Home 2024 (Page 10)

Year: 2024

Real Estate Transactions

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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

384 Bellus Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: Finn Phoenix
Seller: Laura Harrington
Date: 09/13/24

BERNARDSTON

556 Huckle Hill Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $408,000
Buyer: Aaron Addison
Seller: Lavalley Irt
Date: 09/03/24

BUCKLAND

119 Clesson Brook Road
Buckland, MA 01339
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Matthew M. Gignac
Seller: Judith Halioua 2013 RET
Date: 09/12/24

10 Kratt Ave.
Buckland, MA 01370
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Dale Deford
Seller: John J. McCarthy
Date: 09/10/24

COLRAIN

West Leyden Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $217,000
Buyer: Richard Schmidt
Seller: Sonya A. Ciavola
Date: 09/10/24

ERVING

40 High St.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $243,000
Buyer: Zackary W. Hillman
Seller: James R. Hillman
Date: 09/03/24

GREENFIELD

124 Log Plain Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $156,500
Buyer: Eds Enterprises LLC
Seller: HB2 Alternative Holding LLC
Date: 09/13/24

28 Spring Ter.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $281,100
Buyer: Patrick D. Tenero
Seller: Andrew G. Donelan
Date: 09/12/24

48 Thayer Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Elizabeth A. Litskoski
Seller: Richard P. Litskoski
Date: 09/12/24

LEVERETT

85 Amherst Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Mark Stowell
Seller: Doris Tikos 2014 TR
Date: 09/13/24

38 Laurel Hill Dr.
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $850,000
Buyer: Laurel A. Kroo
Seller: Diana S. Fried
Date: 09/12/24

15 Number 6 Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Annika S. Amstutz
Seller: Jeremiah R. Berlin
Date: 09/06/24

LEYDEN

366 East Hill Road
Leyden, MA 01337
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Michael A. Tine
Seller: Arnold J. Egloff
Date: 09/13/24

209 South County Road
Leyden, MA 01301
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Muka
Seller: James L. Muka
Date: 09/13/24

MONTAGUE

96 3rd St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $191,623
Buyer: Tailor Ridge Reit LLC
Seller: Alycar Investments LLC
Date: 09/05/24

34 K St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Christian Euvrard
Seller: Arpc LLC
Date: 09/10/24

50 Prospect St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $464,900
Buyer: Gretchen E. Green
Seller: Catherine E. Dodds
Date: 09/10/24

39 X St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $254,000
Buyer: Maeve Hammond
Seller: Elinor Janvrin
Date: 09/09/24

NEW SALEM

149 West St.
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $545,000
Buyer: Peter N. Leblanc
Seller: Anthony L. Palmieri
Date: 09/03/24

NORTHFIELD

118 Alexander Hill Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $544,000
Buyer: Brian Davis
Seller: Theresa A. Patnode
Date: 09/09/24

152-A Mount Hermon Station Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: John Romano
Seller: Rosalind G. Tufts LT
Date: 09/12/24

142 West Northfield Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $329,000
Buyer: Amanda Martin
Seller: Mark A. Horta
Date: 09/13/24

9 Wood Way
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Jeffrey J. Stringer
Seller: Leslie B. Krichko
Date: 09/09/24

ORANGE

181 Daniel Shays Hwy.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: William Hunt
Seller: Michael P. Sheridan
Date: 09/13/24

6 Eagleville Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Kyle R. Johnson
Seller: Michael R. Dunphe
Date: 09/09/24

Pine Hill Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Kathleen C. Anderson
Seller: Rjs Holdings LLC
Date: 09/06/24

357 Tully Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $137,000
Buyer: Todd M. Bassett
Seller: 357 Tully Road RT
Date: 09/05/24

Warwick Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Kathleen C. Anderson
Seller: Rjs Holdings LLC
Date: 09/06/24

SHUTESBURY

10 Haskins Way
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Rebecca H. Mazur
Seller: Joseph Salvador
Date: 09/11/24

45 Plaza Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Daniel Hayes
Seller: John J. Hayes
Date: 09/12/24

SUNDERLAND

168 North Main St.
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Ronald A. Washburn
Seller: Cynthia F. Majewski
Date: 09/09/24

WARWICK

Brush Valley Road
Warwick, MA 01364
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Kathleen C. Anderson
Seller: Rjs Holdings LLC
Date: 09/06/24

WHATELY

River Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Falls Farm LLC
Seller: Harvest Farm Of Whately
Date: 09/06/24

 

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

81 Florida Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $252,000
Buyer: Mhi Properties LLC
Seller: Poliwczak, John E., (Estate)
Date: 09/04/24

20 Frank St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Allen Collins
Seller: John Plumador
Date: 09/06/24

46 Hall St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $267,000
Buyer: Matthew Nickerson
Seller: Traci Faucher
Date: 09/06/24

37 Oak Hill Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $349,900
Buyer: Dominic Fattorini
Seller: Gatti, Dolores M., (Estate)
Date: 09/13/24

1165 River Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Mesias L. Castro
Seller: Victoria A. Houle
Date: 09/11/24

17 Rowley St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Rosa G. Diaz
Seller: William Rivera
Date: 09/10/24

81 South Park Ter.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: FF Quality Realty LLC
Seller: Craig V. Pineo
Date: 09/09/24

558 Southwick St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $565,000
Buyer: Anthony Cushman
Seller: Maven Investments Co. LLC
Date: 09/03/24

40 Tower Ter.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Jacquelyn Crosler
Seller: Eric Luccardi
Date: 09/09/24

BLANDFORD

28 North St.
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Michael A. Weatherington
Seller: Donald A. Brainerd
Date: 09/09/24

Old Chester Road (rear)
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Mms TR
Seller: Robert A. Heinimann
Date: 09/13/24

 

CHESTER

475 Route 20
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Chester Land Trust
Seller: John S. Haggart
Date: 09/11/24

CHICOPEE

56 Bourbeau St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Alicia M. Merola
Seller: John W. Friel
Date: 09/13/24

317 Broadway St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Judyth Rosario
Seller: Michael B. Robb
Date: 09/03/24

259 Fletcher Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Edward Z. Beattie
Seller: Lynette C. Mailhott
Date: 09/09/24

140 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $291,000
Buyer: Mia A. Davis
Seller: Gloria M. Acevedo
Date: 09/03/24

854 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Carolyn Margolin
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 09/06/24

104 Hilton St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Margarita Matias
Seller: Wendy Mailhot
Date: 09/13/24

35 Lafond Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $451,000
Buyer: Peter Maccarone
Seller: Donna M. Charette
Date: 09/04/24

117 Marten St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Anthony Conte
Seller: Brandon C. Sulikowski
Date: 09/11/24

617 McKinstry Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Chandler Mompoint
Seller: Frederick J. Sabbs
Date: 09/10/24

238 Meadow St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Hunan Mian
Seller: George Bruso
Date: 09/13/24

27 Moore St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Donald Brainerd
Seller: Gary R. Laperle
Date: 09/09/24

 

243 Murphy Lane
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Alexander J. Bauch
Seller: Robert E. McQueen
Date: 09/11/24

60 Murphy Lane
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $344,000
Buyer: Aishah L. Silva
Seller: Aldo Properties LLC
Date: 09/10/24

105 Northwood St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Sean J. Ward
Seller: Andrew J. Potts
Date: 09/06/24

2 Pine St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $319,900
Buyer: Stephanie F. Paquin
Seller: Danielle A. Daddamio
Date: 09/13/24

88 Prospect St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $238,900
Buyer: Commercial Lender LLC
Seller: Alycar Investments LLC
Date: 09/13/24

53 Sanford St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $278,000
Buyer: Deven Dupuis
Seller: Jonael Ruiz
Date: 09/04/24

14 Simard Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $10,500,000
Buyer: Brook Edge Apartments LLC
Seller: Simard Apartments LLC
Date: 09/10/24

57 Woodstock St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $349,000
Buyer: Darlene R. Belle-Isle
Seller: Evan M. Wytas
Date: 09/04/24

EAST LONGMEADOW

128 Chestnut St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Michael D. Sarnelli
Seller: Nathan D. Lynch
Date: 09/06/24

10 Kenneth Lunden Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $324,500
Buyer: Seth T. Wheaton
Seller: Driscoll FT NO FDD-1
Date: 09/04/24

11 Princeton St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Lucinda A. Rancourt
Seller: Susan Churchill
Date: 09/09/24

GRANVILLE

80 Barnard Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $720,000
Buyer: Ryan M. Nelson
Seller: Mindy Wojcik
Date: 09/06/24

HOLLAND

10 Bernie Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Sean Conti
Seller: Stephen Smith
Date: 09/09/24

10 Blodgett Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Luzannelis Pagan
Seller: Heather E. Johnson
Date: 09/04/24

37 Wales Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $303,500
Buyer: Tina M. Rivera
Seller: Wicked Deals LLC
Date: 09/06/24

HOLYOKE

47 Argyle Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Nydia Marrero
Seller: Emilia P. Houghton
Date: 09/04/24

293-299 Clemente St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $730,000
Buyer: Rehab Home Buyers LLC
Seller: Angel L. Berrios
Date: 09/03/24

72-74 Linden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Melvin Ortiz-Arce
Seller: Shaline M. Serrano
Date: 09/11/24

235-237 Maple St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Behavioral Health Network
Seller: Maple Springfield Assocs. LP
Date: 09/09/24

6 Vassar Circle
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Paul H. Courchesne
Seller: Byrnes, James H., (Estate)
Date: 09/03/24

24 Washington Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: MJ Real Estate LLC
Seller: Foley, John A., (Estate)
Date: 09/09/24

LONGMEADOW

117 Blueberry Hill Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $710,000
Buyer: Hanbyul Chang
Seller: Carol M. Samble
Date: 09/03/24

199 Brookwood Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Lupe Linkthun
Seller: Michael J. Murphy
Date: 09/06/24

6 Farmington Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Michael S. Block
Seller: James G. Jones
Date: 09/06/24

43 Greenacre Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Maureen E. McDonough
Seller: Megan Downey
Date: 09/06/24

48 Hillcrest Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Justin D. Guyer
Seller: Shashank Kapadia
Date: 09/06/24

85 Maple Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $352,750
Buyer: Rcf 2 Acquisition TR
Seller: Mack A. Lynch
Date: 09/12/24

93 Northfield Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $640,000
Buyer: Eris NT
Seller: Charles K. Bergin
Date: 09/06/24

144 Viscount Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Beachwood Builders LLC
Seller: Sullivan, John P., (Estate)
Date: 09/06/24

LUDLOW

26-28 Joy St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Muhammet J. Oflu
Seller: Antonio J. Sanches
Date: 09/13/24

571 Moore St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Erin K. Hiersche
Seller: Hiersche, Michael J., (Estate)
Date: 09/09/24

MONSON

172 Bumstead Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Fumi Realty Inc
Seller: Cote, Paul A., (Estate)
Date: 09/04/24

81 Munn Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $438,000
Buyer: Jeremy Menard
Seller: Nancy Rouette
Date: 09/10/24

30 Wilbraham Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Nicholas J. Ketterman
Seller: Richard A. Davenport
Date: 09/13/24

PALMER

43 Fuller Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $519,987
Buyer: Vincent J. Einck
Seller: Varakas RT
Date: 09/04/24

220 Juniper Dr.
Palmer, MA 01095
Amount: $270,500
Buyer: Jamoliddin Jobirov
Seller: Brenda A. Mayhew
Date: 09/06/24

2250 Main St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $251,500
Buyer: John Grieco
Seller: Vincent Nastasi
Date: 09/09/24

60 North St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Glenn Labier
Seller: Ronald M. Izyk
Date: 09/11/24

1108 Park St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Paul Ireland
Seller: Stephen T. Masley
Date: 09/13/24

1110-1112 Park St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Paul Ireland
Seller: Stephen T. Masley
Date: 09/13/24

1315 Park St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Lori-Beth Lind
Seller: Robert J. Guerin
Date: 09/03/24

23 Riverside St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Evan T. Lang
Seller: Wenwei Ma
Date: 09/10/24

1129 Thorndike St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $121,000
Buyer: Magdalena Kennel
Seller: Miner, Jean Marie, (Estate)
Date: 09/09/24

SPRINGFIELD

293 Abbott St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $247,220
Buyer: Cara L. Gaviorno
Seller: Janel M. Ellis
Date: 09/06/24

2044 Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Andrea Messier
Seller: Paul A. Paquette
Date: 09/10/24

234 Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $292,000
Buyer: Manuel D. Ruiz
Seller: Trang M. Pham
Date: 09/10/24

410 Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Colleen O. Quintyne
Seller: Abdallah M. Alwreikat
Date: 09/10/24

21 Barton St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Olga K. Perozo
Seller: Vasquez Remodeling Inc.
Date: 09/11/24

147 Belvidere St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $304,000
Buyer: Robert Tango
Seller: Zeky A. Anton
Date: 09/10/24

242 Breckwood Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Jonathan Casillas
Seller: Aaron G. Cope
Date: 09/04/24

21 Bremen St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $261,000
Buyer: 21 Bremen LLC
Seller: Alina Domagala
Date: 09/10/24

28 Burns Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Joseph B. Pena
Seller: Mary A. Richard
Date: 09/06/24

857-859 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $510,000
Buyer: Maximo B. Pena
Seller: MS Homes LLC
Date: 09/06/24

107 Carol Ann St.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $339,000
Buyer: Selvin C. Alvarado
Seller: Jesus J. Rodriguez
Date: 09/10/24

24-26 Clantoy St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Bernard B. Ocheme
Seller: Edvalda M. Defaria
Date: 09/04/24

18 Claremont St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Lizbeth Cruz-Velez
Seller: Juan Galarza-Vasquez
Date: 09/03/24

150 Cloran St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $163,800
Buyer: Genevieve Construction Development Group
Seller: Stanwich Mortgage Loan
Date: 09/09/24

67 Dawes St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Shaline Serrano
Seller: Dawes Street RT
Date: 09/11/24

16 Dickinson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Phan010314 LLC
Seller: Thuy T. Nguyen
Date: 09/13/24

98 Ellsworth Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Jeremy Gomez
Seller: Emtay Inc.
Date: 09/06/24

36 Firglade Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Purple Flower LLC
Seller: Jason A. Seymour
Date: 09/06/24

98 Forest Park Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Rosario Blas
Seller: Cawrue LLC
Date: 09/04/24

24-26 Fort Pleasant Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: Island Farm Realty LLC
Seller: Eman Khairi RT
Date: 09/10/24

48 Gardens Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Kathleen Potter
Seller: Christian Perez
Date: 09/13/24

15 Glenham St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Alexis E. Lopez
Seller: HUD
Date: 09/06/24

140 Groveland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Jose Villanueva
Seller: Lindsay Katzir
Date: 09/09/24

64 Hillside Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $325,500
Buyer: Bryan J. Richton
Seller: Jennifer L. Wilson
Date: 09/04/24

61 Lawe St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Estefania Londono
Seller: TL Bretta Realty LLC
Date: 09/11/24

57-59 Leyfred Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Andrea Ciano
Seller: C. M. Merejildo-Almonte
Date: 09/11/24

166-168 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $163,000
Buyer: Round Two LLC
Seller: Carlos Porfirio
Date: 09/04/24

76-78 Malden St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Elhajj Elshabazz
Seller: Joseph M. Carlos
Date: 09/13/24

95 Mayflower Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: John A. Rosa
Seller: Andrew Jalbert
Date: 09/04/24

79 Monmouth St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $359,000
Buyer: Mitchell Ortiz
Seller: Chenevert Properties LLC
Date: 09/06/24

333 Nottingham St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $173,000
Buyer: Joseph Taylor
Seller: John C. Taylor
Date: 09/10/24

1053 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Inland Mass. Terminal LLC
Seller: Nauset Properties LP
Date: 09/10/24

1095 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Inland Mass. Terminal LLC
Seller: Nauset Properties LP
Date: 09/10/24

1140 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Paul Deleon
Seller: Ermelinda Cardona
Date: 09/06/24

511 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $145,500
Buyer: Tok Chang
Seller: Johnston, Albert W., (Estate)
Date: 09/04/24

104-106 Pasadena St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Jose A. Fuentes
Seller: Samuel Braverman
Date: 09/09/24

26 Pine Street Court
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Emmanuel Bonilla
Seller: Springfield Ventures RT
Date: 09/10/24

147 Pineywoods Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Estela J. Zuniga
Seller: Thomas Hansen
Date: 09/04/24

21-23 Santa Barbara St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: David T. Cubi
Seller: Christopher O’Brien
Date: 09/09/24

164 Switzer Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Podolyanchuk Property LLC
Seller: Sean Callahan
Date: 09/09/24

52 Tyler St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Sridhar Tipirneni
Seller: Zakiyyah Lubieddin
Date: 09/12/24

142 Westminster St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: William Lucas
Seller: Manahan, Roger Steven, (Estate)
Date: 09/09/24

23-25 Wigwam Place
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Berenise Bien-Aime
Seller: Marilyn F. Jette
Date: 09/04/24

50-52 Windsor St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Jane Vernalia
Seller: Spring Forth Properties LLC
Date: 09/10/24

SOUTHWICK

2 Hillcrest Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $247,500
Buyer: Andrea Dirico
Seller: Michael A. Wing
Date: 09/10/24

83 Powder Mill Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Ashley Deane
Seller: Craig V. Vogel
Date: 09/10/24

TOLLAND

236 New Boston Road
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $227,000
Buyer: Randy W. Hill
Seller: Gail S. Lopaze
Date: 09/11/24

WALES

25 Sichols Colony Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Carolyn Haley
Seller: Degray, Joanne R., (Estate)
Date: 09/04/24,

WEST SPRINGFIELD

29 Bowers St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Joseph Machnacz
Date: 09/05/24

79 Exposition Ter.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $1,150,000
Buyer: Npm Realty LLC
Seller: Aga Realty LLC
Date: 09/10/24

80 Exposition Ter.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $1,150,000
Buyer: Npm Realty LLC
Seller: Aga Realty LLC
Date: 09/10/24

75 Lewis Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $343,000
Buyer: Judith Ferri
Seller: Hiram Rodriguez
Date: 09/11/24

426 Massachusetts Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: Cynthia J. Valliere
Seller: Pamela Pratt
Date: 09/13/24

88 Spring St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Manuel Casiano
Seller: Mhi Properties LLC
Date: 09/04/24

WESTFIELD

14 Casimir St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Sb&j LLC
Seller: Cecile R. Swikalus RET
Date: 09/09/24

47 Casimir St., Lot 94
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Sb&j LLC
Seller: Cecile R. Swikalus RET
Date: 09/09/24

63 Elizabeth Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Naples Home Buyers TR
Seller: Edwin Antonetty
Date: 09/06/24

205 Elm St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Omar S. Cox
Seller: Flora Tung
Date: 09/13/24

44 Floral Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Andrei Kryshtapovich
Seller: Rosalind Krenzel
Date: 09/11/24

43 Jaeger Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Keith M. Keith-Hunter
Seller: Nextgen Real Estate LLC
Date: 09/04/24

99 Medieros Way
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $3,700,000
Buyer: Westfield Gas & Electric
Seller: RM Pioneer Holdings LLC
Date: 09/04/24

86 Ridgecrest Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Patrick Crowley
Seller: Fred W. Geiger
Date: 09/03/24

211 Russellville Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: David Raucher
Seller: Nicole L. Fenton
Date: 09/06/24

1071 Shaker Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Kara Lombard
Seller: Bruce L. Cordero
Date: 09/03/24

WILBRAHAM

20 Decorie Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $448,000
Buyer: Mark R. Robar
Seller: Chi C. Wong
Date: 09/09/24

299 Main St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Russell Degenza
Seller: Raiche FT
Date: 09/09/24

64 Old Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Gracie E. Pighetti
Seller: Breanne E. Gouvin
Date: 09/06/24

524 Ridge Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $286,500
Buyer: Custom Home Development Group LLC
Seller: Thomas Dean
Date: 09/06/24

12 Stonegate Circle
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $680,000
Buyer: Chi C. Wong
Seller: Arthur Lam
Date: 09/09/24

9 Westwood Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $505,000
Buyer: Christian I. Perez
Seller: Rosemary Lavinio 2012 RET
Date: 09/13/24

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

198 Alpine Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $510,000
Buyer: Brendan Boucher
Seller: Matthew Given
Date: 09/10/24

310 Belchertown Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $735,000
Buyer: 310 Belchertown Road LLC
Seller: Rocky Hill Road Partners LLC
Date: 09/12/24

68 Blue Hills Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $608,000
Buyer: Sarah Zureick-Brown
Seller: Estela K. Olevsky RET
Date: 09/13/24

101 East Hadley Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Plg RT
Seller: Greason, Elissa M., (Estate)
Date: 09/03/24

260 Grantwood Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Liang Wang
Seller: Stuart P. Salomon
Date: 09/11/24

30 Hillcrest Place
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $476,000
Buyer: Nicole E. Wetherell
Seller: Christian S. Olmsted
Date: 09/06/24

1117 North Pleasant St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $545,000
Buyer: Qing Wan
Seller: 1117 North Pleasant St. LLC
Date: 09/11/24

491 Pine St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: MF Bloom LLC
Seller: Eddie Haskell LLC
Date: 09/09/24

62 Taylor St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $590,000
Buyer: Valerie Rushanan
Seller: Justin T. Serpone
Date: 09/13/24

22 Wildflower Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Alan E. Travis
Seller: Alan E. Travis
Date: 09/10/24

BELCHERTOWN

134 Allen Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Melissa J. Maiorella
Seller: Kyle J. Snide
Date: 09/06/24

1 Bay Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Francis M. Garrow
Seller: Frances H. Firtz TR
Date: 09/06/24

24 Jackson St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $338,500
Buyer: Mark Plante
Seller: Jeffrey K. Hubbard
Date: 09/04/24

30 Lamson Ave.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $727,000
Buyer: Jonathan Wiesniak
Seller: Pamela J. Councilman
Date: 09/13/24

285 Old Enfield Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Colman O’Connor
Seller: Shannon Kay
Date: 09/12/24

9 Stadler St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Stadler Enterprises LLC
Seller: 9 Stadler St. LLC
Date: 09/06/24

10 Woodhaven Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $585,000
Buyer: David M. Vinsh
Seller: Tomasz Karas
Date: 09/13/24

EASTHAMPTON

8 Carol Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Eds Enterprises LLC
Seller: Max Hill
Date: 09/13/24

GOSHEN

33 Main St.
Goshen, MA 01032
Amount: $410,500
Buyer: Aaron M. Loux
Seller: Michael G. George
Date: 09/13/24

GRANBY

11 Pinebrook Circle
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Jaya Rawla
Seller: Willow TR
Date: 09/05/24

HADLEY

261 Bay Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $442,000
Buyer: William P. Watkins
Seller: Coffey IRT
Date: 09/06/24

12 Cold Spring Lane
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: Evan S. Jacobs
Seller: Peter J. Klimoski
Date: 09/06/24

234 Middle St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Town Of Hadley
Seller: Kowal, Patricia A., (Estate)
Date: 09/10/24

367 Russell St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $7,000,000
Buyer: Rss Wfrbs201-C3-De Pmhn LLC
Seller: Pyramid Mall
Date: 09/13/24

HUNTINGTON

12 Nagler Cross Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Emilia Gregory
Seller: Rom, Gary B., (Estate)
Date: 09/03/24

NORTHAMPTON

12 Birch Lane
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $745,000
Buyer: Kathleen Wright
Seller: Marylynn Salmon
Date: 09/05/24

428 Bridge Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $634,900
Buyer: Peiyii Shen
Seller: Julee L. Clement
Date: 09/12/24

15 Claire Ave.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Allison J. Carmody
Seller: Jennifer A. Dawkins
Date: 09/13/24

6 Denise Court
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $511,000
Buyer: Renato Bartoli
Seller: Dunn, Kathkeen E., (Estate)
Date: 09/11/24

3 Dewey Court
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $599,999
Buyer: David B. Musante
Seller: Jean M. Watt
Date: 09/03/24

888 Florence Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $670,000
Buyer: Mauro P. Correa
Seller: Mary B. Adams
Date: 09/03/24

809 Park Hill Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $790,000
Buyer: Benjamin Larrison
Seller: Mary C. Skinner
Date: 09/12/24

1 Pine Valley Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Calvin Filepas
Seller: Racicot, Robert E., (Estate)
Date: 09/10/24

12 Rustlewood Rdg
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $729,900
Buyer: Rachel Simmons
Seller: Catherine W. Dashkoff
Date: 09/04/24

32 Trumbull Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Steven Niedbala
Seller: Meehan Dorothy M., (Estate)
Date: 09/03/24

29 Warner St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Susan P. Cassel
Seller: Robert Cilman
Date: 09/06/24

 

PELHAM

16 Amherst Road
Pelham, MA 01007
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Matthew S. Sirois
Seller: Better Homes Properties LLC
Date: 09/09/24

325 Amherst Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Qiye Sun
Seller: Ying Xie
Date: 09/09/24

PLAINFIELD

34 Hallockville Road
Plainfield, MA 01070
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Alec Leavitt
Seller: Alice M. Schertle Int.
Date: 09/06/24

SOUTH HADLEY

86 Alvord St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Michael J. Craig
Seller: Louis Cote
Date: 09/10/24

107 College St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Cole M. Dovet
Seller: Lisa A. Dufour
Date: 09/03/24

14 Grant St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $317,000
Buyer: Jason Shea
Seller: Robert J. Schroeter
Date: 09/04/24

332 Newton St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Kristin Loiko-Pelletier
Seller: Cristian O. Rivera
Date: 09/09/24

47 Searle Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Michael C. McNally
Seller: Robert L. O’Connor
Date: 09/05/24

38 Westbrook Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Jennifer L. Wilson
Seller: Lynn Boucher
Date: 09/05/24

SOUTHAMPTON

340 College Highway
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Ryan D. York
Seller: Seher, Robert, (Estate)
Date: 09/10/24

15 Geryk Court
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $639,000
Buyer: David K. Webber
Seller: Ben A. Scoble
Date: 09/06/24

 

WARE

12 Barnes St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Dariel A. Rodriguez
Seller: Matthew R. Gromosky
Date: 09/12/24

56 Coffey Hill Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $288,000
Buyer: Caar Development LLC
Seller: Juan Chen
Date: 09/10/24

38 Cummings Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Bertnell Realty Inc.
Seller: Paul Phillips
Date: 09/03/24

22 Spring St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $131,000
Buyer: Chamber Investment Group LLC
Seller: Rehab Home Buyers LLC
Date: 09/03/24

WESTHAMPTON

264 Main Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $342,500
Buyer: Nicholai Wykowski
Seller: Garry D. Cousins
Date: 09/06/24

WILLIAMSBURG

9 Bridge St.
Williamsburg, MA 01039
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Stephen Vaiano
Seller: John Godden
Date: 09/10/24

5 Deer Haven Dr.
Williamsburg, MA 01039
Amount: $850,000
Buyer: Sean T. Sullivan
Seller: Peter F. Falco
Date: 09/12/24

10 Dewey Circle
Williamsburg, MA 01039
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Nathaniel Zajac
Seller: Karen I. Tripp
Date: 09/13/24

WESTHAMPTON

353 Main Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $229,457
Buyer: PNC Bank
Seller: Angelo C. Librera
Date: 09/13/24

WORTHINGTON

11 Buffington Hill Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Holly T. Chamberlin
Seller: Jeffrey Racz
Date: 09/11/24

210 Lindsay Hill Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $403,000
Buyer: Benjamin W. Guidi
Seller: Nancy E. Babcock
Date: 09/12/24

200 Scott Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Matthew Snow
Seller: Joseph E. Best
Date: 09/13/24

Building Permits

By
Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the month of September 2024.

CHICOPEE

Saillant Realty Corp.
974 Chicopee St.
$9,058 — Repair sagging three-story porch and stairs

HADLEY

315 Russell Street LLC
315 Russell St.
N/A — Disassemble and remove steel building

Conway Trader Rental LLC
217 Russell St.
N/A — Insulation

E&A/I&G Campus Plaza LP
458 Russell St.
N/A — Interior partitioning

Parmar and Sons LLC
24 Bay Road
N/A — Roofing

PeoplesBank
5 South Maple St.
N/A — Install two new non-lit wall signs

Town of Amherst
100 Mullins Way
N/A — HVAC improvements

LENOX

Lenox Schoolhouse LLC
109 Housatonic St.
$151,100 — Roofing

NORTHAMPTON

408 Pleasant St. LLC
408 Pleasant St.
$15,034 — Insulation and weatherization

City of Northampton
240 Main St.
$151,000 — Memorial Hall roof replacement

J-Barc Inc.
17 Pleasant St.
$112,731 — Construct new fire escape

Smith College
25 College Lane
$43,000 — Demolish and rebuild upper dock and railing in Crew House

Smith College
10 Elm St.
$101,809 — Renovate classroom at Brown Fine Arts Center

Smith College
25 Henshaw Ave.
$25,000 — Repair/rebuild front-porch entry in same footprint using existing footings

PITTSFIELD

Berkshire Hospitality Group LLC
1 West St.
$280,000 — Parking garage demolition

Berkshire Museum
39 South St.
$20,000 — Convert existing gallery space to temporary storage space, construct two temporary walls

Berkshire Theatre Festival Inc.
74 Wendell Ave.
$30,000 — Demolition of detached accessory garage/carriage house structure, including slab and foundations

Boys and Girls Club of Pittsfield Inc.
16 Melville St.
$27,405 — Complete interior door work

Casella Waste Management
500 Hubbard Ave.
$101,000 — Install new dry sprinkler system throughout building

City of Pittsfield
70 Allen St.
$84,000 — Supply new handrails at back and front stairs, remove existing handrails

Kathleen DiPietro
35 Stoddard Ave.
$1,532 — Replace window

Guidewire Inc.
387 Columbus Ave., Ext.
$93,975 — Construct new ADA ramp, interior doors, non-load-bearing partitions, and finishes to existing spaces

Hillcrest Educational Centers Inc.
1450 West Housatonic St.
$77,725 — Roofing

Salisbury Estates Inc.
8 Bank Row
$25,500 — Roofing

Winadu Real Estate Co. LLC
710 Churchill St.
$4,500 — Relocate non-load-bearing walls to create open-air office space

SPRINGFIELD

600 Berkshire Ave LLC
600 Berkshire Ave.
$58,995 — Roofing for First Student Bus

Blackened Realty LLC
201 Worthington St.
$66,800 — Roofing

HR Twenty Corp.
1387 Boston Road
$20,000 — Interior demolition for tenant fit-out

A Little Light Amid the Fight

By
Opinion

Editorial

 

In 1993, Lucy Giuggio-Carvalho was still recovering from breast cancer when she pulled together the concept, the sponsors, the upfront money, and the determination to get a fundraiser off the ground. She called it Rays of Hope, and she likely had no expectation that, three decades later, that annual walk and run would have raised more than $17.2 million and still be drawing some 20,000 participants each October.

One key to its success? Kathy Tobin, director of Annual Events and Giving for the Baystate Health Foundation and a breast cancer survivor herself, may have put it best in the article that begins on page 20, when she said, “we celebrate life — this is not a downer.”

It’s true. Anyone who has gathered at Temple Beth El in Springfield to step off for either the 5K or 2K walk first experiences something special in that large parking lot. From the annual survivors’ photo to the outward celebration of progress in cancer diagnosis and treatment, to the simultaneous tributes to the fighting spirit of those battling cancer and reflections on those we’ve lost, it truly is a celebration of life — or, as Tobin also put it, “a big pink hug.”

In another story in this issue, beginning on page 24, we visit with Cancer Connection, which is currently marking its 25th year of offering those with cancer diagnoses — and, importantly, their families — resources ranging from support groups to integrative therapies to programs that raise quality of life by nourishing body, mind. and spirit. And, of course, the organization’s signature ‘befriending’ program, which simply provides a compassionate ear at a critical moment.

Sitting down with Executive Director Chelsea Kline to talk about this work is not, in any way, a downbeat experience; she’s actually one of the most positive people you’ll ever meet. “I feel very, very lucky that I get to be a tiny part of it,” she said. “It’s an awesome place.”

Both stories, honestly, were inspiring to write. These are organizations that deal with one of the most terrifying words to hear: cancer. But a cancer diagnosis, in many cases, is a little less terrifying than it used to be thanks to evolutions in research and treatment that have lowered mortality rates and improved quality of life — thanks in part to funding streams like those millions of dollars generated by Rays of Hope.

It’s also less daunting thanks to resources like Cancer Connection and others (like the Center for Human Development’s Cancer House of Hope) that are helping those with cancer and their families find inspiration, support, and positive interactions along their difficult journey.

In short, these are organizations — thriving, growing organizations — worth celebrating right alongside the scientists and doctors working toward a cure.

Our Wild West Workforce

By Contributor
Opinion

Opinion

By Allison Ebner

The phrase ‘wild west workforce’ is not original. In fact, I’ve used it before to describe the landscape that HR professionals were managing during the pandemic. And although we are well past 2020 and the peak of COVID, we are most definitely experiencing strange times today.

The generational shift in our workplaces (think ‘silver tsunami’) is driving change at a rapid pace, and it’s just going to keep coming at us like a whirlwind. A recent report from Newsweek indicated that six in 10 employers that hired a Gen Z candidate over the past six months have already let that employee go. They don’t work hard enough, according to the company execs. They want too much downtime and flexibility and have no idea how to show up and work for 40 hours per week.

I had to chuckle. I remember when my daughter got her first job after graduating from college. “They want me to work eight hours a day, 40 hours a week … doing this?” Yup — my husband and I told her to suck it up and get moving. And she did — for two years, until she decided to start her own business and work for herself. By the way, that’s working out very well for her. She’s working at least 60 hours per week, but it’s on her terms, and it’s doing work that she loves.

Welcome to the new world of work. Millennials and Gen Z will make up 70% of the workforce by the year 2030. They are demanding some changes from employers, and I’m here to tell you — it’s not smart to ignore them. The Baby Boomers are on their way out of the workforce, scaling back their roles and eyeing retirement. Guess what? The Gen-Xers are right behind them! And since Gen X is the smallest generation, many of our current managers are included in this quickly evaporating pool of leaders. So, what should we do next?

First, we have to understand that our workplaces will be changing. And if we don’t embrace some of the things that our newest employees are looking for, we’ll be doing everything ourselves! Flexibility is key, and so is innovation. And by the way, paying your dues is very ‘out’ now. We need to be listening to all ideas, engaging staff at every level and incorporating some of the ideas from the next generation of workers. We also need to provide them with the training and education that they didn’t get in high school or college. (Lots to say on this topic, but that’s a different article.)

Soft skills are now power skills. Communication, critical thinking, emotional intelligence — you own this. Help your employees understand how they fit into your organization, guide them on how to be successful, ask them what they need to do their jobs more effectively, and tell them what you need in return. Update your onboarding process, build mentorship programs, and create ways to reward the behavior you want to see more of. Make sure your managers have the new skills required by today’s people leaders to drive productivity in this new world of work. If they don’t, your organization will suffer.

This ride is going to last a while, so lean in — fasten your seatbelts and get ready for the future of work. We can’t stop progress — it’s here! The EANE team is ready to support you with whatever you may need. Give us a call to discuss your priorities and the resources needed to build an exceptional workplace in 2025.

 

Allison Ebner is president of the Employers Assoc. of the Northeast. This article first appeared on the EANE blog; eane.org

 

Berkshire United Way Welcomes Seven New Board Members

By
Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire United Way (BUW) recently welcomed seven new members to the board of directors.

Arthur Milano is principal consultant at Milano HR Consulting. He served on the BUW board from 2012 to 2018, as well as on several committees, and in his consulting role, he assisted BUW with the president and CEO search in 2018 and 2021.

Beth Mitchell is senior director of Integration at General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS). She is a former member of the BUW community impact committee, was a member of the Face the Facts: Reduce Teen Pregnancy initiative workgroup, and, in 2021, joined the Massachusetts Business Coalition for Early Childhood Education.

Tiffany Moreno is instructional program manager for Health and Social Assistance at Berkshire Community College. She volunteers with Latinas413 as a mentor to connect with younger Latinas in the community.

As chief Diversity officer for the city of Pittsfield, Michael Obasohan pioneered the integration and development of the city’s first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion department. He also serves on the boards and commissions of Multicultural BRIDGE, Roots Teen Center, MASSMoCA Commission, and Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.

Timothy O’Donnell is head of Distribution Sales Compensation Administration for the Individual Markets division at Guardian Life. He served twice as BUW’s employee campaign coordinator for Guardian Life’s giving campaign and previously served on the Downtown Pittsfield Inc. board.

Kristin Pedrotti is senior vice president and controller at Berkshire Bank and a certified public accountant. She has participated in Xtraordinary Day, the bank’s annual day of service.

Stephanie Storie is a library associate at Lenox Library and previously held engineering positions at GDMS. She is a 2018 graduate of the Berkshire Leadership Program and currently serves on the Pittsfield Conservation Commission.

Sponsors, Volunteers Needed for Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge on Nov. 7

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts (JAWM) is seeking sponsors and volunteers for its 19th annual Stock Market Challenge on Thursday, Nov. 7 at the Cedars in Springfield. The event offers student teams the chance to compete in an exciting Wall Street simulation, gaining skills and experience they can use in the future.

“It’s so much fun to see how engaged and competitive the students are,” said Amie Miarecki, president of JAWM. “This event is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses and volunteers to help students throughout the region while having a great time themselves and inspiring the future financial leaders of tomorrow.”

During the simulation, which runs from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., approximately 350 middle- and high-school student teams are ‘given’ $1 million to invest in more than 50 fictitious stocks. With trading days lasting just 60 seconds, the goal is to build the highest portfolio net worth in a frantic 60 ‘days.’ At the end of the event, students leave with a sense of how the stock market works and valuable insight into the importance of teamwork.

During the evening, the adults get in on the fun. Dinner is held at 5:30 p.m., and when the opening bell rings at 6:30 p.m., corporate sponsors and college student teams have their own opportunity to flex their stock-trading skills.

“The adults have as much fun as the kids, making this friendly competition a great team-building opportunity for employers,” Miarecki said. “We offer a variety of sponsorship opportunities starting at $250, and are inviting companies across the region to participate.”

Major sponsors currently include St. Germain Investment Management (presenting sponsor), Elms College (educational sponsor), and Country Bank (gold sponsor).

For more information about the JAWM Stock Market Challenge, sponsorships, and volunteering, visit jawm.org/stock-market-competition.

Springfield Partners for Community Action Begins Search to Fill Open Board Seats

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Partners for Community Action announced that the anti-poverty agency is recruiting new board members to fill six vacancies this fall.

The board of directors provides support to the agency in pursuit of its long-standing mission to break the cycle of poverty in vulnerable communities. The membership of Springfield Partners’ board of directors aims to be a vivid representation of the community. As outlined in the bylaws, one-third of the members are elected public officials, one-third are individuals who represent the low-income community, and one-third are members of the business, religious, or education community.

District board members serve two-year terms, and community-sector directors have unlimited terms. All are expected to attend meetings held on the last Thursday of each month. Members actively participate in subcommittees of the board and participate in community events, as well as events sponsored by Springfield Partners.

“Serving on the Springfield Partners board of directors is an opportunity to give back to your community and have a say in how aid is delivered to your neighbors,” said Paul Bailey, executive director of Springfield Partners for Community Action. “Who knows the needs in our community better than the hardworking men and women who are working and living right here? We are proud to serve Springfield-area residents alongside our unique and passionate board of directors, and we look forward to the addition of six new members.”

Springfield Partners currently seeks applications for the following positions:

• Two community-sector director seats (representatives from business, industry, labor, religious, law-enforcement, education, or other major groups);

• District 2 director (Upper Hill, Old Hill, portions of Forest Park);

• District 4 director (Liberty Heights, Metro Center);

• District 5 director (North End Brightwood, Memorial Square); and

• District 6 director (Indian Orchard, East Forest Park, Sixteen Acres).

Prospective directors can contact Tabitha Desplaines, director of Community Services, at (413) 263-6500, ext. 6564, or [email protected] for more information and to obtain an application.

Original applications, résumés, and nomination forms are due by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. Elections will be held on Thursday, Nov. 21. To learn more about Springfield Partners for Community Action, visit springfieldpartnersinc.com.

Adam Quenneville Roofing & Siding Sponsors Miracle League Celebration

By
Daily News

CHICOPEE — Adam Quenneville Roofing and Siding (AQRS) announced its continued support of the Miracle League of Western Massachusetts by sponsoring and participating in a Halloween-themed celebration. The event will take place on Sunday, Oct. 20 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Springfield College.

As the final game day of the Miracle League’s 2024 season, the event promises to be a fun-filled, heartwarming occasion for children and families. Players will be decked out in their favorite Halloween costumes and will enjoy on-field trick-or-treating, where AQRS and other sponsors will hand out treats at the end of the games. The day will conclude with players receiving end-of-season gifts and medals, honoring their participation and hard work.

Sponsors are encouraged to bring small, Halloween-themed treats, with non-food options appreciated for the more than 85 players.

“We are proud to support such a fantastic organization that enriches the lives of so many children with special needs,” said Morgan Bennett, Business Development director at AQRS. “This event is an opportunity for us to give back to the community and make a difference in the lives of these amazing kids.”

The Miracle League of Western Massachusetts offers an inclusive environment for children with special needs, giving them the opportunity to participate in sports and build lasting friendships.

Big E Sets Attendance Records at 2024 Fair

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Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — A total of 1,633,935 fairgoers attended the Big E, in West Springfield this year, setting an all-time record for net attendance.

Additionally, seven daily attendance records were set during the sunny, 17-day event, and the middle Saturday, Sept. 21, set a record for single-day attendance.

“Thank You! 1,633,935 times over, thank you,” Eastern States Exposition President and CEO Gene Cassidy said. “This is a proud moment for everyone associated with Eastern States Exposition: volunteers, staff members, contractors, vendors, concessionaires, and all who participate in the production of the Big E. This organization thrives because of you. Our noble mission remains strong because of you. This was a record-setting fair filled with many challenges, and every one of you played a role that contributed to the continued success of the Big E. What you do matters. Thank you.”

Deadline to Purchase Tickets for Healthcare Heroes Is Today

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest and the Healthcare News will celebrate this year’s eight Healthcare Heroes on Thursday, Oct. 17 starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. The deadline to purchase tickets is today, Oct. 7.

The class of 2024, profiled in the Sep. 16 issue and at businesswest.com, includes Dr. Andrew Balder, attending physician, Baystate Mason Square Neighborhood Health Center; Lucinda Canty, associate professor of Nursing and director of the Seedworks Health Equity Program, UMass Amherst; Bernice Drumheller, past president, NAMI Western Massachusetts; Peta-Gaye Johnson, director of Healthcare Workforce Initiatives, MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board; Margaret King, occupational therapist, Baystate Medical Center; Alexa Mignano, director of School-Based Clinical Services, River Valley Counseling Center; Dr. Laki Rousou, chief of Thoracic Surgery, chief of Robotic Surgery, and medical director of the Lung Cancer Screening Program, Mercy Medical Center; and Janet Williams, professor of Biology, Elms College.

Tickets cost $95, and tables of 10 are available. To purchase tickets, visit businesswest.com/healthcare-heroes-tickets. Presenting sponsors include Baystate Health/Health New England and Elms College. Partner sponsors include Trinity Health Of New England/Mercy Medical Center and Holyoke Medical Center.

Liberty Bank Presents Grant to Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity

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WEST SPRINGFIELD — Liberty Bank recently selected Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) to receive one of its community grants. The bank’s foundation aims to assist low- and moderate-income families improve their economic situation and quality of life, which is also what Greater Springfield Habitat does.

A check presentation ceremony will be held today, World Habitat Day, at 1 p.m. at 1688 Dwight St. in Springfield, GSHFH’s newest build site.

“We are very grateful to have been selected to receive this grant. It will help us to continue to provide homeownership and home-repair services in Hampden County,” GSHFH Executive Director Aimee Giroux said.

Teresa Parker, Liberty Bank’s East Longmeadow branch manager, added that “I am truly honored to represent Liberty Bank at World Habitat Day and for us to partner with Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity to offer a hand up, not a hand out, to local families who need it most. This grant empowers people to reach their fullest potential, and it builds a better future for all of us. This great work aligns perfectly with Liberty Bank’s brand promise to Be Community Kind and our mission to improve the lives of our customers, teammates, and communities for generations to come.”

Bacon Wilson’s Jeffrey Fialky Selected to 2024 Super Lawyers List

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Jeffrey Fialky

SPRINGFIELD — Bacon Wilson announced that Managing Shareholder Jeffrey Fialky has been named to the 2024 Super Lawyers list for Business and Corporate Law.

Being recognized in the 2024 Super Lawyers list is a prestigious accolade for attorneys. Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Lawyers are selected through a multi-phase process that includes nominations, independent research, peer evaluation, and a rigorous final selection process.

MassMutual Foundation Announces $1 Million Gift to Square One

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From left: MassMutual Foundation President Dennis Duquette, Square One CEO Dawn DiStefano, and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno.

SPRINGFIELD — Joined by Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and members of the Western Mass. legislative delegation, MassMutual Foundation President Dennis Duquette announced a major boost to Square One’s “Back to Square One” capital campaign on Sept. 27.

“The MassMutual Foundation has always been committed to supporting the communities where we live and work,” Duquette said. “Our partnership with Square One reflects this commitment, and we are thrilled to support their mission of empowering local families, not only with resources for early learning, but also critical support services for the entire family. We look forward to continuing our work together and are excited to play a small part in helping Square One grow its presence in the Greater Springfield area.”

The announcement comes as Square One works to build a $15.5 million center at the location where its building was destroyed by a tornado in 2011. Slated to open in the spring of 2025, the new, 26,000-square-foot facility will include four preschool classrooms, an outdoor learning and play area, a full-service family-support center, and administrative offices.

“Over the years, Square One and many other community organizations have greatly benefited from the MassMutual Foundation’s commitment to providing outstanding opportunities for the children and families in our region,” said Dawn DiStefano, president and CEO of Square One. “This $1 million gift not only positions our project for financial success, it also sends a crucial message to others about the importance of our work in early learning and family services. We could not be more grateful for their extremely generous support and validation of our work.”

Currently, the campaign is approximately $2 million shy of its $15.5 million goal. Early support for the project came from the Davis Foundation, PeoplesBank, the city of Springfield, and the state of Massachusetts. Sarno awarded nearly $1 million in funding, while state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez and state Sen. Adam Gomez sponsored and secured a $2 million earmark in the state budget to support Square One’s expansion of services. In June, Balise Auto, another organization with deep roots in Springfield’s South End neighborhood, announced a $1 million gift to the project.

These funds and gifts, paired with a $6 million bond issued by MassDevelopment and the cash equivalent of $4 million in New Market Tax Credits, have positioned the campaign for success.

The Great Halloween Drive-Thru Begins Today, Continues Every Weekend in October

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WINDSOR, Conn. — The Great Halloween Drive-Thru has a new location this year. The fourth annual drive-thru event will be held at Brown’s Harvest Family Farm, 1911 Poquonock Ave., Windsor, Conn., every weekend in October, starting tonight, Oct. 4.

The dates and times are Oct. 4-6 and 11-13, 7 to 9:30 p.m.; and Oct. 18-20 and 25-27, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Visitors stay in their vehicles and drive through the farm along a journey of spooky holograms, special effects, sounds, and projections. The Great Halloween Drive-Thru is not scary. There are no live actors and no jump scares. The animated hologram shows, projections, and special effects throughout the park are ideal for families with children. Spooky fun without the scare, the Great Halloween Drive-Thru draws visitors from all over Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York.

Tickets cost $30 per car (cash only), paid at the entrance.

“We are excited to bring the Great Halloween Drive-Thru event to Brown’s Harvest,” creator Frank Campiti said. “People come from all over Connecticut and Massachusetts to experience this family-friendly event. Parents and grandparents are always looking for fun things to do with their kids, and this is an experience the whole family can enjoy together. Kids really love the magic of the holograms and projection shows — adults do, too! We have families coming back multiple nights, friends looking for something festive and fun to do together, couples on date night — this is the kind of event people of all ages enjoy.”

The Great Halloween Drive-Thru is sponsored by AMP Electrical Inc.

Campiti Ventures, run by Suffield, Conn. resident Frank Campiti, is responsible for the highly successful Great Halloween Drive-Thru and Suffield Summer Fair Fireworks. Click here for more information on the Great Halloween Drive-Thru.

Bay Path Welcomes Mary-Knight ‘MK’ Bell Young as VP of Institutional Advancement

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MK Young

LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University announced the appointment of Mary-Knight “MK” Bell Young to the position of vice president of Institutional Advancement. With more than 20 years of experience in securing philanthropic investments for prestigious academic, cultural, and healthcare institutions, Young brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record of success to her new role.

In this leadership position, she will oversee all aspects of Bay Path’s fundraising efforts, alumni relations, and strategic partnerships. Her role will be crucial in advancing the university’s mission and ensuring sustained growth and support for its programs and initiatives.

Young joins Bay Path University after serving as chief Development officer and senior executive director at the UMass Amherst Foundation, where she led a comprehensive, $100 million fundraising campaign for the UMass College of Engineering, securing more than $60.7 million to date. Her career highlights include securing the college’s first eight-figure gift and achieving 100% participation in annual giving for two consecutive years from the Dean’s Advisory Council.

Her previous roles include senior director of Development at Penn Medicine, where she was instrumental in securing more than $26 million during the Power of Penn campaign, and Major Gifts officer at Temple University Health System, where she played a key role in securing the naming gift for the Lewis Katz School of Heath. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history of art from the University of Pennsylvania.

“Mary-Knight’s extensive experience and success in development and alumni relations make her a perfect fit for Bay Path,” university President Sandra Doran said. “Her leadership will be invaluable as we continue to expand our reach and impact in higher education and, with the acquisition of Cambridge College, embrace and support the newest members of the Bay Path family, our Cambridge College alumni.”

HCC Vice President Named to Advisory Board for College Foundations

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Amanda Sbriscia

HOLYOKE — Amanda Sbriscia, vice president of Institutional Advancement at Holyoke Community College (HCC) and executive director of the HCC Foundation, has been named to the Council of Foundation Leaders for the Assoc. of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB).

AGB provides leadership and guidance to the governing boards of its member institutions. The Council of Foundation Leaders is an advisory committee that includes foundation professionals from 25 U.S. colleges and universities. Sbriscia is one of only two council members representing a community college, and the only one from Massachusetts.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to serve as a member of the Council on Foundation Leaders,” she said. “Community colleges are hubs for educational and economic opportunity, and I commend AGB for including this voice around the table.”

The HCC Foundation became a member of AGB in 2020 to help its board of directors navigate a complex bylaw-revision process.

“Since then, AGB has been an invaluable resource that has elevated our work and helped us continuously strive for excellence in board governance,” Sbriscia said. “I look forward to learning from my colleagues at other institutions of all sizes, and also hope to contribute meaningfully to help us all navigate the changing education and fundraising landscape.”

In 2023, the HCC Foundation board of directors received the AGB’s John W. Nason Award, which is given annually to foundation boards that demonstrate exceptional leadership and initiative.

Guided by AGB, the HCC Foundation recently completed an 18-month strategic-planning process to ensure its alignment with HCC’s vision and priorities.

As vice president of the division of Institutional Advancement, Sbriscia oversees the offices of Development, Grants, Alumni Relations, and Marketing, and serves as executive director of the HCC Foundation, the nonprofit fundraising corporation for the college. The HCC Foundation manages assets of $25.3 million, including an endowment of $18.3 million, the largest community-college endowment in Massachusetts.

Sbriscia holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Cedar Crest College, a master’s degree in higher education from Drexel University, and a doctorate in education in educational leadership from Gwynedd Mercy University.

Last year, she was selected for a fellowship for aspiring college presidents by the AGB Institute for Leadership & Governance in Higher Education, a collaborative venture of the Assoc. of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, Miami University, and AGB Search, a search firm for college and university administrators.

Wealth Transition Collective Holding Food Drive Nov. 11-15 for Margaret’s Pantry

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — The Wealth Transition Collective, a financial-planning firm out of Holyoke, recently announced it will host its fourth annual weeklong food drive from Monday, Nov. 11 through Friday, Nov. 15, to benefit Margaret’s Pantry in Holyoke in honor of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.

Since the start of this event, it has raised more than 4,000 pounds of food and more than $7,500 in monetary donations. Individuals can drop off non-perishable and canned foods during business hours (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) at the Wealth Transition Collective office at 1632 Northampton St., Holyoke. Weather permitting, there will be a drop-off table outside the front door for easy accessibility.

Some of the most-needed items at the pantry during this time of year are stuffing mixes; canned goods like gravy, soups, and stews; baking mixes; frosting; syrup; salad dressing; condiments; Jell-O; and kids’ snack items.

Margaret’s Pantry, a division of Providence Ministries for the Needy, is a full-service food pantry that has provided food to residents of Greater Holyoke for more than 30 years. Presently, the pantry provides food to more than 180 families each month, and approximately 72,000 meals a year are distributed to the needy in the community.

“We feel very fortunate to be in a position to make a difference in the community by supporting the efforts of organizations like Providence Ministries for the Needy,” said Greg Sheehan, CEO of the Wealth Transition Collective.

Pioneer Valley Financial Group Announces Three Hires

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LUDLOW — Pioneer Valley Financial Group (PV Financial) announced the addition of three new members to its growing team: Sophie Miller, Catarina Sanches, and Katherine Ferri. With their combined experience and fresh perspectives, these hires are expected to enhance the company’s ability to deliver exceptional service to clients and expand its community-outreach efforts.

Sophie Miller

Miller joins PV Financial as an Operations Support specialist. A graduate of Boston University with a degree in economics, she brings experience from her previous role as a financial advisor at Equitable Advisors. Her background in financial services, combined with a passion for understanding markets, positions her well to support PV Financial’s operational goals. She is particularly looking forward to collaborating with the team to streamline processes and contribute to the firm’s growth.

Catarina Sanches

Sanches joins PV Financial as a Client Relationship manager. She previously worked at TD Bank, where she gained experience in various positions, ultimately serving as a store supervisor. With a degree in business management from Westfield State University and a focus on marketing, she brings a deep understanding of client services and financial management. Her experience will allow her to strengthen relationships with PV Financial’s clients and provide personalized support as they navigate their financial journeys.

Katherine Ferri

Ferri joins PV Financial as a Community Outreach manager. A recent graduate of Westfield State University with a degree in communication, she previously worked for the Springfield Thunderbirds hockey club in sales and customer relationship management. Her skills in communication and relationship building will be instrumental as she helps guide PV Financial’s efforts to engage with the local community and foster meaningful connections with clients and partners.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sophie, Catarina, and Katherine to our team,” said Ed Sokolowski, managing partner at PV Financial Group. “Their diverse backgrounds and skill sets are exactly what we need as PV Financial continues to expand its offerings and strengthen our ties to the community. We are confident that their contributions will help elevate our services and enhance the overall client experience.”

Market Mentors Welcomes Christina Hager as Public Relations Account Executive

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Christina Hager

SPRINGFIELD — Market Mentors LLC, a fully integrated marketing, advertising, and public-relations agency, recently welcomed Christina Hager to its team as a public relations account executive. The two-time New England Emmy Award-winning television journalist recently wrapped a 25-year career with WBZ-TV (CBS Boston).

In her new role at Market Mentors, she works with the marketing team to plan and execute communications strategies with a focus on media relations. This includes writing and distributing news releases, pitching story ideas, responding to media queries, preparing statements, and developing content across various media platforms.

“Christina has been a great addition to our team,” said Michelle Abdow, president and CEO of Market Mentors. “Her passion for storytelling and expertise in navigating the media landscape serves her well as she works with our clients and media partners to find unique angles that bring our clients’ stories to life and channel their expertise for a variety of audiences.”

Hager earned her bachelor’s degree from Colby College in Maine and her master’s degree from Northwestern University, Medill School of Journalism, in Illinois. She is a member of Investigative Reporters and Editors.

“As a television news reporter and investigative journalist, I have spent decades covering major events across the country, including notable legal cases, the Boston Marathon bombings, the September 11th terrorist attacks, extreme weather events from Texas to Florida to Massachusetts, mass shootings, and major-league sports championships,” Hager said. “Now that I’ve jumped the desk, so to speak, I’m enjoying working with my media colleagues in a new way, serving as a resource they can count on.”

Congressman Neal Announces $1 Million for Combined Lee Public-safety Complex

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LEE — U.S. Rep. Richard Neal joined state Rep. Smitty Pignatelli and Lee Town Administrator Christopher Brittain on Wednesday to announce a $1 million earmark for the combined Lee public-safety complex.

The allocation was made possible through congressionally directed spending from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Neal included funding for this project in the FY 2024 spending bill signed into law by President Biden on March 9.

“As a former mayor, I have a great appreciation for not only the important role a town’s Fire and Police departments play in our day-to-day lives, but also the challenges our emergency personnel are confronted with each and every day,” Neal said. “Congress has the fundamental responsibility to oversee the expenditure of the public purse, and investing in emergency services to ensure the safety of our constituencies is certainly a worthwhile investment. This announcement will help bring this long-awaited project to fruition, providing the Lee Fire and Police departments with the tools they need to adequately serve the Lee community for years to come.”

Built in 1912, the Lee Fire Station was constructed at a time when firefighters were using horse-drawn vehicles to fight fires. As a result, the current building is structurally unsound and inadequate to support modern-day firefighting equipment, requiring the town to custom-order trucks to fit the station’s small bays. The Fire Station also lacks important safety features for firefighters and sufficient storage room for medical records and supplies. In addition, the Lee Police Department has outgrown its current station in the historic Lee Town Hall. A space-needs assessment study found that the current, 1,600-square-foot facility falls well short of the required 10,960 square feet of space to accommodate the Police Department.

“The town of Lee is deeply grateful for the generous grant which will have a significant impact on our public-safety facility,” Brittain said. “We are honored that Congressman Neal has joined us for this important announcement.”

The proposed new combined public safety facility would house both the Lee Fire and Police Departments in a 37,661-square-foot public-safety complex. The effort to regionalize these services aims to provide better emergency services and faster response times for constituents. The project will include a training tower for personnel and will revitalize an underused area in the town of Lee.

Freedom Credit Union Seeks Donations for Rays of Hope

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SPRINGFIELD — Throughout the month of October, Freedom Credit Union is accepting cash donations at all its branches to benefit Rays of Hope, a Baystate Health Foundation charity supporting breast-cancer patients and survivors.

“We’re always seeking new ways to uplift our community,” Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch said. “We know countless families who have been personally impacted by and involved with the battle against breast cancer. We’re humbled to have this opportunity to help.”

Since its inception three decades ago, Rays of Hope has raised $17.2 million toward studies at the Rays of Hope Center for Breast Cancer Research, and has provided funding for state-of-the-art equipment, breast-health programs, outreach, and education. It also provides grants for complimentary therapies and cancer programs to community partners throughout Western Mass.

The community is encouraged to donate at any Freedom branch through Thursday, Oct. 31. Freedom Credit Union also has a team participating in the Rays of Hope Walk & Run Toward the Cure of Breast Cancer on Sunday, Oct. 27. The event kicks off at 8 a.m. at Temple Beth El, 979 Dickinson St., Springfield.

Amherst Business Improvement District Names John Page Executive Director

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John Page

AMHERST — John Page, a lifelong Amherst-area resident with experience in economic development, business advocacy, and event management, has been appointed the new executive director of the Amherst Business Improvement District (BID). His first day is Oct. 16.

“We are delighted to have John join the BID as our new executive director,” said Barry Roberts, board president of the BID. “We were drawn to his knowledge and experience in the community and his can-do spirit. John is unafraid to roll up his sleeves and work hard, and he is well-known and respected locally for his dedication to Amherst, especially its downtown.”

Page departs from his role as assistant director for University Events at UMass Amherst, where he was instrumental in planning and executing major events such as commencement. He also played a key role in reimagining the 2024 UMass Founders Day celebration, expanding it to include more than 35 events across campus and opening it to the broader community.

Prior to his role at UMass, Page worked for the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, leading marketing and events for the organization and focusing on economic-development issues, grant writing, and tourism initiatives. He worked collaboratively with local businesses, the BID, the town of Amherst, the state delegation, and other stakeholders on support for small business, beautification and placemaking efforts, and housing policy. Recently, he worked on a contract basis for the BID, spearheading its 2024 Summer Concert Series and the annual Block Party in September.

“I am deeply honored to step into the role of the BID’s new executive director and to champion Amherst’s bright future,” Page said. “I look forward to building on the solid foundation laid by my predecessors, advocating for our downtown, and amplifying our status as a premier destination that is welcoming to all.”

An alumnus of Amherst-Pelham Regional High School and UMass Amherst, Page holds leadership roles on many community boards and committees, including as chair of the Pelham Cultural Council, a member of the Amherst Education Foundation, and an organizer of Amherst LGBTQ+ Pride events. He was a candidate for the inaugural Amherst Town Council in 2018 and has been active in local political campaigns and causes.

Page was raised in a family that has lived in the area for seven generations. “I grew up in town, walking into town after class in middle school,” he said. “I lived downtown through college. I’ve worked at the chamber and promoted local businesses. I understand and cherish downtown Amherst for the special and unique place it is. I cannot wait to get to work.”

The Amherst Business Improvement District (BID) is a nonprofit economic-development organization comprising local property owners dedicated to providing programs and services that support the town’s businesses and residents through events, beautification, marketing, and special projects.

Best Lawyers Recognizes Attorney Timothy Murphy as Lawyer of the Year

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SPRINGFIELD — Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C., a labor and employment law firm serving employers in the Greater Springfield and Worcester areas, announced that one of its partners, attorney Timothy Murphy, has been recognized once again by his peers as the 2025 Lawyer of the Year in Springfield for his work in Litigation – Labor and Employment in the Best Lawyers in America list for 2025. Only a single lawyer in each practice area in each community is honored with this award.

Focusing his practice on labor relations, union avoidance, collective bargaining and arbitration, employment litigation, and employment counseling, Murphy has been included in Best Lawyers in America every year since 2013 and was Lawyer of the Year in 2015, 2018, 2020, and 2022.

Very active within the local community, Murphy sits on boards of directors for several area organizations, such as the Human Service Forum and Community Legal Aid, and is also a member of the World Affairs Council.

Inclusion in Best Laywers is based on a rigorous peer-review survey comprising more than 12.2 million confidential evaluations by top attorneys.

Monson Savings Bank Announces Start of Annual Community Giving Initiative

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MONSON — Monson Savings Bank is inviting the public to submit their votes for the bank’s 2025 Community Giving Initiative.

For more than a decade, Monson Savings Bank has been seeking the help of community members to plan the bank’s community-giving activities. Each year, the bank encourages the public to vote for the nonprofit charitable organizations they would like the bank to support during the coming year. Everyone is welcome to cast their vote online at www.monsonsavings.bank/cgi.

Voters may provide the name of one nonprofit organization they would like Monson Savings to donate to in 2025. The only requirements are that the organizations be designated a nonprofit and that the organizations provide services within the bank’s geography. The bank allows each person to vote once. Monson Savings then pledges to support the 10 organizations that receive the highest number of votes. The top 10 vote recipients will be announced by mid-January 2025.

Voting is now open and ends at 3 p.m. on Dec. 31. Visitors to the voting page can also view a compiled list of organizations that the bank has supported in years past, as well as previously nominated organizations.

“Monson Savings Bank supports thousands of Western Massachusetts residents each year through our community outreach efforts. By hosting our Community Giving Initiative and gathering input from locals, we make sure that the voice of the community is heard and that the charitable organizations that are important to our community members will be supported by us in the coming year,” said Dan Moriarty, president and CEO of Monson Savings Bank. “This is a tradition that we look forward to each year. We are extremely thankful for the public’s support of this initiative.”

Sisters of Providence Ministry Corp. Names Kim Davis President, CEO

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HOLYOKE — After an extensive search, the Sisters of Providence Ministry Corp. (SPMC) board announced the selection of Kim Davis as its new president and CEO. She begins her new role on Sept. 9.

“Kim Davis is an accomplished executive who brings to the position rich leadership experience in both for-profit and not-for-profit arenas,” said Sr. Kathleen Popko, who chairs the SPMC board of directors. “Importantly, we recognized in Kim a resonance with our mission and values as well as her personal desire to serve others and her commitment to promote and sustain SPMC’s ministries that strive to bring hope and healing to those in need.”

With a career spanning more than three decades, Davis brings vast knowledge and experience in finance, treasury, and accounting, having held leadership positions at prominent financial institutions, including MassMutual, Charles Schwab, and several large commercial banks in locations across the country. Her impressive career journey reflects a strong foundation in financial stewardship and strategic leadership.

Davis received her bachelor of business administration degree in finance and accounting from Texas A&M University and her master’s degree in finance from the University of Houston-Clear Lake in Texas. In addition, she is a certified treasury professional and certified professional controller. Choosing to transition to nonprofit leadership, she most recently served at Wilbraham & Monson Academy for 10 years as chief financial officer.

“I happily and excitedly accept this offer,” Davis said. “I am humbled by the faith that they’re placing in me for this role and look forward to leading in their mission to bring hope and healing. I’m confident that, working with the talented staff, we will continue to develop the outreach of Sisters of Providence.”

Anne Chapdelaine, SPMC COO, added that “it is evident that Kim comes to SPMC with both professional acumen and a heartfelt commitment to her new role. We look forward to the positive impact she undoubtedly will have on SPMC and the communities it serves.”

The Sisters of Providence Ministry Corp. was established in 2013 as a holding company overseeing the operations of subsidiary corporations, namely Providence Place Inc., Mary’s Meadow at Providence Place Inc., Genesis Spiritual Life and Conference Center Inc., Providence Ministries for the Needy Inc., and other properties.

UMass Amherst to Partner with Amherst Survival Center on Campus Food Pantry

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AMHERST — UMass Amherst is forging a long-term partnership with the Amherst Survival Center to establish and run a food pantry on the UMass Amherst campus, the university announced. The pantry will be open to university students and employees experiencing food insecurity.

The pantry, scheduled to open in fall 2025, will be located at 472 North Pleasant St. in Amherst, in the building that formerly housed the Newman Catholic Center, which relocated to a new facility in 2023. The new space will boast ample storage and refrigeration capabilities, easy access by car and bus, and a welcoming environment for pantry shoppers to select from non-perishable and fresh foods, provided by the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, direct donations, as well as purchased items.

As National Hunger Action Month comes to a close, this commitment from UMass Amherst is a recognition that hunger on college campuses is a harsh reality. Nationally, one in three college students face food insecurity. As a community, UMass Amherst believes no one, particularly on campus, should go hungry.

“This partnership with the Amherst Survival Center to address food insecurity among our students represents our campus’s deep commitment to fostering a living-learning environment where our economically disadvantaged students are supported as they strive to achieve their educational goals,” UMass Amherst Chancellor Javier Reyes said. “I am deeply grateful to our students for their relentless advocacy to address this urgent need. This food pantry will have a significant, positive impact on our community.”

The North Pleasant Street location will act as a hub for the Dean of Students Office basic needs initiative, centralizing access to the pantry as well as other campus services, such as the Student Care Supply Closet and the student-run Food Recovery Network, which recovers leftover food from university dining halls and donates it to individuals experiencing food insecurity.

“We want college students focusing on their studies, not worrying about where they will get their next meal, so we are excited to partner with UMass to meet this critical need,” said Lev BenEzra, executive director of the Amherst Survival Center. “The Center has seen skyrocketing levels of need over the past few years, including from UMass students, both on campus and off. This on-campus pantry will serve more students, and serve them better, as it can be tailored to meet their unique needs. I truly applaud the university’s investment in this work and the efforts of the many student leaders who have brought us to this point.”

Monthly Stargazing Program Returns to Springfield Science Museum

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SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Museums and the Springfield STARS Club will present a new season of Stars over Springfield beginning Friday, Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m. at the Springfield Science Museum. Events continue on the first Friday of each month through May. Admission is $5 for Museum and STARS Club members and $7 for non-members.

The long-running beginner’s astronomy program surged in popularity last year, selling out the entire 2023-24 season. Each evening includes a short talk by a local expert, hands-on activities or demonstrations, a full dome show in the Seymour Planetarium featuring both the historic Korkosz starball and a new Zeiss projector, and stargazing in the rooftop observatory. Due to the popularity of these events, registration is required at springfieldmuseums.org.

October’s topic is “Getting Started in Astronomy.” The Science Museum’s astronomy team and volunteers from the STARS Club will share what sparked their love of the night sky and how budding enthusiasts can begin to explore the study of celestial objects like planets, stars, galaxies, comets, and black holes, as well as phenomena that occur in the cosmos.

The Nov. 1 program brings the features of the moon into focus. Using the Science Museum’s 20-inch rooftop telescope, attendees can zoom in on seas, mountain ranges, and, of course, craters. Richard Sanderson, adjunct curator of Physical Science, will share his own iPhone photos of the moon and explain what creates the moon’s stunning surface.

On Dec. 6, the STARS Club will explore the properties of stars along with the shapes and patterns they create in the sky, known as constellations.

The Springfield Telescope and Reflector Society (STARS), founded 1934, is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. Its mission is to inform and motivate people of all ages and backgrounds in the mysteries and science of space at all levels, near and far.

HCC to Present Latinx Fiesta on Oct. 2 for Hispanic Heritage Month

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) will continue its celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month with a Latinx Fiesta on Wednesday, Oct. 2.

The annual event will run from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the second floor of the HCC Campus Center, featuring food, music, and crafts. HCC faculty, staff, and students representing some 20 South American, Latin American, and Caribbean countries will have tables highlighting their individual cultures.

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated nationally each year from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 to recognize the cultural and historical influences of Hispanic Americans. On the HCC campus, starting this year, it is being called Latinx Heritage Month.

HCC will conclude its celebration of Latinx Heritage Month on Wednesday, Oct. 9 with “The Intersections of Deaf and Cultural Identities: Puerto Rican Experiences,” a panel presentation also supporting Deaf Awareness Month, at 11 a.m. in the Leslie Phillips Theater.

Royal Law Attorney Co-hosts Cannabis-industry Panel at National Meeting

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Attorney Elaine Reall, chief legal officer at the Royal Law Firm, spoke at a national conference on cannabis law. Reall, along with Radhi Shah of Zuber Lawler LLP and Lucia de Vernai of Trulieve Inc., discussed the ethics and legalities surrounding the growing cannabis industry. The annual meeting of the National Assoc. of Women & Minority Owned Law Firms was held in Atlanta on Sept. 15-18.

While speaking on this panel, Reall provided insight into the product liability and consumer misrepresentation in industry. Navigating the legalities around any industry can prove challenging, but a new industry with such rapid growth presents a unique set of questions and challenges that require guidance. Strategies for mitigating risks related to evolving state laws, the FDA’s stance, CBD uncertainties, and vaping concerns were discussed, along with guidelines for how business stakeholders should navigate legal risks effectively.

Reall served as city solicitor for Northampton while the first dispensaries were establishing themselves in the city. Due to her municipal experience with regard to the cannabis industry, she has a set of qualifications and knowledge that can be used to guide cannabis-industry professionals.

On Wednesday, Oct. 16, Reall will present a Royal Law Firm seminar, discussing regulatory overview and the impact on cannabis on workplace rules and procedures. This seminar is ideal for human-resources professionals or anyone in a management position, as well as cannabis dispensary owners and managers. Email Heather Child at [email protected] to register or for more information.

PeoplesBank Recognized for Corporate Responsibility, Community Support

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — PeoplesBank has been named a Top Corporate Charitable Contributor by the Boston Business Journal, which also recognized the bank’s employees by listing them as number three in the state for volunteer hours contributed. PeoplesBank was also included in the top three most generous corporate contributors in Western Mass.

“Our emphasis on supporting the community demonstrates the power of a mutual bank,” said Brian Canina, president of PeoplesBank. “Our focus is serving our customers and the communities where they live. The fact that we are not diverting funds to pay stockholders means we can instead invest in nonprofit organizations that improve the quality of life for all.”

Canina noted that he is especially proud of the bank’s associates for their commitment to volunteerism. “Being ranked number three on the list for highest average volunteer hours underscores our value of service. It’s part of our culture. We know that support often translates to more than a donation of money. Often, it means helping in the community or serving on a nonprofit board — and our associates do both in record numbers of hours.”

Matthew Bannister, senior vice president and head of Marketing and Corporate Responsibility, noted that the bank’s charitable impact has soared over the last decade, adding that “we now serve both Connecticut and Massachusetts, and our contributions, both in terms of financial support and volunteerism, have increased correspondingly.” He estimates that the 10-year contribution total is now close to $13 million total when both states are considered.

A sample of Massachusetts organizations supported by PeoplesBank include the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Girls Inc. of the Valley, Spirit of Springfield, and Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services. Connecticut organizations supported by PeoplesBank include the Boys & Girls Club Greater Hartford, Habitat for Humanity of North Central Connecticut, Celebrate! WeHa, and Operation Fuel.

“PeoplesBank exemplifies an exceptional commitment to community by consistently responding to calls for action,” said Shannon Rudder, CEO of Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services (MLKFS) in Springfield. “Their proactive approach and focus on meaningful reinvestments truly strengthen and uplift our evolving neighborhoods. At MLKFS, we deeply appreciate their unwavering support and partnership, and we look forward to a collaborative future that continues to enhance our community.”

AIC Ranks Among Leaders in Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) has been recognized for its outstanding achievement in social mobility, ranking 82nd in the National Universities category of the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings. Within this classification, AIC is the top-performing institution for social mobility in Western Mass. and ranks third in the state, tied with Harvard University.

The U.S. News rankings, which evaluate 1,500 colleges and universities using up to 17 measures of academic quality, serve as a resource for prospective students and families. This year’s edition continues to emphasize social mobility and postgraduate success, two areas in which AIC has maintained a longstanding commitment. AIC’s efforts to create pathways for student advancement are reflected in its top-100 nationwide ranking for the second consecutive year.

Social mobility refers to the ability of individuals to improve their economic and social standing through education and career advancement. By providing access to affordable, high-quality education, AIC enables students — particularly those from underrepresented or economically disadvantaged backgrounds — to achieve greater opportunities and long-term success. The U.S. News social-mobility ranking assesses colleges based on outcomes such as enrolling and graduating students from diverse backgrounds, managing student debt, and the earnings of graduates.

“Now in its 40th year, the Best Colleges rankings remain a trusted source of information for students and families,” said LaMont Jones, managing editor of education at U.S. News. “By highlighting factors like social mobility and postgraduate success, we aim to help students find schools that not only offer a quality education, but also prepare them for a successful, fulfilling future.”

Economically disadvantaged students are less likely to complete college, according to U.S. News. However, institutions like AIC have shown an intentional commitment to increasing educational access and advancing social mobility. This is partly achieved by enrolling and graduating many students who receive federal Pell Grants, with most awarded to students with family incomes under $50,000. For the fall 2023 semester, 53% of AIC’s undergraduate students received Pell Grants.

“Since its founding, AIC has embraced the mission of making education accessible to all, and that mission is stronger today than ever,” interim President Nicolle Cestero said. “We are driven to provide a high-quality education that empowers every student, from every background, to reach their full potential. Education is a powerful catalyst for social mobility and equity, and we are dedicated to ensuring that these opportunities are open to everyone.”

Insurance for Students Inc. Promotes Gina Warga

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Daily News

Gina Warga

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Insurance for Students Inc. (IFS), an insurance agency with an office in West Springfield as well as Delray Beach, Fla., announced the promotion of Gina Warga to director of Marketing and Operations.

Warga has been a valuable member of the team for more than eight years. From creating marketing materials to team support, she has exceeded internal and external client expectations. Her new role will increase her responsibilites as a valued leader at IFS. She is a licensed insurance broker and received a bachelor’s degree from Westfield State University.

Holyoke Community College’s Sharale Mathis Named to National Advisory Board

By
Daily News

Sharale Mathis

HOLYOKE — Sharale Mathis, vice president of Academic and Student Affairs at Holyoke Community College (HCC), has been appointed to a national advisory board for community colleges.

Mathis was invited to join the Commission on Institutional Infrastructure and Transformation of the American Assoc. of Community Colleges (AACC), the primary advocacy group for U.S. community colleges. Her three-year term began July 1 and will run through June 2027.

The AACC’s Commission on Institutional Infrastructure and Transformation focuses on community-college efforts to improve student success, which includes administrative processes, infrastructure, technology, and workforce development.

As vice president of Academic and Student Affairs at HCC, Mathis oversees all academic divisions, as well as student records, the registrar’s office, planning and assessment, student-success programs, library services, advising, career services, transfer affairs, admissions, and financial aid, among others.

She holds a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Hartfield, a master’s degree in biomedical sciences from Quinnipiac University, and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Eastern Connecticut State University. She joined HCC in 2021 after serving as dean of Academic and Student Affairs at Middlesex Community College in Connecticut, where she previously led the STEM division as director.

Comcast Awards $70,000 to Three Organizations to Advance Digital Equity, Learning

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Comcast announced it is awarding a total of $70,000 across three nonprofit organizations in Western Mass. to help provide area residents and students with technology and computer skills training. These grants are a part of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity through programs and community partnerships that connect people to the internet, advance economic mobility, and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and creators.

Tech Goes Home will receive $30,000 to offer its digital-inclusion programs in Holyoke and Springfield, through which participants will complete 15 hours of digital skills training and earn a technology bundle that will include a personal device.

The Urban League of Springfield will receive $20,000 to support its digital learning lab, which provides participants with essential technology and internet skills training, specialty workshops, the Urban League’s Project Ready Mentor and STEM youth programs, and more.

The Boys & Girls Club of Springfield will receive $20,000 to support its e-sports programming, through which participants build social-emotional and STEM skills by engaging in educational, hands-on gaming sessions led by club staff.

“We are grateful to Comcast for supporting our efforts to help close the digital divide in Holyoke and Springfield,” said Daniel Noyes, CEO of Tech Goes Home. “By providing our participants with digital skills trainings and their own devices, we’re able to prepare them to navigate school, work, and life. We are excited to see the impact we can make in Western Massachusetts, thanks to the support from Comcast.”

Added Carolyne Hannan, senior vice president of Comcast’s New England region, “we understand the critical role that the internet plays in contributing to a future of unlimited possibilities for everyone across Western Massachusetts. In today’s world, digital literacy is essential to success, which is why we continue to support programs that empower individuals to explore and understand digital media platforms and technical capabilities to set them up for their professional futures.”

Tickets Available for Healthcare Heroes Gala on Oct. 17

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest and the Healthcare News will celebrate this year’s eight Healthcare Heroes on Thursday, Oct. 17 starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Log Cabin in Holyoke.

The class of 2024, profiled in the Sep. 16 issue and at businesswest.com, includes Dr. Andrew Balder, attending physician, Baystate Mason Square Neighborhood Health Center; Lucinda Canty, associate professor of Nursing and director of the Seedworks Health Equity Program, UMass Amherst; Bernice Drumheller, past president, NAMI Western Massachusetts; Peta-Gaye Johnson, director of Healthcare Workforce Initiatives, MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board; Margaret King, occupational therapist, Baystate Medical Center; Alexa Mignano, director of School-Based Clinical Services, River Valley Counseling Center; Dr. Laki Rousou, chief of Thoracic Surgery, chief of Robotic Surgery, and medical director of the Lung Cancer Screening Program, Mercy Medical Center; and Janet Williams, professor of Biology, Elms College.

Tickets cost $95, and tables of 10 are available. To purchase tickets, visit businesswest.com/healthcare-heroes-tickets. Presenting sponsors include Baystate Health/Health New England and Elms College. Partner sponsors include Trinity Health Of New England/Mercy Medical Center and Holyoke Medical Center.

Wilbraham Balances Growth, Small-town Feel

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Mike and Barbara Trombley returned to Wilbraham for its quality of life — and to be the succession plan for the financial-services firm started by Mike’s father.
Community Spotlight

Community Spotlight

Mike and Barbara Trombley returned to Wilbraham for its quality of life — and to be the succession plan for the financial-services firm started by Mike’s father.

Mike and Barbara Trombley returned to Wilbraham for its quality of life — and to be the succession plan for the financial-services firm started by Mike’s father.

Like many young people who grow up in Western Mass., Mike Trombley left this region to start his professional career and then returned because of the quality of life it affords.

His story, and his career, have not been like most others, though.

Indeed, Trombley, who excelled on the baseball diamond at Minnechaug Regional High School in Wilbraham, would go on to play to play at Duke and be drafted by the Minnesota Twins.

Mostly a relief pitcher — with a career record of 37-47 and a high of 24 saves in 1995 — he played for the Twins, Orioles, and, briefly, the Dodgers until 2002. Living in Florida with his wife, Barbara, and three children after his playing days were over, he dabbled in real estate and managed to survive relatively unscathed when the market collapsed.

By 2009, the Trombleys decided that Florida wasn’t really for them, so they relocated to Wilbraham to live and essentially become the succession plan for Mike’s father, Ray Trombley, who founded the financial-services firm Trombley Associates in 1965.

The Wilbraham Mike returned to was and is very much like the one he left, meaning it has maintained its small-town charm and rural character — there are more than 20 farms within the community.

But there have been some significant changes, including the mailing address for the Trombley firm — Post Office Park on Route 20, a business park that includes the Scantic Valley YMCA, a post office (hence the name), and dozens of businesses — as well as many new businesses along that thoroughfare. There have also been some changes on Main Street and just off it, including the town’s new senior center, which was a dozen years in the making, and a new mixed-use development that includes several apartments, a brewery, a restaurant, and a wine-and-cheese shop.

This combination of small-time charm and an eclectic business community makes Wilbraham an attractive community, one where residents sometimes take all they have for granted but shouldn’t, Mike said.

“This is the quintessential New England town; any time anyone would go down Main Street and see Wilbraham & Monson Academy and the Village Store … it’s just a picturesque postcard driving through town.”

“It’s very interesting seeing Wilbraham as an adult. I grew up in this town, then left to go to go to college and play baseball; we were away a long time and came back. To see it as an adult … Barbara said to me, and it’s true, ‘Wilbraham is a charming town.’

“I’m a big fan of New England,” he went on. “And this is the quintessential New England town; any time anyone would go down Main Street and see Wilbraham & Monson Academy and the Village Store … it’s just a picturesque postcard driving through town, especially at this time of year, and I appreciate it much more as an adult.”

This is the message the town’s Economic Development Committee is trying to put out — or, at least, part of the message.

Indeed, the commission has ramped up efforts to let it be known that this community of almost 15,000 people is open for business and has plenty to offer those who wish to set up shop here.

That list includes a single tax rate, one lower for businesses than neighboring Springfield (and some other communities, for that matter); busy Route 20, which is already home to dozens of businesses, with room for many more; access to other neighboring communities; proximity to what will be a totally reimagined Eastfield Mall; that aforementioned quality of life; and, coming sometime soon, a town-owned fiber network that will bring faster and more reliable service to residents and businesses alike.

“We have many attractive selling points here in Wilbraham,” said Mike Mazzuca, chair of the Economic Development Committee. “And we’re going to work harder to make sure businesses are aware of all that we have to offer.”

For this, the latest installment of its Community Spotlight series, BusinessWest takes an in-depth look at Wilbraham and its ongoing, and quite successful, efforts to balance its rural character with needed business growth.

 

Getting Down to Business

Brady Suomala is a senior at Minnechaug High, captain of the soccer team, and … an intern with the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce, which counts Wilbraham among the five communities it serves.

Since coming aboard just after school started, Suomala, who is focusing his internship on marketing and graphics, has been visiting many businesses in town with chamber Executive Director Grace Barone. He’s been talking with their graphics and marketing people about their work and possible career paths, while also, in some cases, gauging their marketing needs and whether the chamber might be of any assistance.

He’s stopped by a few banks, and recently visited with Sandy Polom, owner of the Scented Garden Gift Shoppe, located in the Wilbraham Shops on Route 20, who is coming up on her five-year anniversary of buying the business and is planning a celebration.

Brady Suomala

As an intern with the ERC5 Chamber of Commerce, high-school senior Brady Suomala is gaining unique insight into Wibraham’s business community.

Suomala’s work to date relates the importance of internships like his to introducing young people to the world of work, while also introducing them to businesses and possible careers. It also helps tell the story of Wilbraham’s business community, which, as noted, is both diverse — with a blend of local companies and regional and even national chains (like Home Depot) — and deep, with many businesses, like Trombley Associates, the Scented Garden, Rice’s Fruit Farm, and many others having well-established roots.

Indeed, the Scented Garden has been a mainstay in the community, and region, for more than 30 years now.

“We reached out to businesses at the mall and were successful in bringing a few here.”

Polom, who had been in medical and pharmaceutical sales for 26 years, was looking for a change, and less travel, and bought the business five years ago.

That was just a few months before COVID, which wound up essentially shutting her down for three and half months.

“That was a little scary, to say the least,” she said, adding that the pause, while unwelcome, gave her an opportunity to refresh the store and make some needed changes. Upon reopening, she has been continuously buoyed by local support — a running theme among business owners in town — but also shoppers from neighboring communities and those passing through along Route 20 or stopping in to other businesses in the shops.

They’re drawn to her mix of gift items, from women’s and children’s clothing to jewelry to home items, with a focus on products made in this country.

As for Trombley Associates, it has been a nice, but not easy, transition for Mike and a solid second career, one where Barbara, a CPA by trade, is his business partner.

Barbara, a frequent contributor of articles to BusinessWest on the many aspects of financial planning, handles the tax side of the business, but also shares the financial-planning work with Mike.

Wilbraham at a glance

Year Incorporated: 1763
Population: 14,613
Area: 22.4 square miles
County: Hampden
Residential Tax Rate: $18.50
Commercial Tax Rate: $18.50
Median Household Income: $65,014
Median Family Income: $73,825
Type of government: Board of Selectmen, Open Town Meeting
Largest Employers: Baystate Wing Wilbraham Medical Center; Friendly Ice Cream Corp.; Big Y; Home Depot; Wilbraham & Monson Academy
*Latest information available

Together, they have grown the client portfolio and, overall, continued a business that traces it roots back 60 years.

“I think my father would be very proud that we’ve carried the torch and, hopefully, made it better in his eyes,” Mike said.

The broad goal for the town’s Economic Development Committee is to help write more success stories like these in Wilbraham, said Mazzuca, adding that the mixed-use project on Main Street, which now includes several apartments, Pafumi’s on Main restaurant, the Guilty Grape wine-and-cheese store, and Scantic River Brewery, has generated momentum in efforts to bring more businesses, and vibrancy, to what would be considered the community’s downtown, the Main Street area.

Meanwhile, Wilbraham has become more focused on promoting itself and its assets and attracting more businesses. The town was successful is recruiting two of the former tenants of the Eastfield Mall — the Mall Barber and School of Fish, an aquarium store — for some of the reasons stated earlier, such as location and proximity to Route 20.

“We reached out to businesses at the mall and were successful in bringing a few here,” said Mazzuca, “because this is a great place to do business.”

Jeff Smith, vice chair of the Economic Development Committee and a small-business owner himself, agreed. He said the town’s single tax rate has incentivized Home Depot and other businesses to locate in town, and there are many other assets as well.

“We have a lot of open space — the trail systems are extensive, and we have two fantastic farms that put on all kinds of activities in the fall,” he explained. “There’s also water, sewer, access to Route 20, and a very business-friendly town government.”

As for the planned new Eastfield Mall … there are still many questions to be answered on that project, but if it is redeveloped as planned, with a mix of local and national stores and restaurant chains, it should bring more traffic through and into Wilbraham.

“If the stores that are proposed to go up do go up, that will draw more people into the area,” Mazzuca said. “For people going to the Eastfield Mall, when it’s time to go to a restaurant, you’ll have more people coming to Wilbraham. We have fantastic restaurants here, and in addition, some of our niche shops are spectacular.”

 

Bottom Line

Returning to those thoughts he had about how he appreciates Wilbraham even more now than when he was growing up there, Mike Trombley said that, overall, little has changed beyond that appreciation level.

“There’s no way you can avoid progress, which is a good thing, but the town has kept its home-town feel, which is good, too,” he said, noting, as others did, that this community has much to offer — to residents, yes, but also to those who want to get down to business here.

 

Conference Brings Together Library, Lawyers for Civil Rights

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Entrepreneurship

Tools to Grow

Roz Freeman recognizes and values the connection between civil rights and economic justice, which is why she’s gratified by the work being done by BizGrow, an arm of Massachusetts-based Lawyers for Civil Rights (LCR).

LCR was born during the Civil Rights era, said Freeman, entrepreneurship manager for Lawyers for Civil Rights, noting that it sprung from the broader, national movement known as the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. “We work through the law to fight for justice. We have a team of litigators who litigate civil rights in collaboration with law firms that are doing pro bono work to support these cases.”

LCR was created in 1968 (more on that later), but about 20 years ago, it established BizGrow, which provides free legal assistance, business support, and technical assistance to minority, immigrant, and women business owners, aiming to ensure they encounter fewer obstacles and more opportunities. Assistance can come in many areas, including starting a business, growing an enterprise, shifting ownership, managing transactional issues, or any other challenge small businesses are faced with.

Now, LCR has launched a new partnership with Springfield City Library aimed at transforming the support landscape for small-business owners and entrepreneurs in and around the city. The collaboration will kick off with the free BizGrow Conference on Thursday, Oct. 10 from noon to 4 p.m. at the library, located at 220 State St.

At the BizGrow Conference, modeled after a similar annual event in Boston, current and aspiring small-business owners will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with volunteer attorneys for free legal advice, connect with local and state organizations that provide essential resources and support to small businesses, and network with other local business owners. Dozens of business owners and entrepreneurs, pro bono attorneys, and providers of business technical assistance are expected to attend.

Roz Freeman

Roz Freeman

“We work through the law to fight for justice. We have a team of litigators who litigate civil rights in collaboration with law firms that are doing pro bono work to support these cases.”

“We are thrilled to deepen our connections to Springfield and offer this valuable event to the small-business community,” said Priya Lane, BizGrow director at Lawyers for Civil Rights. “Free legal support and business networking are crucial tools to help close the opportunity gap and fuel the small businesses that are the engines of our Commonwealth.”

 

Birth of a Notion

LCR traces its national roots back to June 1963, when President John F. Kennedy and Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy met with 250 leading American lawyers at the White House to discuss the role lawyers could and should play in the deepening civil-rights crisis.

The nation recently had been shaken by television and news accounts of police-led violence against peaceful demonstrations led by Martin Luther King Jr., and by the spectacle of U.S. Army intervention to enforce court orders requiring the University of Alabama to admit Black students against a defiant Gov. George Wallace.

The Kennedy brothers made an appeal to the lawyers to mobilize the voice and work of the legal profession to support the struggle for civil rights in the nation. Locally, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law of the Boston Bar Assoc. was formed in 1968. Funded with a grant from the Ford Foundation and contributions from major Boston law firms, it became the first of eight independent affiliates of the national Lawyers’ Committee. The only Lawyers’ Committee in the country affiliated with a major bar association, it rebranded as Lawyers for Civil Rights in 2018.

But before that, BizGrow developed from a recognition that social justice also means economic opportunity, and LCR had a role to play there as well.

Priya Lane

Priya Lane

“Free legal support and business networking are crucial tools to help close the opportunity gap and fuel the small businesses that are the engines of our Commonwealth.”

“After many years, we wanted to connect fighting for justice with economic justice and wealth creation for disadvantaged communities,” Freeman explained. “Lawyers for Civil Rights and BizGrow partner with law firms that provide pro bono opportunities to support small businesses. Businesses, in turn, get a free legal network to support them.”

Sheila Coon, owner of Hot Oven Cookies, which has locations in Sprngfield and Chicopee, speaks well of her experiences working with lawyers through LCR, and says others should reach out.

“The attorneys I’ve connected with through LCR and BizGrow have been invaluable to solving key issues for my small business,” she noted. “I am so excited that this amazing resource is coming to Springfield.”

Hot Oven is just one of roughly 1,600 different businesses Lawyers for Civil Rights has worked with in 2024 alone through workshops, free legal clinics, and its Boston conference, Freeman told BusinessWest.

And many one-on-one connections made at the conference between entrepreneurs and attorneys will be forged before the event itself, to ensure that each volunteer lawyer has the background needed to help a particular business owner.

“We match businesses with the right attorneys in the area; we talk ahead of time to make sure the questions are clear and they’re able to make most of the meeting with the attorney during the conference,” she explained. “Then, if they need long-term legal representation, we can make a match for free legal support. Any questions that don’t get answered within a 30-minute session during the conference, we can follow up with support.”

 

Support for the Journey

Of course, BizGrow’s presence in Springfield will extend well beyond one conference.

“We are reaching out to small-business owners to make sure they’re getting the wraparound supports that businesses need. So we offer workshops and legal clinics, too,” Freeman said. “But the reason for the in-person conference is we want to not only bring resources on the ground in Springfield, but also provide a networking opportunity for small businesses. That’s why we partnered with the library.

“Fifteen different small-business resource partners will be there. So entrepreneurs can come to the event and get the support they need and make connections with many of those business resources in the region,” she added. “We’re looking to support Western Mass. businesses in a way we haven’t before.”

The partnership with Lawyers for Civil Rights promises to be “a fantastic opportunity for Springfield’s small-business community,” said Elizabeth McKinstry, programming and training librarian for the 167-year-old Springfield City Library.

“We are thrilled to host the BizGrow Conference and bring such vital resources to our local entrepreneurs,” she added. “For many small-business owners, access to legal advice and business networks can be a game changer. We are hopeful this event will have a lasting impact on the growth of small businesses in our community.”

To register for the BizGrow Conference Springfield, visit bit.ly/BizGrowSpringfield2024.

Stay Safe by Preparing for Holiday Driving Season

By Contributor
Insurance

Rules of the Road

By Jack Dowd

 

Holiday season, which will ramp up over the next few months, is peak travel time. “From Atlantic to Pacific / Gee, the traffic is terrific,” goes the song, and it’s about 10 times truer today than it was when Perry Como sang it in 1954. The more people on the road, the more important it is to take extra care preparing for your trip and driving with safety in mind.

 

Preparation Is Key

90% of safe travel is in the planning. Even if you’ve driven to grandmother’s house more times than you can count, it’s still essential to run through a safety checklist before you hit the road.

 

Auto Insurance

Make sure your auto or motorcycle insurance policy is up to date and has the coverage you need. The rates of accidents spike during the holiday season, and even the most careful drivers can find themselves in dangerous situations. It’s best to be sure you’re covered.

Jack Dowd

Jack Dowd

“The one guaranteed result of road rage is regret. Don’t leap at the opportunity to join in on someone else’s bad judgment.”

 

License and Registration, Please

And pack proof of insurance while you’re at it. Again, despite a careful driver’s best efforts, accidents do happen, so be sure you’ve got an active driver’s license, current registration, and proof of insurance at the ready. We know you’ll follow all state and local speed limits, of course, so we won’t even bother to discuss that here.

 

Roadside Assistance

Whether you have roadside assistance through your insurance agency, your bank, a cell-phone carrier, or AAA, make sure your policy is active before you set out on your trip. If you choose not to participate in a roadside assistance program, be sure you have all the tools you need to change a tire or take care of any other minor repair en route. While you’re at it, check your spare and be sure it’s properly inflated and in good condition.

 

Basic Car Maintenance

If you’ve been putting off an oil change and haven’t checked your tire pressure in a while, take a little time to get your car ready for the long haul. Check the levels of oil, coolant, windshield fluid, and brake fluid. Test your lights, including turn signals, taillights, reverse lights, and the low and high beams on your headlights. Bring your tires up to their recommended PSI. Make sure your wipers work well and your windows are clean.

 

Know Where You’re Going

Don’t be too dependent on your phone to tell you where to go. Review your route carefully before you leave, and note some of the key milestones, exits, and turns. Heaven forbid you lose cell service, overshoot a turn, and miss the turkey!

 

Watch the Weather

Keep an eye on the weather forecasts for all the regions you’ll pass through along the way. Watch out for storm warnings and predictions of rain, snow, and ice. If it looks like a major storm will impact your route, seriously consider delaying the trip until it’s cleared. If you’re traveling through steep or mountainous terrain, or roads that tend not to be cleared regularly, bring tire chains with you or put your snow tires on before you leave.

 

Charge Your Devices

Start your drive with a fully charged phone. Bring along both a car charger and a rechargeable battery pack. That way, should your car break down, you can still keep your phone charged to call emergency services, friends, relatives, hotels, or airlines.

 

Keep a Calm State of Mind

When it comes to safe holiday driving, getting there is what’s important. Don’t worry about getting there before the car in the other lane or teaching that tailgater a lesson. It’s not a contest, and it’s not a race. The one guaranteed result of road rage is regret. Don’t leap at the opportunity to join in on someone else’s bad judgment. Maintain a smooth, safe speed; drive carefully; and visualize grandma’s apple pie. Relaxing music also goes a long way.

 

Mind the Speed Limit

Should you still be tempted to drive aggressively to make up time, get ready for a big surprise. According to AAA, speeding accomplishes nothing of the sort. If you drive 65 mph on a 45 mph-posted road for five miles, the most you will save is a whopping 1.9 minutes — not exactly worth risking your life or the lives of others. Keep cool and prioritize arriving in one piece.

 

Jack Dowd is vice president of the Dowd Agencies in Holyoke.

State Expands Job-training Programs for Homeless Individuals

By Contributor
Manufacturing

Innovative Strategy

The Healey-Driscoll administration recently announced the expansion of job-training programs for individuals who face barriers to employment, including those staying in Emergency Assistance (EA) shelters. These programs are part of the administration’s efforts to meet the needs of the state’s employers who are looking to hire skilled talent and connect individuals experiencing homelessness with the training they need to get jobs and move out of shelters into more stable housing.

The administration has created a new ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) for Employment program to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with ESOL training, job-placement programs, and career wrap-around services. Eligible applicants, including community-based organizations, training providers, employers, community colleges, and industry associations, can apply at the Commonwealth Corp. website, commcorp.org/funding. The program is open to work-authorized individuals who are eligible for EA, which includes both long-term Massachusetts families and newly arrived immigrant families.

“Training and job-placement programs provide more access to underserved communities while helping our businesses stay competitive.”

“Employers across Massachusetts have job openings in high-demand fields like healthcare, manufacturing, human services, and hospitality. We also have individuals in EA shelter who have their work authorizations, who want to contribute to our communities and economy, and who want to move their families out of shelter into more stable housing,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “These programs help us meet all of those needs by providing EA residents with the training they need to succeed in the workplace and connecting them directly with employers who are hiring. We’re grateful to the Legislature for their continued partnership as we work to lessen the strain on the EA system and strengthen our economy.”

Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll added that “training and job-placement programs provide more access to underserved communities while helping our businesses stay competitive. We know language is a barrier to employment, and that’s why the administration has launched a cross-secretariat effort to increase ESOL programs across the state, which will improve worker skills and productivity for our businesses.”

The administration has also made additional funding available for current Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund (WCTF) awardees to incorporate additional cohorts or slots into pre-existing, currently active grants, including Kenneth Donnelly Success grants, ESOL Continuation grants, and Healthcare and Behavioral Health Hub grants. The WCTF invests in initiatives aimed at increasing access to well-paying jobs for residents facing employment barriers and improving the competitive stature of Massachusetts businesses by enhancing worker skills and productivity.

The funding for these programs was provided for in the April 2024 supplemental budget and distributed by Commonwealth Corp.

Additionally, the Division of Apprentice Standards (DAS) has made $500,000 available for training programs for individuals and families in the Emergency Assistance program or in temporary respite sites across the state.

“The Healey-Driscoll administration has been intentional in our efforts to connect work-authorized individuals with job training and placement, and these grants will help this effort by providing necessary workforce supports for some of our most vulnerable residents,” Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones said. “We look forward to working with applicants as they provide vital ESOL training and help individuals and families foster economic stability.”

Commonwealth Corp. President and CEO Molly Jacobson added that “this funding will support employers, training providers, and regional partners breaking down barriers for thousands of job seekers, particularly those experiencing homelessness.”

Hired Hand Signs Wins Manufacturing Leadership Award

By Contributor
Manufacturing

Craft and Community

 

 

On Sept. 25, Hired Hand Signs of Turners Falls received an award for Outstanding Leadership Skills in the Manufacturing Industry at the ninth annual Manufacturing Awards Ceremony, presented by the Massachusetts Legislative Manufacturing Caucus.

Over the last decade, Jess Marsh Wissemann has built her sign shop and her career from the ground up. Her unique, hand-painted signs can now be found adorning independent businesses in the Pioneer Valley and across New England.

This award is part of the Massachusetts Manufacturing Mash-Up, and the ceremony, held at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, was hosted by the Massachusetts Legislative Manufacturing Caucus and other key partners. State Sen. Jo Comerford and state Rep. Natalie Blais nominated Hired Hand Signs for this award.

Marsh Wissemann started painting signs when she couldn’t find anyone to create quality signage for her family’s farmstand. She has always been ambitious, so she picked up a paintbrush and did the work herself.

Jess Marsh Wissemann

Jess Marsh Wissemann

“As a signmaker, I’m passionate about elevating our region’s streetscapes with beautiful storefronts. Having my work recognized with this manufacturing award was an incredible surprise.”

Working as a traditional sign painter, she is on a mission to bring artistry and craftsmanship back to the sign industry. She noted that vinyl and digitally printed signs, while cheap and efficient to produce, don’t have the longevity and inherent character of hand-crafted signs. And, unfortunately, they cannot be restored when they start to peel and fade — they are destined for landfills. Marsh Wissemann provides an alternative for businesses wishing to distinguish themselves with signage that is produced the traditional way, with time-honored techniques and materials.

She also believes that streetscapes are defined by the character of their signage, and that protecting and reviving historic signs and hand-crafting new signage with care and craftsmanship for brick-and-mortar businesses is vital to maintain a thriving community. Through her robust social-media presence and appearances on television, she documents her process and her adventures in sign saving and sign making, with the aim of preserving the legacy of hand-painted signage and inspiring people to care about the places they live.

“As a signmaker, I’m passionate about elevating our region’s streetscapes with beautiful storefronts. Having my work recognized with this manufacturing award was an incredible surprise,” said Marsh Wissemann, who also co-created Mike’s Maze at Warner Farm in Sunderland with her husband and farm owner, Mike Wisseman. “I’m honored and humbled. It is immensely gratifying to know that my effort is making a positive impact on my community.”

Comerford said she was pleased to recognize Marsh Wisseman’s art and the value it brings to independent businesses across Western Mass. “Jess is an example to us all for her work to inspire people to invest deeply into the places they live. She is more than deserving of this Outstanding Leadership Skills in Manufacturing award.”

Blais added that the award “recognizes Jess as a visionary placemaker whose hand-painted signs are helping to define our downtowns.”