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Year: 2024

Kristi Reale

By
Women of Impact 2024

Partner, Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.

She Emphasizes the Need to ‘Work Hard, Play Hard’

Photo by Focus Ashely Photos

Kristi Reale says it’s an unofficial assignment. In other words, it’s not written or her business card. In addition to serving as a partner with the Holyoke-based accounting firm Meyers Brothers Kalicka (MBK), she’s also in charge of the ‘fun committee’ there.

She even has a ‘fun drawer’ in her credenza, filled with Easter eggs to be hidden around the office at that time of year, golden coins and shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day, material for the ‘decorate your space for the holidays’ competition, and much more.

Fun is an important part of the equation at this firm, she said, adding that there is stress throughout the year, but especially around the many tax-filing deadlines, such as those in April, September, and October, and fun is needed to help take the edge off.

“It’s a hard job, and you want to make it fun,” she said, adding that she tries to do something fun — like a Belgian waffle bar or hot chocolate bar — every Saturday during spring tax season, when many employees are in and trying to dig out.

But fun is just a part of that equation, as evidenced by the sign on top of that credenza, the one that reads, “Work Hard, Play Hard.” Those are words her father, Bill Hurley, a small-business owner who passed away in February, lived by, and Reale does as well, she said, adding that she stresses both elements — to anyone who will listen, but especially to the young women (and men) she mentors.

“Hard work is important, but you also need to have some fun,” said Reale, who is the proud (sort of) repeat recipient of one of the awards given out at the firm annually, this one to the individual “most likely to have squatted” at MBK, meaning you could find her at her desk at almost any hour.

“It’s not an award you really want to get,” said Reale, who has also been awarded a blanket by her colleagues, in part because she’s always, as in always, cold, but also as a nod to the notion that she sleeps in her office.

Hard work — but not necessarily the kinds of hours needed to win the ‘squatter’ award — is what Reale preaches to young people — as well as the need to balance that hard work with fun, to give back to the community in many different ways, and to mentor others on their way up, just as they were mentored.

She does all this, and that’s why she’s being honored as a Woman of Impact in 2024.

Her office helps tell the story: there’s the fun drawer, that aforementioned sign, photos of family (a nod to work-life balance), her 40 Under Forty plaque from 2009, her diplomas and credentials hanging on the walls, and — on this day, parked in one corner in large bags — 60 pairs of kids’ pajamas she had already purchased for an organization called Jammie Jingles, started by a firm member, which contributes new pajamas to children in need.

But comments from those she works with tell it better.

“She’s devoted 100% to the firm, to her clients, and, more importantly, staff,” fellow Partner Rudy D’Agostino said. “What’s great about Kristi is that she’s a mentor to many of our younger staff; she takes the time out of her busy schedule to meet with them, work with them, mentor them, and help them put a plan together.”

“Hard work is important, but you also need to have some fun.”

Howard Cheney, another partner at the firm, concurred. “Kristi has made, and continues to make, a remarkable impact on individuals, businesses, and organizations in Western Mass. The position she holds is a unique one because her job directly enables others to thrive in their own endeavors. The weight of that responsibility is not lost on her, as she goes above and beyond for her clients.

Kristi Reale, right, with Springfield Thunderbirds mascot Boomer and fellow Meyers Brothers Kalicka Partners (from left) Rudy D’Agostino, Kristina Drzal Hougton, Howard Cheney, and Jim Krupienski on the occasion of the firm’s 75th anniversary in 2023.

“Additionally,” he said, “Kristi serves as a role model to a number of young professionals on our staff, and she works hard as a mentor, helping these young accountants to navigate the road to success, as she experienced it herself.”

 

Firm Resolve

Reale was a student at Assumption College in Worcester, working toward a degree in accounting, when she decided that real world-world experience would be a good complement to what she was learning in the classroom.

Her advisor agreed, suggesting that she pursue an internship. So she did, with a vigor that would reflect her career to come.

“I opened the phone book, and I called every single accounting firm within driving distance of Assumption,” she said, adding that she scored some interviews, including one at a large regional firm in Worcester.

“When I went to interview with this person, he said, ‘how did you find us?’” she recalled, adding that she told him about opening that phone book and calling every accounting firm in Worcester and asking if they had an internship program. “He called me up and said, ‘Kristi, I’m a Bentley guy, and I had a Bentley student pinned for this internship, but I’m going to give it to you.”

She completed that internship in the spring and started with the firm in the fall, she went on, noting that times were different in the broad world of public accounting then; jobs were much harder to come by, and the competition for them was fierce.

“You went to work, you did your job, you did the best you could every day because, if you didn’t, there was a line of people outside waiting to get your job. It was a tough market,” she said, adding that this environment was fine with her because, from a young age, good working habits were instilled in her by her parents and, later, several mentors.

And she is essentially trying to impress that same message on young people today.

“What’s great about Kristi is that she’s a mentor to many of our younger staff; she takes the time out of her busy schedule to meet with them, work with them, mentor them, and help them put a plan together.”

Tracing Reale’s career, she stayed with the firm in Worcester for a few years before tiring of the commute from and a perceived lack of opportunities to advance. So she went to work at a smaller firm but was again stymied by a lack of opportunities, feeling “disposable,” as she put it. Frustrated, she decided in early 2001 that she was done with public accounting.

But she still needed to work, so she called her sister-in-law, an employee at Meyers Brothers, and asked if the firm needed any tax-season help. It did, and she came on board with the intention of making this a very temporary assignment and finding something else to do for a career.

Instead, she saw women in management roles, became inspired, and stuck around, passed the CPA exam, and plowed ahead.

“I knew no one was going to outwork me, and I was just going to do it,” said Reale, who eventually became the second woman to become a partner at the firm (her colleague, Kris Houghton, was the first).

As a partner and CPA, she works hard on behalf of her clients, but also on behalf of those she works with, setting an example and also acting as a mentor — to young people in general, but especially women.

Kristi Reale, right, and Chelsea Russell, manager/CPA at Meyers Brothers Kalicka, display some of the many items collected during a supply drive to benefit the residents of Ruth’s House in Longmeadow.

“What I’m trying to encourage is for this next generation of women to be strong and financially independent, and to succeed. The glass ceiling’s already been broken; why not go for the moon?” she said, adding that most of her mentorship activity is informal, and she works hard to make herself accessible, with some colleagues calling her at 10 p.m. or later.

 

She Gives of Herself

There is no managing partner at MBK; the six partners essentially split up the workload. Reale’s areas of emphasis include IT and administration.

But, as noted earlier, she’s also in charge of bringing some fun to the firm’s 80 or so employees. That’s a broad assignment that includes everything from activities around various holidays to celebrations when those tax-filing deadlines have passed, to random pranks and other efforts to coax smiles and relieve all that stress.

It’s an assignment she takes … well, seriously.

But in addition to her work with clients and her ‘work’ to supply fun, she is also very involved in the community — and in many different capacities.

She has sat on different nonprofit boards in the past and remains involved with the board at the Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts. She has also been involved at various levels with Habitat for Humanity, Trees of Hope Supporting Ronald McDonald House, Unify Against Bullying, and Dress for Success.

Meanwhile, the firm supports several different nonprofits and individual programs, with initiatives revolving on a monthly basis, and Reale makes a point of stepping up for each one.

Such as with those kids’ pajamas she started buying, with an emphasis on starting.

“I’m at 60, but I could be at 100 soon. This is fun; I enjoy this,” she said, adding that she does most of this kind of giving — including the purchase of pairs of Air Jordans for two teen boys in a family the firm adopted last holiday season — on a low-profile basis. (Since the firm went ‘casual’ at the height of COVID, she often wears Jordans herself; she says it gives her some street cred with the younger employees in the office.)

Overall, Reale is a giving person with an incredibly strong work ethic … and a great sense of humor, a blend of traits exemplified by her donation of a kidney to her husband 18 years ago, and the ultimate timing of that donation.

“I was tested and passed all the testing in late 2005, during the beginning of tax season,” she recalled. “I was cleared to be a donor in March of 2006, and they had an opening, but I told him I had to wait until the end of tax season. I said, ‘you waited like eight years … what’s a few more weeks?’”

All this explains why Reale is a Woman of Impact and why D’Agostino, who knew her father well, says he would undoubtedly be very proud of all she has accomplished and the manner in which she has, indeed, become a role model to so many.

LaTonia Monroe Naylor

By
Women of Impact 2024

Chief Business Educator, Monroe Naylor Consulting, LLC; President and CEO, Parent Villages

She Has a Passion and Purpose for Helping Others Find Their Own

Photo by Focus Ashely Photos

Photo by Focus Ashely Photos

 

Mission-rich and Profit-powered.

That’s the title of the book LaTonia Monroe Naylor wrote, and its subtitle — A Guide to Transforming Your Passion Work into a Fully Funded Business — offers further clues to what’s inside.

And to how she helps businesses move purposefully to the next level, through her business, Monroe Naylor Consulting LLC, which seeks to help entrepreneurs build profitable, mission-driven businesses.

But that consultancy, and the book, are just two elements in what has become a life and career of helping others. It’s been a life of a Woman of Impact.

“When I came up with this, the idea was, how do you take your overwhelming passion and structure it in a way that you can be productive?” she explained.

“Most people don’t use the administrative part of their skillset, or they don’t have it, but that was a gift that I’ve always had,” Monroe Naylor told BusinessWest, noting that she was developing business acumen from a very early age, working at her uncle’s store.

While entrepreneurs typically bring the passion and purpose — that’s why they started the business, after all — they don’t necessarily know how to marry that with an understanding of how a successful business works. “Most people are not taught that because they don’t come from environments where people are teaching them that. So I want to teach people that; I want them to be successful.”

At the same time, “I want them to know that starting a business is not the only thing you should be focused on, so how do you sustain what you do and have harmony in your life?” she said, adding that people shouldn’t feel like they need to sacrifice time with their family for the sake of a job that keeps them separated 100 hours a week.

“That, to me, is mission-rich. How do you do the things that you love and embrace the things that you love, but still have enough stability that you can be comfortable and have a nice house?” she went on. “If you can’t have both, then you’re not going to be happy. And who wants to be miserable?”

Essentially, Monroe Naylor works with entrepreneurs, small-business owners, churches, and other organizations on culture, business sustainability, and other key elements of a thriving business. “I provide training on grants, management, strategy, funding, how to start your business, what you need, what kinds of people you need on your team. On the nonprofit side, how do you set up your board, who should be on your board, how do you ensure you stay compliant?

“Then, when I created the book, I literally thought about the last 20 years of my life. What were the biggest challenges and roadblocks that I ran into? And how do I simplify that for people in less than a three-hour read, so that they will actually read it?”

“How do you do the things that you love and embrace the things that you love, but still have enough stability that you can be comfortable and have a nice house? If you can’t have both, then you’re not going to be happy. And who wants to be miserable?”

Ayanna Crawford, president of AC Consulting and one of three individuals who nominated Monroe Naylor as a Woman of Impact, wrote that her story “serves as a testament to the power of resilience and unwavering dedication to making a difference. As a chief business educator, she inspires others to follow her lead and create lasting impact in their communities. She has reached the place she is today by focusing on others and making their needs a priority in light of her own.”

 

Back to School

Monroe Naylor has long had a heart for the community, which manifested in running for, and winning, a seat on the Springfield School Committee in 2017 — a decision also influenced by a desire to help her young son navigate the challenges of school and life.

“We ran a very grassroots, non-political campaign because we didn’t know any other way to do it,” she recalled. “We just wanted to help our kids. I feel like, if you do things for the right reason, the good will always come back to you. Even though a lot of bad may happen, I focus on the good.”

LaTonia Monroe Naylor says she wants people to be successful in business and happy in life.

LaTonia Monroe Naylor says she wants people to be successful in business and happy in life.

Her experience on the committee led indirectly to her establishment, in 2018, of Parent Villages, a multi-faced nonprofit that works to improve educational achievement while also offering assistance for victims of violence, resources for family engagement and parent advocacy, and more.

The educational focus came from a presentation she heard as a School Committee member, about how 7% of kids aren’t prepared for kindergarten.

“I said, ‘70 or 7?’ And she was like, ‘7.’ So I said, ‘so 93% of our kids aren’t prepared for kindergarten.’ She said, ‘yeah,’ and I was floored,” Monroe Naylor recalled. “How can they be successful if they’re not ready for kindergarten? They’re starting off on a bad foot.”

So Parent Villages was born, first through meetings in at places like community centers and libraries.

“At one meeting, about 85 people came, all kinds of stakeholders, to try to understand what it is that we need to focus on,” she said. “And we found there were these disconnects; people just didn’t know about resources or how to access those resources.

“We also learned very quickly that the people who showed up to the meetings were parents like us, who were already in the 7% — our kids were already prepared. So how do we reach the other 93%? That’s when we built the organization and started to get into the schools, started working with Baystate Health and other programs to develop a strategy.”

Now, Parent Villages focuses on youth in grades 6 to 12 and their parents and caregivers — what Monroe Naylor called a two-generation model, which offers educational programming and workshops, but also provides interim support services.

“So if somebody is going through a domestic situation and needs housing, we help them. Over 90% of our folks are dealing with trauma, dealing with some type of violence, and just need help and support. They don’t know how to wrap their minds around where they need to go. We help them to see the end and see the potential they already have and help them grasp hold of the fact that they have a village, and that’s going to help them through it.”

The topic of trauma is personal to Monroe Naylor due to an event during her teenage years that almost killed her.

“I was shot when I was 16, and that changed my whole life,” she told BusinessWest. “I already had trauma dealing with the fact that I grew up in the neighborhood that I did — that was trauma enough. But when I was 16, I found a way to escape my day-to-day through music. I loved music, I used to rap, I used to do poetry; that was my safe space.”

So she’d spent time at local studios, working on her music. One day, while walking out of one, she was struck by a stray bullet from a fight on the street. Recovering from that physically wasn’t as challenging as the emotional aspects.

“It wasn’t just [the shooting] that that haunted me; it was the fear and the trauma after — the fear of going into certain spaces, or the fear of somebody coming after you. Those are the things you live with for the rest of your life.”

Through therapy, self-care, and a commitment to her faith, among other factors, she’s navigated that trauma, but always understood she had a solid support system, while many people dealing with trauma don’t, and need a village to be successful. Hence, the ‘village’ aspect of Parent Villages.

“It was the fear and the trauma after — the fear of going into certain spaces, or the fear of somebody coming after you. Those are the things you live with for the rest of your life.”

“The last couple of years, we’ve helped well over 700 people, and we consistently have about 40 youth that we work with throughout the year, and we have about 80 families that we’re working with, doing case management, throughout the year,” she said. “We have a great staff and a diverse board, and we focus on the important things that matter. We make sure we get what they need.”

An earlier nonprofit Monroe Naylor established in 2006, called VITAL Center, advised several nonprofit startups, sole proprietorships, and small businesses. These days, she’s also an adjunct professor at Springfield College and Worcester State University and volunteers as a mentor to youth and young adults in her church and community, establishing initiatives such as computer learning centers, youth summer programs, and other projects.

 

Care Starts at Home

Monroe Naylor is no stranger to being recognized. A member of BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty class of 2016, she was also named a Massachusetts Commonwealth Unsung Heroine in 2020, won the Commonwealth Black Excellence Award in 2021, and was named Community Builder by the Urban League of Springfield in 2022.

But Woman of Impact may be the broadest and most accurate way to sum up her life, which she says has been profoundly shaped by so many of the people in it, from her mother to her husband, Mah’dee Naylor Sr., a pastor who founded Dwelling Place Church in Springfield earlier this year, and their four kids — not to mention community giants like Dora Robinson, who was impactful in her life in her early years.

And make no mistake: Monroe Naylor aims to be impactful every day, whether on the business plans of a budding entrepreneur, the trauma of a victim of violence, or the well-being of anyone struggling to be all things to all people.

“A lot of women leaders are so heavily focused on everybody else that they forget to take care of themselves,” she said. “We talk about all the great things that happen, but we don’t talk about our own trauma that we have to deal with, our own internal struggles. How do you gather the inner courage and the inner fortitude that it takes to be a person of impact, and be able to do it on a continual basis? That’s something we don’t talk about enough.”

At the end of the day, she said, being there for other people requires self-care, so she can wake up the next day and continue to have that impact on the lives of others.

“The model that I live by is, whatever you do, make sure you can sleep at night. And if I can’t, I won’t do it. That’s how I hold fast to what I do and the decisions that I make.”

Kimberley Lee

By
Women of Impact 2024

Chief of Creative Strategy and Development, MiraVista Behavioral Health Center

Her Career Is a ‘Narrative of Commitment, Innovation, and Compassion’

Photo by Focus Ashely Photos

Photo by Focus Ashely Photos

She called it the “Mom Squad.”

This was a group of mothers recruited by Kim Lee or community service at nonprofits and even a few Springfield city departments. Beyond the good work they were doing, these women were using that community service as a way to earn a voucher for childcare that would enable them to address that challenge and eventually go back to school or join the workforce.

Lee — then working as vice president of Advancement for the child- and family-services provider Square One, previously known as Springfield Day Nursery — read the fine print on the literature pertaining to childcare vouchers, noticed the section on community service, and then did what she’s done throughout her career: she went to work helping those were less fortunate and needed a leg up.

Whatever that might be.

“There are so many women who might not be working, might not be employed, or in school, but they want to be, but there is the major barrier, oftentimes, of childcare for their kids,” she said. “The idea was to use what was available to us in order to help these women get the childcare they needed. Meanwhile, through their volunteerism, they were able to gain skills they could put on a résumé.”

There are plenty of other examples of how, throughout Lee’s career, she has gone well above and beyond her official job description to help others while also advancing the mission of the nonprofit in question.

At the Basketball Hall of Fame, where she worked early in her career, she played a pivotal role in curating the “Freedom to Play” exhibit, a landmark project that not only celebrated the pivotal contributions of African-Americans to the sport of basketball, but also served as a platform for discussing the broader themes of racial equity and inclusion within sports and society at large.

Meanwhile, at the Mental Health Assoc. (MHA), she helped secure the donation of a patio set for a residential program for teens, an initiative that was about much more than outdoor furniture.

“It was not about the table and four chairs and the umbrella,” she said. “It was really about giving young people that place, that space, that medium to just enjoy their time together outside.”

At MHA and now at her current employer, MiraVista Behavioral Health Center, Lee has been an advocate for those with mental-health and substance issues, and a facilitator, if you will, for bringing many individuals into programs of care.

“Each professional opportunity I’ve had has afforded me the chance to reflect my personal values and what I deem to be extremely important, which is to make a difference in the community,” she said in summing up what could be called her life’s work. “I’ve always strived to reach individuals who need support and access to services, and harness the energy and resources of an organization to make an impact.”

“I’ve always strived to reach individuals who need support and access to services, and harness the energy and resources of an organization to make an impact.”

But to understand her commitment to empowering the most vulnerable in society, one needs to go back to when she was only in grade school.

Indeed, at age 10, she organized a carnival for the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Assoc. Telethon, raising significant funds and awareness of muscular dystrophy.

“This early venture into community service was a precursor to a lifetime of advocacy and engagement, setting the stage for her lifelong commitment to harnessing collective energy for the greater good,” wrote Darby O’Brien, president of Darby O’Brien Advertising, in his nomination of Lee for the Woman of Impact Award. “Throughout her career, Kim has spearheaded numerous outreach programs aimed at extending healthcare and support services beyond traditional settings, directly reaching those in urgent need.”

Kim Lee with Springfield Thunderbirds President Nate Costa and some teddy bears donated to the Center for Human Development’s youth-serving programs by the team through its teddy-bear drive.

Kim Lee with Springfield Thunderbirds President Nate Costa and some teddy bears donated to the Center for Human Development’s youth-serving programs by the team through its teddy-bear drive.

O’Brien, who has worked with Lee on initiatives throughout her career, including the rebranding of Springfield Day Nursery to Square One, said her career is “a profound narrative of commitment, innovation, and compassion.

“From her early days organizing community events to her impactful work in healthcare and advocacy, she has consistently demonstrated what it means to be a leader who not only dreams of a better world, but takes tangible steps to create it,” he went on. “Kim’s enduring impact on individuals, families, and communities, coupled with her pioneering contributions to healthcare and social justice, make her an exemplary candidate for the Woman of Impact award.”

 

She’s a Shoe In

When Lee first applied for work at the United Way of Pioneer Valley after graduating from Westfield State University, she received a polite rejection in the mail.

Never one to give up easily on anything, she wrote back and included with the missive a man’s shoe.

“I told him I was just looking to get my foot in the door,” said Lee, referring to then-United Way Director Ty Joubert, who was so impressed with her creativity and determination that he put her on the payroll.

“This early venture into community service was a precursor to a lifetime of advocacy and engagement, setting the stage for her lifelong commitment to harnessing collective energy for the greater good.”

So began an impressive career in the broad realm of marketing, public relations, and development, one where creativity has been just one character trait she has brought to her work, in ways that have benefited not merely her employers, but the community at large.

After several years with the United Way, she was recruited (as she was with all subsequent positions) to the Basketball Hall of Fame, where she served as vice president of Marketing for three years before starting a lengthy stint with what was known then as Springfield Day Nursery.

As noted earlier, she was part of the team that rebranded the agency, but also one of the key players to lead the organization back from a series of unforeseen setbacks, including the 2011 tornado that destroyed its headquarters on Main Street in Springfield, and the 2012 gas explosion that rendered one of its facilities unusable.

In 2015, Lee was recruited to the Center for Human Development, where she served as vice president of Development and Marketing. There, among other things, she negotiated a strategic partnership with the Springfield Thunderbirds and also created and managed the Through Her Eyes Girls Conference. Designed for educators, social workers, and mentors with the goal of improving the lives of at-risk girls and young women, the conference drew 500 attendees annually and featured 21 workshops run by notable professionals.

Kim Lee, center, with groundskeepers at the Country Club of Wilbraham, whom she successfully recruited to collect winter coats for children.

Kim Lee, center, with groundskeepers at the Country Club of Wilbraham, whom she successfully recruited to collect winter coats for children.

In 2018, she moved to Springfield-based MHA, where, as vice president of Development and Branding, her list of accomplishments included the launch of the You Matter Award program to highlight employees and members of the community committed to making a difference in the lives of others.

Then, in 2022, she was recruited to MiraVista, where, as chief of Creative Strategy and Development, she has helped forge partnerships and strategic collaborations to drive new business, while also propelling enrollment in substance-use recovery programming among providers throughout the region.

All of which makes clear that, at each career stop, Lee has leveraged the opportunity given her and, as O’Brien put it, committed to “harnessing collective energy for the greater good.”

As she did with the Freedom to Play exhibit at the Hall of Fame.

“It was the first exhibit of its kind, and I did it with some phenomenal people in the African-American community,” she recalled. “It gave me a real sense of accomplishment to take that vision that we all collectively had, bring it to reality, and really celebrate those significant contributions.

“That was a great example of harnessing an organization and being able to use that as a platform in order to make an impact,” she went on. “When you think about it, Freedom to Play … yeah, it was about basketball, but it was really about giving voice to a whole demographic, to a whole community of individuals who had not really had a chance to tell their story in that way.”

 

A Drive to Meet Needs

There have been many other examples, of course, including that table and chairs for the residential program operated by MHA, one of myriad instances where Lee has been able to find things for the nonprofits she’s worked for through outreach, relationship building, and communicating need.

At MHA, she became so good at this that she was labeled a ‘waterfinder,’ meaning that, if something was needed by a group, be it winter coats or backpacks or presents around Christmas, she would go out into the community and find it — often from some outside-the-box sources.

Such was the case when she reached out to the course superintendent at the Country Club of Wilbraham with a request for winter coats.

“From her early days organizing community events to her impactful work in healthcare and advocacy, she has consistently demonstrated what it means to be a leader who not only dreams of a better world, but takes tangible steps to create it.”

I asked if they had any interest in doing a coat drive, and they sure did,” she recalled. “I knew they spent a lot of time outdoors, and I thought that perhaps they had some coats that had been gently worn, or perhaps they’d have some interest in supporting the folks at MHA — and they ended up producing bags of beautiful coats.”

At MiraVista, Lee hasn’t been called upon as much to find things, but she has been effective at linking individuals to needed services.

“I spend a lot of time in the community,” she told BusinessWest. “I’ve had the opportunity to just set up tables in local parks and meet individuals where they are in terms of wanting to address their substance-use addiction.

“It’s extremely rewarding when you meet an individual and they’re ready to step on that pathway to recovery,” she went on. “They say they’re going to come in to MiraVista the next day, and I’ll say, ‘when you get here, let me know that you’re here.’ And, sure enough, they come through the front door and they ask for me; it’s extremely satisfying.”

And it’s just one of many examples of why Lee is a Woman of Impact.

Throughout her career, she’s always done her job, but she has also gone well beyond the job and into the realm of community leader.

“Her leadership style is characterized by empathy, inclusivity, and a steadfast commitment to justice and equity,” O’Brien said in his nomination, noting that it has been this way since she got her foot in the door — or that man’s shoe, to be more precise — all those years ago.

Megan McDonough

By
Women of Impact 2024

Executive Director, Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity

She Helps Families Achieve Life-changing Stability, One House at a Time

Photo by Focus Ashely Photos

Photo by Focus Ashely Photos

“Timing is everything.”

That’s how Megan McDonough described the circumstances that saw her arrive at Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity in 2013 and take the reins as executive director a year later.

And she’s grateful for that timing — and the experiences that led her to be successful in that role — because of what the organization’s work has meant to so many low-income families achieving home ownership for the first time.

That experience began with a master’s degree in regional planning at UMass Amherst, with a concentration in housing and social issues. “My concentration was part of an overall desire to make a difference in the community and realizing how important housing was in that journey,” she said.

After working at the Center for EcoTechnology (CET) in Northampton for seven years, she joined Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity in 2013 as an office manager and was quickly elevated to the post of Operations manager, working with volunteer build teams and overseeing applications for zoning, planning, and building permits. In 2014, she shepherded the first Women Build project for two net-zero-energy homes — the chapter’s first — in Easthampton.

“Her work has empowered many women and families of marginalized racial identities to achieve the first step in building generational wealth through affordable home ownership.”

Those efforts, among others, caught the attention of Habitat’s board of directors, and when the organization’s executive director stepped down in 2014, McDonough won the job over 30 other applicants.

“It was clear to me after a couple weeks as interim ED that Megan would make a great ED,” said Peter Jessop, then board president. “It was her attention to detail and her can-do attitude that most impressed me during my short tenure at the board helm.”

McDonough told BusinessWest she was confident in her ability to lead the affiliate. “I had previous management experience and a master’s degree in planning and housing, and the board decided I was the best fit to take that leadership role.”

A decade later, that decision has been proven correct many times over, and McDonough has carved out a … well, impactful place helping families achieve stability in life. That’s a word she used a few times during this interview, and for good reason.

Megan McDonough (center) with Charles Roberts and Aelan Tierney of Kuhn Riddle Architects & Designers, which has provided pro bono design services for Habitat for Humanity projects.

Megan McDonough (center) with Charles Roberts and Aelan Tierney of Kuhn Riddle Architects & Designers, which has provided pro bono design services for Habitat for Humanity projects.

“Stability is a word we use a lot because, when you’re a renter, you’re at the whim of your landlord; if they want to sell the building or the house, you’ve got to move,” she said. “Even if you’ve been a perfect tenant, you can still experience housing instability as a renter — whereas, when you own your own home, that gives you certainty to say, ‘OK, I’m putting down roots in this community.’”

She noted that Habitat International has done studies showing improved educational, health, and economic outcomes stemming from home ownership. “I’ve also heard anecdotal stories about our homeowners pursuing higher education or different job opportunities because they have that stability.”

Aelan Tierney, president of Kuhn Riddle Architects & Designers, nominated McDonough as a Woman of Impact, having worked with her during her time at CET, focusing on sustainable and energy-efficient building practices, and, more recently, having provided pro bono design services for sustainable Habitat building projects.

“Over these years, we have been witness to Megan’s unwavering passion and commitment to developing affordable, sustainable homes,” wrote Tierney, a Woman of Impact herself. “Her work has empowered many women and families of marginalized racial identities to achieve the first step in building generational wealth through affordable home ownership.”

“There’s this deep impact that happens with the family that’s selected and becomes a homeowner, but there are also hundreds of volunteers who are impacted as well, and I think that’s often underappreciated.”

Tierney noted that McDonough and her team have especially impacted the lives of single parents, many of whom never imagined home ownership would be achievable. In fact, of the 58 houses the nonprofit has completed, 60% are owned by female heads of household.

“Research reveals that Habitat homeowners go on to achieve higher levels of education, more advanced jobs, and better health outcomes than their non-homeowning peers,” Tierney added, “and as taxpaying members of their communities, they have more voice in and impact on their local towns and neighborhoods.”

Impact that ripples outward into the community and across generations — that’s Habitat for Humanity in a nutshell, and it’s also McDonough’s passion.

 

Building on a Vision

McDonough was quick to explain what Habitat does — or, more specifically, dispel some common misconceptions, like the notion that the homeowners are getting a free house.

“Habitat for Humanity builds homes for low-income families and then sells it to them with an affordable mortgage. And we do that to build strength, stability, and self-reliance for those future homebuyers,” she told BusinessWest. “We don’t give away homes for free. They do purchase them, but at a price that’s much more affordable than you could find in this area on your own.”

Habitat for Humanity projects bring together a raft of volunteers, both individuals and businesses.

Habitat for Humanity projects bring together a raft of volunteers, both individuals and businesses.

That’s an especially big deal these days, as home prices are soaring. Equally important is the work the homeowners put into the projects.

“That’s the other thing that’s special about Habitat for Humanity: the future homeowners help build their own houses. They put in sweat equity in the construction alongside community volunteers, who also help bring down the cost of building the homes by donating their time,” she explained.

“It’s empowering to know they helped build the house and that they can take care of it themselves,” she went on. “One of the side benefits of sweat equity is they actually learn a lot of construction skills and how to use power tools. They were there caulking and painting alongside the volunteers, so if something needs to be touched up later, they’ll know how to do it.”

A roster of local businesses, from builders and roofers to landscapers and solar-energy installers, offer discounted materials to Habitat and even send workers to help out on a job, McDonough noted, adding that the organization relies first and foremost on volunteer labor.

“There’s this deep impact that happens with the family that’s selected and becomes a homeowner, but there are also hundreds of volunteers who are impacted as well, and I think that’s often underappreciated,” she said. “There’s the college student who learns how to use a hammer for the first time, or the professional carpenter who gets to give back and feels the accomplishment of sharing their skills and knowledge. There’s a lot of social capital building and community building that happens when people work together for a common goal. It’s extremely gratifying.”

“We had almost 80 applications for our last house here in Northampton, so the need couldn’t be greater.”

One of the key evolutions in the organization’s work has been an emphasis on energy efficiency and green building.

“We work really hard on bringing down our costs, selling a home at an affordable price, but if we get someone in there and they can’t afford their utility bill, we sort of missed the mark,” she said. “We’re not building fancy McMansions. We’re building a box, but a nice box — a new one with good insulation and high-efficiency mechanical systems. And we have been getting those homes Energy Star-certified for a number of years, and have added some additional green-building certifications as well.”

That focus on energy efficiency and renewable energy is a way to impact the future, McDonough told BusinessWest. “It’s not cost-effective to build small, simple, energy-efficient homes. They’re just not getting built in the marketplace. So it’s also really unique that we build high-quality but simple homes. We have laminate countertops; these aren’t luxury granite countertops. But we also have extra insulation in the walls to make sure it’ll be a cozy house. We put in air-source heat pumps so it can be all electric and part of the decarbonization of the future.”

At the same time, during her 10 years as the affiliate’s executive director, McDonough has hired and mentored dozens of interns through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s internship program, and a significant number of these interns have gone on to careers in sustainable housing or related industries.

 

Generational Impact

The application process to be selected for a Habitat home is rigorous, McDonough said, and everyone who meets the criteria is placed into a lottery.

“They must have a minimum income so they can afford that mortgage, and they must good-enough credit so that they don’t have other creditors who are going to endanger their ability to pay their mortgage. And they have to have a low-enough income, under 60% of the median income, so that they have a housing need and couldn’t just go buy a house elsewhere.”

For many such individuals, without Habitat’s help, especially in the current market, home ownership would be simply unattainable.

“There’s a lot of talk right now about affordable opportunities for housing. That’s a huge story, and it can seem overwhelming, and the average person thinks, ‘well, that’s for someone else to deal with. That’s for the politicians or the developers,’” McDonough said.

“One of the things I value about Habitat for Humanity is that we know there’s this huge problem, and we know we have neighbors living in unsanitary, unsafe, or unaffordable housing, and we can’t necessarily solve that whole problem overnight,” she continued. “But can I show up tomorrow and do something to help this one family have a safe and stable place to call home. We take that huge problem and break it down into actionable steps. Someone’s got to go to the store and buy the paint, someone’s got to pick up the paintbrush and put it on the wall, someone’s got to raise a hammer. All these community volunteers come together to make it happen.”

As Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity celebrates its 35th anniversary, McDonough and her team have instituted the Framing the Future Legacy Society, which encourages donors to consider a legacy gift in their estate planning — another way the nonprofit is creating generational impact.

“Some of our volunteers have been here for 20-plus years,” she said, adding that there’s always a need for more. “And that longevity, that investment of time from the community, is what has built our ability to build good houses for these future homebuyers.

“I only see that growing in the future, so we can help as many families as we can,” she added. “We had almost 80 applications for our last house here in Northampton, so the need couldn’t be greater. My hope is that we can continue to navigate the complex systems, mortgages, construction, and fundraising, and increase our impact as we go forward.”

For leading these efforts to create safe, affordable housing and change lives throughout the Pioneer Valley, one build at a time, Megan McDonough is certainly a Woman of Impact.

JoAnne Finck

By
Women of Impact 2024

President, Friends of Cooley Dickinson

She Has Long Understood the Importance of Getting Involved

Photo by Focus Ashely Photos

Photo by Focus Ashely Photos

 

JoAnne Finck grew up in Holyoke in what she described as “modest” surroundings. Her parents, from a young age, impressed upon her the importance of appreciating what one has and assisting those in need.

“They always taught me the value of helping,” she recalled. “One of the things that was really important was that my mother and father would always say, ‘there’s someone who has it worse, so what can you do to help?’”

All through her life, she’s been asking that question — and answering it proactively.

Indeed, throughout a career that has taken her from banking to a leadership role with an insurance company co-owned by her husband, Roger, to serving Friends of Cooley Dickinson (currently as its president), she has always gotten involved, and she has always worked to build a stronger community.

“My goal in life was to always to make a difference — in the community, and in someone’s life,” she said. “And if you can make the change for one person, then you’ve succeeded.”

She’s done just that while serving in volunteer leadership roles for local organizations ranging from the United Way of Hampshire and Franklin Counties to the UMass Fine Arts Center; from Pioneer Valley Symphony to the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce.

And she has especially done that in her role with Friends of Cooley Dickinson, where she has energized the organization and infused it with new members, while also leading several fundraising campaigns for CDH, now part of Mass General Brigham.

Finck chaired the Building Our Future Campaign, a comprehensive campaign that raised funds for the Mass General Cancer Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. She also volunteered on the Caring for the Future Campaign and was pivotal in raising funds for the Kittredge Surgery Center and an addition to the North Building.

The goal for the Building Our Future Campaign was $8.2 million, but $11.4 million was raised, in part due to Finck’s persistence, drive, and ability to communicate the importance of a strong CDH, and a modern, state-of-the-art cancer center, to Northampton and the communities that surround it.

“As a campaign volunteer, she stands out because of her unwavering enthusiasm and commitment; her grace, dedication to community, and persistency were paramount to our success,” wrote Christina Trinchero, Communications director for CDH, in nominating Finck as a Woman of Impact.

As she talked about raising money, be it for a college, a nonprofit, the United Way, or CDH — and she’s done it for all of the above — Finck said it is both art and science, and there is a key ingredient to success.

“One of the things that was really important was that my mother and father would always say, ‘there’s someone who has it worse, so what can you do to help?’”

“No one likes to ask for money, but if you believe in something, that makes it much easier,” she explained. “I don’t take every single cause — I look to how you can make a difference, how we can make a change, and if I believe in something, I will be very passionate, and I ask.”

“The hospital is a core supporter of the area; we are so lucky to have a world-class community hospital here,” she went on, adding that the merger with Mass General has taken the level of care and access to resources, specialists, and options to a new and much higher level. “Cooley will always be special to me in regards to being there for family and friends and giving our community world-class care within a community-hospital environment. Cooley makes a difference in the lives of its patients.”

She obviously knows a little about making a difference, and has essentially spent a lifetime doing what her parents impressed upon her that she needed to do — make full use of her time and talents to help others.

“Because of her expansive commitment to organizations across our community, JoAnne has made a lasting impact in a variety of areas ranging from education and healthcare to fine arts and social services,” said Trinchero, speaking for countless others when she said Finck is certainly a Woman of Impact.

 

Collecting Experience

Soon after graduating from Marymount College in Tarrytown, N.Y. and working briefly as a “grunt” on Wall Street, Finck returned to this region — and a tough job market — and eventually found work at Shawmut Bank in Greenfield, in its collection department.

She had a number of responsibilities, including being part of two-person teams that would repossess cars from owners who had fallen behind on their payments. And in the recession years of the early ’80s, there were plenty of cars to repossess.

JoAnne Finck and her husband, Roger, have long been strong supporters of Cooley Dickinson Hospital.

JoAnne Finck and her husband, Roger, have long been strong supporters of Cooley Dickinson Hospital.

It was not glamorous work, obviously, and not something she recalls with any fondness, but it was a learning experience on many levels, and it reinforced an already-strong desire to help others.

“I got that delinquent rate from over 10% to 0.5% in less than a year,” she recalled. “And I learned that I was very good at working with people and helping them. I would try to work with them and say, ‘this is what you need to do … communicate with me, and we’ll get you on the right path.’”

She would move on the loan office, and as her banking career progressed, her desire to get involved in the community grew. She ran the Sustaining Campaign for Youth for the local YMCA in 1982, a successful initiative that would inspire involvement with the United Way of Franklin County.

“It helped children, it helped people of need, and, being the treasurer, I knew that the money raised stayed in the community, so I got very vested in the United Way,” she said, adding that she volunteered on its board for more than 20 years (including as treasurer and chair), ran leadership giving, and chaired its campaign in 1999.

“I was very vested in the United Way because I saw how it helped so many people,” she told BusinessWest. “We would have people speak to us, people who were homeless, people who had drug issues, and they talked about how this one place, the United Way, helped them. It was so impactful — for me, it was easy to raise the money. I hate asking people, but this was making a difference in people’s lives.”

“As a campaign volunteer, she stands out because of her unwavering enthusiasm and commitment; her grace, dedication to community, and persistency were paramount to our success.”

Finck also handled major gifts for Lilly Library in Florence before getting heavily involved with another institution in that area — CDH. Or more involved, to be more precise.

In the late ’80s, she would take part in phone-a-thons for the hospital’s annual giving campaigns before taking on a larger role with several of its fundraising drives, including the comprehensive Building Our Future campaign as well as the initiative for the cancer center, which started in 2008 and took eight years, largely because the hospital was in the process of being merged into a larger, still-undetermined healthcare group.

Later, she would get involved with Friends of Cooley Dickinson (formerly the hospital auxiliary), which this year is celebrating its 120th anniversary.

The group runs the hospital’s coffee and gift shops, conducts events, places art throughout the hospital (which can be purchased, with some of the proceeds going to Friends), and stages several fundraising events, including an annual Trees of Love event in the Healing Garden and an arts-and-crafts auction.

It has grown and gained new energy under Finck, who was recruited to be its president, as Trinchero explained in her nomination.

“She blends a respect for traditions and history of the auxiliary with a dynamic ability to manage change,” she wrote, “thus keeping long-standing auxilians and volunteers involved, while recruiting new members to reinvigorate the group.”

 

A ‘Giving’ Person

Finck’s passion for supporting CDH is in many ways personal.

JoAnne Finck has been instrumental in many of the fundraising campaigns that have reshaped Cooley Dickinson Hospital.

JoAnne Finck has been instrumental in many of the fundraising campaigns that have reshaped Cooley Dickinson Hospital.

To explain, she turned back the clock 20 years to when she arrived home at 2 a.m. after attending an insurance event.

“All the lights were on in the house,” she said. “My husband … I thought he was having a heart attack. He was pale; he was sweating. He said, ‘I sat up, I walked, and something was definitely wrong.’”

She took him to the ER at CDH, where X-rays were taken.

“You know it’s bad when they call you back right away,” she said, adding that tests revealed a huge mass in his chest, which turned out to be the largest bronchogenic cyst that anyone involved with removing it had ever seen. Finck said those at CDH (this was pre-merger days) fast-tracked her husband to Beth Israel Hospital and its head thoracic surgeon.

“We were just average people coming in with a problem,” she said, adding that, around that time, she was doing what she called minor fundraising for the hospital. She was good friends with Mike Kittredge, the founder of Yankee Candle, who passed away several years ago, who offered to make some phone calls on her behalf. She said that wouldn’t be necessary.

“The hospital took us under their wing, shipped us to Boston, and got it squared away. He had a six-month recovery, but he’s 100%,” she went on. “We were no one special, and that’s the point — they treat everyone like that.”

Repeat evidence to this effect has inspired Finck as she has taken on the lead in fundraising campaigns and her work with Friends, both of which she finds rewarding and fulfilling.

Especially the fundraising.

As she mentioned earlier, it isn’t easy asking for money — for anything and at any time — but when the cause is good, the assignment is easier. And when it comes to the campaigns at CDH and their purposes — from the cancer center to the ER to the childbirth center — the impact on the community is enormous.

Getting back to the art and science of making the ask, and getting individuals and institutions to commit, she said it comes down to being honest, persistent, and, above all, a true believer in the cause.
“When taking on a project, you must believe in the project and then research its impact to people and the community,” she explained. “Timing is essential for the ask, as is listening to the people you are talking to. After the ask … follow up, and then even more follow-up is mandatory, but the most important part is a ‘thank you’ — regardless of the outcome.”

Finck has become quite proficient at all of this, and that’s just one of many reasons why she’s a Woman of Impact.

Dianne Fuller Doherty

By
Uncategorized

Co-founder, Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts; Former Director, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center’s Regional Office

Now Retired, She’s Still Making a Deep Impact on the Region

Photo by Leah Martin Photography

Photo by Leah Martin Photography

Dianne Fuller Doherty considers herself perhaps this region’s biggest cheerleader.

Indeed, while technically a transplant (although she earned a bachelor’s degree at Mount Holyoke College), she is forever extolling the 413’s virtues and promoting it as a place to live, work, and put down seeds for a business.

But ‘cheerleader’ doesn’t begin to explain why she’s been chosen as a Woman of Impact for 2024. This is not a knock on cheerleaders, but they essentially stand on the sidelines and cheer those in the game — and Fuller Doherty has never been one to stand on the sidelines.

She’s always been involved, and on many different levels — from being a business owner to becoming a co-founder of the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts; from leading one of the key engines in the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center’s regional office, to serving on the boards of several area institutions and nonprofits; from serving as a mentor to countless small-business owners, especially women, to acting as a role model — to her own children and many of those she mentors.

Her contributions of time, energy, and talent have been spread across a wide spectrum, but there has always been a special emphasis on the broad realm of education due to its obvious impact on the future of the region.

“If we don’t have strong educational institutions, we don’t have a future, and one of my big beliefs is helping the public schools of Springfield — because that is central to the success of our region.”

“Paul and I made a commitment to education, starting with our own schools and now some of the local schools, which we believe in, because they’re central to the future of Western Mass.,” she said, referencing her husband, who passed away several years ago and was equally involved in the community. “If we don’t have strong educational institutions, we don’t have a future, and one of my big beliefs is helping the public schools of Springfield — because that is central to the success of our region.”

The founders of the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts

The founders of the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts were honored at an event in 2019. From left: Donna Haghighat, Dianne Fuller Doherty, Martha Richards, Kristi Nelson, Mimi Goldberg (accepting for late founder Sally Livingston), and Haydee Lamberty-Rodrigues.

Beyond education, Fuller Doherty has been, or still is, involved with agencies and institutions ranging from the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts to Tech Foundry; from the World Affairs Council to the Springfield Public Forum. At each one, she has left others impressed with her desire to dig deep and work hard to advance their missions.

“Dianne Fuller Doherty is a role model for what it means to be dedicated to community,” wrote Megan Burke, president and CEO of the Community Foundation, in nominating her for the Woman of Impact award. “In her life’s work and volunteer activities, she embodies the spirit of wanting to make her home (Western Mass.) a better place for all who live in it.

“Now that she is retired, she continues to work full-time to connect community members and lift the efforts that will move our region forward,” Burke went on. “While she is inclusive in her efforts to lift up the community, she is especially dedicated to developing and supporting women and women’s leadership. She keeps her ear to the ground to know where she might be needed, who might need a hand up, or where a connection might need to be made.”

“While she is inclusive in her efforts to lift up the community, she is especially dedicated to developing and supporting women and women’s leadership. She keeps her ear to the ground to know where she might be needed, who might need a hand up, or where a connection might need to be made.”

Making connections, providing a hand up, or often just listening and providing sage advice … these are just some of the many reasons why Fuller Doherty is a Woman of Impact.

 

Answering the Call

When she was called by BusinessWest in January 2020 to let her know she was being honored as one of its Difference Makers that year, Fuller Doherty had to be talked into it.

Indeed, she argued at length that there were others more worthy, and that she had already won enough awards — which, well, she has, including the William Pynchon Community Service Award, the 2016 Unsung Heroine of Massachusetts Award, and the 2004 Girl Scouts of Pioneer Valley Woman of Distinction Award.

She eventually acquiesced and was honored with several others at a COVID-era ceremony before a crowd that could not exceed 25 people (you remember those days).

This time around, she offered less resistance (although there was some) because of the nature of the award and its mission to honor women. The issue this time was finding room in her schedule for an interview, between a trip to Iceland and events on her schedule ranging from a World Affairs Council lunch to a gathering at Tech Foundry to the ribbon cutting for the new Kevin S. Delbridge Welcome Center at Western New England University.

This crowded schedule speaks volumes about how Fuller Doherty likes to keep busy, but not just busy; she wants to get involved and use her experience and insight to help others and assist institutions as they carry out their various missions.

It’s been this way since she settled in Western Mass. with her late husband, Paul, a lawyer who already had roots here. She quickly put down some of her own, getting involved with institutions including the Springfield Regional Chamber, YMCA, Glenmeadow, the World Affairs Council, Bay Path University, and the National Conference for Community and Justice.

Doherty Fuller Doherty calls herself a cheerleader for the region, but throughout her career, she has rarely been on the sidelines.Photo by Focus Ashely Photos

Doherty Fuller Doherty calls herself a cheerleader for the region, but throughout her career, she has rarely been on the sidelines.
Photo by Focus Ashely Photos

Seeking to be a role model for her daughters, she returned to school to earn an MBA at Western New England, then went looking for a career. After working briefly as a volunteer with the grants manager for the city of Springfield, she took a job with a marketing agency in Hartford and then became part of an initiative called Downtown Marketing to promote Springfield’s Central Business District.

“It was sponsored by MassMutual, Steiger’s, and SIS,” she recalled, “and it was focused on promoting the city and bringing people downtown because, then, as now, we have a lot invested in bricks and mortar downtown, but not a lot invested in changing attitudes about downtown, and it was necessary.”

Later, with partner Marsha Tzoumas, she started a marketing firm that would find a home in Springfield’s downtown and thrive for several years before it failed to survive the recession of the early ’90s.

Looking for a different career turn, she eventually won the job leading the regional office of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center, where she specialized in providing the honest feedback and tough love that entrepreneurs need as they strive to take concepts off the drawing board or to the next level.

Her initial plan was to be in that job for just a few years, but she stayed for more than 20, helping countless individuals across Western Mass. — and, while doing that, gaining an even deeper appreciation for this region and its many different assets.

“I loved it because I spent half my time working one-on-one with small businesses and helping mostly early-stage startup companies, which is great, because they’re energetic, they’re hardworking, they’re idealistic, and they care,” she said. “The other half was economic development for the region, and I totally believe in the region; we are a regional economy.”

 

Giving Voice to Others — and Using Hers

One of Fuller Doherty’s many contributions to this region, and an example of her lifelong focus on women and helping them succeed in work and in life, was her involvement in the creation of the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts.

This is an agency that is, well, a lot like her. It supports women, it educates them, it mentors them, and it promotes them.

Scanning the horizon, Fuller Doherty noted that, while there is some work to be done when it comes to women advancing and breaking through whatever glass ceilings remain — she said the corporate boardroom is one of them — she’s proud of what has been accomplished.

“The Women’s Fund has played a small role in elevating the voices of women,” she said. “I’ve watched the boards — not just the nonprofit boards, which have always done their part for women, but some of the for-profit boards as well — recognize the value and importance of having women on them. That in itself — just having women’s voices heard — is so important. I truly feel that, if women had been more involved in national and global issues, we would not be in the state we’re in globally.

“Women are good listeners, and we need to have their voices heard,” she went on. “And I’m so happy to say they are being heard, but there is still room for growth.”

While Fuller Doherty has always been involved, and has always had an impact, she has also never been shy about using her own voice and expressing opinions on a wide range of topics.

“I totally believe in the region; we are a regional economy.”

On UMass Amherst, another institution she strongly supports, she told BusinessWest, “there is so much potential for that university, and I’ve watched it go, particularly the Isenberg School of Management, from here to here,” she said, moving her hand from her knee to over her head. “And there is so much more growth potential.”

On the merits of exercise and staying active, especially for people her age (which she did not reveal), she said, “I gave myself a gift … I don’t know how long ago, maybe 30 or 40 years ago, of an hour of exercise a day, and I’ve really lived up to it. I’ll bet I haven’t missed 10 days over that whole time.”

That activity has included yoga, Pilates, skiing, walking, running, biking, swimming, and more. “I swim in the summer,” she said. “I’m going to have to start doing it year-round because it’s such good exercise, but I don’t like it; I’m not a good swimmer.”

Then, of course, she has opinions on this region. And here, again, she doesn’t mince words.

“I think it’s a fabulous place to live, a fabulous place to raise a family … we’re so ideally located geographically, and I don’t think we’ve ever maximized that,” she said. “I think that is still to come, and it will come. We have so many cultural advantages that most small cities don’t have, we have so many educational advantages … the sky is the limit for this region.”

As we said at the top, Fuller Doherty is certainly a cheerleader for this region. But she is much more than that. She’s a leader who makes sure her voice is heard, while also making sure other women’s voices are heard.

In short, she’s a Woman of Impact.

Alison Berman

By
Women of Impact 2024

Council Director, Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts

She’s Helping Girls Become More Joyful, Healthy, and Confident

Photo by Focus Ashely Photos

As someone with almost 20 years of experience in the fields of psychology and social work, Alison Berman was no stranger to working with young people. And when she learned about a national organization called Girls on the Run, something clicked.

“I had always wanted to work with kids and families,” she said of her motivation to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Oberlin College and a master’s degree in social work from Smith College, after which she ran therapeutic preschools, worked in outpatient, inpatient, and day treatment; and did a lot of work in schools with trauma-sensitive programs.

Then she learned, through a friend of a friend, about Girls on the Run (GOTR), a physical activity-based, positive youth-development program that uses running games and dynamic discussions to teach life skills to girls in grades 3-8.

“There was no council here at that point. And it kind of fit into everything I was passionate about; I used to do a lot of group work, so the curriculum really spoke to me in the sense of the social-emotional life-skills piece, and integrating a physically active component. I guess I always wanted to do something bigger than just the individual impact I felt like I was making.”

Each Girls on the Run chapter conducts two 10-week seasons per year, in the fall and spring. Each session features a life-skills lesson drawn from a nationally distributed curriculum. Meanwhile, each team tackles a community-impact project to give back to their community. Both seasons each year end with a 5K celebration, with the spring event typically being the larger of the two.

The Western Mass. council of GOTR launched in 2015 with 90 girls on six teams. Now, the chapter boasts 80 different teams — more than 1,800 girls in all — and more than 300 volunteer coaches across Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties. The national Girls on the Run organization was formed in 1996 and has since reached more than 2 million girls, with at least one council in every state; three call Massachusetts home.

The national curriculum gets updated regularly to meet the needs of where girls are right now, Berman told BusinessWest.

“A lot of stuff has evolved around diversity, equity, and inclusion, and in terms of mobility issues, disability, and then just streamlining the curriculum so that it’s easier for coaches also to deliver, but also making sure it’s meeting the needs of kids today,” she said. “We know there’s a mental-health crisis with kids, so they make sure the curriculum deals with issues that are very relevant to what’s going on.

“The overarching goal is to increase confidence and have kids realize that they can do things that they didn’t think were possible,” she added. “So, yes, that’s the 5K at the end, but to me, the overarching goals are, how can I be a better friend? How can I communicate more effectively? How can I stand up for myself and others?”

“The overarching goal is to increase confidence and have kids realize that they can do things that they didn’t think were possible.”

For helping girls answer those questions and become happier, healthier (in all ways), and more confident, Berman is certainly a Woman of Impact.

 

Running with a Purpose

Girls on the Run claims to make a stronger impact than organized sports and physical-education programs when it comes to teaching life skills such as managing emotions, resolving conflict, helping others, and making intentional decisions. There are separate curriculums for grades 3-5 and 6-8, so the lessons are age-appropriate. And the girls keep journals to track their personal goals and progress.

Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts has now served more than 10,000 young participants.

Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts has now served more than 10,000 young participants.

That sense of personal growth — Girls on the Run describes itself as developing joyful, healthy, and confident girls — is an attractive quality when so many negative factors are weighing on kids’ mental health these days, Berman said. Specifically, the pandemic exacerbated those issues in ways that have not yet totally resolved.

“We know girls are having hospital visits, suicide attempts, having increased numbers of depression and anxiety. And it doesn’t mean it’s not happening with boys as well, but with girls, it has dramatically shot up, whether it’s related to the pandemic or everything else going on in society.”

In addition, by age 9 or 10, confidence among girls tends to decline rapidly, Berman explained. “They tend to drop out of youth sports or organized sports in those years. So I do feel like this piece is really helping bolster kids’ confidence and giving them some skills they can take with them.”

“Schools don’t have time to do the social-emotional piece. So I feel like their kids are really getting it from this curriculum.”

The changes in girls are noticeable, she added, even to their teachers and coaches back at school.

“They talk about how, in the classroom, they see the kids doing these exact things, like standing up for other kids. They say kids who haven’t been speaking in the classroom, who have been essentially mute, go and do Girls on the Run and come out of their shell, and then are back in the classroom taking a bigger role and speaking.

“So we’re really seeing the transfer of those skills,” she went on. “It’s amazing because schools don’t have time to do the social-emotional piece. So I feel like their kids are really getting it from this curriculum.”

Lisa Queenin, Development & Outreach manager for GOTR Western Massachusetts, who nominated Berman as a Woman of Impact, said it’s hard to overstate the mental-health issues among young people right now.

“Over the past decade, mental-health concerns among youth have escalated, with a notable increase in anxiety, stress, feelings of fear, and isolation. This crisis disproportionately affects girls. At the same time, schools were having to cut back on physical education and social-emotional learning,” she wrote. “Girls on the Run works to negate mental-health risk factors among girls.”

And it doesn’t happen in a vacuum, she added, but is the result of purposeful, compassionate leadership.

“Alison has fostered relationships with school principals and staff, who are an integral part of making the program possible,” she went on. “She works closely with coaches to make sure they feel supported and appreciated — they are the backbone of the program. Girls on the Run inspires girls to build lives of purpose and to make a meaningful contribution to society. I can’t think of anyone more capable of modeling this than Alison.”

Alison Berman

Alison Berman says Girls on the Run is capturing girls at an age when they tend to lose confidence and drop out of organized sports.
Photo by Focus Ashely Photos

At the same time, the program budget has increased to $432,000, derived from a variety of funding sources. In 2023, GOTR Western Massachusetts served 1,800 girls and provided more than $130,000 in need-based scholarships, roughly 30% of its budget.

“Alison makes sure that no girl is turned away from the program based on financial need,” Queenin wrote. “Her enthusiasm and genuine compassion inspire others to get behind the program and invest in its success.”

It’s a program that has certainly caught on and steadily grown nationwide; data from a national spring 2024 end-of-season survey of coaches, participants, and families showed that 95% of girls reported feeling more confident, and 92% of girls said they learned things at GOTR to help deal with strong emotions.

 

Life Lessons

Teachers have definitely noticed, which may explain why they make up the vast majority of volunteers in the GOTR Western Mass. council.

“They’re doing this volunteering after they’ve spent a long day in the classroom, because, I think, they get to know the kids in a different way and have a different relationship, but also they see the impacts in their own classrooms,” Berman said. “And principals have told us that they see it reshaping the culture of their school as well. Parents are more involved, and attendance goes up with those kids.”

This aspect of the program — that rippling impact, as it were — delights Berman.

“When we started it, we never realized the impact it would have beyond the girls,” she said. “So when we see the impact on families and schools, I’m amazed by that. I see it as like this web that’s spread out around Western Mass., with the impact it’s had on the coaches and parents and schools.”

Communities are impacted as well; as noted earlier, a big piece of the curriculum is a project where each team does something to give back to their community.

“The Humane Society just gave us an award. We have girls giving to animal shelters or cleaning up their schools, planting gardens, writing notes to veterans. It’s up to the kids to decide, and part of that lesson is learning about compromise and figuring out what’s needed in their community. It’s seeing beyond themselves.”

Girls on the Run continues to see further opportunities as well, like a summer camp that essentially adds a third season to the annual programming. “It’s growing slowly, but we had about 40 girls this summer in camp. And they loved it,” Berman said. “Again, our coaches volunteer to come back and do that, which also shows how much they love the program.”

“Girls on the Run inspires girls to build lives of purpose and to make a meaningful contribution to society. I can’t think of anyone more capable of modeling this than Alison.”

Much of this success builds on early efforts by Berman to get the local council going, Queenin noted. “While the mission of Girls on the Run resonated deeply with Alison, starting a nonprofit organization from the ground up is no easy feat. Working for the first year without pay, Alison assembled a board of directors and drew on their expertise and connections to chart a course. She fundraised enough money from interested community members to attend training and secure the requisite license to create a council. She had to learn many new skills, from fundraising and budgeting to training and vetting volunteer coaches, all in real time.”

And now, GOTR Western Massachusetts has served more than 10,000 participants. With many alums now graduating from high school, the council started a scholarship program to support their further education. “That’s exciting, being able to help support kids to keep going,” Berman said. “And when we had teens apply for the scholarship program last year, they talked about the impact that it had on them.”

That impact has extended, in many cases, to continued athletic endeavors in high school and college, she noted. “Many of them talked about the impact of the values that they learned from Girls on the Run about helping others and giving back to their community.”

So it’s about much more than running, she said, but that end-of-season 5K is still inspiring.

“It brings tears to your eyes. It’s not timed; it’s not about who can run fast, and families show up with their entire extended family, sometimes wearing matching shirts, to support their kid. Parents who’ve never walked three miles are out there walking three miles, so it’s a ripple effect of getting families outside as well. That’s awesome.”

Hometown Arcade to Open in Thornes Marketplace in November

By
Daily News

NORTHAMPTON— Visitors to Thornes Marketplace will be able to play classic arcade games like Pac-Man and Space Invaders as well as newer games like Pac-Man Smash Air Hockey after Hometown Arcade opens in November in space previously occupied by Acme Surplus.

For $20 a day, entrants can play games from the ’80s and ’90s, including skee-ball, bubble hockey, air hockey, and lots of pinball machines. Rhythm games, like Guitar Hero and Beat Mania, will also be available. And youngsters who take a chance on the classic claw machine will be guaranteed a prize for $3 per play.

“What I love about arcades is they’re a fun place to spend some time with family and friends,” said Matt Snow, owner of Hometown Arcade, who also has a location in Norwood and one that recently opened in Bloomfield, N.J. “I prefer this sort of format of arcade that’s a mix of old-school, classic games at an affordable price point, and I’m excited to have a presence in Thornes.”

In Norwood, Snow’s arcade is off the beaten path, and he hopes the downtown foot traffic will bring players to his Thornes space.

“We’ve had a lot of support from the ownership group of Thornes, and we’re excited to be a part of it and be a part of the Northampton community,” he said.

Snow hopes his Northampton arcade will be accepted into the New England Pinball League for team play, and he hopes to offer a women’s league. He will also have a 10-player game called Killer Queen, on which two teams of five compete, and he plans on hosting Killer Queen tournaments.

Snow is in the process of securing a beer and wine license for the arcade and is also negotiating a partnership with a local restaurant to provide pizza. Snacks and soft drinks will also be sold. He will also offer birthday party packages.

Hometown Arcade should be open by mid-November, after work to upgrade the electrical panel and amps is complete. His Norwood location opened in May 2023, and the New Jersey venue opened recently. To learn more about Hometown Arcade, visit hometownarcade.com.

STCC Announces $1 Million MassMutual Foundation Gift to Support Health Programs

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) received a $1 million grant from the MassMutual Foundation — the largest philanthropic gift received by the college in the past 15 years — to help with the relocation of the School of Health and Patient Simulation (SHPS).

The college plans to move its health programs out of Building 20, an 83-year-old structure with a history of expensive emergency repairs. Most of the programs will be relocated to Scibelli Hall, or Building 2, a seven-story structure opened in 1988 on the historic STCC campus.

The total estimated project cost to relocate is approximately $50 million, with committed funding from the Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance ($38 million), the STCC board of trustees ($11.5 million), and the STCC Foundation ($500,000).

STCC President John Cook thanked the MassMutual Foundation at an Oct. 22 ceremony announcing the gift.

“We cannot express enough gratitude to the MassMutual Foundation for this leadership award, which continues our momentum for relocating the School of Health and Patient Simulation,” Cook said. “This gift is a remarkable investment in our regional workforce and will have a deep impact on students enrolled in essential health programs at STCC.”

The $1 million from the MassMutual Foundation will help enhance the educational and technological experience for students enrolled in programs in the School of Health and Patient Simulation at STCC.

“The MassMutual Foundation is proud to award this grant to STCC for this very important initiative,” said Dennis Duquette, president and CEO of the MassMutual Foundation. “Through this vital work, STCC not only provides hundreds of students with state-of-the art medical training, but the health-services sector of our local economy will benefit tremendously when STCC graduates are hired. We are thrilled to help them relocate and update the School of Health and Patient Simulation, and look forward to seeing the impact this will have on both current and future generations of students in the Greater Springfield area.”

The SIMS Medical Center includes more than 70 patient simulators, the largest array in New England. Accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, the center provides a state-of-the-art, immersive educational environment where students and healthcare personnel obtain new skills while refining existing skills.

With an enrollment of more than 1,500 students, SHPS offers 13 associate-degree and five certificate programs in health. Health programs include nursing, dental hygiene, physical and occupational therapy, surgical technology, and an open-admission health science degree with embedded certifications.

Country Nissan’s Heather Petricevich Named Service Advisor of the Year

By
Daily News

HADLEY — Country Nissan announced that Heather Petricevich has been honored as the Service Advisor of the Year for the Chris Collins Top Dog Award, recognized nationwide within the Asian League. She recently returned from Los Angeles, where she received this prestigious accolade, celebrating her exceptional customer service, expertise, and dedication to excellence in the automotive industry.

“I am truly humbled and honored to receive this award,” Petricevich said. “This achievement is a reflection of the incredible support from my team and the wonderful relationships I have built with our customers. I’m passionate about providing the best service possible, and I’m grateful to work in such a supportive environment at Country Nissan.”

The recognition highlights her commitment to fostering strong relationships with customers, ensuring their needs are met with the highest level of professionalism and care.

“Our team is incredibly proud of Heather,” said Chris Moreno, Service manager at Country Nissan. “Her hard work, dedication, and exceptional customer service set a benchmark for excellence in our industry. She embodies the values we strive for at Country Nissan, and her achievement inspires us all to continue raising the bar.”

White Lion to Host Third Annual 6 Brick’s Haunted Bar Takeover on Oct. 31

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — 6 Brick’s will present the third annual Haunted Bar Takeover on Thursday, Oct. 31 from 7 to 10 p.m. This event will transform White Lion Brewery into a haunted haven, offering thrills, chills, and plenty of fun for the brave souls who dare to attend.

Event highlights include a costume contest, a beer-pong tournament, light appetizers, music by DJ Onyx, a Halloween-themed photobooth, and raffles.

This one-night-only event promises to be a frightfully fun evening for anyone seeking a unique Halloween celebration. Costumes are highly encouraged, so come dressed to impress — or scare. Space is limited to the first 100 attendees. Click here to register.

Picture This

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Pictured, from left: Stephen Phillips, Kara Herman, Nathaniel Claudio, and Natasha Cassidy from Freedom Credit Union, and Kristen McClintock, executive director of the Gray House. (Photo courtesy of Freedom Credit Union)
Picture This

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

 

Helping Families in Need

Freedom Credit Union’s annual campaign for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts extended over three months this summer, raising enough to cover the cost of more than 10,000 meals. Freedom collected donations of cash, non-perishable food, and personal-care items at all its branches, raising a total of more than $3,350. In addition, food donations weighing in at nearly 1,435 pounds were delivered to the Gray House, a member organization benefiting from the Food Bank.

Pictured, from left: Stephen Phillips, Kara Herman, Nathaniel Claudio, and Natasha Cassidy from Freedom Credit Union, and Kristen McClintock, executive director of the Gray House. (Photo courtesy of Freedom Credit Union)

Pictured, from left: Stephen Phillips, Kara Herman, Nathaniel Claudio, and Natasha Cassidy from Freedom Credit Union, and Kristen McClintock, executive director of the Gray House. (Photo courtesy of Freedom Credit Union)

 

Worthy Namesake

On Oct. 15, UMass Amherst celebrated former Springfield Urban League President Henry Thomas III by officially unveiling the university’s location in Tower Square as the UMass Amherst Henry M. Thomas III Center at Springfield. Thomas was a leading advocate for establishing the center in his hometown and, in 2012, became the first person of color to lead the five-campus UMass board of trustees. He also chaired the board’s committee on academic and student affairs and was vice chair of the UMass Building Authority.

Pictured, from left: UMass Amherst Chancellor Javier Reyes; U.S. Rep. Richard Neal; Henry Thomas III and his wife, Devonia Thomas; UMass President Marty Meehan; and former UMass Boston Chancellor J. Keith Motley.

Pictured, from left: UMass Amherst Chancellor Javier Reyes; U.S. Rep. Richard Neal; Henry Thomas III and his wife, Devonia Thomas; UMass President Marty Meehan; and former UMass Boston Chancellor J. Keith Motley.

 

Symbol of Hope and Recovery

 

In recognition of World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10, Easthampton photographer Daniel DesPlaines donated one of his large, framed photographs to MiraVista Behavioral Health Center in recognition of the center’s work. Kimberley Lee, chief of Creative Strategy and Development at MiraVista (pictured with DesPlaines) noted that the image of a boat “holds profound meaning, symbolizing the journeys our patients embark on when seeking mental-health and substance-use treatment. Just as the boat navigates through rough waters, many who come to MiraVista face challenges on their path to recovery. But with the compassionate care and support they receive, those turbulent waters eventually become calm.”

Kimberley Lee, chief of Creative Strategy and Development at MiraVista (pictured with DesPlaines)

Kimberley Lee, chief of Creative Strategy and Development at MiraVista (pictured with Daniel DesPlaines)

 

 

Agenda

By
Agenda

Super 60 Luncheon

Nov. 8: The Springfield Regional Chamber (SRC) announced the 2024 winners of its annual Super 60 awards program, honoring 60 businesses and nonprofits across five distinct categories. (They are detailed on page 23 of this issue.) They will be celebrated at a luncheon at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. The keynote speaker will be Tania Barber, president and CEO of Caring Health Center, which, under her guidance, operates five primary-care sites across the region, employing 266 professionals who provide healthcare services to about 28,000 patients. Super 60 sponsors include Health New England, WWLP-22 News, Stand Out Truck, Florence Bank, Keiter Corp., the Republican, and Paylocity. Visit springfieldregionalchamber.com to reserve a seat.

 

 

Food Drive for Margaret’s Pantry

Nov. 11-15: The Wealth Transition Collective, a financial-planning firm out of Holyoke, will host its fourth annual weeklong food drive to benefit Margaret’s Pantry in Holyoke in honor of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Since the start of this event, it has raised more than 4,000 pounds of food and more than $7,500 in monetary donations. Individuals can drop off non-perishable and canned foods during business hours (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) at the Wealth Transition Collective office at 1632 Northampton St., Holyoke. Weather permitting, there will be a drop-off table outside the front door for easy accessibility. Some of the most-needed items at the pantry during this time of year are stuffing mixes; canned goods like gravy, soups, and stews; baking mixes; frosting; syrup; salad dressing; condiments; Jell-O; and kids’ snack items. Margaret’s Pantry, a division of Providence Ministries for the Needy, is a full-service food pantry that has provided food to residents of Greater Holyoke for more than 30 years. Presently, the pantry provides food to more than 180 families each month, and approximately 72,000 meals a year are distributed to the needy in the community.

 

Women of Impact Gala

Dec. 5: BusinessWest will celebrate its seventh annual Women of Impact cohort at Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel. The 2024 Women of Impact are profiled in this issue of BusinessWest and at businesswest.com. Tickets cost $95 per person, and tables of 10 are available. To purchase tickets, visit www.businesswest.com/women-of-impact-tickets. The presenting sponsors are Country Bank and TommyCar Auto Group, and Cooley Dickinson Hospital is a partner sponsor. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

 

People on the Move

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People on the Move
Sophie Miller

Sophie Miller

Catarina Sanches

Catarina Sanches

Katherine Ferri

Katherine Ferri

Pioneer Valley Financial Group (PV Financial) announced the addition of three new members to its growing team: Sophie Miller, Catarina Sanches, and Katherine Ferri. With their combined experience and fresh perspectives, these hires are expected to enhance the company’s ability to deliver exceptional service to clients and expand its community-outreach efforts. Miller joins PV Financial as an Operations Support specialist. A graduate of Boston University with a degree in economics, she brings experience from her previous role as a financial advisor at Equitable Advisors. Her background in financial services, combined with a passion for understanding markets, positions her well to support PV Financial’s operational goals. She is particularly looking forward to collaborating with the team to streamline processes and contribute to the firm’s growth. Sanches joins PV Financial as a Client Relationship manager. She previously worked at TD Bank, where she gained experience in various positions, ultimately serving as a store supervisor. With a degree in business management from Westfield State University and a focus on marketing, she brings a deep understanding of client services and financial management. Her experience will allow her to strengthen relationships with PV Financial’s clients and provide personalized support as they navigate their financial journeys. Ferri joins PV Financial as a Community Outreach manager. A recent graduate of Westfield State University with a degree in communication, she previously worked for the Springfield Thunderbirds hockey club in sales and customer relationship management. Her skills in communication and relationship building will be instrumental as she helps guide PV Financial’s efforts to engage with the local community and foster meaningful connections with clients and partners.

•••••

John Page

John Page

John Page, a lifelong Amherst-area resident with experience in economic development, business advocacy, and event management, has been appointed the new executive director of the Amherst Business Improvement District (BID). Page departs from his role as assistant director for University Events at UMass Amherst, where he was instrumental in planning and executing major events such as commencement. He also played a key role in reimagining the 2024 UMass Founders Day celebration, expanding it to include more than 35 events across campus and opening it to the broader community. Prior to his role at UMass, Page worked for the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, leading marketing and events for the organization and focusing on economic-development issues, grant writing, and tourism initiatives. He worked collaboratively with local businesses, the BID, the town of Amherst, the state delegation, and other stakeholders on support for small business, beautification and placemaking efforts, and housing policy. Recently, he worked on a contract basis for the BID, spearheading its 2024 Summer Concert Series and the annual Block Party in September. An alumnus of Amherst-Pelham Regional High School and UMass Amherst, Page holds leadership roles on many community boards and committees, including as chair of the Pelham Cultural Council, a member of the Amherst Education Foundation, and an organizer of Amherst LGBTQ+ Pride events.

•••••

Mary-Knight “MK” Bell Young

Mary-Knight “MK” Bell Young

Bay Path University announced the appointment of Mary-Knight “MK” Bell Young to the position of vice president of Institutional Advancement. With more than 20 years of experience in securing philanthropic investments for prestigious academic, cultural, and healthcare institutions, Young brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record of success to her new role. In this leadership position, she will oversee all aspects of Bay Path’s fundraising efforts, alumni relations, and strategic partnerships. Her role will be crucial in advancing the university’s mission and ensuring sustained growth and support for its programs and initiatives. Young joins Bay Path University after serving as chief Development officer and senior executive director at the UMass Amherst Foundation, where she led a comprehensive, $100 million fundraising campaign for the UMass College of Engineering, securing more than $60.7 million to date. Her career highlights include securing the college’s first eight-figure gift and achieving 100% participation in annual giving for two consecutive years from the Dean’s Advisory Council. Her previous roles include senior director of Development at Penn Medicine, where she was instrumental in securing more than $26 million during the Power of Penn campaign, and Major Gifts officer at Temple University Health System, where she played a key role in securing the naming gift for the Lewis Katz School of Heath. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history of art from the University of Pennsylvania.

•••••

Amanda Sbriscia

Amanda Sbriscia

Amanda Sbriscia, vice president of Institutional Advancement at Holyoke Community College (HCC) and executive director of the HCC Foundation, has been named to the Council of Foundation Leaders for the Assoc. of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB). Sbriscia is one of only two council members representing a community college, and the only one from Massachusetts. As vice president of the division of Institutional Advancement, Sbriscia oversees the offices of Development, Grants, Alumni Relations, and Marketing, and serves as executive director of the HCC Foundation, the nonprofit fundraising corporation for the college. The HCC Foundation manages assets of $25.3 million, including an endowment of $18.3 million, the largest community-college endowment in Massachusetts. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Cedar Crest College, a master’s degree in higher education from Drexel University, and a doctorate in education in educational leadership from Gwynedd Mercy University. Last year, she was selected for a fellowship for aspiring college presidents by the AGB Institute for Leadership & Governance in Higher Education, a collaborative venture of the Assoc. of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, Miami University, and AGB Search, a search firm for college and university administrators.

•••••

Brett Carroll

Brett Carroll

Elms College has named higher-education executive Brett Carroll the college’s new vice president of Finance and Administration. Reporting directly to the president, Carroll is responsible for the strategic oversight and management of the college’s finance and administrative office. Carroll joins Elms from Mercy University in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., where he recently served as vice president for Finance and chief financial officer, overseeing all financial operations of the university. Prior to that, he was associate vice president and treasurer at the University of Hartford. In his new position, Carroll is responsible for providing leadership, management, and supervision to the Business, Facilities, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Public Safety departments. He is also a member of the president’s cabinet. Carroll has more than 25 years of professional experience, 14 of which have been in higher education. In addition to being a certified public accountant, he holds a master’s degree in management from the University of Hartford and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Connecticut.

•••••

Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C., a labor and employment law firm serving employers in the Greater Springfield and Worcester areas, announced that one of its partners, attorney Timothy Murphy, has been recognized once again by his peers as the 2025 Lawyer of the Year in Springfield for his work in Litigation – Labor and Employment in the Best Lawyers in America list for 2025. Only a single lawyer in each practice area in each community is honored with this award. Focusing his practice on labor relations, union avoidance, collective bargaining and arbitration, employment litigation, and employment counseling, Murphy has been included in Best Lawyers in America every year since 2013 and was Lawyer of the Year in 2015, 2018, 2020, and 2022. Very active within the local community, Murphy sits on boards of directors for several area organizations, such as the Human Service Forum and Community Legal Aid, and is also a member of the World Affairs Council.

•••••

Shanni Smith-Arsenault

Shanni Smith-Arsenault

Shelley Errington Nicholson

Shelley Errington Nicholson

Greenfield Community College (GCC) announced two new members of its leadership team, Shanni Smith-Arsenault and Shelley Errington Nicholson. Smith-Arsenault joined GCC in July in the new position of vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Success, a division that includes Marketing and Communications, Student Financial Services, Admission, Testing and Assessment, Dual Enrollment, Academic Advising, Career and Transfer Services, Registrar’s Office, and Student Affairs. She brings more than 20 years experience in enrollment management and student affairs, including as director of Transfer Admission and Dual Enrollment at Anna Maria College, senior associate director of Admissions at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Services, and director of Advising at Mount Wachusett Community College. She is deeply committed to bridging departments within the GCC community and to building diversity, equity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging for everyone who is part of the GCC community. Errington Nicholson began her position of dean of students at GCC also in July. She brings more than 20 years of higher-education leadership experience at institutions including Mount Wachusett Community College, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Rice University, and the University of Edinburgh. In her new role, she oversees and provides strategic direction for all student services, including Student Engagement and Leadership, the Veterans Center, the Women’s Resource Center, the Corner Market Food Pantry, Peer Tutoring, the Recreation Center, and the Wellness Center. In addition, she meets daily with students who have concerns or need guidance in many different areas.

•••••

Michelle Cayo

Michelle Cayo

Monson Savings Bank announced the hire of Michelle Cayo as vice president and Credit Risk officer. She is responsible for managing Monson Savings Bank’s Commercial Credit department. She will be training the bank’s credit analysts while overseeing the department to ensure it is functioning efficiently and effectively. She will also assist in the creation of commercial loan policy as needed, and she serves as a committee member on the bank’s loan review committee. Cayo, a BusinessWest 40 Under Forty alumna, comes to Monson Savings Bank with more than 26 years of experience in banking. She previously worked as Florence Bank’s vice president and Credit Risk officer. She also previously worked in the Credit department at Hampden Bank and managed Country Bank’s Credit department. In addition to her extensive banking experience, Cayo will draw on her numerous educational accomplishments in her new role at Monson Savings Bank. She is a Bay Path University alumna, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in communications and information management. She is also a graduate of the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. School of Financial Studies and the American Bankers Assoc. Stonier Graduate School of Banking. She is a board member of Cancer Connection and a wish granter at Make-A-Wish Foundation of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Her efforts to enrich the community she works and lives in was recognized by Western Mass Women magazine, which named her Volunteer of the Year in 2013.

•••••

Rania Kfuri

Rania Kfuri

Glenmeadow Inc., a provider of senior retirement lifestyle options, recently named Rania Kfuri vice president for Philanthropy, Sales, and Marketing. In this new role, she will provide leadership and direction to key revenue-producing areas, developing strategies to secure annual giving, planned giving, and donor-directed gifts, as well as pursuing partnerships with other local organizations. She will also shape Glenmeadow’s marketing approach and philosophy to ensure organization’s brand remains strong. Kfuri most recently served the Baystate Health Foundation as Philanthropy officer and previously worked with the Smith Fund at Smith College. She is also active in a wide variety of community initiatives, including serving on the boards of the Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services, the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts, and Revitalize CDC.

•••••

Jeffrey Fialky

Jeffrey Fialky

Bacon Wilson announced that Managing Shareholder Jeffrey Fialky has been named to the 2024 Super Lawyers list for Business and Corporate Law. Being recognized in the 2024 Super Lawyers list is a prestigious accolade for attorneys. Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Lawyers are selected through a multi-phase process that includes nominations, independent research, peer evaluation, and a rigorous final selection process.

•••••

Berkshire United Way (BUW) recently welcomed seven new members to the board of directors. Arthur Milano is principal consultant at Milano HR Consulting. He served on the BUW board from 2012 to 2018, as well as on several committees, and in his consulting role, he assisted BUW with the president and CEO search in 2018 and 2021. Beth Mitchell is senior director of Integration at General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS). She is a former member of the BUW community impact committee, was a member of the Face the Facts: Reduce Teen Pregnancy initiative workgroup, and, in 2021, joined the Massachusetts Business Coalition for Early Childhood Education. Tiffany Moreno is instructional program manager for Health and Social Assistance at Berkshire Community College. She volunteers with Latinas413 as a mentor to connect with younger Latinas in the community. As chief Diversity officer for the city of Pittsfield, Michael Obasohan pioneered the integration and development of the city’s first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion department. He also serves on the boards and commissions of Multicultural BRIDGE, Roots Teen Center, MASSMoCA Commission, and Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation. Timothy O’Donnell is head of Distribution Sales Compensation Administration for the Individual Markets division at Guardian Life. He served twice as BUW’s employee campaign coordinator for Guardian Life’s giving campaign and previously served on the Downtown Pittsfield Inc. board. Kristin Pedrotti is senior vice president and controller at Berkshire Bank and a certified public accountant. She has participated in Xtraordinary Day, the bank’s annual day of service. Stephanie Storie is a library associate at Lenox Library and previously held engineering positions at GDMS. She is a 2018 graduate of the Berkshire Leadership Program and currently serves on the Pittsfield Conservation Commission.

•••••

Christina Hager

Christina Hager

Market Mentors LLC, a fully integrated marketing, advertising, and public-relations agency, recently welcomed Christina Hager to its team as a public relations account executive. The two-time New England Emmy Award-winning television journalist recently wrapped a 25-year career with WBZ-TV (CBS Boston). In her new role at Market Mentors, she works with the marketing team to plan and execute communications strategies with a focus on media relations. This includes writing and distributing news releases, pitching story ideas, responding to media queries, preparing statements, and developing content across various media platforms. Hager earned her bachelor’s degree from Colby College in Maine and her master’s degree from Northwestern University, Medill School of Journalism, in Illinois. She is a member of Investigative Reporters and Editors.

•••••

Tim L’Italien

Tim L’Italien

PDC Inc., a leading wall and ceiling contractor with offices in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York, announced the promotion of Tim L’Italien to director of Estimating. The change comes after he was hired as assistant chief estimator in July. He joined PDC with 24 years of experience, including eight years leading a team of estimators. His department is responsible for reviewing plans and specifications and creating comprehensive estimates for major projects. L’Italien graduated from Worcester State University with a degree in urban studies, and from Northeastern University with a degree in construction management.

•••••

Matt Donovan

Matt Donovan

Greenfield Cooperative Bank announced the promotion of Matt Donovan to commercial associate lender. He brings a wealth of experience to this newly created role. In this position, Donovan will work closely with experienced commercial lenders to gain valuable skills in deal origination, structuring, negotiation, and underwriting. Through mentorship and hands-on experience, he will develop the expertise necessary to support commercial-lending activities and contribute to the growth of the bank.

•••••

After an extensive search, the Sisters of Providence Ministry Corp. (SPMC) board announced the selection of Kim Davis as its new president and CEO. She begins her new role on Sept. 9. With a career spanning more than three decades, Davis brings vast knowledge and experience in finance, treasury, and accounting, having held leadership positions at prominent financial institutions, including MassMutual, Charles Schwab, and several large commercial banks in locations across the country. Her impressive career journey reflects a strong foundation in financial stewardship and strategic leadership. Davis received her bachelor of business administration degree in finance and accounting from Texas A&M University and her master’s degree in finance from the University of Houston-Clear Lake in Texas. In addition, she is a certified treasury professional and certified professional controller. Choosing to transition to nonprofit leadership, she most recently served at Wilbraham & Monson Academy for 10 years as chief financial officer.

•••••

Berkshire Bank announced that Shane Rauh has been promoted to senior vice president, Business Banking team leader. In this role, he will lead the sales team for Business Banking in New York, Berkshire County, and Southern Vermont. Rauh has more than 20 years of experience in the financial-services industry, with a special emphasis in business banking and commercial lending. Before joining Berkshire Bank in March, Rauh was vice president, commercial relationship manager at Pioneer Bank. Prior to that role, he served as director of Business Banking at Broadview Federal Credit Union.

 

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Big E Sets Records for Fair Attendance in 2024

WEST SPRINGFIELD — A total of 1,633,935 fairgoers attended the Big E, in West Springfield this year, setting an all-time record for net attendance. Additionally, seven daily attendance records were set during the sunny, 17-day event, and the middle Saturday, Sept. 21, set a record for single-day attendance. “Thank You! 1,633,935 times over, thank you,” Eastern States Exposition President and CEO Gene Cassidy said. “This is a proud moment for everyone associated with Eastern States Exposition: volunteers, staff members, contractors, vendors, concessionaires, and all who participate in the production of the Big E. This organization thrives because of you. Our noble mission remains strong because of you. This was a record-setting fair filled with many challenges, and every one of you played a role that contributed to the continued success of the Big E. What you do matters. Thank you.”

 

The Federal Up for Sale

AGAWAM — The owners of the Federal Restaurant, located at 135 Cooper St. in Agawam, have put the property on the market, eight months after temporarily closing for renovations. Kelley & Katzer Real Estate has been brought on to market the restaurant. The property has been listed for sale at $995,000, including the business and real estate. The restaurant building dates back to 1862, while the first restaurant business opened there in 1936 as the Federal Hill Club. The Federal is one of four in a family of restaurants owned by Michael Presnal and Ralph Santaniello, which also include Posto by the Federal in Longmeadow, Lola’s in Longmeadow, and Vinted Wine Bar & Kitchen in West Hartford, Conn.

 

Pro & Local Detailing Inc. Opens Second Location

GRANBY, Conn. — Pro & Local Detailing opened its second shop at 508 Salmon Brook St. in Granby, Conn., to complement its current Enfield, Conn. location. The new location offers all of the same services the Enfield location offers, including high-end detailing, ceramic coating, paint protection film, and more. Pro & Local Detailing also hosts an annual car show that has raised over $5,000 for the Veterans’ Home in Holyoke, and it looks forward to expanding its reach and fundraising capacity with the addition of the Granby shop.

 

Chamber Names Recipients of Grow Holyoke Awards

HOLYOKE — The Greater Holyoke Chamber announced the recipients of the 2024 Grow Holyoke Awards, a celebration of outstanding leadership and commitment to the community. This year’s event took place on Oct. 25 at Mill 1 at Open Square. The Business Persons of the Year are Miguel Rivera and Lidia Rodriguez, owners of Rewarding Insurance Agency. Their leadership and dedication have set a new benchmark for excellence in the business community, making them the first Latino recipients of this prestigious honor since the award’s inception in 1971. The Business of the Year is Rewarding Insurance Agency, celebrated for its impactful contributions to both the chamber and the local community. The Fifield Volunteer of the Year is Carl Eger, a longtime resident and dedicated volunteer, recognized for his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others in Holyoke. The Nonprofit of the Year is River Valley Counseling Center, honored for its vital role in supporting mental health and wellness in the community.

 

Country Bank Donates $10,000 to Red Cross Hurricane Relief

WARE — Country Bank is demonstrating its support for those affected by recent hurricanes with a $10,000 donation to the American Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund. This contribution reflects the bank’s commitment to its motto, “Made to Make a Difference,” by providing assistance during times of need. As Florida communities face the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, the urgency for support and relief efforts is paramount. The American Red Cross, a key player in disaster response, provides shelter, food, and emotional support to individuals and families affected by hurricanes. Country Bank’s donation is aimed at supporting the American Red Cross’s ability to provide immediate relief and long-term recovery services to impacted communities.

 

Liberty Bank Presents Grant to Greater Springfield Habitat

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Liberty Bank recently selected Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) to receive one of its community grants. The bank’s foundation aims to assist low- and moderate-income families improve their economic situation and quality of life, which is also what Greater Springfield Habitat does. A check presentation was held on World Habitat Day, Oct. 7, at 1688 Dwight St. in Springfield, GSHFH’s newest build site. “We are very grateful to have been selected to receive this grant. It will help us to continue to provide homeownership and home-repair services in Hampden County,” GSHFH Executive Director Aimee Giroux said.

 

MSB Begins Community Giving Initiative

MONSON — Monson Savings Bank is inviting the public to submit their votes for the bank’s 2025 Community Giving Initiative. For more than a decade, Monson Savings Bank has been seeking the help of community members to plan the bank’s community-giving activities. Each year, the bank encourages the public to vote for the nonprofit charitable organizations they would like the bank to support during the coming year. Everyone is welcome to cast their vote online at www.monsonsavings.bank/cgi. Voters may provide the name of one nonprofit organization they would like Monson Savings to donate to in 2025. The only requirements are that the organizations be designated a nonprofit and that the organizations provide services within the bank’s geography. The bank allows each person to vote once. Monson Savings then pledges to support the 10 organizations that receive the highest number of votes. The top 10 vote recipients will be announced by mid-January 2025. Voting is now open and ends at 3 p.m. on Dec. 31. Visitors to the voting page can also view a compiled list of organizations that the bank has supported in years past, as well as previously nominated organizations.

 

Food Bank Partners with Berkshire Bounty

CHICOPEE — The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts announced a new partnership with Berkshire Bounty, a food rescue organization located in Great Barrington and dedicated to alleviating hunger throughout Berkshire County. The collaboration will enhance the effort to recover and distribute fresh, nutritious food to individuals and families county-wide. Berkshire Bounty is a volunteer-driven organization that collects food from 25 local retailers and delivers it to 31 food-access sites across Berkshire County.

Incorporations

By
Incorporations

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

AMHERST

80 Acres Inc., 100 University Dr., Amherst, MA 01002. Adrienne Wallace, 284 North Pleasant St., Amherst, MA 01002. Housing and construction services.

CHICOPEE

Goro Builders Inc., 46 Coolidge Road, Chicopee, MA 01013. Timofey Gorobinskiy, same. Carpentry services.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Food Fun Beer Inc., 84 Center Square, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. William Collins, same. Restaurant.

FEEDING HILLS

Parallel Skin Spa Corp., 57 Poplar St., Feeding Hills, MA 01030. Nicole Goldsmith, same. Esthetician.

HADLEY

Zhi Services Inc., 245 Russell St., Unit 3, Hadley, MA 01035. Zachary Zahradnik, same. Home improvement.

HOLYOKE

New Life Family Homes Corp., P.O. Box 6403, Holyoke, MA 01041. Duane Harden, same. Nonprofit organization established to provide affordable housing solutions for disadvantaged citizens.

LEE

Consolati Building Inc., 71 Main St., Lee, MA 01238. Jeffrey Consolati, same. Real-estate business.

LONGMEADOW

Top Tier Management Group Inc., 341 Farmington Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106. William St. Clair, same. Management for multiple companies in the lacrosse industry.

NORTH ADAMS

Studio Both/And Productions Corp., 61 Main St., Suite 241, North Adams, MA 01247. Joshua Hallmark, same. Digital media agency.

PITTSFIELD

Citytour1 Corp., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Andrew Luan, same. Sightseeing tours.

Facilities Engineering Associates, P.C., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Brian Soucy, same. Engineering consulting services.

Jayvee Enterprises Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Jules Voltaire, same. Management company for other businesses.

Primus Logistics Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. William Rocha, same. Courier and logistics services.

Spectrum Fertility Group Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. June Prothmann, same. Consulting firm specializing in IVF products and services.

SOUTH HADLEY

Tangible Improvement Inc., 105 Lyman St., Apt 1R, South Hadley, MA 01075. Zuhair Matin, same. Real estate.

SOUTHWICK

JKH Catering Inc., 405 North Loomis St., Southwick, MA 01077. Joshua Houghton, same. Catering services.

SPRINGFIELD

Centro Cultural y Deportivo Dominicano Inc., 20 Fort St., Springfield, MA 01103. Donar Saillant, same. Not-for-profit organized for spiritual, charitable, scientific, testing for the public safety, literacy, educational, artistic, culture, sports, history, or other specified purposes.

Nitza’s Child Care Inc., 58 Harvey St., Springfield, MA 01119. Felix Martinez Albino, same. Operation of a day-care business.

WESTFIELD

Victoria Trucking Inc., 12 Christopher Dr., Westfield, MA 01085. Rosana Alvarado, same. Trucking.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

The Roastery Co., 44 Allston Ave., West Springfield, MA 01089. Thaddeus Dobek, 883 Main St., Agawam, MA 01001.

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates

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

AMHERST

Aerocyclonix
59 Country Corners Road
Trent Poole

Cheryl Nina Salon & Day Spa
20 Gatehouse Road
Cheryl Choquette

Christopher Croteau
409 Main St., Suite 211
Christopher Croteau

Felicity Hardee Law Practice
574 Station Road
Felicity Hardee

Hersey Home Improvement
149 West Pelham Road
John Hersey

PennyFarthing Investment Management LLC
6 South East St.
Eric Bright

EASTHAMPTON

Cabbage Cottage
52 Everett St.
Emiline Mesmer

CIS Abroad
3 Ferry St., Studio 2W
Jeffrey Palm

Cutting Edge Landscaping
380 East St.
Chris Phillips

Czepiel Art & Design
1 Cottage St., Studio 426
Patricia Hayes

Details
64 Phelps St.
James Gallivan

Dover Measurement Group Inc.
44 Hendrick St.
Frank Padellaro

Easthampton Crystal & Mineral Inc.
92 Cottage St.
Marianne Gregersen

ESP Auto Inc.
15 Pleasant St.
Daniel Hayes, Kevin Hayes, Christopher LaPlante

Fort Hill Brewery
30 Fort Hill Road
Eric Berzins

Fortuna Major Creative Co.
1 Cottage St., Suite 518
Seth Thompson

House of Mirth Photos
116 Pleasant St., Suite 142
Stacy Waldman

Mission Taco
58 Cottage St.
Walter Pacheco

Mowie Freeman Psychotherapy
123 Union St., Suite 204
Mary Freeman

Nails X Etiam
123 Union St., Suite 101
Etiam Soto Melendez

Rachel Teferet Marketing Strategy & Content
75 Pleasant St.
Rachel Rosen-Carroll

Sisu Wellness Center LLC
40 Maine Ave.
Betty Coyne, Natasha Perrone

Spirals Massage
10 Maine Ave.
Keilani Tirado

Taxland
90 Cottage St.
Tina Chandler

Teferet Tarot & Astrology
75 Pleasant St.
Rachel Rosen-Carroll

W&H Strategic Consulting
14 Westview Terrace
Jeffrey Freeman

PITTSFIELD

Accurate Plumbing & Heating
70 Jacoby Ave.
Todd Wich

Auto Glass Now
75 Tyler St.
AGN Glass LLC

Berkshire Business Properties
509 Pecks Road
Andrew Kelly

Bodywork by Chelsay
395 North St.
Chelsay Brown

Boss Logics
82 Wendell Ave.
Boss 32 Inc.

C&M Carpentry and Contracting
55 Oxford St.
Carl Morrison

Commercial Insurance Associates
82 Wendell Ave.
Commercial Insurance Associates Inc.

G3 Designs
550 Cheshire Road
Unistress Corp.

Heritage Administrative Services
82 Wendell Ave.
Palmer Administrative Services Inc.

John Mullen Wood Floors
1832 East St.
John Mullen

Johnson Electric
159 First St.
Christopher Johnson

Rare – Massachusetts
82 Wendell Ave.
Rare

Schetto
96 Melbourne Road
Jeffrey Schilling

Torrco
30 Commercial St.
Torrington Supply Co. Inc.

Tucker Real Estate
17 Leroi Dr.
Tucker Real Estate LLC

Your CBD Store
180 Elm St.
Jim Bronson

SOUTH HADLEY

Alumnae Assoc. of Mount Holyoke
1 Woolley Circle
Alumnae Assoc. of Mount Holyoke

Donating Our Resources in Kindness
3 Marcel St.
Bruce MacCullagh

Parhelion Astrology
124 Cottage St., Unit 2
Kathleen Ahamed-Broadhurst

WESTFIELD

Adex Management
111 Bates Road
Dacota Durkee

Big Meow Art
69 Aldrich Dr.
Brittany Lawler

Crescent City LLC
124 Elm St.
Ashley Schexnider

Crystal Miller Photography
77 Mill St., #201
Crystal Miller

E.Z. HVAC
41 Woodcliff Dr.
Michael Potter

Margaryta MM Studio
103 North Elm St.
Margaryta Mrtchian

Mower Smart Solutions
1029 North Road, #2226
Pavlo Orobei

Perfectly Unique Boutique
31 Joyce Dr.
Nicole Roberts

Shaleen Driscoll LMHC
77 Mill St., #120E
Shaleen Drsicoll

Slow Down Aesthetics Co.
29 Cleveland Ave.
Kayla Fontaine

Smoke Detector Solutions
164 Falley Dr.
Nicholas Gezotis

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Amanda Jane Photography
94 Oakland St.
Amanda Jane Photography

The Crest Room
706 Westfield St.
Crest Pub Inc.

Empire Training and Consultation
48 Greenleaf Ave.
Empire Training and Consultation

Hampden Neuropsychology Associates LLC
201 Park Ave.
Hampden Neuropsychology Associates LLC

Hampton Inn West Springfield
1011 Riverdale St.
LND West Springfield LLC

Keinath Auto Body Inc.
888 Main St.
Keinath Auto Body Inc.

Little Springs Coffee
1027 Westfield St.
Little Springs Coffee

Neat & Clean Solutions
14 Wilder Ter.
Neat & Clean Solutions

Vera’s Wedding Alterations and More
1027 Westfield St.
Vera’s Wedding Alterations and More

Vermont Farms Mini Donuts
125 Capital Dr.
Vermont Farms Mini Donuts

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

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

Alsaadi, Khaleel I.
Khaleel, Rawaa F.
136 Meadow St., Apt. B
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/27/2024

Arzuaga Santiago, Hector G.
39 Darling St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Chapter: 13
Date: 09/18/2024

Bagg, Andrew W.
Bagg, Falecia M.
63 Merrick Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/16/2024

Bogacz, Paula M.
26 Booth St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/19/2024

Brown, Dean A.
103 South St., Apt. 303
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/28/2024

Carenzo, Margaret Ann
a/k/a Wild, Margaret
17 Cottage Ave.
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/30/2024

Connor, Joseph M.
24 Taylor St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/27/2024

Duel, Lois Louise
685 East Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 13
Date: 09/16/2024

Estrella, Erica
29 Edgewood Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Date: 09/17/2024

Ferri, Lisa Ann
17 Hampden St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Date: 09/16/2024

Foss, Judith Ann
98 Spadina Parkway
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/16/2024

Handerek, Theodore D.
57 Leroi Dr.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/24/2024

Haas, Anthony John
831 Morgan Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/26/2024

Hazen, Lori
1018 Dunhamtown Brimfield Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/24/2024

Kenyon, Amanda
46 Fairview St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 13
Date: 09/18/2024

Kiely, Kenneth W.
Kiely, Alicia M.
a/k/a Thibault, Alicia M.
92 Tannery Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/30/2024

Lane, Adriana S.
205 Norfolk St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Date: 09/30/2024

Leamy, Don F.
419 East River St., Apt. 1010
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/25/2024

Loring-Kusnierz, Nancy I.
a/k/a Kusnierz, Nancy
966 East Mountain Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/18/2024

Martin, Samuel T.
Kellner, Rachel
4 Monson Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 13
Date: 09/17/2024

Meli, Roberta Ann
105 Prospect St., Ext.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/23/2024

Michon, Kristopher
73 Florence St.
Leeds, MA 01053
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/27/2024

Palumbo, Arlene L.
15 Prospect St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/20/2024

Pirro, James Michael
15 Davis St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/27/2024

Plouffe, Catherine Rose
96 Fisherdick Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/18/2024

Richards, James Roland
44 Church St., Fl. 2
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/20/2024

Rogers, Ralph Hallowell
29 Sherwood Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/28/2024

Santaniello, Heather R.
50 Riverpark Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/23/2024

Santiago, Freddy L.
85 Call St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/26/2024

Seal, Darrel H.
Seal, Lori Ann
a/k/a Pereira, Lori Ann
340 Kibbe Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 13
Date: 09/25/2024

Tratenberg-Ritz, Nancy Lisa
61 Quaker Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/19/2024

Veratti, Robert J.
Veratti, Linda M.
18 Curtis St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/23/2024

Vincent, Jeffrey S.
14 Evergreen Ter.
Hampden, MA 01036
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/27/2024

Williams, Allyson V.
52 Governor Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Date: 09/26/2024

Wilson, Michael Robert
9 Cross St., Unit 2
West Warren, MA 01092
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/30/2024

Wood Sholberg, Donna L.
100 Woodcrest Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 13
Date: 09/19/2024

Zayas, Gissela D.
11 Acushnet Ave., Apt. 202
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/30/2024

Zielinski, Allan Michael
71 State St., Apt. 325
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 13
Date: 09/25/2024

Zielinski, Cynthia Jane
a/k/a Mills-StantonCynthiaJane
71 State StreetApt. 325
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/25/2024

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

BUCKLAND

153 Bray Road
Buckland, MA 01370
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Christopher Prondecki
Seller: AGT Homes LLC
Date: 09/26/24

27 Howes Road
Buckland, MA 01370
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Thomas P. O’Neill
Seller: Marc R. Kaufmann
Date: 09/17/24

44 Williams St.
Buckland, MA 01370
Amount: $257,500
Buyer: Brian Kynard
Seller: Glick, George, (Estate)
Date: 09/16/24

CHARLEMONT

1741 Route 2
Charlemont, MA 01370
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Shelburne Equity LLC
Seller: Dog & Cow LLC
Date: 09/30/24

COLRAIN

32 Charlemont Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Meara Swinson
Seller: Mary L. Schmith
Date: 09/19/24

Colrain Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Daniel J. Dyer RET
Seller: Newton F. Logan
Date: 09/23/24

73 South Green River Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $138,500
Buyer: Travis Colgan
Seller: Alan Staley
Date: 09/25/24

Van Nuys Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Daniel J. Dyer RET
Seller: Newton F. Logan
Date: 09/23/24

CONWAY

362 Reeds Bridge Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $560,000
Buyer: Leigh C. Campetti
Seller: Joseph C. Strzegowski
Date: 09/16/24

DEERFIELD

24 Pleasant Ave.
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Dustin Brown
Seller: Pervez Hai
Date: 09/24/24

GILL

52 Riverview Dr.
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $552,000
Buyer: Dianne Jirka
Seller: Peter J. Murphy
Date: 09/16/24

GREENFIELD

Bernardston Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $438,000
Buyer: Newell Pond LLC
Seller: Samuel H. Kaeppel
Date: 09/27/24

124 Conway St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: NR LLC
Seller: Shahid Habib
Date: 09/23/24

15 Country Club Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $156,000
Buyer: Lurie A. Paul
Seller: Kenney Sr., Jeffrey E, (Estate)
Date: 09/19/24

334 Davis St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $138,500
Buyer: Property Advantage Inc.
Seller: Shelly J. Pelletier
Date: 09/23/24

42 Garfield St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Rcf 2 Acquisition TR
Seller: Matthew F. Montague
Date: 09/26/24

114 Elm St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: Caroline Cesaitis
Seller: Mohammed Neamah
Date: 09/20/24

183 Green River Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Denise Beaudet
Seller: Kraig M. Kearns
Date: 09/20/24

44 Highland Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $481,000
Buyer: Douglas S. Creighton
Seller: Theresa Whiteman
Date: 09/23/24

52 Log Plain Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $301,000
Buyer: Mark F. Gerrish
Seller: Gabriel M. Stafford
Date: 09/25/24

38 Munson St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Jamison R. Thiem
Seller: John W. Newton
Date: 09/27/24

15 Oak Hill Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $378,500
Buyer: Lawrence B. Smith
Seller: Elaine Howard
Date: 09/17/24

106 Wells St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Son Treme
Seller: Kileen Mgmt. & Holding Inc.
Date: 09/20/24

HAWLEY

3 Dodge Corner Road
Hawley, MA 01339
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Drew Powers
Seller: Fait, Harold, (Estate)
Date: 09/23/24

29 Dodge Road
Hawley, MA 01339
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Drew Powers
Seller: Fait, Harold, (Estate)
Date: 09/23/24

86 West Hill Road
Hawley, MA 01339
Amount: $685,000
Buyer: Kith and Kin Properties LLC
Seller: Thomas S. Justice
Date: 09/25/24

HEATH

148 Taylor Brook Road
Heath, MA 01346
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Stephen Parker
Seller: Joanne G. Katz
Date: 09/26/24

LEVERETT

312-314 Long Plain Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $391,750
Buyer: Alexandra Coots
Seller: Second Long Plain LLC
Date: 09/19/24

MONTAGUE

Lake Pleasant Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Bambi Wonsey
Seller: Dean P. Wonsey
Date: 09/27/24

96 Millers Falls Road
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Jacob R. Lewis
Seller: David J. Lewis
Date: 09/30/24

6 Old Sunderland Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $316,500
Buyer: Neill L. Bovaird
Seller: Amy E. Watts
Date: 09/18/24

18 Turner St.
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Bambi Wonsey
Seller: Dean P. Wonsey
Date: 09/27/24

NORTHFIELD

33 Fisher Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Susan Patterson
Seller: Abigail J. Churchill
Date: 09/23/24

ORANGE

51 East Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $412,000
Buyer: James M. Grimley
Seller: Jillian Whitney
Date: 09/19/24

218 East Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Alvania Castillo
Seller: Waldemar Cruz
Date: 09/25/24

252-258 East Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Miguel Abreu
Seller: Nicholas J. Chandler
Date: 09/19/24

51 Hamilton Ave.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $349,000
Buyer: Elizabeth J. Carr
Seller: V&J Real Estate Inc.
Date: 09/26/24

31 High St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $313,000
Buyer: Jillian J. Whitney
Seller: Isobel A. Black
Date: 09/19/24

79 Marjorie St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $291,000
Buyer: Lsia Fernandez
Seller: Neil P. Branco
Date: 09/30/24

58 Walnut Hill Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $149,000
Buyer: Christal Cutler
Seller: Barr, Yvette M., (Estate)
Date: 09/25/24

SUNDERLAND

53 Old Amherst Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Jean B. Hebert
Seller: Laclaire, Roy A., (Estate)
Date: 09/19/24

WARWICK

125 Hastings Pond Road
Warwick, MA 01378
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Thomas Parent
Seller: Karen T. Delfausse
Date: 09/20/24

WENDELL

3 Stone Road
Wendell, MA 01379
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Amber L. Carr
Seller: Gerald J. Romelczyk
Date: 09/27/24

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

77 Alfred Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Taia M. Vivenzio
Seller: Charlene Degray
Date: 09/27/24

12 Depalma St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Michael S. Murphy
Seller: David Johnson
Date: 09/12/24

6 Gunn Geary Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Jessica M. Kelso
Seller: Sandra T. Dufault
Date: 09/23/24

102 Lealand Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Nicholas T. Hanchett
Seller: Katie A. Johnson
Date: 09/19/24

482 Mill St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Melissa Laws
Seller: Ryan W. Taylor
Date: 09/26/24

78 Norris St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Yasin Ozdemir
Seller: Daryl E. Wojcik
Date: 09/17/24

148 North West St., Lot A
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: MJ Homes LLC
Seller: Silverbrook Environmental LLC
Date: 09/30/24

148 North West St Lot B
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: MJ Homes LLC
Seller: Silverbrook Environmental LLC
Date: 09/30/24

451 North Westfield St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Craig A. Zarlengo
Seller: Daniel B. Williams
Date: 09/25/24

89 Riverview Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $260,200
Buyer: MJ Homes LLC
Seller: Jesse Mason
Date: 09/30/24

51 Rowley St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $312,500
Buyer: Alex D. Shibley
Seller: Carole S. Lane
Date: 09/23/24

118 School St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Alex J. Blair
Seller: Shirley J. Murray
Date: 09/23/24

711 Silver St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: 711 Silver LLC
Seller: Glory Days Realty LLC
Date: 09/26/24

52 Simpson Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Kristen Steele
Seller: Amanda Macrae
Date: 09/26/24

284 South West St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Armando Lopez
Seller: A-O-K RT
Date: 09/19/24

1399-1409 Suffield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Charlies Garden Park LLC
Seller: Briarwood Twelve LLC
Date: 09/27/24

BLANDFORD

52 Chester Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $518,000
Buyer: David Dumlao
Seller: Michael D. Hutchins
Date: 09/20/24

BRIMFIELD

10 Crestwood Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: John A. Leroux
Seller: Christina M. Brigitini
Date: 09/23/24

116 Wales Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: James Parker
Seller: Kathryn Chicoine
Date: 09/27/24

CHESTER

590 Skyline Trail
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Farrell Farm FT
Seller: Chester Hill Farm LLC
Date: 09/13/24

CHICOPEE

96 8th Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $424,000
Buyer: Thomas J. Leonard
Seller: Daniel M. Roberts
Date: 09/19/24

277 Beauchamp Ter.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $323,000
Buyer: Cheryl A. Wright
Seller: Ciejek, Stanley J, (Estate)
Date: 09/20/24

44 Beaudry Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Jonael Ruiz
Seller: Jordan Gladu
Date: 09/18/24

33 Beesley Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $342,500
Buyer: Felicia M. Pepin
Seller: Joanne M. White
Date: 09/18/24

107 Bostwick Lane
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Paulo Dias
Seller: Curran, Jereome F., (Estate)
Date: 09/13/24

71 Clairmont Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Amanda Creek
Seller: Cheryl A. Wright
Date: 09/12/24

50 Edbert St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $439,000
Buyer: Robert Budlong
Seller: Sushilaben H. Patel
Date: 09/27/24

75 Fisher Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Samuel W. Bradley
Seller: Joseph F. Pasternak
Date: 09/25/24

114 Fletcher Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Jeremy D. Laflamme
Seller: Larry Williams
Date: 09/30/24

340 Hampden St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Michelle A. Lemelin
Seller: Donald J. Lemelin
Date: 09/17/24

22 Hillcrest St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Edwin J. Ingles Torres
Seller: Denise D. Duplisea
Date: 09/27/24

394 James St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Kaeble Realty LLC
Seller: Franco Giordano
Date: 09/23/24

50 Linden St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $1,175,000
Buyer: Treehouse Enteprises Chicopee LLC
Seller: North Harlow LLC
Date: 09/24/24

13 Lorimer St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Jonathan E. Vidaurre-Facho
Seller: Dnepro Properties LLC
Date: 09/19/24

23 Morgan Circle
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $561,000
Buyer: Jason A. Aldrich
Seller: Steven C. Reeves
Date: 09/16/24

101 Narragansett Blvd.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Tina Tetreault
Seller: Joseph G. Lafreniere
Date: 09/26/24

68 Oxford St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Timothy Campagna
Seller: Gail A. Simmons
Date: 09/20/24

95 Quartus St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $334,000
Buyer: Jason M. Talbot
Seller: Samuel R. Castellano
Date: 09/20/24

143 Royal St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Northeast Asset Mgmt. LLC
Seller: Richard W. Thompson
Date: 09/17/24

60 School St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $695,000
Buyer: Arcangel & Jayden Properties LLC
Seller: Dh&n LLC
Date: 09/17/24

32 Silvin Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Brielle C. Trella
Seller: Thomas J. Batchelor
Date: 09/19/24

59 Sullivan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Jennifer Macgregor
Seller: David K. Pernell
Date: 09/25/24

73 Summit Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Jessica N. Grimes
Seller: Livingwater Capital LLC
Date: 09/19/24

25 Thomas St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Samantha Garcia
Seller: Garcia RT
Date: 09/27/24

141 Waite Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Christopher S. Flack
Seller: Mayrena P. Guerrero
Date: 09/20/24

EAST LONGMEADOW

112 Country Club Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $770,000
Buyer: Muhammad Abbasi
Seller: William R. Bazin
Date: 09/26/24

59 Fairview St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Jonnathan De Jesus
Seller: Nathan P. Strain
Date: 09/27/24

Farmer Circle, Lot 10
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Veniamin Ovsiichuk
Seller: Happy Acres LLC
Date: 09/27/24

37 Fields Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: William M. Martin
Seller: D. R. Chestnut LLC
Date: 09/16/24

2 Garland Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Emily Bouchard
Seller: Elise A. Sacharczyk
Date: 09/12/24

79 Hanward Hill
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Shinny Vedovelli
Seller: Paul A. Teixeira
Date: 09/19/24

51 Maplehurst Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Ellen Valley
Seller: Julie K. Grodin
Date: 09/12/24

271 Mapleshade Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: John R. Boudreau
Seller: Mario V. Mercadante
Date: 09/17/24

353 Pease Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Victoria L. Houle
Seller: Analytical Sciences Mktg.
Date: 09/12/24

14 Pine St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Craig A. McRobbie
Seller: Michael P. McManus
Date: 09/20/24

27 Pineywoods Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $441,000
Buyer: Amy L. Cohen
Seller: June L. Fitzpatrick
Date: 09/20/24

75 Tanglewood Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $545,000
Buyer: Michael P. McManus
Seller: Louis R. Bortolussi
Date: 09/24/24

62 Worthy Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Jillian Grassetti
Seller: Rena Christenson
Date: 09/27/24

GRANVILLE

248 Sodom St.
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $456,184
Buyer: Matthew T. Olson
Seller: Michelle Dupuis
Date: 09/23/24

HAMPDEN

89 Main St.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Noraimi Rivera
Seller: Michael V. Barba
Date: 09/27/24

HOLLAND

29 Butterworth Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $616,000
Buyer: Geoffrey A. Landstrom
Seller: D. Lussier Builders LLC
Date: 09/30/24

7 Davidson Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $291,000
Buyer: Sherida Hibbard
Seller: George D. Allen
Date: 09/27/24

18 Halfway Lane
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Kathryn Ingham
Seller: Cheryl B. Murray
Date: 09/30/24

31 Halfway Lane
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Corey Suprenant
Seller: Hudon, Joan A., (Estate)
Date: 09/19/24

19 Massaconnic Trail
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: St. Thomas Realty Assocs. LLC
Seller: Lynne E. Kimball
Date: 09/20/24

North Cottage Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Corey Suprenant
Seller: Hudon, Joan A., (Estate)
Date: 09/19/24

HOLYOKE

78 Belvidere Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Jocelyn H. Weigel
Seller: Heather Lemrise
Date: 09/23/24

71 Berkshire St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $288,000
Buyer: Lara C. Roach
Seller: Anne M. Lisella
Date: 09/12/24

113-115 Brown Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: Monica Rahall
Seller: Carmen Rodriguez
Date: 09/16/24

85 Congress Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Halifax Capital LLC
Seller: Adam Queneville
Date: 09/27/24

106 Dartmouth St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $371,000
Buyer: Yiwan Zhou
Seller: William A. Laramee
Date: 09/25/24

526 Homestead Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $316,000
Buyer: Tania V. Garcia
Seller: John J. Arena
Date: 09/16/24

475 Mountain Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Neil S. McElwey
Seller: Neil D. McElwey
Date: 09/13/24

26-28 North East St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Gilberto Perez
Seller: Hector L. Torres
Date: 09/30/24

1150 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Margaret A. Laroche
Seller: Robert J. Lyons
Date: 09/26/24

1164 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Cameron Wiley
Seller: Nyles L. Courchesne
Date: 09/26/24

1683 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Rasidi Akodu
Seller: Geralyn M. Bielecki
Date: 09/18/24

84 Oxford Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Michael Chatel
Seller: McKenzie Brothers Realty LLC
Date: 09/23/24

32 Pinehurst Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $538,000
Buyer: Jeanette Guillen-Morin
Seller: Deborah Fairman
Date: 09/19/24

35 Ridgeway St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $311,000
Buyer: Ryan C. Laflamme
Seller: Megan E. Pfefferle
Date: 09/30/24

557 South St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $282,000
Buyer: Heather Stites
Seller: Daniel H. Deschaine
Date: 09/12/24

19 Steiger Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Honoord L. McDonough
Seller: Barbara C. Bernard RET
Date: 09/13/24

15 Vernon St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Anthony M. Detora
Seller: Michael J. Spaulding
Date: 09/20/24

15 Village Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Nath NE
Seller: Sunscape Investments LLC
Date: 09/19/24

7 Willow St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Michael Grillo
Seller: Loumag Alicea
Date: 09/27/24

LONGMEADOW

83 Ardsley Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $1,200,000
Buyer: Shawn H. Wills
Seller: Romeo V. Roque
Date: 09/25/24

127 Ashford Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $1,240,000
Buyer: Bhavik Jariwala
Seller: David J. Bryson
Date: 09/16/24

159 Bliss Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Sean Kenney
Seller: Mtg. Equity Conv. Asset TR 2
Date: 09/27/24

88 Briarcliff Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $730,000
Buyer: Eric D. Shelley
Seller: David Watkins
Date: 09/19/24

232 Captain Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: Michael Reagan
Seller: Lora J. Arnold
Date: 09/27/24

80 Concord Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Livingwater Capital LLC
Seller: Joan A. Rogers Irt
Date: 09/20/24

21 Dunsany Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Johnny T. Le
Seller: Kimberly W. Adegoke
Date: 09/12/24

11 East Greenwich Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $910,000
Buyer: Katherine H. Petrakis
Seller: Mark F. Shea
Date: 09/20/24

197 Hazardville Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Dylan Framarin
Seller: Barbara A. Carroll
Date: 09/25/24

90 Lincoln Park
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Ella Sussman
Seller: Katherine E. Humphrey
Date: 09/20/24

1410 Longmeadow St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $1,390,500
Buyer: Pag Family Rentals LLC
Seller: Janine H. Idelson
Date: 09/16/24

359 Williams St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $580,000
Buyer: Peter G. Landry
Seller: Jeffrey Murdock
Date: 09/30/24

LUDLOW

60 Blanchard Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $369,999
Buyer: Jeremy Coloma
Seller: Tiago B. Martins
Date: 09/26/24

120 Edgewood Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Giuliano A. Da Silva
Seller: Adekunle Odugbile
Date: 09/19/24

69 Erin Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Andrea C. Dallas
Seller: Winnie W. Yu
Date: 09/25/24

16 Libby St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $320,100
Buyer: Camden Hart
Seller: Michelle Gray
Date: 09/25/24

48 Ray St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $268,000
Buyer: Deanna M. Delnegro
Seller: Antonio Rosa
Date: 09/30/24

801 West St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $630,000
Buyer: Muhammet Turan
Seller: Daniil Gerasimchuk
Date: 09/19/24

MONSON

192 Brimfield Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: David L. Rondeau
Seller: Geraldine A. Chandler
Date: 09/13/24

237 Bumstead Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $436,000
Buyer: Jonathan Murray
Seller: Jeffrey M. Turner
Date: 09/23/24

34 Crest Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Cody Towlson
Seller: Skomro, Frank, (Estate)
Date: 09/18/24

5 Grandview Ter.
Monson, MA 01069
Amount: $162,000
Buyer: Darlene A. Salmond
Seller: Lawrence V. Lynch
Date: 09/27/24

60 Main St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Dominique Manarite
Seller: Arthur Manarite
Date: 09/17/24

178 Palmer Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Devon Hatfield
Seller: Taylor, George F., (Estate)
Date: 09/12/24

MONTGOMERY

122 Carrington Road
Montgomery, MA 01050
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Sarah Page
Seller: Dennis J. Page
Date: 09/19/24

42 New State Road
Montgomery, MA 01085
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Michael J. Scuderi
Seller: Joseph E. Cabana
Date: 09/16/24

PALMER

42 Commercial St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Salomon Pierre
Seller: Roger Parker
Date: 09/27/24

6 Danielle Dr.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Sa Nguyen
Seller: Christopher W. Breyare
Date: 09/27/24

75 Fairview St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Jessica M. Sands
Seller: Lorrie A. Poulin
Date: 09/25/24

43 French Dr.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Jacob Granger
Seller: Wilbraham Builders Inc.
Date: 09/20/24

51 Fuller Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $306,800
Buyer: Nicholas Kalogeras
Seller: Nsp Residential LLC
Date: 09/26/24

51 Fuller Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Nsp Residential LLC
Seller: Wells Fargo Bank
Date: 09/26/24

25 Harvey St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Richard P. Marceau
Seller: Mariajane Peich
Date: 09/27/24

2022-2026 High St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Pfgc LLC
Seller: 18-26 High Street RT
Date: 09/27/24

12 Katie Lane
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Jerry Bolduc
Seller: Allison L. Pereira
Date: 09/25/24

4032 Main St.
Palmer, MA 01079
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Charline D. Clingman
Seller: Charles W. Russis
Date: 09/20/24

1089 Pleasant St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Leslie Carasquillo
Seller: House Hack Helpers LLC
Date: 09/19/24

1028 Wilson St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $289,000
Buyer: Michael J. Davis
Seller: Blake Lamothe
Date: 09/30/24

RUSSELL

8 Old New England Path
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Nicole Harmon
Seller: Christopher W. Lagoy
Date: 09/17/24

550 South Quarter Road
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $314,000
Buyer: Justin Dunn
Seller: Timothy C. Healy
Date: 09/16/24

SPRINGFIELD

127 Abbott St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Robert K. Perry
Seller: Naples Home Buyers TR
Date: 09/13/24

46-48 Albemarle St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Kenel Raphael
Seller: Elvis E. Olivares Vasquez
Date: 09/23/24

195 Almira Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Manchester Ent. LLC
Seller: Bearse, Charles H., (Estate)
Date: 09/27/24

33 Ambrose St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Kristina Cavers
Seller: Virgilio Santos
Date: 09/23/24

39 Ambrose St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Valerie Osei
Seller: Methuselah RT
Date: 09/26/24

138 Ardmore St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Sareen Properties LLC
Seller: Kania, Lee F., (Estate)
Date: 09/30/24

130-132 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $5,525,000
Buyer: Rbt Enterprise LLC
Seller: Springfield Gardens II LP
Date: 09/19/24

140 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $505,000
Buyer: Rbt Enterprise LLC
Seller: Springfield Gardens II LP
Date: 09/18/24

143-147 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $5,805,000
Buyer: Rbt Enterprise LLC
Seller: Springfield Gardens II LP
Date: 09/19/24

155 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $5,805,000
Buyer: Rbt Enterprise LLC
Seller: Springfield Gardens II LP
Date: 09/19/24

197-199 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $5,805,000
Buyer: Rbt Enterprise LLC
Seller: Springfield Gardens II LP
Date: 09/19/24

205 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $5,805,000
Buyer: Rbt Enterprise LLC
Seller: Springfield Gardens II LP
Date: 09/19/24

38 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Real Estate Investments Northeast LLC
Seller: City Enterprise Inc.
Date: 09/27/24

90 Bessemer St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Shannon Weeks
Seller: Adam Hernandez
Date: 09/26/24

116 Birchland Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $339,900
Buyer: OM Acres Investment LLC
Seller: Elisenda Santiago-Lopez
Date: 09/12/24

Birchwood Ave.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: North End Housing Initiative
Seller: New England Farm Workers Council
Date: 09/16/24

24 Bissell St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $372,000
Buyer: Chenghua Deng
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 09/13/24

44 Border St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Melvin Coleman
Seller: Oliver H. Layne
Date: 09/17/24

247 Cabinet St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Zoraida Aguayo
Seller: Richard A. Glashow
Date: 09/23/24

Cadwell Dr. (WS)
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Massconn Excavating & Landscaping
Seller: Westmass Area Development Corp.
Date: 09/26/24

18 Charlton St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $301,000
Buyer: Simon Van De Loo
Seller: Charles P. Perenick
Date: 09/24/24

15 Clayton St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $341,900
Buyer: Tabitha W. Maina
Seller: William A. Shattuck
Date: 09/27/24

96-98 Clifton Ave.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Vivette E. Lemount
Seller: Springfield Ventures RT
Date: 09/30/24

103 Clough St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Kirsten E. Bonaiuto
Seller: Sean P. Milbier
Date: 09/30/24

40 Clydesdale Ln
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: William J. Barkyoumb
Seller: Katina E. Lindsay
Date: 09/20/24

271 Connecticut Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Moshe D. Xatse
Seller: Jesmaniel Bermudez
Date: 09/20/24

18 Coomes St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $690,000
Buyer: Rbt Enterprise LLC
Seller: Springfield Gardens II LP
Date: 09/18/24

199 Dickinson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $5,525,000
Buyer: Rbt Enterprise LLC
Seller: Springfield Gardens II LP
Date: 09/19/24

507 Dickinson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Jjj17 LLC
Seller: Todd W. Keeler
Date: 09/16/24

64 Duryea St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Jolana Linares
Seller: Armando Lopez
Date: 09/19/24

542 Dutchess St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Luz V. Orden
Seller: Carly Markham
Date: 09/27/24

612-616 Dwight St.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $1,200,000
Buyer: Mass. Medical Real Estate Partners
Seller: Benchmark Carbide LLC
Date: 09/20/24

64 Eleanor Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $297,000
Buyer: Diany D. Santos-Vazquez
Seller: Veronica Martinez-Lopez
Date: 09/27/24

168 Ellsworth Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Juanita Diaz
Seller: Sean G. Ross
Date: 09/20/24

71 Endicott St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Alyssa Anderson
Seller: Cassandra L. Fett
Date: 09/12/24

230 Fort Pleasant Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $5,805,000
Buyer: Rbt Enterprise LLC
Seller: Springfield Gardens II LP
Date: 09/19/24

297 Fountain St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Joshua Encarnacion
Seller: Nelson J. Ehle
Date: 09/17/24

220 Gifford St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Kyla Harris
Seller: Garbin, Marlene J., (Estate)
Date: 09/19/24

22 Gladstone St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: DB Investments & Properties LLC
Seller: Luis Lizardi
Date: 09/20/24

Gladstone St., (WS) Lot 55
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: DB Investments & Properties LLC
Seller: Luis Lizardi
Date: 09/20/24

35-37 Hall St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Onstar Properties AA LLC
Seller: Emtay Inc.
Date: 09/24/24

9-13 Hampden St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: 9-13 Hampden Street LLC
Seller: New England Farm Workers Council
Date: 09/17/24

100 Harmon Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Miriam Heri
Seller: Christopher S. Flack
Date: 09/20/24

26 Haumont Ter.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Better Builders Construction LLC
Seller: Luciano F. Soares
Date: 09/30/24

49 Hillmont St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Illumination Home LLC
Seller: P&R Investments LLC
Date: 09/27/24

74 Huron St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Shirley Rijos
Seller: Annie M. Guzman
Date: 09/30/24

21-23 Indian Leap St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Laura M. Tarcuri
Seller: Huynh D. Le
Date: 09/24/24

67 Jeffrey Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Michael Kuilan
Seller: Ashley M. Rodriguez
Date: 09/24/24

18 Kensington Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Vilmarie Pacheco
Seller: Kenneth Narvaez
Date: 09/16/24

89 Kensington Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $695,000
Buyer: Five Star Property Holdings LLC
Seller: Spectra S2 LLC
Date: 09/20/24

207 Lamont St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Connerstone Homebuying LLC
Seller: Cynthia Munford
Date: 09/12/24

17-19 Laurel St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Jennifer Acosta
Seller: Modern Creative Contractors
Date: 09/19/24

101 Laurence St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Derek O. Palma
Seller: Eva D. Greenough
Date: 09/26/24

63-65 Leyfred Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $319,500
Buyer: Dawin O. Robles
Seller: Amy E. Taranto
Date: 09/30/24

144 Lloyd Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $269,900
Buyer: Becky M. Goulet
Seller: Stephanie L. Parnin
Date: 09/24/24

24 Lorimer St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Wicked Deals LLC
Seller: Jajuan Caulton
Date: 09/27/24

2221 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $305,981
Buyer: Alliance Energy LLC
Seller: Leemilts Petroleum Inc.
Date: 09/16/24

10 Marengo Park
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $5,805,000
Buyer: Rbt Enterprise LLC
Seller: Springfield Gardens II LP
Date: 09/19/24

66-74 Mill St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $5,525,000
Buyer: Rbt Enterprise LLC
Seller: Springfield Gardens II LP
Date: 09/19/24

78 Milton St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Fermino Sousa
Seller: Taft, Patricia M., (Estate)
Date: 09/20/24

52 Monmouth St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Jean H. Platel
Seller: Veteran Stan LLC
Date: 09/18/24

299 Morton St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Paulett M. Webster
Seller: Jessica Martinez
Date: 09/23/24

176-182 Oakland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $5,525,000
Buyer: Rbt Enterprise LLC
Seller: Springfield Gardens II LP
Date: 09/19/24

57 Oakwood Ter.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Cristy M. Cruz
Seller: Manchester Ent. LLC
Date: 09/17/24

70 Olmsted Dr.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $371,000
Buyer: Amanda M. Lesnick
Seller: Arden J. Green
Date: 09/17/24

385 Orange St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $394,000
Buyer: Pedro P. De La Cruz
Seller: Springfield Portfolio Holding LLC
Date: 09/23/24

Page Blvd., (NS) Lot 169
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Better Builders Construction LLC
Seller: Luciano F. Soares
Date: 09/30/24

196 Pearl St.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $4,370,000
Buyer: 202-212 Pearl St. Apt LLC
Seller: Nolava LLC
Date: 09/24/24

202-206 Pearl St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $4,370,000
Buyer: 202-212 Pearl St. Apartments LLC
Seller: Nolava LLC
Date: 09/24/24

208-212 Pearl St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $4,370,000
Buyer: 202-212 Pearl St. Apartments LLC
Seller: Nolava LLC
Date: 09/24/24

131 Phoenix Ter.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: Douglas Dichard
Seller: Ernest Allen
Date: 09/26/24

80 Pine Grove St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: O’Brien RET
Seller: Morrison IRT
Date: 09/12/24

82 Pinecrest Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Michael Rodriguez
Seller: Flynn, Marilyn Lois, (Estate)
Date: 09/17/24

Plainfield St. (WS)
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: North End Housing Initiative
Seller: New England Farm Workers Council
Date: 09/16/24

9 Prince St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Ronnie Ross
Seller: James A. Moore
Date: 09/24/24

Robbins Road, Lot 3A1
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Massconn Excavating & Landscaping
Seller: Westmass Area Development Corp.
Date: 09/26/24

294 Roosevelt Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Kmak LLC
Seller: Dorothy I. Plante
Date: 09/24/24

480 Roosevelt Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Jorge Vargas
Seller: Timothy Aznavourian
Date: 09/24/24

179 Santa Barbara St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Maria M. Oquendo
Seller: James W. Fiore
Date: 09/20/24

167-169 Savoy Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $469,000
Buyer: Bismark Ohemeng
Seller: Cynthia M. Ferris RET
Date: 09/20/24

124 Stuart St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $275,472
Buyer: Amber Haywood
Seller: Brickhouse Homes LLC
Date: 09/27/24

194 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Carr Architecture LP
Seller: Renovagent LLC
Date: 09/13/24

92 Sunset Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Roberto Lopez
Seller: Rcf 2 Acquisition TR
Date: 09/30/24

99 Superior Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Matthew S. Berthiaume
Seller: Michelle Berthiaume
Date: 09/18/24

278 Talmadge Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Naples Home Buyers TR
Seller: Melinda Lakota
Date: 09/27/24

711 Union St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Enid C. Rivera
Seller: Jose M. Rijos
Date: 09/30/24

26 Vale Circle
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Brianalyss L. Negron
Seller: Thorsten E. Behrens
Date: 09/17/24

33 Wakefield St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Fiona M. Nabagereka
Seller: William D. Robinson
Date: 09/26/24

29 Wallace St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $390,001
Buyer: Dorcas Abimaje
Seller: Wallace St. RT
Date: 09/18/24

182 Walnut St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Giggles Gardens Inc.
Seller: James Steele
Date: 09/12/24

62 Warner St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $5,805,000
Buyer: Rbt Enterprise LLC
Seller: Springfield Gardens II LP
Date: 09/19/24

15-17 Wellesley St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $489,000
Buyer: Linval Lee
Seller: Roberto Lopez
Date: 09/18/24

26-28 Wendell Place
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Skyspec LLC
Seller: S. L. Guertin-Dit Milette
Date: 09/27/24

190 West Weymouth St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $233,000
Buyer: Joseph Rodriguez
Seller: O’Connell, Dorothy C., (Estate)
Date: 09/17/24

69 Wheeler Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $344,900
Buyer: Ruben Arroyo
Seller: Sugalski, Gail F., (Estate)
Date: 09/26/24

47 White St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $880,000
Buyer: Jefferson Apartments LLC
Seller: James & James Investments LLC
Date: 09/12/24

98-100 Whittier St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Jane Vernalia
Seller: Ana M. Bradley
Date: 09/25/24

51 Wilmington St.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $434,900
Buyer: Derrick Gentry-Mitchell
Seller: LP Stewart LLC
Date: 09/26/24

Wisteria St. (rear)
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $269,900
Buyer: Becky M. Goulet
Seller: Stephanie L. Parnin
Date: 09/24/24

22 Woodside Circle
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Cornelia Placinta
Seller: Matthew J. Lamoureux
Date: 09/16/24

92 Woodside Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $5,525,000
Buyer: Rbt Enterprise LLC
Seller: Springfield Gardens II LP
Date: 09/19/24

139-141 Woodside Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Luigi M. Marte-Guzman
Seller: FH Vision Inc., (Estate)
Date: 09/20/24

Worcester Ave. (SS)
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: North End Housing Initiative
Seller: New England Farm Workers Council
Date: 09/16/24

1360 Worcester St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $193,000
Buyer: Marcus Tichenor
Seller: Crimelde A. Gomes
Date: 09/13/24

SOUTHWICK

38 Beach Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $901,000
Buyer: Elizabeth K. Frechette
Seller: Daniel R. Thompson
Date: 09/27/24

137 Berkshire Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $191,000
Buyer: Alexander Liogky
Seller: Fitzgerald Home Solutions LLC
Date: 09/20/24

51 Coes Hill Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Ckm Realty LLC
Seller: Wolfe, Irene J., (Estate)
Date: 09/23/24

51-R Coes Hill Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Ckm Realty LLC
Seller: Wolfe, Irene J., (Estate)
Date: 09/23/24

46 Miller Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $324,900
Buyer: Rachel Weshnak
Seller: Patricia J. Welliver
Date: 09/20/24

TOLLAND

16 Hill Dr.
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Brad Salerno
Seller: Ralph C. Leavenworth
Date: 09/27/24

WALES

3 Reed Hill Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $308,000
Buyer: Frederick R. Rogers
Seller: Garett M. Fulcher
Date: 09/27/24

21 Sichols Colony Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $258,760
Buyer: Sarah Fernandez
Seller: Carolyn M. Haley
Date: 09/17/24

100 Stafford Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Keith A. Masse
Seller: Bradley Arcoite
Date: 09/27/24

WEST SPRINGFIELD

6 Albert St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: GITSIT SOLUTIONS LLC
Seller: Richard L. Bates
Date: 09/25/24

91 Amherst St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Ryan D. Gasparini
Seller: Ryan N. Tellier
Date: 09/19/24

40 Baldwin St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Nicole L. Litwin
Seller: Janet P. Lavoie
Date: 09/30/24

25 Birnie Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $379,000
Buyer: Wayne Perkins
Seller: Robin D. Hendrix
Date: 09/30/24

18 Brooks Place
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Jeremy P. Boettcher
Seller: Carol Derby
Date: 09/12/24

15 Burke Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Lillie Shepherd
Seller: Bellows, John Hulse, (Estate)
Date: 09/30/24

917 Dewey St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Tyler J. Czupryk
Seller: Gaffney Special FT
Date: 09/20/24

136-150 Doty Circle
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $1,707,850
Buyer: Holyoke Property Mgmt. LLC
Seller: Tariff Realty LLC
Date: 09/19/24

158 Doty Circl
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $1,707,850
Buyer: Holyoke Property Mgmt. LLC
Seller: Tariff Realty LLC
Date: 09/19/24

50 Harbey Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $663,000
Buyer: Prem Gurung
Seller: David W. Griffin
Date: 09/30/24

283 Hillcrest Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $228,718
Buyer: M. & T. Bank
Seller: Elide Hamelin
Date: 09/23/24

52 Houston Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Liliya Crady
Seller: O’Brien, Barbara J., (Estate)
Date: 09/27/24

546 Kings Hwy.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Manchester Ent. LLC
Seller: Cheryl L. Koski
Date: 09/18/24

126 Lancaster Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $326,000
Buyer: Mateo Sanchez
Seller: Sareen Properties LLC
Date: 09/27/24

133 Monastery Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $398,000
Buyer: Nhu T. Bui
Seller: Teofila J. Evangelista
Date: 09/26/24

627 Morgan Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Silvia Lujan
Seller: Cliff K. Chak
Date: 09/27/24

101 Nelson St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: William Bryant
Seller: Christopher M. Newbrough
Date: 09/16/24

334 Park St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Lcr Park Street LLC
Seller: Aga Brothers LLC
Date: 09/26/24

147 Peachstone Glen
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Ryan Tellier
Seller: Christopher S. Hastings
Date: 09/26/24

94 Riverdale St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Jocelyn M. Soto
Seller: Edras Medina
Date: 09/24/24

44 Rockland Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $312,000
Buyer: Hussein Karam
Seller: Delores O’Rourke
Date: 09/20/24

86 Sikes Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Ashley Barry
Seller: Boucier RET
Date: 09/24/24

65 Verdugo St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Said Bakhouch
Seller: Peter Dzhenzerukha
Date: 09/27/24

WESTFIELD

25 1st St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Waterfront Vista LLC
Seller: Norma L. Knight
Date: 09/13/24

21 Avery St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Harrison J. Ouellette
Seller: Dale N. Clark
Date: 09/23/24

3 Bush St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $424,000
Buyer: Nicholas J. Morganelli
Seller: John J. Fitzgerald
Date: 09/27/24

66 Butternut Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Kayleigh Hannon
Seller: Muhammad H. Chaudhry
Date: 09/27/24

20 Crestwood Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Yekaterina Chemeris
Seller: Melissa L. Weber
Date: 09/26/24

25 East Glen Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Kieu Nguyen
Seller: Patrick S. Sullivan
Date: 09/19/24

Family Lane (rear)
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Steven Amlaw
Seller: Brian Seibert
Date: 09/20/24

11 Foch Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Mohammed Al-Jarah
Seller: Carl D. McKenzie
Date: 09/20/24

10-12 Ford Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $289,950
Buyer: Anton A. Yunikov
Seller: Bungalow Series IV TR
Date: 09/18/24

289 Granville Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $309,000
Buyer: Amanda M. Circe
Seller: Secretary Of Housing & Urban Development
Date: 09/20/24

20 Holland Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $437,000
Buyer: Timothy Snyder
Seller: Alan R. Schwartz
Date: 09/13/24

35 Kane Brothers Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: John D. Robinson
Seller: Jessica L. Chisholm
Date: 09/12/24

85 Lois St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Wade Brock
Seller: Little River LLC
Date: 09/16/24

50 Loomis Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $282,000
Buyer: Timothy J. Kelleher
Seller: Jessica M. Benson
Date: 09/23/24

515 Loomis St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Michael B. Mazaik
Seller: Diane M. Batchelder RET
Date: 09/23/24

22 Otis St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Habibullah Fazli
Seller: Letellier FT
Date: 09/18/24

42 Ridgecrest Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $451,000
Buyer: Emily M. Blair
Seller: Cristine J. Brown
Date: 09/30/24

549 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Lawry Realty LLC
Seller: Scott R. Ingalls
Date: 09/30/24

16 Stephen Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Alexis Ferris
Seller: Diana T. Stucchi
Date: 09/27/24

150 Tannery Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Steven Amlaw
Seller: Brian Seibert
Date: 09/20/24

24 Valley View Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Gloria Schimke
Seller: Edna E. Schneider RET
Date: 09/25/24

WILBRAHAM

242 Crane Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Ryan E. Dentremont
Seller: Cathryn Gregson
Date: 09/24/24

26 Decorie Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $437,000
Buyer: Connor Courtney
Seller: Gary W. Pike
Date: 09/30/24

20 Devonshire Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Leticia L. Alonso
Seller: Nicholas Phillips
Date: 09/20/24

16 Dudley St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Chestnut Hill Homes LLC
Seller: Fermino Sousa
Date: 09/20/24

882 Glendale Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $234,675
Buyer: Unlimited Property Services LLC
Seller: Mortgage Asset Corp. Home Equity
Date: 09/23/24

851 Main St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Amoy Hosang
Seller: Pariseau, Sima, (Estate)
Date: 09/20/24

7 Pomeroy St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Ckj Realty LLC
Seller: Timothy P. Godlew
Date: 09/24/24

4 South Park Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Justin P. Doyle
Seller: Scott J. Arel
Date: 09/27/24

415 Soule Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $391,500
Buyer: Thanyarat Ingman
Seller: Abigael M. Burgos
Date: 09/24/24

348 Springfield St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Anyelo Suarez
Seller: Tammy J. Breton
Date: 09/27/24

547 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $373,000
Buyer: Cathryn A. Gregson
Seller: Daniel R. Tusler
Date: 09/24/24

10 Victoria Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $720,000
Buyer: Raffaele V. Albano
Seller: Jeffrey M. Gurski FT
Date: 09/17/24

75 Washington Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Nicholas J. Dimauro
Seller: Nirvan Nieves
Date: 09/20/24

 

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

21 Atwater Circle
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $610,000
Buyer: Venessa Cardinale
Seller: Monroe S. Rabin
Date: 09/30/24

325 East Pleasant St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Borges Properties LLC
Seller: Constance R. Bunker
Date: 09/26/24

20 Sheerman Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $740,000
Buyer: Amy E. Watts
Seller: Thomas W. Kornack
Date: 09/18/24

1450 South East St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $735,000
Buyer: Nicholas Day
Seller: Philip B. Torrey
Date: 09/18/24

BELCHERTOWN

320 Barton Ave.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $715,000
Buyer: Ellen Strycharz
Seller: Anthony R. Green
Date: 09/30/24

279 Bay Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $517,500
Buyer: Nathan P. Strain
Seller: Gregory A. Gresham
Date: 09/27/24

29 Chestnut Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Wicked Deals LLC
Seller: Glenn R. Call
Date: 09/25/24

7 Old Enfield Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Pamela Councilman
Seller: Kolten Crump
Date: 09/17/24

403 Stebbins St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Paul Brown
Seller: Edward J. Weigel
Date: 09/27/24

CHESTERFIELD

73 North Road
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Steere Home LLC
Seller: Adam J. Hakkarainen
Date: 09/24/24

CUMMINGTON

25 West Main St.
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: West Cummington Congregational Church
Seller: Jason Tomskowicz
Date: 09/30/24

EASTHAMPTON

27 Ballard St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: 13 Maple St LLC
Seller: Napels Homes Buyers TR
Date: 09/19/24

82 Ferry St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $386,000
Buyer: 82 Ferry St. LLC
Seller: Megan R. Ison
Date: 09/20/24

2 Fox Run
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $900,000
Buyer: Denise Hersey
Seller: Norwich Properties LLC
Date: 09/27/24

65 Hendrick St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Austin J. Anghilante
Seller: Lisa M. Green
Date: 09/17/24

234 Hendrick St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Kyle B. Morris
Seller: Norwich Properties LLC
Date: 09/16/24

6 Torrey St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Philip P. Smith
Seller: Mark D. Raymond
Date: 09/18/24

47 Wilder Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Jenny M. Smith
Seller: Robert A. Smith
Date: 09/18/24

GOSHEN

67 Aberdeen Road
Goshen, MA 01032
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Charles Kaufman
Seller: Cbme Lt
Date: 09/27/24

GRANBY

155 Burnett St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $364,900
Buyer: Gary Deangelo
Seller: Denis Iushkov
Date: 09/19/24

562 East State St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Edward R. Sanderson
Seller: Targaryen RT
Date: 09/17/24

33 Greenmeadow Lane
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Thomas Yvon
Seller: William J. Hamilton
Date: 09/27/24

HADLEY

Colony Dr., Lot 7
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Mark Krause
Seller: Dennis Hanno
Date: 09/20/24

18 Hadley Place
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $168,750
Buyer: Jeffrey M. Mackenzie
Seller: Kerry J. Mackenzie
Date: 09/19/24

319 River Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $2,420,000
Buyer: Hapco Farms LLC
Seller: Montgomery Rose LLC
Date: 09/18/24

321 River Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $2,420,000
Buyer: Hapco Farms LLC
Seller: Montgomery Rose LLC
Date: 09/18/24

HATFIELD

19 King St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $639,000
Buyer: Patrick A. Boughan
Seller: J. G. Petitt
Date: 09/20/24

1 Main St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $789,000
Buyer: Maxwell Baetlett
Seller: 119 Real Estate LLC
Date: 09/17/24

2 Maple St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $789,000
Buyer: Maxwell Baetlett
Seller: 119 Real Estate LLC
Date: 09/17/24

HUNTINGTON

17 Church Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $478,500
Buyer: Krista Groleau
Seller: Gretchen O’Halloran
Date: 09/27/24

16 Knightville Dam Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Mechanic Man LLC
Seller: Margaret Lippman
Date: 09/26/24

38 Russell Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Jonathan K. Groff
Seller: Joanne J. Smith RET
Date: 09/27/24

NORTHAMPTON

53 Avis Circle
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $705,000
Buyer: Mary M. Teague
Seller: Mary J. Marquard
Date: 09/23/24

203 Bridge St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Naples Home Buyers TR
Seller: Theodore J. Olejnik
Date: 09/27/24

278 Burts Pit Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $185,700
Buyer: Greishka E. Brown
Seller: Pioneer Valley Habitat For Humanity
Date: 09/18/24

286 Burts Pit Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $185,700
Buyer: Timothy Lamountain
Seller: Pioneer Valley Habitat For Humanity
Date: 09/18/24

298 Burts Pit Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $185,700
Buyer: Giovanna T. Martinez
Seller: Pioneer Valley Habitat For Humanity
Date: 09/18/24

48 Cahillane Ter.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $223,000
Buyer: Wicked Deals LLC
Seller: Regina M. McNally
Date: 09/18/24

154 Cooke Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $735,154
Buyer: Mark Erba
Seller: Richard Ciach
Date: 09/23/24

213 Crescent St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Rani Singh
Seller: Inderjit Singh
Date: 09/26/24

20 Francis St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $709,000
Buyer: Rebecca Walker
Seller: Clifton M. Johnson
Date: 09/24/24

17 Glenwood Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $623,000
Buyer: Jesse J. Felter
Seller: Eds Enterprises LLC
Date: 09/19/24

595 Haydenville Road
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Ash Berman
Seller: Seth H. Gregory
Date: 09/20/24

186 North Farms Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Amanda Boggs
Seller: Olbris, Elizabeth, (Estate)
Date: 09/25/24

 

412 Sylvester Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Martha Dewolf
Seller: Vacchelli, Angelo J., (Estate)
Date: 09/30/24

38 Walnut St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $545,000
Buyer: Jennifer Gould
Seller: Yon LLC
Date: 09/20/24

25 Washington Place
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: Abby W. McElroy
Seller: Brett S. Sullivan
Date: 09/30/24

SOUTH HADLEY

38 Ashton Lane
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $593,000
Buyer: Patrick Goff
Seller: Christopher M. Fisher
Date: 09/30/24

11 Country Lane
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $357,000
Buyer: Mahlet Kelecha
Seller: Pamela J. Mislak
Date: 09/20/24

37 Dale St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Timothy D. Roberts
Seller: Stephen J. Boyle
Date: 09/25/24

95 Granby Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Chenevert Properties LLC
Seller: Luke T. Gelinas
Date: 09/30/24

525 Hadley St., Lot 2
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Jeffrey P. Chateauneuf
Seller: Fitzgerald, Julie, (Estate)
Date: 08/05/24

8 Hartford St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $225,225
Buyer: Diane L. Smedberg
Seller: Lajoie, Bruce A, (Estate)
Date: 09/25/24

54 Lawn St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Nestor Otero
Seller: Richard C. Holden
Date: 09/30/24

9 Lawrence Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $338,000
Buyer: Lucia D. Ferreira
Seller: Jean A. O’Brien
Date: 09/26/24

23 Leahey Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Christian Lietzau
Seller: Frank B. Enders
Date: 09/30/24

117 Lincoln Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $392,000
Buyer: Serena K. Sarage
Seller: Brennan, Laura L., (Estate)
Date: 09/27/24

33 Pershing Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $293,700
Buyer: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Seller: Tyler Turschman
Date: 09/19/24

18 Roundelay Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $589,400
Buyer: Kyle Maurer
Seller: Lucas B. Wilson
Date: 09/25/24

SOUTHAMPTON

8 Cold Spring Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $174,000
Buyer: Jack Morse
Seller: DLJ Mortgage Capital Inc.
Date: 09/27/24

College Hwy.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $2,200,000
Buyer: Town Of Southampton
Seller: James R. Labrie
Date: 09/26/24

222 College Hwy.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Appleton Grove LLC
Seller: Scott K. Cooper
Date: 09/23/24

306 College Hwy.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $667,000
Buyer: Ryan L. Geeleher
Seller: Holly T. Gaboriault
Date: 09/23/24

36 Gunn Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Luke McGrath
Seller: P. J. & Betty A. Bergeron TR
Date: 09/24/24

107 Strong Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $479,000
Buyer: David Carr
Seller: Christopher S. Wall
Date: 09/18/24

WARE

27 Berkshire Dr.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Tuler W. Darling
Seller: Alice N. Ikonen
Date: 09/30/24

14-16 Vigeant St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $297,000
Buyer: Chenevert Properties LLC
Seller: Alycar Investments LLC
Date: 09/30/24

256 West St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Tractor Supply
Seller: GM & M RT
Date: 09/30/24

84 West St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $126,000
Buyer: Rahab RT
Seller: Megan G. Berube
Date: 09/24/24

WESTHAMPTON

91 Easthampton Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Terri Haven
Seller: Sheryl B. Holmes
Date: 09/27/24

WORTHINGTON

Corbett Road, Lot 1
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Marie L. Haas
Seller: Patsy A. Knapp
Date: 09/19/24

Corbett Road, Lot 2
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Marie L. Haas
Seller: Patsy A. Knapp
Date: 09/19/24

Harvey Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $467,600
Buyer: Marie L. Haas
Seller: Patsy A. Knapp
Date: 09/19/24

280 Old Post Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $467,600
Buyer: Marie L. Haas
Seller: Patsy A. Knapp
Date: 09/19/24

Building Permits

By
Building Permits

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

CHICOPEE

Alden Edge LLC
510 McKinstry Ave.
$38,599 — Roofing

Fisher Auto Parts
2189 Westover Road
$125,000 — Interior non-structural demolition, remove and replace concrete slab, raise lintels at two openings, miscellaneous interior repairs, repair pass doors and overhead doors

EASTHAMPTON

Nicholas Duprey
19 Main St.
$10,000 — Roofing

HADLEY

315 Russell Street LLC
315 Russell St.
N/A — Furnish and install HVAC equipment

E&A/I&G Campus Plaza LP
458 Russell St.
N/A — Replace four rooftop units

Normaple LLC
300 Venture Way
N/A — Reinforce existing roof structure

LENOX

Berkshire Medical Center
489 Pittsfield Road
$11,600 — Add sprinkler protection to both sides of new demising wall between BHS Urgent Care and vacant tenant space

NORTHAMPTON

27-29 COA LLC
29 Clark Ave.
$18,850 — Repair/replace rear building foundation within same footprint, replace lally column

Clinical & Support Options Inc.
29 Industrial Dr. East
$1,200 — Non-illuminated ground sign

Easthampton Mahadev LLC
137 Damon Road
$2,000 — Non-illuminated sign for Beauty Spa Hair and Nails

Lathrop Community Inc.
680 Bridge Road
$28,000 — Interior renovation

Oxbow Professional Park LLC
22 Atwood Dr.
$45,000 — Replace antennas

Painted Rock Four LLC
12 Vernon St.
$13,000 — Remove and rebuild exterior stairs

Smith College
186 Elm St.
$100,000 — Insulation

Smith College
94 State St.
$9,000 — Roofing

PITTSFIELD

Berkshire Fund Inc.
111 West Housatonic St.
$92,000 — Install new wet and dry sprinkler system

Berkshire Medical Center Inc.
510 North St.
$10,000 — Remove existing leaking storefront frames and glazing; supply and install new storefront, thermally broken with subsills and reflective tempered insulated glass

Berkshire Medical Center Inc.
725 North St.
$9,500 — Rehab existing shower and bathroom in psych ward

Berkshire Medical Center Inc.
725 North St.
$15,000 — Install new storefront and ADA ramp

Hotel Lenox LLC
1032 South St.
$6,000 — Replace 10 damaged guest-room doors

Mental Health and Substance Abuse
198 Bradford St.
$14,000 — Remove and replace damage fire-separation door on first floor and boiler-room fire door

Wayne W. Rekeda Revocable Trust
217 Second St.
$50,000 — Install siding and windows

SPRINGFIELD

1350 Main Street LLC
1350 Main St.
N/A — Remove and replace fire-alarm system on 16th and 17th floors

City of Springfield
1395 Allen St.
$30,000 — Erect metal shade pavilion at Arthur Talmadge School

City of Springfield
90 Berkshire St.
$15,000 — Build partitions for storage rooms in basement and install four new doors at Springfield Day School

City of Springfield
58 Hartford Ave.
$30,000 — Erect metal shade pavilion at Frederick Harris School

City of Springfield
255 Plainfield St.
$45,000 — Erect metal shade pavilion at Brightwood-Lincoln School

M&A Circle LLC
9 Rimmon Ave.
$10,000 — Remodel front façade

Raymond Fontaine, Industry Avenue Holdings LLC
88 Industry Ave.
$1,100,000 — Alter space for expansion of tenant space for Greater Springfield Senior Services: new offices, open business office space, conference rooms, kitchen and toilet rooms

Rosegar Inc.
590 Boston Road
$36,420 — Repair Kwik Pik store damaged by car impact

Springfield Parking Authority
150 Bridge St.
$164,500 — Phase 1 alteration of interior of existing theater for Hope for Youth and Families Arts Center

State Street Retail LLC
632 State St.
$31,000 — Repair wall of KFC damaged by car impact

Trolley Barn Properties LLC
2257 Main St.
N/A — Roofing

Impact Comes in Many Forms

By
Opinion

Editorial

 

In 2018, BusinessWest launched a new recognition program, one what would recognize the outstanding accomplishments of women across this region and tell stories that might otherwise go untold.

Over the first six years of this program, we have done that just, and this pattern continues with the class of 2024 — a very diverse group of eight women who have given back, and changed lives, in many different ways: by taking their business or nonprofit to new levels of success; by serving as a role model to others, but especially women and girls; by mentoring others and helping them find direction and purpose in their lives; by persevering through adversity; by doing, well … all of the above. They are:

• Alison Berman, council director of Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts, whose efforts to boost girls’ confidence and character have impacted not only thousands of program participants, but entire schools and communities;

• Dianne Fuller Doherty, co-founder of the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts and former director of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center’s Regional Office, who has spent a lifetime not only being the 413’s biggest cheerleader, but tangibly improving its communities through a host of key leadership roles;

• JoAnne Finck, president of Friends of Cooley Dickinson, whose goal has always been to make a difference in the community and individual lives, and has found myriad roles through which to accomplish that; 

• Kimberley Lee, chief of Creative Strategy and Development at MiraVista Behavioral Health Center, who has not only boosted the impact of numerous nonprofits, but has found many ways to help people, especially women, overcome barriers to self-sufficiency;

• Megan McDonough, executive director of Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity, whose work to advance homeownership in the region has improved the economic prospects for both individual families and the entire region;

• LaTonia Monroe Naylor, chief business educator at Monroe Naylor Consulting, LLC; and president and CEO of Parent Villages, who is not only helping entrepreneurs get their enterprises to the next level, but working on key issues of education and trauma resilience; 

• Kristi Reale, partner at Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C., whose reputation as a local leader in her industry extends not only to her clients, but the many young people, especially young women, she has mentored; and

• Dr. Shirley Jackson Whitaker, a nephrologist and artist who brought lessons in patient histories and healing to her latest role, as the producer of an important, moving documentary about one of America’s deep, unhealed wounds.

Congratulations to the Women of Impact class of 2024.

Businesses Need Educated Workforce

By Contributor
Opinion

Opinion

By Edward Lambert

Voters across the Commonwealth will decide on Nov. 5 whether to keep the MCAS as a high-school graduation requirement or to toss it without any real replacement that will ensure a high-school diploma actually means something in Massachusetts. Springfield’s business community must stand up and take notice.

While it is never a good time to lower standards, doing so when we are facing increasing national and international pressure to maintain our state’s economic competitiveness would be misguided at best and foolish at worst. The MCAS requirement not only helps strengthen our public education system, but also helps prepare our future workforce and improves our ability to attract and retain talent from our own backyard.

As part of the Knowledge Corridor, Springfield and its surrounding area host many colleges and universities. Education-adjacent jobs drive much of the city’s employment opportunities. Additionally, Baystate Health’s corporate offices operate out of Springfield. Other healthcare facilities, including Mercy Medical Center, bolster the area’s healthcare employment market.

Still, even with the city’s reliable employment industries, the overall employment rate is dismal, with 8.7% of Springfield residents facing unemployment, a leap above the national 5.3% average.

A well-rounded education can counter that. Now more than ever, Springfield needs an educated workforce to capitalize on the robust education, financial, and healthcare jobs that have long sustained the community. Requiring a passing MCAS score ensures public schools are producing graduates with the knowledge and skills needed for success in these markets.

MCAS data helps address and combat the inequities in our school systems that stunt student growth. Without it, we cannot accurately determine which students need the most support.

Question 2 states that, instead of passing the MCAS, students would be required to complete coursework certified by a student’s district as “demonstrating mastery of the competencies contained in the state academic standards.” While this language suggests that the state standards will still apply, as we’ve learned from our teachers in our high-school statistics and research courses, if you don’t have uniformity in how you assess something like achievement, then you don’t have a single standard. Only a common assessment can assure that.

In spite of some concerns raised when the MCAS graduation requirement went into effect, graduation rates eventually went up, dropout rates went down, and student achievement increased for all groups of students, leading Massachusetts to its first-in-the-nation status. Establishing a single, statewide standard for graduation has been central to that success.

If Question 2 passes, interpretation of the standards and whether they have been met will vary from district to district, school to school, and even within schools. In fact, just look at recent research and reports of grade inflation through and since the pandemic that has been detrimental to students, leading them to believe, incorrectly, that they are ready for college or a career.

Since the business community relies on an educated workforce to grow and compete in the 21st century, we must vote no on Question 2 and support targeted investments in our school system, including access to internships and other workforce opportunities.

As it stands, the MCAS remains the best barometer for determining whether or not students are learning at grade level. It shows where we’ve helped our students and where we’ve failed them. If we are dismayed by declining or stagnant test results, we shouldn’t tear up the test just because we don’t like what it reveals.

If our schools’ curriculums meet the same standards mandated by the state, our students should be able to pass the MCAS. If they aren’t, we should use the results to improve their performance and prepare them for a successful college and career path.

 

Edward Lambert is executive director of the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education, a nonprofit organization of employers created to promote improvement in public education. He is also a former mayor and school committee member in Massachusetts.

UMass Amherst to Host Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women Today

By
Daily News

AMHERST — UMass Amherst will host the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) for a hybrid public hearing today, Oct. 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Old Chapel.

MCSW is seeking testimony on issues facing women, children, and families in the Hampshire-Franklin region. Public hearings are an opportunity for women across the Commonwealth to give testimony on issues that matter most to them and their families, which directly inform MCSW’s policy priorities.

“Our public hearings provide a safe and open space for all women in their communities to be heard and to share their lived experience and the issues that impact their daily lives,” MCSW Chairwoman Mary-dith Tuitt said. “The power of testimonies comes from sharing personal stories. Any subject surrounding issues that women face, or obstacles that hinder the ability for all women to experience equity, are welcome topics. The hearing is a public meeting and an opportunity to be yourself, to find others like you, and to share your story in a way that will positively influence the work that we do on behalf of all women in the Commonwealth. The MCSW works to create change in the lives of women, and your narratives guide our policy and advocacy platform.”

MCSW commissioners are appointed by the governor, Senate president, speaker of the House, and Caucus of Women Legislators. The organization is responsible for studying, reviewing, and reporting on the status of women in the Commonwealth, and are charged with advising executive and legislative bodies on the effects of proposed legislation on women.

Those interested in attending virtually or in person are asked to register by clicking here. If you are a deaf or hard-of-hearing person with a disability who requires an accommodation or are someone who would benefit from language interpretation in a language other than English, indicate that need on the registration form (click here). MCSW will also stream this hearing live on Facebook (click here).

Neal Cybersecurity Center to Host Online Event on Oct. 29

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Celebrating Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, the Richard E. Neal Cybersecurity Center of Excellence will join the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center’s (MASBDC) Western Regional Office to present an online workshop titled “Securing your Business: Keeping the Hackers at Bay and Your Security Intact.”

The workshop is the first event to be held at the Neal Cybersecurity of Excellence, which officially opened in September. The public can watch the free event online on Tuesday, Oct. 29 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Visit stcc.io/cyberevent to register and find out more information.

“We are excited to host our first event and partner with MASBDC,” said Gene Kingsley, cyber range manager at the Richard E. Neal Cybersecurity Center of Excellence and one of the speakers. “The workshop will focus on helping businesses protect themselves against ever-evolving cybersecurity threats.”

STCC Vice President and Chief Information Officer Mary Kaselouskas added that “this is exactly why the Neal Cybersecurity Center was established: to provide education, resources, and support to the community as we work together to safeguard our digital infrastructure.”

The workshop will delve into the critical aspects of protecting a business from cyber threats. Speakers will explore industry-standard frameworks that provide robust guidelines for safeguarding a business owner’s digital assets.

In addition to Kingsley, guest speakers include Det. Lt. Brian Gavioli, unit commander for the Criminal Information Section and overseer of the Commonwealth Fusion Center’s Massachusetts Cybersecurity Program; Larry Wilson, a current cybersecurity consultant and instructor and former chief Information Security officer at UMass, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and Sumitomo Pharma Americas; Andrew Zawada, owner of Zawada Insurance in Worcester; and Rob DelMastro, director of the MASBDC Western Regional Office.

Topics include current cyber threats targeting businesses in this area, the benefits of having a cyber insurance policy, and practical steps a business owner can take to enhance their business’s cybersecurity posture. The goal of the workshop is to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools to better protect their business from cyber threats.

MountainOne Donates $5,000 for Hurricane Relief Efforts

By
Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — MountainOne announced a $5,000 donation to assist with relief and recovery efforts following the disastrous impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. This financial contribution underscores MountainOne’s dedication to supporting communities in times of need, even beyond its immediate service area. The donation was made in response to a call from the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc., which has been coordinating efforts to rally support for disaster-stricken regions.

MountainOne donated $2,500 to the North Carolina Bankers Assoc. Foundation’s Hurricane Helene Relief Fund. The fund was established to assist bank employees in Western North Carolina who have suffered losses and property damage as a result of the storm. An equal amount of $2,500 was donated to the Florida Disaster Fund, the state of Florida’s official private fund established to assist communities as they respond to and recover during times of emergency or disaster.

MountainOne’s contribution was guided by recommendations from the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc., in coordination with the North Carolina and Florida banking associations, helping to ensure the donations reach organizations well-equipped to provide meaningful support to those in need.

“While the impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton may be far from our doorstep, we feel a profound responsibility to lend a hand, supporting those in need as they work to rebuild and recover their community,” said Robert Fraser, president and CEO of MountainOne.

ServiceNet’s Prospect Meadow Farm Expands State, National Reach

By
Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — ServiceNet’s Prospect Meadow Farm recently secured two significant state grants, totaling $443,365, to support the expansion and development of its facilities and programs. The funding includes a $193,365 Food Security Infrastructure Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and a $250,000 Social Enterprise Capital Grant from the Executive Office of Economic Development.

These grants will fund the construction of a multi-functional production barn at the farm’s recently acquired 17-acre Pittsfield site, formerly Jodi’s Seasonal. The new barn will centralize the farm’s processing, packing, and cold-storage operations, significantly improving operational efficiency and allowing for increased local vegetable production year-round. This expansion will also enhance the farm’s vocational training programs, providing more meaningful work opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, and mental-health challenges.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support from the Executive Office of Economic Development and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources,” said Shawn Robinson, vice president of Vocational Services for ServiceNet. “These grants will help us strengthen our mission at Prospect Meadow Farm and create even more opportunities for the individuals we serve.”

Berkshire Bank Promotes Shane Rauh to Lead Business Banking Sales Team

By
Daily News

Shane Ruah

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Bank announced that Shane Rauh has been promoted to senior vice president, Business Banking team leader. In this role, he will lead the sales team for Business Banking in New York, Berkshire County, and Southern Vermont.

Rauh has more than 20 years of experience in the financial-services industry, with a special emphasis in business banking and commercial lending.

“Shane has a successful track record of partnering with commercial clients to deliver the financial services they need to grow and prosper,” said Rob Nichols, managing director, Business Banking. “As sales team leader, he’ll also work to deepen our already-robust focus on relationship building and communities across his three-state region.”

Before joining Berkshire Bank in March, Rauh was vice president, commercial relationship manager at Pioneer Bank. Prior to that role, he served as director of Business Banking at Broadview Federal Credit Union.

Massachusetts Unemployment Remains Below National Rate in September

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BOSTON — The state’s September total unemployment rate was 3.8%, a 0.1% increase from the revised August estimate of 3.7%, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced. The Massachusetts unemployment rate was 0.3% lower than the national rate of 4.1% reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Over the year, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was up by 0.5%.

The labor force increased by an estimated 6,500 from the revised estimate of 3,844,000 in August, with 2,700 more residents employed and 3,700 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 0.1% over the month, to 66.4%, the highest it has been since January 2020. Compared to September 2023, the labor-force participation rate increased by 1.4% over the year.

The BLS preliminary job estimates for Massachusetts decreased by 2,600 jobs in September. This follows August’s revised loss of 2,100 jobs. Preliminary private-sector jobs increased by 4,600 in September. The largest over-the-month private-sector job gains were in education and health services; other services; and professional, scientific, and business services. Employment now stands at 3,743,700. Massachusetts gained 680,200 jobs since the employment low in April 2020.

From September 2023 to September 2024, BLS estimates Massachusetts gained 34,100 jobs. The largest over-the-year gains occurred in education and health services, construction, and government.

Catch the Spirit of Spooky Season at Springfield Museums

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SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Museums will present Halloween at the Museums on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guests are encouraged to wear costumes, trick or treat in the museum galleries, and more. All activities are free with museum admission.

“Our Halloween celebration is always filled with spirited fun. We’re looking forward to offering engaging family activities and marveling at all the creative costumes,” said Larissa Murray, director of Education.

As they explore the grounds of the Museums, visitors will discover different ways to celebrate art, science, and Halloween in captivating, imaginative ways. Activities include face painting, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (line closes at 1:30 p.m.); make a trick-or-treat bag, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (while supplies last), giant bubbles, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (weather permitting); trick or treat, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (while supplies last, 10 stations, two pieces of candy per person per station); and ghost finger puppets, noon to 4 p.m.

HCS Head Start Announces 2024 Recipient of Janis Santos Scholarship

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SPRINGFIELD — Last year, Holyoke Chicopee Springfield (HCS) Head Start announced the formation of the Janis Santos Scholarship. This recognition was created by Janis Santos, former CEO of HCS Head Start, to help address the shortage of early-childhood teachers.

Santos, an avid supporter of early education for children and families, served as the lead of HCS Head Start for 48 years. She established the scholarship to support current HCS staff, parents, and Head Start alumni who are pursuing a degree in early education and care but may be encountering financial hardship.

Last year, the first Janis Santos Scholarship was awarded to Mayra Felix, who applied with the dream of using it toward completing her bachelor’s degree. The second annual scholarship was recently awarded to Notavious Andino-Galarza-Perez, who attended HCS Head Start 15 years ago and is currently studying at Columbia University.

“Head Start undoubtedly nurtured my creativity when I needed it most,” Andino-Galarza-Perez said. “Early in life, I, like many of us, realized that life would be difficult. It wouldn’t always be fair, and it certainly wouldn’t be easy. However, Head Start set out to challenge that. Day in and day out, the Head Start staff served their community, tirelessly nurturing the next generation (nurturing me), watering the seeds of the future.”

Santos, along with Nicole Blais, HCS Head Start’s current CEO, presented Andino-Galarza-Perez with this honor at the organization’s annual Professional Development Day. The recipient, joined by his mother, expressed his immense appreciation.

“I vividly remember playing teacher,” he said. “Oh, how I wanted to be in charge of the room! I would have given anything for that. Fast-forward 15 years, and although my interests have shifted slightly, the call toward the education field continues to pull at me. I often find myself imagining myself leading a classroom, just like I did all those years ago. This is what ultimately led me to minor in education.”

Andino-Galarza-Perez also shared that becoming a teacher would mean he would finally be able to repay the debt of gratitude owed to those who inspired him all those years ago, and hopefully inspire the next generation to always strive to be better than the last.

Through the generous donations of many sponsors, including Pioneer Valley Financial Group, the Janis Santos Scholarship will continue to annually support a deserving individual pursuing a career in early education.

Eversource on TIME’s List of World’s Best Companies for 2024

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BOSTON — As a reinforcement of its position as an energy-industry leader, Eversource has been listed in TIME’s ranking of the World’s Best Companies in 2024, which was curated in collaboration with global research and data firm Statista.

Ranked 396th overall out of 1,000 companies and the number-one U.S. utility, this recognition highlights the energy company’s exceptional performance in three key categories, including employee satisfaction; revenue growth; and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics.

“At Eversource, sustainability and keeping our employees engaged with an eye toward the environment are fully integrated into our business, and we’re honored to receive this distinction from TIME and Statista, which underscores our commitment to those core values, helping to make us the best energy company in the country,” Eversource Chairman, President, and CEO Joseph Nolan said.

“We’re proud to serve as a catalyst for New England’s clean-energy transition through innovation and a focus on a more sustainable future,” he added. “We’re able to live out that mission by investing in our dedicated employees, fostering a people-centric culture in the workplace, and supporting our communities. Exemplary corporate citizenship is essential for serving our customers, and this crowning recognition is a testament to the high standards we continue to set across all areas of our operations.”

MountainOne Receives ABA Brand Slam Award for Video Campaign

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NORTH ADAMS — MountainOne announced that it has been named a 2024 American Bankers Assoc. (ABA) Brand Slam Award winner for best video. This honor marks MountainOne’s 18th marketing-industry award, all earned since the launch of its brand campaign in 2019.

The ABA Brand Slam Awards recognize excellence in bank marketing across six key categories: video, integrated marketing, website redesign, public relations/community engagement, social media, and out-of-the-box idea. MountainOne won in the Video Campaign category for its piece, “Mo’s Storybook.”

Created in collaboration with HATCH the Agency, “Mo’s Storybook” introduces the bank’s new children’s storybook, “How to Climb a Mountain.” The video featuring Mo, MountainOne’s spokesgoat, is part of a larger effort to engage young audiences in financial education, making financial literacy more approachable.

The Brand Slam Award was presented to MountainOne and five other financial institutions on Oct. 7 at the ABA Bank Marketing Conference in Chicago.

“Our team is incredibly proud to receive this Brand Slam Award from the ABA,” said Jill Amato, senior vice president of Marketing and Community Banking officer at MountainOne. “The video was a fun and engaging way to introduce our ‘Mo’s Storybook’ initiative to our Mountaineers, community partners, and customers.”

Amato noted that the video debuted at MountainOne’s 175th annual meeting earlier this year, when the initiative was first unveiled. “When we first introduced Mo as part of our brand campaign in 2019, we knew we had something special. It’s been an exciting journey bringing Mo to life, and he’s become a beloved and relatable figure for both our customers and our Mountaineers.”

Florence Bank Supports MHA’s Wellness Classic Golf Tournament

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FLORENCE — Florence Bank supported the Mental Health Association’s 26th annual Wellness Classic Golf Tournament with a $5,000 sponsorship, helping the organization live its mission to better the lives of people challenged by intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Founded in the 1960s, formerly based in Springfield, and now located in Chicopee, MHA is a pioneer in community-based support for those living with mental illness, homelessness, intellectual disabilities, brain injuries, and substance use.

The organization offers more than 60 residential programs in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties and operates these four divisions, each serving a different segment of need: Recovery and Housing, supporting people with substance-use disorders or a mental-health diagnosis, as well as people experiencing chronic homelessness; New Way Services, for those who have experienced a brain injury; Integration and Community Living, serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities; and BestLife Emotional Health and Wellness, an outpatient behavioral-health clinic based in Springfield.

“We help people live their best lives, and we provide access to therapies that provide emotional health and wellness,” said Jen Ducharme, vice president of Development and Community Relations at MHA. “Our mission is to serve as many people as possible, as quickly as possible in ways that are person-centered. Everything is catered to the person receiving care because everybody’s needs are different.”

The Mental Health Assoc. serves 3,500 to 3,800 people each year, and its annual golf classic was held this year on Sept. 27 at Crestview Country Club in Agawam; it typically raises roughly $100,000.

“The funds raised for the Wellness Classic enable the Mental Health Organization to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve,” Florence Bank President and CEO Matt Garrity said. “We were honored to help by sponsoring so that individuals get the treatment they need to rebuild relationships with family, revive self-worth and independence, and live a life of health and wellness.”

Florence Bank is a long-term supporter of MHA and has been the organization’s banking partner for about 10 years.

“Florence Bank has been a wonderful partner to us with all of our banking needs and providing support in many ways for the work that we do,” Ducharme said. “They have a presence — unique and sincere. We know that, no matter what, we can count on them to discuss finances or for help with an initiative.”

Dakin Humane Society Partners with Steve Lewis Subaru for Discount Adoption Event

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SPRINGFIELD — Dakin Humane Society, in partnership with Steve Lewis Subaru of Hadley, will reduce adoption fees of all available pets by 50% on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 18-19 as part of Subaru Loves Pets, a national Subaru initiative to support the lives of as many shelter animals as possible. The adoption event will take place at Dakin’s shelter at 171 Union St. in Springfield.

In collaboration with Steve Lewis Subaru, Dakin is organizing the pet event to raise awareness for local pets in need. During the month of October, Steve Lewis Subaru and more than 630 Subaru retailers nationwide will work with the the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) to provide grants to local partner shelters, resulting in more than $3 million in donations.

Subaru is has donated more than $60 million since 2008 to national and local organizations that help in the adoption, rescue, transport, and health of more than 504,000 animals and pets.

Dakin is open to the public Tuesdays through Saturdays from 12:30 to 3 p.m. In-person visits are the quickest way to adopt a pet. If people have questions about a particular animal, they can email their questions to [email protected]. They may also leave a voicemail at (413) 781-4000, ext. 1, but, due to a high volume of calls and animals in care, response time may be longer.

The adoption fee for cats or dogs at Dakin includes spay/neuter surgery, veterinary examination, all age-appropriate vaccinations, microchip and registration, and deworming treatment. Additionally, cats receive tests for feline leukemia and FIV, while dogs receive flea and tick treatment and a heartworm test and prevention. Adopters of all pets from Dakin have access to behavioral support from staff members.

“At Steve Lewis Subaru, one of our favorite Love Promise events is Subaru Loves Pets,” said Joe Clark, general manager at Steve Lewis Subaru. “Our brand is synonymous with dogs, and we encourage our customers to bring in their dogs whenever they can — our staff loves it.

“In addition, we also cherish our ability to work with local organizations, schools, and businesses,” Clark went on. “We take great pride in participating in whatever way we can, whether it’s through sponsorships, attending events, or volunteering. Organizations like Dakin are a perfect fit for us, and we look forward to working with them every year. We have seen firsthand the care, attention, and dedication they have caring for and finding homes for their animals.”

Evan Plotkin Wins $15 Million Judgment from Johnson & Johnson in Mesothelioma Suit

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Daily News

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — On Oct. 15, a jury determined that Johnson & Johnson must pay $15 million to local real-estate developer Evan Plotkin, who claims to have developed mesothelioma as a result of using the company’s talc powder for decades.

Plotkin, president of Springfield-based NAI Plotkin, sued the company in 2021 soon after his diagnosis. The jury in Fairfield County Superior Court in Connecticut also found that the company should pay additional punitive damages, which will be determined later by the judge overseeing the case, according to Reuters.

“We are thrilled that the jury saw past Johnson & Johnson’s despicable attempts to avoid responsibility for the cancer they caused,” Ben Braly, a lawyer for Plotkin, told BusinessWest. “Evan developed a cancer singularly associated with asbestos exposure after 50 years of using asbestos-containing baby powder intended for use directly on a person’s face and body and on their babies and children. In spite of this, Johnson & Johnson tried to blame Evan for his cancer.

“The jury in Bridgeport reaffirms what juries around the country find over and over involving mesothelioma cancer,” he continued. “Specifically, Johnson’s Baby Powder had asbestos, J&J knew it, and, when faced with doing the right thing or the wrong thing about the issue, they chose the wrong thing every single time.”

Erik Haas, Johnson & Johnson’s worldwide vice president of Litigation, said in a statement that the company would appeal “erroneous” rulings by the trial judge that kept the jury from hearing critical facts about the case, Reuters also reported. Johnson & Johnson is currently seeking to resolve claims by more than 62,000 people who say that they got ovarian and other gynecological cancers from talc through a nearly $9 billion settlement in bankruptcy.

Plotkin told BusinessWest that “I’m just happy that this is behind me and that justice was served.”

bankESB Donates $5,000 to Easthampton Pickleball Fundraising Project

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Daily News

EASTHAMPTON — bankESB recently donated $5,000 to the Easthampton Pickleball Fundraising Project, a dedicated group of pickleball enthusiasts who have partnered with the Players Philanthropy Fund to raise money for new pickleball courts.

There are currently two pickleball courts located in Nonotuck Park that were constructed in 2020. Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., and these courts are immensely popular, often with more than 20 people waiting to play in just eight available spots. The Easthampton Pickleball Fundraising Project will help build two additional courts.

bankESB’s charitable giving program, the Giving Tree, reflects the roots the bank has in its communities and its commitment to making a difference in the neighborhoods it serves.

Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity to Host Free Financial Seminar on Oct. 23

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — On Wednesday, Oct. 23, Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) will host a free financial seminar for the community.

“Keep It Safe: Protecting Your Identity” will be presented in both English and Spanish at the Holyoke Public Library at 250 Chestnut St. in Holyoke. The class will run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend, but participants are required to sign up by clicking here.

“With how prevalent financial and identity-theft scams are today, it’s important to know how to protect yourself against them,” said Olga Callirgos, GSHFH’s Homeowner Programs coordinator.

GSHFH hosts free financial-literacy seminars monthly. At the Oct. 23 workshop, the presenter will provide information on how people can protect their finances and identities from thieves. To keep up to date about future seminars, visit habitatspringfield.org/financial-seminar.

Monson Savings Bank Donates $1,000 to Monson Free Library

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Daily News

MONSON — Monson Savings Bank recently presented a $1,000 donation to Monson Free Library as part of the 2024 Monson Savings Bank Community Giving Initiative, in which the public was given the opportunity to vote on which nonprofits would receive a donation from the bank in 2024.

“I’m thrilled to present this donation on behalf of Monson Savings Bank,” said Michael Rouette, executive vice president and chief operating officer. “The Monson Free Library makes a positive impact on the town of Monson and the surrounding communities by providing residents with free access to reading materials, programs, and other important resources. As someone who grew up in Monson, my family, including myself and my own children, have benefited from the town’s library.”

The Monson Free Library is passionate about working with the Monson community and is a valuable resource center for people of all ages. The library is concentrated on community priorities, culture, and education. It offers educational tools through diverse collections, services, technology, and programming.

“The community voted for the Monson Free Library to receive this donation from Monson Savings Bank, which tells me how important the library is to the members of our community,” said Hope Bodwell, library director. “We appreciate Monson Savings’ partnership and support over the years. Likewise, we are extremely grateful for the votes submitted through the bank’s annual Community Giving Initiative.”

PDC Inc. Raises $100,000 During Recent Charity Golf Tournament

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SPRINGFIELD — PDC Inc., a leading walls and ceilings contractor with offices in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York, raised a grand total of $100,000 during its ninth annual golf tournament held on Sept. 5 at Crestview Country Club in Agawam. Of that, $50,000 was donated to the Gray House Inc. in Springfield, and the other half benefited 87 charities primarily located throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut, in addition to several national organizations.

“After several successful tournaments, we created the PDC Foundation to better support our mission to give back to the community,” PDC co-owner Nick Shaink said. “We are particularly excited to have donated $50,000 of this year’s proceeds to our signature charity, the Gray House, an organization whose mission closely aligns with our values.”

The Gray House is dedicated to helping individuals and families facing hardship by providing food, clothing, and educational services in a safe, welcoming environment.

“We had the privilege of visiting the Gray House and touring their facilities with Executive Director Kristen McClintock,” Shaink said. “We witnessed firsthand the profound impact they have on the community.”

PDC co-owner Ron Perry added that “the record-breaking total we raised this year is a testament to the power of collaboration and our shared commitment to making a meaningful difference. A very special ‘thank you’ goes out to all of our event sponsors and participants, whose contributions made this day possible.”

UMassFive Celebrates International Credit Union Day, 50,000-member Milestone

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Daily News

HADLEY — UMassFive College Federal Credit Union joined credit unions worldwide in celebrating International Credit Union Day, an annual event that commemorates the achievements and global impact of the credit-union movement.

This year, UMassFive has an extra special reason to celebrate, having recently surpassed the milestone of 50,000 members banking at the not-for-profit financial cooperative. As part of the celebration, UMassFive invites its members to visit a local branch during the week of Oct. 15 to pick up a “Credit Unions Rock” bumper sticker and enjoy light refreshments.

“We couldn’t be prouder to reach this 50,000-member milestone,” said Craig Boivin, UMassFive’s vice president of Marketing. “Our success is rooted in the commitment we make to each member, providing them with personalized financial solutions that enhance their financial wellness. This achievement is a reflection of the trust our members place in us and our cooperative, people-first approach to finance.”

Since 1948, International Credit Union Day has been celebrated annually on the third Thursday of October. This year’s day, Oct. 17, marks its 76th anniversary under the theme “One World Through Cooperative Finance.” Globally, credit unions serve more than 403 million members in 98 countries.