Home 2023 (Page 5)

Year: 2023

Agenda

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Agenda

Difference Makers Nominations

Through Dec. 8: Do you know someone who is truly making a difference in the Western Mass. region? BusinessWest invites you to nominate an individual or group for its 16th annual Difference Makers program. Nominations for the class of 2024 must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 8. Difference Makers was launched in 2009 as a way to recognize the contributions of agencies and individuals who are contributing to quality of life in this region. Past honorees have come from dozens of business and nonprofit sectors, proving there’s no limit to the ways people can impact their communities. Let us know who you think deserves to be recognized as a Difference Maker in our upcoming class by visiting businesswest.com/difference-makers-nomination-form to complete the nomination form. Honorees will be profiled in an upcoming issue of BusinessWest and celebrated at a gala in the spring.

 

Community Giving Initiative

Through Dec. 31: Monson Savings Bank (MSB) is inviting the public to submit their votes for the bank’s 2024 Community Giving Initiative. For more than a decade, MSB has sought the help of community members to plan the bank’s community giving activities. Each year, the bank encourages the public to vote for the nonprofit charitable organizations they would like the bank to support during the coming year. Everyone is welcome to cast their vote online at www.monsonsavings.bank/cgi. Voters may provide the names of up to three organizations they would like MSB to donate to in 2024. The only requirements are that a nominee is designated a nonprofit and provides services within the bank’s geography. Monson Savings Bank pledges to support the 10 organizations that receive the highest number of votes. The top 10 vote recipients will be announced by mid-January. Visitors to the voting page can also view a compiled list of organizations that the bank has supported in years past, as well as previously nominated organizations.

 

Women of Impact

Dec. 7: BusinessWest will honor its sixth annual Women of Impact at Sheraton Springfield. Tickets cost $95 per person, and tables of 10 are available. To purchase tickets, visit businesswest.com/womenofimpact. The class of 2023, profiled in the Oct. 16 issue of BusinessWest and at businesswest.com, are: Fredrika Ballard, president, Aero Design Aircraft Services and Fly Lugu Flight Training; Carla Cosenzi, president, TommyCar Auto Group; Arlyana Dalce-Bowie, CEO, Moms in Power; Sandra Doran, president, Bay Path University; Dr. Khama Ennis, founder, Faces of Medicine and Intentional Health, LLC; Dawn Forbes DiStefano, president and CEO, Square One; Amy Jamrog, CEO, the Jamrog Group; Michelle Theroux, CEO, Berkshire Hills Music Academy; and Lisa Zarcone, author, speaker, and child and mental-health advocate. The event is sponsored by Country Bank and TommyCar Auto Group (presenting sponsors) and Comcast Business (partner sponsor).

 

Eat, Drink, & Be Holyoke

Dec. 7: The Holyoke Rotary Club announced the return of Eat, Drink, & Be Holyoke, its premier tasting fundraiser and silent auction. The event will take place at the Holyoke City Hall Ballroom at 5:30 p.m. following the sealing of the Holyoke 150th-anniversary time capsule. Eat, Drink, & Be Holyoke will feature food prepared by 110 Grill, Amedeo’s, Crave, Fame, Hamel’s Summit View, Iona’s Kitchen, Kate’s Kitchen, Pics Pub, Rusty’s Place, the White Hut, and Woodstone Tavern. Additionally, Brennan’s Place will provide various alcohol tastings from local and regional breweries, wineries, and distilleries. Tickets cost $50 and can be purchased online at edbh.eventbrite.com. Proceeds will go toward supporting Rotary projects.

People on the Move

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People on the Move
Gene Kingsley

Gene Kingsley

Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) has named a cyber range manager for the Springfield Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (CCE) at Springfield Union Station. Following a comprehensive search, the college has hired Gene Kingsley, who will be responsible for a host of facility operations. Supported by local, state, and federal funding, the center is scheduled to open in 2024 and will serve as a regional center for Western Mass. and beyond. The CCE is a collaboration between STCC, the Springfield Redevelopment Authority, and CyberTrust Massachusetts. The 6,000-square-foot CCE will include a cyber range, which is a simulated training environment, and a security operations center, which will be a support for Massachusetts municipalities to detect cybersecurity events in real time and respond quickly. Students who train at the CCE could move into paid internships or employment, where they would work with professionals to confront the growing global problem of cybersecurity threats. Kingsley’s experience includes managing Information Security at Reliant Medical Group. He also served as director of the Security Operations Center at UMass Amherst. He holds a master’s degree in Communications and Information Management from the Graduate School at Bay Path College and an MBA from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Westfield State College and an associate degree from Holyoke Community College.

•••••

Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C. announced that Shareholder Michael Fenton has been named a Go To Lawyer in the area of Commercial Real Estate Law by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. Fenton joined the firm in 2012 and focuses his practice in the areas of commercial real estate, business planning, commercial finance, and estate planning. He represents principals in business formation and succession planning, businesses in the purchase and sale of enterprises, lenders and borrowers in commercial financing transactions, developers in the acquisition and permitting of projects, and individuals in establishing comprehensive and sophisticated estate plans. With a background in taxes and a master’s degree in business administration, Fenton provides added value to clients with business-planning concerns. In addition, he has extensive land-use experience that includes zoning, subdivision, project permitting and environmental matters. A significant part of his practice revolves around estate planning, and he develops sophisticated estate plans to facilitate access to public services and the preservation of assets. Fenton is a graduate of Western New England University (WNE) School of Law, where he was a publishing editor of the Law Review and an Oliver Wendell Holmes full-tuition merit scholar. He is an adjunct professor for Corporate Finance at WNE School of Law, where he is also a board member of the Center for Social Justice. He serves on the Baystate Medical Center Community Advisory Council and has served as a member of the Springfield City Council since 2010.

•••••

Kuhn Riddle Architects recently welcomed Salabat Khan and Ruoqi Zhong to its architectural team. Khan’s architectural interests began at MEASI Academy of Architecture in Chennai, India, where he acquired a strong foundation in design principles and cultivated his love for innovation. He completed his master of architecture degree at UMass Amherst in 2023. Khan’s approach to architecture is human-centric: he most enjoys creating designs that enhance the user’s quality of life and sense of belonging. His work is focused as well on contextual integration into the historic, cultural, and natural environment surrounding any project. Kuhn Riddle’s leadership noted that his collaborative design philosophy and appreciation of diverse perspectives integrates perfectly with that of the firm. KRA was recently awarded the prestigious Emerging Professionals Friendly designation from the American Institute of Architects. This award recognizes supporting emerging architects like Khan on their journey to registration and ultimate success in the architectural field. Ruoqi was drawn to Kuhn Riddle because she is inspired by architecture that connects to its surroundings, is public-oriented, and will make a positive difference in people’s lives. She will continue to follow her integrative, transformative design focus at KRA. She applies her expertise and attention to detail to K-12 educational projects, community organizations, and multi-family and private homes. Ruoqi received her bachelor of architecture degree in 2011 from Harbin Institute of Technology in Heilongjiang, China. In 2014 she was awarded two degrees at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champagne: master of architecture and master of science in civil and environmental engineering.

•••••

Nathan Dion

Garvey Communication Associates Inc. (GCAi) recently appointed Nathan Dion as digital PR analyst. Dion is an experienced video producer and is already telling local stories with GCAi’s new vlogging camera. Dion will continue to grow GCAi’s digital PR video services and subsidiary New England Corporate Video. He is a graduate of Westfield State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in communication with a dual concentration in media arts and analysis and public relations. He also minored in graphic design.

•••••

Square One recently elected a new slate of officers to its board of directors. The election was held at the agency’s annual meeting on Oct. 13. Taking on the role of chairperson is Corrine Ryan of Community Legal Aid. The vice chair seat will be filled by Colleen Stocks of Western Massachusetts Regional Women’s Correctional Center. Moving into the treasurer position is Julie Quink of Burkhart Pizzanelli, P.C. Jessica Dupont of HealthOne Alliance/Alliant Health Plans will serve as the board’s clerk. New to the full board of directors are Shenell Ford, Terry Maxey, Edward Nunez, Gillian Palmer, and Aundrea Paulk. They will join existing board members Andrea Hickson-Martin, Amy Selvia Smith, Lavar Click-Bruce, Leonard Underwood, Kate Kane, Ryan McCollum, and Peter Testori.

Company Notebook

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Company Notebook

Forest Park Zoo Wins Award for Education Programming

SPRINGFIELD — For the third time in as many years, the Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center has been nationally recognized for its innovative education programs. On Oct. 19, the zoo received the Educational Award of Excellence from the Zoological Assoc. of America for its zookeeper internship program. The program combines classroom and hands-on learning in a way that creates a well-rounded internship experience for college-aged students. In addition to providing basic care for the 225-plus animals that call the zoo their home, interns also participate in a 12-week professional-development curriculum and complete a capstone project. Weekly topics are selected by the zoo’s education and animal-care teams and cover a wide range of themes in the field of zoological studies. The program culminates with the enrichment capstone project, in which participants research a species to create an enrichment item based on the animal’s individual needs. Enrichment is an important component of an animal’s daily care and aims to provide mental or physical stimulation by encouraging natural behaviors. In December 2021, the zoo won the same award for its creation and implementation of the Kids Go Wild program, and in August 2021, Adams received the Janet McCoy Excellence in Public Education Award from the American Assoc. of Zookeepers for her work on Kids Go Wild.

 

Big Y Again Named a Best-in-State Employer

SPRINGFIELD — For the fifth year in a row, Big Y has been named a Forbes Best-in-state Employer. Honorees have been identified across all industries based upon an independent survey of employees who anonymously recommend their employers for this award. Employers, such as Big Y, neither have the knowledge of which employees are polled, nor do they have the ability to influence the results in any way. According to Forbes, employees are asked to rate their willingness to recommend their own employers to friends and family. Employees are also asked to give their opinions on a series of statements surrounding topics such as working conditions, salary, potential for development, and company image. Big Y’s award spans 25 different industries.

 

LightHouse Holyoke to Acquire Sons of Zion Building

HOLYOKE — LightHouse Holyoke is in the process of acquiring the Sons of Zion building at 378 Maple St. to become its permanent home. LightHouse Holyoke is a 501(c)(3), accredited school founded in 2015. It began a partnership with Holyoke Public Schools in 2017 and now works with four public districts along with private-pay families on a sliding scale. With a foundation in social justice, LightHouse offers a transformational educational experience for students in grades 6-12 who are seeking a new way to experience school. Over the past eight years, LightHouse has supported nearly 150 students to not just graduate high school, but to redefine their relationship to learning. More than half were either already dropped out of high school or at high risk to not graduate. LightHouse’s vision is to be a reflection of a world where young people are celebrated for their individual gifts and identities and where all people are invited to learn with each other, from each other, and for each other, guided by a shared goal of connection and responsibility. It believes that transformative education is a key to this future. Current enrollment is 75 students; in the new building, LightHouse aims to increase enrollment to 100-120 students. With the support of Mass Development, it has completed a robust feasibility study, including multiple environmental reports. It has initial drawings from an architect and is prepared to close on the four-lot parcel in January 2024. The current vision for two of the currently vacant lots is to create an urban food forest, open to the community. The cost estimate for the total project is approximately $4 million. Occupancy is expected by September 2025.

 

Greater Westfield Chamber Announces 2023 Awards

WESTFIELD — The Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce announced its annual award winners for 2023. The Business of the Year Award is being presented jointly to Westfield Barnes Regional Airport and the 104th Fighter Wing of the Massachusetts Air National Guard. The Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Kimberley Betts of Betts Plumbing & Heating Supply. Westfield On Weekends earned the Nonprofit of the Year Award, and the Member of the Year Award is being presented to Rick Rheault of Integrity Merchant Solutions. The awards were presented at the chamber’s annual meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 15 at Shaker Farms Country Club.

 

Chamber of Greater Easthampton Receives WorkHub on Union Grant

EASTHAMPTON — The Chamber of Greater Easthampton announced that its new entrepreneurial initiative, WorkHub on Union, received a significant boost with a recent award: a $50,000 Collaborative Workspace Program Fit-Out Grant. This is the second grant the chamber has received for this project from the Executive Office of Economic Development, MassDevelopment, and the Collaborative Workspace Grant Program. This latest grant is an addition to the $100,000 in state funding, bringing the total of local and state funds raised to date to $230,000.

 

Country Bank Donates $42,000 to 21 Area Senior Centers

WARE — Country Bank recently announced donations to 21 local senior centers throughout the region, totaling $42,000. These donations are made without restriction for necessary items that may not be met within the centers’ annual budgets. “We are so fortunate to have a community partner like Country Bank,” said John Zienowicz, executive director of Ware Senior Center. “Countless members of their staff have volunteered at our events and special projects that have ranged from holiday parties at the senior center to personally delivering boxes of food items to seniors in need. This donation helps to sustain our meal program, which, over the past five years, has provided in excess of 38,000 home-cooked meals for the seniors. Their commitment to service, volunteerism, and community is what makes Country Bank the gold standard when it comes to being true difference makers.” In addition to its annual monetary support, Country Bank also sends teams of employees to volunteer at local senior centers on a monthly basis.

 

LiftTruck Launches Fundraiser to Benefit Head Start

WEST SPRINGFIELD — LiftTruck Parts & Service Inc., a local, family-owned business, launched its 2023 Fill a Forklift fundraiser to benefit Head Start Brockton and Holyoke Chicopee Springfield (HCS) Head Start. For 35 years, LiftTruck has been a family-owned business providing forklift sales, rentals, parts, and service to the Massachusetts, Cape Cod, Connecticut, and Rhode Island areas. LiftTruck invites the community to help it raise funds throughout November and December, as it will be collecting monetary donations at its Brockton and West Springfield locations and accepting donations online. Head Start Brockton and HCS Head Start aim to provide family and parent support and opportunities for families to engage in a child’s education. Since its inception in 1965, Head Start has improved the lives of more than 32 million children and their families.

 

Country Bank, Bank Director Announce Fully Certified Board

WARE — James Phaneuf, Country Bank board chair, announced that the bank’s board of directors recently became the first fully certified board through Bank Director’s certification program. The certification provides participants with a thorough grounding in corporate governance and important industry issues that enhance the performance of individual directors. The board completed the comprehensive training program this past year and was certified in September. Participants must complete 31 designated online training videos and board briefs focused on the role of the board, audit and risk, compensation, governance, and fiduciary responsibilities. In addition to Bank Director’s online training series, participants must attend a day-long corporate-governance workshop in the Bank Director certification program or, alternatively, complete a virtual version of the program. Completing the program and becoming a certified bank director sends a clear message to state and federal regulators that board members take their fiduciary duties seriously and want to be top-performing members of the bank’s board.

 

Second Chance Animal Services Named a Top-Rated Nonprofit

EAST BROOKFIELD — Second Chance Animal Services has been named a 2023 Top-Rated Nonprofit by GreatNonprofits, a leading website for community recommendations of charities and nonprofits. Second Chance offers programs and services that help more than 44,000 pets a year to live better lives. The Top-Rated Nonprofit award is based on the rating and number of reviews that Second Chance received from volunteers, donors, and aid recipients. In one review, a volunteer shared that “I have been a volunteer with Second Chance for the past couple of years and continue to be impressed with how hard they work to not only help and care for the animals they rescue, but also the resources they give to animal owners in the communities they serve, from veterinary services to vaccine clinics, pet grooming, food banks, and more. They truly are an impressive organization.”

 

Market Mentors Raises $4,000 for Breast-cancer Programs

SPRINGFIELD — As part of its 20th-anniversary recognition, Market Mentors LLC, a fully integrated marketing, advertising, and public-relations agency, brought back its annual Pink Day campaign to raise funds for Baystate Health Foundation to support breast-cancer research and services. Selling MM Pink Day 2023 T-shirts, the agency raised a total of $4,000. Participating companies included Adams & Ruxton; Allied Flooring, Paint and Design; Belt Technologies Inc.; BusinessWest; Cornerstone Bank; Dowd Insurance Agencies; EffecTV (Comcast); Excel Dryer; Freedom Credit Union; Giombetti Associates; Girard Heating & Air Conditioning; Koopman Lumber; Louis & Clark Pharmacy; Millennium Press; Noonan Energy; Prime Media; PDC Inc.; the Recorder; the Republican; Vlier Inc.; Western Mass News; and Women’s Health Associates.

 

 

Skoler Abbott Receives Empowering Women Award

SPRINGFIELD — Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C., a labor and employment law firm serving employers in the Greater Springfield area, has been named to Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s inaugural Empowering Women list. The award recognizes Skoler Abbott for its strong commitment to hiring and promoting women, providing mentoring and opportunities for professional advancement to women attorneys, and establishing programs and policies to help women attorneys thrive professionally. Skoler Abbott was the only law firm in Western Mass. to receive this honor.

 

Home City Development Begins Construction on Apartments

PELHAM — Home City Development Inc. (HCDI) has begun construction of 34 new affordable apartments on a previously developed site in Pelham. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Nov. 2 at 20 Amherst Road, Pelham. Consisting of one-, two-, and three-bedroom rental apartments in two buildings, Amethyst Brook Apartments provides modern amenities in a quiet, rural setting for households earning up to 60% of area median income. The buildings are designed to meet Energy Star and Passive House energy-performance standards. The property will contain charging stations for electric vehicles and roof-mounted solar panels. Along with local jobs, construction spending, and increased property taxes, this professionally managed property is expected to make significant contributions to the town of Pelham. HCDI was awarded most of the project funding from the Commonwealth’s Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. In addition, HCDI received Community Preservation Act funds from the town of Pelham and construction and permanent loans from Easthampton Savings Bank. Other funders include Community Economic Development Assistance Corp., Massachusetts Housing Investment Corp., and Dorfman Capital. The development team includes Architecture Environment Life; Western Builders; development consultant Gerry Joseph; Tierney Development Services; Berkshire Design Group; Shatz, Schwartz, and Fentin, P.C.; Klein-Hornig LLP; O’Reilly, Talbot and Okun; and many other partners.

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and/or trade names were issued or renewed during the months of October and November 2023.

PITTSFIELD

All Star Cuts 2
397 North St.
Henry Martinez

All-Ways Vending LLC
241 West Housatonic St.
James Hespelein

Behavior Vibes LLC
82 Wendell Ave.
Justin McGrath

Berkshire Book Nook
100 Wendell Ave.
Maricelli Torres

Caribbean Moments
5 Ridge Ave.
Rhonda Serre

Cash Buyers
82 Wendell Ave.
Blue Lobster Management LLC

Castlegate Property Management
390 Fenn St.
LND Investments LLC

Cloud Nine Visions
5 Cheshire Road
Cloud Nine Visions LLC

Corrine Vaughn
103 Elm St.
Corrine Vaughn

CVS Pharmacy #257
107 West St.
CVS Pharmacy Inc.

Daniel V. Sollecito, Esq., Attorney at Law Retired
23 Abbott St.
Daniel Sollecito

DC Enterprises LLC
34 Meleca Ave.
Jason Dargi

A Familiar Face
101 Oliver Ave.
Jean Hamilton

Green River Bookkeeping
1064½ Holmes Road
Lighten Business Services

Ill Mindsets
268 Highland Ave.
Kurtis Gero

Karen’s Hair Studio
70 Broad St.
Peter Bondini

Market 32 by Price Chopper
555 Hubbard Ave.
Price Chopper Operating Co. of Massachusetts Inc.

On-the-Go Canine Co.
259 Onota St.
Kamea Quetti Hall

Osterman Propane
5 Cheshire Road
Superior Plus Propane

Pal Scientific LLC
50 Vinal Ave.
Sandhya Palakurthi

Serre Solutions
5 Ridge Ave.
Rhonda Serre

Those Guys Yard Cleaning and Minor Maintenance
253 Wahconah St.
William Buckley

Tip Top Cleaners
43 West Union St.
Miranda Perez

Vending M’s
14 Franklin St.
David Benle

SOUTH HADLEY

7-Eleven
46 Newton St.
7 Eleven Inc.

The Boathouse
1 Alvord St.
Rovaye Hospitality LLC

Lisa A. Uyehara, M.D.
23 College St.
Lisa Uyehara

Loomis Village
246 North Main St.
Loomis Communities Inc.

Thai Place
480 Granby Road
77 Number Mon Corp.

WESTFIELD

Al’s Tire Shop
918 Southampton Road
Lou Jean Inc.

Bill Sitler Recording Service
165 City View Road
William Sitler

Boston Bay Pizza
73 Elm St.
Alya Food Inc.

Coggin Creek Stables
1008 Granville Road
Brenda Coggin

Dime Online
21 Linden Ave.
Glen Lusignan

Epoxy Pro Solutions
210 Bates Road
Dustin Taudal

Family Jungle Entertainment
2 Clinton Ave.
Roboham Rivera

Goyette Property Service
240 Buck Pond Road
Parker Goyette

GTG Plumbing & Heating
7 Stuart Place
Guy Guatreau

Human Atlas Trucking LLC
142 Yeoman Ave.
Matthew Perrier

Hydro Heal Corp.
10 Nancy Circle
Rosa Rodriguez, Sandra Lara

Patton Firearms
24 Old Holyoke Road
Michael Patton

Rope Performance LLC
501 Southampton Road
Pedro Leon

Sleepy Bee Gardens
43 Dee Path Lane
Katherine Guildner

Srattner Painting LLC
48 Marla Circle
Gregory Srattner

Susie Read Photography
33 Hassler St.
Walton Read LLC

The Tasty Dessert Bars
402 Montgomery Road
Art Jannakas

Tim’s Drywall LLC
919 Southampton Road, C4
Tim Mongeau

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Arnold D. Silverman, DDS
46 Daggett Dr.
Arnold Silverman

Bar Cogas LLC
86 Garden St.
Bar Cogas LLC

Black Friday Bin Store
520 Main St.
Rani Liquidation LLC

Bobcat of Greater Springfield
181 Wayside Ave.
Bobcat of Connecticut Inc.

Cashway Oil
75 Union St.
Super Petro Inc.

Chargeless Oil
75 Union St.
Super Petro Inc.

Cost Less Oil
75 Union St.
Super Petro Inc.

Dessant Auto
2405 Westfield St.
Dessant Auto

DMunarge Psychotherapy Services
39 River St., Unit 6
DMunarge Psychotherapy Services

Fast Fill Oil
75 Union St.
Super Petro Inc.

Fuel Co.
75 Union St.
Super Petro Inc.

Gia Catanzarite, LICSW
110 Quarry Road
Gia Catanzarite

Imperial Barbershop
8-16 Chestnut St.
Imperial Barbershop

Liquori’s Pizza
659 Westfield St.
Liquori’s Pizza

Mass Trans Insurance Agency
425 Union St., Suite A1
Mass Trans Insurance Agency

Quick Stop Oil
75 Union St.
Super Petro Inc.

Styles by Jenna
33 Westfield St.
Styles by Jenna

Super Petro Inc.
75 Union St.
Super Petro Inc.

Supreme Oil
75 Union St.
Super Petro Inc.

Therese K. Sarnelli, M.Ed. LMHC
117 Park Ave., Room 205
Therese Sarnelli

Tokyo Asian Cuisine
1152 Riverdale St.
Zheng’s Garden LLC

Vickers Fuel Oil
75 Union St.
Super Petro Inc.

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

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

Arroyo, Joseline Judy
24 Fairmont St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Date: 10/24/2023

Asselin, Wayne D.
Asselin, AnnMarie R.
1226 Center St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/18/2023

Best, Bonnie
38 Birch Hill Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/30/2023

Bowie-Seibles Mary Lou
97 Cloran St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/24/2023

Brothers, Eric M.
21 Hickory Hill
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/18/2023

Carvache, Alexandra Marie
58 Belmont Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/19/2023

Clifford, Nathanie Peter
Jump, Jade Christa
239 East St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/20/2023

Cormier, Wendy L.
972 Tinkham Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/23/2023

Cousineau, Gerald G.
P.O. Box 387
Tuners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/30/2023

Denson, Tiyeara D.
91 Belle St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Date: 10/23/2023

Fermoso, Jeffrey J.
74 Oak Grove Ave., 1st Floor
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/17/2023

Hernandez, William
HernandezKelly A.
96 Sunflower Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/18/2023

Kalt, William John J.
492 Morgan Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/20/2023

Marchand, Jason W.
64 Haynes Hill Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/30/2023

Marini, Heather Ellen
42 Bristol St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/19/2023

Miller, Lisa M.
41 Poplar St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 13
Date: 10/25/2023

Moriarty-Ryan,Michele S.
136 Wenonah Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 13
Date: 10/27/2023

Ramos, Luis
14 Spring St., Apt. 1
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/23/2023

Sage, Dorothy E.
PO Box 1237
Stockbridge, MA 01262
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/30/2023

Trigo, Christopher J.
67 State St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Date: 10/20/2023

Whittaker, Jennifer Lynn
a/k/a Locklear, Jennifer Lynn
40 Hawks Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/24/2023)

Real Estate Transactions

By
Real Estate

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

BERNARDSTON

72 Bald Mountain Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Justin P. Lawrence
Seller: Denise M. King
Date: 10/20/23

CHARLEMONT

57 East Hawley Road
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: Cascade Funding THB4
Seller: Paul Dibenedetto
Date: 10/24/23

CONWAY

1270 Whately Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Richard Ponyer
Seller: Scott K. Sumner
Date: 10/20/23

GREENFIELD

122 Bungalow Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $408,000
Buyer: Kyle M. Artus
Seller: Larry D. Geiser
Date: 10/20/23

12 Cedar St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $253,000
Buyer: Jake Brennan
Seller: Timothy F. Boyle
Date: 10/17/23

8 Cooke St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Erika A. Gasser
Seller: Robert L. Kidder
Date: 10/24/23

250-252 Hope St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $372,900
Buyer: Mitchell W. Herzig
Seller: Mjdb Construction Services LLC
Date: 10/25/23

10 Stone Ridge Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $389,900
Buyer: Gabriel L. Fonseca
Seller: Thomas Rinaldi
Date: 10/16/23

49 Union St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Kara L. Younger
Seller: Julie M. Lemay
Date: 10/20/23

LEVERETT

57 Amherst Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $530,000
Buyer: Danil Tarnovskiy
Seller: Steven P. Woodard
Date: 10/26/23

MONTAGUE

30 3rd St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Colleen M. Deighton
Seller: Marcus J. Campbell
Date: 10/23/23

12 Federal St.
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $131,959
Buyer: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Seller: Walter A. James
Date: 10/16/23

1 Greenfield Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Joel C. Tognarelli
Seller: Donna L. Gates
Date: 10/27/23

NEW SALEM

34 Cooleyville Road
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Carl Cramm
Seller: Megan R. Whitney
Date: 10/20/23

NORTHFIELD

21 Old Bernardston Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: James Boulton
Seller: Robin Conley
Date: 10/16/23

ORANGE

55 Chase St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $252,500
Buyer: Krista L. Sciucco
Seller: Flare Side RT
Date: 10/17/23

308 East Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $333,000
Buyer: William A. Campuzano
Seller: L5 Development LLC
Date: 10/20/23

52 Hamilton Ave.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Kaitlyn J. Steve
Seller: V&J Real Estate Inc.
Date: 10/27/23

48 Old Cyrus Stage Road
Rowe, MA 01367
Amount: $316,000
Buyer: Arik Olson
Seller: Jeffrey Mcguire
Date: 10/18/23

SHUTESBURY

146 Baker Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $363,000
Buyer: Erin Mcguirl
Seller: Linda A. Scott
Date: 10/17/23

30 Lake Dr.
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Steven C. Mikolajczuk
Seller: Humphriss-Tygard LT
Date: 10/27/23

SUNDERLAND

88 Old Amherst Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $187,500
Buyer: James D. Houle
Seller: Douglas F. Houle
Date: 10/17/23

WARWICK

136 Wendell Road
Warwick, MA 01378
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Andrew J. Whalen
Seller: Jean A. Thibodeau RET
Date: 10/23/23

WHATELY

16 Straits Road
Whately, MA 01038
Amount: $162,000
Buyer: Justin J. Mieczkowski
Seller: Joseph F. Mieczkowski
Date: 10/18/23

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

17 Begley St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $287,000
Buyer: Aabj Parrelli LLC
Seller: Abae LLC
Date: 10/16/23

25 Brookline Ave.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Jacob Tryba
Seller: Carolyn M. Lemieux
Date: 10/27/23

56 Brookline Ave.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $276,000
Buyer: Thomas Dandeneau
Seller: Wojnicki, Dorothy, (Estate)
Date: 10/16/23

28 Center St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Silver Snake Properties LLC
Seller: Plata O. Plomo Inc.
Date: 10/16/23

55 Cooper St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $9,880,957
Buyer: Agawam North Propco LLC
Seller: SF 55 Cooper St. Real Properties
Date: 10/19/23

61 Cooper St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $10,018,438
Buyer: Agawam West Propco LLC
Seller: SF 61 Cooper St. Real Properties
Date: 10/20/23

65-67 Cooper St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $8,388,831
Buyer: Agawam South Propco LLC
Seller: SF 61 Cooper St. Real Properties
Date: 10/20/23

Fox Farm Road, Lot 1
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Global Homes Properties LLC
Seller: Susan M. Smith-Malecky
Date: 10/17/23

12 Harvey Johnson Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $201,000
Buyer: Bruce A. Moore
Seller: Owczarski, Lorelei A., (Estate)
Date: 10/16/23

464 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $7,649,773
Buyer: Agawam East Propco LLC
Seller: SF 464 Main St. Real Properties
Date: 10/20/23

25 Monroe St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Casartello
Seller: Douglas Dichard
Date: 10/24/23

18 Mulberry St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Marsha Lee
Seller: William S. Keyes
Date: 10/26/23

443 North West St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $1,095,000
Buyer: Coppola Real Estate Holding Co. LLC
Seller: Gary E. Brown
Date: 10/20/23

118 Parker St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $293,000
Buyer: Walter B. Robinson
Seller: Manning S. Case
Date: 10/19/23

121 Reed St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Tyler M. Lafleur
Seller: Faisal Mukhtar
Date: 10/27/23

593 Southwick St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Gary Taylor
Seller: Craig Digiacomo
Date: 10/20/23

1661 Suffield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $900,000
Buyer: Diana Shveyko
Seller: Calvin J. McFadden
Date: 10/26/23

BLANDFORD

16 Gore Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $329,000
Buyer: Vitaliy Kiriukhin
Seller: Linda R. Plasse
Date: 10/18/23

BRIMFIELD

43 Apple Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Kerri-Ann Kelly
Seller: Phyllis P. Gorskey
Date: 10/17/23

46 Apple Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $396,000
Buyer: Yvette M. Shrum
Seller: William H. Smith
Date: 10/25/23

1063 Dunhamtown Brimfield Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $366,000
Buyer: Christina M. Beesley
Seller: Mary T. Kozikowski
Date: 10/27/23

19 Lyman Barnes Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $493,000
Buyer: Joseph N. Ciandella
Seller: Chevelle M. English-Bedard
Date: 10/27/23

CHESTER

Kinnebrook Road
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Jan C. Almquist
Seller: Bernard St.Martin
Date: 10/17/23

CHICOPEE

35 Arlington St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $349,900
Buyer: Cordell A. Daniels
Seller: Mark A. Germain
Date: 10/23/23

16 Asinof Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: William J. Stetson
Seller: LKN Realty Investments LLC
Date: 10/18/23

129 Catherine St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: R. Maradiaga-Alvarado
Seller: Sareen Properties LLC
Date: 10/23/23

333 Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Luke J. Cabana
Seller: Jessica A. Nicholls
Date: 10/24/23

599 Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: 599 Chicopee Street LLC
Seller: Gilles A. Rheaume
Date: 10/16/23

196 Clarendon Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Nexus Apartments LLC
Seller: Bozek FT
Date: 10/24/23

130 Cobb Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Justin Raymond
Seller: Florence Manseau
Date: 10/20/23

238 East Main St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $1,729,500
Buyer: Courageous Lion LLC
Seller: Harty, Richard S., (Estate)
Date: 10/26/23

48 Edgewood Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Pedro Rivera
Seller: Alisha L. Lugo
Date: 10/26/23

58 Edward St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Samuel A. Oliver-Hoff
Seller: Keisha Moore
Date: 10/16/23

49 Elm St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $233,000
Buyer: Richard J. Boyle
Seller: Marilyn Page
Date: 10/27/23

27 Fairmont St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Alyssa Hungate
Seller: Prime Partners LLC
Date: 10/27/23

111 Garland St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Mohammad Albaghdadi
Seller: Joanne M. Laplante
Date: 10/26/23

500 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $304,000
Buyer: Rovshen Nurmyrat
Seller: Vira Dipon
Date: 10/23/23

370 Grove St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Yassine Zian
Seller: Jeannette M. Marceau
Date: 10/23/23

56 Guerin St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $353,000
Buyer: Scott E. Proulx
Seller: Michael J. Messier
Date: 10/20/23

373 Hampden St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $256,000
Buyer: Mason Capital Venturea LLC
Seller: Ffmlt T2006-Ff13
Date: 10/25/23

105 Lachine St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: David J. Gondek
Seller: Krystyna M. Gazda
Date: 10/23/23

15 Lester St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Joseph Rozanski
Seller: Donna J. Guerin
Date: 10/20/23

50 Lorimer St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Bernash Realty LLC
Seller: Claire R. Carriveau
Date: 10/25/23

19 Lucretia Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Rosanny D. Lopez
Seller: Ivan Laureano
Date: 10/17/23

122 Ludlow Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $249,900
Buyer: Brenna Fogarty
Seller: Lee Maisonet
Date: 10/26/23

125 Marten St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Johnathan Lavoie
Seller: Bay Flow LLC
Date: 10/27/23

451 Memorial Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $1,000,000
Buyer: Membos LLC
Seller: Almark Realty LLC
Date: 10/27/23

185 Murphy Lane
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $319,000
Buyer: Brooke Bruneault
Seller: Mhi Properties LLC
Date: 10/19/23

25 Oakwood St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $307,500
Buyer: Samuel Hadley
Seller: Gloria A. Delude IRT
Date: 10/16/23

25 Oxford Place
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: David Leon
Seller: Joan Thomasini
Date: 10/24/23

72 Paradise St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Amber M. Fillion
Seller: Edward Cianci
Date: 10/27/23

36 Robert St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $127,300
Buyer: Blaize Landry
Seller: Sandra M. Maroney
Date: 10/18/23

83 Rolf Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $1,729,500
Buyer: Courageous Lion LLC
Seller: Harty, Richard S., (Estate)
Date: 10/26/23

34 South St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $1,729,500
Buyer: Courageous Lion LLC
Seller: Harty, Richard S., (Estate)
Date: 10/26/23

56 Thaddeus St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Gloria Murray
Seller: Charlotte Funk
Date: 10/20/23

92 West St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $466,000
Buyer: Alfred Calixte
Seller: 92-94 West Street RT
Date: 10/23/23

4 Wolfe St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $1,729,500
Buyer: Courageous Lion LLC
Seller: Harty, Richard S., (Estate)
Date: 10/26/23

EAST LONGMEADOW

97 Avery St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Gary Williams
Seller: Thomas J. Flanagan
Date: 10/25/23

107 Fernwood Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Bennett J. Middel
Seller: David J. Finkelstein
Date: 10/26/23

31 Hillside Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $387,000
Buyer: John Zanetti
Seller: Elaine J. Chaisson
Date: 10/25/23

Lee St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Christopher M. Cacela
Seller: Marlene Goldstein
Date: 10/20/23

194 Mapleshade Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Avens LLC
Seller: Hassin Realty
Date: 10/23/23

39 Parker St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $770,000
Buyer: Christopher J. Gallagher
Seller: Lizlee LLC
Date: 10/18/23

379 Parker St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Aziz Ahmad
Seller: Hilda L. Pker RET
Date: 10/17/23

144 Patterson Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $368,000
Buyer: Henrymens Real Estate Group LLC
Seller: George J. Kahi
Date: 10/16/23

Pease Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Christopher M. Cacela
Seller: Marlene Goldstein
Date: 10/20/23

393 Pease Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Emily Pack
Seller: Teodoro Torres
Date: 10/26/23

104 Porter Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Cheryl Ricciardi
Seller: Deana M. Calvanese
Date: 10/20/23

208 Shaker Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Nhac Truong
Seller: Lachenauer LLC
Date: 10/25/23

GRANVILLE

715 Main Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: D. M. & Patti A. McGorty LT
Seller: Flagg, Raymond, (Estate)
Date: 10/20/23

557 North Lane
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Patrick Comeau
Seller: Ryan Hall
Date: 10/25/23

15 Old Westfield Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $212,800
Buyer: Clarke C. Boynton
Seller: Lisa A. Freeman
Date: 10/27/23

218 Silver St.
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Elizabeth M. Kuzdzal
Seller: Rosamond J. Campbell TR
Date: 10/27/23

HAMPDEN

93 Allen St.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Nicholas Turnberg
Seller: Paul A. Stolar
Date: 10/17/23

8 Bayberry Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Jennifer A. Colglazier
Seller: Frederick W. Orr
Date: 10/24/23

280 Chapin Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Brian C. Drake
Seller: Paul R. Willoughby
Date: 10/24/23

HOLLAND

19 Heritage Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Susan M. Reinstein
Seller: Daniel Cahill
Date: 10/20/23

2 North Leisure Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Steven McCarthy
Seller: Robert J. Kamay
Date: 10/27/23

HOLYOKE

23 Bayberry Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Alfred Estabrook
Seller: Anoush Kayzakian
Date: 10/26/23

105 Dartmouth St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $408,000
Buyer: Mark Lewis
Seller: Brighid Lunney
Date: 10/27/23

26 Dunn Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $448,500
Buyer: Thomas P. Gilchrist
Seller: Seth D. Desnoyers
Date: 10/19/23

275 High St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: 275 High St Holyoke LLC
Seller: Chelten Avenue Assocs. LLC
Date: 10/25/23

85-87 Hitchcock St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: NRES LLC
Seller: Barbara J. Champagne
Date: 10/26/23

220 Linden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Palante Transformative
Seller: 220 Linden Realty LLC
Date: 10/18/23

1971 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Juan C. Rivera-Baez
Seller: Kelnate Realty LLC
Date: 10/20/23

11 Ross Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Mary Mathers
Seller: James R. Murphy
Date: 10/18/23

LONGMEADOW

15 Belleclaire Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: James K. Woodell
Seller: Elizabeth M. Morgan
Date: 10/27/23

88 Berwick Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $496,580
Buyer: Taylor C. McDonald
Seller: Kevin J. Czaplicki
Date: 10/19/23

75 Hopkins Place
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: Jina Fast
Seller: Stephen M. Shea
Date: 10/19/23

241 Park Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $825,000
Buyer: Elizabeth M. Morgan
Seller: Daniel R. Bergin
Date: 10/19/23

34 Pleasantview Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Robert Dziedzic
Seller: Richard A. Wiseman
Date: 10/16/23

28 South Park Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Aurea L. Tirado Wenzel
Seller: Ahsan Waqas
Date: 10/27/23

LUDLOW

142 Cedar St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Joshua Messier
Seller: Daniel Rowe
Date: 10/18/23

208 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Tiago B. Martins
Seller: Mack Servicing TR
Date: 10/27/23

96 John St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $293,500
Buyer: Sean Padykula
Seller: Thomas Dandeneau
Date: 10/16/23

30 Lillian St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $196,000
Buyer: Aem Property Investors LLC
Seller: Roy F. Gelineau
Date: 10/20/23

1388 Lyon St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: David J. Gabanelli
Seller: Chocorua Realty Investments LLC
Date: 10/27/23

39 Ray St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $266,000
Buyer: Nidaa Al-Zubaidy
Seller: Gregory Orlik
Date: 10/24/23

89 Richmond Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $306,000
Buyer: Tyler D. Neveu
Seller: Gardzienski, V. P., (Estate)
Date: 10/20/23

125 Simonds St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Michael R. Sears
Seller: Russell Cable
Date: 10/18/23

54 West Orchard St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Marilyn Page
Seller: Dennis Discawicz
Date: 10/27/23

391 West Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $139,650
Buyer: Sareen Properties LLC
Seller: Cascade Funding Mtg. TR Hb3
Date: 10/24/23

141 Whitney St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Jordan Lawson
Seller: Kennedy Acquisitions LLC
Date: 10/16/23

MONSON

14 Circle Dr.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Dominic A. Pannozzo
Seller: Kristopher Longtin
Date: 10/24/23

13 Old Stafford Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Lee A. Maisonet
Seller: SRV Properties LLC
Date: 10/26/23

Paradise Lake Road, Lot 5
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: H. & L. Tassinari Builders Inc.
Seller: Clifford Farquhar
Date: 10/26/23

Paradise Lake Road, Lot 2
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: H. & L. Tassinari Builders Inc.
Seller: Clifford Farquhar
Date: 10/26/23

Paradise Lake Road, Lot 1
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: H. & L. Tassinari Builders Inc.
Seller: Clifford Farquhar
Date: 10/26/23

Paradise Lake Road, Lot 3
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: H. & L. Tassinari Builders Inc.
Seller: Clifford Farquhar
Date: 10/26/23

20 Paradise Lake Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $539,900
Buyer: Teresa Frykenberg
Seller: Ross W. Overlock
Date: 10/23/23

115 Town Farm Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $590,000
Buyer: Pauline H. Gigee
Seller: William E. Dupuis
Date: 10/20/23

9 Valley View Heights
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $274,000
Buyer: Andrew M. Burkhard
Seller: Teresa L. Unwin
Date: 10/24/23

MONTGOMERY

46 New State Road
Montgomery, MA 01085
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: James T. Kelly
Seller: 46 New State Road Land Trust
Date: 10/26/23

PALMER

1054 Baptist Hill Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Adin Hamzabegovic
Seller: Brent F. Massey
Date: 10/27/23

Belanger St., Lot 5
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: J. & M. Premier Properties LLC
Seller: J. Belanger Assocs.
Date: 10/27/23

141 Boston Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Brandon A. Blaine
Seller: Maria L. Whalen
Date: 10/24/23

9 Cabot St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $283,000
Buyer: Andrew J. Nitka
Seller: Randall J. Cable
Date: 10/25/23

4057 Center St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Carl Trant
Seller: Jehoram RT
Date: 10/27/23

60 Pinney St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $316,000
Buyer: Tracy Julian
Seller: Maureen Gallagher
Date: 10/19/23

103 Pinney St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: Maureen Campanale
Seller: Steven L. Monette
Date: 10/18/23

139 Springfield St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Jennifer Potter
Seller: Ronald N. Michaud
Date: 10/20/23

42-48 Stewart St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $242,000
Buyer: Victor A. Kyazze
Seller: Casa Bonita Apts. LLC
Date: 10/26/23

SPRINGFIELD

769 Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $221,500
Buyer: Tavernier Investments LLC
Seller: Gmacm Mortgage Loan TR 2005-AA1
Date: 10/25/23

38 Aster St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: J. S. Climes-Rivera
Seller: Craig L. Johnson
Date: 10/27/23

980 Bay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Jones Dream Catcher Enterprises LLC
Seller: HS Holdings LLC
Date: 10/23/23

43 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $6,250,000
Buyer: Nolava LLC
Seller: Springfield Gardens
Date: 10/27/23

49 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $6,250,000
Buyer: Nolava LLC
Seller: Springfield Gardens
Date: 10/27/23

28 Berbay Circle
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $1,729,500
Buyer: Courageous Lion LLC
Seller: Harty, Richard S., (Estate)
Date: 10/26/23

29 Berbay Circle
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $1,729,500
Buyer: Courageous Lion LLC
Seller: Harty, Richard S., (Estate)
Date: 10/26/23

820 Boston Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Membos LLC
Seller: Almark Realty LLC
Date: 10/27/23

855 Boston Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Samuel Sevelo
Seller: Panther Development LLC
Date: 10/19/23

133 Brandon Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Toni Tirozzi
Seller: Jesus Alicea
Date: 10/20/23

80 Brickett St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $286,000
Buyer: Kayla M. Ortega
Seller: Santana Real Estate Inc.
Date: 10/24/23

27 Briggs St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Richard E. Melendez
Seller: David Vermette
Date: 10/16/23

38-40 Carver St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Margie Quinones-Ortiz
Seller: Magdalena Otero
Date: 10/20/23

78-80 Cherrelyn St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Odalis M. Moreno
Seller: Carolyn A. Kokoski
Date: 10/16/23

47 Craig St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Ernesto Padilla
Seller: E. F. Mcmaster-Marcelina
Date: 10/20/23

64 Denver St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $1,729,500
Buyer: Courageous Lion LLC
Seller: Harty, Richard S., (Estate)
Date: 10/26/23

91 Denver St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $1,729,500
Buyer: Courageous Lion LLC
Seller: Harty, Richard S., (Estate)
Date: 10/26/23

284 Denver St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $1,729,500
Buyer: Courageous Lion LLC
Seller: Harty, Richard S., (Estate)
Date: 10/26/23

178 Dickinson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Irving A. Rodriguez
Seller: Cannata, Josephine M., (Estate)
Date: 10/27/23

121-123 Draper St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Yakelin Hidalgo
Seller: Guadalupe Ramos
Date: 10/18/23

143 Draper St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $244,000
Buyer: Andreina Urena
Seller: Park Place Securities 2005-W
Date: 10/19/23

37 Dubois St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $131,700
Buyer: Aldo Properties LLC
Seller: Malia Homebuyers LLC
Date: 10/18/23

19 Edendale St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: John Wagner
Seller: Shelby R. Bouchard
Date: 10/17/23

251 Edendale St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Jessica Kuelling
Seller: Edward J. Saint-Vil
Date: 10/19/23

36 Elwood Dr.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Amy Toller
Seller: Nicholas J. Deangelis
Date: 10/27/23

90 Fallston St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Matthew R. Butler
Seller: Cormier, Karen Annie, (Estate)
Date: 10/24/23

40 Feltham Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $332,500
Buyer: Clodine Roland
Seller: Valro Homes LLC
Date: 10/23/23

37 Forest St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Melissa T. Defana
Seller: Rehab Home Buyers LLC
Date: 10/23/23

116 Fort Pleasant Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $559,000
Buyer: Afimi LLC
Seller: Norman Poggio
Date: 10/16/23

172 Garvey Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Kulwinder Kaur
Seller: Anthony Santaniello
Date: 10/16/23

17-19 Governor St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: Santana Real Estate Inc.
Seller: Felix S. Rodriguez
Date: 10/26/23

37 Greaney St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $273,000
Buyer: Tracy A. Harvey-Jean
Seller: Jorge Galicia
Date: 10/27/23

128 Hadley St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Daniel Ayres
Seller: Daniel J. Daponde
Date: 10/16/23

177 Hartford Ter.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Daniel A. Richton
Seller: Finkel, Barbara E., (Estate)
Date: 10/16/23

49 Hillmont St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $1,729,500
Buyer: Courageous Lion LLC
Seller: Harty, Richard S., (Estate)
Date: 10/26/23

226 Jasper St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $259,000
Buyer: Luis C. Ruiz
Seller: Cordell A. Daniels
Date: 10/23/23

128-130 Kensington Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Enmanuel Ventura
Seller: Charles Bogues
Date: 10/24/23

142 Knollwood St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Miriam A. Segarra
Seller: Emi Investments LLC
Date: 10/20/23

93 Lamont St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $1,729,500
Buyer: Courageous Lion LLC
Seller: Harty, Richard S., (Estate)
Date: 10/26/23

21 Lang St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Courageous Lion LLC
Seller: 21 Lang St. TR
Date: 10/26/23

17 Lexington St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Luis A. Cedano
Seller: Carmelo Diaz
Date: 10/18/23

4-8 Leyfred Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $6,250,000
Buyer: Nolava LLC
Seller: Springfield Gardens
Date: 10/27/23

789 Liberty St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: Posiadlosc LLC
Seller: Steven E. Zeimbekakis
Date: 10/20/23

126-128 Lowell St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $409,000
Buyer: Markys R. De Jesus
Seller: Phantom Holdings LLC
Date: 10/24/23

297 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Sanky Properties LLC
Seller: Jerzy Krajewski
Date: 10/26/23

32 Margerie St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Raul S. Severino
Seller: Justo Martinez
Date: 10/27/23

80 Margerie St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Paulo Villgas
Seller: Gloria E. Quintana
Date: 10/17/23

31 Meadowlark Lane
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Aislinn M. Manning
Seller: Matthew Dinatale
Date: 10/18/23

73-75 Melrose St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Phoenix Development Inc.
Seller: King Sr., Lenoris Bruce, (Estate)
Date: 10/20/23

45 Merrimac Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Juan Lopez
Seller: Egan, Joseph F., (Estate)
Date: 10/27/23

171 Methuen St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $1,729,500
Buyer: Courageous Lion LLC
Seller: Harty, Richard S., (Estate)
Date: 10/26/23

17 Midway St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Aramis Maldonado
Seller: Borowsky, Samuel J., (Estate)
Date: 10/20/23

11 Nathaniel St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $1,729,500
Buyer: Courageous Lion LLC
Seller: Harty, Richard S., (Estate)
Date: 10/26/23

218 Newton Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Amber D. Peterson
Seller: Anthony Arillotta
Date: 10/23/23

7-9 Noel St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Danalax LLC
Seller: Birch Properties LLC
Date: 10/20/23

202-206 Pearl St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $6,250,000
Buyer: Nolava LLC
Seller: Springfield Gardens
Date: 10/27/23

208-212 Pearl St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $6,250,000
Buyer: Nolava LLC
Seller: Springfield Gardens
Date: 10/27/23

29 Pecousic St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Maritza Sanchez
Seller: Dutil, Lorraine Ann, (Estate)
Date: 10/20/23

26 Peekskill Ave.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Sharonda R. Hector
Seller: David J. Cross
Date: 10/16/23

183 Peekskill Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Plata O. Plomo Inc
Seller: Michael Barwick
Date: 10/17/23

15 Pinebrook Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Zitta N. Serpa
Seller: Jennifer A. Colglazier
Date: 10/24/23

239 Plumtree Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Joseph Candido
Seller: Margaret M. Sullivan
Date: 10/27/23

18 Porter St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $328,000
Buyer: William T. Hallissey
Seller: Lewen Cotte
Date: 10/17/23

126 Prentice St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Green Piranhas LLC
Seller: Gail Maher
Date: 10/25/23

39 Rita St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Richard Sewell
Seller: Benjamin R. Darosa
Date: 10/25/23

90 Rockland St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $313,000
Buyer: Brett H. Albert
Seller: Christopher A. Godaire
Date: 10/20/23

231 Rosewell St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Chad S. Mitchell
Seller: Michael H. Riley
Date: 10/27/23

27-29 Ruskin St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Louis Inomwan
Seller: Agape Mgmt. Group LLC
Date: 10/18/23

38 Rutledge Ave.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Konstantinos Biliouris
Seller: Hwpml Properties LLC
Date: 10/27/23

1229 South Branch Pkwy.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $1,200,000
Buyer: Alethea A. Stevenson
Seller: NNOT Real Estate Holdings LLC
Date: 10/17/23

South Branch Pkwy. (SS)
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $1,200,000
Buyer: Alethea A. Stevenson
Seller: NNOT Real Estate Holdings LLC
Date: 10/17/23

412 Saint James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Felix A. Gonzalez-Alvarez
Seller: Aziz Ahmed
Date: 10/16/23

186 Santa Barbara St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Denise Cividanes
Seller: OCF II Holdings LLC
Date: 10/17/23

198 Senator St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Le Tran
Seller: Alexander Sierra
Date: 10/17/23

685 State St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $6,250,000
Buyer: Nolava LLC
Seller: Springfield Gardens
Date: 10/27/23

115 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $472,500
Buyer: Joshua Mills
Seller: Stephanie A. Erbe
Date: 10/16/23

136 Tavistock St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Aquino Loayza
Seller: William Raleigh
Date: 10/27/23

11 Timothy Circle
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Doneka V. Johnson
Seller: Douglas A. Desaulnier
Date: 10/27/23

130 Union St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Nell Investments LLC
Seller: Tango Investments LLC
Date: 10/23/23

95 Upton St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $1,729,500
Buyer: Courageous Lion LLC
Seller: Harty, Richard S., (Estate)
Date: 10/26/23

125 Verge St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $1,729,500
Buyer: Courageous Lion LLC
Seller: Harty, Richard S., (Estate)
Date: 10/26/23

25 Victoria St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $1,729,500
Buyer: Courageous Lion LLC
Seller: Harty, Richard S., (Estate)
Date: 10/26/23

61 Victoria St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $1,729,500
Buyer: Courageous Lion LLC
Seller: Harty, Richard S., (Estate)
Date: 10/26/23

59 Villa Pkwy.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Jose Santiago
Seller: Thi Tai
Date: 10/23/23

602 White St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Gladys Y. Orozco
Seller: Kokoleka RT
Date: 10/17/23

477 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Amanda Stevenson
Seller: Carolyn Morera
Date: 10/24/23

257 Winton St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Susan L. Irey
Seller: Jake P. Trombley
Date: 10/20/23

61 Woodmont St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Marcos Minchala
Seller: A&P Capital Group LLC
Date: 10/18/23

1427 Worcester St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Kayla Avilez
Seller: Daisy J. Acosta
Date: 10/19/23

SOUTHWICK

266 Hillside Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $675,000
Buyer: Choua Y. Lee
Seller: Patrick V. Johnstone
Date: 10/25/23

64 Honey Pot Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $640,000
Buyer: Evan V. Serella
Seller: Elizabeth M. Kuzdzal
Date: 10/27/23

WALES

3 Reed Hill Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Garett M. Fulcher
Seller: Frederick J. Rogers
Date: 10/18/23

WEST SPRINGFIELD

106 Adrian Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Rachel Abbott
Seller: Todd Delnegro
Date: 10/20/23

258 Edgewood Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Domenick Villano
Seller: Mark E. Sypek
Date: 10/20/23

5 Ely Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $370,900
Buyer: Donnovan L. Bambury
Seller: Sandro Scirocco
Date: 10/18/23

97 Garden St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $232,000
Buyer: Guy Waterman
Seller: Pauline D. Isabelle
Date: 10/26/23

79 Grove St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Zafarieh Heidari
Seller: Natasha Rodriguez
Date: 10/26/23

50 High St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Jasmin Sanchez
Seller: Abdullah M. Jashaami
Date: 10/24/23

32 Paulson Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Kathleen Devins
Seller: Elida Gashi
Date: 10/18/23

4 Ridgeview Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $269,900
Buyer: Elizabeth R. Rogers
Seller: Kristen M. Cowell
Date: 10/16/23

94 Smyrna St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $229,000
Buyer: James A. Richard
Seller: Brian P. St Amand
Date: 10/27/23

1502 Westfield St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Pizzaman Investment Realty LLC
Seller: Ann M. Lapalme
Date: 10/16/23

WESTFIELD

5 Bancroft St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $171,000
Buyer: Malia Homebuyers LLC
Seller: Philip A. Dagostino
Date: 10/18/23

117 Berkshire Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Wendi L. Wojick
Seller: Matthew A. Cavallo
Date: 10/23/23

6 Blue Sky Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Jarred A. Difazio
Seller: Timothy H. Haggerty
Date: 10/27/23

36 Colony Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $357,000
Buyer: Pamela M. Butler
Seller: Paul A. Fouche
Date: 10/18/23

10 Furrowtown Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $580,000
Buyer: James Murphy
Seller: Ryan Lavner
Date: 10/19/23

123 Meadow St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: 123 Meadow LLC
Seller: GS Westfield LLC
Date: 10/23/23

131 Meadow St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: 131 Meadow LLC
Seller: GS Westfield LLC
Date: 10/23/23

99 Mountain View St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Manchester Enterprises LLC
Seller: Schubach, Paul W., (Estate)
Date: 10/18/23

25 Saint Paul St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: John D. Bruce
Seller: Sienkiewicz, Marie G., (Estate)
Date: 10/23/23

7 Sherman St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Anna M. Collins
Seller: Florida Development Corp.
Date: 10/23/23

100 Valley View Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: John G. Kyprianos
Seller: Dekarz, Norma, (Estate)
Date: 10/26/23

WILBRAHAM

240 Main St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $669,000
Buyer: Lowell D. Key
Seller: Catherine G. Jurgens
Date: 10/16/23

4 Overlook Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Julius J. Walker
Seller: Boylan, Patricia M., (Estate)
Date: 10/16/23

11 Shirley St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Colten
Seller: Laurette E. Oppedisano
Date: 10/18/23

391 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Christopher T. Wypyszinski
Seller: Deborah J. Jordan
Date: 10/17/23

916 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $384,900
Buyer: Jeremy Forgue
Seller: Katherine L. Granger
Date: 10/20/23

15 Wandering Mdws
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Dayana S. Rodrigues
Seller: Alessandro Markovic
Date: 10/20/23

17 Warren Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Thomas Hebert
Seller: Amy Hebert
Date: 10/23/23

3 Westernview Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Nicholas R. Reed
Seller: Ethan J. Eady
Date: 10/27/23

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

422 Amity St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $2,000,000
Buyer: UDrive Amity LLC
Seller: LCR 422 Amity LLC
Date: 10/25/23

13-15 High St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $2,150,000
Buyer: 13-15 High St LLC
Seller: RET Indenture Of TR
Date: 10/20/23

32 Kendrick Place
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $715,000
Buyer: Kendrick Place Partners LLC
Seller: Roger M. Hewett
Date: 10/25/23

972 North Pleasant St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: University Of Mass. Amherst Bldg. A
Seller: Josephine B. Keeley
Date: 10/16/23

47 Stagecoach Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Matthew W. Limoges
Seller: David W. Wills
Date: 10/27/23

15 Wildflower Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $558,000
Buyer: Kathryn Pollard
Seller: Katharine V. Geel
Date: 10/16/23

BELCHERTOWN

134 Aldrich St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: David J. Knapp
Seller: Michael J. O’Brien
Date: 10/27/23

22 Clearbrook Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Mustafa Kahraman
Seller: Alexander Tuohy
Date: 10/27/23

91 Franklin St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Timothy S. Beauchamp
Seller: Expedio Group LLC
Date: 10/20/23

65 Magnolia Lane
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $605,000
Buyer: Jay S. Levine
Seller: Lora Os
Date: 10/23/23

31 South Main St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Christopher B. Loud
Seller: 3133 South Main LLC
Date: 10/16/23

CUMMINGTON

124 Stage Road
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $493,000
Buyer: Sandra S. Streeter
Seller: E. H. Jr. & M. E. Ster
Date: 10/16/23

EASTHAMPTON

1 Ashley Circle
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $640,000
Buyer: Stephen J. Jadczak
Seller: Edward S. Nalewanski
Date: 10/17/23

43 Bryan Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Conor P. Carey
Seller: Karen L. Palmer RET
Date: 10/27/23

11 Conrad Circle, Lot 11
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $595,000
Buyer: Michael A. Wack
Seller: Loudville Condo LLC
Date: 10/20/23

4 Fleury Court
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $324,900
Buyer: Elizabeth A. Cunningham
Seller: Elizabeth M. Banach FT
Date: 10/16/23

58 Northampton St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Christopher L. Wherry
Seller: Stephen P. Mumblow
Date: 10/19/23

2 Pine Hill Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $610,000
Buyer: Alison Curphey LT
Seller: Stephen M. Yarrows
Date: 10/17/23

13 Steplar Xing, Lot 13
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $549,900
Buyer: Claire Simmons
Seller: Loudville Condo LLC
Date: 10/20/23

9 Truehart Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $227,700
Buyer: Elizabeth M. Loiselle
Seller: Michael P. Dostaler
Date: 10/16/23

GOSHEN

30 Westshore Dr.
Goshen, MA 01032
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Elizabeth K. Takacs
Seller: Ryan P. Fitzgerald
Date: 10/27/23

GRANBY

28 New Ludlow Road
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $195,500
Buyer: Structurel Asset Investment Loan
Seller: Christian E. Canavan
Date: 10/26/23

HADLEY

137 Bay Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Matthew-Weber
Seller: Joseph N. Gallant
Date: 10/20/23

41 Breckenridge Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Matthew A. Waldrip
Seller: Jennifer L. Wuest
Date: 10/16/23

390 River Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Christina E. Antolini
Seller: William E. Dwyer
Date: 10/23/23

HATFIELD

155 Elm St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Christine Andrulis
Seller: Josephine A. Zgrodnik IRT
Date: 10/17/23

HUNTINGTON

4 Sampson Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $427,000
Buyer: Lunping Wang
Seller: Malin Cederquist 2023 TR
Date: 10/18/23

MIDDLEFIELD

113 Chipman Road
Middlefield, MA 01243
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Andrew S. Doherty
Seller: Tci Holdings LLC
Date: 10/27/23

NORTHAMPTON

249 Crescent St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $1,200,000
Buyer: Henry Chen
Seller: Wakin, Eleanor R., (Estate)
Date: 10/17/23

140 Emerson Way
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $181,000
Buyer: Matthew Smith
Seller: Lauren Gottschalk
Date: 10/19/23

423 Florence Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $376,000
Buyer: Candace Kao
Seller: Moroney, Georgina L., (Estate)
Date: 10/24/23

5 Franklin St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $760,000
Buyer: Independent Housing Solutions Inc.
Seller: Reliance Holdings Corp
Date: 10/26/23

47 North Farms Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $595,650
Buyer: Sharon Levy
Seller: Betsy P. MacDonald RET
Date: 10/16/23

39 Ridgewood Ter
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Catherine Weiss
Seller: Alison Novack
Date: 10/18/23

120 Woodland Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $635,000
Buyer: Kathryn A. Hardy
Seller: Cynthia Koegler
Date: 10/26/23

SOUTH HADLEY

100 Abbey St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Colin Doyle
Seller: Herman P. Mak
Date: 10/24/23

75 Alvord St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Nicole Wozniak
Seller: Scheinost, Diane V., (Estate)
Date: 10/18/23

30 Boynton Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $281,000
Buyer: Berry FT
Seller: David A. Stuntz
Date: 10/27/23

8 Burnett Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $499,000
Buyer: Addison T. Beaux
Seller: Christine J. Hare
Date: 10/25/23

22 Easy St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $218,000
Buyer: KMAK LLC
Seller: Orlowski, James F., (Estate)
Date: 10/18/23

42 Ferry St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $406,708
Buyer: Sara Ells
Seller: Greenfield Road LLC
Date: 10/17/23

Lyman St., Lot 1
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $1,300,000
Buyer: WF Real Estate Holdings LLC
Seller: South Hadley Plaza LLC
Date: 10/20/23

Newton St., Lot 1
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $1,300,000
Buyer: WF Real Estate Holdings LLC
Seller: South Hadley Plaza LLC
Date: 10/20/23

 

WARE

7 Aspen St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Nexus Apartments LLC
Seller: James W. Kenyon
Date: 10/24/23

9 Clinton St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $287,000
Buyer: Alexandra P. Rojas
Seller: Johnathan Thornton
Date: 10/27/23

59 Greenwich Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Sean Matt
Seller: Glen A. Larue
Date: 10/16/23

131 Greenwich Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Angelina M. Roman
Seller: Jeanne E. Vadnais
Date: 10/25/23

83 Highland St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Atlantis & Terra Properties LLC
Seller: Alison J. Pereira
Date: 10/27/23

10 King St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $426,000
Buyer: Daniel P. Cahill
Seller: Dawn Szczygiel
Date: 10/20/23

15 Sherwin St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Linda Wilson
Seller: Leslie Wozniak
Date: 10/20/23

WILLIAMSBURG

20 Fairfield Ave.
Williamsburg, MA 01039
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: CIL Realty Of Mass. Inc.
Seller: Laurie H. Cote
Date: 10/17/23

WESTHAMPTON

218 North Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $601,500
Buyer: William Christopher
Seller: Zhongqi Yuan
Date: 10/16/23

A Crisis in Animal Welfare

By
Opinion

Editorial

 

Second Chance Animal Services calls it a “trifecta of challenges that demand immediate attention.”

First, a rising tide of inflation has led to food insecurity for both people and their furry companions, as the cost of pet-care essentials skyrockets. Housing costs, too, are soaring, forcing families to make wrenching decisions about their living situations, often resulting in the surrender of beloved pets.

Second, a veterinary-care crisis persists, with burnout among professionals causing a shortage of crucial services.

Finally, shelters are reaching capacity across the country — and not just in the South, where overpopulation has long been a problem — forcing many to euthanize perfectly adoptable pets when they are out of space.

North Brookfield-based Second Chance, which runs four community veterinary hospitals, never euthanizes for space and is taking in as many transports as it can, but its space is limited as it grapples with an increase in surrenders from local pet owners.

“We are being stretched to our limits, and I am deeply concerned,” Second Chance CEO Sheryl Blancato said recently.

But there’s hope, too, she added, citing her own organization’s efforts to keep pets with their families, from subsidized rates at its hospitals and a pet food pantry to community vaccine clinics and veterinary care at senior-living residences.

But it needs help: more volunteers, more donations, more awareness of the problem.

Meg Talbert feels the same way, as she told BusinessWest in the story that begins on page 4. The executive director of Dakin Humane Society says volunteers and foster families are critical to the nonprofit’s work, but so is financial support.

“A corporate donation or a foundation or individual giving, they really let us do the work. They are that bridge that allows us to go that extra mile for the animals, and to help people out when they’re coming to us,” she said, whether they’re at the point of surrendering an animal or having trouble affording veterinary care.

The goal, in almost every case, for organizations like Dakin and Second Chance is to keep families and their pets together. Not only is it heartbreaking to have to surrender an animal, but every pet back in the shelter system is one more animal adding to an overcrowding problem that is not letting up.

That’s why, Talbert said, every adoption of a dog, cat, or other critter actually saves two lives: the adopted animal’s life, and the animal that adoption makes room for at the shelter. Just as every surrender compounds the problem, every rescue adoption improves it.

We encourage families who want to add a pet to their home to consider adopting first, not only to reduce the overcrowding issue, but to literally save a life worthy of saving — a pet with plenty of love and appreciation to spare.

Speaking of appreciation, Dakin, Second Chance, and other animal-welfare organizations are always grateful for not only financial gifts, but volunteers. As the season of giving commences, that’s something that should give us all paws — er, pause.

Melissa Blissett to Chair Springfield College School of Social Work Advisory Board

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Melissa Blissett, vice president of Family Services at Square One, has been named advisory board chair of the Springfield College School of Social Work. Her appointment follows the passing of long-time social worker and social-services advocate Dora Robinson.

Blissett earned her master of social work degree from Springfield College in 2015. As a student, she served on both the advisory board and the student organization for the School of Social Work. She currently serves as an adjunct professor.

“It is an honor to take on the role of the advisory board chair,” Blissett said. “Dora Robinson was not only a colleague of mine, but also my big sister in the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. We shared a commitment to supporting local youth and promoting mental-health awareness. I am honored to continue her legacy of leadership and the empowerment of individuals and families.”

At Square One, Blissett leads a team of social workers, case managers, and support staff who provide parent education, support, and training programs through groups, home visitation, and personalized case management to help parents access whatever services are needed to be successful in their role as their child’s first teacher.

Blissett joined Square One in 2014 as a supervisor in the agency’s Healthy Families and Supervised Visitation programs. In 2017, she went to work as a child and family-law division social worker for the Committee for Public Council Services in Springfield. In 2018, she returned to Square One as the assistant vice president of Family Services, and in 2021, she was promoted to vice president.

Upcoming Tag Sale to Benefit Dress for Success Western Massachusetts

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Dress for Success Western Massachusetts will host another of its popular clothing tag sales on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1-2, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This time, the tag sale will take place at DFSWM’s new location at 45 Lyman St., directly across from Union Station in Springfield.

Hundreds of women have refreshed their wardrobes at past tag sales, while at the same time supporting Dress for Success’ mission to empower women to achieve economic independence.

Women can choose from an extensive array of clothing, shoes, accessories, and more. These new and gently used items include selections from name-brand fashion houses such as Anne Klein, Evan Picone, Ellen Tracy, and many more. Customers can fill a shopping bag for only $25 or a larger bag for $45.

Tag-sale items are available in all sizes and carefully inspected, hung or neatly folded, and sorted by size and style. Volunteers will replenish the stock of items regularly throughout each day.

All proceeds of this tag sale go directly toward supporting Dress for Success’ programs and services, including work-readiness education, interview training, mentoring, and digital-literacy coaching. All these programs are available at no cost to women and non-binary people who are seeking meaningful employment.

Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley Distribute 250 Turkeys to the Gray House

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — On Nov. 20, the law firm of Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley donated and helped distribute 250 frozen turkeys to aid the Gray House in its efforts to provide Thanksgiving dinner to families in Springfield.

“Each year, our staff looks forward to partnering with the Gray House,” Managing Partner Charlie Casartello said. “Donating food isn’t just about sustenance; it’s about feeding the roots of a thriving, interconnected community.”

The firm partnered with Arnold’s Meats to purchase the turkeys and arranged to have the birds delivered to the Gray House, where attorneys from the firm were on hand to personally distribute to individuals who had signed up with the Gray House to receive one.

“The work the Gray House performs in our community is essential,” Partner Earl Seeley III said. “Due to the significant rise in food costs, we couldn’t think of a better way to contribute than to help nourish our neighbors. We wanted to make the holidays special for everyone.”

Morgan Memorial Goodwill Names Jasmin Mujkic Vice President of Retail

By
Daily News

BOSTON — Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries named Jasmin Mujkic vice president of Retail. He is a retail executive with more than 15 years of business leadership experience, including working in three Goodwill organizations across the country.

Mujkic joins Goodwill from LePrix, an e-commerce marketplace for luxury goods, where he was vice president. Prior to that, he was vice president of Retail Operations for Goodwill of Greater Washington, D.C. He has also held management positions at Goodwill of Greater East Bay in California and Goodwill of North Georgia.

“Jasmin is a great addition to our team,” said Joanne Hilferty, president and CEO of Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries. “He has a deep knowledge of the Goodwill retail social enterprise, is a proven leader in multi-site retail management, and is committed to the training aspects of our operations. Jasmin will play a key role as we continue to grow our retail enterprise in order to increase the number of individuals and communities we serve in Massachusetts.”

A native of Croatia, Mujkic began his retail career in Europe and has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Zagreb.

Goodwill has 14 stores and 14 additional donation sites across Massachusetts that support its mission to help individuals with barriers to self-sufficiency achieve independence and dignity through work. Last year, there were more than 1 million customer transactions at these stores, and nearly 25 million pounds of donations were collected.

BusinessTalk with Ashley Kohl owner of Ohana School of Performing Arts

By
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 188: November 20, 2023

Joe Bednar Interviews the owner of Ohana School of Performing Arts, Ashley Kohl

It’s no wonder Ashley Kohl has adopted a philosophy of author Gabby Bernstein: “obstacles are detours in the right direction.” Because Ashley, the owner of Ohana School of Performing Arts, has encountered more than her fair share of obstacles. But by turning them into triumph, she’s created a growing space for people of all ages and abilities to discover dance — and themselves — in a safe, uplifting environment. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Ashley talks with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar about her career journey, the importance of creating positive experiences through dance, and where Ohana is headed next. It’s must listening, so tune in to BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest and sponsored by PeoplesBank.

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BusinessWest Calls for Book of Lists Updates; Advertising Opportunities Available

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest’s 2024 Book of Lists will be published soon. Companies in all sectors are encouraged to check their listing by clicking here and sending changes and updates to BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar at [email protected]. Businesses not currently listed on a chart are also encouraged to email their listing information for inclusion.

To reserve ad space in the 2024 Book of Lists, email Kate Campiti at [email protected].

UMass Amherst Welcomes Lidya Rivera-Early to Newly Created Position

By
Daily News

AMHERST — UMass Amherst has appointed Lidya Rivera-Early to the newly created position of executive director of Government Relations and Springfield Partnerships.

Rivera-Early brings more than 25 years of leadership, development, and managerial experience to the position, most recently as director of Community Engagement at Springfield Technical Community College (STCC). She will draw on her established relationships in the public and private sectors to serve as liaison between UMass Amherst and the city of Springfield.

Based at the UMass Amherst Center at Springfield, located at Tower Square, the new position was created to enhance the Springfield-UMass partnership, which is built on a commitment to cultural and economic equality and opportunity. Rivera-Early will work with legislators, city officials, the business community, nonprofit leaders, and university colleagues to connect UMass Amherst’s academic, research, and economic-development mandates with the city of Springfield. This includes cultivating relationships with community stakeholders, developing and strengthening partnerships with regional business executives, and identifying state and federal resources to support the partnership’s strategic goals.

At STCC, Rivera-Early served in various roles over the past decade, working to deepen relationships with community partners and collaborating across campus and with outside organizations on educational and career-development initiatives. She also served as a liaison between college departments and regional and statewide stakeholders and represented the college on various boards and in the community.

Prior to her role at STCC, she was Section 3 program manager for the city of Springfield, where she was responsible for administrative and technical duties managing, coordinating, and administering the city’s Section 3 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Previously, she served as grants coordinator/manager for the Springfield Housing Authority, overseeing all grant-funded programs for the agency.

Rivera-Early received a bachelor’s degree in human services and a master’s degree in organizational management and leadership in human services from Springfield College. She is a graduate of Leadership Pioneer Valley and is the recipient of several notable awards and honors, including the Massachusetts Latina Excellence Award. She serves on the boards of a number of community organizations, including the Healing Racism Institute of Pioneer Valley and the newly formed Dora D. Robinson Women’s Leadership Council.

Maureen Buxton Joins Westfield Bank as Assistant Branch Manager

By
Daily News

WESTFIELD — James Hagan, president and CEO of Westfield Bank, announced that Maureen Buxton has been appointed to the role of business specialist, assistant branch manager. She will be based out of the bank’s 1342 Liberty St. location in Springfield and will assist in managing all areas of the branch, including customer service, retail and business product sales, employee development, and general operations.

For the past 31 years, Buxton has worked in the banking industry, holding multiple roles in local community banks and credit unions, including branch manager and mortgage loan officer positions. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Westfield State University.

Buxton is very involved in her community, serving as a chairperson on the Chicopee Parks and Recreation Commission and the Chicopee Athletic Hall of Fame Committee. She also serves as treasurer for the Cigars4Soldiers Committee and is a member of the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Road Race Committee.

In 2013, Buxton received the President’s Award at a local community bank, a prestigious award recognizing her outstanding performance and customer service. The following year, she received the Paul Harris Honoree award from the Rotary Club of Chicopee.

Massachusetts Unemployment Creeps Up in October

By
Daily News

BOSTON — The state’s October total unemployment rate was 2.8%, up 0.2% from the revised September estimate of 2.6%, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) preliminary job estimates indicate Massachusetts lost 800 jobs in October. This follows September’s revised loss of 2,600 jobs. The largest over-the-month private-sector job gains were in education and health services, other services, and construction. Employment now stands at 3,782,700. Massachusetts gained 721,100 jobs since the employment low in April 2020.

From October 2022 to October 2023, BLS estimates Massachusetts gained 77,100 jobs. The largest over-the-year gains occurred in education and health services; professional, scientific, and business services; and construction.

The state’s October unemployment rate of 2.8% was 1.1% lower than the national rate of 3.9% reported by BLS.

The labor force grew by an estimated 5,600 from the revised estimate of 3,716,000 in September, as 500 fewer residents were employed and 6,200 more residents were unemployed over-the-month. Over-the-year, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was down by 1.0%.

The state’s labor-force participation rate — the total number of residents age 16 or older who worked or were unemployed and actively sought work in the last four weeks — increased by 0.1% to 64.5% over-the-month. Compared to October 2022, the labor-force participation rate was down 0.3%.

Governor Healey Announces Massive Financial-aid Expansion

By
Daily News

BOSTON — Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll announced a historic financial-aid expansion that will benefit approximately 25,000 students attending the state’s public community colleges, state universities, and the University of Massachusetts. With close to $62 million in new program funding, the MASSGrant Plus Expansion program will cover tuition, fees, books, and supply costs for Pell Grant-eligible students and reduce out-of-pocket expenses for middle-income students by up to half.

“For so many Massachusetts residents, higher education can be the ticket to their future career and economic stability. Our employers are looking to graduates of Massachusetts’ exceptional public colleges to meet their workforce needs, and those graduates are most likely to stay in Massachusetts. But far too many people are held back from pursuing the education of their choice because of high costs,” Healey said. “This expansion of MASSGrant Plus will open doors for more students to access higher education, which will strengthen our economy as a whole. We’re grateful to our legislative partners for making this funding available and look forward to our continued collaboration to make Massachusetts more affordable.”

Not including room and board, MASSGrant Plus Expansion will cover the full cost of tuition and fees for Pell Grant-eligible students, including, for the first time, the federal-government-determined expected family contribution and an additional allowance of up to $1,200 for books and supplies. Middle-income students — defined as those whose families earn between $73,000 and $100,000 annually in adjusted gross income — will have their costs for tuition and mandatory instructional fees reduced by up to half of their out-of-pocket expenses. While middle-income students must be enrolled full-time to qualify, the expansion will extend MASSGrant Plus financial aid to both full- and part-time Pell Grant-eligible students for the first time.

“I’m thrilled that we’re able to deliver such a big investment and increase aid for nearly 25,000 public higher-education students,” Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler said. “By expanding access to higher learning, we’re able to connect even more students with the life-changing opportunities, high-quality educational experiences, and work-based training and skills development that our community colleges, state universities, and UMass offer.”

The program will be retroactive to the start of the fall 2023 semester for currently enrolled students. Students who have already completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2023-24 academic year will not need to take any further action to benefit from the additional financial-aid dollars; funds for the current semester will be credited to their accounts. Students who may qualify but have not filled out the FAFSA should do so immediately.

“Public higher education opens doors to transformational opportunities,” state Sen. Jo Comerford said. “I am tremendously excited to see how this expanded student assistance will catapult students, and our Commonwealth, forward.”

Springfield Rotary Service Above Self Luncheon to Honor Dr. Mark Keroack, NBA Cares

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and the Rotary Club of Springfield announced the honorees for the Westfield Bank 2023 Basketball Hall of Fame Rotary Service Above Self Luncheon, which will take place on Thursday, Dec. 14 at noon on Center Court of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

This year’s honorees are Dr. Mark Keroack, president and CEO of Baystate Health, and NBA Cares. In addition, Springfield Rotary announced this year’s Paul Harris Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to Paul Lambert, president and CEO of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and long-serving Rotarian.

“Many notable individuals from the Western Mass. community and the sports world have been recognized at the BHOF Service Above Self luncheons throughout the years,” said Frank Colaccino, CEO of the Colvest Group and chairperson of the award luncheon committee. “Our honorees have generously served our communities with heartfelt passion without expectation of personal recognition.”

Tickets to the event are available to purchase. Individual tickets ($90) and sponsorship opportunities for the luncheon are still available. For more information on sponsorships or to purchase tickets to the luncheon, contact Chelsea Johnson at (413) 231-5521 or [email protected].

Author to Give Talk About the Lost Quabbin Towns Today in Amherst

By
Daily News

AMHERST — When the four Quabbin towns were disincorporated in April 1938, it was more than just a legal decision. Families that had lived in the towns for generations were forced to move, separating from friends, neighbors, and relatives.

Local author Elena Palladino will talk about all this and more on Friday, Nov. 17, at noon in the Woodbury Room of Jones Library in Amherst.

Palladino lives in one of the homes whose elements were moved out of Enfield. In her book, Lost Towns of the Swift River Valley, she writes about the former owner of the house, Marion Andrews Smith, and highlights as well two other Enfield residents: Dr. Willard Segur, the country doctor, and Edwin Henry Howe, the postmaster and proprietor of the general store, all of whom had deep personal ties to the Swift River Valley.

Difference Makers Nominations Due by Dec. 8

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Do you know someone who is truly making a difference in the Western Mass. region? BusinessWest invites you to nominate an individual or group for its 16th annual Difference Makers program. Nominations for the class of 2024 must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 8.

Difference Makers was launched in 2009 as a way to recognize the contributions of agencies and individuals who are contributing to quality of life in this region. Past honorees have come from dozens of business and nonprofit sectors, proving there’s no limit to the ways people can impact their communities.

So, let us know who you think deserves to be recognized as a Difference Maker in our upcoming class by visiting businesswest.com/difference-makers-nomination-form to complete the nomination form. Honorees will be profiled in an upcoming issue of BusinessWest and celebrated at a gala in the spring.

Red Sox Winter Weekend Coming to Springfield Jan. 19-20

By
Daily News

BOSTON — The Boston Red Sox will host a weekend getaway of hot-stove fun for fans and families in downtown Springfield on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 19-20, 2024. Red Sox Winter Weekend will take place at MGM Springfield and its neighboring facility, the MassMutual Center.

Red Sox Winter Weekend will include a welcome and introduction of participating Red Sox players and roundtable discussions on a variety of baseball topics, as well as autographs and photos. The weekend also includes a full baseball festival for fans of all ages.

Weekend passes for Winter Weekend are available now at redsox.com/winterweekend. Passes provide access for the entire event and cost $95 for adults ($85 for season-ticket holders) and $40 for children age 14 and under ($35 for season-ticket holders). Children age 2 and under are free. Information about discounted hotel rooms in the area is available on the website. Mastercard is the preferred payment of the Boston Red Sox.

Members of the 2024 Red Sox, including coaching staff, are invited to attend. Red Sox alumni, Wally the Green Monster, and his sister, Tessie, will also be in attendance.

The weekend will begin Friday night with a welcome and introduction of the participating players. Throughout the day on Saturday, fans will have an opportunity to get autographs and take photos with players and alumni and see the 2004, 2007, 2013, and 2018 World Series trophies, as well as Red Sox artifacts such as Silver Slugger, Gold Glove, MVP, and and Cy Young awards.

Family-friendly activities include Wiffle ball on the indoor field, a virtual-reality experience, batting and pitching cages, and the chance to meet Wally and Tessie. Panel discussions will also take place throughout the day on Saturday, with the return of the popular favorites including the kids-only press conference.

NESN and WEEI will broadcast live from Red Sox Winter Weekend on Saturday with interviews with Red Sox players and leadership. Red Sox radio partner WEEI will have an interactive photo opportunity for fans. NESN will provide Winter Weekend attendees interactive opportunities to engage with the NESN brand alongside NESN Clubhouse, NESN’s award-winning show for kids.

MGM Springfield is a partner of Red Sox Winter Weekend. Fans are encouraged to check redsox.com/winterweekend periodically for updates on participants and activities.

Massachusetts Girls in Trades Hosting Career Fair in Holyoke Today

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Young women in high schools from across Massachusetts interested in careers in the union construction industry will gather today, Nov. 16, for a career fair hosted by Massachusetts Girls in Trades (MAGIT) at Dean Vocational Technical School in Holyoke.

For the past eight years, MAGIT has sponsored the annual conference and career fair to introduce students to apprenticeship programs and to hear from active tradeswomen about their experiences in the industry. The event connects juniors and seniors in high school with a debt-free path to careers in the union building trades. The number of women in construction reached an unprecedented high of 14.3% last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a consistent upward trend since 2016.

With $3.6 billion in federal infrastructure funding announced for Massachusetts, the demand for skilled workers has never been greater. Events like these help students gain access to good careers and will ultimately provide local contractors with a well-trained workforce to carry out the hundreds of construction projects coming to the region.

​​“Having the knowledge of the opportunities out there for not only my trade but every trade is huge,” said Jillian Houle, who will graduate from Franklin County Technical School in 2024. “There are so many paths out there, and there is one that fits every person. Being in a non-traditional field can be extremely difficult at times, but having access to new positions and unions can be a huge support system in many aspects.”

Mill District Holiday Arts Market on Nov. 19 to Feature More Than 50 Crafters

By
Daily News

AMHERST — Locally made gifts crafted by more than 50 talented artists and makers will be the main attraction at the third annual Holiday Arts Market at the Mill District General Store and Local Art Gallery, being held on Sunday, Nov. 19 from noon to 4 p.m. on Cowls Road in North Amherst.

“This is our third year bringing this wonderful event to the Amherst community, and we’ve had a record outreach from artisans seeking to exhibit. Visitors to Cowls Road will find more variety than ever this year, ranging from jewelry to pottery, candles and cards,” said Shannon Borrell, coordinator of the Mill District Local Art Gallery. “Our artisans will be situated outdoors to encourage strolling, and our retail stores will be welcoming customers indoors as well. There’s a lot of excitement out there, and I know the makers are all really looking forward to this event.”

If it’s a chilly day, visitors will find warming drinks to go at Cisco’s Café and the District’s newest tenant, Futura Coffee Roasters.

This date is the rain date; the event was originally scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 18 but moved due to the weather forecast.

Girls Inc. of the Valley Receives Grant from Collins Aerospace

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Girls Inc. of the Valley announced a grant of $30,000 from Collins Aerospace for the Her Future, Our Future comprehensive campaign. This commitment from Collins Aerospace will support the creation of a dynamic MakerSpace in Girls Inc. of the Valley’s new headquarters and program center.

“We are so grateful for this generous grant, which will allow us to complete construction on the MakerSpace in 2024,” said Suzanne Parker, executive director of Girls Inc. “Thanks to Collins Aerospace, Girls Inc. participants will have an intentionally designed space for hands-on STEM activities and experiments. This commitment, coupled with ongoing volunteer support from Collins Aerospace team members, will provide unparalleled access to resources and mentors for our students.”

The collaboration between Collins Aerospace and Girls Inc. of the Valley will include volunteer opportunities to conduct STEM workshops for students and assist teens navigating the college-application process, as well as job shadowing and internship opportunities.

The MakerSpace and Collins Aerospace volunteers will have a major impact on Girls Inc.’s Eureka! Program, a unique curriculum that offers youth a sustained, five-year experience in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Eureka! is open to all Hampden County girls in grades 8-12.

With $4.8 million raised toward the $5 million goal, Her Future, Our Future is Girls Inc. of the Valley’s comprehensive campaign that has three important goals: expand Girls Inc. programming to more Valley communities, support the growth of Eureka!, and complete a new headquarters and program center.

Legislation Launched to Establish State Disaster Relief Fund

By
Daily News

BOSTON — State Sen. Jo Comerford and state Rep. Natalie Blais have filed and launched new legislation, titled “An Act Creating a State Disaster Relief Fund for Emergency Management.”

“It rained in July and August across the Commonwealth,” Comerford said. “This bill creates the first-ever emergency disaster-relief program in Massachusetts. We are all wrestling with the reality that Massachusetts is one of a few states that does not have a framework in place to respond to disasters in our municipalities. I am grateful to Representative Blais for her partnership in finding a way to support our communities as they recover financially from emergency disasters.”

Blais added that “natural disasters can happen anywhere, whether you’re a small community or a large city. We have felt the devastation of our constituents and our partners in municipal government as they worked tirelessly to repair and rebuild their communities. I am proud to partner with Senator Comerford, as well as colleagues and municipal officials from around the Commonwealth, on this legislation.”

The launch event also highlighted communities across the Commonwealth that were impacted by disasters in recent years.

“In July, we had rainstorms here in excess of six inches per hour,” Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra said. “These days were extremely stressful and, frankly, frightening, as we sleeplessly watched our very old and insufficient infrastructure strain to hold. We are still dealing with the impact of what happened during that time.”

Carolyn Shores Ness, chair of the Deerfield Selectboard, noted that, “geographically, Deerfield is at the bottom of a bowl. We have been historically and will be at risk for flooding, despite our best efforts to prepare for these events. Communities across the Commonwealth are being devastated fiscally and overwhelmed by these gap storm events that are occurring.”

Linda Dunlavy, executive director of the Franklin Regional Council of Governments, added that, “when you have eight to nine inches of rain in less than an hour, it causes damage that cannot be entirely predicted or prevented with good planning and preparation. So this bill is so critical to help our municipalities after an emergency, so they can get back on their feet and begin to recover emotionally, physically, and financially.”

Save Northampton Main Street Offers to Present Design Alternative to City Council

By
Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — On Nov. 13, Save Northampton Main Street presented its alternative Main Street design to a group of city residents at the Hotel Northampton. The presentation included architect’s renderings made to show specific details of an alternative plan from the city of Northampton’s plan for Main Street renovations. While similar to the city’s plan, the alternative plan looks at traffic flow, safety, and connections with the local rail trail.

Save Northampton Main Street has requested to present at the Northampton City Council meeting on Thursday, Nov. 16, prior to the City Council vote on its resolution for Picture Main Street. According to Judy Herrell of Save Northampton Main Street, “we simply want to offer an alternative plan, which includes much of the city’s design, but has some alternative features.”

In response to Save Northampton’s Main Street’s request, City Council President Jim Nash will bring up a motion to hear the presentation. If the motion gets seconded from another council member and the vote is in favor of listening, John DiBartolo will present Save Northampton’s Main Street’s alternative plan to the City Council.

Karolina Weagle Chosen for 2023 Massachusetts Bar Assoc. Leadership Academy

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Regional law firm Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C. announced that attorney Karolina Weagle was accepted into the 2023 Massachusetts Bar Assoc. Leadership Academy.

“We are grateful to the Massachusetts Bar Association for continuing its commitment to cultivating leaders who work toward the improvement of our profession and our society,” founding attorney Steven Schwartz said. “Attorney Weagle exemplifies the bright young talent here at the firm, and we’re proud to have her leading the new generation of attorneys who will guide us into our next 50 years of service to the Western Massachusetts area.”

Believing exceptional leaders are essential to the improvement of the legal profession and understanding there are few leadership training opportunities for young attorneys, the Massachusetts Bar Assoc. developed its Leadership Academy to better prepare young attorneys to assume leadership roles at the bar, both in their firms or organizations and in government.

Weagle concentrates her practice in estate planning. Prior to joining Shatz, Schwartz & Fentin in 2022, she worked at a Boston firm representing clients in litigation and criminal-defense matters, and later returned to Western Mass., where she practiced in the areas of real estate, estate planning, and estate administration.

Weagle graduated summa cum laude from Westfield State University in 2015 with bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice and political science. Soon after, she enrolled at New England Law Boston, where she graduated cum laude in 2018. While in law school, she made the dean’s list every semester, was awarded the CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Property II in the spring of 2016, and earned the New England Scholar Award for 2015-16. She is also fluent in Polish.

Berkshire Bank Announces Collaboration with MGH Dementia Care Collaborative

By
Daily News

BOSTON — Berkshire Bank and its Center for Women, Wellness & Wealth (CWWW) announced a new effort to support the Dementia Care Collaborative (DCC), a program at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Division of Palliative Care & Geriatric Medicine. This innovative collaboration will bolster the support patients and families living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias receive in Boston and beyond. The partnership also includes a philanthropic contribution from the bank’s foundation.

There are an estimated 6.5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease and more than 11 million caregivers who are unpaid family members and friends, according to the DCC annual report. Alzheimer’s disease is twice as common in women. Berkshire Bank understands there is a need to educate and support those living with dementia, caregivers, healthcare providers, and the community. By joining together with the DCC, it will assist with financial wellness and financial security, which are crucial to the aging population and their caregivers.

Supporting women through various stages of life is core to Berkshire Bank’s CWWW, which seeks community collaborations to help women gain confidence in their personal finances and pursue their dreams and goals. By joining efforts with the DCC, Berkshire Bank can enrich the financial stability, balance, and growth for women in the Boston community and beyond.

Berkshire Bank will co-host signature events in 2024 with the MGH Dementia Care Collaborative to help with the intersection of wellness and wealth. These impact conversations will be held in person in February 2024 and virtually during the spring with Dr. Christine Ritchie, a geriatrician and palliative-care physician who has cared for people living with dementia and their caregivers throughout her entire professional life. Massachusetts General Hospital is a leading institution in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia research.

Happier Valley Comedy Raising Funds for Expanded Performance Space

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Daily News

HADLEY — It’s just a purple door painted onto a solid wall right now, but Pam Victor, Happier Valley Comedy’s head of happiness, hopes to one day open a real door to the local improv theater’s expanded performance space.

“When I started the ‘can I make a living doing what I love? experiment’ in the fall of 2014, I never could have imagined the ups and downs of the last nine years,” Victor said. And when the space next door to their original theater became available, Victor, Artistic Director Scott Braidman, and Program Manager Maddy Benjamin had a big decision to make. Should they take a leap of faith to sign a five-year lease in both spaces, even though they were still getting back on their feet post-pandemic?

They decided to take that leap.

“If we didn’t take this major, calculated risk to take on both spaces, we knew the opportunity to expand might not come along again for at least five years, if ever. Our expanded dream theater gives us plenty of room to continue growing our community while keeping our cozy Happier Valley Comedy vibe,” Victor said. “And it provides a performance space worthy of the quality of work our improv community has grown to perform.”

The additional space, directly adjacent to the existing theater, will provide the only improv-comedy theater in Western Mass. with an accessible stage, an improv-friendly set, theatrical lighting, improved acoustics, a tech booth, and tiered seating for 72 people.

Happier Valley Comedy is working with two Northampton companies on the project: general contractor Keiter Corp. and architect Tom Douglas of Thomas Douglas Architects.

Happier Valley will kick off the “Open the Door” fundraiser to raise the next $30,000 of the $300,000 capital campaign on Saturday, Nov. 18 with a phone-a-thon event called “Call from a Castmate,” when professional improvisers pick up the phone to gather donation pledges.

“Happier Valley Comedy was born of a dream to make a living in the Valley doing what I love,” Victor said. “Building a more professional improv performance space is the final step in making even my wildest dreams come true.”

Kuhn Riddle Architects Welcomes Ruoqi Zhong

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Daily News

AMHERST — Kuhn Riddle Architects announced that Ruoqi Zhong has joined its growing architectural team. Ruoqi was drawn to Kuhn Riddle Architects because she is inspired by architecture that connects to its surroundings, is public-oriented, and will make a positive difference in people’s lives.

Ruoqi will continue to follow her integrative, transformative design focus at KRA. She applies her expertise and attention to detail to K-12 educational projects, community organizations, and multi-family and private homes.

Ruoqi received her bachelor of architecture degree in 2011 from Harbin Institute of Technology in Heilongjiang, China. In 2014 she was awarded two degrees at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champagne: master of architecture and master of science in civil and environmental engineering.

STCC Speaker to Address Financial Literacy on Nov. 17

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — On Friday, Nov. 17, Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) will host personal-finance educator Jamila Souffrant in a free event open to students and the community.

Souffrant will discuss financial literacy and explain the steps people can take to reach financial freedom starting at 6 p.m. at STCC’s Scibelli Hall Theater. The School of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) will present the in-person event.

Souffrant will give her perspective on how decisions around money are shaped from a young age, but how everyone holds the power to improve it. She has been featured in the New York Times, Good Morning America, and other national media.

Freedom Credit Union Collecting Donations for Westover Galaxy Community Council

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — During the month of November, Freedom Credit Union is collecting cash donations at all its branches throughout Western Mass. to help Westover Galaxy Community Council support military service members and their families at Westover Air Reserve Base (ARB) in Chicopee.

“At Freedom Credit Union, our members and staff are honored to support our military and the brave individuals who give so much to protect and defend our nation,” President Glenn Welch said. “Throughout the year, and especially around the holidays, being away from family is one of the biggest challenges they face. The Westover Galaxy Community Council works to ease this difficulty by helping keep the members of our military connected to their families and homes, while also providing resources to their family members.”

Formed in 1988 as a committee within the Chicopee Chamber of Commerce and incorporated as an independent organization in 1989, the Westover Galaxy Community Council is an organization made up of veterans, local businesspeople, and other citizens who support the men, women, and mission of Westover ARB. Within Department of Defense guidelines, Westover Galaxy Community Council raises funds to contribute to events and special needs at Westover, the largest Air Reserve base in the nation.

“Whether or not you are a Freedom member, please join us in supporting those who keep us safe,” Welch said. “Stop by any one of our branches to make a cash donation.”

BusinessTalk with Tech Foundry CEO Tricia Canavan

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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 187: November 13, 2023

Joe Interviews Tech Foundry CEO Tricia Canavan

Since its launch almost a decade ago, Tech Foundry has trained hundreds of students and partnered with scores of employers across Western Mass. to get people trained for good IT careers and help businesses grow with local talent. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Tech Foundry CEO Tricia Canavan talks with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar about how the organization continues to play a key role in the region’s high-tech ecosystem — and how its new partnership with Holyoke Community College, called Tech Hub, promises to help even more people navigate the digital world and improve their job prospects. It’s must listening, so tune in to BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest and sponsored by PeoplesBank.

 

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Country Bank Supports Senior Centers with $42,000 in Donations

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Daily News

WARE — Country Bank recently announced donations to 21 local senior centers throughout the region, totaling $42,000. These donations are made without restriction for necessary items that may not be met within the centers’ annual budgets.

“We are so fortunate to have a community partner like Country Bank,” said John Zienowicz, executive director of Ware Senior Center. “Countless members of their staff have volunteered at our events and special projects that have ranged from holiday parties at the senior center to personally delivering boxes of food items to seniors in need. This donation helps to sustain our meal program, which, over the past five years, has provided in excess of 38,000 home-cooked meals for the seniors. Their commitment to service, volunteerism, and community is what makes Country Bank the gold standard when it comes to being true difference makers.”

In addition to its annual monetary support, Country Bank also sends teams of employees to volunteer at local senior centers on a monthly basis.

“We know what a difference this makes for the senior centers, and we are honored to be able to support the great work that they do to help our seniors,” said Jodie Gerulaitis, vice president of Community Relations at Country Bank.

Springfield Symphony Youth Orchestras to Kick Off Season in Belchertown on Nov. 19

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Symphony Youth Orchestras (SSYO) will hold their first performance of the season, featuring more than 70 youth musicians, on Sunday, Nov. 19 at 3 p.m. at Belchertown High School.

Adult tickets cost $20, and admission is free for those under 18. Tickets can be purchased in advance at springfieldsymphony.org or at the door beginning at 2 p.m.

The concert program will feature pieces performed by the Springfield Youth Sinfonia (SYS) and conducted by Matt Bertuzzi, including “The Muppet Show Theme,” “Lincolnshire Posy,” and “Waltz from The Sleeping Beauty.”

Following the SYS pieces, the Springfield Youth Orchestra (SYO), conducted by Jonathan Lam, will perform “Rienzi Overture” (Richard Wagner) and “Lieutenant Kijé Suite Symphonique” (Sergei Prokofiev).

The SSYO consists of two ensembles, the Springfield Youth Orchestra, which has 37 students, and the Springfield Youth Sinfonia, with 33 students. The SYO and SYS are merit-based orchestras sponsored by the Springfield Symphony Orchestra for talented young musicians (through grade 12) living in the Pioneer Valley and beyond. Musicians rehearse weekly. Those interested in auditioning to become part of the SSYO should contact Rocio Mora at [email protected].

Following the Nov. 19 concert, upcoming public performances of the SSYO include their Winter Concert on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024 at Longmeadow High School, and their Season Finale Concert on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at Springfield Symphony Hall.

Award-winning Journalist Caleb Gayle to Give 2023 MCLA Hardman Lecture

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Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — Caleb Gayle will present the 2023 MCLA Hardman Lecture on Thursday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. in MCLA’s Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation Atrium.

Gayle is an award-winning journalist who writes about race and identity and is a contributing writer for the New York Times Magazine. His book, We Refuse to Forget: A True Story of Black Creeks, American Identity, and Power, was published in 2022. He is a professor of Journalism and Africana Studies at Northeastern University.

Gayle’s writing has been recognized by the Matthew Power Literary Reporting Award, the PEN America Writing for Justice Fellowship, the Center for Fiction Emerging Writers Fellowship, a fellowship at Harvard University’s Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, and the New America Fellowship, among others. His writing has been featured in the New York Times, the Guardian, the Threepenny Review, Guernica, the Atlantic, Harvard Review, Pacific Standard, the New Republic, the Boston Globe, Los Angeles Review of Books, the Root, the Daily Beast, and more. His writing has been anthologized as a notable essay in the 2019 Best American Essays.

Gayle completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Oklahoma as a Truman scholar. He completed his graduate studies at the University of Oxford and has an MBA and a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard Business School and the Harvard Kennedy School, respectively. In addition to writing, he serves as a visiting scholar at the Arthur Carter Journalism Institute at NYU. He is currently completing his next book, Pushahead: The Story of Edward McCabe and an Epic of American Empire.

This event is free and open to the public. Call (413) 662-5224 for more information or Zoom details.

East Village Tavern Donating Thanksgiving Meals to Those in Need

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Daily News

LONGMEADOW — East Village Tavern and the East Longmeadow Rotary Club will once again team up for their annual Thanksgiving basket drive. Thanksgiving baskets with all the fixings, for families who may not otherwise be able to afford them, will be distributed by local volunteers on the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 22 at 10 a.m.

Food collection will run now through Nov. 21. Non-perishable items can be dropped off at East Village Tavern, 53 North Main St., East Longmeadow. Thanksgiving family baskets, varying by size of family, will include one turkey, two bags or boxes of stuffing mix, five pounds of potatoes, two pounds of butternut squash (cut squash typically requires refrigeration), two cans of corn or green beans, two pounds of onions, a dozen dinner rolls, two cans of jellied cranberry sauce, a half-gallon of sweet cider (cider typically requires refrigeration), and one pumpkin pie.

East Village Tavern (EVT) is also accepting donations of $75, which will feed a family of four.

EVT thanked several local businesses and volunteers it partners with on this community-service project. “Our business is built around friends and family coming together to eat, drink, and enjoy each other’s company,” co-owner John Sullivan said. “It’s our responsibility to feed those in our community that may not be able to afford to join us for times of celebration. It’s our honor to give back.”

Pittsfield and Its Downtown Seek Renewed Vibrancy

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Al Enchill, seen here with his son, Auric
Community Spotlight

Community Spotlight

The Let It Shine! Public Art Partnership

The Let It Shine! Public Art Partnership, a collaborative effort involving several partners, has helped bring new murals, color, and more vibrancy to downtown Pittsfield.

Rebecca Brien grew up in Berkshire County and has lived in Pittsfield for more than 30 years now. She’s old enough to remember what it was like downtown on Thursday nights after employees at the sprawling General Electric transformer-manufacturing complex picked up their paychecks.

“All of the shops would stay open late,” she recalled. “And all of the employees would get their paychecks and come down to the banks directly to cash them and have dinner and do some shopping. It was definitely a bustling town.”

Brien, who now serves as managing director of Downtown Pittsfield Inc., or DPI — a membership organization consisting of property owners, businesses, residents, and nonprofit agencies — understands that it probably won’t ever be that like again on North Street, the city’s main thoroughfare, and adjacent streets.

But there is a renewed sense of vibrancy — coupled with some stern challenges — in the central business district, she said, noting there are several new and thriving businesses, many of them in the broad realms of arts, tourism, and hospitality, and new initiatives to improve the area and specific storefronts and encourage people of all ages to visit the district and stay for a while.

These include the Let it Shine! Public Art Partnership, a group of Pittsfield-based community members who have come together to organize public art and revitalization on North Street, including several new murals that have brought color to the area and changed the landscape, literally and figuratively, and the Pittsfield Glow Up! Business-improvement grant program, made possible by ARPA funding. The initiative provides grants of up to $10,000 to eligible businesses impacted by COVID to be used for physical improvements that will enhance foot traffic and create visual vibrancy in the district (more on both programs later).

“There’s definitely a concern when it comes to foot traffic, so DPI has been working very hard to make sure that there are activities going on.”

“I do see that our downtown is poised to reach a new potential,” Brien said. “We’re working with MassDevelopment and its Transformative Development Initiative, a program to accelerate economic growth in focused areas, which means we have access to funding and programs that are really making a difference in our downtown.”

Jonathan Butler, president and CEO of the Pittsfield-based economic-development agency 1Berkshire, agreed.

He said Pittsfield and especially its downtown, which has been reshaping and reimagining itself since GE departed nearly 40 years ago, remains a work in progress.

Today, its economy is far more diverse than it was decades ago, when manufacturing was the anchor, he said, adding quickly that manufacturing remains a force, with General Dynamics employing nearly 2,000 people in facilities that were once part of the GE complex.

But the creative economy has also become a huge force in the community, with attractions and institutions such as Berkshire Theatre Group, Barrington Stage Company, and the Colonial Theatre, and this diversity stretches to technology, healthcare, service businesses, and other types of entrepreneurial ventures.

Al Enchill, seen here with his son, Auric

Al Enchill, seen here with his son, Auric, says he’s seen a considerable amount of change and progress in downtown Pittsfield since he first opened his busness.

That list includes Elegant Stitches, an embroidery and screen-printing shop run by Al Enchill and his son, Auric. It specializes in branded custom apparel — from T-shirts to tote bags to umbrellas — and counts a number of area banks and other businesses, colleges, government agencies (including the FBI), and even the U.S. Army in its client portfolio.

Al Enchill first opened his business on First Street in 1997, and has seen a good deal of change and progress downtown since then.

“Pittsfield is changing for the better, and it’s attracting more people,” he said. “I think this will help the businesses here.”

But as much as Pittsfield and its downtown are experiencing growth and progress, there are still considerable challenges, some of them COVID-related.

Indeed, the shift to remote work and hybrid arrangements has left fewer people working downtown, said Butler and Brien, noting that this has certainly impacted many of the hospitality-related businesses in that area. Meanwhile, that same trend has also impacted commercial real estate downtown, Butler added, noting that some businesses are now leasing less space, and others will certainly be tempted to do so.

At the same time, there is a housing crisis — the same one impacting communities across Western Mass., Butler noted, adding that there is potential to convert some of the vacant or underutilized space in the downtown area to housing, something that would address two problems at once and bring people, and vibrancy, to the city center.

For this, the latest installment of its Community Spotlight series, BusinessWest takes an in-depth look at Pittsfield and its downtown, and efforts not to recreate the past, but to create a vibrant, sustainable future.

 

Progress Report

Brien said DPI, established in 1983, acts much like a chamber of commerce would. The agency serves as a connector and liaison for businesses and property owners, residents, and city officials.

It is currently working on a number of initiatives to bring new businesses and vibrancy to the downtown area, she said. These include a collaborative effort between DPI and the Berkshire Black Economic Council on a VIBE grant that will provide funding for four new businesses to launch in the downtown, a program designed to help fill some of the empty storefronts in the district.

Meanwhile, DPI continues its work with the city and the Pittsfield Economic Revitalization Corp. to administer the Glow Up! grants. A first round of grants totaling $100,000 and involving 12 businesses was awarded in the spring, and applications for a second round of $100,000 opened earlier this month.

“Pittsfield is a commercial center, lots of people physically work in Pittsfield; they all left downtown Pittsfield during the pandemic to work at home, and now, three years later, some of them have returned, but many haven’t. So, like many other downtowns, there’s a large gap in commercial real-estate space, a lot of unfilled space.”

“The money can go toward anything from painting to new windows to new signage and additional lighting,” Brien said, adding that the program’s name explains what business owners are trying to do — glow up their operations.

Overall, there is progress downtown, but several challenges as well, especially when it comes to foot traffic — a concern for most all cities in the post-COVID area. Thus, DPI has intensified its efforts to create programming and undertake initiatives to not only bring people to the area, but extend their stay.

“There definitely have been more challenges, especially for our lunch business in the downtown, especially with the banks, insurance agencies, and organizations like that still working hybrid models,” Brien said. “There’s definitely a concern when it comes to foot traffic, so DPI has been working very hard to make sure that there are activities going on.”

These include an Artswalk on the first Friday of each month between May and December to bring visitors downtown, she noted, adding that the program has been expanded recently to include placing works by local artists in shops and restaurants, as well as music, dance, a marketplace, and activities for children in an effort to extend visitors’ stay in the central business district to include dinner and perhaps a show at one of the venues.

Along these same lines, the Let it Shine! community art project was launched. It includes eight new murals in the downtown and West Side districts.

“These are world-renowned artists — individuals from across the U.S., and local artists as well, who have installed pieces,” Brien said, adding that a digital tour guides individuals to these works and other murals installed in recent years.

“Any night of the week in our downtown, you can find activities, you can find music, shows at the local theaters — we have a great movie theater in our downtown, we have a new brewery that has programming every night of the week,” she went on. “We have great restaurants … there’s a lot to do, and we’re doing what we can to bring people out and take it all in.”

Enchill has witnessed all this out the front window of his business, and he is encouraged by what he now sees. He said that, while COVID took its toll, there are many people on the streets, some of whom will stop into his store to buy a sweatshirt because it’s colder outside than they thought it might be.

“Things are changing here — things are happening,” he said. “Downtown is making its way back.”

 

‘Fighting Its Way Back’

Butler concurred, and noted that there is a sense of momentum in Pittsfield, visible on many fronts.

These include population growth, something all Berkshires communities have been seeking, especially in the form of professionals fleeing larger municipal centers in the wake of COVID for more rural zip codes that offer quality of life and opportunities to work remotely.

Pittsfield fits that description, Butler said, adding quickly, though, that whatever surge there may have been has crested. Meanwhile, he wondered out loud how many of these new arrivals were simply living in the Berkshires and not working there — and, thus, not providing any relief for a workforce crunch that is still impacting businesses across most all sectors, but especially the tourism and hospitality industry.

“It’s absolutely a tough time workforce-wise; I don’t know if we’re off trend with the rest of Massachusetts or New England, but we’ve definitely felt pressure in the hiring market going all the way back to 2017 and 2018, pre-pandemic, and then it accelerated with the pandemic, and we’re still feeling that,” he said, using ‘we’ to mean the Berkshires in general but especially the region’s largest community, where roughly 40% of those employed in the county work.

“And it’s really every sector, from hospitality to healthcare, manufacturing, and tech; we just have a variety of sectors where they’re hiring everywhere, and it doesn’t appear that the workforce needed for our current employers is seeking employment at the volume needed in the Berkshires.”

The problem is especially acute in the tourism and hospitality sector, Butler said, where some businesses, including hotels and restaurants, have been forced to alter operations, and often hours or days of operation, because of an inability to find enough help.

As for the downtown, he said it is “fighting its way back,” a phrase he used not necessarily in reference to the loss of GE, although that’s part of it, but rather to COVID and its after-effects, with regard to both visitation and a changing workplace that has left at least Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays quieter than they were before the pandemic.

“Downtown Pittsfield was probably the heaviest pressure point in terms of pandemic-induced economic impact, and that was probably the case with most gateway cities and larger cities,” he said. “And in the case of downtown Pittsfield, I think it was a combination of things — Pittsfield is a commercial center, lots of people physically work in Pittsfield; they all left downtown Pittsfield during the pandemic to work at home, and now, three years later, some of them have returned, but many haven’t. So, like many other downtowns, there’s a large gap in commercial real-estate space, a lot of unfilled space.”

Elaborating, he said some businesses are carrying on in the same space as before the pandemic, but others have changed their footprint to accommodate a smaller on-site workforce, leaving space to be leased.

Space that might be used to help combat the ongoing housing crisis, he said.

“There’s an opportunity to convert a lot of this underutilized space that we found post-pandemic into housing,” Butler explained, adding there are a probably a dozen buildings in and around downtown Pittsfield that could be retrofitted for such use, and a $4.8 billion housing bond bill proposed late last month might help fund such transformations.

 

Seeing the Light

Brien has obviously seen a great deal of change in downtown Pittsfield from those days when GE dominated the economy and even the culture of the community.

And the pace of change continues, most recently in a positive way, with new businesses and new initiatives that make the city and its downtown a destination.

“I really feel that there’s a glimmer,” she told BusinessWest. “It’s not going to happen overnight, but every day, we do a little bit more to bring Pittsfield and our downtown back to life.”

A life that respects the past, but is more a reflection of the future.

Forest Park Zoo Wins Third National Award for Education Programming

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — For the third time in as many years, the Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center has been nationally recognized for its innovative education programs.

On Oct. 19, the zoo received the Educational Award of Excellence from the Zoological Assoc. of America for its zookeeper internship program.

The program combines classroom and hands-on learning in a way that creates a well-rounded internship experience for college-aged students. In addition to providing basic care for the 225-plus animals that call the zoo their home, interns also participate in a 12-week professional-development curriculum and complete a capstone project.

“The keeper internship provides college students an opportunity to participate in professional development that includes scholarly articles and educational videos relevant to a weekly topic,” said Caroline Cay Adams, the zoo’s director of education.

Weekly topics are selected by the zoo’s education and animal-care teams and cover a wide range of themes in the field of zoological studies. The program culminates with the enrichment capstone project, in which participants research a species to create an enrichment item based on the animal’s individual needs. Enrichment is an important component of an animal’s daily care and aims to provide mental or physical stimulation by encouraging natural behaviors.

“Seeing the interns combine what they’ve learned about a species’ natural behaviors with their own creativity to provide the animals with physiological exercise and psychological stimulation is rewarding for the animals and people at the zoo,” said Gina Sciartilli-Jorud, the zoo’s animal care manager. “I’m proud to offer these opportunities that inspire forward thinking about animal wellness for up-and-coming animal-care professionals.”

In December 2021, the zoo won the same award for its creation and implementation of the Kids Go Wild program, and in August 2021, Adams received the Janet McCoy Excellence in Public Education Award from the American Assoc. of Zookeepers for her work on Kids Go Wild.

“We are so honored to have won these three education-related awards,” Adams said. “It showcases the importance of education within our organization. And this newest award represents an incredible collaboration between our amazing education and animal-care teams.”

Internships at the Zoo in Forest Park are offered in the fall and spring semesters, as well as summer break. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. While the program is most popular with biology, animal science, pre-veterinary, and environmental studies majors, there is no requirement as to the field of study for those applying. Interested individuals can fill out an application on the zoo’s website at www.forestparkzoo.org/internship.

Big Y Named a Forbes Best-in-State Employer for Fifth Straight Year

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — For the fifth year in a row, Big Y has been named a Forbes Best-in-state Employer. Honorees have been identified across all industries based upon an independent survey of employees who anonymously recommend their employers for this award.

Employers, such as Big Y, neither have the knowledge of which employees are polled, nor do they have the ability to influence the results in any way. According to Forbes, employees are asked to rate their willingness to recommend their own employers to friends and family. Employees are also asked to give their opinions on a series of statements surrounding topics such as working conditions, salary, potential for development, and company image. Big Y’s award spans 25 different industries.

“Big Y is honored to be recognized as a Forbes Best-in-state Employer for the fifth year in a row,” Chief Operating Officer Michael D’Amour said. “We remain grateful to every one of our over 10,000 employees for providing essential food and products for our communities every day. We are proud of their efforts and share this honor with each and every one of them.”