Home Articles posted by BusinessWest Staff (Page 70)
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) is launching a bachelor of science in nutrition program designed to prepare students to address a broad range of global health challenges. The program will officially begin in the fall of 2025, with an introductory nutrition course available to current students in the spring semester starting in January 2025.

The program combines both online and on-campus coursework and provides a pathway for students to pursue a master’s degree required for the ACEND registered dietitian certification. Students can choose between two tracks: public health or exercise science. This structure offers a comprehensive education in nutrition, food, and health while equipping students with the skills needed for careers in nutrition, dietetics, public health, or wellness coaching.

The program’s curriculum is designed to inspire a passion for health and well-being while preparing students for impactful careers in nutrition and related fields, according to Karen Rousseau, dean of the School of Health Sciences at AIC.

“At AIC, we recognize the struggles with food insecurity faced by members in our community,” she said. “This program will prepare graduates to work directly with food banks, shelters, and local governments to address the root causes of hunger. Additionally, our students will learn about improving access to nutritious food for underserved populations in our region.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dietitians and nutritionists is projected to grow by 7% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is fueled by a greater emphasis on healthy eating, dietary management of conditions like diabetes, and the nutritional needs of an aging population. Approximately 6,100 job openings are expected annually due to workforce turnover and expanding services.

Nutrition plays a critical role in overall health, affecting everything from cognitive function to physical vitality. The food we eat influences academic performance, muscle development, and even the likelihood of developing conditions such as diabetes or Alzheimer’s disease. Through this program, AIC is preparing students to tackle these global nutrition challenges head-on.

Daily News

Rania Kfuri

LONGMEADOW — Glenmeadow Inc., a provider of senior retirement lifestyle options, recently named Rania Kfuri vice president for Philanthropy, Sales, and Marketing.

In this new role, which begins on Oct. 14, Kfuri will provide leadership and direction to key revenue-producing areas, developing strategies to secure annual giving, planned giving, and donor-directed gifts, as well as pursuing partnerships with other local organizations. She will also shape Glenmeadow’s marketing approach and philosophy to ensure organization’s brand remains strong.

“I am truly honored to join the Glenmeadow team and collaborate with a community-driven organization that has such a significant history in our region” Kfuri said. “Supporting Glenmeadow in its planning for a strong future is a priority for me. I look forward to getting to know the residents and their families and ensuring that this community continues to thrive in the years to come.”

Kfuri most recently served the Baystate Health Foundation as Philanthropy officer and previously worked with the Smith Fund at Smith College. She is also active in a wide variety of community initiatives, including serving on the boards of the Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services, the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts, and Revitalize CDC.

“I am thrilled to welcome Rania to Glenmeadow. She is a community connector who is driven to advance an organization’s mission. With her enthusiasm for community building and a creative and entrepreneurial approach, Rania will do great things for our senior living community,” said Kathy Martin, Glenmeadow’s president and CEO. “Rania will catapult our philanthropic efforts forward. I invite people to reach out to explore how we can partner together to strengthen and support Glenmeadow’s bright future.”

Business Talk Podcast Special Coverage

We are excited to announce that BusinessWest has launched a new podcast series, BusinessTalk. Each episode will feature in-depth interviews and discussions with local industry leaders, providing thoughtful perspectives on the Western Massachuetts economy and the many business ventures that keep it running during these challenging times.

Go HERE to view all episodes

Episode 219: October 14, 2024

Joe Bednar Interviews Sadiq Elias, Plant Manager, Ace Precision Inc: Success by Design

Forty-five years ago, Ace Precision Inc. was born in a small building in Agawam. Today, in a much larger facility, it meets the precision machining needs of clients across the aerospace, defense, and commercial spectrum. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Plant Manager Sadiq Elias talks to BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar about that evolution, career opportunities in manufacturing, and much more. It’s must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest.

Also Available On

Daily News

AGAWAM — The owners of the Federal Restaurant, located at 135 Cooper St. in Agawam, have put the property on the market, just right months after closing for renovations.

Kelley & Katzer Real Estate has been brought on to market the restaurant. The property has been listed for sale at $995,000, including the business and real estate.

According to the listing, “this renowned establishment offers not only a thriving restaurant business, but also the chance to acquire a historic, well-maintained building.” It touts the property’s redevelopment potential and adds that “this is a unique investment for a landmark property that has been a staple in the community and the region for decades.”

The restaurant building dates back to 1862, while the first restaurant business opened there in 1936 as the Federal Hill Club. The Federal is one of four in a family of restaurants owned by Michael Presnal and Ralph Santaniello, which also include Posto by the Federal in Longmeadow, Lola’s in Longmeadow, and Vinted Wine Bar & Kitchen in West Hartford, Conn.

Daily News

AMHERST — The Mill District General Store & Local Art Gallery announced its fourth annual Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine.

This year’s event promises a vibrant fair atmosphere, complete with carnival games, pumpkin painting, live music, and a whipped cream pie-eating contest hosted by Carefree Cakery. All game ticket proceeds will benefit the Amherst Survival Center. Families can enjoy a variety of activities suitable for all ages, including a meet and greet with Tiki the Parrot, live performances by the Butterfly Swing Band, and complimentary food samples from 3 Amigos Restaurant. The festival will also feature classes in Pilates and gyrotonic exercises led by Balanced Birch Studios.

“We’re thrilled to bring the community together for a day of fun, creativity, and support for local causes,” said Molly Crookes, store manager. “This event not only showcases our fantastic local businesses but also emphasizes the importance of giving back, with proceeds from our mini-midway of games benefiting the Amherst Survival Center.”

Daily News

HOLYOKE — The Greater Holyoke Chamber and Invertir Holyoke welcome back the Paper City Food Festival for its fourth year. Set to take place on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 19-20, this year’s festival will showcase the rich culinary diversity of the region, featuring a wide array of food vendors, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities.

Taking place at High and Suffolk streets, the festival will feature a dozen food vendors offering everything from gourmet street food to artisan desserts, alongside performances by local bands and artists.

Proceeds from the event will go directly to a family in Holyoke impacted by cancer. Past recipients have included Rays of Hope and Laila Strong. In 2024, the festival honors Rich Perez, a dedicated local community leader for youth who has been battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The festival will hold a walk in support of the Perez family, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to them.

“We’re excited to bring the community together once again to celebrate our local food scene and support a worthy cause,” said Jordan Hart, executive director of the Greater Holyoke Chamber. “The Paper City Food Festival is not just about food; it’s about fostering connections and supporting local families in need.”

Vendors include El Paraiso Colombiano, Sweetera, Tacos Pueblos and YJ Catering, and local participating artists include the Basement Cats, the Holyoke Senior Center’s Senior Sing, Last Minute, and more. Sponsors include Sublime Systems and the USA International Sporting Complex. Sponsorships and space are still available.

For more information or to register as a vendor, sponsor, or walk participant, visit holyokechamber.com/pcff.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Visual Sound Productions Inc. (VSP) announced its partnership with Dazzle Dance Studio and Fitness First for the fourth annual Trunk-or-Treat event. This year, the partners are brewing up some Halloween fun while once again helping neighbors in need through a community food drive.

This family-friendly Halloween celebration takes place on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 2 to 4 p.m. at 60 North Westfield St., Feeding Hills, and is free to attend. Families can look forward to a ghoulishly delightful afternoon filled with candy, music, games, food trucks, prizes, and plenty of spooky surprises.

VSP, an award-winning, multi-op production company with four specialized divisions, recently expanded into a larger, historic location in downtown Springfield. After being vacant for nearly a decade, local entrepreneur and VSP President Nicole Nell has revitalized the space, aiming to foster creativity and collaboration within the community.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Zoo in Forest Park’s annual family-friendly Halloween event returns to the zoo on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Advance tickets are required.

Spooky Safari features a variety of not-so-spooky activities, including a trick-or-treat trail, Halloween-themed crafts, a zoo-wide scavenger hunt, and encounters with a few animal friends. A face painter will be on site transforming kids into their favorite creatures.

Representatives from Link to Libraries, an organization that aims to increase access to books, will be handing out free books to the trick-or-treaters. Springfield Museums and Connecticut Science Center are among other local organizations that guests will find along the trail. Children participating in the trick-or-treat trail are encouraged to bring a bag.

Children and adults are encouraged to show off their Halloween costumes for a chance to be crowned the Funniest, Most Creative, or Best Group Costume in the Spooky Safari Virtual Costume Contest via the Zoo’s Facebook page. Winners from each category, as selected by a panel of judges from the zoo’s staff, will receive a prize.

“Spooky Safari is our last big event before we close for the season,” said Gabry Tyson, assistant executive director at the Zoo in Forest Park. “Not only is it a fun opportunity for families to visit before we close, but the funds raised from this event help prepare us for the offseason.” The zoo is open to the public April through October but remains fully staffed and operational year-round for the 225-plus animals that live on its grounds.

Pre-registration is required to attend, and tickets sell out quickly. No additional tickets will be sold at the door, and library passes cannot be used for this event. Registration closes Oct. 24 or when all tickets are sold. To purchase tickets, visit www.forestparkzoo.org/spooky-safari.

Daily News

Gina Vallone

PITTSFIELD — Pittsfield Cooperative Bank announced the hiring of Gina Vallone to its retail banking team as a vice president and branch manager of its Dalton Avenue location. She has significant experience in branch management, financial advising, personal insurance sales and management, relationship management, and customer service.

Vallone joins the bank after working for the previous 15 years at Lee Bank in its Retail and Community Banking departments. For the last five years, she has managed Lee Bank’s Pittsfield and Lenox branches. Prior to banking, she worked in personal insurance line sales and customer relations with Minkler Insurance Agency.

“Coop Bank is excited to add Gina to our growing team,” said J. Jay Anderson, CEO of Pittsfield Cooperative Bank. “She has significant experience in branch and relationship management, customer service, and consumer banking and insurance product sales and development.”

Vallone earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. She currently serves on the board of directors of the Elizabeth Freeman Center.

Daily News

EASTHAMPTON — Hometown Mortgage will host a three-day, virtual first-time-homebuyer seminar on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, Oct. 22-24, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. each day.

Experienced lending professional Shauna Roberts will lead the seminar in partnership with NewVue Communities. This seminar will help attendees qualify for special mortgage products, provide tips to improve their credit, and prepare them as they approach this important life decision.

This three-day, virtual seminar costs $50 per household. Click here to register.

Daily News

CHICOPEE — The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts announced a new partnership with Berkshire Bounty, a food rescue organization located in Great Barrington and dedicated to alleviating hunger throughout Berkshire County. The collaboration will enhance the effort to recover and distribute fresh, nutritious food to individuals and families county-wide.

Berkshire Bounty is a volunteer-driven organization that collects food from 25 local retailers and delivers it to 31 food-access sites across Berkshire County. With a network of 130 registered volunteers, Berkshire Bounty is on track to collect an estimated 450,000 pounds of food in 2024. Forty percent of this food is purchased to meet the needs of the community, including eggs, meat, fresh produce, dairy, and culturally appropriate foods.

“The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts recognized the important work of Berkshire Bounty in our shared mission to feed people in need and is thrilled to now be partners in this effort,” said Brandie Taggart, Food Donations coordinator at the Food Bank. “We look forward to forging a strong and lasting partnership with the team at Berkshire Bounty.”

This past spring, Berkshire Bounty and the Food Bank signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize the collaboration. Through this partnership, Berkshire Bounty volunteers are now transporting donated food from grocery stores directly to Food Bank member agencies, ensuring that food reaches food pantries and community kitchens four days a week. Since the beginning of the partnership, which started as a pilot program in January, nearly 50,000 pounds of food, valued at $90,000, have been collected and distributed.

“The partnership with FBWMA has opened the door to providing more food to the Berkshire County community in need,” said Morgan Ovitsky, executive director of Berkshire Bounty. “Together, we are working to increase the quantity of healthy, fresh food available to residents so they can thrive.”

The Food Bank and Berkshire Bounty will continue to identify additional retail stores, farms, and food donors to expand the food-rescue efforts. The partnership is expected to have a direct impact on reducing food insecurity in the Berkshires.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Surrounded by Square One staff and preschool children, leaders from Florence Bank recently pledged the latest gift to Square One’s “Back to Square One” capital campaign.

The announcement of Florence Bank’s $100,000 gift came on Oct. 10 as Square One works to build a $15.5 million center at the location where its building was destroyed by a tornado in 2011. Slated to open in the spring of 2025, the new, 26,000-square-foot facility will include four preschool classrooms, an outdoor learning and play area, a full-service family support center, and administrative offices.

“We are proud to be a good neighbor to organizations in the communities we serve,” Florence Bank President and CEO Matt Garrity said. “Square One offers a broad range of unique programs and services that benefit every family served, and we are honored to be able to help the organization advance its campaign to fund a new building that will allow it to enhance the learning and enrichment of so many young lives.”

Florence Bank is a mutual savings bank that serves the Pioneer Valley through 12 full-service branch locations in Hampshire and Hampden counties.

“We are overwhelmed by Florence Bank’s very generous support for this important project,” said Dawn DiStefano, Square One’s president and CEO. “It truly takes a village to provide our community’s children with all the tools, resources, and nurturing they need to be successful. We are immensely grateful to Florence Bank and all of the wonderful supporters who share in our mission and vision for a bright future for all children.”

Currently, the campaign is approximately $2 million shy of its $15.5 million goal. Most recently, the MassMutual Foundation announced a $1 million gift to the initiative. In June, Balise Auto, another organization with deep roots in Springfield’s South End neighborhood, announced a $1 million gift to the project.

Early support for Square One’s project came from the Davis Foundation, PeoplesBank, the city of Springfield, and the state of Massachusetts. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno awarded nearly $1 million in funding, while state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez and state Sen. Adam Gomez sponsored and secured a $2 million earmark in the state budget to support Square One’s expansion of services.

These gifts, paired with a $6 million bond issued by MassDevelopment and the cash equivalent of $4 million in new market tax credits, have positioned the campaign for success.

Daily News

Brett Carroll

CHICOPEE — Elms College has named higher-education executive Brett Carroll the college’s new vice president of Finance and Administration. Reporting directly to the president, Carroll is responsible for the strategic oversight and management of the college’s finance and administrative office. His appointment was effective October 1.

“I am excited to welcome Brett to Elms College,” President Harry Dumay said. “His experience in finance administration will be a welcome addition to Elms, and I look forward to working with him on the strategic direction of the college.”

Carroll joins Elms from Mercy University in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., where he recently served as vice president for Finance and chief financial officer, overseeing all financial operations of the university. Prior to that, he was associate vice president and treasurer at the University of Hartford.

In his new position, Carroll is responsible for providing leadership, management, and supervision to the Business, Facilities, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Public Safety departments. He is also a member of the president’s cabinet.

Carroll has more than 25 years of professional experience, 14 of which have been in higher education. In addition to being a certified public accountant, he holds a master’s degree in management from the University of Hartford and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Connecticut.

“I look forward to the opportunity of working with Dr. Dumay and the entire Elms community as we guide the college through the current higher-education landscape,” Carroll said.

Daily News

Matt Donovan

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank announced the promotion of Matt Donovan to commercial associate lender. He brings a wealth of experience to this newly created role.

In this position, Donovan will work closely with experienced commercial lenders to gain valuable skills in deal origination, structuring, negotiation, and underwriting. Through mentorship and hands-on experience, he will develop the expertise necessary to support commercial-lending activities and contribute to the growth of the bank.

“We are thrilled to have Matt take on this important role,” said Mike Buckmaster, senior vice president of Commercial Lending. “His expertise in commercial credit analysis, combined with his strong work ethic and dedication to customer service, will be a valuable asset to our commercial-lending team.”

Daily News

HADLEY — UMassFive College Federal Credit Union is running a winter coat and cold-weather clothing drive in its Hadley, Northampton, UMass Amherst, Springfield, and Worcester branches throughout October.

Donations from this drive, held annually, will be distributed in partnership with the Amherst Survival Center, Gray House in Springfield, and Net of Compassion in Worcester.

“We know that our neighbors in need have come to count on the coats and warm clothing our members donate during this drive,” said Cait Murray, UMassFive’s Community Outreach manager. “We are so grateful to partner with the great local organizations that can ensure donations are directed where they can have a significant impact.”

UMassFive thankfully accepts any clean, new, or gently used coats, gloves, scarves, hats, sweaters, snow gear, and boots. Donations should be placed in a bag and may be dropped off during business hours to the Hadley branch at 200 Westgate Center Dr., the Northampton branch at 225 King St., the UMass Amherst Campus Center branch (Room 224), the Springfield branch at 233 Carew St. (Mercy Medical Center Rehabilitation Building, Room 110), or the Worcester branch (UMass Chan Medical School, Room S1-820).

Technology

From Lab to Fab

 

UMass Amherst recently announced it is receiving more than $7 million from the Northeast Microelectronics Coalition (NEMC) Hub through U.S. CHIPS and Science Act funding under the Microelectronics Commons program, executed through the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division and the National Security Technology Accelerator.

This award funds the first year of the project, with future funding for the entire four-year project (with a budget of $23 million) contingent on the satisfactory delivery of the milestones and the availability of funds.

The award funds collaboration between UMass Amherst and TetraMem Inc., NY CREATES, GlobalFoundries, the University of Southern California, Raytheon, BAE Systems, and Berkshire Community College, in support of efforts to accelerate domestic prototyping and expand the nation’s global leadership in microelectronics. This is one of six projects awarded to the NEMC Hub, led by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech) under the Microelectronics Commons Program.

“We need close collaboration across academia, small business, major semiconductor companies, and defense contractors,” said Qiangfei Xia, principal investigator of this project and the Dev and Linda Gupta professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UMass Amherst. “This project is a good example of that, in the spirit of transferring technology from the research lab to industry fab.”

Xia added that “the project’s objective is to transfer the CMOS memristor technology to U.S. semiconductor manufacturers, so that we can make power-efficient AI hardware for edge intelligence, with both military and civilian applications.”

Qiangfei Xia

Qiangfei Xia

“We need close collaboration across academia, small business, major semiconductor companies, and defense contractors.”

Hardware created with memristors will be able to process data locally in a time-sensitive manner while also using very little energy, as has been demonstrated by over a decade’s research by Xia and collaborators, as well as development from industrial players such as TetraMem.

The project will also offer a microelectronic fabrication course to local community colleges, such as Berkshire Community College in Pittsfield, to bridge the large supply-demand gap in the semiconductor industry. Xia, who has been teaching this course for over 10 years at UMass Amherst, says the hands-on experience of building and testing integrated circuits has prepared students well for securing competitive employment.

“We are proud to bring our revolutionary, low-power analog computing technology to this important collaboration, which will advance the U.S. semiconductor industry, educate its future workforce, and benefit the economy of the Commonwealth and the region,” said Sanjay Raman, dean of the UMass Amherst College of Engineering.

MassTech CEO Carolyn Kirk added that “this award highlights the ingenuity and expertise that exists across the Northeast when it comes to microelectronics and semiconductors. The technology development and transition partnerships being fostered by the NEMC Hub will have an enduring impact on our national and economic security.”

The NEMC Hub is a network of more than 200 organizations, including commercial and defense companies, leading academic institutions, federally funded research and development centers, and startups concentrated in eight Northeast states. Established in 2023, it is one of eight such regional hubs working to expand the nation’s global leadership in microelectronics and accelerate domestic semiconductor prototyping. It aims to foster a vibrant, connected microelectronics ecosystem to provide sustainable lab-to-fab enablement, boost education and workforce development, and spur new jobs.

“This award is a testament to the hard work, collaboration, and leadership the NEMC Hub and its members have demonstrated during the first year of the Microelectronics Commons,” NEMC Hub Director Mark Halfman said. “We have a tremendous opportunity to grow microelectronics lab-to-fab capabilities and spur the growth of game-changing technologies in this sector.”

Daily News

HOLYOKE — The Greater Holyoke Chamber announced the recipients of the 2024 Grow Holyoke Awards, a celebration of outstanding leadership and commitment to the community. This year’s event will honor remarkable individuals and organizations making significant strides in Holyoke. The chamber will also recognize chamber members celebrating company milestones.

The awards event will take place on Friday, Oct. 25 from 5 to 10 p.m. at Mill 1 at Open Square, an evening of dinner, dancing, and community recognition.

• The Business Persons of the Year are Miguel Rivera and Lidia Rodriguez, owners of Rewarding Insurance Agency. Their leadership and dedication have set a new benchmark for excellence in the business community, making them the first Latino recipients of this prestigious honor since the award’s inception in 1971.

• The Business of the Year is Rewarding Insurance Agency, celebrated for its impactful contributions to both the chamber and the local community.

• The Fifield Volunteer of the Year is Carl Eger, a longtime resident and dedicated volunteer, recognized for his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others in Holyoke.

• The Nonprofit of the Year is River Valley Counseling Center, honored for its vital role in supporting mental health and wellness in the community.

Those being celebrated with milestones include BusinessWest, the Republican, PVTA, the Dowd Agencies, Holyoke Farmers Market, Enlace de Familias, WestMass ElderCare, the Plan, and RCollab.

Event sponsors include PeoplesBank, Holyoke Medical Center, River Valley Counseling Center, CubeSmart, and WestMass Eldercare, whose support makes this event possible. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are still available. Visit holyokechamber.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

Daily News

LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University will host its 12th annual Cybersecurity Summit on Friday, Oct. 18 from 10 to 11:30 a.m., in person in Mills Theatre on the Longmeadow campus as well as virtually. This event is open to the public.

The event will feature Richard Diver, an expert in the fields of AI and cybersecurity. His presentation, titled “Exploring AI and Cybersecurity: Current Trends and Future Directions,” will delve into the impact of artificial intelligence on cybersecurity. Diver will discuss the transformative potential of AI in the industry while addressing the need for diversity in AI design and testing to ensure robust security frameworks.

Diver, author of Guardians of AI: Building Innovation with Safety and Security, will highlight practical examples of how AI enhances cybersecurity but also how its unpredictability can lead to challenges, such as misinterpretations caused by insufficient training. The summit will conclude with a Q&A session, providing attendees an opportunity to engage with Diver on pressing cybersecurity issues.

Bay Path University is committed to preparing future leaders in the field of cybersecurity through its master of science program in cybersecurity and undergraduate cybersecurity program, which combines cutting-edge curriculum with real-world experience. The Oct. 18 summit will provide a platform for students, faculty, and industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and explore the latest innovations.

This event is co-sponsored by the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council. For more details or to register, click here.

Daily News

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Community College (GCC) announced two new members of its leadership team, Shanni Smith-Arsenault and Shelley Errington Nicholson.

Shanni Smith-Arsenault

Smith-Arsenault joined GCC in July in the new position of vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Success, a division that includes Marketing and Communications, Student Financial Services, Admission, Testing and Assessment, Dual Enrollment, Academic Advising, Career and Transfer Services, Registrar’s Office, and Student Affairs.

Smith-Arsenault brings more than 20 years experience in enrollment management and student affairs, including as director of Transfer Admission and Dual Enrollment at Anna Maria College, senior associate director of Admissions at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Services, and director of Advising at Mount Wachusett Community College.

She is deeply committed to bridging departments within the GCC community and to building diversity, equity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging for everyone who is part of the GCC community.

“I’m thrilled to be leading an amazing team of people who are passionate about helping students pursue their academic and professional goals and dreams,” Smith-Arsenault said. “As a first-generation college student myself and a beneficiary of Massachusetts public higher education, I know just how important enrollment and student success services can be.”

Shelley Errington Nicholson

Errington Nicholson began her position of dean of students at GCC also in July. She brings more than 20 years of higher-education leadership experience at institutions including Mount Wachusett Community College, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Rice University, and the University of Edinburgh.

In her new role, she oversees and provides strategic direction for all student services, including Student Engagement and Leadership, the Veterans Center, the Women’s Resource Center, the Corner Market Food Pantry, Peer Tutoring, the Recreation Center, and the Wellness Center. In addition, she meets daily with students who have concerns or need guidance in many different areas.

“It is deeply satisfying to have even a small hand in helping students meet their academic, career, and personal goals,” Errington Nicholson said. “To be doing so at this dynamic and innovative institution is a tremendous honor.”

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Freedom Credit Union is helping families in need put food on the table. Its annual campaign for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts extended over three months this summer, raising enough to cover the cost of more than 10,000 meals.

“It warms our hearts to know we’ve helped remove some of the stress families face as they struggle to keep up with the rising cost of food and other necessities,” Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch said. “We’re deeply thankful for the generosity of those who helped us support our neighbors living with food insecurity.”

Freedom Credit Union collected donations of cash, non-perishable food, and personal-care items at all its branches, raising a total of more than $3,350. For every dollar donated, the Food Bank can provide three meals. In addition, food donations weighing in at nearly 1,435 pounds were delivered to the Gray House, a member organization benefiting from the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. That amounts to another 1,195 meals.

Every month, Freedom Credit Union collects donations for a different charity. This month, people can make contributions at any branch through Thursday, Oct. 31 to support Rays of Hope in its fight against breast cancer.

Daily News

Michelle Cayo

MONSON — Monson Savings Bank announced the hire of Michelle Cayo as vice president and Credit Risk officer.

“Michelle will be a tremendous asset to both our customers and our team,” said Dan Moriarty, president and CEO of Monson Savings Bank. “Her commitment to the well-being of the local communities we serve aligns perfectly with our values. We are delighted to welcome her to Monson Savings Bank.”

Cayo is responsible for managing Monson Savings Bank’s Commercial Credit department. She will be training the bank’s credit analysts while overseeing the department to ensure it is functioning efficiently and effectively. She will also assist in the creation of commercial loan policy as needed, and she serves as a committee member on the bank’s loan review committee.

Cayo, a BusinessWest 40 Under Forty alumna, comes to Monson Savings Bank with more than 26 years of experience in banking. She previously worked as Florence Bank’s vice president and Credit Risk officer. She also previously worked in the Credit department at Hampden Bank and managed Country Bank’s Credit department.

In addition to her extensive banking experience, Cayo will draw on her numerous educational accomplishments in her new role at Monson Savings Bank. She is a Bay Path University alumna, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in communications and information management. She is also a graduate of the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. School of Financial Studies and the American Bankers Assoc. Stonier Graduate School of Banking.

Like Monson Savings Bank, Cayo values the local communities and strives to help make them a better place. She is a board member of Cancer Connection and a wish granter at Make-A-Wish Foundation of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Her efforts to enrich the community she works and lives in was recognized by Western Mass Women magazine, which named her Volunteer of the Year in 2013.

“I am so grateful to be joining a team that holds the same values as I do. I was drawn to Monson Savings Bank’s dedication to supporting the local communities that we serve,” Cayo said. “I am thrilled to join the esteemed Monson Savings Bank team. With over 26 years of dedicated experience in the commercial credit sector, I am eager to contribute my expertise and drive to our collective success. I look forward to leveraging my industry knowledge to support the bank’s growth and continue its tradition of excellence.”

Daily News

GRANBY, Conn. — Pro & Local Detailing announced it will be opening its second shop in Granby, Conn., to complement its current Enfield, Conn. location, later this month. The grand opening will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 3 to 7 p.m. at 508 Salmon Brook St., Granby, Conn. All are welcome to attend and enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and business networking.

The new location will offer all of the same services the Enfield location offers, including high-end detailing, ceramic coating, paint protection film, and more.

“We have made the decision to open a second location in order to enhance our services for our valued clients,” owner Paul Frasco said. “With a substantial customer base in the Avon, Simsbury, Granby, Westfield, and Southwick areas, our current shop in Enfield is located about 30 minutes away. By expanding to a new location, we are dedicated to making it more convenient for our wonderful clients.”

Pro & Local Detailing hosts an annual car show that has raised over $5,000 for the Veterans’ Home in Holyoke, and it looks forward to expanding its reach and fundraising capacity with the addition of the Granby shop.

Daily News

Tim L’Italien

SPRINGFIELD — PDC Inc., a leading wall and ceiling contractor with offices in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York, announced the promotion of Tim L’Italien to director of Estimating.

“In just a couple months since he joined our team, Tim has proven himself to be committed to elevating our ability to provide detailed, accurate cost calculations for increasingly complex, multi-tiered projects,” PDC Inc. owner Nick Shaink said. “In the end, this ensures fair and reasonable costs our customers can consistently count on.”

The change comes after L’Italien was hired as assistant chief estimator in July. He joined PDC with 24 years of experience, including eight years leading a team of estimators. His department is responsible for reviewing plans and specifications and creating comprehensive estimates for major projects.

L’Italien graduated from Worcester State University with a degree in urban studies, and from Northeastern University with a degree in construction management.

Daily News

WARE — Country Bank is demonstrating its support for those affected by recent hurricanes with a $10,000 donation to the American Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund. This contribution reflects the bank’s commitment to its motto, “Made to Make a Difference,” by providing assistance during times of need.

As Florida communities face the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene and the impending landing of Hurricane Milton, the urgency for support and relief efforts is paramount. Country Bank is standing by those affected by these events.

“We believe in supporting those greatly impacted during these weather-related events, especially when it matters most,” President and CEO Mary McGovern said. “Our donation to the American Red Cross is not just a financial contribution; it’s a commitment to helping those in dire situations rebuild their lives and restore hope.”

The American Red Cross, a key player in disaster response, provides shelter, food, and emotional support to individuals and families affected by hurricanes. Country Bank’s donation is aimed at supporting the American Red Cross’s ability to provide immediate relief and long-term recovery services to impacted communities.

Country Bank encourages other local businesses and community members to join in the effort to support hurricane relief. Learn more at redcross.org.

Picture This

Email ‘Picture This’ photos with a caption and contact information to [email protected]

 

Back to Square One

On Sept. 27, MassMutual Foundation President Dennis Duquette announced a $1 million gift to the “Back to Square One” capital campaign to support the construction of a $15.5 million center at the location where Square One’s building was destroyed by a tornado in 2011. Slated to open next spring, the 26,000-square-foot facility will include four preschool classrooms, an outdoor learning and play area, a full-service family-support center, and administrative offices.

Pictured, from left: Duquette, Square One CEO Dawn DiStefano, and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno.

Pictured, from left: Duquette, Square One CEO Dawn DiStefano, and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno.

 

 

Growing Challenges for Cannabis

Attorney Elaine Reall, chief legal officer at the Royal Law Firm, spoke at the annual meeting of the National Assoc. of Women & Minority Owned Law Firms in Atlanta on Sept. 15-18. Reall (right), along with Radhi Shah of Zuber Lawler LLP and Lucia de Vernai of Trulieve Inc., discussed the ethics and legalities surrounding the growing cannabis industry. Reall provided insight into product liability and consumer misrepresentation in the industry, as well as strategies for mitigating risks related to evolving state laws, the FDA’s stance, CBD uncertainties, vaping concerns, and guidelines for how business stakeholders should navigate legal risks effectively.

Reall (right), along with Radhi Shah of Zuber Lawler LLP and Lucia de Vernai of Trulieve Inc.

Reall (right), along with Radhi Shah of Zuber Lawler LLP and Lucia de Vernai of Trulieve Inc.

 

Getting a Head Start

On Sept. 23, Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) and Holyoke Chicopee Springfield (HCS) Head Start announced the opening of an HCS early-childhood program on the STCC campus. The opening of the facility will provide affordable childcare for qualifying families in the region, as well as learning and training opportunities for STCC students.

Pictured: Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and HCS Head Start CEO Nicole Blais cut a ribbon to mark the opening of program, alongside elected officials and leaders from STCC and HCS Head Start.

Pictured: Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and HCS Head Start CEO Nicole Blais cut a ribbon to mark the opening of program, alongside elected officials and leaders from STCC and HCS Head Start.

 

 

Class Act

Country Bank President and CEO Mary McGovern recently announced that the bank donated its 191 Sykes St. location in Palmer to Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School. The property, valued at $500,000, will facilitate Pathfinder Tech’s expansion of adult evening education programs and provide additional office space, as well as hosting classes.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 13 was attended by local dignitaries, including state Sen. Jacob Oliveira, state Reps. Todd Smola and Aaron Saunders, and others.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 13 was attended by local dignitaries, including state Sen. Jacob Oliveira, state Reps. Todd Smola and Aaron Saunders, and others.

 

 

Recognizing Quick Response

Mercy Medical Center has been recognized for the delivery of quality stroke care by the Massachusetts Paul Coverdell Stroke Systems of Care Collaborative at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Thanks to the diligent work of the Mercy Stroke Team, Mercy Medical Center has received Coverdell awards for the quick administration of a CT for suspected stroke patients and for dysphagia screening protocols. Data from January 2023 through December 2023 were analyzed for these awards.

the Mercy Stroke Team

the Mercy Stroke Team

 

 

Igniting Workforce Success

Holyoke Community College (HCC) recently received the Igniting Workforce Success award from the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) for a cybersecurity training program it runs in partnership with the agency, which recently changed its name to MassAbility.

Pictured: Kermit Dunkelberg (center), HCC vice president for Adult Basic Education and Workforce Development, accepts the award from MassAbility Commissioner Toni Walsh (right), alongside Salvador Pina, dean of Workforce and Business Development at Roxbury Community College.

Pictured: Kermit Dunkelberg (center), HCC vice president for Adult Basic Education and Workforce Development, accepts the award from MassAbility Commissioner Toni Walsh (right), alongside Salvador Pina, dean of Workforce and Business Development at Roxbury Community College.

 

Agenda

Royal Law Firm Seminar on Cannabis Regulation

Oct. 16: The Royal Law Firm will present a seminar on cannabis regulation from 8 to 9 a.m. at 33 Elliot St., Springfield. Attorney Elaine Reall will present a regulatory overview and discussion of the impact of cannabis on workplace rules and procedures. Some of the questions to be discussed include: is drug testing still relevant? Is using medical marijuana in the workplace acceptable? Where does the law now stand in regard to cannabis regulation? Can an employer prohibit the use of marijuana or hemp products in the workplace? And does the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protect the medical use of marijuana, or its derivatives, in the workplace? This seminar is ideal for human-resources professionals and anyone in a management position, as well as cannabis dispensary owners and managers. The cost is $30 per person. Checks should be made payable, and mailed, to the Royal Law Firm, 33 Elliot St., Springfield, MA 01105. Registration is required, and seating will be limited. Email Heather Child at [email protected] to register, or with any questions about the seminar.

 

Healthcare Heroes

Oct. 17: BusinessWest and the Healthcare News will celebrate the eight annual Healthcare Heroes starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. The class of 2024, profiled in the Sep. 16 issue and at businesswest.com, includes Dr. Andrew Balder, attending physician, Baystate Mason Square Neighborhood Health Center; Lucinda Canty, associate professor of Nursing and director of the Seedworks Health Equity Program, UMass Amherst; Bernice Drumheller, past president, NAMI Western Massachusetts; Peta-Gaye Johnson, director of Healthcare Workforce Initiatives, MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board; Margaret King, occupational therapist, Baystate Medical Center; Alexa Mignano, director of School-Based Clinical Services, River Valley Counseling Center; Dr. Laki Rousou, chief of Thoracic Surgery, chief of Robotic Surgery, and medical director of the Lung Cancer Screening Program, Mercy Medical Center; and Janet Williams, professor of Biology, Elms College. Tickets cost $95, and tables of 10 are available. To purchase tickets, visit businesswest.com/healthcare-heroes-tickets. Presenting sponsors include Baystate Health/Health New England and Elms College. Partner sponsors include Trinity Health Of New England/Mercy Medical Center and Holyoke Medical Center.

 

Cancer Connection Harvest Dinner

Oct. 17: Cancer Connection will host its annual Harvest Dinner at Inn on Boltwood in Amherst, featuring a farm-to-table dinner, live jazz, a silent auction. Starting at 6 p.m., this festive evening will bring the community together and raise critical funds to bring Cancer Connection’s support groups, integrative therapies, and educational programs to a larger, more diverse population of cancer patients and their caregivers. Cancer Connection is the only independent cancer support center in the area. Visit www.cancer-connection.org/special-events to purchase tickets.

People on the Move
Moe Belliveau

Moe Belliveau

After 10 years of leadership, Moe Belliveau, executive director of the Chamber of Greater Easthampton, has announced her retirement effective June 1, 2025. Under her leadership, Belliveau was instrumental in advancing the chamber’s mission of promoting economic development and enhancing business opportunities. After successfully navigating the chamber through the pandemic of 2020, she championed a number of innovative initiatives, including creating the “Mind Your Own Business” podcast, which highlights local professionals, business owners, thought leaders, and chamber members; launched the sheLEADS women’s leadership conference designed to empower women in all stages of their careers; developed the ignite professional-development conference to provide the tools and skills needed to navigate the ever-changing landscape of work; implemented the CO.STARTERS entrepreneurial program for aspiring professionals; and, most recently, opened the chamber’s WorkHub on Union co-workspace to address the needs of the region’s ‘grey economy’ and stimulate small-business job growth. The chamber’s board of directors will undertake an extensive search for her replacement.

•••••

Daniel Naylor

Claire Greene

Claire Greene

Dietz & Company Architects Inc. is announced the recent addition of two new employees to the firm. Daniel Naylor has joined Dietz in the role of architectural staff. He holds both master’s and bachelor’s degrees in architecture from Wentworth Institute of Technology. He brings more than 10 years of experience working for architecture firms in Massachusetts and New York on multi-family, K-12, and higher-education projects, and specializes in exterior building design and detailing. Claire Greene has also joined the firm in the role of architectural staff. She holds a master’s degree in architecture from the University of Texas at Austin and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Vanderbilt University. Most recently, she worked for an architecture firm in Brooklyn, N.Y., with a focus on residential projects. While completing her master’s degree, she interned at firms in Massachusetts and Texas.

•••••

Sharale Mathis

Sharale Mathis

Sharale Mathis, vice president of Academic and Student Affairs at Holyoke Community College (HCC), has been appointed to a national advisory board for community colleges. Mathis was invited to join the Commission on Institutional Infrastructure and Transformation of the American Assoc. of Community Colleges (AACC), the primary advocacy group for U.S. community colleges. Her three-year term began July 1 and will run through June 2027. The AACC’s Commission on Institutional Infrastructure and Transformation focuses on community-college efforts to improve student success, which includes administrative processes, infrastructure, technology, and workforce development. As vice president of Academic and Student Affairs at HCC, Mathis oversees all academic divisions, as well as student records, the registrar’s office, planning and assessment, student-success programs, library services, advising, career services, transfer affairs, admissions, and financial aid, among others. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Hartfield, a master’s degree in biomedical sciences from Quinnipiac University, and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Eastern Connecticut State University. She joined HCC in 2021 after serving as dean of Academic and Student Affairs at Middlesex Community College in Connecticut, where she previously led the STEM division as director.

•••••

Gina Warga

Gina Warga

Insurance for Students Inc. (IFS), an insurance agency with an office in West Springfield as well as Delray Beach, Fla., announced the promotion of Gina Warga to director of Marketing and Operations. Warga has been a valuable member of the team for more than eight years. From creating marketing materials to team support, she has exceeded internal and external client expectations. Her new role will increase her responsibilites as a valued leader at IFS. She is a licensed insurance broker and received a bachelor’s degree from Westfield State University.

•••••

Carol Cioe Klyman

Carol Cioe Klyman

Stephen Sobey

Stephen Sobey

The Assoc. for Continuing Legal Education (ACLEA) has awarded “Elder and Disability Law in Massachusetts” the top prize for outstanding achievement in the publication category of the international organization’s 2024 Best Awards. Two local attorneys, Carol Cioe Klyman and Stephen Sobey of Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C., contributed to this legal treatise. Klyman and Sobey wrote four chapters for the book, published in 2023 by Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education Inc. (MCLE). The publication updates and expands on MCLE’s “Estate Planning for the Aging and Incapacitated Client in Massachusetts,” to which Klyman has contributed since 1996. Recognized in the field of elder law for 20 years, Klyman was co-editor of the Massachusetts Elder Law Sourcebook & Citator and is an editor emeritus of the NAELA Journal, the peer-reviewed publication of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Sobey joined Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin in 2017 and, among his accolades, was selected to participate in this year’s New England Fellows Institute by the American College of Trust and Estates Counsel. He has been listed as a Massachusetts Rising Star three times in the field of estate and probate law.

 

Company Notebook

UMass Amherst Partners with Amherst Survival Center on Campus Food Pantry

AMHERST — UMass Amherst is forging a long-term partnership with the Amherst Survival Center to establish and run a food pantry on the UMass Amherst campus, the university announced. The pantry will be open to university students and employees experiencing food insecurity. The pantry, scheduled to open in fall 2025, will be located at 472 North Pleasant St. in Amherst, in the building that formerly housed the Newman Catholic Center, which relocated to a new facility in 2023. The new space will boast ample storage and refrigeration capabilities, easy access by car and bus, and a welcoming environment for pantry shoppers to select from non-perishable and fresh foods, provided by the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, direct donations, as well as purchased items. The North Pleasant Street location will act as a hub for the Dean of Students Office basic needs initiative, centralizing access to the pantry as well as other campus services, such as the Student Care Supply Closet and the student-run Food Recovery Network, which recovers leftover food from university dining halls and donates it to individuals experiencing food insecurity.

 

Country Bank Donates Property to Pathfinder Tech

WARE — Country Bank President and CEO Mary McGovern announced that the bank has donated its 191 Sykes St. location in Palmer to Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School. The property, valued at $500,000, will be a valuable asset for the school and a significant contribution to the local community, enhancing the educational landscape and fostering growth. This act of generosity directly impacts the lives of the residents, making them an integral part of this initiative. Country Bank consolidated its Palmer locations in 2022 and sought a meaningful purpose for the property. Through a collaborative effort with Pathfinder Regional Vocational Techical High School and Country Bank, the decision was made to donate the building to the high school to support its expansion initiatives. The newly donated property will facilitate Pathfinder Tech’s expansion of adult evening education programs and provide additional office space. It will host classes, making education more accessible to adult learners in the community. Country Bank’s ATM will remain at this location to continue serving customers in Thorndike and Three Rivers sections of Palmer.

 

Riverbend Laundry Opens

PALMER — Riverbend Laundry, in conjunction with the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce, held a ribbon-cutting event to celebrate its grand opening on Oct. 4. The self-service laundromat is located at 2024 Main St. in the heart of Palmer’s village of Three Rivers. The facility features the Laundroworks system for seamless payments and uses Sanowash technology to ensure every load is thoroughly sanitized. Riverbend Laundry is a family-owned business operated by local residents Justin, Ryan, and Sergio Dias. Justin earned his master’s degree in architecture from Wentworth Institute of Technology in 2013 and currently works as a computational designer. Ryan graduated from Westfield State University in 2011 with a double major in finance and economics and serves as an accounting manager. With more than 30 years of experience in the construction industry, Sergio has worked his way up from carpenter to foreman and project superintendent.

 

Bay Path Ranked Among Top Schools for Social Mobility

LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University has been ranked ninth on U.S. News & World Report’s annual list of Top Performers for Social Mobility in the North. Bay Path was the only school in Massachusetts to appear in the top 10. U.S. News & World Report’s social-mobility ranking is a measure of how well schools graduate economically disadvantaged students. Rankings were determined by looking at the number of enrolled students receiving Pell Grants, assessing the graduation rates of those students, and comparing those rates to the graduations of non-Pell-eligible students. In recent years, U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings and the attention they garner have been cited for perpetuating a culture of exclusion and feeding persistent inequalities. Critics champion the Social Mobility Index, which measures the extent to which a college or university educates more economically disadvantaged students (with family incomes below the national median) at lower tuition and graduates them into well-paying jobs.

 

MCLA Ranked Among Top Public Liberal Arts Colleges

NORTH ADAMS — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) has earned the sixth spot on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Top Public Liberal Arts Schools in the nation, after earning the seventh spot for the past three consecutive years. The college’s continued commitment to affordable education and economic prosperity is reflected in additional 2025 U.S. News rankings: fifth for Top Performer on Social Mobility for liberal arts colleges in the state and second for Top Performer on Social Mobility for public liberal arts colleges in the country. MCLA has appeared on U.S. News’ list of Top Ten Public Colleges for 10 consecutive years. The college has also been acknowledged in its list of National Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Mobility since the organization adopted this ranking in 2019. This list measures how well institutions graduate students who receive federal Pell Grants, typically awarded to students whose families make less than $50,000, though most Pell Grant money goes to families with income below $20,000. More than 41% of MCLA undergraduate students receive Pell Grants, and 49% are the first in their families to go to college. Overall, 95% of MCLA students receive some kind of financial aid.

 

AIC Ranked Among Social-mobility Leaders

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) has been recognized for its outstanding achievement in social mobility, ranking 82nd in the National Universities category of the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings. Within this classification, AIC is the top-performing institution for social mobility in Western Mass. and ranks third in the state, tied with Harvard University. AIC’s efforts to create pathways for student advancement are reflected in its top-100 nationwide ranking for the second consecutive year. Social mobility refers to the ability of individuals to improve their economic and social standing through education and career advancement. By providing access to affordable, high-quality education, AIC enables students — particularly those from underrepresented or economically disadvantaged backgrounds — to achieve greater opportunities and long-term success. The U.S. News social-mobility ranking assesses colleges based on outcomes such as enrolling and graduating students from diverse backgrounds, managing student debt, and the earnings of graduates. Advancing social mobility is partly achieved by enrolling and graduating many students who receive federal Pell Grants, with most awarded to students with family incomes under $50,000. For the fall 2023 semester, 53% of AIC’s undergraduate students received Pell Grants.

 

UMass Amherst Ranked 26th Among Public Universities

AMHERST — UMass Amherst ranks 26th among the nation’s public universities in the 2025 Best Colleges rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, rising six spots from last year. This is the 10th straight year that UMass Amherst has been ranked as a top public university. It is the only public university in New England to place in the top 30. UMass Amherst climbed nine spots from last year to 58th among all 434 national universities, both public and private, placing in the top 15% nationally and achieving its highest ranking to date. UMass is the only public university in New England in the top 58 in this national overall ranking. In addition, the UMass Amherst nursing program climbed significantly to 26th, up from 52nd last year. The UMass Amherst computer science program ranks 34th for 2025, up six spots from last year. The artificial intelligence program claims the same spot as last year at 20th. Other highlights include UMass Amherst’s undergraduate business program placing 65th and engineering at 57th, which is up four spots from last year. Psychology was ranked 42nd. The university also places on the Best for Veterans list at 34th, up six spots from last year.

 

Comcast Awards $70,000 To Three Organizations

SPRINGFIELD — Comcast announced it is awarding a total of $70,000 across three nonprofit organizations in Western Mass. to help provide area residents and students with technology and computer skills training. These grants are a part of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity through programs and community partnerships that connect people to the internet, advance economic mobility, and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and creators. Tech Goes Home will receive $30,000 to offer its digital-inclusion programs in Holyoke and Springfield, through which participants will complete 15 hours of digital skills training and earn a technology bundle that will include a personal device. The Urban League of Springfield will receive $20,000 to support its digital learning lab, which provides participants with essential technology and internet skills training, specialty workshops, the Urban League’s Project Ready Mentor and STEM youth programs, and more. The Boys & Girls Club of Springfield will receive $20,000 to support its e-sports programming, through which participants build social-emotional and STEM skills by engaging in educational, hands-on gaming sessions led by club staff.

 

Country Bank Recognized for Charitable Giving

WARE — Country Bank announced that the Boston Business Journal has once again named the bank an honoree in its annual 2024 Corporate Citizenship Awards, recognizing the region’s top corporate charitable contributors. The magazine annually publishes this list to highlight companies that promote and prioritize giving back to their communities. During this year’s celebration on Sept. 5, 96 companies qualified for the distinction by reporting at least $100,000 in cash contributions to Massachusetts-based charities last year, as noted above. This year’s honorees include companies from such industry sectors as financial and professional services, healthcare, technology, retail, and professional sports. Country Bank, ranked 51st, employs 220 staff members within Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester counties. The bank’s employees actively promote its mission of making a difference in its communities by volunteering for various nonprofits throughout the year.

 

PeoplesBank Recognized for Corporate Responsibility

HOLYOKE — PeoplesBank has been named a Top Corporate Charitable Contributor by the Boston Business Journal, which also recognized the bank’s employees by listing them as number three in the state for volunteer hours contributed. PeoplesBank was also included in the top three most generous corporate contributors in Western Mass. A sample of Massachusetts organizations supported by PeoplesBank include the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Girls Inc. of the Valley, Spirit of Springfield, and Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services. Connecticut organizations supported by PeoplesBank include the Boys & Girls Club Greater Hartford, Habitat for Humanity of North Central Connecticut, Celebrate! WeHa, and Operation Fuel.

 

Westfield State University Awarded $55,000 Grant

WESTFIELD — The Westfield State University Foundation has been awarded a $55,000 grant from the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation in support of the Leadership, Excellence, Achievement, Diversity (LEAD) Scholars Program. Westfield State’s LEAD Scholars Program provides holistic services for students who self-identify as first-generation and demonstrate a financial need, with a special focus on increasing the representation of students who may have historically been excluded from the benefits of a college education. By providing extra support throughout their college journey, the LEAD Scholars Program helps students overcome the challenges they face as they work to achieve their academic and personal goals, increasing retention and graduation rates.

 

Sisu Wellness Center Opens in Easthampton

EASTHAMPTON — Sisu Wellness Center hosted a grand-opening event on Sept. 28. What began in April 2023 as a modest operation with just two offices and two practitioners has blossomed into a thriving, 4,084-square-foot space. Sisu is now home to 16 diverse practitioners, a full-service yoga studio, and a community gathering area called the Community Zen Den, which is able to accommodate large groups of people for various workshop experiences. The center has also launched a successful line of wellness products, including medicinal tea, candles, and skin and hair oils. Owned by Natasha Perrone, a seasoned reiki and reflexology practitioner, and Betty Coyne, an IT expert turned Cornell University-certified medicinal-plants expert, aura photographer, and sound healer, Sisu Wellness Center offers a wide range of services, including massage therapy, Tibetan medicine, reiki, sound healing, reflexology, psychotherapy, yoga, somatic healing, integrative health coaching, and much more. The Community Zen Den features events such as artist receptions, candle-making classes, kids’ yoga, self-care workshops, and other community gathering opportunities.

 

North Shore Bank Completes Merger with Abington Bank

EASTHAMPTON — Hometown Financial Group Inc., the multi-bank mutual holding company for bankESB, bankHometown, North Shore Bank, and Abington Bank, a division of North Shore Bank, announced that the merger of Abington Bank with North Shore Bank is complete, and that North Shore Bank has joined the Hometown Financial Group family of banks. North Shore Bank now has more than $3 billion in assets and 25 full-service retail locations across Massachusetts’ North and South Shore regions and Southern New Hampshire. No branch closures or staff reductions took place. Hometown Financial Group now has consolidated assets of $6.5 billion, more than 700 employees, and a branch network of 52 full-service offices across Massachusetts, Northeastern Connecticut, and Southern New Hampshire. The transaction is the seventh strategic merger for Hometown Financial Group in the last nine years.

 

Incorporations

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

AGAWAM

MRIK Corp., 430 Main St., Agawam, MA 01001. Alka Patel, 165 Anvil St., Feeding Hills, MA 01030. Liquor store.

CHICOPEE

Good Diggin Inc., 135 Langevin St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Robert Bonneau, same. Property maintenance.

EASTHAMPTON

Valley Inclusive Play Space Inc., 18 Sandra Road, Easthampton, MA 01027. Pamela Henderson, same. Inclusive and welcoming play and sensory space for families and individuals with diverse needs, particularly those with special needs or disabilities.

EAST LONGMEADOW

AI Integrated Concepts Inc., 19 James St., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. David Disabito Jr, same. Software as a service and consulting.

GREENFIELD

Noho Cleaning Services Corp., 35 Sauter Lane, Greenfield, MA 01301. Silvio De Freitas Lima, same. Janitorial services.

HOLYOKE

Mystery Bins Holyoke Wholesale Inc., 50 Holyoke St., Holyoke, MA, 01040. Hazem Al-Awdi, same. Wholesale sales of secondhand products.

INDIAN ORCHARD

Western Mass Storm Cheerleading Inc., 34 Rogers Ave., Indian Orchard, MA 0115. Alonzo Hardnett, same. Nonprofit organization established to assist the public in providing affordable cheerleading instruction competition opportunity as well as fitness and athletic opportunity to the community.

LONGMEADOW

Nicole’s Construction Services Corp., 84 Whitmun Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Nicole Scavotto, same. Commercial construction services and general contracting.

NORTH ADAMS

Northern Berkshires Community Land Trust Inc., 441 East Main St., North Adams, MA 01247. Lillian Zavatsky, same. To acquire land and interests in land to conserve the resources of the land and protect the nature of the community.

PITTSFIELD

C&C Yeastly Delights Inc., 141 Bromback St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Christopher Benoit, same. Sell bread and bakery products.

Eco Forge Corp., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Myung Bender, same. Development of climate-friendly building materials.

Henry Cleaning Inc., 362 Columbus Ave., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Henry Candelario Tavarez, same. Cleaning maintenance landscaping.

Postgraduate Healthcare Training Corp., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Kyriacos Andronikou, 77A Pickering St., Brookville, PA 15825.

Seeing Rainbows Inc., 111 Cole Ave., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Maayan Nuri Hed, same. Organization established to build sustainable and supportive trans community by producing and presenting liberating art, performances, installations, and other experiences by and for queer, trans, Jewish, BIPOC, disabled, fat, and other marginalized persons.

Wireten Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Pratigya Khadgi, same. Invoice and payment processing applications.

SOUTHWICK

Degrandi Corp., 587 College Highway, Southwick, MA 01077. Anthony DeGrandi, same. Own and operate a food and beverages service business and the operation of a restaurant.

SPRINGFIELD

Anew, the LGBTQ Asylum Project Inc., 31 Elm St., Apt. 608, Springfield, MA 01103. Claire Sygiel, 43 Sczygiel Road, Ware, MA 01082. Corporation organized and operated to provide housing and legal support to people seeking asylum in the U.S. based on persecution in their home country because of their sexuality.

Metro Center Assoc. Inc., 140 Chestnut St., Springfield, MA 01103. Elizabeth Johnson, 31 Mattoon St., Springfield, MA 01105. Corporation formed to advocate for and to educate residents of the metro center area of Springfield regarding crime, blight, housing, food security, mobility, and traffic issues; and to advocate for and to educate residents of metro center Springfield regarding community events, civic engagement, civic issues, preservation of neighborhood history, and problem solving.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Flash Rental Cars Inc., 122 Doty Circle, West Springfield, MA 01089. James Balise Jr., same. Car rentals.

DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and/or trade names were issued or renewed during the month of September 2024.

AMHERST

Amherst Community Band
409 Main St.
Kevin Collins

Big Y World Class Market
175 University Dr.
Big Y Foods Inc.

Buttercup
174 North Pleasant St.
Ya Lin Chiang, Hsueh Hui Chiang

Christopher Gerald Vecchio
90 Justice Dr.
Chris’ Property Improvement

Cushman Market and Café
491 Pine St.
Freda Peters

Eliana’s Barber Shop
196 North Pleasant St., Suite 16
Eliana Dabbous

Metanoia Writers
149 Brittany Manor Dr.
Carlos Castillo

Mission Cantina Amherst Inc.
485 West St.
William Kitsilis, Walter Pacheco

Stunning Images Photography
20 Colonial Village
Stephanie Oates

To Fresh Inc.
39 South Pleasant St.
Xiaojia Huang

Valley to Valley
1 Poet’s Corner
John Feffer

HADLEY

ASAP Painting
117 Russell St.
ASAP Painting Inc.

Eastern Mountain Sports
351E Russell St.
Mountain Warehouse Outdoor Inc.

Five Guys Burgers & Fries
355 Russell St.
Jason Nance

Hampton Inn
24 Bay Road
Shardool Parmar

Homewood Suites
340 Russell St.
Shardool Parmar

Kokoski Farms
35 Comins Road
Stanley Kokoski

PITTSFIELD

Aspire Specialty Staffing
82 Wendell Ave.
Aspire Specialty Infusions LLC

Berkshire Sled Builders
263 Mountain Dr.
Joseph McCulloch Jr.

Crust
505 East St.
Crust PZ Corp.

Elder Services
73 South Church St.
Elder Services of Berkshire County Inc.

Fascia Flow Massage Therapy
81 Appleton Ave.
Sara Reese

Green River Contracting
21 Atwood Ave.
Paul Wainwright

Green River Property Management
21 Atwood Ave.
Paul Wainwright

Green River Real Estate
21 Atwood Ave.
Paul Wainwright

Jim Salvie’s Signature Series
765 East St.
Berkshire Auto Group LLC

Parental Zen LLC
82 Wendell Ave.
Parental Zen LLC

Retrace Counseling Services
20 Edgewood Road
Khadeejah Hassan

Tamarack Equipment Sales II LLC
842 Tamarack Road
Daniel Burke

Taylor Builds
453 West St.
Taylor Jenkins

Vantage Tax Solutions
173 Jason St.
Dzidefo Amesimeku

Will’s Auto
111 Fourth St.
Wilfrido Mendez Vanegas

SOUTH HADLEY

BPL Contracting
176 Pine Grove Dr.
Bryan Loud

Dashiing Diivas
2092 Memorial Dr.
Perfectly Polished

Sherry Enterprises
21 Industrial Dr.
Sherry Enterprises

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Early Bloomers Daycare
76 Blossom Road
Early Bloomers Daycare

Enterprise Rent-A-Car
1053 Riverdale St.
Enterprise Mobility

Goodhind Insurance
1252 Elm St., Suite 7
Goodhind Insurance

Jerusalem Wholesale
246 Memorial Ave.
Jerusalem Wholesale

Stix Productions/Blossom Beauty Bar Boutique
235 Western Ave.
Stix Productions/Blossom Beauty Bar Boutique

WRB Auto Sales
194 Baldwin St.
WRB Auto Sales

Bankruptcies

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

Belkin, Brittany Lyn
129 Nassau Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/06/2024

Borrero, Samuel
12 Utica St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/09/2024

Cook, Alan D.
16 Calley St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 13
Date: 09/06/2024

Drihmi, Abdel Jalil
170 Mayflower Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Date: 09/10/2024

Fedora, Larry T.
95 New Broadway
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/31/2024

Felix, Ashley
Felix, Jorana J.
276 Stafford Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/13/2024

Goddeau, Andrew Mark
Goddeau, Mary Elizabeth
37 Maple Crest Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/05/2024

Gul, Altemur
131 Fuller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/10/2024

Hai’s Realty
Tran, Hai H.
a/k/a Tran, Vu Hai H.
37 Overlook Dr.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030-2007
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/09/2024

Jillson, Marc Thomas
9 Hudson St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/30/2024

Kelley, Tracy M.
15 Crestmont St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/30/2024

Kirk, Timothy D.
Kirk, Sheryl S.
1022 Spring St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/12/2024

Lafosse, Jason S.
Lafosse, Maggin E.
245 Park St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 13
Date: 09/12/2024

Lamountain, Tina Ann
193 Pontoosic Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/06/2024

Maldonado, Abigail
1591 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/06/2024

Menard, Kimberly Jean
a/k/a Roda, Kimberly Jean
93 Grochmal Ave., Lot 84
Indian Orchard, MA 01151-1029
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/07/2024

Mensah-Otoo, Joseph
29 Newell St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Date: 09/07/2024

Merrill, Steven D.
24 Maple Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 13
Date: 09/10/2024

Michelson, Kevin B.
18 Grand Oak Farm Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 13
Date: 09/06/2024

Montagna, Laura L.
a/k/a Daigneault, Laura L.
659 Old Petersham Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/13/2024

Moran, Stephen E.
9 Cricket Dr.
Sturbridge, MA 01566-0000
Chapter: 13
Date: 09/09/2024

Morra, Thomas A.
Morra, Heather A.
51 Pine St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/12/2024

Munoz, Jahayra
111 Manchester Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Date: 09/04/2024

O’Connor, Laura
6 Hitchcock St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/12/2024

Olinger, Elizabeth Anne
42 Plateau Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/06/2024

O’Malley, Theresa J.
5F Mansion Woods Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/30/2024

Otero, Joseph L.
Otero, Julimar
166 Kensington Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/10/2024

Piela, Donna Marie
39 Puffin Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/05/2024

Pitcher, Gary J.
43 Wilson St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/30/2024

Pizzamakers
Altomare, Jr., Salvatore P.
178 Shady Brook Lane
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Date: 09/12/2024

Rivest, Jeffrey P.
126 Thompkins Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 13
Date: 09/06/2024

Romeo, Carmen
Romeo, Penelope S.
8 Alexander Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 13
Date: 08/31/2024

Roncarati, Henry William
309 Parker St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 13
Date: 09/09/2024

Smith, Stacey Nicole
43 Pasco Road
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 13
Date: 09/11/2024

Streeter, James A.
Streeter, Sheila C.
128 Chestnut St.
West Hatfield, MA 01088
Chapter: 13
Date: 08/31/2024

Tikhonov, Konstantin
Shaw Road
Wales, MA 01081
Chapter: 13
Date: 09/11/2024

Whitmore, Mark H.
Whitmore, Sarah L.
85 Regal St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/12/2024

Wright, Brian
372 Hillside Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Date: 09/04/2024

Zambrana, Amanda L.
Zambrana, Jose M.
a/k/a Cruz-Zambrana, Jose M.
125 Marion St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 09/04/2024

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

384 Bellus Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: Finn Phoenix
Seller: Laura Harrington
Date: 09/13/24

BERNARDSTON

556 Huckle Hill Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $408,000
Buyer: Aaron Addison
Seller: Lavalley Irt
Date: 09/03/24

BUCKLAND

119 Clesson Brook Road
Buckland, MA 01339
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Matthew M. Gignac
Seller: Judith Halioua 2013 RET
Date: 09/12/24

10 Kratt Ave.
Buckland, MA 01370
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Dale Deford
Seller: John J. McCarthy
Date: 09/10/24

COLRAIN

West Leyden Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $217,000
Buyer: Richard Schmidt
Seller: Sonya A. Ciavola
Date: 09/10/24

ERVING

40 High St.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $243,000
Buyer: Zackary W. Hillman
Seller: James R. Hillman
Date: 09/03/24

GREENFIELD

124 Log Plain Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $156,500
Buyer: Eds Enterprises LLC
Seller: HB2 Alternative Holding LLC
Date: 09/13/24

28 Spring Ter.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $281,100
Buyer: Patrick D. Tenero
Seller: Andrew G. Donelan
Date: 09/12/24

48 Thayer Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Elizabeth A. Litskoski
Seller: Richard P. Litskoski
Date: 09/12/24

LEVERETT

85 Amherst Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Mark Stowell
Seller: Doris Tikos 2014 TR
Date: 09/13/24

38 Laurel Hill Dr.
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $850,000
Buyer: Laurel A. Kroo
Seller: Diana S. Fried
Date: 09/12/24

15 Number 6 Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Annika S. Amstutz
Seller: Jeremiah R. Berlin
Date: 09/06/24

LEYDEN

366 East Hill Road
Leyden, MA 01337
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Michael A. Tine
Seller: Arnold J. Egloff
Date: 09/13/24

209 South County Road
Leyden, MA 01301
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Muka
Seller: James L. Muka
Date: 09/13/24

MONTAGUE

96 3rd St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $191,623
Buyer: Tailor Ridge Reit LLC
Seller: Alycar Investments LLC
Date: 09/05/24

34 K St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Christian Euvrard
Seller: Arpc LLC
Date: 09/10/24

50 Prospect St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $464,900
Buyer: Gretchen E. Green
Seller: Catherine E. Dodds
Date: 09/10/24

39 X St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $254,000
Buyer: Maeve Hammond
Seller: Elinor Janvrin
Date: 09/09/24

NEW SALEM

149 West St.
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $545,000
Buyer: Peter N. Leblanc
Seller: Anthony L. Palmieri
Date: 09/03/24

NORTHFIELD

118 Alexander Hill Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $544,000
Buyer: Brian Davis
Seller: Theresa A. Patnode
Date: 09/09/24

152-A Mount Hermon Station Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: John Romano
Seller: Rosalind G. Tufts LT
Date: 09/12/24

142 West Northfield Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $329,000
Buyer: Amanda Martin
Seller: Mark A. Horta
Date: 09/13/24

9 Wood Way
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Jeffrey J. Stringer
Seller: Leslie B. Krichko
Date: 09/09/24

ORANGE

181 Daniel Shays Hwy.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: William Hunt
Seller: Michael P. Sheridan
Date: 09/13/24

6 Eagleville Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Kyle R. Johnson
Seller: Michael R. Dunphe
Date: 09/09/24

Pine Hill Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Kathleen C. Anderson
Seller: Rjs Holdings LLC
Date: 09/06/24

357 Tully Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $137,000
Buyer: Todd M. Bassett
Seller: 357 Tully Road RT
Date: 09/05/24

Warwick Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Kathleen C. Anderson
Seller: Rjs Holdings LLC
Date: 09/06/24

SHUTESBURY

10 Haskins Way
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Rebecca H. Mazur
Seller: Joseph Salvador
Date: 09/11/24

45 Plaza Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Daniel Hayes
Seller: John J. Hayes
Date: 09/12/24

SUNDERLAND

168 North Main St.
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Ronald A. Washburn
Seller: Cynthia F. Majewski
Date: 09/09/24

WARWICK

Brush Valley Road
Warwick, MA 01364
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Kathleen C. Anderson
Seller: Rjs Holdings LLC
Date: 09/06/24

WHATELY

River Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Falls Farm LLC
Seller: Harvest Farm Of Whately
Date: 09/06/24

 

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

81 Florida Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $252,000
Buyer: Mhi Properties LLC
Seller: Poliwczak, John E., (Estate)
Date: 09/04/24

20 Frank St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Allen Collins
Seller: John Plumador
Date: 09/06/24

46 Hall St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $267,000
Buyer: Matthew Nickerson
Seller: Traci Faucher
Date: 09/06/24

37 Oak Hill Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $349,900
Buyer: Dominic Fattorini
Seller: Gatti, Dolores M., (Estate)
Date: 09/13/24

1165 River Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Mesias L. Castro
Seller: Victoria A. Houle
Date: 09/11/24

17 Rowley St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Rosa G. Diaz
Seller: William Rivera
Date: 09/10/24

81 South Park Ter.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: FF Quality Realty LLC
Seller: Craig V. Pineo
Date: 09/09/24

558 Southwick St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $565,000
Buyer: Anthony Cushman
Seller: Maven Investments Co. LLC
Date: 09/03/24

40 Tower Ter.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Jacquelyn Crosler
Seller: Eric Luccardi
Date: 09/09/24

BLANDFORD

28 North St.
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Michael A. Weatherington
Seller: Donald A. Brainerd
Date: 09/09/24

Old Chester Road (rear)
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Mms TR
Seller: Robert A. Heinimann
Date: 09/13/24

 

CHESTER

475 Route 20
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Chester Land Trust
Seller: John S. Haggart
Date: 09/11/24

CHICOPEE

56 Bourbeau St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Alicia M. Merola
Seller: John W. Friel
Date: 09/13/24

317 Broadway St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Judyth Rosario
Seller: Michael B. Robb
Date: 09/03/24

259 Fletcher Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Edward Z. Beattie
Seller: Lynette C. Mailhott
Date: 09/09/24

140 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $291,000
Buyer: Mia A. Davis
Seller: Gloria M. Acevedo
Date: 09/03/24

854 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Carolyn Margolin
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 09/06/24

104 Hilton St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Margarita Matias
Seller: Wendy Mailhot
Date: 09/13/24

35 Lafond Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $451,000
Buyer: Peter Maccarone
Seller: Donna M. Charette
Date: 09/04/24

117 Marten St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Anthony Conte
Seller: Brandon C. Sulikowski
Date: 09/11/24

617 McKinstry Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Chandler Mompoint
Seller: Frederick J. Sabbs
Date: 09/10/24

238 Meadow St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Hunan Mian
Seller: George Bruso
Date: 09/13/24

27 Moore St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Donald Brainerd
Seller: Gary R. Laperle
Date: 09/09/24

 

243 Murphy Lane
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Alexander J. Bauch
Seller: Robert E. McQueen
Date: 09/11/24

60 Murphy Lane
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $344,000
Buyer: Aishah L. Silva
Seller: Aldo Properties LLC
Date: 09/10/24

105 Northwood St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Sean J. Ward
Seller: Andrew J. Potts
Date: 09/06/24

2 Pine St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $319,900
Buyer: Stephanie F. Paquin
Seller: Danielle A. Daddamio
Date: 09/13/24

88 Prospect St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $238,900
Buyer: Commercial Lender LLC
Seller: Alycar Investments LLC
Date: 09/13/24

53 Sanford St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $278,000
Buyer: Deven Dupuis
Seller: Jonael Ruiz
Date: 09/04/24

14 Simard Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $10,500,000
Buyer: Brook Edge Apartments LLC
Seller: Simard Apartments LLC
Date: 09/10/24

57 Woodstock St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $349,000
Buyer: Darlene R. Belle-Isle
Seller: Evan M. Wytas
Date: 09/04/24

EAST LONGMEADOW

128 Chestnut St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Michael D. Sarnelli
Seller: Nathan D. Lynch
Date: 09/06/24

10 Kenneth Lunden Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $324,500
Buyer: Seth T. Wheaton
Seller: Driscoll FT NO FDD-1
Date: 09/04/24

11 Princeton St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Lucinda A. Rancourt
Seller: Susan Churchill
Date: 09/09/24

GRANVILLE

80 Barnard Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $720,000
Buyer: Ryan M. Nelson
Seller: Mindy Wojcik
Date: 09/06/24

HOLLAND

10 Bernie Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Sean Conti
Seller: Stephen Smith
Date: 09/09/24

10 Blodgett Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Luzannelis Pagan
Seller: Heather E. Johnson
Date: 09/04/24

37 Wales Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $303,500
Buyer: Tina M. Rivera
Seller: Wicked Deals LLC
Date: 09/06/24

HOLYOKE

47 Argyle Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Nydia Marrero
Seller: Emilia P. Houghton
Date: 09/04/24

293-299 Clemente St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $730,000
Buyer: Rehab Home Buyers LLC
Seller: Angel L. Berrios
Date: 09/03/24

72-74 Linden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Melvin Ortiz-Arce
Seller: Shaline M. Serrano
Date: 09/11/24

235-237 Maple St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Behavioral Health Network
Seller: Maple Springfield Assocs. LP
Date: 09/09/24

6 Vassar Circle
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Paul H. Courchesne
Seller: Byrnes, James H., (Estate)
Date: 09/03/24

24 Washington Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: MJ Real Estate LLC
Seller: Foley, John A., (Estate)
Date: 09/09/24

LONGMEADOW

117 Blueberry Hill Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $710,000
Buyer: Hanbyul Chang
Seller: Carol M. Samble
Date: 09/03/24

199 Brookwood Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Lupe Linkthun
Seller: Michael J. Murphy
Date: 09/06/24

6 Farmington Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Michael S. Block
Seller: James G. Jones
Date: 09/06/24

43 Greenacre Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Maureen E. McDonough
Seller: Megan Downey
Date: 09/06/24

48 Hillcrest Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Justin D. Guyer
Seller: Shashank Kapadia
Date: 09/06/24

85 Maple Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $352,750
Buyer: Rcf 2 Acquisition TR
Seller: Mack A. Lynch
Date: 09/12/24

93 Northfield Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $640,000
Buyer: Eris NT
Seller: Charles K. Bergin
Date: 09/06/24

144 Viscount Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Beachwood Builders LLC
Seller: Sullivan, John P., (Estate)
Date: 09/06/24

LUDLOW

26-28 Joy St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Muhammet J. Oflu
Seller: Antonio J. Sanches
Date: 09/13/24

571 Moore St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Erin K. Hiersche
Seller: Hiersche, Michael J., (Estate)
Date: 09/09/24

MONSON

172 Bumstead Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Fumi Realty Inc
Seller: Cote, Paul A., (Estate)
Date: 09/04/24

81 Munn Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $438,000
Buyer: Jeremy Menard
Seller: Nancy Rouette
Date: 09/10/24

30 Wilbraham Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Nicholas J. Ketterman
Seller: Richard A. Davenport
Date: 09/13/24

PALMER

43 Fuller Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $519,987
Buyer: Vincent J. Einck
Seller: Varakas RT
Date: 09/04/24

220 Juniper Dr.
Palmer, MA 01095
Amount: $270,500
Buyer: Jamoliddin Jobirov
Seller: Brenda A. Mayhew
Date: 09/06/24

2250 Main St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $251,500
Buyer: John Grieco
Seller: Vincent Nastasi
Date: 09/09/24

60 North St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Glenn Labier
Seller: Ronald M. Izyk
Date: 09/11/24

1108 Park St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Paul Ireland
Seller: Stephen T. Masley
Date: 09/13/24

1110-1112 Park St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Paul Ireland
Seller: Stephen T. Masley
Date: 09/13/24

1315 Park St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Lori-Beth Lind
Seller: Robert J. Guerin
Date: 09/03/24

23 Riverside St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Evan T. Lang
Seller: Wenwei Ma
Date: 09/10/24

1129 Thorndike St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $121,000
Buyer: Magdalena Kennel
Seller: Miner, Jean Marie, (Estate)
Date: 09/09/24

SPRINGFIELD

293 Abbott St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $247,220
Buyer: Cara L. Gaviorno
Seller: Janel M. Ellis
Date: 09/06/24

2044 Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Andrea Messier
Seller: Paul A. Paquette
Date: 09/10/24

234 Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $292,000
Buyer: Manuel D. Ruiz
Seller: Trang M. Pham
Date: 09/10/24

410 Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Colleen O. Quintyne
Seller: Abdallah M. Alwreikat
Date: 09/10/24

21 Barton St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Olga K. Perozo
Seller: Vasquez Remodeling Inc.
Date: 09/11/24

147 Belvidere St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $304,000
Buyer: Robert Tango
Seller: Zeky A. Anton
Date: 09/10/24

242 Breckwood Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Jonathan Casillas
Seller: Aaron G. Cope
Date: 09/04/24

21 Bremen St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $261,000
Buyer: 21 Bremen LLC
Seller: Alina Domagala
Date: 09/10/24

28 Burns Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Joseph B. Pena
Seller: Mary A. Richard
Date: 09/06/24

857-859 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $510,000
Buyer: Maximo B. Pena
Seller: MS Homes LLC
Date: 09/06/24

107 Carol Ann St.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $339,000
Buyer: Selvin C. Alvarado
Seller: Jesus J. Rodriguez
Date: 09/10/24

24-26 Clantoy St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Bernard B. Ocheme
Seller: Edvalda M. Defaria
Date: 09/04/24

18 Claremont St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Lizbeth Cruz-Velez
Seller: Juan Galarza-Vasquez
Date: 09/03/24

150 Cloran St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $163,800
Buyer: Genevieve Construction Development Group
Seller: Stanwich Mortgage Loan
Date: 09/09/24

67 Dawes St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Shaline Serrano
Seller: Dawes Street RT
Date: 09/11/24

16 Dickinson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Phan010314 LLC
Seller: Thuy T. Nguyen
Date: 09/13/24

98 Ellsworth Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Jeremy Gomez
Seller: Emtay Inc.
Date: 09/06/24

36 Firglade Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Purple Flower LLC
Seller: Jason A. Seymour
Date: 09/06/24

98 Forest Park Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Rosario Blas
Seller: Cawrue LLC
Date: 09/04/24

24-26 Fort Pleasant Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: Island Farm Realty LLC
Seller: Eman Khairi RT
Date: 09/10/24

48 Gardens Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Kathleen Potter
Seller: Christian Perez
Date: 09/13/24

15 Glenham St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Alexis E. Lopez
Seller: HUD
Date: 09/06/24

140 Groveland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Jose Villanueva
Seller: Lindsay Katzir
Date: 09/09/24

64 Hillside Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $325,500
Buyer: Bryan J. Richton
Seller: Jennifer L. Wilson
Date: 09/04/24

61 Lawe St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Estefania Londono
Seller: TL Bretta Realty LLC
Date: 09/11/24

57-59 Leyfred Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Andrea Ciano
Seller: C. M. Merejildo-Almonte
Date: 09/11/24

166-168 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $163,000
Buyer: Round Two LLC
Seller: Carlos Porfirio
Date: 09/04/24

76-78 Malden St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Elhajj Elshabazz
Seller: Joseph M. Carlos
Date: 09/13/24

95 Mayflower Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: John A. Rosa
Seller: Andrew Jalbert
Date: 09/04/24

79 Monmouth St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $359,000
Buyer: Mitchell Ortiz
Seller: Chenevert Properties LLC
Date: 09/06/24

333 Nottingham St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $173,000
Buyer: Joseph Taylor
Seller: John C. Taylor
Date: 09/10/24

1053 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Inland Mass. Terminal LLC
Seller: Nauset Properties LP
Date: 09/10/24

1095 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Inland Mass. Terminal LLC
Seller: Nauset Properties LP
Date: 09/10/24

1140 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Paul Deleon
Seller: Ermelinda Cardona
Date: 09/06/24

511 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $145,500
Buyer: Tok Chang
Seller: Johnston, Albert W., (Estate)
Date: 09/04/24

104-106 Pasadena St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Jose A. Fuentes
Seller: Samuel Braverman
Date: 09/09/24

26 Pine Street Court
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Emmanuel Bonilla
Seller: Springfield Ventures RT
Date: 09/10/24

147 Pineywoods Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Estela J. Zuniga
Seller: Thomas Hansen
Date: 09/04/24

21-23 Santa Barbara St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: David T. Cubi
Seller: Christopher O’Brien
Date: 09/09/24

164 Switzer Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Podolyanchuk Property LLC
Seller: Sean Callahan
Date: 09/09/24

52 Tyler St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Sridhar Tipirneni
Seller: Zakiyyah Lubieddin
Date: 09/12/24

142 Westminster St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: William Lucas
Seller: Manahan, Roger Steven, (Estate)
Date: 09/09/24

23-25 Wigwam Place
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Berenise Bien-Aime
Seller: Marilyn F. Jette
Date: 09/04/24

50-52 Windsor St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Jane Vernalia
Seller: Spring Forth Properties LLC
Date: 09/10/24

SOUTHWICK

2 Hillcrest Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $247,500
Buyer: Andrea Dirico
Seller: Michael A. Wing
Date: 09/10/24

83 Powder Mill Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Ashley Deane
Seller: Craig V. Vogel
Date: 09/10/24

TOLLAND

236 New Boston Road
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $227,000
Buyer: Randy W. Hill
Seller: Gail S. Lopaze
Date: 09/11/24

WALES

25 Sichols Colony Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Carolyn Haley
Seller: Degray, Joanne R., (Estate)
Date: 09/04/24,

WEST SPRINGFIELD

29 Bowers St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Joseph Machnacz
Date: 09/05/24

79 Exposition Ter.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $1,150,000
Buyer: Npm Realty LLC
Seller: Aga Realty LLC
Date: 09/10/24

80 Exposition Ter.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $1,150,000
Buyer: Npm Realty LLC
Seller: Aga Realty LLC
Date: 09/10/24

75 Lewis Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $343,000
Buyer: Judith Ferri
Seller: Hiram Rodriguez
Date: 09/11/24

426 Massachusetts Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: Cynthia J. Valliere
Seller: Pamela Pratt
Date: 09/13/24

88 Spring St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Manuel Casiano
Seller: Mhi Properties LLC
Date: 09/04/24

WESTFIELD

14 Casimir St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Sb&j LLC
Seller: Cecile R. Swikalus RET
Date: 09/09/24

47 Casimir St., Lot 94
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Sb&j LLC
Seller: Cecile R. Swikalus RET
Date: 09/09/24

63 Elizabeth Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Naples Home Buyers TR
Seller: Edwin Antonetty
Date: 09/06/24

205 Elm St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Omar S. Cox
Seller: Flora Tung
Date: 09/13/24

44 Floral Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Andrei Kryshtapovich
Seller: Rosalind Krenzel
Date: 09/11/24

43 Jaeger Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Keith M. Keith-Hunter
Seller: Nextgen Real Estate LLC
Date: 09/04/24

99 Medieros Way
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $3,700,000
Buyer: Westfield Gas & Electric
Seller: RM Pioneer Holdings LLC
Date: 09/04/24

86 Ridgecrest Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Patrick Crowley
Seller: Fred W. Geiger
Date: 09/03/24

211 Russellville Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: David Raucher
Seller: Nicole L. Fenton
Date: 09/06/24

1071 Shaker Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Kara Lombard
Seller: Bruce L. Cordero
Date: 09/03/24

WILBRAHAM

20 Decorie Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $448,000
Buyer: Mark R. Robar
Seller: Chi C. Wong
Date: 09/09/24

299 Main St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Russell Degenza
Seller: Raiche FT
Date: 09/09/24

64 Old Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Gracie E. Pighetti
Seller: Breanne E. Gouvin
Date: 09/06/24

524 Ridge Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $286,500
Buyer: Custom Home Development Group LLC
Seller: Thomas Dean
Date: 09/06/24

12 Stonegate Circle
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $680,000
Buyer: Chi C. Wong
Seller: Arthur Lam
Date: 09/09/24

9 Westwood Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $505,000
Buyer: Christian I. Perez
Seller: Rosemary Lavinio 2012 RET
Date: 09/13/24

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

198 Alpine Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $510,000
Buyer: Brendan Boucher
Seller: Matthew Given
Date: 09/10/24

310 Belchertown Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $735,000
Buyer: 310 Belchertown Road LLC
Seller: Rocky Hill Road Partners LLC
Date: 09/12/24

68 Blue Hills Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $608,000
Buyer: Sarah Zureick-Brown
Seller: Estela K. Olevsky RET
Date: 09/13/24

101 East Hadley Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Plg RT
Seller: Greason, Elissa M., (Estate)
Date: 09/03/24

260 Grantwood Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Liang Wang
Seller: Stuart P. Salomon
Date: 09/11/24

30 Hillcrest Place
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $476,000
Buyer: Nicole E. Wetherell
Seller: Christian S. Olmsted
Date: 09/06/24

1117 North Pleasant St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $545,000
Buyer: Qing Wan
Seller: 1117 North Pleasant St. LLC
Date: 09/11/24

491 Pine St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: MF Bloom LLC
Seller: Eddie Haskell LLC
Date: 09/09/24

62 Taylor St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $590,000
Buyer: Valerie Rushanan
Seller: Justin T. Serpone
Date: 09/13/24

22 Wildflower Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Alan E. Travis
Seller: Alan E. Travis
Date: 09/10/24

BELCHERTOWN

134 Allen Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Melissa J. Maiorella
Seller: Kyle J. Snide
Date: 09/06/24

1 Bay Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Francis M. Garrow
Seller: Frances H. Firtz TR
Date: 09/06/24

24 Jackson St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $338,500
Buyer: Mark Plante
Seller: Jeffrey K. Hubbard
Date: 09/04/24

30 Lamson Ave.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $727,000
Buyer: Jonathan Wiesniak
Seller: Pamela J. Councilman
Date: 09/13/24

285 Old Enfield Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Colman O’Connor
Seller: Shannon Kay
Date: 09/12/24

9 Stadler St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Stadler Enterprises LLC
Seller: 9 Stadler St. LLC
Date: 09/06/24

10 Woodhaven Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $585,000
Buyer: David M. Vinsh
Seller: Tomasz Karas
Date: 09/13/24

EASTHAMPTON

8 Carol Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Eds Enterprises LLC
Seller: Max Hill
Date: 09/13/24

GOSHEN

33 Main St.
Goshen, MA 01032
Amount: $410,500
Buyer: Aaron M. Loux
Seller: Michael G. George
Date: 09/13/24

GRANBY

11 Pinebrook Circle
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Jaya Rawla
Seller: Willow TR
Date: 09/05/24

HADLEY

261 Bay Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $442,000
Buyer: William P. Watkins
Seller: Coffey IRT
Date: 09/06/24

12 Cold Spring Lane
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: Evan S. Jacobs
Seller: Peter J. Klimoski
Date: 09/06/24

234 Middle St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Town Of Hadley
Seller: Kowal, Patricia A., (Estate)
Date: 09/10/24

367 Russell St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $7,000,000
Buyer: Rss Wfrbs201-C3-De Pmhn LLC
Seller: Pyramid Mall
Date: 09/13/24

HUNTINGTON

12 Nagler Cross Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Emilia Gregory
Seller: Rom, Gary B., (Estate)
Date: 09/03/24

NORTHAMPTON

12 Birch Lane
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $745,000
Buyer: Kathleen Wright
Seller: Marylynn Salmon
Date: 09/05/24

428 Bridge Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $634,900
Buyer: Peiyii Shen
Seller: Julee L. Clement
Date: 09/12/24

15 Claire Ave.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Allison J. Carmody
Seller: Jennifer A. Dawkins
Date: 09/13/24

6 Denise Court
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $511,000
Buyer: Renato Bartoli
Seller: Dunn, Kathkeen E., (Estate)
Date: 09/11/24

3 Dewey Court
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $599,999
Buyer: David B. Musante
Seller: Jean M. Watt
Date: 09/03/24

888 Florence Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $670,000
Buyer: Mauro P. Correa
Seller: Mary B. Adams
Date: 09/03/24

809 Park Hill Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $790,000
Buyer: Benjamin Larrison
Seller: Mary C. Skinner
Date: 09/12/24

1 Pine Valley Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Calvin Filepas
Seller: Racicot, Robert E., (Estate)
Date: 09/10/24

12 Rustlewood Rdg
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $729,900
Buyer: Rachel Simmons
Seller: Catherine W. Dashkoff
Date: 09/04/24

32 Trumbull Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Steven Niedbala
Seller: Meehan Dorothy M., (Estate)
Date: 09/03/24

29 Warner St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Susan P. Cassel
Seller: Robert Cilman
Date: 09/06/24

 

PELHAM

16 Amherst Road
Pelham, MA 01007
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Matthew S. Sirois
Seller: Better Homes Properties LLC
Date: 09/09/24

325 Amherst Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Qiye Sun
Seller: Ying Xie
Date: 09/09/24

PLAINFIELD

34 Hallockville Road
Plainfield, MA 01070
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Alec Leavitt
Seller: Alice M. Schertle Int.
Date: 09/06/24

SOUTH HADLEY

86 Alvord St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Michael J. Craig
Seller: Louis Cote
Date: 09/10/24

107 College St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Cole M. Dovet
Seller: Lisa A. Dufour
Date: 09/03/24

14 Grant St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $317,000
Buyer: Jason Shea
Seller: Robert J. Schroeter
Date: 09/04/24

332 Newton St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Kristin Loiko-Pelletier
Seller: Cristian O. Rivera
Date: 09/09/24

47 Searle Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Michael C. McNally
Seller: Robert L. O’Connor
Date: 09/05/24

38 Westbrook Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Jennifer L. Wilson
Seller: Lynn Boucher
Date: 09/05/24

SOUTHAMPTON

340 College Highway
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Ryan D. York
Seller: Seher, Robert, (Estate)
Date: 09/10/24

15 Geryk Court
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $639,000
Buyer: David K. Webber
Seller: Ben A. Scoble
Date: 09/06/24

 

WARE

12 Barnes St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Dariel A. Rodriguez
Seller: Matthew R. Gromosky
Date: 09/12/24

56 Coffey Hill Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $288,000
Buyer: Caar Development LLC
Seller: Juan Chen
Date: 09/10/24

38 Cummings Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Bertnell Realty Inc.
Seller: Paul Phillips
Date: 09/03/24

22 Spring St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $131,000
Buyer: Chamber Investment Group LLC
Seller: Rehab Home Buyers LLC
Date: 09/03/24

WESTHAMPTON

264 Main Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $342,500
Buyer: Nicholai Wykowski
Seller: Garry D. Cousins
Date: 09/06/24

WILLIAMSBURG

9 Bridge St.
Williamsburg, MA 01039
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Stephen Vaiano
Seller: John Godden
Date: 09/10/24

5 Deer Haven Dr.
Williamsburg, MA 01039
Amount: $850,000
Buyer: Sean T. Sullivan
Seller: Peter F. Falco
Date: 09/12/24

10 Dewey Circle
Williamsburg, MA 01039
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Nathaniel Zajac
Seller: Karen I. Tripp
Date: 09/13/24

WESTHAMPTON

353 Main Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $229,457
Buyer: PNC Bank
Seller: Angelo C. Librera
Date: 09/13/24

WORTHINGTON

11 Buffington Hill Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Holly T. Chamberlin
Seller: Jeffrey Racz
Date: 09/11/24

210 Lindsay Hill Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $403,000
Buyer: Benjamin W. Guidi
Seller: Nancy E. Babcock
Date: 09/12/24

200 Scott Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Matthew Snow
Seller: Joseph E. Best
Date: 09/13/24

Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the month of September 2024.

CHICOPEE

Saillant Realty Corp.
974 Chicopee St.
$9,058 — Repair sagging three-story porch and stairs

HADLEY

315 Russell Street LLC
315 Russell St.
N/A — Disassemble and remove steel building

Conway Trader Rental LLC
217 Russell St.
N/A — Insulation

E&A/I&G Campus Plaza LP
458 Russell St.
N/A — Interior partitioning

Parmar and Sons LLC
24 Bay Road
N/A — Roofing

PeoplesBank
5 South Maple St.
N/A — Install two new non-lit wall signs

Town of Amherst
100 Mullins Way
N/A — HVAC improvements

LENOX

Lenox Schoolhouse LLC
109 Housatonic St.
$151,100 — Roofing

NORTHAMPTON

408 Pleasant St. LLC
408 Pleasant St.
$15,034 — Insulation and weatherization

City of Northampton
240 Main St.
$151,000 — Memorial Hall roof replacement

J-Barc Inc.
17 Pleasant St.
$112,731 — Construct new fire escape

Smith College
25 College Lane
$43,000 — Demolish and rebuild upper dock and railing in Crew House

Smith College
10 Elm St.
$101,809 — Renovate classroom at Brown Fine Arts Center

Smith College
25 Henshaw Ave.
$25,000 — Repair/rebuild front-porch entry in same footprint using existing footings

PITTSFIELD

Berkshire Hospitality Group LLC
1 West St.
$280,000 — Parking garage demolition

Berkshire Museum
39 South St.
$20,000 — Convert existing gallery space to temporary storage space, construct two temporary walls

Berkshire Theatre Festival Inc.
74 Wendell Ave.
$30,000 — Demolition of detached accessory garage/carriage house structure, including slab and foundations

Boys and Girls Club of Pittsfield Inc.
16 Melville St.
$27,405 — Complete interior door work

Casella Waste Management
500 Hubbard Ave.
$101,000 — Install new dry sprinkler system throughout building

City of Pittsfield
70 Allen St.
$84,000 — Supply new handrails at back and front stairs, remove existing handrails

Kathleen DiPietro
35 Stoddard Ave.
$1,532 — Replace window

Guidewire Inc.
387 Columbus Ave., Ext.
$93,975 — Construct new ADA ramp, interior doors, non-load-bearing partitions, and finishes to existing spaces

Hillcrest Educational Centers Inc.
1450 West Housatonic St.
$77,725 — Roofing

Salisbury Estates Inc.
8 Bank Row
$25,500 — Roofing

Winadu Real Estate Co. LLC
710 Churchill St.
$4,500 — Relocate non-load-bearing walls to create open-air office space

SPRINGFIELD

600 Berkshire Ave LLC
600 Berkshire Ave.
$58,995 — Roofing for First Student Bus

Blackened Realty LLC
201 Worthington St.
$66,800 — Roofing

HR Twenty Corp.
1387 Boston Road
$20,000 — Interior demolition for tenant fit-out

Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire United Way (BUW) recently welcomed seven new members to the board of directors.

Arthur Milano is principal consultant at Milano HR Consulting. He served on the BUW board from 2012 to 2018, as well as on several committees, and in his consulting role, he assisted BUW with the president and CEO search in 2018 and 2021.

Beth Mitchell is senior director of Integration at General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS). She is a former member of the BUW community impact committee, was a member of the Face the Facts: Reduce Teen Pregnancy initiative workgroup, and, in 2021, joined the Massachusetts Business Coalition for Early Childhood Education.

Tiffany Moreno is instructional program manager for Health and Social Assistance at Berkshire Community College. She volunteers with Latinas413 as a mentor to connect with younger Latinas in the community.

As chief Diversity officer for the city of Pittsfield, Michael Obasohan pioneered the integration and development of the city’s first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion department. He also serves on the boards and commissions of Multicultural BRIDGE, Roots Teen Center, MASSMoCA Commission, and Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.

Timothy O’Donnell is head of Distribution Sales Compensation Administration for the Individual Markets division at Guardian Life. He served twice as BUW’s employee campaign coordinator for Guardian Life’s giving campaign and previously served on the Downtown Pittsfield Inc. board.

Kristin Pedrotti is senior vice president and controller at Berkshire Bank and a certified public accountant. She has participated in Xtraordinary Day, the bank’s annual day of service.

Stephanie Storie is a library associate at Lenox Library and previously held engineering positions at GDMS. She is a 2018 graduate of the Berkshire Leadership Program and currently serves on the Pittsfield Conservation Commission.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts (JAWM) is seeking sponsors and volunteers for its 19th annual Stock Market Challenge on Thursday, Nov. 7 at the Cedars in Springfield. The event offers student teams the chance to compete in an exciting Wall Street simulation, gaining skills and experience they can use in the future.

“It’s so much fun to see how engaged and competitive the students are,” said Amie Miarecki, president of JAWM. “This event is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses and volunteers to help students throughout the region while having a great time themselves and inspiring the future financial leaders of tomorrow.”

During the simulation, which runs from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., approximately 350 middle- and high-school student teams are ‘given’ $1 million to invest in more than 50 fictitious stocks. With trading days lasting just 60 seconds, the goal is to build the highest portfolio net worth in a frantic 60 ‘days.’ At the end of the event, students leave with a sense of how the stock market works and valuable insight into the importance of teamwork.

During the evening, the adults get in on the fun. Dinner is held at 5:30 p.m., and when the opening bell rings at 6:30 p.m., corporate sponsors and college student teams have their own opportunity to flex their stock-trading skills.

“The adults have as much fun as the kids, making this friendly competition a great team-building opportunity for employers,” Miarecki said. “We offer a variety of sponsorship opportunities starting at $250, and are inviting companies across the region to participate.”

Major sponsors currently include St. Germain Investment Management (presenting sponsor), Elms College (educational sponsor), and Country Bank (gold sponsor).

For more information about the JAWM Stock Market Challenge, sponsorships, and volunteering, visit jawm.org/stock-market-competition.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Partners for Community Action announced that the anti-poverty agency is recruiting new board members to fill six vacancies this fall.

The board of directors provides support to the agency in pursuit of its long-standing mission to break the cycle of poverty in vulnerable communities. The membership of Springfield Partners’ board of directors aims to be a vivid representation of the community. As outlined in the bylaws, one-third of the members are elected public officials, one-third are individuals who represent the low-income community, and one-third are members of the business, religious, or education community.

District board members serve two-year terms, and community-sector directors have unlimited terms. All are expected to attend meetings held on the last Thursday of each month. Members actively participate in subcommittees of the board and participate in community events, as well as events sponsored by Springfield Partners.

“Serving on the Springfield Partners board of directors is an opportunity to give back to your community and have a say in how aid is delivered to your neighbors,” said Paul Bailey, executive director of Springfield Partners for Community Action. “Who knows the needs in our community better than the hardworking men and women who are working and living right here? We are proud to serve Springfield-area residents alongside our unique and passionate board of directors, and we look forward to the addition of six new members.”

Springfield Partners currently seeks applications for the following positions:

• Two community-sector director seats (representatives from business, industry, labor, religious, law-enforcement, education, or other major groups);

• District 2 director (Upper Hill, Old Hill, portions of Forest Park);

• District 4 director (Liberty Heights, Metro Center);

• District 5 director (North End Brightwood, Memorial Square); and

• District 6 director (Indian Orchard, East Forest Park, Sixteen Acres).

Prospective directors can contact Tabitha Desplaines, director of Community Services, at (413) 263-6500, ext. 6564, or [email protected] for more information and to obtain an application.

Original applications, résumés, and nomination forms are due by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. Elections will be held on Thursday, Nov. 21. To learn more about Springfield Partners for Community Action, visit springfieldpartnersinc.com.

Daily News

CHICOPEE — Adam Quenneville Roofing and Siding (AQRS) announced its continued support of the Miracle League of Western Massachusetts by sponsoring and participating in a Halloween-themed celebration. The event will take place on Sunday, Oct. 20 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Springfield College.

As the final game day of the Miracle League’s 2024 season, the event promises to be a fun-filled, heartwarming occasion for children and families. Players will be decked out in their favorite Halloween costumes and will enjoy on-field trick-or-treating, where AQRS and other sponsors will hand out treats at the end of the games. The day will conclude with players receiving end-of-season gifts and medals, honoring their participation and hard work.

Sponsors are encouraged to bring small, Halloween-themed treats, with non-food options appreciated for the more than 85 players.

“We are proud to support such a fantastic organization that enriches the lives of so many children with special needs,” said Morgan Bennett, Business Development director at AQRS. “This event is an opportunity for us to give back to the community and make a difference in the lives of these amazing kids.”

The Miracle League of Western Massachusetts offers an inclusive environment for children with special needs, giving them the opportunity to participate in sports and build lasting friendships.

Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — A total of 1,633,935 fairgoers attended the Big E, in West Springfield this year, setting an all-time record for net attendance.

Additionally, seven daily attendance records were set during the sunny, 17-day event, and the middle Saturday, Sept. 21, set a record for single-day attendance.

“Thank You! 1,633,935 times over, thank you,” Eastern States Exposition President and CEO Gene Cassidy said. “This is a proud moment for everyone associated with Eastern States Exposition: volunteers, staff members, contractors, vendors, concessionaires, and all who participate in the production of the Big E. This organization thrives because of you. Our noble mission remains strong because of you. This was a record-setting fair filled with many challenges, and every one of you played a role that contributed to the continued success of the Big E. What you do matters. Thank you.”

Daily News

SPRINGFIELDBusinessWest and the Healthcare News will celebrate this year’s eight Healthcare Heroes on Thursday, Oct. 17 starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. The deadline to purchase tickets is today, Oct. 7.

The class of 2024, profiled in the Sep. 16 issue and at businesswest.com, includes Dr. Andrew Balder, attending physician, Baystate Mason Square Neighborhood Health Center; Lucinda Canty, associate professor of Nursing and director of the Seedworks Health Equity Program, UMass Amherst; Bernice Drumheller, past president, NAMI Western Massachusetts; Peta-Gaye Johnson, director of Healthcare Workforce Initiatives, MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board; Margaret King, occupational therapist, Baystate Medical Center; Alexa Mignano, director of School-Based Clinical Services, River Valley Counseling Center; Dr. Laki Rousou, chief of Thoracic Surgery, chief of Robotic Surgery, and medical director of the Lung Cancer Screening Program, Mercy Medical Center; and Janet Williams, professor of Biology, Elms College.

Tickets cost $95, and tables of 10 are available. To purchase tickets, visit businesswest.com/healthcare-heroes-tickets. Presenting sponsors include Baystate Health/Health New England and Elms College. Partner sponsors include Trinity Health Of New England/Mercy Medical Center and Holyoke Medical Center.

Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Liberty Bank recently selected Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) to receive one of its community grants. The bank’s foundation aims to assist low- and moderate-income families improve their economic situation and quality of life, which is also what Greater Springfield Habitat does.

A check presentation ceremony will be held today, World Habitat Day, at 1 p.m. at 1688 Dwight St. in Springfield, GSHFH’s newest build site.

“We are very grateful to have been selected to receive this grant. It will help us to continue to provide homeownership and home-repair services in Hampden County,” GSHFH Executive Director Aimee Giroux said.

Teresa Parker, Liberty Bank’s East Longmeadow branch manager, added that “I am truly honored to represent Liberty Bank at World Habitat Day and for us to partner with Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity to offer a hand up, not a hand out, to local families who need it most. This grant empowers people to reach their fullest potential, and it builds a better future for all of us. This great work aligns perfectly with Liberty Bank’s brand promise to Be Community Kind and our mission to improve the lives of our customers, teammates, and communities for generations to come.”