BusinessWest Staff, Author at BusinessWest

Incorporations

By BusinessWest Staff July 21, 2020

Incorporations

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

AGAWAM

AC Auto Transportation Inc., 322 Meadow St, Apt. 12, Agawam, MA 01001. Alexei Ciocalau, same. Long distance transportation.

AMHERST

Amherst Cognitive Therapy Inc., 24 South Prospect St., Amherst, MA 01002. Caroline Aller, 31 Montague Road, Leverett, MA 01054. Psychotherapy.

BELCHERTOWN

Belchertown Cultural Alliance Inc., 19 Jackson St., Belchertown, MA 01007. AprilEve Jasak-Bangs, same. To enrich the community of Belchertown, MA through repurposing underutilized landscapes. To preserve Belchertown’s history while providing a space for artistic, technical, and educational pursuits.

BERNARDSTON

Aedz Inc., 30 Deanne Road, Bernardston, MA 01337. Abaz Cecunjanin, same. Restaurant, bar, food service, and catering.
DEERFIELD

Chen Family Holdings Limited, 228 Lower Rd., Deerfield, MA 01342. Sharon Laisum Chan, same. Real estate.

FEEDING HILLS

Belchertown State School Friends Association Inc., 926b Springfield St., Feeding Hills, MA 01030. Katherine Marian Benson, same. Support planning with the town of Belchertown and the Belchertown economic development industrial corporation for the continued use of certain land parcels of the former Belchertown State School.

GREENFIELD

26 Clark Street Inc., 26 Clark St., Greenfield, MA 01301. Tyler Nolan, same. Rental property.

PITTSFIELD

Cafe Dexter Corp., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite. 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Sangyul Lee, same. Sale of coffee materials and machinery.

Cash Cloud Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Christopher Mcalary, same. Virtual currency kiosk operators.

RICHMOND

Anita Chapman Scholarship Fund Inc., 3050 State Road, Richmond, MA 01254. Janice Hartford, same. To organize, promote and conduct the giving of educational scholarships from donations collected by the corporation for the sole purpose of assisting young people with their education or training following high school graduation.

SPRINGFIELD

Crane Edmund Family Inc., 654 Newbury St., Springfield, MA 01104. Robert F. Crane, same. To help high school students pursue college courses and credit at local community colleges while attending high school.

WARREN

Brian Oshea Services Inc., 192 Old West Warren Road, Warren, MA 01083. Brian Oshea, same. Sale of flooring.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Chartiers General Carpentry Inc., 78 Rogers Ave., West Springfield, MA 01089. Donald N. Chartier, same. General carpentry.

WESTFIELD

B-Ton Construction Inc., 120 Mullen Ave., Westfield, MA 01085. Olessya Kondratyev, same. Construction.

WILLIAMSBURG

Brewmasters Inc., 4 Main St., Williamsburg, MA 01096. John J. Lucey, 14 Chapman Ave., Easthampton, MA 01027. Restaurant.

Doing Business as Certificates

By BusinessWest Staff July 21, 2020

DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and/or trade names were issued or renewed during the month of June 2020. (Filings are limited due to closures or reduced staffing hours at municipal offices due to COVID-19 restrictions).

DEERFIELD

Mass Food Delivery
75 Stillwater Road
Julia Coffey

HADLEY

ASAP Painting Inc.
117 Russell St.
Jim Boyle

Berkshire Mountain Clinic
216 Russell St.
Charlene Patenaude

Country Nissan
40 Russell St.
TommyCar Corp.

Gardener’s Supply
285 Russell St.
Innovative Gardening Solutions Inc.

Holiday Inn Express
400 Russell St.
Hadley Hospitality, LLC

Joy Bowl
344 Russell St.
Ru Jing Zhao

River Valley House Call Vet
286 River Dr.
Amy Wanczyk

Smithland Supply
335 Russell St.
CT Gardens

Sports Clips Haircuts
355 Russell St.
Lawnwood Enterprises Inc.

Tran’s World Market
50 Russell St.
Sockha Son

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Alina Express
502 Union St.
Ilhom Mamedov

Black Box Dance & Theater
51 Colony Road
Mallory Wray

Bouchy Hair
33 Westfield St.
Lauren Boucher

Brittany Barry
33 Westfield St.
Brittany Barry

Christina O’Keefe-Giebner
33 Westfield St.
Christina O’Keefe-Giebner

Hair Vibes by Tia
33 Westfield St.
Tia Maniscalchi

Jennifer LaChapelle
33 Westfield St.
Jennifer LaChapelle

LaptopZone USA
83 River St.
Mohamed Muzammil

MCL Mechanical Services Inc.
26 Kelso Ave.
Marc Lichwan

Pearly Paints
33 Westfield St.
Wendy Pereira

Tanya Hemingway Hamel
33 Westfield St.
Tanya Hemingway Hamel

Westside Check Cashing
205 Elm St.
Rajesh Rayonia

Workstation for Hair
33 Westfield St.
Lauren Boucher

Bankruptcies

By BusinessWest Staff July 21, 2020

Bankruptcies

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

Can, Alphonso
a/k/a Can, Thoai Thanh
28 Pemaquid St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/10/2020

Caputo, Michael J.
72 Mobile Home Way
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/08/2020

Haley, Christine L.
16 Demond Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/12/2020

Hill, Tyler S.
128 Gillette Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/11/2020

Neal, Linda J
52 Seminole Dr.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/08/2020

Ocasio, Theresa J.
123 Cross Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/12/2020

Runyon, Stephanie M.
9 Hanward Hill
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/01/2020

Santiago, Melissa C.
a/k/a Rivera, Melissa
46 Hampden St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/05/2020

Real Estate Transactions

By BusinessWest Staff July 21, 2020

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

770 Watson Spruce Corner Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $560,000
Buyer: Carter J. Carter
Seller: Ronald Gorevic
Date: 04/10/20

BERNARDSTON

30 Deane Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Leanda M. Fontaine-Gagnon
Seller: Abaz Cecunjanin
Date: 06/18/20

37 Deane Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $234,900
Buyer: Judith Griggs
Seller: Robert C. Herrick
Date: 06/17/20

24 Harwood Dr.
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Karen A. Kelly
Seller: Christal L. Cutler
Date: 04/10/20

BUCKLAND

45 Ashfield Road
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Beth A. Martin
Seller: Burrows, Richard L., (Estate)
Date: 06/24/20

CHARLEMONT

520 Legate Hill Road
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $267,000
Buyer: Elizabeth A. Bouyea
Seller: Michele Seyler
Date: 06/19/20

COLRAIN

136 West Leyden Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Scott Denison
Seller: Gail R. Hall
Date: 06/26/20

CONWAY

53 Main St.
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Debra A. Horton
Seller: Phyllis G. Labanowski
Date: 06/26/20

2528 Main Poland Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $357,000
Buyer: Jocelyn A. Forbush
Seller: Debra Demuth
Date: 06/24/20

765 North Poland Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Benjamin M. Wormgoor
Seller: Aronson IRT
Date: 06/22/20

DEERFIELD

10 Gromacki Ave.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $247,500
Buyer: Jordan R. Bashaw
Seller: Tami J. Kokoski
Date: 06/17/20

GREENFIELD

307 Conway St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: Justin A. Slicer
Seller: Thomas Richardson
Date: 06/25/20

96 Country Club Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $320,640
Buyer: Mary Pomeroy
Seller: Michael B. Hassay
Date: 06/22/20

22 Ferrante Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Gregory London-Nephew
Seller: Clough INT
Date: 06/26/20

43 Harrison Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $196,000
Buyer: Jeffrey M. George
Seller: Olivia C. Hickey
Date: 06/24/20

296 High St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $171,000
Buyer: Christina Clark
Seller: Daniel D. Garant
Date: 04/08/20

21 Leyden Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $278,000
Buyer: Cherie L. Semanie
Seller: Eric M. Mosher
Date: 06/25/20

56 Lincoln St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $164,500
Buyer: Kyle Sheldon
Seller: Thomas E. Gale
Date: 06/25/20

49 Lunt Dr.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $229,435
Buyer: Matthew Llewelyn
Seller: Todd R. Wiles
Date: 06/22/20

67 Meadow Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Amanda L. Doster
Seller: Martha R. Swanson RET
Date: 06/19/20

125 Meridian St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Paul Yager
Seller: Carol L. Derose
Date: 06/23/20

132 Meridian St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $252,000
Buyer: Robin F. Weingarten
Seller: Paul A. Yager
Date: 06/23/20

52 Newell Pond Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $236,000
Buyer: Michelle Y. Carleton
Seller: John T. McConnell
Date: 06/19/20

29 Woodleigh Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Emily Hildebrand
Seller: Luna L. Greenwood
Date: 04/10/20

HAWLEY

26 Dodge Corner Road
Hawley, MA 01339
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Ronald Gorevic
Seller: William R. Harris
Date: 04/10/20

7 Grout Road
Hawley, MA 01339
Amount: $259,900
Buyer: Nelson R. Oliveira
Seller: Suzanne Aubrey
Date: 06/25/20

HEATH

34 Deer Run Path
Heath, MA 01346
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Leslie Evans
Seller: Howard M. Pond
Date: 06/19/20

Hosmer Road
Heath, MA 01346
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Franklin Land Trust Inc.
Seller: Scott A. Gudell
Date: 06/25/20

LEYDEN

859 Greenfield Road
Leyden, MA 01301
Amount: $183,400
Buyer: Thomas E. Raffensperger
Seller: Emily D. Goodwin
Date: 06/26/20

MONTAGUE

6 Bridge St.
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Michael L. Burten
Seller: Urban Veneer LLC
Date: 06/22/20

32 Center St.
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $176,000
Buyer: Laura A. Deluca
Seller: Vicki E. Stoddard
Date: 06/17/20

Turnpike Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $207,000
Buyer: William D. Ingram
Seller: Paul D. Viens
Date: 06/22/20

NEW SALEM

300 Petersham Road
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $206,000
Buyer: Brian J. Uphold
Seller: Julie M. Lemay
Date: 06/26/20

NORTHFIELD

40 North Lane
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $249,678
Buyer: MTGLQ Investors LP
Seller: Edward M. Orcutt
Date: 06/17/20

80 West Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $336,000
Buyer: Elizabeth Deliso
Seller: Jared R. Gibson
Date: 06/26/20

ORANGE

112 Cheney St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Kelly M. Melanson
Seller: Scott Savoy
Date: 04/10/20

WENDELL

Jennison Road
Wendell, MA 01379
Amount: $236,000
Buyer: Whetstone Wood T. Fund
Seller: Massachusetts Audubon Society
Date: 06/17/20

Salem Road
Wendell, MA 01379
Amount: $236,000
Buyer: Whetstone Wood T. Fund
Seller: Massachusetts Audubon Society
Date: 06/17/20

WHATELY

27 Grey Oak Lane
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $565,888
Buyer: Jerry D. Lemmon
Seller: Todd G. Picken
Date: 06/26/20

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

57 Bessbrook St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Edward E. Rodriguez
Seller: Thelma A. Gardner
Date: 04/10/20

14 Briarcliff Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $229,000
Buyer: Jie Chen
Seller: Daniel Hickok
Date: 04/10/20

67 Cesan St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Daniel V. Gibbs
Seller: Sandra Linder
Date: 06/18/20

32 Columbia Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $326,000
Buyer: Lloyd C. Sutton
Seller: Nicole A. Ward
Date: 04/10/20

70 Elmar Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Adrienn Sibrizzi-O’Connor
Seller: J. Craig White
Date: 04/14/20

191 Franklin St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Bonnie Merrifield
Seller: Charlene M. Trombley
Date: 06/26/20

4 Hunters Greene Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $521,000
Buyer: Christopher H. Stearns
Seller: Christopher C. Peucker
Date: 06/26/20

89 Kensington St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $207,000
Buyer: James D. Newsome
Seller: Eric Stevens
Date: 04/10/20

126 Lancaster Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Jason R. Fiore
Seller: Ronald E. Benoit
Date: 04/10/20

215 Leonard St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $231,000
Buyer: Traci Gallerani
Seller: James M. Messier
Date: 06/26/20

20 Marlene Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: James Messier
Seller: Pamela Camerlin
Date: 06/26/20

37 Nile Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Lindsay E. Strole
Seller: Peter J. Tilden
Date: 04/10/20

37 Oak Lane
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $249,000
Buyer: Heather Roberts
Seller: Timothy S. Lockwood
Date: 06/24/20

82 Rising St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $389,900
Buyer: Sergey N. Vasilevich
Seller: Lori A. Connaughton
Date: 06/25/20

1159 River Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Craig J. Spjute
Seller: Real Estate Investments NE LLC
Date: 06/19/20

242 South Westfield St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Jeffrey A. Turcotte
Seller: Mark A. Berman
Date: 06/23/20

52 Windermere Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $564,000
Buyer: William H. Cullen
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 06/26/20

57 Windermere Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $612,500
Buyer: Thomas J. Jendrysik
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 04/10/20

38 Zacks Way
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $432,500
Buyer: Francis X. Kennedy
Seller: William H. Cullen
Date: 06/26/20

81 Zacks Way
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Catherine Hedges
Seller: Jason E. Freeman
Date: 06/26/20

BRIMFIELD

85 Marsh Hill Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $585,000
Buyer: Kenneth D. Bellucci
Seller: Krystyna Sikorska
Date: 06/24/20

60 Saint Clair Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $249,000
Buyer: Keri Lemay
Seller: Thomas G. Riemer
Date: 06/25/20

Tiderman Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Seller: Raymond Serrenho
Date: 06/25/20

CHICOPEE

67 7th Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Linda S. Kobylanski
Seller: Casandra Kobylanski
Date: 06/26/20

51 Bay State Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $144,900
Buyer: Glen Gladstone-White
Seller: Mathew Bean
Date: 04/14/20

306 Bostwick Lane
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Joseph R. Webber
Seller: Kenneth A. Stacy
Date: 06/17/20

596 Britton St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $217,000
Buyer: Gabriel D. Suarez
Seller: Timothy L. Brodeur
Date: 06/26/20

114 Chapel St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $279,900
Buyer: Carlos J. Ramos
Seller: Campagnari Construction
Date: 06/22/20

32 Charbonneau Terrace
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Derrick O. Nembhard
Seller: Ambrosius A. Francisco
Date: 06/22/20

30 Cherryvale St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $287,000
Buyer: David R. Larkin
Seller: William J. Snow
Date: 06/18/20

186 Clarendon Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $219,900
Buyer: Luz M. Cardona
Seller: Ryan F. Bialka
Date: 06/24/20

88 Cora Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $127,200
Buyer: Freedom Mortgage Corp.
Seller: Steven J. Morin
Date: 04/09/20

106 Crestwood St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $239,000
Buyer: Husam Jaber
Seller: Ann J. Mierzwa
Date: 04/10/20

53 Davenport St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Samantha Gingras
Seller: Kiersten N. Korona-Moreau
Date: 04/09/20

37 Deane St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Timofey Korobkov
Seller: Susan M. Nagine
Date: 06/17/20

330 East Main St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $269,000
Buyer: TM Real Estate LLC
Seller: Marcia Podgurski
Date: 06/19/20

107 Edward St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Jonathan S. Dean
Seller: NAR Realty LLC
Date: 06/25/20

33 Factory St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Ivonne Reyes
Seller: John Occhialini
Date: 06/24/20

29 Fredette St.
Chicopee, MA 01022
Amount: $401,000
Buyer: Harry T. Gao
Seller: N. Riley Development Inc.
Date: 06/26/20

32 Front St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Round 2 LLC
Seller: Rosa E. Calderon
Date: 06/24/20

292 Frontenac St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Miguel Rodriguez-Cortes
Seller: Alliance Real Estate Solutions
Date: 06/18/20

525 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: 525 Grattan Street LLC
Seller: Roger E. Fournier
Date: 04/14/20

22 John St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Prime Living Properties
Seller: Couture Partners LLC
Date: 06/25/20

18 Laurel St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $184,000
Buyer: Luissonel Velez
Seller: Shirley Alvira
Date: 04/09/20

150 Lawndale St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $204,900
Buyer: Guillermo G. Colon
Seller: Justin A. Nevins
Date: 06/26/20

105 Nutmeg Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Zachary Gates
Seller: Mary E. Murdock
Date: 06/19/20

24 Paul Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $179,500
Buyer: Gretcher A. Rivera
Seller: Russell S. Annis
Date: 06/19/20

37 Spring St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Lianetzy Diaz
Seller: Orange Park Management
Date: 04/10/20

20 Thomas St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Victor C. Colon-Vazquez
Seller: Joseph R. Rosinski
Date: 06/18/20

95 Ward St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Wilmington Savings
Seller: Michael J. Gibson
Date: 04/09/20

34 Whitman St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Jeremy Rodriguez
Seller: Robert A. Getto
Date: 06/25/20

9 Woodcrest Court
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Timothy E. Dostie
Seller: Michael J. Rahilly
Date: 06/22/20

EAST LONGMEADOW

71 Fernwood Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $288,500
Buyer: Joseph Trombley
Seller: Madeline T. Encalade
Date: 06/26/20

38 Garland Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $221,000
Buyer: Terry Peckham
Seller: Anthony M. Ferrero
Date: 04/13/20

15 Greenacre Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Stephanie Pray
Seller: Maureen A. Shea
Date: 06/23/20

340 Kibbe Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $142,500
Buyer: Quercus Properties LLC
Seller: White, Lorraine M., (Estate)
Date: 04/09/20

104 Maple St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Paul Ganieany
Seller: Kenneth R. Birchall
Date: 06/24/20

7 Melody Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $157,500
Buyer: 35 Day Avenue LLC
Seller: Emtay Inc.
Date: 04/10/20

549 Parker St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $339,000
Buyer: Rebecca L. Walsh
Seller: Kevin J. Aliengena
Date: 06/19/20

16 Ramonas Way
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $519,000
Buyer: Gabriel E. Ryb
Seller: James J. Zera
Date: 06/25/20

45 Saint Joseph Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $237,500
Buyer: Abel Lee
Seller: Shannon M. Murphy
Date: 06/26/20

HAMPDEN

228 Allen St.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $217,000
Buyer: Matthew Eaton
Seller: Theresa Y. Beane
Date: 06/17/20

122 East Longmeadow Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: DJS Automotive LLC
Seller: SMP Management Services
Date: 06/24/20

20 North Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $305,700
Buyer: Keith T. Cotter
Seller: Annalisa Condon
Date: 06/26/20

108 Sessions Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Timothy Gallant
Seller: Siano, Carolyn B., (Estate)
Date: 06/22/20

HOLLAND

23 Over The Top Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Keith R. Butts
Seller: Jennifer J. Barsaleau
Date: 06/25/20

101 Vinton Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $590,000
Buyer: James Peret
Seller: James E. Wettlaufer
Date: 06/26/20

HOLYOKE

5 Acorn Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $227,000
Buyer: Elizabeth E. Lempke
Seller: Ann T. Warwick
Date: 04/09/20

15 Liberty St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: John D. Fleming
Seller: Margaret Ducheney
Date: 06/24/20

5 Merkel Terrace
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $194,500
Buyer: James B. Farrell
Seller: Mark Lauer
Date: 04/10/20

2-4 Rene Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $349,000
Buyer: Nelson R. Amalbert
Seller: MJ Homes LLC
Date: 06/18/20

12 Roosevelt Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $139,400
Buyer: Bank Of America
Seller: Jovanny Feliciano
Date: 04/08/20

51-53 Samosett St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Miguel A. Perez
Seller: Kdomain LLC
Date: 04/08/20

251 Sargeant St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Liz M. Espada
Seller: Rondey Allen
Date: 06/26/20

5 Shawmut Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $144,127
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Joan M. Koszela
Date: 04/13/20

11 Sherwood Terrace
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $227,500
Buyer: Alex W. Rodriguez
Seller: Edward C. Brunelle
Date: 06/18/20

44 Sterling Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $355,500
Buyer: Kristen Isham
Seller: Michael E. McMahon
Date: 06/17/20

25 Vadnais St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $348,900
Buyer: Rondey Allen
Seller: Dylan P. Mawdsley
Date: 06/26/20

131 Vermont St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $254,000
Buyer: Wyatt-Ephraim A. Akiva
Seller: John P. Brunelle
Date: 06/26/20

344 Wdxg Franklin St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $239,900
Buyer: Chelsea S. Scott
Seller: Hillary M. Sackett-Taylor
Date: 06/26/20

141 Whiting Farms Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $159,650
Buyer: Juan V. Romero
Seller: Gary Rome
Date: 06/25/20

LONGMEADOW

30 Barbara Lane
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $373,000
Buyer: Stephen J. Baciak
Seller: Robert R. Danio
Date: 06/17/20

90 Bliss Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $285,500
Buyer: Christina L. Parziale
Seller: Beth E. Palmer
Date: 04/09/20

7 Briarcliff Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $449,000
Buyer: Marissa Cuff
Seller: Maria Ingani
Date: 04/14/20

258 Burbank Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $314,900
Buyer: Patrick J. Sullivan
Seller: Carrieann Michael
Date: 06/22/20

263 Concord Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Elizabeth Bennett
Seller: Stephen Ehrenberg
Date: 06/26/20

413 Converse St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $436,000
Buyer: John R. Mclean
Seller: Raymond K. Zhu
Date: 06/26/20

45 Kenmore Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $331,500
Buyer: Michael Robare
Seller: Amy L. Cairy
Date: 04/14/20

81 Knollwood Circle
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Jeffrey R. Bloom
Seller: Josefa Toirac
Date: 06/26/20

82 Knollwood Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Brandon Stepp
Seller: Ann H. Sturtevant RET
Date: 06/24/20

99 Knollwood Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $384,900
Buyer: Charlotte H. Beers
Seller: Maximilian J. Bennett
Date: 06/26/20

733 Laurel St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Tiantian Wang
Seller: Mark G. Morisi
Date: 06/25/20

75 Lawnwood Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Robert R. Danio
Seller: Kevin J. Korney
Date: 06/17/20

1355 Longmeadow St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Eamon Walsh
Seller: Steven E. Fitzek
Date: 06/26/20

148 Warren Terrace
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Cathleen Harty
Seller: Rebecca G. Feinberg
Date: 06/26/20

110 York Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: John R. Dineen
Seller: James M. Klatte
Date: 06/19/20

LUDLOW

14 Bucknell St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $181,125
Buyer: Raev LLC
Seller: Bank Of America
Date: 06/19/20

318 Colonial Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $392,500
Buyer: Wayne F. Hayes
Seller: Rita Hogan
Date: 06/18/20

57 Emma Way
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Kiersten Korona-Moreau
Seller: K. Bonanno-Sotiropoulos
Date: 04/09/20

476-478 Fuller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $216,000
Buyer: Jordan W. Paull
Seller: Schmeider, Leland P., (Estate)
Date: 06/19/20

82 Gaudreau Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Jason L. Rosario
Seller: George M. Maksymiw
Date: 06/22/20

252 Miller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Miguel A. Martinez
Seller: Lila Pardo
Date: 04/09/20

23 Power Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $247,000
Buyer: Tanner J. Kowalski
Seller: Danielle M. Lombardi
Date: 06/26/20

21 Ronald St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $207,600
Buyer: Theodore A. Suzor
Seller: Andrew T. Zrakas
Date: 06/19/20

72 West Orchard St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $229,000
Buyer: Josue Lugo-Delgado
Seller: Dimar LLC
Date: 06/22/20

32 Wilno Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Haley A. McGinnis
Seller: Tammie A. Black
Date: 04/08/20

MONSON

58 Crest Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Kristina M. Hawley
Seller: Theresa S. Martin
Date: 04/14/20

269 Hovey Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Bao J. Hang
Seller: Cheryl A. Pereira
Date: 06/25/20

16 Lower Hampden Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $170,500
Buyer: Lauren J. Fograshy
Seller: Freeman, Robert G., (Estate)
Date: 06/17/20

114 Maxwell Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Ibrahim Knidel
Seller: Richard H. Degnan
Date: 04/09/20

163 Town Farm Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $426,164
Buyer: Jeffrey T. Cairy
Seller: Theresa Thompson
Date: 04/08/20

PALMER

1069 Baptist Hill Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $256,500
Buyer: Benjamin R. Belden
Seller: Paul Brandt
Date: 06/18/20

267 Burlingame Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Nichelle M. Liquori
Seller: Gary H. Fountain
Date: 06/19/20

110 Longview St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Danielle M. Flebotte
Seller: Grosz RT
Date: 06/26/20

4063 Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Aimee B. Fyfe
Seller: Mireille Bolduc
Date: 06/17/20

26 Oakland St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Dylan Carvalho
Seller: Patrick S. Pica
Date: 06/19/20

1542 Park St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $189,500
Buyer: Thomas G. Hadley
Seller: John V. Desroches
Date: 06/19/20

2186-2188 Palmer St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Gisela Elias
Seller: Whitney M. Russo-McRobbie
Date: 06/24/20

1 Pioneer Dr.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: B. A. Bassilakis-Wegrzynek
Seller: Laurence Vincent
Date: 04/09/20

2022 Quaboag St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: Alexander J. Demos
Seller: Pamela A. Mercier
Date: 06/19/20

RUSSELL

696 Woodland Way
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $390,001
Buyer: Bryan A. Young
Seller: Jamie A. Lisella
Date: 06/26/20

SOUTHWICK

16 Fernwood Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Scott Haber
Seller: Alberta E. St.Germain
Date: 06/26/20

77 Mort Vining Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $461,000
Buyer: Debra G. Winnie
Seller: Jean Mcgivney-Burelle
Date: 06/18/20

SPRINGFIELD

53 Abbott St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $142,456
Buyer: Golden Gates Realty Assocs.
Seller: Wells Fargo Bank
Date: 04/09/20

48-50 Acushnet Ave.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $192,000
Buyer: Hwpml Properties LLC
Seller: Mister Mister LLC
Date: 06/26/20

38-40 Ainsworth St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Pedro Villafana
Seller: Jeanne M. Des-Rosiers
Date: 04/08/20

93 Albemarle St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $214,000
Buyer: Miguel A. Rios
Seller: Full Service Real Estate
Date: 06/22/20

179 Albemarle St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $164,000
Buyer: Amanda L. Rosa-Candelaria
Seller: Phylicia Morris
Date: 06/24/20

24 Ansara St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Esequiel Gerena-Lopez
Seller: Victor M. Coronado
Date: 04/10/20

244 Arcadia Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Wanda Lebron
Seller: Justin Veillette
Date: 06/26/20

297 Arnold Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $308,625
Buyer: Ricardo Santiago
Seller: Veronica L. Zaler
Date: 04/13/20

31 Arthur St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $122,690
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Kim M. Kilmer
Date: 04/09/20

123 Audubon St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $211,000
Buyer: Julian May
Seller: Randy Wilson
Date: 06/26/20

138 Bay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $224,000
Buyer: Luis Rodriguez
Seller: New Vision Realty LLC
Date: 04/14/20

294 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $199,999
Buyer: Maria E. Santiago-Lopez
Seller: Michael Wilson
Date: 06/26/20

52 Bircham St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Malissa Naylor
Seller: VDS Properties LLC
Date: 06/17/20

73-75 Blanding St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: Maria D. Rivera
Seller: TL Bretta Realty LLC
Date: 04/14/20

145 Breckwood Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Jaydee Mercado
Seller: CIG 4 LLC
Date: 04/08/20

215 Breckwood Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Nicholas Rivet
Seller: Student Rentals LLC
Date: 06/23/20

265 Breckwood Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Camelia Pryce
Seller: Student Rentals LLC
Date: 06/23/20

15 Brown St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Taniesha C. Serrano
Seller: Real Estate Investments NE
Date: 04/08/20

21 Burr St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Sarah Henry
Seller: James Johnson
Date: 06/17/20

199 Cambria St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Beth E. Palmer
Seller: Angelo Deguglielmo
Date: 04/09/20

1472-1474 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $117,000
Buyer: Jonathan L. Serrano
Seller: Kenneth E. Scharmann RET
Date: 06/19/20

17-19 Carver St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Ludmy D. Batlle-Ortiz
Seller: Domingos Barroso
Date: 06/26/20

14 Chesterfield Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $197,000
Buyer: Devon E. Shaw
Seller: Patrick J. Denault
Date: 04/10/20

850-852 Chestnut St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Adam J. Bourque
Seller: Carlos Aguasvivas
Date: 04/08/20

134-136 Darling St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $208,000
Buyer: Carlos M. Ortiz
Seller: Thomas K. Reen
Date: 04/10/20

90 Darling St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Patricia Bothwell
Seller: Abraxas RT
Date: 04/08/20

9 Dayton St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $159,285
Buyer: Santander Bank
Seller: Gai T. Vo
Date: 04/10/20

35 Daytona St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $246,600
Buyer: Catherine Sanchez
Seller: Mamba Capital LLC
Date: 06/19/20

127 Dickinson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Osagie Efosa-Omo
Seller: Tizeta G. Fikremarim
Date: 06/18/20

849 Dickinson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: John B. Barron
Seller: Matthew R. Dintzner
Date: 06/15/20

26-28 Dunmoreland St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Pamela Ferguson
Seller: US Bank
Date: 06/22/20

318 Dwight Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Tiffany L. O’Donnell
Seller: Ricardo Santiago
Date: 04/13/20

411 Dwight Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Joshua D. Gagnon
Seller: Joseph L. Cahill
Date: 06/23/20

20 Eddy St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Miguel Roldan
Seller: Brital 1987 LLC
Date: 04/14/20

149 Eddy St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $201,000
Buyer: Heather M. Touchette
Seller: Johnny Rivera
Date: 06/19/20

100-102 Edendale St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: RJL Mass Realty 1 LLC
Seller: Carlos M. Lopez
Date: 06/18/20

65 Elaine Circle
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $365,800
Buyer: James Ndungu-Ngugi
Seller: Grahams Construction Inc.
Date: 06/22/20

47 Ellery St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Lloyd L. Harris
Seller: Sean P. Bobbin
Date: 06/22/20

61-63 Eloise St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Samuel Diaz
Seller: Jad Mourad
Date: 04/10/20

32 Eton St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Diane Denson
Seller: Patricia Rosemond
Date: 06/26/20

108 Fenway Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Eliana M. Pabon
Seller: Revampit LLC
Date: 04/10/20

144 Fenway Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Katherine Felix
Seller: Roberto Felix
Date: 06/18/20

103 Fern St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Kelvin N. Karanja
Seller: James Ngugi
Date: 06/19/20

176 Florida St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Edwin P. Rivera
Seller: Three Palms LLC
Date: 04/13/20

156 Gardens Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $212,000
Buyer: Terry-Lee A. McCarthy
Seller: Alliance Real Estate Investment
Date: 04/08/20

107 Grandview St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Jennifer Bailey
Seller: Brian L. Bartholomew
Date: 06/26/20

140 Hermitage Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $278,294
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Preston J. Briggs
Date: 04/09/20

57 Hollywood St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Joel Rojas
Seller: Milagro Rivera
Date: 04/14/20

47-49 Howes St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $255,500
Buyer: Tionna L. Downie
Seller: Hedge Hog Industries Corp.
Date: 04/09/20

28 Intervale Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $172,587
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Dana J. Hachigian
Date: 06/19/20

89 Juniper Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Brital 1987 LLC
Seller: Eric J. Copson
Date: 06/22/20

24 Kathleen St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $224,000
Buyer: Kerriann D. VanAllen
Seller: Ryan M. Labonte
Date: 06/25/20

30 Kay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $181,000
Buyer: Joansellah K. Maak
Seller: Jane W. Muthua
Date: 04/10/20

59 Kensington Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Tiago Costa
Seller: Lizzie Loo LLC
Date: 06/25/20

40-42 Kent Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Oleksiy Zhyboyedov
Seller: TL Bretta Realty LLC
Date: 06/17/20

46-48 Kent Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Edwin Ramos-Perez
Seller: TL Bretta Realty LLC
Date: 04/09/20

9 Leete St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Waynie J. Collado
Seller: Orange Park Management
Date: 06/24/20

132 Lucerne Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: M. A. Carrasco-Carrasco
Seller: Liliya Bogomaz
Date: 06/19/20

146 Lumae St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $137,280
Buyer: MTGLQ Investors LP
Seller: George W. Cobleigh
Date: 04/08/20

32 Malibu Dr.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Lionel Alsina
Seller: Stephen J. Sicard
Date: 06/18/20

166 Marsden St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $195,054
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Jose M. Soto-Garcia
Date: 04/10/20

26 Massachusetts Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $159,000
Buyer: Luis A. Rodriguez
Seller: Alonzo Williams
Date: 06/25/20

18 Meadow Road
Springfield, MA 01028
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Kiet T. Le
Seller: Sara D. Jasak
Date: 06/23/20

71 Meredith St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: Jessica L. Beard
Seller: Mamba Capital LLC
Date: 06/26/20

117 Miller St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $206,000
Buyer: Kassandra Figueroa
Seller: Kimberly L. Arena
Date: 06/26/20

34 Navajo Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Joseph R. Loranger
Seller: Frank D. Roda
Date: 06/18/20

802 Newbury St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Victor L. Vazquez
Seller: Ernie Estrada
Date: 06/15/20

79 Newhouse St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Joseph E. Luna-Torres
Seller: CIG 4 LLC
Date: 04/10/20

809 North Branch Pkwy.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Limaries Alvarado
Seller: Victor C. Colon
Date: 06/18/20

42 North Brook Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Gabrielle Ruggiero
Seller: Donna J. Scibelli
Date: 06/25/20

21 Norwood St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Bar South Land Holdings
Seller: Chicoine, Cecile M., (Estate)
Date: 04/08/20

31 Pasadena St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Margarita Otero
Seller: Aveyard, Mary E., (Estate)
Date: 06/18/20

86 Pendleton Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Ana Zunilda-Jerez
Seller: FNMA
Date: 04/13/20

48 Pine Acre Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $227,400
Buyer: Joseph T. Ruiz
Seller: Miguel A. Martinez
Date: 04/09/20

167-169 Pineywoods Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Manning Capital LLC
Seller: Luis Correa
Date: 06/25/20

414 Plainfield St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Michael R. Wilson
Seller: Alberto Ayala
Date: 06/26/20

75 Regal St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $185,500
Buyer: Nicole L. Levine
Seller: Janine M. Prokop
Date: 04/10/20

171 Rosewell St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Nelba I. Rivera-Alvarado
Seller: Chase, Marie, (Estate)
Date: 06/22/20

167 Roy St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $138,255
Buyer: Zadkiel RT
Seller: Plasse, Therese D., (Estate)
Date: 06/23/20

76 Russell St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Omar Almodovar
Seller: Kristen I. Isham
Date: 06/17/20

86 Russell St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Luz A. Vega-Hernandez
Seller: Jill C. Monson-Bishop
Date: 06/19/20

11 San Miguel St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Carmen T. Delgado
Seller: Juan A. Santana
Date: 06/22/20

78 Sonia St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Ron Moore
Seller: William D. Powers
Date: 04/09/20

639 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Joan Prince
Seller: Global Homes Properties
Date: 04/13/20

658 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Karina Curl
Seller: Chad T. Lynch
Date: 04/08/20

52 Sunapee St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $192,000
Buyer: April Vannortwick
Seller: Pamela S. Haskins
Date: 06/26/20

11 Timothy Circle
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Douglas A. Desaulnier
Seller: Nicholas F. Fiorentino
Date: 04/10/20

24 Tumbleweed Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $186,000
Buyer: Iliana Torres-Marquez
Seller: Mark Daviau
Date: 06/26/20

24 Washington Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Sean Mangan
Seller: Yumi Sarno
Date: 06/18/20

15-17 Watling St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Heribelto Rivera
Seller: AJN Rentals LLC
Date: 06/24/20

199 Westford Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $198,000
Buyer: Sheng-Shiang Peng
Seller: Thomas E. Fournier
Date: 06/17/20

148 West Canton Circle
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Angel L. Gonzalez
Seller: Martin Figueroa
Date: 06/19/20

31 Winterset Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $233,000
Buyer: Ryan M. Collins
Seller: Jenna T. Collins
Date: 06/19/20

869 Worthington St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $148,510
Buyer: Gissel Santiago
Seller: David Elias
Date: 06/17/20

WALES

41 Lake George Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Wilmington Savings
Seller: Barbara A. Stearns
Date: 04/08/20

206 Stafford Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Benjamin D. Bangs
Seller: Patrick D. Soucy
Date: 04/10/20

Tiderman Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Commonwealth Of Massachusetts
Seller: Raymond Serrenho
Date: 06/25/20

185 Union Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: John Grasso
Seller: Vannais, Jeffrey P., (Estate)
Date: 06/19/20

WEST SPRINGFIELD

36 Beauregard Terrace
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Denise Vasconcellos
Seller: Anthony G. Collins
Date: 04/08/20

57 Bonair Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $259,034
Buyer: Michael J. Poirier
Seller: Walide Soufane
Date: 06/19/20

36 Braintree Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $262,000
Buyer: Susie Sousa-Chapin
Seller: Robert McCaffrey
Date: 04/10/20

88 Grove St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $263,000
Buyer: Kedar Khatiwada
Seller: Valdemar A. Johnson
Date: 06/26/20

46 Hampden St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Hasan M. Roumieh
Seller: Jackie Tang
Date: 06/18/20

101 Heywood Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $1,165,000
Buyer: Palpum Raw LLC
Seller: D&H Property Management
Date: 04/09/20

88 Janet St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Jorge Ramos
Seller: Auri M. Gibbons
Date: 04/10/20

43 Lennys Way
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Catie M. Laraway
Seller: Tandon, Ann, (Estate)
Date: 04/10/20

51 Maple Terrace
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $192,500
Buyer: Mohammad Kattan
Seller: James R. Kerr
Date: 06/24/20

501 Morgan Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $352,000
Buyer: Krishna L. Kharel
Seller: Judith Powers
Date: 04/10/20

60 Morningside Terrace
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Eric N. Barnes
Seller: David P. Berube
Date: 06/25/20

165 Nelson St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Dean F. Finnie
Seller: Paul F. Finnie
Date: 04/08/20

105 Pine St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $219,900
Buyer: Stephanie Tindell
Seller: Joel S. Baum
Date: 06/26/20

290 Rogers Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $530,000
Buyer: Brian E. Rolph
Seller: Mario A. Sotolotto
Date: 06/19/20

74 Winona Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Ruth Villar
Seller: Michael Werman
Date: 04/09/20

47 Worcester St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Suleiman Iddrisu
Seller: John E. Prenosil
Date: 04/10/20

WESTFIELD

30 Country Club Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Eugenie S. Kang
Seller: William S. Babinski
Date: 04/10/20

110 Court St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $244,900
Buyer: Christy T. Kyriacou
Seller: Kenneth Ward
Date: 04/10/20

55 Deborah Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Kyle B. Young
Seller: Laurie B. Kincaid
Date: 04/10/20

17 Denise Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $288,000
Buyer: Sean P. Bobbin
Seller: Scott Haber
Date: 06/22/20

84 Ely St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Katie R. Fredette
Seller: Citizens Bank
Date: 06/19/20

160 Falcon Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $975,000
Buyer: Huse Family Realty LLC
Seller: YRC Inc.
Date: 06/17/20

68 Hagan Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Christopher Paquette
Seller: Dean T. Couture
Date: 04/13/20

36 Harvard St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Andrew Landrau
Seller: Ann L. Szymanski
Date: 06/19/20

128 Hillcrest Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Marc C. Lichwan
Seller: Patricia R. Barnes
Date: 06/26/20

55 Jefferson St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $217,000
Buyer: Trevor Larson
Seller: William J. Cronin
Date: 04/13/20

10 Lewis St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $232,000
Buyer: Alessio M. Calabrese
Seller: Tunde Gyorgy
Date: 06/26/20

69 Old Farm Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Kyle Leven
Seller: Alexander L. Lonczak
Date: 06/26/20

109 Park River Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $250,900
Buyer: Joseph J. Kelley
Seller: Pavel G. Suprunchuk
Date: 06/23/20

28 Ponders Hollow Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: DHMD Realty LLC
Seller: Ponders Hollow Properties
Date: 04/13/20

19 Pontoosic Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $196,000
Buyer: Brenda A. Larochelle
Seller: Ralph E. Cortis
Date: 06/26/20

962 Russell Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Stephen Sicard
Seller: Tammy A. Peatman
Date: 06/18/20

27 Washington St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $1,700,000
Buyer: Courthouse Square LLC
Seller: University Housing LLC
Date: 06/19/20

190 Western Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $222,000
Buyer: Rebecca L. Granholm
Seller: HAWG Aviation LLC
Date: 04/09/20

29 Whispering Wind Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Sarah L. Bashiruddin
Seller: Christopher M. Sarat
Date: 04/10/20

111 Yeoman Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Brittany M. Egerton
Seller: Richard E. Hand
Date: 06/23/20

59 Zephyr Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Jonathan J. Adams
Seller: Rebecca L. Granholm
Date: 04/09/20

WILBRAHAM

2645 Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Anthony Loschiavo
Seller: Robert Ward
Date: 06/26/20

81 Chilson Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Kathleen S. Bishop
Seller: Gregory M. Chaconas
Date: 06/26/20

15 Devonshire Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $293,000
Buyer: Matthew W. Flechsig
Seller: Alan A. Hunt
Date: 06/26/20

40 Grove St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $189,150
Buyer: Edmond J. Presz
Seller: Beverly T. Presz
Date: 06/25/20

29 Longview Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $399,999
Buyer: Raymond A. Piquette
Seller: Ronald T. Menty
Date: 06/26/20

33 Oakland St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $255,900
Buyer: Michelle R. Stallworth
Seller: Charles D. Spurlock
Date: 04/08/20

125 River Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $267,900
Buyer: Juan J. Acevedo-Cordero
Seller: Custom Homes Development Group
Date: 06/22/20

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

123 Blackberry Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Joshua A. Kaiser
Seller: Lili Hu
Date: 06/18/20

35 Harlow Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $310,500
Buyer: Lan Wu
Seller: Emily L. Maling
Date: 06/26/20

5 Poets Corner Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $419,900
Buyer: David B. Wells
Seller: Kiki H. Hosea
Date: 06/22/20

BELCHERTOWN

85 Canal Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $348,000
Buyer: Jonathan R. Luz
Seller: David B. Cavanaugh
Date: 06/25/20

42 Hickory Hill
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $449,900
Buyer: Keith D. Poulin
Seller: Dayle A. Bjorklund
Date: 06/23/20

44 Magnolia Lane
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $429,900
Buyer: Robyn L. Piggott
Seller: J. N. Duquette & Son Construction
Date: 06/19/20

51 North St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Lisa Hawrylow
Seller: Abraxas RT
Date: 06/19/20

345 North Washington St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Greg A. Gregory
Seller: Joseph M. Agron
Date: 06/26/20

7 Old Farm Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $126,750
Buyer: EDC Real Estate LLC
Seller: USA VA
Date: 06/19/20

399 Stebbins St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Jennifer A. Strong
Seller: Katie Bodzinski
Date: 06/18/20

606 Warren Wright Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Justin Fountain
Seller: Richard Dexter
Date: 06/19/20

EASTHAMPTON

165 East St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Jessie E. Beland
Seller: Jesse D. Bemben
Date: 04/08/20

401 East St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: Ryan P. Ward
Seller: Laliberte, Paul J., (Estate)
Date: 04/13/20

8 Colonial Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Maureen A. Lavallee
Seller: Cote Convertible TR
Date: 06/17/20

196 Line St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Kate Dasilva
Seller: Vanessa S. Serotta
Date: 06/24/20

118 Northampton St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $2,670,000
Buyer: CPI East Hampton 1 LLC
Seller: Carmi Plaut
Date: 06/24/20

108 Plain St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $268,800
Buyer: Lee Frankl
Seller: Latka FT
Date: 06/26/20

GOSHEN

26 Birch Road
Goshen, MA 01032
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Judith M. Battat
Seller: Dorothy E. Bradley
Date: 06/26/20

GRANBY

413 East State St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $319,900
Buyer: Rania A. Gattas
Seller: John F. Guimond
Date: 06/25/20

35 Pleasant St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $128,000
Buyer: Ruby Realty LLC
Seller: Charles E. Moller
Date: 04/08/20

17 Smith Ave.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $225,500
Buyer: Nicholas E. Lacasse
Seller: Richard J. Dent
Date: 06/26/20

HADLEY

10 Farm Lane
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Dallas Kalbacher
Seller: Paul F. Wanczyk
Date: 06/26/20

15 Shattuck Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $129,000
Buyer: Gary M. Dupuis
Seller: Margaret Waskiewicz
Date: 06/19/20

HATFIELD

7 Linseed Hill Road
Hatfield, MA 01088
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Thomas M. Luce
Seller: Lapienski IRT
Date: 06/26/20

MIDDLEFIELD

3 Johnny Cake Hill Road
Middlefield, MA 01243
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Nathan M. Callahan
Seller: Scott W. Smith
Date: 06/26/20

NORTHAMPTON

6 Austin Circle
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $239,900
Buyer: Christopher R. Blais
Seller: AJ Capital RT
Date: 04/09/20

137 Barrett St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $373,000
Buyer: Victoria Elson
Seller: Mark Esposito
Date: 04/09/20

39 Butler Place
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Jeffrey M. Cook
Seller: Northeast Ent. Realty Partnership
Date: 06/19/20

185 Cardinal Way
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $479,500
Buyer: Sarah Kosofsky
Seller: James E. Gillespie
Date: 06/17/20

8 Dunphy Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $243,300
Buyer: Rowan Lupton
Seller: Daniel Breen
Date: 04/09/20

104 Dunphy Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $253,000
Buyer: Caitlin S. Martin
Seller: Angeline C. Chereski
Date: 04/09/20

435 Florence Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $382,000
Buyer: Jason C. Bolton
Seller: Roland Barbeito
Date: 04/08/20

4 Franklin Court
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Jeremie G. Davis
Seller: Ryan C. Hayward
Date: 06/26/20

204 North Maple St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Jason A. Richmond
Seller: Charles E. McCarthy
Date: 04/14/20

68 Ridgewood Terrace
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $530,000
Buyer: Peter M. Levy
Seller: Stephanie J. Arvai
Date: 04/10/20

168 Ryan Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Oonagh C. Doherty
Seller: Trudel, Stephen A., (Estate)
Date: 06/25/20

116 Sandy Hill Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $236,300
Buyer: Lee M. Michalopoulos
Seller: Claudio M. Nolasco
Date: 06/22/20

203 State St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Rachel J. Currie-Rubin
Seller: Richard J. Rubin
Date: 04/10/20

21 Stoddard St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $167,000
Buyer: Marsha L. Pelletier
Seller: Carl J. Mahaney
Date: 06/19/20

176 Turkey Hill Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $457,500
Buyer: Harvey A. Ashman
Seller: David H. McClaflin IRT
Date: 06/18/20

33 Walnut St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $463,000
Buyer: Anne C. West-Church
Seller: Hamp 33 Walnut LLC
Date: 06/25/20

178 West Farms Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $397,000
Buyer: Dana J. Nestor
Seller: Michael S. Silipo
Date: 06/19/20

PELHAM

123 North Valley Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $572,000
Buyer: Lynn Whittemore
Seller: Karl P. Donfried
Date: 06/19/20

SOUTH HADLEY

45 Bardwell St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $119,000
Buyer: Sean P. Morrisawa-Reilly
Seller: Dietel, John W., (Estate)
Date: 06/18/20

62 Hadley St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Megan Burton
Seller: Jamroth LLC
Date: 04/13/20

295 North Main St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $257,000
Buyer: Diana Valenzuela
Seller: Dondley, Linda C., (Estate)
Date: 06/19/20

62 Old Lyman Road
South Hadley, MA 01020
Amount: $359,900
Buyer: Stephen P. Malanaphy
Seller: Premier Home Builders Inc.
Date: 04/10/20

20 Taylor St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $256,000
Buyer: John F. Guimond
Seller: Susan A. Calderon
Date: 06/25/20

2 Valley View Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Angela J. Snow
Seller: Anthony B. Desjardins
Date: 06/19/20

3 Woodcrest Lane
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Dawn L. Blyda
Seller: Timdee Rainey Investments
Date: 06/19/20

SOUTHAMPTON

1 Birchwood Dr.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Daniel R. Breen
Seller: Elizabeth E. Lempke
Date: 04/09/20

378 College Hwy.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: Christina Kent
Seller: JDK NT
Date: 06/19/20

154 Fomer Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $375,200
Buyer: Dylan P. Mawdsley
Seller: David M. Florek
Date: 06/26/20

102 Gunn Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $610,000
Buyer: Kevin B. O’Donnell
Seller: Christopher J. Graham
Date: 06/19/20

110 Middle Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: John W. Diemand
Seller: Richard E. Buck
Date: 06/26/20

WARE

113 Church St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Tara N. McQuaid
Seller: Mary C. Nathan
Date: 06/23/20

140 Eagle St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $116,440
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Jason Ellithorpe
Date: 04/09/20

35-37 High St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $197,000
Buyer: Lissette Figueroa
Seller: CEP Real Estate LLC
Date: 04/09/20

24 Lower Cove Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $332,600
Buyer: Thomas Presz
Seller: Walter M. Presz
Date: 06/25/20

9 Mattson Blvd.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $228,000
Buyer: Jared Cantwell
Seller: Kenneth J. Kwasniak
Date: 06/24/20

11 Pine St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $184,000
Buyer: Lizbeth DeJesus
Seller: JNB Property Investment
Date: 04/08/20

112 South St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Whitney M. Russo-McRobbie
Seller: 112 South Street RT
Date: 06/24/20

5 Spring St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Modesta Zayas
Seller: Martha M. Vachon
Date: 06/26/20

185 West St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Michael Tworek
Seller: Tworek LT
Date: 06/18/20

WILLIAMSBURG

107 Main St.
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Shannon M. Trzcienski
Seller: Skwira, Philip E., (Estate)
Date: 06/25/20

Building Permits

By BusinessWest Staff July 21, 2020

Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the month of June 2020. (Filings are limited due to closures or reduced staffing hours at municipal offices due to COVID-19 restrictions).

AMHERST

40-50 Main St., LLC
46 Main St.
$12,380 — Bathroom renovation, sheetrock and wall repair

Audrey Samek
555 Belchertown Road
$122,300 — Remodel existing structure, build greenhouse

LEE

The Cohen Group, LLC
63 Main St.
$13,000 — Roofing

The Cohen Group, LLC
10 Railroad St.
$98,000 — Interior renovation of Moe’s Tavern

Town of Lee
300 Greylock St.
$8,383 — Install 16 fire-alarm door holders on hallway doors in elementary school

LENOX

Boston University
45 West St.
$182,364 — Roofing

PRG, LLC
55 Pittsfield Road
$7,550 — Relocate and add sprinklers

Trinity Church
88 Walker St.
$70,195 — Roofing and gutters

SPRINGFIELD

City of Springfield
1840 Roosevelt Ave.
$8,000 — Saw cut exterior wall of boiler room to install new service door at Central High School

Mental Health Assoc.
995 Worthington St.
$90,000 — Repair exterior brick facade

NEPM
44 Hampden St.
$1,340 — Repair broken and chipped concrete on overhead beam above entrance of WGBY

John Sakma
1048 Wilbraham Road
$3,000 — Repair Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant damaged by car accident

Willow State, LLC
135 State St.
$3,037 — Install fire-alarm system

Willow State, LLC
135 State St.
$3,000 — Install fire-alarm system on second floor

WILBRAHAM

Wilbraham & Monson Academy
423 Main St.
$186,400 — Bathroom renovations in Rich Hall

AIC Announces Fall Reopening Plans, Substantial Cost-reduction Measures

By BusinessWest Staff July 20, 2020

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) announced plans to reopen for the fall 2020 semester amid a series of cost-saving strategies that are required to sustain the college in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the school. Revenue curtailment could result in a gap of up to $17 million, with cutbacks including reductions in the number of tenured and non-tenured faculty.

The college announced that students will return to campus for the fall semester with the majority of courses offered through a remote, synchronous delivery, with the exception of certain modules in health-sciences courses that require in-person delivery, such as labs. While the semester will remain at 15 weeks, courses will not be held on campus following the Thanksgiving break.

In March, AIC made the unanticipated move to remote learning in response to COVID-19. This resulted in extensive technology costs associated with delivering content remotely through the semester’s end and residence and meal-plan reimbursements. About one-third of the administrative staff, totaling nearly 100 individuals, were either furloughed or laid off. This initial round of reductions did not include any cuts to faculty.

In April, the college engaged in an institution-wide process to identify areas to reduce costs. Like other colleges and universities, AIC started a planning process for the fall semester anticipating fewer students would be attending college at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Both administration and faculty were advised to identify areas from which to reduce expenditures. AIC President Vincent Maniaci engaged faculty senate leadership, advising that significant cuts were required to reduce expenses in response to the needs of the 2021 budget and the pandemic-induced loss of revenue. Maniaci apprised senate leadership that these reductions could not be realized through operational cuts alone and would include tenured and non-tenured faculty positions as a last resort.

Three task forces were convened by Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Mika Nash to address recruitment, retention, and faculty workload. As part of the shared-governance process, the faculty workload task force was invited and encouraged to participate in the process of identifying the $1.5 million needed in reductions from the academic budget. The recommendations of the faculty workload task force ultimately did not meet the threshold for cuts that was given to them. As a result, AIC’s administration will be implementing reductions that will result in both tenured and non-tenured faculty loss.

“Ultimately, this pandemic has forced decisions that no institution ever wants to make, and losing programs, faculty, and staff is incredibly difficult,” Nash said. “We wish the outcome were different.”

According to Frank Colaccino, who chairs the AIC board of trustees, a 1973 graduate of AIC, cuts to faculty positions are a reflection of declining enrollment in a number of programs.

“American International College is no stranger to making very tough decisions in order to secure the future of the institution,” he said. “With 72% of students enrolled in just 28% of programs offered, in order to remain viable, the college cannot continue to support programs that have experienced continually declining enrollments. The impact of the pandemic has added to the criticality and urgency of addressing this situation.”

Added Maniaci, “as American International College prepares to open this fall as it has for 135 years, it will do so in support of the academic enterprise with a focus on the future of the institution and furthering its vision of providing access and opportunity to a diverse community of students.”

Country Bank Recognizes Community Heroes

By BusinessWest Staff July 20, 2020

Daily News

WARE — Country Bank announced several grant recipients associated with its Community Heroes campaign, an effort to recognize exceptional acts of service by local individuals in the region and the continued fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

After seeing the significant efforts local community members were making to help others through these challenging times, Country Bank vowed to ensure their heroics didn’t go unrecognized and created a campaign to honor them.

As part of the campaign, more than 200 heroes were nominated through an online submission process explaining why they should be chosen. A new hero was selected each week and awarded a $250 gift card to the local business of their choice. In addition, a donation to a COVID-19 relief organizations was made in their name.

“This campaign aims to commemorate local heroes while also supporting local businesses and COVID-related relief services,” said Paul Scully, president and CEO of Country Bank. “As a longtime part of the community, we consider it our duty to stand by and be of support to our neighbors in times of need.”

The chosen Community Heroes include Noelle Grace Efantis, registered nurse at Baystate Wing Hospital; Michelle and Jay Demore of Demore’s Automotive Center; Paula Perrier, director of Child Development Services at the YMCA Tri-Community Child Development Center; Benjamin Mead, operations manager of Environmental Services at St. Francis Hospital; Alan Tracy, Pioneer Valley USO director at Westover Air Reserve Base; and the directors and transit care specialist at Beers & Story Funeral Home of Palmer.

Country Bank continues to be one of the many businesses supporting its communities throughout the pandemic. The bank has made $450,000 in donations to local COVID-19 relief efforts and continues to look for ways to give back in a meaningful way during these challenging times.

Massachusetts Unemployment Rate Creeps Up in June

By BusinessWest Staff July 20, 2020

Daily News

BOSTON — The state’s June total unemployment rate is up eight-tenths of a percentage point at 17.4% following a revision to the May rate of 16.6%, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ preliminary job estimates indicate Massachusetts added 83,700 jobs in June. This follows last month’s revised gain of 55,000 jobs. Over the month, the private sector added 97,300 jobs as gains occurred in leisure and hospitality; trade, transportation, and utilities; construction; professional, scientific, and business services; education and health services; manufacturing; and other services. Losses occurred in financial activities and information. Government lost jobs over the month.

From June 2019 to June 2020, BLS estimates Massachusetts lost 529,800 jobs. Losses occurred in each of the private sectors, with the largest-percentage losses in leisure and hospitality; other services; trade, transportation, and utilities; and construction.

The June unemployment rate was 6.3% above the national rate of 11.1% reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The labor force increased by 130,800 from 3,540,900 in May, as 79,200 more residents were employed and 51,600 more residents were unemployed over the month. Over the year, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by 14.5%.

The state’s labor-force participation rate — the total number of residents 16 or older who worked or were unemployed and actively sought work in the last four weeks — increased to 64.9%. Compared to June 2019, the labor-force participation rate is down by 2.7%.

Christopher Heights of Northampton Welcomes Crystal Cote-Stosz as Executive Director

By BusinessWest Staff July 20, 2020

Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — Christopher Heights of Northampton announced that Crystal Cote-Stosz has joined its team as executive director, effective immediately.

Cote-Stosz brings a long history of elder-care experience. She began her career in elder care in 2007 as an information and referral specialist and later moved up to a geriatric resource advisor with Greater Springfield Senior Services. In 2009, she and her family relocated to Easthampton, and in 2010, she accepted a position in social work at the Northampton Senior Center.

Within a year at the senior center, she was promoted to assistant director. Her responsibilities included volunteer recruitment, scheduling, training, and supervising the social worker, activities director, and fitness center, ensuring the needs of elders in the Northampton community were met with dignity, respect, and enthusiasm.

Cote-Stosz’s commitment to serving our elders presented a new opportunity in 2016 at the Lathrop Home in Northampton, where she accepted the position of executive director in 2016 and focused her talents on expanding relationships with community partners, developing effective teams within the Lathrop community, and increasing resident census to stabilize the operations of the home. She said she enjoyed the growth opportunity and experiences she had at the Lathrop Home and is now accepting this new opportunity to expand to a larger community.

“I pride myself in communicating with dignity and respect during challenging conversations,” she added. “I challenge myself and our staff every day to care for each resident as I would want my family members cared for.”

BusinessTalk with Mayor Domenic Sarno

By BusinessWest Staff July 20, 2020

Business Talk Podcast Special Coverage

We are excited to announce that BusinessWest, in partnership with Living Local, 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

Episode 11: July 20, 2020

George Interviews Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno

George interviews Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and they discuss how the City of Springfield is coping with the pandemic as it relates to its residents, businesses, school system, and its senior and homeless population, and how the city will regain its momentum.

Sponsored by:

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO ALL OUR EPISODES

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Daniel O’Connell’s Sons Named Construction Manager of WSU Parenzo Hall Renovation

By BusinessWest Staff July 17, 2020

Daily News

WESTFIELD — Westfield State University, in partnership with the Massachusetts Division of Capital Assets Management and Maintenance (DCAMM), announced the selection of Holyoke-based Daniel O’Connell’s Sons Inc. to serve as construction manager for the university’s $40 million Parenzo Hall renovation project.

The construction manager selection committee — consisting of three DCAMM representatives, architect James Loftus of Miller Dyer Spears of Boston, and David Riggles, associate director for Projects and Space Management at Westfield State — received 12 responses to DCAMM’s request for qualifications and eight final proposals for the project. The final construction-manager selection was made based on the firm’s qualifications, experience, past performances, and reviews of performance records in comparison to the others.

“We are pleased to select Daniel O’Connell’s Sons through a competitive procurement process to carry out this significant enhancement to Westfield State’s facilities,” said DCAMM Commissioner Carol Gladstone. “Through this infrastructure project, we will help support the Western Massachusetts economy by creating new space for advanced and hybrid learning for students and young adults, while also partnering with a local construction business.”

The university plans to transform the 64-year-old Parenzo Hall — the oldest building on campus — into a state-of-the-art hub for student success and development. Renovations will include the creation of two new centers — the Center for Student Success and Engagement (CSSE) and the CoLab (collaboration laboratory). The renovation of swing space to relocate current Parenzo Hall tenants is underway and expected to be completed this winter. Groundbreaking for Parenzo’s reconstruction is anticipated in summer 2021. The renovation is expected to take approximately two years.

The CoLab will leverage technology to serve as a nexus for innovative collaboration in Western Mass., partnering with K-12 school districts, community colleges, and industry partners. It will teach students and community partners how to productively engage in online and hybrid environments that increase flexibility for students, facilitate co-enrollment, expand course choices, and provide a bridge to employment. The CoLab will work with community colleges to ease the transfer process by offering financially supported hybrid-style programs and boot camps. It will work with chambers of commerce and economic-development boards to broker relationships, inform curriculum, and secure support.

The CSSE will address the university’s goals of increasing retention and graduation rates, as well as reducing achievement gaps and the continuing decline in the number of working-age adults. In addition, it will increase student preparation for advanced learning and support exploration of career pathways in elementary and high schools to prepare them for on-the-job training. New and in-demand certificate programs and advanced study options will be offered to its business partners, utilizing technology.

The renovation project is a strategic investment for Westfield State and has been on the university’s master plan as a top priority, according to Vice President for Administration and Finance Stephen Taksar. “In addition to improving our primary instructional space, it will also significantly reduce the deferred maintenance on campus,” he said.

The Commonwealth is helping to finance the project via a $21.25 million spending bill that was signed by Gov. Charlie Baker during a July 2018 visit to campus.

Christopher Gelino Joins Bulkley Richardson as Summer Associate

By BusinessWest Staff July 17, 2020

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Bulkley Richardson announced that Christopher Gelino will be spending the next several weeks at the firm as a summer associate. During this assignment, he will have the opportunity to assist with legal work from all practice areas within the firm.

Gelino is currently attending the University of Connecticut School of Law with an expected graduation date of May 2021. He is a 2014 graduate of the University of Connecticut, where he received degrees in both political science and human rights, and was recognized as a university honors scholar. He also earned a master’s degree in international politics in 2017 from the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London.

“Christopher’s education in political science and human rights demonstrates his commitment to justice,” said Kevin Maynard, chair of the firm’s hiring committee. “I believe this foundation, combined with his studies in political science and law, will help make him a better, more compassionate lawyer. Our goal this summer is to introduce him to the inner workings of a law firm, provide mentorship from lawyers ranging from firm leaders and retired judges all the way through the ranks to junior associates, and expose him to real-life legal matters.”

Bulkley Richardson continues to accept résumés from future summer associates and recent law-school graduates and attorneys considering a lateral move. Visit bulkley.com/careers for more information.

UMass Amherst Research Suggests Some Decontamination Processes Damage N95 Masks

By BusinessWest Staff July 17, 2020

COVID-19 Daily News

AMHERST — Certain methods of decontaminating medical face masks for repeated use during the COVID-19 pandemic appear to damage the masks’ integrity and protective function, according to research by a UMass Amherst environmental-health scientist.

“Some treatments for decontamination had no impact on respirator performance, while other treatments resulted in substantial damage to masks,” writes Richard Peltier, associate professor in the School of Public Health and Health Sciences and lead author of the paper published July 16 in the journal Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology.

Peltier received a fast-track grant from the National Science Foundation in May to study the impact of various sterilization techniques authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in light of the shortage of medical face masks, also known as N95 respirators.

“Given the global N95 shortages, clinicians face a choice: wearing a used, and potentially infected, respirator, or wearing one that was decontaminated through a process that may affect the integrity of the respirator,” added Peltier, whose co-authors include doctors and researchers at New England Baptist Hospital in Boston and UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester.

Peltier uses state-of-the-art pollution detection instruments and a mannequin head in his lab to measure whether microscopic particles can pass through the masks after they are sterilized. “Respirators must be effective across a range of potential conditions to provide protection since droplets that contain virus particles immediately start to evaporate and shrink,” he explained.

While the testing was limited by the availability of processed masks provided by hospitals in Massachusetts, the study draws several generalizable conclusions, he noted.

Respirators that were treated between one and 10 times with specific vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilizers or up to five times with shorter decontamination cycles of gas plasma hydrogen peroxide (gpHP) retain their original filtration capabilities. A decontamination process using ultraviolent germicidal irradiance slowly diminishes filtration efficiency, reaching a level that warrants caution after nine repeated treatments, the research found. “However, there are still a number of sterilizer systems that are being used on these masks which we don’t have information about and therefore can’t determine if they keep workers safe,” Peltier said.

Treatments with high concentrations of gpHP or longer processing times degraded filtration performance below the requirement for N95 masks, which should be capable of filtering 95% of 300-nanometer particles.

For comparison, Peltier also tested a KN95 mask, some brands of which have been removed from the FDA’s emergency-use list due to poor performance, and a four-ply polyester bandanna. Neither had been treated with any decontamination technique, and both performed below N95 standards. Peltier also found that immersing an N95 mask in a 10% bleach solution degraded its performance.

Peltier noted that his study did not address the masks’ fit or general integrity, including elastic function, corrosion on staples and compression of the respirator, all of which are important for proper functioning. His research highlights the importance of using decontamination techniques shown to be safe for the reuse of N95 masks.

“We hope this work supports good decision making that protects those who are on the front lines of this pandemic keeping us all safe,” he said. “Without them, none of us are safe.”

Boston Bud Factory Opens Holyoke Dispensary

By BusinessWest Staff July 17, 2020

Daily News

HOLYOKE — Boston Bud Factory Inc., a Holyoke-based company, is opening its retail store at 73 Sargeant St. today, July 17, after working after two years in the licensing process. Boston Bud Factory is one of only a few small, locally owned and operated stores in the state of Massachusetts, holding two licenses from the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission, one for the retail store and one for product manufacturing. Co-owners Frank Dailey and Carlo Sarno are both long-time residents of Western Mass.

“This is an exciting day for Boston Bud Factory and everyone who has helped us along the way,” Dailey said. “There are many friends and family who have helped us make this dream come true, and we are extremely grateful for all of their support. The industry in Massachusetts is still developing, and we hope to continue seeing more social-equity and economic-empowerment businesses opening across the state. As a small business, we hope to have a more relaxed and inviting atmosphere where people are comfortable asking questions and taking longer to figure out what products really suit their needs.”

Loophole Brewing Services Announces Ludlow Mills Location

By BusinessWest Staff July 16, 2020

Daily News

LUDLOW — Joined by state Rep. Tom Petrolati and leadership from Westmass Area Development Corp., Loophole Brewing Services announced plans for its new location at 90 First Ave. in Ludlow. The planned 21,000-square-foot brewery, taproom, and beer garden will occupy the former jute-processing building on a 2.5-acre parcel at the eastern end of the Ludlow Mills complex.

“We are extremely excited to be part of the redevelopment of the historic Ludlow Mills and join the vibrant craft beer community in town,” said Loophole co-founder Jeff Goulet. “It is a great location for our efforts to support the craft brewers and aspiring brewers while offering a unique outdoor beer-garden experience.”

Petrolati was given a ‘before’ look at the building and discussed the role Loophole can play in the overall redevelopment of the mills. “I welcome Loophole to the corporate family in our Ludlow community and the Mills,” he said. “They will be an intricate part of the growth and job creation for the town of Ludlow.”

Loophole plans to acquire the space from Westmass, which has been redeveloping the mills since it purchased the entire 150-acre complex nearly a decade ago.

“Westmass is excited to see this commitment from Loophole and the long-term investment it is making at the Mills,” said Jeff Daley, president and CEO of Westmass Area Development Corp. “Loophole Brewing will add to the changing dynamic and the vibrancy at the Ludlow Mills that we have worked on for the last 10 years.”

Added Loophole co-founder Aaron Saunders, “putting together a project like this in the midst of a pandemic is not easy, but Westmass has been a wonderful partner in working with us. The investments made by Westmass, as well as the town, state, and federal governments in the Mills, have helped make this a top-notch location for Loophole.”

In addition to the brewing operations, Loophole plans to have food offerings and more for taproom and beer-garden guests. “There are so many opportunities for growth with this space,” said Loophole co-founder Todd Snopkowski. “We have some great things planned that we think will be extremely exciting as we grow.”

Breweries and aspiring brewers interested in working with Loophole Brewing Services are encouraged to e-mail [email protected].

American International College Announces Two New Board of Trustees Members

By BusinessWest Staff July 16, 2020

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) recently welcomed two members to its board of trustees: E. Thomas Foster and Denise Jordan.

Foster is managing director of the Retirement Advisor University Speakers Bureau. A 1970 graduate of American International College, he also attended Suffolk University Law School. In a career spanning more than 30 years, he is well-regarded as an industry expert, educating and advising individuals and businesses on the retirement marketplace, including products, legislation, regulation, and compliance.

Most recently, Foster served as the spokesperson for MassMutual Retirement Services, working directly with financial advisors and employers to educate about 401(k) and other qualified retirement-savings plans. In 2007, he co-authored a book on practice management for advisors titled To Sell or Not to Sell … Employer Retirement Plans. He has been featured in numerous publications, including the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, the Dallas Morning News, the Miami Herald, the Los Angeles Times, Forbes, Kiplinger, Financial Planning, Investment News, and the London Stock Exchange.

Jordan was born and raised in the city of Springfield. She attended Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, where she received a bachelor’s degree in political science, and in 2000, she earned a master’s degree in human resource development from American International College. AIC presented Jordan with an honorary doctor of laws degree in 2019, awarded for outstanding achievement in the social sciences and for significant community contributions at the local and national levels.

Jordan worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in a variety of roles for more than 20 years. In 2008, she became the city of Springfield’s first African-American chief of staff, a position she held for more than a decade in the office of Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno. She currently serves as executive director of the Springfield Housing Authority, the third-largest public housing authority in the state. She has held seats on many boards and has won several awards for her volunteer work.

Bay Path University Launches IngenioUs Podcast

By BusinessWest Staff July 16, 2020

Daily News

LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University has unveiled the premiere episodes of its new podcast, IngenioUs. Devoted to exploring relevant, provocative topics in higher education through the lens of innovation, IngenioUs is the brainchild of its host, Melissa Morriss-Olson, provost emerita of Bay Path University, distinguished professor of Higher Ed Leadership, and creator and director of the college’s new Center for Higher Education Leadership and Innovative Practices. She is also the author of the accompanying IngenioUs blog.

“Even before the coronavirus challenged institutions to rethink traditional learning paradigms, higher education was in a freefall, forcing colleges and universities to experiment with new models and ways of operating,” Morriss-Olson said. “Throughout my nearly 40-year career in higher ed, I’ve studied how leaders adapt to challenging environments, what conditions and factors make the most difference for those who are able to weather the storms and emerge more resilient and relevant than ever. With IngenioUs, I have an opportunity to speak with some of the most innovative and provocative thought leaders about the remarkable ways they’re changing their institutions and the higher-ed landscape. The hope is that our discussions will inspire deeper thought, ongoing conversation, and creative solutions to some of the biggest challenges and changes facing colleges and universities.”

Guests have included retired Bay Path President Carol Leary, reflecting on 25 years of innovative leadership; national thought leader Amer Ahmed, interim executive director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and visiting faculty at Dickinson College, discussing how to move beyond words to create lasting social-equity change; and Lenore Rodicio, executive vice president and provost at the nation’s largest community college, Miami Dade College, on how to reimagine higher education for the benefit of all students.

New episodes are released weekly. Subscribe to the podcast and blog here.

Newest COVID-19 Response Grants to Nonprofits Total $785,000

By BusinessWest Staff July 16, 2020

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts announced new grants to 36 local nonprofits through the COVID-19 Response Fund for the Pioneer Valley totaling $785,000, targeting food insecurity, homelessness, those with disabilities, and summer programs, as well as addressing immediate needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Including this latest round, the Response Fund has awarded nearly $4.8 million in grants to nonprofits in Western Mass. that are on the front lines of serving vulnerable populations affected by the crisis. The statewide Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund has provided $2.8 million in funding to support the Community Foundation’s response to the region’s pandemic crisis.

Girls Inc. of the Valley, based in Holyoke, is one recipient in the latest grant round, using funds to transition to virtual summer programming due to COVID-19. Girls Inc. serves 5- to 18-year-old girls from the Greater Holyoke, Springfield, and Chicopee areas and other surrounding towns through after-school and summer programs at little or no cost to families.

According to Suzanne Parker, Girls Inc. executive director, “staying connected to girls is more important than ever. Responding to the need, Girls Inc. of the Valley has transitioned its summer programming to an online, virtual format. This generous grant from the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts will help us to provide supplies in at-home activity packets to further enrich girls’ experiences. We are grateful to the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts for their commitment to supporting girls in the Valley.”

The 36 nonprofits that received grants from the COVID-19 Response Fund from the Pioneer Valley are: Berkshire County Arc, Bethlehem House, Boy Scouts of America – Western Massachusetts Council, Boys and Girls Club Family Center, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield, Christina’s House, Community Adolescent Resource and Education Center, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture, the Community Survival Center, Dakin Human Society, Ellie Fund, Easthampton Community Center, Girls Inc. of the Valley, Hampshire Regional YMCA, Health Law Advocates, Holyoke YMCA, Jewish Family Services of Western Massachusetts, Ludlow Boys & Girls Club, Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services, Massachusetts Military Support Foundation, New North Citizens’ Council, Open Pantry Community Services, Providence Ministries for the Needy, Rachel’s Table, South End Community Center, Somali Bantu Community of Springfield, Springfield Boys and Girls Club, St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Salvation Army – Greenfield Corps, the Salvation Army – Holyoke Corps, the Salvation Army – Springfield Corps, Urban League of Springfield, West Springfield Boys & Girls Club, YMCA of Greater Springfield, and YMCA of Greater Westfield.

The Response Fund has raised $6.9 million from 630 donors, including foundations, businesses, and individuals, and resources from the statewide Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund.

Community Foundation Welcomes Two New Staff Members

By BusinessWest Staff July 15, 2020

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts (CFWM) announced two new staff members, filling key development and finance roles at the organization. Daisy Pereira-Tosado joins CFWM as director of Philanthropy, and Didi de Almeida has been hired as account manager.

Pereira-Tosado is responsible for bolstering and diversifying the foundation’s development strategy. She brings 25 years of experience in the nonprofit arena and has led and served in leadership roles for community-based organizations, most recently as senior director of Philanthropy at New England Public Media.

Pereira-Tosado has developed many valuable resources for the local community as an active volunteer for local organizations such as Girls Inc. of Holyoke, Link to Libraries, and the Springfield Puerto Rican Day Parade Committee. She is a graduate of Boston University.

Meanwhile, de Almeida brings seven years of experience in nonprofit accounting management for local nonprofit organizations, and recently earned her MBA from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst.

Prior to her graduate studies, de Almeida was fiscal manager for the Center for New Americans, business manager for the Brick House Community Resource Center, and staff accountant for the MassHire Franklin Hampshire Career Center. Her experience includes budgeting, compliance, financial reporting, expense tracking, tax filing, and audit preparation.

Drive-in Movie Night at Mercedes-Benz to Benefit Urban League of Springfield

By BusinessWest Staff July 15, 2020

Daily News

CHICOPEE — Mercedes-Benz of Springfield is hosting a drive-in movie fundraiser on Saturday, July 18 to benefit the Urban League of Springfield. Live band Malado is performing at 7:30 p.m, and the movie, The Lion King, starts at 9 p.m. All are invited to attend, and to arrive early to secure a spot.

Suggested donation is $20 per vehicle if tickets are purchased in advance and $30 per vehicle if purchased at the door. Purchase tickets in advance by clicking here.

“We are so excited to bring this fun summer pastime back to the area,” said Michelle and Peter Wirth, owners of the dealership. “All participants can feel great about supporting those doing meaningful and important work in our local community, and have fun doing it.”

The Urban League of Springfield serves the African-American community in Greater Springfield by advocating for and providing model services that enhance the academic and social development of young people and families, promoting economic self-sufficiency, and fostering racial inclusion and social justice.

“We are extremely gratified by the philanthropic spirit of the Wirth family providing this great opportunity to raise money to support our programs and activities,” said Henry Thomas, Urban League president and CEO. “Social responsibility is critically important these days, and Mercedes-Benz of Springfield just gets it.”

Visit www.mbspringfield.com/drivein for safety guidelines and complete details.

Liberty Fox Technologies Joins GPMF Holdings Family of Companies

By BusinessWest Staff July 15, 2020

Daily News

PHILADELPHIA — Liberty Fox Technologies, a leading software-application developer and consultancy, has been acquired by Massachusetts-based GPMF Holdings as part GPMF’s continued expansion of its national healthcare IT ecosystem. Liberty Fox joins VertitechIT (infrastructure design and implementation), Nectar (digital health strategy consulting), baytechIT (managed services), and akiro (healthcare financial and business advisory services), as part of the GPMF Holdings family of companies.

“Many software application developers in our industry are cookie-cutter, ‘tell me what you want and we’ll build it’ kinds of companies,” said GPMF Holdings CEO Michael Feld. “The folks at Liberty Fox are different, and their approach, to embed themselves within a client’s business, is a shared value among the GPMF family.”

Liberty Fox CEO Bill Evans added that “we were really attracted to GPMF’s focus in the healthcare space. We’ve had at least one active healthcare client relationship every year for the last decade, and together we have combined capabilities totaling 70 to 100 years of experience, whether it’s networking, engineering, managed services, revenue cycle and legal compliance, or the focus on the clinical process. That’s a powerful combination.”

Liberty Fox will continue to service healthcare and enterprise clients from its headquarters outside Philadelphia. GPMF Holdings is headquartered in Western Mass. with offices in Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Florida, Tennessee, and Washington.

Conversation on Anti-Racism in the Arts to Be Presented on July 23

By BusinessWest Staff July 15, 2020

Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — As the July DownStreet Art event, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ (MCLA) Berkshire Cultural Resource Center (BCRC) and members of the North Adams Artist Impact Coalition (AIC) are collaborating to present a community conversation to move toward anti-racism in the arts on Thursday, July 23 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.

This event is free and open to the public, and registration is required at least 24 hours in advance. Additionally, all artists and arts administrators from the Northern Berkshires are invited to participate in this hands-on conversation.

Many people who are not of color and who work within the arts express a desire to be anti-racist and move toward systemic and institutional change. Part of the process of becoming anti-racist is to understand how difficult the journey itself is and why. Members of the Northern Berkshires’ vibrant arts community are invited to engage in this discussion as a means of understanding the role they all play as individuals who make up collectives and as the members who both run and support arts organizations that want to bring about positive change.

The conversation will begin with a discussion between members of the North Adams Artist Impact Coalition facilitated by MCLA Chief Diversity Officer Christopher MacDonald-Dennis. Attendees will then split into smaller Zoom ‘breakout rooms’ to discuss personal experiences with observing and interrupting racism and individual actions they can take toward making the Northern Berkshires a welcome and safe place for all. For those unable to attend the conversation live, the session will be recorded for viewing at a later date.

BusinessTalk with Chris Thompson

By BusinessWest Staff July 15, 2020

Business Talk Podcast Special Coverage

We are excited to announce that BusinessWest, in partnership with Living Local, has launched a new podcast series, Business Talk. 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

Episode 10: July 15, 2020

Thom Fox interviews Westfield Starfires Co-Founder/Owner Christopher Thompson

Thom Fox interviews Westfield Starfires Co-Founder/Owner Christopher Thompson. Thom and Chris discuss the impact COVID-19 has had on the 2020 Futures Collegiate Baseball League, fan safety measures for home games, and how Westfield is ready to ‘play ball’!

Sponsored by:

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Sheraton Springfield Hotel Implements High-tech Airflow-distribution System

By BusinessWest Staff July 14, 2020

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel announced the installation and implementation of bipolar ionization system technology into its HVAC airflow-distribution systems, which, according to its most recent study, has been proven to neutralize coronavirus by 99.92%.

This system, the AtmosAir Matterhorn Series, is currently used by the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, and SpaceX. Steve Levine, president and CEO of AtmosAir Solutions, noted that “we are delivering a socially sustainable public-health product that can deliver results so that we can start coming together again safely.”

The World Health Organization has acknowledged the possibility that COVID-19 might spread in the air, which led Paul Picknelly, owner of the Sheraton Springfield Hotel, to seek the best solutions to providing a safe and healthy environment for all hotel guests and employees. “This is cutting edge,” he said. “We pride ourselves on never settling for status quo, and while all processes recommended by the CDC are proven effective, to literally clean the air we breathe in an energy-efficient and environmentally safe method is taking next-level care of guests and employees. I felt this major investment was necessary to ensure guests feel safe staying in our hotel again.”

Stacey Gravanis, the hotel’s general manager, added that “we are thrilled to see our guests’ reaction when they walk into our lobby and can immediately recognize the clean, crisp, mountain-top-like air conditions. While we are in full compliance with all CDC and Sheraton brand COVID-19 processes — from the use of electrostatic sprayers, extensive manual disinfecting, sanitizing stations, and PPE for all guests and staff — the AtmosAir system is by far the most extensive, 24/7, non-stop method we are using to battle the spread of COVID-19 in our hotel.”

STCC to Hold Online Financial-aid Information Session on July 15

By BusinessWest Staff July 14, 2020

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) will host an online workshop to help current and prospective students understand how to make a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID.

The workshop, which will be conducted through a Zoom webinar, is scheduled for Wednesday, July 15 at 3 p.m. The session is free and open to the public, but participants must register in advance by clicking here.

Brendon Pohner, financial-literacy coordinator at STCC, will explain how to create an FSA ID, which is a username and password that gives a student access to Federal Student Aid’s online systems and can serve as a legal signature. An FSA ID can be used to log into the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

Pohner said the FSA ID allows students to access their federal student aid websites securely and is the fastest way to sign an application and have it processed.

“However, it’s complex and really hard for a lot of students to grasp,” Pohner said “It does cause problems. If you can’t make an FSA ID or you forget your information and you can’t get it back, you can’t apply for financial aid. Some people get frustrated and decide not to go to college.”

Pohner said he will show participants in the webinar how to make an FSA ID and explain the best practices for maintaining the account and keeping it secure. He will answer questions at the end of the workshop.

Approximately 79% of STCC students receive some form of financial aid. The college is accepting applications for the fall semester, which begins Sept. 8. To apply to STCC, visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

Healthcare Heroes Nominations Close in Three Days

By BusinessWest Staff July 14, 2020

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Since the phrase COVID-19 came into our lexicon, those working in the broad healthcare field have emerged as the true heroes during a pandemic that has changed every facet of life as we know it.

And over the past several months, the world has paid tribute to these heroes, and in all kinds of ways — from applauding in unison from apartment-complex windows to bringing hot meals to hospital and nursing-home workers; from donating much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE) to people putting hearts on their front lawns and mailboxes to thank first responders, healthcare workers, postal workers, and others.

BusinessWest and its sister publication, the Healthcare News, will pay tribute in their own way, by dedicating their annual Healthcare Heroes program in 2020 to those who are have emerged as true heroes during this crisis. The deadline for nominations is July 17.

Healthcare Heroes was launched by the two publications in 2017 to recognize those working in this all-important sector of the region’s economy, many of whom are overlooked when it comes to traditional recognition programs. Over the years, the program has recognized providers, administrators, emerging leaders, innovators, and collaborators.

For 2020, the program will shift its focus somewhat to the COVID-19 pandemic and all those who are working in the healthcare field or helping to assist it at this trying time. All manner of heroes have emerged this year, and we invite you to nominate one — or several — for what has become a very prestigious honor in Western Mass.: the Healthcare Heroes award.

Here are some examples of those who have become real heroes:

• Doctors and nurses;

• Emergency-room personnel, including doctors, nurses, orderlies, techs, triage, receptionists, and others;

• EMTs;

• Police and firefighters;

• Nursing-home personnel, everyone from frontline providers to administrators;

• End-of-life care providers;

• Administrators leading the efforts to battle the pandemic;

• Behavioral-health practitioners helping people and families navigate this crisis;

• Individuals and groups from our community who have stepped up to help healthcare workers with everything from hot meals to PPE;

• Companies that have pivoted and commenced production of materials such as PPE to help those in healthcare confront the pandemic;

• Scientists working behind the scenes to develop a vaccine or new types of PPE; and

• Truck drivers delivering supplies to hospitals and other providers.

These are just a few examples, and there are myriad others. In truth, everyone who goes to work in a hospital, nursing home, assisted-living facility, or other healthcare facility, thereby risking their own health, and perhaps their life, is a hero.

In many respects, all these heroes will be honored at the Healthcare Heroes event, now scheduled for this fall at the Springfield Sheraton. And to honor all of them, we want to bring to the podium a number of individuals and groups that represent everyone who has become a hero in these trying times.

To assist those thinking of nominating someone for this honor, we are simplifying the process. All we desire is a 400- to 500-word essay and/or two-minute video entry explaining why the group or individual stands out as an inspiration, and a truly bright star in a galaxy of healthcare heroes. These nominations will be carefully considered by a panel of independent judges, who will select the class of 2020.

For more information on how to nominate someone for the Healthcare Heroes class of 2020, click here. Videos can be sent via dropbox to [email protected].

Healthcare Heroes is sponsored by Comcast Business and Elms College.

Opinion: The Region Needs MGM Open for Business

By BusinessWest Staff July 13, 2020

Sections Special Coverage

If you read between the lines when scanning or listening to the comments made by MGM Springfield officials in the run-up to the reopening of the facility today, it’s easy to see they have some real concerns about whether the restrictions they’ve been placed under will enable them to succeed.

“We’re excited to be here in this moment,” Chris Kelley, president and chief operating officer, told members of the press being given a tour of the pandemic-adjusted facilities last week. “We have significant occupancy constraints that the business will be opening with, but we approach this moment with gratitude for the opportunity to serve our guests and this community again.”

We’re not sure how much gratitude, but we are sure these occupancy constraints and other restrictions, put in place to keep guests and employees safe, are going to present stern challenges for the casino operators.

Roughly two-thirds of the slot machines will be disabled in the name of social distancing; many table games, including roulette, craps, and poker, will be shut down; capacity in the restaurants will also be limited, again in a nod to social distancing; the bars will be closed, and drinking will be limited to those playing the games that are still open; and large gatherings, such as concerts and shows, are still prohibited.

Add it all up, and then add in the cost of retrofitting the casino for play in the middle of a pandemic, and it’s fair to wonder whether opening is even a sound business decision given the high overhead at such facilities. That question remains to be answered.

What isn’t in doubt, though, is whether the city and the region need this facility open for business. To that question, we give a resounding ‘yes.’

Indeed, the tourism industry has been absolutely battered by the pandemic, perhaps harder than any other sector. Hotels, restaurants, bus companies, tourist attractions, and other businesses have been crippled by this. And the announcement that there will be no Big E this fall dealt that sector another huge blow.

We’re not sure how much reopening MGM Springfield will help those businesses — many visitors to the casino don’t make any other stops before or after they do their gambling — but any help would certainly be appreciated.

There’s also the support the casino provides to other businesses, especially its vendors. We’ve written much over the past few years about how important MGM’s business is to these vendors — from the sign makers to the dry cleaners — and the trickle-down, while limited in some respects, is very real.

Then there’s the psychological factor. Much of Main Street in Springfield was shut down by the pandemic, from shops to restaurants to businesses in the office towers. It’s starting to come back somewhat, with outdoor restaurants on Fort Street, Worthington Street, and around One Financial Plaza, and the office towers slowly (as in slowly) but surely coming back to life.

MGM is another, very important piece of the puzzle. With the casino again welcoming guests, Springfield, and the region, will seem all the more open for business after a dreadful spring.

We’re under no delusions here. Reopening MGM is not going to dramatically alter the fate of many of the businesses that have been decimated by the pandemic. But it might provide a spark — another spark, to be more precise — as the region tries to fight its way out of a disaster unlike anything it’s ever seen.

MGM’s managers are certainly not thrilled with the hand they’ve been dealt, as they say in this business, but perhaps they can do something with it — show they can operate safely while eventually building their capacity back up. In the meantime, the city and the region get another boost when they so badly need one.

Springfield Museums Open to Public Today

By BusinessWest Staff July 13, 2020

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Museums are set to reopen to visitors today, July 13, with the first two hours each Monday, 10 a.m. to noon, set aside for seniors (60 and older) only, and the general public from noon to 5 p.m. The museums are open to everyone Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“We are overjoyed to welcome visitors back to the museums,” said Kay Simpson, president and CEO of Springfield Museums. “We have carefully prepared our museums for reopening with visitor and staff health and well-being as our priority. We want to provide an experience that is both reassuringly safe and wonderfully inspiring.”

The museums will open at 25% of their full capacity and will issue timed tickets to spread people out over the course of the day. “We urge our visitors to purchase their tickets online ahead of their visit,” said Sharon Ferrara, Welcome Center manager. Limited numbers will be allowed into the admissions area at a time, to help all keep socially distanced.

For additional well-being, the museums have added plexiglass shields and no-touch credit-card machines at the Welcome Center desk, Museum Store, and Blake House Café. They have also stepped up cleaning protocols, especially on high-touch surfaces. Most importantly, visitors are required to do their part in communal health and safety by wearing masks that cover their nose and mouth. Additionally, they are required to keep at social distance from people not in their party. Staff also are required to wear masks.

“Each of us plays a role in a safe reopening, with social distancing, face masks, and additional health and safety precautions in place,” Simpson said. “We are truly all in the same boat and pulling for each other.”

Educators in each of the museums’ facilitated spaces — the Cat’s Corner, the Smithsonian Spark!Lab, and the Art Discovery Center — are ready to greet visitors with new protocols as well. They have created single-use packets and set up activities that can be done at social distance, in addition to increased cleaning.

“Having families back at the museums, ready to celebrate this summer, will be such a great treat — and we are ready to make sure they have a great time,” said Larissa Murray, director of Education at the Springfield Museums.

For those comfortable with hands-on experiences, the museums have all interactive exhibits in place and have added more hand-sanitizing stations and more frequent cleaning by the staff. “We are encouraging visitors to sanitize their hands before and after they use an interactive,” Murray said.

For those who look forward to a low- or no-touch experience still informed by educators and curators, the museums have introduced a mobile guide available through visitors’ cell phones. “The guide includes virtual gallery tours and maps,” Murray said. “And it features interactive scavenger hunts that integrate learning with fun facts and beautiful images.”

The museums have also enhanced their cell-phone audio tours, adding more stations to the Science Museum, D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts, and Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum. The Seuss Museum audio tour is available in English, Spanish, and Chinese.

“For centuries, museums have offered a place of solace,” said Heather Haskell, vice president of the Springfield Museums and director of the Art Museums. “We are a place where people can be together with plenty of room for social distance while still enjoying an experience in community.”

Chikmedia Introduces Chiks of the Future Scholarship

By BusinessWest Staff July 13, 2020

Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — Chikmedia announced the launch of its Chiks of the Future Scholarship, a $500 scholarship to be presented to a woman of color pursuing a degree in marketing, public relations, communications, or business.

“If we want to see more small businesses succeed, we have to help them grow from the beginning,” Chikmedia President Meghan Rothschild said. “At Chikmedia, our mission has always been to help small, women-led businesses thrive through badass marketing, public relations, branding, and more. We are a resource to help these women and businesses exceed their goals. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be extending our mission to the next generation of leaders.”

In light of the Black Lives Matter movement, Rothschild and her team began researching scholarship opportunities and found that Caucasian students receive 72% of all scholarships, while minority students only receive 28%.

“Although a $500 scholarship doesn’t close the large gap, we wanted to do our part in expanding the available opportunities,” she said.

The scholarship recipient will be notified by e-mail and then announced publicly during the first week of August. To apply, click here.

6 Bricks, LLC Receives State Provisional License to Advance Cannabis Dispensary

By BusinessWest Staff July 13, 2020

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — 6 Bricks, LLC was chosen to receive a state provisional license from the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission. Last year, the city of Springfield awarded 6 Bricks one of just four licenses to operate a cannabis dispensary in the city.

For more than a year before the award by Springfield, 6 Bricks had been preparing for the city application process, engaging and working with architects, industry and profession experts, security professionals, and others as to how best to propose a community-oriented facility and operation that would include and benefit the city and surrounding neighborhood community.

6 Bricks incurred substantial expense and invested significant time securing data and planning strategies to put forth a winning application to the city and the state, including hiring and working with engineering firm Vanhasse Hangen Bustin Inc. to produce traffic and other studies. 6 Bricks worked extensively with former Springfield Police Officer John Delaney on a security plan for operation; he assembled a team of former law-enforcement professionals who have advised the project from the idea stages to the present.

Achieving provisional-license status means 6 Bricks, LLC has moved one step closer to being able to open a facility on Springfield. Of the four Springfield applicants, 6 Bricks is the first to be awarded this status.

“I and my family are so appreciative of the state and Springfield’s recognition of our hard work, of our plans, and positive community impact in the awarding of these necessary licenses to move forward,” said Payton Shubrick, CEO of 6 Bricks. “We are so appreciative of the transparent and in-depth process by which Springfield Mayor [Domenic] Sarno’s Cannabis Committee, the city’s Law Department, and Procurement Offices executed, which allowed us a very even, competitive field that allowed us to present a true minority-owned effort.”

Shubrick noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted the cannabis industry.

“We are continuing to review our plans as to how to best serve the customers who need the product we will offer as a healing and therapeutic addition to their health and well-being regimens,” she noted. “We will be making some changes in our plans that will take into account these new challenges that must include curbside-pickup per the state and what an in-store experience may actually have to be in keeping with local, state, and federal health regulations for the future.”

BusinessTalk with Peter Rosskothen

By BusinessWest Staff July 13, 2020

Business Talk Podcast Special Coverage

We are excited to announce that BusinessWest, in partnership with Living Local, 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

Episode 9: July 13, 2020

George Interviews Peter Rosskothen, Owner of The Log Cabin, Delaney House, D. Hotel & Suites and Delaney’s Market

George O’Brien interviews serial entrepreneur, Peter Rosskothen, Owner of The Log Cabin, Delanry House, D. Hotel Suites & Spa, and Delaney’s Market. George and Peter discuss the effects the pandemic has had on a local business owner in an industry focused on bringing people together, and how the current situation has compelled the companies to be more hands-on in their approach and think outside the “event” box.

Sponsored by:

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO ALL OUR EPISODES

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WSU Names Kate Burke Associate Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving

By BusinessWest Staff July 10, 2020

Daily News

WESTFIELD — Westfield State University (WSU) appointed Kate Burke associate director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving. In her role, she will be responsible for the development, management, and oversight of alumni outreach and engagement initiatives as well as providing leadership to the Alumni Relations team for the management of the Alumni Association and the Lifetime Owls program. In addition, she will provide oversight of the annual-fund communications, campaigns, and giving programs.

“I’m excited to join Westfield State University and the Institutional Advancement team,” Burke said. “I am honored to have this opportunity to work with such great and passionate alumni, students, staff, and volunteers. I’m eager to collaborate and engage with our alumni, donors, staff, and campus and community partners. I look forward to enhancing the student, alumni, and donor experience through creating and building upon alumni engagement and involvement programs and events, campus and community outreach, and fundraising initiatives.”

Burke reports to Erica Broman, vice president of Institutional Advancement and executive director of the Westfield State Foundation.

According to Broman, Burke comes to WSU with a wealth of external, alumni-relations, and development experience in both higher education and intercollegiate athletics. She has previously made an impact at Colorado School of Mines, Northwestern University, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Oakland University, University of Virginia, and Xavier University. Burke earned a bachelor’s degree at Eastern Illinois University and a master’s degree from Indiana State University.

“We are pleased to welcome Kate and look forward to the level of sophistication that she brings to Institutional Advancement and the university,” Broman said. “We will rely on her leadership to work with the Alumni Association to advance the critical role our graduates fill in the success of our students.”

Springfield College Names Katherine Dugan Director of Core Curriculum

By BusinessWest Staff July 10, 2020

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield College Assistant Professor of Religion Katherine Dugan has accepted the position of director of core curriculum at the college. Dugan will oversee the implementation of the new core curriculum at Springfield College starting during the 2020 fall semester.

As part of Dugan’s responsibilities, she will be responsible for providing clear communication methods with faculty, administrators, and students about the what and why of the Springfield College core curriculum.

“One of the strengths of this core is that, with strong implementation, nearly all faculty have to be involved with it, in some capacity,” Dugan said. “In order to facilitate that, I would provide wide-ranging communication that is thoughtful and consistent.”

She added, “I am confident that this curriculum can be a strong, well-respected part of what it means to graduate from our institution. The new core curriculum challenges students to think about perspectives they had not previously engaged and to step outside their major program. It is an opportunity for students to be creative and also self-directive in their college education. I am prepared and eager to participate in making that happen on campus.”

Dugan joined the Springfield College humanities faculty in 2016 with a focus on American religions with a specialization in contemporary Catholicism in the U.S. She teaches courses on world religions, religion in the U.S., Catholicism, women and religion, and introduction to Christianity. Her research interests are in religious experience, women in religion, and the intersection of religious practice and American culture.

Her first monograph, “Millennial Missionaries: How a Group of Young Catholics Is Trying to Make Catholicism Cool,” was published by Oxford University Press in 2019. Her current research is on Catholics who practice natural family planning in the U.S.

Springfield Not Reopening ValleyBike Share in 2020 Due to Public-health Concerns

By BusinessWest Staff July 10, 2020

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — ValleyBike Share, the Pioneer Valley’s three-year-old electric bike-sharing system with stations across six cities and towns (Amherst, Northampton, Easthampton, South Hadley, Holyoke, and Springfield), including stations on the UMass Amherst campus, will not be operating this year in the city of Springfield.

Upon the recommendation of Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris to Mayor Domenic Sarno, the decision was made out of an abundance of caution to help mitigate the potential community spread of the novel coronavirus.

Concerns about possible spread of coronavirus are the reason behind this decision. Hampden County (6,883 cases per 100,000 residents) has seen much higher rates of COVID-19 infections than Hampshire County (985 cases per 100,000), with the numbers of infections still rising in the last two weeks. Hamden County is experiencing the Commonwealth’s highest death rate, with 141 out of 100,000 people dying from the disease.

As of July 1, the city of Springfield had reported 2,833 infections, for a rate of 1,789 per 100,000. In Springfield, 16.4% of people tested are testing positive for COVID-19, compared to a rate of 12.2% for the Commonwealth as a whole.

Healthtrax Reopens East Longmeadow, West Springfield Facilities

By BusinessWest Staff July 10, 2020

Daily News

EAST LONGMEADOW, WEST SPRINGFIELD — Healthtrax Fitness & Wellness Center is welcoming its Western Mass. members and staff back to 45 Crane Ave., East Longmeadow, and 155 Ashley Ave., West Springfield. Center hours of operation during the reopening period will be Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Friday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and temporarily closed Sunday.

Amenities, schedules, and programming will vary by center and will follow governmental orders and public-health guidelines. Members will be required to wear masks and use the touchless ID key-tag swipe in and out for contact tracing, maintain physical distancing, and wipe equipment after each use. Staff will have temperatures taken upon arrival and wear masks, and everyone is asked to adhere to the new code of conduct. There are new cleaning protocols in place, including EPA-sanctioned products for spraying exercise equipment for sanitization.

Members have been enjoying virtual on-demand workouts hosted by Healthtrax certified personal trainers and group fitness instructors over the past few months, and these will be continued due to popularity. Online reservations have been instituted to secure a place in classes at the center.

“We look forward to welcoming our community back to the centers to make improvements in strength, flexibility, and health gains, building an even stronger immune system and positive mindset during uncertain times,” said Steve Capezzone, CEO of Healthtrax. “Our leadership team has been working tirelessly to research, invest in, and deploy the most effective safety, cleanliness, and physical-distancing best practices as we enthusiastically welcome back our members and staff. I want to thank all for being adaptable and patient as we navigate many important changes in the operations of our business.”

Springfield College Appoints Dean of School of Social Work and Behavioral Sciences

By BusinessWest Staff July 9, 2020

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Wesley Church II has been named dean of the Springfield College School of Social Work and Behavioral Sciences. His professional background includes more than 20 years of experience in the field of social work, primarily in criminal-justice settings.

“Springfield College will benefit from the broad experiences and accomplishments that Dr. Church brings to the dean’s role,” said Martha Potvin, Springfield College’s provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “His spirit of innovation and collaboration, as well as successes in growing enrollments in online and continuing-education programs in social work and in child and family studies, bode well for successful leadership across all departments in the year-old School of Social and Behavioral Studies.”

Church has been the J. Franklin Bayhi endowed professor, the special assistant for assessment, and formerly director of the Louisiana State University School of Social Work.

“I am truly honored to have the opportunity to be part of the Springfield family — my career in higher education has always had a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration to improve the quality of life for our community,” Church said. “The Springfield College School of Social Work and Behavioral Sciences faculty are incredibly talented and committed, and I look forward to working alongside them. There is tremendous potential for innovations to heighten student experiences and success, and I look forward to collaborating with the entire Springfield College community in growing the School of Social Work and Behavioral Sciences.”

Church succeeds Francine Vecchiolla, who is retiring after 30 years of service at Springfield College.

Big Y Grocery Price Freeze Extended, Now Includes 15,000 Items

By BusinessWest Staff July 9, 2020

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Big Y has extended its price freeze to Sept. 2, and the list has been expanded from 10,000 to 15,000 everyday grocery items. Big Y operates 71 supermarket locations throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut.

“When we announced our first price freeze, we heard from over 5,000 customers who indicated how important this action is to them,” said Michael D’Amour, chief operating officer for Big Y. “These remain uncharted times, so we feel this is another way we can help our customers and the community.”

Additionally, with regional food banks experiencing unprecedented demand, Big Y has provided $250,000 in support to address the rise in food insecurity since March. Using the estimate that every dollar donated provides four meals, the Big Y financial assistance amounts to 1 million meals. The donation was split equally by the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, the Worcester County Food Bank, and the Greater Boston Food Bank in Massachusetts, as well as Foodshare and the Connecticut Food Bank in Connecticut. Big Y also supplies surplus food to local food banks on a weekly basis. On an annual basis, the company’s Sack Hunger program donates more than $11.5 million in food, or a total of 5.7 million meals, to help those in need throughout the region.

“As a family business, we recognize our responsibility to be exceptional in our service to our customers, especially right now,” D’Amour said. “Our customers are like family to us, and that’s why the friendly service in our stores, as well as commitment to the community, remains exceptional as well.”

Steve Lanning Selected as Toastmaster of the Year by District Leadership

By BusinessWest Staff July 9, 2020

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Toastmasters International announced that Steve Lanning was selected as Toastmaster of the Year by district leadership during its annual officer meeting. Lanning is the current president of Toastmasters of Downtown Springfield, and the outgoing Division F director for District 53 of Toastmasters International.

This annual award goes to the District 53 Toastmaster who has demonstrated year-long dedication to, and leadership within, District 53; committed to assisting other members in making their own progress; and upheld the core values of Toastmasters International: integrity, respect, service, and excellence.

Lanning is a six-year Toastmasters member who earned the Distinguished Toastmaster Award, the organization’s highest award, in 2019. He also earned seven educational awards in the just-ended club year. Lanning stepped down as Division F director on July 1 to assume the role of Area F63 director for the next club year.

“I love what I do, and my efforts are appreciated by both the members and the leadership,” Lanning said when asked why he volunteers so much. “My true calling would have been as a teacher, but I wasn’t ready for that until I joined Toastmasters.”

Toastmasters is a program designed to help members throughout the world develop communication and leadership skills in any setting with any group. Toastmasters of Downtown Springfield currently meets online through Zoom, and welcomes guests to check out a meeting. Visit 6081.toastmastersclubs.org for the Zoom link and more information. When on-site meetings are ultimately held, the location is Cambridge College at Tower Square in downtown Springfield.

Nationwide Unemployment Scam Targets Massachusetts Claimants

By BusinessWest Staff July 9, 2020

Daily News

BOSTON — Criminal enterprises in possession of stolen personal information from earlier commercial data breaches have been attempting to file large amounts of illegitimate unemployment claims through the Massachusetts unemployment system. This is part of a national unemployment fraud scheme.

In order to ensure the integrity of the unemployment system, the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) continues to implement additional identity verification measures that may temporarily delay the payment timeframe for some unemployment claims in Massachusetts. The DUA has partnered with the Massachusetts State Police, the Department of Corrections, and the National Guard on this identity-verification effort

“Protecting the integrity of the unemployment system and ensuring benefits are only going to valid claimants is the top priority of the Department of Unemployment Assistance,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Rosalin Acosta. “It is unfortunate that, because of this criminal activity, people who really need our support may face delays in receiving the benefits they need. We will continue to work with our state and federal law-enforcement agencies, as well as our dedicated constituent service personnel, to ensure that those with valid unemployment claims receive financial assistance during these difficult times.”

Individuals who believe a false unemployment claim has been filed in their name are urged to utilize the Department of Unemployment Assistance fraud contact form at mass.gov/unemployment-fraud or call DUA customer service at (877) 626-6800.

Melanson Heath Announces New Name: Melanson

By BusinessWest Staff July 8, 2020

Daily News

NASHUA, N.H. — Melanson Heath, one of the fastest-growing accounting firms in the U.S., announced that the company will begin operating under a new name and will be known as Melanson, effective immediately.

This rebranding strategy reflects both the evolution of the company and its vision for the future. Along with this change, a newly redesigned company logo has been revealed, and a new website, melansoncpas.com, has been launched.

“As part of our focus on expansion and business development, our leadership team and I believe it was appropriate to rebrand our firm to more specifically reflect who we are,” said Managing Partner Scott Toothaker, CPA. “We are very excited about the introduction of our new company name, Melanson, because it allows us to better represent our business to our clients and community. We are also very happy about the launch of our new website, which features our own employees and better reflects the personality found at Melanson. We are not just an accounting firm; we are a partner for our clients.”

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Episode 11: July 20, 2020

George Interviews Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno

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Episode 10: July 15, 2020

Thom Fox interviews Westfield Starfires Co-Founder/Owner Christopher Thompson

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Episode 9: July 13, 2020

George Interviews Peter Rosskothen, Owner of The Log Cabin, Delaney House, D. Hotel & Suites and Delaney’s Market

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