BusinessWest Staff, Author at BusinessWest

SPRINGFIELD — Beginning Monday, Nov. 6, the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley will sponsor a 40-hour, 14-class sales licensing course to help individuals prepare for the Massachusetts real-estate salesperson license exam. The course will be completed on Dec. 13. Tuition is $359 and includes the book and materials.

The course curriculum includes property rights, ownership, condos, land use, contracts, deeds, financing, mortgages, real-estate brokerage, appraisal, fair housing, consumer protection, Massachusetts license law, and more. Classes meet Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. at the association office, 221 Industry Ave., Springfield.

For an application, contact Joanne Leblond at (413) 785-1328 or [email protected], or visit www.rapv.com.

Amherst Area Chamber to Host Legislative Breakfast Oct. 26

AMHERST — The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual legislative breakfast brings together legislators, local officials, and business leaders to network and discuss current and upcoming policy issues. This year’s event will be held Thursday, Oct. 26 from 7:15 to 9 a.m. at Lord Jeffery Inn, 30 Boltwood Ave., Amherst.

Speakers include Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito; state Reps. Susannah Whipps Lee, John Scibak, and Solomon Goldstein-Rose; and Senate President Stan Rosenberg. The cost is $20 for members ($25 at the door) and $25 for non-members ($30 at the door). To register, click here.

Michael Koziol Joins Holyoke Medical Center as CFO

HOLYOKE — Spiros Hatiras, president and CEO of Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems, announced the appointment of Michael Koziol as chief financial officer at Holyoke Medical Center (HMC).

“Mike has over 30 years of experience in nonprofit organizations, including several hospitals throughout New England,” said Hatiras. “His knowledge and successful contributions to organizational financial stability and improved operating efficiencies have already proved to be an asset to the leadership team of Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems.”

Koziol has served as interim CFO at HMC since April 2017. His prior experience includes executive-level finance positions with Southcoast Physicians Group in Fairhaven, Mass.; MaineGeneral Health in Augusta, Maine; South County Hospital Healthcare Systems in Wakefield, R.I.; Massachusetts Eye & Ear Associates in Boston; Rhode Island Hospital in Providence; and Memorial Hospital of South Bend in South Bend, Ind. He received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Illinois State University and completed his MBA at the University of Illinois.

“I have spent the past six months as interim CFO with Holyoke Medical Center, and I am very happy to be a part of this organization,” said Koziol. “The people who work here are wonderful, and enable a bright future in continuing to provide high-quality, cost-effective care to the community.”

Selfie Challenge Brings Attention to Issue of Bullying

EAST LONGMEADOW — An anti-bullying movement initially started in Western Mass. has spread across all 50 states and to more than 50 countries. Now celebrities are getting into the act.

“The social-media effort was started by the kids of Unify,” said Edward Zemba, president of Unify Against Bullying. “It was their way of bringing awareness to the silence of bullying. As parents, we all know that this issue is difficult enough to address when we talk about it. However, when children are left alone to deal with it in silence, things can get far worse.”

In January, the kids of Unify set a goal. By the end of the year, they wanted to have 50 celebrities participate in their challenge. “Bullying is about trying to look cool,” said 14-year-old Julianna Zemba, one of the organization’s founders. “If celebrities send a message that bullying isn’t OK to kids, they’ll listen differently than if it’s from their parents, or even friends.”

With well-known figures such as Chris Evans (Captain America), Zach Braff (Scrubs), and actors from series such as The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, and Stranger Things participating, they are well on their way. Even celebrities from NASCAR, the WWE, the Boston Bruins, the WNBA, and New England Patriots cheerleaders have posted selfies.

The kids of Unify have also launched a video challenging comedienne and talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres. “She’s kind of the queen of selfies,” Julianna said. “Having her do the challenge would send a message loud and clear to children all over the world. It would be a rallying call to end the silence of bullying.”

No matter where things go from here, the Kids of Unify have definitely left their mark, she added. “Doing the #UnifySelfieChallenge is about bringing attention to the fact we are all important. To me, everyone who’s posted a Unify selfie is a celebrity.”

To see the video challenge to Ellen, or learn more about Unify, visit unifyagainstbullying.org or #UnifySelfieChallenge. The video was donated to Unify Against Bullying by Myers Video Productions and Robert Charles Photography.

CNBC Commentator Ron Insana to Keynote Expo Lunch Event

SPRINGFIELD — The Business & Innovation Expo of Western Mass., the seventh annual business-to-business show produced by BusinessWest and the Healthcare News, slated for Thursday, Nov. 2 at the MassMutual Center, will present a lunch event featuring keynote speaker Ron Insana, senior analyst and commentator with CNBC.

Titled “Trumponomics,” Insana’s talk will address how Washington will affect the economy in the years ahead. As the U.S. and global economies move toward recovery, Insana will apply his journalistic perspective to how Wall Street, Main Street, and Washington shape what the new normal means for everyone.

The event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with check-in starting at 11:30 a.m. The cost is $25. To register, visit www.wmbexpo.com.

A financial journalist with the experience of working for and running his own hedge fund, Insana offers clear insights on the ever-changing status of the economy. Currently host of a nationally syndicated daily radio show in addition to his roles at CNBC, he has access to the top financial players in Washington and on Wall Street and translates the market signals and political maneuvers into information everyone understands. His hands-on experience in the financial industry — through some of the markets’ most turbulent times — give an added depth of perspective. He offers practical advice on what individuals and businesses can and should do now to protect what they have and to find opportunities in any type of market condition. Insana is the author of Traders’ Tales, The Message of the Markets, TrendWatching, and most recently How to Make a Fortune from the Biggest Bailout in U.S. History: A Guide to the 7 Greatest Bargains from Main Street to Wall Street.

The Expo will feature more than 150 exhibitor booths, educational seminars, breakfast and lunch programs, and a day-capping Expo Social. Current sponsors include Comcast Business (presenting sponsor), Johnson & Hill Staffing Services, Wild Apple Design Group, and Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. (executive sponsors), Inspired Marketing and Go Graphix (show partners), MGM Springfield (corporate sponsor), Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst (education sponsor), Xfinity (social sponsor), Elms College (information booth sponsor), Smith & Wesson (Workforce Support Center sponsor), Savage Arms (JoinedForces parking sponsor), WMAS, WHMP, Rock 102 & Lazer 99.3, and MassLive (media partners), and the Better Business Bureau and Cartamundi (contributing sponsors). Exhibitor spaces are still available; booth prices start at $800. For more information on booth purchase, call (413) 781-8600, ext. 100.

Governor Appoints Ivonne Vidal to HCC Board of Trustees

HOLYOKE — Ivonne Vidal, a staff attorney for the Committee for Public Counsel Services in Springfield, has been appointed to the Holyoke Community College board of trustees by Gov. Charlie Baker.

Vidal holds a law degree from Boston University School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Economics from Brown University. As an undergraduate, she spent a year studying international relations and economics at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

A native Spanish speaker, Vidal grew up in Cuba and has been living in the U.S. since she was 15 and in Western Mass. for the past six years.

“As a public defender and an immigrant, I am keenly aware of the transformative role education plays in a person’s life,” Vidal said. “Holyoke Community College is at the forefront of this movement, finding innovative ways to engage and improve the lives of residents in Holyoke and Western Massachusetts. I am very excited to become a part of this institution, and I’m looking forward to helping advance its mission.”

Before coming to New England for college, Vidal worked as an aide at the English Center in Miami, helping to teach classes in English as a second language and citizenship. She also spent summers during college in Miami working as an executive intern in the public defender’s office. As a law student at Boston University, she worked for Greater Boston Legal Services and as a legal intern with Masferrer & Associates, P.C.

“Ivonne’s background in law and fluency in Spanish will strengthen our already-talented board,” said Robert Gilbert, board of trustees chair. “Our goal is to foster an environment where students can succeed not only academically in college, but in their lives as well. New trustees bring fresh ideas that will help guide HCC into the future and strengthen our connections with community partners.”

Bulkley Richardson Welcomes Elizabeth Quick as Executive Director

SPRINGFIELD — Bulkley Richardson has named Elizabeth Quick its new executive director. In this position, she is responsible for overseeing all business operations including finance, human resources, information technology, business development/marketing, and facilities.

“We are pleased that Elizabeth will be joining us,” said Peter Barry, chairman of the firm’s executive committee. “She has directed many programs and business systems for law firms throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Washington, D.C. Based on her experience and her abilities, we are confident that she will be a major contributor to continuing the firm’s success.”

Quick said she is excited about her new opportunity. “I look forward to working with this talented group of professionals as we continue to serve Bulkley Richardson clients and the community. Continuous improvement of systems and management to foster the firm’s delivery of superior legal services is an important focus for me.”

An experienced operations professional, Quick’s career spans more than 25 years as a legal-industry administrator. She has developed and implemented new processes, along with coordinating all administrative functions required to ensure smooth day-to-day operations. She has a strong network of colleagues and vendors which has allowed her to streamline tasks to bolster productivity and performance.

Prior to joining Bulkley Richardson, she worked as a multi-location administrator for a law firm with offices in New York, Washington, D.C., and Connecticut. She was responsible for strategic planning, expansions and moves, human resources, budgeting, day-to-day operations, business lines of insurance, and cohesive interaction with the management group in benefits, finance, technology, recruiting, and marketing to forward the firm’s overall success and business operations.

Quick earned her bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, from Eastern Connecticut State University, and received her associate degree from Manchester Community College, and was honored with the David A. Greenberg Award for Academic Excellence and the Fred A. Ramey Jr. Award for Outstanding Business Student. She is a member of the Assoc. of Legal Administrators (ALA), and also a member of the Nutmeg and Capitol chapters of ALA.

Quick is based in Bulkley Richardson’s Springfield office. She succeeds Patrick Hourihan, who retired in September after 36 years of service to the firm.

City2City Pioneer Valley to Visit Local Collaborations on Oct. 30

SPRINGFIELD — The City2City initiative, formed in 2010 as a way to identify best practices in metro areas that can be applied to the Springfield metro region, will host a one-day trip around the Pioneer Valley on Monday, Oct. 30 to highlight new or ongoing collaborations.

Organizers will fill a Peter Pan coach, and stops include the Basketball Hall of Fame, where a major renovation is planned; the Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club, which has opened the Connecticut River to rowing and recreation; the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center in Holyoke; the Ludlow Mills project and renovation of Mill 10 into a residential community; and Union Station in Springfield.

As part of the program, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts will host TED-style talks on a number of collaborative local initiatives, including the Healing Racism Institute of Pioneer Valley, the Springfield Innovation District, Leadership Pioneer Valley, Valley Venture Mentors, and Partners for a Healthier Community/the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts.

The full program can be accessed online by clicking here.

There is limited seating on the trip, but space is currently available, and the cost is $75 to cover meals. Peter Pan Bus Lines has donated a coach to transport participants on the trip, being dubbed “One Day, One Region, One Experience,” as travelers will see and hear about successful collaborations up close.

City2City was created to connect leadership from the Pioneer Valley with other metro areas adopting successful strategies in a number of areas, originally with the assistance of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. Previous learning trips have been taken to Winston-Salem and Greensboro, N.C.; Grand Rapids, Mich.; New Haven, Conn.; Bethlehem and Allentown, Pa.; and Chattanooga, Tenn.

The trip to the Pioneer Valley was designed to take stock of current collaborations in economic development, technology, health and wellness, tourism, and innovation. The initiative is being hosted by the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and is co-chaired by Shayvonne Plummer of the Economic Development Office of the City of Springfield and Paul Robbins, principal of Paul Robbins Associates Strategic Communications.

Brightside Golf Classic Raises $110,000

SPRINGFIELD — About 150 golfers hit the links for the 37th annual Brightside Golf Classic on Oct. 16. The tournament, held at Springfield Country Club in West Springfield, raised $110,000 to help continue the work of Brightside for Families and Children as a nonprofit child-welfare and family-support organization for at-risk children, adolescents, and their families.

“Since its founding as an orphanage in 1881, Brightside has strived to meet the needs of the region’s most vulnerable children and adolescents. And while those needs have changed considerably over the years, Brightside has adapted by restructuring its programs and services in order to continue to provide assistance to children in need of behavioral healthcare,” said Mark Fulco, president of Mercy Medical Center and its affiliates.

The funds raised through this year’s Golf Classic will help support Brightside’s efforts to assist children, adolescents, and families in need through family outreach and stabilization, psychiatric and medication evaluation and management, special education, and therapeutic mentoring.

John Kendzierski, president of Professional Drywall Construction Inc., was presented with the 2017 James P. Corridan Memorial Award for his exemplary commitment to Brightside’s mission to serve and support children and families in need. The Corridan Award is presented each year in memory of James Corridan, who worked with community leaders to build awareness about the work done at Brightside and was instrumental in establishing and organizing the annual golf tournament.

Pilot Training Program Underway to Hone Manufacturing Skills

SPRINGFIELD — The Regional Employment Board of Hampden County, in partnership with Springfield Technical Community College and Training & Workforce Options, are piloting a Metrology & CNC Foundations training program.

This eight-week, 160-hour, advanced-manufacturing training program, which started on Sept. 25, is training 12 laid-off workers in manufacturing skills in quality control utilizing micrometers, calipers, and coordinate measurement machinery. In addition, trainees will receive training in blueprint reading, shop mathematics, ISO 9001 and AS9100 quality systems, and basic CNC setup and operations.

The goal of this program is to provide the trainees with manufacturing skills that are in high demand with manufacturing employers and to place them in into on-the-job training opportunities. Future programs will be based on employer response to this pilot training program.

Expo to Feature Seminar on Innovation in Continuous Improvement

SPRINGFIELD — The Business & Innovation Expo of Western Mass., the seventh annual business-to-business show produced by BusinessWest and the Healthcare News, slated for Thursday, Nov. 2 at the MassMutual Center, will feature a wide range of educational seminars and panel discussions.

For instance, what is continuous improvement? Three area experts on the subject will answer that question from their own unique perspectives starting at 2:15 p.m.

Chris Hutchins, continuous improvement expert at Cartamundi East Longmeadow, will discuss his company’s approach to continuous improvement over the past 15 years, and will outline the approach he would take if he were to start again today. He will touch on a few examples of the Lean/Six Sigma tools Cartamundi has employed, and what he wished he knew 15 years ago.

Peter Russo, director of Growth & Innovation at MassMEP, will talk about the new opportunities that exist for startup companies and established manufacturers to work together efficiently and effectively, and the processes that connect both groups on a personal, organizational, financial, and intellectual basis, ultimately contributing to growth in both.

In addition, Peter Reinhart, founding director of the Institute for Applied Life Sciences at UMass Amherst, will discuss new models for academic institutions to become more relevant to industry partners in several ways: as hubs for exploring new-product candidates, by providing access to cutting-edge equipment facilities and providing employee training; by interacting on new research and development project; and through early identification of potential employees.

Marcotte Ford to Break Ground on New Sales and Service Facility

HOLYOKE — Marcotte Ford Sales will break ground today, Oct. 20, on its new, $8 million facility located at 1025 Main St. in Holyoke. The event takes place from 11 a.m. to noon, with refreshments to follow.

The project will bring Marcotte Ford’s sales and service operations into an all-new, state-of-the-art building that will include Ford Motor Co.’s new Trustmark. Upon completion, the project will add 10 new job opportunities in Holyoke.

The 40,000-square-foot facility will showcase a brand-new showroom with indoor delivery areas, administrative and business development centers, as well as a customer waiting lounge. Marcotte Ford’s Rental Department will also grow. Additionally, the Service Department expansion will include a double-door drive-thru, air-conditioned shops, new equipment, as well as 24 bays and a dedicated inspection bay to better serve customers. The popular LugNutz Cafe will also have a dedicated space to enhance the overall experience.

When construction is completed, Marcotte’s full campus will showcase 48 bays at three locations on Main Street to serve the needs of retail and commercial customers as it has been doing for more than 55 years.

Happy Valley Half Marathon & 5K Slated for Oct. 22

FLORENCE — The second annual Happy Valley Half Marathon & 5K will take place at Look Park on Sunday, Oct. 22. This event is designed to combine a challenging course with beautiful foliage and great food. It was voted the third-best road race in the Valley Advocate Readers’ Poll in its first year. This year, the event has partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County, and a portion of the funds raised will support that organization.

The 5K and Half Marathon courses are both USATF-certified. Registration is $65 for the half-marathon and $30 for the 5K. The race fee includes a free beer and taco as part of the post-race party in Look Park.

“We created this race to add to the amazing running scene here in the Pioneer Valley. We want the Happy Valley Half Marathon & 5K to become a destination race that shows runners the beauty of Western Massachusetts in the fall,” said Grant Ritter, Western Mass. native, running coach, and creator of the Happy Valley Half Marathon & 5K. He has been running in the Pioneer Valley for more than 30 years.

“It all started on a run,” added Justin Killeen, owner of 50/50 Fitness and Nutrition in Hadley. “We were talking about how incredible the Valley truly is, and started to brainstorm ways that we could highlight and embody all of its unique qualities. At first, it was about the run and beauty, but then equally as important was the post-race experience and lasting impression.”

Jen Loebel, Big Brothers Big Sisters Development director, added that “we are thrilled to team up with Justin Killeen and Grant Ritter for the second annual Happy Valley Half Marathon & 5K. It’s fantastic to think that not only will we have a hand in presenting an award-winning race to the community we love and serve, but that funds raised from this partnership will support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County in our mission to match more children facing challenges with caring adult mentors. It’s a win-win situation for us and the youth we serve.”

The road race begins at 9 a.m., with post-race activities scheduled shortly after. The top male and female half-marathon finishers will receive a $250 cash prize and a free admission to the following year’s event. Second-place finishers will receive a $100 gift card, third-place finishers will receive a $50 gift card, and the top three finishers in each age group will receive gift cards, coupons, and discounts from local area sponsors. All half-marathon finishers will receive a medal at the finish line.

Single-family Home Sales in Pioneer Valley Down in September

SPRINGFIELD — Single-family home sales were down 5.9% in the Pioneer Valley in September compared to the same time last year, while the median price rose 9.5% to $219,000, according to the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley.

In Franklin County, sales were up 26.3%, while the median price rose 11.8% from a year earlier. In Hampden County, sales were down 8.5%, while the median price was up 7.2%. And in Hampshire County, sales fell 9.8% from September 2016, while the median price shot up 20.5%.

CNBC Commentator Ron Insana to Keynote Expo Lunch Event

The event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with check-in starting at 11:30 a.m. The cost is $25. To register, visit www.wmbexpo.com.

American Benefits Group Welcomes Brad Ramer

FLORENCE — American Benefits Group (ABG) recently welcomed Brad Ramer as vice president of Sales & Marketing. His responsibilities will encompass sales-team leadership, driving revenues through the acquisition of new clients, and contributing to the company’s marketing and business strategies.

Ramer boasts more than 20 years of business experience. For the past seven years, he occupied the role of area sales manager, Benefit Services for PrimePay, LLC in West Chester, Pa. While at PrimePay, he oversaw the sales department.

In his new position, Ramer will be responsible for overseeing sales and marketing at ABG and will strive to expand ABG’s client base, strengthening the company’s current broker relationships, along with developing new broker relationships.

Nicole Miner Joins Employee Benefits Team at Smith Brothers

EASTHAMPTON — Insurance broker Smith Brothers has added Nicole Miner as employee benefits account executive, based in the company’s Easthampton office. Her responsibilities include managing and selling employee-benefits products; administering and servicing group medical, Medicare, dental, life, disability, and voluntary benefits; providing annual market analysis and strategy for groups upon renewal; facilitating employee-education meetings; and client services including COBRA administration, enrollment changes, HR consulting, ACA, ERISA, and other compliance communications.

Previously, Miner was a benefits director and licensed agent with Dowd Financial Services. She earned her degree from UMass Amherst, and is also a certified paralegal. With a strong passion for animals and helping others, she is active with her local Animal Control Advisory Board, where she currently serves as chair and secretary.

Elms College to Host Panel Discussion on Healthcare Innovation

CHICOPEE — Elms College will host a panel discussion on healthcare innovation on Thursday, Nov. 9 at 5:30 p.m. in the Dooley College Center dining room annex.

The panel, “Driving Change in the Business of Healthcare,” is presented as a collaboration between the college’s MBA program, Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, and School of Nursing’s doctor of nursing practice program.

The panelists — entrepreneurs and innovators in the business, technology, and clinical sides of healthcare — will share stories of innovating, changing, disrupting, enhancing, advancing, and problem solving in medical and healthcare settings. They will talk about their own paths to innovation: what was easy, what was challenging, and what they would tell new entrepreneurs about getting started. In addition, they will discuss how to identify needs in the field and create solutions that meet those needs.

Panelists include entrepreneur Rick Crews, president of Medvest LLC, d/b/a AFC Urgent Care; healthcare innovator Grace LaValley, cardiovascular nurse at Baystate Health; technology entrepreneur Bryan Shnider, co-founder and CEO of TrueMedIT; and healthcare app designer Robert Horton, nurse manager at Baystate Health.

This event is free and open to all entrepreneurs, business leaders, and people who work in the healthcare field. Refreshments will be provided. Seating is limited, and registration is requested. To register, visit www.elms.edu/innovationpanel.

Mathew Geffin of Webber & Grinnell Earns CIC Designation

NORTHAMPTON — Mathew Geffin, vice president of Webber & Grinnell Insurance, earned his Certified Insurance Counselors (CIC) designation from the National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research.

The Society of Certified Insurance Counselors has been providing high-quality continuing education to insurance professionals since 1969. Because of its high standards, CIC has become the nation’s premier designation program for insurance professionals throughout the U.S.

“We are proud of Mat’s accomplishments,” said Bill Grinnell, president of Webber & Grinnell Insurance, “and his CIC designation is another example of our continued commitment of excellence to the clients and communities that we serve.”

Revitalize CDC #GreenNFit Rebuild Slated for Today in Holyoke

HOLYOKE — Revitalize CDC’s second annual #GreenNFit Neighborhood Rebuild is coming to the city of Holyoke today, Oct. 18. The goal is to rebuild 10 homes and one city park with 300 volunteers and dozens of sponsors, all in one day. Hundreds of volunteers will descend upon the Springdale Park area to rebuild homes on Meadow, Vernon, James, Papineau, and Temple streets and Springdale Avenue.

Volunteer registration check-in will be in the parking lot of the Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps, located at 15 Papineau St. Radio personality Joan Holliday from 93.9 FM (the River) will be broadcasting live from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Leon Nelson has been a resident of Holyoke for the past seven years and enjoys spending time with and helping his friends. He suffers from PTSD and spinal and shoulder injuries, but he was instrumental in spreading the word about the GreenNFit community block rebuild opportunity to his neighbors. Volunteers from PeoplesBank, Extremely Clean Construction, and Westover Job Corps will perform exterior painting; landscaping; repairs to the porch roof, lattice, and storm door; and handicap ramp staining.

The work on the 10 homes will focus on making them safe, healthy, and energy-efficient. Scope of work may include repair or replacement of leaking roofs; installation of new energy-efficient windows and doors, insulation, and water-saving fixtures; installation of age-in-place modifications such as grab bars; electrical upgrades; repair of steps; exterior low-VOC painting; mulch; and planting of shrubs, trees, and flowers.

HCC Ramps Up Center for Life Sciences, Campus Center Projects

HOLYOKE — As construction nears completion on Holyoke Community College’s new Culinary Arts and Hospitality center in downtown Holyoke, two major building projects on the college’s Homestead Avenue campus have just begun.

Construction has started on the new HCC Center for Life Sciences, which will occupy about 7,500 square feet on the first floor of the Marieb Building. The $4.5 million project, funded in part by a $3.8 million grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, involves the creation of two state-of-the-art labs dedicated to biotechnology, genetics, and microbiology, as well as lab-prep areas, storage, and classroom space.

A key feature of the Center for Life Sciences will be the addition of an instructional ‘clean room’ to train students to conduct experiments and research in sterile environments, the first of its kind in Western Mass. The Center for Life Sciences is expected to be open by summer 2018 and ready for the fall 2018 semester.

In addition, HCC is already seeking funding from a variety of public and private sources to expand the Center for Life Sciences to encompass the entire three-story Marieb Building. The new center would provide updated facilities for biology, zoology, botany, veterinary technology and animal science, anatomy and physiology, forensic science, environmental science, and sustainability studies. “We’ve been encouraged to think big,” said Bill Fogarty, vice president of Administration and Finance.

Meanwhile, next door, construction fences have been up around the perimeter of the Holyoke Community College Campus Center since before the start of the fall semester. Tannery Brook, the stream that runs along the east side of the building and flows through campus on its way to the Connecticut River, has been channeled underground through six-foot metal pipes and covered with tons of fill and dirt strong enough to support the heavy machines required to renovate the building during the two-year, $43.5 million project.

Demolition on the interior and exterior surfaces is under way. Work crews from Walsh Brothers Construction have been busy chipping, scraping, peeling, stripping, and hauling away tons of concrete and other material. Eventually, the building’s sloping surfaces will be squared off and the concrete façade covered with metal cladding to fix water leaks that have plagued the building since it opened in 1980.

“The main impetus is to get the building watertight,” Fogarty said, “but we also want to improve the operation of the building and bring together programs and departments that complement each other to make the Campus Center a real hub of student engagement.”

A descending exterior stairwell leading to the cafeteria entrance has been excavated, making space for what will eventually become an enclosed, two-story atrium off the HCC courtyard. In the front of the building, exterior walkways on the second floor will be enclosed, adding a total of about 9,000 square feet to the 58,727 square-foot building.

Eventually, Tannery Brook will be returned to its natural state, and the streambed planted with native vegetation.

When it’s all done, a dedicated visitors parking lot will direct prospective students and their families over a new bridge crossing the brook and leading to a first-floor Welcome Center, where they will find a new Admissions, Advising, and Testing suite. The second floor will feature updated and expanded dining facilities, a new Campus Store, lounge areas with charging stations, and a new Student Activities office. On the third flood, the Media Arts Center, home to HCC’s Electronic Media and Photography programs, is being updated with new ductwork, lighting, and ceilings. The Campus Center is expected to reopen for the fall 2019 semester.

Construction on the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute, on the corner of Race and Appleton streets, is expected to be completed next month.

Six-Point Creative Works Acquires Van Schouwen Associates

SPRINGFIELD — Massachusetts brand-strategy firm Six-Point Creative Works has acquired van Schouwen Associates, a Longmeadow-based marketing firm that specializes in business-to-business marketing. The acquisition, which took effect Oct. 2, was announced jointly by the two companies on Oct. 17.

The purchase is a step toward meeting Six-Point goals for strategic growth and diversification, said Six-Point President and CEO Meghan Lynch. “This is the first of several upcoming announcements, and it comes just a month shy of our company’s 10th anniversary.”

She added that “this has been a very positive and beneficial move for everyone involved. It’s been a pleasure over the last few weeks to meet and welcome so many growth-minded clients making the transition to Six-Point.”

Michelle van Schouwen, who founded van Schouwen Associates in 1985, will remain involved as a strategic marketing consultant during the transition. “I have a number of personal projects I would like to move on to, and I’m happy to have a path for those,” she said. “But I also have a roster of long-time, loyal clients whose businesses are important to me. I’m working closely with Six-Point to help them onboard both clients and staff and will continue to be available as needed.”

van Schouwen’s Longmeadow office has closed, she confirmed, and two key staff members have made the transition to Six-Point’s downtown Springfield office. Lynne Turner, who was with van Schouwen for 17 years, has joined Six-Point as Operations manager. Tyler Leahy will continue to serve as a client advocate and copywriter for former van Schouwen accounts.

“We’re excited to have Lynne and Tyler on board to provide additional expertise to our clients. They both exemplify our Six-Point values and bring even more depth to our already accomplished team,” said Lynch.

After 32 years in business, van Schouwen said, “this is a bittersweet moment for me, but it’s also a happy outcome. Six-Point is one of the region’s smartest and most successful agencies, and will be a very good fit for the companies van Schouwen Associates has been serving.”

Six-Point is owned by Lynch, Chief Creative Officer David Wicks, and Chief Marketing Officer Marsha Montori. The company’s current clients include Hyde Group, Farm Credit East, Hot Table, CHD, United Personnel, Detector Technology, Incom, Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, Springfield Public Forum, and Ingersoll Products of Ontario, Canada. The van Schouwen client roster has included manufacturing and industrial firms in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, Rhode Island, and California, many of whom serve global markets.

While the van Schouwen website and phone number continue to be active, the van Schouwen name will be phased out in favor of one unified brand, said Lynch. Six-Point offices are located at 9 Hampden St. in Springfield.

Laurie Flynn Named President and CEO at Link to Libraries

Education Sections

A New Chapter

Laurie Flynn says her new role with Link to Libraries enables her to make her passions — reading and children’s literature — her profession.

Laurie Flynn says it’s not often that one gets to make their passion their profession.

And it was the opportunity to do just that which prompted her to put aside a budding marketing business she co-founded a few years ago and become president and CEO of Link to Libraries (LTL), the decade-old nonprofit that, as the name suggests, puts books on the shelves of school libraries and other agencies and promotes childhood literacy on many levels.

“It just seemed like this serendipitous, perfect opportunity to bring together what I’ve learned professionally and my personal passion for children’s literature, and also for reading and writing,” said Flynn, who has made LTL only the latest example of making her passion her work.

Indeed, Flynn, who returned to college (Simmons College in Boston, to be more specific) in 2011 to earn a master’s degree in writing for children, has long been a children’s book reviewer for Kirkus Reviews, handling middle-grade and young-adult books across all genres. And for nearly two years, she was the Western Mass. regional coordinator for Reach Out and Read, a nonprofit that works to incorporate books into pediatric care and encourage families to read aloud together.

Desiring to take her work with literacy and children’s literature to a still-higher level, Flynn assumes many of the responsibilities carried out by Susan Jaye-Kaplan, co-founder of LTL, as it’s called, along with Janet Crimmons, in 2007. Jaye-Kaplan told BusinessWest she will remain quite active with the organization, as a board member, fund-raiser, and volunteer, among other roles, but acknowledged that, as LTL continues to grow, geographically and otherwise, it was time for the nonprofit to hire a paid, full-time president.

LTL’s warehouse at Rediker Software is crammed with books bound for area schools and nonprofits.

“This was a very necessary step to continue growing Link to Libraries and broadening its impact,” she said of the decision to hire a director. “We were at a crossroads, growth-wise, and this was the direction we needed to take.”

Flynn, who moved into LTL’s donated office space at Rediker Software in Hampden in late September, told BusinessWest that her first few months will be spent “learning the territory,” a phrase with multiple meanings.

First, there is the actual physical territory, meaning the dozens of schools and nonprofits across Western Mass. and Northern Conn. that LTL serves; she’s already visited several, and more trips are scheduled. There is also LTL’s operating structure, complete with a network of hundreds of volunteers handing assignments ranging from reading in the classroom to packing books bound for area schools.

And there’s still more to that word ‘territory,’ including everything from the art and science of selecting the books that will be distributed to soliciting new sponsors for LTL’s hugely successful Business Book Link program, which recruits businesses large and small to sponsor individual schools.

Actually, Flynn was already familiar with much of this territory through her work reviewing books, with Reach Out Read, and also work as an LTL volunteer. Indeed, she was, and would like to go on being, a volunteer reader at Homer Street School in Springfield.

But she acknowledges that she has much to learn, and is eager to get on with doing so.

For this issue and its focus on education, BusinessWest talked with Flynn about her new role and her decision to turn her passion for books and childhood literacy into her new business card.

Turning the Page

Flynn brings an intriguing résumé to her role with LTL, one that includes time working in both Parliament and the U.S. Capitol.

The former was a relatively short stint — an internship undertaken while she was enrolled at the London School of Economics in 1993. The latter was much more involved, covering the first half-dozen years of her professional career.

A Washington, D.C. native, Flynn started working as deputy press secretary for U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg (R-New Hampshire) in January 1995, and a year later became his press secretary, serving in that role until 1998, when she became communications manager in the office of the Secretary of the Senate.

In that role, and also as a staff assistant handling special projects and communications in the office of the Clerk of the House, she was heavily involved with press inquiries and other aspects of construction of the $621 million U.S. Capitol Visitor Center (CVC), a large underground addition to the Capitol complex that opened in 2008.

After relocating to Western Mass., she became an independent communications consultant, specializing in event planning and execution, product launches, and writing of documents related to corporate marketing and mission.

And after spending two years with Reach Out and Read, she co-founded Red Mantel Communications (her partner had a red mantel in her home, where the two would often brainstorm), which specialized in media and public relations, event planning, and other communications-related work.

“I was fortunate enough, since it was our own company, to focus on communications work I really wanted to do,” she explained. “Much of it had to do with nonprofits and with helping corporations focus their philanthropic giving as a way to generate good press for not only the business, but also the organization; we really tried to focus on local agencies when we could to help raise their visibility.”

Among her clients was Balise Motor Sales, which had already forged a unique relationship with Homer Street School — the late Mike Balise, a principal with the company, purchased winter coats for students there — and took it to a higher level by adopting the school through LTL’s Business Book Link program.

Flynn, who read to fourth-graders at Homer Street, said she was content in her work with Red Mantel, but when she heard that LTL was going to commence a search for its first full-time paid director, she became intrigued.

But first, she needed convincing that Jaye-Kaplan, the energetic face of the nonprofit, was really going to take at least a small step back in her role as leader of the agency.

“I couldn’t imagine her actually stepping away — I thought she would change her mind, which would have been fine,” Flynn said. “But she was firm — she was going to step back.”

The position attracted a number of applicants, most of them with backgrounds in education, nonprofit management, or both, and Flynn eventually prevailed in a search process that ended in early September.

Looking ahead, Flynn said her informal job description is to build on LTL’s solid foundation and advance its work to not only put books on library shelves and in students’ hands, but to encourage young people to read and impress upon them the importance of doing so to attain jobs and careers.

“I just have a deep love and appreciation for the importance of reading in kids’ lives,” she told BusinessWest, adding that the Business Book Link program is an important part of this mission.

And not simply because the businesses donate money to purchase books for the schools they’re sponsoring. A perhaps even bigger component is how those businesses become involved with the schools — by reading to students, but also funding field trips and other initiatives — and having their employees visit the classrooms and become role models of sorts.

“That community involvement, and getting representatives of the business world to come into the classroom and take the time to sit down with those kids … that’s just so important and so unique,” Flynn explained.

Overall, she said would like to see the organization broaden its work and its mission in some important ways, but without ever straying from its reason for being.

“I’d like to see Link to Libraries grow as a resource — a source of literacy information and a way to connect teachers with books,” she explained. “I’d love to see us expand that way and create a new niche, as a children’s literacy resource.”

Meanwhile, she would like to use books and reading as a way to help young people “find their own voice.”

“By sharing a love of reading and stories,” she told BusinessWest, maybe we can inspire kids to write their own.”

As she contemplates how to do that, Flynn said the region’s many noted children’s authors, including Jane Yolin, Holly Black, Richard Michelson, and others, could play a role in such work.

“These authors could become a resource for teachers and educators in our community, offering them new and interesting ways to approach reading to kids to make it interesting and relevant.”

Book Smart

As LTL celebrates 10 years of carrying out its unique mission, this is an appropriate time to pause and reflect, said Flynn, adding that the milestone, and her arrival as the first paid director, are turning points for the organization.

Together, they symbolize the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the agency. And while the specific plotline of this chapter isn’t known yet, the story is likely to be one of continued growth and deeper impact within the community.

As for Flynn, she is excited to be helping to script this chapter. That’s to be expected when your passion becomes your life’s work.

—George O’Brien

Varied Options, Repeat Business Drive Holiday-party Bookings

Holiday Party Planner Sections

Serving Up the Season

Banquet tables await guests at the Starting Gate at GreatHorse.

By any measure, the holiday-party business is stronger than it has been since a decade ago, before the recession. Buoyed by a generally strong economy, companies are willing to invest in late-in-the-year gatherings for their employees and, sometimes, their families. But it’s still a fiercely competitive environment for banquet facilities, who have become increasingly creative and flexible in their seasonal event offerings, aiming to provide a memorable experience and drive crucial repeat business year after year.

As he spoke with BusinessWest, Peter Rosskothen was getting ready to meet a client planning a holiday party.

The message he intended to share? Don’t do what you did last year — even if you loved it.

“My main focus for that meeting is to motivate them and excite them about relying on our brains and expertise to create something a little different from last year,” said Rosskothen, who owns the Log Cabin and the Delaney House in Holyoke. “It’s very easy for somebody who’s working very hard to say, ‘we had a great party last year; let’s do the same thing again.’ But I think that’s a negative.

“The smart thing in the event business is to create something a little different,” he went on, so your staff, workers, and associates get a different experience. I think it gets same old thing, the same old Christmas party, gets boring. The more change you can bring into it, the more people look forward to coming.”

Indeed, many area facilities take pride in being flexible enough to handle different styles of events.

“Companies are usually looking for something business casual, but we also have events where they want to go all out, have a seated dinner with filets, followed a cocktail hour and ending with a DJ for the younger members of the office,” said Alyssa Blumenthal, event manager at Bistro 63 in Amherst. “A lot of people know us as not only a bistro, but a pub, so we provide a seamless transition from formal events to lighthearted, business-casual affairs.”

With a stable economy and corporate profits on the rise, a national survey released at the end of 2016 showed that not only are more companies planning holiday parties this year, but many also expect to increase spending on those events.

SEE: List of Banquet Facilities

In its annual survey on holiday-party plans (the 2017 survey has not yet been released), global outplacement consultancy Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. found that 80% of companies planned to host holiday parties last year, while 21% were increasing the budget.

More than 66% of survey respondents said their companies were hiring caterers or event planners, up from 62% in 2015. In addition, 43% percent of companies were inviting employees’ spouses or family to attend, up from 31% in 2015.

Peter Rosskothen says he encourages repeat clients to change up their holiday parties from year to year.

“Company holiday parties are a great way for employers to thank workers for a successful year. For employees, it’s a great way to meet and interact with co-workers and managers who are not part of one’s daily routine. If you happen to be attending the holiday party of a spouse or friend, it could be a great opportunity to network,” said John Challenger, the consultancy’s CEO.”

Rosskothen said his business certainly reflected the national uptick last year, and 2017 is shaping up to be as least as strong.

“We’re actively in the holiday planning season right now, definitely entering the core part of the season,” he said. “When people are coming back from summer vacations, they’re really focused on business, but by the time we get to October, they’re starting to focus on holiday parties and so forth.”

’Tis the Season

For many, if not most, banquet facilities, the holiday season — which typically extends through January, thanks to a growing number of businesses that move their company gatherings to after Christmas and New Year’s Day — is key factor in the year-end bottom line.

“We do anything — baby showers, birthday parties, bridal showers, post-funeral receptions, corporate meetings, and holiday parties,” said Cathy Stephens, director of catering sales at the Starting Gate at GreatHorse in Hampden, noting that the facility is trying to ramp up its holiday-party schedule after a successful first season last year.

She said many holiday-party clients are leaning away from formal functions in favor of moving around and socializing amid food stations. “It’s not really a sit-down dinner, but more of a networking party.”

The Starting Gate will also host an elaborate buffet luncheon for multiple small groups on Dec. 12, reflecting a trend in the corporate party-planning world toward giving smaller companies a big-party experience for a budget price simply by combining groups into one event.

That will follow fall holiday events including a Halloween dance on Oct. 28 and a comedy night the Saturday after Thanksgiving, both aimed, again, at both the public and area companies looking to treat their employees.

The Log Cabin has hosted similar events in recent years, and this year is no exception.

“Each one is different; some are a little more elaborate, some a little less elaborate,” Rosskothen said. “Some people coming to a party really don’t want to dance, so we respond to that: ‘how about a comedy night, where you can socialize with co-workers and listen to comedy? How about a wine tasting, beer tasting, martini night?’ People find different things they can do.”

His team has been busy selling out most key dates on the calendar, both private and group events. “I think we do very well every year, and it will be that kind of year this year, too. Most of our key dates are sold out, and our group parties well on their way to selling out at this point. We’re optimistic we’ll have another good year — and happy about that, because there’s lots of competition in the market right now, so knowing people are loyal to us is a big deal to me.”

Blumenthal said Bistrol 63 is seeing a record level of event bookings, due in part to having a full-time event team for the first time in a long while. “That has definitely increased bookings. Someone is always here to answer questions.”

Flexibility is important to clients, she added, and companies tend to have a budget in mind. “The buffet option offers the most flexibility to customize the menu, especially for guests who don’t like choosing one dish.”

Bistro 63 emphasizes its unique custom-cocktail program, and, indeed many party guests look to unwind with a drink or two at holiday events. The Challenger survey revealed that 62% of holiday parties would include alcohol, up from the 54% in 2015. And that poses some risks.

“Serving alcohol can make for a more celebratory mood, but it also has pitfalls, especially for employees and their guests,” Challenger said. “Company parties are not necessarily a time to let loose.”

In the Party Spirit

TriNet, a national provider of human-resources services, surveyed employees at small and mid-size businesses late last year about how they felt about their company-sponsored holiday parties.

A majority (65%) of respondents said they planned to attend their office party, while 22% percent said they were not sure and 13% percent said they wouldn’t go. Meanwhile, 36% stated they are required or strongly encouraged to attend, while 48% considered it their choice.

Asked how they feel about the tradition of holiday parties, 37% said they were somewhat excited, while 28% said they were very excited. Only 5% of respondents showed no enthusiasm at all. However, despite the general enthusiasm, a large majority indicated they would trade a party for other perks. For instance, 73% would prefer a cash bonus, while 51% would favor office closure during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Given those options, only 20% would still prefer the holiday party.

Locally, both Stephens and Rosskothen said employees who have a good time at their holiday parties look forward to returning the following year, and their employers are willing to keep paying for the event.

“We’re getting repeat business from people who came last year,” Stephens said of spillover from the Starting Gate’s first holiday season in 2016. Others have experienced other events there, including weddings that incorporate the site’s sweeping vistas, and return for other events, like holiday parties, based on those good memories.

“The holiday business, specifically, is extremely loyal,” Rosskothen said. “It helps that we do things that smaller companies can join if they don’t want to be alone in a smll room, that we create something cool and different. We have created events with all kinds of variety, and companies can pick. Hopefully there’s something for everyone out there.”

The holiday-party business may not have returned quite to pre-recession levels — a trend that holds true nationally as well — but it’s close, he added.

“It’s definitely come back a long way. We see a lot of people trying to do something during the holiday, to tell employees they’re appreciated and bring the team together.”

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Bistro 63 Creates Unique Experiences for Partygoers

Holiday Party Planner Sections

Mixing It Up

Alyssa Blumenthal says many clients make use of Bistro 63’s outdoor deck.

Located at the edge of the UMass Amherst campus and central to the other Five Colleges institutions, Bistro 63 has done a brisk business in events for those schools, from department holiday gatherings to retirement parties to student events.

It’s an ideal space for the wildly divergent tastes of college students, faculty, and staff, said Event Manager Alyssa Blumenthal, because it easily transforms from a banquet space to a nightclub — often during the same event.

That makes for a memorable experience, she added, which often brings those undergrads back a little later in life.

“Many students come back to us later on,” Blumenthal said. “Five years after graduating, people are getting married, and we see them again when they choose to do a rehearsal dinner with us, when they want a nightclub-style party after dinner. We’re a venue that can provide any atmosphere you can imagine for a private gathering.”

Current owners Rasif and R.J. Rafiq bought Bistro 63 — the restaurant attached to the popular Monkey Bar at 63 North Pleasant St. in Amherst — from its original owner, who opened it in 1999. The brothers both worked there for more than a decade before taking over the business, learning every aspect of the operation. Today, the space hosts parties of all types — holiday events, corporate dinners, cocktail parties, rehearsal dinners, reunions, and more — ranging from small gatherings to large events up to 240 people. A large room can be divided into smaller spaces, including a covered deck outside. A 131-inch projection screen is available as well.

“We also love music,” Blumenthal said, referring to both live bands and DJs that frequently perform. “Atmosphere is important to us, and it really permeates every part of the restaurant.”

She noted that Bistro 63 has become a popular event site not just for UMass and the colleges, but area law offices, financial-services businesses, and a variety of others. Business tends to pick up starting in October, not only with the approaching holidays, but because it tends to be a hot season for convention business — and those events tend to spur further bookings. In fact, two weekends ago, Blumenthal welcomed three separate gatherings all booked by companies who attended a Bistro 63 event during last year’s International Conference on Soils, Sediments, Water and Energy at UMass.

“We’re really lucky to have some great, loyal customers,” she told BusinessWest. “At the end of the day, we love creating memorable experiences for guests with a personalized touch.”

Drinking It In

Nowhere is that personalization more evident than in the facility’s cocktail program.

“This is a Prohibition-style bar, known as a speakeasy, that sort of illicit atmosphere,” she said. “Our translation is using modern techniques on classic cocktails, putting our own personalized spin them. I’m not a cocktail drinker, but I will drink every cocktail on the menu; they’re not too sweet, but perfectly balanced. We make all our syrups in-house, squeeze all the citrus fresh to order.”

With that kind of reputation to uphold, the bartenders have a demanding job, she added. “But it shows in the quality drinks they produce. We have more than 250 craft and specialty spirits we can use, and the owners give the bartenders free rein to use our stock at their delight.”

Bistro 63’s location at the foot of the UMass campus makes it a popular spot for party bookings by students and faculty.

While Rasif Rafiq focuses on food and events, R.J., who studied under master mixologists, specializes on the drink side and trains the bartenders.

“The interviews are intense,” Blumenthal said. “He’s the most stern you’ll ever see him. He’ll laugh and be casual with us because we know him. But during the bartender-training process, there’s no smile. He wants to make sure they’re at the top of their game. And it shows — guests know they’ve had an experience above par, something they’ve never had before. He’s a great mixologist who has trained the bar staff to be the same way.”

In addition to a rotating list of custom cocktails, Bistro 63 has been known to create unique concoctions for specific events. “For one event, probably my favorite bride of all time had this idea: she wanted to describe her fiancé, and wanted him to describe her, and she wanted us to make drinks based on those descriptions. It was like a lab test to see how well they knew each other.”

That sort of customization tends to spur repeat business, she added. Even the UMass soil convention requested a custom cocktail, which included elder flower liquour, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and vodka. “They’re having another one this year, and they want the same cocktail, but they want an additional cocktail as well. In five years, we’ll be running a fully customized bar for this group.”

It all stems from the philosophy that no two events are the same, and each should spring from a unique vision, she went on. “We try to bring it to life with those extra touches they weren’t expecting. It makes it more memorable in the end.”

As for the food, clients may choose from a number of appetizers, salads, entrees, and desserts, creating a custom package for their event. Those options — which may include anything from wild saku sesame tuna to rack of lamb ‘lollipops’ to truffle mushroom risotto — change throughout the year, not only for variety but to focus on seasonal ingredients.

“We definitely want people come back,” Blumenthal said. “At the end of the day, the customer is boss, and you want them to come every day if they could. We order from a lot of local producers and work with a lot of farms in Hadley. Why wouldn’t you? We have some of the best farms in the world, so we put those local eggs, local potatoes, and local meat on the menu.”

Keep Calm and Party On

Party planning, Blumenthal said frankly, can be difficult, and it’s easy to forget details like that guest who requires gluten-free options. So she aims to create a stress-free experience.

“If we can make a plan without you having to think about it too much, we’re more likely to book you,” she said. “We think ahead all the time; we have gluten-free and dairy-free food on all the menus.

“For every inquiry, we try to go the extra step, make your life easier, and make the planning process more straightforward and streamlined,” she went on. “We get repeat events because people like that personalization and like that we give them a plan straight off the bat. When they come back next year, we say, ‘this is the event order from last year; these are the updated menu items; do you want to keep the menu the same or try some new items?’ We don’t have people asking questions — we’re already anticipating their needs.”

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Mass General Cancer Center Continues Process of Evolution

Health Care Sections

The Best of Both Worlds

Dr. Lindsey Rockwell, left, says the Mass General Cancer Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital offers patients and their families the best of both worlds.

Opened almost two years ago, the Mass General Cancer Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital is a stunning example of collaboration in motion, if you will. The center brings a host of services together under one roof, but it also brings the vast resources of Mass General to CDH and the people it serves. The collaboration that created and designed the center is rock solid, but it also continues to evolve and add new layers to a unique partnership.

Dr. Lindsey Rockwell calls it “the gift that keeps on giving.”

As she spoke those words, she acknowledged that they form a somewhat old, well-worn cliché used, to one degree of effectiveness or another, in a wide array of forums.

But when it comes to the Mass General Cancer Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, it works, said Rockwell, a medical oncologist and hermatologist now affiliated with the center.

She told BusinessWest that when the center was conceptualized several years ago, it was envisioned as a facility where a host of specialists and services would come together under one roof, bringing higher levels of convenience and lower levels of stress to both patients and their families.

It was also blueprinted to become a truly unique asset for the region, one that would essentially make the vast resources of Massachusetts General Hospital and its oncologists available to individuals in this region — often without them having to travel to Boston.

And the center has become all of that and much more, said Rockwell as she talked about the facility nearly two years after it officially opened its doors. This is what she meant by that ‘gift that keeps on giving’ comment, before elaborating and reshaping her thoughts.

“Part of the beauty of this relationship is the idea of creating a new paradigm in oncology care where the patient can have their care in their backyard, with a world-renowned academic and research hospital at their fingertips when and if they need it,” she said. “And as a community oncologist, I believe this allows the patient to have the best of both worlds.

“They can have the intimacy and ease of a community hospital,” she went on. “And they can have access to the experts that are writing the data and doing the research in the field of their disease. They can get that here and not have to drive to Boston every week.”

Dr. Lindsey Rockwell

As she talked about the $5 million, 16,400-square-foot facility center and its first few years of operation, Rockwell came back repeatedly to that subject of stress — an all-important matters wen it comes to diagnosing and treating cancer — and how those at the center work collaboratively and effectively to reduce it.

“The patient doesn’t have to go see ‘A,’ ‘B,’ and ‘C’ — ‘A,’ ‘B,’ and ‘C’ come to the patient,” she went on. “And I think part of what that allows is for less stress. If the patient has a new cancer diagnosis, which obviously a terribly stressful time for them … by creating a system that works toward them, the intention is to alleviate the stress, their stress, and organize around them.”

For this issue and its focus on cancer care, BusinessWest talked at length with Rockwell about the center, the collaboration that created it and continues to fuel it, and this system designed to work for the patient.

Center of Attention

Rockwell said the seeds for the cancer center were planted perhaps as early as 2009, when a dialogue was generated with specialists at Mass General about what such a facility could and should look like — and how it would operate.

She called these the “courting stages.”

“Our go-to consultations to experts became our colleagues at Mass General,” she explained. “I think they had us on their radar for consideration for a satellite facility, and we had them on our radar for a replacement for Dartmouth Hitchcock (the former parent company for Cooley Dickinson Hospital).

“The oncology program was really the pilot program to establish a rapport with our colleagues in Boston,” she went on. “And it went really well.”

Elaborating, she said those both side of this pilot program developed a very fluid process of discussing patients, getting patients to Boston if they needed to be seen in Boston, and opening up a fast-track discussion of appropriate clinical trials.

“That groundwork was set over several years, and it led to the formal dialogue that created the actual affiliation,” she explained, adding that all this what not what she would call a natural process, but rather a “natural evolution” of a relationship or collaboration.

“It was like … ‘OK, we like you, and you like us, this is working — let’s do it,” she told BusinessWest. “‘And let’s broaden it and deepen it, and make it more specific, and define it — and agree to agree and create a relationship.”

And this process of evolution has continued, meaning it certainly didn’t end when the cancer center opened its doors in the fall of 2015, she said.

As an example, she cited a growing platform of videoconferences staged at the center and involving colleagues at Mass General. There are now three of them; one is a weekly breast cancer conference, another is focused on multiple myloma and takes place roughly every other month with the goal of eventually becoming monthly, and the third is a broader tumor conference staged monthly.

These conferences provide unique opportunities for both the oncologists based at Cooley Dickinson and their patients, Rockwell explained.

“It’s an informal way of getting a second opinion with more complicated cases, she said, adding that this is just one of many ways of bringing everything that Mass General offers to patients in this region, and just one example of ongoing evolution.

Radiation therapists treat a patient in the Mass General Cancer Center at Cooley Dockinson Hospital.

As for the center itself, Rockwell said its creation, specific design elements, and roster of services was, in itself, an exercise in collaboration.

“We met regularly — every month as the go-live time got closer — and discussed things as a group,” she explained. “That means everything from operations — where should the exam rooms go? And the infusion suite? Where is the waiting room? What is the flow process, from a patient coming in the door to the exam room to the infusion suite? Needless to say, that was an extraordinary amount of collaboration, and our colleagues were an intimate part of those decisions.

“And what’s interesting is that, while they were an intimate part of those decisions, they want us as a community hospital to have our own voice and have our own autonomy,” she went on. “And this is a big part of why I think this works — knowing that we have them in our back pocket if we want advice or counseling on a certain issue.”

Beyond access to the resources at Mass General, convenience is at the heart of the center’s creation and design, said Rockwell, adding that cancer care is now centralized at the facility.

“They have their labs done in one place, see their oncologist at that same place, and also have their scans done and their chemotherapy at the same place,” she explained, adding that radiation is one flight below the cancer center, and a new, multi-disciplinary breast clinic now in the planning stages will just one hallway away.

And this brings her back again to that broad mission of alleviating stress — for patients, obviously, but also for physicians as well, because of the ‘one roof’ nature of this facility and the manner in which it improves communication between members of a patients’ team.

“All the doctors are talking to each other in real time,” she explained. “That alleviates a lot of stress on the physicians, because having each other right there cuts back on phone calls and not being able to reach people; we get to sit down and have the conversations, and come to an agreement on the patient’s plan as a team.”

Coming Together

As she talked about life before the center was created and contrasted it with operations now, Rockwell said that before, things were ‘separate’ — a word she eventually preferred over ‘fragmented,’ although she used them both —and now they are integrated.

And the change is significant for all parties involved — specialists delivering care, their patients, and the patients’ families — because integrated translates directly into “more patient centered,” she explained, which is the quality that those who orchestrated this collaboration and the cancer center itself had in mind when they did so.

“Because we’re all under one roof, the plan for the patient’s care is driven by the patient, the diagnosis, and the team taking care of them.”

This is what she meant by the center being a gift that keeps on giving — a development will continue, just as the center and the collaboration behind it continue to evolve.

George O’Brien can be reached at [email protected]

Building Permits

Building Permits Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of September 2017.

AGAWAM

Luigi Chiarell
371 South Westfield St.
$75,000 — Construct self-storage building

Frank DeCaro, Joseph DeCaro
1226 Springfield St.
$15,000 — Demolish fire-damaged building

Fisher Scientific Co.
325 Bowles Road
$702,843 — Roofing

AMHERST

Amherst Office Park, LLC
417 West St.
$3,550 — Relocate fire sprinkler heads for new tenant layout

Amherst Pelham School District
21 Mattoon St.
$10,000 — Build two mansard garages

The Common School Inc.
521 South Pleasant St.
$1,500 — Install handicap ramp

Peace Development Fund
44 North Prospect St.
$27,167 — Install solar panels on roof

EAST LONGMEADOW

Countryside Store
334 Somers Road
$3,000 — Roofing

Mattress Firm
32-48 Center Square
$30,000 — Commercial alteration

HADLEY

Chamisa Corp.
31 Campus Plaza, Suite B
$33,600 — Reconfigure interior partitions, plumbing, HVAC, ductwork, modify hallway and entrance to accessible restroom

LONGMEADOW

Longmeadow Mall, LP
793 Williams St.
$10,000 — Alteration to restroom and interior finish renovations

LUDLOW

Ludlow Fish & Game
857 Sportsmens Road
$5,400 — Soffit repairs

NORTHAMPTON

ES Realty Corp.
34 Bridge St.
$6,000 — Illuminated wall sign

Robert Gougeon
36 Main St.
$650 — Illuminated wall sign for Dodson & Flinker

Robert Gougeon
36 Main St.
$195 — Non-illuminated wall sign for Dodson & Flinker

PALMER

Pathfinder Regional Vocational School
240 Sykes St.
$35,489 — Install new acoustical ceiling and fire blocking in machine shop

Stephen Stathis
1313 Park St.
$5,000 — New sign

Town of Palmer
4105 Main St.
$27,000 — Cut through non-bearing block wall at Palmer High School to install steel jamb, fire doors

SPRINGFIELD

Astro Chemicals
126 Memorial Dr.
$23,010 — Construct additional concrete tank support pedestal in exterior containment area and construct additional concrete tank support pedestal in interior containment area with two additional containment walls for the new tank

Baystate Health
3300 Main St.
$250,000 — Interior renovation of Café 3300 space at Tolosky Center

Baystate Health
3350 Main St.
$257,394 — Renovate CT scan room for new machine

Baystate Health
3400 Main St.
$12,000 — Interior demolition of finishes and partitions

Baystate Health
3601 Main St.
$195,712 — Renovate shell space into office space

Fontaine Brothers
506 Cottage St.
$80,000 — Alteration of leased area and construction of handicapped-accessible exterior ramp

MassDevelopment
1550 Main St.
$232,627 — Tenant fit-out

Springfield Water & Sewer Commission
71 Colton St.
$104,000 — Roofing

WEST SPRINGFIELD

CH Realty VII/CG Mact Bird, LLC
518 Memorial Ave.
$95,000 — Construct addition to existing car wash to enclose pre-wash and cashier area

Heritage Ventures
1702 Riverdale St.
$20,000 — Remove and replace shingles

Richard Korris
152-170 Elm St.
$87,875 — Roofing

William Matte
842 Main St.
$7,000 — Place pre-made storage shed on premises of Main Auto Sales

Nouria Energy Corp.
2667 Westfield St.
$34,995 — Roofing

Town of West Springfield
26 Central St.
$62,000 — Install new rooftop unit to service third-floor detectives bureau

Verizon Wireless
380 Union St.
$15,000 — Replace antenna panels and remote radio heads on existing smokestack

WILBRAHAM

Wilbraham Animal Hospital
2424 Boston Road
$6,000 — New sign

The Kids Dentist
1984 Boston Road
$1,800 — Replace three existing signs

Real Estate Transactions

Departments Real Estate

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

ASHFIELD

1379 West Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: 78 Acres T
Seller: Deborah G. Thomas
Date: 09/15/17

BERNARDSTON

61 Deane Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $130,380
Buyer: Bank Of America
Seller: Robert Ehalt
Date: 09/12/17

467 Huckle Hill Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: William C. Glabach
Seller: Walsh, Timothy J., (Estate)
Date: 09/13/17

30 Keets Brook Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Jonathan Peterson
Seller: Jane C. Chase
Date: 09/12/17

COLRAIN

10 Main Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Kathryn A. Bosyk
Seller: Donelson INT
Date: 09/13/17

CONWAY

377 Bardwells Ferry Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $435,050
Buyer: Hanna B. Sherman RET
Seller: Pixie J. Holbrook
Date: 09/15/17

68 Hamilton Dr.
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: David B. Whittier
Seller: Drew E. Powers
Date: 09/13/17

DEERFIELD

247 Greenfield Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: GM Real Estate LLC
Seller: Helene W. Petrovic
Date: 09/15/17

149 Long Plain Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Michael R. Morawski
Seller: Andrea Morawski
Date: 09/15/17

151 River Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $257,000
Buyer: Mark W. Puchalski
Seller: Ian W. Walls
Date: 09/13/17

19 Stage Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $242,000
Buyer: Mark T. Predmore
Seller: James W. Laughner
Date: 09/14/17

42 Thayer St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $192,000
Buyer: Jeffery B. Johnson
Seller: Elizabeth N. Clarke
Date: 09/15/17

ERVING

68 Mountain Road
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Robert L. McNamee
Seller: Louise E. Golosh
Date: 09/14/17

GREENFIELD

44 Forest Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $196,500
Buyer: Tyronne E. Henderson
Seller: David M. Gaboury
Date: 09/12/17

51 Ferrante Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $237,750
Buyer: Adam D. Gleason
Seller: Linda A. Lewandowski
Date: 09/07/17

36 Meadow Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Joshua A. Zera
Seller: Troy Santerre
Date: 09/15/17

8 Plantation Circle
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $219,900
Buyer: Lori L. Caples
Seller: Jamie B. Spofford
Date: 09/15/17

27 Pond St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: James A. Allen
Seller: Carolyn J. Heiden
Date: 09/15/17

HEATH

29 Judd Road
Heath, MA 01346
Amount: $208,000
Buyer: F. R. O’Donnell
Seller: Martha R. McDonough
Date: 09/15/17

MONTAGUE

312 Montague City Road
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $151,000
Buyer: Lilith G. Wolinsky
Seller: Janelle E. Rivers
Date: 09/15/17

5 Park St.
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $161,900
Buyer: Jessica Pivero
Seller: Scott M. Kuzmeskus
Date: 09/05/17

NEW SALEM

39 North Main St.
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Susan Ressler
Seller: David J. Larue
Date: 09/11/17

NORTHFIELD

519 Warwick Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Brandon Snow
Seller: Jennifer D. Williams
Date: 09/08/17

ORANGE

180 Athol Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $159,000
Buyer: Stephen P. Johnson
Seller: Betty E. Kimball
Date: 09/15/17

10 Fountain St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $123,500
Buyer: Justin D. Nelson
Seller: Steven E. Adam
Date: 09/14/17

42 Hamilton Ave.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: Christopher C. Girouard
Seller: Jeanne M. Shelton
Date: 09/15/17

SHELBURNE

271 Old Greenfield Road
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $537,000
Buyer: David Freitas
Seller: Gordon M. Glier
Date: 09/07/17

SUNDERLAND

260 North Main St.
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $252,500
Buyer: Madeline R. Nussbaum
Seller: Travis J. Lamothe
Date: 09/15/17

50 South Main St.
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Mitchell J. Kuc
Seller: Joy H. Parsons
Date: 09/13/17

WHATELY

91 Westbrook Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $458,200
Buyer: Jeffrey Waskiewicz
Seller: Peter Ells
Date: 09/08/17

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

18 Blacksmith Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Antoine Elias
Seller: Ronald C. Goulet
Date: 09/07/17

16 Conners Cove
Agawam, MA 01001
Date: 09/15/17
Amount: $424,900
Buyer: Seth Paulo
Seller: Kenneth P. Douthwright
Date: 09/15/17

56 Cooper St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Charlee D. Gebeau
Seller: Mary E. Pietroniro
Date: 09/15/17

71 Country Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $311,000
Buyer: Rashaine A. Johnson
Seller: Gerald M. Landry
Date: 09/14/17

26 Dartmouth St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $122,000
Buyer: Brahman Holdings LLC
Seller: Josephine Taylor
Date: 09/05/17

86 Forest Hill Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $284,000
Buyer: Dominic Costanzi
Seller: Jessica L. Paulo

29 Harvey Johnson Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Sean Demartino
Seller: Daniel C. Watson
Date: 09/14/17

707-709 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: James Acerra
Seller: Main-School Realty LLC
Date: 09/13/17

Maple View Lane #4B
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $1,113,500
Buyer: Elias Family LP
Seller: T. Russo Construction Corp.
Date: 09/12/17

Maple View Lane #4C
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $1,113,500
Buyer: Elias Family LP
Seller: T. Russo Construction Corp.
Date: 09/12/17

Maple View Lane #4D
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $1,113,500
Buyer: Elias Family LP
Seller: T. Russo Construction Corp.
Date: 09/12/17

Maple View Lane #4E
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $1,113,500
Buyer: Elias Family LP
Seller: T. Russo Construction Corp.
Date: 09/12/17

Maple View Lane #4F
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $1,113,500
Buyer: Elias Family LP
Seller: T. Russo Construction Corp.
Date: 09/12/17

418 Meadow St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $127,479
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Andrew S. Finnie
Date: 09/07/17

129 Meadowbrook Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $251,000
Buyer: William S. Duggan
Seller: Donna J. Gregory
Date: 09/12/17

46 Old Mill Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Sudhirkumar V. Patel
Seller: Rebecca Scibelli
Date: 09/07/17

50 Partridge Lane
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $198,500
Buyer: Charles M. Chalmers
Seller: Ann T. Ledger
Date: 09/08/17

46 Rosie Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Vasiliv Ivanov
Seller: PNC Bank
Date: 09/12/17

87 Strawberry Hill Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Rexhep Nuhiu
Seller: Nicholas Annino
Date: 09/15/17

BLANDFORD

12 Julius Hall Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $269,000
Buyer: Robert S. Decoteau
Seller: Wayne Roberts
Date: 09/06/17

BRIMFIELD

4 3rd St.
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: Vito L. Novembrino
Seller: Richard C. Nicoli
Date: 09/11/17

54 Crestwood Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Hope
Seller: Roger Woods
Date: 09/12/17

38 Tower Hill Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Elizabeth Murak
Seller: Elizabeth H. Gouin
Date: 09/15/17

CHESTER

10 Hampden St.
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Matthew Drenen
Seller: Thomas O’Brien
Date: 09/08/17

CHICOPEE

127 Acrebrook Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Monica Rosskothen
Seller: Jennifer M. Pete
Date: 09/15/17

169 Casey Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $214,900
Buyer: Martin J. Iwasinski
Seller: Matthew E. Carroll
Date: 09/15/17

127 Champagne Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $147,000
Buyer: Tanya T. Kokoszyn
Seller: Linda F. Sarnelli
Date: 09/15/17

960 Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Victor Lizardo
Seller: USA HUD
Date: 09/13/17

225 College St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $127,678
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Brenda J. Gallant
Date: 09/07/17

18 Devlin Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $272,900
Buyer: Laurie Berry
Seller: Timothy J. Dorman
Date: 09/15/17

211 Fairview Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Amer Aljashaam
Seller: Roxanne L. Finn
Date: 09/15/17

782 Front St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Horace E. Robinson
Seller: Harry E. Knights
Date: 09/07/17

95 Gill St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: A. Rodriguez-Monsalve
Seller: Lorraine A. Kerr
Date: 09/13/17

156 Goodhue Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $219,900
Buyer: John M. Pollard
Seller: Kimberly A. Rodrigo
Date: 09/12/17

19 Grace St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Scott R. Freniere
Seller: James A. Moreau
Date: 09/15/17

924 Granby Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: John A. Marchand
Seller: Jill E. Krystofik
Date: 09/07/17

29 Hampshire St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Matthew W. Beaudette
Seller: Keem LLC
Date: 09/15/17

64 Kendall St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Abbas Altamimi
Seller: Linda J. Masek
Date: 09/05/17

71 Laramee St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $165,500
Buyer: Saul A. Caban-Bonilla
Seller: DGL Properties LLC
Date: 09/13/17

29 Marion St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $137,950
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Martha M. Ford
Date: 09/11/17

377 Montgomery St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $970,000
Buyer: Z. A. Durrani LLC
Seller: W. Anthony Hojnoski
Date: 09/13/17

439 Prospect St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $164,900
Buyer: Lanell C. Johnson
Seller: Eric J. Ulitsch
Date: 09/13/17

19 Rose St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $207,500
Buyer: DJD Real Estate LLC
Seller: Timothy M. Foley
Date: 09/13/17

EAST LONGMEADOW

31 Greenwich Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $249,000
Buyer: Anthony C. Racco
Seller: Todd Hope
Date: 09/07/17

95 Maple St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $239,000
Buyer: Rebecca D. Hutchins
Seller: Michelle A. Murray
Date: 09/08/17

36 Markham Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $422,000
Buyer: Dominic E. Dinoia
Seller: Geraldine Kasulinous
Date: 09/15/17

210 Prospect St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $507,500
Buyer: Danielle E. Damour
Seller: James A. Stewart
Date: 09/08/17

351 Somers Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: David E. Florence
Seller: Cynthia M. Drenthe
Date: 09/15/17

554 Somers Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Ryan Provencher
Seller: Robert Paulides
Date: 09/14/17

32 South Meadow Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $408,000
Buyer: Ryan M. Geisler
Seller: John C. Stuckenbruck
Date: 09/08/17

9 Westminster St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Kevin P. Kusey
Seller: Richard Paige
Date: 09/06/17

34 Windsor Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $439,500
Buyer: Jeffrey J. Drake
Seller: Steven R. Wesley
Date: 09/08/17

GRANVILLE

119 South Lane
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $256,000
Buyer: Karen E. Ross
Seller: Peter Strniste
Date: 09/14/17

HAMPDEN

96 Chapin Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: P. K. Bagley-Bacigalupo
Seller: Kenneth H. Hultstrom
Date: 09/14/17

23 Valleyview Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $218,000
Buyer: N. B. Florian-Theriaque
Seller: Jonathan P. Kielbania
Date: 09/13/17

HOLLAND

15 Lakeridge Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Nielson
Seller: Annette G. Kelehan
Date: 09/15/17

5 Linder Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: Joshua R. Guerraz
Seller: Steven J. Grimaldi
Date: 09/14/17

46 Wales Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $366,992
Buyer: Michael R. Scanlon
Seller: Nicholas B. Lafauci
Date: 09/08/17

HOLYOKE

211 Bemis Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Jill L. McCormick
Seller: Alissa A. Fontaine
Date: 09/08/17

29 Brookline Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Ann Hill
Seller: Amber T. Vail
Date: 09/15/17

39-41 Calumet Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: William T. Lyle
Seller: William T. Lyle
Date: 09/06/17

12 Corser St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $383,400
Buyer: Tnop Inc.
Seller: 1866 Northampton St. Inc.
Date: 09/12/17

14 Corser St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $383,400
Buyer: Tnop Inc.
Seller: 1866 Northampton S.t Inc.
Date: 09/12/17

23 Dale St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $182,500
Buyer: Melanie D. Demetriou
Seller: Cynthia A. Jackson
Date: 09/15/17

72 Elmore St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $136,556
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Kimberly A. Fontaine
Date: 09/08/17

334 Homestead Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: Madeline Rodriguez
Seller: Gray, Dorothy H., (Estate)
Date: 09/08/17

32-34 Magnolia Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $173,500
Buyer: Virginia Ocampo
Seller: Susan M. Storozuk
Date: 09/15/17

175 Michigan Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $227,500
Buyer: Matthew Lyman
Seller: Heather E. Midura
Date: 09/15/17

27 Morgan St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Brian D. Murphy
Seller: Keith M. Holbrook
Date: 09/05/17

180 Mountain View Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $234,950
Buyer: Chad Fontaine
Seller: Sean M. Pelletier
Date: 09/11/17

1238 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Amy B. Carrier
Seller: EDC Real Estate LLC
Date: 09/08/17

1850 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $1,166,600
Buyer: PeoplesBank
Seller: 1866 Northampton St. Inc.
Date: 09/12/17

1864-1866 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $1,166,600
Buyer: Peoplesbank
Seller: 1866 Northampton St. Inc.
Date: 09/12/17

51 Portland St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $202,000
Buyer: Lindsay A. Pasdera
Seller: Elaine F. Vega
Date: 09/15/17

15 Shepard Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $266,000
Buyer: Pathlight Inc.
Seller: Jon D. Lumbra
Date: 09/06/17

167 Sky View Terrace
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Jacqueline P. Fraser
Seller: Daniel J. Desnoyers
Date: 09/14/17

12 Valley Heights
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Linda M. Devine
Seller: Michael W. Zaremba
Date: 09/14/17

42 West Glen St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Abraham J. Pabon-Serrano
Seller: Don H. Oyer
Date: 09/11/17

LONGMEADOW

625 Converse St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $303,000
Buyer: Mark Papirio
Seller: Ira A. Pollack
Date: 09/08/17

34 Cooley Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Steven L. Groccia
Seller: Greg A. Desrosiers
Date: 09/05/17

177 Cooley Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Rakesh Talati
Seller: William J. Mitchell
Date: 09/12/17

734 Longmeadow St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $470,200
Buyer: Longmeadow Historic Preservation
Seller: JP Morgan Chase Bank
Date: 09/07/17

756 Shaker Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $272,900
Buyer: Geoffrey M. Long
Seller: Thomas A. Lepper
Date: 09/15/17

24 Wendover Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $542,500
Buyer: Daniel R. Schwarting
Seller: Elizabeth L. Tetreault
Date: 09/06/17

52 Whitmun Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Bryant E. Ostrander
Seller: Jonathan M. Retchin
Date: 09/15/17

108 Yarmouth St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $232,500
Buyer: Yana Powers
Seller: Ernest R. Zavalunov
Date: 09/06/17

LUDLOW

92 Cady St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Joshua W. Banas
Seller: Joan W. Lewis
Date: 09/15/17

791 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $207,000
Buyer: Julie Dicesare
Seller: Maura C. Archuleta
Date: 09/15/17

73 Eden St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Sean M. Burns
Seller: Joan Nunziato
Date: 09/05/17

Gaudreau Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $256,000
Buyer: Jill E. Krystofik
Seller: Lisa F. King
Date: 09/07/17

238 Holyoke St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $219,900
Buyer: Virgina L. Kielbania
Seller: Joseph L. Hart
Date: 09/13/17

81 Lawton St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $267,379
Buyer: Luke Palatino
Seller: Gilbert & Son Insulation
Date: 09/05/17

278 Poole St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Noel A. Laguerre
Seller: Jason R. Pease
Date: 09/15/17

537 Poole St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Elizabeth H. Gouin
Seller: John P. Gaviglio
Date: 09/15/17

23 Shawinigan Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $159,900
Buyer: Yaser Sierra
Seller: Noel A. Laguerre
Date: 09/15/17

MONSON

1 Brookside Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Edward K. Smith
Seller: Donald H. Jones
Date: 09/11/17

39 Crest Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Jonathan R. Bucior
Seller: Jereth M. Hodge
Date: 09/08/17

127 Moulton Hill Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Elaine H. Anderson
Seller: Meffen, Robert P., (Estate)
Date: 09/15/17

51 Stafford Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $198,378
Buyer: Jake T. Janas
Seller: Monson-Glendale United
Date: 09/05/17

PALMER

234 Breckenridge St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Benjamin S. Gravel
Seller: Maple Ledge Associates
Date: 09/15/17

12 George St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Meagan C. Perrier
Seller: Wayne M. Smith
Date: 09/05/17

3013-3015 Hill St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $163,000
Buyer: Bret M. Pisarski
Seller: Fred P. Gralinski
Date: 09/12/17

3099 Pine St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $124,000
Buyer: Jake B. Demarey
Seller: Harry C. Pegg
Date: 09/08/17

16 Stewart Court
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $119,800
Buyer: Joshua M. Dupuis
Seller: FNMA
Date: 09/11/17

3 Walters Way
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $298,000
Buyer: James A. Moreau
Seller: Kimberley K. McLoskey
Date: 09/15/17

372 Ware St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: John M. Griggs
Seller: Tanya A. Saylor
Date: 09/14/17

SOUTHWICK

179 Berkshire Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Teddy J. Cieplinsky
Date: 09/12/17

175 College Hwy.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $159,900
Buyer: Thomas A. Montagna
Seller: Keenan, Michael P., (Estate)
Date: 09/15/17

5 Echo Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $149,000
Buyer: Walter R. Tucker
Seller: Jon E. Lafreniere
Date: 09/14/17

147 Fred Jackson Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Keith Walker
Seller: Kevin M. Solek
Date: 09/08/17

26 Laro Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $388,000
Buyer: Joseph R. Searles
Seller: Paula Lapolice
Date: 09/06/17

4 Miller Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Nikolay T. Nedeoglo
Seller: Marc A. Hanks
Date: 09/12/17

342 North Loomis St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Paula Lapolice
Seller: Paul R. Breveleri
Date: 09/11/17

37 Pineywood Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $226,000
Buyer: Brian L. Hersey
Seller: Joseph Searles
Date: 09/06/17

SPRINGFIELD

22 Amanda St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $126,400
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Christopher M. McCrae
Date: 09/12/17

114 Andrew St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $124,000
Buyer: Teresa Mateo
Seller: Pioneer Housing LLC
Date: 09/12/17

1289 Bay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $232,000
Buyer: Jean W. Cesar
Seller: Grahams Construction Co.
Date: 09/15/17

726 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $223,900
Buyer: Airbel Real Estate LLC
Seller: Hampden Realty LLC
Date: 09/06/17

788 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $202,000
Buyer: Airbel Real Estate LLC
Seller: Yellowbrick Property LLC
Date: 09/05/17

165 Belvidere St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $151,009
Buyer: JP Morgan Chase Bank
Seller: Stanley Cross
Date: 09/05/17

1010 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Carmen M. Berrios
Seller: Nicholas A. Crespo
Date: 09/11/17

620 Bradley Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: DJD Real Estate LLC
Seller: Timothy M. Foley
Date: 09/13/17

1330 Bradley Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Luis F. Gomez
Seller: Elizabeth Belle-Isle
Date: 09/15/17

90 Canterbury Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $159,600
Buyer: Ashley A. Dutton
Seller: Richard G. Bangs
Date: 09/08/17

1459 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $184,000
Buyer: Gloria Velez
Seller: David R. Bellucci
Date: 09/15/17

98 Carr St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $228,000
Buyer: Jorge L. Serrano
Seller: Robert D. Baldwin
Date: 09/08/17

73 Castle St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Thelma L. Thomas
Seller: Arthur G. Knodler
Date: 09/11/17

24 Cindy Circle
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $181,500
Buyer: Paul Ouimette
Seller: Deborah M. Moran
Date: 09/15/17

61 Crystal Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Errol G. Green
Seller: Michael Zheng
Date: 09/15/17

121 Dartmouth Terrace
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $263,000
Buyer: Louis A. Love
Seller: Greg Welch
Date: 09/08/17

111 Dayton St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Leroy Dixon
Seller: Brendan P. Cronin
Date: 09/08/17

17 Doyle Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Ali Alzubaidi
Seller: Janice M. Klaus
Date: 09/14/17

92 Ellendale Circle
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $243,000
Buyer: Sonia N. Fields
Seller: Choo Duk-Heiskala
Date: 09/15/17

17 Ellsworth Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $124,500
Buyer: FHLM
Seller: Andrew J. Pac
Date: 09/12/17

34 Eloise St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $124,000
Buyer: HSBC Bank
Seller: Tarra M. Saccamando
Date: 09/06/17

55 Fenway Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $134,000
Buyer: Country Development Corp.
Seller: Joan E. Butler
Date: 09/12/17

35 Flower St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Shamieka Stewart
Seller: Migual A. Rodrigez
Date: 09/14/17

56-60 Fort Pleasant Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $925,000
Buyer: 56-60 Fort Pleasant LLC
Seller: Youngs Realty Management
Date: 09/15/17

141 Freeman Terrace
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Betzaida Diaz
Seller: Jose Matos
Date: 09/15/17

64 Glencoe St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $123,124
Buyer: Bayview Loan Servicing
Seller: Luis Cintron
Date: 09/14/17

74 Glenham St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $164,900
Buyer: Eugene L. Pretlow
Seller: US Bank
Date: 09/15/17

44-46 Gordon St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $153,000
Buyer: Melanie Pham
Seller: Norman W. Green
Date: 09/15/17

41 Grand St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Antony Massop
Seller: Leon Hutt
Date: 09/15/17

14 Horne St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $272,000
Buyer: Raymond Aguirre
Seller: East Coast Contracting
Date: 09/05/17

11 Isabel St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Leidy T. Ferreira
Seller: Raymond R. Duval
Date: 09/15/17

31-33 James St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Glenroy Henry
Seller: Share Point LLC
Date: 09/06/17

26 Macomber Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $170,600
Buyer: Barbara Bauer
Seller: Heather M. Friedrich
Date: 09/08/17

99 Merrimac Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $126,000
Buyer: Yolanda L. Arroyo
Seller: Lori A. Randall
Date: 09/06/17

66 Oak Ridge St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $219,000
Buyer: Tam Le
Seller: Carlos A. Maio
Date: 09/15/17

27-29 Oakwood Terrace
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: Victor M. Lopez-Garcia
Seller: Onota Rental LLC
Date: 09/12/17

105 Old Brook Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Richard A. Stennett
Seller: FNMA
Date: 09/15/17

28 Osgood St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $124,000
Buyer: Omar Guzman
Seller: Sheila V. Rivera
Date: 09/06/17

1434 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Angel L. Guzman
Seller: James T. McInerney
Date: 09/15/17

1801 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Boondock Enterprises LLC
Seller: Javal Inc.
Date: 09/05/17

1357 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $187,500
Buyer: Henry Mercado
Seller: Sherry A. Marchessault
Date: 09/13/17

25 Riverview Terrace
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $228,000
Buyer: Charles Mutigwe
Seller: Kerri Saucier
Date: 09/11/17

22 Roosevelt Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Ryan Kennedy
Seller: Ziohomz & Properties LLC
Date: 09/08/17

10-12 San Miguel St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Samuel V. Verges
Seller: Antoni M. Bryda
Date: 09/11/17

54 Slater Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: James E. Stewart
Seller: Buchanan, Joseph N, (Estate)
Date: 09/05/17

165 Stapleton Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Eddie Sierra
Seller: Joy M. Grandfield
Date: 09/14/17

87 Wakefield St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $129,000
Buyer: Allen T. Collins
Seller: Nicholas M. Falardeau
Date: 09/07/17

112 West Canton Circle
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $124,900
Buyer: Brian A. Johnson
Seller: Thomas E. Pitts
Date: 09/08/17

75 Wrenwood St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $122,564
Buyer: Damian Cieszkowski
Seller: HSBC Bank
Date: 09/08/17

TOLLAND

302 Fox Den Road
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: George P. Damico
Seller: Juan N. Rodriguez
Date: 09/15/17

92 Porcupine Point Road
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $585,000
Buyer: 210 Woodcliff Road RT
Seller: Theodore F. Babbitt
Date: 09/08/17

WALES

28 Ainsworth Hill Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Brian Farnham
Seller: Michael Milanese
Date: 09/13/17

161 Stafford Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $173,750
Buyer: Ronald Besaw
Seller: Elizabeth M. Besaw
Date: 09/13/17

WEST SPRINGFIELD

159 Albert St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $250,555
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Christopher J. Lozinski
Date: 09/07/17

6 Druids Lane
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $239,900
Buyer: Miguel A. Santana
Seller: Celeste D. Piccin
Date: 09/15/17

40 Elmdale St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $179,000
Buyer: Kash Reddy LLC
Seller: White Birch Garden Apartments
Date: 09/15/17

367 Lancaster Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Matthew D. Lane
Seller: Gallo, Paul, (Estate)
Date: 09/15/17

250 Poplar Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $232,000
Buyer: Shannon Cavanaugh
Seller: Rebecca J. Willson
Date: 09/14/17

673 Rogers Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $276,000
Buyer: Robert A. Spiegler
Seller: Rosemary Hannoush-Helou
Date: 09/12/17

29 Webster Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $176,000
Buyer: Bret Biram
Seller: Robin R. Sheldon
Date: 09/08/17

WESTFIELD

48 Berkshire Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Richard Holve
Seller: Michael Hebda
Date: 09/06/17

4 College Park Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $279,900
Buyer: Christopher F. Newby
Seller: Maria C. Letasz
Date: 09/15/17

8 Frederick St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Noah L. Goldstein
Seller: John F. Hyland
Date: 09/07/17

72 Glenwood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Christopher J. Krutka
Seller: William J. Carrigan
Date: 09/13/17

4 Greenwood St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Brian F. Dellatore
Seller: Diamond Investment Group
Date: 09/08/17

77 Heggie Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $127,100
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Jessica A. Maynard
Date: 09/13/17

37 Highland View St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $118,900
Buyer: Pennymac Loan Services
Seller: Evelyn Serrano
Date: 09/06/17

7 Hillary Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $387,000
Buyer: Scott M. Gray
Seller: Ronald J. Stevenson
Date: 09/08/17

44 Jefferson St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: JP&SP Realty LLC
Seller: Ronald D. Kaddy
Date: 09/15/17

37 Northridge Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Jason M. Wheeler
Seller: Teresa A. Lathrop
Date: 09/08/17

18 Old Holyoke Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Matthew E. Bittlingmeier
Seller: Jason M. Wheeler
Date: 09/08/17

23 Pearl St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Krista D. Chechile
Seller: Jessica L. Crandall
Date: 09/15/17

220 Prospect St., Ext
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $287,000
Buyer: Arion M. Slingerland
Seller: Brian T. Cleland
Date: 09/06/17

81 Roosevelt Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: Kamlyn Allman
Seller: Robert G. Gordon
Date: 09/15/17

15 Skipper Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $228,500
Buyer: Michael Hebda
Seller: Michael C. Chechile
Date: 09/06/17

16 Sherman St., Ext
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: David J. Zagula
Seller: George R. Fleury
Date: 09/15/17

62 South Meadow Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $209,659
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Christine A. Koske
Date: 09/12/17

710 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: MRC Enterprises LLC
Seller: Sandra L. Boyd
Date: 09/05/17

47 Steiger Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $197,000
Buyer: Carrie M. Baker
Seller: James E. Angell
Date: 09/15/17

128 Susan Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $242,000
Buyer: Andrey Saykin
Seller: Melissa A. Fenton
Date: 09/12/17

31 Susan Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $262,000
Buyer: Nathaniel Towse
Seller: Bethann McCoy
Date: 09/14/17

35 Turnpike Industrial Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $5,100,000
Buyer: G&I 9 Cadence LLC
Seller: Canam Po LP
Date: 09/05/17

68 Valley View Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Christopher J. Burke
Seller: Aileen M. Weaver
Date: 09/08/17

120 West Silver St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Maria C. Letasz
Seller: Elizabeth A. Butcher
Date: 09/15/17

292 West Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $279,900
Buyer: Henry M. Bisbee
Seller: Joseph F. Hebda
Date: 09/11/17

25 Woodland Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Roger W. Fleury Jr RET
Seller: Tallage Adams LLC
Date: 09/15/17

WILBRAHAM

5 Branch Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Tatiana Eskandarinejad
Seller: Bruce R. Bergeron
Date: 09/08/17

194 Crane Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $371,500
Buyer: Kelly D. Hayes
Seller: Ruth A. Giroux
Date: 09/07/17

2 Greenwood Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Donna J. Gregory
Seller: Rena M. Mathews
Date: 09/11/17

4 Maplewood Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $289,000
Buyer: Joseph A. Cordi
Seller: Thomas J. Doyle
Date: 09/15/17

10 Poplar Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Mark Pafumi
Seller: FNMA
Date: 09/06/17

8 Sherwin Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $419,900
Buyer: Anthony M. Caratozzolo
Seller: AC Homebuilding LLC
Date: 09/06/17

10 Sherwin Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $139,900
Buyer: Michael Dyer
Seller: Sherwin Road RT
Date: 09/06/17

60 Washington Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Erik Vanderleeden
Seller: Schaefer, Sophia, (Estate)
Date: 09/15/17

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

24 Aubinwood Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Cora Fernandez-Anderson
Seller: ARJ 15 T. B
Date: 09/05/17

9 Carriage Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $307,500
Buyer: Kristine Afrikyan
Seller: Timothy C. Thompson
Date: 09/15/17

792 East Pleasant St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $347,500
Buyer: Geoffrey C. Dawe
Seller: Carol Lynch
Date: 09/14/17

144 Glendale Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: MTGLQ Investors LP
Seller: Bilal M. Ghandour
Date: 09/12/17

36 Hartman Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Qiye Sun
Seller: Cassandra L. Kosloski
Date: 09/05/17

337 Meadow St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Mark Power
Seller: Robert E. Devine
Date: 09/15/17

157 Mill Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $228,000
Buyer: Amherst College
Seller: Robert T. Sweeney
Date: 09/11/17

226 Pine St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $222,500
Buyer: Julia N. Khan
Seller: Burlin Barr
Date: 09/08/17

70 Stony Hill Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $259,000
Buyer: Carla R. Savetsky
Seller: Omar S. Dahi
Date: 09/05/17

135 Summer St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Ian Walls
Seller: Verrill, Elizabeth H., (Estate)
Date: 09/13/17

40 Van Meter Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $294,900
Buyer: Danielle Raad
Seller: Ian Boyd
Date: 09/08/17

BELCHERTOWN

62 Clark St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $238,500
Buyer: Elis Feingold-Jackendoff
Seller: Shauna M. Roper
Date: 09/08/17

110 Daniel Shays Hwy.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Amanda R. Kavanagh
Seller: US Bank
Date: 09/05/17

6 Forest Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $270,500
Buyer: Jennifer A. Miller
Seller: Matthew R. Streeter
Date: 09/07/17

10 Sabin St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: George I. McDaniel
Seller: Patricia M. Lafore
Date: 09/15/17

690 South Washington St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $389,450
Buyer: Keith Lussier
Seller: Whisperwood LLC
Date: 09/06/17

CHESTERFIELD

67 Stage Road
Chesterfield, MA 01026
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Eric W. Liimatainen
Seller: Bisbee, Alice C., (Estate)
Date: 09/13/17

EASTHAMPTON

198 East St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Shawn T. Forest-Ussach
Seller: Robert G. Redfern
Date: 09/08/17

7 Franklin St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $249,900
Buyer: Harold J. Weeks
Seller: Revampit LLC
Date: 09/12/17

57 Highland Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Terri L. Garvey
Seller: Kimberly A. Potasky
Date: 09/05/17

63 Highland Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $316,000
Buyer: Kathleen Etzel
Seller: Kevin C. Netto
Date: 09/08/17

4-6 Mill St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $282,500
Buyer: Joshua H. Cornehlsen
Seller: Jessica S. Gifford
Date: 09/14/17

55 Northampton St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $329,900
Buyer: Michael Hempstead
Seller: Jennifer M. Dragon
Date: 09/08/17

18 Oliver St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Theodore D. Towne
Seller: No Place Like Home Properties
Date: 09/08/17

8 Robin Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $312,400
Buyer: Marilyn G. Mooers
Seller: Colby E. Quinn
Date: 09/06/17

4 Torrey St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $349,500
Buyer: Corey K. Lalime
Seller: Jeffrey R. Hildreth
Date: 09/05/17

45 Westview Terrace
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Kate M. Hancock
Seller: Virginia F. Raymond RET
Date: 09/06/17

8 Williams St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Allison T. Butler
Seller: Nancy A. Scott
Date: 09/13/17

3 Willow Circle
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Matthew P. Boruchowski
Seller: Timothy M. Davis
Date: 09/12/17

GRANBY

18 Darrel Ave.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $249,900
Buyer: Mark Hansel
Seller: Jason Balut
Date: 09/05/17

19 Jennifer Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $337,000
Buyer: Onur Onder
Seller: Todd Blais
Date: 09/07/17

107 Maximilian Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Brian C. Carillon
Seller: Frank L. Bradfield
Date: 09/11/17

34 North St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Steven W. King
Seller: Brian C. Carillon
Date: 09/07/17

55 North St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: Henry J. Wielgosz
Seller: Patrick E. Kappenman
Date: 09/11/17

HADLEY

7 Meadowbrook Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Devin R. Tomlinson
Seller: Moakler FT
Date: 09/08/17

204 River Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Donald C. Sadler
Seller: Mitchell J. Kuc
Date: 09/13/17

70 Russell St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Goldman Sachs Mortgage Co.
Seller: R. Susan Woods
Date: 09/07/17

HATFIELD

23 Bridge St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Robert A. Liebenow
Seller: Frank L. Liebenow
Date: 09/05/17

118 Elm St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Catherine M. Moriarty
Seller: Eric W. Liimatainen
Date: 09/13/17

48 Main St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Peter P. Grandonico
Seller: Harold F. Green
Date: 09/15/17

HUNTINGTON

4 Searle Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Joseph T. Wichowski
Seller: William A. Shover
Date: 09/08/17

MIDDLEFIELD

1 Skyline Trail
Middlefield, MA 01011
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Sean G. Duma
Seller: Robyn T. Stimpson
Date: 09/12/17

NORTHAMPTON

259 Acrebrook Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $254,000
Buyer: Holly A. Sweeney
Seller: Anthony L. Bombard
Date: 09/15/17

80 Damon Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $126,000
Buyer: Benjamin Dion
Seller: John A. Marchand
Date: 09/07/17

189 Drury Lane
Northampton, MA 01027
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: William H. Marotto
Seller: Crescione LT
Date: 09/13/17

18 Fairview Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $402,000
Buyer: Anna Lusardi
Seller: Susan E. Stebbins
Date: 09/08/17

9 Federal St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $259,000
Buyer: Amy E. Martyn
Seller: Cecilia G. Martyn RET
Date: 09/12/17

90 Franklin St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $580,000
Buyer: Katharine Gartner
Seller: Stephen S. Daniell
Date: 09/11/17

31 Graves Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $408,000
Buyer: L. G&M B. Williams LT
Seller: Esther G. Gendel
Date: 09/13/17

160 Nonotuck St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $264,100
Buyer: Richard C. Weis
Seller: Charles K. Barcomb
Date: 09/08/17

123 Williams St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Valley Building Co. Inc.
Seller: William J. Blizniak
Date: 09/14/17

SOUTH HADLEY

614 Amherst Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Henry Bristol
Seller: Murphy, Karen R., (Estate)
Date: 09/07/17

295 East St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Henry Komosa
Seller: Bank New York Mellon
Date: 09/08/17

52 Lyman St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $131,200
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Arthur L. Stoltz
Date: 09/12/17

446-448 Newton St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: 446-448 Newton St. Realty
Seller: Kay G. Lerner
Date: 09/14/17

3 Sunset Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $255,900
Buyer: Timothy J. Dorman
Seller: Deborah L. Phoenix
Date: 09/15/17

13 Susan Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Berengere Cusin
Seller: Christine P. Jaspersohn
Date: 09/08/17

SOUTHAMPTON

56 Cottage Ave.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Christopher T. Amidon
Seller: Monahan, Thomas M., (Estate)
Date: 09/08/17

WARE

2 Lagoon Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $243,000
Buyer: Charles E. Howard
Seller: Edward T. Hudson
Date: 09/15/17

62 Old Gilbertville Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: Benjamin M. St.George
Seller: Marie A. Rathemacher-Reo
Date: 09/14/17

76 Old Poor Farm Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Roger L. Dugas
Seller: Troy Booth
Date: 09/13/17

292 Osborne Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $259,900
Buyer: Sharyn C. Trott
Seller: Rabschnuk FT
Date: 09/08/17

2 Susan Dr.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: John F. Slattery
Seller: Joel Harder
Date: 09/14/17

238 West St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Danny T. Harper
Seller: Robert E. Varney
Date: 09/08/17

WILLIAMSBURG

91 Main St.
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $356,000
Buyer: Susan E. Stebbins
Seller: Kathleen B. Etzel
Date: 09/08/17

Bankruptcies

Bankruptcies Departments

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

Albaladejo, Francisco
24 Ednsons Court
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/14/17

Badillo, Omaira
235 Walnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/15/17

Bedell, Amy Bertha
a/k/a Kolick, Amy Bertha
a/k/a Phelps, Amy Bertha
a/k/a Bedell, Amy Bertha
16 Myrtle St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/14/17

Big Daddy’s Homemade Ice Cream
Smith, David J.
100 Brandon Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/06/17

Boardman, Sanford
a/k/a Boardman, Sandy
6 James St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/08/17

Boudreau, James F.
16 Victoria Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/14/17

Boyd, Edward W.
52 Emmett St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/13/17

Bridges, Lynne B.
115 Berkshire Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/08/17

Brown, James W.
151 Gilbert Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/06/17

Broxton, Lynette R.
5 West Laramee Green
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/13/17

Calderwood, Letitia
239 Main St., Apt 1
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/08/17

Carattini, Melissa M.
17 Lakeshore Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/31/17

Ethier-Allen, Carol Ann
164 Highland Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/10/17

Ewing, Steven Michael
5 Mark St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/31/17

Farrell, Jeannine L.
a/k/a Farrell, Nina L.
66 Cronin Hill Rd
Hatfield, MA 01038
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/31/17

Finish Line Auto
Marier, Francis
678 Britton St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/08/17

Haire, Emily Anne
5 Berard Circle
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/14/17

Hait, Christian T.
19 Ballard St., Apt. 1
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/08/17

Johnson, Todd F.
Johnson, Julie
a/k/a Stedman, Julie
1401 Longmeadow St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/12/17

Josefek, Andrea Kathryn
64 Munsing Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/01/17

Lamon, Robert C.
40 Riley Switch Road
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/04/17

Laprade, Meaghan Ashley
158 Old Sunderland Road
Montague, MA 01351
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/01/17

Lowell, Jennifer L.
15 Central St.
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/12/17

Maldonado, Bartolo
a/k/a Oliveras, Bartolo Maldonado
Maldonado, Gladys Odette
142 Brittany Manor Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/08/17

Martone, Sheila M.
222 Stebbins St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/06/17

Montgomery, Darren R.
569 Westfield St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/12/17

Murphy, Lawrence W.
Murphy, Doreen
620 North Westfield St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/06/17

Nadeau, Philip W.
4 Manola St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/15/17

O’Lari, Sarah Madeline
a/k/a O’Lari-Woods, Sarah Madeline
a/k/a O’Lari-Muniz, Sarah Madeline
47 Congress St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/06/17

Payen, Evarice
247 Allen Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/10/17

Photography by Corinna
Cole, Corinna S.
a/k/a Spinale, Corinna
50 Normandy Road
Lynn, MA 01902
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/15/17

Riley, Jessica L.
34 Amherst Ave.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/01/17

Rough-Lewinski, Jennifer
81 Lamb St.
South Hadley, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/31/17

Schnopp, Glenn P.
15 Water St., Apt. B
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/31/17

Sepulveda, Maria D.
PO Box 60562
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/31/17

Tatro, Phyllis A.
183 Winton St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/10/17

Van Buren, Lisa M.
325 Walnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/15/17

Vasquez, Louis A.
14 High St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/12/17

White, Karen Marie
163 Saint James Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/06/17

Doing Business as Certificates

DBA Certificates Departments

The following business certificates and trade names were issued or renewed during the month of September 2017.

AMHERST

Fernando Molina IT Consulting
240 West St.
Fernando Molina

Mary Moore Design
534 Main St.
Home and Homme, LLC

CHICOPEE

CL Construction
11 Falcon Circle
Chet Lokey

D & D Masonry
524 Chicopee St.
Marc Murphy, Jordan Healy, Roger Roberge

Dowco
83 Wheatland Ave.
Stephanie Dow

NextGen Farm
963 Burnett Road
Damion Campbell

PNG Home Improvement
20 Sterling St.
Pavel Gavrilyuk

Pooch Caboose, LLC
114 Wellington Ave.
Ann-Marie Malloy

DEERFIELD

Old Deerfield Antiques
663 Greenfield Road
Brian Rider

EAST LONGMEADOW

Christine Robinson
511 North Main St.
Christine Robinson

JL Communications
67 Nottingham Dr.
Janet Lupacchino

Silverson Machines Inc.
355 Chestnut St.
Harold Rothman

Standen Financial Services
296 North Main St., Suite 12
Patti Standen

Vittoria Lombardi
511 North Main St.
Vittoria Lombardi

GREENFIELD

AutoZone #3247
430 Federal St.
AutoZone Northeast, LLC

Barts Ice Cream Co.
80 School St.
Thomas Schmidt

China Gourmet
78 Mohawk Trail
Chi & Chi Restaurant Inc.

Chinese Body Work
91 Main St.
Feng Ling Wang

New England Educational Partners
66 Meadow Wood Dr.
Martha Seretta

HADLEY

B & B HVAC
91 North Maple St.
Steven Beauregard

Burning Heart South
191 Russell St., A-C
Burning Heart, LLC

HOLYOKE

Dam Café
37-39 Myrtle Ave.
Michael McMahon III, Celeste Long

Hawks at Mt. Tom
320 Easthampton Road
Linda Henderson

Jhanvi, LLC
161-165 Suffolk St.
Mitaben Patel

O’Brien’s Auto
40 Anderson Hill
Edward O’Brien Jr.

T. McGarry Home Improvement
963 Hampden St., Apt. 1
Thomas McGarry

Rescom Property Improvement
60 West Glen St.
Raquel Soto

LONGMEADOW

Anne Most, LICSW
123 Dwight Road
Anne Most

Edward D. Jones & Co., LP
175 Dwight Road
Stephanie Griffin

On Point Property Solutions
145 Porter Lake Dr.
Katie Toomy

LUDLOW

Gary Guertin Excavating
437 Holyoke St.
Gary Guertin

Mackenzie and Sons
125 Wilno Ave.
Brandon Mackenzie

Nutritional Services Consulting
54 Owens Way
Lynn Moylan

NORTHAMPTON

45 and Single
73 Barrett St., #6192
Juan Diaz

Berkshire Natural, LLC
100 Emerson Way
David Starr

Hampshire Dermatology and Skin Health Center
39A Carlon Dr.
Katherine White, M.D.

Hampshire House Publishing Co.
8 Nonotuck St.
O. Stan Freeman

Movement Voter Project
37 Kensington Ave.
William Wimsatt

Penny Lane
141 Main St.
Ronny Hazel

Picture Public Health
26 Market St.
CommunicateHealth Inc.

RAPS Real Estate
79 Masonic St.
Joseph Curran, Dan Berger

SH Construction and Hardscapes
230 Bridge St.
Steven Gosselin

VIP Nail Spa
104B Damon Road
Tommy Nguyen

SOUTHWICK

A.J. Precision Inc.
13 Industrial Road
Wade Austin

Bob Solek Masonry
183 Granville Road
Bob Solek

First Choice Nurse Staffing Services, LLC
32 George Loomis Road
Mark Beaulieu

Spotlight Trade Show Displays
9B Whalley Way
Diane DeMarco

SPRINGFIELD

Bentley’s Café
1142 Berkshire St.
Keno White II

Cam’s Snack Bar
36 Court St.
Cameron Walker

Capital Income Tax
1655 Main St.
Nathilda Ramirez

City Soul Market
700 State St.
Ruth Elizabeth

Josiah’s Landscaping
30 Harvard St.
Omar Santiago

Junny’s Transporter
37 Balis St.
Candido Borges

K and K Distribution, LLC
494 Central St.
Mohammad Tanvir

Longonot Transportation
49 Bissell Ave.
Isaac Teresia

Love of Ladies
181 Chestnut St.
Taurean Walden

Marriott Hotel Service Inc.
2 Boland Way
Bill Hess

Shooting Star Dance Center
1196 Parker St.
Carol Boardway-Chapin

Torres Multi Services
217A Berkshire Ave.
Beury Torres

Trevor Wholesales
823 Armory St.
Trevor Dufault

Weemans Custom Vinyl
98 Whittier St.
Johnny Vidal

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Designs for Everyday Living
215 Ely Ave.
Nicole Towsley

Distinctive Works
31 Lowell St.
Real Mercier

Edwin’s Quality Services
18 Kings Highway
Edwin Colon

The Loft Salon Studio
2301 Westfield St.
Ann Marie Walts

Nick Tokman
46 Bonnie Brae Dr.
Nicholas Tokman

Panera Bread
935 Riverdale St.
PR Restaurants, LLC

Roche Realty & Associates
425 Union St.
Cassie Roche

Venetian Bakery
90 Baldwin St.
Mark Maniscalchi

Willow Services
29 Glenview Dr.
Michelle Litchfield

WILBRAHAM

Realistic Solutions MR
7 Fairview Road
Mary Berard

Incorporations

Departments Incorporations

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

CHICOPEE

Ela Deli Inc., 226 Exchange St., Chicopee, MA 01013. Elzbieta Magda, 75 Wheatland Ave., Chicopee, MA 01020. Deli & grocery store.

CUMMINGTON

LM Cubed Inc., 320 Stage Road, Cummington, MA 01026. Mark F. Sullivan, same. Providing solutions for clients’ needs arising from construction activities they have undertaken.

EAST LONGMEADOW

J&B Fleet Maintenance Inc., 290 Westwood Ave., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Suzanne Lynch, same. The repair of tractor-trailer trucks.

HOLYOKE

Holy Spirit International Chaplin of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 460 Tokeneke Road, Holyoke, MA 01040. Norma Rodriguez, 60 Alvord Ave., Chicopee, MA 01020. Volunteer services to the community and the poor through religious and non-religious outreach.

LEE

K.B. Regency Inc., 65A Fairview St., Lee, MA 01238. Karen Hawkins, same. Author.

LEVERETT

Coolcap Fund Inc., 88 Shutesbury Road., Leverett, MA 01054. Roger Bird, same. Provides poor smallholder farmers in Kenya and other African counties with low-cost-to-buy farming equipment at a price they can afford with terms they can meet.

MONSON

Eight Eight One Entertainment Inc., 189 Hovey Hill Road, Monson, MA 01057. John P. Siniscalchi, same. Operation of restaurant and lounge.

SOUTH DEERFIELD

Frontier Youth Football Association Inc., 195 North St., South Deerfield, MA 01373. Jennifer Hannum, same. Non-profit that provides an opportunity for eligible youth (ages 8-14) to engage in athletic exercises in a supervised, organized, and safety-oriented manner.

SOUTHAMPTON

Green Thumb Investment Corp., 170 Pomeroy Meadow Road, Southampton, MA 01073. Leakhena Som, same. Investing in medical dispensaries and cultivation.

SPRINGFIELD

Hampden County Bar Foundation Inc., 50 State St., Room 137, Springfield, MA 01103. Kevin V. Maltby, 165 Viscount Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Raise and expend funds for research in the public interest in any branch of the law.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Eagle Express Freight Inc., 480 Cold Spring Ave., West Springfield, MA 01089. Arber Allajbegu, same. Transportation services.

Briefcase

Briefcase Departments

Eastern States Exposition Breaks Attendance Record

WEST SPRINGFIELD — A record number of visitors attended the Big E this year, breaking the fair’s all-time high attendance figure, with a final tally of 1,525,553. The previous record of 1,498,605 was set in 2014. Oct. 1 attendance was 137,208, also a new record for the final Sunday of the 17-day fair. During the fair’s run, the all-time-highest single-day attendance record was also broken when 171,897 visitors attended Saturday, Sept. 23. Three additional daily attendance records were set: Sept. 21, 85,019; Sept. 28, 89,905; and Sept. 29, 109,871. “I am humbled to see the incredible support of Eastern States Exposition by our loyal fair patrons,” said Eugene Cassidy, president and CEO of the Exposition. “The 2017, 101st edition of the Big E broke records again, recording for the first time in history over 1.5 million guests. Patrons of New England’s Great State Fair braved days of punishing temperatures that pushed the heat index to above 100 degrees, they endured a 55-degree drop in temperature accompanied by rain, and yet they came in great numbers to participate in, enjoy, and support this organization and all it stands for.”

Employer Confidence Rebounds in September

BOSTON — The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Business Confidence Index broke a two-month slide in September, rising 1.2 points to 62.4. The reading equaled its high for 2017 and was 6.5 points better than a year ago. Employer confidence has moved in a narrow range so far in 2017, as employers appear bullish about the growth prospects of their companies. The September uptick was driven in part by a 5.7-point surge in the Sales Index, which is often a leading indicator of increased business activity. “The Index was also taken prior to the announcement of an effort by Congressional Republicans and the White House to significantly reduce corporate taxes, a move that enjoys broad support among employers,” said Raymond Torto, Chair of AIM’s Board of Economic Advisors (BEA) and lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Design. “The prospect of tax reform and tax simplification is likely to buoy employer sentiment through the end of the year.” The AIM Index, based on a survey of Massachusetts employers, has appeared monthly since July 1991. It is calculated on a 100-point scale, with 50 as neutral; a reading above 50 is positive, while below 50 is negative. The Index reached its historic high of 68.5 on two occasions in 1997-98, and its all-time low of 33.3 in February 2009. The Index has remained above 50 since October 2013. The constituent indicators that make up the overall Business Confidence Index were generally higher during September. The Massachusetts Index, assessing business conditions within the Commonwealth, rose 2.2 points to 65.4, a reading that was 8.4 points higher than in September 2016. The U.S. Index of national business conditions dropped 0.4 points to 59.8 after surging more than 10 points during the previous 12 months. September marked the 90th consecutive month in which employers have been more optimistic about the Massachusetts economy than the national economy. The Current Index, which assesses overall business conditions at the time of the survey, increased 1.6 points to 62.9, while the Future Index, measuring expectations for six months out, rose 0.7 points to 61.9. The Future Index ended the month 5.9 points higher than a year ago. The Company Index, reflecting overall business conditions, gained 1.4 points to 62.3. Finally, the Employment Index fell 2.2 points to 55.8, continuing an up-and-down pattern within the mid-50s on the 100-point scale. “The Massachusetts economy continues to maintain a steady recovery, with employers adding 10,800 jobs during August and the state jobless rate declining to 4.2%,” said Elmore Alexander, dean of Ricciardi College of Business at Bridgewater State University, and a BEA member. “The surge in the AIM Sales and Future indices suggests that business activity may actually accelerate in coming months, so the primary challenge for employers will remain hiring and retaining skilled workers in a tight labor market.” AIM President and CEO Richard Lord, also a BEA member, said employers generally support federal initiatives to reduce business taxes, but also remain concerned about the potential effect those reductions might have on the deficit. It is ironic, Lord added, that the proposed Republican tax plan would lower levies for subchapter-S corporations and other small pass-through businesses, while Massachusetts voters may be voting on a surtax next year on those same companies. “Subchapter-S corporations and other companies that pay taxes on the individual level are generally small to medium-sized enterprises that form the heart of the Massachusetts economy,” he noted. “What a shame it would be if the federal government were to help these companies while Massachusetts penalizes them.”

MGM’s 95% Document Submittal Consistent with HCA Commitments

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and Kevin Kennedy, the city’s chief Development officer, announced that the MGM 95% construction-design submittals are consistent with the commitments outlined within the city’s host-community agreement (HCA). “As we move closer to the completion and grand opening of this unique urban development, I am pleased to be able to announce another milestone as the city accepts the 95% construction-design submittals,” said Sarno. “Through this continued collaborative effort between the city of Springfield and MGM, the designs submitted remain consistent with what has been outlined within the host-community agreement.” This determination of compliance is based on a detailed review of the submittal documents by a number of city departments, including the Office of Planning & Economic Development, the Law Department, the Building Department, the Department of Public Works, and the Casino Liaison Office. A full review of the 95% construction-design documents was also completed by Chicago Consultants Studio Inc., an urban-planning consultant that has been used extensively by the city of Springfield throughout the casino design-review process. “Based on a thorough review and engaged process over the past few months, we believe that MGM’s 95% construction documents continue to illustrate a high-quality, attractive, and innovative design,” said Kim Goluska of Chicago Consultants Studio Inc. “MGM’s cooperation with the city and its positive enhancements and completion of the key design components has resulted in a project that not only conforms to the HCA intent and requirements, but also creates a new, truly innovative precedent for urban casino developments.” Added Kennedy, “with MGM Springfield nearing completion and the numerous other economic-development efforts underway throughout the city, including the recent grand opening of Union Station, we are really starting to see the new Springfield take shape. Our focus will continue to be on capitalizing on these larger transformative developments to help attract other private investment and jobs to the city of Springfield.”

New England Unemployment Holds Steady in August

BOSTON — The New England Information Office of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has released New England and state unemployment numbers for August 2017. These data are supplied by the Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) program, which produces monthly and annual employment, unemployment, and labor-force data for Census regions and divisions, states, counties, metropolitan areas, and many cities. The New England unemployment rate was little changed at 4.0% in August. One year ago, the New England jobless rate was 3.9%. The U.S. jobless rate was little changed from July at 4.4%. No New England state had a significant over-the-year jobless rate change.

Company Notebook

Company Notebook Departments

Davis Foundation, Businesses Contribute $100,000 to VVM

SPRINGFIELD — The Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts (EDC) announced that several of its members came together to donate a total of $50,000 to Valley Venture Mentors (VVM) to fulfill a match put forth by the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation. VVM will now receive $100,000 that will go towards programs providing mentorship, education, and community for entrepreneurs, ultimately fueling economic development in the region. “Once again, EDC members have come together leading the region in driving innovation and commerce,” said EDC President Rick Sullivan. “Valley Venture Mentors outcomes are astounding. Their entrepreneurs are creating jobs, revenue, and investment that are transforming Springfield and Western Mass. The Davis Match is a great example of how leaders of the business community are working to ensure economic prosperity for.” Organizations that donated to the Davis match include Balise Motor Sales, Bulkley Richardson, Columbia Gas, Mercy Medical Center, Chicopee Savings Bank Charitable Foundation, the Republican, and UMass Amherst.

Driving for the Cure Tourney Raises Record Amount

HADLEY — The Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament set a new fund-raising record by raising $131,300 to support Dr. Patrick Wen and his research colleagues in the Center for Neuro-Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The tournament was held on Aug. 21 at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow and Elmcrest Country Club in East Longmeadow, followed by a dinner at Twin Hills Country Club attended by more than 300 guests. The dinner featured a performance by Noah Lis from The Voice along with John Dennis, celebrity emcee of the WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon and featured a raffle and live and silent auctions. The event’s platinum sponsor was Edmunds. The tournament was started by Carla and Tommy Cosenzi, co-presidents of TommyCar Auto Group, to honor the legacy of their father, Tom Cosenzi, who passed away from a glioblastoma in 2009 and dreamed of a cure for brain cancer. What started as a small, four-team tournament in 2009 has grown to become one of the largest charity tournaments in Western Mass., with more than 52 teams and 300+ participants. Proceeds from tournament sponsorships help Dana-Farber researchers design novel clinical trials to test and develop targeted therapies that have not previously been studied in brain tumors, initiate several clinical trials in immunotherapy, and conduct groundbreaking basic research to guide new therapeutic approaches. Since its inception in 2009, the Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament has donated $830,712. “Every year, I think it’s the best one yet,” said Carla Cosenzi. “However, I’m proud to say that our players and sponsors continue to come through, making each year more successful than the last.” Visit tomcosenzidrivingforthecure.com for information about the 2018 tournament, which will mark the event’s 10th year.

Thunderbirds Ink Marketing Partnership with Lottery

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Thunderbirds, AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers, announced a new marketing partnership with the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission. The Lottery will receive branding at Thunderbirds home games and arena signage at the MassMutual Center. The organizations have launched a “Salute to Soldiers” initiative. As part of this military-appreciation platform, an armed forces member or veteran, along with their family, will be recognized at Friday home games. This program is designed to honor men and women for going beyond the call of duty. The partnership will also feature “Winning Weekdays,” which reward all fans in attendance with a ticket to a future game when the T-Birds win. “Sports and the lottery are both synonymous with winning,” said Chris Thompson, senior vice president, Sales & Strategy for the Thunderbirds. “The Thunderbirds are excited to partner with the most successful lottery in the country and share our mission of giving back to the community.” Added Edward Farley, assistant executive director and chief administrative officer, Massachusetts State Lottery Commission, “we are excited about this opportunity to recognize deserving individuals among us who have dedicated themselves to serving others.” The Thunderbirds opened their 2017-18 home ice schedule on Oct. 14 with a matchup with the rival Hartford Wolf Pack. Ticket memberships, including season tickets, are on sale now, starting at $12 per game. Thunderbirds full-season ticket members receive the most benefits, including a refillable collector’s mug and a commemorative jersey. For more information or to order, call (413) 739-4625 or visit www.springfieldthunderbirds.com.

Big Y Looks to Combat Opioid-related Deaths

SPRINGFIELD — Big Y Pharmacy and Wellness Centers can now prescribe and fill naloxone for customers in all 39 of its pharmacy locations in Massachusetts and Connecticut. This effort is intended to help prevent opioid-related deaths throughout the region. Naloxone is used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. All Big Y pharmacists are trained to assist patients and their family members on how to recognize signs of an opioid overdose and how to administer this medication. According to state government data, in 2016 opioid-related deaths claimed nearly 2,000 lives in Massachusetts and 1,000 in Connecticut. Naloxone can be administered to any person who has overdosed on a variety of opioids, including oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, codeine, and even heroin. “Many of our pharmacists have contributed their professional expertise during panels at local opioid-epidemic forums in our communities. The ability to now prescribe and fill naloxone for our patients and their families is just another way we can help them prevent an accidental overdose, save lives, and allow our patients the opportunity to seek long-term treatment,” said Nicole D’Amour Schneider, director of Pharmacy.

CATIC Relocates Office to Springfield

SPRINGFIELD — CATIC has relocated its Western Mass. office to One Monarch Place, Suite 1210, in Springfield. The building, located in the heart of Springfield’s Financial District, with easy access to I-91 and the Mass Pike, offers state-of-the-art accommodations and convenience for its customers, said Jim Bilodeau, CATIC’s Massachusetts state manager. “One Monarch Place is a beautiful building in a central location,” he added. “This new space enhances our ability to serve clients in Western Massachusetts.” The Springfield office’s telephone number is (413) 552-3400. CATIC, currently licensed in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire, is an underwriting member of the American Land Title Assoc. and North American Bar-Related Title Insurers.

Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley Gives $6,000 to Hurricane Relief

SPRINGFIELD — The law firm of Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan and Blakesley this week donated $6,000 to the Red Cross as part of a sponsorship for the organization’s hurricane-relief golf tournament held Oct. 2 at the Haven Country Club in Boylston. “In the wake of hurricanes Harvey and Maria, we wanted to make a contribution that we knew would make a difference,” said firm partner Patrick McHugh. “There is no organization as committed to providing life saving assistance as the Red Cross.” McHugh and the law firm have many clients with direct ties to Puerto Rico and are involved in the Puerto Rican community in Western Mass. and throughout the state. “When you see such devastation in Puerto Rico and, of course, in Texas and Florida, you feel a need to do what you can. It’s frustrating to be so far away, but it is critical that all of us as Americans work to affect a positive outcome for the people who are so tragically impacted by these natural disasters,” said McHugh, who is also a Red Cross board member. “I know first-hand the incredible work that the Red Cross does, and our firm for decades has stood with this organization to lend whatever support we can to their efforts. We are so very proud of our affiliation with them.”

Florence Bank Ad Campaign Features Local Residents

FLORENCE — Florence Bank knows people are at the heart of the communities it serves. Pioneer Valley residents are proud of their roots, and Florence Bank embraced the opportunity to put that on display with the launch of its new television commercials. The new ads showcase the Pioneer Valley by featuring local residents celebrating the diversity and inclusiveness of the region’s people. As in years past, the ads place the musical spotlight on the bank’s tagline “Always.” This year, new lyrics were written for the bank’s signature song to display the essence of each resident featured in the commercials. Among those featured in the new Florence Bank commercials are Bud Stockwell, owner of Cornucopia Foods; Melissa Torres, a volunteer with Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen; sports broadcaster Scott Coen; Mohamed Ibrahim, a teacher at the International Language Institute; Madeline Nagy of Dakin Humane Society; Mark Giza, owner of Mark Henry Florist; and Alicia Zitka, a volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club of West Springfield. When asked what makes the Pioneer Valley such a special place to live, Ibrahim said, “it’s an integrated community with a lot of warmth and love.” Zitka added, “I live here, I work here, I volunteer my time and energy here, and this is my heart; this is my home.” Stockwell also understands the importance of the word “local” and has seen firsthand the progression of his community throughout the decades. However, the loyalty of his customers has stayed consistently fierce, he said, adding that “we were local back in 1980 when there was no such thing as local.” The ads were created by Sean Tracey Associates, the advertising agency that has produced Florence Bank’s award-winning ad campaigns for several years. “Our intent with these commercials is to stay true to the message that the Pioneer Valley is a remarkable place to live and work,” said Monica Curhan, senior vice president and marketing director at Florence Bank. “We think that has once again been achieved with this year’s ad campaign, and we look forward to hearing what our customers, both present and future, have to say.”

AIC’s Freshman Class Second-largest in a Decade

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) announced its second-largest freshman class since 2007 with a total enrollment of 504 new students. “The demographics in New England are declining and are projected to drop for the foreseeable future. This geographic area is dense with colleges in a highly competitive landscape. With those considerations in mind, we are very pleased to have reached and surpassed our enrollment goal,” said Jonathan Scully, dean of Undergraduate Admissions. “This is also one of the most academically competitive classes we have accepted in the last five years. Incoming students are from richly diverse backgrounds, and many are first-generation, which has long been central to the AIC mission.”

Chicopee Savings Foundation Supports Dress for Success Boutique

SPRINGFIELD — The Chicopee Savings Bank Charitable Foundation recently presented Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts with a donation of $1,000 to support its boutique operations. “Dress for Success provides a tremendous service to women in our community who are working toward achieving financial independence,” said William Wagner, president of Chicopee Savings Bank Charitable Foundation. Located at the Eastfield Mall in Springfield, the Dress for Success boutique outfits women as they prepare for job interviews and career enhancement opportunities. “If our community is to achieve true economic success, we need a workforce that is prepared in every way,” said Dawn Creighton, president of Dress for Success. “We couldn’t be more grateful for the support of organizations like the Chicopee Savings Bank Charitable Foundation who understand and appreciate the need for our programs and services.”

People on the Move

Departments People on the Move

Amanda Sbriscia

Holyoke Community College announced that Amanda Sbriscia has been hired as its new vice president of Institutional Advancement. Sbriscia will lead HCC’s fund-raising efforts as head of the HCC Foundation as well as oversee Alumni Affairs, Resource Development, and Marketing and Communications. She begins Oct. 30. “I am thrilled to be joining HCC at a very exciting time in its history,” Sbriscia said. “I look forward to connecting with our alumni, friends, faculty, and staff, and to engaging the community in our efforts to support students and build on the college’s excellent reputation.” Sbriscia comes to HCC with more than 10 years of experience in education and fund-raising. Most recently, she has been serving as senior director of Advancement at Bay Path University, following her role there as director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations. Before Bay Path, Sbriscia worked in fund development for the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts and as director of Annual Giving for Anna Maria College in Paxton. Her experience in higher education also includes work in major gifts, volunteer management, corporate sponsorship, and strategic planning. “We were fortunate to have four extremely qualified finalists to consider, and we put each of them through a full day of rigorous interviews,” said HCC president Christina Royal. “In the end, though, Amanda’s experience, presence, and passion really made her stand out. She has an energy that I believe will integrate fluently with our current campus leadership and help propel us forward as we begin to develop a strategic plan for the future of HCC. I’m excited that she will soon be here.” Sbriscia has served on the board of the Assoc. of Fundraising Professionals and is a member of Women in Philanthropy and the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield. She is also a classroom reader through Springfield School Volunteers. She is currently pursuing her doctor of education degree in organizational leadership from Northeastern University.

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Jaime O’Connor

Waterford Hotel Group announced the appointment of Jaime O’Connor as director of sales at the Sheraton Hartford Hotel located inside Bradley International Airport. The Sheraton Bradley is managed by Waterford Hotel Group, a national hotel and convention-center management firm. As director of Sales, O’Connor is responsible for the total sales efforts for the hotel, as well as supervising sales-related personnel and implementing sales and marketing strategies to maximize profits while also maintaining guest satisfaction. O’Connor started her career in hospitality at the Sheraton Springfield in 2001. She quickly grew within the property, holding the positions of executive meeting manager and senior executive meeting manager, before joining Waterford Hotel Group as a sales manager at the Marriott Hartford in 2005. Most recently, she has been working as director of sales at the Sheraton Hartford South. “We are pleased to welcome Jaime back to the Waterford Hotel Group team,” said Karen Bachofner, vice president of Sales and Marketing at Waterford Hotel Group. “We look forward to working with her in this new role.”

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Valerie Krolicki

Valerie Krolicki recently joined Ayre Real Estate Co. Inc. as a full-time real-estate sales associate. She is a graduate of Hopkinton High School and has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in education from Northeastern University in Boston. Krolicki is the daughter-in-law of the late Cynthia ‘Cindy’ Ayre, formerly of Ayre Real Estate and past president of the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley and Realtor of the Year.

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With the upcoming departure of DevelopSpringfield’s President and CEO Jay Minkarah, the organization has tapped Jeff Daley to provide consulting services on an interim basis to manage project oversight. Daley is founder and principal of CJC Development Advisors, LLC with more than 15 years of experience in real-estate development, construction project development, government relations, and public-private partnership development. He was formerly the Economic Development director for the city of Westfield, executive director of the Westfield Redevelopment Authority, and a member of the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority board of directors, in addition to roles on other nonprofit boards and advisory panels. “I am excited for the opportunity to assist the team at DevelopSpringfield to move their projects forward,” Daley said. “CJC Development Advisors has been engaged in development projects around the region, and I feel this is a perfect opportunity to help DevelopSpringfield through their transition on some very important projects.” Nick Fyntrilakis, DevelopSpringfield’s board chair, added that “we are pleased to have Jeff step in to help ensure the advancement of DevelopSpringfield’s projects. Jeff has a strong background in large-scale development projects, and I’m confident his experience will be invaluable to the organization as we look to begin a search for a permanent replacement for Jay Minkarah.”

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Claudia Pazmany

Claudia Pazmany was recently named director of Development & Marketing for Providence Ministries. “My guiding core philosophy is to honor the work of today but to bring people together in the form of support to enable a vision for tomorrow,” Pazmany said. “It exemplifies how I feel about the power of philanthropy and how it can transform communities. I hope to transform how we think about our most vulnerable in my new role here at Providence Ministries, and how we can all play a vital role in that transformation.” Pazmany is a community leader with more than 16 years of experience in professional fund-raising. Her business-development skills, combined with a long history in capital campaigns, philanthropy, community engagement, social media, and alumni relations, helped her build visionary and sustainable movements of giving. She continues to apply her leadership skills to creating a more just and equitable world. Pazmany has an MBA from UMass, served on the executive team as former director of Development at the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts, is a graduate of the Women’s Fund’s Leadership Institute for Political and Public Impact, and is currently a board member at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County.

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Morrison Mahoney LLP announced the election of six new partners, representing a range of practice areas including appeals, insurance coverage, construction litigation, professional liability defense, medical malpractice, fraud, transportation, and employment-law disputes.

“The election of so many highly qualified partners speaks volumes of the depth of talent that we have in all offices of Morrison Mahoney and quality of our mentoring and professional development,” said Managing Partner Scott Burke.

The new partners are:

Jeffrey O’Connor

Joseph Ciollo

• Jeffrey O’Connor (Springfield), who focuses his practice on the defense of medical and legal professionals, healthcare law, employment litigation, and general liability defense;

• Joseph Ciollo (Hartford, Stamford), who represents insurance companies, insureds, private businesses, attorneys, and other licensed professionals in matters involving automobile, homeowner, and property insurance coverage; insurance fraud investigation; general liability defense; automobile liability defense; bad-faith claims; subrogation; professional liability; and employment discrimination;

• Christopher Davidson (Boston), who specializes in the defense of corporate clients involving claims of catastrophic injury or death in the context of construction-site accidents, product liability, premises liability, and transportation/trucking matters;

• Larry Slotnick (Boston), who has successfully represented insures in a wide range of coverage and bad-faith disputes, both at the trial and appellate levels, and also represents businesses in commercial-litigation disputes;

• Christopher Keenoy (New York), who focuses his practice on cases involving professional liability, construction defects, product liability, lead paint, trucking, and general liability; and

• James McKenney (New York), who litigates complex commercial and civil matters, including healthcare and insurance-coverage issues, regulatory violations, Medicaid fraud claims, contract disputes, and civil RICO actions in federal, state, and appellate courts.

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Jean Deliso

Jean Deliso, CFP has been named a member of the 2017 Chairman’s Council of New York Life. Members of the elite Chairman’s Council rank in the top 3% of New York Life’s sales force of more than 12,000 licensed agents in sales achievement. Deliso has accomplished this level of achievement for six consecutive years. Her passion for finance and strategic planning led to the creation of Deliso Financial and Insurance Services in 2000. She began her career in corporate accounting in Tampa, Fla., where she consulted with small-business owners on financial operations and maximizing performance. Deliso has been a New York Life agent since 1995 and is associated with New York Life’s CT Valley General Office in Windsor, Conn. She is currently chairman of the board of the Baystate Health Foundation and a board member of the Community Music School of Springfield. She is past chairman of the board of the YMCA of Greater Springfield, past board member of AAA Pioneer Valley, and past trustee of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts and the advisory council at Bay Path University. Deliso Financial and Insurance Services is not owned or operated by New York Life Insurance Co. or any of its affiliates.

Picture This

Departments Picture This

Hats Off to Square One

The 12th annual Square One Tea drew about 400 supporters who celebrated the work the provider of early-learning and family services does on behalf of thousands of families throughout the Greater Springfield region. “Year after year, we look forward to this wonderful opportunity to highlight the work we are doing and the impact that our programs and services have had on the thousands of children and parents who have been served by Square One,” President and CEO Joan Kagan said. “It is so gratifying to hear from our guests how much they enjoy being a part of this special day, and it’s always fun to see who is going to have the best hat.”

From left, Yvette Frisbee, Gladys Oyola, Joan Kagan, Denise Jordan, and Marian Sullivan.

From left, Ashley Kohl, Lamont Clemons, Lauri Doleva, Christine Dingler, and John Doleva

From left, Sam Edwards, Jennifer Sanchez, Justin Roberts, Lidya Rivera, and Angelo Puppolo

Keith Minoff Selected to Massachusetts Super Lawyers

SPRINGFIELD — Attorney Keith Minoff has been selected to Massachusetts Super Lawyers for 2017. Super Lawyers selects attorneys based on peer nominations and evaluations combined with independent research. The final published list represents no more than 5% of Massachusetts lawyers.

Minoff has also been recognized by his peers for inclusion in the most recent edition of The Best Lawyers in America in the areas of commercial litigation and corporate law. He specializes in business litigation and employment law and also serves as a mediator with Minoff Mediation Solutions. He maintains a law office in Springfield.

MGM to Detail Contract Opportunities at Business & Innovation Expo

SPRINGFIELD — One of the highlights of this year’s Business & Innovation Expo of Western Mass., produced by BusinessWest and the Healthcare News, comes from corporate sponsor MGM Springfield, which will showcase its contracting opportunities at the event on Thursday, Nov. 2 at the MassMutual Center.

MGM is committed to awarding agreements to regional and certified minority-, woman-, and veteran-owned businesses that provide quality, competitive products and services. The resort will have contracting opportunities in operating supplies, casino supplies, food and beverage supplies, food and beverages, hotel supplies, promotional print services, and more. To explain these, MGM will present two events during the Expo.

The first, “MGM Procurement Introduction,” runs from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. This session is an overview of the current needs of the resort, as well as general information about the new entertainment venue coming to the region, followed by questions and answers from the audience. Speakers will include Alex Dixon, MGM Springfield general manager, and Stacey Taylor, MGM Resorts International senior vice president and chief procurement officer.

During the second seminar, “MGM Matchmaking,” from 1:15 to 3 p.m., various MGM sourcing managers will be on site to meet potential partners. Each session lasts 15 minutes and will feature a sourcing manager at a table with seven seats available to be filled by companies interested in pitching their specific service or product. Each business will have two minutes to share their elevator pitch and a capabilities statement. Open discussion will follow if time permits.

Advance registration is highly encouraged. There will be some open availability the day of the Expo; details will be shared at the morning MGM Procurement Introduction. To register your company in advance, click here.

The Business & Innovation Expo of Western Mass. will also feature more than 150 exhibitor booths, educational seminars, and a day-capping Expo Social. Current sponsors include Comcast Business (presenting sponsor), Johnson & Hill Staffing Services and Wild Apple Design Group (executive sponsors), Inspired Marketing (show partner), MGM Springfield (corporate sponsor), Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst (education sponsor), Xfinity (social sponsor), Elms College (information booth sponsor), Smith & Wesson (Workforce Support Center sponsor), Savage Arms (JoinedForces parking sponsor), and the Better Business Bureau (contributing sponsor).

Exhibitor spaces are still available; booth prices start at $800. For more information on booth purchase, call (413) 781-8600, ext. 100.

Harvard Medical School Neuroscientist to Speak at Bay Path Oct. 19

LONGMEADOW — Cognitive neuroscientist and researcher Dr. Jonathan Jackson will host a presentation at Bay Path University on Thursday, Oct. 19 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Breck Suite, located in Wright Hall on Bay Path’s Longmeadow campus. Jackson’s presentation will focus on current research findings in early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, as well as discuss upcoming clinical trials that aim to prevent Alzheimer’s disease before symptoms are exhibited.

Jackson investigates the behavioral, genetic, neurological, physiological, and cognitive changes of normal aging as well as in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. He has a particular interest in topics such as attentional control, episodic memory, the brain’s connectivity, subjective concerns, and health disparities. He received his PhD in psychological and brain sciences from Washington University in St. Louis and is now an instructor in Neurology with Harvard Medical School at Massachusetts General Hospital. When not in the lab, he speaks about clinical trials, health disparities, and Alzheimer’s disease.

This presentation is part of the Kaleidoscope series sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Assoc. Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter and Strategic Alliances at Bay Path University, which fosters openness, curiosity, and dialogue concerning issues and topics in the local and global communities. Registration is strongly encouraged and available at www.baypath.edu/events-calendar.

Valley Blue Sox to Host Fan-appreciation Celebration Oct. 19