Home 2024 (Page 15)

Year: 2024

$6 Million Bond to Help Square One Rebuild Early-education Center

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — MassDevelopment has issued a $6 million tax-exempt bond on behalf of Springfield Day Nursery Corp., which does business as Square One, to help the organization buy a 1.53-acre parcel at 947 Main St. in Springfield, where it will build a 26,000-square-foot early-education center.

The new building will be situated at the site of the organization’s former long-time location that was destroyed by a tornado in 2011. It will feature four early learning classrooms — including one room for 24-hour care — workforce-development programming for families, early-childhood mental-health services, family-support programs, and administrative offices. Construction began in June 2024 and is expected to be completed in spring 2025.

The tax-exempt bond, purchased by PB Partners Inc., an affiliate of PeoplesBank, helped Square One achieve a lower cost of capital. The project is also being supported by funding from new-market tax credits, state and city grant awards, and a capital campaign.

“Square One has a long legacy of providing early education and childcare in Springfield, supporting families and strengthening the local economy,” said Dan O’Connell, acting MassDevelopment president and CEO. “MassDevelopment is pleased to partner with PeoplesBank on delivering tax-exempt bond financing that will help the organization rebuild and restore key programming and services at its former home in Springfield’s South End neighborhood.”

Brian Canina, president of PeoplesBank, added that “PeoplesBank has a long history of supporting organizations in Springfield, and the region, who are working to make life better for their community, and our support of Square One has been a constant through the years. A good relationship with a bank goes so far beyond dollars and cents, beyond term loans and lines of credit. It goes back to the people and an unwavering belief in the mission. We believe in Square One, their people, and their mission, and we are proud to play a role in their bright future.”

MassDevelopment has previously supported Springfield Day Nursery, beginning in 2001, by providing loan financing to help the company renovate facilities in the city.

“We are so grateful to MassDevelopment and PeoplesBank for providing the financial support we need to expand our reach and positively impact the lives of more children and families in our region,” Square One President and CEO Dawn DiStefano said. “We believe this project clearly reflects the investment needed to close the opportunity gap in our region, providing children with a foundation for long-term success and economic stability for families and businesses.”

Nominations Now Being Accepted for Women of Impact Class of 2024

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest is now accepting nominations for the seventh annual Women of Impact awards.

In 2018, BusinessWest created the Women of Impact program as a way to honor women in the region who are making an impact and creating positive change. Women of Impact was chosen as the name for the program because, while nominees can hail from the world of business, they can also emerge from other realms, such as the nonprofit community, public service, law enforcement, education, social work, the mentorship community, a combination of these — in short, we’re recognizing inspirational women on any level. Since its inception, the women honored through this program have been successful, inspiring, and most importantly, impactful.

Consider nominating someone for this prestigious award. Nominations for the class of 2024 are due by Monday, Sept. 2 at 5 p.m., and the honorees will be announced in the Oct. 14 issue of BusinessWest. Nominations should be written with one underlying mission: to explain why the individual in question is, indeed, a woman of impact.

Visit businesswest.com/women-of-impact-nominations for additional information and a nomination form. The 2024 Women of Impact presenting sponsors are Country Bank and TommyCar Auto Group. For more information, call Natasha Mercado-Santana, Marketing and Events manager, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or email [email protected].

Northern Tier Passenger Rail Study Released for Public Comment

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Daily News

BOSTON — On Aug. 13, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation released the draft Northern Tier Passenger Rail Study for public comment.

This report covers the benefits, costs, and investments necessary to implement passenger rail service from North Adams to Greenfield and Boston. Constituent input and advocacy have already been instrumental in demonstrating the significance of this rail service for the region and the Commonwealth.

The 60-day public comment period will end on Saturday, Oct. 12.

The draft study report is available by clicking here. It includes several options, from all-electric service to a fully local option.

To submit public comments regarding the study report, click here.

Following the 60-day public comment period, the report will incorporate comments received and will be finalized. More information on the Northern Tier Passenger Rail Study is available by clicking here.

The Northern Tier Passenger Rail Study has been an ongoing process instigated and propelled by legislation passed by state Sen. Jo Comerford in July 2019. This work builds on and has been bolstered by the work of local advocates and planners, including Trains in the Valley and the Franklin Regional Council of Governments, as well as the constituents who remember passenger rail service along Route 2.

MountainOne President, CEO Robert Fraser Chairs Massachusetts Bankers Assoc.

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Daily News

Robert Fraser

NORTH ADAMS — MountainOne announced that President and CEO Robert Fraser was elected as chair of the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. (MBA), a one-year post that began on July 1.

In welcoming Fraser as the 2024-25 chair, Kathleen Murphy, president and CEO of the MBA, noted that “Bob is a demonstrated community partner, and we are thrilled to welcome him to this role. We appreciate his leadership for our organization, especially as we work to continue to support and advance our industry within the Commonwealth.”

Fraser explained that key focus areas already in full swing for 2024-25 include creating greater awareness of the role of banks and their positive impact on communities across the Commonwealth and expanding the association’s engagement with the industry’s emerging leaders.

“I am honored to have been elected to the position of chair by my peers,” said Fraser, who joined MountainOne in 2007 and has served as its President and CEO since 2014. “I truly enjoy working with our members and with the Mass Bankers professional staff team to achieve the strategic priorities for the association.”

Founded in 1905, the MBA is the only association representing FDIC-insured community, regional, and nationwide banks serving consumer and business clients across the Commonwealth.

Springfield Rescue Mission to Hold New Life Gala on Sept. 14 at the Log Cabin

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Rescue Mission (SRM) will host its New Life Gala on Saturday, Sept. 14 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. The event will serve as the kickoff to a major fundraising campaign supporting the development of a new Women’s Program Initiative, through which SRM will offer life-saving programs for women experiencing homelessness in Greater Springfield. Funds raised at the event will also support SRM’s New Life programs, which help local men experiencing homelessness take meaningful steps toward becoming responsible and productive members of the community.

Attendees will enjoy an elegant dinner, silent auction, and performances throughout the evening by Westfield’s Madison Curbelo, who was a finalist on season 25 of The Voice. The singer-songwriter graduated from the Berklee College of Music and specializes in acoustic pop music and putting her own spin on her favorite classic songs.

“We are hoping for a full house for what promises to be a beautiful night of fine food, amazing music, and inspiring conversation,” said Kevin Ramsdell, executive director and CEO of Springfield Rescue Mission. “Our theme for the evening is ‘A Time to Build’ as we turn our focus to expanding our services for men and adding new programs for women in our community.”

Tickets cost $150 per person or $1,250 for a table of 10 (a savings of $250). A variety of sponsorship opportunities are also available, and donations of goods and services for the silent auction are welcome. To buy tickets or learn more about sponsorship packages, donations and auction items, click here.

The Springfield Rescue Mission offers much-needed services for the poor and people experiencing homelessness in Greater Springfield. Services provided free of charge include an emergency shelter, mobile feeding program, rehabilitation/transformation center, transitional living facility, clothing, medical attention, Christian counseling, financial literacy, workforce development, high-school equivalency, higher-educational opportunities, and more.

United Way of Pioneer Valley’s Stuff the Bus Delivery Day Is Aug. 22

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The wheels on the bus go round and round, all through the towns.

Following weeks of sorting donated school supplies and working with volunteers to pack hundreds of colorful backpacks, the United Way of Pioneer Valley has scheduled Stuff the Bus delivery day for Thursday, Aug. 22.

The organization will be stuffing the bus at 8:30 a.m. at its Springfield United Way office and departing at 9:30 a.m. to deliver to 15 school districts.

The United Way is grateful to AAA Northeast, Balise Auto, Peter Pan Bus Lines, Steve Lewis Subaru, and Western Mass News for hosting collection sites, and to Eversource, MGM Springfield, Monson Savings Bank, Health New England, and community volunteers for their help with this initiative. The nonprofit is also appreciative of all the local businesses, their employees, and community members for their generous donations of school supplies and their time.

Food Bank to Host Voices in Food Equity Event at BCC on Aug. 21

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Daily News

PITTSFIELD — The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts will host its third Voices in Food Equity event on Wednesday, Aug. 21 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Berkshire Community College (BCC) in Pittsfield.

The panel discussion will bring together community leaders and residents to discuss school- and college-age food insecurity in the region. The event is sponsored by Adams Community Bank, Berkshire Community College, Guido’s Fresh Marketplace, Stone House, and Wheeler & Taylor.

Voices in Food Equity will feature prominent voices in food equity who will share their insights and experiences specifically addressing food insecurity for children, youth, and college students.

“I am excited to moderate the Voices in Food Equity. Together we can brainstorm solutions addressing food insecurity and food inequity in our most vulnerable population,” said Mary Feuer, director of WIC and Family Services at Community Health Programs Inc., Berkshires, and a member of the Food Bank board of directors. “Everyone deserves to have access to and to eat healthy nutritious, culturally diverse foods of their choosing.”

Panelists include Lois Daunis, president of the Al Nelson Friendship Center Food Pantry board of directors; Aaron Oster, instructional program manager for Food, Culture, and the Local Community at BCC; Jenny Schwartz, Operations manager and volunteer coordinator at Berkshire Bounty; and Jess Vecchia, executive director and co-founder of Roots Rising.

A Q&A session will follow the discussion. Refreshments will be provided by Guido’s Marketplace. There will be opportunities to network, meet the panelists, and talk with Food Bank staff at the end of the evening.

“We invite everyone who is concerned or passionate about food equity to join us for an evening of thoughtful dialogue and networking,” said Andrew Morehouse, executive director of the Food Bank. “Together, we can create a Western Massachusetts where no one faces food insecurity and everyone always has access to nutritious food.”

The event will be held in the Connector at BCC, located between Hawthorne Hall and Melville Hall. It is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Visit foodbankwma.org to reserve a spot.

Edward Jones Welcomes Jennifer Ewers as Financial Advisor

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Daily News

Jennifer Ewers

NORTHAMPTON — Edward Jones Financial Advisor Laura Townes announced that a new financial advisor, Jennifer Ewers, has joined her office at 6 Market St. in Northampton.

“I’m looking forward to working with Laura Townes and Joanne Saraiva and meeting investors in this area,” Ewers said. “I admire their commitment to doing what’s right for clients, and I believe working with them will make me a better financial advisor.”

Tech Foundry Announces Orientation of Fall 2024 Cohort

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Celebrating its 10th anniversary as the region’s leading IT workforce-development organization, Tech Foundry welcomed its fall 2024 cohort of student members on Aug. 12 and 14. The orientation marked the beginning of an intensive, 18-week IT-support training program for aspiring IT professionals.

The fall 2024 cohort will embark on a comprehensive program that blends technical skills development with professional growth and career readiness. The hybrid program features both online and in-person sessions, including classes, hands-on labs, real-world projects, and professional-development workshops, all supported by a dedicated team of Tech Foundry staff. Student members also have the opportunity to earn a Google IT certificate and access discounted certification exams, including CompTIA.

“We are thrilled to welcome the fall 2024 cohort and look forward to seeing their growth and success,” said Tricia Canavan, CEO of Tech Foundry. “This cohort is especially exciting as we’ll train our 500th student. As we mark 10 years of service to the community, we’re proud of Tech Foundry’s impact in both creating valuable career pathways for students while contributing to regional economic development by addressing critical workforce needs.”

Since its founding in 2014, Tech Foundry has been committed to bridging the tech talent gap by equipping individuals with essential skills for successful IT careers. With the continued support of industry partners and dedicated instructors, Tech Foundry remains dedicated to fostering a more inclusive and skilled tech community.

Freedom Credit Union Announces Free Community Shred Days on Sept. 7, 14

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Freedom Credit Union is offering the opportunity for Western Mass. residents to securely purge unwanted paperwork. In cooperation with PROSHRED Springfield, Freedom is offering free Community Shred Days at four of its branches this fall.

On Saturday, Sept. 7, shred events will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at 1976 Memorial Dr., Chicopee, and from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 645 Center St., Ludlow.

On Saturday, Sept. 14, shred events will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at 54 Fair St., Northampton, and from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 74 Main St., Greenfield.

The public is invited to bring old bills, bank statements, tax returns, and other sensitive documents for free, quick, secure on-site shredding. Members and non-members alike may bring up to five file boxes or paper bags per vehicle. There is no charge for this service.

Honorees Announced for Inaugural Age of Excellence Awards

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Glenmeadow announced the recipients of its inaugural Age of Excellence Awards, a new initiative dedicated to honoring exceptional individuals over age 60 who are making a profound impact in their communities. More than 30 nominations were submitted, and seven winners will be honored at a ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 4.

The Age of Excellence Awards shine a spotlight on individuals who are not only redefining aging but also reshaping perceptions of what it means to grow older. The nominees, representing a rich tapestry of backgrounds and experiences, exemplify that greatness knows no age limits.

“We are deeply moved by the inspiring stories of all those who were nominated,” said Kathy Martin, Glenmeadow president and CEO. “Our panel of community leaders had the challenging task of selecting the honorees from an impressive pool of candidates and did so with great care and reverence for the contributions of each nominee. These honorees are examples to us all that our best years are ahead of us. We are excited to announce this year’s honorees and look forward to celebrating their achievements next month.”

The seven honorees are:

• Dedicated Leader – Beyond the Badge: Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers, Palmer;

• Champion of Community Voices: Debbie Gardner, Springfield;

• Impactful Entrepreneur: Jeffrey Greim, Longmeadow;

• Dynamic Difference Maker: Ethel Griffin, Springfield;

• Game-Changing Mentor: James Lagodich, Springfield;

• Inspiring Changemaker: Maria Roy, Springfield; and

• Dedicated Community Connector: Karen Tetreault, Chicopee.

Click here to learn more about these honorees.

The community is invited to celebrate these individuals at the Age of Excellence Awards ceremony on Sept. 4 at the Carriage House at the Barney Estate. This evening will bring together honorees, families, friends, supporters, and the wider community to honor and celebrate their achievements. Click here to purchase tickets online.

This event is made possible by the support of its partners, including platinum sponsor Valley Communications Systems Inc. Brenda Garton-Sjoberg will serve as the event emcee. She is a full-time faculty member in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts at Western New England University and a former award-winning evening-news anchor at WWLP-TV22.

The Age of Excellence Awards Celebration is more than a tribute to outstanding older adults; it is also a fundraiser supporting Glenmeadow’s $10.5 million renovation project, which aligns with the needs and aspirations of its current and future residents. The event embodies Glenmeadow’s “Next Chapter” campaign, highlighting the remarkable accomplishments of older adults and celebrating their vibrant contributions to life in their later years.

American International College Names Scott Foulis Interim Director of Athletics

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Daily News

Scott Foulis

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) named Scott Foulis interim Athletics director for the 2024-25 academic year.

“Scott Foulis is an excellent fit to lead our Department of Athletics through the upcoming year,” said Nicolle Cestero, AIC’s interim president. “His understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the department, along with his broad experience in collegiate athletics, positions him to help our student-athletes and staff succeed both on and off the field.”

Added Foulis, “it is truly an honor to move into this role, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with our student-athletes, coaches, staff, and campus partners to help elevate the athletics program and the college. I am grateful to interim President Cestero for this opportunity, and I will apply my full effort toward helping our student-athletes have an incredible experience at AIC.”

Foulis joined AIC in August 2022 as assistant athletic director for compliance. In this role, he ensured that the college’s athletic teams adhered to the rules of NCAA membership and met the requirements of the conferences to which AIC belongs, with a primary focus on the Northeast-10 Conference. He was also responsible for managing certifications for student-athletes and overseeing all other aspects of compliance. Additionally, he served as the sport oversight for several of AIC’s teams and worked on projects to support student-athletes academically.

Before joining AIC, Foulis spent more than two decades coaching women’s basketball at the NCAA Division I and III levels. He served as an assistant coach with the women’s basketball team at Amherst College during the 2021-22 season, helping the team reach the 2022 NCAA Division III Final Four. Prior to Amherst, he was the associate head women’s basketball coach at Brandeis University from 2007 to 2021, where, in addition to his coaching duties, he taught classes in the Physical Education department.

Foulis also held coaching positions at Springfield College, Bucknell University, UMass, and the University of Rhode Island. While at Springfield, he served as a graduate assistant in athletic administration and worked in the Athletics department at Western New England College.

He holds an undergraduate degree in sport management from UMass Amherst and a master’s degree in athletic administration from Springfield College.

Massachusetts Unemployment Ticks Up in July

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Daily News

BOSTON — The state’s July total unemployment rate was 3.5%, a 0.3% increase from the revised June estimate of 3.2%, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced. The Massachusetts unemployment rate was 0.8% lower than the national rate of 4.3% reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Over-the-year, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was up by 0.3%.

The labor force increased by an estimated 22,000 from the revised estimate of 3,806,600 in June, with 12,100 residents more employed and 9,900 more residents unemployed over-the-month. The state’s labor-force participation rate –— the total number of residents 16 or older who worked or were unemployed and actively sought work in the last four weeks — increased 0.3% over-the-month to 66.0%, the highest it has been since September 2020. Compared to July 2023, the labor-force participation rate also increased 1.0% over-the-year.

The BLS preliminary job estimates for Massachusetts decreased by 2,300 jobs in July. This follows June’s revised gain of 16,400 jobs. The largest over-the-month private-sector job gains were in leisure and hospitality, financial activities, and transportation and warehousing. Employment now stands at 3,750,200. Massachusetts gained 686,700 jobs since the employment low in April 2020.

From July 2023 to July 2024, BLS estimates Massachusetts gained 41,200 jobs. The largest over-the-year gains occurred in education and health services, government, and leisure and hospitality.

Registration Open at HCC for Fall 2024 Non-credit Classes

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — Registration is now open for non-credit professional-development and personal-enrichment classes at Holyoke Community College (HCC) for the fall 2024 semester.

The fall calendar begins Sept. 3, with individual classes running on different schedules throughout the semester. Many are available as single sessions that cost as little as $39.

Classes for fall include Indian cooking, wine tasting, drawing, piano, cake decorating, dance, watercolor painting, machine sewing, voiceover coaching, conversational Spanish, conversational French, conversational Polish, bartending, yoga, home design, estate planning, medical interpreting, K-1 education, retirement planning, money management, and educational technology.

Most classes meet in the Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development on the main HCC campus, 303 Homestead Ave. Cooking, wine tasting, and bartending classes meet at the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute, 164 Race St.

To see complete fall course listings and schedules or to register, visit hcc.edu/bcs. Check back often as more classes will be added as fall approaches.

New England’s First Dual-launch Straddle Coaster Coming to Six Flags in 2025

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Daily News

AGAWAM — Six Flags New England announced a new roller coaster for the 2025 season, called Quantum Accelerator. The park’s 12th coaster will be the first dual-launch straddle coaster in New England, offering “an exhilarating blend of high-speed excitement and captivating steampunk adventure,” the park stated.

Riders will mount a steampunk-themed hoverbike vehicle, straddling the seat and gripping handlebars as they lean forward. The ride will begin with a launch, propelling riders into a series of twists, turns, and ground-hugging curves. Midway through the ride, a second launch will accelerate the vehicle to 45 mph. Quantum Accelerator will feature more than 2,600 feet of track and 11 moments of airtime.

“Quantum Accelerator is an innovative addition that will redefine the family thrill-ride experience at Six Flags New England,” said Pete Carmichael, Six Flags New England park president. “With its dual-launch system and unique straddle seat design, this coaster is set to become a favorite for guests of all ages. It perfectly complements our extensive lineup of world-class rides and attractions, making Six Flags New England the ultimate destination for family fun and excitement in 2025.”

Peter Pan Bus Lines Takes Over Megabus Routes in Northeast Corridor

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Starting today, Aug. 16, Peter Pan Bus Lines and Megabus have announced a partnership that will result in Peter Pan taking over all the Megabus routes in the northeast and mid-Atlantic states.

Peter Pan will now operate those routes 24/7, including service to Washington, D.C.; Baltimore; White Marsh, Md.; and Philadelphia, and connecting passengers to the 100 destinations the company already serves.

“We’re modernizing our fleet, which is what our consumers want; they want a nice, clean, modern bus,” Peter Picknelly, chairman and CEO of Peter Pan Bus Lines, said in a recent interview with BusinessWest. “We listen to our customers — where they want to go — and expand where it makes sense.”

In preparation, Peter Pan has reduced fares by close to 40%, hired 75 new drivers, and purchased 45 new buses. The entire fleet of Peter Pan’s modern buses includes better-designed seats, video, and Wi-Fi. The company has also relaunched its app, enabling passengers to easily book their trips in advance and featuring its PERKs program, through which users can earn free travel.

Peter Pan is making travel more convenient, especially for Gen-X and Gen-Z riders, said Picknelly, the third-generation leader of the company.

“What people want in a bus company is really very simple. They want a clean bus, a professional driver, and on-time friendly service. It seems easy, but it’s really difficult to execute all the time. I happen to think that Peter Pan executes it better than most.”

The company recently announced a partnership with Trailways and a strategic alliance with Amtrak. It actively forms relationships with ride services like Uber and Lyft to make all aspects of travel it controls or can influence more reliable and affordable.

Seminar to Tackle Essential Do’s and Don’ts of Terminating an Employee

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — You have pleaded, counseled, warned, and threatened an employee with respect to poor work performance and/or a record of (hopefully documented) negative workplace behavior. The time has come, or perhaps is long overdue, for the workplace equivalent of capital punishment: termination.

On Wednesday, Sept. 11, Elaine Reall, an attorney with the Royal Law Firm, will lead an exploration of the good, the bad, and the ugly surrounding employee terminations. The seminar, which will take place from 8 to 9 a.m. at 33 Elliot St., Springfield, will explore effective strategies to lessen an organization’s exposure to time-consuming administrative agency complaints or legal actions. The first piece of advice: breathe deeply and mentally step away from a ‘personalized’ view of the situation.

The cost of the seminar is $30 per person. Payments should be mailed, and checks made payable, to the Royal Law Firm, 33 Elliot St., Springfield, MA 01105. Registration is required, and seating will be limited. Email Heather Child at [email protected] to register or with any questions about the seminar.

Nominations Now Being Accepted for Women of Impact Class of 2024

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest is now accepting nominations for the seventh annual Women of Impact awards.

In 2018, BusinessWest created the Women of Impact program as a way to honor women in the region who are making an impact and creating positive change. Women of Impact was chosen as the name for the program because, while nominees can hail from the world of business, they can also emerge from other realms, such as the nonprofit community, public service, law enforcement, education, social work, the mentorship community, a combination of these — in short, we’re recognizing inspirational women on any level. Since its inception, the women honored through this program have been successful, inspiring, and most importantly, impactful.

Consider nominating someone for this prestigious award. Nominations for the class of 2024 are due by Monday, Sept. 2 at 5 p.m., and the honorees will be announced in the Oct. 14 issue of BusinessWest. Nominations should be written with one underlying mission: to explain why the individual in question is, indeed, a woman of impact.

Visit businesswest.com/women-of-impact-nominations for additional information and a nomination form. The 2024 Women of Impact presenting sponsors are Country Bank and TommyCar Auto Group. For more information, call Natasha Mercado-Santana, Marketing and Events manager, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or email [email protected].

Easthampton and Its Lifestyle Are In Demand

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Stacey Blanco and her husband, who opened Hide’n’ Sneakz, are among a growing number of small-business owners in Easthampton.
Community Spotlight

Community Spotlight

 

Stacey Blanco and her husband, who opened Hide’n’ Sneakz, are among a growing number of small-business owners in Easthampton.

Stacey Blanco and her husband, who opened Hide’n’ Sneakz, are among a growing number of small-business owners in Easthampton.

 

Stacey Blanco says she’s always been entrepreneurial.

Although she’s worked in office settings — and those experiences have helped inspire her current venture — she has preferred working for herself and has had side hustles, if you will, like teaching Zumba classes.

During the pandemic, she and her husband, Israel, began thinking about new business opportunities and needs they could meet. And they settled on footwear and related items and ultimately opened Hide’n’Sneakz in a storefront on Cottage Street. There, as the name suggests, they sell sneakers, but also apparel (such as T-shirts) and skateboards.

The store opened roughly 15 months ago, and not long thereafter, Stacey, seeking to learn more about the ins and outs of running a business — and improve her odds of success — became part of the first cohort for a new program created by the Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce called CO.STARTERS.

The 10-week entrepreneurial training program, lauched with $50,000 in ARPA funding, is designed for those who have started a venture, said Moe Belliveau, executive director of the chamber, but especially for those who are exploring a new idea or getting close to starting up. And it was conceived to complement, not compete with, other programs within the entreprenerial ecosystem, such as EforAll.

“It’s like a menu — we have a lot of different flavors. And that’s what we want to see in Easthampton; it’s what has made us so attractive to the people who want to come live here; it’s not one size fits all.”

“We cover everything from assumptions going in to your work style, knowing your customers to brand identity,” said Belliveau, adding that the first cohort drew some established business owners as well as those thinking about starting ventures ranging from a vegan restaurant to an outlet providing chef’s chothes for women.

“I wanted someone to check and see what I’ve been doing thus far and help me make wiser decisions about what directions to take next,” Blanco said, “and that’s what I found at CO.STARTERS.”

The iniative, soon to launch its second chort, is just one of the intriguing new programs at the chamber — another is its WorkHub on Union, a co-working space several years in the making that is set to open its doors next month — and one of many interesting storylines in this former mill city that has, over the past 30 years or so, reinvented itself as a home for the arts, hospitality businesses, and, well, entrepreneurs of all kinds.

It has become an increasingly popular place to live, work, and operate a business, said Dave DelVecchio, vice president of Marketing for Sourcepass, a national managed-IT services provider, who has lived in the city for 20 years now.

He praised a succession of municipal leaders with continually building on the progress made in various realms to create a very livable city that is continously raising the bar higher — and then clearing that bar.

“Easthampton has continually invested in ways that have been built upon itself,” he explained. “First it was a bike path by Millside Park, then it was ‘let’s clean up the back side of the mills on Pleasant Street to make them more accessible along the bike path and Millside Park.’ Then, it was ‘let’s do the pond project,’ then Union Street. Everything we’re doing is smaller-scale projects, but when you take the aggregate of everything that’s happened over 20 years, one plus one has equaled three, and it’s brought an uplift to Easthampton in general.”

Mayor Nicole LaChapelle agreed, noting that, in addition to new initiatives to support entrepreneurs and would-be entrepreneurs, the city is making strides in several other areas as well, including infrastructure and an issue impacting seemingly every community in the region — housing.

Indeed, there are several intriguing projects in the pipeline — and in a variety of different settings, from former mill buildings to decommissioned schools to wide-open space, as we’ll see — although most are at least a few years away.

“It’s like … hang on tight, housing units are coming, but they’re getting closer every day,” the mayor said, adding that there are a few hundred units of various types in the mix, additions that will certainly provide some intriguing options for the growing numbers of people who want to call Easthampton home.

Moe Belliveau stands in the soon-to-open WorkHub on Union at the chamber offices in Easthampton.

Moe Belliveau stands in the soon-to-open WorkHub on Union at the chamber offices in Easthampton.

“It’s like a menu — we have a lot of different flavors,” LaChapelle said. “And that’s what we want to see in Easthampton; it’s what has made us so attractive to the people who want to come live here; it’s not one size fits all. You can live in a mill district and get that flavor or live in the middle of a pasture.”

For this, the latest installment of its Community Spotlight series, BusinessWest takes a hard look at Easthampton and the many forms of progress taking place in this community at the foot of Mount Tom.

 

Getting Down to Business

As Belliveau talked with BusinessWest at WorkHub on Union earlier this month, all was quiet.

Indeed, the rows of desks and half-desks (there are 18 in all), the conference room available for rent to tenants, and the common kitchen area were empty.

She expects things will be much different in a few weeks, when the facility officially opens its doors. She’s spent several years bringing her vision for the hub to fruition because she believes there’s a strong need for such a facility in Easthampton, and she expects its vast potential to be realized.

“We’ve had a lot of inquiries,” she said, adding that the $450,000 facilty was inspired by anecdotal but also statistical information indicating that there are large numbers of entrepreneurs working from their homes who would prefer to be in a co-working space if one became available to them. Also, there are professionals working remotely, fully or partially, who would likewise prefer not to be home on occasion.

“There’s a whole shadow economy in Greater Easthampton,” Belliveau explained. “And we’re trying to help those who are part of that informal, shadow economy into a more formal space and give them the opportunity to have professional space when they need it. And some people are finding that, since they’re working remotely, every now and then it’s just nice to be with others and get that creative-energy collaborative and their innovative juices flowing.”

WorkHub provides such opportunities, she said, adding that talk about creating such a facility began well before the pandemic, and the need has only increased since then.

DelVecchio, who has long been involved with the chamber, agreed, noting that iniatives like WorkHub on Union and CO.STARTERS represent a shift of sorts when it comes to the overall mission of the chamber.

“Traditionally, when people think about a chamber, the first thing that comes to mind is business-to-business networking — After-5 events — and that is a component to the overall chamber value proposition,” he explained. “But the chamber has other value propositions, one of which is economic development, particularly for budding entrepreneurs. So we see as part of our mission helping build the next generation of Greater Easthampton-based businesses and giving them an opportunity to build their organizations.”

Businesses like Hide’n’Sneakz, and entrepreneurs like Stacey Blanco.

She said she and Israel were attracted to Easthampton because of both the high energy there and the many forms of support for small businesses, especially at the chamber.

They took their concept to Cottage Street, and thus far they’re off to a solid start, said Stacey, adding that they spent much of their first year building visibility, setting goals, and developing a game plan for continued growth.

CO.STARTERS has played a big role in all that, she told BusinessWest, adding that she found, through the program, a solid support network providing both feedback and mentorship.

Easthampton at a glance

Year Incorporated: 1785
Population: 16,211
Area: 13.6 square miles
County: Hampshire
Residential Tax Rate: $13.56
Commercial Tax Rate: $13.56
Median Household Income: $45,185
Median Family Income: $54,312
Type of Government: Mayor, City Council
Largest Employers: Berry Plastics Corp., INSA, Williston Northampton School, National Nonwovens Co.
* Latest information available

Overall, their venture looks to meet what they consider a need — there isn’t a store like this in Easthampton, and its prices are lower than what can be found at the mall — while also promoting sneakers as, among other things, wellness.

“I think a great pair of sneakers will change your attitude for the day,” she explained. “I’ve worked in the office, in the corporate world, and you always had to wear uncomfortable shoes; I’m trying to promote how you can wear a nice pair of sneakers with casual work pants, and you’re going to have a really comfortable day at work.”

 

Building Momentum

It’s called the Growing Green project.

This is one of several housing initiatives unfolding in the community, each one different, and each one with a story behind it.

Growing Green is a rural project planned for 56 acres just off Main Street near the border with Southampton. It’s a partnership between the Kestrel Land Trust and the Community Builders Inc. said LaChapelle, adding that 22 of those acres will be set aside for housing — 87 units in the affordable category — and the rest will be preserved as open space, with Kestrel and the Massachusetts Audubon Society overseeing the conservation.

“It’s a very interesting project — it’s really cutting-edge,” said the mayor, adding that the initiative will soon be the focus of an upcoming article in Sierra, the magazine of the Sierra Club, because of the way it demonstrates that new housing (a regional and national issue) and land preservation can be undertaken in the same project.

The new units of housing are expected to come online in 2028 or 2029, with the ultimate timing to be influenced by when the developers can secure low-income-housing tax credits, said LaChapelle, adding that other housing initiatives in the community are decidedly more urban in nature.

They include redevelopment of one of the two remaining former mill buildings in the Ferry Street complex — Building 11 to be specific (leaving the largest of the mills, Building 7 still to be developed), said the mayor, adding that this project, being undertaken by Springfield-based Home City Development Corp., will create 96 units of housing — 90 in the ‘affordable’ category, with the other six being market rate. Low-income tax credits will be needed for this project as well, she said, adding that the hope is that these units can come on line at the end of 2026.

Meanwhile, more housing is planned for three recently decommissioned schools — Maple, Center, and Pepin — into 69 units for those of mixed incomes, said the mayor, ading that the buildings “triangulate” the downtown district.

Also, what’s known as the original Town Lodging House on Oliver Street, known to many as the ‘Poor House,’ is being renovated into housing (perhaps 30 units in the affordable category) by the city in partnership with Valley CDC in an initiative with another long time horizon — 2029 at the earliest.

“That’s a building with a lot of restrictions — there’s a historical restriction on it, an affordable-housing restriction on it, there’s an agricultural restriction on it … it’s very complex to develop,” LaChapelle said. “But historically, it’s a very cool project, and Valley CDC has been working with the city to keep those aspects — some of the history of the building, some of the architecture — while putting together modern housing units.”

These projects comprise several hundred units that are needed, not just because of overall demand for housing, she said, but due to a need, in these changing times, of housing of a somewhat non-traditional sense.

“There’s just a conundrum around housing these days,” she told BusinessWest. “When you close you eyes and dream the American dream in New England, it’s literally a white house with black shutters and a picket fence. There simply isn’t enough land for that, and it doesn’t fit the lifestyle like it did 25 or 30 years ago. With the housing units we have planned, there’s a big cross-selection; with those three schools in the downtown, there’s high walkability — you can park your car and forget about it for a week.”

Like the mayor said, there’s a full menu of options — and a wide range of growth opportunities — in a community that has come a long way in 30 years and continues the process of reinventing itself into a dynamic, in-demand community.

Construction to Gain Momentum This Year, but Stall in 2025

By
Architecture

Designs on the Future

Spending on non-residential buildings is projected to increase over 7% this year, but then slow to only 2% growth next year. Commercial-facilities activity effectively will be flat this year and next, manufacturing construction will increase almost 14% this year before stabilizing in 2025, and institutional construction will see a more than 10% gain this year before slowing to 4% in 2025.

These are the key conclusions from the midyear update by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Consensus Construction Forecast panelists, a group comprised of leading construction forecasters from across the country. This survey evaluates how this year is likely to shape up from the midyear vantage point and projects how these trends are expected to play out in the coming year.

 

Sector Conditions Diverging

While the overall non-residential building market is seeing reasonably healthy growth this year, its performance has varied greatly by sector. The commercial sector has seen declines year-to-date as compared to the same period a year ago, while spending on manufacturing facilities has seen strong growth, and most institutional sectors have seen reasonably healthy gains.

On the commercial/industrial side, a few key sectors have been generating strong growth, while others are stagnating. For example, manufacturing construction currently accounts for well over one-quarter of all spending in the non-residential building sector, a share that has doubled since 2019.

Embedded in the generally weak retail and other commercial sector is warehouses, which account for more than 9% of spending in the broader non-residential building category. Its share has increased from just over 6% in 2019.

“While traditional office spending has been declining, spending on data centers has been rapidly increasing. Commerce Department figures peg data-center spending as accounting for over 3% of the overall non-residential building market, and its share has doubled since 2019.”

Finally, data centers are categorized within the broader office sector. While traditional office spending has been declining, spending on data centers has been rapidly increasing. Commerce Department figures peg data-center spending as accounting for over 3% of the overall non-residential building market, and its share has doubled since 2019.

In total, these three niche commercial/industrial construction sectors currently account for more than 40% of the non-residential building market, up modestly from their 39% share last year. In 2019, these three sectors accounted for less than 23% of overall non-residential building activity. As a result, these construction sectors, which typically have a different design focus, materials composition, and contractor specialization, now account for much of the gain that the industry has seen recently. That would suggest that some segments of the industry have benefited from the strong growth in these sectors, while others have been passed over.

 

Market Challenges Continue

Construction spending, while continuing to increase, has seen the pace of growth slow so far this year, and this slowdown is expected to continue through this year and into 2025. Indications of a continued slowdown include a challenging lending market for construction projects, continued weakness in commercial property values, and ongoing softness in billings at architecture firms.

The lending market remains challenging, and current lending rates are significantly changing the calculations of project feasibility. The Federal Reserve Board’s survey of senior loan officers documents the tighter lending standards for commercial real-estate (CRE) lending.

According to the Fed’s recent report, “a significant net share of banks reported tightening standards for all types of CRE loans. Meanwhile, a moderate net share of banks reported weaker demand for construction and land development loans, while significant net shares of banks reported weaker demand for loans secured by non-farm, non-residential, and multi-family residential properties. The most cited reasons for tightening credit policies on CRE loans were less favorable or more uncertain outlooks for CRE market rents, vacancy rates, and property prices. Additionally, major net shares of other banks cited a reduced tolerance for risk, increased concerns about the effects of regulatory changes or supervisory actions, and a less favorable or more uncertain outlook for delinquency rates on mortgages backed by CRE properties.”

A tighter financing environment coupled with weaker demand for most categories of commercial properties continues to put downward pressure on property values. MSCI’s Commercial Property Price Index indicates a 13.5% overall decline in commercial property values since its most recent high in mid-year 2022.

Offices have seen the steepest decline of over 26% over this period, while apartment values have declined by 21%. Retail facilities have seen a more modest decline of 10%, while industrial property values have continued to increase, tacking on about 5% in value gains over this period. Price declines for apartments and retail facilities are beginning to moderate, but continue to fall quite sharply for offices, particularly in downtown areas.

Architecture firm revenue is a very accurate leading indicator of construction spending with a nine- to 12-month lead. Quarterly billings at architecture firms have been declining since the fourth quarter of 2022, according to the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index. However, the pace of decline — though volatile— has begun to accelerate over the past 10 months.

Firms that specialize in the multi-family residential market have seen the steepest downturn in billings, followed by those specializing in commercial/industrial activity. Firms with an institutional specialization have generally seen revenue levels hold steady, although there has been emerging weakness in recent months.

Given that both new design contracts and project inquiries at architecture firms have been about as weak as billings, prospects for a turnaround in design activity do not appear to be imminent.

 

Institutional Sectors Offer Bright Spots

Outside of a few niche sectors, including manufacturing and data centers, the commercial/industrial outlook is poised at best for very modest growth or more likely declines in spending levels moving forward. The AIA Consensus Construction Forecast is calling for essentially no growth this year and next overall in the commercial markets. For industrial facilities, current project activity is expected to produce healthy double-digit spending growth this year, but then stabilize for 2025.

Most of the institutional sectors offer more potential in terms of growth in the near term, according to the AIA Consensus Forecast panelists. The overall sector is projected to increase almost 11% this year and then record another 4% increase next year.

Healthcare construction, a significant institutional sector that has seen growth throughout the pandemic, is poised for a 7% gain this year and an additional 4% next year. Amusement and recreation, a sector that understandably saw little activity during the pandemic, is now poised for a double-digit percentage rebound this year and an additional 4% increase in 2025.

However, expectations are that much of the projected growth in the overall institutional sector will be generated by the education market. Education is the largest institutional component, accounting for almost one in every five dollars spent on non-residential building construction.

Longer-term, spending on educational facilities is largely driven by demographics, namely the increase in the under-age 25 population. There were over 100 million people under age 25 in the U.S. in 2020. This group is expected to increase by almost 2 million by 2030. The greatest increases are expected to come from the under-10 population, as the number of 10- to 19-year-olds is expected to decline between 2020 and 2030, while the 20- to 24-year-old group is expected to increase only modestly.

However, these estimates may turn out to be too low if immigration numbers were to increase. This decade, the increase in net immigration is expected to outpace the natural increase in our population (defined as the number of births minus the number of deaths), and historically children have comprised a large segment of the immigrant population. Additionally, many educational construction and reconstruction projects were put on hold during the pandemic with the increase in remote education, so pent-up demand will push up construction activity levels.

 

Eye on Reconstruction

One final consideration that will impact the construction outlook moving forward is the growing importance of reconstruction activity as a share of overall construction spending. Surveys conducted by the AIA have discovered that about 50% of billings at architecture firms come from work on existing buildings, including additions to existing facilities.

The current economic environment of declining values of existing buildings, coupled with the elevated cost of building new facilities, often tilts the scales toward reconstruction over new construction. The expectation is that the reconstruction share of total construction activity will continue to increase in the years ahead.

How to Achieve Balance in the Modern Workforce

By Contributor
Features

Employment

By Nicole Polite

 

Nicole Polite

Nicole Polite

The workplace dynamic has continually evolved, influenced by shifting societal values, economic landscapes, and generational ideologies. Views on work can be broadly categorized into two philosophies: live-to-work and work-to-live. Understanding these perspectives is essential as they shape the environments and cultures that define our working lives.

 

Traditional Workplaces: the Live-to-work Ethos

Traditionally, a significant divide existed between work and personal life, marked by strict hierarchies, rigid schedules, and minimal flexibility. This structure, predominant among Baby Boomers and Generation X, is deeply rooted in a post-World War II economic boom that prized efficiency, stability, and conformity. In such settings, employees often found themselves adhering to exhaustive norms and sacrificing personal priorities for work commitments, epitomizing the live-to-work doctrine.

The typical workplace during this era was characterized by a top-down management style, where decisions were made by high-level executives and permeated downward, often ignoring the needs of lower-tier employees. These practices shaped an environment where individual creativity and innovation were stiflingly restricted, mirroring the mechanical precision of assembly-line work rather than fostering a nurturing and progressive workplace.

 

Modern Workplaces: the Work-to-live Approach

Conversely, the modern work philosophy, favored by Millennials and Generation Z, champions flexibility, autonomy, and a balanced integration of work with personal life. The 2008 Great Recession shaped the worldview of these younger workers, many of whom watched as their parents struggled with job loss, financial instability, and economic uncertainty despite the years spent working in corporate jobs and traditional career paths.

That experience left a mark on these modern employers and workers and instilled in them a strong desire for financial resilience, job security, and a skepticism toward traditional corporate structures. They realized that their parents’ career paths, work approach, and strict adherence to norms weren’t a surefire guarantee of success, security, and wealth.

Most importantly, they didn’t want to feel the pain of loss and unfulfillment they saw in their parents’ eyes as once esteemed and revered institutions, systems, and structures crumbled around them during the recession. They made it their goal to perpetuate work environments and work in jobs that satisfied their desires, met their yearnings, and fueled their passions. They forged career paths that offered some financial stability and a sense of purpose and autonomy, such as entrepreneurship, freelancing, or pursuing work in socially conscious organizations.

Some modern workers would rather not have a 9-to-5 job. They want control over their schedules, the ability to choose projects that align with their interests, and the freedom to work with like-minded colleagues. The possibility of remote work, facilitated by advancements in technology and software platforms like Zoom and Google Meet, allows these workers to enjoy the benefits of working from anywhere, at any time, and for any company.

Many modern workers are also gig workers; about 16% of American workers have earned an income from gig work such as ride sharing, food delivery, or freelance services. This type of work typically has a lower barrier to entry and offers the kind of flexibility that workers crave today. The emphasis is on working to live, where employment is a means to enjoy a preferred lifestyle rather than the sole focus of one’s existence.

 

Bridging the Generational Divide

The challenge arises when these two distinct mindsets interact within the same workplace. Conflicts can ensue when a traditional employer hires a modern-thinking employee, or vice versa. Such clashes can lead to misunderstandings, stress, and a decrease in productivity, highlighting the need for a more integrative approach to workforce management.

In an ideal workforce, employers would adopt a more inclusive and flexible mindset that accommodates diverse work philosophies. This involves creating policies that respect traditional values of structure and stability, while also embracing the flexibility and innovation that modern workers bring. Ensuring clear communication and mutual respect among employees can foster an environment where varied work values coexist harmoniously.

 

The Road to a Symbiotic Workplace

The future of work doesn’t have to be confined to a choice between living to work or working to live. Instead, it can be a blend of both philosophies, taking the robustness of traditional structures and merging them with the flexibility and innovation of modern approaches.

My experience in talent recruitment has shown me that both employers and employees seek a productive, symbiotic relationship that supports individual and collective growth. To achieve this, it’s crucial to go beyond merely matching skills and qualifications. We must understand and integrate the nuanced preferences, goals, and aspirations of the workforce.

Creating such a workplace requires an ongoing dialogue between different generations and mindsets. It needs adaptation and compromise from both sides to forge a solid partnership that withstands the tests of time and challenges of a changing world. Only through such integrative efforts can we build a workforce that not only bridges the gap between generations but also thrives on the diverse strengths each brings to the table.

With a balanced approach, we can ensure that both the live-to-work and work-to-live philosophies contribute positively to our collective professional landscape, leading to increased satisfaction and productivity across the board.

 

Nicole Polite is CEO of the MH Group, a staffing and recruiting firm in Massachusetts and Connecticut, and the author of Expectations Aligned: Forging Better Paths for Employers and Employees to Meet in the Middle, which will be released on Sept. 16.

Is a Glass Bottle Better for the Planet Than a Plastic Container?

By
Education

Surprising Study

 

Which packaging type for a 12-ounce, single-serve container of orange juice would you choose as the most sustainable option:

• An aluminum can made with recycled material;

• A carton described as biodegradable or compostable;

• Glass described as 100% recyclable; or

• Plastic described as biodegradable or compostable?

If you were like the U.S. consumers surveyed by food scientists in a UMass Amherst study, you’d prefer glass and believe it was the most sustainable choice. And you would be mistaken.

“Glass was the most sought-after and most highly esteemed packaging type. But it turns out, glass is actually among the least sustainable if you look at the whole packaging lifecycle,” said Nomzamo Dlamini, lead author of the paper recently published in the journal Sustainability.

Alissa Nolden

Alissa Nolden

Dlamini, a food science doctoral candidate, was a recent visiting Fulbright scholar from the University of Pretoria in South Africa studying in the UMass Amherst lab of senior author Alissa Nolden, assistant professor of Food Science.

When asked to rank the packaging choices from their perception of the most to least sustainable, overall the consumers responded: glass, carton, aluminum, and plastic.

Though food-packaging sustainability varies depending on the type of product and packaging, the size and weight of the container, and other variables, in the case of the single-serve orange juice, a carton would be the most sustainable, followed by plastic, then canned, and, finally, glass.

This came as a surprise even to Dlamini. “I was shocked to read the lifecycle assessment from the experts that it takes so much energy to produce glass and recycle it — much more than what it takes to make or recycle plastic,” she said.

The study states that “the production and end-of-life impacts of plastic are less than that of glass; plastic is lighter and thus requires less energy to transport. Furthermore, the aseptic sealing process of plastic containers using steam is less energy-demanding than the retort system used for glass.”

The study aimed to understand the motivation behind consumers’ packaging choices, while also weighing price, lifestyle, and other attitudes. In turn, the data can help industry experts understand what consumers think, believe, and prefer, and educate them on how to make more sustainable choices.

“We designed a questionnaire using a method called conjoint analysis, which mimics a real-life situation where you’re presented with various options and you have to make a tradeoff,” Dlamini said. “And we try to understand, at the end of the day, what matters to people. The whole idea behind the study was to get an understanding of what people think and what drives their choices.”

Nolden pointed out that, while many consumers expressed an intention to purchase sustainable packaging, in the end, the top motivating factor was price — particularly the lowest price — followed by packaging type, product claim, and packaging claim.

Nomzamo Dlamini

Nomzamo Dlamini

“We try to understand, at the end of the day, what matters to people. The whole idea behind the study was to get an understanding of what people think and what drives their choices.”

The ideal orange juice option — culled from the 847 adult consumers who answered the online survey — was priced at $1.10 per 12 fluid ounces, packaged in glass, locally produced, and labeled as 100% recyclable.

The message to the food industry is that consumers are motivated to choose sustainable packaging, as long as the price is right, the paper states. “These sustainable packaging options should be clearly labeled as such, effective (e.g. not defective or just as durable as conventional packaging) and affordable to increase consumers’ motivation and adoption of sustainable packaging for food and beverages.”

Ultimately, there is something even more important than choosing the best packaging when it comes to consuming food with a focus on sustainability, the paper concludes.

“Overall, while packaging choices contribute to environmental outcomes, the most impactful and practical way consumers can contribute to sustainability efforts is to reduce or avoid food waste.”

Schools Need to Consider These Seven Key Questions

By Contributor
Education

New Title IX Compliance

By Kathleen E. Dion and Sabrina Galli

 

Schools across the nation were required to comply with the new Title IX regulations by Aug. 1, 2024, and were undoubtedly given a lot to think about. As institutions continue to iron out new policies and procedures, they will need to balance a number of moving pieces. When trying to prioritize implementation, here is a list of top questions federally funded institutions should ensure they have answered.

1. Is the school’s Title IX coordinator up to date on all new regulations? The Title IX coordinator’s role has been greatly expanded by these new regulations, and it is of the utmost importance that such coordinators are aware of all changes.

For example, coordinators should be aware that the breadth of activities covered under Title IX have increased, such that the new Title IX regulations also apply to conduct that occurs in a building owned or controlled by a recognized student organization, conduct outside of the U.S. (for example, in study-abroad programs), and conduct subject to the school’s disciplinary authority. Additionally, coordinators should be prepared for an influx of complaints now that such complaints are no longer required to be formally in writing.

2. Does the institution’s Title IX policy include the expanded scope of sex-based discrimination? Under the new regulations, sex discrimination now includes “all forms of sex-based discrimination,” as opposed to only sexual harassment, based on sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity. The regulations also prohibit discrimination based on parental, family, or marital status.

3. Have all necessary non-discrimination policies been drafted and finalized? The new Title IX regulations require that a notice of non-discrimination be provided to students, employees, applicants for admission and employment, and all unions and professional organizations holding collective-bargaining agreements.

Further, if they did not have a policy in place already, schools also must ensure that they have a policy prohibiting retaliation, including at the peer level, and that the policy calls for handling complaints of retaliation the same way it manages complaints of other forms of sex discrimination. The U.S. Department of Education has released helpful guidance on drafting such policies, which may be helpful to institutions as such policies are implemented and/or revised.

4. Is there a schedule or plan in place for annual employee training? Schools must annually train all employees on Title IX, their obligation as employees to address sex discrimination, and their reporting requirements. Different training is required for each of four employee statuses, pursuant to the following categories:

• All employees;

• Investigators, decision makers, and individuals with authority to modify or terminate supportive measures;

• Facilitators of informal resolution processes; and

• Title IX coordinator and designees.

Practically speaking, institutions will have to evaluate the best method for ensuring that the training reaches all employees. Schools may consider implementing mass Title IX trainings for employees or incorporating such training into other meetings or trainings that are already in place. For example, institutions may consider incorporating such training into pre-existing staff meetings to effectively reach all employees rather than imposing additional, separate training times wherein some staff may not be available or are reluctant to attend.

5. Did the school decide to implement an informal grievance process? The new regulations permit schools to adopt an informal resolution process for complaints of sex discrimination based on sex stereotypes; sex characteristics; pregnancy or related conditions; sexual orientation; gender identity; parental, family, or marital status; as well as for complaints of quid pro quo sexual harassment and Clery Act offenses for non-students. This informal process is less prescriptive and gives the investigator additional flexibility in facilitating the investigation.

6. Is the institution using a single-investigator model, and does it accomplish the school’s objectives? The single-investigator model allows the investigator to also act as the decision maker in the Title IX case. This means that they are not only conducting all of the interviews and collecting all of the evidence, but also assessing the credibility of all parties and rendering a decision as to whether a Title IX violation occurred.

First, institutions should confirm that the single-investigator model is permitted in their jurisdiction, as not all courts have allowed it. The single-investigator model has been critiqued for potential pitfalls in providing due process, but it also often has the benefit of efficiency and can be helpful given that the investigator is generally most familiar with all facets of the case.

Second, if the school’s jurisdiction does allow for use of the single-investigator model, then there are a number of questions to consider, including whether the institution wants to use said model, whether it will conduct investigations in-house or outsource, and whether parties will be permitted to pose questions to the decision maker.

7. Has the institution decided to use live hearings? Is that method working for the needs of the school? Live hearings, which were once required, are now permitted but no longer required. Schools can evaluate the use of a live hearing on a case-by-case basis. If a school has decided to use live hearings, has a decision been made on:

• What criteria will be used to determine whether to do so for each case?

• Whether live cross-examination will be permitted?

• Whether the school will provide an advisor to parties who do not have one?

Schools should keep in mind that, if they choose not to conduct live hearings, they still must allow parties to propose relevant and permissible questions to the other side and that investigators must record party and witness interviews, subsequently providing each party with an audio or audiovisual recording or transcript of said interviews with time to propose follow-up questions.

If schools decide to pivot away from the use of live hearings, evaluate whether the new process is working. Is the process more or less effective and/or time-consuming than the use of a live hearing? Does the new process affect the decision maker’s ability to reach an equitable result? It is common for new policies to include a bit of trial and error.

Overall, as institutions ensure compliance with the new regulations, it would not be surprising to see schools continue to revise policies based on how the new procedures pan out in practice. This is especially true given that the new regulations give schools more autonomy in deciding how to manage grievance procedures and related policies despite expanding the applicable scope of conduct.

With the new school year underway, Title IX teams should keep an eye out for how their chosen policies work in practice and consider any needed changes as the school year progresses.

 

Kathleen E. Dion is chair of the education industry team at Robinson+Cole. She represents private schools, colleges, and universities in a variety of civil matters, such as tuition disputes, allegations of staff misconduct, and Title IX matters. Sabrina Galli is a member of Robinson+Cole’s business litigation group and education industry team. She represents corporate clients in general commercial litigation matters involving breach of contract and business torts, as well as in arbitrations, mediations, and settlement negotiations.

 

Retiring CAA Director Reflects on Growth, Potential at Bradley

By
Kevin Dillon says Bradley has made great strides over the past decade
Tourism & Hospitality

Final Approach

Kevin Dillon says Bradley has made great strides over the past decade

Kevin Dillon says Bradley has made great strides over the past decade and has the potential to eventually welcome 10 million passengers per year.

Kevin Dillon will be retiring from his position as executive director of the Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) in January, after 12 years in that job and a half-century in the aviation industry.

As he talked with BusinessWest late last month for what will likely be the last time in his tenure, he listed a number of accomplishments and milestones during his stint — everything from sharp increases in the number of carriers and non-stop flights at Bradley International Airport (12 and 47 are the current numbers) to the addition of trans-continental and trans-Atlantic flights; from the completion of the airport’s $210 million ground transportation center to the recent kickoff of $250 million worth of additional improvements to BDL.

“We’ve accomplished most of the goals we set down when we established the airport authority,” Dillon said. “Certainly the re-establishment of trans-Atlantic and trans-continental service was a very high priority for us, and we’ve been able to accomplish that with our Aer Lingus service and our LAX and other California service that we’ve had over the years.”

But he spent far more time with what has become his favorite subject — where this airport, the second-largest in New England, can go from here, building on the momentum gained over the past dozen years and the solid foundation that’s been built.

Indeed, Dillon has talked often over the years about Bradley reaching 10 million passengers per year (the current number is about 7 million) and what it will take to get there.

Specifically, it will take more of what the roughly 2.8 million people living and working in Bradley’s catchment area (mostly those within an hour’s drive from Windsor Locks) are looking for — more carriers, more flights, and especially more non-stop flights to more places, in this country and beyond.

Kevin Dillon

Kevin Dillon

“Business travel hasn’t come back to the level it was pre-pandemic. And that’s a question mark across the country; will the business ever get back to that level?”

Bradley was making considerable progress in these efforts, increasing passenger volume from just under 6 million to 7 million, before significant headwinds, in the form of the pandemic and its after-effects, set things back, as they did at airports across the country.

But slowly but surely, as air travel has recovered in dramatic fashion and Bradley has added more non-stops via carriers such as Breeze and, most recently, Avelo, the airport is back to roughly where it was before the pandemic, Dillon told BusinessWest.

“We’re turning over an airport that still has tremendous opportunity and potential in front of it,” he said. “Right now, we’re back to where we were before the pandemic, and we’re back on that growth mode. I certainly believe that the next person coming in has a real opportunity to bring that airport passenger count to that 10 million level.”

As it looks to make continued progress, the airport, as it eyes nonstops to London and other popular destinations, is facing enormous competition from every other airport looking to grow its numbers, he went on. Meanwhile, the carriers have only so many planes.

“We’re in competition with every other airport in the country for the airline assets,” he said. “Every airport is trying to convince airlines to put flights into their airport; we compete with every airport in the region for passengers, but we compete with every airport in the country for airline assets.”

Then there’s the still-sluggish business-travel market, which is an important part of the equation at Bradley, where, before the pandemic, roughly half the passenger volume was business-oriented — a high percentage for an airport of this size — and now, it’s closer to 40%.

“Business travel hasn’t come back to the level it was pre-pandemic,” he said. “And that’s a question mark across the country; will the business ever get back to that level?”

Overall, Dillon is bullish on Bradley and believes it has all the ingredients to become an even more popular alternative to Logan in Boston and the airports in and around New York. For this issue’s focus on travel and tourism, he talked about how to, well, get there from here.

 

Plane Speaking

Dillon became the first executive director of the CAA after its formation by state officials more than a dozen years ago in an effort to help Connecticut’s airports, and especially Bradley, reach their full potential.

“We’ve demonstrated time and time again that, if we have non-stop service to a location, we will capture at least 80% of everyone in our core area that’s looking to travel to that location.”

Prior to that, he had worked at several different airports and in various capacities, starting with more than 20 years with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, with his last assignment as acting general manager of LaGuardia Airport. Later, he served the Massachusetts Port Authority as director of Aviation Operations before working in Manchester, N.H. as director of its airport, in Orlando, and then as president and CEO of the Rhode Island Airport Corp., before taking the helm at the CAA in 2012.

As noted earlier, his time at Bradley has been marked by a number of accomplishments, including a doubling of non-stop flight destinations, the addition of several new carriers, an economic impact to the region of just under $4 billion, and several capital improvements.

These include upgrades to the terminal building, including $250 million in ongoing work, including an in-line baggage-check system that will also bring two additional gates to the airport, which are sorely needed as it continues to grow.

There’s also a vertical-circulation project that will change the way travelers move through the building, allowing the airport to expand its security checkpoint, Dillon explained, adding that these improvements will effectively extend the useful life of the terminal building.

Some of the biggest steps forward, though, have come with the adding of new carriers, especially those in the “ultra-low-cost” category, as he called it, which are in demand among consumers.

Such carriers include Breeze (which has made Bradley a hub), Frontier, Spirit, and, most recently, Houston-based Avelo, which will start service from Bradley to Cancun; Montego Bay; Jamaica; Charlotte/Concord, N.C.; Daytona Beach and Orlando, Fla.; Houston; and other destinations starting in November.

“That’s a level of carrier that didn’t really exist when the CAA was first created,” he noted, adding that, at the time, Bradley had most of the mainstream carriers — Delta, United, Southwest, and others — and has since has put a hard focus on the lower-cost carriers, “because we saw that’s what the marketplace was looking for, and it has really fueled a lot of the growth here at Bradley as well.”

Another key is the addition of more non-stop flights, which are also in demand among consumers, Dillon said, adding that the total is now at 47 and certain to climb higher. Many of them are to Florida, courtesy of Breeze, JetBlue, Southwest, and Spirit, he said, adding that such flights are popular and integral to the overall success of any airport in the Northeast.

“We know where people in our catchment area are flying to and what airport they’re using to do that — so it’s a matter of aggregating that data and then presenting it to an airline and making the business case for why an airline should start that level of service at Bradley.”

“We’re thrilled to see this level of coverage down into the Florida market,” he said. “It’s what allows us to continue to keep people in our market home instead of seeing them travel to a New York airport or Boston.”

 

Non-stop Action

These initiatives and others have positioned Bradley for continued growth, Dillon believes, adding that the priorities moving forward are to stress Bradley’s many assets while continuing to add more services to the mix.

Doing so will enable the airport to draw more customers from within that 60-minute-drive circle, while also perhaps expanding that radius, making Bradley an attractive alternative for people in various regions.

That includes Western Mass., the source of perhaps 20% of Bradley’s overall passenger volume, he said, adding that the 413 is definitely a potential source of additional growth, as is the area just east and south of Worcester — and Connecticut, for that matter, he said.

One of the priorities — and opportunities — moving forward is adding non-stop service to London, a key destination and part of the success quotient for any large airport.

“Far and away, I think London would be the most successful trans-Atlantic service for us, simply because of the high level of demand into London itself, but also all of the connectivity opportunities that exist,” he said, adding that Bradley has been in discussions with British Airways and other carriers about such service.

It would come with a certain amount of risk at mid-size airports such as Bradley, he went on, adding that, because of this, airlines look for revenue guarantees and/or business-community commitments that will guarantee a certain amount of revenue on the flight.

“There’s always risk when you start a service like that,” Dillon said. “But I do believe, based on the numbers we’re generating every day in the market area that we serve, of people who are traveling to London, that it would be a very successful service.”

Other priorities include additional non-stop flights to spots in the Caribbean and this country, including Seattle, an increasingly popular destination.

With more non-stops, the airport can, as he noted earlier, attract more people in its main catchment area.

“We’ve demonstrated time and time again that, if we have non-stop service to a location, we will capture at least 80% of everyone in our core area that’s looking to travel to that location,” Dillon said, adding that this bodes well for carriers looking to accept the risk of bringing more of these flights to Bradley.

“If we can bring Seattle service to Bradley, people are going to stay home and utilize Bradley for that service,” he went on. “Today, if you want a non-stop service into Seattle, you have to go to either Boston or New York. We have a lot of data available to us; we know where people in our catchment area are flying to and what airport they’re using to do that — so it’s a matter of aggregating that data and then presenting it to an airline and making the business case for why an airline should start that level of service at Bradley.”

Strong levels of business travel always help an airport make its case, he continued, adding that Bradley has historically been blessed with that quality. Thus, the future of business travel will be one of the factors determining the overall trajectory of its growth pattern.

Overall, many factors will ultimately decide where Bradley goes from here. And as Dillon prepares to step into retirement, he believes he’s helped put the airport on the proper flight path.

Holyoke Hummus Celebrates 10 Years with Wholesale Launch

By
Owners Dawn Cordeiro and John Grossman
Cover Story

More Than a Food Truck

Owners Dawn Cordeiro and John Grossman

Owners Dawn Cordeiro and John Grossman

 

John Grossman and Dawn Cordeiro know how to pivot.

Not long after launching a successful food-truck enterprise called Holyoke Hummus in 2014, they saw an opportunity to open a storefront on High Street in Holyoke, called the Holyoke Hummus Café.

“We had that for four years, and it was just amazing to be there on High Street while also doing the truck, but it was a lot of work keeping both of those going,” Grossman recalled. “And when the pandemic happened, the foot traffic on High Street got so small that we couldn’t keep the restaurant open. We didn’t know what was going to happen. It took a few months before food trucks were even allowed to start serving again.”

But while COVID effectively killed the café, the food-truck business — specializing in falafel and hummus — continued to thrive, with regular appearances, about 10 months a year, on area streets and at events and festivals.

“We’ve been trying to find something more productive for us during the winter. We’ve always done catering, but the wholesale project, getting hummus into the grocery stores, we knew was a year-round proposition.”

“The food truck was great for us during lockdown because restaurant lobbies weren’t open. So we pivoted back to the truck and had a couple of temporary kitchen situations after we closed the restaurant,” Grossman recalled. Then, two years ago, he and Cordeiro, his wife and business partner, set up shop in the shared commercial kitchen of Mycoterra Farm in Deerfield.

“A friend of mine saw on their Facebook feed that they were starting to rent their kitchen out,” he noted. “It seemed remote to me, especially coming from from Holyoke, but then I started to think about the geography, and so much of our work was north of there. So we’re just as close to, say, our Northampton work as we were in Holyoke. And when I came to visit the kitchen, I saw what a great fit it was. I’ve always been looking for something that could accommodate the food-truck production as well as wholesale production.”

Which leads us to the latest pivot — the launch, three months ago, of Holyoke Hummus’s wholesale distribution business.

“Since we started 10 years ago, people were like, ‘oh, where else can I buy your hummus?’ We never planned to have a restaurant, but that happened, and we took that opportunity,” Cordeiro recalled, adding that wholesale was something they had long discussed as well. “We got to 2024, and I was like, ‘we have to make this work this year. This needs to happen.’”

While the truck is typically active from late winter through the end of December, outdoor events definitely slow down in January and February, and the couple saw wholesale as something they could do year-round.

The Holyoke Hummus truck

The Holyoke Hummus truck is active about 10 months of the year, John Grossman said.

“During the pandemic, we stayed open through the winter, out of necessity. But we’ve been trying to find something more productive for us during the winter,” Grossman said. “We’ve always done catering, but the wholesale project, getting hummus into the grocery stores, we knew was a year-round proposition.”

After completing the process to get their wholesale license, they connected with a nonprofit food distributor based in Brattleboro, Vt. called Food Connects.

“We do not want to be in the business of driving around and trying to figure out how to distribute. They know how to do that. We know how to make hummus, and we know how to talk to people about it and get them interested and excited about it.”

 

They’ve Bean Entrepreneurial

Backing up a bit (well, 10 years), Grossman has often told the story of how Holyoke Hummus started, when he attended the Holyoke Brick Race, an annual stock-car event in the Paper City, in 2013. Organizers arranged for food vendors, but none showed up. That was his inspiration for opening Holyoke Hummus, buying the truck known as the Great Garbanzo, and setting up shop across the region.

“We do one flavor of hummus on the truck, and people love the hummus; people have been asking us where they can we get the hummus when the truck isn’t out.”

He and Cordeiro hope the wholesale business sees similar growth and success. They intend to expand gradually and purposefully, starting at locally owned stores like Provisions, Cornucopia, Oliver’s Farmstand, and Brattleboro Food Co-Op.

“Food Connects serves 250 stores — including places that are very far away that we would never even know about, in Vermont and New Hampshire. But hyper-local was where we really wanted to start,” Grossman said, adding that he isn’t looking to get into large chains like Big Y — for now, anyway.

“That’s certainly something that we would consider, and I know that they’re very good to local distributors and local producers,” he told BusinessWest. “But we really want to build this business on our own terms. I’ve seen so many food businesses our size that can’t wait to get into the bigger chains, and they figure out how to ramp up production, and they invest in infrastructure and production, and then that giant account goes away. So we feel really great about the organic growth and interest that we have.”

the wittily named “hummus-flavored hummus.”

The company began wholesaling to area stores with just one product: the wittily named “hummus-flavored hummus.”

Food Connects specializes in those independent retailers and food co-ops, he added. “They’re pointed right at the people who we feel like would be buying us anyway. So we’ll grow in the kind of places we want to grow, using the food-truck business to bootstrap our way into the wholesale hummus business. That’s been giving us the capital that we need, as well as the PR capital.”

Another way Holyoke Hummus is starting slowly is with the items it’s wholesaling — or, more accurately, item.

“We’re doing one flavor. We’re doing hummus-flavored hummus. That gets a good chuckle from people all the time, and it resonates,” Grossman said.

“There are a million flavors of hummus out there, and everybody’s got their favorite, and that’s wonderful,” he went on. “But what food trucks do is focus on one thing. And you want to go back to that truck because you want to have that falafel or that pulled pork. It struck us that we do one flavor of hummus on the truck, and people love the hummus; people have been asking us where they can we get the hummus when the truck isn’t out.”

“I want to make sure that the business model is sustainable and something we know we can grow confidently before we start with other products.”

He said the inspiration for calling the packaged product ‘hummus-flavored hummus’ came from an ad campaign for Tito’s Handmade Vodka, which, for a while, pitched ‘vodka-flavored vodka,’ striving for authenticity in a vodka market overrun by trendy flavors.

“It’s the same kind of concept, and I really like it,” he noted. “It’s also easy when I’m talking to new stores and they say, ‘OK, how many SKUs do you have?’ ‘I’ve got this one SKU.’ ‘Oh, I can fit that in.’”

But the wholesale products will broaden, Grossman was quick to add.

“The next thing up, that people are very excited about, are our pita chips: ‘when are you going to do the pita chips?’ That’s probably something that I would turn to a co-packer for and not try and develop my own capacity to produce on a wholesale scale,” he explained. “But I really want to do the hummus very carefully, and I want to make sure that the business model is sustainable and something we know we can grow confidently before we start with other products.”

In a typical week, Holyoke Hummus focuses on food production on Monday, packaging and distributor pickup happen on Tuesday, and the food-truck activity typically takes place Thursday through Sunday, at places ranging from food co-ops to concerts and parties.

On the week, they spoke with BusinessWest, Grossman and Cordeiro were getting ready for a brewfest at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, a 50th-anniversary party at Cummington Supply, concerts at Look Park in Northampton and Tree House Brewing Co. in Deerfield, and a food-truck roundup in Brattleboro. “That’s a pretty heavy week — usually it’s two or three truck events,” Grossman said.

Cordeiro said it’s gratifying to be ingrained in the Pioneer Valley community through the truck and, now, through stores. “It’s exciting that we’re part of people’s milestones. I’ll hear, ‘my mom has loved you for the past 10 years. We’d love to have you at her 70th birthday party.’”

a popular sight at local events that welcome food trucks.

Holyoke Hummus has become a popular sight at local events that welcome food trucks.

Meanwhile, at weekly events like farmers’ markets in Northampton, fans will take home hummus for their fridge, she added, so it’s gratifying to be able to tell them, “by the way, you can get it in the store.”

 

Falafel-y Promising

The truck fare from Holyoke Hummus has remained fairly consistent over the past decade and now includes a variety of falafel sandwiches and plates; hummus served with pita chips, a soft pita, or carrots; and sides ranging from fried brussels sprouts to french fries to stuffed grape leaves.

“It’s authentic,” Cordeiro said, of both the food and the relationships they’ve built over the years. “We’re a trusted part of the community, and that’s lovely. These people are part of our lives.”

Grossman agreed. “The nature of our business is breaking bread with people. That’s what being in community events is all about — it’s a very connecting thing of eating food with people and sharing food with people. We really love that.”

And while they grow the wholesale business, they also see expanding opportunity with the food truck, and a Western Mass. market that is far from saturated. “It’s kind of like asking, are there enough restaurants out there?” Grossman said.

“Partnerships are really what make food trucks happen,” he went on. “If you’re not in a fixed location, a retail location where people are making it a destination, you need to have an Abandoned Building Brewery say, ‘we’re going to do Food Truck Friday and bring 1,000 people together,’ and make partnerships that way. And the concert venues — Tree House is doing so many more shows now than they did before. So the cultural growth of food trucks, in partnership with more venues, is still definitely on the rise.”

Some of those partnerships are long-lasting; one of Holyoke Hummus’s earliest events was at Abandoned Building’s first anniversary, and it just had a presence at the Easthampton brewery’s 10th anniversary.

Relationships with local cities and towns are important, too, Cordeiro added. “Even the restaurant community understands that, ‘oh, right, food trucks aren’t going to take away from our business. How can we work together?’”

As it enters its second decade, the couple have recognized their growing stature as mentors to newcomers on the food-truck landscape.

“That’s been a really nice thing for us as well, talking to trucks coming on the scene over the last couple of years,” Grossman told BusinessWest. “When I was starting out, I know I was running around, hanging out at other trucks, asking them questions. There were some really great trucks that answered my questions and were helpful; they were sort of like the elder statespeople of food trucks in the Valley. They were scrappy and doing it when there were far less opportunities. To become that food truck that’s able to help and talk with other trucks as they get going, that’s been exciting.”

 

MassEducate Opens Up Free Community College to Everyone

By
Education Special Coverage

Access Granted

John Cook calls it “historic.”

And he’s not alone among the region’s community-college presidents in lauding the potential of MassEducate, a state-funded program that makes community college free for everyone who meets enrollment requirements and does not yet have a bachelor’s degree.

MassReconnect, which the state launched last summer to fully fund tuition, books, and supplies at community college for students over age 25, has already been a “game changer,” said Cook, president of Springfield Technical Community College, contributing to a 15% enrollment increase at STCC from the previous year.

“That’s an almost-unheard-of gain in higher education. And it’s hard not to attribute so much of that to the attention of adults on this idea of, ‘oh, I can come back; there’s a pathway for me.’ So it really did change our fortunes,” Cook noted. “We’ve seen about a 10-year decline in enrollments. With this major policy change, we were able to halt that and go in a different way.”

MassEducate, then, has the potential of building on MassReconnect significantly — and putting a college education within reach for everyone, regardless of economic status, Holyoke Community College (HCC) President George Timmons said.

“We’ve eliminated barriers and dealt with equity and access issues,” he told BusinessWest. “Regardless of your socioeconomic status, background, ethnicity, whoever you are, you can go from kindergarten to getting an associate degree as a right in the state of Massachusetts. That’s phenomenal. And it’s huge for the lowest socioeconomic members of society. While there still may be other barriers, finances will no longer be a barrier.”

George Timmons

George Timmons

“Regardless of your socioeconomic status, background, ethnicity, whoever you are, you can go from kindergarten to getting an associate degree as a right in the state of Massachusetts. That’s phenomenal.”

Michelle Schutt, president of Greenfield Community College, said GCC enrolled 256 MassReconnect students last year, which contributed to turning around an 11-year enrollment decline — a common story among community colleges over the past decade — with a 13% increase last fall. And MassEducate is expected to drive those numbers higher.

“It is so incredibly exciting,” she said when she spoke with BusinessWest on Aug. 7. “Applications are up 22% from last year on this date, acceptance is up 33%, and head count is up 11%. And last year, we got 300 students from August 10 to the first day of class, so those numbers should get even better. We couldn’t be more excited and appreciative of our elected officials who had the vision for this.”

MassEducate, a $117.5 million annual investment by the state, covers tuition and fees for all students, plus books and supplies for some. The program aims to support both economic opportunity for students and workforce development across a Massachusetts economy that has struggled, sector by sector, to recruit and retain talent in recent years.

Importantly, the program is a ‘last dollar’ investment, meaning students will still access federal funds, like Pell Grants, as well as state aid and scholarships, and MassEducate will pay the costs that remain, so it’s not funding anywhere near the full cost of a student’s education.

“It’s important to note that we didn’t leave any money on the table,” Timmons noted. “Basically, the state comes in and closes the deal for whatever gaps you may have.”

Schutt believes the program will have far-reaching impacts on students, families, and the economy.

Michelle Schutt

Michelle Schutt

“Now higher education can be attainable for more people, and that will change families for decades. I’m very passionate about the effects of education, particularly generationally. This will have such a huge impact on families, on the workforce, on social mobility.”

“It is surreal that K-12 education became free in the Commonwealth in the early 1800s, and here we are, almost 200 years later, finally giving higher education the support it needs,” she said. “Now higher education can be attainable for more people, and that will change families for decades. I’m very passionate about the effects of education, particularly generationally. This will have such a huge impact on families, on the workforce, on social mobility.”

 

Back to School

Schutt served on a MassEducate planning committee that met every other week throughout most of the 2023-24 academic year; the group, about 30 in all, included elected officials, business leaders, union representatives, administrators, financial-aid officers, faculty, and others.

“I’ll be honest — I’ve spent my entire life in higher education, but I never guessed this would be so complicated. People had all different perspectives on it, and that’s what these committees should be — we shouldn’t be all monolithic thinkers,” she said.

“Some people wanted to cap the total; other people wanted the students supported up to the total cost of attendance at a community college, which can be $20,000 a year. Others thought it should only be for students in particular majors — high-demand fields. Some thought if they already had an associate degree, they shouldn’t get another. All voices were brought to the table, and we had great conversations.”

Cook said the college presidents, through the Massachusetts Assoc. of Community Colleges, had a strong voice in the process.

“It was a great lift last year to help launch MassReconnect, and now, the universalness of MassEducate will further add to that. And we’re excited,” he said. “I’ve said before that MassReconnect was a game changer. But MassEducate is historic.”

While many graduating high-school seniors will still prefer to attend a four-year college right from the outset, time will tell how many will pivot to a debt-free first two years before entering the workforce with an associate degree or transferring to earn a bachelor’s degree.

“We have some very robust early-college pathways, and we work closely with a couple of different high schools to put credits in high-school students’ hands,” Cook added. “So it’s just natural to have them know there’s a no-cost avenue to continue on with STCC.”

The committee Schutt participated in discussed whether MassEducate should cover only tuition and fees, but the final bill that passed also included books and supplies for those who qualify based on family income.

John Cook

John Cook

“I’ve said before that MassReconnect was a game changer. But MassEducate is historic.”

“We talked a lot on the committee about the opportunity cost of education. Tuition and fees are not the only cost,” she explained. “Transportation, childcare, all the things that we face every single day, those don’t go away because you have free tuition. So that was the motivation behind helping with book costs.”

Schutt expects some prospective students will hear about MassEducate too late this summer to meet the requirements for the fall semester, and as a result, she feels enrollment increases won’t happen all at once.

“Students found out about this two weeks ago, they haven’t started the FAFSA process, and it’s challenging to get enrolled for the fall because of the steps they have to take to be eligible to enroll in this program. My gut says we’ll see a much more significant uptick in the spring, and then, next fall, we’re going to see the full effect.”

Timmons agreed. “Given the cyclical chain of events, we’ll probably see a greater impact in the spring and in subsequent years. You’ll see a significant bump as people know about it and have time to apply to FAFSA and MASFA again.”

Cook, like Timmons and Schutt, is gratified with the outcome of the bill, and grateful for the legislators who supported it.

“We saw some real champions out this way, and we saw a willingness by the House and the Senate to negotiate to this point,” he told BusinessWest, adding that, because of the success of MassReconnect, “we really had a way last year to build a line of sight toward this outcome. Many, many people saw the value and benefit, and that helped us arrive here today.”

 

Degrees of Progress

Timmons noted that community colleges in Massachusetts saw an 8% enrollment bump in 2023 following passage of MassReconnect — and 45% among the over-25 crowd. That was heartening in more ways than one; not only did colleges benefit, but the program was actively targeting the fact that some 750,000 Massachusetts adults have started a college degree but not finished it.

“That seemed like low-hanging fruit, and MassReconnect really bears evidence of that,” he said, before noting that MassEducate has, at its heart, the same goals of access and equity.

“I’m so passionate about this work of education. It is the great equalizer. Once you have an education and all the rights and privileges of that degree, you can earn a livable, sustainable wage, you can take care of yourself and your family, and you can literally change the trajectory of a family. You’re not only changing your own life, but the lives of your children and your grandchildren.

“That’s amazing,” he went on. “Think about the impact on people in Massachusetts who will be paying taxes, earning livable wages, and entering the middle class and beyond, who otherwise would not be able to do so. And from a workforce-development standpoint, employers are getting a much more educated and prepared workforce to do the work that is needed.”

Graduates can connect with those jobs in more than one way, Cook said, noting that some might not realize they can enter good careers at a sub-bachelor’s level, in fields ranging from STEM to healthcare, and now do it without debt.

“And we know that our baccalaureate partners will also be the recipients down the road when students transfer. We look forward to that. This is just so significant for Massachusetts,” he added. “The term I use is, community colleges can become an equity engine for higher education.”

At STCC, where more than half the population are students of color, many of whom are first-generation college students in their families, the idea that even more students, especially those from lower-income families, may be able to access and education and a career is exciting, Cook said. “MassConnect demonstrated that, when you can get people’s attention, you will get the outcomes that you want.”

“Think about the impact on people in Massachusetts who will be paying taxes, earning livable wages, and entering the middle class and beyond, who otherwise would not be able to do so.”

One challenge now, Timmons said, is to make sure new students at HCC have the resources they need to succeed.

“With an influx of students, we have to focus on success and completion and how to scale up our support services for students. We’ve dealt with equity and access. Now, how do we remove the barriers to get them across the finish line and right out into the workforce or transferring to a four-year institution? These are good problems to have. I’d rather have these problems than not have them. And over time, we’ll address them as we need to.

“There’s still time to enroll,” Timmons was quick to add. “All you have to do is approach your local community college, express interest, and as long as they meet the program requirements and follow the steps, anyone in Massachusetts can start a new path toward a better way of life, which is pretty exciting for me.”

Springfield Museums Ride Wave of Momentum, Innovation, Entrepreneurship

By
Kay Simpson, left, and Cynthia Campbell
Special Coverage Tourism & Hospitality

The Seuss Effect

Kay Simpson, left, and Cynthia Campbell

Kay Simpson, left, and Cynthia Campbell at the soon-to-open Chestnut Street Café and Bakery.

 

‘Bold.’

That’s the word Kay Simpson used as she talked about the Springfield Museums’ decision back in 2018 to acquire what she called a “somewhat blighted” property on Chestnut Street, adjacent to its Wood Museum of Springfield History, with the intention of repurposing it into something else.

The property wasn’t actually for sale, she said, but the Museums essentially made it for sale with an offer that ultimately wasn’t refused, with the intention of improving the landscape and creating a far more positive impression of the Quadrangle. And six years later — a timespan lengthened by COVID, rising construction prices, and other factors — that something else is turning into a nod to Dr. Seuss, or his grandparents, to be more precise.

Indeed, Ted Geisel’s grandparents operated a bakery on Howard Street, a site now part of the MGM Springfield footprint. The two former storefronts on Chestnut Street, a liquor store and convenience store, will become a bakery and café, with the latter featuring plant-based foods (more on that later). The venue has been outfitted with a replica of the kind of delivery truck the children’s author’s grandparents might have used.

This latest initiative at the Museums is innovative, entrepreneurial, and, yes, bold, operating traits that have been inspired by, or amplified by, the runaway success that is the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum, the importance of which to the Springfield Museums, from the bottom line to exposure nationally and globally, simply cannot be overstated, Simpson said.

“We’ve been using the experience of opening the Dr. Seuss museum and the kind of family engagement that it engendered, and spreading it out all over the Quadrangle.”

“It’s been … monumental,” she told BusinessWest, noting that, before the facility opened in 2017, the Museums had logged operating deficits for several years running. In the one month it was open before the end of FY 2017, it helped balance that year’s budget, she went on, adding that there have been balanced budgets and even surpluses since, at a time when many museums have struggled to come back from COVID.

As for exposure, stories about the RMV offering a new license plate honoring Dr. Seuss and featuring the Cat in the Hat have appeared in news outlets across the country.

But the Seuss museum has done more than enhance visitorship, revenues, and the profile of the Springfield Museums, she went on. It has also helped to inspire a number of new programs to make the Museums more interactive, immersive, accessible, and family-friendly.

“We’ve been using the experience of opening the Dr. Seuss museum and the kind of family engagement that it engendered, and spreading it out all over the Quadrangle,” Simpson said, adding that this has always been the case with the Springfield Science Museum (for which there are some intriguing new initiatives in various stages of development), but now extends to all corners of the museum complex.

“When we look at any of our museums, the work that we’re trying to do now is really about making them interactive, making them more participatory, and using the points of accessibility,” she went on, adding that Dr. Seuss has helped make the museums more accessible because he is a worldwide brand associated with fun. “People feel like there’s something to see and do when they’re here at the Museums.”

The Grinch’s Grotto

The Grinch’s Grotto is just one example of how leadership at the Museums is bringing more family-oriented, immersive experiences to its spaces.

Cynthia Campbell, chair of the Museums’ board of directors and a 10-year member, agreed.

“The impact of opening the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum really marked a transformative point for the Museums,” she explained, noting that it has not only doubled overall attendance and led to other Seuss-related opportunities, from the license plate to to a growing Grinchmas celebration, but it has inspired efforts for more innovative and immersive exhibits and programs, including the ambitious upgrades to Dinosaur Hall, including an animatronic T-rex.

Dr. Mark Keroack, the recently retired president and CEO of Baystate Health and longtime Museums board member, concurred.

“The board embarked on the first strategic plan in recent memory about three years ago, and one of the key things we did was to pivot the mission of the Museums and pivot it away from being just a sanctuary for beautiful things to defining its success by the experience of the people who come there,” he said. “There’s an interest in making sure we’re contemporary and relevant, and that we’re appealing to more diverse audiences, particularly in the city of Springfield but also beyond.”

For this issue and its focus on tourism, we take an in-depth look at how the Springfield Museums have caught a Seuss-inspired wave of momentum, innovation, and entrepreneurship, and how those traits are taking the complex to new places — and new heights.

 

Entrepreneurship on Display

They’re called Free First Wednesdays, or FFWs for short. The name tells you all you need to know.

Admission to the Museums is free the first Wednesday of every month, said Simpson, noting that the FFW on Aug. 7, which drew 1,723 visitors, was the best-attended since the program was launched in January with the help of a three-year, $800,000 grant from the Art Bridges Foundation, founded by Alice Walton, an heiress to the Walmart fortune.

“There’s an interest in making sure we’re contemporary and relevant, and that we’re appealing to more diverse audiences, particularly in the city of Springfield but also beyond.”

Those visitors were treated to Olympics-themed activities, as well as exhibitions and permanent displays, Simpson explained, adding that the Zip code capture in the Welcome Center confirmed that, in addition to strong participation from Connecticut and Massachusetts, visitors also came California, Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and other states.

The Free First Wednesdays are just one example of how the Museums have become … let’s say even more innovative and entrepreneurial. Others include initiatives like the Grinch’s Grotto in the SIS Hall of the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History for the months of November, December, and early January. Featuring an array of thematic, interactive displays, it “adds another layer to the Seuss experience at the Museums,” Simpson noted.

SIS Hall

SIS Hall has become site for many family-friendly exhibitions, like Big Games Big Fun.

“After opening the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum we started thinking of ways to use some of the other spaces in our buildings for large, immersive exhibitions that have broad appeal,” she said, adding that a good example of this is the SIS Hall in the history museum, which has played host to not only Grinch’s Grotto, but other programs and family-friendly exhibitions as well, including a Big Games Big Fun event and a Barbie Day, which capitalized on the excitement of the 2023 movie.

Currently, the space is hosting “Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum,” an exhibit that brings to life the acclaimed PBS KIDS TV series, which follows the adventures of Xavier and his little sister Yadina and best friend Brad as they tackle everyday problems by traveling back in time to learn from real-life inspirational figures.

“We’ve witnessed many museums struggling and, in fact, closing their doors. Thankfully, we were able to survive that and not only survive — we’re thriving.”

There’s also the Live Animal Center in the Science Museum. With more than $500,000 in funding from a federal earmark and other sources, the tanks in the center have been completely renovated, and new interactive displays are being installed.

Then there’s the new Chestnut Street Café and Bakery, to be operated by the owners of Pulse Café, the 100% plant-based eatery in Hadley, with a soft opening planned for early September.

Funded in part by Leagrey Dimond, Geisel’s stepdaughter, the bakery and café, created at a cost of more than $1 million, will reactivate that space in a way that will bring another dining option to not only Museum visitors, but those who work downtown and the growing numbers of people living there as well.

“I think it’s really exciting that we’re bringing this to downtown Springfield,” she said, adding that the café will be a solid addition to the menu of downtown dining options — and something decidedly different.

It’s also just another example of the Museums being entrepreneurial, innovative, inclusive, and willing to take on new initiatives (and the accompanying risks) at a time when many museums are still struggling in the wake of COVID and doing more hanging on than being bold.

Supporters gather for a celebration in March for meeting the goal for the Dr. Seuss license plate program

Supporters gather for a celebration in March for meeting the goal for the Dr. Seuss license plate program, which is expected to bring more exposure to the Museums and the city.

Campbell agreed. She said the Quadrangle’s deep portfolio of museums — it’s been called a mini-Smithsonian because of the variety — not to mention the huge boost from the Seuss museum, provide it with advantages that most museums simply don’t have.

“We’ve witnessed many museums struggling and, in fact, closing their doors,” she told BusinessWest. “Thankfully, we were able to survive that and not only survive — we’re thriving.”

 

Exhibiting Boldness

There are many other examples of innovation, interactivity, and inclusion, said those we spoke with, including efforts in the history museum to move beyond the displays of cars, motorcycles, and firearms manufactured in Springfield and use the facility not only for more family-friendly exhibits and programs like Grinch’s Grotto and Hasbro Game Land, but also telling the stories of the people who have lived here and do now.

“We want to do more to tell the story of Springfield and its people,” Simpson said, adding that these efforts are very much a work in process, with grants to be pursued for various initiatives. “Previously, we focused on industry and objects, but I think it’s really important, especially as the city changes, and as part of the work we’re doing with inclusion, to tell all of the stories, starting with Indigenous people, but also historic Black Springfield, the Latino population and the growth of that community, as well as other communities.

“It’s a reinterpretation of the history that is told in the Wood museum,” she went on. “People relate to people, so we need to integrate that into what is being presented in that museum.”

Meanwhile, and as noted earlier, one of the key focal points of the current strategic plan is the Science Museum, said Keroack, noting there have been many improvements and more on the way.

Keroack grew up in Springfield, and in his youth, he was a frequent visitor to the Museums and especially the Science Museum.

“I was a bit of a nerd,” he recalled, adding that he was drawn to the fish tanks, dioramas, and physical exhibits. That museum remains a real draw for young people, he said, but it has been in need of a refresh, as he called it, and it is getting one.

The planetarium has been completely renovated, noted Simpson, adding that while the Korkosz projector — the oldest operating American-made projector in the world — is still used in the planetarium presentation, the facility now boasts a full-dome video system, creating immersive experiences in astronomy and earth science.

Meanwhile, the Museums were recently granted the long-term loan of a large, touch-screen, interactive virtual tour of the International Space Station.

“The second floor of the Science Museum has been progressively transformed,” said Simpson, adding that there are plans for a reimagined dinosaur experience that has many moving parts, literally and figuratively.

The experience will start before visitors enter the front door of the Welcome Center, she noted, adding that a large T-rex will appear to burst out of the exterior wall of the building, setting the tone for play and learning. Two smaller juveniles will appear to congregate near the doors, inviting visitor engagement.

Once inside the Welcome Center, visitors will hear the dinosaurs even as they get their admission tickets, she went on, adding that visitors will enter a completely renovated Dinosaur Hall, which will feature a new, animatronic T-rex that moves and roars. It will be surrounded by hatching baby dinosaurs hidden behind simulated reeds, which visitors can discover as they move through the hall.

Meanwhile, important fossils will be showcased in the renovated space to help tell stories of local paleontology. An elevated observation deck will enable visitors to walk around the T-rex as well as to look down on the exhibitions, allowing for a high level of interactivity.

From Dinosaur Hall, visitors will enter an immersive display that explores archosaurs, the animal group from which dinosaurs evolved. The exhibit will feature flying dinosaurs, erupting volcanoes, and interactive games that connect dinosaurs to current life on earth.

“The overarching goal of the new, reimagined dinosaur experience is to establish the Science Museum as home to the flagship dinosaur destination in New England, as well as the regional center for STEM education,” Simpson explained. “We anticipate that we will increase our annual attendance by 25% with our enhanced dinosaur experience.”

Campbell agreed, noting that the Science Museum is the second-most popular attraction at the Quadrangle behind the Seuss museum, and the planned improvements could generate another significant boost in visitorship.

And another way to tell prospective visitors, “oh, the places you’ll go.”

 

Architects Say Project Diversity Is Key to Weathering Challenges

By
Aelan Tierney says Kuhn Riddle Architects has long been involved in numerous sectors
Architecture Special Coverage

Drawing on Experience

Aelan Tierney says Kuhn Riddle Architects has long been involved in numerous sectors

Aelan Tierney says Kuhn Riddle Architects has long been involved in numerous sectors so it can nimbly shift when the economy does.

When it comes to thriving in the world of architecture, diversity goes a long way.

“During the pandemic, we were working on a lot of large single-family homes,” said Aelan Tierney, president of Kuhn Riddle Architects in Amherst. “That market seems to have slowed down, but higher education is still probably about 50% of our work.”

At the same time, she said, commercial work has declined a bit in the last couple of years. “I’m not quite sure what it is between the economy or construction costs or interest rates, because they all feed into each other,” she noted. But at the same time, the firm has recently tackled numerous multi-family housing developments, both market-rate and affordable, as communities across Massachusetts continue to face an acute need for more of them.

In short, Kuhn Riddle, like many firms, adapts to what the market is offering, she added. “That has always been our strategy, to do a little bit of everything so that we can shift when the economy shifts.”

The situation is similar at Caolo & Bieniek Architects in Chicopee, where educational and municipal projects — schools, public safety, senior centers, libraries, and the like — continue to provide a healthy pipeline of projects, though Curtis Edgin, the firm’s president, doesn’t expect the flow to remain unchanged forever.

“I’m not quite sure what it is between the economy or construction costs or interest rates, because they all feed into each other.”

“That’s why we’re diversified, working in different sectors. Some of that government money, as a result of the pandemic, has begun to taper off a little bit. But they’re still spending it,” he noted. “We’ve also got some commercial projects — healthcare projects, offices, that type of thing — going on. But probably 70% to 75% of our work is public-sector work, whether it’s housing authorities or other projects.”

Kevin Rothschild-Shea, president of ArchitectureEL in East Longmeadow, said his firm continues to stay busy post-COVID, with a number of multi-family residential projects and a growing niche in municipal work, notably a series of projects in Holyoke.

Specifically, AEL has provided services for the city and its public schools as their on-call architect for the past two years, completing a roof and skylight replacement for the Department of Public Works, a roof and skylight replacement for the City Hall Annex, a roof replacement for the Holyoke Children’s Museum and Volleyball Hall of Fame, heating upgrades for the McMahon VRF, historical renovations on the City Council chambers located at City Hall, and HVAC system replacements in the city’s elementary schools. Most recently, it secured an on-call architect contract for the Holyoke Housing Authority.

Principals (from left) Bert Gardner, Curtis Edgin, and Jim Hanifan say Caolo & Bieniek Architects continues to stay busy in the post-pandemic years.

Principals (Principals (from left) Bert Gardner, Curtis Edgin, and Jim Hanifan say Caolo & Bieniek Architects continues to stay busy in the post-pandemic years.
continues to stay busy in the post-pandemic years.

“Diversity continues to be there for us,” Rothschild-Shea said, noting that his firm has significant experience in accessibility, historic preservation, educational, and commercial design, as well as both private and multi-family residential development. “It’s always been competitive, but we haven’t had any trouble with workflow. Word of mouth continues to be one of the strongest methods of obtaining new work on the commercial side. It’s evolving work, and we continue to respond to an ever-changing climate.”

 

Challenges Persist

What hasn’t changed — though they have eased in some ways — are the challenges architects have felt in recent years from supply-chain issues and higher costs.

“It’s a lot less, but there are some elements — like some particular electrical items — that are still causing delays on projects,” said Jim Hanifan, vice president at Caolo & Bieniek. “If we have a big project, a year-plus, everyone knows what materials have problems and get them ordered the second day of the job. The problem is the smaller ones that are only summer jobs; there’s not enough time. You have to pick the materials that you can get. You can’t wait on certain things, or you’ll never get the job done.”

“We’re educating the end user on how to operate systems. That’s something that’s changed in the last 10 years — as part of the design, we build in the training.”

And these are often critical items, he noted. “You can’t have a police station or a fire station without a generator. That’s the kind of thing you’ve got to plan around. Part of the job now is to make sure you can get the materials and get them on time and get them installed and certified, all within a certain time period.”

Another element regarding equipment is how much more complicated some of it is, particularly in the energy-efficiency realm, Hanifan said, and clients need to take into account both their budget and ease of use.

“If you’re going to spend more money on more efficient and better equipment, how long does it really take to pay for that back, and is it worth it? The other part is maintenance. We’ve had clients that want the most sophisticated, the top of the line of everything, but if you don’t have the staff or the crew to maintain it, it’s a headache; it never will operate or be as efficient as it’s supposed to be. So that’s a factor that should always be considered with those systems.”

Bert Gardner, also a vice president with Caolo & Bieniek, agreed.

“Sometimes it causes confusion. So the challenge is, how do you simplify that for the end user as much as possible, because a lot of places don’t have the staff to troubleshoot when things go wrong. We’re educating the end user on how to operate systems. That’s something that’s changed in the last 10 years — as part of the design, we build in the training. We talk to the owner about what the systems are going to be and who they’ve got available to be trained on the systems and how long are they going to need to train. We write it right into the specs for the lighting controls — plan for two days for you to get your staff up to speed on how the lights work in the building.”

This architect’s rendering from Kuhn Riddle shows a mixed-use project

This architect’s rendering from Kuhn Riddle shows a mixed-use project centered around the historic Hastings building in Amherst, which will include five stories of residential units, helping meet a need for more housing in town.

Tierney said current energy codes are moving the world in a positive direction with respect to reducing energy use and the carbon impact of buildings, but owners, architects, builders, and code officials are all having to learn very quickly how to meet these new code requirements. At Kuhn Riddle, that has led to a recent emphasis on passive-house design and certification, which focuses on dramatic energy-use reduction for space heating and cooling.

“We currently have one certified passive-house consultant and five others training to become passive-house designers,” she told BusinessWest. “We understand the detailing that’s required behind passive-house design and the process you have to get through to get passive-house-certified to meet the energy-code requirements. So that’s an expense that, as designers, we’re taking on in terms of getting our staff certified, but then there are layers of construction costs associated with that as well, and testing that needs to happen. It’s all good; it’s just expensive.”

It’s also one way Kuhn Riddle provides professional-development opportunities to its team, Tierney said.

“I think they appreciate having the opportunity to learn a new skill, and it’s obviously a benefit to us to have that expertise, to be able to say to developers, ‘yes, we have five people who are passive-house-certified consultants, and we can do your projects.’”

More broadly, she went on, “in becoming an architect, you have to go through education, training, and then take exams. We’ve been paying for the study software and materials, and then we also pay for people to take their exams. Anybody coming out of college is in debt from going to school, so that additional expense of having to pay for study materials and exams, we just want to take that pressure away. And as people get licensed, that’s a benefit to the firm.”

 

Opportunity Knocks

The firms we spoke with have all had success bringing in young talent, even though they acknowledged it’s not the easiest field.

“It’s hard work. There are more lucrative industries to get into, given the amount of work versus the salary,” Edgin said. “So what do we do to attract them? We give you a lot of opportunity, I’ll say that. You’re not pigeonholed into doing just one little task. Continuing education is important to help folks grow and reach their goals. We support that and encourage that.”

Angela Johnson

Angela Johnson

“Someone going into architecture doesn’t necessarily have to choose a certain role. You can be in all kinds of different places within the field.”

Angela Johnson, who went to school for architecture and is now the firm’s marketing assistant, agrees.

“I’ve been here almost three years now, and I’ve definitely learned a lot. Seeing different sides of how it all connects is really eye-opening,” she said. “Someone going into architecture doesn’t necessarily have to choose a certain role. You can be in all kinds of different places within the field. Whether you want to go into the sustainability side, or if you want to go into spec drawing or doing renderings or other things, it’s all about how you want to approach the field, and I think that’s unique to architecture. A lot of industries don’t have that much of a bandwidth.”

Rothschild-Shea said his firm has had success with entry-level interns and entry-level architects, adding that his team members appreciate the relationship aspects of the business. “I think we continue to be people-centric at our core; what we’re doing is designing buildings for people, and we certainly continue to focus on service and taking care of people.”

After all, Tierney said, this is a career in which professionals can bring a job from the drawing board to often very impressive fruition, and that’s a draw for many young people.

“That’s probably my favorite part of the job,” she told BusinessWest — “to draw something on a piece of paper, show it to a client who gets excited about it, and then see it literally come out of the ground and walk through the building with them and have them say, ‘this is exactly what I wanted.’”

Upcoming Auction May Decide Fate of Springfield Landmark

By
Paramount Theater
Commercial Real Estate Special Coverage

Of Paramount Importance

Paramount Theater

Paramount Theater

 

Over the past year or so, while the historic Paramount Theater property in Springfield has somewhat quietly been on the market, Bill Low has taken more than a dozen interested parties through the landmark.

Slicing through the comments made by those taking the tour, he said he’s counted quite a few people saying “what a shame,” or “it’s really sad,” as they view the theater portion of the property — which has hosted shows by the likes of Jerry Seinfeld, the Three Stooges, and Bob Dylan over the years — and the many visible forms of deterioration there.

He’s also heard several of these visitors talk about how, while renovation of the former Massasoit House Hotel portion of the property is likely doable, the theater is … well, another story.

“Over the past year, I probably had 12 to 15 physical tours,” said Low, president of Springfield-based L&P Commercial, which has been handling the sale of this and most other properties within a large portfolio of real estate once owned by the New England Farmworkers Council. “There was lots of interest, which I would expect because it’s a grand property. But when you think about the theater … what do you do with it? It’s beautiful, but what can you do with it?”

Such comments are in many ways helping to set the stage, figuratively but also literally, for what will be a closely watched auction of the Paramount property that was originally slated for mid-August and is now set for Sept. 23.

“There was lots of interest, which I would expect because it’s a grand property. But when you think about the theater … what do you do with it? It’s beautiful, but what can you do with it?”

Low, like Tim Sheehan, Springfield’s chief Development officer, says he doesn’t know exactly what to expect at the auction, to be conducted online by the national real-estate agency Crexi.

According to Crexi’s web page for the Paramount property, the starting bid will be $250,000. That’s roughly one-tenth of what it is assessed at and about one-seventh what the New England Farmworkers Council paid for it in 2011, with plans to author the next chapter in its history — plans that never materialized, due in part to COVID, but also to market conditions and the high degree of difficulty associated with the project.

Theater

The low initial bid price might be another indicator of just how complex and difficult a project this is, but Low also suspects it was set to “generate some action.”

And he believes there will be a good amount of action, but just what it will translate into remains to be seen. The theater portion of the property remains an extreme challenge, he said, not merely because of the high price tag (which has been prohibitive for many of the arts-related groups that have toured the property), but because of the need within the marketplace for another performance venue — or lack thereof.

Sheehan agreed.

“Everyone keeps talking about performance space, but how much performance space is a city the size of Springfield going to be able to support?” he asked rhetorically. “You have Symphony Hall, you have the MassMutual Center. You have MGM, with smaller venues … I’m just not certain you can get positive cash flow out of performance space of that size.”

But he noted that there are other projects in various stages of development in that area, including recently announced plans to convert the floors above the Student Prince Café and the Fort into condominiums (see related story on page 35), and the Paramount could be another building block on that section of Main Street and possible catalyst for still more development.

For this issue and its focus on commercial real estate, we look at how the upcoming auction has cast the Paramount property back into the spotlight, and also why this property with a rich past has so many question marks about its future.

 

Back in the Spotlight

The marketing language created by L&P Commercial for the Paramount property when it was on the market speaks to everything from its history and architectural significance to the challenges that await those who might want to take this on.

“This endeavor calls for dreamers, history enthusiasts, and architects of the future,” it reads. “Whether you envision a cultural center, boutique hotel, great thriving entertainment hub, this restoration project awaits your touch. Embrace your opportunity to make your mark on history while preserving the city’s rich history. Take the first step toward creating a lasting legacy.”

There has been little if any interest among those who have toured the property to take that first step, said Low, adding that this reality helps explains why the property is now going to auction.

“We just got to the point where we couldn’t find the right buyer,” he told BusinessWest. “It’s a massive undertaking; most of the interest was in the hotel, with people then saying, ‘now what do we do with the theater?’”

By now, most know at least some of the Paramount’s history. Opened in 1926, it was, for decades, all those things listed in the L&P description — a cultural center, thriving hotel, and entertainment hub. Four presidents are said to have stayed in the Massasoit House Hotel. As for the Paramount, formerly named the Julia Sanderson Theater, it has hosted movies and all kinds of live performances, from music to comedy to theater.

Bill Low

Bill Low expects the auction for the Paramount property to draw a good amount of interest.

Renovated in 1999 and renamed the Hippodrome, the property was purchased by the New England Farmworkers Council in 2011 with the intention of restoring it to its former glory. As a casino proposal came together involving real estate just north of the Arch, the Hippodrome was viewed as being a potential key component of such plans.

But the casino was ultimately built in the South End, less than a mile down Main Street, and plans to renovate the Paramount/Massasoit property — with a price tag around $40 million — were never realized.

COVID played a factor, but so did the inability to secure the private funding needed to advance the project to the construction phase, said Sheehan, adding that the Farmworkers Council, burdened with the various costs associated with the real estate, needed to relieve itself of that burden.

Which brings us to next month’s auction. Both Low and Sheehan said it will be “interesting.” Beyond that, they’re not entirely sure what to expect from whomever prevails in that event.

 

Show of Interest?

They do know that the new owner, whoever that might be, will face the same challenges that the New England Farmworkers Council had in renovating the theater portion of the property and making it viable from a business standpoint.

As Sheehan pointed out, there are several other performance venues in Springfield and elsewhere in the region. Meanwhile, those involved with plans to renovate another historic old movie house — the Victory Theater in Holyoke — are trying to close a funding gap and move forward with 45-year-old efforts to restore that landmark.

That said, he noted that some developers have reached out to him to have discussions about the property and float potential development concepts.

“Hopefully, they’ll show up at the auction and at least gauge a level of interest associated with the properties,” he went on, noting that the decision to take the property to auction has come about rather quickly, so potentially interested parties have not had much time to do their due diligence.

Sheehan said that, if he has a suggestion, or cautionary note, for potential developers of the property, it would be to take on this project in stages.

“I think they should work with scalable pieces of the overall development and begin in the easiest spot that you possibly can,” he said, adding that this spot would likely be the ground-floor retail spaces on the property.

Meanwhile, redevelopment of the Massasoit House Hotel might be the next spot.

“The office component in the former hotel … that won’t be as difficult an undertaking,” he noted. “The really hard part is the Paramount itself; what are you envisioning for the redevelopment of that space that will actually bring positive economics to the overall equation?”

Both the theater and hotel are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Sheehan noted, adding that the site is significant from both a historic and architectural standpoint, and this needs to factor into happens next, whatever it is.

“Both of those properties have significant historical importance and architectural significance,” he said. “And the city has an interest in making sure that those properties are reactivated and preserved in an appropriate way.”

Low acknowledged the historic nature of the property and the architectural significance, but wondered out loud if something might have to give from a preservation standpoint if something is to happen at this property.

Meanwhile, his only predictions for the auction, based on the interest shown since Crexi started marketing it, are a sale price above (probably well above) $250,000, and “lots of action.”

And maybe, just maybe, from that action, progress will be made in securing a future for this big slice of the city’s past.

 

Fort Building’s New Owners Plan Condo Development

 

Peter Picknelly says he and other members of an investment group that recently acquired the property on Main Street in Springfield that is home to the Student Prince Café and the Fort did so to essentially control their own destiny.

Indeed, this same group, which includes Picknelly, chairman of Peter Pan Bus Lines and a principal with OPAL Real Estate Group; the Yee family; and Michael and Kevin Vann, acquired the restaurant in 2014 with the intention of preserving it for future generations of area residents. And as they embark on a series of renovations to the famous restaurant, they understood that their overall path would be easier to negotiate if they owned the property.

But their motivations certainly don’t end there. The new owners have ambitious plans to renovate the long-vacant upper floors of the property into 50 or more condominiums, which Picknelly anticipates will fall into the ‘affordable’ category.

As he talked about these plans, he drew a number of similarities between the Fort building, as it’s known to many, and another project he recently led — conversion of 31 Elm St., the former Court Square Hotel, into mostly market-rate housing units.

Both buildings are historic, to one degree or another (31 Elm St. is on the National Register of Historic places, while the Fort building is not), both have been vacant or mostly vacant for decades, and both are “bears,” as Picknelly put it, when it comes to the many challenges associated with reimagining them as housing.

“But 31 Elm was more of a bear,” he said with a laugh, adding that, while the upper floors of the Fort building do, indeed, present a number of construction and financing challenges — he expects this project will cost $25 million to $30 million — he described it as certainly doable.

“This building is a lot like 31 Elm — it has great bones, but it’s been left to decay for decades,” he explained, noting that the ownership group will work with Winn Development, another partner on 31 Elm, on the Fort Building initiative. “It certainly comes with a challenge, but we’ve teamed up with Winn, who I think are masters at renovating old structures like that and modernizing them and making them great places to live and work.”

Meanwhile, the runaway success of 31 Elm — the building was fully leased when it opened, and there is already a lengthy waiting list — provides both inspiration for the Fort building endeavor and proof of need for this kind of development.

“I think the success of 31 Elm has certainly demonstrated that people want to live in downtown Springfield,” said Picknelly, adding that, just as the Court Square project has injected vibrancy into downtown, the Fort building project can do the same, especially for that section of Main Street.

“I hoping that this serves as a catalyst for further development toward the North End,” he said. “I think that’s the natural course of progress for our city.”

The new ownership group, known as Fort Street Realty Assoc., acquired the property from the New England Farmworkers Council, which has been selling off its portfolio of real estate over the past year or so. The Farmworkers Council acquired the Fort building in 2011 with the intention of renovating the vacant upper floors, but those plans never materialized.

The property, which has been on the market for some time and listed for $2 million, sold for $700,000, an indication of the Farmworkers Council’s willingness to shed properties and get out from under heavy tax and property-maintenance burdens.

Picknelly said the new ownership group has several priorities for the property, including improvements to the restaurant (work in the kitchen, bathrooms, and other areas), efforts to clean up and shore up the “streetscape,” as he called the storefronts along Main Street, and conversion of the upper floors into condos.

—George O’Brien

 

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and/or trade names were issued or renewed during the month of July 2024.

HOLYOKE

Big Red Excavation
146 Bathrick Road
Brandon Cavanaugh

Big Red Excavation
14 Ross Road
Daniel Cavanaugh

Brooksy Landscaping
85 Meadowbrook Road
Tylor Brooks

City Pizza
420 High St.
G28 Food LLC

El Rincon Boricua Restaurant
216 Lyman St.
Virgen Lopez

Pretzelmaker #1
50 Holyoke St.
Rajat Ghosh

Pretzelmaker #2
50 Holyoke St.
Rajat Ghosh

Scrambowled
112 High St.
Yamil Canales

PITTSFIELD

Best Western Berkshire Hills Inn & Suites
1350 West Housatonic St.
Sita Inc.

Carlson Home Services
26 Newell St.
Erik Carlson

Dosier Jiu Jitsu
1625 East St.
Dosier Jiu Jitsu LLC

Dubey Technologies
82 Wendell Ave.
American Business Solutions Inc.

Franky’s
1220 North St.
Franky’s LLC

Haddad Collision Center
40 Downing Parkway
Haddad Motor Group Inc.

I&C Systems Engineering Inc.
82 Wendell Ave.
LaBonty Engineering Inc.

Michael Lavin Flower Photography
252 Elm St.
Michael Lavin Flower

MJF Distributing
16 Ridge Ave.
Mark Ferdyn

MR Barbers
317 North Street
Richard Carnevale Jr., Matthew Ketchum

Mt. Greylock Extended Care Facility
1000 North St.
Pittsfield Management Systems Inc.

Pittsfield Lawn Care
12 Curtin Ave.
Timothy Bak

Pure & Wholesome Distributors
146 East New Lenox Road
Tammy Cracolici

The Purse Lady
48 Reed St.
Michelle Peoples

Semiconductor Production Systems America
82 Wendell Ave., #100
Kirke Marsh

Smart Solutions Consulting
82 Wendell Ave.
Walter Rijneveld

The UPS Store
180 Elm St.
Richard George Jr.

Valley West Mortgage
82 Wendell Ave.
Valley West Corp.

Wander
34 Depot St.
Everybody Loves Hospitality LLC

Zucco’s Family Restaurant
451 Dalton Ave.
Elizabeth Zucco

SOUTH HADLEY

Accelerated IT Inc.
650 New Ludlow Road, Unit 2
Accelerated IT Inc.

Laurie’s Charcuterie
51 Laurie Ave.
Laurie’s Charcuterie

Luxe Salon & Beauty Bar
351 Newton St.
Brianna Rehm

SOUTHWICK

Buildquest LLC
110 Mort Vining Road
Matthew Gomes

Fancy Bagels
587 College Highway
Anthony DeGrandi

Like New Auto Detailing
17 Charles Johnson Road
Robert Barnes Jr.

Luminary Pathway
110 Mort Vining Road
Jessica Gomes

Voitkan LLC
176 College Highway
Vitaliy Kuznetso

WESTFIELD

Boise Cascade LLC
33 Fowler St. Ext.
John MacLeod

Brodeur McGan P.C.
815 North Road
Lisa Brodeur McGan

Focused Growth Counseling
189 Springfield Road
Peter Charland

For K-9s & Felines LLC
45 Southwick Road
For K-9s & Felines LLC

Frosted Peaks Bakery
172 Highland Ave.
Lisa Kriesak

Hidden Lens Photography
135 Rider Road
Nathan Lococo, Tiffany Lococo

Kosinski Farms
336 Russellville Road
Gene Kosinski

KS Solutions
12 Dubois St.
Kenneth Stomski Jr.

Nicole Wzorek Designs
76 Court St.
Nicole Wzorek

Union Mart
420 Union St.
Union Mart Liquor Inc.

Vast Energy Services
210 Munger Hill Road
Joseph Vaschak

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Balise Kia
635 Riverdale St.
Balise Kia

Baron Auto Sales
195 River St.
Baron Auto Sales

Central Chevrolet Inc.
811 Memorial Ave.
Central Chevrolet Inc.

Line Eco-Cleaning
43 Colony Road, Unit 1A
Line Eco-Cleaning

Nescor
148 Doty Circle
North East Specialty Corp.

Pacto de Vida Internacional
209 Rogers Ave.
Pacto de Vida Internacional

RB Online Mercantile
318 Woodmont St.
RB Online Mercantile

The Snack Shack
125 Capiral Dr.
KEC Properties LLC

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

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

A’Hearn, Christopher J.
23 Eldert St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Date: 07/10/2024

Benitez, Yoni Fran
Liberato, Jenny
57 Ruskin St.
Chicopee, MA 01020-3502
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/10/2024

Briotta, Jocelyn Anne
4 Atwater St., Right
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/08/2024

Cormier, Andrew M.
972 Tinkham Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/15/2024

Cortes, Jose L.
29 Montford St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Date: 07/10/2024

Cruz, Arturo
Cruz, Rosa
a/k/a Cruz Rivera, Arturo
810 Southampton Road, #5
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/30/2024

Deutsch, Alan A.
Deutsch, Denise E.
25 Donovan St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Date: 06/29/2024

Dumas, Justin Harold-Fred
28 Thomas Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040-1716
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/09/2024

Emerson, Phillip A.
180 Beauchamp Ter.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Date: 30308

Eurkus, Kash W.
P.O. Box 353
Bondsville, MA 01009
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/28/2024

Fleming, Thomas K.
76 Nonotuck St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Date: 07/10/2024

Foskett, Matthew B.
237 Walnut Hill Road
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/01/2024

Frates, Denise L.
106 Quaker Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/08/2024

Halama, Sarah A.
58 Glenoak Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/29/2024

Henshaw, David B.
79 Long Plain Road
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 13
Date: 06/27/2024

Kiely, Jean Marie
44 Fredette St.
Chicopee, MA 01022
Chapter: 13
Date: 07/01/2024

Leduc, Raymond Richard
Leduc, Lisa Marie
23 Elliot St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Date: 07/08/2024

Legrand, Abner Emil
986 Grayson Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/09/2024

Leonard, Joseph Robert
Rovatti-Leonard, Angela Eileen
Quigley, Angela Eileen
284 River Road
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/02/2024

Manley, Daniel J.
Manley, Sara A.
a/k/a Trombley, Sara A.
41 Homestead Ave.
Russell, MA 01071
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/29/2024

Matos, Richard Lualhati
102 Howland Ave.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/01/2024

Moriarty, Robert Evans
102 McCarthy Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/28/2024

Munoz, Jahayra
111 Manchester Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Date: 07/12/2024

Ortiz, Joel D.
289 Sheridan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Date: 07/09/2024

Phillips, Christopher
8 Windsor Dr.
Ashland, MA 01721
Chapter: 13
Date: 07/12/2024

Riggio, Dominic
11 Copeland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Date: 07/02/2024

Roque-Hubbard, Christopher
17 Virginia St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/28/2024

Schmitt, Kimberly Joy
238 Park St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/03/2024

Sedlak, Scott O.
Sedlak, Leanne L.
25 Carver St.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/27/2024

Smith, Stacey Nicole
43 Pasco Road
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 13
Date: 07/15/2024

Sorcinelli, Robert R.
Sorcinelli, Debra A.
7 Beverly Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/28/2024

Vincent, Jessica L.
287 Osborne Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/29/2024

Waite, Cynthia A.
30 Wood Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/28/2024

Walczak, June P.
201 Newbury St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/29/2024

Warner, David Thomas
27 Maple Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/11/2024

 

Real Estate Transactions

By
Real Estate

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

ASHFIELD

612 John Ford Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $459,000
Buyer: Tracy Bombard
Seller: Mark E. Rachmaciej
Date: 07/09/24

BERNARDSTON

77 Hoe Shop Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: A. Plus Enterprises Inc.
Seller: Kurra, Penny L., (Estate)
Date: 07/18/24

81 Hoe Shop Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: A. Plus Enterprises Inc.
Seller: Kurra, Penny L., (Estate)
Date: 07/18/24

BUCKLAND

24 Conway St.
Buckland, MA 01370
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Annie J. Rubel
Seller: Kimberly Guzewicz
Date: 07/12/24

2151 Route 2
Buckland, MA 01370
Amount: $229,900
Buyer: Lin Chen
Seller: Reo T2021-NR4
Date: 07/15/24

COLRAIN

9 Main Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $319,500
Buyer: Rama A. Davis
Seller: Paul Gatker
Date: 07/18/24

68 Van Nuys Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Taylor Berry
Seller: Rebecca A. Tippens
Date: 07/11/24

CONWAY

39 Pleasant St.
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Joan R. Schwartz
Seller: Linda D. Bettis
Date: 07/15/24

350 Reeds Bridge Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $407,000
Buyer: Mica Agate-Mays
Seller: Peter B. Farber
Date: 07/10/24

DEERFIELD

53 Eastern Ave.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Geoffrey D. Naunheim
Seller: David E. Hayes
Date: 07/15/24

44 King Philip Ave.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Jennifer Chuks-Crabill
Seller: Wells, Roger D., (Estate)
Date: 07/09/24

ERVING

11 West High St.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $252,000
Buyer: Eliza C. Galaher
Seller: Collins, Frank W., (Estate)
Date: 07/19/24

GREENFIELD

78 Beech St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Adam M. Goldstein
Seller: Jennifer E. Scelsi
Date: 07/19/24

3 Cherry St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $382,500
Buyer: Soham Dhakpa
Seller: Sak Jr., Peter J., (Estate)
Date: 07/11/24

103 Conway St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $424,900
Buyer: 103 Conway St. LLC
Seller: Kimball & Kimball LLC
Date: 07/16/24

28 Kenwood St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $337,000
Buyer: Justin B. Nichols
Seller: Joann P. Allan
Date: 07/11/24

11 Madison Circle
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Daina M. Ruback
Seller: Jane M. Kunhardt LT
Date: 07/15/24

106-108 Stone Farm Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $995,000
Buyer: Valley Community Land Trust Inc.
Seller: M. W. Cohn Development LLC
Date: 07/10/24

106-108 Stone Farm Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $328,500
Buyer: Valley Housing Coop Inc.
Seller: Valley Community Land Trust Inc.
Date: 07/10/24

110-112 Stone Farm Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $328,500
Buyer: Valley Housing Coop Inc.
Seller: Valley Community Land Trust Inc.
Date: 07/10/24

HAWLEY

48 West Hawley Road
Hawley, MA 01339
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Roy Lewis
Seller: Mkl Rt
Date: 07/09/24

LEVERETT

11 Amherst Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $670,000
Buyer: Eric S. Haffey
Seller: Richard W. Ferro
Date: 07/12/24

15 Bull Hill Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Thomas C. Levy
Seller: Graves, Douglas L., (Estate)
Date: 07/09/24

1 Depot Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $272,500
Buyer: Max E. Traunstein
Seller: Peter Laznicka
Date: 07/12/24

125 Dudleyville Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $635,000
Buyer: Sarah H. Lukens
Seller: Shirley Idelson
Date: 07/11/24

MONTAGUE

10 Davis St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Diego A. Sharon
Seller: Marilyn Squier
Date: 07/15/24

149 Millers Falls Road
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: James D. Gexler
Seller: St. Germain Jr., Fracis, (Estate)
Date: 07/12/24

NORTHFIELD

291 Birnam Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Thomas Aquinas College
Seller: Brett W. Smith
Date: 07/10/24

81 Highland Ave.
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Brett W. Smith
Seller: Joshua Lim
Date: 07/10/24

12 Ledge Way
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Kevin M. Sullivan
Seller: Donald K. Nelson
Date: 07/12/24

25 Meadow St.
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Peter E. Paugh
Seller: Lawrence E. Parker
Date: 07/10/24

18 West Lane
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Martha Stinson
Seller: Marianne Chenoweth
Date: 07/17/24

ORANGE

41 Burrill Ave.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Eric J. Lafountain
Seller: John J. Vescovi
Date: 07/10/24

45 Charles St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $232,500
Buyer: Rachel Gorman
Seller: Elaine S. Ivanowski
Date: 07/19/24

204 Packard Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Bryan Melanson
Seller: Wolfe, Cynthia V., (Estate)
Date: 07/15/24

ROWE

127 County Road
Rowe, MA 01367
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Edward J. Silva
Seller: Rachael Holbrook
Date: 07/11/24

50 Pond Road
Rowe, MA 01367
Amount: $137,700
Buyer: Elizabeth J. Hall
Seller: Sheri A. Kelly
Date: 07/19/24

SHELBURNE

56 Maple St.
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $569,000
Buyer: Sarah E. Cohen
Seller: Karen K. Pekins
Date: 07/08/24

34 Water St.
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: 34-36 Water St. LLC
Seller: John E. Madocks
Date: 07/19/24

SHUTESBURY

118 Leonard Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $475,065
Buyer: Mattew R. Jacobson
Seller: Andrea C. Dallas
Date: 07/10/24

WARWICK

293 Athol Road
Warwick, MA 01378
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Michaelle L. Desrosiers
Seller: Stephen M. Ruggiero
Date: 07/12/24

840 Orange Road
Warwick, MA 01378
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Mandy L. Mallen
Seller: Jay S. Field
Date: 07/09/24

WENDELL

270 Wendell Depot Road
Wendell, MA 01379
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Christy Cobbs
Seller: Harjens IRT
Date: 07/19/24

WHATELY

3 Frances Way
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Roland Mandler
Seller: Jeffery Henderson
Date: 07/11/24

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

42 Anthony St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Luis D. Avila
Seller: Marisel Olmeda
Date: 07/17/24

84 Campbell Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Jacob Richburg
Seller: Guy R. Magistri
Date: 07/15/24

112 Farmington Circle
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $605,000
Buyer: Paul A. Placanico
Seller: James J. Graham
Date: 07/15/24

54 Kensington St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Kevin Budiyono
Seller: Cennet M. Kilic
Date: 07/09/24

351 North West St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $330,950
Buyer: Garritt L. Diluzio
Seller: Daniel G. Fream
Date: 07/16/24

24 Norman Ter., Ext.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Loan H. Vu
Seller: Elijah L. Naylor
Date: 07/16/24

304 Southwick St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Patrick W. Regan
Seller: William J. Malone
Date: 07/11/24

43 Stevenson Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $910,000
Buyer: Amina Asvandiveva
Seller: Genady Nemchinsky
Date: 07/15/24

54 Valley St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $289,000
Buyer: Erick Montanez
Seller: Zamel N. Al Haron
Date: 07/16/24

BRIMFIELD

21 Echo Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $343,500
Buyer: Scott C. Duncan
Seller: Mosher LT
Date: 07/19/24

83 Sutcliffe Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Dustin D. Willke
Seller: Jacob W. Roche
Date: 07/16/24

142 Wales Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $362,500
Buyer: Bryce Mase
Seller: Andrea S. Beaudry
Date: 07/15/24

CHESTER

60 Middlefield Road
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Michael A. Hauser
Seller: John K. Pease
Date: 07/19/24

CHICOPEE

77 8th Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Luke M. Parker
Seller: Joseph D. Coffey
Date: 07/12/24

1060 Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $1,380,000
Buyer: King Kong Investment LLC
Seller: Pastore Realty LLC
Date: 07/16/24

44 Crestwood St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $549,900
Buyer: Jose M. Lopez
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 07/10/24

160 Crestwood St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Keem LLC
Seller: Hector Perez
Date: 07/18/24

47 Dorrance St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $193,000
Buyer: Wanda Lockett
Seller: Inglis, Donald R., (Estate)
Date: 07/16/24

20 Ellerton St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Vitaliy V. Popovichenko
Seller: Reatrey S. Chen
Date: 07/16/24

81 Fairview Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Winderson Cabrera
Seller: Ronald T. Cierpial
Date: 07/18/24

64 Felix St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Maria Velazquez
Seller: David A. Bodman
Date: 07/10/24

37 Harvey St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: John Brault
Seller: Charles R. Boutilier
Date: 07/12/24

13 Keith St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Alberto R. Rivas
Seller: Susan Camacho
Date: 07/19/24

149 Kendall St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Ralph C. Himmelreich Jr. TR
Seller: Himmelreich, Ralph C., (Estate)
Date: 07/18/24

104 Leo Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $151,000
Buyer: Cioccolate RT
Seller: Catherine A. Sears
Date: 07/10/24

11 Mountainview St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $294,000
Buyer: Good Diggin Real Estate LLC
Seller: Abad Ft
Date: 07/10/24

125 Nonotuck Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: R. J. Santiago Figueroa
Seller: Numeric Capital Investors LLC
Date: 07/19/24

196 Nonotuck Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Anil Prathipati
Seller: Griffin Burke
Date: 07/11/24

14 Perrault St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Karl H. Philemy
Seller: Juan C. Reyes
Date: 07/18/24

49 Pondview Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $323,000
Buyer: Michael A. Lavallee
Seller: Revampit LLC
Date: 07/18/24

314 Springfield St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $461,000
Buyer: Agnieszka Sulkowska
Seller: Philip A. Laflamme
Date: 07/11/24

64 Stewart St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $278,000
Buyer: Ericka G. Carrillo
Seller: Jeanne E. Capistrant FT
Date: 07/12/24

69 Wanda St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Nathaniel Lepage
Seller: Nicole M. August
Date: 07/08/24

118 Woodlawn St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Jason Archambault
Seller: McCall, Loretta L., (Estate)
Date: 07/18/24

EAST LONGMEADOW

419 Chestnut St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Cory A. Batista
Seller: Alexander Provoda
Date: 07/12/24

46 Chestnut St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: MJ Real Estate LLC
Seller: Michael A. Panico
Date: 07/09/24

Farmer Circle, Lot 12
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Global Homes Properties LLC
Seller: Happy Acres LLC
Date: 07/15/24

Farmer Circle, Lot 16
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $398,000
Buyer: Joseph Ngaruiya
Seller: Happy Acres LLC
Date: 07/19/24

Farmer Circle, Lot 19
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $398,000
Buyer: Joseph Ngaruiya
Seller: Happy Acres LLC
Date: 07/19/24

Happy Acres Lane, Lot 1
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Global Homes Properties LLC
Seller: Happy Acres LLC
Date: 07/15/24

20 Hillside Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Chad Ouimette
Seller: Jeremy Koske
Date: 07/16/24

11 Meadow Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Charles Hodgkins
Seller: Tavernier Investments LLC
Date: 07/15/24

17 Shelby Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $682,500
Buyer: Nathan Marshall
Seller: Norman E. Vernadakis
Date: 07/16/24

32 Sturbridge Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $689,900
Buyer: Philip N. Hunt
Seller: Jeffrey B. Rondeau
Date: 07/09/24

147 Tanglewood Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Katlyn E. O’Brien
Seller: Anne Marie Dunn Irt
Date: 07/11/24

20 Westernview Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Jack O’Brien
Seller: Jon D. Maxwell
Date: 07/12/24

GRANVILLE

95 Cross Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Richard S. Alimberti
Seller: Brian J. Durfey
Date: 07/19/24

HAMPDEN

38 Fernwood Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $287,700
Buyer: Bruce Tetrault
Seller: Lsf10 Master Part TR
Date: 07/16/24

556 Main St.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Kyle M. Stearns
Seller: Michael Sienkiewicz
Date: 07/08/24

711 Main St.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Ryan Leal
Seller: Omari H. Murray
Date: 07/10/24

43 Meadow Brook Lane
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Alexander J. Demos
Seller: Dina M. Demos
Date: 07/17/24

HOLLAND

14 Davis Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Hunter R. Boudreau
Seller: Duane Boudreau
Date: 07/19/24

HOLYOKE

4 Burns Way
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Keith E. Salek Walker
Seller: Gary C. Hammer
Date: 07/17/24

132 Cabot St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: Petrolin J. Kelly
Seller: Mark R. Larose
Date: 07/19/24

119 Central Park Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $369,061
Buyer: Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.
Seller: Corrine V. Concotilli
Date: 07/15/24

40 Chapin St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $179,138
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Andres Agron
Date: 07/19/24

39 Dillon Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $353,000
Buyer: Nathan D. Tibbetts
Seller: Kyle R. Gagnon
Date: 07/18/24

31 Erie Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Roberta Carlon
Seller: Sara L. Zahler
Date: 07/12/24

1039 Homestead Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Linda Huynh
Seller: Ronald P. Theriault
Date: 07/10/24

125 Jarvis Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Roberto Camacho
Seller: Cheryl L. Galazka
Date: 07/10/24

70 Kane Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Ny Ne
Seller: Cornelius P. Sullivan
Date: 07/19/24

8 Kennedy Circle
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Kelly Thibodeau
Seller: Carroll, William S., (Estate)
Date: 07/16/24

911 Main St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Scott Family Properties
Seller: Michael Krassler
Date: 07/08/24

1895 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $615,000
Buyer: Jackeline Torres
Seller: Andrew J. Black
Date: 07/10/24

11 Parkview Ter.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $291,000
Buyer: Zachery Deliz
Seller: Moises Deliz
Date: 07/16/24

17 Pheasant Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Denise Sarcharczyk
Seller: Sacharczyk 2006 IRT
Date: 07/12/24

92 Race St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $3,040,000
Buyer: Lighthouse Personalized
Seller: 92 Race Street LLC
Date: 07/18/24

34 Sherwood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01085
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Paula E. Rice
Seller: Thomas & Jill Baush LT
Date: 07/09/24

31 Sherwood Ter.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: Weary Travelers LLC
Seller: Paula E. Rice
Date: 07/08/24

7 Steiger Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $530,000
Buyer: Jesse L. Peters
Seller: Barbara A. Dunne
Date: 07/15/24

32 Valley Heights
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Kim Quach
Seller: Melissa S. Stearns
Date: 07/08/24

307 West Franklin St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Abigail L. Bucey
Seller: Wanda V. Shepard
Date: 07/19/24

LONGMEADOW

189 Academy Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: Kevin Ryan
Seller: David Bedrosian
Date: 07/19/24

127 Ashford Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $1,190,000
Buyer: David J. Bryson
Seller: Edward S. Ballis
Date: 07/08/24

53 Brookwood Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Vincenzo Faienza
Seller: Anthony E. Heim
Date: 07/10/24

143 Brookwood Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $456,000
Buyer: Mary McCarthy
Seller: Luiza Templeton
Date: 07/18/24

265 Converse St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $542,500
Buyer: Garrett Kissel
Seller: David J. Ehrlich
Date: 07/19/24

57 Fairfield Ter.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $468,000
Buyer: Michael A. Forbes
Seller: William J. Golen
Date: 07/18/24

95 Glenbrook Lane
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $645,000
Buyer: Luiza Templeton
Seller: William I. Morey Jr. LT
Date: 07/18/24

21 South Park Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $620,000
Buyer: Keith S. Raho
Seller: Mark W. Laskowski
Date: 07/10/24

33 South Park Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $506,000
Buyer: Clifford G. Heart
Seller: Dolores A. Farrell
Date: 07/19/24

LUDLOW

9 Beachside Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Lisa E. Forest
Seller: Maria J. Vadnais
Date: 07/18/24

1 Brook St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Modifi Homes LLC
Seller: Cgg Nt
Date: 07/19/24

275 Center St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $330,500
Buyer: Konrad A. Pekala
Seller: Dorota Aldag
Date: 07/10/24

1 Charles St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Jeffrey D. Hickerson
Seller: Kyle C. Sorensen
Date: 07/10/24

46 Cislak Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $717,000
Buyer: Michael A. Cust
Seller: Robert J. Gagnon
Date: 07/11/24

99 East Akard St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Antonio Vital
Seller: Michelle A. Carner
Date: 07/12/24

Grandview Ave., Lot 432-50
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $501,500
Buyer: Moltenbrey Builders LLC
Seller: Ludlow Housing Authority
Date: 07/10/24

27 McKinley Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Micaiah Stanczak
Seller: Bibeau, Jean Marie, (Estate)
Date: 07/19/24

35 McKinley Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Jonluc R. Lavoie
Seller: S. & C. Investors LLC
Date: 07/11/24

69 Newbury St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $389,000
Buyer: Lynne Vadnais
Seller: Debra C. Alves
Date: 07/17/24

28 Pine Cone Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $535,000
Buyer: Daniel J. Sloan
Seller: Morris A. Haney
Date: 07/19/24

79 Shawinigan Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: John Currier
Seller: Fumi Realty Inc.
Date: 07/08/24

Willard Ave., Lot 432-50
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $501,500
Buyer: Moltenbrey Builders LLC
Seller: Ludlow Housing Authority
Date: 07/10/24

MONSON

40 Crest Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Timothy W. Healy
Seller: Rachel A. Wright
Date: 07/18/24

230 Palmer Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Earl F. Loranger
Seller: Roland R. Table
Date: 07/10/24

46 Palmer Road, Lot 8
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $489,000
Buyer: Carole J. Putz
Seller: Bukowski Construction LLC
Date: 07/10/24

266 Palmer Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $222,000
Buyer: Justa K. Raphino
Seller: Lavallee Ft
Date: 07/17/24

23 Reynolds Ave.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $326,000
Buyer: Mary Cavers
Seller: Nicolas Bates
Date: 07/19/24

16 Upper Palmer Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $699,000
Buyer: Noor Alsalihi
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 07/16/24

PALMER

33 Arnold St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: JoeJoe Properties LLC
Seller: Ronald J. Chatel
Date: 07/16/24

111 Boston Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $496,000
Buyer: Alexander J. Woytowicz
Seller: Richard J. Corsi
Date: 07/17/24

4086 High St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Caitlin Smith
Seller: Avet RT
Date: 07/19/24

3020-3026 Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $439,900
Buyer: Lba Properties LLC
Seller: Jnb Property Investments Inc.
Date: 07/12/24

43 Mount Dumplin Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $580,000
Buyer: Kevin P. Quirk
Seller: Carole J. Putz
Date: 07/08/24

83 Nipmuck St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Jacob Roche
Seller: Thomas R. Rudkin
Date: 07/17/24

1411 North Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: SS Enterprises Inc.
Seller: 1411 NMain LLC
Date: 07/10/24

41-59 North St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Benjamin L. Lawlor
Seller: Benjamin S. Duby
Date: 07/12/24

3020 Pine St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Milan Piva
Seller: Daniel Foster
Date: 07/12/24

2022 Quaboag St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Michael Welch
Seller: Alexander J. Demos
Date: 07/17/24

21 Ruggles Court
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Nathaniel Hengy
Seller: Michael A. Cust
Date: 07/11/24

RUSSELL

48 Timberidge Dr.
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Christopher R. Ferrari
Seller: Thomas N. O’Brien
Date: 07/10/24

643 Woodland Way
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Kimberly A. Osowski
Seller: James A. Pitoniak
Date: 07/16/24

SPRINGFIELD

2-4 2nd St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Timothy V. Flouton
Seller: Angel M. Santiago
Date: 07/16/24

53-55 Allendale St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Ursula De Gracia
Seller: Johanne T. Theodat
Date: 07/10/24

62 Arden St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Juan C. Cotto
Seller: Jason Braica
Date: 07/09/24

40 Balboa Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $225,210
Buyer: Acre Hill LLC
Seller: Pathlight Inc.
Date: 07/19/24

42-46 Baldwin St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Kaynu Management Group LLC
Seller: Karl P. Baxter
Date: 06/27/24

827 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Muhammad Akbar
Seller: Sarah C. Thomas
Date: 07/10/24

1127 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Family & Developments LLC
Seller: Doreen Rae
Date: 07/17/24

59 Burghardt St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $214,700
Buyer: Zarah Vylonis
Seller: Darren Teale
Date: 07/16/24

96-98 Calhoun St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Aric D. Hincapie
Seller: Victor Bermudez
Date: 07/15/24

24 Capitol Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Patrick H. Ogilvie
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 07/19/24

137 Chalmers St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Natashia Scott
Seller: Erin K. Coughlin
Date: 07/18/24

55 Chalmers St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Katherine M. Taveras
Seller: Christopher E. Collins
Date: 07/19/24

65 Cherokee Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Wesley Blask
Seller: Wendell F. Justice
Date: 07/10/24

19-21 Daniel St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Jonathan Abreu
Seller: Jose M. Lopez
Date: 07/10/24

265-271 Dwight St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: SVL LLC
Seller: Bsc Realty Inc.
Date: 07/11/24

45 Eddy St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $292,000
Buyer: Zalymarie Torres
Seller: Jennifer Velasquez
Date: 07/19/24

45 Eton St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $289,900
Buyer: Jennifer A. Couture
Seller: Reina Y. Landaverde
Date: 07/08/24

120-122 Firglade Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Marianyelly Rivera-Cruz
Seller: Anthony S. Fusco
Date: 07/19/24

20 Florida St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Katharine C. Dias
Seller: Springfield Ventures RT
Date: 07/12/24

5 Flower St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $473,000
Buyer: Rodney Pierrette
Seller: Hassan Echchetouani
Date: 07/18/24

31 Freeman Ter.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $298,700
Buyer: Ronald Jeanty
Seller: Beacon Cornerstone LLC
Date: 07/12/24

195 Garland St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Amelya Williamson
Seller: Naples Home Buyers TR
Date: 07/12/24

23 Gatewood Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Carmela R. Hodgdon
Seller: Renee D. Lewis
Date: 07/12/24

78 Hillman St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Svl LLC
Seller: B.S.C. Realty Inc.
Date: 07/11/24

27 Jennings St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $402,000
Buyer: Furnival Nyarko
Seller: MS Homes LLC
Date: 07/15/24

107 Kensington Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $710,000
Buyer: 107 Kensington Ave. LLC
Seller: Mint Western Mass. Group LLC
Date: 07/15/24

152 Kensington Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Onstar Properties AA LLC
Seller: Emtay Inc.
Date: 07/12/24

73 Kensington Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: Xiumei Ye
Seller: Emtay Inc.
Date: 07/12/24

23 Kenwood Park
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Sanite E. Jean
Seller: Ericka G. Carrillo
Date: 07/17/24

39 Kenwood Park
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Tyraun R. Porter
Seller: Marianyelly R. Cruz
Date: 07/19/24

33 Lexington St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $259,000
Buyer: Tomasa M. Medina
Seller: Oscar Mora
Date: 07/15/24

25 Lively Lane
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Shannon Thorin
Seller: Erin O’Rourke
Date: 07/17/24

86 Malden St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: 86 Malden Street RT
Date: 07/11/24

130 Manchester Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Makieu F. Rhida
Seller: Mhi Properties LLC
Date: 07/10/24

76 Marble St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $258,000
Buyer: Keturah R. Lockett
Seller: Real Estate Investments Northeast LLC
Date: 07/10/24

110 Melha Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Maria T. Castro
Seller: Jose J. Salas-Delgado
Date: 07/12/24

35 Merrimac Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: 35 Merrimac LLC
Seller: Mark C. Ryer
Date: 07/19/24

26-28 Narragansett St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Rolando Pagan
Seller: Rafael Carrasquillo
Date: 07/12/24

24 Nelson Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Ashley Wiggins
Seller: C. Capital LLC
Date: 07/10/24

241 Norfolk St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Springfield College
Seller: Kristin A. Dietz
Date: 07/16/24

100 Penncastle St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Diane Fiorentino
Seller: Bissonnette, Arlene A., (Estate)
Date: 07/17/24

167-169 Pineywoods Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Main & Pineywoods LLC
Seller: Manning Capital LLC
Date: 07/17/24

54 Porter St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $276,000
Buyer: Diana Velez
Seller: Shigen Zhu
Date: 07/09/24

8 Putnam St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Doug Dichard
Seller: Yogi Kynard
Date: 07/10/24

156 Shawmut St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Lia Ashe-Simmer
Seller: Deepon Realty LLC
Date: 07/19/24

59-61 Sorrento St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Emtay Inc.
Seller: Horowitz, Samuel, (Estate)
Date: 07/10/24

35 Spruceland Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Emily Le
Seller: Paul A. Jacobs
Date: 07/08/24

44 Squire Lane
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $373,000
Buyer: Denise Salerno
Seller: Barbara Robinson
Date: 07/16/24

1083-1085 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Empire One Investments Inc.
Seller: Mario Santaniello
Date: 07/17/24

1572 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $336,000
Buyer: Ganga Sunar
Seller: Kim Nguyen
Date: 07/15/24

35 Thayer Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $231,500
Buyer: Brandi J. Cox
Seller: Paul J. Weckle
Date: 07/16/24

408 Tiffany St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Dreampath Homebuyers LLC
Seller: Goucher, Grace W., (Estate)
Date: 07/09/24

494 Tiffany St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Sharon D. Gomez
Seller: David Porcello
Date: 07/15/24

57-59 Tyler St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: 74 Alder Street LLC
Seller: Ching-Chi Lee
Date: 07/10/24

246-262 Union St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $5,600,000
Buyer: Union Court Apartments LLC
Seller: Illuminati Holdings LLC
Date: 07/19/24

74 Vail St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Di&l LLC
Seller: John Toledo
Date: 07/18/24

73 Villa Pkwy.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Andrea L. Pires Martins
Seller: Julia Polanco
Date: 07/10/24

15 Wellington St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Cwabs Inc. Series 2007-8
Seller: Ivin Rennix
Date: 07/08/24

33 West Hill Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $212,500
Buyer: Zachary Dominique
Seller: Cig 2 LLC
Date: 07/17/24

145 Wheeler Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $314,500
Buyer: Andria Matthews
Seller: Trung T. Vo
Date: 07/18/24

531 Worthington St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Dano Holding LLC
Seller: Eugene L. Cabrini Realty
Date: 07/15/24

142-144 Yale St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Nres LLC
Seller: Yale RT
Date: 07/12/24

SOUTHWICK

32 Bungalow St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Howard M. Newman
Seller: Mackenzie Powers
Date: 07/19/24

110 North Longyard Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Jesse J. Brawsay
Seller: Rucadaan LLC
Date: 07/15/24

46 Pineywood Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $262,500
Buyer: Michael Moccio
Seller: Edmund J. Grabowski
Date: 07/16/24

8 Tall Pines Trail
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Burt H. Fahy
Seller: Hamelin Framing Inc.
Date: 07/10/24

11 Tall Pines Trail
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Huiyao Ouyang
Seller: Hamelin Framing Inc.
Date: 07/15/24

3 Tree Top Lane
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Michael R. Whelihan
Seller: Linda M. Lepore
Date: 07/19/24

219 Vining Hill Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $436,000
Buyer: Jeffrey C. Ouellette
Seller: Daniel T. Veale
Date: 07/08/24

WEST SPRINGFIELD

166 Ashley Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $1,000,000
Buyer: Ashley Investments LLC
Seller: Sypek, Mary F., (Estate)
Date: 07/12/24

186 Ashley Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $1,000,000
Buyer: Ashley Investments LLC
Seller: Sypek, Mary F., (Estate)
Date: 07/12/24

258 Ashley St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Sarah R. Lapolice
Seller: Labinot Preniqi
Date: 07/08/24

63 Bliss St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Geoffrey P. Galvin
Seller: Koda Penny Realty LLC
Date: 07/09/24

42 Exeter St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Larkspur LLC
Seller: Anthony M. Savino
Date: 07/10/24

134 Hampden St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: McKenzie Brothers Realty LLC
Seller: Keybank
Date: 07/15/24

45-47 Janet St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Brian P. St. Amand
Seller: James Lukowiak
Date: 07/16/24

72 Lennys Way
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $659,500
Buyer: Labinot Preniqi
Seller: Kevin M. White
Date: 07/08/24

121 Lincoln St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $232,000
Buyer: Daniel G. Tenggren
Seller: Patricia A. Brown
Date: 07/11/24

294 Main St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Aga Brothers LLC
Seller: Gregory Palanjian
Date: 07/12/24

525 Morgan Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Gail A. Richard
Seller: Tina M. Vanotti
Date: 07/15/24

166 River St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Koch Real Estate Corp.
Seller: Helen M. Bonneau
Date: 07/10/24

43 Rogers Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $471,000
Buyer: Jonathon Yee
Seller: Maria F. Rodriguez-Maleck
Date: 07/16/24

87 Valley View Circle
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Victoria Rondinelli
Seller: Donna D. Cauley
Date: 07/19/24

WESTFIELD

4 Bates St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $342,000
Buyer: Lisa Santos
Seller: Skyspec LLC
Date: 07/16/24

11 Fawn Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Erik R. Towle
Seller: David H. Bird
Date: 07/09/24

28 Gloria Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $660,000
Buyer: Corey J. Fournier
Seller: Donnell F. Humber
Date: 07/12/24

16 Holland Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Vantage Home Buyers LLC
Seller: Sophia Bousquet
Date: 07/12/24

178 Joseph Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Sean D. Welch
Seller: Louis J. Scarfo RET
Date: 07/19/24

191 Joseph Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $371,000
Buyer: Kyle Lapolice
Seller: Corey J. Fournier
Date: 07/12/24

26 Kellogg St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Cristina Mereneanu
Seller: Rustam Orozaliev
Date: 07/16/24

33 Lynnwood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Elaine Collins
Seller: Andri Zhyhanuk
Date: 07/19/24

43 Parker Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Madeline G. Blake
Seller: Grace A. Chlastawa
Date: 07/15/24

29 Radisson Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $685,000
Buyer: Matthew Boulanger
Seller: Maksim V. Merenkov
Date: 07/15/24

59 Radisson Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Conor J. Fenton
Seller: Terry Britton
Date: 07/19/24

73 Rogers Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Joshua L. Weaver
Seller: Tyler J. Kozik
Date: 07/15/24

13 Russell Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Caio Santiago
Seller: Tm Properties Inc.
Date: 07/11/24

313 Shaker Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Keehan Close
Seller: Jessica L. Wilder
Date: 07/19/24

147 Tannery Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $775,000
Buyer: Donna Janerico
Seller: Richard H. Stanton Iii Lt
Date: 07/09/24

907 Western Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Erik R. Gaster
Seller: Seane M. Waterbury
Date: 07/15/24

997 Western Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Vantage Home Buyers LLC
Seller: Mary E. Oleksak
Date: 07/12/24

16 Willow Brook Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $576,000
Buyer: Kolleen Jandaczek
Seller: Richard S. Gawron
Date: 07/12/24

WILBRAHAM

9 Briar Cliff Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Erik J. Boucher
Seller: Angelina R. Fiore
Date: 07/16/24

12 Cedar Oak Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Joseph Coffey
Seller: Bettye J. Frederic
Date: 07/12/24

110 Chilson Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $418,000
Buyer: Matthew Cox
Seller: Tina Fiore
Date: 07/17/24

28 Eastwood Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Bretta Construction LLC
Seller: Henry K. Zephir 2022 RET
Date: 07/15/24

691 Glendale Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $649,000
Buyer: David M. Dorion
Seller: Bradford D. Macpherson
Date: 07/17/24

10 Old Carriage Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Carlos Monroy
Seller: Rahilly FT
Date: 07/18/24

14 Rochford Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $526,000
Buyer: Kenneth R. Labrie
Seller: Denise Salerno
Date: 07/16/24

416 Soule Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $403,000
Buyer: Melih Elcin
Seller: Patrick S. O’Brien
Date: 07/11/24

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

463 Bay Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $535,000
Buyer: Daniel J. Babineau
Seller: Annie E. Nelson
Date: 07/12/24

149 Blackberry Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $875,000
Buyer: Urelmaa Tsolmon
Seller: John W. Dickson 2007 TR
Date: 07/17/24

71 Sand Hill Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $784,200
Buyer: Catlin L. Converse Int
Seller: Anne M. Messmer
Date: 07/11/24

BELCHERTOWN

10 Cobb Lane
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $417,500
Buyer: Emily J. Dannen
Seller: Allison E. Dunn
Date: 07/08/24

23 Segur Lane
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: John Pyne
Seller: Randall W. Prescott
Date: 07/12/24

39 Segur Lane
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $665,000
Buyer: Marcus Davis
Seller: Bernd F. Schliemann
Date: 07/12/24

CHESTERFIELD

33 Farmhouse Road
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Matthew St Louis
Seller: Linda A. Udall
Date: 07/12/24

583 Main Road
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Noel N. Morris
Seller: Jason Soukup
Date: 07/09/24

653 Main Road
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: John R. Treworgy
Seller: Kerry M. Jackson
Date: 07/19/24

189 Sugar Hill Road
Chesterfield, MA 01096
Amount: $462,000
Buyer: Collin Preftakes
Seller: Raymond Lequin
Date: 07/10/24

EASTHAMPTON

3 Adams St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Jumana Jaloudi
Seller: Hans W. Dalhaus
Date: 07/17/24

10 Emily Lane
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $548,100
Buyer: Mitchell Hubbard
Seller: Gregory C. Tudryn LT
Date: 07/11/24

31 Florence Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Dorina Bajrami
Seller: Carrie F. Bither
Date: 07/09/24

2 Matthew Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Travis P. Maider
Seller: Jean C. Richardson
Date: 07/16/24

142 Parsons St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $409,000
Buyer: Wish Granted Realty LLC
Seller: Molly M. Ronan
Date: 07/15/24

38 Peloquin Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Hariharan Gopalakrishanan
Seller: Dennis J. Meehan
Date: 07/18/24

51 Phelps St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $384,000
Buyer: Elin A. O’Hara
Seller: Magali Schoulguine
Date: 07/12/24

Pomeroy St., Lot 12
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: David A. Hardy Contract LLC
Seller: Cykowski RET FT
Date: 07/19/24

14 Pomeroy St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Marcus Tenesaca
Seller: Russell & Deborah Lent LT
Date: 07/08/24

12 Sheffield Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Kyle Gagnon
Seller: Bonnie L. Katusich
Date: 07/19/24

GOSHEN

41 Dresser Hill Road
Goshen, MA 01096
Amount: $289,000
Buyer: Jacquelyn Mascher
Seller: Stephanie M. Whie
Date: 07/15/24

1 Hemlock St.
Goshen, MA 01032
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Adrianne Wurzl
Seller: Deborah M. Leonas
Date: 07/11/24

27 Pond Hill Road
Goshen, MA 01032
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: David Fradkin
Seller: Chiminello RET
Date: 07/12/24

16 Washington Road S
Goshen, MA 01032
Amount: $635,000
Buyer: Alisa Wagman
Seller: Penny Moore TR
Date: 07/09/24

GRANBY

562 East State St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $286,500
Buyer: Targayen RT
Seller: Andrea D. Marceay
Date: 07/08/24

114 Maximilian Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $870,000
Buyer: Daniel A. Haynes
Seller: Radu Vlas
Date: 07/08/24

HADLEY

Bay Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $1,150,000
Buyer: Bradley Kobylarz
Seller: David E. Krock
Date: 07/09/24

1 Cemetery Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $560,000
Buyer: Arthur W. Dahowski
Seller: Novak, Brenda L., (Estate)
Date: 07/09/24

100 Chmura Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $1,150,000
Buyer: Bradley Kobylarz
Seller: David E. Krock
Date: 07/09/24

5 Colony Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $1,024,299
Buyer: Urvi Morrison
Seller: Bercume Contruction LLC
Date: 07/17/24

HATFIELD

55 Elm St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Thomas J. Wickles
Seller: Leslie & K. Labarge FT
Date: 07/12/24

186 North Hatfield Road
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: John S. Henderson-Adams
Seller: Martin W. Holich
Date: 07/10/24

73 Plain Road
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $557,000
Buyer: Peter Fazekas
Seller: Pushkin, Barbarra A., (Estate)
Date: 07/08/24

NORTHAMPTON

23 Cahillane Ter.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Steven Luzi
Seller: Matthew Motamed
Date: 07/12/24

68 Hillcrest Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $739,000
Buyer: Melinda M. Mason
Seller: Lydia Sarro
Date: 07/10/24

156 Grove St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $358,500
Buyer: Catherine Potak
Seller: Kris Baker
Date: 07/15/24

224-228 Main St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: MJ Homes LLC
Seller: Naples Home Buyers TR
Date: 07/15/24

61 Milton St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $739,000
Buyer: Caitlin Duffy
Seller: Nu-Way Homes Inc.
Date: 07/16/24

64 North St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $684,000
Buyer: Steven Garelick
Seller: New England Remodeling
Date: 07/16/24

68 North Main St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Catherine Hodes
Seller: Gordon R. Luce
Date: 07/08/24

Northern Ave., Lot 1
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Stacy R. Ashton
Seller: Sovereign Builders Inc.
Date: 07/19/24

281 Prospect St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $725,470
Buyer: Wmass Prospect LLC
Seller: Vijay Prashad
Date: 07/12/24

70 Prospect St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $561,000
Buyer: Emma Bresnan
Seller: Johnsn, Willard M., (Estate)
Date: 07/11/24

957 Ryan Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Francis J. Ladouceur
Seller: Michael D. Brooks
Date: 07/08/24

1089 Westhampton Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $1,850,000
Buyer: Brent Richter
Seller: Mineral Hills NT
Date: 07/11/24

41 Williams St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $1,675,000
Buyer: Ampersand Sprout LLC
Seller: Williams St. Land Trust
Date: 07/09/24

PELHAM

17 Amherst Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Scott Tencza
Seller: Louise M. MacDonald
Date: 07/19/24

213 North Valley Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $665,000
Buyer: Rachel Figurasmith
Seller: Pamela C. Victor
Date: 07/18/24

SOUTH HADLEY

6 Eagle Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Arthur C. Cataw
Seller: Ea Duperier Declaration
Date: 07/15/24

61 Ferry St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Matthew H. Giordano
Seller: Sharon K. Scott
Date: 07/19/24

48 Hillside Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $463,500
Buyer: Lesli O’Connell
Seller: Lisa M. Morrin
Date: 07/10/24

175 Lathrop St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $399,000
Buyer: Katherine Putnam
Seller: Casey Berger
Date: 07/15/24

5 Linden Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Jonathan Couture
Seller: James Woolley
Date: 07/18/24

8 Pearl St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Christopher J. Bach
Seller: Marlene Bach
Date: 07/15/24

273 Pearl St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: Diana K. Rogers
Seller: Neal Teague
Date: 07/10/24

19 Priestly Farms Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $482,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Michael Schaeffer
Date: 07/11/24

81 Richview Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Edwin Cintron
Seller: Tamika Gagnon
Date: 07/15/24

14 West Summit St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: John C. Pietroniro
Seller: Antonio Turner
Date: 07/10/24

12 Yale St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Michael P. Lyncg
Seller: Rosemay E. Larrow
Date: 07/15/24

SOUTHAMPTON

118 Middle Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $555,000
Buyer: Nikhil B. Meshram
Seller: Brian D. Slezek
Date: 07/12/24

5 Thomas Circle
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Lydia Dagostino
Seller: Balicki, Kevin E., (Estate)
Date: 07/18/24

64 White Loaf Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Cregg Miller
Seller: Lemire, Helga A., (Estate)
Date: 07/12/24

WARE

37 Greenwich Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Kalin E. Deere
Seller: Mia Gurule
Date: 07/09/24

140 Greenwich Plains Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $359,000
Buyer: Yvonne Veilleux
Seller: Mhi Propperties LLC
Date: 07/18/24

28 Morse Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Park Otis LLC
Seller: Aaron W. Martell
Date: 07/17/24

58 Old Belchertown Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Travis Stanger
Seller: John P. Hanley
Date: 07/12/24

8-10 Williams St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: David R. Barry
Seller: Donald B. Gadziala
Date: 07/19/24

WILLIAMSBURG

67 Chesterfield Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Samuel R. Prickett
Seller: Allison Jones
Date: 07/08/24

7 Hatfield Road
Williamsburg, MA 01039
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Lori A. Thurston
Seller: Kenneth M. Chapin
Date: 07/17/24

GCC Awarded $200,000 Grant to Launch New Clean-energy Training Programs

By
Daily News

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Community College (GCC) has been awarded a $200,000 planning grant from the Department of Energy Industrial Training and Assessment Centers to develop new clean-energy training programs in industrial machine maintenance and mechatronics. This initiative, in collaboration with regional manufacturers, industry experts, and community partners, aims to address the growing demand for skilled workers in these fields.

“The work we will be able to do with this grant marks a pivotal moment in advancing our commitment to workforce development and clean energy. By expanding our training programs in industrial machine maintenance and mechatronics, we are not only addressing the urgent needs of local manufacturers, but also equipping our community with the skills necessary for success in the growing clean energy sector,” said Kristin Cole, vice president of Workforce Development at Greenfield Community College.

“This initiative underscores our dedication to fostering both economic growth and environmental sustainability, and we are excited to see the positive impact it will have on our students and regional industries,” she added.

Three local manufacturing companies provided letters of support for the project, including BETE Performance Spray Engineering and Ames Electrical Consulting Inc., both located in Greenfield, and Worthington Assembly, located in South Deerfield.

“We are thrilled to see this grant awarded to allow GCC the resources to work with industry experts to build a robust machine-maintenance program,” said Tom Fitch, president and CEO of BETE Performance Spray Engineering. “As a key employer in Greenfield, we understand the critical need for skilled professionals who can maintain and advance our machinery. This investment in training will ensure a steady pipeline of talented individuals ready to meet the demands of modern manufacturing. By enhancing these educational opportunities, we are not only strengthening our industry’s workforce, but also reinforcing our commitment to innovation and excellence in the field.”

Randolph Ames, president of Ames Electrical Consulting Inc., noted that “this region has a high need for workers with a range of skills related to clean energy and industrial economic development. We fully support GCC’s vision of creating shops where students will gain exposure to multiple trades and employers like us will collaborate as mentors, trainers, and ultimately job-placement sites. It’s an exciting vision, and one that could have a significant impact on creating a stronger pipeline into these vital roles.”

Neil Scanlon, co-owner and president of Worthington Assembly, added that “we are proud to support this grant award and emphasize the value of partnering with local community colleges on workforce-development programs. Collaboration with institutions like GCC is essential for creating a skilled workforce that meets the evolving needs of our industry. By working together, we are building a stronger, more resilient workforce for tomorrow.”

This grant is part of the Department of Energy’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains initiative, designed to bolster American manufacturing competitiveness and promote economic growth and mobility.

AIC Welcomes Sara Vincent as AVP for Admissions and Financial Aid

By
Daily News

Sara Vincent

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) announced the appointment of Sara Vincent as assistant vice president for Admissions and Financial Aid. She brings more than a decade of experience in higher education and a proven track record in fundraising, alumni engagement, legislative relations, and enrollment management.

In her new role, Vincent is excited to bring a fresh perspective on admissions and enrollment at AIC. “I see exciting opportunities for growth and innovation at this pivotal moment in higher education,” she said. “I’m eager to explore these opportunities and find creative ways to welcome new students to AIC.”

Before joining AIC, Vincent most recently served as regional director of Recruitment, Community Outreach, and Admissions at Connecticut State Community College. Before that, she was director of Strategic Enrollment Management at Manchester Community College in Connecticut.

She earned her doctor of education degree in educational leadership with a focus on student affairs from Central Connecticut State University, where she also obtained a master’s degree in communication. She earned her bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of Connecticut.

Vincent’s dedication to student access to higher education and her support for first-generation college students align with AIC’s values, she said.

“Access to higher education was a passion of mine even long before my career led me to the field. From the moment I stepped onto AIC’s campus, I knew my passion was shared by the institution and every member of the AIC family. I am thrilled to have found an institution that allows me to align my personal goals and values with its own. I look forward to working across all facets of AIC and sharing our story with the community.”

AXiA Charitable Fund Supports Two Local Nonprofits

By
Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — AXiA Insurance Services, through its AXiA Charitable Fund, recently supported two local nonprofit organizations in the Pioneer Valley, with a combined donation total of $32,500.

The recipients included Look Memorial Park, based in Florence, and Hope for Youth and Families Foundation, based in Springfield.

As an annual Look Park community partner, AXiA’s gift was directed to park upkeep and provision of staffed activities, available to all who attend the grounds. This includes subsidized access for day and season passes to low-income families.

Hope for Youth and Families Foundation (HYFF) allocated its donation to some of its summer programming, assisting disadvantaged youth participants in career and college exploration programs to promote their future successful sustainability. In a collaborative effort initiated by AXiA, a field trip is to take place at the park this August, culminating HYFF’s summer programming with a fun-filled day for the kids.

Since its establishment in 2022, the AXiA Charitable Fund has supported 15 nonprofits in the communities it serves.

Girl Scouts Receive $15,000 Grant from Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts (GSCWM) announced the continued investment by the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation through a $15,000 grant in support of It’s A Girls World, one of the community-based programs Girl Scouts offers.

The afterschool program engages Hampden County girls in grades K-6 in STEM, financial literacy, and health and personal wellness topics.

“We are extraordinarily grateful to be recognized by the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation as an organization seeking to improve the quality of lives of girls in our community,” said Theresa Lynn, GSCWM’s CEO. “Introducing middle-school girls to STEM careers they might not have known existed or showing them what a budget looks like, helping elementary-school kids craft prototypes for inventions, or simply introducing them to the joy of discovering new things, hinting at where their strengths and skills lie, enable members to realize their own potential and gain critical skills they will carry throughout their lives. It is made possible by this generous support.”

The Girl Scout Leadership Experience is a collection of engaging, challenging, and fun activities for girls to develop a strong sense of self, display positive values, seek challenges, learn from setbacks, form and maintain healthy relationships, and learn to identify and solve problems in their community. The generous support of contributors such as the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation — which supports a variety of nonprofit organizations seeking to improve the quality of lives for those living in Hampden County — makes this possible.

St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke Names James Lavelle 2025 Grand Marshal

By
Daily News

James Lavelle

HOLYOKE — The St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke announced that its 72nd grand marshal is James Lavelle. The grand marshal is the highest local honor given to a person who has distinguished themselves as a loyal person to their career, their family, and their Irish ancestry.

James and his wife, Liza, are the parents of four grown children: Hugh, Grace, Owen, and John. Son of the late Bernard and Mary Lavelle, James is a native of Holyoke, where he and his eight siblings grew up in the Oakdale neighborhood.

The Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade runs deep with the Lavelle family. James’ father, Bernard Lavelle Jr., was a very active member of the St. Patrick’s Committee, having led the parade as grand marshal in 1988, and James’ daughter, Grace, was a member of the Grand Colleen Court in 2016.

James Lavelle is the general manager of Holyoke Gas and Electric (HG&E), which provides gas, electric, and telecommunications services to its customers. Through his leadership, HG&E has implemented innovative projects, such as the acquisition of the Holyoke dam and canal system and the development of solar and energy storage, which not only benefit customers and the environment, but have also been recognized through several achievements, including the 2021 and 2023 Utility Transformation Leaderboard by the Smart Electric Power Alliance.

He is a graduate of Holyoke High School and UMass, where he received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in business administration. He serves on the boards of several professional associations, including the Municipal Electric Assoc. of Massachusetts, the Northeast Public Power Assoc., PeoplesBank, the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce, as director of the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Co., and as director and president of the Holyoke Solar Cooperative and Massachusetts Clean Energy Cooperative.

Lavelle also enjoys giving back to his community, having served as a trustee for Holyoke
Community College, on the finance committee of St. Jerome Parish, on the board for the Greater Holyoke YMCA, and as coach for Holyoke Youth Football and Holyoke YMCA Basketball.

“I am excited that we are honoring Holyoke native James Lavelle as grand marshal,” said John Beaulieu, parade president. “His dedication to his family, his career, and his community are well-known, and I’m grateful to the grand marshal’s selection committee for choosing him with this most esteemed honor. I look forward to having James Lavelle and his family lead the 72nd Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade on March 23, 2025.”

Lavelle added that “I am very grateful to be recognized by the parade committee and truly honored to be asked to lead the 72nd Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade committee does such a wonderful job producing the parade and related events that have such a positive impact on Holyoke and the region, and I am thrilled to be asked to be part of it. I look forward to following in my father’s footsteps and marching in the parade with my family.”

Lavelle will be honored at the Grand Marshal’s Reception on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. For more details or to purchase tickets to the reception, email Stephanie Joyce at [email protected].

The Royal Law Firm Welcomes Attorney Jason Ortiz

By
Daily News

Jason Ortiz

SPRINGFIELD — Attorney Jason Ortiz recently joined the Royal Law Firm team. He is a business litigation attorney with several years of trial experience, having tried many cases to verdict.

Ortiz specializes in commercial litigation, including matters involving construction disputes, eviction matters, insurance defense, and employment matters, as well as other civil disputes. He is a graduate of Utica College (now Utica University) and Western New England University School of Law.

Monson Savings Bank Supports East Longmeadow Veterans Memorial Committee

By
Daily News

MONSON — Monson Savings Bank President and CEO Dan Moriarty recently met with members of the East Longmeadow Veterans Memorial Committee to present it with a $2,000 donation on behalf of the bank.

The donation was made to support the construction of a veterans memorial in front of the town’s Senior Center at 328 North Main St. This is the second contribution the bank has made to this effort over the past few years, bringing its total contributions to $12,000.

The East Longmeadow Veterans Memorial Committee was formed in 2017 with the mission of constructing a memorial in front of the East Longmeadow Senior Center. This memorial will honor all veterans, but will be dedicated to 21 East Longmeadow servicemen who gave their lives while defending their country. The target date for groundbreaking is June 2025.

So far, the committee has raised $335,000 and hopes to raise another $185,000. To learn more about upcoming fundraisers, visit www.facebook.com/elvmc293.

“I am very pleased to present this donation on behalf of the bank,” Moriarty said. “We are happy to be a part of the East Longmeadow Veterans Memorial Committee’s mission to honor our local fallen heroes. The plans for the memorial are stunning, and I look forward to seeing the final product very soon.”

Free Community College Subject of HCC Information Sessions on Aug. 15, 19

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) will hold virtual information sessions on Thursday, Aug. 15 and Monday, Aug. 19 for anyone interested in learning about MassEducate, the state’s new program for free community college.

The two live, online information sessions will be hosted by HCC Admissions staff on Aug. 15 from 11 a.m. to noon and on Aug. 19 from 6 to 7 p.m.

Last month, Gov. Maura Healey signed the state budget bill, which includes funding for MassEducate. Regardless of age or income, Massachusetts residents who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree can apply to HCC for the free college program, which includes tuition and fees and a stipend for books and supplies for qualified students. The MassEducate program compliments MassReconnect, the free community-college program for students 25 and older that was launched in 2023.

“We are beyond excited for prospective students to join us and learn more about how MassEducate can help them complete an associate degree or certificate program at HCC,” said Anne Morales Medina, associate director of Recruitment and Enrollment.

The sessions are open to anyone, including prospective students, currently enrolled students, and their family members. To sign up, visit hcc.edu/masseducate.

Those who can’t make it to a virtual session are encouraged to attend HCC’s Registration Express event on Saturday, Aug. 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or visit the HCC Admissions and Advising offices on the first floor of the Campus Center, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. (4:30 p.m. on Fridays).