Home 2025 May (Page 3)

Month: May 2025

Phillips Insurance Agency Welcomes Kim Vadnais, Telisha Marshall, Kelly Kuenzel

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Daily News

CHICOPEE — Phillips Insurance Agency Inc. announced three new staff additions.

Kim Vadnais is joining the firm as director of Employee Benefits. She comes to Phillips Insurance after a 24-year career at Complete Benefit Solutions, where she handled benefit plan designs for larger employers throughout New England. She is a licensed benefits agent and brings senior-level expertise to benefit administration.

Telisha Marshall has joined Phillips as a Commercial Lines account manager. A graduate of the University of Florida, she has more than 10 years of experience in commercial insurance. She is a licensed broker and most recently worked at a publicly traded national broker handling complex accounts.

Kelly Kuenzel has joined Phillips as a Personal Lines account manager. She has several years of insurance expertise and has earned her insurance brokerage license. She will work with individuals in personal insurance plan design.

Phillips Insurance Agency is a full-service risk-management firm with a staff of 29 professionals. The agency handles the personal and commercial insurance needs for thousands of individuals and businesses throughout New England.

Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity to Repeat ‘Building Strong Credit’ Program

By
Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity’s (GSHFH) Habitat Home School program will host an encore session of “Building Strong Credit.” Habitat Home School is an interactive online class that teaches its participants how to become financially ready to apply for Greater Springfield Habitat’s homeownership program.

“Building Strong Credit” will be taught by Operation HOPE representatives. Operation HOPE is a nonprofit that offers financial literacy, coaching, and advocacy for low- and moderate-income individuals and communities. Attendees should expect to participate in engaging activities and ask questions.

“I would like this series to be a pre-application course so people are more prepared from the financial-review aspect of the application process,” said Olga Callirgos, GSHFH Homeowner Programs coordinator and the creator of this project. “It’s not mandatory, but highly recommended, as it’s a positive stepping stone for anyone interested in homeownership, and it’s definitely a good idea to attend all of them so there is no missed information.”

“Building Strong Credit” will be held in English on Tuesday, May 13 at 5 p.m., and Thursday, May 29 at 5 p.m. for Spanish speakers. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. To sign up, visit habitatspringfield.org/financial-seminar.

Comcast Business Offers Free Ice Cream at the Summer House in Southwick

By
Daily News

SOUTHWICK — To mark National Small Business Week (May 4-10), Comcast Business celebrated the Summer House’s decades of success by giving out free ice cream to the first 150 customers who visited the family-owned restaurant and ice cream shop at 552 College Highway, Southwick on May 8.

The Summer House has long been known as a go-to spot for a first date, an after-dinner treat, or generations of birthday celebrations. Now entering its 45th season, the Summer House serves up summer comfort foods year-round. While its menu is extensive — from burgers and hot dogs to wraps and sandwiches — customers often gravitate toward its ice cream, sundaes, and frozen yogurt treats.

Owners Richard and Steven Grimaldi, who took over the businesses from their father, Anthony Grimaldi, know that a dependable customer experience is key to maintaining their thriving local business. As such, they’ve trusted Comcast Business since 2016 for their internet service, which helps power their operations and deliver efficient customer service, including reliable payment processing and seamless communication between customers, employees, and vendors.

Project Will Restore WMA Chapel, Make It a Gathering Place

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The historic chapel, seen above in an archival photo, will be restored to its former glory and given a new role as a dining facility, as seen in the architect’s rendering below.
Education

Turning Back the Clock

 

The historic chapel, seen above in an archival photo, will be restored to its former glory and given a new role as a dining facility, as seen in the architect’s rendering below.

The historic chapel, seen above in an archival photo, will be restored to its former glory and given a new role as a dining facility, as seen in the architect’s rendering below.

architect’s rendering

Brian Easler calls it “an inflection point … a seismic shift in the academy’s upward trajectory.”

He was referring to a $20 million project to create a new kitchen and servery at Wilbraham & Monson Academy (WMA) and convert its historic chapel into a dining commons.

Those phrases ‘inflection point’ and ‘seismic shift’ refer to several aspects of this project and cover a lot of ground. Indeed, they reference everything from the magnitude of the upgrade in dining facilities — from fairly nondescript quarters to the fully restored chapel, with its vaulted ceilings and stained-glass windows, what students are calling the ‘Harry Potter dining hall’ — to the way this project will shift still more of the activity at WMA to the east side of Main Street, thus reducing traffic crossing the busy street.

“This will move the center of the campus from the west side of Main Street to the east side,” said Easler. “And that will generate a 70% reduction in student Main Street crossings, which is just one big impact.”

Meanwhile ‘inflection point’ also refers to the way this project galvanized the WMA community and especially its alumni base, from which the vast majority of the funds for the project were raised.

“This was not one of those fund-raising efforts where you put the ask out to everyone in the community … 7,000 alumni and everyone chips in,” Easler explained. “This was a handful of donors already close to the school, already close to me.

“We went out to them with personal appeals from the school to see if they were interested in the project,” he went on. “We were fortunate in that they were all interested in the project, and they were almost all able to help us with it; that’s how we were able to make it happen relatively quicky.”

“This space will serve as a unifying gathering place for our community. The dining commons will become the heart and soul of our campus, and a central part of the student experience.”

Elaborating, he said there were two lead gifts — from donors he was not ready to name — that generated much-needed momentum for the initiative, one for $7 million, the other for $5 million. “Several other people picked up on that momentum, and that enabled us to get to $20 million.”

Groundbreaking ceremonies were staged on April 25. Work is slated to commence soon, and the plan is to have the facility ready for the start of the 2026-27 school year.

Easler said the initiative represents the next phase in the school’s master plan for its campus, one with several components, including the construction of a new athenaeum, completed in 2020, which is connected to the chapel and will be connected to the new kitchen and server area, with the current dining hall to be converted to a state-of-the-art large-capacity theater and performance and meeting space.

The past and present will come together — literally, and in powerful ways, said Easler, noting that the rough-hewn brownstone exterior chapel will become the servery’s interior wall.

“During the day, the skylights will illuminate the servery with natural light,” said Easler, “highlighting the beauty of the original brownstone exterior and creating a stunning backdrop for a modern country-kitchen style.”

But while the project has many aspects to it, in many respects, the chapel is the primary focus. Completed in 1870, it has been used sparingly in recent years — for school meetings once a week, said Easler. It’s transformation into a dining hall will make it a much larger part of the school’s identity and its daily activity.

“This space will serve as a unifying gathering place for our community,” said Easler. “The dining commons will become the heart and soul of our campus, and a central part of the student experience.”

And the project will turn back the clock and restore the chapel to its original elegance and architectural allure.

“We have photos of the chapel when it was first constructed; it was magnificent on the inside, with exposed beams and stained-glass dormers,” said Easler. All of that is still up there, but it was covered with sheet rock somewhere along the line, probably to minimize the cubic yards that had to be cooled or heated. We have other ways to mitigate that now, so we’ll be opening it back up to its original beauty, and it will be a stunning dining room.”

Dave Fontaine Jr., CEO with Fontaine Bros., the general contractor for the project, as well as the athenaeum, agreed, noting that this project falls into several categories, everything from new construction to what would be considered historic renovation.

“It’s a very cool project,” he told BusinessWest. “There’s a lot of history in the chapel, it’s a really cool building, and I think this will be a gem of a project when it’s completed.”

— George O’Brien

Link to Libraries Creates Fund to Honor Steve, Sue Kaplan

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Steve and Sue Kaplan, left, with Laurie Flynn, executive director of Link to Libraries, and John Doleva, president and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame, a strong supporter of the agency.
Education

Recognizing a Legacy of Giving Back

Steve and Sue Kaplan, left, with Laurie Flynn, executive director of Link to Libraries, and John Doleva, president and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame, a strong supporter of the agency.

Steve and Sue Kaplan, left, with Laurie Flynn, executive director of Link to Libraries, and John Doleva, president and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame, a strong supporter of the agency.

 

As she talked about Steve Kaplan and his many contributions to the nonprofit Link to Libraries, Laurie Flynn, the agency’s executive director, didn’t start with his service on the board, his lengthy stint as treasurer, or even his role as quiet, behind-the-scenes co-founder with his wife, Susan Jaye Kaplan.

No, she started by talking about the manner in which Kaplan, who passed away in January after a lengthy battle with brain cancer, adopted, for lack of a better word, the Kensington International School in Springfield — because, in many ways, that says even more about him.

“He started off as a volunteer reader,” she recalled, noting that the nonprofit helps place such readers in schools across the region to help encourage young people to read. “And he turned it into so much more; it became near and dear to him. He tutored there, he did all kinds of things, and he did it without asking for a spotlight … he just quietly gave and gave and gave.

“He always joked that he was “Mr. Susan Jaye Kaplan,” Flynn went on. “But he was a force in his own right; it was just different energy.”

It was that above-and-beyond approach at the Kensington School, and the varying forms of energy displayed by both Kaplans that helped inspire Flynn to create a legacy fund in both their names to help continue and even expand LTL’s service to the young people in the region.

Susan Jaye Kaplan, as most now know, co-founded not only LTL but also the nonprofit GoFIT. She was honored for her work with BusinessWest’s Difference Maker award in 2009.

“When Steve passed in January, I thought it was an important time to honor his work and Sue’s work, and their work as a couple in Western Mass.”

“When Steve passed in January, I thought it was an important time to honor his work and Sue’s work, and their work as a couple in Western Mass.,” she told BusinessWest. “They’ve done so much, not just for Link to Libraries, but we’re a huge piece of their legacy. It seemed to me that … when you look at the two of them, and how much they gave, not just through the schools, but through community partnerships, it seems like a great opportunity, a great way to honor their legacy, to have something that is permanently part of Link to Libraries, that is dedicated to doing more than we’re doing now.”

Elaborating, Flynn said the Stephen Kaplan & Susan Jaye Kaplan Community Legacy Fund, which was formally announced at LTL’s biennial fund-raising ball at the Basketball Hall of Fame, will enable the nonprofit to extend its reach, and impact.

“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,” she explained. “We do our very best to say ‘yes’ to every book request we get, but we have limited funds, limited ability to do that.

“By creating this fund and having this cache of money set aside to support our community partners, who are serving the same kids and families that we are, that will enable our reach to expand,” she went on, adding that that the legacy fund will be a permanent fixture at LTL.

Flynn said there is no specific goal for the fund, adding that whatever is raised — and she is expecting support from individuals and businesses alike — will enable LTL to support more groups serving children and families, such as the Salvation Army, the Springfield Museums, and countless others.

“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,” said Flynn. “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.”

For more information on the legacy fund, visit linktolibraries.org.

— George O’Brien

M&T Charitable Foundation Announces $4.9 Million In Grants

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Banking and Financial Services

Broad Impact

The M&T Charitable Foundation, the philanthropic arm of M&T Bank, recently announced $4.9 million in grants to 51 nonprofit organizations across the six New England states, as well as Long Island and Westchester County, N.Y.

The announcement of this third round concludes the company’s Amplify Fund supplemental grant program, a three-year, $25 million commitment to address inequities, with a focus on all low- and moderate-income communities and underserved populations.

First announced in May 2022, the Amplify Fund is a $25 million philanthropic investment as part of the merger between People’s United Bank and M&T Bank. Powered by the M&T Charitable Foundation, the Amplify Fund is a one-time supplemental charitable giving program to provide further support in the legacy People’s United communities.

Dominique Goss

Dominique Goss

“The M&T Charitable Foundation is proud to support the work of nonprofits that are dedicated to advancing equity and creating positive and lasting change. We look forward to seeing the progress of their work and the collective outcomes of our partnerships in the months and years ahead.”

During the first and second rounds of giving through the Amplify Fund, more than $20.1 million was awarded to 173 nonprofit organizations. The grants were awarded through a series of RFPs that focused on environmental initiatives, mission-driven and capacity-building work, community and tenant organizing, and financial empowerment, in addition to collaboratives working together to advance equity.

Grantees in this third and final round of funding include nonprofit organizations that are centered on advancing financial inclusion and spurring economic growth and prosperity, with a particular focus on creating equitable change through homeownership, small-business development and entrepreneurship, career growth, and financial resilience.

“The M&T Charitable Foundation is proud to support the work of nonprofits that are dedicated to advancing equity and creating positive and lasting change,” said Dominique Goss, executive director of the M&T Charitable Foundation. “We look forward to seeing the progress of their work and the collective outcomes of our partnerships in the months and years ahead.”

Throughout the three-year Amplify Fund grant program, the M&T Charitable Foundation awarded $25 million to 224 nonprofit organizations and collaboratives, helping to empower nonprofit organizations to work collaboratively to drive meaningful change and advance equity in the communities served by the program.

“This grant means a lot to our ability to help the families and communities we serve achieve economic self-reliance,” said David Hopkins, CEO of the Urban League of Greater Hartford, which is celebrating 60 years of economic empowerment. “We appreciate the leadership and team at M&T Bank, a 2024 equity partner, for their support of our social enterprise, community engagement, and leadership development, and now this Amplify Fund award will help enrich our financial opportunity program.”

Betsy Biemann, CEO of Coastal Enterprises Inc., added that “we are grateful for the M&T Bank Charitable Foundation’s support of CEI and their commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and a thriving small business community in Maine. This funding from the Amplify Fund will enable us to help more Maine entrepreneurs who are CEI lending and advisory clients to take charge of their finances and build assets through no-cost, confidential financial counseling and coaching, starting them on a solid foundation for starting or growing their business.”

The M&T Charitable Foundation, the philanthropic arm of M&T Bank, is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization founded in 1993 and funded by M&T Bank. The foundation awards nearly $40 million in grants per year to thousands of nonprofit organizations focused on improving quality of life in the areas the bank serves.

AIC Partners with UCP to Expand Assistive Technology Access

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AIC students experiment with the Spill-Not, an assistive technology tool that allows users to carry drinks without spilling.
Healthcare News

Toward Better Quality of Life

AIC students experiment with the Spill-Not, an assistive technology tool that allows users to carry drinks without spilling.

AIC students experiment with the Spill-Not, an assistive technology tool that allows users to carry drinks without spilling.

The American International College (AIC) Division of Occupational Therapy recently partnered with United Cerebral Palsy of Western Massachusetts (UCP) to expand access to assistive technology (AT) for individuals with disabilities. This collaboration has established a new satellite location for UCP’s Assistive Technology Regional Center at AIC, located at 1067 State St. in Springfield.

Previously, individuals in the Springfield area seeking AT services had to travel to Pittsfield, Worcester, or Boston. Now, through this partnership with the college, UCP can better serve the Pioneer Valley by offering local access to assistive devices that enhance daily living, mobility, vision, hearing, and workplace or home modifications.

Similar to a library loan system, individuals can borrow AT equipment at no cost on a short-term basis. The process is simple: browse available devices at MassAbility, visit the AIC lab for a demonstration, and borrow the device for personal use. If a requested device is unavailable, UCP will work to acquire it.

Following the July 2023 lightning-strike fire that devastated AIC’s Health Sciences labs, UCP donated adaptive equipment to support the master of occupational therapy (MSOT) program. These tools — including feeding assistance devices, low-vision aids, and mobility training equipment — are now housed in AIC’s reconstructed MSOT lab, where they train students and assist community members.

“I’ve dreamed of offering this service to the community. It aligns with AIC’s mission of education and outreach.”

Dr. Jennifer Nordstrom, director of AIC’s Center for Accessibility Services and Academic Accommodations (CASAA) and assistant professor of Occupational Therapy, provides assistive technology training to community members during designated hours. When not in public use, the equipment serves as an instructional resource for MSOT students. Through this collaboration, AIC can also offer assistive technology support to CASAA students as needed.

“I’ve dreamed of offering this service to the community,” Nordstrom said. “It aligns with AIC’s mission of education and outreach.”

For AIC’s MSOT students, access to innovative AT enhances their clinical training and practical experience.

To further enrich student learning, Nordstrom developed a dedicated Assistive Technology course at AIC, covering the Assistive Technology Act in Massachusetts, assistive technology and disability, assistive technology levels, how to choose the correct assistive technology, and assistive technology and occupational therapy

“Assistive Technology is always a favorite course,” she said. “With this equipment, our students are better prepared for fieldwork and pro bono clinics, staying up to date with advancements in the field.”

Shelby Cortis, senior director of Assistive Technology for UCP of Western Massachusetts, sees great value in this collaboration. “When I was in OT school, we didn’t have opportunities to train on these devices. Now, AIC students have hands-on access, giving them a strong foundation for their careers.”

During a recent visit to AIC, Cortis and Iris Long, UCP Assistive Technology regional director, demonstrated various types of AT devices to students, including electronic aids for daily living, speech-generating devices, computer access equipment, vision and hearing aids, and recreational aids.

Highlights included Spill-Not, a simple tool that allows users to carry drinks without spilling; a robotic feeding arm, a high-tech plate with a robotic spoon for individuals with limited mobility; and a wheelchair pressure pad, a sensor system that measures pressure points, helping prevent pressure sores and optimizing comfort for wheelchair users.

This interactive experience allowed students to interact with the latest advancements in assistive technology, enhancing both their academic learning and practical skills.

AIC occupational therapy students explore assistive technology devices as part of their training.

AIC occupational therapy students explore assistive technology devices as part of their training.

The next phase of this partnership will focus on public outreach, inviting other institutions to AIC for AT training and demonstrations.

For students like Trent Davenport, a first-year MSOT student, exposure to this technology is inspiring.

“It makes me excited to enter the field,” he said. “I plan to work with geriatric patients, helping them maintain independence through instrumental activities of daily living. Seeing the range of devices available today makes me even more excited about the future of assistive technology.”

Through this collaboration, AIC and UCP are strengthening student education and community support, ensuring that individuals in the Springfield area have greater access to life-changing assistive technology.

Chamber of Greater Easthampton Welcomes Jon Kostek as Executive Director

By
Daily News

Jon Kostek

EASTHAMPTON — The Chamber of Greater Easthampton recently welcomed Jon Kostek as its new executive director. He is a lifelong resident of Western Mass., raised in Hampshire County, with a deep-rooted commitment to helping the local community flourish.

Kostek began his professional journey in retail management and buying, eventually bringing his leadership and strategic insight to USTA New England, where he spent the past 20 years. He is known for building strong, long-term relationships and is passionate about partnership development, membership growth, and meaningful community engagement. Actively involved in local governance, he serves on several town committees.

Amherst Cinema Issues Statement on Termination of NEA Grant

By
Daily News

AMHERST — On May 7, Amherst Cinema released the following statement to its community:

“Amherst Cinema’s Bellwether series celebrated its 100th screening last December. Featuring creative, thoughtful, and inventive approaches to non-fiction cinema, this transformative monthly series pairs brave, bold films with appearances by and conversations with visiting artists from around the country and around the world. It represents the possibilities of cinema when we widen the boundaries of exhibition.

“Last Friday, May 2, we were informed via email that our 2025 National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grant to fund Bellwether was being terminated due to shifting federal priorities under the Trump administration. The cinema was among hundreds of arts groups of various sizes across the U.S. that received the emails just hours after President Trump proposed eliminating the NEA entirely from the federal budget.

“Amherst Cinema is a nonprofit arts organization — a catalyst for community — and we serve a constituency that deeply values and supports the arts. We hold that the arts are a vital component of a healthy, functioning society, and a reflection of and inspiration for our shared humanity. The film arts, in particular, capture our collective stories and preserve them for future generations. Our Bellwether series is especially important because many of these films remain self-distributed or only play in select film festivals.

“For five successive years, Bellwether has merited funding from the NEA through a rigorous and competitive grant process. We have consistently met and exceeded expectations, demonstrating the merits of our programming, supporting the work of independent filmmakers, and bringing artists and audiences together in person and in conversation.

“It’s important to note that termination of our $20,000 grant at this time leaves two-thirds of our 2025 Bellwether programs unfunded — a clear breach of contract. Because of our deep commitment to the Bellwether series as a manifestation of our values and mission, coupled with our strict adherence to the guidelines laid out by NEA, we will be taking immediate action to appeal this decision.

“The potential loss of future NEA funding and other federal resources means we will be relying on support from the Amherst Cinema community now more than ever. These are uncertain times. We know you feel it, too. Let’s work together to save the things that bring joy and value to our lives and our community.”

Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley to Host Free Shred Event on May 10

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley (RAPV) announced that its community service committee will host a free community shred event on Saturday, May 10 from 9 a.m. to noon at the RAPV parking lot, 221 Industry Ave., Springfield.

This event is free and open to the public. Secure, on-site document shredding services will be provided by FileShred, offering community members a safe and convenient way to dispose of sensitive documents while supporting a good cause, as Second Chance Animal Services will be on-site to share information about its mission and accept donations to support its efforts.

Freedom Credit Union Donations Support Three Local Organizations

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Every month, Freedom Credit Union collects donations for different charities as part of its Month of Giving campaign. This year, Freedom asked its members to nominate their favorite charities as beneficiaries. During January, February, and March, Freedom Credit Union collected and donated more than $2,738 to three local organizations.

In January, nearly $703 was raised for the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless. In February, donations added up to more than $1,091 for the Foundation for TJO Animals in Springfield and the Franklin County Regional Dog Shelter in Turners Falls. In March, more than $944 went to Shriners Children’s New England in Springfield.

“It’s always humbling to see how generous our community is,” Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch said. “We’re very fortunate to have many good causes and even more people eager to step up to and support them.”

Money collected through the end of May will support A Bed for Every Child, an organization that provides beds for children who don’t have appropriate sleeping arrangements. Donations can be made at any Freedom branch.

Go Graphix Founders Mark 20 Years of Persistence, Evolution

By
Co-founders Gary Stone (left) and Jim White
Cover Story

Cover Story

Co-founders Gary Stone (left) and Jim White

Co-founders Gary Stone (left) and Jim White. Photo by Bob Zemba, Simple Truth Imaging

 

 

Jim White calls them ‘transformations.’

Architectural transformations, to be more precise. These are graphics such as wall coverings, murals, treatments for ceilings and windows, door wraps, and more.

They help individual businesses create environments that stand out, that help attract and retain employees, and that probably help improve productivity, said White, noting that these transformations have become a big part of the growing portfolio of products and services at East Longmeadow-based Go Graphix, which he founded with partner Gary Stone in 2005.

“These days, businesses want to create a more-exciting environment, something that’s a little more welcoming, more interesting, more brand-centric,” said White, noting that the company has created architectural graphics for a wide range of businesses and institutions, from Baystate Children’s Hospital to Central High School; UMass Amherst Athletics to the new Doherty Memorial High School in Worcester; White Lion Brewing to Providence College.

These architectural installations represent just one example of how this company, which started humbly, handling mostly printing and copying services, has achieved a transformation itself, into a multi-faceted branding firm with a roster of products and services — from signs to vehicle wrapping — best summed up by its own marketing slogans — ‘’branding where you need it,’ and ‘you name it, we’re on it.’

Go Graphix is an intriguing business story, one that brings together many of the elements of entrepreneurship — especially a desire to leave the corporate world behind and start a business from scratch, a decision White and Stone made together, over time, while working for medical laser producers Biolitec and then Lumenis.

White was serving the latter as director of Global Marketing, and Stone as national sales manager, when they decided to ditch the travel, time away from their families, and ample amounts of stress for … well, less travel, more time with their families, but often more stress and of a different kind.

“These days, businesses want to create a more-exciting environment, something that’s a little more welcoming, more interesting, more brand-centric.”

As they looked back on 20 years in business — and expansion from a tiny storefront in East Longmeadow to two adjacent buildings in the town’s industrial park — they talked about the roller coaster ride that is entrepreneurship, how nothing has really come easy, but also how there are many rewards from persevering and working through the hard times.

“Our persistence is definitely what kept us going,” said Stone. “We had many opportunities to quit or to get back into our cushy corporate jobs, but we never turned back; when we made the decision to start our own business and build it, it was pedal to the metal.

“We just kept moving forward,” he went on. “And whenever we came up on any obstacles or challenges, we made a commitment to each other that we could keep powering through and someday reap the benefits of business ownership.”

White concurred, noting that there have been many challenges along the way, from the Great Recession, which hit just a few years after they opened, to COVID, which brought most of the traditional work to a standstill, and early on, the loss of a major fleet-wrapping client.

Jim White says Go Graphix has evolved over 20 years, cultivating new markets such as vehicle wrapping and architectural graphics.

Jim White says Go Graphix has evolved over 20 years, cultivating new markets such as vehicle wrapping and architectural graphics.
Photo by Bob Zemba, Simple Truth Imaging

“We’ve rolled with the punches and learned some important lessons along the way,” he said, adding that resilience is perhaps the company’s strongest trait.

Both partners agreed that, while the cultivation of new business lines, such as vehicle wrapping, architectural installations, and signage of all kinds has been a key to success, a bigger factor has been relationship-building, which has enabled the company to add and retain customers and generate all-important repeat business, often across several different product lines.

For this issue, BusinessWest talked at length with White and Stone about their journey, where it has taken them to date, and where they might go next.

 

Plane Speaking

While working for Biolitec and then Lumenis, White and Stone spent a considerable amount of time in airplanes, hotel rooms, restaurants, and trade show floors.

And while passing that time talking business, they also spent it talking about going into business for themselves. And the seriousness of those conversations picked up in intensity the more they were away from home and their families.

“We both had young children … Jim had three and I had four, and we were on the road a lot,” Stone recalled, adding that the two were very good at what they did, and the more they succeeded for their corporate bosses, the more that was demanded of them in terms of being on the road.

“I remember looking at my schedule at one point, I was going to be gone 17 out of the next 23 weekends,” said Stone. “And I said, ‘that’s enough; I’ve got to make a change.’”

White had reached the same conclusion and had many of the same recollections.

“Our persistence is definitely what kept us going. We had many opportunities to quit or to get back into our cushy corporate jobs, but we never turned back; when we made the decision to start our own business and build it, it was pedal to the metal.”

“All the money in the world didn’t mean as much to me as my wife and kids, and Gary felt the same way,” he recalled. “And there was just enough shakiness in the business to make a dream materialize. Gary and I were together for many of those trips; you talk about what your life goals are and what’s meaningful to you. I always wanted to own a business, and so did he.”

Fast-forward a year or so, and White and Stone were talking with BusinessWest inside a storefront (a former coffee roaster) in the Heritage Park Plaza in East Longmeadow about their new venture. They didn’t have any furniture at the time, so they talked while sitting in lawn chairs.

Mostly, they talked about leaving corporate America and going into business for themselves. As for their chosen enterprise, they said it came about after considerable discussion about what was needed in the community, what would succeed business-wise, and how they could best deploy their respective talents. In short, they said it was a work in process, a trend that has continued for the past two decades.

“We weren’t sure exactly what we’d do at that point, but we did know that we could sell, and we could market it,” said Stone. “Those are good skill sets to have if you’re going to start a business.”

Their start, as noted earlier, was as a basic print shop, providing many of the same services as the Staples across the street.

“We were just doing copies and prints, and it was just ‘the lowest price wins,’” Stone recalled. “It was a very frustrating, very-low-margin kind of business model that we didn’t enjoy much.”

Gary Stone says resilience has been the company’s best character trait.

Gary Stone says resilience has been the company’s best character trait.
Photo by Bob Zemba, Simple Truth Imaging

White recalled that the two struggled in the beginning, printing flyers, business cards, and similar products, and tried to be all things to its clients, and that formula wasn’t working.

“We’d think it up, design it up, and try to produce it,” he recalled. “And we found a love and passion for designing it, making it, and installing it.”

Relatively early on, White and Stone recognized an opportunity with vehicle graphics, an emerging market at the time, and bought a printer that enabled them to produce those products. This was the company’s start in the large-format business.

“We saw the vehicle-graphics market and said, ‘no one owns this,’” White recalled. “We said, ‘let’s be known for something, let’s be the guys,’ and strategically, we went after it.

“I remember looking at my schedule at one point, I was going to be gone 17 out of the next 23 weekends. And I said, ‘that’s enough; I’ve got to make a change.’”

“What you had was a convergence of technologies to make it happen,” he went on. “It wasn’t just the printing … it was the printing, the inks, the media, and the adhesives; you could print something on vinyl, but would it stick? We were at the right place at the right time.”

 

Covering All the Bases

They started with smaller businesses that provided an opportunity to learn while doing, said White, adding that the company eventually moved on to fleets, such as the 1,200 Edible Arrangements vehicles, and work that was truly national in scope.

“We got really good at it,” said White, adding that the company would survive the loss of the Edible Arrangements account — one third of its overall business at the time — and learn valuable lessons from that experience about diversification and not putting so many eggs in one basket.

Today, vehicle graphics remains a large part, maybe 30% of the overall portfolio at Go Graphix, with several large fleets in the fold, from Maybury Material Handling to Blinds to Go.

And that work wrapping vehicles, helped inspire the next leap for the company, if you will.

“We figured that, if we could wrap contoured vehicles, it can’t be too hard to install this vinyl on walls and windows that are flat,” Stone told BusinessWest. “So, we started studying the different kinds of vinyls we could use for those applications.”

And after gaining needed certifications and making its entry into that specialty, the company soon identified a market to pursue — higher education and school systems, said White, adding that these installations help schools in this market, and well beyond it, “attract, retain, and motivate students.”

It’s the same with businesses and their employees.

“In the corporate world, it’s ‘how do I get these people back?’” he said, referring to the emergence of remote work and the ongoing struggle to get people to return to the office, adding that one way to do that is to create an environment that is more colorful, and more fun.

Consistent investment in new technology and equipment has been one of the keys to success at Go Graphix.

Consistent investment in new technology and equipment has been one of the keys to success at Go Graphix.
Photo by Bob Zemba, Simple Truth Imaging

The company’s offices boast some of these architectural elements, although in many cases they represent earlier generations of the product lines. The main conference room, for example, features the company’s name and logo in a faux-brick product, as well as hundreds of colored tiles that come together like a jig-saw puzzle. Meanwhile, the break room takes on a patriotic tone, with images and quotes from the likes of Benjamin Franklin and Harry Truman.

And in White’s office, one wall is covered with an image from the 2017 Super Bowl, when Patriots’ running back James White (yes, they share the same name) scored the winning touchdown in overtime.

But it’s what they do for other businesses that has made this a fast-growing portion of the portfolio, said White, adding that the company is working with a wide range of clients, not just on architectural graphics, but also signage and other way-finding elements.”

Indeed, one key to the company’s success is its vertical integration, handling many different needs for the same customer, such as UConn, for which the company has handled both architectural graphics and wraps for the buses transporting its athletic teams.

 

Pivot Moves

As they talked about continually rewriting the business plan and shifting to meet emerging needs in the market, Stone and White said COVID added several exclamation points to that line of thinking.

And as he got into that discission, Stone flashed back to a meeting with some administrators at Baystate Health about work the company was doing for the system, and what it could do moving forward.

“I was ready to shake their hands as they were coming in, and they said, ‘we can’t do that anymore,’ he recalled, adding that this was very early in 2020, before most in this region had a good understanding of what COVID was. “They said they could tap feet or bump elbows — that was it.

“We did our presentation, talked about our services and projects we’d done with them,” he went on. “I asked the group if there was anything outside of what they know we do that they would have a need for. And one of them said, ‘do you guys make those sneeze guards?’”

The answer was, essentially, ‘no but we could,’ he went on, adding that a few months later, those acrylic shields — as well as ‘stay 6 feet apart’ signs and other items — not only rescued the company at a time when the phones simply stopped ringing, but contributed to what was its best year to that date.

And that pivoting represents perhaps the best example of how the company has responded to change and created new markets for itself.

“We changed our business model a number of times over the years,” said Stone. “When things were going well, we went in that direction, when they didn’t go well, we went in a different direction. And I think we grew smartly; we didn’t grow too big too fast. We did it in a smart way where we added people and added equipment as needed and went after markets where we thought we could be the best.

“Jim and I are both guys where we never got up any morning in our lives and said, ‘let’s be mediocre today,’” he went on. “We’re two guys who get up every day and say, ‘if we’re going to do something, we’re going to be the best at it.’”

White agreed.

“I’ve never been able to really relax,” he explained. “We’re always, always fully focused and looking at everything closely. Maybe it’s over the top, but it’s the only way to keep this a top-notch organization.”

Another element of the company’s growth is team building, said Stone.

“A key part of our success over the years has been to surround ourselves with good people who wanted to be here every day, who enjoyed the work we do, who really bought into our purpose and our mission, and saw opportunity working here,” he said. “Our clients really enjoy working with us and with our people; we know that business is built on relationships, and we’re done a really good job of building relationships and building loyal clients over the years.”

Another key part of their success is continuously setting the bar higher.

We had a great year in 2024, and we celebrated,” said Stone. “But we start at zero at the start of the next year; we’re always looking to go above and beyond what we did previously, and we have a team behind us that is focused on those same goals.”

Outgoing WNE President Talks About ‘Getting to the Other Side’ of Current Challenges

By
Education Special Coverage

School of Thought

Western New England University President Robert Johnson

 

 

“A shift in the market.”

That’s how Robert Johnson, president of Western New England University, chose to describe the current state of higher education, knowing this is a huge understatement.

Indeed, colleges and universities were already under great amounts of stress due to declining enrollments, rising costs, weaker bottom lines, and mounting questions about the cost and value of a college education. And that was before the Trump administration started what the Boston Globe and others are calling a ‘reign of terror,’ pressuring institutions on matters such as DEI policies and efforts to curb antisemitism with threats involving everything from the cancelation of grants to removal of schools’ tax-exempt status.

“It was already a fairly rapid pace of change, and what’s going on at the federal level is merely accelerating the pace of change, creating high levels of anxiety,” said Johnson. “I don’t think higher ed has ever been through this — I’ve been in higher ed 35 years, and I’ve never seen anything like this.”

But, at the end of the day, and in his opinion, this is just … a shift in the market, or another shift, one of many that higher education institutions have faced over the years, decades, or centuries, depending on how long they’ve been around, said Johnson, who referred early and often to the proverbial ‘other side’ of this current shift.

“I don’t want to call it a ‘new normal,’ because I think we’re creating ‘normal,’ and it’s going to be different,” he said. “What that ‘different’ is … who knows? But I think we must remain agile enough to change with the times. My perspective is simple; when it comes right down to it, places like Western New England University — we started as a branch campus for Northeastern University — are at a place where we’ve come through world wars, the Great Depression, the Civil Rights movement, Jim Crow, the dot-com bubble, the Great Recession … and now this. And we’ll figure this out.

“I don’t want to call it a ‘new normal,’ because I think we’re creating ‘normal,’ and it’s going to be different. What that ‘different’ is … who knows? But I think we must remain agile enough to change with the times.”

“Anyone who says they have a crystal ball and understands what it’s going to look like on the other side is fool’s gold,” he went on. “The best that we can do is be agile and try and manage as best we can given the resources that we have to emerge from this. It’s not going to be fun — this is not the golden age of higher education post World War II — it is a shift in the market, and that has to be our view, and there will be winners and losers.”

These were just some of the thoughts from Johnson in a wide-ranging interview with Johnson that turned out to be an exit interview, if you will. Indeed, he announced, just a few days after he talked with BusinessWest, that he will be stepping down from the university in August.

As he talked about the current landscape, he came back repeatedly to his contention that, to survive this latest shift in the market, schools will have to be agile and proactive in response to the factors that created this paradigm. And WNE is doing exactly that, he said, noting that, through several new strategic initiatives, it has improved its position.

Indeed, the school enrolled the largest entering class in its history in the fall of 2024, just two years after it recorded one if its lowest figures in a quarter century, he said. “Three years ago, we had just over 6,700 applications for our entering class. This year, we’re right on the cusp of 13,000 applications.”

This was accomplished, he said, by stressing brand value and return on investment — “including a 94% job-placement rate, starting salaries higher than 52 of the top-100 universities in the country — 36% higher than any of the other schools in this region.

Robert Johnson says that, through aggressive, targeted marketing, WNE entered its largest class ever in 2024, and is on pace to do the same this September.

Robert Johnson says that, through aggressive, targeted marketing, WNE entered its largest class ever in 2024, and is on pace to do the same this September.

“That’s the message that we keep driving home,” he went on. “And it’s showing up in our applications, deposits, campus visits … that’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.”

Beyond marketing, these increases in applications and enrollment are due to new programs designed to provide a bridge to the workforce, he said, citing the school’s new master’s degree program in Biopharmaceutical Technology, due to launch in September, as just one example.

If current trends continue, the school could exceed 1,050 students, and perhaps more, for the class entering this September, said Johnson, adding that this would be the largest class yet again.

For this issue and its focus on education, BusinessWest talked with Johnson about the current state of higher education and the many factors that will determine how and to what extent schools can ride out this storm.

 

Course of Action

Johnson, who arrived at WNE just as COVID did, noted that the pandemic represented a stern test for all institutions of higher education, one that forced them to rethink what they were doing and how, and make often dramatic changes to carry on and continue their missions.

This latest shift, one marked by demographic changes and governmental changes alike, and where 40% of private schools in New England are under some form of financial distress, is similar in many ways, but also fundamentally different.

“With COVID, there was a predictability to it — you knew that if you did certain things you would get through it,” he said. “Right now, in this environment we’re in right now, there’s no predictability; that’s what creates the high levels of anxiety we’re seeing right now.”

And this brings him back to that notion that schools will “figure this out.” Or not.

‘There’s something about the human spirit that says, ‘no matter what we’re going through, we’ll come out on the other side,’ and oftentimes, it really does come down to sheer determination with a plan of action that has the ability to pivot as you get different information or new information along the way that enables you to move forward.

“The indelible human spirt says that when a group of people work together toward a common goal, and they’re all rowing in the same direction, you can’t find a time in human history where they did not come out on the other side. And that’s going to be the difference — the institutions that can pull together and have that indelible human spirit that says ‘yes, I can.’ It’s possibility thinking and operating from a perspective of assets and not deficits — ‘I’m not going to focus on what I don’t have and therefore what I can’t do, but what I do have and what we can do with that.”

Elaborating, he said WNE’s success with growing its numbers for applications, deposits, and enrollment, comes down to one word — marketing.

“We’ve been really focused on telling our story,” he explained. “Because if families are going to make the investment, they want to know if I can get a job, a good job. It’s about outcomes, outcomes, outcomes.”

This marketing involves traditional vehicles, but especially social media and digital marketing, he said, but it also involves getting students on the campus.

“Getting them on our campus matters; there’s a higher probability of enrolling a student if they’ve been to the campus,” he said, adding that the school succeeds at being welcoming.

“This is place where, no matter who you are, where you’re from, or what you look like, you’re welcome. “It doesn’t matter what your political persuasion may be. And we don’t engage in highly politicized debate that’s happening in the external world; our heads are down, this is where you come to go to school, where you come to get a job — you don’t have all the drama about what’s going on in the world.”

When asked about how schools will emerge on the other side, and the factors that will determine what will look like when they do, Johnson said financial models and roadmaps that will provide long-term sustainability and growth, where revenues align with expenses, are obviously a key. But the bigger factor will the level to which institutions can focus on academic programs that can provide real jobs, “not just education for the sake of education.”

He mentioned examples at WNE including the new Biopharmaceutical Technology degree program, the Center for Advanced Manufacturing, FinTech program, and the recently opened XR/VR Lab, which provides students with hands-on access to cutting-edge virtual, augmented, and mixed-reality technologies.

“With COVID, there was a predictability to it — you knew that if you did certain things you would get through it. Right now, in this environment we’re in right now, there’s no predictability; that’s what creates the high levels of anxiety we’re seeing right now.”

“Those are the kinds of things that will matter moving forward,” he said. “Part of what will make a winner is programs that are relevant, that enable students to get real jobs … that have innovative and entrepreneurial components in place that become creative in nature and allow students to have hands-on experience and take that experience and go out into the world of work.”

“At the end of the day, each institution will have to decide what’s best for them, and position themselves accordingly,” he went on. ‘For many of them, probably most of them, elements of their plan will work, and for some of them, their plans will not work, and it will be to their own demise.”

 

Bottom Line

Johnson stressed that neither he, nor anyone else, really, knows just what ‘different will, indeed, look like.

But in these unprecedented times, when there is, as he said earlier, no predictability, schools must be creative and diligent if they are going to get to the other side.

“One of the outcomes of what we’re seeing now is that you’ll see some of the institutions come out of this and evolve and thrive, and there will be others that will contract and perhaps go out of business,” he continued. “I go back to the Great Depression, when the economy was rough, to say the least — which is what we’re starting to potentially see as an outcome of tariffs and uncertainty in the marketplace — some of the greatest companies in the world were started or evolved during that time. And that’s what we’re going to see on the other side of this with higher education — there will be institutions that will be reborn in a different way that will evolve and thrive in an environment in whatever ‘different’ will look like.”

Financial-literacy Programs Equip Families for Success

By
Country Bank team members help high-school seniors navigate a Credit for Life Fair.
Banking and Financial Services Special Coverage

Generational Impact

Country Bank team members help high-school seniors navigate a Credit for Life Fair.

Country Bank team members help high-school seniors navigate a Credit for Life Fair.

 

Jodie Gerulaitis’s title at Country Bank is first vice president, Community Relations. But before that, she was a Financial Education officer for the institution — a role for which she still has a passion.

“My job was offering financial education to our communities,” she said, noting initiatives like Savings Makes Sense, a partnership forged in the late 1990s with local schools — eventually about 40 of them — in which the bank collected deposits and students could engage in banking activities right at school.

These days, that program has morphed into Money School, a series of financial-literacy resources in public schools that include books, workshops, and five annual Credit for Life fairs that involve about 2,000 seniors from 13 different high schools.

The fair, a Massachusetts-based program that many banks participate in, asks students to role-play a 25-year-old, visiting about a dozen booths and making financial choices based on their career and salary goals.

“Some students get a salary or a credit score they weren’t expecting, and they also learn to understand needs versus wants,” Gerulaitis said, adding that the students also get a dose of reality; at one booth, they might get a bonus at work or an unexpected expense. “Do they want to take vacations? Is that important to them? Do they want to own a pet? These are choices you and I make every day, and we’re bringing it to the students.

“The students who wind up with a low credit score or a low salary and are struggling, they’re going to learn the most,” she added. “They see how difficult it is to get where they want to go. Can they afford a house, or do they need a roommate to split expenses? It’s a really eye-opening experience, and they need to experience this stuff now, so they don’t make bad choices later.”

Two years ago, the United Way of Pioneer Valley started partnering with middle- and high-school students in Springfield and Holyoke to teach basic financial-literacy skills to young adults before they start interacting with finances for real, President and CEO Megan Moynihan said.

Megan Moynihan

Megan Moynihan

“It’s so very important — if you don’t understand how to take care of yourself from a financial perspective, how can you become successful?”

“We want them to create a basis to be financially successful before they go out into the real world,” she noted. “Many of these students may not have access to learning about financial independence through their families. They didn’t learn about the importance of saving and credit and preparing a budget as a child. Some of the students we work with have zero idea going into these classes. The goal is to give them a basis, a skill set to prepare them for the real world.”

The United Way’s financial-literacy programs go well beyond young people; it launched an initiative called Thrive almost a decade ago, which helps individuals across all age groups achieve financial security through education and other resources.

“Personal financial education is huge — it’s a huge gap for so many individuals,” Moynihan said, noting that the partner agencies the United Way funded would refer to Thrive people who needed the service.

“Our partner agencies let us know about individuals who needed support. We would do one-on-one coaching with those individuals, typically follow them for an entire year, helping them with budgeting, helping them set goals for raising their credit score. Many did not even have bank accounts, so we brought in individuals from the banks to set up simple checking accounts, direct deposit, and credit cards to create credit. Others would learn how to fix their credit score, how to consolidate credit, the importance of reducing expenses, and more.”

Around 2020, the United Way switched to a more direct-service model, and now Thrive services are offered to any client of the nonprofit who needs them, typically people who access services from one of the United Way’s service centers in Springfield, Chicopee, and Holyoke.

“Individuals come in needing help with food insecurity or mental-health support, and we can also help them with personal-finance training; every individual who comes through our doors has access to Thrive financial education,” Moynihan explained. “We also partner with other nonprofits on a classroom-style, six-session financial-education series.”

Serving about 450 people at any given time through its youth programs, human-service agencies, and workplaces, Thrive impacts families in ways that can be generational, she noted.

Jodie Gerulaitis says the financial-literacy skills students develop now will benefit them later, no matter what college or career path they choose.

Jodie Gerulaitis says the financial-literacy skills students develop now will benefit them later, no matter what college or career path they choose.

“It’s so very important — if you don’t understand how to take care of yourself from a financial perspective, how can you become successful?”

For this issue’s focus on banking and finance, BusinessWest talks to several area professionals involved in financial-literacy efforts about those impacts, and the various forms these programs take.

 

Lifetime Financial Journey

Springfield Partners for Community Action is another local organization offering financial-literacy education through a series of different free workshops, from basic financial literacy to first-time homebuying and property management.

“They all consist of a little bit of financial literacy. We dive deep into budgeting, credit, debt management, banking, and investing,” said Gabriel Ortiz, a housing councilor at Springfield Partners, noting that the workshops average around 28 people each. Some are one-session workshops that run six to eight hours, often featuring speakers from the banking and financial-services world, while the first-time homebuyer workshop is a two-part series.

“We have a lot of professionals that have been in that industry for a lot of years, and they give their expert analysis of what the process is and how to get people where they need to go, watching out for predatory lending, things like that.”

Meanwhile, the basic financial-literacy session is a good idea for people looking to establish some credit and start saving for the future, Ortiz added.

“In Springfield, probably one out of four residents live in poverty. Springfield has seen inflation, and potential tariffs will make it harder for households to manage their budgets. As a local financial advisor, we’re trying to give some helpful tips and help people regain control of their finances, stick to a budget, and cope with today’s economic challenges.

“We want to help people transition from poverty to a more equitable future,” he went on. “By establishing generational wealth, buying homes, and establishing some credit, that’s definitely going to help families down the road.”

Having offered financial-literacy programs since 1996, Gerulaitis noted, Country Bank has seen those initiatives take on a life of their own.

“These programs make a difference. Sometimes parents are not in the financial situation they expected themselves to be in, and I’ve found the grown-ups at home sometimes don’t talk to kids about money. Maybe they’re embarrassed about their financial situation.

“So, whether they come from a wealthier background or not — really, all walks of life — these programs empower students to make the decisions themselves. After all, if the parents aren’t having these conversations, who is?”

“In Springfield, probably one out of four residents live in poverty. Springfield has seen inflation, and potential tariffs will make it harder for households to manage their budgets. As a local financial advisor, we’re trying to give some helpful tips and help people regain control of their finances, stick to a budget, and cope with today’s economic challenges.”

Sherleen Crespo, vice president, branch manager, and mortgage specialist at Westfield Bank, who is being honored as one of BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty this spring, said this reality — and the opportunity to start the conversation — is one of the reasons she loves being in banking.

“Sometimes financial literacy starts in the home, but not everyone has access to that,” she said. “Parents try their best, but they may not know as much as they should. And that lack of education affects people.

“Now, schools are very much involved in financial literacy. They invite me in, and that’s something that we didn’t have when I was growing up,” Crespo added. “It’s super important. It’s planting a seed toward breaking these generational cycles. The more we can educate people, the more that they’ll be able to grow.”

Gerulaitis agrees, and has anecdotal evidence to boot.

“I run into students after they’ve been through the programs — at the grocery store or a restaurant — and they say, ‘thank you, thank you. I got my first job, and a lot of what you said makes sense now.’ They put it into practice. That’s why we hit them when they’re seniors. Whether they’re going into the workforce or college, these skills are necessary at all levels. You can see the impact later on.”

And it’s not just high-schoolers; Country Bank targets educational programs throughout the community, from college students to senior centers. She’s even read age-appropriate books about money to preschoolers.

 

Bridging the Gaps

Moynihan said the United Way has a Thrive program that goes into workplaces, helping coach employees on the best ways to navigate financial struggles. In fact, three staffers are certified as financial coaches in the workplace, and they come at their roles from a mentorship perspective.

“We’re not giving you this information and saying, ‘now go figure it out yourselves.’ We’re setting you up with a mentor to walk you through these programs that will support you not just in your financial education, but on everything else that impacts your life.”

Another Thrive coach is a social worker, “so he understands the full scope of the needs of our clients — not just help with financial literacy, but so many other underlying issues that need to be addressed in the classes,” she went on. “We work with individuals to understand and identify the other areas where they need support so they can become financially stable.”

Every individual doesn’t need the same level of support, or the same educational components, she noted; some need close hand holding to get through it, and others just need to learn about different modalities to budget, save, and make good financial decisions.

“You don’t know what you don’t know, but it’s one of those things where it can be very difficult to ask for help. They might be ashamed,” Moynihan said. “So we move at the speed of trust. It can take time to build a relationship with an individual to become comfortable talking about this.”

The United Way is also part of the Bridges to Prosperity program through Springfield WORKS, a state-funded pilot program tasked with overcoming the ‘cliff effect,’ a phenomenon whereby the increased income from securing a job isn’t enough to offset public benefits while unemployed.

“It’s a first-in-the-nation approach that pairs cash payments to employed individuals over a two-year period with financial coaching and workforce training to bridge the gap between being on state assistance and being fully, gainfully employed,” Moynihan said. “So far, it’s working wonderfully.”

At the same time, the need for financial education continues, and Gerulaitis wishes it started at a younger age for everyone. She’s part of a committee that has advocated in Boston for state-mandated financial-literacy education in schools, trying to make Massachusetts the 27th state to mandate that as a graduation requirement.

Meanwhile, she added, Country Bank is doing as much as it can by offering free financial education.

“Even if it’s just one class, these schools love to partner with us. They feel they’re able to offer something to students as a benefit. Not all of them have personal-finance classes,” she said. “So, we’ve done a lot of programs. We want to provide as many free resources as we can to the community and guide them through their financial journey.”

Western Mass Completes Helps Nurses Graduate, Start Careers

By
Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts President and CEO Megan Burke
Healthcare News Special Coverage

Crossing the Finish Line

Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts President and CEO Megan Burke

Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts President and CEO Megan Burke

 

A few years ago, faced with a daunting statistic — that average college graduation rates are 60% at four-year institutions and 25% at two-year institutions — the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts commissioned a study on factors that contribute to higher-education persistence.

From that effort emerged a program called Western Mass Completes, which recently supported 50 nursing and health-sciences students from 10 of the region’s colleges and universities, all of them identified by their schools as possibly being at risk of not finishing their degrees, for a variety of reasons.

The result? Forty-nine of them graduated on time and passed their certification exam, and most have secured employment in their field. The 50th simply missed a class and had to add an extra semester, but is expected to join the list of success stories.

That’s a remarkable result, but what may be even more impressive is the level of financial support involved: just $2,500 per student, to help pay for a range of expenses, from equipment to transportation to exam fees.

“From all these students who potentially were at risk of not completing, to have that much of a completion rate is really important,” said Megan Burke, president and CEO of the Community Foundation. “And because there was a preference for commuter students, these are now qualified nurses who are in our communities and are part of the local workforce. And most of them, as of this past winter, were employed — which isn’t surprising because we know there’s a great need for nurses.”

“It’s important to lift up the fact that there’s regional economic impact — that these folks are gainfully employed, making livable wages, and contributing to their local communities, which are very likely in the three counties that we serve.”

Based on the research of Becky Packard, a Community Foundation trustee and professor of Psychology and Education at Mount Holyoke College, who spearheaded the initial research, Western Mass Completes was developed with the understanding that it’s not enough to help students enter college — the bigger priority, for them and the region, is to see them cross the finish line.

Ten local colleges and universities joined the endeavor — UMass Amherst, Westfield State University, Bay Path University, Springfield College, American International College, Elms College, and Western New England University, as well as Greenfield, Holyoke, and Springfield Technical community colleges.

The research showed that students often need more time and more resources to complete degrees; many are working full-time while in school and taking a reduced course load, while others are balancing school, work, and family responsibilities. Those financial roadblocks create barriers to completion, especially for high-need, first-generation students.

Denise Hurst, vice president for Community Impact and Partnerships at the Community Foundation, noted that Western Mass Completes emerged from a growing focus on access to post-secondary institutions and the emerging realization that the biggest issue isn’t enrollment, but persistence and completion.

“From there, we really started to look at the areas where students were more apt to encounter financial barriers to completion,” she told BusinessWest. “And then the pandemic hit, and we knew there was a shortage in the nursing and allied health-sciences fields.”

Denise Hurst

Denise Hurst says Western Mass Completes has undoubtedly helped change the trajectory of some nursing students’ lives.

So the nonprofit launched a pilot program at four local colleges, providing financial grants to 20 nursing students. When the results came back positive, the program was expanded to 10 institutions and 50 students, some of them not in nursing but in health sciences, as not every school has a nursing program.

“We did that with the same sort of intention — how do we mitigate any financial barriers to completion — providing them with a grant during their time in school so that they could reduce their work hours, use it for food, gas, whatever it was that they needed that could impede their completion,” Hurst explained. “And we followed that up with providing them with a grant toward their NCLEX exam so they could be prepared to go right out into the workforce.”

While the Community Foundation is still working on next steps — determining what lessons can be gleaned from the pilot and how they can be applied to an overall workforce strategy in the region’s healthcare economy — it’s clear that students reaching the finish line is critical not only to their own career success, but to the long-term growth of a key sector.

 

Meeting a Need

Hurst listed a number of factors that Western Mass Completes seeks to address:

• The demand for skilled nurses has been at an all-time high and escalated with COVID-19, yet many aspiring nurses struggle to complete their education due to financial barriers.

• While tuition is a significant cost, smaller, but critical, expenses — like certification exam fees, technology costs, transportation to clinical training, medical equipment, and scrubs — can be the deciding factor between completing a degree or dropping out of an academic program.

• These challenges disproportionately affect students from low-income backgrounds and those without financial safety nets.

• Investing in students not only supports individuals, but strengthens the entire healthcare system by ensuring communities have access to well-trained professionals.

“Even though we might not know what particular niche of nursing they’ll go into,” she noted, “it’s important to lift up the fact that there’s regional economic impact — that these folks are gainfully employed, making livable wages, and contributing to their local communities, which are very likely in the three counties that we serve.”

Burke said it was important that colleges selected students for this assistance who were most in need of it.

A recent graduating nursing class at Holyoke Community College, one of the 10 partnering institutions in the Western Mass Completes program.

A recent graduating nursing class at Holyoke Community College, one of the 10 partnering institutions in the Western Mass Completes program.

“We recognized that the schools know their students really well and know who might be struggling or who might be facing barriers. When there is an application process, you don’t necessarily get the students who most need it; you sometimes get the students who are best able to complete an application.

“A lot of the students were so surprised and almost didn’t even believe it,” she added. “That was one of the challenges that our researchers had to overcome, which was to say, ‘no, no, this is for real. We’re giving you money, and we want you to be successful.’ And one of the things the students noted in the evaluation is that this vote of confidence, that we want you to succeed, was a really valuable component of the program for them.”

The fact that a relatively small grant can make a significant impact on completion rates is important to note, Burke said.

“It’s concerning that you could get three out of four years through nursing school and then potentially leave without a degree, not be able to pay back your student loans, not necessarily have an income to support your family — and $2,500 really made a significant difference in people’s lives,” she told BusinessWest. “It also helps to fill a nursing shortage in our economy.”

 

Strategy Sessions

The next big step, Burke said, will be a strategic planning process. “We really want to get a lot of community input into where can we best add value. So we’ve made it pretty clear that we will not be launching a new phase of Western Mass Completes right away until we can do some more of that learning.

“We do have other ongoing things that we’ll continue to do that contribute to student success, like our scholarship program, our interest-free student loans, and other pieces,” she added.
“But in this particular area of study, we’re waiting to learn what could be most useful.”

Another emerging factor, particularly for the community-college partners, is the success of MassReconnect and MassEducate, the state programs that offer an associate degree free of charge to a wide swath of Massachusetts residents.

“There’s also some input we’d like to get from employers who might be saying, ‘we have this program to try to recruit nurses,’ or maybe there’s a need in the early-education space, the daycare centers, who are struggling to employ. How can we build on the efforts that some of the employers are having?” Burke went on.

She noted that many students who are a good fit for a program like Western Mass Completes are

non-traditional students — typically older students who are returning to their education.

“A significant percentage have children, so they’re parenting, they’re sustaining a family, and they’re doing all these other things while they get their education. These are folks who are trying hard to improve the situation for their entire family. And the fact that we could do that with a couple thousand dollars — it feels so gratifying to know you’re helping a family stabilize itself, benefiting not just the one individual, but everyone else they’re supporting as well.”

Hurst agreed it has been satisfying to see the initial impact of the project, whatever strategies come of it. “To know that you were able to change the financial trajectory of someone’s life, something we know has generational impact, is really exciting.”

In Southwick, There’s Plenty to See, Do, and Eat 

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Kettlebread Deli is just one of the intriguing business storylines in Southwick.
Community Spotlight Special Coverage

Community Spotlight

Kettlebread Deli is just one of the intriguing business storylines in Southwick.

Kettlebread Deli is just one of the intriguing business storylines in Southwick.

  

Ed Grimaldi pointed to the small table for two by the door, under the large-screen television. 

“I was sitting right there,” he recalled. “I had my head in my hands, thinking, ‘what have I done? What have I gotten myself into?’” 

It was April of 2020, a month after COVID-19 officially arrived in the region. Grimaldi had, in keeping with a mandate from the state, shut down Samuel’s, the pub-style restaurant at the Basketball Hall of Fame that he co-owned. And he had already invested, along with partners Melissa Veino and Joe Rondoletto, in a new endeavor on College Highway in Southwick called Kettlebread Deli, that was slated to open in a few weeks. 

Which explains why Grimaldi had his head in his hands. 

“We muddled through, somehow,” he said, noting that Kettlebread — more on that name and that concept later — pushed on through curbside service and was able to establish a beachhead, if you will. Fast-forwarding a little, the new business survived, has expanded to a second location and central bakery in Westfield, and Grimaldi and his partners are exploring franchising opportunities. 

“There’s nothing new about doing things home-made — lots of places do that now; we’re trying to do it in a way that’s duplicatable and scalable,” he said, hitting at the heart of this operation, adding that he believes he has an easily identifiable brand, a name that resonates within the industry, and “food that’s really, really good.” 

Kettlebread is one of many intriguing businesses and storylines in Southwick, a recreational community known for its Congamond Lakes, motocross, including the highly anticipated Southwick National in late June, the Ranch golf course, rail trails, a wide range of outdoor experiences, and more. 

“Our bread is very good because a portion of each batch is folded into the next day’s batch, allowing for an exponentially small portion of every batch that has ever been to be in every other batch.”

It’s also known for its hospitality and food-related businesses, including one that has risen to the ranks of institution. That would be Mrs. Murphy’s Donuts, another College Highway establishment that will soon — as in next year — be celebrating a half century of serving up a wide variety of offerings, including its signature raised, glazed honey dip. 

A family business to the core, Mrs. Murphy’s now has members of three generations working behind the big glass display case, or behind the scenes, said Shane Smith, noting that things really started with her grandparents — and especially her grandmother, Shirley, “the original Mrs. Murphy” — who opened a donut shop in Florida. 

“They taught my dad, Earl Murphy, how to make the donuts,” said Smith, adding that her father and mother, Rose, opened the shop in Southwick in 1976. 

Today, Rose is mostly retired, with Smith assuming more management responsibilities over the years and sharing duties with her husband, Zack, as well as her daughter, Bryce, and her husband, Jeff, and other team members. 

Building on this strong existing base of businesses, while maintaining the community’s rural, recreational character is among the main responsibilities of the community’s government, said Town Manager Nicole Parker, who came to Southwick not quite a year ago after serving in a similar post in the Central Mass. community of Hardwick. 

Shane Smith shows off the display case at Mrs. Murphy’s Donuts, a Southwick institution approaching its 50th birthday.

Shane Smith shows off the display case at Mrs. Murphy’s Donuts, a Southwick institution approaching its 50th birthday.

She was attracted by the town’s many attributes, including that rural quality, and has made it one of her priorities to build on that foundation. 

“As a recreational community, it’s important to have these kinds of opportunities,” she said, adding there have been some additions in that broad category with others in the planning stages, including a spray park at Whalley Park now under construction, a pickleball court at town hall, and perhaps more pickleball at Whalley Park — there’s an item on the town meeting warrant to that effect. 

Meanwhile, the community is in the process of hiring a new town planner, undertaking what Parker called a “major zoning revision” to update bylaws that have not been overhauled for decades, and voting on a proposal for new high-speed internet service through WhipCity Fiber. On the business side, the community’s first cannabis dispensaries will be opening shortly, and a Dollar General will soon join the ranks of the establishments on busy College Highway. 

Overall, said Parker, there is a need to achieve balance — between the businesses needed to serve residents and reduce the tax burden on those who call the town home, and maintaining those qualities that make this community so attractive to residents and visitors alike. 

“On College Highway … there’s a house, a business, a house, a house, a business, a business, a house — there’s no cohesion. Having strategic zones will really help the town grow the way it needs to grow, the way the residents want to see it grow.”

For this the latest installment of its Community Spotlight series, BusinessWest turns its lens on Southwick, where there is plenty to do, plenty to see, and plenty to eat. 

 

Doughs and Don’ts 

There’s a treatment on one wall inside Kettlebread that tells the story of this venture, or at least a big part of it. 

It features a dictionary-like definition of the noun Kettlebread — actually, two of them: 

1. ‘Our family’s secret all-natural artisan bread recipe involving a 3-day process, baked daily in round kettle pans, butter-salted crust’; 

2. ‘Suspiciously awesome sandwiches.’ 

The latter is a tagline of sorts for the business. Grimaldi was thinking about using ‘curiously awesome,’ but was reminded that the slogan for Altoids is ‘curiously strong mints,’ and he didn’t want to go there.  

As for the former … well, the bread is what defines this venture — along with what’s put inside it, especially the makings of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, the most popular item on the menu. Grimaldi talked in generally vague terms about the bread and how it’s made, stressing repeatedly that it is, indeed, a process. 

“All bread has very simple ingredients, it’s just a matter of ratios,” he explained. “Everyone has their own formula; ask 100 people how to make bread, you get 100 recipes. I think our bread is very good because a portion of each batch is folded into the next day’s batch, allowing for an exponentially small portion of every batch that has ever been to be in every other batch.”

Grimaldi was visiting the Midwest several years ago, and became so impressed by a sandwich he had on that trip — a variation of the muffaletta, a New Orleans-style sandwich featuring a round loaf of Sicilian bread — that he became inspired to try to replicate it in the 413. 

“They had a very unique bread, and I tried for years to duplicate their bread, and I came nowhere near it,” he told BusinessWest, adding that he came up with something else, something he believes is even better — Kettlebread. 

As noted earlier, he and small group of partners introduced the concept near the height of the pandemic in a long vacant former karate studio on College Highway. Using mostly curbside service, the new deli and its offerings built a following, and today, the location is thriving, especially at lunch time. 

Southwick at a Glance

Year Incorporated: 1770
Population: 9,232
Area: 31.7 square miles
County: Hampden
Residential Tax Rate: $15.57
Commercial Tax Rate: $15.57
Median Household Income: $52,296
Family Household Income: $64,456
Type of Government: Open Town Meeting; Select Board
Largest Employers: Big Y; Whalley Computer Associates; Southwick Regional School District
*Latest information available

Grimaldi and his partners expanded with a second location in Westfield, which also serves as the bakery. And the long-term plan is to create franchises, said Grimaldi, adding that the first step in that process was to create that central bakery. 

“Franchising is still the ultimate goal, but right now, I want to stabilize my own operation,” he said. “So much has changed over the past couple of years — labor costs, food costs … it’s a more challenging environment in many ways.” 

As for the Southwick deli, Grimaldi said he fell in love with that location early on, noting that it is close to where Routes 10-202 and Route 57 form a ‘T.’ There are several other eateries and gathering spots in that general location including Tucker’s restaurant, the Summer House, the Southwick Inn, another institution, and Mrs. Murphy’s, which also found a way to persevere through the pandemic. 

That was with a drive-through, which remained how business was done until January of 2024, when the front doors were once again opened to a large and thoroughly loyal customer base that includes Southwick residents, of course, but also many from neighboring communities on both sides of the border with Connecticut. 

This customer base is treated to hand-cut donuts (a rarity in this business; most are now cut by machine) as well as pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and coffee. But it’s the donuts that make this an institution. 

They come in dozens of varieties, including many classics, but also several ‘specialty’ offerings including ‘maple bacon,’ ‘thin mint,’ ‘chocolate crème crumble,’ and ‘strawberry shortcake.’ 

When asked what the business has planned for its 50th anniversary, Smith said she hadn’t given that much thought — she and her family are busy enough with the day-to-day — but would in the months to come. 

“We’re just going to keep on doing what we’re doing,” she said, adding that this is one Southwick tradition that will endure. 

 

Work and Play 

Parker told BusinessWest that she wasn’t exactly searching for a new career opportunity when a friend recommended that she take a hard look at Southwick, which was advertising for a successor to long-time chief administrative officer Karl Steinhart. 

“I was like, ‘no, I’m happy here,’” she recalled, adding that her friend was persistent and again encouraged her to apply, noting that the town was bigger than Hardwick and presented more opportunities to grow professionally. She listened, did apply, and eventually triumphed in a lengthy search. 

“It’s been an amazing 10 months,” she said, hinting that it’s not exactly easy to succeed someone who had been in the job for 35 years. 

But the transition has gone smoothly, she said, adding that she was working on the warrant for her first town meeting, set for May 20, when she spoke with BusinessWest.  

Among the priorities she’s established is a revision of zoning bylaws, said Parker, noting that the current bylaws haven’t been overhauled “ever.” 

And this reality has contributed in many ways to the hodge podge that exists on College Highway today, said Parker, noting that the street is a mix of commercial, residential, municipal, and more. 

“On College Highway … there’s a house, a business, a house, a house, a business, a business, a house — there’s no cohesion,” she said. “Having strategic zones will really help the town grow the way it needs to grow, the way the residents want to see it grow.” 

Elaborating, she said planning officials can look at current zoning codes and see essentially whatever they want to see whether it comes to including a proposed use or excluding one, and something far more definitive is needed moving forward. 

And town residents will have a large say in how the bylaws are overhauled. 

“We’ll have a lot of public meetings to let residents let us know what they want to see for their town,” said Parker. “You live in a town because this is where you want to be, and you should make the decisions on how your town should modernize or move forward or really grow; it needs to be the residents who make those decisions, so I’m looking forward to having those meetings so we can gauge what the community wants for a business zone, where they want to see industrial zones, and where they want to see strictly residential zones.” 

Meanwhile, another issue confronting this community, like all others in the region, is housing, said Parker, adding that while few developments in the ‘affordable’ category are in the pipeline, there is a 200-unit condo project slated for Depot Street that has received Planning Board approval. 

As for the cannabis dispensaries, Pioneer Valley Trading and Haven will be opening in storefronts just a few blocks from each other on College Highway. 

“They can’t be within 500 feet each other, but I think they’re maybe 501 feet from each other,” joked Parker, adding that these additions will bring even more variety, and vibrancy to the town’s main business throughfare. 

And they provide even more to do and see in a community where there is already plenty in both categories.

Agenda

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Agenda

Coffee & Connections

May 16: The Chamber of Greater Easthampton will hold its second Coffee & Connections of the year from 8 to 9 a.m. at its WorkHub on Union co-working space at 33 Union St., Easthampton. Registration is complimentary and open to all business, organizational, and community leaders; however, registration is required due to limited registrations available. For more information or to register, visit the chamber’s events calendar at www.easthamptonchamber.org or email [email protected].

 

Shred Days

May 17, 31: bankESB invites customers and members of the community to two free Shred Days at local offices. No appointment is necessary. Events will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. (or until the truck is full) on the following dates and at the following locations: May 17 at the 770 Main St., Agawam office (in partnership with the Parish Cupboard, which will be collecting food donations), and May 31 at the 241 Northampton St., Easthampton office (two trucks will be at this event). Local residents can reduce their risk of identity theft by bringing old mail, receipts, statements or bills, canceled checks, pay stubs, medical records, or any other unwanted paper documents containing personal or confidential information and shredding them safely and securely for free. A professional document-destruction company will be on site in the bank’s parking lot and can accept up to two boxes of documents per person.

 

413 Women’s Health Connect

May 21: 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 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 is Robin Suave of Baystate Ob/Gyn Group Inc. 413 Women’s Health Connect is a multi-faceted approach to improving women’s wellness and strengthening community bonds. 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. Visit community.livinglocal413.org/event/413-womens-health-connect to RSVP for the first event.

 

Walk to Cure Arthritis

June 1: The Arthritis Foundation announced that the Western Massachusetts Walk to Cure Arthritis will take place at Stanley Park in Westfield. Funds raised through donations to the Walk to Cure Arthritis will support the foundation’s ability to fund scientific research and continue to provide services and resources to the arthritis community. Walk to Cure Arthritis celebrates the community of arthritis patients of all ages, their caregivers, and everyone in the movement to conquer the disease. Ashley Scott is this year’s young adult walk honoree. She will be celebrated for her perseverance in her battle with arthritis and her strong support of the foundation’s mission. In addition, the following people will be honored: Grace Malave, juvenile idiopathic arthritis youth honoree, and Bill Squires, rheumatoid arthritis adult honoree. Residents can register and begin fundraising for the Western Massachusetts Walk to Cure Arthritis and learn more about the event by visiting www.walktocurearthritis.org/westernma or calling Hannah Hergenrather at (781) 312-9635.

 

40 Under Forty

June 19: BusinessWest will celebrate the 19th annual 40 Under Forty Gala at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. The class of 2025 is profiled in the April 28 issue and at businesswest.com. The presenting sponsor of this year’s 40 Under Forty is PeoplesBank. Partner sponsors include Live Nation Premium, Mercedes-Benz of Springfield, and the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst. Health New England is the presenting sponsor of the Alumni Achievement Award, the winner of which will be announced at the gala. Tickets cost $125. If they are not sold out, they may be purchased at businesswest.com/eventcalendar/40-under-forty-event-gala.

 

Hooplandia 2025

June 20-22: Registration is now open for Hooplandia, the third annual 3-on-3 basketball tourney and festival, at hooplandia.com. The event will take place at Eastern States Exposition (ESE) and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Games will be played at the ESE complex, with special games held at the Basketball Hall of Fame. In 2024, 75 basketball courts allowed accommodation for more than 650 games played by approximately 2,100 participants of all ages. Diverse divisions include young girls and boys, women, men, high-school ages, college level, OGs, veterans, and more. Fees range according to age. Players in the Special Olympics and Unified division can look forward to free registration, and those in the Hoops & Heroes division, such as active and retired first responders and military personnel, have access to discounted registration. Players are invited to build teams of four, create their own unique team name, design their uniforms, and register at hooplandia.com.

Holyoke Paper Festival to Celebrate City’s Legacy on June 7

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — The inaugural Holyoke Paper Festival is set to bring a one-day celebration of art, paper, and place to downtown Holyoke on Saturday, June 7 at the De La Luz Soundstage, 114 Race St.

This new event celebrates Holyoke’s unique identity as the Paper City, once producing an estimated 80% of the writing paper used in the U.S. during the late 1800s. Today, artists and community members continue to be inspired by Holyoke’s history of innovation, its vibrant arts scene, and its powerful connection to the Connecticut River and the land of the Pocomtuc, Agawam, and Nonotuck peoples.

Festival attendees can look forward to a full day of programming including a fine art exhibition, interactive workshops, guest speakers, local tours, and more, all highlighting the legacy and future of paper as a creative medium. Entries to the art exhibition have been received from artists across the country, underscoring Holyoke’s national significance in paper and printmaking culture.

The Holyoke Paper Festival is made possible by support from MassDevelopment, the Holyoke Local Cultural Council, Holyoke Community College, and local business and property owners.

To learn more about the festival or to get involved as a sponsor, volunteer, or donor, visit www.holyokepaperfestival.com for the latest updates and details.

Tighe & Bond Releases Updated Survey of Massachusetts Water, Sewer Rates

By
Daily News

WESTFIELD — Massachusetts utilities now have an updated digital platform for information on rate structures for more than 300 water and sewer systems across the Commonwealth. The Water & Wastewater Rates Dashboard, prepared by Tighe & Bond Inc. in conjunction with the Environmental Finance Center (EFC) at the University of North Carolina School of Government, was released with data from a recent survey.

This interactive dashboard is designed to assist utility managers and local officials with benchmarking residential water and wastewater rates. It includes rate data for 326 public, quasi-public, and private utility companies, representing approximately 85% of water and sewer utilities in the Commonwealth.

“Aging infrastructure and more stringent regulations are requiring water and wastewater utilities to increase their investment in system improvements. Utilities need to balance these investment needs with their impact on customer rates and affordability. Our goal is to provide utilities with insights into industry trends, allowing them to make data-driven investment and rate-making decisions,” said Peter Galant, vice president at Tighe & Bond. “The dashboard has a user-friendly interface, allowing users to compare utility rates against multiple attributes, such as system characteristics, socioeconomic conditions, and geography.”

Tighe & Bond prepared an executive summary of the surveys, outlining key findings from the studies:

• The cost of water and sewer service continues to rise at a consistent rate. Since 2000, water service costs have risen consistently at a rate of approximately 5% per year, while the cost of sewer service has increased at a rate of approximately 6% per year.

• Water and sewer billing cycles are becoming more frequent. Survey results show that many utility companies are switching from annual or semi-annual billing cycles to quarterly or monthly billing. More frequent billing provides customers with a direct signal between usage and cost, and can help detect customer-side leaks sooner.

• Rate structures are changing. Most utilities use rate structures that are based on usage, while the remainder use flat fees. Data shows a decline in utilities utilizing flat fees since 2000.

“The Water & Wastewater Rates Dashboard provides a valuable benchmarking tool for utility managers across Massachusetts for rate data, enabling strategic decision making that can shape the future of their systems,” said Tiffany Labrie, Water Business Line leader at Tighe & Bond.

Way Finders to Presents Fair Housing and Civil Rights Conference on May 20-21

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Civil rights attorneys, fair-housing workers, and those interested in current challenges in the fields of civil rights and fair housing are invited to the 19th annual Fair Housing and Civil Rights Conference, taking place Tuesday and Wednesday, May 20-21 on the campus of Western New England University in Springfield. The conference offers experience and information for those doing this important work.

“Fair housing has always been about making the American dream a reality for everybody,” Way Finders President and CEO Keith Fairey said. “That dream requires focusing on strategy and systemic change. It requires coming together, aligning, and continuous unrelenting action. This conference provides the camaraderie and inspiration to keep fair housing for all moving forward.”

Conference attendees will hear up-to-the-moment presentations from experts about the latest developments in fair-housing law and civil rights, including attorney Lila Miller of Relman Colfax on the lawsuit against the U.S. government to restore funding to fair-housing organizations, and a representative from the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, speaking about its lawsuits against the federal government’s attempted changes to election laws and attempted cancellation of grant funding for health research.

They will also be able to network and recharge in a community of fellow advocates and civil rights leaders, and choose from multiple workshops, with selections for both seasoned advocates and newcomers to the field.

All tickets to the conference include two days of workshops and presentations, a social hour with free snacks and a cash bar, plus breakfast and lunch on both days. There will be no ticket sales at the door; registration ends on May 14 at 11:59 p.m. Visit www.fhcrconference.com to learn more and purchase tickets.

The 19th annual Fair Housing and Civil Rights Conference is produced by Way Finders in partnership with the Connecticut Fair Housing Center and the Massachusetts Fair Housing Center, with support from Western New England University School of Law.

Sponsors, Auction Items Sought for Feed the Kids Charity Golf Tournament

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Feed the Kids, a local nonprofit focused on fighting childhood hunger, is seeking sponsors and donated auction items for its eighth annual Feed the Kids Charity Golf Tournament at Springfield Country Club.

The event, which will be held on Monday, July 14 and includes an online auction open to all, benefits local organizations that work to ensure children do not go hungry, including Square One, the Holyoke Weekend Backpack Program, Pioneer Valley Powerpacks, and Team No Kid Hungry.

“Our grassroots golf tournament has become a sellout event, making sponsorship a great opportunity for local businesses to garner some brand recognition while supporting a worthwhile cause: ensuring children in our community don’t go hungry,” said Dr. Frederick Kadushin, co-chair of Feed the Kids. “We have sponsorship opportunities across a range of price points, so it’s accessible to businesses of all sizes.”

Local individuals and businesses can also support the cause by donating items or services for the silent auction portion of the event. The online auction will be open to the community for bids beginning on July 1 and will end on July 14, the day of the golf tournament.

For more information or to sponsor the event, visit feedthekidsgolf.com and click ‘Register Now.’ To donation auction items, email Kadushin at [email protected].

Picture This

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from left: BHN Chief Operating Officer Jessica Deflumer, Senior Vice President Tony Boswell, and Senior Vice President Jennifer Doutre
Picture This

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

 

Celebrating 50 Years of Fun

Kamp for Kids, a summer day camp for children and young adults with and without disabilities, recently held a successful Golf FUN-raiser event at Max’s Swing Lounge in Springfield, raising $30,000 to support the future of the camp, which is a program of Behavioral Health Network (BHN), and celebrating 50 years of inclusive camp experiences for children of all abilities.

from left: BHN Chief Operating Officer Jessica Deflumer, Senior Vice President Tony Boswell, and Senior Vice President Jennifer Doutre

from left: BHN Chief Operating Officer Jessica Deflumer, Senior Vice President Tony Boswell, and Senior Vice President Jennifer Doutre

 

from left: BHN Director of Facilities DeJuan Brown, state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, and Springfield City Councilor Malo Brown

from left: BHN Director of Facilities DeJuan Brown, state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, and Springfield City Councilor Malo Brown

 

camper Zah-Mecca takes a swing

camper Zah-Mecca takes a swing

 

Rebuilding Healthy Neighborhoods

Monson Savings Bank recently donated $10,000 to Revitalize Community Development Corp. (CDC) in support of its 33rd #GreenNFit Neighborhood Rebuild event on April 26 at Calhoun Park in Springfield. One of Revitalize CDC’s most impactful annual events, #GreenNFit brings together hundreds of volunteers to transform multiple homes in a single day. This year, more than 20 Monson Savings Bank team members rolled up their sleeves to work alongside more than 700 community volunteers on the project, which impacted 11 homes, the Miracle House, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts, and the park itself.

Monson Savings Bank recently donated $10,000 to Revitalize Community Development Corp. (CDC) in support of its 33rd #GreenNFit Neighborhood Rebuild event on April 26 at Calhoun Park in Springfield.

Monson Savings Bank recently donated $10,000 to Revitalize Community Development Corp. (CDC) in support of its 33rd #GreenNFit Neighborhood Rebuild event on April 26 at Calhoun Park in Springfield.

People on the Move

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People on the Move
Katerina Cai

Katerina Cai

Yankee Mattress Co. 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.

•••••

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. 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. Rawls has also 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.

•••••

The Springfield Rotary Club will present Robert Bolduc with a Paul Harris Award on May 15, 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.

•••••

David Loring

David Loring

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.

•••••

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. 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 as Employee of the Year. 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. Her 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.

•••••

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. 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.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Napatree Capital Merges with Bradley, Foster & Sargent

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. 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. 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.

 

Summerlin Floors Continues Tradition with Donation to GCC

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. 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.

 

Serv-U Locksmiths Acquired by Island Master Locksmiths

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. 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.

 

Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast Announces Executive Peer Group

AGAWAM — The Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast (EANE) announced the launch of its Executive Peer Group, an exclusive leadership forum designed to connect senior executives across industries in a confidential, collaborative setting. This invitation-only group provides C-suite and senior leaders with a trusted network to exchange ideas, tackle challenges, and strengthen leadership impact. Through expert-facilitated sessions, members will engage in strategic discussions on key business issues such as workforce planning, succession, change management, innovation, and executive decision making. Key benefits of participation include confidential peer-to-peer sharing and problem solving, insight on emerging trends and executive-level challenges, access to expert facilitation and curated leadership resources, and a trusted circle for accountability, innovation, and personal growth. This program is ideal for CEOs, presidents, COOs, CFOs, and other senior decision makers looking to elevate their leadership in today’s complex business environment. To learn more or express interest in joining, email Ebner at [email protected].

 

JC Sports Opens at Holyoke Mall

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.”

 

Berkshire Bank Foundation Invests in Local Nonprofits

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. 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.

Incorporations

By
Incorporations

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

AGAWAM

D2 Auto Inc., 115 Edgewater Road, Agawam, MA 01001. Davyd Mokiichuk, same. Car transportation.

AMHERST

Elateq Inc., 240 Thatcher Road, Amherst, MA 01003. Roderick Anderson, same. Research, development, and manufacturing of industrial wastewater equipment.

CHICOPEE

5278 Chic Beauty Inc., 591 Memorial Dr., Chicopee, MA 01020. Gayatriben Patel, same. Beauty salon.

John L. Sullivan Baseball League Inc., 20 Western Ave., Chicopee, MA 01020. Frederick Roy, same. Corporation providing baseball leagues for the youth of Springfield and surrounding cities and towns.

EASTHAMPTON

Sarah Shipman Realtor Inc., 112 Loudville Road, Easthampton, MA 01027. Sarah Shipman, same. Real-estate broker.

HOLYOKE

Bugalu Ballroom Inc., 99 Franklin St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Emily Ortiz, 149 Dayton St., Chicopee, MA 01013. Ballroom events.

LONGMEADOW

210 Ventures Inc., 175 Dwight Road, Suite 201B, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Alain Digon, same. Holding company for various businesses.

NORTH BROOKFIELD

Brickyard Creative Inc., 21 Brickyard Road, North Brookfield, MA 01535. Laura Demastrie, same. Creative services.

PALMER

Vakratund Inc., 1010 Park St., Palmer, MA 01069. Vimal Patel, 33 Deer Run, Southwick, MA 01077. Retail alcoholic beverage store.

PITTSFIELD

Ascora Group Ltd., 82 Wendell St., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Courtney Smith, same. Computer program development, sales, and services.

E.S Distribution Corp., 97 E Housatonic St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Tiffany Vides, same. Distribution and merchandising of bread.

IAABO Board #25 – Berkshire County Basketball Officials Inc., 9 Aspen Way, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Mark Kaley, same. To unite all proficient, approved, and registered basketball officials in Berkshire County as a district board of IAABO and surrounding areas for the purpose of officiating Berkshire County public and private high-school basketball games; to educate individuals and groups about basketball officiating; and to promote basketball as a wholesome form of recreation that develops character, fair play, good sportsmanship, and citizenship.

Naiture Longevity Ltd., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Lili Song, same. Import and export trade.

Rare, 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Dorothy Batten, same. Rare equitable climate communities.

Service Academy Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Christopher Hayes, same. Provides grassroots personal and professional development at no cost.

SHEFFIELD

Le Petit Ranch Inc., 147 Bears Den Road, Sheffield, MA 01257. Marjorie Borreda Martinez, same. Nonprofit organization fostering well-being, learning, and community connection through animal-assisted activities, and providing therapeutic engagements that support emotional, cognitive, and social growth through activities such as horse-powered reading and math, afterschool enrichment, experiential language learning, and animal-assisted visits to nursing homes.

SOUTH HADLEY

Friends of CSGC Inc., 17 Forest Dr., South Hadley, MA 01075. Katherine O’Donnell, 84 Lexington St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Parent association for a public high-school hockey team.

SPRINGFIELD

Estrella Worldwide Trucking Corp., 40 E Hooker St., Springfield, MA 01107. Kimberly Peralta, 102 Casino Ave., Chicopee, MA 01013. General freight trucking.

Nadia Limousine Inc., 64 Senator St., Springfield, MA 01129. Nasser Harb, same. Passenger transportation and limousine service.

Reliant Media Inc., 57 Rittenhouse Ter., Springfield, MA 01108. Matthew Derderian, same. Media production services.

STOCKBRIDGE

Lincoln’s Loft Inc., 16 West Stockbridge Road, Stockbridge, MA 01262. Kathryn Mickle, same. Nonprofit organization educating people in life, farming, and creative-arts skills to grow, educate, and enhance the local community.

WESTFIELD

Valison Construction Inc., 12 Bush St., Westfield, MA 01085. Eduard Solokhin, same. Construction and remodeling services.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Irene Top Line Inc., 26 Beverly Terrace, West Springfield, MA 01089. Artem Deinichenko, same. Trucking.

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

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

Anderson, Cuba J.
29 Waldorf St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/09/2025

Barlow, Darian Joseph
294 Ingleside St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/03/2025

Bouchard, Daniel Jeffrey
Bouchard, Erica Jean
a/k/a Tremblay, Erica J.
PO Box 901
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/08/2025

Cintron, Luis
Cintron, Alicia
220 Pearl St., Apt. 5L
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/02/2025

Davidovich, Kathrin
37 Day Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Date: 04/08/2025

Favreau, Samantha Kathryn
30 Exchange St., Apt. 1
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/01/2025

Goodchild, Christian
310 Holmes Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/10/2025

Green, Lisa J.
132 Laconia St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/14/2025

Henriquez, Xiomara
525 Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/10/2025

Hoffner, Charles
105 Labelle Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Date: 04/14/2025

Holbrook, Adam
Holbrook, Jennifer
a/k/a Hoad, Jennifer
81 Lauren Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056-0000
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/31/2025

Hubbard, Brittney G.
50 Balfour Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/04/2025
Iodice, Sheryl R.
a/k/a Iodice, Sheri
110 Kearney St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/11/2025

King, James P.
King, Heidi L.
PO Box 964
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/14/2025

Lafond, Henri David
129 Edgewood Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Date: 04/04/2025

Mallet, Robert Dolor
11 Glendale Ave.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/04/2025

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

McKinnon, Erin T.
a/k/a Hamm, Erin T.
41 West Summit St., Apt. 76
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/03/2025

Polanco, Felix A.
1118 St. James Ave., Apt. K40
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/14/2025

Rentas, Adam C.
Rentas, Catherine
146 Sycamore St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/01/2025

Scannell, Stewart D.
38 Depot St.
Bernardston, MA 01337
Chapter: 13
Date: 04/15/2025

Simmons, Sean
105 Hamilton St., Apt B
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/02/2025

Sulewski, Amber S.
41 Kellogg St., Apt. 3
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/03/2025

Swierzewski, Stanley J.
272 Shaker Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 13
Date: 04/14/2025

Torres, Marguerita
84 Shamrock St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Date: 04/03/2025

Zielinski, Allan M.
71 State St., Unit 325
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 13
Date: 04/03/2025

Real Estate Transactions

By
Real Estate

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

BERNARDSTON

11 Burrows Tpke.
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Scott Russell
Seller: Peter A. & Ella G. Snow IRT
Date: 04/04/25

203 South St.
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $900,000
Buyer: Current Properties LLC
Seller: Kittredge Industries LLC
Date: 04/02/25

BUCKLAND

10 Walker Road
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $549,000
Buyer: Michael R. Duffey
Seller: Ari Covitz
Date: 04/11/25

CHARLEMONT

23 Deer Run Lane
Charlemont, MA 01370
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Barbara H. Nprton
Seller: Craig Tyler
Date: 04/04/25

149 Legate Hill Road
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Patricia E. Montalbano
Seller: Lynn A. Hathaway
Date: 04/04/25

2151 Route 2
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Berkshire Fellowship LLC
Seller: Global Resoures & Partner
Date: 04/03/25

DEERFIELD

53 South Mill River Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Savannah E. Emery
Seller: Wentworth Int
Date: 04/04/25

GREENFIELD

286 Conway St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $298,750
Buyer: Craig Cohen
Seller: Scott K. Russell
Date: 04/04/25

88 Harrison Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Ian T. Lemay
Seller: Ronald R. Lenois
Date: 04/10/25

28-30 Walnut St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $281,056
Buyer: Joseph Hildreth
Seller: Heather F. Stewart
Date: 04/03/25

34 West St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Amy A. Huff-Harris
Seller: Malia Homebuyers LLC
Date: 04/04/25

MONTAGUE

112 Federal St.
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: Jason T. McLean
Seller: Daniel W. Finn
Date: 04/11/25

485 Federal St.
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Bnick LLC
Seller: Paul M. Voiland
Date: 04/02/25

39 Old Stage Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Neil L. Bovaird
Seller: David S. Cuthbert
Date: 04/02/25

NORTHFIELD

10 Ferncliff Circle
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Michael Fantauzzi
Seller: Miller, Sharon E., (Estate)
Date: 04/08/25

80 Highland Ave.
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Joshua Lo
Seller: Patrick Ford
Date: 04/08/25

SHUTESBURY

212-B Wendell Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Matthew Hnatio
Seller: Noelle A. Davis
Date: 04/10/25

WENDELL

Stone Road
Wendell, MA 01379
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Keith Waters
Seller: Evans, Joyce A., (Estate)
Date: 04/01/25

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

131 Alfred Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Yeuri D. Lopez
Seller: DFG Property Group LLC
Date: 04/10/25

61 Carmel Lane
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Jennifer L. McElligott
Seller: Clark L. Dore
Date: 04/04/25

28 Dover St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Christofer Hawes
Seller: Joanne Bell
Date: 04/04/25

65 Fernwood Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: John J. Strycharz
Seller: John F. Taylor
Date: 04/11/25

22-24 Lealand Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Salvatore S. Circosta
Seller: Autumn Y. Grimaldi
Date: 04/10/25

1410 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Jacob Neilsen
Seller: Shellie M. Donner
Date: 04/02/25

1422 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: 88 Agawam LLC
Seller: Renu Rayonia
Date: 04/09/25

471 Meadow St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Jonathan Rex
Seller: Donna Danko-Laporte
Date: 04/11/25

Oak Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Pavel Stakhnyuk
Seller: Naples Property Group LLC
Date: 04/04/25

98 Parker St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Kaan M. Cicek
Seller: Sharon Henn
Date: 04/07/25

50 Primrose Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Dmitrty Mikhaylov
Seller: Nico A. Connor
Date: 04/11/25

1200 Suffield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $4,100,000
Buyer: Store Master Funding XXX
Seller: Welltower NNN Group LLC
Date: 04/03/25

BLANDFORD

82 Main St.
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Brian D. Murphy
Seller: Berkshire Land Co. LLC
Date: 04/02/25

BRIMFIELD

46 Mill Lane
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Kaija Short
Seller: Michael P. Rasys
Date: 04/01/25

340 Sturbridge Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $489,300
Buyer: Kurt Maiser
Seller: Friendship Baptist Church
Date: 04/01/25

CHICOPEE

226 Asselin St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $364,640
Buyer: Wendy S. Goulet
Seller: Wicked Deals LLC
Date: 04/02/25

77 Austin St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $287,000
Buyer: Kevin R. Nadeau
Seller: Stephen R. Benoit
Date: 04/03/25

55 Beauregard Ter.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Jose R. Fernandez
Seller: Varakas RT
Date: 04/07/25

36 Bonneville Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $291,000
Buyer: Stephen M. Guillberg
Seller: Amanda M. Labonte
Date: 04/11/25

25 Christopher St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $287,000
Buyer: Eric P. Brooks
Seller: Robert G. Demarco
Date: 04/04/25

111 Claire St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $352,500
Buyer: Christina Henry
Seller: Equity Trust Co.
Date: 04/08/25

53 Deslauriers St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Barbara E. Paquette
Seller: Murat O. Kavlak
Date: 04/04/25

277 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: John E. Roncalli
Seller: Tan-Tan Associates LLC
Date: 04/04/25

92 Ludlow Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Christopher M. Knickle
Seller: Michael A. Girard
Date: 04/10/25

68 Springfield St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $349,900
Buyer: Luis Vega
Seller: Richard Dejesus
Date: 04/04/25

79 Wanda St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Mateusz L. Kurc
Seller: John P. O’Brien TR
Date: 04/04/25

EAST LONGMEADOW

378 Elm St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $373,000
Buyer: Derek M. Ryder
Seller: On The Mark LLC
Date: 04/10/25

32 Hazelhurst Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Amjad Real Estate LLC
Seller: Robert J. Schroeter
Date: 04/09/25

60 John St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Christopher P. Harrington
Seller: Kayla Brown
Date: 04/11/25

184 Mountainview Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: David Fontaine
Seller: Paul D. Sullivan
Date: 04/04/25

353 Prospect St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Francesca L. Tarbell
Seller: Basile FT
Date: 04/10/25

15 Vadnais St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Luis Rodriguez
Seller: Joseph R. Sleeper
Date: 04/03/25

HAMPDEN

45 Hickory Lane
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Thomas A. Oakley
Seller: Brenda L. Keeley
Date: 04/09/25

HOLLAND

33 Brimfield Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $397,500
Buyer: Elizabeth Lefevre
Seller: Dreambighomes LLC
Date: 04/07/25

1 Darcy St.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $139,900
Buyer: Maria R. Fabrizi
Seller: Beverly A. Aube
Date: 04/03/25

5 Inlet Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $459,000
Buyer: Kali Holdings LLC
Seller: James M. Votzakis RET
Date: 04/08/25

83 Sandy Beach Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Thomas L. Plasse
Seller: Paul J. Tortolani
Date: 04/04/25

33 Shore Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Robert E. Fabrizi
Seller: Aube FT
Date: 04/03/25

HOLYOKE

13 Hampshire St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $358,865
Buyer: Commercial Lender LLC
Seller: Alycar Investments LLC
Date: 04/08/25

33-35 Hitchcock St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Christopher Cruz-Ruiz
Seller: Highpoint Asset Mgmt. LLC
Date: 04/07/25

22 Howard St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Marjorie D. McNamara
Seller: Mary E. Desmarais
Date: 04/09/25

201 Locust St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Jjj17 LLC
Seller: Luis E. Gutierrez
Date: 04/04/25

14 Longwood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Memphis A. Cruz
Seller: RM Blerman LLC
Date: 04/04/25

201 Pleasant St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Madeline Nussbaum
Seller: Timothy C. Lilienthal
Date: 04/10/25

LUDLOW

19 Acorn Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $273,000
Buyer: Joshua M. Vieu
Seller: Steven J. Beauregard
Date: 04/10/25

14-16 Birch St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Juan M. Kim-Rojas
Seller: Armando P. Ribeiro
Date: 04/10/25

22 Essex St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Bruce Properties LLC
Seller: Theresa Rodrigues
Date: 04/08/25

7 Haswell Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Furkan Boyraz
Seller: Mathew Gonzalez
Date: 04/11/25

15 Loopley St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $179,000
Buyer: Bay Flow LLC
Seller: Kimberly A. Vigneault
Date: 04/08/25

26 Ray St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Maria H. Marques
Seller: Dale Varney
Date: 04/02/25

37 Woodside Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $211,500
Buyer: Sean Skipton
Seller: Paul, Wilfred L., (Estate)
Date: 04/11/25

MONSON

107 Beebe Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $451,000
Buyer: Mitchell W. Kelley
Seller: Yu C. Li
Date: 04/11/25

172 Bumstead Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Michael Byrnes
Seller: Fumi Realty Inc.
Date: 04/03/25

MONTGOMERY

83 New State Road
Montgomery, MA 01085
Amount: $635,000
Buyer: Michael Sienkiewicz
Seller: Joseph A. Croteau
Date: 04/11/25

PALMER

137 Boston Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: GD Properties LLC
Seller: Jacquelyn I. Gerry
Date: 04/11/25

4081-4083 Church St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $326,600
Buyer: Justin Friedman
Seller: Robert P. Tyburski
Date: 04/03/25

65 Laurel Road
Palmer, MA 01095
Amount: $261,000
Buyer: MK3 Properties LLC
Seller: Scott K. Logsdon
Date: 04/07/25

2030-2032 Maple St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $349,900
Buyer: Roberto G. Velez
Seller: Ralph E. Johnson
Date: 04/03/25

242 Old Warren Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $186,800
Buyer: Jason M. Rogers
Seller: Frank Mendelsohn
Date: 04/10/25

61 Riverview Pkwy.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Joseph Chouinard
Seller: Joejoe Properties LLC
Date: 04/04/25

47 Rondeau St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: Joseph W. Franklin
Seller: Donald M. Waddell
Date: 04/11/25

120 State St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Lisa J. Terry-Jakshtis
Seller: Forever Home Improvement LLC
Date: 04/04/25

RUSSELL

70 Old Westfield Road
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $317,000
Buyer: Alexandra Russell
Seller: Michael S. Milanczuk
Date: 04/07/25

201 Tekoa Ave.
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Neil S. Keeney
Seller: Linda R. Mazzoni
Date: 04/02/25

SOUTHWICK

39 Lexington Circle
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $618,600
Buyer: Dan Karcha
Seller: Randolph G. Prella
Date: 04/03/25

20 Meadow Lane
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $760,000
Buyer: Gregory P. Burke
Seller: Paul H. Drake
Date: 04/11/25

36 North Lake Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Zachary Wood
Seller: Stefanie Davignon
Date: 04/08/25

246 Vining Hill Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Daniel P. Taibbi
Seller: Michelle L. Kisiel
Date: 04/09/25

SPRINGFIELD

11 Albemarle St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: E. N. Gutierrez-Santana
Seller: Maria C. Rodriguez
Date: 04/01/25

416 Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Joejoe Properties LLC
Seller: Everton G. Senior
Date: 04/09/25

104 Andrew St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Julie Santiago
Seller: Nres LLC
Date: 04/11/25

45-47 Beaudry St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Eric To
Seller: Carlos Mendez
Date: 04/01/25

64 Beaumont St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Mirna M. Bravo Barrios
Seller: Minyan Zhang
Date: 04/09/25

28 Birch Glen Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Vladimir E. Calderon
Seller: Jesus Vazquez
Date: 04/08/25

170 Blanche St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Karen Parker
Seller: Cassandra L. Asselin
Date: 04/01/25

1655 Boston Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Target Corp.
Seller: Onyx Springfield Crossing LLC
Date: 04/04/25

1679 Boston Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Target Corp.
Seller: Onyx Springfield Crossing LLC
Date: 04/04/25

1685 Boston Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Target Corp.
Seller: Onyx Springfield Crossing LLC
Date: 04/04/25

770-800 Boston Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $8,579,044
Buyer: Rcg-Springfield Pm LLC
Seller: Arg Bcsprma001 LLC
Date: 04/01/25

37 Chesterfield Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $232,000
Buyer: Fabio M. Desouza
Seller: Spring Park Properties Inc.
Date: 04/09/25

33-35 Claremont St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Posiadlosc LLC
Seller: Community National Bank
Date: 04/07/25

88 Coral Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Micah N. Lebeau
Seller: Jeffrey N. Lebeau
Date: 04/04/25

132 Croyden Ter.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Judith Rivera
Seller: Yahina G. Caudillo
Date: 04/08/25

100 Crystal Brook Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $612,500
Buyer: Judith Moskal-Kanz
Seller: Grahams Construction Inc.
Date: 02/12/25

98 Ellsworth Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Karen L. Truax
Seller: Emtay Inc.
Date: 04/01/25

60-62 Cumberland St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Cesar D. Galindo
Seller: Josefina Nunez
Date: 04/11/25

33 Dawes St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Jose M. Rodriguez
Seller: Jorge A. Torres
Date: 04/11/25

154 Denver St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $236,000
Buyer: Yeramell A. Cestarys
Seller: Megliola Realty LLC
Date: 04/09/25

14 Dorchester St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Arnold Ogbac
Seller: JJJ17 LLC
Date: 04/07/25

54 Duryea St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $227,303
Buyer: Moises D. Vieira
Seller: Spring Park Properties Inc.
Date: 04/10/25

53 Elwood Dr.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Jaroslav Modry
Seller: Joseph C. Piacentini
Date: 04/03/25

126 Fair Oak Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Melissa O’Neill
Seller: Aimee Saccente
Date: 04/03/25

75 Florence St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Joel Ortiz
Seller: Diana Soto
Date: 04/04/25

56-60 Fort Pleasant Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $1,820,000
Buyer: Vhsb Investments LLC
Seller: H. P. Rum LLC
Date: 04/07/25

144 Gillette Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $326,000
Buyer: Crystal Gehris
Seller: Robert J. McCarthy
Date: 04/01/25

130 Hastings St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: Daniel L. Dias
Seller: Josefina Marte
Date: 04/08/25

47 Indian Leap St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Derek J. Provost
Seller: Duane T. Provost
Date: 04/11/25

37-39 Lyons St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Om Acres Investment LLC
Seller: Lewis Ramos
Date: 04/03/25

117-119 Olmsted Dr.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $424,000
Buyer: Desir Antoine
Seller: JJJ17 LLC
Date: 04/01/25

568 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: SS Enterprises Inc.
Seller: Watchmaker LLC
Date: 04/07/25

55 Massachusetts Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $283,000
Buyer: Bubbas Construction LLC
Seller: Wicked Deals LLC
Date: 04/09/25

174-176 Massasoit St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $204,995
Buyer: Empyre Property Investments LLC
Seller: Craig Smith
Date: 04/07/25

23 Middlesex St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: JT Realty Associates Inc.
Seller: Seymour, Susie, (Estate)
Date: 04/11/25

26 Northumberland St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Brian P. Adams
Seller: Springfield College
Date: 04/07/25

37 Ontario St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $382,000
Buyer: Richard Stanley
Seller: Hedge Hog Industries Corp.
Date: 04/04/25

493 Page Blvd
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Vansh Suhani LLC
Seller: Manchester Ent LLC
Date: 04/03/25

26-28 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $555,000
Buyer: Stowit LLC
Seller: Thomas M. Dyjak
Date: 04/04/25

701 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Arpc LLC
Seller: Michael Karaskiewicz
Date: 04/10/25

17 Pebble Mill Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Markham, Jeannette, (Estate)
Date: 04/03/25

88 Price St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $255,200
Buyer: Richard Burgess
Seller: William Rivera
Date: 04/02/25

54 Princeton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $344,900
Buyer: Corine Oliver
Seller: Flanders Homebuyers LLC
Date: 04/10/25

9 Quebec St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Redempta Agwanda
Seller: Forbes & Forbes Ent. Inc.
Date: 01/28/25

29 Rhinebeck Ave.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $330,100
Buyer: Brianna Doughty
Seller: Autumn R. Perry
Date: 04/10/25

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

110 Spikenard Circle
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $212,500
Buyer: Fabricio Souza
Seller: Spring Park Properties Inc.
Date: 04/09/25

47-49 Stebbins St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Jessika O. Reis
Seller: Emtay Inc.
Date: 04/01/25

54-56 Suffolk St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Michael Mejia
Seller: Gabriella Phelan
Date: 04/07/25

553 Union St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $192,415
Buyer: Carrington Mtg.
Seller: Lee Brown
Date: 04/01/25

118 Wait St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: New Res. Mtg. Loan T. 2019-R
Seller: Jeffrey Roselli
Date: 04/02/25

287 Walnut St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Daniela Aguilar
Seller: Marolis A. Cruz
Date: 04/04/25

TOLLAND

405 Beetle Road
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Janet B. Schwartz
Seller: Michael A. Yosha
Date: 04/11/25

WEST SPRINGFIELD

97 Circuit Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Lachenauer LLC
Seller: Gary Gioranino
Date: 04/02/25

524 Dewey St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $339,000
Buyer: Esther A. Clark
Seller: Naples Home Buyers TR
Date: 04/07/25

37 Hillside Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: JLX 3 Properties LLC
Seller: Max La
Date: 04/11/25

21 Neptune Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $343,000
Buyer: Paul J. Connor
Seller: Charles E. Mokrzecki
Date: 04/04/25

WESTFIELD

52 Beveridge Blvd.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Scott F. Roberts
Seller: Barbara H. Josephson
Date: 04/11/25

49 Canal Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $427,000
Buyer: Anthony E. Trout
Seller: Capela Reality Group LLC
Date: 04/03/25

40 Crane Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $323,000
Buyer: Jake A. Squires
Seller: John R. Allen
Date: 04/11/25

53 Elm St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Shvas LLC
Seller: NNR LLC
Date: 04/02/25

55 Elm St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Shvas LLC
Seller: NNR LLC
Date: 04/02/25

52 Governor Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $202,000
Buyer: Governor Drive Realty LLC
Seller: Allyson Williams
Date: 04/07/25

22 Harold Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $266,500
Buyer: Amaree Negron
Seller: Bridget A. Stearns
Date: 04/07/25

325 Holyoke Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Haseen M. Bawa
Seller: Anna M. Seekins
Date: 04/09/25

105 Prospect St., Ext.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Vanessa Filiault
Seller: Roberta A. Meli
Date: 04/01/25

62 Ridge Trail Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Brittany Kuczenski
Seller: Karie A. Newsome
Date: 04/11/25

Southampton Road, Lot 1
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Nextgen Construction Service Inc.
Seller: Andrew D. Kurtz
Date: 04/01/25

1335 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Heidi L. Birchall
Seller: Armor Fire Technologies
Date: 04/09/25

11 West School St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Vantage Home Buyers LLC
Seller: Barbara J. Oleksak
Date: 04/11/25

WILBRAHAM

8 Deepwood Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Timothy Callahan
Seller: Robert A. Armitage
Date: 04/01/25

20 Porter Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Joel Senez
Seller: Glenn D. Maller
Date: 04/02/25

10 Primrose Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Chantal Bernard
Seller: Mark Szydlowski
Date: 04/11/25

12 Primrose Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Justin D. Roberts
Seller: Clark Seibold
Date: 04/10/25

160 Soule Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: Christian Michel
Seller: Michael E. Lacoste
Date: 04/07/25

651 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Jake Janas
Seller: BP LLC
Date: 04/01/25

908 Tinkham Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $229,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Charlotte L. Mercier
Date: 04/04/25

19 Westwood Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $530,000
Buyer: Patrick Roberts
Seller: Brett D. Kalish
Date: 04/07/25

10 White St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Tyler M. Valinski
Seller: Woodard, Shirley I., (Estate)
Date: 04/09/25

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

15 Blue Hills Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $749,000
Buyer: Michael Hotard
Seller: William H. Ewell
Date: 04/11/25

155 Farmington Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $525,750
Buyer: Ann B. Morse
Seller: Scott Kaplan
Date: 04/09/25

113 Glendale Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $405,763
Buyer: Thomas Burns
Seller: Mushovic, Avis A., (Estate)
Date: 04/11/25

184 Glendale Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $635,500
Buyer: Kalila Homann
Seller: Sonia Nieto
Date: 04/03/25

977 North Pleasant St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $534,000
Buyer: Jones Properties LLP
Seller: Jennifer Toppin
Date: 04/11/25

355 Strong St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $855,000
Buyer: Scott C. Davidson
Seller: Jill Berlin
Date: 04/04/25

25-35 University Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $1,200,000
Buyer: UDrive Amity LLC
Seller: West Amherst LLC
Date: 04/11/25

BELCHERTOWN

23 Depot St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Helen Austin
Seller: Plumtree Real Estate LLC
Date: 04/10/25

777 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Colton Skorupski
Seller: Kathleen M. Shea
Date: 04/07/25

290 State St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Scott Fournier
Seller: Levesque Sr., Paul, (Estate)
Date: 04/11/25

EASTHAMPTON

17 Adams St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $900,000
Buyer: Hurricane Properties LLC
Seller: RH Litwin LLC
Date: 04/02/25

48 Clapp St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $725,000
Buyer: David Rhodes
Seller: Claudia Molina-Pierce
Date: 04/10/25

48-A Clapp St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $725,000
Buyer: David Rhodes
Seller: Claudia Molina-Pierce
Date: 04/10/25

35 Pleasant St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $825,000
Buyer: CTW Enterprises Inc.
Seller: Roman Catholic Bishop
Date: 04/08/25

39-43 Pleasant St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $825,000
Buyer: CTW Enterprises Inc.
Seller: Roman Catholic Bishop
Date: 04/08/25

27 Pomeroy St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Anna C. Holley
Seller: Matthew R. Scranton
Date: 04/11/25

GRANBY

195 Batchelor St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Robert Flynn
Seller: Bronner, Rene J., (Estate)
Date: 04/11/25

MIDDLEFIELD

143 Chipman Road
Middlefield, MA 01011
Amount: $288,700
Buyer: Julian R. Sawyer
Seller: Federal Home Loan Mtg. Corp.
Date: 04/01/25

NORTHAMPTON

299-R Burts Pit Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $605,000
Buyer: Hillary H. Costa
Seller: Parrish, Colleen A., (Estate)
Date: 04/02/25

14 Center Court
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $1,000,000
Buyer: Barry S. Goldstein
Seller: Floyd NT
Date: 04/02/25

544 Elm St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $452,500
Buyer: Robin T. Williams
Seller: Joejoe Properties LLC
Date: 04/04/25

34 High St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $533,000
Buyer: Sarah J. Chrystler
Seller: Surgen, Paul C., (Estate)
Date: 04/09/25

Ryan Road, Lot B
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Margaret C. Ferrick
Seller: Robert B. Upham
Date: 04/10/25

PELHAM

338 Daniel Shays Hwy.
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Lindsay Whiting
Seller: Cornerstone Homebuying LLC
Date: 04/07/25

10 Harkness Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $531,500
Buyer: Katharine Fanger
Seller: Dorothy F. Morse
Date: 04/01/25

SOUTH HADLEY

Edgewater Lane
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Dino Marinello
Seller: Hbb TR
Date: 04/03/25

18 Hollywood St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Mass Development LLC
Seller: Elizabeth Mainville
Date: 04/08/25

10 Joan St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Annalise N. Acosta
Seller: Melissa L. Thomas
Date: 04/11/25

4 Tampa St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Molly F. Pennell
Seller: Lorraine L. Grant
Date: 04/07/25

SOUTHAMPTON

71 Glendale Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $685,000
Buyer: Brandon K. Sears
Seller: Lucinda A. Palmer
Date: 04/04/25

10 Nicole Circle
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $527,000
Buyer: Aaron Bannish
Seller: Gerald L. Morin
Date: 04/04/25

WARE

7 2nd Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Dorcas RT
Seller: Elisa Watras
Date: 04/04/25

276 Belchertown Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Sabrian Morris
Seller: Denis Childs
Date: 04/11/25

29 Church St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Juice Up LLC
Seller: Joel Pentlarge
Date: 04/07/25

32-34 East Court
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Eree LLC
Seller: Alicia G. Andrews
Date: 04/04/25

23 Lovewell St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Everett Smith
Seller: Robert A. Squires
Date: 04/04/25

WESTHAMPTON

2 Pine Island Lake
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $1,150,000
Buyer: I Belong Here LLC
Seller: Pine Island Pony TR
Date: 04/09/25

Building Permits

By
Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the month of April 2025.

CHICOPEE

City of Chicopee
314 Pendleton Ave.
$196,696 — Remove and replace select metal doors and hardware around facility

Mike Laser Enterprises LLC
428 East St.
$30,000 — Siding

HADLEY

360 Russell LLC
360 Russell St.
N/A — Refresh/remodel of existing Verizon store

Hampshire Mosque Inc.
451 Russell St.
N/A — Install gypsum ceiling with vapor barrier

LENOX

CACLB Properties LLC
22 Walker St.
$10,000 — Repair rotted sill and other rot in basement area, remove non-bearing interior retail partitions inside existing retail space, remove old store fixtures

NORTHAMPTON

Colvest/Northampton LLC
303 King St.
$18,000 — Concrete slab, light gauge metal wall framing, insulation, and sheetrock in Unit E

Smith College
7 College Lane
$134,906 — Office renovation and exterior roof and decking replacement

Trident Realty Corp.
76 Main St.
$1,500 — Install wall sign over entranceway

PITTSFIELD

Berkshire Dream Center
475 Tyler St.
$10,000 — Remove treads, repair supporting walls, and reset treads to original location

Light Holdings LLC
12 Betnr Industrial Dr.
$496,981 — Wash, caulk, and recoat roof

SPRINGFIELD

Aliza Abid, Noor Abid
522 Chestnut St.
$3,500 — Demolish porch, repair two-story porch, repair brick, block doorway

City of Springfield
1250 State St.
$114,240 — Classroom fit-out and cosmetic upgrades at Springfield High School of Science and Technology

Len-Steve Realty LLC
977 St. James Ave.
$79,500 — Roofing and insulation

Onyx Springfield Cinema LLC
1250 St. James Ave.
$330,735 — Roofing at Springfield RMV

The Importance of Summer Jobs

By
Opinion

Editorial

 

It is mid-May.

Most college students are back home now, and in a month or so, they’ll be joined by thousands of high-school students. Most of these young people will be looking for work, and we can’t stress enough how important it is for the region’s business community to help them find it.

We’ve delivered this message often, but it’s even more critical to send it this year, a time of uncertainty for all business owners and nonprofit managers, and a time when many in both categories are experiencing some form of hardship.

Indeed, there have been several reductions in workforce in our region in recent months. The cutbacks at Baystate Health, which is undergoing what its new leadership is calling an ‘ongoing transformation,’ have garnered large headlines, but many others have gone under the radar.

Meanwhile, many higher-education institutions are also experiencing hard times, with some implementing hiring freezes and other strategies designed to control budgets.

So, for many, it will be difficult to bring on more help, while for others, especially those in the hospitality industry and retail, it is still difficult to find help, and the arrival of summer and college and high-school students is a blessing.

We would encourage all those who can to try to find opportunities for these young people, and for many reasons.

That includes a paycheck, which they need. Beyond that, though, summer jobs, especially those all-important ‘first’ jobs — be they at a local farm, the Big Y or Rocky’s Ace Hardware down the street, Six Flags, or a landscaping company — bring with them many lessons and learning experiences.

Young people come to understand how the world of work operates, the importance of showing up on time every day, and the nuances of teamwork and being part of a team. And if these young people are working, they’re often less likely to be getting into trouble.

At the same time, summer jobs help people make connections with the local business community. Sometimes — not often, but sometimes — a summer job at a hospital, college, manufacturing facility, or accounting firm can lead to a career with one of those employers.

Everyone remembers their first job. Everyone remembers those jobs they had while they were in high school and home from college. They remember them because they were important steps in their development as adults and contributors to a team, a business, and the local economy.

That’s why, even in these difficult and uncertain times, it’s important for businesses of all sizes to create more of these experiences by creating some summer jobs.

Foster Parents Deserve Support

By Contributor
Opinion

Opinion

By Marianna Litovich

 

May is Foster Care Awareness Month, an opportunity for child-welfare advocates and professionals to shine a light on our work in the hopes that folks will be interested, learn about the challenges and rewards of what we do, and engage with us — because everyone can do something to make a difference.

Currently in Western Mass., there are almost 2,000 children in foster care as a result of their family’s inability to meet their needs. These families are typically plagued with social welfare concerns, poverty, substance misuse, and lack of social support, which renders them unable to care for their children.

If a relative or other known adult in the child’s life (such as a teacher, coach, or friend) cannot be identified to care for them while their parents attempt to rehabilitate, they will end up on the doorstep of someone like me — a foster parent who will welcome them, embrace them into the fold of their family, and care for them as long as is necessary. It can be an overwhelming commitment, one my spouse and I made for 15 years.

Despite my training as a psychologist, I was overwhelmed and surprised by how taxing being a foster parent can be, and how much the journey can impact one’s mental health and well-being. A handful of years into our journey, I also started a nonprofit to support other foster families, creating a community of folks all in the daily trenches of foster care. Through All Our Kids Inc., I met countless families who were struggling in the same ways, dealing with the same things, taxing their mental health through the same means.

The challenges of foster care are numerous. It can be complicated and messy and frustrating, pushing many of us to question whether we’re really cut out for this. A lot of people assume the hardest part is managing children’s behavior, or the uncertainty regarding if and when you’ll say goodbye to a child you love. These are hard, but typically not the deal breakers.

Working with hundreds of families over the years, I’ve learned what actually pushes people beyond their tolerance is the stress of dealing with the system: managing appointments, court dates, home visits, lack of response from overworked social workers, juggling all the therapies, the bureaucracy of getting permission for mundane things like haircuts and out-of-state travel, customer-service representatives at a child’s health insurance company … the list goes on and on. These cumulative stressors can really take a toll on a foster parent’s mental health. We need support. And it’s more simple than it sounds.

These days, our society is more open about mental health, giving ourselves and each other permission to seek help through therapy and medication. I applaud these strategies and employ them myself. But they do not reduce the stressors that wear us out and spread us thin. For that, we need to look to each other.

During Foster Care Awareness Month, I encourage everyone who is not a foster parent, and is able, to seek out a foster family and offer one piece of support: cook a meal, mow the lawn, offer a ride, offer childcare … anything that puts actions to the words, “you’ve got this, and we’ve got you.”

You’ll be amazed at the impact a small act of support can have on a family struggling to manage it all. You could, very literally, be keeping a family together. Sometimes the most powerful medicine is support from each other.

 

Marianna Litovich is the founder and executive director of All Our Kids Inc.

V-One Vodka Celebrates 20 Years

By
Daily News

HADLEY — V-One Vodka, the Polish vodka brand founded by Paul Kozub, is proud to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025. From humble beginnings in Kozub’s Massachusetts basement to becoming internationally recognized, V-One has remained committed to crafting the finest vodka using 100% organic spelt grain.

Over two decades, the brand has expanded its reach across New England and beyond, earning numerous awards and accolades for its innovative flavors and dedication to quality. The milestone highlights V-One’s journey from selling its first cases in 2005 to establishing a state-of-the-art distillery in Kamień, Poland, which enables full control over production and a capacity to scale up to 1 million cases annually.

“This anniversary is not just a celebration of V-One’s growth, but also of the passion and vision that have driven us since day one,” Kozub said. “From the very first bottle sold to our expansion into new markets, we’ve stayed true to our mission of creating the world’s most drinkable vodka while honoring my Polish heritage.”

As part of its commitment to growth, V-One plans to continue expanding into new states and countries, with a focus on sharing its story and products with more consumers worldwide.

To mark the 20th anniversary, V-One Vodka will host celebratory events across its key markets later this year, featuring exclusive tastings of its award-winning vodka flavors and opportunities for attendees to learn about the brand’s rich history and innovative production process. In addition, Kozub is targeting new markets, such as Florida and New York, in the coming months.

Springfield Partners for Community Action Honors Legacy of Paul Bailey

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Partners for Community Action honored Paul Bailey for his 24-year tenure as the organization’s leader at an event on May 3 at the Sheraton in Springfield.

Bailey officially retired on Jan. 31. Under his leadership, Springfield Partners increased revenue and funding by more than $4 million. He oversaw the development and implementation of many new services, including first-time homebuyers and tenant workshops, household budgeting programs, the Multicultural Alzheimer’s Prevention Program, financial literacy education, the Individual Development Account program, veterans’ programs, and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. During the COVID pandemic, Bailey oversaw the agency’s distribution of more than $185,000 to community members in the form of financial assistance to pay utility bills, rent, mortgage, and food cards.

“I’m proud of the incredible work we have accomplished in my more than two decades as executive director,” Bailey said. “I have seen firsthand the improvements that our agency has made in thousands of people’s lives by providing financial assistance around utility bills and housing, and vital education and tools to help them build equity and achieve economic stability. Springfield Partners recently marked its 60th anniversary as the pioneering anti-poverty organization in Western Massachusetts, emphasizing that its daily efforts remain increasingly essential. I have deep gratitude for our dedicated staff, board of directors, and the city of Springfield for their support and commitment to our continued mission in the fight against poverty.”

Following Bailey’s retirement, Mickey Harris, a board member of more than two decades, took over as executive director of the organization. Harris is a well-respected individual in the Springfield community, having served as an attorney for local residents for more than 30 years. In addition, he has held leadership roles on the boards of several prominent nonprofits in the area, including the YMCA of Greater Springfield, the NAACP Springfield branch, and the Hampden County Bar Assoc.

“Under Mr. Bailey’s leadership, Springfield Partners has evolved and adapted to the ever-changing needs of our community,” Harris said. “We thank him for his support and contributions to the community over the years. I am excited to take on this new role and to give back to my neighbors in Springfield who need — and deserve — the critical support that Springfield Partners provides.”

Prior to Bailey becoming executive director, Harold Langford held the position for more than a decade.

In 2024, Springfield Partners celebrated 60 years of serving more than 7,000 community members each year through its various programs. The organization continues to offer its long-running Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), which helps residents keep heating and cooling costs down while increasing property values at no cost to tenants or homeowners.

It also provides credit, housing, and eviction counseling services. This year, the organization distributed more than $100,000 in fuel assistance to middle-income households. It hosts bi-monthly veteran luncheons and provides food, clothing, support services, and financial assistance programs to current and former military members.

Over the years, Springfield Partners has won various awards for its service to the community. In 2024, the organization was honored as the New England Clean Energy Council’s Partnership of the Year, alongside the state, for its commitment to WAP. Springfield Partners was also honored by the Springfield Regional Chamber’s Super 60 program in the nonprofit category.

Florence Bank Supports Revitalize CDC’s #GreenNFit Neighborhood Rebuild

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Daily News

FLORENCE — Florence Bank supported Revitalize CDC’s 2025 #GreenNFit Neighborhood Rebuild event on April 26 with a $10,000 block sponsorship and a record number of bank volunteers lending a hand.

For several years, the bank and its employees have supported the organization and its mission to improve homes, neighborhoods, and lives through preservation, education, and community involvement. Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer Joe Kulig, a Revitalize CDC board member for more than 25 years, and Nikki Gleason, vice president and manager of the West Springfield branch, are house captains for the bank’s project, inspiring other bank employees to take part.

On April 26, hundreds of community volunteers made critical repairs and modifications to the homes of low-income families with children, elderly, military veterans, and people with special needs in the Calhoun Park area of Springfield’s North End. Fifteen Florence Bank employees took part. Work included yard cleanup, exterior painting, and fixing decks and stairs.

“This year will be one of the largest turnouts from the bank perspective,” Kulig said before the event. “It’s gotten a lot of attention internally in past years when volunteers come back to the bank and tell people about it. It drives interest, and that’s why our numbers are growing.”

Gleason, a house captain for the event since 2016, added that “we’re all happy to be part of something that improves the neighborhood. It’s an infectious, good feeling with a positive effect on the whole neighborhood, and it helps raise awareness about the organization.”

Revitalize CDC was founded in 1992 as an all-volunteer agency that raised roughly $40,000 each year and assisted about five families annually. Today, it serves more than 800 families a year with a $5 million annual budget. Revitalize CDC serves Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties, with its primary reach in Holyoke, Chicopee, and Springfield. The goal of #GreenNFit is to make homes more energy-efficient, safe, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing.

“We are very grateful for the support of Florence Bank and appreciate the show of support from its leaders and employees,” said Colleen Shanley-Loveless, president and CEO of Revitalize CDC. “Florence Bank knows and values the community and the nonprofit organizations that support it. Consistently, they step up as a good neighbor.”

Florence Bank President and CEO Matt Garrity added that “we are pleased to be able to support Revitalize CDC in its efforts to keep people safe in their homes. I’m proud of our employees who get out there and help.”

bankESB Makes Multi-year Commitment to Riverside Industries’ Annual Auction

By
Daily News

EASTHAMPTON — bankESB announced its sponsorship of Riverside Industries’ annual auction, which took place on May 2. As part of a $15,000, multi-year commitment to support Riverside’s mission of empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, bankESB recently met with representatives from Riverside to present them with this year’s contribution.

Riverside Industries’ annual auction is a cornerstone fundraising event that directly supports essential services, vocational training, and community programs that help individuals live more independent and fulfilling lives. bankESB’s ongoing commitment underscores its dedication to strengthening the communities it serves.

“We’re honored to support Riverside Industries and the impactful work they do in our community,” said Matthew Sosik, president and CEO of bankESB. “Our partnership reflects our shared values of inclusion, opportunity, and support for those who need it most.”

This year’s auction brought the community together for an evening of celebration, generosity, and connection, all while raising critical funds for a meaningful cause.

bankESB Welcomes Brian Mathes, Corey Moquin to Team

By
Daily News

EASTHAMPTON — bankESB announced the addition of two new professionals to strengthen financial strategy and digital engagement.

Brian Mathes

Brian Mathes was recently hired as vice president, ALM officer. Mathes will support all banks within the Hometown Financial Group family of banks, including bankESB, bankHometown, North Shore Bank, and Abington Bank, a division of North Shore Bank, as well as Hometown Mortgage. He will be based at bankESB’s 36 Main St., Easthampton office as well as bankHometown’s 31 Sutton Ave., Oxford office.

Corey Moquin

Mathes has 25 years of banking experience. Before joining bankESB, he was vice president at Main Street Bank and, before that, vice president at State Street Corp. In his new role, he will be responsible for overseeing the bank’s asset liability management strategy, optimizing balance sheet performance, and supporting long-term financial planning and risk management. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Tulane University and a master’s degree in business administration from Boston University.

Corey Moquin has been appointed social media manager, based at bankESB’s 36 Main St., Easthampton office. Moquin earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from UMass Amherst. He joins the bank from Western Mass News, where he was senior marketing producer. In this new role, he will manage social media accounts for all of Hometown Financial Group.

Florence Bank Promotes Amanda Constantilos to Manager of King Steet Branch

By
Daily News

Amanda Constantilos

FLORENCE — Florence Bank announced that Amanda Constantilos has been promoted to manager of the bank’s King Street branch in Northampton.

Constantilos joined the bank’s team in 2016 as a senior teller, and since, she has served as a teller operations manager at the Granby branch and as a customer service representative and assistant branch manager in Hadley.

She has 19 years of experience in the banking industry and is skilled in customer service, teamwork, communication, problem solving, and employee development. In her new role, which she assumed in May, Constantilos is responsible for leadership and team development, decision making, and community engagement.

“I will make sure our customers feel welcome and taken care of from the moment they walk in,” Constantilos said. “It’s about building real relationships and helping our community with big and small needs.”

Matt Garrity, president and CEO of Florence Bank, added that “we appreciate Amanda’s dedication to our customers, and we are proud to see her growing as a bank leader.”

Brandon Okezie Appointed President, COO of Baystate Noble Hospital

By
Daily News

Brandon Okezie

SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Health announced the appointment of Brandon Okezie as the new president and chief operating officer of Baystate Noble Hospital, effective May 5.

Okezie brings a dynamic leadership style grounded in relationship building, results-oriented strategy, and a deep commitment to patient-centered care. With a strong track record in quality improvement, operational excellence, and service line development, he is well-positioned to lead Baystate Noble Hospital into its next chapter of growth and innovation.

“We are thrilled to welcome Brandon to Baystate Noble and the Greater Westfield community,” said Peter Banko, president and CEO of Baystate Health. “He is an approachable, relationship-driven leader and will help to lead Baystate Noble to be the preferred destination to work and practice, elevate clinical excellence, advance a seamlessly accessible care model, and build coordinated care and service line networks to grow and expand care for our neighbors and patients.”

Most recently, Okezie served as associate administrator at the George Washington University Hospital, a 385-bed, tertiary care, academic medical center in Washington, D.C., which includes a level I trauma center and level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). In this role, he oversaw operations for multiple support and ancillary services, including rehabilitation, food and nutrition, environmental services, security, plant operations, and biomedical engineering. He also led key hospital-wide initiatives focused on service line growth, physician alignment, and operational efficiency.

Prior to his tenure at George Washington, Okezie held several progressive leadership roles within Centura Health, notably serving as director of Hospital Operations at St. Anthony North Hospital in Westminster, Colo. There, he played a pivotal role in managing the development of an $89 million patient-care tower and a $27 million cancer center.

Okezie earned a bachelor of healthcare administration degree from Texas State University and a master of health administration degree from Cornell University.

He is a Next Generation Leaders fellow with the American Hospital Assoc. and holds active memberships in both the American College of Healthcare Executives and the National Assoc. of Health Services Executives.

Berkshire Health Systems Elects Ashley Benson, Matthew Lauro to Board of Trustees

By
Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) announced the election of Ashley Benson of Optimal Healing, LLC, and Matthew Lauro of MountainOne Bank to the BHS board of trustees.

“We are excited to welcome Ashley and Matthew to the BHS board of trustees,” President and CEO Darlene Rodowicz said. “They are recognized leaders in our community, and BHS will be lucky to benefit from their perspectives as we continue working to advance health and wellness for everyone in the region.”

Ashley Benson

Benson is the founder and owner of Optimal Healing, LLC, and is a psychotherapist, consultant, and clinical supervisor. A dedicated mental-health professional with over two decades of experience in social work and clinical practice, she founded her practice in 2019 to provide holistic health resources to the community and formally established Optimal Healing in 2022. She specializes in trauma-focused care and the treatment of children, adolescents and families.

Benson earned her undergraduate degree from Berkshire Community College and the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, followed by a master’s degree in social work from Smith College. Committed to continuous learning and leadership in the field, she holds two post-graduate certifications: advanced clinical social work supervision from the Smith College School for Social Work and advanced practice with children & adolescents from Springfield College.

Matthew Lauro

Lauro is senior vice president and Western Massachusetts commercial team leader for MountainOne Bank. He is responsible for managing existing portfolio risk, loan growth, and a team of commercial bankers.

Lauro is active in the community as a board member for Berkshire Education and Correction in Pittsfield, former national council member of the Avon Old Farms School for Boys in Avon, Conn., and former trustee of the Pittsfield Affordable Housing Trust. He received his bachelor’s degree in business management from the Lally School of Business Management at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y.

Departing the BHS board of trustees are Timothy Burke, Barton Raser, and Dr. John Loiodice, who provided leadership and service to Berkshire Health Systems for many years.

“On behalf of BHS, I offer my deepest appreciation to Tim, Bart, and John for their commitment to furthering our mission and their invaluable contributions in support of our community,” Rodowicz said.

Country Bank Names Cristina Consalvo Assistant Vice President of Marketing

By
Daily News

WARE — Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Mass., announced that Cristina Consalvo has been named assistant vice president of Marketing.

Consalvo brings more than 13 years of diverse marketing experience to the bank, with a background spanning the financial services, insurance, and cannabis industries. Her expertise includes marketing communications, digital strategy, media planning, website management, and event coordination. Most recently, she was the marketing director for three brands simultaneously in a corporate B2B setting, overseeing everything from lead generation and public relations to website redesigns and advertising campaigns.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing, with a minor in Management from Quinnipiac University. She was recently recognized as the 2024 Marketer of the Year by the ADCANN Cannabis Advertising Awards, an honor awarded to just one individual across the country.

“We are thrilled to welcome Cristina to the Country Bank team. Her experience, expertise and vision in bank marketing make her an excellent fit for this role,” said Miriam Siegel, chief Culture & Development Officer. “Cristina’s passion for effective and efficient marketing, teamwork and her digital capabilities are abundant and align with our corporate values of integrity, service, teamwork, excellence, and prosperity. We are confident that her energy, skills and leadership will elevate our marketing efforts so that we can continue to drive our strategic initiatives forward.”

Consalvo serves as a strategic advisor and board member of TeeHC Open, a nontraditional networking event in the cannabis industry that brings over 500 professionals together annually. She has also been a brand partner with Young Living Essential Oils, sharing her passion for living a clean, nontoxic lifestyle for the last four years.

T-Birds Raise $38,300 for Rays of Hope

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Thunderbirds announced a donation of $38,300 to the Rays of Hope thanks to proceeds from the live jersey auction and accompanying fundraising elements during the T-Birds’ 8th Annual Pink in the Rink game on March 8.

Thunderbirds President Nathan Costa, Vice President of Sales & Strategy Todd McDonald, and Managing Partner Paul Picknelly presented a check to the Rays of Hope earlier this month inside the MassMutual Center. This year’s Pink in the Rink game, the eighth annual centerpiece of the T-Birds’ community calendar, raised another tremendous total through auction sales of the T-Birds’ pink-themed, game-worn jerseys.

The MassMutual Center also continued its ‘Pink’ sellout streak, as the crowd reached its maximum capacity of 6,793 fans for an eighth straight Pink in the Rink.

“Pink in the Rink has truly grown into one of Springfield’s most powerful and uplifting traditions,” said Costa. “Thanks to our incredible partnership with Baystate Health and the Rays of Hope Foundation, this night continues to unite our community in hope, strength, and support. To see our eighth consecutive sellout is a testament to the heart of our fans and the importance of this cause. The energy in the Thunderdome is always palpable, the stories are deeply moving, and the courage of the survivors continues to inspire us all. We can’t wait to build on this momentum next season — and we hold onto hope for the day a cure is finally found.”

Established in T-Birds’ inaugural season in 2016-17, Pink in the Rink celebrates the commencement of the Rays of Hope fundraising efforts each March to shine a light on breast cancer awareness outside of the traditional October awareness month. Every year, the fundraising efforts culminate in the annual Rays of Hope Walk & Run in October in downtown Springfield. Since the establishment of this staple night, the Thunderbirds have generated more than $175,000 for the Rays of Hope Foundation, all of which stays local in Western Massachusetts in pursuit of a cure.

“Rays of Hope is very fortunate to have the support of the Springfield Thunderbirds and their fans,” said Baystate Health Foundation Director of Annual Giving and Events

Kathy Tobin
.

 “Thanks to their efforts, Pink in the Rink makes this disease visible and reminds the community that breast cancer is a year-round fight for too many. The generosity of our pink partners allows us to fulfill our mission of ensuring that, through research, medical intervention, and healthy programs, thousands of local survivors receive the care they deserve.”

 

Since its inception in 1994, Rays of Hope has raised more than $17.7 million to support the women and men living in Western Massachusetts touched by breast cancer. Funds also support vital research at the Rays of Hope Center for Breast Cancer Research.

 

The T-Birds Foundation was established in 2018 with a mission of serving the Springfield community and the Pioneer Valley beyond every win and loss through a focus on providing and supporting initiatives in the areas of health and wellness, youth enrichment, and civil service. During the 2024-25 season, the T-Birds Foundation raised more than $115,000 for charitable causes in Western Massachusetts.