BusinessWest Staff, Author at BusinessWest

Agenda

By BusinessWest Staff April 10, 2024

Agenda

Cirque du Soleil BAZZAR

Through May 5: Cirque du Soleil BAZZAR has come to Hartford, Conn. for the first time ever. A colourful homage to Cirque du Soleil legacy, BAZZAR opened on April 6 and will continue its performances until May 5 at Under the Big Top on Market Street. The show features acrobatic disciplines such as teeterboard, acrobike, contortion, duo rollerskates, duo trapeze, aerial rope, hair suspension, fire manipulation, slackline, and music performed live on stage. Cirque du Soleil BAZZAR is intended to be an eclectic lab of creativity where a joyful troupe of acrobats, dancers, and musicians craft an awe-inspiring spectacle. Lead by their maestro, they band together to invent a whimsical, one-of-a-kind universe. In a place where the unexpected is expected, the colourful group imagines, builds, and invents vibrant scenes in an artistic and acrobatic game. The high-energy excitement, collision of sounds and colors, and meeting place of diverse characters one might find at a traditional bazaar inspired the name of the show. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/bazzar.

Alumni Achievement Award Nominations

Through May 10: When BusinessWest launched its 40 Under Forty program in 2007, it did so to identify rising stars across our region — individuals who were excelling in business and through involvement within the community — and celebrate their accomplishments. In 2015, BusinessWest announced a new award, one that builds on the foundation upon which 40 Under Forty was created. It’s called the Alumni Achievement Award. As the name suggests, it is presented to the 40 Under Forty honoree who, in the eyes of an independent panel of judges, has most impressively continued and built upon his or her track record of accomplishment. Candidates must be from 40 Under Forty classes prior to the year of the award — in this case, classes 2007 to 2023. The 2024 Alumni Achievement Award finalists will be profiled in the June 10 edition of BusinessWest, and the honoree will be announced at the 40 Under Forty gala on June 20. The presenting sponsor of the Alumni Achievement Award is Health New England. Visit businesswest.com/40-under-forty/alumniachievementaward for the nomination form, and visit businesswest.com/40-under-forty/40underforty for a list of the past 40 Under Forty classes.

‘The Dangers of Union Activity Within a Non-union Workplace’

April 17: The popularity of unions has created dangers for employers, both unionized and non-unionized alike. Even if an employer is non-unionized, the employer risks violating the National Labor Relations Act and being subject to charges from the National Labor Relations Board if new laws and rulings are not considered. Attorney Trevor Brice from the Royal Law Firm will present a seminar, titled “The Dangers of Union Activity Within a Non-union Workplace and Other Recent Changes to Enforcement of the National Labor Relations Act,” from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the firm’s offices at 33 Elliot St., Springfield. Brice will discuss the dangers of union activity in a non-union environment, as well as other updates and changes to enforcement of the National Labor Relations Act that have occurred in the past year. The cost is $30 per person. Payments should be mailed to, and checks made payable to, the Royal Law Firm. Registration is required, and seating will be limited. Email Heather Child at [email protected] to register or with any questions about this seminar.

Get Hired Job Fair

April 17: Holyoke Mall will host its spring job fair from 2 to 5 p.m. on the lower level near Macy’s. The Get Hired Job Fair is a convenient opportunity for Western Mass. employers to interview and hire workers, and to help job seekers connect with businesses who need their skills. Employers from a variety of industries will be in attendance, looking for candidates at all skill levels. The event is free to attend for all job seekers. Employers that have already signed up to staff a table include Baystate Health, PeoplesBank, Holyoke Community College, YMCA Greater Springfield, and more. Last year, the September job fair drew more than 40 employers, representing more than 10 industries, and nearly 400 candidates. Employers interested in participating in the upcoming job fair should contact Jim Geraghty, advertising representative for Holyoke Mall, at (617) 840-2998 or [email protected].

YWCA Golf Tournament

May 6: The YWCA of Western Massachusetts Golf Tournament will be held at Springfield Country Club, with registration now open online at ywworks.org. Proceeds of the charity golf tournament will support the Children Who Witness Violence program, which offers therapy for children who have witnessed or experienced abuse and violence. The Healthy and Empowering Relationship Education program of the YWCA, which helps Springfield middle- and high-schoolers learn about healthy relationships and friendships, will also benefit from proceeds raised at the tournament. Cost per golfer to participate in the tournament is $155, which includes golf, cart, lunch, dinner, and a quarter-zip jacket. There will be a raffle and cash bar at the country club. Individuals or organizations interested in registering or sponsoring the event can visit ywworks.org.

Pioneer Valley Conference for Women

May 9: The third annual Pioneer Valley Conference for Women will be held at Marriott Springfield Downtown from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The conference will be held in person and virtually. This year’s theme is “Unleashed.” Christina Royal will serve as emcee for the conference. The former president of Holyoke Community College, Royal is now president and CEO of Infinite Unlearning LLC, a woman-, BIPOC-, and queer-owned executive coaching and consultancy service supporting mid- to senior leaders and their organizations. Keynote speakers are Meghan Rothschild, president and owner of the marketing and public-relations firm Chikmedia, and Jessika Rozki, founder of Rozki Rides, a transportation service focusing on children and seniors. The conference will also feature 10 different panels that women can choose to attend in the morning and afternoon. The 30 panelists are all local women. Dianne Fuller Doherty will be presented with the Goddess Award, recognizing her many years of volunteer work on behalf of women. A comedy kickoff reception the night before the conference will feature comedian Jess Miller. Visit ow.ly/qgYJ50QK85h for more information or to purchase tickets. Event sponsors include M&T Bank, Westfield Bank, Liberty Bank, Country Bank, and USI.

Free Shred Days

June 8, 22: bankESB invites customers and members of the community to two free shred days at local offices. Events will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. (or until the truck is full) on the following dates and at locations: Saturday, June 8 at 770 Main St., Agawam; and Saturday, June 22 at 241 Northampton St., Easthampton (two trucks at this event). No appointment is necessary. Local residents can reduce their risk of identity theft by bringing old mail, receipts, statements or bills, canceled checks, pay stubs, medical records, or any other unwanted paper documents containing personal or confidential information and shredding them safely and securely for free. A professional document destruction company will be on site in the bank’s parking lot and can accept up to two boxes of documents per person.

Hooplandia

June 21-23: Registration is now open for Hooplandia, the second annual 3×3 basketball tournament and festival, at www.hooplandia.com. The three-day event includes levels of play for all ages and divisions. Hooplandia launched in 2023. Taking place in the heart of Greater Springfield, the birthplace of basketball, the event is hosted by Eastern States Exposition (ESE) in West Springfield and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield. Most games will be played on the ESE grounds, with special games held at the Hall of Fame. Seventy-five basketball courts will be set up to accommodate more than 650 games played by approximately 2,100 participants of all ages. Divisions of play have been created to provide an all-inclusive environment for players of all ages and playing abilities. The diverse divisions include young girls, boys, women, men, high-school-level, college-level, OGs, veterans, and more. Players are invited to build teams of four, create their own unique team name and uniforms, and register at www.hooplandia.com. Team fees range according to age, and children in the under-8 category are free of charge. Hooplandia will once again partner with Boys and Girls Clubs throughout the region as its designated philanthropic partner, $10 from every paid team registration to support the mission and programs of the clubs. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For inquiries, email [email protected].

People on the Move

By BusinessWest Staff April 10, 2024

People on the Move

Mei-Ann Chen

Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) announced that internationally acclaimed conductor Mei-Ann Chen, who was guest conductor for the SSO’s 2023-24 opening-night performance, is joining the SSO in the newly created position of artistic advisor, effective for the 2024-25 season. Chen will serve as the orchestra’s artistic face, curating programs, selecting guest soloists, and facilitating other artistic needs. She will also conduct a minimum of two symphonic concerts per season. At the same time, the SSO will continue to engage guest conductors in performances of the symphony. An acclaimed, innovative leader both on and off the podium, Chen has served as music director of Chicago Sinfonietta since 2011. Chief conductor of Austria’s Recreation – Grosses Orchester Graz at Styriarte, she also serves as an artistic partner with ROCO in Texas and Northwest Sinfonietta in Washington. A sought-after guest conductor, she has appeared with distinguished orchestras throughout the Americas, Europe, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and Scandinavia (more than 150 orchestras to date). Named one of Musical America’s 2015 Top 30 Influencers, Chen is a recipient of a League of American Orchestras Helen M. Thompson Award, a Taki Concordia fellowship, and several ASCAP awards, and is the only woman in the history of the Malko Competition to have been named First Prize Winner.

•••••

Jack Dill

Ashley Vanesse

Lisa Wills

Elms College announced that three prominent leaders in the region have joined the college’s board of trustees. B. John (Jack) Dill is the president and principal of Colebrook Realty Services and has been negotiating real-estate transactions on behalf of his clients — buyers, sellers, property owners, and tenants — for more than three decades. He holds the counselors of real estate designation, along with other professional designations and licenses in the fields of real estate, finance, and construction, and is a fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Dill has been an active supporter of more than 20 local nonprofits, including Elms College, and is currently vice chairman of the Fallon Community Health Plan board of directors and a member of the Massachusetts Housing Investment Corp. He earned his bachelor of arts degree cum laude from Williams College. Ashley Vanesse is the president of the Elms College Alumni Assoc. and has been a member of the association since graduating from the Elms in 2011. She is currently office manager for Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home and also held various positions in the Elms College Admission Office. She earned her bachelor’s degree in history from Elms College and her master’s degree in psychology and school counseling from Westfield State University. Lisa Wills is a partner at Whittlesey, one of the largest regional CPA and IT consulting firms in New England. She has worked primarily with nonprofits over her 25-year career and is an expert in complex audits. She is a licensed certified public accountant with the state of Connecticut and an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, as well as the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants (CTCPA). In addition, she is a recognized industry leader and frequent speaker on topics such as FASB changes and female leadership. She earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting and business administration from Elms College in 1988.

•••••

The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce announced that its executive committee has concluded its search for the chamber’s new executive director and selected Jacob Robinson, who brings more than 15 years of experience in building coalitions, fostering partnerships, and promoting business-driven leadership for sustainable impact. In his most recent role as the West Roxbury Main Streets program director, Robinson concentrated on local economic development, offering technical assistance to small businesses, facilitating pandemic recovery efforts, leading community events, and championing inclusive commercial planning efforts. His commitment has extended to serving on municipal planning committees and nonprofit boards and contributing to Belchertown’s Climate Resilience and Sustainable Growth Plan. His past work includes building regional and national networks of business leaders working together to develop and share best practices in energy management and strategy. He is also a skilled researcher and educator on the topics of corporate environmental, social, and governance leadership. He holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental management from Indiana University.

•••••

Thomas Dufault

Country Bank announced the appointment of Thomas Dufault as senior vice president of the Retail Lending department. With 35 years in the mortgage industry and an entrepreneurial and construction background, he brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to his new role. Dufault has gained extensive experience in construction standards, business acumen, and process improvements throughout his career. His diverse background, including as a former business owner, makes him an ideal candidate to lead Country Bank’s Retail Lending team. In addition to his professional achievements, Dufault is also committed to community service. He has served on the board of Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts for 10 years, the past four years as the board president. He supports various charitable initiatives, including the United Way of North Central Massachusetts, the American Cancer Society, Heifer Project International, and the Alzheimer’s Assoc. He has also served on various committees and boards in the town of Rutland, where he lived for 26 years.

•••••

Tech Foundry, the regional leader in IT workforce development and training, announced the hiring of four new staff members as well as promotions of existing staff to support the organization’s growing operations. Phillip Borras, Tech Foundry’s Career Readiness and Recruitment coordinator, was recently promoted to Coaching manager. A professional speaker, comedian, and life coach, he now leads a team of three coaches who mentor student members throughout the organization’s IT support training program and after graduation. This work complements Tech Foundry’s professional-development training, including résumé writing, interviewing, networking, and other professional-development skills. Jessica Cogoli has been promoted to instructor. A Tech Foundry alum, she has been working closely with the organization since she graduated, as a volunteer, assistant instructor, and technical lead for the IT support training program. She recently graduated from Holyoke Community College with an associate degree in computer science and is now working toward her bachelor’s degree at Southern New Hampshire University. Eric Maldonado, a 20-year veteran of the human-services field, joins the Tech Foundry team as a coach. His previous work focused on youth and homeless adults, including experience as a career coach with MassHire in Springfield. He is also an entrepreneur and has been running two successful businesses for the past five years. William Medina, a former instructor at Tech Foundry, returned to the organization as the new Tech Hub director at the end of February. He is a technology enthusiast who helped build the organization during its early years. In his new role, he is responsible for managing the daily operations of the Tech Hub, a Holyoke-based center which provides digital-literacy classes, technical support, and device distribution throughout Western Mass. As director, he manages daily operations, curriculum development, community relations, the digital fellows program, and professional development. Hilda Santa, a recent graduate of Tech Foundry, joins the team as the new administrative assistant and coach. She is a retired 20-year veteran of the U.S. Air National Guard and brings more than 15 years of administrative experience to the organization. In her role as a part-time coach, she will mentor the next generation of student-members. She holds a bachelor’s degree in health studies from UMass Amherst. Pattie Carulli-Hauser brings her passion for coaching and mentoring to the Tech Foundry team as one of the organization’s new coaches. In her role, she will provide ongoing mentoring and support for Tech Foundry’s student members. She has spent most of her career in research and development leadership roles in the consumer-goods industry.

•••••

Caitlin von Schmidt

Franklin Community Co-op recently welcomed Caitlin von Schmidt as its new Outreach and Communications manager, effective March 19. “Caitlin’s time as coordinator of the Greenfield Business Association and in the Mayor’s Office at the city of Greenfield sets her up beautifully to succeed in her new position, and we’re excited to have her on board,” co-op General Manager John Williams said. “We’re happy to have her as the newest member of our successful team.” Williams also thanked Amy Britt for her time in the position as she moves on to other opportunities. “I’m thrilled to be joining the Franklin Community Co-op family,” von Schmidt said. “The co-op is a beloved establishment, and its role as an anchor business and vital community member can’t be overstated. In addition, I’m thrilled to be involved at such an important time, with the expansion into the Wilson’s building on the horizon.”

•••••

Duc-Pac Corp. announced that its president, Gregory Merchant, has been voted to serve as president of Air Distribution Institute (ADI), the national alliance of steel HVAC pipe and fittings manufacturers focused on research and working with industry leading decision makers to create better policy. Duc-Pac is a family-owned and operated business that was founded in 1949. The company moved its manufacturing facility to Springfield in 2022. “I am proud to contribute my experience by helping lead the ADI,” Merchant said. “Duc-Pac has been a member of the organization for over 15 years. There is a lot of attention today on the use of green energy in HVAC and achieving ever-greater efficiencies with heating and cooling our homes. On one hand, we are very specialized production manufacturers. On the other hand, we have a big role to play in providing products and information essential to more efficient HVAC systems. We cannot lose sight that to not participate in HVAC improvements this way is to invite overseas competition to do so.”

•••••

Lauren Tabin

bankESB recently hired Lauren Tabin as assistant vice president, branch officer of its King Street, Northampton office. Tabin has nearly 30 years of banking experience. Prior to joining bankESB, she was assistant vice president, branch officer at PeoplesBank, and previously held various other positions there, including banking center manager, branch officer, trainer, and teller. She brings an extensive background in management and leadership experience to her new role, where she will manage the Northampton office team while remaining engaged in the community. She currently serves on the board of the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club, and previously served on the board of Black Horse Trust, the Miracle League of Western Massachusetts, the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round, and Providence Ministries. She is a member of BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty class of 2011.

•••••

Country Bank announced the appointment of four new corporators and a new trustee at its annual meeting on March 11. Ivon Gois, president of Gois Broadcasting, brings a wealth of experience to the bank. Based in Worcester, Gois operates 12 radio stations in New England and is well-known for his contributions to the media industry, ethnic and racial diversity work, and financial expertise. Mechilia Salazar, CEO and director of Hope for Youth and Families Foundation in Springfield, is a respected leader in the nonprofit sector. Her previous role as CEO of the Ludlow Boys and Girls Club demonstrates her commitment to serving marginalized and underbanked communities. She often serves as the bridge between local businesses and the communities they serve. Samalid Hogan, a business consultant, CEO, and principal at Greylock Management in Ludlow, is a seasoned professional with a strong track record of success. Her leadership as past president of the Springfield Rotary Club and her involvement on various boards further highlight her dedication to making a positive impact. Her passion for empowering small businesses has made her a respected leader in the industry. Walter Pacheco, a prominent figure in the hospitality industry, owns several Western and Central Mass. restaurants and investment properties. His extensive business acumen and local ties make him a valuable addition to the bank. In addition to the new corporators, new Country Bank President Mary McGovern was appointed to the board of trustees.

•••••

Paul Asselin

The Massachusetts chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors announced that Paul Asselin, Gould Construction Institute instructor, is the 2024 ABC National Craft Instructor of the Year. Asselin was honored at the 2024 ABC Convention in Orlando, Fla. on March 13. ABC presents the annual Craft Instructor of the Year Award to an outstanding instructor with a passion for their craft, creativity, a positive attitude, and the ability to transfer knowledge through excellent communications skills and forward-thinking teaching to future construction professionals. With nearly 40 years of experience in the construction industry, Asselin has taught basic through advanced electrical courses since 2001. He is the training manager for Elm Electrical Inc. in Westfield, where he has worked since 1983. He is also the wiring inspector for his hometown of Russell and previously served as chair of Westfield Technical Academy’s general advisory board and electrical shop advisory board. As Craft Instructor of the Year, Asselin received a $10,000 cash prize. Co-sponsors of Craft Instructor of the Year are the National Center for Construction Education and Research, the training, assessment, certification, and career-development standard for the construction industry; and Tradesmen International, North America’s premier craft-professional staffing resource. Asselin will also be profiled in the June issue of Construction Executive magazine.

•••••

On April 6, Westfield State University inducted six alumni into the Criminal Justice Alumni Hall of Fame. Inductees are recognized for their excellence in their chosen field and for their accomplishments in criminal justice and law enforcement at the state, federal, and local levels. This year’s alumni inductees are Benjamin Campbell ’11 of the Maine State Police; David Campbell ’84, a retired special agent in the U.S. Department of Justice; Cheryl Clapprood ’92, Springfield Police superintendent; John Kotfila Jr. ’08, who served in the Sheriff’s Office in Hillsborough County, Fla.; Kenneth O’Connor ’87, a chief court officer in the Massachusetts Trial Court; and Jeffrey Trask ’02, a leader in emergency management and preparedness. Kim Tobin, professor of Criminal Justice, was also honored for her distinguished service to Westfield State. Both Benjamin Campbell and Kotfila were recognized posthumously.

Company Notebook

By BusinessWest Staff April 10, 2024

Company Notebook

Sublime Systems Awarded $87 Million in Federal Funds

SPRINGFIELD — As part of a $6.3 billion initiative funding 33 projects across 20 states, the U.S. Department of Energy announced that Sublime Systems in Holyoke will receive $87 million in federal funding from its Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations and its Industrial Demonstrations Program. Sublime Systems plans to build a new, ultra-low-carbon cement manufacturing facility in Holyoke. The company’s new method to make cement replaces carbon-intensive limestone with abundant calcium-silicate-based feedstocks, resulting in industry-standard cement that is produced electrochemically instead of using high heat. By demonstrating this transformational process that was previously supported by ARPA-E, Sublime aims to strengthen American supply chains for low-carbon products, increase transparency for product environmental impact and performance, and catalyze industry-wide change. The Sublime project expects to create 70 to 90 permanent manufacturing jobs in a community that once produced nearly all of the country’s writing paper but has seen a decline in industry over the 20th century.

Bay Path Cybersecurity Program Ranked in Top Five by Forbes

LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University announced that its master of science (MS) in cybersecurity program has been recognized as one of the top five such programs in the nation by Forbes in its Best Online Master’s in Cybersecurity rankings for 2024. Forbes’ ranking of Bay Path’s MS in cybersecurity online program reflects the university’s dedication to providing students with a comprehensive, cutting-edge education that prepares them to address the complex challenges of cybersecurity in today’s digital landscape. With a curriculum designed by industry experts and taught by experienced faculty members, the program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to succeed in this critical field. Bay Path is also a partner in the federally funded, $1.5 million Union Station cyber range project in Springfield. This state-of-the-art cyber range will mirror IT environments and allow students to gain experience through live-fire attacks, blue-team-red-team events, training modules, labs, assessments, and more. In addition, Bay Path is a member of MassCyber’s training and education working group, giving students access to internships and real-world opportunities, the latest research, professional networks, and insight into best practices.

Nonotuck Resource Associates Honored Among Top Workplaces

NORTHAMPTON — Nonotuck Resource Associates Inc. was recently named a recipient of a USA Today 2024 Top Workplaces USA award, issued by Energage. The Top Workplaces program has a 15-year history of surveying more than 20 million employees and recognizing the top organizations across 60 regional markets. Top Workplaces USA celebrates organizations with 150 or more employees that have built great cultures. More than 42,000 organizations were invited to participate in the Top Workplaces USA survey. Winners of the Top Workplaces USA list are chosen based solely on employee feedback gathered through an employee-engagement survey, issued by Energage. This news comes on the heels of Nonotuck being selected as a Boston Globe Top Workplace.

Modern Workspace Opening in East Longmeadow

EAST LONGMEADOW — Bill Laplante of Laplante Construction announced that Modern Workspace, a co-working facility he is developing with partners Chris Orszulak and Jason Pananos, should be open for business by May at 7 Purves St. in East Longmeadow. The modern, net-zero building will feature 25 individual spaces available on a membership basis for businesspeople who work remotely. The modern, luxury building will be heated and cooled by electricity produced from solar panels on the roof, which will also provide hot water and a charge for tenants’ vehicles. The building will be accessible to tenants 24-7. In addition to high-speed internet, amenities will include conference rooms and office equipment such as standing desks. Laplante and his partners said Modern Workspace is the third in a model that also extends to the historic Brewer Young Mansion in Longmeadow, with 17 offices; and Chatham, on Cape Cod, in a location with nine offices. Various levels of membership will be offered, including an address-only membership, a 10-day pass, or a private office with all amenities.

AIC Earns 2024-25 Designation as Military Friendly School

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) announced it has earned the 2024-2025 Military Friendly School and Military Spouse Friendly School designations. Institutions earning the Military Friendly School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2024-25 survey, with 537 earning special awards for going above the standard. The 2024-25 Military Friendly Schools list will be published in the May and October issues of G.I. Jobs magazine and can be found online at www.militaryfriendly.com. Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the Military Friendly Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher-education and military-recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, persistence (degree advancement or transfer), and loan default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.

Bulkley Richardson Honors Jeff Poindexter with YMCA Gift

SPRINGFIELD — In continuing Jeff Poindexter’s legacy, Bulkley Richardson has partnered with the Greater Springfield YMCA to help area boys and girls attend summer camp. The firm will send 16 youth campers to a YMCA-run camp this summer for one week. Poindexter was a partner at Bulkley Richardson and the former chairman of the Greater Springfield YMCA board of directors. “Jeff knew summer camp was a privilege not all kids had access to, and he was a huge advocate of advancing equity in our Springfield neighborhoods,” said Dan Finnegan, Bulkley Richardson’s managing partner. “We felt that honoring Jeff’s longtime commitment to the YMCA and its efforts to provide opportunities to youth in the community was something he would be proud of.”

Doing Business as Certificates

By BusinessWest Staff April 10, 2024

DBA Certificates

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

EASTHAMPTON

Ain’t Your Average B…
21 Mineral St.
Raven Williams

Annie’s Kitchen
79 Maple St.
Ann LaRochelle

Bark Rangers
38 Clark St.
KJ Nichols

Buri’s Generation HI & GC
31 Exeter St.
Belisario Buri

Easthampton Glass & Screen
42 Morin Dr.
William Therrien Jr.

JKirley Collective
3 Ferry St., Unit 414, Suite 4W
Jessica Kirley

Mango Fish Inc.
117 Maple St.
Lori Novis

Northeast Diagramming Services
27 Overlook Dr.
Michael Allard

Nouria
124 Northampton St.
Tony El-Nemr

Oxbow Tattoo
2 Holyoke St.
Maximilian Rothert

Phoenix Painters
10 Sunset Ave.
Brendyn Phoenix

Pomeroy Pup Pack
7 Lovefield St., Unit 5
Amelia Wilson

SD Services
13 Chapman Ave.
Joshua Dean

Space and Robot
10 East Green St.
Christopher Ferry

Three Posies
49½ Union St., Apt. 5
Bronwen Hodgkinson

The Valley Arts Newsletter
49½ Union St., Apt. 5
Bronwen Hodgkinson

Win/Win
2 Pine St.
Jenna Weingarten

PITTSFIELD

Berkshire Mattress Recycling
51 Stratford Ave.
Wahid Hage

Blackington Artisans Inc.
35 Atwood Dr.
Blackington Artisans Inc.

Brazzucas Market
75 North St.
Brazzucas LLC

David R. Cianflone Attorney at Law
P.O. Box 3613
David Cianflone

Divo Enterprise LLC
44 Scalise Dr.
Mohamed Fofana

Faceframe Collective
436 North St.
Lemon Lash Academy LLC, Magnolia Hair and Co. LLC

Fantastick Patrick
32 Kensington Ave.
Patrick Connor

fauxstainedglasspanes.com
82 Wendell Ave.
Stuff Is Parts LLC

Harvest Health & Nutrition
75 South Church St.
Makenzie Evangelisto

Landscaping by Antonio
22 Elizabeth St.
Antonio Aleman

M&D Auto Sales
105 Fourth St.
Lily Diaz LLC

Millsbeauty
25 Cobblestone Cove
Millicent Homiah Beckham

New England Cleaners
69 Wellington Ave.
New England Cleaners LLC

Rockland Restoration and Masonry
82 Lafayette St.
Matthew Canterella

Stylin’ on Elm
136 Elm St.
Stephanie Vallone

TEC Consulting
45 Woodlawn Ave.
Tamara Sime

Turnkey Innovation Services
5 Cheshire Road
Latoya Gillyard

WeeCare Upwards Childcare Services
82 Wendell Ave.
Amanda Smith

Western Mass Periodontics & Implant Specialists
435 South St.
Western Mass Periodontics P.C.

SOUTH HADLEY

Board and Brush Creative Studio
19 College St., Unit 4
DSPLUMMER LLC

Fleming Banking Co.
51 Woodbridge Ter.
Emily Fleming

Law Office of Richard M. Juang
40 Viviani St.
Richard Juang

Mastercom Design
134 College St., #1
Todd Guenther

Nicnats Bakery
4 Wellington Ave.
Melissa Pontbriant

Bankruptcies

By BusinessWest Staff April 10, 2024

Bankruptcies

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

Blanks, Elisa
PO Box 51154
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/05/2024

Bushey, Anthony
92 Grove St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/04/2024

Connors, Erinn
161 Kendall St.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/14/2024

Crevier, Marilyn Ruth
31 Old Pendleton Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/04/2024

DaCruz, Matthew E.
104 Longview St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/11/2024

Fulton, Hanna M.
121 Lenox Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/11/2024

Girard, Joseph M.
142 Franklin St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/07/2024

Giard, Paul A.
42 Purlington Lane
Colrain, MA 01340
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/12/2024

Hadley, Kyle
1286 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/09/2024

Hankins, Gloria
19 Morgan St.
Lenox, MA 01240
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/06/2024

Huebner, Amy Lynne
19 Livingston Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/05/2024

Larange, Linda J.
711 South Barre Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/14/2024

Lemke, Diane M.
24 Brightwood St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/07/2024

Lopez-Martinez, Diosdado
19 Springdale Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/08/2024

Martinez, Joel A.
623 Osborn Ter.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/04/2024

McCaughey, Sean E.
77 Flynt St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/04/2024

Moriarty, Daniel P.
Moriarty, Lynne
535 Nassau Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/15/2024

Parmelee, Wendy R.
7 Anthony St., Apt. B
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/08/2024

Rodriguez, Kaila
180 Cherokee Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/01/2024

Rodgers Painting Service
Goodhind, Rodger E.
144 Stuart St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/05/2024

Rosario, Xavier
837 State St., Apt. 330
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/11/2024

Shaw, David
175 Tully Road
Orange, MA 01364-9526
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/11/2024

St. Pierre, Dana M.
1081 West St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/05/2024

Therrienc Robert R.
157 North St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/14/2024

Tobiasz, Timothy E.
Lacharite, Piper L.
230 Linden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/15/2024

Torres, Ana Hilda
70 Shumway St., Lot 28
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/01/2024

Tosti, Peter J.
71 Ferry St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/15/2024

Vautour, Paul
Vautour, Jeanne
436 Daniel Shays Highway
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/05/2024

Real Estate Transactions

By BusinessWest Staff April 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

90 Church St.
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $259,000
Buyer: Rebecca Harrison
Seller: Bruce R. Hietala
Date: 03/14/24

213 Northfield Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Alexander J. Wahlstrom
Seller: Drenna M. Mahaney
Date: 03/15/24

BUCKLAND

11 Rand Road
Buckland, MA 01370
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Tara Mason
Seller: Woodsome, Marian L., (Estate)
Date: 03/15/24

CHARLEMONT

East Oxbow Road
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Margaret M. Hobbs
Seller: Rotima SA Inc.
Date: 03/13/24

480 West Oxbow Road
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Margaret M. Hobbs
Seller: Rotima SA Inc.
Date: 03/13/24

COLRAIN

15 Griswoldville St.
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Giselle Harrington
Seller: Mortgage Equity Conversion TR
Date: 03/11/24

DEERFIELD

4 Industrial Dr. West
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $1,400,000
Buyer: Norava Deerfield LLC
Seller: 4 Industrial Dr. West LLC
Date: 03/15/24

59 Mathews Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $334,000
Buyer: Jacob Savage
Seller: Philip J. Savage
Date: 03/08/24

ERVING

91 Mountain Road
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $288,900
Buyer: Selene Flance LP
Seller: Arthur S. Johnson
Date: 03/08/24

GILL

65 Ben Hale Road
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Deonisie Gheorghita
Seller: Gould, Donald R., (Estate)
Date: 03/14/24

GREENFIELD

30 Green River Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Perrin C. Hendrick
Seller: Robert K. Brown RET
Date: 03/01/24

306 High St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: FRST Strength Properties LLC
Seller: Anderson & Dolby LLC
Date: 03/14/24

36 Shattuck St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: John R. Jennings
Seller: Eileen Naughton
Date: 03/04/24

76 Smith St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Rey Mathiau
Seller: Eva M. Babits
Date: 03/01/24

HEATH

Flagg Hill Road
Heath, MA 01346
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Charles W. Nartowicz
Seller: Peter E. Schriber
Date: 03/01/24

MONTAGUE

76 2nd St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $360,500
Buyer: Jedathan O. Richhardson
Seller: Van Brothers Co. LLC
Date: 03/05/24

12 Chester St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Albert Emond
Seller: A. E. & Rita E. Belanger IRT
Date: 03/11/24

8 Madison Ave.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Nadezhda A. Vozniuk
Seller: Vincent A. Rupp
Date: 03/15/24

76 Park St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Matthew Latkiewicz
Seller: Christopher R. Shea
Date: 03/14/24

NEW SALEM

423 Daniel Shays Hwy.
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Aneil Mehta
Seller: Bruce W. Whittier
Date: 03/01/24

ORANGE

85 East Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: 107 E. Main LLC
Seller: Athol Credit Union
Date: 03/05/24

98 East Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Swaz Properties LLC
Seller: Donald R. Dion
Date: 03/05/24

16 Maynard St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $259,900
Buyer: Yvette E. Silva
Seller: Michael L. Fernet
Date: 03/14/24

10 Oaklawn Ave.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Wayne Barba
Seller: Spagnuolo, Michael, (Estate)
Date: 03/04/24

39-41 Pleasant St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Vargas & Son Properties LLC
Seller: M. Jemms Orange I LLC
Date: 03/13/24

21 Smith Ave.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $155,500
Buyer: Harry E. Foster
Seller: Kathleen A. Goodrum
Date: 03/12/24

SUNDERLAND

313 Amherst Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $620,000
Buyer: Hskim Sea & Salt LLC
Seller: Lesser FT
Date: 03/01/24

11 Plumtree Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $1,200,000
Buyer: Joshua J. Kenney
Seller: Jack Radetsky
Date: 03/11/24

WHATELY

135 Long Plain Road
Whately, MA 01373
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Kyle R. Keith
Seller: Gregoire, Lawrence J., (Estate)
Date: 03/14/24

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

737 Barry St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Daniel J. Frye
Seller: David M. Grimaldi
Date: 03/15/24

28 Center St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Nora Wine
Seller: Silver Snake Properties LLC
Date: 03/08/24

244 Colemore St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Barbara A. Myca
Seller: Christine M. Vershon
Date: 03/14/24

41 Federal Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Clark Dore
Seller: Moore Jr., Leslie J., (Estate)
Date: 03/15/24

23 Fenton St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $308,000
Buyer: Emin Mammadov
Seller: Jeremy Daunais
Date: 03/04/24

85 Garden St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Ina Stavila
Seller: Joseph F. Giordano
Date: 03/14/24

232 Meadow St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $509,000
Buyer: Evelyn O. Hackman
Seller: 232 Meadow RT
Date: 03/14/24

35 Mill St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $309,500
Buyer: Colin J. Robinson
Seller: Michael A. Luciani
Date: 03/07/24

612 North West St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $309,900
Buyer: Mila Sinigur
Seller: Gregory R. Forsman
Date: 03/07/24

507 River Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Timothy Ayre
Seller: Gina M. Buoniconti
Date: 03/13/24

417 Shoemaker Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Michael G. Shepard
Seller: Ellis L. Langone
Date: 03/06/24

441 Silver St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Mark Don Realty LLC
Seller: St. John Sr., David F., (Estate)
Date: 03/07/24

45 Southwick St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Jacob Rodriguez
Seller: Michael Shepard
Date: 03/06/24

CHICOPEE

19 Ash St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $415,726
Buyer: 19 Ash Street LLC
Seller: Source Nine Development LLC
Date: 03/01/24

20 Ash St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $415,726
Buyer: 19 Ash Street LLC
Seller: Source Nine Development LLC
Date: 03/01/24

403 Britton St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $298,000
Buyer: Alycia Beavis
Seller: Donald J. Duda
Date: 03/07/24

21 Call St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Daniel I. Langame
Seller: Bozena A. Wisniewska
Date: 03/13/24

153 Center St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $415,726
Buyer: 19 Ash Street LLC
Seller: Source Nine Development LLC
Date: 03/01/24

145 Champagne Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $236,000
Buyer: Said M. Umari
Seller: Lisa M. Kusek
Date: 03/01/24

Chicopee River Business Park
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Westmass Area Development Corp.
Seller: Harvey Industries LLC
Date: 03/14/24

759 Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Tavernier Investments LLC
Seller: Joao A. Ferreira
Date: 03/08/24

196 Clarendon Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Josue Escobar
Seller: Nexus Apartments LLC
Date: 03/04/24

32 Emerald St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Jodanne St. George
Seller: Freedom Spire Holding LLC
Date: 03/11/24

31 Farmington St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Olivia Curto
Seller: Laura S. Allen
Date: 03/01/24

391 Front St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $572,000
Buyer: Arlin R. Troncoso
Seller: Victor J. Garriga
Date: 03/06/24

394 Granby Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Kayleen E. Estrada
Seller: Lacy N. Lariviere
Date: 03/13/24

591 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: 19 Ellen Street LLC
Seller: Leclerc Holdings LLC
Date: 03/08/24

36 Green St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $366,000
Buyer: Kathleen M. Ludwig
Seller: Kenneth R. Craven
Date: 03/15/24

49 Harrison Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Adam Cutter
Seller: Brady Williams
Date: 03/08/24

41 Hillman St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $166,000
Buyer: Vera Samoylich
Seller: Joan M. Westcott
Date: 03/07/24

50 Lorimer St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Vicky Esteves
Seller: Kmak LLC
Date: 03/04/24

32 Medford St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Thomas P. Ferris
Seller: Damien A. Kozikowski
Date: 03/11/24

1682 Memorial Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Daviau & Robert Properties LLC
Seller: 896-900 Prospect St. Inc.
Date: 03/06/24

544 Montgomery St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Charlene Coelho
Seller: Billy J. Bergeron
Date: 03/01/24

420 New Ludlow Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Yuri Suprunets
Seller: Leonid Ignatyuk
Date: 03/12/24

44 Park St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Jonathan Rivera
Seller: Haze Gray LLC
Date: 03/01/24

678 Pendleton Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Jillian Obrien
Seller: Anthony R. Fields
Date: 03/11/24

40 Piquette Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Shannon Parncutt
Seller: Brian P. Cooper
Date: 03/05/24

Prospect St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Anthony R. Fields
Seller: Moise, Gerald J., (Estate)
Date: 03/12/24

60 Roy St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Andrew Reilly
Seller: Naila Akram
Date: 03/15/24

79 Saratoga Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Jose Martinez
Seller: Felmarie Feliciano-Merced
Date: 03/01/24

EAST LONGMEADOW

33 Athens St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01108
Amount: $339,999
Buyer: Gary R. Farina
Seller: Jrchr LLC
Date: 03/01/24

3 Hazelhurst Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Josh D. Diaz
Seller: Carrie D. Feliciano
Date: 03/15/24

17 Holy Cross Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Meghan K. Godfrey
Seller: Callahan, Karen E., (Estate)
Date: 03/08/24

115 Lasalle St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $221,000
Buyer: Brianna Fenney
Seller: Desiree Miller
Date: 03/08/24

15 Linden Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: James R. Stevens
Seller: Minh T. Chau
Date: 03/04/24

52 Melwood Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $358,500
Buyer: Daniel Tarbell
Seller: 52 Melwood Avenue NT
Date: 03/04/24

346 Prospect St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Ugur Turan
Seller: Tina M. Johnson
Date: 03/11/24

37 Vadnais St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $269,000
Buyer: Sara Roper
Seller: Herbert A. Bonacker
Date: 03/12/24

247 Vineland Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: C. Rosario-Lafontaine
Seller: Jean D. Richard
Date: 03/14/24

GRANVILLE

740 Main Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Peter R. Sorrajja
Seller: Sandra A. Stevens
Date: 03/15/24

HAMPDEN

147 Chapin Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $704,484
Buyer: Michael N. Richard
Seller: Cumberland Blues RT
Date: 03/01/24

261 Chapin Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Ian Edwards
Seller: Fumi Realty Inc
Date: 03/08/24

HOLLAND

63 South Cottage Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Kepler Despeines
Seller: Herbert F. Seymour
Date: 03/05/24

HOLYOKE

42 Evergreen Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Scott Lacombe
Seller: Christine Torda
Date: 03/12/24

36-38 Gates St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Adrian Cruz
Seller: Northern Flooring & Remodeling
Date: 02/01/24

267 Jarvis Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Segundo A. Alvacora Lala
Seller: Bigelow, David, (Estate)
Date: 03/13/24

1103 Main St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $153,000
Buyer: Pamela Connors
Seller: Citizens Bank
Date: 03/14/24

289-291 Main St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Johnna N. Caizan Torres
Seller: Real Estate Investors Northeast LLC
Date: 03/13/24

130 Middle Water St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Mass. Real Estate Holdings LLC
Seller: Alaska Assets LLC
Date: 03/04/24

110-112 Nonotuck St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $339,000
Buyer: Yanissel Sanchez
Seller: Gerald Glasser
Date: 03/11/24

461 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $194,648
Buyer: Federal National Mortgage Association
Seller: Marion Gartman
Date: 03/11/24

73-75 Pearl St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $318,000
Buyer: Elizabeth A. Lotter
Seller: Chad D. Alexander
Date: 03/11/24

53 Pine St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Jaminton Palma
Seller: Amanda Bialas
Date: 03/15/24

LONGMEADOW

96 Dunsany Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $469,000
Buyer: Michael Kearing
Seller: Beth A. King
Date: 03/01/24

141 Englewood Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $739,000
Buyer: Joseph C. Ruddeforth
Seller: James A. Most
Date: 03/07/24

37 Hopkins Place
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Benjamin A. St Aubin
Seller: Nicholas J. Jacks
Date: 03/15/24

144 Lincoln Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $308,000
Buyer: Leigh Cherkas
Seller: Kings Enterprise LLC
Date: 03/15/24

857 Longmeadow St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $755,000
Buyer: Alexander Belonis
Seller: Benjamin Kraus
Date: 03/14/24

132 Maple Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Joseph M. Martorelli
Seller: Ernest Abramian
Date: 03/15/24

82 Massachusetts Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: David B. Dagostino
Seller: Nola Management LLC
Date: 03/15/24

101 Riverview Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Megan Lingerfelt
Seller: Timothy Quinn
Date: 03/01/24

723 Shaker Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $233,000
Buyer: Timothy A. Lucier
Seller: William M. Fitzgerald
Date: 03/07/24

LUDLOW

57 Barre Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Steven Balicki
Seller: Scott A. Theriault
Date: 03/15/24

35 Bluegrass Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $363,000
Buyer: Michael Henry
Seller: Jeannette I. Reopel
Date: 03/08/24

51 Bridle Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $529,000
Buyer: Heath J. Racela
Seller: William P. Koscher
Date: 03/08/24

1352 Center St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Kevin P. Geissler
Seller: Ashley Rourke
Date: 03/08/24

1535 Center St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $319,987
Buyer: Rebecca Hulsey
Seller: Cioccolate RT
Date: 03/08/24

13 Lillian St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $147,500
Buyer: Thomas F. Hodgins
Seller: Thomas Lennon
Date: 03/08/24

150-152 Sewall St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Matthew Nye
Seller: CTC Property Holdings LLC
Date: 03/05/24

110 Swan Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Taylor Alves
Seller: Robert Alves
Date: 03/15/24

278 Ventura St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $449,900
Buyer: Nelson P. Da Costa
Seller: Dorothy Mikaelian
Date: 03/15/24

MONSON

420 Boston Road West
Monson, MA 01069
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: David L. Sweetman
Seller: Louis J. Rivers
Date: 03/01/24

5 Lincoln Place
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Joshua Stoddard
Seller: Maaz A. Siddiqui
Date: 03/07/24

284 Lower Hampden Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Ariana Sandillo
Seller: Wheeler, Deborah L., (Estate)
Date: 03/14/24

226 Wilbraham Road
Monson, MA 01036
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: David Canelas
Seller: Robert B. Webb
Date: 03/08/24

PALMER

15 Advance St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Mark A. Cady
Seller: Mikayla Harris
Date: 03/01/24

98 Beech St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $322,000
Buyer: Windi L. Muraszka
Seller: Casper-Hacker RT
Date: 03/11/24

29 Cabot St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Nathan Garrity
Seller: Laviolette, Robert R., (Estate)
Date: 03/15/24

Emery St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Deborah M. Southworth
Date: 03/04/24

Forest St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Deborah M. Southworth
Date: 03/04/24

2173 Main St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: A&T Properties LLC
Seller: Betty A. Smith
Date: 03/14/24

2089 Oak St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Chenevert Properties LLC
Seller: William S. Heilman
Date: 03/15/24

1274 Park St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Michael Lamothe
Seller: Jeffrey H. Landers
Date: 03/12/24

State St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Deborah M. Southworth
Date: 03/04/24

7 Walters Way
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Brian H. Lyons
Seller: Stephen M. Erickson
Date: 03/15/24

1028 Wilson St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Blake Lamonthe
Seller: Ronald L. Russis
Date: 03/15/24

SPRINGFIELD

11-13 Ainsworth St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Radhame Brito
Seller: Two Riveras LLC
Date: 03/04/24

69 Appleton St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Craig Davis-Lawson
Seller: Junior Properties LLC
Date: 03/08/24

1112 Bay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $1,300,000
Buyer: Titanium Springfield Real Estate LLC
Seller: Bzgjj Inc.
Date: 03/08/24

20 Beaudry St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Millicent U. Olisenekwu
Seller: Armando Torres
Date: 03/04/24

411 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Jerieme Daley
Seller: Kelnate Realty LLC
Date: 03/14/24

1208 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: SH Properties LLC
Seller: John A. Von Roemer
Date: 03/12/24

1267 Boston Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $850,000
Buyer: T5 Mass. Real Estate LLC
Seller: KA RT
Date: 03/05/24

25 Brookline Ave.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Emmanuel E. Colon
Seller: Sierra, Celsa Cruz, (Estate)
Date: 03/04/24

24 Capitol Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $159,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Kenneth T. Martin
Date: 03/06/24

15 Cedar St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Real Estate Investments Northeast LLC
Seller: Kempton Pollard
Date: 03/04/24

251 Central St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Rosa V. Feliciano
Seller: North End Housing Initiative
Date: 03/13/24

402 Central St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Samari Rivera
Seller: C. & C. Homes LLC
Date: 03/12/24

11 Champlain Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Elizabeth Lewis
Seller: P&R Investments LLC
Date: 03/11/24

22 Cornell St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Vivian A. Tomas
Seller: JJJ17 LLC
Date: 03/15/24

177 Denver St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Cristina M. Colon-Pagan
Seller: Better Builders Construction LLC
Date: 03/13/24

95 Fenimore Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Plata O. Plomo Inc.
Seller: Tyrus T. Ferguson
Date: 03/01/24

80 Florida St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Silver Snake Props
Seller: Plata O. Plomo Inc.
Date: 03/12/24

24 French St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Teresa Sedgwick
Seller: Corigliano, Mary Rose, (Estate)
Date: 03/06/24

20 Gardens Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Alexandria R. O’Connor
Seller: Fredi L. Merriam
Date: 03/01/24

63 Gates Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Maggi Predmore
Seller: Natalya Gavel
Date: 03/08/24

58-60 Gold St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Alexandria Vasquez
Seller: Carlos M. Mejia
Date: 03/13/24

158 Goodwin St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $326,000
Buyer: Andy Cenat
Seller: Zaida Burgos
Date: 03/11/24

19 Hillcrest St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $277,000
Buyer: Luz S. Gomez
Seller: Ronald A. Watt
Date: 03/05/24

53 Homestead Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Sean Chaez
Seller: Northeast Asset Mgmt. LLC
Date: 03/14/24

60 Intervale Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $349,900
Buyer: Ryan Stead
Seller: James & Deborah Myers LT
Date: 03/04/24

28-30 Kendall St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $438,000
Buyer: Selina V. Cruz
Seller: Mason Capital Ventures LLC
Date: 03/04/24

200 Kendall St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $2,562,000
Buyer: Mass. Detox Holding LLC
Seller: Chapin Center Real Estate LLC
Date: 03/04/24

54 Kittrell St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Ashelly Megit
Seller: Fumi Realty Inc.
Date: 03/12/24

9 Lafayette St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: James E. Klimek
Seller: Hank Orne LLC
Date: 03/14/24

4 Langdon St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Adem Demir
Seller: Morgan Stanley Home TR 2007
Date: 03/06/24

165 Laurelton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $124,000
Buyer: RM Blerman LLC
Seller: Robert J. Brauer
Date: 03/08/24

90 Leavitt St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Xavier Cruz
Seller: Real Estate Investors Northeast LLC
Date: 03/12/24

198 Leopold St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Meghan Jackson
Seller: Jillian O’Brien
Date: 03/11/24

73 Lorimer St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Edward Denehy
Seller: Christian Wiernasz
Date: 03/08/24

24 Manchester Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $306,000
Buyer: Walter C. Jenkins
Seller: Daniel J. Frye
Date: 03/15/24

85-87 Mooreland St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Aixa C. Vazquez
Seller: Eufemio G. Ortega
Date: 03/13/24

N/A
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Jean Laguerre
Seller: Hat Trick Properties LLC
Date: 03/05/24

703 Newbury St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Karen E. Gonzalez
Seller: Lisandra Sepulveda
Date: 03/11/24

127 Newland St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $297,000
Buyer: Mykel J. Simmons
Seller: Nathaniel Pace
Date: 03/01/24

110 Oklahoma St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Dnepro Properties LLC
Seller: Landauer FT
Date: 03/12/24

347 Orange St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Alliance Associates LLC
Seller: Errol W. Campbell
Date: 03/08/24

45 Orlando St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Shawn Harvey
Seller: Iris O. Perez
Date: 03/08/24

36 Orleans St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Emmanuel Camilo
Seller: Ali H. Abdraba
Date: 03/15/24

138 Park Dr.
Springfield, MA 01106
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: Molly L. Dill
Seller: Maggi D. Predmore
Date: 03/15/24

403 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Kenneth Torres
Seller: Melissa M. Russell
Date: 03/05/24

91-93 Parkside St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $208,855
Buyer: RCF 2 Acquisition TR
Seller: Silverio Jimenez
Date: 03/06/24

78-80 Phillips Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Louis E. Huang
Seller: Paul R. Gauthier
Date: 03/01/24

278 Pine St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Cathy Monteforte
Seller: Elizabeth Torres
Date: 03/01/24

98 Princeton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Pedro A. Luciano
Seller: Bobby R. Williams
Date: 03/12/24

153 Princeton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Angelique Rodriguez
Seller: Round Two LLC
Date: 03/08/24

172 Rosewell St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: JoeJoe Properties LLC
Seller: Lisa L. Levesque
Date: 03/13/24

79 Quincy St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: JHN Investments LLC
Seller: Eastcoastbuyers LLC
Date: 03/01/24

4 Rogers Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $297,000
Buyer: Pb07 Wale LLC
Seller: Lachenauer LLC
Date: 03/07/24

1265 Saint James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Eliezer R. Martinez
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 03/15/24

49 School St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $2,200,000
Buyer: 340 Appleton LLC
Seller: School Holdings LLC
Date: 03/11/24

30 Seneca St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Eduardo Diaz
Seller: Dianne S. Mikaelian
Date: 03/01/24

124 Stuart St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Brickhouse Homes LLC
Seller: Greene, Paul Douglas, (Estate)
Date: 03/15/24

24 Sue St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Manchester Enterprises LLC
Seller: Bazinet, Theresa J., (Estate)
Date: 03/12/24

92 Sunset Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $234,500
Buyer: RCF 2 Acquisition TR
Seller: Grafton C. Catwell
Date: 03/13/24

18 Superior Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Antonio Crespo
Seller: James Randall
Date: 03/15/24

64 Timothy Circle
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Cristnely Rodriguez
Seller: Timothy D. Leclair
Date: 03/15/24

238-240 Union St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $630,000
Buyer: Matthew P. Gittens
Seller: Illuminati Holdings LLC
Date: 03/01/24

112 Wollaston St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Cecilia Afrifa
Seller: Global Homes Properties LLC
Date: 03/11/24

SOUTHWICK

22 Noble Steed Xing
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $649,000
Buyer: Ryan McLane
Seller: Giberson Construction Inc.
Date: 03/04/24

12 Sawgrass Lane
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Steven M. Gutkowski
Seller: Hamelin Framing Inc.
Date: 03/01/24

234 Sheep Pasture Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Aga Brothers LLC
Seller: Vanessa Filiault
Date: 03/08/24

3 Tall Pines Trail
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Jada Homes LLC
Seller: Hamelin Framing Inc.
Date: 03/06/24

WALES

4 Brows Beach Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $358,000
Buyer: Bruce E. Boutin
Seller: Arthur Ferrara
Date: 03/15/24

15 Grove Point Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $785,000
Buyer: Craig Rahemba
Seller: Diane L. Blais
Date: 03/06/24

2 Grove Point Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: Daniel R. Ogoley
Seller: David Samuels
Date: 03/01/24

4 Grove Point Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: Daniel R. Ogoley
Seller: David Samuels
Date: 03/01/24

2 Laurel Lane
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: Daniel R. Ogoley
Seller: David Samuels
Date: 03/01/24

WEST SPRINGFIELD

201 Circle Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $224,000
Buyer: Brital1987 LLC
Seller: Flynn, Janet, (Estate)
Date: 03/08/24

201 Circle Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Jose Rosado-Medina
Seller: Brital 1987 LLC
Date: 03/08/24

419 Dewey St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Lisa Carbonell
Seller: Zaide Soufane
Date: 03/06/24

30 Druids Lane
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Taylor M. Tucker
Seller: Ryan P. McLane
Date: 03/04/24

54-56 Elm Circle
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Amjad Real Estate LLC
Seller: Stewart T. Hillios
Date: 03/15/24

1163 Elm St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $8,500,000
Buyer: School Holdings LLC
Seller: Deville Apartments LLC
Date: 03/12/24

81 Fairview Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: London Realty LLC
Seller: Aga Brothers LLC
Date: 03/07/24

50 Garden St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Irem Karaarslan
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 03/15/24

163 Labelle St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Jennifer H. Ochner
Seller: Sergey Savonin
Date: 03/15/24

199 Labelle St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Nader Gheit
Seller: Hutchinson, Denise M., (Estate)
Date: 03/08/24

25 Lewis Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $323,000
Buyer: Kenneth K. Mayer
Seller: Mark A. Cady
Date: 03/01/24

250 Main St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $262,500
Buyer: Kemran Lachinov
Seller: Td Bank
Date: 03/15/24

134 Ohio Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Aneesh Sharma
Seller: Regina Laboranti
Date: 03/15/24

6 Plateau Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Omar Shehzad
Seller: Adam M. Ciborowski
Date: 03/04/24

195 Wayside Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Suffield Street Holdings LLC
Seller: Kathleen S. McGovern RET
Date: 03/15/24

WESTFIELD

52 Briarcliff Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $399,900
Buyer: Alex Jez
Seller: Joseph F. McGovern Jr. RET
Date: 03/08/24

29 Butternut Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Krittaya Yannaphornhiran
Seller: Amenadiel RT
Date: 03/01/24

33 Day Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Mhi Properties LLC
Seller: Marcus D. Kane
Date: 03/12/24

67 Woodside Ter.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $266,155
Buyer: LSF9 Master Participation Trust
Seller: Lori J. Andras
Date: 03/13/24

WILBRAHAM

4 Conifer Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $533,000
Buyer: Austin O. Harding
Seller: Jennifer Smolnik
Date: 03/04/24

12 Hillcrest Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $176,000
Buyer: Emi Investments LLC
Seller: William K. Prendergast
Date: 03/01/24

6 Hitching Post Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $705,000
Buyer: Ryan Shaink
Seller: Timothy C. Lavoie
Date: 03/15/24

6 Hitching Post Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $549,000
Buyer: Timothy C. Lavoie
Seller: Gary J. Lennox
Date: 03/14/24

659 Tinkham Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: James Leavitt
Seller: Ronald L. Taylor
Date: 03/15/24

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

36 Grantwood Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $416,000
Buyer: Grantwood LLC
Seller: Marie E. Armentano 2022 TR
Date: 03/12/24

8 Hillcrest Place
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $542,000
Buyer: Yg Pond LLC
Seller: Justin C. Ching
Date: 03/08/24

51 Hunters Hill Circle
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: CIL Realty Of Massachusetts
Seller: Manuel R. Townes
Date: 03/01/24

251-253 Pelham Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $302,000
Buyer: Kayvon Ross
Seller: Ryan Karb
Date: 03/12/24

170 Pine St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Yeon S. Kim
Seller: Bidwell, James N., (Estate)
Date: 03/14/24

48 Ridgecrest Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $516,000
Buyer: Ana D. Villalobos
Seller: Robert D. Marx RET
Date: 03/06/24

89 South East St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Fern & Company LLC
Seller: Lincoln Ave. Partners LLC
Date: 03/07/24

BELCHERTOWN

228 Amherst Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $176,500
Buyer: Mark Wallace
Seller: 228 Amherst LLC
Date: 03/15/24

Franklin St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Burgundy Brook Land & Cattle
Seller: Stoneyfield Farm LLC
Date: 03/11/24

786 Franklin St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $364,000
Buyer: Robert Jacques
Seller: Mariah Mccaughey
Date: 03/06/24

425 Mill Valley Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Arpc LLC
Seller: Matthew H. Caldwell
Date: 03/12/24

475 South Washington St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $649,900
Buyer: Adam Nyzio
Seller: Paul A. Valentine
Date: 03/15/24

85 Underwood St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $427,000
Buyer: Amber O’Reilly
Seller: Justin Stockwell
Date: 03/15/24

CHESTERFIELD

19 Don Emerson Road
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Kris E. Rafferty
Seller: Barbara B. Stasiak
Date: 03/01/24

EASTHAMPTON

140 Everett St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $394,500
Buyer: Aaron Onidi
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 03/14/24

23 Mount Tom Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $369,900
Buyer: Whitney M. Brooks
Seller: Veteran Stan LLC
Date: 03/01/24

15 Zabek Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Daniel C. Wauczinski
Seller: Arthur L. Hill
Date: 03/08/24

GRANBY

7 Breezy Lane
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Kevin Lizotte
Seller: Jendrysik FT
Date: 03/15/24

148 Porter St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Wesley Calhoun
Seller: Martha Giroux
Date: 03/12/24

12 Truby St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $258,500
Buyer: Patrick R. Fugler
Seller: Leo E. Fugler
Date: 03/11/24

HADLEY

3 Adare Place
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $865,000
Buyer: Michael D. Thomas
Seller: Rosemund LLC
Date: 03/07/24

3 Aqua Vitae Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $462,000
Buyer: Annabell Lee
Seller: Perrin Hendirck
Date: 03/01/24

Roosevelt St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Devine Brothers LLC
Seller: John S. Kelley
Date: 03/11/24

HATFIELD

22 Bridge St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Leah Terrell
Seller: Susan Diggins
Date: 03/11/24

20 West St.
Hatfield, MA 01088
Amount: $1,300,000
Buyer: 92 Hatfield LLC
Seller: Kirit K. Patel
Date: 03/04/24

HUNTINGTON

39 Goss Hill Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Mark S. Hanks
Seller: Donna L. Rowe
Date: 03/01/24

NORTHAMPTON

61 Bridge Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Kristen G. Brookes
Seller: John Horton
Date: 03/06/24

908 Bridge Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Maxim Mireyev
Seller: Bixby, Anne L., (Estate)
Date: 03/11/24

56 Crestview Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Walter E. Drenen
Seller: Yao Wu
Date: 03/05/24

231-233 Main St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $469,000
Buyer: David Ciernia
Seller: Heather A. Bell
Date: 03/01/24

29 Summer St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Gary Hawkins
Seller: Shirley D. Connelly
Date: 03/14/24

10 Wright Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Bourgeois Properties LLC
Seller: Christopher Colby
Date: 03/15/24

PELHAM

76 Amherst Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Khoder Hamdan
Seller: Walker, Robert J., (Estate)
Date: 03/13/24

378 Daniel Shays Hwy.
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Julie Gimbrone
Seller: Isa Wang
Date: 02/20/24

SOUTH HADLEY

12 Bolton St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $242,500
Buyer: Bryan E. Perlak
Seller: Kristiaan S. Krause
Date: 03/04/24

14 Cedar Ridge
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $646,695
Buyer: Youngbin Kwak
Seller: Donald E. Baranowski
Date: 03/04/24

22 Easy St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $318,000
Buyer: Joseph W. Blair
Seller: KMAK LLC
Date: 03/01/24

16 Pershing Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Alex J. Tremblay
Seller: Brian H. Lyons
Date: 03/15/24

35 San Souci Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $660,000
Buyer: Evan Conley
Seller: John T. Conner
Date: 03/15/24

SOUTHAMPTON

8 Russellville Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $434,000
Buyer: Justin J. Brown
Seller: Alan M. Wine
Date: 03/08/24

19 Valley Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $540,000
Buyer: Haley R. Pedruczny
Seller: Steven Hermanson
Date: 03/08/24

WARE

15 Longview Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $376,500
Buyer: Erich J. Lamb
Seller: Marilyn E. Niquette
Date: 03/11/24

6-10 West St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Akena A. Segovich
Seller: Charming Colonials LLC
Date: 03/01/24

WILLIAMSBURG

Old Goshen Road, Lot 2
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Alan E. Cottle
Seller: Abbott Gray RT
Date: 03/12/24

Old Goshen Road, Lot 3
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Alan E. Cottle
Seller: Abbott Gray RT
Date: 03/12/24

Old Goshen Road, Lot 4
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Alan E. Cottle
Seller: Abbott Gray RT
Date: 03/12/24

14 South Main St.
Williamsburg, MA 01039
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Catherine A. Higgins
Seller: Catherine A. Higgins
Date: 03/13/24

Building Permits

By BusinessWest Staff April 10, 2024

Building Permits

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

CHICOPEE

83 Worthen Street Inc.
650 Memorial Dr.
$15,804.43 — Concrete work for EV chargers

Rodrique Augustin
154 School St.
$7,000 — Concrete handicap ramp

Terese Clapp
3 Connecticut Ave.
$20,630 — Roofing

Veden LLC
55 Main St.
$1,500 — Install fire alarm in Building B, Suite 102

EASTHAMPTON

136 Pleasant LLC
136-148 Pleasant St.
$26,100 — Construct non-structural, non-load-bearing walls

136 Pleasant LLC
136-148 Pleasant St.
$15,600 — Construct non-structural, non-load-bearing walls

136 Pleasant LLC
136-148 Pleasant St.
$15,000 — Extend partition walls to ceiling, add partition wall

Lathrop Community Inc.
100 Bassett Brook Dr.
$194,980 — Insulation

Park Hill Orchard Holdings
82 Park Hill Road
$730,000 — Construct pre-engineered, steel-framed barn for orchard operations

HADLEY

360 Russell LLC
360 Russell St.
N/A — Apply maintenance coating over roof membrane

NORTHAMPTON

City of Northampton
210 Main St.
$3,500 — Make counters in City Clerk’s Office handicap-accessible

City of Northampton
240 Main St.
$14,000 — Make counters in Veterans Office and Retirement Office handicap-accessible

Cooley Dickinson Hospital Inc.
30 Locust St.
$5,400 — Illuminated ambulance wall sign

Cooley Dickinson Hospital Inc.
30 Locust St.
$5,400 — Illuminated emergency wall sign

Firefly Properties LLC
155 Industrial Dr.
$21,000 — Insulation and weatherization

Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield
3 Elm St.
$10,000 — Remove five top stained-glass windows at St. Mary of the Assumption Church

Silk Mill Offices LLC
267 Locust St., Unit R5
$2,543 — Close off doorway

Suher Properties LLC
24 Center St.
$95,995 — Roofing

SPRINGFIELD

180 Redevelopment LLC
1179 East Columbus Ave.
$1,705,000 — Erect new Panera Bread restaurant with drive-thru

1492 Redevelopment LLC
90 Carew St.
$118,500 — Roof repair at Springfield Dialysis Center

American International College
1057 State St.
$483,067 — New roof structure, roof system, and minor building envelope encapsulation on Health Sciences building

Bicentennial Plaza LLC
1490 Allen St.
$5,000 — Insulation

Big Y Trust
1090 St. James Ave.
$1,352,000 — Interior alterations, including reconfiguration of books room, customer service, café, offices, meat, seafood prep, and entry; upgrades to equipment and finishes; new cases and gondolas

Calvary’s Love Church
19 Oakland St.
$17,107 — Insulation and air sealing

City Properties Corp.
25 Avocado St.
$377,442 — Revise existing warehouse floor space at City Tire for more service area

Gleason Johndrow Rentals LLC
73 Chestnut St.
$28,400 — Repair front and rear porches of office building

KD Collins Realty LLC
180 Spring St.
$15,000 — Roofing

Liberty Medical Building Associates
125 Liberty St.
$4,775 — Replace fire-alarm panel

Listen Lynda LLC
339 State St.
$195,000 — Alter second-floor interior space for classroom use at Springfield Conservatory School of the Arts

Picknelly Family LP
1414 Main St.
$38,730 — Repair East Columbus Avenue pedestrian bridge panel system lower and underside

Pride Stores LLC
1900 Wilbraham Road
$2,175 — Siding

Razzak Building LLC
39 Mulberry St.
$10,000 — Interior office remodel

Snapland 59 LLC
51 Taylor St.
$1,500 — Change of use from pizza shop to bar/brewery restaurant for Loophole Brewing

Titeflex Commercial Inc.
603 Hendee St.
$257,000 — Roofing

William Street LLC
979 Main St.
$300,000 — Alter interior space on all three levels of mixed-use property

Ray DiPasquale Left Lasting Legacy at STCC

By BusinessWest Staff April 9, 2024

Daily News

Ray DiPasquale

SPRINGFIELD — Ray DiPasquale, president of Massasoit Community College in Brockton, who passed away on April 4, served in several leadership positions from 1979 to 1998 at Springfield Technical Community College (STCC).

While he rose to become president of three community colleges, he spent the bulk of his 50-year career in higher education at STCC. He also spent decades serving the city of Springfield, working as a city councilor and a School Board member, as well as running for mayor in 1991.

STCC President John Cook expressed his sincere condolences to DiPasquale’s friends and family, and to the students, faculty, and staff of Massasoit Community College.

“STCC would not be the same today were it not for Ray DiPasquale,” Cook said. “It was a full-circle moment meeting Ray in person when he assumed the presidency at Massasoit. I knew he played a role in developing key services at STCC, and his leadership across three states and multiple institutions was a tribute to his talents.”

DiPasquale began his career in higher education at Middlesex Community College in 1974. In 1979, he joined STCC as director of Admissions. He would rise through the ranks, helping to develop or re-envision departments and services at STCC, until leaving the college in 1998.

In 1982, DiPasquale was named assistant to the president. His next and longest-held position at STCC was dean of Admissions/Public Relations. Between 1983 and 1992, he was responsible for the operation of the Admissions Office, Public Relations, Media Communications, College Publications, the Transfer Office, and the Placement Office.

In 1992, DiPasquale was named vice president of Enrollment Management/Student Affairs. Among his various responsibilities, he served as a member of the president’s executive cabinet. He provided leadership, administration, and direction for enrollment management and marketing strategies for the entire college, and helped secure federal and state funding to support the newly founded Student Success Center.

DiPasquale created STCC’s Enrollment Management Division. He drew together functions from various areas of the college into a cohesive team that increased applications 21% over a seven-year period. He also served as a consultant for other Massachusetts colleges in developing the enrollment-management concept.

In 1998, DiPasquale left STCC for a position as vice president for Enrollment Management & Student Affairs at SUNY Brockport in Brockport, N.Y. He held the position until 2006.

He began serving his first term as president of the Community College of Rhode Island in 2006, following his selection by the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education.

Four years later, he was named commissioner of Higher Education for the Rhode Island Board of Education, a position he held until 2013. He was also president of Clinton Community College in New York. He began his presidency at Massasoit Community College in August 2021.

According to an announcement on Massasoit Community College’s website, DiPasquale was committed to serving the communities he called home and worked to advance the lives of others through education. In addition to his professional pursuits, he volunteered his time to numerous nonprofits and community organizations.

HCC to Showcase Fine, Performing Arts During Arts in Action Event on April 10

By BusinessWest Staff April 9, 2024

Daily News

HOLYOKE — Fine and performing arts will take center stage on Wednesday, April 10 as Holyoke Community College (HCC) hosts its first-ever Arts in Action event, showcasing the talents of students and faculty from its Visual Art, Music, and Theater departments.

HCC will welcome more than 100 students from area high schools that day to visit the annual HCC student art show in the college art gallery, listen to live musical performances, observe demonstrations in the ceramics studio, and attend a full performance of HCC’s spring theater production of The Great Gatsby in Leslie Phillips Theater.

So far, participating high schools include Easthampton, Holyoke, West Springfield, and Libertas Academy Charter School in Springfield.

“This is going to be a wonderful event because it brings all of us in fine and performing arts together,” said Felice Caivano, chair of the HCC Visual Art department. “We’re excited to have 100-plus high-school art students, possibly prospective students, coming, and for the community to see what we’re doing in each of our departments.”

Most of Arts in Action takes place in the college’s Fine and Performing Arts building. HCC music students will perform in the lobby outside the theater on the second floor. On the third floor, in art studio 325, Visual Art Professor Margie Rothermich will be sitting at the throwing wheel demonstrating pottery making.

The event coincides with the opening of the annual Student Art Exhibition in the Taber Art Gallery inside the HCC Library on the second floor of the adjacent Donahue Building. The show runs through May 1.

Following the ceramics demonstrations and tours of the gallery, students will enter the theater to watch an 11 a.m. dress rehearsal of The Great Gatsby, which starts its three-day run the following night, April 11, at 7:30 p.m. The play, a stage adaptation of the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, features a live jazz band on stage led by Music Professor Bob Ferrier, a jazz guitarist who is also the musical director for the show.

“Bob Ferrier is a genius,” said Theater Professor Pat Sandoval, director of the play. “We want people to see the great work being done at HCC. We’ve got great departments here with incredibly talented and committed individuals. Just come and see what we do.”

Pittsfield Cooperative Bank Welcomes Joshua Burgos

By BusinessWest Staff April 9, 2024

Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Pittsfield Cooperative Bank announced the hiring of Joshua Burgos as its new Business Development and Cash Management officer. In this role, he will oversee the multitude of cash transactions for the institution’s commercial customers as well as manage business deposits, real estate, and non-real-estate loans.

Burgos joins the bank after working most recently at Canyon Ranch as a senior accountant. He has 10 years of experience working in financial services, having served in positions at MassMutual and Greylock Federal Credit Union.

Burgos has an associate degree in business administration from Cambridge College, a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Capella University, and will be completing his MBA from UMass Amherst this fall.

Valley Eye Radio Seeks Executive Director

By BusinessWest Staff April 9, 2024

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — After the sudden passing of Director Barbara Loh in February, Valley Eye Radio (VER), the area’s only news-reading service for the blind and print-impaired, is seeking a passionate and committed executive to follow in Loh’s footsteps and guide the 40-year-old organization into the future.

VER keeps those with vision loss or reading impairment informed and connected to their communities by radio broadcasting local news and information that otherwise wouldn’t be available to them. The nonprofit strives to fight loneliness, keep listeners informed, and create community among its listeners and nearly 100 volunteer readers.

“We were all shocked and saddened to hear about Barbara’s passing,” said Brian Westerlind, president of the board of directors. “Her leadership took us to new heights in many ways. Her perseverance in identifying new sources of funding put VER on steady financial footing, and her infectious, positive attitude made VER a place where people want to donate their time and resources to keep visually impaired folks connected to the world around them.

“In Barbara’s honor, we must keep the organization moving forward and serving our community,” Westerlind added. “We’re looking for the right person to fill the big shoes she has left behind.”

Valley Eye Radio is seeking an established nonprofit leader, fundraiser, and fiscal and program manager who can engage stakeholders of all kinds. Successful candidates will be able to implement programs to meet the strategic goals and objectives of VER and, ideally, should have a connection to the blind and/or reading-impaired communities. The VER station is located in Springfield.

To learn more, visit the job listing on Indeed or email Westerlind at [email protected].

Greater Springfield Habitat to Host One-day Build Event on April 13

By BusinessWest Staff April 8, 2024

Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — In honor of March’s Women’s History Month and Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build event, Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) will host Spring into Action on Saturday, April 13. The event was rescheduled from March 23 due to poor weather.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., several teams of five to eight people will venture to GSHFH’s parking lot at 268 Cold Spring Ave., West Springfield, to build one of eight pieces of outdoor furniture or yard accessories. Their finished products will be auctioned off at a later date. Participants had to register before March 29.

“This event should be a lot of fun while also helping volunteers to become more comfortable working with power tools,” said Aimee Giroux, GSHFH executive director. “It will hopefully give them the confidence to join us out on a build suite.”

Participants will receive snacks and goody bags, and may win prizes. Following the build, a wrap party will be held at Two Weeks Notice Brewing Co. at 110 Bosworth St., West Springfield.

GSHFH is dedicated to strengthening communities by empowering low-income families to change their lives and the lives of future generations through homeownership and home-preservation opportunities. Since 1987, Greater Springfield Habitat has built or repaired 129 homes in Hampden County.

Tickets Now on Sale for Yidstock

By BusinessWest Staff April 8, 2024

Daily News

AMHERST — Tickets are now on sale for Yidstock: the Festival of New Yiddish Music, happening July 11-14 at the Yiddish Book Center. Now in its 12th year, Yidstock brings the best in klezmer and new Yiddish music to the Yiddish Book Center’s stage. Highlights this year will include the Klezmatics, Frank London, Eleanor Reissa, Judy Bressler, Daniel Kahn, and many more.

Concert passes are available and include admission to all concerts and the two dance workshops. Individual tickets are also available for purchase for those who can only attend for part of the weekend.

This year, livestream concert passes will allow friends from afar to experience Yidstock from the comfort of their homes. These passes only include access to the seven concerts; they do not include access to talks, workshops, or the film screening.

Visit yiddishbookcenter.org/yidstock for more information and to purchase tickets.

HCS Head Start Celebrates Week of the Young Child

By BusinessWest Staff April 8, 2024

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield (HCS) Head Start is once again participating in the Week of the Young Child, the purpose of which is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and families and to recognize the early-childhood programs and services that meet those needs.

Originally created in 1971 by the National Assoc. for the Education of Young Children in an effort to recognize that the early-childhood years (birth through age 8) lay the foundation for children’s success in school and later life, this week continues as an annual event celebrating early learning.

HCS Head Start prepares preschool children not only for kindergarten, but for life. According to the Brookings Institute (2016), children who attend Head Start have a higher likelihood of graduating high school, attending college, and receiving a post-secondary degree, license, or certification. Since Head Start’s inception in 1965, the organization has improved the lives of more than 32 million children and their families.

“All the data reinforces how a child’s earliest years are fundamental in shaping their learning and development, yet never before have the needs of young children and their families in our community been more pressing,” said Nicole Blais, CEO of HCS Head Start.

In addition to early-education services, as a multi-service agency, HCS Head Start provides comprehensive programs, services, and support for children and their families, with programs including cooking, money management, parenting classes, a healthy relationships program, and more.

HCS Head Start has planned a fun-filled week of happenings celebrating early learning, young children, their teachers, families, and communities. Children enrolled in HCS Head Start will enjoy Week of the Young Child with hands-on, collaborative activities encouraging movement and healthy lifestyles through music, food, and art.

The festivities also include storytime guest readers. While some guest readers are still pending, confirmed guests include HCS Head Start board members, members of the organization’s health advisory board, and two area mayors: Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno today, April 8, at 9 a.m. at Carew Street Head Start Center, 65 Carew St., Springfield; and Chicopee Mayor John Vieau, Friday, April 12 at 10 a.m. at Lincoln Grove Early Learning Center, 216 Broadway St., Chicopee.

In addition, Head Start families are invited to Ride the Wellness Wave, a free health and safety resource fair hosted by HCS Head Start’s health team on Tuesday, April 9 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Carew Street Head Start Center at 65 Carew St., Springfield. Local community organizations will be on hand to provide information and resources to families in an effort to continue to promote the importance of overall health and wellness for young children and their families.

AIC Professor Co-leads Statewide Developmental Screening Effort

By BusinessWest Staff April 8, 2024

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Families with young children throughout Massachusetts are encouraged to participate in community events providing early screening for developmental delays and disabilities. Massachusetts will hold its second annual Developmental Monitoring and Screening Week at more than 40 sites across the Commonwealth, including several in Western Mass.

Students enrolled in the occupational therapy master’s program at American International College (AIC) will dedicate their expertise at one of these events on Wednesday, April 10 from 4 to 6:30 pm at the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) office in Mason Square, Springfield. During the event, the students will engage with families who are interested in learning more about their child’s development. Additionally, the students will provide complimentary books and fidget toys.

Additional locations hosting events in Western Mass. include the Central Berkshire Coordinated Family and Community Engagement in Dalton today, April 8; the Northampton Public School Early Childhood Center today and Tuesday, April 8-9; the West Springfield Community and Family Engagement, the ROCA Young Mothers Program in Springfield, and the Springfield North WIC on Wednesday, April 10; and the CFCE Gill Montague Regional School District in Turners Falls on Wednesday, April 17. All events are free of charge.

AIC Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy Kate Barlow co-leads Developmental Monitoring and Screening Week. Since 2019, Barlow has served as the state’s Act Early ambassador for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Massachusetts Act Early aims to educate parents and professionals about healthy childhood development, early indicators of autism and other developmental disorders, the importance of routine developmental monitoring and screening, and early intervention when concerns arise.

To identify children with delays, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends developmental screenings be held during pediatric wellness visits for infants and toddlers to identify children with delays. However, Barlow said, “more than half of the children who need early-intervention services are not receiving them, which is why developmental monitoring and screening in the community are so important. Early-intervention services are free to families in Massachusetts; however, children need to be identified first as having a delay to receive services.”

During the inaugural statewide Development Monitoring and Screening week held in April 2023, more than 500 children statewide either received a developmental screen or completed a developmental monitoring checklist. Those children who were identified as having a delay were referred for follow-up to their pediatrician and/or Family TIES of Massachusetts.

BusinessTalk with Parlor Room Collective Executive Director Chris Freeman

By BusinessWest Staff April 8, 2024

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 208: April 8, 2024

Joe Bednar talks with Chris Freeman, executive director of Parlor Room Collective

In 1979, the Iron Horse Music Hall opened inside a nondescript storefront on Center Street in Northampton — and launched four decades of music and memories. After it was shuttered a few years ago, the nonprofit Parlor Room Collective decided to not only reopen it, but fix what needed fixing while keeping its intimate model intact. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Parlor Room Collective Executive Director Chris Freeman talks with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar about the challenge of this project, an ongoing campaign to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to complete it, and why live music — and the Iron Horse — are so critical to the cultural life of this city and region. It’s must listening, so tune in to BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest.

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TMGC LLC Acquires Thomas Memorial Golf & Country Club

By BusinessWest Staff April 5, 2024

Daily News

TURNERS FALLS — On April 3, Kyle and Kelly Snow, as well as Kyle’s father, Edward Snow Jr., acting as TMGC LLC, purchased the Thomas Memorial Golf & Country Club in Turners Falls.

The Snow family, who own and operate Northfield Golf Course and Snow & Sons Landscaping in Greenfield, purchased the 55-acre property from the Thomas family with assets acquired from the Thomas Memorial Golf & Country Club board of directors. The acquisition also includes two private residences, an event space, a clubhouse, and a maintenance building.

While membership rates will stay level with the 2023 season, the Snows plan to make immediate improvements to the grounds and clubhouse, including a facelift of the common areas and restrooms. These updates are part of a comprehensive three- to five-year improvement plan the Snow family developed to ensure that Thomas Memorial Golf remains a leading local course and offers a unique Franklin County experience for golfers at all levels of play.

Kyle Snow, who also owns Sugarloaf Gardens in Sunderland, said the decision to acquire Thomas Memorial Golf Club was driven by the course’s rich history and strong relationship within the community.

“When we learned that the course was possibly up for sale, we thoroughly investigated the opportunity and engaged in discussions with both the Thomas family and the course’s board of directors,” he said. “It was evident that this acquisition was a perfect fit. We are committed to carrying on the name and preserving the course’s great features and valued history while simultaneously introducing new changes that will enhance the overall golfing experience.”

The Snow family plans to create a synergy between Northfield Golf Club and Thomas Memorial Golf that will benefit both courses, he added. “We look forward to building upon the existing strengths of the club and further establishing it as a great overall experience for its members and visitors.”

Cirque du Soleil BAZZAR Opens in Hartford on April 6

By BusinessWest Staff April 5, 2024

Daily News

HARTFORD, Conn. — Cirque du Soleil BAZZAR is coming to Hartford for the first time ever, starting Saturday, April 6. A colourful homage to Cirque du Soleil legacy, BAZZAR will continue its performances until May 5 at Under the Big Top on Market Street.

The show features acrobatic disciplines such as teeterboard, acrobike, contortion, duo rollerskates, duo trapeze, aerial rope, hair suspension, fire manipulation, slackline, and music performed live on stage.

Cirque du Soleil BAZZAR is intended to be an eclectic lab of creativity where a joyful troupe of acrobats, dancers, and musicians craft an awe-inspiring spectacle. Led by their maestro, they band together to invent a whimsical, one-of-a-kind universe. In a place where the unexpected is expected, the colourful group imagines, builds, and invents vibrant scenes in an artistic and acrobatic game. The high-energy excitement, collision of sounds and colors, and meeting place of diverse characters one might find at a traditional bazaar inspired the name of the show.

BAZZAR is the 43rd Cirque du Soleil production in 39 years. Since its creation in 2018, the show has entertained audiences in India, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Lebanon, Turkey, Egypt, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Argentina.

For the first time in Cirque du Soleil history, performers display strength and technical feats in an act of mallakhamb, a traditional Indian sport in which a gymnast performs aerial yoga postures and wrestling grips in concert with a vertical stationary or hanging wooden pole, cane, or hanging rope.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/bazzar.

M.L. Schmitt Inc. Owners Featured in Faces of Construction

By BusinessWest Staff April 5, 2024

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Peter Coppez and Jean Pierre Crevier took different paths to ownership of Springfield-based electrical contractor M.L. Schmitt Inc. But both have found the field to be challenging in the best ways.

“A career as an electrician is perfect for people who are detail-oriented, active, and prefer a job that is always changing,” Coppez said. “Becoming an electrician also offers so many leadership opportunities.”

Click here to read about the work of Coppez and Crevier to grow a firm that has completed jobs for scores of major clients — from MGM Springfield to the Basketball Hall of Fame to UMass Amherst — as well as smaller ones, across Massachusetts and Northern Conn. The profile is part of Faces of Construction, the first installment of BusinessWest’s new Faces of Business series, which will continue throughout 2024 with Faces of Education, Faces of Finance, and Faces of Healthcare.

“I am very proud of the diverse range of project types that we perform,” Crevier said, “and I am very cognizant of the impact and meaningfulness that the work we do has on the communities we work in.”

Junior Achievement 18 Under 18 Nomination Deadline Is April 12

By BusinessWest Staff April 5, 2024

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts (JAWM) is now welcoming nominations for its 18 Under 18 class of 2024, presented by Teddy Bear Pools and Spas. This event provides an opportunity to recognize outstanding young people throughout Western Mass. who exemplify innovative spirit, leadership, and community involvement.

“This is the third year we are holding this event, and after the high caliber of nominees we received during first two years, we’re even more excited to review this year’s candidates,” said Amie Miarecki, JAWM president. “As we have seen, there are many students who are making meaningful impacts in their local communities across our service area. We encourage teachers, youth-group leaders, mentors, parents, or other community members to submit nominations.”

Nominations must be submitted by Friday, April 12. The judges will then select finalists to interview via Zoom. The final 18 will be notified of their selection in late April.

Recipients will be honored at an event at Tower Square in Springfield on Thursday, May 16. They will also be featured in various local media outlets and benefit from a meaningful new network of community leaders and peers. They may also receive additional opportunities through event partners.

Nominations are open to students age 18 or younger who attend school in Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, or Berkshire county; Tantasqua and Quaboag regional school districts; or the state of Vermont. Involvement in JAWM programs is not required; however, it is considered favorably during the evaluation process. A letter of reference and an academic submission to support the nomination are required.

The judging criteria is divided into three categories: innovative spirit, leadership, and community involvement. For more information about the criteria and the event, or to request a nomination form, email [email protected].

CitySpace Invites Artists to Apply for Free Venue Access to Rehearse, Perform

By BusinessWest Staff April 4, 2024

Daily News

EASTHAMPTON — CitySpace announced the launch of its 2024 Pay It Forward program, aimed at supporting artists and organizations across Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties. This initiative provides free access to CitySpace’s Blue Room, a performance and incubator space situated in Easthampton’s historic Old Town Hall.

Interested applicants can submit their proposals at cityspaceeasthampton.org/pif through May 6.

Pay It Forward offers artists short-term residencies and access to the venue for public performances and rehearsals between July and December 2024. Selected artists will receive a stipend of up to $1,000, along with proceeds from ticket sales generated by their public performances. Moreover, recipients will benefit from workshops, peer-learning cohorts, and personalized coaching sessions aimed at enhancing their artistic practice and fostering new skills, connections, and innovative ideas.

Open to performers of all disciplines, Pay It Forward seeks to empower the vibrant artistic community within Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties. While open to all artists and creative organizations in the three counties, Pay It Forward focuses on supporting under-resourced artists and encourages BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) artists, LGBTQ+ artists, artists living with disabilities, and organizations that serve such artists.

Having piloted the Pay It Forward program alongside the unveiling of the Blue Room, CitySpace has witnessed the transformative impact of the program firsthand. Kim Chin-Gibbons, a 2022 pilot program recipient with her progressive rock band Sunset Mission, and recently appointed CitySpace artist advisory committee member, noted that “this program allowed us the time to really develop everything, not just to our liking but the necessary whole of what we are trying to do. We got to have rehearsals all day long, run tech, and shoot a music video. It was wonderful.”

Officially launching the program in 2023, Pay It Forward offered more than 1,250 complimentary hours last year to artists for theater performances, concerts, rehearsals, and more. Queer Community Theatre founders and 2023 Pay It Forward recipients Emily Fuller and Erin F. attested to its significance to their sold-out production of Bar Dykes, stating, “without the Pay It Forward program, we absolutely would not have been able to make this production the success that it was.”

Pay It Forward 2024 is made possible by the funding from the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts’ Valley Creates, Greenfield Saving Bank, Peak Performance Roofing, Massachusetts Cultural Council, Delap Real Estate, Finck and Perras, and Tandem Bagel.

Sara Rodrigues, Bridget Bunce Wins Monson Savings Bank President’s Award

By BusinessWest Staff April 4, 2024

Daily News

MONSON — Monson Savings Bank announced its second annual President’s Award recipients. This year’s award has been presented to Sara Rodrigues, assistant vice president and Commercial Loan Operations officer, Bridget Bunce, Bank Secrecy Act analyst.

The President’s Award is an opportunity to acknowledge those who consistently represent the bank’s mission and values through their commitment to customer service, the community, teamwork, and excellence. A candidate for the President’s Award displays a positive approach and willingness to help, shows respect for themselves and others, and demonstrates honesty and integrity, all while delivering service with warmth, friendliness, and individual pride to customers and colleagues.

Rodrigues joined the Monson Savings Bank family in February 2013. She consistently represents the bank at many local events and has volunteered for numerous organizations, such as Revitalize CDC, the United Way of Pioneer Valley, and I Found Light Against All Odds.

Bunce started with Monson Savings in October 2021 as a Deposit Operations administrator and was promoted to her current position in August 2023. She is always eager to lend a hand and has helped at several bank-sponsored events in 2022 and 2023.

“I am thrilled to announce that Sara and Bridget have been selected as recipients of the prestigious 2024 President’s Award. While it was difficult to choose just two recipients with a team full of all-stars, Sara and Bridget clearly demonstrate the qualities set forth as the President’s Award standards,” said Dan Moriarty, Monson Savings Bank president and CEO. “We all are incredibly proud of both of them and wish to congratulate them on their accomplishments as community leaders and role models.”

Michael Rouette, the bank’s executive vice president and chief operating officer, added that “the Monson Savings President’s Award is exciting because it recognizes the exceptional work of our team members, it displays the Monson Savings Bank team culture, and it showcases two prime examples of what our standards of excellence are amongst our team. I would like to extend a sincere congratulations to Sara and Bridget for being the second-ever Monson Savings President’s Award recipients. It is truly an honor that they should be extremely proud of.”

Laplante Construction Owner Featured in Faces of Construction

By BusinessWest Staff April 4, 2024

Daily News

EAST LONGMEADOW — Over more than two decades at the helm of the business his father started 60 years ago, Bill Laplante has earned the trust of more than 700 clients through exceptional project management, planning, communication, and service, building not only luxury homes — including a replica of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in Somers, Conn. — but spearheading condominium and new home developments and planning entire neighborhoods, in addition to developing commercial real estate, from Jiffy Lube locations to professional offices, banks, and restaurants.

Click here to read about Laplante, his many passions, and the growth of his East Longmeadow-based firm, Laplante Construction, in Faces of Construction, the first installment of BusinessWest’s new Faces of Business series, which will continue throughout 2024 with Faces of Education, Faces of Finance, and Faces of Healthcare.

“I really enjoy working with people and helping them create their dream home,” Laplante said. “In many cases, it’s the largest investment they’ll make, and it’s a very emotional purchase.”

Student Art Exhibit Opens This Weekend in the Mill District

By BusinessWest Staff April 4, 2024

Daily News

PELHAM — Pelham Elementary School and the Mill District General Store & Local Art Gallery invite the public to celebrate an installation called “Pieces of Us,” which is a mosaic by more than 120 students at Pelham Elementary School, ages 5-12. Open houses will take place this weekend on Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This front-window exhibit at the art gallery was organized by Emily Stewart, art teacher at Pelham Elementary. “It is inspired by classroom dialogues around identity and the many characteristics that shape our school community,” she said. “Each student had full control over their creative expression, within Pelham’s choice-based art studio. The selections they made in subject, media, style, and design invite us to embrace the beauty of their collective diversity and the mosaic of their varied experiences.”

Gallery Coordinator Shannon Youtsey Borrell added that “the Local Art Gallery proudly exhibits the works of over 30 local artists at any given time. With the young artists from Pelham Elementary joining us in the front-window gallery, for the next month we are exhibiting over 150 local artists.”

The “Pieces of Us” exhibit will continue through April 27.

“As a Pelham resident, I am excited to see and meet part of my community who are coming out to celebrate the young creative minds of Pelham Elementary School,” General Store Manager Molly Crookes said.

Lewis Goff, former language-arts teacher of Northfield Mount Hermon and Pioneer Valley Preforming Arts, now a staff member at the Mill District General Store, added that “I am blown away by this whole project. This exhibit is a must-see.”

Northampton Jazz Festival Welcomes Two Board Members

By BusinessWest Staff April 3, 2024

Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — The Northampton Jazz Festival has welcomed two new board members who bring broad skills and deep experience in entrepreneurship, marketing, community organizing, and music from world cultures. They are Ricard Torres-Mateluna, who joined last month, and Jillian Duclos, who joined the board in September 2023.

“I am thrilled to add these two dynamic and energetic individuals to the Northampton Jazz Festival board of directors. In a very short time, they have both contributed much to the organization,” said Ruth Griggs, president of the board. “Their ideas are fresh, realistic, and are helping us expand the depth and scope of our offerings this September, like adding children’s programming, more jazz events in September, and bringing musicians of world cultures to the stage.”

Jillian Duclos

After earning a bachelor’s degree in politics at Mount Holyoke College as a Francis Perkins Scholar in 2017, Duclos became a grass-roots organizer, a driver of workforce development, and then a business owner. Now, as executive director of the Downtown Northampton Assoc., she facilitates collaboration with city leaders, downtown organizations, and community members to drive economic development for downtown Northampton and provide a much-needed safety net to local and small businesses who anchor the community. On the Northampton Jazz Festival board, Duclos looks forward to using her experience to explore the best ways all can work together to make Northampton thrive.

Ricard Torres-Mateluna

Torres-Mateluna is a brand and marketing strategist who thinks with a global perspective and seeks solutions at the local level. Over his more than 20 years in the field, he has successfully worked toward uplifting educational entities and nonprofit organizations, having worked in advertising agencies and startups — large and small, at home and abroad — run by people from all backgrounds. His current role is vice president of Marketing and Communications for the Springfield-based human services agency Viability Inc.

Torres-Mateluna has been a jazz lover since childhood and is also a member of the editorial board and U.S. correspondent for Papeles de Jazz magazine in his native Chile. He holds a double bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications from Universidad ARCIS, Chile, and a master’s degree in literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz. As a first-generation college student and immigrant, he understands intimately the challenges ‘first’ groups face and uses that empathy and perspective to create solutions that effectively incorporate everyone. “The only way a brand, a campaign, or a strategy can be successful is by truly connecting with people,” he said.

UMass Dining to Host Dash ‘n’ Dine 5K to Support Amherst Survival Center

By BusinessWest Staff April 3, 2024

Daily News

AMHERST — UMass Dining will host its 13th annual Dash ‘n’ Dine 5K race on Saturday, April 20 to support the Amherst Survival Center.

The Dash ‘n’ Dine 5K is a campus tradition that exemplifies UMass Dining’s mission to create community through food. Over the past 12 years, UMass Dining has been able to raise over $60,000 for the Amherst Survival Center.

The day begins at 9 a.m. with check-in at the Southwest Horseshoe, followed at 10 a.m. by a free fun run for children age 8 and younger. The race begins at 11 a.m., followed by an award ceremony at 11:30 a.m. and lunch at noon in the Berkshire Dining Commons.

This annual event is for people of all ages and abilities. The race fee is $10 for all Five College undergraduate and graduate students, $20 for UMass Amherst faculty and staff, and $25 for the general public. Children age 8 and under are free. The race fee includes registration and a complimentary meal at the university’s award-winning dining facilities in the Hampshire and Berkshire Dining Commons.

To register or make a donation, visit runumass.com. Walk-up registration is available on race day. Event sponsors include WWLP-TV and Rock 102.

Associated Builders Owners Featured in Faces of Construction

By BusinessWest Staff April 3, 2024

Daily News

SOUTH HADLEY — Michael Ciolek Jr., Paul Ciolek, and Tom Ciolek say they entered the family business “by default,” but since then, they’ve grown Associated Builders with purpose, commitment, and a single-minded focus on clients’ needs, as they’ve designed and built hundreds of facilities in the commercial, industrial, automotive, institutional, and agricultural sectors, among others, with projects ranging from new buildings to office renovations and tenant fit-ups.

Click here to read about the Ciolek brothers, the growth of their South Hadley-based firm, and how they manage the challenges of the construction sector in Faces of Construction, the first installment of BusinessWest’s new Faces of Business series, which will continue throughout 2024 with Faces of Education, Faces of Finance, and Faces of Healthcare.

“Our work is more than just ‘finishing the job,’” the owners of Associated Builders stress. “Our ultimate goal with every project is to design and construct a building that increases our clients’ productivity and profitability.”

United Way to Distribute $189,292 in Emergency Food and Shelter Funds

By BusinessWest Staff April 3, 2024

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) is a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funded program designed to supplement the ongoing work of local social-service organizations to provide shelter, food, and supportive services to individuals and families who are experiencing, or are at risk of experiencing, homelessness or hunger.

United Way of Pioneer Valley (UWPV) serves as the administrator for Hampden County for all EFSP funds. With the help of a local board comprised of local community leaders, UWPV determines how funding is allocated through a competitive grant-application process.

EFSP funding for phase 41 recently became available, resulting in the distribution of $189,292 to be disbursed on a reimbursement basis to local nonprofit organizations.

“We are truly honored to support allocation of these funds to the community during a time when these services are more important than ever,” said Megan Moynihan, president and CEO of UWPV. “We are especially grateful to our local board partners at Catholic Charities, the Red Cross, etc., who help us make this happen.”

EFSP funds must be used to supplement food and shelter services and may not be used as seed money for new programs. The key responsibility of participating organizations is to provide assistance within the intent of their programs.

Any agencies with ongoing programming in Hampden County that supports emergency food, shelter, utilities, and rent or mortgage assistance are welcome to apply. Agencies must be nonprofit, have an accounting system, practice non-discrimination, have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and, if they are a voluntary organization, have a voluntary board. Qualifying organizations are urged to apply.

To apply, organizations must attend one of two informational sessions: Thursday, April 11 at 9:30 a.m. at the TD Bank Building conference room, 1441 Main St, Springfield; or Wednesday, April 17 at 9:30 a.m. at the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute, 164 Race St, Holyoke. Email [email protected] to RSVP.

Freedom Credit Union Hires Lee Craig as Chief Financial Officer

By BusinessWest Staff April 2, 2024

Daily News

Lee Craig

SPRINGFIELD — Freedom Credit Union recently hired Lee Craig as its senior vice president and chief financial officer. Bringing three decades of leadership experience in credit-union operations and compliance, Craig will lend his expertise to planning, directing, and controlling Freedom’s overall financial plans and policies, accounting practices, and relationships with lending institutions and the financial community.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Lee as our new CFO,” Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch said. “His incredible wealth of knowledge encompasses not only every facet of our industry, but the communities in which our members live and work. We couldn’t ask for a better fit for this fundamental role within our organization.”

Craig comes to Freedom after 23 years as CFO at MassMutual Federal Credit Union, where he was responsible for the operation’s overall financial condition, information-technology oversight, compliance management, and strategic planning. He also previously served as principal examiner at the National Credit Union Administration.

A member of the Credit Union National Assoc. CFO Council and Compliance Council and a past member of Fiserv’s user advisory board, Craig served on the town of Westhampton’s Finance Committee for several years. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business management from Westfield State University.

Pittsfield Cooperative Bank Welcomes Reinaldo Román

By BusinessWest Staff April 2, 2024

Daily News

Reinaldo Román

PITTSFIELD — Pittsfield Cooperative Bank announced the hiring of Reinaldo Román as vice president, branch officer. In this role, Román will manage the institution’s branch operations at its main office located at 70 South St., Pittsfield. Additionally, he will assist the organization with its further development of Spanish-focused materials.

Román joins the bank after a successful 23-year tenure at Greylock Federal Credit Union. He has extensive experience in branch operations and management, business development, retail lending, and customer relations. He received his business administration in banking degree from Berkshire Community College.

“Pittsfield Cooperative Bank is thrilled to welcome Reinaldo to our team,” CEO J. Jay Anderson said. “He is an exceptional individual and brings years of branch operations and business-development experience in the financial-services industry.”

Dakin Humane Society Announces 2024 Humane Award Nominations

By BusinessWest Staff April 2, 2024

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Dakin Humane Society will be accepting nominations from the public for its Dakin Humane Awards until June 30. Nominees should be people or organizations that go out of their way to care for animals in need, people who volunteer to help animals, or people and/or animals who have provided significant public service or shown courage in a crisis.

Finalists in each of the award categories will be picked from among the nominees and notified of their selection in August. The awards will be presented at an event to be held at Dakin on Wednesday, Sept. 11. The six awards to be bestowed are:

• Youth Award, which honors a hero, age 16 or younger, whose extraordinary care and compassion makes a difference in the life of an animal and makes the world a kinder and gentler place;

• Champion Award, which honors an individual in the public or nonprofit sector who has faithfully served and made life better for tens of thousands of animals and people in Western Mass;

• Richard and Nathalie Woodbury Philanthropy Award, which pays homage to an individual who displays a remarkable sense of stewardship in sharing time, talent, and financial resources to improve the lives of animals and the people who love them;

• Distinguished Animal Award, which recognizes an exceptional animal (and handler, when applicable) whose extraordinary devotion to people has proven transformative or lifesaving in challenging or exceptional circumstances;

• Corporate Leadership Award, which is presented to a business or its corporate foundation, of any size, that demonstrates outstanding commitment to improve the lives of animals through employee giving, volunteerism, or partnership; and

• Frances M. Wells Award, which given to an individual recognized for notable contributions to the health and welfare of animals.

“The Humane Awards recognize individuals within our community that are making a difference for animals,” said Stacey Price, director of Development and Marketing at Dakin. “The people nominated demonstrate exemplary service and compassion and are an inspiration for others. Their efforts raise awareness about animal welfare issues and service. Together, we celebrate and acknowledge their acts of compassion toward animals that help create a culture of empathy and advocacy in our community.”

Nominations are being accepted online only at www.dakinhumane.org/humane-awards. Mail-in nominations will not be accepted. Nominees should be residents of Central or Western Mass. or Northern Conn.

After June 30, nominations will be reviewed by Dakin Humane Society’s directors and staff, and finalists will be selected. After that, a panel of independent judges will select the winners by voting in each category. The decisions will be based solely on the content of the nomination forms. Nominators are asked to provide thoughtful, concise, and specific examples of their nominees’ efforts on behalf of animals.

BusinessTalk with Delcie Bean, owner of Paragus Strategic I.T.

By BusinessWest Staff April 1, 2024

Business Talk Podcast

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 207: April 1, 2024

Joe Bednar talks with Delcie Bean, owner of Paragus Strategic I.T.

When BusinessWest celebrates its Difference Makers class of 2024 on April 10, one of the honorees will be Delcie Bean, who has been a fixture in the region’s IT space for the past two decades — and has begun to grow the footprint and reach of his company, Paragus Strategic I.T., well outside it. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar talks with Bean about that growth plan, how to build and retain an IT workforce, why he transitioned Paragus to a 100% employee-owned model, and the excititing changes ahead in the high-tech world, from VR and automation to AI, and how that will impact businesses of all kinds. It’s must listening, so tune in to BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest.

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Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce Elects New Executive Director

By BusinessWest Staff April 1, 2024

Daily News

AMHERST — The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce announced that its executive committee has concluded its search for the chamber’s new executive director and selected Jacob Robinson, who brings more than 15 years of experience in building coalitions, fostering partnerships, and promoting business-driven leadership for sustainable impact.

In his most recent role as the West Roxbury Main Streets program director, Robinson concentrated on local economic development, offering technical assistance to small businesses, facilitating pandemic recovery efforts, leading community events, and championing inclusive commercial planning efforts. His commitment has extended to serving on municipal planning committees and nonprofit boards and contributing to Belchertown’s Climate Resilience and Sustainable Growth Plan.

His past work includes building regional and national networks of business leaders working together to develop and share best practices in energy management and strategy. He is also a skilled researcher and educator on the topics of corporate environmental, social, and governance leadership. He holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental management from Indiana University and lives in Belchertown.

“I am honored to step into the role of executive director at the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce and eager to contribute to the community in this new capacity aimed at maintaining our region as a vibrant place to live, work, and build prosperous businesses,” Robinson said. “By leveraging the strengths of the Amherst area’s diverse business mix, I’m excited to lead the chamber’s mission and collaborative efforts to address immediate small-business needs, while enhancing a thriving and sustainable local economy that truly works for everyone. I’m looking forward to working closely with the chamber’s board leadership, our members, and the broader community to ensure we all flourish here in this incredible part of Western Massachusetts.”

Heidi Flanders, chamber board president, added that “the mission of the executive committee was to find a candidate that could continue the incredible work the chamber has been providing to the business community, while seeking a candidate who was rooted in the Amherst area. The board is excited about Jacob’s proven track record in working with business communities and governments and happy that he resides within our Amherst area. We feel his commitment to Belchertown will carry over to all the towns we serve to foster our continued growth. We look forward to seeing what new innovative, collaborative, sustainable, and inclusive ideas he will bring to our area.”

Country Bank Appoints Thomas Dufault as Senior Vice President, Retail Lending

By BusinessWest Staff April 1, 2024

Daily News

Thomas Dufault

WARE — Country Bank announced the appointment of Thomas Dufault as senior vice president of the Retail Lending department. With 35 years in the mortgage industry and an entrepreneurial and construction background, he brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to his new role.

Dufault has gained extensive experience in construction standards, business acumen, and process improvements throughout his career. His diverse background, including as a former business owner, makes him an ideal candidate to lead Country Bank’s Retail Lending team.

In addition to his professional achievements, Dufault is also committed to community service. He has served on the board of Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts for 10 years, the past four years as the board president. He supports various charitable initiatives, including the United Way of North Central Massachusetts, the American Cancer Society, Heifer Project International, and the Alzheimer’s Assoc. He has also served on various committees and boards in the town of Rutland, where he lived for 26 years.

“I am excited to join Country Bank and contribute to its continued success in helping customers obtain their dreams of homeownership,” Dufault said. “I will focus on offering innovative products to help meet our customers’ needs with a simple application and approval process while offering a superior customer experience. I am eager to make a difference for the retail lending team and for our customers.”

Miriam Siegel, first senior vice president and chief Culture & Development officer, added that “we are incredibly pleased to welcome Tom to our leadership team. His extensive background in Retail Lending brings an exciting level of strategic insight and direction to the Country Bank brand of Community Banking. His commitment to strategic and empathetic leadership, community support, and entrepreneurial spirit align with our iSTEP Corporate values of integrity, service, teamwork, excellence, and prosperity. We are proud that Tom has chosen Country Bank as his employer of choice.”

Falcon Landing in Westfield to Take Flight on Heels of Local Permitting Approval

By BusinessWest Staff April 1, 2024

Daily News

WESTFIELD — In a location that once thrived as part of a computer manufacturing facility for Digital Equipment Corp., a joint-venture development team of Winstanley Enterprises LLC and NorthPoint Development is moving forward with approved plans to build a general warehouse and distribution facility. The recently obtained state and local approvals for the sought-after location come as the warehouse and distribution sector continues to thrive.

Falcon Landing is an approved 524,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art general distribution facility that will be constructed for one or two tenants adjacent to Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport on Falcon Drive in Westfield. The 126-acre parcel will include 362 parking spaces to accommodate two employee shifts and 322 tractor-trailer spaces. The site boasts easy accessibility and is located about two and a half miles from Mass Pike exit 41.

Last August, the joint-venture development team focused its multi-disciplinary group of planners, engineers, and architects on developing a scaled-down distribution facility at this location. After they listened to neighborhood concerns, the site plan incorporated a meticulously designed robust stormwater-management plan and preservation of mature trees for buffering, and also eliminated any connections to North Road. The project received state approval in October and local approval in February.

“Our project team worked very hard to put forward a sensible plan that is rooted in community input, prioritizes protection of sensitive resources, and delivers economic-development benefits to Westfield,” said Adam Winstanley, principal of Winstanley Enterprises. “We are excited to move the project forward.”

Marketing efforts have ramped up to secure a suitable tenant; however, the warehouse will be built on spec if a tenant is not secured prior to construction. With the needed approvals in hand, the team will continue to coordinate closely on finalizing both building-design elements and traffic-mitigation improvements.

“Falcon Landing is an ideal location for companies looking to grow their business at a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility that offers easy accessibility from the Mass Pike,” said Andrew Villari, Development manager for NorthPoint Development. “We are proud to be a part of this project and excited about the future in Westfield.”

The project team supporting NorthPoint Development and Winstanley Enterprises includes Epsilon Associates, VHB, Good Earth Advisors, and Watkins Strategies.

Five College Jazz Festival Returns on April 5-6

By BusinessWest Staff April 1, 2024

Daily News

AMHERST — The 2024 Five College Jazz Festival, the first since 2019, will feature performances from big bands, small combos, vocal ensembles, and improvising orchestras on Friday and Saturday, April 5-6, at UMass Amherst. These groups will feature the interpretive and improvisational skills of Five College students under the direction of the jazz faculty of the Five College campuses.

“The festival is a celebration of the many creative ways we approach the jazz continuum at our campuses,” said David Sanford, Music professor at Mount Holyoke College. “Attending the Five College Jazz Festival offers music lovers on our campuses and in our communities a great opportunity to hear what our students are doing.”

Hosted this year by the UMass Jazz and African American Music Studies program from the department of Music and Dance, the bands will be performing at Bezanson Recital Hall and Tillis Performance Hall, both located in UMass’s Fine Arts Center. The Five College Jazz Festival is free and open to the public.

Performances are scheduled for April 5, 6:30-10 p.m., at Bezanson; and April 6, 8:55 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Bezanson and 2-2:30 p.m. at Tillis. Participating bands include Mount Holyoke Big Band, Mount Holyoke Vocal Jazz Ensemble, UMass Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Smith College Jazz Ensemble, UMass Jazz Lab Ensemble, UMass Graduate Quartet, Amherst College Combo Pinnacles, UMass Chapel Jazz Ensemble, UMass Chamber Jazz Ensembles, and UMass Jazz Ensemble I.

Pioneer Valley Conference for Women Set for May 9

By BusinessWest Staff March 29, 2024

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The third annual Pioneer Valley Conference for Women will be held Thursday, May 9 at Marriott Springfield Downtown from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The conference will be held in person and virtually. This year’s theme is “Unleashed.”

Christina Royal will serve as emcee for the conference. The former president of Holyoke Community College, Royal is now president and CEO of Infinite Unlearning LLC, a woman-, BIPOC-, and queer-owned executive coaching and consultancy service supporting mid- to senior leaders and their organizations. Her goal is to educate leaders on a new paradigm of the future of work and help them shed their limiting beliefs and lead from a place of potential.

Keynote speakers are Meghan Rothschild, president and owner of the marketing and public-relations firm Chikmedia, and Jessika Rozki, founder of Rozki Rides, a transportation service focusing on children and seniors.

Rothschild is an award-winning business owner, public speaker, and social influencer. As a speaker, she is known for engaging audiences on topics such as social media, marketing strategy, public relations, women in business, melanoma survivorship, and living with endometriosis.

A regular contributor to The Rhode Show and WWLP’s Mass Appeal, Rothschild is the host of iHeart Radio’s Pioneer Valley Communities, where she shares professional tips from social branding to lifestyle marketing and public-relations strategies. She is also a professor of Social Media, Personal Branding, and PR Campaigns at Springfield College and Southern New Hampshire University.

Rozki’s career in transportation began 15 years ago as a school-bus driver in Chicopee. In 2019, with the resolve to balance her professional aspirations and family life, she launched Rozki Rides. Based in Greater Springfield, the company started as a professional transportation service catering primarily to families.

Rozki Rides differentiated itself by focusing on children and seniors, segments often overlooked by traditional transportation services. In its first year, the company served more than 100 families, a number that continued to grow as the company expanded its services to include daycares and summer camps.

The conference will also feature 10 different panels that women can choose to attend in the morning and afternoon. The 30 panelists are all local women. Dianne Fuller Doherty will be presented with the Goddess Award, recognizing her many years of volunteer work on behalf of women. A comedy kickoff reception the night before the conference will feature comedian Jess Miller.

Click here for more information or to purchase tickets. Event sponsors include M&T Bank, Westfield Bank, Liberty Bank, Country Bank, and USI.

bankESB Hires Lauren Tabin as Assistant Vice President, Branch Officer

By BusinessWest Staff March 29, 2024

Daily News

Lauren Tabin

EASTHAMPTON — bankESB recently hired Lauren Tabin as assistant vice president, branch officer of its King Street, Northampton office.

Tabin has nearly 30 years of banking experience. Prior to joining bankESB, she was assistant vice president, branch officer at PeoplesBank, and previously held various other positions there, including banking center manager, branch officer, trainer, and teller. She brings an extensive background in management and leadership experience to her new role, where she will manage the Northampton office team while remaining engaged in the community.

Tabin currently serves on the board of the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club, and previously served on the board of Black Horse Trust, the Miracle League of Western Massachusetts, the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round, and Providence Ministries. She is a member of BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty class of 2011.

Elms College Appoints New Members to Board of Trustees

By BusinessWest Staff March 29, 2024

Daily News

Jack Dill

CHICOPEE — Elms College announced that three prominent leaders in the region have joined the college’s board of trustees.

John (Jack) Dill is the president and principal of Colebrook Realty Services and has been negotiating real-estate transactions on behalf of his clients — buyers, sellers, property owners, and tenants — for more than three decades. He holds the counselors of real estate designation, along with other professional designations and licenses in the fields of real estate, finance, and construction, and is a fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Ashley Vanesse

Dill has been an active supporter of more than 20 local nonprofits, including Elms College, and is currently vice chairman of the Fallon Community Health Plan board of directors and a member of the Massachusetts Housing Investment Corp. He earned his bachelor of arts degree cum laude from Williams College.

Ashley Vanesse is the president of the Elms College Alumni Assoc. and has been a member of the association since graduating from the Elms in 2011. She is currently office manager for Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home and also held various positions in the Elms College Admission Office. She earned her bachelor’s degree in history from Elms College and her master’s degree in psychology and school counseling from Westfield State University.

Lisa Wills

Lisa Wills is a partner at Whittlesey, one of the largest regional CPA and IT consulting firms in New England. She has worked primarily with nonprofits over her 25-year career and is an expert in complex audits. She is a licensed certified public accountant with the state of Connecticut and an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, as well as the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants (CTCPA). In addition, she is a recognized industry leader and frequent speaker on topics such as FASB changes and female leadership. She earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting and business administration from Elms College in 1988.

American International College Earns 2024-25 Military Friendly School Designation

By BusinessWest Staff March 29, 2024

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) announced it has earned the 2024-2025 Military Friendly School and Military Spouse Friendly School designations.

Institutions earning the Military Friendly School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2024-25 survey, with 537 earning special awards for going above the standard.

The 2024-25 Military Friendly Schools list will be published in the May and October issues of G.I. Jobs magazine and can be found online at www.militaryfriendly.com.

“Receiving the 2024-25 Military Friendly School Designation is a testament to our unwavering commitment to supporting our military-affiliated students in their academic pursuits and beyond,” said Michael Dodge, AIC’s executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “We are honored to be recognized for our dedication to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for military-connected students as they pursue their educational goals at American International College.”

Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the Military Friendly Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher-education and military-recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, persistence (degree advancement or transfer), and loan default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.

“Military Friendly is committed to transparency and providing consistent data-driven standards in our designation process,” said Kayla Lopez, national director of Military Partnerships at Military Friendly. “Our standards provide a benchmark that promotes positive outcomes and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunities for the military community. This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages colleges to evolve and invest in their programs consistently. Schools who achieve awards designation show true commitment in their efforts, going over and above that standard.”

Cirque du Soleil BAZZAR

Alumni Achievement Award Nominations

‘The Dangers of Union Activity Within a Non-union Workplace’

Get Hired Job Fair

YWCA Golf Tournament

Pioneer Valley Conference for Women

Free Shred Days

Hooplandia

Sublime Systems Awarded $87 Million in Federal Funds

Bay Path Cybersecurity Program Ranked in Top Five by Forbes

Nonotuck Resource Associates Honored Among Top Workplaces

Modern Workspace Opening in East Longmeadow

AIC Earns 2024-25 Designation as Military Friendly School

Bulkley Richardson Honors Jeff Poindexter with YMCA Gift

Episode 208: April 8, 2024

Joe Bednar talks with Chris Freeman, executive director of Parlor Room Collective

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Episode 207: April 1, 2024

Joe Bednar talks with Delcie Bean, owner of Paragus Strategic I.T.

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