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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — With the holiday season upon us, neighborhoods are starting to twinkle with festive light displays inside and out. Eversource is reminding customers about some ways to get in the holiday spirit while conserving energy, saving money, and staying safe.

“Festive decorations and flickering lights really help to usher in the excitement of the holiday season — celebrations, gift giving, and spending time with loved ones,” Eversource Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer Penni Conner said. “Whether you prefer thousands of imported twinkle lights or traditional candles in the window to set a cheerful holiday mood, we don’t want our customers to miss out on energy savings that translate to financial savings that could be better spent on their family than their utility bill.”

Customers can save money and protect the planet by replacing traditional incandescent lights with an energy-efficient light-emitting diode, or LED, holiday decoration. Not only do LEDs use 90% less energy than conventional bulbs and last 25 times longer, they’re also brighter, eco-friendlier, and safer, as they are much cooler than incandescent lights.

No matter what type of decorations are being used, it’s important to use them safely. Eversource also offers these holiday tips to help customers stay safe, as well as save money and energy:

• Inspect all lighted decorations, particularly older ones, and discard any with broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Replace them with energy-efficient varieties.

• When decorating outdoors, always look up and stay away from all power lines.

• Never raise ladders or extend objects anywhere near the lines.

• Never run extension cords under rugs or coil them tightly, which can cause them to overheat.

• Use a programmable timer for lights to ensure they aren’t accidentally left on.

• Water and electricity do not mix, so keep outdoor connections off the ground.

• Check labels to ensure lights are used properly. Outside lights are labeled for outdoor use.

• All parts of the lights need to be dampness- and temperature-proof.

• Check extension cords for wear and plug outdoor lights and decorations into GFCI outlets.

• Use advanced power strips for holiday décor to eliminate standby energy loss. This can be particularly helpful for inflatables like large snow globes, which may add as much as $12 per month to your energy bill.

• Turn off room lights when the tree is lit to save energy while creating a festive atmosphere.

Click here for more holiday-decorating and electrical safety tips.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Do you know someone who is truly making a difference in the Western Mass. region? BusinessWest invites you to nominate an individual or group for its 17th annual Difference Makers program. Nominations for the class of 2025 must be received by Monday, Dec. 16.

Difference Makers was launched in 2009 as a way to recognize the contributions of agencies and individuals who are contributing to quality of life in this region. Past honorees have come from dozens of business and nonprofit sectors, proving there’s no limit to the ways people can impact their communities.

So, let us know who you think deserves to be recognized as a Difference Maker in our upcoming class by visiting businesswest.com/difference-makers-nomination-form to complete the nomination form. Honorees will be profiled in the Feb. 17 issue of BusinessWest and celebrated at a gala in the spring.

Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Registration for Hooplandia, the annual 3-on-3 basketball tourney and festival, opens on Dec. 2 at hooplandia.com. The event will take place June 20-22 at Eastern States Exposition (ESE) and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Hooplandia will host levels for all ages and divisions, which means every kind of player is welcome.

As the premier 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the nine northeastern states, Hooplandia is still in its early years, but growing rapidly. In 2023 and 2024, the event was a resounding success.

Games will be played at the ESE complex, with special games held at the Basketball Hall of Fame. In 2024, 75 basketball courts allowed accommodation for more than 650 games played by approximately 2,100 participants of all ages. The expansive ESE grounds allow for growth as attendance numbers continue to climb each year.

ESE and the Hall of Fame agree that Hooplandia must be an all-inclusive environment for players of all ages and playing abilities. Diverse divisions include young girls and boys, women, men, high-school ages, college level, OGs, veterans, and more. Players in the Special Olympics and Unified division can look forward to free registration, and those in the Hoops & Heroes division, such as active and retired first responders and military personnel, have access to discounted registration.

Players are invited to build teams of four, create their own unique team name, design their uniforms, and register at hooplandia.com. Fees range according to age. Those that register before the end of the day on March 10 are treated to the 3 Point Perks package, which grants early teams access to limited-edition goodies. 3 Point Perks are not available after March 10, and registration prices increase after May 26 for late teams.

Since its first year, Hooplandia has partnered with Boys and Girls Clubs throughout Western Mass., with $10 from every paid team registration supporting the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs and their programming.

“Eastern States Exposition is a longtime supporter of Boys and Girls Clubs, and we are pleased to continue that support through this sports-based environment for youngsters,” ESE President and CEO Gene Cassidy said. “We are committed to building Hooplandia into a cornerstone of the community.”

Hooplandia invites local businesses to explore sponsorship opportunities. Email [email protected] with inquiries.

Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Carr Hardware announced that its customers in Lenox and Pittsfield raised a total of $1,856.35 through the company’s round-up initiative, directly benefiting the local Thanksgiving Angels program. This generosity will help provide Thanksgiving meals for more than 2,000 families in Berkshire County who signed up to receive a traditional holiday dinner through the program.

Throughout the month of October, Carr Hardware hosted a round-up campaign at its Lenox and Pittsfield locations, encouraging customers to round up their in-store purchases to the nearest dollar. The funds collected through this initiative were donated to the South Congregational Church’s Thanksgiving Angels program, which has been serving local families for years. The program works to ensure that families in need across Berkshire County can enjoy a full Thanksgiving meal, complete with all the traditional trimmings.

“We are incredibly grateful to our customers for their overwhelming support during this round-up campaign,” said Bart Raser, president of Carr Hardware. “Thanks to their generosity, we are able to help the Thanksgiving Angels provide thousands of meals to local families. It’s a true reflection of the spirit of giving that defines our community.”

The Thanksgiving Angels program serves as an essential resource to families throughout the county, providing meals and a sense of connection and community.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Freedom Credit Union is inviting the community to donate money at any of its branches to benefit the Westover Galaxy Community Council in support of the work of the men and women at the Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee. For donations through Dec. 3, Freedom will match up to $2,500 to celebrate the National Day of Giving.

“We appreciate the work the Westover Galaxy Community Council does to uplift the base,” Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch said. “With all the sacrifices they make during the holidays, we hope members of the military feel supported by our community’s generosity.”

The Westover Galaxy Community Council is a charity organization made up of veterans, local businesspeople, and other citizens. The group works to enhance the well-being of the Westover Air Reserve Base community and those who serve on the installation. Its charter mandates that all donations are kept local, to military organizations and units that operate out of Westover, the largest Air Reserve base in the nation, home to more than 5,500 military and civilian workers.

Daily News

WARE — Country Bank has partnered with the Wonderfund of Massachusetts with a $10,000 donation. This collaboration will make a difference in the lives of kids and teens served by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), allowing them to experience the magic of childhood during the holiday season. The Wonderfund is dedicated to bringing the joy and meaning of childhood to children who have been impacted by trauma, abuse, and neglect.

All are invited to join the Wonderfund and Country Bank in making this holiday season special for kids in foster care by donating a new, unwrapped gift at any of Country’s banking centers until Dec. 14. Each contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference. Country Bank’s team will shop for gifts to join in the efforts, and donations will be delivered to DCF offices in Springfield and Worcester to be distributed throughout Western and Central Mass.

“We are excited to partner with the Wonderfund again this year, and the opportunity for our team and the communities we serve help us make a difference for children by putting a smile on so many faces this holiday season,” said Shelley Regin, chief Marketing and Community Relations officer at Country Bank. “Last year, we had such overwhelming support, and collectively, we donated over 1,000 toys to local DCF offices who shared with us. Without your donations, most children would have only received one toy.”

To support the effort, visit wonderfundma.org.

Daily News

EAST LONGMEADOW — East Village Tavern (EVT) and the East Longmeadow Rotary Club are once again teaming up for their annual Thanksgiving basket drive. Thanksgiving baskets with all the fixings, for families who may not otherwise be able to afford them, will be distributed by local volunteers on the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 10 a.m.

Food collection runs through today, Nov. 26. Non-perishable items can be dropped off at East Village Tavern, 53 North Main St., East Longmeadow. Thanksgiving family baskets will include one turke, two bags or boxes of stuffing mis, five pounds of potatoes, two pounds of butternut squash, two cans of corn or green beans, two pounds of onions, 12 dinner rolls, two cans of jellied cranberry sauce, a half-gallon of sweet cider, and one pumpkin pie.

EVT is also accepting donations of $100, which will feed a family of four. EVT extends thanks to several local businesses and volunteers it partners with on this community service project.

“Food brings people together,” EVT owner John Sullivan said. “We’re committed to sharing that spirit of community with everyone in need.”

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) invites the community to Coffee for a Cause, an event on Giving Tuesday dedicated to raising funds for STCC students.

This year’s event will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 3 from 7 to 11 a.m. in the Building 15 parking lot and in front of Building 19, offering an opportunity for the public to support students facing financial challenges.

Guests are encouraged to stop by the Coffee for a Cause drive-thru to grab a free coffee and consider donating the money they would have used to buy coffee to the fundraiser. Contributions will go directly toward assisting STCC students and supporting programs that serve them. Many students continue to struggle with the costs of food, technology, and other essentials necessary for their academic success.

“We’re excited to invite you to be part of Coffee for a Cause, a community event dedicated to raising funds for STCC students on Giving Tuesday,” said Karen Walker, assistant vice president of Advancement at STCC. “While our free community-college program covers tuition, many students still need support for other essentials. With your help, we can make a real difference.”

As a token of appreciation, donors who contribute at certain levels will be entered into a raffle to win prizes, including a $500 MGM Springfield gift card. The lucky winner will enjoy a one-night stay at MGM Springfield, along with a dining experience at the Chandler Steakhouse.

STCC encourages everyone to join in this meaningful event and help uplift students on their educational journey. Every donation, large or small, can have a powerful impact on the lives of STCC students. For more information about Coffee for a Cause or to make a donation, visit stcc.io/coffee.

Daily News

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank announced its participation in two holiday toy drives to benefit local children in need.

Franklin County branch offices are once again partnering with the Salvation Army’s Angel Holiday Gift Campaign. Community members are invited to stop by their local branch to select a child’s toy wish list. Donated toys must be returned to the branch by Dec. 13.

Hampshire County branch offices are collaborating with Bomba Radio and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve to collect toys for the Toys for Tots program. On Dec. 2-13, community members can drop off new, unwrapped toys at any Hampshire County branch.

“We are thrilled to support these wonderful organizations and make a positive impact on the lives of children in our community,” said Tony Worden, president and CEO of Greenfield Co-op. “By working together, we can ensure that every child experiences the joy of the holiday season.”

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 222: November 25, 2024

Joe Interviews Mick Corduff

Through Mick Corduff’s long association with the Log Cabin, Delaney House, and D. Hotel Spa, the respected family of hospitality businesses in Holyoke, he has gleaned plenty about what customers want. Over the past year-plus, since taking the reins of the properties, he has continued to learn, bringing fresh ideas and some intriguing growth plans to the company. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Corduff talks to BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar about the many challenges that restaurants and banquet facilities face today, the promise of a busy holiday party season, and how he and his team are keeping things fresh. It’s must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest.

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Daily News

AMHERST — The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce announced the return of its Holiday Gift Card Match Day on Thursday, Dec. 5. Sponsored by UMassFive College Federal Credit Union with a $5,000 match, this annual event invites the community to double their holiday shopping power and support local businesses.

Starting at 9 a.m. at the Visitors Information Center, 35 South Pleasant St., Amherst, community members can purchase a $25 Amherst Area gift card for local businesses, with a $1 processing fee. For every card purchased, the chamber will provide a gift card with a value of $50, effectively doubling the shopping power. Each individual may purchase up to two matched gift cards while supplies last.

“Gift Card Match Day is more than just an opportunity to shop — it’s a celebration of the incredible diversity and resilience of our local businesses,” said Jacob Robinson, executive director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce. “We’re excited to help our community members invest in the area’s economy and share the joy of supporting local enterprises this holiday season. Together, we build a stronger, more vibrant Amherst.”

The program supports a diverse array of local businesses, from boutiques to restaurants to service providers, reinforcing the chamber’s mission to foster economic growth and vitality in the Amherst area.

“Gift Card Match Day represents a wonderful opportunity to uplift local businesses during the holiday season, fostering a sense of community and economic resilience,” said Craig Boivin, vice president of Marketing at UMassFive. “By doubling the impact of each purchase, we make it easier for people to shop local and give meaningful gifts to loved ones.”

The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce invites all community members to join in this event and help strengthen the local economy while securing an ideal holiday gift for friends and family. For more information, including a list of participating businesses, visit www.amherstarea.com/giftcard or call the chamber office at (413) 253-0700.

Daily News

Noah Forrest

AGAWAM — OMG Inc., a leading global supplier of specialty fasteners, products, and technology for commercial roofing and residential construction applications, recently named Noah Forrest senior vice president and chief financial officer (CFO).

In his new role, Forrest will work with the company’s senior management team to develop financial plans, forecasts, and budgets that support the company’s long-term strategic goals. Other responsibilities include preparing and presenting financial statements and reports to the company and to Steel Partners, its owner; managing the company’s cash flow and capital investments; evaluating acquisition opportunities as they arise; ensuring adherence to financial regulations and standards; and driving a plan to advance the company’s technology road map. In addition, he will manage the company’s finance and information-technology teams and assist the president in performing his responsibilities. He reports to John Ashe, president and CEO.

“Noah is a growth-minded and strategically focused CFO with a long and proven leadership track record, who brings significant financial and operational experience in global manufacturing to the table,” Ashe said. “He is hands-on leader who will be engaged in the day-to-day business using his financial, strategic, operational, and technological experience to play a critical role in OMG’s continued growth. We are very pleased to have him on the OMG team.”

Forrest has more than 20 years of financial, accounting, and strategic leadership experience with Stanley Black & Decker (SBD) and Raytheon Technologies. Most recently, he served as CFO of SBD’s Smart Storage Solutions, which includes the Vidmar, LISTA, and CribMaster brands, where he drove significant profitability improvement while stimulating an increase in organic growth.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and finance with a minor in information technology from Bentley University, and an MBA from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Daily News

BLOOMFIELD, Conn. — PDS Engineering & Construction Inc. recently broke ground on a three-story, 61,000-square-foot self-storage facility at 275 Benton Dr., East Longmeadow, which will feature more than 500 storage units.

The project will include a storage steel structure, site work, concrete, two elevators, two stairwells, office space, a glass curtain wall, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, sprinkler, modern interior finishes, and more. The project will take approximately 10 months to complete, with a schedule completion date of June 2025.

PDS Engineering & Construction Inc. has been a design-build general contractor for 59 years throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — A team of employees from Eastern States Exposition (ESE), headed by ESE President and CEO Gene Cassidy, gathered on Nov. 21 to donate beef from the annual 4-H Beef Sale at the Big E to local not-for-profit food pantries. Their tour included stops at the Parish Cupboard, Open Pantry, and Friends of the Homeless.

The 4-H Beef Program is a longstanding tradition at the fair, and the multiple-day showcase culminates in the 4-H Beef Sale. During the sale, individuals and representatives from local universities, businesses, and other organizations support 4-H students by purchasing the steers that rising agricultural workers have raised and tended to for more than a year. This year, ESE purchased the Commended Overall and Second Place Mediumweight steers.

“ESE exists to promote our region’s agriculture and industry. An important aspect of that mission involves the direct support of youth engaged in growing the cattle that feed our country, some of the best of which can be purchased at auction at the Big E each year,” Cassidy said.

“Today, we celebrate youth in agriculture by distributing their product to our local population in need,” he went on. “Annually, Eastern States Exposition’s board of directors purchases steers at the auction to help support West Springfield and Agawam’s Parish Cupboard and Springfield’s Open Pantry and Friends of the Homeless. We challenge other businesses and organizations to consider participating in the auction. Your support of this program is key to the future of our national food supply.”

Daily News

CHICOPEE — Fifteen years ago, Monte Belmonte pushed an empty shopping cart from Northampton to Greenfield, hoping to raise $5,000 for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Instead, he raised $13,000, sparking a movement that has grown into the three-county, 43-mile March for the Food Bank.

The 15th annual March for the Food Bank will take place on Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 25-26. This year’s two-day trek from Springfield to Greenfield will once again be led by NEPM’s Monte Belmonte, U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, and Food Bank Executive Director Andrew Morehouse. As the Food Bank’s largest annual fundraiser, the event plays a vital role in supporting its mission and raising awareness about food insecurity across the region.

“Every step we take in this march represents our commitment to ensuring no one in our community goes hungry,” Morehouse said. “The need has never been greater, and this event demonstrates the power of collective action in addressing food insecurity.”

This year’s fundraising goal is $500,000, which translates to 1.5 million meals for families across Western Mass. Already, more than $101,000 has been raised. Reaching the $500,000 goal would also push the march’s 15-year cumulative total past $4 million, building on the $3.71 million raised over the first 14 years.

“The outpouring of support this year is phenomenal,” Food Bank Development Director Jillian Morgan said. “We are deeply grateful for the generosity of those who register and fundraise alongside us, as well as our incredible sponsors. This event would not be possible without them.”

Media sponsors WRSI 93.9 the River and New England Public Media will air programming on food insecurity and hunger leading up to and during the march. People can donate by phone at (888) 323-4673 Monday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., or anytime online at marchforthefoodbank.org.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Bacon Wilson, P.C. announced that two attorneys have officially joined the firm. Former law clerk Alexandre Pereira and former real-estate intern Sara Cafaro sat for the Massachusetts State Bar Exam in late July and have since been sworn in to the Massachusetts Bar as of Nov. 19.

Alexandre Pereira

Pereira joined Bacon Wilson as a law clerk in June 2023, gaining experience across multiple legal disciplines and discovering a strong passion for elder law and estate planning. During his time at Bacon Wilson, he earned his juris doctor degree with a concentration in transactional law from Western New England University School of Law in May 2024. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration, magna cum laude, from Western New England University, achieved in 2021.

Before joining Bacon Wilson, Pereira served as a legal assistant at Marta Law Offices in Ludlow, where he developed valuable expertise in estate planning and real estate. Beyond his professional pursuits, he has been an active community member, volunteering at Our Lady of Fatima Parish. He is excited to continue serving his community as Bacon Wilson’s newest associate attorney in the Elder Law and Estate Planning department.

Sara Cafaro

Cafaro began her journey at Bacon Wilson as an intern in the summer of 2022, working in the Corporate and Commercial Real Estate department at the Springfield office. She later transitioned to the Westfield office in the winter of 2022, continuing her practicum internship through 2024. She earned her juris doctor degree from Western New England University School of Law in May 2024. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Western New England University, completed through the accelerated 3+3 program. This innovative program allowed her to begin her law-school coursework during her senior undergraduate year, enabling her to graduate cum laude with her bachelor’s degree a year early in May 2022.

During her academic career, Cafaro was recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Edward F. McBride Award and the CALI Award for Excellence in Evidence Law. She is excited to advance her career as Bacon Wilson’s newest associate attorney in the Commercial and Residential Real Estate department.

Daily News

Christopher Fager

FLORENCE — Florence Bank has hired Christopher Fager to serve as vice president and commercial loan officer in the Commercial Lending department.

With 15 years of experience at banks in the region, Fager is skilled at commercial loan origination and analysis, portfolio management, and customer service. Over his career, he has worked with companies across all industries and has extensive knowledge with those in construction, manufacturing, nonprofits, auto dealership, logistics, dental, veterinarian, and wholesale distribution. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from UMass Dartmouth.

Fager is active in the community, serving on the board of directors for the West Springfield Boys & Girls Club and Helix Human Services. He is a distribution committee member for the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts and is so well-known as a youth coach in West Springfield that many people call him Coach Fager.

“We are proud to welcome Christopher to our commercial lending team and know that his skills, experience, and local network will serve him well in originating and managing loans for our customers,” Florence Bank President and CEO Matt Garrity said.

Daily News

MONSON — Monson Savings Bank is devoted to helping those in need, especially when it comes to helping younger generations. In the spirit of supporting local youth, Monson Savings Bank President and CEO Dan Moriarty, along with other bank representatives, recently presented a $2,250 donation to Shriners Children’s New England.

The donation was made as a part of the bank’s 2024 Community Giving Initiative, in which the public was given the opportunity to cast votes to support their favorite local charitable organizations. Voting for the 2025 Community Giving Initiative will open in October. Click here for updates and to learn more about the annual Community Giving Initiative.

Shriners Children’s New England is a local clinic providing specialty orthopedic, neuromuscular, cleft lip and palate, and urologic care exclusively to children.

“We are proud to make this donation to Shriners Children’s New England. This contribution will support patient care, medical research, and education that benefits local children,” Moriarty said. “We are so fortunate to have this wonderful clinic right in the Springfield community that parents and guardians can turn to when their child needs specialty care.”

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and the Rotary Club of Springfield have announced the honorees for the Westfield Bank 2024 Basketball Hall of Fame Rotary Service Above Self Luncheon, taking place Thursday, Dec. 12 at noon on Center Court of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

Tickets to the event are available to purchase at $90 each, and sponsorship opportunities for the luncheon are still available. For more information on sponsorships or to purchase tickets to the luncheon, contact Chelsea Johnson at (413) 231-5513 or [email protected].

This year’s honorees are well-known local residents John Sjoberg and Brenda Garton Sjoberg. John is president and CEO of NEBM, a regional provider and servicer of office business machines, and Brenda is a Communications professor at Western New England University and former TV news personality. The national honoree is Allan Houston, former New York Knick and founder of the Allan Houston Legacy Foundation.

John and Brenda’s community involvement is vast, and includes co-chairing the Jingle Bell Run to support the Special Olympics and the Gift of Light Ceremony at Mercy Medical Center, of which John was past board chairman. They have also been directly involved with the Ronald McDonald House, Sisters of Providence, Link to Libraries, Spirit of Springfield (of which John is currently chairman of the board), and many other organizations.

Houston and his foundation promote youth mentoring and responsible fatherhood, with a focus on entrepreneurship and career development. He has also developed the Allan Houston Mentoring Initiative and Father Knows Best basketball retreats through his foundation.

“Many notable individuals from the Western Mass. community and the sports world have been recognized at the Basketball Hall of Fame Service Above Self Luncheons throughout the years,” said Frank Colaccino, CEO of the Colvest Group and chairperson of the Basketball Hall of Fame/Rotary Service Above Self Award Luncheon committee. “Our honorees have generously served our communities with heartfelt passion without expectation of personal recognition.”

Oscar Mena De Leon, president of the Springfield Rotary Club, added that “the Rotary International Club of Springfield is pleased to celebrate and honor the tireless dedication of John Sjoberg, Brenda Garton, and Allan Houston. Rotary believes that ‘we are better together.’ The Rotary Club of Springfield’s motto has been Service Above Self for the last 110 years. The remarkable leadership that these honorees continually exhibit makes a significant impact on the communities they serve with absolute passion. This recognition also underscores the saying: ‘if not us, then who?’ Please join us in honoring them for their service.”

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Theodores’ Blues, Booze, and BBQ announced that longtime Head Chef Emily Meunier has joined the ownership team. This transition underscores the restaurant’s dedication to culinary excellence and its commitment to nurturing talent from within.

Meunier has been a driving force in the kitchen since 2009. As co-owner, she will continue to spearhead the culinary team while introducing innovative menu offerings that reflect her deep love for barbecue and bold flavors.

“I’m honored to step into this new role at Theodores’,” Meunier said. “This restaurant has been like home to me for years, and I’m excited to help shape its future while staying true to the traditions and flavors our guests know and love.”

Since opening its doors in 1979, Theodores’ has been a cornerstone of the downtown Springfield dining and music scene, celebrated for its barbecue and live blues performances.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — For the 31st consecutive year, Rock 102 is hosting its annual Mayflower Marathon food drive to benefit Springfield’s Open Pantry. This year, the tradition returns to MGM Springfield over the three days leading up to Thanksgiving. Bax & Nagle will broadcast for 52 hours while collecting non-perishable food donations for Open Pantry Community Services of Springfield.

As Open Pantry continues to see growing demand for its services, with one in four families in the Springfield area suffering from food insecurity, the need for donations of non-perishable food items is constant. The outpouring of support from area residents and businesses (including the Springfield Thunderbirds, Capitol Relocation and Logistics, Xfinity, Camping World of West Hatfield, Arment Trucking, and many more) has historically been significant, and organizers hope that support continues in 2024.

Scheduled interview guests for this year’s Mayflower Marathon include West Springfield native Mike Scully, former executive producer of The Simpsons; comedians Fitzy, Tom Cotter, and Bob Marley; and more. The Mayflower Marathon begins at 6 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 25 and runs until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27. It takes place by the South End Market at MGM Springfield.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services (MLKFS), in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services (DYS), the Center for Human Development’s (CHD) division of Adolescent Re-entry Services, and Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, are hosting a Holiday Tree Jubilee for the communities it serves. The event will take place on Friday, Nov. 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Greek Cultural Center, 22 St. George Road, Springfield.

“We are incredibly proud to continue our partnership with DYS this year as we come together to kick off the holiday season for families in our community,” said Shannon Rudder, president and CEO of MLKFS. “This collaboration is more than just an event — it’s a heartfelt commitment to bringing joy, hope, and support to those who need it most during the holidays. As we unite to spread warmth and kindness, we are reminded of the power of community and the importance of lifting each other up. We are grateful for the opportunity to make this season a little brighter for the families we serve, and we look forward to the lasting impact of this partnership in the months ahead.”

Thanks to a generous donation by King Gray Coach Lines, there will be two free bus rides leaving the MLK Jr. Family Services Community Center at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Nov. 22 for families who want a ride to the Greek Cultural Center. Return rides will also be included and will transport your fully decorated Christmas tree. Return rides will depart from the Greek Cultural Center at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.

With the support of community sponsors, the event is entirely free, providing barrier-free enjoyment for the entire family. The event brings the holiday spirit to life with photos with Santa, carolers, a hot-chocolate station, dance performances, face painting, cookie decorating, karaoke, letters to Santa, and, of course, a decorated holiday tree raffle free to everyone, which includes 117 fully decorated trees. All trees are donated and decorated in a family-friendly theme to go home with the families in attendance.

Faces of Business Features Special Coverage Special Publications

Financial services is a broad and robust sector in Western Mass., running the gamut from banking and lending to insurance and accounting to wealth management.

On the following pages, meet leaders from two local institutions — Matt Lauro, senior vice president and Western Massachusetts Commercial Lending team leader at MountainOne, and Deb Esposito, senior vice president and Business Banking officer at Greenfield Cooperative Bank.

We asked these financial leaders to share why they were first drawn to their work, how their journeys brought them to their current leadership roles, how the rewards and challenges of banking and finance have evolved, and why this sector presents attractive options for young people seeking a meaningful career.

Faces of Finance is part of BusinessWest’s Faces of Business series, which was launched with Faces of Construction earlier this year. So read on as these hardworking and thoughtful professionals tell you what they love about their work, what they do for fun, and why they’re deservedly proud of the success they’ve built.

 

Matt Lauro

Senior Vice President, Western Massachusetts Commercial Team Leader, MountainOne

Matt Lauro, Senior Vice President, Western Massachusetts Commercial Lending Team Leader, MountainOne

Matt Lauro, Senior Vice President, Western Massachusetts Commercial Lending Team Leader, MountainOne

Matt Lauro says he’s the product of “outstanding mentorship.”

That started the summer before his junior year of college, when he interned at Fidelity Management and Research Co., which encouraged networking and collaboration, setting an example of the kind of leader he would eventually be.

“I fell in love with analyzing different industries and businesses and listening to executive management speak about all the changes that would exist in my career lifetime,” Lauro recalls. “I loved the hybrid challenge of communicating with people and utilizing analytic abilities.”

In 2021, his career brought him back to Western Massachusetts. Through his network, he was introduced to Robert Fraser, president and CEO of MountainOne. “Bob was looking to add depth to our commercial lending team. I met with Bob and Richard (Dick) Kelly, our senior commercial risk officer, and the rest is history.”

These days, as MountainOne’s commercial leader for Western Massachusetts, Lauro is responsible for motivating, managing, and expanding a team of commercial bankers, as well as growing the region’s commercial portfolio. In addition, he oversees a diverse portfolio of clients across the Commonwealth.

“I am lucky,” he says. “I have an incredibly talented team in place with many years of experience, and we have built an outstanding portfolio of high-quality companies and individuals.”

He has achieved this during a time of significant challenge and opportunity in the financial-services sector. “The economic environment and the industry are evolving rapidly. The key opportunity is for banks and bankers to lead these changes,” he explains. “For instance, a banker who stays updated on economic trends can engage in more informed conversations with clients, fostering stronger, long-lasting relationships. It’s not just about making loans; it’s about managing relationships over the long term and helping clients navigate through periods of uncertainty.

“Additionally,” Lauro adds, “investing in new technology, introducing innovative products, and enhancing the customer experience are crucial for offsetting the long-term trend of rising costs.”

In all, it’s been a gratifying career, one he says young people would be wise to consider. While there’s no straight-line path to success, he offered some advice to anyone pursuing this field.

“Maintain intellectual curiosity and a desire to learn from the right people. Create a network of individuals that you can rely on for advice and lean on for their own expertise. Create mentorship opportunities for yourself, and identify people that you look up to and aspire to have careers similar to. Work tirelessly to master the skills most important in your path.”

Lauro’s life is much more than his work at MountainOne, of course.

“My family is my biggest motivation, and spending time together is my favorite hobby, whether that be on long drives, walks, or dinners,” he tells BusinessWest. “Between my wife Susanna, my daughter Annie, and our dog Nipsey, we have created an incredible support system for one another, and we’re very grateful for our lives together.”

He added that his parents instilled a sense of civic involvement while growing up, and he saw how committed they were to causes they were most passionate about — an example he has followed with his own family. He and his wife serve on several nonprofit boards and donate countless hours to charitable foundations; Lauro currently sits on the boards of Grit & Gratitude Wrestling Academy, Pittsfield Affordable Housing Trust, and Berkshire County Education and Correction.

“Overall, we are interested in continuing our involvement with youth and animal-welfare causes across the Commonwealth,” Lauro adds. “We take tremendous pride as a family with our charitable giving, nonprofit involvement, and community involvement.”

While his long-term professional goal is to be president of a financial institution, Lauro says he’s focused on helping to make MountainOne the best commercial banking organization it can be, and takes pride in that work.

“Personally, I am most proud of the flexibility I have in my career. I have been a peak performer at every level and have been flexible and curious enough to be a part of multiple different banking teams with different goals and accomplishments,” he notes. “Professionally, I am most proud of our portfolio of clients that our team has built. We have developed an outstanding commercial portfolio comprised of accomplished business owners, investors, and developers. I have spent countless hours with many of these individuals and have learned a great deal from them myself.”

In short, “our team plays to win,” Lauro says. “We win when our customers excel, when we forge new relationships, and when we collaborate creatively to develop effective solutions. The most gratifying part of the job is working with our customers to find ways to add value. As a team, we take great pride in being able to create tailored solutions for each client.”

 

Deb Esposito

Senior Vice President – Business Banking Officer, Greenfield Cooperative Bank

Deb Esposito, Senior Vice President – Business Banking Officer, Greenfield Cooperative Bank

Deb Esposito, Senior Vice President – Business Banking Officer,
Greenfield Cooperative Bank

Young people have plenty of options when it comes to choosing a career. For Deb Esposito, the factors were simple.

“I had an interest in business and finance, and a passion for everyone to enjoy a better financial future,” she says of her entry into the world of financial services — a path that has led to her latest role as senior vice president and Business Banking officer at Greenfield Cooperative Bank (GCB).

“As a senior in high school in the Midwest, I was recruited out of a business program, hired into a local bank, and worked there until I graduated from college,” she recalls. “After my college graduation and my foundation in banking, it was a natural career path for me to continue in.”

In her current role — a newly created one at GCB — Esposito leads the growth and development of new and existing business relationships in partnership with the Commercial Lending, Government Banking, and Retail departments. She also takes an active role implementing marketing strategies to strengthen the bank’s brand awareness across Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties.

The bank offers some explanation why that new role is important. “As a community bank, Greenfield Cooperative Bank strives to provide a full compliment of products and services to our customers. Debbie is a terrific addition to GCB’s team and will ensure we continue to provide excellent service to the businesses throughout Western Mass.”

That service, Esposito notes, includes “the ability to host consultative conversations with clients, companies, and organizations and walk away with a business plan of action for them. I’m able to guide them on banking solutions they need for efficiency, their cash flow and lending needs, challenges they may be facing, the growth or sale of their company, and so much more.”

To do that, she says, she needs to stay current in terms of financial matters such as the economy, the Federal Reserve and potential rate adjustments, stock-market activity, and banking regulation changes. “As a subject-matter expert, clients seek our guidance on managing their financial affairs, both on a personal level and business level.”

Esposito holds a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, and marketing from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater and a nonprofit certification with a financial focus from the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. With more than two decades of experience in the financial industry, she brings a wealth of expertise in business, commercial, and cash-management solutions. Prior to joining GCB, she served as vice president of Cash Management Sales for PeoplesBank and vice president, senior Treasury Management relationship manager for Citizens Bank.

She is also committed to community involvement, actively volunteering for various organizations across Western Mass.

“A recent favorite was our team build day for children play homes with Habitat for Humanity,” she notes. “An annual favorite includes my husband and I volunteering at the Boston Marathon finish line, scoring all runners and interacting with the press and media from various countries.”

It makes sense that she seeks roles that get her outside. “I am a outdoor enthusiast, originally from the Midwest, who loves the Northeast and the four seasons,” she tells BusinessWest. “Family time includes biking, hiking, traveling to Maine to enjoy the coastal beaches, Vermont and New Hampshire for the mountains, and so much more.”

In addition, “I’m an avid fan of all Boston sports as we are nicely spoiled by the success of our New England teams.”

That sense of gratitude extends deeply into Esposito’s work at GCB.

“I am pleased to have worked with a variety of excellent mentors who shaped my financial career to where I am today,” she says. “In my new role as senior vice president with Greenfield Cooperative Bank, I’m proud to be a part of a local community bank that mirrors my vision of helping people achieve their financial goals.”

It’s a challenging but satisfying career she says would be suitable for any young person with a desire to learn — and help people.

Her advice for them? “Be patient — very patient — in your career, and the rewards will follow. Enlist a good mentor and be a sponge to absorb knowledge in each of your roles. Enjoy being a professional networker and stay active in your community.”

Esposito’s recognition that each client is unique, and their banking services should never be one-size-fits-all, as well as her ability to listen to her customers and develop tailored financial solutions, is clearly the right fit for this important new position.

“We are thrilled to welcome Debbie to the Greenfield Cooperative Bank team,” says Tony Worden, president and CEO of GCB. “Her extensive experience and deep understanding of the local business landscape will be a tremendous asset as we continue to provide our customers with innovative financial solutions.”

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The deadline to purchase tickets to BusinessWest’s seventh annual Women of Impact award gala is Monday, Nov. 25. The event will take place on Thursday, Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m. at Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel. Tickets cost $95 per person, and tables of 10 are available. Click here to purchase tickets.

The awards presentation will feature two dynamic co-emcees: Dina McMahon, 94.7 WMAS Kellogg Krew Morning Show co-host; and Shannon Rudder, president and CEO of Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services and a 2024 BusinessWest Difference Makers honoree.

The 2024 Women of Impact, profiled in the Oct. 28 issue of BusinessWest and at businesswest.com, are:

• Alison Berman, council director of Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts;

• Dianne Fuller Doherty, co-founder of the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts and former director of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center’s Regional Office;

• JoAnne Finck, president of Friends of Cooley Dickinson;

• Kimberley Lee, chief of Creative Strategy and Development at MiraVista Behavioral Health Center;

• Megan McDonough, executive director of Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity;

• LaTonia Monroe Naylor, chief business educator at Monroe Naylor Consulting, LLC and president and CEO of Parent Villages;

• Kristi Reale, partner at Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.; and

• Dr. Shirley Jackson Whitaker, nephrologist, artist, and filmmaker.

The seventh annual Women of Impact program is presented by TommyCar Auto Group and Country Bank, and sponsored by Cooley Dickinson Hospital.

Daily News

HOLYOKE — The Holyoke Community College (HCC) Business & Community Services division has opened registration for its spring 2025 catalog of personal-enrichment and professional-development classes.

The spring calendar begins Jan. 29, with individual classes running on different schedules throughout the spring semester. Many are available as single sessions that cost as little as $39.

Personal-enrichment classes for spring include piano lessons; dance; acrylic painting; watercolor painting; pen-and-ink drawing; sewing; voiceover coaching; conversational Spanish, French, and Polish; Spanish for human-service professionals; wine tasting; music technology; hat making; home décor; and color design.

In the professional-development area, HCC is offering classes in QuickBooks; ServSafe; K-12 continuing education; investment strategies, trusts, and estate planning; as well as certification programs for people interested in becoming medical interpreters, real-estate salespeople, and notaries public.

Most classes meet in the Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development on the main HCC campus, 303 Homestead Ave., Holyoke. Wine-tasting classes meet at the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute, 164 Race St., Holyoke.

To see complete spring course listings and schedules, or to register, visit hcc.edu/bcs. More classes will be added as spring approaches.

Daily News

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank (GCB) announced its sponsorship of a rest stop at its Sunderland branch on Tuesday, Nov. 26 for the marchers of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts’s annual Monte’s March from Springfield to Greenfield.

In addition to providing refreshments and support to the marchers, the bank will be collecting non-perishable food items at its Sunderland and Amherst branches from through Nob. 27 to benefit the Amherst Survival Center. The Greenfield main office and 277 Federal St. branch will also be collecting non-perishable food items during this time to benefit Stone Soup Café.

“We are committed to supporting food security in our community,” said Tony Worden, president and CEO at GCB. “By participating in the food drives and supporting the Food Bank of Western Mass.’s march, we hope to make a positive impact on those in need.”

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Rocky’s Ace Hardware is kicking off the season of giving with its “Round Up for Kids” fundraiser. Throughout the campaign, which extends through Dec. 31, customers are asked to round up their purchase total to the next dollar. The difference is donated to Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) hospitals.

“The healthcare professionals at these hospitals are doing the work of heroes,” Rocky’s Ace Hardware President Rocco Falcone said. “CMN helps more than 10 million kids each year get the best possible medical treatment.”

Last year, the initiative raised more than $41,000 across all Rocky’s locations. All money raised goes to benefit local CMN hospitals, including Baystate Children’s Hospital in Springfield. Local participating Rocky’s locations include the Island Pond Road and Liberty Street stores in Springfield, as well as the stores in Agawam, East Longmeadow, Westfield, Ludlow, Palmer, and South Hadley.

Donations help fund critical treatments, innovative research, pediatric equipment, financial assistance for families, and services aimed at putting the minds of children at ease during difficult hospital stays.

“Every year, I’m overwhelmed by the generosity of our customers,” Falcone said. “Children’s Miracle Network helps save lives. We’re looking forward to another successful season of contributing to this worthy cause.”

Picture This

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

 

Party with 1 Purpose

Co-hosted by David Fontaine Jr. and Sarah Fontaine, along with Chris and Deb Connelly, the event raised funds to directly support ongoing research and initiatives to find a cure for T1D.

Co-hosted by David Fontaine Jr. and Sarah Fontaine, along with Chris and Deb Connelly, the event raised funds to directly support ongoing research and initiatives to find a cure for T1D.

The Party with 1 Purpose fundraiser, hosted at the Basketball Hall of Fame on Oct. 26, was a resounding success, raising more than $329,000 (and counting) in support of Breakthrough T1D, surpassing the event’s fundraising goal. The event brought together a vibrant community of supporters, families, and advocates, all united in the fight against type-1 diabetes (T1D). Co-hosted by David Fontaine Jr. and Sarah Fontaine, along with Chris and Deb Connelly, the event raised funds to directly support ongoing research and initiatives to find a cure for T1D.

 

 

Round Up for Pets

14th annual Round Up for Pets fundraiser

14th annual Round Up for Pets fundraiser

Throughout its 14th annual Round Up for Pets fundraiser, Rocky’s Ace Hardware asked customers to round up their purchase total to the next dollar, with the difference donated to animal shelters near the store. A total of $34,561.68 was collected across all locations, with $6,050.81 raised locally going to shelters in Western Mass., including the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center and Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society in Springfield, Second Chance Animal Services in East Brookfield, and Westfield Animal Control and Shelter in Westfield.

 

Triple Winner

The Springfield Regional Chamber recognizes local businesses through its Super 60 awards

The Springfield Regional Chamber recognizes local businesses through its Super 60 awards

The Springfield Regional Chamber recognizes local businesses through its Super 60 awards. This year, Pioneer Valley Financial Group was honored in three categories: Revenue, Growth, and Give Back, recognizing total revenue within the latest fiscal year, revenue growth over three consecutive years, and a focus on giving back to the community, respectively. Partners Edward Sokolowski, Kelly Haber, and Karen Nogueira were thrilled to celebrate with the whole team at the annual Super 60 luncheon and award ceremony on Nov. 8.

Court Dockets

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

 

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

 

Serge Belozerov v. Big Y Foods Inc.

Allegation: Wiretapping and privacy violation

Filed: 10/17/24

 

Paula Dalzovo on behalf of herself and all others similarly situated v. Holyoke Operator LLC d/b/a MiraVista Behavioral Health Center and Devens Treatment & Recovery Center LLC d/b/a TaraVista Behavioral Health Center

Allegation: Violation of Massachusetts Wage Act: $301,000

Filed: 10/17/24

 

The Commerce Insurance Co. a/s/o Conor P. Cormier v. City of Springfield

Allegation: Motor-vehicle negligence: $8,000

Filed: 10/18/24

 

Karen Toledo v. Riverside Park Enterprises Inc. and Six Flags Entertainment Corp.

Allegation: Negligence causing personal injury: $55,074.16+

Filed: 10/18/24

 

Jim Porter v. Sonny’s Car Wash Services Southeast LLC

Allegation: Failure to pay wages: $23,339.40

Filed: 10/21/24

 

Jessica McDaniel v. Chicopee Walmart

Allegation: Defamation: $14,000

Filed: 10/22/24

 

Linda Kenney v. River Edge Management Corp.

Allegation: Negligence; slip and fall causing personal injury: $25,000+

Filed: 10/22/24

 

Barbara Bell v. Caring Health Center

Allegation: Medical malpractice

Filed: 10/23/24

 

Company Notebook

Bradley International Airport Receives $6 Million for Projects

WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) announced that $6 million of federal funding has been secured for a major improvement project at Bradley International Airport (BDL). The funding will be used for the ongoing construction of an 80,000-square-foot inline baggage screening facility behind the Sheraton Hotel, which is one of two construction projects currently underway at BDL. Once complete, baggage will be sent from the airline ticket counters along a mile-long conveyor belt to the new facility for screening. Current explosive-detection machines located in the terminal lobby will be relocated once the new screening facility is operational, which will open additional space for current and future airline growth. The facility will also entail the construction of three new gates. The designated funding for Bradley International Airport comes from a total $970 million in grant funding from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) FY 2025 Airport Terminal Program, which was established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Through a competitive grant process, the FAA is providing funding to 125 airports across the country this fiscal year to focus on terminal reconstruction, development, accessibility, energy efficiency, and more. Prior to this most recent announcement, BDL has been awarded more than $31 million in grant funds from prior years of the Airport Terminal Program, which is a subset of the total $99 million in federal grants that BDL has received for its major terminal enhancement projects. The CAA has successfully applied for funds in each year that the highly competitive grant program has been offered. The total cost of the inline baggage screening facility project is estimated at $188 million. In addition to the federal funding, the construction of the facility will be funded through a combination of passenger facility charges and airport revenue.

 

Florence Bank Donates $5,000 to Tech Foundry

FLORENCE — Florence Bank has donated $5,000 to Tech Foundry of Springfield in its 10th-anniversary year, supporting its newly established Innovation Fund to help enhance the organization’s digital-literacy curriculum and grow its reach. Serving Hampshire, Hampden, and Franklin counties, Tech Foundry provides tech training and mentoring, increases access to careers and jobs in the tech field, builds talent and opportunity pipelines, drives digital literacy, and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the region. Training and mentorship are available at its classrooms in Springfield and across the region at organizations such as libraries and councils on aging. A new learning lab called Tech Hub in Holyoke also focuses on digital literacy, training, device distribution, and tech support.

 

Country Bank Supports Local Schools with Donations

WARE — Country Bank announced a recent donation of Visa gift cards to 35 local schools, totaling $12,000. These schools have been long-standing partners in the bank’s financial-literacy initiatives, and this contribution aims to support teachers and students as they head into the new academic year. As part of its ongoing commitment to financial literacy, Country Bank offers a robust Money School program, which includes a variety of resources designed to teach students about managing money, budgeting, and saving. Most recently, the program introduced a new debit-card option for kids, allowing them to learn hands-on how to manage money earned from chores. This innovative approach to financial education is designed to give young people the skills they need to succeed financially throughout their lives.

 

Max’s Swing Lounge Opens at Basketball Hall of Fame

SPRINGFIELD — Max’s Swing Lounge, a new destination for golf enthusiasts and casual players alike, celebrated its grand opening on Nov. 14 at the Basketball Hall of Fame. This state-of-the-art lounge combines cutting-edge technology with fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal place to unwind, practice, and socialize. With nine high-definition Track Man simulators that offer a realistic golfing experience, guests can play iconic courses from around the world without leaving the lounge. These simulators also have other games available that are suitable for kids and the whole family. Whether a player is a seasoned pro or just starting out, staff are on hand to provide tips and guidance. In addition to golfing, Max’s Swing Lounge offers a full-service bar and menu featuring food and beverages from the Max’s Tavern menu. Guests can enjoy everything from artisanal snacks to signature cocktails.

 

bankESB Wins Awards for Workplace Culture

EASTHAMPTON — bankESB received three Top Workplaces Culture Excellence awards from Energage for Employee Appreciation, Well-being, and Professional Development. The Employee Appreciation award celebrates organizations that make employees feel valued for their efforts, thereby motivating employees to give their best at work. The Employee Well-being award honors organizations that stand out for their commitment to putting health and wellness at the center of their workplace culture. The Professional Development award honors companies that make it a priority to provide employees with opportunities that help them develop their careers and grow professionally. Winners are chosen based solely on employee feedback gathered through an anonymous, third-party employee-engagement survey, administered by Energage, a leading provider of technology-based employee engagement tools. More than 42,000 organizations across the country were invited to participate in the survey.

 

CitySpace Awarded $501,000 for Old Town Hall Restoration

EASTHAMPTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration recently announced more than $161 million in funding for local economic-development across Massachusetts, benefiting 313 projects in 171 communities. Among these grants, CitySpace has been awarded $501,830 to complete the second phase of the Old Town Hall restoration, a project aimed at making this historic arts and culture venue fully accessible to all members of the community. CitySpace is one of only 37 recipients statewide to receive the highly competitive Underutilized Property Program grant, further underscoring the significance of this project. This funding will directly support CitySpace’s mission to restore and revitalize Easthampton’s historic Old Town Hall into a 350-seat, fully accessible arts center, preserving a piece of the city’s cultural heritage while creating an inclusive venue for artistic expression. The second phase of restoration will introduce a new accessible entryway, an elevator serving every floor, and the repair and display of a historic stained-glass window on the building’s street-facing entryway.

 

Don Roy Auto Body Announces Closing

CHICOPEE — The family members who owned and operated Don Roy’s Auto Body and Appearance Center Inc. on Granby Road in Chicopee for more than 30 years have announced the closing of their business. “It is with a heavy heart that we are making this announcement,” said Don Roy, who founded the auto-body shop in 1992. “We made the decision to close because of several reasons beyond our control, the primary and most important factor being that we can no longer afford to pay our technicians and employees a proper wage. Insurance companies set the labor rate, and it is no longer adequate. We are no longer able to maintain quality repair technicians, and we are not able to keep up to date with all new repair concepts and tooling needed to repair today’s new dimension of vehicles. Auto-body shops are not credited by insurance companies for the investment they make in their shops, and, coupled with the insufficient funding, this has led to the unfortunate decision that our family had to make.” Don Roy’s Auto Body was an active member of its community, participating in car shows and supporting many local nonprofit organizations. The shop was known for its customer service and received several awards from local business organizations over the years, including Business of the Year from the Chicopee Chamber of Commerce and the Torch Award from the Better Business Bureau.

 

Elms College Partners with UNE on Graduate-program Pathway

CHICOPEE — Elms College signed an articulation agreement with the University of New England (UNE), creating a streamlined pathway for Elms graduates to pursue advanced degrees in five high-demand health professions. Under this agreement, Elms College students who meet a specified minimum GPA and fulfill additional program requirements will be guaranteed an interview in the admission process for UNE’s graduate programs. Starting in the fall of 2025, this collaboration will broaden educational opportunities for Elms students, offering them direct access to UNE, Maine’s leading provider of health professional training. The five graduate programs included in this agreement are doctor of dental medicine (DMD), master of science in athletic training (MSAT), master of science in occupational therapy (MSOT), doctor of physical therapy (DPT), and doctor of pharmacy (PharmD). These fields represent growing areas within healthcare, and this agreement positions Elms graduates for success in meeting the increasing demand for skilled professionals. For students at Elms College, this agreement not only provides a more accessible route to graduate-level education, but also serves as a testament to the value of an Elms education in preparing them for meaningful careers in healthcare.

 

Food Bank Among Winners of New England Food Vision Prize

CHICOPEE — The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts announced that it has been selected as one of the 2024 New England Food Vision Prize winners, an honor awarded by the Henry P. Kendall Foundation. This recognition comes with $124,420 in funding, contributing to the more than $1.2 million awarded to local food projects across the region. The Food Bank’s award will support a key existing partnership between the Food Bank Farm, Lakeside Organics of Hadley, Atlas Farm, and Springfield Public Schools, designed to increase access to local, organic produce in school cafeterias and educational programs. The awarded funds will be used to acquire equipment that enables partner farms to expand the production, harvesting, and processing of organic vegetables on the Food Bank Farm. These vegetables will be sold to Springfield Public Schools, providing students with healthy, locally sourced options in their meals. The Springfield Public Schools will promote this partnership through initiatives in the cafeteria, the classroom, and field trips to the Food Bank Farm, immersing students in the story and impact of local food systems.

 

U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance Supports Square One Campaign

SPRINGFIELD — U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance has joined the growing list of businesses and community partners supporting Square One’s “Back to Square One” capital campaign. Impact Finance, a U.S. Bank subsidiary, contributed a $40,000 grant from U.S. Bancorp Community Development Entity toward Square One’s $15.5 million construction project, being built in Springfield’s South End, 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. The grant is in addition to $4.4 million in equity Impact Finance provided in New Markets Tax Credit financing. Currently, the campaign is approximately $2 million shy of its goal.

People on the Move
Michael Lavoie

Michael Lavoie

Morrison Mahoney LLP announced that Michael Lavoie has been elected a partner. Headquartered in Boston, Morrison Mahoney LLP is one of the 15 largest firms in Massachusetts. Lavoie, who practices in the firm’s Springfield office, has experience at all stages of litigation, from counseling to appeals. His practice is primarily focused in the areas of professional malpractice, including the defense of physicians, hospitals, lawyers, and other professionals in state and federal courts, as well as before administrative licensing bodies. Lavoie also represents contractors in construction claims and employers in employment-law matters involving wage-and-hour disputes and discrimination. Lavoie earned a bachelor’s degree in legal studies and political science from UMass Amherst and a juris doctorate from Western New England University School of Law. He is admitted to practice law in Connecticut, Massachusetts, the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts, and the First Circuit. He has served as a volunteer tenant advocate and taught a course on Health Law and Policy at Springfield College.

•••••

Danielle Veronesi

Danielle Veronesi

Busline Magazine, the journal of the tour, transit, and specialty vehicle industry, named Danielle Veronesi to its list of “Women to Recognize in 2024,” which honors female leaders in the public and private bus industries whose accomplishments have set a solid foundation for all women to succeed in the future. Veronesi is senior director of Marketing & Customer Care for Peter Pan Bus Lines and was recognized for her leadership, innovation, and community commitment. Veronesi has driven major improvements within Peter Pan Bus Lines, from modernizing customer-service technology to spearheading workforce-development initiatives. She also has championed projects that elevate customer satisfaction and operational excellence. In her role, she has implemented advanced technologies to streamline passenger experience and introduced data-driven strategies for workforce recruitment. Veronesi also chairs the National Bus Traffic Assoc. customer care committee and works with organizations like the Jimmy Fund, where her contributions earned her the esteemed Bob Chyene Award.

•••••

Nikki Long

Nikki Long

David Ellis

David Ellis

Anthony DiSanto

Anthony DiSanto

In a strategic move to accelerate growth and enhance leadership, OMG Inc. announced key promotions within its FastenMaster team. Nikki Long has been named vice president of the Structural Business Unit and the Customer Service Department. In her new role, she will oversee the Structural Business Unit, including the LOK line of fasteners, plus FastenMaster’s new construction-sales team and its five-member customer-service department. Long, who joined FastenMaster in 2003, has held roles of increasing responsibility, including customer service manager, home center channel manager, and director of key accounts. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Smith College. David Ellis has been promoted to vice president of Sales & Marketing, where he will oversee FastenMaster’s nationwide field sales team, the key accounts team, as well as FastenMaster’s marketing group. Ellis joined FastenMaster in 2009 as a field sales representative and has steadily risen through the ranks, most recently serving as director of Sales, where he led the company’s growth in strategic product categories. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Missouri State University. Anthony DiSanto has been promoted to director of the Decking Business Unit. In this role, he will oversee strategy and execution for FastenMaster’s deck-fastening business, including the Cortex, TrapEase, and Tiger Claw product lines, as well as the development of new decking innovations. DiSanto, who joined FastenMaster in 2006, has played a pivotal role in launching more than 20 new products during his tenure. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Western New England University.

•••••

Michael O’Rourke

Michael O’Rourke

Michael O’Rourke has been appointed to the Westfield State University board of trustees. He replaces trustee Paul Boudreau, whose five-year term ended on March 1. O’Rourke is a Westfield State University alumnus, having earned a bachelor’s degree in history with minors in English and secondary education in 1973 He has more than 10 years’ of experience serving on the Board of Assessors for the town of Ludlow, where he currently has the role of vice chairman. He is also member-at-large of the Westfield State Alumni Assoc. executive council. His long history of committee service includes the Ludlow School Committee, Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative, the Massachusetts Advisory Committee on Athletics, the special education committee for the Massachusetts Assoc. of School Committees, and the board of directors of the Ludlow Chamber of Commerce. Since 1975, O’Rourke has owned and operated Belmont Driving School, with locations in Ludlow and Belchertown. Previously, he taught social studies in Ludlow and Longmeadow public schools.

 

DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and/or trade names were issued or renewed during the months of October and November 2024.

AMHERST

413 Vending
40 Summerfield Road
Yusef Wilson, Peter Ye

All Smith
11 Eames Place
Reed Smith II

Amherst Healing Arts
592 Main St.
Elya Rowa

AROMA-Therapy Inc.
190 University Dr.
Geneva Ledbettermaguire

Correia’s Compassionate Caregivers
63 Fairfield St.
Valdemira Fernandes

L&A Painting
17 Southpoint Dr.
David Luna

Massage with Talya
16 Salem Place
Talya Solomon

Playa Bowls – Amherst
65 University Dr.
Timothy Day

Reify Painting
77 Colonial Village
Pierceson Brown

Zoë Scott
409 Main St.
Zoë Scott

BELCHERTOWN

Roadhouse Café
176 Federal St.
Morgan Biastoff, Andrew Crandall

SOUTH HADLEY

Laravit’s Wheels
87 Abbey St.
Ryan David

McCray’s Farm
55 Alvord St.
Stephen McCray

SOUTHWICK

Allen’s Affordable Auto
96 Point Grove Road
Christopher Allen

American Way Home Improvement
24 Eagle St.
Andrew Gorenc

Brian Pranka
P.O. Box 779
Brian Pranka

Friends of Southwick Dog Park Inc.
5 Point Grove Road
Diane Gale

Jameson R’s Farm and Freight
1 Laro Road
Jameson Bell

Justine Therese Organic Hair Spa
610 College Highway
Justine Bruni

Richard Taylor
51 Congamond Road
Richard Taylor

WESTFIELD

Bags Baubles & Chocolate
256 Union St.
Bags Baubles & Chocolate

Charge Up Collectibles
11 Pontoosic Road
Nicholas Gregoire

Close to Body
30 White St.
Lyubov Shevchenko

Dream Co.
111 Bates Road
Dacota Durkee

Emma’s Pet Sitting & Dog Walking
74 Mill St.
Emma Brumley

Furrow Engineering
199 Servistar Industrial Way, Suite 2
Frank DeMarinis

Global Homecare Inc.
11 Howard St.
Atash Novruzov

Honey Hair and Beauty Salon
20 School St.
Honey Hair and Beauty Salon

JC Snacks
225 Root Road
James Gumlaw

Loaded Pop Pockets LLC
23 Main St.
Brent Momb

Needle Art
45 Taylor Ave.
Amber Zahid

Photography by Tiffany K
8 Whitaker Road
Tiffany Knurek

Rebalance Health
21 Ridgeview Ter.
Amanda Wielgus

The Spa at Little River
38 Elm St., #11
The Spa at Little River

WEST SPRINGFIELD

China Bodywork Center and Spa
2009 Riverdale St.
China Bodywork Center and Spa

Elegant Décor and Rental
189 Dewey St.
Elegant Décor and Rental

The Hair and Nail Co.
1346 Elm St.
The Hair and Nail Co.

Kidwell Electric
94 Front St.
Kidwell Electric

LKH Consulting
61 Winona Dr.
LKH Consulting

New World Energy
1300 Morgan Road
New World Energy

Nutmeg International Trucks LLC
268 Park St.
Allegiance Trucks

Public Employees’ Retirement Insurance Services
37 Elm St.
Public Employees’ Retirement Insurance Services

Time to Talk: Personal Counseling and Educational Consulting LLC
64 Cornflower Dr.
Time to Talk: Personal Counseling and Educational Consulting LLC

Bankruptcies

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

Brown, Lee Ernest
555 Union St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Date: 10/15/2024

Cotto, Justina M.
95 Methuen St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/09/2024

Ewing, J.R.
PO Box 872
Chicopee, MA 01014
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/15/2024

Flint, Robert L.
101 Longview Ter.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/11/2024

Krivicky, Donald M.
22 Bluemer Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/11/2024

Morales-Guzman, Wanda E.
80-82 Cuff Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Date: 10/10/2024

Reed, Kayleanna Elizabeth
a/k/a Hollis, Kayleanna E.
a/k/a Cutroni, Kayleana E.
P.O. Box 560
West Warren, MA 01092
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/14/2024

Richardson, Randolph Douglas
91 Shaw Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/15/2024

Sfakios, Amy V.
236 Vining Hill Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 13
Date: 10/15/2024

Silva, Edith Ann
38 Dexter St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Date: 10/11/2024

Winters, Ryan W.
49 McArthur St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Date: 10/10/2024

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

BERNARDSTON

148 Couch Brook Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: David R. Fletcher
Seller: Bmfn LLC
Date: 10/22/24

19 South St.
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Pinnacle Mountain LLC
Seller: Alexander F. Fiorey
Date: 10/16/24

BUCKLAND

8 Old Upper St.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $975,000
Buyer: Ray C. Lamontagne
Seller: Benton INT
Date: 10/23/24

48 Prospect St.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Charles W. Leach
Seller: Grinnell Real Estate LLC
Date: 10/11/24

CHARLEMONT

9 Route 8A
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Palmeri Properties LLC
Seller: Berkshire East Ski Resort
Date: 10/18/24

95 Todd Mountain Road
Charlemont, MA 01367
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: Joia Verde LLC
Seller: Martin Todd Mountain Road RT
Date: 10/22/24

ERVING

10 Pleasant St.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Matthew P. Goulet
Seller: Ryan A. Fisher
Date: 10/22/24

22 River Road
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Karen A. Rhodes
Seller: Pamela J. McNamara
Date: 10/18/24

GILL

49 French King Hwy.
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Joseph C. Yukl
Seller: Bruce D. Yukl
Date: 10/17/24

GREENFIELD

195 Chapman St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Anthony J. Westendorf
Seller: Janna Walters-Gidseg
Date: 10/23/24

329 Deerfield St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Efmi Properties LLC
Seller: Andrew T. Conti TR
Date: 10/16/24

335 Deerfield St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Efmi Properties LLC
Seller: Andrew T. Conti TR
Date: 10/16/24

353 Deerfield St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Efmi Properties LLC
Seller: Andrew T. Conti TR
Date: 10/16/24

368 Federal St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $680,000
Buyer: Rail Baron Realty LLC
Seller: Scott D. Akers
Date: 10/22/24

65 Harrison Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $317,900
Buyer: Elizabeth Ramlow
Seller: Clark S. Mitchell RET
Date: 10/18/24

47 Haywood St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $363,000
Buyer: Rebecca Bastron
Seller: Nathaniel Law
Date: 10/15/24

64 Newton St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $179,900
Buyer: Joshua E. Sitron
Seller: The Street Lumber Corp.
Date: 10/22/24

139 Silver St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $323,500
Buyer: Jennifer Chi
Seller: Kaylie A. Love
Date: 10/18/24

HEATH

4 Waterfall Dr.
Heath, MA 01346
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Nate Sutton
Seller: Joseph A. Smith
Date: 10/21/24

LEVERETT

1 Long Plain Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $580,000
Buyer: Stephen D. Catt
Seller: Pipkin, Ronald M., (Estate)
Date: 10/22/24

LEYDEN

94 Eden Trail
Leyden, MA 01337
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Brody Shepherd
Seller: C. Porrovecchio
Date: 10/23/24

296 River Road
Leyden, MA 01337
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: D. P. Bittinger
Seller: Ramani M. Dayon
Date: 10/11/24

MONTAGUE

8 New St.
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $288,000
Buyer: Daniel Roof
Seller: Lawna A. Lewis
Date: 10/23/24

23 North Taylor Hill Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Timothy J. Flynn
Seller: Barbara B. Rosenau
Date: 10/11/24

ORANGE

8 Stone Valley Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: John D. Brigham
Seller: Robert S. Kirkwood
Date: 10/15/24

89 Wheeler Ave.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Kyle R. Tenney
Seller: Logan A. Rivers
Date: 10/18/24

WHATELY

21 Poplar Hill Road
Whately, MA 01039
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Bailey Robinson
Seller: Erik T. Debbink
Date: 10/11/24

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

61 Kensington St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Holden Bielanski
Seller: Christina C. Cook
Date: 10/18/24

62 Kensington St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $287,000
Buyer: Joseph R. Joyal
Seller: Stephen P. Giordano
Date: 10/17/24

84 Line St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Sarah Loreille
Seller: Brandon Tessier
Date: 10/22/24

695 Mill St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: 695 Mill Street LLC
Seller: Lorie A. Devoe-Marsh
Date: 10/17/24

52 Parker St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Kristin Bushey
Seller: Cormier FT
Date: 10/18/24

11 Randall St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $293,040
Buyer: Nathan R. Kvarnstrom
Seller: Appleton Grove LLC
Date: 10/23/24

92 River Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Tedeschi Properties LLC
Seller: Roy B. Ferrell
Date: 10/15/24

17 South Brooke Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: Halyna Shveyko
Seller: Albert J. Woszczyna
Date: 10/17/24

39 Strawberry Hill Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Andrew D. Jalbert
Seller: Frieda P. Settle
Date: 10/23/24

292 Suffield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Walz Realty LLC
Seller: Springmill TR
Date: 10/23/24

738 Suffield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Kevin R. Mallory
Seller: Mallory Jr., Arthur C., (Estate)
Date: 10/21/24

71 Stewart Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Aden Ismail
Seller: Florence Kinsley
Date: 10/18/24

33 Wrenwood Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $272,500
Buyer: W. M. Picco
Seller: Jacobs, Donald, (Estate)
Date: 10/18/24

BRIMFIELD

1172 Dunhamtown Brimfield Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $471,000
Buyer: Thomas J. Russo
Seller: James W. Molett
Date: 10/15/24

79 Warren Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Michael Normoyle
Seller: Darren A. Wiemer
Date: 10/15/24

CHICOPEE

55 Beauregard Ter.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $163,000
Buyer: Varakas RT
Seller: Thomas M. Toepfer
Date: 10/15/24

450 Broadway St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $476,000
Buyer: Fani Luna
Seller: Mark Maldonado
Date: 10/16/24

242 Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Todd M. Hynek
Seller: Richard P. Kida
Date: 10/18/24

109 Deane St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $352,000
Buyer: Mary P. Ledoux
Seller: Mary A. Brach
Date: 10/17/24

82 Dillon St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $272,000
Buyer: Mariela M. Matos
Seller: Ivelisse Hicks
Date: 10/23/24

78 Labelle Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Aleksandr R. Godlew
Seller: Ruby A. Rivera
Date: 10/15/24

27 Laurel St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Miliel Sanchez
Seller: Julee Montemagni
Date: 10/22/24

6 Leo Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $349,000
Buyer: William Young Properties LLC
Seller: William J. Rokowski
Date: 10/22/24

64 Marion St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Dolores Jarusiewicz
Seller: Patrick A. Chamberlain
Date: 10/18/24

112 Narragansett Blvd.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Ronald Desilvince
Seller: Vasily Tokarev
Date: 10/15/24

194 Nonotuck Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Ruby A. Rivera
Seller: Mary P. Ledoux
Date: 10/16/24

116 Pine St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: David Sexton
Seller: Thomas P. Lemanski
Date: 10/21/24

44 Rochester St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Earl K. Dandy
Seller: Heather A. Dandy
Date: 10/22/24

35 Theodore St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Jason Arias
Seller: Sherry A. Manyak
Date: 10/18/24

37 Tolpa Court
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Tessa Miller
Seller: David R. Lavalley
Date: 10/23/24

EAST LONGMEADOW

169 Allen St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Ricky Santiago
Seller: Michael Sullivan
Date: 10/23/24

161 Braeburn Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $595,000
Buyer: Aswhin P. Raj
Seller: Dennis Xayasone
Date: 10/23/24

8 Franconia Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $459,999
Buyer: Patrick A. Chamberlain
Seller: Barbara A. Fenney
Date: 10/18/24

15 Frankwyn St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Brenda L. Dangelo
Seller: Caitlin O’Brien
Date: 10/18/24

103 Gates Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Linda Martin
Seller: Adam Dubois
Date: 10/22/24

1 Laurence Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $189,965
Buyer: Ilani M. Ortiz
Seller: Alan Thai
Date: 10/16/24

44 Shaw St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Nicholas Dowell
Seller: Ena T. Arel
Date: 10/17/24

GRANVILLE

1494 Main Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Jennifer Reed
Seller: Byard T. Miller
Date: 10/17/24

HAMPDEN

313 Bennett Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Kevin J. Czaplicki
Seller: Celine A. Gaudreau
Date: 10/21/24

95 Chapin Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $762,600
Buyer: Elizabeth Moore
Seller: Cumberland Blues RT
Date: 10/21/24

HOLLAND

26 Amber Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Bricmore Property Investments LLC
Seller: Adam Brote
Date: 10/15/24

488 Mashapaug Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Andrew Porter
Seller: Annie R. Roscioli
Date: 10/23/24

HOLYOKE

14 Alderman St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Raymond M. Garcia-Brito
Seller: Stephen F. Field
Date: 10/22/24

295-297 Beech St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Jpn Properties LLC
Seller: Ginkgo Holdings LLC
Date: 10/15/24

1 Green Lane
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Marcy Eisenberg RET
Seller: Cindy M. Bigras RET
Date: 10/16/24

181-183 High St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $520,000
Buyer: Legacy Property Investment Group LLC
Seller: 181 High Holyoke Mass. LLC
Date: 10/23/24

428 Maple St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $780,000
Buyer: Legacy Property Investment Group LLC
Seller: 428446 Maple Holyoke Mass. LLC
Date: 10/23/24

446 Maple St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $780,000
Buyer: Legacy Property Investment Group LLC
Seller: 428446 Maple Holyoke Mass. LLC
Date: 10/23/24

323 Sargeant St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Nathaniel Tishman
Seller: Bartlett M. Doty
Date: 10/23/24

LONGMEADOW

107 Barrington Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Janice Thornsbury
Seller: Patricia D. Smith
Date: 10/21/24

158 Converse St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Samantha O. Szalewicz
Seller: Krill, Betty T., (Estate)
Date: 10/17/24

81 Ellington St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Katlyn Diclemente
Seller: Robert P. Durfee
Date: 10/23/24

27 Massachusetts Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Lewis O. Roy
Date: 10/15/24

66 Metacomet Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $540,000
Buyer: Shengmin Luo
Seller: Rachel L. Krotenberg
Date: 10/15/24

55 Pleasantview Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $438,900
Buyer: Jonathan L. Lee
Seller: Jared Butlin
Date: 10/18/24

LUDLOW

447 Center St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Matthew Jensen
Seller: Richard Tereso
Date: 10/16/24

711 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: E. D. Valadares
Seller: Anibal M. Dias
Date: 10/18/24

Dinis St., Lot 10
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Mitchell E. Goodreau
Seller: Sergio Hernandez
Date: 10/15/24

166 Fuller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $329,900
Buyer: Catarina Sanches
Seller: James E. Banas
Date: 10/23/24

154 Loopley St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $312,000
Buyer: William Raffaele
Seller: Anthony B. Pietrowski
Date: 10/21/24

232 Munsing St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $755,000
Buyer: Elizabeth M. Bourgoin
Seller: Leonel Goncalves
Date: 10/15/24

306 Sewall St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Cpn J. & Realty LLC
Seller: Antoni Pietrzykowski
Date: 10/18/24

MONSON

4 Carpenter Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Ian Dextradeur
Seller: Robert T. Morrin
Date: 10/22/24

33 Old Reed Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $620,000
Buyer: Roxana Nowak
Seller: James W. Bishop
Date: 10/22/24

18 Stafford Hollow Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $391,000
Buyer: Michael K. Larrow
Seller: Konchanh Chonmany
Date: 10/18/24

123 Stebbins Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $393,000
Buyer: Natalie M. Page
Seller: Kelsey L. Larrow
Date: 10/18/24

MONTGOMERY

191 Carrington Road
Montgomery, MA 01050
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Tricia A. Carl
Seller: Carol L. O’Brien
Date: 10/18/24

60 New State Road
Montgomery, MA 01085
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: 60 New State Road Land TR
Seller: Gilles Rheaume
Date: 10/18/24

1505 Southampton Road
Montgomery, MA 01085
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Roland Barbeito
Seller: Vitaliy Davidenko
Date: 10/18/24

PALMER

220 Breckenridge St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: John Mackay
Seller: Brenda J. Thibault
Date: 10/18/24

23-R Burlingame Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $1,149,000
Buyer: Roses Supposes M. Roses NT
Seller: Lauri Cotela T2022
Date: 10/21/24

4293-4295 High St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Jelitza M. Gonzalez
Seller: Joejoe Properties LLC
Date: 10/23/24

73 Saint John St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Lucas A. Sychtysz
Seller: Richard G. Lagacy IRT
Date: 10/23/24

24 Whalen St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $339,917
Buyer: Barbara L. Sweinberg
Seller: Shawn M. Desabrais
Date: 10/18/24

SPRINGFIELD

69-71 Ardmore St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Ronal M. Ramirez
Seller: Aguasvivas Realty LLC
Date: 10/15/24

281 Bolton St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Renata Mulder-Grant
Seller: Joseph J. Piteo
Date: 10/18/24

41 Boyer St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $248,000
Buyer: Jose A. Conde
Seller: Olga B. Rivera
Date: 10/21/24

35 Bruce St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Ethan Cordell
Seller: Kathryn Graves-Wilson
Date: 10/16/24

28 Cara Lane
Springfield, MA 01028
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: Aixa M. Lopez
Seller: Trinh Nguyen
Date: 10/16/24

541-543 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $378,000
Buyer: Ronni A. Perez-Rosario
Seller: Hipolito Resto
Date: 10/17/24

92 Cedar St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $194,000
Buyer: Quinzee Series V TR
Seller: Alycar Investments LLC
Date: 10/22/24

35-37 Copley Ter.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $232,100
Buyer: Naylor Nation Real Estate LLC
Seller: Samantha Jones
Date: 10/21/24

37 Denwall Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Michael Ferris
Seller: Bridget E. McCarthy
Date: 10/18/24

41 Dubois St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Joejoe Properties LLC
Seller: Sergey L. Adamyan
Date: 10/15/24

15 Eldert St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $257,000
Buyer: Natalia Serrano
Seller: Norma Reyes
Date: 10/23/24

64 Ellendale Circle
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Jason P. Fahey
Seller: Matthew A. Cavallo
Date: 10/21/24

145 Emerson St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Christopher R. Picard
Seller: Matthew E. Scott
Date: 10/16/24

146 Harkness Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $296,000
Buyer: Harmon K. Togba
Seller: Stephen D. Strohman
Date: 10/18/24

54 Hebron St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Erelio R. Aguilar-Soto
Seller: Cuong M. Nguyen
Date: 10/17/24

105 Hermitage Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Waseem Mudasar
Seller: E. & Ralph S. Redmond RET
Date: 10/17/24

29 Kay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Nicole Nelson
Seller: Nasser Zebian
Date: 10/17/24

74-76 Knox St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: David G. Loja
Seller: Bmp Transportation & Service LLC
Date: 10/22/24

39 Linnell St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Jesse C. Malia
Seller: Veteran Stan LLC
Date: 10/21/24

1665 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Alexa Realty LLC
Seller: 1665 Main Street LLC
Date: 10/18/24

78-80 Manhattan St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Manhattan RT
Seller: Melvina Jones
Date: 10/17/24

81 Mayher St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $297,000
Buyer: Ramon T. Felix
Seller: Jeffrey Nashville
Date: 10/15/24

69 Monrovia St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $221,000
Buyer: Yousuf Al-Dulaimi
Seller: Kaitlyn Parent
Date: 10/15/24

219 Morton St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $279,900
Buyer: Naishalie M. Maysonet
Seller: Unlimited Property Services LLC
Date: 10/15/24

289 Morton St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Douglas Dichard
Seller: Maura A. Polk
Date: 10/17/24

34 Nantasket St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Clara M. Rodriguez
Seller: Jose D. Martinez
Date: 10/17/24

403-405 Nottingham St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Angel L. Rodriguez
Seller: Aixa M. Lopez
Date: 10/15/24

55 Pasadena St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Jayme T. Ryan
Seller: Samuel Aviles
Date: 10/18/24

79 Pondview Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Kasey M. Callender
Seller: George L. Sexton
Date: 10/16/24

103 Prospect St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $140,900
Buyer: Wicked Deals LLC
Seller: Southbridge Real Estate LLC
Date: 10/22/24

40 Ravenwood St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Ann M. Lynch
Seller: Allison Bouffard
Date: 10/23/24

20 Revere St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Akosua Edmond-Kumah
Seller: Nikita Chauhan
Date: 10/16/24

34 Rosemary Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $308,000
Buyer: Maricelis Rivera
Seller: Gabriel Serrano
Date: 10/21/24

114 Saint James Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Alvin O. Ramos-Delgado
Seller: AJ Capital Inc.
Date: 10/15/24

59-61 Sorrento St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Olga L. Birriel-Rivera
Seller: Emtay Inc.
Date: 10/23/24

1688 South Branch Pkwy.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: William Brown
Seller: Vrmtg Asset TR
Date: 10/17/24

253 Stapleton Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $217,000
Buyer: Xavier J. Cody
Seller: James Whitney
Date: 10/16/24

51-59 Taylor St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $1,400,000
Buyer: 51-59 Taylor St. LLC
Seller: Snapland 59 LLC
Date: 10/16/24

428 Tinkham Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Abena Serwah-Ahenkro
Seller: Patricia J. Gagnon
Date: 10/15/24

87 Vincent St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $301,500
Buyer: Janna Walters-Gidseg
Seller: Christopher Williams
Date: 10/23/24

83 Virginia St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $293,000
Buyer: Adella V. Dixon-Ryan
Seller: Vernon A. Chester
Date: 10/16/24

SOUTHWICK

224 College Hwy.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $408,000
Buyer: Jessiam Lopez
Seller: Henry J. Koloski
Date: 10/18/24

245 Feeding Hills Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Christine M. Greene
Seller: Lionel J. Gemme RET
Date: 10/18/24

10 Field St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $349,000
Buyer: Jonathan Reyor
Seller: Dean C. Sleeper
Date: 10/16/24

27 Matthews Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: John Allsop
Seller: Judith A. Rice
Date: 10/21/24

115 North Lake Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $686,000
Buyer: Viktoria A. Brennan
Seller: Philip S. Wilson
Date: 10/22/24

23 Noble Steed Xing
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Ryan W. Taylor
Seller: Saltmarsh Brothers Construction Inc.
Date: 10/22/24

8 Partridge Lane
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $489,900
Buyer: Adam Cialek
Seller: Daniel F. Lucia
Date: 10/22/24

WALES

15 McBride Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Rachel L. Peto
Seller: Stanley F. Banford
Date: 10/18/24

WEST SPRINGFIELD

110 City View Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $303,000
Buyer: Albert Weaver
Seller: William H. Spr RET
Date: 10/17/24

42 Gregory Lane
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Kmak LLC
Seller: Richard A. Clark
Date: 10/16/24

58 Hale St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $344,000
Buyer: Judith A. Sutter
Seller: Jennifer M. Turmel
Date: 10/16/24

45-47 Janet St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $372,000
Buyer: Eric D. Sprague
Seller: Brian P. St. Amand
Date: 10/15/24

228 Piper Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $349,900
Buyer: Carol L. Cassem
Seller: Taylor D. Stone
Date: 10/22/24

19 Sheridan Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Julia D. Maloof
Seller: Patricia A. Tooley
Date: 10/16/24

685 Union St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: North Adams Realty LLC
Seller: B&G RT
Date: 10/18/24

201 Westfield St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Power Group LLC
Seller: Newman Sewing Machine
Date: 10/23/24

WESTFIELD

39 Court St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $393,000
Buyer: Orm Property Group LLC
Seller: Cjcl Realty LLC
Date: 10/23/24

27 Crescent Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: C. M. Diakolambrianos
Seller: Margaret A. Kelleher
Date: 10/15/24

18-1/2 Malone Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Raju Bista
Seller: Rodney Rosario
Date: 10/18/24

11 Old Park Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: Devon T. Leal
Seller: Michael P. Green
Date: 10/15/24

22 Pearl St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Jovanica Champagne
Seller: Michael F. Tierney
Date: 10/18/24

725 Western Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Jonathan M. Reardon
Seller: Charles H. Sargent
Date: 10/16/24

WILBRAHAM

5 Brookside Circle
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Ckj Realty LLC
Seller: McGregor, Christine W., (Estate)
Date: 10/22/24

1155 Glendale Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $789,900
Buyer: Robert L. Lounsbury LT
Seller: Brian M. Rigali
Date: 10/21/24

1155-R Glendale Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $789,900
Buyer: Robert L. Lounsbury LT
Seller: Brian M. Rigali
Date: 10/21/24

14 Leemond St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Steven J. Becker
Seller: Melanie L. Peach
Date: 10/18/24

4 Pheasant Farm Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Jordan A. McEwan
Seller: Laine W. Aponte-Edwards
Date: 10/22/24

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

176 Flat Hills Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $718,400
Buyer: Marc B. Beroz
Seller: Henry Whitlock
Date: 10/21/24

178 North Pleasant St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $930,000
Buyer: Jajam LLC
Seller: EV RT
Date: 10/17/24

South St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Steven J. Atlas
Seller: Sofield, Sonya R., (Estate)
Date: 10/17/24

BELCHERTOWN

1 Autumn Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $720,000
Buyer: Robert J. Crowley 2018 TR
Seller: Patricia Crowley
Date: 10/23/24

80 Michael Sears Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $312,500
Buyer: Nicholas Jimenez
Seller: Newfoundland RT
Date: 10/18/24

248 North Liberty St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $301,000
Buyer: Walter Pacheco
Seller: Amy Moran
Date: 10/17/24

122 Parsons St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $434,000
Buyer: Martin V. Espinola
Seller: Marek Inc.
Date: 10/23/24

98 South Washington St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $591,000
Buyer: Kaitlyn S. Minyard
Seller: Lori A. Gagne
Date: 10/15/24

30 Westview Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $487,500
Buyer: Gary Frain
Seller: David M. Vinsh
Date: 10/18/24

CHESTERFIELD

205 Sugar Hill Road
Chesterfield, MA 01096
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Kevin Tripp
Seller: Charles Worpek
Date: 10/18/24

CUMMINGTON

12-B Swift River Road
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: Cheryl L. Wildermuth
Seller: Justin J. Wiernasz
Date: 10/18/24

EASTHAMPTON

10 Concord Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Abigail W. Moore
Seller: Zink, Charles A., (Estate)
Date: 10/18/24

8 East Maple St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $453,000
Buyer: Frank D. Starr
Seller: R.C.S. IRT
Date: 10/15/24

99 Hendrick St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $620,000
Buyer: John A. Loos
Seller: Daniel G. Daigle
Date: 10/16/24

HADLEY

4 Frallo Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $459,500
Buyer: Aaron A. Demaio
Seller: Kevin K. Pelissier
Date: 10/22/24

193 Rocky Hill Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Agnes Ting
Seller: Sally A. Shaffer
Date: 10/18/24

HATFIELD

26 Elm St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $194,385
Buyer: Margot D. Pollard
Seller: Peter C. Pollard
Date: 10/17/24

5 School St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: 5-7 School Street LLC
Seller: Michael J. Fitzgerald
Date: 10/15/24

7 School St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: 5-7 School Street LLC
Seller: Michael J. Fitzgerald
Date: 10/15/24

NORTHAMPTON

389 Bridge Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: David F. Parker
Seller: Kevin G. Cote
Date: 10/17/24

58 Forest Glen Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $256,000
Buyer: Thomas J. Bombard
Seller: Susan M. Clevenger
Date: 10/22/24

59 Henshaw Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $890,000
Buyer: Marcie Glicksman
Seller: Andreas Calianos
Date: 10/21/24

11 Overlook Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Daniel Abrahamson
Seller: John A. Morin
Date: 10/22/24

3 Pine Valley Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Stacia A. Carter
Seller: Scott Carter
Date: 10/18/24

64 Riverside Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: 64 Riverside LLC
Seller: Vera D. Beauvais
Date: 10/15/24

26 Smith St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Cheesemaking LLC
Seller: Michael A. Beresky
Date: 10/23/24

6 Trumbull Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $775,000
Buyer: Tragin Properties LLC
Seller: Trumbull Partners LLC
Date: 10/16/24

SOUTH HADLEY

16 Brigham Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Gabriel P. Lyons-Osa
Seller: Katherine A. Koldys
Date: 10/21/24

1 Maple St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Q. Offers-A LLC
Seller: Rozalia Ward
Date: 10/18/24

WARE

1 Hillside Ter.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $505,000
Buyer: Robet L. Collette
Seller: Arielle P. Lask
Date: 10/18/24

51 Lois St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Paul E. Wyman
Seller: Michael J. Michalski
Date: 10/22/24

WILLIAMSBURG

42 Briar Hill Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $576,300
Buyer: Joshua Seamon Ingalls
Seller: O’Brien, Means E. A., (Estate)
Date: 10/16/24

 

 

 

 

BUILDING PERMITS

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

CHICOPEE

Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield
534 Front St.
$10,710 — Remove and replace four doors and associated hardware

She’s Your Queen to Be LLC
132 East Main St.
$75,505 — Insulation and air sealing, extend/install proper vents

Verizon
645 Shawinigan Dr.
$25,000 — Remove and replace antennas and related equipment

EASTHAMPTON

Brian Campedelli
15 Industrial Parkway
$9,000 — Material storage

HADLEY

Frederic Englander
47 East St.
N/A — T-Mobile cellular site modification

Normaple LLC
300 Venture Way
N/A — Remove and replace nine rooftop units

LEE

Berkshire Bank
1 Park St.
$250,000 — General finish refresh for interior, public-facing spaces of the building, including carpet, wall finish, door hardware, ceiling tile and lighting, teller line, and check stand; remove and replace open office partition, exterior doors, and sidewalk; provide power door operators at east entry

LENOX

Town of Lenox
6 Walker St.
$5,800 — Construct new wall to divide single office into two offices

NORTHAMPTON

Gándara Mental Health Center Inc.
18 Summer St.
$18,700 — Remove ramp and build new landing

Lathrop Community Inc.
117 Woodland Dr.
$40,000 — Bathroom renovation

Rynek LLC
25 Market St.
$33,585 — Replacement windows

Sixth Studio LLC
574 Haydenville Road
$52,000 — Commercial kitchen build-out and partition interior of warehouse

Smith College
7 College Lane
$284,195 — Replace siding and trim, foundation repairs, and waterproofing

Building Permits

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

CHICOPEE

Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield
534 Front St.
$10,710 — Remove and replace four doors and associated hardware

She’s Your Queen to Be LLC
132 East Main St.
$75,505 — Insulation and air sealing, extend/install proper vents

Verizon
645 Shawinigan Dr.
$25,000 — Remove and replace antennas and related equipment

EASTHAMPTON

Brian Campedelli
15 Industrial Parkway
$9,000 — Material storage

HADLEY

Frederic Englander
47 East St.
N/A — T-Mobile cellular site modification

Normaple LLC
300 Venture Way
N/A — Remove and replace nine rooftop units

LEE

Berkshire Bank
1 Park St.
$250,000 — General finish refresh for interior, public-facing spaces of the building, including carpet, wall finish, door hardware, ceiling tile and lighting, teller line, and check stand; remove and replace open office partition, exterior doors, and sidewalk; provide power door operators at east entry

LENOX

Town of Lenox
6 Walker St.
$5,800 — Construct new wall to divide single office into two offices

NORTHAMPTON

Gándara Mental Health Center Inc.
18 Summer St.
$18,700 — Remove ramp and build new landing

Lathrop Community Inc.
117 Woodland Dr.
$40,000 — Bathroom renovation

Rynek LLC
25 Market St.
$33,585 — Replacement windows

Sixth Studio LLC
574 Haydenville Road
$52,000 — Commercial kitchen build-out and partition interior of warehouse

Smith College
7 College Lane
$284,195 — Replace siding and trim, foundation repairs, and waterproofing

Smith College
186 Elm St.
$80,000 — Insulation for Emerson House

Snow Farm New England Craft Program Inc.
5 Clary Road
$125,463 — Renovation, add bathroom

Sunwood Builders
3 Elm St.
$5,000 — Interior demolition

Thornes Marketplace
150 Main St.
$35,400 — New drywall and cabinets at Suzette Crepery

Thornes Marketplace
150 Main St.
$19,000 — Construct knee wall and new entry wall

PITTSFIELD

Greg Alexander
175 Second St.
$3,000 — Install replacement windows

Berkshire Bank
39 Cheshire Road
$250,000 — General finish refresh for interior, public-facing spaces of the building, including carpet, wall finish, door hardware, ceiling tile and lighting, teller line, and check stand; repairs to existing site fencing and paving

Hillcrest Extended Care Services Inc.
171 Valentine Road
$51,500 — Replacement concrete pad, retaining wall, and fence

Krzysztof Properties LLC
214 Tyler St.
$4,000 — Install new fire-warning system

Pittsfield Girls Club Inc.
165 East St.
$88,130 — Roofing

Reginald LLC
537 North St.
$63,830 — Replace three existing packaged unitary rooftop cooling-only units

Scarafoni Associates Nominee Trust
76 North St.
$37,500 — Install two new ADA bathrooms, remodel kitchen

Seven Oh Three Nominee Trust
703 West Housatonic St.
$5,000 — Re-side portion of building

South Street Plaza LLC
163 South St.
$7,000 — Install flow switch, fire alarm

Brian Teeters
428 Merrill Road
$2,024,602 — Storage containers; new construction of interior office, restroom, and breakroom

SPRINGFIELD

1626 Bay Street LLC
276 Cottage St.
$19,500 — Commercial sheet metal, install new kitchen exhaust hood system

Alliance Associates LLC
347 Orange St.
$2,300 — Open brick wall, install steel beam, remove and repair sheet rock, pour concrete pad, and repair roof for change of use from restaurant to new store

Chestnut Acquisitions LLC
151 Chestnut St.
$81,800 — Alterations for tenant separation in anticipation of commercial tenant space fit-out for Wingstop

City of Springfield
1385 Berkshire Ave.
$117,815 — Remove and replace walk-in cooler and associated work at JFK Middle School

Em-Ka-Ai LLC
306 Pasco Road
$15,554 — Install 12 additional solar panels to existing system at Best Pizza

McDonald’s Corp.
809 Boston Road
$30,000 — Repair wall damaged by car impact

Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield
577 Carew St.
$50,000 — Remove and replace six antennas and six remote radio units on T-Mobile cellular tower

Springfield Elks Lodge #61
440 Tiffany St.
$47,879 — Insulation and air sealing

Tarps Investment Group LLC
720 Wilbraham Road
$20,634.67 — Roofing at Children’s House Child Care Center

Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church
361 Sumner Ave.
$40,000 — Remove and replace eight antennas and associated equipment on Verizon cellular tower

Worthy III LLC
300 Worthington St.
$159,000 — Alter interior of existing restaurant, including new service bar, storefront, and kitchen

Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts will host its season-ending 5K event on Sunday, Nov. 24 at Westfield State University, and is expecting between 3,000 and 3,500 people to attend.

Girls on the Run is a physical-activity-based, positive youth-development program that uses fun running games and dynamic discussions to teach life skills to girls in grades 3-8. During the 10-week program, girls participate in lessons that foster confidence, build peer connections, and encourage community service while they prepare for an end-of-season, celebratory 5K event.

This fall season, Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts is celebrating it’s 10th year. It has served more than 11,000 girls since its start in 2015. This fall, the program boasts 750 participants in 56 sites around all four Western Mass. counties, with 250 volunteer coaches that bring the curriculum to life.

Participants learn many important life skills throughout the lessons. One participant wrote, “I like Girls on the Run because it makes you more confident when you’re talking to others, and it helps you control your emotions when you’re feeling sad or anxious.”

This 5K is the culmination of a 10-week, 20-lesson social-emotional program, bringing together all participants, coaches, running buddies, and families. The run starts at 10:30 a.m., but the group warmup will begin at 10 a.m., with participants arriving for fun events at 9 a.m.

Participation in the 5K event is open to the public, and all proceeds from the event will benefit Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts. Registration costs $25 for adults and $10 for youth under age 12, and includes an event 5K shirt for the first 700 registered. Early arrival is suggested. Registration opens at 9 a.m.

Girls on the Run is also looking for volunteers for this event. For more information about the event, how to register, and volunteer opportunities, visit www.girlsontherunwesternma.org.

Daily News

Emily Gest

AMHERST — Former journalist and seasoned public-relations professional Emily Gest has been hired as associate vice chancellor for News and Media Relations at UMass Amherst, effective immediately.

Associate vice chancellor for News and Media Relations is a newly created position that replaces that formerly held by Executive Director of Strategic Communications Ed Blaguszewski, who retired in June. Reporting to John Kennedy, vice chancellor for University Relations, Gest will oversee the university’s News and Media Relations office, which includes seven writers and editors, video production, and social media.

Early in her career, Gest was a reporter for the New York Daily News, where she was a finalist, with other staff, for a Pulitzer Prize. She covered breaking news, including families of 9/11 victims, as well as health, entertainment, and general features. She has also worked for the Los Angeles Times and Mother Jones magazines.

As a PR professional, Gest has extensive experience working in government, higher education, healthcare, and the law. Most recently, she served as senior director of Media Relations at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. For more than a decade, she worked at Rubenstein, a strategic-communications firm based in New York City, and she was also director of Communications for the Georgia State Department of Juvenile Justice and the DeKalb County solicitor-general.

Daily News

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Savings Bank (GSB) announced its continued support of the 21st annual Hot Chocolate Run for Safe Passage. This community-driven event, set for Sunday, Dec. 8, will help raise funds and awareness to support survivors of domestic violence through the services of Safe Passage.

As a longstanding advocate for Safe Passage, GSB will match donations up to $15,000 on Double Your Donation Day, taking place on Wednesday, Nov. 20. This one-day matching event provides an opportunity for the community to double its impact and directly contribute to Safe Passage’s life-saving services for survivors of domestic violence.

“Greenfield Savings Bank has been a trusted advisor, supporter, and collaborator,” said Marianne Winters, executive director of Safe Passage. “We are grateful for their generosity and for their efforts toward growing our community support through this matching gift.”

GSB Chief Operating Officer Shandra Richardson added that “the Hot Chocolate Run is a powerful way for our community to come together in support of Safe Passage and the critical work they do. With Double Your Donation Day, we hope to encourage as many people as possible to donate and make a meaningful difference for survivors.”

GSB invites everyone to register for the run or donate on behalf of participants. Every dollar raised will go directly to Safe Passage, helping it provide vital services for those in need. To learn more about the event, sign up, or make a donation, visit hotchocolaterun.com.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — With a goal of ensuring premium healthcare for individuals in the community, Bulkley Richardson made a $10,000 gift to Baystate Health Foundation for the purchase of three infusion chairs at the D’Amour Center for Cancer Care.

These chairs replace aging equipment and provide comfortable and safe medical seating, supporting the experience and outcomes of patients coping with cancer. Quality infusion chairs are important, as oncology infusion patients must remain seated for extended periods of time while receiving medication or fluids through an IV and may require frequent treatments for the length of their illness.

These new chairs will also help to mitigate the risks of extended sitting and make treatments more manageable, with an ergonomic design that supports good posture, reduces pressure points, and promotes blood flow while patients receive critical treatments.

“We are grateful to Bulkley Richardson for helping us fill an immediate and critical need at the D’Amour Center for Cancer Care,” said Kathy Tobin, interim vice president of Philanthropy at Baystate Health and executive director of the Baystate Health Foundation. “The firm has been a longtime partner of Baystate Health and Baystate Health Foundation, and we thank them for their dedication to supporting high-quality care for community members.”

The Baystate Regional Cancer Program treats more than 2,800 new cancer patients in Western Mass. each year, constituting more than 65% of the cancer diagnoses in the region. Approximately 10,000 patients receive some form of care at the D’Amour Center for Cancer Care annually.

Daily News

‘Eds and meds.’

You hear that phrase repeatedly in reference to the local economy. It refers to education and healthcare, two of the largest sources of jobs in Western Mass.

And by education, we mean a broad spectrum, but especially higher education; this region is blessed with more than two dozen colleges and universities in communities ranging from Springfield to Amherst; Chicopee to Westfield.

On the ‘meds’ side, there are, likewise, a wide range of players, but the sector is dominated by its many fine hospitals, including all those within Baystate Health system as well as Mercy Medical Center, Holyoke Medical Center, Cooley Dickinson Hospital, and Berkshire Medical Center.

Both of these sectors remain strong, and they continue to be pillars of the local economy. But they are both being severely challenged, as evidenced by recent headlines and news items in BusinessWest.

Last week, Baystate Health, faced with $300 million in operating losses over the past few years, announced the first step in what it is calling a ‘transformation,’ the difficult decision to reduce 134 leadership positions across the Baystate system. That’s less than 1% of the workforce, but a significant workforce reduction nonetheless.

And it symbolizes the many challenges facing all hospitals today as they continue to recover from COVID-related setbacks that include higher costs, inadequate reimbursements, stern workforce challenges, and the ongoing need to invest in new technology and equipment.

Baystate has been in the headlines, but all area hospitals are struggling, and they are all making adjustments and hard decisions.

It is the same with many education institutions, a reality punctuated by a new organizational business plan announced at American International College (AIC). Dubbed ‘Pathway to Progress,’ it details an expansion of degree options, but also a comprehensive re-enrollment program to engage and recruit former students to return to AIC and complete their degrees, as well as cuts within the athletic program, including the return of the men’s hockey program to Division II and the discontinuation of two women’s programs.

“In an era of unprecedented disruption across the higher-education industry, it is more important than ever that we do all we can to ensure AIC can adapt and evolve to best serve our students — those we serve today, and in the future,” interim President Nicolle Cestero said of the new business plan.

Her comments, and that plan, help drive home the fact that this disruption — marked by demographic changes, the nationwide conversation about the value of a college education, free community college, and other issues — is not an AIC problem. It’s a problem for the entire sector. Indeed, noted institutions such as Brandeis University in Waltham, Lesley University in Cambridge, and countless others have embarked on their own cost-cutting programs and revisions to their business plans.

Most colleges and universities in this region remain on very solid ground and, like the region’s hospitals, remain sources of pride — and good-paying jobs.

But these recent headlines reflect the fact that these are, indeed, very challenging times, during which we hope these institutions can and will make the hard decisions and the needed adjustments to remain vital cogs in the region’s economy for decades to come.