BusinessWest Staff, Author at BusinessWest

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) Disability Services and the Delta Chi Chapter of Delta Alpha Pi, an international honor society for students with disabilities, are hosting an event on the AIC campus today, April 11, to raise awareness about disabilities, particularly mental-health disabilities, which are often invisible. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the Quadrangle at AIC.

Students with disabilities have been reluctant to identify themselves publicly because of negative stereotyping associated with disability. The Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society will present an opportunity to change the perception of students with disabilities, recognizing them for their academic accomplishments. The honor society facilitates the development of skills in leadership, advocacy, and education.

Informational posters, created by members of the honor society, will be on display and include disabilities such as anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, autism, dyslexia, and physical disabilities such as blindness.

In addition, certified pet therapy dog Woody Lash, who visits campus particularly to benefit students in disability services and supportive learning services during mid-term and final exams, will be part of the event. The use of therapy animals in colleges and universities has become increasingly popular in recent years, serving as non-judgmental companions in the process of learning and development. Therapy animals are used in a variety of healthcare and educational situations and settings to provide comfort, affection, stress relief, and joy.

William Walthouse, Tatyana Shut Join St. Germain Staff

SPRINGFIELD — Michael Matty, president of St. Germain Investment Management, announced the hiring of William Walthouse to the firm as vice president, financial advisor, and Tatyana Shut as client services associate.

Walthouse brings 30 years of experience and knowledge of the financial industry in areas of investments, insurance, and retirement planning. Over the last 15 years, his focus was on relationship management, an area of increased relevance in an industry that’s become more complex. He has Series 65 and Series 7 designations and is licensed in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Florida as a registered financial advisor. Similarly, he is also licensed to provide life- and health-insurance solutions in those states.

Prior to joining St. Germain, Walthouse was an advisor with Key Investment Services. He also worked with MassMutual and Dowd Financial Services. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Bryant College and an MBA from American International College.

Shut has significant experience in financial operations and reporting, international export logistics, business development, marketing, and client services. Prior to joining St. Germain, she held these and other responsibilities as the controller and export logistics manager at Gordon-Cross Corp. in Connecticut.

She is an active volunteer in her community, having organized two youth mission trips abroad with a group of 23 members. Similarly, she helps nonprofits at events and with fund-raising activities. A graduate of Westfield State College, she holds a bachelor’s degree in business management with a concentration in marketing. She also earned her MBA with a concentration in leadership from Western New England University.

Private Financial Design Promotes Two Employees, Welcomes One

SOUTH HADLEY — Private Financial Design, LLC (PFD) recently announced the promotions of Shannon Asselin and David Ferraro Jr., and welcomed Melissa Hall to the company.

Asselin was promoted to executive administrator. She began her career with PFD in 2014 as a client services assistant, bringing more than 14 years of experience in customer service, which included head teller for a local bank. Over the past two years, she has advanced her skills in the financial-services industry with further training and education. She has been honored for excellence in her work with PFD’s broker dealer and clients. She will oversee the administrative operations and client services for PFD while taking on more corporate responsibilities.

Ferraro has been promoted to financial advisor. He has been working as an administrator since July 2016 so he could learn the procedures and compliance needs for his clients. His affiliation with PFD began when he interned in 2010, and he was a part-time administrator for several years while attending college. Ferraro graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bryant University, where he studied financial services and economics. He leveraged his education to win the National Financial Plan Competition sponsored by the International Assoc. of Registered Financial Consultants. While attending Bryant, he served as chairman of the Macroeconomic Committee of the Archway Investment Fund. In this role, he developed the investment strategy for this $1 million endowment fund. His work at PFD will be focused on financial and estate planning, investment management, and retirement plans. He is currently pursuing the education and training requirements to become a certified financial planner.

Hall has joined the team at PFD as a registered administrator. She has more than five years of experience in the financial-services industry, starting first with a mutual insurance company and later working with an independent certified financial planner for several years. She is currently FINRA Series 6 licensed and will be actively working toward other licensures in the near future. Beyond financial services, Hall has many years of customer-care experience, including many years of volunteer work at her church and on the foreign mission field. She will be helping to develop best business practices, as well as designing new processes to enhance customer service.

Private Financial Design offers comprehensive financial planning for both personal and business needs, including fee-based investment-advisory services, retirement plans, and other wealth-management services.

Poly Stamou Joins Team at Royal, P.C.

NORTHAMPTON — Attorney Poly Stamou has joined Royal, P.C., the management-side-only labor and employment law firm, and will focus her practice in labor law and complex employment litigation.

Stamou counsels companies on workplace issues concerning sexual harassment, disability and reasonable accommodations, managing leaves of absence, drug and alcohol policies and testing, conducting workplace investigations, disciplinary action and discharge, wage-and-hour law compliance, record keeping, workers’ compensation, OSHA, and OFCCP compliance.

In addition, she advises unionized employers in matters involving contract interpretation, employee discipline or discharge, and unfair labor practice charges, and advises non-union clients on developing the best practices for maintaining a union-free workplace. She also has extensive experience in immigration law and, in that capacity, helps employers navigate the regulatory process when hiring immigrant workers.

Stamou received her bachelor’s degree in economics from Brown University, her juris doctor from Suffolk University Law School, and her LLM in international and comparative law at George Washington University Law School.

Holyoke Medical Center Offers Free Lecture on Alcohol Awareness

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Medical Center will host a free discussion, “Finding Help: Alcohol Awareness,” on Wednesday, April 12 at 5:30 p.m. in the HMC Auxiliary Conference Center.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism estimates that 17 million adults in 2012 had an alcohol-use disorder. Join Melissa Perry, Sara Taylor, and Liz Drozdal from HMC’s Behavioral Health Department to learn more about how to identify alcohol abuse and what treatment options are available.

This program is free and open to the public, and is part of the medical center’s community-education programming, one in a series of dozens of workshops held throughout the year to help people learn about specific health issues, wellness, prevention, and treatment. To register, visit www.holyokehealth.com/events or call (413) 534-2789.

Hampden County Bar Assoc. Holds Annual Judicial Dinner

HOLYOKE — The Hampden County Bar Assoc. (HCBA) held its annual Judicial Dinner on March 30 at the Delaney House in Holyoke. The event was hosted by HCBA President Kevin Maltby from Bacon Wilson, P.C. The keynote speaker was Chief Justice Ralph Gants of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.

During the event, attorney Kevin Murphy was awarded the Kent B. Smith Award, and retired Superior Court judge George Keady Jr. was awarded the William T. Walsh Longevity Award. Additionally, two organizations, Community Legal Aid and MassMutual Law Division; and two Western New England School of Law students, Sarah Morgan and Kylie Brown, were recognized for their commitment to access to justice in Hampden County and surrounding communities. The event drew more than 250 individuals from the Hampden County legal community.

Polish National Credit Union Welcomes Kathi Donahue

CHICOPEE — Kathi Donahue has joined Polish National Credit Union as senior vice president of Commercial Lending, according to an announcement made by PNCU President James Kelly.

Donahue has more than 25 years of experience, most recently with Westfield Bank (formerly Chicopee Savings Bank) as SVP of Commercial Lending. Earlier in her career, she held relationship-management positions with Sovereign Bank and BankBoston, and commercial-lending roles with BayBank and Shawmut National Bank. She also has experience in business valuation and litigation support with the former Themistos & Dane, P.C. in Springfield.

“Kathi has a solid and successful background in all aspects of commercial and industrial and commercial real-estate lending. She also has credit-analysis expertise covering a wide array of industries, business sizes, and construction projects, all of which will be valuable assets for our business members,” said Kelly. “And her active participation in business and community organizations reflects our commitment, making her a perfect fit in every regard. We are extremely pleased to welcome her to the Polish National Credit Union team.”

Donahue holds an MBA from Western New England College, where she received the Outstanding Graduate Student Award; a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics from UMass; and an associate degree from Springfield Technical Community College.

She is a trustee of Elms College, serving on the executive and search committees and as chair of the buildings and grounds committee. She is also the treasurer, finance committee chair, and executive committee member with Goodwill Industries of the Pioneer Valley, and a member of the Professional Women’s Chamber, the Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, and the Chicopee Rotary Club, serving on the Paul Harris, scholarship, and car show committees.

Donahue has also been a member of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, the Better Business Bureau of Central Massachusetts, the Women’s Business Owners Alliance, and a volunteer with the Springfield schools and Junior Achievement.

South Hadley & Granby Chamber Appoints New Executive Director

SOUTH HADLEY — The board of directors for the South Hadley & Granby Chamber of Commerce announced Mariann Millard as its new executive director. She brings diverse experience in project management, customer service, tourism, and communications. Her most recent career experience has been as a licensed Washington, D.C. tour guide and as a certified tour director working in Italy for Tauck, an international tour-operator company.

Millard is a co-chair of the upcoming River Roll & Stroll festival in May, a collaborative event between Holyoke and South Hadley. She also chairs the Bike-Walk Advisory Committee and is a member of South Hadley Know Your Town.

When asked about her immediate goals for her new role, Millard said she’s looking forward to promoting the chamber’s ability to be more proactive and creative in fostering collaborative business relationships, not only between South Hadley and Granby, the two towns the chamber serves, but throughout the Pioneer Valley.

“The chamber has good bones, as several people have told me, and I absolutely agree with them,” she said. “The board and I have already begun to work on tapping into its amazing potential to better serve its members and the business climate in our communities.”

Anytime Fitness to Host 24-hour Fund-raising Event April 28-29

AGAWAM — Anytime Fitness, a 24-hour, adult-only fitness club in Agawam, is organizing a fund-raising event over a period of 24 hours. The 24-hour Sweat-a-Thon is a twist on the 24/7 schedule that Anytime Fitness is open for business, as well as a reminder that cancer never sleeps, and too many people bravely battle the disease 24/7.

All funds raised at this event — slated for Friday, April 28 at 5 p.m. until Saturday, April 29 at 5 p.m., will benefit the American Cancer Society and the Relay for Life of Agawam.

For 24 hours, the facility will have two bikes, two treadmills, and two elliptical machines available for people to reserve. Participants can purchase 30-minute time slots on one of the machines, for a donation of $10 each.

Since working out is more fun with friends, Anytime Fitness encourages people to sign up with a friend and work out together. Time slots are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. And the event is open to everyone in Agawam and its surrounding communities, not just Anytime Fitness members.

“The goal of this event is to support the fighters, admire the survivors, and honor the taken,” said Marie Ball, owner of Anytime Fitness in Agawam and organizer of the event. “We are passionate about getting people to a healthier place and guiding them in their fitness and wellness journeys. We’re here to support, encourage, and motivate others as they work to achieve all of their goals.”

To participate in this fund-raising event and/or inquire about membership options, call Anytime Fitness at (413) 786-7800, e-mail [email protected], or visit www.anytimefitness.com.

HMC Welcomes New Director of Health Information Management

HOLYOKE — Spiros Hatiras, President and CEO of Holyoke Medical Center (HMC) and Valley Health Systems, announced the appointment of Regina Alexander as director of Health Information Management at Holyoke Medical Center.

An accomplished revenue-cycle and healthcare-operations leader, Alexander previously served as associate director of Health Information Management at Yale New Haven Health System in New Haven, Conn., as manager of Health Information at Rutland Regional Medical Center in Rutland, Vt., and most recently as senior product manager of Medicare Advantage for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care in Wellesley Hills.

“Now that I’ve settled into my role here as director, I can take the experience of working both in a large tertiary facility along with running an operation of a similar size to HMC [at Rutland] and apply lessons learned — successful and less-successful approaches — to come up with the approach that will work best for the resources we have and the scale that we are,” she said. “Knowing what’s possible equips me to think creatively and come up with the best solutions.”

Alexander is a board-certified fellow in healthcare management through the American College of Healthcare Executives, holds a master’s of business administration in healthcare from George Washington University, and a bachelor’s degree in health administration and long-term care from the University of Phoenix.

With an affinity for science from a young age, Alexander began her career as a laboratory technician in her native Baltimore. She then served as phlebotomy supervisor at George Washington University and as laboratory technician at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington.

“Having a clinical background enables me to speak the language of patient care and continuity of care that is so valuable when working directly with physicians, even if what we’re talking about is revenue-related,” said Alexander, who is looking forward to managing her three areas of expertise: medical coding, HIM operations, and clinical documentation improvements. She also serves as the HIPAA privacy officer for HMC.

Women’s Fund of Western Mass. Announces Executive Transition

EASTHAMPTON — After nearly three years at the helm of the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts, Elizabeth Barajas-Román will step down as CEO at the end of March in order to take an appointment as the new CEO of the Solidago Foundation, a Northampton-based national organization.

The Women’s Fund board of directors has appointed long-time supporter and strategy consultant Irma González, to serve as interim CEO.

“The Women’s Fund plays a unique role in building the strength of women in communities across our region. It is an honor to partner with the Fund’s board and staff to build on the gains of the last few years and steward this critical resource until a new leader takes the reins,” said González.

González was a member of the Women’s Fund’s most recent strategic planning committee, and is principal of Zoen Resources, where she specializes in change and transition management in support of social justice and human-rights advocacy. Barajas-Román will support the transition through ongoing consultation for the organization’s strategic initiatives. Springfield-based United Personnel will lead the search process for the permanent CEO, which will open in early April.

“Elizabeth’s vision and leadership has elevated our Women’s Fund to new heights, helping to build strong and powerful partnerships regionally and nationally,” said Layla Taylor, Women’s Fund board chair. “She will be greatly missed by the staff, board, donors, and our partners. However, we are also excited about the potential we have to gain a new national partner through her leadership at the Solidago Foundation. We are thrilled for the fund’s future and the amazing legacy the next CEO will inherit.”

During her tenure, Barajas-Román played a critical role in the development and continued success of the Women’s Fund. In partnership with the board leadership and staff, she led the organization to three consecutive years of fund-raising growth, a 300% increase in social-media visibility, a new three-year strategic plan, and a move of the organization’s headquarters to the renovated Innovation Center in downtown Springfield. The Women’s Fund also worked with the Obama Administration as part of the national Prosperity Together coalition.

More recently, the Women’s Fund launched two groundbreaking partnerships: one with Bay Path University to offer academic credit to the Women’s Fund leadership program (LIPPI) participants, and the other with the Partnership for Young Women’s Progress, a multi-sector initiative that, with lead support from the MassMutual Foundation, will help create an economic-prosperity blueprint for young women in Springfield.

“It is with deep gratitude and respect for all those connected to the Women’s Fund that I pass the torch,” Barajas-Román said. “Although this is a period of transition, it is also a very exciting time for the Fund.”

Fazzi Associates Announces Leadership Transition

NORTHAMPTON — Dr. Robert Fazzi, founder and managing partner of Fazzi Associates, has announced that Tim Ashe has been promoted to chief operating officer and is now responsible for the firm’s day-to-day leadership.

Ashe joined Fazzi in 2006 and became a partner in 2007. Since that time, he has led the firm’s Operational Consulting division to provide organizational, operational, turnaround, and change-management services to home-care and hospice agencies across the country. Under his leadership, Fazzi has helped hundreds of agencies improve outcomes and profitability through best practices in organizational structure, clinical and operational processes, and new models for staffing, supervision, and care management. More recently, Ashe also assumed responsibility for the company’s Outsourced Billing, Finance, and Information Technology divisions.

A long-time leader in the field of home care and hospice, Ashe’s career has included a blend of clinical, operational, fiscal, and academic roles. He is a frequent presenter at national and state conferences and is often asked to contribute to industry forums. He is also the co-director of the 2016-17 National Home Care and Hospice State of the Industry Study.

Fazzi will continue as the firm’s managing partner. But in transferring the leadership of the firm’s daily operations to Ashe, he will devote more time to the company’s future investments as well as to national and international community-based care issues that are close to his heart.

“I want to say, at this milestone in Fazzi’s history, that I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished and contributed to our industry thus far, and I’m also incredibly excited about what the future holds,” Fazzi said. “Tim is an incredible leader. I am looking forward to working closely with him as we expand our national and international efforts.”

BusinessWest, HCN Announce Next Entry in Lecture Series

SPRINGFIELD — As part of the ongoing BusinessWest and HCN Lecture Series, Comcast Business will host an informative program titled “Big Data … Your Strategic Advantage.” The event is part of a series of lectures, panel discussions, and presentations that address timely and important business information. This is an opportunity to meet industry leaders and network with area business professionals.

“Big Data … Your Strategic Advantage” will be presented by Dennis Perlot, vice President, Enterprise Architecture at CleanSlate Centers, and former ‘technology evangelist’ at Microsoft and BI specialist master at Deloitte. It will take place on Wednesday, May 10 at La Quinta Inn & Suites, 100 Congress St., Springfield.

Perlot will address how other organizations are using their data to provide them with a competitive advantage. Attendees will learn how data can be analyzed for insights that lead to better decisions and strategic business moves.

On-site parking is available. Registration is scheduled for 7:15 to 7:30 a.m., followed by breakfast and Perlot’s presentation from 7:30 to 9 p.m. RSVP by Tuesday, May 2 at businesswest.com/lecture-series.

River Valley Counseling Center to Hold Run for River Valley May 20

HOLYOKE — River Valley Counseling Center (RVCC), an affiliate of Holyoke Medical Center and member of Valley Health Systems, will hold its sixth annual Run for River Valley fund-raiser on Saturday, May 20. Funds raised will support RVCC in providing critical behavioral-health and other supportive services to individuals, families, and groups throughout the Pioneer Valley.

“Research shows that exercise improves mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and negative mood and by improving self-esteem and cognitive function. This event helps raise funds for our programs, but it also promotes the importance of exercise and wellness for everyone in our community,” said Angela Lozano Callahan, RVCC’s Marketing and Development specialist.

The 5K run and 1.5-mile walk will take place at Ashley Reservoir in Holyoke. Registration starts at 8 a.m. at Elks Lodge 902, 250 Whitney Ave., and the race begins at 9:30 a.m. An awards ceremony will be held at the Elks Lodge following the race.

The registration fee is $25 ($10 for children 12 and under). Adults who pre-register will save $5, and the first 100 registrants will receive a free race T-shirt. To register online, visit accuspec-racing.com or download a registration form at rvcc-inc.org. The deadline for mail-in registration is Saturday, May 13, with online registration accepted until Wednesday, May 17.

Sponsors of the 2017 Run for River Valley include PeoplesBank, Palmer Paving Corp., Holyoke Gas and Electric, Hamel’s Catering, Laurel Pure, and Gallagher Real Estate.

For additional information, visit www.rvcc-inc.org or contact Angela Callahan at (413) 841-3546 or [email protected].

Airport Authority Advises Bradley Passengers of Busy Travel Period

WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — With the onset of spring breaks, Bradley International Airport (BDL) will experience a 30% increase in passenger volume from now through April 9. Kevin Dillon, executive director of the Connecticut Airport Authority, advises that Bradley passengers should be aware and plan accordingly.

“The key during this busy travel week is to give yourself extra time and to be prepared,” said Dillon. “Our team will do everything we can to make your travel through the airport as carefree as possible.”

Passengers traveling domestically are advised to allow themselves at least 90 minutes for check in with their respective airlines and processing through TSA screening. Those traveling internationally should give themselves three hours.

“TSA is fully prepared for the busy travel week,” said William Csontos, TSA’s federal security director for Connecticut. “Our officers are extremely dedicated, efficient, and focused on the security of each passenger traveling though our system.”

Curry Printing, FASTSIGNS to Operate Under One Roof

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Curry Printing announced the addition of FASTSIGNS to its business location. Curry Printing and FASTSIGNS will operate together, under one roof, at 91 Union St. in West Springfield, with the same staff and the same owner.

FASTSIGNS has more than 650 centers operating in the U.S., U.K., and beyond, specializing in all types of visual communications. “Signs have been a growth area for Curry Printing,” said owner Stephen Lang. “We’ve decided to take it to another level with FASTSIGNS.”

Curry Printing opened in 1976 and has been serving the West Springfield and Greater Springfield area ever since. “We will continue to offer the best in printing and duplicating services while opening up all kinds of sign services for our customers, including vehicle graphics, directional signs, dimensional signs, and even digital signs,” Lang said. “We will be a full-service visual communication solution for our business customers.”

Curry Printing and FASTSIGNS can be reached by calling (413) 785-1363 or on the web at curry-printing.com or fastsigns.com/2181.

Pamela Sanborn Joins Polish National Credit Union

CHICOPEE — James Kelly, president of Polish National Credit Union, announced that Pamela Sanborn has joined the credit union as assistant manager of the Westfield branch.

Sanborn has almost 20 years of financial-services experience, most recently as retirement service specialist with Westfield Bank. She has also held branch officer positions with Berkshire Bank, Legacy Banks, and the Bank of Western Massachusetts.

She holds N.M.L.S. certification, studied at Saint John’s School of Business, and completed training with the Center for Financial Training and Massachusetts Mortgage Bankers.

During her professional career, Sanborn has been the recipient of Employee of the Month and President’s Club awards. She has also received recognition for outstanding customer service.

Active in charitable and civic causes, Sanborn is a volunteer and team captain for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and a volunteer with Aplastic Anemia and PNH support and awareness initiatives. She also devotes time to the Westfield Food Pantry Community Garden. Her other involvements include the Chamber of Commerce and Rebuilding Springfield.

“Pamela is an outstanding addition to our Westfield team,” said Kelly. “Her strong financial-services background, leadership skills, and focus on exceptional customer service are all desirable qualities that will transfer well to her new position with Polish National Credit Union.”

Glenmeadow Presents Panel Discussion on Trump’s First 100 Days

SPRINGFIELD — Glenmeadow will present a panel of political analysts who will lead a discussion on Friday, April 21 about President Trump’s actions in office thus far. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to noon at Sleith Hall’s Wood Auditorium at Western New England University, 1215 Wilbraham Road, Springfield.

The election of Trump as the 45th president of the U.S. polarized the country. In Glenmeadow’s program, called “The First 100 Days: Governing Across the Great Divide,” the panel will look at Trump’s first 100 days in office and discuss his performance on topics including domestic and foreign policy, healthcare, immigration, polling, and media coverage.

Political analyst Bill Scher, a contributing editor to Politico and the founder of the blog liberaloasis.com, will serve as moderator. Other panelists will include Tim Vercellotti, professor of Political Science at Western New England University and director of the New England Polling Institute; political consultant Tony Cignoli; Ron Chimelis, a columnist for the Republican; and Marie Angelides, an immigration attorney with her own firm and chair of the Longmeadow Select Board.

The program is free, but seating is limited, and registration is required. To register, call (413) 567-7800 or e-mail [email protected]. Visit glenmeadow.org/learning for more information.

Glenmeadow Learning is one of many free programs Glenmeadow offers to members of the wider community. These programs represent one facet of the life-plan community’s mission to serve seniors across the region and to operate as a socially accountable organization.

Single-family Home Sales in Pioneer Valley Down in February

SPRINGFIELD — Single-family home sales were down 23.3% in the Pioneer Valley in February compared to the same time last year, while the median price was up 3.2% to $180,000, according to the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley.

In Franklin County, sales were down 31.3%, while the median price fell 25.4% from a year earlier. In Hampden County, sales were down 21.9%, while the median price was up 3.8%. And in Hampshire County, sales fell 13.0% from February 2016, while the median price was down 4.7%.

Speaker Sisterhood Adds Two New Public-speaking Clubs for Women

NORTHAMPTON — The Speaker Sisterhood, a network of public-speaking clubs for women with clubs in Springfield, Amherst, and South Hadley, is adding two new clubs in Northampton and Greenfield for women who want to become more confident speakers.

Both new clubs will be having open houses. The Northampton open house will be held on Thursday, April 6 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Click Workspace at 9 1/2 Market St., and will be led by Cathy McNally, a corporate communication trainer with a background in stand-up and improv comedy. The Greenfield open house will take place on Tuesday, April 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 170 Main St., and will be led by documentarian and communication coach Carlyn Saltman, innovator of the coaching method known as Video Mirror Feedback.

Angela Lussier, CEO of Speaker Sisterhood, says that the mission of the clubs is to provide a community for “women who want to increase confidence, boost public-speaking skills, have fun, and maybe even change the world.” Lussier, a well-known public speaker and author of three books, added that “each Speaker Sisterhood club is more than just a place to practice speaking in front of a group. It’s a tribe of women who are supporting and empowering each other to follow their dreams by building confidence in their voice.”

According to McNally, who is also the Speaker Sisterhood program development director, the program uses interactive activities, humor, and other tools that engage women at all skill levels. “We draw on fun exercises from the comedy world to make sure women have a blast at our meetings. At our open houses, guests can get a sense right away of the lively and supportive atmosphere we create together.”

According to Saltman, women can attend two club meetings for free before deciding to join. “We want to give every woman who visits a chance to see if the club is a good match for them.” Saltman said the group covers the topics that meet the needs of most public speakers: storytelling, persuasion, humor, body language, and thinking on one’s feet.

“Women are a powerful force in our world, and we want to bring them together to help them better articulate their ideas, stories, and views. We believe that is exactly what the world needs right now,” said Lussier of the Speaker Sisterhood, which formed in 2016, has several clubs in Western Mass., and is expected to expand nationwide in 2017.

Amelia Holstrom Honored Among ‘Up & Coming Lawyers’

SPRINGFIELD — Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C. announced that attorney Amelia Holstrom will be honored as one of the Massachusetts Lawyer’s Weekly “Up & Coming Lawyers” at its Excellence in the Law event at the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel in Boston on April 27.

The publication describes Up & Coming Lawyers as “rising stars of the legal community — Massachusetts attorneys who have been members of the bar for 10 years or less, but who have already distinguished themselves despite their relatively junior status.”

Holstrom joined Skoler, Abbott & Presser in 2012 after serving as a judicial law clerk to the judges of the Connecticut Superior Court, where she assisted with complex matters at all stages of litigation. Her practice focuses on labor law and employment litigation.

“I am truly humbled to be recognized as one of this year’s Up & Coming Lawyers among so many talented attorneys,” she said.

Since joining the firm, Holstrom has assisted clients in remaining union-free; represented clients at arbitrations; and defended employers against claims of discrimination, retaliation, harassment, and wrongful-termination claims, as well as actions arising under the Family Medical Leave Act and wage-and-hour law. Additionally, she frequently provides counsel to management regarding litigation-avoidance strategies.

In addition to her legal résumé, Holstrom is active in the local community. She is an ad hoc member of the personnel committee for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, a member of the board and executive committee for the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts, and a member of the board for Clinical & Support Options Inc. Additionally, she formerly served as clerk on the board of Friends of the Homeless.

Holstrom is a 2011 graduate of Western New England University School of Law, where she was the managing editor of the Western New England Law Review. In 2015, she was named one of BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty honorees, and in 2016, she received the Massachusetts Bar Assoc. Community Service Award.

Some Guidelines for Navigating a Brave New World

Law Sections

In Defense of Employers

By Jennifer A. Rymarski

Every day, the news bombards us with articles about trends in business, including, but not limited to, the death of the organizational hierarchy, how to foster transparency, the fundamental differences between managing and leading, and in particular, Millennials: how to attract them, how to keep them, and why they are not being compensated enough. Some go so far as to harshly conclude why Baby Boomers and Gen-Xers hate them.

Jennifer A. Rymarski

My summation is that, with every generational workforce, there are positives and negatives. Yet, the cultural shift that is upon us may feel like a tidal wave to many employers. Undeniably, people are living longer and working longer. A single organization can employ people ranging in age from their 20s to their 70s.

Companies need to innovate from both a mechanical and technical perspective as well as with their culture, and younger generations can help businesses usher in changes. However, businesses still need to be managed appropriately and must continue to operate reliably and dependably to deliver the products and services that generate the revenue needed to keep people employed with comparable benefit packages.

Millennials may be up and coming, but Baby Boomers and Gen-Xers still maintain the majority roles of management, hiring and firing. Employers need to be prepared for the new norms, such as:

• Analyzing if and how to staff your business with flex-time employees and how this may impact existing employees;

• Training and supervising;

• Managing incidents, grievances, discipline, and performance reviews;

• Deciding what benefits to offer and how to implement these benefits;

• Determining how to classify workers;

• Developing and maintaining leadership and team development across all cultures and generations;

• Updating and managing technology;

• Considering business outlooks and implementing change;

• Ensuring the business and its employment practices are in compliance with the law; and

• Mitigating risks and defending against contractual disputes, discrimination, and terminations.

Get It in Writing

Navigating all this can be challenging for all employers, regardless of size or industry. An employee handbook is a must for delineating a company’s expectations, policies, and practices. These handbooks outline the company’s mission statement and can address everything from dress codes and scents in the office to cell-phone and computer policies, vacation- and personal-time accrual, bereavement and other leave, and discipline policies.

While having a handbook is a great way to introduce an employee to the organization, management needs to also be aware of the policies therein and act consistently in accordance with it. This handbook should also be reviewed periodically to ensure it is current with changes in the law.

Another useful tip for employers is to have clearly defined job descriptions, both for advertising purposes and so the prospective employee has a clear definition of the duties and responsibilities of the job, including but not limited to hours, physical or travel demands, whom this individual will report to, and any benefits that may be available.

Establishing a firm training schedule and/or having a training manual can assist all employees (those newer and those more established). With all the new technology available and the demands of the consumer and business clientele, companies cannot continue to rely on the proverbial ‘way it was always done,’ and maintaining open communication about processes and projects on a daily, weekly, monthly, or quarterly basis will not only help the manager define expectations, but will give employees a sense of contribution to something larger than just their day-to-day job.

Benefit packages are typical, yet, given the diversity in the workplace, a one-size-fits-all model may no longer be relevant. Student debt, healthcare, fitness, daycare, and financial well-being are all considerations. The challenge for employers is not only the straight costs of these benefits and related perks, but how to measure the impact of the benefits on the lives of employees and the overall impact to company morale. Seeking the help of a financial advisor and evaluating multiple vendors for benefit packages are recommended. Soliciting feedback about how your employees feel about the organization’s culture can also be a useful and eye-opening exercise.

With respect to grievances and discipline, an established written process for dealing with grievances and investigations is recommended. Likewise, discipline policies — progressive or otherwise — should be well-defined and documented. Performance evaluations are best done on a continual and day-to-day basis, as opposed to stockpiling issues for a year-end review. Documentation and acknowledgement of issues contemporaneous with events is more useful from a legal perspective.

Career Defining

As to more technical legal issues, an organization needs to closely examine how it is classifying its workers — as an employee (who will receive a W-2) or an independent contractor (who will receive a 1099). There has been considerable scrutiny of independent contractors, and the law establishes a standard that presumes employee status and gives the employer an opportunity to rebut the presumption by examining whether the individual is free from the control and direction with the performance of the services, the service is performed outside the usual course of the business, and the individual is customarily engaged in an independently established trade or business of the same nature as that involved with the service performed.

Because of advances in technology, the trend appears to be for more flexible workers and freelancers. However, companies can and do unwittingly expose themselves by misclassifying workers and/or not properly paying wages in violation of the law. Staffing with flexible schedules or freelancers may also pose work-coverage issues, not to mention compensation issues and general frustrations for full-time employees.

Thus, the question of whether flex time can work for your organization and how it can be implemented need to be closely examined. Other legal issues include whether the employee is ‘at will’ or contracted. If an employment contract is necessary, employers need to be mindful of laws that impact contract provisions, such as non-competition, non-solicitation, contract renewal, and contract termination.

If a contract is drafted by the employer, it is construed against the drafter; therefore, having these contracts reviewed and prepared by legal counsel, as opposed to trying to utilize one that was used five years ago with the names changed, is risky. This is particularly important if the employee is exposed to confidential and proprietary information that the employer seeks to protect. Massachusetts recognizes an employer’s interest in protecting its legitimate business interests; however, any agreement containing restrictive covenants needs to be reasonable in scope, time, and geographic area.

In Compliance

When examining a company’s compliance with state and federal laws, employers need to be mindful of everything from the content of their employment application to accommodating workspaces, as well as ensuring there is no discrimination or harassment based on age, gender, sexual orientation, race, or disability. If a business is offering goods and services, it must also comply with laws ensuring access for the hearing- and sight-impaired.

One consideration for employers (including nonprofit entities who have volunteer boards) is for the company to purchase insurance that would cover employment-related matters. With employment-related litigation and jury verdicts on the rise, a policy of insurance may be a worthwhile investment.

The foregoing are just a few of the considerations from a legal perspective that can impact a business. While there are lawyers, organizations, and professional-services firms to help businesses structure and define these crucial aspects of an organization, satisfying the various generational divides that exist in organizations may pose a more amorphous challenge for company leadership. Addressing the legal and quasi-legal management issues on a thoughtful and prospective basis as opposed to a reactionary basis provides the best chance for success and better preparedness to defend against any legally related employment challenges.

Jennifer A. Rymarski is a civil-litigation attorney at Morrison Morrison, LLP who helps businesses navigate through employment-related matters; (413) 737-1131.

Bathroom Remodeling Options Range From Functional to Fancy

Building Trades Sections

Flush with New Ideas

Craig O’Connor says bathroom makeovers by Affordable Bath can include deep soaking tubs, which are growing in popularity.

It’s one of the most important rooms in the house — resale-wise, and otherwise. And yet, many people live with something that’s been outdated for 20 years or more. New materials, products, and techniques provide an array of creative and often-affordable options for giving the bathroom a new life.

A bathroom makeover can be functional and involve a simple update, or turn the space into a spa-like retreat with recessed lighting, a heated floor, a spacious tiled shower with multiple shower heads and built-in benches, or a deep soaking tub where the water vibrates in response to soft music.

The choices are almost limitless, and thanks to new materials and technology, there are solutions for every budget that result in a fresh, clean, updated look.

“The two rooms that affect resale value the most are the kitchen and the bathroom; they tend to be most expensive to remodel, but are also the most important,” said Jason Cusimano, owner of Bathfitter of Western Mass. in Greenfield, which specializes in customized acrylic tub liners, wall systems, and shower-to-bath conversions.

Jim Belle-Isle agrees. “The bathroom is the first thing people see in the morning and the last room they see before they go to bed,” said the owner of BathCrafters in Chicopee, which also specializes in custom acrylic tub liners, wall systems, and conversions.

The two rooms that affect resale value the most are the kitchen and the bathroom; they tend to be most expensive to remodel, but are also the most important.”

Affordable Baths Inc. in Springfield, meanwhile, does complete makeovers that begin with gutting the entire room. The existing footprint can be replicated, or the room may get an entirely new design, which allows a homeowner to be as creative as their budget and imagination allow.

“Many people are suffering with bathrooms that have been outdated for 10 or 15 years; they wait to remodel until they are ready to put their house on the market, but if you are going to spend the money, you should do it at least a few years before you sell so you can enjoy it,” said Craig O’Connor, owner of Affordable Baths, adding that a remodeled bathroom adds instant equity to a home.

Local bath remodelers say the majority of their clients are 35 and older, and are remodeling or making changes because the room is outdated or has problems due to mold and mildew. Baby Boomers also make up a large part of their business, and those who plan to stay in their homes often want the bathtub converted into a spacious shower stall with grab bars, a seat, and recessed soap holders.

“Twenty years ago, we did one shower conversion for every tub makeover. Now the ratio is one-to-one,” Cusimano said as he spoke about the growing trend. “The bathroom usually has a small footprint, but eliminating a tub can make the space seem amazingly larger.”

Trends and styles come and go, but white fixtures are the most popular, followed by neutrals that include beige and gray. Although many remodeling shows on TV feature bathrooms with intricate tiles and daring designs in shower stalls, grouted seams require maintenance, and most New Englanders want surfaces that are easy to clean and prefer wall surrounds or large, block-style tiles.

For this edition and its focus on home improvement, BusinessWest explores options offered by local remodelers that range from complete makeovers to less-costly renovations that include relining and resurfacing tubs, sinks, wall tiles, and bath surrounds, extending their life and giving them a clean, updated look.

Changing Trends

O’Connor’s Springfield showroom contains tiles, vanities, showerheads, shower stalls, faucets, lighting, countertop samples, flooring, and everything else needed for a complete bathroom remodel. The typical cost of a job in New England is $14,000, but Affordable Bath can usually do a complete remodel for $10,000, as long as the footprint isn’t changed. However, the price rises if people choose costly options such as heated floors, custom tile bath surrounds, or vanities larger than 36 inches.

The room is gutted down to the studs, and the remodeling takes a week or two to complete. It can be inconvenient for homeowners who have only one bathroom, but the new bath or shower is ready for use by the end of the first week, and clients are offered Porta Potty units.

Gunmetal-gray-colored vanities are growing in popularity, but most people choose shades of brown, and quartz countertops are replacing granite; the material is slightly more expensive, but doesn’t require maintenance and resists stains.

O’Connor told BusinessWest that many people whose master bathrooms have Jacuzzi tubs are eliminating them or replacing them with deep-soaking or claw-foot models.

Jim Belle-Isle says BathCrafters can install a new bathtub liner and wall system in one or two days to give the room an updated look.

Claw-foot tubs come in cast iron, which retains the temperature of the water for long periods of time, or acrylic, which weighs less and is a good choice for second floors.

Some Baby Boomers and seniors are also looking toward the future and choosing walk-in tubs.

“The surfaces are heated, and the jets can be positioned to hit the knees, hips, or lower back,” O’Connor said, adding that roll-in showers with fold-down seats and grab bars are another option that eliminate the need to step over a wall to bathe.

“We’ve created bathrooms that range from a basic remodel that meets practical needs to spaces that provide the comfort of a private, spa-like retreat,” he continued, noting that the company recently remodeled a master bathroom and installed an oversized Jacuzzi tub and separate shower with multiple showerheads, custom tiles, a built-in bench, and a frameless glass exterior.

Although a complete makeover is the ultimate choice, there are many options for people who don’t need or want that option or can’t afford it. They include having a custom-made acrylic tub and liner installed over the existing one. The liners usually have lifetime warranties, and the entire job can be done in about two days and enhanced with a new sink with fancy faucets and a new toilet.

“We have more than 1,000 acrylic molds that fit every cast-iron or steel tub, along with multiple designs and colors,” Cusimano said, adding that bronze or brushed nickel drains or overflows are popular and an average job costs $3,000 to $4,000, although prices for tub-to-shower conversions range from $1,000 to $7,000, depending on factors that include how much plumbing is required and whether the homeowner wants built-in seats and other high-end features.

He told BusinessWest that acrylic is a very high-end plastic and far more durable than old bath surrounds that tend to be made of fiberglass. The material is easy to clean, and the finish never wears off, as acrylic is not a coating.

Many bathrooms remodelers are called upon to change have baby-blue or pink tubs and fixtures, and tiles that were also used as wainscoting and were popular in the ’40s and ’50s.

The tiles are often removed before a new wall system is put in place, and water damage caused by small cracks in the tiles or grouting behind them is repaired.

“There can be hundreds of seams in a tiled bathroom where water can get in,” Cusimano said, adding that some people have no idea that this has been happening.

Most tub liners and wall systems need beading where the edges meet, but new barrier materials are infused with mildicides and antimicrobial additives.

The wall systems Bathfitter uses don’t come in pieces, but are custom-made after taking measurements with a laser. They extend from the edge of the tub or shower to the ceiling, and the corners are bent so there are no seams inside the tub.

Soap dishes and corner caddies can be added, along with acrylic on the ceiling, and bowed rods are gaining popularity as they make the area seem more spacious.

BathCrafters also makes custom tub liners that are formed to fit perfectly over existing tubs, and if tile walls are in excellent shape, Belle-Isle said, they can be covered with acrylic liners, which reduces the cost of removing them. In addition, tile wainscoting in dated colors can be covered with tile-shaped acrylic.

“The biggest decision they have to make is whether they want a shower door. It does pose a maintenance issue, but some people want glass doors without metal frames,” he noted.

Although tub surrounds come in many colors and designs, neutral palettes allow people to change the look of the bathroom in the future without having to spend a lot of money. “People can get creative with floor tile, vanity tops, and paint colors,” Belle-Isle said, adding that he often reminds customers that it is much easier to redo a floor than a tub and surround.

“Remodeling can cost a lot, but the main issue in a bathroom is usually the tub or shower. Many don’t want to completely gut the room, but they do want a look that is modern and doesn’t require much maintenance, and we can provide that,” he continued, adding that everything he installs is customized to fit.

Miracle Method of Ludlow offers another option that is the least expensive choice but completely updates the look of a bathroom, tub, or shower area and extends the life of existing tubs and showers that are scratched, chipped, or contain outdated colors. After the tub or wall surround is professionally cleaned, a high-end coating is applied, which contains a bonding agent that fuses with the old surface.

Owner Jim Kenney says the entire process takes five to six hours and cures overnight. Prices start at $585 for a standard bathtub, and sinks, countertops, and tiled walls can also be sprayed.

“We can change the entire color scheme and use the same acrylic on tile walls, which will give the room a fresh new look and bring it up to date,” he explained.

In addition, Miracle Method does step-through cutaways in bathtubs that turn them into shower stalls and are popular with seniors. “We cut a 24-inch wide step into the side rail so it is easier to get into,” Kenney explained, adding that he leaves five inches on either end of the cutaway and can install grab bars and apply a non-slip surface to the floor before the coating is sprayed onto it. The cost of this makeover with grab bars is about $1,450, and it is a growing part of his business.

Modern Look

Bathrooms are used on a daily basis by homeowners as well as their guests, and can reflect a person’s decorating style or simply serve as a functional room that meets basic needs.

But the look and age of the tub, sink, toilet, and walls can make it a place to avoid or one that is enjoyable to visit, Belle-Isle said. “When the environment in a bathroom is pleasant, it makes a big difference in a person’s overall mood.”

Phil Beaulieu & Sons Home Improvement Marks 50 Years

Building Trades Sections

Scaling New Heights

Fran Beaulieu says it’s a challenge to attract young workers, but those with a passion for the home-improvement trades can build gratifying careers there.

From the time his father first hung out a shingle — and then installed a whole lot more of them — Fran Beaulieu says the secret to this 50-year-old company’s success is almost too simple to be true.

“The key here is we outwork everyone,” he said. “We’re here at 7, we’re open on Saturdays, we’re always on top of it, always focused on every job. We outwork everyone. It sounds corny, but it’s true.”

That legacy of hard work began in the mid-’60s, when Fran’s father, Phil Beaulieu, a French-Canadian immigrant, arrived in Western Mass. looking for a job, and found one at Fisk Rubber in Chicopee, which later became Uniroyal.

At one point, Fisk’s unionized workers went on strike, and while on strike, the elder Beaulieu met a couple fellow French-Canadians who hung siding, and went to work for them.

Decks are among the many home-exterior projects tackled by Phil Beaulieu & Sons.

“They would go out on Saturdays and on Sundays after church and knock on doors to generate work,” Fran said. “The first time he did that, he got three jobs, and he never had to look back.”

Beaulieu officially launched his home-improvement business in 1967, gradually adding other skills beyond siding, from roofing to window and door installation. His son Al came on board in 1984, and Fran followed in 1988, eventually taking Phil Beaulieu & Sons Home Improvement to new heights.

“My brother and I have been operating the business since 2008,” Fran Beaulieu said, noting that the company recorded $1.8 million in gross sales that year, but $7 million last year. “We are, from what our supply houses tell us, by far the largest exterior remodeler in the area, but we’ve done it quietly — 90% comes from past customers and referrals.”

That testifies to high levels of customer satisfaction, he went on.

“As soon as you call here, we don’t drop the ball; we make an appointment and show up on time. Unlike a lot of home-improvement companies in the area, we aren’t about marketing; we’re about the trade. My brother and I, and the key guys here, are all about the trade and the craft. If that’s where our focus is, we don’t have to worry about what the competition is doing.”

Today, Phil Beaulieu & Sons specializes in all manner of exterior home improvement — tackling about 600 projects a year — including roofing, siding, windows, doors, decks, and masonry, with occasional light interior work related to an exterior project, like repairing ceiling damage caused by a leaky roof or installing interior trim on window jobs.

Products have evolved over time; for example, Beaulieu said new energy codes have put many window makers out of business and consolidated business among fewer manufacturers. He said he chooses product lines with a long track record for quality, and for good reason.

“We choose manufacturers that stand behind their products,” he told BusinessWest, rattling off names like Mastic siding, Harvey windows, Therma-Tru doors, and Trex decking. “We get every salesman in here, wanting us to sell their product, but we’re cautious about what we sell. If we select an inferior window to save a few bucks, we might put in a couple thousand windows in a year, and if they have a problem, it could destroy our reputation. So we have to be very careful. We use products that are time-tested and generally leaders in their industry.”

For that reason, Beaulieu said, his company tries to be up-front about pricing, but customers appreciate the candor. After all, while a generic product might cost 10% less, “if something goes awry, people don’t remember what kind of window is in their house; they remember who put the window in. So we don’t want callbacks — unless, of course, you want more work.”

Weathering Change

At peak times, Phil Beaulieu & Sons may have 60 people working, including eight office staff, three on the sales team, and professionals scattered at job sites throughout the region.

“It’s a struggle to find labor,” Fran Beaulieu said. “We have a young crop of guys coming through the system, along with reaching out to other guys in the industry. They might have been a small-time contractor, and we say, ‘listen, come work here. You won’t have to chase leads and make calls; here’s your next job.’ We’ve been able to bring in some guys that way. We’re always looking.”

That said, some Beaulieu employees have been there 30 years or more, crafting the sort of long-term, successful, and satisfying careers that many young people mulling career choices may not consider.

“The trades are great, and they’re not what they were 25 years ago,” he said. “If you take it as professionally as, say, a banker does, you can do really well.”

But it’s also hard work, he added. “You have cold days, hot days, rainy days, but also beautiful bluebird days. Working in the fall is amazing. Working in February and March … not so fun. But you become accustomed to working outside in the elements. You learn how to dress in layers, how to eat properly, and how your body reacts.”

While job volume remains strong, he told BusinessWest, large projects tend to be fewer than in the past.

“People tend to nickel and dime on their house, but if they’re comfortable with our work, we’ll get more projects from them,” he explained, noting, for example, that it was common 20 years ago for homeowners to order 32 windows at once, where now they’ll order a few at a time as they can afford it. Tax season is a healthy time for orders, not only because people like sprucing up their properties with the warm weather, but they see a hefty tax refund as an opportunity to reinvest in their homes.

“That’s when we get a lot of repeat business — ‘you did our roof last year; this year we need a rear sliding door, and take care of that hatchway.’”

Over the years, the company has become increasingly involved in the communities it serves, lending energy and resources to organizations such as Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen, D.A.R.E., the Ludlow Hockey Assoc., and many local schools and youth sports groups.

Fran Beaulieu also sits on the executive board for Revitalize CDC, which is dedicated to performing home repairs and modifications for low-income families, the elderly, military veterans, and people with special needs. “We do a number of projects with them each year. We did a big Veterans Day project. When they came to Holyoke, we closed an entire block at Beech Street and worked on about 15 homes, all in one day. That was a great day.”

This year, Phil Beaulieu & Sons struck an affiliation with the Valley Blue Sox, with a billboard in left field reading ‘hammer it here,’ and making a donation to Revitalize CDC with each home run.

Beaulieu also sits on the board of the Home Builders and Remodelers Assoc. of Western Mass., which, among other roles, helps members comply with new building-industry codes in the Bay State.

“All that regulation has eliminated a lot of the little pickup-truck guys; they’re harder to find,” he said. “We used to bid projects against the small-time guys who were uninsured, unlicensed, and, if there was a problem, the homeowner probably couldn’t find that guy again. That’s changed in Massachusetts, which has become increasingly progressive about regulating our industry. A lot of it has to do with consumer protection.”

Next Generation

Fran and Al Beaulieu are already looking down the road to the third generation of this family business, as Al’s son will soon graduate from American International College and has decided to make home improvement his career.

“He’ll wear a tool pouch for a while,” Fran said. “You can’t manage it if you can’t do it. You’ve got to appreciate your employees.”

That said, he added, “we’re always looking for young talent. Any time someone wants to be a carpenter, sider, or roofer, we’re always willing to listen. We try to find guys who are into the trade and have the same passion we have for it. I’ve talked to young guys after their first cold day and said, ‘this trade isn’t for you. Not to make you feel bad, but you’re only 21, and you should know it now.’ If you don’t have the passion, this isn’t for you.”

For those who embrace the challenge, however, there are plenty more ladders to climb, on days both cold and gray, and when the bluebirds are happily singing.

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Best Tile Stays True to Its Founder’s Passion

Building Trades Sections

Floor Plans

The team at Best Tile in Springfield includes, from left, Sarah Rietberg, showroom manager; Chad Hart and Beverly Gomes, design consulants; and Karen Belezarian-Tesini, store manager.

Harry Marcus started installing tile way back in 1955, so Karen Belezarian-Tesini considers herself lucky to have known him.

“Harry would say, ‘why are you here? Why do you like the business?’” said Belezarian-Tesini, manager of Best Tile in Springfield — one of some 30 locations that have sprung from Marcus’ original business 60 years ago. “I said, ‘I have a passion for it.’ Harry said, ‘that’s why you’re going to last. You have to have a passion for what you do.’”

Marcus Tile was born in the City of Homes, but there were no tile distributors in Springfield, meaning he had to travel to Hartford almost every day to pick up tile for his four-man team of installers. So he and his wife, Mollie, decided to start their own tile-distribution business. They sold their installation business and partnered with the Wenczel Tile Co. to open up Standard Tile Distributors in August 1956.

“It was a true rags-to-riches story,” Belezarian-Tesini said. “He was selling so much and so well, Wenczel asked him, ‘if we got you a bricks-and-mortar shop, would you open a store?’ He said yes and opened up his store.”

That’s where the story began — a story that has since expanded well past the Springfield-Hartford corridor, across the Northeast and down the Atlantic Coast. The Marcuses’ oldest son, Steve, eventually entered the family business and, after managing the Hartford branch, opened a new location in Albany, N.Y., naming it Best Tile — the word ‘Best’ representing the first two letters of his first name and that of his wife, Beverly.

By the early 1970s Best Tile was importing tile from around the world, and Steve Marcus and his business partner, Bob Rose, had expanded well into Central and Western New York. Meanwhile, Steve’s brother, Brad, expanded the company into the Boston area, and Steve Marcus and Rose later expanded into Pennsylvania with another partner, Chet Whittam. Following that, the company set up shop in Rhode Island, New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia, and more recently Vermont and North Carolina.

Karen Belezarian-Tesini says a slowing of the building boom over the past 20 years has coincided with an uptick in remodeling, which certainly benefits Best Tile.

“They’ve done very well managing and growing the business. It’s a great company to work for,” Belezarian-Tesini said. “They’re smart investors, and they direct-import everything, buying direct from factories. They’ve kept a great relationship with these factories over the years, which gives them great buying power.”

Those factories are based in countries as far-flung as Spain, Italy, Brazil, England, Turkey, Mexico, and the U.S., she added. “We pride ourselves on quality. In all the years I’ve worked here, no one’s ever come back and complained about quality of the tile, which is huge.”

Hitting the Wall

From her position managing the bustling shop on Belmont Avenue — where customers come looking to inject new life into their kitchen and bathroom floors and walls, among other areas — Belezarian-Tesini has seen a number of changes in the tile business.

“Twenty years ago, it was a contractor-driven industry, big time. It’s now more of a remodeling industry, with maybe 50% of the business retail — years ago, there was not as much retail,” she explained. “The building boom isn’t there like it used to be; you don’t see big tracts of homes going up. There’s a lot more remodeling going on.

“It’s still the City of Homes; I do believe that,” she went on. “You can tell by the remodeling going on in our neighborhoods. People are retiring to over-55 communities, and the younger generation is moving in and remodeling the home. That’s where a lot of our business is coming from nowadays.”

She noted that the contractors working in this field are an aging lot. “I don’t know what the future holds, but I wish trade schools would introduce more tile-related careers, because it’s an industry that should continue to grow.”

It’s growing in part through social media, websites, and especially home-improvement networks like HGTV and DIY, which showcase transitions that inspire viewers to tackle tile jobs themselves or hire someone to bring their vision to life.

“That’s what’s driving people, opening their eyes to what’s current, what’s hot,” she said. And that means Best Tile needs to stay on the cutting edge of what shoppers are looking for.

“Flooring has gone from a marble look to a wooded look,” she noted as one example. And large-format floor tiles are extremely popular, like 8-by-48-inch floor sections and 12-by-24-inch wall tiles; 12-by-12 pieces have become a bit passé. Meanwhile, “mosaic is hot, hot, hot — glass mosaic, glass and stone mixed, all stone, stone and ceramic. It can be for a floor, wall, backsplash, bathroom, kitchen, you name it. It’s everywhere, and it’s beautiful.

“The industry has come a long way,” she added. “The digital imaging, the handcrafted tile, so superior to what we had years ago. It’s beautiful.”

Happy Wife, Happy Life

Since the 2000s, the third generation of Roses and Marcuses have led the company through continued growth, showroom upgrades, and product expansion, under the umbrella of the East Coast Tile Group of companies.

But that’s the big picture; Belezarian-Tesini is more invested in the individuals — and, more often than not, couples — that show up at Best Tile looking to realize their vision of a beautiful bathroom or kitchen.

“You do this with your spouse; it’s not usually something you do alone. Husbands and wives make decisions together. And when they shop, they’re generally shopping together,” she said, adding, however, that some husbands embody man-shopping clichés. “Most of the time, we offer the husbands coffee or water, or ask if they want to sit down somewhere. Some spouses are very involved, and some are just here for the ride.”

It’s a ride that began with Harry Marcus’ vision, and passion, for building a business from the ground — well, the tile floor, anyway — up.

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Senior Living Evolves to Encompass Every Stage of Aging

Health Care Sections

Continuum of Care

As the Baby Boom generation continues to hurtle into their retirement years, about 15% of all Americans today are over age 65, a percentage expected to soar to almost 22% by 2040. That demographic tide presents both challenges and opportunities for senior-living facilities, which more than ever are emphasizing a continuum of care and a resident-centric experience.

Beth Vettori has sat with plenty of families stressed out from balancing their own lives with caring for an aging parent, yet reluctant to make the transition into a senior-living community.

“It’s hard for them. Usually, the sons and daughters are in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and most are still working, and it’s hard for them to play an active role in dividing those caretaking tasks,” said Vettori, executive director of Rockridge Retirement Community in Northampton.

But, while many seniors resist giving up a home they may have lived in for decades, she said, the move often goes more smoothly than expected.

“It can be hard for people to let go of where they were living — the memories, the history attached to their previous physical environment,” she told BusinessWest. “But more times than not, we hear, ‘I should have done this years ago.’”

Kelly Sostre, executive director of Keystone Commons in Ludlow, tells a similar story. “I think, sometimes, their families see the quality of life they have here, the friends they’ve made, and they feel guilty for waiting so long.”

One of the reasons families are feeling better about making the transition has been an emphasis, in the modern senior-living complex, on a continuum of care, which gives assurance that the resident won’t have to find a new community if their physical needs change.

Kelly Sostre (center, with Bryan McKeever and Grace Barone) says the average age of a Keystone Commons resident is older than it used to be, with more health issues to boot.

Keystone and Rockridge, for example, both offer independent living, assisted living, and memory-care neighborhoods, all on one campus.

“People are coming here more frail and needing more services. Five years ago, our average age was in the mid-80s; now it’s the low 90s. We’re even moving people in at 100,” Sostre said. “When we opened, the majority our independent-living folks were driving and attending social functions in the community. That’s tapered down.”

The key, then, is to offer a menu of social, culinary, and assistive options that ease the transition into this next phase of life. “We understand home is where they want to be, and if we can provide something here that’s homelike, that’s what we want to do.”

SEE: List of Senior Living Options in Western Mass.

Bryan McKeever, vice president of Roche Associates, Keystone’s marketing firm, stressed that the goal is to provide supportive services that help people maintain as much quality of life and independence as possible, while receiving help with medication management and other daily activities when needed.

Linda Manor Assisted Living in Northampton, true to its name, doesn’t offer an independent-living option, but its neighbor, Linda Manor Extended Care Facility, is a skilled-nursing residence for when the time comes. “A lot of people who come to assisted living are drawn by the fact we’re on the same campus as our nursing home,” said Emily Uguccione, executive director. “As your needs change, you can age in place; the nursing home on campus really helps with that, or if you have an acute healthcare issue or have rehabilitation needs.”

Changing Needs

Linda Manor does, however, offer a memory-care neighborhood in its assisted-living complex, a draw for families who look to assisted living because they recognize the early symptoms of dementia. But the reason for making the jump can be as basic as a need for connection.

“A lot of people come to assisted living needing some socialization, and loneliness is a huge, huge factor,” Uguccione said. “It affects the psychosocial well-being of people across America.”

Emily Uguccione

In assisted living, they know they’ll get their medication on time and as prescribed, and they have transportation to doctor’s appointments, errands, and social trips.”

In addition, she said, many candidates for assisted living find they need help with activities of daily living and medication management — often, up to 10 medications a day or more.

“In assisted living, they know they’ll get their medication on time and as prescribed, and they have transportation to doctor’s appointments, errands, and social trips,” she told BusinessWest. “And it’s not just a taxi. Our driver is a wonderful gentleman who provides support and socialization to people as he takes them to the doctor. When someone comes to assisted living, we want to give them support, but also fill in that loneliness gap.”

It’s also about safety, Vettori said. “If a loved one has some sort of deficit that puts them in a category of risk — mild dementia, cognitive decline, physical ambulation, those kind of disabilities — that’s where family members or residents look to us.

“Many times,” she went on, “people have been living independently, maybe have been in their home 30, 40, even 50 years, but now it’s getting harder to get around, especially in Western Mass., outside the large cities, where public transportation isn’t easy to access. So there’s a greater chance of isolation and a greater reliance on family.”

Those who make a complex like Rockridge their next home certainly aren’t required to socialize or engage with people, she added. “But if you take a few steps down the corridor, you’re right there with people who want to be part of your new family. That’s another great piece of living in a community setting. You have people who, for the most part, want to be there, and you can engage when you want, participate in whatever you want, and build friendships — not just with the people who live there, but also the staff.”

Sostre agreed. “They love the idea they can go to a spacious, home-like apartment they’ve decorated with their own things, yet they can be out and about at social activities and pick what they want to do every day. They have those options, and still have the comfort of their own environment, too.”

Activity planners at Keystone aren’t so much dictating a program, McKeever said, as getting to know the residents individually — what their hobbies and interests are — and developing offerings around those interests, while resident committees provide further input on the way activities are structured.

“It may well change month to month. Six months ago, I couldn’t get a card club going,” Sostre said. Since then, a beginners bridge group started up, and that activity has become hugely popular.

As the over-65 population swells, Vettori said, senior-living affordability will become an even more critical issue.

“This is going to be huge as the next group of Baby Boomers start to come online — the discrepancy between low income and high to moderate income. There’s a huge segment of the population falling through the cracks; they make too much to qualify for MassHealth or Medicaid, and don’t have enough to pay privately for a traditional independent- or assisted-living neighborhood.”

That situation inspired the development of Violette’s Crossing at Rockridge, which includes 25 independent rental apartments for people of moderate income, offering an a la carte menu of services.

“We set the income levels so that we could truly help this margin of folks that need a place to live and don’t qualify necessarily for an independent- or assisted-living community or some of the lower-income housing options,” Vettori said. “We’re one of the first across the country to pilot and put together a program like this where we’re not reliant on government funding.”

Focus on Memory

With one-third of Americans above age 85 expected to develop some form of dementia, it’s no surprise that all three facilities BusinessWest visited offer a dedicated memory-care unit.

Uguccione said Linda Manor’s memory-support and specialized life-enrichment program is driven by the habilitation model, which focuses on where their successes are and where their strengths lie, not necessarily on how to compensate for their weaknesses.

“We also do a lot with the environmental factors. The furniture is chosen really carefully, and the staff wears certain colors in the building to promote calm and serenity.”

Vettori said complexes are starting to employ wearable GPS trackers — like pendants and watches — with memory-care residents, allowing them to move more freely in the community. “People want to participate without constraints.”

That dovetails with an overall goal of giving residents more choice, she noted, which is something families increasingly demand.

“Communities like ours are constantly exploring how we can expand our menu of offerings and provide services people are looking for. They can choose to use them or not, but we never take away their independence. We really tailor the individual programming to be resident-centric.”

Sometimes, she added, residents never really accept a senior-living facility as their new home, but simply the place they live now. “Of course, we make them as comfortable as we can, knowing their heart is still at their previous home. It’s not often, but it does happen.”

Uguccione said the idea is to lessen the burdens of daily living so residents can, well, enjoy life. “People do much better when they don’t have to worry about all these other things; they can just enjoy being with each other, making new friends, and they have more time now to take up tai chi or go out to lunch, and don’t have to worry about taking three buses to get to a doctor’s appointment.”

Grace Barone, director of Community Relations at Keystone, said it’s a lifestyle, full of hobbies and interests and friends, that brings purpose back into residents’ days and gives them reason to get up in the morning, in contrast to the loneliness they might have felt in their previous home.

It also lends quality to their visits from loved ones, she added, recalling one resident’s daughter who was pleasantly surprised to see her mother painting, something she used to love but hadn’t done in 15 years.

“They’re not worried about filling the pillbox or whether there’s food in the fridge,” Barone said. “They can just come in and spend time talking and visiting, or share a meal while mom tells them about some fabulous activity she’s done.”

In other words, it feels a lot like home.

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Rehab Centers Help Seniors Limit Their Limitations

Health Care Sections

Functional Assets

Cheryl Moriarty and Jack Jury say Weldon Rehabilitation Center not only provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy, but educates seniors about health conditions such as diabetes and vascular disease to prevent return visits.

Only a few generations ago, many people who had strokes did not survive, while seniors who had respiratory problems, broke a hip, had an amputation, or suffered from other serious health conditions never regained their strength or functionality.

But, thanks to medical advances, people are not only living longer, many can return home or to an assisted-living facility if they receive rehabilitation therapy after being released from an acute-care hospital.

“It’s extremely rewarding to see someone with a functional problem tell us, ‘I never thought I could do that again,’” said John Hunt, chief executive officer of HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Western Massachusetts in Ludlow, noting that the majority of its patients are 65 or older. “We’re not making people perfect, but we are increasing their function and helping them compensate for their new disability.”

That’s especially important because today’s seniors are more active than people in previous generations, want to remain independent, and have the ability to continue activities they enjoy.

In addition, hospital stays are often limited to days instead of weeks, and although this helps prevent elders from getting weak from lying in bed for long periods of time, many have more than one health condition and need care immediately after they are released.

“Most people are eager to get home as soon as possible after a hospital stay,” said Heidi Hevey, regional director of admissions and marketing for Wingate Healthcare, which has 24 facilities in three states. “But going directly home might not be the best choice compared to spending some time in a skilled-nursing facility where the person can rebuild their strength and get help with any new limitations. Our job is to give them whatever is medically necessary to get them back to the highest level of functionality they can attain.”

Jack Jury, lead physical therapist at Weldon Rehabilitation Hospital in Springfield, said education is also important so people understand why their hospitalization occurred, how they can prevent a return visit, what they need to know about their health conditions, and the medications prescribed for them.

“We put a big focus on looking at the patient as a whole and do our best to incorporate their wants and needs,” he said. “But we also make sure the person understands everything about their health. As people live longer, the need for comprehensive education has increased.”

The length of time a patient spends in a rehabilitation facility depends on their health; ability to engage in physical, occupational, and speech therapy; how quickly they progress; and other factors. But insurance typically covers the cost of therapy needed for recovery, which can take place in stages that may begin at an acute inpatient rehabilitation hospital, progress to therapy in a sub-acute setting, and be followed with outpatient or home care.

For this issue, BusinessWest looks at the types of services seniors receive today, the conditions that cause them to need help, and how rehabilitation extends the quality of their life with as few limitations as possible.

Treatment Variables

Rehabilitation can take place in a variety of settings, and physicians make referrals based on individual needs, although ultimately the decision where someone receives therapy is made by the patient or their family.

John Hunt says the need for acute rehabilitation care has increased because people are living longer, and HealthSouth treats many seniors with complex medical and functional needs.

Rehab hospitals offer the highest level of care, but individuals must meet specific qualifications to be accepted as a patient. They include a referral by a physician; a need for 24-hour rehabilitation that can’t be provided in a less-intensive setting such as a nursing home or assisted-living facility; the need for two or more types of therapy, including physical, occupational, or speech/language; and the ability to participate in a minimum of three hours of therapy a day, five days a week.

A physician is present in these hospitals 24 hours a day, and the typical stay is about two weeks. Patients often need more therapy, but at that point they can be transferred to a sub-acute care center or receive outpatient therapy or home care.

Stroke accounts for the majority of admissions at local rehabilitation hospitals, and these patients often need assistance regaining mobility, cognition, speech, and swallowing.

“Recovery is unpredictable and variable and can occur over the course of a year or two,” Jury noted, adding that most of that therapy is delivered in outpatient care settings.

Weldon was recently awarded accreditation by CARF International for its inpatient rehabilitation program for adults, stroke specialty program, and program for children and adolescents. The certification is good for three years, and it is the eighth consecutive time the hospital has received the accreditation.

Meanwhile, HealthSouth has received disease-specific care certification from the Joint Commission for strokes, brain injuries, and pulmonary rehabilitation, in addition to the standard Joint Commission accreditation.

In 2013, its aging facilities were replaced with a $23 million hospital, and every room is private and spacious, which allows patients to have some therapy there if they need or want that option.

Thirty years ago, Hunt said, people were kept in the hospital for weeks after a stroke, but today they are discharged and moved to a rehabilitation facility after a few days, and the goal is to get them moving and back to normal as quickly as possible.

“We start discharge planning as soon as the person comes here, and we let them know the estimated length of their stay,” he noted, adding that 80% of patients at HealthSouth are able to return home, although they may need additional therapy.

For example, an 85-year-old who has had a stroke may have lost the use of his or her right arm. “We help the person gain strength, improve their function, and learn to use the arm in a different way than before the stroke occurred,” Hunt explained. “No two patients are the same, so we don’t have a cookie-cutter approach to treatment.”

In addition to stroke, rehab hospitals see people with brain or spinal-cord injuries, disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, amputations, respiratory conditions, diabetes, infections, and a multitude of other health problems.

Hunt told BusinessWest that many people don’t know that seniors who are living a marginal existence due to functional deficits may be eligible for admission to a rehab hospital, which can improve the quality of their life as well as help their caregivers.

However, discharge planning to ensure that every patient gets the help or care they need is critical. “But it can be challenging,” said Cheryl Moriarty, lead occupational therapist at Weldon Rehabilitation Hospital.

She cited a few examples that make care planning complex: the patient’s spouse may have been caring for them at home but can no longer do so because of new medical complications; patients may need assistance that is difficult for family members to coordinate; and assistance from resources in the community may also need to be arranged.

In addition, family members must receive education about their loved one before a discharge, which includes changes that may be needed at home, such as adding a ramp or moving a bedroom from a second floor to a first floor.

Jury said Weldon sees many patients who have had amputations due to uncontrolled diabetes or vascular disease. They haven’t healed enough to be fitted for a prosthesis and need to learn how to care for their extremity, use a wheelchair or walker, shower, get in and of bed, use the bathroom, and be able to accomplish other tasks of daily living.

The loss of a limb can be difficult emotionally, so Weldon schedules peer visits with amputees for people who have had similar amputations and are about the same age and gender as the patient.

Tamilyn Levin, chief operating office for Wingate Healthcare, says its admission criteria is different than a rehabilitation hospital, and the patient’s length of stay depends on what they need and how quickly they progress.

She told BusinessWest that every Wingate has a gym and team of therapists and nurses. Patients at their facilities can also receive assistance with tasks of daily living, such as getting dressed, if and when it is needed.

Every patient is seen by a physician during their stay, and every Wingate has a trainer whose job is to keep pace with changes in healthcare and make sure employees are kept informed about best practices.

Hevey noted that the East Longmeadow and South Hadley facilities have pavilion suites for patients who need short-term rehabilitation.

“Most of the rooms are private, and there is a separate entrance for this section of each building,” she said, noting that stays are typically two weeks or less and patients receive one to four hours of therapy a day, depending on their needs and how much they can tolerate.

“We treat a wide range of conditions that range from wound care to infections to respiratory problems, and also see patients who are weak and deconditioned from the flu or chemotherapy,” she continued. “Our goal is to get them back to their prior level of functioning.”

Changing Environment

There are 76.4 million Baby Boomers alive today, and many have more than one health condition. “This is the beginning of the senior explosion, and we haven’t hit the peak yet,” Moriarty said.

Changes in healthcare are occurring rapidly, but local rehab facilities are keeping pace with the industry and will continue to do so as the demand for their services continues to grow.

“An individual program has to be created for each person that follows best practices, and because things are constantly in flux, our program has to be very dynamic, so we have an integrated approach from the time a patient is admitted,” Jury said.

Such policies and procedures are helping to make many seniors functional and independent, which represents a vast improvement over generations past.

Building Permits

Building Permits Departments

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

CHICOPEE

Chicopee Tower Nominee Trust
481 Center St.
$8,200 — Remove three existing antennas and install three antennas at existing wireless telecommunications facility

Chunida Inc.
450 Memorial Dr.
$12,300 — Install fire-alarm panel and connect

Elms College
291 Springfield St.
$8,200 — Remove three existing antennas and install three antennas

EASTHAMPTON

Keystone Enterprises
122 Pleasant St.
$6,980 — Install wall, interior build-out

EAST LONGMEADOW

Atrium Dental
100 Shaker Road
$48,000 — Fire alarm

Pioneer Spiner & Sport Physicians
265 Benton Dr.
$18,400 — Sprinkler system

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
1 Porter Road
$9,700 — Insulation

Town of East Longmeadow
60 Center Square
$6,960 — Fire alarm

GREENFIELD

American House, LLC
258 Main St.
$137,700 — Repair and remodel water-damaged basement

Sander Greenfield LLC
367 Federal St.
$1,100 — Relocate existing fire-alarm devices

Shree Vinayak Inc.
125 Mohawk Trail
$4,980 — Roofing

HADLEY

To Your Health LLC/Pulse
270 Russell St.
$115,000 — Interior renovations to commercial space, restaurant adding pizza oven

Visionworks
344 Russell St.
$175,000 — Tenant fit-out of existing space

LONGMEADOW

GPT Longmeadow LLC
744 Bliss Road
$2,500 — New sign for Verizon

NORTHAMPTON

City of Northampton
42 Gothic St.
$1,000 — Interior renovation to office area

Lathrop Community Inc.
680 Bridge Road
$11,000 — Change uninsulated three-season room into insulated living space

Northampton Realty LLC
263 King St.
$11,750 — Four illuminated wall signs

PALMER

Evan Morowitz
1045B Thorndike St.
$10,000 — Retail build-out, no structural or interior changes

S & S Market/Hashmi LLC
1520 North Main St.
$73,000 — Remodel store, update electrical, new counters, new floors, paint, install new handicap unisex bathroom, new roof and siding

SOUTHWICK

Village Pizza
521 College Highway
$30,000 — Rebuild restrooms

SPRINGFIELD

Albany Road Springfield Plaza LLC
1355 Liberty St.
$10,500 — Remove three existing antennas and add three antennas to an existing wireless communications facility

Burger King
400 Cooley St.
Replace framing under window, replace glazing, exterior masonry under window, and interior finishes under and around window

Chestnut Park
10 Chestnut St.
$9,300 — Install three antennas at an existing wireless communications facility

MassDevelopment
1550 Main St.
$891,262 — Interior renovation, including new wall framing, flooring, electrical lighting, plumbing for staff kitchen, new ceilings, HVAC

Morgan Kaylee, Maggie Rivera
2559 Main St.
$37,000 — Roofing

Pride Convenience Inc.
1225 Parker St.
$5,000 — Relocation and modification of hot and cold beverage service areas and equipment

Xiao Ting Dong
1195 Sumner Ave.
$15,000 — Interior renovation to beauty salon

WARE

Country Bank
79 Main St.
$2,285 — Sign

WEST SPRINGFIELD

635 Riverdale St., LLC
30 Wayside Ave.
Construct a car wash and detailing facility

Cedar Enterprises Inc.
644 Riverdale St.
$900,000 — Erect a commercial building for a Wendy’s

Cumberland Farms
22 Park St.
$90,000 — Erect a convenience store

Davter 198 Norman St. Realty Trust
330 Cold Springs Ave.
$28,750 — Roofing

Doty River, LLC
500 Riverdale St.
$1,215,880 — Interior and exterior renovations to existing car dealership

Salamon Realty, LLC
63 Myron St.
$55,385 — Roofing

WILBRAHAM

Wilbraham Animal Hospital
2424 Bosto

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

359 March Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Dennis W. Mimitz
Seller: Jacob A. Salls
Date: 03/02/17

COLRAIN

243 Jacksonville Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $124,000
Buyer: Preston H. Hood
Seller: Cynthia R. Clark
Date: 03/02/17

CONWAY

18 Pleasant St.
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $196,500
Buyer: Thomas A. Pascucci
Seller: Maureen L. Landis
Date: 02/21/17

ERVING

91 Mountain Road
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $159,900
Buyer: Selene Finance LP
Seller: Arthur S. Johnson
Date: 02/24/17

DEERFIELD

55 Old Ferry Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Bement School Inc.
Seller: Charles L. Hall
Date: 02/28/17

GREENFIELD

37 Congress St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $213,500
Buyer: William D. Spencer
Seller: MBM Congress Street LLC
Date: 03/03/17

200 Elm St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: John A. Gregg
Date: 03/03/17

LEVERETT

69 Amherst Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $351,500
Buyer: Gerald S. Migdol
Seller: Stephan Rogers
Date: 02/28/17

LEYDEN

253 East Hill Road
Leyden, MA 01337
Amount: $238,000
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Jeffrey K. Griwold
Date: 02/28/17

MONTAGUE

143-145 7th St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Elisei L. Taraburca
Seller: Samuel J. Lussier
Date: 03/03/17

10 Carlisle Ave.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $151,175
Buyer: Cody Kingsbury
Seller: Walter D. Carlisle
Date: 02/28/17

49 Greenfield Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Nicole A. Merriett
Seller: Michael M. Nelson
Date: 02/21/17

163 Ripley Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Katherine E. Smith
Seller: Michael R. Waltuch
Date: 02/21/17

NORTHFIELD

234 Old Wendell Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $242,500
Buyer: Rachael M. Pride
Seller: Goesch, Michael F., (Estate)
Date: 02/24/17

ORANGE

24 Church St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $119,900
Buyer: Wayne L. Hess
Seller: Keith G. Lyman
Date: 02/28/17

19 Clifton St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $153,000
Buyer: Ian Hurley
Seller: Jeffrey A. Wark
Date: 02/28/17

18 Congress St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Susan M. Sacco
Seller: Jeffrey W. Reynolds
Date: 03/01/17

SHELBURNE

9 Mechanic St.
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Wendy Sarmisch-Hannigan
Seller: Robert T. Tobiason
Date: 03/03/17

WENDELL

109 West St.
Wendell, MA 01379
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Timothy O. Sheehan
Seller: Laura S. Maples
Date: 03/01/17

165 Wickett Pond Road
Wendell, MA 01379
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Shawn J. Jarrett
Seller: Jason M. Robinson
Date: 02/28/17

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

201 Adams St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Nicholas R. Jerard
Seller: Raymond A. Bronner
Date: 03/03/17

75 Fox Farm Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $219,000
Buyer: Taylor R. Moore
Seller: Johnathan S. Torres
Date: 02/24/17

37 Hall St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Alexandria Tynan
Seller: Philip A. Lamoureux
Date: 02/21/17

15 Hickory St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $246,000
Buyer: Adam T. Alexion
Seller: John A. Jedziniak
Date: 02/24/17

119 Maple St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $153,000
Buyer: Yuliya P. Lapik
Seller: FNMA
Date: 03/03/17

Meadow St. #245
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Aleksandr V. Radionov
Seller: Joseph D. Valenti
Date: 02/24/17

241 Meadow St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Aleksandr V. Radionov
Seller: Joseph D. Valenti
Date: 02/24/17

81 Pleasant Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Anthony F. Manzi
Seller: Clarice E. Benerakis
Date: 03/03/17

503 Silver St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Alexandru Sava
Seller: Joseph S. Didonato
Date: 03/02/17

BRIMFIELD

51 East Hill Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Michael C. Conahan
Seller: Jeffrey P. Winn
Date: 03/03/17

CHESTER

218 Route 20
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Kenneth G. Dulude
Seller: Jason J. Lorusso
Date: 03/03/17

CHICOPEE

103 Arnold St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Kimberly Malo
Seller: Robert P. Southworth
Date: 02/21/17

97 Bonner St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $135,500
Buyer: Pioneer Housing LLC
Seller: Todd Brunelle
Date: 02/23/17

305 Broadway St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Tedeschi Properties LLC
Seller: Michael S. Poggi
Date: 03/02/17

239 Carew St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Vanessa Medina
Seller: Kevin A. Masek
Date: 02/28/17

500 Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $121,000
Buyer: Jasmine Pagan
Seller: Robert M. Hebert
Date: 02/22/17

27 Ellen St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $294,000
Buyer: V&A Realty LLC
Seller: Bardon, Estelle, (Estate)
Date: 03/01/17

56 Ellerton St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $173,000
Buyer: Andrew R. Marof
Seller: Lida E. Vanasse
Date: 02/28/17

68 Fedak Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Erica I. Capeles
Seller: Linda J. Strzepek
Date: 02/28/17

1422 Granby Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: A&L RT LLC
Seller: WB Real Estate Holdings
Date: 03/03/17

197 Grove St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Grove Chicopee Building LLC
Seller: Grove Bld LLC
Date: 02/22/17

190 James St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $123,400
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Brian F. Gregersen
Date: 03/03/17

57 Manning St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Daniel Gagnon
Seller: Bartosz, Patricia K., (Estate)
Date: 03/02/17

25 Marble Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $179,900
Buyer: Paul Demarkey
Seller: Albert R. Dubuque
Date: 02/28/17

66 Marlborough St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $171,000
Buyer: Aleksandr S. Shovgan
Seller: Paul S. Nebosky
Date: 02/28/17

275 Moore St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $172,500
Buyer: Nadia Ruby
Seller: Wells Fargo Bank
Date: 02/28/17

404 New Ludlow Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $164,900
Buyer: Amy E. Benson
Seller: Joeseph L. Parent
Date: 02/24/17

20 Overlook Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $149,900
Buyer: Tara L. Black
Seller: Edward Pelletier
Date: 02/24/17

709 Prospect St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $156,032
Buyer: OCWEN Loan Servicing LLC
Seller: Jenny M. Eliza
Date: 02/22/17

17 Russell Terrace
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Christopher Dearing
Seller: Blake E. Bryan
Date: 03/03/17

238 School St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Karen E. Hansmann
Seller: Karolina Kopczynski
Date: 02/24/17

40 Sunnymeade Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $172,501
Buyer: Richard P. Mienkowski
Seller: Darlene A. Leblanc
Date: 02/28/17

168 Wilson Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Rudolph J. Gay
Seller: Eleanor H. Gay
Date: 02/28/17

57 Woodstock St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Evan M. Wytas
Seller: Renee N Maldonado
Date: 02/28/17

EAST LONGMEADOW

11 1st St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Mark B. Fitzpatrick
Seller: Joan M. Rondeau
Date: 02/24/17

20 Betterly Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $482,500
Buyer: Edmund K. Bakuli
Seller: Floyd J. Young
Date: 02/27/17

161 Dwight Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: John K. Christman
Seller: Kevin Relihan
Date: 03/03/17

230 Kibbe Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $318,000
Buyer: Brian McClelland
Seller: James W. Hastings
Date: 02/28/17

55 Lee St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Richard E. Moriarty
Seller: Dianne M. Bisi
Date: 02/23/17

211 Maple St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $210,500
Buyer: Tristan T. Ta
Seller: Priscilla A. Fickett
Date: 02/21/17

50 Mill Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Margaret K. Trase
Seller: Melanie S. Mercier
Date: 02/24/17

294 North Main St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $3,200,000
Buyer: 294 North Main Street LLC
Seller: East Longmeadow Medical
Date: 03/03/17

131 Prospect St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $174,500
Buyer: Raif S. Ishak
Seller: Ruth D. Tompkins
Date: 02/21/17

95 Ridge Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Mark K. Benander
Seller: William R. Dennis
Date: 02/24/17

23 Ridgewood Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $476,850
Buyer: William R. Dennis
Seller: Laurie A. Cirillo
Date: 02/24/17

5 Savoy Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Ben A. Roncarati
Seller: Brian McClelland
Date: 02/28/17

109 Thompkins Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $208,000
Buyer: Brian Nichols
Seller: Anthony J. Morrisino
Date: 02/27/17

HAMPDEN

59 Allen Crest St.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $151,200
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Dayna C. Allan
Date: 02/28/17

319 Main St.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: HSBC Bank
Seller: Tina Bianchi
Date: 02/27/17

478-488 Main St.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: New England Equities LLC
Seller: Richard E. Patullo
Date: 03/03/17

171 Wilbraham Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $138,900
Buyer: Melissa S. Dailida
Seller: Burgess, Barbra J., (Estate)
Date: 02/28/17

HOLLAND

5 Brook Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $147,800
Buyer: Lisa A. Lewis
Seller: Philip Truax
Date: 02/28/17

HOLYOKE

49 Ashley Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $160,500
Buyer: Leigh A. Salvage
Seller: Frank Cropanese
Date: 02/28/17

16 Brenan St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Brendon J. Lapointe
Seller: Coakley Corp.
Date: 02/24/17

45 Edbert Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $179,000
Buyer: Donald R. Paquette
Seller: Christopher J. Gosselin
Date: 02/28/17

372 Hillside Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $123,400
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Maritza Lorenzo
Date: 03/02/17

50 Mueller Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Carol G. Anderson
Seller: Edward J. Sourdiffe
Date: 03/02/17

21 Norwood Terrace
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Angela C. Pagliuca
Seller: Jodine Powers
Date: 02/24/17

206 Pine St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $128,500
Buyer: Keila Chavez
Seller: Philip Gonzalez
Date: 02/28/17

13 Vernon St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Jose E. Mendez
Date: 02/22/17

120-126 Walnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Hugenpoet LLC
Seller: Balbina T. Szalkucki
Date: 03/02/17

LONGMEADOW

354 Bliss Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Marcus J. Bouchard
Seller: Robert I. Cohen
Date: 02/28/17

7 Briarcliff Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $339,900
Buyer: Maria Ingani
Seller: Richard J. Corsi
Date: 02/24/17

75 Dover Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $419,000
Buyer: Philip E. Bugeau
Seller: Michael Smith
Date: 02/21/17

77 Eton Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $532,500
Buyer: Greg A. Desrosiers
Seller: Scott A. Frazer
Date: 03/03/17

98 Green Willow Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $477,000
Buyer: Brett Holman
Seller: David Buxbaum
Date: 02/28/17

147 Greenacre Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Brian W. Phillips
Seller: Ann O. Taffe
Date: 02/28/17

174 Hopkins Place
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Justus J. Guerrieri
Seller: Estelle M. Hurley
Date: 02/24/17

21 Massachusetts Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Steven S. Christenson
Seller: Jonathan S. Weibel
Date: 02/28/17

LUDLOW

414 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Craig W. Kefalas
Seller: Fernando Pina
Date: 02/28/17

707 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $142,500
Buyer: Robert J. Robitaille
Seller: Frances A. Matthew
Date: 02/24/17

73 Eden St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Angela Fillion
Seller: Teresa A. Dugre
Date: 02/23/17

517 Ideal Lane #609
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $278,634
Buyer: James J. Ambrosino
Seller: Lavoie Development Corp.
Date: 02/24/17

52 Skyridge St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: Sarah M. Pascale
Seller: Mark S. Munkittrick
Date: 03/01/17

46 Vienna Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: David M. Kornacki
Seller: Sean Stack
Date: 03/03/17

22 West Orchard St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $207,500
Buyer: James A. Chesnis
Seller: Anthony J. Longo
Date: 03/03/17

MONSON

14 Brimfield Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $139,000
Buyer: Richard D. Brohman
Seller: Barbara A. St.Martin
Date: 02/27/17

41 Old Reed Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $337,500
Buyer: Seth J. Table
Seller: Robert A. Fennessey
Date: 02/28/17

245 Palmer Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Mark S. Fuller
Seller: Jefferey W. Zabel
Date: 02/28/17

4 Zuell Hill Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Carlton T. Moores
Seller: US Bank
Date: 03/02/17

PALMER

Flynt St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Traceyann Blaisdell
Seller: Jenifer A. Ohanesian
Date: 02/22/17

59 Fuller Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Patrick Marsh
Seller: Henrichon, Linda A., (Estate)
Date: 02/27/17

1037 Pine St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Mike Swiatek
Seller: Alan P. Fauteux
Date: 02/24/17

110 Rondeau St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: James H. Jianaces
Seller: John A. Chaffee
Date: 02/28/17

1014-1016 Spring St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Jacob D. Mead
Seller: Chad R. Cosby
Date: 03/02/17

44 Squier St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $147,500
Buyer: Bank Of New York Mellon
Seller: Robert H. Warrington
Date: 02/22/17

234 Wilbraham St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Route 20 Auto Sales & Service
Seller: Ellsworth H. Baker
Date: 03/02/17

RUSSELL

41 Homestead Ave.
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $216,000
Buyer: Sara A. Trombley
Seller: Matthew G. Savageau
Date: 02/28/17

61 Shattuck Road
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $124,000
Buyer: Karen M. Frary
Seller: Edward J. Pignone
Date: 02/23/17

SPRINGFIELD

1920 Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Elizabeth A. Gaines
Seller: Doteb, Ethel E., (Estate)
Date: 02/24/17

284 Arnold Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $281,000
Buyer: Cassandra I. Miller
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 02/24/17

171 Balboa Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $127,500
Buyer: North Harlow 4 LLC
Seller: FNMA
Date: 02/24/17

15 Bamforth Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Bruce B. Durant
Seller: Andrzej Lipior
Date: 03/01/17

37 Barrison St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $149,500
Buyer: Tina K. Zarlenga
Seller: Francis J. Mulcahy
Date: 03/02/17

313-321 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $1,629,000
Buyer: Amat Victoria Curam LLC
Seller: Stoneridge Realty LLC
Date: 02/22/17

46-48 Burr St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $119,900
Buyer: Jacob Barreto-Gonzalez
Seller: Long Hang
Date: 02/23/17

94 Catharine St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $292,611
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Dallas L. Clark
Date: 02/22/17

117 Dorset St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Lillian Solis-Ortiz
Seller: Adeleke Thomas
Date: 03/02/17

74 Euclid Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: Anthony Aybar
Seller: Cromane RT
Date: 02/23/17

297 Fountain St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $129,000
Buyer: Nelson J. Ehle
Seller: Jason M. Tsitso
Date: 03/03/17

15 Garland St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $157,500
Buyer: Salome V. Brooks
Seller: Saw Construction LLC
Date: 02/28/17

38 Gilman St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $148,000
Buyer: Crystal S. Winfree
Seller: Eagle Home Buyers LLC
Date: 02/24/17

46 Hadley St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Thomas R. Alexander
Seller: Quercus Properties LLC
Date: 02/24/17

219 Harkness Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $129,000
Buyer: Dennis L. Roche
Seller: Brianne G. Summers
Date: 02/24/17

141 Hartford Terrace
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Sean Palatino
Seller: Cassandra J. Deedy
Date: 02/28/17

42 Jean Dr.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Adonoys J. Figueroa
Seller: S&C Homebuyers LLC
Date: 02/28/17

72 Larchmont St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Sandy Morris
Seller: Winston P. Palmer
Date: 02/22/17

249-251 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $635,000
Buyer: Orchard Properties Group
Seller: Sophies Rentals LLC
Date: 02/28/17

253 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $635,000
Buyer: Orchard Properties Group
Seller: Sophies Rentals LLC
Date: 02/28/17

257-259 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $635,000
Buyer: Orchard Properties Group
Seller: Sophies Rentals LLC
Date: 02/28/17

267 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $635,000
Buyer: Orchard Properties Group
Seller: Sophies Rentals LLC
Date: 02/28/17

231 Mazarin St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Pablo J. Perez
Seller: Jose M. Alves
Date: 02/27/17

210 Naismith St.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Leidy L. Aybar-Batista
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 02/24/17

3065 North Main St.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $275,100
Buyer: Salmar Realty LLC
Seller: Bank Of America
Date: 02/27/17

71 Old Farm Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $119,000
Buyer: Brico Properties LLC
Seller: Brico Properties LLC
Date: 03/02/17

110 Old Brook Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Margaret A. Coursey
Seller: Victoria W. Allatt
Date: 02/24/17

1711 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Sergey Privedenyuk
Seller: Lugrone Hanford
Date: 02/28/17

55 Perkins St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $154,038
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Dung Nguyen
Date: 02/21/17

479 Plumtree Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Tung T. Nguyen
Seller: Bonnie Mannix
Date: 03/02/17

286 Redlands St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $139,637
Buyer: Wilmington Savings
Seller: Richard B. Ackley
Date: 03/01/17

1003 Saint James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: 50 Century LLC
Seller: Esoo LLC
Date: 02/24/17

203 Saint James Blvd
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Bank New York
Seller: C. L. Goldberg-Poudrier
Date: 02/22/17

48 Vail St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $189,900
Buyer: Jasmin N Clemons
Seller: Mark P. Denver
Date: 02/23/17

35-37 Victoria St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Deborah Ortiz
Seller: Dudley, David R., (Estate)
Date: 03/03/17

49 Washington Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Michael A. Roach
Seller: Rosa M. Lopez
Date: 03/03/17

2303 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Alphonso Smith
Date: 02/27/17

99 Wilmont St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $139,000
Buyer: Raphael R. George
Seller: Berkshire Land Co. LLC
Date: 02/24/17

SOUTHWICK

6 2 States Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $172,500
Buyer: Ronald G. Hess
Seller: Launa L. Gresham
Date: 03/03/17

5 Gillette Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $137,420
Buyer: A. J. Parker LLC
Seller: Christine L. Weston
Date: 03/03/17

93 Hillside Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $225,005
Buyer: Randall H. Bourque
Seller: James C. Fitzsimmons
Date: 02/24/17

44 North Lake Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $117,000
Buyer: Ronald Vandervliet
Seller: US Bank
Date: 02/27/17

14 Oak St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Karen A. Nelson
Date: 03/01/17

6 Partridge Lane
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Otis Investments LLC
Seller: Patricia A. Harmon
Date: 02/28/17

WEST SPRINGFIELD

41 Banks Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $206,250
Buyer: Joshua X. Tower
Seller: Jonathan Tower
Date: 02/28/17

37 Beauview Terrace
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $192,800
Buyer: Barbara M. Meaden
Seller: Douglas Costa
Date: 02/22/17

21 Benedict St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $284,900
Buyer: James Lema
Seller: Edward W. Shore
Date: 03/03/17

164 Bonair Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $150,547
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Sean E. Barrett
Date: 02/27/17

71 Calvin St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $169,900
Buyer: Richard A. Larivee
Seller: Jeffrey J. Cross
Date: 03/01/17

30 Church St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Alexandru Chirilov
Seller: Douglas E. Reed
Date: 02/28/17

Hannoush Dr. Ext. #1
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Stanley Baron
Seller: Camile A. Hannoush
Date: 02/22/17

Hannoush Dr. Ext. #130
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Stanley Baron
Seller: Camile A. Hannoush
Date: 02/22/17

Hannoush Dr. Ext. #320
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Stanley Baron
Seller: Camile A. Hannoush
Date: 02/22/17

Hannoush Dr. Ext. #321
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Stanley Baron
Seller: Camile A. Hannoush
Date: 02/22/17

Hannoush Dr. Ext. #6
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Stanley Baron
Seller: Camile A. Hannoush
Date: 02/22/17

70 Jennifer Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Jennifer S. Picco
Seller: Peter A. Picco
Date: 03/01/17

32 Sawmill Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $273,300
Buyer: Joseph Cebula
Seller: Cassandra D. Hobgood
Date: 02/21/17

126 Squassick Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $256,500
Buyer: Johnathan S. Torres
Seller: Bozenhard, Robert W. Jr, (Estate)
Date: 02/24/17

569 Westfield St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $147,000
Buyer: William C. Brackett
Seller: Lois Kozikowski
Date: 02/23/17

WESTFIELD

42 Brentwood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Matthew G. Savageau
Seller: Diane M. Demorris
Date: 02/28/17

260 Buck Pond Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $148,000
Buyer: Nathan D. Taylor
Seller: Lisa G. Davin
Date: 02/24/17

14 Chestnut St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $216,000
Buyer: Michael Kotarski
Seller: Liptak, Donald F. Sr, (Estate)
Date: 02/28/17

26 Deepwoods Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Alexander Urkiel
Seller: Kimberley A. Bryant
Date: 03/03/17

8 Dewey Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Shawn Cove
Seller: Nadia N Martin
Date: 02/28/17

265 Elm St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Top Hat Realty LLC
Seller: Gezotis Realty Group LLC
Date: 03/01/17

75 Farnham Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Rebecca A. Check
Seller: Carol A. Ruszala
Date: 03/03/17

23 High St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $131,200
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Erich J. Norman
Date: 02/21/17

154 King St., Ext
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: David K. Miller
Seller: Don P. Marks
Date: 03/03/17

66 Larchly Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Ronald Wellspeak
Seller: Rosita Nunez
Date: 02/28/17

190 Lockhouse Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $164,000
Buyer: Nazariy Khomichuk
Seller: FNMA
Date: 02/22/17

790 North Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: City Of Westfield
Seller: Yevgeniy Gorobinskiy
Date: 02/23/17

30 Schumann Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Timofey Banar
Seller: HSBC Bank
Date: 02/24/17

36 Parker Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $117,500
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Ellen Henriquez
Date: 02/28/17

103 Rogers Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Christopher Mitchell
Seller: Karl R. Pighetti
Date: 02/28/17

60 Rosedell Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Kyle J. Cote
Seller: Brandon J. Osborne
Date: 03/01/17

23 Shaker Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $179,900
Buyer: Andrew A. Cordero
Seller: Lester R. Goff
Date: 02/28/17

6 Sibley Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Kerry S. Mullarkey
Seller: Karl M. Rexer
Date: 03/01/17

77 Valley View Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $126,744
Buyer: Judd L. Peskin
Seller: US Bank
Date: 02/24/17

51 Yeoman Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $154,652
Buyer: USA VA
Seller: Patricia Bush
Date: 02/23/17

WILBRAHAM

100 Burleigh Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $157,500
Buyer: Scott A. Fern
Seller: Karen I. Carpenter
Date: 03/03/17

11 Butler Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $174,720
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Francis L. Claing
Date: 02/23/17

2 Daniele Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $218,900
Buyer: Nichole Sady
Seller: Clifford R. Samble
Date: 02/28/17

1062 Glendale Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Wilmington Savings
Seller: Dana M. Draghetti
Date: 02/28/17

5 Hefferon Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $248,000
Buyer: Gerald Flanagan
Seller: Sara A. Hulseberg
Date: 02/21/17

12 Merrill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $234,000
Buyer: Joseph Queiroga
Seller: David B. Ortendahl
Date: 02/28/17

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

12 Dickinson St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Louis S. Greenbaum
Seller: Dunstone LP
Date: 02/24/17

16 Foxglove Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Barbara N Weinberg
Seller: Annemarie H. Seifert
Date: 02/22/17

18 Hickory Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Nina C. Bonazzi
Seller: Mark K. Benander
Date: 02/24/17

7 Laurel Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $331,000
Buyer: Timothy T. Anderson
Seller: Rebecca Dingo
Date: 03/03/17

215 Northampton Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $241,000
Buyer: Gregory Haughton
Seller: Clemons-Hunt, Maude E., (Estate)
Date: 03/03/17

287 Potwine Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $547,500
Buyer: Benjamin B. Brennan
Seller: Mary J. Moses
Date: 02/27/17

BELCHERTOWN

6 Liberty St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $146,000
Buyer: Nathan Collins
Seller: FNMA
Date: 02/24/17

28 Mill Valley Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Christopher J. Hanecak
Seller: Jane J. Demers RET
Date: 02/28/17

173 Railroad St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Robert J. Medeiros
Seller: G&H Development LLC
Date: 02/28/17

CHESTERFIELD

27 Stage Road
Chesterfield, MA 01026
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Chantel M. Cronin
Seller: David G. Thomas
Date: 03/03/17

18 Willicutt Road
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $342,000
Buyer: Eileen M. Theroux
Seller: Perry, Catherine R., (Estate)
Date: 03/01/17

CUMMINGTON

74 West Main St.
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $222,500
Buyer: Holly E. Anderson
Seller: George E. Racz
Date: 02/28/17

EASTHAMPTON

20 Button Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $328,060
Buyer: Bruce Fieldman
Seller: Linda E. Hiesiger
Date: 02/24/17

115 East St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $384,000
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Barbara A. Marczyk
Date: 02/22/17

201 Hendrick St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Salvador A. Hernandez
Seller: Martin A. Barraza
Date: 02/22/17

16 Knight Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Allan C. Devine
Seller: Diamond, Jacquelyn E., (Estate)
Date: 03/01/17

6 Lincoln St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $174,825
Buyer: Santander Bank
Seller: Linda G. Welch
Date: 02/23/17

20 Melinda Lane
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $194,172
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Richard Blackbird
Date: 03/01/17

5 Mineral St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Carol A. Perrea
Date: 03/03/17

29 Morin Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $146,371
Buyer: Bank New York Mellon
Seller: Michael J. Ryan
Date: 02/22/17

21 Paul St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Wayne English
Seller: Patrick Martin
Date: 03/01/17

16 Searls St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $216,772
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Paul J. Mistark
Date: 03/01/17

106 Strong St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $257,000
Buyer: Bruce R. Drew
Seller: Judith Derouin
Date: 03/01/17

GOSHEN

176 South Chesterfield Road
Goshen, MA 01096
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Julie E. Hooks
Seller: Barry L. Decarli
Date: 02/21/17

GRANBY

17 Center St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $232,000
Buyer: Thomas J. Moore
Seller: Daniel W. Horitz
Date: 02/28/17

119 Morgan St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $341,000
Buyer: Kimberley J. Kibbie
Seller: FNMA
Date: 02/24/17

2 Philip Circle
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $284,900
Buyer: Jeremy P. Carriere
Seller: Bryan C. Forbes
Date: 02/28/17

39 Pleasant St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: MTGLQ Investors LP
Seller: Robin M. Duxbury
Date: 03/02/17

10 Sherwood Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $232,000
Buyer: Westover Metropolitan Development Corp.
Seller: Elizabeth Carriere
Date: 02/24/17

HADLEY

265 Bay Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Christopher J. Omasta
Seller: Gregory J. Omasta
Date: 02/28/17

187 Hockanum Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Richard M. Thayer
Seller: Thayer, Richard M., (Estate)
Date: 03/03/17

39 Knightly Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: David J. Fill
Seller: Layne V. Floyd
Date: 03/01/17

3 Sylvia Heights
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $158,500
Buyer: Eric J. Moschella
Seller: Andre R. Laflamme
Date: 02/23/17

HATFIELD

480 Main St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $518,000
Buyer: Rebecca McDaniel
Seller: Michelle A. Maciorowski
Date: 02/28/17

6 Prospect St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Jonathan H. Hancock
Seller: US Bank
Date: 02/23/17

MIDDLEFIELD

83 Chester Road
Middlefield, MA 01243
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Jason Costa
Seller: Mary A. Richardson
Date: 02/24/17

NORTHAMPTON

206 Federal St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Burgeois Properties LLC
Seller: Olive L. Arel
Date: 03/01/17

98 Fern St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $429,000
Buyer: Brendan L. Hughes
Seller: Jesse C. Montgomery
Date: 03/03/17

326 Glendale Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Keith E. Pratt
Seller: Edward A. Morris
Date: 03/01/17

301 King St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $807,500
Buyer: Colvest Northampton LLC
Seller: 71 Summer Street RT
Date: 03/03/17

19 Lake St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $276,000
Buyer: Terence Coles
Seller: Christina M. Kerr
Date: 02/28/17

193 Main St.
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: EJJA Properties LLC
Seller: Matthew M. Pitoniak
Date: 03/01/17

63 Market St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $391,500
Buyer: Market Street Rentals LLC
Seller: 63 MKT Realty LLC
Date: 03/02/17

107 Williams St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Arthur W. Sousa
Seller: Kowalski Theodore F., (Estate)
Date: 03/02/17

SOUTH HADLEY

516 Amherst Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $175,441
Buyer: MTGLQ Investors LP
Seller: Michael R. Beltrandi
Date: 03/02/17

3 Bach Lane
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $118,000
Buyer: Brady A. Opalenik
Seller: Rose M. Phoenix
Date: 02/28/17

5 Central Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $227,500
Buyer: Vasily Morozov
Seller: Teresa A. Lacasse
Date: 03/03/17

30 Cottage Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Amanda L. Taylor
Seller: Leo H. Asselin
Date: 03/03/17

28 Fairlawn St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $233,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Michael Lavalley
Date: 02/28/17

9 Magnolia Terrace
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $227,500
Buyer: Ryan L. Kile
Seller: W. Maria Fitzgibbons
Date: 02/28/17

3 Main St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: KPS Holdings LLC
Seller: John M. Occhiuzzo
Date: 02/28/17

171 Newton St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Chhaun Phok
Seller: Christopher T. Clark
Date: 02/28/17

7 Pheasant Lane
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $349,000
Buyer: Blake E. Bryan
Seller: Kenneth J. Kinghorn
Date: 03/03/17

100 Pittroff Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $211,000
Buyer: Tracie L. Rubeck
Seller: Thomas E. Kelly
Date: 02/27/17

SOUTHAMPTON

County Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Yevgeniy Gorobinskiy
Seller: DBL Realty Associates LLP
Date: 02/27/17

9 Hawthorne Dr.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Denise L. Dupelle
Seller: Daryl W. Hendery
Date: 02/28/17

27 Hillside Meadows Dr.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $361,500
Buyer: Todd A. Duso
Seller: David Garstka Builders
Date: 02/21/17

WARE

48 Bacon Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Gilberto M. Rivas
Seller: Belspring RT
Date: 03/03/17

12 Campbell Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Joshua D. Glover
Seller: David J. Bliss
Date: 02/27/17

124 Glendale Circle
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Anthony J. Bruso
Seller: Kristen A. Elmes
Date: 03/03/17

18 Robbins Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Beatrice Lavella
Seller: Craig Harder
Date: 02/27/17

3 Walter Dr.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $284,000
Buyer: Ventures T. 2013 IHR
Seller: Luis M. Teixeria
Date: 03/02/17

WESTHAMPTON

39 Pine Island Lake
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Peter Bigwood
Seller: Kathleen G. Okane
Date: 02/27/17

WILLIAMSBURG

16 Fairfield Ave.
Williamsburg, MA 01062
Amount: $242,500
Buyer: Heather G. Richard
Seller: Laflam, Paul R., (Estate)
Date: 02/28/17

Bankruptcies

Bankruptcies Departments

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

Butynski, Jane M.
359 Colrain Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/17/17

Cadieux, Traci L.
35 Willard Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/20/17

Catbird Seat, LLC
RTR Technologies, Inc.
Berger, Craig Michael
Berger, Rosalie Beth
8 Meadow Road
Stockbridge, MA 01262
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/17/17

Chan, Jimmy M.
127 Parkside St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/17

Chapdelaine, Cynthia M.
8 Walnut St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/23/17

Coach, Michael E.
84 Ely St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/17

Dancing a la Carte, Inc.
Floral Illusion
Rosinski, David F.
200 Lambert Terrace #28
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/17

Evans, James
37 Quail Hollow Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/24/17

Filkins, Christina L.
21 Porter Ave.
Dalton, MA 01226
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/17/17

Garcia, Mariaelena
74 North Whitney St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/27/17

Giroux, Colleen C.
15 Granby Road
Granville, MA 01034
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/17

Giroux, Walter D.
15 Granby Road
Granville, MA 01034
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/17

Goldman, Jesse M.
1760 Westover Road #51
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/22/17

Greene, Melissa Ann
a/k/a Neil, Melissa Ann
a/k/a Penna, Melissa Ann
79 Fenway Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/22/17

Griffin, Deborah L.
a/k/a Baronoski, Deborah Lynn
82 Stanton Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/26/17

Henderson, Dwayne L.
158 Narragansett Blvd.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/22/17

Kenneway, John F.
184 Podunk Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/15/17

Krautler, Robbin Anne
57 Cherrelyn St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/17

Labrie, Edward Henry
Labrie, Karen Lynn
79 Valley Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/17/17

Lakota, Stanley Joseph
PO Box 8
Whatley, MA 01093
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/22/17

Landrie, Jeannette C.
32 Bedford Terrace
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/17

Lezama-Gomez, Norma I.
27 North East St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/01/17

Lynch, Mark A.
370 Mill Valley Road, #54
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/20/17

McNeil, Victoria R.
15 Jasmine Dr.
West Boylston, MA 01583
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/16/17

Morin, Steven J.
88 Cora Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/24/17

Perez, Angel G.
125 Rochford Circle
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/15/17

Philbrook, Andrew J.
77 Flynt St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/24/17

Punska, Joseph E.
Punska, Elizabeth C.
28 North Hatfield Road
Hatfield, MA 01038
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/17/17

Reflections and Impressions
Kozicki, Michael
549 Russell Road, 5C
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/17

Rivas, Jose Juan
40 Abbey St.
Apt. 3L
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/17

Segarra, Harry L.
27 North East St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/01/17

Shallcross, Emily Gay
16 Hayes Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/22/17

Strader, Glenn P.
160 Park St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/20/17

Surgen, Amanda Kate
14 Norton St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/01/17

Therrien, Richard P.
Therrien, Katherine M.
a/k/a Lanoue, Katherine M.
14 Sycamore St., Apt 1
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/21/17

Valhalla Ventures
Henle, John R.
805 White St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/16/17

Wellington, Lillian J.
105 Melha Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/23/17

Williams, Larry A.
Williams, Nicole
16 Orchard St., Apt. C
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/01/17

Witkowski, Joseph E.
276 Oak St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/16/17

Doing Business as Certificates

DBA Certificates Departments

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

AGAWAM

Budsuds
52 Greenock St.
A. Caracciolo

D.W.S. Woodturning
27 Peterson Circle
David Swift

Sloma Chiropractic Wellness
192 Shoemaker Lane
George Sloma

AMHERST

Envisage Property Investments, LLC
8 Southpoint Dr.
Coralia Melendez, Jose Melendez

Life Flow Healing
10 Gatehouse Dr.
Gerald Allen

Roberto’s Copies
8 Southpoint Dr.
Jose Melendez

CHICOPEE

Extract the Magic
340 Dale St., Unit F
Danielle Billieux

Kantex
54 Truvo St.
Adam Warzybok

Rubicon Ventures LLC
189 Front St.
Andre Mai

Seth Kaye Photography
48 Center St.
Seth Kaye

Tim’s AV
25 Walter St.
Timothy Polonis

EASTHAMPTON

Liberty Tax Service
53 Union St.
Saqib Tasneem

Lularoe
10 Lyman Ave., Apt. B
Jennifer Aloisi Dunn

Manhan Crafters
20 Morin Dr.
Edward and Jenny Bloniarz

Northeast Piano Service
11 Union Court
John Fish

Premo’s Cuts
77 Main St.
David Premo

Reflections
132B Cottage St.
Stephenie Nace

Sharp
121 Main St.
Rachael Boido, Cynthia Apple

St. Michael’s Construction Corp.
180 Pleasant St., Suite 6
Mike Michon

Welch Home Improvement
108 Park St.
Michael Welch

EAST LONGMEADOW

American Autosport
22 Indian St.
Eric Hirschberg

PM Appraisal Services Inc.
245 Shaker Road
Peter Maruca

Rockwell Tax Services
19 Merriam St.
Betty Rockwell

Salon 511
511 North Main St.
Leonard Raina

GREENFIELD

Aleksandr Agapov
14 Graves Road
Aleksandr Agapov

Goose
223 Main St.
Astranada Gamsey

REV Broaching Tool USA
587 Bernardston Road
Dufraine Group, LLC

Tae Kwon Do Center Inc.
102 Federal St.
Tae Kwon Do Center Inc.

HADLEY

Concussion Center of Massachusetts
195 Russell St., B-13
Robert Davis

Dinita’s Hair Design
102 Russell St.
Dinita Dominick

Kielbasa Orchards, LLC
29 Bay Road
Kyle Kielbasa

River Walrus Music
141 West St.
Mark Applegate

Western Mass Pruning, LLC
290 Bay Road
Kyle Kielbasa

HOLYOKE

Dollar N Things
50 Holyoke St.
Mamta Arosa

Fairfield Inn & Suites
229 Whiting Farms Road
Kirit Patel

Friendly Mini Market
657 High St.
Farooq Shaikh, Gulam Shaikh

Uno Chicago Grill
50 Holyoke St.
Steven Hurwitz

LUDLOW

CREH/CSquared
15 Kirkland Ave.
Christopher Coelho

Head to Toe Day Spa
36 East St.
Danyun Huang

JMA Web Consulting
61 Munsing Ave.
Joseph Alvaro

Lavoie Properties
733 Chapin St., Suite B1
David Lavoie

LTC Firearms Course
78 Lavoie Ave.
Ray Colson

Roy Pease Construction
45 Ravenwood Dr.
Roy Pease

Shawn’s Painting
18 West Akard St.
Shawn Cantwell

Taco Bell
343 Center St.
George Fellows

NORTHAMPTON

Affordable Used Cars
14 Easthampton Road
Raymond Learned

Bay State Brimmers
9 Wilson Ave.
Nathaniel Frank

Castle Architectural Salvage
7 Pearl St.
Ronald Pike

Crispin’s Consulting
28 Columbus Ave.
Crispin Driver-Schroder

ElectroCut Lawn Care
84 Bancroft Road
Philip Hempstead

EnergyPRZ
3 Olive St.
Robert Neal

JATI Computers NE
108 South St., B-14
Melvin Olivo

Maple and Main Realty, LLC
28 North Maple St.
Julie Held, Kate Iles

Nancy Fields Graphic Design
410-B Kennedy Road
Nancy Fields

PDSI Commercial Building Solutions
15 Barrett Place
Stephen Vukovich

Yup Coffee Roasters Inc.
296 Nonotuck St.
Matthew Bousquet

PALMER

Mark’s Woodworking
4067 Church St.
Mark Zajchowski

Nick’s Sport Shop
1029 Park St.
Mario Torchia

SOUTHWICK

Jay’s Mobile Welding
P.O. Box 15
Joseph Mendes

Jericho Builders
6 Hidden Place
Berrnard Berard

SPRINGFIELD

Annabelle Inc.
517 Newbury St.
David Moretti

Auto Clean Car Care Service
850 Chestnut St.
D’Angelo Armand

Baystate Forktruck
742 Belmont Ave.
Shawn Summers

BK and Sons Painting
217 Tyler St.
Brian Kilpatrick

Chicke D’s Chicken & Grill
1375 Carew St.
Derrick Brathwaite

D & C Flooring
13 Bacon Road
Francis Drake

Escape Springfield LLC
141 State St.
James Krobath

Fina’s Bistro and Pizzeria
672-B Dickinson St.
Fabio DeSousa

Glinka Property Management
657 Cooley St.
Brett Glinka

Hats Off Barbershop
494 Central St.
Jason Paige

Impress V Unity Productions
685 State St.
Vyeluv Nembhard

The Jamie Campbell Group
1351 Main St.
Jamie Campbell

Kenia’s Beauty Salon
519 Main St.
Kenia Torres

Kumar & Andy Inc.
145 Boston Road
Ravinder Arora

Love’s Kitchen
2 Chestnut St.
Raisa Perez

Magnificent Shine
53 Washburn St.
Nelson Mendoza

Mikey’s Beauty Supply
1232 Main St.
Michael Kang

Motivate-Educate-Graduate
79 Villa Parkway
Neel Abdul-Hameed

RD on Wheels LLC
68 Chester St.
Kelvinson Duran

RTWoods Arts
235 State St.
Rosemary Woods

Soul Aura
70 Bulat Dr.
Breanne Costa

Superstarz Beauty Salon
253 Bay St.
Carlene Marsh

Tafari A. Reid Youth Services
48 Collins St.
Tafari Reid

V J Auto Body
1 Belmont Ave.
Victor Jimenez

Will Black Entertainment
93 Edgeland St.
William Westley

WARE

McGuire Yard Service
273 Palmer Road
Jonathan McGuire

WESTFIELD

J.A.N. Woodworks & Renovations
61 Bowdoin St.
Joseph Muto

Kamyk Engraving
9 Grandview Dr.
Steven Kamyk

Lacross Exteriors
24 Cranston St.
Kathleen Lacross

Quality Cleaning
36 Westminster St.
Mariya Ruskevich

Watchdog Consulting Services LLC
12 Blueberry Ridge
Brendan Wilson

Western Mass Floors LLC
16 Taylor Ave.
Oksana Vlasyuk

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Anthony Wheeler Construction
95 Mulcahy Dr.
Anthony Wheeler

Arnold’s Auto Body Service
400 Main St.
William Bushey

Bella Napoli
185 Elm St.
Gennaro Moccia

Dream Decor Outlet
120 Memorial Ave.
Abdul Chaudhry

Dynamic Dock & Door Inc.
64 Lowell St.
Bret Leveillee

Future Comp
123 Interstate Dr.
Anthony Szwez

HGL Transport
59 Lowell St.
Gulsanam Kasimova

Istanbul Halal Meat Market
205 Elm St.
Goksal Cicek

LTD Investigations
181 Park Ave.
Luke Gelinas

Mark Pagios Construction
302 Rogers Ave.
Mark Pagios

WILBRAHAM

Baila Comigo Dance Fitness Studio
2701 Boston Road
Ana Ferris

Bracelets by Cathie
6 Shirley St.
Catherine Rueli-Matalewicz

Elizabeth Hamel Hair at Suzann Andre Salon
2341 Boston Road
Elizabeth Hamel

Ervin & Harris Landscaping LLC
8 Dollar Ave.
Gregory Harris

Kalitory Tech LLC
400 Dipping Hole Road
Amir Shabani, Mohsen Shabani

Pafumi’s
1 Crane Park
Mark Pafumi

Poplar Vending, LLC
5 Poplar Dr.
Gregory Laware

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.

BRIMFIELD

Blackstone Staffing Solutions Inc., 399 Brookfield Road, Brimfield, MA 01010. Peter Zelazik, same. Staffing solutions, products and services.

CHICOPEE

Broadway Auto Shop Inc., 232 Lafayette St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Kassem Z. Kabbout, same. Auto repair.

COLRAIN

American Indigenous Research Association Inc., 16 Leon Herzig Dr., Colrain, MA 01340. Lori Lambert, 3595 Leaning Tree Lane, Roman, MT 59860. Nonprofit organization whose purpose is to promote, foster, and apply indigenous research methods based in the philosophies, knowledge systems, values and beliefs of indigenous communities, as a whole as well as in regards to the particular indigenous peoples and communities engaged in a particular program of research.

GREAT BARRINGTON

Andres R. Bernal Carpentry Inc., 131 Monument Valley Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230. Andres R. Bernal, same. Carpentry services.

HADLEY

Agrigatr Inc., 271 Bay Road, Hadley, MA 01035. Luke Richardson, same. Precision agriculture development and services.

NORTHAMPTON

Belly of the Beast Inc., 184 Main St., Apt. 4, Northampton, MA 01060. Aimee Francales, same. Food and beverage preparation, products and services.

SHEFFIELD

Alexander’s Way Research Fund Inc., 353 Miller Ave., Sheffield, MA 01257. Laura Zah, same. Nonprofit, charitable organization that promotes international collaboration among scientists, researchers and patient advocacy groups to speed up research, development and delivery of treatments for children and adults who are affected by BAG3 related Myofibrillar Myopathy.

SOUTHWICK

Amherst Market TK Inc., 33 Deer Run, Southwick, MA 01077. Vimal Patel, same. Package store.

WARE

Berkshire Blanket & Home Col. Inc., 44 E. Main St., Ware, MA 01082. Bruce Stevens, same. Holding company.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

360 Auto Repair Corp., 141 Allston Ave., West Springfield, MA 01089. Peter Levchyx, 125 Fowler St., Westfield, MA 01085. Auto repair.

AK Express Inc., 85 Bridge St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Alimzhan Kasimov, same. Trucking.

WESTFIELD

A&K Enterprises Inc., 54 Union St., Westfield, MA 01085. Nasir Khan, same. Convenience and grocery store.

People on the Move

Departments People on the Move

United Personnel announced the following:

• Jennifer Brown has been promoted to Vice President of Client Development. With more than 20 years of experience in the staffing industry, Brown brings a wealth of human-resources knowledge and recruiting expertise to her new role. She most recently served as United Personnel’s assistant vice president of Operations in the Springfield region, where she oversaw all aspects of operations for the Light Industrial and Professional placement divisions. She has an associate’s degree in business management from Burdett Business School and recently became a certified staffing professional through the American Staffing Assoc. Her community involvement includes membership in HRMA and serving as a board member of Dress for Success; and

• Mim Zayas has been promoted to Assistant Vice President of Operations, Springfield. Having recently celebrated her one-year anniversary with United Personnel, Zayas, formerly the director of Quality Assurance and Talent Acquisition, will now manage all operations for United Personnel’s Springfield-area offices, including the Professional and Light Industrial placement divisions. Zayas holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Elms College. She is a member of the board of directors for the Chicopee Chamber of Commerce.

•••••

Yogesh “Yogi” Malik

Greenfield Savings Bank announced that Yogesh “Yogi” Malik has joined the bank as a premier banker and also joined the bank’s GSB Investments and Insurance Division as an Infinex Investments executive. Malik will assist customers with identifying opportunities to increase their earnings on their savings at the bank and through the investment opportunities offered by the GSB Investments and Insurance Division, through Infinex Investments Inc. He is based at the bank’s main office located at 400 Main St. in Greenfield. Malik came to the bank with more than four years of experience and has a bachelor’s degree in finance from Bentley University. He has passed the Series 6, Series 63, Series 65, and Series 7 examinations, which are required for individuals who sell certain investment products. In the fall, he is planning to begin working on an MBA.

•••••

W. Paul Harrington Jr.

Pope Francis High School, a faith-based college-preparatory school serving grades 9-12, announced W. Paul Harrington Jr. as its new head of school following a lengthy nationwide search. A native of Holliston, Harrington holds a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in economics from Fairfield University, and a master’s degree in school administration from Loyola Marymount University. He received his doctorate in educational leadership at the University of Southern California. He received the unanimous recommendation of the search committee, approval by the Pope Francis High School Board of directors, and the affirmation of Springfield Bishop Mitchell Rozanski. “I am very pleased and excited that Dr. Harrington has accepted the position as the new head of school for Pope Francis High School,” said Rozanski. “Having personally met with him, I believe he has the vision that will help us realize the full potential for this new school, both academically and spiritually.” Said Harrington, “I am humbled by this incredible opportunity to honor the rich traditions of Holyoke Catholic and Cathedral High Schools while inspiring a future filled with innovation, faith formation, and academic excellence as Pope Francis High School.”

•••••

Peter Pan Bus Lines recently honored the country’s first 4-million-mile driver, Ed Hope, at the company’s annual S.T.A.R. (Super Team Achievement & Recognition) Awards Dinner at the Sheraton Springfield Hotel. Hope will be inducted into the National Safety Council Hall of Fame. The National Safety Council defines one million miles as the equivalent of 12 consecutive years of driving without an accident of any kind, or, as noted by Peter Pan Chairman and CEO Peter Picknelly, 4.2 trips to the moon, or 40 times around the earth. This is a significant milestone in a professional motorcoach operator’s career. Peter Pan Bus Lines is proud to have more one- and two-million-mile drivers than any other transportation company of its size. In addition, it is the first bus company in the world to employ drivers who have driven three million, and now four million, miles without an accident.

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Jim Kantany

J. Polep Distribution Services announced the promotion of Jim Kantany to Director of Sales. He has been with J. Polep since 2001, and has worked his way through the company, working in warehouse-control positions, as a field sales representative, and, most recently, district manager. Kantany brings a wealth of experience to the Sales department. According to the company, his continued, focused effort has been on creating and maintaining the business’ infrastructure. He possesses an excellent record of customer relations and can identify trends and emerging developments to improve customers’ margin dollars. He takes the time to understand their strategies for growth with the goal of making customers successful.

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The Center for EcoTechnology, a nonprofit that helps people and businesses in the region save energy and reduce waste, has appointed two new members to its board of directors for 2017:

• Jennifer Atwater is Vice President of operations at United Personnel, where she oversees the Northampton and Berkshire County markets. She has served on the board of directors for the American Red Cross, Easthampton Chamber of Commerce, and Easthampton Fall Festival; serves on the board of CareerPoint and Ella Clark Home for the Aged; and sits on the development committee for Look Park. She holds an associate’s degree from Bay Path College and a bachelor’s degree from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts; and

• Janet Warren is Director of Sales and Marketing at Fazzi Associates, the Northampton-based service provider for home-health and hospice agencies across the country. Her three decades of experience in marketing, sales, and product development have included serving as vice president of Marketing for Monson Savings Bank; president of her own marketing practice, MarCom Capital; and second vice president of Market Development for the Group Division of Phoenix Home Life. She is a past president of the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce and has served on the starter board of the Hampshire County Regional Chamber, the Hampshire County Tourism Advisory Council, and on the board of directors of United Way of Hampshire County. The Center for EcoTechnology helps people and businesses in the region save energy and reduce waste. For 40 years, CET has offered advice and resources to save residents money and help them feel more comfortable in their home, and help businesses perform better.

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Jay Smith, Founder of Sports Travel and Tours, took over as Chair of the board of directors for the National Tour Assoc. on March 2, before the conclusion of the annual Travel Exchange convention in St. Louis. He will lead the board until the next convention in December in San Antonio, taking the reins from Justin Osbon of Image Tours Inc., which offers European tours. Smith has been sitting on the board for NTA — a leading business-building association for professionals serving customers traveling to, from, and within North America — for about six years. NTA acts as an advocate on behalf of its members and the tourism industry at large. Active with policymakers in Congress and the administration, the association coordinates with its partners on a number of key legislative issues. It is governed by a 17-member volunteer board of directors, which is advised by volunteer committees. Currently, NTA is focused on a number of policy priorities, including specialty travel markets in countries including India and China, travel between Cuba and the U.S., and funding for the National Park Service Centennial. As chair, Smith looks forward to helping the organization further stabilize after a transition over the past few years, which brought in Pam Inman as the new president. Founded 20 years ago, Sports Travel and Tours has been the official travel company of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum since 2007.

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Jessica Chapin

Jessica Chapin, American International College’s (AIC) Assistant Athletic Director of Compliance and senior woman administrator, has been appointed to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II Management Council through January 2021. As part of her commitment, Chapin will serve on two committees: the NCAA Research Committee and the Committee on Infractions. The Management Council is charged with recommending administrative policy and regulations that govern the division. It reports directly to the President’s Council and implements the policies adopted by the association’s Board of Governors and Division II President’s Council. The Management Council may sponsor legislative proposals, make interpretations of Division II’s bylaws, and may also handle resolution of Division II issues and recommendations from other committees and working groups throughout the division’s substructure. The council is comprised of Division II chief executive officers, faculty athletics representatives, athletic directors, senior woman administrators, conference representatives, and student-athletes. Chapin joins the council, currently 29 members strong, as a senior woman administrator.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

www.explorenorthampton.com

Chamber Corners Departments

GREATER CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.chicopeechamber.org

(413) 594-2101

• April 7: Seminar, “Microsoft Word: “Tips, Tricks & Shortcuts,” 8:30-10:30 a.m., at Hampton Inn Chicopee, 600 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Presented by Pioneer Training. Cost: $40 for members, $50 for non-members

• April 12: Table Top Expo & Business Networking Event, 4:30-7 p.m., at the David M. Bartley Center for Athletics & Recreation, Holyoke Community College, 303 Homestead Ave., Holyoke. Presented by the Greater Chicopee, Greater Holyoke, Greater Easthampton, and Greater Northampton chambers of commerce. Parking available on site. Admission: $10 pre-registered; $15 at the door.

• April 19: Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Willits-Hallowell Center, Mount Holyoke College, 50 College Street, South Hadley. Cost: $23 for members, $28 for non-members. Sign up online at www.chicopeechamber.org.

GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.holyokechamber.org

(413) 534-3376

• April 19: Chamber After Hours, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Holyoke Hummus Cafe, 285 High St., Holyoke. Meet up with your business associates for networking, food, and a 50/50 raffle. Stop in and check out Holyoke’s newest café. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Feel free to bring a door prize.Sign up online at holyokechamber.com.

GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

(413) 584-1900

• April 5: April Arrive @ 5, 5-7 p.m., at Degrees of Comfort & VNA, 168 Industrial Dr. # 2, Northampton. Sponsors: BusinessWest, Center for EcoTechnology, and Northeast Solar. Networking event. Cost: $10 for members.

• May 5: Spring Swizzle Auction, 6:30-10:30 p.m. Hosted by Eastside Grill, Strong Ave., Northampton. Cost: $75. Purchase tickets at www.chamberspringswizzle.com.

• May 10: May Arrive @ 5, 5-7 p.m., at Goggins Real Estate, 79 King St., Northampton. Sponsors: Applied Mortgage, Greenfield Community College Foundation, MassDevelopment, and Northeast Solar. Networking event. Cost: $10 for members.

• May 11: “Google Analytics,” 9-11 a.m., at the Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton. Presented by SCORE of Western Mass. What is Google Analytics? A free, powerful analytics tool that provides reports showing how visitors found your website and what they did when they got there. It measures the effectiveness of your online and offline marketing campaigns. Pre-registration is required; space is limited. Cost: free.

• May 18: “Intro To QuickBooks,” 9-11 a.m., at the Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton. Presented by Pioneer Training. This session will cover setting up a new company, invoicing and receiving payments, writing checks, and paying bills. The session will end with a brief introduction to and overview of reports. It is suitable for those who have recently started using QuickBooks and those planning to use it. This session is taught on the PC desktop version, but the basic principles of QuickBooks remain the same for the Windows, Macintosh, and online versions of the program. Be aware that specific details of how to accomplish a task or available features may differ on the different versions, and these differences will not be covered. It is not required, but if you have a laptop or tablet and have QuickBooks installed, you may bring it and follow along. Note: this workshop is designed for training on the basics of QuickBooks and is not intended to troubleshoot problems individuals may currently be experiencing. Those types of questions are better suited to a one-on-one consulting session. Cost: $25 for members, $35 for non-members.

• June 7: June Arrive @ 5, 5-7 p.m., at ConVino, 101 Armory St, Northampton. Sponsors: Keiter Builders and MassDevelopment. Networking event. Cost: $10 for members.

• June 23: “Microsoft Excel: Tips, Tricks & Shortcuts,” 9-11 a.m., at the Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton. Presented by Pioneer Training. Pre-registration is required; space is limited. To register, visit [email protected]. Cost: $35 for members, $45 for non-members.

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.westfieldbiz.org

(413) 568-1618

• April 3: April Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m., at the Forum House, 55 Broad St., Westfield. Join us for our monthly Mayor’s Coffee Hour with Westfield Mayor Brian Sullivan. This event is free and open to the public. Call the chamber office at (413) 568-1618 to register for this event so we may give our host a head count.

• April 6: “Improving Website Visibility with SEO,” 8:30-10 a.m., at the Holiday Inn Express, 39 Southampton Road, Westfield. Join us for a chamber workshop presented by Scott Pierson of the Executive SEO. This event is free for chamber members and $30 for general admission (cash or credit paid at the door or in advance). Are you looking for a way to optimize your website visibility? Join Pierson and examine current search-engine optimization (SEO) best practices to increase brand awareness, local web visibility, web traffic, organic rankings, and domain authority. Understand how SEO works, why some pages rank highly, and what to do to move the needle. Register online at www.westfieldbiz.org. For more information, call Pam at the chamber at (413) 568-1618.

• April 7: 2017 Legislative Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (please note new date), at Tekoa Country Club, 459 Russell Road, Westfield. Raise your voice and business concerns to your legislators. Come and hear the challenges facing the Commonwealth, our communities, and our businesses. Invited legislators include state Sens. Adam Hinds and Donald Humason Jr. and state Reps. Nicholas Boldyga, Peter Kocot, Stephen Kulik, William Pignatelli, and John Velis. Cost: $30 for members, $40 for non-members (must be paid in advance). Register online at www.westfieldbiz.org. For more information, call Pam at the chamber at (413) 568-1618.

• April 12: April After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m., at One Arch Road, Westfield. Refreshments will be served, and a 50/50 raffle will benefit our Dollars for Scholars fund. Bring your business cards and make connections. Cost: Free for chamber members, $10 general admission (cash or credit paid at the door). Online registration will be available at www.westfieldbiz.org. For more information, call Pam at the chamber at (413) 568-1618.

• April 21: Employment Law Workshop, “A Transition in the Law: Transgender Discrimination,” 8:30-10 a.m., at the Holiday Inn Express, 39 Southampton Road, Westfield. Discrimination based on transgender status or gender identity is a developing area of the law. There has been a lot of debate on the local, state, and national levels over access to bathrooms for transgender individuals. As the public debates this issue, legislators, administrative agencies, and courts are shaping the law that prohibits gender discrimination, including discrimination against transgender individuals. Join Attorney Timothy Netkovick of Royal, P.C. for a roundtable-style seminar to discuss how to navigate the legal landscape of an evolving and challenging area of discrimination law. Cost: free to chamber members, $30 for general admission (cash or credit paid at the door or in advance). Online registration is available at www.westfieldbiz.org. For more information, call Pam at the chamber at (413) 568-1618.

• April 25: Seventh annual Home & Business Show, 4:30-7 p.m., at Tucker’s Restaurant, 625 College Highway, Southwick. Join us for this annual tabletop event in partnership with the Southwick Economic Development Commission. The event is free to the public. Southwick business owners can have a tabletop for $25 per business — one six-foot table with a tablecloth (you are free to bring your own table covering) and a listing in the show program provided you register by the deadline, April 7. For information and an application, visit southwickma.info or call (413) 304-6100.

PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CHAMBER

www.myonlinechamber.com

(413) 787-1555

• April 11: Professional Women’s Chamber, Ladies Networking Night, 5-7 p.m., at City Stage, One Columbus Center, 150 Bridge St., Springfield.

• April 22: Professional Women’s Chamber, Headline Luncheon Series, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at Storrowton Tavern Carriage House, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. “Maintaining Sanity: The Journey Toward Work-life Balance” is a panel discussion featuring Patricia Fay, an assistant vice president and actuary of strategic planning and analysis at MassMutual and the insurer’s 2015 Working Mother of the Year.

SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL CHAMBER

www.springfieldregionalchamber.com

(413) 787-1555

• April 5: Business@Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Delaney House, 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke. Featuring the Mayor’s Forum with Springfield Mayor Dominic Sarno, Chicopee Mayor Richard Kos, and Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse. Ray Hershel of Western Mass News will moderate.

• April 10: Outlook Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at the MassMutual Center, 1277 Main St., Springfield.

• April 19: After 5, in partnership with the West of the River Chamber of Commerce, 5-7 p.m., at BMW of West Springfield, 1712 Riverdale St., West Springfield.

• April 20: Leadership Institute Graduation, 6-9 p.m., at the Springfield Sheraton, One Monarch Place, Springfield.

• April 26: Beacon Hill Summit, noon to 1 p.m., hosted by the Massachusetts State House, co-hosted by state Sen. James Welch and state Rep. Aaron Vega. Sponsorship opportunities are available. E-mail [email protected] for information.

• Reservations for all events may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com or by e-mailing [email protected].

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.ourwrc.com

(413) 426-3880

• April 19: Multi-chamber Wicked Wednesday, 5-7 p.m., hosted by BMW of West Springfield. Wicked Wednesdays are monthly social events, hosted by various businesses and restaurants, that bring members and non-members together to network in a laid-back atmosphere. For more information about this event, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or register at www.westoftheriverchamber.com.

• April 25: Lunch N Learn Seminar, “Emerging Workforce Study,” noon to 1:30 p.m., hosted by Carriage House at Storrowton Tavern, West Springfield. Enjoy lunch while learning about our economy’s emerging workforce. This study was done over a three-year time frame. Join us to hear all of the results. Cost: $30 per member or guest. Register online at www.westoftheriverchamber.com. For for more information, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or [email protected].

• May 3: Wicked Wednesday and grand re-opening, 5:30-7:30 p.m., hosted by Curry Printing/Fast Signs, West Springfield. Wicked Wednesdays are monthly social events, hosted by various businesses and restaurants, that bring members and non-members together to network in a laid-back atmosphere. For more information about this event, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or register at www.westoftheriverchamber.com.

• May 10: Job Fair 2017, 3-7 p.m., hosted by Crestview Country Club, 281 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam. The town of Agawam and the West of the River Chamber will be hosting a local job fair. West Springfield and Agawam businesses, along with other employment opportunities, will be showcased. This event is free and open to the public. To be a participating vendor, register online at www.westoftheriverchamber.com.

Court Dockets

Court Dockets Departments

CHICOPEE DISTRICT COURT
Annaka McLeod p/p/a Diane Garrison v. Dolores Johnson and First Student Inc.
Allegation: Collision of bus and car causing injury: $3,776
Filed: 3/2/17

HAMPDEN DISTRICT COURT
ICC Trucking Inc. v. American Environmental Demolition, LLC
Allegation: Breach of contract: $16,875
Filed: 2/6/17

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Debra L. Chistolini, personal representative of the estate of Shirley Hilma Morin v. Abou-Kacem Sekkal, M.D. and Holyoke Medical Corp.
Allegation: Medical malpractice, wrongful death: $2,040,000
Filed: 2/21/17

Bernadine Smith v. Holyoke Medical Center
Allegation: Negligence causing personal injury: $3,145,000
Filed: 2/23/17

Arett Sales Corp. v. Westfield Farm and Home Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract and unjust enrichment: $458,422.06
Filed: 2/27/17

Mely Un Lu Cheng v. Dr. Syed Asad Rizvi and AmSurg MDSINE Anesthesia LLC
Allegation: Medical malpractice: $900,000
Filed: 3/2/17

Albert Larriu v. Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Allegation: Motor-vehicle negligence causing personal injury: $28,932.88
Filed: 3/6/17

Cory Langlais, Riley Langlais (minor), and Emry Langlais (minor) v. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and Eastern General Contractors Inc.
Allegation: Negligence causing personal injury: $15 million
Filed: 3/6/17

HAMPSHIRE DISTRICT COURT
Allyson Leskovic v. Paul & Elizabeth’s Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of wages and non-payment of minimum wage: $3,800
Filed: 3/2/17

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT
Patrick Buchanan and Todd Dodge v. Town of Greenfield
Allegation: Employment discrimination:
Filed: 2/23/17

Steven Mastalerz v. Charles A. Mick, M.D., et al
Allegation: Medical malpractice
Filed: 3/2/17

HOLYOKE DISTRICT COURT
Lizbeth Robles v. Jessica M. Daly and Falcon Auto Sales Inc.
Allegation: Motor-vehicle injury: $5,258.02
Filed: 2/17/17

Brooke Ann Stable a/k/a Brooke Ann Hammersmith v. Dollar Tree Stores Inc. and Brixmor Exchange Property owner, IV LLC
Allegation: Negligence causing trip and fall: $4,741.67+
Filed: 2/27/17

Picture This

Departments Picture This

Email ‘Picture This’ photos with a caption and contact information to [email protected]
A photo essay of recent business events in Western Massachusetts / Date

Progress Report

DevelopSpringfield hosted its sixth annual Celebrate Springfield dinner event on March 15 at the MassMutual Center in celebration of Springfield and the many accomplishments the community has achieved over the past year along with notable new initiatives underway. Below (from top to bottom): Ethel Griffin of Revitalize CDC, DevelopSpringfield President and CEO Jay Minkarah, and Loleta Collins and Jessica Quinonez of the Springfield Housing Authority; Partners in Progress honorees Gumersindo Gomez of the Bilingual Veterans Outreach Center, Sarah Page of HAPHousing, Springfield Chief Administrative and Financial Officer Timothy Plante, and Gordon Pulsifer of First Resource Companies; attendees enjoy a time of networking; Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno (left) and Jay Ash, secretary of Housing and Economic Development for Massachusetts; a panel discussion featuring, from left, Ash, Springfield Chief Development Officer Kevin Kennedy, MassDevelopment Transformative Development Fellow Laura Masulis, and Minkarah.
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Celebrating Heroes

The Annual American Red Cross of Western Mass. celebrated its 15th annual Hometown Heroes Breakfast on March 17 at the MassMutual Center. The organization’s largest fund-raiser brought together some 500 individuals, community leaders, business owners, and family and friends of local people who have shown courage, kindness, and unselfish character through acts of heroism in Western Mass. The breakfast helps to support disaster relief throughout Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties. Below (from top to bottom): Hometown Hero Gary Ponce takes in the morning’s presentations; Hometown Hero Michael Sibilia with his award; Hometown Hero and Agawam firefighter Pamela Murphy (right) with Rebecca Boutin, American Red Cross of Western Mass. board member; a display of American Red Cross comfort teddy bears.
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Elms Adds DNP Track in Health Systems Innovation and Leadership

CHICOPEE — To help master’s-level nurse leaders reach the pinnacle of their careers, the School of Nursing at Elms College has announced a new doctor of nursing practice (DNP) curriculum in health systems innovation and leadership (HSIL).

“Graduates of this program will be awarded a clinical practice doctorate and will be educated at the highest level of nursing,” said Teresa Kuta Reske, director of the DNP program for the Elms College School of Nursing. “The new track will increase the number of advanced-practice nurses who are highly educated, prepared to work within collaborative interprofessional teams, and who can lead changes that improve the outcomes of patient and health systems. We are excited to offer this new track in response to nurse practitioners’ and nurse leaders’ requests to acquire a higher level of knowledge and skills in order to lead effective change of healthcare. Additionally, each student will be assigned a faculty mentor to enhance their professional growth and development throughout the program.”

The doctor of nursing practice degree is a terminal degree that prepares expert advanced-practice clinical nurse practitioners, nurse leaders, and nurse educators for the highest level of nursing practice. A DNP-prepared nurse has practice expertise and works to improve the delivery of care to all patients within the micro and macro healthcare systems.

The DNP curriculum emphasizes implementing or applying new original research to improve patient outcomes, enhance quality of care, and reduce costs. The curriculum is delivered using a hybrid format — with both on-campus and web-based instruction — and offers courses in systems leadership, evidence-based practice, population health, finance, quality improvement, informatics, and other key areas of study that will build on a scholarly final capstone project.

This is a two-year program, designed for nurses who want to continue working while they pursue the DNP degree. The students’ scholarly capstone projects will be related to the areas of nursing where they currently work, or areas in which they have an interest. After earning the DNP degree, graduates can remain in practice, leading in formal and informal leadership roles on cross-professional and interdisciplinary teams to improve and provide quality healthcare.

“Research has shown there is a clear link between higher levels of nursing education and better patient outcomes,” said Kathleen Scoble, dean of the School of Nursing. “The increasing complexity of the healthcare system in the U.S. and the rapid aging of our population require that nurses serving in specialty positions have the highest level of scientific knowledge and practice expertise possible. DNP students will make a significant difference in the health and well-being of the citizens they will care for in Western Massachusetts and beyond.”

The college will enroll the program’s first students in August to begin studies in September. Ideal candidates include nurse practitioners, midwives, clinical specialists, nurse anesthetists, nurse leaders, and nurse educators who currently hold master of science in nursing (MSN) degrees.

Hogan Technology Touts Benefits of Remote Workers

EASTHAMPTON — Hogan Technology announced that the company is helping small to mid-sized businesses reduce their office expenses and increase productivity by capitalizing on the growing trend of remote workers. It’s no secret that Millennials have made a major impact redefining the modern workplace, and remote workspaces have become more commonplace than ever before. Hogan Technology has taken a proactive role in educating businesses on the benefits of a remote workforce as well as providing the technology to make this transition.

As new technologies have made it easier than ever before to work productively from any location, at any time, the number of remote workers has dramatically increased. While some managers are hesistant to embrace this new modern style of workplace and consider this trend to have overstepped its boundaries, these numbers show no sign of slowing down. In fact, according to Time magazine, by 2025, three out of every four workers globally will be Millennials.

While Millennials are often thought of to be the primary generation forcing this workplace shift, that’s not the case. PricewaterhouseCoopers’ NextGen study found that “64% of Millennials surveyed would like to occasionally work from home. This study also showed a slightly higher percentage, 66% to be exact, among members of Gen X and Boomers that would prefer to work from home,” which implies that every group in the workforce, not just Millennials, prefers a remote workspace.

For any organization that wishes to remain at the forefront of their industry, this new paradigm cannot be ignored any longer. However, the most innovative C-level executives are finding ways to utilize a remote workforce to increase productivity, raise employee happiness, and create more profitable organizations.

Business owners that embrace remote working are noticing an increase in productivity from their off-site employees. According to Inc. magazine, remote workers are almost twice as likely to work beyond 40 hours per week. The technology that Hogan Technology provides enables managers and employees to collaborate through videoconferencing; access all of their company’s data, programs, etc. in a cloud workspace environment; and leverage a cloud-based phone provided to the employee in their home. Businesses can significantly downsize their physical office and reap the rewards of reduce costs.

The benefits to the remote worker are obvious. Employees can spend more time with their loved ones, instead of wasting several hours every day stuck in stress-inducing, gridlocked traffic. Flexibility is another obvious benefit, and while remote working is still largely considered to be a perk, managers are rewarding their proven staff members with it.

“The happier our employees are, the happier our customers end up,” said Sean Hogan, president of Hogan Technology. “Many business owners are afraid of declining productivity if they embrace a remote workforce; however, we’ve experienced quite the opposite. There’s been a much higher focus on delivering results, instead of aimless chatter around the water cooler. There are specific technological tools that greatly contribute to the success of a remote workforce.”

HAPHousing Is Now Way Finders