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People on the Move

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Departments People on the Move

The Sisters of Providence Health System (SPHS) announced that three physicians have been named to expanded leadership roles for Mercy Behavioral Health Care and Providence Behavioral Health Hospital (PBHH) in Holyoke.
• Dr. Maria Russo-Appel, who has served as the chief medical officer of PBHH for the past year, has been appointed to the position of vice president of Mercy Behavioral Health Care. In this role, Russo-Appel will lead the psychiatric care and behavioral health service lines, including PBHH, for SPHS;
• Dr. Robert Roose, who has been serving as chief medical officer of Addiction Services of SPHS for the past the two and a half years, will have expanded responsibilities in a dual role as CMO/vice president of Addiction and Recovery Services, Mercy Behavioral Health Care, and will assume both medical and administrative leadership responsibilities for all addiction-treatment and recovery-service lines; and
• Dr. Gaurav Chawla, who has been serving as chief of Psychiatry, will assume the role of chief medical officer, Mercy Behavioral Health Care, and lead new SPHS initiatives in behavioral health, such as integration of behavioral health in both primary care and integration into population health management.

•••••

Partners for a Healthier Community (PHC) has confirmed Jessica Collins as its executive director. Collins is a nine-year veteran of the Springfield-based nonprofit, where she previously served as interim executive director and deputy director. She will be leading the institute’s expansion of services in research and evaluation, coalition building, and policy advocacy. “Communities of color, members of the LGBT community, and people with disabilities face significant disparities in health in our region,” Collins said. “Our mission is to address these inequities so that all people will have what they need to lead healthy lives.” PHC was recently awarded the contract to lead the Community Health Needs Assessment for the 10 regional hospitals in Western Mass. in collaboration with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and the Collaborative for Educational Services. “This assessment documents the existing health needs of each community and provides the data necessary to develop effective strategies to address health inequities,” Collins said. Added Rev. Karen Rucks, PHC’s board chair, “having a local public-health institute to serve Western Mass. is invaluable. The staff of Partners for a Healthier Community bring an understanding of the context and communities in our region to their services. They are committed to building capacity in our region to better understand how to use data and to collect and report on specific issues that are worthy of collective attention.” Prior to coming to PHC, Collins led community-based participatory research projects including the Shape Up Somerville program focused on the prevention of childhood obesity in Cambridge and Somerville. Other nationally recognized community-health initiatives led by Collins include efforts to address substance abuse and suicide prevention, as well as preschool oral health. In addition, Collins announced the hiring of Jessica Payne as senior research associate. Payne brings 25 years of experience in program development, evaluation, and needs assessment. She has extensive knowledge of regional communities and public-health initiatives, and collaborates with partners and informants of varied backgrounds relative to age, gender, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, occupation, and region. Since 1988, her company, Jessica Payne Consulting, has provided research and evaluation services in the healthcare, education, community-development, marketing, and culture and arts industries.

•••••

Jules Gaudreau, president of the Gaudreau Group in Wilbraham, was recently inducted as president of his industry’s national trade organization, the National Assoc. of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA). “It will be a great privilege and responsibility to lead an association of over 42,000 professionals who help American families achieve financial security,” Gaudreau said. “I look forward to advocating on their behalf in Washington and throughout the country as I have done for over 25 years here in Massachusetts.” One of the nation’s oldest and largest associations representing the interests of insurance professionals and financial advisors, NAIFA is the only organization that serves and represents insurance and financial advisors regardless of the products they sell or the focus of their practice. Members include insurance agents, financial advisors, multi-line agents, and health-insurance and employee-benefits specialists. NAIFA’s mission is to advocate for a positive legislative and regulatory environment, enhance business and professional skills, and promote the ethical conduct of its members.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

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Chamber Corners Departments

AMHERST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.amherstarea.com
(413) 253-0700

• Jan. 12: Chamber Annual, noon to 6 p.m., at Osteria Vespa, 28 Amity St., Amherst. Help us show our gratitude to our current chamber board President Nancy Buffone and welcome our new chamber board President Julie Marcus. Cost: $25 for members, $30 for non-members.

• Jan. 13: Chamber After 5, 5-7 p.m., at Energia Fitness, 173 Russell St., Hadley. This will be an evening of networking, mixing, and mingling. Light appetizers and adult beverages will be served. Cost: $10 for members; $15 for non-members.

 

GREATER CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101

• Jan. 13: Multi-chamber Lunch & Learn with Robert McDonald, noon to 1:30 p.m., at Storrowton Tavern, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Topic: “Run an Effective Meeting.” Learn how to provide common rules and procedures for deliberation and debate in order to place the whole room on the same footing and speaking the same language. Tickets: $35 per person.

• Jan. 20: Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at Munich Haus Restaurant, 13 Center St., Chicopee. Cost: $23 for members, $28 for non-members.

• Jan. 27:  Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at Masse’s American Bistro, 1329 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Sponsored by the Greater Chicopee and South Hadley/Granby Chambers of Commerce. Cost: $5 for members pre-registered, $15 for non-members.

 

GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.easthamptonchamber.org
(413) 527-9414

• Jan. 21: Annual Meeting, 5-8 p.m., at The Delaney House, 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke. Join with your fellow Greater Easthampton Chamber members, 5-8 p.m., as we elect directors and officers for 2016, along with annual awards voted by members. Hosted by the Delaney House, 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke. Sponsored by Easthampton Savings Bank. Business Person of the Year: Janel Jorda, Web-tactics Inc.
Business of the Year: Duseau Trucking, LLC. Community Service of the Year: Greg Malynoski, Look Memorial Park and Garden House. Presidents Award: to be announced at dinner. New this year,
Ambassador of the Year: to be announced at dinner. Tickets: $35 per person. Register online at easthamptonchamber.org.

 

GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.holycham.com

• Jan. 13: January Coffee Buzz, 7:30-8:30 a.m., at Holyoke Medical Center, 575 Beech St., Holyoke. The Chamber Coffee Buzz is a networking event designed to help our members make connections before starting the workday, and is open to all members of the GHCC. The event takes place on a quarterly basis on the second Wednesday of the month at various member locations. Meetings will include networking and a continental breakfast, followed by introductions from each attendee, business presentations by the host (optional), and time to exchange business leads and information at the end of each meeting. We are fortunate to offer these events free of charge to our members thanks to our series sponsor, Lyon & Fitzpatrick, LLP. Although non-members are welcome to attend, non-members are limited to two Coffee Buzz events before joining the chamber.

• Jan. 14: Legislative Coffee Hour, 7:45-9 a.m., at the Summit View/Hamel’s Catering, 555 Northampton St., Holyoke. Join Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni as he discusses the challenges and opportunities facing the Commonwealth, Holyoke, and area businesses for the upcoming year. Cost: $25 for members with reservation, $35 for all others.

• Jan. 15: Leadership Holyoke, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A series of seven days comprise Leadership Holyoke 2015-16. Faculty members from Holyoke Community College will participate as instructors and facilitators, and community leaders will participate as speakers and discussion leaders. Tuition is by program and is due at the start of the course. The fee also covers continental breakfasts, the graduation luncheon, and a trip to the State House in Boston. Tuition costs $595.

• Jan. 28: Winners Circle 2015 Reception, 5-7 p.m., at the Yankee Pedlar, 1866 Northampton St., Holyoke. This event honors local and state elected officials. Cost: $27. Call the chamber for tickets or more information at (413) 534-3376.

 

GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.explorenorthampton.com

• Feb. 3: February Arrive @ 5, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Union Station, 125A Pleasant St., Northampton, sponsored by Keiter Builders Inc. and others to be announced. Arrive when you can, stay as long as you can. A casual mix and mingle with your colleagues and friends. Cost: $10 for members.

 

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618

• Jan. 11: Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m., hosted by Tiger’s Pride Restaurant, Westfield Technical Academy, 33 Smith Ave., Westfield. Free and open to the public. Call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618 to register.

• Jan. 13: Chamber After 5 Connections, 5-7 p.m., at Roots Aquatics, 217 Root Road, Westfield. Refreshments will be provided. Join us for a great networking opportunity and don’t forget your business cards. Cost: $10 for members, $15 cash for non-members. To register, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.

• Jan. 25: Estate Planning & Asset Protection Workshop, 8-9:30 a.m., at Holiday Inn Express, 39 Southampton Road, Westfield. Presented by attorney Albert Gordon. Cost: free for chamber members, $30 for non-members. To register, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618. Coffee and pastries provided.

• Jan. 13: Multi-chamber Lunch & Learn with Robert McDonald, noon to 1:30 p.m., at Storrowton Tavern, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Topic: “Run an Effective Meeting.” Learn how to provide common rules and procedures for deliberation and debate in order to place the whole room on the same footing and speaking the same language. Tickets: $35 per person. To register, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.

 

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.ourwrc.com
(413) 426-3880

• Jan. 13: Multi-chamber Lunch & Learn with Robert McDonald, noon to 1:30 p.m., at Storrowton Tavern, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Topic: “Run an Effective Meeting.” Learn how to provide common rules and procedures for deliberation and debate in order to place the whole room on the same footing and speaking the same language. Tickets: $35 per person. Sponsorship opportunities avaiable. For more information, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880, or e-mail us at [email protected]

• Feb. 3: Wicked Wednesday, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Partners Restaurant, 485 Springfield St., Feeding Hills. Wicked Wednesdays are monthly social events hosted by various businesses and restaurants. These events bring members and non-members together to network in a laid-back atmosphere. Cost: free for chamber members, $10 at the door for non-members. For more information, call the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].

• Feb. 18: Networking Lunch, noon to 1:30 p.m., at Lattitude, West Springfield. Must be a member or guest of a member to attend. Enjoy a sit-down lunch while networking with fellow chamber members. Each attendee will get a chance to offer a brief sales pitch. The only cost to attend is the cost of lunch. Attendees will order off the menu and pay separately that day. Note we cannot invoice you for these events. 
For more information, call the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].

• Feb. 24: Legislative Breakfast, 7-9 a.m., at Storrowton Tavern, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. The breakfast will feature a panel of legislators, including state Sen. James Welch, state Sen. Donald Humason, state Rep. Nicholas Boldyga, state Rep. Michael Finn, Agawam Mayor Richard Cohen, and West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt. Cost: $25 for members, $30 for non-members. For more information on ticket sales, call the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].

Agenda

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Agenda Departments

Springfield Museums January Lectures, Tours

Jan. 14, 21, 28: The Springfield Museums’ monthly lecture and tour schedule continues in January with the popular Museums à la Carte lectures, which take place each Thursday at 12:15 p.m. in the D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts. Admission is $4 ($2 for members of the Springfield Museums), and visitors are invited to bring a bag lunch (cookies and coffee are provided). For more information about Museums à la Carte, call (413) 263-6800, ext. 488. This month’s lectures include: Jan. 14: “Why, How, and the 343:  Better Angels, The Firefighters of 9/11” in which Dawn Howkinson Siebel, artist and creator of the “Better Angels” exhibit, shares her personal journey in creating this fascinating and powerful exhibit; Jan. 21: “Leaving Our Mark: In Celebration of the Pencil — Artist’s Words and Views,” in which Steve Wilda, artist and organizer of “Leaving Our Mark,” will be joined by other artists featured in the exhibit, including Doug Gillette, Bill Simpson, Lesley Cohen, and Luciana Heineman; and Jan. 28: “The Klondike Gold Rush: A Chicopee Man Goes to the Yukon in 1898 (and Back),” in which Robert Romer, professor emeritus at Amherst College, brings to life the story of Chicopee’s John Gibson, an Irish immigrant who set out for the Klondike to seek his fortune. As part of the Museums’ members-only “Continuing Conversations” series, museum docent Jim Boone will lead a guided gallery discussion immediately following the Jan. 14 talk at the Wood Museum of Springfield History, and docent Pat McCarthy will lead a post-lecture gallery discussion on Jan. 28 at the D’Amour Museum of Fine Art.

Choking Prevention

Jan. 18: Cooley Dickinson Hospital is offering an educational program for anyone who would like to learn how to respond to a basic choking emergency. The course is appropriate for those who work in the food-service industry or anyone who wants to learn basic choking-relief skills. For those who work in food service,  completion of this course satisfies 105 CMR 590.001 State Food Code requirements. The one-hour class costs $20 per person, and certification is good for two years. The class runs from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Dakin Conference Room at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. To register or for more information, call the Cooley Dickinson Professional Development Office at (413) 582-2400 or e-mail [email protected].

Difference Makers

March 31: The eighth annual Difference Makers award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House. Details on the event will be published in upcoming issues of the magazine. 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. The magazine’s editor and publishers have chosen this year’s class, which will be profiled in the Jan. 25 issue.

Court Dockets

By
Court Dockets Departments

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

CHICOPEE DISTRICT COURT

Jose Rodriguez v. Ruby Tuesday Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of earned vacation time and lost wages: $20,840
Filed: 11/9/15

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Jaime Serrano v. Karen Kupfer, M.D. and New England Surgical Group
Allegation: Medical malpractice:
$1 million
Filed: 10/21/15

Rebecka St. Peter v. Baystate Gas d/b/a Columbia Gas of MA
Allegation: Negligence causing personal injury: $31,500
Filed: 11/3/15

Schletter Inc. v. Bach Towing, James E. Lawrence, and Leonard Eremento
Allegation: Non-payment of services, labor, and materials: $100,000
Filed: 10/23/15

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

Energy Electric Co. Inc. v. James J. Welch and Co. Inc. and Cottage Square Apts., LP
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $78,000
Filed: 11/9/15

Nadine Mazard v. Gengras Motors Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract: $88,000
Filed: 11/25/15

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

American Express Bank, FSB v. Joanne Puc and Bar-Tini
Allegations: Default on balances owed: $8,673.06
Filed: 12/9/15

American Zurich Insurance Co. v. Dependable Drywall Inc.
Allegations: Recover insurance premiums and account annexed: $13,928
Filed: 12/5/15

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Charles Greenhaus v. NER Investments, LLC
Allegation: Failure to pay severance: $25,000
Filed: 12/9/15

Jose Reyes v. City of Springfield
Allegation: Negligence in road maintenance causing vehicle damage: $3,433.14
Filed: 11/9/15

UWM Holdings Inc. v. Consolidated Waste Water Services, LLC
Allegation: Failure to pay for use of transfer station and disposal services: $12,241
Filed: 11/5/15

Minore’s Meats Inc. v. Mason Market, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $10,146.93
Filed: 11/5/15

Building Permits

By
Building Permits Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of December 2015.

AMHERST

Autozone Parts Inc.
373 Northampton Road
$574,000 — Construct a 7,381-square-foot structure

PCJ Riverside Partners, LLC
15 Montague Road
$88,000 — Remove old and install new roof

Summerlin Trust
11 East Pleasant St.
$3,500 — Commercial installation of a hood-exhaust system

Town of Amherst School Department
70 Southeast St.
$36,000 — Remove old roof and install new

William Russell
18 Main St.
$18,500 — Install roof, fascia, chimney, gutters

CHICOPEE

Sunshine Village
75 Litwin Lane
$70,000 — Metal retrofit for roof

WE 77 Champion Dr., LLC
77 Champion Dr.
$50,000 — Install 19 replacement windows

Whisperwood Realty, LLC
41-53 Lemuel Ave.
$25,500 — Install a fire sprinkler system

HADLEY

Advanced Auto
346 Russell St.
$25,000 — Install shelving and fixtures

Elements Massage
379 Russell St.
$40,000 — Interior renovation

Texas Roadhouse
282 Russell St.
$1,118,000 — Construction of a 7,163-square-foot restaurant

LUDLOW

Chapin Greene Condo Association
66 Chapin Greene Dr.
$1,400,000 — Commercial alterations

Ludlow Police Department
612 Chapin St.
$685,000 — Roof replacement

SML Industries
15 Dana Way
$134,500 — Roof replacement

Westover Golf Course
West St.
$685,000 — Roof replacement

NORTHAMPTON

Mananto Holdings, LLP
36 King St.
$8,000 — Replace cafe entry doors

Manhan Narrow, LLC
196 Pleasant St.
$10,000 — Install office-replacement windows

Pioneer Valley Photovoltaic
49 Gothic St.
$47,000 — Install roof-mounted solar array

Unitarian Church
220 Main St.
$12,000 — Strip south side of roof and install new metal roof

PALMER

James D. Smith
1384 Main St.
$8,500 — Remodel new location for spa

Little Rest Remodeling Company
2001 Calkins Road
$5,000 — Seal and wrap insulation

Mapleleaf Distribution Services
14 Third St.
$9,000 — Exterior renovations

Phillips B. Carpenter
1239 Park St.
$17,000 — New roof

SPRINGFIELD

Baystate Health
3350 Main St.
$18,000 — Interior renovation to create office

Dan Rosow
1244 Boston Road
$10,000 — New roof

Opus Duram, LLC
1043 Sumner Ave.
$157,000 — Interior renovations

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Mark Patel
50 Morgan Road
$51,000 — Re-roof

Scaper, LLC
120 Interstate Dr.
$20,000 — Add three antennas

Mike Balise IS a Difference Maker

By
Opinion

Editorial

A few months before he succumbed to cancer, ESPN anchor Stuart Scott stood at the podium at the ESPY Awards to accept the Jim Valvano Award for Perseverance.

In his moving remarks, Scott, in essence, told those assembled that, when someone’s cancer fight ends, we should refrain from saying that he or she “lost their battle.” That fight is often won, he went on, because the individual confronted the disease with courage, the conviction to live their life to their fullest, and determination not to let cancer dictate whatever time they had left.

Those words certainly rang true recently with the news that Mike Balise, co-owner of Balise Motor Sales, passed away at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute roughly 15 months after being diagnosed with incurable stomach cancer at the age of 50.

There is certainly no debate about who won this fight — Mike did.

He battled the disease with his indomitable humor and determination to continue, for as his long as he could, his work not only with the company, but within the community as well — efforts that ranged from raising awareness of the need for more cancer-treatment facilities in this region (and money to build those facilities) to buying winter coats for area young people in need.

Last September, BusinessWest talked with Mike and some members of his family about his fight, and his determination and courage certainly came through. So much so that one could easily make the argument that no story the magazine has published in its 32-year history resonated more with readers.

Indeed, there were countless calls and e-mails from individuals conveying the message that they were greatly inspired by Mike’s ability to battle a death sentence with poise, dignity, and a desire to focus not on his plight, but on how he could do even more to help others.

A common refrain from those who reached out was, “I’ve never met Mike, but reading this, I wish I could.’’

Those comments, as well as Mike’s long track record of philanthropy and community involvement, resonated with the decision makers at BusinessWest this fall when they convened to decide whom to honor with the magazine’s Difference Maker award next spring.

They considered and then chose to honor Mike, knowing fully well that it was very likely that his seat would be empty at the gala in March. But he will honored along with the others who will be announced in the Jan. 25 issue, because he has been, and remains, an inspiration in so many ways, and is thus clearly worthy of that title Difference Maker, and always will be.

And when his name is introduced to those gathered at the Log Cabin on March 31, it will not be through use of the past tense — because he isn’t done being a Difference Maker. His inspirational life — not simply those last 15 months or so — will ensure that this is the case.

As for that cancer fight, from the minute Mike was diagnosed, everyone knew how it would end. All those who knew Mike could also predict how the battle would be waged: with courage and conviction. And that’s why we shouldn’t say the fight was lost.

Because it wasn’t.

Real Estate Transactions

By
Departments Real Estate

The following real estate transactions (latest available) were compiled by Banker & Tradesman and are published as they were received. Only transactions exceeding $115,000 are listed. Buyer and seller fields contain only the first name listed on the deed.

FRANKLIN COUNTY

GREENFIELD

40 Allen St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Deborah H. Squires
Seller: David J. Chula
Date: 12/08/15

629 Bernardston Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: David J. Donoghue
Seller: Christopher M. Goodwin
Date: 12/04/15

367 Country Club Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $155,283
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Lois M. Sanders
Date: 12/07/15

113 Hastings St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Edith K. Drury
Seller: Virginia Pechin Keen IRT
Date: 12/09/15

284 High St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Green Man Enterprises LLC
Seller: Richard E. Sigda
Date: 12/03/15

55 White Birch Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $155,742
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Lance E. Mitchell
Date: 12/09/15

LEVERETT

11 Church Hill Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Hannah L. Muszynski
Seller: Edith H. Riddle
Date: 12/04/15

118 North Leverett Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Adam V. Wellen
Seller: Ann J. Delano
Date: 12/03/15

MONTAGUE

46 High St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Jacqueline M. Krzykowski
Seller: Catherine R. Balboni LT
Date: 12/04/15

57 Mormon Hollow Road
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Meagan L. Veith
Seller: Phillip J&N J. Szenher RET
Date: 12/07/15

ORANGE

25 Bartlett Lane
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Aleesha C. Watson
Seller: Bassett RT
Date: 12/07/15

160 Chase St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $149,000
Buyer: Felicia N. Atherton
Seller: Jerry L. Aldrich
Date: 12/04/15

665 East River St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $119,000
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Eliane B. Monteiro
Date: 12/03/15

17 Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: Michael G. Morse
Seller: Blast Tech Inc.
Date: 12/08/15

SHELBURNE

1155 Mohawk Trail
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Pamela J. Miner
Date: 12/04/15

SUNDERLAND

44 Mount Toby Woods
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: John W. Campbell
Seller: Barry J. Gallerani
Date: 12/02/15

150 Old Amherst Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Valley Building Co. Inc.
Seller: Frederick Weinberg
Date: 12/08/15

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

20 Allison Lane
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Maria Spano
Seller: Drzal, Alice, (Estate)
Date: 12/07/15

64 Belvidere Ave.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $185,500
Buyer: Courtney M. Barbieri
Seller: Steven W. Hershowitz
Date: 12/08/15

40 Cherry St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Daniel Brady
Seller: FNMA
Date: 12/02/15

67 Highland St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $174,300
Buyer: Melhem F. Salloum
Seller: Hanibal Technology LLC
Date: 12/09/15

119 Maple St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Kimberly S. Miner
Date: 12/07/15

627 North Westfield St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $262,000
Buyer: Charles Devins
Seller: Hillside Development Corp.
Date: 12/09/15

77 Parkview Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $239,900
Buyer: Matthew J. Maynard
Seller: Theodore J. Gingras
Date: 12/04/15

31 Ridgeview Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $124,339
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Michael J. Demars
Date: 12/08/15

18 Wildflower Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $389,900
Buyer: Dinesh B. Patel
Seller: Brian P. Mullins
Date: 12/02/15

BLANDFORD

22-R Birch Hill Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: James E. Stockseth
Seller: Allen, Thomas W., (Estate)
Date: 12/04/15

CHICOPEE

103 Acrebrook Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: Paige L. Vandermyn
Seller: Frank Bogdanovich
Date: 12/02/15

104 Bardon St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $178,500
Buyer: Michael L. McKnight
Seller: Samantha T. Basnet
Date: 12/02/15

13 Brouillard Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Jennifer Sibilly
Seller: Barry J. Brouillard
Date: 12/04/15

20 Concord St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Mary G. Corrado
Seller: James Newcity
Date: 12/08/15

503 East St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $142,500
Buyer: Gerard A. Leclair
Seller: Kevin P. Fontaine
Date: 12/04/15

66 Lagadia St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $216,500
Buyer: Brenda Kroeber
Seller: Frank Stefanik
Date: 12/01/15

22 Luther St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Ricardo C. Borges
Seller: Margaret B. Koziol
Date: 12/04/15

104 Madison St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $196,000
Buyer: Erik O. Cubi
Seller: Victor M. Felix
Date: 12/04/15

619 McKinstry Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Luis M. Torres
Seller: Wieslaw Szczubelek
Date: 12/04/15

161 Meadow St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Pioneer Housing LLC
Seller: Keith G. Rudzik
Date: 12/04/15

476 Montcalm St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $147,000
Buyer: Michael J. Oparowski
Seller: Justin G. Constantilos
Date: 12/09/15

77 Nash St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $128,634
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Donald J. Dugas
Date: 12/07/15

123 Prospect St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $167,000
Buyer: Jared S. Johnson
Seller: Peter P. Pavalyuk
Date: 12/01/15

53 Sanford St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $154,900
Buyer: Patrick Perez
Seller: Carrie L. Smith
Date: 12/01/15

35 Shirley St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $158,500
Buyer: Adam Bartusewich
Seller: Gail M. Boone
Date: 12/09/15

47 Victoria Park
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $149,000
Buyer: Rosa Guzman
Seller: Jeannine I. Lareau
Date: 12/09/15

EAST LONGMEADOW

6 Garland Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: William O. Kerr
Seller: Thomas A. Ryan
Date: 12/07/15

296 North Main St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $825,000
Buyer: Quercus Properties LLC
Seller: Pecousic Assoc. Ptnshp.
Date: 12/07/15

83 Nottingham Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $690,000
Buyer: William P. Garvey
Seller: William P. Laplante
Date: 12/07/15

23 Porter Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $219,000
Buyer: Donald J. Wiswall
Seller: Julie J. Drzymalski
Date: 12/07/15

GRANVILLE

23 Cross Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Daniel E. Franklin
Seller: Evans, Lorraine M., (Estate)
Date: 12/03/15

HAMPDEN

21 Allen Crest St.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Raymond C. Bartolucci
Seller: Jeffrey D. Hecht
Date: 12/07/15

51 Ridgeway Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Erica M. Davenport
Seller: David J. Farioli

HOLLAND

24 Forest Park Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: Charles Cloutier
Seller: Thomas A. Laplante
Date: 12/04/15

HOLYOKE

99 Meadowbrook Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Christopher Dangelo
Seller: Louis R. Redfern
Date: 12/07/15

43-45 Portland St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $132,360
Buyer: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Seller: Lisa J. Robert
Date: 12/01/15

LONGMEADOW

39 Birchwood Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Deeba A. Zaher
Seller: Marjorie Farnan
Date: 12/03/15

72 Crescent Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Raymond Christensen
Seller: Jamie B. Quinn
Date: 12/08/15

37 Lynnwood Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Mutharasu Sivakumar
Seller: Jonathan M. Retchin
Date: 12/01/15

749 Maple Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $875,000
Buyer: VK Heritage LLC
Seller: IE Realty LLC
Date: 12/08/15

N/A
71 Roseland Terrace
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $213,000
Buyer: Frank A. Langone
Seller: Irene E. Beron
Date: 12/04/15

48 Silver Birch Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Alexander Cohen
Seller: Ellis Goldberg
Date: 12/08/15

58 Yarmouth St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $190,980
Buyer: USA HUD
Seller: Tripp, Thomas M., (Estate)
Date: 12/02/15

LUDLOW

34 Carmelinas Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $299,200
Buyer: Crown Castle Towers 9 LLC
Seller: Silva Real Estate Service
Date: 12/01/15

188 Fuller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $369,000
Buyer: Fuller Future LLC
Seller: Joaenn M. Grybosh
Date: 12/02/15

108 Loopley St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $257,500
Buyer: Selenia E. Cruz
Seller: Susan Y. Weinstein
Date: 12/04/15

295 Winsor St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Robert E. Costa
Seller: Bogdan A. Mastalerz
Date: 12/02/15

MONSON

214 Bumstead Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Jason P. Allen
Seller: Ralph J. Coolong
Date: 12/04/15

PALMER

2006 Calkins Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Joyce G. Campbell
Seller: Marcia A. Cichon
Date: 12/01/15

3037 High St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $136,900
Buyer: Joseph C. Harris
Seller: Toni J. Gunn
Date: 12/09/15

3003 Oak St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Richard A. Brown
Seller: Edmund J. Stokowski
Date: 12/07/15

1094 Pleasant St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Joseph J. Skowyra
Seller: Kenneth L. Fitzgibbon
Date: 12/08/15

RUSSELL

961 Blandford Road
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $226,000
Buyer: Marcus Houston
Seller: Clarence S. Rowley
Date: 12/04/15

41 Westwood Dr.
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $241,000
Buyer: Jay M. Smith
Seller: Charles R. Margarites
Date: 12/09/15

SOUTHWICK

196 Berkshire Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $417,000
Buyer: Richard M. Kellett
Seller: Ralph H. Ramsdell
Date: 12/01/15

26 Crystal Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Brian G. Kendall
Seller: Eugene F. Petit
Date: 12/04/15

307 Granville Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $223,000
Buyer: Michael J. Goneau
Seller: Matthew J. Maynard
Date: 12/04/15

7 Reservoir Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $323,100
Buyer: Citimortgage Inc.
Seller: Slawamir Kuzmicki
Date: 12/03/15

SPRINGFIELD

40 Audubon St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $194,764
Buyer: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Seller: Jason S. Donaldson
Date: 12/08/15

624 Boston Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $316,500
Buyer: American Dream Estate LLC
Seller: Stoughton L. Smead
Date: 12/01/15

155 Carnavon Circle
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Iris G. Rodriguez
Seller: Bennye N. Crawford
Date: 12/04/15

15 Dianna Dr.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $239,900
Buyer: Stephen Yankson
Seller: Sodi Inc.
Date: 12/03/15

115 Donbray Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $124,900
Buyer: Tiana M. Davis
Seller: David M. Murphy
Date: 12/01/15

93-95 Edgeland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: William Holmes-Murphy
Seller: Visionary Realty LLC
Date: 12/02/15

400 Forest Hills Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Julian S. Tenczar
Seller: Letendre, Jeannine M., (Estate)
Date: 12/07/15

63 Glenham St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $133,900
Buyer: Cherie C. Burton
Seller: Linda B. Szklarz
Date: 12/04/15

236 Harkness Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Kyle E. Velez
Seller: Francis J. Boudreau
Date: 12/04/15

33 Kittrell St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Justin K. Barroso
Seller: Steven M. Vigneault
Date: 12/04/15

26 Lorenzo St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $137,500
Buyer: Luz E. Santos
Seller: Mona A. Vancicni
Date: 12/04/15

22 Maplewood Terrace
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Jose Aviles-Torres
Seller: Yehuda Dery
Date: 12/02/15

22 Mayflower Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $118,500
Buyer: Marcus J. Catlett
Seller: Andre E. Vaine
Date: 12/08/15

101 Miller St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $147,900
Buyer: Frank C. Salas
Seller: Attaford LLC
Date: 12/07/15

42 Perkins St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $166,777
Buyer: JJJ 17 LLC
Seller: Joseph Eadie
Date: 12/08/15

745 Plumtree Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $174,000
Buyer: Meghan K. Healy
Seller: Ronald J. Sullivan
Date: 12/08/15

37-39 Prentice St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $126,000
Buyer: Richard H. Cataldo
Seller: Lapa, Katherine J., (Estate)
Date: 12/08/15

66 Roosevelt Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $198,000
Buyer: Samuel Delvalle
Seller: Joseph M. Marullo
Date: 12/04/15

5 Sedgewick St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Jordan C. Leonard
Seller: Amanda M. Gonzalez
Date: 12/04/15

22-24 Somerset St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Peter S. Ellis
Seller: Edward P. Cerrone
Date: 12/04/15

152 Wachusett St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $145,050
Buyer: Household Finance Corp. 2
Seller: Richard J. Sacco
Date: 12/01/15

51-53 Winthrop St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $138,971
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: George Kahi
Date: 12/08/15

143 Woodlawn St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Alan Rosario
Seller: James W. Fiore
Date: 12/04/15

106 Wrenwood St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $162,000
Buyer: Jeffrey J. Kristek
Seller: Brian G. Kendall
Date: 12/04/15

WEST SPRINGFIELD

61 Bosworth St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Ramis Afrailov
Seller: CGS Realty LLC
Date: 12/01/15

15 Boulevard Place
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Benjamin J. Scott
Seller: Matthew B. Pioggia
Date: 12/04/15

70 Carriage Lane
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Dan Le
Seller: Chidiac, Badui, (Estate)
Date: 12/04/15

57 Herrman St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Tatyana V. Krasun
Seller: Steven P. Nicora
Date: 12/03/15

41 High St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $193,891
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Paul Jaeger
Date: 12/08/15

375 Lancaster Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Earl Burney
Seller: David H. Judge
Date: 12/04/15

112 Main St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $174,740
Buyer: Aminata D. Diedhiou
Seller: Zenon Pardave
Date: 12/08/15

1183 Morgan Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Peter B. Chlastawa
Seller: Anthony A. Hannoush
Date: 12/04/15

110 Old Barn Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Henry M. Mushi
Seller: Margaret R. Valentine
Date: 12/09/15

635 Piper Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $246,623
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Joseph L. Kitt
Date: 12/07/15

309 Woodmont St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Zenon Pardave
Seller: David W. Tourville
Date: 12/08/15

WESTFIELD

8 Columbia St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $148,000
Buyer: Scott Snyder-Perusse
Seller: FNMA
Date: 12/04/15

32 South Maple St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Buyer: Mark E. Ethier
Seller: Gary A. Conroy
Date: 12/09/15

WILBRAHAM

24 Carla Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $409,900
Buyer: David Mahan
Seller: Custom Homes Development Group LLC
Date: 12/01/15

610 Glendale Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $339,000
Buyer: George C. Pidgeon
Seller: David A. Gilfor
Date: 12/03/15

6 Lance Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $247,000
Buyer: Jose A. Vargas
Seller: Mark S. Szydlowski
Date: 12/03/15

468 Springfield St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $263,000
Buyer: Brad J. Kane
Seller: Jeffrey Fontaine
Date: 12/09/15

8 Squire Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $489,000
Buyer: Jeffrey M. Fontaine
Seller: Suzanne F. Murphy
Date: 12/09/15

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

76 Chestnut St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Chestnut St Realty Partners
Seller: Cynthia J. Mussinan
Date: 12/04/15

384 Middle St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $507,500
Buyer: Dano J. Weisbord
Seller: Joel Ouellette
Date: 12/04/15

910 South East St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $902,500
Buyer: Abida Adnan
Seller: Shaul Perry
Date: 12/04/15

682 Station Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Ekaterina D. Vavova
Seller: Abida Adnan
Date: 12/04/15

BELCHERTOWN

37 Fletcher Ave.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Joseph C. Black
Seller: Steven D. Rose
Date: 12/04/15

85 Howard St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $191,500
Buyer: Scott E. Baronas
Seller: Marianne Burno
Date: 12/04/15

234 Michael Sears Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Ryan P. Johnson
Seller: Crane, Mary Rose, (Estate)
Date: 12/09/15

312 South St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $389,000
Buyer: Gerald R. Maloney
Date: 12/02/15

EASTHAMPTON

15 Emily Lane
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $309,000
Buyer: Kevin Slate
Seller: Elizabeth A. Armstrong
Date: 12/09/15

9 Fort Hill Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $349,900
Buyer: James J. O’Malley
Seller: Ryna Russell
Date: 12/04/15

11 Strong St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $214,400
Buyer: Bank New York Mellon
Seller: Timothy J. Young
Date: 12/04/15

GOSHEN

124 Spruce Corner Road
Goshen, MA 01032
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Lauren M. Culver
Seller: Richardson, F. D., (Estate)
Date: 12/01/15

GRANBY

32 East St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Daniel R. Moroney
Seller: Nathan A. Swistak
Date: 12/04/15

HADLEY

199 North Maple St.
Hadley, MA 01062
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: 199 North Maple NT
Seller: Zion Korean Church
Date: 12/04/15

HATFIELD

2 Prospect St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Hunter
Seller: Gratl, Barbara A., (Estate)
Date: 12/04/15

72 School St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $338,625
Buyer: Hatfield School St. Properties
Seller: Hatfield Properties & Storage LLC
Date: 12/09/15

MIDDLEFIELD

11 Clark Wright Road
Middlefield, MA 01243
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Scott T. McCoy
Seller: John J. Kozynoski
Date: 12/09/15

55 Town Hill Road
Middlefield, MA 01243
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: David C. Nurse
Seller: Jack I. Joseph
Date: 12/07/15

NORTHAMPTON

88 Bancroft Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $910,000
Buyer: Held RT
Seller: Patricia J. Walsh
Date: 12/01/15

117 Barrett St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $309,000
Buyer: Brent D. Visser
Seller: Edward J. Harvey
Date: 12/03/15

157 Bridge St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Louise C. Humiston
Seller: Manuel T. Morocho
Date: 12/01/15

19 Columbus Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $595,000
Buyer: Samuel W. Craig
Seller: Peter A. Pacosa
Date: 12/08/15

41 Hillside Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Alan J. Irish
Seller: Shirley D. Tallent RET
Date: 12/07/15

201 Main St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $1,350,000
Buyer: Sierros Family Ent. LLC
Seller: Elizabeth Hanson
Date: 12/03/15

60 Maple St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $327,400
Buyer: KSM Properties LLC
Seller: Droescher Myers LLP
Date: 12/01/15

40 Ridgewood Terrace
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Amanda C. Dixon
Seller: Steliana Naumescu
Date: 12/03/15

205 South St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $429,500
Buyer: Anton M. Broekman
Seller: Lathrop Home Inc.
Date: 12/01/15

8 Westwood Terrace
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Tracy J. Lisewski
Seller: Francis T. Grover
Date: 12/07/15

PELHAM

66 Daniel Shays Hwy.
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $133,673
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Stanley C. Wojtkielewicz
Date: 12/02/15

PLAINFIELD

120 Pleasant St.
Plainfield, MA 01070
Amount: $301,888
Buyer: Brenda L. Light
Seller: Robert Baker
Date: 12/04/15

SOUTH HADLEY

434 Granby Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Jesse S. Dubois
Seller: Collingwood, Evelyn M., (Estate)
Date: 12/04/15

25 Kimberly Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $312,000
Buyer: Michael R. Sobon
Seller: Patrick W. Laskey
Date: 12/04/15

WARE

93 Doane Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: David S. Desroches
Seller: Edward L. Lavella
Date: 12/03/15

20 Sherwin St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Scott E. Stuckenbruck
Seller: Lorraine M. Naglieri
Date: 12/01/15

WORTHINGTON

116 Huntington Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Buyer: Deborah Dreschnack
Seller: FNMA
Date: 12/08/15

Jobs Will Be Top Local Story for 2016

By
Opinion

Opinion

By Jeffrey Ciuffreda

 

Jobs are coming our way, but are we ready? And what about the jobs already here?

As we start the new year, it is time to ask these questions and, more importantly, answer them. Actually, the process of doing so got off to a good beginning in 2015. However, there is much more to be done in 2016.

CNR Changchun Rail Vehicle Co. is coming to Springfield with between 150 and 300 jobs, many requiring skilled engineers and machinists. MGM Springfield is finally underway with construction, requiring 3,000 jobs upon its planned 2018 opening, and efforts are already underway to be sure that the vast majority of those workers will come from this region, an effort that requires training programs to be up and running soon.

These are the jobs we know are coming our way, and with these two internationally known companies coming here, you can be sure other companies will become more focused on our region and, therefore, its workforce.

The Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce is pleased to be working with the EDC of Western Massachusetts and the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County, along with our community colleges and others, to help ensure that we not only have a trained workforce ready to fill these positions, but that we have enough of those trained in the workforce to fill them and other positions that might be vacated by those moving from existing employers.

At the same time, we must acknowledge that far too many of our area resident, for one reason or another, do not have the skills necessary to take advantage of certain opportunities, but might have abilities suited for other types of jobs. What are those jobs?

The Springfield Regional Chamber is proud to have joined with a few other organizations in and around Springfield to hire an internationally known consulting firm to look at this specific area — not only what types of jobs we should try to attract, but what skill sets might already exist so that we could readily entertain specific businesses to locate here. While we will always strive to do better and attract higher-wage jobs, we should not overlook any opportunity to bring any employment to the area. The results of this study will be an invaluable tool for our future growth.

Speaking of the jobs that are already here, let us never overlook the fact that so many of our long-time businesses in this area have been here not only for years, but for decades. Let us also not overlook that many of those companies are small businesses, and by small I mean under 25 employees and in many instances under 10. These are the businesses that we count on year after year after year to employ our residents and that continually add jobs.

These are the same businesses that often get caught up in new legislation and new regulations ranging from mandating certain benefits to setting wages to regulating how they operate. While I am not saying every piece of legislation and regulation is bad, I am saying that these small businesses often struggle to comply with one, and then, just as they adapt, they find they are faced with another new one, two, or three new measures with which to cope.
Special efforts should be undertaken to ensure that no harm is done to these small businesses, which have been, and quite frankly always will be, the backbone of our economy.

The year ahead will be a time of growth as new businesses prepare to enter our market, but it should also be a year when great care is taken to not only not harm the businesses we already have here, but also take steps to assist them in their efforts to stay and expand here.

We all can do our part by supporting local businesses and products as well as our local teams and venues.

Jeff Ciuffreda is president of the Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce; (413) 787-1555.

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies Departments

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

Balcom, Thomas S.
201 Dunmoreland St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/10/15

Bean, Doris J.
6 Louise St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/14/15

Berthiaume, Yvonne C.
P.O. Box 533
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/15

Bigelow, Evan M.
250 West St., Apt. 23
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/15

Brown, Charles E.
30 Memory Lane
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/15

Campbell, Natasha D.
382 Pleasant St., Apt. 1
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/08/15

Canada, Wayne E.
Canada, Annie M.
20 Woodbridge Road
Chicopee, MA 01022
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/15

Clark, Sandra
90 Brighton Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/14/15

Cruz, Wilfredo
12 Fairhaven Dr.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/15

Dargie, Michael D.
150 Ashland St., Suite 411
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/14/15

DIY Brewing Supply
Bernier, Michael James
37 Hampshire St
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/08/15

Dussault, John A.
Dussault, Anita H.
22 East St. Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/04/15

Eveleigh, Christopher D.
153 High St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/15/15

Feliberty, Santo
207 Jasper St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/15

Gambino, Santo Salvatore
10 Old Thompson St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/02/15

Gourde, Kelly A.
a/k/a Crate, Kelly A.
64 Northridge Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/08/15

Gower, Douglas A.
92 Felix St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/15

Greenough, Scott C.
Greenough, Eva D.
a/k/a Camp, Eva D.
101 Laurence St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/11/15

Griffin, Deborah L.
a/k/a Baronoski, Deborah Lynn
82 Stanton Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/04/15

Harris, James S.
Harris, Gail H.
45 River Road
Erving, MA 01344
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/14/15

Kiefer, Melissa D.
7 Parker Ave, Fl. 1
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/09/15

Kootnz, Mark Lehman
7 Salem Place, Unit 7
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/15

Laferriere, Ronald Richard
Laferriere, Hazel Mary
69 Lathrop St. Apt. 15
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/07/15

Laquer, Maribel
50 Clifton Ave.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/14/15

Lee, Linda M.
a/k/a Sienko, Linda M.
133 Powell Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/10/15

Lewis, Francis M.
8 William St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/11/15

Lyons, Kelly P.
a/k/a Coyne, Kelly P.
54 Yorktowne Court
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/03/15

Mominee, DianaJo
149 Powell Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/09/15

Morley, Jeremy David
73 Squawfield Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/07/15

Mosier, Tessie Marie
4 Caroline Circle
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/01/15

Murphy, Timothy M.
23 Lake Ave.
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/15

Nielsen, Scott J.
Levine, Elinor
171 Gray St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/05/15

Ouimette, Jerri A.
542 White St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/14/15

Package Machinery Company Co.
80 Commercial St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/03/15

Pelletier, Paula L.
Martinez, Annette
15 State Road
Whatley, MA 01093
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/09/15

Porter, Donald M.
Porter, Sara L.
10 Almon Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/10/15

Progressive Electric
Long, Michael Joseph
P.O. Box 0931
Northampton, MA 01061
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/10/15

Ringwood, Betty Ann
P.O. Box 96
Colrain, MA 01340
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/15/15

Robideau, Judith A.
6 Bush Ave., Apt 1
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/03/15

Roux, David J.
Roux, Jennifer L.
13 Leahey Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/15

Sacchetti, Sylvia S.
230 Hungerford St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/04/15

Tuck, Jonathan Paul
25 Lee Road
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/15

Valentine, David Rosario
372 West St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/15

Voyevodina, Tatyana
5 Woodlawn St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/15

Waddell, Ann Thompson
P.O. Box 419
Stockbridge, MA 01262
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/15

Doing Business As Certificates

By
DBA Certificates Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of December 2015.

AGAWAM

Abella’s Skin & Nail
159 Main St.
Jennifer Mallalieu

The Sharper Edge
99 Maple St.
Russell Scalise

AMHERST

Amherst Community Solar
326 Pelham Road
Lucas Krupinski

Amherst Hairstylists
15 Pray St.
Caren Bisbee

Amherst Healing Arts
409 Main St.
Karen Kerin

MT Taqueria Mexican
31 Boltwood Walk
Marleny Amaya

CHICOPEE

Chicopee Jiffy Lube
2017 Memorial Dr.
Steven Roberts

Daigle’s Truck Master
57 Fuller Road
Jeffrey Daigle

Elegance Salon & Spa
974 Chicopee St.
Myriam Vega

Krystle Kleen Inc.
235 Meadow St.
Michael Robare

Monro Muffler & Brakes
461 Memorial Dr.
Joshua Morrison

Tony’s Flooring
14 Simard Dr.
Anthony Lasorsa

HADLEY

JC Mattress Company
8 River Dr.
Justin Carlson

Leon’s Auto Sales
64 East St.
Leon Szymborn

Marshall’s
325 Russell St.
Marshalls of MA Inc.

Mobile Robotics
110 North Maple St.
Charles Brown

Old Navy
339 Russell St.
Old Navy

Texas Roadhouse
280 Russell St.
Texas Roadhouse

TJ Maxx
454 Russell St.
TJX, Inc.

HOLYOKE

B & B Real Estate
59 Cherry St.
Edward Brunelle

Barbieri Express
12 Crescent St.
Kevin Barbieri

KW Property Management
97 Locust St.
Kenrick Williams

Western Mass College Nights
920 Main St.
Ryan Spence

NORTHAMPTON

Chasa Cafe Inc.
159 Main St.
Thondup Tsering

Happy Valley Auto Restoration
40 Williams St.
Gregory Goff

L & R Cleaning Services
21 Wilson Ave.
Richard Tucci

PALMER

Coin Pal
69 East Palmer Park Dr.
Edward Goodfield

Helping Hands
60 Randall St.
Paula Haley

Mayberry’s Portable Welding
229 Peterson Road
Peter Mayberry

Pioneer Stump Grinding & Plowing
1113 Thorndike St.
Kyle Tassineri

SPRINGFIELD

Ace of Blades Barber
932 Boston Road
Evangelo Gonzalez

Action Management
70 Monticello Ave.
Gary Michael

Always Drywall
199 Cabinet St.
Michael Sares

Amiracle Construction
225 Durant St.
Jonathan Hall

Baystate Home Infusion
211 Carando Dr.
Brian Simonds

Bealfire Stone
67 Fort Pleasant Ave.
Dashay Miles

Bhakta Pradan
33 Ruskin St.
Bhakta Pradan

Big City Builders
42 Arbutus St.
Steven J. Brantley

Breakthrough Fitness
481 Breckwood Blvd.
Shosana Porter

Busy Bee Store
494 Central St.
Mohammad Tanvir

Cardicci Couture
1 Allen St.
Craig Williams

Crafted in Style
96 Albermarle St.
Naomi Howard

Crystal Clear Home Cleaners
2141 Main St.
Ed Kostyuko

Evins Brantley Construction
91 Dunmoreland St.
Evins C. Brantley

Racing Mart
1037 St. James Ave.
Abbas Younes

Ron’s Oil Burner Service
97 Groton St.
Robert Alan

SISS
67 Wollaston St.
Alexander Buor

Spotless Office Cleaning
26 Lafayette St.
Juliet Davis

Springfield Auto Service
731 Liberty St.
Boris Altman

Truong Nguyen Cafe
392 Dickinson St.
Son Nguyen

Z Tech Towing
18 Kenwood Park
Rafael Zayas

WESTFIELD

Home Access Solutions
352 Shaker Road
Chadwick Berndt

Miha Welding
57 Tannery Road
Artem Girich

WEST SPRINGFIELD

AAA Xtreme Paintball
683 Westfield St.
Joseph O’Malley

AC Motor Express, LLC
339 Bliss St.
John Nekitopoulos

Cost Klippers
2260 Westfield St.
Kalie Kopezynski

Crayata, LLC
70 Windsor St.
Tammy L. Pierson

Gabriel Gladiator Training
130 Myron St.
Gabriel Goncalves

Toch Supply Company
104 Hillcrest Ave.
Aric Nunes

Incorporations

By
Departments Incorporations

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

ADAMS

CT Plunkett PTG Inc., 14 Commercial St., Adams, MA 01220. Erin Mucci, 37 Upton St., Adams, MA 01220. Charitable and educational purposes; bring together persons interested in welfare of CT Plunkett Elementary School of Adams students; promote free-flow of ideas by teachers, parents, and children; assist teachers in programs for children to become good citizens; use meeting forum for suggestions or ideas by parents, teachers, and students to develop potential of children, community, and the school; support educational and arts enrichment activities and programs for the school and community.

AMHERST

Woodside Daycare Center Inc., 155 Woodside Ave, Amherst, MA 01102. Catherine Epstein, 90 Spring St., Amherst, MA 01002. Charitable and educational purposes to provide day care, nursery, child care, and related educational services in the greater Amherst area.

BRIMFIELD

Laser Converting Concepts Inc., 109 Brookfield Road, Brimfield, MA 01010. Gregory Flamand, same. Laser manufacturing.
CHICOPEE

Templo Misionero El Buen Smaritano, 48-C Riverview Terrace, Chicopee, MA 01013. Teresa Martinez, same. Preach the word of God; reach to those in need; teach the gospel.

CLARKSBURG

North County Church of the Rebellion Inc., 28 Cross Road, Clarksburg, MA 01247. Jesse Leydet, 17 Phelps Ave., North Adams, MA 01247. Printing, publishing, designing, creation, assembly and shipping of merchandise.

HOLYOKE

The Miracle League of Western Massachusetts Inc., 106 Chapin St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Ernest Fitzell Jr., same. Provide special needs children a chance to play baseball and other sports.

SHELBURNE FALLS

Charlemont Historical Society Inc., 7 Avery Brook Road, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370. Beth Bandy, 7 Avery Brook Road, Charlemont, MA 01370. Collect, preserve, and display objects, records, and folklore of historic significance of Charlemont’s earliest habitation, and maintain a museum for these artifacts; provide organization for those interested in preserving, researching, and maintain local history of Charlemont; familiarize citizens with Charlemont’s history, and increase interest in local history and traditions through exhibits, educational programs, publications, and historical records.

SPRINGFIELD

Family Business Center of Pioneer Valley Inc., 1500 Main St., Suite 2700 Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas, LLP, Springfield, MA 01115. Ira Bryck, 255 Strong St., Amherst, MA 01002. Charitable and educational purposes to provide educational programs for family and closely held businesses and opportunities for educational interaction among such business owners, and related charitable and educational purposes.

Real Estate Rehab Inc., 408 Sumner Ave., Springfield, MA 01108. Gerald Beaulieu, same. Commercial and residential construction.

United Professional Horsemen’s Association Chapter 14 Inc., 1500 Main St., Suite 2700 Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas, LLP, Springfield, MA 01115. John Lampropolous, 99 Amesbury Road, Newton, NH 03858. Non-Profit organization to better the conditions of those engaged in the pursuit of equine related activities; support research to improve horses; promote development of higher degree of efficiency for its members in their efforts to improve general conditions of the show horse industry.

WARE

Your Deal Source Inc., 277 Palmer Road, Ware, MA 01082. Matthew Woodward, 20 Beach Dr., West Brookfield, MA 01585. Retail store.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

The Sangria Shack Inc., 15 Sagamore Road, West Springfield, MA 01089. Anthony Martone, same. Wine production.

WILLIAMSBURG

Girls on the Run of Western MA Inc., 10 North St., Williamsburg, MA 01096. Alison Berman, same. Religious, charitable, scientific, literary and educational purposes to educate and prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living.

Briefcase

By
Briefcase Departments

Pittsfield to Welcome MassDevelopment TDI Fellow

PITTSFIELD — MassDevelopment has selected Pittsfield, Brockton, and New Bedford for its second round of Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) fellows to advance local redevelopment visions in those cities’ TDI districts. The fellows, who will have experience in city planning, community partnership building, real estate, and economic development, will work in their host districts for three years in collaboration with local partnerships. These fellows follow the successful initial placements earlier this year in Springfield, Haverhill, and Lynn. “This grant is another recognition that Pittsfield is moving forward,” said state Sen. Ben Downing (D-Pittsfield). “Support through the TDI program will help revitalize the Tyler Street corridor and build on the great work of local business and community organizations.” MassDevelopment is accepting qualifications for these new fellows positions, which will begin in spring 2016, on its website. Staff members from Peabody and Worcester will participate in this round as adjunct fellows, joining cohort activities such as monthly meetings, skills building, site visits, and regional leadership development. Brockton, New Bedford, and Pittsfield are three of the 10 Gateway Cities selected in December 2014 as the pilot TDI districts in development, along with Haverhill, Holyoke, Lynn, Peabody, Revere, Springfield, and Worcester. As a part of the program, each will receive a range of real-estate-development services to support local visions for redevelopment, and to catalyze and leverage investments and economic activities. Everett and Malden are receiving directed regional planning and implementation assistance to advance their districts’ TDI visions. “The first three fellows have quickly become indispensable parts of the economic-development communities in Haverhill, Lynn, and Springfield by partnering with local organizations to create redevelopment opportunities,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Marty Jones. “We look forward to the new faces that will arrive in Brockton, New Bedford, and Pittsfield to support those cities’ visions.”

State Adds 19 to Green Communities List

BOSTON — The Baker-Polito administration announced that 19 more cities and towns have been designated Green Communities by the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and will receive more than $3.1 million for local clean-energy and energy-efficiency projects. The Western Mass. communities added to the list, and their funding, include Adams ($166,865), Bernardston ($131,290), Egremont ($138,570), Stockbridge ($139,625), West Springfield ($222,765), and Windsor ($137,880). “The Green Communities program demonstrates state and local governments can work together to save energy and taxpayers’ money, while making the Commonwealth a healthier place to live,” said Gov. Charlie Baker. “These 19 communities will be able to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy, reducing energy costs and reducing their carbon footprints.” Added Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, “helping cities and towns reduce their energy consumption allows them to channel their financial savings into other municipal needs, like public safety, education, and municipal buildings. These grants further reiterate the Commonwealth’s ability to work with municipalities to ensure Massachusetts continues to be a leader in clean energy and energy efficiency.” The 155 Green Communities are cities and towns of all sizes that range from the Berkshires to Cape Cod and are home to 54% of Massachusetts’ population. All Green Communities commit to reducing municipal energy consumption by 20% over five years. “Through the Green Communities program, DOER is able to work with municipalities to find clean-energy solutions that reduce long-term energy costs and strengthen local economies,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “The commitment and hard work of these 19 communities to reduce their energy use and undertake clean-energy projects will help Massachusetts continue its leadership in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and emissions reductions.”

Holiday Sales Up 7.9% This Year

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The holiday shopping season isn’t quite over yet — many of those who received gift cards have yet to hit the stores — but a study has shown that it is already a solid one for retailers. Indeed, retail sales were up 7.9% between Black Friday and Christmas Eve compared to the same period a year ago, according to MasterCard SpendingPulse, which studies transaction and survey data on purchases made with credit cards, cash, and checks. The report found that e-commerce provided crucial holiday momentum this holiday season, with sales up 20% in that realm.

Defense-contract Work Contributed $20B to State Economy in FY 2013

AMHERST — The Commonwealth’s defense-contract work supported more than 88,000 workers and contributed more than $20 billion to the Massachusetts economy, while Massachusetts military installations directly or indirectly supported more than 57,000 jobs with a total economic contribution of more than $13 billion, in fiscal year 2013, according to two new UMass Donahue Institute reports. Massachusetts companies exemplifying the connections between the defense sector and small businesses include Holyoke’s Meridian Industrial Group, which does machining for portable MRI equipment; Southampton’s J&E Precision Tool, which produces components for Black Hawk helicopters, periscopes, and F-22s and F-35s; and CPI Radant Technologies Division in Stow, which develops components for military aircraft. “The Commonwealth’s six bases and defense-related firms continue to have a major impact on the Massachusetts economy, both in terms of jobs and dollars,” said Gov. Charlie Baker. “Academia, business, and technology — three of the Commonwealth’s top sectors — play a role in our installations and defense contracts, helping this industry serve as an economic driver. We look forward to their continued growth and contribution to Massachusetts.” The Massachusetts Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force and MassDevelopment commissioned the reports. The first studied the impact of the Commonwealth’s six military installations — Barnes Air National Guard Base, Fort Devens Reserve Forces Training Area, Hanscom Air Force Base, Joint Base Cape Cod, U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center, and Westover Air Reserve Base — and the Massachusetts Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserve. The second report studied the defense industry’s contribution to the New England economy, finding that, in fiscal year 2013, New England defense contracting generated nearly $49 billion and more than 218,000 jobs.

College Farm Market Project Launched with $25,000 Grant

GREENFIELD — The Rural Community College Alliance has awarded a $25,000 grant to Greenfield Community College (GCC), Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA), and the Franklin Community Co-op (FCC) to fund a new collaborative College Farm Market Project (CFMP). GCC farm and food systems and business majors will work as interns with CISA and FCC to enhance and expand on existing opportunities with farmers’ markets in the Pioneer Valley. The project’s goal is to develop a replicable model for coordinating food- and farm-focused education, marketing, and sales that support the growing sustainable farm movement in Western Mass. The RCCA grant will fund six three-credit paid internships for GCC students while the costs of the credits earned are covered by other grants the college has won. Three interns will work at FCC, and three will work at CISA. The grant also provides funds to defray some of the partner-agency staff time needed for this project and for staff to attend national and regional conferences to share information about the project with other colleges and organizations. This grant brings together three organizations that have significant impact on regional farm and food systems and will enhance coordination around food justice and development of farmers’ markets. The internships housed at FCC will continue the work of fall 2015 GCC interns to create a mid-week farmers’ market in Greenfield, seeing its development from its opening this spring through the remainder of the summer and fall. At CISA, the GCC interns will focus on broader regional issues that affect farmers’ markets in general, further food justice and SNAP matching efforts, provide replicable templates for building market business structures, and expand the customer base for locally grown foods that promote sustainable models for farm viability. Staff and administrators from the three organizations will meet regularly to develop long-term structures for interorganization collaboration for strengthening agricultural cooperative supports in the region. “This project enhances the learning of our students in farm and food systems and in business through work experience in which they can apply their academic work,” said Christine Copeland, SAGE assistant and internship coordinator at GCC. “It’s great for their career prospects, and they also make professional contacts and network with people in their field.”

State Issues Grants to Three Area Farms

BOSTON — The Baker-Polito administration recently announced that five Massachusetts farms with land permanently protected from development through the state’s Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program — including three in Western Mass. — have been awarded $400,000 in grant funding for infrastructure improvements. “These agricultural investments help create jobs and make Massachusetts’ farms more competitive in the national and global marketplace,” said Gov. Charlie Baker. “Our administration is committed to supporting Massachusetts’ vibrant agriculture industry, which provides fresh, healthy food for the Commonwealth’s residents.” The local grantees include Burnett Farm in Adams, $50,000 for barn expansion; Luther Belden Farm in Hatfield; $100,000 for dairy infrastructure improvements; and the Kitchen Garden in Sunderland, $75,000 for produce packing and storage building. The APR Improvement Program, established in 2009, is funded by the federal Farm and Lands Protection Program and is administered by the Department of Agricultural Resources. The program also provides recipients with technical and business-planning assistance to identify the best use of funds to improve farm infrastructure and productivity. Since 2009, AIP has provided more than $3.5 million in total grants (average $66,509 per farm) and $330,150 in technical assistance (average $6,229 per farm) to Massachusetts APR farms that own a combined total of more than 7,000 acres of protected farmland.

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies Departments

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

Anderson, Stephen Spencer
Foley Anderson, Sara Adrian
37 Nutting Ave.
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/16/15

Awkal, Imadeddine A.
Awkal, Zeina O.
19 Lucerne Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/17/15

Barklow, Jared Anthony
14 Providence St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/20/15

Bean’s Glass Services, Inc.
Bean’s Auto Glass
Bean, Matthew Robert
18 Eastwood Dr.
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/16/15

Berry, Peggy Sue
P.O. Box 154
Wales, MA 01081
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/24/15

Brown, Christopher David
Brown, Meghan Marie
2157 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/23/15

Camilleri, Donna M.
14 Upland Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/23/15

Carrero, Jayson
185 New Ludlow Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/19/15

Cerrone, Ross P.
Cerrone, Gloria J.
170 Savoy Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/25/15

Charette, Ronald G.
49 Laurel St
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/19/15

Cross, Michael W.
68 Granville Road, Second
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/17/15

Crouch, Jessica K.
a/k/a Ganieany, Jessica K.
57 B Northampton St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/25/15

Cruz, Carmen B.
49 Worcester Ave., 2nd Fl.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/24/15

Dubrule Jr., Bruce G.
21 East Buckland Road
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/17/15

Ellinger, Shawn E.
P.O. Box 181
Huntington, MA 01050
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/20/15

Facteau, Paul M.
55 South Shore Dr.
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/17/15

Fay, Tracy A.
124 Wachusett St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/18/15

Franco, Evelyn
70 Broadway St.–Apt 144
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/25/15

Gamache, Liz
106 Pine Cone Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/16/15

Gaylord, Kimberly A.
a/k/a Mitchell, Kimberly A.
146 Middlefield Road
Peru, MA 01235
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/27/15

Goodale, Judy A.
58 Edwards St., #301
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/24/15

Hartwig, James P.
9 Pine St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/25/15

Hebert, Lee F.
75 South St., Lot #28
Bernardston, MA 01337
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/20/15

Hottin, Arthur J.
28 Barrington Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/20/15

Kichorowsky, Roman M.
a/k/a Kichorowsky, R. Michael
Kolenda, Elizabeth J.
1157 North Pleasant St., Apt. B
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/19/15

Kozera, Jr., Joseph E.
65 Briggs St., #2
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/24/15

Kozynoski, Daniel J.
17 Bates Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/20/15

Lawrence, Robert L.
10 Paula Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/16/15

Leese, Killian John
P.O. Box 613
Stockbridge, MA 01262
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/19/15

Massimiano, Jeanne S.
126 Blythewood Dr.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/23/15

Mitchell, Alwood T.
92 Long Pond Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/17/15

Mr. Hamdi’s Tailoring
Yildiz, Hamdi
100 Hillside Road
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/23/15

Noel, Ann M.
3022 Pleasant St.
Bondsville, MA 01009
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/25/15

Orr, Sterling W.
146 Sawmill Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/17/15

Pagan, Maria Beatriz
21 Campus Plaza Road, Unit 25
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/19/15

Panasyuk, Nataliya A.
a/k/a Aleksandrovna, Nataliy
35 Chapel St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/27/15

Pappas, Jacqueline
PO Box 43
Russell, MA 01071-0043
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/27/15

Pare’, Warren L.
PO Box 486
Chicopee, MA 01021
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/19/15

Parent, Mary L.
48 Greenwich St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/20/15

Pawell, James R.
10 Ave. C
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/22/15

Ramos, Elizabeth
2207 Page Blvd.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/24/15

Ryan, Daniel J.
Ryan, Lori A.
45 Farquhar Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/18/15

Stahl, Jameson T.
10 Susan Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/27/15

Steinmetz, Jay D.
1 King Lane
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/18/15

Sullivan, Todd
116 W Orange Road
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/24/15

Torrence, Sandra J.
26 Forestdale Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/23/15

Walls, Gail Sheree
1055 Roosevelt Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/24/15

Walsh, Gary D.
83 Birch St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/22/15

Wetterwald, Renee L.
714 Country Club Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/20/15

Wheeler, Sandra Lee
985 Florence Road
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/20/15

Winterle, Carl E.
1540 Memorial Ave., Apt. 2B
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/23/15

Woodbury, Susan M
118 Clairmont Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/18/15

Yates, Christopher L.
Yates, Olivia
a/k/a Moses, Olivia
1418 Bay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/24/15

Zick, Vincent T.
Zick, Stephanie J.
399 South Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/24/15

Doing Business As Certificates

By
DBA Certificates Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of December 2015.

AGAWAM

Servpro of Springfield
71 Ramah Circle
Olga Gold

AMHERST

Next Wave Power Technologies
131 Middle St.
Michael Biron

Round the Corner Brownie Company
3 Laurel Lane
Dawn Lepere

Solarpunk Press
58 North East St.
Faith Gregory

Visual Concepts
170 East Hadley Road
Yvonne Mendez

CHICOPEE

Connie’s Cuts
104 Lauzier Terrace
Connie Mendes

ELB Realty
239 Naragansett Blvd.
Bruce Topa

Harmony House
66 View St.
Judith Trudell

Odor is Gone
57 Clarendon Ave.
Oksara Bukansova

Royal Coach Sales, LLC
658 Fuller Road
John Garcia

The Ticket Master
28 Myrtle St.
Luke Vincente

HADLEY

63 East Realty, LLC
63 East Realty, LLC
Babak Gojgini

Advance Auto Parts
346 Russell St.
Michael Norona

Affordable Autos of Hadley
11 Railroad St.
Norman Wilber

Elements Massage
379 Russell St.
Marmich, LLC

Hadley Hops
83 Rocky Hill Road
David Moskin

Hadley Tax
229 Russell St.
Robert Lowney

Kentucky Fried Chicken
3 South Maple St.
Michael Houston

HOLYOKE

Dunkin Donuts
225 Whiting St.
Lori Martins

Heritage Auto Transport
49 Laurel St.
Nathan Charette

Jackson Law
573 Northampton St.
Karen Jackson

Paper City Tattoo
1735 Northampton St.
James D. Riddle

Shammas Pizza
172 Sargeant St.
Joseph Ortiz

NORTHAMPTON

Sage & Cedar Landscaping Home Improvement
284 Spring St.
Brian Eaton

The Research Group
51 Day Ave.
Nancy Mihevc

Urban Exchange
233 Main St.
Silvia Namburgev

PALMER

Fredette Construction
3 Fairfield Dr.
Andrew Fredette

M.G. Janitorial Services
405 Springfield St.
Margaret Guberous

Rogue Chocolatier
2022 Bridge St.
Colin Gasko

S.V. Cleaning
1084 Pleasant St.
Sergey Ukranets

SPRINGFIELD

Fraternity of Grace
1 Federal St.
Robert J. Greeley

Fresh Cut
56 St. James Ave.
Ernesto Padilla

Gentiva Health
2069 Roosevelt Ave.
Kim Hill

Hanna’s Diner
184 Main St.
Hanna Kucharzyk

Hiraldo Transport
244 Sumner Ave.
Miguel Hiraldo

Honor Foods
207 Liberty St.
Burris Springfield

JKJM Studios
115 State St.
Jamarri Kwame

LW Development, LLC
104 Dunmoreland St.
Lancelot Watson

MW Kitchen
81 Ranney St.
William Sanchez

Maxim Seamless Gutters
21 Cluster Circle
Maksim Barabolkin

Moda Lola
86 Renee Circle
Alice Gonzalez

O’Connell Care at Home
1 Federal St.
Francis P. O’Connell

Phenomenal Beauty
10 Orange St.
Ysabel Santana

Pipetek
49 Judson St.
Graham J. Boggis

Plus One Convenience
907 Carew St.
Sageer Nawaz

Presto Digital Transfer
472 Main St.
Christopher David

Primus Mason Credit Union
815 State St.
Greg Ellerbee

WESTFIELD

Direct Home Improvement
71 Wyben Road
Mark Sychev

SmokedBear Industreez
1 Crown St.
Kyle Thomas Smith

The Hairport
148 Elm St.
Mike’s Barber Shop

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Century Auto Service
1615 Riverdale St.
Peter Plantatis

Diamond Gold Connection
389 Park St.
Corporation GX

Maxim Healthcare Services
25 Capital Dr.
Centrus Premier Home Healthcare

S.T.A.N.
791 Piper Road
Stanley Zalewski

Storrowton Tavern
1305 Memorial Ave.
Vintage Inc.

True Crew
204 Baldwin St.
Jeffrey Gil

Wholesome Barn
78 Highland Ave.
Maksim Zhuk

Incorporations

By
Departments Incorporations

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

BRIMFIELD

Laser Converting Concepts Inc., 109 Brookfield Road, Brimfield, MA 01010. Gregory Flamand, same. Laser manufacturing.

CHICOPEE

FLNY 413 Mass Motorcycle Club, LTD, 91 New Ludlow Road, Chicopee, MA 01020. Michael Jenkins, 132 West Alvord St., Springfield, MA 01108. Non-profit organization Motorcycle Club; support and charitable purposes supporting local community events; contributing and supporting local schools and other charitable organizations.

EAST LONGMEADOW

The Gentlemen’s League Inc., 5 Ruffino Road, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. John Pantera, same. Charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes to raise money for the betterment of young men in Western Massachusetts and collaborate with other charities focusing on vesting in youth.

HADLEY

Meghan’s Light Inc., 1 Rocky Hill Road, Hadley, MA 01035. Linda Kenny, 71 Homer St., Feeding Hills, MA 01030. Support finding a cure for cystic fibrosis and inspire hope and courage in patients, families, and communities impacted by the disease.

HOLYOKE

Pheet Inc., 10 Hospital Drive # 306, Holyoke, MA 01040. John Swierzewski DPM, same. Manufacturing, promoting, distributing and selling foot hygiene products, including cleaners, powders, creams, implements used to clean and care for feet.

NORTHAMPTON

The Studio Potter, A Nonprofit Corporation, 231 Elm St., No. 1R, Northampton, MA 01060. David McBeth, 111 Landrum Dr., Martin, TN 38237. Record, publish, and promote critical dialogs in ceramic arts and fine crafts through a semi-annual journal.

SPRINGFIELD

David G. Street, P.C., 175 State St., Suite 300, Springfield, MA 01103. David Street, 121 Moulton Hill Road, Monson, MA 01057. Provision of legal services to the general public.

Ministerio Vencedores Para Cristo Inc., 843 Beacon Circle, Springfield, MA 01119. Sylkia Rivera, same. Non-profit organization spreading the word of God in the area; feeding hungry and bring hope to needy.

SSD Tactical Training Inc., 100 Verge St., Unit 2, Springfield, MA 01129. Crystal Williams, 50 Holy Cross Circle, Ludlow, MA 01056. Fire-arms safety training, self-defense training, and retail sales.

SVK Dental PC, 1225 Liberty St., Springfield, MA 01104. Dr. Srinivas Desaneedi, 1401 Rockwood Drive, Saugus, MA 01906. Dental offices.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Professional Traffic System Inc., 425 Union St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Michael O’Donnell, same. Engage in transporting general commodities.

WILBRAHAM

Cima Restaurant Corp., 2200 Boston Road, Wilbraham, MA 01095. Melinda Sullivan, 178 Roosevelt Avenue, Springfield, MA 01118. Full- service restaurant.

Briefcase

By
Briefcase Departments

MGM Springfield Wins Final License Approval

SPRINGFIELD — MGM Springfield announced it has received its final state license approval from the Mass. Gaming Commission (MGC), clearing the way to begin construction. The MGC specifically found that all feasible measures have been taken to avoid or minimize impacts of the project and damage to the environment. “We are grateful to the MGC commissioners for their detailed deliberations and patience with this process,” said Michael Mathis, MGM Springfield president. “This comprehensive review has helped MGM Springfield evolve into the most community-facing and integrated property MGM Resorts has ever built.” Separately, the proposed design changes must still be approved by the city and the MGC. Updated MGM Springfield design plans were made public in September, and company executives appeared at a public presentation in Springfield in November to outline the design plan, highlighting changes that allowed for both design and cost efficiencies, as well as to provide a new project cost estimate of more than $950 million. “This approval has been a year in the making,” Mathis said. “We are eager to bring this back to Springfield and work with the city to get final signoff for impactful demolition and construction.” The Springfield City Council is expected to discuss and vote on a casino overlay district on Monday, Dec. 21. MGM Springfield representatives will be at the meeting. The new year will be busy for MGM with the commencement of active construction. MGM Springfield construction-management representatives will host ongoing information sessions with interested minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses, and the opening of the relocated MGM Springfield Community Office.

Massachusetts to See Income-tax Decrease

BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito announced that the final economic trigger was met in order to lower the state’s income tax from 5.15% to 5.10%. The income-tax cut for all Massachusetts residents will become effective on Jan. 1. “Meeting the requirements needed to reduce the income-tax rate is a sign that the Massachusetts economy remains strong,” Baker said. “Allowing citizens across the Commonwealth to keep more money in their pockets will allow the state’s economy to continue growing in 2016.” Added Polito, “the will of the voters has persevered. It’s been 15 years since the voters first made this decision, and every chance we get to provide more discretionary income is a good day for the Commonwealth and the taxpayers.” Kristen Lepore, secretary of the Executive Office for Administration and Finance, noted that “the fiscal year 2016 budget revenue assumed effects of the lower tax rate to 5.10% and has been accounted for in the balance sheet. This is good news for the taxpayers with no new impact on the state’s fiscal outlook.” A ballot initiative passed in 2000 called for the state’s income tax to be reduced to 5% over time. Legislation was passed in 2002 that tied reducing the tax rate by 0.05% each tax year (until the Part B income tax rate is 5%) to certain economic triggers. First, the inflation adjusted growth in baseline tax revenues for the preceding fiscal year has to exceed 2.5%. The second trigger, completed on the 15th of each month between September and December, certifies that the inflation-adjusted growth in baseline tax revenues over the previous three months of the current calendar year compared to the same periods of the prior calendar year is greater than zero. Once the statutory triggers are met, the rate is lowered by 0.05% until it reaches 5% percent. The charitable deduction will be restored the year after the tax rate is lowered to 5%. The last time all growth thresholds were met was in 2014.

DevelopSpringfield Issues Grants for Façade Improvements

SPRINGFIELD — DevelopSpringfield recently awarded several façade-improvement grants through the Corridor Storefront Improvement Program (CSIP), which provides grants of up to $10,000 per storefront for exterior improvements to first-floor businesses located on State and Main streets in Springfield. A grant of $30,000 was provided to Boynton Property Group for work related to its rehabilitation of the shopping plaza located at 666 State St. in the city’s Mason Square area. Funds provided were allocated toward new signage, enhanced lighting, and new windows to the plaza, home to a restaurant and beauty salon. Silverbrick Group has been making major renovations to the former Morgan Square property at 1593-1607 Main St. The project includes redevelopment of the apartments, creating Silverbrick Lofts as well as renovations to first-floor commercial space. A grant of $60,000 was provided to support installation of new, energy-efficient windows and doors for six units on the ground floor. This contribution augmented the substantial investment by the project’s developers which, in addition to the newly refurbished apartments, also includes major repairs to masonry work on the upper stories of the property. Silverbrick is located in Springfield’s downtown Innovation District, a priority redevelopment area. Finally, as a part of Nadim’s Mediterranean Grill’s recent redesign, DevelopSpringfield provided a $10,000 grant to aid in the façade enhancement, including new windows, signage, and awning. The restaurant, located at 1380-1390 Main St., has undergone a major redesign inside and out. Nadim’s made further investments to improve the inside dining room as well as the patio dining experience. “DevelopSpringfield is pleased to support these Springfield businesses in their efforts to make lasting improvements, which impact not only their own activities, but also benefit neighboring businesses as well,” said Jay Minkarah, president and CEO of DevelopSpringfield. “We are proud to be among the partners working to support and strengthen longtime and new business ventures in our city.” DevelopSpringfield’s Corridor Storefront Improvement Program was established in 2009 with the support of the city of Springfield and other private funders, to enhance the visual appeal of State and Main streets while providing assistance to businesses making investments in these two key corridors within the city. For more information on CSIP, visit www.developspringfield.com and click on ‘programs,’ or contact Minkarah at (413) 209-8808 or [email protected].

More Than 140 Become U.S. Citizens at Ceremony in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently presented more than 140 candidates for naturalization to the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. U.S. Magistrate Judge Katherine Robertson administered the Oath of Allegiance to America’s newest citizens during a naturalization ceremony at the UMass Center at Springfield. Guests and speakers included Robertson; Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno; Daniel Montagna, director of Operations at the UMass Center at Springfield; and Luis Chaves, director of the USCIS Lawrence Field Office. The citizenship candidates originate from the following 44 countries: Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bhutan, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Germany, Ghana, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Iraq, Israel, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Lithuania, Moldova, Morocco, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Somalia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and Vietnam. For more information on USCIS and its programs, visit www.uscis.gov.

State Legislation Establishes Workforce Investment Board

BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker recently signed legislation establishing the Massachusetts Workforce Investment Board to improve the public workforce system and enhance regional economies around the Commonwealth by focusing on employers’ growing need for skilled workers. “With changes to the federal workforce-investment laws, we now have an opportunity as a state to redefine and reimagine how we create skill-building programs,” Baker said. “Creating strong regional economies by designing programs that meet the demands of workers and businesses in each region is important to driving economic growth and new job opportunities for our residents.” Required by federal law and currently defined by state statute, the Massachusetts Workforce Development Board advises the governor and the secretary of Labor and Workforce Development with the mission to build a strong workforce system aligned with state education policies and economic-development goals. “To help people find good jobs, we are flipping the model to be demand-driven for employers, which, in turn, will help more people find jobs that suit their skill sets,” Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Ronald Walker II said. “We need to create a system that better meets the needs of employers who struggle to find talented workers.” The legislation, “An Act Establishing a State Workforce Development Board,” is based on a bill introduced Baker in June reconstituting the state’s Workforce Investment Board, reducing its membership from 65 members to 33, and ensuring the makeup of its membership continues to comply with federal requirements under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). WIOA was signed into law by President Obama on July 22, 2014, reauthorizing the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 after more than a decade to transform the nation’s workforce system, and to invest in a skilled workforce. The Workforce Development Board is charged with developing plans and policies, which are approved by the governor, to coordinate services through one-stop career centers and workforce boards. The board also issues policy recommendations to align the public workforce system and improve performance accountability, and will develop strategies to promote workforce participation of women, people of color, veterans, and people with disabilities across industry sectors.

Unemployment Rates Down in Massachusetts

BOSTON — Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates are down in all labor markets in the state, as measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics compared to October 2014, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported. During the month of October, seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates went down in eight labor market areas, increased in six areas, and remained the same in 10 other areas of the state. Twelve areas added jobs over the month, with the largest gains in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, Springfield, Brockton-Bridgewater-Easton, and Worcester areas. The Lowell-Billerica-Chelmsford area had no change in its jobs level over the month, while seasonal losses occurred in the Barnstable and Lynn-Saugus-Marblehead areas. In order to compare the statewide rate to local unemployment rates, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the statewide unadjusted unemployment rate for October remained at 4.5%. Last week, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported the statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.6% for the month of October. The unemployment rate is down 0.9% over the year. The statewide seasonally adjusted jobs estimate showed an 11,000-job gain in October and an over-the-year gain of 80,600 jobs. Meanwhile, the New England Information Office of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released New England and state unemployment numbers for October 2015. The New England unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.6% in October. One year ago, the New England jobless rate was higher, at 5.6%. The U.S. jobless rate was essentially unchanged from September (5.0%).

Company Notebook

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Company Notebook Departments

Monson Savings Bank Seeks Community Input on Charitable Giving

MONSON — For the sixth year in a row, Monson Savings Bank is asking the community to help plan the bank’s community-giving activities by inviting people to vote for the organizations they would like the bank to support during 2016. “Every year we donate over $100,000 to organizations doing important work in the communities we serve,” said Steve Lowell, president of Monson Savings. “For several years now, we’ve been asking the community for input on which groups they’d like us to support, and we’ve been so pleased by how many people participate. We have learned of new organizations through this process, and we also just like the idea of asking our community for input. As a community bank, we think that’s important.” To cast their vote, people can visit monsonsavings.com/in-the-community.html. On that page, they will find a list of organizations that the bank has already supported in 2015 and may provide up to three names of groups they’d like the bank to support in 2016. The only requirement is that the organizations be nonprofit and provide services in Hampden, Monson, Wilbraham, or Ware. The voting ends at 3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 15. The bank pledges to support the top 10 vote getters and will announce who they are by the end of January.

Bay Path Employees Donate to Baystate Children’s Hospital

LONGMEADOW — In keeping with Bay Path University tradition, an area nonprofit organization has been selected to receive donations from the Bay Path community in celebration of the holiday season. This year, Baystate Children’s Hospital will be the recipient charity of contributions from the university. Baystate Children’s Hospital, located at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, remains the only accredited children’s hospital in the region and delivers a high level of care to infants, children, and adolescents. The hospital is equipped with 110 beds, including 57 bassinettes, and provides more than 50 inpatient and outpatient services. Donations from Bay Path faculty and staff will include much-needed items such as toys, games, strollers, and books, among other essentials, and will be collected for the hospital today during the university’s annual employee holiday party. Bay Path employees will be honored for their years of service to the university during the party as well.

Clinical & Support Options Recognizes Employees

AMHERST — Clinical & Support Options Inc. (CSO) honored eight employees for their outstanding commitment to the community at its annual staff appreciation and holiday event on Dec. 4. These awards are presented annually to recognize the exemplary contributions made by employees in the course of their work. More than 325 guests attended this lively event, which was held at the UMass Student Union Ballroom. The Exemplary Administrative Support Award, which honors an administrative support employee whose work has been notable for its excellence, went to Marceina Purdy, back-end billing specialist in Northampton. The Outstanding Leadership Award, which recognizes outstanding leadership, vision, and initiative in support of the agency’s mission and objectives, went to Sara Stodulski, Springfield outpatient supervisor. The Exemplary Direct Service Award, honoring an employee whose direct-care work has been notable for its excellence, went to Ben Tozloski, Greenfield outpatient clinician. Chris Jones, Athol crisis clinician, was recognized with the Morale/Spirit Award, which honors the employee who, in the course of their work, has done the most in contributing to the agency’s employee morale. Nicole Lemire, Greenfield family-support worker, was recognized for Outstanding Commitment to Recovery. This award recognizes a person who promotes and integrates the principles of recovery and a trauma-informed approach by actively modeling such principles in his or her work. The award for Community Service Leadership went to Ariane Krumholz, director of Quality Improvement. This award honors a staff member who has provided exceptional personal dedication and a commitment to excellence in bringing communities together at the grass-roots level to assure that the agency meets the needs of those it serves. The Exemplary Team Award, which recognizes a program, department, or committee that has functioned as an exemplary team, whether formally or informally designated, went to the team at the Bridge Family Resource Center in Amherst. Finally, CSO honored Rich Nadolski, director of Clubhouse services, for his 30 years of service at CSO. “Our employees work tirelessly every day supporting our clients and making our communities healthier,” said President and CEO Karin Jeffers said. “I am honored to be a part of this team and recognize these employees for their dedication and excellence.”

Country Bank, Wolf & Co. Construct Housing in Haiti

WARE — In October, a team of officers and a trustee from Country Bank traveled to Haiti as part of a mission of the Be Like Brit Foundation. During the seven-day excursion, the group built a home in the community of Grand Goave, while connecting with children at the foundation’s nearby orphanage. Country Bank was joined on the trip by Mark O’Connell, CEO of Wolf & Co., an accounting firm with offices in Boston and Springfield, along with five members of his team. Dubbed ‘Team Double Trouble,’ each group built a new house, benefiting two of the area’s disadvantaged families. Housing is still greatly needed more than five years after the earthquake that devastated the Caribbean nation. The team from Country Bank cleared the lot, hand-poured the foundation, and framed and finished the structure. All the lumber, concrete, and water to the two remote building sites were carried by hand by the teams. “As community bankers, we are deeply involved with the families in need in our own region,” said Paul Scully, president and CEO of Country Bank, who traveled with the group. “Our journey with the Be Like Brit Foundation provided us with greater appreciation of the support that people need around the world. It was a life-changing experience for our group on both a personal and professional level, as the trip served as a corporate team-building and bonding opportunity. I am deeply proud to be surrounded by a team of such dedicated and caring individuals.” In addition to their time building, the teams toured the Mission of Hope International facilities, including a school, computer lab, and library. They also attended church with the children on Sunday and came back to serve lunch the following day. The orphanage was built in memory of 19-year-old Britney Gengel, the Rutland, Mass. native who perished in the 2010 Haiti earthquake while on a service trip with her college, Lynn University.

Baystate Rug & Flooring Helps Tornado Victims

SPRINGFIELD — When tornadoes carved a 39-mile path through the landscape of Western Mass. on June 1, 2011, thousands of lives were impacted. Even today, many of the tornado victims are still dealing with the aftermath, including Isidoro and Alejandrina Mulero of Springfield. Their home in the Six Corners section of the city sustained significant damage to the roof, siding, windows, and foundation. After four years, the Muleros’ home is almost habitable thanks to volunteers from the community as well as Habitat for Humanity and Revitalize Community Development Corp. (formerly Rebuilding Together), who refurbished the damaged structure. Now, all the family needs is to have the flooring installed, for which Baystate Rug & Flooring, a local, family-owned provider of flooring with locations in East Longmeadow and Chicopee, has donated labor. According to Margarita Mulero, the daughter of Isidoro and Alejandrina, the family reached out to Baystate Rug & Flooring at the recommendation of a pastor at a local church. “We were looking for someone whose heart would go out to them, someone who could volunteer their services to help finish the repairs to the house,” she said. “Baystate Rug & Flooring was the company that was suggested, and when we contacted them, they expressed interest in helping us.” Jorge Morgado, vice president of Baystate Rug & Flooring, noted, “at Baystate Rug and Flooring, we live by the motto ‘how can I make today a better day?’ When we learned about the Mulero family of Springfield, who were struggling to get back into their tornado-damaged home, we wanted to help in some small way. Donating installation services is one way we can demonstrate our commitment to making each day better for our community.”

People on the Move

By
Departments People on the Move
Christopher Casale

Christopher Casale

Chicopee Savings Bank recently welcomed Christopher Casale to its Financial Services Center as an investment services sales associate. Casale has been advising clients on investments and insurance as a registered representative for more than 30 years. In 1982, he started his career with E.F. Hutton & Co. and most recently worked at United Bank, where he served as a personal banker and assistant vice president of investments. Casale has earned his Series 7, 63, and Investment Advisor Representative designation through LPL Financial as well as his license in life, accident, and health insurance. He graduated in 1982 from American International College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

•••••

John O’Rourke III has been appointed to the position of controller at Bay Path University. O’Rourke will work closely with Vice President for Finance and Administrative Services Michael Giampietro and the staff of the university’s Business Office to account for and manage its financial assets. His responsibilities include overseeing payroll, accounting, receivables and payables, grant accounting and compliance, and the Bursar’s Office. “John O’Rourke is highly skilled in financial analysis, auditing, and strategic planning,” Giampietro said. “We are excited to have him join the university staff.” O’Rourke brings to the university more than 15 years of experience in finance and accounting. Prior to joining the Bay Path staff, he served as comptroller for Holyoke Community College, and has additional experience as an investment accountant for MassMutual Financial Group and staff accountant for Lester Halpern & Co. He holds a master’s degree in business administration from UMass Amherst.

•••••

The Gray House recently inducted five new board members to three-year terms.
• Jan Rodriguez Denney is director of Elder Affairs for the city of Springfield. She holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from UMass and a master’s degree in human resources development from American International College. She serves on the board of Partners for a Healthier Community, Springfield Food Policy Council, Regional Employment Board, YWCA, Incorporated Emerson Wright Foundation, Greater Senior Services Inc., and Springfield College Board.
• Sean Ditto is a project executive with Consigli Construction Co. in Hartford, Conn. He has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Norwich University.
• Karen Garcia is a family specialist with the New England Farm Workers Council. She works with the homeless to help them address their issues so they are able to sustain affordable housing.
• Sr. Catherine Homrok is one of the founders of the Gray House. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1959 after graduation from St. Jerome High School in Holyoke. She received her bachelor’s degree from Elms College and her master’s degree from Emerson College. Currently, she serves the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield as its director of Pastoral Ministries.
• Tina-Marie Quagliato is director of disaster recovery and compliance for the city of Springfield. She has been employed by the city for almost 11 years, with varying roles in housing, community development, and neighborhood stabilization. She is on the board of trustees for the Martin Luther King Jr. Charter School of Excellence in Springfield and the board of directors for the United Way of Pioneer Valley, Emergency Food and Shelter Program. She has volunteered with Keep Springfield Beautiful, Habitat for Humanity, Open Pantry, and the Mattoon Street Arts Festival.
The Gray House is a small, neighborhood human-service agency located at 22 Sheldon St. in the North End of Springfield. Its mission is to help neighbors facing hardships to meet their immediate and transitional needs by providing food, clothing, and educational services in a safe, positive environment. For more information, visit www.grayhouse.org.

•••••

Corina Belle-Isle has joined Gage-Wiley & Co. Inc. in a dual role, serving as a financial advisor and also holding a new position the investment firm recently created: director of business development. In her leadership position, Belle-Isle will work with President Christopher Milne to set firm and wide objectives and identify methods to reach these goals. She also will have a responsibility to develop, coordinate, and implement plans designed to increase existing business and capture new opportunities. “Creating this new leadership position represents one more incremental step in our long-term goal of advancing Gage-Wiley as a comprehensive boutique wealth-management firm mand ensuring we are well-positioned to support the growing and complex needs of our clients,” Milne said. Belle-Isle’s varied background includes experience in financial services, real estate, corporate sales and marketing, small-business ownership, and nonprofit development. Rounding out her business knowledge and experience are her creative pursuits; last year, she served as the principal and curator of the Quinn Marin Gallery Project in Rockport. “The common thread among all her experiences is a demonstrated success in business development and building strong relationships,” Milne said.

•••••

Berkshire Bank announced that Kathryn Dube has joined the bank as first vice president and wealth business development leader. Dube brings more than 30 years of banking and financial-management experience to her new role. She has held progressively responsible positions in retail banking and wealth management in the Western Mass. and Connecticut markets. Prior to joining Berkshire Bank, she served as senior vice president of private banking at TD Bank, where she was responsible for sales of wealth products and services and generating new assets. She served as senior vice president, regional retail market manager for TD Bank as well, managing a network of 35 stores and $2 billion in deposits. Dube holds Series 7 and 66 FINRA licenses. She attended the University of Connecticut, New England College of Finance, and Bryant College. Involved in numerous community endeavors, she is the current chair of the United Way Women’s Leadership Council in the Pioneer Valley, a member of the organization’s board of directors, and co-chair of the Endowment Committee for the United Way. Having previously served as chair and vice chair for the United Way of Pioneer Valley, she was selected as the organization’s Volunteer of the Year in 2014.

•••••

Phillips Insurance Agency Inc. announced that account executive Sam Fortsch has earned the prestigious accredited adviser in insurance (AAI) designation. This degree was earned after he successfully completed the Liberty Mutual Commercial Lines Producers School, an intensive, six-month training program that included multiple classes and nine exams. Fortsch joined Phillips Insurance in July 2014 after four years of active-duty service in the U.S. Army. He left the Army as a captain after two tours of duty in Afghanistan with the 101st Airborne. He holds a bachelor’s degree from UMass. Fortsch has developed a strong expertise in the energy, automotive, technology, and craft-brewing industries in a short time, said Joseph Phillips, president of Phillips Insurance. “The same level of commitment that he brought to serving his country, he has brought to serving his clients.” Fortsch is servicing existing clients and cultivating new business opportunities throughout New England. Phillips Insurance Agency, established in 1953, is a full-service risk-management firm with a staff of 23 professionals. The agency handles the personal and commercial insurance needs for thousands of individuals and businesses throughout New England.

•••••

Richard Venne, president and CEO of Community Enterprises Inc., announced the appointment of Gary Daniele as director of Greenfield Community Employment and Training Programs. He is responsible for the effective management of all aspects of employment and training services in Greenfield, and will implement the organization’s mission and values by supporting individuals to make positive changes in their lives. Daniele was previously employed by the state of Oregon as a branch manager for vocational rehabilitation. He has more than 25 years of experience in employment, vocational, and residential supports for individuals with disabilities, and was awarded the Department of Human Services Director’s Excellence Award in 2014. He received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Roger Williams University. Community Enterprises is a human-service organization that provides employment, education, housing supports, and day supports for people with disabilities. Headquartered in Northampton, it maintains 27 service locations throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Kentucky. The Massachusetts offices include Springfield, Holyoke, Pittsfield, Greenfield, Worcester, Salem, Gloucester, and Somerville. The nonprofit organization, which started as a small program at Northampton State Hospital, has grown to a $22.5 million business.

•••••

Yvonne Diaz

Yvonne Diaz

Ramon Financial Services announced that Yvonne Diaz is joining the company as a benefits consultant. She will design and service employee-benefit programs for new and existing clients. Diaz brings 16 years of industry experience, including 10 years as an account executive at Health New England. She received her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from Bay Path College and is currently a member of Leadership Pioneer Valley’s Class of 2016.

•••••

AFC Doctors Express announced the appointment of Dr. Vincent Meoli as regional medical director. With 10 years of experience, Meoli will be responsible for developing clinical guidelines for treatment of patients, assisting in recruitment of new medical staff, coordinating patient care with administrators and medical assistants, and developing ongoing teaching programs for all medical staff. “I am thrilled to join AFC Doctors Express as the new regional medical director,” Meoli said. “I have seen the company develop over the past few years as a leading healthcare resource, and I am excited to bring my passion for patient-oriented healthcare to this emerging source of collaborative medicine.” Meoli completed his emergency-medicine residency program at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 2006 and received his doctor of medicine degree from Boston University School of Medicine in 2002. He is an active member in the American College of Emergency Physicians, an organization that works to promote high-quality emergency care and continuing-education opportunities. Meoli is also involved in the American Academy of Emergency Medicine, a program that promotes access to superior emergency care by emergency-care specialists. “Our mission is to deliver high-quality healthcare and provide an exceptional experience for patients who are sick, injured, or who just need to see a doctor,” said Rick Crews, president of Medvest, LLC. “After a long search, we have found the best candidate that not only shares in our dedication to patients, but is also talented.”

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

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Chamber Corners Departments

AMHERST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.amherstarea.com
(413) 253-0700

• Jan. 12: Chamber Annual, noon to 6 p.m., at Osteria Vespa, 28 Amity St., Amherst. Help us show our gratitude to our current chamber board President Nancy Buffone and welcome our new chamber board President Julie Marcus. Cost: $25 for members, $30 for non-members.

• Jan. 13: Chamber After 5, 5-7 p.m., at Energia Fitness, 173 Russell St., Hadley. This will be an evening of networking, mixing, and mingling. Light appetizers and adult beverages will be served. Cost: $10 for members; $15 for non-members.

GREATER CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101

• Jan. 13: Multi-chamber Lunch & Learn with Robert McDonald, noon to 1:30 p.m., at Storrowton Tavern, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Topic: “Run an Effective Meeting.” Learn how to provide common rules and procedures for deliberation and debate in order to place the whole room on the same footing and speaking the same language. Tickets: $35 per person.

• Jan. 20: Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at Munich Haus Restaurant, 13 Center St., Chicopee. Cost: $23 for members, $28 for non-members.

• Jan. 27:  Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at Masse’s American Bistro, 1329 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Sponsored by the Greater Chicopee and South Hadley/Granby Chambers of Commerce. Cost: $5 for members pre-registered, $15 for non-members.

GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.easthamptonchamber.org
(413) 527-9414

• Jan. 21: Annual Meeting, 5-8 p.m., at The Delaney House, 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke. Join with your fellow Greater Easthampton Chamber members, 5-8 p.m., as we elect directors and officers for 2016, along with annual awards voted by members. Hosted by the Delaney House, 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke. Sponsored by Easthampton Savings Bank. Business Person of the Year: Janel Jorda, Web-tactics Inc.
Business of the Year: Duseau Trucking, LLC. Community Service of the Year: Greg Malynoski, Look Memorial Park and Garden House. Presidents Award: to be announced at dinner. New this year,
Ambassador of the Year: to be announced at dinner. Tickets: $35 per person. Register online at easthamptonchamber.org.

GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.holycham.com

• Jan. 13: January Coffee Buzz, 7:30-8:30 a.m., at Holyoke Medical Center, 575 Beech St., Holyoke. The Chamber Coffee Buzz is a networking event designed to help our members make connections before starting the workday, and is open to all members of the GHCC. The event takes place on a quarterly basis on the second Wednesday of the month at various member locations. Meetings will include networking and a continental breakfast, followed by introductions from each attendee, business presentations by the host (optional), and time to exchange business leads and information at the end of each meeting. We are fortunate to offer these events free of charge to our members thanks to our series sponsor, Lyon & Fitzpatrick, LLP. Although non-members are welcome to attend in order to get a feel for our programs, non-members are limited to two Coffee Buzz events before joining the chamber.

• Jan. 14: Legislative Coffee Hour, 7:45-9 a.m., at the Summit View/Hamel’s Catering, 555 Northampton St., Holyoke. Join Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni as he discusses the challenges and opportunities facing the Commonwealth, Holyoke, and area businesses for the upcoming year. Cost: $25 for members with reservation, $35 for all others.

• Jan. 15: Leadership Holyoke, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A series of seven days comprise Leadership Holyoke 2015-16. Faculty members from Holyoke Community College will participate as instructors and facilitators, and community leaders will participate as speakers and discussion leaders. Tuition is by program and is due at the start of the course. The fee also covers continental breakfasts, the graduation luncheon, and a trip to the State House in Boston. The program is for business people learning to become community leaders. Tuition costs $595.

• Jan. 28: Winners Circle 2015 Reception, 5-7 p.m., at the Yankee Pedlar, 1866 Northampton St., Holyoke. This event honors local and state elected officials. Cost: $27. Call the chamber for tickets or more information at (413) 534-3376.

GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.explorenorthampton.com

• Jan. 6: January Arrive @ 5, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Country Hyundai, 347 King St., Northampton, sponsored by Acme Automotive Center. Arrive when you can, stay as long as you can. A casual mix and mingle with your colleagues and friends. Cost: $10 for members.

• Feb. 3: February Arrive @ 5, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Union Station, 125A Pleasant St., Northampton, sponsored by Keiter Builders Inc. and others to be announced. Arrive when you can, stay as long as you can. A casual mix and mingle with your colleagues and friends. Cost: $10 for members.

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618

• Jan. 11: Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m., hosted by Tiger’s Pride Restaurant, Westfield Technical Academy, 33 Smith Ave., Westfield. Free and open to the public. Call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618 to register.

• Jan. 13: Chamber After 5 Connections, 5-7 p.m., at Roots Aquatics, 217 Root Road, Westfield. Refreshments will be provided. Join us for a great networking opportunity and don’t forget your business cards. Cost: $10 for members, $15 cash for non-members. To register, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.

• Jan. 25: Estate Planning & Asset Protection Workshop, 8-9:30 a.m., at Holiday Inn Express, 39 Southampton Road, Westfield. Presented by attorney Albert Gordon. Cost: free for chamber members, $30 for non-members. To register, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618. Coffee and pastries provided.

• Jan. 13: Multi-chamber Lunch & Learn with Robert McDonald, noon to 1:30 p.m., at Storrowton Tavern, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Topic: “Run an Effective Meeting.” Learn how to provide common rules and procedures for deliberation and debate in order to place the whole room on the same footing and speaking the same language. Tickets: $35 per person. To register, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.

SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL CHAMBER

www.myonlinechamber.com

• Jan. 6: Business@Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., hosted by Western New England University, Rivers Memorial Hall, 1215 Wilbraham Road, Springfield. Sponsored by United Personnel and Colony Care. We’ll look at the upcoming presidential election, and you can vote. Featuring political consultant Anthony Cignoli and live polling by the Western New England University Polling Institute. Cost: $20 for members ($25 at the door), $30 for non-members. For more information, call Sarah Mazzaferro at (413) 755-1313.

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.ourwrc.com
(413) 426-3880

• Jan. 13: Multi-chamber Lunch & Learn with Robert McDonald, noon to 1:30 p.m., at Storrowton Tavern, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Topic: “Run an Effective Meeting.” Learn how to provide common rules and procedures for deliberation and debate in order to place the whole room on the same footing and speaking the same language. Tickets: $35 per person. Sponsorship opportunities avaiable. For more information, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880, or e-mail us at [email protected]

• Feb. 3: Wicked Wednesday, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Partners Restaurant, 485 Springfield St., Feeding Hills. Wicked Wednesdays are monthly social events hosted by various businesses and restaurants. These events bring members and non-members together to network in a laid-back atmosphere. Cost: free for chamber members, $10 at the door for non-members. For more information, call the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].

• Feb. 18: Networking Lunch, noon to 1:30 p.m., at Lattitude, West Springfield. Must be a member or guest of a member to attend. Enjoy a sit-down lunch while networking with fellow chamber members. Each attendee will get a chance to offer a brief sales pitch. The only cost to attend is the cost of lunch. Attendees will order off the menu and pay separately that day. Note we cannot invoice you for these events. 
For more information, call the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].

• Feb. 24: Legislative Breakfast, 7-9 a.m., at Storrowton Tavern, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. The breakfast will feature a panel of legislators, including state Sen. James Welch, state Sen. Donald Humason, state Rep. Nicholas Boldyga, state Rep. Michael Finn, Agawam Mayor Richard Cohen, and West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt. Cost: $25 for members, $30 for non-members. For more information on ticket sales, call the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].

Agenda

By
Agenda Departments

‘Firearms of Famous People’

Through April 24: “Firearms of Famous People: From Target Shooters to Presidents,” a temporary exhibit of extraordinary firearms and memorabilia owned by well-known politicians, presidents, and celebrities, is now on view at the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History. The exhibit, which was organized in cooperation with the Smith & Wesson Collectors Assoc., is on display through April 24, 2016 in a space adjacent to the Smith & Wesson Gallery of Historic Firearms. Admission prices are $18 for adults, $12 for seniors and college students, $9.50 for children 3-17, and free for children under 3 and museum members. The fee provides access to all four museums. General admission is free for Springfield residents with proof of address.

Gentle Yoga for Cancer Survivors

Starting Jan. 6: Baystate Franklin Medical Center’s (BFMC) Oncology Department will present three consecutive eight-week yoga classes called “Gentle Yoga for Cancer Survivors,” at the YMCA of Greenfield. The free classes will take place on Wednesdays from noon to 1:30 p.m., on Jan. 6 to Feb. 24, March 2 to April 20, and April 27 to June 15. The course facilitator is Pam Roberts, a certified Kripalu yoga teacher and a breast-cancer survivor for more than 20 years. Roberts is also a certified Yoga of the Heart for Cardiac and Cancer Patients instructor. The weekly gentle yoga classes, for individuals who have been living with a cancer diagnosis, consist of stretching, strengthening, and breathing and deep-relaxation exercises. One participant called the class “the best thing that has helped me after breast cancer.” Another said the class was “beneficial to my body, mind, and spirit.” Participants have found that the class helps with strengthening muscles and promoting relaxation. The yoga program is funded by BFMC’s annual Wheeling for Healing Bike Event, which supports oncology patients, programs, and services at Baystate Franklin. For more information or to register, contact Pam Roberts at (413) 625-2402 or [email protected].

Ruth’s House Blood Drive

Dec. 30: JGS Lifecare will host an American Red Cross blood drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ruth’s House Assisted Living Residence, 780 Converse St., Longmeadow. The American Red Cross and JGS Lifecare invite eligible donors to help ensure that blood is available for patients in need. To make an appointment, call (800) 733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org. Walk-ins are also welcome with positive ID. All donors will receive a Red Cross long-sleeve T-shirt.

Difference Makers

March 31: The eighth annual Difference Makers award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House. Details on the event will be published in upcoming issues of the magazine. 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. The magazine’s editor and publishers have chosen this year’s class, which will be profiled in the Jan. 25 issue.

In Memoriam: Mike Balise IS a Difference Maker

By
MikeBaliseFeature
Opinion

Mike Balise

Mike Balise

A few months before he succumbed to cancer, ESPN anchor Stuart Scott stood at the podium at the ESPY Awards to accept the Jim Valvano Award for Perseverance.

In his moving remarks, Scott, in essence, told those assembled that when someone’s cancer fight ends, we should refrain from saying that he or she “lost their battle.” That fight is often won, he went on, because the individual confronted the disease with courage, the conviction to live their life to their fullest, and determination not to let cancer dictate whatever time they had left.

Those words certainly rang true recently with the news that Mike Balise, co-owner of Balise Motor Sales, passed away at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute roughly 15 months after being diagnosed with incurable stomach cancer at the age of 50.

There is certainly no debate about who won this fight — Mike did.

He battled the disease with his indomitable humor, determination to continue, for as his long as he could, his work not only with the company, but within the community as well — efforts that ranged from raising awareness of the need for more cancer-treatment facilities in this region (and money to build those facilities), to buying winter coats for area young people in need.

Last September, BusinessWest talked with Mike and some members of his family about his fight, and his determination and courage certainly came through. So much so that one could easily make the argument that no story the magazine has published in its 32-year history resonated more with readers.

Indeed, there were countless calls and e-mails from individuals conveying the message that they were greatly inspired by Mike’s ability to battle a death sentence with poise, dignity, and a desire to focus not on his plight, but on how he could do even more to help others.

A common refrain from those who reached out was “I’ve never met Mike, but reading this, I wish I could.’’

Those comments, as well as Mike’s long track record of philanthropy and community involvement, resonated with the decision-makers at BusinessWest this fall when they convened to decide whom to honor with the magazine’s Difference Maker award next spring.

They considered and then chose to honor Mike knowing fully well that it was very likely that his seat would be empty at the gala in March. But he will honored along with the others who will be announced next month, because he has been, and remains, an inspiration in so many ways, and is thus clearly worthy of that title Difference Maker, and always will be.

And when his name is introduced to those gathered at the Log Cabin in March, it will not be through use of the past tense — because he isn’t done being a Difference Maker. His inspirational life — not simply those last 15 months or so — will ensure that this is the case.

As for that cancer fight — from the minute Mike was diagnosed, everyone knew how it would end. All those who knew Mike could also predict how the battle would be waged; with courage and conviction. And that’s why we shouldn’t say the fight was lost.

Because it wasn’t.

Court Dockets

By
Court Dockets Departments

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

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Coyote Realty LLC v. Total Wellness Center d/b/a Clean Slate
Allegation: Breach of lease agreement: $220,000
Filed: 10/9/15

Vincent P. Traina Jr. v. People’s United Bank, Jill DeSouza, and Anthony Ferraro
Allegation: Defamation and slander: $1,300,000
Filed: 11/10/15

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

Building Specialties/Architectural Hardware Inc. v. James J. Welch & Co. Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of services, labor, and materials: $86,450
Filed: 10/28/15

Catherine O’Neill v. Quik Foods Inc., d/b/a Burger King
Allegation: Negligent maintenance of property causing personal injury: $14,294.10
Filed: 11/18/15

Dietz Construction Co. v. James J. Welch & Co. Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $102,392.98
Filed: 11/16/15

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

Ernesto Jaimes, by his mother Omayra Gonzalez v. Motor Realty Co., d/b/a Townline Motel
Allegation: Bedbug infestation causing personal injury: $5,000
Filed: 12/9/15

PALMER DISTRICT COURT

Alexis Levesque v. Horizon’s Restaurant & Bar
Allegations: The plaintiff bit into a plastic object in her sandwich causing painful oral and dental injuries: $5,000+
Filed: 12/10/15

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Estelle Moses v. Columbia Gas of MA
Allegation: Breach of duty of care and negligence causing personal injury: $11,780.50
Filed: 11/18/15

Jamy and Teresa Lazarack v. Warren Truck and Auto Repair
Allegation: Fraud and unfair and deceptive trade practices: $3,937.61
Filed: 12/3/15

Luz Lazala v. Columbia Gas of MA
Allegation: Negligence causing explosion and loss of rental income: $23,000
Filed: 11/17/15

New England Industrial Uniform Rental Service v. Siemon Co.
Allegation: Breach of contract for rental and cleaning of industrial garments: $9,685.33
Filed: 12/8/15

What We’d Like to See in 2016 (Part 2)

By
Opinion

In the last episode of ‘what we’d like to see in 2016,’ you might recall that we desired to see — and actually expect to see — progress on a number of fronts — everything from efforts to promote entrepreneurship to workforce-development initiatives in light of retiring Baby Boomers; from strategies to bolster the once (and still) proud manufacturing sector to what we called a ‘normalizing of relations with MGM’ after an unnecessarily stormy 2015.

For part 2, we have something else for the wish list — something probably more elusive but in many ways just as important. Let’s call it an attitude shift, or adjustment.

You know what we’re talking about, and it goes by different names in these parts. Some would label it an inferiority complex, while others, those who are slightly more cynical, might describe it as a ‘can’t-do attitude.’

It’s the sentiment that there’s something wrong, or lacking, in this region, and that we can’t ever rise above it and be like Boston or Cambridge, or even Lowell or Worcester. Such sentiments are reinforced every December when BusinessWest presents its annual Economic Outlook. Economists from area colleges and universities and AIM talk about how great the state’s economy is doing, and then present the obligatory caveat — ‘except in Western Mass.’

So there are some good reasons why this attitude prevails, especially when one considers the city of Springfield, the unofficial capital of this region.

Indeed, when people talk about it glowingly (which isn’t that often), it is almost always with the past tense that they get the job done. That’s what’s needed when we talk about everything from vibrancy downtown to the state of the manufacturing sector, to the health and vitality of specific neighborhoods. The good old days were decades ago, and by most accounts, especially from those who fuel the inferiority complex, we’re not likely to see them again, at least anytime soon.

Meanwhile, the skyline of the city — maybe the most telling sign of progress when it comes to a metropolitan area — simply hasn’t changed (unless one counts the MassMutual Center) since Ronald Reagan was in the White House and Mike Dukakis was in the State House. That’s a long time to go without a major new building initiative. In the 30 years prior to that, the downtown changed dramatically.

And this brings us back to our hope for an attitude adjustment. It’s not going to instantly change our fortunes, but it certainly can’t hurt.

We have to accept the fact that this region is not going to Boston, any more than Albany or Troy can be New York City, or Augusta can be Atlanta, or Bethlehem can be Pittsburgh. And in the meantime, there is a lot to be proud of here — a high quality of life, affordability, culture, history, tradition, and some extremely livable communities.

What we don’t have … OK, that’s a long list. We don’t have a large biotech sector or major technology employers or a robust financial-services sector. Perhaps more importantly, we don’t the vibrant nightlife and myriad entertainment options often needed to attract and retain the professionals needed to fuel all of the above.

But people are working on it. Dramatic change won’t come overnight, but it’s very easy to envision a Springfield, and therefore a region, that is more vibrant — and still has all those other qualities listed above.

How easy? Much more easily than any time in the past 30 years.

Will it happen? Maybe. We’ll even offer a ‘probably.’ And an attitude adjustment might just help get it done.

Picture This

By
Departments Picture This

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

 

Opening Pitch

Farmington Bank

Former Red Sox knuckleball pitcher Tim Wakefield (back row, center) joined Farmington Bank executives and employees during the grand-opening celebration of the bank’s new branch at 61 North Main St., East Longmeadow. Wakefield — Farmington Bank’s new celebrity spokesperson — signed baseballs and posed for photos as part of the bank’s Family Day of activities. The East Longmeadow branch is the second office Farmington Bank has opened in Western Mass., following 85 Elm St. in West Springfield.

 

 

A Cut Above

Modern Salon

Modern Salon recently named the 2015 class of Excellence in Education honorees in its sixth annual program recognizing leadership and best practices among cosmetology schools, and DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology was chosen to represent excellence in the category of Community Involvement, Marketing Innovation, School Culture. “We received applications from cosmetology schools across the country and look forward to celebrating all the 2015 Excellence in Education honorees and sharing their stories. It is truly a great time to pursue a beauty education and career, and the program at DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology exemplifies that fact,” said Modern Salon Editorial Director Michele Musgrove. Paul DiGrigoli, president and CEO of the DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology, added, “I’m so grateful to have such a stellar faculty and team. They have supported and created an environment of positivity and energy that constantly and continuously helps take our students’ minds and careers to another altitude. I am proud to say that the future professionals who graduate from the DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology have received jobs from some of the best salons in our area. We will continue to reach for greater heights to provide all of our students with higher education, and we are so honored to be receiving this prestigious award for the fourth year in a row.”

 

 

 

Key Healthcare-delivery Trends for 2016

By
Opinion

By KERRY ANN HAYON

As we head into 2016, it is important to think about some of the things that will impact physician practices in the year ahead.

• Patients are increasingly seeking healthcare-delivery services that are both accessible and quickly responsive to their needs. In 2016, convenience will continue to be a key factor in where patients choose to receive care, and emerging technologies will enhance accessibility to care by bringing care-delivery options to patients’ fingertips.

Store-based, limited-service clinics have made an impact on routine care delivery over the past few years and will continue to cater to patients who are in need of prompt treatment for low-acuity illnesses and injuries; quick access to sports, camp, or other physicals; administration of vaccines; or any other walk-in type of low-acuity illness. Meanwhile, urgent-care centers continue to be a focus for patients who are in need of immediate care but don’t warrant an emergency-department visit. In 2016, the continued pressure of high-deductible health plans will be one driver in patient decisions to obtain care in these environments.

• Integration of telemedicine into health-plan payment policies will expand access to physicians for patients both in terms of convenience and enhanced monitoring of chronically ill patients. 2016 is expected to be the year when physicians and their practices strategize on how to incorporate telemedicine into their operational and care-delivery processes for their patient population.

• Emerging technologies — such as the ability for physicians to connect with patients via a mobile-phone application — will change the physician-patient relationship. Additionally, FDA-approved mobile-phone applications, diagnostic wearable devices, and condition-specific monitoring devices will start to augment the largely consumer-driven self-monitoring health market. It is expected that technology development in this area will grow vigorously in 2016.

• Over the past few years, data has played a significant role in healthcare. This trend will continue, with practices increasingly focusing on understanding the practice’s patient population. New approaches will likely elevate the ability of the practice to monitor the health of chronically ill patients, determine the currently healthy patients that may be at risk down the line, and identify potential gaps in care. In 2016, data flow between systems will increase, which will help create linkage points between health systems, physician offices, outpatient centers such as store-based limited service clinics, urgent-care centers, and the patient.

Patients will likely play an increased role in creating actionable data, providing physicians with instant feedback as to their current condition and data points relevant to their care. As systems improve and data capture outside of the traditional office visit becomes more reliable, patient-population health management will be an area of focus, opportunity, and ongoing change in the years ahead.

• Patient-centered care, of which a core component is patient experience, has been a focus for many practices over the past few years. The inclusion of patient experience in accountable-care models, the meaningful-use program, and patient-centered medical home models certainly escalated focus in this area. Increased efforts around transparency of patient-experience scores, which many organizations started to explore in 2015, will start to influence where patients decide to receive care next year.

In 2016, an increased focus on collaboration and communication between patients and physicians will result in more emphasis on ‘relationship-centered’ care to account for the back-and-forth communication and shared decision making that has been found to promote patient engagement and support enhanced patient outcomes.

What does this all mean for physician practices? Similar to 2015, 2016 will be a year where we continue to focus on transitions and enhancements to systems, processes, and continued innovation in terms of delivery and payment models. Practices will work to engage their patients in new ways and, as a result, will have an opportunity to innovate and try new things while maintaining the excellent care that they already provide. v

Kerry Ann Hayon is director of the Mass. Medical Society’s (MMS) Physician Practice Resource Center. This article first appeared in Vital Signs, an MMS publication.

Building Permits

By
Building Permits Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of December 2015.

AMHERST

78 Old Sunderland Road, LLP
78 Old Sunderland Road
$2,500 — Repair front of building

Claudette Beaudreau
534 Main St.
$17,000 — Remove and replace shingles

Railroad Street Partners, LLC
55 N. Pleasant St.
$13,000 — New roof

Slobody Development Corporation
101 University Dr. Suite B6
$130,000 — Office alteration

Vestry of Grace Church
14-18 Boltwood Ave.
$14,000 — Repair lightening damage to chimney

CHICOPEE

CDB Realty, LLC
49 Dwight St.
$20,500 — Remove and re-lay brick veneer

Petros Mirisis
456 Front St.
$69,000 — Renovations to convert space to an ice cream shop

Tunstall Corporation
118 Exchange St.
$13,000 — Strip and re-roof

HADLEY

Andre Laflamme
75 River Dr.
$20,000 — 20’ x 62’ addition to existing building

F.L. Roberts, Inc.
456 Russell St.
$58,000 — New one story addition to rear of building

Town of Hadley
100 Middle St.
$100,000 — New roof

LUDLOW

Burger King
419 Center St.
$115,000 — Commercial alterations

Colvest Wilbraham, LLC
450 Center St.
$264,000 — New construction

DPW
198 Sportsmen Road
$685,000 — Roof replacement

Steve McDaniel
534 Center St.
$4,500 — Re-shingle roof

NORTHAMPTON

Coolidge Northampton, LLC
241 King St.
$55,000 — Convert one unit into two spaces

Smith College
Mendenhall Center
$92,000 — Renovation to women’s faculty locker rooms

Smith College
49 College Lane
$93,000 —  Rebuild the deck at the Conference Center

Smith College
25 Henshaw Ave.
$140,000 — Renovate lobby, classroom, corridor at Capen House Annex

PALMER

J. Stolar Insurance Agency
2001 Calkins Road
$110,000 — Renovate office space

Roger Parker
89 State St.
$32,000 — Re-frame and re-roof building

SBA Network Services
Wilbraham Street
$15,000 — New antenna

Collins Crochiere Construction Services, LLC
1010 Thorndike St.
$243,000 — Office renovation

SPRINGFIELD

CBRE New England
1355 Liberty St.
$575,000 — New roof

Falvey Linen Supply
100 Brookdale Sr.
$30,000 — Interior demo for future build out

Liberty Medical Building
125 Liberty St.
$42,000 — Renovations for a medical office

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Fathers & Sons Audi
434 Memorial Ave.
$5,827,000 — Two-story automotive and sales facility

Normandeau Realty
41 Hayes Ave.
$25,500 — Re-roof

Real Estate Transactions

By
Departments Real Estate

The following real estate transactions (latest available) were compiled by Banker & Tradesman and are published as they were received. Only transactions exceeding $115,000 are listed. Buyer and seller fields contain only the first name listed on the deed.

FRANKLIN COUNTY

BERNARDSTON

161 Bald Mountain Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $144,300
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Patrick K. Russell
Date: 11/23/15

BUCKLAND

34 Franklin St.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $179,000
Buyer: Rebecca Deyo
Seller: Anna J. Humbert
Date: 11/23/15

3 Hillside Ave.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Patricia R. VanSchoyck
Seller: Viola Lyons RET
Date: 11/16/15

15 Monroe Ave.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Jesus Borra
Seller: Wendy S. Hodgdon
Date: 11/13/15

COLRAIN

123 Foundry Village Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: 123 Foundry Road NT
Seller: Bayview Loan Servicing
Date: 11/23/15

2 Phillips Dr.
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Keith L. Hedlund
Seller: Luigi Ottaviani
Date: 11/16/15

CONWAY

317 Hart Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Jill B. Craig
Seller: Chris E. Singley
Date: 11/13/15

DEERFIELD

717 Greenfield Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $234,439
Buyer: Peoples United Bank
Seller: Lawrence E. Jason
Date: 11/27/15

141 North Main St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Sonam Lama
Seller: Kathleen A. Rowe-Clapp
Date: 11/13/15

169 North Main St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Michael J. Pancione
Seller: Diana J. Tardif
Date: 11/19/15

3 Yellow Farm Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $263,000
Buyer: Amy V. Laroche
Seller: John R. Merantza
Date: 11/30/15

ERVING

19 East Main St.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: John M. Spence
Seller: John McAuley
Date: 11/30/15

4 Moore St.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $168,750
Buyer: David E. Finn
Seller: Douglas M. Finn
Date: 11/16/15

GREENFIELD

82 Barton Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $146,200
Buyer: Bank New York Mellon
Seller: Todd Baker
Date: 11/20/15

32 Cleveland St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: Jeffrey M. Lively
Seller: Priscilla R. Chadwick
Date: 11/30/15

17 Factory Hollow
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: George Murphy
Seller: Elizabeth D. Adams
Date: 11/13/15

14 Greenway Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Paul J. Rotkiewicz
Seller: Rachael A. Katz
Date: 11/18/15

18 Linden Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Ryan S. Hellwig
Seller: Jessica D. Gordon
Date: 11/18/15

127 Shelburne Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $181,000
Buyer: Moira Taylor
Seller: Nancy L. Orth
Date: 11/30/15

77 Smith St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Verlander FT
Seller: Munsinger, Jeanne C., (Estate)
Date: 11/25/15

LEVERETT

125 Dudleyville Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Alexis Kuhr
Seller: Matthew J. Howell
Date: 11/13/15

LEYDEN

151 River Road
Leyden, MA 01337
Amount: $284,388
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Harry C. Kuenzel
Date: 11/13/15

MONTAGUE

9 Bernardo Dr.
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Stefanie Holmes
Seller: JLM Builders Inc.
Date: 11/13/15

66 Greenfield Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: James P. Bartus
Seller: William F. Allis
Date: 11/25/15

219 Turners Falls Road
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: William B. Stratford
Seller: Joshua R. Sawin
Date: 11/30/15

177 Turnpike Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Sara L. Burgess
Seller: James P. Bartus
Date: 11/25/15

NORTHFIELD

8 4 Mile Brook Road
Northfield, MA 01354
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Craig E. Bodenstein
Seller: Vearling INT
Date: 11/25/15

ORANGE

66 Congress St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Paul G. Gil
Seller: Trista M. Dupell
Date: 11/20/15

73 East Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Douglas A. Cote
Seller: Peter K. Lyman
Date: 11/30/15

34 North Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Bombadillo LLC
Seller: Wallace M. Yohan
Date: 11/17/15

SHELBURNE

55 Frank Williams Road
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Josiah J. Simpson
Seller: Linda Gramse-Macdonald
Date: 11/20/15

SHUTESBURY

286 Montague Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Ann E. Brigham
Seller: Sarah Patton
Date: 11/30/15

SUNDERLAND

142 Hadley Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Monterey Rose LLC
Seller: Hoynoski RT
Date: 11/30/15

149 Hadley Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $715,000
Buyer: Monterey Rose LLC
Seller: Hoynoski RT
Date: 11/30/15

32 North Bears Den Dr.
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Robert T. Cartelli
Seller: John M. Snyder
Date: 11/17/15

56 Plumtree Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $269,000
Buyer: Vincent J. Tran
Seller: Herman Copen RET
Date: 11/16/15

WHATELY

14 Swamp Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $257,500
Buyer: Stephen D. Gross
Seller: Earl E. & E. P. Morton RET
Date: 11/30/15

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

342 Adams St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $137,000
Buyer: Justin M. Pitoniak
Seller: USA HUD
Date: 11/30/15

1775 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Clark Gore
Seller: 3B Realty Corp.
Date: 11/24/15

57 Poplar St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $177,387
Buyer: Bank New York Mellon
Seller: Barbara E. Bush
Date: 11/20/15

54 Raymond Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $219,635
Buyer: USA HUD
Seller: Susan Gaughan
Date: 11/12/15

127 Roosevelt Ave.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Michael A. Devine
Seller: Robert E. Bushey
Date: 11/13/15

Rowley St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: VIP Homes & Associates LLC
Seller: Joseph A. Morris
Date: 11/23/15

331 Rowley St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: John R. Conte
Seller: Scott E. Skolnick
Date: 11/13/15

10 Royal St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $147,500
Buyer: Jesse E. Redmond
Seller: Justin Bard
Date: 11/30/15

29 Royal St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Michael J. Moriarty
Seller: Sarah L. Baker
Date: 11/30/15

16 Scherpa St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $146,000
Buyer: Jinhong Ma
Seller: Jackie Y. Tang
Date: 11/16/15

34 Sunrise Terrace
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $182,500
Buyer: Jeffrey A. Trauschke
Date: 11/27/15

94 White Fox Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Citizens Bank
Seller: Janice L. Conlin
Date: 11/12/15

94 Witheridge St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $139,000
Buyer: Roman Gurskii
Seller: Marie L. Viens
Date: 11/20/15

BLANDFORD

16 Julius Hall Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $253,000
Buyer: Leighton King
Seller: Arthur Hernandez
Date: 11/30/15

2 Sperry Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $128,715
Buyer: LNV Corp.
Seller: Lori A. Benedict
Date: 11/13/15

BRIMFIELD

70 1st St.
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Elizabeth E. Crosby
Seller: Russell J. Omer
Date: 11/17/15

74 1st St.
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Elizabeth E. Crosby
Seller: Russell J. Omer
Date: 11/17/15

144 Old Palmer Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: Kathleen M. Gallant
Seller: Nicholas C. Truax
Date: 11/13/15

83 Sutcliffe Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Jacob W. Roche
Seller: Timothy J. Senecal
Date: 11/25/15

CHESTER

101 Middlefield Road
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $199,000
Buyer: Jeffrey S. Wundt
Seller: Wade A. Whitaker
Date: 11/24/15

CHICOPEE

174 Ashgrove St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $159,900
Buyer: Merrill V. Champlin
Seller: Kos, Chester J., (Estate)
Date: 11/27/15

79 Casey Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: Melissa M. Weibel
Seller: Brenda L. Kroeber
Date: 11/30/15

30 Cherryvale St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $254,900
Buyer: William J. Snow
Seller: Scott R. Saville
Date: 11/20/15

247 Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $139,400
Buyer: USA HUD
Seller: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Date: 11/18/15

38 Dorothy Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Jessica Ojeda-Tarrats
Seller: Adam T. Tetrault
Date: 11/30/15

15 Gaylord St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $289,000
Buyer: College Of Our Lady of the Elms
Seller: Marjorie C. Balicki
Date: 11/18/15

149 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $118,000
Buyer: Lillian R. Gamelli
Seller: Randy Recchia
Date: 11/16/15

207 Jacob St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $167,000
Buyer: Francisco Rodriguez
Seller: Peter A. White
Date: 11/23/15

161 Lafayette St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Kyle Laplante
Seller: Donald R. Chapdelaine
Date: 11/23/15

22 Mill St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Ana I. Colondres
Seller: Jennifer R. Rurak
Date: 11/25/15

455 Oldfield Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Gustavo A. Santos
Date: 11/25/15

242 Rolf Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $129,500
Buyer: Heather J. Jagodowski
Seller: Rose Lukiwsky
Date: 11/20/15

76 Springfield St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Orange Park Management
Seller: HY Management LLC
Date: 11/27/15

51 Waite Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $239,500
Buyer: John Wilkie
Seller: Gail A. Kosiorek
Date: 11/18/15

176 Wildermere St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $232,500
Buyer: Douglas W. Prive
Seller: Geraldine A. Kasulinous
Date: 11/30/15

EAST LONGMEADOW

113 Brookhaven Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Timothy P. Crimmins
Seller: Mark C. Penndorf
Date: 11/20/15

65 Brookhaven Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Mark A. Jones
Seller: Stanley R. Shaw
Date: 11/13/15

Capri Dr. #27
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $149,900
Buyer: Kent Pecoy & Sons Construction
Seller: Bella Vista Land Holdings
Date: 11/18/15

15 Frankwyn St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Caitlin O’Brien
Seller: Racicot, Carole, (Estate)
Date: 11/20/15

81 Hillside Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Samantha J. Carey
Seller: Brandon O’Dell
Date: 11/25/15

393 Pease Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $352,000
Buyer: Michelle Segura
Seller: Dianne K. Jordan
Date: 11/20/15

271 Prospect St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $231,500
Buyer: Christopher M. Eckers
Seller: Maria Damico
Date: 11/20/15

292 Somers Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $247,000
Buyer: Russell Doane
Seller: Gerald N. Lantaigne
Date: 11/18/15

31 Yorkshire Place
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $296,200
Buyer: Aniello Gisolfi
Seller: Douglas Fisher
Date: 11/20/15

HAMPDEN

239 Allen St.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: William A. Kerr
Seller: New England Power Co.
Date: 11/23/15

41 Bennett Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Ronald A. Kempf
Seller: Sandra R. Schermerhorn
Date: 11/20/15

118 Raymond Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $276,094
Buyer: USA HUD
Seller: Bank Of America
Date: 11/24/15

93 Somers Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $115,500
Buyer: Guy Dewolf
Seller: US Bank
Date: 11/12/15

HOLLAND

4 Cobham Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $218,000
Buyer: Richard Shonak
Seller: John M. Stevens
Date: 11/25/15

100 Maybrook Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Robert F. Terbush
Seller: Donna Pearson
Date: 11/30/15

20 Old Acres Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Douglas S. Columb
Seller: O’Connor, James B., (Estate)
Date: 11/17/15

26 Stony Hill Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $307,000
Buyer: Anne M. Villa
Seller: Stephen R. Dwyer
Date: 11/12/15

HOLYOKE

15 Clinton Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $214,500
Buyer: James M. Huston
Seller: Maria I. Neves
Date: 11/12/15

65 Lindor Heights
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $264,900
Buyer: Miguel Rivera
Seller: Susan J. Mikolajczyk
Date: 11/19/15

204-206 Locust St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $147,798
Buyer: Westvue NPL T
Seller: Michelle R. Gamache
Date: 11/18/15

10 Mackintosh Terrace
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Shepard Torres
Seller: Maria U. Griffin
Date: 11/25/15

179 Morgan St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Leonard A. Brouillette
Seller: Raymond Smalley
Date: 11/24/15

208 Southampton Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Eric D. Trompke
Seller: Michele M. Melnick
Date: 11/20/15

42 Washington Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $119,790
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Miguel A. Ortiz
Date: 11/13/15

Whiting Farms Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $2,000,000
Buyer: New Holyoke Realty LLC
Seller: Holyoke Gas & Electric
Date: 11/23/15

LONGMEADOW

123 Crestview Circle
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Laplante Construction Inc.
Seller: Todd M. Adelson
Date: 11/12/15

17 Crestview Circle
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Rebecca Kwasnik
Seller: Eric G. Gorenstein
Date: 11/13/15

105 Fenwood Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Christopher D. Legiadre
Seller: Brochu, Judith E., (Estate)
Date: 11/18/15

145 Franklin Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Tracey Messina
Seller: John G. Dee
Date: 11/20/15

109 Greenacre Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $349,000
Buyer: Christy L. Parziale
Seller: James H. Stewart
Date: 11/19/15

89 Lincoln Park
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Donald A. Overson
Seller: Sally Sadak
Date: 11/24/15

28 Meadow Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Tomroc Holdings LLC
Seller: Hodesh, Virginia A., (Estate)
Date: 11/23/15

196 Meadowlark Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $263,000
Buyer: Ira Smolowitz
Seller: William Raleigh
Date: 11/20/15

17 Ridge Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $327,500
Buyer: Dat N. Dang
Seller: Harold F. Alston
Date: 11/24/15

29 Wimbleton Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $239,900
Buyer: Maureen E. Crowley
Seller: Gerald A. Silvestri
Date: 11/20/15

67 Wimbleton Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $222,000
Buyer: Wimbleton Drive RT
Seller: Lisa A. Maxey
Date: 11/16/15

LUDLOW

58 Beachside Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $186,000
Buyer: Susan Gamelli
Seller: William A. Alves
Date: 11/20/15

96 Clearwater Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: David Fernandes
Seller: Maria J. Goncalves
Date: 11/16/15

53 Davis St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: David G. Abdou
Seller: Ghislain R. Mathieu
Date: 11/13/15

45 Jackie Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Marco A. Alvan
Seller: Jose L. Marques
Date: 11/20/15

972 Poole St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Albert P. Witkowsky
Seller: Jorge J. Fonseca
Date: 11/16/15

21 Skyridge St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Randi E. Pereira
Seller: Gary G. Bourbeau
Date: 11/12/15

220 Ventura St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $252,500
Buyer: Gil E. Gomes
Seller: Paul E. Hillsburg
Date: 11/17/15

MONSON

206 Brimfield Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Karen Palmerino
Seller: Elizabeth T. Foucher
Date: 11/30/15

20 High St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $226,000
Buyer: Jessica L. Klisiewicz
Seller: Pamela M. Wentworth
Date: 11/30/15

372 Main St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $237,213
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Jaime M. Miner
Date: 11/24/15

95 May Hill Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $229,900
Buyer: Jeanne R. Guertin
Seller: Anthony J. Norbut
Date: 11/30/15

265 Silver St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $234,500
Buyer: Christine A. Champagne
Seller: Jeanne R. Guertin
Date: 11/30/15

25 State St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Robert L. Meacham
Seller: Mary A. Meacham
Date: 11/25/15

MONTGOMERY

184 Pitcher St.
Montgomery, MA 01085
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Frank Pietrasiuk
Seller: Theresa M. Farina
Date: 11/13/15

PALMER

295 Burlingame Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Samuel T. Gay
Seller: Victor J. Granger
Date: 11/13/15

174 Chudy St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Thomas A. Palazzi
Seller: Jones, Barbara E., (Estate)
Date: 11/25/15

36 Edgewood St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Annunziata Cardaropoli
Seller: Ania M. Waite
Date: 11/13/15

1760 North Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Audrey M. Wilcox
Seller: Chester J. Bogacz
Date: 11/13/15

1088 Pleasant St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $127,500
Buyer: Nicholas D. Lee
Seller: Michael D. Staples
Date: 11/24/15

51 Highland Ave.
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $221,000
Buyer: Corey R. Sampson
Seller: Lee M. Kozikowski
Date: 11/30/15

52 Overlook Dr.
Russell, MA 01085
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: 52 Overlook Drive Land TR
Seller: John T. Leahy

581 Woodland Way
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $332,000
Buyer: Lee M. Kozikowski
Seller: Kyle A. Dulude
Date: 11/30/15

SOUTHWICK

4 Eden Hill
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Carmine B. Santaniello
Seller: Mark C. Placek
Date: 11/30/15

7 Falmouth Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Peter M. Merceri
Seller: Gertrude R. Raymond
Date: 11/18/15

100 Fred Jackson Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Walter E. Drenen
Seller: George L. Darm
Date: 11/25/15

31 George Loomis Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Kirsten Prouty
Seller: Jason A. Wyse
Date: 11/30/15

5 Junction Station Road #5
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $339,000
Buyer: John E. Provencher
Seller: 20 Depot Square LLC
Date: 11/12/15

10 Oak St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Jake Malkoon
Seller: Paul Troy
Date: 11/13/15

133 South Longyard Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $233,000
Buyer: Patrick T. Call
Seller: David P. Whalley
Date: 11/30/15

SPRINGFIELD

379 Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: NDA 385 Allen St LLC
Seller: Michael J. Mastronardi
Date: 11/18/15

385 Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: NDA 385 Allen St LLC
Seller: Michael J. Mastronardi
Date: 11/18/15

527 Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Sonal Patel LLC
Seller: O’Connell Oil Associates
Date: 11/16/15

Allen St. (NES)
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: NDA 385 Allen St. LLC
Seller: Michael J. Mastronardi
Date: 11/18/15

32 Ashmont St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Courtney Merkman
Seller: Patricia E. Garrigan
Date: 11/16/15

46 Barrington Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Tong Wang
Seller: Peter A. Maneen
Date: 11/23/15

45 Bartlett St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $122,000
Buyer: Eddie Gonzalez
Seller: Nery Bernal
Date: 11/30/15

282 Breckwood Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Janyce L. Casey
Seller: Joseph Andrade
Date: 11/19/15

59 Chalmers St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: Porfirio Agosto
Seller: Fitzgerald, Mary R., (Estate)
Date: 11/20/15

79 Chesterfield Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $137,500
Buyer: Rafael A. Vallejo
Seller: Mary A. Lynch
Date: 11/19/15

313 Christopher Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Daniel J. Schmaelzle
Seller: Jamary Rosa
Date: 11/12/15

76-78 Cleveland St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Susana Mercedes-Demota
Seller: Jose F. Urbieta
Date: 11/19/15

11 Colony Road
Springfield, MA 01106
Amount: $351,000
Buyer: Matthew C. Szostkiewicz
Seller: Kati T. Litten
Date: 11/12/15

162-164 Corthell St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $239,900
Buyer: Bobby Corona
Seller: MS Homes LLC
Date: 11/24/15

385-387 Eastern Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Springfield College
Seller: Save Our Kids Outreach
Date: 11/17/15

139 Ellsworth Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Pauline Loiselle
Seller: Christopher G. Reed
Date: 11/23/15

61 Emerson St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Tika Sharma
Seller: Georgia M. Fenderson
Date: 11/24/15

9 Emmet St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $136,000
Buyer: Marie Markham-Twana
Seller: Tiana Simmonds
Date: 11/20/15

59 Fox Hill Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Juan A. Lozada
Seller: Peoplesbank
Date: 11/30/15

9 Greenbrier St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Arbely Mejia
Seller: Lois A. Chase
Date: 11/16/15

45 Hadley St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $137,000
Buyer: Sandra A. Kelly
Seller: Erin M. Landers
Date: 11/30/15

60 Jeanne Marie St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $153,500
Buyer: Kofie Afriyie
Seller: TJM Properties LLC
Date: 11/12/15

43-45 Jenness St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Alix L. Hogu
Date: 11/16/15

56 Kazbeck St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Angela M. Burke
Seller: Jane Sokolowski
Date: 11/13/15

47 Kulig St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $158,500
Buyer: Rashad M. Evans
Seller: Thomas A. Murphy
Date: 11/23/15

155 Lucerne Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Diana Marte
Seller: Pamela M. Marsh
Date: 11/23/15

242 Mallowhill Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Aaron Law
Seller: Melro Assocs.
Date: 11/24/15

98 Manchester Terrace
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Michelle Connolly
Seller: Barbara A. Young
Date: 11/23/15

184 Marmon St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $215,200
Buyer: Bunthany Thap
Seller: Denis G. Normand
Date: 11/20/15

70 Martel Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $185,900
Buyer: Evelee Acevedo
Seller: Kevin Czaplicki
Date: 11/25/15

84 Mayfair Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $117,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Susan M. Cocchi
Date: 11/19/15

110 Melha Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Jose J. Salas-Delgado
Seller: Raefat Tleis
Date: 11/20/15

174 Naismith St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Boysen M. Hodgson
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 11/17/15

181 Naismith St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Maxine Allen
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 11/12/15

101 Old Farm Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $209,616
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Aaron P. Pieczarka
Date: 11/13/15

25 Parkin St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $129,000
Buyer: Maritza Lozada
Seller: Maureen E. Crowley
Date: 11/20/15

304 Peekskill Ave.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $173,000
Buyer: Jamie Dupell
Seller: Albert P. Witkowsky
Date: 11/19/15

75 Penrose St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $143,000
Buyer: Jeannette Ortiz
Seller: Bernard F. Morris
Date: 11/30/15

51 Rencelau St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $164,900
Buyer: Anthony D. Sokoll
Seller: John Martin
Date: 11/30/15

47 Ridgewood Terrace
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: David R. Mosley
Date: 11/24/15

7 Signal Hill Circle
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Daniil Hatsitski
Seller: Stanley Czaplicki
Date: 11/13/15

1515 State St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: COP Springfield LLC
Seller: Carlex Realty LP
Date: 11/17/15

570 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Sonal Patel LLC
Seller: O’Connell Oil Associates
Date: 11/16/15

60 Switzer Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $192,400
Buyer: Jason P. Whitehead
Seller: FNMA
Date: 11/16/15

53 Timothy Circle
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Rosalyn Rodriguez
Seller: Angela Cosenzi
Date: 11/24/15

309 Trafton Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Aileen Delgado
Seller: Michael P. Sklarz
Date: 11/17/15

116 Wayne St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $154,900
Buyer: Florence C. Watson
Seller: Michelle A. Segura
Date: 11/20/15

40 Wayside St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $219,400
Buyer: Manuel Rodriguez
Seller: Kathleen M. Gagne
Date: 11/17/15

137 Whittum Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $122,500
Buyer: David F. Nicoli
Seller: Anthony Nicoli
Date: 11/12/15

116 Willowbrook Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $120,600
Buyer: Citimortgage Inc.
Seller: William Benoit
Date: 11/23/15

31 Winterset Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $197,425
Buyer: Jenna T. Collins
Seller: Cathie A. Schweitzer
Date: 11/25/15

201 Wollaston St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $189,500
Buyer: Arturo M. Gonzalez
Seller: FNMA
Date: 11/27/15

WEST SPRINGFIELD

71 Avondale Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Joseph S. Wozniak
Seller: Leonor Gallant
Date: 11/16/15

141 Bonair Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $131,100
Buyer: Michael J. Giuggio
Seller: Lynn M. Usher
Date: 11/20/15

103 Circle Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $164,000
Buyer: Amber M. Bitso
Seller: John M. Rulnick
Date: 11/30/15

1215 Elm St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Ralph R. Schmidt
Date: 11/25/15

27 Lower Beverly Hills
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $237,000
Buyer: Matthew P. Marchetto
Seller: Casey S. Fuller
Date: 11/13/15

55 Maple Heights
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Viachaslau Lavar
Date: 11/16/15

660 Morgan Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Kristen L. Mantoni
Seller: Paul J. Mantoni
Date: 11/13/15

186 Sikes Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $135,150
Buyer: MHFA
Seller: Sean D. Ginn
Date: 11/13/15

Tiara Lane #6
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Ryan P. Murray
Seller: Kolodziej Enterprises LLC
Date: 11/25/15

524 Westfield St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Jose L. Cintron
Seller: Ima R. Semprebon
Date: 11/16/15

WESTFIELD

11 Brenda Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $184,000
Buyer: Christopher Barna
Seller: Robert H. Lepage
Date: 11/13/15

247 Buck Pond Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: Semen Kovalyuk
Seller: William Brown
Date: 11/27/15

47 Christopher Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Andrew Woodbury
Seller: Scott C. Andrews
Date: 11/24/15

17 Clark St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Thomas C. Preuss
Seller: David Perez
Date: 11/20/15

12 Evergreen Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $251,500
Buyer: Adam T. Tetrault
Seller: Colin D. Tansey
Date: 11/30/15

8 Frank Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Jessica A. Tansey
Seller: David W. Dannolfo
Date: 11/30/15

11 Furrow St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $126,000
Buyer: Joshua A. Heath
Seller: Donna E. Dickinson
Date: 11/16/15

104 Glenwood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $190,054
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Kathleen B. Jenks
Date: 11/25/15

38 Glenwood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $249,900
Buyer: James A. Borowiec
Seller: Daniel M. Kane
Date: 11/25/15

8 Heritage Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Jennifer R. Rurak
Seller: Geraldine A. Brennan
Date: 11/25/15

287 Holyoke Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: Greg J. Heath
Seller: Amanda M. Forgey
Date: 11/30/15

3 Locust St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $203,900
Buyer: David S. Weaver
Seller: Michael C. Ogilvie
Date: 11/19/15

84 Loomis Ridge
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Chelsie Cremona
Seller: David L. Halasi-Kun
Date: 11/18/15

15 McKinley Terrace
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $207,500
Buyer: Ronald C. Barry
Seller: John P. Douglas
Date: 11/30/15

30 Morgan Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $145,953
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Craig A. McLaughlin
Date: 11/16/15

30 Morgan Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $141,000
Buyer: Joseph Sampson
Seller: US Bank
Date: 11/24/15

N/A
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $171,000
Buyer: Krystal L. Ayala
Seller: Carl J. Ashley
Date: 11/20/15

N/A
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Vitaliy Skazhynyuk
Seller: Korrie Katsikis
Date: 11/30/15

130 North Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: North Road TR
Seller: Ronald F. Conrad
Date: 11/18/15

44 Park St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $133,000
Buyer: Gerald J. Fratini
Seller: Muranko, Eanda, (Estate)
Date: 11/20/15

21 Phillip Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Michael J. Bokuniewicz
Seller: Dominick J. Blasioli
Date: 11/23/15

7 Sherman St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Florida Corp.
Seller: Nathan J. Wojcik
Date: 11/12/15

435 Southwick Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $179,900
Buyer: Chris A. Elliott
Seller: Irena Kozikowska
Date: 11/20/15

6 State St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $207,500
Buyer: Scott C. Andrews
Seller: Eric Eheander
Date: 11/24/15

127 Steiger Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $244,999
Buyer: Melissa L. Campana
Seller: Robert Mackay
Date: 11/19/15

WILBRAHAM

23 Carla Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $385,150
Buyer: Phillip Brousseau
Seller: AC Homebuilding LLC
Date: 11/30/15

3 Greenwood Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Freeman Knowlton
Seller: Cynthia M. Drobiazgiewicz
Date: 11/12/15

5 Highridge Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Stephen R. Welch
Seller: Jamshid A. Afnan
Date: 11/12/15

10 Hunting Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Michael P. Disa
Seller: Peter G. Meunier
Date: 11/30/15

12 Maple St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $164,157
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Irene L. Thornton
Date: 11/19/15

407 Monson Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $202,000
Buyer: Jason Caron
Seller: William J. Henaghan
Date: 11/25/15

247 Soule Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: F. Joseph Horacek
Seller: Judith Howard
Date: 11/13/15

6 Woodsley Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $592,000
Buyer: CIL Realty of Mass. Inc.
Seller: James H. Anderson
Date: 11/30/15

6 Wright Place
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Nathan T. Walker
Seller: Carol A. Meaney
Date: 11/30/15

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

15 Carriage Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $139,000
Buyer: Francine Krause
Seller: FHLM
Date: 11/20/15

26 Chesterfield Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $289,900
Buyer: Susan B. Cleary
Seller: Janet K. Price
Date: 11/20/15

111 Chestnut St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: David P. Lepak
Seller: Smith, Judy B., (Estate)
Date: 11/25/15

157 East Hadley Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $191,800
Buyer: Metin Yavuz
Seller: Terry G. Oppermann
Date: 11/24/15

132 Farmington Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $332,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Kevin P. Joy
Date: 11/25/15

328 Lincoln Ave.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Patrick Conroy
Seller: GP Amherst LLC
Date: 11/27/15

137 Logtown Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $235,300
Buyer: Nicholas E. Stern
Seller: 137 Logtown NT
Date: 11/24/15

35 Owen Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: James Bullock
Seller: John F. McCutcheon
Date: 11/17/15

90 Summer St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $627,300
Buyer: Karin N. Fischer
Seller: Sunwood Development Corp.
Date: 11/17/15

12 Teawaddle Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $615,000
Buyer: Thomas I. White
Seller: Hilary J. Lombard
Date: 11/16/15

214 West St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $318,000
Buyer: Michael Krebs
Seller: Izabela Sremac
Date: 11/24/15

BELCHERTOWN

15 Bay Path Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $348,250
Buyer: Aaron W. Gazaway
Seller: Stephen Smith
Date: 11/23/15

91 Eskett Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $196,000
Buyer: Cory M. McKenna
Seller: Eliza A. Summers
Date: 11/20/15

N/A
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $146,000
Buyer: Home Equity Assets Realty
Seller: Home Equity Assets Realty
Date: 11/17/15

369 South Gulf Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $563,400
Buyer: Jaber F. & Suzanne Gubrium TR
Seller: Marion S. Sulsky RET
Date: 11/20/15

12 Sarah Lane
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $223,000
Buyer: Brian J. Long
Seller: Susan A. Bradway
Date: 11/19/15

368 Turkey Hill Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $568,000
Buyer: John S. Mastej
Seller: James F. Bachand
Date: 11/17/15

CHESTERFIELD

99 Cummington Road
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Jesse P. Clark
Seller: David A. Fields
Date: 11/25/15

EASTHAMPTON

12 Ballard St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Philip L. Knight
Seller: S&C Homebuyers LLC
Date: 11/13/15

14-16 Clinton St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $191,500
Buyer: Kuel McQuaid
Seller: Joanille A. Kmiecik
Date: 11/13/15

26-28 Clinton St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Bethany Meyers
Seller: Jesse M. Meyers
Date: 11/19/15

17 Deerfield Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Kevin J. Wilby
Seller: Matthew C. Boudreau
Date: 11/20/15

62 Division St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $219,900
Buyer: Adam D. Grygorcewicz
Seller: Mary T. Hart
Date: 11/30/15

110 Florence Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Jonathan N. Kelley
Seller: Stanley A. Boszko
Date: 11/20/15

9 Kingsberry Way
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Aaron J. Damario
Seller: F&G Development Corp.
Date: 11/19/15

5-7 Oakdale Place
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $201,500
Buyer: Manhan Properties LLC
Seller: Pierre Orelus
Date: 11/30/15

37 Pine Hill Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $305,900
Buyer: John L. Morin
Seller: Neil J. Nusbaum
Date: 11/16/15

16 South St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Ketcham
Seller: US Bank
Date: 11/17/15

15 Wright St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Andrea Woodlock
Seller: David R. Root
Date: 11/20/15

GOSHEN

33 Phelps Lane
Goshen, MA 01032
Amount: $399,900
Buyer: David E. Guido
Seller: Maria L. Lauretano
Date: 11/20/15

GRANBY

1 Cold Hill Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Katherine A. Kelly-Regan
Seller: Jeannette M. Kelly IRT
Date: 11/17/15

176 East St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Westover Metropolitan Development Corp.
Seller: Eric D. Trompke
Date: 11/19/15

31 Ferry Hill Road
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $238,000
Buyer: Linda M. Lapointe
Seller: Joshua Civelli
Date: 11/30/15

14 Griswold Circle
Granby, MA 01033
Buyer: National Equity Inc.
Seller: Susan C. Misiaszek
Date: 11/16/15

162 Kendall St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $131,250
Buyer: Home Improvement Assocs.
Seller: US Bank
Date: 11/18/15

HADLEY

46 Chmura Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Thomas J. Hughes
Seller: William J. Grabiec
Date: 11/25/15

HATFIELD

26 Chestnut St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Thomas J. Wickles
Seller: Steven P. Brunette
Date: 11/20/15

HUNTINGTON

7 Harlow Clark Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $273,000
Buyer: Brendon Schutter
Seller: Christopher Maddock
Date: 11/20/15

NORTHAMPTON

429 Bridge Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Balbir K. Singh
Seller: Shutt, Nancy K., (Estate)
Date: 11/13/15

30 Burncolt Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Barbara J. Johnson
Seller: Sean M. Sexton
Date: 11/19/15

1261 Burts Pit Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $166,000
Buyer: Keith R. Moors
Seller: Joann Toomey
Date: 11/16/15

20 Charles St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Black Sheep Development
Seller: Mary E. Walker
Date: 11/30/15

74 Chestnut Ave.
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Nicholas M. Wojcik
Seller: Beaver Brook NT
Date: 11/19/15

145 Emerson Way
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $580,675
Buyer: Cathleen O. Wilson
Seller: Rosemund LLC
Date: 11/18/15

53 Ford Xing
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $428,083
Buyer: Linda J. Baker
Seller: Kent Pecoy & Sons Construction
Date: 11/18/15

65 Laurel Park
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $256,000
Buyer: Sandra K. Hanig
Seller: Kim J. Payne
Date: 11/24/15

175 Main St.
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: J. J. Marney LLC
Seller: Nali Associates LLC
Date: 11/19/15

6 Maple St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Johanna E. Radding
Seller: Michelle S. Dilts
Date: 11/16/15

50 Musante Dr.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $524,115
Buyer: Fernando M. Gorostieta
Seller: Kent Pecoy & Sons Construction
Date: 11/13/15

17 Perkins Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Claire M. Hill
Seller: Edmund D. Lennihan
Date: 11/13/15

28 Rick Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Debra Scoon
Seller: Elizabeth Jones

81 Ryan Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Susan C. Ashman
Seller: Stephen Hawley
Date: 11/25/15

171 South St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $530,000
Buyer: Gregory Schweitzer
Seller: Peter A. Pacosa
Date: 11/30/15

PELHAM

214 North Valley Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Zacharie A. Agnerto
Seller: Lippincott, Maureen V., (Estate)
Date: 11/13/15

PLAINFIELD

291 West St.
Plainfield, MA 01070
Amount: $134,760
Buyer: Shane P. Daly
Seller: Bertha G. Higgins
Date: 11/24/15

SOUTH HADLEY

17 Bridge St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $737,500
Buyer: Laxmi Petroleum Inc.
Seller: Keya Petroleum Corp
Date: 11/20/15

19 Bridge St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $737,500
Buyer: Laxmi Petroleum Inc.
Seller: Keya Petroleum Corp.
Date: 11/20/15

6 Jacobs Way
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: Stephen N. Black
Seller: Home Improvement Assocs.
Date: 11/16/15

169 North Main St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $275,900
Buyer: Mohammad A. Javaid
Seller: Brian J. Fitzgerald
Date: 11/20/15

404 Newton St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $118,800
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Harold D. Mentiphy
Date: 11/17/15

9 Parkview Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Ryan M. Cauley
Seller: Mark E. Cauley
Date: 11/19/15

27 Riverlodge Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $382,507
Buyer: Kristine M. Maguire
Seller: Kimberly E. Spring
Date: 11/13/15

59 Searle Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $224,900
Buyer: Michael Jarmuzewski
Seller: William R. Graham
Date: 11/20/15

38 Washington Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $153,000
Buyer: Danielle M. Carey
Seller: Jared Carver
Date: 11/13/15

SOUTHAMPTON

182 Brickyard Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $393,000
Buyer: Mary T. Hart
Seller: David Garstka Builders
Date: 11/24/15

282 Fomer Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Peter J. Pitoniak
Seller: Norton Garfinkle
Date: 11/19/15

73 Gilbert Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Benjamin J. Hogan
Seller: Edward H. Gwinner
Date: 11/16/15

11 Helen Dr.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $231,000
Buyer: Laura A. Facteau
Seller: Benjamin J. Hogan
Date: 11/16/15

84 Strong Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Rachel L. Decker
Seller: Susan C. Ashman
Date: 11/25/15

121 White Loaf Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $366,033
Buyer: Joseph W. Westcott
Seller: Lisa M. Cruz
Date: 11/30/15

WARE

295 Palmer Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $121,000
Buyer: Ryan L. Cochran
Seller: Balicki, Mildred R., (Estate)
Date: 11/19/15

1 Walter Dr.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $218,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Karla L. Cooper-Jordan
Date: 11/19/15

WESTHAMPTON

Lyman Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Bryan J. Balicki
Seller: Donald B. Lyman TR
Date: 11/18/15

WILLIAMSBURG

106 Ashfield Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $167,000
Buyer: Marika N. Gerhart
Seller: Lisa A. Hall
Date: 11/30/15

6 Nash Hill Place
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $282,500
Buyer: Jesse S. Camp
Seller: Bernard J. Superba
Date: 11/24/15

WORTHINGTON

24 Indian Oven Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $216,202
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Adam Leach
Date: 11/13/15

46 Old Post Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Steven W. Strom
Seller: Jared L. Phillips
Date: 11/24/15

In Memoriam: Mike Balise IS a Difference Maker

By
MikeBaliseFeature
Opinion

Mike Balise

Mike Balise

A few months before he succumbed to cancer, ESPN anchor Stuart Scott stood at the podium at the ESPY Awards to accept the Jim Valvano Award for Perseverance.

In his moving remarks, Scott, in essence, told those assembled that when someone’s cancer fight ends, we should refrain from saying that he or she “lost their battle.” That fight is often won, he went on, because the individual confronted the disease with courage, the conviction to live their life to their fullest, and determination not to let cancer dictate whatever time they had left.

Those words certainly rang true recently with the news that Mike Balise, co-owner of Balise Motor Sales, passed away at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute roughly 15 months after being diagnosed with incurable stomach cancer at the age of 50.

There is certainly no debate about who won this fight — Mike did.

He battled the disease with his indomitable humor, determination to continue, for as his long as he could, his work not only with the company, but within the community as well — efforts that ranged from raising awareness of the need for more cancer-treatment facilities in this region (and money to build those facilities), to buying winter coats for area young people in need.

Last September, BusinessWest talked with Mike and some members of his family about his fight, and his determination and courage certainly came through. So much so that one could easily make the argument that no story the magazine has published in its 32-year history resonated more with readers.

Indeed, there were countless calls and e-mails from individuals conveying the message that they were greatly inspired by Mike’s ability to battle a death sentence with poise, dignity, and a desire to focus not on his plight, but on how he could do even more to help others.

A common refrain from those who reached out was “I’ve never met Mike, but reading this, I wish I could.’’

Those comments, as well as Mike’s long track record of philanthropy and community involvement, resonated with the decision-makers at BusinessWest this fall when they convened to decide whom to honor with the magazine’s Difference Maker award next spring.

They considered and then chose to honor Mike knowing fully well that it was very likely that his seat would be empty at the gala in March. But he will honored along with the others who will be announced next month, because he has been, and remains, an inspiration in so many ways, and is thus clearly worthy of that title Difference Maker, and always will be.

And when his name is introduced to those gathered at the Log Cabin in March, it will not be through use of the past tense — because he isn’t done being a Difference Maker. His inspirational life — not simply those last 15 months or so — will ensure that this is the case.

As for that cancer fight — from the minute Mike was diagnosed, everyone knew how it would end. All those who knew Mike could also predict how the battle would be waged; with courage and conviction. And that’s why we shouldn’t say the fight was lost.

Because it wasn’t.

In Memoriam: Mike Balise IS a Difference Maker

By
MikeBaliseFeature
Opinion

Mike Balise

Mike Balise

A few months before he succumbed to cancer, ESPN anchor Stuart Scott stood at the podium at the ESPY Awards to accept the Jim Valvano Award for Perseverance.

In his moving remarks, Scott, in essence, told those assembled that when someone’s cancer fight ends, we should refrain from saying that he or she “lost their battle.” That fight is often won, he went on, because the individual confronted the disease with courage, the conviction to live their life to their fullest, and determination not to let cancer dictate whatever time they had left.

Those words certainly rang true recently with the news that Mike Balise, co-owner of Balise Motor Sales, passed away at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute roughly 15 months after being diagnosed with incurable stomach cancer at the age of 50.

There is certainly no debate about who won this fight — Mike did.

He battled the disease with his indomitable humor, determination to continue, for as his long as he could, his work not only with the company, but within the community as well — efforts that ranged from raising awareness of the need for more cancer-treatment facilities in this region (and money to build those facilities), to buying winter coats for area young people in need.

Last September, BusinessWest talked with Mike and some members of his family about his fight, and his determination and courage certainly came through. So much so that one could easily make the argument that no story the magazine has published in its 32-year history resonated more with readers.

Indeed, there were countless calls and e-mails from individuals conveying the message that they were greatly inspired by Mike’s ability to battle a death sentence with poise, dignity, and a desire to focus not on his plight, but on how he could do even more to help others.

A common refrain from those who reached out was “I’ve never met Mike, but reading this, I wish I could.’’

Those comments, as well as Mike’s long track record of philanthropy and community involvement, resonated with the decision-makers at BusinessWest this fall when they convened to decide whom to honor with the magazine’s Difference Maker award next spring.

They considered and then chose to honor Mike knowing fully well that it was very likely that his seat would be empty at the gala in March. But he will honored along with the others who will be announced next month, because he has been, and remains, an inspiration in so many ways, and is thus clearly worthy of that title Difference Maker, and always will be.

And when his name is introduced to those gathered at the Log Cabin in March, it will not be through use of the past tense — because he isn’t done being a Difference Maker. His inspirational life — not simply those last 15 months or so — will ensure that this is the case.

As for that cancer fight — from the minute Mike was diagnosed, everyone knew how it would end. All those who knew Mike could also predict how the battle would be waged; with courage and conviction. And that’s why we shouldn’t say the fight was lost.

Because it wasn’t.

In Memoriam: Mike Balise IS a Difference Maker

By
MikeBaliseFeature
Opinion

Mike Balise

Mike Balise

A few months before he succumbed to cancer, ESPN anchor Stuart Scott stood at the podium at the ESPY Awards to accept the Jim Valvano Award for Perseverance.

In his moving remarks, Scott, in essence, told those assembled that when someone’s cancer fight ends, we should refrain from saying that he or she “lost their battle.” That fight is often won, he went on, because the individual confronted the disease with courage, the conviction to live their life to their fullest, and determination not to let cancer dictate whatever time they had left.

Those words certainly rang true recently with the news that Mike Balise, co-owner of Balise Motor Sales, passed away at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute roughly 15 months after being diagnosed with incurable stomach cancer at the age of 50.

There is certainly no debate about who won this fight — Mike did.

He battled the disease with his indomitable humor, determination to continue, for as his long as he could, his work not only with the company, but within the community as well — efforts that ranged from raising awareness of the need for more cancer-treatment facilities in this region (and money to build those facilities), to buying winter coats for area young people in need.

Last September, BusinessWest talked with Mike and some members of his family about his fight, and his determination and courage certainly came through. So much so that one could easily make the argument that no story the magazine has published in its 32-year history resonated more with readers.

Indeed, there were countless calls and e-mails from individuals conveying the message that they were greatly inspired by Mike’s ability to battle a death sentence with poise, dignity, and a desire to focus not on his plight, but on how he could do even more to help others.

A common refrain from those who reached out was “I’ve never met Mike, but reading this, I wish I could.’’

Those comments, as well as Mike’s long track record of philanthropy and community involvement, resonated with the decision-makers at BusinessWest this fall when they convened to decide whom to honor with the magazine’s Difference Maker award next spring.

They considered and then chose to honor Mike knowing fully well that it was very likely that his seat would be empty at the gala in March. But he will honored along with the others who will be announced next month, because he has been, and remains, an inspiration in so many ways, and is thus clearly worthy of that title Difference Maker, and always will be.

And when his name is introduced to those gathered at the Log Cabin in March, it will not be through use of the past tense — because he isn’t done being a Difference Maker. His inspirational life — not simply those last 15 months or so — will ensure that this is the case.

As for that cancer fight — from the minute Mike was diagnosed, everyone knew how it would end. All those who knew Mike could also predict how the battle would be waged; with courage and conviction. And that’s why we shouldn’t say the fight was lost.

Because it wasn’t.

Building Permits

By
Building Permits Departments

The following building permits were issued during the months of November and December 2015.

CHICOPEE

Chicopee Municipal Employees Credit Union
923 Front St.
$5,500 — Remove non-load bearing wall and install new

Dineo Properties
70 Broadway St.
$446,000 — Vinyl siding and windows on 16 buildings

Johnson Road Properties Inc.
20 Johnson St.
$33,000 — Install new bathrooms

People’s Savings Bank
620 Memorial Dr.
$80,000 — Remodel existing Starbucks

Pride Convenience Store
363 Burnett Road
$45,000 — Build parking attendant kiosk

St. Anne Church
30 College St.
$13,000 — Strip and Re-roof

Wings Over Chicopee
1408 Memorial Dr.
$25,000 — Renovate front counter area

GREENFIELD

Erin Miner
469 Bernardston Road
$8,000 — Strip and re-roof

Federal Realty
277 Main St.
$363,000 — Install wireless communications facility

Lorenz Family L.P.
312 Federal St.
$372,000 — Construct addition to Aubuchon Hardware

Mary Calagione
285 High St.
$6,000 — Install fire alarm system

Meadows Cafe and Golf Center
398 Deerfield St.
$4,000 — Exterior renovations

PDV, Inc.
278 Main St.
$14,000 — Interior renovations

Robar, Inc.
237 Mohawk Trail
$74,000 — Interior renovations

Simon Cohn
156 Main St.
$65,000 — Strip and re-roof

LUDLOW

D & W Tire
730 Randall Road
$52,000 — Addition

Timely Condo Association
185 West Ave.
$23,000 — Roof replacement

Twin Oaks Condo Association
55 Morse St.
$22,500 — Alterations

SPRINGFIELD

City of Springfield
Pony Road
$1,239,500 — Construct a new training facility

Columbia Gas of MA
2025 Roosevelt Ave.
$360,000 — Foundation only for 162’ x 180’ building

Greater Springfield Senior Services Inc.
66 Industry Ave.
$90,000 — Renovate 2,000 square feet of office space

Northern Tool
170 Progress Ave.
$110,000 — Addition to existing building

Partners for Community
11-13 Hampden St.
$40,000 — New roof system

Picknelly Family, LTD
1414 Main St.
$175,000 — Structural repair to air-walk between Monarch Place and Tower Square

Solid Rock Community Baptist
821 Liberty St.
$30,000 — New roof

Springfield Housing Authority
178 Pendleton Ave.
$259,000 — Alterations

Tinkham Management
96 Industry Ave.
$28,500 — Interior renovation of existing space

Some Things We’d Like to See in 2016

By
Opinion

Editorial

As 2015 draws to a close, it’s time to look back, and ahead, with some thoughts on what we would like to see happen — and need to see happen — in 2016.
This past year was supposed to be one in which the landscape in Springfield and its downtown was supposed to change and the many signs of progress would become evident. We saw some of that — work progressed at Union Station, though the parking garage has still to take shape; work has begun on I-91, and the Route 5 rotary project is nearing completion; and ground was broken for the subway-car manufacturing facility in East Springfield — but not as much as expected.
Hopefully, 2016 will be the year when cranes start filling the skies and, more importantly, the construction job growth that everyone has anticipated becomes reality.
Here are some other things we want to see in 2016:

• A normalizing of relations with MGM: It was a trying, frustrating year for the company, and, as its president told BusinessWest see story, page 6), much of the pain was self-inflicted, primarily because MGM didn’t anticipate the level of public scrutiny that comes in a state, and city, new to the casino industry, and thus didn’t communicate plan changes early enough or with the proper sensitivity.
Mike Mathis said changes such as a scrapping of the hotel tower in favor of a different design would be a “non-event” in Las Vegas or Macau. The company knew that wouldn’t be the case here, but it still badly underestimated the scope of the reaction. The same was the case when the overall size of the footprint was reduced.
Still, and we’ve said this before, the company is one of the most prolific casino builders in the world, and it deserves to get the benefit of the doubt in such matters.
We hope that MGM receives such a response in the years to come.

• A continued focus on entrepreneurship: It will be some time before the current focus on inspiring and facilitating entrepreneurship generates real results in the form of good-paying jobs. Indeed, most of the companies now involved in such programs are very small and have only limited potential to get much bigger.
But that doesn’t mean this initiative is not important. The current renaissance in entrepreneurship has several potential benefits — from new jobs to filling office and old mill space in a host of area cities; from sparking a rebirth in interest in downtown Springfield to keeping emerging companies in the 413 area code.
Such ventures are not something we can base an economy on, to be sure, but they can be — and will be — an important piece of the puzzle.

• More work to close the skills gap: You hear it now from business owners in every sector of the economy: ‘We need help, we have job openings, but we can’t find the right people.’
It’s not merely a problem, it’s an epidemic, and it’s only going to get worse in the years to come as Baby Boomers head into retirement.
A few years ago, it seemed that many business owners and economic-development leaders were in denial on this issue and didn’t recognize it for what it was. We think that threshold has been passed, and people are now taking it seriously. What’s needed is a comprehensive action plan involving employers, area colleges and universities, and other key stakeholders, to not only make sure individuals have the needed skills, but that they don’t take them to another state.

• Renewed efforts to bolster the region’s manufacturing base: The subway-car plant has put manufacturing in this region front and center once again in terms of perception and pride. But the reality is that the manufacturing sector — though certainly smaller than it was decades ago — has always been a vital part of the economy.
And it can be a source of growth, even with those workforce issues cited above. This region has a number of assets, and one that is often overlooked or taken for granted is the skilled precision-manufacturing workforce.
It’s a saleable commodity, and the EDC needs to be more aggressive in its efforts to sell it. Yes, money is tight when it comes to marketing this area, and competition for manufacturing jobs is immense and global.
But this is one of the region’s strengths, and it should be exploited.

Real Estate Transactions

By
Departments Real Estate

The following real estate transactions (latest available) were compiled by Banker & Tradesman and are published as they were received. Only transactions exceeding $115,000 are listed. Buyer and seller fields contain only the first name listed on the deed.

FRANKLIN COUNTY

BERNARDSTON

13 Bald Mountain Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Jason A. Bassett
Seller: Troy M. Santerre
Date: 11/02/15

764 Brattleboro Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $177,500
Buyer: Angela R. Marguet
Seller: FHLM
Date: 11/04/15

CHARLEMONT

184 Main St.
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $148,000
Buyer: Jeffrey VanIderstine
Seller: Rebecca VanIderstine
Date: 11/05/15

DEERFIELD

12 Graves St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Paul C. Roud
Seller: James D. Whitney
Date: 11/06/15

13 Graves St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $232,230
Buyer: UmassFive College FCU
Seller: Robyn Parent
Date: 11/03/15

9 North Hillside Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: John W. Stacey
Seller: Mariellen Hayre
Date: 11/02/15

GILL

9 West Gill Road
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Mark R. Theriault
Seller: Aaron J. Lapointe
Date: 11/06/15

GREENFIELD

140 Cleveland St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Stanislav Rukhman
Seller: Vladimir Agapov
Date: 11/09/15

LEVERETT

40 Juggler Meadow Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Jeffrey M. Stowell
Date: 11/06/15

78 Montague Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $149,730
Buyer: Matthew R. Lorenz
Seller: Abbott, Herschel G., (Estate)
Date: 11/02/15

LEYDEN

155 Frizzell Hill Road
Leyden, MA 01337
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Carol L. Lutz RET
Seller: George J. Lutz IRT
Date: 11/10/15

NORTHFIELD

18 Gill Center Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Northfield Mount Hermon School
Seller: Eugene A. Rice
Date: 11/04/15

Lyman Road
Northfield, MA 01354
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Richard S. Hebble
Seller: Daniel F. Emery
Date: 11/06/15

ORANGE

16 Lake Mattawa Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Roger C. Andrews
Seller: Ronald A. Niedzwiecki
Date: 11/02/15

ROWE

36 Old Cyrus Stage Road
Rowe, MA 01367
Amount: $162,500
Buyer: Michael W. Kuehl
Seller: Edward V. Keeney
Date: 11/09/15

SHUTESBURY

231 Baker Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $282,000
Buyer: Michael E. Miller
Seller: Carroll, Martina, (Estate)
Date: 11/06/15

244 Baker Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Ethan Todras-Whitehill
Seller: Robert B. Hayes
Date: 11/09/15

SUNDERLAND

Montague Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Franklin Land Trust Inc.
Seller: Stephen F. Gunn
Date: 11/06/15

WHATELY

Long Plain Road (WS)
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Marc-Alan Labreque
Seller: Walter R. Thayer
Date: 11/05/15

111 North St.
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $215,000
Seller: Jenna Knox-Daniels
Date: 11/06/15

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

204 Elm St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $322,150
Buyer: Citimortgage Inc.
Seller: Gary L. Gordon
Date: 11/09/15

32 Fordham Ave.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Michael P. Bachini
Seller: Scott G. Monson
Date: 11/06/15

42 Hall St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $152,500
Buyer: Agostino F. Demaio
Seller: Cestari, Victor P., (Estate)
Date: 11/02/15

840 North St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: Susan K. Douglas
Seller: Christopher B. Garrity
Date: 11/06/15

67 Reed St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $227,000
Buyer: Karen B. Legace
Seller: Robert S. Ferrier
Date: 11/10/15

5 Silver Lake Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Shawn R. Dominik
Seller: Ernest R. Silkey RET
Date: 11/06/15

BRIMFIELD

152 Wales Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $242,500
Buyer: Jeffrey Macphee
Seller: James A. Coulter
Date: 11/06/15

CHICOPEE

113 Beauchamp Terrace
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $164,000
Buyer: Tamrah Stepien
Seller: Michael A. Monopoli
Date: 11/06/15

39 Bemis Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: G. Rodrigues-DeAraujo
Seller: McGrath, Mary B., (Estate)
Date: 11/06/15

44 Bonner St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $123,750
Buyer: Bank New York
Seller: Michael A. Jones
Date: 11/06/15

82 Borys Circle
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $193,000
Buyer: Samantha Wong
Seller: Mark J. Botelho
Date: 11/04/15

52 Boucher Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $159,566
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Nelson Walton
Date: 11/05/15

35 Center St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Center Group LLC
Seller: 35 Center St. LLC
Date: 11/04/15

57 Garland St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Elizabeth A. Barnes
Seller: Richard M. Fugere
Date: 11/06/15

1003 Montgomery St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $197,500
Buyer: Jeffrey W. Kane
Seller: Stanislaw Beben
Date: 11/06/15

26 Park St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Orquidia C. Davila
Seller: Alda M. Carreira
Date: 11/02/15

94 Prospect St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $449,000
Buyer: Maddox Realty LLC
Seller: 94 Prospect Street LLC
Date: 11/10/15

25 Randall St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Roy J. Gladu
Seller: Nancy M. Benard
Date: 11/06/15

14 Richelieu St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: Kassandra O’Connor
Seller: McDonald, Mary L., (Estate)
Date: 11/03/15

70 Stearns Terrace
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $135,650
Buyer: Jessica Reyes
Seller: Justin P. O’Connor
Date: 11/03/15

EAST LONGMEADOW

28 Edmund St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $307,500
Buyer: Thomas R. Nipps
Seller: Nu-Way Homes Inc.
Date: 11/03/15

319 Elm St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Jason T. Dalessio
Seller: Robert W. Chapin
Date: 11/03/15

39 Favorite Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $549,000
Buyer: Charles N. Brinkmann
Seller: Mark J. Miller
Date: 11/05/15

24 Fraser Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $208,000
Buyer: Gilles A. Grenier
Seller: Elizabeth Franceschelli
Date: 11/06/15

4 Panama St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: Khanh Nguyen
Seller: Kevin Wong
Date: 11/06/15

90 Pease Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: Janet S. Rowe
Seller: Barbara J. Stachowiak
Date: 11/05/15

198 Tanglewood Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Steven Vigneault
Seller: Corey Turer
Date: 11/06/15

53 Tanglewood Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Adriano Bocchino
Seller: Webster Bank
Date: 11/06/15

54 Thompkins Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $207,500
Buyer: Vinhhoa T. Nguyen
Seller: James E. Murray
Date: 11/02/15

34 Westernview Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $284,900
Buyer: Jacqueline M. Chapdelaine
Seller: Paul S. Dunkerley
Date: 11/02/15

GRANVILLE

484 Main Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Matthew K. Berndt
Seller: Matthew S. Jones
Date: 11/04/15

HOLLAND

231 Brimfield Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Chelsea Tavernier
Seller: Gregory N. Morin
Date: 11/05/15

HOLYOKE

30 Anderson Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Rachelle Encarnacion
Seller: Rosalie G. Hobert
Date: 11/06/15

39 Dillon Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Rafael A. Roca
Seller: Kirk R. Krause
Date: 11/04/15

6 Hendel Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $195,400
Buyer: David J. Beauregard
Seller: Valerie B. Ennis
Date: 11/04/15

283 Linden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $142,400
Buyer: Michael Siciliano
Seller: Audra E. Smith
Date: 11/04/15

5 Michelle Lane
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $403,000
Buyer: Jacob T. Waah
Seller: J. N. Duquette & Son Construction
Date: 11/04/15

LONGMEADOW

19 Edgemont St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Moochul Shin
Seller: Linda L. Bernard
Date: 11/03/15

67 Longview Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: James H. Stewart
Seller: David C. Berube
Date: 11/06/15

37 Massachusetts Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Michael F. Nothe
Seller: Kevin D. Hebert
Date: 11/09/15

104 Tecumseh Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Lauren K. Young
Seller: Kristy M. Hemond
Date: 11/02/15

119 Yarmouth St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $233,500
Buyer: Pao L. Wu
Seller: Irving Slitzky
Date: 11/04/15

28 Yarmouth St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $247,500
Buyer: Eric Chrabascz
Seller: Kevin P. McKenna
Date: 11/06/15

LUDLOW

33 Ampere Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $191,000
Buyer: David J. Vakalis
Seller: Julie A. Cass
Date: 11/05/15

255 Elizabeth Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $383,957
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Jose Franco
Date: 11/04/15

156 Erin Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Domingos F. Afonso
Seller: Marilyn E. Wheelock
Date: 11/05/15

75-79 Howard St.
Amount: $283,000
Buyer: Mark J. Botelho
Seller: Delfina A. Carvalho
Date: 11/05/15

263 Westerly Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Abbas Younes
Seller: Helmut K. Marosits
Date: 11/06/15

MONSON

104 Stebbins Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $129,200
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Albert Sherman
Date: 11/03/15

68 Wilbraham Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Kenneth A. Villamarin
Seller: Linda Dill-Johnson
Date: 11/04/15

PALMER

43 Flynt St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Bryan P. Forrette
Seller: Joyce A. Piechota
Date: 11/05/15

20 Orchard St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Kermen Cedeno
Seller: Sandra L. Topor
Date: 11/10/15

1192 Thorndike St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $153,000
Buyer: Heather M. McIntire
Seller: Carolyn J. Bedard
Date: 11/05/15

RUSSELL

171 Main St.
Russell, MA 01008
Amount: $128,780
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Laurie A. Hoppe
Date: 11/06/15

SPRINGFIELD

90 Abbott St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $179,900
Buyer: Caitlin A. Welz
Seller: Donna B. Lopez
Date: 11/02/15

1122 Bay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Markdon Realty LLC
Seller: B&D Petroleum Sales Inc.
Date: 11/03/15

49 Bellamy Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $143,000
Buyer: Western New England University
Seller: Stefan Hluschewskyj
Date: 11/05/15

157 Bowles Park
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $117,500
Buyer: Stephen G. Laplante
Seller: Rita L. Banks
Date: 11/10/15

1189 Bradley Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $154,900
Buyer: Anthony L. Kumiega
Seller: Steven E. Lee
Date: 11/09/15

190 Emerson St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $173,000
Buyer: Eric R. Rosado
Seller: Jason T. Dalessio
Date: 11/03/15

90 Gillette Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Thomas M. Korzec
Seller: Vincent Mazzariello
Date: 11/03/15

167 Gillette Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $155,500
Buyer: Peiwei Li
Seller: Rachel J. Kuhn
Date: 11/04/15

155-157 Laconia St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Steven A. Monteiro
Seller: PAS Development Inc.
Date: 11/09/15

237 Longhill St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $228,000
Buyer: Christopher E. Dancy
Seller: H. Douglas Barnshaw
Date: 11/04/15

27 Margerie St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $117,000
Buyer: Madeline Vargas
Seller: MBC Properties LLC
Date: 11/06/15

34 Mark St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $127,133
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Nicholas Korniotes
Date: 11/06/15

101 Martel Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Darby J. McLaughlin
Seller: Robert M. Zanolli
Date: 11/03/15

126-128 Orange St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Miladys A. Marte
Seller: Jonathan Horning
Date: 11/05/15

20 Paramount St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $164,000
Buyer: Lizenia Montanez
Seller: Deutsche Bank
Date: 11/06/15

343 Plumtree Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $174,000
Buyer: Clifford P. Jensen
Seller: Michael W. Heiligmann
Date: 11/06/15

637 Plumtree Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $132,500
Buyer: Lisa M. Rivera
Seller: Sara J. Jacobsen
Date: 11/05/15

146 Powell Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: April C. McLain
Seller: Darby McLaughlin
Date: 11/03/15

15 Rogers Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $139,900
Buyer: Rafel Marte
Seller: James W. Fiore
Date: 11/10/15

58 Shawmut St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $118,450
Buyer: Jose Suarez
Seller: Revampit LLC
Date: 11/06/15

509 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Lynhq A. B. LT
Seller: Craig J. Difranco
Date: 11/10/15

129-131 Woodlawn St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Chandra Tamang
Seller: Trevor Crichlow
Date: 11/09/15

33 Worthy St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Anthony J. Dejesus
Seller: Oussama Awkal
Date: 11/10/15

WEST SPRINGFIELD

20 Connecticut Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: KSC Holdings LLC
Seller: Exhaust Services LLC
Date: 11/10/15

537 Dewey St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Robert J. Benoit
Seller: Shawn R. Dominik
Date: 11/06/15

25 Mulcahy Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $130,000
Seller: Francis Wheeler Construction
Date: 11/04/15

87 Tatham Hill Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Guidewire Inc.
Seller: Robert E. Hosmer
Date: 11/05/15

19 Wayside Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Joseph Spano
Seller: Valle Machine Knife Corp.
Date: 11/02/15

152 Wilder Terrace
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $143,000
Buyer: C. Francoeur-Weckerly
Seller: Amy E. Schaetzer
Date: 11/04/15

WESTFIELD

19 Grenier Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Jared C. Lent
Seller: David A. Rose
Date: 11/05/15

23 Harrison Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: David A. Rose
Seller: Charles J. Bull
Date: 11/05/15

11 King Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $186,250
Buyer: Double D Investments LLC
Seller: Laura M. Richardson
Date: 11/05/15

62 Kittredge Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Steven M. Mielke
Seller: Steven C. Clark
Date: 11/05/15

67 Murray Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $129,600
Buyer: Citimortgage Inc.
Seller: Gerald D. Regan
Date: 11/09/15

5 Northridge Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Richard A. Labonte
Seller: Kathryn V. Roberts
Date: 11/09/15

130 Sackett Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Joseph Spano
Seller: John Spano
Date: 11/03/15

151 Sackett Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $197,700
Buyer: Chad E. Sico
Seller: Gary C. Sico
Date: 11/05/15

4 Smith Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Wesley Sobczyk
Seller: Bonnie E. Miller
Date: 11/10/15

432 Southwick Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $248,500
Buyer: Abdulsalam Alsaleh
Seller: Florence L. Buzzee
Date: 11/10/15

2 Western Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: James McGowan
Seller: Carolyn M. Clini
Date: 11/06/15

WILBRAHAM

181 Burleigh Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Robert N. Massaro
Seller: Jennifer T. Thayer
Date: 11/04/15

461-465 Main St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Sushilaben H. Patel
Seller: Louis & Clark Realty LLC
Date: 11/05/15

29 Pineywood Ave.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $164,900
Buyer: Logan Gumlaw
Seller: William J. Laporte
Date: 11/06/15

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

23 Flintlock Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Robert G. Jackson
Seller: Grace H. Glueck
Date: 11/02/15

285 Lincoln Ave.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Christine F. Pilsner
Seller: Judith C. Sechrest
Date: 11/06/15

1100 South East St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Burt W. Ewart
Seller: Paul T. Gorman
Date: 11/09/15

150 University Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $13,000,000
Buyer: Amherst LLC
Seller: Amherst Nursing Home Inc.
Date: 11/03/15

332 West St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Huong C. Chow
Seller: Mary A. Steigner
Date: 11/06/15

BELCHERTOWN

11 Depot St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $236,000
Buyer: David R. Sharrow
Seller: Michael P. Kowal
Date: 11/06/15

181 Warner St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $303,000
Buyer: Patrick C. Barnes
Seller: Richard Steiner
Date: 11/02/15

605 Warren Wright Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Stephen A. Rondeau
Seller: Susan L. Surner
Date: 11/06/15

EASTHAMPTON

10 Elliot St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Kristin L. Ploski
Seller: Carmine C. Russo
Date: 11/05/15

15 Kenneth Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $228,000
Buyer: Sarah A. Dean
Seller: Amy R. Reesman
Date: 11/06/15

7-11 Norton St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $273,000
Buyer: Darshan Gencarelle
Seller: Jeffrey W. Ketcham
Date: 11/05/15

22 Plymouth Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: James E. Coughlin
Seller: Laprade, Robert M., (Estate)
Date: 11/06/15

24 Summer St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $265,875
Buyer: ARC Investments LLC
Seller: Paula J. Gunn
Date: 11/03/15

GRANBY

164 Batchelor St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $162,500
Buyer: Edward Gavel
Seller: Scribner, William R. Sr., (Estate)
Date: 11/09/15

96 West St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $196,000
Buyer: Jeffrey R. Beaulieu
Seller: Harris, Charles W. Jr., (Estate)
Date: 11/10/15

HADLEY

9 Ladyslipper Lane
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Ryan J. Boudway
Seller: Leo P. Tassinari
Date: 11/04/15

NORTHAMPTON

40 Arlington St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Barry D. Sarvet
Seller: Frances C. Volkmann
Date: 11/02/15

266 Florence Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Andrew T. Perrier
Seller: HSBC Bank
Date: 11/03/15

376 Florence Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Deborah L. Kehne
Seller: Mizula, Rosalie Sally, (Estate)
Date: 11/06/15

57 Ford Xing
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Kent Pecoy & Sons Construction
Seller: Hospital Hill Development
Date: 11/05/15

61 Ford Xing
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Kent Pecoy & Sons Construction
Seller: Hospital Hill Development
Date: 11/05/15

200 Grove St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $319,300
Buyer: Evan R. Horton
Seller: Mark J. Moran
Date: 11/04/15

119 Moser St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Kent Pecoy & Sons Construction
Seller: Hospital Hill Development
Date: 11/05/15

78 Moser St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Kent Pecoy & Sons Construction
Seller: Hospital Hill Development
Date: 11/05/15

363 Westhampton Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Virginia H. Hoener
Seller: Melanie A. Gulow
Date: 11/09/15

SOUTH HADLEY

11 Landers St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Dennis Hogan
Seller: Woinarowski, Walter S., (Estate)
Date: 11/10/15

SOUTHAMPTON

42 Bissonnette Circle
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $414,900
Buyer: Amy R. Reesman
Seller: Robert P. Korpela
Date: 11/06/15

9 Glendale Woods Dr.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $279,900
Buyer: Justin Tilton
Seller: FNMA
Date: 11/03/15

Nothing Is Certain but Uncertainty

By
Opinion

Editorial

‘Headwinds.’

That’s the new (or not so new, actually) term the economists like to pull out when they’re talking about the future and what might happen locally, nationally, and globally.

And it’s an effective term, because it works really well. Headwinds slow something down — be it an airplane, a bird, or a golf ball — and you can’t actually see them. And sometimes they come unpredictably and with more force than anticipated.

In recent years, there has been no shortage of potential headwinds when it comes to the economy — everything from debt crises in Europe to gasoline prices (whether they go up or down); from the strength of the U.S. dollar (either growing or declining) to the so-called skills gap and the ability of employers to find good help.

But as we prepare to turn the calendar to 2016, the biggest headwind facing the local and national economy is uncertainty, and it is blowing rather hard. And if there’s one thing business owners hate, it’s uncertainty.

They don’t hate it as much as a long or deep recession, but it’s pretty close. Not knowing what’s going to happen is nearly as unnerving as knowing that something bad is going to happen or continue.

With uncertainty comes a lack of needed confidence, and, as everyone knows, it is confidence, on the part of both consumers and business owners, that dictates the direction the economy will take. And for 2016, there is no shortage of it, and it comes from many directions, such as

• Gasoline prices: They’re low and projected to go lower. That’s good, except that, at some point (and maybe we’re already there), low gas prices begin to be more of a drag on the economy, a headwind, than a benefit;

• Currency rates: The U.S. dollar is as strong as it’s been in a long while. That’s good for travelers but bad for exporters, and that includes many companies in this region;

• Politics: It’s not just a presidential election year, but one where Donald Trump continues to lead the polls and a dozen Republicans are still vying for the job. Almost anything can happen, and it probably will, and, as we said, business owners fear the unknown; and

• Global terrorism: Events such as those of the past month have the tendency to make people pause and wonder what’s going to come next. The current situation is certainly nothing like 9/11, when the entire economy froze and phones stopped ringing in offices across the country, but pauses of any duration are not a good thing.

As we move into 2016, it is our hope that all this uncertainty — all these headwinds — do not lead to an erosion in confidence that can put a damper on a recovery.

As the economists noted in BusinessWest’s annual Economic Outlook (see page 15), the Bay State is on a bit of a roll, and this region, while lagging behind the state as a whole, as always, has put together some solid years and generated real momentum.

It might be difficult for some, but this should be a time to slice through the headwinds, remain confident, and help dictate the course of economic progress rather than wait to see what happens.

But that’s a tall order, because confidence is a fickle emotion, and about the only thing we can be certain of heading into 2016 is continued uncertainty.

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies Departments

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

AMC Childcare
HOGHT
Betts, Jacqueline Simmons
799 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/12/15

Bamber, Marcia G.
74 Chapin Greene Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/15

Bielawa, Holly A.
50 Tyrone St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/11/15

Bruce, George A.
74 Wrenwood St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/15

Bulger, Emily Jane
174 Wallingford Ave.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/15

Bulger, John William
10 Gardner Falls Road
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/15

Carr, Tiffany M.
145 Harvard St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/05/15

Chabot, Stacy
DeCosta, Pamela
573 Pequoig Ave.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/02/15

Choquette, Diane
85 Eagle St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/13/15

Dansereau, Patricia R.
50 Schoolhouse Road
Phillipston, MA 01331
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/13/15

Dick, John T.
133 Saint Kolbe Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/14/15

Fitzgerald, Karen A.
45 Holyoke St., Apt. B
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/13/15

Grandchamp, James Michael
160 Point Grove Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/13/15

Grant, Alisha C.
7 Powder Mill Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/02/15

Green, Consuela D.
31 Daytona St., No. 1
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/12/15

Guay, Alice J.
54 Gates St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/15

Hancock, Donna Kay
33 Kellog Ave., Apt. 19
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/15

Hill, Wendy M.
768 Belmont Ave., Unit 5B
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/13/15

Igartua, Wilma
P.O. Box 1833
Springfield, MA 01101
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/07/15

Lamere, Tanya Marie
41 Maple St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/13/15

Lowney, Matthew T.
10 Chestnut St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/13/15

Marrero, Carmelo R.
46 Sumner Terrace #2
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/05/15

Maynard, Raymond P.
77 Heggie Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/13/15

McCarthy, Richard Carl
31 Mill St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/15

Mena, Oscar Antonio
951 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/06/15

Mendez, Teresa
a/k/a Mendez, Ruperto Teresa
68 Cabot St, Apt. 503
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/13/15

O’Donnell, James Francis
14 Longview Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/15

Osier, Bethanie
136 Linden St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/08/15

Pasterczyk, Pamela A.
P.O. Box 261
Chicopee, MA 01014
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/12/15

Rosado, John A.
2004 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/07/15

Salgado, Maya
a/k/a Salgado, Wanda
1 Hill Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/12/15

Schoenberg, Matthew
15 Tamarack Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/03/15

Shackett, John F.
73 Whittier St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/12/15

Sullivan, Sean Eugene
99 Alvin St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/12/15

Thorng, Kimsour
93 Davenport St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/10/15

Vizcaya, Christian
a/k/a Vizcaya Lopez, Christian
3006 Main St., Apt. 2
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/06/15

Vizcaya, Vanessa
a/k/a Herrera, Vanessa
3006 Main St., Apt. 2
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/06/15

Ward, Brittany Rae
121 Montague City Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/15

Warren, Kelly Ann
27 Leonard St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/15

Williams, Edward
Williams, Elizabeth
17 Francis St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/03/15

Zercher, Gary J.
Zercher, Jean C.
16 Monroe St.
Apartment 5
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/15

Doing Business As Certificates

By
DBA Certificates Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the months of November and December 2015.

AGAWAM

Circle Hypnotherapy
2 South Bridge St.
Jeanne Romansky

Friendly Ride Transportation
17 McRinley St.
Brian Savlick

Red Thread
604 South West St.
Elena Melnikov

Snap On Tools
142 Autumn St.
Ivan Aguilar

CHICOPEE

Anko Logistics
470 Memorial Dr.
Franklin Ankdmah

Associates of Nutrition and Professionals
114 Beauregard Terrace
Amy Desroches

Auto Damage Appraisals
257 Hampden St.
Ricardo Azevedo

Rivest Hairstyling
104 Lawler Terrace
Kimberly Rivest

The Matchbox
1512 Memorial Dr.
Jocelyn Poirier

University Driving School
161 Grove St.
David Marino

GREENFIELD

Foot Care by Nurses
63 French King Highway
Mary Clayton-Jones

Karen’s Dance Studio
49 Bank Row
Karen Fritz-Ohare

Pristine Orientals
16 Butternut St.
Tyler Ward

Pure Current Therapeutics
158 Main St.
Alexa Williamson

Sigda Flower Shop
284 High St.
Richard Sigda

Two Fathers Restorations & Design
367 Federal St.
Brian Artherton

Wisdom Why Self Storage
303 Wisdom Way
James Wood

HOLYOKE

Peerless Auto Sales
604 Main St.
Richard Ryll

Schermerhorn’s Seafood
224 Westfield Road
Michael Fitzgerald

Sevinc Corporation
50 Holyoke St.
Osman Bakhriyev

Sofrito Depot
329 Main St.
Janet Santana

Solutions
6 Radcliffe St.
Kenneth A. Hebert

Sports Zone
50 Holyoke St.
James M. Dent

Thomas Poetry
24 Old Jarvis Ave.
Thomas Kennedy

LUDLOW

Esteem Skin Care, LLC
733 Chapin St.
Carol Santini

JR Butcher Shop
274 East St.
Paulo Dias

Jump Strategy
679 West St.
Stacy Falconer

Legacy Fine Woodworking
1240 Center St.
Michael Jodoin

Sam’s Natural Farm
153 Chapin St.
Joseph Kozicki

Western Mass. Educational Advocacy Services
151 East St.
Karen Mowry

SPRINGFIELD

Expresso Mini Market
904 State St.
Israel Lopez

Forever Moore
193 Marion St.
Brandi A. Moore

G & A Landscaping
55 Wentworth St.
Micky Colon

Gentle Family Dentistry
1206 Boston Road
David Chou

Higuey Mini Market
2987 Hancock St.
Andres Guerrero

Honor Capital
1 Monarch Place
Founders Finance

JM’s Homelife
51 Oxford St.
Jodi Manning

Junny’s Auto Repair
638 Worthington St.
Candido Borges

L.L.D. Services
50 James St.
Luis E. Dejesus

Magic Dreams
23 Humburg St.
Ada Ceteno

Main St. Convenience
469 Main St.
Davone Markease

Medina’s Supermarket
2705 Main St.
Ismael Medina

Mobile, LLC
267 Allen St.
Scott R. Caron

My Little Ones
35 Brookline Ave.
Zoraida Guzman

No Sleep Productions
115 State St.
Lorenzo Guzman

R & N Food Corporation
17 Knox St.
Reda Shabaneh

Restore Skin Care Center
3640 Main St.
Kihan Francis

Sandra Home Improvement
604 Page Blvd.
Sandra Perdomo

Sincyr Designs
302 Gifford St.
Jason M. Cyr

Sunny Nails
801 Belmont Ave.
Van Nguyen

Surgery Center of New England
55 St. George Road
Musine, LLC

T&T Nail Bar
340 Cooley St.
Vinh Nguyen

The Toys Gallery
62 Winter St.
Luis Rivera

United Business Partners
1350 Main St.
Keon Simpson

Vinh Chau Restaurant
409 Dickerson St.
Phuong Nguyen

Western Mass. Tree Care
189 Woodlawn St.
David W. Murphy

Yuzhen’s Beauty Salon
460 Main St.
Panran Qiu

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Battista Property Management
849 Amostown Road
Brian Battista

Infinity Auto Rental
52 Baldwin St.
Joseph Gallo

JDM Towing
47 Irving St.
Teyfur Teyfurlov

Liquori’s Pizza Inc.
639 Westfield St.
Antonio Liquori

Medallion Motel
13 River St.
Elise Rodenhiser

Olympia Ice Center
125 Capital Dr.
Corporation Massachusetts

Incorporations

By
Departments Incorporations

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

AGAWAM

Sow Inc., 1185 Suffield St., Agawam, MA 01001. Andrew Osgood, same. Sale and installation of window treatments.

Wiktor Transport Inc., 195 Leonard St., Agawam, MA 01001. Vladimir Stebenkov, same. Trucking.

AMHERST

Roger L. Wallace Excellence in Teaching Award Foundation Inc., 64 Carriage Lane, Amherst, MA 01002. Patricia Romney, same. Charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes to encourage excellence in teaching among Amherst elementary school educators or other school systems under operation of the same superintendent; annual award includes onetime stipend from Ann Ualaward will.

Woodside Daycare Center Inc., 155 Woodside Ave., Amherst, MA 01102. Catherine Epstein, 90 Spring St., Amherst, MA 01002. Charitable and educational purposes to provide day care, nursery, child care, and related educational services in the Greater Amherst area.

BELCHERTOWN

RT’s Welding, Fabrication & Auto Repair Inc., 120 Federal St., Bays 3 and 4, Belchertown, MA 01007. Randy Letourneau, 570 Amherst Road, Belchertown, MA 01007. Welding, fabrication, and auto repairs.

CHICOPEE

CJC Mobile Homes Inc., 246 Murphy Lane, Chicopee, MA 01020. Jennifer Picard, same. Purchase and sale of mobile homes.

Viktant Transport Inc., 36 Melvin St., Chicopee, MA 01013. Victor Antonov, same. Trucking.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Talbot Home Services Corp, 526 Parker St., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Elizabeth Ann Talbot, same. Home Services and maintenance.

GREAT BARRINGTON

Van Buren Legacy Inc., 4 Knob Hill Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230. Dan Ruderman, same. Media company.

GREENFIELD

New 2 U Dog Rescue Inc., 22 Conway Dr., Greenfield, MA 01301. Dawn-Marie Conway, same. Provide shelter and rehabilitation and find adoptive homes for canines.

HADLEY

Edward Hopkins Educational Foundation Inc., 438 River Dr., Hadley, MA 01035. Kathleen Tudryn, same. Charitable and educational purposes for enriching the educational experiences of students in the Hadley, Massachusetts Public Schools.

HOLYOKE

Holyoke Deli and Butcher Inc., 502 Westfield Road, Holyoke, MA 01040. Matt Frazier, 63 Squawfield Road, Westfield, MA 01085. Delicatessen and butcher shop.

Virk’s International Inc., 8-10 Green St., Holyoke, MA 01060. Saadatza Virk MR., 1029 Elm St. Apt # 3B, West Springfield, MA 01089. Retail Convenience.

NORTHAMPTON

Royal Talens North America Inc., 30 Industrial Dr., Northampton, MA 01060. Roelof Buldo Benning, Sophlalaan 46, P.O. Box 7300AA, Apaldoorn, The Netherlands. Sale of artistic paint, brushes, canvasses, color pencils, and stationary.

Sew Rite Inc., 137D Damon Road, Northampton, MA 01060. Kichun Park, same. Alteration store.

PITTSFIELD

Linden St. Gas Station Corp., 185 Linden St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Jitendra Patel, 34 Green Place, Brockton, MA 02301. Gas station and convenience store.

SPRINGFIELD

Alfred Powell Construction Corporation, 11 Preston St., Springfield, MA 01109. Alfred Powell, same. Light construction.
JEPMAC Springfield MA Inc., 436 Parker Street, Springfield, MA 01129. Jean Pierre-Victor, 8232 S Christiana Ave., Chicago, IL 60652. Buffett restaurant, catering SVC.

Ministerio Vencedores Para Cristo Inc., 843 Beacon Circle, Springfield, MA 01119. Sylkia Rivera, same. Non-profit organization spreading the word of God in the area; feeding hungry and bring hope to needy.

Re-Anagen Inc., 76 Florida St., Springfield, MA 01109. Jerome Jason Whittington, same. Fund and pursue cure and reversal of hair loss through scientific research.

Smithfield Packaged Meat Sales Corp., 20 Carando Dr., Springfield, MA 01104. Sales.

Springfield Vietnamese Cultural Association Inc., 1 Lyndale St., Springfield, MA 01108. Anton Cai, same. Charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes to promote and raise funds for Vietnamese community cultural events; preserve history of Vietnamese population, language, music, and traditions.

Team Zolo Auto Club Inc., 116 Michon St., Springfield, MA 0115. Anthony Baez, 464 Dickinson St., Springfield, MA 01108. Uphold car show events to raise money for different non-profit organizations.

The Ecumenical Church, 32 Hampden St., Springfield, MA 01103. Reverend Timothy Paul, same. Charitable, religious, and religious-educational purposes.

WESTFIELD

Reliable Motion Inc., 27B Sycamore St., Westfield, MA 01085. Volodymyr Pylypiv, same. Transportation of motor vehicles.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Balise K2 Inc., 122 Doty Circle, West Springfield, MA 01089. James Balise Jr., same. Automobile sales and service.

Technocare Inc., 12 Royce CT Apt. E6, West Springfield, MA 01089. Hetal Vaidya, same. Computer services and web designing.

US1 Express Inc., 533 Main St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Dildar Usmanov, same. Trucking.

WILBRAHAM

2ND2NoneBall Inc., 3 Sylvan Dr., Wilbraham, MA 01095. Anthony Bergeron, same. Basketball training, camps, clinics, programs.

Wilbraham Amisha Corporation, 461-465 Main St., Wilbraham, MA 01095. Sushilaben Patel, same. Convenience store.

WILLIAMSTOWM

American Land Partners Inc., 665 Simonds Road, Williamstown, MA 01267. Harry Patten, same. Manage real estate holdings of NLP Finance, LLC.

Briefcase

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Business Confidence Up, Manufacturing Challenged

BOSTON — The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Business Confidence Index rose 1.3 points in November to 56.9, almost exactly where it stood a year before (56.8). “The story here is less the monthly gain than the longer-term pattern,” said Raymond Torto, Chair of AIM’s Board of Economic Advisors and lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Design. “Over the past year, the index rose nicely for five months and then started a fitful decline back to where it was last November. The hidden trend behind that pattern is a divergence in confidence levels between manufacturers and other employers.” He added that “our state’s manufacturing sector, which relies heavily upon international demand for its world-class products, is up against a strong dollar and weak conditions in all its major export markets — China, Japan, Canada, and Western Europe. Domestic demand is down as well because of global conditions and large inventories. In March, manufacturers were almost as confident as other employers, but the confidence gap has grown significantly since then.” Torto noted that the manufacturing sector is overrepresented in AIM’s survey, but that it plays a vital part in the Massachusetts economy. “If the sector continues to struggle in 2016, other sectors will feel the repercussions, especially in regions of the state with concentrations of manufacturing industries.” AIM’s Business Confidence Index has been issued monthly since July 1991 under the oversight of the Board of Economic Advisors. Presented on a 100-point scale on which 50 is neutral, the index attained a historical high of 68.5 in 1997 and 1998; its all-time low was 33.3 in February 2009.

State Issues Financial-literacy Report

BOSTON — State Treasurer Deb Goldberg, accompanied by her Financial Literacy Task Force, released their statewide report on the status of financial education in the Commonwealth. “I have always understood the responsibilities of the Treasurer’s office include insuring economic stability within our state,” Goldberg said. “This means building a robust financial-literacy program, which is a critical step toward strengthening economic security for everyone in Massachusetts.” The task force, under the direction of the Treasurer’s Office of Economic Empowerment, launched a comprehensive research effort in April. The diverse group of policymakers, educators, bankers, and advocates convened for six months. Their goal was to develop a road map to resources that will empower every Massachusetts resident with the skills they need to manage their money, plan for college, save for retirement, and better understand the impact of their economic decisions. “Implementing the recommendations of this task force will make a difference in the quality of the lives of Massachusetts citizens of all ages and backgrounds,” said former Undersecretary of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation Barbara Anthony, who chaired the task force. “The task force work presents the vital road map for the future of financial literacy in our state.” Some initiatives within the report include increasing accessibility to all financial education activities and programs throughout the state, promoting a public financial-education awareness campaign, communicating the family-dynamic principle to stakeholders, and incorporating it in all financial-literacy programming within the Office of Economic Empowerment. The 31 task force members identified three key demographic groups — K-12 students, college students, and adults — for the largest scope of fiscal impact on the state. The task force’s final report serves as an action plan for Goldberg and the Economic Empowerment Trust Fund Board. “Though we are keenly aware all adults can benefit from financial services, the adult subcommittee of Treasurer Goldberg’s Financial Literacy Task Force determined low-to-moderate income families, first-generation immigrants, women, seniors, and veterans are particularly vulnerable, and have set forth recommendations to ensure their financial well-being throughout their lifetime,” said Sylvia de Haas Phillips, subcommittee co-chair and senior vice president of United Way.

Standard & Poor’s Affirms State’s AA+ Bond Rating

BOSTON — In a communication to the Commonwealth, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services shared that it has affirmed Massachusetts’ AA+ credit rating on its general obligation bonds, while also providing notice that it is changing the Commonwealth’s outlook to ‘negative’ due to concerns about a multi-year trend on spending and the use of reserve funds. “While we have retained our current AA+ rating, we recognize and acknowledge the areas of concern raised today by Standard & Poor’s revised outlook,” Treasurer Deb Goldberg said. “I will continue to emphasize the importance of building our reserves, and I look forward to working with the administration and Legislature to establish the path to a healthier, stronger reserve balance for Massachusetts.”

Company Notebook

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STCC, United Way Open Financial Success Center

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) opened Springfield’s first Thrive Financial Success Center on Dec. 3, with a ceremony in the President’s Conference Room in Garvey Hall. Thrive is a collaborative effort between United Way of Pioneer Valley and STCC to provide financial education and support services to students and community residents. It is supported by PeoplesBank, MassMutual, the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation, the United Way of Pioneer Valley, and the STCC Foundation. “After the success of the Thrive Financial Success Centers at Holyoke Community College and in downtown Holyoke, we are thrilled to open a third Thrive Center at Springfield Technical Community College,” said United Way of Pioneer Valley President and CEO Dora Robinson. “At the United Way of Pioneer Valley, we believe basic financial literacy should be a key aspect of everyone’s education. No career goal or life’s ambition should be hindered because a person doesn’t know how to balance their checkbook or maintain a good credit rating.” Thrive @ STCC anticipates it will serve 400 individuals in its first year of operation. Program offerings include confidential benefits screening and enrollment, a money-skills class, individual financial coaching sessions, free income-tax prepatration through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, links to workforce-development and training workshops, and LifeBridge, MassMutual’s free life-insurance program. Thrive Centers currently operate in partnership with the United Way at Holyoke Community College and at the Picknelly Adult and Family Education Center in downtown Holyoke. “Building financial awareness and planning skills is essential to our students’ and our community’s economic prosperity,” said STCC President Ira Rubenzahl. “Many of our students are overburdened with outside financial struggles. Coupling career guidance with access to financial coaching will assist Thrive participants to make informed decisions that will make their lives easier, allow them to remain focused on their studies, and prepare them for future employment.”

Berkshire Bank Launches ‘Season of Giving’ Effort

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Bank has launched its fourth annual “Season of Giving” campaign, which runs through the end of the holiday season. Through the campaign, bank employees will complete a variety of community-service projects throughout cities and towns that Berkshire Bank serves. Berkshire Bank employees are also inviting the public to join with them to support local children and families in need during this holiday season to further expand the collective impact. More than 200 Berkshire Bank employees will participate in the effort, with all of the service projects benefiting nonprofit organizations and families across Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, and Vermont. In addition to these local efforts, Berkshire Bank has teamed up with the American Red Cross to participate in their annual Mail for Heroes program, through which bank employees will send holiday cards to service men, women, and veterans who cannot be with their families during the holidays. In the Pioneer Valley, all Berkshire Bank branches and Berkshire Insurance Group offices have teamed up with the state Department of Children & Families to collect gifts for local families in need. Donations are being accepted at any Berkshire Bank location in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties. The public is invited to stop by their local office to see which items are needed from the ‘giving tree.’ Bank employees will also volunteer their time with a variety of local nonprofit organizations during the holiday season, including Wreathes Across America and the Salvation Army. Berkshire Bank Foundation, the charitable arm of Berkshire Bank, also plans to contribute grants to local nonprofit organizations.

WNEU Offers Free Small-business Legal Assistance

SPRINGFIELD — The Western New England University Small Business Legal Clinic is now accepting applications from entrepreneurs and small-business owners seeking legal assistance for the spring 2016 semester. Under faculty supervision, law students assist clients with legal issues including choice of entity, employment policies, contract drafting, regulatory compliance, and intellectual-property issues relating to trademark applications and copyright. This is a free service available to local businesses. The Small Business Clinic at Western New England School of Law has assisted more than 300 small businesses, and is a solid resource for entrepreneurs who lack the finances to retain an attorney. By using the clinic’s services, businesses can avoid problems by getting legal issues addressed early and correctly. It also provides students with an opportunity to gain real-world experience. The Small Business Legal Clinic asks small-business owners to submit their applications by Thursday, Dec. 31. Applications received after that date will be considered if additional resources are available. Students will begin providing services in mid-January. For more information, call the clinic at (413) 782-1469 or e-mail [email protected].

People on the Move

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Departments People on the Move

The Massachusetts Board of Higher Education formally approved Ramon Torrecilha, a lifelong educator, as the 20th president of Westfield State University (WSU). A lifelong educator, he is currently a professor of sociology at California State University Dominguez Hills. “I am delighted by the appointment of Dr. Ramon Torrecilha as the new president of Westfield State and look forward to working with him,” said Carlos Santiago, state commissioner of Higher Education. “I want to thank the Westfield board of trustees and the search committee for delivering an exceptional pool of quality candidates, and congratulate them on an outstanding selection.” Torrecilha will be the first Latino to serve as president in the university’s 176-year history. He is scheduled to begin his term on Jan. 25. Westfield State’s presidential search process officially launched in January 2015, with a search committee comprising 13 members of the campus community. The pool of candidates was narrowed to a semi-finalist group of 13 in August, and on Sept. 29, the presidential search advisory committee announced three finalists: Torrecilha; Damian Fernandez, CEO and head of school at Ethical Culture Fieldston School; and Linda Vaden-Goad, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Framingham State University. On Oct. 28, the WSU trustees voted to recommend Torrecilha as the final candidate, and the state Board of Higher Education approved the choice this week. Previous to his current role at California State University Dominguez Hills, he served as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, where he designed and implemented a cohort-based, first-year initiative to increase student retention and graduation rates. As provost, he invested in student research and supported more than 200 undergraduate research projects. He provided leadership and support to secure more than $16 million in grants and contracts and $600,000 to support faculty research and creative activity. Torrecilha also served as executive vice president of Mills College in Oakland, Calif., during which time he served as acting president on two separate occasions. His many accomplishments at Mills include the design, implementation, and successful achievement of a capital campaign that raised more than $130 million dollars on behalf of women’s education. He also led a successful campus reaccreditation process resulting in an eight-year renewal from the Western Assoc. of Schools and Colleges and increased the alumnae participation rate by 10%. Torrecilha earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in sociology from Portland State University and his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Wisconsin Madison.

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Eight lawyers from Bulkley Richardson have been named to the 2015 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list of top lawyers in the state, and two lawyers from the firm have been named to the 2015 Massachusetts Rising Stars list of top up-and-coming lawyers. No more than 5% of lawyers in Massachusetts are selected for the Super Lawyers list, and no more than 2.5% are selected for the Rising Stars list. The following Bulkley Richardson lawyers were named to the 2014 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list:
• Francis Dibble Jr., whose practice areas include business litigation, health law, and antitrust litigation;
• J. Patrick Kennedy, whose practice areas include business litigation, banking and intellectual property litigation;
• Kevin Maynard, whose practice areas include business litigation, general litigation, and nonprofit;
• David Parke, whose practice areas include business/corporate and mergers and acquisitions;
• John Pucci, whose practice areas include criminal defense (white collar);
• Donn Randall, whose practice areas include banking and business litigation;
• Ellen Randle, whose practice focuses on family law; and
• Ronald Weiss, whose practice areas include mergers and acquisitions, closely held business, and estate planning and probate.
The following Bulkley Richardson lawyers were named to the 2015 Massachusetts Rising Stars list:
• Michael Roundy, whose practice areas include business/commercial litigation, tax appeals, and medical malpractice (defense); and
• Kelly Koch, whose practice areas include family law and estate planning and probate.
Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented, multi-phase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates, and peer reviews by practice area.

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Kenneth Albano

Kenneth Albano

Bacon Wilson, P.C. announced that attorney Kenneth Albano was recently honored with the Esteemed Service Award from Behavioral Health Network Inc. (BHN). Albano was presented with the award during BHN’s annual meeting, in recognition of his 20-plus years as a member of BHN’s board of directors and his related board service. “I am grateful to BHN for this recognition,” Albano said. “The services BHN provides are essential to the wellness of so many in our community who may be struggling with addiction or other life crises. I am honored by this award, and it has been my honor to serve this excellent organization for so many years.” Behavioral Health Network is a growing non-profit, community behavioral-health service organization, and has served the needs of children, adults, families, and communities in Western Mass. since 1938, offering tools and treatments for those with mental illness, substance-use disorders, or intellectual disabilities. Albano is a senior partner with Bacon Wilson and a member of the firm’s corporate, commercial, and municipal practice groups. In addition to his work with BHN, he has worked with the American Cancer Society, Make-A-Wish, and the ALS Assoc., and he serves as board chair of the March of Dimes Western MA Division and on the board of the New England Chapter of the March of Dimes. In June, Albano was honored with the Mass. Bar Assoc. Community Service Award in recognition of his exceptional volunteer work.

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Country Bank President and CEO Paul Scully announced that Eric Devine has been promoted to first vice president, Information Technology. Devine has been with Country Bank since 2006 in the IT Department, working most recently as the Information Technology Services officer. “Eric is a dedicated and driven member of our team. I am pleased to have the opportunity to recognize him for his outstanding leadership over the last few years,” Scully said. Devine studied at Sacred Heart University with a concentration in information technology and graduated from New England School for Financial Studies in 2012. He is very active in the community, serving on the program advisory committee for Porter and Chester Institute, working on the annual SIDS Road Race committee, and supporting the Griffin’s Friends Children’s Cancer Fund as a runner and charity fund-raiser. In addition, he served as the 2015 Springfield grand parade marshal for the annual St. Patricks Day Parade in Holyoke. He was elected to BusinessWest’s 40 under Forty in 2015.

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Aaron Smith, P.C., a certified public accounting firm serving individuals and businesses in the Pioneer Valley, announced the addition of two new staff accountants, Trent Domingos and Emily Sit. Both are responsible for audits, reviews, and compilations. “We are pleased to add two staff accountants to our team, as this allows us to maintain a high level of excellence and personal attention that our clients have come to expect,” said David Padegimas, CPA, managing director of Aaron Smith, P.C. Domingos is a graduate of Fairfield University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He previously served as a tax intern at Therrien & Associates, P.C., in Wilton, Conn. At Fairfield University, Domingos was a four-year member of the varsity rowing team. “I am excited to join the team. I look forward to growing as an accountant in this position and contributing to the distinguished reputation that Aaron Smith, P.C. has established,” Domingos said. Sit is a graduate of the UMass Isenberg School of Management with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting. She is expected to obtain her master’s degree in accounting in May. Prior to joining the team at Aaron Smith, P.C., she was employed by IBM Corporation as a financial analyst. She is fluent in English and Chinese, and enjoys gardening in her spare time. “Aaron Smith, P.C. has an excellent track record of great customer service,” Sit said. “I am thrilled to continue my passion for accounting in a well-respected firm.” CPAs at Aaron Smith, P.C. continually invest time and resources into furthering professional education, using state-of-the-art computer technology and developing extensive new business relationships.

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Ruth’s House, the assisted-living residence at JGS Lifecare, announced the appointment of Samantha Panniello as dining services coordinator. As an experienced executive and catering chef, she brings a new dimension to the facility’s signature kosher dining and banquet menus. Panniello brings more than 10 years of experience to Ruth’s House. Formally trained at the Connecticut Culinary Institute, where she was recognized for excellence and graduated at the top of her class, she worked as a chef for both Springfield College and UMass Amherst before becoming kitchen manager of the Federal in Agawam and Vinted in West Hartford, Conn. where she was named head chef. While at Vinted, the restaurant received a rave review by the New York Times, praising its “rich tastes on small plates.” Panniello also landed an executive chef position at Lego in Enfield, Conn., and most recently served as head chef of Marketplace/Back Street Bistro in Springfield. “We’re proud to welcome Samantha to coordinate our dining services. She brings tremendous talent, enthusiasm, and experience to our culinary team,” said Joelle Tedeschi, executive director of Ruth’s House. “Our residents are in for a treat.”