May 2023 - Page 2 of 4 - BusinessWest

Real Estate Transactions

By BusinessWest Staff May 24, 2023

Building Permits

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

ASHFIELD

190 Briar Hill Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $825,000
Buyer: Jennifer Hart
Seller: Briar Hill Road 190 RT
Date: 04/26/23

912 Creamery Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $151,000
Buyer: Troy Santerre
Seller: Marley Engvall
Date: 04/25/23

1029 Spruce Corner Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Jon T. Romer
Seller: Nicole Romer
Date: 04/28/23

CHARLEMONT

Avery Brook Road
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Jonathan Mirin
Seller: Jacob W. Rheinheimer
Date: 04/21/23

3 High St.
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Troy A. Fortin
Seller: Vaughn Tower
Date: 04/28/23

11 High St.
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Troy A. Fortin
Seller: Vaughn Tower
Date: 04/28/23

CONWAY

244 Pine Hill Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $925,000
Buyer: George W. Siguler
Seller: William C. Blumer
Date: 04/26/23

DEERFIELD

300 Conway Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $545,000
Buyer: Adam Czachorowski
Seller: Amy B. Royal
Date: 04/27/23

20 Elm Circle
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Eric Baldwin
Seller: Joan C. Baldwin
Date: 04/19/23

ERVING

16 Flagg Hill
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $338,250
Buyer: Diane Steingart
Seller: Jacob M. Earl
Date: 04/24/23

93 Mountain Road
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Andres A. Ortega
Seller: Arthur D. Johnson
Date: 04/28/23

GILL

Mountain Road
Gill, MA 01376
Amount: $153,000
Buyer: Catherine Woolner
Seller: Alyce A. Sokolosky IRT
Date: 04/27/23

GREENFIELD

144 Elm St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $254,000
Buyer: Savannah Donahue
Seller: 452 RT
Date: 04/24/23

63 Fort Square
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Theodore J. Burrell
Seller: Michael J. Egan
Date: 04/28/23

67 Fort Square
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Theodore J. Burrell
Seller: Michael J. Egan
Date: 04/28/23

52 French King Hwy.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: John B. Dunphy
Seller: MLE Real Estate Enterprises LLC
Date: 04/27/23

54 Glenbrook Dr.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Jacob S. Rhodes
Seller: Joanne Zywna
Date: 04/24/23

368 High St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $236,000
Buyer: Town Fair Tire Centers Of Mass.
Seller: 368 High Street LLC
Date: 04/18/23

6 Locust St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Lawrence R. Loranger
Seller: Luther A. Massey
Date: 04/21/23

16 Michelman Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Michelina R. Armenti
Seller: Robert J. Escott
Date: 04/26/23

434 Mohawk Trail
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: John M. Gates
Seller: Gates, Donald James, (Estate)
Date: 04/18/23

20 Plum Tree Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $262,000
Buyer: Frances D. Hadsel
Seller: Margaret Martin
Date: 04/28/23

10 Silver St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $708,000
Buyer: Town Fair Tire Centers Of Mass.
Seller: 10 Silver Street LLC
Date: 04/18/23

MONTAGUE

6 Bulkley St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Peter J. Klepadlo
Seller: Murphy, Joanne, (Estate)
Date: 04/27/23

188 Millers Falls Road
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Richard Palmisano
Seller: Ewell, Dale E., (Estate)
Date: 04/25/23

2 New St.
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $339,000
Buyer: A&A New Street LLC
Seller: Edmond C. Tolzdorf
Date: 04/27/23

NEW SALEM

59 Cooleyville Road
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Douglas R. Ruopp
Seller: Kyung M. Kang
Date: 04/26/23

NORTHFIELD

271 West Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $442,000
Buyer: Micheal Neeley
Seller: David W. Leduc
Date: 04/28/23

ORANGE

24 Johnson Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Andrew S. Chandler
Seller: John D. Carey
Date: 04/21/23

84 Mattawa Circle
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: Maxine A. Gerhard
Seller: John A. Emery
Date: 04/20/23

33 Packard Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Courteney White
Seller: Mary Paluk
Date: 04/21/23

66 Packard Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Mark J. Hettinger
Seller: Eliot E. Nottleson
Date: 04/28/23

177 South Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $287,000
Buyer: Neil Ketola
Seller: Mark S. Greco
Date: 04/28/23

114 Warwick Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $520,000
Buyer: Jennifer N. Stone
Seller: Amln RET RT
Date: 04/28/23

SHUTESBURY

105 Sand Hill Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Trisha Davis-Gray
Seller: Great Bally Inc.
Date: 04/20/23

SUNDERLAND

406 Russell St.
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: JJK Investments LLC
Seller: Maiewski Jr., Joseph B., (Estate)
Date: 04/26/23

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

33 Cleveland St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Van P. Nguyen
Seller: Coleen E. Gruska
Date: 04/27/23

19 Damato Way
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $615,000
Buyer: Mahmood Ahmed
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 04/21/23

157 Elmar Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Victoria L. Walker
Seller: Cheryl L. Walker
Date: 04/24/23

30 Federal St., Ext.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Diana Horning
Seller: Timothy W. Reimers
Date: 04/19/23

46 Independence Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Matthew B. Coppellotti
Seller: Michael P. Viara
Date: 04/28/23

39 Losito Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: Louis E. Conte
Seller: Kevin Wright
Date: 04/25/23

586 Mill St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Rosewood Way Townhomes LP
Seller: Chicopee Kendall LLC
Date: 04/28/23

288 North St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Shawn T. Battles
Seller: Ronald G
Date: 04/28/23

74 Pleasant Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $226,100
Buyer: Stuart W. Stork
Seller: Gloria P. Stowe
Date: 04/24/23

44 Russo Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Aga Brothers LLC
Seller: V. & K. Realty LLC
Date: 04/27/23

109-111 Sheri Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Muhammad Razzaq
Seller: Daniel F. Melbourne
Date: 04/21/23

61 Villa Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $449,900
Buyer: Steven Tencati
Seller: Pine Crossing Construction Inc.
Date: 04/20/23

31 Wilbert Ter.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $344,100
Buyer: Ben J. Masse
Seller: Mark E. Slinsky
Date: 04/28/23

BRIMFIELD

99 Brookfield Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $354,900
Buyer: Nathaniel Oswald
Seller: Herbert F. Seymour
Date: 04/20/23

10 Governor Fairbanks Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: Bruce Walker
Seller: Brian G. Thompson
Date: 04/21/23

55 Haynes Hill Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $545,000
Buyer: Richard A. Buck
Seller: Jewel Real Estate Inc.
Date: 04/28/23

39 Knollwood Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $327,000
Buyer: Daniel Dougan
Seller: Dmitriy Lissitsine
Date: 04/28/23

68 Saint Clair Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $545,000
Buyer: Tyler J. Bigda
Seller: Kirsten M. Desjardins
Date: 04/24/23

CHICOPEE

191 Arcade St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Samual Laurin
Seller: Gregory S. Assarian
Date: 04/28/23

32 Boutin St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $283,000
Buyer: Caroline Cyr
Seller: Michael P. Michon
Date: 04/25/23

39 Broad St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Richard M. Ramos
Seller: Mark Goebel
Date: 04/27/23

328 Broadway St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Patricia Marrow
Seller: Peter A. Bilodeau
Date: 04/28/23

590 Broadway St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Ivan Carrasquillo
Seller: Wicked Deals LLC
Date: 04/28/23

30 Canal St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $708,150
Buyer: Thinktree Realty LLC
Seller: KV Properties LLC
Date: 04/28/23

129 Catherine St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $176,000
Buyer: Sareen Properties LLC
Seller: Ace Securities Corp.
Date: 04/24/23

37 Coolidge Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $266,900
Buyer: Jennifer Weisgerber
Seller: Laura Scibelli
Date: 04/24/23

58 Edbert St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $349,999
Buyer: Katarzyna Letowska
Seller: Sonia I. Soto
Date: 04/28/23

325 Front St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $708,150
Buyer: Thinktree Realty LLC
Seller: KV Properties LLC
Date: 04/28/23

76 Garland St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $273,000
Buyer: Cheryl Moore-Sevelo
Seller: Cournoyer, Robert A., (Estate)
Date: 04/26/23

22 Harrington Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $289,900
Buyer: Irene Kepler
Seller: Alexandre C. Holan
Date: 04/21/23

96 Hilton St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Griselle F. Carrion
Seller: Mark Hebert
Date: 04/26/23

39 Jennings St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Sergey Privedenyuk
Seller: John E. Rhodes
Date: 04/21/23

25 Keddy Blvd.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Kaycee Pereira
Seller: Lillian M. Mika
Date: 04/19/23

35 Langevin St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Dustin A. Blair
Seller: Norman Grandbois
Date: 04/24/23

137 Lawrence Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $270,100
Buyer: Michael Disley
Seller: Paulette Neubauer
Date: 04/26/23

137 Manning St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Christa Giannini
Seller: Mildred E. Tracy
Date: 04/28/23

924 McKinstry Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $269,900
Buyer: Natalie Sacdal
Seller: Susan A. Lazier
Date: 04/19/23

104 Mount Vernon Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Ronald F. Hartling
Seller: Raymond N. Laroche
Date: 04/24/23

20 Murphy Lane
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $341,100
Buyer: Alan C. Edwards
Seller: David A. Wolowicz
Date: 04/21/23

130 Murphy Lane
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Steven D. Carrington
Seller: Joseph R. Caproni
Date: 04/18/23

123 Newbury St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $263,000
Buyer: Travis J. Haley
Seller: Jennifer L. Weisgerber
Date: 04/24/23

11 Pearl St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Weary Travelers LLC
Seller: Jane C. Labak
Date: 04/25/23

14 Royalton St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Govindbhai P. Patel
Seller: Lawrence P. Rodrigues
Date: 04/19/23

62 Sandtrap Way
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Brian P. Loud
Seller: Debbie Burkott
Date: 04/28/23

49 Stedman St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Audriana L. Vargas
Seller: Michael A. Kroell
Date: 04/28/23

72 Sunnymeade Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: John C. Wolanski
Seller: Christa Giannini
Date: 04/28/23

33 William St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $232,900
Buyer: Susanna M. Butler
Seller: Travis J. Haley
Date: 04/24/23

EAST LONGMEADOW

10 Lester St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Ryan F. Wheeler
Seller: Steven H. Clark
Date: 04/26/23

160 Millbrook Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $645,000
Buyer: Keri Deming
Seller: Jennifer White
Date: 04/21/23

3 Peachtree Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $536,500
Buyer: Jacob Garcia
Seller: Dallae Kang
Date: 04/20/23

461 Prospect St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $372,000
Buyer: Nancy Weithofer
Seller: 461 Prospect Street RT
Date: 04/19/23

73 Redin Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Robert J. Racicot
Seller: Gregory A. Riberdy
Date: 04/19/23

6 Townview Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $472,000
Buyer: Mary A. MacDonnell
Seller: Shao Q. Ma
Date: 04/28/23

65 Westernview Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $387,000
Buyer: Rebecca O. Lewis
Seller: William Raleigh
Date: 04/28/23

180 Westwood Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $505,000
Buyer: Johnna S. Healey
Seller: Custom Home Development Group LLC
Date: 04/20/23

GRANVILLE

199 Barnard Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Jacob S. Schultz
Seller: Douglas Max
Date: 04/28/23

279 North Lane
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Shawn A. Lindsay
Seller: Miller, Stephen T., (Estate)
Date: 04/28/23

HAMPDEN

61 Bennett Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $259,000
Buyer: Kimberly Darney
Seller: Christina Mateer
Date: 04/28/23

HOLLAND

11 Fenton St.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Jennifer Bellino
Seller: Michael G. Peltier
Date: 04/28/23

34 Leno Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $315,102
Buyer: Eric R. Lefebvre
Seller: Nicholas C. Ellsworth
Date: 04/28/23

82 Stafford Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Juanita Mandanna
Seller: Meegan L. Bullock
Date: 04/20/23

HOLYOKE

25-27 Claremont Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Mark P. Vaclavicek
Seller: George Yeramian
Date: 04/28/23

5 Essex St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Appleton Redevelopment LP
Seller: Mailhott LLC
Date: 04/19/23

645-647 Hampden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Felix R. Soto
Seller: Scott Family Properties LLC
Date: 04/25/23

26 Lower Westfield Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Arthur D. Johnson
Seller: NJRE Property Group LLC
Date: 04/28/23

13-15 Meadow St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Elissette M. Marquez
Seller: Shirley Donkor
Date: 04/24/23

87-89 Pearl St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $277,500
Buyer: Katherine Hopkinson
Seller: Maryjane R. Mejias
Date: 04/24/23

175 Pearl St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Zailly Martinez
Seller: Four Harps LLC
Date: 04/19/23

42 Richard Eger Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $326,000
Buyer: Elizabeth L. Atkins
Seller: Michelle B. Lonergan
Date: 04/27/23

185 Sargeant St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Stephanie Sawyer
Seller: Suzanne Rataj
Date: 04/27/23

LONGMEADOW

88 Berwick Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Kevin J. Czaplicki
Seller: Joseph C. Suse
Date: 04/27/23

144 Brookwood Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Song J. No
Seller: Lindsey Jones
Date: 04/20/23

168 Concord Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $561,500
Buyer: David Thor
Seller: Killeen, Judith B., (Estate)
Date: 04/21/23

90 Ellington St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $572,000
Buyer: Gregory Morrison
Seller: Emilio Melchionna
Date: 04/21/23

7 Farmington Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $825,000
Buyer: Jamie B. Miller
Seller: Lindsay Maloni-Kuntz
Date: 04/28/23

684 Maple Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: George Romeo
Seller: Mark A. Hirschkorn
Date: 04/28/23

86 Pleasantview Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $459,000
Buyer: Lindsay Maloni-Kuntz
Seller: John W. Miller
Date: 04/28/23

904 Shaker Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $1,500,000
Buyer: Quercus Properties LLC
Seller: Summa Ventures RT
Date: 04/25/23

300 Tanglewood Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $590,000
Buyer: Ashley Thielen
Seller: Jessica L. Mack
Date: 04/20/23

79 Wildwood Glen
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $486,750
Buyer: Emma Szalay
Seller: Silvio Baruzzi
Date: 04/28/23

LUDLOW

40 Arch St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Sean M. Niles-Demarco
Seller: Jeffrey C. Dias
Date: 04/24/23

29 Baker St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $312,500
Buyer: Jorge Vieira
Seller: JT Realty Associates Inc.
Date: 04/18/23

24 Helena St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $321,000
Buyer: Christopher J. Sternowski
Seller: Jennifer Hansen
Date: 04/21/23

56 Hillcrest Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Tiffany Y. Hernandez
Seller: Liam Powers
Date: 04/28/23

258 Howard St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $278,900
Buyer: Jonathan M. Belanger
Seller: Casey L. Mendrala
Date: 04/28/23

369 Lyon St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Kathleen M. Morgan
Seller: Deborah L. Costa
Date: 04/25/23

Riverside Dr., Lot B1
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: A. Crane Properties LLC
Seller: Westmass Area Development Corp.
Date: 04/19/23

Riverside Dr., Lot B2
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: A. Crane Properties LLC
Seller: Westmass Area Development Corp.
Date: 04/19/23

160 Wedgewood Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Ross J. Bennett-Bonn
Seller: David W. Puzzo
Date: 04/27/23

MONSON

214 Cedar Swamp Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Meghan Alves
Seller: Dimitri Krutov
Date: 04/28/23

246 Stafford Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Frank Hull
Seller: James E. Meurisse
Date: 04/18/23

135 Upper Palmer Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Domingo Tavarez
Seller: Gouger, Shawn A., (Estate)
Date: 04/19/23

31 Woodhill Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $526,000
Buyer: Jennifer Wolowicz
Seller: Glen R. Peck
Date: 04/24/23

MONTGOMERY

Thomas Road
Montgomery, MA 01085
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Thomas Road Land Trust
Seller: Gaylon R. Donovan
Date: 04/26/23

Thomas Road (off)
Montgomery, MA 01085
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Thomas Road Land Trust
Seller: Gaylon R. Donovan
Date: 04/26/23

PALMER

60 Beech St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $351,000
Buyer: William Peckham
Seller: Raymond Dranka
Date: 04/28/23

57 Mount Dumplin Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $279,900
Buyer: Andriana Macri
Seller: Plata O. Plomo Inc.
Date: 04/27/23

1461 North Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Dore Real Estate Co. LLC
Seller: Jean C. Ciukaj
Date: 04/28/23

381 Rondeau St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: William Smith
Seller: Beverly A. Dudek
Date: 04/26/23

1152 South Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Jeremy Greene
Seller: Oleg Loginov
Date: 04/28/23

17 Temple St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Thomas H. Duncan-Emmons
Seller: Rhiron Realty LLC
Date: 04/20/23

RUSSELL

1441 Blandford Road
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Gregory A. Roach
Seller: Lakeview Loan Servicing
Date: 04/18/23

SOUTHWICK

1 Iroquois Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $298,000
Buyer: Alyssa Chambers
Seller: George A. Romeo
Date: 04/28/23

6 Silvergrass Lane
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $585,000
Buyer: Mark S. Karangekis
Seller: Hamelin Framing Inc.
Date: 04/18/23

12 Veteran St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $314,900
Buyer: Francis E. Perusse
Seller: Marjorie C. Currie
Date: 04/25/23

SPRINGFIELD

89 Agnes St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Matthew Nichols
Seller: Patricia G. Marrow
Date: 04/28/23

81 Anniversary St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $244,000
Buyer: Delissa Kraus
Seller: Billy Molina
Date: 04/20/23

115 Berkshire St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Kim H. Tran
Seller: Arminda Esteves
Date: 04/28/23

1655 Boston Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $4,500,000
Buyer: Onyx Springfield Counseling LLC
Seller: 1685 Boston Road LLC
Date: 04/19/23

1719 Boston Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $4,500,000
Buyer: Onyx Springfield Counseling LLC
Seller: 1685 Boston Road LLC
Date: 04/19/23

144 Bristol St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Anthony R. Mazza
Seller: John N. Mbugua
Date: 04/26/23

29 Bruce St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Steven Dunn
Seller: Andrew M. Murrell
Date: 04/27/23

22 Bruce Landon Way
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $1,000,000
Buyer: Mass. Convention Center Authority
Seller: Springfield Redevelopment Authority
Date: 04/18/23

35 Cedar St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Prestigious One LLC
Seller: Plata O. Plomo Inc.
Date: 04/21/23

44 Cheyenne Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Jose Lopez
Seller: Evergrain Orchard LLC
Date: 04/26/23

142 Cloran St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Skyspec LLC
Seller: Fallah Razzak
Date: 04/28/23

75 Clydesdale Lane
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $236,000
Buyer: Roberto Lugo
Seller: Hogan, Kevin P., (Estate)
Date: 04/21/23

19 Colonial Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Janeiah Fickling
Seller: Gabriel Martinez
Date: 04/28/23

7-9 Cornell St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Edgar F. Criollo
Seller: Jacqueline A. Holden
Date: 04/27/23

15 County St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Daisy Rivera
Seller: Kenny J. Soto
Date: 04/25/23

85 Covington St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Jose A. Vazquez
Seller: Secretary Of Veterans Affairs
Date: 04/18/23

86 Cuff Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Maria Gonzalez
Seller: Jeannette M. Ramos
Date: 04/25/23

62-64 Davenport St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $293,000
Buyer: Priscilla Nkwantabisa
Seller: Winners O. LLC
Date: 04/28/23

346 Dickinson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Son Vo
Seller: STV Realty LLC
Date: 04/18/23

346 Dickinson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Minh T. Chau
Seller: Son Vo
Date: 04/19/23

360 Eastern Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $259,900
Buyer: Tracy Dotterrer
Seller: Sanjeev K. Bhatia
Date: 04/27/23

99 Edendale St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Kepler Senecharles
Seller: Carlos M. Hernandez
Date: 04/25/23

114 Ellsworth Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Angel Mendez
Seller: Timothy Perkins
Date: 04/26/23

172 Garvey Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Anthony Santaniello
Seller: Aames Mortgage Investment Trust
Date: 04/27/23

74 Gilman St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Casey Mendrala
Seller: Joana P. Palero
Date: 04/28/23

67 Glenham St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Derrick T. Whitley
Seller: Mass Investors LLC
Date: 04/19/23

75 Glenmore St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Matthew Begley
Seller: Amber L. Dyke
Date: 04/26/23

58 Governor St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $153,000
Buyer: Jjj17 LLC
Seller: Betsy A. Cavanaugh
Date: 04/18/23

119 Greene St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Shreyas Ovalekar
Seller: Anthony Brice
Date: 04/19/23

85 Hampshire St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Justin Vasquez
Seller: Luz A. Herrera
Date: 04/28/23

41 Hardy St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Dayanara Caban
Seller: Antonio V. Lopriore
Date: 04/21/23

338 Hermitage Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $239,000
Buyer: Merlyn M. Martinez
Seller: Van Orman Ft
Date: 04/28/23

72-74 Kenyon St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $262,500
Buyer: Erika M. Alvarado
Seller: Samantha M. Anderson
Date: 04/20/23

264-266 King St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Carlton Minott
Seller: Cynthia J. Lajzer
Date: 04/21/23

15 Leete St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Rejuvenate Real Estate LLC
Seller: Birch Properties LLC
Date: 04/21/23

315 Lexington St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Candido I. Del Moral
Seller: Briarwood NT
Date: 04/18/23

83-97 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Mirzai 87 LLC
Seller: Saremi LLP
Date: 04/20/23

84 Mayfair Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Farah Pimentel
Seller: Mayra Uceta
Date: 04/20/23

27 McBride St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Jesus A. Burgos
Seller: Nehal Parekh
Date: 04/20/23

114 Melville St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Frances Yates
Seller: Brickhouse Homes LLC
Date: 04/27/23

57 Merwin St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $266,000
Buyer: Devin Thomas
Seller: Herman Cohee
Date: 04/28/23

11 Metzger Place
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $262,000
Buyer: Nadiyah A. King
Seller: Alexsis K. Alvarez
Date: 04/28/23

28 Nathaniel St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $185,525
Buyer: Damian Carrizo
Seller: Jesenia Santiago
Date: 04/20/23

785 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Penelope LLC
Seller: DDM Page LLC
Date: 04/21/23

38-40 Pasadena St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $416,000
Buyer: Margarita Garcia
Seller: Aguasvivas Realty LLC
Date: 04/28/23

170 Pendleton Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $244,000
Buyer: Juan L. Rodriguez
Seller: Evelyn Fernandez
Date: 04/21/23

83 Pennsylvania Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $304,900
Buyer: Patrick K. Treffon
Seller: Beth A. Nolan
Date: 04/27/23

73 Randolph St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $379,900
Buyer: Rosa Espejo
Seller: Aguasvivas Realty LLC
Date: 04/28/23

131 Ranney St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Emmanuel Pinywah
Seller: Jose A. Cuevas
Date: 04/19/23

55 Redlands St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Carola M. Espada-Sanchez
Seller: Inas S. Alitbi
Date: 04/24/23

115 Roosevelt Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Roderique P. Heartley
Seller: Craig M. Cox
Date: 04/26/23

185 Senator St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Alyssa Koske
Seller: Wendy K. Newton
Date: 04/28/23

69 Silas St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Shayne A. Spencer
Seller: Jose A. Lopez
Date: 04/26/23

9 Stockbridge St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Springfield Preservation Trust Inc.
Seller: Community Loan Servicing LLC
Date: 04/28/23

35 Stuart St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Stephanie Martinez
Seller: Lachenauer LLC
Date: 04/25/23

15 Sue St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Denise Caraballo
Seller: Peter S. King
Date: 04/20/23

61 Suzanne St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $264,000
Buyer: Kashelle M. Feliciano
Seller: Sareen Properties LLC
Date: 04/28/23

67 Thompson St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Adilenia Ramos
Seller: Jennifer L. Hogan
Date: 04/27/23

300 Tremont St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $267,500
Buyer: Kayla Schlenz
Seller: Maureen M. Pilon
Date: 04/28/23

15 Wellington St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Cwabs Inc.
Seller: Ivin Rennix
Date: 04/28/23

43 Wellington St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Jose Rivera
Seller: Cynthia L. Jones
Date: 04/24/23

75 White St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $219,000
Buyer: Omeiry Cruz
Seller: John M. Turner
Date: 04/26/23

383 White St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Danielle E. Johnson
Seller: Panther Development LLC
Date: 04/21/23

2020 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Wieslaw Kanar
Seller: Olga Campbell
Date: 04/28/23

60-62 Windemere St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Jose L. Ortiz
Date: 04/28/23

138 Wollaston St.
Springfield, MA 01199
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Patrick Tacho
Seller: Clevan Cooper
Date: 04/28/23

WALES

50 Monson Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Tina M. Ehrstein
Seller: Cioccolate RT
Date: 04/18/23

WESTFIELD

38 Castle Hill Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Matthew S. Gray
Seller: Robert A. Stoops
Date: 04/28/23

186 City View Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Mark Lavoie
Seller: Alfred J. Albano
Date: 04/27/23

310 East Main St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $615,000
Buyer: Metrolube Realty LLC
Seller: Speedway LLC
Date: 04/20/23

11 Howard St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $162,750
Buyer: Salim Abdoo
Seller: City Of Westfield
Date: 04/28/23

49 Ingersoll Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $422,550
Buyer: Daniel W. Stephenson
Seller: Michael B. Wilson
Date: 04/28/23

13 Leonard Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Patrick T. McMahon
Seller: Francis T. Edwards
Date: 04/28/23

5-7 Morris Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Oscar N. Naranjo
Seller: Madeleine E. Smith
Date: 04/21/23

177 Munger Hill Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $729,900
Buyer: Rupinder K. Multani
Seller: Ali R. Salehi
Date: 04/21/23

113 New Broadway
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Megliola Realty LLC
Seller: Thomas Hopper
Date: 04/20/23

Old Long Pond Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Monica Bermejo
Seller: R&L Golden Acres RT
Date: 04/20/23

105 Park River Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $311,500
Buyer: William J. Conklin
Seller: Callahan, Robert C., (Estate)
Date: 04/20/23

120 Roosevelt Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Elizabeth Muenzen
Seller: Gabriella C. Hernandez
Date: 04/21/23

46 Saint James Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Preston G. Webb
Seller: Lisa Bricault
Date: 04/28/23

38 Salvator Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $605,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Tobias
Seller: Jose J. Bermejo
Date: 04/25/23

59 Scenic Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Keith E. Tremblay
Seller: Robin A. Watras
Date: 04/28/23

475 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $1,300,000
Buyer: Pioneer Vly Trading Co. LL
Seller: Sao Joao Realty LLC
Date: 04/21/23

285 Valley View Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Timothy Basak
Seller: Michael Werman
Date: 04/18/23

56 Western Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $361,000
Buyer: Conor Dalton
Seller: Donna F. Dubour
Date: 04/28/23

WILBRAHAM

19 3 Rivers Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $312,000
Buyer: Jonathan Eliza
Seller: Richard A. Jodoin
Date: 04/20/23

9 Bittersweet Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Lisa A. Hutchison
Seller: Maryann Nunez
Date: 04/20/23

11 Circle Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Sarah E. Johnson
Seller: Brian Nogueira
Date: 04/19/23

24 Dumaine St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: RS&D Ventures LLC
Seller: IJN Equities LLC
Date: 04/28/23

10 Echo Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Amanda T. Theocles
Seller: Judy L. Van Raalte
Date: 04/24/23

10 Kensington Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $730,000
Buyer: Daniel J. Falvey
Seller: Thomas C. Cebula
Date: 04/26/23

215 Maynard Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Jennifer L. Lopez
Seller: Daniel J. Falvey
Date: 04/26/23

939 Monson Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: BP LLC
Seller: Bridget W. Wallace
Date: 04/19/23

1 Squire Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $755,000
Buyer: Eva Rodriguez
Seller: Grahams Construction Inc.
Date: 04/28/23

7 Victoria Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $655,000
Buyer: Roland Nkwanyuo
Seller: Kelly Nygren
Date: 04/26/23

WEST SPRINGFIELD

182 Ely Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Desiree Law
Seller: Deborah A. O’Neil
Date: 04/27/23

337 Gooseberry Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Christopher Fall
Seller: Angel Otero
Date: 04/21/23

42 Janet St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: HVC LLC
Seller: Begley, Joanne E., (Estate)
Date: 04/19/23

42 Janet St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Darrin J. Begley
Seller: HVC LLC
Date: 04/20/23

Morgan Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Town Of West Springfield
Seller: Paul J. Sears
Date: 04/21/23

37 Nelson St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $263,000
Buyer: Melissa J. Small
Seller: Pendleton, Katherine P., (Estate)
Date: 04/28/23

21 Russell St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Aga Brothers LLC
Seller: Bacile, Joseph, (Estate)
Date: 04/27/23

163 Woodmont St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $343,900
Buyer: Dvon Cordero
Seller: Lothlorien TR
Date: 04/18/23

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

850 Belchertown Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $562,000
Buyer: 80 Acres
Seller: Steve A. Ozcelik
Date: 04/20/23

40 Berkshire Ter.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Sean D. Lopez
Seller: Emily T. Hamilton
Date: 04/21/23

150 College St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $1,300,000
Buyer: Hamshaw Amherst LLC
Seller: Filion Leasing Inc.
Date: 04/24/23

130 Leverett Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Christopher Kueffner
Seller: Huong C. Chow
Date: 04/19/23

105 Pondview Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: Robert Gustafson
Seller: Ronald M. Loescher
Date: 04/28/23

17 Shumway St.
Amherst, MA 01004
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Mei Jiang
Seller: Sarah E. Thomson
Date: 04/28/23

16 Summerfield Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $730,000
Buyer: Nan Wang
Seller: Ming Yan
Date: 04/26/23

311 West St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Gorge Road LLC
Seller: Samuel G. Moody
Date: 04/28/23

BELCHERTOWN

24 Autumn Lane
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Sean Ruell
Seller: Laurence L. Ruell
Date: 04/28/23

458 Bardwell St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Adam D. Chapin
Seller: Shufang Chen
Date: 04/28/23

399 Michael Sears Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Myckey J. McNutt
Seller: Michael Benoit
Date: 04/28/23

108 North Main St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Miguelina A. Hernandez
Seller: Richard I. Cole
Date: 04/25/23

67 North Washington St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $459,900
Buyer: Arlene Soleimani
Seller: Modern Homes LLC
Date: 04/28/23

118 Railroad St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Michael J. Ekmalian
Seller: Audra A. McLeish
Date: 04/24/23

397 Rockrimmon St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $349,000
Buyer: Bryan St Cyr
Seller: Antonio Carvalho
Date: 04/26/23

EASTHAMPTON

195 East St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $361,000
Buyer: Laura E. Jefferson
Seller: Donald J. Tymkowiche
Date: 04/28/23

346 East St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: James Cherewatti
Seller: Katherine E. Buckley
Date: 04/19/23

8 Summer St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Trouble Factory LLC
Seller: Christopher E. Gobillot
Date: 04/18/23

GRANBY

64 Aldrich St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $531,000
Buyer: Andrea Beaupre
Seller: Great Bally Inc.
Date: 04/20/23

17 Lyn Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $296,000
Buyer: Thi T. Nguyen
Seller: Ian A. Cooke
Date: 04/28/23

HADLEY

7 Arrowhead Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Leah Grace
Seller: Martha Watson-Lorentzen
Date: 04/26/23

21 Lawrence Plain Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Matthew Olszewski
Seller: Joseph S. Buckowski
Date: 04/19/23

1 Nikkis Way
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $765,000
Buyer: Hao Zhang
Seller: Stephen H. Belgrad
Date: 04/28/23

35 Spruce Hill Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: David Lippa
Seller: Hadley Rentals LLC
Date: 04/27/23

HATFIELD

52 Elm St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $425,500
Buyer: Lisa Farrick
Seller: 119 Real Estate LLC
Date: 04/26/23

124 Elm St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Andria L. Moglia
Seller: Ernest T. Booth TR
Date: 04/28/23

HUNTINGTON

Thomas Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Thomas Road Land TR
Seller: Gaylon R. Donovan
Date: 04/26/23

NORTHAMPTON

61 Austin Circle
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $289,999
Buyer: Jennifer A. Carbery
Seller: Benjamin C. Matthews
Date: 04/21/23

116 Moser St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $785,000
Buyer: David Lederer
Seller: John H. Selden
Date: 04/27/23

97 Mountain St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Bryna Cofrin-Shaw
Seller: Peter J. Bienkowski
Date: 04/26/23

65 Nonotuck St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Benjamin D. Premo
Seller: Harold A. Asher
Date: 04/28/23

205 Nonotuck St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $530,000
Buyer: Stephanie Levin
Seller: Zaka LLC
Date: 04/28/23

250 North Maple St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Sarah E. Coburn
Seller: Christine E. Young
Date: 04/21/23

12 Rick Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $477,500
Buyer: Jai M. Alterman
Seller: Thomas J. Wickles
Date: 04/20/23

35 Willow St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Ariel Guitron
Seller: Robert V. Redick
Date: 04/28/23

SOUTH HADLEY

464 Amherst Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $562,500
Buyer: Neal D. O’Meara
Seller: Barbara J. Smith
Date: 04/21/23

192 Brainerd St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Jose L. Ortiz
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 04/28/23

415 Granby Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Marissa L. Bailly
Seller: Scott Family Properties LLC
Date: 04/21/23

333 North Main St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $333,000
Buyer: Jessica Ayala
Seller: Onstar Properties LLC
Date: 04/28/23

5 Pine St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: Mary A. Callahan
Seller: Karl R. Wailgum RET
Date: 04/26/23

3 Sunrise Circle
South Hadley, MA 00107
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Caitlyn Shabshelowitz
Seller: Harvey Ashman
Date: 04/27/23

13 The Knolls
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Mary Couture
Seller: E&G RT
Date: 04/24/23

12 West Parkview Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Michael Mcelhaney
Seller: Phillip A. Chesky
Date: 04/28/23

WARE

83 Coffey Hill Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Matthew Crowner
Seller: Ronald E. Ellithorpe
Date: 04/19/23

4 Eddy St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Mooch Properties LLC
Seller: David J. Mendelsohn
Date: 04/19/23

123 Main St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Ye & Zheng FT
Seller: Jasmina NT
Date: 04/18/23

5 Ross Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Connolly FT
Seller: MFRA TR
Date: 04/28/23

63 South St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Kelsey Shea
Seller: Christopher Robare
Date: 04/27/23

WESTHAMPTON

197 Southampton Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Judith Lewis
Seller: Sharon P. Lewis
Date: 04/27/23

Building Permits

By BusinessWest Staff May 24, 2023

Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the months of April and May 2023.

EASTHAMPTON

Center for Human Development
55 Union St.
N/A — Selective interior demolition

Bernard Gawle
14 Ward Ave.
N/A — Roofing

HADLEY

Joseph Czajkowski
Shattuck Road
N/A — Install dual-use solar array

LENOX

Boston University
45 West St.
$66,715 — Roofing

Bruce Stringer
529 Walker St.
$4,310 — Install four vinyl windows

PITTSFIELD

Roy Andersen Jr.
25 Bartlett Ave.
$6,010 — Replace five windows

Berkshire Family YMCA
292 North St.
$298,887 — Roof replacement over court and track; alterations to toddler room; add two new windows; add lockers and changing stalls at men’s locker room

Cedar Tree Investment Group LLC
409 West St.
$44,000 — Install 33 roof-mounted solar panels

Kidzone Child Care Educational
699 Dalton Ave.
$30,850 — Modify existing fire sprinkler system

NORTHAMPTON

Bang Bang LLC
29 Pleasant St., Unit C
$14,000 — Basement renovation for tattoo artist

Bowles Enterprises LLC
235 Main St.
$5,350 — Illuminated wall sign for Bagalan Cannabis

Glass Lake Partners LLC
43 Ladd Ave.
$4,000 — Build partition wall in storage area

Healthy Neighborhoods Group LLC
47 High St.
$18,000 — Siding

Lankleine Realty LLC
881 North K ing St.
$6,000 — Illuminated ground sign for Northeast Painting Associates

Northampton Rentals LLC
206 King St.
$3,000 — Illuminated ground sign for Advance Psychotherapy

Northampton Revolver Club
519 Ryan Road
$27,000 — Roofing

Rankin Holdings LLC
115 Conz St.
$220,000 — Demolish building

Smith College
7 College Lane
$15,000 — Remove mezzanine

Standick Trust
158 Main St.
N/A — Remove partition walls

SPRINGFIELD

1277 Liberty St. LLC
1295 Liberty St.
$24,000 — Alter tenant space for Ivy’s Events at Springfield Plaza for use as assembly area

CIG2 LLC
281 Belmont Ave.
$7,000 — Repair exterior rear egress system, install new Sonotube to left-side deficient post

City of Springfield
1170 Carew St.
N/A — Remodel entry of Van Sickle Academy into handicap-accessible passageway, remodel life-skills classroom.

Hector Bermudez
175 Oakland St.
$9,000 — Insulation

DDM Property Group LLC
1630 Boston Road
$185,000 — Remodel interior for new Hannoush Jewelers store

David Della Torre, Lynn Baker, Paul Della Torre
13 Morgan St.
$20,000 — Alter interior for accessible restroom, office, and storage area for vehicles

Five Town Station LLC
380 Cooley St.
$50,000 — Erect addition for additional dining seating at Texas Roadhouse

Ronald McDonald House of Springfield
34 Chapin Ter.
$242,454 — Remove and replace windows and siding

Stone Soul Inc.
41 Colton St.
$4,000 — Install new bathroom

Springfield Cemetery
171 Maple St.
$25,875 — Remove and replace garage roof

Haq Zahoor Ul
679 Main St.
$92,000 — Erect canopy #1 for gas station pumps

Haq Zahoor Ul
679 Main St.
$92,000 — Erect canopy #2 for gas station pumps

YMCA of Greater Springfield Inc.
1784 Dwight St.
$60,999 — Roofing

1Berkshire Announces Return of Berkshire Trendsetter Awards

By BusinessWest Staff May 23, 2023

Daily News

PITTSFIELD — 1Berkshire announced the return of its Celebrate the Berkshires premier event and the Berkshire Trendsetter Awards for 2023. Celebrate the Berkshires will be held on Thursday, Sept. 14 at the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield, honoring the Berkshire region. At this event, 1Berkshire will announce the Putting the Berkshires on the Map honoree, as well as present the Berkshire Trendsetter Awards to exceptional individuals and businesses.

“After a three-year hiatus, we are so happy to be able to bring back the Trendsetter Awards, along with the Celebrate the Berkshires event,” 1Berkshire President and CEO Jonathan Butler said. “These awards allow us to shine a light on all the great work going on in our region and acknowledge how each of the nominated individuals and businesses truly makes the Berkshires a more vibrant place to work, live, and play.”

The Berkshire Trendsetter Awards recognize outstanding initiatives, talented people, and innovative organizations moving the Berkshires forward. Click here to learn more about the new award categories, and click here to submit nominations. The deadline to nominate is Friday, June 16. Nominees do not have to be members of 1Berkshire.

HCC Lands $1.28M Grant to Create Free Human-services Internship Program

By BusinessWest Staff May 23, 2023

Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) has landed a $1.28 million grant to launch a new, free certificate and internship program intended to help address a shortage of workers in the human-services industry.

The grant, from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health & Human Services, will cover the full cost of tuition, fees, books, and supplies for students who want to earn a certificate in human services coupled with a paid internship at one of four local social-service agencies.

Partnering with HCC on the grant are Gándara Center, ServiceNet, Mental Health Assoc., and Jewish Family Services.

“This program is really meant to accelerate a student’s entry into the workforce,” said Donna Rowe, chair of HCC’s Human Services program. “It’s wonderful that these four agencies have made this agreement with us. They’re looking for workers, and we have students looking to get into the field.”

The two-semester Social Service Internship Program will begin in the 2023-24 academic year, with up to 30 students starting this fall and another 30 next spring. Recruiting for those two classes is now underway.

The human-services industry presents a wide variety of career options for people who are interested in providing care to children, seniors, adolescents, the homeless, or individuals dealing with substance abuse or mental-health issues.

“This is a great opportunity for students to get into this field, get their academic and their learning experiences with us, and then have a placement with a community agency that could end up as a full-time paid position after their internship,” Rowe said. “Plus, their tuition and books and everything else is paid for. That’s huge.”

The total savings on attendance is estimated to be $5,384 per semester for full-time students. During their second-semester internship, students will receive a stipend of $2,500, which equates to roughly $20 per hour for 10 hours per week.

A 2018 report from the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission detailed a gap of some 600 social-service and human-service workers in Western Mass., a deficit that has only widened due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There is definitely a big shortage of human-service workers, and it’s a challenge for agencies who have a variety of workers at different levels,” said Amy Brandt, HCC’s dean of Health Sciences. “They don’t have a lot of additional resources to develop that talent pool. They really are on shoestring budgets, trying to provide services to the community. When you look at this grant, it’s a huge investment that can really help fill their needs.”

The HCC Social Service Internship Program is modeled after other successful, grant-funded certificate/internship programs HCC has developed in the areas of community health and engineering.

Additionally, the grant provides for the creation of two new full-time positions: a human-services certificate coordinator to focus on recruiting, planning, and academic support; and a social-services coordinator to coordinate the internships and help students with any non-academic issues that might interfere with their education.

“A lot of community-college students have complicated lives that impact their success in school. For instance, they might be at risk of having their power turned off, or they are facing housing insecurity or childcare issues,” Brandt said. “The social-services coordinator is there to be somewhat of a case manager, to help students find the resources at the college or in the community they need so they can remain successful in the program.”

The 24-credit human-services certificate students earn can also be ‘stacked’ or applied toward an associate degree in human services, which could then lead to a bachelor’s degree in social work.

“The program really has the potential to set students up for lifelong learning and career advancement, and it’s also helping these social-service agencies meet their needs,” Brandt said.

For more information or to complete a general-interest form, visit hcc.edu/hsv-grant.

bankESB Promotes Brenna Breeding to Digital Marketing Officer

By BusinessWest Staff May 23, 2023

Daily News

EASTHAMPTON — bankESB recently promoted Brenna Breeding to Digital Marketing officer. She joined bankESB in 2020 as Digital Marketing manager. In her new role, she will be responsible for digital marketing content strategy and development and corporate website management, and will serve as the relationship manager for third-party vendors.

Breeding earned a bachelor’s degree in sport management from the University of Delaware and recently earned a marketing certificate from American Bankers Assoc. Bank Marketing School.

Monson Savings Bank Donates $4,000 in Support of Monson Arts Council

By BusinessWest Staff May 23, 2023

Daily News

MONSON — Monson Savings Bank recently made a $4,000 donation to the Monson Arts Council in support of the local arts.

David Dupuis of the Monson Arts Council expressed his gratitude to the community Bank. “Monson Savings Bank is very generous in their support of the Monson Arts Council and the local arts,” he noted. “We are very grateful for their longtime support. This donation in particular will be essential to our Spring Art Exhibition and Sale.”

Susan James of the Monson Arts Council was also thankful for the donation. “The Monson Arts Council is so fortunate to have a community partner like Monson Savings,” she said. “The bank has been a longtime supporter of the Monson Arts Council. It is because of loyal supporters like them that we can continue our mission.”

Dan Moriarty, Monson Savings Bank president and CEO, added that “Monson Savings is always happy to lend our support to community organizations in any way that we can. The Monson Arts Council does so much to bring the town of Monson and the surrounding communities together through the arts. As a lifelong resident of Monson, I am always so impressed by the events and workshops the council puts together.”

Hooplandia Announces More Corporate Partners

By BusinessWest Staff May 22, 2023

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Hooplandia, presented by Dunkin’ and co-hosted by Eastern States Exposition and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, is set to debut on the Big E fairgrounds June 23-25. The 3-on-3 tourney and festival announced that its official healthcare partner is Baystate Health.

The healthcare organization will have a presence on the grounds during the event weekend, featuring a branded vehicle, an informative vendor table, and even some representation participating on the courts.

“Baystate Health is pleased to be a sponsor for the very first Hooplandia basketball tournament,” said Annamarie Golden, director of Community Relations at Baystate Health. “We are excited to be part of an event where people can be active and engage in a game that is such a key piece of Western Massachusetts history. We hope Hooplandia will become an annual event we can all look forward to.”

In addition, Hooplandia announced that its official vehicle is Ford via a new partnership with Ford Dealers of New England, which will have an on-grounds presence during the tournament weekend, featuring a range of vehicles.

Through the newly formed partnership, Ford Dealers of New England will sponsor Hooplandia’s high-school freshman elite, high-school varsity elite, and college elite divisions.

Hooplandia is more than just a 3-on-3 tournament for all-star and recreational players throughout New England and beyond; it’s an all-inclusive festival filled with hands-on experiences for children and family, entertainment by DJ Meechie, an early taste of some of the Big E’s popular eats, and much more.

Registration for the tournament is open at www.hooplandia.com. Teams that complete registration by June 4 will receive a ticket to the 2023 Big E, scheduled for Sept. 15 to Oct. 1; a Dunkin’ gift card; and tickets to a Connecticut Sun game for each member. The final deadline for registration is June 19. Ten dollars of every team sign-up will be donated to Hooplandia’s philanthropic partner, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Springfield.

BusinessTalk with Alison Berman, council director of Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts

By BusinessWest Staff May 22, 2023

Business Talk Podcast Special Coverage

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

Go HERE to view all episodes

Episode 163: May 22, 2023

BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar talks with Alison Berman, council director of Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts

Girls today deal with a host of challenges, from school stress to social pressures and much more, all of which can weigh on their happiness and health, both physical and mental. On the next installment of BusinessTalk, BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar talks with Alison Berman, council director of Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts, an organization that uses running as a framework for crucial lessons on self-care, managing emotions, empathy, gratitude, building confidence … the list goes on. Just weeks before its celebratory 5K event steps off on June 3, Berman explains why Girls on the Run’s mission resonates so powerfully.

Sponsored by:

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Greenfield Cooperative Bank Supports RiverCulture Series of Summer Events

By BusinessWest Staff May 22, 2023

Daily News

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank announced its sponsorship of the 2023 Summer Event Series organized by RiverCulture, the creative-economy program of the town of Montague. The series features a variety of cultural events happening in the five villages of Montague and the Turners Falls Cultural District, including live music, outdoor movies, theater, family activities, and festivals.

The series aims to showcase the rich and diverse cultural offerings of the region and to foster community engagement and enjoyment. As a community bank, Greenfield Cooperative Bank is committed to supporting local arts and culture and to enhancing quality of life for its customers and neighbors.

“We are delighted to partner with RiverCulture and to contribute to the vibrant and creative atmosphere of Montague and Turners Falls,” said Tony Worden, president and CEO of Greenfield Cooperative Bank. “We hope that everyone will take advantage of these wonderful opportunities to enjoy some great entertainment and to connect with their fellow residents.”

Paper copies of the calendar of events are available at local retail stores and restaurants, or can be downloaded at www.riverculture.org.

Massachusetts Unemployment Down Slightly in April

By BusinessWest Staff May 22, 2023

Daily News

BOSTON — The state’s April total unemployment rate was 3.3%, down 0.2% from the revised March estimate of 3.5%, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) preliminary job estimates indicate Massachusetts gained 5,100 jobs in April. This follows March’s revised gain of 12,100 jobs. The largest over-the-month private-sector job gains were in education and health services; information; and professional, scientific, and business services. Employment now stands at 3,759,200. Massachusetts gained 697,600 jobs since the employment low in April 2020.

From April 2022 to April 2023, BLS estimates Massachusetts gained 99,100 jobs. The largest over-the-year gains occurred in education and health services; professional, scientific, and business services; and leisure and hospitality.

The state’s April unemployment rate of 3.3% was 0.1 percentage point below the national rate of 3.4% reported by BLS.

The labor force decreased by an estimated 2,200 from the revised estimate of 3,741,200 in March, as 8,300 more residents were employed and 10,500 fewer residents were unemployed over-the-month. Over-the-year, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was down by 0.4%.

The state’s labor-force participation rate — the total number of residents 16 or older who worked or were unemployed and actively sought work in the last four weeks — dropped by 0.1 percentage point to 64.9% over-the-month. Compared to April 2022, the labor-force participation rate was down 0.5%.

LightHouse Holyoke Signs Agreement for Possible New Home

By BusinessWest Staff May 22, 2023

Daily News

HOLYOKE — LightHouse Personalized Education for Teens in Holyoke announced it has signed a purchase-and-sale agreement for the historic Congregation of the Sons of Zion building in downtown Holyoke. The agreement establishes a 120-day inspection and planning period to determine the viability of the move.

LightHouse is a personalized, competency-based middle and high school now in its eighth year in its current location in the STEAM Building at 208 Race Street in Holyoke. LightHouse’s tagline is “changing what school can be.”

“The location is perfect for us. It’s in great shape for a 120-year old building, but it will need extensive renovation to come up to code for a school and to meet our needs,” said Catherine Gobron, co-founder and executive director of LightHouse Holyoke. “It’s exciting. This could be our new home. We hope it will be.”

Current renovation estimates are being drawn up and are expected to run well into the millions of dollars, Gobron added. “We’re in the beginning stages of applying for grants and preparing for a capital campaign to fund all the work that needs to be done.”

LightHouse has grown strategically during its eight years, from a program serving 36 students in its first year, 2015, to its current enrollment of 75 students. Students come from towns and cities across the Pioneer Valley, including Holyoke, and as far away as New Haven, Conn. Almost half of the student body are Holyoke public-school students who attend LightHouse full-time through a public-private partnership, a model for innovation for school districts everywhere.

The plan for the school, according to Gobron, is to remain small, growing to not more than 120 students. The move to a permanent home would allow LightHouse to reach that goal possibly within its first 10 years. “If everything comes together, we see ourselves there by 2025,” she said.

The Sons of Zion building is located at 378 Maple St., on the corner of Cabot Street, diagonally across from Holyoke Library Park and the Holyoke Public Library. It has been the home of the Congregation of the Sons of Zion since 1904.

Florence Bank Awards $150,000 to Nonprofits in Customers’ Choice Community Grants

By BusinessWest Staff May 19, 2023

Daily News

FLORENCE — In its 21st year, Florence Bank’s Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program awarded $150,000 to 46 area nonprofits in honor of the bank’s 150th anniversary.

“I know the total we announced we would award this year was $125,000, but I feel like $150,000 would be a more appropriate amount to celebrate the 150 years that Florence Bank has been in existence,” President and CEO Matt Garrity said in leading his first Customers’ Choice celebration on May 16. “It’s amazing to see so many community organizations being recognized, and the fact that the recognition comes from Florence Bank customers in the form of votes is really special.”

Garrity handed checks to 46 nonprofit leaders across the region, awarding 13 with $5,000 gifts — the most ever granted in 21 years — and presenting $500 surprise awards to 10 organizations that fell just short of the required 50-vote count.

These organizations received $5,000 grants: Dakin Humane Society, Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Amherst Survival Center, Friends of the Williamsburg Library, Northampton Survival Center, Goshen Firefighter’s Assoc. Inc., Cancer Connection, Manna Soup Kitchen, It Takes a Village, Friends of Forbes Library, Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Our Lady of the Hills Parish, and Friends of Lilly Library.

These 23 organizations also received an award: Williamsburg Firefighter Assoc., $4,701; Bernese Auction Rescue Coalition Inc., $4,652; Easthampton Community Center, $4,309; Friends of M.N. Spear Memorial Library, $4,064; Northampton Neighbors, $4,064; Springfield Shriners Hospitals for Children, $3,917; Grow Food Northampton Inc., $3,819; Amherst Neighbors, $3,721; Smith Vocational High School PTO, $3,721; Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School, $3,624; Performing Arts Charter School, $3,575; Therapeutic Equestrian Center, $3,575; Kestrel Land Trust, $3,427; Edward Hopkins Educational Foundation, $3,330; Northampton Community Music Center, $3,232; Safe Passage, $3,134; Empty Arms Bereavement Support, $2,987; New Hingham Elementary School PTO, $2,987; R.K. Finn Ryan Road School, $2,889; Whole Children, $2,693; Belchertown K-9, $2,595; Northampton Football League, $2,545; and Tapestry, $2,448.

Finally, these 10 organizations received unexpected $500 awards: the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hampshire County, Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity, Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke, Gray House, Holyoke Community College Foundation, Mental Health Assoc. Inc., Springfield Rescue Mission, the Parish Cupboard, and Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center.

Voting takes place all year long, online at www.florencebank.com/vote and in bank branches, and each customer has only one vote. To qualify for a community grant, organizations must receive at least 50 votes. In 2022, roughly 7,000 votes were cast, making 36 nonprofits eligible for a grant; the other 10 funded organizations were invited to attend the event and were surprised with their $500 award. Over the past 21 years, Florence Bank has donated a total of $1.5 million to 165 organizations.

Delaney’s Market Store to Open in South Hadley

By BusinessWest Staff May 19, 2023

Daily News

SOUTH HADLEY — Owner Peter Rosskothen is announced the opening of a Delaney’s Market store located at 459 Granby Road, South Hadley. The grand opening and ribbon-cutting celebration is scheduled for Thursday, May 25 at 10 a.m.

“We are excited to be opening our next Delaney’s Market in my hometown of South Hadley,” Rosskothen said. “We are looking forward to welcoming the local community into our newest location and welcome the press, supporters, and friends to join us for this special event.”

Delaney’s Market is a retail store that features chef-inspired, ready-made meals that are fresh and ready to serve with no real effort. Delaney’s Market strives to assist the busy individual or family that wants to eat a quality lunch or dinner at their home or office without the hassle of long prep times or high costs. The South Hadley location is unique because it is the new home of Delaney Market’s production kitchen.

This is the fourth Delaney’s Market store; the first one is located at the Longmeadow Shops in Longmeadow and has been open since 2016. The Wilbraham and Westfield locations have been open since 2019.

“I am grateful for the support we have gotten over the years and excited to grow across Western Massachusetts,” Rosskothen said. “We live in a great place with great people.”

Virtual Program to Examine the Workplace Reset

By BusinessWest Staff May 19, 2023

Daily News

PITTSFIELD — The workplace reset is real, troublesome, and challenging. Business media buzzes with reports of companies requiring employees to return to work, shrinking their office space, or introducing ‘hoteling’ practices. Offsetting these trends are the increased appetite of many employees for flexible work schedules, while fewer people are quitting their jobs, according to a breaking report from the ADP Research Institute. And looming large is the rise of AI devices in workplaces.

“The Workplace Reset” is the topic of the next Dulye Leadership Experience (DLE) virtual program on Friday, June 9, when a diverse group of professionals will exchange experiences and perspectives in a frank conversation about changing expectations. Participants will speak about how their workplace is handling this reset and what they are doing to manage this reset in their companies, work teams, and social connections.

This one-hour, virtual program starts at noon and features moderated discussion as well as breakout sessions. There is no fee to attend. To promote an open and transparent space, the program will not be recorded. To register, click here.

United Way of Pioneer Valley to Present Free OnBoard Workshop

By BusinessWest Staff May 19, 2023

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — United Way of Pioneer Valley (UWPV) will offer a free OnBoard workshop for newly elected nonprofit board members as well as potential nonprofit board members.

The interactive workshop will be held on Thursday, June 1 from 2 to 4:30 p.m., with a social hour directly following the training. Registration is required to attend. Workshop topics include how to identify boards that align with your own interests and how to get your name on a nonprofit’s radar as a potential board member. Various board models will also be discussed.

“Since incorporating the OnBoard program into the UWPV family of programs, it has been our intent to provide relevant training and workshops for new board members in the region,” said Jason Newmark, president of the UWPV board. “We believe this is a significant way for UWPV to support our fellow nonprofit organizations. We invite new and potential board members to take full advantage of the abundant, shared knowledge that will be in the room.”

Space in the program is limited, so UWPV encourages people to register soon. To do so, contact Jennifer Kinsman at (413) 693-0212 or [email protected].

Keiter Corp. Spins Off Site-work Division into Wholly Owned Subsidiary

By BusinessWest Staff May 18, 2023

Daily News

FLORENCE — Keiter Corp. has formally spun off its excavation and site-work division, Hatfield Construction Inc., into a wholly owned subsidiary in a move that President Scott Keiter said poises the new organization for growth. Historically, the division served only Keiter clients, but it will now scale up to serve many other clients in the industry.

Key leaders in the firm will be Bill Moynihan, director of Operations, in charge of project management and field operations; and Dylan Courtney, director of Pre-construction, who will oversee project development, estimating, and sales.

“The businesses are run differently from one another, have different needs, and now have entirely separate management teams,” Keiter said. “We’re now able to position ourselves for continued growth, and we are excited about the opportunity for Hatfield Construction to develop new relationships with other contractors and builders in the region and partner with them on their construction projects.”

Hatfield Construction offers services including trucking and hauling, excavation, demolition, sewer and water, septic systems, land clearing, stormwater systems and trenching for underground utilities. Keiter said the business also works closely with solar companies, assisting them with trenching and ground-mount systems.

Hatfield Construction has approximately 20 employees in roles ranging from equipment operator and laborer to site foreman and management.

“Hatfield Construction ensures the same core values and quality of service as its parent company,” Courtney said.

Keiter added that “we bring a high level of professionalism to the table. We have a deep reservoir of talent on staff, and we’re always up for the challenge of complex projects.”

Moynihan has been with Keiter for eight years. He holds an associate degree in architecture from Springfield Technical Community College and a bachelor’s in building construction technology from UMass Amherst.

Hired last fall, Courtney holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Nichols College and an MBA from Washington State University. He is also certified in construction project management by Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Hatfield Construction offers a broad scope of services. Current projects include the development of an outdoor exercise ‘airnaseum,’ or open-air gymnasium, at Hampshire Regional YMCA; infrastructure upgrades to Parsons House at Smith College, including a new elevator shaft; and excavation, stormwater systems, and other site work on Belchertown property being developed by Cutchins Programs for Children & Families.

John Ciolek Joins Team at Associated Builders

By BusinessWest Staff May 18, 2023

Daily News

SOUTH HADLEY — John Ciolek recently joined the team at Associated Builders in South Hadley, where he will be active in sales, finance, and administration. He will also spearhead activities in the Ciolek family’s commercial real-estate business.

Associated Builders (AB) is a third-generation, family-owned, design-build general contractor that has served the Pioneer Valley for morenthan five decades. Founded by his father in the early ’70s, John’s three brothers — Michael, Paul, and Tom — have led AB for the past 30-plus years. This is a return to the company of sorts for John, as he worked with the field crews with his brothers throughout his high-school and college years, gaining practical knowledge of the construction business. The company has grown tremendously since then and has completed projects across New England with a focus on Western Mass. and Northern Conn.

John Ciolek brings extensive experience in finance and strategy garnered over a long career in banking and corporate strategy. Most recently, he was head of Strategic Initiatives at NGL Energy, where he was responsible for the company’s M&A activities and its sustainability efforts. Prior to that, he had a decades-long career on Wall Street, over the course of which he served as a managing director in Investment Banking for Credit Suisse, JP Morgan, and Citigroup. He started his banking career as a corporate lender for Shawmut Bank in Hartford, Conn. before attending the University of Michigan, where he received his MBA. He received a bachelor’s degree in political economy from Williams College in Williamstown.

Volvo Cars Pioneer Valley to Host Exclusive Ride and Drive Event Today

By BusinessWest Staff May 18, 2023

Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — Volvo Cars Pioneer Valley will host a Ride and Drive event today, May 18, from 4 to 6 p.m., offering a unique opportunity for car enthusiasts and eco-conscious consumers to experience the cutting-edge C40 electric vehicle. The event will take place at Volvo Cars Pioneer Valley, 48 Damon Road, Northampton.

During the event, attendees will have the chance to get behind the wheel of the highly anticipated Volvo C40, allowing them to experience the performance and handling of the C40, as well as its range and eco-friendly features.

Volvo Cars Pioneer Valley will offer free gifts to all attendees. Additionally, Caravan Kitchen will be present, providing complimentary food to further enhance the attendees’ experience. In addition, attendees will have the chance to win an array of door prizes, including tickets to the June 12 Red Sox game, restaurant gift certificates, and an opportunity to win two tickets to the Ed Sheeran concert in Boston on June 29.

“We are delighted to invite the community to our Ride and Drive event and showcase the incredible capabilities of the Volvo C40 electric vehicle,” said Carla Cosenzi, president of Volvo Cars Pioneer Valley.

Interested individuals are encouraged to RSVP in advance by clicking here.

Rachel’s Table Celebrates 30 Years with Bountiful Bowls Fundraiser

By BusinessWest Staff May 18, 2023

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — On Tuesday, June 13 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Log Cabin in Holyoke, Rachel’s Table, a program of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts, will hold its biennial fundraiser, Bountiful Bowls. The evening will celebrate the organization’s 30 years of serving the community; honor its founders, mentors, and supporters, and share information about its launch as a new nonprofit entity.

“Rachel’s Table is the premier food rescue and distribution program in Western Massachusetts and wouldn’t be where it is today without those who contribute in instrumental ways,” said Jodi Falk, director of Rachel’s Table. “We look forward to celebrating our 30 years and honoring all those involved.”

Dave Brinnel, comedian and musician, will emcee the evening and will be joined by honorary chair and former state Sen. Eric Lesser. Among the honorees are the 10 female founders of Rachel’s Table in Springfield: Judy Ingis, Myra Gold, Susanne Osofsky, Liz Kittredge Rome, Patti Weber Weiner, Linda Skole, Ronnie Leavitt, Nancy Posnick, the late Daydie Hochberg, and Margie Berg.

The Springfield program was modeled after the first Rachel’s Table in Worcester and has grown into a full-fledged hunger-alleviation program, which is the main reason it is now becoming its own nonprofit entity.

Also being honored are four mentors that have helped Rachel’s Table in its most recent growth phase, offering their skills and talents in seminal ways. They are Janice Greenberg, Jon Lasko, Jerry Munic, and the late Joseph Dorison.

Finally, the Arbella Insurance Foundation will be honored as the entity that helped initiate the Growing Gardens program at Rachel’s Table, its food-equity and access program that works directly with those most affected by food insecurity to grow their own food.

Food, refreshments, film, and entertainment will support Rachel’s Table’s 30th-year celebration to honor its past, present, and future. Visit www.rachelstablepv.org to learn more about the event and purchase tickets.

Florence Bank Celebrates 150 Years of Doing Business with Giveaway

By BusinessWest Staff May 17, 2023

Daily News

FLORENCE — To commemorate 150 years in business, Florence Bank is drawing on its partnership with the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield to offer a chance for 12 community members to win complimentary use of the popular venue’s birthday room.

In addition to the use of the room, one winner from each of the bank’s 12 branches will receive 10 general-admission tickets to the Hall of Fame and a goody bag for each party guest.

“It’s our birthday, but we’d like to celebrate it by making the birthdays of others a little more special,” Florence Bank President and CEO Matt Garrity said.

Those entering the giveaway can complete a ballot at any of the bank’s branches or visit florencebank.com/bday. The contest ends June 2. Winners will be chosen on Monday, June 5.

May 6, 1873, marks the date of the first 25 deposits at Florence Savings Bank, totaling $825.75. Henry Bond was the bank’s first treasurer, and its founding president was Alfred Lilly. The first trustees and corporators were business owners, shopkeepers, farmers, and community leaders, and the mission of the community bank was to help citizens safely save their money and make a significant contribution in the lives of the people of Hampshire County.

“We’ve grown a lot in the past century and a half, but we have remained true to our core values,” Garrity said. “We still have business owners, shopkeepers, and community leaders on our board, and our mission remains the same as it was 150 years ago. We remain a mutual bank, unbeholden to stockholders. We provide the best possible service to customers, and we are proud community partners, giving back in many areas to help our neighbors thrive.”

Florence Bank’s original home was the second floor of the Davis Building on Main Street in Florence. It has outgrown its space twice, moving into a two-story brick building next door in 1891 and again in 1978 to its present main office.

The first branch outside Florence was opened at the corner of King and Finn streets in Northampton in 1986, and the most recent branch in Chicopee cut the ribbon on May 5, 2021.

In 1880, Florence Bank made history when Mary Bond, the sister of Henry Bond, became the bank’s second treasurer and the first woman to hold the office of treasurer of a savings bank in the state. She served as principal of the Northampton public schools and later as the first woman elected to the Northampton School Committee.

Bond was followed in 1891 by Mary Gould, who was succeeded in 1911 by another woman, Emilie Plimpton.

Growth came steadily for the bank, most notably during World War II, when it received a record number of deposits. These came mainly from government allotments to area residents serving in the military. In the 1950s, a time of rapid growth in the local housing market, the bank was a principal source of home mortgages for Florence residents. Today, Florence Bank’s assets total $1.8 billion.

First Annual Jack Rome Memorial 5K Established

By BusinessWest Staff May 17, 2023

Daily News

HOLYOKE — Local canine celebrity Jack Rome, official greeter of Gary Rome Auto Group, who peacefully passed away on Oct. 10, 2022, will now be memorialized with an annual 5K run/walk to benefit the Foundation for Thomas J. O’Connor (TJO) Animals.

Sponsored by Gary Rome Hyundai and Western Mass News, the first annual Jack Rome Memorial 5K will take place on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 10 a.m. at Forest Park in Springfield, and will be a family- and dog-friendly event. Click here to register.

All funds raised will be donated directly to the Foundation for TJO Animals and will be used specifically for medical and veterinary care, emergency surgery, and rehabilitation services to help the animals find new, loving homes.

“Jack lived a very full and happy life for 13 years,” said Gary Rome, president of Gary Rome Auto Group. “When I was at work, Jack was at work. He brought a million smiles to customers and employees, and I am so thankful his memory will live on and benefit the animals at TJO.”

Hugh Zeitlin, news director of Western Mass News, said the station’s employees voted to make TJO the station charity for 2023 because of the positive impact it has on the community.

“Jack’s been around for a long time and been going to work with him every day, so we decided that this would be a wonderful idea to raise money for the Foundation for TJO Animals and start an annual memorial 5K walk/run in honor of Jack Rome,” said Stewart Bromberg, executive director for the Foundation for TJO Animals.

Jack Rome was a Vizsla breed, a Hungarian hunting dog. He embodied the common Vizsla traits of affectionate, loyal, and energetic, yet quiet and gentle. He appeared in all Gary Rome Hyundai Kia advertisements and filmed many commercials alongside Gary and 2-year-old ‘sister’ Daisy, also a Vizsla.

The Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center provides comprehensive animal-control services and programs to the Western Mass. community for the protection of animals, public health, safety, and the environment. TJO responsibly places unclaimed and relinquished animals into care and new adoptive homes. Its animal-control officers respond to routine service calls daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Emergency response for ill, injured, or aggressive animals is available 24 hours a day. The TJO Adoption Center, located at 627 Cottage St. in Springfield, provides a second chance for adoptable dogs, cats, and occasionally other animals.

To inquire about sponsorship opportunities or obtain more information, contact Dara Davignon, executive assistant to Gary Rome, at [email protected] or (413) 420-8049.

Western Mass. EDC, MGM Springfield to Host Local Supplier Diversity Networking Event

By BusinessWest Staff May 17, 2023

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council (EDC) and MGM Springfield are collaborating to host a networking event on Tuesday, May 23 from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Aria Ballroom of MGM Springfield.

The event is designed to provide support to local vendors, including minority-owned, women-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, and veteran-owned businesses. The goal is to bring regional anchor institutions and local vendors that provide goods and services together. Vendors will have the opportunity to meet directly with the MGM Springfield sourcing team and learn about future vendor contracts. Support will be available to prepare and scale potential vendors for contracts.

The event is influenced by the Western Massachusetts Anchor Collaborative (WMAC), which provides comprehensive, systemic, and locally led solutions to regional women- and minority-owned businesses (MWBE) and workforce challenges. The EDC and MGM Springfield hope to enhance their impact and drive regional economic equity and financial vitality for their communities by connecting stakeholders in the region. This is done through networking events and assistance in cultivating a resilient local supplier pipeline. Attendees and vendors can register for the event by clicking here.

Representatives from the Center for Women Enterprises, the Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council Inc., and the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office will speak at the event and provide guidance and information regarding available resources and vendor-certification opportunities.

“We are strengthening the relationships between large anchor institutions and local vendors, creating a more resilient and connected economy in Western Massachusetts,” said Rick Sullivan, president and CEO of the Western Massachusetts EDC. “The upcoming supplier networking event is a key part of this effort, providing an opportunity for local businesses of all backgrounds to connect with MGM Springfield and learn about upcoming contracts and, more importantly, making that direct connection with leaders from MGM Springfield and partnering organizations.”

Arlen Carballo, MGM Springfield’s vice president of Finance Operations, added that “MGM Springfield is thrilled to partner with the EDC to bring local vendors and members of our sourcing team together. This event is part of our continued commitment to advance diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our business, paving the way for positive economic impact in our community.”

‘To Boldly Grow: Judaism, Food, and Sustainability’ Panel Discussion Slated for May 31

By BusinessWest Staff May 17, 2023

Daily News

PITTSFIELD — On Wednesday, May 31 at 7:30 p.m., the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires will present “To Boldly Grow: Judaism, Food, and Sustainability,” an inspirational and timely discussion with journalist and author Tamar Haspel. This free event, part of Super Tzedakah Week focusing on the federation’s commitment to sustaining its community and world, will take place at Hancock Shaker Village, 1843 West Housatonic St., Pittsfield.

Haspel writes the James Beard Award-winning Washington Post column “Unearthed,” which tackles food from every angle: agriculture, nutrition, obesity, the food environment, and DIY. Her memoir, To Boldly Grow: Finding Joy, Adventure, and Dinner in Your Own Backyard, recounts her experiences living off the food grid in Cape Cod.

Haspel will be in conversation with Shamu Sadeh and Janna Siller, environmentalists and educators from the Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center, on the vital Jewish themes of sustainability in one’s backyard, community, and planet. The panel will be moderated by Elisa Spungen Bildner, a journalist, author (Berkshire Farm to Table Cookbook with Robert Bildner), and federation vice president.

For more on this program, which is also part of “Jewish Literary Voices,” a Jewish Federation of the Berkshires series in collaboration with the Jewish Book Council, and other federation events, visit the calendar of events at jewishberkshires.org.

Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council Welcomes Two New Hires

By BusinessWest Staff May 16, 2023

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council (EDC) announced the hiring of two new professionals, Kayla Soto and Aurora Pierangelo. With years of experience in their respective fields and a shared passion for driving growth and development in Western Mass., they are well-positioned to contribute to the mission of the EDC.

Soto has joined the team as the new associate director of Economic Development and Special Projects. Originally from Manchester, Conn., she earned her bachelor’s degree in educational studies from Elms College and her master’s degree in higher educational leadership from Drexel University. With a professional background rooted in academia, community, and workforce development, she previously served as assistant director of Admissions and Collegiate Admission manager for Hillyer College at the University of Hartford, as well as the Lincoln Technical Institute and the Hartford Job Corps. She is also an accomplished entrepreneur with an online children’s clothing store.

As a proud Latina businesswoman, Soto aspires to bring her diverse background and passion for growth to the EDC team. As associate director of Economic Development and Special Projects, she will be responsible for overall project and program management, planning, and leading events for the Western Massachusetts EDC, as well as building community and partnerships with regional leaders and stakeholders.

“Kayla has hit the ground running, and we are excited to have her on the team,” said Xiomara DeLobato, vice president and chief to staff at the Western Massachusetts EDC. “Her expertise in community outreach and higher education, combined with her entrepreneurial spirit, will be invaluable as we work to drive growth in Western Massachusetts.”

Pierangelo joined the team as the new accounting specialist. With a diverse background and experience in managing complex organizations, she is responsible for managing various financial portfolios of the EDC. Previously, she served as assistant director of the Fraternity Managers Assoc. at the University of Rhode Island, where she managed 18 fraternity, sorority, and independent living-learning communities. There, she expanded house director training programs, managed new software implementations, and improved financial-management practices.

A Western Mass. native, Pierangelo graduated with her MBA from Bay Path University and a bachelor’s degree in music theatre from SUNY Geneseo. She also manages a nonprofit, the Wilbraham Welcome Project. She is passionate about giving back to her community and excited to bring this same enthusiasm to her work with the Western Massachusetts EDC.

“We are thrilled to welcome Aurora to the EDC team,” said Richard Sullivan, president and CEO of the Western Massachusetts EDC. “With her excellent financial background in managing organizations and developing programs to support staff and community members, Aurora is the perfect fit for our team.”

Tech Foundry Opens Applications for Fall Classes

By BusinessWest Staff May 16, 2023

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Tech Foundry, the regional leader in IT workforce development and training, has opened applications for its fall 2023 classes, which will run from Aug. 21 through Dec. 22.

Tech Foundry’s training includes 14 weeks of tech-focused classes supported by professional-development activities and individualized coaching and tutoring, followed by four weeks of internship experience and ongoing job-placement support. Tech Foundry’s graduates successfully launch careers in IT help-desk and technical-support roles, as well as network administration and digital imaging and deployment positions, leading to living-wage jobs in the technology sector.

To learn more, join one of the upcoming information sessions by clicking here. To apply, click here and complete the application by July 17.

Springfield Symphony Chorus to Give Concert in Holyoke on May 20

By BusinessWest Staff May 16, 2023

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Symphony Chorus will give a spring concert, titled “Sing, Praise, Light,” on Saturday, May 20 at 4 p.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 34 Jarvis Ave., Holyoke. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.

Tickets cost $10, cash only, and are available at the door. Doors open at 3:15 p.m. The chorus will perform eclectic choral works based on themes of “Sing, Praise, Light.”

In addition to chorus recitals, the Springfield Symphony Chorus collaborates and performs with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra each concert season. During the 2022-23 concert season, the chorus performed during the Holiday Pops concert at Symphony Hall.

The Springfield Symphony Chorus is an unpaid professional group of singers from throughout the Greater Connecticut River Valley. Auditions for new chorus members typically take place in September and January. Those interested in becoming part of the Springfield Symphony Chorus should contact President Claire Folini at [email protected].

DTA Honors Food Bank of Western Massachusetts with Lauren Arms Ledwith Award

By BusinessWest Staff May 16, 2023

Daily News

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration announced that the Lauren Arms Ledwith Award for 2023 has been awarded to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and its outstanding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) outreach team.

The Food Bank was awarded this honor at the Department of Transitional Assistance’s (DTA) annual meeting with more than 100 local SNAP community-outreach partners. The award was presented to Christina Maxwell, Beth Ziemba, Megan Schuck, Stephanie Gibbs, and Luis Perez Jr. for continuously demonstrating a commitment to creating a better tomorrow for their communities by helping to eliminate hunger.

At the meeting, acting DTA Commissioner Mary Sheehan recognized the outstanding work done during the past year to connect residents with SNAP. Currently, almost 656,000 households receive SNAP benefits, a 45% increase from pre-pandemic levels.

“As we work closely with partners across the Commonwealth to respond to increased food insecurity and move towards a post-pandemic economy, we know that trusted, local resources are some of the first places people seek out for assistance. I am grateful for our new and existing partners’ joint efforts to help people access vital food resources,” Sheehan said. “The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts was one of our first SNAP outreach partners, and I am glad to honor them with the 2023 Lauren Ledwith Award to highlight their exceptional efforts to connect individuals and families with SNAP and thank them for their partnership.”

Since 1982, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts has been a pioneer in the community by providing food to individuals and families located in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties. It has addressed food insecurity by meeting people where they are, conducting outreach at food pantries, meal sites, shelters, colleges, senior centers, correctional facilities, libraries, and veteran-serving agencies.

“The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts is extremely grateful to have been given this award in Lauren’s honor, and we are thankful for our ongoing partnership with DTA,” said Maxwell, director of Programs at the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. “Together, we work hard every day to break down barriers and help people access the nutrition assistance they need.”

The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts joined the SNAP outreach-reimbursement project in 2010 and remains a strong ally helping families in the western part of the state enroll in SNAP. As a SNAP outreach partner, the Food Bank successfully completes about 1,100 applications each year.

BusinessTalk with Paul Lambert, president and CEO of the SSO

By BusinessWest Staff May 15, 2023

Business Talk Podcast Special Coverage

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

Go HERE to view all episodes

Episode 162: May 15, 2023

Joe Bednar talks with Paul Lambert, president and CEO of the SSO

The Springfield Symphony Orchestra recently struck a harmonious note with its musicians, announcing a new, two-year labor deal. On the next installment of BusinessTalk, BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar talks with Paul Lambert, president and CEO of the SSO, about how that deal came about and what it means moving forward. They also discuss the importance of the symphony to the region, the challenge of creating a robust and diverse season of performances, how the organization is connecting with the next generation of young music lovers, and much more. It’s must listening, so tune in to BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest and sponsored by PeoplesBank.

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Opening Date Set for Greenfield’s New Public Library

By BusinessWest Staff May 15, 2023

Daily News

GREENFIELD — The grand opening ceremony for Greenfield’s new public library will take place on Thursday, July 13, with the library opening to the public immediately following the festivities.

The last day for library operations at the Leavitt Hovey House at 402 Main St. will be Saturday, June 17, with library collections being moved to the new building next door at 412 Main St. June 21-23. Once the collection has been put in place, staff will spend the time from June 26 to July 12 setting up the building, checking to make sure all the technology works the way it should, learning how to use new equipment, and finding where all the light switches are.

During the transition when the library is closed, patrons can continue to use the library’s website, greenfieldpubliclibrary.org, to access its online resources, such as Libby, Hoopla, and Kanopy, as well as Consumer Reports, archives of the Greenfield Recorder, and the library’s online subscription to the New York Times. In addition, the staff is busily preparing a number of online, virtual programs for patrons’ enjoyment.

Patrons will be able to reach staff via email, phone, and the ‘contact us’ form on the website, although response time may be slowed while computers and phones are being put in place.

Additional festivities will occur on Friday and Saturday, July 14-15. Keep an eye on the library’s website for information and details or register for one or more of the library’s email lists to receive updates at rb.gy/v8ua9.

WNE, BCC Sign Joint Admissions Agreement

By BusinessWest Staff May 15, 2023

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Berkshire Community College (BCC) signed an articulation agreement with Western New England University (WNE) on May 8, allowing BCC students to transfer seamlessly to WNE.

Representatives from the two colleges gathered at BCC’s Berkshire Science Commons, where BCC Vice President of Academic Affairs Laurie Gordy and WNE Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Maria Toyoda formally signed the agreement.

The joint admissions program, which is consistent with the individual missions, policies, and regulations of each institution, seeks to strengthen the academic and student-support partnerships between BCC and WNE, facilitate student access to baccalaureate and graduate education, and provide barrier-free movement for students enrolled in an associate-degree program at BCC to the baccalaureate graduate degrees at WNE.

“We are thrilled to partner with Berkshire Community College to provide a stepping stone for students looking to continue their education at WNE,” Toyoda said. “The signing of this document exemplifies WNE’s dedication to our community and meeting students where they are. We recognize that pathways to education are ever-evolving, and we are proud to meet students where they are and welcome them to our institution.”

Gordy added that “the articulation agreement with Western New England is particularly exciting for BCC because of the excellent quality of education at WNE and because of the geographical proximity of the two schools. We’re pleased that our BCC graduates will have another option to continue their education in the Commonwealth, and we’re proud to be able to make the transition easy and accessible for our students.”

Students will be informed about the opportunity to participate in the joint admissions program at the time they are applying to BCC. In order to satisfy the conditions of admissions into WNE, participating students must earn a minimum 2.50 cumulative CPA, earn at least a grade of a C- or better in their major coursework, and earn their associate degree. Students seeking joint admissions into specialized programs such as business, engineering, computer science, chemistry, or biology must satisfy all program requirements and earn the minimum cumulative GPA established for those programs.

Students who satisfy the requirements of the joint admissions program are eligible for guaranteed acceptance to WNE, provided they complete an approved associate-degree program at BCC and meet the requirements of the joint admissions program and major-specific requirements; guarantee of junior status at WNE upon matriculation with an associate degree; and guarantee of 60 transfer credits, with some stipulations.

AIC Hosts Inaugural Pathway to Higher Education Forum

By BusinessWest Staff May 15, 2023

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — A new partnership between American International College (AIC) and two community groups working to promote access to higher education is designed to benefit families in Springfield by empowering parents to support their children’s academic success.

AIC joined hands with the Coalition of Experienced Black Educators (COEBE) and the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership to organize a recent community forum called “Parents as Partners on the Pathway to Higher Education,” reflecting the college’s values of access and community. The event, initiated by state Rep. Bud Williams, equipped dozens of families with valuable insight into the higher-education process and the crucial role parents play in their children’s college experience.

During the forum, keynote speaker and AIC President Hubert Benitez emphasized the importance of removing barriers to higher education and making it accessible to everyone, irrespective of their background or financial situation.

“AIC continues to fulfill its promise of working collaboratively with its community members and partners to increase awareness of the value of an education and to create structured pathways for students to pursue a higher-education degree,” Benitez said. “Collaborating with COEBE is another example of how members of our community can work together to continue to promote equality of opportunity and support the social mobility of the people of Mason Square and the city of Springfield.”

AIC was recently recognized as a top performer for social mobility by the 2022-23 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings. AIC’s ranking tied for number 69, placing second in Massachusetts in the report’s National College category, behind only UMass Boston.

Although the cost to obtain a college degree may be perceived as a barrier to higher education, the forum participants learned that the actual expense is frequently lower than the published ‘sticker price’ because students often obtain financial assistance through grants and scholarships. At AIC, 100% of students receive some form of financial aid.

The value of obtaining higher education was further supported by a recent study by the Georgetown University Center on Education and Workforce, which revealed that young Americans without a college degree are unlikely to find economic stability and are more likely to be stuck in low-earning jobs than not by age 30.

WSU, HCC Announce Nursing-degree Partnership

By BusinessWest Staff May 15, 2023

Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) and Westfield State University (WSU) will announce a new pathway for individuals to earn both an associate and a baccalaureate degree in nursing simultaneously or in a streamlined manner by combining the curricula of both programs. The concurrent program is the first in the Commonwealth.

Representatives from HCC and WSU will participate in a signing ceremony at HCC today, May 15, from 11 a.m. to noon in the Frost Building, Room 309.

Beginning one’s professional life as an RN with all the demands on new nurses in a post-COVID era can make it challenging to go back to school and earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing. This program provides an opportunity for students to earn both their ASN and BSN credentials simultaneously before entering the workforce.

“The concurrent ADN-to-BSN pathway is an innovative approach to nursing education. It enables students to earn their ADN while simultaneously completing coursework that counts toward their BSN. This integration of education allows for a more efficient and streamlined approach to nursing education that is advantageous to some students,” WSU Executive Director of Nursing Jessica Holden said.

The ADN-to-BSN pathway creates efficiency for students as it incorporates a joint admission process, thereby eliminating the need for students to submit a separate application for admission to the university. By facilitating the attainment of a BSN, this pathway helps to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare industry.

“We’re excited. Working with Westfield State on this new program is huge,” HCC Director of Nursing Teresa Beaudry said. “We had to meet with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing, who had to approve it, and they’re equally as excited as we are to create another pathway for nurses to advance in their education and a different way for those students who might not be able to get into a bachelor’s of nursing program.”

The concurrent nursing program will help address the nursing shortage by increasing the number of students who can get into a bachelor of nursing program and allow them to earn their degree faster.

According to a Massachusetts Health Policy Commission report, “registered-nurse vacancy rates in acute-care hospitals doubled from 6.4% in 2019 to 13.6% in 2022, with especially high vacancy rates in community hospitals. Employment in nursing and residential care facilities has not recovered since 2020 and remained below 2018 levels.”

Westfield State University President Linda Thompson noted that “collaboration and partnerships in education are imperative to build a solid workforce. We have seen a tremendous need to build capacity in nursing, and we are fortunate to have had wonderful collaboration with Holyoke Community College. This effort expands on our already productive, committed relationship to serve the communities of our region.”

Bird E-scooters Return to West Springfield

By BusinessWest Staff May 12, 2023

Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The city of West Springfield and Bird, a leader in environmentally friendly micro-electric transportation, have teamed up again to bring shared e-scooters back to the city.

Bird is a leading micro-mobility company that aims to make cities more livable by reducing car trips, traffic congestion, and carbon emissions, all of which contribute to more thgan 25% of greenhouse-gas emissions in the U.S. The company’s scooters provide a safe, eco-friendly way to get around, shop locally, and offer residents without cars or with limited access to public transit a reliable, convenient transportation option.

Bird launched a successful pilot program with West Springfield last summer. Residents and visitors to West Springfield enjoyed an affordable, eco-friendly alternative to cars, allowing residents to get around efficiently and encouraging visitors to explore all the city has to offer. According to a recent Emory University study, e-scooters have been shown to increase the amount of consumer spending in a city. Last year’s pilot program spurred significant foot traffic and economic activity for West Springfield-area businesses.

“We are excited to see our flock of bird scooters back in the community,” West Springfield Mayor William Reichelt said. “This program has allowed us to work on reducing our carbon footprint along with providing some fun alternatives in the area.”

Bird offers a number of features and benefits that make its scooters accessible to all riders, including its Community Pricing Program, through which low-income riders, veterans, and senior citizens receive a 50% discount, as well as select local nonprofits and community organizations.

“We applaud the city of West Springfield for their continued commitment to offering convenient, environmentally friendly, and affordable transportation options to residents and visitors,” said Lauren Scribi, Senior Government Partnerships manager at Bird. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration with city leaders to provide our industry-leading e-scooters during the 2023 season.”

Hooplandia Runs on Dunkin’

By BusinessWest Staff May 12, 2023

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Eastern States Exposition (ESE) and the Basketball Hall of Fame’s 3×3 basketball tourney and festival slated for June 23-25 announced that Dunkin’ has joined the event’s sponsorship roster, leading the team as presenting sponsor of Hooplandia.

Dunkin’ is the world’s leading baked-goods and coffee chain, serving more than 3 million customers every day.

“We are thrilled to support an event that will bring together players of all ages and abilities for a sport that is so much a part of our DNA here in Western Massachusetts,” said Peter Martins, local Dunkin’ franchisee. “We look forward to working with Eastern States Exposition and the Basketball Hall of Fame to make this a terrific experience for players and fans alike.”

The 3×3 tournament will bring players from throughout New England and beyond to the hometown of basketball, as participants, spectators, and fans celebrate the sport’s heritage through a weekend of entertainment and healthy competition.

“Continuing the commemoration of our local region, there is no better way to highlight the Northeast than teaming up with an organization as beloved as Dunkin’,” ESE President and CEO Gene Cassidy said. “Everyone knows that America runs on Dunkin’, and now, so does Hooplandia.”

Registrations for elite and recreational players will be accepted through June 19. To register a team or learn more about the festival, visit www.hooplandia.com.

Chris Marion Celebrates Grand Opening of Studio in Springfield

By BusinessWest Staff May 12, 2023

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield native Chris Marion announced the grand opening of the new Chris Marion Photography studio, located at 270 Albany St. in Springfield, will be held on Thursday, May 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 6 p.m. The ceremony will include brief remarks, with appearances by Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, City Council President Jesse Lederman, and other local dignitaries.

“While I’m probably most noted for my work with the NBA, much of my work includes portraiture and commercial photography, which will be the focus of the new studio,” Marion said.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Marion and preview the new, 1,000-square-foot studio. He has also recently used the space to hold photography workshops. Marion said he chose the location to be a part of the surging Gasoline Alley section of the city and its proximity to downtown Springfield.

Food will be provided by the other small businesses located on the Gasoline Alley campus, including Nosh and Monsoon Coffee Roasters. Beer will be provided by Loophole Brewing, and there will be live music by Charlie Diamond.

Freedom Credit Union Accepting Donations to Provide a Bed for Every Child

By BusinessWest Staff May 12, 2023

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Understanding that a good night’s sleep is essential for children’s health, growth, and development, Freedom Credit Union is again partnering with the Pioneer Valley Chapter of the Cooperative Credit Union Assoc. to help provide ‘A Bed for Every Child’ throughout the Pioneer Valley. Through May 31, the community is invited to make cash donations at any Freedom branch.

“We believe every child deserves the opportunity to get a good night’s sleep in a warm and comfortable bed of their own,” Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch said. “This is a cause that is near and dear to the hearts of our members and staff, who all give generously every year to help ensure sweet dreams for all the children in our region.”

This effort began in 2011 when the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless learned that many public-school students were not getting enough sleep because they did not have their own beds. In response, they launched A Bed for Every Child with a mission to help children get the restful sleep they need to learn and succeed. To date, more than 14,250 children have been helped.

Every $350 allows for a ‘Bed Buddy’ package, which provides one child with a complete bed set. Freedom welcomes cash donations of any amount.

Southwick Is Building Momentum — Literally

By Contributor May 12, 2023

Community Spotlight Special Coverage

Community Spotlight

By Mark Morris

Doug Moglin and Heather Kies stand at the construction site for Whalley Computer Associates’ 85,000-square-foot addition.

When Whalley Computer Associates in Southwick recently broke ground for a new 85,000-square-foot warehouse and office addition, Doug Moglin said the company was making a statement about its commitment to the town.

“We’ve been operating in Southwick for 44 years, and the new facility represents our investment in the next 25 to 30 years,” said Moglin, vice president for Whalley’s OEM business.

While many of its customers are based in New England, Whalley sells all over the U.S. and internationally. Warehousing is essential because a big part of the business involves acquiring various types of computer equipment from manufacturers, customizing it to clients’ specific needs, and then shipping out the final product. All of that requires space, which can present a challenge. Moglin gave an example of a national retail chain that needed new servers, a case that explains the need for the expansion.

“One day, 8,000 servers showed up to our near-capacity warehouse,” he explained. “And because only eight servers fit on each pallet, it quickly became a math problem.”

The company currently uses warehouse space in Westfield to handle the overflow, but the need keeps growing. For several years, senior managers had discussed building more warehouse capacity on the parcels that surround Whalley’s main facility in Southwick. Supply-chain issues during the pandemic accelerated those discussions.

“Supply-chain reliability is a concern for our customers, so having components on hand is a huge benefit,” Moglin explained. “Having the capacity to hold more inventory brings additional customers to us because, instead of buying direct from manufacturers or companies like ours out of the area, they have a local resource that provides better service and better support.”

Heather Kies, marketing manager for Whalley, called its evolution “a great story of a company that’s growing but still staying in its hometown.”

The Southwick Select Board and the Massachusetts Office of Business Development worked with Whalley to secure a tax-increment financing (TIF) agreement.

Russell Fox, chair of the Select Board and a selectman for most of the past 40 years, said the TIF was well worth the effort to keep the project in Southwick. Under the agreement, Whalley has agreed to add to the 200 workers it currently employs. “The Whalley project is all positive news for Southwick,” Fox said.

“The reconfiguration addresses the concerns of people who don’t want a huge operation. I think it’s a good way to use this industrially zoned parcel.”

In another part of town, the Planning Board is now considering a reconfiguration of the site where a Carvana facility was once proposed but then shot down by residents over concerns of increased traffic along College Highway. Now the same area has been redrawn as five separate lots, with some facing the road and smaller lots positioned in the back of the parcel. Fox sees the new plan as a great compromise.

“The reconfiguration addresses the concerns of people who don’t want a huge operation. I think it’s a good way to use this industrially zoned parcel,” Fox said, adding that, when new businesses occupy that parcel, it will help the town make its case to add a traffic light at the Tannery Road intersection.

Moving forward, the town’s goal is to continue decades of work to create an attractive balance. Fox noted that, while Southwick is known as a recreational community — it is home to the Congamond Lakes, a successful motocross track, and two golf courses — it is also a town that wants and needs to continually grow its business community.

Overall, it strives to be a community where people can play, work, and live, with new housing developments under construction and others set to come off the drawing board, as we’ll see later.

For this, the latest installment of its Community Spotlight series, BusinessWest takes an in-depth look at Southwick and how this community on the Connecticut border is building momentum — in all kinds of ways.

Getting Down to Business

A key agenda item at the upcoming Southwick town meeting in May involves bringing fiber optics into town to handle its cable-TV and internet services.

The process involves forming a municipal light plant, which voters approved at a special town meeting last fall. A second vote for the plant will be taken at the May meeting. Fox pointed out that the municipal light plant is an entity in name only. If the second vote is successful, Southwick will begin interviewing firms to install and maintain the fiber-optic network. Whip City Fiber in Westfield will be among the companies under consideration.

“We’re telling all bidders that they must cover the entire town and not just the densely populated neighborhoods; that’s a non-negotiable point,” he said. “We are a community, so everyone must have access.”

The fiber-optic network is considered an important step forward for the community, one that will bring faster, more reliable service to existing residential and business customers, and provide one more selling point as town leaders continue their work to attract more employers, across a wide range of sectors.

Diane DeMarco has a special trade-show display room to help clients pick the right materials for their needs.

The town already boasts a large and growing business community, one that is served by the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, which has increased its membership among Southwick businesses, a sign of growth both in Southwick and in the chamber.

Indeed, last year, the chamber reported 13 members from Southwick, while this year, that number has grown to 20.

Diane DeMarco, owner of Spotlight Graphics in Southwick, is a long-time chamber member. For 10 years, the company has provided area businesses with logo signage, trade-show materials, and graphic vehicle wrapping, among many other services offered.

When COVID hit, Spotlight lost a few clients when it was forced to shut down. Since then, DeMarco reports she has gained back many more clients than she lost. “Business has been very good for us. We have new clients coming on board, and word of mouth about us is spreading.”

She credits customer loyalty through the years thanks to the relationships she and her staff have built. “Our customers aren’t buying their graphics from a company; they are working with Allie, David, or Diane,” she said, listing long-time employees at the business.

In addition to offering full-service, quality work, Spotlight Graphics is a nationally certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) and certified by the state as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE). DeMarco explained the state designation has led to work from clients who are required to do business with DBE firms as part of their state contract. She described it as a win-win.

“The client is fulfilling their contractual requirement for the state by working with a woman-owned business, and they are getting a quality product at a fair price,” she said.

While DeMarco competes with online graphic firms that offer cheaper prices, she’s not worried because they often can’t match Spotlight’s quality.

Southwick at a glance

Year Incorporated: 1770
Population: 9,232
Area: 31.7 square miles
County: Hampden
Residential Tax Rate: $16.11
Commercial Tax Rate: $16.11
Median Household Income: $52,296
Family Household Income: $64,456
Type of Government: Open Town Meeting; Select Board
Largest Employers: Big Y; Whalley Computer Associates; Southwick Regional School District
*Latest information available

“Sometimes a client will buy an inexpensive retractable banner stand or go for the cheap price on a poster,” she said. “Then, when the stand breaks or the poster is the wrong color, they come to us to get it done right.”

In fact, Spotlight clients can see and touch the quality of banner stands and other graphic materials at its trade-show display room. DeMarco said online and print catalogs provide only an approximate idea of the size and quality of trade-show materials.

“People who are new to trade shows or have to revamp their current displays like to stop by because they can see the actual items they would use and get answers to their questions from our staff.”

No Place Like Home

While its business community continues to grow, Southwick is experiencing residential growth as well.

Indeed, the Greens of Southwick, a housing development located on both sides of College Highway on the former Southwick Country Club property, is nearing completion. With 25 lots on the west side and 38 on the east side, only a handful of parcels remain for this custom-built home development.

Fox appreciated the quality of the homes that added to the number of new residences in Southwick. “The developers did a tremendous job with the houses there,” he said. “The whole project is a real asset to our town.”

Next up for new housing, a 100-unit condominium complex has been approved at Depot and Powder Mill roads. While construction has not yet started, the town has already secured a grant to install sidewalks around the perimeter of the eventual construction. Fox said the sidewalks make sense because the location of the condos is an active area.

“The sidewalk will connect to Whalley Park, the rail trail, the Southwick Recreation Center, and to the schools at the other end of Powder Ridge,” he explained.

In Southwick, much of today’s activity is as much about the future as it is about the present.

As Moglin noted about Whalley Computer’s building addition, “this is not a 2024 investment; this is a 2044 investment, and beyond.”

The same can be said of the fiber-optic network soon to be built, the plans to divide and then develop the site eyed by Carvana, and the many housing projects in various stages of development.

In short, this is a community with expanding horizons, both literally and figuratively.

LiftTruck Marks 35 Years of Handling Change, Opportunity

By George O'Brien May 12, 2023

Features

Material Growth

As LiftTruck celebrates 35 years, Kara Sotolotto says, its focus is on continuing to grow its many business operations and building on an already-solid foundation.

Kara Sotolotto says she essentially grew up in her family’s business, LiftTruck Parts & Service Inc. in West Springfield.

She remembers doing a little bit of everything for this company — founded by her father, Mario C. Sotolotto, which specializes in forklift and lift-truck sales, maintenance, parts, rentals, and more — but especially the vast amounts of paperwork that have long since been replaced by computer files. This included handling work orders, parts inventory (something that is still done by hand), calling customers, and much more. It seemed there was something new every day, and, collectively, those various assignments have prepared her for her current and somewhat new role, as the company’s vice president, a title she shares with her brother, Mario A. Sotolotto.

She was still waiting for her new business cards when she talked with BusinessWest, but she has already eased into the role, which will see her work with other family members (and there are many of them) and other employees to chart a course for future growth for this venture, which this year celebrates 35 years in business.

It is marking this milestone in a mostly quiet fashion — but also with charitable donations each quarter, including one recently to Baystate Children’s Hospital — and by essentially doing what it has been doing from the start, Kara Sotolotto said — taking care of the many different needs of its clients, mostly manufacturers and distributors located across the Bay State, but also in Connecticut and Rhode Island.

Over the years, the company has expanded well beyond its West Springfield roots, opening an office in Brockton to better serve customers in the eastern part of the state, including Cape Cod and the islands, as well as Rhode Island. Looking forward, she said the company is looking at possible additional expansion in the Worcester area, with a location to house what she called a ‘green division,’ dedicated to sales and service of battery-powered BYD material-handling equipment (more on that later).

Overall, though, the business plan calls for shifting more of the day-to-day responsibilities of managing the company to the second generation, Sotolotto explained, as well as simply building on the solid foundation created over the past 35 years, one that has enabled the company to thrive in a sector with many competitors.

Indeed, when asked how LiftTruck manages to stand out in such a crowded field, she said simply, “our service and our mechanics; these are mechanics that everyone likes and trusts, and they really know their stuff.

“He started from the ground up with a few mechanics, who are actually still with us today, and one person in the office.”

“Also, our lines,” she went on, adding that, while many competitors will sell one or a few brands, LiftTruck handles many labels and many options when it comes to how machines are powered — from propane to electric.

It is this ability to provide clients with choices, but also reliable, quality service, that has both enabled the company to thrive for the past 35 years and positioned it for continued success for the next 35.

Getting a Lift

As she offered BusinessWest a tour of the LiftTruck facilities and posed for a few pictures, Sotolotto pointed to a Clark forklift — vintage 1948, by her estimate — that was at the shop for some maintenance. It’s not really used anymore, and she believes it is one of the items on display at a small museum at Barnes Airport in Westfield.

While it is not in active service, the company services many pieces of equipment dating back to the ’60s and even the ’50s that still are, she said, adding that fork trucks, depending on how much they are used, can run for decades, and most clients are determined to get their money’s worth out of their machines.

But there are challenges to servicing such long-lasting pieces of equipment.

“These forklifts were built like tanks because they were used in the military,” she explained, referring to the older Clark machines. “The trouble is, it comes to a point where you can’t find parts for them; there are times when we can have people fabricate the parts for them, but once you get to certain big parts, like cylinders, you have to give in.”

Helping companies keep their machines running as long and as efficiently as possible has become one of the many trademarks of this company, which was started by the elder Mario Sotolotto in 1987.

As Kara explained, her father worked for Northeast Clarklift, joining his father-in-law there, and starting in the parts department and moving up the ladder. He eventually decided to take all that he had learned and start his own venture, one that would focus on all aspects of this competitive business — including sales of new and used machines, service, parts, forklift training, rentals, and more.

“He started from the ground up with a few mechanics, who are actually still with us today, and one person in the office,” she said, adding that the company has enjoyed steady, consistent growth over the years.

This is a family business, she added with conviction in her voice, noting that there are many members of her family who are involved, including her father, the company’s president, who, she said, “likes to keep involved in all aspects of the business,” as well as his uncle, Sales Manager Anthony Sotolotto.

There’s also her brother, Mario, who works mostly out the Brockton facility, and focuses on the sales and everyday operations sides of the business, while Kara is focused more on the back end of the operation — accounting, receiving equipment, managing the West Springfield facility, and talking with the press.

As noted, this is a multi-faceted business, with several components and revenue streams.

On the sales side, the company handles a number of manufacturers, including Clark, Komatsu, Doosan, Heli, and the most recent addition, BYD, which offers machines that run on iron phosphate batteries, Kara said, noting that buyers have a number of options these days in terms of both brands and how machines are powered.

Indeed, while gas-, propane-, and diesel-powered vehicles are still popular, this sector, like the automotive industry, is moving aggressively toward more electric vehicles.

“A lot of people are switching over to electric forklifts,” she explained. “It’s more economical for them, and it’s better for the environment; they’re becoming more and more popular.”

Looking ahead, Sotolotto said the company is strongly considering creation of that aforementioned ‘green division,’ one that will focus on the BYD line and likely be based in the central part of the state so it can effectively serve all corners of the Commonwealth.

“Having a facility to at least store all of our electric lifts and maybe have a few mechanics operate out of there would be great,” she told BusinessWest. “This is definitely something we’ve been talking about and moving toward; it’s a logical next step.”

The sales side of the business has been steady, she added, and it received a somewhat unexpected boost during COVID, when rentals were harder to come by (just as rental cars were) and many customers decided to buy instead — if they could find machines to buy.

And overall sales remain steady as customers seek to replace machines that hit a certain number of hours.

Meanwhile, the machine-rental side of the business remains solid as well, she said, noting that businesses will rent equipment for a day, a few weeks, a quarter, or for much longer stretches depending on need. To mark its 35th anniversary, the company is donating 10% of its rental revenue to various charities, including Baystate Children’s Hospital, each quarter.

The service side of the operation is another key contributor to the company’s overall success, Sotolotto said, noting that clients need their machines to operate successfully, and LiftTruck’s ability to provide reliable service has been another of its hallmarks.

Lock and Load

These various parts contribute to the whole, she said, adding that LiftTruck has much to celebrate as it marks its milestone anniversary this year.

Mostly, it is celebrating what has become a family, or a bigger family, to be more precise, one that includes several people related to one another, but also others who have been part of this operation for years — in many cases, 35 years.

Together, they have made this venture an uplifting success story — in every sense of that phrase.

Despite Deposit, Rate Challenges, Banks Remain on Solid Footing

By Contributor May 12, 2023

Banking and Financial Services

Checks and Balances

By Mark Morris

About a year into the pandemic, banks found themselves in a strange position.

When the federal government pumped stimulus and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) money into the economy to help consumers and businesses regain their footing, it created an unprecedented glut of deposits.

In normal times, banks would have celebrated the excess in the form of making more loans — and generating more revenue — but these were different times. Consumers and businesses kept their money in banks to take advantage of FDIC protection while they figured out their next moves.

Despite record-low interest rates, uncertainty from the pandemic also resulted in reduced loan activity. When deposits sit idle, banks don’t generate revenue — or profits. As one executive noted at the time, all these deposits became a burden, a concept that went against everything they were taught about banking.

Another executive said simply, “back then, cash was a four-letter word.”

“There’s a rate battle these days because, with higher interest rates, we have to offer more generous rates on CDs to keep deposits here and attract new funds.”

Mary McGovern

Things began to change by the third and fourth quarter of last year as excess deposits began flowing out. Some people withdrew money to pay for increases in daily living expenses, while other depositors sought to move their money into financial products that pay higher rates than banks.

As a result, what was once a problem of too much liquidity became a matter of banks competing for deposits.

“There’s a rate battle these days because, with higher interest rates, we have to offer more generous rates on CDs to keep deposits here and attract new funds,” said Mary McGovern, executive vice president and chief financial and operating officer for Country Bank.

Jeff Sullivan, president and CEO of New Valley Bank, added that, with excess liquidity a thing of the past, his staff is working harder to bring in deposits because demand for loans remains strong for his four-year-old institution.

“If we can raise new deposits, we can keep generating new loans and keep growing our franchise,” he noted.

These forces have been compounded by recent events in the banking world, which was rocked in March when Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) failed and was shut down by the state of California. News like that can create panic in bank customers everywhere. The bankers BusinessWest spoke with all said they communicated with their respective customers early and often to allay any fears.

“When I saw the news about Silicon Valley Bank, I sent emails and text blasts to our members to let them know everything was safe, secure, and that we are well-capitalized,” said Michael Ostrowski, president and CEO of Arrha Credit Union. He also credited the Massachusetts Division of Banks for calling every institution to make sure there were no problems.

Sullivan agreed the industry did a good job preventing a bigger problem.

“We certainly made phone calls with our customers and communicated as much as we could,” he said. “As a result, we did not see any outflows caused by people worried about the system.”

Dan Moriarty, president and CEO of Monson Savings Bank, said the deposit spend-down, along with higher interest rates for loans, particularly mortgages, have caused a paradigm shift.

“If we can raise new deposits, we can keep generating new loans and keep growing our franchise.”

Jeff Sullivan

“Most banks have seen a drop in their residential mortgage business due to higher interest rates, low inventory of available houses, and the high cost of houses,” he explained. “So we are seeing a couple different forces at play, and that’s a dramatic change compared even to last year.”

For this issue and its focus on banking and financial services, BusinessWest looks at these colliding forces and how they are impacting local banks — or not, as the case may be.

Points of Interest

The foundation of the banking system has long been the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which insures accounts up to $250,000, an amount that provides sufficient protection for most people. McGovern noted that, in today’s banking world, people with higher assets don’t usually keep their money in one place.

There are situations, however, when FDIC coverage isn’t enough for an account. For example, a small business that keeps its payroll in a savings bank or a consumer who has sold a house or other large transaction can exceed the FDIC limit.

To address those needs, Country Bank and Monson Savings Bank are two of 78 savings banks in Massachusetts that take part in the Depositors Insurance Fund. The DIF is supplemental insurance to protect deposited amounts that exceed $250,000. McGovern and Moriarty said having the extra protection of the DIF gives everyone peace of mind.

“We made sure to educate our customers that all the deposits in Country Bank, even the ones over $250,000, are safe and insured,” McGovern said.

“Because Monson Savings has both FDIC and DIF, it calmed a lot of nerves during the weekend when Silicon Valley Bank failed,” Moriarty added. “We had conversations with some of our customers, but their concerns quickly subsided.”

Having conversations with clients and explaining acronyms like FDIC and DIF has become a somewhat unexpected addition to the workload for area banks, which have been placed in a situation of explaining what has happened at SVB and other institutions, and why the fallout has not extended to the smaller community banks populating this market.

Indeed, those we spoke with pointed out that Silicon Valley Bank’s troubles stemmed from mismanagement and went against the norms of good banking practices. “By contrast, the bankers in our area do things the right way, and the regulators do a good job, too,” Ostrowski said.

Silicon Valley Bank also had a handful of customers with billions of dollars in deposits. Money movements by these few contributed to destabilizing the bank. When Silicon Valley failed, it provided an opportunity for McGovern to reassure Country Bank customers.

“We explained that we have $1.3 billion in deposits, and we are in sound financial condition,” she said. “We have a diversified depository clientele, so there was no risk of large outflows of the kind Silicon Valley experienced.”

“We are seeing a couple different forces at play, and that’s a dramatic change compared even to last year.”

Dan Moriarty

While local bankers remain mostly unscathed by these highly publicized events, they are keeping their focus on raising deposits and managing the fallout from increases in interest rates.

Ostrowski noted that first-time homebuyers face perhaps the sternest challenge because housing prices are at an all-time high and interest rates are higher than they’ve been in recent years.

“Young people buying their first home have never experienced anything but very low interest rates,” he said, adding that today’s mortgage rates of 6% to 7% aren’t exceedingly high, but when combined with high housing prices, they can keep buyers on the sidelines.

Still, while loan volume might be down, mortgage activity continues.

“People are still moving and buying houses,” McGovern said. “Many are taking out adjustable mortgages thinking that rates may adjust down.”

In recent years, many homeowners refinanced their mortgages to take advantage of the low interest rates. Sullivan pointed out there’s no incentive for people to pursue refinancing today. “The folks who refinanced at 3% a few years ago are obviously not looking to do it again at today’s rates.”

By All Accounts

Even with the challenges they face, the bankers we spoke with remain optimistic. Interest rates have begun to stabilize and, in some cases, go down.

“We may find that the crisis at Silicon Valley and the other banks may have caused a credit pullback and stabilized the market without the federal government having to raise interest rates,” McGovern said.

Sullivan predicted there may be smaller bumps in the road, but nothing of the magnitude of SVB in the near future.

While the remainder of the year looks slow and steady on the retail side at Monson Savings, Moriarty believes there may be better news on the commercial side of his business.

“We’ve been hearing that some areas of manufacturing are still robust,” he said. “There could be opportunities for us if a manufacturer decides to expand or purchase some new machinery.”

Despite all the challenges local bankers have seen, they are moving forward in a strong position.

“The system is working correctly, just as it was designed,” Ostrowski said. “That’s important to hear because people need to have trust in our financial system. The good news is, it’s not going anywhere.”

Is a Recession Inevitable?

By Contributor May 12, 2023

Banking and Financial Services

And If There Is One, How Will It Affect You?

By Barbara Trombley, CPA

It seems as if we have been waiting for a recession for quite a while now. Economists initially thought 2022 would bring a recession. Certainly, it seemed as if a recession was inevitable as the stock market (S&P 500) dropped more than 19% in 2022.

But, by definition, a recession never occurred. Many people think that two consecutive quarters of negative GDP define a recession. Technically, this is not true. The National Bureau of Economic Research considers a wide range of economic indicators when declaring a recession rather than only negative GDP. It defines a recession as “a significant decline in economic activity that is spread across the economy and that lasts for more than a few months.”

Warning signals often precede a recession. The U.S. economy has slowed from January through March of this year to just a 1.1% annual pace. Business inventories have reduced; companies usually slash inventories when they anticipate a downturn. Employment also declines before a recession. I would argue that we have started to see this decline with the large layoffs in the tech industry by companies such as Meta, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. Higher interest rates have slowed housing sales, and rents are stabilizing. Compounding these economic signs is the debt-ceiling debate; House Republicans say they will raise the debt limit in exchange for sharp reductions in spending.

“The Fed is walking a tightrope of slowing inflation and trying to prevent further damage to our economy.”

Barbara Trombley

These signs, which we all can see, may just be the tip of the iceberg.

The actions of the Fed in the coming months may dictate the strength of the potential recession that we are facing. As we all now know, the U.S. has been experiencing critical inflation mainly because of the easy money that was distributed during the pandemic and the pent-up demand for consumer goods and travel after COVID.

The only way for the Fed to combat inflation has been to raise interest rates, making it more expensive for businesses and consumers to borrow money, thereby slowing the economy and lowering inflation. Unfortunately, inflation has been stubborn and has not decreased as quickly as the Fed would like. The quick rise in interest rates contributed to the bank failures that we have seen recently. The Fed is walking a tightrope of slowing inflation and trying to prevent further damage to our economy.

The main questions that people need to ask is how a recession may impact them and how to prepare. Unfortunately, many people lose jobs during recessions.

‘Recession-proof industries’ typically are unharmed. The medical field, education, and government jobs may be unaffected by a recession. If you do worry about the future of your job, have you saved emergency money to live on for a while? Can you network in your industry to see what other positions may be available if the worst-case scenario occurs and you lose your job?

How about your bank? Is it possible that it collapses as others have? Most people are aware that the FDIC insures deposits according to the ownership category in which the funds are insured and how the accounts are titled. The standard deposit-insurance coverage limit is $250,000 per depositor, per FDIC-insured bank, per ownership category. If you are still nervous, utilize the services of two or more banks.

“Credit is also reduced during recessions. Banks may be choosier about whom they loan to as unemployment rises. If you need a loan, be prepared to be scrutinized and pay a higher interest rate.”

Credit is also reduced during recessions. Banks may be choosier about whom they loan to as unemployment rises. If you need a loan, be prepared to be scrutinized and pay a higher interest rate. Tight lending leads to consumers putting off larger purchases, compounding the depth of the recession, as spending slows.

Many retirees worry about a recession and the impact of the stock market on their portfolios. A deep recession could mean a drastic drawdown in stock prices. Making knee-jerk reactions to economic situations never bodes well for the long term. It is impossible to time the market. Most retirees know that they need to stay invested to grow their assets to mitigate inflation. Having a conversation with your advisor to make sure that you are properly allocated to your risk tolerance is a good way to start. If you find yourself overly concerned, perhaps a portfolio adjustment is due. A proper allocation to bonds or ‘like’ investments is always a good idea in volatile times.

From political turmoil to world events, it is easy for investors and consumers to feel concerned. Stress and recession go hand in hand. Know that you can only control your own personal situation. Reassess your budget, evaluate your employment, and review your investments.

Historically, there have been many terrible things the world has endured. People still have money and plan for the future. The markets still function. Recessions are an unavoidable part of life, but are a precursor to an eventual healthy economy.

Barbara Trombley is a financial planner with Wilbraham-based Trombley Associates Investment and Retirement Planning. Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Trombley Associates, a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking investment advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.

Episode 163: May 22, 2023

BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar talks with Alison Berman, council director of Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts

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Episode 162: May 15, 2023

Joe Bednar talks with Paul Lambert, president and CEO of the SSO

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Getting Down to Business

Southwick at a glance

No Place Like Home

Material Growth

Getting a Lift

Lock and Load

Checks and Balances

Points of Interest

By All Accounts

And If There Is One, How Will It Affect You?

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