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Daily News

MONSON — Monson Savings Bank recently announced the promotion of Jamie Blaxland to Accounting manager.

“Jamie has proven herself to be a very valuable resource to our team during her career here,” Monson Savings Bank President and CEO Dan Moriarty said. “We are extremely grateful for her loyalty, diligence, and hard work contributing to the overall success of our organization.”

In her role as Accounting manager, Blaxland is primarily responsible for managing the Accounting department, which oversees the bank’s accounts payable, automated clearing house (ACH), investment bookkeeping, wires, general-ledger reconciliations, and more.

Blaxland has been with Monson Savings Bank for 20 years. Prior to this recent promotion, she served as Accounting supervisor. She has worked in the bank’s Accounting department for more than 18 years and has 25 years of experience working in the banking industry. She holds several ACH certifications and is an accredited ACH professional.

“When I first started working at Monson Savings Bank as a teller in the Monson Branch 20 years ago, I knew I had joined a special team of like-minded individuals,” Blaxland said. “I am so thankful to still be a part of that team today. As I look to the future, I am looking forward to continuing to develop in my own professional life and helping my colleagues develop in theirs.”

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) will host a Back to Business Career and Transfer Fair on Thursday, Dec. 8 with area employers seeking to attract and retain employees.

The event, which is free and open to students, alumni, and friends of STCC looking for their next career move, will be held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Ira H. Rubenzahl Student Learning Commons (Building 19).

“We are excited to bring back the Back to Business Career and Transfer Fair to STCC,” said Shai Butler, vice president for Advancement & External Affairs. “At our last fair earlier this year, we had a positive response from students, alumni, and friends of the college thinking about careers, as well as from area employers. This is a great opportunity for businesses in the region to connect with STCC students, alumni, and friends who are searching for their next career move.”

Attendees also will have a chance to meet with representatives from four-year colleges and universities who can discuss transfer options. Four-year colleges and universities that offer transfer opportunities to STCC students can set up a table for free at the fair.

Employers and four-year colleges and universities are invited to contact STCC to participate. STCC secured PeoplesBank as its first corporate sponsor. Visit stcc.edu/backtobusiness to learn more about becoming a sponsor and/or vendor. STCC offers corporate and nonprofit partnerships, which includes a vendor table.

During an employer breakfast, the college will host a moderated panel of industry experts discussing the future of work. Conversations will include focus on how managers are responding to such topics as quiet quitting, hybrid/remote work requests, losing women in the workforce, and more.

“We encourage employers to register as soon as possible, since employer space is limited,” said Kelly Galanis, director of Operations and Donor Relations for the STCC Foundation.

Jennifer Brown, president of the STCC Foundation board of directors and senior manager of Professional Sales at Masis Professional Group, noted that employers are hiring right now.

“Employers won’t want to miss being part of the Back to Business Career Fair at STCC,” she said. “Companies are looking for top talent to join their team right now, and the need to connect with good candidates is top priority for hiring managers. STCC has a variety of programs available to meet the demands in high-demand areas such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, construction, engineering, business administration, and computer science. “

Participants can visit stcc.edu/backtobusiness to find more information, including a link to download the CareerFair Plus app and links to register. For questions, contact Galanis at (413) 755-5429 or [email protected].

Daily News

BOSTON — The Baker-Polito administration announced that Massachusetts residents who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can now use their electronic benefits transfer (EBT) SNAP benefits to buy groceries online from Big Y.

Big Y is the latest retailer in the Commonwealth to accept EBT SNAP online. It joins Amazon, BJ’s, Daily Table, Geissler’s Supermarket, Shaw’s, Star Market, Stop & Shop, and Walmart, as well as Aldi, Brothers Marketplace, Hannaford, McKinnon’s Supermarkets, Price Chopper, Price Rite Marketplace, Roche Bros., Sudbury Farms, and Wegmans via Instacart. Across all eligible retailers, Massachusetts residents have spent more than $240 million in SNAP benefits to date, buying groceries online from eligible retailers.

“Along with continuation of SNAP emergency allotments, SNAP online purchasing is one of several tools the administration has utilized to combat food insecurity for Massachusetts individuals and families,” said Marylou Sudders, secretary of Health and Human Services. “More local retailers in the program both supports households that receive SNAP benefits and also brings economic support to our local businesses and communities.”

Big Y customers can now use their SNAP benefits when purchasing their groceries online through the Instacart marketplace. Shoppers must enter their EBT card as the form of payment on their Instacart account and select items from the list of EBT SNAP-eligible products as part of their Big Y order. Similar to using SNAP benefits to purchase food in a store, benefits can be used to buy SNAP-eligible foods online, including fresh produce, frozen foods, dairy, and eggs. For more information on using SNAP benefits via Instacart, visit www.instacart.com/ebt-snap.

“At Big Y, we are always striving to enhance the shopping experience for all of our customers,” said Christian D’Amour, director of E-Commerce at Big Y Foods. “We are so excited to now offer this valuable benefit and flexible shopping option to our customers and their families.”

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) has been recognized as a top performer for social mobility in the 2022-23 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings. AIC’s ranking tied for 69th, placing the college second in Massachusetts in the report’s National College category, behind only UMass Boston.

“AIC, and its faculty and staff, understand that earning a college degree is vital in increasing and achieving social mobility,” AIC President Hubert Benitez said. “For this reason, AIC continues to strive to offer a high-quality education at an affordable cost, leading to a successful career path. In doing so, it is committed to helping every student, despite their background, to succeed.”

Economically disadvantaged students are less likely to finish college, according to U.S. News & World Report. However, some institutions, such as AIC, have shown an intentional commitment to increase access to education, and as a result are showing progress in advancing social mobility. This is done in part by enrolling and graduating large proportions of disadvantaged students who have been awarded federal Pell Grants as part of their financial-aid packages. Most of these federal grants are awarded to students whose adjusted gross family incomes are under $50,000. Of the 1,168 undergraduate students enrolled at AIC for the fall 2022 semester, nearly half received a Pell Grant.

“Today, students who attend higher education institutions come from very diverse backgrounds, and the landscape shows vast social and economic disparities,” Benitez added. “Despite inherent obstacles, AIC is keeping true to its commitment to prepare and serve lower-income students, and it continues to take steps towards bridging the gaps, focusing on being an institution where access, opportunity, equity, and belonging are defining characteristics.”

The overall rankings from U.S. News & World Report assess more than 1,800 bachelor’s degree-granting institutions on 17 metrics and place the largest emphasis on a college’s retention and graduation rates.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Rotary Club of Springfield announced the honorees for the Westfield Bank 2022 Basketball Hall of Fame/Springfield Rotary Service Above Self Luncheon, which will take place on Thursday, Dec. 15 at noon on Center Court of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. The public is invited to attend.

This year’s honorees are Judy Matt, president of the Spirit of Springfield, and the V Foundation for Cancer Research, founded by the late NCAA championship Coach Jim Valvano and ESPN. In addition to these two honorees, a Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to Jack Toner, a third-generation Springfield business owner and Rotarian.

“Many notable individuals from the Western Mass. community and the sports world have been recognized at the Service Above Self luncheons throughout the years,” said Frank Colaccino, CEO of the Colvest Group and chairperson of the Service Above Self committee. “Our honorees exemplify the Rotary International motto of ‘service above self’ and have generously served our communities with heartfelt passion without expectation of personal recognition.”

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities to the luncheon are still available. Individual tickets cost $75. For more information on sponsorships or to purchase tickets to the luncheon, contact Jeremy Therrien at the Basketball Hall of Fame at (413) 231-5521 or [email protected].

Daily News

LEE — Canna Provisions, a Lee-based, woman-owned, award-winning cannabis dispensary, announced it has entered into a product partnership with Aruna, the first legal cannabis-cultivation facility to launch operations in Lee.

“Canna Provisions and Aruna coming together is a true hyper-local launch of a partnership of Lee’s two key legal cannabis operations,” said Meg Sanders, Canna Provisions CEO and co-owner. “We take pride knowing that Canna Provisions’ focus on convenient, easy pre-ordering, quick in-and-out experiences with the best selection of products in the Berkshires, has meant we have local consumers who look to us to not only carry the best products in the state, but to help launch them. As the resident trailblazer in the legal adult-use retail cannabis landscape of Lee, we are excited to partner with and begin offering our passionate customers Aruna’s cannabis flower.”

Aruna, located at 845 Pleasant St. in Lee, is a Desi-owned minority legal cannabis-cultivation business boasting a state-of-the-art, fully sealed greenhouse facility creating sun-grown indoor cannabis.

Typically the choice is either to grow indoors for the controlled environment, or grow outdoors for greater sustainability while risking various contaminant risks, said Harsh Patel, Aruna CEO. “The hardest approach is to try to do both in order to have indoor quality while emphasizing the amazing terpene profiles and expressions sun-grown cannabis boasts in order to create an iconic duo combining the best of both worlds for the consumer. We chose the hardest approach.”

Patel said the ability to harness the key strengths of both indoor and outdoor methods of cultivation means the aesthetics and plant expression from natural sun growth and the tight-knit controls of an indoor facility yields something fresh for the market that’s also focused on sustainability and avoiding various issues that plague outdoor and hybrid greenhouse grows.

Aruna has just under 10,000 square feet of canopy in a building just under 20,000 square feet. “This is the only facility of its kind east of the Mississippi using the full spectrum of the sun in a completely controlled indoor environment at a fraction of the carbon footprint of a traditional greenhouse,” said Mark Vlachos, vice president of Cultivation and Processing for Aruna.

Canna Provisions is headquartered in 300 yards off the Lee exit on the Mass Pike, and also has a retail store in downtown Holyoke. Canna Provisions cultivation is located in Sheffield.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The team at Burkhart Pizzanelli, a regional certified public accounting firm located in West Springfield, is doing its part to spread warmth to 200 children in need of winter coats this season. The local accounting firm has organized a campaign through Operation Warm to purchase the new coats for children served by Square One.

“With the chilly weather fast approaching, keeping our little ones warm is a priority for us,” said Kristine Allard, vice president of Development & Communication at Square One. “The gift of a brand-new coat extends well beyond its physical warmth. It provides a level of emotional warmth, self-esteem, and confidence that every child needs. We are so grateful to the staff and clients of Burkhart Pizzanelli for sharing in our vision of what it takes to position our children for long-term success.”

The coats will be distributed by Square One staff and employees of Burkhart Pizzanelli today, Nov. 14 at 12:30 p.m. at Square One’s Tommie Johnson Child & Family Center, 255 King St., Springfield.

Operation Warm is a national organization that provides brand-new winter coats to children in need, helping to improve self-confidence, peer acceptance, school attendance, and overall wellness. Funding support comes from businesses and individuals within the communities they serve.

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 136: November 14, 2022

George Interviews Donald Sanders, executive artistic director of MIFA Victory Theatre

“Is Victory at hand?’ That’s the question Donald Sanders, executive artistic director of MIFA Victory Theatre attempts to answer on the next installment of BusinessTalk. The downtown Holyoke landmark has been dark for more than 40 years, but Sanders explains that the requisite momentum — and funding — exists to turn the lights back on soon. It’s all must listening, so tune in to BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest in partnership with Living Local 413 and sponsored by PeoplesBank.

 

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Daily News

AMHERST — UMass Amherst has received a $7 million gift from an anonymous donor to build a UMass Service Workers Honor Pavilion, recognizing the vital contributions provided to the university community by these dedicated employees.

The pavilion will be constructed on land adjacent to the Arthur F. Kinney Center for Renaissance Studies off East Pleasant Street. The open-air facility will be a valuable community asset, open for quiet contemplation as well as gatherings. The pavilion is being designed by architect Sigrid Miller Pollin, UMass professor emerita, who is donating her time and expertise. Construction will begin soon, with the facility expected to be completed by next summer.

“This beautiful new addition to campus will be dedicated to our service workers who played an immense role in sustaining the university during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it will provide an enduring reminder of their importance to UMass Amherst,” Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy said. “We are deeply grateful for all they do each day, and for our donor’s generous gift.

The chancellor noted that the anonymous donor was inspired by the frontline service provided by the approximately 1,400 UMass employees who cook and serve food on campus, clean and maintain buildings, operate campus stores, and more generally deliver, day in and day out, a flourishing teaching, research, and learning environment.

Everyone associated with UMass, as well as the general public, will be able to enjoy the pavilion and its natural surroundings. The university especially welcomes opportunities for service workers to organize family outings at the pavilion.

Daily News

BOSTON — Joe Kriesberg has been named the next president and CEO of MassINC, a non-partisan think tank dedicated to making Massachusetts a place of civic vitality and inclusive economic opportunity.

Kriesberg will oversee all strategic planning, fundraising, and operations for the organization’s work across multiple disciplines, including research and civic programs, and will serve as publisher of CommonWealth, MassINC’s civic news outlet. The organization also includes the MassINC Polling Group, a for-profit subsidiary of MassINC.

Kriesberg will join MassINC after nearly 30 years at the Massachusetts Assoc. of Community Development Corporations (MACDC), an organization which he has led as president and CEO for the past 20 years. MACDC is the policy and capacity-building arm of the community-development movement in Massachusetts, with 100 nonprofit member organizations across the state. As President, Kriesberg was responsible for the overall management of the agency, including financial management and fundraising, program development and implementation, policy advocacy, staff supervision, board management, and strategic planning.

In his role leading MACDC, Kriesberg has been a strong advocate for vibrant communities and has advanced issues such as economic opportunity, affordable housing, and innovative development, all of which align with MassINC’s dedication to civic vitality and economic inclusion.

“With his background at MACDC, proven track record of results, and deep expertise on the most timely issues facing the Commonwealth, I can’t think of a better person than Joe to build upon MassINC’s success over the last 27 years and carry this incredible organization into the future,” said Greg Torres, MassINC board chair and co-chair of the search committee. Torres also served as president of MassINC from 2007 to 2016.

Kriesberg, who will officially start in mid-January, will replace Lauren Louison Grogan, who was most recently MassINC’s president and CEO. Maeve Duggan, currently chief operating officer of MassINC, has been acting president and CEO since June.

“MassINC plays a unique and vital role in maintaining Massachusetts’ leadership in our democracy,” Kriesberg said. “At a moment when our Commonwealth is working to build a more inclusive and equitable economy and respectful public discourse, the need for high quality, fact-based research; collaborative civic engagement; and exceptional journalism that a nonpartisan organization such as MassINC offers has never been more important. I am thrilled and honored to lead this work, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Daily News

HOLYOKE — The Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield (YPS) will kick off the season of giving with its inaugural Friendsgiving event on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at Holyoke’s Divine Theatre at Gateway City Arts from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

YPS’ Friendsgiving event will focus on building community, one connection at a time, through supporting and encouraging young professionals to become more involved in their local communities. Sponsored by NWS Fast Pitch, Postgame Amateurs Podcast, and DDS Acoustical Specialties, the event will feature a structured time for networking, a buffet of heavy appetizers and beverages, and community table seating to help foster new connections.

Raffle prizes will be auctioned off at the event, featuring gift-cards, baskets, and certificates from Ron Lemelin Photography, Girls Inc. of the Valley, Misty City Windows, Nuclear Crayon Tattoo, and Aura Day Spa.

The Friendsgiving event is free for YPS members, and members are encouraged to bring a friend for free. Non-members may purchase one $10 admission and bring a friend for free. Attendees are encouraged to register in advance by clicking here.

Throughout the giving season, YPS encourages volunteerism through its partnership with the Springfield Rotary Club by supporting Springfield’s Friends of the Homeless (FOTH) chapter. Volunteers can sign up to assist in serving food at the FOTH Worthington Street shelter location in Springfield by clicking here.

“Events like Friendsgiving will help retain individuals who are enthusiastic about the future of the community and their personal endeavors,” YPS President Heather Clark said. “YPS is here to exchange ideas, share common interests, and cultivate membership to serve as local leaders of tomorrow. We’re hopeful that our monthly events will make it easier to make meaningful connections that will help local young professionals thrive.”

Daily News

WESTFIELD — Girls on the Run of Western Massachusetts will host its 5K event on Sunday, Nov. 20 at Stanley Park in Westfield. Girls on the Run is a physical-activity-based, positive youth-development program that uses fun running games and dynamic discussions to teach life skills to girls in grades 3-8. During the 10-week program, girls participate in lessons that foster confidence, build peer connections, and encourage community service while they prepare for an end-of-season, celebratory 5K event.

This fall season, Girls on the Run has 770 participants in 52 sites around Western Mass., with 225 volunteer coaches that bring the curriculum to life. There will be two waves, 9:30 a.m. and noon. Between 2,500 and 3,000 people are expected at this 5K. The event starts with activities, a group warmup, and more one half-hour before each wave.

Participation is open to the public, and all proceeds from the event will benefit Girls on the Run of Western Massachusetts. Last season’s 5K event brought together 4,000 people, including program participants, their families and friends, and community members. This year’s registration cost is $30 for adults and $10 for youth and includes an event shirt.

Early arrival is suggested. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. for the first wave and 11 a.m. for the second wave. For more information about the event, how to register, and volunteer opportunities, visit www.girlsontherunwesternma.org.

Daily News

AMHERST — UMass Amherst has been designated as a Bike Friendly University (BFU) by the League of American Bicyclists, a grassroots advocacy organization encouraging better bicycling and protecting the rights of people who bike. UMass Amherst is one of only eight universities in Massachusetts to receive the commendation for providing safe, accessible biking on campus.

“We first applied for the designation in 2012 and didn’t quite make the list, receiving an honorable mention at the time,” said Ezra Small, campus sustainability manager. “This bronze award shows that UMass Amherst is committed to promoting bicycling as a healthy, environmentally friendly way of getting around campus and that we have improved our bike access significantly over the past decade.”

Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists, noted that “I am pleased to celebrate 37 new and renewing Bicycle Friendly Universities joining the movement to build a bicycle-friendly America for everyone. Bicycle Friendly Universities, like UMass Amherst, offer a far more holistic experience of campus life for students, faculty, and staff by implementing policies, programs, and infrastructure improvements that make for safer and easier car-free commutes, healthier lives through increased physical activity, and a campus community more connected to its surroundings.”

Providing bike-friendly accommodations is a vital part of the university’s Sustainable UMass initiative. In recent years, four-foot-wide bicycle lanes have been constructed on the primary campus roadways of Massachusetts Avenue, North Pleasant Street, and Commonwealth Avenue to promote safe bike travel. In 2016, the university expanded its bike access for students, faculty, and staff by becoming a founding member of ValleyBike Share, and six bike-share stations are now spread across campus to allow students, faculty, and staff to easily rent and return bikes.

The UMass Bicycle Commuter Program coordinates the Campus Bicycle Advisory Committee to help the university prioritize bike-related goals on campus, and the UMass Amherst Bike Library rental program, operated by the Student Government Assoc. and the Physical Plant, lets students, faculty, and staff borrow bikes for free, for as long as an entire academic year.

Landscape architecture and regional planning major Ryan Griffis was instrumental in completing the university’s application, Small said.

UMass joins Harvard, MIT, UMass Lowell, Bentley University, Tufts University, and Boston University’s Charles River and medical-school campuses as Bike Friendly Universities. Since the program launched in 2011, such designations have been certified at 222 U.S. colleges and universities in 47 states.

Daily News

HOLYOKE — Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. (MBK) recently welcomed Colleen Berndt, CPA as senior manager, as well as Mia McDonald; Karen Korpinen, MSA; and Eric Bone as associates in the Audit and Accounting department.

Berndt has practiced public accounting since 1989 and holds valuable experience in both public accounting and corporate firms. She holds a bachelor’s degree from American International College and sits on the board of directors of the Colburn Keenan Foundation.

McDonald has worked in public accounting since 2020 when she began as an intern with MBK. She holds bachelor’s degrees in economics and business management with a mathematics minor, accounting concentration, and anticipates completing her master of science in accounting (MSA) degree in May.

Korpinen brings experience in the nonprofit field to her work in public accounting with MBK. She holds an MSA from Merrimack College and an MBA from Clark University. She serves as treasurer on the board of directors of the Northampton Parents Center.

Bone brings a fresh perspective to his engagements as a recent college graduate; he holds a bachelor’s degree in accountancy with a minor in finance from Providence College and is currently pursuing his MSA with a focus in data analytics at UMass Amherst.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Today, Nov. 10, at 11 a.m., DUC-PAC, a specialty producer of aluminum, copper, and other metal ductwork, will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration event of its new manufacturing and warehouse space in Springfield.

After being located in East Longmeadow for decades, DUC-PAC chose Springfield as its new home. The company has been a family-owned producer of high-quality metal fabrication in Hampden County since 1949.

Working with the city of Springfield, DUC-PAC has refurbished 1125 Page Blvd., a large, landmark brick building in the city’s East Springfield neighborhood that once housed four separate businesses. One business had vacated the premises, and another was moving out when DUC-PAC first became interested in the site at the suggestion of Springfield economic-development officials and Mayor Domenic Sarno’s administration.

The change at the property is significant. The interior contains a massive floor-to-ceiling warehouse for the company’s various specialty products, and the production floorspace is designed for precision manufacturing, skilled tradespeople working with machines to build to the specifications of a nationwide customer base. Exterior work, still in progress, includes new landscaping and cleanout of the previous businesses located there.

DUC-PAC President Greg Merchant, made the addition of a very large privacy fence along the entire frontage a priority. The goal was to make the refurbished complex more compatible and presentable with the neighborhood’s unique mix of residential homes and industrial and small businesses.

Sarno and city economic-development officials will take part in today’s event. The entire employee team will shut down production to join in the celebration as well. DUC-PAC brought 58 existing employees to the city and have added eight more.

“DUC-PAC is made up of team members that are family, quite literally so,” Merchant said. “In addition to my wife Heidi and me, we are fathers, daughters, and sons, many families working together as part of the DUC-PAC family.”

The workforce includes new employees as well as some who have been with DUC-PAC for decades. Many Vietnamese and Latino workers, both long-time citizens and more recent immigrants to the U.S., comprise a cohesive workforce that helps DUC-PAC compete against global manufacturers.

A tour of the facility will take place after remarks and the ribbon cutting. All are invited to stay for lunch with the entire DUC-PAC team.

Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — MCLA announced that Jean Clarke-Mitchell, assistant professor of Social Work at Lesley University, has been nominated to the MCLA board of trustees. A 2000 alumna of MCLA, she is also in her second term on the college’s foundation board.

Clarke-Mitchell is a licensed clinical social worker who served as the clinical director of the Elizabeth Freeman Center, and an outpatient clinician at the Brien Center for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. With more than 20 years of experience in the clinical field and more than 10 years in academia, she looks forward to participating on the board.

“I am very excited and feel very privileged and honored to be chosen to not only represent my alma mater but also to represent future students. To be on the board is monumental to me,” she said. “I’m feeling there is a lot to be done, and I’m hoping I can make an impact in so many ways. There are so many intersections to me and my experiences, and I want that to be something that I can bring to the table that will make a difference.”

Clarke-Mitchell has an extensive resume in social justice activism and working with community organizations, including the Rights of Passage and Empowerment program as a senior mentor. She serves as a board member on Rockfort Moving Forward, Leadership Councils of Western Massachusetts, the Albany Assoc. for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, and the Massachusetts Women of Color Network.

“Having Dr. Jean Clarke-Mitchell on the board of trustees is a tremendous delight,” MCLA President James Birge said. “I’m confident that her experiences and education will expand the dynamics and work of the board.”

Clarke-Mitchell has invested many years in helping, advocating for, and educating others, including trauma and sexual-assault survivors, survivors of intimate-partner violence, and adults struggling with substance use and mental-health disorders.

“Just being a woman of color, I can bring a perspective that is not often considered. When I think of that, I think about how we can retain professors of color and welcome students of color,” she said. “How do we honor those people in our society? How do we manage the funds of the college and what we’re invested in? The perspectives which I bring are not always present.”

Prior to teaching at Lesley, Clarke-Mitchell taught social work and psychology at Westfield State University, Smith College, Cambridge College, and Elms College. She has worked with groups in South Africa, taught students in Ghana, and conducted presentations on healthy relationships and self-care in Jamaica. She continues to affect positive change by teaching social work full-time and continuing to develop effective social-work practitioners.

“When we consider different decisions that have to be made, I can have a voice at the table,” she said. “I have a lot of appreciation and respect for people who felt they should nominate me.”

Daily News

HADLEY — From its distillery in Kamień, Poland and its headquarters in Hadley, Valley Vodka Inc. announced that its original V-One Vodka earned its third Double Gold medal at the Warsaw Spirits Competition in Poland last weekend.

The Warsaw Spirits Competition is in its fifth year. This year, the number of entries and producers was record-breaking, with hundreds of alcoholic beverages from more than 32 countries. In the most competitive category, unflavored vodka (in the wheat/spelt/barley category), V-One earned the Double Gold with a score of 93.14.

“This was our third year entering the Warsaw Spirits Competition, and it is our third Double Gold Medal. To receive such a high rating at such a prestigious tasting, in the birthplace of vodka, is amazing. Poland has over a 700-year history with vodka production. It is like creating a champagne and winning best sparkling wine in France,” said Paul Kozub, owner and founder of V-One Vodka. “To think of where I started, from basement of my house with just $6,000 and a dream, to now have my own farm-to-glass distillery in Poland and to keep winning these awards, is beyond my wildest expectations.”

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Public Forum, one of the country’s oldest free public speaker series, continues its 2022-23 season with CNN and Telemundo commentator, GOP strategist, and The View co-host Ana Navarro for a talk, “After the Midterms: A Political Outlook.” The event will take place at Springfield Symphony Hall on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. Attendance is free and open to the public with no tickets required.

Named a permanent co-host of The View on ABC in September, Navarro has a distinguished background in national, state, and international politics. She served as the national Hispanic co-chair for Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman’s 2012 campaign, and was the co-chair of John McCain’s Hispanic Advisory Council and national surrogate for the McCain presidential campaign in 2008. She has played a role in several federal and state races in Florida, served on Gov. Jeb Bush’s transition team, and was his first director of immigration.

Navarro served as ambassador to the UN’s Human Rights Commission and has represented private and public clients on federal issues, particularly related to immigration, trade, and policy affecting Central America. She is a graduate of the University of Miami, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in Latin American studies and political science and a juris doctorate. Born in Nicaragua, she and her family immigrated to the U.S. in 1980 as a result of the Sandinista revolution.

“Ms. Navarro is respected on both sides of the aisle for sharing her candid, honest opinions. She will offer her insider’s view on the issues people are talking about and insights on where the country may be headed in the wake of the midterm elections,” said Michelle Morash, executive director of the Public Forum.

Following the talk, there will be a dinner reception with Navarro in the Mahogany Room of Symphony Hall. Tickets for the reception can be purchased at bit.ly/SPFNavarro.

Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) will recognize Veterans Day with a campus ceremony today, Nov. 9, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in the PeoplesBank Room on the third floor of HCC’s Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development.

The keynote speaker will be U.S. Army veteran James Bradford, a retired police officer and lawyer and a two-time graduate of Holyoke Community College from the classes of 1972 and 2022, a 50-year span.

Liz Golen, coordinator of Student Activities, will deliver opening remarks, followed by the posting of colors by the Honor Guard from Westover Air Reserve Base and the Pledge of Allegiance led by officers of the HCC CAMO (Civilian and Military Organization) Club. Isabel Vigneault, a business administration major, will sing the Star-Spangled Banner.

Robert Vigneault, HCC’s Veteran and Military Services counselor, will narrate the MIA/POW Table of Honor ceremony and give a talk titled “What is Veterans Day?”

After the ceremony, all participants and guests are invited to stay for a free lunch.

HCC is recognizing Veterans Day today because the college is closed on Friday, Nov. 11 for the federal holiday.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Hampden County Bar Assoc., in conjunction with Western Mass News, will hold its Lawyer on the Line program on Monday, Nov. 14 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Local, experienced attorneys will be able to provide legal advice on various topics, including divorce and family, bankruptcy, business, employment, landlord/tenant, and real estate. Individuals needing advice should call (413) 846-0240 to speak to a volunteer.

Picture This

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

 

Historic Transformation

Collins Electric Co. in Chicopee was recently recognized by the National Electrical Contractors Assoc. with a Project Excellence Award in Education in the over $1 million category for Smith College Neilson Library. The project involved 150,000 square feet with 5,000 LED, energy-efficient light fixtures; glass skylights; dimming; and window-shade controls. Strict attention was paid to controlling temperature and humidity, as well as tight security, for the library’s rare-books collection.

Collins Electric Co

Pictured, from left: Larry Eagan, president and CEO; Andrew Collins, vice president of Operations; Patrick Egan, vice president of Finance; and Mike Blaxland, project manager

 

Serving Up a Milestone

As part of its 50th-anniversary celebration, Greater Springfield Senior Services (GSSSI) recently hosted a luncheon for its staff, providers, local politicians, and community partners at the Carriage House at the Barney Estate in Springfield. The event featured speeches by Springfield Mayor Dominic Sarno and GSSSI Executive Director Jill Keough, and a letter of recognition from U.S. Rep. Richard Neal.

Greater Springfield Senior Services

Pictured, from left: state Reps. Jacob Oliviera and Carlos Gonzalez, and GSSSI’s Nilsa Cintron, Keough, and Magy Ramos.

 

 

Meeting a Growing Need

Johnson Memorial Hospital in Stafford, Conn. recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and blessing to celebrate the opening of the new, 15-bed Lillian “Dolly” Santilli Geriatric Wellness Pavilion, as part of efforts to expand the hospital’s array of behavioral-health services.

 

Dr. Robert Roose

Pictured: Dr. Robert Roose, chief administrative officer of Johnson Memorial Hospital and Mercy Medical Center, addresses the gathering as Stuart Rosenberg, president of Johnson Memorial Hospital, looks on.

 

Johnson Memorial Hospital administrators

Donors Diane Lerz and Larry Santilli (center) join Johnson Memorial Hospital administrators, board members, and colleagues as they prepare to cut the ribbon.

 

 

Answering the Call

Representatives from PeoplesBank recently visited the Gray House to present the agency with a donation to cover the cost of replacement doors and frames that were damaged last May during a robbery. “I take great comfort in knowing that we live in a community that truly cares,” McClintock said.

Johnson Memorial Hospital

Pictured, from left: PeoplesBank’s Jaimee Guerra, banking center assistant manager (center), and Monica Borges, banking center senior specialist (right), present Gray House Executive Director Kristen McClintock (left) with the donation.

 

 

 

Court Dockets

The following is a compilation of recent lawsuits involving area businesses and organizations. These are strictly allegations that have yet to be proven in a court of law. Readers are advised to contact the parties listed, or the court, for more information concerning the individual claims.

 

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

 

Diane Litwin, individually and as a personal representative of the estate of Gary Litwin v. Stanley Kardys, Santamaria Trucking Services Inc., and Miller Auto Leasing Co.

Allegation: Wrongful death, negligence: $62,755.48

Filed: 10/4/22

 

Jonathan Tenholm v. John Romanelli, MD; David Desilets, MD; Laura Veras, MD; Baystate Health Inc.; and Baystate Medical Center Inc.

Allegation: Medical malpractice: $250,000

Filed: 10/6/22

 

Brant DuBois v. UFP Eastern Division Inc. and 84 Lumber Co.

Allegation: Negligence causing personal injury: $500,000

Filed: 10/7/22

 

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

 

Anne Wiktor v. University of Massachusetts

Allegation: Negligence resulting in personal injury and property damage: $6,500

Filed: 9/20/22

 

Heidi Holley and Robert Holley v. Breathe Eazy Restoration LLC and Breathe Eazy Restoration Group LLC

Allegation: Breach of contract, intentional misrepresentation, negligent misrepresentation, unfair and deceptive business practices

Filed: 9/26/22

 

Robert Ghazey as trustee of the Massachusetts Pension Trust v. Genex Capital Inc., Roger Proctor, and Sutton Park Servicing LLC

Allegation: Breach of contract

Filed: 10/7/22

 

Julio Ventura v. Allstate Insurance Co.

Allegation: Breach of contract: $100,000

Filed: 10/7/22

 

Chamber Corners

AMHERST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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

Nov. 9: “Beyond COVID: Leadership Self-Assessment Tools,” 8-11 a.m., hosted by Venture Way Collaborative, 200 Venture Way, Hadley. Cost: $25 for members, $35 for non-members. For more information and to register, visit business.amherstarea.com/events.

Nov. 17: 2022 A+ Awards Dinner, 5-8:30 a.m., hosted By UMass Amherst Student Union Ballroom, 41 Campus Center Way. Each year, the Amherst Area Chamber bestows A+ Awards to individuals and organizations that enrich the life of the community through their work in business, education, and civic engagement across the area that the Chamber serves: Amherst, Belchertown, Hadley, Leverett, Pelham, Shutesbury, and Sunderland. The theme for the 19th annual event is “This Is What’s Next.” Cost: $90 per person, $700 for a table of eight. For more information and to register, visit business.amherstarea.com/events.

 

EAST OF THE RIVER FIVE TOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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

Nov. 9: ERC5 Talkin’ Turkey Table Top 2022, 3-7 p.m., hosted by Twin Hills Country Club, 700 Wolf Swamp Road, Longmeadow. This is an opportunity to learn more about some local businesses. From community-oriented financial, marketing, and security institutions to gift shops, elder-care facilities, and more, this is a one-stop-shop for all types of personal and professional business. Exclusive vendor offers will be available. Admission is free. To register, visit www.erc5.com.

 

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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

Nov. 9: After 5 Connections, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Hampton Inn, 39 Southampton Road, Westfield. Join us for an evening of networking. Bring some business cards to share with the attendees and to enter into the raffle. Cost: free to chamber members, $5 for non-members. To register, visit members.westfieldbiz.org/events.

Nov. 16: Annual Meeting, 5-8 p.m., hosted by Tekoa Country Club, 459 Russell Road, Westfield. Join us for a cocktail hour, dinner, welcome and annual meeting, and award presentations. Platinum sponsor: Westfield Bank. Cost: $65 for chamber members, $75 for non-members. To register, visit members.westfieldbiz.org/events.

Nov. 17: Morning Brew, 8-9 a.m., hosted by Shaker Farms Country Club, 866 Shaker Road, Westfield. Introduce your business to the group and take advantage of this networking opportunity. Cost: free. To register, visit members.westfieldbiz.org/events.

 

SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL CHAMBER

(413) 787-1555; www.springfieldregionalchamber.com

Nov. 10: Super 60, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., hosted by the MassMutual Center, 1277 Main St., Springfield. This annual award luncheon will honor businesses from many communities across the region representing all sectors of the economy, including real estate, transportation, sports, dining and entertainment, insurance, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, and more. Keynote speaker Myke Connolly, president and CEO of Stand Out Truck, will share his story, insights, and business expertise as an entrepreneur who began his career as an 18-year-old immigrant dishwasher with a strong ambition and a dream. Cost: $60 for members, $75 for general admission. Reserved tables of eight or 10 available. To register, visit myonlinechamber.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/6186.

 

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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

Nov. 17: Legislative Luncheon & Tour, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., hosted by Lower Pioneer Valley Education Collaborative/CTEC, Brush Hill, West Springfield. Join us as the culinary students from CTEC serve lunch while we listen to updates from our local legislators on the happenings on Beacon Hill and then tour the CTEC school and see the trade opportunities it provides students. Cost: $35 for chamber members, $45 for non-members. To register, visit www.ourwrc.com.

Dec. 1: Holiday Networking Spectacular with ERC5 and YPS, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Storrowton Tavern, 13305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Join the WRC, ERC5, and YPS for an evening of festive fun and friendly competition. Rock your most fabulous ugly holiday sweater and vote for your favorite chamber cocktail. Cocktail competition sponsored by PeoplesBank. Cost: $20 for members, $30 for non-members. To register, visit www.ourwrc.com.

Agenda

Fall Workshop Series to Support Small Businesses

Nov. 7, 14, 21: The North Adams Chamber of Commerce (NAC) will host a series of fall workshops to assist small businesses in the Northern Berkshires. In November, the NAC will start a technology-makeover series that will dive into online commerce, effective software options, and digital marketing. Each class costs $15 to attend, or $30 for all three. The Monday sessions run from 6 to 8 p.m. and will be held in the NAC office at 85 Main St., Suite 200A, North Adams. The sessions include “Get Organized: Digital Management Tools for Workflow Efficiency,” Nov. 7; “Get Found: Digital Marketing Basics to Get Your Business Found,” Nov. 14; and “Get Social: Social Media Marketing Strategies and Content Planning,” Nov. 21. This workshop series is the result of two years of recognizing the technology needs of local businesses through the chamber’s Business Assistance program. In 2019, the organization received grant funding through the Franklin County CDC to launch this one-on-one consulting program and has since helped the business community grow and maintain jobs, get access to legal and financial help, and grow their social-media presence. After an event the NAC hosted in June called “Reimagine the Chamber,” two dozen business owners expressed their everyday challenges. Many of those challenges were related to implementing technology to run their businesses more efficiently and learn how to use digital marketing tools more effectively. All businesses throughout Northern Berkshire County interested in improving their digital marketing or learning how to make their business more efficient using the latest tech tools are encouraged to attend one or all of the upcoming workshops. Learn more about the workshops and register at nachamber.org.

 

Free Line-cook Training Course

Nov. 8 to Dec. 16: Holyoke Community College (HCC) will be running a free, six-week line-cook training course. The course runs Tuesdays to Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute at 164 Race St. in Holyoke. 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 a new career. The program is taught both online and in person at the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute. 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.

 

A+ Awards

Nov. 17: The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce will present its 2022 A+ Awards from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the UMass Student Ballroom at UMass Amherst, with returning presenting sponsor Peoples Bank and major supporting sponsor UMass Amherst. Each year, the Amherst Area Chamber bestows A+ Awards to individuals and organizations that enrich the life of the community through their work in business, education, and civic engagement across the area that the chamber serves: Amherst, Belchertown, Hadley, Leverett, Pelham, Shutesbury, Sunderland, and the Pioneer Valley as a whole. This year’s awardees include United Way Franklin & Hampshire Region (Legacy Award), Angelina Ramirez , CEO of Stavros Center for Independent Living (Lifetime Achievement Award), Joshua Rousseau, CEO of Amherst Intelligent Security (Leader in Innovation Award), Taylor Robbins of UMassFive College Federal Credit Union (Young Professional Award), Sean Barry of Four Seasons Wines & Liquors (Community Service Award), and Kyle Dumas of Greenfield Savings Bank (Chamber MVP Award). The chamber will also honor its 2022 Cooley Dickinson Health Care & Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce $1,000 Scholarship Award recipients — four deserving seniors from Amherst Regional High School, Hopkins Academy, Belchertown High School, and Frontier Regional School pursuing business- and/or healthcare-related studies at an institution of higher education. Tickets to the A+ Awards event cost $90 per person and $700 for a table of eight, and registration is open at amherstarea.com.

 

LumiNAMA Holiday Lights

Nov. 23 to Jan. 1: The North Adams Chamber of Commerce announced the first citywide LumiNAMA holiday lights initiative. LumiNAMA is intended to brighten up the city, give residents and visitors a memorable experience, and encourage foot traffic during the holiday season. All businesses, not just downtown businesses, in North Adams are encouraged to create a window display and illuminate their windows with holiday lights from 4 to 8 p.m. daily, coinciding with the city’s tree-lighting ceremony on the evening of Nov. 23. The LumiNAMA downtown holiday lights route will run along Marshall, Holden, Main, and Eagle streets, and Route 2 between Big Y and behind 85 Main St. Many downtown businesses have already committed to participating in the initiative, including MASS MoCA, MCLA, and Gallery 51. The city of North Adams will also assist in installing lights along Route 2. Additionally, the chamber is connecting commercial real-estate owners with local artists and community groups to activate unoccupied storefronts. Businesses interested in participating in LumiNAMA are encouraged to register their display by Nov. 18 at nachamber.org/luminama. Those who register will be considered for the following awards: Brightest Lights, Best Window Display, and Best Art Installation. Voting begins on Nov. 23 and ends on Dec. 14. Winners will be announced on Dec. 16.

 

Women of Impact Gala

Dec. 8: BusinessWest has long recognized the contributions of women within the business community and created the Women of Impact awards in 2018 to further honor women who have the authority and power to move the needle in their business, are respected for accomplishments within their industries, give back to the community, and are sought out as respected advisors and mentors within their field of influence. The class of 2022 features Latoya Bosworth, program officer at Mass Humanities; Sr. Mary Caritas of the Sisters of Providence; Jodi Falk, executive director of Rachel’s Table; Anika Lopes, Amherst town councilor and president of Ancestral Bridges; Laurie Raymaakers, president of J.L. Raymaakers & Sons Inc.; Hilda Roqué, executive director of Nuestras Raíces Inc.; Ashley Sullivan, president of O’Reilly, Talbot & Okun; and Aelan Tierney, president of Kuhn Riddle Architects. Their stories are told in the Oct. 31 issue of BusinessWest and at businesswest.com. The fifth annual Women of Impact Gala will take place at the Sheraton Springfield, One Monarch Place. Tickets cost $85 per person, and tables of 10 are available. Visit businesswest.com/blog/women-of-impact-event-tickets to purchase tickets. The event’s presenting sponsors are Country Bank and TommyCar Auto Group, and the supporting sponsors are Comcast Business, Granite State Development Corp., and Smith Executive Education.

People on the Move
Lisa Halbert

Lisa Halbert

Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury & Murphy, P.C. announced the hiring of Lisa Halbert as an attorney in the law firm’s Northampton office. Halbert joined Doherty, Wallace in July and brings more than 30 years of experience in representing clients throughout Western Mass. Halbert has an extensive background in elder law and estate planning, estate and trust administration (including estate-tax return preparation), special-needs trusts, asset-protection planning, residential real estate, and preparation of personal and fiduciary income-tax returns. She is available to assist clients in Hampshire, Hampden, and Franklin counties. Since 2016, Halbert has served on the board of directors for Lathrop Community located in Easthampton and Northampton, and currently serves as its secretary. She is a member of the National and Massachusetts Associations of Elder Law Attorneys, the Massachusetts Bar Assoc., the Hampshire County Bar Assoc., and the Pioneer Valley Estate Planning Council.

•••••

Malissa Naylor

Malissa Naylor

KeyBank announced that Malissa Naylor has joined the bank as vice president, Business Banking relationship manager for the Hartford and Springfield areas. In her new role, she will provide customized financial solutions such as commercial lines of credit, SBA financing, equipment financing, cash management, merchant services, and more to businesses with sales revenues between $3 million and $25 million annually. She reports to Allison Standish-Plimpton, Business Banking sales leader for KeyBank’s Connecticut and Massachusetts market. Naylor brings to KeyBank more than 15 years of banking experience, most recently as a business banker with Webster Bank. She has also held various branch-network management roles with New Valley Bank and Trust, PeoplesBank, and TD Bank. She is active in her community, volunteering with Home City Development Inc., Springfield Young Professional Assoc., Holy Redeemer Cathedral, Vision Intervention Technology Academic Learning Center, YMCA of Greater Springfield, East Longmeadow Lions Club, and numerous chambers of commerce in both Connecticut and Massachusetts.

•••••

Nayroby Rosa

Nayroby Rosa

Nayroby Rosa, director of Community Engagement and Resident Services for OneHolyoke CDC, has been appointed to the Holyoke Community College (HCC) board of trustees by Gov. Charlie Baker. Her term will expire on July 10, 2027. An HCC alumna, Rosa graduated in 2010 with an associate degree in human services before transferring to UMass Amherst, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in child and youth services through the University Without Walls program. Rosa, a certified nursing assistant and home health aide, got her start in human services as a personal-care attendant for Community Enterprises, assisting patients with their daily living and transportation needs. Since then, she has worked as site director and case manager for the YMCA in Springfield, home health aide for Home Health Solutions, program specialist for HAP Inc., and resident services coordinator for Beacon Residential Management. She has been employed in her current position at One Holyoke since 2018.

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Mary Cate Mannion

Mary Cate Mannion

Social-media platforms, like New England weather, seem to change by the minute. For that reason, Mary Cate Mannion, digital PR analyst and video producer at GCAi, was tapped to lead a panel of experts through a discussion of best practices and new innovations at New England Financial Marketing’s (NEMFA) fall conference in Worcester. Joining Mannion on the “Navigating New Media: How to Evaluate Emerging Trends” panel were Anna Baskin, content manager at Service Credit Union; Justin Roberts, vice president of Marketing for Country Bank; and Kristin Sundin Brandt, president of Sundin Marketing. “The experts were focused on metrics — specifically, the metrics that matter to your organization,” Mannion explained after the conference. “Content was also a focus, and the discussion focused on the power of these platforms for highlighting community support and corporate responsibility efforts.” Mannion was also the keynote speaker at the NEFMA 2022 Awards Show, where she presented on “What’s Old is New: How the Age-old Art of Storytelling Will Set Your Existing Media Channels on Fire.”

•••••

Amelia Holstrom

Amelia Holstrom

Amelia Holstrom, a partner at Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C., a leading labor and employment law firm, was recently appointed to the Wilbraham Commission on Disabilities by the Wilbraham Board of Selectmen. The commission provides information, referrals, and technical assistance to individuals, businesses, and organizations in all matters pertaining to disability. It acts as an advocate for disabled individuals, their family members, and caregivers, and also advises and assists Wilbraham businesses and municipal officials in ensuring compliance with disability laws. Holstrom’s involvement will include promoting awareness of disability-related issues and assisting in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and state disability laws. Holstrom, who joined Skoler Abbott in 2012, defends employers against claims of discrimination, retaliation, harassment, and wrongful termination, as well as actions arising under other employment-related laws. She also frequently provides counsel to management regarding litigation-avoidance strategies.

•••••

Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) Chair Walter Gunn announced the completion of a new five-year contract with Executive Director Kimberly Robinson, who has led the PVPC — the state-designated regional planning agency for Hampden and Hampshire counties — since October 2019. Robinson came to the PVPC after serving as executive director of the Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Agency in Greater Reno, Nev. for more than seven years. Additionally, she has held leadership positions for Washoe County, also of Greater Reno, as well as the city of Detroit.

•••••

Jeffrey Gelinas

Jeffrey Gelinas

OMG Inc., a Steel Partners company and a leading manufacturer of fasteners, adhesives, and construction-productivity tools, has named Jeffrey Gelinas manager of Sales Training for its FastenMaster and Roofing Products divisions. In his new role, Gelinas will develop and manage a comprehensive sales-training program focused on reducing time to proficiency for sales personnel in both company divisions. Specific responsibilities include developing curriculum, role-specific sales training, as well as analytics for measuring program effectiveness. He will also oversee new hire training as well as advancement training for sales personnel moving into new roles. Gelinas joined OMG from Westfield Middle School, where he has been teaching science since 2007 and was on the team that helped develop the school district’s current science curriculum. In addition to the classroom work, he has also been coaching at the collegiate level, overseeing the women’s golf program at Westfield State University since 2021. He has also been actively involved in coaching a variety of teams at Westfield High School and numerous youth sports programs in Western Mass. for years. Prior to his teaching career, Gelinas held various sales positions for Tommy Hilfiger Golf, TaylorMade/Adidas, Sanofi Pharmaceuticals, and Spalding Sports Worldwide. He holds a master’s degree in education from UMass Amherst, a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Westfield State University, and an associate degree from Holyoke Community College.

•••••

Excel Dryer Inc., manufacturer of the XLERATOR hand dryer, announced that Timothy Bates has joined its growing team as senior director of Operations. He has more than 35 years of industry experience and has spent nearly 25 years in a senior management role. Bates is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts with a degree in industrial engineering. Since starting his career as an industrial engineer, he has held various positions, each with increased responsibilities, including positions such as program manager, director of operations, and general manager/vice president at organizations like Kaman Aerospace Corp. and TigHITCO. At Excel Dryer, Bates will oversee manufacturing and warehouse operations, ensuring the facility is running in a safe, efficient, and profitable manner.

•••••

Geoff Naunheim

Geoff Naunheim

United Way of the Franklin and Hampshire Region announced that Geoff Naunheim will take on the role of executive director. Naunheim, who has served as interim executive director since the departure of former Executive Director John Bidwell in April, brings five years of experience within the organization. Most of Naunheim’s tenure at United Way has been spent running its Community Investment program, a term used to describe the community-informed process of distributing community funds and creating partnerships with local nonprofits that are addressing the greatest needs of the region. Naunheim was also instrumental in developing and expanding United Way’s Diaper Bank, which distributes over 100,000 diapers a year across Franklin and Hampshire counties. Before joining United Way’s Development team in 2017, Naunheim worked in the development departments of two nonprofits focused on education and literacy. He is currently the board president of the Council of Social Agencies of Hampshire County.

Company Notebook

Collins Electric Wins Project Excellence Award in Education

CHICOPEE — Collins Electric Co. Inc., an electrical contractor based in Chicopee, was recently recognized by the National Electrical Contractors Assoc. with a NECA Project Excellence Award in Education in the over $1 million category for Smith College Neilson Library. NECA established the Project Excellence Award to showcase the exceptional work that its members perform throughout the country. Collins Electric was recognized along with this year’s other winners during NECA’s 2022 convention in Austin, Texas on Oct. 17. The renovation gutted the historic building with a new focus on the future. Additions to the library in the 1930s, 1960s, and 1980s were demolished along with the entire interior of the original 1909 library. The front and rear brick brownstone façades were the only remaining parts. The project involved 150,000 square feet with 5,000 LED, energy-efficient light fixtures; glass skylights; dimming; and windo- shade controls to deliver the best-quality energy-efficient lighting possible. Strict attention was paid to controlling temperature and humidity, as well as tight security, for the library’s rare-books collection.

 

Breeze Airways to Expand Flights at Bradley in 2023

WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — The Connecticut Airport Authority announced that Breeze Airways is launching four new destinations from Bradley International Airport, including non-stop service to Vero Beach, Fla., and Phoenix, Ariz., starting from $79 and $99 one-way, respectively; and one-stop/no-plane-change ‘BreezeThru’ flights to Provo, Utah, and San Bernardino, Calif, starting from $99. The new routes will operate on an A220 aircraft as follows: Vero Beach daily, starting Feb 2; Phoenix and Provo Thursday and Sunday, starting Feb. 9; and San Bernardino Thursday and Sunday, starting Feb. 16. “Partnering with Breeze on their expansion has been transformative for Bradley International Airport,” said Kevin Dillon, Connecticut Airport Authority’s executive director. “Their national growth, ongoing innovation, and expanding local network offer our passengers more opportunities to travel conveniently and affordably. We thank Breeze for their partnership in bringing these exciting new routes to this key market and for their continued commitment to our community.”

 

bankESB Supports Food Pantries with Annual Fundraising Drive

EASTHAMPTON — Matthew Sosik, president and CEO of bankESB, announced the kickoff of the bank’s 2022 Neighbors Helping Neighbors fundraising drive to help support local food pantries. This marks the second year of the bank’s annual appeal, inviting bank customers, employees, and members of the community to donate money toward food pantries throughout the month of November. All donations (up to $2,500 per customer) will be matched dollar for dollar by bankESB, and the total raised will be divided among participating food pantries across Western Mass. in communities the bank serves. In 2021, a total of more than $39,000 was raised, which equated to $3,000 for each participating pantry. Donations of any amount are encouraged, and as an added incentive to give, the bank will offer those who donate the opportunity to win a $25 gift card at each of its locations. Those who wish to participate have until Nov. 30 to make their donations. Checks should be made payable to “bankESB Neighbors” and can be dropped off at any bankESB branch or mailed to Margaret Prendergast, bankESB, 36 Main St., Easthampton, MA 01027. The food pantries to be supported include Amherst Survival Center Food Pantry; Best Life Food Ministry, Agawam; BUCC Helping Hands Cupboard Food Pantry, Belchertown; Chicopee Cupboard; Easthampton Community Center Food Pantry; Easthampton Congregational Church Food Cupboard & Oasis Kitchen; Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Hatfield; Hadley Food Pantry; Hilltown Food Pantry, Goshen; Margaret’s Pantry, Holyoke; Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Inc., South Hadley; Northampton Survival Center; Southampton Community Cupboard; and Westfield Food Pantry.

 

Lee Bank Foundation Distributes $48,600 in Year’s Third Grant Round

LEE — Lee Bank Foundation awarded $48,600 to 16 Berkshire-area organizations in its third round of 2022 community funding. Recipients were awarded grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,600 to support local programming. Included in the awards are a series of Arts Access Grants for arts and culture organizations to expand access to programming for underserved audiences and Food Security Grants for organizations with programs focused on providing food to community members in need. The following organizations received funding from Lee Bank Foundation: Berkshire Innovation Center, Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, Center for Peace Through Culture, Chabad of the Berkshires, CDCSB, the Christian Center, Dalton CRA, EforAll, Good Work Institute (Alliance for a Viable Future), Housatonic Heritage (the Mastheads), Lee Historical Society, Life Needs Co-Op (Stanton Home), the People’s Pantry, Second Street Second Chances, Volunteers in Medicine, and WAM Theatre. Lee Bank Foundation was established in 2021 to support Lee Bank’s long-standing mission of community reinvestment. In its first year, 2021, the foundation awarded a total of $228,610 in grants, and the bank contributed an additional $84,000 in sponsorships.

 

Berkshire Bank’s Foundation Supports 160 Nonprofits During Q3

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Bank announced more than $660,000 in philanthropic investments from its foundation during the third quarter of 2022. The grants awarded cover a wide range of projects that help foster community DEI-focused programs, support education and youth, and enhance opportunities for individual success in the communities the bank serves. These investments also support the company’s BEST Community Comeback, which includes a planned $15 million in community contributions by the end of 2024. “We are so pleased to support nonprofit organizations once again with philanthropy to sustain vital community services in all the regions that Berkshire Bank serves during challenging economic times,” said Lori Gazzillo Kiely, foundation director. “Since January 2022, the Berkshire Bank Foundation has provided nearly $2 million to support the needs of the community.”

 

 

JimBuddy’s Rec Shop Hosts Grand Opening

CHICOPEE — The Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce celebrated the grand opening of JimBuddy’s Rec Shop at 1269 Memorial Dr. with a ribbon cutting on Nov. 2. It officially opened to the public on Oct. 1. JimBuddy’s Rec Shop is owned by Jim and Lisa Robinson, who opened JimBuddy’s Glass Gallery & Vape Shop next door at 1271 Memorial Dr. in 2015. When the space next door at 1269 became available in 2018 — the year cannabis was legalized by Massachusetts voters — the Robinsons rented the space with hopes to open a dispensary. JimBuddy’s received a special permit from the city of Chicopee in April 2021, making it the third recreational cannabis dispensary approved in the city. As a small family business, JimBuddy’s focus is offering quality products from small, local businesses in the cannabis industry like those based Florence, Whately, and Pittsfield. JimBuddy’s Rec Shop is open to customers who are age 21+ with valid ID.

 

Girl Scouts Receive $10,000 from TD Charitable Foundation

HOLYOKE — The Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts announced that it has received a $10,000 grant from the TD Charitable Foundation in support of On Your Own: Financial Literary for Girls. The grant will provide a free badge program to all Girl Scouts designed to empower them to control their financial futures. All participants complete age-appropriate activities to gain real-world money-management skills. Girl Scouts develop leadership skills and self-esteem as they build a greater understanding of becoming responsible consumers, creating and living by a budget, building and managing credit, increasing their income, and saving and investing for whatever’s next. With the support of contributors such as the TD Charitable Foundation, Girl Scouts is able to help build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. On Your Own: Financial Literacy for Girls is available to all members in grades K through 12. Learn more and sign up to be a member at www.gscwm.org.

 

Chariot Payments Network Emerges from Reorganization

BOSTON — Chariot Payments has emerged from reorganization with a reconstructed board, a new CEO, and an experienced team poised to launch its bank-compliant, hybrid-payment network to introduce a new way to connect traditional finance and banking to the emerging digital economies burgeoning in the world of decentralized finance. Chariot’s hybrid network is configured for bank and regulatory compliance, enabling trusted, secure transactions between traditional finance and banking and instant settlement across digital currency protocols at a fraction of the cost imposed by the current payment networks. Chariot’s CEO, Benjamin Cavallari, along with Chief Technology Officer Mariana Jbantova, resuscitated the startup. After a long rebuild, Chariot Payments announced that Glenn Hanson, CEO of Colony Hills Capital and co-founder of River Valley Investors, and Jay Como, chief data officer of Silicon Valley Bank, are joining Cavallari on the new board of directors. Chariot also announced the reformation of its board of advisors, which includes prominent compliance leaders Angela Ratliff and Kevin Troxell (both with US Bank) and Brandon Oliver (previously with JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, and the DCU Fintech Center).

 

 

Liberty Bank Supports Habitat for Humanity

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Liberty Bank recently selected Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) to receive one of its community grants. The foundation aims to help low- and moderate-income families improve their economic situation and quality of life. “We are very grateful to have been selected to receive this grant. It will help us to continue to provide home-ownership and home-repair services in Hampden County,” GSHFH Executive Director Aimee Giroux said. Through Liberty Bank Foundation, Liberty Bank supports nonprofit organizations that its neighbors depend on to build strong families and communities. Grant making is focused on organizations that serve people within Liberty Bank’s market area. GSHFH is a housing ministry dedicated to strengthening communities by empowering low-income families to change their lives and the lives of future generations through home-ownership and home-repair opportunities. This is accomplished by working in partnership with diverse people, from all walks of life, to build and repair simple, decent, affordable housing.

Incorporations

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

AMHERST

Performing Arts and Education Cooperative Inc., 12 Teaberry Lane, Amherst, MA 01002, David Mullins, same. Charitable organization designed to provide education and training of children and adults of all abilities across multiple areas in the performing arts including dance, theater, and musical performance.

CHICOPEE

Hold Fast Welding Inc., 825 Grattan St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Brad Desmarias, same. Welding services.

MTEC International Inc., 27 New Ludlow Road, Chicopee, MA 01020. Osama Ehsan, same. Internet commerce.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Andy Main Street Inc., 191 Elm St., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Jasvinder Arora, same. Package store.

EASTHAMPTON

Royal Home Goods Inc., 10 Bayberry Dr., Easthampton, MA 01027. Rafiullah Gholam, same. Online retail sales.

GREAT BARRINGTON

Crosby Street Consultants, Ltd., 30 Berkshire Heights Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230. Nelson Fernandez, same. Business consulting services.

HOLYOKE

Portorreal Corp., 161 High St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Yanercy Diaz De La Cruz, 12 Randolph St., Apt. 1, Yonkers, N.Y. 10705. Commercial building.

LENOX

Therakoss Inc., 249 Main St., Lenox, MA 01240. Brittany Brooks, same. Skin care services.

MONSON

KMX Properties Inc., 25 Bradway Road, Monson, MA 01057. Xavier Cody, same. Real estate rental properties.

PALMER

E & K Transport Inc., 3 Pioneer Dr., Palmer, MA 01069. Eduard Sinigur, same. Trucking services.

 

PITTSFIELD

Global Alliance Protection, 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. James Bunch, 44965 10th St., West Lancaster, CA 93534. Full-service security firm.

Shenqi Medical Sirius Technology Ltd., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Wei Sheng, same. Research and manufacture of innovative medical devices.

World Of Retail Services Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. David Roth, same. Construction services.

SOUTH HADLEY

Western New England Provisions Inc., 180 Old Lyman Road, South Hadley, MA 01075. Richard Matthew Biele, same. Wholesale foods distributor.

SOUTHWICK

Next Level Strategies Inc., 51 Mort Vining Road, Southwick, MA, 01077. Brian M. Iserman, same. Hair salon.

SPRINGFIELD

Love Art Collective Inc., 123 Mulberry St., Springfield, MA 01105. Jasper McCoy, same.

Rock Solid Business Solutions Inc., 46 Ledyard St., Apt. 1, Springfield, MA 01104. Juan C Juiz, same. Business solutions.

Vascular Specialists, P.C., 3640 Main St., Suite 302, Springfield, MA 01107. Dr. Sidney Lowell Kahn Iv, same. Medical practice specializing in vascular care.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Shwe Sushi Inc., 1626 Westfield St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Shan Maung, same. Retail sales of sushi.

WESTFIELD

La Placita Mini Mart, Inc., 4 Edgewood St., Westfield, MA 01085. Carlos Emanuel Pizarro, same. Grocery retailer.

WILBRAHAM

Bailey’s Hive Inc., 2650 Boston Road, Wilbraham, MA 01095. Kathleen Bailey, same. Juice bar.

Bankruptcies

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

Brunelle, Christopher R.
PO Box 641
Belchertown, MA 01007-0641
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/14/2022

Chelkonas, Erika G.
330 Miller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/11/2022

Cherival, Daniel
189 Santa Barbara St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Date: 10/11/2022

Desmarais, Gary N.
Desmarais, Nancy E
819 McKinstrry Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/30/2022

Figueroa, Kyle Anthony
31 School St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/12/2022

Gougeon, David
10 Lewandowski Ave.
East Hampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 13
Date: 10/12/2022

Hanks, Helen Elizabeth
75 Cowls Road, Apt. 423
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/12/2022

Hutchins, Roger F.
789 Tea St.
Charlemont, MA 01339
Chapter: 13
Date: 10/14/2022

Kaewprasertchai, Boorana
408 Eliot St.
Ashland, MA 01721
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/05/2022

King Koffee
King Jr., Alton
49 Memery Lane
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 13
Date: 10/13/2022
Ledbetter, Gage M.
Ledbetter, Genevieve
a/k/a Frazier, Gage
117 South St., Apt. C
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/12/2022

Mailloux, Cheryl Ann
116 Bostwick Lane
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Date: 10/11/2022

Parker, Jacob D.
473 College Highway
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/30/2022

Perry, Antonio R.
70 Fort Pleasant Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Date: 10/15/2022

Suares, Jolene M.
a/k/a Cundiff, Jolene
19 Clinton St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Date: 10/04/2022

Tran, Ai
a/k/a Tran, Ai Quoc
105 Laurel St., Apt 4B
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/06/2022

Wang, Hi Trung
178 Clarendon Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/11/2022

Real Estate

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

ASHFIELD

1789 Baptist Corner Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: Jonathan E. Stark
Seller: Mislak FT
Date: 10/06/22

BERNARDSTON

87 Northfield Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $990,348
Buyer: Heirloom Collective Inc.
Seller: Crumpin Fox Club Inc.
Date: 10/06/22

231 South St.
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $354,000
Buyer: John P. Hovnanian
Seller: Kittredge Industries LLC
Date: 10/07/22

COLRAIN

121 Call Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Elliston O. Bingham
Seller: Sarah Davenport
Date: 10/03/22

241 Thompson Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Cassiel Owens
Seller: Nicholas R. Piantanida
Date: 10/07/22

GREENFIELD

49 Arnold Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Monique Frigon
Seller: Philip E. St.Germain
Date: 10/07/22

9 Hancock Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $253,000
Buyer: Jessica Matteson
Seller: Charles G. Zononi
Date: 10/04/22

163 Leyden Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Betty Saunders
Seller: Charles W. Saunders Inc.
Date: 10/11/22

157 Log Plain Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Brendan Kenny
Seller: Paul S. Richmond
Date: 10/13/22

79 Montague City Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $332,000
Buyer: Joseph S. Bialek
Seller: Scott A. Callahan
Date: 10/03/22

65 Munson St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $154,200
Buyer: Donald Connelly
Seller: David G. Norman
Date: 10/07/22

336 Plain Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $285,500
Buyer: Adam R. Martin
Seller: James L. Galipault
Date: 10/06/22

LEVERETT

Cave Hill Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Adam R. Levine
Seller: Matthew J. Pfannenstiel
Date: 10/06/22

29 North Leverett Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Oliver T. Miller
Seller: Hall, Lynn, (Estate)
Date: 10/03/22

MONTAGUE

120 Millers Falls Road
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Alyssa N. Edwards
Seller: FNMA
Date: 10/13/22

177 Millers Falls Road
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $705,000
Buyer: Bradley Ferris
Seller: Kenneth R. Hubbard
Date: 10/07/22

NEW SALEM

4 Old County Road
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Scott Chastain
Seller: Nathanial Mizula
Date: 10/12/22

NORTHFIELD

126 Main St.
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $251,000
Buyer: Laurice Russell
Seller: Northfield Mt. Hermon
Date: 10/13/22

26 Pentecost Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Ann Chappell
Seller: Wright, Kathleen F., (Estate)
Date: 10/13/22

ORANGE

34 Bacon St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $269,900
Buyer: Kristyn M. Lombarde
Seller: Philip S. Zahodiakin
Date: 10/03/22

100 Cove Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Cain J. Blackbird
Seller: David L. Songer
Date: 10/05/22

18 Gay St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Kelly M. Walker
Seller: Pultorak FT
Date: 10/12/22

315 Gidney Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Whitney M. Bell
Seller: Jennifer L. Tenney
Date: 10/03/22

243 Hayden St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Cameron Woodcock
Seller: Jay M. Guilmette
Date: 10/07/22

22 Logan Ave.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Charles J. Verheyen
Seller: Victor Chaplin
Date: 10/06/22

ROWE

544 Tunnel Road
Rowe, MA 01367
Amount: $435,500
Buyer: Diane J. Parrington
Seller: David Wells Lenth LT
Date: 10/13/22

SHUTESBURY

266 Leverett Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Thomas J. Mitchell
Seller: Funk, Audrey M., (Estate)
Date: 10/13/22

399 Leverett Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $354,511
Buyer: Deerfield Valley Management TR
Seller: Russell P. Mizula
Date: 10/05/22

27 Wendell Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $331,500
Buyer: Geoffrey Lansdell
Seller: Todd E. Jansen
Date: 10/04/22

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

206 Corey St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Bryan Riley
Seller: Matthew Gour
Date: 10/06/22

88 Doane Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $283,000
Buyer: David North
Seller: Christopher R. Mader
Date: 10/13/22

48 Highland Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $283,900
Buyer: Dan Guyette
Seller: Kenneth B. Beagle
Date: 10/05/22

78 Kensington St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Lisa M. Gamelli
Seller: Richard W. Ivey
Date: 10/05/22

14 Laura Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Jose M. Quintanilla
Seller: Gregg M. Robinson
Date: 10/07/22

321 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: AK Brothers LLC
Seller: Marcon Investments LLC
Date: 10/06/22

123 Nicole Ter.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $760,000
Buyer: Nicholas C. Alvanos
Seller: Hillside Development Corp.
Date: 10/12/22

73 Ottawa St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Allan C. Ramsdell
Seller: Denis J. Clark
Date: 10/07/22

99 Paul Revere Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Roger C. Phillips
Seller: William O. Bellows
Date: 10/07/22

66 Ramah Circle South
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Popco Real Estate LLC
Seller: Popowich Family Investments LLC
Date: 10/12/22

9 Ridgeview Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Andrew J. Lamarche
Seller: Peiffer, Sally L., (Estate)
Date: 10/07/22

586 South West St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Tina M. Depalma
Seller: Ralph Depalma
Date: 10/11/22

53 White Oaks Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $343,500
Buyer: Martin J. Lee
Seller: Richard R. Wheeler
Date: 10/03/22

51 Wilson St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: L&A Property LLC
Seller: Arnold, Roy R., (Estate)
Date: 10/07/22

BRIMFIELD

61 Cubles Dr.
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Michael Wasielak
Seller: William J. Campbell
Date: 10/06/22

15 Little Rest Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $605,000
Buyer: Maureen Jolicoeur
Seller: Christopher Lowe
Date: 10/05/22

CHESTER

424 Route 20
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Rory M. Mason
Seller: Lemarier, James A., (Estate)
Date: 10/11/22

23 William St.
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Philip Zahodiakin
Seller: Willard Vail-Zook
Date: 10/04/22

CHICOPEE

47 Algonquin St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Houssam A. Baki
Seller: Joshua Mitera
Date: 10/05/22

63 Bemis Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Brooke Chisholm
Seller: Maryjane Kopie
Date: 10/12/22

69 Bonner St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Juan C. Crespo
Seller: Elizabeth D. Siciliano
Date: 10/04/22

83 Boucher Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $244,500
Buyer: Michael J. Doherty
Seller: Jessica Duga
Date: 10/12/22

130 Bridle Path Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $520,000
Buyer: Rekha Kamat
Seller: Garrett D. Sickles
Date: 10/12/22

12 Burton St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Dexter Taylor
Seller: Alyssa M. Henderson
Date: 10/04/22

101 Cochran St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: RM Blerman LLC
Seller: Edward A. Ziemba
Date: 10/11/22

41 Dorrance St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $256,900
Buyer: Juan Rivera
Seller: Denise L. Johnson
Date: 10/07/22

75 Dresser Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Wilkinson
Seller: Kenneth M. Krupa
Date: 10/06/22

18 Ferry St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Lizbeth Velez
Seller: Wesley V. Gumlaw
Date: 10/06/22

69 Gelinas Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Hamit Tamer-Adiguzel
Seller: Robert A. Ruszala
Date: 10/04/22

789 Granby Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Michael N. Houle
Seller: Norman J. Bourbeau
Date: 10/07/22

246 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Ronald Balthazar
Seller: Bigos FT
Date: 10/11/22

1206 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $358,000
Buyer: Michael Murdock
Seller: Joseph M. Yiznitsky
Date: 10/13/22

155 Hampden St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Bohombe Lawi
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 10/13/22

24 Hartford St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $118,000
Buyer: Rehab Home Buyers LLC
Seller: Daniel J. Nute
Date: 10/12/22

93 Main St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Investmentguru LLC
Seller: William J. Stetson
Date: 10/07/22

18 McKinley Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $271,000
Buyer: Brion E. Smith
Seller: Francis J. Czepiel
Date: 10/03/22

52 Morgan Circle
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Allen E. Edwards
Seller: Stephen Nembirkow
Date: 10/13/22

89 Olko Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Alison L. Coulombe
Seller: Daniel J. Gagne
Date: 10/03/22

15 Pleasant St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $285,245
Buyer: Rasidi Akodu
Seller: Michael P. Fitzgerald
Date: 10/04/22

151 Rimmon Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $267,000
Buyer: Raysa A. Lopez-Martinez
Seller: Patrick S. McGrath
Date: 10/07/22

41 Robbins Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Koi 2 Koi Associates LLC
Seller: DDM Property Group LLC
Date: 10/12/22

131 State St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Jenise A. Jaworski
Seller: Deborah A. Fortin
Date: 10/12/22

100 Stebbins St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $388,000
Buyer: Cyryline P. Reid
Seller: Gabriel Martinez
Date: 10/04/22

23 Stockbridge St.
Chicopee, MA 01103
Amount: $428,000
Buyer: Donald R. Turcotte
Seller: Waycon Inc.
Date: 10/06/22

181 Wheatland Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Johnny McClease
Seller: Susan Gazda
Date: 10/12/22

EAST LONGMEADOW

25 Bettswood Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Steven Moyers
Seller: Janice E. Flebotte
Date: 10/05/22

126 Franconia Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Alyssa Henderson
Seller: Elizabeth F. Collaro
Date: 10/04/22

9 Harris Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Wenfeng Wang
Seller: John Pappas
Date: 10/12/22

31 Harwich Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: 31 Harwich Road LLC
Seller: J. J Kiernan RET
Date: 10/06/22

11 Lester St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Lee A. Guilbault
Seller: J. M. Kupperman 2009 IRT
Date: 10/03/22

32 Maryland St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $327,315
Buyer: Thomas J. Russo
Seller: Vip Homes & Assocs. LLC
Date: 10/04/22

57 Redin Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Steven Hogan
Seller: Timothy Driscoll
Date: 10/05/22

58 Wood Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $306,000
Buyer: Tacia Munn
Seller: Sareen Properties LLC
Date: 10/07/22

GRANVILLE

144 Barnard Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Daniel M. McGorty
Seller: Daniel Scibelli
Date: 10/06/22

776 Main Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Nathaniel Sindland
Seller: Jayden B. Cowles
Date: 10/13/22

HOLYOKE

145-147 Brown Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Willow Permanent Real Estate Coop
Seller: Jonathan R. Bates
Date: 10/06/22

44 Claremont Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Lamont Whitebear
Seller: Bobby J. Stovall
Date: 10/11/22

21 Claren Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $407,000
Buyer: Servicenet Inc.
Seller: Richard P. Courchesne
Date: 10/12/22

313 Linden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Avi Holdings LLC
Seller: Ysaaca Axelrod
Date: 10/11/22

97 Merrick Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Emily Bouvier
Seller: Michael J. Spirito
Date: 10/03/22

1698-1700 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $407,500
Buyer: Raymond Sullivan
Seller: Andrew R. Weibel
Date: 10/12/22

35 Ridgeway St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $289,000
Buyer: Megan E. Pfefferle
Seller: Donald R. Packard
Date: 10/03/22

27 Rugby St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $339,900
Buyer: Wendreth A. Gregoire
Seller: Candia M. Athas
Date: 10/13/22

416 Southampton Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Elissa Wright
Seller: Maple Leaf Capital Reserve
Date: 10/07/22

83 Wellesley Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Lily A. Foster
Seller: Dwight B. Kelley
Date: 10/07/22

67 Westfield Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Alexandra Ortiz-Pagan
Seller: Lemire IRT
Date: 10/07/22

LONGMEADOW

43 Barrington Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Michael Palaschak
Seller: Charlene A. Clark
Date: 10/04/22

25 Berwick Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Thomas R. Wilks
Seller: Pamela H. Rich IRT
Date: 10/12/22

250 Burbank Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $327,000
Buyer: Jennifer A. Lerch
Seller: Wesley H. Carter
Date: 10/11/22

38 East Primrose Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $585,000
Buyer: Tyler J. Oleksak
Seller: Matthew D. Raymond
Date: 10/12/22

80 Hawthorne St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: David M. Wendt
Seller: Peter S. Donner
Date: 10/07/22

112 Lynnwood Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $390,345
Buyer: Brian Newkirk
Seller: Goodless Realty LLC
Date: 10/03/22

75 Oak Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Luis Rodriguez
Seller: Lapierrej, Ronald, (Estate)
Date: 10/05/22

LUDLOW

20 Birch St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $252,000
Buyer: Li Z. Lin
Seller: Henry Hampton
Date: 10/03/22

541 Center St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: DMR Holdings LLC
Seller: Diamond Real Estate Ventures LLC
Date: 10/13/22

795 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Melina Canter
Seller: Jessica Leroux
Date: 10/07/22

18 Winsor St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $289,900
Buyer: George J. Bosco
Seller: Laura J. Galloway
Date: 10/07/22

96 Yale St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Arturo Aguillon
Seller: Frank Novelli RET
Date: 10/06/22

MONSON

22 Bethany Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Pedro L. Sauri-Rosado
Seller: Yvette I. Wheeler
Date: 10/03/22

369 Cedar Swamp Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $267,500
Buyer: Nathan M. Dunn
Seller: Frank W. Hull
Date: 10/06/22

3 Green St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Derek Belisle
Seller: Sara E. Malo
Date: 10/07/22

40 High St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Michael H. Fograshy
Seller: Janice T. Kissel
Date: 10/07/22

11 Robbins Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $431,500
Buyer: Todd M. Bonett
Seller: Marion E. Talbot
Date: 10/11/22

11 Wales Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $219,000
Buyer: Brad Burlingham
Seller: ARPC LLC
Date: 10/12/22

PALMER

3137 Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Eboney O. Sims
Seller: Andrew Cienciwa
Date: 10/05/22

9-11 Maple Ter.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Mandy Holmes
Seller: Louis D. Teixeira
Date: 10/13/22

24 Squier St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $342,000
Buyer: Fabian Perkins
Seller: Jin Gao
Date: 10/04/22

SOUTHWICK

188 Berkshire Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: James E. Jaron
Seller: James E. Jaron
Date: 10/07/22

43 College Hwy.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Malia Homebuyers LLC
Seller: Eric Lacombe
Date: 10/12/22

20 Depot St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Joseph Fontaine
Seller: Martin Lee
Date: 10/03/22

221 Granville Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Eduardo Rosado
Seller: Richard E. Fiore
Date: 10/12/22

SPRINGFIELD

65 Adams St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Kassandra Perez
Seller: Daisy Sanchez
Date: 10/07/22

70-72 Albemarle St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Equity Trust Co.
Seller: Ucal T. Palmer
Date: 10/05/22

248 Ambrose St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $236,000
Buyer: Radames Lopez
Seller: Foley Capital LLC
Date: 10/07/22

138 Appleton St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $152,500
Buyer: JJJ17 LLC
Seller: Plata O. Plomo Inc.
Date: 10/04/22

1060 Bay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $1,200,000
Buyer: Oliver Auto Body Realco
Seller: Lamoureux, Normand O., (Estate)
Date: 10/05/22

12-14 Beauchamp St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $311,000
Buyer: Shabona Sharmaine-Hyatt
Seller: Jean N. Duquette
Date: 10/03/22

23 Belvidere St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Samuel Peront
Seller: Erin M. Chubka
Date: 10/06/22

81 Bessemer St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Alonzo Williams
Seller: Olga L. Yanginski
Date: 10/07/22

42 Brewster St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Rachel Lightfoot
Seller: Etabav RT
Date: 10/11/22

100 Bronson Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Michael K. Roche
Seller: Susan K. Halpern
Date: 10/07/22

658-662 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $2,300,000
Buyer: Jose L. Martinez
Seller: Antonio Dejesus
Date: 10/05/22

16 Carlisle St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Waiwai RT
Seller: Luis A. Torres
Date: 10/06/22

107-109 Cherrelyn St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $251,000
Buyer: Abner Diaz
Seller: Elizabeth Arroyo
Date: 10/03/22

5 Connolly St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Michael J. Spirito
Seller: Christina M. Gregorio
Date: 10/03/22

71 Copeland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $243,000
Buyer: Jose Blanco
Seller: Quang V. Huynh
Date: 10/12/22

45-47 Copley Ter.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Cedriq R. Clemente
Seller: Irene C. Rivera
Date: 10/04/22

50-52 Darling St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Carleton D. Johnson
Seller: Joslyn R. Kevin, (Estate)
Date: 10/05/22

72 Donbray Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Marie Berthe Francois
Seller: David F. Savickas
Date: 10/07/22

61-63 Draper St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Zachary P. Nunnally
Seller: FNMA
Date: 10/11/22

25 Driftwood Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Daisy Sanchez
Seller: Juan E. Quiles
Date: 10/07/22

90-92 Elmore Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Henry M. Gallegos
Seller: Michael R. Bleau
Date: 10/03/22

106 Fargo St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: William A. Rivera-Figueroa
Seller: Lashaunna D. Davis
Date: 10/05/22

41-43 Fenwick St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $294,000
Buyer: Eric Frimpong
Seller: Amea Properties LLC
Date: 10/07/22

42 Forest St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Pedro Alicea
Seller: Anna Deshommes
Date: 10/05/22

52 Freeman Ter.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Mint Realty Group LLC
Seller: Sheila Rivera
Date: 10/12/22

77 Garfield St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Gretchen E. Eisenman
Seller: Rachel Thomas
Date: 10/07/22

48 Gladstone St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $192,000
Buyer: Delinas R. Maldonado
Seller: Kirk Craigg
Date: 10/13/22

87 Helberg Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $251,000
Buyer: Juan S. Torres
Seller: Shayne M. Wilson
Date: 10/07/22

23 Hicks St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $272,000
Buyer: Nicole A. Santiago
Seller: Jorge R. Rivera
Date: 10/12/22

27 Inglewood Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Thomas B. Murphy
Seller: Daniel G. Verteramo
Date: 10/07/22

356 Island Pond Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $241,000
Buyer: Rejeanne D. Boissonneault
Seller: Thomas Murphy
Date: 10/07/22

76 Keith St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $256,900
Buyer: Todd F. Johnson
Seller: Eagle Homebuyers LLC
Date: 10/13/22

79 Keith St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Ackeem J. Donaldson
Seller: MGC Realty LLC
Date: 10/13/22

47 Kulig St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Robert J. Schroeter
Seller: Rashad M. Evans
Date: 10/06/22

70 Labelle Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Lashaunna Davis
Seller: James L. Campbell
Date: 10/05/22

59 Lancaster St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Timothy Keeley
Seller: William M. Gonzalez
Date: 10/04/22

20 Lexington St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Angie J. Acevedo
Seller: SRV Properties LLC
Date: 10/11/22

325 Longhill St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Mazhar Iqbal
Seller: Joan C. Marsh
Date: 10/06/22

13 Lorimer St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $306,000
Buyer: Cesar Deleon-Maria
Seller: Ryan Smith-Carignan
Date: 10/07/22

36 Lumae St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Marilyn M. Valenti
Seller: Duc T. Le
Date: 10/11/22

103-105 Massasoit St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Doms Home Improvement LLC
Seller: Timothy J. Kirsch
Date: 10/12/22

57 Merwin St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Christine Cohee
Seller: Francisco J. Martinez
Date: 10/03/22

132 Miller St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $229,999
Buyer: Chantelle M. Jack
Seller: Locah Y. Allemany
Date: 10/13/22

200 Moss Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $258,000
Buyer: Arthur J. Coy
Seller: Joejoe Properties LLC
Date: 10/07/22

6 North Chatham St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: ALDD Real Estate LLC
Seller: Prevostj, Geraldine, (Estate)
Date: 10/05/22

121-123 Orange St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Panther Development LLC
Seller: Opus Durum LLC
Date: 10/04/22

65 Palo Alto Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Alessandro Malafronte
Seller: Carmino J. Demaio
Date: 10/13/22

23 Plumtree Circle
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $222,000
Buyer: Laurie J. Larsen
Seller: Ronald A. Ogulewicz
Date: 10/04/22

42 Rollins St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $283,000
Buyer: Luis H. Solivan
Seller: Joseph T. Sanky
Date: 10/03/22

33 Rosella St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Rodman Capital Group LLC
Seller: Almena, Brunilda D., (Estate)
Date: 10/06/22

751 Saint James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Aliyah M. Adorno
Seller: Coulombe, J. Albert, (Estate)
Date: 10/05/22

229 Saint James Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: Bogdanow RT
Seller: James R. Landers
Date: 10/04/22

245 Saint James Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: David Panidis
Seller: Allan C. Ramsdell
Date: 10/07/22

48 Superior Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Glenn M. Pittsinger
Seller: Thomas R. Connery
Date: 10/13/22

44 Superior Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Glenn M. Pittsinger
Seller: Thomas R. Connery
Date: 10/13/22

140 Talbot Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $282,000
Buyer: Ali Ali
Seller: Michael R. Randall
Date: 10/07/22

465 Taylor St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Robert Couture
Seller: Robert J. Pelzek
Date: 10/03/22

57 Telbar St.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $209,000
Buyer: Wesley A. Gwatkin
Seller: Deso, Barbara I., (Estate)
Date: 10/04/22

34-36 Tracy St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Myria E. Oliveras-Martinez
Seller: Robert Paskins
Date: 10/11/22

101 Vadnais St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $148,000
Buyer: Ronald Scott
Seller: USA HUD
Date: 10/11/22

40 Wellesley St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Clara Rodriguez
Seller: PFGC LLC
Date: 10/13/22

113 West Canton Circle
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Soreya Schartner
Seller: Schartner, Delra M., (Estate)
Date: 10/07/22

60 Wayne St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Richard Ponce
Seller: Platinum Homes LLC
Date: 10/07/22

3-5 Wedgewood Circle
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $287,000
Buyer: William J. Diederich
Seller: Paul M. Cincotta
Date: 10/05/22

35 Wells Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $247,000
Buyer: Kevin J. Medero
Seller: Carolyn L. McDonagh
Date: 10/07/22

129 White Oak Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Pascual Perez
Seller: Carol E. Getty
Date: 10/04/22

1606 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $289,900
Buyer: Evan Pope
Seller: Alexander Sied
Date: 10/06/22

2106 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $239,500
Buyer: Justin Debs
Seller: Khoi D. Vo
Date: 10/04/22

131 Yale St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Mikaelle S. Hyppolite
Seller: Veronica Gasque IRT
Date: 10/13/22

WEST SPRINGFIELD

36 Beauregard Ter.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Claire A. Lebeau
Seller: Richard Vasconcellos
Date: 10/12/22

95 Clarence St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Roman Bespalov
Seller: Plata O. Plomo Inc.
Date: 10/04/22

43 Day St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $482,000
Buyer: Suleyman A. Carsancakli
Seller: Revampit Holdings LLC
Date: 10/05/22

105 Lewis Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Carter Berchin
Seller: Debra A. Carras
Date: 10/07/22

70 Lockhouse Road
West Springfield, MA 01085
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Bek Realty LLC
Seller: Viryalto LLC
Date: 10/03/22

139 Myron St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $1,450,000
Buyer: Salamon Realty LLC
Seller: Walter S. Wood LLC
Date: 10/11/22

66 Sikes Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $487,000
Buyer: Michael D. Rheaume
Seller: Ryan Lebeau
Date: 10/12/22

WESTFIELD

13-15 Ames Ave.
Westfield, MA 01089
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Alexander R. Desautels
Seller: Anna M. Pouso-Guillan
Date: 10/06/22

209 Birch Bluffs Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Elizabeth Gale
Seller: Victor Desabrais
Date: 10/07/22

26 Brentwood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Kevin M. Ritchie
Seller: Ritchie RT
Date: 10/05/22

66 Butternut Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Muhammad H. Chaudhry
Seller: Four & Five FT
Date: 10/05/22

46 Chapel St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $267,400
Buyer: Douglas Fuller
Seller: Michael T. Kane
Date: 10/03/22

55 Cranston St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $326,000
Buyer: Hazim Dautovic
Seller: Michael J. Reilly
Date: 10/03/22

58 Deer Path Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Cody Gallup
Seller: Seth T. Philipp
Date: 10/04/22

18 Elizabeth St.
Westfield, MA 01030
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Elizabeth St. Holdings LLC
Seller: Windham Properties LLC
Date: 10/06/22

26 Elizabeth St.
Westfield, MA 01030
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Elizabeth St. Holdings LLC
Seller: Windham Properties LLC
Date: 10/06/22

151 Franklin St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Ernest Rental LLC
Seller: Sean S. Sullivan
Date: 10/13/22

4 King St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $144,000
Buyer: Panther Development LLC
Seller: Emtay Inc.
Date: 10/04/22

94 Orange St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Tatiana Litvac
Seller: Mark L. Bonavita
Date: 10/11/22

30 Prospect St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Taylor Lavoie
Seller: Manchester Enterprises LLC
Date: 10/07/22

13 Vincent Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Kelvin Muniz-Roque
Seller: Pinhas Rabenou
Date: 10/11/22

WILBRAHAM

2205 Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Jeremy Ober
Seller: Rohit Kar
Date: 10/06/22

7 Evangeline Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $535,000
Buyer: Vincent R. Pelletier
Seller: Jack C. Swan
Date: 10/07/22

7 Joan St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $389,900
Buyer: Aviva N. Berezin
Seller: Charles Davanzo
Date: 10/07/22

39 Manchonis Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Sean P. Murphy
Seller: Randall P. Flagg
Date: 10/07/22

15 Wandering Mdws
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $635,000
Buyer: Alessandro Markovic
Seller: Jon A. Zeo
Date: 10/06/22

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

106 Belchertown Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $336,000
Buyer: Pioneer Valley Vent LLC
Seller: Truman B. Likens
Date: 10/03/22

120 Belchertown Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $364,000
Buyer: Pioneer Valley Vent LLC
Seller: Truman B. Likens
Date: 10/03/22

11 Duxbury Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $334,000
Buyer: Jennifer F. Jones
Seller: Jennifer D. Randall
Date: 10/06/22

296 Pomeroy Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Eric Olsson
Seller: Charles Webb-Posey
Date: 10/07/22

18 Teaberry Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $661,000
Buyer: Siddhartha Shah
Seller: Barbara R. Wollensak RET
Date: 10/06/22

BELCHERTOWN

350 Bardwell St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Andrew F. Cienciwa
Seller: Roger C. Phillips
Date: 10/07/22

371 Bardwell St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $473,999
Buyer: Joseph C. Mull
Seller: Sherri M. Dubois LT
Date: 10/06/22

280 Granby Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Jason M. Bond
Seller: Joanna G. Mull
Date: 10/06/22

483 Michael Sears Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Megan Hoy
Seller: David G. Fontaine
Date: 10/05/22

640 North Washington St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Ronald A. Aickelin
Seller: M&G Land Development LLC
Date: 10/03/22

64 Old Bay Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $355,150
Buyer: Beth Anderson
Seller: Carolyn R. Letendre
Date: 10/06/22

243 South Liberty St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Kristen Kowal
Seller: Ronald N. Loftus
Date: 10/04/22

28 Sarah Lane
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Scott A. Wade
Seller: Glenn E. Burrows
Date: 10/07/22

EASTHAMPTON

5 Donais St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $388,600
Buyer: Robert Shar
Seller: Lemeland RET
Date: 10/04/22

30-32 Holyoke St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Eileen P. Rice
Seller: Bixby, Thomas P., (Estate)
Date: 10/03/22

98 Lovefield St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Aaron O. Reyes
Seller: Carol J. Graham
Date: 10/13/22

34 Pine Hill Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Kaufman Chappuis FT
Seller: Susanne Weinman
Date: 10/07/22

GRANBY

418 Miller St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Jonathan Mastalerz
Seller: Heather Leclair
Date: 10/07/22

19 North St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $413,560
Buyer: Diana Adair
Seller: Steven R. Pelletier
Date: 10/12/22

30 Smith Ave.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Andrew Ryan
Seller: Patricia L. Leclair
Date: 10/12/22

HADLEY

3 Adare Place
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Rosemund LLC
Seller: Adare Place Properties LLC
Date: 10/05/22

5 Aloha Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $442,500
Buyer: Jack C. Petrides
Seller: Sally F. Rubenstone
Date: 10/03/22

11 Indian Pipe Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $711,000
Buyer: Eric D. Tattersall
Seller: Guoping Zhang
Date: 10/12/22

5 Meadow St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Melina A. Masterson
Seller: Heather E. Goodhind
Date: 10/12/22

1 Woodlawn Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Keith S. Hevey
Seller: Bonnie L. Bobetsky
Date: 10/06/22

HATFIELD

221 Linseed Road
Hatfield, MA 01088
Amount: $621,000
Buyer: Stephanie Wilson
Seller: Janet J. Warren
Date: 10/07/22

HUNTINGTON

14 Barr Hill Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $324,900
Buyer: Jesse Meyers
Seller: Daniel Schott
Date: 10/13/22

2 Brookside Glen
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $407,500
Buyer: Irene Lozach
Seller: Andrew J. Lucia
Date: 10/03/22

240 Lakeshore Dr.
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Michael J. Dibrindisi
Seller: Ken Kinghorn
Date: 10/05/22

MIDDLEFIELD

143 East River Road
Middlefield, MA 01243
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Michael Lay
Seller: Robert L. Keach
Date: 10/07/22

154 Skyline Trail
Middlefield, MA 01243
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Alexander W. Seid
Seller: William R. Denault
Date: 10/06/22

NORTHAMPTON

1021 Burts Pit Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $348,000
Buyer: Mateso Kagenyekero
Seller: David A. Katz
Date: 10/07/22

34 Harlow Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $535,000
Buyer: Amber B. Bemak
Seller: Richard C. Gifford
Date: 10/07/22

12 Leonard St.
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $149,000
Buyer: James M. Ryan
Seller: Hines, Arlene C., (Estate)
Date: 10/12/22

52 Maple St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Pioneer Valley Vent LLC
Seller: 52 Maple Street Place LLC
Date: 10/04/22

103 Massasoit St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $785,000
Buyer: Bryan Hobbs
Seller: Jordi Herold
Date: 10/06/22

68 North St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $304,900
Buyer: Jonathan E. Devilbiss
Seller: Jeannine M. Wolfram
Date: 10/05/22

43 Summer St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $590,047
Buyer: Nu Way Homes Inc.
Seller: Thomas P. Caine
Date: 10/11/22

35 Willow St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Robert V. Redick
Seller: Jane E. Bogan
Date: 10/12/22

PELHAM

40 South Valley Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Dianne K. Tatro
Seller: Kathleen M. Keyes
Date: 10/13/22

SOUTH HADLEY

84 Bardwell St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $216,000
Buyer: Sheila D. Pennell
Seller: Dorene Pennell
Date: 10/13/22

32 Boynton Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Christine A. Phillips
Seller: Mary T. Quesnel
Date: 10/07/22

192 Brainerd St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Jack E. Mills
Date: 10/07/22

459 Granby Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $535,000
Buyer: 459 Commissary LLC
Seller: Cycle Stop LLC
Date: 10/03/22

55 Lyman Ter.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Heather Goodhind
Seller: Robert J. Dufault
Date: 10/12/22

25 Silver St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: George Furrer
Seller: Mario O. Perez
Date: 10/11/22

2 Silverwood Ter.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $545,000
Buyer: Steven R. Pelletier
Seller: John E. Geoffroy
Date: 10/12/22

20 Sullivan Lane
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $334,300
Buyer: Garrett Fortin
Seller: Ernest L. Provo
Date: 10/07/22

SOUTHAMPTON

43 Coleman Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Christopher P. O’Leary
Seller: Kevin J. Evelti
Date: 10/06/22

69 Crooked Ledge Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $845,000
Buyer: Jonathan M. Stolpinski
Seller: David A. Peich
Date: 10/12/22

26 Helen Dr.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Jose L. Rivadeneira-Argudo
Seller: Nilay N. Patel
Date: 10/11/22

75 Pequot Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $545,000
Buyer: 75 Pequot Road NT
Seller: David T. Grosso
Date: 10/13/22

69 Sabbath Day
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $845,000
Buyer: Jonathan M. Stolpinski
Seller: David A. Peich
Date: 10/12/22

WARE

71 Greenwich Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $366,000
Buyer: Melyssa R. Stankiewicz
Seller: Carolyn Bessette
Date: 10/05/22

24 Marjorie St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Robin Sager
Seller: Elizabeth M. Zulkiewicz
Date: 10/13/22

27 Pulaski St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Chu J. Perez-Martinez
Seller: Wieslaw Modzelewski
Date: 10/13/22

7 Spring St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $139,000
Buyer: Joyce Boisvert
Seller: Megliola Realty LLC
Date: 10/12/22

2 Sunnyhill Dr.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Stewart Terrien
Seller: Anna M. Malboeuf
Date: 10/07/22

39-41 West Main St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: R&P Real Property Corp.
Seller: Richard J. Kszaszcz
Date: 10/07/22

WILLIAMSBURG

14 Pine St.
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: 14 Pine Street LLC
Seller: Harold J. Gibber
Date: 10/05/22

WESTHAMPTON

324 Northwest Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Cristina I. Hilchey
Seller: Lauryn B. Cronin
Date: 10/03/22

37 Pine Island Lake
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Janna Ugone
Seller: Arnold G. Levinson
Date: 10/13/22

WORTHINGTON

24 Indian Oven Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $177,397
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Caleb Curtis
Date: 10/07/22

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Professional Drywall Construction Inc. (PDC), a commercial drywall company headquartered in Springfield, announced the promotion of two of its employees. Jason Tsitso was promoted from executive project manager to vice president of Operations, and Joseph Leon was promoted from project manager to executive project manager.

“We are thrilled that both Jason and Joe are taking on increased responsibilities on our team,” PDC owner Nick Shaink said. “We are committed to offering our employees the opportunity to grow within the company. Jason and Joe are key contributors to our success and demonstrated leaders in the company. They are already making an impact in their new roles.”

Tsitso has been with PDC for five years, starting as a project manager and taking on increasing responsibility as a senior project manager and executive project manager. As the vice president of Operations, he is now responsible for the development and success of the staff and company. He is a graduate of Porter & Chester Institute and was named to BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty class of 2012.

Leon, who holds a degree in construction management from the University of Nevada, joined PDC three years ago as a project manager. In his new role as executive project manager, he will oversee the project-management staff.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELDBusinessWest is now accepting nominations for its Difference Makers class of 2023.

This program, initiated in 2009, is a celebration of individuals, groups, organizations, and families that are positively impacting the Pioneer Valley and are, as the name suggests, making a difference in this region. As previous classes have shown, there are many ways to do this: through work within the community on one or many initiatives to improve quality of life; through success in business, public service, or education; through contributions that inspire others to get involved; through imaginative efforts to help solve one or more societal issues; or through a combination of the above.

Nominations for the class of 2023 are due by Saturday, Dec. 10, and can be submitted at businesswest.com/difference-makers-nomination-form.

For more information, call Melissa Hallock, Marketing and Events director, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or email [email protected].

Daily News

BOSTON — Confidence among Massachusetts employers weakened for a second consecutive month during October as rising interest rates began to take a toll on key economic sectors such as housing, finance, and technology.

The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Business Confidence Index lost 3.0 points to 50.9, barely within the range that defines an optimistic outlook. The Index is now at its lowest level since June and 7.5 points short of its level a year ago.

The slide in confidence came as the Federal Reserve increased interest rates another three-quarters of a percentage point in an effort to control inflation. And though the Massachusetts economy grew at a 0.5% annualized rate during the third quarter, the Commonwealth also saw a slowdown in job growth and a decline in the labor force.

“Consumers continue to cautiously increase their spending, but we are starting to see higher interest rates adversely affect housing markets and related purchases such as furniture and appliances. Rising interest rates are also affecting the technology sector through constraints on the supply of venture capital and private investment funding,” said Sara Johnson, chair of the AIM Board of Economic Advisors (BEA).

The AIM Index, based on a survey of more than 140 Massachusetts employers, has appeared monthly since July 1991. It is calculated on a 100-point scale, with 50 as neutral; a reading above 50 is positive, while below 50 is negative.

The constituent indicators that make up the Index were mostly lower during October.
The confidence employers have in their own companies fell 1.3 points to 53.6, ending the month 7.6 points lower than in October 2021. The Massachusetts Index assessing business conditions within the Commonwealth, gained 3.1 points to 50.6, down 7.4 points from a year earlier. The U.S. Index measuring conditions throughout the country fell into pessimistic territory at 42.9.

The Current Index, which assesses overall business conditions at the time of the survey, decreased 2.5 points to 52.5. The Future Index, measuring projections for the economy six months from now, lost 3.5 points to end the month at 49.2.

The Manufacturing Index rose 1.6 points to 50.7, virtually identical to the 50.9 reading for non-manufacturing businesses. The Employment Index rose 1.6 points to 50.7 as employers continue to struggle to hire and retain talent.

Large companies (52.9) were more optimistic than medium-sized companies (51.5) and small companies (49.1).

Suzanne Dwyer, president of Massachusetts Capital Resource Co. and a BEA member, said companies are again hungry for capital after a period of consolidating debt following the COVID-19 pandemic.

AIM President and CEO John R. Regan, also a BEA member, said the workforce challenges facing employers may be more dire than anyone imagined. He noted that a survey released by MassINC this summer concludes that the working-age college-educated population of Massachusetts will decline by 10%, or 192,000 people, by 2030.

“Many AIM member businesses don’t need a survey to tell them what they already know: that labor shortages and lack of qualified talent, exacerbated by the impact of the COVID-19, have dealt a major blow to day-to-day operations,” he noted. “Our members across all industries are unable to fill positions with qualified candidates, and the Commonwealth is losing workers to lower-cost states.”

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Harvard Graduate School of Education tapped GCAi’s New England Corporate Video (NECV) division over the summer to produce a series of videos (click here to view) on the Middle East Professional Learning Initiative (MEPLI).

MEPLI aims to develop the capacity of teachers in the region. The fellowship is job-embedded and lasts for one year, providing scholarships for professional-education courses (online and/or residential) and support for incorporating learning into existing work. Fellows receive a certificate in professional education upon successful completion of the program.

The NECV-produced videos, now being shown at presentations on the program in the Middle East, were shot on campus at Harvard University and produced at NECV’s edit suite in Springfield. Three separate videos were produced, including English, English and Arabic, and all-Arabic language versions.

“As a storyteller, weaving is a key part of the process, stitching together narratives and moving through themes to create an end result that is hopefully both compelling and engaging no matter what the language or culture,” noted Mary Cate Mannion, producer at NECV.

Mannion also noted that the support of Harvard School of Education’s MEPLI staff was critical. “We could not do it without their partnership, particularly in the face of our challenge of editing video interviews that were in another language.”

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 135: November 7, 2022

George Interviews Mark Paglia, COO of Mira Vista Behavioral Health Center

Mark Paglia, COO of Mira Vista Behavioral Health Center — and a Healthcare Hero for 2022 — is the guest on BusinessTalk this week, and there was a lot to discuss with BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien. Topics include the opening of Mira Vista in the middle of a pandemic, the behavioral health crisis that accompanied COVID, the ongoing, and  now often overlooked, opioid addiction problem in this country, and much more. It’s all must listening, so tune in to BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest in partnership with Living Local and sponsored by PeoplesBank.

Sponsored by:

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Daily News

They cut the ribbon at the new Marriott Springfield Downtown last week.

It was a lavish ceremony that was more than three years in the making. That’s how long it has taken serial entrepreneurs Vid Mitta and Dinesh Patel, owners of Springfield Hospitality, to transform the property in Tower Square, which lost the Marriott flag several years ago amid serious decline, into one of the state’s best hotels west of Boston.

A host of local, state, and national elected officials, area business leaders, and representatives of the Marriott chain turned out to celebrate the transformation of the property and the return of the Marriott flag to Springfield. There were speeches, tours, music from the Springfield Sci-Tech band, and more.

The ceremony marked more than the official ribbon-cutting for the hotel, though. It commemorated a triumph over extreme challenge — this renovation, or re-imagination, of the property was undertaken during the pandemic and thus had to overcome a series of stern challenges — and a raising of the bar, if you will, in Springfield and its downtown.

Indeed, like MGM Springfield before it, the new Marriott sets a new standard for imagination and quality in the city, and it is our hope that it will inspire others to reach higher and think bigger as they contemplate what can be done in Springfield and its downtown.

From the beginning, not just with the hotel but with the larger Tower Square property, Patel and Mitta have thought outside the box — relocating the Greater Springfield YMCA to the property is perhaps the best example — and never settled for ‘good enough’ as they have remade the landmark that opened in the late ’60s and set the tone for a period of building higher and better in the city’s downtown.

It is our hope that, more than 50 years later, the renovated Marriott and Tower Square complex can have a similar impact.

Indeed, while there has been some real progress in downtown Springfield over the past several years with MGM Springfield, the renovation of the former Court Square Hotel (still ongoing), the construction of a new parking garage (set to begin), and other initiatives, many other properties remain vacant or very much underutilized.

This is especially true farther south on Main Street in the area across from the MGM complex. But there are other properties as well that are awaiting new life.

The Marriott project, and the larger Tower Square initiative, have shown what can be done. They’ve shown what’s possible when people are willing to commit to Springfield and, as we said, think big. It is our hope, and expectation, that it will be a big success from a business perspective as well.

It is also our hope that this project, and some of the others now taking shape, like Court Square, will inspire other developers to look at Springfield as a city worth investing in.

All this, in addition to a grand new hotel, is what people were celebrating at that ribbon cutting.

Daily News

WARE — Country Bank announced that Lisa Saletnik has been promoted to vice president of Business Systems Optimization.

Saletnik holds an associate degree in health science from Bay Path University and graduated from the New England School for Financial Studies. She has been with Country Bank for 23 years and has extensive experience in the bank’s core systems and digital technologies. Having worked in various departments at the bank, she found her passion in the Information Technology and Innovation department in 2018. Before joining the IT department, she managed the eServices area for eight years. She has been instrumental in working with vendors and partners to continue to find the best solutions to help the bank best serve its internal and external customers.

“I am thrilled to congratulate Lisa on her promotion and all of the accomplishments that got her here; she is a key part of our success,” said Miriam Siegel, first senior vice president of Human Resources. “We’re pleased to provide opportunities for our people to develop not only within their roles today, but into new opportunities tomorrow.”

Daily News

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and MassHire Department of Career Services announced that the virtual New England Regional Job Fair will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 15-16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days on the Premier Virtual platform.

“I encourage job seekers from all over New England and beyond to see what great career opportunities Massachusetts has to offer,” Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Rosalin Acosta said. “High-demand industries like hospitality, education, healthcare, STEM, finance and banking, and the trades are looking for workers with different levels of experience, and the New England Regional Job Fair is a great opportunity for the Commonwealth’s employers to directly connect with job seekers.”

Job seekers and employers can attend either of the two days relevant to their career or hiring needs. On Nov. 15, the employer industries will be healthcare, education, and hospitality, plus other sectors. On Nov. 16, the employer industries will be manufacturing, engineering, construction, transportation, and warehousing, plus other sectors. Both days will feature first-hour priority for veterans.

All job seekers are welcome to attend, from entry-level to experienced. Career changers are also encouraged to join. The New England Regional Job Fair will be hosted on Premier Virtual, where job seekers can video chat with employers, submit résumés, review job openings, and find company information.

Job seekers can click here to register. Click here for a list of participating employers and to access Premier Virtual resources and training.

Daily News

HOLYOKE — Registration is now open for Wintersession and spring 2023 semester classes at Holyoke Community College. HCC’s two-week Wintersession term runs from Thursday, Dec. 29 to Friday, Jan. 13. The spring 2023 semester begins Tuesday, Jan. 17.

“We’re starting our Wintersession term five days earlier than previous years, which will allow both current HCC students and guest students from other colleges to earn a few quick credits and get a jump-start on classes before the spring semester,” said Mark Hudgik, HCC’s director of Admissions.

Almost all of HCC’s Wintersession classes are online. HCC’s spring offerings include a mix of on-campus, online, and hybrid courses.

“This spring is going to be exciting,” Hudgik said. “Students want to be on campus, and we’re seeing more and more of them each semester. With that comes a return to the warm, vibrant community that makes up HCC.”

Students must submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination before registering for on-campus classes. Those who plan to register only for online classes do not have to submit proof of vaccination.

To sign up for a Wintersession class, visit hcc.edu/wintersession. To sign up for the spring semester, visit hcc.edu/admissions.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Local, state, and national leaders joined Dinesh Patel and Vid Mitta, owners of Springfield Hospitality, in a lavish ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Marriott hotel in downtown Springfield on Thursday, an event that capped more than three years of work to renovate the hotel in Tower Square and reclaim the Marriott flag.

Speakers at the ceremony included Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno; U.S. Rep. Richard Neal; Peter Marks, general manager of the new hotel; Marriott officials; and many others. They all congratulated Patel and Mitta for the broad efforts to renovate and reinvent Tower Square, and especially their work to transform the hotel on the property.

The ceremony included a performance by the Springfield Sci-Tech band, tours of the property, food, and networking.

Patel and Mitta, named BusinessWest’s Top Entrepreneurs for 2022 in January, acquired the Tower Square property several years ago and have brought in several new tenants, including the Springfield YMCA, White Lion Brewery, and others. But the extensive “re-imagination” of the hotel property — that’s the term they have used throughout — has been the most visible initiative at the downtown landmark.

Daily News

GREENFIELD — United Way of the Franklin and Hampshire Region announced that Geoff Naunheim will take on the role of executive director. The UWFH board of directors voted unanimously to offer him the position at its October meeting, and he accepted. Naunheim, who has served as interim executive director since the departure of former Executive Director John Bidwell in April, brings five years of experience within the organization.

“The board of directors is really pleased that Geoff will continue in the executive director role after his period as interim ED,” said Andrea Sell, board president. “He brings a great deal of experience from within the organization, knowledge of the region and our partner agencies, and strong leadership skills. We look forward to Geoff’s role in shaping the future of our United Way.”

Most of Naunheim’s tenure at United Way has been spent running its Community Investment program, a term used to describe the community-informed process of distributing community funds and creating partnerships with local nonprofits that are addressing the greatest needs of the region. Naunheim was also instrumental in developing and expanding United Way’s Diaper Bank, which distributes over 100,000 diapers a year across Franklin and Hampshire counties.

Before joining United Way’s Development team in 2017, Naunheim worked in the development departments of two nonprofits focused on education and literacy. He is currently the board president of the Council of Social Agencies of Hampshire County.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead this organization as it heads into its second century,” he said. “I feel incredibly lucky to be starting this role with such a strong staff and board. I couldn’t do this without them and look forward to continuing the hard work of serving our community together.”