and innovation to support the business and its customers better.”

•••••

Nick DePalma

Nick Bernasconi

Notch Mechanical Constructors announced the promotion of two employees to newly created executive positions. Nick DePalma has been promoted to executive vice president. In this role, he will have overall responsibility for operations, quality, safety, and customer-base growth in alignment with the company core values. This promotion will allow Steven Neveu, president of the company, to focus more on the long-term strategic growth and vision for the company. In addition, Nick Bernasconi has been promoted to vice president of estimating and project management. He will oversee all activities and initiatives related to the company’s accounts management, estimating, and project management. Previously a family-owned business for 48 years, Notch transitioned to an employee-owned ESOP company in 2020. These new roles will be critical to breaking through to the next level as an organization and ensuring a strong leadership team into the future.

•••••

Riverside Industries Inc. (RSI) announced that four new members have joined its board of directors to help support its mission to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live rich and full lives. All four of the new board members began their three-year term with RSI effective March 2023. They include Tara Brewster, vice president of Business Development and director of Philanthropy at Greenfield Savings Bank; Jeff Palm, partner and chief operating officer at Global Educators Inc.; Melissa Peters; Human Resource generalist for Fiducient Advisors; and Teremar Rodriguez-Vazquez, assistant general counsel at Health New England.

•••••

Aieshya Jackson

Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services (MLKFS) has wrapped up an almost-year-long search for a new leader. After an extensive search campaign and interview process, Aieshya Jackson, chair of the board of directors of MLKFS, announced that Shannon Rudder will be the next president and CEO of the organization. Rudder, who will join MLKFS on March 13, most recently served as deputy director of Teach Western Mass, a nonprofit organization working toward educational equity in partnership with area schools. She also served as executive director of Providence Ministries Inc., an organization supporting the needs of marginalized populations by addressing food insecurity, addiction recovery, housing, clothing, and workforce development. She earned her MBA and her BBA, the latter magna cum laude, from Medaille College.

•••••

Tech Foundry, a regional leader in IT workforce development and training, announced the hiring of three new staff members as well as four promotions, which will allow the organization to double the number of participants served annually.

• Henry Alston was hired as Tech Foundry’s Service-Learning coordinator. In this role, he will be responsible for implementing the organization’s new service-learning pilot program in collaboration with Mass Humanities’ Clemente Course in the Humanities. He is a tech and wellness enthusiast with career experience in sales, marketing, and project coordination. After attaining his bachelor’s degree from Lincoln University in Oxford, Pa. in 2015, he went on to graduate from the University of Louisville with his MBA in 2020. He is a Tech Foundry alum.

• Phillip Borras is Tech Foundry’s Career Readiness and Recruitment coordinator, a new role created to provide focused support and mentoring to student members. His diverse experience as a professional speaker, comedian, and life coach allows him to successfully teach and support Tech Foundry participants as a career coach during and after the program.

• Jessica Cogoli has been promoted to assistant instructor. She is a Tech Foundry alum and has been working closely with the organization since she graduated, both as a volunteer and a TA for its IT-support training program. She is currently enrolled at Holyoke Community College and will graduate with an associate degree in computer science in the spring.

• Marie-Ange Delimon, a Tech Foundry alum, has been promoted to manager of Community Impact for the organization. In this role, she oversees external partnerships and community engagement, including managing internship and job-placement programs as well as partnerships with a variety of nonprofit organizations throughout Western Mass. Previously, she served as Tech Foundry’s manager of Workforce Development. She is a graduate of a variety of medical-training programs and holds an MD degree from Université Notre Dame d’Haïti.

• Johannes Romatka has been promoted to manager of Instruction and Curriculum. Previously an instructor at Tech Foundry, he has a diverse background in information technology, including training and network support. Prior to joining Tech Foundry, he worked in a training role for internal IT-support staff at U.S. Bank.

• Linh Tran joined Tech Foundry in February as the organization’s new Administrative and Marketing coordinator, where she will support development, program, and communication initiatives. Originally from Vietnam, she has been studying and working in Massachusetts for almost 10 years. She is an experienced management professional with a diverse background in nonprofit, retail, legal, and insurance organizations, and is a graduate of Tech Foundry’s IT-support training program.

• Michelle Wilson was hired as Tech Foundry’s manager of Administration and Operations in September and was recently promoted to deputy director, a position that encompasses a variety of duties, including overall operations management, fundraising, and marketing. Her background includes more than 17 years in nonprofit management, with roles at a national membership organization in San Francisco, a globally recognized mentoring program, an independent school in Seattle, and a state humanities council. She is a graduate of Lafayette College in Easton, Pa. and holds a master’s degree in public administration from San Francisco State University.

•••••

The Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden Agricultural Society, the nonprofit organization that manages Northampton’s Three County Fair and fairgrounds, recently elected its newest president, Thomas Smiarowski, who has been a member of the society for more than 20 years and was elected to its board of directors in 2016. Smiarowski is expected to serve two years as president, leading the society’s board of directors, which consists of 21 other appointees who make up the fair’s agricultural leadership. Smiarowski grew up on his family’s vegetable and dairy farm in Montague, where he continues to help his brother Dan, who currently owns and operates the family farm. Following his graduation from UMass Amherst, Smiarowski worked 34 years for the USDA’s Farm Service Agency, holding a number of management positions. Following his retirement from USDA in 2012, he worked 10 years as an agricultural risk-management educator for UMass Extension. He is currently a director of the Massachusetts Agricultural Club, the longest-standing agricultural club in the country; serves as a Massachusetts trustee of the Eastern States Exposition; and is a member of the New England Vegetable and Berry Growers Assoc. He also serves on the capital campaign to fund the new construction of the Newman Catholic Center on the UMass campus.

Company Notebook

Company Notebook

American International College Announces Three New Programs

SPRINGFIELD — The School of Business, Arts, and Sciences at American International College (AIC) has begun recruiting students for three new academic degree programs designed to prepare students for fields in high demand. Launching in the fall of 2023, these new offerings expand AIC’s academic portfolio of more than 40 interdisciplinary programs grounded in the liberal arts. AIC’s new cybersecurity program will equip students with the technical and business knowledge needed to secure high-paying and growing jobs in this field. Students will assess modern cybersecurity challenges threatening privacy, security, and safety and gain the knowledge and hands-on technical skills to protect digital assets from cybercriminals. Cybersecurity is an ideal degree for people who want to work in a future-focused field with a high earning potential. And with 33% job growth by 2030, opportunities continue to grow. The new bachelor’s degree in public administration program at AIC was developed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in public-sector roles. This program emphasizes experiential learning, with projects in government administration, public health, social science, history, and more. Public administration is a field for those who want to enact change in their communities and beyond. With more than half of all federal workers nearing retirement age, demand for fresh talent is set to skyrocket in the coming years. The esports and gaming administration program at AIC offers a business degree with a gaming-industry specialization, providing business fundamentals that will last a lifetime. This program addresses the greatest needs in the esports and gaming industry, identified through interviews with major companies, including Capcom and Riot. AIC’s coursework will provide students with the necessary context for understanding the games industry and a basic understanding of how technology-based companies get things done. Between 2018 and 2019, the number of jobs in esports nearly doubled, growing a staggering 85%.

Cooley Dickinson Receives $250,000 Gift from Smith College

NORTHAMPTON — Cooley Dickinson Hospital announced it has received a $250,000 gift from Smith College to support the expansion and renovation of Cooley Dickinson’s Emergency Department. The gift will support the $19.76 million expansion, reconfiguration, and renovation effort to allow Cooley Dickinson to meet the evolving emergency-medicine needs of the community it serves. To accomplish this goal, the hospital has embarked on an ambitious and comprehensive fundraising campaign. Approximately $6.4 million has been raised to date. The project is expected to break ground this spring. Smith College has been a long-time supporter of Cooley Dickinson. Significant donations to the hospital have included helping to fund the hospital’s North Building and Kittredge Surgery Center, as well as its Nurse Development program and comprehensive Breast Center. Cooley Dickinson is expected to serve approximately 40,000 Emergency Department patients this year. That care will be provided in a 1970s-era building that was designed for 17,000 patients annually and is currently 40% undersized. A shortage of space means some patients are treated in hallways. The Emergency Department also needs to expand its services to care for an aging population (three times the population from 10 years ago). In addition, the expansion will provide additional beds for people experiencing mental-health emergencies. The two-year project calls for adding 7,500 square feet of space, including nine new patient rooms; two behavioral-health beds and two ‘flex’ beds to use as patient needs arise; and a family waiting area. When the project is completed, the Emergency Department will occupy more than 23,000 square feet. In addition, a computerized tomography (CT scan) machine, which provides timely access to diagnostic imaging, will be added to the Emergency Department.

MCLA Launches BSN Program

NORTH ADAMS — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will launch a four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program for the fall 2023 semester. This will be the first BSN program in Berkshire County and the only BSN program within an hour’s drive of the rural tri-state corner of Massachusetts, Vermont, and New York. This nursing-education initiative will help address the current and future rural nursing workforce shortages. MCLA received final approval from the Board of Higher Education this month and received initial approval to launch a BSN in January from the Board of Registration in Nursing (BORN). The next phase of BORN approval is anticipated after MCLA graduates the first nursing cohort in 2027. MCLA’s BSN degree can be completed over a four-year period. After accepting pre-nursing students this fall, the college will formally accept up to 25 students into the nursing major at the conclusion of their first year of study. Students must complete required pre-nursing courses in math and sciences during that first year for admission into the program. Transfer students may also apply to the nursing program during their first year of study at MCLA and transfer in non-nursing courses for consideration toward graduation. MCLA expects that the first BSN class will graduate in May 2027. At the conclusion of the program, students will be awarded a bachelor of science in nursing degree and be prepared and eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

The MH Group Marks 10 Years, Launches Nonprofit Foundation

SPRINGFIELD — The MH Group (formerly ManeHire Talent Solutions), a Springfield-based staffing and recruiting agency, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Founder and CEO Nicole Polite’s roots run deep in Springfield, as her great-great-granduncle was Primus Parsons Mason, a Black entrepreneur and real-estate investor who is most well-known as the namesake of the city’s Mason Square neighborhood. To continue his legacy, Polite is launching the nonprofit Polite Foundation, focusing on providing career resources to underserved populations. In addition, she has served on multiple nonprofit boards, such as the YWCA of Western Massachusetts, the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County (now operating as MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board, the United Way of Pioneer Valley’s Dora D. Robinson Women’s Leadership Council, and the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission council. She also served as a business advisor at the Entrepreneurial & Women’s Business Center at the University of Hartford.

HCC, Arizona State University Announce Transfer Pact

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) announced a new alliance with Arizona State University (ASU) to provide students a seamless transfer experience through the MyPath2ASU program, which allows students to take the steps needed at the start of their college experience to successfully plan their transfer from HCC to ASU, where they can complete their bachelor’s degree online. MyPath2ASU provides a set of customized transfer tools for students from accredited institutions, end-to-end learner navigation through course-by-course guided pathways; advising to assist students in course selection to ensure their credits fulfill requirements at both HCC and ASU; guaranteed general admission to ASU and admission into their choice of MyPath2ASU major, if all requirements are satisfied (some majors have additional or higher admission requirements); more than 400 course-by-course guided pathways into immersion and online ASU degree programs; self-service degree-progress tracking through the ASU My Transfer Guide to minimize loss of credits; and connected experience through personalized ASU communications to prepare students academically and build an early connection to ASU.

Monson Savings Bank Receives 5-Star Rating from BauerFinancial

MONSON — BauerFinancial Inc., a leading, national bank-rating firm, announced that Monson Savings Bank has once again earned its top (5-Star) rating for financial strength and stability. Having earned Bauer’s 5-Star rating for 40 or more consecutive quarters, Monson Savings Bank has earned an even higher designation as an Exceptional Performance Bank. This marks the bank’s 53rd consecutive 5-Star rating. Bauer rates every federally insured U.S. chartered bank with the same strict standards, and reported that Monson Savings Bank continues to outperform its peers.

White Lion Brewing Co. Recognizes Holyoke’s 150th with Special Release

SPRINGFIELD — The city of Holyoke, known as Paper City, is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. White Lion Brewing Co. collaborated with the city of Holyoke, Explore Holyoke, regional design firm TSM, and Holyoke Craft Beer to create a commemorative label and beer release to celebrate the rich history of the city during its sesquicentennial. Holyoke 150, an American lager, was released during the annual Holyoke Road Race on March 18. Holyoke 150 will be also available at special events and local accounts throughout 2023.

BetMGM Launches Mobile Sports Betting in Massachusetts

SPRINGFIELD — BetMGM, a leading sports-betting and iGaming operator, launched its mobile app in Massachusetts, giving customers access to a variety of online betting options and benefits tied to MGM Resorts’ ddestinations nationwide, including MGM Springfield. The BetMGM app gives Massachusetts sports fans the ability to customize pre-game, live in-play, futures, and parlay wagers. Integration with MGM Rewards allows Massachusetts’s BetMGM users to redeem their gameplay for experiences at MGM Resorts properties nationwide. The mobile app complements MGM Springfield’s BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge that opened in January. The space features a 45-foot LED viewing wall and four betting windows, making it easy for guests to access a variety of sports-wagering options. The resort is home to 18 sports-betting kiosks located throughout the gaming area.

Square One Creates Alumni Association

SPRINGFIELD — It’s time to go back to Square One, where thousands of young children had their first early-learning experience. Formerly Springfield Day Nursery, Square One has been nurturing and educating infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children since 1883. The agency, now in its 140th year, is looking to gather its program graduates to formalize an alumni group. Alumni are asked to contact to complete a brief questionnaire, which can be found at startatsquareone.org, or email Matt deloria at [email protected] to learn more.

Doing Business as Certificates

DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and/or trade names were issued or renewed during the month of March 2023.

AMHERST

Alice Buckner Consulting
85 Crossbrook Ave.
Alice Buckner

Amherst Extensions & Beauty Salon
460 West St.
Yasmin Brandford

Bouvier Grant Group
30 Autumn Lane
Margaret Bouvier

Doctorbird LLC
26 South Prospect St., #7
Khama Ennis

Intentional Health LLC
26 South Prospect St., #7
Khama Ennis

Rivershed Farm
132 Pelham Road
Mark Rutkowski

BELCHERTOWN

Northeast Green
21 Plaza Ave.
George Hassenfratz

Rustic Logging & Tree Service Co.
230 Old Enfield Road
Russell Scott Jr.

CHICOPEE

7th Ave. Designs
91 7th Ave.
Thomas LaFleur

Abundant Wellness
665 Prospect St., Suite 1
Deborah Boulanger

Ashley Homestore
1441 Memorial Dr.
Susan Halvarson

Caron Construction
11 Freedom St.
Scott Caron

Cruz Notary Service
1316 Memorial Dr.
Edgardo Cruz Ortiz

D2 Cleaning Services
627 Chicopee St.
Prossy Drinkwine, Thomas Drinkwine

Live Love Hair
129 Church St.
Betsy Cotto, Lilliana Rosario Santana

Partyka Resource Management Cos. Inc.
495 Springfield St.
Joan Partyka, John Krzeminski Jr.

Resident Apartments
690 Chicopee St.
Wayzaro Mills

Sweet Moments Ultrasound Studio Inc.
246 Montcalm St., Suite 2C
Cenea Velasquez

Two Hands Construction LLC
24 Baril Lane
Edwin Morales

EASTHAMPTON

Artisan Builders and Craftsmen
19 Plain St.
Aaron Scott

The Giving Tree of Massage & Reiki
247 Northampton St., Suite 8
Janna Mangini

Joyful Valley Coaching
11 Water St.
Sarah Schmidt

Mark Nomad
9 Reservation Road
Mark Maulucci

Salon Avanti
186 Northampton St.
Michelle Finnessey

Tip Top Wine Shop
150 Pleasant St., #155
Miranda Brown, Lauren Clark

EAST LONGMEADOW

A.W. Brown
144 Shaker Road
TBW Inc.

Connecticut Valley Construction
12 Town View Circle
Felix Tranghese

John R. Sweeney Insurance Agency
264 North Main St., #6
John Sweeney

Landmark Realtors
60 North Main St.
Susan Rheaume

Meadows Driving School Inc.
16-20 Baldwin St.
Maria Spear

Picano Landscaping
30 Maynard St.
John Picano

VA Motors
57 Tufts St.
Andrii Fedosh

HADLEY

BodyMind Bodywork & Movement
245 Russell St.
Michele Feldmein

Eversource Energy
55 Russell St.
NSTAR Electric Co.

Generative Leadership Consult
200 Venture Way
Institute for Generative LS LLC

Harbor Freight Tools
303 Russell St.
Harbor Freight Tools USA Inc.

Northwest Auto Sales II
117 Russell St.
Jim Boyle

Steve Lewis Subaru
315 Russell St.
Balise SLS LLC

ZG Motors
249 Russell St.
Armani George

LEE

Berkshire Gal Friday
17 Greylock St.
LivDeAndrea

Berkshire Pet Pals LLC
45 Hartwood Road
Kathy Kergaravat

Berk St. James
80 St. James Ave.
Rebecca Leger

Collins & Sons General Store
100 Meadow St.
Alice Collins

Eddie Bauer LLC
270 Premium Outlets Blvd.
Ron Byers

First Response Outdoor Services
90 Pine St.
Joseph Gardino

Kate Spade
490 Premium Outlets Blvd.
Tapestry Inc.

The Lakehouse Inn
615 Laurel St.
Kurt Inderbitzin

Mind Over Motion
214 West Park St.
Tiffany Wilding-White

MJ Kelly Inc.
3 Main St.
Michael Kelly

Papa Gino’s
370 Stockbridge Road
New England Authentic Eats LLC

S.J. Michael’s Construction
35-2 Housatonic St.
Steven Michaels

Stone Improvements
19 Union St.
Micah Stone

Valley Veterinary Services
920 Pleasant St.
CareVet Massachusetts LLC

Wickham & Daughters
45 David St.
Thomas Wickham

PALMER

A&J Mowing
89 Shearer St.
James Taylor

Amy’s All Natural Soaps
21 Wilbraham St.
Amy Mitchell

Cute Kids Preschool
17 Highland St.
Ghada Ghrear

Demore’s Automotive LLC
1307 Park St.
Michelle Demore

Doc’s Duffle Bag LLC
1085 Park St.
Michael McKenney

Kitchen Table Taxes
65 Jim Ash St.
David Whitney, Melissa Whitney

Palmer Antiques Co-op
1239 South Main St.
Louise Krassler

Repair Services Inc.
145 Boston Road
Robert McNabb

RJ Foskit Building & Remodeling
42 Barker St.
Ronald Foskit

Rondeau’s Dairy Bar
1300 Ware St.
Michael Rondeau

Sensory Solutions Today
3 Carriage Dr.
Kristopher Theriault

TJ’s Pop
1418 North Main St.
Troy Atherton Sr.

The Victorian
1500 North Main St.
Julia Dias

Yankee Flea Market
1311 Park St.
Michael Walker

Ziemba Home Improvments
42 Mechanic St.
Mike Ziemba

PITTSFIELD

Assured Home Renovations
99 Wendell Ave.
Christopher Temkin

AST Scuba
19 Arch St.
AST Scuba Inc.

Berile Environmental Inc.
P.O. Box 607
Mark Barile

Berkshire Custom Apparel
98 Brown St.
Brendan Remillard

Berkshire Mountain Faerie Festival
35 Atwood Ave.
Blackington Artisans Inc.

Berkshire Real Estate Title Examinations
31 Whittier Ave.
Romana Messer

Cove Street Service Inc.
9 Cove St.
Cove Street Service Inc.

Dairy Cone
359 Crane Ave.
Richard Herbert

digitalcarbon
34 James St.
Michael White

The Dungeon’s Edge
15 Atwood Ave.
Ashley Davis

Faateh
253 South St.
Saleem Ahmed

Fresh Start Painters
17 Noble Ave.
Joshua Salas

Gate Management Systems
28 Fairfield St.
Russell Marcus

JEL Construction
31 Wendell Ave.
Estefania Arias Batista

JS Works LLC
91 Elberon Ave.
Jack Salatino

K&M Bowling
555 Dalton Ave.
Kari Mathes

Maggie Sadoway Immigrant Cooperative
97 Edward Ave.
Maria Arias

Marie’s Eatery
146 North St.
Marie’s Eatery Pittsfield LLC

Shelley’s Kitchen
453 South Main St.
Shelley Strizzi

SOUTHAMPTON

Bolduc Farm
48 Russellville Road
Gregoire Bolduc

Renex Construction
133 Middle Road
Valentin Katalnikov

SOUTH HADLEY

Love Leaf Farm
169 Granby Road
Love Leaf Farm LLC

Pioneer Valley Health and Rehabilitation
573 Granby Road
Blupoint Boston Healthcare

WESTFIELD

AG Home Infusion LLC
53 Murray Ave.
Alexander Govor

Buscalabras
18 Margerie St.
Jaime Riano

Citrine Circus Design & Supply
5 Woronoco Ave.
Brianne Zulkiewicz

FL Productions
102 Elm St.
Fong Lee

Greg Mastroianni Electrician
265 Montgomery Road
Greg Mastroianni

Guidance for Inner Peace
5 Noble Ave.
Janice Pagano

Hot Oven Cookies LLC
40 Elm St.
Sheila Coon

Le Buddies Helping Hands
110 Main St.
Althea Carter

Precision Kitchen & Bath
467 Loomis St.
Siarhei Sharbatsevich

Western Mass Demolition Corp.
64 Medeiros Way
Western Mass Demolition Corp.

William H. Fenton Co. Inc.
174 Main St.
William H. Fenton Co. Inc.

VNG Home Improvement
46 Western Ave.
Valeriy Gavrilyuk

WEST SPRINGFIELD

A&A Furniture Repair
32 Partridge Lane
Alan Archambault

Advanced Aesthetics Medi Spa LLC
166 South Blvd.
Yelena Ivanov

Avis Budget Group
2161 Riverdale St.
Matt Rettura

Clarion Motel
1080 Riverdale St.
Shailesh Patel

Exude Relaxation Spa Essentials
107 Lancaster Ave.
Cassandra Price

Jakes JS
481 Brush Hill Ave.
Jake Janis

Parus
766 Main St.
Javat Azizov

Pavel Water Filtration
70 Windsor St.
John Crean

Santana’s Kung-Fu Studio
452 Main St.
Maria Santana

SMD & Associates
343 Birnie Ave.
Suzanne Demers

Soaps Scents & Blessings
73 Peachstone Glen
Alexandra Mason

Super Washing Well Laundry
1126 Union St.
David Cortis

The Venetian Bakery
90 Baldwin St.
Adam Oliveri

WILBRAHAM

Blue Elephant Restaurant LLC
2000 Boston Road
Dan O’Connell, Nuchjaree O’Connell

DIY Productions
4 Chestnut Hill Road
Ryan Visneau

Essential Canine
777 Stony Hill Road
Heather Hitchcock

Fieldcrest Brewing Co. LLC
2343 Boston Road
Adam Field

Filomena’s Gifts
10 Brentwood Dr.
Donna Gregoire

The Flower Shed
95 Post Office Park, #10-11
Jennifer Wands

Home Medics
4 Tall Timber Road
Oussama Awkal

Jessica Hurley
2 Three Rivers Road
Jessica Hurley

Life Care Center of Wilbraham
2399 Boston Road
Dennis Lopata

The Massage Clinic
2341 Boston Road, Unit 301
Anne Ambrose

Mountainbrook Landscaping
27 Mountainbrook Road
Brett Jones

Owen Comeau Farrier
7 Ripley St.
Owen Comeau

Platinum Beverage Services
1070 Glendale Road
Darren Vickery

Te Marie’s Hair Design
40 Dumaine St.
Esther Martinez Munoz

Wilbraham Commons Assoc.
269 Stony Hill Road
Chris Bowden

Bankruptcies

Bankruptcies

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

Allard, Marcella
4 Mechanic St.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/24/2023

Boileau, Donna
38 Inward Commons
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/14/2023

Casimiro, Maria
13 Weston St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/28/2023

Chernick, Robert A.
53 White Birch Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/15/2023
Damkoehler, Eric G.
67 Park St.
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/21/2023

Drost, James A.
38 Pine St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/27/2023

Gemme, Richard Bruce
97 New State Road
Montgomery, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/15/2023

Haddad-Garner, Donna Marie
a/k/a Garner, Donna M.
19 Seminole Dr.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/27/2023

Hartnett, Debra A.
199 Meadow St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/15/2023

Heming, Brittany L.
a/k/a Morrissette, Brittany
12 Doane Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/28/2023

Hendricks, Georgia E.
128 Kensington Ave., Apt. 1A
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/17/2023

Henrys Real Estate LLC
Henry, Keino O.
32 Beaumont Ter., Apt. 2
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/14/2023

Jean Ebian, Quetty Catherine
153 Westminster St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/21/2023

McKinley, Daren G.
1 Belden Court, Unit A4
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/22/2023

Murphy, William F.
60 Saint Lawrence Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/14/2023

Riedle, Aline G.
c/o 3 Aspen Court
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/22/2023

Robbins, Michelle J.
42 Quarry Hill
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/15/2023

Tardy, Sandra L.
305 Amostown Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/27/2023

Real Estate Transactions

By Contributor March 29, 2023

Real Estate

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

BUCKLAND

120 Bray Road
Buckland, MA 01370
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Sarah Davenport
Seller: Shirley H. Demers
Date: 02/22/23

9 Norman Road
Buckland, MA 01330
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Colleen M. Clark
Seller: Marcel International
Date: 02/23/23

ERVING

16 Moore St.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Benegan2 LLC
Seller: S. M. Phillips Supplemental
Date: 02/22/23

191 North St.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Terrance L. Dunn
Seller: Joseph C. Reed
Date: 03/01/23

GREENFIELD

65 Conway St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $1,400,000
Buyer: Clinical & Support Option
Seller: 60 Wells Street LLC
Date: 03/02/23

186 High St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Joshua L. Westbrook
Seller: Nils P. Ahbel
Date: 02/21/23

42 Homestead Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Andrews
Seller: Debra S. Andrews
Date: 03/01/23

10 Sanderson St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $201,000
Buyer: Jennifer Farley
Seller: Miller, Peter S., (Estate)
Date: 03/03/23

46 Wells St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $188,425
Buyer: Clinical & Support Option
Seller: Zenun LLC
Date: 03/02/23

60 Wells St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $1,400,000
Buyer: Clinical & Support Option
Seller: 60 Wells Street LLC
Date: 03/02/23

HEATH

172 Route 8A
Heath, MA 01339
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Robert J. Brennan
Seller: Janet R. Giard
Date: 02/28/23

MONTAGUE

140 7th St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Daniel Lederer
Seller: Pinette, Brian Edmund, (Estate)
Date: 02/22/23

87 K St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: J. M. Dinsmore-Lafrance
Seller: Eugene Milewski
Date: 03/01/23

465 Millers Falls Road
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $239,000
Buyer: Joseph Reed
Seller: Jane E. Dion
Date: 03/01/23

NORTHFIELD

21 Meadow St.
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: MW & MW Realty LLC
Seller: Frank B. Podlenski
Date: 03/03/23

16 South Mountain Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Todd Lescarbeau
Seller: 16 South Mountain RT
Date: 02/27/23

ORANGE

232 East Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Tyler Q. Grossman
Seller: My Jireh Properties LLC
Date: 02/24/23

308 East Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: L5 Development LLC
Seller: Cascade Funding Mtg. TR HB4
Date: 03/01/23

232 East River St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Lawrence Matchem
Seller: Forrest A. Calder
Date: 02/28/23

124 Mechanic St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $287,500
Buyer: David L. Lincoln
Seller: Jacob R. Paul
Date: 02/28/23

SHELBURNE

30 Bridge St.
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $530,000
Buyer: Hanna Inv Group LLC
Seller: Kenneth H. Chaffee
Date: 02/28/23

SHUTESBURY

29 Ladyslipper Lane
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $222,208
Buyer: Stanwich Mortgage Loan TF
Seller: Christopher G. Burnett
Date: 03/02/23

WARWICK

Northfield Road, Lot 11
Warwick, MA 01364
Amount: $117,000
Buyer: Joseph Giarusso
Seller: Gary A. Salamone
Date: 02/24/23

WHATELY

Christian Lane (off)
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $6,628,005
Buyer: Full Bloom Market Garden LLC
Seller: Mustang Whately Investments LLC
Date: 03/02/23

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

30 Alhambra Circle North
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $278,000
Buyer: Andrew J. Racette
Seller: Barbara J. Souliere
Date: 02/28/23

87 Anthony St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $314,000
Buyer: Ryan C. Dustin
Seller: Ivan Carrasquillo
Date: 02/21/23

2 Belmont Ave.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Jeremy Mutti
Seller: Gail M. Almquist
Date: 02/27/23

60 Maynard St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Thomas E. Gilroy
Seller: Carey, Helen J., (Estate)
Date: 02/28/23

47 Howard St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $227,500
Buyer: Melissa Surprise
Seller: Debra A. Ceccarini
Date: 02/21/23

19 Meadowbrook Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $530,000
Buyer: Michelle M. Macklin
Seller: Christopher Nascembeni
Date: 02/21/23

33 Perry Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $535,000
Buyer: Ryan Hayward
Seller: Andrey Kaletin
Date: 02/23/23

62 Ramah Circle North
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: 62 Ramah Circle LLC
Seller: Joseph F. Dempsey
Date: 02/24/23

47-49 Royal St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Plata O. Plomo Inc.
Seller: Westerly TR
Date: 03/03/23

42 South Brooke Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Kelly S. Nouwen
Seller: Kelly, Nancy Comery, (Estate)
Date: 02/21/23

268 South Westfield St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Amanda J. Robare
Seller: Bethany A. Tangredi
Date: 03/01/23

192 Shoemaker Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Asila LLC
Seller: Joseph S. Schlaffer
Date: 02/24/23

CHICOPEE

94 9th Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $154,000
Buyer: Milton J. Theriault
Seller: Glenn A. Tunis
Date: 02/28/23

59 Artisan St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: BD Geffin LLC
Seller: Round Two LLC
Date: 03/03/23

144 Ashgrove St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Shannon M. O’Connell
Seller: Edward A. Leblanc
Date: 02/22/23

175 Beauregard Ter.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $385,792
Buyer: RMS Series T2020-1
Seller: David Hall
Date: 02/24/23

65 Bonneville Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Hassan Saleh
Seller: Lisa B. Marques
Date: 02/24/23

250 Britton St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Kevin C. Dimitropolis
Seller: Richard A. Funk
Date: 03/02/23

35 Center St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $1,250,000
Buyer: 35 Center St. Chicopee LLC
Seller: 35 Center Street RT
Date: 03/01/23

27 Charbonneau Ter.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $369,000
Buyer: Graciano Ortiz
Seller: LP Properties LLC
Date: 02/21/23

954 Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Juan C. Cornejo
Seller: Luciano Santos
Date: 02/27/23

36 Fuller St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Serdar Turkmen
Seller: Sergeo V. Arbuzov
Date: 02/28/23

28 Glendale St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Janet L. Stadnicki
Seller: Gallagher Cap Group LLC
Date: 02/23/23

33 Guyotte Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $131,000
Buyer: Cheyenne Rose
Seller: Gary P. Biela
Date: 02/24/23

27 Hearthstone Ter.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $176,000
Buyer: Marek Dazblaz
Seller: PHH Mortgage Corp.
Date: 03/01/23

55 McCarthy Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Revampit LLC
Seller: Marilyn E. Mars
Date: 03/03/23

36 Montvue St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $166,500
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Susan Smith
Date: 02/28/23

56 Mount Vernon Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Christopher Nascembeni
Seller: Paul W. Gajda
Date: 02/22/23

15 Nora St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $223,000
Buyer: Daniel T. Maciolek
Seller: Daniel D. Maciolek
Date: 03/01/23

1 Saint James Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $2,291,333
Buyer: WG 2023 LLC
Seller: Walgreen Eastern Co. Inc.
Date: 03/03/23

73 Searles St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Jarvis Irt
Seller: Susan M. Gustafson
Date: 02/23/23

64-66 Shepherd St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Masshousing LLC
Seller: Volodymyr Boyko
Date: 02/27/23

78 Skeele St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Richard Dunn
Seller: Gouin, Lauria A., (Estate)
Date: 02/21/23

61 Van Horn St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Jesus F. Trinidad
Seller: Congamond Management LLC
Date: 02/21/23

43 West St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Blackrock Bng Group LLC
Seller: Anglejoy Co. LLC
Date: 03/02/23

EAST LONGMEADOW

153 Chestnut St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Jaime L. Hernandez
Seller: Douglas Dichard
Date: 02/22/23

143 Kibbe Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Bryan Kaselouskas
Seller: Joseph T. Pastreck
Date: 03/03/23

198 Maple St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: John J. Ryan
Seller: Louis A. Calabrese
Date: 02/21/23

566 Parker St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $446,000
Buyer: Ryan Conn
Seller: Cig3 LLC
Date: 03/02/23

257 Pease Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $378,000
Buyer: Steven Valentino
Seller: Bank Of America
Date: 02/28/23

397 Porter Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Stacy C. Elms
Seller: Jennifer M. Darcy
Date: 02/28/23

20 Sherwood Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Keith Polci
Seller: Cheryl T. Turgeon
Date: 02/28/23

14 Theresa St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $301,000
Buyer: Valerie Keller
Seller: RL&LL Pasquale IRT
Date: 03/01/23

14 Van Dyke Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Andre Harper
Seller: Erica Harp
Date: 02/27/23

35 Westernview Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Andrew J. Famiglietti
Seller: April S. Mills
Date: 03/02/23

GRANVILLE

1442 Main Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Flavia Robotti
Seller: Secretary Of Housing & Urban
Date: 03/01/23

388 South Lane
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Kokoleka RT
Seller: Joseph Walsh
Date: 03/02/23

HAMPDEN

37 Allen St.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $238,000
Buyer: David Chapdelaine
Seller: Chapdelaine Realty Inc.
Date: 02/23/23

83 Allen St.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Guy Libiszewski
Seller: Gary A. Baribeau IRT
Date: 02/23/23

119 East Longmeadow Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Samuel Loretta
Seller: Robert Gossman
Date: 02/24/23

44 Hollow Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $652,000
Buyer: Maxwell R. Fisk
Seller: David A. Proulx
Date: 03/02/23

601 Main St.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Aaron C. Pitrat
Seller: Jeanne A. McKenna
Date: 02/28/23

33 North Monson Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Gerald J. Tessier
Seller: Pamela B. Courtney
Date: 02/21/23

HOLLAND

5 Inlet Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: James Votzakis
Seller: Daniel Burns
Date: 02/24/23

HOLYOKE

5 Adams St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $1,319,930
Buyer: High Apartments LLC
Seller: 33 34 Van Cort LLC
Date: 03/03/23

323 Elm St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Victoria Delia
Seller: Amelia Serrano
Date: 02/21/23

54 Gates St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $189,987
Buyer: Francis Yarra
Seller: Varakas RT
Date: 02/23/23

688 High St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $1,092,570
Buyer: High Apartments LLC
Seller: 688 High LLC
Date: 03/03/23

20 Highland Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Leslie Decristofaro
Seller: Daniel P. McCavick
Date: 02/24/23

24-26 Sydney Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Michael Dion
Seller: Moore, Sarah Mary, (Estate)
Date: 02/22/23

LONGMEADOW

29 Crescent Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $357,000
Buyer: Daniel J. Avissato
Seller: John M. Kirkpatrick
Date: 02/24/23

901 Frank Smith Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Antonio M. Fonseca
Seller: Torff, Sora K., (Estate)
Date: 03/02/23

58 Hazardville Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Buffalo LLC
Seller: Robert D. Spaulding LT
Date: 03/02/23

83 Longfellow Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $412,295
Buyer: Lakeview Loan Servicing
Seller: Christina A. Knybel
Date: 02/27/23

33 Williston Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $506,000
Buyer: Adam A. Berg
Seller: John M. Riordan
Date: 02/28/23

LUDLOW

39 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Dequan R. Thompson
Seller: James R. Carvalho
Date: 03/01/23

441 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Vincent Serrazina
Seller: Martins, Maria C., (Estate)
Date: 03/01/23

26 Grant St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $258,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Converse
Seller: Christopher Dynak
Date: 02/23/23

434 Miller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $349,000
Buyer: Alyssa L. Santucci
Seller: Todd M. Nareau
Date: 02/22/23

73 Napoleon Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $284,900
Buyer: Samuel Pettinger
Seller: Edward L. Lafromboise
Date: 02/28/23

97 Turning Leaf Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $179,900
Buyer: Robert Sullivan
Seller: Whitetail Wreks LLC
Date: 02/28/23

96 Yale St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $228,900
Buyer: Katie E. Czarniecki
Seller: Arturo Aguillon
Date: 03/03/23

MONSON

36 Main St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Carol J. Damico
Seller: Real Estate Investment Northeast
Date: 03/03/23

20 Thayer Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Rehab Home Buyers LLC
Seller: Eric R. Meffen
Date: 03/03/23

114 Upper Palmer Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $301,000
Buyer: Mark W. Anderton
Seller: Alexus Bolanos
Date: 03/02/23

4 Zuell Hill Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Eugene H. Stroh
Seller: Brandi M. Kane
Date: 03/01/23

PALMER

364-368 Boston Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Justin T. Benoit
Seller: Joshua R. Benoit
Date: 02/23/23

Bridge St., Lot A1
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Demon Deacon Realty LLC
Seller: Mortgage Realty LLP
Date: 02/24/23

Bridge St., Lot A2
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Demon Deacon Realty LLC
Seller: Mortgage Realty LLP
Date: 02/24/23

5 Deborah St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Kendrick S. McKee
Seller: Mary R. Laviolette
Date: 03/02/23

17 Lathrop St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Michael R. Larzazs
Seller: Gary M. Larzazs
Date: 03/03/23

1382-1388 Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Demon Deacon Realty LLC
Seller: Mortgage Realty LLP
Date: 02/24/23

116 Nipmuck St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $557,000
Buyer: Theodore A. Mora
Seller: Terence A. Blair
Date: 02/28/23

45-47 South St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $302,000
Buyer: Manuel S. Puyen-Roche
Seller: Kendrick S. McKee
Date: 03/02/23

1140 Thorndike St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $925,000
Buyer: Admass 4 LLC
Seller: Gary Wolf
Date: 03/01/23

53 Vicardav Ave.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $391,000
Buyer: Jemima Boating
Seller: Marisol Aponte
Date: 03/03/23

21 Wilbraham St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Ham Ivestment Realty LLC
Seller: Edward R. Greenbaum
Date: 02/24/23

SPRINGFIELD

49 Ambrose St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $238,000
Buyer: Jesse D. Freeman
Seller: Samantha E. Hahn-Clark
Date: 02/24/23

1060 Bay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $1,875,000
Buyer: National Retail Properties LP
Seller: Oliver Auto Body Realco
Date: 02/24/23

47 Beauregard St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Yuranis Hernandez
Seller: Rebecca Stratos
Date: 03/02/23

28 Birch Glen Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Jesus Vazquez
Seller: Sean M. Geaghan
Date: 02/21/23

141 Birchland Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $284,000
Buyer: William A. MacKinnon
Seller: Adam M. Provost
Date: 02/24/23

70 Canterbury Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: David R. Kern
Seller: Melro Associates Inc.
Date: 02/28/23

16 Carlisle St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $212,900
Buyer: Chris D. Feliz
Seller: Waiwai RT
Date: 02/24/23

80 Carnavon Circle
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Marcus A. Starks
Seller: Thomas J. Garvey
Date: 02/23/23

145 Chapin Ter.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Sheyla Acosta-Rosario
Seller: Ana Andino
Date: 02/22/23

16-18 Cherry St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Hector L. Vazquez-Mejia
Seller: Jmx Ii TR
Date: 03/01/23

657 Cooley St.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Pamela Bryant
Seller: BHR Properties LLC
Date: 03/01/23

5 County St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Ernest Rental LLC
Seller: Fallah Razzak
Date: 02/28/23

597-615 Dickinson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: MSH Properties LLC
Seller: Rizvan A. Merza
Date: 03/02/23

256 Draper St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Meghan L. Tolley
Seller: Lamoureux, Mirjam, (Estate)
Date: 02/24/23

20 Drexel St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $191,500
Buyer: Dnepro Properties LLC
Seller: Patrick R. Meade
Date: 02/22/23

135 Dubois St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Joshua Romer
Seller: Bay Flow LLC
Date: 03/03/23

23-25 Edgewood St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $306,000
Buyer: Wilfredo Gonzalez
Seller: Alexander L. Freire
Date: 02/24/23

35 Eton St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Narya N. Waring
Seller: Platinum Homes LLC
Date: 02/22/23

47 Fenwick St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Jacqueline A. Ferguson
Seller: Philip Panidis
Date: 03/02/23

25 Ferncliff Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Smails LLC
Seller: Funai, Pauline Agnes, (Estate)
Date: 03/03/23

131 Florida St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $615,000
Buyer: SRK Realty LLC
Seller: BTS Realty LLC
Date: 03/01/23

37 Forest St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Rehab Home Buyers LLC
Seller: Joseph M. Santaniello
Date: 02/22/23

242 Fort Pleasant Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Daviau & Robert Properties LLC
Seller: Opus Durum LLC
Date: 02/27/23

98 Gatewood Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Bhavinibahen R. Patel
Seller: Eduardo Quinteros
Date: 03/01/23

259 Gillette Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $147,000
Buyer: Sarah A. Sypek
Seller: Andrea J. Dangelo
Date: 03/03/23

35 Helberg Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Alexandra Hamilton
Seller: Alexis W. Bradley
Date: 02/24/23

62 Homestead Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $161,000
Buyer: Robert Bearce
Seller: David W. Bearce
Date: 02/28/23

43 Hudson St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Mariel D. Toeo
Seller: Wicked Deals LLC
Date: 02/28/23

150 Jamaica St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: James E. Menard
Seller: W. P. Lemieux
Date: 03/03/23

77 Johnson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Michael A. Raiford
Seller: Round Two LLC
Date: 02/23/23

282-286 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Elona Capital LLC
Seller: Wamhkm LLC
Date: 02/21/23

76 Marble St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Real Estate Investments Northeast
Seller: Real Estate Investments Northeast LLC
Date: 03/02/23

36 McBride St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $218,000
Buyer: Julio Rodriguez
Seller: Charles Elfman
Date: 02/28/23

94 Monmouth St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Jose Nunez
Seller: Uziel Q. Martinez-Barrios
Date: 02/27/23

181 Newton Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Justin L. Deconti
Seller: Keith O. Davies
Date: 02/24/23

200 Newton Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Keith O. Davies
Seller: Natalie A. Jurgen TR
Date: 02/24/23

30 Norman St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Martha Victorio
Seller: Carmen Pabon
Date: 02/22/23

121-123 Orange St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $298,000
Buyer: Gabriel Rodriguez
Seller: Panther Development LLC
Date: 03/03/23

36 Orleans St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Ali H. Abdraba
Seller: Natixis Real Estate Capital TR 2007-He2
Date: 02/23/23

1698 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Scott J. Heim
Seller: Michael Stewart
Date: 02/28/23

173 Pendleton Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $143,000
Buyer: Isidoro R. Sanchez
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 02/23/23

296 Quincy St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Ileana C. Rodriguez
Seller: London Realty LLC
Date: 02/21/23

75 Rowland St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Jennifer M. Reyes
Seller: Julian Navarro
Date: 02/22/23

75 Saffron Circle
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $181,000
Buyer: Zachary Yacteen
Seller: Lazetta McCoy
Date: 02/24/23

160 Shady Brook Lane
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $269,000
Buyer: Dustin Marchinkoski
Seller: Heather M. Leone
Date: 02/24/23

128 Shawmut St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $282,000
Buyer: Arista M. Parillo
Seller: Andrew Famiglietti
Date: 03/02/23

1017-1019 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $336,000
Buyer: Abdi Adan
Seller: Lil As Property Mgmt. LLC
Date: 02/24/23

151 Switzer Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Patricia D. McKenzie
Seller: Silversnake Properties LLC
Date: 03/03/23

135 Tavistock St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $169,900
Buyer: Belinda L. Wilson
Seller: Zachary D. Vollinger
Date: 02/24/23

85 Upland St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Altagracia F. Torres
Seller: Krzysztof Letowski
Date: 03/01/23

113 Vermont St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Sunflower Property Inc.
Seller: STV Realty LLC
Date: 03/03/23

188 Wachusett St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Amelia Serrano
Seller: Z. I. Sanabria-Rodriguez
Date: 02/21/23

64-66 Wallace St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Erick C. Weber
Seller: Ramon Rivera
Date: 03/01/23

64-66 Wallace St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $134,000
Buyer: Ramon Rivera
Seller: Thomas L. Bretta
Date: 03/01/23

31 Washburn St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Jovanny Cartagena
Seller: JJJ17 LLC
Date: 02/28/23

211 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Luis J. Cabreja-Hidalgo
Seller: Janet Davidson
Date: 02/24/23

48 Wilmont St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $279,900
Buyer: Jason Stallone
Seller: Cindy Guzman
Date: 02/21/23

1403 Worcester St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $178,970
Buyer: Truman 2016 SC6 Title TR
Seller: Darryl Leclair
Date: 03/01/23

SOUTHWICK

94 Foster Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Baker Commodities Inc.
Seller: Plakias Real Estate Holdings LLC
Date: 02/28/23

61 Hastings Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $128,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: PHH Mortgage Corp.
Date: 02/28/23

2 Tall Pines Trail
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $620,000
Buyer: Anthony Kruge
Seller: Hamelin Framing Inc.
Date: 03/01/23

WESTFIELD

630 East Mountain Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Michael Pelc
Seller: Mary A. Fravesi
Date: 02/28/23

1214 East Mountain Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Janelle Aieta
Seller: Matthew Pittenger
Date: 02/23/23

74 East Silver St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $308,000
Buyer: Cariel Lewis
Seller: Johnathan Spear
Date: 02/28/23

33 Fowler Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $283,000
Buyer: Kevin Suffriti
Seller: Cody Livingston
Date: 02/28/23

12 Grand St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $235,750
Buyer: JLR Brothers Properties LLC
Seller: Marvon Construction & Development Inc.
Date: 03/02/23

46 Grandview Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Keith M. Evans
Seller: Mary-Louise Dazelle
Date: 02/24/23

27 Hampden St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Rene Gauthier
Seller: Nimchick Jr., Paul W., (Estate)
Date: 03/01/23

17 Lincoln St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Meyer Attias
Seller: Hing-Lun Chong
Date: 02/24/23

32 Montgomery St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Tatyana Mokan
Seller: Patricia Mahoney
Date: 02/24/23

114 Otis St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: JLR Brothers Properties LLC
Seller: Marvon Construction & Development Inc.
Date: 03/02/23

155 Yeoman Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Damien Roberts
Seller: Jaret E. Bednaz
Date: 02/24/23

WILBRAHAM

22 Brainard Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $313,000
Buyer: Frank Kulig
Seller: Jennifer L. Gay
Date: 02/24/23

227 Burleigh Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Jennifer Danielson
Seller: Kathleen A. Farrell
Date: 02/27/23

7 Ladd Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $427,000
Buyer: Nabil Tavarez
Seller: Bart Soar
Date: 02/27/23

1 Lee Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $399,000
Buyer: Kathaleen Provost
Seller: Thomas S. Manzi
Date: 02/24/23

9 Red Bridge Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: CRK Estates LLC
Seller: Gleason Realty Co. Under TR
Date: 02/24/23

444 Ridge Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: Nathan D. Riddle
Seller: Alexandra Riddle
Date: 03/01/23

359 Springfield St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Kyle G. Beaudreault
Seller: John F. Tenczar
Date: 03/01/23

5 Squire Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $810,000
Buyer: Eamon Kearney
Seller: Grahams Construction Inc.
Date: 03/01/23

945 Tinkham Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $338,000
Buyer: Peter W. Chiumiento
Seller: Michael Pope
Date: 02/24/23

WEST SPRINGFIELD

29 Clara St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Margaret F. Desmarais
Seller: Jerome D. McCarthy
Date: 02/28/23

49-51 Prospect Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Sandy E. Romero-Leones
Seller: Barbara D. Theroux
Date: 02/28/23

80 Riverdale St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $158,500
Buyer: Fatima Apartments LLC
Seller: Wells Fargo Bank
Date: 03/02/23

40 Riverview Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Jacob Hannoush
Seller: Danielle R. Deangelo
Date: 02/28/23

64 Roanoke Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $1,110,800
Buyer: 64 Roanoke LLC
Seller: Horsesandhouses LLC
Date: 03/03/23

Sand Hill Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Amanda R. Putnam
Seller: B9 Industries Inc.
Date: 02/24/23

2383 Westfield St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $147,900
Buyer: Grey Horse Holdings Inc.
Seller: Heidi TR
Date: 03/01/23

21 Worcester St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $232,000
Buyer: Jonathan Pignataro
Seller: Katelyn M. Crogan
Date: 03/01/23

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

32 Aubinwood Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $668,000
Buyer: McColpin & Archer FT
Seller: Terry, Linda L., (Estate)
Date: 03/02/23

429 Henry St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $735,000
Buyer: Scott C. Fleener
Seller: Victoria Risk
Date: 03/03/23

8 Hillcrest Place
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Justin C. Ching
Seller: Wolnik, Walter Joseph, (Estate)
Date: 02/24/23

100 Larkspur Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Danielle Orchard
Seller: Magdalena Olive
Date: 03/01/23

1611 South East St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $960,000
Buyer: John & Deborah May FT
Seller: David R. Buchanan RET
Date: 03/03/23

179 Wildflower Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $810,500
Buyer: C. E. Kindervatter-Clark
Seller: Christina Weston-Smith
Date: 03/01/23

BELCHERTOWN

170 Metacomet St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Benjamin L. Wilder
Seller: Gary Stones Remodeling LL
Date: 03/01/23

212 Rockrimmon St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $339,000
Buyer: Garrett R. Demers
Seller: Carol A. Griffeth
Date: 02/22/23

13 Sargent St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Kristopher J. Ventura
Seller: Thomas W. McRae
Date: 03/03/23

5 Woodland Lane
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: George Harp
Seller: Andrey Korchevskiy
Date: 02/28/23

CHESTERFIELD

1 River Road
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $429,000
Buyer: Matthew C. Pittenger
Seller: Charlotte Summers
Date: 02/24/23

EASTHAMPTON

6 Doody Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: Yesenia L. Hostetter
Seller: Gerard McCook
Date: 02/23/23

233 Loudville Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $529,900
Buyer: Margaret Kaiser
Seller: New England Remodeling
Date: 03/03/23

16 Lyman St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $535,000
Buyer: Elizabeth R. Lebling
Seller: Cheryl A. Thomas-Camp
Date: 03/02/23

GOSHEN

5-B Wildwood Lane
Goshen, MA 01032
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Julia Shippee
Seller: Jared D. Mallet
Date: 03/02/23

GRANBY

213 Amherst St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $125,525
Buyer: Walter Frederics
Seller: Ievgenii Gusiev
Date: 02/24/23

26 Baggs Hill Road
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Josh E. Dufresne
Seller: Easton, Ronald W., (Estate)
Date: 02/28/23

3 Sherwood Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: David Scott
Seller: Marc A. Cormier
Date: 02/24/23

14 Sherwood Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $254,750
Buyer: Bridger R. Neveu
Seller: Ervin G. Meimerstorf
Date: 02/22/23

HADLEY

7 Hadley Place
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Tuan Nguyen
Seller: Marilyn R. Murphy
Date: 03/03/23

303 Russell St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $837,500
Buyer: Bar Hadley LLC
Seller: 303 Russell Street LLC
Date: 03/02/23

305 Russell St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Bar Hadley LLC
Seller: Frontage Inc.
Date: 03/02/23

315 Russell St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $3,000,000
Buyer: Bar Hadley LLC
Seller: 315 Russell Street LLC
Date: 03/02/23

HATFIELD

1 Elm St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: 1 Elm Street Property LLC
Seller: John M. Holhut
Date: 02/28/23

HUNTINGTON

210 Worthington Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $374,125
Buyer: Sharon French
Seller: Noel W. Kenney
Date: 02/24/23

NORTHAMPTON

12 Drewsen Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $323,500
Buyer: Heather M. Goodenough
Seller: Amanda B. Ashton
Date: 02/22/23

30 Powell St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $341,500
Buyer: Patricia L. Sipe
Seller: Jeffrey R. Vanasse
Date: 02/23/23

92 Sandy Hill Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $168,750
Buyer: Michael W. O’Brien
Seller: Christine M. O’Brien
Date: 02/27/23

12 Vernon St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $510,000
Buyer: Michele L. Ruschhaupt
Seller: Thomas E. Borawski
Date: 02/27/23

PLAINFIELD

426 West Main St.
Plainfield, MA 01070
Amount: $143,151
Buyer: Stanwich Mortgage Loan TR
Seller: Michele L. Bagdonas
Date: 02/21/23

615 West Main St.
Plainfield, MA 01070
Amount: $256,000
Buyer: Mystie Ford
Seller: Michael J. Slocum
Date: 03/03/23

SOUTH HADLEY

26 Alvord St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Jane K. Weakley
Seller: David R. Adams
Date: 03/03/23

15 Chileab Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Steven Segore
Seller: Lowell W. Gudmundson
Date: 02/24/23

29 Fairlawn St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Joseph E. Tavares
Seller: Robert E. Grammo
Date: 03/02/23

24-28 Gaylord St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $7,150,000
Buyer: Hadley Gaylord LLC
Seller: Wbcmt 2007-C33 Gaylord St.
Date: 03/01/23

28 Lawn St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Phillip A. Brecher
Seller: Lee R. Savage
Date: 02/27/23

1 Lesperance Court
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Michael Cowan
Seller: Robert J. Schroeter
Date: 02/24/23

126 Main St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: South Hadley Falls LLC
Seller: Barbara J. Knightly
Date: 02/28/23

7 Prospect St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $7,150,000
Buyer: Hadley Gaylord LLC
Seller: Wbcmt 2007-C33 Gaylord St.
Date: 03/01/23

41 South St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $137,000
Buyer: Jose M. Buscan
Seller: Lsrmf MH Master Part TR
Date: 02/27/23

SOUTHAMPTON

11 Cold Spring Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Thomas S. Avila
Seller: Joseph T. Moynahan LT
Date: 02/28/23

373 College Hwy.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $605,000
Buyer: Vitaly Divnich
Seller: Mathieu J. Tebo
Date: 02/28/23

82 Crooked Ledge Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $548,000
Buyer: Eugene R. Labrie
Seller: Robin B. Buckingham
Date: 03/02/23

10 Susan Dr.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Daniel Phillips
Seller: K. J. & Jill M. Malo
Date: 02/24/23

WARE

107 Church St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Claire C. Purgus
Seller: Stephen M. Burns
Date: 02/28/23

39 Homecrest Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Katherine M. Sarrasin
Seller: Karl A. Beaumier
Date: 03/01/23

WILLIAMSBURG

52 Briar Hill Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $171,500
Buyer: Jameson Conz
Seller: Gloria I. Cross
Date: 03/03/23

WORTHINGTON

567 Huntington Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $137,000
Buyer: Albert G. Nugent
Seller: Albert G. Nugent
Date: 02/21/23

Building Permits

Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the month of March 2023.

CHICOPEE

Fleet Bank of Massachusetts
638 Memorial Dr.
$48,987.29 — Exterior renovation: replace exterior ceiling tile at both entrances and drive-up overhangs, install two new bollards on sidewalk in front of entrance, powerwash entire building exterior, touch painting on curbs where needed, refresh current landscaping and add two new shrubs, remove existing decorative metal lattice trim from two sign locations, remove or reroute exposed conduit at various locations on sides of building

Main Street Property
340 McKinstry Ave., Unit 400
$73,335 — Add exterior loading-dock structure to existing loading-dock area

James McNeill
269 Chicopee St., Unit 16
$5,212 — Remove and replace four windows

Joaquin Rodriguez
1098 Chicopee St.
$5,000 — Install sheetrock in remodeled garage, install fire door

EASTHAMPTON

Michael Banas
63-65 Main St.
N/A — Attic insulation

Willison Northampton School
90 Park St.
N/A — Locker-room renovations

HADLEY

Floranine LLC
285 Russell St.
N/A — Install wet chemical fire-suppression system

Home Depot USA Inc.
358 Russell St.
N/A — Abate and replace rotting exterior framing members

LEE

723 School Street LLC
232 Main St.
$20,000 — Insulate attic and walls

Holiday Inn Club Vacations Inc.
190 Meadow St.
$1,500 — Add four walls to make three storage areas in sales-center basement

LENOX

CR Resorts LLC
165 Kemble St.
$975,000 — Re-roof tennis courts at Canyon Ranch

Lenox Collection LLC
16 Church St.
$79,000 — Install sprinkler system on floors without fire protection

NORTHAMPTON

25 Williams LLC
25 Williams St.
$8,000 — Insulation and weatherization

1924 LLC
49 Round Hill Road
$80,000 — Selective interior demolition at Coolidge Hall to prepare for future remodel

Aster Associates LLC
80 Barrett St.
$21,000 — Build structure for basement egress

Blue Mountain Properties LLC
76 Maple St.
$15,000 — Add bathroom to yoga studio and ADA bathroom to coffee shop

City of Northampton
80 Locust St.
$99,671 — Repairs to storage building at Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School

ES 21 Center Street LLC
21 Center St.
$5,000 — Repairs to walls

Massachusetts Audubon Society LLC
36 Hampden St.
N/A — Install sprinkler system

Northampton Community Music Center Inc.
139 South St.
$248,227 — Window replacement and addition of vestibule

Pioneer Valley Ventures LLC
52 Maple St.
$40,000 — Install roof-mounted solar system

Trident Realty Corp.
15 Hawley St., Unit G
$21,500 — Replace drywall, repair stairs

W&N Summer LLC
55 South Park Terrace
$2,000 — Insulation and weatherization

Workroom Design Studio
14 Green St.
$19,800 — Fit-out for design studio showroom

PITTSFIELD

Lee Bank
180 South St.
$6,500 — Install maintenance shed on existing dumpster pad

Thimot Marifant
251 Second St.
$17,049 — Roofing

One Twenty Onota Street LLC
53 West Union St.
$6,428 — Install fire-alarm system to monitor sprinkler system

SPRINGFIELD

125 Paridon Street LLC
125 Paridon St.
$35,000 — Remove and replace 12 AT&T antennas

Tina Chandler
1206 Boston Road
$75,500 — Interior renovation of dentist office, remove and replace 14 windows, repair chimney

Shiv Shiv Corp.
1356 Boston Road
$6,000 — Install new framing and joist hangers for exterior overhang ceiling on Howard Johnson detached building

Shiv Shiv Corp.
1356 Boston Road
$6,000 — Install new framing and joist hangers for exterior overhang ceiling on Howard Johnson main building

Tim Smith
1755 Boston Road
$126,392 — Roofing at Falcetti Music

Eversource Top Energy Company in Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable Companies for 2023

BOSTON — For the fourth consecutive year, Eversource Energy has been recognized by Barron’s on its list of America’s 100 Most Sustainable Companies, appearing as the top utility in the annual ranking for the second time in the last three years. Eversource’s rank also improved significantly to 17th overall on this year’s list from 40th last year, reflecting the strides the company has made in executing its strategic commitment to sustainability throughout its operations.

“This recognition is a testament of Eversource’s deep commitment to and the hard work of our employees in building a more sustainable and equitable future for our customers, our communities, and the world we all share,” Eversource Chairman, President, and CEO Joseph Nolan said. “Sustainability and strong environmental, social, and governance principles are embedded in all that we do, which will continue to serve as the foundation of our vision for providing safe, reliable service and meeting the future energy needs of our customers.”

The Barron’s list of 100 Most Sustainable Companies is based on more than 230 environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) metrics. To create the ranking, the top 1,000 publicly traded companies by market value were evaluated by how they performed for five key constituencies — customers, communities, employees, the planet, and shareholders — looking at ESG performance indicators such as workplace diversity, data security, and greenhouse-gas emissions. To qualify for the list, a company must be rated above the bottom quarter in each of the five stakeholder categories.

Baystate Health Hires Westmass to Assist with Next Steps for Mary Lane

SPRINGFIELD — Westmass Area Development Corp. will partner with Baystate Health to assist in the decommissioning of the Baystate Mary Lane facility in the town of Ware. Westmass will work as Baystate Health’s project manager and perform work related to evaluating current conditions of the buildings on the campus and developing strategies in coordination with qualified contractors. In addition, staff at Westmass will meet regularly with town officials and departments regarding ongoing project work being done at Baystate Mary Lane Outpatient Center and will take the lead in securing necessary permits for any work conducted on site.

The last three services located at Baystate Mary Lane will move to Baystate Wing Hospital by December 2023, according to Ron Bryant, president of Baystate Health Regional Hospitals.

“I am pleased Westmass has already begun their outreach to the town of Ware to inform them of Baystate Health’s plans and necessary work at Mary Lane prior to our exit from the facility at the end of this year,” Bryant said. “We continue our commitment to support the town of Ware and the surrounding communities.”

Bryant meets monthly with volunteer members serving on Baystate Wing Hospital’s Community Benefits Advisory Council, which includes community members and service agencies from Ware and area communities who provide their input to guide continued investment in support of community-health needs in Ware and throughout the Eastern Region.

Westmass and Baystate Health have communicated with the town timelines for abatement work to be conducted in some of the vacant buildings and will submit a permit later this month for the demolition of the facility. The demolition permit process in the town of Ware can take up to nine months for final approval, and, as such, it is unlikely any actual demolition will occur prior to early 2024.

Concurrently, discussions between Baystate Health, Westmass, and the town of Ware regarding future use of the parcel will be evaluated in the months ahead.

“Given the expertise Westmass holds in project development strategies,” Bryant said, “our hope is that interests will align with all parties as discussions continue in the months to come.”

Bay Path University Launches Master of Science in Nursing Program

LONGMEADOW — In response to the growing demand for nurse practioners, educators, and administrators, Bay Path University has announced its fully online, new master of science in nursing (MSN) program, which will begin accepting nursing candidates for the fall 2023 semester.

For many patients, one of the more than 4 million nurses who currently practice in the U.S. will be at their side during their healthcare journey. Their importance is further magnified as they make up the largest group of healthcare professionals in our nation. However, across the U.S., there is a shortage of nurses. Even before the pandemic, the field of nursing was under strain due to a number of factors, including retirements outpacing new entrants to the field, economic downturns, and increasing healthcare demands.

“Bay Path recognizes the demand for nurses in the workforce has never been greater. We know healthcare employers, small and large, need nurses at every level of patient care,” Bay Path President Sandra Doran said. “At each stage of a nurse’s career, we can provide the education and resources our nursing students need to succeed and thrive in their careers. And our new MS in nursing complements our bachelor of science in nursing and doctor of nurse practice – family nurse practitioner degrees.”

Bay Path’s MS in nursing will address the critical problem of the nursing shortage by expanding the talent pipeline for nurses to earn a degree that blends the latest developments in patient care, leadership training, best practices in management, and foundations of teaching. The fully asynchronous MS in nursing is ideal for working adults, allowing students to learn on their time and on their schedule, and enrolled nursing candidates can earn their degree within two years.

“Our MSN is a creative and innovative approach to support career development for nurses,” said Dr. Linda Adams-Wendling, chief nurse administrator and director of the MSN/DNP nursing program. “Many times, nurses who are ready to pursue a graduate degree are often not sure if they want to be nurse educators or nurse managers/leaders/administrators. Our degree provides our nursing students with skills and competencies in each of these areas. As a result, they can take advantages of more opportunities, as well as fulfill a critical need for nurses whose knowledge and experience are fundamental for patient-centered care and the development of the next generation of nurses.”

The online master of science in nursing is also a pathway to Bay Path’s online doctor of nurse practice – family nurse practitioner program, which is a terminal nursing credential preparing nurses with the critical skills needed to translate evidence-based care into practice, improve systems of care, and measure outcomes for patients and communities. Nurses who wish to pursue a terminal nursing credential and who have graduated from Bay Path’s MS in nursing program may also be able to apply courses to the doctoral program.

Click here to learn about admission to the MSN program. There will be online information sessions on Wednesday, April 12 at 7 p.m.; and Monday, May 15 at noon.

PV Financial Group Announces Sixth Annual Plan with a Purpose Scholarship

LUDLOW — PV Financial Group announced its sixth annual Plan with a Purpose Scholarship for Ludlow, Belchertown, and Wilbraham graduating seniors. This year, PV Financial will double its scholarship to each town’s recipient to $2,000.

The Plan with a Purpose Scholarship is meant to honor a graduating senior who is meaningfully planning a purposeful future, leveraging their academic career to make a difference in their community.

“We are looking for students with a compelling story to share and how they plan to use their academic career to make a difference and be an integral part in their communities,” Managing Partner Ed Sokolowski said. “We’re honored to invest in their futures and continued success as they head to college.”

Applications are still open for both Ludlow and Belchertown seniors until May 1. Students are encouraged to visit their schools’ Guidance departments to get an application.

Aer Lingus Resumes Non-stop Service from Bradley to Dublin, Ireland

By BusinessWest Staff March 27, 2023

WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — The Connecticut Airport Authority announced that Aer Lingus has resumed non-stop service from Bradley International Airport to Dublin, Ireland. The first flight departed Bradley International Airport on March 26.

The resumed service operates daily through the end of October via Aer Lingus’ Airbus A321neo LR aircraft and offers connectivity to 28 key U.K. and European airports, including London, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Vienna, Madrid, Barcelona, Rome and Prague, and more. The service is expected to operate annually on a seasonal basis until year-round demand is realized from the return of business travel.

“After more than two years, it’s great to be back flying back to Hartford. Our daily flights, from and through Dublin, will bring travelers from Ireland, the U.K., and Europe into the center of Connecticut, which is home to global businesses and recognized as the insurance capital of the world,” said Lynne Embleton, Aer Lingus CEO. “As the only European airline operating out of Hartford, we also offer a unique service to U.S. passengers, flying them directly on our non-stop service to Dublin and through our Dublin hub, connecting them onward to the most popular U.K. and European destinations.”

Aer Lingus, the Irish flag carrier, first started operating out of Bradley International Airport in 2016. After nearly four successful years and thousands of passengers served, the non-stop service was interrupted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are thrilled to have Aer Lingus back at Bradley International Airport,” said Kevin Dillon, the Connecticut Airport Authority’s executive director. “Their return strengthens our pandemic recovery and is key to our continued growth. Leading up to the return, we have already seen a lot of excitement from travelers, and we are extremely proud to once again offer easy and quick transatlantic access to Ireland and beyond.”

Wilson’s Developer to Host Community Forum on March 30

By BusinessWest Staff March 27, 2023