Home 2025 April (Page 3)
DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and/or trade names were issued or renewed during the months of March and April 2025.

BELCHERTOWN

Greg Moss Photography
27 Shaw St.
Gregory Moss

Harmony Consulting 413 LLC
8 Newton St.
David Pare

Holistic Healthcare Services Inc.
21 Everett Ave.
James Moran

Oli’s Pet Care
52 Maple St.
Olivia Fenton

Park Place Bed & Breakfast Inn
38 Park St.
Janet Maurer

HOLYOKE

Anugraha
50 Holyoke St.
Parlad Gurung

Bermudez Tax Services
619 South Summer St.
Maria Bermudez

Complex Painting Services
24 Labrie Lane
Paul Whelihan

De la Luz
92 Race St.
LightHouse Personalized Education for Teens

Fairfield Inn & Suites
229 Whiting Farms Road
66 Holyoke LLC

Fresh and Clean Power Wash
40 Washington Ave.
Geraldo Ramirez

Hawk Renovations
12 Lorraine St.
Linee Perroncel

Hibiscus
455 South St.
Yonghe Chen

J & Sons Holdings
15 Longwood Ave.
Jason Gerace

MadeInHolyoke.com
523 South St.
Jonathan Chavez, Elsie Rodriguez

Paper City Parts
98 Ridgewood Ave.
Jeffrey Correa

Tina Studio
171 High St.
Cristina Caez

T-Mobile Northeast LLC
50 Holyoke St.
T-Mobile USA Inc.

Valley Mart
4 North Bridge St.
Andrea Stanley, Christian Stanley

PITTSFIELD

B&G Glass
35 First St.
B&G Glass

Bay View Beach LLC
17 East Housatonic St.
Emmanuel Oppong

Clock Tower Partners LLC
75 South Church St.
Jennifer Soldato, Heather Robb

Insight Holdings II LLC
55 North St.
Joanna Barzottini

Pittsfield Residences LLC
164 Summer St.
Frank Owusu Digan

Price Memorial AME Zion Church
27 East St.
Donsil Harris

Scarafoni Associates Nominee Trust
100 North St.
Jacob Tarjick

Shire Blooms LLC
112 Stratford Ave.
Cheyenne-Rindge Chamaio

This Is Forty LLC
30 East Housatonic St.
Paul Joegad

Wild Orchid Enterprises
1575 West Housatonic St.
Wojkowski Bros. Inc.

SOUTHWICK

D&J’s Hash House
784 College Highway
Susan Duffy

Izzy’s Barbershop
610 College Highway, Unit 11
Isidro Acosta

Original Copy Press
7 Dewitt Circle
Jeffrey Covell

Pioneer Valley Trading Co. Inc.
660 College Highway
Michael Albert

Raw Consulting LLC
31 Ranch Club Road
Rebecca White

Thomas J. McLaughlin
22 Kline Road
Thomas McLaughlin

Woodland Brook Wreaths
91 North Longyard Road
Lauri Gibbs

Your CBD Store
549 College Highway, Unit C
Lorraine Denoncourt

WESTFIELD

Alessio’s Pizza
280 Southampton Road
Mejia Tex Mex Inc.

Bite Club
78 Franklin St.
Jeff Cahill

Country Mart
397 Little River Road
M&H Enterprises Inc.

Full Gospel Christian School
110 Union St.
Kristina Podzemelnova

James Hardie Building Products Inc.
70 Turnpike Industrial Road
K. William Franken

Lucky China Star Inc.
36 Southwick Road
Lucky China Star Inc.

Mina’s Wine & Spirits
53 Elm St.
5355 Elm Corp.

Okee Industries
94 North Elm St., #204
Steve Bagley

Panda House
589 East Main St.
Panda House Inc.

Quality Inn
2 Southampton Road
New Light Inc.

Sergey Mitev Music Studio
70 Fairfield Ave.
Sergey Mitev

State of the Art
56 Court St.
Jessica MacKnight

Western Mass Eye Care Inc.
53 Court St.
Western Mass Eye Care Inc.

Westfield Liquors
95 Main St.
Krisha Liquors Corp.

Yas Chicken
225 East Main St.
Jun Zhang

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Bella Napoli
185 Elm St.
Bella Napoli

Cabot Creamery
958 Riverdale St.
Cabot Creamery

Flowermanpan
723-725 Union St.
Flowermanpan

The Flying Locksmiths and Flylock Security Solutions
425 Union St.
EmAri Enterprises Inc.

Phoenix Staffing Solutions
178 New Bridge St.
Phoenix Staffing Solutions

ProSigns
777 Riverdale St.
ProSigns

WS Automation
106 Pease Ave.
WS Automation

Bankruptcies

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

7Q59 Amherst, LLC
41 Huntington Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 11
Date: 03/17/2025

Allen, Gary R.
Allen, Sylvie
4 Pearl Brook Road
Southwick, MA 01077-9380
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/22/2025

Amaya, Veronica E.
10 Southpoint Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/27/2025

Bailleul, Ashley
a/k/a Easton, Ashley Gloria
168 Wolcott Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/28/2025

Beaulieu, Laura A.
53 Notre Dame St., Apt. 1F
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/21/2025

Belisle, Donald
41 Court St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/31/2025

Bernier, David H.
178 Glendale Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/18/2025

Brenner, Tim
a/k/a Brenner, Timothy E.
PO Box 157
East Otis, MA 01029
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/18/2025

Building 8 Brewing Inc.
OBCT, Inc. fdba The Sierra Grille
Tomalin, O’Brian Charles
Tomalin, Meghan Kathleen
a/k/a Scully, Meghan K.
21 Clement St.
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/31/2025

Canavan, Dale E.
23 Joffre St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/28/2025

Canavan, Shannon L.
21 Laramee St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/28/2025

Cassaday, Carol A.
57 Beacon St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/28/2025

Cataldi, Tyler
16 Cole Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/31/2025

Dejesus, Ashley E.
150 Drexel St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/17/2025

DiRienzo, Derek Paul
DiRienzo, Alicia Ann
a/k/a Costa, Alicia Anne
123 Winter St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/27/2025

Dunshee – Peterson, Christine Lynn
199 Phillipston Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/28/2025

Erali, Gina Maria
140 Tully Road
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/25/2025

Flynn, Kiley (Kimberly)
a/k/a McTaggart, Kimberly
71 Evergreen Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/25/2025

Gebeau, Gail
42 Corey Colonial
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/29/2025

Gingras, Cory
99 Arthur St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/31/2025

Gonzalez, Jaime R.
98 Colony Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028-0000
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/28/2025

Gonzalez, Joseph
Gonzalez, Kelly
19 Woronco Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/31/2025

Isles, Joshua A.
9 Pond St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/31/2025

Jacobs, Matthew Christian
83 West Myrtle St., Apt. 1
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/24/2025

Jordan, Eric L.
Jordan, Jennifer L.
172 South Washington St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/23/2025

Jordan, Patrick
137 Shawmut St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/31/2025

Kane, Kathleen Anne
209 Peterson Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/31/2025

King, Kenneth F.
19 Pinewood Road
Hampden, MA 01036-0000
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/31/2025

Kuenzel, Keith H.
232 Woodcrest Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/21/2025

Little Hands Daycare
Rodriguez, Edna
89 Teakwood Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/18/2025

Livernois, Kylee V.
54 Granby Road, Unit #31
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/26/2025

Maher, Stephen C.
56 Hapgood St., Apt B
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/18/2025

Mancini, Francis A.
73 Klaus Anderson Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/31/2025

Marcus, Samuel Jordan
Bilkis-Marcus, Gwendolyn Rose
1040 North Pleasant St., Apt 294
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/25/2025

Marquez-Estrella, Jose E.
Cruz, Nancy
20-22 Hall Place
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/26/2025

Martin, Charlene D.
134 Edward St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/26/2025

Mendoza, Nelson J.
407 Bay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/31/2025

Menzie, Jermaine
87 Garfield St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/28/2025

Mexcalito Taco-Bar, Inc.
Mexcalito Taco Bar Noho, Inc.
Albury, Jennifer Lee
Marquez-Diaz, Antonio
281 Mill Valley Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/17/2025

Michalski, Mary
9 Florence Road
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/26/2025

Mitchell, Jessica L.
387 Southwick St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/27/2025

Moseley, Mark Anthony
1848 Main St., Apt. 2
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/21/2025

Oppenheimer, Kathy A.
824 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/20/2025

Ortega, Argenis J.
41 Bristol St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/27/2025

Paredes, Marcos A.
10 Southpoint Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/27/2025

Patten, Thomas K.
44 Rolling Green Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/21/2025

Pearson, Kimberly Marie
a/k/a Harnois, Kimberly Marie
249 Bostwick Lane
Chicopee, MA 01020-3866
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/17/2025

Perez-Santiago, Samuel
a/k/a Santiago, Samuel P.
Medina-Virella, Haydee
a/k/a Medina, Haydee
75 Balboa Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/28/2025

Pini, Ashley M.
107 Pinehurst St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/31/2025

Rivera, Jessika
227 Beech St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/20/2025

Roffe, Arvi J.
19 Edwill Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/24/2025

Schindler, Christopher
48 Stewart St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/17/2025

Sharma, Aneesh
134 Ohio Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/29/2025

Smith, Alexander J.
91 Williams St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/31/2025

T & S Landscaping
Rodgers, Charles C.
271 Loomis St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/28/2025

Torres, Luis A.
80 Carew St.
Chicopee, MA 01020-4504
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/18/2025

Truehart, Jessica
534 Hapgood St.
Athol, MA 01331-2951
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/17/2025

 

Real Estate

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

ASHFIELD

294 Buckland Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Maxwell Finck
Seller: Laura L. Finck
Date: 03/25/25

BERNARDSTON

102 Bald Mountain Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $580,000
Buyer: Tyler A. Nolan
Seller: Scott Digeorge
Date: 03/27/25

DEERFIELD

12 Thayer St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Patrick O. Thompson
Seller: Ann E. Thompson
Date: 03/21/25

GREENFIELD

51 Beech St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Katherine B. Bargar
Seller: William B. Bliven
Date: 03/27/25

311 Chapman St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Donald Miller
Seller: Gerry, Charles E., (Estate)
Date: 03/31/25

43 Cleveland St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Alicia Moyer
Seller: Cara J. Sharpes-Smith
Date: 03/31/25

100 Fairview St., E
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Douglas Ruopp
Seller: Arthur Morgan
Date: 03/17/25

63 Pierce St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $409,000
Buyer: Emily Norton
Seller: Susan Herbst
Date: 03/28/25

44 Spring Ter.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Bryna Ziobro
Seller: Samantha M. Staelens
Date: 03/24/25

MONTAGUE

61 Central St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: David W. Galvin
Seller: Neil A. Young
Date: 03/24/25

45 Millers Falls Road
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Marshall W. Sisson
Seller: Philip J. Villeneuve
Date: 03/28/25

17 Old Sunderland Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $585,000
Buyer: Liam H. O’Brien
Seller: William S. Andrews
Date: 03/28/25

NEW SALEM

168 Blackinton Road
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Jeffrey M. Cringan
Seller: Eric C. Clukey
Date: 03/27/25

NORTHFIELD

258 Old Wendell Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $289,900
Buyer: Maryjane Dwyer
Seller: Western New England TR VIII
Date: 03/28/25

ORANGE

30 Athol Road
Orange, MA 01331
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Sidia M. Escobar
Seller: Patrick Connors
Date: 03/18/25

288 East Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $279,900
Buyer: Michael A. Candelora
Seller: Virginia Realty Inc.
Date: 03/21/25

507 East Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Clelviano M. Leao
Seller: Dream Home Investors LLC
Date: 03/26/25

244 East Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: Timothy F. Richter
Seller: Sean T. Bardsley
Date: 03/19/25

74 Packard Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Charles Verheyen
Seller: Thomas F. Burke
Date: 03/20/25

61 Shadow Lane
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: Lori L. Wisniewski
Seller: Albert M. Rousseau
Date: 03/27/25

WARWICK

188 Old Winchester Road
Warwick, MA 01378
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Jedathan Richardson
Seller: Frederick H. Abbott
Date: 03/24/25

WHATELY

23 Conway Road
Whately, MA 01039
Amount: $833,000
Buyer: Augustus P. Gaylord
Seller: Nicholas M. Wojcik
Date: 03/27/25

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

11 Conifer Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: John R. Shea
Seller: Dennis A. Bousquet
Date: 03/27/25

132 Franklin St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $312,000
Buyer: Michelle L. Roberts
Seller: 132 Franklin RT
Date: 03/31/25

142 Franklin St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Andrew S. Rossoshanskiy
Seller: M. Loss Realty NT
Date: 03/27/25

47 Hall St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Joshua J. Zuccalo
Seller: Ennaco, Andrew A., (Estate)
Date: 03/31/25

130 Line St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Francesco C. Demaio
Seller: Filomena A. Garreffi
Date: 03/31/25

8 Ridgeview Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $216,000
Buyer: Douglas Dichard
Seller: Jeffrey M. Brown
Date: 03/26/25

54 Rugby Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: Vasyl Lytvynchuk
Seller: Hartung, Frederick M., (Estate)
Date: 03/28/25

204 Suffield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Megafino LLC
Seller: Thomas Russo
Date: 03/19/25

BRIMFIELD

17 East Hill Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $278,276
Buyer: Jillian K. Perry
Seller: Perry IRT RT
Date: 03/24/25

46 Little Alum Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Bremwell FT
Seller: Jacqueline Splaine
Date: 03/25/25

33 Paige Hill Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $779,900
Buyer: Susan J. Cupero
Seller: Tammy M. Lamy
Date: 03/27/25

Route 20
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $630,000
Buyer: Ralph W. Nichols
Seller: Brimfield RT
Date: 03/18/25

56 Tower Hill Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $725,000
Buyer: Ralph W. Nichols
Seller: Heather Blais
Date: 03/28/25

CHESTER

54 Route 20
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $242,000
Buyer: Jacob Beaudette
Seller: Francis Gagnon
Date: 03/21/25

 

CHICOPEE

31 Alvord Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Wei Yan
Seller: Edythe M. Ambroz
Date: 03/20/25

90 Angela Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Kevin Mangano
Seller: Normand C. Girouard
Date: 03/28/25

22 Berger St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Cassandra C. Ham
Seller: Ross Hutchinson
Date: 03/31/25

209 Casey Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: M. & G. Land Development LLC
Seller: Karen M. Benoit
Date: 03/31/25

12 Dallaire Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Savida Management Inc.
Seller: Authier Inc.
Date: 03/26/25

3 Graham Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $166,000
Buyer: Veteran Stan LLC
Seller: Linda E. Papuga
Date: 03/20/25

1360 Granby Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $389,900
Buyer: Billy J. Torres
Seller: Congamond Management LLC
Date: 03/28/25

728 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Angel Y. Rojas
Seller: Fagnant, Rene V, (Estate)
Date: 03/25/25

100 Loomis Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Thomas M. Marshall
Seller: Martin, Joan M., (Estate)
Date: 03/20/25

103 Lorraine St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Szymon K. Chmielewski
Seller: Marek R. Randzio
Date: 03/28/25

22 Marble Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Peter Skerritt
Seller: Patricia A. Fede
Date: 03/27/25

81 McCarthy Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $150,714
Buyer: LB-Ranch Properties V LLC
Seller: Richard A. Emond
Date: 03/18/25

566 McKinstry Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Jose A. Hernandez-Suares
Seller: Lacroix, Irene J., (Estate)
Date: 03/26/25

19 Montello Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $212,000
Buyer: Kmak LLC
Seller: Robert Jacques
Date: 03/21/25

26 Olivine St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: New Wave Realty LLC
Seller: Kmak LLC
Date: 03/25/25

175 Pendexter Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Locke Properties LLC
Seller: Veterans Action Assn. Inc.
Date: 03/21/25

91 Poplar St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Anthony M. Cicero
Seller: David Lacoste
Date: 03/27/25

32 Quincy Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Michael Sullivan
Seller: Gary H. Bousquet
Date: 03/31/25

69 Rochester St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Ashley N. Feliciano
Seller: Jarrid Kendall
Date: 03/21/25

35 Sherman Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Rhiana Toro
Seller: Ramon Gonzalez
Date: 03/31/25

60 Stewart St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Jonathan G. Barroso
Seller: Antoinette Wegrzyn
Date: 03/21/25

18 Villa Lane
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Joseph A. Moreau
Seller: Manchester Enterprise LLC
Date: 03/17/25

EAST LONGMEADOW

62 Baymor Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $291,000
Buyer: Ebak Projects LLC
Seller: Jonathan A. Miorandi
Date: 03/21/25

102 Bayne St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Shawn Pierce
Seller: Dorothy L. Lofgren
Date: 03/28/25

40 Benjamin St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Montesino Property Mgmt. Realty
Seller: Carol A. Ray
Date: 03/20/25

11 Burt Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Matthias Maaloee
Seller: Michael M. Cuccovia
Date: 03/25/25

170 Tanglewood Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $608,000
Buyer: Jeanette Enriquez
Seller: Mary P. Mazza
Date: 03/20/25

117 Vineland Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: John O’Melia
Seller: Kyle A. Conley
Date: 03/26/25

55 White Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Exchange Assets LLC
Seller: Truce Real Estate LLC
Date: 03/25/25

GRANVILLE

1665 Main Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Jenna L. Nicol
Seller: Milton H. Stauffer
Date: 03/21/25

HAMPDEN

221 Bennett Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: Carol Hunt
Seller: James C. Fass
Date: 03/18/25

HOLYOKE

32 Arden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Naples Home Buyers TR
Seller: Whitelock FT
Date: 03/31/25

192-194 Beech St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $321,000
Buyer: Stephanie S. Singh
Seller: Carlos Penalbert
Date: 03/31/25

Bobala Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Agilitas Energy Inc.
Seller: Holyoke Economic Development
Date: 03/28/25

26 Forestdale Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $6,950,000
Buyer: Witman Properties LLC
Seller: Hilltop Garden Apts. LLC
Date: 03/27/25

40 Forestdale Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $6,950,000
Buyer: Witman Properties LLC
Seller: Hilltop Garden Apts. LLC
Date: 03/27/25

39 Gilman St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Kenneth C. Fortune
Seller: Kevin O’Connor
Date: 03/31/25

95-97 High St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $452,400
Buyer: Juan A. Perez
Seller: Chris M. Fry
Date: 03/28/25

413-415 Hillside Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Christine H. Dibella TR
Seller: Edith Salgado
Date: 03/19/25

238 Lyman St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Reinaldo R. Torres
Seller: Rehab Home Buyers LLC
Date: 03/19/25

219 Pine St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Paulin Otilien
Seller: Nancy L. Martinez
Date: 03/25/25

575-577 Pleasant St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $6,950,000
Buyer: Witman Properties LLC
Seller: Hilltop Garden Apts. LLC
Date: 03/27/25

581-583 Pleasant St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $6,950,000
Buyer: Witman Properties LLC
Seller: Hilltop Garden Apts. LLC
Date: 03/27/25

585-589 Pleasant St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $6,950,000
Buyer: Witman Properties LLC
Seller: Hilltop Garden Apts. LLC
Date: 03/27/25

25 Richard Eger Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $334,000
Buyer: Harper Jackson RET
Seller: Jewett, Mary, (Estate)
Date: 03/24/25

8 Rugby St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Kaleb Trombley
Seller: Ronald Lamagdeleine
Date: 03/20/25

38 Upland Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Dale Deslippe
Seller: Goss, Robert K., (Estate)
Date: 03/20/25

44 Washington Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $136,500
Buyer: Fitzgerald Hm Soln LLC
Seller: Option 1 Mortgage Loan TR
Date: 03/20/25

LONGMEADOW

77 Arlington Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $557,000
Buyer: Carolyn Tapp
Seller: Bay Path University
Date: 03/31/25

98 Colony Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $715,000
Buyer: Elizabeth A. Dill
Seller: Kathleen A. Ketcham
Date: 03/27/25

62 Longview Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Caitlin White
Seller: Nancy B. Caputi
Date: 03/31/25

365 Maple Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Tzu C. Wen
Seller: Dana M. Hartigan
Date: 03/31/25

130 South Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $374,900
Buyer: Donghee Kim
Seller: O’Reilly, Joan G., (Estate)
Date: 03/28/25

121 Wilkin Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Rebecca E. Lindsay
Seller: Michael P. Bombich
Date: 03/21/25

LUDLOW

54 Cady St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Ludlow Housing Authority
Seller: William Raleigh
Date: 03/17/25

18 Grimard St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $201,000
Buyer: Donna J. Rinaldi
Seller: Maxwell, Janeanne, (Estate)
Date: 03/31/25

24 Higher St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Cooper J. Havican
Seller: Michael Genereux
Date: 03/31/25

38 McDonald Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Donald A. Sorel
Seller: Jeffrey A. Steigmeyer
Date: 03/26/25

254 Miller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $670,000
Buyer: Kathleen Brunelle
Seller: Daniel R. Dias
Date: 03/31/25

20 Mineral Spring Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $850,000
Buyer: 20 Mineral Spring RT
Seller: Alan T. Teixeira
Date: 03/28/25

16 Nash Hill Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Brian Fontaine
Seller: John R. Auclair
Date: 03/31/25

65 Pine St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Erik Bastos
Seller: Patricia A. Fontaine
Date: 03/31/25

Prospect Gardens
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: VDS Properties LLC
Seller: Randy P. Pascale
Date: 03/17/25

18 Winsor St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $334,000
Buyer: Desarey TR
Seller: George J. Bosco
Date: 03/27/25

MONSON

210 Moulton Hill Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Anthony Plescia
Seller: Nichole M. Malone
Date: 03/20/25

125 Munn Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $524,000
Buyer: Gregory J. Falcone
Seller: Nathan R. Olson
Date: 03/31/25

51 Stafford Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $392,500
Buyer: Nathan Murch
Seller: Anthony Poehler
Date: 03/18/25

PALMER

17 Alden St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Yeliza Q. De Delgado
Seller: Patriot Real Estate Holdings LLC
Date: 03/25/25

6 Brown St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $206,000
Buyer: Lykabiko LLC
Seller: Adrienne L. Mercier
Date: 03/21/25

10 Buckland St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Francis H. Venne
Seller: Jennifer N. McCarthy
Date: 03/28/25

23 Burlingame Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Derek Beaulieu
Seller: A-O-K RT
Date: 03/21/25

1180 Calkins Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $342,500
Buyer: Antonio R. Orciari
Seller: Brittany A. Cormier
Date: 03/28/25

8 Chamber Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Palmer Storage LLC
Seller: Paul J. Les
Date: 03/31/25

3080 South Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Luis S. Carillo
Seller: Richard K. Kirchner
Date: 03/31/25

SPRINGFIELD

15 Alice St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Shigen Zhu
Seller: Bedore, John Peter, (Estate)
Date: 03/19/25

827 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $294,000
Buyer: Ivelisse R. Aponte
Seller: Muhammad Akbar
Date: 03/17/25

90 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Khl Group LLC
Seller: Bjb RET
Date: 03/20/25

132 Birchland Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Virginia O. Pearson
Seller: Martha E. Dimauro
Date: 03/20/25

15-17 Bloomfield St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Enrique Soto
Seller: Dnepro Properties LLC
Date: 03/21/25

1131 Boston Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $510,000
Buyer: R. & R. Home Improvement
Seller: 1131 Boston Road LLC
Date: 03/18/25

41 Briggs St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Lisette Torres
Seller: Jeremy D. Scott
Date: 03/17/25

62-64 Bristol St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Fumi Realty Inc.
Seller: P&R Investments LLC
Date: 03/20/25

124 Bristol St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Samaris N. Gonzalez
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 03/27/25

74 Cherry St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Luis Veras
Seller: Emtay Inc.
Date: 03/21/25

33 Coleman St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Carlos C. Cuevas
Seller: Kenny A. Rodriguez
Date: 03/28/25

14 Coomes St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $478,000
Buyer: Oluwole Fabikun
Seller: Roderick R. Barton
Date: 03/26/25

28 Crest St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Anthony Trabal
Seller: Anthony Trabal
Date: 03/26/25

214-216 Dickinson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: MT Empire Realty LLC
Seller: 214 Dickinson LLC
Date: 03/24/25

239 Durant St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Jacquelyn Kraps
Seller: Alexander Sanginario
Date: 03/28/25

65 Edgemont St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $176,000
Buyer: Sareen Holdings LLC
Seller: K. M. Pollard-Haskell
Date: 03/21/25

23 Eldert St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $178,500
Buyer: Citizens Bank
Seller: Christopher J. Ahearn
Date: 03/25/25

97-99 Fernwold St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Alba Contreras
Seller: Daniele Manzi
Date: 03/27/25

86 Fieldston St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $231,990
Buyer: Abigail M. Cordeiro
Seller: Arpc LLC
Date: 03/25/25

20 Georgetown St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Julie T. Paolino
Seller: Anne M. Dooney
Date: 03/27/25

45 Georgetown St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $262,600
Buyer: Robert L. Hernandez
Seller: Brandee L. Baker
Date: 03/21/25

83 Gilbert Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: Kimone Wedderburn
Seller: Patricia A. Tucker
Date: 03/18/25

211 Glenoak Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $218,000
Buyer: NZ Property LLC
Seller: Sherri Ferguson
Date: 03/21/25

211 Glenoak Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: R. & R. Home Improvement
Seller: NZ Property LLC
Date: 03/21/25

89 Grand St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $136,500
Buyer: Lotcus LLC
Seller: Best, Bernard E., (Estate)
Date: 03/17/25

26 Greenacre Square
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Jhn Investments LLC
Seller: Springfield Ventures RT
Date: 03/27/25

24 Hiawatha St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Colondres Co. LLC
Seller: Carrie E. Gould
Date: 03/27/25

35 Lenn Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: James M. Kalbaugh
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 03/26/25

381 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Plus Realty LLC
Seller: John L. Wajdula
Date: 03/20/25

38 Malcolm Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Tanea Eddington
Seller: Wilnette Morgan
Date: 03/28/25

43 Martha St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $351,750
Buyer: Sarah Lieb
Seller: Dianita Gonzalez
Date: 03/28/25

19 Mary Louise St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Caitlyn P. Crochiere
Seller: Kevin Mangano
Date: 03/28/25

126-128 Maynard St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $259,100
Buyer: Jean M. Mompremier
Seller: App Realty TLLC
Date: 03/26/25

217 Mazarin St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $279,094
Buyer: Lakeview Loan Servicing LLC
Seller: Everett Vaughn
Date: 03/20/25

18-20 Middlesex St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $348,000
Buyer: Mohamed M. Arbow
Seller: Delores I. Weir
Date: 03/17/25

45-1/2 Monroe St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Jessica Alcantara
Seller: A&M Investments LLC
Date: 03/28/25

130-132 Mooreland St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Maria A. Cotto
Seller: Manferdini, Shirley M., (Estate)
Date: 03/17/25

393 Newbury St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Katherine R. Lopez
Seller: R. M. Blerman LLC
Date: 03/27/25

328 Newhouse St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $323,000
Buyer: Jonathan L. Romero
Seller: Roberto Villafane
Date: 03/18/25

28 Notre Dame St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Danisha L. Flucker
Seller: Debra Babowicz
Date: 03/24/25

239-241 Oak Grove Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Muhammad Akbar
Seller: Nancy A. Kelly
Date: 03/21/25

310 Oakland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Jose G. Fermin
Seller: Angelica Fermaintt
Date: 03/27/25

105 Oregon St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Molli Mowry
Seller: Louis F. Dirienzo
Date: 03/18/25

208 Osborne Ter.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Unlimited Construction Services Inc.
Seller: Wicked Deals LLC
Date: 03/21/25

141 Parkerview St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Nelson Z. Hernandez
Seller: West Jam Man LLC
Date: 03/17/25

28 Pemaquid St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $273,000
Buyer: Jose A. Feliciano
Seller: Alphonso T. Can
Date: 03/19/25

191 Phoenix Ter.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Dreamwake Homes Inc.
Seller: Caterina N. Penna
Date: 03/25/25

8 Putnam St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $342,000
Buyer: Louisa A. Sirkisoon
Seller: Doug Dichard
Date: 03/31/25

27-29 Rapalus St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Tok Chang
Seller: Secretary Of Housing & Urban Development
Date: 03/18/25

66 Redlands St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Theodore G. Hebert
Seller: John Bednaz
Date: 03/31/25

553-555 Saint James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $6,150,000
Buyer: 553 St. James LLC
Seller: St. James Place Properties LLC
Date: 03/24/25

131 Samuel St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Jessica Villafane
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 03/18/25

36-38 Santa Barbara St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Diana P. Peralta
Seller: Alex Reyes
Date: 03/19/25

75 Shamrock St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Marina M. Lopez
Seller: Maria F. Alban
Date: 03/21/25

32 Spikenard Circle
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Jessica S. Benoit
Seller: Bethany Boyle
Date: 03/28/25

636 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Jean M. Cesar
Seller: Rosa P. Ryan
Date: 03/24/25

92 Sunset Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Yelissa E. Santana-Clase
Seller: Roberto Lopez
Date: 03/26/25

60 Superior Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $222,500
Buyer: Dnepro Properties LLC
Seller: Jennifer Cruz
Date: 03/21/25

Switzer Ave. (NS)
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $183,750
Buyer: Bho Realty LLC
Seller: Charlene Kelly
Date: 03/25/25

50 Switzer Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $183,750
Buyer: Bho Realty LLC
Seller: Charlene Kelly
Date: 03/25/25

64 Thompson St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $376,000
Buyer: Suly Y. Monsalve
Seller: Linc Suppliers Corp.
Date: 03/28/25

67 Thompson St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $449,000
Buyer: Brandon Clarke
Seller: Adilenia Ramos
Date: 03/25/25

206 Treetop Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $198,000
Buyer: Miroslav Nesterchuk
Seller: Gregory S. Kobuskaitis
Date: 03/28/25

600 Union St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Ihi Wave LLC
Seller: Chenevert Properties LLC
Date: 03/25/25

48 Vail St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Ira Caple
Seller: Jasmin Clemons
Date: 03/31/25

37-39 Vassar St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $382,000
Buyer: Juan Rivera
Seller: Joejoe Properties LLC
Date: 03/28/25

15 Verge St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $141,330
Buyer: Foreclosure Commissioner
Seller: Jessica Clarke
Date: 03/25/25

189 Waldorf St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Victor R. Acosta
Seller: Antonio M. Rivera
Date: 03/31/25

45 Wallace St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Jadir U. Deoliveira
Seller: Nathaniel Dusza
Date: 03/27/25

72 Waverly St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Nishant Mathur
Seller: Neha Chavan
Date: 03/21/25

21 Wendell Place
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Chenevert Properties LLC
Seller: Liberti, Vincenza, (Estate)
Date: 03/25/25

21 Wendell Place
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Ihi Wave LLC
Seller: Chenevert Properties LLC
Date: 03/25/25

25 West Crystal Brook Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Nres LLC
Seller: Talyansky, Victoria, (Estate)
Date: 03/21/25

71 Westford Circle
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Wendy Sulewski
Seller: Damon A. Bermudez
Date: 03/17/25

15 Whipple St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Ddmns Realty LLC
Seller: 15 Whipple Street LLC
Date: 03/28/25

1786 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Imam Sadeq Islamic Foundation
Seller: Sareen Properties LLC
Date: 03/17/25

491-493 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Islande Zetrenne
Seller: Oakwood Asset Mgmt. LLC
Date: 03/18/25

44 Wilson St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Jose A. Ortiz
Seller: Stacey L. Canady
Date: 03/17/25

46-48 Windsor St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Clearedge Lending LLC
Seller: Spring Forth Properties LLC
Date: 03/19/25

109-111 Woodmont St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $361,100
Buyer: Jessica Matias
Seller: Thomas A. Oakley
Date: 03/28/25

1256-1258 Worcester St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $445,500
Buyer: Isaac Dasilva
Seller: Amadeu P. Pereira
Date: 03/31/25

125 Yale St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $397,000
Buyer: Melissa Camille
Seller: Lloyd Cameron
Date: 03/19/25

SOUTHWICK

21 Feeding Hills Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Ventry Holdings LLC
Seller: Megan Cammisa
Date: 03/28/25

48 Pineywood Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Thomas R. Maynard
Seller: Charles D. Spurlock
Date: 03/18/25

91 Powder Mill Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $241,000
Buyer: Julia P. Hall
Seller: Jeremy Lafleche
Date: 03/20/25

99 Powder Mill Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: William Pepe
Seller: Dominica L. Rice
Date: 03/28/25

WALES

69 Monson Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $436,000
Buyer: Sydney Summers
Seller: Hlre Development LLC
Date: 03/28/25

WEST SPRINGFIELD

63 Ashley St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Colin Vigneault
Seller: Flipping Best LLC
Date: 03/28/25

60 Belmont Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Shardia N. Jones
Seller: Michael Rose
Date: 03/27/25

37 Day St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Jorge M. Nunez
Seller: Anthony Witman
Date: 03/31/25

594 Dewey St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Yasir Almusali
Seller: Roberta A. Martin
Date: 03/21/25

34 Hale St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Krishna Kharel
Seller: Surja B. Bhujel
Date: 03/25/25

30 Hillside Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Karen L. Canela
Seller: Khalid Dhahir
Date: 03/27/25

192 Kings Hwy.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $322,000
Buyer: Ismail Altinkaynak
Seller: Property Advantage Inc.
Date: 03/31/25

318 Lancaster Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $321,000
Buyer: David Dearden
Seller: Christopher N. Williamson
Date: 03/17/25

40 Moseley Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $308,000
Buyer: Durga Dahal
Seller: Kiran Gotamay
Date: 03/18/25

45 Oakland St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $327,500
Buyer: Birman Tamang
Seller: Robert D. Spano
Date: 03/20/25

117 Rogers Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Kolodziej Enterprises LLC
Seller: Scott A. Wickman
Date: 03/31/25

36 Silver St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Douglas S. Abel
Seller: Patfran TR
Date: 03/19/25

185 Windsor St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $166,000
Buyer: Alixon A. Martinez
Seller: Citimortgage Inc.
Date: 03/24/25

64 Worthy Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Elizabeth A. Curry
Seller: Jay W. Berger
Date: 03/21/25

WESTFIELD

80 Broadway
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $478,500
Buyer: Philip Magovern
Seller: Jay R. Johnson
Date: 03/27/25

57 Crane Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Morgan Priem
Seller: Talia Phaneuf
Date: 03/19/25

532 East Mountain Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Abdol H. Sharifi
Seller: C&M Builders LLC
Date: 03/21/25

130 Elizabeth Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Joshua A. Olmstead
Seller: Danielle Barton
Date: 03/24/25

49 Ingersoll Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $434,400
Buyer: Xuelin Jin
Seller: Daniel W. Stephenson
Date: 03/20/25

162 Old Cabot Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $675,000
Buyer: Lyubov Korobkova
Seller: Abdias Garcia
Date: 03/21/25

284 Paper Mill Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $329,000
Buyer: Brandee L. Baker
Seller: Jack R. Davis
Date: 03/21/25

77 Roosevelt Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Raymond J. Salois
Seller: Leclair, William N., (Estate)
Date: 03/21/25

140 Russellville Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $682,000
Buyer: Rachel C. Swindle
Seller: Zack & Sons LLC
Date: 03/27/25

168 Susan Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Melissa Radle
Seller: Kara M. Graves
Date: 03/19/25

WILBRAHAM

11 Bonair Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $560,000
Buyer: Harolyn Baez
Seller: Nathaniel D. Lomas
Date: 03/28/25

22 Brookside Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Robin Franz
Seller: Eva Z. Matthews
Date: 03/21/25

3 Highridge Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Matthew W. Dziok
Seller: Thomas W. Larock
Date: 03/28/25

7 Horseshoe Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Sara Poindexter
Seller: Cornelia A. Havican RET
Date: 03/26/25

22 Iroquois Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Greg Lesniak
Seller: Carol A. Charest
Date: 03/31/25

27 Oakland St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $479,400
Buyer: James C. Patterson
Seller: Virginia M. Carranza
Date: 03/27/25

28 Pomeroy St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $361,800
Buyer: Anne F. Griswold
Seller: Julia A. Eastman
Date: 03/17/25

163 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $332,000
Buyer: Stephen C. Konstantinidis
Seller: Barbara M. Piaget
Date: 03/31/25

1065 Tinkham Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Michael D. Ketterman
Seller: Mark C. Morgan
Date: 03/28/25

7 Wildwood Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $695,000
Buyer: Tyler P. O’Neil
Seller: Kurt J. Macdonald
Date: 03/27/25

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

19 Dennis Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $326,500
Buyer: Jason Dicaprio
Seller: Arlene M. Nunes
Date: 03/18/25

10 Laurel Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $630,000
Buyer: Robert L. Coy
Seller: Cameron Clelland
Date: 03/31/25

75 Mechanic St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Yoli LLC
Seller: Lyman, Margaret M., (Estate)
Date: 03/17/25

180 North Whitney St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $536,500
Buyer: Jackson Cerruti
Seller: 180 N. Whitney LLC
Date: 03/31/25

5 Stony Hill Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $760,000
Buyer: Vincent C. Gaffney
Seller: Shelly A. Perdomo-Ahmed
Date: 03/17/25

23 Woodlot Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $705,000
Buyer: Amie E. Merrell
Seller: Jaimie J. Kim
Date: 03/31/25

BELCHERTOWN

77 Cheryl Circle
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $675,000
Buyer: Pritiben V Patel
Seller: Shawn M. Nycz
Date: 03/27/25

119 Franklin St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $740,000
Buyer: Sharon A. Strange
Seller: Brendan M. Coughlin
Date: 03/28/25

281 Gold St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $142,459
Buyer: David W. Villegas
Seller: Kristin M. Balboni
Date: 03/28/25

268 Hamilton St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $349,500
Buyer: Stone Koury
Seller: Mary E. Pope
Date: 03/28/25

68 Jackson St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $586,000
Buyer: Southwest Syj FT
Seller: Lisa Cousin
Date: 03/18/25

 

CHESTERFIELD

43 Don Emerson Road
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Scotia MacGillivray
Seller: Terry, Judith Arlene, (Estate)
Date: 03/24/25

CUMMINGTON

151 Bryant Road
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $249,000
Buyer: David Viner
Seller: Leodore Champigny
Date: 03/17/25

EASTHAMPTON

10-12 Berkeley St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Amy L. Saletnik
Seller: Edythe M. Ambroz
Date: 03/21/25

70-72 Ferry St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Bryan Emond
Seller: Parsons Ferry St. LLC
Date: 03/21/25

35 Florence Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $378,000
Buyer: Patricia Dechristopher
Seller: Pamela A. King
Date: 03/31/25

4-A&B Holyoke St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Nicholas Robinson
Seller: Sean F. Anderson
Date: 03/31/25

14 Johnson Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $171,000
Buyer: Lori J. Shollenberger
Seller: Johanna M. Walker
Date: 03/24/25

50 Plain St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Tara A. Henson
Seller: Amy E. Johnson
Date: 03/31/25

131 West St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $549,900
Buyer: James R. Donais
Seller: Harley Colan Properties LLC
Date: 03/19/25

133 West St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $549,900
Buyer: Anthony J. & C. L. Canon RET
Seller: Harley Colgan Properties LLC
Date: 03/31/25

GRANBY

2 Circle Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Chocorua Construction LLC
Seller: Carolyn Roberts
Date: 03/19/25

31 Cold Hill Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Debra L. Peloquin
Seller: Lynn M. Merrill-Akin
Date: 03/28/25

121 Cold Hill Road
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $601,000
Buyer: Mark S. Haley
Seller: Wilder, Jonathan, (Estate)
Date: 03/24/25

36 East St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Jarrid Kendall
Seller: DGL Properties LLC
Date: 03/21/25

115 Kendall St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $312,500
Buyer: Brian Palasz
Seller: Frank J. Palasz
Date: 03/28/25

6 Wood Ave.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Ruth D. Hornsby
Seller: Joshua S. Moynahan
Date: 03/25/25

HADLEY

136 Middle St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: Deborah K. Robes
Seller: Daniel A. Cavanaugh
Date: 03/28/25

HATFIELD

53 King St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Tucker Scott
Seller: Thomas, Rachelle, (Estate)
Date: 03/28/25

44 North St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $431,000
Buyer: George T. Ludwiczak
Seller: Federal National Mortgage Assn.
Date: 03/18/25

NORTHAMPTON

321 Bridge St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $488,000
Buyer: David A. Giusti
Seller: Healthy Neighborhoods Group LLC
Date: 03/24/25

4 Ford Xing
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $955,000
Buyer: Richard H. King
Seller: Kahn, Sally H., (Estate)
Date: 03/27/25

16 Glendale Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Katherine Chung
Seller: James J. Flannery
Date: 03/21/25

141 King St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Powder 8 LLC
Seller: King Auto Body Inc.
Date: 03/28/25

SOUTH HADLEY

23 Columbia St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $322,000
Buyer: Ryan L. Kile
Seller: Kye E. Poronsky
Date: 03/19/25

7 Hunter St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: 2 Black Cats LLC
Seller: Dianne E. Walsh
Date: 03/21/25

1 McDowell Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Alan Keeley
Seller: Brett Remillard
Date: 03/19/25

SOUTHAMPTON

193 Brickyard Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Alastair D. Cowieson
Seller: Jacob N. Lennen
Date: 03/31/25

County Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Dmitriy V. Mikhaylichenko
Seller: 0 County Road RET
Date: 03/19/25

111 Pomeroy Meadow Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Julie Jernstrom
Seller: Renee J. White
Date: 03/19/25

WARE

27 Aspen St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Aspen 27 LLC
Seller: Charming Enterprises LLC
Date: 03/31/25

251 Monson Turnpike Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $369,999
Buyer: David Randall
Seller: Loretta M. Gardner
Date: 03/31/25

13 Richfield Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Reliance Holdings Corp.
Seller: Darrin R. Brown
Date: 03/18/25

WESTHAMPTON

Southampton Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Buonanno & Redmond LT
Seller: Bonnie Ferrara
Date: 03/31/25

WILLIAMSBURG

8 Grove St.
Williamsburg, MA 01039
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Cas F. Rego-Martin
Seller: Gary R. Benoit
Date: 03/18/25

WORTHINGTON

749 Old North Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: James A. Ryan
Seller: Drewitz, Patricia M., (Estate)
Date: 03/31/25

Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the months of March and April 2025.

CHICOPEE

236 Exchange LLC
232 Exchange St.
$20,000 — Fire rate demising walls

Magdelene D’Angelo
147 Broadway St.
$10,900 — Insulate attic

MJTX2 LLC
184 Center St.
$12,000 — Roofing

TD Bank
693 Memorial Dr.
$14,200 — Remove glazing on interior vestibule wall to allow recess area to be framed, change suspended ceiling to hard drywall ceiling, and associated electrical work

EASTHAMPTON

City of Easthampton
Daley Field Road
$9,200 — Machine demolition of workshop outside Daley Field

City of Easthampton
43 Main St.
$45,000 — Modify existing T-Mobile wireless facility

Riverside Industries
1 Cottage St.
$35,000 — Replace existing fire-alarm panel for sprinkler upgrades

Wemelco Development LLC
19 Wemelco Way
$26,400 — Modify existing wet system

HADLEY

Bar Hadley LLC
315 Russell St.
N/A — Install signs for Balise Subaru

W/S Hadley Properties II LLC
355 Russell St., Suite 10
N/A — Select demolition of existing sprinkler system

LEE

Town of Lee
405 Maple St.
$19,875 — Install earth-formed I-beam footing at Maple Street baseball field for Lee High School, on which solar-powered scoreboard with non-architectural arch trust will be installed

Town of Lee
35 Railroad St.
$50,000 — Machine demolition of highway garage structure

Town of Lee
35 Railroad St.
$30,000 — Machine demolition of Quonset hut structure

Town of Lee
35 Railroad St.
$23,375 — Machine demolition of Airoldi building

Town of Lee
41 Railroad St.
$50,000 — Machine demolition of former welding shop building

LENOX

Berkshire Retirement Community
235 Walker St.
$22,399 — Install two motorized awnings

MRG CRW Holdings LLC
55 Lee Road
$502,250 — Interior renovation, replace 53 windows, new exterior trim

NORTHAMPTON

American Tower Corp.
114 Glendale Road
$61,498 — Install antennas and equipment platform

City of Northampton
80 Locust St.
$10,000 — Shed at Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School

City of Northampton
274 Main St.
$17,000 — Insulation and weatherization at Academy of Music

Coolidge Center LLC
47 Pleasant St.
$1,350 — Non-illuminated wall sign for Gleason Group

Coolidge Center LLC
47 Pleasant St.
$1,350 — Non-illuminated wall sign for Gleason Group

D.A. Sullivan & Sons
84 North St.
$11,400 — Install sprinkler system

Smith College
25 Henshaw Ave.
$18,500 — Insulation at Davis Center

Smith College
122-126 West St.
$10,500 — Basement wall

WAMI LLC
140 Main St.
$29,000 — Change office space to three-bedroom apartment

PITTSFIELD

Berkshire Hills Country Club Inc.
500 Benedict Road
$26,000 — Move plumbing to create outdoor showers for pool house, redesign existing changing rooms

Berkshire Medical Center
725 North St.
$42,200 — Renovations to wet fire sprinkler in EP lab/hybrid room

Brien Center for Mental Health
359 Fenn St.
$4,901 — Modify sprinkler coverage in multiple offices and hallway

City of Pittsfield
832 Tamarack Road
$3,000 — Demolish old hangar

City of Pittsfield
942 Williams St.
$9,500 — Construct roof over existing cement stairs

Cloverdale Properties LLC
195 Cloverdale St.
$55,500 — Renovate existing cabin at campground

L&S LP
1035 South St.
$1,846 — Temporary job trailer to be used for construction office

Swam Realty LLC
37 North St.
$49,585 — Air sealing and insulation

Swam Realty LLC
37 North St.
$39,379 — Air sealing and insulation

Ten Thirty Lenox LLC
1030 South St.
$2,500 — Furnish and install two rooftop units and one roof exhaust fan

 

Three Eleven North Realty LLC
301 North St.
$70,000 — Roofing

Tierney Properties Inc.
66 West St.
$99,000 — Minor renovations to existing office space for new tenant

Zion Lutheran Church of Pittsfield
74 First St.
$30,000 — Install two water lines from main on First Street to church basement

SPRINGFIELD

1441 Main Street LLC
1441 Main St.
$397,000 — Alter interior tenant space on fifth floor for Balise offices

Christ Presbyterian Church Inc.
1597 Allen St.
$5,102 — Weatherization and air sealing

Church in the Acres
1383 Wilbraham Road
$26,000 — Insulation

CTM Realty LLC
57 Mulberry St.
$3,500 — Weatherization and air sealing

Evangelical Covenant Church
915 Plumtree Road
$43,000 — Weatherization and air sealing

Five Town Station LLC
270 Cooley St.
$500,000 — Alterations for fit-out of interior tenant space

KAGR2 Springfield 3640 LLC
3640 Main St.
$153,000 — Office renovation for tenant fit-out

Onyx Springfield Crossing LLC
1655 Boston Road
$55,000 — Alter interior space and install finishing and fixtures for tenant fit-out in Unit 840 for Skechers

Pride Operating LLC
246 Cottage St.
$63,734 — Roofing

Pride Real Estate LLC
1211 East Columbus Ave.
$30,600 — Roofing

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts
34 Chapin Ter.
$50,000 — Roofing

Springfield College
807 Wilbraham Road
$35,000 — Bathroom renovation: remove flooring and replace fixtures

Springfield Jewish Community Center
1160 Dickinson St.
$873,029 — Alter interior space, convert community room into conference center, install steel supports for operable partitions, replace HVAC system in gymnasium, install new ramp and exterior door

Daily News

WILLIAMSTOWN — U.S. Rep. Richard Neal recently joined Carrie Greene, president of the Williamstown Meetinghouse Preservation Fund, to announce $500,000 in federal funding for the Williamstown Meetinghouse.

This allocation was made possible through congressionally directed spending from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Neal included funding for this project in the FY 2024 spending bill that was signed into law by President Biden on March 9, 2024.

Upon the incorporation of Williamstown in 1765, the Massachusetts Bay Colony required a settled minister, resulting in the construction of a meetinghouse that would serve as a church (the First Congregational Church), the seat of town governance, and the center of community activities.

After the first two meetinghouses were lost to fire, the current meetinghouse was built in 1869, with the original Romanesque structure renovated to the current colonial style in 1913. The land was donated by Williams College, provided that convocations, commencements, and weekly mandatory church services could be held in the building.

The Williamstown Meetinghouse has continued to serve as a central meeting place for Williamstown, bringing both community organizations and nonprofit events under one roof. These include senior-center activities, youth job training, Red Cross blood drives, Take and Eat, Buxton School graduation ceremonies, and ABC Clothing Shop drives.

“The Williamstown Meetinghouse is a mainstay of North County,” Neal said. “For more than two centuries, it has faithfully served the town of Williamstown by providing a place for civic engagement, community gatherings, and local decision making. This investment will ensure this institution’s place in the Williamstown community for generations to come.”

The meetinghouse has great potential to expand the community-center services it offers, but the building requires investment in order to bring it into compliance with the Americans with Disability Act and the principles of universal design. This funding will contribute significantly to these efforts, including the construction of an elevator, a new entrance ramp, accessible bathrooms, and improved exit lighting and doors. This project will ensure that this iconic building in the center of both Williamstown and the Williams College campus is accessible to all those who seek to use it, helping the meetinghouse expand its outreach and footprint in the community.

“The meetinghouse building boasts a lovely community hall, a professional kitchen, and the best pipe organ in town, but until it is brought up to code and made fully accessible to all, it cannot be a true community resource,” Greene said. “We can’t thank Rep. Neal enough for helping us to achieve this goal.”

Daily News

CHICOPEE — Mercedes-Benz of Springfield, in collaboration with Feel Good Shop Local, will host the first-ever Sip & Shop for Mom event on Monday, April 28 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Mercedes-Benz of Springfield showroom, 295 Burnett Road, Chicopee. Click here to RSVP.

Just in time for Mother’s Day, this festive, family-friendly evening offers a mix of local shopping, test drives, delicious bites and beverages, memory making, and community fun.

Attendees will enjoy a vibrant selection of local vendors, perfect for finding that one-of-a-kind gift for mom. Guests can sip on local wine and beer from Mineral Hills Winery and Beau Co. Wines, and enjoy food catering by Nosh.

New this year are a photo keepsake station, where guests can take home a complimentary 4×6 photo print — a sweet moment captured with family, friends, or little ones, just in time to frame for Mother’s Day — and a coloring corner for kids, a dedicated space for children to get creative while grown-ups shop and sip stress-free.

“We wanted to create a warm, welcoming event that brings people together to celebrate the moms in their lives — and to do it in a way that supports incredible local businesses,” said Michelle Wirth of Mercedes-Benz of Springfield and feelgoodshoplocal.com. “There’s something for everyone, from beautiful gifts and tasty bites to keepsake moments and fun for the kids.”

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest has extended the nomination deadline for the 11th annual Alumni Achievement Award until May 2. This award is presented to the past 40 Under Forty honoree who, in the eyes of an independent panel of judges, has most impressively continued and built upon his or her track record of accomplishment.

Candidates must be from 40 Under Forty classes prior to the year of the award — in this case, classes 2007 to 2024.

Past winners include: 2024: Meghan Rothschild, president of Chikmedia (40 Under Forty class of 2011); 2023: Amy Royal, founder and CEO, Royal Law Firm (class of 2009); 2022: Anthony Gleason III, president and co-founder, Gleason Johndrow Companies (class of 2010); 2021: Anthony Gulluni, Hampden County district attorney (class of 2015); 2020: Carla Cosenzi, president, TommyCar Auto Group (class of 2012), and Peter DePergola, director of Clinical Ethics, Baystate Health (class of 2015); 2019: Cinda Jones, president, W.D. Cowls Inc. (40 Under Forty class of 2007); 2018: Samalid Hogan, regional director, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (class of 2013); 2017: Scott Foster, attorney, Bulkley Richardson (class of 2011), and Nicole Griffin, owner, ManeHire (class of 2014); 2016: Dr. Jonathan Bayuk, president, Allergy & Immunology Associates of New England (class of 2008); 2015: Delcie Bean, president, Paragus Strategic IT (class of 2008).

The 2024 Alumni Achievement Award finalists will be profiled in the June 9 edition of BusinessWest, and the honoree will be announced at the 40 Under Forty gala on June 19.

The nomination form is available at businesswest.com/40-under-forty/alumniachievementaward. Only nominations submitted to BusinessWest on this form will be considered. For your convenience, a list of the past 40 Under Forty classes may be found at businesswest.com/40-under-forty/40underforty.

For more information, call Natasha Mercado-Santana, Marketing and Events manager, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or e-mail [email protected].

Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Mall celebrated the grand opening of JD Sports, a global leader in athletic footwear, apparel, and accessories, on April 19. The new store, located on the lower level near Aerie, offers brands like Nike, HOKA, and UGG, as well as limited-edition releases.

“We’re thrilled to welcome JD Sports to Holyoke Mall,” Marketing Director Kristen Hinckley said. “Their focus on high-quality products and exclusive releases will appeal to visitors who are passionate about athletic style and performance.”

Daily News

Katerina Cai

AGAWAM — Yankee Mattress Co., a locally based mattress manufacturer and retailer, announced the appointment of Katerina Cai as its new president. A seasoned executive with a proven track record in retail leadership and employee-owned business models, she steps into the role following the successful tenure of Trip Means, who has served as interim president since April 2024.

Yankee Mattress is part of the Teamshares network of companies, a growing portfolio of employee-owned businesses across the country. Cai currently serves as president of Mass Commercial Cleaning of Florence and Sturbridge, and will now take on the leadership of Yankee Mattress in tandem. Her extensive background in retail operations, growth strategy, and team empowerment makes her an ideal fit to lead Yankee Mattress into its next chapter.

“I’m honored to join a team that is so deeply rooted in the local community and dedicated to delivering high-quality, handcrafted mattresses,” Cai said. “There’s something really special about Yankee Mattress — its people, its mission, and its customer focus. I’m excited to build on the momentum Trip has created and help this company thrive as an employee-owned success story.”

With locations in Agawam, Springfield, Greenfield, and Northampton, Yankee Mattress has been serving Western Mass. for decades. As part of Teamshares’ mission to grow and support employee-owned businesses, the company is now poised for smart, strategic expansion under Cai’s leadership.

Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) will offer a free, eight-week training course called “AI Essentials: in partnership with the nonprofit CanCode Communities.

The real-time, instructor-led, online training program will run on Wednesdays and Fridays, May 2 to June 27, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. The class is free to eligible Massachusetts residents.

Over eight intensive weeks, participants will learn the fundamentals of AI, including prompt engineering, tokenization, embeddings, model structures, retrieval-augmented generation, agency, compute, and ethics.

The course emphasizes practical applications, leveraging tools such Google AI Studio, n8n, and OpenWebUI to explore how AI models are built, trained, and deployed in the real world.

“Along the way, participants will gain valuable professional-development experience, enhancing their technical skills and problem-solving abilities,” said Arvard Lingham, HCC’s executive director of Community Education and Corporate Training.

Tuition assistance is available for qualified Massachusetts residents 18 and older. Limited seats are available. Laptops and WiFi hotspots for internet access will be provided for students who need them. Funding for the program comes from the Western Mass. Alliance for Digital Equity.

To sign up for classes, email [email protected] or visit cancode.org/apply-now and choose ‘AI Essentials.’

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Tech Foundry, the regional leader in IT workforce development and training, announced the launch of its fall 2025 cohort.

Tech Foundry’s award-winning IT support training program includes 14 weeks of classroom instruction followed by a four-week internship that empowers individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the tech industry.

The fall 2025 cohort will undergo intensive training in various areas of technology, including Windows administration, hardware troubleshooting, computer networking, and more. Through a comprehensive curriculum and hands-on projects, student members will gain valuable expertise and practical experience to thrive in today’s fast-paced tech landscape. With a focus on real-world skills and industry relevance, graduates of the program are well-equipped to meet the demands of today’s competitive job market.

In addition to technical instruction, Tech Foundry provides student members with career-readiness workshops, one-on-one career coaching sessions, and access to a vast network of industry professionals and employer partners. The program ensures that graduates not only have the technical skills, but also the soft skills and professional connections needed to excel in their IT careers.

The Fall 2025 cohort will run from Aug. 18 through Dec. 19. Interested individuals are encouraged to join one of the upcoming information sessions by registering at thetechfoundry.org/theprogram/learn-more. To apply, visit thetechfoundry.org/the-program/apply-now and complete the application by July 15.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — United Way of Pioneer Valley (UWPV) invites the community to its Champions of Change event, a heartfelt celebration honoring individuals and partners who embody the spirit of service, generosity, and leadership in the region.

This free, drop-in event will take place on Thursday, May 1 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute building, 164 Race St., Holyoke. The event is open to all. The United Way will honor changemakers in four categories:

• Angel Sanjurjo Olmeda will receive the United in Service – Volunteer Award, which celebrates outstanding volunteerism and a deep commitment to creating positive change.

• Eversource will receive the United in Legacy – Donor Award, honoring the power of philanthropy in empowering lasting impact.

• Sarah Reece will receive the United in Leadership – Board Service Award, recognizing exceptional leadership and dedication in board service.

• Holyoke Community College and its Culinary Arts Institute will receive the United in Impact – Partner Agency Award, which applauds the transformative work of United Way partner agencies serving those most in need.

Guests are welcome to drop in anytime between 4:30 and 6 p.m. A brief awards presentation will take place at 5 p.m. Light appetizers will be served throughout the event, including a dish prepared by students from the Culinary Arts Institute, using ingredients sourced from the UWPV Food Pantry for the week.

Guests will also have the opportunity to tour the UWPV Food Pantry, located on site, and see firsthand how community support is making a difference for families across the region.

For more information or to RSVP, visit uwpv-coc.eventbrite.com.

Daily News

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank (GCB) announced that Mary Rawls, executive vice president – Compliance/Risk Management, BSA, was recognized as Community Action Pioneer Valley’s (CAPV) Volunteer of the Year at its annual meeting on April 11.

Mary has been a steadfast volunteer with CAPV for a number of years, demonstrating an exceptional commitment to the organization’s mission to assist people who have low incomes to achieve economic stability and security. Since 2020, she has volunteered with CAPV’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, providing vital tax assistance to those in need.

“Mary doesn’t just volunteer — she dives in headfirst,” said Sweeney of Community Action Pioneer Valley. “She gets the trickiest VITA cases, the ones that make even seasoned tax pros pause. And she handles them with calm, kindness, and a tenacity that lets us say ‘yes’ to the people who need us most. Its not an exaggeration to say that Mary’s patience is the reason we’re able to serve some of our most complex clients with dignity and care.”

Community Action Pioneer Valley relies on the support of volunteers like Rawls to deliver essential services to the community. Their dedication and passion are vital to the organization’s success.

Additionally, her involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters as a big sister dates back to 2017, and since 2018, she has served as a board member and finance committee member. A long-time supporter of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, she has taken on the role of team captain since 2002 and has been a member of the event planning committee since 2018.

Demonstrating a commitment to food security, Rawls has volunteered with the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts at its mobile locations in Greenfield and Turners Falls since 2018. She has also been a dedicated 4-H volunteer and County Horse Show secretary since 2006.

Her past involvement includes serving on the United Way’s community investment committee, and she has contributed to the UW Women’s Way as an event planning committee member since 2017. Furthermore, she actively volunteered and was a club member for several school booster clubs during her children’s school years.

“Mary embodies the spirit of community involvement that we value at GCB,” said Tony Worden, the bank’s president and CEO. “We are incredibly proud of her dedication to Community Action Pioneer Valley and the positive impact they are making in our region.”

Daily News

WILBRAHAM — Wilbraham Funeral Home announced that Lori Callahan has satisfied all the requirements of the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure and has been issued a license from the Massachusetts Board of Embalming and Funeral Directing.

She began her career at Wilbraham Funeral Home in 2011 and has advanced from office manager to licensed funeral director.

“I am thrilled to work together with Lori Callahan on our funeral team,” Managing Funeral Director Ellen O’Brien said. “She pours her heart into every aspect of this profession. Her hard work and dedication to the families we serve is second to none.”

Callahan earned a bachelor’s degree in English from St. Michael’s College and an associate degree in mortuary science from North Shore Community College. She is an active communicant of St. Cecilia Church and a Commonwealth of Massachusetts notary public.

She was awarded the 2024 President’s Award by the Massachusetts Funeral Directors Assoc. in recognition of her exceptional promise as a funeral service practitioner and future leader in the professional community.

Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) will host its first-ever American Sign Language (ASL) immersion pickleball tournament on Saturday, April 19.

Sponsored by the HCC Deaf Studies Department, the HCC ASL Club, and the HCC Office of Student Engagement, the tournament will run from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the pickleball courts inside the Bartley Center for Athletics and Recreation. This fun and friendly tournament is free for participants and geared for players of any skill level. Spectators are welcome.

The tournament begins at 9 a.m. with introductions and instructions in pickleball rules and strategy given in American Sign Language. Pickleball practice will start at 9:30 a.m., with the tournament running from about 10 a.m. until noon, followed by an awards presentation and social time.

HCC ASL instructors Minh Vo and Mick Posner, who teach in the HCC Deaf Studies Department, will lead the pickleball instruction.

“First, there will be some lessons in ASL signs and then lessons on playing pickleball,” said Carol Ann Smalley, an HCC learning specialist and ASL interpreter in the Office of Students with Disabilities and Deaf Services. “Then, for the tournament, it will just be a random draw to make teams. It’ll be a couple of hours of playing pickleball, then the ASL Club is going to have a raffle and also sell food.”

Smalley said the tournament is meant for people who are fluent in ASL, but also for students and others who are learning American Sign Language. “The idea is to immerse yourself in both the language and playing the sport. There aren’t any cash prizes; it’s just for fun.”

Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — TommyCar Auto Group announced the return of the annual Tom Cosenzi Scholarship for high-school students, continuing its expanded reach to include Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties in 2025. This program supports and honors students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a strong commitment to community service.

As part of the ongoing expansion, the scholarship will award two graduating high-school seniors from across these three counties. Each selected recipient will receive a $2,500 scholarship toward their college tuition. Winners will be chosen through a comprehensive selection process that includes academic performance, personal essays, and letters of recommendation.

“We firmly believe in the transformative power of education and the positive ripple effect it creates within our communities,” said Carla Cosenzi, president of TommyCar Auto Group. “Continuing to expand our scholarship to students in Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties reflects our deep commitment to empowering local youth and honoring my father’s legacy. We’re excited to review this year’s applications and award students who embody our shared values.”

Eligible applicants must be graduating seniors from high schools located in one of the three participating counties. The application window is now open and will close on May 31. For more information and to apply, visit www.tomcosenzischolarship.com.

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WESTERLY, R.I. — Bradley, Foster & Sargent (BFS) has completed a merger with Napatree Capital, bringing together two of Southern New England’s leading wealth-management and investment firms.

The former Napatree Capital will maintain its offices in Westerly, R.I. and Longmeadow. BFS also has offices in Wellesley; Hartford, Litchfield, and Stonington, Conn.; Delray Beach, Fla., Portland, Maine; and Chicago. BFS is a Barron’s Top 100 RIA Firm with approximately $8 billion in client assets under management and was recently named one of the Hartford Business Journal’s Best Places to Work for a third consecutive year.

Napatree Capital was founded by Jeff Liguori in 2018, where he served as managing partner and chief investment officer, and currently has approximately $350 million in assets under management. Liguori joins BFS as an executive vice president and portfolio manager following the merger.

“BFS is an outstanding firm that has always been philosophically aligned with Napatree, both in terms of building relationships and serving the long-term goals of our clients,” Liguori said. “Merging with BFS allows us to draw on the resources of a larger organization, including a robust research operation, while maintaining the independence and integrity our clients have come to expect.”

Liguori and Aaron Simmons, a key member of the Napatree team who is also joining BFS as a portfolio manager through the merger, previously worked with BFS President and CEO Galan Daukas and other members of the BFS team in past roles at People’s United Advisors and Washington Trust Investors. Daukas, Liguori, and Simmons all grew up in Westerly.

“Napatree has been a remarkable firm since its inception, with an extremely talented team and a strong community of clients,” Daukas said. “We’re pleased to join forces to serve clients in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and beyond with our shared commitment to providing personalized wealth and investment management.”

In addition to Liguori and Simmons, chartered financial analyst Matt Landon, a partner at Napatree Capital, will bring more than 25 years of investment experience to BFS as a portfolio manager. Mike Moses, who is a chartered market technician and capital markets and securities analyst with more than 25 years of broad investment experience, joins BFS as a securities trader.

“We are so fortunate to have stalwart clients and friends who have supported the firm since our inception,” Liguori said. “Our total assets under management are up tenfold from our first quarter seven years ago. A client-centric culture coupled with disciplined investing is a powerful combination — and the foundation for this merger with BFS.”

Daily News

AMHERST — Summerlin Floors, a family- and woman-owned flooring business based in Amherst, has made its annual contribution of $2,500 to Greenfield Community College (GCC). This donation is an ongoing commitment to support the success of GCC students.

Ann Bronner, owner of Summerlin Floors and a GCC alumna, is passionate about giving back to the community and investing in the future generation of scholars, and makes the annual donation in memory of her daughter, Erin Summerlin. With a deep belief in the power of education and the importance of a strong community, Bronner aims to ensure students have the resources they need to be successful and pursue their dreams both academically and personally.

“Greenfield Community College was a pivotal part of my life. It gave me the tools, confidence, and community I needed to grow,” Bronner said. “This is my way of giving back to a place that gave me so much. I look forward to making this donation each and every year on behalf of my daughter.”

Summerlin Floors is confident that Erin would be honored to be remembered in a way that supports others in their educational journeys. They are thrilled to ensure her legacy lives on and thank Greenfield Community College for making a lasting impact on the lives of its students and beyond.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Max Tavern at the Basketball Hall of Fame announced the launch of its seventh Max on Monday networking event.

This active networking event will take place on Monday, April 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. inside the newly designed golf simulator Max’s Swing Lounge. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with other professionals while enjoying complimentary hors d’oeuvres. A cash bar will be available for beverages.

“Max on Monday is an excellent opportunity for those who have been working remotely to reconnect with their colleagues and find inspiration in the company of others,” organizer and Max Tavern’s Public Relations Director AnnMarie Harding said.

At each event, Max on Monday will feature local businesses whose representatives will network and share information about their organizations. On April 28, the sponsored businesses will include Borawski Insurance, Florence Bank, Halloran Sage, Vartanian Custom Cabinets, Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C., and Keiter.

For more information about Max on Monday or to register to attend, RSVP to Harding at [email protected].

Daily News

BOSTON — Berkshire Bank Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Berkshire Bank, invested more than $400,000 in communities through grants and other giving in the first quarter of the year.

Several Berkshire County organizations were among the 118 nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Vermont that the foundation supported from January to March, including Berkshire Innovation Center Inc., Berkshire Community College Foundation Inc., Blackshires Community Empowerment Foundation, Hillcrest Educational Centers Inc., and Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires Inc.

“Today, more than ever, local nonprofits need our support to provide much-needed assistance to those in need in our local communities,” said Lori Kiely, managing director of the Berkshire Bank Foundation. “Working together, we’re seeing the positive results of these nonprofits’ work in the lives of our neighbors and local economies.”

The foundation supports the success of the communities the bank serves by investing in programs that aim to provide everyone with an equal opportunity at economic prosperity.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Vann Group, a strategic consulting and transactional advisory services firm, announced that its client, Serv-U Locksmiths of Western Massachusetts, has been acquired by Island Master Locksmiths (IML).

The company, originally founded in 1954, has been a trusted physical-security provider across Western Mass. and Northern Conn. Steven Horowitz, former owner of Serv-U, will stay on in a consulting role during the transition.

“I’ve poured my heart into this business for decades and am proud of everything our team has accomplished,” he said. “I have complete confidence that IML will honor our history while taking the business to new heights. I’m excited to support this next chapter.”

IML Security was acquired by Northwoods Partners, a family office investment group, in April 2023. Since then, the company has experienced rapid growth and continues to expand its footprint from Maine to Virginia.

“This acquisition represents an exciting step in our growth strategy,” said Sean O’Hayre, president of IML Security. “Serv-U has built a remarkable legacy based on trust, technical excellence, and outstanding service. We’re thrilled to carry that legacy forward while introducing additional resources and innovation to the region.”

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The College of Engineering at Western New England University (WNE) will host its annual Emerging Engineers Expo on Tuesday, April 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Caprio Alumni Healthful Living Center.

This signature event celebrates the innovation, creativity, and technical skills of WNE’s engineering and business students, featuring more than 100 projects developed by students across all class years. Attendees will experience an impressive display of 35 first-year innovation projects and 69 senior capstone design projects, representing months of collaborative problem solving and design.

“This event is the culmination of a year’s worth of hard work, problem solving, and creativity,” said Mike Rust, director of Experiential and Entrepreneurial Learning in the College of Engineering. “It’s inspiring to see how our emerging engineers are preparing for the future of work — developing the critical thinking, communication, and hands-on technical skills that industry demands.”

Open to the public, the industrial community, and area high schools and community colleges, the Emerging Engineers Expo offers a unique opportunity to interact with tomorrow’s engineering leaders as they present solutions to real-world challenges. Volunteer judges — including faculty, alumni, and professionals from WNE’s advisory boards and industry partners — will evaluate the projects. The event is sponsored by Hampden Engineering Corp.

Educators are encouraged to bring student groups to this showcase of engineering in action. To RSVP or learn more, contact Karen Andros at (413) 782-1285 or [email protected].

Daily News

PITTSFIELD — The Dulye Leadership Experience (DLE) Career Compass program will present “Make AI Your Trusted Sidekick in Career Growth” on Friday, May 30 at noon. The free, one-hour, professional-development event will feature David Kelly, general manager at AppSumo Originals.

Kelly, an expert in using AI to launch businesses and new products, will share actionable insights on how to expand one’s network, identifying and connecting with the right people to accelerate career growth; strategically planning one’s next career move, using AI-powered tools to enhance professional presence, recalibrate goals, and navigate transitions with confidence; and staying ahead of workplace trends, raising one’s value by raising one’s AI knowledge and comfort.

Click here to reserve a virtual seat.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Living Local 413 announced the launch of 413 Women’s Health Connect, the first official program under its new Hot Topics initiative, an innovative series designed to bring people together around issues Western Mass. cares about. The event will be held on Wednesday, May 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Carriage House at the Barney Estate in Springfield.

The program’s primary sponsor and featured speaker at the first event, Robin Suave of Baystate Ob/Gyn Group Inc., emphasized the importance of community collaboration in advancing women’s health.

“Women’s health doesn’t exist in a vacuum — it’s deeply connected to our work, our families, and our communities,” she said. “We’re proud to support this program because it’s about making real connections and having real conversations that can lead to better access, better care, better outcomes, and stronger support for women across our region.”

413 Women’s Health Connect is a multi-faceted approach to improving women’s wellness and strengthening community bonds. At its core, the program features three in-person events per year across Western Mass., an active online discussion board at 413online.com to continue conversations and share resources; and a new podcast series, “413 Biz Buzz,” exploring Hot Topics in greater depth and featuring local experts and community voices.

“This is about more than health — it’s about access, awareness, and building a culture of support around women’s wellness,” said Bill Cole, president of Living Local 413. “The in-person gatherings are the spark, but the real magic happens in the follow-up, where conversations continue online, connections deepen, and resources flow.”

As the flagship Hot Topics program, 413 Women’s Health Connect sets the tone for a new kind of regional collaboration — one that blends in-person connection with lasting digital engagement. Future Hot Topics will spotlight other vital themes that impact the business community, families, and everyday life in Western Mass.

Click here to RSVP for the first event through the 413 Calendar.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Link to Libraries announced it will launch the Stephen Kaplan and Susan Jaye-Kaplan Community Legacy Fund at its upcoming gala on Thursday, May 8 at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

This fund is being established as a tribute to Link to Libraries founder Susan Jaye-Kaplan and her husband, Steve, who passed away in January after a long battle with cancer. Monies raised will be used to enable Link to Libraries to provide community partners with books for children and families in need.

“Sue Kaplan founded Link to Libraries in 2008, with Steve cheering her on and supporting Link to Libraries’ mission in every way,” said Laurie Flynn, president and CEO. “Known throughout the community for their generous hearts and dedication to bettering the lives of those in need, this feels like the appropriate time to honor them both by establishing a fund that will enable Link to Libraries to better support other local nonprofits who are focused on giving children a chance at brighter futures. Steve’s passing was a terrible loss to our Link to Libraries family, to the Western Massachusetts community, and to all who knew and loved him. We hope that this tribute will be a living reminder of Sue and Steve’s tireless work and passion for improving the lives of others.”

Flynn noted that, “while most of Link to Libraries’ work is done through underserved elementary schools, we frequently receive requests from other local nonprofits for book donations to support their own work with children and families in need. This fund will enable us to say ‘yes’ to many more of those requests in the future.”

The Link to Libraries biennial gala will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. and will include cocktails, dinner, and an auction. Tickets can be purchased at linktolibraries.org. All proceeds will be used to directly support the organization’s programming.

Daily News

LONGMEADOW — The Longmeadow Educational Excellence Foundation (LEEF) is holding its largest fundraiser of the year, Family Fun Fest, on Sunday, April 27 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Twin Hills Country Club.

“Our Family Fun Fest is a great way for us to celebrate our teachers, raise money for their future grants, and kick back and have fun with our community,” said Seth Stutman, LEEF board president. “We fund dozens of grants annually to teachers in every Longmeadow Public School. The funds we raise at the Family Fun Fest go directly to enriching education in our town.”

The community is invited to the event, which will include dinner and a cash bar, lawn games, raffles and auctions, a chipping tournament, caricature artists, and more. Tickets cost $40 for adults and $20 for children and can be purchased at bit.ly/LongmeadowFunFest25.

“We’re hoping for a big crowd this year,” Stutman said. “The event offers something for everyone, so come with your whole family for a great night of fabulous food and fun.”

LEEF is a private, volunteer, nonprofit educational foundation that was created to enrich and enhance the quality of education in the Longmeadow Public Schools. To date, LEEF has awarded grants totaling more than $1.2 million for computer software and hardware, musical instruments, academic programs and materials, foreign-language training, teacher training, and more.

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David Loring

HOLYOKE — Pare Corp., a multi-disciplinary engineering firm, announced the promotion of David Loring to senior vice president in its Western Massachusetts Division.

Loring has more than 34 years of management and engineering design experience in Western Mass. and throughout New England. Under his leadership, Pare opened its Holyoke office several years ago. He and his staff are working on a wide variety of transportation, municipal, educational, and infrastructure projects throughout Western Mass. He is currently managing a $15 million contract for the design, bidding, and construction-administration services of 15 intersections for the city of Springfield.

Within the engineering community, Loring serves as treasurer for the Massachusetts Tri-County Highway Superintendents’ Assoc. He also sits on Western New England University’s College of Engineering industry advisory council and co-chairs the qualifications-based selection committee of the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Council of Engineering Companies.

“David has proven himself through managing our Holyoke office for the past four years and has contributed greatly to the company by delivering exceptional service to our clients,” Pare CEO John Shevlin said. “He works hard to create connections and find work for the company, increasing the number of projects coming out of that office every year. Pare could not have expanded as we have in Western Massachusetts without David’s expertise and leadership. There is no doubt that David will continue to find opportunities for the continued growth of the Holyoke office, and he will continue to enhance our capabilities and deliver outstanding results for our clients. We are proud to promote David to senior vice president and look forward to his continuing contributions to Pare’s success.”

Established in 1970, Pare Corp. provides comprehensive planning, engineering, permitting, and construction-phase services throughout the Eastern U.S. in such fields as civil/site design, roadways, bridges, stormwater, water and wastewater, geotechnical, structural, traffic, waterfront/marine, dams, municipal, and environmental engineering. Pare is headquartered in Lincoln, R.I. and operates full-service offices in Holyoke and Foxboro.

Daily News

MONSON — In alignment with its ongoing mission to give back to the communities it serves, Monson Savings Bank donated $10,000 to Revitalize Community Development Corp. (CDC) in support of its upcoming 2025 #GreenNFit Neighborhood Rebuild event.

Revitalize CDC, founded in 1992 and based in Springfield, is a nonprofit that provides critical repairs and rehabilitation to the homes of low-income families with children, military veterans, the elderly, and people with special needs, all at no cost to them. Its mission is not only to create safe, healthy homes but also to improve residents’ physical and emotional well-being through initiatives like asthma-prevention interventions and its Nutrition Rx program that combats food insecurity and chronic health conditions.

The #GreenNFit Neighborhood Rebuild is one of Revitalize CDC’s most impactful annual events, bringing together hundreds of volunteers to transform dozens of homes in a single day. This year, more than 20 Monson Savings Bank team members will roll up their sleeves to volunteer alongside other community members, helping to make tangible improvements that will change lives.

“We are so grateful for Monson Savings Bank’s continued partnership and their generous $10,000 donation to support our 2025 #GreenNFit event,” said Colleen Loveless, president and CEO of Revitalize CDC. “Their financial support and volunteer commitment help us provide vital resources to those in need. Together, we are creating healthier homes and stronger communities.”

Dan Moriarty, president and CEO of Monson Savings Bank, shared his pride in supporting such a meaningful initiative. “Revitalize CDC embodies the kind of grassroots impact that truly makes a difference. We’re proud to not only contribute financially to their mission, but to also stand side by side with them through our employee volunteerism. Our team is energized and ready to help improve homes and lives across our local neighborhoods.”

Business Talk Podcast Special Coverage

We are excited to announce that BusinessWest has launched a new podcast series, BusinessTalk. Each episode will feature in-depth interviews and discussions with local industry leaders, providing thoughtful perspectives on the Western Massachuetts economy and the many business ventures that keep it running during these challenging times.

Go HERE to view all episodes

Episode 232: April 14, 2025

Editor Joe Bednar talks with Jacob Robinson, Executive Director, Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce

Jacob Robinson came from a deep background in economic and community development when he took the reins a year ago at the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce. Since then, he’s seen new shops and restaurants open, helped develop and expand community events and programs that benefit small businesses, and worked with community partners to grow the economies of the chamber’s seven towns. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Jacob talks with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar about all this and more, including the challenges all area towns face, from housing to transportation to shifting economic tides, as they strive for greater vibrancy. It’s must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest.

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Rotary Club will present Robert Bolduc with a Paul Harris Award, recognizing his decades of service and commitment to the community. His work has left a deep and lasting impact, from charitable giving through his company, Pride, to his and his wife Roberta’s involvement with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and the Center for Human Development.

Now, with the creation of the Hope for Youth and Families Foundation, Bolduc’s legacy of giving continues to grow. Established at his retirement, the foundation has already launched meaningful initiatives, including school partnerships, AmeriCorps collaborations, and the transformation of the former Circle Theater into a children’s art center.

The Springfield Rotary Club will celebrate Bolduc’s dedication and leadership at the Paul Harris Luncheon on Wednesday, May 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Student Prince Café and the Fort, 8 Fort St., Springfield. Tickets cost $40.

In addition, the Springfield Rotary Club will collect donations to support the foundation’s reading program for Springfield middle-school students.

To purchase tickets or learn more, visit www.springfieldmarotary.org or email Marie Angelides at [email protected].

Daily News

WARE — Country Bank announced the addition of Lucy Sánchez to its Retail Lending team. She brings nearly two decades of experience in the banking industry and a strong commitment to community engagement.

“We are thrilled to welcome Lucy to the Country Bank team. Her extensive background in banking and mortgage lending, with deep ties to the community and financial literacy, make her an exceptional addition to our retail lending team,” said Miriam Siegel, chief Culture & Development officer. “Lucy’s passion for serving others, along with her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to building strong customer relationships, aligns perfectly with our corporate values of integrity, service, teamwork, excellence, and prosperity. We are confident that her experience and energy will further strengthen our customer experience and community impact.”

Sánchez began her career in banking in 2006 as a teller and steadily advanced through the ranks to senior leadership roles. Prior to joining Country Bank, she spent more than a decade at Freedom Credit Union, where she was recognized with the prestigious President’s Award: Employee of the Year for her outstanding dedication to both the organization and the community it serves.

A bilingual professional fluent in English and Spanish, Sánchez has long served as a trusted voice within the Latino community. She played an active role on the Latino Initiative Board and became a familiar face through her appearances in local television, radio, and newspaper campaigns. She also authored a financial-education column in Spanish for El Pueblo Latino, covering essential topics such as budgeting, credit, and retirement planning.

Sánchez’s commitment to financial literacy has extended into faith-based and nonprofit spaces. She has led multi-session workshops on financial education for local congregations and has served on the board of the Puerto Rican Cultural Project under the Holyoke Public Library. Her dedication has earned her recognition from Mujeres a la Vanguardia in Springfield for her leadership and community contributions.

In addition to her career in banking, she is a seasoned entrepreneur with experience as a former restaurant owner and the current operator of a sewing academy. Her firsthand understanding of small-business ownership allows her to better support and guide customers in their own financial journeys.

“I’m honored to join Country Bank, an organization that shares my passion for community and financial empowerment,” Sánchez said. “I look forward to helping individuals and families achieve their homeownership goals and build stronger financial futures.”

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — When BusinessWest launched its 40 Under Forty program in 2007, it did so to identify rising stars across our region — individuals who were excelling in business and through involvement within the community — and celebrate their accomplishments.

In 2015, BusinessWest announced a new award, one that builds on the foundation upon which 40 Under Forty was created. It’s called the Alumni Achievement Award. As the name suggests, it is presented to the 40 Under Forty honoree who, in the eyes of an independent panel of judges, has most impressively continued and built upon his or her track record of accomplishment.

Candidates must be from 40 Under Forty classes prior to the year of the award — in this case, classes 2007 to 2024.

Past winners include: 2024: Meghan Rothschild, president of Chikmedia (40 Under Forty class of 2011); 2023: Amy Royal, founder and CEO, Royal Law Firm (class of 2009); 2022: Anthony Gleason III, president and co-founder, Gleason Johndrow Companies (class of 2010); 2021: Anthony Gulluni, Hampden County district attorney (class of 2015); 2020: Carla Cosenzi, president, TommyCar Auto Group (class of 2012), and Peter DePergola, director of Clinical Ethics, Baystate Health (class of 2015); 2019: Cinda Jones, president, W.D. Cowls Inc. (40 Under Forty class of 2007); 2018: Samalid Hogan, regional director, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (class of 2013); 2017: Scott Foster, attorney, Bulkley Richardson (class of 2011), and Nicole Griffin, owner, ManeHire (class of 2014); 2016: Dr. Jonathan Bayuk, president, Allergy & Immunology Associates of New England (class of 2008); 2015: Delcie Bean, president, Paragus Strategic IT (class of 2008).

The 2024 Alumni Achievement Award finalists will be profiled in the June 9 edition of BusinessWest, and the honoree will be announced at the 40 Under Forty gala on June 19.

The nomination form is available at businesswest.com/40-under-forty/alumniachievementaward. Only nominations submitted to BusinessWest on this form will be considered. The deadline is Wednesday, April 23. For your convenience, a list of the past 40 Under Forty classes may be found at businesswest.com/40-under-forty/40underforty.

For more information, call Natasha Mercado-Santana, Marketing and Events manager, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or e-mail [email protected].

Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — Northampton Cooperative Bank, a division of Greenfield Cooperative Bank, announced the five-year anniversary of its South Hadley branch. To thank the community for its continued support, the branch, located at 487 Newton St., will host an anniversary celebration throughout the day on April 16.

Attendees can look forward to complimentary snacks while visiting the branch, swag items as a token of appreciation (while supplies last), and a chance to win a gift card to McCray’s Country Creamery (see branch for details).

Erin Cleary, branch manager, said the branch is “celebrating five years of service, growth, and community connection. We’re proud of the trust we’ve built and grateful for every customer who has been part of our journey. Here’s to many years of success together.”

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Teach Western Mass (TWM), a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the educator workforce in Western Mass., announced that its founding executive director, Pema Latshang, will step down from her role at the end of April.

Latshang launched TWM in 2016 with a bold, community-driven vision: that every student in Springfield, Holyoke, and surrounding communities in Western Mass. deserves an excellent teacher who reflects their identity and understands their lived experience. Under her leadership, TWM launched and expanded its flagship teacher residency program, placing more than 200 mission-driven educators in Springfield and Holyoke classrooms.

“This has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Latshang said. “Together, we’ve built something extraordinary — a community-centered movement that expands access to the teaching profession and deepens our region’s commitment to educational equity.”

During her tenure, Latshang and her team also launched several innovative initiatives aimed at cultivating high-quality educators, including the Teach Western Mass Residency; the Black, Latine, and Educators of Color Fellowship; TWM’s AmeriCorps Professional Corps; partnerships with American International College, Smith College, and Generation Teach; and the Certified Teachers Program and the Graduate Fellowship. These initiatives have collectively supported and trained hundreds of diverse educators who now serve students across the region, creating lasting impact in public-school classrooms.

“Pema’s unwavering leadership and vision as TWM’s founding executive director drove the organization to double in size and, alongside collaboration with many incredible organizations across the region, contributed to doubling the percentage of BIPOC teachers in Western Massachusetts, marking the largest increase in the state,” said Alison Mathias, interim president and board chair. “Her proactive approach has ensured that our organization remains both resilient and forward-thinking.”

TWM’s board of directors has engaged the Financial Development Agency of Amherst to guide the leadership transition. In the interim, longtime TWM leaders Julie Anderson, deputy director of Strategy and Operations, and Lisa Doherty, deputy director of Programs, will continue leading the organization.

“Pema’s leadership has been essential to shaping TWM into the impactful organization it is today, rooted in equity, access, and innovation,” Anderson said. “We are deeply grateful for her service and commitment to this community.”

As TWM prepares to graduate cohort 6, launch cohort 7 into summer programming, and begin recruitment for its eighth residency cohort, the organization remains focused on expanding its impact and deepening partnerships with schools and communities throughout Western Mass. Latshang will remain a committed supporter of Teach Western Mass and leaves the organization ready for its next chapter.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The World Affairs Council will present Kavita Khory, Ruth Lawson professor of Politics and Carol Hoffmann Collins director of the McCulloch Center for Global Initiatives at Mount Holyoke College, who will address “Emerging Powers and US Foreign Policy: Implications for Global Governance” at an Instant Issues brown-bag discussion on Tuesday, April 29 at noon in the ninth-floor gallery of 1350 Main St. in downtown Springfield.

A longtime member and friend of the council, Khory teaches courses at Mount Holyoke on comparative and international politics, South Asia, and migration. She has written on topics covering South Asian politics, foreign policy, and diaspora politics.

The cost is $5 for World Affairs Council members without lunch and $20 for council members with lunch provided. Non-members’ admission without lunch is $10 without lunch and $25 with lunch. High-school and undergraduate students without a lunch provided can attend for free. (Attendees may bring their own lunch or choose not to eat.) The registration deadline for a lunch provided is April 25.

The Instant Issues series is sponsored by Wilbraham & Monson Academy and Sir Speedy, with thanks to NAI Plotkin.

To register online with a credit card, visit wacwestma.org, or call the World Affairs Council at (413) 733-0110.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — As a testament to its commitment to making veterans a priority in the workplace, Eversource has again been recognized by VETS Indexes as one of the nation’s top veteran employers for 2025. Honored with the 3 Star Employer Award, the distinction highlights the energy company’s continued achievements in recruiting, hiring, developing, and supporting both veterans and the military-connected community.

“We’re honored to again receive this prestigious national recognition through VETS Indexes for supporting our veteran employees, whose military experience and deep-rooted commitment to service bring an invaluable dynamic to our team,” said Susan Sgroi, Eversource’s executive vice president of Human Resources and Information Technology. “The 800-plus veterans who work at Eversource represent every branch of the U.S. military, and their unique skills, leadership, and integrity translate seamlessly to our daily mission of delivering safe, reliable power to millions of customers across the three states we serve. It’s a great privilege to be there for our veterans who have given so much for their fellow Americans, and every day we thank them for the tremendous contributions they have made to our country, and now make for our company.”

Eversource is one of nearly 300 organizations that were recognized this year by VETS Indexes for their strong commitment to veterans, members of the National Guard and Reserves, and military spouses. Participating organizations that completed and submitted surveys for the VETS Indexes Employer Awards included companies large and small, government agencies and departments, nonprofit groups, and colleges and universities.

“Even as more organizations than ever before are recognizing the uniquely valuable skills that veterans bring as employees, Eversource’s efforts to recruit, retain, develop, and support those who served, as well as their families, stand out from the pack,” VETS Indexes President George Altman said. “We want to congratulate the energy company for its remarkable progress creating a workplace that welcomes veterans from across New England and empowers them to advance their careers.”

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) welcomed job seekers, students, alumni, and community members to the Glorious Jobs Galore College and Career Fair on April 9.

The event featured more than 60 tables with local and regional employers, as well as representatives from four-year colleges and universities. The fair was open to STCC students, alumni, prospective students, and members of the public, offering access to full-time and part-time jobs, internships, and transfer guidance, all under one roof.

“Today is a great day,” said Nathan Andary, director of Career Services at STCC. “We have employers and colleges and universities here for both the career and college transfer fair. We have approximately 55 employers that span all the disciplines — from nursing to laser optics and photonics, HVAC, electrical engineering, social work, and anything you can imagine. This is a way to bring employers and put job seekers together in a reduced-barrier kind of way.”

Darcey Kemp, vice president of Student Affairs at STCC, said the event reflects the college’s mission to support its students beyond the classroom. “Career and transfer readiness are critical to student success. Events like this empower our students to envision their next steps, build confidence, and make real-world connections that can change their lives. It’s inspiring to see the energy on campus today.”

Employers praised the fair as an accessible, targeted way to meet potential hires, many of whom have technical and professional training from STCC.

Joshua Prouser, a 2014 STCC graduate and now inside sales application engineer at Flow Tech Inc., noted that, “being that this is a technical school, we think this is a really good opportunity to find new talent. A career fair is a great place to bring students and prospective employers together in an easy environment.”

Kerry Malo, who works at Amity Street Dental in Amherst, said she hoped to meet soon-to-be graduates from STCC’s dental hygiene program. “We are hoping that we can actually just extend out and reach them and give them an opportunity as soon as they graduate. Since COVID, it’s been difficult finding licensed professionals.”

Christina Pietroniro of Singer Equipment Co. added that “we’re hoping to come out of here with a few résumés and a lot of interest.”

Rachael Larriu, HR and recruiting manager of Administration and Finance at UMass Amherst, said the university is focused on spreading awareness about trades positions and facilities jobs. “We’re trying to highlight our HVAC and refrigeration programs and let STCC graduates know there are opportunities at UMass. We’re also here representing our Admissions department, acting as a bridge for students thinking about transferring.”

STCC students also had the chance to speak with college representatives to plan the next step in their academic journey.

Joanna Lenfest, assistant director of Transfer Admissions at Westfield State University, noted that “Westfield State has a long-standing partnership with STCC. A lot of students from STCC, once they get their associate degree, will come to Westfield State. STCC’s one of our most prominent populations. We have MassTransfer pathways — a collaboration between state universities and community colleges — so they can jump right into their major with all their general education work done.”

Students appreciated the chance to meet employers and explore careers and transfer options in a low-pressure environment.

“I don’t really have a strict plan,” said Justin Baez, an energy systems technology student. “I’m asking questions, seeing what I might gravitate toward — and what turns me off. It’s great that this is right here on campus with a bunch of different employers. It’s cool to get the opportunity to meet them in the same place.”

Community member Bashir Islam found a lot of useful resources at the fair. “I am not a student here, but I am trying to avail myself of the job fair and the kind of services they have here, which is excellent,” he said. “I’m just trying to connect with businesses.”

As an added bonus, attendees had access to free professional headshots, helping them prepare for applications and interviews with a polished online presence.

Features

Matters of Trust

Recently, Megan MacBride, director of Marketing and Communications for the Better Business Bureau of Central New England, paid a visit to our BusinessTalk podcast, talking with BusinessWest Editor Joseph Bednar about the role of the BBB. Here are some abridged highlights of that conversation.

 

BusinessWest: Can you give us a basic idea of some of the programs and services of the BBB and how they benefit both business owners and customers?

MacBride: We have the business side, and we have the consumer side. We have a consumer foundation that offers support to consumers. For example, we put on a lot of scam presentations and seminars. It’s really helpful for people who are getting older because there are a lot of elder scams out there. So we’re continuously trying to educate those people.

We also have a complaint service. For example, if you went and bought a hot dog at a hot-dog stand and you were charged $2 and the person behind you was charged $1, and you were mad about that $1, you could call the BBB, and we’ll open up a complaint, whether the business is accredited with us or not, and we’ll be a neutral third party that will bring the unhappy customer and the business together to find a positive resolution that works for both.

Megan MacBride

Megan MacBride

“Don’t let these scammers bully you with threats and rush tactics like, ‘you need to pay now, or otherwise you’re going to get a fine, or you’re going to get arrested.’ The IRS will send you a letter in the mail. It’ll never be a threatening phone call.”

What the business wouldn’t want, whether they’re accredited with us or not, is a bad rating on our website because we document all of this stuff, and we vet all of our businesses before they can become accredited with us. Even if they’re not accredited with us and there are complaints, we’ll still fully investigate it, and we’ll make those complaints public so people are aware of what’s going on.

 

BusinessWest: What does it mean to be a BBB-accredited business?

MacBride: We have to go through your entire business and make sure that you fit our standards of trust. Our BBB standards of trust are to advertise honestly, tell the truth, be transparent, honor promises, be responsive, safeguard privacy, and embody integrity. We want to have businesses that follow our standards of trust to be accredited.

And there are a lot of benefits. We had about 220 million viewers in 2024 on bbb.org. As an accredited business, you can list your business with us. We also do advertising for businesses, so they can buy ad spots as well. There are tons of other opportunities to work with the BBB beyond just getting the seal.

We’re always here as a resource for anyone on the business or consumer side if they ever need anything. I think it just fosters trust in the community. We all want to do business with good businesses, and we want to avoid scams and frustration. So when we’re all in this together and we have these accreditations to back it up, it makes you feel just a little bit better.

Another part of being a BBB-accredited business is that you have opportunities for e-learning seminars, so you can learn different things about various business topics. It’s an additional resource for lifelong learning. Even as a business owner, you’re still learning every day.

 

BusinessWest: You mentioned consumer scams. What are some examples of scams that are common right now?

MacBride: One that’s been ongoing recently is an EZ Pass scam. I don’t know if you’ve ever received an unsolicited text message claiming to be from an EZ Pass service. They make you follow this weird link, and then, next thing you know, your information is stolen. There have been over 800 reports in our region alone, and I know that other regions have also been targets of this.

I want to continue to remind people, do not respond to that text. It is absolutely fake news. EZ Pass would never send a text to you saying that you have an outstanding balance. It’s important to delete those, and it’s also important not to respond back. That’s a big thing. Even if you’re trying to respond just to say stop or unsubscribe, don’t even do that. Immediately block the number, report it, don’t even engage with it.

Another big scam that’s been going around recently is the wrong-number scam. You’ll get a random text and somebody says, ‘hi, I’m trying to reach so-and-so; this is my new number.’ And you might respond back and say, ‘hey, sorry, I think you might have the wrong number. I am not so-and-so.’ And then the scammer will respond, ‘oh my gosh, I’m so sorry. Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know. How are you today? My name is X. I’d like to start talking to you now.’

And it just gets a little weird, right? So again, don’t respond to these. If you ever get an unsolicited text or phone call, review the number with caution, and if it’s a call, they can always leave a voicemail.

The other one relates to tax season. Everyone’s preparing for that April 15 date, so I’ve been trying to warn people about the IRS impersonation scams, when you receive a phone call from the IRS and they’re demanding money from you. The IRS does not do that, so don’t let these scammers bully you with threats and rush tactics like, ‘you need to pay now, or otherwise you’re going to get a fine, or you’re going to get arrested.’ The IRS will send you a letter in the mail. It’ll never be a threatening phone call.

 

BusinessWest: It would seem to me there is more awareness of scams, but I imagine you’re seeing the complaints at ground level, and there’s probably still a lot of need for education and to keep reinforcing these messages, right?

MacBride: Absolutely. Like I said, we have some of these vulnerable populations, older people, and with the rise of AI and the ability to manipulate photos and videos, it’s so important for us to continue to trying to get get ahead of it, making sure we’re on top of the curve, so we can continue to warn people of these things.

 

BusinessWest: There are a lot of organizations out there that advocate for the business community or for the consumer community. You really do both. How gratifying is it to be involved in that sort of work, to help consumers find what they need and also help businesses succeed?

MacBride: Honestly, it’s great. We are a nonprofit advocacy group for not only businesses, but also consumers, and it feels really good to get all the good businesses to come together and work together. I think our values are important. And I think having resources for consumers is amazing too, because sometimes people don’t know where to turn when things happen. So we want to always be there for both sides of it.

 

Construction

The Case for Project Labor Agreements

 

Gov. Maura Healey recently signed an executive order requiring that administrators of state-funded construction projects with budgets over $35 million take steps to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery of the jobs — including through the consideration of project labor agreements (PLAs), which have been demonstrated to reduce costs and ensure timely completion.

“There are so many critical construction projects underway all across the state — upgrading our roads and bridges, improving infrastructure for small businesses, and more,” Healey said. “We know that it’s really important that these projects are set up for success. This means ensuring that contractors have a trained and ready workforce to turn to and a plan for meeting deadlines, staying within budget and keeping everyone safe. In many cases, PLAs can help make that happen, while promoting good job opportunities for workers of all backgrounds, including veterans, women, and minorities.”

The order calls for the state to sign a PLA if it is in the best interest of the project, workers, and community. The state analysis will be based on the project’s scope, complexity, proposed schedule, site conditions, and the size and nature of the construction workforce required.

Healey signed the order at the Massachusetts Building Trades Unions’ (MBTU) 106th annual convention at MGM Springfield, surrounded by local construction workers and labor advocates, including workers who were employed as part of the construction of the new Massachusetts Veterans Home in Holyoke.

“This executive order will make a huge impact on the quality of life for current and future workers in the construction industry,” MBTU President Frank Callahan said. “It will contribute to ensuring fair competition for all contractors while creating opportunities for great careers and opportunities for workers. Every worker in the construction industry deserves the opportunity to earn good wages and benefits with safe working conditions that ensure they return to their loved ones each day after work. By signing this executive order, Governor Healey is helping to expand those opportunities for construction workers all across Massachusetts.”

A PLA is a collective bargaining agreement, executed between contractors and labor organizations, that establishes the terms and conditions of employment for all contractors, subcontractors, and craft labor employees performing work on a specific construction project.

Advocates say PLAs help deliver high-quality jobs for a diverse workforce and maintain competitive costs and project timelines. Studies have also found that PLAs do not add costs to construction projects, and in fact lower them. A recent analysis of a similar policy in Illinois found that PLAs increased competition and helped lower costs for taxpayers.

“Project labor agreements have been proven to result in successful construction projects in the public and private sectors, from the new Holyoke Veterans Home to Gillette Stadium and TD Garden,” Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said. “We’re proud to take this action today that will make sure our agencies are paying close attention to ways in which they can maximize the success of their projects while supporting our incredible, diverse workforce in Massachusetts.”

 

Matters of Compliance

The executive order lays out the process for implementing PLAs on public-works projects to comply with a measure in the state economic-development bill signed by Healey last year, which called for agencies to require a PLA when in the best interests of Massachusetts. The order does not require a PLA for any construction project and allows for union and non-union bids.

“Our administration looks forward to leveraging this as a tool, when applicable, complemented by efforts to build a more diverse pool of apprentices and reduce barriers to attract more women and people of color as we work collaboratively with the industry to grow the workforce,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones, who joined the governor at the order signing at MGM.

Andrew DeAngelo, Executive Director of the Greater Boston Plumbing Contractors Assoc., which represents more than 70 union plumbing businesses in Massachusetts, added that “the contractor community applauds Governor Healey for this executive order. Project labor agreements not only make sense for worker safety and job-site protections, they also make business sense for both the contractor and the end user. By leveling the playing field for those bidding and ensuring an efficient and on-time completion, more subcontractors bid on the work competitively — and the end user gets the best finished product achievable.”

Chrissy Lynch, president of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, argued that “project labor agreements guarantee good wages and benefits, safe working conditions, and sustained investment in the local economy and workforce.

“These agreements ensure that projects create meaningful opportunities for workers across the board,” she added. “Currently, unions train 80% of all apprentices of color and 88% of all women apprentices in our state, and they have been critical to achieving the Commonwealth’s diversity goals for construction. PLAs also have a proven track record in Massachusetts, where they keep projects moving and costs low. The Massachusetts AFL-CIO applauds this executive order for doing better by workers, the community, and taxpayers across the Commonwealth.”

 

More Statements of Support

Karen Courtney, executive director of the Foundation for Fair Contracting of Massachusetts, called the executive order “a major step forward in ensuring that public projects not only deliver high-quality infrastructure but also uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, and opportunity for workers across Massachusetts. By strengthening oversight and accountability on projects exceeding $35 million, we are reinforcing the state’s commitment to equitable access, ensuring that skilled workers receive fair wages and providing a level playing field for all contractors.”

Ziquelle Smalls, senior organizer with Community Labor United, called the executive order “a monumental step toward an equitable and sustainable future for Massachusetts. Committing to strong project labor agreements across sectors will create family-sustaining careers, advance opportunities for women and communities of color, and build the infrastructure our state urgently needs.”

Cindy Luppi, national field director with Clean Water Action, characterized the executive order as “a pivotal moment for both climate justice and public health. By focusing on sustainable infrastructure, we have the chance to address urgent environmental needs — improving our water system, reducing pollution, and creating green careers that support our communities. It’s essential that, when Massachusetts invests in major projects, we not only tackle climate change, but also safeguard the well-being of those most impacted, ensuring clean, safe environments for future generations.”

Mimi Ramos, executive director of New England Community Project, called the announcement a game-changer for New England communities, especially for those seeking access to green careers and childcare opportunities. “At the New England Community Project, we know that a just transition means creating pathways to family-sustaining careers as well as building more green, affordable, equitable, and accessible housing.”

Finally, Dwaign Tyndal, executive director of Alternatives for Community & Environment, noted that, “for frontline communities across New England, and especially in Massachusetts, the executive order on PLAs for state-funded projects over $35 million presents a pivotal opportunity to create green transit infrastructure that addresses both the climate crisis and long-standing inequities. This investment provides a chance to build transit systems that not only reduce carbon emissions but also ensure that working-class communities have access to reliable, sustainable transportation.”

Healthcare News

Turning the Tide

By Suzanne Parker

 

Mental health is important at every stage of life and is critical for a girl’s success in school. Yet we are currently facing a mental-health crisis among youth.

Based on the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance of 2023, almost 53% of female students in the U.S. experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness during the past year, and over 27% seriously considered attempting suicide. This issue persists in Canada as well, where emotional, behavioral, and psychosocial problems affect approximately 1.2 million children, yet fewer than 20% receive appropriate treatment.

Girls Inc. affiliates report that world issues have contributed to trauma and mental-health concerns for girls. ​​These environmental and social factors contribute to deteriorating mental health among girls and can have dangerous consequences.

Suzanne Parker

Suzanne Parker

“Many factors impacts girls’ mental health. While community and family dynamics, specific traumatic experiences, and even our genetics play a role in our mental health, media and schools can have an outsized impact, both positive and negative.”

Many factors impacts girls’ mental health. While community and family dynamics, specific traumatic experiences, and even our genetics play a role in our mental health, media and schools can have an outsized impact, both positive and negative.

 

Role of Media

A recent Pew Research study found that almost half of U.S. teens ages 13-17 use the internet almost constantly, with young girls more likely to spend too much time on social media. Girls particularly face limiting and unrealistic representations of female bodies in the media, which can adversely affect their self-perception, self-worth, and mental health.

Teens’ negative perceptions of their bodies may steer them toward extreme diets or harmful dieting trends. Eating disorders are complex and have a number of social, psychological, and biological causes. Social media is one component of this, as it works to perpetuate the ‘thin ideal,’ especially for young girls.

A researcher at Brown University identified several more risks that social media poses to young girls, including contributing to inadequate amounts of sleep, preventing in-person socialization, exposure to explicitly dangerous content, and even cyberbullying.

On the reverse, moderate use of media that supports users or teaches about well-being or other topics can be a positive resource. Think about how different a comment section full of compliments is!

 

Role of Schools

Schools could play an important role in connecting girls with the services they need if school staff members are trained to recognize the signs of trauma or other mental-health concerns. Oftentimes, girls, especially girls of color, are disciplined for behavior that may be the result of unaddressed trauma or mental-health issues but is not recognized as such.

Additionally, there is a critical shortage of school counselors, and many high-school counselors report being overburdened by huge caseloads, especially at schools where a majority of children are first-generation and low-income students. The American School Counselor Assoc. (ASCA) recommends maintaining at least one school counselor for every 250 students. For the 2023-24 school year, however, ASCA found that the national average ratio in the U.S. is only 376 to 1.

 

Why It Matters

Mental health impacts girls’ and young women’s ability to lead healthy, fulfilling, and meaningful lives. Even though mental-health issues are treatable, girls may not receive the services they need if their schools and communities do not have the necessary resources and the adults in their lives do not know how to identify the need for help.

Girls with unaddressed mental-health problems may get punished or withdraw from classes or activities, thereby losing access to critical development opportunities. Mental illness can also be isolating given the stigma that still surrounds seeking treatment or even admitting one suffers from mental-health issues.

“Even though mental-health issues are treatable, girls may not receive the services they need if their schools and communities do not have the necessary resources and the adults in their lives do not know how to identify the need for help.”

What Policymakers Can Do

Policymakers can improve access to, and quality of, mental-health and wellness support for all youth by:

• Protecting and increasing access to mental-health services, including telehealth;

• Increasing funding for school-based mental health professionals and services, including screening, treatment, and outreach programs;

• Increasing funding for evidence-based suicide awareness and prevention programs, as well as mandating that schools train students in suicide and eating-disorder awareness and prevention;

• Strengthening laws, policies, and funding for programs that promote trauma-informed practices, training, and healing-centered engagement for children and families who may have experienced trauma.

• Ensuring that resources in schools are tailored to students’ specific needs, and ensuring access to more inclusive mental-health and wellness education, as well as linguistically accessible and culturally competent services for youth and parents.

We can also encourage appropriate content from media sources and hold social-media platforms accountable for youth mental-health impacts by ensuring they implement robust youth-protection measures and are held accountable for promoting harmful content to minors, through measures including age verification, usage limits, and AI safety scans for inappropriate or dangerous content.

They can also create industry standards to regulate digital alterations, fund research on social media’s impact on youth, and support the promotion of diverse body representation, while also encouraging collaboration among schools, healthcare providers, and communities to offer comprehensive media-literacy education, mental-health support, and body-positive programs.

 

What We’re Doing at Girls Inc. of the Valley

Girls Inc. Week is celebrated by Girls Inc. affiliates all over the U.S. and Canada. This is a time when we galvanize around topics important to girls.

This year, Girls Inc. Week is happening May 5-9, with the theme “Youth Mental Health: Helping Kids Feel Better,” which was thoughtfully selected by Girls Inc. students. It shines a spotlight on one of the most critical issues facing youth today — mental health — and celebrates the resilience, strength, and proactive spirit of girls.

At Girls Inc. of the Valley, we have a week full of meaningful activities to acknowledge and support their questions and challenges, including our Real Essentials curriculum with a focus on mental health, MADD’s substance-abuse prevention workshop for teens, a fun spa day, and more.

We’ll celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our girls and alumnae, who exemplify what it means to be strong, smart, and bold. Together, we’ll lift up their voices, break down stigmas surrounding mental health, and champion the actions girls are taking to support their peers and communities.

Also, on Thursday, May 8, Girls Inc. is launching its second annual network-wide fundraiser, and Girls Inc. of the Valley is participating to support “Youth Mental Health: Helping Our Kids Feel Better,” right here in the Valley. To learn more about how to participate, visit www.girlsincvalley.org or contact Sasha at [email protected].

 

Suzanne Parker is executive director of Girls Inc. of the Valley.