BusinessWest Staff, Author at BusinessWest

Bankruptcies

By BusinessWest Staff March 31, 2020

Bankruptcies

The following bankruptcy petitions were recently filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court (bankruptcy petitions omitted from our last are include hereunder). Readers should confirm all information with the court.

Almazan, Francisco
a/k/a Almazan-Arcos, Francisco
P.O. Box 611
Chicopee, MA 01021
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/20

Basile, Michael A.
31 Virginia Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/21/20

Benard, Richard S.
Benard, Nichole M.
a/k/a Wright, Nichole M.
113 Cooley St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/25/20

Caplette, Nancy M.
359 Meadow St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/18/20

Casaldi, William Joseph
Casaldi, Cynthia Ann
281 Chauncy Walker St., Lot 121C
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/19/20

Cincone, Heidi H.
46 Dudley St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/20

Crocker, Stephanie Jo
a/k/a Herk, Stephanie Jo
19 Essex St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/21/20

Gorecki, Michael J.
608 Westfield St., Apt. #12
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/20

Hallowell, Lynn L.
76 Temple St., Apt. #1
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/25/20

Hansen, Ellen Mary
72 Granville Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/25/20

Henry Blanchard Electric
Blanchard, Henry L.
10 South St.
Stockbridge, MA 01262
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/20/20

JM Homelife
Manning, Jodi-Lyn
51 Oxford St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/20

Kerr, Samuel
93 Gillette Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/20/20

Killeen, William M.
34 Greenleaves Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/20/20

Lindquist, Rebecca L.
a/k/a Miller, Rebecca L.
83 Williamsville Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/21/20

Maunsell, Judith A.
25 1st Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/20/20

McComb, Joshua K.
1 George Ave.
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/25/20

Monarca, Edward M.
a/k/a Monarca, Edwardo M.
a/k/a Monarca Monserrati, Eduardo
34 Willow St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/26/20

O’Hearn’s Tavern
O’Hearn, Tiffany A.
486 Corey St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/18/20

Pizzimenti, Gary Batista
45 Denton Circle
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/20

Plumley, Allison
325 North Lane
Granville, MA 01034
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/20/20

Remedy Aesthetic Distribution
Ohlund, Robert N.
51 Fiske Hill Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/21/20

Retynsky, Victor
269 Stoney Hill Road, Apt. G1
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/25/20

Rivera, Geraldine E.
a/k/a Reyes, Geraldine E.
421 Bay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/19/20

Schanck, Gwendolyn M.
a/k/a Godbolt, Gwendolyn M.
23 Langdon St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/20

Surge Home Concepts, LLC
Woelper, David J.
115 Garden St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/21/20

Walz, Frederick David
33 Miller St., Unit 2
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/25/20

Real Estate Transactions

By BusinessWest Staff March 31, 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

BUCKLAND

43 Green St.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $287,000
Buyer: Matthew Dougherty
Seller: Clinton W. Phillips
Date: 03/10/20

COLRAIN

25 Stranahan Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Kylie R. Brunner
Seller: Sasha J. Rasid
Date: 02/28/20

CONWAY

731 Shelburne Falls Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Amy E. Lashley
Seller: Gabrielle T. Sabella
Date: 02/28/20

DEERFIELD

119 Old Main St.
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $1,120,000
Buyer: 1302 Conti LLC
Seller: Hadley Palmer
Date: 02/27/20

ERVING

26 Lillians Way
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $281,000
Buyer: Nikita T. Shamrock
Seller: Arsenault, Paul A., (Estate)
Date: 02/28/20

GREENFIELD

46 Adams Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Nicholas W. Lacoy
Seller: Howard N. Stone
Date: 03/02/20

17-1/2 Congress St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $1,000,000
Buyer: PRB LLC
Seller: Timothy F. Washburn
Date: 02/28/20

73 Crescent St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Jared B. Sharpe
Seller: Ann L. Hamilton
Date: 03/06/20

69 Hastings St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Ramesh J. Rajballie
Seller: Carol C. Wandeloski
Date: 02/28/20

142 Leyden Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Jessica A. Pearlman
Seller: Angela T. Ruggeri
Date: 02/28/20

7 Wunsch Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $226,000
Buyer: James E. Clark
Seller: Michael N. Skawski
Date: 03/10/20

HEATH

11 Ledge Road
Heath, MA 01346
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: Chelsea B. Jordan-Makely
Seller: Andrew J. Royer
Date: 02/28/20

LEVERETT

475 Long Plain Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Hong T. Cai
Seller: Joseph Williams
Date: 02/28/20

295 Shutesbury Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $118,000
Buyer: Frederic P. Hartwell
Seller: Barbara J. Raymond
Date: 03/10/20

LEYDEN

646 Greenfield Road
Leyden, MA 01301
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Marie M. Gens
Seller: Natacha E. Casale
Date: 03/10/20

MONTAGUE

69 Dell St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $221,500
Buyer: Christie A. Lemerise
Seller: Michelle C. Cloutier
Date: 03/02/20

ORANGE

110 Drew Blvd.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Kasey E. Teixeira
Seller: Adam Stacey
Date: 02/28/20

77 Royalston Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $259,000
Buyer: Kevin E. Smith
Seller: Thompson, Stephen G., (Estate)
Date: 03/03/20

147 Walnut Hill Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Joseph O. Paoletti
Seller: Maria C. Paoletti
Date: 03/04/20

SHUTESBURY

409 West Pelham Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: Bradford Spry
Seller: Weaver, Elaine J., (Estate)
Date: 02/26/20

WHATELY

297 Haydenville Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Stephanie Sanderson
Seller: Virginia L. Cowles
Date: 03/02/20

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

49 Barney St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $269,900
Buyer: Christopher Greany
Seller: Christopher Malloy
Date: 02/28/20

71 Federal Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $162,000
Buyer: Gerald W. Novick
Seller: Maryann Majewski
Date: 02/28/20

33 High St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $122,850
Buyer: Agawam Rentals LLC
Seller: US Bank
Date: 02/27/20

64 Line St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Kyle A. Perry
Seller: Elina O’Ganyan
Date: 02/28/20

118 School St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Gilroy Property Renewal
Seller: Benoit, Claire B., (Estate)
Date: 02/26/20

256 South Westfield St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $248,400
Buyer: Josue E. Diaz
Seller: Gary Wickland
Date: 02/27/20

1260 Suffield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Ameco-Jar LLC
Seller: 1260 Suffield Inc.
Date: 02/28/20

1347-1349 Suffield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Satter Ahmed
Seller: Eduardo Santaniello
Date: 03/06/20

30 Tom St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $172,749
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Norman St.Pierre
Date: 03/02/20

204 Valley Brook Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Steven Ewing
Seller: Garry W. Meyers
Date: 03/06/20

BRIMFIELD

126 Haynes Hill Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Geoffrey Steil
Seller: Citibank
Date: 03/03/20

294 Warren Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $580,000
Buyer: James M. Korman
Seller: Cynthia Niemczyk-Hodges
Date: 03/10/20

CHESTER

20 William St.
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Dillon Serrao-Durrence
Seller: Luke Casebolt
Date: 02/26/20

CHICOPEE

22 Austin St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Elzbieta Kalisz
Seller: Bonnie Lemanski
Date: 03/04/20

33 Beesley Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Joanne Pease
Seller: Sandra J. Podolak
Date: 02/28/20

42 Casey Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $211,000
Buyer: Richard Negrin
Seller: Karen M. Genetelli
Date: 03/06/20

138 Cobb Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Patrick M. Letendre
Seller: Jane A. Sosnicki
Date: 02/26/20

138 Delaney Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $192,500
Buyer: Nikiah O. Stadtlander
Seller: Kevin M. Candon
Date: 02/26/20

68 Dunn St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Christos Tsandilas
Seller: John Tsandilas
Date: 03/06/20

220 Exchange St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Shiva RT
Seller: Emery Street LLC
Date: 02/27/20

28 Frontenac St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Christian Thompson
Seller: Juan Santana
Date: 02/28/20

599 Granby Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Bethany York-Rudzik
Seller: Josephine Mercik
Date: 03/06/20

17 High St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Jeremy G. Dion
Seller: Shannon M. Dion
Date: 03/06/20

51 Irene St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $186,000
Buyer: Christopher Culpepper
Seller: Carol S. Ingram
Date: 03/05/20

44 Kowal Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Jonathan P. Veillette
Seller: Eugene J. Przybylowicz
Date: 02/28/20

45 Lombard St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $224,000
Buyer: Jason L. Pride
Seller: Stella P. Doray
Date: 03/05/20

390 Montcalm St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: HCP Group LLC
Seller: Ashley K. Brodeur
Date: 03/04/20

405 Montgomery St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Susan Keenan
Seller: Jeremy A. Keough
Date: 03/06/20

22 Mount Vernon Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Kimberly M. Melendez
Seller: Phillip E. Russ
Date: 03/06/20

225 Prospect St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $180,200
Buyer: Rafael Nazario
Seller: Mark E. Hiersche
Date: 02/26/20

741 Prospect St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $182,000
Buyer: Jean C. Santiago-Reyes
Seller: Samantha Britt
Date: 03/09/20

25 Providence St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: Damian J. Santiago
Seller: Charles A. Bennis
Date: 02/28/20

63 Ruskin St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Jesus Martinez
Seller: David A. Corliss
Date: 02/27/20

40 Shirley St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Peter D. Marcotte
Seller: Marsha Henry
Date: 03/03/20

39 Stockbridge St.
Chicopee, MA 01103
Amount: $377,700
Buyer: Daniel L. Desjeans
Seller: Waycon Inc.
Date: 03/02/20

EAST LONGMEADOW

Bella Vista Dr. #11
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $169,900
Buyer: Grace McCarthy
Seller: Bella Vista Holdings RT
Date: 02/27/20

389 Elm St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: JJJ 17 LLC
Seller: Robert C. Harris
Date: 03/06/20

22 Fairview St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $224,000
Buyer: Erik M. Wellhoff
Seller: CIG 4 LLC
Date: 02/26/20

126 Gates Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Trevor C. Kirk
Seller: Jonathan Schroeder
Date: 02/28/20

9 North St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Christopher Davis
Seller: Scott F. Davis
Date: 02/27/20

120 Old Farm Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Laura A. Stevens
Seller: Louis A. Aveyard
Date: 02/27/20

HAMPDEN

556 Main St.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $276,000
Buyer: Michael Sienkiewicz
Seller: Mitchell J. Drozdowski
Date: 02/28/20

160 Mill Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $344,000
Buyer: Gary R. Barnett
Seller: Robert H. Wogatske
Date: 02/27/20

84 Oak Knoll Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $297,500
Buyer: Matthew R. Galica
Seller: Michael A. Ciecko
Date: 03/02/20

15 Wehr Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $266,000
Buyer: Jacob J. Boudreau
Seller: James J. Pisarcik
Date: 02/28/20

HOLLAND

11 Old Acres Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $125,659
Buyer: Melonie J. Pitisci
Seller: USA VA
Date: 03/06/20

HOLYOKE

5 Appleton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $1,130,000
Buyer: Mao Moon LLC
Seller: Benz Holdings LLC
Date: 02/28/20

348 Elm St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $116,355
Buyer: Vivian G. Rodriguez
Seller: Moises Ortiz
Date: 02/28/20

22 Holly Meadow Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Teresa Donnelly
Seller: Alan C. Lesiege
Date: 03/04/20

1632 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: WTF Realty LLC
Seller: Galieo Way LLC
Date: 02/28/20

99 Saint James Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Bina M. Batchelder
Seller: Ronny Sinn
Date: 03/04/20

16 Willow St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: David J. Bones-Estrada
Seller: G&H Homes LLC
Date: 02/27/20

LONGMEADOW

40 Barbara Lane
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Valerie E. Oksendahl
Seller: Michael P. Leavitt
Date: 02/26/20

25 Chatham Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Silvia I. Scott
Seller: Julius S. Brecht
Date: 03/04/20

128 Meadowbrook Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $321,400
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Chris C. Decker
Date: 03/02/20

260 Williams St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Rachael A. Lamson
Seller: Diolinda Dasilva
Date: 03/05/20

LUDLOW

38 Barna St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $187,400
Buyer: Leda A. Adams
Seller: Frances Prescott
Date: 03/06/20

36 Hampden St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: Shamina M. Evans
Seller: MNB Builders LLC
Date: 03/06/20

Jerad Dr. #18
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Ana H. Borges
Seller: Ralph E. Connelly
Date: 03/09/20

Jerad Dr. #119
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Ana H. Borges
Seller: Ralph E. Connelly
Date: 03/09/20

33 Lazarz St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Jessica M. Vazquez
Seller: Amy Maschi
Date: 03/06/20

154 Stevens St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Gail Carneiro
Seller: Joaquim A. Carneiro
Date: 03/06/20

27 Watson Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Walid Fathi-Ahmed
Seller: Daniel J. Pires
Date: 02/28/20

554 Winsor St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Robert S. Duffy
Seller: Dianne Fabrocini
Date: 03/06/20

MONSON

227 Main St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $164,900
Buyer: Noelle R. Venne
Seller: Timothy E. Wells
Date: 03/10/20

129 Stafford Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $183,577
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Zoe A. Riley
Date: 03/02/20

MONTGOMERY

78 Pomeroy Road
Montgomery, MA 01085
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Renee Kiendzior
Seller: Frank A. Demarinis
Date: 03/06/20

PALMER

21 Commercial St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Nicholas Strange
Seller: Jennifer M. Toelken
Date: 03/05/20

2041-2043 High St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: Xing G. Wang
Seller: Ruby Realty LLC
Date: 03/04/20

2042 Pleasant St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $157,300
Buyer: Frederick M. Dyer
Seller: WMass Residential LLC
Date: 02/28/20

4011 School St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $166,650
Buyer: Dawn J. Campelo
Seller: Deborah Lawrie
Date: 02/28/20

127 Springfield St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Justin K. Cordeiro
Seller: Desmarais, Monica, (Estate)
Date: 03/02/20

RUSSELL

90 Highland Ave.
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Craig R. Maryea
Seller: Joan M. Deacon
Date: 03/03/20

42 West Main St.
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Peyton J. O’Connor
Seller: Alan J. Kochanek
Date: 02/28/20

52 West Main St.
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Abigail Tompkins
Seller: William S. Russell
Date: 03/02/20

SPRINGFIELD

22 Albee St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $135,500
Buyer: Anthony Santaniello
Seller: DLJ Mortgage Capital Inc.
Date: 02/26/20

145 Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Onix Ocasio
Seller: Hedge Hog Industries Corp.
Date: 03/05/20

136 Ambrose St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Sasha M. McCann
Seller: Campagnari Construction
Date: 02/26/20

252 Arcadia Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Sean J. Kavanagh
Seller: Patricia A. Mineo
Date: 02/28/20

66 Aspen Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Sabrina Santiago
Seller: Lachenauer LLC
Date: 03/06/20

1 Bairdcrest Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $239,000
Buyer: Chandra Nepal
Seller: Gabriela V. Rivero
Date: 03/03/20

139 Bay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $128,000
Buyer: BRVSSA Associates LLC
Seller: Wei Q. Ni
Date: 02/28/20

40 Bissell St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $155,599
Buyer: Paul L. Gauthier
Seller: Flagstar Bank
Date: 02/27/20

1465 Boston Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: NPN Realty LLC
Seller: Donald W. Obitz
Date: 02/27/20

60 Braddock St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $116,000
Buyer: HSBC Bank
Seller: Gladys E. Gaskin
Date: 02/27/20

41-43 Bryant St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Paula Dominguez
Seller: Aida I. Lisboa
Date: 02/28/20

26-28 Calhoun St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: BRVSSA Associates LLC
Seller: MEI Management LLC
Date: 02/28/20

60 Carew Ter.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $116,500
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Ken C. Supersad
Date: 03/02/20

42 Carroll St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $179,900
Buyer: Deborah Cary
Seller: Roberta L. Federici
Date: 02/28/20

85 Castle St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $186,000
Buyer: Bruce Dimm
Seller: Elba M. Mendez
Date: 03/04/20

81 Clearbrook Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $236,000
Buyer: Peter Trase
Seller: Nicholas L. Connors
Date: 02/28/20

112 College St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Josue M. Muniz
Seller: Joseph O. Garcia
Date: 02/26/20

44 Colorado St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $197,000
Buyer: Timothy A. Raimer
Seller: David M. Trehey
Date: 03/05/20

669 Cooley St.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $136,000
Buyer: Tamara Betancourt
Seller: Minerva Rivera
Date: 02/28/20

17-19 Crown St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Helen Al-Mahrwuth
Seller: Mohammed Alkhabi
Date: 03/06/20

83 Dartmouth St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $218,000
Buyer: Michelle L. Brown
Seller: Victor A. Deangelo
Date: 03/05/20

305 Denver St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $158,340
Buyer: Citizens Bank
Seller: Nilda M. Colon
Date: 03/05/20

88 Duggan Circle
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $124,000
Buyer: Olivia A. Pepe
Seller: Pepe, Patrick J., (Estate)
Date: 03/10/20

43-45 Eagle St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Selwyn R. Maraj
Seller: Steven Al-Husseini
Date: 02/27/20

24 Elizabeth St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $126,000
Buyer: CIG 4 LLC
Seller: Darrell L. Smith
Date: 02/28/20

8 Ellery St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Pedro L. Morales
Seller: Malynda M. Torres
Date: 02/28/20

104 Farnsworth St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Sashoy P. Bailey
Seller: RT Property Management
Date: 02/28/20

253 Forest Hills Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $251,000
Buyer: Nicolas A. Napolitano
Seller: Gabrielle M. Morgan
Date: 02/27/20

59-61 Forest Park Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $166,500
Buyer: Wilmington Savings
Seller: Okey U. Ikewibe
Date: 03/02/20

12-14 Foster St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $118,000
Buyer: BRVSSA Associates LLC
Seller: MEI Management LLC
Date: 02/28/20

107 Front St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $643,000
Buyer: NPN Realty LLC
Seller: Orchard Realty Inc.
Date: 02/27/20

110 Gardens Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $178,500
Buyer: Yesenia Gorham
Seller: Emerald City Rentals LLC
Date: 03/09/20

91 Gary Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Carmen E. Pizarro
Seller: Podworski, Searyn A., (Estate)
Date: 02/28/20

90-92 Grover St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Emtay Inc.
Seller: Pedro J. Cruz
Date: 03/09/20

71 Hadley St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Ryan McDowell
Seller: USA HUD
Date: 02/26/20

44 Holly Hill Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $189,900
Buyer: Sandra A. Snape
Seller: Lukas J. Baudin
Date: 02/28/20

37 Inglewood Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Simone A. Macario-Rosa
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 02/28/20

58 Johnson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Sarah Stoddard
Seller: K&S Holdings LLC
Date: 03/09/20

18 Kensington Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $164,500
Buyer: Kenneth Narvaez
Seller: James W. Fiore
Date: 03/03/20

29 Kenwood Park
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $135,300
Buyer: Citimortgage Inc.
Seller: Ethlyn Williams
Date: 03/05/20

17 Lakevilla Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Kevin M. Jezouit
Seller: Tameka W. Daley
Date: 02/28/20

15 Lamont St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $144,000
Buyer: Debora Colon
Seller: Jennifer Bennett
Date: 03/05/20

99 Lehigh St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Abdel Dejesus-Cortes
Seller: Castle Headquarters Inc.
Date: 02/28/20

42-44 Longhill St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Yanira Rentas-Maldonado
Seller: Angel M. Fernandez
Date: 02/27/20

28 Lyndale St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Darwin Calderon
Seller: Fernando Collazo
Date: 02/28/20

78-80 Maryland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: John T. Riley
Seller: Bernard J. Drewnowski
Date: 02/28/20

139-141 Moxon St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $129,150
Buyer: Manuel A. Cardona
Seller: US Bank
Date: 03/02/20

28-30 Nelson Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: BRVSSA Associates LLC
Seller: NI Management LLC
Date: 02/28/20

60 Newhall St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Zenaida Rodriguez
Seller: Paul L. Blanton
Date: 02/28/20

91-93 Noel St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Rafael Mendrell
Seller: JJJ 17 LLC
Date: 03/04/20

20 Norman St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Carlos A. Fuentes
Seller: Norma Maldonado
Date: 02/28/20

56 Norman St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $214,900
Buyer: April Menard
Seller: Feliciano Associates LLC
Date: 02/28/20

87 Oak Grove Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: BRVSSA Associates LLC
Seller: MEI Management LLC
Date: 02/28/20

207 Oak Hollow Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $246,000
Buyer: Karin E. Willett
Seller: Michael M. Hastie
Date: 03/03/20

79 Oak St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: BRVSSA Associates LLC
Seller: MEI Management LLC
Date: 02/28/20

295 Orange St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $128,000
Buyer: BRVSSA Associates LLC
Seller: MEI Management LLC
Date: 02/28/20

35 Orpheum Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Aida I. Lisboa
Seller: Dylan McDonald
Date: 02/28/20

110 Pasadena St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Guilherme DeSouza-Sales
Seller: K&S Holdings LLC
Date: 02/28/20

57 Pelham St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $166,500
Buyer: Mariah Miller
Seller: Rachel M. Craig
Date: 03/04/20

30-32 Pembroke St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $206,000
Buyer: Justin Robles
Seller: Jodi Shaw
Date: 02/28/20

140 Pendleton Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Alex Roque
Seller: Jose R. Abreu
Date: 03/10/20

40 Powell Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Erudite RT
Seller: Home Point Financial Corp.
Date: 02/26/20

35 Quincy St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Green Apple Manor Properties
Seller: Anhs Inc.
Date: 03/10/20

95 Rhinebeck Ave.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Kevin A. Nunes
Seller: Richard E. Laflamme
Date: 03/06/20

176 Savoy Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Jose M. Guzman
Seller: Good Homes LLC
Date: 02/27/20

17 Skyridge Lane
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Jason Pressey
Seller: Rosanna Greening
Date: 03/02/20

447-451 State St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Napolitano Investments
Seller: Chris Kozaczka
Date: 02/27/20

535 State St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Colvest & State Street LLC
Seller: Sparkle 3 LP
Date: 03/04/20

52 Stratford Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Delsie Parker
Seller: Fumi Realty Inc.
Date: 03/05/20

68-70 Suffolk St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $117,000
Buyer: BRVSSA Associates LLC
Seller: MEI Management LLC
Date: 02/28/20

24 Vincent St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Humboldt Realty LLC
Seller: MTGLQ Investors LP
Date: 03/09/20

100-102 Wait St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Joel Gonzalez
Seller: David Givans
Date: 02/28/20

292 Walnut St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $133,900
Buyer: Candida Santos
Seller: Aquarius Real Estate LLC
Date: 02/27/20

79 Westbank Court
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Mayshell C. Mora-Cyrus
Seller: Green Light Homes LLC
Date: 02/28/20

163 Winterset Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Basile Realty LLC
Seller: Loretta A. Tupek
Date: 03/04/20

81 Woodrow St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $334,900
Buyer: Ram K. Sanyasi
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 03/02/20

536-542 Worthington St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: 536 Worthington St LLC
Seller: Ale House Inc.
Date: 03/06/20

SOUTHWICK

41 Birchwood Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: C. W. Vedovelli-Peterson
Seller: George E. Whitty
Date: 02/27/20

44 Buckingham Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Andrea N. Prokop
Seller: John T. Rock
Date: 03/06/20

14 Castle St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: Eric A. Jackson
Seller: Robert J. Goulette
Date: 03/02/20

35 Feeding Hills Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $199,000
Buyer: Michael G. McIntyre
Seller: Michael F. Albro
Date: 03/05/20

15 Gargon Ter.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $221,000
Buyer: James Joubert
Seller: James Y. Joubert
Date: 03/06/20

12 Matthews Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $243,500
Buyer: Sarah M. Herbert
Seller: John Devine
Date: 03/09/20

10 Woodside Circle
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Thurston Properties LLC
Seller: Ruby Realty LLC
Date: 03/06/20

WESTFIELD

7 Birch Ter.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Robert Bellamy
Seller: Cinda S. McKinney
Date: 03/03/20

Breighly Way #12M
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Jennifer L. Settle
Seller: DDLP Development LLC
Date: 03/04/20

15 City View Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $179,000
Buyer: Martha B. Halperin TR
Seller: Brian M. Torpey
Date: 03/02/20

42 Daniel Ridge
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Jay D. Beaulieu
Seller: Heather L. Ankstitus
Date: 02/28/20

1062 East Mountain Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $222,000
Buyer: Aimee-Jeanne Welch
Seller: Ryan A. Lawson
Date: 03/02/20

51 Furrowtown Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Genevieve M. Broderick
Seller: G&F Custom Built Homes
Date: 03/09/20

17 Gold St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Charlene M. Leinonen
Seller: Joanne M. Sampson
Date: 03/03/20

21 Gold St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Charlene M. Leinonen
Seller: Joanne M. Sampson
Date: 03/03/20

4 King St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $159,016
Buyer: Assemblies Of God
Seller: Christ Church New Jerusalem
Date: 03/09/20

6 King St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $159,016
Buyer: Assemblies Of God
Seller: Christ Church New Jerusalem
Date: 03/09/20

438 Little River Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $262,500
Buyer: Tabitha C. Dintzner
Seller: Puskey, Nancy A., (Estate)
Date: 02/26/20

126 Long Pond Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $179,000
Buyer: John R. Holton
Seller: Edward J. Robitaille
Date: 03/06/20

567 Loomis St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $302,000
Buyer: Derek M. Stevens
Seller: Craig R. Maryea
Date: 03/03/20

155 Main St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $196,500
Buyer: Aleksandr Kozodoy
Seller: Ruby Realty LLC
Date: 02/28/20

11 Maple Ter.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $214,900
Buyer: Danielle Pioggia
Seller: Anthony J. Collins
Date: 02/28/20

138 Meadow St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Benjamin M. Abert
Seller: C&K Blue Sky Properties
Date: 02/28/20

7 Meadowbrook Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Robert M. Rickson
Seller: Tallage Adams LLC
Date: 02/28/20

18 Mill St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $275,664
Buyer: Yun Zheng
Seller: Hugh G. Cullen
Date: 02/26/20

481 North Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $436,500
Buyer: Pedro L. Colon
Seller: James A. Angelos
Date: 03/09/20

81 Overlook Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $395,900
Buyer: Sharon Delaine-Francis
Seller: Robert Bellamy
Date: 03/03/20

5 Princeton St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: CIG 4 LLC
Seller: Wilmington Savings
Date: 03/05/20

91 Riverside Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Kevin F. Grimsley
Seller: Daniel J. Coffey
Date: 02/28/20

73 Russell Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Jesus Maldonado
Seller: Ernesta O. Taylor
Date: 02/26/20

403 West Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Marcus Rhatigan
Seller: Mark J. Strasfeld
Date: 03/09/20

WILBRAHAM

12 Blacksmith Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $349,900
Buyer: Nicholas L. Connors
Seller: Custom Homes Development Group
Date: 02/28/20

9 Butler Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $198,000
Buyer: Robert Jackson
Seller: Antonio Pereira
Date: 02/28/20

2 Evangeline Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $229,900
Buyer: Piotr Rakowski
Seller: Wilmington Savings
Date: 03/05/20

5 Evergreen Circle
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Kendra Howard
Seller: BGRS Relocation Inc.
Date: 03/06/20

15 Leemond St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $246,000
Buyer: Sean P. Garvey
Seller: Anthony Rossi
Date: 02/27/20

455 Main St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: VPR Capital Partners LLC
Seller: NEP LLC
Date: 02/28/20

78 Manchonis Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $124,100
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Mark W. Gallagher
Date: 03/10/20

56 Oakland St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Dana L. Delaunay
Seller: Jennifer Lacasse
Date: 03/06/20

WEST SPRINGFIELD

37 Beacon Hill Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Theodore J. Pinkerman
Seller: Kathleen A. Collins
Date: 02/28/20

75 Birnie Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $242,900
Buyer: James W. Connor
Seller: William M. Gray
Date: 03/03/20

454 Birnie Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $288,500
Buyer: Chad W. Chapman
Seller: Hey Lama LLC
Date: 03/06/20

15 Cottage St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $207,000
Buyer: Sai Aye
Seller: Vladimir Sergeychik
Date: 02/28/20

40-42 Gay Ter.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: JMW Realty LLC
Seller: Pari L. Hoxha
Date: 02/27/20

56 Jeffrey Lane
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Jared M. Longley
Seller: Michael Martone
Date: 02/28/20

600 Kings Hwy.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $170,010
Buyer: Kaydoke RT
Seller: Raymond R. Marquis
Date: 03/03/20

137 Lancaster Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $203,922
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Lawrence E. Bergeron
Date: 03/06/20

186 Morgan Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: David J. Lane
Seller: Henry Tenzar
Date: 02/28/20

618 Morgan Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $224,900
Buyer: Kelly Kadlewicz
Seller: Brett A. Smith
Date: 02/28/20

1067 Riverdale St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $1,000,000
Buyer: Daniba LLC
Seller: Donald W. Obitz
Date: 02/27/20

28 Talcott Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Mario C. Sotolotto
Seller: US Bank
Date: 02/27/20

63 Worthen St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Mikhail Titar
Seller: Victor Titar
Date: 02/27/20

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

11 Allen St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: 11 Allen Street LLC
Seller: Natalie E. Drake
Date: 03/10/20

East Leverett Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $638,000
Buyer: Town Of Amherst
Seller: W. D. Cowls Inc.
Date: 02/27/20

64 Greenwich Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: David B. Ruderman
Seller: Ferguson, Jeffrey D., (Estate)
Date: 03/06/20

48 Longmeadow Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $217,000
Buyer: Sylvia C. Torres
Seller: Berkshire Land Co. LLC
Date: 02/26/20

Market Hill Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $638,000
Buyer: Town Of Amherst
Seller: W. D. Cowls Inc.
Date: 02/27/20

320 Potwine Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $284,000
Buyer: Zlogar FT
Seller: Simpkins, David J., (Estate)
Date: 02/28/20

38 South Orchard Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $447,900
Buyer: Risha Hess
Seller: Jason G. Irizarry
Date: 02/28/20

Vista Ter. #8
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $565,000
Buyer: Colleen Osten
Seller: Apple Brook West LLC
Date: 02/28/20

BELCHERTOWN

128 Boardman St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $339,000
Buyer: Yuyan Jiang
Seller: Constance A. Canuel
Date: 03/06/20

685 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $153,800
Buyer: GJL RNL NT
Seller: USA HUD
Date: 03/04/20

22 Meadow Pond Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: David T. Stanton
Seller: Amanda K. Kuzontkoski
Date: 03/10/20

11 Metacomet St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $362,000
Buyer: Huiping Lian
Seller: Robert L. Buehler
Date: 03/06/20

271 Stebbins St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Andrew J. Antonelli
Seller: Evan M. Iannoli
Date: 03/10/20

325 Turkey Hill Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $393,000
Buyer: Cheryl Metz
Seller: Gavoni, Nancy J., (Estate)
Date: 02/28/20

CUMMINGTON

84 Berkshire Trail
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $164,000
Buyer: Aaron M. Loux
Seller: Scout Properties LLP
Date: 02/28/20

EASTHAMPTON

100-106 Cottage St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: Elena Candelario
Seller: Sangar Realty LLC
Date: 03/09/20

40 East Green St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $283,000
Buyer: Kristen A. Richardson RET
Seller: Lawrence G. Paquette
Date: 03/10/20

55 Garfield Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Nicholas D. Duprey
Seller: Gary F. Vincent
Date: 02/28/20

7 Knight Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $262,000
Buyer: Gilson S. Hogan
Seller: Joseph A. Baron
Date: 03/05/20

5-7 Liberty St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Christopher Thompson
Seller: Bixby, Thomas P., (Estate)
Date: 02/27/20

8 Louise Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Christie S. Peterson
Seller: 8 Louise Avenue LLC
Date: 02/28/20

35 Lovefield St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Jayohm Inc.
Seller: D&H Property Management
Date: 02/28/20

93 Pomeroy St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Christopher J. Starcun
Seller: Wilmington Savings
Date: 02/28/20

6 Rabideau Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Kellie A. Hutton
Seller: Daniel J. Costigan
Date: 03/05/20

1 Westview Ter.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $274,000
Buyer: Peter A. Elsea
Seller: Eric D. Althoff
Date: 02/28/20

HADLEY

15 Morning Star Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $343,500
Buyer: Alan Vieu
Seller: Valley Building Co. Inc.
Date: 02/28/20

42 North St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $347,000
Buyer: Robert Wilson
Seller: RFP 42 North LLC
Date: 03/10/20

35 Pantry Road
Hatfield, MA 01088
Amount: $254,000
Buyer: Coligny Baldwin
Seller: USA VA
Date: 03/06/20

HUNTINGTON

24 Allen Coit Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $197,345
Buyer: USA HUD
Seller: Paulson, Barbara C., (Estate)
Date: 03/05/20

46 Basket St.
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $119,000
Buyer: Robert Osterman
Seller: US Bank
Date: 03/04/20

10 Lowell Lane
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $312,308
Buyer: Stephen C. Trombulak
Seller: Richard V. Hendricks
Date: 02/28/20

14 Sampson Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Warren P. Donnelly
Seller: FNMA
Date: 03/09/20

MIDDLEFIELD

69 Chipman Road
Middlefield, MA 01243
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Daniel E. Boudreau
Seller: Joaquim M. Henriques
Date: 03/03/20

NORTHAMPTON

70 Birch Hill Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $522,000
Buyer: Kevin E. Boucher
Seller: June A. Gardner
Date: 03/02/20

15 Brierwood Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Timothy Nguyen
Seller: SA Capital Group LLC
Date: 02/28/20

Burts Pit Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Tamara J. Bourgeois
Seller: Myette, Claire, (Estate)
Date: 02/28/20

1300 Burts Pit Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Kaitlyn E. Dorman
Seller: Mark A. Blais
Date: 03/02/20

26 Corticelli St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Angie Hauser
Seller: S. Kelton-Roberts
Date: 03/04/20

190 Crescent St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $432,000
Buyer: Liza M. Styles
Seller: Flora C. Majumder
Date: 02/28/20

90 Fox Farms Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $293,000
Buyer: Wilmington Savings
Seller: Stephen Kaplan
Date: 03/06/20

52 Longview Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Cheryl A. Tofuri
Seller: Virginia M. Kelly
Date: 03/09/20

61 Main St.
Northampton, MA 01039
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: John T. Geryk
Seller: 61 Main Street RET
Date: 03/05/20

91 North Main St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Emily Dodge-Goodwin
Seller: Michele A. McHale
Date: 03/02/20

Old Wilson Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: City Of Northampton
Seller: Gil F. Verrillo
Date: 02/28/20

6 Service Center Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Jo Landers
Seller: Perry Smith
Date: 03/04/20

46 Sovereign Way
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $815,000
Buyer: Brian W. Smith
Seller: Amanda L. Wilson
Date: 02/28/20

67 Westhampton Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $293,000
Buyer: Andrew Hahn
Seller: Harold M. Portner
Date: 03/05/20

19 Winchester Ter.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Tamara J. Bourgeois
Seller: Myette, Claire, (Estate)
Date: 02/28/20

PELHAM

120 Amherst Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $224,250
Buyer: Alexander Schimelpfenig
Seller: Biederman RT
Date: 02/28/20

SOUTH HADLEY

60 Old Lyman Road
South Hadley, MA 01020
Amount: $403,500
Buyer: Edward S. Wolowicz
Seller: Premier Home Builders Inc.
Date: 02/28/20

68 School St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $196,000
Buyer: Melanie Navarro
Seller: Laurels RT
Date: 03/06/20

SOUTHAMPTON

1 Beccari Lane
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $563,563
Buyer: Steven L. Webb
Seller: Demelbauer, Leonhard, (Estate)
Date: 03/09/20

55 Pomeroy Meadow Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: James F. Boyle
Seller: John Gwosch
Date: 03/05/20

20 Thomas Circle
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $282,000
Buyer: Nathan A. Boutilier
Seller: Audrey M. Dodge LT
Date: 02/28/20

WARE

120 Bacon Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $143,000
Buyer: Deborah A. Terrien
Seller: Douglas J. Fry
Date: 02/27/20

6 Prospect St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $182,000
Buyer: Nicholas A. King
Seller: Derek R. Remy
Date: 02/28/20

20 Spring St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Greg Miner
Seller: Mary E. Harder
Date: 02/28/20

WESTHAMPTON

326 Northwest Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Michael J. Burke
Seller: Grygorcewicz, Joseph P., (Estate)
Date: 03/06/20

WILLIAMSBURG

26 South Main St.
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Justin M. Prairie
Seller: Doris J. Shallcross RET
Date: 02/28/20

WORTHINGTON

14 Fisk Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $269,000
Buyer: Kimberly Levesque
Seller: James A. Ryan
Date: 02/28/20

Building Permits

By BusinessWest Staff March 31, 2020

Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the month of March 2020.

AMHERST

Bell Atlantic Mobile of Massachusetts
531 Pulpit Hill Road
$90,000 — Addition of wireless telecommunication antennas and radios

UDrive, LLC
40 University Dr.
$8,900 — Install fire-alarm system

CHICOPEE

City of Chicopee
725 Front St.
$72,700 — Extend wet and dry sprinkler system into renovation area

Dino Facente
520 East St.
$56,000 — Building repairs, alterations, and Massachusetts code upgrades for food sales; transform bike shop into bakery

Fandave, LLC
1514 Memorial Dr.
$9,458 — Replace 12 windows

Solenis, LLC
1111 Grattan St.
$21,450 — Roofing

LEE

Paul Abderhalden
360 East St.
$12,200 — Roofing

Robert Healey Jr., Olga Healey
199 Main St.
$30,000 — Roofing

South Lee Assoc., LLC
501 Pleasant St.
$1,325 — Replace painted sprinkler heads

LENOX

Church Street Inn, LLC
16 Church St.
$52,000 — Install fire-alarm system

MRG CRW Holdings, LLC
Lee Road
$12,000 — Remove wall between entrance and coatroom, remove two wing walls, other cosmetic improvements

MRG CRW Holdings, LLC
Lee Road
$10,100 — Minor renovations to men’s locker room, document-storage room, and liquor-storage room; new finishes, fixtures, and insulation

Trinity Church
88 Walker St.
$150,000 — Install new handicap-accessible egress

PALMER

Wellman Realty
250 Shearer St.
$1,580 — Sign for Palmer Healthcare

SPRINGFIELD

Baystate Medical Center Inc.
759 Chestnut St.
$58,000 — Alter existing covered Emergency Department drop-off area for temporary use as emergency triage containment area

Keino Henry
32 Beaumont Terrace
$9,000 — Commercial grid-tied roof-mounted solar power system

McDonald’s Corp.
386 Main St.
$10,000 — Install fire-alarm system

MGM Springfield Redevelopment, LLC
1028 Main St.
$1,541,000 — Alter space for complete fit-out of new Wahlburgers restaurant

Poly-Metal Finishing Inc.
1 Allen St.
$35,000 — Remove and replace three roof-mounted antennas and nine remote radio units, remove three remote radio units and install three diplexers

Stavros Center for Independent Living Inc.
227 Berkshire Ave.
$183,398 — Alter space for use as additional office space

As an Economic Shutdown Deepens, Some Relief Emerges

By BusinessWest Staff March 30, 2020

Coronavirus Sections Special Coverage

A New Reality

The massive federal stimulus that took shape last week brought some clarity to how the government would address troubling impact of COVID-19 and the large-scale economic shutdown that has emerged in response to this public-health crisis. Other efforts on the state and local levels aim to help businesses and families struggling with job loss and the suspension of livelihoods. Of course, the true relief will come when this viral threat subsides and businesses ramp back up. But no one knows exactly when that will be.

The news came in quickly — and landed hard.

Last Thursday morning, the Department of Labor issued its first unemployment-claims report since much of the country began implementing, in various ways and at various speeds, some form of economic shutdown to slow the spread of coronavirus and the respiratory illness it causes, known as COVID-19.

The news was not good. The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits skyrocketed to a record-breaking 3.28 million for the week ended March 21 — nearly doubling expectations of 1.64 million claims. The previous record was 695,000 claims filed during October 1982.

It’s a big problem — and sometimes, big problems require big solutions. Which is why lawmakers in Washington spent much of last week hammering out a $2 trillion stimulus package aimed at helping families facing sudden job loss, small-business owners trying to survive, and entire battered industries ride out what is increasingly looking like a severe disruption to America’s economic way of life.

“Business owners … will be receiving a lifeline from the federal government that is unprecedented in scope, speed, and breadth,” Scott Foster, a partner with Bulkley Richardson, said the morning after details of the stimulus became known.

Among its many provisions, the Keeping American Workers Paid and Employed Act appears to apply to every for-profit business with fewer than 500 employees, including sole proprietors, Foster noted. The act would allow these businesses to obtain a loan — at 4% interest with a 10-year repayment term — to cover payroll costs, including healthcare premiums and paid time off, rent, utilities, mortgage payments (interest, not principal), and interest on other pre-existing loans for any eight-week period falling between Feb. 15 and June 30.

“To summarize, if you are a business and are willing to keep your employees on the payroll, pay your rent or mortgage, and stay in business, the federal government is prepared to pay your rent, your utilities, and your payroll — for employees making under $100,000 annually — for eight weeks, and the payment is tax-free,” Foster said. “It sounds too good to be true, but the public policy is sound — the easiest and best way to get financial support to the most Americans is through their employers.”

Unlike most other loans, this one will be forgiven in an amount equal to the sum of payroll costs, payments of interest on any covered mortgage, payments on any covered rent obligations, and covered utility payments. And to encourage businesses to retain their employees, the amount to be forgiven would be reduced if the business reduces its workforce.

“Business owners … will be receiving a lifeline from the federal government that is unprecedented in scope, speed, and breadth.”

Families will receive a simpler but shorter-term fix — a tax rebate totaling $1,200 for most adults and $500 for each child — which will be distributed as checks in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, states will get help in the form of a $150 billion grant fund, to be distributed proportional to population size, with a minimum of $1.25 billion for states with the smallest populations.

For many of the impacted, it’s a start, at a time of unprecedented anxiety — after all, the country has never voluntarily shut down activity on a massive scale due to a health threat, or for any other reason. This issue of BusinessWest details many of the ways businesses and families are coping, and plenty of advice from local professionals on the best ways to do so. It’s a story that changes by the day, but read on for a snapshot of where we are now.

Targeted Assistance

For many, the COVID-19 threat really hit home the morning — March 23, to be exact — when Gov. Charlie Baker issued an emergency order requiring all businesses and organizations that do not provide “COVID-19 essential services” to close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers, customers, and the public at least until April 7, while continuing to operate remotely when possible.

Those ‘essential’ businesses include healthcare and public health; law enforcement, public safety, and first responders; food and agriculture; critical manufacturing; transportation; energy; water and wastewater; public works; communications and information technology; financial services; defense industry base; chemical manufacturing and hazardous materials; and news media.

Everyone else is being asked to work at home, and most area companies were already moving in that direction before Baker’s mandate. The Springfield Regional Chamber polled its members last week about how the order impacted their operations. Almost two-thirds — 62% — said their employees were already working remotely, 27% said they began remote work after March 23, and 11% said they temporarily closed all operations because they cannot work remotely.

The threat of a longer shutdown looms, and may be foreshadowed by the governor’s order last week to keep all schools and most childcare programs closed at least until May 4, while requesting that educators gear up for the long haul by developing and enhancing online-learning capabilities.

“It sounds too good to be true, but the public policy is sound — the easiest and best way to get financial support to the most Americans is through their employers.”

In the meantime, a number of relief efforts have popped up at the federal, state, and local levels. For example, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will offer low-interest federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans for working capital to Massachusetts small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19. Applicants may apply online at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

This week, the Baker-Polito administration also announced economic support for Massachusetts small businesses with the Small Business Recovery Loan Fund, a $10 million fund that will provide emergency capital up to $75,000 to Massachusetts-based businesses impacted by COVID-19 with under 50 full- and part-time employees, including nonprofits. The application is at empoweringsmallbusiness.org.

Meanwhile, Common Capital offers a Fast Track Loan Program to address the needs of local businesses that need quick access to capital. Applicants seeking funding from the program to help mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic can contact Kim Gaughan, loan fund manager, at (413) 233-1684 or [email protected] for more information.

The Baker-Polito administration also announced steps last week to keep vulnerable families in their homes, preserve the health and safety of low-income renters and homeowners, and prevent homelessness due to reduced or lost income. Specifically, the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) will temporarily suspend terminations of federal and state rental vouchers under its purview, while MassHousing is transferring $5 million to the DHCD for a COVID-19 Rental Assistance for Families in Transition fund to assist families facing rent insecurity.

In addition, the state Division of Banks has issued new guidance to financial institutions and lenders urging them to provide relief for borrowers — several banks have already committed to do so — and will advocate for a 60-day stay on behalf of all homeowners facing imminent foreclosure on their homes. Finally, affordable-housing operators are being urged to suspend non-essential evictions for loss of income or employment circumstances resulting in a tenant’s inability to make rent.

Meanwhile, Massachusetts will delay the collection of sales tax, meals tax, and room-occupancy taxes in the restaurant and hospitality sector for up to three months, while waiving all penalties and interest. And, of course, the IRS has informed all taxpayers that this year’s filing deadline has been moved forward three months to July 15.

Nonprofits are being squeezed by the crisis as well. In response, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts (CFWM) established the COVID-19 Response Fund for the Pioneer Valley with a lead gift of $1 million from MassMutual and contributions from a number of area businesses. The fund will provide resources to Pioneer Valley nonprofits serving populations most impacted by the crisis, such as the elderly, those without stable housing, families needing food, and those with health vulnerabilities. To make a gift, visit communityfoundation.org/coronavirus-donations or e-mail [email protected].

Meanwhile, Berkshire United Way and Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation have established the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund for Berkshire County to rapidly deploy resources to community-based organizations as they respond to the impact of the coronavirus in Berkshire County. Numerous corporate funders have already emerged. To donate, visit berkshireunitedway.org/donate. Nonprofits can request funds at berkshireunitedway.org.

Finally, to help individuals in need, the United Way of Pioneer Valley established the COVID-19 Recovery and Relief Fund to provide aid and resources to those affected by the current public-health emergency. Funds collected will help families and individuals impacted by the pandemic to meet their basic, childcare, housing and financial needs. Visit www.uwpv.org for more information.

Hunkering Down

Resources such as these are critical because there’s really no telling when the region and country can return to some semblance of economic normalcy. Judging by what the medical community knows about how aggressively coronavirus spreads, the health costs of emerging from this collective cocoon too soon are too great — the healthcare system would simply be overrun. That’s why ‘flattening the curve; has become the watchword of the day.

Unfortunately, many businesses feel overrun in a different way. The Springfield Regional Chamber conducted a different poll recently, asking members what level of impact they expect the COVID-19 crisis have on their business.

More than four-fifths have major concerns; 34% say the crisis may put them out of business, while 47% say it will significantly impact their financials. Another 15% say they’ll be impacted financially but expect to weather the storm, while 4% say it’s too early to know.

In many ways, it’s too early to predict many things related to COVID-19 and its impact. Meanwhile, a nation increasingly shelters in place, seeking relief and solutions where they can find them, and hoping for the best.

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

5 Ways to Do Smart & Responsible Marketing During COVID-19

By BusinessWest Staff March 30, 2020

Marketing Tips Uncategorized

Courtesy of https://www.business2community.com/

In everything we do as brands, context matters. Beyond the basic actions taken to protect employees and businesses during a crisis, brands can either help or hinder our collective experience. So when a cultural moment shifts as dramatically as it has in the face of COVID-19, it’s important that brands address the issue with tact, empathy, and mindful marketing.

That said, when it comes to current and planned campaigns, marketing teams face unique challenges during a crisis. While it’s still early in the quarantine, we’ve already been asked to help our clients adjust their communication approaches. Thus, we thought it might be useful to share some of our general guidelines for marketing protocol during these challenging times.

How to Do Empathetic Marketing During a Crisis
Here, we’ve assembled our top tips for addressing your marketing approach during a crisis.

While every brand is different, we see this as a basic action plan that can help brands of all sizes make the right choices and avoid serious mistakes.

Of course, we’re always open to more ideas about how to address sensitive times thoughtfully. If you have more tips or thoughts, please share them in the comments. Otherwise, we hope you find these tips helpful.

Community Foundation Makes Grants of $700,000 Through COVID-19 Response Fund

By BusinessWest Staff March 30, 2020

COVID-19 Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts (CFWM) announced the release of its first grants, totaling $700,000, to community organizations and nonprofits from its recently-established COVID-19 Response Fund for the Pioneer Valley.

The fund has raised $2,480,000 from local philanthropic and business organizations and over 50 individuals. The first round of funding to support local response to the crisis includes $190,000 to distribute food through the region’s system of food pantries; $120,000 to address the needs of vulnerable elders, including home-delivered meals; $120,000 to provide critical health services and outreach through the Valley’s federally designated Community Health Centers; $150,000 to provide shelter for those without homes and those impacted by domestic violence; and $120,000 to provide flexible supports to the region’s lowest-income families and individuals.

Organizations receiving funding include Caring Health Center, Catholic Charities Agency – Diocese of Springfield, Center for Human Development, Community Action Pioneer Valley, Community Health Center of Franklin County, Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Friends of the Homeless (Clinical & Support Options), Greater Springfield Senior Services, Highland Valley Elder Services, Hilltown Community Health Center, Holyoke Health Center, LifePath, New England Learning Center for Women in Transition, Safe Passage, ServiceNet, Springfield Partners for Community Action, Springfield Rescue Mission, Valley Opportunity Council, WestMass ElderCare, Womanshelter Companeras, and YWCA of Western Massachusetts.

According to Katie Allan Zobel, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, more grants are expected to be announced and released this week to respond to emerging needs.

“These initial grants will support urgent and immediate needs of those most vulnerable and adversely affected by this unprecedented crisis and those who have been most impacted by inequity,” she said. “Through the generosity of our community and the establishment of this response fund, we are helping those in need living in the 69 cities and towns that make up Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties.”

Zobel said next week’s round of grants will likely include health services to organizations serving those with particular health vulnerabilities due to factors such as mental illness, compromised immune systems, or addiction.

Given the long-term impact of the crisis and the evolving community needs, CFWM and its partners will continue to raise funds and make grants over the next several months. “We are encouraging our business community and individuals to consider contributing to the fund as the urgent needs for support continues to grow,” Zobel said.

Entities contributing to the fund thus far include bankESB; Berkshire Bank; Beveridge Family Foundation; Big Y; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts; Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts; Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation; Dietz & Co. Architects; Greenfield Cooperative Bank/Northampton Cooperative Bank; Keady, Foard, Montemagni, UBS Wealth Management; MassMutual; PeoplesBank; TD Charitable Foundation; and Westfield Bank.

In subsequent phases, grants will be made to address needs of nonprofit organizations that have been financially impacted by the crisis.

The Community Foundation welcomes additional donations to the COVID-19 Response Fund for the Pioneer Valley. Gifts can be made online at communityfoundation.org/coronavirus-donations.

“The COVID-19 Response Fund for the Pioneer Valley is designed to pool community giving and apply the Community Foundation’s expertise and experience to make grants that help our community effectively respond to the crisis” Zobel said. “During this time, we also encourage our community members to give directly to those nonprofits you know and trust that are being impacted now or that are responding to the COVID-19 crisis.”

Elms College Welcomes Antoinette Candia-Bailey

By BusinessWest Staff March 30, 2020

Daily News

CHICOPEE — Elms College has named accomplished higher-education executive Antoinette Candia-Bailey the college’s first vice president of Student Affairs and chief Diversity officer. Reporting directly to the president, Candia-Bailey, who will join Elms College on April 1, will be responsible for the strategic oversight and management of the college’s Student Affairs and Diversity and Inclusion offices.

Candia-Bailey is joining Elms from the University of Wisconsin Madison (UWM), where she currently serves as senior project coordinator to the deputy vice chancellor for Diversity & Inclusion. Prior to that, she was associate dean of students and Student Life at UWM.

Abiding by the college’s social-distancing policy during the COVID-19 pandemic, she will be working remotely at the start of her tenure.

“I am excited to welcome Dr. Candia-Bailey to Elms College,” said Elms College President Harry Dumay. “The fact that she is joining the college in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic highlights the strategic importance of this position to the college. She brings a wealth of experience in both student-affairs administration and diversity and inclusion, and has served in multiple roles within each discipline. I look forward to having her join my cabinet and collaborating with her on the strategic direction of the college.”

The position of vice president of Student Affairs and chief Diversity officer is a new one for the college. Candia-Bailey will be responsible for providing leadership, management, and supervision to the director of Diversity and Inclusion, the dean of students, the director of Campus Ministry, and the director of Athletics. She will advise the president and other members of the executive leadership team on all student-affairs and diversity matters.

Candia-Bailey has more than 20 years of progressive experience in student affairs and diversity and inclusion at higher-education institutions, including North Carolina State University, Towson University in Maryland, and North Carolina A&T State University. She holds a doctoral degree in leadership studies from North Carolina A&T State University, a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling and disability studies from Michigan State University, and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Lincoln University in Missouri.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to join the Elms College Cabinet, led by President Harry E. Dumay,” Candia-Bailey said. “I look forward to playing a role in promoting and advocating the success of all of our students. I am excited to contribute to the strategic goals, mission, and vision by being a student-centered advocate.”

JGS Lifecare Praises LPN Caleb Poirier as He Reports to New York with U.S. Army Reserves

By BusinessWest Staff March 30, 2020

COVID-19 Daily News

LONGMEADOW — Caleb Poirier, an LPN who spends his evenings caring for frail elders at the Leavitt Family Jewish Home at JGS Lifecare in Longmeadow, is a consummate team member — in more than one way.

After serving in Afghanistan, Poirier continued his military commitment in the U.S. Army Reserves. With his unit, he has been called to duty to support the medical teams in New York during the COVID-19 crisis. Once again, he is on the front lines in support of our country.

“Caleb has compassion, kindness, excellent attention to detail, and a quirky sense of humor, four qualities that are imperative as a nurse,” said Shannon Wesson, director of Nursing at JGS Lifecare. “He will be an amazing asset to his team.”

Wesson called Poirier “a true healthcare hero, as are all the others in healthcare who report to work daily and care for our sick and frail. We will welcome him back home post-deployment and celebrate his dedication, when we can all be together post-COVID-19.”

JGS Lifecare joins the local community in thanking Poirier and many other healthcare heroes for caring for the sick and frail at their greatest time of need, and wishes him and his unit safe travels and a safe return home.

Small Business Marketing Tips During the COVID-19 Pandemic

By BusinessWest Staff March 27, 2020

Marketing Tips

Courtesy of https://www.mainstreetroi.com/

It’s a scary time for small businesses during this COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the coronavirus, many businesses have been forced to close, many others have lost a significant percentage of customers, and most have been reduced to skeleton crews and/or a 100% remote workforce.

And if you’re like me, then you’re now forced to work from home while also homeschooling your children. For me, that means my days are spent teaching my daughter 1st-grade math, writing, reading, music, gym, and theater, while also keeping my preschool 5-year old son engaged with activities. Oh, and don’t forget cooking, doing dishes, cleaning, and laundry. That doesn’t leave much time for work…

In other words, it’s a nightmare!

That’s the bad news…

UMass Research Shows Face Masks Can Be Safely Reused by Pandemic Medical Workers

By BusinessWest Staff March 27, 2020

COVID-19 Daily News

AMHERST — Medical face masks, which have fallen into short supply during the COVID-19 pandemic, endangering both front-line healthcare workers and their patients, may be safely reused after sterilization, according to initial results from urgent research conducted this week by a UMass Amherst environmental health scientist.

Richard Peltier, a School of Public Health and Health Sciences professor, partnered with Dr. Brian Hollenbeck, chief of Infectious Disease at New England Baptist Hospital in Boston, to test in his lab whether used N95 face masks were still effective at blocking infectious particles after sterilization.

This critical research aimed to address the worldwide shortage of N95 masks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. “As environmental health scientists, we are always looking for opportunities to improve public health,” Peltier says. “These results show that there is no real difference in filtration between a new mask and one that has been sterilized.”

N95 face masks are worn over the mouth and nose and capture particulates in the air. They are designed to be worn once and then discarded. When new, they are very effective at protecting a person from particulates, including droplets that carry infectious agents like COVID-19.

“While these are ordinarily disposable protective devices for medical workers, these are not ordinary times,” he said, “and this science shows that sterilized face masks will protect our healthcare providers who are working under extraordinary conditions.”

Peltier used state-of-the-art pollution instruments and a mannequin head wearing a face mask to measure whether microscopic particles can pass through the mask after it’s sterilized. He carried out the testing in a small chamber, in which he affixed the masks to a mannequin that had a small pipe extending from its mouth. The chamber was flooded with pollution, and air was collected through the mask as if the mannequin were breathing inside a room filled with pollutants.

The air was delivered to analyzers that used lasers to both count and estimate the size of millions of microscopic particles. Peltier switched between measuring the air from the chamber and the air from behind the mask to calculate how many particles passed through each mask type. He tested both a new mask, as well as one that had been sterilized with hydrogen peroxide.

While there was concern that sterilization might substantially degrade the filter material, causing it to function improperly, this turned out not to be the case. “They work just as well after sterilization,” he said.

Ordinarily, Peltier would repeat the test dozens of times, but the hospital in Boston could not spare additional masks, which, once tested, were unusable. “We are no longer under ordinary circumstances, and we have to improvise as best we can,” he noted.

Because the particulates blocked by the face mask are retained by the mask, they must be sterilized if not thrown away, he explained. “A used mask could have COVID-19 on it, so reusing it without sterilization poses a danger to the wearer or to another patient.”

PeoplesBank Announces Key Appointments and Promotion

By BusinessWest Staff March 27, 2020

Daily News

HOLYOKE — PeoplesBank announced the appointments and promotion of several key associates.

Eric Coutinho has been appointed mortgage consultant for Hartford and Tolland counties. In his new position, he assists homebuyers with finding the right mortgage option as well as guiding them through the application process. Coutinho has a history of volunteer service that includes serving on the fundraising committee for Longmeadow Knights Cheerleading.

Aieshya Jackson has been appointed Westfield Banking Center manager. She has more than 10 years of financial services and banking experience. In her new position, she oversees and manages all aspects of a full-service banking center, including staffing, sales, lending, operations, business development, and community relations. Jackson earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bay Path University. Her volunteer service includes serving as an executive member of the board of directors of Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services, where she serves as chair of the financial committee. She also serves on the board of directors for Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts.

Daniel Malkin has been appointed East Granby Banking Center manager. He has more than eight years of financial services and banking experience. In his new position, he oversees sales and operational success of the banking center. Malkin is a member of the board of directors for the Bradley Chamber of Commerce and Kent Memorial Library in Suffield.

Sara Roberts has been promoted to Sixteen Acres Banking Center manager. She has more than 10 years of financial-services and banking experience. In her new position, she aims to ensure the banking center meets and exceeds service and sales goals, provides excellent customer service, operates according to all bank policies and procedures, and serves as a leader within the community. She previously served as the assistant Banking Center manager in Holyoke. Roberts has a history of volunteer service that includes providing financial-literacy instruction for Credit for Life and at the Picknelly Adult and Family Education Center.

State Announces Federal Disaster Request and Other COVID-19 Response Efforts

By BusinessWest Staff March 27, 2020

COVID-19 Daily News

BOSTON — The Baker-Polito administration today announced a new request to the federal government for a major disaster declaration, in addition to other actions to sustain the Commonwealth’s response to COVID-19.

If approved, this declaration would provide the Commonwealth additional federal assistance beyond what was included in the emergency declaration declared by President Trump on March 13. The disaster declaration request includes a request for FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, which would make financial assistance available to cities and towns, state agencies, and certain nonprofits statewide. The disaster declaration request also requests FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program, including Disaster Unemployment Assistance and Crisis Counseling Assistance, to help support residents in need during this unprecedented incident.

In addition, the Department of Public health has issued three emergency orders to support the healthcare system’s response to COVID-19:

• Pharmacy Practice: To ensure pharmacists are able to fully support the healthcare system’s response to COVID-19, this emergency order makes several changes regarding pharmacy practice, including expedited approval for pharmacists licensed in other states to practice in Massachusetts, and allowing the remote processing of prescriptions by pharmacy technicians.

• Determination of Need: This emergency order exempts healthcare facilities from the requirement that they submit a notice of determination of need for certain activities that will support their response to COVID-19.

• Nurse Staffing: To ensure hospitals have the flexibility they need to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak, this emergency order exempts hospitals from certain nurse-staffing requirements, while requiring that they must ensure that staffing levels remain adequate to meet patients’ needs, and that staff is trained and competent to meet the needs of their patients.

In other COVID-19-related actions, Baker is issuing an emergency order that provides that a permit will not expire or lapse during the state of emergency for most permits issued by agencies within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development. The order also pauses deadlines for these agencies to decide or hold hearings on permit applications. The clock on those deadlines will resume 45 days after the end of the emergency. It also ensures that no permit is automatically issued because an agency is unable to make a decision on a permit application during the emergency.

The administration also worked with the advocacy community and union partners to implement solutions to ensure access to personal-care attendant (PCA) services for individuals with disabilities and older adults during this public-health emergency. MassHealth created a hotline through MassOptions for MassHealth members to call if they are in need of services, and updated its policies to streamline the hiring process and allow more flexibility for PCAs to work more hours.

Baker-Polito Administration Temporarily Prohibits Utility Shutoffs to Protect Ratepayers

By BusinessWest Staff March 27, 2020

COVID-19 Daily News

BOSTON — The Baker-Polito administration announced further action to support ratepayers during the COVID-19 outbreak, directing the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to issue an order prohibiting investor-owned utility companies from shutting off gas, electric, and water utility service to any customers for failure to pay a bill or a portion of a bill until the state of emergency is lifted or the DPU determines otherwise.

The announcement builds on the DPU’s March 13 moratorium requesting utility companies refrain from shutting off gas and electric service to residents across the Commonwealth. The new order will expand the moratorium to include any investor-owned utility customers, including industrial, commercial, and small-business customers, during the state of emergency.

“Protecting the health and safety of Massachusetts residents remains the Baker-Polito administration’s highest priority, and this order will ensure the continued availability of gas, electric, and water service to all ratepayers during the state of emergency,” DPU Chairman Matthew Nelson said. “Today’s action will also protect residents and businesses from added economic pressure during these difficult and uncertain times.”

The order also prohibits investor-owned utility companies from sending communications that threaten to shut off gas, electric, or water service to any of their customers for failure to pay a bill or any portion of a bill issued to a customer. Any company that fails to comply with these orders may be assessed penalties of up to $1 million per violation.

Additionally, on March 13, the DPU formally requested that that residential competitive electricity suppliers and licensed electricity brokers cease door-to-door marketing activities to ensure that proper risk-management protocols have been taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19, prioritizing the health and safety of both consumers and any agents conducting marketing efforts.

Working from Home: What You Need to Know About Insurance Coverage

By BusinessWest Staff March 26, 2020

COVID-19 Daily News

AMHERST — During these unprecedented times, the everyday norm is shifting for most Americans. Commutes have become a simple walk down to the coffee maker instead of the usual 15- to 30-minute drive from home.

With much of the workforce working remotely, likely from a home office, it is important that you are protected from further unexpected exposures, says Tracey Benison, president of Encharter Insurance in Amherst. Most homeowner and renter insurance policies limit coverage, so discussing business exposures with your agent to ensure proper coverage is in place is a must.

When chatting with your agent, she said, consider the following:

1. Do you have clients and/or employees visiting the home, and how often?

2. Do you have equipment or protected information in your care, custody, or control?

3. Are you delivering products with your own vehicle?

4. Do you have more, fewer, or no employees now?

The answers to these questions will determine if you need business owners, workers’ compensation, business auto, or cyber insurance coverage.

“In many situations, if you are an employee, your employer will have insurance coverage in place to protect you,” Benison said. “These policies should provide you with coverage that you need, but you need to ask your employer to be sure.
If you are the business owner, you need to be sure you are properly covered for these evolving exposures. This is the time to do a fresh review of your insurance coverage with your agent to ensure you are adequately protected.”

If you have any questions, call Encharter Insurance at (413) 549-4971.

Link to Libraries, MGM Provide Books to Springfield Students Learning from Home

By BusinessWest Staff March 26, 2020

COVID-19 Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Link to Libraries and MGM Springfield announced a partnership to promote learning and literacy in support of Springfield students who are out of the classroom and learning from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Link to Libraries and MGM Springfield donated more than 1,000 books to children ranging from kindergarten through high school. The books were distributed to families through the 15 schools designated as lunch pickup sites.

“Link to Libraries is committed to helping ensure that students have the tools they need to continue learning during this time of uncertainty,” said Laurie Flynn, the organization’s president and CEO. “We are so very grateful to MGM Springfield for partnering with us so that we can get books into the hands of the children who need them most.

“We know that increasing a child’s access to books dramatically improves their chances of becoming a proficient reader, and, sadly, a significant number of the children we serve live in homes with no books,” she added. “Together with MGM Springfield and our donors and volunteers, we will continue to ensure that the children of Springfield have the tools they need to succeed, even during these challenging times.”

Elms College Reschedules Executive Leadership Breakfast to Sept. 22

By BusinessWest Staff March 26, 2020

COVID-19 Daily News

CHICOPEE — Elms College has rescheduled its third annual Executive Leadership Breakfast to Tuesday, Sept. 22 due to state-mandated caution regarding large crowds and coronavirus.

U.S. Rep. Richard Neal is still slated to be the keynote speaker for the event, which was originally scheduled for April 9. As the coronavirus pandemic continues to unfold, the college will announce more details as necessary.

This annual event features talks by the region’s leaders on topics of relevance that impact all sectors of business and the economy in Western Mass. Speakers at past events have included Dennis Duquette, head of Community Responsibility at MassMutual and president of the MassMutual Foundation, and Regina Noonan Hitchery, retired vice president of Human Resources at Alcoa.

STCC Donates Personal Protective Equipment to Area Hospitals

By BusinessWest Staff March 26, 2020

COVID-19 Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Responding to an urgent call for supplies, Springfield Technical Community College’s (STCC) School of Health and Patient Simulation is donating personal protective equipment to area hospitals and medical centers.

The equipment, which includes surgical masks, isolation gowns, and exam gloves, will serve as a first line of defense for healthcare professionals and reduce their risk of contracting COVID-19 while treating patients.

“We recognize there is a critical need for personal protective equipment at hospitals and medical centers,” said Christopher Scott, dean of the School of Health and Patient Simulation at STCC. “By donating our supplies, we are doing what we can to protect the healthcare workers who are running short on masks and other protective equipment. The community needs to work together to ensure we defeat this pandemic.”

The equipment will be donated to Baystate Health, Mercy Medical Center/Trinity Health Of New England, Holyoke Medical Center, and Cooley Dickinson Hospital. In addition, STCC will donate supplies to the West Springfield Fire Department, which provides emergency medical services.

AIM Expresses Support for Administration Steps to Control COVID-19

By BusinessWest Staff March 25, 2020

COVID-19 Daily News

BOSTON — Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) expressed support for Gov. Charlie Baker’s order closing non-essential workplaces, even while acknowledging the economic burden that the order is placing on the organization’s 3,500 members and their employees.

The order, which took effect on March 24, requires all businesses and organizations that do not provide ‘COVID-19 essential services’ to close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers, customers, and the public until Tuesday, April 7 at noon.

AIM praised Baker and his administration for a measured and transparent approach to containing COVID-19, which has affected 777 Massachusetts residents and taken the lives of nine people.

“Believe me, the last thing that a business association like AIM wants to see is an order requiring many good companies around the Commonwealth to close,” AIM President and CEO John Regan said. “But those of us with friends and colleagues who have been hit by this virus understand that social distancing represents our best chance to limit the pandemic and begin a movement back toward normalcy.”

AIM commended the work of hundreds of administration officials, including Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders, Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Michael Kennealy, and Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Rosalyn Acosta. AIM noted that the administration moved swiftly to get the U.S. Small Business Assoc. Economic Injury Disaster Loan program open in Massachusetts.

The administration has also established a Manufacturing Emergency Response Team to help companies retool their production operations to make much-needed medical equipment.

“We are grateful to the Baker administration for maintaining a free flow of information to employers and the public,” said Brooke Thomson, executive vice president of Government Affairs. “The Massachusetts business community understands that the COVID-19 pandemic is a unique situation that requires unfortunate but necessary steps to keep our employees and their families healthy. We look forward to emerging as an even stronger and more resilient economy once the crisis is over.”

The Gray House Meets Increased Demands During COVID-19 Pandemic

By BusinessWest Staff March 25, 2020

COVID-19 Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Gray House, a community service agency in the North End of Springfield, has quickly adapted to meet the increased need for food to low-income households due to COVID-19. While the Gray House’s adult education and youth programming are currently closed, the space that is usually utilized for this programming has been taken over by its food operations. During its first ‘no-contact’ curbside food distribution on March 19, the Gray House served 253 families with groceries in a three-hour period — a 69% increase from its normal numbers.

“Our food-assistance program is considered an essential service, and not only are we staying open during this pandemic, we’re serving more people than ever,” said Teresa Liberti, executive director. “Only volunteers and staff essential to our food-assistance program are allowed inside the building. Volunteers are spread out among other rooms in the house that are typically used for classrooms so that we can maintain social distancing. All of the volunteers and staff coming in must complete mandatory training to ensure everyone understands the policies and procedures we’ve put in place to protect them and those we are serving. We need everyone to understand the severity of this, and that following these protocols is essential to our ability to remain open during this time.”

The Gray House is maintaining its normal distribution hours, which are Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon and on the second and fourth Fridays of the month from 4 to 6 p.m. Households with a vehicle are instructed to remain in their car at all times. They can enter Sheldon Street from Main Street and pull up to the first tent in front of the Gray House, where they will be assisted. Anyone who does not have a vehicle can walk up to the Gray House and wait in line on the sidewalk to be served. There will be markers on the sidewalk so that those waiting can maintain a six-foot distance from others at all times.

In addition to the impact this pandemic has had on the need for food, the Gray House also had to cancel its most profitable fundraiser of the year, the annual Spaghetti Supper, which typically nets over $20,000 and hosts more than 400 individuals. “We had to get creative,” Liberti said. “Rather than postponing or canceling the event altogether, we decided to host it virtually.”

The ‘No Show’ Spaghetti Supper will utilize social media to encourage people to donate online (click here) in lieu of buying a ticket and encourages them to have their own spaghetti dinner at home. Supporters will also be able to participate in a raffle, and the winners will be pulled on Facebook Live around 5:45 p.m. on Thursday, March 26. Raffle tickets can be purchased online (click here) or by mailing a check to the Gray House at 22 Sheldon St., Springfield, MA 01107. Donation or raffle ticket checks can be made payable to the Gray House. Event sponsor Freedom Credit Union, platinum sponsors PeoplesBank and the Springfield Chapter of UNICO, and many other sponsors generously committed to allowing the Gray House to retain the sponsorship money as a donation.

HCC Donates Personal Protection Equipment from College Programs

By BusinessWest Staff March 25, 2020

COVID-19 Daily News

HOLYOKE — In response to requests from area hospitals experiencing shortages of supplies, Holyoke Community College (HCC) is preparing to donate surgical masks, isolation gowns, exam gloves, and other personal protection equipment from its health-science programs to help front-line medical professionals as they battle conoravirus.

HCC’s Emergency Response Team has been coordinating with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) on the collection of supplies from the college’s Health Sciences division and its division of Business & Workforce Development.

Late last week, the Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts sent out a list of personal protection equipment (PPE) for which Baystate Medical Center and other area hospitals have a desperate need.

“I know we have all been looking for meaningful ways to help out during these stressful times of COVID-19,” said the message, which was sent out on behalf of EDC President and CEO Rick Sullivan. “Our front-line medical professionals and first responderss need our help.”

The items HCC has been collecting include boxes of isolation gowns, exam gloves, masks, goggles, hand sanitizer, and microbial wipes from its nursing, radiological technology, veterinary technician, biology, forensic science, and certified nursing assistant programs.

HCC Police Captain Dale Brown spent Tuesday afternoon conducting an inventory of the PPE supplies at the Campus Police station. He said he expected that a representative from MEMA would be picking up the items on campus sometime today, March 24. MEMA will then in turn coordinate delivery to area hospitals.

Girls Inc. of the Valley Takes Its Tagline Seriously During a Difficult Time

By BusinessWest Staff March 25, 2020

COVID-19 Daily News

HOLYOKE — Be “strong, smart, and bold” is as much a clarion call to the 800 girls served by Girls Inc. of the Valley as it is to the organization’s staff and mentors, Executive Director Suzanne Parker said.

“In a time when social distancing is becoming more and more important, we recognize the urgent need to maintain a sense of community, support, and love for our girls, who, naturally, will be feeling added anxiety and stress. And so our staff is being strong smart and bold, investigating new ways to deliver creative, safe, and engaging learning to girls,” Parker said.

“As we ramp up, girls and their families can tune in virtually,” she continued. “We are encouraging all students to follow and engage in learning activities offered on Facebook and other platforms. And we are adding learning activities to social media and seeking to add new opportunities for girls to connect with their peers and Girls Inc. facilitators. We want the girls to have the opportunity to stay connected and stay supported during what we all know can be an overwhelming time.

“Many local girls, most coming from already economically stretched households, need all the love and support that they deserve, along with a small sense of normalcy,” Parker concluded. “We are so thankful to our supportive Valley community.”

Banks to Remain Open, While Consumers Encouraged to Bank Electronically

By BusinessWest Staff March 24, 2020

COVID-19 Daily News

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. (MBA) announced that banks throughout the Commonwealth will remain open while keeping their customers and employees safe. According to Gov. Charlie Baker’s order Monday to close most businesses, financial institutions such as banks are considered essential services and will not be subject to the closure.

“While we strongly encourage all Massachusetts residents to heed the governor’s stay-at-home advisory and use online or mobile banking, consumers will continue to have access to banking services during the mandatory non-essential business closure,” said Daniel Forte, MBA president and CEO. “The safest place for your money right now is in your local bank where it is insured up to $250,000 by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Many Massachusetts banks also have excess insurance to protect your funds.”

Consumers needing access to banking services should check with their institution, as many banks have closed branch lobbies, reduced hours, or shifted to drive-through only at some locations in an effort to protect their customers and employees. However, bank staff are available to serve customers and answer questions. In addition, access to funds through online and mobile banking, ATMs, and point-of-sale transactions remains available during this time.

Square One Responds to Keep Children, Families Safe and Healthy

By BusinessWest Staff March 24, 2020

COVID-19 Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — As one of the region’s largest providers of childcare and family-support services, Square One is continuing to provide essential services to support the children and families who rely on them.

“This is a very unsettling time for everyone,” said Joan Kagan, president and CEO. “But for families who rely on us, and other social-services agencies, to meet their basic needs, the stress and fear they are experiencing is heightened. It is critical that they know where to go to access what they need. Most importantly, we want to make sure they do not feel isolated.”

The large majority of Square One families come from situations involving poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, incarceration, substance abuse, domestic violence, or other significant issues, Kagan explained.

Square One’s case workers and home visitors remain connected with the 1,500 families in its family-support programs virtually and over the phone on a regular basis. The agency is regularly providing families with resources and tools, such as food availability, homeschooling support, and emergency supplies of diapers and baby formula.

Programs such as support groups for parents in addiction recovery are being held virtually. The agency’s therapists and social workers are also holding virtual or phone appointments to support their continued social emotional health and well-being.

Square One’s preschool and school-age teachers are personally communicating with all 500 children and families in its learning programs, while the early learning centers and family childcare providers remain closed. They will be performing virtual story readings, fitness demonstrations, and other lessons that the organization will be sharing via social media.

For families who work in essential job functions, such as hospitals, grocery stores, and others, and who may be in need of emergency drop-in childcare services, childcare providers approved by the state Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) are available to provide emergency care for children. The list of providers can be found on the EEC website. Square One’s team is available to help families navigate that list and the rules surrounding these emergency services.

“We are grateful to everyone who has reached out to us to see how they can be supportive to the families we are serving,” Kagan said. “What we need most are cash donations, so that we can continue to provide our families with the programs and services they need right now. This is particularly important as some of our anticipated funding streams have been postponed or canceled altogether.”

To make a donation, visit www.startatsquareone.org or contact Kris Allard at [email protected] or by calling (508) 942-3147. Those in need of emergency support can call Square One’s emergency on-call number at (413) 478-5197.

Big Y Announces Support for Five Food Banks

By BusinessWest Staff March 24, 2020

COVID-19 Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — On March 16, Big Y World Class Markets donated $125,000 to three Massachusetts food banks and two in Connecticut in order to help them respond to the challenges they face in helping to feed others during these challenging times. The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, the Greater Boston Food Bank, the Worcester County Food Bank, Foodshare, and the Connecticut Food Bank will each receive an immediate donation of $25,000. All Big Y stores also now have collection boxes to allow customers to make food donations for local pantries and shelters.

As part of its recent 10th annual Sack Hunger/Care to Share program, Big Y also provided more than $11.5 million in food to area food banks, which amounts to a total of 5.7 million meals to help those in need throughout the region. In addition to Sack Hunger, it donates healthy food to these food banks six days a week throughout the year. Two-thirds of those 5.7 million meals include donations of meat and fresh produce, while bakery, non-perishable grocery items, frozen food, and dairy products account for the rest. In fact, these almost-daily donations have become a routine part of Big Y’s operations. These food banks depend upon this steady flow of food to feed those in need.

Big Y also encourages support in any amount for area food banks right now. The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts estimates that every dollar donated will provide four meals for those in need. Visit foodbankwma.org for more information.

Additionally, Big Y donated $50,000 to the COVID-19 Response Fund hosted by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts. The fund will provide flexible resources to Pioneer Valley nonprofit organizations serving populations most impacted by the crisis, such as the elderly, those without stable housing, families needing food, and those with particular health vulnerabilities.

MBK Assembles Tax, Financial, and Business Planning Toolkit for COVID-19

By BusinessWest Staff March 24, 2020

COVID-19 Daily News

HOLYOKE — As the outbreak of COVID-19 has escalated and caused unprecedented reactions such as school closings, cancelling professional sports, social distancing, and government-issued stay-at-home orders, many people understandably have growing concerns for the financial health of their organizations, people, and families.

Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. (MBK) has assembled a toolbox of resources to help clients and the community during this unprecedented time. These include MBK operations, tax resources, financial resources, and business-planning resources. The firm will continue to keep this page (www.mbkcpa.com/covid-19-updates-and-toolkit) updated daily as new information and resources become available.

MGM Joins Thunderbirds, Hotels, Restaurants to Feed Healthcare Providers, First Responders

By BusinessWest Staff March 24, 2020

COVID-19 Daily News

SPRINGIELD — As Western Mass. continues to mobilize in response to the COVID-19 crisis, MGM Springfield has brought together a group of local partners and stakeholders to help feed the men and women on the pandemic’s front lines.

“This is a close-knit community, and we wanted to find some simple ways to say ‘thank you’ to those friends, neighbors, and family members working tirelessly to serve and protect us during this challenging time,” said Chris Kelley, president of MGM Springfield.

In partnership with the Springfield Thunderbirds, Sheraton Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn, and Uno Pizzeria & Grill, MGM Springfield is leading an effort to prepare and deliver hot meals to healthcare workers and first responders across the city over the coming week.

The food deliveries will begin today, March 24 at 8 p.m., when volunteers from MGM and the Thunderbirds drop off hundreds of cooked meals to emergency-room workers at Baystate Medical Center.

Subsequent deliveries will take place on Wednesday, March 25 at the headquarters of the Springfield Police Department, Springfield Fire Department, and American Medical Response.

“The Thunderbirds are proud to partner with MGM Springfield, Sheraton, and Hilton Garden Inn to show our appreciation for these true hometown heroes,” said Paul Picknelly, managing partner of the Springfield Thunderbirds. “Perhaps now more than ever, our community must pull together to help each other through these uncertain times, and that starts with supporting those men and women on the front lines of this crisis.”

These meal deliveries follow last week’s donation by MGM Springfield of 12,000 pounds of food to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and partner agencies like Open Pantry.

As the COVID-19 crisis continues to place unprecedented demand on the region’s public-health system, MGM Springfield will remain engaged with the local community to support those frontline workers, organizations, and residents most impacted, Kelley said.

Gov. Baker Orders All Non-essential Businesses to Close for Two Weeks

By BusinessWest Staff March 23, 2020

COVID-19 Daily News

BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker issued an emergency order this morning requiring all businesses and organizations that do not provide “COVID-19 essential services” to close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers, customers, and the public from Tuesday, March 24 at noon until Tuesday, April 7 at noon. These businesses are encouraged to continue operations remotely.

The Baker-Polito administration issued a list of designated businesses and other organizations that provide essential services and workforces related to COVID-19 that may continue to operate brick-and-mortar facilities during this two-week time period. This list — based on federal guidance and amended to reflect the needs of Massachusetts’ unique economy — includes healthcare and public health; law enforcement, public safety, and first responders; food and agriculture; critical manufacturing; transportation; energy; water and wastewater; public works; communications and information technology; financial services; defense industry base; chemical manufacturing and hazardous materials; news media; and other designated community-based essential function and government operations. While these businesses are designated as essential, they are urged to follow social-distancing protocols for workers in accordance with guidance from the Department of Public Health.

Businesses and organizations not on the list of essential services are encouraged to continue operations through remote means that do not require workers, customers, or the public to enter or appear at the brick-and-mortar premises closed by the order.

Restaurants, bars, and other establishments that sell food and beverage products to the public are encouraged to continue to offer food for takeout and by delivery if they follow the social-distancing protocols set forth in Department of Public Health guidance. On-premises consumption of food or drink is prohibited.

Due to evolving spread of COVID-19 in Massachusetts, Baker has directed the Department of Public Health to issue a stay-at-home advisory outlining self-isolation and social-distancing protocols. Residents are advised to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel and other unnecessary activities during this two-week time period. Residents over age 70 or with underlying health conditions, who are considered at high risk when exposed to COVID-19, should limit social interactions with other people as much as possible.

The Baker-Polito administration does not believe Massachusetts residents can be confined to their homes and does not support home confinement for public-health reasons. However, the administration’s order limits gatherings to 10 people during the state of emergency, a reduction from the 25-person limit established in an earlier order. This includes community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based, and any other event or activity that brings together more than 10 people in any confined space. The order does not prohibit gatherings of more than 10 people in an outdoor space, like a park or athletic field.

United Way of Pioneer Valley Mobilizes Volunteer Community

By BusinessWest Staff March 23, 2020

COVID-19 Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — In these challenging times, United Way of Pioneer Valley is continuing its mission to connect nonprofits with its community of dedicated, hard-working volunteers. With the area’s college students returning home and many seniors opting to stay in their homes, the need for volunteers in Western Mass. has never been greater.

“Nothing matters more to us than the health and safety of our community,” the organization noted. “We are working diligently to ensure agencies are taking the appropriate and necessary precautions for volunteers’ well-being. These include heightened sanitation protocols, physical distancing, and modification of their operations to lower the risk to all involved. There will also be remote tasks available for those who wish to remain in their homes.”

People interested in volunteering or agencies in need of volunteers can contact Jennifer Kinsman, director of Community Impact, at (413) 693-0212.

STCC Unveils Fire Investigation Transfer Program

By BusinessWest Staff March 23, 2020

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) has a hot new program. Starting this fall, the college will offer a new option in the Fire Protection and Safety Technology department: fire investigation transfer. Students who choose this option will study fire behavior, fire operations, prevention, investigations, and criminal law through courses in fire science and criminal justice.

“We’re thrilled to offer this option, which will prepare students to continue their education toward a bachelor’s degree in fire investigation, homeland security, or fire science, based on their desired area of interest,” said Julian “Skip” Tenczar, chair of the Fire Protection and Safety Technology department.

Fire investigators often work for local, state, and federal agencies, but also pursue opportunities in the private sector.

According to Tenczar, fire investigators need a sharp eye, dedicated commitment to discovering the truth, and professional integrity to follow their findings through the legal system.

“The Fire Investigation program at STCC can open doors to this exciting field where you can make a difference,” he said, adding that the program is offered in the evening only, which will give students who work more flexibility.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for fire inspectors and investigators are expected to grow by 8% between 2018 and 2028. The median pay in 2018 was $60,200.

Students who successfully complete the two-year program will receive an associate of science degree in fire protection and safety technology.

“This new fire investigation transfer option is another wonderful example of how the college creates pathways for students who are seeking educational and career opportunities,” said Christopher Scott, dean of the School of Health and Patient Simulation. “If you have an interest in fire investigation, we believe STCC is a terrific place to get started.”

To learn more about the program and to apply for the fall, visit stcc.edu/explore/programs/fitr.as. Individuals with questions may contact Tenczar at [email protected] or call (413) 755-4596.

Amherst Area Tip Jar Launched

By BusinessWest Staff March 23, 2020

COVID-19 Daily News

AMHERST — The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce and the Amherst Business Improvement District (BID) have launched the Amherst Area Tip Jar.

Many locals would regularly be patronizing their favorite restaurants, bars, salons, coffeehouses, and other businesses that have been ordered closed or have shifted to take-out only, depending on the type of business, due to the COVID-19 crisis and related health and safety restrictions.

The Tip Jar, first established in Pittsburgh, allows people to support local service industry staff and businesses. It allows them to send a ‘tip’ to their favorite business, which will share it with their staff — bartenders, servers, kitchen staff, stylists, aestheticians, mechanics, etc. The Amherst Area Tip Jar offers an option for these businesses and individuals to post their Venmo or PayPal information so that customers, family members, neighbors, and community members, near and far, can continue to support them using this open-source concept — a way to maximize social distancing while supporting these workers and small businesses.

“Like all of us, our concerned members have been forwarding ideas to help our small businesses, and this is the one that stuck,” says Claudia Pazmany, executive director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce. “We saw organizations galvanizing to support our nonprofit members and some small-business solutions — not nearly enough — but we recognized a void here and felt this was a population that was vulnerable that needed to be provided for.”

Gabrielle Gould, executive director of the Amherst BID, added that “this virtual tip jar is for local people who work at our businesses. This is a way we might be able to help our businesses help their laid-off staff. It’s not the solution, but it is an idea that has been used in other communities to help connect people to the businesses they care about and support.”

Chamber and BID member Shalini Bahl Milne of Downtown Mindfulness expressed the essence of the Tip Jar by posting on Facebook, “not a complete solution, but every dollar and thought counts. It lets our businesses know that we care! I know that kindness is contagious.”

E-mail Claudia Pazmany, the chamber’s executive director, at [email protected] or Gould at [email protected] with any inquiries.

Opinion: Invoking the Spirit of World War II

By BusinessWest Staff March 20, 2020

Coronavirus

As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic deepens, we’re hearing more and more references to the past — and with good reason.

Part of it is an attempt to put this crisis in perspective, and for perspective, you have to look to the past and things to compare this to. That’s why we’re hearing and reading references to 2008 and 2009 — the Great Recession — as well as 9/11, 1987 (the great stock-market nosedive), and, increasingly, the Great Depression of the 1930s, especially as the estimates for unemployment come in; indeed, some of the latest projections are for 20% or more, numbers not seen since 1932.

But we’re also hearing references to World War II, for reasons that involve not so much perspective (although there’s some of that) as inspiration. We’re hearing and reading references to everything from the Manhattan Project (which produced the atomic bomb) to the arsenal of democracy, the phrase coined by Franklin Roosevelt to describe what the United States should — and did — become as the war became a global conflict.

These references and comparisons are essentially spot on. What this country needs right now is a response similar to the one perhaps last seen during World War II — and on all kinds of levels.

Like the arsenal of democracy. In very short order, the U.S. economy went from a struggling peacetime economy — yes, the Great Depression lasted, in most all respects, into the early ’40s — into a thriving wartime economy where manufacturers retooled and produced items needed for the war effort. Examples abound, but the best known is Ford shifting gears — literally and figuratively — and producing B-24 Liberator bombers instead of cars at its famous Willow Run plant (where ‘Rosie the Riveter’ worked). In fact, at peak production, it was rolling out a new bomber every hour.

As the COVID-19 crisis deepens, it’s clear that we need what amounts to a different kind of wartime production — the war against this virus. Just as Ford made bombers, Caterpillar made tanks, Packard manufactured aircraft engines, and Studebaker produced trucks during World War II, today’s manufacturers need to step up, retool, and make surgical masks, respirators, and other items desperately needed in hospitals across the country.

And some are already volunteering to do just that, including Ford, GM, and Tesla. Meanwhile, cruise lines have proposed converting some of their ships into hospital ships, perhaps to care for those who need care but do not have COVID-19, and hotel owners have suggested perhaps converting their facilities into hospitals during this crisis.

These are the kinds of things that happened during World War II, and they need to happen now.

Meanwhile, on the home front during that war, there was sacrifice and a willingness to pitch in and do what was necessary, with drives to collect everything from rubber to aluminum for the war effort. Not everyone was happy with the rationing of many products, but they coped.

Contrast those images with those of people hording toilet paper and partying on the beaches of Florida during spring break, and it’s easy to see that the current generations can learn a lot from the Greatest Generation.

But there are many, many signs of generosity and caring being seen today — everything from MGM Springfield and other venues donating food items to food pantries to the Community Foundation’s creation of the COVID-19 Response Fund for the Pioneer Valley, to NBA players donating hundreds of thousands of dollars to help arena workers who are now among the unemployed.

To get through this, we’re going to need a lot more stepping up, sacrificing, and using all our talents and imagination to help in this new war effort.

For inspiration, all we have to do is turn the clock back 75 years.

Elms College Welcomes Three New Staff Members

By BusinessWest Staff March 20, 2020

Daily News

CHICOPEE — Elms College announced the appointment of three directors to its staff: Michael Crawford, director of Diversity and Inclusion; Andrea Holden, director of Alumni Relations; and Pablo Madera, director of Public Safety.

As director of Diversity and Inclusion, Crawford is committed to the holistic development of students within and beyond the classroom via empowerment, education, support, and advocacy. He has experience in diversity programming and academic support in higher education at Haverford College in Pennsylvania, the University of Connecticut, nonprofit organizations, and as an independent consultant. Most recently, he was a research associate in a culture and mental-health-disparities lab at the University of Connecticut. He also has extensive experience with various social-justice and college-preparation initiatives for vulnerable populations, first-generation and low-income students, and diverse populations. He holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Haverford College and a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from the University of Connecticut. He also earned a certificate in college instruction and a master’s degree in adult learning from the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut.

As director of Alumni Relations, Holden develops initiatives that increase alumni engagement and also advance the goals of the college. She has more than 20 years of experience in higher education, serving in a variety of roles within student affairs, including campus programs, campus-center management, new-student programs, leadership, and residential life. Most recently, she was a student-engagement specialist for the dean of students at the Community College of Rhode Island in Warwick, R.I., and the director of Student Activities, Involvement and Leadership at Wheaton College in Norton. She holds a bachelor’s degree in urban studies from Worcester State College and a master’s degree in marketing from Webster University.

As director of Public Safety, Madera manages the safety measures for the entire campus, as well as the administration of safety policies and protocols. He is a 37-year veteran of the Ludlow Police Department, where he progressed from patrolman to sergeant to lieutenant and, for the past seven years, served as the department’s chief of Police. He served as an adjunct professor of criminal justice at Western New England University (WNEU) for 23 years and also spent time consulting on multicultural-awareness issues and policing. He earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Westfield State University and his master’s degree in criminal justice administration from WNEU. In addition, he graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va.

WNEU General Counsel Cheryl Smith Honored at ‘Leaders in the Law’ Event

By BusinessWest Staff March 20, 2020

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Western New England University (WNEU) General Counsel Cheryl Smith was honored at the 15th annual “Leaders in the Law” event presented by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. The event was held on March 5 at the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel.

Smith was chosen from a field of nominees across the Commonwealth for the 2020 In-House Leader Award. Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly Leader Awards recognize general counsel and staff attorneys who are nominated by their colleagues, clients, and other legal professionals for being leaders in the community and forward thinkers.

For the past two decades, Smith had managed all litigation commenced against WNEU. She also supervised the legal and contractual aspects of a complex new ERP for the university. Additionally, for the past two years, she has served as the Title IX coordinator.

“Attorney Smith practices a special kind of leadership,” said Anthony Caprio, Western New England University president. “Her actions exemplify the noble traditions of the legal profession that are recognized and honored through this In-House Leaders in the Law award. I am thrilled to see her receive this recognition. Cheryl stands tall and always demonstrates that she can best lead folks through the issues at hand, however emotional or complex they may be.”

Smith began her academic career at Wellesley College and concluded at Western New England School of Law in 1983. At WNEU, she is a senior lecturer for “Human Resource Management,” “Legal Aspects of Human Resources,” “Business Law,” and “Business Communication.”

New England Veterans Chamber Offers Assist to Military-involved Business Owners

By BusinessWest Staff March 20, 2020

COVID-19 Daily News

BELCHERTOWN — The founder of the New England Veterans Chamber of Commerce (NEVCC), which serves businesses owned by veterans, active military, the National Guard, the U.S. Reserves, and their family members throughout New England, wants to hear from its constituents.

As the COVID-19 sweeps across the country, temporarily shuttering businesses and devastating the economy, the founder of NEVCC wants to hear from military-involved business owners in hopes the nonprofit may be able to offer an assist.

“We understand we are in a time where there are unknowns, and we have a lot to figure out,” said NEVCC Executive Director Lisa Ducharme, who created the organization a year ago to connect the 140,000 military-owned businesses in New England to one another. “We want to be able to help military and veteran businesses in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. We have many resources. I don’t know that we can help everyone, but we have resources, and we would like to see how we can work together to manage problems.”

Ducharme can be reached at [email protected].

A retired U.S. Air Force veteran, Ducharme created NEVCC under the umbrella of the U.S. Veterans Chamber of Commerce, which assists military-involved business owners with advertising, advocacy, and networking. NEVCC offers the same services.

Ducharme is the daughter of a retired Air Force Vietnam veteran, a retired Air Force veteran herself, and the mother of a retired Army veteran. She holds a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism management with a concentration on event planning from UMass Amherst, a master’s degree in public administration from Westfield State University, and several certifications. She now serves as the veteran and military service coordinator at Westfield State University.

To learn more about NEVCC or its member businesses, visit www.nevcc.org.

Nicole Fregeau Joins Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts as Program Manager

By BusinessWest Staff March 20, 2020

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts (JAWM) announced that Nicole Fregeau has joined the organization as program manager.

“We’re thrilled to have Nicole on our team,” said Jennifer Connolly, president of JAWM. “She brings skills, experience, and new ideas inspired by her intensive, hands-on work in the educational field. She’s a terrific asset to Junior Achievement and to the students we reach every day.”

In her new role, Fregeau builds program expansion through strategic planning and presentations designed to recruit and renew commitments of teachers, schools, local businesses, and volunteers. To increase public awareness of JAWM programs, she creates departmental plans and develops and executes volunteer orientation programs. She coordinates the Business and Entrepreneurial Exploration (BEE) summer program as well.

Prior to joining JAWM, Fregeau spent a year in Thailand teaching students at various levels to speak, read, and write in English. In addition, she screened candidates for open positions and consulted with potential students during the enrollment process, edited curriculum, and participated in school programs like English Camp and Scout Camp. As an established Junior Achievement volunteer in the U.S., Fregeau also taught JA’s “More than Money” program to sixth-grade students in Thailand.

Fregeau is a graduate of Elms College with a bachelor’s degree in business management. She participated in Elms College campus ministry service trips to Nicaragua, where she worked on clean-water and education projects.

Resources Are Available to Help Small Businesses, Individuals Survive Challenging Times

By BusinessWest Staff March 19, 2020

Coronavirus

Offering a Lifeline

It’s called Prime the Pump — an appropriate name, at a time when the pump is threatening to run dry for area restaurants.

A statewide shutdown of restaurants and bars has proprietors worried about the future, with many building short-term strategies around takeout and delivery, gift cards, and other features (see story here). But local government is doing its part, too.

“In conjunction and on top of federal and state loan assistance programs, the city will immediately move to offer $222,679 in grants, up to a maximum of $15,000 for qualified restaurants,” Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno said this week in announcing the initiative. “As my administration continues to review any and all options to assist our residents and business community during these challenging times, I have asked my chief Development officer, Tim Sheehan, to see what we could do immediately to ‘prime the pump’ to start to spur a shot-in-the-arm relief and recovery initial assistance program for our restaurants and their employees.”

Added Sheehan, “while the small-business support being advanced by the federal and state government is beneficial, it is clear to me that more creative and flexible financial lifelines need to be established for the small businesses, especially restaurants which have disproportionately felt the economic impact resulting from the coronavirus mitigation measures designed to protect us all.”

For more information and details on how to apply, contact Sheehan at (413) 787-6024 or [email protected].

Read on for other financial resources available for small businesses, nonprofits, and individuals impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

• The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will offer low-interest federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans for working capital to Massachusetts small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19.

Small businesses, private nonprofit organizations of any size, small agricultural cooperatives, and small aquaculture enterprises that have been financially impacted as a direct result of COVID-19 since Jan. 31 may qualify for loans up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred. Eligibility for Economic Injury Disaster Loans is based on the financial impact of the coronavirus. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses and 2.75% for private nonprofit organizations.

Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster-assistance information, and download applications at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or e-mail [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (800) 877-8339. The deadline to apply is Dec. 18.

• This week, the Baker-Polito administration also announced economic support for small businesses with a $10 million loan fund to provide financial relief to those that have been affected by COVID-19. The Small Business Recovery Loan Fund will provide emergency capital up to $75,000 to Massachusetts-based businesses impacted by COVID-19 with under 50 full- and part-time employees, including nonprofits. Loans are immediately available to eligible businesses with no payments due for the first 6 months. Massachusetts Growth Capital Corp. has capitalized the fund and will administer it.

To apply, complete the application found at empoweringsmallbusiness.org. Completed applications can be e-mailed to [email protected] with the subject line “2020 Small Business Recovery Loan Fund.”

• Meanwhile, Common Capital offers a Fast Track Loan Program to address the needs of local businesses that need quick access to capital. Loan proceeds may be used for most legitimate business purposes, including purchasing inventory or equipment, and for working capital. The program offers a loan decision in two to three business days for loan requests up to $50,000, with funding typically within a week after approval. It is a credit-score-based program for businesses in operation at least one year. Those approved will be eligible for no-cost business assistance from Common Capital staff and consultants.

Applicants seeking funding from the program to help mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic will need to answer the following questions: What steps have you taken or are you planning to take to address the financial health of your business in response to the COVID-19 pandemic? Please be specific. What is the typical cash-flow cycle for your business? How are your revenues affected by external factors, such as seasons, weather events, or the school calendar, among others? How much revenue did your business have month by month in 2019?

For more information about Common Capital and its loan programs, contact Kim Gaughan, loan fund manager, at (413) 233-1684 or [email protected].

• State and federal government entities are also looking at tax-relief efforts. At the state level, Massachusetts will postpone the collection of taxes to provide relief to the state’s restaurant and hospitality sectors by delaying the collection of sales tax, meals tax, and room-occupancy taxes. Taxes that are due in March, April and May will instead be collected on June 20 for businesses that paid less than $150,000 in sales and meal taxes or less than $150,000 in room-occupancy taxes in the year ending Feb. 29. The state will also waive all penalties and interest. Gov. Charlie Baker said the state Department of Revenue would finalize emergency regulations to establish the tax relief measures before week’s end.

In addition, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced that individuals and corporations can delay their federal tax payments for 90 days due to the coronavirus pandemic. Individuals can defer up to $1 million in payments for 90 days from the April 15 deadline. Corporations can defer up to $10 million in payments for 90 days. During that time, the IRS will not charge interest or penalties. Mnuchin’s announcement did not delay the April 15 filing deadline.

The IRS has established a special webpage (www.irs.gov/coronavirus) focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses, and others affected by the coronavirus. This page will be updated as new information is available.

• Nonprofits are being squeezed by the current crisis as well. In response, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts (CFWM) established the COVID-19 Response Fund for the Pioneer Valley with a lead gift of $1 million from MassMutual and a $500,000 contribution from CFWM. Big Y, Easthampton Savings Bank, Greenfield Cooperative Bank/Northampton Cooperative Bank, and PeoplesBank have also committed to contributing. Other area businesses and philanthropic organizations are being encouraged to contribute to the fund, as is the general public.

The fund will provide flexible resources to Pioneer Valley nonprofit organizations serving populations most impacted by the crisis, such as the elderly, those without stable housing, families needing food, and those with particular health vulnerabilities. Funds initially will be given to existing community-based organizations who currently serve vulnerable populations and who are best able to identify those requiring crisis services.

Those interested in making a gift to the fund should visit communityfoundation.org/coronavirus-donations or contact the Community Foundation at [email protected].

• Meanwhile, Berkshire United Way and Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation have established the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund for Berkshire County to rapidly deploy resources to community-based organizations as they respond to the impact of the coronavirus in Berkshire County. They have already committed more than $600,000 for these efforts through a coalition of philanthropic organizations, businesses partners, and generous individuals.

Early partners and funders include Adams Community Bank, Berkshire Agricultural Ventures, Berkshire Bank Foundation, Donald C. McGraw Foundation/Blackrock Foundation Fund, Feigenbaum Foundation, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Joseph H. and Carol F. Reich Fund of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Josephine and Louise Crane Foundation, Mill Town, Northern Berkshire United Way, Unistress, Williams College, and Williamstown Community Chest. The partners encourage other institutions, companies, and funders to contribute to the fund.

Donations to the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund can be made at berkshireunitedway.org/donate. Nonprofits can request funds through a simple, rolling application process that can be found at berkshireunitedway.org.

• Finally, to help individuals in need, the United Way of Pioneer Valley established the COVID-19 Recovery and Relief Fund to provide aid and resources to those affected by the current public-health emergency. As the pandemic unfolds and schools, events, and workplaces close, hourly, low-wage workers and many others will experience unprecedented financial hardship. In Massachusetts, two in five workers lack sufficient savings to withstand a sudden loss in wages.

Funds collected for this emergency relief fund will help families and individuals impacted by the pandemic to meet their basic, childcare, housing and financial needs. This fund will also help to continue United Way programs such as Thrive and especially Mass2-1-1, a free referral hotline providing access to services such as emergency assistance and real-time COVID-19 information. Individuals can dial 211, United Way’s 24/7 information and referral hotline, from any Massachusetts number to get information related to the virus.

Visit www.uwpv.org and follow the link to ‘COVID-19 Relief’ for more information.

Small Business Administration Approves Massachusetts Disaster Declaration

By BusinessWest Staff March 19, 2020

COVID-19 Daily News

FRAMINGHAM — The Baker-Polito administration announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will offer low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Massachusetts small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19). The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available following a request received from Gov. Charlie Baker on March 17.

The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in the entire state of Massachusetts and the contiguous counties in neighboring states.

Small businesses, private nonprofit organizations of any size, small agricultural cooperatives, and small aquaculture enterprises that have been financially impacted as a direct result of COVID-19 since Jan. 31 may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred.

Eligibility for Economic Injury Disaster Loans is based on the financial impact of the coronavirus. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses and 2.75% for private nonprofit organizations. SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years, and are available to entities without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship.

Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster-assistance information, and download applications at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or e-mail [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

The deadline to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan is Dec. 18.

In addition, on March 16, the Baker-Polito administration announced a $10 million Small Business Recovery Loan Fund, and the administration remains in ongoing discussions across state government and with federal partners to determine what resources can be made available to small businesses and nonprofits as they contend with the negative effects of this public-health emergency.

EDC Shares List of Economic Resources for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

By BusinessWest Staff March 19, 2020

COVID-19 Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts has issued a list of resources and measures introduced by Gov. Charlie Baker to minimize the spread of COVID-19.

These include Community Foundation grants for nonprofits, the Common Capital Loan Program, the Small Business Emergency Loan Fund, rapid-response pre-layoff services, the United Way of Pioneer Valley Recovery and Relief Fund, guidance on preparing workplaces for COVID-19, the Massachusetts Work Share Program, Verizon waiving late fees for small businesses, Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster assistance, and SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans.

Links to all those resources is available by clicking here. The list will be updated as more information becomes available.

Tony Worden Named Chief Operating Officer at Greenfield Cooperative Bank

By BusinessWest Staff March 19, 2020

Daily News

GREENFIELD — Michael Tucker, president and CEO of Greenfield Cooperative Bank (GCB), announced that Tony Worden was elected by the board to the new position of chief operating officer (COO). This will be in addition to his duties as executive vice president & senior commercial loan officer.

As COO, Worden will be taking over some of Tucker’s day-to-day duties and direct reports to ensure GCB maintains continuity in its leadership ranks. And during a stressful period such as now with the COVID-19, the move gives the board the peace of mind of knowing that, should Tucker be unavailable for whatever reason, Worden will be available for major decisions.

“Tony truly cares about Greenfield Cooperative Bank and our customers and employees,” Tucker said. “He is committed to independence and mutuality to ensure that Greenfield Cooperative Bank and its Northampton Cooperative division are here for a long time.”

Worden has more than 21 years of experience in commercial lending and has been with GCB since 2008. He is a 1996 graduate of UMass with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and received his MBA from UMass Amherst in 2005. He is also a 2017 graduate of the Stonier School of Banking at the University of Pennsylvania.

Worden is active in the community as a board member of United Way of Franklin County and a member of the town of Greenfield Cable Advisory Committee and the Turners Falls Downtown Working Group.

Holyoke Community College Extends Scholarship Application Deadline

By BusinessWest Staff March 19, 2020

Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) has extended by two weeks the deadline to apply for scholarships for the 2020-21 academic year. The new application deadline is Wednesday, April 8.

“We recognize the challenges that the COVID-19 crisis is presenting for our students on many levels, academically and personally,” said Amanda Sbriscia, HCC’s vice president of Institutional Advancement. “By extending our scholarship deadline, we hope to alleviate a small bit of the stress or anxiety our students may be facing and ensure that they are given all the time they need to submit their applications. As a college, we’re committed to helping students overcome barriers to success. In light of these unprecedented times, this is a potential barrier that’s easily removed.”

Students must be currently enrolled at HCC or have been accepted for the upcoming academic year to be eligible for scholarships, which are awarded through the HCC Foundation, HCC’s nonprofit fundraising corporation. Awards totaling more than $200,000 are available for incoming, continuing, and transferring HCC students.

Applicants need only to fill out a single online form to be automatically matched with the scholarships they are most qualified to receive. There are scholarships for new students, current students and students transferring to other institutions, scholarships based on financial need, scholarships for students in specific majors, scholarships for residents of certain communities, and scholarships that recognize academic achievement. For the 2019-20 academic year, the HCC Foundation awarded $223,000 in scholarships to 231 students.

To begin the application process, visit www.hcc.edu/scholarships. Questions should be directed to the HCC Foundation office at (413) 552-2182 or Donahue 170 on the HCC campus, 303 Homestead Ave.

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