Bacon Wilson announced that Attorney Kenneth Albano will assume the role of Managing Shareholder, effective Jan. 1, 2017. For the remainder of 2016, he will share the role with Bacon Wilson’s current managing shareholder, Stephen Krevalin, who has led the firm for the past 15 years, during which time Bacon Wilson has become one of the largest regional, full-service law firms in Hampden and Hampshire counties. “I am thrilled at the choice of attorney Albano as my successor,” Krevalin said. “Ken was the unanimous choice among the shareholders, and I have every confidence that he will do a phenomenal job as the firm’s next managing shareholder.” Albano is a senior partner and a member of the firm’s corporate, commercial, and municipal practice groups. In addition to his legal practice, he is active in the community, chairing the board of the March of Dimes Western Mass Division and serving on the board of the New England Chapter of the March of Dimes. He is a board member with Behavioral Health Network, where he has served for over 20 years. He also works with the American Cancer Society, Make-A-Wish, and the ALS Assoc. Last June, Albano was honored with the Massachusetts Bar Assoc. Community Service Award in recognition of his volunteer work. Bacon Wilson, P.C. boasts total of 43 lawyers and approximately 60 paralegals, administrative assistants, and support staff. The firm’s offices are located in Springfield, Northampton, Amherst, Holyoke, and Westfield. For more information, visit www.baconwilson.com.
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Elyse Merrigan
Sevane Khatchadourian
Mila Renkas
Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. (MBK) announced the hiring of three new associates: Elyse Merrigan, MSA, Sevane Khatchadourian, and Mila Renkas.
• Merrigan is an Associate in the Tax department. She previously held a career as a trial paralegal with a regional law firm. However, based on her strong aptitude with numbers, she decided to pursue the necessary advanced education that would allow her to transition into the field of public accounting. She is a graduate of the Commonwealth College at UMass Amherst and recently earned her master’s degree in accounting from Western New England University. She joined the Mass. Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) as a student during her graduate studies and is currently a candidate to sit for the CPA exam.
• Khatchadourian is beginning her career in public accounting in the Audit and Accounting (A&A) practice at MBK. As an A&A Associate, she will help service a wide variety of A&A clients throughout the year. She graduated from Westfield State University in 2015 with a bachelor’degree in business management with a concentration in accounting, and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in accounting at the same school. As a current graduate student, Sevane is a student member of the MSCPA and AICPA.
• Renkas, who is also an A&A Associate, brings five years of bookkeeping experience and fluency in three languages to her new position. She earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Elms College in 2015 and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in accounting at Westfield State University. She has been recognized for her significant academic achievements though her membership with various honors societies and scholarships, including the Western Mass Women magazine scholarship.
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Stuart Jones
Springfield College announced the hiring of Stuart Jones as Vice President for Enrollment Management, effective April 1. An enrollment-management professional in higher education for more than 20 years, Jones was vice president for Enrollment Management at Trine University in Angola, Ind. since 2013. Prior to that role, he was vice president for Enrollment Management at Averett University in Danville, Va. and dean of Enrollment and executive director of the Student Success Center at Manchester University in North Manchester, Ind. At Springfield College, Jones will work to further strengthen the college’s competitive position through enrollment growth in traditional undergraduate and graduate programs. He has a bachelor’s degree in interpersonal and public communications from Purdue University, a master’s degree in divinity and theology from the Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, and a Ph.D. in higher education leadership from Northcentral University in Prescott Valley, Ariz.
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Toby Grader
Bob Pion Buick GMC recently welcomed Toby Grader to the team. Grader has worked in the auto industry for more than 25 years and is a GM certified service manager. He took time off to open his own restaurant, but is now excited to start a new chapter at Bob Pion Buick GMC. “I enjoy the challenge of working in the auto industry. Helping people find the car of their dreams and making them happy is very rewarding,” he said. “Being in the auto industry for over 25 years, you make a lot of friendships. It makes the hard work worthwhile.”
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Jennifer Butler
Attorney Jennifer Butler has joined Royal, P.C., the management-side only labor and employment law firm, and will focus her practice in labor law and complex employment litigation. With her experience, Butler counsels companies on the multitude of state and federal employment laws impacting them, including employment discrimination and harassment, wage-and-hour law, disability and leave law, workplace safety, OSHA, affirmative action, and contract negotiations. Her other preventive work includes drafting employee manuals; preparing non-disclosure, non-solicitation, and non-compete agreements; and conducting management training. Butler is a graduate of Norwich University and Western New England University School of Law.
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Monson Savings Bank (MSB) announced the following:
• Kylie LaPlante has been promoted to branch manager of the bank’s Ware office. She began her career at Monson Savings in 2011 as a customer service associate in Wilbraham and quickly rose to customer service associate supervisor. In 2015, she moved to the Ware branch as assistant branch manager and now to branch manager. She is a graduate of Assumption College with a bachelor’s degree in business management;
• Clare Ladue has been promoted to Commercial Loan Officer. Ladue, formerly one of MSB’s retail banking officers, has more than 20 years of experience in banking. She is a graduate of the Mass Bankers New England School of Financial Studies, holds numerous professional certifications, and is active in several community organizations.
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Keith Nesbitt
Keith Nesbitt has joined the Springfield office of NUVO Bank as Regional Commercial Credit Officer. Nesbitt, joins NUVO, a division of Merchants, bringing a vast wealth of knowledge with 11 years of experience in commercial lending, portfolio management, and credit administration in regional and community banking institutions. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia, his master’s degree from Georgia State University, and his MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. He is also a candidate for the chartered financial analyst (CFA) designation and will sit for the CFA Level III exam in June. Nesbitt is a high-school and college football official and a member of the Western Massachusetts Football Officials Assoc. and the Eastern Assoc. of Intercollegiate Football Officials.
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Margo Jones
The 2016 Jury of Fellows from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) elevated 149 AIA members to its prestigious College of Fellows, an honor awarded to members who have made significant contributions to their profession. Margo Jones, principal of Jones Whitsett Architects (formerly Margo Jones Architects), was nominated and elected to the College of Fellows in recognition of her leadership in the field and her service to the communities of Western Mass. Jones, who holds a master’s degree in architecture from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has practiced architecture in Greenfield for more than 30 years. As principal of her own design firm since 1984, she has designed numerous award-winning schools, public projects, and significant historic-preservation projects, including Sanderson Academy in Ashfield, several projects at the Bement School in Old Deerfield, renovations to the Ted Shawn Dance Theater at Jacob’s Pillow in Becket, and, most recently, the renovation of Colegrove Park Elementary School in North Adams, a project currently being considered for a Massachusetts Historic Commission Preservation Award. Jones has also served on the board of directors of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Architects, and the board of directors of the Western Mass. chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Out of a total AIA membership of nearly 88,000, fewer than 3,200 members are distinguished with the honor of fellowship. Jones will be honored at an investiture ceremony at the AIA convention in Philadelphia in May.
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J. Polep Distribution Services announced the promotion of Eric Polep to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Polep has been with the company since 2002, most recently as director of sales. Over the past 14 years, he has worked his way up through the company, working in warehouse-control positions, cutting and stamping cigarettes, warehouse inventory, and as equipment delivery representative, field sales representative, and district manager. He has also played a key role in building and transforming J. Polep’s technology marketing and sales capabilities, in the process simplifying store managers’ everyday duties.
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Name Net Worth announced the hiring of Pam Thornton as Chief Operating Officer. Thornton has had an extensive career in the human-resources field, beginning in 1996 with LEGO Systems Inc. in Enfield, Conn. There, she was able to acquire hands-on experience with recruitment, interviewing, and training of year-round and part-time field personnel. Additionally, she was responsible for employee relations, benefits administration, and staff performance management. She also served in a management role with K2 Sports, where she hired a field merchandising staff of 100 employees. She was also business development manager for United Personnel, a woman-owned staffing firm in Springfield, and most recently served as a member of the HR legal team with the Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast. Name Net Worth, a startup app launched by Jeremy Casey and currently in beta testing, is a connective platform that leverages trusted relationships to measure and strengthen personal and professional networks, allowing the ability to measure the success of connections and easily manage follow-ups. The company was accepted to the Valley Venture Mentors accelerator program and has received investment capital. Thornton serves on the board of directors for the Human Resources Management Assoc. of Western New England and leads its membership effort. She is a past president and served on the board of directors for the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield. She has also held her Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification from the Society for Human Resource Management since 2003.
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Cumulus Springfield announced that Bridget Lynott is back in radio and on 94.7 WMAS weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. She is also the promotion director for 94.7 WMAS and 1450 WHLL. “I’ve been in love with music for as long as I can remember … that love of music brought me to radio,” said Lynott, whose previous stints on the region’s airwaves include time at 1250 WARE, 560 WHYN, and 97.9 WPKX. “Growing up a shy kid, it was a shock for others to hear me on the air … but like an actor that delivers lines every night without fear, radio is my stage, and I love it. It is such an exciting time to be back on the air in the Springfield market and working with an incredible team.”
• March 31: Margarita Madness, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Hadley Farms Meeting House, 41 Russell St., Hadley. Cost: $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at TD Bank on Triangle Street or Greenfield Savings Bank on University Drive, as well as the chamber office. You must be over age 21 to participate. With questions about participating or sponsoring, call the chamber office at (413) 253-0700.
• April 7: Amherst Area Chamber Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., Courtyard by Marriott, 423 Russell St., Hadley. Guest speakers include Ginny Hamilton, a pain specialist, yoga instructor, and Reiki practitioner with a multi-faceted approach teaching people how to release pain, realize habits causing pain, and revitalize healthy habits for painless living; and Brandon Wawrzonek, a Strides Human Performance Institute coach specializing in holistic fitness, functional movement training, sport performance, and injury prevention for athletes of all ages and abilities. Whether your concern is workplace productivity, athletic performance, or personal comfort, pain prevention strategies are a worthwhile investment. Cost: $15 for members, $20 for non-members. Registration begins at 7:15 a.m.
• April 13: Chamber After 5, 5-7 p.m., Hillside Pizza, 173 Russell St., Hadley. Beer tasting provided by White Lion Brewing Co., the first craft brewery in Springfield. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members.
• April 14: Lunch & Learn, noon to 1:30 p.m., Crestview Country Club, 281 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam. Co-hosted with West of the River Chamber of Commerce. This educational event will teach you how taking advantage of solar energy might save your business money and how to take advantage of available tax credits and incentives. Cost: $35 for both members and non-members. Cost includes buffet lunch.
• April 19: Feast in the East, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Twin Hills Country Club, 700 Wolf Swamp Road, Longmeadow. Come sample dishes from area restaurants and have a chance to vote for the People’s Choice award. There will be ample time to mingle and network in a relaxed atmosphere. Silver spoon sponsor: the Republican. Restaurant sponsors: CMD Technology Group Inc., Freedom Credit Union, the Gaudreau Group, Glenmeadow Retirement Community, JGS Lifecare, Life Care Center of Wilbraham, NUVO, and Robert Charles Photography. Cost: $25 per person.
• March 25: March Breakfast Series, Greenfield Community College. Taxpayers, come to breakfast and learn how the state Auditor’s Office attempts to save dollars by investigating fraud and waste in state government. Auditor Suzanne Bump will present a program and explain the value of her office. Sponsored by Freedom Credit Union and Franklin County CDC. Cost: $13 for chamber members prepaid or at the door, $14 for chamber members billed, $16 for general admission.
• April 29: Legislative Luncheon, noon, Log Cabin, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. The Greater Easthampton and Holyoke chambers are partnering once again on this event; stay tuned for details. For more information, contact the chamber at (413) 527-9414.
• March 23: Chamber After Hours, 5-7 p.m., hosted and sponsored by Marcotte Ford, 1025 Main St., Holyoke. Food, 50/50 raffle, and door prizes. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members.
• April 12: Table Top Expo 2016: Let’s Get Down to Business, 4:30-7 p.m., Log Cabin, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. With four area chambers, 180 businesses, and hundreds of visitors, sponsoring the Table Top Expo has consistently been a premier networking and marketing tool for the region’s business community. Another sell-out event is expected. Exhibitor tables are $150 and are exclusive to chamber members. To register or for more information, e-mail [email protected].
• April 7: Northampton Chamber Monthly Arrive@5, 5-7 p.m., Yankee Candle Village, South Deerfield. Arrive when you can, stay as long as you can. A casual mix and mingle with colleagues and friends. Sponsors: Greenfield Community College Foundation, Freedom Credit Union, and Pioneer Saab Volvo. Cost: $10 for members.
• April 22: Workshop: “Waste Reduction & Energy Efficiency,” 9:30-11 a.m., Center for EcoTechnology, 320 Riverside Dr., Northampton. Waste reduction and energy-efficiency upgrades can save your business money. This workshop will cover incentives, benefits, and options to green your business. Learn from case studies of other local businesses that have started waste-diversion programs or installed energy-efficiency improvements. RSVP required, and space is limited. To register, contact Cate Foley at [email protected] or (413) 586-7350, ext. 240.
• March 21: “Marketing to Millennials” Workshop, 3:30-5 p.m., Holiday Inn Express, 39 Southampton Road, Westfield. Presented by MassLive: Michael Burnham, sales manager; Megan Downey, regional training manager; and Brandon Farrell, account executive. Attendees will learn about how digital targeting works, sponsored content online, YouTube commercials, and social-media marketing. Light refreshments will be served. Cost: free for chamber members, $30 for non-members. To register, call the chamber office at (413) 568-1618
• March 22: Small Business Legal Clinic, noon to 4 p.m., Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, 16 North Elm St., Westfield. Sponsored by the Western Mass. regional office of the MSBDC. Free to chamber members only. Seating is limted. To register, call Lynn Shedd at (413) 737-6712, ext. 100.
• March 25: Legislative Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m, Tekoa Country Club, 459 Russell Road, Westfield. Legislators attending include state Sen. Don Humason and state Reps. Nicholas Boldyga, Peter Kocot, William Pignatelli, and John Velis. This event will provide members a great opportunity to bring their business concerns and issues to their state delegation. Gold sponsor: WSBK 89.5 FM at Westfield State University. Small business sponsor: Liptak Emergency Water Removal. Cost: $30 for chamber members, $40 for the general public (paid in advance). Call the chamber office at (413) 568-1618 for more information and to register.
• April 4: Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m., Holiday Inn Express, 39 Southampton Road, Westfield. Event is free and open to the public. To register, call the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.
• April 13: After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m., Betts Plumbing & Heating Supply, 14 Coleman Ave., Westfield. Refreshments will be served. Bring a business card and make connections. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members (cash). To register, call the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.
• April 18: “The Painkiller Epidemic: Legal Implications of Prescription Drug Use in the Workplace,” 8:30-10 a.m., Holiday Inn Express, 39 Southampton Road, Westfield. Prescription drug use in the workplace is on the rise. From an employer’s perspective, employees who are abusing prescription medication tend to be less productive, less reliable, prone to absenteeism, a greater safety risk, and create unnecessary costs, burdens, and liabilities to the company. Royal, P.C. will present an informational seminar that will address some of the most common areas employers express uncertainty and concern about, including maintaining a safe workplace, enforcing drug-free workplace policies and conducting drug testing, and the risk of disability-discrimination claims. Light refreshments will be served. Cost: free for chamber members, $30 for non-members.
• April 26: Sixth annual Southwick Home & Business Show, 4:30-7 p.m., Southwick Town Hall, 454 College Highway. The Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce is once again partnering with the Southwick Economic Development Commission on this tabletop event to promote Southwick businesses. Cost to display: $25 per business (Southwick businesses only). Registration form and payment due by April 11. The event is free and open to the public. Questions can be e-mailed to [email protected], or leave a message at (413) 304-6100.
• April 12: Professional Women’s Chamber Ladies Night, 5-7 p.m., Added Attractions, 180 Shaker Road, East Longmeadow. An evening of networking, complimentary wine, and refreshments. Reservations are free but required by e-mailing Debra Chamberland at [email protected].
• March 22: Pastries, Politics, and Policy, 8-9 a.m., TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St., Springfield. Featuring Attorney General Maura Healey. Cost: $15 for members, $25 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.
• April 6: Business@Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., Delaney House, 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke. Featuring the ever-popular Mayor’s Forum with Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Easthampton Mayor Karen Cadieux, and West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt. A personal and humorous discussion moderated by Western Mass News anchor Dave Madsen. Sponsored by United Personnel and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. Cost: $20 for members in advance ($25 at the door), $30 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.
• April 13: Speed Networking @ Lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., La Quinta Inns and Suites, 100 Congress St., Springfield. Make up to 50 contacts in an hour in this round-robin networking format. Cost: $25 for members, $35 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.
• April 14: Springfield Regional Chamber Leadership Institute Graduation, 6-9 p.m., Sheraton Springfield, One Monarch Place, Springfield. Cost: $40 per person. Reservations may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.
• April 27: Beacon Hill Summit, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Massachusetts State House. Co-hosted by state Sen. James Welch and state Rep. Angelo Puppolo Jr. Day-long opportunity to meet with members of the Baker-Polito administration and the Massachusetts delegation. Sponsored by Comcast and WWLP-TV 22, presented in partnership with the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce, and supported by the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce. Cost: $180 per person, which includes continental breakfast, transportation, lunch, reception, and all materials. Reservations may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.
• April 6: Wicked Wednesday networking event, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Stitches & Ink/From the Red Tees, 128 Myron St., West Springfield. Register online at www.ourwrc.com.
March 29: Gov. Charlie Baker will serve as the keynote speaker at the Springfield Regional Chamber’s Outlook 2016 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the MassMutual Center, 1277 Main St., Springfield. He made his first major address to the business community at the chamber’s annual event in 2015. Presented by Health New England, Outlook is the area’s largest legislative event, attracting more than 700 guests and presenting expert speakers on local, state, and federal issues. The event is sponsored by Eastern States Exposition, MassMutual Financial Group, United Personnel, and MGM Springfield; program/reception sponsors Sisters of Providence Health System, Comcast, Eversource, and the Republican; with support from Chicopee Savings Bank and BusinessWest, and presented in in partnership with the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce (ERC5). Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito have set their sights on addressing some of the Commonwealth’s greatest long-term challenges, including reducing family energy costs and improving the reliability of the energy grid through hydro- and solar-power legislation; lifting the charter-school cap; securing a 50% increase in the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC); and curbing the opioid epidemic’s grip on Massachusetts families. Baker will be joined in the program by U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, who will remark on events at the federal level, including his insight into activities on Capitol Hill, the presidential race, and front-burner issues facing Congress in the coming months. “As a senior member of the powerful House Committee on Ways and Means and ranking member of its Select Revenue Measures subcommittee, Congressman Neal serves in a critically important capacity in Washington for our area, our state, and the entire country,” said chamber President Jeffrey Ciuffreda. Tickets are $50 for Springfield Regional Chamber members and ERC5 members, and $70 for general admission. Reserved tables of 10 are available. Reservations must be made by Friday, March 18 by visiting www.springfieldregionalchamber.com or e-mailing Sarah Mazzaferro at [email protected]. No walk-ins will be accepted, and no cancellations will be accepted once the reservation deadline has passed.
Difference Makers
March 31: The eighth annual Difference Makers award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House. Tickets cost $60, and tables of 10 are available. To reserve a spot, call (413) 781-8600, ext. 10, or visit HERE. Difference Makers is a program, launched in 2009, that recognizes groups and individuals that are, as the name suggests, making a difference in this region. This year’s class was profiled in the Jan. 25 issue, and their stories can also be read HERE. They include Hampden County Sheriff Michael J. Ashe Jr.; Mike Balise, Balise Motor Sales, philanthropist (1965-2015); Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties; Bay Path University President Carol Leary; and John Robison, president, J.E. Robison Service. Difference Makers is sponsored by EMA Dental, First American Insurance Agency, Health New England, Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C., Northwestern Mutual, PeoplesBank, Royal LLP, and Sunshine Village.
‘Training for the Digital Marketplace’
April 1, 8, 15: Stevens 470 will host a three-week program called “Training for the Digital Marketplace: Develop Your Online and Offline Marketing Strategies” to show attendees how to maximize their marketing channels. This seminar is for business owners, marketing managers, entrepreneurs, and key marketing staff. As marketing channels continue to evolve, are you using them to maximize your business opportunities? This program covers the latest online and offline marketing channels including brand presentation, websites, SEO, advertising, social media, e-mail, and mobile technologies. During this hands-on program, participants will review their current messaging and marketing channels; learn the latest ways to use both traditional and new media channels; explore social media, online advertising, and search-engine optimization; outline plans for offline and online marketing campaigns; coordinate marketing channels to maximize their effectiveness; and determine methods for evaluating results. Each participant will complete the program by creating a specific plan for their online and offline channels that they can share and put into action with members of their business team. The program meets weekly on three consecutive Friday mornings at Stevens 470 in Westfield. Limited space is available. For details, visit stevens470.com or call (413) 568-2660.
Service of Remembrance
April 3: Baystate Children’s Hospital will hold its annual Service of Remembrance for area families who have experienced the death of a child over the past year. All family member and friends are invited to attend the event, which will be held at 1 p.m. at Baystate Medical Center’s Chestnut Conference Center on 759 Chestnut St., Springfield. It is also open to families with losses prior to 2015. Baystate Children’s Hospital staff will be in attendance at the event to remember and pay tribute to the children and families who were under their care. Families are asked to respond by March 23 with the number of adults and children planning to attend the event, as well as their child’s name, if they would like it to be read aloud during the service. Families with earlier losses are simply asked to call and register. To respond, call Deborah Levine at (413) 794-3283. The special service will include readings, music, and a ceremony of light. Families can share a photograph or other memento of their child on a ‘Table of Memories’ at the event. They may also choose to have their child’s name read aloud during the Memorial Service, regardless of whether they can attend the event. As part of the service, families will be given a piece of fabric which they can personalize in memory of their child before it is added, along with others, to create a memory quilt. The new quilt will be displayed on Oct. 1, along with 17 other quilts created in past years, at Baystate’s annual Memorial Quilt Exhibit.
‘A Night of Passion’ for Link to Libraries
April 5: They’re calling the event “A Night of Passion.” That’s a phrase that applies to both support for efforts to promote childhood literacy and a fondness for a particular food or beverage. These various passions will come together April 5 at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke at Link to Libraries’ biennial fund-raising event. Proceeds from all ticket sales will go to Link to Libraries. More than 500 people are expected to attend the event, which will be a celebration of all that Link to Libraries has accomplished since it was created in 2008 — including the donation of nearly 500,000 books to area schools and organizations — and how it intends to continually expand its mission in the years to come. As for those passions for specific foods and drinks, they will be a focus of the night, provided by a host of area celebrities and business leaders, including Mike Mathis, MGM Springfield president and chief operating officer; Kevin Rhodes, Springfield Symphony Orchestra conductor; Spiros Hatiras, Holyoke Medical Center president and CEO; Delcie Bean IV, CEO of Paragus Strategic IT; Mick Corduff, executive chef and co-owner of the Log Cabin; Amy Royal, founding partner of Royal, P.C., and many more. As for their passions, well, those are carefully guarded secrets at this point. Those who would like to experience these passions and support Link to Libraries — which supplies books to schools and other organizations across Western Mass. and Northern Conn., and promotes read-alouds that put area business and civic leaders in area classrooms — can buy tickets for $40 each by sending checks to: Link to Libraries, Attn. Karen Blinderman, P.O. Box 958, West Springfield, MA 01090. All beverages are included in the ticket price. Food and beverages are donated by the Log Cabin. Sponsors for “A Night of Passion” include lead sponsors Health New England and Rediker Software, and event sponsors Bacon Wilson, Bank of America – U.S. Trust, the Frank Stanley Beveridge Foundation, the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation, James Vinick and Moors & Cabot Investments, Monson Savings Bank, PeoplesBank, Peoples United Bank, the Springfield Falcons, and United Bank.
‘Poets for Life: Poets Respond to AIDS’
April 9: Patrick Donnelly, 2015-17 poet laureate of Northampton, will host “Poets for Life: Poets Respond to AIDS,” a benefit reading in support of A Positive Place (formerly AIDS Care/Hampshire County), a nonprofit organization providing a wide array of services for people with HIV in Hampshire and surrounding counties. The event will be held at 3 p.m. at the Paradise Room, Conference Center, Smith College, 51 College Lane, Northampton. The Northampton Council for the Arts and the Poetry Center at Smith College are co-sponsors of the benefit. Tickets for the event are $20 and may be purchased online at poetsforlife.brownpapertickets.com, or by phone at (800) 838-3006, ext. 1, or at the door at the event. All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit A Positive Place. Those unable to attend the event can designate a tax-deductible donation through poetsforlife.brownpapertickets.com to make it possible for one of A Positive Place’s clients to attend. Poets for Life will feature readings by award-winning poets Eduardo C. Corral, Patrick Donnelly, Michael Klein, and Joan Larkin, who will read not only from their own poetry about the epidemic, but from the work of other notable poets, living and dead. Singer-songwriter Laura Wetzler will also perform. Since 1991, A Positive Place has been providing comprehensive, confidential case management and health-related support services, filling life-saving needs for people living with HIV/AIDS in the county. Anyone living with HIV or AIDS is eligible for services regardless of level of need, health status, or ability to pay. Services are free to people living with HIV.
Not Just Business as Usual
April 14: The Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) Foundation’s Not Just Business as Usual (NJBAU) event, a networking event for business leaders in Western Mass., will be held at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The event, now in its seventh year, is a celebration of innovative thinking giving participants the opportunity to learn from business experts while raising significant funding for the STCC WORKS scholarship program. A cocktail and networking reception will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m., with dinner and keynote speakers to follow from 7 to 8:30 p.m. This year, NJBAU will host a discussion of diversity in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields with panelists Emily Reichert, CEO of Greentown Labs; Laurie Leshin, president of Worcester Polytechnic Institute; and Frank Robinson, vice president of Public Health and Community Relations for Baystate Health. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available. Tickets are $175 each, and sponsorships begin at $2,500 for a table for 10. For additional information or to become a sponsor, contact Christina Tuohey, STCC’s director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, at (413) 755-4475 or [email protected]. To purchase tickets online, visit www.stcc.edu/njbau.
5K Run & Walk for a Noble Cause
April 30: Registration is now open for Baystate Noble Hospital’s 32nd annual 5K Run & Walk for a Noble Cause, being held at Stanley Park in Westfield. The race begins at 9 a.m., with registration from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. near the Children’s Pavilion. The Baystate Noble 5K is a competitive, 3.1-mile road race through Stanley Park and surrounding areas for all levels of runners, from the novice to the serious athlete. Early registration is encouraged. The registration fee for ages 13-59 is $35 through April 29 (seniors 60 and older are $25). The registration fee for ages 13-59 is $40 on April 30 ($30 for seniors). Children 12 and under participate free when accompanied by a paying adult. T-shirts in various sizes are available to registrants on a first-come, first-served basis while inventory is available. To register online, download registration materials, and read general information, visit baystatenoblehospital.org/5k. Sponsorship and vendor table opportunities are also available. For more information, visit baystatenoblehospital.org/5k or contact the Community Development Office at [email protected] or (413) 568-2811, ext. 5520.
Walk of Champions
May 1: The community is invited to come together at the Quabbin Reservoir to mark the 11th annual Walk of Champions to benefit the Baystate Regional Cancer Program at Baystate Mary Lane Hospital in Ware. The walk is a one-mile loop that allows walkers to choose the number of miles they complete among the comfortable walking terrain of the Goodnough Dike. Along the way, walkers will enjoy entertainment and refreshments, along with the peace and beauty of the Quabbin Reservoir. Since its inception, the Walk of Champions has raised more than $662,000. All funds raised remain local to support those cared for in the Baystate Health Eastern Region at Baystate Medical Center’s Mary Lane Satellite Unit and for things such as family-support counseling, educational outreach, pastoral care, medications, state-of-the-art equipment, and the Healing Garden located in the courtyard of the hospital. Overlooking the Healing Garden is the oncology suite, which provides access to comprehensive cancer care, clinical trials, and a multi-disciplinary team approach to cancer care. Pledge forms, fund-raising resources, giving opportunities, and more are available at www.baystatehealth.org/woc for businesses, community organizations, and individuals who wish to participate.
40 Under Forty
June 16: The 10th annual 40 Under Forty award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke, honoring 40 of the region’s rising stars under 40 years old. An independent panel of judges has chosen the winners, and their stories will be told in the April 18 issue. Tickets — which cost $65 per person, with reserved tables of 10 available — are going very quickly. To order, call (413) 781-8600, ext. 100. The event is sponsored by Northwestern Mutual and Paragus Strategic IT (presenting sponsors), EMA Dental, Health New England, Moriarty & Primack, and United Bank. More details on the gala will be revealed in upcoming issues.
The following is a compilation of recent lawsuits involving area businesses and organizations. These are strictly allegations that have yet to be proven in a court of law. Readers are advised to contact the parties listed, or the court, for more information concerning the individual claims.
GREENFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Andrew Santiago v. Target Corp.
Allegation: Negligent maintenance of entryway and doors: $13,457.28
Filed: 2/11/16
HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Lori Jose v. Munich Haus Inc. and Center Group
Allegation: Negligent maintenance of property causing bodily injury: $44,500
Filed: 1/25/16
Sherquita Thomas v. Ambiance HR & Laser Center
Allegation: Negligence during laser treatment causing permanent scarring to face: $400,000
Filed: 2/10/16
TD Bank v. Sandy Bay Service Center Inc., John P. Porter, and Cathy L. Porter
Allegation: Non-payment on promissory note: $114,332.68
Filed: 1/29/16
PALMER DISTRICT COURT
Waniewski Irrevocable Reality Trust and Karen White, Trustee v. DB Properties, LLC, Daniel Branco, and Elizabeth Branco
Allegation: Breach of purchase and sale agreement: $14,000
Filed: 2/29/16
SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Kamp USA Inc. v. Salisbury Sales Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $19,469.50
Filed: 2/22/16
San Mar Corp. v. Joshua Kelsey d/b/a Design the Line Custom Clothing
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $7,968.57
Filed: 2/22/16
Tiffany Nugent v. F.P.S. Inc.
Allegation: Negligence in preparation and sale of food at Burger King causing broken teeth: $23,103
Filed: 2/26/16
U.S. Food Inc. v. Fondue Fusion Inc., d/b/a Sticks & Stones, Anne Brensley, and Sandra Squillante
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $3,397.83
Filed: 1/19/16
WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Karen Johnson v. Johnson’s Painting Service
Allegation: Breach of contract and negligence in services rendered and quality of work: $5,588
Filed: 2/3/16
LM Payroll Services Inc. d/b/a Ryan Associates v. Yogi Brothers Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of services rendered: $5,687.30
Filed: 2/11/16
St. Luke’s Greek Orthodox Church v. O’Donnell Paving & Landscaping Inc.
Allegation: Negligence in work performance and breach of contract: $5,252.16
Filed: 2/8/16
Send photos with a caption and contact information to: ‘Picture This’ c/o BusinessWest Magazine, 1441 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103 or to [email protected]
Celebrate Springfield
DevelopSpringfield recently presented its fifth annual Celebrate Springfield dinner at the MassMutual Center.
Photos by Ed Cohen
This year, its Partner in Progress Award, recognizing the contributions of individuals toward revitalization in Springfield, was given to, (from left) Brian Connors, Springfield’s deputy director of Economic Development; Maureen Hayes, president of Hayes Development Services; and Ira Rubenzahl, president of Springfield Technical Community College
Vincent Maniaci, American International College; Mary Kay Wydra, Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau; Michelle Goldberg, Pioneer Valley Transit Authority; and Judy Matt, Spirit of Springfield
In many ways, it’s easy to see why a relationship most often described with the word ‘adversarial’ — and usually with an adverb in front of it for good measure — developed between Holyoke Community College and Springfield Technical Community College.
After all, when the latter was established in the mid-’60s, there were many people, including most everyone associated with HCC, which was established 20 years earlier, who wondered out loud if another community college was needed just seven miles away from HCC.
Actually, they did more than wonder. They answered that question with a definitive ‘no.’
But STCC was created anyway, and it’s fair to say that it began its life with a sizable chip on its shoulder. It had to prove it was not only needed, but that it could deliver a high-quality education and effectively serve the region.
It took a while, but this was accomplished. And during the lengthy tenure of President Andy Scibelli, the school rose to national and even international prominence, especially through the emergence of its technology park.
Through all of that, the adversarial relationship prevailed as the schools competed fiercely for students across a number of common programs, but also for funding, capital projects, and recognition.
To their credit, Ira Rubenzahl, who succeeded Scibelli, and Bill Messner, who followed David Bartley as president of HCC, saw that, while the schools would always compete, and that such a rivalry was good for both schools because it helps promote continuous improvement, the animosity between the institutions was unnecessary and, indeed, counterproductive for the region.
‘Counterproductive’ is a strong word, but it’s applicable here because, while both HCC and STCC are fine schools, there are many things they can do if they work together, but not if they remain islands unto themselves.
The best example of this, of course, is that nagging and ongoing challenge known to all as the skills gap. We’ve said it many times before, but it bears repeating: this is probably the most pressing problem facing the business community at present and the largest single impediment to growth for companies, business sectors, and the region as a whole.
Businesses cannot flourish if they don’t have a reliable pipeline of quality workers. Working independently, neither STCC not HCC could create such pipelines. But by working together collaboratively, they can address the problem much more effectively, and they have, through the TWO (Training & Workforce Options) initiative (see story, page 15). It has assisted a number of individual businesses and sectors through creation of programs to provide individuals with the specific skills needed to meet recognized workforce challenges.
And while both schools and both presidents (each set to retire in a few months) are very proud of the Deval Patrick Award for Workforce Development, awarded by the Boston Foundation, which they won together for TWO, they’re far more proud of the way the program has provided answers for the business community.
There are many other examples of how the schools have worked collaboratively in recent years, and together they make a statement — one powerful enough for us to note that, while Messner and Rubenzahl will be recognized for all they did for their individual schools, they may be best remembered for what they, and their institutions, did together.
When the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant closed in 2014, 620 megawatts of power generation went offline. Over the next few years, that closure will be followed by Somerset’s Brayton Point Power Station and Plymouth’s Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station, taking more than 2,100 megawatts with them.
At first, it might seem concerning for the region’s power grid to lose three major power plants. But the responses to the retirements are signs of a strong energy future for Massachusetts — a path that should be allowed to continue without the intrusion of subsidized Canadian hydro power.
Just a few weeks ago, an auction to commit to be online three years from now saw a record amount of competition. Billions of dollars in new, local investments are being made today to develop the next wave of plants and hire workers to provide reliable and competitively priced electricity supplies. By mid-2019, three new plants are slated to open in Massachusetts alone. New plants being developed in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island will be some of the most efficient in the country, helping us continue to serve as leaders on environmental responsibility.
And this isn’t the beginning, either. The electricity sector has outpaced every other sector of our state’s economy in reducing carbon emissions over the past 25 years. Between 1990 and 2013, carbon-dioxide emissions from power plants dropped 51%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Because of that, Massachusetts today has one of the cleanest and lowest-carbon-producing power-generation systems in the nation. In fact, electricity is the primary reason Massachusetts is on pace to meet its economy-wide mandate for a 25% reduction in emissions by 2020.
Unfortunately, relatively little has been done to curtail carbon emissions from the largest source — transportation. The transportation industry in New England has actually increased its carbon emissions and now emits more than double that of power plants. The next step toward a cleaner environment must be a comprehensive plan to address transportation as the main hurdle to meeting long-term Global Warming Solutions Act mandates.
The great progress made on electricity in Massachusetts should be allowed to continue, ensuring a strong energy future. Power plants are being retired and replaced without the need for state government to step in to subsidize new, cleaner investments. Canadian hydro is already part of our system, competing with all other power-generation sources to deliver the lowest price possible to consumers. But the radical plan to enter into expensive, decades-long contracts with Eversource and Hydro-Quebec will jeopardize that future.
If the Massachusetts hydro power plan is approved, energy bills are estimated to increase by up to $777 million each year for Massachusetts residents and businesses, according to a recent study by the Analysis Group, one of the most respected economics consulting firms in North America. That’s more than $20 billion over the life of the contract.
These costs are primarily driven by two factors. First, Commonwealth ratepayers would be on the hook for the construction of expensive, controversial high-voltage transmission lines, currently proposed through places like the White Mountain National Forest. Second, government-owned Hydro-Quebec, which has its own interests to consider, will not sell power to Massachusetts at a below-market price.
So why make this risky bet? A major concern for this plan is that it will enrich two utilities without a clear analysis of how Massachusetts ratepayers stand to benefit. Eversource is partnering with Hydro-Quebec in pushing to build the hundreds of miles of transmission lines, and the two are the strongest proponents of the subsidies proposal. They stand to earn hundreds of millions of dollars in profits for building these lines if they receive the subsidy from Massachusetts consumers. However, they have yet to produce an economic analysis of the cost of the proposed decades-long contracts. The Analysis Group report, which shows shocking rate increases for consumers, is publicly available and was presented at the legislative hearing on the bill.
Massachusetts is on the right path for a strong energy future. But, while new power plants are being built here through market demand, supporting jobs and contributing much-needed tax revenue to cities and towns, Eversource and Hydro-Quebec want to avoid having to compete. They shouldn’t be allowed to receive a carve-out worth billions of dollars.
This hydro bill is a bad bet for Massachusetts consumers. The Legislature should reject the bill and focus on better ways to reduce carbon emissions. The utilities don’t deserve the subsidy.
Dan Dolan is president of the New England Power Generators Assoc.
The following real estate transactions (latest available) were compiled by Banker & Tradesman and are published as they were received. Only transactions exceeding $115,000 are listed. Buyer and seller fields contain only the first name listed on the deed.
FRANKLIN COUNTY
ASHFIELD
339 Norton Hill Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Brian Farrell
Seller: Michael S. Noetzel
Date: 02/04/16
BERNARDSTON
132 Merrifield Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $186,500
Buyer: Joseph J. Morin
Seller: Pollard, Gertrude E., (Estate)
Date: 02/19/16
BUCKLAND
124 North St.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Elijah L. Gwynn
Seller: Mauricia Alvarez RET
Date: 02/12/16
DEERFIELD
365 River Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Joseph W. Bysiewski
Seller: Kathleen N. Belanger
Date: 02/12/16
GREENFIELD
16 Arnold Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: Bank New York Mellon
Seller: John Marchefka
Date: 02/12/16
96 Columbus Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Chelsea A. Ratta
Seller: Randy W. Magin
Date: 02/05/16
29 Highland Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: Carl G. Burwick
Seller: Capilano LLC
Date: 02/19/16
83 Lunt Dr.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Ralph P. Mroz
Seller: Donald P. Tarr
Date: 02/17/16
64 Silver St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Amy S. Penna
Seller: Pamela Ossorio
Date: 02/19/16
HEATH
77 Route 8A S.
Heath, MA 01346
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Jacob A. Churchill
Seller: Blackmore FT
Date: 02/09/16
LEVERETT
33 Lead Mine Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: John Klier
Seller: Norman D. Aitken
Date: 02/19/16
LEYDEN
240 Eden Trail
Leyden, MA 01337
Amount: $137,000
Buyer: Pedro J. Borgos
Seller: Robert T. Henry
Date: 02/12/16
MONTAGUE
69 5th St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Pamela A. Gilmore
Seller: Pioneer Coop
Date: 02/04/16
88 East Taylor Hill Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $176,900
Buyer: Nathan R. Aldrich
Seller: Niels W. Cudnohufsky
Date: 02/05/16
1 Kingsley Ave.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Kelly A. Thayer
Seller: Thomas Shiner
Date: 02/09/16
61 Montague St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $198,000
Buyer: Adam T. English
Seller: Jane R. Drury
Date: 02/05/16
316 Wendell Road
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Randy W. Magin
Seller: Neill L. Bovaird
Date: 02/05/16
NORTHFIELD
32 Aldrich St.
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $244,242
Buyer: Pamela T. Hodgkins
Seller: Julie A. Craig
Date: 02/16/16
ORANGE
27 Riverside Dr.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Ryan W. Mailloux
Seller: Pamela J. Kingsbury
Date: 02/19/16
SHELBURNE
1000 Mohawk Trail
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Anna C. Foster
Seller: Gordon E. Taylor
Date: 02/19/16
SHUTESBURY
235 Wendell Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $191,000
Buyer: Lincoln B. Allen
Seller: Charles D. Santos
Date: 02/08/16
33 Wendell Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $278,300
Buyer: Herbert L. Hoyack
Seller: Gail P. Nelson
Date: 02/12/16
SUNDERLAND
59 Howard Hepburn Dr.
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Brian J. Misterka
Seller: Paul M. Curran
Date: 02/17/16
414 Russell St.
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $259,900
Buyer: Kipa Realty Inc.
Seller: Valley Building Co. Inc.
Date: 02/17/16
332 South Silver Lane
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $364,000
Buyer: Kipa Realty Inc.
Seller: Valley Building Co. Inc.
Date: 02/17/16
HAMPDEN COUNTY
AGAWAM
4 Alfred Court
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $123,700
Buyer: Sabrina M. Brizzolari
Seller: Michael F. Diroma
Date: 02/16/16
35 Arbor Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $246,000
Buyer: Jeremy M. Cleveland
Seller: Moore Thomas A., (Estate)
Date: 02/17/16
579 Cooper St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $307,000
Buyer: Daniel A. Arventos
Seller: David J. Brown
Date: 02/09/16
11 Hendom Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $280,000
Seller: Kathleen J. Hanson
Date: 02/12/16
69 Kensington St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Jeannette T. Dupuis
Date: 02/05/16
717 River Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $185,324
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Thomas M. Wiater
Date: 02/12/16
143 South St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Steven M. Ferrisi
Seller: South Street Holdings LLC
Date: 02/12/16
12 Stanley Place
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $176,000
Buyer: Shannon L. Ondras
Seller: Tracey A. Stanlewicz
Date: 02/17/16
23 Suffield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Route 75 Main St. AGA LLC
Seller: CH Corp
Date: 02/10/16
344 Suffield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Walz Realty LLC
Seller: Ilmie I. Preniqi
Date: 02/12/16
955 Suffield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Randall S. Housman
Seller: Cleveland, Redwing, (Estate)
Date: 02/12/16
36 Vadnais St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Carrington
Seller: Nancy Malone
Date: 02/19/16
57 Valentine St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Adam Desmarais
Seller: John E. Morse
BRIMFIELD
64 Champeaux Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $392,000
Buyer: Thomas M. Stewart
Seller: Kevin P. Kirrane
Date: 02/16/16
66 Champeaux Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: James P. Chew
Seller: John P. McCarthy
Date: 02/05/16
13 Saint Clair Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Heather J. Archambault
Seller: Debra A. Lamoureux
Date: 02/10/16
CHICOPEE
23 Ashgrove St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $134,000
Buyer: Antonio Colon
Seller: Antoinette Keily
Date: 02/09/16
The following bankruptcy petitions were recently filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Readers should confirm all information with the court.
Aguirre, Betsabe
a/k/a Cruz, Betsabe
63 Lamont St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/16/16
Bachand, Priscilla Joan
25 Coles Meadow Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/19/16
Baker, Herbert M.
1 Hollywood St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/19/16
Bittner, Bethany Ann
28 Madison Circle
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/16/16
Bouchard, Marcus J.
135 Slate Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/24/16
Butler, Lisa M.
53 Melrose St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/19/16
Cadoret, Shaun T.
Cadoret, Mandi B.
155 Old Palmer Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/18/16
Colon, Ana D.
9 Ivy Ave., Apt. 1L
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/18/16
Dansereau, William
3 Mill St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/16/16
Davis, Sarah D.
98 Calley St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/29/16
Diaz, Rosa
a/k/a Diaz-Burgos, Rosa
101 Lowell St., Apt. 7
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/25/16
Dominguez, Debra L.
88-90 Beacon Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/29/16
Fairly Twisted
Butler, Kevin P.
53 Melrose St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/19/16
Figueroa, Maria D.
310 Pine St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/17/16
Forte, Ronald
61 West St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/22/16
Frangioso, Timothy E.
25 Cross St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/23/16
Gilbert, Dianna M.
Cook, Dianna M.
134 College Highway, Apt. G4
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/29/16
Girard, Nancy
71 Federal St.
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/19/16
Hanouille, Edward W.
107 Berkshire Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/22/16
Hardy, Dana Leigh
a/k/a Lauber, Dana L.
10 Nina Pierce Circle
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/16
Houghtlin, George A.
Houghtlin, Mildred E.
49 Wilson St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/25/16
Jarrell, Ryan
51 Connecticut Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/22/16
Kelley, Joanne M.
110 South Park Terr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/23/16
Knechtel, Katie Louise
149 Bartlett Lane
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/28/16
Lamica, Michael A.
301 B East St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/26/16
Lemoi Erectors, Inc.
54 Main St.
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/25/16
Lewis, Lisa M.
12 Lenox St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/24/16
Luciano, Maria L.
44 Pelham St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/22/16
Lysik, Carol A.
5 Rogers Ave.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/17/16
Mancini, Francis A.
a/k/a Mancini, Frank A.
Mancini, Sarah A.
a/k/a Forester, Sarah A.
a/k/a Carotenuto, Sarah A.
73 Klaus Anderson Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/29/16
McCabe, Kevin Donald
McCabe, Victoria Latona
a/k/a Gosine, Victoria L.
56 Old Farm Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/29/16
McConnell, Kimberley Anne
a/k/a Arroyo, Kimberley M.
a/k/a McConnell – Arroyo, Kimberley A.
840 Lenox St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/29/16
Mitchell, Sara A.
a/k/a Willard, Sara A.
49 Bardwell St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/23/16
Moran, John Dennis
42 Sheridan Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/19/16
The following business incorporations were recorded in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties and are the latest available. They are listed by community.
AMHERST
Christopher Blount Designs Inc., 6 Lawrence Circle, Amherst, MA 01002. Christopher Blount, same. Manufacturing of medical instruments.
Holla Magazine Inc., 441 West St., Amherst, MA 01002. Ingrid Claudia Akkew, 33 Kellogg Ave. #2, Amherst, MA 01002.
CHCIOPEE
DVM Electric Corp., 18 Whittier Place, Chicopee, MA 01013. Denis Mikha Ylichenko, same. Electrical installation, repair, maintenance to the general public and commercial entities on a for-hire basis
Enso Inc., 491 Chicopee St., Chicopee, MA 01013. James Lowe, same. Import and export of goods
FEEDING HILLS
Cold Spring Academy Inc., 926B Springfield St., Feeding Hills, MA 01030. Katherine Marian Anderson, same. The specific purposes for which the corporation is organized are to manage, operate, guide, direct, and promote Cold Spring Academy. The corporation is organized and operated exclusively for educational and charitable purposes pursuant.
HOLYOKE
DC Remodeling Co., 3 Overlook Dr., Holyoke, MA 01040. Ana C De Alba, same. Home remodeling services.
LONGMEADOW
Fairway Corp., 785 Williams St, Suite 352, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Louis Masaschi, same. Real estate services.
Fred Astaire Dance International Corp., 10 Bliss Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106. John Rothweiler, same. Dance studio with instruction classes.
PERU
First Congregational Church of Peru, 2 West Main Road, Peru, MA 01235. Charlene Steele, 25 South Road, Peru, MA 01235. Church shall be to provide for and maintain the public worship of God; to promote the spiritual welfare of its members; and to extend the kingdom of Christ in the world.
PITTSFIELD
Explore Leadership & Coaching Inc., 78 Glory Dr., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Michael J. Schroth, same. Oganization provides education, training, consultation and other related services.
WEST SPRINGFIELD
Dillon Bodley & Associates, P.C., 63 Myron St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Brian Dillon, 22 Pomeroy St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Provides personal accounting and tax services to business owners, executives, independent professionals and households.
WILBRAHAM
Fairway Morgans Inc., 25 Cypress Lane, Wilbraham, MA 01095. Kelly Gilmartin, Same. Promote the Morgan Horse through amateur showing and breeding in addition to fostering and rescuing Morgan Horses. The amateur showing will take place in regional and national competitions including but not limited to New England regional horse show and the Morgan Grand Nationals.
BOSTON — Confidence among Massachusetts employers weakened for the fifth time in seven months during February, but businesses remain optimistic overall about the ability of the Massachusetts economy to ride out uncertainty abroad and an increasingly curious election season in the U.S. The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Business Confidence Index shed 0.7 points to 55.1 last month, still comfortably above the 50 mark that denotes a positive economic outlook. However, the reading was 4.7 points below its level of a year earlier, weighed down by growing concern about the slowing U.S. economy. That concern was confirmed Friday when the government said U.S. economic growth slowed to 1% during the fourth quarter of 2015. “We’re seeing some ambivalence among employers as they look at the economy, especially the turmoil in some overseas markets, but all within the range of general optimism about 2016,” said Raymond Torto, chair of AIM’s Board of Economic Advisors (BEA) and lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Design. “Ambivalence indeed seems to define most views of the U.S. economy, as we saw last week when the annual economic report of the president noted the strong rebound since 2008 while acknowledging that economic forces, including the rapid pace of technological change, are weighing on American industry.” The AIM Index, based on a survey of Massachusetts employers, has appeared monthly since July 1991. It is calculated on a 100-point scale, with 50 as neutral; a reading above 50 is positive, while below 50 is negative. The index reached its historic high of 68.5 on two occasions in 1997-98, and its all-time low of 33.3 in February 2009. The index has remained above 50 since October 2013.
Governor Signs Landmark Opioid Bill into Law
BOSTON — Last week at the State House, Gov. Charlie Baker signed landmark legislation into law to address the deadly opioid and heroin epidemic plaguing the Commonwealth. He was joined by a group including Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders, Senate President Stanley Rosenberg, House Speaker Robert DeLeo, Attorney General Maura Healey, Auditor Suzanne Bump, members of the Legislature, law enforcement, healthcare providers, community leaders, individuals in recovery, and others. The bill, titled “An Act Relative to Substance Use, Treatment, Education, and Prevention,” passed with unanimous votes in both legislative chambers and includes numerous recommendations from the Governor’s Opioid Working Group, including prevention education for students and doctors and a seven-day limit on first-time opioid prescriptions. “Today, the Commonwealth stands in solidarity to fight the opioid and heroin epidemic that continues to plague our state and burden countless families and individuals,” Baker said. “I am proud to sign this legislation marking a remarkable statewide effort to strengthen prescribing laws and increase education for students and doctors. While there is still much work to be done, our administration is thankful for the Legislature’s effort to pass this bill and looks forward to working with the attorney general and our mayors to bend the trend and support those who have fallen victim to this horrific public health epidemic.” Added Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, “today, we take another step forward by passing landmark legislation that will help the individuals and communities affected by the deadly opioid and heroin epidemic. We are grateful for the Legislature’s progress and for the partnership of Attorney General Healey, our mayors, and several others as we continue pursuing aggressive reforms to combat this crisis from the Berkshires to the Cape.” The bill includes the first law in the nation to limit an opioid prescription to a seven-day supply for a first-time adult prescriptions and a seven-day limit on every opiate prescription for minors, with certain exceptions. Other provisions from the governor’s recommendations include a requirement that information on opiate use and misuse be disseminated at annual head-injury safety programs for high-school athletes, requirements for doctors to check the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) database before writing a prescription for a Schedule 2 or Schedule 3 narcotic, and continuing-education requirements for prescribers, ranging from training on effective pain management to the risks of abuse and addiction associated with opioid medications. Several measures were passed to empower individuals and update current prevention efforts. Patients will receive access to non-opiate directive forms and the option of partially filling opioid prescriptions in consultation with doctors and pharmacists. Schools must annually conduct verbal substance-misuse screenings in two grade levels and collaborate with the departments of Elementary and Second Education and Public Health (DPH) around effective addiction-education policies. To reduce the prevalence of unused medication, manufacturers of controlled substances in Massachusetts must participate in either a drug stewardship program or an alternative plan as determined by DPH. This bill strengthens access to insurers and the bed-finder tool website; requires that patients receive information on FDA-approved, medication-assisted therapies after being discharged from a substance-use treatment program; and ensures civil-liability protection for individuals who administer Narcan. The opioid epidemic continues to impact every community in Massachusetts. According to the most recent data, it is estimated that there were nearly 1,200 unintentional and undetermined opioid deaths in 2014. The estimated rate of 17.4 deaths per 100,000 residents for 2014 is the highest ever for unintentional opioid overdoses and represents a 228% increase from the rate of 5.3 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2000. And the trend isn’t slowing. Preliminary data estimations show there were over 1,100 opioid deaths between January and September 2015.
United Way Wins Veteran Financial-literacy Grant
SPRINGFIELD — Massachusetts Treasurer Deborah Goldberg announced that the United Way of Pioneer Valley (UWPV) was one of five recipients of a grant that supports financial education to veterans and military families. Known as the Operation Money Wise: Financial Education Opportunity Grant and funded through the Office of Economic Empowerment, these grants aim to increase the scope of financial education for military families by providing them with the tools they need to achieve financial stability. Many of these workshops will include strategy sessions on managing money, planning for college, preparing for retirement, and monetary decision making. “These financial-literacy grants will further empower our military community to make informed financial decisions,” Goldberg said. “I am honored to support organizations that work to bring economic stability to the men, women, and families who help keep our country safe.” With three Thrive financial-literacy centers up and running in Holyoke and Springfield, and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program flourishing throughout the region, UWPV is already a leader in improving fiscal education and responsibility among those it serve. The Thrive centers have served hundreds of student and seniors, helping them improve their credit ratings and open their first bank accounts. Last year, VITA helped 4,594 working families keep $2,462,549 through the Earned Income Tax Credit.
State Issues $9.3 Million in Workforce Skills Grants
BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito announced $9.3 million in workforce skills equipment grants to 35 high schools, community colleges, and vocational training providers across the Commonwealth for vocational-technical education and training equipment purchases that connect Massachusetts students and residents to economic opportunities in high-demand industries. “Workforce skills education and training plays an enormous role in economic and personal development by helping residents acquire the skills they need to connect with promising careers,” Baker said. “These vocational-technical education equipment grants will help build stronger communities and a more competitive business environment that ensures more residents have the skills they need to succeed in and support the Commonwealth’s economic future.” Added Polito, “these workforce-development grants will build bridges between residents seeking careers to build a future on and the employers who need a skilled workforce to grow the state’s economy. Today, too many good-paying jobs are going unfilled because employers are struggling to find skilled employees. This investment in training equipment will enable high schools and community colleges across the Commonwealth to equip students with the skills they need to secure a bright future.”
The Workforce Skills Capital Grant Program is a new initiative of the Governor’s Workforce Skills Cabinet, which seeks to align education, workforce, and economic-development strategies across the state. Western Mass. recipients of the new round of grants include:
• Berkshire Community College, Pittsfield, $465,119 to upgrade and modernize its manufacturing and engineering program, utilizing new hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical controls, materials testing, CNC, and 3-D printing equipment to train students and adult learners for careers in advanced manufacturing, engineering, and biotechnology;
• Dean Technical High School, Holyoke, $393,156 to transform its existing machine technology shop into an advanced-manufacturing shop that aligns with current industry practices and technologies, in order to connect Holyoke students to career opportunities in the Pioneer Valley’s skilled manufacturing workforce;
• Franklin County Technical School, Montague, $52,500 to revamp its computer programming and web-design programs and expand the programs’ capacity to reach adult learners;
• Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative, West Springfield, $257,100 to expand the capacity of its recently-founded high school Machine Technology Program, and to extend programming to adult learners, including unemployed and underemployed individuals facing barriers to employment;
• McCann Technical School, North Adams, $121,128 to revamp its welding and metal-fabrication equipment to train students for careers in Berkshire County’s aerospace, defense, commercial, medical-device, and power-generation industries, and enable re-training for unemployed workers;
• Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy, Springfield, $441,500 to launch a new program to equip students with the skills to enter the construction workforce, including training with heavy equipment; and
• Springfield Technical Community College, $499,785 to enhance training in its Laser Electro-Optics and Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Technology programs by creating an advanced-laser-machining laboratory and a one-year Laser Materials Processing Certificate of Completion, in order to meet the needs of the Commonwealth’s rapidly growing laser-manufacturing industry.
SPRINGFIELD — Trinity Health, the parent organization of Mercy Medical Center, has selected Mercy’s new community health project as a recipient of a grant under its Transforming Communities Initiative (TCI), a program that will result in the investment of $80 million in grants, loans, community-match dollars, and services in six communities over the next five years. As one of the six initial grant recipients, Mercy Medical Center will receive up to $500,000 per year to support a collaborative program that will improve health and well-being in the local community. The Springfield-based TCI partnership involves Mercy Medical Center and Live Well Springfield (LWS), a multi-sector, community-based coalition that includes more than 26 organizations working in the city. The program aims to provide services and improve policies that target low-income adults and children disproportionately impacted by health conditions related to poor diet, inactivity, tobacco use, and other social determinants. Specific strategies include enhancing early-education and care sites through nutrition and physical activity, school-nutrition improvements, Complete Streets infrastructure, and tobacco-use prevention. Partners currently include Mercy Medical Center and LWS members Martin Luther King Jr. Center, HAPHousing, Square One, Springfield Food Policy Council, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, and Partners for a Healthier Community, serving as co-conveners and evaluators. Expected community benefits for the Springfield community include reduced rates of smoking, reduced youth obesity rates, improved access to nutrition and physical activity opportunities, fewer health disparities, and enhanced community wellness and resiliency. “The partnership between Mercy Medical Center and Live Well Springfield is truly a collaborative effort that brings numerous agencies together to improve the health of our community and each person we serve,” said Doreen Fadus, executive director of Community Benefit and Health, Mercy Medical Center. “It also reaffirms our commitment to population health management that calls us to identify specific individuals with particular needs within a given population, and then create care systems that work to improve the care and the health for individuals, particularly those at high risk or with chronic disease.” Mercy Medical Center earned the grant after responding to an RFP that defined appropriate multi-sector partners for these funded community collaborations. Potential partners included community groups, businesses, social-service agencies, schools, and others. The collaboration is expected to leverage system, hospital, and community expertise, funding, and other resources to improve community health. “We are delighted to be providing Mercy Medical Center and Live Well Springfield with this support,” said Dr. Bechara Choucair, senior vice president for Safety and Community Health, Trinity Health. “Mercy Medical Center and Live Well Springfield have a strategic collaboration and shared commitment to improving people’s lives. It’s a great investment.” In addition to the partnership between Mercy Medical Center and Live Well Springfield, Trinity Health has selected community partnerships in New Jersey, Illinois, Maryland, Idaho, and New York for participation in TCI. All of these programs will focus specifically on policy, system, and environmental changes that can directly impact identified areas of high local need and which can reduce tobacco use and obesity, leading drivers of preventable chronic diseases and high healthcare costs in the U.S.
Lee Bank Announces Alliance with St. Germain
LEE — Lee Bank President and CEO Chuck Leach announced that Lee Bank and St. Germain Investment Management have entered into a strategic alliance called October Mountain Financial Advisors, by which St. Germain will provide investment-management and financial-planning services to Berkshire County clients from its new offices in Lee. “Lee Bank is thrilled to offer a Berkshire County-focused wealth-management platform staffed with Berkshire residents who care deeply about their customers and community,” said Leach. “We’re extremely pleased to join forces with St. Germain Investment Management as we embark on this new endeavor. Furthermore, with our recently granted trust powers, we look forward to working closely with attorneys, CPAs, and our clients on trust and estate-planning matters right here in Berkshire County. We have long considered tackling the wealth-management space because it’s a natural extension of what we do extremely well — building strong relationships with our customers and community. It is logical for us to be working with St. Germain given their deep bench of talented investment professionals, most of whom I have worked closely with in the past, and their commitment to remaining independent and committed to our same core values.” Prior to being named president and CEO of Lee Bank last July, Leach served as senior vice president/managing director of wealth management and chief investment officer at Berkshire Bank Wealth Management. Previous positions include vice president/senior portfolio manager at TD Bank Wealth Management Group and vice president of the Gilder Technology Group and the Telecosm Fund. According to Tim Suffish, senior vice president and head of equities at St. Germain Investment Management, “we place the highest value on client relationships and locally made investment decisions, whether it’s a family’s nest egg or a nonprofit’s endowment. We believe that October Mountain Financial Advisors is well-positioned to avoid the conflicts of interest, persistent fee increases, and key person risks inherent with most investment options available today. As a long-time resident of Pittsfield, I’m thrilled to bring our highly qualified team to the Berkshire community.” Along with Suffish, October Mountain Financial Advisors’ principal team includes St. Germain Investment Management’s Michael Matty, president and director; Richard Bleser, vice president, portfolio manager; Matthew Farkas, vice president, portfolio manager; and Thaddeus Welch, portfolio manager. October Mountain Financial Advisors is now open for business at the bank’s branch in Lee and at St. Germain’s offices in Springfield and Hartford, Conn. October Mountain’s permanent headquarters will be located at 103 West Park St., adjacent to Lee Bank, and is slated to open in the spring following renovations to the building.
Waterfront Tavern Re-opens in Holyoke
HOLYOKE — Earlier this month, the Waterfront Tavern held a grand re-opening event at its newly renovated facility on Main Street, featuring Damn Yankee BBQ. Events slated for the restaurant and nightclub include concerts, dancing, and comedy. Private events can be booked in one of the three banquet rooms, with capacities ranging from 50 to 300 people. “Holyoke is a great spot to set up shop. We’re thrilled to be part of such a committed group of impassioned business owners,” owner Don Robert said. “The ease of obtaining the required permits went way above my expectations. This is definitely a business-friendly city.” Robert, one of the partners at the Waterfront Tavern, has been in the restaurant business since he was 14, starting at Lacroix’s, his family-owned business in Willimansett. He is the owner of Maximum Capacity in Chicopee, which he acquired in 2004. Waterfront Tavern’s restaurant partner is Rich Davieau, owner of Damn Yankee BBQ, a full-service barbeque catering company that has been in business, developing its own barbeque rubs and sauces, since 2010.
Taylor Street Dental Offers Free Lunch at Hot Table
SPRINGFIELD — In a new campaign, Taylor Street Dental is offering patients a voucher for a free meal at Hot Table restaurants when they make an appointment. “For a lot of people, it’s hard to make time in their schedule for a dental appointment,” said Dr. David Peck, owner of Taylor Street Dental. “We thought we’d make their lives a little easier, in case they had to skip breakfast or miss their lunch break to come in.” Peck established his practice on Worthington Street 30 years ago. In 2015, he moved to the historic Stacy Building on Taylor Street. He completely refurbished the building with the latest state-of-the-art technology and equipment, in addition to adding new dentists and associates. “John Devoie from Hot Table and I are both committed to investing in Springfield and helping the city thrive,” Peck said. “Their Tower Square location is very popular with downtown businesspeople and local neighborhood folks, the same people who make up a large part of my patient base. This promotion is designed to make everyone happy.” Patients must mention the Hot Table offer while making their appointment in order to claim the gift card when they come in. The gift card has a $20 value.
Big Y Announces Make-A-Wish Promotion
SPRINGFIELD — In honor of its 80th Anniversary, Big Y Foods has partnered with Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island, inviting customers to purchase ‘Wish Stars’ in checkout lines at all 61 Big Y World Class markets, including at 30 stores in Massachusetts. Stars cost $1 each, and customers are welcome to write their name on their star for display in their store. Funds raised through the sale of Wish Stars in Massachusetts throughout March will help grant wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions throughout the Big Y communities. On Thursday, March 17, Big Y will match all Wish Star purchases and any additional donations up to $8,000.
Columbia Gas Recognizes 75th Anniversary of USO of Pioneer Valley
SPRINGFIELD — Columbia Gas of Massachusetts has supported the USO of Pioneer Valley in its efforts to keep military families together. This year, as the USO celebrates its 75th anniversary, Columbia Gas continues its tradition by gifting the USO $2,500 in support of its programs for 2016. According to the United Service Organizations (USO), America’s 1.3 million active-duty service members receive an estimated annual total of 10 million acts of connection from USO centers, services, and volunteers. The Pioneer Valley USO, located at the Westover Air Reserve Base, is one of those centers that has made a significant difference. “Columbia Gas is proud to support the work of the Pioneer Valley USO, which provides an abundance of services to hundreds of families it serves from all branches of the military. As a company that actively recruits and employs veterans, we feel privileged to work with organizations such as the USO that focus on our military men and women as well as their families,” said Andrea Luppi, manager of Communications and Community Relations. Added Allan Tracy, executive director of the Pioneer Valley USO, said the organization “is extremely thankful for the continued support from Columbia Gas. This partnership over many years has helped the Pioneer Valley USO continually meet the ever-changing needs of our local military and their families.”
The following business incorporations were recorded in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties and are the latest available. They are listed by community.
CHICOPEE
Amazon Foods Inc. 168 Center St., Chicopee, MA 01013. Ricardo Contrussi, 49 Azalea Lane, Marlboro, MA 01752. Manufacturing and distribution of sausages, meat products, frozen juices, and frozen foods.
EAST LONGMEADOW
Beauty Times Spa Corp., 16 Maple St., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Nhac D. Troung, 40 Waterman Ave., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Hair, nail, skin, and beauty care/salon.
GRANBY
American Legion Auxiliary, Granby Unit 266 Inc., 2 Circle Dr., Granby, MA 01033. Lorraine Uhlig, 101 Abbey St., South Hadley, MA 01075. Non-profit organization established to support the American Legion; support for our veterans, our military, and their families by shaping a positive future in an atmosphere of fellowship, patriotism, peace and security.
GREAT BARRINGTON
Allard.org Inc., 61 Blue Hill Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230. David Allard, same. Provide a working structure for the formation and operation of a scientific and educational non-profit organization.
HOLYOKE
Auto Sales Center Inc., 1607 Northampton St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Ira J. Elfman, same. Auto sales.
B & T Laundromat Inc., 556 High St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Bo Wu, same. Coin-operated laundromat.
LONGMEADOW
China Access Inc., 86 Green Meadow Dr., Longmeadow, MA 01106. Baiqing Li, same. Cultural exchange program with people and organizations located in China.
NORTHAMPTON
Allen Restaurant Group Inc., 8 Crafts Ave., Northampton, MA 01060. Kimberly Allen, same. Restaurant.
As everyone knows by know, the Baby Boom generation is already at or rapidly approaching retirement age. The oldest members of this huge constituency will hit 70 this year, and millions more will reach retirement age, be it 65, 67, or something earlier if they’ve done well for themselves, over the next several years.
This wave of retirements will pose myriad challenges for the region and its business community, especially when it comes to replacing experienced workers, especially in fields such as healthcare and manufacturing. Filling these voids will require diligence and imagination because the problem will surely impact virtually every sector and almost every business.
While the region must look upon this situation with a good deal of dread, we believe the same cannot be said for another realm, or void — that concerning leadership.
Indeed, if there is one thing our planning and economic-development agencies have done well over the past several years, it’s creating and expanding programs dedicated to preparing area young people for leadership roles — be they in business, government, or the nonprofit sector.
There are several programs and groups that fall into this leadership-prep category, among them the area’s young-professional societies; Leadership Pioneer Valley, which was created several ago as a result of a recognized need for more programs of this nature; the Springfield Regional Chamber’s Leadership Institute; and the Women’s Fund’s Leadership Institute of Political and Public Impact (LIPPI), the subject of a story on page 23.
That sounds like it might even be too many programs, but this region needs as many as it can get.
That’s because leadership is an attainable skill, and the more effective leaders we have in Western Mass., the better off this area will be.
As you read the story on LIPPI, you will note many participants saying the program has helped them take on more challenges located outside of their comfort zone, or words to that effect. And the same can essentially be said of the other programs listed above, and this bodes very well for the region, individual cities and towns, and the business community as well.
As comfort zones become larger, people become more willing and, usually, more able to take on challenges and become both problem solvers and innovators, things this region will need more than nurses and qualified precision machinists, although we’ll need them too.
The story on LIPPI also reveals that, through its various programs, many women have been able to reach higher and then attain what they’re reaching for, a very important consideration given that, in this region, as in most others, this is a constituency still defined by the phrase ‘untapped potential.’
Moving forward, we encourage more young people to take full advantage of the many opportunities now afforded them to develop and hone their leadership skills. Doing so will create opportunities for them and the communities they’ve chosen to live and work in. And it will ultimately (we hope) enable this region to remain competitive in what will be an increasingly global economy.
There are many challenges that will induce anxiety in the years to come, especially the retirement of all those Baby Boomers. Thanks to some forward thinking and imaginative new programs, finding qualified leaders shouldn’t be an issue that falls into that same category.
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield City Council approved MGM Springfield’s revised site plan Monday, voting 12-1 in favor of the $950 million casino project and changes that include the elimination of a 25-story hotel tower. Council President Michael Fenton was the sole vote against the altered proposal. MGM will replace the initially planned 25-story hotel tower on State Street with a six-story, 250-room hotel on Main Street. In another change, MGM’s host-community agreement with Springfield allows MGM to move about 54 proposed market-rate apartments from the casino grounds to a location near the casino. MGM Springfield has begun demolition and site preparation for the casino development, which is expected to open in September 2018 and bring thousands of construction and casino jobs to the city.
UMass Announces Progress on Renovations
BOSTON — The University of Massachusetts now spends three out of four capital dollars on renovation and repair and has significantly reduced its maintenance backlog in recent years, President Marty Meehan said this week. In a letter submitted to state government leaders, Meehan noted that UMass has gone through a building boom over the past 20 years, largely in response to enrollment and faculty-innovation booms, but said the university over the past decade has placed a significant emphasis on maintenance and renovation. “The building that has taken place across the UMass system has been critical to our ability to step forward and emerge as a great public university. While we have constructed new facilities, we have also recognized the need to repair facilities that aged over the years,” he noted. One of the fastest-growing universities in the nation, the five-campus UMass system experienced a 44% surge in enrollment in the past two decades and built academic buildings and student housing to accommodate the increase of 22,000 students. It also constructed laboratories and other facilities needed as it emerged as a global research university. But UMass also recognized that it had to repair as well as build, Meehan said, and has been guided in its efforts by Sightlines, a company that advises more than 400 colleges and universities across the nation and in Canada on facilities-management issues. In his letter to state government leaders, President Meehan said recent reports from Sightlines show that, between 2009 and 2015, UMass Amherst reduced its project backlog from $2 billion to $1.5 billion, achieving a 25% decrease. UMass Amherst saw deferred maintenance decrease significantly during this period, declining from $869 million to $596 million, for an even larger percentage reduction of 31%. This occurred at a time when backlog at public universities in the U.S. grew by nearly 20%, according to Sightlines. Meanwhile, Sightlines calculates that the UMass system is on course to reduce its current $1.45 billion in deferred maintenance by nearly 40% to $900 million by fiscal year 2019, when the university’s current capital plan concludes. It is also projected that the backlog for the UMass system will decline from $3.2 billion to $2.26 billion over the next three years. Backlog refers to those facilities projects that should be handled over the next decade, and deferred maintenance is the term for projects that need to be addressed within three years. “We are not declaring victory or minimizing the work that lies ahead, but I think it’s important to note that UMass has charted this prudent course,” Meehan said. Added Victor Woolridge, chairman of the UMass board of trustees, “the University of Massachusetts has taken the responsible course in addressing the needs of buildings that in some cases are 40-plus years old. We have taken on issues that we needed to confront in order to be able to provide really good students with the high-quality facilities they need to be able to compete in the contemporary environment.” Among other key points in Meehan’s letter, nearly three-quarters of the current UMass capital program is dedicated to projects that will reduce the five-campus system’s project backlog; since 2008, UMass has included a maintenance reserve for every new building constructed by the university; and enrollment at UMass has increased by 44.5% over the past 20 years, soaring from 51,044 to 73,761 students. Of the 22,717 students UMass has added, 14,673 are in-state students, while out-of-state students increased by slightly more than 8,000.
Mass Insight Education Honors 11 Area Teachers
BOSTON — Eleven teachers in Western Mass. have been honored with Mass Insight Education’s Partners in Excellence Award for helping students take advanced-placement (AP) courses with success as they prepare for college. The winners include Melissa Ferris and Patrice Latrell, Taconic High School, Pittsfield; Carla Comeau and Jennifer Gaudette, Pittsfield High School; Jill Keenan, Jennifer Levesque, and Tawnya Tiskus, Westfield High School; Michelle Fontana, Christopher Rea, and Diana Sands, Ludlow High School; and Marissa Lapointe, Springfield Central High School. The award recognizes 54 Massachusetts AP teachers for their outstanding contributions to student achievement and their dedication to college success during the 2014-15 academic year. The teachers were selected out of a pool of more than 600 AP teachers who participated in Mass Insight Education’s AP STEM and English program. “The teachers Mass Insight supports in AP partnerships across the state are the backbone of the schools’ role preparing students for college success,” said William Guenther, president, CEO, and founder of Mass Insight Education. “We’re very pleased to recognize the AP teacher partners who have produced especially outstanding results with their high-school students.” Mass Insight Education’s content directors selected the teachers based on their ability to increase their students’ access to AP classes, their students’ improved performance on the AP exams, and their students’ resulting college readiness. The award recipients will be honored at Mass Insight Education’s Partners in Excellence Award Celebration on Tuesday, April 5 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Seaport Hotel in Boston. Eric Waldo, executive director of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Reach Higher initiative, will be the keynote speaker. Each award winner will be recognized for his or her achievement and will receive a check for $1,000. Mass Insight Education (MIE) is a national nonprofit dedicated to improving student achievement and increasing college success through district restructuring and rigorous academic programs. This is particularly important within the urban ‘gateway’ communities in which MIE operates, as youth from economically challenged communities are not as typically afforded the personalized, high-caliber instruction that is provided in the AP environment. Mass Insight Education’s AP STEM and English program encourages more students to take AP classes in an effort to increase their confidence while providing them with the academic skills they need to succeed in post-secondary education. The AP STEM and English program is a key part of MIE’s innovative College Success Campaign. Annually, more than 10,000 students at more than 75 Mass Insight Education partner schools take part in the program. These schools typically double or triple their enrollment in AP classes, and double the number of students earning qualifying scores on the AP exam. To help students prepare for the AP exams, Mass Insight Education supports them in several ways, including hosting a series of weekend classes. The goal is to have students take an AP class as an introduction to the level of work they will need to do in college. The hope is that the experience inspires many to enroll in college who previously thought themselves incapable of that work. Getting a qualifying score earns them college credit, thus allowing them to finish college more quickly and at a lower cost. Statistics show that 78% of Mass Insight Education students who took at least one AP math, science, or English course in high school attended a two- or four-year college after graduating high school. Ninety-three percent continued with two years of college, and 82% either graduated or are still in school four years after graduating from high school. Mass Insight Education also provides extra training for AP instructors to strengthen their teaching skills.
The public needs a more complete and honest discussion of the likely costs and benefits of commuter rail service between Springfield and Greenfield.
Most of the advertised benefits for commuter rail service come from a 2009 feasibility study done to justify rebuilding the rails from Springfield to Brattleboro. Like most of these studies, the projections come from computer models. I was on the committee that issued the study.
Because we got money to rebuild the rails, we have actual numbers. The first phase of the feasibility study happened. The Vermonter now runs on the line. We can compare what is actually happening to what the computer model said might happen. It turns out the computer model projections are not even close:
• The ridership projection is 73% off;
• The projection of how many new people would be riding as opposed to how many people would be using trains instead of other transportation is 99.4% wrong; and
• The study’s capital cost projection was only 20% to 50% of the actual bill.
The study said moving the Vermonter to the new track would increase ridership by 98 passengers a day. The actual number is 26 passengers a day.
The study made assumptions about how many of the additional riders would be new riders — people new to the market. These new-rider numbers are the basis for projections on how many additional people would live in the towns on the line, how many additional new jobs would be created in those towns, and how many millions of dollars of new economic activity those towns would see.
What actually happened is there are practically no new riders. While the Vermonter picked up 788 new passengers a month, private-sector bus services lost 761 passengers a month. This means the actual number of new people is 27 a month.
When you use actual numbers to inform the computer-generated projection, what we could reasonably expect is commuter rail service would have 540 riders a day, not the projected 2,000. When you apply the experience of what is happening with people getting off other travel means and onto trains, we should reasonably expect about three new riders a day.
Three new riders a day have no economic impact. The 537 riders who stop using other transportation to use the trains do not create new economic impact. They are already here.
On the cost side, even at 2,000 riders a day, it’s projected that between $3 million and $4 million in tax dollars will have to be paid annually to run the trains. That is after $100 million in tax dollars to buy them.
Because we now know ridership is much more likely to be about 25% of the computer-generated projection, the tax dollars needed to support these trains is much more likely to be around $4.5 million a year.
The MBTA is going to run these trains. MBTA is funded by a combination of state money and contributions from communities where MBTA stations are located. When you apply what MBTA does in the rest of the state to this new service, Springfield, Holyoke, Northampton, and Greenfield will have to contribute a total of around $1.7 million in property-tax dollars a year — somewhere around 7% of their total DPW budgets.
So, the bottom line is that Springfield/Greenfield commuter rail will:
• Have actual ridership of about 25% of what was projected;
• Create no new economic activity. It may actually be negative when you count the bus drivers and maintenance people who will lose their jobs; and
• Require an operating subsidy about 150% of what was originally projected, including $1.7 million a year from local property taxes.
Is it worth spending $100 million to buy trains and then $4.5 million a year to run them so an additional 90 people a month are attracted? Aren’t there more important things to do with scarce tax dollars?
Paul Peter Nicolai is president of the Springfield-based Nicolai Law Group; [email protected]
SPRINGFIELD — Mercy Medical Center and the Sisters of Providence Health System (SPHS), members of Trinity Health – New England, have welcomed RiverBend Medical Group into their family of providers and network of services. This partnership positions Mercy, SPHS, and RiverBend to make significant strides in care delivery while continuing to focus on high quality, efficiency, access to services, and cost containment, said Dr. Scott Wolf, president of Mercy Medical Center. “The joining of these two clinically excellent and financially strong providers – one with expertise in the delivery of outpatient care and the other with expertise in inpatient care and related services – creates a strong clinically integrated network that will better meet the health care needs of the local community.” The plan is for RiverBend’s physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, and staff members to continue practicing at RiverBend’s current locations in Agawam, Chicopee, Springfield, Westfield, and Wilbraham. “We welcome the opportunity to partner with Mercy Medical Center because of our shared vision regarding patient care. We remain committed to treating each patient with dignity, compassion, and clinical excellence, and doing so in a manner that will have a positive impact on our community,” said Dr. Richard Shuman, president of RiverBend Medical Group. This new arrangement also strengthens the longstanding collaboration between Mercy Medical Center and RiverBend Medical Group on patient care and patient-experience improvement. Patients will benefit from enhanced services through Mercy’s continuum of care options that focus on the ‘triple aim’ of better health, better care, and lower costs for the patient population, Wolf said. In addition to his role as RiverBend president, Shuman has been named senior vice president of the Mercy Physician Network Organization (PNO). In this position, he will be responsible for strategic and operating plans for RiverBend Medical Group and the managed practices within the PNO. He will also focus on promoting the delivery of quality healthcare services, providing leadership for the effective management of medical resources and staff, and ensuing clinical quality management and improvement activities for RiverBend, the PNO, and Mercy Medical Center.
Website Lists the Fort as Bucket-list Restaurant
SPRINGFIELD — When onlyinyourstate.com, a popular website that lists top attractions in every state in the U.S., ranked its “14 Restaurants to Visit in Massachusetts Before You Die,” the Student Prince Café and Fort restaurant came in near the top of the list. The article cited “sublime German food,” the ambience of the dining room, and the restaurant’s noted collection of steins among the aspects that make the Fort a must-visit on any restaurant lover’s list. “It’s great to see a national media outlet highlight what locals have known forever,” said Managing Partner Andy Yee. “This is exactly why we all came together last year to make sure this Springfield institution survived. We hope this article will help a whole new crop of people discover the magic of our restaurant.”
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art Named National Medal Finalist
AMHERST — The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announced that the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is among 30 finalists for the 2016 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries for service to the community. For 22 years, the award has celebrated institutions that demonstrate extraordinary and innovative approaches to public service to make a difference for individuals, families, and communities. This will mark the second year that the Carle has been recognized with this honor. “The 2016 National Medal finalists make lasting differences in their communities by serving and inspiring the public,” said Kathryn Matthew, director of IMLS. “We proudly recognize these museums and libraries for their invaluable work to provide citizens with educational resources, 21st-century skills, and opportunities for lifelong learning.” Added Christopher Milne, the Carle’s chairman of the board, “it is hard to believe what the Carle has achieved in just 13 years. The museum’s exhibitions are traveling to major museums in the U.S., while our literacy and art programs are reaching as far as Asia and the Middle East. It just proves that people of all ages and cultures are deeply moved by the artwork and stories of childhood.” The National Medal winners will be named later this spring.
Greenfield Cooperative Bank Partners with Raymond James
GREENFIELD — John Houston, managing director of the Raymond James Financial Institutions Division, announced that the advisors at GCB Financial Services, a division of Greenfield Cooperative Bank, will offer investment and wealth-management services to its clients through Raymond James Financial Services Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. GCB Financial Services includes program manager and financial advisor Michael Johnson and financial advisor Edward Zadworny. The team previously partnered with MML Investors Services for third-party support. “We chose Raymond James as our new partner because it provides its clients with superior research, technology, and planning tools,” said Michael Tucker, president and CEO of Greenfield Cooperative Bank and its parent company, Greenfield Bancorp, MHC. “The breadth of the resources and the type of support available to its financial advisors will allow us to provide more in-depth service to our clients and, ultimately, to help them better achieve their financial goals.” Johnson has more than 20 years of experience in the financial-services industry, having begun his career in 1995 with A.G. Edwards and moved to Greenfield in 2003. He is a graduate of UMass Amherst with a bachelor’s degree in economics. Zadworny has been in the financial industry since 1988, when he joined Prudential Insurance and Pruco Securities. In 2012, he moved to Greenfield, where he partnered with Johnson as part of the investment program at Greenfield Cooperative Bank. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Westfield State University.
Adam Quenneville Wins Award from Astec Roofing
SOUTH HADLEY — Adam Quenneville announced that his company, Adam Quenneville Roofing & Siding, was awarded the 2015 Astec Roofing New Dealer of the Year award, which is presented to a dealer who has completed the most work in the Northeast region, as well as had the highest customer satisfaction. In addition, Adam Quenneville Roofing & Siding was also named the number-one Astec dealer in the state of Massachusetts for 2015. “We here at Astec hold our dealers to the highest standards in providing our strict specifications on each and every job,” said Scott Transue, a sales representative at Astec. “Adam Quenneville Roofing & Siding has outperformed even our strict standards of professionalism.” Astec is a fluid-applied roofing solution which takes the same durable, protective, and energy-efficient principles the NASA space program uses. Its mission is to solve industrial problems, improve appearance, and save energy, while adding to the weathertight sustainability of roofs, walls, and industrial surfaces.
Wolf & Co., P.C. announced the promotion of Ryan Gorman, CPA, to Member of the firm. He has 15 years of experience in providing audit, review, and business-advisory services to middle-market businesses within various industries and ownership structures. A significant focus of Gorman’s practice includes private-equity and family owned manufacturers, distributors, retail, and service organizations. In addition to his private-company practice, he also works with publicly traded companies and performs audits of employee benefit plans. Gorman, a graduate of Stonehill College, is a founding member of Wolf’s audit quality task force, a committee established to ensure the company is equipped with the appropriate training, tools, and techniques to deliver effective, quality services.
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Howard Bruck
Howard Bruck has been named president and CEO of Farm Credit Financial Partners Inc. (FPI). With 30 years of experience in general business and financial services, Bruck was most recently chief information officer with Sterling National Bank in New York, responsible for information technology and banking operations. “The breadth and depth of Howard’s business and technology experience and expertise will bolster our collective and individual efforts to better serve our customers and continue to evolve our organizations,” said Bob Bahl, chairman of the board. “His vision builds on FPI’s 21-year history of providing technology to the Farm Credit System.” Bruck has an MBA in accounting from Fordham University and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Long Island University. He also served as an adjunct professor at Fordham University, teaching technology, information-management systems and security, and project and operations management for the past 10 years. He has also advised major corporations, investment managers, and technology providers in those areas. “FPI has an impressive history of providing important technologies to the Farm Credit System for over 20 years,” Bruck said. “I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the organization as we embark into an exciting era of business-technology transformation. Realizing the opportunity to strengthen our products and services and support the business objectives of our customers will require us to be innovative, proficient, and competitive. A big part of my job will be to insure that we focus on creating and delivering great solutions and be recognized as thought leaders and valued partners.”
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Greenfield Mayor William Martin and Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz announced the hiring of Teri Anderson as the new Executive Director of the Franklin Hampshire Employment & Training Consortium (FHETC) and the Franklin Hampshire Career Center. FHETC is the administrative entity established by the two mayors in 1981 to operate public employment services in the 50-community Franklin, Hampshire, and North Quabbin region. Utilizing federal and state funds associated with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, the agency delivers services through one-stop career centers in Greenfield and Northampton, and a satellite office in the North Quabbin region. The previous director of the center, Michael Truckey, retired in May 2015 after 38 years with FHETC. An interview team including representatives of the mayors’ offices, the career center, the Franklin Hampshire Regional Employment Board (REB), and the Mass. Division of Career Services conducted a thorough search process, looking for a person with the right combination of leadership, planning, and management skills to take on the job. Anderson is past economic development director for the city of Northampton and brings many years of experience in planning, project development, grants management, and economic development. Patricia Crosby, executive director of the Franklin Hampshire REB, which oversees workforce services in the region, quoted from the letter sent on behalf of the interview team to the mayors, saying, “we firmly believe that Teri has both the big-picture visioning and the day-to-day administrative skills needed for this important position, and that her deep knowledge of the Franklin/Hampshire region, planning expertise, and calm, steady presence will serve us well in this critical transitional period.” Anderson has recently has held positions with Common Capital and the Mass Broadband Institute. In addition, Crosby noted, she is no stranger to the workforce-development activities of the Career Center and the REB, having served in the past on the board as a representative of the former Northampton mayor’s office.
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Eric Martinez
HUB International New England, a division of HUB International Limited, announced that Eric Martinez has joined the company as Personal Lines Account Manager. He will be based in the East Longmeadow office and will assist clients with their homeowner’s, auto, and personal-liability umbrella coverages. Martinez joins HUB International with more than 10 years of experience in the personal-lines field. His past job responsibilities have included supervising and scheduling staff, resolving client issues, working to maintain carrier relationships, and assisting in planning and implementing marketing programs. His role at HUB International includes assisting in the day-to-day needs of clients, reviewing and updating policies and certificates, maintaining existing client relationships, generating new business, and keeping abreast of the changing market. Timm Marini, president of HUB International New England, noted that “Eric’s personality and strengths will certainly be beneficial as we continue to expand into one of the largest agencies throughout New England.”
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Peter Pan Bus Lines announced that Danielle Veronesi has been named Marketing Director. She will be responsible for overseeing Peter Pan’s Marketing Department, which includes but is not limited to creating digital advertising in multiple markets through multi-media platforms. Veronesi brings more than 15 years of experience in the marketing and promotions industry. She previously worked at iHeartMedia, where she served as the company’s Marketing and Promotions director.
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Matthew Sosik, president and CEO of bankESB, announced the following:
Kirsten Barkman
• Kirsten Barkman has joined the bank as Assistant Vice President, Portfolio Manager. Barkman most recently served as a portfolio manager at Chicopee Savings Bank, where she had been working since 2012. She has more than 15 years of experience in the financial industry. She earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Tufts University. She has also passed Level 1 and Level 2 of the Chartered Financial Analyst examinations, and she is a Risk Management Assoc. member; and
Erin Joyce
• Erin Joyce has been named Special Assets Officer. Joyce joined the bank in October 2014 as special assets manager. She has had many years of banking experience within the local banking industry, the last six in the area of residential and consumer collections. She attended UMass and has completed numerous Center for Financial Training courses and received certificates and diplomas in many areas of finance, lending, appraisals, and compliance. Joyce is a volunteer tax preparer for the IRS Volunteers in Tax Assistance Program. She was a parent volunteer and fund-raising coordinator for the Northampton Youth Football League and Northampton High School Booster club. She has also served as treasurer for the John F. Kennedy Middle School PTO.
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Jay Smith, founder and president of Sports Travel and Tours, has been named Vice Chair of the executive board for the board of directors of the National Tour Assoc. for 2016. NTA is the leading business-building association for travel professionals in the packaged travel and tour industry. Smith, whose sports-travel business entered its 20th year this fall, has served for four years on the NTA as a tour-operator board member and as its secretary last year. NTA was founded in 1951 and is now the leading business-building association for professionals serving customers traveling to, from, and within North America. Smith founded Sports Travel and Tours in 1996. Its mission is to offer hassle-free trip options to sports fans so they can attend games and other events across the U.S. and Canada.
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Homewatch CareGivers announced the hiring of Deborah Epstein as business development manager for Hampshire and Franklin counties. She will work in tandem with Kate Tyler, who also works in those two counties. Epstein comes to Homewatch CareGivers with a skill set in public relations, program development, and administration. She has a master’s degree in public health from the UMass Amherst School of Public Health and Health Sciences with a focus in health policy management and community health education. This complements her dual bachelor’s degree in management and psychology from Simmons College in Boston. She also works as a marketing and health-promotion consultant for various organizations, including Orchard Medical Associates of Indian Orchard. She brings a wealth of experience through her work for Massachusetts General Hospital, Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Baystate Medical Center, various senior centers, and as coordinator of the Franklin-Hampshire RSVP Osteoporosis Exercise/Nutrition Program. Epstein will begin her role immediately, seeking out partners in the medical community who can assist Homewatch CareGivers in building alliances to better serve Western Mass. residents in securing appropriate homecare options.
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Berkshire Health Systems announced the appointment of Dr. Nina Molin, a board-certified internal-medicine practitioner, to the physician staff of Berkshire Osteopathic Health of BMC. A veteran of both private and academic practice in the Berkshires since 1995, Molin received her medical degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook School of Medicine, and completed her residency in primary-care internal medicine from the University of Rochester. Molin is presently a fellow in the Integrative Medicine Fellowship of the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine, where she is the recipient of the Council for Responsible Nutrition scholarship. She has served as associate professor of Medicine at UMass Medical School. Molin served at Canyon Ranch in Lenox for 13 years as an integrative medicine specialist, lecturing and consulting in many areas, including integrative medicine, preventive medicine, women’s health, digestive wellness, inflammatory conditions, and Ayurveda. She has offered integrative-medicine consultations in her private practice, Ananda Health, and has offered primary care throughout the Berkshires since 1995, including as a volunteer physician at Berkshire Volunteers in Medicine.
• March 31: Margarita Madness 2016, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Hadley Farms Meeting House, 41 Russell St., Hadley. Cost: $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at TD Bank on Triangle Street or Greenfield Savings Bank on University Drive, as well as the chamber office. You must be over the age of 21 to participate. If you are interested in participating or sponsoring, contact the chamber office at (413) 253-0700.
• March 10: VIP Networking, 6-9 p.m., at Yankee Candle, 25 Deerfield Road, South Deerfield, co-sponsored by the Greater Easthampton and Amherst Area chambers. Enjoy an evening at Yankee Candle and take advantage of 25% off of your total purchases (excluding Alex & Ani, Pandora, and currently discounted merchandise). The evening includes cooking demos, scavenger-hunt appetizers, music, and cheer. Beverage sponsor: Hangar Pub & Grill. Menu sponsor: Chandler’s. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members.
• March 18: St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon 2016, noon-2 p.m., at Southampton Country Club. Join us for a feast of corned beef and cabbage as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Mayor Karen Cadieux joins us as our keynote speaker. We honor the Greater Easthampton Parade Committee Grand Marshal Coreen Foote. Congratulations also to: Sylvia Gallagher, Gallagher Walker Award; Erin Kelly and Anna Morrissey, Scholarship Award; and Kim Bush, Shamrock Award. Mihn Sullivan will be the guest of honor as the 2016 Distinguished Young Woman of Greater Easthampton. Event Sponsors: Finck & Perras Insurance Agency Inc., Taylor Real Estate, Easthampton Savings Bank, and Cooley Dickinson Hospital. Cost: $25 for members, $30 for non-members.
• March 16: St. Pat’s Business Breakfast 2016, 7:30-9 a.m., at the Log Cabin, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Sponsored by PeoplesBank, Holyoke Mall at Ingleside, and Hadley Printing. Tables reserved for groups of eight or 10 people. Join us as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Parade Committee award winners, the colleen and her court, and the following new chamber members: Creaciones Jahhai Boutique, Mr. Gio, Cultivate & Nest Inc., Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Underwood Photography, Hot Oven Cookies, NeWave Hydrographics, and Studio 20 Salon. Cost: $30 for members, $40 for non-members. Deadline to register: March 14 at noon. No walk-ins, please.
• March 23: Chamber After Hours, 5-7 p.m. Hosted and sponsored by Marcotte Ford, 1025 Main St., Holyoke. Food, 50/50 raffle, and door prizes. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 if you would like to bring a door prize or if you’re interested in a marketing table for $25.
• March 10: Workshop, “Introduction to Google Docs and Google Drive,” 9-11 a.m., at the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton. Presented by Pioneer Training. The class is an introduction to Google Docs and Google Drive, the online storage location for Google Docs. Since this software is available at no cost, many organizations are using it extensively for collaboration purposes and to supplement Microsoft Office. In this two-hour workshop, you’ll learn how to set up a local Google Drive folder, create new documents in the Google Docs format, work with Word documents in Google Docs, and convert Word documents to the Google Docs format. Participants are encouraged to bring laptops and follow along with the instructor, but this is not required. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. To register, e-mail [email protected]. Cost: $25 for members, $35 for non-members.
• March 17: 36th annual St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m., at the Hotel Northampton Grand Ballroom. A parade to Fitzwilly’s follows the breakfast. Cost: $25 per person; tables of 10 are also available for $250.
• March 24: Workshop, “Tips, Tricks & Shortcuts in Microsoft Excel,” 9-11 a.m., at Greenfield Savings Bank, 325A King St., Northampton. Presented by Pioneer Training. This workshop will present our favorite tips, tricks, and shortcuts that we have collected and developed over 15 years of teaching and using Microsoft Excel. Topics will include shortcuts for selecting ranges, using Autofill to create a series of dates or numbers, setting the print area, using page-break preview, adding headers and footers, using page-layout view, grouping spreadsheets in the same workbook in order to type or format more than one sheet at the same time, and creating 3-D formulas that calculate across several spreadsheets in the same workbook. Participants are encouraged to bring laptops and follow along with the instructor, but this is not required. Pre-registration is required; space is limited. To register, e-mail [email protected]. Admission: $35 for members, $45 for non-members.
• March 7: Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m., at Westfield News Group, 62 School St., Westfield. To register, call Pam at the Chamber office at (413) 568-1618.
• March 9: Chamber After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m. at Alternative Health, 208 College Highway, Southwick. To register, call Pam at the Chamber office at (413) 568-1618.
• March 14: Workshop, “A Purpose-driven Website,” 8:30 a.m., at Holiday Inn Express, 39 Southampton Road, Westfield. Presented by Bob Burch of Bright Cloud Studios. Registration is at 8:30 a.m., with networking from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Cost: free to chamber members, $30 for non-members. To register, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.
• March 18: St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast, 7-9 a.m., at Westfield State University, 333 Western Ave., Westfield. To register, call Pam at the Chamber office at (413) 568-1618.
• March 22: Small Business Legal Clinic, noon to 4 p.m., at the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, 16 North Elm St., Westfield. Sponsored by the Western Mass. regional office of the MSBDC. The event is free, but limited to chamber members only. Seating is limited. To register, call Lynn Shedd at (413) 737-6712, ext 100.
• March 25: Legislative Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m., at Tekoa Country Club. Attendees will include state Sens. Don Humason and Ben Downing, and state Reps. Nicholas Boldyga, Peter Kocot, William Pignatelli, and John Velis. Cost: $30 for chamber members, $40 for the public (paid in advance). For more information and to register, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.
• March 16: Professional Women’s Chamber Headline Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Storrowton Tavern, Carriage House, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Featuring literary agent and national culinary talent agent Lisa Ekus. Cost: $30 for chamber members, $40 for general admission.
• March 16: March Madness After 5, 5-7 p.m., at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, 1000 Hall of Fame Ave., Springfield. Cost: $5 for members, $10 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.
• March 22: Pastries, Politics, and Policy 2016, 8-9 a.m., at the TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St., Springfield. Featuring Attorney General Maura Healey. Cost: $15 for members, $25 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.
• March 17: Networking Lunch, noon to 1:30 p.m., at Lattitude in West Springfield. Enjoy a sit-down lunch while social networking with fellow chamber members. Each attendee will get a chance to offer a brief sales pitch. Attendees will order off the menu and pay separately the day of the event. Please note, we cannot invoice you for these events. The only cost to attend is the cost of your lunch. You must be a member or guest of a member to attend. For more information, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or [email protected].
March 10: The Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast (EANE) announced its 12th annual Management Conference will be held at the Springfield Marriott, with a focus on driving business performance. The full-day conference will address how managers and supervisors can create a culture of alignment, agility, and engagement to improve organizational performance. The program will feature Bruce Tulgan, an expert on leadership and management. He is the bestselling author of It’s Okay to Be the Boss, Managing Generation X, and his newest book, Bridging the Soft Skills Gap. The conference also includes breakout sessions, a presentation on “Building a Leadership Culture of Innovation and Energy” with Rich Trombetta of Innovation Is Easy, and an improv workshop by ConnectAnd about connecting your leadership to your team. The cost for the program is $325 per person, with discounts for three or more. Register and learn more at eane.org/12th-annual-management-conference or call (877) 662-6444. The program will offer 6.75 credits from the HR Certification Institute. Sponsoring the program are Johnson and Hill Staffing and the Human Resource Certification Institute.
Springfield Falcons Dr. Seuss Night
March 12: The Springfield Falcons, in partnership with the Springfield Museums and Dr. Seuss Enterprises, announced Dr. Seuss Night, to be held during a game against the Portland Pirates starting at 7 p.m. Dr. Seuss Night and the game will be sponsored by Berkshire Bank. For the first time ever, Dr. Seuss Enterprises has partnered with the Falcons and the Springfield Museums in presenting this special night to honor Theodor Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss, who was born and raised in Springfield. The Springfield Museums are preparing to open the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum in 2016, an exhibit featuring interactive activities for children and a one-of-a-kind experience that will provide a look at the man behind the drawing board. “We are excited to partner with the Springfield Museums and Dr. Seuss Enterprises in presenting this special night to honor one of Springfield’s most famous native sons,” Falcons President Sarah Pompea said. “We have been anticipating this night since the summer months and are excited to aid the launching of the new museum in support of a unique family entertainment night around a favorite children’s author.” The night will include appearances by the Cat in the Hat and Thing 1 and Thing 2 costumed characters. In addition, specialty jerseys will be worn by Falcons players and auctioned off, with proceeds donated to the Springfield Museums to help support the creation of the new museum. “We are thrilled that the Falcons are stepping up in support of our fund-raising campaign,” said Kay Simpson, president of the Springfield Museums. “It’s wonderful to have the support of one our best downtown neighbors.”
Difference Makers
March 31: The eighth annual Difference Makers award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House. Tickets cost $60, and tables of 10 are available. To reserve a spot, call (413) 781-8600, ext. 10, or go HERE. Difference Makers is a program, launched in 2009, that recognizes groups and individuals that are, as the name suggests, making a difference in this region. This year’s class was profiled in the Jan. 25 issue, and their stories can also be read online at businesswest.com. They include Hampden County Sheriff Michael J. Ashe Jr.; Mike Balise, Balise Motor Sales, philanthropist (1965-2015); Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties; Bay Path University President Carol Leary; and John Robison, president, J.E. Robison Service. Difference Makers is sponsored by EMA Dental, First American Insurance Agency, Health New England, Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C., Northwestern Mutual, PeoplesBank, Royal LLP, and Sunshine Village.
‘Training for the Digital Marketplace’
April 1, 8, 15: Stevens 470 will host a three-week program called “Training for the Digital Marketplace: Develop Your Online and Offline Marketing Strategies” to show attendees how to maximize their marketing channels. This seminar is for business owners, marketing managers, entrepreneurs, and key marketing staff. As marketing channels continue to evolve, are you using them to maximize your business opportunities? This program covers the latest online and offline marketing channels including brand presentation, websites, SEO, advertising, social media, e-mail, and mobile technologies. During this hands-on program, participants will review their current messaging and marketing channels; learn the latest ways to use both traditional and new media channels; explore social media, online advertising, and search-engine optimization; outline plans for offline and online marketing campaigns; coordinate marketing channels to maximize their effectiveness; and determine methods for evaluating results. Each participant will complete the program by creating a specific plan for their online and offline channels that they can share and put into action with members of their business team. The program meets weekly on three consecutive Friday mornings at Stevens 470 in Westfield. Limited space is available. For details, visit stevens470.com or call (413) 568-2660.
‘A Night of Passion’ for Link to Libraries
April 5: They’re calling the event “A Night of Passion.” That’s a phrase that applies to both support for efforts to promote childhood literacy and a fondness for a particular food or beverage. These various passions will come together April 5 at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke at Link to Libraries’ biennial fund-raising event. Proceeds from all ticket sales will go to Link to Libraries. More than 500 people are expected to attend the event, which will be a celebration of all that Link to Libraries has accomplished since it was created in 2008 — including the donation of nearly 500,000 books to area schools and organizations — and how it intends to continually expand its mission in the years to come. As for those passions for specific foods and drinks, they will be a focus of the night, provided by a host of area celebrities and business leaders, including Mike Mathis, MGM Springfield president and chief operating officer; Kevin Rhodes, Springfield Symphony Orchestra conductor; Spiros Hatiras, Holyoke Medical Center president and CEO; Delcie Bean IV, CEO of Paragus Strategic IT; Mick Corduff, executive chef and co-owner of the Log Cabin; Amy Royal, founding partner of Royal, P.C., and many more. As for their passions, well, those are carefully guarded secrets at this point. Those who would like to experience these passions and support Link to Libraries — which supplies books to schools and other organizations across Western Mass. and Northern Conn., and promotes read-alouds that put area business and civic leaders in area classrooms — can buy tickets for $40 each by sending checks to: Link to Libraries, Attn. Karen Blinderman, P.O. Box 958, West Springfield, MA 01090. All beverages are included in the ticket price. Food and beverages are donated by the Log Cabin. Sponsors for “A Night of Passion” include lead sponsors Health New England and Rediker Software, and event sponsors Bacon Wilson, Bank of America – U.S. Trust, the Frank Stanley Beveridge Foundation, the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation, James Vinick and Moors & Cabot Investments, Monson Savings Bank, PeoplesBank, Peoples United Bank, the Springfield Falcons, and United Bank.
Not Just Business as Usual
April 14: The Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) Foundation’s Not Just Business as Usual (NJBAU) event, a networking event for business leaders in Western Mass., will be held at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The event, now in its seventh year, is a celebration of innovative thinking giving participants the opportunity to learn from business experts while raising significant funding for the STCC WORKS scholarship program. A cocktail and networking reception will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m., with dinner and keynote speakers to follow from 7 to 8:30 p.m. This year, NJBAU will host a discussion of diversity in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields with panelists Emily Reichert, CEO of Greentown Labs; Laurie Leshin, president of Worcester Polytechnic Institute; and Frank Robinson, vice president of Public Health and Community Relations for Baystate Health. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available. Tickets are $175 each, and sponsorships begin at $2,500 for a table for 10. For additional information or to become a sponsor, contact Christina Tuohey, STCC’s director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, at (413) 755-4475 or [email protected]. To purchase tickets online, visit www.stcc.edu/njbau.
Walk of Champions
May 1: The community is invited to come together at the Quabbin Reservoir to mark the 11th annual Walk of Champions to benefit the Baystate Regional Cancer Program at Baystate Mary Lane Hospital in Ware. The Walk of Champions, founded in 2006 by John O’Neill, field-hockey coach at Quaboag Regional Middle High School, began as a tribute to the compassionate care and comfort his mother received during her struggle with cancer. Since then, the Walk of Champions has grown into a collection of teams and individuals each walking for their own reason. There are friends and family members celebrating victory over cancer. Others are encouraging their loved ones in their personal fight over cancer, while others walk in memory of those who have lost their battle with cancer. The walk is a one-mile loop that allows walkers to choose the number of miles they complete among the comfortable walking terrain of the Goodnough Dike. Along the way, walkers will enjoy entertainment and refreshments, along with the peace and beauty of the Quabbin Reservoir. Since its inception, the Walk of Champions has raised more than $662,000. All funds raised remain local to support those cared for in the Baystate Health Eastern Region at Baystate Medical Center’s Mary Lane Satellite Unit and for things such as family-support counseling, educational outreach, pastoral care, medications, state-of-the-art equipment, and the Healing Garden located in the courtyard of the hospital. Overlooking the Healing Garden is the oncology suite, which provides access to comprehensive cancer care, clinical trials, and a multi-disciplinary team approach to cancer care. Pledge forms, fund-raising resources, giving opportunities, and more are available at www.baystatehealth.org/woc for businesses, community organizations, and individuals who wish to participate.
40 Under Forty
June 16: The 10th annual 40 Under Forty award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke, honoring 40 of the region’s rising stars under 40 years old. An independent panel of judges has chosen the winners, and their stories will be told in the April 18 issue. The event is sponsored by Northwestern Mutual and Paragus Strategic IT (presenting sponsors), EMA Dental, Health New England, Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst, Moriarty & Primack, and United Bank. More details on the gala will be revealed in upcoming issues.
The following is a compilation of recent lawsuits involving area businesses and organizations. These are strictly allegations that have yet to be proven in a court of law. Readers are advised to contact the parties listed, or the court, for more information concerning the individual claims.
CHICOPEE DISTRICT COURT
FedEx Techconnect Inc. v. Spectrum Crafts Inc., f/d/b/a the Janlynn Corp.
Allegation: Outstanding fees for shipping services: $11,520.28
Filed: 1/5/16
HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Barbara A. Greco and Patrick A. Barnett v. East Coast Home Inspections, LLC and Mark Steven Roy
Allegation: Negligent performance of home inspection and failure to observe, discover, and report problems in the home: $180,000
Filed: 1/21/16
Frederick Revaz v. Smith & Nephew Inc.
Allegation: Defective manufacture and design of product: $165,882.16
Filed: 1/21/16
JL Construction Corp. v. Applied Underwriters Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract: $55,400+
Filed: 1/20/16
Tammy Brown v. the Horace Mann Cos. and the Gomes Co.
Allegation: Breach of insurance policy contract for death benefits: $640,000
Filed: 1/14/16
HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT
Commonwealth of MA v. TC, LLC d/b/a Route 9 Diner, Chris Karabestos, Argiris Sideris, Steven Kwak, and Dimitrios Demos
Allegation: Employment discrimination and sexual harassment: $20,000+
Filed: 2/1/16
Connie Going v. Olde Tyme Stuff and Ronald G. Auteuil
Allegation: Non-payment of services and materials: $30,000
Filed: 12/28/15
Global Tech Talent Inc. v. Ready Electronic Data Exchange and Associates Inc., Charles J. Forest, and Andres J. Juarez
Allegation: Suit to recover amounts owed under a credit agreement: $104,855.25
Filed: 1/8/16
NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT
Cole Cabinets Co. Inc. v. James J. Welch and Co. Inc. and Berkeley Regional Insurance Company
Allegation: Non-payment of services, labor, and materials: $12,400
Filed: 1/6/16
Marcia Nickerson v. J.C. Penney Corp.
Allegation: Negligent maintenance of property causing injury: $6,371.54
Filed: 12/8/15
Patrick Presto v. Overlook Industries Inc.
Allegation: Violation of wage-and-hour law: $22,423.13
Filed: 1/20/16
PALMER DISTRICT COURT
Matthew Matroni v. Liberty Mutual Insurance Co.
Allegation: Failure to pay plaintiff’s medical payments coverage: $8,224.12
Filed: 12/17/15
SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Broadcast Music Inc. v. Pearl Street Nightclub
Allegation: Balance owed on music license agreement and arbitration award: $11,250
Filed: 1/8/16
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
BUCKLAND
66 Ashfield St.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Deborah Diamond
Seller: Alexander Z. Nappan
Date: 01/29/16
4 Wares Hill Road
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $184,000
Buyer: Craig Sessions
Seller: Garofalo, John W., (Estate)
Date: 02/01/16
DEERFIELD
42 Captain Lathrop Dr.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Anthony J. Pettinato
Seller: Charles H. Turner
Date: 01/29/16
315 Conway Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Kevin Shepard
Seller: Anthony J. Pettinato
Date: 01/29/16
GREENFIELD
383 Colrain Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $133,500
Buyer: John A. Payant
Seller: Raymond Gallo
Date: 01/25/16
212 Davis St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Layne V. Floyd
Seller: Pioneer Coop Of Franklin
Date: 02/01/16
131 High St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $165,250
Buyer: Marvin I. Surkin
Seller: Shawn M. Kilcommons
Date: 01/29/16
341 Plain Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Adam R. Martin
Seller: Robert W. Martin
Date: 01/29/16
12 Saphire Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Army Salvation
Seller: Michael A. Buoniconti
Date: 02/01/16
42 Scout Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Jesse A. Snow
Seller: Susan Murdock-Lutz
Date: 01/29/16
60 Silver St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $143,500
Buyer: Ethan A. Jones
Seller: Janet E. Deneault
Date: 02/01/16
NORTHFIELD
26 Birnam Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $199,000
Buyer: Kathryn D. White
Seller: Carpenter, Ethel L., (Estate)
Date: 02/03/16
ORANGE
150 Drew Blvd.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $174,000
Buyer: Erik J. Rousseau
Seller: Alexander C. Graziano
Date: 01/26/16
16 Dusty Lane
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Eric D. Glatczak
Seller: Beth A. Anderson
Date: 01/26/16
71 Memorial Dr.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $129,000
Buyer: Suanne M. Elliott
Seller: John W. Ledoux
Date: 01/29/16
ROWE
33 Old Cyrus Stage Road
Rowe, MA 01367
Amount: $121,900
Buyer: Raymond Gallo
Seller: Norman I. Marchegiani FT
Date: 01/25/16
SHELBURNE
84 Mechanic St.
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Margit L. Walker
Seller: Erik H. Doty
Date: 01/29/16
88 Old Greenfield Road
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Corey D. Paul
Seller: Christopher J. Ethier
Date: 01/26/16
HAMPDEN COUNTY
AGAWAM
41 Belmont Ave.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $258,000
Buyer: Ryan T. Kearney
Seller: Leonard Matz
Date: 02/01/16
51 Belvidere Ave.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Kenneth Modzelesky
Seller: Bank Of America
Date: 01/29/16
21 Blairs Hill Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Suhem Soffan
Seller: Sherry S. Molta
Date: 01/29/16
172 Chapel St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $153,900
Buyer: Caira M. Dominguez
Seller: Sherri A. Quinn
Date: 02/03/16
16 Factory Place
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $159,900
Seller: Raymond F. Yarkey
Date: 02/01/16
28 Hendom Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Christopher J. Gallivan
Seller: Robert G. Gordon
Date: 01/29/16
68 Katherine Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: National Transfer Services
Seller: Brian M. Zaniewski
Date: 01/29/16
170 Meadowbrook Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $168,300
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Warren Williams
Date: 01/26/16
788 North West St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $251,000
Buyer: Stephen Salem
Seller: Carl Ronca
Date: 01/29/16
43 Ridgeway Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $184,300
Buyer: Lauren A. Mendoza
Seller: Brittany A. McCabe
Date: 01/29/16
680 South West St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Kevin T. Pagella
Seller: Thomas P. Pagella
Date: 01/29/16
87 Valentine Terrace
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $129,000
Buyer: Clara Scott
Seller: Luanne M. Caron
Date: 01/25/16
102 White Fox Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Kellee A. Grucci
Seller: Frank J. Montagna
Date: 01/29/16
BRIMFIELD
119 Little Alum Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Tobe L. Gerard
Seller: Sawmill Lane LLC
Date: 01/28/16
CHICOPEE
28 Beaumont Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $217,000
Seller: Robert Scribner
Date: 01/28/16
23 Bonner St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Gabrielle Bey
Seller: George Vasquez
Date: 01/29/16
641 Broadway St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $157,500
Buyer: Ana L. Artigas
Seller: James A. Robb
Date: 01/29/16
19 Hawthorn St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Kendra M. O’Neill
Seller: Wendy W. Fitzgerald
Date: 01/25/16
61 Lemuel Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Harry C. Brandt
Seller: Edward J. Trzepacz
Date: 01/26/16
87 Mount Royal St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $156,000
Buyer: Carlos T. Torruella
Seller: Terry L. Vanderwert
Date: 01/29/16
225 Murphy Lane
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $149,480
Buyer: Michael E. Fregeau
Seller: Wells Fargo Bank
Date: 01/25/16
46 Nutmeg Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $274,900
Buyer: Larry C. Ball
Seller: Carleen M. Nahorniak
Date: 01/29/16
15 Pleasant St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Michael P. Fitzgerald
Seller: Edna D. Sebor
Date: 01/29/16
37 Reed St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $149,900
Buyer: Lisa Letendre
Seller: Bruce A. Leaper
Date: 01/29/16
38 Shepherd St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Marc A. Labrie
Seller: Richard P. Mienkowski
Date: 01/29/16
24 South St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Michelle Doiron
Seller: Cynthia A. Bisner
Date: 01/29/16
67 Wilmont St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $194,900
Buyer: Raymond L. Gagnon
Seller: Larry C. Ball
Date: 01/29/16
EAST LONGMEADOW
71 Bayne St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $219,000
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Frank J. Commisso
Date: 01/26/16
100 Hampden Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $277,000
Buyer: Dustin Humphrey
Seller: Douglas F. Blake
Date: 01/27/16
88 Harwich Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $247,500
Buyer: Jeremy B. Warren
Seller: Kent D. Anderson
Date: 02/01/16
315 Millbrook Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Joseph M. Marullo
Seller: A. Peter Swiderski
Date: 01/28/16
12 Pembroke Terrace
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Jennifer Neal
Seller: Andrew C. Bauer
Date: 01/27/16
217 Pleasant St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $263,000
Buyer: Michael A. Rossi
Seller: Steven K. Meher
Date: 01/26/16
HAMPDEN
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $272,500
Buyer: Michael P. Harrigan
Seller: Janice Z. Gallivan
Date: 01/29/16
Mountain Road #3
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $217,500
Buyer: Bedrock Financial LLC
Seller: Joseph A. Dolben
Date: 01/25/16
Mountain Road #4
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $217,500
Buyer: Bedrock Financial LLC
Seller: Joseph A. Dolben
Date: 01/25/16
Mountain Road #5
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $217,500
Buyer: Bedrock Financial LLC
Seller: Joseph A. Dolben
Date: 01/25/16
240 Somers Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Mark Shumway
Seller: Frederick B. Shea
Date: 01/29/16
HOLYOKE
67 Arthur St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $117,313
Buyer: Matthew Peterson
Seller: Maria Padron
Date: 01/29/16
75 Lexington Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Aaron G. Earls
Seller: Alice D. Klinge
Date: 01/29/16
378 Linden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Nathan R. Allen
Seller: Nancy Dusek-Gomez
Date: 01/26/16
103-105 Lyman St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $220,001
Buyer: International Immobiliare
Seller: 85-105 Lyman Street LLC
Date: 01/29/16
93-95 Lyman St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $220,001
Buyer: International Immobiliare
Seller: 85-105 Lyman Street LLC
Date: 01/29/16
239 Madison Ave., West
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $217,000
Buyer: Natalia Seng
Seller: Tait, Bruce M., (Estate)
Date: 01/29/16
40 Moss Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: David Morrissey
Seller: Eleanor M. Morrissey
Date: 02/03/16
21 Norwood Terrace
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $194,000
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Louis J. Wesolowski
Date: 01/26/16
427 South Elm St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $720,000
Buyer: TDS Realty LLC
Seller: Windsor Realty LLC
Date: 02/01/16
LONGMEADOW
97 Ashford Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $795,000
Buyer: Adam Kramer
Seller: Richard B. Wait
Date: 01/28/16
61 Longfellow Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $283,000
Buyer: Elias Family LP
Seller: Melenkivitz Joseph E., (Estate)
Date: 01/26/16
50 Sunset Lane
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $115,914
Buyer: Bank New York
Seller: Karen M. Largay
Date: 02/01/16
LUDLOW
218 Cady St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $176,275
Buyer: Adam R. Hawley
Seller: Nathan E. Zajac
Date: 01/28/16
Center St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: LFP Holdings LLC
Seller: Elizabeth A. Eisold
Date: 01/28/16
59 Fairway Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $229,000
Buyer: David Cambio
Seller: John Pedro
Date: 01/29/16
392 Fuller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Buyer: Gary L. Courchesne
Seller: Margaret M. Dovalina
Date: 01/26/16
15 Longview Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $272,500
Buyer: Carlos Cortinhas
Seller: Alicinio M. Martins
Date: 01/29/16
38 Valley View Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Marc V. Andre
Seller: Stephen J. Provost
Date: 01/28/16
32 White St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $148,000
Buyer: Richard D. Ramsey
Seller: Webster First FCU
Date: 01/29/16
MONSON
36 Harrison Ave.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $122,400
Buyer: Citimortgage Inc.
Seller: Patti Dineen
Date: 01/27/16
25 Lakeshore Dr.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Walter D. Papsedero
Seller: Ian Lawson
Date: 01/29/16
8 Silva St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $161,050
Buyer: William M. Ladue
Seller: Robert F. Arbour
Date: 02/01/16
PALMER
18 Barker St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Billie J. Foskit-Nulph
Seller: Ronald J. Foskit
Date: 01/29/16
18 Memory Lane
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $179,000
Buyer: Kenelma D. Rivera
Seller: Laura A. Wolcott
Date: 01/29/16
232 Thompson St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Susan C. Taylor
Seller: Piechota, Shirley A., (Estate)
Date: 02/01/16
SOUTHWICK
22 Granville Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $156,000
Buyer: Earl J. Murphy
Seller: Mary C. Freeman
Date: 01/25/16
48 Kline Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $530,000
Buyer: Dean M. Rankin
Seller: William Z. Derosia
Date: 01/29/16
14 Overlook Lane
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Valiantsin Zhmaidziak
Seller: Pinnacle Estates At Ranch
Date: 01/27/16
87 Powder Mill Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: Todd M. Crevier
Seller: Xavier Cody
Date: 01/25/16
98 Vining Hill Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Charles P. Lippert
Seller: James C. Stellato
Date: 02/01/16
SPRINGFIELD
206 Acrebrook Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $153,000
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Cynthia L. Bailey
Date: 01/25/16
103 Atwater Road
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Glenn E. Lafountain
Seller: Jean A. Omer
Date: 01/28/16
64 Audubon St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $191,184
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Jullian E. Spaulding
Date: 02/01/16
103 Barre St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $128,000
Buyer: Raheem D. Ovalles
Seller: Christopher J. Carabine
Date: 01/29/16
102 Bellamy Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: RHL Properties LLC
Seller: Christine M. Gotta
Date: 01/25/16
76 Brittany Road
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $163,900
Buyer: Alma R. Crane
Seller: Joseph R. Sleeper
Date: 02/01/16
52 Bronson Terrace
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $139,000
Buyer: Kevin M. Lalime
Seller: Marie T. Jablonski
Date: 01/28/16
120 Dayton St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $182,725
Buyer: Abby L. Evers
Seller: Kelly Vo
Date: 01/27/16
21 Daytona St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Edson J. Navarro
Seller: Rosa N. Bonilla
Date: 01/29/16
30 Eckington St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $139,500
Buyer: Frederick Bruce
Seller: Kamari A. Collins
Date: 01/28/16
117 Florida St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Iris A. Garcia
Seller: Jose Soto
Date: 01/29/16
161 Florida St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $157,400
Buyer: James A. Stotz
Seller: Fawzia M. Curley
Date: 01/29/16
264 Gillette Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Brianna Santiago
Seller: Michael P. Harrigan
Date: 01/29/16
52 Granby St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Tina M. Ortiz
Seller: R2R LLC
Date: 02/01/16
18 Huron St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Theodore E. Denette
Seller: Patricia A. O’Sullivan
Date: 02/03/16
93 Jeanne Marie St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Karen L. Madden
Seller: Stephen Demorris
Date: 01/28/16
37 Judith St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $154,000
Buyer: Israel Maldonado
Seller: Brad Sheehan
Date: 01/29/16
10 Labelle Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: 21st Mortgage Corp.
Seller: Cynthia J. Krautler
Date: 01/25/16
9 Luden St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Giuseppe Leone
Seller: Mark Lepak
Date: 01/26/16
2150 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $2,480,000
Buyer: Memorial Square LLC
Seller: Memorial Square Medical Center Trust
Date: 01/29/16
19 Mattoon St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $219,000
Buyer: Ansel C. Erickson-Zinter
Seller: Philip S. Pohlmeyer
Date: 01/29/16
149-165 Mill St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $950,000
Buyer: Mill Street Iconic LLC
Seller: Mill St. Innovative Housing
Date: 01/27/16
14-16 Milton St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Neisha Nixon
Seller: Saw Construction LLC
Date: 01/29/16
107 Northampton Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Alejandro Rivera-Colon
Seller: All Waste Management LLC
Date: 01/26/16
50-54 Orchard St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $197,000
Buyer: Aaron J. Parker
Seller: Sergey Shovgan
Date: 01/29/16
52 Orchard St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $197,000
Buyer: Aaron J. Parker
Seller: Sergey Shovgan
Date: 01/29/16
54 Orchard St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $197,000
Buyer: Aaron J. Parker
Seller: Sergey Shovgan
Date: 01/29/16
421 Roosevelt Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $191,000
Buyer: Frank Golfieri
Seller: Colin J. Hetzko
Date: 01/29/16
198 Russell St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $137,500
Buyer: Joel Quinones
Seller: Equity T Co.
Date: 01/29/16
330 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $138,500
Buyer: TM Properties Inc.
Seller: TM Properties Inc.
Date: 01/25/16
81 Surrey Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $140,500
Buyer: Justin W. Batchelor
Seller: J. Adams Investments LLC
Date: 01/29/16
265-267 Water St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Bianca A. Bonsu
Seller: Marcia L. Turner
Date: 01/29/16
28 Whitmore Dr.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $129,000
Buyer: Kayla Nieves
Seller: Paul J. Zguro
Date: 01/29/16
110 Wilmont St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $167,000
Buyer: Yellowbrick Property LLC
Seller: Yellowbrick Property LLC
Date: 01/29/16
182 Wrentham Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $129,562
Buyer: James W. Fiore
Seller: James W. Fiore
Date: 02/02/16
WALES
9 Reed Hill Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: Anthony R. Ardizzoni
Seller: Robert C. Ardizzoni
Date: 02/02/16
WESTFIELD
101 Birch Bluffs Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Kristen Jemiolo
Seller: Florence R. Godin
Date: 01/29/16
78 Granville Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $359,800
Buyer: Joseph F. Neale
Seller: Granville Road LLC
Date: 01/25/16
41 Heritage Lane
Amount: $530,000
Buyer: Jason M. Worrell
Seller: David A. Amanti
Date: 01/25/16
110 Holyoke Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Crystal A. Hollister
Seller: Ann M. Polatol
Date: 01/27/16
78 Mountain View St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Edward J. Trzepacz
Seller: Carol R. Witherell
Date: 01/26/16
114 Old Farm Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Susan Joaquin
Seller: Jennifer P. Smidy
Date: 01/29/16
19 Railroad Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Westfield Riverside LLC
Seller: Able Industries Inc.
Date: 01/29/16
53 Scenic Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $352,900
Buyer: Marsha J. Del Monte
Seller: Grant K. Moore
Date: 01/28/16
14 Sylvan Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Jennifer P. Smidy
Seller: Debra L. Cigal
Date: 01/29/16
259 Valley View Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Kevin Irujo
Seller: William J. Brown
Date: 01/29/16
87 Western Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Rebecca Knotts
Seller: Kenneth M. Brickett
Date: 01/25/16
43 Willow Brook Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $333,000
Buyer: Erin C. Cormier
Seller: Duane P. Desilets
Date: 01/25/16
WILBRAHAM
103 Main St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Steven M. Harper
Seller: Mark W. Gardner
Date: 02/01/16
16 Stirling Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Michael Rust
Seller: David R. Bernstein
Date: 01/28/16
4 Sunset Rock Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $239,900
Buyer: Kathleen Demorris
Seller: Thomas E. Lamb
Date: 01/28/16
WEST SPRINGFIELD
14 Brightwater St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $147,900
Buyer: Kimberly A. Paske
Seller: Joshua O. Edwards
Date: 01/28/16
195 Butternut Hollow Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $268,000
Buyer: Patrick T. McNulty
Seller: Nancy G. Shields
Date: 01/25/16
136-150 Doty Circle
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $543,750
Buyer: Tariff Realty LLC
Seller: JWS Inc.
Date: 01/29/16
158 Doty Circle
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $181,250
Buyer: Tariff Realty LLC
Seller: JWS Inc.
Date: 01/29/16
604 Elm St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Keith J. Lafrance
Seller: Brad A. Whitaker
Date: 01/29/16
112 Wolcott Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $153,000
Buyer: Peter Pavalyuk
Seller: Barbara L. Sandman
329 Woodmont St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Bogumil Kazmierczak
Seller: Annette Lancaster
Date: 01/29/16
HAMPSHIRE COUNTY
AMHERST
34 Dennis Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $320,500
Buyer: Scott D. Howard
Seller: Joshua Sugiyama
Date: 02/02/16
56 Sheerman Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Lorenzo Sorbo
Seller: Herschel Shohan
Date: 02/03/16
BELCHERTOWN
42 Clark St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Christopher C. Phelps
Seller: David C. Forton
Date: 02/01/16
171 Old Enfield Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Stephen P. Glaszcz
Seller: Joan F. Geller
Date: 01/29/16
EASTHAMPTON
29 Clark St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $197,950
Buyer: James B. Stillwaggon
Seller: Vanderburgh RET
Date: 02/01/16
3 Lang Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Marie R. Doherty
Seller: Gary F. Golas
Date: 01/29/16
292 Loudville Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $238,000
Buyer: Dar V. Cote-Houghton
Seller: Leah M. Finch
Date: 01/29/16
106 Lovefield St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Brian J. Murphy
Seller: FNMA
Date: 01/29/16
329 Main St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $323,500
Buyer: Amy E. Markham
Seller: Ashtons Acquisitions LLC
Date: 02/01/16
24 Monska Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $192,500
Buyer: Ryan A. Hobson
Seller: John Deiling
Date: 01/27/16
52 Williston Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Katie L. Maccallum
Seller: William J. Mohr
Date: 01/29/16
GRANBY
6 Acrebrook Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $202,400
Buyer: Westover Metropolitan Development Corp.
Seller: Daniel J. Carr
Date: 01/28/16
NORTHAMPTON
48 Austin Circle
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $184,500
Buyer: Citimortgage Inc.
Seller: Robert C. Gagne
Date: 02/03/16
88 Front St.
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Katharine A. Wagner
Seller: Valerie J. Vignaux
Date: 01/29/16
8 Laurel Park
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Lyn Cadwell
Seller: Diane Lennox
Date: 01/27/16
66 Loudville Road
Northampton, MA 01027
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Alissa S. Marotto
Seller: Crescione LT
Date: 01/29/16
253 Spring Grove Ave.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $246,670
Buyer: Hanuman E. Goleman
Seller: Gesiorek, Helen P., (Estate)
Date: 01/28/16
383 Spring St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Valerie J. Vignaux
Seller: Dorothy A. Cote-Houghton
Date: 01/29/16
2 Warfield Place
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $309,000
Buyer: Ruth Lounsbury
Seller: Kathleen A. McLaughlin TR
Date: 02/01/16
SOUTH HADLEY
81 Searle Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $236,000
Buyer: Jeremiah Beaudry
Seller: Richard E. Wojtczak
Date: 01/29/16
73 Woodbridge St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Joseph T. Lepper
Seller: David E. Turner
Date: 01/25/16
SOUTHAMPTON
9 Eastwood Dr.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $417,000
Buyer: Arkadiusz Jaworski
Seller: William C. Weltlich
Date: 01/27/16
6 Montgomery Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Patrick Schnopp
Seller: Michael R. Wohlers
Date: 01/29/16
Old Harvest Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Dennis J. Aube
Seller: David M. Lepine
Date: 02/01/16
44 Valley Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Jonathan P. Labrie
Seller: James R. Labrie
Date: 01/29/16
WARE
6 Hillside Terrace
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $223,000
Buyer: John Chiaravalle
Seller: Valbona Lekani
2 Kingsberry Lane
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $133,000
Buyer: Donna Zacharie
Seller: Rachel C. Mace
Date: 01/27/16
WILLIAMSBURG
29 Mountain St.
Williamsburg, MA 01062
Amount: $269,000
Buyer: Western New England Lodging
Seller: Karen J. Desalvio
Date: 01/29/16b
As one rides on Amtrak’s Vermonter through Western Mass. and along the Connecticut River, the potential that train service holds for helping to change the local landscape can be seen.
Well, sort of.
Actually, it can’t be seen unless one uses and extends his or her imagination. That’s because there are only two trains coming through that stretch, one southbound and one northbound, and they both hit this region in the middle of the afternoon (see story, page 6).
That makes train service, as currently constituted, ideal for Smith College students going home for Thanksgiving or the holidays; business owners and professionals going to conferences and meetings in New York, Philadelphia, or Washington, D.C.; skiiers looking for an affordable option for getting them to the slopes in Vermont; and individuals visiting relatives anywhere along that route.
All that’s fine, but those uses don’t really explain why officials in this region fought so hard to bring rail service back to the so-called Connecticut River Line and three cities — Holyoke, Northampton, and Greenfield — that hadn’t seen a passenger train stop within their borders in nearly 30 years. They didn’t lobby for the train — and the state didn’t invest in the concept — to create a transportation alternative.
Or just a transportation alternative. Instead, the train was viewed as an economic-development opportunity, a vehicle for bringing people to cities, where they could spend money, support businesses, and, maybe, if they really liked that they saw, decide to live and/or locate a business.
That can’t happen with what amounts to one train a day. It might happen with five or more, and that’s why those same officials are again lobbying state officials to allocate surplus MBTA equipment to run along the Connecticut River Line several times a day.
With such frequency, people could commute to jobs; they could visit Northampton for dinner and a show and return home that same night; they could attend a lecture at Amherst College in the morning and return to their office in the afternoon. And maybe they’d fall in love with one of those stops along the route and decide that, because they can commute from there, they want to live there.
Maybe. What’s more likely is that this last kind of activity — what the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission director and others call ‘transit-oriented development’ — can only happen if reliable, fast train service between Springfield and Boston becomes reality.
And it probably won’t for many years. This would require a huge capital investment and an equally large amount of political goodwill, and we’re not sure if there is enough of either to make this happen.
But we encourage area officials, especially those aforementioned mayors, to keep the state’s feet to the fire on this matter. Indeed, while some have doubts about just how much train service can do for this region — after all, one can already get from Springfield to Boston fairly easily and inexpensively — we believe rail service is one of those ingredients needed for Western Mass. to enjoy some of the success enjoyed by Boston and its suburbs.
With the train, there can be more connections, and connections mean opportunities. It won’t happen overnight, but as this region becomes accessible, good things can happen.
That’s what people can see if they ride the Vermonter — again, if they use their imagination, and if they look far enough down the tracks.
It’s been nearly two years since the state declared prescription-drug and heroin addiction a public-health emergency. Since then, we’ve had an all-hands-on-deck approach from lawmakers, police and fire chiefs, health professionals, and community groups.
But our collective efforts haven’t been enough. Until we change the culture around how opioids are prescribed and dramatically reduce the number of pills available, people will continue to die.
Since 1999, the number of prescription painkillers sold in the U.S. has nearly quad-rupled. In 2014, there were 4.6 million opioid prescriptions written in Massachusetts alone — enough for nearly every adult in this state to have a bottle of pills. Meanwhile, overdose deaths have risen by more than 300%.
We won’t solve this crisis until we cut it off at its root, by reducing the use of prescription opioid painkillers like OxyContin, Vicodin, and Percocet. Cheap heroin is not a new problem; it’s been around for decades. What is new is that four out of five heroin users report having previously used a prescription opioid. These powerful drugs are a synthetic version of opium. They’re heroin in a pill.
The opioid epidemic is the direct result of years of overprescribing painkillers to everyday people, who get hooked on an extremely addictive substance, then turn to heroin when they can no longer afford to sustain an expensive pill habit.
While heroin is certainly a problem, three times as many Americans are hooked on opioids. Pharmaceutical companies told us for years that they weren’t addictive, but we know better now. Medical studies have shown that up to a third of long-term opioid users meet criteria for addiction, and that physical dependence can happen in as few as five days.
While the vast majority of prescribers are trying to do the right thing, we must end the illegal prescribing we know is taking place. My office has formed an investigative group to identify practitioners who are illegally prescribing opioids to people who shouldn’t have them. This partnership will allow state and federal law-enforcement agencies to share information about individuals who run ‘pill mills’ or prescribe to people with a history of substance abuse.
But to combat the opioid crisis more fully, we need societal change. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has proposed nationwide guidelines to help medical professionals across the country understand when and how opioids should be used, particularly for chronic pain. The pharmaceutical lobby and some sectors of the medical community have pushed back against these guidelines, calling them too restrictive. But here’s my view: thousands are dying, and something desperately has to change. Thirty-six other state attorneys general share that view and recently wrote a similar letter in support of the guidelines.
There’s another simple solution that can be put in place immediately. We need prescribers to check the state’s prescription-monitoring program every time they write a prescription for highly addictive drugs. The program can flag when a patient is receiving multiple prescriptions, doctor shopping, or showing signs of addiction. Right now, only one in four doctors checks. Gov. Baker has proposed that all prescribers check the prescription-monitoring program every time they write one of these prescriptions. When New York State passed a similar mandate in 2012, it saw a 75% drop in doctor shopping. This modest step can save lives and is time well-spent.
Those who continue to push back against safeguards like these should spend time with any of the thousands of parents across this state who have lost a child to opiate addiction. All too often, theirs are stories of high-school athletes and honor-roll students who became hooked on opioids after an injury. Others began by experimenting at a party — but if our medicine cabinets weren’t full of prescription painkillers, our kids wouldn’t have such easy access to them.
We can’t hear those stories any longer and fail to act. Other countries have figured out how to manage pain without releasing a flood of dangerous drugs into their communities. We need to do the same. If we don’t, the deaths will continue.
Maura Healey is the attorney general of Massachusetts.
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
91 West Mountain Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $260,831
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Mark Healy
Date: 01/04/16
BUCKLAND
4 Clement St.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Jesus Salgado
Seller: Patricia A. Donohue
Date: 01/06/16
27 Orcutt Hill Road
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: John R. Holden
Seller: Ruth M. Bosch
Date: 01/07/16
CONWAY
500 Graves Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: William J. O’Neil
Seller: Pamela M. Fisk
Date: 01/11/16
59 Shelburne Falls Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Gregory D. Smith
Seller: James Boehmer
Date: 01/08/16
DEERFIELD
16 Crestview Dr.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Jocelin Cesar
Seller: Shaohua Chen
Date: 01/11/16
10 Jones Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $235,900
Buyer: David B. Grace
Seller: Phillip W. Cole
Date: 01/12/16
ERVING
8 Union St.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Patrick J. Chase
Seller: Jason T. Liimatainen
Date: 01/05/16
GILL
89 Franklin Road
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Dominic A. Pugliese
Seller: Edwin W. Niedbala
Date: 01/14/16
33 French King Hwy.
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $196,500
Buyer: Joseph C. Yukl
Seller: John E. Doleva
Date: 01/15/16
GREENFIELD
16 Peabody Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $258,500
Buyer: Christopher H. Klosson
Seller: Julie C. Beaudoin
Date: 01/13/16
30-32 Silver St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Grinnell Properties LLC
Seller: Greenfield Savings
Date: 01/06/16
52 Verde Dr.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Joseph P. Klepadlo
Seller: Greenfield KMW LLC
Date: 01/12/16
55 White Birch Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $131,500
Buyer: Darlene A. Holland
Seller: US Bank
Date: 01/04/16
35 Wildwood Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $159,050
Buyer: Laura Luker
Seller: Michel W. Lafantano
Date: 01/15/16
LEVERETT
79 Hemenway Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Patrick R. Jernigan
Seller: Roberts, Doris H., (Estate)
Date: 01/08/16
222 West Franklin St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $122,000
Buyer: Marisol Figueroa
Seller: Elizabeth Rivera
Date: 01/06/16
330 Walnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $128,284
Buyer: Miriam Villa-Ayala
Seller: Jeffrey Ocampo
Date: 01/07/16
LONGMEADOW
275 Burbank Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $268,250
Buyer: Brendan Fitzgerald
Seller: David Trenkner
Date: 01/05/16
429 Frank Smith Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Yisroel Gesin
Seller: Joseph A. Garofalo
Date: 01/04/16
1069 Frank Smith Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $319,900
Buyer: Douglas Ferro
Seller: Ira Smolowitz
Date: 01/08/16
119 Maple Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Kylee C. Granfield
Seller: Erin E. Carney
Date: 01/15/16
57 Maplewood St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Esther M. Kim
Seller: Carl W. Janovsky
Date: 01/05/16
227 Sheffield Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $344,500
Buyer: David F. Czaporowski
Seller: Matthew C. Szostkiewicz
Date: 01/15/16
97 Tecumseh Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Buyer: Shambhu Rana
Seller: Sodi Inc.
Date: 01/04/16
LUDLOW
68 Amherst St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Stanley P. Ryczek
Seller: Catherine L. Benoit
Date: 01/15/16
163 Cady St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $229,900
Buyer: Fernando L. Ribeiro
Seller: Arthur A. Flanagan
Date: 01/08/16
8 Daisy Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Susan A. Theriault
Seller: Carlos Genovevo
Date: 01/11/16
105 Kirkland Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Manuel Palatino
Seller: David A. Fontaine
Date: 01/13/16
653 Moore St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $775,000
Buyer: Tarpon Towers 2 LLC
Seller: Charter Communications
Date: 01/13/16
MONSON
East Hill Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: Craig Levesque
Seller: Heriberto Flores
Date: 01/15/16
35 Elm St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Erica M. Brunell
Seller: Bayview Loan Servicing
Date: 01/06/16
24 Old Wales Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $281,000
Buyer: Keith M. Ostrander
Seller: William J. O’Neil
Date: 01/05/16
MONTGOMERY
244 Main Road
Montgomery, MA 01085
Amount: $120,900
Buyer: Geoffrey J. Boisjolie
Seller: Alan L. Blair
Date: 01/15/16
PALMER
251 Boston Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $228,000
Buyer: Adam L. Norton
Seller: James J. Mooney
Date: 01/14/16
24 Breton St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $170,300
Buyer: Jessy I. Salsbury
Seller: Barnes, Joyce M., (Estate)
Date: 01/06/16
37 Ford St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Stacey Gould
Seller: Wilga, Mary A., (Estate)
Date: 01/15/16
1060 Overlook Dr.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $179,000
Buyer: Kimberly Bailey
Seller: Ryan M. McMullen
Date: 01/06/16
2118-2120 Palmer Road
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $176,000
Buyer: Alyson Hann
Seller: James F. Shea
Date: 01/04/16
RUSSELL
368 Blandford Road
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $181,600
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Diane Raczkowski
Date: 01/14/16
SOUTHWICK
300 College Highway
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: TSC Enterprises LLC
Seller: David B. Spillane
Date: 01/08/16
194 Feeding Hills Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Dale T. Lafayette
Seller: Lynn K. Mcmullin
Date: 01/08/16
15 Overlook Lane
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Alla Burkovskiy
Seller: Pinnacle Estates At Ranch
Date: 01/12/16
4 Pearl Brook Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $356,000
Buyer: Gary R. Allen
Seller: Thomas A. Wood
Date: 01/15/16
285 South Longyard Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: Rebecca M. Joslin
Seller: Dale T. Lafayette
Date: 01/08/16
24 South Loomis St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Robert Dale-Brodhagen
Seller: Stephen H. Couture
Date: 01/15/16
28 Woodside Circle
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $264,000
Buyer: James W. Lafleur
Seller: Francisco J. Sole
Date: 01/15/16
SPRINGFIELD
68 Birchland Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $156,000
Buyer: Debra A. Gomes
Seller: Penniman, Mildred M., (Estate)
Date: 01/08/16
26 Burnside Terrace
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Jolene Alexander
Seller: Jackson H. Williams
Date: 01/07/16
169 Cambria St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Joseph F. Marrin
Seller: Patricia Fahey
Date: 01/11/16
13 Campechi St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $118,000
Buyer: Robert J. Gronstalski
Seller: Bryce G. Menninga
Date: 01/15/16
19 Chalfonte Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $169,500
Buyer: Lauren Dembek
Seller: Robert M. Wood
Date: 01/06/16
88-90 Cherrelyn St.
Amount: $134,000
Buyer: Corey A. Elias
Seller: City Joe LLC
Date: 01/15/16
14 Chesterfield Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Patrick J. Denault
Seller: William Raleigh
Date: 01/07/16
7 Dana St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $159,000
Buyer: Sergul Durdu
Seller: George S. Elias
Date: 01/07/16
43 Dana St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Rafael Carrasquillo
Seller: Timothy P. Dunn
Date: 01/14/16
26 Delano Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Christina Dacruz
Seller: Timothy Clark
Date: 01/08/16
95 Fenimore Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $169,500
Buyer: Tyrus T. Ferguson
Seller: Wendy M. Crews
Date: 01/11/16
Florence St. #26
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Bennie E. Nieves
Seller: Viva Development LLC
Date: 01/12/16
42 Francis St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $129,000
Buyer: Andrew P. Condino
Seller: Helen Banas
Date: 01/15/16
37 Grenada Terrace
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Octavio Mendez
Seller: Matthew J. Turner
Date: 01/13/16
217 Hanson Dr.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: Lee Dutil
Seller: Deborah Tracy
Date: 01/06/16
12 Jimmy Court
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: Jose Colon
Seller: Henry P. Garcia
Date: 01/15/16
67 Jordan St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Aaron R. Goncalves
Seller: Pszczyna RT
Date: 01/07/16
64 Joseph St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $290,679
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Regina Torres
Date: 01/12/16
16 Kay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $123,000
Buyer: HSBC Bank
Seller: Maurice P. Tillman
Date: 01/11/16
36 Lumae St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Duc T. Le
Seller: Le T. Le
Date: 01/14/16
53 Murray Hill Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $147,300
Buyer: Richard R. Wilkins
Seller: Robert J. Smith
Date: 01/05/16
11 Newhall St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $121,000
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Deborah J. Hawley
Date: 01/11/16
271 Newton Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $181,000
Buyer: Thomas J. Murphy
Seller: Timothy J. O’Brien
Date: 01/12/16
2015 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Marianna S. Stack
Seller: Walter A. Kraftchick
Date: 01/11/16
59 Pinevale St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: Raddy O. Nunez
Seller: KEM Management LLC
Date: 01/07/16
15 Pocantico Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $182,000
Buyer: Paul Nganga
Seller: Daniel R. Flexer
Date: 01/14/16
117 Portulaca Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Tamari J. Martinez
Seller: Nathaniel M. Murray
Date: 01/05/16
79 Powell Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $134,900
Buyer: Michelle D. Dechristopher
Seller: Tyrus T. Ferguson
Date: 01/11/16
163-165 Prospect St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: Yeison Ramirez
Seller: Begaina Lopez
Date: 01/08/16
15 Rollins St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $142,383
Buyer: Sergey Savonin
Seller: James W. Fiore
Date: 01/05/16
50 Rollins St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $122,000
Buyer: Cassandra Martinez
Seller: Jonathan K. Willoughby
Date: 01/05/16
378 Roosevelt Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $153,000
Buyer: Mark Szydlowski
Seller: John E. Moore
Date: 01/14/16
1385 South Branch Pkwy.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: James L. Lobik
Seller: Martin J. Lobik
Date: 01/15/16
6 Talcott St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Iglesia Bethsaida Inc.
Seller: Iglesia Pentecostal Fuent
Date: 01/12/16
100 Tallyho Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $184,900
Buyer: Sheena M. Zerfas
Seller: John J. Lyons
Date: 01/11/16
58-60 Wilmont St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $122,900
Buyer: Luz M. Cartagena
Seller: Izzo, Filomena, (Estate)
Date: 01/14/16
24-26 Wolcott St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $128,200
Buyer: Tiffany S. Williams
Seller: Patrick M. Shea
Date: 01/15/16
WALES
14 Shaw Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Taylor D. Kibbe
Seller: Gary S. Pfisterer
Date: 01/12/16
WEST SPRINGFIELD
103 Herrman St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $192,500
Buyer: Stephanie R. Dowers
Seller: Freshour, John H., (Estate)
Date: 01/04/16
39 Hillcrest Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $237,000
Buyer: John R. Bowers
Seller: Ann E. Phaneuf
Date: 01/08/16
30 Kings Hwy.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $185,500
Buyer: Oliva V. Ricks
Seller: Camilo M. Cunha
Date: 01/15/16
111 Lancaster Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $218,500
Buyer: William J. Behler
Seller: Keith A. Supinski
Date: 01/15/16
44 Morningside Terrace
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Mandy C. Chan
Seller: Donald Pomeroy
Date: 01/08/16
39 Mulcahy Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $424,900
Buyer: Hassen M. Borhot
Seller: Francis Wheeler Constr
Date: 01/07/16
Piper Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $331,000
Buyer: Country Club Partners LLC
Seller: Entrust New England LLC
Date: 01/12/16
294 Piper Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $189,900
Seller: Raymond M. Dutkiewicz
Date: 01/07/16
885 Riverdale St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $2,050,000
Buyer: 66 West Springfield Realty
Seller: Veerji LLC
Date: 01/07/16
75 Sagamore Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $205,500
Buyer: Gary P. Acebuche
Seller: Terence J. Hurlbut
Date: 01/06/16
WESTFIELD
56 Airport Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Jarvis Surgical Inc.
Seller: Lawry Realty LLC
Date: 01/15/16
39 Crane Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $137,500
Buyer: Nadezhda Shlykova
Seller: Ruth M. Minkus
Date: 01/07/16
53 Day Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Kelli A. McLean
Seller: Antoinette M. McLean
Date: 01/13/16
78 Granville Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $357,920
Buyer: Jeffrey V. Cormier
Seller: Granville Road LLC
Date: 01/08/16
46 Holland Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $117,000
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Roberto F. Deza
Date: 01/14/16
113 Lindbergh Blvd.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Michael P. Daly
Seller: Robert K. Walker
Date: 01/05/16
24 Llewellyn Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Johnny D. Hor
Seller: Robert R. Lees
Date: 01/15/16
69 Michael Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $296,000
Buyer: Keith A. Supinski
Seller: Debra A. Post
Date: 01/15/16
35 Northwest Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $194,500
Buyer: Amanda M. Leclair
Seller: Wanda L. Lafogg
Date: 01/04/16
74 Old Holyoke Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: John E. Prenosil
Seller: Westfield Meadow Corp.
Date: 01/11/16
77 Ridgecrest Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Thomas E. McMahon
Seller: Steven Webersen
Date: 01/14/16
58 Ridgeway St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $153,729
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Raymond Brouillette
Date: 01/13/16
46 Vadnais St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $126,500
Buyer: Aaron M. Kline
Seller: Steve N. Spelman
Date: 01/05/16
86 Western Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Stuart B. Markey
Seller: Marsha A. Hubbs
Date: 01/11/16
WILBRAHAM
464 Dipping Hole Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: Jeffrey A. Pelletier
Seller: David P. Brooks
Date: 01/12/16
40 Dumaine St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Kids Dentist Realty LLC
Seller: Grahams Construction Inc.
Date: 01/12/16
Stonington Dr. #14
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Peter D. Martins
Seller: Silo Farm Associates LLC
Date: 01/08/16
HAMPSHIRE COUNTY
AMHERST
415 Shays St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $161,500
Buyer: John G. Gummere
Seller: Kennick, William E., (Estate)
Date: 01/13/16
BELCHERTOWN
28 Bardwell St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $419,900
Buyer: Rebecca L. Flores
Seller: Ronald J. Chiasson
Date: 01/15/16
66 Chadbourne Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Carleen S. Sullivan
Seller: Deborah L. Dunbar
Date: 01/04/16
29 Emily Lane
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $393,700
Buyer: David P. Krause
Seller: JP Builders Inc.
Date: 01/14/16
205 Orchard St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Sara B. Trowbridge
Seller: L. P. Audette Builders Inc.
Date: 01/05/16
131 Warner St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $281,000
Buyer: Loretta W. Lyons
Seller: Michele F. Critelli
Date: 01/04/16
CUMMINGTON
16 Jordan Road
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $246,500
Buyer: Nathan Buckhout
Seller: Gregory A. Jordan
Date: 01/04/16
EASTHAMPTON
10 Alden St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $208,500
Buyer: Jacqueline B. Siller
Seller: Brousseau, Barbara A., (Estate)
Date: 01/04/16
7 Allen St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Ruth A. Barrett IRT
Seller: Rita L. Bartlett
Date: 01/08/16
418 East St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $217,500
Buyer: Timothy J. Senecal
Seller: Julie K. Albetski
Date: 01/15/16
6 Loudville Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Rambo Financial RET
Seller: Bernard W. Bostick
Date: 01/12/16
65 Maple St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: David P. Lang
Seller: Richard W. Koloszyc
Date: 01/08/16
22 Matthew Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Ryan W. Gaw
Seller: Edward A. Zmuda
Date: 01/15/16
171 Park St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $202,000
Buyer: James M. Hewitt
Seller: Rabideau, Julia S., (Estate)
Date: 01/14/16
30 Pomeroy St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Michael J. O’Connor
Seller: Herbert A. Peterson
Date: 01/08/16
119 West St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: John A. Deiling
Seller: Nancy F. Macdonald RET
Date: 01/05/16
HADLEY
65 Bay Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Ellen T. Miller-Mack
Seller: Robert J. Caporale
Date: 01/12/16
121 Huntington Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Earle Shumway
Seller: Gerard P. Goodsell
Date: 01/06/16
75 River Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Charlene L. Patenaude
Seller: Andre R. Laflamme
Date: 01/13/16
51 Rocky Hill Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: David Lavalle
Seller: C. V. Jr. & M. A. Wilda RET
Date: 01/12/16
36 Stockbridge Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Joan Zaskey
Seller: Zaskey, Frank, (Estate)
Date: 01/04/16
93 Stockbridge Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Servicenet Inc.
Seller: Eileen M. Reopel
Date: 01/12/16
28 Stockwell Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $348,500
Buyer: Andre R. Laflamme
Seller: William J. Kennedy
Date: 01/15/16
HUNTINGTON
10 Harlow Clark Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $208,000
Buyer: Christopher M. Carbone
Seller: Henry H. Wortis
Date: 01/15/16
29 Harlow Clark Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: James Waters
Seller: Wayne V. Brown
Date: 01/11/16
218 Norwich Lake
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Jeffrey T. Prince
Seller: Albert K. Whitaker
Date: 01/15/16
99 Searle Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $202,500
Buyer: Kellie E. Riel
Seller: Stephan W. Manley
Date: 01/08/16
NORTHAMPTON
1135 Burts Pit Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Hector L. Rivera-Delbusto
Seller: Powers, Sophie H., (Estate)
Date: 01/12/16
97 Locust St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Jaynjane LLC
Seller: 97 Locust Street RT
Date: 01/06/16
370 Spring St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $599,000
Buyer: Scott W. Remick
Seller: Robert G. Haxby
Date: 01/15/16
239 State St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $348,000
Buyer: Mary J. Price
Seller: Evelyn S. Berman
Date: 01/08/16
181 Westhampton Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: David I. Rosenfield
Seller: Charles T. Canalizo
Date: 01/08/16
850 Westhampton Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $191,250
Buyer: TNOP Inc.
Seller: William E. Groot
Date: 01/13/16
130 Woods Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $393,000
Buyer: Sarah H. Pacheco
Seller: Kari M. Nykorchuk
Date: 01/14/16
SOUTH HADLEY
119 Lathrop St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $217,500
Buyer: Aaron B. Sabbs
Seller: Jerold S. Laguilles
Date: 01/15/16
27 Ludlow Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Steve Aube
Seller: Fred W. Sroka
Date: 01/14/16
137 Old Lyman Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $149,688
Buyer: USA VA
Seller: Tracey A. Ryan
Date: 01/11/16
10 Spring Meadows
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Erin K. Regan
Seller: Joseph R. Marchetti
Date: 01/06/16
12 Valley View Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Jerold S. Laguilles
Seller: Lisa C. Gebhardt
Date: 01/15/16
SOUTHAMPTON
40 Coleman Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Michelle L. Swift
Seller: Kelly Cline
Date: 01/08/16
WARE
4 Gwen Circle
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Robert L. Gould
Seller: David Sammataro
Date: 01/12/16
14 Laurel Dr.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $143,000
Buyer: Clayton F. Jedziniak
Seller: Angela J. Lawrence
Date: 01/04/16
110 North St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Laura E. Gilmore
Seller: Scott Fershleiser
Date: 01/08/16
WESTHAMPTON
111 Main Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $498,000
Buyer: Anthony A. Mone
Seller: Eric J. Potorski
Date: 01/15/16
WILLIAMSBURG
1 Kellogg Road
Williamsburg, MA 01039
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Poverty Mountain LLP
Seller: Charles H. Edwards
Date: 01/07/16
142 Main St.
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: American Dream Realty LLC
Seller: Berkshire Bank
Date: 01/07/16
10 Mountain St.
Williamsburg, MA 01062
Amount: $222,000
Buyer: Michael Whalen
Seller: Pandora C. Redwin
Date: 01/05/16
The following business incorporations were recorded in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties and are the latest available. They are listed by community.
AGAWAM
Ronak Food Mart Inc., 650 Suffield St., Agawam, MA 01001. Mukesh K. Patel, same. Neighborhood convenience store.
CONWAY
The “V” Project Inc., 1352 Ashfield Road, Conway, MA 01341. David Donald Chevalier Sr., same. Organization for charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes to combine veterans and volunteers to fulfill the needs of the less fortunate; reintegrate veterans and their families into civilian life.
EAST LONGMEADOW
MM Acquisition Inc., 35 Industrial Dr., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Steven L. Graham, same. Real estate.
HAMPDEN
North Road consulting Inc., 379 North Road, Hampden, MA 01036. Jeffrey Smith, same. Accounting and bookkeeping consulting.
HOLYOKE
Ministerio Alimentando A Los Necesitados Inc., 156 Allyn St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Elsie Diaz, same. Assist needy, homeless, anyone else in need of support by providing spiritual and material needs; spread the word of Jesus Christ.
LENOX
Silver Sunami Inc., 19 Bolton Dr., Lenox, MA 01240. Kendra Macleod, same. Transitional and liquidation services.
LUDLOW
Shifa Comprehensive Health Center P.C., 185 West Ave., Ludlow, MA 01056. Shaukat Matin, same. To provide quality medical services to the local population.
NORTHAMPTON
Western Massachusetts Directors of Special Education Inc., 240 Main St., second floor, Northampton, MA 01060. Sharon Jones, 556 Mt. Hermon Station, Northfield, MA 01360. Organization for charitable, scientific, literary, and educational purposes for educational training and professional guidance to providers of special education.
SOUTH HADLEY
Mosier School PTO Inc., 101 Moshier St., South Hadley, MA 01075. Anita Montanez-Barcome, 45 Applewood Lane, South Hadley, MA 01075. Enhance the educational experience for the children who attend the Moshier School.
SPRINGFIELD
Senrab Seven Inc., 63 Orpheum Ave., Springfield, MA 01118. Catherine E. Kagan, same. Distribution of bread and bakery products.
Supreme Autobody and Collision Center Inc., 361 Taylor St., Springfield, MA 01105. Michael E. Freedman, 71 Woodsley Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Collision repair and restoration of vehicles.
Tina M. Chandler, EA Inc., 1205 Boston Road, Springfield, MA 01119. Tina M. Chandler, same. Income tax services.
Trinity Auto Carrier Inc., 373 White St., Apt 1, Springfield, MA 01108. Andres Delgado, same. Auto transportation.
Z Ali Inc., 555 State St., Springfield, MA 01109. Zeeshan Ali, 47 Amherst Ave, Feeding Hills, MA 01030. Furniture and general merchandise.
WEST SPRINGFIELD
Quick Transportation Corp., 284 Main St., First Floor, West Springfield, MA 01089. Ahmed Aljanabi, same.
WESTFIELD
MVK Corporation, 126 Union St., Unit 201, Westfield, MA 01085. Mikhail Kolesnichenko, same. Trucking.
WILLIAMSTOWN
U-A Fine Hair Studio Inc., 173 Water St., Suite 3, Williamstown, MA 01267. Karen Brown, 4 Doanes Lane, North Adams, MA 01247. Hair salon.
SPRINGFIELD — MassDOT’s contractor, the joint venture of White-Schiavone, began demolishing the I-91 viaduct’s reinforced concrete bridge deck on Feb. 10. The work will take place in the inner northbound lane of the viaduct along the median, which is currently closed. The contractor will work a day shift (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and a night shift (4 p.m. to midnight) on Mondays through Fridays. Demolition of the inner northbound lane deck is expected to continue through April 2017. Demolition of other portions of the viaduct deck will continue through summer 2017. White-Schiavone will use several noise mitigation techniques during demolition. It has proactively installed noise curtains along the work zone in noise-sensitive areas. Additional curtains may be installed as required once initial noise readings are taken after demolition activities have started. In addition, all heavy trucks and equipment have been retrofitted with self-adjusting backup alarms, which limit the sound to a set volume above the ambient (background) noise. The JV has also taken initial readings of ambient noise in the work zone to establish a baseline for comparison. All equipment has been tested to ensure it is operating within the manufacturer’s specification. Those traveling through the area should follow the reduced speed limits and use caution. MassDOT encourages drivers to avoid the area and seek alternate routes to minimize delays. For more information about the project, visit www.mass.gov/massdot/i91viaductrehab. To report issues or concerns, or with questions about construction, e-mail [email protected] or call (617) 454-1839.
Ouimet-Rooke Nominated as District Court Judge
BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker has nominated Michele Ouimet-Rooke, an attorney with more than 17 years of experience in Western Mass. courts, to serve as a judge in Springfield District Court. “Michele Ouimet-Rooke offers the court a great combination of experience in both civil and criminal legal matters drawn from her career in public service and private practice in Western Massachusetts,” Baker said. “I am pleased to recommend an individual with such broad experience to the Governor’s Council for their consideration.” Added Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, “the first two District Court openings our administration has sought to fill are in Hampden County, and we are pleased to make this second nomination to the Springfield District Court. If confirmed, we know that Ms. Ouimet-Rooke will serve her hometown with distinction.” Ouimet-Rooke, a native and resident of Springfield, joined the practice of Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury and Murphy in 2002 as an associate representing plaintiffs and defendants in a variety of litigations, including employment and discrimination law, premise and product liability, insurance defense, landlord/tenant issues, criminal defense, and business litigation, becoming a partner in 2012. She began her career in the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office as a victim/witness advocate for eight years before becoming an assistant district attorney and chief prosecutor. She obtained bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Springfield College and her juris doctor from Western New England College School of Law in 1999. The Governor’s Council held a hearing on the nomination on Feb. 17, and a confirmation vote is scheduled for Feb. 24. There are 62 district courts throughout the Commonwealth hearing a range of criminal, civil, housing, juvenile, mental-health, and other cases, including all felonies punishable by a sentence up to five years, misdemeanors, and violations of city and town ordinances and by-laws. Springfield is located in Region 6, which includes courts in Chicopee, Eastern Hampshire, Greenfield, Holyoke, Northern Berkshire, Northampton, Orange, Palmer, Southern Berkshire, and Westfield.
Governor Signs Bill to Reduce Minors’ Risk for Skin Cancer
BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker signed legislation last week to reduce the risk of skin cancer among minors by increasing the minimum age for the use of tanning facilities to 18 years old. During consideration of the bill, medical associations including Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, the Melanoma Foundation of New England, the Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation, and the families of skin-cancer victims Glenna Kohl and Jay Farley testified in support of its passage. “With the number of minors diagnosed with skin cancer on the rise across Massachusetts and the nation, this legislation takes a critical step towards increasing awareness and protecting our most vulnerable,” Baker said. Added state Rep. Marjorie Decker, “this legislation is about protecting young people from carcinogenic UV rays that we know cause cancer. I am proud to have worked on legislation that will help save lives and want to thank Gov. Baker for signing this into law.”
Health New England Announces New Branding, Launches New Website
SPRINGFIELD — Health New England recently launched an all-new corporate brand, marked by a blue and gray logo and tagline, “Where you matter.” To coincide with the new brand launch, the company also released its new public website, healthnewengland.org. Health New England continues to offer health plans across three lines of business: commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid (its Be Healthy MassHealth plan). Although the company will begin using one logo to represent all lines of business going forward, the new branding will have no impact on the current plans or benefits available to members. “We have been meeting the health care needs of our communities for more than 30 years. And now, we’re renewing our commitment to our members and business partners through our all-new logo and brand promise,” said Steven Webster, director, marketing and digital strategy. “We have a new look, and our commitment to members and our communities is as strong as ever.” The new Health New England branding was developed after over a year of extensive research with brokers, employer groups, providers, and members, which revealed three key brand attributes: quality coverage, thoughtful service, and a human experience. Health New England’s new public website offers a contemporary design, updated content, and simplified navigation. Last fall, the company relaunched its member portal, my.healthnewengland.org, offering new tools and information to help members manage their healthcare. “It’s our goal to provide our members with a meaningful, simplified, and robust experience, working to help explain complex healthcare topics,” Webster said. Based in Springfield, Health New England is a nonprofit health plan serving members in Massachusetts and Connecticut, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Baystate Health.
Montessori School of Northampton Launches Middle-school Program
NORTHAMPTON — Montessori School of Northampton (MSN) will open Northampton’s first independent middle school in September, aiming to take education well beyond the four walls of the classroom. “Our middle-schoolers will benefit from the unique materials, intensively trained teachers, and self-directed learning for which Montessori schools are known worldwide,” said Susan Swift, head of school. “But they will also work and learn at local farms, theaters, and businesses, and do service projects to benefit the local community.” To lead MSN’s middle-school program, the school has hired Corey Hadden, a Montessori-trained and experienced middle-school teacher. He is also an apprentice trainer on the staff of the Cincinnati Montessori Secondary Teacher Education Program and has many years of experience with Outward Bound as well as mindfulness training. His goal as middle-school teacher is to help students understand themselves as part of a community — and part of a bigger world. “Our out-in-the-community curriculum was designed with the specific developmental needs of adolescents in mind,” he said. “As any parent of a 12-year old will tell you, these kids are in transition, changing from children to teenagers. Their bodies, their minds, their self-image are all in flux. The experience of doing meaningful work alongside adults and one another will help build a sense of self, with purpose, responsibility, and a love for learning that will help them succeed as they enter high school and beyond.”
Columbia Gas Supports Revitalize CDC Event
SPRINGFIELD — Columbia Gas of Massachusetts has awarded Revitalize CDC a donation of $5,000 in support of the 2016 Green-N-Fit event scheduled for Saturday, April 23. “We are so appreciative of Columbia Gas of Massachusetts’ ongoing support, now for the fifth consecutive year. Thanks to Columbia Gas, we are able to make the homes of low-income elderly and military veterans in need safe, healthy, and energy-efficient,” said Revitalize CDC President and CEO Colleen Loveless. Nearly 100 skilled and dedicated volunteer employees from Columbia Gas have tackled several projects over the past five years. Projects have included interior and exterior painting, upgrading a daycare outdoor play space, repairing bathroom and kitchen plumbing, planting a garden, and pitching in wherever there is a need. “Columbia Gas of Massachusetts is committed to working with nonprofit organizations such as Revitalize CDC where their mission to revitalize homes, neighborhoods, and lives through preservation, education, and community involvement aligns with ours to help create strong and sustainable communities where our employees and customers live and work,” said Andrea Luppi, the utility’s manager of Communications and Community Relations.
Berkshire Bank Donates $2.3 Million to Nonprofits
PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Bank announced that its two charitable foundations awarded a total of $1,810,229 in grants to nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, and Vermont during 2015. The grants supported education and community-development initiatives as well as health and human services and cultural programs. In addition, Berkshire Bank provided approximately $500,000 in community sponsorships, raising its total contributions in the community to more than $2.3 million. “Our philanthropic investments impacted more than 8 million individuals in 2015, helping to enhance economic opportunities and improve the quality of life for members of our community,” said Lori Gazzillo, vice president and director of the Berkshire Bank Foundation. “Thanks in large part to the work of our nonprofit partners, individuals improved their reading, writing, and math; graduated from high school; attended college; and visited local cultural organizations. Our partners also created affordable housing, revitalized downtown centers, and helped individuals gain employment. We are so pleased to continue our support of so many community initiatives throughout our footprint.”
Country Bank Makes Donation to Abby’s House
WARE — Country Bank recently Abby’s House with a check for $3,050. This donation was made possible through the Country Bank Employee Charitable Giving Program’s casual Fridays. Each week Country Bank staff are able to wear jeans in exchange for a $5 donation to the charity of the month. The total funds collected are then matched by Country Bank. The organizations chosen for this honor are suggestions submitted by the staff at Country Bank. Country Bank serves Central and Western Mass. with 14 offices. For more information, visit www.countrybank.com or call (800) 322-8233.
Pride Stores Donates $25,000 to CHD’s MaryAnne’s Kids Fund
SPRINGFIELD — Pride Stores recently donated $25,000 to the Center for Human Development’s (CHD) MaryAnne’s Kids Fund, which was established to provide opportunities for children in foster care that would otherwise be unavailable to them. This donation will help continue to provide these children the means to pursue special interests in music, dance, art, sports, summer camps, and extracurricular education, and an overall positive influence that will remain with them throughout their lives. “Pride does so much for MaryAnne’s Kids, helping foster children have opportunities that would not otherwise be available to them,” said Jim Williams, CHD’s Children and Families Program director. “We are grateful to have such a great partner in the community.” Every year, Pride Stores sells $1 ornaments in each of its 30 locations during the holidays to support MaryAnne’s Kids. “We are grateful to all the Pride customers who support this important fund-raiser.” said Marsha Del Monte, president of Pride Stores.
Monson Savings to Offer Free Tax Preparation Through VITA Program
MONSON — The Ware branch of Monson Savings Bank is participating in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which offers free tax preparation for those who qualify for this service. Monson Savings Bank volunteers will help people prepare their federal and Massachusetts state taxes starting every Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. and Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. Those interested must call (413) 263-6500 to find out if they qualify and to make an appointment. The program is sponsored and funded by Springfield Partners for Community Action and United Way of Pioneer Valley.
Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. (MBK) announced the promotion of Brandon Mitchell, CPA, MSA and Chris Marini, MSA, MOS to Senior Associate positions. Mitchell has been with MBK since 2013 and brings a strong technical skill set to his work, as well as a background in sales. “Brandon has demonstrated a strong understanding of our clients and their industries in his time with our firm,” said MBK partner Howard Cheney. “He is resourceful and often takes the initiative to educate himself on his clients beyond the scope of his technical work, allowing him to enhance his relationship with our client base and deliver an even higher level of client service.” Mitchell earned his MSA from Westfield State University. He is a member of the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. For more than two years, Marini has demonstrated a dedicated work ethic to both clients and the firm. He is a team leader within the not-for-profit, HUD, and pension-audit niches. “Since the very beginning, Chris has worked hard and demonstrated a commitment to growth and education,” Cheney said. “He is also an instrumental resource for computer and technology matters here at the firm, helping to spearhead a number of projects and initiatives as we continue to take our cloud-based computer environment to the next level. This has resulted in efficiencies which we are able to pass on to our clients.” Marini holds a BBA with a concentration in accounting from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst and earned his MSA from the University of Connecticut. He is a member of the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants and the board of trustees for the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, and serves as a mentor for the Westfield State University Accounting Club.
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PeoplesBank announced the following:
Beverly Farnham
Amos McLeod III
Nancy Robinson
• Beverly Farnham has been promoted to Loan Service Officer. She possesses close to two decades of financial and banking experience. She first joined the bank in 1996 and previously served as loan service specialist. She has earned diplomas for financial services operations and consumer lending from the Center of Financial Training. She has been volunteering for the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Road Race for more than a decade;
• Amos McLeod III has been appointed Senior Credit Analyst Officer. He brings more than a decade of banking experience to his new position. He will be responsible for understanding and managing the credit risk and loan quality of the bank’s commercial real-estate and loan portfolios. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Springfield College and is a graduate of the School of Commercial Lending Program at Babson College. He serves as treasurer of Friends of the Huntington Public Library and volunteers for the United Way of Pioneer Valley; and
• Nancy Robinson has been promoted to Internal Audit Officer. She possesses more than a decade of banking and financial experience. She first joined the bank in 2012 and previously served as financial analyst. She holds a master’s degree in accounting and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western New England University. She serves on the board of the Connecticut River Valley Golden Retriever Club. She also volunteers for Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, United Way, and Children’s Study Home.
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Jean Deliso
Jean Deliso, CFP, from the Connecticut Valley General Office of New York Life, is now authorized to offer AARP-branded life insurance and lifetime-income annuity products to AARP members. It is the first time these group-life-insurance products are offered by authorized-to-offer agents. Deliso is among a select group of New York Life agents who became authorized to offer her clients AARP Guaranteed Acceptance Life, AARP Level Benefit Term, and AARP Permanent Life Insurance, all from New York Life and New York Life’s Guaranteed Lifetime Income Annuity. She is a licensed insurance agent and passed courses specific to AARP. Deliso has been a New York Life agent since 1995. She serves on many boards in her community, including the Baystate Health Foundation and Pioneer Valley Refrigerated Warehouse, and is chairman of the board of the Community Music School of Springfield. She is past chairman of the board of the YMCA of Greater Springfield, past board member of AAA Pioneer Valley, and past trustee of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts and the advisory council at Bay Path University. Since 1994, AARP group-life products from New York Life have been available via direct mail to AARP members. The company has also been the provider of group lifetime-income annuities to AARP members since 2006.
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The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts announced that Liz Feeley was named Director of Philanthropy. She brings a wealth of blended experience in education and philanthropy to the organization. Feeley received her bachelor’s degree in English from Lehigh University. After spending 21 years coaching intercollegiate women’s basketball at institutions such as Smith College, Princeton University, the University of Notre Dame, and Holy Cross College, Feeley took her penchant for building relationships into the field of philanthropy. She brings a background in strategic planning, team building, volunteer management, and designing sustainable programs to the Women’s Fund. Feeley’s work at both Smith College and Stoneleigh-Burnham School, a day-boarding school for girls in Greenfield, brought to the forefront of her consciousness issues that girls and women face each day. She looks forward to building relationships around the Women’s Fund’s mission of creating economic and social equality for women and girls in Western Mass. through philanthropy. Prior to arriving at the Women’s Fund, Feeley served as director of Development at Amherst Montessori School. Previously, as director of Development and Alumnae Relations at Stoneleigh-Burnham, she led a team that increased fund-raising by 133% and alumni participation in the annual fund by 50% in three years. As director of Development, she also launched an initiative that increased the number of major-gift donors by 35% in two years. In five years, her team took fund-raising at the school to an unprecedented level by implementing a strategy based on stewardship, cultivating relationships, brand identity, creating sustainable programs, social media, and in-person visits across the country and in Asia. While at Stoneleigh-Burnham, Feeley was instrumental in the planning and implementation of a $1.2 million two-year campaign. Her team coordinated and hosted a Leadership Symposium and Gala to launch the campaign that successfully raised money for a new student-center complex. She partnered with volunteer groups of parents, alumni, faculty, students, trustees, and others in an effort to advance the mission of the institution.
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Keith G. Roy Construction Inc., a construction and contracting company serving Massachusetts and Connecticut since 1946, announced that Joshua David Roy has been appointed Vice President. “Joshua is continuing a legacy of leadership at a local family-owned and -operated company,” said President Keith G. Roy. Joshua developed his expertise by working side-by-side with both his grandfather, David, and his father, Keith, since his teenage years. He oversees and personally works on projects that include roofing; exterior builds, including decks and siding; as well as interior construction, including kitchens and baths. “I take particular pride in training our crew, project supervision, and customer service,” he said. For more information about the company, visit kgroyconstruction.com.
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The Gove Law Office announced that attorney Jaclyn Packard has joined the firm, focusing her practice on civil and criminal litigation and trials, real-estate transactions, and estate planning. “Jaclyn Packard is a wonderful addition to our growing law firm of professionals who represent the diverse practice areas Gove Law offers clients within the firm’s Litigation, Real Estate, and Estate Planning departments,” said Michael Gove, founding partner of Gove Law Office. Having graduated cum laude from the Florida Coastal School of Law, Packard holds a license to practice law in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Florida. In addition to being a practicing attorney, she is an active supporter of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event and a volunteer with the Lawyer for a Day program. The Gove Law Office, with offices in Ludlow and Northampton, is a bilingual firm with attorneys who provide guidance to clients in the areas of business representation, criminal and civil litigation, personal-injury law, commercial lending, residential and commercial real estate, estate planning, immigration, and bankruptcy.
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Rob Poole
Rob Poole has been named Director of Business Programs at American International College. He will oversee the undergraduate and graduate business administration programs. As part of his responsibilities, Poole will lead the faculty in upgrading the curriculum and managing internship opportunities. The internship program will integrate with the business community to create placements that are mutually beneficial to the industry, students, and the college. In addition, he will focus the MBA program for the non-business major. “Acquiring a technical area of knowledge as an undergraduate, while layering and applying business experience, significantly expands career opportunities,” he said. Poole’s areas of expertise include accreditation, assessment, and internship programs. In addition to working as a private consultant, he has served as an assistant professor at Richard Stockton College and Bellarmine University. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in economics, then received his master’s degree in systems management from the University of Southern California, and a PhD in production operations management from the University of North Texas.
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Milly Parzychowski
United Bank announced the winners of its 2015 Mortgage Loan Officer (MLO) Sales Contest, the bank’s second annual internal awards program that recognizes its bankers for achieving excellence in mortgage production, and a local mortgage loan originator, Milly Parzychowski, is among the honorees. The final standings are based on the number of units and volume closed in 2015. Depending on an MLO’s production for a given year, they can be recognized in three categories: Chairman’s Club (including Chairman’s Club Champion), President’s Club, or Vice President’s Club. Parzychowski was named to the Vice President’s Club. Parzychowski, who joined United Bank in 2011, is based at the Westfield branch and covers Western Mass. Her more than 40 years in banking and mortgage origination included loan officer roles at Mortgage Master Inc. and Family Choice Mortgage Corp. Parzychowski was also a branch manager at American Home Mortgage and at CNI National Mortgage, a loan originator with National City and Source One, and started her banking career as a teller at Valley Bank in Springfield. She is currently an MBA candidate at Bay Path University.
• March 31: Margarita Madness 2016, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Hadley Farms Meeting House, 41 Russell St., Hadley. Cost: $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at TD Bank on Triangle Street or Greenfield Savings Bank on University Drive, as well as the chamber office. You must be over the age of 21 to participate. If you are interested in participating or sponsoring, contact the chamber office at (413) 253-0700.
• March 4: Shining Stars Gala, 6:30-10 p.m., at the Castle of Knights, 1599 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Honoring the following: Business of the Year – Marois Construction Co. Inc.; Citizen of the Year – Sheriff Michael J. Ashe Jr.; Chamber Volunteer of the Year – David Malloy, United Personnel; Nonprofit Organization of the Year – Sunshine Village. This event is sponsored by presenting sponsor Zasco Productions, LLC; diamond sponsor Chicopee Savings Bank; platinum sponsors A. Crane Construction Co. and N. Riley Construction Co.; gold sponsors Elms College, Hampton Inn – Chicopee, Health New England, the Homebuilders & Remodelers Assoc. of Western Massachusetts, and Polish National Credit Union; and silver sponsor NUVO Bank & Trust Co. Cost: $60 per person.
• March 9: Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Delaney House, 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke.
• March 10: VIP Networking, 6-9 p.m., at Yankee Candle, 25 Deerfield Road, South Deerfield, co-sponsored by the Greater Easthampton and Amherst Area chambers. Enjoy an evening at Yankee Candle and take advantage of 25% off of your total purchases (excluding Alex & Ani, Pandora, and currently discounted merchandise). The evening includes cooking demos, scavenger-hunt appetizers, music, and cheer. Beverage sponsor: Hangar Pub & Grill. Menu sponsor: Chandler’s. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members.
• March 18: St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon 2016, noon-2 p.m., at Southampton Country Club. Join us for a feast of corned beef and cabbage as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Mayor Karen Cadieux joins us as our keynote speaker. We honor the Greater Easthampton Parade Committee Grand Marshal Coreen Foote. Congratulations also to: Sylvia Gallagher, Gallagher Walker Award; Erin Kelly and Anna Morrissey, Scholarship Award; and Kim Bush, Shamrock Award. Mihn Sullivan will be the guest of honor as the 2016 Distinguished Young Woman of Greater Easthampton. Event Sponsors: Finck & Perras Insurance Agency Inc., Taylor Real Estate, Easthampton Savings Bank, and Cooley Dickinson Hospital. Cost: $25 for members, $30 for non-members.
• March 16: St. Pat’s Business Breakfast 2016, 7:30-9 a.m., at the Log Cabin, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Sponsored by PeoplesBank, Holyoke Mall at Ingleside, and Hadley Printing. Tables reserved for groups of eight or 10 people. Join us as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Parade Committee award winners, the colleen and her court, and the following new chamber members: Creaciones Jahhai Boutique, Mr. Gio, Cultivate & Nest Inc., Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Underwood Photography, Hot Oven Cookies, NeWave Hydrographics, and Studio 20 Salon. Cost: $30 for members, $40 for non-members. Deadline to register: March 14 at noon. No walk-ins, please.
• March 23: Chamber After Hours, 5-7 p.m. Hosted and sponsored by Marcotte Ford, 1025 Main St., Holyoke. Food, 50/50 raffle, and door prizes. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 if you would like to bring a door prize or if you’re interested in a marketing table for $25.
• March 2: Arrive @ 5, 5-7 p.m., at Rockridge Retirement Community, 25 and 37 Coles Meadow Road, Northampton. Arrive when you can, stay as long as you can. A casual mix and mingle with colleagues and friends. Sponsors: Pro Terra Design Group, LLC, Highview of Northampton, and the Northampton St. Patrick’s Assoc. Friends of Forbes Library. Cost: $10 for members.
• March 10: Workshop, “Introduction to Google Docs and Google Drive,” 9-11 a.m., at the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton. Presented by Pioneer Training. The class is an introduction to Google Docs and Google Drive, the online storage location for Google Docs. Since this software is available at no cost, many organizations are using it extensively for collaboration purposes and to supplement Microsoft Office. In this two-hour workshop, you’ll learn how to set up a local Google Drive folder, create new documents in the Google Docs format, work with Word documents in Google Docs, and convert Word documents to the Google Docs format. Participants are encouraged to bring laptops and follow along with the instructor, but this is not required. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. To register, e-mail [email protected]. Cost: $25 for members, $35 for non-members.
• March 17: 36th annual St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m., at the Hotel Northampton Grand Ballroom. A parade to Fitzwilly’s follows the breakfast. Cost: $25 per person; tables of 10 are also available for $250.
• March 24: Workshop, “Tips, Tricks & Shortcuts in Microsoft Excel,” 9-11 a.m., at Greenfield Savings Bank, 325A King St., Northampton. Presented by Pioneer Training. This workshop will present our favorite tips, tricks, and shortcuts that we have collected and developed over 15 years of teaching and using Microsoft Excel. Topics will include shortcuts for selecting ranges, using Autofill to create a series of dates or numbers, setting the print area, using page-break preview, adding headers and footers, using page-layout view, grouping spreadsheets in the same workbook in order to type or format more than one sheet at the same time, and creating 3-D formulas that calculate across several spreadsheets in the same workbook. Participants are encouraged to bring laptops and follow along with the instructor, but this is not required. Pre-registration is required; space is limited. To register, e-mail [email protected]. Admission: $35 for members, $45 for non-members.
• March 7: Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m., at Westfield News Group, 62 School St., Westfield. To register, call Pam at the Chamber office at (413) 568-1618.
• March 9: Chamber After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m. at Alternative Health, 208 College Highway, Southwick. To register, call Pam at the Chamber office at (413) 568-1618.
• March 14: Workshop, “A Purpose-driven Website,” 8:30 a.m., at Holiday Inn Express, 39 Southampton Road, Westfield. Presented by Bob Burch of Bright Cloud Studios. Registration is at 8:30 a.m., with networking from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Cost: free to chamber members, $30 for non-members. To register, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.
• March 18: St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast, 7-9 a.m., at Westfield State University, 333 Western Ave., Westfield. To register, call Pam at the Chamber office at (413) 568-1618.
• March 22: Small Business Legal Clinic, noon to 4 p.m., at the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, 16 North Elm St., Westfield. Sponsored by the Western Mass. regional office of the MSBDC. The event is free, but limited to chamber members only. Seating is limited. To register, call Lynn Shedd at (413) 737-6712, ext 100.
• March 25: Legislative Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m., at Tekoa Country Club. Attendees will include state Sens. Don Humason and Ben Downing, and state Reps. Nicholas Boldyga, Peter Kocot, William Pignatelli, and John Velis. Cost: $30 for chamber members, $40 for the public (paid in advance). For more information and to register, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.
• March 16: Professional Women’s Chamber Headline Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Storrowton Tavern, Carriage House, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Featuring literary agent and national culinary talent agent Lisa Ekus. Cost: $30 for chamber members, $40 for general admission.
• March 2: Business @ Breakfast, 7:15a.m.- 9 a.m., at Chez Josef, 176 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam. Featuring 9/11 survivor Mike Jaffe. At the time of the attacks, Jaffe was vice president of Marketing at Marsh & McLennan Cos., an insurance and risk-management firm headquartered in the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Today, Jaffe is a well-known speaker with a story to tell of how Sept. 11, 2001 and the days leading up to and after the terrorist attacks would change his life forever, referring to it as the “Human Wakeup Call.” Sponsored by United Personnel. Cost: $20 for members in advance ($25 at the door), $30 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.
• March 16: March Madness After 5, 5-7 p.m., at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, 1000 Hall of Fame Ave., Springfield. Cost: $5 for members, $10 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.
• March 22: Pastries, Politics, and Policy 2016, 8-9 a.m., at the TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St., Springfield. Featuring Attorney General Maura Healey. Cost: $15 for members, $25 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.
• March 2: Wicked Wednesday, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at V&F Auto, 443 Springfield St., Feeding Hills. Cost: free for chamber members $10 for non-members. Event is open to the public, but non-members must pay at the door. Wicked Wednesdays are monthly social events, hosted by various businesses and restaurants, that bring members and non-members together to network in a laid-back atmosphere. For more information, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or [email protected].
• March 17: Networking Lunch, noon to 1:30 p.m., at Lattitude in West Springfield. Enjoy a sit-down lunch while social networking with fellow chamber members. Each attendee will get a chance to offer a brief sales pitch. Attendees will order off the menu and pay separately the day of the event. Please note, we cannot invoice you for these events. The only cost to attend is the cost of your lunch. You must be a member or guest of a member to attend. For more information, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or [email protected].
Feb. 24: The Academy of Music will offer a free tour of the historic theater at 5:15 p.m. Led by Academy of Music Development Coordinator Kathryn Slater, the tour will provide insight into the history behind this Northampton mainstay, including details about the organization’s founder and interesting notes about the many revitalizations. Built in 1891, the Academy of Music was the first municipally owned theater in the U.S., and home to the first stock theater company in the nation, the Northampton Players, formed in 1912. For nearly 125 years, the Academy has hosted an impressive array of performers, and the building holds the tales. See for yourself the century-old hole cut in the stage floor for Houdini’s disappearing act; Cole Porter’s grandfather clock; dressing rooms used by Sarah Bernhardt, Boris Karloff, Ethel Barrymore; and more. Step on the stage and see the Academy of Music from a whole new perspective, and take in the results of the 2014 restoration that refurbished the 800-seat auditorium, which earned a Mass. Historical Commission Preservation Award. This walking-and-talking tour begins promptly at 5:15 p.m. in the main lobby and is expected to run approximately 45 minutes. Admission is free, but reservations are required, as attendance is limited to 20. Reservations may be made through the Academy of Music Box Office by calling (413) 584-9032, ext. 105, Tuesday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., or by e-mailing [email protected].
Management Conference
March 10: The Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast (EANE) announced its 12th annual Management Conference will be held at the Springfield Marriott, with a focus on driving business performance. The full-day conference will address how managers and supervisors can create a culture of alignment, agility, and engagement to improve organizational performance. “Research shows that 60% of highly engaged employees report that their work is not aligned with company goals,” said Meredith Wise, EANE president. “By aligning employees to business priorities and equipping them with skills to quickly sense and lead change, companies can improve their organizational performance. Our conference is about managers and supervisors learning how alignment, agility, and engagement contribute to corporate performance.” The program will feature Bruce Tulgan, an expert on leadership and management. He is the bestselling author of It’s Okay to Be the Boss, Managing Generation X, and his newest book, Bridging the Soft Skills Gap. The conference also includes breakout sessions, a presentation on “Building a Leadership Culture of Innovation and Energy” with Rich Trombetta of Innovation Is Easy, and an improv workshop by ConnectAnd about connecting your leadership to your team. The cost for the program is $325 per person, with discounts for three or more. Register and learn more at eane.org/12th-annual-management-conference or call (877) 662-6444. The program will offer 6.75 credits from the HR Certification Institute. Sponsoring the program are Johnson and Hill Staffing and the Human Resource Certification Institute.
Celebrate Springfield Dinner
March 10: DevelopSpringfield will host its fifth annual Celebrate Springfield dinner event in celebration of the many accomplishments the community has achieved over the past year along with exciting new initiatives underway. The event will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. Festivities will include a reception with live music by the Eric Bascom Trio, auction activities, a cash bar, and hors d’oeuvres, followed by dinner, a brief program, and award presentations. The platinum sponsor this year is MassMutual Financial Group. Many other local businesses and organizations are also supporting the event as sponsors and participants. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. DevelopSpringfield will once again present its Partner in Progress Award to recognize the outstanding contributions of three individuals toward revitalization in Springfield. Honorees are selected for their leadership and ability to motivate and inspire others. This year’s honorees are Brian Connors, Springfield’s deputy director of Economic Development; Maureen Hayes, president of Hayes Development Services; and Ira Rubenzahl, president of Springfield Technical Community College. In addition to the program and award presentations, greetings will be provided by Mayor Domenic Sarno followed by Jay Ash, secretary of the Commonwealth’s Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development. Jill Monson-Bishop of Inspired Marketing will serve as mistress of ceremonies. The celebration is a benefit event; all proceeds will support DevelopSpringfield’s redevelopment initiatives, projects, and programs. More than 500 attendees, including state and city officials, leaders from the business and nonprofit communities, and local residents, are expected to come together in support of ongoing efforts to advance development and redevelopment projects, to stimulate and support economic growth, and to expedite the revitalization process within the city. Tickets are $100 per person. Registration and sponsorship information is available at www.developspringfield.com or by contacting Paige Thayer at (413) 209-8808 or [email protected]. RSVP by Tuesday, Feb. 23.
Springfield Falcons Dr. Seuss Night
March 12: The Springfield Falcons, in partnership with the Springfield Museums and Dr. Seuss Enterprises, announced Dr. Seuss Night, to be held during a game against the Portland Pirates starting at 7 p.m. Dr. Seuss Night and the game will be sponsored by Berkshire Bank. For the first time ever, Dr. Seuss Enterprises has partnered with the Falcons and the Springfield Museums in presenting this special night to honor Theodor Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss, who was born and raised in Springfield. The Springfield Museums are preparing to open the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum in 2016, an exhibit featuring interactive activities for children and a one-of-a-kind experience that will provide a look at the man behind the drawing board. “We are excited to partner with the Springfield Museums and Dr. Seuss Enterprises in presenting this special night to honor one of Springfield’s most famous native sons,” Falcons President Sarah Pompea said. The night will include appearances by the Cat in the Hat and Thing 1 and Thing 2 costumed characters. In addition, specialty jerseys will be worn by Falcons players and auctioned off, with proceeds donated to the Springfield Museums to help support the creation of the new museum. “We are thrilled that the Falcons are stepping up in support of our fund-raising campaign,” said Kay Simpson, president of the Springfield Museums. “It’s wonderful to have the support of one our best downtown neighbors.”
Difference Makers
March 31: The eighth annual Difference Makers award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House. Tickets cost $60, and tables of 10 are available. To reserve a spot, call (413) 781-8600, ext. 10, or visit businesswest.com. Difference Makers is a program, launched in 2009, that recognizes groups and individuals that are, as the name suggests, making a difference in this region. This year’s class was profiled in the Jan. 25 issue, and their stories can also be read online HERE. They include Hampden County Sheriff Michael J. Ashe Jr.; Mike Balise, Balise Motor Sales, philanthropist (1965-2015); Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties; Bay Path University President Carol Leary; and John Robison, president, J.E. Robison Service. Difference Makers is sponsored by EMA Dental, First American Insurance Agency, Health New England, Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C., Northwestern Mutual, PeoplesBank, Royal LLP, and Sunshine Village.
‘A Night of Passion’ for Link to Libraries
April 5: They’re calling the event “A Night of Passion.” That’s a phrase that applies to both support for efforts to promote childhood literacy and a fondness for a particular food or beverage. These various passions will come together at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke at Link to Libraries’ biennial fund-raising event. More than 500 people are expected to attend the event, which will be a celebration of all that Link to Libraries has accomplished since it was created in 2008 — including the donation of nearly 500,000 books to area schools and organizations — and how it intends to continually expand its mission in the years to come. As for those passions for specific foods and drinks, they will be a focus of the night, provided by a host of area celebrities and business leaders, including Mike Mathis, MGM Springfield president and chief operating officer; Kevin Rhodes, Springfield Symphony Orchestra conductor; Spiros Hatiras, Holyoke Medical Center president and CEO; Delcie Bean IV, CEO of Paragus Strategic IT; Mick Corduff, executive chef and co-owner of the Log Cabin; Amy Royal, founding partner of Royal, P.C., and many more. As for their passions, well, those are carefully guarded secrets at this point. Those who would like to experience these passions and support Link to Libraries — which supplies books to schools and other organizations across Western Mass. and Northern Conn., and promotes read-alouds that put area business and civic leaders in area classrooms — can buy tickets for $40 each by sending checks to: Link to Libraries, Attn. Karen Blinderman, P.O. Box 958, West Springfield, MA 01090. Sponsors for “A Night of Passion” include lead sponsors Health New England and Rediker Software, and event sponsors Bacon Wilson, Bank of America – U.S. Trust, the Frank Stanley Beveridge Foundation, the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation, James Vinick and Moors & Cabot Investments, Monson Savings Bank, PeoplesBank, Peoples United Bank, the Springfield Falcons, and United Bank.
Not Just Business as Usual
April 14: The Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) Foundation’s Not Just Business as Usual (NJBAU) event, a networking event for business leaders in Western Mass., will be held at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The event, now in its seventh year, is a celebration of innovative thinking giving participants the opportunity to learn from business experts while raising significant funding for the STCC WORKS scholarship program. A cocktail and networking reception will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m., with dinner and keynote speakers to follow from 7 to 8:30 p.m. This year, NJBAU will host a discussion of diversity in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields with panelists Emily Reichert, CEO of Greentown Labs; Laurie Leshin, president of Worcester Polytechnic Institute; and Frank Robinson, vice president of Public Health and Community Relations for Baystate Health. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available. Tickets are $175 each, and sponsorships begin at $2,500 for a table for 10. For additional information or to become a sponsor, contact Christina Tuohey, STCC’s director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, at (413) 755-4475 or [email protected]. To purchase tickets online, visit www.stcc.edu/njbau.
5K Run & Walk for a Noble Cause
April 30: Registration is now open for Baystate Noble Hospital’s 32nd annual 5K Run & Walk for a Noble Cause, being held at Stanley Park in Westfield. The race begins at 9 a.m., with registration from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. near the Children’s Pavilion. The Baystate Noble 5K is a competitive road race for all levels of runners, from the novice to the serious athlete. The 3.1-mile course is flat out and back through Stanley Park and the surrounding residential area. A family-friendly, non-competitive walk follows the same route as the road race. Individuals, teams, wheelchair racers, and school groups are all encouraged to participate. After the race, refreshments, activities, and vendor tables will be located near registration, and awards will be given out. Early registration is encouraged. The registration fee for ages 13-59 is $35 through April 29 (seniors 60 and older are $25). The registration fee for ages 13-59 is $40 on April 30 ($30 for seniors). Children 12 and under participate free when accompanied by a paying adult. T-shirts in various sizes are available to registrants on a first-come, first-served basis while inventory is available. To register online, download registration materials, and read general information, visit baystatenoblehospital.org/5k.
40 Under Forty
June 16: The 10th annual 40 Under Forty award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke, honoring 40 of the region’s rising stars under 40 years old. Nominations are now closed, and an independent panel of judges will choose the winners; their stories will be told in the April 18 issue. The event is sponsored by Northwestern Mutual and Paragus Strategic IT (presenting sponsors), EMA Dental, Health New England, Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst, Moriarty & Primack, and United Bank. More details on the gala will be revealed in upcoming issues.
The following is a compilation of recent lawsuits involving area businesses and organizations. These are strictly allegations that have yet to be proven in a court of law. Readers are advised to contact the parties listed, or the court, for more information concerning the individual claims.
CHICOPEE DISTRICT COURT
Juan Ortiz v. Campagnari Construction, LLC
Allegation: No handrails on stairway causing fall: $3,793.32
Filed: 12/15/15
HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Christy Real Estate, LLC v. YRC Inc.
Allegation: Breach of real-estate purchase and sale agreement: $60,000
Filed: 1/14/16
Concilio International de Iglesias Hora Zero, WLHZ 107.9, and Casa de Esperanza v. Baystate Gas Co. d/b/a Columbia Gas
Allegation: Gas explosion causing property damage: $1,500,000
Filed: 1/12/16
James Bruno v. Toyota Motor Credit Corp.
Allegation: Consumer claim for wrongful repossession: $9,200
Filed: 1/21/16
Kevin Augustino v. Subaru of America
Allegation: Breach of contract: $27,979.63
Filed: 12/30/15
Paul Giza v. Duravent Simpson Manufacturing
Allegation: Product liability causing property damage: $350,000
Filed: 1/6/16
Piano Distributors of Florida Inc. v. Falcetti Music Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered and services rendered: $555,335.71
Filed: 1/7/16
Sage Engineering and Contracting Inc. d/b/a Furrow Engineering v. Athena Healthcare Associates Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of services, labor, and materials: $68,114.83
Filed: 1/11/16
HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT
Alberto Morales and Yaniris Fernandez v. Wyndham Hotel and Resorts, LLC
Allegation: Bedbug bites: $46,000
Filed: 1/6/16
Federated Capital Corp. v. Transmission and Engine Tech and Mark T. MacDonald
Allegation: Complaint to enforce judgment: $108,103
Filed: 12/17/15
HOLYOKE DISTRICT COURT
Travelers Insurance Co. v. East Baking Co. Inc. and David Serra
Allegation: unjust enrichment and conversion: $18,170.04
Filed: 1-21-16
NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT
Blackwood Associates Inc. v. Five Star Building Corp.
Allegation: Non-payment for recruiting services: $24,222.64
Filed: 1/25/16
Marie Higgins v. Quynh Nguyen and Lien Luong d/b/a Nail Pro
Allegation: Negligent application of material during pedicure causing scarring and nerve damage: $1,620+
Filed: 1/29/16
Rexel Inc. v. Jeff O’Connor Electric
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $5,416.10
Filed: 1/29/16
PALMER DISTRICT COURT
American Express Bank v. Red Bridge Bait and Richard Rubner
Allegation: Breach of contract: $5,375.60
Filed: 1/4/16
SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Century Center, LLC v. Karoun Yoga Inc.
Allegation: Breach of lease agreement: $7,990.23
Filed: 1/27/16
