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Cooley Dickinson Receives $250,000 Gift from Smith College

By
Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — Cooley Dickinson Hospital announced it has received a $250,000 gift from Smith College to support the expansion and renovation of Cooley Dickinson’s Emergency Department.

“We are honored and extremely thankful to Smith College for their extraordinary gift of support,” Dr. Lynnette Watkins, president and COO of Cooley Dickinson, said. “For many years, Smith College and Cooley Dickinson Hospital have had a strong partnership; this gift furthers our shared commitment to create a healthy community. Most importantly, their commitment recognizes the importance of providing Smith College students, faculty, and their family and friends with access to the region’s top providers and leading healthcare services.”

The gift from Smith College will support the $19.76 million expansion, reconfiguration, and renovation effort to allow Cooley Dickinson to meet the evolving emergency-medicine needs of the community it serves. To accomplish this goal, the hospital has embarked on an ambitious and comprehensive fundraising campaign. Approximately $6.4 million has been raised to date. The project is expected to break ground this spring.

“Equitable access to healthcare is an essential component of vibrant communities,” Smith College President Kathleen McCartney said. “We are proud to contribute to Cooley Dickinson, which has long offered important support to our students, faculty, and staff, as they expand their Emergency Department and create a specialized healing environment to manage the mental-health concerns prevalent in today’s society, and especially on college campuses.”

Smith College has been a long-time supporter of Cooley Dickinson. Significant donations to the hospital have included helping to fund the hospital’s North Building and Kittredge Surgery Center, as well as its Nurse Development program and comprehensive Breast Center.

Diane Dukette, Cooley Dickinson’s chief Development officer, sees the commitment of both organizations from the perspective of a hospital leader and a Smith College alumna. “It is moving to see two organizations with such similar commitments to the people they serve support each other to care for our communities,” she said. “And personally, as a Smith College alumna, I am so proud to see their investment in the critical, often life-saving work that is performed at the hospital every day. Once again, Smith College has demonstrated their dedication to our region’s health and well-being. We’re incredibly grateful.”

Cooley Dickinson is expected to serve approximately 40,000 Emergency Department patients this year. That care will be provided in a 1970s-era building that was designed for 17,000 patients annually and is currently 40% undersized. A shortage of space means some patients are treated in hallways. The Emergency Department also needs to expand its services to care for an aging population (three times the population from 10 years ago). In addition, the expansion will provide additional beds for people experiencing mental-health emergencies.

The two-year project calls for adding 7,500 square feet of space, including nine new patient rooms; two behavioral-health beds and two ‘flex’ beds to use as patient needs arise; and a family waiting area. When the project is completed, the Emergency Department will occupy more than 23,000 square feet. In addition, a computerized tomography (CT scan) machine, which provides timely access to diagnostic imaging, will be added to the Emergency Department.

“Our priority is to improve the care for those seeking emergency treatment,” Dukette said. “Patients will see a nurse when they arrive. Patients will be treated in single patient rooms that allow for privacy. A nurses’ station in the center of the department means they can respond better to patient needs. Overall, this is about making the Emergency Department as efficient and up-to-date as possible to enable our talented providers to take the best possible care of their patients.”

Berkshire Black Economic Council Announces Storefront Recruitment Grant Program

By
Daily News

PITTSFIELD — The Berkshire Black Economic Council (BBEC) is leading the Vibe North Street storefront recruitment grant program in collaboration with Downtown Pittsfield Inc. (DPI). The grant, which is funded by Mass Development’s Transformative Development Initiative (TDI), will offer businesses the opportunity to receive TDI Local funds in amounts between $7,500 and $25,000 to help cover the costs of relocating to currently vacant storefronts in the North Street district.

Businesses interested in moving to the North Street district can apply for the grant, which will be awarded to businesses that demonstrate the passion and capability to revitalize downtown Pittsfield.

“We’re excited to launch the Vibe North Street grant program in collaboration with DPI,” said A.J. Enchill, executive director of BBEC. “COVID has forced many businesses in our downtown to close. We believe that, by recruiting new businesses to North Street, we can create a vibrant downtown with diverse businesses that bring a new vibe to Pittsfield.”

Vibe North Street is part of a broader effort to fit out vacant storefronts with the proper equipment, fixtures, and furniture so storefronts are move-in-ready. With the program’s focus on attracting new businesses to the North Street district, BBEC and DPI are working to inspire new seasonal activities in order to work toward a downtown with businesses that complement one another throughout the year.

Click here for more information on the Vibe North Street storefront recruitment grant program. Click here for more info about TDI Local.

Springfield Symphony Orchestra to Host Chamber Concert April 2 in Longmeadow

By
Daily News

LONGMEADOW — The Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) will host its second chamber concert of the season on Sunday, April 2 at 3 p.m. at First Church of Christ, 763 Longmeadow St., Longmeadow. The concert will feature the Casey String Quartet, which is made up of Springfield Symphony Orchestra musicians.

Four Springfield Symphony Orchestra string musicians that make up the Casey String Quartet will perform, including cellist Patricia (Tish) Edens, violinist Miho Matsuno, violinist Robert Lawrence, and violist Martha McAdams. The chamber concert will feature works by Edward Elgar, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Benjamin Britten, three composers whose works the Springfield Symphony Orchestra will be performing at its next concert at Symphony Hall on Saturday, April 15. The quartet will also perform a piece by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Tickets can be purchased by clicking here or by calling the SSO box office at (413) 733-2291. Tickets cost $30 for adults and $10 for youth ages 4-18.

For more information about the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and its upcoming performances, visit www.springfieldsymphony.org.

Freedom Credit Union Accepting Donations for Local Animal Shelters

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Freedom Credit Union is again collecting cash donations at all its branches throughout the Pioneer Valley to benefit the Foundation for TJO Animals and the Franklin County Regional Dog Shelter. Donations will be accepted through Friday, March 31.

“Animal shelters deliver a vital service in our community,” Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch said. “They provide food, water, shelter, care, and medical services to approximately 6.3 million animals across the country every year, securing forever homes for more than 4 million. Last year, we raised more than $1,700, a total we hope to exceed this year.”

Freedom Credit Union employees and members, as well as the community at large, are encouraged to make monetary donations directly to local animal shelters or purchase a ‘pawprint’ for $1 or more at any Freedom branch, which will be displayed in the window.

The Thomas J. O’Connor Adoption Center provides animal shelter and adoption services for the cities of Springfield, Chicopee, and Holyoke. The Foundation for TJO Animals was formed to allow the group to better serve the shelter animals in its care through medical treatments and rehabilitation. This veterinary care allows pets to be brought to the adoption floor, where they will hopefully find their forever home.

The Franklin County Regional Dog Shelter is a volunteer-led group serving the communities of Franklin County. Its mission is to protect and improve the lives of stray, lost, and unwanted dogs by offering a welcoming facility, providing care, and finding good homes for each and every animal.

Western Massachusetts Passenger Rail Commission Hearing Slated for March 21

By
Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — State Rep. William Straus and state Sen. Brendon Crighton, co-chairs of the Western Massachusetts Passenger Rail Commission, announced the third of six public meetings held by the commission to examine how an expanded Western Massa. Passenger-rail network should be governed, while also considering potential, sustainable funding streams.

The third meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 21 at 1 p.m. at the Northampton Senior Center, located at 67 Conz St. Members of the public are invited to attend and offer testimony, either in person or virtually. A sign-in sheet will be available at the Northampton Senior Center for people who wish to testify in person.

A livestream of the hearing will be available by clicking here. Remote participants may click on the ‘raise hand’ icon, which will signify to the commission that they wish to be heard virtually.

Phoenix Charter Academy to Host GirlBoss Event to Celebrate Women’s History Month

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — In honor of Women’s History Month, Springfield City Councilor Tracye Whitfield will join Phoenix Charter Academy and other local leaders to celebrate the school’s third annual GirlBoss event on Wednesday, March 15 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Artist Café, 1365 Main St., Springfield.

The public event will feature a panel discussion composed of local women who have distinguished themselves in the fields of business and politics. These leaders — Whitfield; entrepreneur Sharaya Eaton; Nicole Polite, founder and CEO of the MH Group; and Mary Ivy Irrizary, owner of Ivy’s Events — will share their experiences navigating the professional world as women and the lessons they’ve learned while blazing their own trails.

MGM Springfield to Reopen Indian Motorcycle 1901 on March 16

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — MGM Springfield announced the reopening of Indian Motorcycle 1901 on Thursday, March 16 at 11:30 a.m. With front doors located on the MGM Springfield Plaza, the store will feature a variety of merchandise from the iconic Springfield-born pioneers of the American motorcycle industry. For the first time, the venue will also sell items from the Springfield Thunderbirds.

Attending the reopening will be MGM Springfield President and Chief Operating Officer Chris Kelley; Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno; Springfield Thunderbirds President Nate Costa, co-owner Paul Picknelly, and mascot Boomer; and other VIP guests.

Picture This

By
Picture This

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

 

Reaching the Summit

Tonia Butler Perez

The Community College National Legislative Summit on Feb. 5-8 offered Springfield Technical Community College President John Cook and STCC trustees Jynai McDonald and Tonia Butler Perez (pictured at top left) an opportunity to speak with lawmakers about federal priorities, including reducing barriers to receive Pell Grants that help low-income students access higher education. Massachusetts featured a delegation of close to 40 people, including other community-college presidents and trustees as well as staff from the Massachusetts Assoc. of Community Colleges. Pictured at top right, from left: Cook, Butler Perez, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, and McDonald.

 

 

Brainstorming Visit

American International College (AIC) welcomed representatives from Holyoke Community College (HCC) to its Springfield campus on March 2 to celebrate a transfer agreement they signed last summer and brainstorm ideas for future partnerships. HCC President Christina Royal and AIC President Hubert Benitez (pictured at left) and a cadre of faculty and staff from both colleges toured the AIC campus and then sat down to talk over lunch. Last June, the two colleges signed an articulation agreement to make it easier and less expensive for HCC students to transfer to AIC through the latter’s Direct Connect program.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closer to the Goal

Last week, Girls Inc. of the Valley hosted a milestone event to provide campaign fundraising updates for its new location at 480 Hampden St. in Holyoke. Mayor Joshua Garcia, state Rep. Patricia Duffy, and (pictured, from left) campaign co-chairs Bernadette Harrigan and Cynthia Medina-Carson made remarks, and the fundraising thermometer sign was updated as the campaign has now reached 90% of its $5 million goal. PeoplesBank will be financing the project through a loan to Girls Inc. of the Valley, in addition to a tax-exempt bond from MassDevelopment. This campaign launched in 2018 with a mission to expand the physical footprint of Girls Inc. of the Valley and establish a permanent headquarters in Holyoke, allowing it to serve a larger community. 

 

 

 

 

Meeting Basic Needs

In partnership with Holyoke Community College (HCC), United Way of Pioneer Valley (UWPV) recently opened a pantry providing shelf-stable food for Holyoke residents in the Picknelly Adult and Family Education Center (PAFEC) at 206 Maple St. The PAFEC Cupboard is open on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. by appointment. In a geographic area with significant need for food, this pantry opened just as extra COVID-19 SNAP benefits came to an end on March 2. UWPV also operates the Chicopee Cupboard at 226 Exchange St. in Chicopee, as well as the Springfield Cupboard at 1441 Main St. in Springfield.

 

Chamber Corners

By
Chamber Corners

1BERKSHIRE

(413) 499-1600; www.1berkshire.com

 

March 22: Go Fund U Session #2: “Communicating Your Story,” 5-7 p.m., hybrid event, hosted online or at Berkshire Innovation Center, 45 Woodlawn Ave., Pittsfield. It isn’t just about the money; it’s about building a community, establishing a following, projecting an identity, creating a buzz, and sparking a movement. Learn how to communicate your story effectively to the general public. Start building a community of folks who will come together to bring your project to life and who will be there with you for future endeavors as well. Register at www.1berkshire.com.

March 29: Go Fund U Session #3: “The Bandwagon Effect and VIPs,” 5-7 p.m., hybrid event, hosted online or at Berkshire Innovation Center, 45 Woodlawn Ave., Pittsfield. Create a bandwagon that other folks want to jump onto. Understand how to identify and communicate with your VIPs before launch to increase your chances of reaching your funding goal. In this session, we’ll also discuss setting your funding target, determining reward levels, and strategies for during and after your campaign. This is your opportunity to learn the secret recipe for crowdfunding success. Register at www.1berkshire.com.

 

AMHERST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

(413) 253-0700;
www.amherstarea.com

 

March 30: Margarita Madness, 5:30-7:30 p.m., hosted by Interskate 91 at the Hampshire Mall, 367 Russell St., Hadley. TommyCar Auto Group returns as presenting sponsor. Mix, mingle, and network at our largest signature event of the year. Enjoy an evening of tasty margaritas and vote for your favorite. Local restaurants showcase their fare, and there are dozens of raffles prizes donated by Amherst Area Chamber members. Cost: $35 pre-registered at www.amherstarea.com, $45 at the door.

 

EAST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

(413) 575-7230; www.erc5.com

April 4: Coffee Hour Connections with ERC5, 8:30-9:30 a.m., hosted by Hillary Lynn Photography, 200 Center St., Suite 5, Ludlow. Join us as we gather to build relationships and Hillary shares more about the work she is doing with brand imagery that tells a story and connects with your dream clients. Register online at www.erc5.com.

 

FRANKLIN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

(413) 773-5463; www.franklincc.org

 

March 24: Chamber Breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m., hosted by Terrazza restaurant, 244 Country Club Road, Greenfield. Join us for breakfast at Terrazza as we hear from Ronald Bryant, president of Baystate Regional Hospitals, and learn how Baystate Franklin Medical Center, the sponsor of this event, is transforming the health of our community from the inside out. Cost: $20 for members, $22 for general admission. Visit www.franklincc.org to register.

 

GREATER CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

(413) 594-2101;
www.chicopeechamber.org

 

March 23: Annual Meeting, 8-9:30 a.m., hosted by RiverMills Senior Center, 5 West Main St., Chicopee. This kickoff to our Salute Breakfast Series is presented by Florence Bank, which is celebrating 150 years. Meet our incoming board of directors and hear from Mayor John Vieau and chamber representatives about what’s new for the city and chamber this year. Cost: $23 for members, $28 for non-members. To register, visit www.chicopeechamber.org.

 

GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

(413) 534-3376;
www.holyokechamber.com

 

March 29: After Hours and Ribbon Cutting at Fame, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Fame, 386 Dwight St., Holyoke. Join as we celebrate the grand opening of Fame with small, homemade bites; craft beer and cocktails; and connections. To register, visit www.business.holyokechamber.com/events.

 

GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

(413) 584-1900;
www.northamptonchamber.com

 

April 4: Arrive @ 5, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Danco Modern, 10 West St., Hatfield. Our monthly networking get-together is the perfect place to expand your circle of connections in the business community. New to (or nervous about) networking? Join us at 4 p.m. for a Warm Welcome pre-party and get tips from our experts. Sponsored by Reider Media, Delap Real Estate, and Applied Mortgage. First Impressions sponsored by Finck & Perras. This is a free event. Register online at www.explorenorthampton.com.

 

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

(413) 568-1618; www.westfieldbiz.org

March 23: Morning Brew, 8-9 a.m., hosted by Shaker Farms Country Club, 866 Shaker Road, Westfield. Join us for a great networking opportunity. Introduce yourself and your business to the attendees. Everyone has a chance to discuss what their business does and what they are looking for to expand and improve.

April 5: Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m., hosted by Armbrook Village, 551 North Road, Westfield. Mayor Michael McCabe will update the attendees on City Hall activities, and there will be an opportunity to ask the mayor questions. This event is free to attend. To register, visit www.westfieldbiz.org.

 

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

(413) 426-3880; www.ourwrc.com

 

April 4: April Lunch & Learn with ERC5, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., hosted by Villa Rose, 1428 Center St., Ludlow. Learn from our panelists how to maintain and grow in 2023 and beyond. Hear valuable tips for making every penny count in your business and how to effectively use your dollars to your advantage. Cost: $25 for members, $35 for non-members. To register, visit www.ourwrc.com.

Agenda

By
Agenda

First-time Homebuyer Webinar Series

March 15, 16, 23: Greenfield Cooperative Bank is participating with Valley Community Development on a webinar series for first-time homebuyers. In this Zoom webinar, attendees will get the facts from real-estate professionals, including attorneys, loan officers, Realtors, home inspectors, and housing counselors; learn tips about how to improve their credit; and be able to ask questions to help them proceed and protect their own interests as they approach this life decision. Missy Tetreault, AVP and senior mortgage originator, and Kim Gates, mortgage originator, will be panelists at this event. The cost is $50 for two adults in the same household. Registration is non-refundable, and attendance is required at all three sessions. Each session will be hosted via a unique Zoom webinar link from 6 to 9 p.m. Participants will receive the Zoom links on the day of each session. Learn more at www.greenfieldcoopbank.com/events. Register online at www.valleycdc.org.

 

Free Line-cook Training

March 20 to April 21: Holyoke Community College (HCC) will run a new round of free line-cook training classes at the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute. The five-week program runs Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The program is designed for those already in the restaurant industry who want to upgrade their skills as well as unemployed or underemployed individuals interested in starting new careers. The program, which is free to qualifiying applicants, is taught both online and in person at the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute at 164 Race St., Holyoke. Participants will learn all the essential competencies they need to become successful line cooks: knife skills; how to prepare stocks, soups, sauces, desserts, poultry, fish, and meat; culinary math and measurements; moist- and dry-heat cooking methods; as well as workplace soft skills, such as building a résumé and searching for jobs. For more information, contact Laura Smith, HCC job-placement assistant and career-development counselor, at [email protected] or (413) 552-2833, or fill out the inquiry form at hcc.edu/job-ready.

 

World Affairs Council Talk on American Journalists in China

March 21: The World Affairs Council of Western Massachusetts will present former CNN Beijing Bureau Chief and Northampton native Mike Chinoy on his new book, Assignment China: An Oral History of American Journalists in the People’s Republic, at a luncheon at noon at the Student Prince in downtown Springfield. The event is open to the public, and the cost is $45, including a buffet lunch. To reserve a space, call (413) 733-0110. The book tells the story of how American journalists have covered China — from the civil war of the 1940s through the COVID-19 pandemic — in their own words. They share behind-the-scenes stories of reporting on historic moments such as Richard Nixon’s groundbreaking visit in 1972, China’s opening up to the outside world and its emergence as a global superpower, and the crackdowns in Tiananmen Square and Xinjiang. Chinoy is a non-resident senior fellow at the U.S.-China Institute at the University of Southern California. He spent 24 years as a foreign correspondent for CNN, serving as the network’s first Beijing bureau chief and senior Asia correspondent. Before joining CNN, he worked for CBS News and NBC News. He won Emmy, Dupont, and Peabody awards for his coverage of China.

 

EANE Leadership Summit

March 29: The Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast (EANE) will host its annual Leadership Summit on Wednesday, March 29 at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. With a focus on navigating the new workforce, the summit will showcase tangible ways leaders can adapt to workplace dynamics that have significantly shifted in the three years since the onset of COVID-19. Faced with myriad workforce challenges — hybrid work, shifting market dynamics, and new attitudes toward work in general, to name a few — leaders in the Northeast may be struggling to keep up with change. In fact, a 2023 Deloitte survey found that only 24% of C-suite executives and board members feel their organizations are ready to make the changes needed to navigate the new workforce. The program will feature an opening keynote from U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Famer Chris Waddell. A Western Mass. native, Waddell’s keynote will share his insights and experience as the first nearly unassisted paraplegic to summit Mr. Kilimanjaro. Waddell’s inspiring presentation will challenge attendees to bring integrity to their leadership responsibilities, even when times get tough. The closing keynote will be presented by Mohammad Anwar and Frank Danna, Wall Street Journal bestselling co-authors of Love as a Business Strategy. Through compelling storytelling, Anwar and Danna will provide attendees with a new, people-first framework for achieving any business outcome. They help leaders achieve better results by transforming behaviors and providing tactics to build high-performing, reliable teams that inspire a feeling of belonging that is led with love. Attendees will also have access to 10 breakout sessions with topics including coaching and development, unlocking one’s potential, mastering time management, engaging multiple generations, avoiding legal landmines, mitigating conflict, leading with empathy, and more. Organizations that register six or more participants get 10% off each registration, reserved seating, a personalized post-summit debrief with a member of EANE staff, and more. Grant funding is available to Massachusetts attendees through the Express Program and Rhode Island attendees through the Incumbent Worker Grant. The program will offer credits for HR Certification Institute and SHRM. Register and learn more at www.eane.org/event/2023-leadership-summit.

 

Difference Makers Gala

April 27: The 15th annual Difference Makers Gala will be held at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. Since 2009, BusinessWest has been recognizing the work of individuals, groups, businesses, and institutions through this recognition program. The 2023 Difference Makers was announced, and their stories told, in the Feb. 20 issue of BusinessWest and at businesswest.com. Tickets cost $85 each, and tables of 10-12 are available. To purchase tickets, visit businesswest.com/difference-makers. Partner sponsors for this year’s program include Burkhart Pizzanelli P.C., the Royal Law Firm, TommyCar Auto Group, and Westfield Bank.

 

Pioneer Valley Conference for Women

May 4: The Pioneer Valley Conference for Women will host its first in-person event at the Marriott in downtown Springfield. The theme of the conference is “Let Go.” Leading the speaker lineup are Paulette Piñero, social entrepreneur, writer, and leadership coach, and Yvonne Williams, author of Tested Faith and It’s All About the Shoes. Each will provide a keynote address to an expected audience of more than 300 attendees. The conference highlights topics that were chosen by the women of Western Mass., based on current trends and interests. Alison Maloni, owner of Alison May Public Relations, news anchor for a national network, and bestselling author of Breaking in the News: Build Buzz for Your Brand, will emcee the conference. Local comedian Jess Miller will entertain attendees during a VIP Comedy Kick-off the evening before the conference; tickets cost $35. The cost to attend the Pioneer Valley Conference is $52, which includes breakfast, lunch, a swag bag, and an afternoon celebration with a female DJ and complementary wine and hors d’oeuvres following the full-day conference. The lunch sponsor is M&T Bank. The panel sponsor is Westfield Bank. The network sponsors are Smith Executive Education and USI Insurance. The small-business sponsors are Lovelace Design and Rooted Flowers. Keeping with the goal of accessibility, the conference will also be available virtually for those who are more comfortable watching through a screen. Sessions will be taped for future viewing. For more information on keynote speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and panelists, visit sheslocal.org/pioneer-valley-conference-for-women.

 

Hooplandia

June 23-25: Registration for Hooplandia, a 3×3 basketball tournament and festival, is now open at www.hooplandia.com and includes levels of play for all ages and divisions. The tournament, presented by the Eastern States Exposition (ESE) and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, will take place on the grounds of ESE in West Springfield June 23-25, with special games at the Hall of Fame in Springfield. The event is expected to attract thousands of fans and players as hundreds of games take place across more than 70 courts. Divisions of play have been created to provide an all-inclusive environment for players of all ages and playing abilities. With brackets that include veterans, first responders, youth, wheelchair athletes, college elites, and many more, there’s a spot on the court for everyone. Players are invited to build teams of four, create their own unique team name and uniforms, and register at www.hooplandia.com. Team fees range from $75 to $190, with children under 8 and participants in the Special Olympics category being free of charge. Hooplandia has teamed up with Boys and Girls Clubs throughout the region as its designated philanthropic partner, providing $10 from every team registration to support the mission and programs of the clubs. Partnership opportunities for Hooplandia are available at a variety of levels to help underwrite all areas of play, including Boys & Girls Club youth, active military, veterans divisions, and more. Anyone interested should email [email protected]. Hooplandia welcomes participation from youth team referees, scorekeepers, Fan Village contest facilitators, and volunteers for myriad duties to help make this inaugural year a success. Those interested in participating in this groundbreaking event can fill out the volunteer form at www.hooplandia.com.

People on the Move

By
People on the Move
Melvin Olivo

Melvin Olivo

Theo Streeter

Theo Streeter

UMassFive College Federal Credit Union recently announced two management-team promotions: Assistant Vice President of Information Technology Melvin Olivo and Information Technology Manager Theo Streeter. Olivo’s career at UMassFive began in 2020 as the Information Technology manager. In his new position, he will be responsible for the strategic, day-to-day oversight of Information Technology, ensuring efficient, secure, and service-oriented performance of the department. Streeter’s career at UMassFive began in 2014 as a Member Service specialist in the King Street, Northampton branch before moving on to various levels of Enterprise Support technician. He was most recently promoted to senior Enterprise Support technician in 2018 before accepting the role of IT manager. In his new position, he will be overseeing the Enterprise Support technical team, administering network infrastructure and software platforms, as well as hardware procurement.

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Brandon Roper

Brandon Roper

Camfour Inc. — a growing national wholesaler of firearms, ammunition, and accessories for the shooting-sports industry, with distribution centers in Westfield and Pflugerville, Texas. — announced the promotion of Brandon Roper to the position of president. In this new capacity, Roper will report to CEO Malcolm Getz and the ownership group. He will be responsible for leading the continued growth of the Camfour brand and team. Roper has been effecting change since first joining Camfour as vice president of Sales and Marketing. During that time, he is credited with a variety of accomplishments, including the complete rebrand of Camfour, sales execution during the market slowdown of 2022, the growth of the company’s sales team, and preparation of a three-year strategic plan.

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Shreyas Ovalekar

Shreyas Ovalekar

Terri Lindsey

Terri Lindsey

Krista Benoit

Krista Benoit

D.A. Sullivan & Sons Inc. (DAS), a general-contracting and construction-management firm serving the public and private sectors since 1897, is proud to announce three recent hires to the organization: Shreyas Ovalekar as estimator, Terri Lindsey as office administrator/HR, and Krista Benoit as project manager/engineer. Ovalekar joins DAS from Vantage Builders, where he was also an estimator. With more than seven years of experience, he brings vast knowledge and unique perspective to the DAS team. He earned a master’s degree in civil engineering from Western New England University. Before joining DAS, Lindsey was an office manager at Burke Chevrolet. She comes to DAS with experience and enthusiasm to contribute to an efficient, inclusive, and developing workforce. Benoit comes to DAS from Dietz & Company Architects Inc. Her diverse experience includes a wide range of projects on the architectural side of project design and delivery, and her expertise will be an asset to the DAS team.

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Unemployment Tax Control Associates Inc. (UTCA), a national unemployment-insurance service provider based in West Springfield with an office in Boston, announced that Principal Evan Murphy has been appointed to Connecticut’s Employment Security Advisory Board. The eight-member board advises state administrators on matters pertaining to the policy and administration of the Employment Security Division. A UTCA employee for more than 10 years, Murphy oversees analysis, implementation, and client-success efforts to reduce the cost and complexity of employer unemployment-insurance programs. He facilitates educational seminars for customers, industry associations, and various employer groups across the country. He has been instrumental in helping businesses of all sizes and scopes effectively understand and control their unemployment cost and compliance. Murphy was appointed by Connecticut state Rep. Jason Rojas, the majority leader of the House of Representatives.

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Scott Little

Scott Little

Berkshire Money Management (BMM) announced that Scott Little, financial advisor and vice president at the firm, has earned the behavioral financial advisor (BFA) designation. Behavioral financial advisors combine financial knowledge with psychology and neuroscience to increase their ability to coach clients in making rational, values-based decisions. Behavioral finance acknowledges that, while numbers are rational, people are not, which can make carrying out financial plans challenging for client and advisor alike. The BFA program was developed by Think 2 Perform to teach advisors to recognize their clients’ emotions and help them stick with their plans, even when those emotions run high. To earn the certification, advisors must complete two multi-part courses on behavioral finance, pass an online proctored exam, and complete 20 hours of continuing education to renew their status every two years. Little has been helping BMM clients build secure retirements for more than 20 years. He is a licensed financial advisor, a certified elder planning specialist, and now a behavioral financial advisor. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and economics from MCLA.

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Everette Anderson

Everette Anderson

At its annual S.T.A.R. Awards & Safety Banquet on Feb. 28 Peter Pan Bus Lines honored 11 of its 1 million-, 2 million-, 3 million-, and 4 million-mile motor-coach operators. The brightest star was Everette Anderson, who has been a Peter Pan motor-coach driver for 53 years, since May 1970. Anderson is the second motor-coach operator in the history of this country to be inducted into the National Safety Hall of Fame for driving 4 million miles without any accidents. The first inductee was Peter Pan motor-coach operator Ed Hope in 2017. Four million miles is the equivalent of 40 trips around the earth. Other Peter Pan motor-coach operators honored at the S.T.A.R. Awards included Thomas Reckner and Paul Boie for for 3 million miles; Phillandor Knight, Dave Kollisch, Wayne Soloman, and Anthony Wilson for 2 million miles; and Syed Bukhari, Edward Caouette, Frederick Perry, and Horace Wright for 1 million miles.

•••••

The Massachusetts State Lottery and the Boston Celtics recently honored Kashawn Sanders of Springfield as a Hero Among Us. Sanders uses the power of mentoring to help shape the future of today’s youth. Along with co-founder Tyrone Williams, Sanders established the Follow My Steps Foundation Inc., a nonprofit that provides mentoring programs, financial resources, and career and skill development to youth living in under-resourced communities throughout the Commonwealth. Through community service and a growing number of local events, Sanders is helping empower his students to give back to their own communities. In less than three years, his organization has devoted countless mentorship hours to more than 1,000 students, inspiring each of them to see and reach their full potential. For his commitment to uplifting youth vulnerable communities through mentorship, and in honor of Bill Russell’s legacy in the mentoring movement, Sanders was honored as a Hero Among Us on Feb. 12, when the Boston Celtics played the Memphis Grizzlies.

•••••

Henry Thomas

Henry Thomas

Henry Thomas, who presided over the Urban League of Springfield for almost a half-century, announced his retirement last week. “I have had the privilege to spend my entire career supporting the Springfield community and creating countless spaces where our community can thrive, grow, and achieve excellence,” he wrote in a letter announcing his decision. “My dream has always been to serve, and I am so honored to have spent my life’s work with a civil-rights organization dedicated to economic empowerment, equality, and social justice.” Thomas was named one of BusinessWest’s Difference Makers for 2023, and will be honored at a gala on April 27. He joined the Urban League in 1971 as youth coordinator. In 1974, at age 25, he became the nation’s youngest leader of a national Urban League affiliate. One of his key areas of focus throughout his career has been education, and not just through Urban League programs; he also served for 13 years on the UMass Amherst board of trustees — including two and a half years as board chair — and was a co-founder of New Leadership Charter School. Under his watch, Urban League initiatives have included include education and youth-development initiatives, as well as programs for economic and workforce development, health and wellness, and seniors. Also in the vein of education and workforce development, Thomas established Step Up Springfield, a teacher-development program in Springfield; is funding (along with his wife, Dee, a former teacher and principal herself) a $50,000 scholarship for Black youth from Springfield; and tackled a two-year assignment with the National Urban League as its vice president for Youth Development, with a primary focus of youth development within inner-city communities. Another one of Thomas’ successes was bringing Camp Atwater in North Brookfield — the oldest overnight camp for Black youth in the U.S. — back to life in 1980 after a period of dormancy. The camp celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2021.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

STCC Receives State Grants for Nursing, Tech Career Pathways

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) was recently awarded state grants to enhance a nursing partnership with Westfield State University and to start a STEM Tech Career Academy for high-school students at West Springfield High School and Veritas Prep Charter School. The Workforce Skills Cabinet — an alignment of state executive offices — awarded STCC a two-year, $600,000 Nursing Pathways Grant. The state funding will help STCC and Westfield State further develop synergies and clarify student pathways for their respective programs. Nursing students can obtain their associate degree in nursing from STCC and continue virtually, or on the STCC campus, as they pursue their bachelor’s degree from Westfield State. As a result of the grant, STCC students will see a reduction in time and cost to achieve their BSN from Westfield State. The Workforce Skills Cabinet also awarded a three-year, $1 million grant to start a STEM Tech Career Academy. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The $5 million announced in December for five new STEM Tech Career Academies across the state included one that partners STCC with West Springfield High School and Veritas Prep Charter School. The STEM Tech Career Academy focuses on healthcare, environmental and life sciences, and business and finance. The partnership will leverage existing innovation pathways and includes Baystate Eye Care Group, Each Moment We’re Alive, Walgreens, and Springfield Thunderbirds Hockey Club as industry partners. The STEM Tech Career Academy grant will help expand early college programs specifically for STEM courses and will help students explore STEM career pathways. STCC offers an innovation-pathway program for West Springfield High School students in their junior year. STCC’s work with Veritas includes students as early as ninth grade with the possibility of earning 60 college credits. The STEM Tech Career Academy will provide work-based learning opportunities with paid internships and capstone projects to students, said Pamela Westmoreland, director of Early College Initiatives at STCC. The goal is to increase the number of students who earn associate degrees or certificates.

 

Greenfield Company Rebrands, Expands as NE-XT Technologies

GREENFIELD — Valley Steel Stamp (VSS) was founded in 1971 by William Capshaw with two employees who made steel marking tools for local industries, particularly hand-tool companies. This week, the company, led by his son, Steve Capshaw, announced the launch of its new name, NE-XT Technologies, and a new website designed to define the contemporary capabilities of its team of more than 200 skilled engineers and machinists. Although the company has rebranded, it continues to focus on the precision machining of complex, close-tolerance components and assemblies for aerospace, defense, and other industrial applications. The rebrand goes much deeper than a new name, logo, and website. NE-XT was acquired by Jefferson River Capital in 2022, which allowed it to expand in terms of capabilities and its leadership team. That year, Richard Havighorst joined the team as chief financial officer and Katie Szelewicki as vice president of Human Resources.

 

 

Bay Path Nets $1 Million for Student Success Center

LONGMEADOW — U.S. Rep. Richard Neal joined Bay Path University President Sandra Doran to announce a $1 million earmark to launch a Student Success Center at the university. The allocation was made possible through Congressionally Direct Spending (CDS) from the Department of Education. Neal included funding for this project in the FY 2023 spending bill that was signed into law on Dec. 29, 2022. Funding will be used to complete the work to launch a new Student Success Center that will deliver holistic, coordinated, wraparound academic, financial, and career-development support services that are easily accessible 24/7, both online and on campus. The center will accommodate the needs of Bay Path’s diverse student populations, integrating its services into a student’s academic program through systematic communications and touchpoints throughout the undergraduate experience.

 

Big Y Donates Almost $44,000 to Local Breast-cancer Groups

SPRINGFIELD — (March 2, 2023) In order to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer, all Big Y supermarkets donated proceeds from their October initiative, “Partners of Hope,” to 32 breast-cancer support groups throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. This program reflects the partnership, commitment, and support of breast-cancer awareness and research that are so vital for many. Recipients in Western Mass. include Protect Our Breasts (Amherst), Holyoke Medical Center Women’s Center (Holyoke), the Pink Way (Ludlow), Survivor Journeys (Longmeadow), Cancer Connection (Northampton), Cooley Dickinson Hospital Women’s Health Care (Northampton), Berkshire Medical Center Women’s Imaging Center (Pittsfield), Baystate Health Foundation, Rays of Hope (Springfield), and Mercy Medical Center, Center for Breast Health (Springfield). Since 2007, Big Y has raised more than $2 million to support local breast-cancer initiatives.

 

Streetlight Financial Foundation Partners with Friends of Children

FLORENCE — Streetlight Financial Foundation announced that Friends of Children Inc. has been chosen as the recipient of its fundraising efforts for 2023. The foundation was created in 2022 from financial-services company Streetlight Financial. Founding partners Aaron Smith and Mark Vaclavicek recognized a need for a philanthropic effort that provides a positive financial impact to one cause or organization each year. Friends of Children, a Northampton-based 501(c)(3) dedicated to improving the lives of children and young adults impacted by foster care or juvenile-justice involvement, is the first recipient of the foundation’s annual fundraising initiative.

 

MDRT Foundation Awards $2,000 Grant to Girl Scouts

HOLYOKE — The MDRT Foundation has awarded a $2,000 grant to Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts (GSCWM) in support of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience and further its mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.The Million Dollar Round Table Foundation gives to charitable organizations worldwide, demonstrating the generosity, service, and impact of MDRT members. This year, the MDRT Foundation will award more than $1.6 million in MDRT member-endorsed grants to more than 300 charitable organizations worldwide. Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts was nominated for the MDRT grant by Amy Jamrog, CEO of the Jamrog Group and GSCWM board member. The Girl Scout Leadership Experience is a collection of engaging, challenging, and fun activities for girls to develop a strong sense of self, display positive values, seek challenges, learn from setbacks, form and maintain healthy relationships, and learn to identify and solve problems in their community.

 

LiftTruck Parts & Service Announces 35th Anniversary

WEST SPRINGFIELD — LiftTruck Parts & Service Inc., a local, family-owned business with locations in West Springfield and Brockton, announced its 35th business anniversary. For 35 years, LiftTruck has been a family-owned business providing cost-effective forklift sales, rentals, parts, and service to the Massachusetts, Cape Cod, Connecticut, and Rhode Island areas. The company offers a wide range of brands for sale, including BYD, Clark, Doosan, Heli Americas, and Komatsu, and is now also selling the new BYD lithium ion phosphate battery-powered forklift. The BYD lithium iron phosphate battery LiFePO4 has proven to be extremely safe, never losing structural integrity nor exploding. LiftTruck Parts & Service also offers both short- and long-term electric, LP, and gas forklift rentals with planned maintenance to keep customers’ business running smoothly. Its various service plans help clients monitor maintenance costs, hours of usage, equipment condition, and other factors that can affect forklift trucks’ on-the-job performance. LifeTruck provides service on all makes of forklifts, golf cars, pallet jacks, reach trucks, and stackers. LiftTruck is outfitted to manage all its clients’ material-handling equipment needs and meet clients’ service needs in a cost-effective manner.

 

BetMGM Supports Problem Gambling Awareness Month

SPRINGFIELD — BetMGM announced a new pledge to prominently feature responsible-gaming messages in its marketing and advertising campaigns beginning March 1, in alignment with the start of Problem Gambling Awareness Month. As part of the pledge, responsible-gaming messaging will be featured within BetMGM’s mobile app and within BetMGM advertisements ranging from billboard marketing to television, print, and radio ads across the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, responsible-gaming messages and banners will be incorporated into BetMGM’s digital and social platforms, as well as on property signage within physical BetMGM sportsbooks. Along that line, MGM Resorts, MGM Northfield Park, and BetMGM were well represented as sponsors at the 20th Ohio Problem Gambling Conference, held in Columbus last week. The event brought together leading gaming operators, researchers, and treatment professionals in an effort to generate problem-gambling awareness and education while discussing the impact of legalized sports betting in the state.

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.

EAST LONGMEADOW

CE Springfield Inc., 194 Elm St., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Gregory Burack, same. Restaurant.

HAMPDEN

Tranquil Mindz Inc., 137 East Longmeadow Road, Hampden, MA 01036. Zachary Geissler, same. Therapy services.

HOLYOKE

Deerfield Commercial Real Estate Inc., 1611 Northampton St. 1st Floor, Holyoke, MA 01040. Timothy Thompson, same. Commercial real estate brokerage services.

LONGMEADOW

208 Shaker Clean Energy Inc., 208 Shaker Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Christopher I. Scyocurka, same. Sale and installation of solar energy systems.

Wolf Swamp Road Elementary Parent Teacher Organization Inc., 62 Wolf Swamp Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Haley Miner, 259 Inverness Lane, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Corporation organized to support the education at Wolf Swamp Road Elementary School in Longmeadow, MA.

PITTSFIELD

Berkshire Access Realty Inc., 12 Ventura Ave., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Mary Jane Dunlop, same. Real estate/brokerage firm.

Gem Technologies Holdings Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Federico Marchese, same. Building a decentralized social media app that aims to encourage deeper and more numerous interactions between content creators and fans.

Hayden Ai Technologies Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Chris Carson, same. Pioneering smart traffic enforcement.

Princeton Labor Day Committee Inc., 82 Wendell Ave. Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Committee.
Dale Stafford, PO Box 608, Princeton, MA 01541. To organize and run the annual Chandler Bullock Memorial Labor Day tennis tournament in Princeton, Mass., and to solicit donations from the community to pay for any costs associated with the tournament.

SOUTH HADLEY

Minmin Kitchen Inc., 532 Newton St., South Hadley, MA 01075. Chunjin Chen, 23 Dallaire Ave. Chicopee, MA 01020. Food service.

SPRINGFIELD

JF Bazaar Inc., 932 Worthington St., Springfield, MA 01105. Muhammad Bilal, 71 East School St. West Springfield, MA 01089. Supermarket.

Junza Productions Inc., 181 State St., Springfield, MA 01103. Thalia Mwanilelo, same. Music production and travel blogs.

WILBRAHAM

Rooney Insurance & Financial Inc., 2341 Boston Road, Wilbraham, MA 01095. Sean Rooney, same. Insurance agent and broker, financial planning, and investment services.

WILLIAMSTOWN

OM Mini Mart Inc., 824 Simonds Road, Williamstown, MA 01267. Switi Patel, 10 Depot Street Housatonic, MA 01236. Convenience store.

Tdiyou Incorporated, 20 Chestnut St., Williamstown, MA 01267. Timothy Andenmatten, same. The purpose of the corporation is to carry out the propaganda, or otherwise attempt to influence legislation, and the corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and/or trade names were issued or renewed during the month of February 2023.

BELCHERTOWN

A&E Partnership
10 Meadow Pond Road
Olena Boryssenko, Anatoliy Boryssenko

Aaron Guimond Electrician
501 South Washington St.
Aaron Guimond

Beauty of Orchids LLC
1 Main St.
Charisma Som

Belmont Driving School
1 Main St., Suite E
Michael O’Rourke

Feathers & Fur Pet Care Services LLC
589 Federal St.
Peggy McLeod, Robert McLeod

The Gathering Station
7 Overlook Dr.
Nicole Senecal

Hampshire Myotherapy
145 Old Amherst Road
Robert Andersen

LLR 2000
281 Chauncey Walker St., #176E
Lisa Ducharme

Magic Catering
25 Cedar Glen Dr.
Gary Majka, Mary Majka

EASTHAMPTON

Allways Painting
17 Prospect St., #3
Jesse Ferriter

Bits & Bobs
243 Loudville Road
Eva Cappelli

Erin Binney Editorial
27 Zabek Dr.
Erin Binney

Hitchcock Strength and Fitness
124 Cottage St., Apt. A
Stefan Hitchcock

Mechanical Heating & Air Cooling Quality
9 Clinton St.
Sam Om

Soufully Nourishing
116 Pleasant St., Suite 320
Christabeth Ingold

Walgreens #17980
32 Union St.
Walgreen Eastern Co. Inc.

Wemelco Industries
19 Wemelco Way
Christos Christodoulou

SOUTH HADLEY

Comicspa
27 Michael Dr.
Jeffrey Newman

New England Old World Antiquities
41 River Road
New England Old World Antiquities

Nicholls Home Improvement
38½ North Main St.
William Nicholls

The South Hadley Suite
15 College View Heights
Lynn Williams

Stop and Go
4 Bardwell St.
S&A Corp.

 

WESTFIELD

Bristol Street Engineering Design LLC
69 Bristol St.
Blake Croteau

Katie Howard
94 Elm St.
Katie Howard

Mi Ranchito Tex Mex Restaurant
69 Franklin St.
Mejias LLC

On Electrical Solutions
37 Sunrise Ter.
Alden Chisholm

Saeta Construction
5 DuBois St.
Jose Saeta

Salina’s Suspension Training
33 Winding Ridge Lane
Salina Sarat

Sigma Mattress
74 Franklin St.
Vladimir Vilkhovoy

Suave
127 Sackett Road
Jayden Leighty

Westfield Shell
259 North Elm St.
Sirdar Investment Group LLC

What Dreams May Come
29 Vine St.
Brian Grady

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

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

Arsenault, Lauren Alyssa
84 Eastwood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/06/2023

Boileau, Donna
38 Inward Commons
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/14/2023

Bray, Jonathan Hitchcock
26 South Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/12/2023

Chase, Robert E.
Chase, Kathleen N.
45 Cleveland St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/10/2023

Chernick, Robert A.
53 White Birch Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/15/2023

Dillon, John M.
309 Deerfield St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/09/2023

Hartnett, Debra A.
199 Meadow St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/15/2023

Hashtag Positivity, LLC
Cain, Jonas
Toutant, Jonas
245 Sargeant St., Apt. 1L
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/07/2023

HENRYS REAL ESTATE LLC
Henry, Keino O.
32 Beaumont Ter., Apt.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/14/2023

Kiernan, John C.
Kiernan, Michelle Lee
a/k/a Williams, Michelle
54 Bel Air Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/31/2023

Mackay, Deborah F.
51 Danek Dr., Apt. B
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/30/2023

Malfino, Joseph David
350 West St., Lot 40
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/31/2023

Murphy, William F.
60 Saint Lawrence Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/14/2023

Ouellette, Yvette
a/k/a Nichols, Yvette
a/k/a Hitchcock, Yvette Duval
a/k/a Duval, Yvette
1449 County Road
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/14/2023

Pare, Lucie
24 Bither St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/07/2023

Ping, Sokhom
93 Davenport St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/31/2023

Robbins, Michelle J.
42 Quarry Hill
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/15/2023

Roman, Juan A.
Rooke, Rebecca L.
108 Court St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/31/2023

Scibelli, Andrea M.
62 Spence St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/31/2023

Spear, Raymond Anthony
138 Nonotuck St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/31/2023

Tsavidis, Konstantinos
366 Granville Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7

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

GILL

25 Riverview Dr.
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Christopher M. Duprey
Seller: Michael R. Duprey
Date: 02/17/23

GREENFIELD

47 Norwood St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $396,000
Buyer: Danica Hochstetler
Seller: John B. Glabach
Date: 02/10/23

LEVERETT

15 Chestnut Hill Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $620,000
Buyer: Roger P. Zimmerman
Seller: 15 Chestnut Hill Road TR
Date: 02/15/23

MONTAGUE

357 East River St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $309,900
Buyer: Michael Turner
Seller: Dylan Haughton
Date: 02/09/23

7-9 Federal St.
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $311,661
Buyer: Steven A. Carra
Seller: Benjamin C. Miller
Date: 02/15/23

ORANGE

97 Adams St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Steven D. Swift
Seller: Mark R. Monette
Date: 02/15/23

48 Camp Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Andrew P. Kuppermann
Seller: Nelson J. Bezio
Date: 02/15/23

12 Chase St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Homestead Real Estate Investment LLC
Seller: Arthur D. Johnson
Date: 02/16/23

75 Mechanic St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $173,000
Buyer: Jarad May
Seller: Starr, Erick Armstrong, (Estate)
Date: 02/15/23

501 Oxbow Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $595,000
Buyer: Tina H. Benali
Seller: Alan E. Leblanc
Date: 02/14/23

78 Shelter St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $278,000
Buyer: Tracy Fisher
Seller: Brody M. Cullen
Date: 02/17/23

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

40 Bowles Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $1,250,000
Buyer: 40 Bowles Road LLC
Seller: Stage Harbor Realty LLC
Date: 02/06/23

649 Cooper St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $327,000
Buyer: Aleksandr A. Goleneva
Seller: Vivian M. Lyons
Date: 02/17/23

485-487 Corey St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Sunflower Homes LLC
Seller: Diane D. Jeserski
Date: 02/17/23

487 Corey St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Sunflower Homes LLC
Seller: Diane D. Jeserski
Date: 02/17/23

88 Franklin St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $246,000
Buyer: Nadezhda Belyshev
Seller: Charette, Jr. Wayne M., (Estate)
Date: 02/16/23

24 Horsham Place
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Anna Meassick
Seller: Richard E. Strawn
Date: 02/09/23

70 Lealand Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $399,900
Buyer: Mitchell J. Sparrow
Seller: Anthony E. Heim
Date: 02/09/23

103 Lealand Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $308,000
Buyer: Carrie A. Pouliot
Seller: Anthony Surrette
Date: 02/10/23

17 Merrill Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Timothy R. Roy
Seller: Wendy F. Preston
Date: 02/10/23

955 River Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Jonathan Alicea
Seller: Telman K. Bilalov
Date: 02/09/23

133 Silver St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Betty Bonavita
Seller: Michael T. O’Connor
Date: 02/10/23

416 Silver St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Nathan M. Colson
Seller: Roy, Michael Paul, (Estate)
Date: 02/13/23

123 South St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $193,036
Buyer: Reverse Mortgage Funding LLC
Seller: Laureen R. Bruso
Date: 02/06/23

CHESTER

Blandford Road
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $762,000
Buyer: USA
Seller: Neil F. Toomey
Date: 02/17/23

CHICOPEE

51 Captain Mac St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Skyspec LLC
Seller: William A. Jaaskelainen
Date: 02/13/23

20 Carew St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $274,000
Buyer: William P. Boutin
Seller: Lee McDonald
Date: 02/13/23

310 Dale St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $409,000
Buyer: Lekim H. Phan
Seller: Ma Home Buyers LLC
Date: 02/17/23

4 Daniel Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $151,000
Buyer: Luis Sumba
Seller: Cascade Funding Mortgage Trust HB5
Date: 02/15/23

8 Dwight Ter.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: H&P Investments LLC
Seller: HSB Investments LLC
Date: 02/16/23

86 Haven Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $168,500
Buyer: RG East Street LLC
Seller: Lavigne, Richard R., (Estate)
Date: 02/17/23

725 Lombard Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Timothy W. Yucka
Seller: Emi Investments LLC
Date: 02/16/23

872 Meadow St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: La Cunca LLC
Seller: Ramona M. Romero
Date: 02/10/23

22 Monroe St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Aida D. Tejada
Seller: Michael A. Ruyffelaert
Date: 02/06/23

60 Pennsylvania Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Keith A. Arvanitis
Seller: Krista L. Langlois
Date: 02/15/23

1 Saint James Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $2,380,000
Buyer: Walgreen Eastern Co. Inc.
Seller: PJC Of Rhode Island Inc.
Date: 02/13/23

EAST LONGMEADOW

331 Elm St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $343,650
Buyer: Tyler Stuhr
Seller: Nilda D. Wotton
Date: 02/10/23

11 Hampden Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $242,500
Buyer: Ivan Donnelly
Seller: Commisso, Margaret, (Estate)
Date: 02/17/23

322 Prospect St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Yabela Rt
Seller: Peter Dimichele
Date: 02/17/23

12 Speight Arden
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $271,000
Buyer: David Robbins
Seller: Tho Le
Date: 02/07/23

HAMPDEN

234 Bennett Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $543,000
Buyer: Tommy J. Lee
Seller: Stoddard, Philip B., (Estate)
Date: 02/17/23

 

HOLLAND

171 Mashapaug Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Daniel C. Burns
Seller: Robert M. Muscaro
Date: 02/17/23

Over The Top Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Allen J. Brauns
Seller: William Cromack
Date: 02/13/23

HOLYOKE

25 Breton Lane
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Amanda L. Garcia
Seller: Resi Credit
Date: 02/15/23

167 Chestnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: LLC General Construction Corp.
Seller: Joseph C. Cox
Date: 02/17/23

115 Clemente St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: ATS Properties LLC
Seller: 115 Clemente Street LLC
Date: 02/17/23

44 Congress Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $141,000
Buyer: Pedro Berrios
Seller: Forrette, Lester E., (Estate)
Date: 02/14/23

17-19 Dexter St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Ayannayh J. Cruz
Seller: Angel L. Garcia
Date: 02/10/23

26 Edbert Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $257,000
Buyer: Ryan Partridge
Seller: Jennifer Bonnano
Date: 02/06/23

232 Elm St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $214,000
Buyer: John R. Treworgy
Seller: Raymond A. Spear
Date: 02/13/23

2 Ernest Lane
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $339,000
Buyer: Nilda D. Wotton
Seller: Diane Delrosario
Date: 02/16/23

155 Fairmont St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Commonwealth Of Mass.
Seller: Alyssa R. Sampson
Date: 02/08/23

313 Linden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Michael A. Quinones
Seller: AVI Holdings LLC
Date: 02/17/23

81 North East St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $182,500
Buyer: Raleigh RT
Seller: Croteau, Gerard R., (Estate)
Date: 02/06/23

45 Parker St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $269,000
Buyer: Karla Gerliep
Seller: JJJ17 LLC
Date: 02/13/23

3 Parkview Ter.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: General Enterprise LLC
Seller: Catherine J. Morse
Date: 02/17/23

32 Rhode Island St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Baron Maruca
Seller: Michael K. Gallagher
Date: 02/13/23

12 Wayne Court
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $236,000
Buyer: Johnny Acevedo
Seller: McDevitt, Eloise, (Estate)
Date: 02/14/23

327 Westfield Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $238,000
Buyer: David P. Crichton
Seller: Charles L. Vatter
Date: 02/17/23

LONGMEADOW

36 Belleclaire Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Structured Asset Mortgage Investments II
Seller: Patrick Ireland
Date: 02/06/23

43 Maple Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Zachary C. Bell
Seller: Bruno M. Gallerani
Date: 02/06/23

LUDLOW

60 Aldo Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Sandra Q. Fernandes
Seller: Diane Murphy
Date: 02/17/23

60 Blanchard Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Healthy Neighborhood Group LLC
Seller: Veteran Stan LLC
Date: 02/09/23

151 Bondsville Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $389,900
Buyer: Stephen C. Johnson
Seller: Keem LLC
Date: 02/17/23

449 Holyoke St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $289,500
Buyer: Sean P. Garvey
Seller: Donna M. Guertin
Date: 02/17/23

275 Miller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $263,000
Buyer: Nolan M. Rosa
Seller: Kelly Butler
Date: 02/15/23

69 Old Coach Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Julia J. Barrett
Seller: Brian Dooley
Date: 02/10/23

12 Pleasantview St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $375,900
Buyer: Kelly Morin
Seller: P&E Properties Inc.
Date: 02/10/23

38 Stivens Ter.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Harry V. Mills
Seller: Revampit LLC
Date: 02/07/23

MONSON

4 Crest Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Jessica M. Murray
Seller: Cheryl A. Aiken
Date: 02/17/23

344 Stafford Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Maureen M. Pilon
Seller: Dan L. Newberry
Date: 02/13/23

50 Thayer Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $232,500
Buyer: Ronald T. Chamberlin
Seller: Wayne A. Jasmin
Date: 02/06/23

85 Upper Palmer Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Samantha Pond
Seller: Argolica LLC
Date: 02/06/23

PALMER

4129 Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Sheila Sullivan
Seller: Ryan A. Marriott
Date: 02/07/23

1011-1013 Maple St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Tucker C. Alfreds
Seller: Rourke, Laurette Irene, (Estate)
Date: 02/13/23

1730 North Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $254,900
Buyer: Victoria Saladyga
Seller: Dan L. Newberry
Date: 02/13/23

4026 Pleasant St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Jacqueline Dieppa
Seller: Helena Paez
Date: 02/08/23

395-A Wilbraham St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Paul Ireland
Seller: Joel Wall
Date: 02/10/23

SPRINGFIELD

1023 Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Maria T. Rodriguez
Seller: Noor K. Naji
Date: 02/07/23

1145 Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Ericka Vance
Seller: Dhana Pradhan
Date: 02/17/23

116 Ambrose St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $295,500
Buyer: Ru J. Jhao
Seller: Aziz Salem
Date: 02/07/23

203 Ambrose St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $295,500
Buyer: Ru J. Jhao
Seller: Aziz Salem
Date: 02/07/23

139 Balboa Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $187,836
Buyer: Rocket Mortgage LLC
Seller: Gina Hawk
Date: 02/06/23

58 Blaine St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Equity Trust Co.
Seller: Sherry Scagliarini
Date: 02/07/23

1293 Bradley Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $272,000
Buyer: Victor Ramirez
Seller: Jessica Spiece
Date: 02/08/23

26 Brewster St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Irene Y. Guzman
Seller: John Oliveri
Date: 02/17/23

1026 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Aida Flores-Delgado
Seller: Ushokoledi RT
Date: 02/17/23

36-38 Chapel St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Ovidio A. Bravo-Soto
Seller: Justin C. Ngendakumana
Date: 02/08/23

181-187 Chestnut St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $960,000
Buyer: 181 Chestnut LLC
Seller: 181 Chestnut LLC
Date: 02/09/23

585 Chestnut St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $273,000
Buyer: Kevin M. Perez-Delgado
Seller: Mercedes Delgado
Date: 02/06/23

5 County St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $136,500
Buyer: Fallah Razzak
Seller: Bankunited
Date: 02/16/23

43 Dorchester St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Dianne Nieves-Rodriguez
Seller: RM Blerman LLC
Date: 02/17/23

52-54 Draper St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Jjj17 LLC
Seller: Wayne Perla
Date: 02/17/23

253 Draper St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Derek A. Birriel
Seller: Alycar Investments LLC
Date: 02/15/23

259 Draper St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Dong H. Nguyen
Seller: Hoa P. Nguyen
Date: 02/13/23

49-51 Dubois St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Jeanette Enriquez
Seller: Kevin J. Czaplicki
Date: 02/10/23

137 Feltham Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $243,900
Buyer: Noel Y. Soto
Seller: McCarthy, Maureen, (Estate)
Date: 02/15/23

143 Gilbert Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Kathryn P. Merchand
Seller: Scott A. Burns
Date: 02/06/23

40 Glendell Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Xiuyu Ma
Seller: Alonzo Williams
Date: 02/10/23

321 Grand Valley Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $365,900
Buyer: Wayne A. Jasmin
Seller: Craig David
Date: 02/07/23

247 Hanson Dr.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Aziz F. Salem
Seller: Brittney C. Patrie
Date: 02/07/23

137 Hartford Ter.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $180,075
Buyer: Sareen Properties LLC
Seller: Hud
Date: 02/14/23

90 Hartwick St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Quercus Properties LLC
Seller: Matthew Regan
Date: 02/16/23

52 Horrace St.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Xiuyu Ma
Seller: Alonzo Williams
Date: 02/10/23

2-4 Johnson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Prestigious One LLC
Seller: Etabav RT
Date: 02/17/23

38 Johnson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Amber Tree LLC
Seller: Mediatrice Nizigama
Date: 02/13/23

166 Laurelton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Wiljanet Cornier
Seller: Papaoutai RR
Date: 02/09/23

23-25 Ledyard St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Alonzo Williams
Date: 02/08/23

192 Lucerne Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $190,400
Buyer: SRV Properties LLC
Seller: Iris C. Vargas
Date: 02/17/23

79 Lynebrook Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $324,900
Buyer: Dan L. Newberry
Seller: Stebbins, Keri, (Estate)
Date: 02/13/23

62 Malden St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Raeqawn C. Ramos
Seller: Anthony Cianflone
Date: 02/14/23

96 Mayfield St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $181,000
Buyer: Resi Credit
Seller: Jean I. Tranghese
Date: 02/07/23

71 Mayflower Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Jessica M. Rodriguez
Seller: Stevens, Susan, (Estate)
Date: 02/13/23

41 Mulberry St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Razzak Building LLC
Seller: Home Care VNA LLC
Date: 02/09/23

3-5 Noel St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Kyle D. Ollmann
Seller: RBT Enterprise LLC
Date: 02/10/23

231 Orange St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Sunstone RT
Seller: Etabav RT
Date: 02/15/23

393-395 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $305,678
Buyer: Samantha Pulley
Seller: Francisco J. Colon
Date: 02/17/23

5 Park Road
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Carl Baxter
Seller: Frantz, Gail Ann, (Estate)
Date: 02/13/23

163 Pendleton Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Emonni Bunch
Seller: RMAC T. Series 2016-CTT
Date: 02/15/23

59 Rockland St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $238,730
Buyer: Anthony Roncalli
Seller: William Pagonis
Date: 02/17/23

145 South Branch Pkwy.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $260,900
Buyer: Moncerrate Delgado
Seller: Mitchell, Oliver C., (Estate)
Date: 02/09/23

85-87 San Miguel St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $312,000
Buyer: Quest Wedderburn
Seller: Allan P. Scully
Date: 02/06/23

122 School St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Cindy Mercedes
Seller: Hedge Hog Industries Corp.
Date: 02/10/23

47 Sierra Vista Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $317,000
Buyer: Andrew Gove
Seller: Stephen Waite
Date: 02/10/23

80-82 Silver St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Ml Salem Holdings Inc.
Seller: Diplomat Property Manager LLC
Date: 02/10/23

1427 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Tyler L. Henderson
Seller: Tammy A. Jarry
Date: 02/09/23

581 Tinkham Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $332,000
Buyer: Khalif Mohamed
Seller: Madeleine Cadorette
Date: 02/10/23

53 Treetop Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $247,000
Buyer: Jenna Frangiamore
Seller: Nicholas B. Commisso
Date: 02/10/23

57 Vail St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $241,250
Buyer: Brian Sheridan
Seller: James A. Corbino
Date: 02/17/23

99 Venture Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: William Raleigh
Seller: Kenton R. Florian
Date: 02/16/23

68-70 Wallace St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Erick C. Weber
Seller: Ramon Rivera
Date: 02/09/23

229 Walnut St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Elvis A. Presinal
Seller: Naylor Nation Real Estate LLC
Date: 02/10/23

111 Warrenton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $234,628
Buyer: Forethought Life Insurance
Seller: Yolanda Rivas-Torres
Date: 02/10/23

102 Westford Circle
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $252,500
Buyer: Michael A. Acevedo
Seller: Clara J. Bunn TR
Date: 02/17/23

99 White St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $250,100
Buyer: Julio Infante-Adon
Seller: Hindio S. Ali
Date: 02/17/23

748-750 Whittier St.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: H&P Investments LLC
Seller: HSB Investments LLC
Date: 02/16/23

SOUTHWICK

44 Birchwood Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Rebecca F. Vanossenbruggen
Seller: Stephen Werman
Date: 02/09/23

WALES

8 Polly Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Susan M. Commisso
Seller: Brandon J. Wettlaufer
Date: 02/10/23

WESTFIELD

60 Arnold St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Koral Arzate
Seller: Wilbraham Builders Inc.
Date: 02/17/23

6 Ellis St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $351,000
Buyer: Matthew R. Wilcox
Seller: Jeffrey L. Arps
Date: 02/17/23

991 Granville Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $294,000
Buyer: Gregory J. Depietro
Seller: Thomas Szatrowski
Date: 02/15/23

3 Long Pond Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Karen E. Bossi
Seller: John H. Thomas
Date: 02/13/23

68 Meadow St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $136,000
Buyer: William M. Adamczyk
Seller: Surprenant, Hilda, (Estate)
Date: 02/06/23

456 North Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $163,500
Buyer: Andrey Agapov
Seller: Magerick LLC
Date: 02/06/23

80 Union St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $253,000
Buyer: Caleb P. Murray
Seller: Jason J. Schrecke
Date: 02/15/23

89 White St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $212,500
Buyer: Sohair Arno
Seller: Bals Properties LLC
Date: 02/10/23

WILBRAHAM

32 3 Rivers Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Sean M. Sullivan
Seller: Nowakowski, William R., (Estate)
Date: 02/13/23

12 Brooklawn Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Todd D. Heald
Seller: J. R. Lachance
Date: 02/16/23

30 Burleigh Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Aldd Real Estate LLC
Seller: Kathleen A. Smedberg
Date: 02/14/23

50 Burleigh Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Aldd Real Estate LLC
Seller: Kathleen A. Smedberg
Date: 02/14/23

1 Craigwood Ter.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Jason T. Dinelle
Seller: Aldo Properties LLC
Date: 02/17/23

5 Daniele Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $269,000
Buyer: Erica Serrazina
Seller: Jeannette G. Bond
Date: 02/17/23

Glendale Road Lot 3D
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Joseph M. Boyle
Seller: Lomascolo FT
Date: 02/17/23

5 Harness Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: Deepak Lewis
Seller: Andrew P. Kuppermann
Date: 02/15/23

868 Main St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Aldd Real Estate LLC
Seller: Kathleen A. Smedberg
Date: 02/14/23

10 Meadowview Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $344,000
Buyer: Blaine M. Bolduc
Seller: Richard Corsi
Date: 02/17/23

23 Rochford Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Martin Musiak
Seller: Golden Gorillas LLC
Date: 02/07/23

109 Silver St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $652,000
Buyer: Lisa A. Massie
Seller: Lost Sailor RT
Date: 02/08/23

449 Springfield St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Richard D. Carpenter
Seller: Catharine Stevens
Date: 02/15/23

WEST SPRINGFIELD

28 Apricot Hill Lane
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $565,000
Buyer: Matthew C. Lyons
Seller: Jeannine G. Sullivan TR
Date: 02/17/23

15 East School St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $239,900
Buyer: Blackrock SH Group LLC
Seller: Wicked Deals LLC
Date: 02/10/23

120 Rogers Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Dean D. Dewey
Seller: Kelly M. Maslanka
Date: 02/15/23

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

107 Concord Way
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $830,000
Buyer: Margaret Stratton
Seller: Ke Yang
Date: 02/17/23

30 Dana Place
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $1,500,000
Buyer: Matthew S. Goldberg
Seller: Matthew Dufresne
Date: 02/07/23

104 Dana St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $844,500
Buyer: Ethan Todras-Whitehill
Seller: David E. Huber
Date: 02/14/23

57 Lindenridge Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $775,000
Buyer: Sara M. Young
Seller: G. W. Furnas RET
Date: 02/15/23

S Middle St. Lot 6
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Loren Christiansen
Seller: South Middle Street Inc.
Date: 02/16/23

BELCHERTOWN

25 Hemlock Hollow
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Thomas Crossman
Seller: Karen E. Regis
Date: 02/17/23

25 Sycamore Circle
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $561,625
Buyer: Richard C. Royce
Seller: J. N. Duquette & Son Construction
Date: 02/08/23

EASTHAMPTON

17 Beechwood Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $325,100
Buyer: Lisa E. Kay
Seller: Karen J. Harvey FT
Date: 02/15/23

6 Hill Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Stephen C. Robinson
Seller: Michael J. Doherty
Date: 02/10/23

16 Lyman St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Canal Real Estate LLC
Seller: Cheryl A. Thomas-Camp
Date: 02/15/23

23 Mount Tom Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Veteran Stan LLC
Seller: Alfred J. Albano
Date: 02/10/23

65 Phelps St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Linda L. Gebo
Date: 02/10/23

7 Riley St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $309,900
Buyer: Lloyd N. Kvam
Seller: Gail M. Myrick
Date: 02/17/23

61 West St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Margaret M. O’Neill
Seller: Jesse R. Casinghino
Date: 02/10/23

 

GOSHEN

16 Overlook Road
Goshen, MA 01032
Amount: $198,750
Buyer: Bank Of America
Seller: Louise F. Richard
Date: 02/08/23

GRANBY

94 Batchelor St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Brett D. Lord
Seller: Josephine A. Zgrodnik IRT
Date: 02/14/23

96-R Batchelor St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Brett D. Lord
Seller: Josephine A. Zgrodnik IRT
Date: 02/14/23

Pleasant St., Lot 1
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Andrew Urbanski
Seller: Christina M. Boucher
Date: 02/13/23

82 Pleasant St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Chandara Phy
Seller: Fabio A. Cardoso
Date: 02/16/23

HADLEY

3 Birchmeadow Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $672,014
Buyer: Roxanne Schneider
Seller: John T. Sibley
Date: 02/08/23

4 Colony Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $959,850
Buyer: Kristin L. Smith
Seller: Bercume Construction LLC
Date: 02/17/23

NORTHAMPTON

160 Nonotuck St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $263,000
Buyer: Jessica T. Wei
Seller: Richard C. Weis
Date: 02/15/23

2 Prospect Court
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Prospect Court LLC
Seller: Mill River Ventures Inc.
Date: 02/07/23

4 Prospect Court
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Prospect Court LLC
Seller: Mill River Ventures Inc.
Date: 02/07/23

101 Riverside Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Robert V. O’Brien
Seller: David Goldstone
Date: 02/16/23

HUNTINGTON

69 Bromley Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $233,440
Buyer: North American Savings Bank
Seller: Mark R. Scott
Date: 02/10/23

NORTHAMPTON

48 Bates St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $780,000
Buyer: Forty-Eight Bates LLC
Seller: Jonathan A. Wright
Date: 02/09/23

356 Chesterfield Road
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $327,250
Buyer: Elliot Ezcurra
Seller: Breguet, Patricia A., (Estate)
Date: 02/10/23

171 King St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $5,250,000
Buyer: Cosenzi Auto Realty LP
Seller: Don Lia
Date: 02/09/23

187 King St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $5,250,000
Buyer: Cosenzi Auto Realty LP
Seller: Don Lia
Date: 02/09/23

Milton St. Lot B
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Nu-Way Homes Inc.
Seller: Stacy L. Page
Date: 02/10/23

SOUTH HADLEY

44 Carew St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Joshua D. Jacobson
Seller: Marek J. Socha
Date: 02/17/23

79 College St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Azam Khan
Seller: Trustees Of Mt. Holyoke College
Date: 02/06/23

369 Granby Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Brian Dooley
Seller: Joanne Hay
Date: 02/10/23

573 Granby Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $2,726,000
Buyer: South Hadley Property Holdings LLC
Seller: Properties Reddy Family I
Date: 02/09/23

573 Granby Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $9,000,000
Buyer: South Hadley Property Holdings LLC
Seller: Vantage Care S. Hadley Realty
Date: 02/08/23

573 Granby Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $2,726,000
Buyer: Properties Of Reddy Family
Seller: South Hadley Property Holdings LLC
Date: 02/09/23

SOUTHAMPTON

6 Bluemer Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Carol A. Childers
Seller: Donald W. Fanska
Date: 02/06/23

36 College Hwy.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Daniel J. Regan
Seller: Penny S. Lambert
Date: 02/06/23

WARE

42 Dunham Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Mark Rovezzi
Seller: Meiling Shi
Date: 02/06/23

WESTHAMPTON

14 Pine Island Lake
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $220,439
Buyer: RMAC TR
Seller: Nicholas S. Divenere
Date: 02/17/23

44 Pine Island Lake
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Nancy Whalen-Viola
Seller: Janna V. Ugone
Date: 02/09/23

348 Southampton Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: David W. Kelley
Seller: Kimberly A. Pedigo
Date: 02/07/23

White Lion Brewing Co. Recognizes Holyoke’s Sesquicentennial with Special Release

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The city of Holyoke, known as Paper City, is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. White Lion Brewing Co. collaborated with the city of Holyoke, Explore Holyoke, regional design firm TSM, and Holyoke Craft Beer to create a commemorative label and beer release to celebrate the rich history of the city during its sesquicentennial. Holyoke 150, an American lager, will be released during the annual Holyoke Road Race on Saturday, March 18. Holyoke 150 will be also available at special events and local accounts throughout 2023.

“White Lion has a history of working with the city of Holyoke and stakeholders,” said Ray Berry, president of White Lion. “Last summer, it joined city partners to activate Armour Yard with a summer beer garden. The collective effort created an exciting experience to the emerging city’s portfolio of special events. We have been keeping an eye on Holyoke for quite some time; it has great leadership, passionate stakeholders, and an incredible history. It is positioned to make a major impact in the region as a true destination on so many levels. We are a community-committed brewery that is excited to play a part in the city’s festivities and showcase its pride.”

Aaron Vega, Holyoke’s director of Planning & Economic Development, added that “we’re excited to be partnering with White Lion and to see this partnership with our own Paper City Beer. To have the official unveiling of the commemorative label at this year’s St Patrick’s Road Race and 70th parade is a perfect fit. As co-chair of the 150th Committee, being able to bring Ray’s passion and excitement for beer and community to Holyoke as part of our 150th celebration is a true honor.”

Tech Foundry Announces Seven New Hires, Promotions

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Tech Foundry, a regional leader in IT workforce development and training, announced the hiring of three new staff members as well as four promotions, which will allow the organization to double the number of participants served annually.

Henry Alston was hired as Tech Foundry’s Service-Learning coordinator. In this role, he will be responsible for implementing the organization’s new service-learning pilot program in collaboration with Mass Humanities’ Clemente Course in the Humanities. He is a tech and wellness enthusiast with career experience in sales, marketing, and project coordination. After attaining his bachelor’s degree from Lincoln University in Oxford, Pa. in 2015, he went on to graduate from the University of Louisville with his MBA in 2020. He is a Tech Foundry alum.

Phillip Borras is Tech Foundry’s Career Readiness and Recruitment coordinator, a new role created to provide focused support and mentoring to student members. His diverse experience as a professional speaker, comedian, and life coach allows him to successfully teach and support Tech Foundry participants as a career coach during and after the program.

Jessica Cogoli has been promoted to assistant instructor. She is a Tech Foundry alum and has been working closely with the organization since she graduated, both as a volunteer and a TA for its IT-support training program. She is currently enrolled at Holyoke Community College and will graduate with an associate degree in computer science in the spring.

Marie-Ange Delimon, a Tech Foundry alum, has been promoted to manager of Community Impact for the organization. In this role, she oversees external partnerships and community engagement, including managing internship and job-placement programs as well as partnerships with a variety of nonprofit organizations throughout Western Mass. Previously, she served as Tech Foundry’s manager of Workforce Development. She is a graduate of a variety of medical-training programs and holds an MD degree from Université Notre Dame d’Haïti.

Johannes Romatka has been promoted to manager of Instruction and Curriculum. Previously an instructor at Tech Foundry, he has a diverse background in information technology, including training and network support. Prior to joining Tech Foundry, he worked in a training role for internal IT-support staff at U.S. Bank.

Linh Tran joined Tech Foundry in February as the organization’s new Administrative and Marketing coordinator, where she will support development, program, and communication initiatives. Originally from Vietnam, she has been studying and working in Massachusetts for almost 10 years. She is an experienced management professional with a diverse background in nonprofit, retail, legal, and insurance organizations, and is a graduate of Tech Foundry’s IT-support training program.

Michelle Wilson was hired as Tech Foundry’s manager of Administration and Operations in September and was recently promoted to deputy director, a position that encompasses a variety of duties, including overall operations management, fundraising, and marketing. Her background includes more than 17 years in nonprofit management, with roles at a national membership organization in San Francisco, a globally recognized mentoring program, an independent school in Seattle, and a state humanities council. She is a graduate of Lafayette College in Easton, Pa. and holds a master’s degree in public administration from San Francisco State University.

“It’s very exciting to see Tech Foundry’s growth and expanded impact,” CEO Tricia Canavan said. “We are grateful to our funders and donors, as well as to our partners in the community, which are supporting the expansion of our program to benefit more residents and organizations throughout the region.”

Riverside Industries Adds Four New Board Members

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Daily News

EASTHAMPTON — Riverside Industries Inc. (RSI) announced that four new members have joined its board of directors to help support its mission to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live rich and full lives.

“I’m especially excited to see such a talented group of volunteers join our board as we continue in this current phase of organizational growth,” said Lynn Ireland, president and CEO of RSI. “As our organization battles through the lagging impacts of the pandemic, we are actively expanding our programs and workforce to reach new clients. I will certainly draw on the diverse personal and professional experiences of our board members in pursuit of that effort.”

All four of the new board members began their three-year term with RSI effective March 2023. They include Tara Brewster, vice president of Business Development and director of Philanthropy at Greenfield Savings Bank; Jeff Palm, partner and chief operating officer at Global Educators Inc.; Melissa Peters; Human Resource generalist for Fiducient Advisors; and Teremar Rodriguez-Vazquez, assistant general counsel at Health New England.

“Personally, I am thrilled to welcome the new members to our board and look forward to working alongside them as we address Riverside’s most pressing needs,” said Melissa Pike, who has chaired the RSI board since 2021. “Each of these new members brings a unique talent, skill, and perspective to the table. With their input, we immediately add a breadth of knowledge and technical skill that will be immensely helpful as we plot Riverside’s strategic goals for the future.

“On behalf of the board, I want to also express our gratitude to Jan Carhart, Jane Curran, and Silas Kopf, who have each concluded their service as valued members of the board,” Pike added. “All three have provided unflinching support for many years and across multiple terms on the board. We look forward to their continued volunteer involvement in other areas of RSI’s operations.”

To learn more about RSI and read new board member bios, visit www.rsi.org/news-events.

Sustainability Leaders to Discuss Carbon Emission Reductions from Buildings

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Daily News

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Climate Action Network, Boston Society of Architects, and Carbon Leadership Forum Boston/Northeast Hub will co-host a virtual press briefing on why Massachusetts must reduce embodied carbon emissions from buildings on Tuesday, March 14 from 10 to 11 a.m. Buildings already are one of Massachusetts’ highest-emitting sectors, representing 27% of statewide emissions. Globally, more than 25% of the emissions from buildings come from building materials and the construction of buildings themselves.

The event organizers will be joined by Boston University Sustainability representatives and representatives from RMI’s Carbon-Free Buildings team to discuss what embodied carbon is and how other states are addressing embodied carbon. While Massachusetts leaders have made progress to reduce on-site emissions from buildings, the panel will discuss what steps local and state governments in Massachusetts can take to catch up to other states and decarbonize essential building materials such as steel and concrete while encouraging the use of low-carbon materials such as timber.

The panel will be available to answer questions around the embodied carbon from buildings, progress other states have made on reducing embodied carbon from buildings, and notable local building projects such as 11 East Lennox and the Boston University Center for Computing & Data Sciences that have demonstrated the feasibility and cost-competitiveness of sourcing low-carbon building materials. Advocates will also discuss how Massachusetts leaders can lead by example to accelerate the use of low-carbon materials in buildings and incorporate embodied carbon into Massachusetts climate policy.

Participants will include Logan Malik, interim executive director of Massachusetts Climate Action Network; Michelle Lambert from Lambert Sustainability; Andrea Love, president of the Boston Society of Architects; Rebecca Esau, manager at Carbon-Free Buildings, RMI; and Dennis Carlberg, associate vice president of Sustainability at Boston University

To register, click here or email Miranda D’Oleo at [email protected].

Massachusetts Unemployment Creeps Down in January

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Daily News

BOSTON — The state’s January total unemployment rate was 3.6%, down one-tenth of a percentage point from the revised December estimate of 3.7%, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) preliminary job estimates indicate Massachusetts gained 19,600 jobs in January. This follows December’s revised gain of 3,800 jobs. The largest over-the-month private-sector job gains were in education and health services; trade, transportation, and utilities; and leisure and hospitality. Employment now stands at 3,743,500. Since the employment trough in April 2020, Massachusetts has gained 681,900 jobs.

From January 2022 to January 2023, BLS estimates Massachusetts gained 117,200 jobs. The largest over-the-year gains occurred in professional, scientific, and business services; leisure and hospitality; and education and health services.

The January unemployment rate of 3.6% was two-tenths of a percentage point above the national rate of 3.4% reported by BLS.

The labor force increased by an estimated 3,900 from 3,726,400 in December, with 8,100 more residents employed and 4,200 fewer residents unemployed over-the-month. Over-the-year, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was down by 0.4%.

The state’s labor-force participation rate — the total number of residents 16 or older who worked or were unemployed and actively sought work in the last four weeks — increased by 0.1% to 64.8% over-the-month. Compared to January 2022, the labor-force participation rate was down five-tenths of a percentage point.

BetMGM Launches Mobile Sports Betting in Massachusetts

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — BetMGM, a leading sports-betting and iGaming operator, launched its mobile app in Massachusetts last week, giving customers access to a variety of online betting options and benefits tied to MGM Resorts’ ddestinations nationwide, including MGM Springfield.

“The debut of sports betting in Massachusetts has delivered an incredible amount of excitement and activity to our retail sportsbook at MGM Springfield,” BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt said. “We’re proud to expand our best-in-class wagering experience statewide during one of sports’ biggest months of action.”

The BetMGM app offers a user-friendly sports-betting platform experience, giving Massachusetts sports fans the ability to customize pre-game, live in-play, futures, and parlay wagers. Integration with MGM Rewards allows Massachusetts’s BetMGM users to redeem their gameplay for world-class experiences at MGM Resorts properties nationwide.

The mobile app complements MGM Springfield’s BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge that opened in January. The space features a 45-foot LED viewing wall and four betting windows, making it easy for guests to access a variety of sports-wagering options. The resort is home to 18 sports-betting kiosks located throughout the gaming area.

Chris Kelley, President of MGM Springfield, called the mobile app “an unprecedented opportunity for us to extend the MGM Resorts experience beyond our walls to connect with customers statewide while also improving the convenience and technology for our guests at the resort. From Boston to Amherst, fans can now be a part of the excitement with just a touch of the button that only BetMGM and MGM Springfield can deliver.”

As BetMGM continues to expand to new jurisdictions, responsible-gambling education remains a key focus. BetMGM provides resources to help customers play responsibly, including GameSense, an industry-leading program developed and licensed to MGM Resorts by the British Columbia Lottery Corpo. Through the integration within BetMGM’s mobile and desktop platforms, customers can receive the same GameSense experience they have grown to count on at MGM Resorts properties nationwide. This complements BetMGM’s already existing responsible-gambling tools that provide customers with an entertaining and safe digital experience.

Also, BetMGM and MGM Resorts are both partners with the American Gaming Assoc. (AGA) “Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly” public-service campaign to educate new and seasoned bettors on responsible, legal sports wagering. This announcement comes as BetMGM and MGM Resorts join the National Council on Problem Gambling in promoting Problem Gambling Awareness Month throughout March.

Shakespeare & Company to Offer Online Linklater Voice Series Starting March 20

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Daily News

LENOX — Shakespeare & Company’s Center for Actor Training will offer a six-session, online workshop titled “Linklater Voice: The Progression I,” beginning Monday, March 20.

Using the techniques set forth in Kristin Linklater’s practical approach to voice training — including from her book, Freeing the Natural Voice — students will explore the potential of voice as an actor or public speaker by creating connections between thoughts, body, and voice.

The workshop will be led by actor, teacher, and director Tom Giordano, a designated Linklater voice teacher and Shakespeare & Company artist who trained extensively with Linklater; and Andrea Haring, executive director of the Linklater Center for Voice and Language. Participants will delve into the Linklater method through various exercises designed to help them develop awareness of the alignment of the body, the natural rhythm of breath in response to the needs of the moment, and methods to explore and reduce the tensions that develop in the jaw, tongue, throat, and other areas of the body.

This workshop is scheduled to run from 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday evenings from March 20 through April 24. Tuition costs $250, and scholarships are available for BIPOC artists. Discounts are also available for training alumni members of acting unions and the Shakespeare Theatre Assoc. For more information or to apply, visit shakespeare.org or call (413) 637-1199, ext. 114.

BusinessTalk with Kelly McGiverin and Matt Bannister about the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade

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Business Talk Podcast Special Coverage

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

Go HERE to view all episodes

Episode 153: March 13, 2023

George interviews Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee Member and Sponsor, PeoplesBank

Kelly McGiverin

The Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade and road race are regional events steeped in history and tradition. On this next installment of BusinessTalk, BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien talks with Kelly McGiverin, Co-Marketing Director of Fundraising and Sponsorships for the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, and Matt Bannister, Senior Vice President Marketing and Corporate Responsibility for parade sponsor PeoplesBank, about parade week and what these events mean to the city and the region. It’s all must listening, so tune in to BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest and sponsored by PeoplesBank.

 

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Liberty Bank Foundation Donates $25,000 to Mercy’s Andy Yee Palliative Care Unit

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Mercy Medical Center announced that Liberty Bank Foundation has pledged a gift of $25,000 to the fundraising effort to create the Andy Yee Palliative Care Unit.

Following his cancer diagnosis, well-known restaurateur Andy Yee sought treatment at the Sister Caritas Cancer Center at Mercy Medical Center, where Yee and his family developed a strong relationship with his care team. Grateful for the high-quality, compassionate care Yee received until his passing in 2021, his wife, Sarah, approached hospital leaders about creating a space dedicated to palliative care for patients.

“At Liberty Bank, our mission is to improve the lives of our customers, teammates, and communities, not only by helping our customers reach their financial goals, but through other important ways we invest in our communities,” said David Glidden, president and CEO of Liberty Bank and president of the Liberty Bank Foundation. “The Andy Yee Palliative Care Unit underscores the need for this type of care in our communities and reinforces Mercy’s focus on helping patients living with a serious illness benefit from an improved quality of life for themselves and their family. Andy Yee was known for his generous and deep commitment to the community, and that unparalleled legacy will live on through this palliative-care unit serving the Greater Springfield region.”

Once complete, the Andy Yee Palliative Care Unit will include design elements to provide an inviting, soothing space for end-of-life care for patients and families, as well as patients with chronic illnesses requiring pain and symptom management. All clinical staff involved in caring for patients and family members on the new unit will receive specialized training that focuses on palliative care.

“We are grateful to the Liberty Bank Foundation for its commitment to this important project,” said Deborah Bitsoli, president of Mercy Medical Center and Trinity Health Of New England Medical Group. “Andy Yee was a longtime supporter and friend to Mercy Medical Center, and the palliative care unit named in his memory will honor his human spirit and commitment to the local community for years to come.”

Donations are being accepted to help defray the cost of the project. To make a gift in support of this initiative, visit give.mercycares.com/andy-yee-palliative-care-unit; email Geoffrey Hoyt, chief Development officer at Mercy Medical Center, at [email protected]; or call (860) 331-1102.

Thomas Smiarowski Elected Three County Fair President

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Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — The Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden Agricultural Society, the nonprofit organization that manages Northampton’s Three County Fair and fairgrounds, recently elected its newest president, Thomas Smiarowski, who has been a member of the society for more than 20 years and was elected to its board of directors in 2016.

Smiarowski is expected to serve two years as president, leading the society’s board of directors, which consists of 21 other appointees who make up the fair’s agricultural leadership. The society was first organized in December 1817 by a group of area leaders in business and farming with the purpose of promoting agriculture and the domestic arts. The society received its charter from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts two months later in February 1818.

“It is an honor and privilege being elected to serve as president of the Three County Fair,” Smiarowski said. “Agricultural fairs play a vital role in providing opportunities for farmers, both young and old, to exhibit their livestock and agricultural products. Equally important, agricultural fairs provide members of the local community the opportunity to get an up-close and personal look at farming and interact with farmers. The Three County Fair has a rich history of serving the community in those capacities, and I look forward to continuing that tradition and building upon that history.”

Smiarowski grew up on his family’s vegetable and dairy farm in Montague, where he continues to help his brother Dan, who currently owns and operates the family farm. Following his graduation from UMass Amherst, Smiarowski worked 34 years for the USDA’s Farm Service Agency, holding a number of management positions. Following his retirement from USDA in 2012, he worked 10 years as an agricultural risk-management educator for UMass Extension.

He is currently a director of the Massachusetts Agricultural Club, the longest-standing agricultural club in the country; serves as a Massachusetts trustee of the Eastern States Exposition; and is a member of the New England Vegetable and Berry Growers Assoc. He also serves on the capital campaign to fund the new construction of the Newman Catholic Center on the UMass campus.

MOSSO to Make Sevenars Concerts Debut On July 23

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — MOSSO (Musicians of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra) will make its Sevenars Concerts debut in Worthington on Sunday, July 23 at 4 p.m. MOSSO and Friends, which opened the Westfield Athenaeum series, features violinist Beth Welty, horn player Sarah Sutherland, and pianist Elizabeth Skavish. They will perform Frédéric Duvernoy’s Trio No. 1 for Violin, Horn, and Piano; Trygve Madsen’s Trio, Op. 110 for Violin, Horn, and Piano; and Johannes Brahms’ Trio in E-flat Major for Violin, Horn, and Piano.

Sevenars performances are held at the Academy, South Ireland Street and Route 112, South Worthington. There is no charge for admission to the performance, and no tickets are needed, although donations at the door are welcome ($20 or more per person is suggested to help defray expenses). For program details and information on Sevenars, visit www.sevenars.org.

State Education Officials Visiting Square One Today

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Massachusetts Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler and acting Commissioner of Early Education & Care (EEC) Amy Kershaw will pay a visit to Square One today, March 10, at 2 p.m.

Tutwiler and Kershaw will visit the Tommie Johnson Child & Family Center at 55 King St., Springfield, to experience the work that Square One is doing and highlight the investments proposed in Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll’s budget for early learning. The visit will focus specifically on Square One’s use of the Commonwealth Cares for Children grants and the work it has done to support early-childhood mental health.

Joined by Square One President and CEO Dawn DiStefano, along with Square One staff, children, and parents, Tutwiler and Kershaw will tour the facility and learn more about Square One’s commitment to developing the next generation of leaders by providing high-quality early education and care, as it has since 1883.

Square One currently provides early learning services to more than 500 infants, toddlers, and school-aged children daily, and family-support services to about 1,500 families each year.

Urban League of Springfield President, CEO Henry Thomas to Step Down

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Henry Thomas, who presided over the Urban League of Springfield for almost a half-century, announced his retirement on Wednesday.

“I have had the privilege to spend my entire career supporting the Springfield community and creating countless spaces where our community can thrive, grow, and achieve excellence,” he wrote in a letter announcing his decision. “My dream has always been to serve, and I am so honored to have spent my life’s work with a civil-rights organization dedicated to economic empowerment, equality, and social justice.”

Thomas was named one of BusinessWest’s Difference Makers for 2023, and will be honored at a gala on April 27.

He joined the Urban League in 1971 as youth coordinator. In 1974, at age 25, he became the nation’s youngest leader of a national Urban League affiliate. One of his key areas of focus throughout his career has been education, and not just through Urban League programs; he also served for 13 years on the UMass Amherst board of trustees — including two and a half years as board chair — and was a co-founder of New Leadership Charter School.

In all Urban League initiatives — its programs include education and youth-development initiatives, as well as programs for economic and workforce development, health and wellness, and seniors — Thomas has been driven by an understanding of the importance of equity.

“No equity, no excellence,” he told BusinessWest recently. “I always had a feeling that things could be better, as it relates to equity, everyone getting the treatment that others are getting.”

Also in the vein of education and workforce development, Thomas established Step Up Springfield, a teacher-development program in Springfield; is funding (along with his wife, Dee, a former teacher and principal herself) a $50,000 scholarship for Black youth from Springfield; and tackled a two-year assignment with the National Urban League as its vice president for Youth Development, with a primary focus of youth development within inner-city communities.

Another one of Thomas’ successes was bringing Camp Atwater in North Brookfield — the oldest overnight camp for Black youth in the U.S. — back to life in 1980 after a period of dormancy. The camp celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2021.

In yesterday’s letter, Thomas said he will advise the organization as it embarks on a search for its next leader.

“I want to express my gratitude to the staff and board for their incredible support as we have worked to transform the Urban League of Springfield,” he wrote. “As I reflect on over 50 years in my role, there is so much that brings me joy. Together, we have transformed the organization’s fundraising from thousands of dollars to millions of dollars, over $5 million and counting. In my new role as an advisor to the Urban League, I will continue to support the fundraising for this historic establishment.

“It has been an honor to work with and learn from committed and enthusiastic staff and colleagues over the years,” Thomas went on. “I thank the Urban League dream team and board members for their support and am appreciative beyond measure to our grantee partners, community organizations and leaders, philanthropy colleagues, public officials, and private business partners for enriching my efforts. You all have been inspirational allies in our fight for equality and social justice in the Springfield community and beyond.”

Shannon Rudder Appointed President, CEO of Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services (MLKFS) has wrapped up an almost-year-long search for a new leader. After an extensive search campaign and interview process, Aieshya Jackson, chair of the board of directors of MLKFS, announced that Shannon Rudder will be the next president and CEO of the organization.

“The task we undertook upon Ronn Johnson’s passing was to find someone who shared our values as keepers of the dream while simultaneously having the exemplary skills and experience to build on Ronn’s success,” Jackson said. “We found that person in Shannon, who has spent her career putting her business skills and entrepreneurial spirit to work in service to those who need help the most.”

Rudder, who will join MLKFS on March 13, most recently served as deputy director of Teach Western Mass, a nonprofit organization working toward educational equity in partnership with area schools. She also served as executive director of Providence Ministries Inc., an organization supporting the needs of marginalized populations by addressing food insecurity, addiction recovery, housing, clothing, and workforce development. She earned her MBA and her BBA, the latter magna cum laude, from Medaille College.

“What I love about Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services is that it really takes into account all of the community members,” Rudder said. “I want to ensure that the legacy continues because it’s important and has been around for 45 years. It’s important that it continues because the needs continue.”

American International College Launches New Programs to Meet Workforce Needs

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The School of Business, Arts, and Sciences at American International College (AIC) has begun recruiting students for three new academic degree programs designed to prepare students for fields in high demand. Launching in the fall of 2023, these new offerings expand AIC’s academic portfolio of more than 40 interdisciplinary programs grounded in the liberal arts.

AIC’s new cybersecurity program will equip students with the technical and business knowledge needed to secure high-paying and growing jobs in this field. Students will assess modern cybersecurity challenges threatening privacy, security, and safety and gain the knowledge and hands-on technical skills to protect digital assets from cybercriminals. Cybersecurity is an ideal degree for people who want to work in a future-focused field with a high earning potential. And with 33% job growth by 2030, opportunities continue to grow.

The new bachelor’s degree in public administration program at AIC was developed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in public-sector roles. This program emphasizes experiential learning, with projects in government administration, public health, social science, history, and more. Public administration is a field for those who want to enact change in their communities and beyond. With more than half of all federal workers nearing retirement age, demand for fresh talent is set to skyrocket in the coming years.

The esports and gaming administration program at AIC offers a business degree with a gaming-industry specialization, providing business fundamentals that will last a lifetime. This program addresses the greatest needs in the esports and gaming industry, identified through interviews with major companies, including Capcom and Riot. AIC’s coursework will provide students with the necessary context for understanding the games industry and a basic understanding of how technology-based companies get things done. Between 2018 and 2019, the number of jobs in esports nearly doubled, growing a staggering 85%.

“We are pleased to expand the college’s academic program offerings with new degree pathways that will lead to in-demand careers for our students,” AIC Interim Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Michael Dodge said. “Additionally, these three new programs will help to realize the college’s strategic plan, ‘AIC Reimagined,’ that charts an ambitious course forward.”

AIC is partnering with the Lower Cost Models Consortium (LCMC) and Rize Education to offer these programs with approximately 80% of the coursework on-campus and the remaining 20% in an online environment. The LCMC is a strategic partnership of private colleges and universities collaborating with Rize Education to provide access to a cutting-edge curriculum that prepares students for successful careers.

Holyoke Community College, Arizona State University Announce Transfer Pact

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) announced a new alliance with Arizona State University (ASU) to provide students a seamless transfer experience through the MyPath2ASU program.

MyPath2ASU allows students to take the steps needed at the start of their college experience to successfully plan their transfer from HCC to ASU, where they can complete their bachelor’s degree online.

“This partnership with ASU is an exciting opportunity for HCC students,” HCC Transfer Affairs Coordinator Mark Broadbent said. “The agreement will allow students to expand their horizons while ensuring transferability of their coursework, saving students time and money toward the completion of a bachelor’s degree.”

MyPath2ASU provides a set of customized transfer tools for students from accredited institutions, end-to-end learner navigation through course-by-course guided pathways; advising to assist students in course selection to ensure their credits fulfill requirements at both HCC and ASU; guaranteed general admission to ASU and admission into their choice of MyPath2ASU major, if all requirements are satisfied (some majors have additional or higher admission requirements); more than 400 course-by-course guided pathways into immersion and online ASU degree programs; self-service degree-progress tracking through the ASU My Transfer Guide to minimize loss of credits; and connected experience through personalized ASU communications to prepare students academically and build an early connection to ASU.

The MH Group Celebrates 10 Years of Business in Springfield

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The MH Group (formerly ManeHire Talent Solutions), a Springfield-based staffing and recruiting agency, is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

“This was made possible by earning the trust of company leaders and thousands of candidates we’ve placed in career roles across the country,” founder and CEO Nicole Polite said. “A core philosophy for the MH Group is the need for both roots and wings.”

These roots that Polite mentions run deep in Springfield, as her great-great-granduncle was Primus Parsons Mason, a Black entrepreneur and real-estate investor who is most well-known as the namesake of the city’s Mason Square neighborhood.

“He achieved remarkable accomplishments at a time in history when it was less common,” Polite said. “When I consider what ‘roots’ mean to the company and me, I build upon my uncle’s deep passion for giving back to those in our city. That is why, in part, I chose Springfield as the home of the MH Group. I am thankful for the continued support from city residents and leaders. As we grow, that gratefulness remains a key value.”

To continue his legacy, Polite is launching the nonprofit Polite Foundation, focusing on providing career resources to underserved populations. In addition, she has served on multiple nonprofit boards, such as the YWCA of Western Massachusetts, the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County (now operating as MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board, the United Way of Pioneer Valley’s Dora D. Robinson Women’s Leadership Council, and the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission council. She also served as a business advisor at the Entrepreneurial & Women’s Business Center at the University of Hartford.

While Polite embraces these roots, she also understands the need for change and growth. The MH Group has undergone a significant evolution over the past decade and is planning for the next 10 years and beyond.

“We encourage our candidates to dream big and embrace their wings, and we as a company also practice that,” Polite said. “First, we have evolved the brand from ManeHire to the MH Group, intending to clearly reflect our full-service approach and mission of raising the bar for staffing and recruiting. We also are expanding our diversity and inclusion resources. The goal is to attract, hire, and retain our clients’ best talent and assist with offerings to overcome barriers to equality and promote diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.”

This forward-thinking, client-first approach has served the MH Group well.

“My team and I are extremely proud of our 90% direct-hire placement retention rate,” Polite said. “Compared to the average industry retention rate, which is lower, it confirms our conviction that there is a person for every position and a position for every person. It demonstrates we are taking the right approach to staffing and recruiting.”

Chicopee Police, Fire Departments to Battle in Charity Hockey Game

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Daily News

CHICOPEE — On Sunday, March 12, the Chicopee Police and Fire departments will once again take the ice for the annual Battle of the Badges Charity Hockey Game. This will take place at 5 p.m. at Fitzpatrick Arena, 575 Maple St., Holyoke. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Proceeds will be donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Chicopee and a scholarship fund for Chicopee Comprehensive High School and Chicopee High School students.

Many businesses have contributed to the game as sponsors, including presenting sponsor Polish National Credit Union, chuck-a-puck sponsor PeoplesBank, and face-off sponsors MASSCOPS Local #485, International Assoc. of Fire Fighters Local 1710, Curry Honda Chicopee, Marshall Steinbeck Collision, AMP Electrical Inc., and Planet Fitness.

Tickets cost $10 per person and can be purchased the day of the game at Fitzpatrick Arena. Kids 12 and under are free. The game will feature mascots from both the Chicopee Police and Fire departments, a free kids’ raffle, raffle and 50/50 prizes, a concession stand, music, and — new this year — a chuck-a-puck contest. For additional questions or to make a donation, call Chris Galindo at (413) 374-7225 or John James at (413) 218-6679.

Free Line-cook Training Classes at HCC Begin March 20

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) will run a new round of free line-cook training classes at the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute beginning March 20.

The five-week program runs Monday through Friday, March 20 to April 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The program is designed for those already in the restaurant industry who want to upgrade their skills as well as unemployed or underemployed individuals interested in starting new careers.

“The course is perfect for anybody who’s looking for their first job or a better job and has a passion for food and the dining industry,” said Maureen McGuinness, assistant project coordinator for Culinary Arts programs.

The program is taught both online and in person at the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute at 164 Race St., Holyoke. Participants will learn all the essential competencies they need to become successful line cooks: knife skills; how to prepare stocks, soups, sauces, desserts, poultry, fish, and meat; culinary math and measurements; moist- and dry-heat cooking methods; as well as workplace soft skills, such as building a résumé and searching for jobs.

Offered as part of HCC’s Business & Workforce Development division, the line-cook course is free to qualifying applicants.

For more information, contact Laura Smith, HCC job-placement assistant and career-development counselor, at [email protected] or (413) 552-2833, or fill out the inquiry form at hcc.edu/job-ready.

Greenfield Garden Cinemas to Celebrate 94th Birthday with Two Free Movies

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Daily News

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Garden Cinemas will be celebrating its 94th birthday on Saturday, March 11. As part of the festivities, the theater will offer two free movies for the public to choose from: Singin’ in the Rain (1952) and Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985). Both movies will play on March 11 at 10 a.m.

“These two movies from different generations are both comedy classics; we just love the sense of whimsy they offer,” Garden co-owner Isaac Mass said. “They are our gift to the community on our 94th birthday.”

Greenfield Garden Cinema was opened by the Goldstein Brothers on March 11, 1929, as the largest movie theater in Greenfield. Designed by Mowll & Rand of Boston, it is on the National Historic Register. Joined later by the Capitol in Athol, the Garden was one of two atmospheric colonial theaters in the country. The original opening-day program and Marr and Colton pipe organ can be seen in the theater lobby today.

Dividing it into a seven-screen multiplex in the late 1980s, the Goldstein family operated the theater until 1999, when the theater was taken by the city for back taxes and restaurateur George Gohl won the bid to operate the cinema. The Goldstein family recovered the property and allowed Gohl to continue to operate the cinema, finally selling the building to him and his husband, Bill Gobeille, in 2006.

In November 2019, current owners Isaac and Angela Mass took over the theater, buying the building in September of the following year. In the last several years, the theater has seen improvements, including the installation of new carpets with the original 1929 pattern, remodeling of the concession area, adding a beer and wine license, expanding to create the Bored Room video arcade, soundproofing theaters, and upgrading servers and audio equipment.

“We even reinstalled a fish tank,” co-owner Angela Mass said. “We heard so many stories about the fish tank, and we were so pleased to bring it back.”

The Mass family is working on future improvements, including façade repair and rebuilding the original ticket booth.

AIC Welcomes HCC Officials for Tour, Brainstorming Visit

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) welcomed representatives from Holyoke Community College (HCC) to its Springfield campus on March 2 to celebrate a transfer agreement they signed last summer and brainstorm ideas for future partnerships.

President Christina Royal and a cadre of faculty and staff from HCC toured the AIC campus with President Hubert Benitez and other AIC officials and then sat down to talk over lunch.

“We were excited to visit AIC to learn more about their academic programming and student services and identify pathways for our students,” Royal said. “One of the things I noticed is how similar our demographics are, so I know that students who start at HCC will feel at home when they transfer to AIC. President Benitez and AIC have a strong commitment to supporting the community-college transfer student.”

Last June, the two colleges signed an articulation agreement to make it easier and less expensive for HCC students to transfer to AIC through the latter’s Direct Connect program.

Direct Connect transfer students automatically receive a $4,000 scholarship, in addition to earned merit scholarships, before any need-based aid is awarded. This means Direct Connect students can earn up to $18,000 in financial gift aid — not loans — before being evaluated for additional need-based aid. Unlike other transfer articulation agreements, the Direct Connect program at AIC allows students to study and major in their area of interest while attending HCC.

“We believe that AIC offers HCC students a great opportunity for advancing their education through a seamless transition from HCC to AIC,” Benitez said. “We welcome the opportunity to serve community-college students and look forward to a strong relationship between our two institutions.”

Square One Launches Alumni Association

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — It’s time to go back to Square One, where thousands of young children had their first early-learning experience.

Formerly Springfield Day Nursery, Square One has been nurturing and educating infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children since 1883. The agency, now in its 140th year, is looking to gather its program graduates to formalize an alumni group.

“Over the years, tens of thousands of children have walked through our doors,” said Dawn DiStefano, president and CEO. “We are constantly bumping into folks who share fond memories of their teachers and friends, many of whom they are still in touch with today. We are excited to formalize this group to gather those stories, celebrate their success, and connect with more individuals who got their start with us.”

Alumni are asked to contact to complete a brief questionnaire, which can be found at startatsquareone.org, or email Matt deloria at [email protected] to learn more.

Square One currently provides early-learning services to more than 500 infants, toddlers, and school-aged children daily, and family-support services to about 1,500 families each year.

United Way of Pioneer Valley Launches PAFEC Cupboard in Holyoke

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — In partnership with Holyoke Community College (HCC), United Way of Pioneer Valley (UWPV) recently opened a pantry providing shelf-stable food for Holyoke residents in the Picknelly Adult and Family Education Center (PAFEC) at 206 Maple St. The PAFEC Cupboard is open on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. by appointment.

In a geographic area with significant need for food, this pantry opened just as extra COVID-19 SNAP benefits came to an end on March 2. “UWPV is excited to partner with HCC to expand our food programs, particularly in the downtown Holyoke area,” said Megan Moynihan, interim president and CEO of UWPV.

UWPV also operates the Chicopee Cupboard at 226 Exchange St. in Chicopee, as well as the Springfield Cupboard at 1441 Main St. in Springfield, each located in a food desert.

“Today, more than ever, we need to help our community and provide these kinds of essential services to put food on peoples’ tables,” Holyoke Ward 6 City Councilman Juan Anderson-Burgos said. “It is very important, so thank you so much for what UWPV is doing.”

Chamber of Greater Easthampton to Bring Ignite Conference to Blackstone Valley

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Daily News

EASTHAMPTON — The Chamber of Greater Easthampton and the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce announced a partnership to bring the Easthampton Chamber’s successful Ignite professional-development conference to the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce. Ignite Blackstone Valley will take place Tuesday and Wednesday, April 4-5 at Community Harvest Project, 37 Wheeler Road, North Grafton.

The conference is aimed at professionals who want to improve their emotional intelligence and learn how to interact with co-workers, customers, or donors more effectively. Through the power of storytelling, attendees will learn how to hone their decision-making skills and improve their chances of success in business.

The two-day conference will include keynote speeches from industry leaders, interactive workshops, and network-building opportunities. Attendees will gain insights into the latest trends and best practices in emotional intelligence, leadership, and communication.

“Emotional intelligence is a vital skill for any professional looking to succeed in the modern workplace,” said Moe Belliveau, executive director of the Chamber of Greater Easthampton. “We are thrilled to partner with Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce to bring our conference to their members and to the wider business community. Attendees will leave the conference equipped with practical tools and strategies that they can implement immediately to improve and drive business success.”

Jeannie Hebert, president and CEO of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, added that “we are excited to partner with the Chamber of Greater Easthampton for this conference. We believe that storytelling is a powerful tool for building and developing leadership skills. We look forward to sharing our expertise and insights with the attendees and helping them achieve their professional goals.”

Click here to purchase tickets for Ignite Blackstone Valley.