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Physician Practices Increasingly Turn to Telemedicine Services

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Sections Technology

Easy Access

By JAMES DZIOBEK III and RYAN MARLING

 

Patients are looking for convenient ways to access healthcare services when they are unable to be physically present for a traditional office exam. Over the past couple of years, some physician practices across the country have started using telemedicine technologies in innovative ways to increase patients’ access to services.

A successfully implemented telemedicine service can increase access to care, and may also improve the operational efficiency of the practice and patient experience. Several factors are contributing to the spread of telemedicine, including a greater demand for convenient healthcare, improved technology to facilitate virtual visits, and the need for a focus on care coordination in many emerging payment models. Telemedicine may serve as a mechanism to help bridge the gap between patient demand and managing population health by providing improved access and convenient care.

While many interesting use cases exist, there have been a number of concerns raised about telemedicine. These include reimbursement, identifying appropriate patients for telemedicine visits, the ease of use of the technology, maintaining continuity of care, and concerns about providing care for patients across state lines. If you are thinking about implementing telemedicine in your practice, here are a few key considerations and best practices:

• Target your patient populations. Consider which patients in your practice may be candidates for use of the technology. Consider the clinical and demographic factors that may make video visits a practical solution.

• Be sure to designate a virtual visit champion. Having a clinical and administrative champion is important in developing your practice’s strategy for telemedicine. Champions would strategize and monitor the processes both administratively and clinically to ensure the healthcare needs of participating patients and physicians are met.

• Ensure a smooth virtual visit. Consider what the process and responsible person will be to ensure that requisite logistics are set up and a test run is completed prior to the virtual visit. Make sure that the patient is able to use the technology and that all systems are working properly in advance.

• Determine how virtual visits are incorporated into physician schedules. Will virtual visits be scheduled during a virtual-visit block, or will they be handled at certain points during the day? Advance consideration in this area may help with enhanced efficiencies for both virtual and in-person encounters.

Although it might not be perfect for all patients, telemedicine could help boost patient satisfaction and allow patients to be seen sooner during some routine follow-up visits. Telemedicine may also help physicians connect to patients in new ways outside of traditional care settings.

James Dziobek III is a research and data analyst at the Mass. Medical Society (MMS). Ryan Marling is an intern, Practice Solutions & Policy Research at the MMS. This article first appeared at massmed.org.

Building Permits

By
Building Permits Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of March 2016.

AMHERST

150 Fearing Street, LLC
150 Fearing St.
$3,000 — Roof over exterior stairs

Amherst Pelham Regional School
170 Chestnut St.
$25,000 — Interior renovations

Town of Amherst
70 Boltwood Walk
$102,500 — Bathroom renovation on first floor

GREENFIELD

Alliance Church
385 Chapman St.
$13,000 — Install suspended ceiling

Baystate Franklin Medical Center
164 High St.
$4,000 — Install new ceiling

Lisa Alber
33 Riddell St.
$12,000 — Remodel doctor’s office

Stop & Shop
89 French King Highway
$6,000 — Replace outdated fire alarm system

LUDLOW

American Tower Corporation
31 Ravenwood Dr.
$9,000 — Cell tower alterations

SPRINGFIELD

1350 Main Street, LLC
1350 Main St.
$55,000 — Renovations on the 16th floor

City of Springfield
1385 Berkshire Ave.
$3,732,000 — School renovations

City of Springfield
1476 Roosevelt Ave.
$8,814,000 — 11,282 square feet of new construction

Verizon Wireless
1100 Dickinson St.
$181,000 — Construct 80-foot monopole with related equipment and shelter

WESTFIELD

Lynn Wolak
555 Russell Road
$45,000 — Exterior renovations

Ohima, Inc.
60 East Silver St.
$75,000 — Conversion of conference room and office to gym

WEST SPRINGFIELD

1st Niagara Bank
225 Park Ave.
$3,000 — Install shed

73 State Street, LLC
73 State St.
$358,000 — Interior alterations in existing building

McClure Insurance
103 Van Deene St.
$26,000 — New roof

Sunnyside Corporation
177 Norman St.
$85,000 — Erect 3,420-square-foot storage building

Real Estate Transactions

By
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

28 Meadow Lane
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $166,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Glassman
Seller: Karen S. Kaplan
Date: 03/04/16

BERNARDSTON

65 Deane Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Robert A. Deane
Seller: Drew, Mark E., (Estate)
Date: 02/23/16

128 Fox Hill Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $351,300
Buyer: William E. Savitri
Seller: Dennis M. Shockro
Date: 02/26/16

BUCKLAND

120 State St.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Sarah Davenport
Seller: Ruthe W. Jubinville
Date: 02/26/16

DEERFIELD

6 Pocumtuck Dr.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $416,000
Buyer: Jonathan D. Lewis
Seller: David G. Spoolstra
Date: 02/24/16

GILL

67 Dole Road
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Scott A. Newton
Seller: Brian D. McComb
Date: 02/29/16

GREENFIELD

653 Bernardston Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Patrick Mahoney
Seller: James H. Lunt
Date: 02/29/16

147-151 Conway St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: David J. Larue
Seller: Aardvark Apts. LLC
Date: 02/29/16

153 Conway St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: David J. Larue
Date: 02/29/16

111-113 Deerfield St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $131,600
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Leroy H. Stewart
Date: 03/01/16

264-266 Federal St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Mark A. Sirum
Seller: US Bank
Date: 02/25/16

16 Grove St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: David J. Larue
Seller: Aardvark Apts. LLC
Date: 02/29/16

63 James St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: James R. Gleason
Seller: William E. Savitri
Date: 02/26/16

35 Lakeview Dr.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $296,250
Buyer: Robert J. Sagor
Seller: Margaret S. Barry
Date: 03/04/16

28 Park Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: Jose L. Castillo
Seller: Desiree A. Frank
Date: 02/22/16

56 Silver St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $174,000
Buyer: Robert Howe
Seller: John J. Mackin RET
Date: 02/26/16

HEATH

1 Bray Road
Heath, MA 01346
Amount: $268,000
Buyer: Heather C. Hathwell
Seller: Steven A. Michel
Date: 02/26/16

LEYDEN

140 Alexander Road
Leyden, MA 01337
Amount: $287,400
Buyer: Robin W. Symonds
Seller: Edward W. Quinlan
Date: 03/01/16

MONTAGUE

23-25 Griswold St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $217,000
Buyer: Simon E. Scher
Seller: Ronald F. Bovat
Date: 03/02/16

8 West Chestnut Hill Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $143,000
Buyer: Bank Of America
Seller: Laurie D. Williams
Date: 02/24/16

NEW SALEM

214 Cooleyville Road
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Gary P. Skaza
Seller: Patricia A. Skaza
Date: 02/23/16

NORTHFIELD

821 Millers Falls Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $239,900
Buyer: Jeanne K. Moore
Seller: Robert Howe
Date: 02/26/16

96 Mount Hermon Station Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $222,000
Buyer: John A. Jones
Seller: Pamela J. Veith
Date: 03/03/16

ORANGE

20 Burrill Ave.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Morgan A. Sisson
Seller: Edward J. Dornig
Date: 02/23/16

110 Oaklawn Ave.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Thomas P. & K. A. Thompson LT
Seller: Michael H. Barnard
Date: 02/29/16

SHELBURNE

119 Bridge St.
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $227,000
Buyer: Thomas C. Johnson
Seller: Brian F. Clare
Date: 03/03/16

WHATELY

110 Christian Lane
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $670,000
Buyer: Rich & Co. LLC
Seller: Samson Associates LLC
Date: 03/03/16

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

373 Barry St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $252,500
Buyer: Michael R. Renkawitz
Seller: Richard T. Ward
Date: 02/29/16

262 Colemore St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $127,500
Buyer: Andrey K. Domnenko
Seller: US Bank
Date: 02/26/16

55 Elm St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Amber Dutton
Seller: Ronald R. Napolitan
Date: 02/29/16

41 Fernwood Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $257,500
Buyer: Jason A. Bassett
Seller: Anthony Depalma
Date: 02/29/16

145 High St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Ryan P. Fitzemeyer
Seller: Christopher J. Bednarzyk
Date: 02/26/16

84 Highland St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $183,850
Buyer: Albert J. Liquori
Seller: 84 Highland LLC
Date: 02/29/16

42 Poinsetta St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Timothy J. Garner
Seller: Maxine J. Bolly
Date: 02/26/16

215 Poplar St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $173,223
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Joseph J. Liquori
Date: 03/02/16

108 Reed St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Benjamin E. Nuzzolilli
Seller: Michael A. Santaniello
Date: 03/03/16

717 River Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: Moustafa I. Tahoun
Seller: US Bank
Date: 02/29/16

346 Springfield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Sharol A. Menard
Seller: Nancy Gentile
Date: 03/04/16

583 Suffield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Edward Quinlan
Seller: David M. Tangredi
Date: 03/01/16

BRIMFIELD

45 Brookfield Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $244,000
Buyer: Courtney M. Williams
Seller: Nathan M. Clairmont
Date: 02/26/16

CHESTER

404 Route 20
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Marie L. Morrissey
Seller: Michael A. Morrissey
Date: 03/02/16

CHICOPEE

2 Access Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $126,000
Buyer: Robert Larkin
Seller: USA VA
Date: 02/23/16

22 Bardon St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Edward J. Montemagni
Seller: CRA Holdings Inc.
Date: 02/24/16

245 Broadway St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $140,349
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Gayle L. Crochiere
Date: 02/29/16

547 Broadway St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $117,050
Buyer: Citifinancial Servicing
Seller: Raymond T. Peltier
Date: 03/02/16

455 Burnett Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $1,888,400
Buyer: Chicopee Gardens Rehab & Care
Seller: Guilford Health Mgmt. Inc.
Date: 03/04/16

198 Carew St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: Thomas A. Conroy
Seller: Russell A. Hedges
Date: 03/03/16

247 Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $117,560
Buyer: Grzegorz Nowakowski
Seller: USA HUD
Date: 03/03/16

48 Claire St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Bagge
Seller: Keith W. Lemay
Date: 02/26/16

914 Front St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $160,500
Buyer: Julie Gardner
Date: 02/23/16

117 Gilbert Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $149,000
Buyer: Teresa Chadwick
Seller: Godaire, Ernest R., (Estate)
Date: 02/26/16

255 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $137,000
Buyer: William D. Bouthillette
Seller: Yvette Guyette
Date: 02/22/16

48 Hamilton St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $171,000
Buyer: Robert Galica
Seller: US Bank
Date: 03/04/16

48 Hamilton St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Dorothy Dorobisz
Date: 02/26/16

22 Harrington Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Alexandre C. Holan
Seller: Scott E. Graham
Date: 02/24/16

28 Harrington Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Christopher J. Mayo
Seller: Julian S. Tenczar
Date: 03/03/16

51 Helen St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Thomas J. Pepin
Seller: Thomas W. Connor
Date: 02/29/16

94 Manning St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Joseph R. Ricker
Seller: Cheryl Soucy
Date: 02/25/16

75 Murphy Lane
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: Diane M. Mercier
Seller: Riverbend 2 Properties
Date: 02/26/16

44 New Lombard Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $1,888,400
Buyer: Chicopee Gardens Rehab & Care
Seller: Guilford Health Mgmt. Inc.
Date: 03/04/16

455 Oldfield Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $116,000
Buyer: Andrei Katykhin
Seller: US Bank
Date: 02/25/16

54 Pembroke Place
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $147,000
Buyer: Paul J. Caban
Seller: Lydia Garcia
Date: 02/26/16

42 Reedstone Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $159,900
Buyer: Marissa L. Cloutier
Seller: Susan M. Baez
Date: 02/26/16

63 Silvin Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $158,900
Buyer: Edward A. Rivera
Seller: Kevin Montemagni
Date: 02/26/16

165 Trilby Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Robert J. King
Seller: Robert F. King
Date: 02/26/16

29 Warregan St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Jesus J. Torres
Seller: Micks, Preston L., (Estate)
Date: 03/04/16

EAST LONGMEADOW

389 Chestnut St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Tan D. Nguyen
Seller: Joseph Scalia
Date: 02/29/16

7 Dewey Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Horace Parker
Seller: Tracy A. Lavoie
Date: 02/25/16

21 East Circle Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Tara A. Edson
Seller: Dean C. Edson
Date: 02/25/16

255 Elm St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $162,500
Buyer: Prudence L. Maloni
Seller: FNMA
Date: 02/26/16

11 Park Place
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $201,000
Buyer: Robert H. Caldwell
Seller: John D. Perenick
Date: 02/29/16

188 Parker St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $237,500
Buyer: Dennis P. McManus
Seller: Belorusky, Nadia J., (Estate)
Date: 02/26/16

434 Prospect St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Dennis M. Goldrick
Seller: Boudrew, Joseph A. V., (Estate)
Date: 02/26/16

GRANVILLE

734 Main Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Joshua L. Rutola
Seller: James C. Jensen
Date: 02/22/16

15 Old Westfield Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Clark C. Boynton
Seller: Olsen, Peter J., (Estate)
Date: 02/25/16

231 Silver St.
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $274,900
Buyer: Eric D. Lane
Seller: Ralph W. Emerson
Date: 03/02/16

HAMPDEN

62 Pondview Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $247,500
Buyer: John D. Moriarty
Seller: Kathleen A. Charest
Date: 03/04/16

Thresher Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $174,000
Buyer: Cumberland Blues RT
Seller: Nicholas C. Camerota
Date: 02/29/16

375 Wilbraham Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $208,000
Buyer: Yellowbrick Property LLC
Seller: Carol A. Andree
Date: 02/22/16

HOLLAND

6 Ardmore Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $137,283
Buyer: Bank New York Mellon
Seller: Michelle M. Damon
Date: 02/26/16

HOLYOKE

184-186 Beech St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $163,069
Buyer: Anthony Witman
Seller: Witman Properties Inc.
Date: 02/22/16

1104 Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01107
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

1106 Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01107
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

1124 Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01107
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

1138 Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01107
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

1140 Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01107
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

1154 Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01107
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

1156 Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01107
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

1373 Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

1375 Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

48 Elliot St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $152,500
Buyer: Matthew J. McDonough
Seller: Philip M. Rugo
Date: 03/04/16

213 Locust St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $166,000
Buyer: David M. Cowan
Seller: Heather M. Rush
Date: 02/26/16

82 Memorial Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $149,000
Buyer: Jason L. Paulo
Seller: Clifford W. Laraway
Date: 03/04/16

40 Moss Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: David Morrissey
Seller: Eleanor M. Morrissey
Date: 02/22/16

7 Ross Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $139,900
Buyer: Erich R. Dittrich
Seller: C. L. Callahan-Swindell
Date: 03/03/16

31 Washington Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $171,000
Buyer: Louis A. Lebron
Seller: Alden Pond Properties LLC
Date: 03/04/16

LONGMEADOW

188 Burbank Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $324,000
Buyer: Christopher P. Rennix
Seller: Thomas J. Haberlin
Date: 02/23/16

159 Edgewood Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Thomas G. Conway
Seller: Foundation Investors Inc.
Date: 02/29/16

12 Erskine Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Ian L. Goldsmith
Seller: Douglas W. Taylor
Date: 02/25/16

120 Inverness Lane
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Gary A. Popovich
Seller: Timothy F. Keane
Date: 02/26/16

112 Kenmore Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $263,500
Buyer: Geoffrey Putnam
Seller: Paul J. Kipetz
Date: 03/01/16

110 Knollwood Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Michael J. Przyborski
Seller: Catherine M. McCarthy
Date: 02/26/16

21 Lincoln Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Rajendrasinh S. Mahida
Seller: Campagnari Construction
Date: 02/23/16

29 Lincoln Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Kalpanaben S. Desai
Seller: Campagnari Construction LLC
Date: 02/29/16

19 Oak Hollow Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $399,000
Buyer: Jonh A. Benson
Seller: Michael D. Caban
Date: 02/29/16

101 Osceola Lane
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $332,000
Buyer: Sara K. Perry
Seller: Goldstiek, Eleanor, (Estate)
Date: 02/29/16

LUDLOW

1680 Center St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $128,000
Buyer: Bank New York Mellon
Seller: David J. Chaves
Date: 02/29/16

972 Center St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $218,600
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Diane M. Hernandez
Date: 02/24/16

1275 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $313,000
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Debra C. Derose
Date: 02/26/16

615 Fuller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Lupa Development Co. LLC
Seller: Strycharz FT
Date: 03/04/16

38 Grimard St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Cody R. Binette
Seller: David A. Yelle
Date: 02/29/16

30 Jackie Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Timothy J. Simard
Seller: Kevin P. Pycko
Date: 02/26/16

102 Longview Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Brian M. Liberty
Seller: William J. Liberty
Date: 02/26/16

614 Moore St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $185,313
Buyer: Bank New York Mellon
Seller: Frankie J. Albano
Date: 03/01/16

7 Spring St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $399,000
Buyer: Joseph Teixeira
Seller: Miguel Goncalves
Date: 03/01/16

129 West Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Jeffrey M. Higgins
Seller: William A. Nichols
Date: 02/23/16

MONSON

11 Gates St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $138,600
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: James A. Burke
Date: 02/26/16

3 Homer Dr.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $206,912
Buyer: FHLM
Seller: Patricia A. Courtemanche
Date: 03/03/16

PALMER

4437 High St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $151,000
Buyer: Mark Baldwin
Seller: Marcia L. Copeland
Date: 03/04/16

3201 Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $123,000
Buyer: Crystal A. Dennison
Seller: William J. Brown
Date: 02/29/16

3051 Pine St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $133,500
Buyer: Bradley Lord
Seller: Wells Fargo Bank
Date: 02/26/16

3058 South Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $194,000
Buyer: Thomas M. Mcgrath
Seller: May L. Rooney
Date: 03/03/16

1046 Thorndike St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $163,261
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Michelle L. Bennett
Date: 02/29/16

363 Ware St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $193,450
Buyer: Michael J. Senecal
Seller: Miriam J. Jorge
Date: 02/26/16

SOUTHWICK

14 Bungalow St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $136,000
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Peter G. Sprague
Date: 02/24/16

17 Ed Holcomb Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Timothy G. Gerrish
Seller: Red Oak Investments LLC
Date: 02/26/16

6 Junction Station Road #6
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Goldsmith FT
Seller: 20 Depot Square LLC
Date: 03/04/16

SPRINGFIELD

57 Albee St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: Michael Connors
Seller: Gary Forney
Date: 03/04/16

15 Allendale St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

17 Allendale St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

18 Allendale St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

20 Allendale St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

25 Allendale St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

28 Allendale St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

30 Allendale St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

35 Allendale St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

37 Allendale St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

38 Allendale St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

40 Allendale St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

5 Allendale St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

50 Allendale St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

52 Allendale St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

7 Allendale St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

65-67 Ardmore St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $176,500
Buyer: Michael J. Keane
Seller: Jason M. Fitzgerald
Date: 02/26/16

101 Bancroft St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

103 Bancroft St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

112 Bancroft St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

114 Bancroft St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

56 Beaufort Circle
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $158,500
Buyer: Tomasz J. Laskawiec
Seller: Lucid Development Inc.
Date: 02/29/16

53 Belvidere St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Tenita M. Smith
Seller: Mary P. White
Date: 02/25/16

248 Bolton St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Jenny I. Gonzalez
Seller: Angela Cosenzi
Date: 02/26/16

108 Bulat Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Etulia Faustin
Seller: Griffin, Thomas W., (Estate)
Date: 02/26/16

75-77 Clantoy St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Orange Park Management
Seller: Orange Park Management
Date: 03/01/16

33 Coleman St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $162,700
Buyer: London Realty LLC
Seller: USA HUD
Date: 02/22/16

114-116 Commonwealth Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Ricard Martinez-Berdecia
Seller: London Realty LLC
Date: 02/22/16

16 Conklin St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $120,128
Buyer: Hickory Street Dev. LLC
Seller: Hickory Street Dev. LLC
Date: 02/23/16

72 Curve St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Daniel Marti
Seller: Ricard Martinez-Berdecia
Date: 02/22/16

101 Derryfield Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $152,500
Buyer: Luke D. Hands
Seller: Terrie A. Henrich
Date: 02/26/16

88 Ellsworth Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Christopher M. Lombardi
Seller: James Niedbala
Date: 02/26/16

34 Emerson St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $170,676
Buyer: USA HUD
Seller: US Bank
Date: 03/04/16

131 Fargo St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Helena M. Monteiro
Seller: Dennis B. Chechile
Date: 02/24/16

17 Gertrude St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $162,000
Buyer: Emmanuel Pena
Seller: Misael Ramos
Date: 03/02/16

97 Gillette Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $154,500
Buyer: Sandra Urbanski
Seller: Layne M. Breton
Date: 02/29/16

55 Glenvale St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $171,000
Buyer: Trudy-Ann Wilson
Seller: Stephen D. Foy
Date: 02/25/16

37 Granger St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $164,900
Buyer: Brittney L. Twohig
Seller: AMP Real Estate Group LLC
Date: 02/26/16

800 Grayson Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Carissa Tryba
Seller: Nelson Garcia
Date: 02/26/16

10 Hebron St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

15 Hebron St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

17 Hebron St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

34 Hebron St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

36 Hebron St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

44 Hebron St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

46 Hebron St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

5 Hebron St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

7 Hebron St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $2,235,000
Buyer: DM Property LLC
Seller: Bel Air Homes Assocs. LP
Date: 02/29/16

63 Hope St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $150,300
Buyer: FHLM
Seller: Carmen L. Farrow
Date: 03/01/16

47 Home St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Wilmington Trust
Seller: Angel Soto
Date: 02/25/16

274 Island Pond Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $117,000
Buyer: Aztec 425 LLC
Seller: Tran, Michael Q., (Estate)
Date: 02/29/16

73 Kenwood Park
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $124,000
Buyer: Jeannette Blyther
Seller: Vincent R. Siniscalchi
Date: 03/01/16

147 Magnolia Terrace
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $181,000
Buyer: Enrique Santos
Seller: Arthur H. Helmus
Date: 02/22/16

24 Oxford St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $221,000
Buyer: Felicita Saenz
Seller: Michael D. Friedman
Date: 02/23/16

22-24 Palmyra St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Buyer: Lisa W. Cassidy
Seller: Alan M. McMenamin
Date: 03/01/16

42 Perkins St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $148,500
Buyer: Mekhaiel Tahir
Seller: JJJ 17 LLC
Date: 03/04/16

197 Plainfield St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: NRJ Davis LLC
Seller: Michaelson, Edward, (Estate)
Date: 03/01/16

85 Rochelle St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $134,000
Buyer: Yellowbrick Property LLC
Seller: Yellowbrick Property LLC
Date: 03/03/16

46 Shumway St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Kimberly Santiago
Seller: Patricia A. Lavallee
Date: 02/26/16

81 Thorndyke St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Furnival A. Nyarko
Seller: Zhong X. Chen
Date: 02/26/16

120 Timothy Circle
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Christine L. Higgins
Seller: Jeffrey M. Higgins
Date: 02/23/16

17-19 Webster St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $124,900
Buyer: Pork Meas
Seller: Mirna Gomez
Date: 02/23/16

175 West Allen Ridge Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $118,650
Buyer: Kristyana E. Daitch
Seller: Philip J. Moynihan
Date: 03/03/16

82 Westbrook Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $133,000
Buyer: Davin Robinson
Seller: Jason R. Ochotnicky
Date: 02/26/16

64 Whittum Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $124,000
Buyer: William F. Baker
Seller: Edward H. Lynch
Date: 02/26/16

147 Wollaston St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $124,000
Buyer: Bank New York Mellon
Seller: Michael Power
Date: 02/29/16

WALES

6 Grove Point Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $241,000
Buyer: Joseph Romonosky
Seller: Donna H. Patrie
Date: 02/22/16

WEST SPRINGFIELD

24 Chapin St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Henry Pavel
Seller: Susan M. Zemba
Date: 02/29/16

25 George St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $228,000
Buyer: Prem L. Gurung
Seller: Sergey Petlyakov
Date: 02/26/16

55 Hillside Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: David An
Seller: MAA Property LLC
Date: 02/26/16

48 Mountain Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $294,000
Buyer: Jamie L. Horton
Seller: Oak Ridge Custom Home Builders
Date: 03/04/16

36 Northwood Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Steven A. Georgeopolus
Seller: John J. O’Hara
Date: 03/02/16

WESTFIELD

98 Berkshire Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Donald J. McClellan
Seller: David F. McClellan
Date: 02/26/16

63 Beverly Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: Justin Curran
Seller: Leonard Colson
Date: 02/29/16

64 Big Wood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Christopher E. Pinney
Seller: Mark E. Vasicek
Date: 02/26/16

38 Dartmouth St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $192,000
Buyer: Joshua S. Bruso
Seller: Paul K. Backholm
Date: 03/02/16

89 Foch Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Carlos Maldonado
Seller: Ginette S. Senecal
Date: 02/25/16

78 Granville Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $357,090
Buyer: Daniel D. Call
Seller: Granville Road LLC
Date: 02/25/16

78 Granville Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $367,900
Buyer: Roger L. Ringenbach
Seller: Granville Road LLC
Date: 03/04/16

110 Little River Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $181,000
Buyer: Timothy J. Howe
Seller: Christopher E. Pinney
Date: 02/26/16

184 Munger Hill Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Thomas A. Galanis
Seller: Thomas E. McMahon
Date: 02/29/16

60 Scenic Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Buyer: Viktor Nikitchuk
Seller: Charles V. Fortin
Date: 02/25/16

81 Springfield Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $1,400,000
Buyer: 4 MH LLC
Seller: Francis E. Hartnett
Date: 02/25/16

57 Squawfield Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Sherry L. Karnolisz
Seller: Garde, Philip M., (Estate)
Date: 02/26/16

Union St. (off)
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $127,500
Buyer: Westfield Realty LLC
Seller: Claire M. Casey
Date: 03/04/16

WILBRAHAM

9 Cadwell Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $182,000
Buyer: Ashley M. Holden
Seller: M. Marcella Sundberg
Date: 02/26/16

3 Duffield St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $228,003
Buyer: Marvina M. Lowry-Brook
Seller: Vincent L. Langone
Date: 02/29/16

4 Pearl Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Frank J. Fortune
Seller: Berrett, Keith A., (Estate)
Date: 02/26/16

32 Pleasant View Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $259,000
Buyer: Richard E. Burns
Seller: Ruolin Zhou
Date: 02/25/16

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

635 Main St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Norman D. Brown
Seller: Jeanne Shumway
Date: 02/26/16

35 Pelham Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $348,000
Buyer: Michael Kirschenbaum
Seller: Marie Hess
Date: 03/01/16

47 Shumway St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $181,000
Buyer: Chestnut Street Realty
Seller: Richard G. O’Rourke
Date: 02/22/16

BELCHERTOWN

12 Barrett St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Stephanie C. Barthelette
Seller: Harvey A. Sansoucy
Date: 03/04/16

416 Bay Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $292,000
Buyer: David A. Cunningham
Seller: Gary S. Moore
Date: 02/26/16

25 Depot St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $200,599
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Andre P. Grenier
Date: 03/03/16

570 North Liberty St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $256,000
Buyer: Cynthia A. Czaporowski
Seller: Property Edge LLC
Date: 02/26/16

3 Terry Lane
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $286,500
Buyer: Eric C. Merullo
Seller: Doreen M. Curry
Date: 02/26/16

39 Underwood St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $224,000
Buyer: Arthur J. Dybizbanski
Seller: Korman, Thomas P., (Estate)
Date: 02/26/16

EASTHAMPTON

19 Chapin St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Heather McLean
Seller: Nathan G. Davis
Date: 02/26/16

246 East St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $139,916
Buyer: Aleta G. Kennedy
Seller: Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity
Date: 03/04/16

248 East St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $139,916
Buyer: Angelique Baker
Seller: Pioneer Valley Habitat Humanity
Date: 03/02/16

493 East St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $208,000
Buyer: Amber Black
Seller: Kristan A. Lagueux
Date: 02/25/16

12 Holyoke St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $194,500
Buyer: Aurelio Pagan
Seller: Tracy K. Mulvey
Date: 03/04/16

27 Holyoke St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Nathan G. Davis
Seller: J&A Homes LLC
Date: 02/26/16

16 Sterling Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $199,220
Buyer: Brian N Jourdain
Seller: USA VA
Date: 02/26/16

18 Summit Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Heather M. Rush
Seller: Jane A. Nathan
Date: 02/26/16

GOSHEN

59 Aberdeen Road
Goshen, MA 01032
Amount: $137,500
Buyer: John Sidney-Webb
Seller: Jennifer A. Webb-Fusaro
Date: 02/23/16

59 South Chesterfield Road
Goshen, MA 01096
Amount: $436,000
Buyer: Catalina Arrubla
Seller: William A. Celatka
Date: 03/04/16

GRANBY

141 Pleasant St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Glen S. Masiuk
Seller: Eric Merullo
Date: 02/26/16

145 Pleasant St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Roxanne C. Costigan
Seller: Mary E. Fortier
Date: 03/03/16

HADLEY

River Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Szawlowski Realty Inc.
Seller: Lyndell Day-Nuttelman
Date: 02/24/16

190 Russell St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Mohammad Moini
Seller: Thomas Witzenberger
Date: 03/01/16

12 Wampanoag Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $389,900
Buyer: Ina A. Forman
Seller: James E. Harrison
Date: 02/26/16

HATFIELD

44 Linseed Road
Hatfield, MA 01088
Amount: $249,999
Buyer: Crystal M. Callahan
Seller: Caroline Hopfenspirger
Date: 03/04/16

HUNTINGTON

68 County Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Casey J. Mitchell
Seller: Arthur D. Medeiros
Date: 03/04/16

MIDDLEFIELD

1 Skyline Trail
Middlefield, MA 01011
Amount: $217,000
Buyer: Michael C. Stimpson
Seller: Colleen M. Budness
Date: 02/26/16

NORTHAMPTON

63 Bradford St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $199,000
Buyer: Ralph H. Litwin
Seller: John P. Regish
Date: 02/25/16

79 Hawley St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $843,000
Buyer: AE Properties LLC
Seller: Wang FT
Date: 02/25/16

3 James Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Katherine M. Hicks
Seller: Gloria B. Ayvazian FT
Date: 02/24/16

109 Laurel Park
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Marah M. Macrostie
Seller: Kate Greenough
Date: 02/26/16

88 Laurel Park
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Melanie M. Miller
Seller: Jennifer Snyder
Date: 02/24/16

36 Manhan St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $229,000
Buyer: Northeast Ent. Realty
Seller: Soliwoda NT
Date: 03/01/16

25 Market St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $1,000,000
Buyer: 300 Elm Street LLC
Seller: Robert P. Andrews
Date: 02/25/16

88 Massasoit St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Erin E. Eppsteiner
Seller: Mark A. Casey
Date: 02/29/16

206 North Main St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: David C. Velez
Seller: Joslad & Associates PC
Date: 02/26/16

SOUTH HADLEY

28 Ashton Lane
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Mark S. Kendall
Seller: Richard L. Bayeur
Date: 03/04/16

20 Ferry St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: CRA Holdings Inc.
Seller: HSBC Bank
Date: 02/24/16

6 Gaylord St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $144,000
Buyer: Norwich Properties LLC
Seller: Mount Tom Properties LLC
Date: 02/23/16

5 Lexington Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $214,000
Buyer: Kyle R. Brunault
Seller: Robert J. Brown
Date: 02/23/16

54 School St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $119,000
Buyer: Lukasz Socha
Seller: Michael J. Pijar
Date: 03/01/16

7 Silver St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $489,900
Buyer: Scott T. Lynch
Seller: Richard L. Lovelace
Date: 02/23/16

18 Susan Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Karl E. Grochowalski
Seller: Arthur J. Dybizbanski
Date: 02/26/16

22 Waite Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $224,900
Buyer: Jason P. Pearlman
Seller: Krok, Lillian, (Estate)
Date: 02/23/16

SOUTHAMPTON

9 Cold Spring Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Matthew Stine
Seller: Amber E. Black
Date: 02/25/16

99 Gilbert Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $361,000
Buyer: Troy E. Chilson
Seller: David Garstka Builders
Date: 02/26/16

87 Gunn Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Buyer: F&G LLC
Seller: Carr, Helen G., (Estate)
Date: 02/23/16

22 Katelyn Way
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Thomas Wnetrzak
Seller: Renata U. Robak
Date: 03/01/16

WARE

27 Berkshire Dr.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $197,500
Buyer: Michael J. Harney
Seller: Jennifer Matos
Date: 03/04/16

29 Fisherdick Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $197,798
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Rose M. Bilodeau
Date: 02/26/16

15 Highland St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $164,000
Buyer: Edward L. Masse
Seller: Mark F. Kuras
Date: 02/26/16

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies Departments

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

A+ Roofing and Home Improvement
Warren, Nathan J.
26 Harding St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/01/16

Barrett, Sean E.
164 Bonair Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/02/16

Baskerville, Maritza
108 Harvey St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/01/16

Cady, Michael A.
128 Hampden St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/07/16

Callinan, Brian
Callinan, Andrea
PO Box 128
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/05/16

Divenuto, Maarika
57 Weaver Road
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/01/16

Doty, Richard M.
48 Pleasant St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/02/16

Drake, Patrick E.
49 Pembroke Place
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/08/16

Fishburn, Sara Christel
108 James St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/07/16

Germain, Sara-Ann
27 Amherst Ave.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/05/16

Hamel, Philip J.
74 Springfield St.
Trailer #15
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/08/16

Hasan, Sheraz
33 Norwood St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/04/16

Hayward, Michael Douglas
149 East Hill Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/08/16

Jendrysik, James Francis
2 Village Green
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/08/16

Jernigan, Stephanie Lynne
PO Box 2101
Amherst, MA 01004-2101
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/07/16

Laflamme, Ernest D.
39 Ivy St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/07/16

Liriano, Ana
14 Summit St., Apt. 6
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/02/16

Madison, James Arthur
53 Powder Mill Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/03/16

Neylon, Theresa D.
465 Old Field Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/05/16

Pranes, Cheryl A.
105 Britton St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/02/16

Riley, Jason
15 Harrison Ave.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/29/16

Roncarati, Lynndia
309 Parker St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/04/16

The Murri Agency
Murri, Kathryn Nebel
50 Laurel Park
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/07/16

Towle, Kathleen M.
168 Sycamore St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/05/16

Turner, Lee D.
13 Annies Way
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/04/16

Doing Business As Certificates

By
DBA Certificates Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of March 2016.

AGAWAM

1 Call Cleanout
188 South Westfield St.
Daniel Shamir

Country View Primitives
159 Main St.
Tanya Rogalski

Gino’s Pizza
350 North Westfield St.
Sinan Turan

CHICOPEE

Baystate Academy
25 Cross St.
Elizabeth Frangioso

Biroh Gardens Nursery
44 New Lombard Road
Diana Johnson

Furniture Outlet
187 Exchange St.
Wajid Mahamood

Price Rite
1600 Memorial Dr.
Neal Duffy

Weibel’s Welding & Home Improvement
94 Fernwood St.
Matthew Weibel

GREENFIELD

Byrne Racing & Used Auto
86 River St.
James Byrne

Chinese Body Work
91 Main St.
Liuping Song

Full Moon Ghee
401 Chapman St.
Hanna Jacobson

Herns Electrolux Service
40 Bank Row
J.M. Marketing, LLC

Poulin Cleaning
15 Frederick Road
Kurt W. Poulin

The Spirit Shoppe
402 Federal St.
Deerfield Spirit Shoppe Inc.

HOLYOKE

Holyoke Animal Hospital
320 Easthampton Road
Linda Henderson

Mt. Tom Kennels
3210 Easthampton Road
Linda Henderson

STOP
50 Holyoke St.
Sedighen Ahou

The Stylist’s Edge
50 Holyoke St.
Stacie Pride

Valley Talent Showcase
92 Race St.
Mark Sherry

Western Mass. Pediatrics
10 Hospital Dr.
Valley Health Systems

PALMER

Deco Painting
274 Breckenridge St.
Scott Rohan

Rapid Home Improvements
36 Elizabeth St.
Leon Marsh

Shields Auto Repair
1316 South Main St.
Evan Shields

SPRINGFIELD

4 Princesses Hair Salon
47 Jefferson St.
Waniera Rodrigues

Ace Tuning Entertainment
92 Cherrelyn St.
Raul Aceteno

Air Care Service
146 Arvilla St.
Brendan Patrick

All Task Movers
9 Cleveland St.
Luis Vizcarrondo

CC Catering
55 Tyler St.
Carol Comberbatch

Carmex Auto
145 Michon St.
Mohamed Abdalla

City Mini Mart
150 Belmont Ave.
Herbert Singleton

DM Property
513 Main St.
Debra Katz

EV Automotive
11 Front St.
Vance Dion

First Chance Life Coaching
1242 Main St.
Kency Gilet

Food for the Soul
892 Sumner Ave.
Stephanie Denise

Holyoke Jerome
180 Fort Pleasant Ave.
David Moore

Industrial Roofing Company
24 Burlington St.
Salvatore Circosta

Jesus & Angel’s House
263 Commonwealth Ave.
Jesus Alicea

Kassy Mart
604 Page Blvd.
Lourdes Regaldo

Longevity Greens
35 Wendover Road
Pedro J. Fernandez

WESTFIELD

Forever Dream Boutique
20 Goose Hollow Road
Holly M. Janisiski

GP Hastings
459 North Road
Glenn Hastings

M.D. Siebert Renovations
51 Barbara St.
Mark D. Siebert

Rockstar Cinema Productions
150 Hillside Road
Jeffrey Masotti

Spath Transport
12 Old Stage Road
Adam Spath

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Express Inn
1557 Riverdale St.
Anil Rana

J Squared
136 Nelson St.
James J. McMahon

Point Blank Paintball
1457 Riverdale St.
Arthur Doty

Richard’s Deli Restaurant
875 Memorial Ave.
Brian Cleveland

Silva Cleaning
60 Hanover St.
Jose Vierra

USI Northwest
123 Interstate Dr.
Kibbe & Prentice

Briefcase

By
Briefcase Departments

Advertising Club Seeks Pynchon Nominations

SPRINGFIELD — The Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts is seeking nominations from the four Western Mass. counties for the 101st annual William Pynchon Award, the area’s oldest and most prestigious community-service award. Established in 1915, the award honors individuals from all walks of life who go beyond the call of duty to enhance the quality of life in Western Mass. Past recipients have included social activists, teachers, philanthropists, historians, clergy, housewives, physicians, journalists, and business leaders — a diverse group with one thing in common: a drive to make the region a better place for all who live here. To nominate an individual, submit a one-page letter explaining why the nominee should be considered. Include brief biographical information, outstanding accomplishments, examples of service to the community, organizations he or she is or has been active in, and the names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of at least three people who can further attest to the nominee’s eligibility for induction into the Order of William Pynchon. All nominees will be considered and researched by the Pynchon trustees, comprising past and present presidents of the Advertising Club. Nominations must be submitted by April 30 to William Pynchon Trustees, Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts, P.O. Box 1022, West Springfield, MA 01090, or by e-mail to [email protected]. Pynchon medalists for 2016 will be announced in August.

Cultural District Welcomes 15 New Members

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Central Cultural District recently welcomed 15 new organizations to its membership. They include the Armory Quadrangle Civic Assoc., Bay Path University, the Bing Arts Center, Blues to Green, the Drama Studio, Classical Condominiums, Enchanted Circle Theatre, Martin Luther King Family Services, New England Farmworkers Council, Panache Productions, Partners for a Healthier Community, the Performance Project, Springfield Public Forum, Springfield Technical Community College, and SilverBrick Lofts. They will join the ranks of 25 current members, mostly comprised of downtown arts and culture organizations. The Springfield Central Cultural District (SCCD) is an independent nonprofit that attained the designation of cultural district from the Massachusetts Cultural Council in 2014. Its mission is to foster civic engagement and arts education in the city of Springfield by creating and sustaining a vibrant cultural environment that positions the city as the cultural capital of the region. “We are honored to have such amazing members join the fold,” said Morgan Drewniany, executive director of the SCCD. “Increasing the size of our membership only increases the possibility of work we can do in making Springfield more friendly to arts and culture. Having a connected network of not only arts organizations, but businesses and higher ed, helps the district grow stronger together.” For more information about current and new members, how to become a member, or the work the SCCD is doing, visit springfieldculture.org or contact Drewniany at [email protected] or (413) 781-1592.

State Unemployment Drops to 4.5% in February

BOSTON — The state’s total unemployment rate dropped to 4.5% in February from the January rate of 4.7%, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported Thursday. The preliminary job estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate Massachusetts continues to gain jobs, with 13,300 added in February. Year to date, Massachusetts has added 14,500 jobs. In February, over-the-month job gains occurred in education and health services; professional, scientific, and business services; financial activities; leisure and hospitality; other services; construction; trade, transportation, and utilities; and government. “Massachusetts continues to add jobs, and the labor force showed positive gains with 14,100 more residents employed and 7,400 fewer residents unemployed over the month,” Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Ronald L. Walker II said. The February state unemployment rate remains lower than the national rate of 4.9% reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Over the year, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped 0.6%  from 5.1% in February 2015. There were 24,600 fewer unemployed people over the year compared to February 2015. Over the year, the largest private-sector percentage job gains were in construction; professional, scientific, and business services; education and health services; and financial activities.

Insurance Survey Finds Coverage Gains, but Access, Affordability Gaps

BOSTON — Results from a survey of Massachusetts residents regarding health insurance released by the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation reveal a continued high rate of insured among the state’s population, but also challenges with access and affordability, particularly among those with lower incomes and those with higher healthcare needs. The Massachusetts Health Reform Survey (MHRS), conducted in the fall of 2015 by the Urban Institute, highlights “sustained gains” in health-insurance coverage since the 2006 passage of the state’s healthcare reform law, with 95.7% of non-elderly adults reporting coverage when surveyed last fall. The near-annual survey tracks trends in the state’s healthcare system since the 2006 passage of health reform. This is the first MHRS following the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that began in January 2014. The survey revealed that people who are healthier generally have more confidence in their ability to keep their insurance in the future, and have an easier time affording healthcare. Sicker respondents with chronic diseases indicated a higher degree of difficulty obtaining healthcare services and were more likely to be worried about their ability to pay for their medical bills in the future. “The survey’s top-line trend is affirming for Massachusetts residents and policy makers alike, as the rate of adults covered at the time of the survey is very high — in fact, it is the highest ever since we began measuring in 2006,” said Audrey Shelto, president of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation. “However, the fact that 43% of insured adults report problems with affordability is a significant issue. Furthermore, these continued financial problems are disproportionately affecting our most vulnerable residents, suggesting that simply having health insurance does not guarantee access to affordable care.”

Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretaries Support Hydropower Bill

BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker received bipartisan support from three former secretaries of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Maeve Vallely-Bartlett, Rick Sullivan, and Ian Bowles, for the administration’s efforts to diversify the state’s energy portfolio through the procurement of cost-effective hydropower generation. The announcement followed a State House meeting between Baker, current Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Matthew Beaton, and his predecessors to discuss the need to stabilize New England’s electricity rates, meet the Commonwealth’s Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA) goals, and provide ratepayers with a clean, cost-competitive alternative to coal and oil generation. “I appreciate the support from our state’s former top energy officials as our administration aims to pursue a balanced, diversified energy portfolio through the pursuit of hydroelectric power,” Baker said. “This endorsement is illustrative of the pressing need to address Massachusetts’ rising energy costs, increase electricity-grid reliability, and reduce carbon emissions to meet the Commonwealth’s energy and environmental goals.” Added Beaton, “I thank former Secretaries Bowles, Sullivan, and Vallely-Bartlett for their endorsement of the Baker-Polito administration’s legislation for the procurement of hydroelectric power, which will provide needed generation capacity, while positioning the Commonwealth to achieve our Global Warming Solutions Act goals. As part of the administration’s balanced approach to making the necessary investments in our regional energy infrastructure, this legislation strikes an important balance between climate and environmental awareness and the Commonwealth’s need for clean, reliable, cost-effective generation resources.” In July, the Baker-Polito administration filed Senate Bill 1965, “An Act Relative to Energy Sector Compliance with the Global Warming Solutions Act,” to require Massachusetts utilities to jointly, and competitively, solicit long-term contracts for clean energy-generation resources and associated transmission together with the Department of Energy Resources. In addition to the benefits this legislation aims to bring to the regional electricity market, clean energy generation will position Massachusetts to reach its ambitious greenhouse-gas-reduction targets, Baker said. A recent update to Massachusetts’ “Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2020” concluded that the Commonwealth is well-positioned to meet, or exceed, a greenhouse-gas-reduction goal of 25% by 2020 through the full implementation of the Baker-Polito administration’s energy policies, which include hydropower and solar legislation. “The Commonwealth is a national leader in clean energy and has built a world-class clean-energy industry that is increasing homegrown energy and reducing carbon emissions,” said Rick Sullivan, who served as secretary from 2011 to 2014, and currently serves as CEO of the Western Mass. Economic Development Council. “We must build on this success while continuing to work to reduce the high cost of energy for residents and businesses across Massachusetts. Bringing in cost-effective, large-scale hydro and other renewable-energy resources is critical to these efforts.”

Parsons Paper Site to Be Remediated, Redeveloped

HOLYOKE — On March 14, Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse was joined by city and state officials to mark the official start of the demolition and cleanup of the former Parsons Paper in preparation for the expansion of Holyoke manufacturer Aegis Energy Services. The announcement capped a multi-year effort to remediate the site and make it ready for development. The expansion of Aegis Energy Services will entail a private investment of approximately $7 million, the retention of 65 jobs and the creation of at least 30 new jobs, as well as the creation of up to 4 megawatts of renewable energy, making it the city’s largest manufacturing expansion in years. “This is a significant milestone in our city’s revitalization that should be celebrated and praised. Redevelopment of the Parsons site has been an extremely difficult challenge, bringing with it significant legal, environmental, and financial constraints that have impeded progress for years,” Morse said. “The staff in the Office of Planning and Economic Development and the Law Department should be applauded for their efforts as they’ve worked diligently with the Redevelopment Authority and a cross-collaboration of public and private partners to make this project a reality. I’d be remiss if I did not offer my sincere appreciation to Lee Vardakas of Aegis Energy for his commitment to Holyoke; we are fortunate to have this innovative company stay and grow in our city, and I thank him for his investments and contributions.” Located at 84 Sargeant St. between the first and second level canals, the 4.7-acre Parsons Paper site has been unused and vacant since 2004. In 2008, a fire significantly destroyed a majority of the structures, and the city officially foreclosed on the property and took ownership in 2012 for failure to pay taxes. In 2014, the Redevelopment Authority engaged Tighe & Bond to undertake environmental assessments, specifications for demolition and cleanup, and project permitting to prepare the site for reuse. Many sources of funds are being used to make the demolition and cleanup phase of the project possible and have been amassed through the HRA, including $250,000 in funds from an agreement with Eversource Energy (formerly Northeast Utilities) as part of a mitigation payment associated with cleanup of contaminants in the Connecticut River; $2 million from the state Brownfield Fund through MassDevelopment; $1 million in capital investment by Holyoke Gas & Electric, which secures an easement on the site for potentially 2.5 MW of hydroelectric generation; and a $400,000 capital loan from the Holyoke Economic Development and Industrial Corp., to be paid from the sale proceeds of the land to Aegis Energy Services. The city also provided its most aggressive tax-incentive schedule in its history: a 100% property-tax exemption for 10 years. “This is an incredibly challenging site and a costly endeavor, one that would have been very difficult for the city to do by itself,” said Marcos Marrero, director of Planning & Economic Development for the city, as well as executive director for the Holyoke Redevelopment Authority. “Consequently, the financing framework for this project is probably the most complex that Holyoke has seen in decades. The implications a year from now will be significant: blight reduction, building reuse, job creation, expansion of manufacturing, more renewable energy, and improved property values in the neighborhood.” The contractor for the work is McConnell Enterprises Inc. Demolition and cleanup is projected to be completed by August, after which the site will be taken over for redevelopment by Aegis Energy Services, rehabilitating one 40,000-square-foot building — a 200% expansion of the company’s square footage — and adding at least 30 new jobs, an approximate 50% growth in the company’s employment.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook Departments

SBA Honors Chamberlain Group, Berkshire Bank

BOSTON — A handful of Bay State businesses were recently honored by the Small Business Administration (SBA) as part of National Small Business Week, including two Western Mass.-based companies. The Chamberlain Group, LLC in Great Barrington, represented by Lisa Chamberlain, vice president and managing partner, was named Small Business Exporter of the Year. Meanwhile, Berkshire Bank, represented by Peter Rice, senior vice president, business banking, was recognized as Financial Services Champion. “We are extremely excited to honor a truly amazing line up of small business owners and champions this year,” said Bob Nelson, SBA’s Massachusetts district director. “It is so important to recognize our small businesses in the Commonwealth, as they are the job creators, innovators, and the fabric of our local communities.” This year, National Small Business Week will be celebrated May 1-7 with national events planned across the country. The slate of leading small businesses in the Commonwealth will be honored at the annual Small Business Week Awards Luncheon at the Doubletree in Westborough on Wednesday, May 4.

Country Bank Offers Scholarship Program

WARE — Country Bank will honor 15 high-school seniors who exemplify a commitment to community spirit and volunteerism through its Country Bank for Higher Education Scholarship Program. Fifteen awards of $2,000 each will be presented to high-school seniors who will be attending a two- or four-year college in the fall. Applications and complete rules are available at guidance offices of public high schools in the Country Bank market area, as well as at www.countrybank.com/about-us/community-scholarship-program, or at any of the bank’s 14 branches. A selection committee will review each entry, and winners will be notified by mid-May. Any questions should be referred to Deb Gagnon, Corporate Relations officer, at [email protected] or (413) 277-2236.

GCC Foundation Kicks Off 2016 Annual Campaign

GREENFIELD — The Greenfield Community College Foundation’s 2016 annual campaign, Opening Doors to the Future, will kick off on March 31 with campaign co-chairs Rich Fahey and Nicole Fahey at the helm. Rich Fahey is returning as co-chair, while daughter-in-law Nicole is joining the campaign for the first time this year. Greenfield Community College serves 5,500 students in five locations throughout Franklin and Hampshire counties. The 2016 campaign has established a goal of $825,000 by May 31 in support of students and programs at the college. “Our nation’s higher-education system is increasingly replicating the great divide of our nation’s economic system. Social and economic mobility has all but disappeared — so too the middle class,” said GCC President Bob Pura. “But GCC, our foundation, alumni, and community have created a contradiction to that national narrative. We all help keep the doors to education and a better life open for all who are eager to work hard to achieve it.” Rich Fahey, retired Advertising director for the Greenfield Recorder, noted that “many believe the cost of a higher education is becoming too expensive for many families. What we are doing in support of GCC is helping keep the doors open for all who come to the college to better themselves and enter into the middle class. I didn’t hesitate when I was asked to return for a third year helping out with the GCC Foundation annual campaign. My wife, daughter, and daughter-in-law are just a few whose lives were changed by GCC, and many generations into the future will continue to benefit from our work today.” Nicole (Duprey) Fahey, a clinician at the Franklin County House of Corrections, enrolled at GCC at age 16 as an early-entrant student from Pioneer Valley Regional School in 2000, marking the start of a focused and accelerated educational journey from high-school sophomore to recipient of a master’s degree in just five years. “My GCC experience laid the groundwork for a career that I love,” she said. “Everybody at the college — teachers and classmates — opened their doors and were so welcoming. And attending classes at GCC, with the range of ages and experiences each classmate represented, was humbling and inspiring. Witnessing their hard work to effect positive change encouraged me to direct my life’s work to helping do the same for others.” For more information about the GCC Foundation and supporting the annual campaign, visit www.gcc.mass.edu/give or contact Regina Curtis, executive director of Resource Development and the GCC Foundation, at (413) 775-1600.

Chamber Corners

By
Chamber Corners Departments

AMHERST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.amherstarea.com

(413) 253-0700

• April 7: Amherst Area Chamber Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., Courtyard by Marriott, 423 Russell St., Hadley. Guest speakers include Ginny Hamilton, a pain specialist, yoga instructor, and Reiki practitioner with a multi-faceted approach teaching people how to release pain, realize habits causing pain, and revitalize healthy habits for painless living; and Brandon Wawrzonek, a Strides Human Performance Institute coach specializing in holistic fitness, functional movement training, sport performance, and injury prevention for athletes of all ages and abilities. Whether your concern is workplace productivity, athletic performance, or personal comfort, pain prevention strategies are a worthwhile investment. Cost: $15 for members, $20 for non-members. Registration begins at 7:15 a.m.

• April 13: Chamber After 5, 5-7 p.m., Hillside Pizza, 173 Russell St., Hadley. Beer tasting provided by White Lion Brewing Co., the first craft brewery in Springfield. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members.

 

EAST OF THE RIVER FIVE TOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.erc5.com

(413) 575-7230

• April 14: Lunch & Learn, noon to 1:30 p.m., Crestview Country Club, 281 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam. Co-hosted with West of the River Chamber of Commerce. This educational event will teach you how taking advantage of solar energy might save your business money and how to take advantage of available tax credits and incentives. Cost: $35 for both members and non-members. Cost includes buffet lunch.

• April 19: Feast in the East, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Twin Hills Country Club, 700 Wolf Swamp Road, Longmeadow. Come sample dishes from area restaurants and have a chance to vote for the People’s Choice award. There will be ample time to mingle and network in a relaxed atmosphere. Silver spoon sponsor: the Republican. Restaurant sponsors: CMD Technology Group Inc., Freedom Credit Union, the Gaudreau Group, Glenmeadow Retirement Community, JGS Lifecare, Life Care Center of Wilbraham, NUVO, and Robert Charles Photography. Cost: $25 per person.

GREATER CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101

• April 20: April Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., La Quinta Inn & Suites, 100 Congress St., Springfield. Cost: $23 for members, $28 for non-members.

• April 21: Mornings with the Mayor, 8-9 a.m., Polish National Credit Union, 46 Main St., Chicopee. Free for all chamber members.

GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.easthamptonchamber.org
(413) 527-9414

• April 29: Legislative Luncheon, noon, Log Cabin, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. The Greater Easthampton and Holyoke chambers are partnering once again on this event; stay tuned for details. For more information, contact the chamber at (413) 527-9414.

GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.holyokechamber.com

(413) 534-3376

• April 12: Table Top Expo 2016: Let’s Get Down to Business, 4:30-7 p.m., Log Cabin, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. With four area chambers, 180 businesses, and hundreds of visitors, sponsoring the Table Top Expo has consistently been a premier networking and marketing tool for the region’s business community. Another sell-out event is expected. Exhibitor tables are $150 and are exclusive to chamber members. To register or for more information, e-mail [email protected].

GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.explorenorthampton.com

(413) 584-1900

• April 7: Northampton Chamber Monthly Arrive@5, 5-7 p.m., Yankee Candle Village, South Deerfield. Arrive when you can, stay as long as you can. A casual mix and mingle with colleagues and friends. Sponsors: Greenfield Community College Foundation, Freedom Credit Union, and Pioneer Saab Volvo. Cost: $10 for members.

• April 22: Workshop: “Waste Reduction & Energy Efficiency,” 9:30-11 a.m., Center for EcoTechnology, 320 Riverside Dr., Northampton. Waste reduction and energy-efficiency upgrades can save your business money. This workshop will cover incentives, benefits, and options to green your business. Learn from case studies of other local businesses that have started waste-diversion programs or installed energy-efficiency improvements. RSVP required, and space is limited. To register, contact Cate Foley at [email protected] or (413) 586-7350, ext. 240.

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.westfieldbiz.org

(413) 568-1618

• April 4: Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m., Holiday Inn Express, 39 Southampton Road, Westfield. Event is free and open to the public. To register, call the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.

• April 13: After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m., Betts Plumbing & Heating Supply, 14 Coleman Ave., Westfield. Refreshments will be served. Bring a business card and make connections. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members (cash). To register, call the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.

• April 18: “The Painkiller Epidemic: Legal Implications of Prescription Drug Use in the Workplace,” 8:30-10 a.m., Holiday Inn Express, 39 Southampton Road, Westfield. Prescription drug use in the workplace is on the rise. From an employer’s perspective, employees who are abusing prescription medication tend to be less productive, less reliable, prone to absenteeism, a greater safety risk, and create unnecessary costs, burdens, and liabilities to the company. Royal, P.C. will present an informational seminar that will address some of the most common areas employers express uncertainty and concern about, including maintaining a safe workplace, enforcing drug-free workplace policies and conducting drug testing, and the risk of disability-discrimination claims. Light refreshments will be served. Cost: free for chamber members, $30 for non-members.

• April 26: Sixth annual Southwick Home & Business Show, 4:30-7 p.m., Southwick Town Hall, 454 College Highway. The Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce is once again partnering with the Southwick Economic Development Commission on this tabletop event to promote Southwick businesses. Cost to display: $25 per business (Southwick businesses only). Registration form and payment due by April 11. The event is free and open to the public. Questions can be e-mailed to [email protected], or leave a message at (413) 304-6100.

PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CHAMBER

www.professionalwomenschamber.com

(413) 755-1310

• April 12: Professional Women’s Chamber Ladies Night, 5-7 p.m., Added Attractions, 180 Shaker Road, East Longmeadow. An evening of networking, complimentary wine, and refreshments. Reservations are free but required by e-mailing Debra Chamberland at [email protected].

SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL CHAMBER

www.myonlinechamber.com

(413) 787-1555

• April 6: Business@Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., Delaney House, 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke. Featuring the ever-popular Mayor’s Forum with Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Easthampton Mayor Karen Cadieux, and West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt. A personal and humorous discussion moderated by Western Mass News anchor Dave Madsen. Sponsored by United Personnel and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. Cost: $20 for members in advance ($25 at the door), $30 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.

• April 13: Speed Networking @ Lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., La Quinta Inns and Suites, 100 Congress St., Springfield. Make up to 50 contacts in an hour in this round-robin networking format. Cost: $25 for members, $35 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.

• April 14: Springfield Regional Chamber Leadership Institute Graduation, 6-9 p.m., Sheraton Springfield, One Monarch Place, Springfield. Cost: $40 per person. Reservations may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.

• April 27: Beacon Hill Summit, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Massachusetts State House. Co-hosted by state Sen. James Welch and state Rep. Angelo Puppolo Jr. Day-long opportunity to meet with members of the Baker-Polito administration and the Massachusetts delegation. Sponsored by Comcast and WWLP-TV 22, presented in partnership with the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce, and supported by the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce. Cost: $180 per person, which includes continental breakfast, transportation, lunch, reception, and all materials. Reservations may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.ourwrc.com

(413) 426-3880

• April 6: Wicked Wednesday networking event, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Stitches & Ink/From the Red Tees, 128 Myron St., West Springfield. Register online at www.ourwrc.com.

People on the Move

By
Departments People on the Move
Michael Schneider

Michael Schneider

Michael Schneider has been named a shareholder at Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury & Murphy, P.C. His practice is focused on corporate law, mergers and acquisitions (including international business transactions), land use, and commercial real estate. He is a member of the Massachusetts and Connecticut bars. Schneider is a past member of the Longmeadow Conservation Commission and past vice president and director of the Children’s Chorus of Springfield Inc. He was also a BusinessWest 40 Under Forty honoree in 2014 and a judge for the 40 Under Forty class of 2015. He earned his law degree, magna cum laude, from Suffolk University Law School in 2007. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Dickinson College in 1997. Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury & Murphy, P.C. is one of the largest law firms in Western Mass., providing a wide range of legal services including litigation, corporate, probate, real estate, taxation, estate planning, and intellectual property law.

•••••

Monson Savings Bank (MSB) announced the following:

Kevin Hicks

Kevin Hicks

Dina Merwin

Dina Merwin

• Kevin Hicks has been promoted to Vice President, Information Technology Officer. Hicks joined MSB in early 2015 as assistant vice president, information technology officer. He has more than 16 years of experience managing a financial-institution IT department. He is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the bank’s technology infrastructure as well as security. He holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering with a minor in psychology from UMass; and

• Dina Merwin has been promoted to Vice President, Compliance and BSA officer. Merwin began her career at MSB in June 2013 as a compliance officer and was quickly promoted to assistant vice president, compliance and BSA officer. She has more than 20 years of experience in community banking. She is responsible for coordinating all regulatory changes throughout the bank, improving processes that enhance efficiency and compliance, as well as ensuring adherence to all rules and regulations. She is a graduate of the ABA National School of Banking at Fairfield University.

•••••

Raj Parikh

Raj Parikh

Raj Parikh has joined American International College (AIC) as Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. Prior to joining AIC, he was professor of Accounting and Finance and dean of the Walker College of Business and Management at Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pa. Parikh has more than 30 years of experience as an academic executive and five years as a financial executive. Prior to joining AIC, he served as a senior-level administrator at several universities, including Mercyhurst, Southern Oregon University, Delaware State University, Wilmington University Delaware, and St. Bonaventure University. He also served as the commissioner for academic accreditation for the government of the United Arab Emirates. In addition to expanding programs and increasing enrollments, he has led or been actively involved in strategic planning, budgeting, and academic prioritization. He has led accreditation efforts at several institutions. Parikh co-authored World Accounting, a three-volume treatise on international accounting which is updated semi-annually. He has presented his research in accounting, finance, and organizational leadership at several regional and national conferences, in addition to being an invited guest speaker. Parikh is passionate about higher education, international education, and improving access to traditional students and working adults. As an academic entrepreneur, he has successfully engaged in a variety of ventures, such as establishing and enhancing branch campuses, increasing enrollments and retention, creating new academic programs, and establishing programs in international locations in partnership with local institutions. “In coming to AIC, I was intrigued by the opportunity to use my experience as a dean to help the college climb to even higher levels of academic excellence,” he said. “I am sincerely honored to join President [Vincent] Maniaci’s leadership team and look forward to this opportunity to make a difference.” A graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology, Parikh completed graduate work in chemical engineering. He received a Ph.D. in accounting and finance at the State University of New York at Buffalo. In addition, he is a certified managerial accountant (CMA), a certified financial manager (CFM), and a chartered financial analyst (CFA). For obtaining the highest score in the nation on the CMA examination, he was awarded the Robert Bayer Gold Medal.

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Robert Harrison, principal architect and founder of Harrison Design Associates, announced that Mark Eichorn and Robert Viel Jr. have joined the firm as both architectural designers and project managers. “I am pleased to welcome Mark and Robert to our team. They each bring a wide range of experience in residential and commercial design and detailing,” said Harrison. “In their new positions, they will enhance and carry forward Harrison Design’s tradition of architectural innovation and our singular focus on creating structures that tell a story and that inspire, delight, and surprise our clients.” Eichorn brings more than 20 years of experience in the design and building industry. His expertise encompasses all phases of work for residential and commercial architectural-design projects, from drafting and code compliance to design and construction administration. His prior experience as an architectural project manager includes eight years with Pamela Sandler AIA in Stockbridge and three years at William Caligari Interiors/Architecture in Great Barrington. He is a 1992 graduate of Vermont Technical College, where he studied architectural and building engineering technology. Viel joins Harrison Design with more than 19 years of experience in the architectural and interior-design professions. He received his bachelor’s degree in 1999 from the Wentworth Institute of Technology’s School of Architecture in Boston. He most recently served for five years as sole designer/draftsman at Kohl Construction in Hadley, while also managing his own architectural-design studio in Springfield. Prior to that, he was employed for 10 years at Pamela Sandler AIA as senior designer, job captain, and draftsman.

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Tighe & Bond recently hired Principal Engineer Wayne Bates to better serve its clients in the Greater Boston area. He will work out of the firm’s Westwood office. Bates specializes in water and wastewater treatment technologies with a focus on industrial wastewater treatment, process improvement, waste minimization, EH&S compliance, and sustainable manufacturing strategies. He has almost 30 years of engineering and environmental, health, and safety consulting experience, and is also a certified Envision sustainability professional. He holds licenses in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Bates is also an adjunct professor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and serves on the board of directors for the Center for Business Sustainability at WPI. In addition, he serves on the town of Ashland’s sustainability and water-policy committees, and is a sustainability facilitator for the Associated Industries of Massachusetts. “We are happy to welcome Wayne to our growing team of experts,” said David Pinsky, president and CEO of Tighe & Bond. “His expertise will benefit our Greater Boston-area clients greatly as they seek process improvements, EH&S compliance, and sustainable-manufacturing strategies.” Bates earned his Ph.D in environmental/civil engineering from WPI. He also holds a master’s degree in environmental engineering from Northeastern University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from UMass Dartmouth.

Agenda

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Agenda Departments

‘Poets for Life: Poets Respond to AIDS’

April 9: Patrick Donnelly, 2015-17 poet laureate of Northampton, will host “Poets for Life: Poets Respond to AIDS,” a benefit reading in support of A Positive Place (formerly AIDS Care/Hampshire County), a nonprofit organization providing a wide array of services for people with HIV in Hampshire and surrounding counties. The event will be held at 3 p.m. at the Paradise Room, Conference Center, Smith College, 51 College Lane, Northampton. The Northampton Council for the Arts and the Poetry Center at Smith College are co-sponsors of the benefit. Tickets for the event are $20 and may be purchased online at poetsforlife.brownpapertickets.com, or by phone at (800) 838-3006, ext. 1, or at the door at the event. All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit A Positive Place. Those unable to attend the event can designate a tax-deductible donation through poetsforlife.brownpapertickets.com to make it possible for one of A Positive Place’s clients to attend. “In the 35 years since AIDS began, there has been not only a medical and social-service response to preventing and treating the disease, but there has also been a response from artists of all kinds, mourning the losses and celebrating the victories,” Donnelly said. “Specifically, American poets have created an entire literature of AIDS, leaving for the future an important record of this time.” Poets for Life will feature readings by award-winning poets Eduardo C. Corral, Patrick Donnelly, Michael Klein, and Joan Larkin, who will read not only from their own poetry about the epidemic, but from the work of other notable poets, living and dead. Singer-songwriter Laura Wetzler will also perform. Since 1991, A Positive Place has been providing comprehensive, confidential case management and health-related support services, filling life-saving needs for people living with HIV/AIDS in the county. Anyone living with HIV or AIDS is eligible for services regardless of level of need, health status, or ability to pay. Services are free to people living with HIV.

Not Just Business as Usual

April 14: The Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) Foundation’s Not Just Business as Usual (NJBAU) event, a networking event for business leaders in Western Mass., will be held at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The event, now in its seventh year, is a celebration of innovative thinking giving participants the opportunity to learn from business experts while raising significant funding for the STCC WORKS scholarship program. A cocktail and networking reception will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m., with dinner and keynote speakers to follow from 7 to 8:30 p.m. This year, NJBAU will host a discussion of diversity in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields with panelists Emily Reichert, CEO of Greentown Labs; Laurie Leshin, president of Worcester Polytechnic Institute; and Frank Robinson, vice president of Public Health and Community Relations for Baystate Health. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available. Tickets are $175 each, and sponsorships begin at $2,500 for a table for 10. For additional information or to become a sponsor, contact Christina Tuohey, STCC’s director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, at (413) 755-4475 or [email protected]. To purchase tickets online, visit www.stcc.edu/njbau.

Spring Fling at Eastworks

April 17: Eastworks on Pleasant Street in Easthampton will play host to a Spring Fling vendor event that will benefit the Easthampton Community Center food pantry. The event will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 2 p.m. The public is invited to attend. Participating vendors currently include How-Charming, Magnabilities, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Pure Romance, Rodan & Fields, Scentsy, Waldorf Natural Gifts – Hedge Hog Farms, Young Living Essential Oils, and Younique, with more vendors expected to be added. For more information about Spring Fling, e-mail Mary Ann at [email protected].

Spring Sip & Shop

April 28: The Arbors at Chicopee will host a Spring Sip & Shop event in honor of Mother’s Day on Thursday, April 28 from 4 to 8 p.m. at 929 Memorial Dr. More than 15 vendors will gather and display their products for sale. Items include scarves, jewelry, totes, bags, makeup, homemade lotions and soaps, and much more. The event is sponsored by Tastefully Simple, and all proceeds will go toward the Alzheimer’s Assoc. The event will feature a silent auction, raffle, passed hors d’ouvres, and complimentary sangria. The suggested donation upon admission is $5. RSVP by calling Noelle at (413) 593-0088 or e-mailing [email protected]. Walk-ins are welcome.

‘A Night of Laughter’

April 30: Smith & Wesson will host its annual live comedy show, “A Night of Laughter,” to support two local children’s charities, Shriners Hospitals for Children and the Ronald McDonald House. The event will be held at the Cedars Banquet Facility, 419 Island Pond Road in Springfield. The show will feature two comedians, Chris Zito and Tony V. Zito is a mainstay of the Boston comedy scene and made appearances on Comedy Central, USA, A&E, and NESN. He has been heard on New England radio for more than 20 years, and currently “Zito and Kera” can be heard on weekday mornings on Mix 93.1. Tony V started his comedy career in 1982 in Boston. In 1986, he was named “Funniest Person in Massachusetts” by Showtime. He has also appeared on HBO, A&E, Comedy Central, and MTV. His big-screen performances include State and Main, Celtic Pride, Housesitter, One Crazy Summer, and Shakes the Clown. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and the comedy will begin at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person and include an evening of laughs, hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, raffles, and more. Tickets are now available at eventbrite.com. For more information, contact Elaine Stellato at (413) 747-3371 or [email protected].

Walk of Champions

May 1: The community is invited to come together at the Quabbin Reservoir to mark the 11th annual Walk of Champions to benefit the Baystate Regional Cancer Program at Baystate Mary Lane Hospital in Ware. Since its inception, the Walk of Champions has raised more than $662,000. All funds raised remain local to support those cared for in the Baystate Health Eastern Region at Baystate Medical Center’s Mary Lane Satellite Unit and for things such as family-support counseling, educational outreach, pastoral care, medications, state-of-the-art equipment, and the Healing Garden located in the courtyard of the hospital. Pledge forms, fund-raising resources, giving opportunities, and more are available at www.baystatehealth.org/woc for businesses, community organizations, and individuals who wish to participate.

Community Enterprises Anniversary Luncheon

May 12: Richard Venne, president and CEO, invites the public to join Community Enterprises Inc. in celebrating 40 years of empowering individuals with disabilities to live, learn, work, and thrive in the community. A luncheon will be held at the Log Cabin in Holyoke from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Individual tickets are $50 per person, a reserved table for eight is $400, and tickets for clients and staff of Community Enterprise are $30. For more information about tickets, sponsoring the event, or placing an ad in the program, e-mail Krystle Bernier at [email protected] or call (413) 584-1460, ext. 120. Community Enterprises is a human-service organization that provides employment, education, housing supports, and day supports for people with disabilities. Headquartered in Northampton, it maintains 27 service locations in Massachusetts and across the U.S.

‘Maximize Your Website for Business Growth’

May 13, 20, 27: MarketingWorks, a series of educational programs for business owners, marketing professionals, and entrepreneurs hosted by Stevens 470 in Westfield, announced an upcoming program called “Maximize Your Website for Business Growth.” It meets weekly for three Friday mornings, May 13, 20, and 27. Customers, prospects, and associates make an immediate assessment of a business based on the content of its website. Participants in this group program will evaluate their current website and clarify the steps needed to make it the company’s most valuable marketing channel. For program details, visit www.stevens470.com/educational-programs.html or call Tina Stevens at (413) 568-2660.

Youth Mental-health First-aid Training

May 13, 20: Funded by a three-year grant by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) through the White House’s “Now is The Time” initiative, Clinical & Support Options Inc. is now offering free youth mental-health first-aid trainings to the community. The free, two-day training will be held at CSO’s administrative offices in Northampton; attendance both days is required. Youth mental-health first aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addiction challenge or is in crisis. The training is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental-health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a five-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including ADHD), and eating disorders. Identified on SAMHSA’s National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices, the training helps the public better identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses. Registration is required; e-mail [email protected] for a registration form. CSO is also available to bring this training on site to local agencies and businesses that wish to have a group of people trained for free. For more information on bringing this training to your agency or business, contact Allison Garriss, director, Business Development and Projects at Clinical & Support Options, at (413) 773-1314, ext. 5502 or [email protected].

40 Under Forty

June 16: The 10th annual 40 Under Forty award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke, honoring 40 of the region’s rising stars under 40 years old. An independent panel of judges has chosen the winners, and their stories will be told in the April 18 issue. The event is sponsored by Northwestern Mutual and Paragus Strategic IT (presenting sponsors), EMA Dental, Health New England, Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst, Moriarty & Primack, United Bank, and YPS of Greater Springfield. More details on the gala will be revealed in upcoming issues.

Court Dockets

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Court Dockets Departments

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

GREENFIELD DISTRICT COURT

West County Equipment Rentals, LLC v. RN Landscaping and Robert Possiel
Allegation: Breach of rental agreement: $3,922.35
Filed: 1/13/16

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

John G. Kudlic d/b/a Bear Realty v. Western Mass Electric Co.
Allegation: Negligence and breach of duties causing electrical fire: $147,346.01
Filed: 1/29/16

Clines Cobham v. Walgreen Eastern Co. Inc.
Allegation: Negligence in preparing and dispensing of prescription causing permanent injury: $47,422
Filed: 2/2/16

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

Megan Komosa v. Hulmes Transportation Services
Allegation: Negligent operation of wheelchair-assist lift causing the lift to be lowered onto the plaintiff’s foot: $67,373
Filed: 2/16/16

PALMER DISTRICT COURT

Natalie Cowles v. W&I Construction Inc., John Johnson, and John Nadolski
Allegation: Non-payment of services rendered: $3,000+
Filed: 2/18/16

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Alves Fuel Inc. v. Anderson Services Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of fuel-delivery services: $33,798.68
Filed: 2/10/16

Polep Distribution Services v. A.S.H Traders, LLC d/b/a Sav More And Mushtaq Yusuf
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $10,847.10
Filed: 2/26/16

Rubner Enterprises Inc. v. R.A. Morra Construction and Rama Development, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of materials and services rendered: $9,783.95
Filed: 3/1/16

Thurston Foods Inc. v. Elmcrest Inc. d/b/a 19th Hole and John Haberern
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $10,898.48
Filed: 2/23/16

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Charles Kraiza v. Prifti Motors Inc. and Don Prifti
Allegation: Negligence in truck repair causing entire job to have to be redone by another mechanic : $7,000+
Filed: 1/9/16

Jalbert Drywall v. Russo Construction
Allegation: Breach of contract and monies owed for services rendered: $7,200
Filed: 2/10/16

Safe Home Security Inc. v. 1st Stop Cafe Inc.
Allegation: Amount owed resulting from cancellation of service contract: $2,709.60
Filed: 2/10/16

Picture This

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Departments Picture This

Send photos with a caption and contact information to:  ‘Picture This’ c/o BusinessWest Magazine, 1441 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103 or to [email protected]

Community Links

Link to Libraries

MGM Springfield President Michael Mathis recently visited the Link to Libraries warehouse in Hampden to see what the literacy program is doing and how effective it is in the Western Mass. community. Pictured, from left, are Mathis; Susan Jaye-Kaplan, Link to Libraries president; and Andrew Anderlonis, president of Rediker Software and Link to Libraries executive board member. “Having Michael come to view our organization and learn what we do in this community was an honor,” Jaye-Kaplan said. “We know the children in our community will benefit from having more corporate partners in their schools, and MGM is already vested throughout the Valley in community endeavors. We were honored to have this meeting.”

 

Radiothon Record

Radiothon

The 2016 94.7 WMAS Children’s Miracle Network Radiothon to benefit Baystate Children’s Hospital broke an all-time record last month, raising $343,377 over the three-day event. “I’m so proud of the team,” said Cumulus Springfield Vice President Craig Swimm. “We’ve been doing the Radiothon since 2002, and since then have raised $3,096,424. The entire community came together to make sure local kids in the Springfield area have top-notch medical care. 94.7 WMAS would like to thank the entire community for their gracious support.”


 

Outlook 2016

Outlook-2016-100GovernorOutlook-2016-77Neal

About 700 people attended last week’s Outlook 2016 luncheon at the MassMutual Center, presented by the Springfield Regional Chamber in partnership with the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce. Among the speakers were Gov. Charlie Baker (top), whose keynote address touched on economic development, the potential for east-west rail service in Massachusetts, and strategies for tackling the state’s opioid epidemic, among other topics, and U.S. Rep. Richard Neal (middle), who discussed a number of issues facing Congress.

About 700 people attended last week’s Outlook 2016 luncheon at the MassMutual Center, presented by the Springfield Regional Chamber in partnership with the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce. Among the speakers were Gov. Charlie Baker (top), whose keynote address touched on economic development, the potential for east-west rail service in Massachusetts, and strategies for tackling the state’s opioid epidemic, among other topics, and U.S. Rep. Richard Neal (middle), who discussed a number of issues facing Congress.

BusinessWest Seeks Nominations for Continued Excellence Award

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — As part of its 10th annual 40 Under Forty program, BusinessWest is taking nominations for its second annual Continued Excellence Award, the winner of which will be unveiled at the 40 Under Forty gala on June 16. The nomination deadline has been extended to May 2 at 5 p.m. Last year, BusinessWest inaugurated the award to recognize past 40 Under Forty honorees who had significantly built on their achievements since they were honored. The five finalists for that award last year were Kamari Collins, Jeff Fialky, Cinda Jones, Kristin Leutz, and the eventual winner, Delcie Bean IV. “So many 40 Under Forty honorees have refused to rest on their laurels,” said Kate Campiti, associate publisher of BusinessWest. “We wanted to honor those who continue to build upon their strong records of service in business, within the community, and as regional leaders. Last year’s five finalists have certainly done that, and we expect this year’s nominees to be equally inspiring.” Candidates must hail from 40 Under Forty classes prior to the year of the award, in this case, classes 2007-15. The nomination form is available HERE.  For your convenience, a list of the past nine 40 Under Forty classes may be found at HERE.

National Group Names Elms ‘Best Practices’ Nursing School

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Daily News

CHICOPEE — The School of Nursing at the College of Our Lady of the Elms has earned national recognition as a “best practices” nursing school from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) in Washington, D.C.

The organization’s new report, Advancing Healthcare Transformation: A New Era for Academic Nursing, addresses how baccalaureate and higher-degree schools of nursing can amplify their role in improving health and healthcare at the local, state and national levels. Elms College is cited as one of 14 real-world examples from nursing schools around the country that are engaged in best practices.

As the dean of the School of Nursing at Elms, Kathleen Scoble, Ed.D., RN, participated in the AACN’s national study, sharing information on the school’s undergraduate, master’s-level and doctor of nursing practice (DNP) programs.

“Partnering with healthcare systems to create a pipeline of nurses who will meet workforce needs of the future was proposed by the study as one of the greatest opportunities for academic nursing, and I am proud that Elms College School of Nursing has already achieved this in the local healthcare community,” Scoble said. “The AACN reported that our DNP collaborative practice partnership with Baystate Health and Berkshire Medical Center demonstrates the type of partnership that schools of nursing across the country are seeking to achieve.”

Since 2013, AACN member deans from Academic Health Centers (AHCs) have discussed the evolving role of nursing schools during a time of healthcare reform. These leaders approached AACN about conducting a formal assessment of the opportunities and challenges ahead for academic nursing. In February 2015, AACN commissioned Manatt Health to complete a national study on optimizing nursing’s role in AHCs, which includes recommendations that all baccalaureate and higher-degree schools of nursing can use to move toward long-term success and sustainability. Based on an analysis of the data collected, the AACN-Manatt report recommends that:

 

  • Academic nursing should be recognized as a full partner in healthcare delivery, education, and research that is integrated and funded across all professions and missions in the academic health system;
  • Nursing faculty should engage more deeply in clinical practice;
  • The pipeline into baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs should be strengthened, including an emphasis on leadership development at all levels;
  • Academic nursing should partner to advance new clinical models and promote accountable care;
  • A greater investment should be made to stimulate nursing research, including closer alignment with research efforts across the health professions; and
  • Government support for academic nursing should be expanded, including more funding for nursing research and the removal of regulatory barriers impacting scope of practice.

The report provides a strategic framework with specific implementation strategies for engaging nursing and medical school deans, health system executives, and university presidents and chancellors in the collaborative work needed to spark clinical innovation, align critical resources and fortify the public’s health. It concludes with an organizational self-assessment tool that can be used to determine the degree of alignment that currently exists between healthcare and higher education institutions, which will help to highlight areas where work needs to continue.

“At this pivotal point in our history, academic nursing is ready to take a bold step forward as a full partner in the work to transform healthcare delivery, education and research,” said Dr. Juliann Sebastian, chair of the AACN board of directors.

UMass Amherst Joins Advanced Fibers Initiative

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Daily News

AMHERST — UMass Amherst is a research partner in Advanced Functional Fibers of America (AFFOA), a new $317 million public-private partnership announced late last week by U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter.

UMass Amherst is the only public university in New England participating in the MIT-led partnership, which includes 31 universities, 16 industry partners, 72 manufacturing entities and 26 startup incubators across 28 states.

The partnership won a national competition for federal funding to create the nation’s eighth Manufacturing Innovation Institute. It is designed to accelerate innovation in high-tech, U.S.-based manufacturing involving fibers and textiles.

UMass Amherst’s involvement in AFFOA draws on research expertise in its departments of polymer science and engineering, electrical and computer engineering and the College of Information and Computer Sciences.

“Through the combination of our polymer science, roll-to-roll nanomanufacturing and electrical engineering expertise, UMass Amherst is well-equipped to make important contributions to the development of new functional fabrics as part of the AFFOA team,” says Mike Malone, vice chancellor for research and engagement. “We expect to conduct research in a range of areas that have important military and commercial applications, including fiber-integrated sensors, energy generation and storage systems, thermal camouflage, optical and photonic components or fibers, fiber-integrated antennas, fiber/fabric surface modifications, and the incorporation of chemical, biological and physical functionality onto woven fabrics and non-woven and flexible substrates.”

As part of the initiative, the university is committing up to $1 million in matching funds to support AFFOA projects, process development, and education and workforce training over the first five years of operation.

AFFOA is the second national Manufacturing Innovation Institute involving UMass Amherst. Last year, the university was chosen to be the lead institution in New England for the Department of Defense’s Flexible Hybrid Electronics Manufacturing Innovation Institute, a $75 million federal initiative to create a competitive, effective and sustainable research-to-manufacturing collaboration between U.S. industry and academia to solve problems in advanced manufacturing.

Meehan Praises Baker, Legislature for Backing UMass funding

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Daily News

BOSTON — UMass President Marty Meehan today praised Governor Baker and the Legislature for approving funding that he said would allow the university “to build on its current surge of progress and success.”

“The support we are receiving from Governor Charlie Baker and from the House and Senate will help to fuel our progress and success — and will have a real impact on the Commonwealth’s future,” President Meehan said.

A $158 million supplemental budget approved by the Legislature yesterday and signed by the Governor today includes $10.9 million for UMass. The funding, which relates to labor contracts, will be used for workforce purposes and will also fund $7 million in student scholarships, in addition to aiding the University’s overall pursuit of quality and excellence.

Meehan praised Baker, House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo and Senate President Stanley C. Rosenberg for their vision and leadership, saying: “I am grateful to our state leaders for their commitment to UMass and to the cause of high-quality public higher education — a cause that is so critical to the Commonwealth and its citizens and will remain so for generations to come.”

The Legislature’s action comes at a time when UMass is enjoying successes on many fronts, with its endowment, enrollment and research-output reaching record levels, and having been named one of the World’s Most Innovative Universities. Additionally, UMass has been named the No. 1 public university in New England, one of the best 20 public universities in the nation and among the Top 100 in the world, according to the 2015 Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings.

New Law Reduces Barriers for People Convicted of Drug Offenses

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Daily News

BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker signed bipartisan legislation passed unanimously by both branches of the Legislature to ease the transition for those convicted of drug offenses to re-enter society, hold employment, and care for their families by repealing the automatic suspension of drivers licenses and a subsequent $500 reinstatement fee for all drug convictions.

“As the Commonwealth takes important steps to battle substance abuse and re-examine our criminal-justice system, I am pleased to sign legislation providing opportunities for those convicted of drug offenses and who have served their time to re-enter society, find and keep a job, and support their families,” Baker said. “Removing this significant barrier to re-entry reduces the prospects of recidivism as individuals continue treatment or recovery and gives them a better chance at getting back on their feet.”

The legislation provides certain exceptions for drug-trafficking convictions and takes effect immediately.

“We are proud to support this legislation that would ensure those who have paid their debts to society for drug offenses have the means to be productive citizens, capable of supporting themselves and their loved ones,” said Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito. “I’m proud of our administration’s efforts and collaboration with the Legislature to counter opioid addiction, and ending the automatic license suspension is a reform that will help put people on a path that keeps them out of our criminal-justice system.”

Interfaith Panel Discussion at Elms College to Focus on Mercy

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Daily News

CHICOPEE — The Elms College Religious Studies Department, the Diocese of Springfield Office of Faith Formation, and the Interfaith Council of Western Massachusetts will host a panel discussion, “Looking at the Face of Mercy Through the Eyes of God: An Interfaith Dialogue,” on Sunday, April 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Alumnae Library Theater at Elms College.

The presenters at this event will offer Jewish, Catholic, and Muslim perspectives. They include:

• Rabbi Devorah Jacobson, director of spiritual life at Jewish Geriatric Services Lifecare in Longmeadow, a board-certified chaplain in the National Assoc. of Jewish Chaplains, and a faculty member at Florence Melton Schools in Springfield and Northampton.

• Father Warren Savage, a lecturer in the Religious Studies department at Elms College. He also is the Catholic chaplain at the Albert and Amelia Ferst Interfaith Center at Westfield State University, an instructor in the Diocesan Permanent Diaconate Formation Program, and a member of Spiritual Directors International, the Academy of Homiletics, and the Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality.

• Imam Rasul Seifullah, the resident imam at Al-Baqi Islamic Center for Human Excellence in Westfield, instructor/counselor at Hampshire County House of Correction, and chaplain at the Albert and Amelia Ferst Interfaith Center at Westfield State University. He is also a member of the New England Council of Masajid and a U.S. army veteran.

Each presenter will give a lecture. A discussion and question-and-answer session will follow the three presentations.

“Mercy is a universal principle that is embraced by the three major religious traditions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam,” Savage said. “In these religious traditions, mercy is considered an attribute of God, and, because all people are created in the image and likeness of God, the human person is called to be a sign of God’s mercy and be merciful towards one’s neighbor.”

This free event is open to the public. To register, call (413) 265-2575 or e-mail [email protected].

Five Colleges to Pursue Construction of Library Annex in Hatfield

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Daily News

HATFIELD — Five Colleges Inc. announced it is pursuing siting its library annex at a location in Hatfield. It has ended its efforts to gain approval of building the annex on a site on North Maple Street in Hadley.

“Although we are confident of our legal right to build on the Hadley site under the Dover Amendment, we have decided that, in order to meet our needs for a completed annex, it would be best to devote our efforts at a different site,” said Neal Abraham, consortium executive director.

The new site is located near exit 22 of Interstate 91. “We’re pleased to be working with the town of Hatfield to construct what will be an essential component in the Five College library system, with a goal of completing it by late spring 2017,” Abraham said.

The Five College Consortium, based in Amherst, is celebrating its 50th year advancing the extensive educational and cultural objectives of its member institutions — Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith colleges and UMass Amherst.

Chamber Leaders to Attend Business Summit on Beacon Hill

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Regional Chamber, in partnership with the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce with support from the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce, will hold its popular Beacon Hill Summit on Wednesday, April 27.

Sponsored by Comcast and WWLP-TV22, the day-long event is the largest regional business summit at the State House and provides an opportunity for business and community leaders to hear from key legislators and members of the Baker-Polito administration and voice their opinions, concerns, and ideas during the day’s formal sessions and social events. This will be the second time this event is held under the new administration.

State Sen. James Welch, chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing, and his colleague, state Rep. Angelo Puppolo Jr., vice chair of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight, will co-host the event. Senate President Stan Rosenberg will be on hand to provide insights into his first year in that role, and Treasurer Deb Goldberg has also been invited to address the attendees.

The budget will be on top of mind as the House of Representatives will be voting on its version of the budget, with it moving to the Senate shortly thereafter. With the important committee positions held by both Welch and Puppolo, topics to be addressed include healthcare, state regulations, as well as energy and the potential for a comprehensive energy bill to be drafted.

The day’s agenda will also include lunch at the Union Club with members of the region’s delegation and a wrap-up cocktail reception at the 21st Amendment.

Buses will depart the Plantation Inn off exit 6 of the Massachusetts Turnpike in Chicopee at 7 a.m., with return by 7 p.m. The all-inclusive cost is $180 and includes transportation, continental breakfast, lunch, reception, and all materials.

Reservations are required in advance by April 20 and can be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com or by e-mailing Sarah Mazzaferro, member services director, at [email protected].

Dakin Unveils Pat’s Cats Fund To Help Homeless Felines

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Dakin Humane Society has announced the formation of Pat’s Cats Feline Success Fund to provide necessities and upgrades for several aspects of cat and kitten care at Dakin’s two locations in Leverett and Springfield.

The fund is named for the late Patricia Ford Yurkunas, former director of development and marketing at Dakin Humane Society. Yurkunas, who passed away in March 2015, had provided a bequest for Dakin which has been used to establish the fund. Yurkunas was especially fond of the cats and kittens who arrived at Dakin and spent considerable time caring for them. She adopted several during her seven years at the nonprofit organization.

“Pat’s generosity enabled us to launch this important fund, and we are asking the public to join in to help these cats and kittens,” said Nancy Creed, president of Dakin’s board of directors. “Your contributions will bring many wonderful essentials and enhancements to the lives of these felines as they await a new home, including nebulizers for sick kittens in Nick’s Nursery, which is our kitten-care ward, as well as life-saving medical treatments, specialized behavioral support, spay/neuter surgery for community cats and mothers with litters, enrichment toys, climbing surfaces, and more. You’ll also help with much-needed renovations to our cat-housing areas. The cost of providing these life-saving services is more than $110,000, so we hope you will help make them a reality for these homeless cats. Every donation counts!”

Donations can be accepted online at www.dakinhumane.org/support. Whether choosing to make a one-time gift or a monthly contribution, donors may select Pat’s Cats as a designation option. Those wishing to send a check may write ‘Pat’s Cats’ on the memo line to ensure their gift will be directed to the fund. Donations may be mailed to Dakin Humane Society, P.O. Box 6307, Springfield, MA 01101.

Springfield Museums Announce Lecture Schedule for April

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SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Museums’ popular Museums à la Carte lectures continue throughout April on Thursdays at 12:15 p.m. in the D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts.

Admission is $4 ($2 for members of the Springfield Museums). Visitors are invited to bring a bag lunch; cookies and coffee are provided. For more information about Museums à la Carte, call (413) 263-6800, ext. 488. This month’s lectures are:

• April 7: “The English Garden: Perfection on Earth.” Curt DiCamillo, historian, will discuss the development of the English landscape tradition and demonstrate why the English garden has often been called Britain’s single most important contribution to world culture.

• April 14: “All Over England.” Amy Dane, global traveler, lecturer, and photographer, highlights the amazing gardens, moody British landscapes, Roman and Medieval ruins and castles, university towns, and charming villages she witnessed in her recent visit.

• April 21: No lecture scheduled.

• April 28: “All About Emus, and Why Would a Museum Hatch Their Eggs?” Elizabeth Thwing, nonfiction writer for children, traces the zigzag historical trail that connects the odd emu with its meat-eating dinosaur ancestors and the Science Museum’s egg-incubator project.

As part of the Museums’ members-only Continuing Conversations series, museum docent Jerre Hoffman will lead a guided gallery discussion at the Wood Museum of Springfield History following the April 14 lecture, and docents Dennis and Nancy Swartwout will lead a post-lecture gallery discussion on April 28 at the Springfield Science Museum.

Region’s Home Sales Strong in February

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SPRINGFIELD — The Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley reported that single-family home sales in February were up 30.3% compared to the same time last year. The median price dropped 6.9% from $186,750 to $172,000.

While inventory of homes for sale dropped 14.7% in February, new listings coming on the market rose 23.4% in February.

Academy Of Music Theatre to Host ‘125 Years Of Memories’ Benefit

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Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — The Academy of Music Theatre will host a “125 Years of Memories” benefit on Thursday, April 21st at 6:30 p.m. in the theater.

In the late 19th century, Edward H.R. Lyman, a philanthropist and Northampton native, had a vision for a new venue for culture and theater in his hometown. On May 23, 1891, the 800-seat Academy of Music Theatre opened its doors to the public for the first time. One year later, Lyman deeded the Academy to the citizens of Northampton, making it the first municipally owned theater in the nation.

The theater quickly became a favorite stop on tours of leading troupes and big-name performers: legendary French actress Sarah Bernhardt, film star Mae West, and illusionist Harry Houdini all performed at the Academy in the early 20th century. Today, the 800-seat Academy of Music has been renovated and reclaimed as a venue for live theater, as well as dance, film, music, and performing-arts education.

The “125 Years of Memories” benefit will begin with a cash bar reception in the lobby, where guests will mingle and enjoy hors d’oeuvres, craft beer, and wine. In addition, silent-auction items donated by local businesses and artists will be on display. At 6:30 p.m., guests will move into the theater for a brief program, paying tribute to the Academy through the decades. Following the production, attendees will be invited onstage for the party, with musical accompaniment by jazz pianist Jerry Noble, appetizers from River Valley Market, craft beer, and wine provided by Black Birch Vineyard.

Tickets for the event are $50, and can be purchased online at www.aomtheatre.com. For those who prefer to pay by check, tickets are available at the Academy of Music Theatre box office, Tuesday through Friday, from 3 to 6 p.m.

Any questions can be directed to Development Coordinator Kathryn Slater at (413) 584-9032, ext. 101, or [email protected].

‘Parent Cafés’ in Springfield, Holyoke to Address Child Sexual Abuse

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Parents will discuss what adults can do to protect their children from child sexual abuse at a series of ‘parent cafés’ titled “Keeping Privates Private” to be held in Springfield and Holyoke throughout April.

The events, sponsored by the Prevention Collaboration — a community-based group organized out of the Family Advocacy Center at Baystate Children’s Hospital — are being held in conjunction with Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. The Prevention Collaboration is dedicated to helping the community take action to prevent child sexual abuse. Parent cafés will be held on:

• Thursday, April 7: Head Start, 30 Madison Ave., Springfield, 5:30 to 7 p.m.;

• Wednesday, April 20: Square One, 1095 Main St., Springfield, 5 to 6:30 p.m.; and

• Thursday, April 28, HCS Head Start, 206 Maple St., Holyoke, 5:30 to 7 p.m.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four girls and one in six boys will experience some form of sexual abuse before they turn 18. Sexual abuse does not discriminate; children and adolescents of all races, cultures, and backgrounds are equally susceptible to sexual abuse.

Those attending the events will receive a children’s book, My Body Belongs to Me, then guided through a discussion of parenting choices help prevent child sexual abuse in their families.

The Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime offers the following strategies on how to respond if a child reports he or she has been abused:

• Stay calm.

• Listen to the child’s words and expressed emotions. Believe the child and stress that his or her safety is important.

• Don’t press the child for more information.

• Reassure the child that he or she has done nothing wrong. Abuse is never a child’s fault.

• Remember that the people who harm children are often people whom children love.

• Avoid negative comments. Encourage the child, saying that he or she did the right thing by telling and that it was brave to tell.

Berkshire Bank Promotes Allan Costello to EVP, Home Lending

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Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Bank announced that Allan Costello has been promoted to executive vice president, home lending and will join the bank’s executive team.

Costello has more than 30 years of experience in the banking industry with expertise in risk management, compliance, accounting, internal audit, and operations. He will lead the sales and operations functions of the home lending division, including loan origination, underwriting, compliance, processing, and servicing.

Costello joined Berkshire Bank in 2011 and held the position of senior vice president, audit before transitioning to the home lending division. Prior to Berkshire Bank, his career was focused in the financial field, including director at Accume Partners, divisional vice president of bank protection at Charter One Bank, and chief financial officer at Rhinebeck Savings Bank. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Siena College and completed the American Bankers Assoc. three-year graduate banking program. His certifications include certified internal auditor and certified fraud examiner.

Farmington Bank Community Concert Series Grows to 20 Shows

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FARMINGTON — Farmington Bank announced the fifth annual Farmington Bank Community Concert Series, featuring 20 free performances by Simply Swing, a popular, 10-piece swing orchestra based in Connecticut.

“We’re proud to support communities in Greater Hartford and Western Massachusetts by continuing to sponsor free concerts throughout the spring and summer months,” said John Patrick Jr., chairman, president, and CEO of Farmington Bank. “These fun-filled concerts provide wonderful opportunities for families, friends, and neighbors to enjoy time together in their own communities.”

This year’s expanded series includes performances at Pleasant View Senior Center in East Longmeadow on Friday, April 22 at 7 p.m.; the Common in West Springfield on Monday, July 4 at 2 p.m.; plus 18 performances in Connecticut.

Simply Swing specializes in the music of Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie; vocalists Ella Fitzgerald, Natalie Cole, and Diana Krall; and high-energy swing dance favorites. In 2013, the group released its Dancing to Simply Swing CD, featuring music composed for swing and ballroom dancers by Joe LaRosa, the group’s musical director and drummer.

“Our goal is to engage and entertain audiences throughout the region,” said Vivian LaRosa, Simply Swing’s featured vocalist. “We love seeing people swaying in their lawn chairs, singing along, and getting up to dance.”

For a complete listing of dates, times, and locations, visit www.farmingtonbankct.com/communityactivity and click on ‘Community Concert Series.’

Unemployment Continues to Fall Across Massachusetts

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Daily News

BOSTON — Unemployment rates went down in all 24 labor market areas in Massachusetts during the month of February, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported. The rates were also down in all areas compared to February 2015.

Six areas added jobs over the month, with gains in the Springfield, Boston-Cambridge-Newton, Worcester, Brockton-Bridgewater-Easton, Lowell-Billerica-Chelmsford, and Peabody-Salem-Beverly areas.

From February 2015 to February 2016, fourteen areas added jobs, with the largest percentage gains in the Brockton-Bridgewater-Easton, Haverhill-Newport-Amesbury, and Barnstable areas. The Lynn-Saugus-Marblehead area recorded a loss.

Last week, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported the statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 4.5% for the month of February. The unemployment rate is down 0.6% over the year. The statewide seasonally adjusted jobs estimate showed a 13,300 job gain in February and an over-the-year gain of 67,100 jobs.

Basketball Hall of Fame, CHD Recognize Autism Awareness Month

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Much as pink is associated with breast-cancer awareness, blue is the color connected with awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a group of complex disorders of brain development. To help spread ASD awareness, the Basketball Hall of Fame is turning the light on its enormous basketball completely blue at 5 p.m. on April 1-4 as part of the “Light It Up Blue” campaign for Autism Awareness Month in April.

ASD affects more than 3 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide. Statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal that 1 out of 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism.

“Autism Awareness Month activities help to create an environment of learning and sharing to keep the discussion of ASD disorders open and ongoing,” said Kimberley Lee, vice president, Development for the Center for Human Development (CHD). Through its Early Intervention program, CHD is actively involved in ASD screening and helping to identify those red flags, and works with infants and children from birth to age 3 in Springfield, Longmeadow, East Longmeadow, Wilbraham and Hampden who have, or are at risk for, developmental delays. A CHD team can assess a child’s abilities, and, if indicated, work to develop an individualized plan to promote development of play, movement, social-emotional behavior, communication, and self-care skills.

“We work with children and their families in their most natural environment. We are excited that the Hall of Fame is helping to Light It Up Blue and keep the conversation about autism going,” said Erinne Gorneault, program director, Early Intervention.

To learn more about CHD or for more information on available supports and services, call Gorneault at (413) 733-6624.

Springfield Museums’ Festival of Flowers Heralds Arrival of Spring

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The coming of spring also brings the return of the Springfield Museums’ annual Festival of Flowers. The year’s celebration, on April 7-10, will feature nearly 50 objects from the art, history, and science collections creatively interpreted by local florists, designers, and garden club members. More than 4,000 people flocked to the event last year.

The Festival of Flowers is free with museum admission. Associated festivities begin on Thursday, April 7 with a Museums à la Carte lecture at 12:15 p.m. titled “The English Garden: Perfection on Earth” by historian Curt DiCamillo. The cost to attend is $2 for members, $4 for non-members.

That evening, visitors can enjoy a Culture & Cocktails event from 5 to 8 p.m. Guests can view the colorful arrangements in all four museums and watch the popular Floral Fashion show as models stroll through the galleries wearing accessories created from flowers. The evening, which also includes music, specialty cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres by Log Rolling Catering, is sponsored by United Personnel. Admission is $5 for museum members and $15 for non-members (age 21 and over only). For reservations, call (413) 263-6800, ext. 379, or buy tickets online.

Following that is a presentation on Saturday, April 9 at 1 p.m. titled “Jaw-dropping, Traffic-stopping, Get-your-neighbors-talking Containers” by Deborah Trickett from the Captured Garden. Trickett’s work has been featured in the Boston Globe and on the TV show New England Dream Home. The talk is free with museum admission. Tours by museum docents highlighting many of the floral interpretations will also be available on April 8-10 (hourly, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., free with museum admission).

The Museum School will also offer courses related to the festival. On Friday, April 8, instructor Paul Leveille will teach a one-day class in creating “Floral Art with Pastels.” On Saturday, April 9, artist Annette Chittenden will lead a class titled “Zentangle Botancial Drawing.” To sign up, call (413) 263-6800, ext. 377 or 382, or register online.

Festival of Flowers is sponsored by Durocher Florist, with additional support from Dave DiRico’s Golf and Racquet, Gardeners on the Green in Longmeadow, Pat Parker and Sons Florists, Pennock Floral, Randall’s Farm and Greenhouse, and Springfield Florists Supply Inc. For more information about Festival of Flowers, visit springfieldmuseums.org or call (413) 263-6800, ext. 386.

State Sen. James Welch to Address Springfield Rotary Club

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — 
State Sen. James Welch will address the Springfield Rotary Club’s luncheon meeting on Friday, April 1. His topic will be the opioid crisis and marijuana-legalization issues that face the Commonwealth.

Welch was elected to the Senate in 2010, representing a district that includes West Springfield, Springfield, and Chicopee. He currently serves as Senate chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing, and is a member of the joint committees on Public Safety and Homeland Security, Election Laws, and Post Audit & Oversight.

The Springfield Rotary Club meets every Friday at 12:15 p.m. in the MassMutual Room at the Basketball Hall of Fame, West Columbus Avenue, Springfield. The April 1 luncheon is $18 per person and is open to the public.
For more information on the Springfield Rotary or becoming a member, contact Mike Healy, membership chair, at (413) 267-1217 or visit www.springfieldmarotary.org.


PeoplesBank to Host Seminar on Managing Employee Performance

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — “Performance management is the foundation of performance excellence,” said Janice Mazzallo, executive vice president and chief human resource officer at PeoplesBank. “Unfortunately, the best-laid management systems often go awry due to lack of communication.”

Mazzallo will help area business leaders overcome performance-related communication hurdles at a free seminar titled “Managing Employee Performance” on April 14 from 7:45 to 9:30 a.m. at the PeoplesBank executive office, 330 Whitney Ave., Holyoke. She will address how to establish SMART goals, provide counseling documentation, and develop an effective performance-improvement plan (PIP). “Most importantly,” she said, “should the PIP be unsuccessful, we’ll discuss the necessary steps to take prior to terminating an employee for poor performance.”

The event — part of an ongoing business best-practices seminar series offered by PeoplesBank — is open to the public; however, registration is required, and attendance is limited. To register, visit bit.ly/PBPerformance.

Mazzallo has more than 30 years of human-resource-management experience and joined PeoplesBank in 2005. She is a graduate of America’s Community Bankers National School of Banking at Fairfield University and holds a master’s degree from Cambridge College. She serves on the board for the Stonier ABA Graduate School of Banking Advisory and the Northampton Survival Center. She is also an active member of the Northeast Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management and a volunteer reader for Link to Libraries.

Wistariahurst Presents Workshop on Interviewing Technique

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — On Monday, April 4, Wistariahurst Museumm will host a workshop with journalist and photographer Dennis Hohenberger on conducting one-on-one interviews in order to collect family and community history.

Anyone who has ever wanted to interview aging family members about their younger years or wanted to document community leaders about past events will benefit from this evening session, starting at 6 p.m. Participants will learn how to prepare their materials, stay focused during a conversation, and how to set a subject at ease. The workshop is open to all, and the fee is $7, or $5 for museum members. No prior experience is required. Pre-registration at www.wistariahurst.org is suggested, as space is limited.

Hohenberger is a reporter and photographer based in Western Mass. He majored in journalism at UMass Amherst. He has lived in Boston, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. He has developed an interviewing style that has proved successful in both formal and informal settings.

Advertising Club Presents Screening of CLIO Awards

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Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts invites the public to the annual showing of the CLIO Awards, the world’s most recognized international awards competition for advertising, design, digital, and communications.

The event will be held Tuesday, March 29 at 6 p.m. at Majestic Theater, 131 Elm St., West Springfield. Registration and networking begin at 5 p.m. Light appetizers will be provided, and a cash bar will be available. On-street parking is available, with additional parking behind CVS across Elm Street.

The cost is $15 for Ad Club members, $25 for non-members, and $10 for students. To reserve a seat, call (413) 736-2582 or e-mail [email protected], or pay at the door for an additional $5.

Elms College to Host Massachusetts Geographic Bee

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CHICOPEE — On Friday, April 1, Elms College will welcome 100 elementary- and middle-school students and their families from across the state as the Massachusetts Geographic Bee comes to campus for the first time.

The event will run from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Veritas Auditorium in Berchmans Hall at Elms. From 1:15 to 2:30 p.m., the public is invited to watch as the top 10 finalists compete and the winner is honored. The winner of this statewide competition will move on to compete in the National Geographic Bee in Washington, D.C., in May, where the grand prize is a $50,000 college scholarship.

Each year, thousands of schools in the U.S. participate in the National Geographic Bee, using materials prepared by the National Geographic Society. The contest is designed to inspire students to be curious about the world. The National Geographic Bee sponsors competitions in every state as well as the final nationwide contest.

“This is the second level of the National Geographic Bee competition, which is now in its 27th year,” said Sarah Duncan, the state bee coordinator for Massachusetts. “Bees were held in schools with fourth- through eighth-grade students throughout the state to determine each school’s bee winner.” The school-level winners then took a test and submitted it to the National Geographic Society; the students with the top 100 test scores in each state were invited to complete at the state level.

“The Massachusetts State Geography Bee is an exciting competition for students because they are competing against kids their age who love geography as much as they do,” Duncan said. “I think that the public will be in awe of the vast knowledge these students have about the world at such a young age. As an audience member, it is always fun to follow along to see how much you know.”

The state winner will receive $100, a copy of the book The National Parks, and a trip to Washington, D.C., to represent Massachusetts in the national finals, which will be held at National Geographic Society headquarters May 22-25. The national winner will receive a $50,000 college scholarship and lifetime membership in the society, as well as an all-expenses-paid trip to the Galapagos Islands to experience geography first-hand through close encounters with the unique landscapes and wildlife of the islands.

Throughout the day on April 1, geography-related stations will be set up on campus for competitors, family members, and the general public to visit. EarthView, a large, inflatable globe that people can go inside, will be installed in Berchmans Gym, as will a large world floor map from National Geographic.

“Attendees will have a fun-filled, geography-themed day,” Duncan said. “From traveling out to Western Massachusetts and navigating around the Elms campus to competing or watching the rounds of questions, to exploring EarthView and the giant traveling floor map of Africa — geography will surround us all day.”

This is the first time the bee will be held at a college or university. Elms alumna Arlene Kowal is co-coordinator of the Massachusetts Geographic Alliance, which holds teacher workshops on campus, and she felt that Elms would be a good venue. Other Elms alumni have been recruited to serve as timekeepers, scorekeepers, and tour guides.

BusinessWest Seeks Nominations for Continued Excellence Award

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — As part of its 10th annual 40 Under Forty program, BusinessWest is taking nominations for its second annual Continued Excellence Award, the winner of which will be unveiled at the 40 Under Forty gala on June 16. The nomination deadline has been extended to May 2 at 5 p.m.

Last year, BusinessWest inaugurated the award to recognize past 40 Under Forty honorees who had significantly built on their achievements since they were honored. The five finalists for that award last year were Kamari Collins, Jeff Fialky, Cinda Jones, Kristin Leutz, and the eventual winner, Delcie Bean IV.

“So many 40 Under Forty honorees have refused to rest on their laurels,” said Kate Campiti, associate publisher of BusinessWest. “We wanted to honor those who continue to build upon their strong records of service in business, within the community, and as regional leaders. Last year’s five finalists have certainly done that, and we expect this year’s nominees to be equally inspiring.”

Candidates must hail from 40 Under Forty classes prior to the year of the award, in this case, classes 2007-15. The nomination form is available at businesswest.com/40-under-forty/40-under-forty-continued-excellence-award. For your convenience, a list of the past nine 40 Under Forty classes may be found at businesswest.com/40-under-forty/40-under-forty-past-honorees.

PNCU Hosts Chamber’s ‘Mornings with the Mayor’ on April 21

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Daily News

CHICOPEE — Polish National Credit Union at 46 Main St., Chicopee, will host “Mornings with the Mayor” on Thursday, April 21 from 8 to 9 a.m. Coffee and light refreshments will be served while Mayor Richard Kos shares important updates on what’s happening in the city of Chicopee. This Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce event is an opportunity for questions, answers, and open dialogue.

This event is for chamber members only and is free, but registration is required so the host business knows how many will be attending. To register, e-mail [email protected].

Connecticut River Diver to Share Her Petroglyph Discovery

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Daily News

GREENFIELD — On Saturday, April 2, the Connecticut River Watershed Council (CRWC) will host master diver Annette Spaulding to discuss her recent petroglyph discovery beneath the Connecticut River. Spaulding will be joined by members of the Nolumbeka Project, who will discuss Native American history in this region. This free program is open to the public and will be held at the Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls at 1 p.m.

This is one of two petroglyph sites known to have been submerged underwater after the creation of the Vernon Dam more than 100 years ago. Spaulding is the first to locate one of the two sites. With more than 33 years of diving experience, she has discovered hundreds of historical sites and artifacts. She’s had many interesting adventures, including exploring shipwrecks, diving with great white sharks, and recovering a historic aircraft (which aired on National Geographic), but is quick to note that the Connecticut River is her favorite place in the world to scuba dive.

Spaulding is also a volunteer and trustee of the Connecticut River Watershed Council. Ed Lenik, author of Making Pictures in Stone: American Indian Rock Art of the Northeast, will include Spaulding’s petroglyph find in his newest book.

To learn more about CRWC, call (413) 772-2020, stop by the Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls on weekends, or visit www.ctriver.org.

Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretaries Support Hydropower Bill

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Daily News

BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker received bipartisan support from three former secretaries of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Maeve Vallely-Bartlett, Rick Sullivan, and Ian Bowles, for the administration’s efforts to diversify the state’s energy portfolio through the procurement of cost-effective hydropower generation.

The announcement followed a State House meeting between Baker, current Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Matthew Beaton, and his predecessors to discuss the need to stabilize New England’s electricity rates, meet the Commonwealth’s Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA) goals, and provide ratepayers with a clean, cost-competitive alternative to coal and oil generation.

“I appreciate the support from our state’s former top energy officials as our administration aims to pursue a balanced, diversified energy portfolio through the pursuit of hydroelectric power,” Baker said. “This endorsement is illustrative of the pressing need to address Massachusetts’ rising energy costs, increase electricity-grid reliability, and reduce carbon emissions to meet the Commonwealth’s energy and environmental goals.”

Added Beaton, “I thank former Secretaries Bowles, Sullivan, and Vallely-Bartlett for their endorsement of the Baker-Polito administration’s legislation for the procurement of hydroelectric power, which will provide needed generation capacity, while positioning the Commonwealth to achieve our Global Warming Solutions Act goals. As part of the administration’s balanced approach to making the necessary investments in our regional energy infrastructure, this legislation strikes an important balance between climate and environmental awareness and the Commonwealth’s need for clean, reliable, cost-effective generation resources.”

In July, the Baker-Polito administration filed Senate Bill 1965, “An Act Relative to Energy Sector Compliance with the Global Warming Solutions Act,” to require Massachusetts utilities to jointly, and competitively, solicit long-term contracts for clean energy-generation resources and associated transmission together with the Department of Energy Resources.

In addition to the benefits this legislation aims to bring to the regional electricity market, clean energy generation will position Massachusetts to reach its ambitious greenhouse-gas-reduction targets, Baker said. A recent update to Massachusetts’ “Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2020” concluded that the Commonwealth is well-positioned to meet, or exceed, a greenhouse-gas-reduction goal of 25% by 2020 through the full implementation of the Baker-Polito administration’s energy policies, which include hydropower and solar legislation.

“The Commonwealth is a national leader in clean energy and has built a world-class clean-energy industry that is increasing homegrown energy and reducing carbon emissions,” said Rick Sullivan, who served as secretary from 2011 to 2014, and currently serves as CEO of the Western Mass. Economic Development Council. “We must build on this success while continuing to work to reduce the high cost of energy for residents and businesses across Massachusetts. Bringing in cost-effective, large-scale hydro and other renewable-energy resources is critical to these efforts.”

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