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Month: April 2024

Ally Montemagni

By
Class of 2024

Social Media Manager, Baystate Health: Age 34

Ally MontemagniAlly Montemagni sees herself as both a storyteller and an educator — and believes both roles are critical.

“Storytelling is my favorite part of the job. It’s just an honor to share someone’s story in healthcare,” she said, noting that she oversees all things social media — from content creation and video monitoring to analytics and reporting — across the entire Baystate Health network, from hospitals to specialty centers to primary care. “Usually it’s some real challenge, and we can put words and visuals to a patient’s story and bring it to life. It’s uplifting and validating for both the community and our team members.”

As for education, “we have an important role in providing a trusted source of information,” she explained. “That spiked during COVID; just keeping up with all the changes was a wild ride. In an age when people can put out anything on social media, to put out information that’s reliable, trusted, and comes from our experts, that’s an important role, and it’s a great way to interact with our community.”

But Montemagni’s favorite part of her job is spending time with patients and families, making sure they’re comfortable sharing their lives, and then doing so with sensitivity, as she does during the annual WMAS Radiothon for Baystate Children’s Hospital.

“That’s my favorite two days — interacting with the families and making fun content for the purpose of raising money for children in our community. I’ve cried with people. It’s all about the interaction with people and being a voice for their stories.”

Outside of work, Montemagni is a board member of Jenna’s Blessing Bags, which, for the past six years in Western Mass. and Northern Conn., has partnered with churches, community organizations, homeless shelters, police departments, and others to provide backpacks filled with life essentials to the homeless.

The charity was actually launched in Pennsylvania by her cousin, Jenna Burleigh, who became a victim of homicide in 2017. When her family decided to continue the work in her name, Montemagni brought the project to this region.

She also started a website, blog, and Instagram page called High Tide Healing, where she relates her own struggles and healing methods for grief. In addition, she has provided free photography services for worthy causes — including, recently, Rick’s Place, which provides grief support for children, teens, and families.

“It’s very, very close to my heart,” Montemagni said of Jenna’s Blessing Bags. “It’s our way of giving, turning some of that grief into purpose for us.”

And that’s a story worth telling.

—Joseph Bednar

 

Chelsea McGrath

By
Class of 2024

Director of Operations and Finance, Revitalize Community Development Corp.: Age 36

Chelsea McGrathChelsea McGrath knows what kind of impact home improvement can make.

“I never saw the impact until I started working here — how mold affects health, and how leaks, dirty carpets, dust, duct and vent cleaning, things that are really simple in nature can have such a big ripple effect. Poorly controlled asthma means kids are missing school and falling behind, which means the parents are missing work.

“So to come in and do a relatively simple intervention — pull up the carpet, get rid of the mold and leaks — now the kids can go to school, the parents can go to work … and it’s something that’s so easy to fix.”

That only begins to describe the broad community impact of Revitalize CDC. Meanwhile, the organization’s president and CEO, Colleen Shanley-Loveless, described McGrath’s impact since she came on board in 2021.

“Since joining us, Chelsea has hired staff, created new agency departments, and established policies and procedures to help us work more efficiently,” she noted. “Because of her commitment, dedication, and professionalism, Revitalize CDC has been able to add programs and hire and promote the right individuals.”

That includes increasing the budget from $1.3 million in 2021 to almost $5 million today, and purchasing a new facility to house the programs and growing staff. In 2020, Revitalize served 163 low-income families, impacting 657 people. In 2023, it served 650 families, impacting 2,521 individuals, Shanley-Loveless noted. “We couldn’t do what we do without her.”

Among the programs McGrath launched since her arrival is a nutrition program conducted, like the asthma program, in partnership with Baystate Health’s BeHealthy Partnership.

“We’re providing healthy food for people with diabetes or childhood obesity, and we’re able to educate people about proper food and make sure they have recipes and the supplies they need to cook food,” she said. “I’ve seen some dramatic changes — fewer trips to the emergency room, and some of the A1C scores have dropped.”

That’s real impact, and explains why McGrath tied for the highest judge scores among the 40 Under Forty class of 2024. So does her copious volunteer work with organizations like the WillPower Foundation, Rick’s Place, Yappy Tails dog rescue, and the Garden, a program at Cooley Dickinson Hospital for young people dealing with grief.

“If you’re in a position to help people, you have an obligation to do so,” McGrath said. “But I get so much out of it, too. It makes me happy. It makes me feel worthwhile. It’s not ‘why would I do that?’ but ‘why wouldn’t I?’”

—Joseph Bednar

 

Natalie Mercado

By
Class of 2024

CEO, Sweetera & Co.: Age 37

Natalie MercadoNatalie Mercado always knew she wanted to work in the food space. After high school, she enrolled in New England Culinary Institute and earned an associate’s degree in culinary arts and restaurant management, then slowly rose up the ladder, eventually becoming a sous chef.

“My goal was always to open my own restaurant,” she recalled. “I did catering jobs on the side, but I never took the initiative to open up a business.”

In the meantime, she went to work for MassMutual as an underwriter consultant, a job she still has. But in 2021, she started pursuing her dream again, getting entrepreneurial help from EforAll Holyoke.

“I applied with the intention of starting a restaurant. This was all during COVID, and I was advised to rethink my business plan because so many storefronts were closing down.”

So, Mercado pivoted and launched a food trailer called Sweetera & Co., specializing in “milkshakes and over-the-top desserts.” She posts on her website and social media to let people know where the truck will be each week, and she also started catering. The enterprise was an immediate success, and still is three years later.

“I really didn’t expect it to take off the way that it did. It was a great surprise, honestly, because I had endured so many setbacks with building the trailer,” she said. “It was during COVID, so supplies were back-ordered, and trying to find reliable contractors was hard. So it took longer than anticipated. I had to get comfortable getting uncomfortable.”

But Mercado isn’t done challenging herself, with plans to launch a second trailer in Florida by next year and a storefront by 2026.

“Everyone’s like, ‘you’ve come so far, and you should be proud of yourself.’ And I am proud of myself, but I’m also hard on myself,” she told BusinessWest. “I know where I want to be, and I know I’m not there yet. But I need to give myself more credit than I do.”

She still enjoys her work at MassMutual, approving life-insurance applications and helping clients secure their future. But she sees a bigger future for herself in Sweetera & Co.

“I love the creativity,” she said. “The best part of it is seeing the customers’ reactions when they get their bubble waffle sundae or their milkshake — their eyes get really big like, ‘oh, wow.’ The feeling I get is incomparable. It really makes all the hard work and all the setbacks worth it.”

—Joseph Bednar

 

Jennifer McGrath

By
Class of 2024

Director of Philanthropy and Community Engagement, MGM Springfield: Age 38

Jennifer McGrathJennifer McGrath is fond of saying there are … well, two sides to Jennifer McGrath.

The first is the professional side. For more than a dozen years, it played out at Six Flags New England, and for the past seven months, it’s been at another regional institution focused on fun — MGM Springfield.

The other side involves a commitment to health and wellness — her own, but especially helping others find it. This commitment involves everything from teaching Zumba and trampoline to her own fitness platform.

To say that she is passionate about both sides would be an understatement, and this passion certainly explains why she is a member of the Forty Under 40 class of 2024, and why — to quote Kristine Allard, vice president of Development & Communication at Square One, who nominated her — “Jennifer McGrath is a force in Western Mass.”

As we explain why, we’ll start with that professional side. At MGM, she handles everything from coordinating community events to supporting nonprofits, such as Square One and the Mayflower Marathon; from developing relationships with government officials and the business community to managing all philanthropic requests and coordinating charitable sponsorships.

“My biggest part of my role is impact,” she said. “How can we volunteer? How can we provide our monetary donations? How can we create impact for the city, its students, its residents, and the region as well?”

She took on similar responsibilities, and others, including the training of more than 30,000 employees, at Six Flags, and said of her career to date, “it’s all about fun, entertainment, and allowing people to escape and celebrate the fun times in life. It’s no secret my entire career’s been built around that.”

As for the other side, McGrath sums it up by saying she’s focused on “health for everybody and every body.”

She’s an instructor at Fitness First and an experienced Zumba and JumpSport instructor. “I’m all about body heath and body positivity,” she told BusinessWest. My mission is all about wellness, and that means mind, body, and spirit.

Elaborating, she said she battled eating disorders earlier in her life, and her struggles and eventual triumph led to a passion to helping others find health and wellness, especially through her fitness platform.

“Almost 300 people come together daily, and we promote body wellness,” she said. “We post body inclusion, we champion positivity, and we talk about ways we can remain healthy through mind, body, and spirit.”

—George O’Brien

Tim McCarthy

By
Class of 2024

Executive Director, Craig’s Doors: Age 35

When he was chosen as a member of the 40 Under Forty class of 2024, Tim McCarthy was hesitant to talk about himself, firmly believing this is a team honor. “This is such a remarkable team,” he said. “It’s truly the best team in the country doing this work.”

That work is serving unhoused residents in Western Mass. at three sites. During McCarthy’s time as director, he has expanded programming to add new shelter locations, increase bed availability, and expand case-management support to residents of the region.

Currently a graduate student in mental health counseling and a member of the BEAHR Lab at UMass Boston, he has also worked to make Craig’s Doors (which was established in 2011 and named in memory of Craig Lorraine, a veteran and well-known street musician in Northampton and Amherst) a trauma-informed operation that practices what McCarthy calls “radical compassion.” It’s also the only homeless shelter in the country that provides free transportation to guests, thanks to a state-funded partnership with the PVTA.

“I just fell in love with this work and this population, and I had a vision for how it could intersect more deeply with concepts surrounding mental health,” he explained, adding that he also employs a number of former clients. “We’ve got a lot of folks with lived experience who existed in the margins. I’m a firm believer in providing opportunities for folks; a lot of people have overwhelming competence that might not be reflected in their résumé, so we try to build internally.”

McCarthy not only wants to raise people out of homelessness, he wants to close opportunity gaps he feels are far too prevalent today. “The outcomes we’re striving for are not built into the nature or ethos of this country right now. But we bring a level of competition to compassion. We’re out here trying to be the best at this work; we’re always trying to be better than we were the day before.”

Recognizing that homelessness is “the most glaring manifestation of wealth inequality,” he noted, Craig’s Doors has closed the compensation gap on its team, where everyone, no matter their role, starts at $20 per hour or more.

“That has allowed us to retain an incredible team and develop our roster. It also helps us to attract top talent within the space,” McCarthy said.

“We’re really practicing what we preach about humility and self-reflection,” he added. “We’re bringing a competitive work ethic promoted by capitalist ideals, but instead of applying it to individual wealth, we’re applying it to our principles.”

—Joseph Bednar

 

Tiffany Cutting Madru

By
Class of 2024

Founder, Analytics Labs: Age 39

Tiffany Cutting MadruTiffany Cutting Madru says entrepreneurship runs in her family.

Her uncle was a veterinarian, her grandfather an architect, and her parents have long owned and operated C&D Electronics, and electronic component distribution and logistics company serving the defense, aerospace, and commercial markets. And she was working with her parents, in sales and development, when she conceived her own entrepreneurial venture.

As she tells the story, she and her family became part of then-Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse’s efforts to roll out the welcome mat for players in the cannabis industry, which started to take root following a 2017 referendum vote.

“When some of these companies came into the area to look at where they were going to have their cultivation spaces and production spaces, we were utilized to show people around Holyoke and talk about the city and what it had to offer,” she explained, adding that, in the course of offering these tours, she asked the question, “what other parts of the supply chain are missing?”

The most commonly offered answer was ‘testing labs,’ she went on, adding that she and her husband, Ted, stepped forward to meet that need with Analytics Labs, which currently analyzes cannabis samples from more than 80 operators across the Commonwealth to ensure they meet the state’s safety standards.

The company, launched in 2019, has grown to 40 employees and is expanding into Connecticut as that state develops its own cannabis industry.

For Madru, who earned a bachelor’s degree and then an MBA in entrepreneurial thinking & innovative practices at Bay Path University, this has been a long journey and a deep learning experience in an industry that is growing, evolving, and finding its level.

“Massachusetts is maturing, and we’re starting to see more guidance from the state on the testing side,” she explained. “We do see the struggle of our clients that are coming and going, and we’re hoping that some of the market will become more consistent. There were a lot of licenses that came online for cultivation and manufacturing, and there’s been a bit of fallout; we’ll see who maintains and who survives this.”

A winner of the James McGill ’35 Carpe Diem Award at Bay Path, Madru has remained active with the university. She emceed its Women’s Leadership Conference in 2019, and that same year, she and Ted co-chaired the Bay Path University Gala. She has also been a member of the school’s Business Leadership Council, providing guidance and mentorship to the university and its students.

—George O’Brien

Kenny Lumpkin

By
Class of 2024

Owner, Dewey’s Jazz Lounge and All American Bar, Grill & Patio: Age 28

Like most people, Kenny Lumpkin found the pandemic to be a time of reflection and figuring out what’s really important.

And while doing that, he concluded that being a consultant for Big Pharma just wasn’t working for him, and he needed something else. After some research — and soul searching — he determined this something else should be a return to his roots in Springfield accompanied by an entrepreneurial gambit, an effort to replicate the kind of jazz establishment he found, and came to love, while living in the Boston area — Wally’s Café Jazz Club.

And he did, with Dewey’s Jazz Lounge on Worthington Street, an establishment he opened in 2021, when there were still many COVID after-effects and other challenges to overcome.

Three years later, Dewey’s has become a downtown staple, attracting visitors from Springfield, across the 413, and beyond. And in 2023, Lumpkin doubled down on his dream, opening a second venue — All American Bar, Grill & Patio, a sports bar on Dwight Street. The two sites complement each other well and have attracted different audiences.

“My biggest worry about opening two restaurants a block from each other is that they would cannibalize each other,” he said. “But we haven’t seen that; we’ve been able to hit both sides of the market. We have an older, more mature crowd at Dewey’s that will come to see live music, and we get a younger crowd at All-American that will get down with a DJ.”

Lumpkin, who is also active in the community, with a turkey drive at Thanksgiving and a Christmas clothing and toy drive, said being an entrepreneur is essentially what he thought he would be, a roller-coaster ride replete with challenges and rewards.

“Every day is a learning experience, and every day is something new,” he told BusinessWest. “That’s what I love about it.”

His philosophy, about life and business and their myriad challenges, is best summed up with a tattoo he wears proudly, reading ‘Find the Sun.’

“It means to find the bright side of things,” he explained. “I try to remain optimistic and see what good is coming from all the hard work you put in. And it’s amazing when people pull you aside and say, ‘you’re an inspiration to this community,’ or offer a simple ‘thank you’ for bringing this concept to Springfield.”

He’s heard a lot of that since that COVID-inspired reflection of four years ago, which helps explain why he’s a member of the Forty Under 40.

—George O’Brien

Joe Lepper

By
Class of 2024

Senior Community Responsibility Consultant, MassMutual: Age 35

Joe LepperAs a freshman at Longmeadow High School, Joe Lepper was not feeling very good about how things were going in his life. There was some bullying and a distinct lack of direction.

And then … he found the school’s Key Club, a program of Kiwanis, a service organization with chapters around the world, designed for young people. And it changed his life. Dramatically.

“I found a community of people that just cared about others,” he explained. “It didn’t matter who you hung out with … if you were passionate and you cared about helping other people, you could be a great Key Club member; you could make a difference.”

The club certainly made a difference in his life, instilling a strong sense of community involvement and helping others that in many ways defines not only his life, but his current work as senior Community Responsibility consultant for MassMutual.

“Kiwanis is the reason I have the career that I have,” Lepper said, adding that, with the help of the Springfield Kiwanis Club, he was able to attend an international Key Club conference, at which he became riveted by a speech from the international president — and inspired to take that same title someday.

“I came home, and I changed my email signature from ‘club treasurer’ to ‘international president’ just to see what it would feel like, he said, adding that he later ran for New England district governor as a sophomore, got elected, then ran for international president as a junior — and, yes, got elected.

He missed 50 days of school his senior year because he was on the road giving speeches and running workshops, but said the learning experience was incredible.

Fast-forwarding, Lepper, a graduate of Western New England University, has kept Kiwanis in his life, joining the Springfield club when he was just 21 and eventually becoming its president. And the sense of community involvement instilled in him remains ever-present in his work at MassMutual, where he leads the community-responsibility strategy for the MassMutual Financial Advisors national sales force, work that includes oversight of community-impact, education, volunteer-engagement, and recognition programs.

In addition to that role, he has designed and led several programs, including the firm’s Community Service Awards recognition program and Community Responsibility Business Partner strategic consultative program.

An avid golfer, Lepper has a Scotty Cameron collection that he’s quite proud of. But he’s much more proud of his work at MassMutual, and of all that he has done with and for Kiwanis — and what Kiwanis has done for him.

—George O’Brien

Joshua Lively

By
Class of 2024

President, Lively Builders Inc.: Age 38

Joshua LivelyTired of working in the weatherization industry, Joshua Lively took the class and test to attain his construction supervisor’s license, but it got sent to the wrong state.

So … he waited.

In the meantime, “I was sick of my job, and my boss was sick of me,” he recalled. “One day, I got back from vacation and decided I’d had it, so I walked in and quit. When I got home, my construction supervisor’s license was in the mailbox, so that seemed like destiny.”

It was also a risk, with a 2-year-old daughter and his wife eight months pregnant with another child. But he immediately went to work framing and building with some friends in the Springfield area, learning from other carpenters and performing a range of different jobs, from installing above-ground pools to putting up walls for new house builds.

For the next two years, they got more and more calls — an experience Lively called “an eye-opening finishing school” and the final step to what came next: launching his own business, Lively Builders, in Montague.

“I started with a Dodge Dakota pickup truck and some cheap tools. Now I’ve got a 3,000-square-foot garage and multiple trailers and trucks. It’s grown tremendously over the past 12 years,” he told BusinessWest, adding that some of his work involves blighted properties and improvements to solve health and safety issues for homeowners. He’s also been named Franklin County’s favorite building and roofing contractor two years in a row in a Greenfield Recorder poll.

Lively volunteers his time to local government; he chairs the Montague Zoning Board, is a Montague Town Meeting member, and spent several years chairing the Montague Capital Improvements Committee.

“I like supporting the community in a nuts-and-bolts way — ‘oh, the DPW needs to repair this infrastructure.’ That’s unseen stuff that nobody wants to get into. Now I’m able to affect how the town is going to look in the future,” he explained. “I enjoy it, and I think it’s important to model this behavior for my kids and for other people in the community — to unite the rest of the silent majority who would otherwise keep quiet until someone steps up and does something.”

Lively also volunteers on the board of the Franklin County Youth Football League, even calling games in the announcer’s booth for the Franklin County Bulldogs. He also recently purchased a plane and sits on the Turners Falls Municipal Airport Commission — yet another sign that his career has, indeed, taken off.

—Joseph Bednar

 

Juan Latorre III

By
Class of 2024

Principal Radio Frequency Engineer, Verizon: Age 38

Juan Lattore IIIJuan “Jay” Latorre is not an elected official. Yet.

But he certainly knows his way around City Hall — or city halls, in the plural. And town halls as well.

Indeed, as principal radio frequency engineer for Verizon, Latorre spends a great deal of his time before elected and appointed officials across New England to locate cell towers and antenna installations. He’s worked on more than 300 such assignments during his career, often developing unique solutions for site-specific permitting, working in collaboration with municipal, state, and federal officials to secure what everyone wants and needs in this age — reliable cellular service.

Despite that need, placing these towers isn’t easy. Doing so takes understanding, patience, and, most importantly, a willingness to work collaboratively with officials and other constituencies, he said.

“And that’s great, because this work has exposed me to so many different and interesting professions, like the law, construction, real-estate development, environmental policy — all of those things give me a broader perspective on how to make a community grow.

“I’m a boots-on-the-ground kind of person; I enjoy getting to better understand the pulse of our community by meeting with people,” he went on, adding that he made it a goal to put himself in rooms full of people he doesn’t know, something that has helped him become a better person and better community leader.

While helping to ensure that calls get through, Latorre is also a leader in the community. He’s run for City Council in Springfield twice, only to come up just short. He expects there will be more such bids in the future.

Meanwhile, he currently serves as vice president of the Sixteen Acres Civic Assoc. and has been active with the Boy Scouts. An Eagle Scout himself, he’s a troop leader in Springfield for disadvantaged youths in the Latino community and has been a board member of the Western Massachusetts Council of Boy Scouts of America for many years, and is currently on its executive committee.

Latorre is also involved with the Engineering department at UMass Amherst, helping to recruit students of color to that field. He was a member of the young professionals subcommittee of Springfield City Council when it was active, and during that time, he created Restaurant Week, which has become a fixture in the city.

Add all that up, and it’s easy to see why his schedule is full — and why he doesn’t need GPS to find any city hall.

—George O’Brien

Mariah Kurtz

By
Class of 2024

Owner, Kurtz Consulting: Age 30

Mariah Kurtz understands the importance of municipal government, especially in a very small town — and especially at a time of great challenge.

Over the past five years, she found herself in both, first as assistant town planner, then town planner, in Erving, population 1,665.

“I really jumped into municipal government on the hard mode. I was still getting to know the town when COVID hit,” she recalled. “I had to pivot … I guess I learned flexibility.”

Her role in such a small community was expansive. “It turns out, in a rural town, it’s not just reading and approving permits all day; there just aren’t that many permits to approve. So you end up doing a lot of other things. Like, this culvert needs to be replaced. How does that work? Who do we work with? How do we pay for it? Or, we want to plan an event to get people to come to the park, so we work with the Recreation Department to do that.

“The work was really exciting to me, talking to residents and learning what their needs were and what their desires were for their small town to flourish,” she added. “That was magical.”

Growing up in a family construction business — Westfield-based Kurtz Inc. is a notable name in Western Mass. — taught her the complexities of building and development on a small scale, and majoring in sustainable community development at UMass Amherst gave her a broader, more holistic perspective. “Instead of, ‘where do we pour the concrete?’ it’s ‘why do we do that, and how do we take into account the landscape?’”

That perspective guided Kurtz in Erving, and even more so now, a few months after launching her own grant-writing and consulting business, based in Greenfield and serving small businesses, nonprofits, farmers, and, yes, small towns.

“This way, towns don’t have to employ a full-time grant writer or planner, with the salary and benefits that go with that,” she explained, adding, “I actually never wanted to work in municipal government. For a lot of my peers at UMass, that was the traditional track, being a town planner in a local municipality. But I didn’t see that for myself.”

She is gratified, however, at effecting positive change in the region.

“With some projects, you see progress right away. I’ve done some public art projects, and there it is — you see it. But other projects take 20 years to see the difference in the environment,” she explained. “I’m most excited about helping people make those projects happen — and make their dreams happen.”

—Joseph Bednar

 

Nicole Kerrigan

By
Class of 2024

Vice President, V&F Auto Inc.: Age 34

Nicole KerriganGrowing up in a family auto-repair and maintenance business, Nicole Kerrigan was certainly interested in making it her career, but she wanted to keep her options open.

She first majored in management at Western New England University, then switched to accounting, “mainly because, if I got into the business and it wasn’t what I thought it would be, I had a plan. Also, I’m very close to my family. If the business created a conflict, I didn’t want to sacrifice my family relationships.”

It turns out she needn’t have worried.

“As a third-generation leader of V&F Auto, she has brilliantly carried forward her family’s legacy while injecting a fresh and innovative approach into the business,” wrote Michael Bennett, executive coach with the Automotive Training Institute (ATI), one of myriad people who nominated Kerrigan for 40 Under Forty. “Under her leadership, V&F Auto has maintained its exemplary reputation and is experiencing substantial growth and evolution.”

Kerrigan calls ATI a vitally important factor in her growth and education, and today, she takes on numerous roles at V&F, from leading day-to-day operations overseeing the company’s social media and marketing; from communicating with customers to interviewing and hiring — and much more, including, yes, some accounting.

“I love creating relationships, overcoming challenges, and creating solutions, so my team can do their job better,” she said. “My role is to create opportunities for my team and give them the resources they need to grow and lead — to have a livelihood they are happy with and have a place they are proud to work for.”

Her colleagues say she’s acing that test. “Nicole has taken the reins in a field dominated by her male counterparts and propelled the business at V&F Auto Inc. to new heights,” Sales Manager James Dowd said.

Kerrigan is active in the West Springfield community, volunteering for a number of nonprofit and municipal organizations and events, even winning a leadership and team-development award from the Parks & Recreation department. And she’s especially proud of her role as a cheerleading coach for West Springfield High School for the past 15 years, first for the JV squad, then at the varsity level.

“I love the sport in general — it gives me great joy,” she said. “And I like the competitive aspect of cheerleading — not necessarily the sideline cheering, but being able to create routines and compete and watch the kids thrive each year, watch their skills get better and better and help them grow.”

—Joseph Bednar

 

Stephen Holstrom

By
Class of 2024

Partner, Bulkley Richardson: Age 38

Stephen HolstromWhile most lawyers say they’re in the business of helping others, some people may not put litigators in the ‘helpful’ category — at least, not at first thought.

But in representing doctors, small businesses, and others in various court actions, Stephen Holstrom said his life is, indeed, dedicated to helping people.

“Western Mass. is a small-business community, and I’m a litigator for small-business owners,” he explained. “When a business owner is involved in litigation, that impacts their whole life. When people go to court, it’s routine for me, but it’s not for them; it’s a very harrowing, stressful experience.”

As a general-practice litigator, Holstrom has handled complex tort actions, insurance cases, and complex class actions, as well as matters in connection with schools, the cannabis industry, and commercial litigation, including disputes between shareholders and land-use issues. Meanwhile, he represents hospitals, physicians, and other medical providers in medical-malpractice cases and other issues related to health law.

“I like having a varied practice,” he told BusinessWest. “That’s one of the reasons I came to Bulkley. There are needs all over the community, and I want to serve as many parts of the community as possible. That’s why I do general practice.”

And he’s doing it at a time when specialization is much more common in law firms.

“I’m a unicorn; it is fairly unique,” he said. “But you can’t reach every corner if you’re specializing in something. That’s why I’m proud to be a general litigator.”

Recognized by both Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers, Holstrom has also brought energy to his interests outside the firm, chairing Wilbraham’s By-Law Study Committee and serving as vice president of the board of directors of the Gray House in Springfield, which helps North End residents meet immediate and transitional needs like food, clothing, and educational services.

“The Gray House is a phenomenal organization,” he said. “It really helps people out of poverty, gives them the supports they need, and helps them get a leg up. It has a generational impact. I get a lot of satisfaction out of that.”

As he does on the job. “I like the thrill of litigation,” he said. “It’s a constantly moving challenge. Frankly, the day is usually a blur; there’s so much going on, and new challenges always pop up during the course of the day. If you talk honestly to litigators, a lot of them complain that it’s never-ending, but I think that’s reinforcing. That’s what we’re here to do — to deal with emerging issues.”

—Joseph Bednar

 

Joesiah Gonzalez

By
Class of 2024

Chief Philanthropy & Communications Officer, Home City Development: Age 26

Joesiah GonzalezJoesiah Gonzalez was just 23 when he first ran — successfully — for the Springfield School Committee in 2021. He was the youngest member at the time, and he still is, presenting a challenge of sorts.

“I think that sometimes, there’s a prejudice, or hesitance, toward folks who are young in any organization or institution, and that’s something I’ve had to overcome,” said Gonzalez, who has certainly done that, taking a leadership position (he’s now the vice chair) and pushing for meaningful change on many fronts, including a policy on critical-incident drills that focuses on the safety of the city’s students.

This work on the school board is just one example of how Gonzalez has long been committed to community — and also to the nonprofits that serve it. He’s currently the chief Philanthropy and Communications officer for Home City Development, a nonprofit real-estate developer with a special focus on mixed-income housing in Western Mass., but also a provider of resident-engagement programs ranging from after-school teen initiatives to early-childhood literacy programs.

He started working with nonprofits when he was just 20, joining the New North Citizens Council (NNCC) and overseeing the after-school youth programs at Gerena School and effectively expanding them to serve more young people. He would eventually secure more than $1.5 million from the U.S. Department of Labor to establish a Youth Build program within the NNCC, and under his leadership, that program became a department, one that would grow to 30 employees and a $2 million budget.

In his current role, he handles fundraising and communications strategies for Home City, with a primary focus, on the philanthropy side, of raising funds to support resident-service programs that assist the more than 400 families housed in Home City’s multiple affordable-housing sites, work he finds very rewarding.

“Being at the table and also at the helm of certain initiatives, especially around resident engagement, allows me to drive impact in a way that’s meaningful, especially being from the city and living in the city,” Gonzalez said, adding that he gets involved at a truly grass-roots level. “There are a lot of folks doing a lot of social-impact programs, but if we don’t check the pulse on what’s happening in our community and our neighborhoods, there can sometimes be a disconnect between well-intended efforts and true impact.”

Because he has the pulse of his community, Gonzalez’s own well-intended efforts are certainly making an impact.

—George O’Brien

Chrismery Gonzalez

By
Class of 2024

Head of the Office of Health and Racial Equity, City of Springfield: Age 33

Chrismery GonzalezChismery Gonzalez says she’s always been interested in promoting equity, especially in regard to leveling the playing field for traditionally marginalized people.

And in her current role as head of the Office of Health and Racial Equity in Springfield, she’s doing just that. It’s a wide-ranging job she assumed in late 2020, one that continues to evolve and add new responsibilities, while recording progress on some fronts.

“What’s most important to realize about this work is that it’s not just one individual that’s leading this work and making strides,” she said, adding that her work has involved many different realms, from vaccination efforts during COVID to youth substance abuse to overdose prevention.

Gonzalez started working in Springfield’s Department of Health and Human Services as an intern in 2018, eventually becoming head of its Office of Problem Gambling and Prevention, before stepping into her current role around the time Springfield — and many other cities — declared racism a public-health crisis in the wake of the murder of George Floyd. The city was also coping with the pandemic, a time when many public-health and wellness inequities came into the spotlight and were in some ways magnified.

Since assuming that role, Gonzalez has a number of achievements to her credit, including:

• Creating a strategic plan to address systemic racism in the city, prioritizing departments, agencies, and organizations and including key strategies to achieve a healthier Springfield;

• Coordinating with local providers and community-based organizations to develop a cohesive network of health-equity and racial-justice programs and resources in the city;

• Conducting research on current and culturally appropriate, evidenced-based practices to advance health equity and racial justice; and

• Collaborating with the Office of Health Equity at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the chief Diversity, Equity & and Inclusion officer in Springfield to develop health-equity and racial-justice training initiatives for residents.

Gonzalez, who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at UMass Amherst and is working toward a doctorate in Public Health at SUNY Albany, said her current work is very rewarding, especially in the way she is able work collaboratively with others — in the 413 and across the state — to address deep-rooted problems and concerns.

Active in the community, she currently serves on the Duggan Academy advisory board, the Stop Access Coalition steering committee, the Massachusetts Public Health Assoc. board (chairing its racial equity and health committee), the Massachusetts Municipal DEI Coalition, the Gándara board of directors, and other groups.

—George O’Brien

Scott Gomes-Ganhao

By
Class of 2024

Vice President, Regional Manager, PeoplesBank: Age 35

Scott Gomes-GanhaoGrowing up, Scott Gomes-Ganhao wanted to be a pilot. But banking “kind of ran in the blood,” he said.

“My godmother was a banker for many, many years, so I had some kind of banking intuition. I worked part-time in banking all through college, so I fell into it and never left. Banking has that way of holding onto you.”

Not only has Gomes-Ganhao stuck with banking, he has excelled at PeoplesBank, consistently leading a top-ranked sales team and recently being promoted to his current position as vice president, regional manager.

That recognition “is a testament to Scott’s exceptional sales acumen,” said Lisa Wegiel, banking center assistant manager, in nominating him for the 40 Under Forty class of 2024. “His strategic approach and results-driven mindset have significantly contributed to the success of our banking operations.”

After an earlier promotion to assistant vice president, Gomes-Ganhao was selected to participate in the bank’s Leadership Challenge, demonstrating his leadership ability among his peers. He has also volunteered with an internal associate-engagement team, serving with other leaders on cross-functional strategic initiatives and being a mentor to junior associates, which has led to the advancement of several employees.

“It’s important for me to see people around me elevate with me,” he said. “I’ve been making sure the team is the main focus, that they also develop along the way. I enjoy the interactions with customers, helping them find solutions. But I also enjoy the development of the team and helping them reach their career goals.”

Gomes-Ganhao has excelled in other ways, taking leadership roles in and around his hometown of Ludlow, from serving as development chair of the Ludlow Boys & Girls Club (which honored him with its Darlene Rae Helping Hand Award in 2021) to serving as president of the high-profile Our Lady of Fatima Festa, a multi-million-dollar fair.

In fact, with almost 300 volunteer hours in the past year alone, Gomes-Ganhao has been recognized by PeoplesBank as Top Volunteer two years in a row — a remarkable achievement at an institution famously committed to employee volunteerism.

“I’m proud to be part of a bank that gives you so many opportunities,” he said. “One of the big factors when I moved to Peoples was making sure I was moving to an organization that embraced giving back. At PeoplesBank, we live and breathe that every day, not only financially, but by the hours that we contribute to the community.”

—Joseph Bednar

 

Shannon Glenn

By
Class of 2024

Academic Coordinator, Gateway to College at Holyoke Community College: Age 39

“Students trust Shannon. They lean in her doorway to say ‘good morning.’ They often disappear into her office, sometimes talking through some issues and sometimes just resting in a safe spot.

“Gateway students have left the traditional educational system for myriad issues, and each student needs to be seen and nurtured and valued individually. Shannon knows their triggers, their dreams, their classes, their vulnerabilities, their friends, and even their favorite snack.

“She is warm, welcoming, respectful, calm, and wise. You can feel her goodwill and compassion. She has created a culture where students feel seen and respected, where they can regain their confidence and hope and lean into their future.”

These observations, from Vivian Ostrowski, director of the Gateway to College program at Holyoke Community College (HCC), and offered in the form of a Forty Under 40 nomination, explain why Shannon Glenn is extremely good at her job — academic coordinator in the Gateway program.

In short, she has the needed qualities to help these students get where they want to go. And there’s something else: she can relate to everything they are going through.

“In high school, I was one of those students who people thought wouldn’t have graduated were it not for my mentor,” she said. “So I grew up and decided to be that for someone else.”

In her role at HCC, Glenn helps students who are at risk of dropping out, for any of many reasons, stay in school and then graduate, as evidenced by a success rate of nearly 80%. She said success comes, as Ostrowski also noted, from helping students regain both confidence and hope.

It’s an extremely rewarding job, she said.

“This is my life’s work. Taking the students that most think are not going to graduate from high school and having them be extremely successful in high school as well as college … it feels like giving the underdog an opportunity to thrive.”

Glenn has certainly thrived in her role. She came to it after working as an elementary-school teacher; leaving education to raise her son, Kasen, now 10; working in real estate; and then searching for something in higher education that would be rewarding and meet a real need.

She’s found that something at HCC, where she is also a founding member of the Black Leadership Council, an advisor to HCC Black Student Alliance, and a member of the college’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council.

 

—George O’Brien

Chris Freeman

By
Class of 2024

Executive Director, the Parlor Room Collective: Age 39

During his 12 years playing guitar and banjo in a band called Parsonsfield, Chris Freeman recalled the outfit playing the third-ever show at the Parlor Room in Northampton and putting out a few records on Signature Sounds, the label associated with that venue.

After the band dissolved in the COVID years, Freeman took a job with the Parlor Room, booking shows and gradually moving into a leadership role there, before evolving the operation into a nonprofit model called the Parlor Room Collective.

“It always had a mission-based vibe to it, so the transition to nonprofit was pretty easy,” he said. “It’s a really special place, and I was so excited to continue its legacy.”

He also had a vision concerning another music club just a few hundred feet away — the Iron Horse Music Hall — after that venerable room was shuttered during the pandemic. “I knew it should come back, and the energy was clearly there. I started talking to different people, and there was definitely a lot of support.”

So the Parlor Room Collective purchased the Iron Horse and has raised close to $500,000 to renovate it, maintaining its intimate feel but improving facets that definitely needed improving, like its famously inadequate green room and restrooms, while expanding into adjoining space for a dedicated bar and community events. While more than $250,000 remains to be raised, the venue will reopen on May 15 with a robust lineup of concerts to follow.

“The community has been rallying around us from the start. They care about live music,” Freeman said. “We still have hundreds of thousands of dollars to raise, to pay off all the construction bills. But now we’re going to have shows on sale, people buying tickets, and the bands are coming back.”

It’s all part of an effort to re-establish Northampton as a small town that has long punched above its weight class, as Freeman put it, when one compares its population to the caliber of acts that have played here — and soon will again.

“This place has always been, in some ways, rough around the edges, but it pulls you in and makes you feel at home, and it’s been built up by the arts,” he said. “I live here, and part of the reason Northampton has become a great food scene and a great downtown culture is the arts. I’ve made it my life’s mission to make sure that never goes away, and we can bring back the glory days of such a legendary venue.”

—Joseph Bednar

 

Nikai Fondon

By
Class of 2024

Founder and Host, She Did That! Podcast: Age 28

They call it the Dream Maker Award.

It’s presented by Girls Inc. of the Valley to individuals who make a commitment to working with young women in the community to help make their dreams become reality.

And it’s just one of many awards and accolades that Nikai Fondon has earned over the past few years. Others include everything from first place in a pitch contest for a podcast that she conceived called “She Did That!” which highlights young professional women of color locally and across the country, to a BEST Award from the National Assoc. of Multi-ethnicity in Communications.

Because of these and many other accomplishments, she’ll soon have another award — a Forty Under 40 plaque. It’s been earned partly for her current work at Berkshire Bank, but mostly for a host of accomplishments and initiatives within and for the community, including, but certainly not limited to:

• Serving Girls Inc. as a board member, clerk, and, now, vice chair;

• Starting the first-ever DEI committee for the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield;

• Creating the region’s first virtual co-working space for young professional women of color during the pandemic;

• Facilitating leadership workshops through the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts, Maine Community Foundation, Bay Path University, UMass Amherst, and other entities starting at age 16;

• Teaching classes at Westfield State University and the YWCA of Greater Springfield;

• Speaking before more than a dozen youth groups across the region about entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal branding; and

• Facilitating the Springfield partnership between the Young Women’s Initiative and the Women’s Fund.

Until recently, Fondon, a graduate of UMass Amherst with a degree in business and marketing, was Financial Inclusion & Entrepreneurship community liaison at Berkshire Bank, where her work included building programs for financial literacy, workshops, and “opportunities to build trust in the community and provide educational opportunities within the community on financial matters.

“We want to make sure that the underbanked find a home at a bank in general, but, hopefully, our bank because of the work we do in the community,” she added, noting that Berkshire supports many nonprofit groups and initiatives across the region, and she has been involved with many of those efforts.

On the entrepreneurship side, she was also involved with a Berkshire Bank loan program called the Futures Fund, which has lower barriers to entry than typical loans and provides easier access to capital.

All this explains why Forty Under 40 isn’t the first award that she’s earned, and it almost certainly won’t be the last.

— George O’Brien

Sean Dolan

By
Class of 2024

General Manager, MassMutual Center: Age 32

Sean Dolan had June 20 circled weeks before the other 39 honorees in the Forty Under 40 class of 2024.

That’s because he won’t just be among those going to the stage to receive their plaques. Dolan will be, well, hosting this annual event. Sort of.

As general manager of the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield, he leads the team that puts on all events at the facility, including, for the first time in 2024, the Forty Under 40 Gala.

He told BusinessWest he’ll be talking that night off from work, which is OK, because he works quite a few nights, weekends, and a few holidays as well.

That’s all part of a position that comes with a broad job description that comes down to making the venue as successful as possible in the many ways success is measured, especially the yardstick Dolan calls ‘economic impact,’ which equated to $56.6 million in fiscal year 2023, and also nearly 600 jobs and more than $4.5 million in state and local tax revenues.

“The main goal every day is developing and implementing the overall strategic plan for the MassMutual Center,” said Dolan, who partners with the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority and MGM Springfield to develop a vision for the venue. “Our number-one goal every day and with everything we do is how we can drive that economic impact for the city and Western Mass.”

Managing large event venues runs in the Dolan family; his brother manages an arena in Bridgeport, Conn. Sean majored in sports and entertainment management at the University of South Carolina and cut his teeth with Spectra Venue Management, including as assistant general manager and director of Operations at the Mullins Center at UMass Amherst.

He arrived at the MassMutual Center in 2018, and over the ensuring years, he has helped bring several world-class acts to the venue, from Tina Fey and Amy Poehler to Bruno Mars; from Disney on Ice to Red Sox Winter Weekend. Recently, he played a lead role in bringing a men’s NCAA Division 1 hockey regional to Springfield.

Dolan balances work with family — his wife Kristie and son Jack — and also involvement in the community; he’s on the board of the Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau and volunteers for the Springfield Boys & Girls Club, the Mayflower Marathon, Habitat for Humanity, and Friends of the Homeless.

There will be many events at the MassMutual Center in 2024, but for Dolan, the one on June 20 will be different. That’s when he’ll be among those taking center stage.

—George O’Brien

 

Dalila Cardona

By
Class of 2024

Chief Operating Officer, YWCA of Western Massachusetts: Age 34

Dalila Cardona has seen a lot during her time at the YWCA.

She started there in 2018 as a child and family clinician, providing therapy to children who had either experienced or witnessed physical or sexual violence. The following year, as director of Parent and Youth Support Programs, she supervised a team of 20 employees and oversaw five community-based programs.

In late 2020, once she became a licensed clinical social worker, Cardona was promoted to clinical director. In that capacity, she worked closely with the former chief operating officer to ensure that every YWCA employee provides trauma-informed care to the Springfield-based nonprofit’s residential and community-based clients.

Her goal was to educate staff to help women and children — many of whom had experienced human trafficking, sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking — “transform from a victim to a survivor,” as YWCA CEO Elizabeth Dineen put it.

Since being promoted to COO a year ago, Cardona has worked closely with Dineen and the chief financial officer to oversee an almost $9 million operating budget, which supports, as noted, some truly critical services for women in need. In recognition of that work, she was named Employee of the Year for 2023.

It’s a far cry from her original career goal of being a probation officer, though both are impactful roles, in different ways.

“Criminal justice piqued my interest, but I decided I wanted to make a different kind of an impact,” she said. “There are bad days sometimes — dealing with a sexual assault, and seeing that it’s a kid, 10 years old … those are hard cases, but they really push us to keep serving them. It’s exhausting sometimes, but I get as much support as I need from Liz and my staff. It’s a really special place to work.”

Active in the community, Cardona is a board member with the World Affairs Council of Western Massachusetts, a Springfield Puerto Rican Parade committee member, and a public speaker around Western Mass. on issues such as trauma-informed care, human trafficking, sexual assault, domestic violence, and trauma-focused, cognitive behavioral care for women and children.

They’re important conversations to have, she said.

“I think people don’t like talking about trauma. It hits the heartstrings. But more people have experienced trauma than haven’t; everyone’s been through something,” she said. “Getting those stories out about the kids and families we serve within the community is another way we can make change.”

—Joseph Bednar

 

Kara Bombard

By
Class of 2024

Marketing Manager, Performance Foodservice: Age 38

Kara BombardThe restaurant life is a tough one. Kara Bombard wants to make it a little easier.

“It’s a very hard industry,” said Bombard, marketing manager at the Springfield location of Performance Foodservice, a national company that supplies products, technology, and custom solutions to culinary businesses. “The life of a restaurateur is a busy one. If you’re not working on the line, you’re in the back doing paperwork or orders, making sure everything is running. Anything we can do to take anything off their plate is considered a wonderful thing for them.”

Among Bombard’s many roles, she executes a strategic partner program across more than 400 local and national food suppliers, and also manages biannual food shows that bring more than 1,800 attendees to the Greater Springfield area.

“We take over places like the MassMutual Center or the Better Living Center, with ceiling-to-floor food,” she explained. “You can come in and eat lunch as we showcase everything from the highest-end cuts of meat to oysters to chicken tenders and fries. You can sample anything.”

In addition, Bombard has developed a communication and content strategy to provide culinary inspiration on trends and new product ideas to local and regional restaurateurs, collaborating with a team of culinary specialists to develop new ideas for menus, providing tools to help restaurants improve their profitability and food costing, waste management, server training, and overall operations.

She also supports her company’s diversity, inclusion, and belonging business strategy by serving as chair of communications on the Women of PFG Associate Resource Group.

Meanwhile, Bombard has found another way to connect with the business community: as president of the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield (YPS).

“That has been a wonderful experience,” she said. “It’s been great to put down my roots and expand my relationships and get to know a lot of people in different industries.”

As YPS marks 15 years, Bombard has been impressed with its evolution and the resilience of its members through challenges from the Great Recession to the pandemic, and gratified to see its collaborations and networking events grow.

“If you’re a professional starting out, it’s a great way to introduce yourself to so many people and so many industries represented within our group,” she added. “If I could go back to my 20s and talk to myself, I would tell myself to get involved in something like this much earlier in my career. It’s allowed me to make relationships with so many leaders in the area, and it’s been a blessing to build those relationships.”

—Joseph Bednar

 

Lev BenEzra

By
Class of 2024

Executive Director, Amherst Survival Center: Age 39

The levels of food insecurity in this region rose dramatically during the pandemic, Lev BenEzra notes, and they continue to rise, for several reasons — from inflation, and the enormous toll it takes on families’ budgets, to the curtailment of many COVID-inspired relief initiatives.

BenEzra’s determined and imaginative efforts to tackle this critical issue certainly help to explain why she is not only a Forty Under 40 honoree, but why she tied for the highest score among the class of 2024.

In short, she has provided the leadership and vision needed to not only see the Amherst Survival Center through the upheaval of the pandemic, when it had to meet soaring needs and find new and different ways to do things, but chart a course for the next several years through strategic planning and anticipation of future challenges.

In doing so, she is continuing a two-decade-long track record of working for nonprofits, dating back to when she served as an academic coordinator for Girls Inc. of the Valley and then a curriculum specialist for the Hasbro Summer Learning Initiative in Springfield. Later, she spent more than a decade with Community Action Pioneer Valley in Greenfield, first as program manager of Youth Programs and then as director of Youth and Workforce Development, before coming to the Amherst Survival Center just months before the pandemic arrived, bringing challenge, but also opportunity, with it.

“There is something about a crisis that clarifies what it is that you’re supposed to be doing or what is truly important,” she said. “And I think that was very true, especially in the early days of leadership at the Survival Center; we provide a daily, essential service to people and, thus, did not have the option of closing or limiting access to our programs.”

During her tenure, BenEzra and her team have doubled the agency’s annual revenue; launched a successful grocery-delivery program; improved access for people from all cultures and backgrounds, while also increasing availability of food to meet different dietary needs and cultural styles of cooking; and spearheaded major HR improvements to better support the staff.

Active in the community, she is also a board member of the Community Health Center of Franklin County and has served Franklin County Pride, the Communities that Care Coalition, the Strategic Planning Initiative for Families & Youth, and the Regional Employment Board Youth Career Connections Council, among other nonprofits.

—George O’Brien

Shirley Arriaga

By
Class of 2024

State Representative, 8th Hampden District: Age 34

Shirley ArriagaShirley Arriaga says her life and career have gone pretty much according to plan. Or the plan, to be more precise.

It was one she started conceiving when she was young, one that had her moving into public service and helping to write laws that would positively impact people, something she long aspired to do, and is now doing as state representative for the 8th Hampden District — her hometown of Chicopee.

To get there, though, she knew she needed an education, and she needed to develop skills, especially leadership, and this put her on a path to the military, specifically the U.S. Air Force, serving as a loadmaster in the 337th Airlift Squadron at Westover. She would take part in deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, eventually earning the rank of staff sergeant and becoming part of the Women in Aviation initiative.

Arriaga’s service helped her continue her education — an associate degree in liberal arts from Springfield Technical Community College; a bachelor’s degree in legal studies and a paralegal certificate from Elms College; a master of law degree from Western New England University; and an associate degree in aerospace, aeronautical, and astronomical engineering from the Community College of the Air Force.

After serving in the Air Force for a decade, she worked as veterans director for U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, assisting veterans with a wide range of issues, and it was this work that crystalized her desire to run for public office.

After an unsuccessful run for City Council, she set her sights much higher — filling the very large shoes of retiring, long-time state Rep. Joseph Wagner, in what everyone but her saw as a longshot bid.

“I personally knocked on 21,000 doors myself,” she said, often with her daughter, Winter, in tow. “I ended up getting some folks to volunteer, and they knocked on 5,000 more — so that’s 26,000 doors. It was a lot of hard work, sunup to sundown.”

That hard work was rewarded with victory in November 2022, followed by a year of hard learning.

“When they say it’s like drinking from a firehose, that’s exactly what it was like; there’s no manual, and you learn these things as you go,” she said, adding that she has settled in and is focused on priorities ranging from veterans to education; from small business to transportation. “It’s fast-paced, and you’re always learning, but it has been the experience of a lifetime.”

And the fulfillment of a plan she made a long time ago.

—George O’Brien

BusinessWest to Celebrate 40th Anniversary with May 13 Issue

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest magazine, the biweekly business journal covering Western Massachusetts, will celebrate its 40th anniversary in the May 13 edition of the magazine.

For four decades, BusinessWest — first called the Western Massachusetts Business Journal when Publisher John Gormally debuted it in May 1984 — has profiled countless companies, organizations, and business leaders; detailed the trends, challenges, and evolutions that have shaped dozens of sectors; and done plenty of evolving of its own, including a shift from monthly to biweekly publication in 2004, a robust online platform at businesswest.com, and recognition programs including 40 Under Forty, Difference Makers, Healthcare Heroes, and Women of Impact.

The keepsake May 13 edition of BusinessWest will commemorate its role as the region’s business voice by detailing four decades of change, progress, and evolution within the area business community through dozens of interviews.

Filled with photos, happenings, accomplishments, milestones, and a timeline of the last 40 years of business in Western Mass., this issue will feature comprehensive stories that focus on 40 years of banking, commercial development, construction, financial services, healthcare, higher education, manufacturing, nonprofits, professional services, technology, and the way people work.

We invite the region’s business community to be a part of this commemorative issue by reserving space. Advertising opportunities are available now through April 26. For more information about this special anniversary edition and to reserve advertising space, email Kate Campiti, associate publisher, at [email protected], or call (413) 781-8600.

Dress for Success to Host Pop-up Boutique for Franklin County Residents

By
Daily News

ORANGE — Dress for Success Western Massachusetts (DFSWM) will host a pop-up boutique for all residents within Franklin County at American Legion Post 172, 40 Daniel Shays Highway, Orange, on Friday, April 26.

Area residents can come and receive free work-appropriate clothing between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. New and gently used clothing was donated to Dress for Success Western Massachusetts, which covers all four counties in Western Mass.

Local DFSWM programs include the Foot in the Door workforce-readiness program, the Margaret Fitzgerald Mentorship Program, the Professional Women’s Group, a digital-literacy program, and the suiting program.

Dress for Success thanks the area businesses who helped collect donations, as well as the Delta Kappa Gamma Alpha Mu sorority, which helped with collecting, sorting, and hanging the clothes received, as well as creating outfits. Work-appropriate donations will still be accepted at American Legion Post 172 through April 26.

For additional information about the pop-up boutique, email Volunteer Engagement Manager Diane Jacobs at [email protected].

Comcast Delivers Gig Speeds to Xfinity Mobile Customers on Millions of WiFi Hotspots

By
Daily News

PHILADELPHIA — Xfinity Mobile and Comcast Business Mobile devices can now connect to millions of new Xfinity Mobile hotspots and receive internet speeds over WiFi up to 1 gigabit per second. By delivering a faster connection over Xfinity’s WiFi network, Comcast is helping ensure customers can stream, game, chat, download, and surf wherever they are.

Today, 90% of the mobile data traffic on Xfinity Mobile devices travels over WiFi, not cellular. With more than 23 million WiFi hotspots giving customers a speed boost, Xfinity Mobile aims to deliver a better experience to support data-intensive applications when traditional cellular networks can’t keep up. Comcast has invested more than $20 billion over the past five years to upgrade and expand the Xfinity network and introduce new, innovative features like WiFi Boost to support the constantly increasing number of connected devices consumers use both inside and outside of the home.

“We’re supercharging hotspots to unlock the full potential of our customers’ mobile devices and give you the boost you need, when you need it, to download a large file, stream a live sporting event, or host an important video call,” said Kohposh Kuda, senior vice president of Xfinity Mobile, Comcast. “A billion devices connect to WiFi over our network because it delivers a superior experience. We’ve invested billions of dollars in a network that can support the massive growth in data consumption, and our WiFi Boost upgrade is a huge win for our mobile customers.”

For more information or to sign up for Xfinity Mobile, visit an Xfinity store or www.xfinity.com/mobile.

Rachel Dionne of Polish National Credit Union Joins Providence Ministries Board

By
Daily News

Rachel Dionne

CHICOPEE — Polish National Credit Union (PNCU) announced that Rachel Dionne, assistant vice president and credit risk officer, has joined the board of directors of Providence Ministries.

PNCU, a full-service community credit union, is committed to meeting community needs and fostering growth. The organization emphasizes community engagement through corporate leadership and volunteerism.

“We encourage our team members to actively participate in community and volunteer activities,” said Mike Sugrue, executive vice president at PNCU. “Currently, our employees are engaged with around 40 local organizations through board or committee roles. Rachel’s decision to join the Providence Ministries board is commendable, and we are excited for the board to benefit from her insights.”

Dionne is dedicated to community service. Her volunteer work includes more than a half-decade on the board of trustees for Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School, membership on the school’s finance committee, involvement in a youth ministry group, service on the Southampton Finance Committee, and as an eucharistic minister at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church in Westfield. She now adds the Providence Ministries board membership to her list of contributions.

Providence Ministries, a nonprofit organization serving the Greater Holyoke region since 1980, offers life-sustaining and transformative programs to those in need. Sr. Margaret McCleary, SP founded Providence Ministries, which includes McCleary Manor, Broderick House, Loreto House, Kate’s Kitchen, Margaret’s Pantry, and St. Jude’s Clothing Store. They are affiliated with and sponsored by the Sisters of Providence.

“I am thrilled to join the board of directors for Providence Ministries,” Dionne said. “Their impactful work in providing essential needs like food, clothing, and shelter, as well as sober housing for men in recovery, is inspiring. I look forward to contributing to the mission.”

With nearly 35 years of experience in accounting and finance, Dionne joined PNCU in 2017. In her role, she analyzes complex commercial financial information, oversees commercial lending policies, and manages loan administration, loan servicing, and credit teams. She is a two-time graduate of American International College (AIC) with degrees in accounting and nonprofit management.

Picture This

By
WFD members simulate bringing a student into the decontamination tent
Picture This

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

 

Practice Makes Perfect

On April 13, a mass-casualty drill was held at Baystate Noble Hospital, a group collaboration between the Westfield Fire Department (WFD) and the hospital’s Emergency Department. In attendance were team members of the Nursing Flex team, Security, and more than 40 students from Elms College, Westfield State University, and Holyoke Community College.

Southwick High School student Abigail Grazia uses her moulage skills on herself and a dummy to add some striking realism.

Southwick High School student Abigail Grazia uses her moulage skills on herself and a dummy to add some striking realism.

 

WFD members simulate bringing a student into the decontamination tent

WFD members simulate bringing a student into the decontamination tent

 

Home Stretch

At a festive reception on April 2, the Irish Cultural Center (ICC) of Western New England announced the formal launch of its capstone capital campaign to raise the final $2 million needed to complete its facility at 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield. Funds raised will be used to complete the Community Performance Center.

From left: Frank Quigley, ICC co-Vice President Kevin O’Connor, West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt, ICC co-Vice President Ed Sullivan, and ICC President Sean Cahillane

 

U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, honorary campaign chair, speaks at the reception

U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, honorary campaign chair, speaks at the reception

 

 

Career Exploration

Every other Saturday this spring, 16 area high-school students get a hands-on experience working with talking patient simulators at Springfield Technical Community College as part of the STCC Career Connections Academy, a state-funded program designed to expose high-school students to high-demand industry options such as business administration, healthcare, and social assistance.

Daniel O’Neill, patient simulation information coordinator at STCC, talks to the students

Daniel O’Neill, patient simulation information coordinator at STCC, talks to the students

 

West Springfield High School student Nahla Williams works with a patient simulator

West Springfield High School student Nahla Williams works with a patient simulator

 

Wesley Carter, director of the STCC Career Connections Academy

Wesley Carter, director of the STCC Career Connections Academy

Agenda

By
Agenda

Cirque du Soleil BAZZAR

Through May 5: Cirque du Soleil BAZZAR has come to Hartford, Conn. for the first time ever. A colourful homage to Cirque du Soleil legacy, BAZZAR opened on April 6 and will continue its performances until May 5 at Under the Big Top on Market Street. The show features acrobatic disciplines such as teeterboard, acrobike, contortion, duo rollerskates, duo trapeze, aerial rope, hair suspension, fire manipulation, slackline, and music performed live on stage. Cirque du Soleil BAZZAR is intended to be an eclectic lab of creativity where a joyful troupe of acrobats, dancers, and musicians craft an awe-inspiring spectacle. Led by their maestro, they band together to invent a whimsical, one-of-a-kind universe. In a place where the unexpected is expected, the colourful group imagines, builds, and invents vibrant scenes in an artistic and acrobatic game. The high-energy excitement, collision of sounds and colors, and meeting place of diverse characters one might find at a traditional bazaar inspired the name of the show. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/bazzar.

 

Alumni Achievement Award Nominations

Through May 10: When BusinessWest launched its 40 Under Forty program in 2007, it did so to identify rising stars across our region — individuals who were excelling in business and through involvement within the community — and celebrate their accomplishments. In 2015, BusinessWest announced a new award, one that builds on the foundation upon which 40 Under Forty was created. It’s called the Alumni Achievement Award. As the name suggests, it is presented to the 40 Under Forty honoree who, in the eyes of an independent panel of judges, has most impressively continued and built upon his or her track record of accomplishment. Candidates must be from 40 Under Forty classes prior to the year of the award — in this case, classes 2007 to 2023. The 2024 Alumni Achievement Award finalists will be profiled in the June 10 edition of BusinessWest, and the honoree will be announced at the 40 Under Forty gala on June 20. The presenting sponsor of the Alumni Achievement Award is Health New England.

Visit businesswest.com/40-under-forty/alumniachievementaward for the nomination form, and visit businesswest.com/40-under-forty/40underforty for a list of the past 40 Under Forty classes.

 

Rev. Hugh Crean Lecture

May 1: Elms College and the St. Augustine Center for Ethics, Religion, and Culture will present the fifth annual Rev. Hugh Crean Distinguished Lecture in Catholic Thought at 4:30 p.m. The lecture, which will take place in person in the college’s Alumnae Library Theater, was rescheduled from its initial April 4 date. The distinguished speaker for this lecture is Dominic Doyle, associate professor of Systematic Theology at the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry (STM). The theme for Doyle’s remarks will be “Christian Humanism and the Theology of Hope.” Most recently, Doyle led STM’s Neuroscience Education for Theological Training grant from the Science for Seminaries program sponsored by the American Assoc. for the Advancement of Science/Dialogue on Science, Religion, and Ethics. He is currently working on a book exploring the history of theological virtues, tentatively titled Thematic Variations in Theological Virtue. To register, visit www.elms.edu/events/st-augustine-rev-hugh-crean-distinguished-lecture.

 

YWCA Golf Tournament

May 6: The YWCA of Western Massachusetts Golf Tournament will be held at Springfield Country Club, with registration now open online at ywworks.org. Proceeds of the charity golf tournament will support the Children Who Witness Violence program, which offers therapy for children who have witnessed or experienced abuse and violence. The Healthy and Empowering Relationship Education program of the YWCA, which helps Springfield middle- and high-schoolers learn about healthy relationships and friendships, will also benefit from proceeds raised at the tournament. Cost per golfer to participate in the tournament is $155, which includes golf, cart, lunch, dinner, and a quarter-zip jacket. There will be a raffle and cash bar at the country club. Individuals or organizations interested in registering or sponsoring the event can visit ywworks.org.

 

‘So You Think You Want to Join a Board?’

May 8, Aug. 14, Oct. 9: United Way of Pioneer Valley is introducing a learning component as part of its OnBoard board-readiness and matching program. Serving as an on-ramp to the popular annual board-matching event held each winter, “So You Think You Want to Join a Board?” is a three-part series geared toward individuals considering board-level volunteer opportunities. Through a conversational style of presentations by highly experienced nonprofit mentors in Western Mass., attendees will have the opportunity to learn, ask questions, network, and receive resources and tools to help them determine if board service is a good fit. Part one of “So You Think You Want to Join a Board?” will be facilitated by Shannon Mumblo, president of Shannon Mumblo Consulting Inc., who will review the unique role nonprofits play in the community ecosystem and what potential volunteers should be aware of as board members. This breakfast event will be held on Wednesday, May 8 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. in the TD Bank conference room at 1441 Main St., Springfield. Part two will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 14 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. and will be facilitated by National Federation of Community Broadcasters CEO Rima Dael, who will provide participants with an understanding of board service as it relates to governance, fundraising, and basic financial oversight. The final event in the series will take place the morning of Wednesday, Oct. 9, and will be led by Sarah Tanner, a partner with Financial Development Agency, who will guide attendees in understanding what questions they need to ask nonprofits in order to determine a fit. All three of the learning sessions are free and will culminate in the OnBoard matching event on the evening of Thursday, Dec. 12.

 

VA Central Western Mass. Centennial Celebration

May 11: The VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System is commemorating a century of dedication to serving U.S. veterans. Established in 1924, the healthcare system has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of veterans, delivering compassionate care and innovative services. To honor this significant milestone, the VA invites the community to an event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 421 North Main St., Leeds. The festivities will include special events, recognition ceremonies, and opportunities for veterans and their families to connect with one another, as well as food, games, and fun for the whole family. For more information about the centennial celebration and upcoming events, visit www.va.gov/central-western-massachusetts-health-care or call Sarah Robinson, Public Affairs officer for the VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, at (413) 584-4040, ext. 3532.

 

Pioneer Valley Conference for Women

May 9: The third annual Pioneer Valley Conference for Women will be held at Marriott Springfield Downtown from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The conference will be held in person and virtually. This year’s theme is “Unleashed.” Christina Royal will serve as emcee for the conference. The former president of Holyoke Community College, Royal is now president and CEO of Infinite Unlearning LLC, a woman-, BIPOC-, and queer-owned executive coaching and consultancy service supporting mid- to senior leaders and their organizations. Keynote speakers are Meghan Rothschild, president and owner of the marketing and public-relations firm Chikmedia, and Jessika Rozki, founder of Rozki Rides, a transportation service focusing on children and seniors. The conference will also feature 10 different panels that women can choose to attend in the morning and afternoon. The 30 panelists are all local women. Dianne Fuller Doherty will be presented with the Goddess Award, recognizing her many years of volunteer work on behalf of women. A comedy kickoff reception the night before the conference will feature comedian Jess Miller. Visit ow.ly/qgYJ50QK85h for more information or to purchase tickets. Event sponsors include M&T Bank, Westfield Bank, Liberty Bank, Country Bank, and USI.

 

Free Shred Days

June 8, 22: bankESB invites customers and members of the community to two free shred days at local offices. Events will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. (or until the truck is full) on the following dates and at locations: Saturday, June 8 at 770 Main St., Agawam; and Saturday, June 22 at 241 Northampton St., Easthampton (two trucks at this event). No appointment is necessary. Local residents can reduce their risk of identity theft by bringing old mail, receipts, statements or bills, canceled checks, pay stubs, medical records, or any other unwanted paper documents containing personal or confidential information and shredding them safely and securely for free. A professional document destruction company will be on site in the bank’s parking lot and can accept up to two boxes of documents per person.

 

40 Under Forty Gala

June 20: BusinessWest will celebrate the 18th annual 40 Under Forty at the MassMutual Center in Springfield with fine food, music, networking, and the presentation of the class of 2024, profiled in this issue and at businesswest.com. The 40 Under Forty sponsors include presenting sponsor PeoplesBank and partner sponsors the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst, Live Nation, Mercedes-Benz of Springfield, and Mercy Medical Center/Trinity Health. The event will also feature the announcement of the 10th annual Alumni Achievement Award, presented by Health New England. Tickets cost $125 per person (tables of 10 are available), and they go on sale on Monday, April 29 at 9 a.m. at businesswest.com/40-under-forty/40underforty.

 

Hooplandia

June 21-23: Registration is now open for Hooplandia, the second annual 3×3 basketball tournament and festival, at www.hooplandia.com. The three-day event includes levels of play for all ages and divisions. Hooplandia launched in 2023. Taking place in the heart of Greater Springfield, the birthplace of basketball, the event is hosted by Eastern States Exposition (ESE) in West Springfield and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield. Most games will be played on the ESE grounds, with special games held at the Hall of Fame. Seventy-five basketball courts will be set up to accommodate more than 650 games played by approximately 2,100 participants of all ages. Divisions of play have been created to provide an all-inclusive environment for players of all ages and playing abilities. The diverse divisions include young girls, boys, women, men, high-school-level, college-level, OGs, veterans, and more. Players are invited to build teams of four, create their own unique team name and uniforms, and register at www.hooplandia.com. Team fees range according to age, and children in the under-8 category are free of charge. Hooplandia will once again partner with Boys and Girls Clubs throughout the region as its designated philanthropic partner, providing $10 from every paid team registration to support the mission and programs of the clubs. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For inquiries, email [email protected].

 

Yidstock

July 11-14: Tickets are now on sale for Yidstock: the Festival of New Yiddish Music. Now in its 12th year, Yidstock brings the best in klezmer and new Yiddish music to the stage at the Yiddish Book Center in Amherst. Highlights this year will include the Klezmatics, Frank London, Eleanor Reissa, Judy Bressler, Daniel Kahn, and many more. Concert passes are available and include admission to all concerts and the two dance workshops. Individual tickets are also available for purchase for those who can only attend for part of the weekend. This year, livestream concert passes will allow friends from afar to experience Yidstock from the comfort of their homes. These passes only include access to the seven concerts; they do not include access to talks, workshops, or the film screening. Visit yiddishbookcenter.org/yidstock for more information and to purchase tickets.

People on the Move

By
People on the Move
Ricard Torres-Mateluna

Ricard Torres-Mateluna

Jillian Duclos

Jillian Duclos

The Northampton Jazz Festival has welcomed two new board members who bring broad skills and deep experience in entrepreneurship, marketing, community organizing, and music from world cultures. They are Ricard Torres-Mateluna, who joined last month, and Jillian Duclos, who joined the board in September 2023. After earning a bachelor’s degree in politics at Mount Holyoke College as a Francis Perkins Scholar in 2017, Duclos became a grass-roots organizer, a driver of workforce development, and then a business owner. Now, as executive director of the Downtown Northampton Assoc., she collaborates with city leaders, downtown organizations, and community members to drive economic development for downtown Northampton and provide a safety net to local and small businesses who anchor the community. Torres-Mateluna is a brand and marketing strategist who thinks with a global perspective and seeks solutions at the local level. Over his more than 20 years in the field, he has successfully worked toward uplifting educational entities and nonprofit organizations, having worked in advertising agencies and startups — large and small, at home and abroad — run by people from all backgrounds. His current role is vice president of Marketing and Communications for the Springfield-based human services agency Viability Inc. Torres-Mateluna has been a jazz lover since childhood and is also a member of the editorial board and U.S. correspondent for Papeles de Jazz magazine in his native Chile.

•••••

Lee Craig

Lee Craig

Freedom Credit Union recently hired Lee Craig as its senior vice president and chief financial officer. Bringing three decades of leadership experience in credit-union operations and compliance, Craig will lend his expertise to planning, directing, and controlling Freedom’s overall financial plans and policies, accounting practices, and relationships with lending institutions and the financial community. He comes to Freedom after 23 years as CFO at MassMutual Federal Credit Union, where he was responsible for the operation’s overall financial condition, information-technology oversight, compliance management, and strategic planning. He also previously served as principal examiner at the National Credit Union Administration. A member of the Credit Union National Assoc. CFO Council and Compliance Council and a past member of Fiserv’s user advisory board, Craig served on the town of Westhampton’s Finance Committee for several years. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business management from Westfield State University.

•••••

Reinaldo Román

Reinaldo Román

Joshua Burgos

Pittsfield Cooperative Bank announced the hiring of Reinaldo Román as vice president, branch officer. In this role, he will manage the institution’s branch operations at its main office located at 70 South St., Pittsfield. Additionally, he will assist the organization with its further development of Spanish-focused materials. Román joins the bank after a successful 23-year tenure at Greylock Federal Credit Union. He has extensive experience in branch operations and management, business development, retail lending, and customer relations. He received his business administration in banking degree from Berkshire Community College. The bank also announced the hiring of Joshua Burgos as its new Business Development and Cash Management officer. In this role, he will oversee the multitude of cash transactions for the institution’s commercial customers as well as manage business deposits, real estate, and non-real-estate loans. Burgos joins the bank after working most recently at Canyon Ranch as a senior accountant. He has 10 years of experience working in financial services, having served in positions at MassMutual and Greylock Federal Credit Union. He has an associate degree in business administration from Cambridge College, a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Capella University, and will be completing his MBA from UMass Amherst this fall.

•••••

Colin D’Amour

Colin D’Amour

The board of directors of Big Y Foods Inc. announced the appointment of Colin D’Amour as senior director of asset protection. In that role, he will lead the asset protection team, develop and execute future strategies, deploy new technologies, build relationships with law enforcement and other regulatory agencies, and foster both education and growth within the department. D’Amour began working as a service clerk at Big Y Supermarkets in 1998 at age 14. From there, he held several positions, including produce clerk, warehouse selector, and construction/remodel store projects coordinator. In 2007, he accepted a commission with the U.S. Marine Corps as second lieutenant, serving with distinction and ultimately earning the rank of captain. In 2010, he was deployed to Helmand, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2014, D’Amour left active duty in the Marines and returned to Big Y by entering into its store director training program. Since then, his career has included several roles, including store director, corporate center store sales director, senior manager of procurement, and, most recently, senior director of the Big Y Express division. He was also a project manager for the expansion of the Fresh and Local Distribution Center and is a member of Big Y’s real estate and store design committees. In addition, he oversees multiple programs and initiatives with Topco, an $18 billion cooperative that provides aggregation, innovation, and management solutions to its leading food-industry members across the country. A graduate of Boston College, D’Amour holds personal decorations from his military service, including both the Navy and Marine Corps commendation and achievement medals. He is the grandson of Big Y co-founder Gerald D’Amour and son of Executive Chairman Charles D’Amour.

•••••

Myranda Nasworthy

Myranda Nasworthy

Garvey Communication Associates Inc. (GCAi) has expanded its digital public-relations capacity by adding Myranda Nasworthy, an experienced video producer. Armed with GCAi’s new G7x vlogging cameras, Nasworthy worked on client videos before she started at the company. She will work in GCAi’s new edit suite, including a 2024 Apple Mac Studio. She is also equipped with a 2024 Macbook Pro for remote video editing. She is already working with a new GODOX lighting kit used at GCAi’s 24th-floor studios in Tower Square to produce 10 videos for an award program. Nasworthy shot and worked on all the edits with co-producer Nate Dion. She has also worked with GCAi’s West Coast team to produce 9:16 videos for Reels and TikTok. A former associate producer of New England Public Media’s Emmy-nominated quiz show, As Schools Match Wits. Nasworthy is a summa cum laude graduate of Westfield State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in communication with a concentration in media arts & analysis. Her skill set includes operating Sony, Canon, Panasonic, and Nikon filming equipment and studio, control-room, and field equipment. She also is experienced in working with Adobe Premiere Pro, Lightroom, Dreamweaver, and Final Cut Pro.

•••••

Monson Savings Bank announced its second annual President’s Award recipients. This year’s award has been presented to Sara Rodrigues, assistant vice president and Commercial Loan Operations officer, Bridget Bunce, Bank Secrecy Act analyst. The President’s Award is an opportunity to acknowledge those who consistently represent the bank’s mission and values through their commitment to customer service, the community, teamwork, and excellence. Rodrigues joined the Monson Savings Bank family in February 2013. She consistently represents the bank at many local events and has volunteered for numerous organizations, such as Revitalize CDC, the United Way of Pioneer Valley, and I Found Light Against All Odds. Bunce started with Monson Savings in October 2021 as a Deposit Operations administrator and was promoted to her current position in August 2023. She is always eager to lend a hand and has helped at several bank-sponsored events in 2022 and 2023.

•••••

Jeffrey Siegel

Jeffrey Siegel

Fierst Bloomberg Ohm LLP announced that Jeffrey Siegel has become a partner of the firm. Having earned his juris doctorate at the University of Connecticut School of Law and his master of laws in taxation at the New York University of School of Law, Siegel has more than 35 years of experience assisting individuals with their estate-planning, tax-planning, probate and trust administration, and corporate law needs.

•••••

Paul Haible, executive director of the Peace Development Fund (PDF) for the past 20 years, announced his plans to retire on April 30. Under Haible’s leadership, PDF amplified its focus to include a broad range of social-justice issues and movements; expanded its footprint to include a regional office in San Francisco, where he was based; and increased its international scope to include funding to Haiti, Mexico, and the Middle East. He collaborated with the board to launch several initiatives engaging a range of issue constituencies, including a national environmental-justice initiative that spanned a decade, a cross-border initiative, and a national criminal-justice-reform movement. He was instrumental in creating PDF’s capacity-building program to fiscally sponsor more than 40 organizations and led PDF’s recent Indigenous Land Back work.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

TMGC LLC Acquires Thomas Memorial Golf & Country Club

TURNERS FALLS — On April 3, Kyle and Kelly Snow, as well as Kyle’s father, Edward Snow Jr., acting as TMGC LLC, purchased the Thomas Memorial Golf & Country Club in Turners Falls. The Snow family, who own and operate Northfield Golf Course and Snow & Sons Landscaping in Greenfield, purchased the 55-acre property from the Thomas family with assets acquired from the Thomas Memorial Golf & Country Club board of directors. The acquisition also includes two private residences, an event space, a clubhouse, and a maintenance building. While membership rates will stay level with the 2023 season, the Snows plan to make immediate improvements to the grounds and clubhouse, including a facelift of the common areas and restrooms. These updates are part of a comprehensive three- to five-year improvement plan the Snow family developed to ensure that Thomas Memorial Golf remains a leading local course and offers a unique Franklin County experience for golfers at all levels of play. The Snow family plans to create a synergy between Northfield Golf Club and Thomas Memorial Golf that will benefit both courses.

 

Excel Dryer Pioneers Blueprint for Healthy, Sustainable Workplaces

EAST LONGMEADOW — Excel Dryer recently unveiled a comprehensive office expansion and renovation project. This initiative, rooted in the company’s mission to lead through innovation, aimed to merge beauty, health, wellness, and sustainability into its workplace. The project’s insights and methodologies are set to educate through a unique continuing education unit (CEU) course offered by Architectural Record magazine in its Continuing Education Center, serving as a detailed roadmap of Excel Dryer’s innovative journey. Guided by the WELL Building Standard as a principal framework, the renovation serves as a case study showcasing Excel’s commitment to integrating the latest and most effective products in support of occupant well-being, productivity, and environmental sustainability. This initiative aims to inspire and educate not just architects, designers, and the construction community, but also owners and facility managers, offering insights into the practical application of sustainability and health-focused principles in commercial interiors and demonstrating Excel Dryer’s leading role in the movement toward more responsible workplace design. The Architectural Record’s CEU course provides a focused overview on the intersection of modern design, health standards, and sustainability in commercial architecture. It provides information on the multiple innovative products used to achieve WELL certification and explores the evolution of hygiene and sustainability post-pandemic, highlighting the importance of touchless technologies in public restrooms to prevent illness. Ultimately, the course showcases how integrated design solutions can promote health, efficiency, and environmental stewardship in commercial spaces.

 

YWCA Awarded $111,111 Grant for Violence-prevention Program

SPRINGFIELD — The YWCA of Western Massachusetts recently received $111,111.11 from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for its youth violence-prevention program, called the H.E.R.E. (Healthy Empowering Relationships and Education) Project. This evidence-based project has been successfully embedded in many Springfield middle and high schools for about 18 months. With this new grant funding, the YWCA intends to hire additional staff to reach more youth within area schools beyond Springfield. The H.E.R.E. Project’s curriculum is specifically developed for teens, inclusive of all genders, and designed for applicability across gender, ethnicity, sexual identities, and socio-economic backgrounds. It specifically targets Springfield youth ages 12-18 and aims to educate youth at risk for teen dating violence, sex trafficking of minors, and gang violence. During these classes, YWCA employees use varied teaching methods such as games, small and large group work, and role playing. YWCA staff visit the participating middle and high schools once per week for eight weeks, and since the start of the program more than 18 months ago, the H.E.R.E. Project has served about 600 students.

Incorporations

By
Incorporations

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

AGAWAM

Wang Friendly’s Inc., 19 Springfield St., Agawam, MA 01001. Yingying Wang, same. Food sales.

BLANDFORD

Baypoint Floristry and Events Inc., 56 Otis Tolland Road, Blandford, MA 01008. Tammy Saloomey Tavernia, same. Florist shop and related activities.

CHICOPEE

Opt for Nature Inc., 140 Padgette St., Unit E, Chicopee, MA 01022. Shahid Habib, 19 Spring Meadows, South Hadley, MA 01075. Brand holder of dietary supplements.

Wang China Star Inc., 80 Main St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Yingying Wang, same. Restaurant.

EASTHAMPTON

Reynolds Purified Water Inc., 6 Morin Dr., Easthampton, MA 01027. Bradford Reynolds, same. Water-purification systems.

FEEDING HILLS

A&A Remodel Co., 30 Logan Place, Feeding Hills, MA 01030. Andrii Prus, same. Sales and installation of windows and doors.

GREENFIELD

Franklin County Police Cadet Program Inc., 28 Forest Ave., Greenfield, MA 01301. Jason Haskins, same. Corporation established to create a safe and enjoyable environment for its youthful members; allow each cadet to develop healthy relationships with other youth and adults with similar interests; instill and develop self-confidence; teach respect and self-discipline, acceptable social values and behavior, responsibility, self-sufficiency, personal tolerance, and patience; expose members to the importance of positive police and community relations; learn how to act efficiently under stressful situations; and more.

HOLYOKE

Tru-Clear Window Cleaning Inc., 145 Westfield Road, Holyoke, MA 01040. Jared Martinez, same. Residential and commercial window cleaning.

PITTSFIELD

Conference on Language Modeling Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Alexander Rush, 385 Union Ave., #2A, New York, NY 11211. Conference on language modeling consisting of a series of professional meetings.

Missouri Dental Insurance Services Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Jacky Clay Standlee, same. Insurance sales.

TKT Enterprises Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Tracey Twarog, same. Health insurance, Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare supplement plans, and prescription drug plans.

SOUTH HADLEY

Forbes and Sons Painting and Staining Inc., 63 Laurie Ave., South Hadley, MA 01075. Brad Forbes, same. Painting contractor.

SPRINGFIELD

AH Accounting and Tax Services Inc., 299 Carew St., Suite 134, Springfield, MA 01104. Abdillahi Hussein, same. Professional accounting and tax services.

Grandma’s Place Inc., 11 Moore St., Springfield, MA 01107. Dawn Hunter, same. Individual youth and adult mental-health services, including but not limited to social assistance, housing, and job-search assistance.

Titanium Springfield Inc., 1112 Bay St., Springfield, MA 01109. Muhammad Ali Saleem, same. Gas station.

 

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and/or trade names were issued or renewed during the months of March and April 2024.

AMHERST

Augusto Therapeutic Massage
401 Main St.
Debra Augusto

Dream Glimmers
85 Amity St., Apt. 201
Jennie Moss

Dungeon Delvers
30 Gatehouse Road, Unit 208
Aaron Damon-Rush

Heystack
34 Kingman Road
Prashant Shenoy

Just Body Glow LLC
17 Kellogg Ave.
Cheyquetta Charvis

Kim Chin-Gibbons
63 North Prospect St.
Kim Chin-Gibbons

Mt. Pollux Music
1301 South East St.
Dan Kennedy

Roger Sonier DDS
196 North Pleasant St., #13
Roger Sonier

Strategic Investigations
339 Potwine Lane
Philip Kass

Three P Painting
79 Tracy Circle
Mohamed Ben-Slama

BELCHERTOWN

Amherst Self Storage
1270 Federal St.
Alejandro Levins

Cole’s Pest Control
2 Canal Dr.
Nicole Balboni

Go with the Flow
1035 Federal St.
Julie Leahey, Elizabeth Eggleston

MVM Contracting
156 Stebbins St.
Michael Martins

Nutrition Genesis
20 Sheffield Dr.
Gina Headrick

Photosynthesis
279 Old Enfield Road
Marie Ciosek

Pretty Pickings
41 Doe Hollow
Renate Robinson

Revive and Thrive
786 Franklin St.
Elizabeth Moody

EASTHAMPTON

Conscious Soma
37 Hannum Brook Dr.
Virginia Wilke

Cleaners MultiServices
11 Princeton Ave.
Rubio Perez, Sergio Raiza

LauraLee Sampere-Gagnon, LICSW
23 Federal St.
LauraLee Sampere-Gagnon

R&R Properties
13 Northampton St.
Stephen Robinson

Robinson Properties
13 Northampton St.
Stephen Robinson

HOLYOKE

3 Brothers Auto Sales & Repair
522 Maple St.
Maple Street Sales Corp.

AE Outfitters Retail Co.
50 Holyoke St.
AE Outfitters Retail Co.

Clean Queen Car Wash
185 South St.
Richard Sherwood, Nicole Stasz

David Alger Consulting
1 Deer Run
David Alger

Los Supreme Latin Cuisine
50 Holyoke St.
Marielys Rosado Torres

Monsoon Bistro
50 Holyoke St.
Jin Rong Zhang

Pandora
50 Holyoke St.
Pandora Ventures LLC

Real Dry Waterproofing
137 Dupuis Road
Stephen Wall

Rewarding Tax Services
284 Maple St.
Lidia Rodriguez

Reyes Income Tax and Bookkeeping
2257 Northampton St.
Enrique Reyes

PITTSFIELD

Berkshire Biscotti
11 Lombard St.
Berkshire Biscotti Inc.

Berkshire Concrete Repair
16 Hampshire St.
Michael Stewart Sr.

Berkshire Faceted Gemstones
494 Pomeroy Ave.
Daniel McMorris

Berkshire Fence Co.
1625 West Housatonic St.
Todd M. Driscoll Inc.

Berkshire Precision Paint Works
11 Myrtle St.
Berkshire Precision Paint Works LLC

BRC Transportation Service
120 Lyman St.
Bruno Rodrigues Camargos

Down the Garden Path
39 Windsor Ave.
William Morency

Email Overload Solutions
20 Lakecrest Dr.
Michael Einstein

Garden Blossoms Florist
97 First St.
Sean Colombari

Gino’s Pizza
1206 North St.
Filioglu LLC

Gustitos Boricuas
248 Dewey Ave.
Mariam Orengo

Hollywood Nails
351 North St.
Yen Thi Nguyen

Koto
795 Dalton Ave.
Sakura Hibachi Steakhouse Inc.

Peaslee’s Package & Variety
1 Wilson St.
Peaslee Inc.

Superior Sealcoat & Asphalt Service
19 Manchester Ave.
Superior Maintenance Group LLC

SOUTH HADLEY

Big Wide Smiles LLC
32 Willimansett St.
Karen Anne Lundsford

Teachin Beag LLC
112 River Road
Teachin Beag

Trinity Home Support LLC
52 Hadley St.
Trinity Home Support LLC

Wadsworth Birther and Family Care
16 Central Ave.
Taylor Wadsworth

WESTFIELD

Be There Travel
51 Court St.
Miyuki Johnson

Crispy Crepes
46 Chapel St.
Crispy Crepes

Green Groves Lawn Maintenance
5 Hickory Ave.
Green Groves Lawn Maintenance

Kettlebread Franchising Corp.
105 Meadow St.
Edward Grimaldi

Results in Wellness, LLC
93B Springfield Road
Results in Wellness, LLC

RKS Management
8 Dubois St.
Michael Stanley

Running Shoe Productions
273 Papermill Road
Running Shoe Productions

Savaria Painting
240 Sackett Road
Mark Savaria

Spritz Traveling Glow
22 Kellogg St.
Cynthia Barton

Storied Adventures
440 Falley Dr.
TJC Travel LLC

S.V. Tiling
31 Sunset Dr.
Serhii Vorobei

Triple 3 Racing
379 Russellville Road
Richard Miller

WEST SPRINGFIELD

AFC Urgent Care
18 Union St.
AFC Physicians of Massachusetts, P.C.

Asian Halal Market
20 River St.
Taqwa Inc.

Beauty Gate Salon & Spa
1646 Riverdale St.
Beauty Gate Salon & Spa

Custom Gutters
2385 Westfield St.
Custom Gutters

EpicVibe Production
117 Park Ave., Unit F3
EpicVibe Production

Guitar Center #556
935 Riverdale St.
Guitar Center Stores Inc.

Little George’s
2648 Westfield St.
Little George’s

Marties Floating Event Planning LLC
9 Willard Ave.
Marties Floating Event Planning LLC

Photography by Duval
439 Birnie Ave.
Madeline Duval Davidson

Pool Revolution
26 Fairview Ave.
Pool Revolution

Riverdale Inn
1500 Riverdale St.
Ram Sai LLC

Specialty Imported LLC
130 Allston Ave.
Specialty Imported LLC

Western Mass Hypnosis Center
201 Westfield St.
Western Mass Hypnosis Center

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

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

Agyeiwaah, Afua
172 Talmadge Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/22/2024

Bordeau, Mary Ellen T.
29 High St., Apt. 1
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/27/2024

Casa, Gail C.
38 Honeysuckle Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01022
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/30/2024

Cook, George Jayson
133 Donbray Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/21/2024

Corchado, Cindy Marie
83 Wilton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/18/2024

Curran, Christopher
10 Pleasant St., Apt. D
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/30/2024

Grogan, Kathleen P.
150 Oakland St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/30/2024

Habib, Edward J.
19 L St., 1st Fl.
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/27/2024

Hallock, Brian
191 Ashland St., Apt. 201
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/28/2024

Hector, James
67 Wentworth St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/21/2024

Jaskulski, Linda A.
23 Hancock St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/18/2024

Judd, Roger Gary
148 Templeton Road
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/25/2024

Kohm, Aaron M.
Kohm, Sarah F.
a/k/a Sugrue, Sarah F.
71 Lyman St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/22/2024

Labonte, Edward
41 Biltmore St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/30/2024

Leduc, Scott R.
153 New Boston Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/19/2024

Lucey, Robert A.
77 Imperial Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/22/2024

Malanowski, Tim
206 Fairview Ave., Apt 1
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/21/2024

Medina, Eulogio Ferrer
70 Broadway St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/27/2024

Melnik, Natalya
86 Sheri Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/18/2024

Miller, Russell A.
14 Madison St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/30/2024

Mogelinski, Carlos M.
42 Granville St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/28/2024

Morse, Shirley A.
174 Regency Park Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/30/2024

Mullarkey, Matthew James
Mullarkey, Nicole Marie
488 Main Road
Granville, MA 01034
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/27/2024

Munoz, Jahayra
111 Manchester Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/22/2024

Murphy, Michael R.
97 Prokop Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/18/2024

Peck, Stephan
84 Telegraph Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/26/2024

Sears, Regina M.
73 Ontario St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/19/2024

Smith, Matthew J.
PO Box 399
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/30/2024

Sunderland, Matthew Whitney
132 Holyoke St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/27/2024

Velazquez, Osvaldo
Velazquez, Zoraida
80 Bircham St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/20/2024

Wagner, Edward Bruce
180 Northampton St., Apt. L
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/28/2024

Real Estate Transactions

By
Real Estate

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

ASHFIELD

1823 Hawley Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $777,000
Buyer: Ian Adams
Seller: Vincent M. Biggs
Date: 03/29/24

BUCKLAND

35 Avery Road
Buckland, MA 01339
Amount: $554,000
Buyer: Finnivan FT
Seller: Marc H. Dodson
Date: 03/26/24

139 Main St.
Buckland, MA 01330
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Albert E. Gray
Seller: Daniel Sonntag
Date: 03/29/24

DEERFIELD

Plain Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Friends Of The Franklin
Seller: Adella T. Wrobleski RET
Date: 03/22/24

251 River Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $585,000
Buyer: John Decoursy
Seller: Robert W. Doyle
Date: 03/28/24

36 Thayer St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Anujkumar Dhamija
Seller: Nnpl TR
Date: 03/22/24

36 Thayer St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $333,828
Buyer: Nnlp TR
Seller: Bertha F. Markowski
Date: 03/22/24

GILL

155 French King Hwy.
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $794,450
Buyer: David Giard
Seller: Giknis, James A., (Estate)
Date: 03/22/24

Mountain Road
Gill, MA 01376
Amount: $794,450
Buyer: David Giard
Seller: Giknis James A., (Estate)
Date: 03/22/24

GREENFIELD

602 Bernardston Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Parliament Redemption LLC
Seller: Stoneleigh Burnham School
Date: 03/20/24

616 Bernardston Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Parliament Redemption LLC
Seller: Stoneleigh Burnham School
Date: 03/20/24

28 Colorado Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $850,000
Buyer: 23-34 Colorado Ave. LLC
Seller: Allan E. Keyes
Date: 03/26/24

34 Colorado Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $850,000
Buyer: 23-34 Colorado Ave. LLC
Seller: Allan E. Keyes
Date: 03/26/24

19 Highland Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $536,500
Buyer: Steven J. Cohen
Seller: Dzanc Books Inc.
Date: 03/29/24

155-165 Main St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $1,100,000
Buyer: Stonewall Entities LLC
Seller: Sherman Realty LLC
Date: 03/25/24

220-228 Main St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Frank X. Cid
Seller: John Toro
Date: 03/22/24

220-228 Main St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: John Toro
Seller: Rolling js LLC
Date: 03/22/24

56 Rockland Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Parliament Redemption LLC
Seller: Stoneleigh Burnham School
Date: 03/20/24

71-73 West St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Maureen Pollock
Seller: Peter Kuzmeskus
Date: 03/25/24

HAWLEY

198 West Hawley Road
Hawley, MA 01339
Amount: $267,500
Buyer: Max Leh
Seller: Wayne R. Clark
Date: 03/26/24

90 West Hawley Road
Hawley, MA 01339
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Wayne R. Clark
Seller: James M. Desrochers
Date: 03/26/24

LEVERETT

42 Cushman Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Nathan Y. Lumen
Seller: Michael L. Williams
Date: 03/29/24

MONTAGUE

39 Grove St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $317,774
Buyer: Lakeview Loan Servicing LLC
Seller: David M. Shea
Date: 03/26/24

ORANGE

25 2nd St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Ruth Isaac
Seller: Jericho Fellows
Date: 03/18/24

52 Briggs St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Eli Miller
Seller: Norman Bartlett
Date: 03/29/24

232 East Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $301,000
Buyer: Marvin Q. Turuy
Seller: Tyler Q. Grossman
Date: 03/27/24

673 East Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $396,000
Buyer: Lestter Quintero
Seller: Dale O. Killip
Date: 03/18/24

87 Enfield Dr.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Christopher K. Hart
Seller: Melanson, Rhonda J., (Estate)
Date: 03/18/24

SHELBURNE

90 Mahawk Trail
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $895,000
Buyer: Jeffrey M. Hayes
Seller: Susan M. Broadhurs
Date: 03/19/24

SUNDERLAND

62 Howard Hepburn Dr.
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $622,500
Buyer: Elizabeth Mayers
Seller: Ryan J. Shea
Date: 03/21/24

495 Montague Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: Paul Jacobs
Seller: Laryssa Kachorowsky
Date: 03/20/24

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

7 Agnoli Place
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Haczynski Homes LLC
Seller: Linda M. Cardaropoli
Date: 03/20/24

22 Center St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Edward D. Foley
Seller: Mary A. Ruscio
Date: 03/20/24

42 Independence Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Rafael O. Cornier
Seller: Prime Partners LLC
Date: 03/18/24

31 Maple St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Zachary Riopelle
Seller: Maple Tree Rentals LLC
Date: 03/29/24

123-129 Riviera Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $740,000
Buyer: Yosmaira Deleon
Seller: Robert A. Desimone
Date: 03/26/24

106-108 Silver St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Oma Inc.
Seller: Chenevert Properties LLC
Date: 03/29/24

649-651 Springfield St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $342,000
Buyer: Matthew Czepiel
Seller: Christopher J. Frawley
Date: 03/29/24

90 Stewart Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $281,000
Buyer: Edward Haskell
Seller: O’Neil, John, (Estate)
Date: 03/29/24

BLANDFORD

9 Cobble Mountain Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $339,000
Buyer: Pamela J. Coon
Seller: Beacon Home Buyers LLC
Date: 03/27/24

BRIMFIELD

59 Sutcliffe Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Zi M. Zhao
Seller: Sam Zhao
Date: 03/27/24

CHICOPEE

62 6th Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Frank Dingman
Seller: Debra J. Hilton
Date: 03/18/24

52 Access Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: William E. Poirier RET
Seller: Stefanie C. Adkison
Date: 03/29/24

157 Amherst St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Rebeca Rios
Seller: Rafael Cornier
Date: 03/18/24

94 Arthur St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $382,000
Buyer: Jose A. Negron
Seller: Wladyslaw Pikula
Date: 03/20/24

53 Barbara St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $427,000
Buyer: Allen Benzenhafer
Seller: Alexis A. Karwowski
Date: 03/26/24

34 Beauchamp Ter.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Ricardo Ortiz
Seller: Alfredo R. Ortiz
Date: 03/26/24

13 Beston St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Citrus Property Investors LLC
Seller: Christine Drost
Date: 03/18/24

83 Bonner St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $234,000
Buyer: William Raleigh
Seller: Lena A. Perez
Date: 03/22/24

589 Burnett Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: David A. Deslauriers RET
Seller: James, Fred P., (Estate)
Date: 03/25/24

48 Gardner Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $256,000
Buyer: Thomas R. Niemiec
Seller: Kathleen Niemiec
Date: 03/25/24

1075 Granby Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Jonathan Rivera
Seller: Chang L. Jiang
Date: 03/26/24

147 Hampden St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Livingwater Capital LLC
Seller: Sopheak Mar
Date: 03/25/24

13 Lorimer St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $163,200
Buyer: Dnepro Properties LLC
Seller: Matthew D. Collins
Date: 03/28/24

1875 Memorial Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $875,000
Buyer: URL Properties LLC
Seller: R. & T. Frattesi LLC
Date: 03/28/24

61 Montello Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Yocasta Lara
Seller: Carroll, Robert, (Estate)
Date: 03/27/24

47 Moore St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Lucy Wilson
Seller: Marek Grzejka
Date: 03/21/24

125 Nonotuck Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Jrchr LLC
Seller: Wolfindale FT
Date: 03/22/24

115 Nutmeg Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: William Boyd
Seller: Martha F. Kusiak FT
Date: 03/19/24

16 Reed Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Carlos Cedeno
Seller: Glorimar Colon
Date: 03/29/24

48 Rimmon Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Seth E. Lorusso
Seller: Brewster, Janet T., (Estate)
Date: 03/26/24

104 Springfield St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Iglesia Cristiana Casa
Seller: Roman Catholic Bishop
Date: 03/29/24

EAST LONGMEADOW

102-104 Allyn St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $394,000
Buyer: Mishaela L. Brennan
Seller: Kevin R. Lumb
Date: 03/20/24

9 Crescent Hill
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $218,000
Buyer: Equity TR Co.
Seller: Sharon B. Coliss
Date: 03/28/24

311 Elm St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Struening
Seller: Denise E. Degon
Date: 03/28/24

16 Hamlet St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: Fumi Realty Inc.
Seller: Donna Decorie
Date: 03/29/24

763 Homestead Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Joseph Morrison
Seller: Mental Health Assn. Inc.
Date: 03/18/24

22 Knollwood Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Julien Gour
Seller: Paul M. Gour
Date: 03/28/24

249 Millbrook Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $787,000
Buyer: Joshua L. Matt
Seller: Leonard F. Pansa
Date: 03/29/24

HAMPDEN

5 Andrew Cir.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $580,000
Buyer: Douglas P. Rosien
Seller: Lee M. Zuber
Date: 03/28/24

1 Saint Germain Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $589,000
Buyer: Vanessa A. Cienciwa
Seller: Thomas P. Addicks
Date: 03/29/24

277 Walnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Abigail Glogower
Seller: Gail S. Bielizna
Date: 03/21/24

HOLLAND

203 Stafford Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Anthony Roman
Seller: David J. Valego
Date: 03/26/24

HOLYOKE

72 Berkshire St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: James Poirier
Seller: Amador Diaz
Date: 03/26/24

1435-1451 Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $1,500,000
Buyer: Dwight Ivy LLC
Seller: OneHolyoke Community Development Corp.
Date: 03/28/24

807-809 Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Urbanist Capital LLC
Seller: Rodriguez, Dominga, (Estate)
Date: 03/25/24

346 Hillside Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $217,600
Buyer: Ashley Oquendo
Seller: Priscilla J. Myers RET
Date: 03/27/24

9 Ivy St.
Holyoke, MA 01013
Amount: $1,500,000
Buyer: Dwight Ivy LLC
Seller: OneHolyoke Community Development Corp.
Date: 03/28/24

69-71 North East St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Frilard LLC
Seller: Luis A. Gonzalez
Date: 03/25/24

1678 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: John M. Barrett
Seller: Gallagher Properties LLC
Date: 03/28/24

1985 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $1,000,000
Buyer: Iglesia Apostolica Cristi
Seller: Foley Property Mgmt. Corp.
Date: 03/26/24

16 Washington Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Sullymar N. Andujar
Seller: Gallagher Cap Group LLC
Date: 03/29/24

LONGMEADOW

72 Colton Place
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Alfons Skudlarek
Seller: Suzanne S. Warner LT
Date: 03/29/24

128 Converse St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $539,900
Buyer: Babatunde Idowu
Seller: Al-Tahoun TR
Date: 03/22/24

117 Edgewood Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $333,000
Buyer: Wendy L. Foy
Seller: A-O-K RT
Date: 03/22/24

51 Village Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Kelley A. Bergin
Seller: Stuart M. Ransom
Date: 03/18/24

198 Warren Ter.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Mary L. Hammer
Seller: David M. Guthrie
Date: 03/25/24

18 Wimbleton Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: Vincent J. Mariano
Seller: Jeffrey G. Clayton
Date: 03/29/24

LUDLOW

325 Alden St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $287,000
Buyer: Ethan Jones
Seller: Nicholas J. Goncalves
Date: 03/29/24

764 Center St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Nicholas J. Goncalves
Seller: Fengming Li
Date: 03/29/24

97 Church St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Joseph Moore
Seller: Rodman Capital Group LLC
Date: 03/28/24

Deroche Circle, Lot 2
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Peter E. Miccoli
Seller: Bourdeau, Robert D., (Estate)
Date: 03/22/24

Deroche Circle, Lot 3
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Peter E. Miccoli
Seller: Bourdeau, Robert D., (Estate)
Date: 03/22/24

208 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Branden Simard
Seller: Tiago B. Martins
Date: 03/19/24

132-134 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Deny Kim
Seller: Joao Sanches
Date: 03/29/24

181 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Sean Mckeever
Seller: William F. Richardson
Date: 03/18/24

80 Letendre Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Nery L. De Leon Reyes
Seller: Manuel J. Salgado
Date: 03/20/24

59 Meadow St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Robert Cunningham
Seller: Kevin P. Geissler
Date: 03/28/24

164 Prospect St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Daniel Moriarty
Seller: Robert J. Lefebvre
Date: 03/22/24

348 West St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Joyce D. Roswess
Seller: Clarke D. Kennedy
Date: 03/21/24

139 Yale St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $282,000
Buyer: Joel F. Marques
Seller: Jose A. Dias
Date: 03/19/24

MONSON

124 Butler Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Ray S. Frost
Seller: William J. Manning
Date: 03/28/24

32 Main St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: BD Construction LLC
Seller: BG Real Estate Inc.
Date: 03/29/24

PALMER

100 Breckenridge St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Hussein S. Akbar
Seller: Taylor, Eunice F., (Estate)
Date: 03/25/24

2022 Maple St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Ryan T. Micelotta
Seller: Jjb Builders Corp.
Date: 03/29/24

2018 Pleasant St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Sami Afiri
Seller: Paul Jones
Date: 03/29/24

RUSSELL

210 Pine Hill Road
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Casey Belieu
Seller: Anatoliy Tereshchuk
Date: 03/20/24

69 West Main St.
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Melissa King
Seller: Gerard J. Roy
Date: 03/27/24

468 Westfield Road
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Alexis King
Seller: Marsha K. Montori
Date: 03/29/24

SPRINGFIELD

52-54 Adams St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Veteran Stan LLC
Seller: Raffaele Russo
Date: 03/20/24

106 Barber St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $150,100
Buyer: Jjj17 LLC
Seller: Federal National Mortgage Assn.
Date: 03/28/24

35-37 Bartlett St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $301,000
Buyer: Ariel Properties LLC
Seller: Topher Properties LLC
Date: 03/22/24

252 Bay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Xavier Adorno
Seller: LKN Realty Investors LLC
Date: 03/21/24

84-86 Bowles St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: MLB Property Mgmt. LLC
Seller: R. M. Blerman LLC
Date: 03/18/24

127 Bowles Park
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Bridgette A. Bethel
Seller: Tyler J. Ledbetter
Date: 03/28/24

58 Brewster St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Lydia I. Quiles
Seller: Aisha A. Pizarro
Date: 03/20/24

661 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $242,000
Buyer: Cuong Tao
Seller: Jjj17 LLC
Date: 03/28/24

115 Carroll St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: M&M Renovations LLC
Seller: Fay Servicing LLC
Date: 03/18/24

120 Central St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $1,256,000
Buyer: H. P. Rum LLC
Seller: Springfield Gardens
Date: 03/28/24

408-410 Central St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: Daphney Williams
Seller: Northern Flooring & Remodeling
Date: 03/20/24

700 Chestnut St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: 700 Chestnut LLC
Seller: Grace R. Hatch
Date: 03/29/24

144 Denver St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Erica Arce
Seller: Emid Properties LLC
Date: 03/28/24

284 Denver St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $137,500
Buyer: Mlm Holdings LLC
Seller: Courageous Lion LLC
Date: 03/22/24

238 Edendale St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $249,000
Buyer: Heather Rusiecki
Seller: Lawrence R. Pelland
Date: 03/26/24

200 Florida St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Arnold C. Kamara
Seller: Robert J. Paskins
Date: 03/28/24

51 Fort Pleasant Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $2,496,000
Buyer: H. P. Rum LLC
Seller: Springfield Gardens 49-59 LP
Date: 03/28/24

56-60 Fort Pleasant Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: H. P. Rum LLC
Seller: Springfield Gardens 56-60 LP
Date: 03/27/24

59 Fort Pleasant Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $2,496,000
Buyer: H. P. Rum LLC
Seller: Springfield Gardens 49-59 LP
Date: 03/28/24

66-68 Fort Pleasant Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $1,248,000
Buyer: H. P. Rum LLC
Seller: Springfield Gardens 66-68 120-1 LP
Date: 03/28/24

73-75 Glenham St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $362,000
Buyer: Juan Rodriguez
Seller: Stephen F. Burke
Date: 03/29/24

21 Greenwich St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Rafael Severino
Seller: Hlre Development LLC
Date: 03/20/24

42-44 Grover St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Flora Hernandez
Seller: Maria Santiago
Date: 03/20/24

129-131 Hamburg St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Rosario Del Rosario
Seller: Jessica Y. Gonzalez
Date: 03/18/24

100 Harvey St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $281,000
Buyer: Rukundo Bizimana
Seller: Ryan A. Reeves
Date: 03/27/24

157 Kensington Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Kelnate Realty LLC
Seller: Junior Properties LLC
Date: 03/22/24

161 Kensington Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $312,500
Buyer: Benjamin Lawlor
Seller: Dnepro Properties LLC
Date: 03/26/24

89 Lamont St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $306,000
Buyer: Sinclair Allen
Seller: Plata O. Plomo Inc.
Date: 03/18/24

29 Lancashire Road
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Carlos F. Gonzalez Diaz
Seller: Eric Cassidy
Date: 03/29/24

94 Lang St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Kehinde Oyedeji
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 03/26/24

17-19 Laurel St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Modern Creative Contracto
Seller: Carmen V. Dernandez
Date: 03/25/24

198-200 Leyfred Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Gilberto G. Perez
Seller: Miosol R. Rodriguez
Date: 03/26/24

34 Leyfred Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Ra Nou
Seller: Jose Cela
Date: 03/28/24

446 Liberty St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Mindruns Properties LLC
Seller: Mass Rentals LLC
Date: 03/21/24

54 Lincoln St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Finlay O. Oguku
Seller: Elizabeth Roccamo
Date: 03/29/24

22 Locust St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Locust22spfld LLC
Seller: Christine M. Tazzini
Date: 03/29/24

418 Longhill St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Prestigious One LLC
Seller: Yazan Haddad
Date: 03/26/24

83 Lorimer St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Bobbie C. Gentry
Seller: Christian B. Wiernasz
Date: 03/21/24

66 Melrose St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $263,000
Buyer: Lissette Compres
Seller: Federal Natl Mtg Assn
Date: 03/26/24

25-27 Merida St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Andre Ferdinand
Seller: Marianna Alvarado
Date: 03/21/24

24 Metzger Place
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Tracy Bradford
Seller: Judith M. Lemieux
Date: 03/18/24

30-32 Moulton St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Tiffany S. Clark
Seller: Ob Properties LLC
Date: 03/19/24

43 Ontario St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Jaime Duran
Seller: Sareen Properties LLC
Date: 03/26/24

352-354 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $262,500
Buyer: Equity TR Co.
Seller: Nicholas C. Pappas
Date: 03/20/24

1375 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Genevieve Construction Development Group Inc.
Seller: Meronda Richardson
Date: 03/26/24

130 Plumtree Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Linda A. McCarthy
Seller: Richard J. McCarthy
Date: 03/28/24

245 Plumtree Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Maureen E. Webber
Seller: Chad E. Joseph
Date: 03/28/24

333 Saint James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Prestigious One LLC
Seller: Orleans RT
Date: 03/22/24

761 Saint James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Efe Gunaydin
Seller: Larry Lawson
Date: 03/21/24

114 Saint James Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $156,000
Buyer: Abfc 2004-Opt5 TR 2004-Opt
Seller: William L. Costigan
Date: 03/20/24

156 Shawmut St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Deepon Realty LLC
Seller: Everett Sexton
Date: 03/29/24

49 Sylvester St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: 49 Sylvester Street LLC
Seller: Filipe L. Rodrigues
Date: 03/18/24

49 Sylvester St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Filipe L. Brito-Rodrigues
Seller: Stanwich Mtg. Loan TI
Date: 03/18/24

38 Tinkham Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $287,456
Buyer: Tinkham Road TR
Seller: Selana M. Picard
Date: 03/19/24

36 West Bay Path Ter.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $336,000
Buyer: Hanna L. Carrabba
Seller: Maria I. Ortiz
Date: 03/29/24

113-115 Westford Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Luz Ramirez
Seller: Birch Properties LLC
Date: 03/28/24

28 Whitmore Dr.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Lisandra Sepulveda
Seller: Kayla Nieves
Date: 03/21/24

182 Wrentham Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Alexis Ramos
Seller: Hector L. Marquez
Date: 03/28/24

SOUTHWICK

114 Congamond Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $531,000
Buyer: James Ferrara
Seller: Smith FT
Date: 03/29/24

82 North Lake Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $251,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Jennifer A. Ritter
Date: 03/29/24

TOLLAND

14 Brook Lane
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Richard D. King
Seller: David L. Letellier
Date: 03/20/24

141 Fox Den Road
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Jessica Woodward
Seller: Michael Clarke
Date: 03/29/24

147 Thicket Road
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Christopher Baker
Seller: Mclp Asset Co. Inc.
Date: 03/29/24

WEST SPRINGFIELD

478 Amostown Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $341,500
Buyer: Vincenzo F. Suffriti
Seller: Kevin C. Huyghe
Date: 03/18/24

153 Bonnie Brae Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Douglas J. Richard
Seller: Brian J. Kolodziej
Date: 03/21/24

46 Chestnut St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $243,000
Buyer: Cameron G. MacDonald
Seller: Lismel Luciano
Date: 03/25/24

190 Hillcrest Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $479,900
Buyer: 190 Hillcrest Ave. Inter-vivo TR
Seller: Premier Home Builders Inc.
Date: 03/27/24

576 Kings Hwy.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Talia J. Wujtewicz
Seller: Amber Beninati
Date: 03/22/24

178 New Bridge St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Ddmns Realty LLC
Seller: New Bridge RT
Date: 03/29/24

76 New Bridge St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $221,500
Buyer: Marc Dulaimy
Seller: Cascade Funding Mtg. TR HB1
Date: 03/29/24

6 Plateau Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $263,500
Buyer: Omar Shehzad
Seller: Adam M. Ciborowski
Date: 03/18/24

54 Prince Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $143,334
Buyer: Jennie L. Duprey
Seller: Richard C. Brown
Date: 03/27/24

80 Riverdale St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Caring For Others Health
Seller: Fatima Apartments LLC
Date: 03/22/24

26 Sagamore Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Liudmyla Slyusar
Seller: Karen Chmura
Date: 03/29/24

46 Wilder Ter.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $338,500
Buyer: Eric Perrier
Seller: Jon E. Polnack
Date: 03/27/24

WESTFIELD

36 Berkshire Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Carole L. Janicki
Seller: Lynette L. Litourneau
Date: 03/27/24

80 Egleston Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $735,000
Buyer: Luke & Diane Holdings Inc.
Seller: 80 Egleston Road LLC
Date: 03/19/24

152 Elizabeth Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $443,400
Buyer: Amanda M. Larose
Seller: Daniel B. Daley
Date: 03/18/24

12 Ellsworth St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Tgc Investments LLC
Seller: Linda R. Shepherd
Date: 03/26/24

143 Holyoke Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: John Linscott
Seller: Maria Pantoja
Date: 03/22/24

23 Leonard Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: Amenadiel RT
Seller: Urbanski, Michael J., (Estate)
Date: 03/18/24

229 Montgomery Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $412,500
Buyer: Christina S. Davies
Seller: Yurany Echeverri
Date: 03/28/24

10 Nicholas Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $745,000
Buyer: Roy A. Swenson
Seller: Maksim I. Loboda
Date: 03/29/24

163 North Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $372,000
Buyer: Andrey Gnidenko
Seller: Michael D. Bryant
Date: 03/29/24

139 Root Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Fabian C. Montero
Seller: Kimberly A. Cowles
Date: 03/26/24

10 Union Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: North Elm Realty Inc.
Seller: WF1 Realty LLC
Date: 03/27/24

48 Washington St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $284,836
Buyer: CrossCountry Mortgage LLC
Seller: Ashley Pacheco
Date: 03/19/24

WILBRAHAM

3075 Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Yanqiong Zhang
Seller: Johnson Sr., William G., (Estate)
Date: 03/22/24

1016 Main St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Jacob Leblanc
Seller: Robert Sarasin TR
Date: 03/27/24

8 Maynard Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Max Majors
Seller: Diamond Home Improvement LLC
Date: 03/18/24

56 Oakland St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $528,000
Buyer: Seware Kangalu
Seller: Jonathan A. Delaunay
Date: 03/22/24

20 Railroad Ave.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Luis Ortiz
Seller: Joseph O’Malley
Date: 03/27/24

106 Springfield St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $436,000
Buyer: Corey Sanders
Seller: Madison M. Chmyzinski
Date: 03/21/24

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

44 Chapel Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $560,750
Buyer: Kristin M. Flewelling
Seller: Paul A. Schroeder
Date: 03/29/24

76 North Pleasant St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $1,333,337
Buyer: Lynn E. Payton
Seller: Bruce B. Payton
Date: 03/18/24

45 Oakwood Circle
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $725,000
Buyer: Jonathan C. Cheng
Seller: Helene Cunningham
Date: 03/20/24

9 Owen Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $980,000
Buyer: Michael A. Fox
Seller: John H. Fanton
Date: 03/19/24

BELCHERTOWN

62 Gold St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Prinka Musa
Seller: James Walker
Date: 03/21/24

21 North St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Laura R. Robinson
Seller: 6221 NT
Date: 03/21/24

203 South St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $507,150
Buyer: Glenna J. Young
Seller: M. & F. Land Development LLC
Date: 03/25/24

45 West St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Serenity FT
Seller: John P. Budz
Date: 03/27/24

CHESTERFIELD

185 East St.
Chesterfield, MA 01096
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Luis M. Campos
Seller: Jesse C. Paszko
Date: 03/27/24

EASTHAMPTON

5-7 Clinton St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Nicholas B. Difazio
Seller: Susan D. Colby
Date: 03/18/24

8 East Green St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Sarrah Bogdanovitch
Seller: Lisa A. Darragh
Date: 03/29/24

181 East St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $900,000
Buyer: Kevin R. Burke
Seller: Scott A. Richards
Date: 03/27/24

282 Loudville Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Pineview Development LLC
Seller: Nicol FT
Date: 03/28/24

1 Louise Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: 1 Louise Ave. TR
Seller: Robert Scott
Date: 03/28/24

5 Orchard St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Elizabeth Jensen
Seller: Yarasavych IRT
Date: 03/20/24

112 Plain St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Priscilla Rosado
Seller: Connor, Maureen A., (Estate)
Date: 03/22/24

Pomeroy St., Lot 11
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: David A. Hardy Contractor
Seller: Cykowski FT
Date: 03/26/24

20 Searls St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $407,000
Buyer: Jeston A. Sussman
Seller: Briana Taylor
Date: 03/28/24

GOSHEN

59 Aberdeen Road
Goshen, MA 01032
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Anne M. Child
Seller: John S. Webb
Date: 03/29/24

GRANBY

6 Greenmeadow Lane
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Gabriel C. Nelson
Seller: Travis C. Scheinost
Date: 03/18/24

HADLEY

63 East St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $725,000
Buyer: Pied Piper Properties LLC
Seller: 63 East Realty LLC
Date: 03/21/24

79 Mount Warner Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Vincent M. Biggs
Seller: John A. Mathews
Date: 03/29/24

13 Shattuck Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $615,000
Buyer: Aaron B. St.John
Seller: Helen Wang
Date: 03/19/24

40 Shattuck Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $377,000
Buyer: Paul A. Kelley
Seller: Tudryn, Thomas R., (Estate)
Date: 03/25/24

HATFIELD

8 Porter Ave.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Jennife R. Gwozdzik
Seller: Daniel E. Gwozdzik
Date: 03/29/24

129 Prospect St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $319,299
Buyer: Avet RT
Seller: Freedom Mortgage Corp.
Date: 03/29/24

HUNTINGTON

26 Allen Coit Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $140,450
Buyer: Jake W. Lachapelle
Seller: Frank A. Dearinis
Date: 03/20/24

MIDDLEFIELD

143 Chipnan Road
Middlefield, MA 01243
Amount: $257,875
Buyer: Federal Home Loan Mtg. Corp.
Seller: Patricia L. McIntyre
Date: 03/22/24

NORTHAMPTON

1181 Burts Pit Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Justus Perry
Seller: Wendy Decou
Date: 03/21/24

3 Elm St.
Northampton, MA 01063
Amount: $1,100,000
Buyer: Sunwood Development Corp. Inc.
Seller: Roman Catholic Bishop
Date: 03/19/24

118 Florence St.
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Kevin Dubleday
Seller: Willis P. Brennan
Date: 03/18/24

Garfield Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Nu-Way Homes Inc.
Seller: Amity Perman
Date: 03/29/24

642 North Farms Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $699,000
Buyer: Krista Hennings-Vinocur
Seller: Timothy D. Scott
Date: 03/21/24

31 Park St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Healthy Neighborhoods Group LLC
Seller: Driscol, Ann C., (Estate)
Date: 03/18/24

SOUTH HADLEY

46 Ashton Lane
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: John B. Belknap
Seller: Susan R. Barry
Date: 03/29/24

11 Bardwell St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $620,000
Buyer: Nicholas J. Bryda
Seller: Dpr Legacy Enterprises LLC
Date: 03/29/24

89 Bardwell St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Patrick C. Fecher
Seller: Heath G. Molte
Date: 03/28/24

25 Chileab Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Sandra Stoughton
Seller: Michael N. Gagnon
Date: 03/22/24

21 Maple St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Kenna Magrath
Seller: Theresa M. Magrath
Date: 03/18/24

180 Old Lyman Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $690,000
Buyer: Aqrs Realty LLC
Seller: Pmdm Realty LLC
Date: 03/18/24

48 River Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $595,000
Buyer: Thomas Martin
Seller: Donna J. Sexton RET
Date: 03/28/24

SOUTHAMPTON

52 Cold Spring Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Eric Madsen
Seller: Paul J. Hendrick
Date: 03/28/24

77 Crooked Ledge Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $535,000
Buyer: Allison M. McFadden
Seller: Geoffrey R. Fleury
Date: 03/19/24

WARE

34 Berkshire Circle
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Dale H. Vieu
Seller: Maxine M. Houle
Date: 03/27/24

13 Cherry St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $338,920
Buyer: Felix L. Santana
Seller: Felix L. Santana
Date: 03/25/24

72 Eagle St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $169,900
Buyer: Amy Mathison-Start
Seller: Angelina Roman
Date: 03/21/24

59 James Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $619,000
Buyer: Kirsten Desjardins
Seller: Kristel L. Johnson
Date: 03/29/24

17 Pleasant St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $258,000
Buyer: John P. Mogle
Seller: Gary J. Buelow
Date: 03/19/24

130 West Main St.
Ware, MA 00108
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Emiliano Osmani
Seller: Marc A. Delrosario
Date: 03/22/24

88 West St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Thomas Hubbard
Seller: Ebenzer Construction & Cleaning
Date: 03/22/24

WESTHAMPTON

71 Northwest Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $434,817
Buyer: Scott Currie
Seller: James S. Kemper
Date: 03/20/24

WILLIAMSBURG

7 Depot Road
Williamsburg, MA 01039
Amount: $264,000
Buyer: Amie C. Burrell
Seller: Anna Pertzoff
Date: 03/29/24

WORTHINGTON

18 Old North Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $259,900
Buyer: Jacob Lessard
Seller: Linda Jackson
Date: 03/29/24

Building Permits

By
Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the months of March and April 2024.

CHICOPEE

City of Chicopee
110 Church St.
$73,390 — Remove and replace existing ceiling tiles and lighting in various rooms at Police Department

City of Chicopee
154 Grove St.
$200,000 — Demolish one-story structure with basement, including slab and foundations; remove debris

EASTHAMPTON

Atomic Real Estate LLC
193 Northampton St.
$8,000 — Siding

Easthampton Congregational Church
116 Main St.
$16,025 — Air sealing and insulation in two attics

HADLEY

Gulmohar Realty Corp.
237 Russell St.
N/A — Install supply and return duct work

Montgomery Rose LLC
319 River Dr.
N/A — Verizon to upgrade and replace antenna and radio equipment

Pyramid Mall of Hadley Newco
373 Russell St.
N/A — Construct new Chase Bank branch with drive-thru ATM

NORTHAMPTON

The Building Trust LLC
83 Spring St.
$144,229 — Renovation

City of Northampton
300 North Main St.
$25,000 — Strip and reroof garden house at Look Park

Lathrop Community Inc.
680 Bridge Road
$184,189 — Insulation and weatherization of community room

Michael’s House LLC
71 State St.
$24,160 — Insulation in attic

Northampton Historical Society
66 Bridge St.
N/A — Install roof-mounted solar system

 

Recovery Real Estate Holdings LLC
178 Industrial Dr.
$15,255 — Change from storage to production space, install ERV unit

Smith Charities
51 Main St.
$393,000 — Masonry facade restoration

Smith College
53 West St.
$965,000 — Construct new greenhouse

Sullivan Real Estate LLC
125 State St.
$45,000 — Repairs to steps and throughout house

SPRINGFIELD

Baystate Medical Center Inc.
759 Chestnut St.
$172,138 — Alter interior space to expand three IT closets

Blackened Realty LLC
201 Worthington St.
$33,000 — Modifications to entrance doorway at Theodores’

Cal Rolling Hills LLC
365 Cadwell Dr.
$3,000,000 — Erect automotive service center

City of Springfield
299 Sumner Ave.
$88,750 — Roof repair at Cyr Arena in Forest Park

Dask Partnership
90 Carando Dr.
$43,000 — Alter interior commercial tenant space for Trane

Derf Realty Corp.
1 Carando Dr.
$280,000 — Alter interior office space on first floor, rework accessible ramp, add exterior roll-up door

Five Town Station LLC
400 Cooley St.
$11,440,166 — Renovate exterior facade and install exterior insulation, finishes, and new siding at Burger King

Lee Hyo Jung
587 Main St.
$107,000 — Make alterations to mercantile building for marijuana sales establishment

Nell Investments LLC
130 Union St.
$75,000 — Alter interior office space at Visual Sound Productions

Worthy III LLC
270 Worthington St.
$16,500 — Alter fire-protection sprinkler system

CET Welcomes Julia Riseman as Director of Philanthropic Investments

By
Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — The Center for EcoTechnology (CET), an environmental nonprofit dedicated to advancing just and resilient climate solutions, announced the appointment of Julia Riseman as its inaugural director of Philanthropic Investments. With her experience and commitment to climate-change mitigation, Riseman will help accelerate CET’s growth and impact during this decisive decade for decarbonization.

CET operates on the front lines of climate action, working in people’s homes and businesses every day to reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and transition off fossil fuels.

Riseman brings a wealth of expertise in development strategy and relationship building, honed through her years of dedication to causes throughout the U.S. and Canada. Through consulting, she has helped organizations raise more than $350 million through her consulting firm, Riseman Consulting, and during her 14 years at the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, providing consulting services to grant-supported recipients.

Prior to becoming a consultant, she was the Development director at the Center School, an independent school in Amherst, and she co-founded two nonprofit organizations, Friends of Northampton Trails and Health in Harmony, an international environmental organization working with local communities to save rainforests in Brazil, Madagascar, and Indonesia. Her strategic vision and commitment to CET’s mission is expected to propel the organization into a new era of expansion and influence.

“We are thrilled to welcome Julia to CET,” said Ashley Muspratt, CET president and CEO. “Our organization is uniquely poised to weave together private-sector and philanthropic dollars to accelerate adoption of climate solutions. I’m eager to work with Julia to share our audacious vision for growth and innovation with new and existing donors.”

As director of Philanthropic Investments, Riseman will be instrumental in cultivating partnerships, securing funding opportunities, and fostering connections with stakeholders to fund targeted projects and further CET’s impact across a dozen states. Her leadership will play a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s strategic goals and expanding its reach across the country.

“I am honored to join the mission-driven team at CET,” Riseman said. “Together, we will harness the power of innovation and collaboration to drive meaningful progress. I look forward to inspiring many more people, including major donors and foundations, to support and amplify CET’s impact and create positive change.”

Chikmedia Announces Fifth Year of Chiks of the Future Scholarship

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Chikmedia announced its fifth annual Chiks of the Future Scholarship. Thanks to the generosity of a number of local businesses, Chikmedia is now offering one $1,000 scholarship as part of its annual initiative.

Chikmedia, a boutique firm offering strategic marketing planning and creative PR, has partnered with local businesses such as Summerlin Floors to make this initiative happen. This scholarship will be awarded to one deserving woman of color, either a high-school senior or college student, pursuing a degree in marketing, public relations, communications, or business.

In 2020, during the Black Lives Matter movement, Chikmedia did a little digging into scholarship opportunities and found that Caucasian students received 72% of all scholarships, while minority students receive only 28%. Although a $1,000 scholarship doesn’t close the large gap, it wanted to do its part in expanding available opportunities.

Completed scholarship applications and all supporting materials must be submitted to Chikmedia by Friday, May 17. Scholarship recipients will be notified by email and announced publicly this summer. Applicants can find the guidelines and application form by clicking here.

“We continue to be grateful for the community business support we receive for this program,” said Meghan Rothschild, president of Chikmedia. “We started the scholarship to combat the racial injustices we saw in 2020 and plan to honor it every year. We cannot thank our partner, Summerlin Floors, enough. Their generosity is humbling and overwhelming.”

Goodwill Industries Receives Grants for Job Skill Programs

By
Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires and Southern Vermont announced it has received $8,500 in grants from Berkshire Bank, Greylock Federal Credit Union, and MountainOne Bank to support its Soar for Success employability skills program. The nonprofit social-services organization received an additional $2,500 from Greylock Federal Credit Union toward promotion and other costs associated with its annual meeting in October.

Goodwill’s Soar for Success program focuses on job training in custodial skills, customer service, and employability skills guidance for individuals preparing for job interviews, as well as providing interview and work attire. The program is offered free of charge to all Berkshire County residents. Services are provided at Goodwill’s career centers in Pittsfield and North Adams and online. Goodwill sells donated clothes and other household items at a discounted price to aid in funding training and educational programs for individuals seeking employment.

“We are grateful for these generous contributions to Goodwill’s Soar for Success program,” Senior Director of Mission Services Kelly Brennan said. “Grant funding has been instrumental in Goodwill’s ability to provide members of our community with essential employment skills, gain access to interview and work-appropriate clothing, and secure meaningful work.”