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Workforce Shortages Hamper Healthcare Sector

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Healthcare News Special Coverage

Critical Gaps

 

When Beverly Fein surveys the nursing landscape at Holyoke Medical Center, she sees both positives and challenges, and the difference is generational. Take new nursing graduates, for example; the hospital hired more than 25 of them last year.

“Many of them do their clinicals here. They have a good foundation working for us. They like the environment. So we’ve been lucky — we’ve been able to attract them,” said Fein, senior vice president and chief Human Resources officer for Valley Health Systems, which includes HMC.

“And many others were student nurse techs with us, which means they come on earlier during their schooling, while they’re still juniors or seniors, and we hire them as techs, and that creates a pipeline for nurses,” she added. “Many have come through that pipeline, which is a good thing.”

But finding experienced nurses? That’s been much tougher — and it’s a common lament across the healthcare industry.

“The biggest gaps are in nursing, especially when it comes to RNs and LPNs. The shortage is huge. So how does that impact bedside care at hospitals and long-term care facilities? They’re feeling the shortage.”

“We’re always looking for experienced nurses,” Fein said. “We have had a number of different open house events over the year, and we’ve been able to hire experienced nurses. We have a weekly Walk-In Wednesday, and we’ve been able to hire some experienced nurses just walking in, getting interviews on the spot, offers on the spot. That’s been a tactic we’ve been using in addition to some strong advertising on our intranet, as well as all the social media platforms.”

Nicole Polite, CEO of the MH Group in East Longmeadow, a staffing and recruiting firm with a robust healthcare niche, understands the industry challenges as well.

Beverly Fein says Holyoke Medical Center has hired dozens of new graduate nurses recently, but experienced nurses are harder to come by.

Beverly Fein says Holyoke Medical Center has hired dozens of new graduate nurses recently, but experienced nurses are harder to come by.

“The biggest gaps are in nursing, especially when it comes to RNs and LPNs. The shortage is huge,” she said. “So how does that impact bedside care at hospitals and long-term care facilities? They’re feeling the shortage.”

As are other settings. “Home health and hospice are definitely feeling it. Even outpatient and ambulatory centers are feeling it. Then, there’s a dire need for nurse practitioners and physician assistants in primary and urgent care. Believe it or not, we’re even struggling with telemedicine, especially in rural areas and underserved areas.”

The list goes on. Polite cited workforce gaps locally in behavioral health — psychiatrists, licensed social workers, and licensed professional counselors are in high demand — as well as physician specialties including cardiology and oncology (again, especially in rural and underserved areas). As for home health aides, she said the industry is exploding with the continued aging of the Baby Boom generation.

Michele Anstett, president and director of Visiting Angels West Springfield, promoted two CNAs into recruiting positions to bolster the home care agency’s efforts to maintain a workforce that keeps up with demand.

“They use their own personal stories and experiences with Visiting Angels to sell how much they love working here,” she said, adding that aides and nurses with plenty of options are prioritizing workplace culture as much as pay. “Now what is important is telling our story, and whether they like the way the work environment sounds.”

Karen Rousseau, dean of the School of Health Sciences at American International College, sees the workforce crunch from a different perspective — and a positive one for graduates.

She noted that nursing enrollment has been impacted a bit by free community college in Massachusetts, but it’s still strong, and there’s plenty of interest in AIC’s graduate nursing programs, with nursing recognized by many young people as a secure career choice, given the current state of the workforce.

“It’s a pretty strong job market in the region. The labor statistics show growth in PT and OT, and there continues to be a nursing shortage,” she noted. “Our graduates having no trouble finding positions. I’m hearing that current students seeking employment are being selective in what they choose.”

 

Glass Half Full

Anstett said recruiting has become more challenging in home care for a number of reasons.

“I’m a person who always thinks positively. I don’t try to dwell on, ‘gee we can’t get people.’ I try to think, ‘how can we get people?’ We do tend to use some different tactics, and it’s much different than before, when it was just putting an ad in the paper, and people would answer it. Now you have to get on social media, get on all these job sites, and you have to word it in a way that the algorithms won’t put it down at the bottom and no one will ever see it.”

Karen Rousseau

Karen Rousseau

“Our graduates having no trouble finding positions. I’m hearing that current students seeking employment are being selective in what they choose.”

One annoying aspect of the current market is … well, the ability of some applicants to be dismissive of the process, or even rude.

“A lot of times, we do have people that respond to the ads and seem interested, but then, when we set up an interview, they’re no-shows. One reason is they never intended to have a job, or applying for a job might have been a requirement to receive some kind of aid.

“It’s a different kind of mindset, and I don’t think it’s generational,” Anstett went on. “I definitely think it’s a society thing. We’ve had people of all ages do this ghosting thing. They come for orientation, and then they’re nowhere to be found. And it’s hard for us because it’s quite a process. We have to do background checks and reference checks and check their skill level, everything. It’s a dollar investment, and it’s heartbreaking when they get all the way through and you schedule them, and then they don’t show up.”

She said Visiting Angels continues to bring in quality caregivers, but the process is tougher, as she may wind up hiring two for every 10 interviews — and even then, their work-hour preferences might change between the interview and the hire.

As for retention, Anstett said it’s a mindset.

Nicole Polite says employers need to understand that potential young hires demand different a culture than in the past.

Nicole Polite says employers need to understand that potential young hires demand different a culture than in the past.

“I really believe a good work environment is the key. It’s creating a family culture at work, which is also very respectful of their family. If they need to get to something for their son or daughter, we do our best because we’re all moms and dads. My belief that no one in Visiting Angels is any better or more important than the other person. We’re all very important to the whole team, and I think that resonates.”

Another thing employers need to be mindful of today is burnout, Polite said, as many nurses and other healthcare workers are feeling it, and often feeling it intensely.

That’s one reason many nurses and doctors who are placed through the MH Group work in a contract capacity.

“Being a contract employee helps them to have work-life balance; they get to select when they want to work. The new term is Uber nursing, the ability to sign up for work when they want, like an Uber driver, which allows them more balance and to alleviate burnout.”

While the model is great for workers who desire it, it can actually benefit organizations as well, as the agency pays for benefits and malpractice insurance. Meanwhile, both sides get to test the waters before perhaps committing to something longer-term, Polite explained. “They find out, do they want to stay? What’s the environment like? What’s the culture like?”

 

Michele Anstett

Michele Anstett

“We’ve had people of all ages do this ghosting thing. They come for orientation, and then they’re nowhere to be found.”

She added that a nationwide shortage of nursing professors — who also sometimes feel burnt out — is taking its toll on the workforce as well, with many aspiring nurses being turned away from programs for lack of capacity.

 

Meeting the Needs

Speaking of higher education, colleges and universities with health programs are also looking at shifting needs in healthcare when planning new programs. For example, this fall, AIC will introduce a master of population and community health degree to meet a growing need for professionals who can mobilize community resources to address factors that affect people’s health and well-being.

“We feel there’s a need for public health in the community,” Rousseau said. “We had a master’s of public health, but we’re phasing that out. There hasn’t been a large demand for that, and UMass has a very large program. But a master’s in population and community health practice was driven out of the way we see the needs of employers in the region, and what will help them.”

Rousseau noted that there are many different types of roles in healthcare besides nursing, OT, and PT, noting another AIC program, its exercise science track. “It’s strength and conditioning, but you also use exercise as medicine to help people heal. You can perform all kinds of roles with that degree as well. Healthcare is a big industry. It’s not just the things you think of right off the bat.”

To meet its own workforce needs, Holyoke Medical Center has been innovative beyond just the Walk-In Wednesdays for nurses. Open houses for phlebotomists, another in-demand career, have been successful, Fein said, and the hospital has used temp agencies for roles like medical assistants and medical lab techs to test out their fit.

“We’ve recently been happy with the response to our open house events. It’s nice to have leadership from these areas present and for them to make offers on the spot if we feel there’s a great fit after the tour. If we have good dialogue and they have some experience and we feel good about them, we can bring them on pretty quickly. We’re trying to remove some of the hurdles and roadblocks, basically, and streamline the process.”

At the same time, Fein emphasized the importance of benefits to retention efforts, from a health package to a robust tuition reimbursement program that can funnel $7,000 to $8,000 annually toward a degree and help employees move into the positions they aspire to.

“I think a lot of new employees are very focused on work-life balance as well,” she said, noting that HMC has made some changes to vacation policies with that in mind. “That work-life piece is definitely significant with them. They’re speaking about it a lot.”

Polite hears the conversations, too.

“There will be a shift in the newer generation in terms of the healthcare workplace,” she told BusinessWest. “They’re in demand, and their demands are different; they have a different need for flexibility. So everyone needs to come to the table and come up with a better way to staff those medical positions, and it will need to include flexibility for employees.”

Filling in the gaps will take years, Polite she. “And the big fix is going to have to come from the government. There has to be some incentives for the younger generation coming in from their college years, giving them funding if they enter that field.”

It’s just one of many possible solutions to boosting the workforce, decreasing rampant burnout, and, most importantly, making sure patient needs are met.

Orlando Ramos

By
Orlando Ramos
Alumni Achievement Award

State Representative, 9th Hampden District

Orlando Ramos

Orlando Ramos

Orlando Ramos when he was named to the 40 Under Forty class of 2014, and today (top)

Orlando Ramos when he was named to the 40 Under Forty class of 2014, and today (top)

Orlando Ramos has a small classic car collection.

He once had four vehicles, but recently sold a 1974 Corvette. He still has a 1970 Chevy Monte Carlo, a 1989 Chevy Camaro IROC-Z, and a 1991 Ford Escort, and shows them all at area shows.

The Escort doesn’t sound particularly sexy, and Ramos acknowledged that, but it has taken home a lot of hardware at those shows, as has the Monte Carlo, he said, adding that the Camaro wins at pretty much every competition he brings it to.

Beyond first-place ribbons, the cars bring Ramos memories, a chance to meet new people and add more friends to an already large roster, and, perhaps most importantly, some relaxing moments to counter the many chaotic ones at the State House and within his district.

“I try to drive them on the weekends when I get some downtime, and I do some car shows on the weekend if I’m not busy with work,” he told BusinessWest. “It takes my mind off things. That’s where I find my peace — driving my classic cars … no radio, just the sound of the engine with the windows down.”

He considers the cars a passion, one of two that he has, with the other being the city of Springfield, which is now his sole focus within the 9th District (he used to represent a small section of Chicopee).

He grew up in the City of Homes, among several other places (his family moved frequently in his youth), graduated from Putnam Vocational Technical High School, did some boxing in the city, and later settled in Indian Orchard, which he still calls home. He served on the City Council, including as its president, before being elected to the House, and ran, unsuccessfully, for Springfield mayor in 2023, leaving the door wide open for another run down the road.

Most of those who nominated Ramos for the Alumni Achievement Award — and there were several — called him an ambassador for the city, a mentor to young people, and, in many ways, an inspiration to those in the minority community.

FAST FACTS

Age: 42
40 Under Forty Class: 2014
Title Then: Springfield City Councilor
Title Now: State Representative, 9th Hampden District
Walk-up Song: “Aguanile” by Marc Anthony
Years an AAA Finalist: 2

In addition, he’s a prolific filer of bills designed, in many cases, to safeguard the interests of his constituents while also addressing inequalities that still exist on many levels.

Indeed, Ramos said he filed 27 bills at the beginning of this session, the most he’s ever filed, and they involve everything from regulations for facial surveillance technology (there currently are none) to measures to protect taxpayers and cities and towns from utility companies that withhold property taxes by closing existing loopholes.

“The law was intended to help small, mom-and-pop businesses and individual residents that were struggling to pay their tax bills,” he explained. “It wasn’t meant to help multi-billion-dollar utilities to abuse that loophole.”

In addition to all this work at the State House, Ramos remains actively involved with the community, whether it’s in his neighborhood, where he sits on the Indian Orchard Citizens Council; coaching in a basketball league; turning up at car shows; or supporting small businesses.

“I always try to show up at small businesses and festivals and community events and be supportive of everything that’s happening in the community,” said Ramos, who has a new initiative that touches on many of his priorities, goals, and efforts to make a difference.

It’s called Ties to Success, and it’s designed to teach young men in Springfield public schools how to tie a tie — what he calls an important but overlooked life skill.

“Eventually, I hope to reach every graduating class in the city,” he said, adding that, in this, the program’s inaugural year, he and others working with him started with about 30 students at Putnam.

“I’ve recruited about 15 volunteer mentors from the public and private sector,” he said. “In addition to learning how to tie a tie, each student will leave with a brand-new tie, written instructions, and the invaluable experience of connecting with positive role models from the business and government sectors.”

Speaking of tying the knot, Ramos, a proud single parent of daughter, Ariana, now 21 (who was his date at his 40 Under Forty gala), announced that he recently got engaged to a member of the 40 Under Forty class of 2024, Natalie Mercado, owner and CEO of Sweetera & Co.

That adds another passion to a man who has several, including those cars. You might say he’s a driving force for positive change. Many people do.

—George O’Brien

Ryan McCollum

By
Ryan McCollum
Alumni Achievement Award

Owner, RMC Strategies

Ryan McCollum

Ryan McCollum

Ryan McCollum when he was named to the 40 Under Forty class of 2012, and today (top)

Ryan McCollum when he was named to the 40 Under Forty class of 2012, and today (top)

Ryan McCollum says he likes to have the circles in his life intersect.

And by circles, he means people who are in his life for various reasons — clients, friends, colleagues, elected officials — and causes and agencies he supports, everything from early childhood education provider Square One to the game of golf, especially for populations not generally associated with it.

To get his point across, McCollum gave a couple examples that help tell his story, and this particular story of how he is again a finalist for the coveted Alumni Achievement Award.

One references his involvement with a group called 16 Lyrics (formed with 15 friends), which is committed to combating racism and, among other initiatives, helps provide schools with books featuring diverse characters, authors, and storylines — “because, whether it was books or TV, it was hard to find characters that looked like me,” he noted.

“We had a golf tournament last year,” he said of 16 Lyrics. “I had Trap Golf, which I work with to bring people in the game, donate a bunch of stuff. I had a client from PricewaterhouseCoopers play with me. I made sure to ask elected officials to play or sponsor — we had a cart full of state reps. My wife and daughter helped in planning it. Circles intersected: my charitable world, a lobbying client, my family, and all my friends, and Get Set Marketing designed and printed all the tee signs and the like, and I work with them.”

FAST FACTS

Age: 45
40 Under Forty Class: 2012
Title Then: Owner and Principal, RMC Strategies; Marketing Consultant, Get Set Marketing
Title Now: Owner, RMC Strategies
Walk-up Song: “Get By” by Talib Kweli
Years an AAA Finalist: 2

The second example involves one of his clients, Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia, and the kickoff to his re-election campaign in February.

Garcia wanted Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll to attend, and McCollum made some calls and secured an appearance, not just for that announcement, but also for a tour of the Hope for Youth Arts Center (formerly CityStage), a project being undertaken by another McCollum client, Robert Bolduc, and his Center for Hope & Families Foundation. He also helped organize a fundraiser for the lieutenant governor at LightHouse Holyoke, a non-traditional middle and high school that is another McCollum client. And to top it off, Young at Heart, the Northampton-based chorus and yet another client, performed at the event.

You might say bringing worlds together and having circles intersect is what McCollum does. Professionally, he’s an entrepreneur, the owner of RMC Strategies, a consulting firm that partners with Get Set Marketing to provide one-stop shopping for those with political marketing needs. He’s worked on several campaigns over the years, including those for Garcia and State Rep. Orlando Ramos, another of this year’s AAA finalists (see story on page 19).

McCollum is also heavily involved in the community and has been for decades. He’s among the founders of the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield and currently sits on several boards, including those for Square One, Suit Up Springfield, 16 Lyrics, the Healing Racism Institute of Pioneer Valley, and the National Conference for Community and Justice.

“When people ask me what I do, I tell them I’m a political consultant, I tell them I’m a lobbyist, but I do a lot of connecting of folks whom I think should be connected,” he said, adding that this unique and important skill has defined his professional career and personal life.

And it certainly explains why is a finalist for the Alumni Achievement Award for the second time in three years.

As does his outlook on simply … being kind.

“Kindness, and being kind, is a great business and career strategy, and on so many levels,” he told BusinessWest. “Especially in my business — the relationship business. Treating people kindly goes a long way. It can be hard to be kind all the time, because we’re all human … but it’s important, and it’s something I work on.”

As for the game of golf, McCollum plays whenever he can — he’s partial to Springfield’s municipal courses, Franconia and Veterans — and has become involved with various efforts and outfits, such as Trap Golf out of Atlanta, which was created to bring more people into the game, “especially communities that don’t intersect with it often,” as he put it.

“I like to be America’s golf guest,” he joked, adding that he plays with friends as well as entering tournaments for various causes throughout the summer.

“It’s a great game,” he went on, adding that, among other things, it provides more opportunities to enable circles to intersect and for him to continue his work as a connector.

—George O’Brien

 

FAST
FACTS

Age: 45

40 Under Forty Class: 2012

Title Then: Owner and Principal, RMC Strategies; Marketing Consultant, Get Set Marketing

Title Now: Owner, RMC Strategies

Walk-up Song: “Get By” by Talib Kweli

Years an AAA Finalist: 2

James Krupienski

By
James Krupienski
Alumni Achievement Award

Partner, Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.

James Krupienski

James Krupienski

Jim Krupienski when he was named to the 40 Under Forty class of 2010, and today (top)

Jim Krupienski when he was named to the 40 Under Forty class of 2010, and today (top)

It’s called Krupienski’s Korner.

That the name of the … let’s call it gathering spot in the break room at the accounting firm Meyers Brothers Kalicka.

Jim Krupienski is host and unofficial bartender at the Korner on Friday afternoons just after 5 during tax season. He said tax preparers and others at the firm can get a libation if they are so inclined, but also, and more importantly, a much-needed reprieve from the pressures that build as April 15 approaches.

FAST FACTS

Age: 46
40 Under Forty Class: 2010
Title Then: CPA Manager, Health Care and Pension Audit Divisions, Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.
Title Now: Partner, Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.
Walk-up Song: “Dream On” by Aerosmith
Years an AAA Finalist: 1

“It’s just a way for people to step away after a long week and just talk about something other than tax returns, take a deep breath, and unwind,” said Krupienski, noting that, with his Korner, he is continuing a tradition started years ago by retired partner Bob Perry, who operated Perry’s Pub for those same reasons.

Korner keeper is one just one of the many additional roles and responsibilities Krupienski has assumed since he joined the 40 Under Forty club in 2010. Then, he was CPA Manager for the Health Care and Pension Audit Divisions. Now, he’s one of six partners who together manage all operations at the firm.

Krupienski’s focus points are marketing and what’s known as the firm’s Business Development Group, an initiative that empowers emerging professionals to develop their networking skills, build a clientele, and foster strong client relationships.

To this and his many other assignments, Krupienski brings energy, creativity, a strong emphasis on teamwork, and a mindset of building a stronger firm through a focus on people. All this helps explain why he is a first-time finalist for the Alumni Achievement Award.

“Jim has not only enhanced his professional stature but also elevated the firm’s reputation in the broader business community,” wrote Howard Cheney, another of the firm’s partners, who nominated Krupienski for the honor. “This ongoing commitment to excellence, innovation, and community engagement has significantly contributed to the firm’s success and continued growth, marking Jim as a pivotal figure in its upward trajectory.

“Jim’s contributions to the firm’s corporate culture, especially through initiatives like Krupienski’s Korner, illustrate his dedication to creating a cohesive, supporting, and engaging workplace environment,” Cheney continued. “These somewhat intangible contributions to the firm are invaluable, playing a significant role in enhancing employee satisfaction and morale.”

Krupienski, who became partner in 2017, said his new role and responsibilities have created learning experiences on many levels that are, of course, continuing. He listed COVID as one of those experiences.

“That was an interesting, challenging time … we were all learning together,” he said of the partnership team. “We’d have partner meetings several times a week just to figure out the next steps while the governor was making his decisions; we were trying to figure it all out and make very quick, very real decisions that were impacting people and their well-being. And this was the in middle of tax season.

“Through it all, we learned a lot about ourselves, about our firm, about our employees — and in the end, we came out stronger,” he went on, adding that this learning continues on many levels.

And while he continues to mature as a leader, mentor, and motivator, Krupienski remains active in the community, especially in his home community of Westfield. There, he is involved with everything from Little League to the Chamber of Commerce to the YMCA. He is also current chair of the Westfield Foundation.

Meanwhile, he is involved with the firm’s many efforts to support area nonprofits and individual causes and initiatives. Under his influence, MBK has supported entities such as Habitat for Humanity of Greater Springfield and the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts through donations, volunteering, and raising awareness. He’s also a strong supporter of the firm’s Dress Down for Charity Days, a fundraising effort that benefits various local charities, including the Veterans Home at Holyoke and the Massachusetts Special Olympics.

And he is continually encouraging those at the firm, especially the young professionals, to get involved themselves, as supporters of nonprofits, but also as board members, roles that support those agencies but also help individuals develop into leaders in the community.

When not working — at MBK or in the community — Krupienski is usually spending time with family — wife Megan, son James, and daughter Hayley. His children were very young when he joined the 40 Under Forty club, but are now a junior in college and a graduating high school senior and softball player, respectively, with James poised to follow his father into the accounting field.

—George O’Brien

 

 

 

Amelia Holstrom

By
Amelia Holstrom
Alumni Achievement Award

Partner, Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C.

Amelia Holstrom

Amelia Holstrom

Amelia Holstrom when she was named to the 40 Under Forty class of 2015 and today (top)

Amelia Holstrom won’t ever have any trouble remembering when she joined the 40 Under Forty club.

It was near the time her first child was born. Make that very near.

Indeed, the day after Holstrom posed for her 40 Under Forty photo — “they told me to bring a prop; I said, ‘isn’t my stomach enough of a prop?’” — she was in labor. She recalls being in the hospital after delivery and facing a deadline to pick a walk-up song for the gala.

FAST FACTS

Age: 39
40 Under Forty Class: 2015
Title Then: Associate Attorney, Skoler, Abbott & Presser
Title Now: Partner, Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C.
Walk-up Song: “Gonna Fly Now” from Rocky
Years an AAA Finalist: 1

“I didn’t have a lot of time to think, so I just went with the theme from Rocky,” she recalled, adding that the gala at the Log Cabin that June marked her first real public event since she gave birth to Carter, who is now 10 and an avid soccer player.

Attending his games, and also her younger son Reid’s track meets, are just a few of the many things Holstrom now packs into a busy schedule that also includes many forms of giving back, including several roles within her home community of Wilbraham, as well her day (and sometimes night) job as a partner with the Springfield-based law firm Skoler, Abbott & Presser.

It’s a schedule that’s helps explain why she is a finalist for the Alumni Achievement Award for 2025.

Holstrom was an associate attorney when she became a member of the class of 2015. Today, she is a partner and one of the leaders of a firm that specializes in employment law, a subject Holstrom likes to talk about, and on many different levels, from interviews with the press to leadership roles in events hosted by the Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast, MassHire Springfield, and others.

“I pride myself on being able to explain complex issues in everyday language so that everyone will understand and get a grasp of what they need to know.”

This is an intriguing area of the law, she told BusinessWest, one where there is both constant change and an overriding mission — to help employers stay on of top of all that change and, at the same time, avert potential legal trouble.

“In this area of the law, I have a unique opportunity to advise employers before something happens,” she said. “I can give them advice so that, if they are sued by an employee, they’re in the best position to defend that matter. And sometimes, I can guide them through the process with a specific employee issue, and a lawsuit never arises.

“Employment law is an area of the law that changes frequently, and it’s really important for employers to keep up with that change,” she went on. “If they don’t do that, they could find themselves facing a lawsuit, including a wage-and-hour claim or another type of claim. So I’ve dedicated my time to learning employment law inside and out, knowing everything there is to know.”

Helping employers navigate the rough seas created by constantly changing employment law requires several skills, said Holstrom, especially the ability to both listen and communicate effectively.

“One of my mentors when I first started with the firm really talked about how knowing the information is one thing, but being able to explain it to supervisors and managers in a way that is understandable is the most important part of the equation,” she noted. “I pride myself on being able to explain complex issues in everyday language so that everyone will understand and get a grasp of what they need to know.”

And there are several areas they need to know, including, most recently, paid family medical leave and issues involving diversity, equity, and inclusion.

As for other items on her busy schedule … these include serving with several area nonprofits, including the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts, as chair of board development; the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, as a member of the personnel committee; Clinical & Support Options, as a board member and clerk; and the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce, as legislative chair.

Meanwhile, in Wilbraham, she serves as vice chair of the town’s Commission on Disabilities, chair of the Personnel Advisory Board, and, most recently, library trustee; she filled a short-term vacancy on that board and was recently elected to a three-year term.

These various contributions to the community were recognized by the Massachusetts Bar Assoc., which honored Holstrom with its Community Service Award for Hampden County in 2016.

And then, there’s her family, for which she always finds time, and to which there will always be a special connection to 40 Under Forty.

—George O’Brien

 

Jeffrey Fialky

By
Jeffrey Fialky
Alumni Achievement Award

Managing Shareholder, Bacon Wilson, P.C.

Jeffrey Fialky

Jeffrey Fialky

Jeff Fialky when he was named to the 40 Under Forty class of 2008, and today (top).

Jeff Fialky says being managing shareholder of a law firm allows him to “put my money where my mouth is.”

For decades, he’s been counseling business owners large and small on matters from personnel to growth through acquisition to being prepared for the future and whatever it might bring.

And now, he’s doing all of the above and more for Bacon Wilson, a firm celebrating its 130th birthday. Fialky says it’s his job — his mission, in fact — to make sure it’s around for another 130.

“We have 115 employees, four offices, and we’re looking to expand — we’re looking at other geographic areas, other firms, other attorneys looking to join,” he said. “And you balance that with a business with exponentially increasing expenses, which creates unique challenges, but is exciting for someone who has been representing businesses and business owners for 30 years.”

Including the recently announed class of 2025, there are 760 members of the 40 Under Forty club. Fialky is now among the … let’s call them ‘most senior.’

“Will humans get to a point where they’re satisfied looking at a blinking cursor and a computer screen? I don’t think I’ll see that in my lifetime, but as lawyers, as a legal industry, we must be thinking about what the future has in store.”

He was honored in 2008, the program’s second year, just a few years after joining Bacon Wilson as an associate. That was so long ago, honorees didn’t have their own walk-up music, as they do now. When asked what he may have chosen, Fialky gave an answer that spoke to just how many years have passed.

“My tastes have changed over time … it would probably be something country now,” he said. “Back then, probably Beastie Boys, Metallica, or something in between; now it’s country.”

While his tastes in music have changed over the years, so have the responsibilities for Fialky, a finalist for the Alumni Achievement Award several times early on (the award was created a decade ago), but not recently. His ascension to managing partner has something to do with his return to the field, as does his continued involvement with the community.

With the former, he noted, it’s an intriguing challenge at any time, but especially now — for the legal industry and for business in general.

FAST FACTS

Age: 55
40 Under Forty Class: 2008
Title Then: Associate Attorney, Bacon Wilson, P.C.
Title Now: Managing Shareholder, Bacon Wilson, P.C.
Walk-up Song: None
Years an AAA Finalist: 4

“I enjoy this side of what I do,” said Fialky, who remains chair of the firm’s corporate and commercial department and serves as the senior mergers and acquisitions attorney as well. “I enjoy the entrepreneurial aspect, as well as the management, and they’re different.

“The management side is the day-to-day, P&L and balance sheet, the budget,” he went on. “The entrepreneurial side is imagining where the future lies and the practice of law in the Pioneer Valley.”

Which brings him to the subject of AI, technology that is casting a shadow over the future if many industry sectors.

“I don’t think we’ve seen it yet in our day-to-day, but you have to be realistic that it is going to change the way the practice of law looks in the future, maybe five to 10 years out,” he told BusinessWest. “Predicting what that’s going to look like is more art than science, but you must be thinking that far out as you see the billions that are being invested in AI and will continue to be.

“For so long, people wanted to look their lawyer in the eye; they wanted to hear from a human being when they were asking, ‘what should I do?’” he went on. “Will humans get to a point where they’re satisfied looking at a blinking cursor and a computer screen? I don’t think I’ll see that in my lifetime, but as lawyers, as a legal industry, we must be thinking about what the future has in store.”

As for his work in the community, Fialky continues to be involved with several nonprofits and business groups. That list includes the Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce, which he has served as a board member since 2007 and as chair from 2013 to 2016, and the Springfield Museums, which he has served as a trustee since 2012.

Previously, he has been involved with agencies and causes ranging from the United Way to the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield; from Leadership Pioneer Valley to the American Cancer Society.

Today, while continuing to give back and leading Bacon Wilson into its next 130 years, he finds time for family, especially his son, Samuel, born just after he was presented with his 40 Under Forty plaque, and daughter Madeline.

“They’re both just wonderful, so I spend a lot of time with them,” said Fialky, the now country music fan who has returned to being a finalist for the Alumni Achievement Award.

—George O’Brien

 

 

Rotary Honors Robert Bolduc, Awards Grants to Local Nonprofits

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — On May 15, the Rotary Club of Springfield held its annual Paul Harris Luncheon to honor individuals and organizations making a difference in the community.

This year, Springfield Rotary recognized Robert Bolduc, honoring his decades of service and unwavering 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 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 CityStage theater into a children’s art center.

During the luncheon on May 15, the Rotary Club of Springfield also announced the recipients of its 2025 Community Grants, supporting local nonprofits doing important work. These awards include $2,000 to Jewish Family Service of Western Massachusetts for equipment to support its Soccer Without Borders program, $1,500 to Make-It Springfield for two computer-build supply sets, $1,500 to the Michael J. Dias Foundation for two modern stoves for its sober houses in Springfield, and $1,000 to Dress for Success Western Massachusetts for pop-up shop equipment including clothing racks, a tent, and a table.

“We are grateful to all our community partners and proud to continue supporting programs that align with Rotary’s mission of ‘Service Above Self,’” Springfield Rotary Club Past President Samalid Hogan said.

1Berkshire Trendsetter Award Nominations Now Open

By
Daily News

PITTSFIELD — The 1Berkshire 2025 Berkshire Trendsetter Award nominations are now open. This is a chance to self-nominate or nominate a deserving business or individual in the Berkshires. The awards will be presented at the annual Celebrate the Berkshires event. The Putting the Berkshires on the Map award winner will also be announced at this event.

“We are happy to announce the Trendsetter Awards are back for the 12th year,” 1Berkshire President and CEO Jonathan Butler said. “These awards allow us to shine a light on the exceptional individuals and businesses in our community. To date, 1Berkshires has given out over 65 of these awards, and we cannot wait to give out six more this year.”

The six Trendsetter categories are: Driving Visitor Engagement, Advancing Our Economy, Nonprofit Collaborator, Under 40 Change-Maker, Visionary of the Year, and Breaking the Mold. 1Berkshire encourages both businesses and individuals to self-nominate or to nominate others that are doing great work.

The deadline to nominate is Thursday, June 12. Nominees do not have to be members of 1Berkshire. Click here for the nomination form.

Westfield Bank Announces Free Shred Event on June 14 at Holyoke Branch

By
Daily News

WESTFIELD — Westfield Bank will hold a free shred event at its 1650 Northampton St., Holyoke branch on Saturday, June 14 from 9 a.m. to noon. In efforts to help the community dispose of their personal information properly, the bank has partnered with ProShred Security to provide the free shred event, with a limit of five boxes per person.

This is the first of four shred events the bank will offer this year. To see the full schedule, visit westfieldbank.com.

Picture This

By
Pictured: students are joined by Janice Humason, director of Case Management & Housing Placements at Friends of the Homeless (center); Professor Suzanne Boniface (third from right); and Sabine Macris Klein, interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Westfield State (far right).
Picture This

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

 

Course of Action

This spring, Clinical & Support Options’ Friends of the Homeless program received a $1,001.80 donation from students in the Advanced Public Relations class in Westfield State University’s Communication Department. As part of their coursework, the class created and implemented a campaign to raise awareness and funds for Friends of the Homeless. 

Pictured: students are joined by Janice Humason, director of Case Management & Housing Placements at Friends of the Homeless (center); Professor Suzanne Boniface (third from right); and Sabine Macris Klein, interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Westfield State (far right).

Pictured: students are joined by Janice Humason, director of Case Management & Housing Placements at Friends of the Homeless (center); Professor Suzanne Boniface (third from right); and Sabine Macris Klein, interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Westfield State (far right).

 

 

Community Grants

More than 100 nonprofit leaders representing 40 organizations across the Pioneer Valley came together on May 13 at Florence Bank’s annual Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program reception to network and accept a total of $150,000 in awards. The annual event took place at the Garden House in Look Park in Florence. The grant program was founded in 2002, and, through it, Florence Bank customers are invited to vote for their favorite local nonprofit in hopes it will receive a share of grant funding. 

Pictured: representatives from the bank and Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Holyoke, which received a $2,368 grant.

Pictured: representatives from the bank and Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Holyoke, which received a $2,368 grant.

 

 

Reps for Rescue

Through their Reps for Rescue fundraiser in April, Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni and Bree and Sam Wiater, owners of CrossFit Rift Valley, raised $2,400 for the Foundation for TJO Animals. The event included a series of workout sessions for all skill levels, as well as local vendors, food trucks, and raffles. The funds raised support much-needed veterinary care, rehabilitation, enrichment materials, and services for local animals on a journey to find their forever homes. 

Pictured, from left: Gulluni, Bree and Sam Wiater, and Foundation for TJO Animals Executive Director Janna Brown. (Photo by Chris Marion Photography)

Pictured, from left: Gulluni, Bree and Sam Wiater, and Foundation for TJO Animals Executive Director Janna Brown. (Photo by Chris Marion Photography)

 

 

Back to Square One

Freedom Credit Union recently announced a $7,500 donation to Square One’s “Back to Square One” capital campaign for its new campus. Since its launch two years ago, the campaign has succeeded in securing more than $13 million to build a new early learning and family support center in Springfield’s South End, at the same location where Square One once stood prior to the 2011 tornado. 

Pictured, from left: Kris Allard of Square One, Charlene Smolkowicz of Freedom Credit Union, Dawn DiStefano of Square One, and Glenn Welch of Freedom Credit Union.

Pictured, from left: Kris Allard of Square One, Charlene Smolkowicz of Freedom Credit Union, Dawn DiStefano of Square One, and Glenn Welch of Freedom Credit Union.

 

Shelter from Financial Storms

Monson Savings Bank recently donated $5,000 to the Salvation Army’s Ware/Monson Area Housing Assistance Program. This contribution will directly assist local individuals and families experiencing housing instability. The donation was presented by Dan Moriarty (right), Monson Savings Bank president and CEO, and Heather Arbour (left), vice president BSA/Fraud officer and Compliance manager, and longtime Salvation Army volunteer, to Wilfred Leslie (center), Service Extension director for the Salvation Army’s Massachusetts Division. The funds will be used to provide assistance with rent, utilities, and emergency housing needs.

The donation was presented by Dan Moriarty (right), Monson Savings Bank president and CEO, and Heather Arbour (left), vice president BSA/Fraud officer and Compliance manager, and longtime Salvation Army volunteer, to Wilfred Leslie (center), Service Extension director for the Salvation Army’s Massachusetts Division.

The donation was presented by Dan Moriarty (right), Monson Savings Bank president and CEO, and Heather Arbour (left), vice president BSA/Fraud officer and Compliance manager, and longtime Salvation Army volunteer, to Wilfred Leslie (center), Service Extension director for the Salvation Army’s Massachusetts Division.

 

Welcome to Westfield

Leaders from Baystate Health, Baystate Noble Hospital, and other community partners recently gathered at Baystate Noble Hospital to welcome new President and Chief Operating Officer Brandon Okezie. Peter Banko, Baystate Health’s president and CEO, and Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe introduced Okezie, who, prior to this appointment, served as associate administrator at George Washington University Hospital, a 385-bed, tertiary-care, academic medical center located in downtown Washington, D.C. 

Pictured, from left: McCabe, Okezie, and Banko.

Pictured, from left: McCabe, Okezie, and Banko.

 

Agenda

By
Agenda

For more events, or to submit your upcoming events, visit BusinessWest’s event calendar online: https://businesswest.com/eventcalendar

 

Free Music Fridays

Through Sept. 5: Summer in New England starts early this year as live music returns to MGM Springfield with the Free Music Fridays Concert Series. Every Friday through Sept. 5, some of the area’s most popular bands and national artists will perform on the Plaza at MGM Springfield in the city’s South End, starting at 7:30 p.m. (weather permitting), with the exception of the July 4 performance, which will begin at 6 p.m. Local favorites such as Trailer Trash, Back in Black, Malado!, and Aquanett will return to the stage, along with newcomers including Neon 90’s, Green Day tribute Dookie, the music of Billy Joel and Elton John with Billy and the Jets, and Springsteen rockers Tramps Like Us. MGM Springfield will continue its partnership with White Lion Brewing to provide guests with a wide selection of craft beer during each Free Music Fridays concert. The series will also feature local food trucks, including Dev’s Mac N Eats, Batch Ice Cream, Wake the Dead Donuts, Jeannie’s Weenies, and the return of MGM Springfield’s Guac This Way.

 

Bountiful Bowls

June 10: Rchel’s Table of Western Massachusetts announced its biennial signature event, Bountiful Bowls: Growing Community Together, taking place at 5:30 p.m. at the Springfield Marriott Hotel. This powerful evening will honor the resilience and generosity of the local community in the fight against food insecurity. Hosted by Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno (honorary chair) and emcee Barry Kriger, the event will spotlight the transformative work of Rachel’s Table and celebrate leaders who have made a profound impact in Western Mass. Honorees include Ellen Gold, Change Agent Award; Jill and Jim Stewart, Community Connectors Award; and the employees and community of Westfield Bank, Leading with Community: Newcomer Award. Rachel’s Table continues to combat food insecurity across Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties. In 2024 alone, the organization delivered more than 925,000 pounds of healthy food; sponsored 57 gleans, harvesting more than 50,000 pounds of fresh produce from local farms; and supported 10 community gardens led by youth and seniors. With hunger affecting nearly half of households in Hampden County and over one-third in neighboring counties, Bountiful Bowls raises critical funds and awareness for Rachel’s Table’s programs that deliver immediate relief and build long-term food security. Visit www.feedwma.org to learn more and register for tickets or donate.

 

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.

 

Whip City Animal Sanctuary Golf Tournament

June 28: Whip City Animal Sanctuary will host its fifth annual golf tournament fundraiser at St. Anne’s Country Club, 781 Shoemaker Lane, Feeding Hills. The tournament starts at 12:30 p.m. with dinner following at 5:30 p.m. There will be contests, raffle prizes, a free T-shirt for the first 50 players, and a cash bar. The registration fee is $125 per player and includes a cart and dinner following the tournament. The deadline to register is June 18. For additional details and forms, visit Whip City Animal Sanctuary’s website or Facebook page, or email Sonia Henderson at [email protected]. Whip City Animal Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides a caring, safe, and long-term home for abandoned, rescued, and surrendered farm animals. It pays for all veterinary care, food, and shelter for these animals and is open for public visiting hours on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon.

 

Feed the Kids Charity Golf Tournament

July 14: 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 include 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. 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].

People on the Move

By
People on the Move
Jodie Gerulaitis

Jodie Gerulaitis

Alyson Weeks

Alyson Weeks

Lorraine Askew

Lorraine Askew

Melissa Stefanowich

Melissa Stefanowich

Mary McGovern, president and CEO of Country Bank, announced the promotions of four team members. Jodie Gerulaitis has been promoted to first vice president of Community Relations. With more than 30 years of experience in financial services, she has a long-standing commitment to financial education and community engagement. She consistently represents the bank with professionalism, warmth, and a strong dedication to making a difference. Her passion for financial literacy is evident in her advocacy efforts, including her recent testimony at the Massachusetts State House supporting mandated financial literacy in schools. In addition to overseeing the bank’s financial literacy and community relations programs, Gerulaitis serves on multiple nonprofit boards and leads initiatives that strengthen the bank’s partnerships with regional organizations. She is a graduate of the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. School for Financial Studies and the American Bankers Assoc. Bank Marketing School, and will graduate from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking this June. She also earned an executive certificate in management and leadership from the MIT Sloan School of Management. Alyson Weeks has been promoted to first vice president of Human Resources and Professional Development. With 16 years of service at Country Bank, including the past 10 years in the Human Resources function, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the bank’s culture and supporting its continued evolution. Her passion for developing people and building meaningful programs has strengthened professional growth opportunities for team members across the organization. In addition to her work at the bank, Weeks is an active member of the community, serving on the board of River East School-to-Career and as a member of the Pathfinder business technology advisory committee. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Worcester State University and a master’s degree in secondary education from American International College. Lorraine Askew has been promoted to assistant vice president and Retail Banking officer at the Ludlow banking center. A 23-year veteran of Country Bank, she brings extensive experience in customer service, retail banking, and team leadership. She is known for her strong mentorship and commitment to staff development, helping others grow into leadership roles. A dedicated community leader, Askew is actively involved with several organizations, including the Ludlow Community Center/Randall’s Boys and Girls Club, the VFW Auxiliary, the Get Your Pink On committee, and the Ludlow Rotary. She is a graduate of the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. School for Financial Studies and recently earned her associate degree in business administration from Holyoke Community College. Melissa Stefanowich has been promoted to assistant vice president and Retail Banking officer at the Belchertown banking center. With more than 17 years of experience in the banking industry, she has built a career defined by hard work, leadership, and a passion for service. Stefanowich is currently attending the New England School for Financial Studies and is a dedicated advocate for community causes, serving on the boards of Community Options, Belchertown Day School, and the Massachusetts/Rhode Island chapter of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America. She also serves on the bank’s diversity, equity, and inclusion council and has led her branch through consistent growth and success.

•••••

Mike Oleksak

Mike Oleksak

bankESB recently promoted Mike Oleksak, previously vice president, Commercial Lending, to the role of senior vice president, Commercial Lending team lead. Oleksak has 21 years of banking experience and joined bankESB in 2018. Before that, he was vice president, Commercial Lending at Westfield Bank, and before that, assistant vice president, Business Banking officer at United Bank. In his new role, he will oversee the Commercial Lending division’s strategic direction, operational management, and team development. This role is integral to driving portfolio growth, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering strong client relationships. Oleksak earned both a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University. He also completed the LeadNY program at Cornell University, a training program that helps improve leadership skills, self-awareness, issues analysis, critical thinking, and civic engagement. He is currently treasurer on the board of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western Massachusetts and is the soon to be president of the board of directors of the West Springfield Boys and Girls Club. He has also coached West Springfield youth soccer since 2018. bankESB also announced the promotion of three other employees: Darci Furr, Betsy Schabacker, and Robyn Michaud. Furr was recently promoted to assistant vice president, branch officer at bankESB’s 85 Broad St., Westfield office. She has 27 years of banking experience and joined bankESB in 1997 as a teller. Throughout her tenure, she has held the roles of teller supervisor, assistant branch manager, and most recently branch officer in Westfield. In her new role, she will continue to ensure the day-to-day operations of the branch run smoothly, while supervising and supporting frontline staff and building strong relationships within the Westfield community. Furr earned an associate degree from Springfield Technical Community College. She currently volunteers at the Westfield Soup Kitchen and is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Westfield. Schabacker was recently promoted to assistant vice president, branch officer at bankESB’s 134 College Highway, Southampton office. She has 21 years of banking experience and joined bankESB in 2004 as a teller. Throughout her time at the bank, she also held the role of senior teller, assistant branch manager, and, most recently, branch officer in Southampton. In this expanded role, she will have enhanced leadership responsibilities and will continue to deliver service to customers while playing a more active role in business development, community engagement, and cross-departmental collaboration. Schabacker earned a bachelor’s degree in art from Westfield State College. She is currently treasurer on the board of directors for Riverside Industries in Easthampton and is also a member of its development committee. Michaud was recently promoted to branch manager at bankESB’s 241 Northampton St., Easthampton office. She joined bankESB in 2018 as a teller. She has also worked as a personal banker, teller supervisor, and, most recently, senior assistant branch manager at the bank’s 605 Granby St., South Hadley office. In this new leadership role, she will have the opportunity to drive branch performance, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and lead business development efforts to grow the bank’s presence in the Easthampton community. Michaud earned a certificate in branch management from the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. She currently volunteers for Westfield on Weekends, Junior Achievement, and Veterans in the Park, and enjoys attending local chamber events.

•••••

Matthew Plasse

Matthew Plasse

Community Bank recently welcomed Matthew Plasse as regional president of the bank’s New England market. Plasse will lead business development and community engagement activities while fostering strong alignment across the bank’s various lines of business in the region. He will report to President of Commercial Banking Matt Durkee, whom he succeeds in this leadership position. Plasse has more than 20 years of experience in the banking industry, serving customers in New England. Prior to Community Bank, he held various leadership and middle-market banking roles at M&T Bank and its acquired institutions, including People’s United Bank N.A. Most recently, he served as senior vice president, group manager for M&T Bank’s Commercial Banking division in Vermont. Plasse serves on the board of directors for the Vermont Community Loan Fund and is a member of the organization’s business loan committee. He earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Wake Forest University.

•••••

Bulkley Richardson announced that Ryan Barry, partner, was selected as a 2025 Go To Construction Lawyer by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, recognizing him as one of “the top construction lawyers across the Commonwealth.” Barry’s construction practice entails drafting and negotiating design and construction contracts for large and sophisticated projects, including academic buildings, hospitals, museums, nursing homes, resorts, manufacturing facilities, and high-end residences. He also advises clients on construction disputes and compliance with laws that govern prevailing wages, retainage, and liens. He has acted as counsel on large and complex projects with aggregate project costs exceeding $1 billion. Barry’s representative engagements include counseling on the building of a $300 million higher-education student center involving an internationally renowned architect; a $100 million advanced surgical and procedure wing for a large hospital; a $200 million, state-of-the-art academic science building; restoration and improvement of the federally protected historic home of a nationally celebrated writer; and a new dining hall construction for a preparatory school.

•••••

George Timmons

George Timmons

Holyoke Community College (HCC) President George Timmons has joined Presidents for Latino Student Success, a group of college presidents and chancellors committed to making their campuses learning environments where Latino students — and all students — thrive. Excelencia in Education, the nation’s premier authority on efforts to accelerate Latino student success in higher education, created Presidents for Latino Student Success in 2014 to support institutional leaders who are transforming higher education. Through the network, Timmons will collaborate with Excelencia and other post-secondary leaders to leverage expertise and resources, foster partnerships, and amplify current efforts to accelerate Latino student success in higher education at the national level. Timmons joins more than 150 leaders that belong to the Presidents for Latino Student Success network and lead the nation in enrolling and graduating Latino students.

•••••

Sandy Mackovich

Sandy Mackovich

Kelly Thadison

Kelly Thadison

Common Capital, the Springfield-based nonprofit loan fund and microlender, is expanding its capacity to serve local small businesses with two new staff hires. Sandy Mackovich has been hired as Common Capital’s new director of Lending, and Kelly Thadison has come on board as the newly created business navigator. In Mackovich’s prior position, she was senior analyst and Sales Operations manager for the Accion Opportunity Fund of San Jose, Calif., where she analyzed and underwrote commercial business loans for the nonprofit lender, focusing on underserved small businesses from low-income communities. At Common Capital, she will lead its award-winning lending program, recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration as the top microlender and Community Advantage lender in Massachusetts for several years running. Thadison’s history with Common Capital is extensive. She was a previous borrower who grew a successful salon business in Springfield and later used her own small-business experience to join Common Capital as a business assistance program consultant. Now as Common Capital’s business navigator, she will provide direct support to prospective applicants, helping them with business planning, projections, and applications.

•••••

Polish National Credit Union (PNCU) announced the promotion of Shane Hall to vice president of Marketing. Hall began his career with PNCU as a summer intern in 2016 and joined the team full-time in 2018 after completing his master’s degree. He will continue to lead the Marketing department and oversee all facets of marketing strategy, communications, and community engagement. In his new role, he will continue to manage the marketing department and is responsible for the credit union’s digital marketing, advertising, sponsorships, and event coordination. He is known for his engaging public speaking style and active involvement in the community through hosting seminars, luncheons, and civic events on behalf of the credit union. A graduate of Merrimack College, Hall holds both a master’s degree in management and a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing and a minor in political science. He serves on the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Chicopee and is also a board member for Providence Ministries. He is also an Eagle Scout and an active member of the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Committee, where he currently serves on the budget & audit committee, as well as a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians James A. Curran Division 1 in Holyoke.

•••••

Jason Cote

Jason Cote

Nicole Pepin

Nicole Pepin

James Hagan, president and CEO of Westfield Bank, announced that Jason Cote has been appointed Retail Banking officer, branch manager at the bank’s 300 Southampton Road location in Westfield. He will be responsible for overseeing customer service, retail and business product sales, business development, and community outreach. Other responsibilities include managing general operations and employee development within the branch. Cote joins Westfield Bank with 12 years of prior banking experience in multiple roles, including vice president, senior branch manager. Active within his community, he serves as a committee member for the Boys & Girls Club of Chicopee Black Tie and Sneaker Gala. Hagan also announced that Nicole Pepin has been appointed assistant branch manager at the bank’s Park Street location in West Springfield. She will assist in managing all areas of the branch, including customer service, retail and business product sales, employee development, and general operations. Pepin began working for Westfield Bank 26 years ago as a teller in its Agawam location. She has worked in many of the bank’s communities, as both a teller and better banking specialist, before advancing to her current role. She graduated from Holyoke Community College with an associate degree in business administration.

•••••

MicroTek Inc., a nonprofit wire component manufacturer that provides employment support to individuals with disabilities, announced the promotion of Ellie Labonte to the position of sales representative. Labonte began her career with MicroTek in 2017 as an assembler and progressed to a sales coordinator position, where she managed sales activities by supporting customers and coordinating production with the manufacturing floor. As a sales rep, she will focus on strengthening customer relationships and developing new opportunities. MicroTek also announced the promotion of Luz Fernandez and Erin Miller to sales coordinator roles. Both employees have significant product knowledge gained from on-the-floor experience as a production supervisor and tooling technician, respectively.

Celebrating Five Class Acts

By
Opinion

Editorial

BusinessWest launched its 40 Under Forty program in 2007 to recognize the rising stars in the 413. It’s become an immensely popular initiative that has created a somewhat exclusive club, if you will, one that now boasts 760 members.

That’s a big number, and something to bear in mind when considering a spinoff from that original program, something we call the Alumni Achievement Award, which, as that name suggests, recognizes 40 Under Forty winners who have continued to build on their résumés, both professionally and with their work in the community.

This is a far more exclusive club and, in many ways, a more notable achievement, just because of those numbers.

Which brings us to our latest AAA competition, if you will. There can be only one winner — and he or she will be announced at the 40 Under Forty gala on June 19. But we celebrate our finalists because it’s an honor just to be in that group. And these stories provide us with a great opportunity to tell more stories about individuals who continue to excel and find new ways to give back and make a difference.

Each of our finalists (see cover story) has a unique story, but there are common denominators, especially a commitment to this region and using their talents to improve quality of life here. Each story is compelling, and each finalist is certainly worthy of being the next AAA winner:

• Jeff Fialky was an associate at the law firm Bacon Wilson when he became part of the just the second 40 Under Forty class in 2008. He’s now managing shareholder, leading the firm through a time of change and challenge in that sector while also giving back to the community and, specifically, agencies and causes ranging from the Springfield Regional Chamber to Springfield Museums.

• Amelia Holstrom was an associate at the law firm Skoler, Abbott & Presser when she earned her 40 Under Forty plaque. She’s now a partner and a regional leader in this ever-changing, vitally important field of law. She is also active in the community, with groups from the Girls Scouts to Clinical & Support Options, and roles such as library trustee in Wilbraham.

• Jim Krupienski has risen to the rank of partner at the accounting firm Meyers Brothers Kalicka, where is a real leader and mentor to many young people entering the field. And he acts as a true role model for them, especially with the many ways he gives back to the community, whether it’s through his own work with the Westfield State Foundation or the Westfield YMCA, or the way he encourages the firm to support agencies ranging from the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts to Habitat for Humanity.

• Ryan McCollum is, in a word, a ‘connector.’ As the founder and owner of RMC Strategies, he coordinates political campaigns and spearheads the marketing efforts of a growing number of area agencies, businesses, and causes, many of them involving under-represented constituencies. And, since long before joining the 40 Under Forty club in 2012, and continuing through his career, he has been involved in the community, with agencies like Square One, YPS, Suit Up Springfield, and the Healing Racism Institute of Pioneer Valley.

• Orlando Ramos and his family moved around a lot when he was young. They eventually settled in Springfield, which, for him, became a home — and a passion. He’s represented the community on the City Council, and now as state representative for the 9th Hampden District. It’s been 11 years since he was presented his 40 Under Forty plaque, and over that time, he’s continually found new ways to advocate for city residents and make the City of Homes a better place to live, work, and do business.

As noted earlier, all five are worthy of the AAA award, and all five should be celebrated for all they’ve done, and all they continue to do in, and for, this region.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Western Builders Celebrates 50 Years in Business

GRANBY — Western Builders will celebrate its 50th anniversary on May 22. Since its founding in 1975, the firm has grown from a small general contracting company into a leader in commercial construction in the Western Mass. region. With a portfolio that includes affordable and market-rate housing, higher education renovations, senior living facilities, mixed-use developments, and historic rehabilitations, the company is known for its ability to solve complex problems, build strong relationships, and deliver lasting value. Western Builders will commemorate this milestone with a celebration with staff, partners, and community members in September. The company also plans to share stories and highlights from its five-decade history throughout the year. As the construction industry evolves, Western remains focused on sustainable building practices, embracing technology, and investing in the next generation of construction professionals, Hughes noted, and its renewed core values of determination, integrity, and accountability will drive the company forward into its next 50 years and beyond.

 

Tandem Bagel Opens Sixth Location in Ludlow

LUDLOW — Tandem Bagel Co. has opened its sixth location in Western Mass. along the riverwalk in Ludlow, in the newly redeveloped mill buildings. The location offers views of the Chicopee River and is within walking distance of the historic downtown and new housing development, the Residences at Mill 8 & 10. Tandem Bagel was established with the mission to support local producers and contribute to the economy. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on May 23 with the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce to commemorate the opening.

 

Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley Awards Grants to Nonprofits

BELCHERTOWN — Dr. Mary Ann Rubis and Liz Reeves, service committee chairs for the Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley, announced that spring 2025 service grants have been awarded to four organizations: Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts, Ware River Valley Domestic Violence Task Force, YWCA of Western Massachusetts, and Girls Inc. of the Valley. Grants ranging from $100 to $2,000 are awarded twice annually, in May and November, by the Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley as part of Zonta’s mission to make a better world for women and girls. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this spring, Girls on the Run is the only national out-of-school-time program of its kind, underscoring the important connection between physical and emotional health and empowering adolescent girls to build healthy physical and mental habits that last a lifetime. Program Manager Coleen Ryan said Zonta’s gift will help support youth who could not otherwise afford to participate. The River Valley Domestic Violence Task Force is a community-driven, community-led task force covering Ware, Warren, and Hardwick. Its goal is to prevent and respond to domestic violence through community-led projects. Deb Shepard from Behavioral Health Network said Zonta’s gift will help support the Library Book Project on Consent and Boundaries for ages 0-8. With a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all, the YWCA of Western Massachusetts serves women and children who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and homelessness. CEO Liz Dineen and Communications Director Tiera Wright said the grant from Zonta would boost their efforts to educate families in the Y’s shelter about eating locally sourced, fresh fruits and vegetables, and to show that it’s not just healthier, but more affordable, too. A positive youth development organization serving Hampden County girls and young women ages 5-18, Girls Inc. of the Valley provides hands-on programs that focus on long-term academic/literacy support and enrichment, social emotional skill building, college and career readiness, and leadership training to empower youth and prepare them for successful futures. Executive Director Suzanne Parker and Lakisha Coppedge, director of the Licensed School Age Program, said Zonta’s gift will underscore the girls’ connection to the organization, increase their safety, and increase the visibility of the organization in the community.

 

Greenfield Cooperative Bank’s Northfield Branch Turns 50

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank announced the 50th anniversary of its Northfield branch. To commemorate this milestone, the bank hosted a celebration on May 19 at the branch, located at 144 Main St., Northfield. The Northfield branch has been a cornerstone of the community for a half-century, providing personalized banking services and supporting local growth. “On behalf of the Northfield branch, we would like to thank all of our customers,” said Kristen Canedy, branch manager. “We are proud to have served this community for 50 years and look forward to the next 50.”

 

Holyoke Mall Begins Center Enhancement Project

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Mall announced the start of its Center Enhancement Project to revitalize and refresh the property with a number of improvements. Over the next several months, customers will see enhancements including repaving lots and replacing curbs, updating landscaping, and painting the exterior of the mall. During this time, traffic patterns and available parking areas will be subject to change, and traffic will be redirected as needed. While work is ongoing, the PVTA bus stop has been temporarily relocated. The stop located in the yellow lot near JCPenney has moved to the lower green lot near Best Buy and the outer ring road. This relocation will remain in effect for the foreseeable future.

 

AIC Introduces New Programs in Computer Science, IT

SPRINGFIELD — The School of Business, Arts, and Sciences at American International College (AIC) will launch two new undergraduate programs in computer science and information technology (IT) beginning this fall. Offered as majors and minors, the programs were developed in collaboration with Google to prepare students for in-demand roles in the technology sector. With employment in technology-related fields projected to grow by approximately 22% over the next decade, AIC graduates of these programs will be equipped with the knowledge and experience needed to pursue careers in high-growth areas in Massachusetts and across the country. The programs emphasize project-based learning, enabling students to build portfolios that showcase their work. Students will develop job-ready skills and graduate with credentials that employers seek. Those enrolled in the IT program will also be prepared to sit for two industry-leading CompTIA certification exams before graduation. AIC is collaborating with the Lower Cost Models for Independent Colleges Consortium and Rize Education to deliver these programs. Approximately 80% of coursework will take place on campus, with the remaining 20% delivered online. Through this partnership, AIC students gain access to a nationally recognized curriculum aligned with current industry standards and expectations.

HR Isn’t Dying — It’s Evolving

By Contributor
Opinion

Opinion

By Pam Thornton

If you’ve scanned the headlines lately, you might believe the end is near for the HR profession. Bold proclamations like “HR is dead,” “AI is taking over,” and “the HR profession is doomed” are grabbing attention and creating fear. These sensational claims are missing a deeper and more important truth.

Yes, HR is undergoing significant disruption. But no, it’s not dying. It’s transforming.

As HR thought leader Josh Bersin and several others point out, pressure is mounting for HR teams to automate, streamline services, and reduce overhead, often by integrating AI tools. But this shift doesn’t erase the function of HR; it redefines it.

The profession isn’t facing extinction; it is facing a reckoning. Here are a few of the most pressing signals HR professionals can’t afford to ignore:

• Automation of Routine Tasks. Chatbots and self-service platforms are handling more day-to-day HR inquiries, freeing up time, but also changing expectations.

• Shifting HR Business Partner Roles. As AI takes on more analytical and advisory functions, the traditional role of HR business partners is evolving.

• Redefined Job Structures. Organizations are restructuring roles and reporting lines with AI-driven insights, driving adaptability to the top of HR’s competency list.

These aren’t signs of collapse; they’re signs that the role of HR must become more strategic, consultative, and value-driven.

Whether it is benefits, payroll, or an integrated HRIS platform, automating routine tasks has elevated the employee experience by delivering faster, 24/7 support through self-service tools. As a result, HR professionals can redirect their focus toward strategic initiatives that drive business value.

This shift has also raised employee expectations. HR is now expected to be both highly efficient and consistently responsive. To thrive in this new reality, HR professionals must evolve alongside the tools they adopt, and upskilling is non-negotiable.

HR needs to be invested in data literacy and knowing how to interpret and apply HR data to drive smart decisions. Understanding how AI tools work and where they can enhance — not replace — work is critical. Creating strategic alignment by connecting HR goals to broader business outcomes in a measurable, impactful way should be at the top of every HR person’s priority list.

This isn’t a doomsday signal of HR. It’s the beginning of a new chapter — one filled with opportunity for those who are willing to adapt. By embracing the tools and technologies and reshaping the workplace, HR can deepen its relevance, strengthen its impact, and lead the way into the future of work.

Don’t wait for the future of HR — be the one to create it. Let’s not be defined by the headlines.

 

Pam Thornton is director of Strategic HR Services for the Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast. This article first appeared on the EANE blog; eane.org

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

RS Concrete Pumping Corp., 72 Riverview Ave., Agawam, MA 01001. Oleg Aliyev, same. Concrete pumping services.

AMHERST

Perennial People Inc., 39 Amity Place, Amherst, MA 01002. Cimberli Kearns, 68 Harrison Ave., Suite 605, Boston, MA 02111. Nonprofit organization uniting people to reclaim land and transform underutilized spaces into productive gardens.

CHICOPEE

Lucky Cheng Restaurant Inc., 920 Meadow St., Chicopee, MA 01013. Yun Xia Lin, same. Chinese restaurant.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Nextgen Leadership Development Corp., 40 Linden Ave., East Longmeadow, MA, 01028. Mary Boadu, same. Recruits highly trained financial professionals into financial companies and helps the companies increase their distribution channels.

HOLYOKE

Western Mass Periodontics & Implant Specialists, P.C., 330 Whitney Ave., Suite 740, Holyoke, MA 01040. Craig Saltzman, 6845 Willow Wood Dr., Unit 3065, Boca Raton, FL 33434. Dental practice.

LONGMEADOW

MC Consulting Services Inc., 513 Williams St., Longmeadow, MA 01106. Mariana Ciobanu, same. Consulting services.

NORTHAMPTON

Pedigo Services Corp., 122 Main St., Northampton, MA 01060. Jonathan Pedigo, 8902 Clearview Dr., Orland Park, IL 60462. Produces theater and provides software development services to clients.

PITTSFIELD

Apono, Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Rom Carmel, same. Software.

Balanced Behavior Consulting Inc., 80 McIntosh Dr., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Jessica Drohan, same. Behavior consulting.

Gaya Technologies Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Jean Pierre Vertil, same. Software for insurance brokers to help them quote and service policies.

Kim L Brown Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Kim Brown, same. Commercial property and casualty insurance.

Ourly, Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Ryan Tlustosch, same. Temporary staffing services.

Retail Management Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Steve Morris, P.O. Box 25676, Woodbury, MN 55125. Retail business consulting and management.

Tregshield Bio Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Fablen Depis, same. Biotechnology.

SHELBURNE FALLS

Solar Equity Collective Inc., 1 Ashfield St., Suite #4, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370. Lynn Benander, same. Nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering communities to take charge of their own development, with a mission to advance community-led and community-owned clean energy solutions that empower low- and moderate-income communities, while working to combat poverty, promote environmental sustainability, and foster public education by expanding access to renewable energy resources, reducing energy costs, and supporting local ownership.

SOUTHWICK

Hitachi Kokusai Electric America Ltd., 104 Feeding Hills Road, Southwick, MA 01077. Masao Ichikawa, same. Sales, maintenance, and installation of broadcasting, industrial, and crucial camera equipment.

SPRINGFIELD

Kish 1 Corp., 1343 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104. Saeed Ahmad, same. Convenience store.

Point A Point B Transportation Corp., 37 Halsey St., Springfield, MA 01104. Nicholas Norris, same. Transportation services.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Amanda’s Health & Wellness Corp., 150 Front St., #1B, West Springfield, MA 01089. Wendy Mota, same. E-commerce, health, beauty, and wellness product retailer.

SSS Express Inc., 74 Hanover St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Sergey Shovgan, same. Trucking services.

WILBRAHAM

Play for MKJ Inc., 9 Millbrook Dr., Wilbraham, MA 01095. Shawn Fitzalbert James, 10735 Brandie Meadow Lane, Huntersville, NC 28078. Nonprofit organization established to solicit and receive contributions, grants, membership fees, donations, gifts, bequests, and devises for basketball.

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and/or trade names were issued or renewed during the month of May 2025.

AMHERST

Amethyst Swim Lessons & Clinics
266 South Pleasant St.
Lianne McCluskey

Ripple Effect Massage and Wellness
441 West St., Suite D
Cynthia Bright

Traditional Massage and Bodywork, LMT
409 Main St., Unit 212
Sujun Li

HOLYOKE

Banner Queen
16 Grover St.
Ammy JohnQuest

Barber 4 Life
329 High St.
Juan Sanchez

Fini’s Farm Produce
1 Fini Road
Alan Fini

HMC Specialty Pharmacy
575 Beech St.
Holyoke Medical Center

Hobby Lobby Stores Inc.
50 Holyoke St.
Hobby Lobby Inc.

JD’s Clothing & Collectibles
146 High St.
Jose Famania

Journeys Kidz #7007
50 Holyoke St.
Genesco Inc.

Juan Deli Mini Mart
95 High St.
Juan Castano Perez

KBBK Arts/Witchcreek Arts
202 Walnut St.
Betty Kaplowitz, Kristen Bachler

Marcus Printing
750 Main St.
Marcus Printing Co.

MissionCare
35 Holy Family Road
Holyoke Care Center LLC

MRLR Property Maintenance
35 Davis St.
Mark LaRose

Nick’s Nest
1597 Northampton St.
Jennifer Chateauneuf, Kevin Chateauneuf

Shades and Blinds
32 Florida Dr.
Dmitriy Bazukin

SOUTHWICK

Auburn Brown Advertising and Promotions
142 South Longyard Road
Andrea Hunter

B&E Tool Co. Inc.
10 Hudson Dr.
Jeff Tobias

B. Charles Real Estate Holding Co. LLC
22 Tannery Road
Scott Lamon

Fair Shake TCG
36 South Loomis St.
Matthew Frailey

Kim Cole’s Cleaning
26 Fernwood Road
Kimberly Cole

Laughing Duck Jewelry
5 Point Grove Road
Diane Gale

Mark’s Property Services
45 Hillside Road
Mark Kuchachik

New England Bikes
512 College Highway
Seth James

Southwick Beekeeping Supply LLC
526 College Highway
William Crawford III

Tynic Landscaping LLC
22 Tannery Road
Scott Lamon

WESTFIELD

Fritzie’s Roamers
962 Southampton Road
Karl Krueger

Lawn Pro
99 Springfield Road
William Paquette

Nicole Williams
33 Woodcliff Dr.
Nicole Perry

Oleksak Home Services LLC
31 Schumann Dr.
Oleksak Home Services LLC

Spotless Works Cleaning Co.
34 Orange St., #1
Rebekah Cyr

SRC Consulting
31 Cara Lane
Shawn Czepiel

Stonehenge Movers
26 Duboi St., #1
Daniel Shamir

Up Yonder Collectibles
27B Day Ave.
Justin Tanner

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

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

Almawlaa, Fawaz S.
143 Beacon Hill Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/28/2025

Alvarez, Ivette
300 East Main St., Apt. 7 D
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/29/2025

Angiulo, Kirsten Marie
8 Mill St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/29/2025

Arroyo, Dalma Michelle
30 Davenport St.
Springfield, MA 01119-1030
Chapter: 13
Date: 04/29/2025

Bean, Dennis R.
Bean, Roberta M.
228 Nottingham St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/17/2025

Belisle, Leah M.
227 Edendale St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/28/2025

Bosak, Angela L.
39 Starling Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/29/2025

Brodeur, Wendy M.
116 Main Blvd.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/29/2025

Castillo, Jose L.
38 Saint Anthony St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/22/2025

Collins, Margaret C.
75 Pleasant St., Apt. G207
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/28/2025

DeForge, Jason
DeForge, Tracy
252 Leonard St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/29/2025

Dube, Dennis
PO Box 6283
Holyoke, MA 01041-6283
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/26/2025

Dukette, Ross
66 Stony Lane
25Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Date: 04/22/2025

Elliott, David W.
Elliott, Kristyn
43 Cooper St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/26/2025

Espresso Time Co.
Suchodolski, Thomas T.
162 Wildflower Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 13
Date: 04/22/2025

Finkle, Jessica
35 Homestead Ave.
Russell, MA 01071-0000
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/29/2025

Fleming, Thomas K.
76 Nonotuck St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Date: 04/22/2025

Foster, Mark A.
Collins-Foster, Kathleen
4 Becker St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/29/2025

Frisbie, Lori J.
85 Manchonis Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 13
Date: 04/27/2025

Gilman, Kristin Celeste
85 Brookside Road
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/30/2025

Goodreau, Michael J.
Goodreau, Alyssa M.
191 Munger Hill Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Date: 04/29/2025

Goodwin, Roy James
85 Brookside Road
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/30/2025

Hoban, Francis X.
94 Red Fox Dr.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/23/2025

Houston, Brittany
853 Arrmory St.
Springfield, MA 01109-0000
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/18/2025

Huffer, James-Michael
57 Martha St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/21/2025

Johnson, Shatarra Danyale
18 Healey St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/18/2025

Jones, Claudine M.
108 Albermarle St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/17/2025

Labbe, Glen David
486 East State St.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 13
Date: 04/28/2025

Lalashius, Joel J.
14 Wells Park Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566-0000
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/29/2025
Lamica, Michael A.
19 Brigham Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/25/2025

McKee, Joseph R.
89 Jamica St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/22/2025

Ortiz, Carlos Manuel
119 Riverboat Village Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/25/2025

Rios, David A.
58 Belmont St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/29/2025

Rosario, Doris
a/k/a Feliciano, Doris
187 Savoy Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/18/2025

Rossi, Nancy S.
80 Bungalow St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 13
Date: 04/24/2025

Rucki, Nicole C.
258 Silver St.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/18/2025

Vazquez, Elizabeth K.
14 Eldert St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/21/2025

Veremchuk, Peter
44 Sprague St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/23/2025

Weller, Anjelica H.
8 Bradford Dr., Apt. D
25302307Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/17/2025

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

ASHFIELD

326 Main St.
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $640,000
Buyer: Law LT
Seller: Christopher Paine
Date: 05/08/25

BERNARDSTON

940 Brattleboro Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $386,500
Buyer: Sarah J. Marquesen
Seller: Shelley Nicholson
Date: 05/09/25

BUCKLAND

13 Bray Road
Buckland, MA 01370
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Marc Carcio
Seller: Sarah Davenport
Date: 05/05/25

44 Green St.
Buckland, MA 01370
Amount: $389,000
Buyer: Trey D. Jones
Seller: Olcoz-Lawson Int.
Date: 04/30/25

1 Old State St.
Buckland, MA 01370
Amount: $192,000
Buyer: Donald Evan Woodyard TR
Seller: Timothy D. Heffner
Date: 04/30/25

CHARLEMONT

17 Main St.
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $1,500,000
Buyer: Hawks River LLC
Seller: Zoar Outdoor Adventure Resort LLC
Date: 05/06/25

7 Main St.
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $1,500,000
Buyer: Hawks River LLC
Seller: Zoar Outdoor Ave. Resort LLC
Date: 05/06/25

1859 Route 2
Charlemont, MA 01370
Amount: $930,000
Buyer: John Karlin
Seller: Timothy M. Atwater
Date: 05/01/25

COLRAIN

201 Thompson Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Amy Taylor
Seller: Donna Maceay
Date: 04/29/25

CONWAY

111 Hoosac Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $142,113
Buyer: David M. Patterson
Seller: David M. Patterson
Date: 05/06/25

ERVING

5 Northfield Road
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Jeremy D. Klepadlo
Seller: Richard Heath
Date: 05/01/25

GILL

31 Riverview Dr.
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $471,000
Buyer: Allegra M. Hyde
Seller: Carter Jr., Russell E., (Estate)
Date: 04/30/25

GREENFIELD

482 Leyden Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $169,325
Buyer: Freedom Mortgage Corp.
Seller: Gerald J. Framer
Date: 05/06/25

 

HEATH

535 Route 8A
Heath, MA 01339
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Daniel J. Brisson
Seller: Heidi Griswold
Date: 05/05/25

MONTAGUE

342 Federal St.
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Andrew Reed
Seller: Justin D. Killeen
Date: 05/09/25

ORANGE

20 Bacon St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: David J. Faulkner
Seller: Alexander Vera
Date: 04/30/25

25 Center Dr.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Darren A. Rosa
Seller: Ricky K. Sluder
Date: 04/29/25

87 East Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Benjamin W. Minty
Seller: James H. King
Date: 05/08/25

67 Fountain St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Moses McNamara
Seller: Reenson Realty LLC
Date: 05/09/25

15 McCarthy Lane
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Erin R. Gaffney
Seller: Reginald C. Haughton
Date: 05/09/25

22 Mechanic St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $378,000
Buyer: Maddyson-Taylor R. Welch
Seller: Ronald J. Maillet
Date: 04/29/25

56 Shelter St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $146,000
Buyer: Athol Realty Investors LLC
Seller: Yiqiang Huang
Date: 05/06/25

295 South Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Cornestone Homebuying LLC
Seller: Katherine I. Laclair
Date: 04/30/25

SHELBURNE

97 Lucy Fiske Road
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Andrew Zadroga
Seller: Lindsey Adamski
Date: 05/07/25

SUNDERLAND

352 Montague Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: John Graves
Seller: Jennifer Garder
Date: 04/30/25

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

51 Bradford Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: No Limit Assets LLC
Seller: Hence, Ronald M., (Estate)
Date: 05/01/25

19 Brookline Ave.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Jacob S. Mendez
Seller: Tracy Tavares
Date: 04/30/25

5 Capua Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $565,000
Buyer: Akin Karadas
Seller: Heath Trudell
Date: 05/01/25

18 Cesan St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $393,000
Buyer: Nikolay N. Nedeoglo
Seller: Brittany A. Graziano
Date: 04/30/25

54 Chapin St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Erin Burns
Seller: Sadiq A. Elias
Date: 04/30/25

20 Conifer Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: William E. Lee
Seller: James P. Craven
Date: 05/01/25

31 Cosgrove Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $231,000
Buyer: Emtay Inc.
Seller: Walsh, Karen E., (Estate)
Date: 05/05/25

36-38 Hope Farms Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Bulldog Realty Group LLC
Seller: 716 Spring Valley LLC
Date: 05/05/25

274 Cooper St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Erin Burns
Seller: Ste Properties LLC
Date: 04/30/25

92 Poplar St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $1,100,000
Buyer: 92 Poplar St. Real Estate LLC
Seller: Car Wash Holdings LLC
Date: 05/02/25

92 River Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $353,000
Buyer: Humberto Padilla
Seller: Tedeschi Properties LLC
Date: 04/30/25

123 South St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $339,900
Buyer: Jessica R. Harrelson
Seller: Maa Property LLC
Date: 04/30/25

1341 Suffield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Rick J. Zappala
Seller: Vasquez Remodeling Inc.
Date: 05/05/25

35 Trinity Ter.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Kelly Donner
Seller: John Finnegan
Date: 05/02/25

74 White Fox Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $251,000
Buyer: Chestnut Hill Homes LLC
Seller: Gallerani, Joanne E., (Estate)
Date: 04/29/25

52 Zacks Way
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $346,332
Buyer: Diana Paskal
Seller: William I. Kukharchuk
Date: 05/06/25

BLANDFORD

43 Otis Tolland Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $510,000
Buyer: Andrew L. Bloom
Seller: Andrew J. Quinn
Date: 04/30/25

BRIMFIELD

71 Brookfield Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $385,071
Buyer: James L. Sherman
Seller: Thomas J. Russo
Date: 05/02/25

55 Haynes Hill Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $636,500
Buyer: David J. Pipenger
Seller: Richard A. Buck
Date: 05/01/25

CHESTER

424 Route 20
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Tara V. Murante
Seller: Nicholas R. Mason
Date: 04/30/25

CHICOPEE

279 Bostwick Lane
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Michael Derby
Seller: Tracy Laduke
Date: 05/09/25

458 Broadway St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Kristen M. Eldridge
Seller: Carolyn F. Whitmore
Date: 04/30/25

528 Broadway St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Emtay Inc.
Seller: Eaton, Steven, (Estate)
Date: 05/08/25

319 Casey Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Immacolata Silvestri
Seller: Lara Sharp
Date: 05/08/25

144 Deane St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $358,000
Buyer: Abigail N. Beauregard
Seller: Christine Vierthaler
Date: 05/09/25

52 Dillon St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Yevgeniy Mikhaylichenko
Seller: Atasheny TR
Date: 04/30/25

162 East Main St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Logan Lacroix
Seller: Kawrin G. Polanco
Date: 04/30/25

43 Edbert St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Barbara T. Marzan
Seller: Aldo Properties LLC
Date: 05/05/25

20 Glendale St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $234,000
Buyer: Emily Laroche
Seller: Adasiewicz, Thomas W., (Estate)
Date: 04/30/25

32 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Coptic Orthodox Patriarch
Seller: Greek Orthodox Community Holyoke
Date: 05/05/25

523 James St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: WMass Land Acquisition LLC
Seller: Westover Shops LLC
Date: 05/02/25

99 Lachine St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $342,500
Buyer: Kayla Staples
Seller: Onyx Investments LLC
Date: 04/30/25

15 Leonard St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Jeremy J. Dugan
Seller: Ryan J. Manning
Date: 04/30/25

46 Loomis Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Robert A. Moore
Seller: Bielech FT
Date: 05/01/25

63 Loomis Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $329,900
Buyer: Dianelise Acevedo
Seller: Leon H. Griffeth
Date: 04/30/25

102 McCarthy Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Joejoe Properties LLC
Seller: Robert E. Moriarty
Date: 05/09/25

1730 Memorial Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Armando S. Santana
Seller: Lachenauer LLC
Date: 04/30/25

49 Monroe St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $326,000
Buyer: Jaclyn Berube
Seller: Amy F. Zwaan
Date: 04/29/25

120 Oldfield Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $321,000
Buyer: Adam E. Lyon
Seller: Welch, Timothy G., (Estate)
Date: 04/28/25

380 Oldfield Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $306,000
Buyer: Richard Del Cristo
Seller: Pauline R. Dupuis
Date: 05/01/25

27 Otis St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Christine H. Dibella TR
Seller: Joshua M. Johnson
Date: 04/30/25

43 Percy St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Benjamin A. Burati
Seller: Brian Root
Date: 05/05/25

17 Poplar St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Jameson Lolos
Seller: Nancy A. Paul
Date: 05/06/25

97 Rimmon Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $238,500
Buyer: Jaime Abbott
Seller: Carol Bogdanovich
Date: 05/09/25

127 Schoolhouse Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $389,000
Buyer: Kayla Camacho
Seller: Lawrence A. Labrie
Date: 04/29/25

441 Shawinigan Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: 445 Shawinigan JMC LLC
Seller: Boisvert, Kelvin R., (Estate)
Date: 05/06/25

445 Shawinigan Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: 445 Shawinigan JMC LLC
Seller: Boisvert, Kelvin R., (Estate)
Date: 05/06/25

34 Spring St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $223,200
Buyer: Sara E. Mackiewicz
Seller: Michael E. Casper
Date: 05/09/25

564 Springfield St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: 564 Chicopee Springs LLC
Seller: Rose M. Calero
Date: 05/01/25

17 Sunnyside St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $464,000
Buyer: Fabiola Ladoucher
Seller: Ryan P. McEwan
Date: 05/02/25

1645 Westover Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Daro Kem
Seller: Daniele, Olimpia, (Estate)
Date: 05/09/25

EAST LONGMEADOW

287 Allen St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: R. A. Rodriguez-Blanco
Seller: Steven P. Edwards
Date: 04/30/25

63 Chestnut St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $369,900
Buyer: Randy Parisi
Seller: Evelyn Carpenter
Date: 05/05/25

22 Donald Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $353,000
Buyer: Sullivan S. Douglas
Seller: Giovanni Montefusco
Date: 04/28/25

285 Maple St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $309,500
Buyer: Michaela L. Hughes
Seller: Michael J. Ross
Date: 04/29/25

144 Mapleshade Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: Mary A. Trombly
Seller: Michael R. Bednaz
Date: 05/09/25

5 Michel St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $342,500
Buyer: Madeline K. Rush
Seller: Nicole Garabedian
Date: 04/30/25

671 North Main St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $287,125
Buyer: Jahjan LLC
Seller: SN1 Properties LLC
Date: 05/07/25

239 Porter Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Wafae Laarej
Seller: 1st Congregational Church Of East Longmeadow
Date: 04/29/25

4 Redin Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Ryan W. Mullins
Seller: Joshua A. Senecal
Date: 04/29/25

17 Rogers Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Adam J. Moses
Seller: Mary L. Sando
Date: 05/09/25

28 Savoy Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Ye S. Kotorobay
Seller: Jennifer Quynn-Dale
Date: 05/08/25

22 Young Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $391,500
Buyer: Timothy Eshak
Seller: Samuel O’Hearn
Date: 05/07/25

HAMPDEN

99 Chapin Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $775,000
Buyer: Kala F. Bourque
Seller: Cumberland Blues RT
Date: 05/02/25

45 River Park Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Joseph Sullivan
Seller: Cheryl A. Dorn
Date: 05/05/25

72 Stony Hill Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Mohamed Abdullahi
Seller: Adesina A. Adegoke
Date: 04/30/25

190 Stafford Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Connor R. Humphries
Seller: Brandon M. Laux
Date: 05/06/25

12 Woodland Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Nicholas Turnberg
Seller: GM FT
Date: 05/01/25

HOLYOKE

251 Appleton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $133,000
Buyer: Holyoke Project LLC
Seller: Draymore Properties LLC
Date: 05/09/25

18 Center St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $137,500
Buyer: Roberto Camacho
Seller: Max Source LLC
Date: 04/28/25

85 Congress Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Elver E. Acosta
Seller: Sapataria Coelho LLC
Date: 05/02/25

864-866 Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Allan Jean-Baptiste
Seller: Behyar J. Roohi
Date: 05/02/25

49 Howard St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Reina I. Rodriguez
Seller: Real Estate Investors Northeast LLC
Date: 05/06/25

2-1/2 James St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Debbie S. Martinez-Ayala
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 05/09/25

14 Longfellow Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: B&B Real Estate LLC
Seller: Carboneau, Dennis E., (Estate)
Date: 05/06/25

1-9 Martin St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Ella Sussman
Seller: Michael Yelle
Date: 05/02/25

30 Meadowview Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Todd A. McGee
Seller: Patrick D. Bresnahan
Date: 05/02/25

35 North Summer St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Albert J. Prokop
Seller: Manuel E. Rivera
Date: 05/06/25

98 Suffolk St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: 2227 & 2245 Godby Road LLC
Seller: McKenzie Brothers Realty LLC
Date: 05/01/25

9 Upland Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $326,000
Buyer: Caitlin Moran
Seller: Stephen G. Antil
Date: 05/06/25

16 Westfield Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $346,000
Buyer: Lisa Poehler
Seller: Aaron E. Maheu
Date: 04/29/25

LONGMEADOW

28 Ely Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $584,000
Buyer: Thomas George
Seller: John M. Sadak
Date: 05/08/25

360 Frank Smith Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $516,000
Buyer: Joseph Herda
Seller: Susan A. Prairie
Date: 05/08/25

4 Hillcrest Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $615,000
Buyer: Daniel H. Henning
Seller: Matthew P. Tanis
Date: 04/30/25

87 Riverview Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $307,000
Buyer: Olivia M. Minardi
Seller: Diane V. Minalga
Date: 05/09/25

137 Sheffield Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $449,900
Buyer: David Schnorbus
Seller: MA Cardinal Group LLC
Date: 05/09/25

77 South Park Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Michael L. Manning
Seller: Naylor Nation Real Estate LLC
Date: 05/01/25

LUDLOW

Balsam Hill Road, Lot 68
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $177,900
Buyer: Mhi Builders LLC
Seller: Whitetail Wreks LLC
Date: 05/09/25

24 Balsam Hill Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $900,000
Buyer: Caitlin A. Alves
Seller: Mhi Builders LLC
Date: 04/30/25

382 Holyoke St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $233,000
Buyer: Henry Mercado
Seller: Joewie M. Reyes
Date: 05/08/25

143 James St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $246,000
Buyer: Daniil Gerasimchuk
Seller: Bamford, Daniel, (Estate)
Date: 05/07/25

5 Marion Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $379,000
Buyer: Sharon Stagg
Seller: Summit Ridge Builders Inc.
Date: 04/29/25

12 Rood St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $680,000
Buyer: Roland P. Joyner
Seller: Manuel F. Cheria
Date: 04/30/25

183 Ventura St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Andrew Carlson
Seller: Nystrom Sr., Richard R., (Estate)
Date: 05/02/25

MONSON

294 Main St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Jeremy J. Mason
Seller: Frank W. Hull
Date: 05/09/25

167-1/2 Palmer Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Ariel Sandoval
Seller: Sarah L. Piette
Date: 05/02/25

32 Paradise Lake Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Gregory Gebo
Seller: Patricia A. Finch
Date: 04/30/25

130 Stebbins Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Laurent B. Olivier
Seller: Gene R. Smith
Date: 04/30/25

PALMER

100 Breckenridge St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Mohammad Abidallah
Seller: Hussein S. Akbar
Date: 04/29/25

8 Christine St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Kayla Fisher
Seller: Targaryen RT
Date: 05/08/25

3016 Foster St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $535,000
Buyer: Robert T. Sjodahl
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 04/30/25

14 Lauren Dr.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Mary F. Thompson
Seller: So M. Chau
Date: 04/30/25

1400 Park St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Tayjah Jones
Seller: Erin L. Ruggiano
Date: 05/07/25

1242-B South Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: 51 Summit Avenue LLC
Seller: Todd M. Stafford
Date: 05/05/25

RUSSELL

184 Main St.
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Brooks A. Benford
Seller: Rettie, Stephen E., (Estate)
Date: 05/01/25

SPRINGFIELD

66 Alvin St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Jennings C. Kelley
Seller: Joanne M. Meara
Date: 05/09/25

17 Ashley St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Reyna F. DeOrtega
Seller: Mer Realty LLC
Date: 04/29/25

3-7 Audubon St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $287,125
Buyer: Jahjan LLC
Seller: SN1 Properties LLC
Date: 05/07/25

114 Barrington Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $490,900
Buyer: Elton F. Gartman
Seller: Alwin L. Burke
Date: 05/07/25

1577 Bay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $309,000
Buyer: Xavier C. Alvelo
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 05/09/25

65 Bellevue Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $307,000
Buyer: Feliciano Bonilla
Seller: Brace, Ronald Jeffery, (Estate)
Date: 05/07/25

833-835 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Isabella Dos Santos
Seller: Belmont Avenue RT
Date: 04/30/25

885-887 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Hector L. Vazquez-Mejia
Seller: Leslie J. Rivers RET
Date: 05/01/25

472 Boston Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $1,250,000
Buyer: 484 Boston Road Realty LLC
Seller: Springfield Boston Road BLD LLC
Date: 04/28/25

484 Boston Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $1,250,000
Buyer: 484 Boston Road Realty LLC
Seller: Springfield Boston Road Bld LLC
Date: 04/28/25

500 Boston Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $1,250,000
Buyer: 484 Boston Road Realty LLC
Seller: Springfield Boston Road Bld LLC
Date: 04/28/25

8 Braywood Circle
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Jack Ormeche
Seller: Sharla D. Zamora RET
Date: 04/30/25

90 Cambridge St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: CG Estates LLC
Seller: A2Zlh Portfolio Holdings LLC
Date: 04/30/25

85 Carando Dr.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $1,300,000
Buyer: 85-87 Carando Realty LLC
Seller: Grant Realty LLC
Date: 05/09/25

572-574 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $477,000
Buyer: Manuela Olivares
Seller: Cig2 LLC
Date: 05/02/25

33 Churchill St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $291,000
Buyer: Edwin J. Lopez
Seller: Hebert-Dancik, Elaine, (Estate)
Date: 05/09/25

77 Coleman St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Our Legacy LLC
Seller: Elizabeth Puente
Date: 05/01/25

374 Commonwealth Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $196,800
Buyer: Naples Homes Buyers TR
Seller: Krista Santiago
Date: 04/30/25

32 Cottonwood Lane
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Hispanic Resources Inc.
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 05/07/25

97 David St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Quilino Perez
Seller: Sareen Properties LLC
Date: 05/09/25

185 Drexel St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: J&L Home Improvements LLC
Seller: Shannon C. Paquette
Date: 05/08/25

31 East Bay Path Ter.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: Barbara V. Pereira
Seller: Ibrahim M. Aljashaam
Date: 05/08/25

53 Eckington St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Britaney N. Guzman-Bailey
Seller: Jaime B. Margolis
Date: 04/30/25

77 Fort Pleasant Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: P&R Investments LLC
Seller: Kerby Roberson
Date: 05/07/25

149 Fountain St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Emtay Inc.
Seller: Douglas J. Dichard
Date: 05/09/25

443-445 Franklin St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $327,000
Buyer: Welmer A. Lopez-Ramos
Seller: H&P Investments LLC
Date: 05/09/25

72 Garland St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $302,000
Buyer: Akofa Modey
Seller: Michelle Alvarado
Date: 04/30/25

157 Gillette Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Meghan M. Rosso
Seller: Nancy M. Kloczko
Date: 04/29/25

84 Glenwood St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $261,300
Buyer: Dylan Roda
Seller: Eyeri M. Perez-Padilla
Date: 05/05/25

37 Gourley Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Logan N. Bono
Seller: Joseph M. Kenney
Date: 04/28/25

55 Governor St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $162,500
Buyer: Fumi Realty Inc.
Seller: Jesus Vega
Date: 05/09/25

13 Greentree Circle
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $376,075
Buyer: Albania G. De Cabrera
Seller: Dwight G. Parkes
Date: 05/02/25

166 Hancock St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $284,500
Buyer: Sarah Takasaki
Seller: Alice Cortes
Date: 05/08/25

25-27 Hutchinson St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $396,000
Buyer: Lucia R. Aybar
Seller: Wilfredo Rodriguez
Date: 05/09/25

27 Jordan St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Jose R. Almonte
Seller: Diane Debarge
Date: 05/06/25

46 Kane St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $297,000
Buyer: Florita Ayala
Seller: Albania G. De Cabrera
Date: 05/02/25

56 Kenyon St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Yves M. Alexandre
Seller: Round Two LLC
Date: 05/05/25

120 Lamont St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Vms Capital LLC
Seller: Linda M. Salemi
Date: 04/30/25

199 Lamont St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Shekyara Johnson
Seller: Joel Pumarejo
Date: 05/08/25

72 Lancaster St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Allene Harris LLC
Seller: Better Builders Construction LLC
Date: 04/30/25

903 Liberty St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Osvaldo Colon
Seller: Zully Guvenc
Date: 05/08/25

138-140 Magnolia Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Natasha Cortes
Seller: Jose A. Morera
Date: 05/08/25

252 Mallowhill Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Robert Bigler
Seller: Mary A. Cleary
Date: 05/01/25

26 Mapledell St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Michele Lacy
Seller: Martha L. Garcia
Date: 05/01/25

66 Mapledell St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Altagracia M. Rodriguez
Seller: Round Two LLC
Date: 05/05/25

116 Merida St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $163,000
Buyer: Sareen Properties LLC
Seller: Diane M. Pratt
Date: 05/06/25

52 Merrimac Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Isaiah Ortiz
Seller: Ian T. Iwinski
Date: 04/30/25

11-15 Moore St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Hoang Vo
Seller: E. & D. Stovall LLC
Date: 05/07/25

Morton St. (rear)
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Vms Capital LLC
Seller: Linda M. Salemi
Date: 04/30/25

635 Newbury St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $208,000
Buyer: Sammy W. Spano
Seller: Gagne, Michael P., (Estate)
Date: 05/07/25

3 Norfolk St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Numeri Capital Investors LLC
Seller: Brenda Colon
Date: 05/01/25

18 Northway Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Jessica Kane
Seller: Oskrmy Properties LLC
Date: 04/30/25

1333 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Kenneth M. Daviau
Seller: Geecaa Investments LLC
Date: 05/07/25

107-109 Parkside St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Tyeka Robinson
Seller: Alfred J. Albano
Date: 04/30/25

65 Patterson Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Hien Hguyen
Seller: Cossette Int.
Date: 05/01/25

54 Phillips Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $212,000
Buyer: Ryan Randall Realty LLC
Seller: Luis Pagan
Date: 04/28/25

48 Perkins St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $351,000
Buyer: Kristina F. Deome
Seller: Linda M. Carbone
Date: 05/06/25

191 Pine Acre Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $312,000
Buyer: William E. Carmody
Seller: Nancy Vaz
Date: 04/30/25

59 Pine Grove St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Luis A. Negron
Seller: Cig2 LLC
Date: 04/28/25

213 Pine St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $496,000
Buyer: Aklilu K. Hailu
Seller: Northern Flooring & Remodeling
Date: 04/28/25

169 Princeton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $371,000
Buyer: Marie A. Pierresaint
Seller: Saklaa RT
Date: 05/02/25

50-52 Prospect St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Kenia A. Rodriguez-Gomez
Seller: Naylor Nation Real Estate LLC
Date: 04/29/25

104 Signal Hill Circle
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: Bao Nguyen
Seller: Sha B. Pradhan
Date: 05/02/25

32-34 Somerset St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $205,750
Buyer: Methuselah RT
Seller: Joseph A. Lapointe
Date: 05/08/25

222 Spikenard Circle
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Juan M. Ramos
Seller: Troy Remillard
Date: 05/02/25

583 State St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Twomarks NT
Seller: Onota Realty LLC
Date: 05/01/25

63 State Street Ter.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $236,000
Buyer: Nordia Brown
Seller: Value Properties LLC
Date: 04/29/25

172 Sunridge Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $258,000
Buyer: Cheryl E. Smith
Seller: Grecia Valonen
Date: 05/09/25

50-52 Sycamore St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $272,400
Buyer: Methuselah RT
Seller: Sheila Payen
Date: 04/30/25

286 Talmadge Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Maribel Maldonado
Seller: Cheryl A. Olschafskie
Date: 04/29/25

363 Tremont St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Ashley King
Seller: St. Marie, Robert J., (Estate)
Date: 05/05/25

100-102 Wait St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Harlem E. Sanchez
Seller: Luis R. Castillo-Ruiz
Date: 05/02/25

15 Wellington St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Alondra Morales
Seller: Feliciano Bonilla
Date: 05/02/25

36 Wells St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Rene Negron
Seller: Tuan T. Bui
Date: 04/30/25

126 Wheeler Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Rhonda Watts
Seller: Harry Nieves
Date: 05/06/25

480 White St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $516,000
Buyer: Kordell A. Kwarko
Seller: JJS Capital Investments LLC
Date: 05/09/25

393-395 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Eridania Arias
Seller: Gama Investments LLC
Date: 04/30/25

65 Wilshire Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $354,900
Buyer: Hilario Guerrero
Seller: Fallah Razzak
Date: 04/30/25

SOUTHWICK

45 Coes Hill Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Dominic Bia
Seller: Pete H. Goucher
Date: 04/29/25

535 College Hwy.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $980,000
Buyer: 535 College Highway LLC
Seller: Depalma Realty Inc.
Date: 05/07/25

85 College Hwy.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Agilitas Energy Inc.
Seller: Michael A. Burns
Date: 05/06/25

42 Granville Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Alexandru Pascal
Seller: Michael R. Burns
Date: 05/02/25

13 Great Brook Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Yuliya Divnich
Seller: Daniel T. Meggison
Date: 05/05/25

22 Nicholson Hill Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Agilitas Energy Inc.
Seller: Michael A. Burns
Date: 05/06/25

108 Point Grove Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $213,750
Buyer: Point Grove Road Realty LLC
Seller: White & Lenihan Inc.
Date: 05/07/25

110 Point Grove Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $213,750
Buyer: Point Grove Road Realty LLC
Seller: White & Lenihan Inc.
Date: 05/07/25

112 Point Grove Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $213,750
Buyer: Point Grove Road Realty LLC
Seller: White & Lenihan Inc.
Date: 05/07/25

276 South Longyard Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Andrew Felix
Seller: Richard R. Deaton
Date: 05/06/25

203 South Loomis St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: Noel J. Winter
Seller: Laura Ronghi
Date: 04/30/25

Silvergrass Lane, Lot 14
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Hamelin Framing Inc.
Seller: Fiore Realty Holdings LLC
Date: 05/07/25

Silvergrass Lane, Lot 19
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Hamelin Framing Inc.
Seller: Fiore Realty Holdings LLC
Date: 05/07/25

WEST SPRINGFIELD

62 Bridle Path Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Shaheen Z. Shaghaghi
Seller: Brian J. Clune
Date: 05/09/25

134 Christopher Ter.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $555,000
Buyer: Brianna Difronzo
Seller: Sharbel J. Hannoush
Date: 04/28/25

19 Deer Run Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Matthew L. Krokov
Seller: Alan R. Guilbault
Date: 05/09/25

71 Forris St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $144,000
Buyer: Lori A. Nelson
Seller: Lori A. Nelson
Date: 05/01/25

230 High Meadow Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $623,725
Buyer: Heath E. Trudell
Seller: William C. Simonet
Date: 05/01/25

14 Kelly Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Ayisha Gimala
Seller: William L. Levine
Date: 04/28/25

1038 Morgan Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Roger C. Ayotte
Seller: Linda S. Elgin
Date: 05/01/25

291 Park St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Shawn Coulombe
Seller: Robert L. Tassinari RET
Date: 04/30/25

1468 Piper Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $222,000
Buyer: Ben Shokov
Seller: Craig Anderson
Date: 04/29/25

352 Riverdale St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $2,000,000
Buyer: McDonalds USA LLC
Seller: Apple Ridge Realty LLC
Date: 05/08/25

104 Vincent Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $511,000
Buyer: Steven H. Vaum
Seller: Sara A. Krokov
Date: 05/09/25

99 Westfield St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $1,995,000
Buyer: Town Of West Springfield
Seller: Walgreen Eastern Co. Inc.
Date: 05/07/25

55 Westwood Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $116,666
Buyer: Karen Wendler
Seller: Dorothy B. Wendler TR
Date: 04/29/25

73 Worcester St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Marc Dulaimy
Seller: Marieta Birlad
Date: 05/08/25

WESTFIELD

2 Beveridge Blvd.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Neil Peloquin
Seller: Elisabeth Titus
Date: 04/30/25

15 Brimfield Way
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $866,000
Buyer: Christopher A. Viale
Seller: High Point Finance LLC
Date: 05/02/25

15 Hamilton Way
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $487,000
Buyer: Edward W. Dugard
Seller: Smith, Daniel J., (Estate)
Date: 05/07/25

267 Lockhouse Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Arnold A. Pereira
Seller: FHB Realty LLP
Date: 05/05/25

12 Meadow St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $426,000
Buyer: Destin Craven
Seller: 12 Meadow Street Land Trust
Date: 05/07/25

32 Montgomery St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Birlad TR
Seller: Ivan Mokan
Date: 05/08/25

133 Mullen Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Linda S. Elgin
Seller: Cynthia Ciarcia
Date: 05/01/25

303 Munger Hill Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $719,900
Buyer: Oleksandr Melnychuk
Seller: Mary E. Blair
Date: 04/30/25

3 Norton St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $307,224
Buyer: D. & A. Investments LLC
Seller: Freedom Mortgage Corp.
Date: 05/02/25

27 Saint Paul St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $539,000
Buyer: Xi Chen
Seller: Giberson Construction Inc.
Date: 05/02/25

66 Stoney Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $277,500
Buyer: Fumi Realty Inc.
Seller: Ross Dukette
Date: 04/29/25

28 Tannery Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Kevin A. Shay
Seller: Yevgeniy Mikhaylichenko
Date: 04/30/25

3 Vernon St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Our Legacy LLC
Seller: Pixley, Calvin D., (Estate)
Date: 04/29/25

10 West School St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $124,900
Buyer: Fumi Realty Inc.
Seller: Pachot, Valentin, (Estate)
Date: 05/09/25

WILBRAHAM

2022 Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $549,000
Buyer: Kat Real Estate LLC
Seller: 2022 Boston Road LLC
Date: 05/01/25

2138 Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $1,525,000
Buyer: 2138 Boston Road Real Estate LLC
Seller: Car Wash Holdings LLC
Date: 05/02/25

3264 Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Logan S. MacPhail
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 05/09/25

5 Circle Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Jenna M. Perez
Seller: Pinaki Pal
Date: 04/28/25

16 Dudley St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Tristan L. Adams
Seller: Chestnut Hill Homes LLC
Date: 05/07/25

12 Hillcrest Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Yegor Stefantsev
Seller: Emi Investments LLC
Date: 04/30/25

2 Linwood Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Hugo Lee
Seller: Robin H. Benoit
Date: 05/06/25

7 Pineywood Ave.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Brian R. Shaughnessey
Seller: Peter M. Zaitz
Date: 05/08/25

24 Victoria Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $855,000
Buyer: Brad Rosen
Seller: Kevin S. White
Date: 05/05/25

6 Wagon Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $880,000
Buyer: Michael Mastrangelo
Seller: 2022 Street RET
Date: 04/29/25

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

9 Echo Hill Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $489,000
Buyer: Yeon S. Kim
Seller: Daniel P. Cook
Date: 05/08/25

27 Emily Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $578,000
Buyer: Yiyi Luo
Seller: Mokhtar Atallah
Date: 05/09/25

571 Main St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: 571 Main H LLC
Seller: Gui D. Liang
Date: 05/01/25

245 Meadow St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Amy K. Moore
Seller: Matthew Biskup
Date: 05/09/25

526 Station Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: James A. Green
Seller: Brian J. Hession
Date: 05/01/25

BELCHERTOWN

260 Amherst Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: IB Fieldstone LLC
Seller: Sandra L. Wang
Date: 05/07/25

140 Barton Ave.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $469,000
Buyer: Nicholas R. Mason
Seller: Michael Andrews
Date: 04/30/25

Boardman St., Lot 2
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Jacob H. Humiston
Seller: Kirk B. Stephens
Date: 05/09/25

40 Dana Hill
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: Robert E. Zuchara
Seller: Ethan Eisdorfer
Date: 05/09/25

546 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $615,000
Buyer: Henry D. Waters
Seller: Mark R. Plante
Date: 05/05/25

47 Hamilton St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $540,000
Buyer: Jordan Smith
Seller: Maia Kolchin-Miller
Date: 05/09/25

100 Lamson Ave.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Crystal Springs Ent. LLC
Seller: Deep Woods Real Estate Development LLC
Date: 05/05/25

60 Lamson Ave.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Crystal Springs Ent. LLC
Seller: Deep Woods Real Estate Development LLC
Date: 05/05/25

4 Metacomet Circle
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Fumi Realty Inc.
Seller: Miguel Turgeon
Date: 05/06/25

191 North St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $1,200,000
Buyer: Joseph B. Sillis
Seller: Anthony T. Quinta
Date: 04/30/25

12 Shea Ave.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: Cynthia L. Naughton
Seller: North East General Contractors
Date: 05/09/25

CHESTERFIELD

8 Antin Road
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Deborah G. Lavoie-Dubois
Seller: Kathleen L. Krol
Date: 05/05/25

EASTHAMPTON

395 East St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $598,000
Buyer: Equity Trust
Seller: William L. Burgant
Date: 05/05/25

15 Holly Circle
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $676,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Cummings
Seller: Jean Ann Skorupski TR
Date: 04/30/25

12 Kimberly Lane
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $467,000
Buyer: Celaine R. Ross
Seller: Karen L. Martindell
Date: 04/29/25

385 Main St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $900,000
Buyer: Lestrel Land Trust Inc.
Seller: Edward C. Fedor
Date: 05/09/25

GRANBY

173 Batchelor St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $332,000
Buyer: Ali S. Younes
Seller: Abbas Younes
Date: 05/07/25

86 Morgan St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: James Goulet
Seller: Michael W. Livingston
Date: 04/30/25

HADLEY

31 Campus Plaza Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $1,426,000
Buyer: Gleason Masonic LLC
Seller: Chamisa Corp.
Date: 04/30/25

8 Hadley Place
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $765,000
Buyer: Metin Yavuz
Seller: Justin M. Pelland
Date: 05/07/25

11 Middle St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $770,000
Buyer: McGrew & Bishop RET
Seller: Pioneer Valley Ventures LLC
Date: 05/08/25

HATFIELD

56 Elm St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Meaghann O’Neill
Seller: Symanski, Stanley L., (Estate)
Date: 04/30/25

North Hatfield Road
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Thaddeus Smiarowski
Seller: Burda, Gary P., (Estate)
Date: 05/01/25

HUNTINGTON

10 East Main St.
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: James Stoudenmire
Seller: David P. Baillargeon
Date: 05/02/25

14 Rockybrook Dr.
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Lauri Domina
Seller: Cornerstone Homebuying LLC
Date: 04/29/25

MIDDLEFIELD

159 Skyline Trail
Middlefield, MA 01243
Amount: $421,000
Buyer: Emily Reid
Seller: David S. Quirk
Date: 04/28/25

NORTHAMPTON

328 Bridge St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Neal J. Teague
Seller: Chad Willard
Date: 05/09/25

156 Emerson Way
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $1,455,000
Buyer: Stephen A. Shulman
Seller: Suzanne L. Haselkorn RET
Date: 04/28/25

12 Grant Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Big Red Realty LLC
Seller: Anthony D. Signore
Date: 05/09/25

78 Hillcrest Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Rutherford H. Platt FT
Seller: Barbara K. Kirchner
Date: 04/28/25

17 Kensington Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $1,395,000
Buyer: Mattew J. Denny
Seller: Melinda Mason
Date: 04/30/25

Norwood Ave., Lot 0
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $139,900
Buyer: Karen F. Krieger
Seller: Stephen C. Bartlett LT
Date: 05/06/25

26 Norwood Ave.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Will Silverstein-Belden
Seller: Evelyn J. McCoy
Date: 05/07/25

93 Overlook Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Kristen Ironside
Seller: Bridget A. Diggins
Date: 05/01/25

1005 Park Hill Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Olesya Lebedinskaya
Seller: Southampton Consulting Group
Date: 05/06/25

469 Sylvester Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $842,000
Buyer: Kristoffer W. Williams
Seller: Ellen L. Koteen
Date: 05/01/25

65 Warner St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $950,000
Buyer: Katrin Erk
Seller: K. Alves & Phyllis King TR
Date: 05/05/25

PELHAM

64 Daniel Shays Hwy.
Pelham, MA 01007
Amount: $359,000
Buyer: Rebeca Cary
Seller: Kenneth L. Gay
Date: 05/01/25

SOUTH HADLEY

15 Berwyn St., Ext.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Anthony W. Hathaway
Seller: Firda Jr., Michael J., (Estate)
Date: 05/07/25

18 Hollywood St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Scott Family Properties LLC
Seller: Mass. Development LLC
Date: 05/05/25

382 North Main St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Jenna-Nicole R. Richard
Seller: Susan Decker
Date: 05/06/25

49 Pearl St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Brenda Parella
Seller: Jasmin, Patricia A., (Estate)
Date: 04/28/25

50 Pine St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Fitzgerald Home Solutions LLC
Seller: Naples Home Buyers TR
Date: 05/09/25

2 Rita Circle
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Mary B. Agostino-Evans
Seller: Timothy M. Fuller
Date: 04/28/25

SOUTHAMPTON

168 Brickyard Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Loren S. Leatherman
Seller: Ann T. O’Connor
Date: 05/05/25

40 Cook Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $630,000
Buyer: Margaret E. Connor
Seller: Michael J. Simonzi
Date: 05/01/25

4 Glendale Woods Dr.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $612,000
Buyer: Christine H. Dibella TR
Seller: Anna Creasy
Date: 05/07/25

Wolcott Road (off)
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Town Of Southampton
Seller: D. L. Fowler
Date: 04/30/25

WARE

76 Beaver Lake Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $357,000
Buyer: Jordan L. Kelly
Seller: Barbara Kimball
Date: 04/30/25

55 Coffey Hill Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Gina M. Dane
Seller: Daniel Miller
Date: 05/06/25

7 Dale St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Meghan G. Cresswell
Seller: Naples Home Buyers TR
Date: 04/29/25

Upper Church St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $337,500
Buyer: Town Of Ware
Seller: Ross C. Pelski
Date: 05/02/25

115 West St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $207,000
Buyer: Harold J. Dupuis
Seller: Robert S. Shurtleff
Date: 05/02/25

WESTHAMPTON

300 Main Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $333,070
Buyer: Samuel I. Baskir
Seller: Susan G. Rosen
Date: 05/07/25

WILLIAMSBURG

62 Village Hill Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Elizabeth A. Lowry
Seller: Stephen D. Smith
Date: 04/30/25

WORTHINGTON

255 Sam Hill Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Christopher W. Butler
Seller: Terry, Howard P., (Estate)
Date: 05/05/25

Building Permits

By
Building Permits

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

CHICOPEE

David Fanti
1408 Memorial Dr.
$16,700 — Roofing at Hibachi Express

KEJB LLC
536 Britton St.
$6,871.60 — Insulation, weatherization, and air sealing

Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield
587 Grattan St.
$219,580 — Roofing at St. Joan of Arc School

Daniel Smith
66 North Chicopee St.
$4,500 — Minor office renovations, rework existing interior partition wall to add new door

HADLEY

Pyramid Mall of Hadley Newco
367 Russell St.
N/A — Remove existing interior door and frame and install new door

Town of Hadley
46 Middle St.
N/A — Install roof-mounted solar array

W/S Hadley Properties II LLC
335 Russell St.
N/A — Install ductwork in Suite 10

LENOX

Boston University
45 West St.
$7,500 — Repairs to existing siding and stairs, replace door

Taradale Realty Trust
11 Housatonic St.
$3,600 — Replace five windows

NORTHAMPTON

City of Northampton
20 West St.
$287,000 — New exterior open-air stage outside Forbes Library

Colvest/Northampton LLC
303 King St.
$5,000 — Illuminated front sign for Jersey Mike’s

Colvest/Northampton LLC
303 King St.
$5,000 — Illuminated north side sign for Jersey Mike’s

Goodmarket Properties LLC
1 Market St.
$1,500 — Non-illuminated wall sign for Lichter & Levin Delicatessen

Goodmarket Properties LLC
1 Market St.
$1,500 — Non-illuminated wall sign for Lichter & Levin Delicatessen

HAP Inc.
322 Main St.
$15,650 — Insulation and weatherization

JK Real Estate LLC
968 Bridge Road
$9,500 — Illuminated wall sign

Oldon LP
175 Industrial Dr.
$210,000 — Insulation and roofing

Smith College
College Lane
$270,000 — Interior renovation to classrooms

Smith College
64 Kensington Ave.
$4,500 — Insulation and weatherization

PITTSFIELD

AdLib Inc.
211 North St.
$4,000 — Replace existing door

Barrington Stage Co. Inc.
30 Union St.
$3,000 — Repair fire doors

Centro Bradley Berkshire Crossing LLC
555 Hubbard Ave.
$30,000 — Renovate sprinkler system for new tenant fit-up

Elizabeth Freeman Center Inc.
66 Allen St.
$7,000 — Replace existing door

Hillcrest Educational Centers Inc.
1450 West Housatonic St.
$20,367 — Replace fire doors

Johnson Family Real Estate LLC
694 East St.
$8,000 — Replace two existing auto show doors

Jay McDermott
6 Goodrich St.
$26,665 — Insulation

One O Three Elm Street LLC
103 Elm St.
$26,000 — Fabricate and install stationary awning that covers vehicle entry to car wash and two shed-style units

Premium Water Inc.
1505 West Housatonic St.
$4,080 — Modify sprinkler coverage

Gary Roller
115 Elm St.
$3,700 — Board up and post due to vehicle damage

Roots Rising Inc.
923 Barker Road
$200,000 — Construct storage building

SPRINGFIELD

Casella Major Account Services LLC
89 Guion St.
$27,800 — Roofing

Christian Life Center Sanctuary
1590 Sumner Ave.
$46,817 — Insulate attic

Todd Crosset
7 Nordica St.
$250,000 — Renovate and remodel barn and remove and replace foundation at Nordica Street Community Farm

Dawn DiStefano
929 Main St.
$60,000 — Remove non-load-bearing partition walls and miscellaneous items

Five Town Station LLC
302 Cooley St.
$48,840 — Demolish wall, create two storage areas and new counter space

KHP Realty LLC
894 Main St.
$21,000 — Replace four windows, entrance door, and drywall

Northeastern Conference Corp. of Seventh Day Adventists
124 Putnam Circle
$23,000 — Roofing

Northeastern Conference Corp. of Seventh Day Adventists
797 State St.
$78,000 — Insulate attic

Onyx Springfield Crossing LLC
1655 Boston Road
$1,643,911 — Alter interior space in Building 700 for tenant fit-out for Chase Bank

Onyx Springfield Crossing LLC
1655 Boston Road
$72,486.13 — Alter interior space in Building 800 for Carter’s/OshKosh store brand specifications

Qureshe Holdings LLC
155 Maple St.
$16,500 — Roofing

Rawal Realty LLC
73 Avon Place
$15,000 — Exploratory interior demolition for future building

Spanish Christian Church – Assemblies of God
549 Chestnut St.
$36,000 — Roofing

Third Congregational Society of Springfield
245 Porter Lake Dr.
$10,000 — Repair side stairs and remove ramp

Tinkham Glen Realty LLC
21 Tinkham Road
$68,500 — Roofing for Sampson Family Chapels

Worthy III LLC
254 Worthington St.
$140,000 — Alter interior space of restaurant kitchen and bar area on first floor

Bay Path University Awarded Davis Educational Foundation Grant

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Daily News

LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University has been awarded a two-year, $225,000 grant from the Davis Educational Foundation to support a project called “Navigating a Path to Graduation: Streamlining Pathways to Student Success.”

The grant supports the integration of Cambridge College’s academic programs and student support workflows into Bay Path’s robust, data-informed infrastructure, laying the foundation for a unified system that enhances efficiency, improves student experiences, and drives measurable outcomes across the merged institutions.

On July 1, 2024, Bay Path celebrated its acquisition of Cambridge College, a mission-aligned institution with a strong focus on career preparation and serving adult populations. The acquisition nearly doubled Bay Path’s enrollment, added more than 20 new graduate programs, and expanded its reach to Eastern Mass. and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

“As we move forward with our newly combined institution, we are excited to expand Bay Path’s high-tech, high-touch student support model,” said Heather Gould, dean of Advising and Student Support. “By integrating our systems and utilizing digital tools, we will free up valuable time for our frontline student success professionals, enabling them to deliver more personalized and meaningful outreach.”

The Davis Educational Foundation grant will support key initiatives in the integration of Bay Path University and Cambridge College, including:

• Aligning academic programs. Building on Bay Path’s successful student-centered model, the two institutions will streamline and align academic programs to improve student success, reduce duplication, and embed career-focused learning;

• Improving degree tracking. Bay Path will expand its proven degree audit system to Cambridge College, giving students clear, real-time insight into their academic progress and remaining requirements; and

• Upgrading technology systems. A shared technology platform will connect both institutions, improving advising, student support, and operational efficiency through better data and communication tools.

“This grant allows us to bring together the strengths of both institutions to ensure our students have every opportunity to succeed,” said Natalia Blank, vice president of Academic Affairs. “By aligning academic offerings and leveraging data-informed practices, we are building an educational experience that is streamlined, responsive, and deeply student-centered.”

The grant was received from the Davis Education Foundation established by Stanton and Elisabeth Davis after Stanton’s retirement as chair of Shaw’s Supermarkets Inc.

“Bay Path University is grateful to the Davis Educational Foundation for their investment in this important work and looks forward to creating greater opportunity and success for all learners,” the university stated.

Dietz & Company Architects Welcomes Back Yvonne Cruz

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Daily News

Yvonne Cruz

SPRINGFIELD — Dietz & Company Architects Inc. announced that Yvonne Cruz has rejoined the firm as a senior architect. She previously worked at Dietz & Company from 2019 to 2022. In the interim, she worked for a local engineering firm, where she participated in the design of public projects.

Cruz holds a bachelor of architecture degree from Pratt Institute School of Architecture in Brooklyn, N.Y., and is a licensed architect in the state of New York. She brings more than 25 years of experience to Dietz & Company, having worked for firms in Massachusetts and New York City throughout her career.

She has worked on an array of residential projects specializing in new construction and renovations of multi-family properties, and has also worked on many municipal, hotel, and restaurant projects. She brings to the firm a commitment to high-quality design and a passion for mentoring junior staff members.

AnnieMac Home Mortgage, Momentum Group Welcome April Towers

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Daily News

April Towers

SPRINGFIELD — AnnieMac Home Mortgage announced the addition of April Towers to its Momentum Group team as a loan officer serving all counties in Western Mass.

“April brings a deep passion for helping families achieve the dream of homeownership, backed by first-hand experience, strong community ties, and a relentless commitment to guiding clients through the mortgage process with confidence and care,” the firm stated. “April joins AnnieMac with enthusiasm for the company’s innovative spirit and industry-leading programs that set it apart from other lenders.”

Towers noted that “AnnieMac offers tools and advantages I haven’t seen anywhere else. I’m excited to be part of a team that truly empowers borrowers and gives loan officers the resources to make a difference.”

Added Angela Tourville, branch manager, “we’re happy to have April join our team here in Western Massachusetts, and we’re confident in her abilities to help families through the homebuying experience.”

Towers’s drive to make a difference comes from a very personal place. When she bought her first home, she experienced the rollercoaster of emotions many first-time buyers feel — hope, stress, excitement, and anxiety. “I remember how overwhelming it was,” she said. “That experience is what fuels me today. I can relate to my clients on a personal level, and I do everything I can to help them through each step.”

Known for her persistence and problem-solving mindset, she is especially motivated to overcome obstacles that stand in the way of her clients’ homeownership goals. “I never like giving bad news, so I work twice as hard to find solutions,” she said. “Whether it’s helping someone boost their credit or identify the right loan program, I’m all in.”

Freedom Credit Union Collecting Cash, Food Donations for Food Bank

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Food insecurity continues to affect families across Western Mass., with inflation driving up the cost of everyday essentials. That’s why Freedom Credit Union is again rallying support for its summer campaign benefiting the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. From June 1 through Aug. 31, the community is invited to donate non-perishable food, personal care items, or monetary gifts at any Freedom branch.

“Thanks to the generosity of our members, staff, and entire community, this campaign has grown annually, and so has its impact,” Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch said. “Last summer, we collected more than $3,350 in donations, along with nearly 1,435 pounds of food and personal care items. This year, we’re aiming even higher. By simply adding an extra item or two to your grocery cart each week, you can make a lasting difference without stretching your budget.”

Suggested donations of non-perishable food and personal care items include baby formula; beans in cans or dried in bags; bread mixes; canned chicken, fish, and meat; cereals; coffee and tea; cooking oils and spices; diapers, wipes, and toilet paper; dried or canned fruit; evaporated or powdered milk; granola bars and crackers; feminine sanitary products; instant potatoes; pasta and noodles; peanut butter and nuts; rice and grains; sauces; shampoo, body wash, and soap; soups, stews, and chili in cans; toothpaste and toothbrushes; and vegetables in cans.

The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts has been feeding neighbors in need since 1982. It provides food to residents in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties through its members, which include independent food pantries, meal sites, and shelters.

Oak View Group Secures Partnership with PeoplesBank to Rename XL Center

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Daily News

HARTFORD, Conn. — Oak View Group and the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) announced a new, multi-year naming rights partnership with PeoplesBank to rename Hartford’s 16,000-seat sports and entertainment venue, effective immediately.

The newly renamed PeoplesBank Arena is home of the American Hockey League’s Hartford Wolf Pack, affiliate of the New York Rangers; UConn men’s and women’s basketball and men’s hockey; and concerts and entertainment events. Terms of the multi-year agreement were not disclosed.

“PeoplesBank’s deep-rooted commitment to putting people and communities first perfectly aligns with our purpose-driven mindset that fuels everything we do at Oak View Group,” said Peter Luukko, co-chairman of Oak View Group. “This partnership is more than naming rights — it’s a shared vision to deliver dynamic experiences, elevate the fan journey, and create lasting impact where it matters most: in the communities we serve.”

Dan Griffis, president of Global Partnerships for Oak View Group, added that “we’re proud to partner with the Capital Region Development Authority on this transformative project and to welcome PeoplesBank as the official naming rights partner to a historic building in Hartford. Partnering with a naming rights sponsor is a major milestone for Hartford. It represents not just a financial investment in our facilities, but a deeper commitment to the growth, vitality, and long-term success of our city.”

This also marks a significant milestone in the Hartford Arena renovation project, as the next phase of construction is officially underway. Renovations will include upgrades to the seating area, the addition of new lower-level luxury suites, and the development of enhanced concession areas designed to elevate the overall guest experience.

“Over the last few years, it has been a pleasure working with PeoplesBank as they have stepped up and played a larger role in financing new housing in the Hartford region in partnership with CRDA,” said Mike Freimuth, executive director of CRDA. “Adding their name to the civic center is further affirmation of their commitment to the Central Connecticut marketplace while helping to refresh one of our premier entertainment venues.”

The 10-year partnership was executed by OVG Global Partnerships, the sponsorship and naming rights division of Oak View Group.

“Our bank is independent and community-focused,” said Tom Senecal, CEO and chairman of PeoplesBank. “We believe in Hartford, and in Hartford’s promising future, and we look forward to participating in the economic rebirth and growth of the arena neighborhood, the city of Hartford, and the state of Connecticut.”

Valley Blue Sox Open Season at Mackenzie Stadium on June 3

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — The New England Collegiate Baseball League’s (NECBL) Valley Blue Sox open up their 2025 season on Tuesday, June 3 at Mackenzie Stadium, when they host the Newport Gulls. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

The team will give away 200 magnetic schedules to fans who attend opening day. Tickets cost $7 per person and $99 for season tickets. Gates open one hour before game time. Concessions and refreshments will be available at the start of the game.

The Blue Sox are excited for newly acquired head coach Endy Morales to make his coaching debut for Holyoke. Morales was a part of both of the team’s championship teams as a pitcher in 2017 and 2018.

The Holyoke-based team retains six players from last season, while adding 32 new players. The returning players include all-star third baseman Mike O’Conor, all-star pitcher Gregory Shaw, and pitchers Conor Wolf, Andrew Wertz, Jack Niedringhaus, and Christopher Torres.

Valley and Newport squared off in the 2024 NECBL playoffs, where the Gulls completed a sweep of the Blue Sox. The Blue Sox have not hosted a home opening day game since the 2021 season, where they fell to the Gulls 7-2.

The Blue Sox have the third-largest seating capacity in the league at 4,100.

Steve Lewis Subaru Is Now Balise Subaru of Hadley

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Daily News

HADLEY — Balise Auto Group is announced that Steve Lewis Subaru, a dealership that joined the Balise family in March 2023, has officially changed its name to Balise Subaru of Hadley.

This name change reflects the next step in aligning the dealership with the Balise brand, which has been serving communities across New England since 1919. While the signage may look different, customers can expect to see the same team of employees.

“As we change our name, one thing remains constant — our commitment to serving our customers with integrity and care,” said Joe Clark, general manager at Balise Subaru of Hadley. “For years, we’ve built trust through honesty, hard work, and exceptional service, and that will never change. The Balise name brings a respected track record of excellence in the automotive industry, and we’re proud to join their family. Together, we couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead for our customers and our team.”

The Balise Subaru of Hadley team is excited to move into a new, state-of-the-art facility at the dealership’s original location, with completion expected this fall.

Big Y Chairman Charles D’Amour to Keynote Elms College Leadership Breakfast

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Daily News

CHICOPEE — Elms College will host its eighth annual Executive Leadership Breakfast with Charles D’Amour, executive chairman of Big Y Supermarkets, as the keynote speaker on Wednesday, June 11 at 8 a.m. in the Mary Dooley College Center.

D’Amour’s talk, titled “Legacy, Resilience, and Adaptability: Guiding a Family Business,” will share insights from his leadership journey and the guiding principles that have shaped one of the region’s most successful family-owned businesses. This invitation-only event brings together business leaders from across Western Mass. for a morning of networking and leadership insight.

For eight years under the leadership of Elms President Harry Dumay, the Executive Leadership Breakfast has been an annual event that features Massachusetts political, business, or civic leaders speaking on topics relevant to the economy and quality of life in Western Mass.

“For the past eight years, this breakfast has served as an important opportunity to bring together the business community of Western Massachusetts,” said Harry Dumay, president of Elms College. “As an example of both organizational success and community engagement, Big Y is a key actor in the Western Massachusetts business ecosystem. We are thrilled that Mr. D’Amour will highlight our gathering this year and offer his unique perspective on leadership and the enduring success of a family business.”

Springfield Regional Chamber to Host Spotlight and Annual Meeting on June 11

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Regional Chamber will host its newly named Springfield Regional Chamber Spotlight and Annual Meeting: Recognizing the People Behind the Progress on Wednesday, June 11 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at MGM Springfield. The evening will provide an opportunity to reflect on the chamber’s recent accomplishments, honor community members, and look toward the future.

This year, the chamber will honor Richard Tettemer, longtime WWLP 22News anchor, as the 2025 Richard J. Moriarty Citizen of the Year. A graduate of the University of South Florida, he holds a degree in mass communications and broadcasting. He began his career in 1984 as a videotape editor at WFLA-TV in Tampa, later becoming a weekend sports anchor at KODE-TV in Missouri. He joined 22News in 1988 as sports director and transitioned to morning news anchor in 2006. A trusted voice in Western Mass. for more than 37 years, Tettemer has earned 13 Associated Press awards and has been recognized as the region’s top sportscaster by both the Springfield Advocate and Valley Advocate.

“Rich Tettemer has been a steady, inspiring presence in our community for decades. His professionalism, humility, and care for the people of Western Mass. embody the spirit of the Richard J. Moriarty award,” said Diana Szynal, president of the Springfield Regional Chamber. “We look forward to an evening of reflection and celebration with our members and partners who make this region such a special place to live and do business.”

The event will also include the election of the chamber’s board of directors and a variety of additional recognitions. These include the Lifetime Achievement Award for Jeffrey Fialky of Bacon Wilson, P.C., the Outstanding Board Member award for Sharianne Walker of Western New England University, the Outstanding Legislative Steering Committee Member award for Allison Ebner of the Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast, the Outstanding Ambassador award for Candace Pereira of Windsor Federal Bank, and the Outstanding New Member award for Wash Works. Additionally, the chamber will highlight the names of all organizations that have been members for more than 50 years.

A cocktail hour will begin at 5 p.m., featuring an array of Italian favorites from MGM Springfield, including an antipasto bar with Caesar salad and fresh tomato bruschetta, classics like chicken parmigiana and meatballs in pomodoro sauce, and a live pasta station serving penne a la pomodoro and orecchiette Alfredo with broccoli and bacon.

Tickets cost $75 for chamber members and $100 for general admission. Tickets can be reserved by clicking here. For additional information, contact Karen Tetreault at [email protected] or (413) 755-1309.

Attorney Amelia Holstrom Elected Library Trustee in Wilbraham

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Attorney Amelia Holstrom of Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C. was elected a library trustee at the Wilbraham Public Library. Following the election, she was selected as secretary by the board of library trustees. The board supports the library’s strategic plan and efforts to provide free and open access to information and programs.

Holstrom, who joined the firm in 2012, is a partner at Skoler Abbott. She practices in all areas of employment defense. She provides counsel to management on taking proactive steps to reduce the risk of legal liability that may be imposed as the result of illegal employment practices and defends employers who are faced with lawsuits and administrative charges filed by current and former employers.

“I am honored to represent my community as a library trustee,” Holstrom said. “The library is one of our biggest assets as a town, and I want to ensure that it remains a cornerstone of our community for generations to come.”

Holstrom is an active member of the Greater Springfield community. In addition to serving as a library trustee, she is a member of the Wilbraham Personnel Advisory Board, Wilbraham Commission on Disability, the boards of Clinical & Support Options Inc. and the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce, the board development committee for the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts, and the personnel committee for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.

Susan Cody Promoted to Assistant Branch Manager at bankESB

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Daily News

Susan Cody

EASTHAMPTON — bankESB recently promoted Susan Cody to assistant branch manager of its 605 Granby St., South Hadley office.

Cody has nearly four years of banking experience. She was hired in 2021 as a teller and was most recently a teller supervisor in bankESB’s 85 Broad St., Westfield office. In her new role, she will support daily branch operations, assist in team leadership, and contribute to delivering excellent customer service to the community.

Cody earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and business management from Westfield State University.

Starlight Program Brings Joy of Reading to Children Across Western Mass.

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The spring 2025 Starlight book deliveries wrapped up on May 23 after three weeks of distributing books to young children across the region, continuing the program’s mission to spark a love of reading and build home libraries. A total of 22,856 books were delivered to 43 public schools across Springfield, Holyoke, and Agawam, as well as 28 additional child-focused support service locations.

These locations include Head Start programs, Educare, early learning centers, Square One, Valley Opportunity Council, Boys and Girls Clubs, and YMCAs, reaching thousands of children where they learn and grow every day.

Each spring and fall, the Starlight program gifts four books to every participating child, for a total of eight books per year. The kids enjoy these books in the classroom and then take them home, so they can share stories with their families and keep the reading fun going.

The Starlight initiative, a program of the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation, reflects Grinspoon’s enduring commitment to early childhood literacy and educational equity. By putting high-quality books directly into the hands of children, the program continues to support families, educators, and communities in fostering a lifelong love of reading.

“As always, we are so incredibly grateful for these book deliveries,” said Amy Roque, director of Early Childhood Education for Holyoke Public Schools. “Please thank all involved at Starlight, and Mr. Grinspoon, for this wonderful donation.”

Amy Stec, school director at Educare Springfield, added that “the children and our educators love these books. They continue to give joy well beyond the initial reading.”

With each delivery, the Starlight program continues its mission to ignite imaginations, support learning, and ensure every child has access to the joy of books, one gift at a time.

Downtown Pittsfield Introduces Free Friday Concert Series Starting June 13

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Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Hot Plate Brewing Co., in partnership with Downtown Pittsfield Inc. and a collection of other Pittsfield-based businesses, announced the Pitt, a brand-new, 10-week, free concert series set to energize Dunham Mall.

Running weekly on Fridays from 6 to 8 p.m. for 10 weeks, the Pitt will showcase a dynamic lineup of musical acts hailing from Montreal, Boston, the Pioneer Valley, and the Berkshires. From indie rock and soul to emerging electronic artists, this series will celebrate both regional talent and international artistry, right in the heart of downtown Pittsfield, starting June 13.

In addition to the music, concertgoers can enjoy local food and drink offerings. Hot Plate Brewing Co. will host a beer garden, and Handcrafted, a new, Pittsfield-based restaurant, will serve up a variety of food.

“This series is all about showcasing independent artists and artisans and bringing some new energy to our downtown community,” Hot Plate co-founder Mike Dell’Aquila said. “We’re thrilled to bring this caliber of talent and culture to Dunham Mall.”

For more information and weekly lineup announcements, visit hotplatebeer.com/the-pitt.

Visual Sound Productions Welcomes Three to Growing Team

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Visual Sound Productions Inc. (VSP), which specializes in live event production, A/V services, multi-media production, and entertainment, announced the continued growth of its team with the addition of three new team members: Nathan Dunahoo, Daniel (Dan) Gil, and Christopher (Chris) Coughlin.

Dunahoo joins as a creative specialist, bringing a background rooted in creative storytelling and multi-media design. His passion for compelling visual content and innovative design promises to add fresh energy to VSP’s production team.

Gil, a 2019 graduate of the University of Hartford with a degree in audio engineering, comes on board as an A/V technician. With a sharp ear for sound quality and experience in both live and recorded audio environments, he is ready to help bring events to life with precision and professionalism.

Coughlin, the newest member of the team, also joins as an A/V technician. A 2024 graduate of the University of Massachusetts with a degree in communications, he brings a strong foundation in media production and a drive to grow within the industry.

This expansion follows the recent onboarding of Kara Bombard, who joined the VSP team earlier this season to support operations and client engagement. With the addition of these new hires, Visual Sound Productions continues to strengthen its creative and technical capabilities to meet growing demand across New England and beyond.

“We feel very blessed because we keep hearing about the shortage of talent and, in the last few months, have found four total rock stars,” said Nicole Nell, president of Visual Sound Productions. “Nathan, Dan, and Chris each bring a unique set of talents that complement our mission to deliver high-quality, engaging experiences. As we continue to grow, investing in great people, and our community, is at the heart of everything we do.”

MassMutual Federal Credit Union Book Drive Benefits Schools

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — MassMutual Federal Credit Union (MMFCU) announced the successful completion of its April children’s book drive, which saw the collection of almost 400 books through local member donations and a customized Amazon wish list. The books collected were donated to a member-nominated school, Talmadge Elementary in Springfield, providing students with valuable resources to enrich their educational experience.

MMFCU will match the value of books collected for Talmadge Elementary with donations to Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers in Boston and O’Connor Elementary School in Mesa, Ariz. This initiative will ensure that the impact of the book drive extends well beyond Springfield.

MMFCU’s commitment to community service went beyond the book drive. The credit union partnered with MassMutual’s Community Responsibility team to organize a volunteer effort to assemble activity kits for the recipient schools. These kits are designed to provide engaging and educational activities that complement the donated books, further enhancing the students’ learning experiences.

The success of the book drive and volunteer efforts underscores MMFCU’s dedication to supporting education. The collaboration with MassMutual’s Community Responsibility team highlights the power of collective efforts in making a meaningful difference in the lives of young learners.

MMFCU extends its sincerest gratitude to all donors and volunteers who contributed to this year’s children’s book drive.

Herrell’s Ice Cream Introduces 2024 UMass Competition Flavors

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Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — Herrell’s Ice Cream introduced four new UMass flavors to its rotating ice cream collection: the winners of the 2024 Ice Cream Competition. The first place winner is Brown Butter Miso Caramel, second place is Tea Time, third place is Apple Kruimel ijsje, and Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake won the People’s Choice Award.

These flavors will be sold in both Amherst and Northampton Herrell’s Ice Cream locations beginning May 30.

“All of these flavors are absolutely delicious,” said Judy Herrell, owner of Herrell’s. “They are imaginative and creative: all winners.”

Herrell and former Herrell’s Manager Kirsten Tabb worked with students throughout the spring 2024 semester to help them understand the intricacies of creating flavors. “In some cases, parts of teams’ flavor profiles did not exist, and they had to make something new,” Herrell said. “For example, some of the teams learned how to make variegates (swirls) for their ice creams.”

The criteria for the judging included texture, overrun, sustainability, olfactory, and taste. Charmaine Koo, UMass lecturer and professor for the class, believes as Herrell does: this is a great way to learn science.

Bulkley Richardson’s Lisa Harty Earns NITA Advocate Designation

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Bulkley Richardson announced that Lisa Harty, MD, JD, an attorney in the firm’s Litigation Department, has earned the prestigious NITA advocate designation, awarded by the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA). This designation recognizes attorneys who have completed a rigorous series of intensive training programs focused on advancing courtroom and litigation skills.

To earn this recognition, Harty completed NITA courses in Boston, Chicago, and New York City, each offering immersive training in trial advocacy techniques. The NITA advocate program is nationally respected for its intensive instruction in core litigation areas, including perfecting trial skills, delivering persuasive oral arguments, taking and defending depositions, and mastering both written and interpersonal legal communication.

NITA offers participants practical, hands-on training in trial advocacy through realistic courtroom simulations, personalized feedback, and instruction from experienced judges and litigators nationwide. Earning this designation reflects a deep commitment to ethical, effective, and client-centered advocacy.

Harty’s dual training in medicine and law positions her to handle complex litigation with insight and precision, the firm noted.

“Lisa joins an esteemed group of NITA advocates who have demonstrated their dedication to advocacy for clients,” said Chris Visser, chair of Bulkley Richardson’s Litigation Practice. “Lisa’s experience at the firm, combined with NITA’s training, provides her with a powerful advantage to best advocate for her clients.”

Eversource to Install First Smart Meters in Western Mass. This Summer

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — With work to prepare the electric system to support Eversource’s transition to smart meters nearly complete in Western Mass., the energy company is alerting customers that crews will begin upgrading meters in the next few months. Eversource will begin installing the first smart meters at customers’ homes and businesses in late July and continue through the following months.

At the same time, the energy company will expand to Eastern Mass. its work installing network devices — technology that will extend the range of Eversource’s meter network and help the smart meters safely and securely communicate important information back to the energy company.

Eversource will send customers in Western Mass. a series of notification letters approximately 90, 60, and 30 days in advance of work to install smart meters starts in their community. The energy company is also reaching out directly to customers in Eastern Mass. with information about what to expect as work to support the transition to smart meters begins in their neighborhood.

“Now more than ever, we’re focused on empowering our customers with greater control over their energy use, and smart meters are key to those efforts,” Eversource Senior Vice President of Customer Operations, Digital Strategy and Chief Customer Officer Jared Lawrence said. “Upgrading to smart meters is like replacing an old flip phone with a smartphone. This modern, smart tech will enable our customers to monitor their energy use in near real time — including how they use power, how much they use, and peak times of use during the day — so that they can make informed decisions about the most effective ways to reduce their energy consumption and bill. The information smart meters provide will also significantly improve service for our customers by enabling our team to proactively address power outages before they occur and to deliver enhanced, real-time outage alerts.”

Freedom Credit Union Announces Free Community Shred Day on June 7

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Freedom Credit Union will once again offer the opportunity for Western Mass. residents to securely purge unwanted paperwork.

In cooperation with PROSHRED Springfield, Freedom is offering its free Community Shred Days at two of its branches on Saturday, June 7: 9-10 a.m. at 1976 Main St., Springfield; and 11 a.m. to noon at 296 Cooley St., Springfield.

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

MassCEC Awards $1.4 Million to Strengthen Massachusetts’ Climatetech Sector

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Daily News

BOSTON — Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) announced $1.4 million in funding for 12 organizations through its Innovation Ecosystem Program, which provides critical funding to support Massachusetts’ growing network of climatetech entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs). These grants will empower ESOs to expand services, strengthen infrastructure, and increase support for early-stage climatetech startups.

“The world looks to Massachusetts for innovative solutions to our planet’s toughest challenges,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “That’s because we value the groundbreaking work and the significant economic impact of entrepreneurs and researchers. We’re going to continue to invest in the innovators and companies who are leading new discoveries in climatetech.”

Since 2016, MassCEC has awarded more than $6 million to 22 ESOs through this program, indirectly supporting more than 1,300 climatetech startups. The Innovation Ecosystem Program enables a wide range of ESO activities, including operations and management expenses, facility and infrastructure build-out, equipment purchases, and networking and workshop events.

“Massachusetts is home to a thriving climatetech startup ecosystem, thanks in part to a robust network of accelerators, incubators, and innovation hubs that help early-stage companies navigate commercialization and scale their impact,” said Emily Reichert, CEO of MassCEC. “Through the Innovation Ecosystem Program, we’re investing in the organizations that provide critical infrastructure and mentorship to growing businesses, ensuring that homegrown innovation translates into real-world climate solutions.”

This year’s awardees are: Activate Boston, Boston, $175,000; ACT’s Cleantech Open Northeast Program, Somerville, $120,000; Berkshire Innovation Center, Pittsfield, $139,800; the Engine, Cambridge, $50,000; FORGE, Somerville, $120,000; Greentown Labs, Somerville, $175,000; Harvard Innovation Labs, Cambridge, $50,000; InnoVenture Labs, Beverly, $120,000; Lever Inc., North Adams, $100,100; MassChallenge, Boston, $75,000; SeaAhead, Cambridge, $175,000; and UMass Lowell’s Innovation Hub, Lowell, $100,100.