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Departments

DBA Certificates Departments

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

AGAWAM

LKQ Southwick, LLC
609 Silver St.
Michael Sullivan

Mad Man
58 Oak Lane
Thomas Graveline

Northeast Power Sports
66 Letendre Ave.
Felix Santana Jr.

CHICOPEE

Marshall’s
591 Memorial Dr.
Kristin Adams

No Heat Call Tommy
213 Bemis Ave.
Thomas Fregeau

Precision Orthodontic Lab
10 Percy St.
David Merritt

Sandy’s Auto World Transport
172 Prospect St.
Ludmila Kudrya

Soft Touch Auto Wash
1405 Memorial Ave.
Joseph Larrivee

Suds Your Duds Laundromat
349 Chicopee St.
Preston Carr

The Kung Fu Academy
551 East St.
Mark Ostrander

HOLYOKE

Budget Inn
579 Northampton St.
Mita Patel

CNS Academy for Healthcare Professionals
187 High St.
Marc Beaulieu

Hampden Mini Mart
263 Hampden St.
Angel Coriano

JoJo’s Mini Market
31 Essex St.
Joel Brito

Legends Barbershop
153 Sargeant St.
Tatiana Madera

Messier Funeral Home
1944 Northampton St.
Michael A. Usher

The Muse Custom Framing
220 South Water St.
Debra Luzny

LUDLOW

Bella Couture Salon & Day Spa
154 East St.
Michell Ruark

Marta Law Offices
30 Chestnut St.
Paulo G. Marta

NORTHAMPTON

Architectural Home
320 Riverside Dr.
Patrick Bauhan

Brad’s Landscaping & Handyman Services
86 Overlook Dr.
Bradley Finn

Curio
1 Amber Lane
Emily Withenbury

Florence Pie Bar
17 Main St.
Maura Glennon

Give Life to Art
215 State St.
John Lewis

Helio Aerial Photo
716 Park Hill Road
Jonathan Soto

The Jamrog Group
211 North St.
Amy Jamrog

Understory Professional Woodsman
40 Williams St.
Carl T. Danelski

PALMER

Palmer Auto Mall
1219 Thorndike St.
Raymond Recor

SPRINGFIELD

La Fortuna Mini Market
899 Carew St.
Jose M. Sanchez

Larry’s Trucking Company
16 Lakeside St.
Larry Cole

LMP Trucking
150 Northampton Ave.
Robert Parker

MJH Carpenters
1532 Bay St.
Michael Helbling

MAD Respect
150 Oklahoma St.
Joseph Daniels

Main Street Laundromat
95 Main St.
Deborah Woytowicz

Mr. Tees and More
2 Chestnut St.
Richard A. Ducharme

MW Dwell
99 Haskin St.
Marshal Anderson

New England Fashion Show
24 Warriner Ave.
Maria R. Lozada

Nontoxic Apparel
95 Breckwood Blvd.
Samantha Kratovil

Nuccio’s Inc.
477 Page Blvd.
Carmine Picardi

Olympic Deli Restaurant
232 Chestnut St.
Francisco Rasario

Orchard Gardening
172 Main St.
Jerome Brown

Orchard Imports, LLC
1213 Worcester St.
D’Juan Barlow

Pop’s Biscotti
26 Middlebrook Dr.
Maria Elizabeth

Pro Cuts
322 St. James Ave.
Xavier Velazquez

RV Medics
868 Armory St.
Christopher Dillard

Reyes Screen Printing
5 Brianna Lane
Carlos J. Reyes

Riparial
62 Eddy St.
Thomas J. Regan

Sole Fresh
1655 Boston Road
Emanuel L. Mwenda

The Able Place
186 St. James Ave.
Elaine Awand

The Brim and Crown Shop
439 White St.
Richard D. Little

The Chalkboard Jungle
28 Knollwood St.
Bonnie M. Roy

The Curve Society
462 Berkshire Ave.
Elizabeth A. Wallace

Upper Room Music Group
1500 Main St.
Sam Bradley

WESTFIELD

Kimberly Hatch Photography
77 Mill St.
Kimberly Hatch

Pancake Sundaes, LLC
266 Elm St.
Pancake Sundaes, LLC

Responsible Driving of Westfield, LLC
132 Elm St.
Responsible Driving of Westfield, LLC

Spark Arc Sheet Metal
104 Mainline Dr.
Comfort Services, LLC

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Aline of Hair East
306 Westfield St.
Aline Stolar

Christine G. Whalen
1005 Elm St.
Christine G. Whalen

Freeland Construction Company
1111 Elm St.
Leroy R. Clink

Novella Photography
1838 Riverdale St.
Paulette Griswold

Parus
766 Main St.
Dzhavat Azizov

Reina’s Mini Market
411 Main St.
Michael S. Candelaria

Departments Incorporations

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

AMHERST

The Coffee Grind Inc., 450 West St., Amherst, MA 01002. Isabel Mercado, 18 Hunter Hills Circle, Amherst, MA 01002. Coffee bar and tea house.

GRANBY

Alphabet Soup Childcare Center Inc., 166 West State St., Granby, MA 01033. Bobbi L. Rougeau, same. Childcare services.

HATFIELD

A & S Building and Remodeling Inc., 123 Depot Road, Hatfield, MA 01038. David Jagodzinski, same. Construction.

HOLYOKE

Aircraft Management Service & Sales Inc., 330 Whitney Ave., Suite, 440, Holyoke, MA 01040. Michael J. Kane, 6 Old Pasture Dr., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Management and sale of aircraft and related industries.

LONGMEADOW

Renal and Transplant Associates of New England, P.C., 15 Pendleton Lane, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Krishnan Babu, same. Medical services.

MONTAGUE

Andrew Cavanagh Inc., 555 Turners Falls Road, Montague, MA 01351. Andrew Cavanagh, same. Building websites and applications.

NORTHAMPTON

A2Z Science Inc., 57 King St., Unit A, Northampton, MA 01060. Andre Boulay, same. Retail sales.

PITTSFIELD

Anthony Gianacopoulos Attorney at Law, P.C., 75 North St., Suite 320, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Anthony Gianacopoulos, same. Legal services.

SOUTHWICK

4Life Entertainment Organization Inc., 389 North Loomis St., Southwick, MA 01077. Spencer Lavoie. same. Event production for charitable causes.

Adam Transport Inc., 628 College Highway, Southwick, MA 01077. Erdem Akca, same. Trucking.

Allied Tree Service Inc., 237 Hillside Road, Southwick, MA 01077. Adam C. Roberts, same. Commercial and residential tree service including but not limited to tree removal, stump grinding, and chipping.

SPRINGFIELD

Save Cathedral High School Inc., 110 Atwater Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107. Al Dilascia, 16 Ginger Road, Chicopee, MA 01020. Charity for Catherdral High School.

WESTFIELD

Western England Amateur Boxing Inc., 5 Princeton St., Westfield, MA 01085. Dean Fay, same. To support charitable and community organizations through amateur boxing and related events.

Yagmur Inc., 18 School St., Westfield, MA 01085. Yagmur Hamurcu, 19 Pine St., Ludlow, MA 01056. Pizza restaurant.

Briefcase Departments

MGM Springfield Breaks Ground on $800 Million Resort
SPRINGFIELD — MGM Resorts International hosted the groundbreaking of MGM Springfield — an $800 million casino resort slated to open in fall 2017 in downtown Springfield — on Tuesday. The event marked the start of the construction phase of this unique urban mixed-use development, the Commonwealth’s first destination casino resort. Hundreds of people were in attendance at the groundbreaking celebration, emceed by Kathy Tobin, former local news anchor and current director of Program Development at Friends of the Homeless. With the Zanetti School — severely damaged by the June 2011 tornado that tore through Springfield’s South End — as a backdrop, speakers highlighted the history of Springfield, the rebirth of the South End neighborhood, and the energy and optimism that is filling the region. “With every licensing milestone and every campaign victory, we have honored the potential of MGM Springfield,” said Jim Murren, MGM Resorts International chairman and CEO. “Today is even more special, though, as we put shovels in the ground to officially celebrate what we came here to do: put people back to work and begin a rebirth of the once-thriving urban center of Western Massachusetts.” The crowd, which included many state and local elected and appointed officials, gathered to hear from Murren, MGM Springfield President Michael Mathis, Mass. Gaming Commission Chairman Steve Crosby, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, and Revitalize CDC Associate Director Ethel Griffin. More than 30 construction workers representing various trades were at the site to honor the moment. Guests were treated to an interactive event, as they were asked to write their wishes for the future of the city of Springfield and Western Mass. Their wishes were then dropped into an MGM Springfield wishing well. MGM will put all the wishes into a capsule that will be placed in the resort foundation as construction begins. The outdoor event also featured a traditional first shovel of dirt as well as celebratory confetti blasts. In keeping with MGM’s commitment to engage local businesses, Springfield vendors Langone’s, AC Produce, and Palazzo provided décor and beverages. Zasco Productions of Chicopee provided the staging, risers, and sound and technical equipment. Taylor Rental of South Hadley provided additional tables and chairs. “The city of Springfield’s people welcomed us into their hearts and homes and trusted us with their hopes for the future,” Mathis said. “This property was designed with the input of residents who wanted more for their families and their community. Today is the day we start to realize that future as we activate the most robust construction site Springfield has ever seen.” MGM Springfield will bring 3,000 permanent jobs and 2,000 construction jobs to downtown Springfield. MGM has established a hiring goal of 35% of the workforce from the city of Springfield and 90% from a combination of Springfield and the region. Additionally, MGM Springfield has entered into surrounding-community agreements with neighboring communities providing for tens of millions of dollars.

WomenUpFront Launches Roundtable
SPRINGFIELD — In support of the growth and success of Pioneer Valley women presidents and the businesses they own, WomenUpFront is launching a new monthly roundtable for women business owners whose annual revenues have passed the $200,000 mark but have not quite reached $1 million. Sponsored by PeoplesBank and hosted at the Business Growth Center at Springfield Technology Park, WomenUpFront is looking for business owners from Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties for this newest program, set to begin on Wednesday, April 15. WomenUpFront is bringing its successful model piloted in Berkshire County to the Pioneer Valley because there is a need to support women business owners of growing businesses. “There have been conversations over the years about starting this, but none has materialized until now,” said Cathy Crosky, founder and facilitator of WomenUpFront. “Scaling a business has its challenges, and this is a proven model that helps women business owners succeed. They really appreciate this kind of facilitated peer mentoring, too.” Joan Leahy, vice president of Marketing for PeoplesBank, said the bank “is proud to sponsor WomenUpFront and bring this important opportunity to area women business owners. As an organization that runs on innovation and collaboration, we know the benefits of mentoring, teamwork, and the free exchange of ideas. We support WomenUpFront because it will provide these entrepreneurs with many of the same opportunities and successes that we have enjoyed.” The roundtable provides a learning forum for owners to get out of the weeds of the day-to-day and look at their businesses more strategically. The objective is to help women accelerate their businesses to the next level and place their companies in a better position to access new opportunities and continue to prosper. Lasting and meaningful relationships are formed among the participants. “I’m thrilled that the Business Growth Center is hosting WomenUpFront,” said Marla Michel, director of the center. “Women business owners are focused, dedicated, and strong, and often have overcome many obstacles to get to where they are. WomenUpFront can help them learn skills and get advice in a very collegial environment to accelerate further success.” Monthly roundtable meetings will be held at the Business Growth Center the third Wednesday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon.

Tech Foundry Starts Recruiting New Class
SPRINGFIELD — Following a successful inaugural year, Tech Foundry has turned its focus to filling this year’s class of students, beginning with an open house on Wednesday, April 8 at its headquarters on the ninth floor of 1391 Main St., Springfield. The open house begins at 5:30 p.m., and prospective students and parents are encouraged to attend. In addition, the staff at Tech Foundry will be going into area schools and meeting with guidance counselors and other community influencers to drive as many applications as possible before the April 17 deadline to apply. Applications can be found at www.thetechfoundry.org. Founded by Paragus IT CEO Delcie Bean, Tech Foundry is a nonprofit education and job-placement program looking to transform underemployed and overlooked populations into a powerful and robust workforce in the information-technology field. With partners such as Mass Mutual, the Davis Foundation, UMass, and Baystate Health, it raised nearly $450,000 to get started. Tech Foundry aims to create a homegrown workforce for the many area businesses looking for tech professionals, and began the program this year with an inaugural class of high-school students. Upon completing the program and graduating high school, the goal is to place students in an entry-level IT job in the Valley in the $30,000-$40,000 salary range. In the long term, Tech Foundry aims to turn Western Mass. into a technology hub, attracting companies from all over the country to locate some of their high-tech jobs in the Pioneer Valley.

PVPC Receives Award from PolicyLink
SPRINGFIELD — The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC), on behalf of LiveWell Springfield, is one of just six organizations across the country to receive an award from the Leadership Conference Education Fund and PolicyLink to advance affordable, accessible transportation policy. PVPC will use the funds to embed transit-equity principles into LiveWell Springfield, and will host local activities to engage, educate, and empower local leaders within communities of color to lift up the Equity Caucus agenda locally and federally. Specifically, PVPC is collaborating with Joseph Krupczynski and the Center for Design Engagement, Natalia Muñoz of Verdant Multicultural Media, and Evelín Aquino to expand the successful capacity-building sessions implemented in 2014 for emerging leaders in Springfield. (For a summary of this work, visit www.pvpc.org/content/new-video-building-skills-equity-and-engagement-planning). “When we completed our three-and-a-half-year, HUD-funded equity and engagement work last year, we knew we needed more funding to expand our capacity-building workshops,” explained Catherine Ratté, principal planner and section manager at PVPC. “Our civic-engagement goal is not just to engage individuals from under-represented groups, but also to create pathways for them into positions of power. Participation in democracy, especially from communities that are too often left out, brings important voices to the table and makes sustainable growth and development possible.” Equitable transportation investments are crucial to connecting people to jobs, educational opportunities, affordable housing, healthcare, and other basic needs. Through a coalition of more than 100 organizations, the Transportation Equity Caucus is charting a new course for transportation investments, focused on policies that advance economic and social equity in America. For more information, see www.equitycaucus.org. Live Well Springfield, a movement to promote healthy eating and active living, has been working for the last few years putting systems into action that support safe and friendly walking and biking. As part of LiveWell Springfield’s work in 2012-14, PVPC facilitated creation of the city’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Complete Streets Plan, implementation guide, Complete Streets policy draft, and Complete Streets buildout plan and map (www.livewellspringfield.org).

State Unemployment Rate Drops to 4.9% in February
BOSTON — The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) released preliminary February 2015 estimates that show the Massachusetts total unemployment rate dropped to 4.9% from the January rate of 5.1%, a 0.2% decrease. Over the year, the unemployment rate fell by 1.1% from 6.0% in February 2014. The share of working-age residents employed or unemployed, also known as the labor participation rate, was 65.9%, an increase of 0.3% since January. Compared with February 2014, the labor participation rate increased a full percentage point over the year. February 2015 estimates show that 3,430,500 residents were employed and 177,300 were unemployed. Compared with February 2014, February 2015 had 34,400 fewer unemployed, the largest annual decrease in the number of unemployed since October 2011. Over the month, jobs were up 800, with a private-sector loss of 800. Since February 2014, jobs grew by 58,100, with 46,300 private-sector job gains. The sectors with the largest job gains over the year included education and health services and professional, scientific, and business services.

School Building Authority Announces Contest
BOSTON — State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg, chair of the Mass. School Building Authority (MSBA), and MSBA Executive Director Jack McCarthy announced the 2015 “My Ideal School” contest. The goal of the contest is to promote discussion among students and teachers about how thoughtful design and construction of schools in Massachusetts support student learning. The contest is open to all first-grade students currently attending a Massachusetts public school. Regional winners will receive a prize donated by Santander Bank. One grand-prize winner will have his or her “My Ideal School” contest picture featured on the cover of the MSBA annual report. All winners will be honored at an awards ceremony at the Massachusetts State House on May 27. Contest submissions must be postmarked by April 24 for consideration. More information can be found on the MSBA website at www.massschoolbuildings.org. The Mass. School Building Authority partners with Massachusetts communities to support the design and construction of educationally appropriate, flexible, sustainable, and cost-effective public-school facilities. Since its 2004 inception, the authority has made more than 1,500 site visits to more than 250 school districts as part of its due-diligence process, and has made more than $11.2 billion in reimbursements for school-construction projects across Massachusetts.

Most Patients Don’t Visit Nearest Emergency Room
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Fewer than half of emergency-department (ED) visits are to the patient’s local emergency room, according to a new data brief from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), FierceHealthcare reported. After analyzing data on ED visits between 2009 and 2010, Amy Brown and colleagues at the NCHS found the average visit involved an ED that was located 6.8 miles from the patient’s home, even though the nearest ED was on average only 3.9 miles from home. Overall, only 43.8% of visits were to the ED closest to the patient’s home. Researchers also looked at emergency visits within metropolitan statistical areas, which are regions that contain a core urban area with a population of 50,000 or more. Visits inside these areas were less likely than those outside to be to a different ED than the one closest to the patient’s home, according to Brown and her team. They also found that visits that took place at EDs further from patients’ homes occurred more often for older patients, at larger hospitals, and in EDs with longer waiting times within metropolitan statistical areas. Further study is needed to understand the determinants behind these statistics, Brown and her team wrote, particularly if demand for emergency care continues to increase, as it has since the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.

Company Notebook Departments

Mercy Announces $1 Million Gift for Cancer Center Campaign
SPRINGFIELD — Mercy Medical Center announced that Cynthia and William Lyons have made a $1 million challenge gift to Transforming Cancer Care – the Capital Campaign for the Sister Caritas Cancer Center. The Lyons’ gift will support the 26,000-square-foot expansion of the Cancer Center and is particularly significant because it reflects the largest single gift for the Capital Campaign from members of the community. “We have been inspired by the high level of care and compassion that runs throughout the Sisters of Providence Health System,” said Cynthia Lyons. “The work being done at the Sister Caritas Cancer Center is especially exciting.” Added Daniel Moen, president and CEO of the Sisters of Providence Health System, “The tremendous support we have received from Cynthia and William Lyons is indicative of the importance and necessity of the services provided by the Sister Caritas Cancer Center. We are grateful for their generosity on behalf of the patients who will benefit from the expansion project.” Under the leadership of Dr. Philip Glynn, director of Oncology, the Sister Caritas Cancer Center staff has expanded significantly to meet patient need that continues to increase. By 2022, demand for outpatient cancer services is expected to grow by 26%. In addition to increasing treatment space, the $15 million expansion will bolster the cancer center’s already strong capabilities by enhancing communication among the oncology providers and facilitating ease of access to existing services. The design of new infusion bays will increase privacy for patients, as well as for a supporting family member or friend. “We are so impressed with the new leadership and forward thinking of Mercy Medical Center and its oncology center,” Lyons said. “The commitment and vision of the physicians directly involved with the growth of the cancer center speaks to the investment of the hospital community. The new plan unites state-of-the-art treatment, research, and clinical-trial opportunities with Mercy’s trademark mission-driven qualities of compassion and respect for the individual. “This expansion is important because, directly or indirectly, cancer touches all of us,” she continued. “People really do want to be part of something that is successful and meaningful. We sincerely hope our gift inspires others in our community to give as well.” To make a gift to Transforming Cancer Care – the Capital Campaign for the Sister Caritas Cancer Center, call (413) 748-9920 or visit www.mercycares.com.

Normandeau Receives Partner of the Year Award
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Normandeau Technologies (NTI) announced it has been awarded the 2014 Ericsson-LG Enterprise North American Partner of the Year Award at the Ericsson-LG Global Partner Conference held in Cancun, Mexico. The award celebrates the excellence Normandeau Technologies has achieved in helping to build the North American distribution channel for the iPECS communications platform and for its success in bringing IP telephony, unified communications, mobility, and call-center solutions to SMBs in industries such as manufacturing, insurance, realty, medical, education, government, and financial. Bob Rankin, general manager of Presence Management, the largest distributor of Ericsson-LG iPECS products in North America, noted, “NTI continues to expand sales of our award-winning iPECS LIK VoIP platform with the iPECS Unified Communications Solution (iPECS UCS) and iPECS Contact Center Suite Solution (iPECS CCS). We recognize and appreciate the continuous hard work NTI performs in their region, and we applaud their continued success with iPECS.” Successfully marketed worldwide with a dominant market share in South Korea, Australia, and South Africa, and significant market share in many other countries, the iPECS is a highly scalable and fault-tolerant platform that connects up to 1,200 endpoints per system and up to 300,000 endpoints with networking. It’s a versatile, premise-based IP phone platform with a competitive entry cost, five-year warranty, and one of the industry’s lowest total cost of ownership (TCO). The Ericsson-LG UCS is a collaboration platform for organizations of virtually any size that integrates voice, presence, video conferencing, and instant messaging on the IPECS platform. The Ericsson-LG CCS is a multi-channel call-center solution providing intelligent management of multiple communication mediums. “We’re honored to receive this recognition for our sales success with the Ericsson LG line of advanced communication applications in the Massachusetts area and for our success in bringing these new technologies to our clients,” said Brett Normandeau, president of NTI. “Solutions like the iPECS UCS and iPECS CCS offer a tightly integrated, next-generation communications environment for telecom resellers at a very compelling price point.”

Braman Termite and Pest Elimination Earns Award
AGAWAM — Braman Termite and Pest Elimination, a provider of pest-management services in Southern New England since 1890, has earned the service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award, reflecting an exemplary year of service provided to the local marketplace, according to the consumer-review site in 2014. “We are honored at Braman Termite and Pest Elimination to have once again earned the Angie’s List Super Service Award, especially this year as we celebrate 125 years in business,” said Jerry Lazarus, third-generation owner. “I am confident that we provide a superior level of customer service that our customers have come to expect. This service is the result of our entire staff, but also under the leadership of several dedicated members that have been with Braman for decades.” Only about 5% of the companies in the Greater Springfield market have performed consistently well enough to earn the Super Service Award, said Angie’s List founder Angie Hicks. Service-company ratings are updated daily. Companies are graded in areas ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality. Angie’s List Super Service Award winners have met strict eligibility requirements, which include an ‘A’ rating in overall grade, recent grade, and review-period grade. The company must be in good standing with Angie’s List, pass a background check, and abide by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

BHS Partners with Ob/Gyn Practices
PITTSFIELD — In a move that will help to ensure long-term obstetric and gynecologic services throughout the region, Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) has announced that three key ob/gyn physician practices have joined together and formed Berkshire Ob/Gyn of BMC, which solidifies and stabilizes critical women’s health services for the community. The three practices joining under the Berkshire Health Systems Physician Practice Group are Berkshire Ob/Gyn Associates, located in Pittsfield and Lenox, and Northern Berkshire Ob/Gyn and Gyn Services of the Berkshires, located in Adams. This investment in ob/gyn stabilizes these essential physician services and supports consistent and reliable access to care. The partnership was partially precipitated by the 2014 closure of the former North Adams Regional Hospital (NARH) and the community need to provide ongoing maternal-child healthcare for residents of North Berkshire. A former NARH physician practice, Northern Berkshire Ob/Gyn was able to continue to provide care without interruption of service when Berkshire Health Systems assumed responsibility for the practice, and Berkshire Ob/Gyn provided coverage for the North Berkshire physicians and their patients. Growing changes in healthcare policy and in the health insurance reimbursement system have challenged the viability of private physician practices, which was a major factor in prompting Berkshire Ob/GYn to join together with the two BHS practices to form one unified service under BHS. At the same time, healthcare systems like BHS are increasingly relied upon to ensure current and future access to critical services for the community by investing in physician practices and ensuring they have the necessary support systems and financial stability and investment to succeed in the long term. Working together, the physicians of Berkshire Ob/Gyn of BMC can provide 24/7 coverage for maternity and routine, surgical, and emergency gynecological care throughout the region. Berkshire Ob/Gyn of BMC includes Drs. Andrew Beckwith, Daniel Barraez-Masroua, Robert Benner, Herbert Kantor, Joan Lister, Charles O’Neill, Cassandra Service, Michael Shreefter, Lauren Slater, and Susan Yates. In addition, the practice features the expertise of three certified nurse midwives: Robin Rivinus, Lydia Kelly, and Evelyn Resh. The practice will continue to provide services throughout Central and Northern Berkshire County, with offices in Pittsfield, Lenox, and Adams. O’Neill and Yates will primarily work out of the Adams office, but will also provide services in Central Berkshire County. Lister will provide urgent-care gynecological services. “The strength of this combined physician practice will allow us to continue to provide comprehensive ob/gyn and women’s-health services for all who need this care in the Berkshires,” Beckwith said. “Healthcare has become increasingly complex, and private physician practices are faced with significant challenges that threaten their long-term viability. By becoming part of Berkshire Health Systems, we have preserved these practices, and, as one unified provider, we can assure access to our patients to the best physician and healthcare services possible.”

<strong>Loomis House Nursing Center Earns Top Scores
HOLYOKE
— The Loomis Communities announced that the Loomis House Nursing Center has received perfect scores on surveys from the Mass. Department of Public Health (DPH) for the third year running. The DPH reviews all areas of care practices to make certain that all regulations are followed. These areas include resident rights, facility practices, infection control, quality of life, resident satisfaction, quality of care delivered, culinary services, all nursing and ancillary services, rehabilitation, physical environment, and administration. In addition, a second life-safety survey reviews the physical plant issues that make a safe living and working environment. “Deficiency-free surveys are a top indicator of excellence in nursing homes,” said David Scruggs, president and CEO of the Loomis Communities. “We are extremely proud of the dedicated staff at the Loomis House Nursing Center.” Loomis House Nursing Center was the first nursing home in Massachusetts to receive certification as a leader in providing person-centered care, a concept that adapts the way care is delivered to accommodate each resident’s preferences. “This holistic approach to successful aging and self-determination honors and respects the individual,” Scruggs said. The certification comes from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities International, an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human-services organizations. The Loomis Communities offers independent-living apartments and cottages, assisted living, and skilled nursing care at Applewood in Amherst, Loomis House in Holyoke, Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing in Springfield, and Loomis Village in South Hadley.

Opinion
In Springfield, Now Is the Time to Dream

The event was called “Vision 2017: The Right Direction.”

Staged on March 24, it was the second edition of what will apparently become an annual get-together at CityStage, where city officials and others involved in the broad spectrum of economic development gather to talk about what’s happening and what might happen. And the focus is on a number — in this case $2.8 billion — that represents the sum of the public and private projects ongoing or in the pipeline.

This year’s presentation included a detailed breakdown of projects in progress — MGM Springfield, Union Station, and others — and those that will start soon, such as the expansion to the Sr. Caritas Cancer Center, the new Innovation Center, and the highly anticipated but also dreaded I-91 reconstruction project. There was also an entertaining update and look ahead concerning efforts to create an entrepreneurial renaissance downtown.

But easily the most intriguing aspect of the program was one titled “Dare to Dream.” It was a sequence of computer-generated images depicting what could happen in and around downtown Springfield in the years to come.

It’s amazing what one can do with the right software. Indeed, the Republican building was transformed into a minor-league baseball stadium and the so-called Steiger’s parcel, a.k.a. ‘a little park for a little while’ (it’s going on 20 years now, but who’s counting?), had been filled with, alternately, an ultra-modern, market-rate housing project or a beach populated with young entrepreneurs soaking up some sun (the beach concept garnered more crowd approval).

Meanwhile, the former Chestnut Middle School parcel was now home to a sparkling mixed-use facility, a new performing-arts center had been built in Mason Square, and Riverfront Park (complete with sailboats on Connecticut) had been given a serious makeover.

Kevin Kennedy, the city’s chief development officer, stressed repeatedly that all this was merely speculation and that people shouldn’t take any of those pretty pictures as givens or even firm possibilities.

But he also noted that it’s certainly OK to dream. And he’s right.

Indeed, years ago, and not that many years ago, people would have laughed at those computer-generated images and considered them unreasonable and not doable. And while some of those sentiments may linger to a certain extent, they are largely being replaced with feelings that all or certainly most things are not beyond the city’s reach.

An $800 million casino project becoming reality in the South End will help do that, and so will an official end to more than 40 years of roadblocks to the renovation of Union Station.

But there’s more to it than that. There are the three colleges now populating downtown Springfield in some manner. There’s TechSpring and the Innovation Center and the arrival of HitPoint Studios at 1350 Main St. There’s new market-rate housing like Silverbrook Lofts, and the promise of more to come. There’s an aggressive, results-oriented DevelopSpringfield already changing some neighborhoods.

There’s a palpable sense of momentum and a sense that, yes, things can happen here.

Of course, there are a number of challenges facing leaders as they strive to revitalize the city, from struggling public schools to sky-high poverty rates to lingering perceptions that the city and its downtown are not safe. But unlike years ago, there seems to be a sentiment that these systemic problems can be overcome. Because of that, this is a time to heavily promote Springfield, tell its story, and inspire private developers to invest here, because it is likely to be a sound investment.

We’re not sure how many of those computer-generated images will become reality — maybe none of them. What we do know is that now, perhaps more than at any time in the past 30 or 40 years, you don’t have to dare people to dream.

Just encourage them a little.

Departments People on the Move

John Howland

John Howland

Greenfield Savings Bank recently announced that John Howland has been chosen to succeed Rebecca Caplice as the next president and CEO of the bank and its holding company, GSB, MHC. Howland was elected at the bank’s annual meeting of corporators on March 18. Howland served as president of two banks prior to joining Greenfield Savings, most recently the First Bank of Greenwich, based in Greenwich, Conn. He has worked in the financial-services field his entire career, and holds a bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College and a juris doctor degree from the University of Maine School of Law. “John brings a broad range of experience from both banking and the financial-services sector,” said Ed Margola, chairman of the board. “His commitment to community, management style, and personality are consistent with Greenfield Savings Bank’s philosophy and goals.” Added Howland, “I am honored to have been selected to serve as the president and CEO of this extraordinary institution. Becky Caplice has done an amazing job as the CEO. I’m stepping into a position with a well-run organization led by a strong senior management team and welcoming employees.” Howland, 50, notes that he plans to build on the strong foundation that Caplice built over her 24-year tenure at the bank. Although she is stepping down from the day-to-day operation of Greenfield Savings, Caplice will continue to serve as a director of the bank.
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Monson Savings Bank recently announced the election of five new corporators who are advisors to the bank, representing the communities the bank serves. They also possess certain governing functions, including the election of the bank’s president. Monson Savings has 55 corporators, including the five elected at the bank’s annual meeting on March 4:
Louis Abbate, president emeritus, Willie Ross School for the Deaf, Longmeadow;
Mark Borsari, president, Sanderson MacLeod, Palmer;
Joseph Lawler, benefits consultant, the Gaudreau Group, Wilbraham;
Roy St. George, vice president, Moulton Insurance Agency Inc., Ware; and
Julie Quink, managing principal, Burkhart, Pizzanelli, P.C., West Springfield.
“We’re extremely fortunate to have these folks join our team,” said Steve Lowell, president of Monson Savings Bank. “We rely on our corporators to keep us in touch with the needs of our communities, provide invaluable insight into our operations, and also to help us spread the word of all that we have to offer. Our corporators are leaders in the communities we serve, they are highly engaged with us, and we very much appreciate their involvement.”
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David Griffin Jr.

David Griffin Jr.

The Dowd Agencies announced that Account Executive David Griffin Jr. has received the Certified Insurance Counselors (CIC) designation. This accomplishment is not mandated for the insurance industry, but provides an extensive knowledge base to benefit consumers. “Prestigious designations like CIC are essential if you want to be considered among the leaders in our industry,” said John Dowd Jr., president and CEO of the Dowd Agencies. “It shows a true commitment to professionalism and excellence in the business of insurance sales. David is a rising star here in the Pioneer Valley business community, and we are proud of his accomplishments.” The CIC program includes 20 hours of rigorous coursework for each of the five industry categories: personal insurance lines, commercial casualty insurance, commercial property insurance, life and health insurance, and agency management. Griffin works in the Holyoke office of the Dowd Agencies. Since joining the firm in 2009, he has grown in his role and now assists the leadership team. He began his career in the insurance industry as a property and casualty underwriter for Liberty Mutual, where he supported the company in Schaumburg, Ill. and Charlotte, N.C., before joining the Dowd Agencies. He is a 2007 graduate of Bentley University, where he earned a degree in finance. Additionally, Griffin supports the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce and volunteers on the boards of directors for the Holyoke Rotary Club, the Sisters of Providence Health System, and Wistariahurst.
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Samantha Coulter

Samantha Coulter

Samantha Coulter recently accepted the role of assistant director of Sales and Marketing in the Event Service and Summer Program Office at Hampshire College. She is responsible for bringing in external clients for social, corporate, and summer events. Her previous experience includes working with trade-show sales, where she covered the entire U.S. as her territory, handling the marketing, advertising, and sales for a Connecticut-based banquet facility and being the social-catering sales manager for a Massachusetts hotel with more than 300 overnight rooms, 20 meeting rooms, and a large ballroom.
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Jack Ferriter

Jack Ferriter

At its March annual meeting, the board of trustees of the Massachusetts Bar Foundation (MBF) unanimously selected Attorney Jack Ferriter as a member of the board of trustees for a four-year term. The board meets in Boston and is comprised of judges and lawyers from across the Commonwealth. Ferriter is a business and estate attorney at Ferriter Law in Holyoke. He has been a fellow of the MBF for 12 years and has served on the grant-review committee for the last 10 years. The MBF represents the commitment of lawyers and judges in Massachusetts to improve the administration of justice, promote an understanding of the law, and ensure equal access to the legal system for all residents of the Commonwealth, particularly those most vulnerable. He recently received the Distinguished Advisor in Philanthropy Award from the Community Foundation and has served as campaign chair and board chair of the United Way of Pioneer Valley, among many other leadership positions. Ferriter has also been recognized by the YMCA, the Saint Patrick Committee, and the Northeast Public Power Assoc. He is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross, where he was a member of the President’s Council, and Western New England University School of Law, where he served on the Law Review Editorial Board.
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Keith Tatlock of New England Financial Group, an office of MetLife and a part of the MetLife Premier Client Group, has been authorized by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. to use the certification marks ‘CFP’ and ‘certified financial planner practitioner’ in accordance with CFP Board certification and renewal requirements. Tatlock met the rigorous experience and ethical requirements, completed financial-planning coursework, and passed the CFP certification examination. He has also agreed to meet ongoing continuing-education requirements and to uphold the CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and Financial Planning Practice Standards. Tatlock has 10 years of experience in the financial-services sector. He is a graduate of Westfield State University and holds securities series 7 and series 63 as well as life- and health-insurance licenses. He is a member of the Estate Planning Council of Hampden County, the Financial Planning Assoc. of Massachusetts, and Business Networking International. He is also currently a major in the Massachusetts Air National Guard at the 104th Fighter Wing in Westfield.

Opinion
Olympics Numbers Just Don’t Add Up

By Andrew Zimbalist

The UMass Donahue Institute’s recent report on the economic impact of a 2024 Summer Olympics in Boston wasn’t surprising, given its assumptions and methodology — it projected gains of more than 50,000 jobs and billions of dollars.

While parts of the report are well-reasoned, the predicted impacts are suspect. That’s because the institute accepted the unrealistic assertions of the Boston 2024 organization regarding costs, revenues, and financing; used an inappropriate input-output methodology; ignored scholarly literature on the economic impact of hosting mega-sporting events; and misapprehended some items contained in the Boston bid.

In essence, the report’s results flow out of the assumptions that all operating costs will be covered by revenue from the Games, all construction costs will be covered privately, and the federal government will pick up 100% of the security costs (optimistically forecast at only $1 billion).

Consider each of these elements. The Boston 2024 bid shows operating costs and revenues at $4.7 billion. To get to this figure, Boston 2024 invokes $1 billion in “additional” or “other” revenue, the sources of which are not revealed. Boston 2024 also assumes it will take in $1.15 billion in ticket sales. London had an 80,000-seat Olympic Stadium, replete with luxury boxes and other revenue-generating accoutrements. Boston 2024 is planning a temporary, spartan, 60,000 seat stadium. London generated only $990 million in ticket sales. How will Boston top that by more than 16%?

Boston 2024’s operating costs include a $600 million payment to the U.S. Olympic Committee in recognition that some of the domestic sponsorship money will come from corporate relationships built by the USOC. Illogically, the new report figures $220 million of this money will go toward creating business and employment in Boston. This number is then multiplied by roughly 1.9 (the new employment generates new income, which brings new consumption, etc.), according to the IMPLAN model used in the report.

But this model is inappropriate for estimating the economic impact of mega-events. The sheer volume of construction around mega-events leads to the use of companies and workers from outside the hosting region, leading to much larger leakages out of the local economy and unrealistically high multipliers, among other problems.

It is noteworthy that most macro-economic models of the entire U.S. economy have multipliers of around 1.2. Since the Boston economy is only a small fraction of the U.S. economy, it is not feasible that it would have a multiplier that is more than 50% larger. Yet, that is what the report’s results depend on.

Although the institute expresses some skepticism, its report incorporates Boston 2024’s claim that all the venues will be built with private money. Why would a U.S. company build an Olympic stadium that will be torn down? Or a velodrome? Or a pentathlon stadium? Why has no company stepped forward and declared its intention to even explore this opportunity?

Based on its IMPLAN model, the report estimates that hosting the Olympics will generate more than 50,000 new jobs in 2024. It says these workers will spend some of the money they earn here, further boosting the local economy. But that makes no allowance for the fact that Olympic Games are notorious for relying on voluntary labor.

The Donahue report also examines the uncertainty of the impact of hosting on tourism, both during the games and after. It mentions that London tourism during the summer of 2012 was down by 8% compared with 2011. The report might have added that 2012 was one year further removed from the financial crisis of 2008-09, and, other things equal, we would expect higher tourism figures in 2012. The report neglects to mention that tourist arrivals in Beijing in 2008 were down 20%. Despite this evidence, and that from scholarly studies, the report curiously projects a substantial boost to Boston’s tourism.

If one builds an empirical model and simply assumes that all the investment will be private and that the investment won’t displace other investments, it is easy to show output and job growth. But these rosy projections are no more realistic than Boston 2024’s starry-eyed claim that no public money will be spent.

Andrew Zimbalist is a professor of economics at Smith College. His new book is “Circus Maximus: The Economic Gamble Behind Hosting the Olympics and World Cup.”

Chamber Corners Departments

AFFILIATED CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE OF GREATER SPRINGFIELD
www.myonlinechamber.com
(413) 787-1555
 
• April 8: ACCGS Lunch ‘n’ Learn, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at La Quinta Inn and Suites, 100 Congress St., Springfield. “When Creative Meets Data.” Learn the ‘where’ and ‘how’ to harness the power of real one-to-one personalized marketing. Presented by Mary McCarthy of Andrews Associates. Reservations are $25 for members, $35 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com.
 
• April 16:
East of the River Five Town Chamber Member Appreciation Night, 5-7 p.m., at Europa Black Rock Bar & Grill, 782 Center St., Ludlow. Enjoy networking, games of chance, and more. Reservations are $5 for members, and may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com. East of the River Five Town Chamber is an affiliate of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield.
 
• April 29: ACCGS Beacon Hill Summit 2015, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. at the Massachusetts State House. Hosted by state Sen. James Welch. Day-long opportunity to meet with members of the Baker-Polito administration and the Massachusetts delegation. Reservations are $180 per person, including continental breakfast, transportation, lunch, reception, and all summit materials. Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com.

GREATER CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101
 
• April 15: Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Summit View Banquet & Meeting House. For more information or to register, contact the chamber at (413) 594-2101 or visit www.chicopeechamber.org.
 
• April 16: Mornings with the Mayor, 8-9 a.m., at the Boys & Girls Club, 580 Meadow St., Chicopee. For more information or to register, contact the chamber at (413) 594-2101 or visit www.chicopeechamber.org.
 
• April 17: Lunch & Learn, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Hampton Inn, 600 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Attorney Kate O’Brien from Sullivan, Hayes & Quinn will present “No Union, No Worries? No Way!” This is an informative program about what almost all private-sector, non-union employers need to do to avoid being a target of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). For more information or to register, contact the chamber at (413) 594-2101 or visit www.chicopeechamber.org.
 
• April 22: Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at La Quinta Inn & Suites, 100 Congress St., Springfield. For more information, call the chamber at (413) 594-2101.

• May 15: Lunch & Learn, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Hampton Inn, 600 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. “ACA Compliance: Employer Requirements and Management Tools.” Learn about a solid, user-friendly road map for understanding compliance issues. For more information or to register, contact the chamber at (413) 594-2101 or visit www.chicopeechamber.org.
 
• May 20: Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., Renaissance Manor on Cabot, 279 Cabot St., Holyoke. For more information or to register, contact the chamber at (413) 594-2101 or visit www.chicopeechamber.org.
 
• May 21: Greater Chicopee Chamber Golf Tournament, 10 a.m., at Chicopee Country Club. For more information or to register, contact the chamber at (413) 594-2101 or visit www.chicopeechamber.org.
 
• May 27: Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at Elms College, 291 Springfield St., Chicopee. For more information or to register, contact the chamber at (413) 594-2101 or visit www.chicopeechamber.org.

GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.easthamptonchamber.org
(413) 527-9414
 
• April 13: Monday Morning with the Mayor: Getting Down to Business about Business. Casual conversation with Mayor Karen Cadieux, 8-9 a.m., at Burger King, 113 Northampton St., Easthampton. Free and open to the public.
 
• May 11: Monday Morning with the Mayor: Getting down to Business about Business. Casual conversation with Mayor Karen Cadieux, 8-9 a.m., at Easthampton Savings Bank, 36 Main St., Easthampton. Free and open to the public.
 
GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.holycham.com
(413) 534-3376
 
• May 15: Chamber After Hours at Pic’s Place, 5-7 p.m. Sponsored and Hosted by Pic’s Place, 910 Hampden St., Holyoke. Tickets: $10 for members, $15 for the public. Call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 or sign up online at holyokechamber.com.
 
• May 18: Annual Chamber Cup 2015 Golf Tournament, celebrating the chamber’s 125th anniversary, 10:30 a.m. at Wyckoff Country Club, 233 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Registration and lunch at 10:30 a.m.; tee off at noon (scramble format); dinner following game with elaborate food stations catered by the Log Cabin. Cost: $125 per player includes lunch, 18 holes of golf, cart, and dinner. Dinner only: $25. Awards, raffles, and cash prizes follow dinner. Tournament sponsors: Log Cabin and PeoplesBank. Corporate sponsors: Dowd Insurance, Goss & McLain Insurance Agency, Holyoke Gas & Electric, Mountain View Landscapes, Holyoke Medical Center, People’s United Bank, the Republican, and Resnic, Beauregard, Waite & Driscoll. For reservations, call the Chamber Office at (413) 534-3376 or register online at holyokechamber.com.
 
• May 21: Chamber Business Connections, 5-7 p.m. Sponsored and hosted by PeoplesBank, in the atrium in the PeoplesBank Building at 330 Whitney Ave. Cost is $10 for chamber members, $15 for non-members. Join your friends and colleagues for this fun and casual evening of networking. Refreshments, door prizes, and 50/50 raffle. 
 
• June 19: Save the date for the chamber’s 125th Anniversary Gala Ball at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. Enjoy an elegant meal and dance to the music of the Floyd Patterson Band. Join Marcotte Ford as one of the major event sponsors by calling (413) 534-3376. Event is open to the public. More details to follow. 
 
GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.explorenorthampton.com
(413) 584-1900
 
• May 6: May Arrive @ 5, 5-7 p.m. at Whalen Insurance Agency. For more information or to register, contact the chamber at (413) 584-1900
 
• July 1: July Arrive @ 5, 5-7 p.m. Sponsored by Pioneer Landscapes and Easthampton Electrical. For more information or to register, contact the chamber at (413) 584-1900.
 
GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618

• April 8: April After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m., at Vantage Sports & Rehab, 130 Southampton Road, Westfield. Refreshments will be served. Bring your business cards and make connections. Tickets are $10 for members, $15 cash for non-members. To register, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.

• April 28: Southwick Home to Business Show, at Tucker’s Restaurant. For more information, contact Pam at the Chamber office at (413) 568-1618.

• May 4: Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m., at Renaissance Manor, 37 Feeding Hills Road, Westfield. This event is free and open to the public. Call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618 to register, so we may give our host a head count.

• May 13: May After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m., at Armbrook Village, 551 North Road, Westfield. Refreshments will be served. Bring your business cards and make connections. Tickets are $10 for members, $15 cash for non-members. To register, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.
 
• May 18: Annual golf tournament at 10 a.m. at Tekoa Country Club. More details to come.
 
PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CHAMBER

www.professionalwomenschamber.com
(413) 755-1310
 
• April 14: Professional Women’s Chamber Ladies Night,  5-7 p.m., at Hofbrauhaus, 1105 Main St., West Springfield. Enjoy complimentary wine and refreshments.
Reservations are complimentary but required. To reserve a spot, contact Gwen Burke at (413) 237-8840 or [email protected].
 
WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.ourwrc.com
(413) 426-3880
 
• April 16: Networking Lunch, noon to 1:30 p.m., at Cal’s, 1068 Riverdale Road, West Springfield. 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 the day of the event. Please note, we cannot invoice you for these events. Attendees must be members or guests of members. 
For more information, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].

Agenda Departments

‘Victorian Opulence’ Exhibit
Through April 2016: On April 7, the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History unveiled a new exhibit titled “Victorian Opulence: Springfield’s Industrial Elite.” The exhibit, which runs through April 10, 2016, features a representative selection of the kinds of luxury and everyday items that would be found in the typical upper-class Victorian homes, while also exploring the lives and values of many of these prominent families. Using beautifully ornate objects from the Springfield Museums’ own collections, this exhibit provides a window into the lives of America’s privileged classes both at home and at play during the Victorian era. Some of the fine clothing and personal items, like elegant men’s pocket watches and ladies’ jewelry and hair combs, will be familiar to fans of Downton Abbey. Objects like grandfather clocks and gentleman’s ceremonial items exhibit a level of craftsmanship no longer evident today. The items on view tell many stories about their owners, the time and place in which they lived, and the level of wealth that allowed them to possess such luxury items. The exhibit covers the period between 1840 and 1900, a time when Springfield was a powerhouse of innovation and industry. Wealthy industrialists like Everett Barney, the inventor of the clamp-on ice skate, and railroad president and Congressman Chester Chapin displayed their success through their philanthropic pursuits and by making their homes into showpieces for their newfound wealth. The spirit of philanthropy shown by individuals like James Rumrill and George Walter Vincent Smith helped create some of Springfield’s most venerable institutions, including Forest Park and the Springfield Museums themselves.

Employment-law Seminar
April 9: Due to the high volume of interest, Royal LLP will present an encore of its seminar pertaining to three major changes in employment law that every employer needs to be aware of for 2015. The seminar will take place from 8 to 9 a.m. at the company’s offices at 270 Pleasant St., Northampton. At this roundtable, the company will focus on sick leave, domestic-violence leave, and paternity leave, and will also flag an issue with respect to the Affordable Care Act relating to healthcare reimbursement, as well as minimum wage. The seminar will be led by principal Amy Royal. Cost is $30 per person; payments may be mailed to Royal LLP, 270 Pleasant St., Northampton, MA 01060. Advance registration is required, and seating will be limited. Contact Ann-Marie Marcil at [email protected] to register.

Remembrance Service
April 19: Families who have experienced the death of a child over the past year are invited to attend the annual Service of Remembrance held by Baystate Children’s Hospital. All family members and friends are invited to attend the event, which will be held at 1 p.m. at Baystate Medical Center’s Chestnut Conference Center at 759 Chestnut St., Springfield. It is also open to families with losses prior to 2014. Baystate Children’s Hospital staff will be in attendance at the event to remember and pay tribute to the children and families who were under their care. Families are asked to respond by April 13 with the number of adults and children planning to attend the event, as well as their child’s name, if they would like it printed in the memorial-service program. Families with earlier losses are simply asked to call and register. To respond, call Marge Bloom (413) 794-5559. “We hope that the Service of Remembrance and the reception that follows will provide a unique opportunity for a special group of families to come together to remember and honor their children,” said Bloom. The service will include readings, music, and a ceremony of light. Families can share a photograph or other memento of their child on a ‘table of memories’ at the event. They may also choose to have their child’s name printed in the program and read aloud during the service, regardless of whether they can attend. As part of the service, families will be given a piece of fabric which they can personalize in memory of their child before it is added, along with others, to create a memory quilt. The quilt will be displayed this September, along with other quilts created in past years, at Baystate’s annual Memorial Quilt Exhibit. For more information on Baystate Children’s Hospital, visit www.baystatehealth.org/bch.

Restaurant Week
April 23 to May 2: The Springfield City Council’s young professionals subcommittee, partnered with the Springfield Business Improvement District (BID), will serve up mouth-watering meals during Springfield Restaurant Week 2015. Many downtown and riverfront restaurants are featured in this event, including Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou, Currents (Marriott), Champions (Marriott), Luxe Burger Bar, Nadim’s Mediterranean, Panjabi Tadka, PICKS/MVP (Sheraton), Plan B Burger, the Fort/Student Prince, Theodore’s, Pizzeria Uno, Adolfo’s, McCaffrey’s Public House, Blackjack Steakhouse, and Shakago. Each restaurant will offer a special two- or three-course dinner menu for a set price of $20.15 per person. Further details and menus will be posted on springfielddowntown.com/dinespringfield. City Councilor Justin Hurst, who chairs the young professionals subcommittee, noted that the event “is an opportunity for not only young professionals, but families and the community at large to experience the unique spread the city has to offer.” Added BID Assistant Director Morgan Drewniany, “we’re proud to forge a partnership with the YP subcommittee to promote a vibrant downtown through supporting Springfield restaurants.” Event sponsors include Baystate Health, Williams Distributing, White Lion Brewing Co., Garten, LLC Landscaping and Services, Farmington Bank, MassLive, and Inspired Marketing Inc.

Bowl for Kids’ Sake
April 25: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Franklin County will host Bowl for Kids’ Sake, the mentoring organization’s biggest annual fund-raiser, at the French King Entertainment Center in Erving from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The 45 year-old, donor-funded organization challenges everyone — mentors and mentees, their friends and families, business people, community leaders, and others who may not have time to mentor, but still support Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mission — to join Bowl for Kids’ Sake help change the life of a child forever. For more than 40 years, Bowl for Kids’ Sake has supported Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across the country, becoming its premiere fund-raising event and raising $20 million nationwide each year. People interested in forming a team should contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of Franklin County directly, via [email protected] or (413) 772-0915. Once a team is formed, each team member should starting soliciting donations from friends, colleagues, or family members. The minimum total pledge amount, per team member, is $75. In addition, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Franklin County is still accepting corporate sponsors for this event. Bowl for Kids’ Sake 2015 challenges bowlers to dress like a superhero. Prizes will be awarded to teams and individuals for creativity and team unity. In addition, all bowlers can qualify for gift certificates to area restaurants by raising $100 or more; all bowlers who raise $75 or more automatically receive a free T-shirt. The day will also include 50/50 raffles, a photo booth provided by Base Camp Photo, music, food, drink, and more.

Military Ball & Gala
April 25: The Pioneer Valley USO announced that the fifth annual Military Ball & Gala Honoring Our Troops will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. Presenting sponsors include Steve Lewis Subaru and 1812 Auto Body, and the Purple Heart sponsor is Bay Path University. Music will be provided by the Bronx Wanderers. Tickets are available by calling the USO office in Chicopee at (413) 557-3290. The Military Ball & Gala is the largest fund-raising effort of the year and funds many of the Pioneer Valley USO’s programs and services. It was designed in keeping with the long-standing traditions of formal military balls while allowing the public to attend and participate in a gala evening. Military formal and business dress is required. The Pioneer Valley USO serves the needs of active military and their families through the efforts of volunteers, the board of directors, and the public.

Not Just Business as Usual
April 30: The Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) Foundation’s Not Just Business as Usual (NJBAU) event is one of the premiere networking events for business leaders in Western Mass. This annual celebration, in its sixth year, is a celebration of innovative thinking which gives participants the opportunity to learn from business experts while raising significant funding for the STCC WORKS scholarship program. The event will be held at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. A cocktail and networking reception will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m., with dinner and the keynote speaker, Google Engineering Director Steve Vinter, to follow from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Vinter has overseen the growth of Google’s Cambridge site from 15 software engineers in 2007 to more than 900 today. He is responsible for developing digital-publishing products such as Google eBooks, Google Play Newsstand, and Play for Education, and has over 20 years of industry experience working in the Boston area, focusing on building products and services for hundreds of millions of users of mobile and cloud computing. He also is the co-founder of MassCAN, a partnership of organizations which collaborate to inspire and educate students in Massachusetts to learn computing and prepare them to lead and innovate the future economy, which will be driven by computer technology. This year, NJBAU will feature interactive workstations featuring the STCC Mobile SIM and Engineering program. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available. Tickets are $100 each, and sponsorships begin at $1,500. For additional information or to become a sponsor, contact Christina Tuohey, STCC director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, at (413) 755-4475 or [email protected]. To purchase tickets online, visit www.stcc.edu/njbau.

VVM Awards Ceremony
April 30: Valley Venture Mentors (VVM) will host its inaugural Accelerator Awards event at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. The event will honor recent graduates of its new Accelerator Program, which is currently grooming 29 startup teams from across the Pioneer Valley for success by imparting meaningful business knowledge, structure, and tools. During the awards ceremony, the organization will award grants of up to $50,000 each to startup teams selected as finalists. The event runs from 5 to 8:30 p.m. and will include a lively networking reception as well as a dinner and awards program, featuring startup teams and an address by John Harthorne, founder and CEO of MassChallenge. This year’s Accelerator Program is funded by MassMutual, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, with the mission to support an entrepreneurial renaissance in Springfield and the Pioneer Valley. According to VVM founder Paul Silva, “this event is the ideal opportunity to see firsthand the excitement that VVM and the Accelerator Program are generating, so we hope everyone who is interested in learning about VVM’s work will join us for an inspiring evening.” During the four-month Accelerator Program, each team is assigned to a peer-supported group, introduced to VVM advisors, and provided free co-working space in downtown Springfield. The teams engage in investment-readiness boot camps with hands-on training, expert-led lectures, peer collaboration, advisor meetings, and practice judging rounds. Teams also participate in VVM’s ongoing weekly workshops that cover strategy, innovation, marketing, sales, team building/dynamics, best practices, fund-raising, and introductions to term-sheet and valuation processes. “VVM takes a lovingly critical approach to training its startups,” Silva said. “We put the entrepreneur first in every endeavor.” The positive, rigorous training program is structured around the Lean LaunchPad curriculum, which emphasizes achieving the highest possible investment-readiness level and overcoming the three main causes of startup death: failing to achieve product-market fit, premature scaling, and team-member dynamics. “We provide comprehensive, effective resources for our teams,” Silva added. “Our real aim is to provide our groups with preparation beyond the presentation. We want them to build their businesses for the long term.”

EASTEC
May 12-14: With manufacturing a driving force of economic growth in the Northeast, as well as across the U.S., more than 12,000 business owners, engineers, designers, production managers, and purchasing executives will gather at EASTEC, the East Coast’s premier manufacturing event. Produced by SME, the biennial event takes place at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield and features more than 650 exhibitors and three days of complimentary educational sessions. In its 34th year, the event showcases the latest manufacturing technologies from additive manufacturing/3D printing to waterjet cutting, and provides access to industry experts sharing insights on how to foster innovation, increase productivity, and improve profits. This year, attendees will also get to see more than 300 new products being highlighted at the show. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with resources, research and purchase the latest technologies, and discover ways to improve productivity and increase profits. Meanwhile, the complimentary educational sessions will address trending topics such as automation innovations and Lean creativity, along with other major advancements in manufacturing. New features in 2015 will include keynote presentations from Carl Palme, applications product manager, Rethink Robotics; and Jason Prater, vice president of Development, Plex Systems, that will help with solving complex issues that U.S. manufacturers face today. EASTEC also will highlight the Bright Minds Program, designed to educate the next-generation workforce on the advancements in manufacturing that make it an exciting and rewarding career path. Winners of the Bright Minds Dream It! Do It! Student Challenge will be recognized at a special program during the three-day event. EASTEC is recommended for professionals in industries such as aerospace, defense, medical, automotive, commercial machinery, electronics, fabricating, and plastics. The event is nearly sold out, so SME encourages companies to reserve exhibit space before it’s too late. To learn more about EASTEC, view full conference and exhibit details, or register, visit easteconline.com.

40 Under Forty
June 18: The ninth annual 40 Under Forty award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House. Details on the event, which honors the region’s most accomplished and civic-minded professionals under age 40, will be published in upcoming issues. The class of 2015 will be revealed and profiled in the April 20 issue.

Valley Fest
Aug. 29: White Lion Brewing Co. announced that it will host its inaugural beer festival, called Valley Fest, at Court Square in downtown Springfield. MGM Springfield will be the presenting sponsor. The festival is poised to be White Lion’s signature annual event, introducing the young brand to craft-beer enthusiasts throughout New England and beyond. White Lion Brewing Co., the city of Springfield’s only brewery, launched in October 2014. Founder Ray Berry and brewmaster Mike Yates have released three selections under the White Lion brand and have been busy promoting their efforts in venues all over Massachusetts and other New England states. “Valley Fest will have the best of the best local, regional, and national beer and hard cider brands,” Berry said. “Even in our inaugural year, Valley Fest will be the largest one-day beer festival in Western Massachusetts. We expect to draw up to 2,000 enthusiasts from throughout New England. We are very excited to showcase the fourth-largest city in New England and all of its amenities.” Berry anticipates that more than 50 breweries and many local food vendors will converge on Court Square for two sessions. Enthusiasts will have an opportunity to sample more than 100 varieties of beer and hard cider alongside pairing selections by local chefs. Michael Mathis, MGM Springfield president, said “the local entrepreneurial spirit of White Lion Brewing, coupled with the historic Court Square setting, is a winning combination to start a new Springfield tradition.” A number of sponsors have already committed to the event, including MassMutual Financial Group, the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield, the Dennis Group, Springfield Sheraton Monarch Place, Paragus Strategic IT, Williams Distributing, and the Springfield Business Improvement District (BID). “We are honored to sponsor Valley Fest and look forward to it being an annual event that shares in the facilitation of growth within the downtown community,” said Chris Russell, executive director of the Springfield BID. Visit www.valleybrewfest.com for event details, ongoing updates, and sponsorship opportunities.

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
All Metals Industries Inc. v. Baystate Metal Solutions Inc. and Patricia A. Fernandez
Allegation: Breach of contract: $113,198.95
Filed: 2/5/15

EP Floors Corp. v. The Polycube Company, LLC and Recycle Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract: $120,000
Filed: 2/25/15

Michael E. Anderson v. Toyota Motor Sales
Allegation: Product liability: $500,000
Filed: 2/11/15

Pioneer Tool Supply Co. Inc. v. AMK Welding Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $39,826.63
Filed: 2/13/15

S & K Distribution, LLC d/b/a New Castle Building Products v. Morris Roofing and Sheet Metal Corp. and Steven N. Kravitz
Allegation: Breach of contract and non-payment of materials provided: $12,000
Filed 2/13/15

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT
Amand Chouinard v. Publisher Circulation Fulfillment Inc., Paul Racine, Jason Coones, Steve Fletcher, and Chris Robare
Allegation: Sexual harassment and discrimination: $25,000+
Filed: 1/26/15

Christine Nutter v. Tractor Supply Co.
Allegation: While shopping, plaintiff fell off of a loading dock: $79,715.14
Filed: 2/21/15

Mary P. and Michael D. Boudreau v. William Ryder Funeral Home Inc.
Allegation: Breach of funeral-service contract: $2,000. Filed: 2/3/15

HOLYOKE DISTRICT COURT

James Hall v. Green Tree Servicing, LLC
Allegation: The plaintiff had a mortgage with the defendant’s company which he paid off with the sale of the home, but the defendant refused to discharge, causing economic damage: $24,800
Filed: 1/2/15

Janelle Johnson, as parent of her minor child, Samuel Johnson v. Spirit Halloween
Allegation: Negligent maintenance of Halloween display causing injury: $2,430.10
Filed: 1/20/15

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT
Marcelino Ortiz Jr. v. Bowditch, LLC d/b/a Northampton Lodging House
Allegation: When attempting to open a window in a room the plaintiff was renting from the defendant, the window came off the hinges and fell on the plaintiff’s head: $2,947.81
Filed: 2/9/15

Reinhart Food Services, LLC v. The Sub & Pizza of Amherst Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $6,336.91
Filed: 2/20/15

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Basette Printers, LLC d/b/a Bassette Company v. Encompass Design Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $8,340.79
Filed: 2/6/15

Crystal Window and Door Systems, LTD v. Lizotte Glass Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $34,260.48
Filed: 1/26/15

Sanmar Corp. v. Turbo Screen Painting, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $12,738.66
Filed: 2/12/15

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]

Groundbreaking Event

MGMGroundbreakingShovelLowMGMGroundbreakingThe casino era officially began in Springfield on March 24, as ground was broken for MGM Springfield, an $800 million resort casino that will take shape in the city’s tornado-ravaged South End. Top, with the tornado-damaged Zanetti School in the background, Jim Murren, MGM Resorts International chairman and CEO, offers remarks to the hundreds in attendance. Above, the confetti canons go off as dignitaries handle the official groundbreaking duties.

Impactful Gift

PicThis1Mercy Medical Center recently announced that Cynthia and William Lyons of Wilbraham have made a $1 million challenge gift to Transforming Cancer Care – the Capital Campaign for the Sister Caritas Cancer Center. The Lyons’ gift will support the 26,000-square-foot expansion of the center and reflects the largest single gift for the campaign from members of the community. “We have been inspired by the high level of care and compassion that runs throughout the Sisters of Providence Health System,” said Cynthia Lyons. “The work being done at the Sister Caritas Cancer Center is especially exciting.” Under the leadership of Dr. Philip Glynn, director of Oncology, staff at the cancer center has expanded significantly to meet patient need; by 2022, demand for outpatient cancer services is expected to grow by 26%. The $15 million expansion will also bolster the center’s capabilities by enhancing communication among oncology providers and facilitating ease of access to existing services. The design of new infusion bays will increase privacy for patients, as well as for a supporting family member or friend. Sr. Mary Caritas, SP, is a member of the Sisters of Providence Health System (SPHS) board of trustees, was president of the former Mercy Hospital, and was a driving force behind the initial effort to build the cancer center that now bears her name. Pictured at right, Caritas and Daniel Moen, president and CEO of SPHS, display a photo of Bill and Cindy Lyons at the news conference announcing the gift.

Celebrating Sisterhood

2-BayPath159749-BayPath159746-BayPath1597414-BayPath1597410-BayPath15974More than 1,600 people packed the MassMutual Center on March 27 for the 20th annual Women’s Leadership Conference, presented by Bay Path University. The event, with the theme “Celebrating Sisterhood,” featured three keynote speakers — Angelique Kidjo, the ‘undisputed queen of African music’; Kathy Giusti, cancer survivor, philanthropist, and founder of two melanoma research foundations; and Cuban-born singer Gloria Estefan — as well as a host of breakout sessions on a wide range of topics. From top to bottom: Bay Path President Carol Leary present Estefan with a school sweatshirt; a group of Bay Path students enjoy the conference; Kidjo entertains the audience during her morning keynote address; Bay Path alumni represent the theme of the conference; and Sheila Heen, founder of Triad Consulting Group and author of Difficult Conversations and Thanks for the Feedback: the Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well (Even When It’s Off-base, Unfair, Poorly Delivered, and Frankly, You’re Not in the Mood), solicits comments during her breakout session, “Thanks for the Feedback.”

Building Permits Departments

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

AGAWAM

Agawam Crossing
200 Silver St.
$360,000 — Build out first-floor space for medical office

Millwork Realty Associates, LLC
32 Century Ave.
$400,000 — Renovations at Fleet Pride

Six Flags
1623 Main St.
$39,000 — Construct Cyclone Photo Booth

AMHERST

308 College Street, LLC
308 College St.
$3,000 — Minor alterations

Woodgreen Amherst, L.P.
6 University Dr.
$40,000 — Interior renovations to create four offices

CHICOPEE

Houston Enterprises
1307 Memorial Dr.
$25,000 — Structural repair due to snow and ice

Lady of Elms College
147 Grape St.
$52,000 — Install ADA ramps and modify partitions

U-Haul of Western Mass
499 Montgomery St.
$23,500 — Renovations and ductwork

NORTHAMPTON

Continental Cablevision
790 Florence Road
$43,000 — Replace guide wires and foundation anchors

Florence Savings Bank
85 Main St.
$19,000 — Construct partition walls

Michelle Kersbergen
190 Nonotuck St.
$230,000 — Interior renovations at Modesto Family Dentistry

Gina Mazza
11 Village Hill Road
$19,000 — Add partition walls

Richard Webber
8 North King St.
$32,500 — Renovate two offices and replace store front windows

Smith College
44 College Lane
$164,000 — Construct observatory on rooftop at McConnell Hall

SOUTH HADLEY

Town of South Hadley
267 Granby Road
$17,000 — Install new fire protection

SPRINGFIELD

Anthony Shakes
24 Walsh St.
$33,000 — Install roof mounted solar panels

Melissa Manello
91 Prouty St.
$10,000 — Strip and install new shingles

Polman Realty, LLC
2001 Roosevelt Ave.
$130,000 — Renovations for charter school

WESTFIELD

North Elm Street Realty
58 North Elm St.
$1,000,000 — Construct a 9,950-square-foot addition

Pioneer Valley Baptist Church
265 Ponders Hollow Road
$140,000 — Addition to church

Rock Steady Real Estate, LLC
815 North Road
$15,000 — Renovations for new offices

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Andrew Mele
69 William Franks Dr.
$75,000 — Renovate existing space for new tenant

CJack Realty Associates, LLC
1053 Riverdale St.
$9,500 — Interior renovations

The Cup Restaurant
240 Westfield St.
$65,000 — Interior alterations

Building Permits Departments

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

AGAWAM

Partners Restaurant
481 Springfield St.
$144,000 — Exterior renovations

Six Flags
1623 Main St.
$33,500 — Construct the Cyclone merchandise building

Southgate Properties, LLC
866 Suffield St.
$36,000 — Renovate Agawam Cinemas

AMHERST

Amherst Cinema, LLC
28 Amity St.
$22,000 — Interior renovations to office space

LHB Enterprises
360 College St.
$26,000 — Replace 25’ x 25’ concrete pad

CHICOPEE

Adrienne Realty
70 Orange St.
$125,000 — Renovations

CHD
64 Hilton St.
$7,000 — Strip and re-roof

Kathleen Riebesehl
1185 Grattan St.
$270,000 — Construct stair tower at rear of building

LUDLOW

SBA Network Services
201 West Ave.
$11,500 — Cell tower alterations

NORTHAMPTON

Emily Withenbury
1 Amber Lane
$18,000 — Build-out and facade changes for café

Havoc LLC
155 Industrial Dr.
$12,000 — Install new replacement windows

Jeffrey Palm
25 New South St.
$6,000 — Construct new handicap accessible bathroom

Northampton Water Department
237 Prospect St.
$3,000 — Construct second-floor office space

Thornes Marketplace, LLC
150 main St.
$14,000 — Install fire-suppression system for Verizon

PALMER

Baystate Wing Hospital
40-42 Wright St.
$4,000 — Interior renovations

SOUTH HADLEY

Mount Holyoke College
50 College St.
$45,000 — ADA bathroom renovations

SPRINGFIELD

Asian Market
473 Main St.
$31,000 — Interior renovations

Dave’s Pet City
87-147 Avocado St.
$93,000 — Modification to building for warehouse racking and storage

Regal Rentals
16 Banner St.
$7,500 — Renovations

Springfield Public Schools
1840 Roosevelt Ave.
$78,000 — Exterior renovations at Central High School

WESTFIELD

City of Westfield
100 Elm St.
$17,000 — Install steel beams to support generator

Rui Baltazar
480 Southampton Road
$62,500 — Interior renovations

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Anjum Khawaja
977 Main St.
$5,000 — Renovate existing store for Baghdad Bakery

DDRM Riverdale Shops
935 Riverdale St.
$182,000 — New tenant fit out

Friendly’s Ice Cream
1096 Riverdale St.
$25,000 — Renovations

Opinion
Cutting Tourism Dollars Isn’t the Answer

We understand that Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker has a huge budget deficit to close — more than $750 million, by most estimates — and we don’t intend to overanalyze his efforts to do so, because almost all budgets are unpopular — and debatable.

But his announced intentions to slash funding for both the Mass. Office of Travel and Tourism (from $14.2 million to $6.1 million) and the regional tourism councils (from $5 million to $500,000) represent a tack we wouldn’t recommend.

That’s because the tourism sector is becoming an increasingly important contributor to the state’s economic health and well-being, and it will be even more so in the years to come as the casinos currently on the drawing board open their doors to the millions expected to visit those resorts each year. And also because, in this sector, perhaps even more than in some others, you really do have to spend money to make money.

Already, state legislators who understand the importance of tourist dollars to the cities and towns they represen are casting serious doubt about whether the governor’s proposal will fly, and we hope they’re right in their assessments. Dollars spent to promote the state and individual regions like Greater Springfield, the Berkshires, or the Amherst-Northampton corridor are not so much expenditures as they are investments, and the new governor’s administration needs to recognize that and find another way to trim some $12 million from the budget.

In a way, we can understand the administration’s thinking with regard to tourism funding, especially given the dearth of attractive options when it comes to cutting the budget. After all, the Commonwealth’s major attractions and convention facilities are not exactly state secrets, and Internet-savvy site finders have a wealth of information at their disposal.

But as traditional sources of employment and economic vitality (especially manufacturing) have declined in recent years, competition for tourism dollars has become increasingly intense.

And in this environment, visibility is critically important. Even states and cities that have long been popular destinations, spots that one might think wouldn’t need to advertise — Florida, California, Hawaii, New York City, and Las Vegas all come to mind — have invested millions in keeping themselves front and center when it comes to the minds and wallets of tourists.

Such a mindset has created a good amount of momentum locally, especially with regard to conventions and meetings. Greater Springfield is an attractive — and reasonably priced —alternative for convention planners, and these assets have been a big factor in an increase in bookings in recent years.

And now, those pushing this area as a convention or meeting site have something more to sell — the resort casino that will soon be taking shape in Springfield’s South End.

That’s an attractive addition, one that has the potential to make this area a real player in that segment of the tourism industry and one that should open some doors that were previously closed.

But for that door to open all the way, this state and this region have to be able to promote themselves — and now. Indeed, many conventions are booked years in advance, and now is the time to strike.

As we said at the top, closing a $750 million budget gap will be difficult, and it’s easy to say ‘don’t cut here’ or ‘don’t cut there.’ But in the case of funding for the Office of Travel and Tourism and the individual convention and visitors bureaus, cuts now could have some serious consequences later.

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

COLRAIN

207 Franklin Hill Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $437,500
Buyer: Sheryl L. Stanton
Seller: Robert Walker
Date: 02/13/15

CONWAY

1497 Main Poland Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Detra C. Sarris
Seller: Eve Endicott
Date: 02/20/15

DEERFIELD

513 Greenfield Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: S&Z Deerfield Realty LLC
Seller: Sandri Realty Inc.
Date: 02/20/15

60 Mathews Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Alfred J. Kobacker
Seller: Elizabeth J. Bukolsky RET
Date: 02/17/15

GREENFIELD

488 Bernardston Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $2,133,400
Buyer: Iron Gate Development LLC
Seller: LERP Greenfield LLC
Date: 02/12/15

43 Cypress St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $179,000
Buyer: Paul A. Sadowsky
Seller: Jeremy M. Felton
Date: 02/20/15

158 Davis St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Cody L. Lashway
Seller: Neisha N. Wright
Date: 02/17/15

147-149 School St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Stephen R. Poulin
Seller: Chester S. Martin LT
Date: 02/20/15

9 Silver Crest Lane #9
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $258,900
Buyer: Diane M. Krawiec
Seller: Country Club Road LLC
Date: 02/17/15

MONTAGUE

89 4th St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Nicolae Tricolici
Seller: Petru Balan
Date: 02/11/15

170 Avenue A
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $628,000
Buyer: James G. Martineau
Seller: Kenneth W. Davis
Date: 02/13/15

8 Burnham St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $1,280,000
Buyer: Baystate Franklin Medical
Seller: Salmon Falls Medical
Date: 02/13/15

10 Crescent St.
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $151,300
Buyer: MHFA
Seller: Audrey G. Benson
Date: 02/11/15

50 Davis St.
Montague, MA 01301
Amount: $156,000
Buyer: Joshua C. Dobosz
Seller: Derrick J. Zellmann
Date: 02/20/15

NEW SALEM

163 Fay Road
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Donald F. Demers
Seller: Wells Fargo Bank
Date: 02/12/15

ORANGE

39 Lake Ave.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Craig D. Vescovi
Seller: North Quabbin Brook RT
Date: 02/18/15

900 North Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $127,500
Buyer: Phillip E. Miller
Seller: Earnest M. Piper
Date: 02/20/15

SUNDERLAND

159 Amherst Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Valley Building Co. Inc.
Seller: David J. Griffin
Date: 02/17/15

WHATELY

Masterson Road (ES)
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $133,000
Buyer: Kevin C. Komosa
Seller: Louise D. Hannum TR
Date: 02/12/15

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

18 Butterwood Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $276,000
Buyer: Caitlin Visneau
Seller: Walter S. Rapacki
Date: 02/20/15

38 Haskell St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $212,500
Buyer: Tammie Yacavone
Seller: Stephen J. Stassen
Date: 02/13/15

32-34 Kanawha Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $231,000
Buyer: Marius Sakalinskas
Seller: Claire T. Lawrence
Date: 02/13/15

1410 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $194,513
Buyer: William A. Saltman
Seller: Denis M. Lachapelle
Date: 02/20/15

6 Old Mill Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Eric Copson
Seller: Julie C. Lamotte
Date: 02/13/15

107 Reed St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Edward A. Walters-Zucco
Seller: Mark B. Vye
Date: 02/11/15

CHICOPEE

76 Bell St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $164,900
Buyer: Scott B. Mitchell
Seller: Michael Beauchemin
Date: 02/11/15

31 Carmen St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $134,900
Buyer: Deborah J. Stebbins
Seller: Heath, Evelyn P., (Estate)
Date: 02/19/15

366 Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Jose M. Lucas
Seller: Abilio J. Casimiro
Date: 02/10/15

87 Cochran St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $257,579
Buyer: Bank of New York
Seller: Paul R. Paquette
Date: 02/12/15

200 Exchange St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: RL New Life LLC
Seller: Peoples United Bank
Date: 02/12/15

29 Harrison Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $128,000
Buyer: Alan M. Huber
Seller: Mary A. Czepiel
Date: 02/20/15

153 Tolpa Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $232,500
Buyer: Bank Of America
Seller: Betty M. Erbentraut
Date: 02/12/15

16 Yale St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Kelvin Martinez
Seller: Richard Cote
Date: 02/17/15

EAST LONGMEADOW

49 Devonshire Terrace
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $466,000
Buyer: Albert V. Lupenski
Seller: Paul J. Quinn
Date: 02/13/15

56 Evergreen Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $367,900
Buyer: Debra L. Bechard
Seller: Brian D. Cyr
Date: 02/20/15

566 Parker St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: S&C Homebuyers LLC
Seller: USA HUD
Date: 02/17/15

44 Shaw St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $293,000
Buyer: Ena T. Arel
Seller: Moltenbrey Builders LLC
Date: 02/12/15

HOLYOKE

24 Ashley Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: Conor J. Bevan
Seller: John G. Gonsor
Date: 02/20/15

393 Cherry St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $121,134
Buyer: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Seller: Patricia M. Reed
Date: 02/18/15

95-97 Congress Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Andre L. Cote
Seller: Nina Prunier
Date: 02/11/15

37 Coronet Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Pamela A. Angers
Seller: Fritz, Ronald H., (Estate)
Date: 02/13/15

75 Elmwood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $125,866
Buyer: AHAP LLC
Seller: JJS Capital Investment
Date: 02/18/15

437 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $389,000
Buyer: Anibal Rivas
Seller: Paul Poirier
Date: 02/10/15

28 Old Jarvis Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Cladi Rodriguez
Seller: Thomas G. Casavant
Date: 02/18/15

50 West Glen St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Juan E. Hernandez-Navarro
Seller: Marcia J. Eagleson
Date: 02/19/15

57 Westfield Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Steven G. Flynn
Seller: John L. Labelle
Date: 02/13/15

LONGMEADOW

67 Burbank Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $264,900
Buyer: Richard S. Baker
Seller: Thomas K. Keyser
Date: 02/13/15

30 Dunsany Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $264,000
Buyer: Round Point Mortgage
Seller: Ana M. Medina
Date: 02/13/15

125 Hopkins Place
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Justin T. Bias
Seller: Scott D. Kaplan
Date: 02/20/15

834 Shaker Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Thomas P. Dickson
Seller: Mary B. Collins
Date: 02/13/15

LUDLOW

32-34 Essex St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $128,000
Buyer: Grace M. Dias
Seller: Joe C. Silva
Date: 02/13/15

29 Florida St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Nathan Champiney
Seller: Vitaly Dzhenzherukha
Date: 02/13/15

96 Green St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Andrew M. Coelho
Seller: Charles C. Kusek
Date: 02/17/15

13 Park Terrace
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $172,500
Buyer: Susan L. Efremides
Seller: FNMA
Date: 02/11/15

57 Russell St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $315,917
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Donald Merriman
Date: 02/13/15

MONSON

194 Silver St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Lauren E. Landers
Seller: FHLM
Date: 02/13/15

PALMER

17 Dublin St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $180,358
Buyer: USA HUD
Seller: BAC Home Loan Servicing
Date: 02/10/15

54 Mount Dumplin Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $224,537
Buyer: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Seller: Joshua D. Mansfield
Date: 02/10/15

RUSSELL

122 Blandford Road
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $136,660
Buyer: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Seller: Ian Forgey
Date: 02/13/15

76 Ridgewood Dr.
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Anthony E. Losty
Seller: Diana Frink
Date: 02/13/15

150 South Quarter Road
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Thomas P. Brennan
Seller: Peter F. Leidt
Date: 02/12/15

SOUTHWICK

10 John Mason Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $327,095
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Susan A. Solek
Date: 02/11/15

234 Sheep Pasture Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: Harold A. Camyre
Seller: Norman H. Storey
Date: 02/11/15

15 Shore Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $122,000
Buyer: Jeffrey A. Thomson
Seller: Catherine A. Fletcher
Date: 02/20/15

SPRINGFIELD

895 Alden St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $685,000
Buyer: Zahoor U. Haq
Seller: Donald A. Scott
Date: 02/18/15

165 Birchland Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $176,000
Buyer: Isaac Gomez
Seller: Jeffrey B. Berselli
Date: 02/13/15

50 Bissell St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Elvira Ovchinnikova
Seller: US Bank
Date: 02/20/15

Broadway St.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $2,500,000
Buyer: Cinemark USA Inc.
Seller: Springfield Regal Assocs.
Date: 02/10/15

1584 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: PL MA Properties LLC
Seller: Diego M. Neira
Date: 02/12/15

86 Caseland St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $182,000
Buyer: Scriven L. King
Seller: David P. Picard
Date: 02/13/15

149 Dickinson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Home Equity Assets Realty
Seller: Home Equity Assets Realty
Date: 02/13/15

117 El Paso St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $116,190
Buyer: Amy E. Scribner
Seller: MHFA
Date: 02/18/15

47 Elwood Dr.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Martin H. Urbanski
Seller: Kenneth I. Fetterhoff
Date: 02/20/15

27 Elwood Dr.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Todd J. Jediny
Seller: John M. McCloskey
Date: 02/12/15

162 Feltham Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Thao E. Phommasith
Seller: John F. McCarron
Date: 02/12/15

45-47 Forest Park Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $135,500
Buyer: Justin M. Alejandro
Seller: Rickus, Robert M., (Estate)
Date: 02/20/15

83-85 Granby St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Bhuwan Gautam
Seller: Joseph Basile
Date: 02/13/15

189 Laurelton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $189,900
Buyer: Sherquita Thomas
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 02/20/15

Liberty St.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $2,500,000
Buyer: Cinemark USA Inc.
Seller: Springfield Regal Assocs.
Date: 02/10/15

120 Navajo Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Cynthia M. Carroll
Seller: SAW Construction LLC
Date: 02/13/15

193-195 Nottingham St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $123,000
Buyer: 193-195 Nottingham RT
Seller: Gerald E. Rousseau
Date: 02/12/15

125 Paridon St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: 125 Paridon St. LLC
Seller: AKJ Enterprise LLC
Date: 02/18/15

24 Park St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: JLL Realty Developers
Seller: Carmela A. Fraziero
Date: 02/10/15

106 Park Road
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $136,000
Seller: Whitney T. Baugh
Date: 02/20/15

59 Pennsylvania Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: George N. Mekeel
Seller: Ruth A. Stathis
Date: 02/19/15

1562 Plumtree Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Daniel J. Moynahan
Seller: Michael J. Devlin
Date: 02/20/15

Saint James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $2,500,000
Buyer: Cinemark USA Inc.
Seller: Springfield Regal Assocs.
Date: 02/10/15

Springfield St.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $2,500,000
Buyer: Cinemark USA Inc.
Seller: Springfield Regal Assocs.
Date: 02/10/15

1530-1534 State St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Ramani Realty LLC
Seller: Hoke Realty LLC
Date: 02/18/15

57 Stocker St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $122,000
Buyer: Robert L. Pratt
Seller: Genevieve M. Szulc
Date: 02/13/15

139 Verge St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $119,000
Buyer: William C. Huerta
Seller: Mary T. Abeid
Date: 02/13/15

603 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $685,000
Buyer: Zahoor U. Haq
Seller: Donald A. Scott
Date: 02/18/15

201 Wollaston St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $205,438
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Nancy M. Bodge
Date: 02/12/15

1379-1381 Worcester St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $167,495
Buyer: Midfirst Bank
Seller: Jose J. Bergollo
Date: 02/17/15

WEST SPRINGFIELD

1059 Amostown Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $202,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Lawrence C. Meccariello
Date: 02/11/15

33 Day St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Denise Reyes
Seller: Katherine R. Monko
Date: 02/13/15

164 Dorwin Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $194,000
Buyer: Stewart L. Brown
Seller: Brown Shirley S., (Estate)
Date: 02/20/15

198 Kings Hwy.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Kyle J. Boucher
Seller: Daniel J. Millett
Date: 02/20/15

50 Lowell St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $725,000
Buyer: Bedford LLC
Seller: Raymond H. Lavoie
Date: 02/10/15

255 Morton St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: Jullian Pena
Seller: Donald E. Spindler
Date: 02/18/15

16 Pine St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $202,500
Buyer: Steven Sands
Seller: Donna L. Witmer
Date: 02/12/15

WESTFIELD

138 Falley Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Peter Silvano
Seller: Ernest F. Musterait
Date: 02/13/15

5 Morris St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $155,372
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Cheryl A. Blair
Date: 02/13/15

205 Pochassic Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Christine M. Humason
Seller: Thomas M. Rice
Date: 02/19/15

9 Sackville Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Sean T. Dowd
Seller: Marisa A. Prisby
Date: 02/12/15

WILBRAHAM

152 3 Rivers Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Michael J. Twining
Seller: Pelletier, Alice P., (Estate)
Date: 02/11/15

10 Colonial Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $322,000
Buyer: Donald E. Kirton
Seller: Christine H. Strauss
Date: 02/13/15

4 Pheasant Farm Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $269,000
Buyer: John M. McCloskey
Seller: Nolan Morneu, Joan S., (Estate)
Date: 02/13/15

636 Springfield St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $227,500
Buyer: Christine H. Strauss
Seller: Cheryl A. Waterhouse
Date: 02/13/15

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

170 Gray St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: David Monastersky
Seller: Barbara L. Worthley
Date: 02/13/15

BELCHERTOWN

20 Blacksmith Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Miranda L. Barrett
Seller: David Fredenburgh
Date: 02/13/15

16 Daniel Square Ext.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Christopher Petropoulos
Seller: Bank Of America
Date: 02/13/15

23 Deer Run
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Cynthia L. Johnson
Seller: Linnea Lavoie-Bernard
Date: 02/13/15

375 Warren Wright Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Seller: Joyce J. Walsh
Date: 02/12/15

CHESTERFIELD

64 Bray Road
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $142,500
Buyer: Richard T. Peloquin
Seller: John M. Mehalyak
Date: 02/20/15

EASTHAMPTON

23 Peloquin Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Conor R. Driscoll
Seller: James J. Hanson
Date: 02/20/15

18 Princeton Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $234,900
Buyer: Dolores M. Walker
Seller: Frank Pietrasiuk
Date: 02/18/15

14 River Valley Way
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $272,500
Buyer: Mary Olson
Seller: EH Homeownership LLC
Date: 02/17/15

88 South St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $213,000
Buyer: Adam C. Szymkowicz
Seller: Marijane Patenaude
Date: 02/19/15

4 West St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $189,500
Buyer: Eon W. Fontes-May
Seller: Barbara Whear-Boulanger
Date: 02/10/15

GRANBY

13 Ken Lane
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $244,981
Buyer: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Seller: Erick J. Funk
Date: 02/17/15

117 Maximilian Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Mark E. Vincelette
Seller: David R. Turgeon
Date: 02/20/15

Taylor St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Kestrel Land TR
Seller: Edward C. Shyloski
Date: 02/18/15

HADLEY

72 North Maple St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: North Pleasant St. Partners
Seller: Olender, Robert, (Estate)
Date: 02/11/15

HATFIELD

40 North St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Kristen L. Forest
Seller: Omasta LT
Date: 02/20/15

174 West St.
Hatfield, MA 01088
Amount: $2,026,812
Buyer: 4 State Commercial Development
Seller: Brookfield Asset LLC
Date: 02/11/15

NORTHAMPTON

20 Aldrich St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $376,500
Buyer: Steven M. Goode
Seller: Peter M. Neylan
Date: 02/11/15

685 Bridge Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Robert Langston
Seller: Diane E. Jung
Date: 02/11/15

113 Fern St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Beth W. Adel
Seller: Cynthia J. Stahler
Date: 02/12/15

56 Longfellow Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Linda Vincent
Seller: William H. Welch RET
Date: 02/18/15

21 Moser St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $628,200
Buyer: Janet S. Taft
Seller: Wright Builders Inc.
Date: 02/12/15

104 Moser St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $433,159
Buyer: Laura J. Dintino
Seller: Kent Pecoy & Sons Construction
Date: 02/18/15

80 North Main St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Megan R. O’Brien
Seller: Mary E. Parker
Date: 02/19/15

56 Spring St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $202,000
Buyer: Joan M. Archambault
Seller: Barbara A. Slesinski
Date: 02/17/15

SOUTH HADLEY

50 Ashton Lane
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $640,000
Buyer: Heather L. Bonney
Seller: Anne D. Mittelholzer
Date: 02/13/15

199 Brainerd St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Michael Pope
Seller: Strzempko, Louise J., (Estate)
Date: 02/19/15

1 Chatham Way
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Susan P. Chipman
Seller: Stephen Doyle
Date: 02/12/15

68 Columbia St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: Lisa J. Beauchemin
Seller: Vitaly Dzhenzherukha
Date: 02/11/15

12 Hollywood St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $159,500
Buyer: Faith M. White
Seller: Anne Cotton
Date: 02/20/15

33 Lawn St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $277,500
Buyer: Stephanie M. Peterson
Seller: Kevin Phillips
Date: 02/11/15

Lawn St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $277,500
Buyer: Stephanie M. Peterson
Seller: Kevin Phillips
Date: 02/11/15

13 Normandy Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Katherine L. Bechtold
Seller: Kenneth F. Bonney
Date: 02/12/15

5 Stewart St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Jessica L. Falade
Seller: Carolyn L. Vernon
Date: 02/19/15

25 West Parkview Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Matthew A. Hayes
Seller: Lagnes M. Stewart
Date: 02/19/15

WORTHINGTON

43 Witt Hill Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Jennifer L. Collins
Seller: Beverly J. Bowman LT
Date: 02/11/15

Opinion
State Gets Serious About Opiate Abuse

By RICHARD PIETERS, M.D., BARBARA HERBERT, M.D., and DANIEL ALFORD, M.D.

Prescription drug abuse is now one of the toughest problems communities face, and officials at local, state, and federal levels are all wrestling with what to do about it. Multiple actions have been taken, including new laws and regulations, monitoring programs, and restrictions on prescribing, with varying results.

The Commonwealth’s new governor and attorney general, Charlie Baker and Maura Healey, have made opiate abuse one of their top priorities. That’s good news, because we are losing hundreds of lives to prescription and opiate abuse.

While drugs like heroin remain a prime cause of overdoses, 52% of the 44,000 drug-overdose deaths in 2013 were related to pharmaceuticals. And of those, 71% involved prescription pain medicines — mostly by people using drugs prescribed to someone else.

As the Institute of Medicine (IOM) has noted, pain is a significant public health problem. Some 100 million adults have chronic pain alone — more than those with diabetes, heart disease, and cancer combined. Whether chronic (constant and long-lasting), acute (of shorter duration), or cancer-related, pain is one of the most frequent reasons for physician visits and taking medication, which often helps with the acute pain of trauma, injury, or surgery.

Healthcare providers write a huge amount of prescriptions for pain medicines — 259 million in 2012 alone. Yet, with some 12 million Americans using prescription medications for non-medical reasons and with more than three out of four people who misuse prescription pain medicines using drugs prescribed to someone else, the reasons for abuse go beyond the number of prescriptions issued.

Physicians and patients together can work together to help reduce the abuse. Here’s how.

Physicians believe patients who experience pain should be able to get relief and understand that appropriately treating pain helps patients heal. Medications carry risk, however, and with opioids, one of the risks is addiction. Physicians must balance the risks and benefits of opioids — while exploring other kinds of treatment in open communication with patients.

Medicines like opioids, taken exactly as prescribed under a physician’s supervision, are excellent therapies for certain kinds of pain, but they may not be appropriate for all people.

Patients must clearly communicate expectations to their physicians. They understandably want immediate relief from pain, but taking more pills than the prescription calls for and dismissing the vital instruction of ‘take only as directed’ may risk harm and make the medicine less effective.

Insurers, who are reluctant to pay for other treatment options, such as physical therapy, acupuncture, and cognitive behavioral treatments, should begin to do so, giving physicians and patients other options besides pills.

Physicians must partner with their patients to figure out what the best treatment is, when opioids are best, and, when they’re not, what the best approach is for treatment. In many cases, the best approach may be one combining opioids with other medicines and additional methods like those named above.

Patients should be candid about their level of pain and tell their doctors what other medicines or substances (such as alcohol or marijuana) are being taken. Mixing substances is dangerous and can be lethal.

Above all, patients should be aware of the National Institute of Drug Abuse’s three elements of prescription abuse: (1) taking someone’s else’s medication; (2) taking medicine in a higher dosage or another manner than prescribed; and (3) taking medications for purposes other than prescribed. Patients have the power to act on all three.

Patients can stop the diversion of medications with responsible storage and disposal. Leaving prescriptions in medicine cabinets is a bad idea; it’s the primary way people who aren’t prescribed medicines get them. Medicines should be stored securely, preferably in lock boxes, and unused medicines should go to ‘take-back’ programs within communities.

Beyond prevention, adding more substance-abuse treatment programs to help with addiction and increasing the availability of naloxone, a prescription drug that prevents death from overdose, are steps that will save lives.


Dr. Richard Pieters is president of the Massachusetts Medical Society. Dr. Daniel Alford is director of the Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit at Boston Medical Center. Dr. Barbara Herbert is medical director of Addiction Service at Commonwealth Care.

Bankruptcies Departments

The following bankruptcy petitions were recently filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Readers should confirm all information with the court.
 
Barris, Christopher P.
52 Cecelia Terrace
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/17/15

Brooks, Heather R.
15 S Road Ext.
Peru, MA 01235
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/20/15

Cavanugh, Colleen Ann
a/k/a Garvin, Colleen Ann
1 Normandy Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/19/15

Cut Ups
Curtin, Peter
Curtin, Faith
a/k/a Bickford-Curtin, Faith
40 Heritage Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/15

Delvalle, Miguel A.
81 Chauncey Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/25/15

Doucette, Thomas E.
28 Smith Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/15

Duffy, Joy
a/k/a Mack, Joy
100 Stears Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/25/15

Durant, Dennis L.
2988 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/26/15

Fairthorne, Donald R.
Fairthorne, Kristen M.
30 Elm St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/15

Feek, Ryan Allen
Feek, Stacy Michelle
127 Leverett Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/25/15

Gadbois, Brian R.
Gadbois, Nissa F.
126 Company Farm Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/18/15

Gaines, Harry E.
Gaines, Candace A.
55 Montague St.
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/19/15

Gardner, Roland G.
28 Lorraine Dr.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/19/15

Getchell, James S.
16 Old Wales Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/20/15

Goitein, Daniel F.
5 South Hampshire St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/19/15

Haber, Shelley I.
17 Denise Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/17/15

Hammer, Gordon D.
10 Richard Dr.
Ashley Falls, MA 01222
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/14/15

Heake, George Alfred
27 Fairview Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/25/15

Hernandez, Freddy H.
P.O. Box 5072
Holyoke, MA 01041
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/23/15

Jermakian, Ronald Ashod
61 Hartford Terrace
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/23/15

Jillson, Wesley B.
Jillson, Cherie L.
9 Mill St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/15

Jones, Sherry L.
103 Huron St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/17/15

Kahi, George J.
144 Patterson Ave
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/16/15

Kavanaugh, Charles E.
17 Gardner Ave.
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/25/15

Kerr, James W.
27 Cambridge Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/16/15

Kiely, Jean M.
44 Fredette St.
Chicopee, MA 01022
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/21/15

Kirby, Daniel L.
72 Lower Beverly Hills
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/18/15

Labonte, Thomas E.
Labonte, Christine
36 Deep Field Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/25/15

Laflamme, Kenneth
Laflamme, Darlene
760 Plumtree Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/25/15

Leclerc, Serge J.
43 Nash St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/24/15

Lucia, Jeffery
Lucia, Leah
399 Allen Park Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/26/15

Lundgren, Craig A.
224 South Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/19/15

McCormack, Kevin
54 Feeding Hills Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/17/15

Picard, Jeffrey J.
171 Taylor St.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/15

Pike, Frederick B.
429 Main Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/19/15

Polk, Leshawn Annette
66 Midway St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/15

Richardson-Morris, Grace E.
29 Berkeley St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/15

Romolo-DosReis, Lisa Anne
374 Main St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/15

Scavotto, David Anthony
418 Meadow St., C-9
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/23/15

Shananigin’s Salon & Spa
Cutler, Shannon Marie
6 Buchanan Circle
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/24/15

Silva, Denise
36 Gates Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/15

Smith, Bryony A
1230 Pleasant St.
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/17/15

St. Germain, Rhoda D.
72 West Main St.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/18/15

Szulc, Lucia
a/k/a Santiago, Lucia
60 Grenada Terrace
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/22/15

Thayer, Jennifer Elizabeth
a/k/a Vallan, Jennifer Thayer
181 Burleigh Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/15

Willis, Jessica M.
19 Lorraine St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/19/15

Yurkevicz, Gary L.
Yurkevicz, Jacqueline M.
4 Pine Valley Road
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/17/15

DBA Certificates Departments

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

AGAWAM

Nota Bane Music Studio
98 Riviera Dr.
Irina Sidoryuk

Rube
168 Elm St.
Sara Vincent

CHICOPEE

Austin Family Cleaning
76 Armory Dr.
Paula Austin

Complete Property Preservation
55 Beauregard Terrace
Paul Martin

DK Express
172 Prospect St.
Dmitriy Kudrya

Pol Tours West Travel
178 Center St.
Kazimierz Irzyk

Saint Joseph Builders
28 Allen St.
Joseph Ramah

Sal’s Barbershop
824 Chicopee St.
Saul Sanchez

Tru-Clear Window Cleaning
196 Pendleton Ave.
Jared Martinez

HOLYOKE

5 Martin
5 Martin St.
Venus Chartier

Bath & Body Works, LLC
50 Holyoke St.
Harriete Hansell

Cheap Thrills
167 Chestnut St.
Joe Cox

Elevation Art and Framing
92 Race St.
Colleen Conlon

Sam’s Quality Motors
170 Main St.
Enoc Rosa

United Capital Financial Services
330 Whitney Ave.
Caryn Westman

LUDLOW

Lorraine’s
19 Prospect St.
Lorraine Carreira

SAS Comfort Shoes
433 Center St.
Donna Wishart

NORTHAMPTON

Berkshire Oyster Company
1 Ventures Field Road
Wesley Malzone

Creative Therapy
241 King St.
Siobhan Silver

Gan Keshet Jewish Community Preschool
253 Prospect St.
James Sagalyn

J. Rich Clothing for Men
153 Main St.
Nancy Donato

Northeast Mobile Repair
2 Conz St.
Richard Lodigigani

R-Kade Games
221 Pine St.
Richard Kalin

Whole Body Healing, Acupuncture, and Chinese Medicine
30 North King St.
Elizabeth Girard

PALMER

Michael Cardin Photography
1142 South Main St.
Michael Cardin

SPRINGFIELD

AGV Transport
76 Brittany Road
Joseph Richard

AKH, LLC
266 Belmont Ave.
Syed Imam

Antim, LLC
32 Hancock St.
Lynn Bledsoe

Appliance Plus Service
224 Chapin Terrace
Eliezer Cortes

Arctic Rental and Leasing
1601 Page Blvd.
Carl A. Jasmin

Arfe Art
1655 Main St.
Milagros Martinez

Assarian Electric
64 Abbe Ave.
Nelson A. Assarian

Attorney Robert H. Astor
1 Monarch Place
Robert H. Astor

Bartman
117 Governor St.
Bartholomew Moriarty

Brightwood Press Company
121 Chestnut St.
Adam Gomez

D.R.S. Painting
223 East St.
Daniel R. Sheldon

Dany Argueta
47 Home St.
Dany Argueta

Dayspring
177 Westford Ave.
Michael J. Wilson

De Todo Un Poco
152 Rifle St.
Damaris Morales

Dining Furnitures, LLC
182 Draper St.
An V. Nguyen

Downtown Convenience
160 Worthington St.
Nafees A. Awan

E’S Convenience
23 St. James Blvd.
Efrain Elliot

Eagles Quality Cleaning
43 Wait St.
David Tapia

Elahi, LLC
1350 Main St.
Rehan Hussain

Glory Inc.
595 Main St.
Hyo Lee

Goddess Couture
269 Main St.
Danielle Leysath

Health Relaxation Location
803 Belmont Ave.
Liu Yang

JLJ Construction
94 Lamont St.
Joe C. Long

John Mastronardi & Sons
281 Cooley St.
John Mastronardi & Sons

Journeys
1655 Boston Road
Julie Galbreth

Junior’s Auto Body
151 Pine St.
Catalino Maldonado

La Fama Beauty Supply
28 Bancroft St.
Jose A. Martinez

Y Solutions
431 Main St.
Yevgeniy Loboda

WESTFIELD

Mount Tekoa Group, LLC
254 Falley Dr.
Mount Tekoa Group, LLC

New Corner Variety
2 Crown St.
New Corner Variety

Royal Icings
68 Gary Dr.
Susan Forest

Westfield Yarn & Thread Studio
22 School St.
Katherine F. Coache

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Chicopee-Holyoke Macaroni
31 Field St.
Jessica Dziewit

Inter-Technologies Inc.
451 Dewey St.
Yury Altyev

Long Radio
1102 Riverdale St.
Matthew S. Imbriglio

M.J.’s Window Cleaning
49 Homestead Ave.
Michael J. Ferrarini

Park West Auto Sales Inc.
326 Park St.
Anthony L. Calabrese

Tony G. Saville
660 Main St.
Tony G. Saville

Departments Incorporations

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

The Coffee Grind Inc., 450 West St., Amherst, MA 01002. Isabel Mercado, 18 Hunter Hills Circle, Amherst, MA 01002. Coffee bar and tea house.

GRANBY

Alphabet Soup Childcare Center Inc., 166 West State St., Granby, MA 01033. Bobbi L. Rougeau, same. Childcare services.

HATFIELD

A & S Building and Remodeling Inc., 123 Depot Road, Hatfield, MA 01038. David Jagodzinski, same. Construction.

HOLYOKE

Aircraft Management Service & Sales Inc., 330 Whitney Ave., Suite, 440, Holyoke, MA 01040. Michael J. Kane, 6 Old Pasture Dr., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Management and sale of aircraft and related industries.

LONGMEADOW

Renal and Transplant Associates of New England, P.C., 15 Pendleton Lane, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Krishnan Babu, same. Medical services.

MONTAGUE

Andrew Cavanagh Inc., 555 Turners Falls Road, Montague, MA 01351. Andrew Cavanagh, same. Building websites and applications.

NORTHAMPTON

A2Z Science Inc., 57 King St., Unit A, Northampton, MA 01060. Andre Boulay, same. Retail sales.

PITTSFIELD

Anthony Gianacopoulos Attorney at Law, P.C., 75 North St., Suite 320, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Anthony Gianacopoulos, same. Legal services.

SOUTHWICK

4Life Entertainment Orgaization Inc., 389 North Loomis St., Southwick, MA 01077. Spencer Lavoie. Same. Event production for charitable causes.

Adam Transport Inc., 628 College Highway, Southwick, MA 01077. Erdem Akca, same. Trucking.

Allied Tree Service Inc., 237 Hillside Road, Southwick, MA 01077. Adam C. Roberts, same. Commercial and residential tree service including but not limited to tree removal, stump grinding, and chipping.

SPRINGFIELD

Save Cathedral High School Inc., 110 Atwater Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107. Al Dilascia, 16 Ginger Road, Chicopee, MA 01020. Charity for Catherdral High School.

WESTFIELD

Western New England Amateur Boxing Inc., 5 Princeton St., Westfield, MA 01085. Dean Fay, same. To support charitable and community organizations through amateur boxing and related events.

Yagmur Inc., 18 School St., Westfield, MA 01085. Yagmur Hamurcu, 19 Pine St., Ludlow, MA 01056. Pizza restaurant.

Briefcase Departments

<strong>Unemployment Rises Slightly in January
BOSTON
— The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported that the seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates for January were up in all 24 labor market areas, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), compared to December 2014 rates. However, compared to January 2014, over-the-year unemployment rates were down in all of the labor market areas. BLS also released job and unemployment estimates for the new geographical boundaries of the labor market areas that were redrawn based on 2010 Census area delineations. These changes allow job estimates to be published for 15 areas, and labor-force and unemployment-rate estimates to be released for 24 areas. During January 2015, both Massachusetts and the 15 local areas for which job estimates are published experienced seasonal job losses. Since January 2014, all 15 areas added jobs. The Barnstable, Lawrence, Worcester, Boston-Cambridge-Newton, Framingham, and Pittsfield areas added more jobs than over the same time period last year. In order to compare to the local unemployment rates, the statewide unadjusted unemployment rate for January was 5.6%, up 0.7% from the revised December 2014 rate. Over the year, the statewide unadjusted rate was down 1.3% from the January 2014 rate of 6.9%. The seasonally adjusted statewide January unemployment rate, released on March 10, was 5.1%, down 0.2% over the month and down 1.0% over the year. The rate was 0.6% below the national unemployment rate. The statewide seasonally adjusted jobs estimate showed a 2,600-job gain in January and an over-the-year gain of 68,000 jobs. Once a year, BLS revises and updates area job estimates, which are available back to 1990. The revised labor-force and unemployment rates go back to 2014. The labor force, unemployment rates and jobs estimates for Massachusetts and every other state are based on several different statistical methodologies specified by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. The unadjusted unemployment rates, labor force, and job estimates for the labor market areas reflect seasonal fluctuations and, therefore, may show different levels and trends than the statewide seasonally adjusted estimates.

MGM Springfield Names VP, Slates Groundbreaking
SPRINGFIELD — MGM Resorts International announced that Brian Packer has been named vice president of Development and Construction for MGM Springfield, as it makes preparations for a March 24 groundbreaking event. As part of the MGM Resorts development team, which provides oversight and construction management on all regional and international integrated-resort projects, Packer will provide executive oversight for all aspects of construction and program-management activities at MGM Springfield. He has been an owner’s representative for MGM Resorts for more than 10 years, specializing in large, complex design and construction projects. He most recently served as director of Design and Construction. While in this role, he assembled the team that helped open ARIA Resort & Casino, one of the largest private developments of its kind. “Our team designs and delivers the most distinct hospitality properties in the world,” said Michael Mathis, MGM Springfield president. “Brian is the right person to assist in developing MGM Springfield, the largest development in Springfield and one of the largest in the region’s history.” Added Packer, “I was thrilled to have been asked to come to Springfield on behalf of MGM. Our company has been abuzz about the revolutionary and integrated downtown design and what we hope to accomplish for the Western Massachusetts region. I look forward to working together with our local partners to achieve this new vision for Springfield.” The construction of MGM Springfield will offer opportunities in a wide range of property components, such as early work and off-site work for the garage, casino, hotel tower, and retail plaza. Each component will allow for various bid opportunities for local contractors, in both prime and sub roles. MGM has and will continue to advertise additional opportunities for future construction packages as they become available. Interested bidders will learn about the scope of work, how to participate in the pre-qualification process, and MGM Springfield’s policy on minority contractors, vendors, and purchasing. “As certain aspects of the construction phase become the next priority, we will roll out this meeting process to get the right people for each piece of this design,” Mathis said.

ACCGS Releases 2015 Legislative Agenda
SPRINGFIELD — The Affiliated Chamber of Commerce of Greater Springfield (ACCGS) has released its 2015 legislative agenda, addressing the major legislative issues intended to strengthen business competitiveness, lower business costs, and stimulate growth in the Greater Springfield region. The agenda touches upon key issues in the areas of tax policy, workplace ethics, healthcare, and workforce development. The ACCGS will continue to update the legislative agenda throughout the session so to stay current with the evolving nature of the region. With revenues growing at a 4.5% rate, the chamber will focus on how those revenues are prioritized and spent in the areas of Gateway Cities, infrastructure, and local aid. The chamber continues to work hard in making the region competitive when it comes to the costs of doing business, and is addressing issues in the workplace with a focus on mandated sick leave, unemployment insurance, treble damage, and non-compete legislation. Healthcare costs are a major priority in this session’s agenda and remain a point of concern for the chamber and its members. The chamber will focus its efforts on addressing the federal Affordable Care Act, mandated benefits, and insurance disbursements. With more than 6,000 pieces of legislation filed at the commencement of the session on Jan. 1, the ACCGS will be monitoring the progress of these bills to better assert its position throughout the 2015-16 legislative session.

Springfield Establishes Casino Liaison Office
SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and the Office of Planning & Economic Development have officially announced the establishment of the Casino Liaison Office. In order to meet the requirements of the Gaming Act found under Section 96 of Chapter 194 of the Acts of 2011, a host community is required to take action to help coordinate and expedite local permitting of a gaming facility. The Casino Liaison Office will act similar to a local permitting ombudsman to help coordinate and expedite local permitting of the development. The role of this office is to work with MGM Springfield and its construction-management team to resolve the myriad issues likely to occur during the construction period and to help streamline city permitting. This office will be in existence for a short time covering the period of construction and the first year of operation, with an expected span of 39 months. This office will be overseen by Kevin Kennedy, the city’s chief development officer, and will be staffed by Al Chwalek, retired director of the Department of Public Works, and attorney James Hannifan. The Casino Liaison Office will coordinate the efforts of the various city departments involved in the development and construction of the casino project and serve as an information resource for the developer and as a representative and facilitator for developer in the processing of its permitting, licensing, and regulatory approvals. “Due to the size and complexity of this multi-million-dollar project, it is imperative that the city provide a direct point of contact as we move forward with the realization of this tremendous economic-development project for the city of Springfield,” said Sarno. “Both Al and Jim have direct knowledge of the development process and will be instrumental in making sure that, when issues arise, they can be dealt with directly and in a timely manner to ensure this project stays on track.” In addition to the Casino Liaison Office staff, Sarno will also be bringing together a number of key departments as part of a casino-development team. This team will include the Office of Planning & Economic Development, Department of Public Works, Law Department, Building Department, Police Department, Fire Department, Water & Sewer Commission, and Office of Administration and Finance. As part of this team, the city will also be re-engaging the services of a number of outside casino-related consultants. These include Fuss & O’Neil, a local traffic-engineering consultant; the Chicago Consultants Studio Inc., a Chicago-based planning firm, which will review site-planning-related issues; and Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, formerly Shefsky & Froelich Ltd., for its expertise concerning legal matters relating to the gaming industry. The city will fund the office staff through payments received in conjunction with the host-community agreement. Outside consultants used for their expertise will be funded pursuant to the terms of the agreement, which obligate the developer to pay development process cost fees. “As we did during the casino-review process, the city wants to ensure that we have a transparent and open process and that we also have the most qualified people to help guide one of the largest development projects in the city’s history,” Kennedy said. “This team of city departments and consultants, which will also be fully available to the City Council as part of their review, will help to play a major role in the permitting process and provide much-needed input as we look forward in anticipation of the casino’s opening in 2017.”

Company Notebook Departments

Hampden Bancorp Stockholders Approve Berkshire Hills Merger
SPRINGFIELD — Hampden Bancorp Inc. announced that its stockholders have voted to approve the previously announced merger of Hampden with Berkshire Hills Bancorp Inc. The companies expect to complete the merger in April 2015, although there can be no assurance that the closing will occur then. Consummation of the merger is subject to approval by state and federal regulatory agencies. On Nov. 4, Hampden and Berkshire announced that they had entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Berkshire will acquire Hampden and its subsidiary, Hampden Bank, in an all-stock transaction. Under the terms of the merger agreement, each outstanding share of Hampden common stock will be exchanged for 0.81 shares of Berkshire Hills common stock. Berkshire will have a pro forma market cap of approximately $740 million and 100 branches serving customers and communities across New England and New York. Hampden Bancorp Inc. is the holding company of Hampden Bank. Established in 1852, Hampden Bank is a full-service community bank serving families and businesses in and around Hampden County. The Bank has 10 office locations in Springfield, Agawam, Longmeadow, West Springfield, Wilbraham, and Indian Orchard, as well as Internet services, including online banking and bill payment.

Eric Carle Museum Shortlisted for 2015 National Medal
AMHERST — The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announced that the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst is among 30 finalists for the 2015 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries for service to the community. For 21 years, the award has celebrated institutions that demonstrate extraordinary and innovative approaches to public service to make a difference for individuals, families, and communities. “Museums and libraries are the lifeblood of our communities, serving as trusted providers of critical resources, educational training, skills development, and civic and cultural enrichment,” said Maura Marx, acting director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. “We salute the Carle for exemplary leadership in promoting lifelong learning while engaging and inspiring the public.” Finalists are chosen because of their significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. “In 12 short years, the Carle has brought the art of children’s books to the big stage, traveling exhibitions here and abroad, and has encouraged parents everywhere to make museum-going an integral part of their children’s experience,” said Christopher Milne, the Carle’s chairman of the board. The National Medal winners will be named later this spring, and representatives from winning institutions will travel to Washington, D.C. to be honored at an award ceremony. Winning institutions also receive a visit from StoryCorps, a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to recording, preserving, and sharing the stories of Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs. IMLS is encouraging community members who have visited these institutions to share their stories on the IMLS Facebook page, www.facebook.com/usimls. To see the full list of finalists and learn more about the National Medal, visit www.imls.gov/medals.

Winstanley Garners Four Addys
LENOX – Creative agency Winstanley Partners highlighted its strength in packaging design this month, garnering four ADDY awards at the annual competition. Sponsored by the American Advertising Federation and hosted by the Albany AdClub, the ADDY awards honor creative work in the fields of marketing and advertising in its many forms, including print design, television, web, radio production, and elements of advertising such as logo design and photography. Winstanley Partners earned its awards for work completed in 2014 including labels for two new wines from Balderdash Cellars of Pittsfield, print advertisements created for Yo-Zuri America, Inc., a purveyor of high quality fishing lures, and the ‘Winstanley Fish Call,’ a self-promotional item used at the 2014 iCAST (International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades) show. For more information, visit winstanley.com.

AIC Offers Family Nurse Practitioner Program
SPRINGFIELD — The new Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program at American International College (AIC) is a unique program that expands and compliments other health professions programs within the School of Health Sciences. With the passage of the Affordable Care Act, a predicted shortage of primary-care providers is on the horizon. The FNP program is designed to help meet that need. Nurse practitioners provide direct patient care and are able to assess patients, order and interpret diagnostic tests, diagnose, and manage treatment plans, including prescribing medications. Coming from a nursing background, family nurse practitioners approach patient care by employing a holistic, collaborative, and patient-centered model with the goal of helping people live the fullest lives possible. The FNP program at AIC is the only master’s-level nurse-practitioner program in the area. The flexible program provides a blended approach of classroom and online study. Its eight-semester, part-time schedule allows students to continue working while earning their advanced degree. According to AIC Dean of Health Sciences Cesarina Thompson, “the Family Nurse Practitioner program adds another level of expertise to the college’s other advanced degree programs in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Nursing within the School of Health Sciences. And, in terms of the workforce, there is an ever-present need to work better together for the safety and quality of healthcare.” For more information about the Family Nurse Practitioner program, contact Associate Director for Graduate Nursing Programs Ellen Furman at (413) 205-3561 or [email protected]. To learn more about AIC’s graduate and undergraduate programs, visit www.aic.edu.

Departments People on the Move

PeoplesBank has announced the promotions of several key associates:

Karen Buell

Karen Buell

Karen Buell has been promoted to Vice President, Customer Innovation Lab. Buell possesses more than a decade of banking experience. She joined the bank in 2006 and previously served as assistant vice president, eChannel officer. Buell holds an MBA from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Houghton College. In 2010, she was recognized as a BusinessWest 40 Under Forty award winner, and she received the Uncommon Volunteer award from the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce in 2011. Buell volunteers at Chicopee Comprehensive High School, where she teaches financial literacy.


Gail Richard

Gail Richard

Gail Richard has been promoted to Vice President, Information Systems. Richard has more than four decades of banking experience. She joined the bank in 1971 and previously served as assistant vice president, Information Systems Officer. A resident of South Hadley, she graduated from the Mass. Bankers Assoc. School of Banking.





Michael Sugrue

Michael Sugrue

Michael Sugrue has been promoted to Vice President, Compliance. Sugrue has close to two decades of banking and auditing experience. He joined the bank in 2009 and previously served as assistant vice president, Compliance. Sugrue holds an MBA from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst and a bachelor’s degree in marketing from American International College. He is a graduate of the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Sugrue is vice president and a board member of the Western Mass. Compliance Assoc.
Cynthia Wszolek has been promoted to Cash Management Officer. She has 15 years of banking experience. She joined the bank in 2013, serving as a cash management sales and support specialist. She volunteers for the American Cancer Society, serving on the planning committee for the Evening of Hope Gala. Ms. Wszolek is currently working toward an associate degree in business administration at Springfield Technical Community College.
Starr McGrath has been promoted to Consumer Loan Officer. She has more than three decades of banking experience. She joined the bank in 1983 and previously served as consumer loan analyst.
Patricia O’Brien has been promoted to Underwriter Officer. With more than two decades of banking experience, she joined the bank in 2008 and previously served as underwriter. O’Brien holds an associate degree in business administration from Holyoke Community College. She serves as a director of the Holyoke Kiwanis Club.
•••••
Moyah Smith

Moyah Smith

William Crawford IV, CEO of United Financial Bancorp Inc. and United Bank of Glastonbury, Conn., announced the hiring of Moyah Smith, who has taken on the primary role of United’s community outreach officer, responsible for covering Western Mass. In this role, Smith has assumed a number of key responsibilities, including organizing and participating in financial-literacy programs and classes where local residents can learn more about a range of important topics such as money management, the homebuying process, and how to repair and maintain good credit. She will also leverage her mortgage banking experience and strong ties to the Western Mass. region to promote and guide local residents through the entire homebuying process from application to closing. Her volunteerism and reputation in the Western Mass. community is extensive; she has dedicated her time to several nonprofit organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together Springfield, Relay for Life, the Alzheimer’s Assoc., and Project Clean Up Springfield, among others. She also volunteers weekly as a personality for the local nonprofit community radio station WTCC-FM at Springfield Technical Community College. In addition to serving as the community outreach officer in Western Mass, Smith will also hold the title of mortgage loan officer for United Bank. She gained considerable mortgage banking experience while working as a MLO for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage in West Springfield from 1998 to 2004. Smith was also a Realtor and MLO with Keller Williams Realty in Longmeadow from 2004 to 2009. Before coming to United, Smith was a regional account executive with Elavon Inc., where she worked with banks and credit unions in delivering business solutions for small to mid-sized banks and providing merchant services to the company’s commercial customer base. Smith is based at United Bank’s offices at 95 Elm St. in West Springfield. She reports to Lisa Kraus, vice president and Western Mass. sales manager.
•••••
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) announced that Peter Salerno will return to the post of Executive Director for an interim period as the board of trustees begins a nationwide search for permanent leadership. Salerno, a local business leader and long-time member of the orchestra’s board of trustees, served in this capacity prior to the hiring of outgoing Executive Director Audrey Szychulski. In January of this year, Szychulski announced her acceptance of a new position with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, leaving the Springfield Symphony Orchestra with enhanced sponsorship and a strengthened business plan. In addition to serving on the orchestra’s board of trustees, Salerno teaches at Bay Path University and Clark University, serves as Finance chair of the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School Committee, and is lead consultant for Management Solutions, LLC. He looks forward to bringing his decades of business experience to his position with the symphony. In the upcoming months, the SSO board of trustees will oversee a nationwide search for a permanent executive director, with the goal of having that individual in place by early fall 2015, as the symphony enters the beginning of its 72nd season.
•••••
Nicole Griffin

Nicole Griffin

Nicole Griffin, president of Griffin Staffing Network, LLC in Springfield, has been selected as the recipient of the Urban League Community Builder Award for 2015. Griffin began her career in the financial industry, but after 12 years, she shifted into the staffing and recruitment field. She has several years of experience as a human-resources professional, including employee relations, recruitment, and retention. Her ability to understand the needs of a client led her to establish Griffin Staffing Network (GSN), now made up of a team with a combined 26 years of experience in staffing and recruitment. Focusing more on quality than quantity, GSN places top talent from call-center to C-level management positions in temp, temp-to-hire, contract, and permanent-placement structures. Griffin says her goal is to empower the community through employment opportunities and career development. Griffin was named to the 40 Under Forty by BusinessWest magazine in 2014. She serves on the board of SABIS International Charter School, the board of directors for Intercity Youth Inc., the committee of the Women Leadership Council, and the Plan for Progress Coordinating Council, and is a participant in the 2014-15 Leadership Institute for Political and Public Impact Program. For more information about Griffin Staffing Network, visit www.griffinstaffingnetwork.com. For more information about the Urban League of Springfield, visit www.ulspringfield.org.
•••••
Samantha Peia

Samantha Peia

Residence Inn Chicopee announced that Samantha Peia has been appointed the hotel’s new Director of Sales. The four-story, 115-room hotel is located at 500 Memorial Dr. and has been open since September 2013. In her new role, Peia will be responsible for leading and directing the development and implementation of strategic sales and marketing plans. Prior to joining Residence Inn, she was senior sales manager at Courtyard by Marriott in Farmington, Conn. She holds a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from Boston University and has worked in multiple positions with Marriott hotels. “Based on Samantha’s outstanding record, we are confident that she will be instrumental in ensuring the success of the Residence Inn Chicopee,” said Karen Warren, the hotel’s general manager.
•••••
Climate scientist and Distinguished Professor Raymond Bradley, director of the Climate System Research Center at UMass Amherst, has won a 2015 national Texty award for excellence for his book, Paleoclimatology: Reconstructing Climates of the Quaternary, which provides an overview of methods for reconstructing ancient climatic and of historical climate changes during the past 3 million years. The Text and Academic Authors Assoc. (TAA) announced seven 2015 Texty awards on Feb. 25. They will be presented to the authors during a lunch at the association’s 28th annual Textbook & Academic Authoring Conference in Las Vegas in June. Bradley’s 700-page text, published in its third edition by the academic press division of Elsevier this year, discusses such topics as natural climate variation, dating methods, ice cores, marine sediments, lake sediments, non-marine geologic evidence, pollen, corals, tree rings, and historical documents. In the introduction, he explains that paleoclimatology is the study of climate in the period before the tiny fraction of the Earth’s history that can be told using instrument measurements. He points out that a longer view can be obtained by studying climate-dependent natural phenomena that provide a proxy record of climate in the past. Such records can be combined and built up to help scientists theorize and test hypotheses about causes and mechanisms of climate variation that may still be at work today. Bradley, professor of Geosciences at UMass Amherst, said, “I was quite surprised to learn about this award, but I’m really pleased. I learned a lot writing the book, so it’s gratifying to know that others appreciate the result.” The TAA is the only nonprofit membership association dedicated solely to assisting textbook and academic authors. Its mission is to support textbook and academic authors in creating top-quality educational and scholarly works that stimulate love of learning and foster the pursuit of knowledge.

Chamber Corners Departments

AFFILIATED CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE OF GREATER SPRINGFIELD
www.myonlinechamber.com
(413) 787-1555
 
• Thursdays, through March 26: ACCGS Leadership Institute 2015, 1-4 p.m., at the TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St., Springfield. In partnership with Western New England University.
 
• March 24: ACCGS Pastries, Politics and Policy, 8-9 a.m., at the TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St., Springfield. For political and policy junkies. Reservations are $15 for members, $25 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com.
 
• April 1: ACCGS Business@Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Delaney House, 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke. Mayor’s Forum, featuring Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, West Springfield Mayor Edward Sullivan, and Westfield Mayor Daniel Knapik. Emceed by abc40’s Dave Madsen. Sponsored by United Personnel. Reservations are $20 for members in advance, $25 for members at the door, and $30 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com.
 
• April 8: ACCGS Lunch ‘n’ Learn, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at La Quinta Inn and Suites, 100 Congress St., Springfield. “When Creative Meets Data.” Learn the ‘where’ and ‘how’ to harness the power of real one-to-one personalized marketing. Presented by Mary McCarthy of Andrews Associates. Reservations are $25 for members, $35 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com.
 
• April 16: East of the River Five Town Chamber Member Appreciation Night, 5-7 p.m., at Europa Black Rock Bar & Grill, 782 Center St., Ludlow. Enjoy networking, games of chance, and more. Reservations are $5 for members, and may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com. East of the River Five Town Chamber is an affiliate of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield.
 
• April 29: ACCGS Beacon Hill Summit 2015, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. at the Massachusetts State House. Hosted by state Sen. James Welch. Day-long opportunity to meet with members of the Baker-Polito administration and the Massachusetts delegation. Reservations are $180 per person, including continental breakfast, transportation, lunch, reception, and all summit materials. Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com.
 
AMHERST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.amherstarea.com
413-253-0700
 
• March 26: Margarita Madness 2015, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Hadley Farms Meeting House, 41 Russell St., Hadley. Taste a variety of margaritas and vote for your favorites. Step into the tropics and pretend you’re on a Caribbean island. This is a Division One competition between restaurant and business margaritas. Your votes will determine who will take home the coveted Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce trophies. Business margaritas provided by: Alden Credit Union, New England Promotional Marketing, Hadley Farms Meeting House, Country Nissan, Lord Jeffery Inn, TD Bank for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County, Encharter Insurance, Applewood at Amherst, and more to come. Restaurant margaritas provided by: Bistro 63 at the Monkey Bar, Bread & Butter, Bridgeside Grille, Chandler’s Restaurant, the Pub, Lord Jeffery Inn, Hadley Farms Meeting House, Chez Josef, Johnny’s Tavern, and more to come. Food Provided by: Emily’s Gourmet to Go, Something Special Catering, Pallazo Café, Glazed Donut Shop, Pop’s Biscotti, and Johnny’s Tavern. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For more information, contact the chamber at (413) 253-0700.

GREATER CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101

• March 25 : 21st Annual Table Top Expo and Business Networking Event, 4:30-7 p.m., at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Exhibitor cost: $125 for a table. Admission: $10 in advance, $15 at the door. For more information or to register, contact the chamber at (413) 594-2101 or visit www.chicopeechamber.org.
 
• April 15: Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Summit View Banquet & Meeting House. For more information or to register, contact the chamber at (413) 594-2101 or visit www.chicopeechamber.org.
 
• April 16: Mornings with the Mayor, 8-9 a.m., at the Boys & Girls Club, 580 Meadow St., Chicopee. For more information or to register, contact the chamber at (413) 594-2101 or visit www.chicopeechamber.org.
 
• April 17: Lunch & Learn, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Hampton Inn, 600 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Attorney Kate O’Brien from Sullivan, Hayes & Quinn will present “No Union, No Worries? No Way!” This is an informative program about what almost all private-sector, non-union employers need to do to avoid being a target of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). For more information or to register, contact the chamber at (413) 594-2101 or visit www.chicopeechamber.org.
 
• April 22: Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at La Quinta Inn & Suites, 100 Congress St., Springfield. For more information, call the chamber at (413) 594-2101.

• May 15: Lunch & Learn, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Hampton Inn, 600 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. “ACA Compliance: Employer Requirements and Management Tools.” Learn about a solid, user-friendly road map for understanding compliance issues. For more information or to register, contact the chamber at (413) 594-2101 or visit www.chicopeechamber.org.
 
• May 20: Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at Renaissance Manor on Cabot, 279 Cabot St., Holyoke. For more information or to register, contact the chamber at (413) 594-2101 or visit www.chicopeechamber.org.
 
• May 21: Greater Chicopee Chamber Golf Tournament, 10 a.m., at Chicopee Country Club. For more information or to register, contact the chamber at (413) 594-2101 or visit www.chicopeechamber.org.
 
• May 27: Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at Elms College, 291 Springfield St., Chicopee. For more information or to register, contact the chamber at (413) 594-2101 or visit www.chicopeechamber.org.

 
GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.easthamptonchamber.org
(413) 527-9414
 
• March 25: 21st Annual Table Top Expo and Business Networking Event, 4:30-7 p.m., at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Exhibitor cost: $125 for a table. Admission is $10 in advance, $15 at the door. To register, contact the chamber at (413) 527-9414.
 
• April 2: Greater Holyoke & Greater Easthampton Chambers of Commerce Legislative Luncheon, 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Sponsored by Easthampton Savings Bank, Holyoke Community College, H&R Block, United Bank, United Personnel, and TD Bank. Ask questions, get answers, and hear issues defined. Cost: $30 for members, $35 for non-members, and $240 for a table of eight. Call the Holyoke chamber at (413) 534-3376 or the Easthampton Chamber (413) 527-9414 to sign up.
 
• April 13: Monday Morning with the Mayor: Getting Down to Business about Business. Casual conversation with Mayor Karen Cadieux, 8-9 a.m., at Burger King, 113 Northampton St., Easthampton. Free and open to the public.
 
• May 11: Monday Morning with the Mayor: Getting down to Business about Business. Casual conversation with Mayor Karen Cadieux, 8-9 a.m., at Easthampton Savings Bank, 36 Main St., Easthampton. Free and open to the public.
 
GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.holycham.com
(413) 534-3376
 
• Greater Holyoke & Greater Easthampton Chambers of Commerce Legislative Luncheon, 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Sponsored by Easthampton Savings Bank, Holyoke Community College, H&R Block, United Bank, United Personnel, and TD Bank. Ask questions, get answers, and hear issues defined. Cost: $30 for members, $35 for non-members, and $240 for a table of eight. Call the Holyoke chamber at (413) 534-3376 or the Easthampton Chamber (413) 527-9414 to sign up.
 
• May 15: Chamber After Hours at Pic’s Place, 5-7 p.m. Sponsored and Hosted by Pic’s Place, 910 Hampden St., Holyoke. Tickets: $10 for members, $15 for the public. Call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 or sign up online at www.holycham.com.
 
• May 18:
Annual Chamber Cup 2015 Golf Tournament, celebrating the chamber’s 125th anniversary, 10:30 a.m. at Wyckoff Country Club, 233 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Registration and lunch at 10:30 a.m.; tee off at noon (scramble format); dinner following game with elaborate food stations catered by the Log Cabin. Cost: $125 per player includes lunch, 18 holes of golf, cart, and dinner. Dinner only: $25. Awards, raffles, and cash prizes follow dinner. Tournament sponsors: Log Cabin and PeoplesBank. Corporate sponsors: Dowd Insurance, Goss & McLain Insurance Agency, Holyoke Gas & Electric, Mountain View Landscapes, Holyoke Medical Center, People’s United Bank, the Republican, and Resnic, Beauregard, Waite & Driscoll. For reservations, call the Chamber Office at (413) 534-3376 or register online at www.holycham.com.
 
• May 21: Chamber Business Connections, 5-7 p.m. Sponsored and hosted by PeoplesBank, in the atrium in the PeoplesBank Building at 330 Whitney Ave. Cost is $10 for chamber members, $15 for non-members. Join your friends and colleagues for this fun and casual evening of networking. Refreshments, door prizes, and 50/50 raffle. 
 
• June 19: Save the date for the chamber’s 125th Anniversary Gala Ball at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. Enjoy an elegant meal and dance to the music of the Floyd Patterson Band. Join Marcotte Ford as one of the major event sponsors by calling (413) 534-3376. Event is open to the public. More details to follow. 
 
GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.explorenorthampton.com
(413) 584-1900

• March 25: 21st Annual Table Top Expo and Business Networking Event, 4:30-7 p.m., at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Exhibitor cost: $125 for a table. Admission: $10 in advance, $15 at the door. To register, contact the chamber at (413) 584-1900
 
• May 6: May Arrive @ 5, 5-7 p.m. at Whalen Insurance Agency. For more information or to register, contact the chamber at (413) 584-1900
 
• July 1:
July Arrive @ 5, 5-7 p.m. Sponsored by Pioneer Landscapes and Easthampton Electrical. For more information or to register, contact the chamber at (413) 584-1900.
 
GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618
 
• April 6:
Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m., at Dever Auditorium at Westfield State University, 577 Western Ave., Westfield. This event is free and open to the public. Call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618 to register for this event, so we may give our host a head count.

• April 8: April After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m., at Vantage Sports & Rehab, 130 Southampton Road, Westfield. Refreshments will be served. Bring your business cards and make connections. Tickets are $10 for members, $15 cash for non-members. To register, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.

• April 28: Southwick Home to Business Show, at Tucker’s Restaurant. For more information, contact Pam at the Chamber office at (413) 568-1618.

• May 4:
Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m., at Renaissance Manor, 37 Feeding Hills Road, Westfield. This event is free and open to the public. Call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618 to register, so we may give our host a head count.

• May 13: May After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m., at Armbrook Village, 551 North Road, Westfield. Refreshments will be served. Bring your business cards and make connections. Tickets are $10 for members, $15 cash for non-members. To register, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.
 
• May 18: Save the date for the annual golf tournament at 10 a.m. at Tekoa Country Club. More details to come.
 
PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CHAMBER
www.professionalwomenschamber.com
(413) 755-1310
 
• April 14: Professional Women’s Chamber Ladies Night,  5-7 p.m., at Hofbrauhaus, 1105 Main St., West Springfield. Enjoy complimentary wine and refreshments.
Reservations are complimentary but required. To reserve a spot, contact Gwen Burke at (413) 237-8840 or [email protected]. The Professional Women’s Chamber is an affiliate of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield.
 
WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.ourwrc.com
(413) 426-3880

• April 1: Wicked Wednesday,  5:30-7:30 p.m., at Kaptain Jimmy’s, 916 Suffield St., Agawam. Sponsored by Easthampton Savings Bank. Wicked Wednesdays are monthly social events hosted by various businesses and restaurants, which bring members and non-members together to network in a laid-back atmosphere. Free for chamber members, $10 at the door for non-members. Event is open to the public. For more information, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].
 
• April 16:
 Networking Lunch, noon to 1:30 p.m., at Cal’s, 1068 Riverdale Road, West Springfield. 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 the day of the event. Please note, we cannot invoice you for these events. Attendees must be members or guests of members. 
For more information, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].

Agenda Departments

‘Creating and Leveraging Networks for Success’
March 25: Leadership Pioneer Valley (LPV) will present “Creating and Leveraging Networks for Success” from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Gateway City Arts in Holyoke. The program will feature Gibran Rivera, senior associate at the Interaction Institute for Social Change in Boston. He will provide a crash course on strategic networking and educate attendees on how to thrive in a networked world, strategize as a networked professional, and overcome networking obstacles. Rivera moved from Puerto Rico to Westfield at age 12 and says the experience of “becoming a minority” has come to define his life’s work. He is the originator of Start & Thrive Studio and maintains a long-time affiliation with the Interaction Institute for Social Change, where he works on the development of leaders, organizations, and networks, and uses coaching, training, process design, and facilitation in service of those who are committed to social transformation. The program is being sponsored by Griffin Staffing Network. The cost is $45 for LPV members and $60 for non-members. For more information or to register, call (413) 737-3876.

Spaghetti Supper
March 25: The Gray House will hold its 24th annual Spaghetti Supper from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Greek Cultural Center, 22 St. George St., Springfield. This special event is a crucial fund-raiser for the Gray House, typically attracting about 400 attendees. Tickets for the event are $5 for adults and $3 for children, and may be purchased at the door. In addition to the supper, there will be a raffle and a silent auction. This year, first prize at the raffle is a foursome to the Ranch Golf Club in Southwick, valued at $400. The East Longmeadow Knights of Columbus Council #9960 will once again be cooking the meal for the spaghetti supper. All proceeds will help the Gray House provide food, clothing, and educational services to neighbors in need. This year, the Gray House will honor Bay Path University (BPU) for its overall support. “We’re excited to honor Bay Path and acknowledge their assistant director of Student Activities, Michelle Mirti, and Dr. Kathryn Wiezbicki-Stevens from the Psychology Department,” said Dena Calvanese, executive director of the Gray House. “These two women have introduced many fantastic Bay Path students to the Gray House, and some of those students have become dedicated, compassionate, and very active volunteers. The Gray House relies on volunteers, and the Bay Path community truly makes a difference for the Gray House and, more importantly, to the people we serve.” The Gray House is a small, neighborhood agency located in and serving the North End of Springfield, one of the city’s poorest neighborhoods and one of the poorest in the state, where than 50% of residents live in poverty and struggle to meet their daily needs. The Gray House assists by providing food, clothing, adult education, and after-school and summer programming for children, and has been providing such support for 30 years and assisted nearly 11,000 people in 2014. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (413) 734-6696, e-mail [email protected], or visit www.grayhouse.org.

EANE Management Conference
March 26: The Employers Association of the NorthEast (EANE) announced that its 11th annual Management Conference will be held at the Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel, with a focus on employee engagement. The full-day conference will address how managers and supervisors can create a culture of engagement, alignment, and loyalty to improve organizational performance. “Statistics show that only 29% of the workforce is engaged, while 45% is not engaged and, most alarming, 26% is disengaged,” said Meredith Wise, EANE president. “The benefits of high employee engagement are clear.” The program will feature Kevin Kruse, an expert on the power of leadership and employee engagement, and leadership columnist for Forbes. He is a New York Times bestselling author of Employee Engagement 2.0 and Employee Engagement for Everyone. The conference also includes a peer panel discussion on engagement, breakout sessions, and a special presentation on “Creating a POP! Culture of Engagement” with Rich Trombetta of Innovation Is Easy. The cost for the program is $325 per person, with discounts for three or more. Register at www.eane.org or by calling (877) 662-6444. The program will offer 6.25 credits from the HR Certification Institute. Sponsoring the program are United Personnel and the CPA firm Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.

Red Cross Open House
March 26: The American Red Cross of Western Massachusetts will host a recruitment event and open house 2 to 7 p.m. at its new location at 150 Brookdale Dr., Springfield. The goal of the event is to showcase all of the volunteer opportunities available in community. Prospective volunteers will be able to visit table displays representing the programs and services of the Red Cross. Attendees can speak with active volunteers who can answer questions about what is involved. Opportunities exist to respond to local disasters and provide relief to victims, including sheltering and feeding on larger events, working as a liaison with Red Cross partners, assisting with registration at blood drives, or staffing the reception desk. There are also openings to teach CPR, first aid, and preparedness education or help with various office-related tasks. “The Red Cross provides the training and resources to enable our volunteers to truly make a difference in our community,” said Mary Nathan, disaster program manager. The Red Cross asks that people consider sharing their time and talent to make a difference in the community, and visit the open house. Tours will be offered to all who attend. For more information, e-mail [email protected].

Home & Garden Show
March 26-29: The original Western Massachusetts Home & Garden Show will take place at the Eastern States Exposition, in the Better Living Center and the Young Building, showcasing the latest trends from local home-improvement businesses, including Boilard Lumber, Baystate Rug & Flooring, Hampden Zimmerman Lighting Design Showroom, Ondrick Natural Earth, Serv-U Locksmiths, and Yankee Mattress Factory. The Home & Garden Show is the region’s premier show for preparing consumers and construction professionals for the upcoming building season. From first-time homeowners and weekend-warrior renovation enthusiasts to lawn and garden experts and contractors, the Home & Garden Show offers home-improvement and commercial-building solutions for a wide audience. The days and hours are Thursday, March 26, 2 to 9 p.m.; Friday, March 27, 1 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, March 29, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $10 per person. Children under 12 are free. Active military and veterans get free admission on Thursday with valid ID. Visit the Home & Garden Show website, westernmasshomeshow.com, for reduced-admission coupons.
 
Legends of Music
March 29: A rock and roll tribute to the legends of American music will help to raise funds for the local USO of Pioneer Valley. The show will take place at Chez Josef in Agawam, with cocktails at 4 p.m., seating at 5 p.m., and the show beginning at 6 p.m. Local tribute artists include Ray Guillemette Jr. as Elvis Presley, Rick Larimore as Rod Stewart, Ben Ashley as Buddy Holly, Charlie Lask as Neil Diamond, Atoa Ripley with a tribute to Lou Rawls and Tom Jones, Brian McCullough with a tribute to Roy Orbison, Erving Lewis as Lionel Ritchie, Patrick Tobin with a tribute to Frank Sinatra, Nicky Fuller as Lady Gaga, Gregorio Malante as Tina Turner, and Vicki Rose with a tribute to Celine Dion. All will be backed up by Joe Perreira’s Western Mass All Stars. Tickets cost $20 and are available at Chez Josef. Call the Chez Josef box office at (413) 355-5394 to reserve a seat.

Transitioning Business Ownership
March 31: One of the largest challenges facing business owners today is how to solve the question, “how do I get out of my business?” If you are like 2.7 million American business owners over the age of 55, the answer carries a greater significance. The country is embarking on the largest transition of business ownership in history, yet three out of four owners haven’t taken a single step to prepare for what will be the most competitive sellers’ market ever. The good news is, it’s not too late to start planning. Kevin and Michael Vann of the Vann Group are providing a primer on what you need to know about the succession/transition planning process from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Colony Club in Springfield. Topics to be discussed include the current transition/succession landscape, establishing transition expectations and objectives, business valuation facts and realities, family and partner dynamics, exit options and structure considerations, preparing the company for transition, and your advisors and the value they create. Breakfast will be served, and each attendee will receive a free, customized Business Exit/Transition Readiness Analysis ($1,000 value). To register, contact Michael Wright at (413) 543-2776 or [email protected], or register online.

ACCGS Business@Breakfast

April 1: The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield (ACCGS) April Business@Breakfast will feature a Mayors’ Forum as the highlight of the event from 7:15 to 9 a.m. at the Delaney House, 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke, sponsored by United Personnel Services. Dave Madsen, managing editor and primary anchor for abc40, will moderate an informal discussion with West Springfield Mayor Edward Sullivan, Westfield Mayor Daniel Knapik, and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno. The discussion will provide attendees with an inside look at the personal and professional lives of these elected officials. Sullivan is halfway through his first term as mayor. Knapik has served as mayor of Westfield since 2010 and announced this year that he is seeking out new challenges and will not be running for another term. Sarno has announced his candidacy for a fourth term in office. If elected and he completes the entire term, it would make him the longest-standing mayor in Springfield’s history. Business@Breakfast is a monthly series that pays tribute to individuals, businesses, and organizations for major contributions to civic and economic growth and for actions that bring honor to the region. Tickets are $20 for ACCGS members and $30 for general admission. Reservations are suggested and can be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by contacting Member Services Director Sarah Mazzaferro at [email protected]. Sponsorship opportunities are also available; contact Mazzaferro at (413) 755-1313 for information.

Employment-law Seminar
April 9: Due to the high volume of interest, Royal LLP will present an encore of its seminar pertaining to three major changes in employment law that every employer needs to be aware of for 2015. The seminar will take place from 8 to 9 a.m. at the company’s offices at 270 Pleasant St., Northampton. At this roundtable, the company will focus on sick leave, domestic-violence leave, and paternity leave, and will also flag an issue with respect to the Affordable Care Act relating to healthcare reimbursement, as well as minimum wage. The seminar will be led by principal Amy Royal. Cost is $30 per person; payments may be mailed to Royal LLP, 270 Pleasant St., Northampton, MA 01060. Advance registration is required, and seating will be limited. Contact Ann-Marie Marcil at [email protected] to register.

Not Just Business as Usual
April 30: The Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) Foundation’s Not Just Business as Usual (NJBAU) event is one of the premiere networking events for business leaders in Western Mass. This annual celebration, in its sixth year, is a celebration of innovative thinking which gives participants the opportunity to learn from business experts while raising significant funding for the STCC WORKS scholarship program. The event will be held at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. A cocktail and networking reception will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m., with dinner and the keynote speaker, Google Engineering Director Steve Vinter, to follow from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Vinter has overseen the growth of Google’s Cambridge site from 15 software engineers in 2007 to more than 900 today. He is responsible for developing digital-publishing products such as Google eBooks, Google Play Newsstand, and Play for Education, and has over 20 years of industry experience working in the Boston area, focusing on building products and services for hundreds of millions of users of mobile and cloud computing. He also is the co-founder of MassCAN, a partnership of organizations which collaborate to inspire and educate students in Massachusetts to learn computing and prepare them to lead and innovate the future economy, which will be driven by computer technology. This year, NJBAU will feature interactive workstations featuring the STCC Mobile SIM and Engineering program. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available. Tickets are $100 each, and sponsorships begin at $1,500. For additional information or to become a sponsor, contact Christina Tuohey, STCC director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, at (413) 755-4475 or [email protected]. To purchase tickets online, visit www.stcc.edu/njbau.

EASTEC
May 12-14: With manufacturing a driving force of economic growth in the Northeast, as well as across the U.S., more than 12,000 business owners, engineers, designers, production managers, and purchasing executives will gather at EASTEC, the East Coast’s premier manufacturing event. Produced by SME, the biennial event takes place at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield and features more than 650 exhibitors and three days of complimentary educational sessions. In its 34th year, the event showcases the latest manufacturing technologies from additive manufacturing/3D printing to waterjet cutting, and provides access to industry experts sharing insights on how to foster innovation, increase productivity, and improve profits. This year, attendees will also get to see more than 300 new products being highlighted at the show. At EASTEC, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with resources, research and purchase the latest technologies, and discover ways to improve productivity and increase profits. Meanwhile, the complimentary educational sessions will address trending topics such as automation innovations and Lean creativity, along with other major advancements in manufacturing. New features in 2015 will include keynote presentations from Carl Palme, applications product manager, Rethink Robotics; and Jason Prater, vice president of Development, Plex Systems, that will help with solving complex issues that U.S. manufacturers face today. EASTEC also will highlight the Bright Minds Program, designed to educate the next-generation workforce on the advancements in manufacturing that make it an exciting and rewarding career path. Winners of the Bright Minds Dream It! Do It! Student Challenge will be recognized at a special program during the three-day event. EASTEC is recommended for professionals in industries such as aerospace, defense, medical, automotive, commercial machinery, electronics, fabricating, and plastics. The event is nearly sold out, so SME encourages companies to reserve exhibit space before it’s too late. To learn more about EASTEC, view full conference and exhibit details, or register, visit easteconline.com.

40 Under Forty
June 18: The ninth annual 40 Under Forty award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House. Details on the event, which honors the region’s most accomplished and civic-minded professionals under age 40, will be published in upcoming issues. The class of 2015 will be revealed and profiled in the April 20 issue.

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
Marie Desources v. Early Childhood Centers of Greater Springfield Inc.
Allegation: Negligent failure to maintain property: $4,974.17
Filed: 2/26/15

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Camfour Inc. v. Flint Armament Inc.
Allegation: Failure to comply with previous judgment: $213,573+
Filed: 2/27/15

Certified Laboratories Inc. v. Lansal, Inc. d/b/a Hot Mama’s Foods
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $100,112.63
Filed: 2/2/15

George H. Holsten III, M.D. v. Noble Health Systems
Allegation: Lost compensation for professional services rendered: $25,000+
Filed: 2/4/15

Springfield Housing Authority, as third-party beneficiary and as assignee for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Housing and Development v. Wall Construction Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract and conversion: $250,000
Filed: 2/27/15

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT
John and Darcy Guimond v. Chicopee Concrete Services Inc. and L & L Realty Trust
Allegation: The plaintiff, in his capacity as an employee of the Mass. Department of Transportation, was inspecting cement mixers when he fell into a lube pit: $25,000+
Filed: 1/26/15

William H. and Ilene Mitchell v. James M. Kiely and Ziad Kutayli, M.D.
Allegations: Medical malpractice in the performance of colorectal surgery: $120,000
Filed: 2/3/15

HOLYOKE DISTRICT COURT
Dream Cymbals and Gongs Inc. v. Jose Dias d/b/a Paper City Music Shop
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $9,876.61
Filed: 1/23/15

Hadley Printing Co. v. Signature Advertising and Design Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $24,894
Filed: 3/2/15

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT
Physicians Services v. Kimberly Lange d/b/a Lange Chiropractic
Allegation: Unpaid medical billing services: $6,313.77
Filed: 1/30/15

Rosyln Rochester v. Wal-Mart Stores Inc.
Allegation: Plaintiff seeking relief for injuries sustained in slip and fall: $2,000+
Filed: 2/12/15

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Irene and Walter Greenia v. Balise Mazda
Allegation: Breach of contract for sale of a motor vehicle: $14,920.63
Filed: 2/25/15

Perkins Paper, LLC v. Linda L. Briggs d/b/a Codfather Restaurant
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $10,702.54
Filed: 3/2/15

Wolverine World Wide Inc. v. Kids Footwear Outlet Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $3,691.13
Filed: 2/25/15

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Inspan, LLC v. James P. Ayotte, d/b/a Country Cottage Construction
Allegation: Breach of contract: $14,711.37
Filed: 2/12/15

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]

Celebrating Springfield

DScrowdReceptionMore than 700 people flocked to the MassMutual Center on March 12 for DevelopSpringfield’s Celebrate Springfield Annual Dinner. The nonprofit organization, dedicated to spurring economic development in the city’s many neighborhoods, honored three individuals — Springfield Chief Development Officer Kevin Kennedy; Jerald Jay Griffin, co-founder of the Stone Soul Festival; and Evan Plotkin, president of NAI Plotkin — for their efforts to stimulate growth and vitality in the city. Pictured: the crowd during networking hour.DavisSilvaBeanStephens
From left, Steve Davis, senior trustee of the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation; Paul Silva, executive director of Valley Venture Mentors; Delcie Bean, founder and CEO of Paragus Strategic IT, and Bob Stevens, president of Stevens & Associates, P.C.Award-Recipients
From left, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno; Jay Minkarah, president and CEO of DevelopSpringfield; Armando Feliciano, DevelopSpringfield board member and event chair; Kennedy, Griffin, and Plotkin; and Jill Monson-Bishop, mistress of ceremonies.

Agenda Departments

Speed-networking Event
March 11: Back by popular demand, the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield (ACCGS) will hold an afternoon of speed networking on March 11 at Frank Webb’s Bath Center, 145 Performance Blvd., Springfield, followed by an evening of informal networking at its After 5. The combination of events will provide attendees the opportunity to meet new contacts in a formal manner, then continue conversations in an informal and casual setting. The core concept to speed networking is the ‘elevator speech,’ a short summary of an individual, business, organization, product, or service that a person could deliver in the time span of a short elevator ride. Attendees will be divided into groups A and B. Members of each group will be seated across from each other. Each member of Group A will have 60 seconds to give his or her elevator speech to a member of Group B. A bell will ring, signaling the 60-second time is up, and each member of Group B will then get a chance to speak. The facilitator will signal when the 60 seconds are up again, and members of Group A will then move one seat to the right and begin the process again with a new partner. The round-robin format of networking will continue until the event is over. The event begins at 3:30 p.m. with registration and instructions. To accommodate the event, no admittance will be allowed after 3:55 p.m. The event ends at 5 p.m., and the After 5 runs from 5 to 7 p.m. Reservations are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and only members of the ACCGS, Springfield Chamber of Commerce, or East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce are eligible to participate. Reservations include a complimentary ticket to the After 5. Reservations for the After 5 only are $5 for members, $10 for general admission. The After 5 is open to the general public. Reservations may be made online and in advance at www.myonlinechamber.com or by contacting Sarah Mazzaferro at [email protected].

New Lecture Series
March 12: BusinessWest and the Healthcare News are pleased to announce a new lecture series presented by Comcast Business. This series of lectures, panel discussions, and presentations will address timely and important business information, and is an ideal opportunity to meet industry leaders and network with area business professionals. The first event in the series, called “Technology Has the Power to Change Healthcare,” will be hosted by La Quinta Inn & Suites, 100 Congress St., Springfield. Panelists include Neil Kudler, vice president and chief medical information officer for Baystate Health; Michael Feld, CEO of VertitechIT and acting chief technology officer of Baystate Health and Lancaster General Hospital; and Delcie Bean IV, CEO, of Paragus Strategic IT. Registration begins at 7:15 a.m., followed by breakfast and networking at 7:30 a.m. and the panel discussion from 8 to 9 a.m. Admission is free, provided by Comcast Business, but RSVP is required by Thursday, March 5. Sign up online at businesswest.com/lecture-series, or call (413) 781-8600, ext. 10, for more information.

Celebrate Springfield Dinner
March 12: DevelopSpringfield will host its fourth annual dinner event in celebration of Springfield and the many accomplishments the community has achieved over the past year, along with exciting new initiatives underway. The event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. Festivities will include a reception with live music by the Eric Bascom Trio, auction activities, a cash bar, and hors d’oeuvres, followed by dinner, a brief program, and presentations. Platinum sponsors this year are MassMutual Financial Group, Baystate Health, and Health New England. Many other local businesses and organizations are also supporting the organization’s work as sponsors and participants at the event. DevelopSpringfield will once again present its Partner in Progress Award to recognize the outstanding contributions of three individuals toward revitalization in Springfield. Honorees are selected for their leadership and ability to motivate and inspire others. This year’s honorees are Jerald Griffin, co-founder of Harambee and the Stone Soul Festival; Kevin Kennedy, chief development officer for the city of Springfield; and Evan Plotkin, president and owner of NAI Plotkin. In addition to the program and award presentations, greetings will be provided by Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and Jay Ash, newly appointed secretary of the Commonwealth’s Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development. All event proceeds will support DevelopSpringfield’s redevelopment initiatives, projects, and programs. More than 450 attendees — including federal, state, and city officials; leaders from the business and nonprofit communities; and local residents — are expected to come together in support of ongoing efforts to advance development and redevelopment projects, stimulate and support economic growth, and expedite the revitalization process within the city. Registration and sponsorship information is available at www.developspringfield.com or by contacting Paige Thayer at (413) 209-8808 or [email protected]. Tickets cost $75 per person, and RSVP is required by Monday, Feb. 23.

PWC Luncheon
March 18: Tracy Noonan, co-owner of Wicked Good Cupcakes, will keynote the Headline Luncheon of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield’s affiliate, the Professional Women’s Chamber (PWC), from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Carriage House at Storrowton Tavern, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Noonan and her daughter, Danielle Vilagie, took their Cohasset-based cupcake baking company national after appearing on the ABC hit show Shark Tank. Wicked Good Cupcakes began when the mother-daughter team took cake-decorating classes as a way to spend quality time together. After posting their work online for friends and family, they found themselves being asked to create cupcakes for various events. The demand for their product became so high that they opened their first retail location in Cohasset in October 2011. As the reputation of their product grew, they found themselves getting hundreds of requests to ship their product across the country. However, they could not find a way to effectively ship cupcakes and have them arrive intact and fresh. That’s when they came up for the idea of a cupcake in a jar. Filling jars with freshly baked layers of cake, frosting, and filling, they were able to create a product that would stay fresh up to 10 days without refrigeration and could be easily shipped. The company’s popularity quickly grew, and, in 2013, Noonan and Vilagie appeared on Shark Tank, striking a deal with Boston-based shark Kevin O’Leary of O’Leary Ventures, and expanding their business by more than 600%, including a new retail location in Faneuil Hall in Boston and expanded facilities to handle online orders. In addition to cupcakes, the company’s product line now also includes gluten-free options, as well as pies, cheesecakes, and brownies in a jar, as well as French macaroons. Advance reservations for the luncheon are suggested and cost $25 for PWC members and $35 for general admission. Register online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by e-mailing [email protected]. PWC members who are season-pass holders must pre-register for the event by emailing [email protected].

‘Acting Skills for Real Life’
March 19 to April 16: The Division of Graduate and Continuing Education at Westfield State University will offer a class called “Acting Skills for Real Life: How to Connect and Communicate” on Thursday nights, March 19 through April 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. Students will learn about basic acting skills and theories, and how they can be applied to everyday situations such as job interviews and social settings, in addition to performances and public speaking. Course content includes vocal, movement, and imagination warmups and theatre games; improvisations around a specific set of circumstances, including real-life situations and role reversal; developing stage presence; and, if the class chooses, rehearsal and class performance of a brief scene or monologue as a rehearsed reading or ‘off book.’ The course will be taught by Nadia Creamer, who has a long career as a performer and a teacher of performing arts. Creamer was co-artistic director of Impulse Theatre and Dance for 28 years in New York, where she received more than 60 grants for her work. She was also a faculty member at New York University, Russell Sage, College of St. Rose, and Columbia-Greene Community College. The cost of this course is $80. Registration will be accepted until the first night of class. For more information and to register, contact Brandon Fredette at (413) 572-8033 or [email protected].

Mini-Medical School
March 19 to May 7: Baystate Medical Center’s Mini-Medical School, which begins its spring session on March 19, will give area residents a reason to come out of hibernation from the long, cold, snowy winter and join others interested in the expanding field of medicine. Mini-Medical School program is an eight-week health education series featuring a different aspect of medicine each week. Classes this spring will include sessions on various medical topics, such as surgery, emergency medicine, anesthesiology, pathology, and several others. Many of the ‘students,’ who often range in age from 20 to 70, participate due to a general interest in medicine and later find that many of the things they learned over the semester are relevant to their own lives. The goal of the program, offered in the hospital’s Chestnut Conference Center, is to help members of the public make more informed decisions about their healthcare while receiving insight on what it is like to be a medical student — minus the tests, interviews, and admission formalities. Each course is taught by medical-center faculty who explain the science of medicine without resorting to complex terms. Baystate Medical Center is the Western Campus of Tufts University School of Medicine and is the region’s only teaching hospital. All classes are held Thursday nights starting at 6 p.m. and run until 8 or 9 p.m., depending on the night’s topic. No basic science knowledge is needed to participate. Each participant is required to attend a minimum of six out of eight classes in order to receive a certificate of completion. Tuition is $95 per person and $80 for Senior Class and Spirit of Women members. Register for the spring semester of Mini-Medical School by calling (800) 377-4325. For more information, visit www.baystatehealth.org/minimed.

Difference Makers
March 19: The sixth annual Difference Makers award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House. 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 class of 2015 — Katelynn’s Ride, MassMutual Financial Services, Judy Matt, Valley Venture Mentors, and the new ownership group of the Student Prince and the Fort — was profiled in the Feb. 9 issue. Tickets cost $60 per person, and reserved tables of 10 are available. To order tickets, call (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or e-mail [email protected].

Stronger Businesses Program
March 20: The Stronger Businesses Program will take place at the Business Growth Center at Springfield Technology Park. Designed for business owners who are focused on growth and want to take a fresh look at their markets, revenues, and operations, this workshop meets for five mornings over a seven-week period and includes two private technical-assistance sessions, one price for up to three people per company, and peer-mentoring sessions over breakfast. “It is specifically designed not to be Business 101,” said Karen Utgoff, co-founder and facilitator of the program. “The series emphasizes active learning and immediate application of specific tools and techniques to gain fresh perspective and identify opportunities and challenges, with the goal of turning those insights into actionable steps.” Added Laurie Breitner, the program’s other co-founder and facilitator, “we were gratified to learn from participants in earlier sessions that they found the program very useful, and all reported that they had improved their businesses and made well-defined plans for future growth.” The Business Growth Center has again received a grant from the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corp. to support the Stronger Businesses Program. Business owners from underserved communities are particularly encouraged to attend. Additional information about this and other programs is available at www.businessgrowthcenter.org/seminars-workshops or by contacting Mary Marquez, assistant program manager, at [email protected] or (413) 355-5680.

High-speed Rail Discussion

March 24: The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield (ACCGS) will present a Pastries, Politics, and Policy program called “Riding the Rails: High-speed Rail Service from Springfield to Boston,” from 8 to 9 a.m. at the TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St., Springfield. State Sen. Eric Lesser and Tim Brennan, executive director of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC), will discuss Lesser’s recently filed feasibility bill requiring the Mass. Department of Transportation to conduct a study on the viability of high-speed rail access between Springfield and Boston. They will also address the need for this service and how it can positively impact Western Mass. economies. While running for Senate, high-speed rail was the top priority in Lesser’s campaign platform, and, since being elected, has worked extensively on this issue. Brennan is an advocate for the high-speed east-west rail and, with the PVPC, is involved heavily in preparation for its possible implementation. The program cost is $15 for chamber members, $25 for general admission. For more information, contact Sarah Mazzaferro at [email protected] or (413) 755-1313.

Not Just Business as Usual
April 30: The Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) Foundation’s Not Just Business as Usual (NJBAU) event is one of the premiere networking events for business leaders in Western Mass. This annual celebration, in its sixth year, is a celebration of innovative thinking which gives participants the opportunity to learn from business experts while raising significant funding for the STCC WORKS scholarship program. The event will be held at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. A cocktail and networking reception will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m., with dinner and the keynote speaker, Google Engineering Director Steve Vinter, to follow from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Vinter has overseen the growth of Google’s Cambridge site from 15 software engineers in 2007 to more than 900 today. He is responsible for developing digital-publishing products such as Google eBooks, Google Play Newsstand, and Play for Education, and has over 20 years of industry experience working in the Boston area, focusing on building products and services for hundreds of millions of users of mobile and cloud computing. He also is the co-founder of MassCAN, a partnership of organizations which collaborate to inspire and educate students in Massachusetts to learn computing and prepare them to lead and innovate the future economy, which will be driven by computer technology. This year, NJBAU will feature interactive workstations featuring the STCC Mobile SIM and Engineering program. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available. Tickets are $100 each, and sponsorships begin at $1,500. For additional information or to become a sponsor, contact Christina Tuohey, STCC director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, at (413) 755-4475 or [email protected]. To purchase tickets online, visit www.stcc.edu/njbau.

40 Under Forty
June 18: The ninth annual 40 Under Forty award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House. Details on the event, which honors the region’s most accomplished and civic-minded professionals under age 40, will be published in upcoming issues. The class of 2015 will be revealed and profiled in the April 20 issue.

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
Brenda Cruz v. Carrington Property Services and Frank and Priscilla Schissel
Allegation: Negligent property maintenance causing slip and fall: $4,478
Filed: 1/23/15

FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT
Melissa C. Hubert v. Starbucks Corp. d/b/a Starbucks Coffee Co.
Allegation: Plaintiff ingested broken pieces of a thermometer which had been blended into her drink, causing significant personal injury: $4,728.30
Filed: 12/17/14

GREENFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Federated Mutual Insurance Co. v. Green River Circle Sales Inc., f/k/a Green River Holding Co. Inc.
Allegation: Money due for insurance services: $8,250
Filed: 12/10/14

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Direct Energy Business Marketing, LLC assignee of Hess Corp. v. DLP Hospitality, LLC d/b/a Clarion Hotel and Conference Center
Allegation: Unpaid bills for delivery of natural gas: $28,071.64
Filed: 1/23/15

Unifirst Corp. v. Avax Technologies Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods and services and breach of contract: $56,200.68
Filed: 1/30/15

PALMER DISTRICT COURT
American Express Bank, FSB v. Fresh Cuts by Toni Inc. and Toni Marcus
Allegation: Failure to pay money due: $5,145.77
Filed: 1/15/15

Adelino Francisco v. Oak Tree Inn Inc.
Allegation: Negligent maintenance of property, causing trip and fall: $35,000+
Filed: 12/31/14

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Jany Lopez, as parent and guardian of minor, Hansel Lopez v. Walmart Stores East, L.P
Allegation: Minor was in a Walmart store when a ball rack fell, striking the minor on the forehead, causing injury: $7,500
Filed: 1/5/2015

Opinion
Boston, Bay State Don’t Need the Olympics

Under most all circumstances, a business magazine like this one would support any effort that would bring people, dollars, and attention to this state and, when possible, this region.

But in the case of 2024 Olympics, we’ll make an exception. Now that Boston has been selected as this country’s entry, or candidate, for those games, speculation has run rampant, expectations are soaring, and political officials, including many from this area code, are seeing dollar signs and a chance to showcase their communities.

We can’t end all that, and we certainly won’t, but maybe we can add a few much-needed doses of reality to this equation, starting with what some might consider a bold pronouncement: Boston and Massachusetts don’t need the Olympics!

That’s right. We don’t. Those who think we do, or are quite sure we do, are focused on three, perhaps four things: money, exposure, prestige, and jobs. And it’s really all about the first item on that list.

The money comes from building the infrastructure and facilities that would be required to host an Olympics, and perhaps from the spectators who would come to watch them and the media who would come to cover it. Revenue is always welcome, but there must be easier ways to amass it and more effective means to spread that wealth.

As for exposure and prestige, first we have to debate whether the Olympics actually supply those things, and if so, what does it amount to? Did Athens gain any real exposure in 2004, and did it gain any prestige? How about Moscow in 1980? Los Angeles in 1984? Atlanta in 1996? Or London in 2012? The answer in each case is ‘no.’

As for Massachusetts, it has always been known around the world for its institutions of higher learning, its hospitals and medical centers, and its noted vacation spots — Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and the Berkshires (and none of those locales would be hosting any Olympic events). What is there to gain?

How does a few weeks’ worth of 45-second aerial shots of Boston and its suburbs at the start of each Olympics broadcast help put the Bay State on the map? It’s already on the map in every way that it needs to be.

As for jobs, yes, there will be some of those — mostly construction jobs, and those are important to that industry. But the benefit will be concentrated to a few huge firms and for a relatively short period of time. And a city doesn’t host the Olympics to gain a few thousand construction jobs — or, at least, it shouldn’t.

No, a city hosts the Olympics to do what Barcelona did in 1992 and, to a lesser extent, what Beijing did in 2008, and what Rio de Janeiro hopes to do in 2016 — announce its presence and make a statement.

Barcelona was an industrial backwater into the late ’80s, granted one with stunning architecture, great weather, and one of the best harbors in the world. It used the Olympics to showcase itself and make itself into one of the top tourist destinations in Europe, if not the world.

Boston in 2014 (let alone 2024) is not Barcelona in 1983. Cranes fill the skies in the Hub, and there are more than 15 million square feet of new buildings under construction. Boston doesn’t have to tell the world it has arrived any more than London did in 2012.

Overall, we see the Olympics as an unneeded extravagance. Worse, it is a distraction at a time when the state and individual communities need to be focused on other, more pertinent matters, such as creating viable, long-term sources of jobs. Instead, the mayor of Fall River is trying to get the rowing competition on Watuppa Pond, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno is trying to bring the basketball competition to the city where the game was invented (good luck with that one), and Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse is pushing hard to bring Olympic volleyball to his city, where that sport was conceived (where they would host those matches, we don’t know).

As we said, this is a distraction, one this state just doesn’t need for the next nine years.

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]

Outlook-2015GovPodiumOutlook-2015Baker

Fresh Outlook

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker was the keynote speaker at the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield’s annual Outlook luncheon on Feb. 27 at the MassMutual Center. He hit on many points during his address to the more than 800 business and civic leaders gathered, including a need to close the skills gap impacting the state’s employers and the appointment of a task force to address the state’s opioid-addition crisis.

Opinion
Adjust Health Law for Small Businesses

By Jon Hurst

Congressional Republicans and President Obama continue to wrangle over the future of the nation’s healthcare law. But they need to focus on fixing the law rather than repealing it or threatening vetoes on any form of improvement.

It is no surprise to us in Massachusetts that the shortcomings of the basic framework of the Affordable Care Act mean marketplace discrimination for small businesses and their employees. We saw that in our state model of the ACA. Powerful lobbying groups protected certain consumer groups from harm. Big businesses were protected and retained the ability to self-insure, while lower-income individuals qualified for taxpayer-funded premium assistance.

Left unprotected and arguably disadvantaged were those in the middle — owners and employees of small businesses. Several years of double-digit premium increases here resulted in changes to state law to help empower small businesses.

Washington should make changes to the ACA like those made in Massachusetts to make sure health-insurance reform works for everyone. Here are four recommendations:

• Allow existing organizations — associations, professional societies, and chambers of commerce — to form nonprofit, small-business cooperatives to enhance purchasing power, provide more choices, and better educate their members and employees on the importance of wellness programs and the use of provider-transparency tools. This is how small businesses want to buy their insurance. Consider that, since their start in 2012, the Massachusetts cooperatives have served more small businesses than the state’s Health Connector, and they haven’t cost the taxpayer one dime.

• Allow insurers to give discounts to small businesses as they get bigger. It is a fact that, for both actuarial and administrative reasons, the more people a business covers, the lower the cost per person. Yet the Affordable Care Act is phasing out this ability for any employer with fewer than 99 employees, since the law eliminated the size-rating factor from the small-group market.

Those businesses with 100 or more employees are not hurt by this policy, which in turn gives them a huge premium competitive advantage. The phaseout of the size-rating factor means artificially higher premiums for growing small businesses. The logical way to avoid unreasonable premiums is to leave the fully insured small-group market entirely and to self-insure. Already, 55% percent of the Massachusetts market is self-insured. This trend will grow rapidly unless this discriminatory ACA policy is fixed.

• Change the definition of full-time employee from 30 to 35 hours per week. Massachusetts used the 35-hour threshold without disruption, but the same can’t be said of the 30-hour ACA requirement. Most small employers consider employees working 35 hours or more to be full-timers, but few have the same view about 30 hours.

• Allow small businesses to avoid state mandates — just as big businesses do. Self-insured employers operate under federal law and can avoid state mandates. But small, fully insured employers have no escape. Twenty-four new mandates and/or assessments have been passed in Massachusetts since 2006, making the health-insurance marketplace increasingly discriminatory. The ACA needs to address the proliferation of state mandates.

Unfair provisions in the healthcare law are putting small businesses and their employees at a huge disadvantage.

The Affordable Care Act can work for everyone, but not under today’s model. Unfair provisions are putting small businesses and their employees at a huge disadvantage, endangering their futures. Washington needs to fix the problems.

Jon Hurst is president of the Retailers Assoc. of Massachusetts.

Building Permits Departments

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

AMHERST

308 College Street, LLC
308 College St.
$3,000 — Interior renovations

Shankara Shakti
460 West St.
$3,000 — Interior renovations

CHICOPEE

Asholt Patel
1508 Memorial Dr.
$6,500 — Repairs to building

River Valley Counseling
249 Exchange St.
$10,000 — Interior renovations

GREENFIELD

Baystate Franklin Medical Center
164 High St.
$83,000 — Renovation of radiology room

Donna Pfeffer
220-228 Main St.
$3,500 — New siding

First Church of Christ
110 Federal St.
$12,000 — New roof

Four Rivers Educational Foundation
248 Colrain Road
$10,000 — Interior repairs for water damage

Green River Cemetery Association
56 Wisdom Way
$88,000 — Interior renovations and mechanical improvements

Montague City Road Terminals
34 Montague City Road
$5,000 – Roof work

Somerset Long Term Care, LLC
359 High St.
$10,000 — Interior renovations

Troy Renaud
8 North Circle
$115,000 — Installation of solar panels

LUDLOW

Citizens Bank
33 Center St.
$40,000 — Alterations

SPRINGFIELD

Friendly’s
1809 Boston Road
$13,000 — Kitchen remodel

Mass Mutual
1500 Main St.
$295,000 — 17th floor renovation to 5,900 square feet of office space

Springfield Post Road Corporation
1380 Boston Road
$845,000 — 9,800-square-foot addition to retail plaza

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

BUCKLAND

48 Prospect St.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Grinnell Real Estate LLC
Seller: Barry L. Nye
Date: 02/04/15

DEERFIELD

32 Sawmill Plain Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Thaddeus W. Jarowski
Seller: David A. Degon
Date: 02/05/15

GREENFIELD

182 Chapman St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Sherlene N. Taylor
Seller: Paula D. Drown
Date: 02/04/15

280 Deerfield St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Patrick S. Fields
Seller: Keith D. Ranney
Date: 01/29/15

48 Elm St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Gavin R. Lofland
Seller: Shawn A. Coates
Date: 01/30/15

20 Pine St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Douglas T. Patterson
Seller: Joan Ward
Date: 01/30/15

22 Rockland Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Shawn A. Coates
Seller: Cromack, Clayton D., (Estate)
Date: 01/30/15

161 School St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Scott M. Lehman
Seller: Jean P. Migeon
Date: 01/30/15

119 Shelburne Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $213,000
Buyer: Faith Kaemmerlen
Seller: Matthew D. Parody
Date: 01/29/15

123 Shelburne Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $213,000
Buyer: Faith Kaemmerlen
Seller: Matthew D. Parody
Date: 01/29/15

HAWLEY

49 East Road
Hawley, MA 01339
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: James R. Schaefer
Seller: Edwin J. Berliner
Date: 01/26/15

LEYDEN

92 Simon Keets Road
Leyden, MA 01337
Amount: $220,500
Buyer: Erica L. Jensen
Seller: Peter S. Apostoles
Date: 01/30/15

MONTAGUE

58 Central St.
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Allen Fowler
Seller: John W. Doran
Date: 02/03/15

10 Federal St.
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Kimberly R. Niedzwiedz
Seller: Corrine E. Sysun
Date: 01/30/15

7-9 Franklin St.
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $135,500
Buyer: Angela Smith-Laclaire
Seller: Toby A. Holmes
Date: 01/28/15

59 Hillside Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $153,000
Buyer: American General Home Equity
Seller: Scott B. Walsh
Date: 01/26/15

54 Turnpike Road
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Jean Walden
Seller: Patrick McCoy
Date: 01/28/15

NORTHFIELD

37 Pine St.
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Suzan J. Smith
Seller: William Labombard
Date: 01/30/15

ORANGE

24 Johnson Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: John D. Carey
Seller: Hometown Bank
Date: 02/05/15

47 Shelter St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Joseph A. Easton
Seller: Workers Credit Union
Date: 02/03/15

SHELBURNE

Smead Hill Road
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $162,000
Buyer: Rae Properties LLC
Seller: Susie L. Gribbell
Date: 02/06/15

SHUTESBURY

109 Pratt Corner Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Adam G. Black
Seller: Anjali B. Dziadzio
Date: 01/26/15

SUNDERLAND

85 Old Amherst Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $239,700
Buyer: Joseph J. Delaney
Seller: Walter G. Bielunis
Date: 01/30/15

201 Plumtree Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $362,000
Buyer: Edward H. Kaplan
Seller: William W. Wells
Date: 01/30/15

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

26 Hearthstone Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $298,000
Buyer: David Bolio
Seller: Barry J. Lafoe
Date: 02/03/15

62 Ramah Circle North
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Joseph F. Dempsey
Seller: Andra L. Fountain
Date: 01/30/15

38-40 River St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Eugeniu E. Corja
Seller: Raymond J. Nardi
Date: 01/30/15

632-634 Springfield St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Hemal K. Batteriwala
Seller: Pravin J. Patel
Date: 02/04/15

709 Suffield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: Rouhana C. Boulos
Seller: Michael A. Torcia
Date: 02/06/15

10 Woodside Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Carole J. Calabrese
Seller: Charles A. Calabrese
Date: 01/30/15

CHICOPEE

261 Arcade St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $181,000
Buyer: Allan P. Cote
Seller: Ryan T. Matlasz
Date: 02/05/15

27 Baltic Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Bradley T. Boulanger
Seller: Patricia A. Boulanger
Date: 02/04/15

179 Carew St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $212,000
Buyer: Paul G. Beauchemin
Seller: Robert J. Axner
Date: 01/29/15

16 Chateaugay St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Wieslaw Macko
Seller: Marlin Investments LLC
Date: 01/30/15

16 Davenport St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Aimee Perreault
Seller: Barbara A. Claffey
Date: 02/06/15

4 Dobek Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $219,020
Buyer: Household Finance Corp. 2
Seller: Eugene J. Gay
Date: 02/04/15

21 Dorrance St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Robert Laquerre
Seller: Jamison Quist
Date: 02/03/15

10 Harvey St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $242,300
Buyer: Robert Baron
Seller: Gary S. Toth
Date: 01/29/15

15 Henry St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $122,000
Buyer: Justin A. Bergeron
Seller: Tara M. Abramowicz
Date: 01/30/15

21 Lyman Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Robert F. Majkowski
Seller: Michael W. Dziekan
Date: 02/06/15

68 Marion St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $175,000
Seller: Dorothy B. Swidrak
Date: 01/30/15

48 Mary St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $176,900
Buyer: Carlton F. Crudup
Seller: Martyn Green
Date: 01/30/15

81 Mount Royal St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Yvette Owusu
Seller: Darrel H. Seal
Date: 02/06/15

35 Parkwood Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Jason M. Saletnik
Seller: Gregory S. Schlagel
Date: 01/30/15

91 Sherman Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $182,000
Buyer: Elian A. Marquez
Seller: Yazmin Diaz
Date: 02/04/15

Willimansett Terrace
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Taras Levchyk
Seller: Marilyn Crevier
Date: 02/06/15

EAST LONGMEADOW

56 Avery St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $284,500
Buyer: John W. Foster
Seller: Nu Way Homes Inc.
Date: 01/30/15

80 Braeburn Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Danielle Geoffrion
Seller: Heather J. Champagne
Date: 01/30/15

9 Capri Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $318,006
Buyer: Dino A. Isotti
Seller: Kent Pecoy & Sons Construction
Date: 02/05/15

11 Donamor Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $219,500
Buyer: Gabrielle D. Ploss
Seller: Michael D. Smith
Date: 01/28/15

28 Edmund St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Nu Way Homes Inc.
Seller: Joyce A. Sibley
Date: 02/05/15

60 Highlandview Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $292,500
Buyer: Sean E. Roseburg
Seller: Michael Torcia
Date: 02/06/15

655 North Main St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Ambrose I. Mwea
Seller: Christensen, Ruth E., (Estate)
Date: 02/06/15

499 Somers Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Michael J. Germain
Seller: Shirley J. Hahn
Date: 01/28/15

GRANVILLE

241 North Lane
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Adrian R. Bosley
Seller: Holly N. Doran
Date: 01/30/15

HAMPDEN

12 Andrew Circle
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $377,000
Buyer: Gary C. Roy
Seller: Stanley Czaplicki
Date: 01/29/15

HOLLAND

3 Lakeridge Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Robert L. Jones
Seller: Daniel G. Lanza
Date: 02/06/15

HOLYOKE

42 Berkshire St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $117,000
Buyer: Josue Arroyo
Seller: Rafael Arroyo
Date: 01/30/15

73 Brookline Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $125,500
Buyer: Lindsey G. Brynjolfsson
Seller: Lee A. Bourdon
Date: 01/30/15

3-9 Brown Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Makkah LLC
Seller: BDMG LLC
Date: 01/30/15

379 Linden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Debra Stosz
Seller: Michael M. Powell
Date: 02/06/15

45 Sterling Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Thomas Drohan
Seller: Robert T. Clayton
Date: 01/30/15

32 Valley Hts.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $142,800
Buyer: Melissa S. Stearns
Seller: Thomas J. Ginley
Date: 01/30/15

LONGMEADOW

113 Albemarle Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: David M. Morneau
Seller: Allen Sommer
Date: 01/30/15

9 Caravelle Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Charlotte Zeller
Seller: Shuo Xu
Date: 02/04/15

38 Chiswick St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $182,500
Buyer: Scott Humble
Seller: Howes, Arlene H., (Estate)
Date: 02/03/15

45 Exeter Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Jonathan R. Shayne
Seller: Wilson C. Mertens
Date: 01/30/15

45 Harwich Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Matthew B. Woodfield
Seller: Daniel L. Landry
Date: 01/29/15

61 Pinewood Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Sotiris Stamou
Seller: Anne S. Robinson
Date: 02/05/15

249 Redfern Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Buyer: Karl Schuhlen
Seller: Brian M. Axler
Date: 01/29/15

40 Sunset Lane
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Clifford L. Lagassie
Date: 01/28/15

36 Warwick St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $288,000
Buyer: John M. Beattie
Seller: Katherine T. Lavallee
Date: 02/05/15

LUDLOW

19 Barre Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $219,000
Buyer: Stephane L. Cloutier
Seller: Vestal, Concepcion, (Estate)
Date: 01/30/15

1623 Center St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $273,000
Buyer: Edwin Torres
Seller: Stephen E. Alspach
Date: 02/05/15

483 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Eric R. Pollander
Seller: AMP Real Estate Group LLC
Date: 02/06/15

211 Holyoke St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Laura J. Howland
Seller: Lori A. Braga
Date: 01/29/15

88 Kirkland Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $176,700
Buyer: Karen Szlosek-Welch
Seller: Kirkland RT
Date: 01/30/15

48 Lehigh St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Victoria C. Baines
Seller: Manuel C. Vitorino
Date: 02/06/15

250 Miller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $147,000
Buyer: Nicole V. Libiszewski
Seller: Bruschi, Karen M., (Estate)
Date: 01/28/15

126 Reynolds St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $218,000
Buyer: Matthew D. Wrisley
Seller: Christopher C. Gregoire
Date: 02/04/15

133 Shawinigan Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Windsor Locks FCU
Seller: Laura M. Castoe
Date: 02/03/15

153 Whitney St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Kristie L. Learned
Seller: Paula L. Moretti
Date: 01/28/15

MONSON

23-1/2 Mechanic St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Deborah F. McGorry
Seller: Keith L. Sisco
Date: 01/30/15

51 Wales Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Andrew P. Beaulieu
Seller: Darryl R. Smart
Date: 01/28/15

MONTGOMERY

1 Jason Road
Montgomery, MA 01085
Amount: $284,000
Buyer: Matthew W. Freniere
Seller: Jeremy Horning
Date: 01/30/15

PALMER

2141 Baptist Hill Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Richard D. Carey
Seller: John B. Foley
Date: 01/30/15

12 Peterson Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $286,000
Buyer: Erik T. Kaiser
Seller: Stone Bear LLC
Date: 01/30/15

RUSSELL

51 Highland Ave.
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $206,000
Buyer: Lee M. Kozikowski
Seller: Duane P. Desilets
Date: 01/30/15

SPRINGFIELD

350 Abbott St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $171,500
Buyer: Octavia D. Peterson
Seller: Ryan L. Mayhew
Date: 01/28/15

1237-1239 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Yellowbrick Property LLC
Seller: Yellowbrick Property LLC
Date: 02/03/15

130 Berkshire St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Northeast Center For Youth
Seller: Roger A. Gallagher
Date: 02/04/15

123 Bronson Terrace
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Rana Morton
Seller: Janet A. Crosier
Date: 01/30/15

113 Canton St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Beverly R. Mulvaney
Seller: David Cross
Date: 02/04/15

851 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Gary W. Keefe
Seller: Greenleaf Holdings Inc.
Date: 01/26/15

336 Central St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Karla Iborty
Seller: Viva Development LLC
Date: 01/30/15

84-86 Chapin Terrace
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Caraballo Realty LLC
Seller: Jose E. Llorens
Date: 02/04/15

40 Delmore St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $126,000
Buyer: John A. Lawton
Seller: Andre Houle
Date: 01/29/15

18 Denver St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Brandie L. Seymour
Seller: Tyrome M. Witherspoon
Date: 01/30/15

1157-1169 East Columbus Ave.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $267,000
Buyer: 180 Redevelopment LLC
Seller: Theresa Dangelantonio
Date: 02/03/15

961 East Columbus Ave.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Robert D. Ober
Seller: Sandon Realty LLC
Date: 02/05/15

43-45 Eagle St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $144,000
Buyer: Steven Al-Husseini
Seller: Little Eagle LLC
Date: 02/06/15

8 Fenway Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $144,900
Buyer: Kenneth Fontanez
Seller: Taylor McDonald
Date: 02/02/15

28 Freeman Terrace
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $118,466
Buyer: Bayview Loan Servicing
Seller: Herminio Perez
Date: 01/26/15

33 Homestead Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Daniel Delaney
Seller: Tatyana N. Bocharnikova
Date: 01/30/15

49 Lexington St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $175,403
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Jose A. Rodriguez
Date: 02/02/15

79 Linnell St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $152,400
Buyer: David J. Abbott
Seller: Tammy E. Robinson
Date: 02/05/15

164 Lumae St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $153,900
Buyer: Steven F. Desantis
Seller: Theodore H. Knee
Date: 01/30/15

816-828 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $228,000
Buyer: 816 Main Street RT
Seller: James F. Fenton
Date: 02/05/15

45 Malden St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $121,035
Buyer: AHAP LLC
Seller: JJS Capital Investment
Date: 01/26/15

90-92 Marlborough St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $124,900
Buyer: A To Z Property Mgmt. & Renovation
Seller: Hallerin Realty LLP
Date: 01/30/15

117 Middle St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Jovany Pinto
Seller: John H. Westcott
Date: 01/30/15

67-69 Norfolk St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Tessa T. Innis
Seller: CTL Realty LLC
Date: 01/28/15

15 Oakhurst St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Angel M. Bermudez
Seller: Milton B. Curry
Date: 01/30/15

33 Redden St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Ruth Roldan
Seller: Anne K. Ambrose
Date: 01/28/15

17 Spruceland Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Michael J. Fleming
Seller: Terrence O’Connell
Date: 02/03/15

51 Stratford Terrace
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $179,900
Buyer: Luis D. Burgos
Seller: William Raleigh
Date: 01/29/15

795 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: Veronica R. Garcia
Seller: William A. Dowell
Date: 01/30/15

50 Warehouse St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Electro Term Inc.
Seller: Center For Human Development Inc.
Date: 02/03/15

49 Washington Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $193,250
Buyer: Rosa M. Lopez
Seller: Stephen G. Smith
Date: 01/30/15

18 Wesson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $118,000
Buyer: David Assarian
Seller: William P. Shamleffer
Date: 01/30/15

65 Westbrook Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $143,000
Buyer: Brenda I. Morales
Seller: Raco, Shirley E., (Estate)
Date: 02/04/15

77 Wilcox St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $133,000
Buyer: 180 Redevelopment LLC
Seller: Theresa Dangelantonio
Date: 02/03/15

138-140 Yale St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Tamara A. Williams
Seller: SAW Construction LLC
Date: 02/02/15

SOUTHWICK

168 College Hwy.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $148,000
Buyer: Keith J. Hebig
Seller: Giuseppe Scuderi
Date: 02/04/15

22 Ferrin Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $324,200
Buyer: Charles J. Allessio
Seller: Kenneth Haar
Date: 01/29/15

69 Lakeview St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Ana Banari
Seller: US Bank
Date: 01/26/15

51 Mort Vining Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $459,000
Buyer: Brian M. Iserman
Seller: Urban J. Janssen
Date: 02/06/15

WALES

163 Monson Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $226,706
Seller: Joseph W. Keifer
Date: 01/26/15

WEST SPRINGFIELD

181 Doty Circle
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $307,500
Buyer: Gill Brothers LLC
Seller: Sergei Starosielski
Date: 02/03/15

28 Lombra Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: Livingstone LLC
Seller: Cella, Yvonne F., (Estate)

72 Lower Mass Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $217,000
Buyer: Laura Scutt-Drohan
Seller: Ronald Raffenetti
Date: 01/30/15

346 Morgan Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $149,000
Buyer: Mykola Mevshyy
Seller: Lesli McCellan
Date: 02/02/15

535 Piper Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Sergey F. Gavel
Seller: Kozak, Robert C., (Estate)
Date: 02/03/15

WESTFIELD

23 Bush St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: George Alvarez
Seller: Jason D. Desclos
Date: 01/28/15

48 Court St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Liquori Realty LLC
Seller: Douglas Clinic Inc.
Date: 01/28/15

95 Court St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: T&S Holdings LLC
Seller: Cynthia E. Doel
Date: 01/30/15

560 East Main St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $2,300,000
Buyer: Westfield Bank
Seller: WBGLA Of Westfield MA LLC
Date: 02/06/15

587 East Main St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $2,300,000
Buyer: Westfield Bank
Seller: WBGLA Of Westfield MA LLC
Date: 02/06/15

31 Floral Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $129,000
Buyer: Tyler E. Hildack
Seller: FNMA
Date: 01/30/15

172 Holyoke Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $223,000
Buyer: Adam E. Abramowicz
Seller: Michelle Meyer
Date: 01/30/15

31 Kellogg St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $132,500
Buyer: Maria Malancea
Seller: Craig Filiault
Date: 01/30/15

78 Laura Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: James A. Drost
Seller: James K. Mayne
Date: 01/30/15

26 Montgomery St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $132,300
Buyer: Ralph A. Mastello
Seller: Foucher, Elaine V., (Estate)
Date: 01/30/15

14 Southgate Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $218,000
Buyer: Lorraine M. Almeida
Seller: Home Run Properties LLC
Date: 02/03/15

20 Tekoa Terrace
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Timothy K. Derrig
Seller: Deirdre Johnson
Date: 01/30/15

43 Willow Brook Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $323,000
Buyer: Duane P. Desilets
Seller: Lee M. Kozikowski
Date: 01/30/15

WILBRAHAM

41 Brainard Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $227,650
Buyer: Sara M. Bronner
Seller: Justin Kochanowski
Date: 02/06/15

75 Cherry Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $340,240
Buyer: Neil W. Bennett
Seller: 2301 Boston Road LLC
Date: 01/30/15

2 Cliffside Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Kaitlin S. Romaniak
Seller: O’Neil, Agnes T., (Estate)
Date: 01/29/15

2 Leemond St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Michael S. Larson
Seller: Robert F. Pabis
Date: 01/26/15

444 Soule Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $179,000
Buyer: Carianne E. Haluch
Seller: Tamsey, Dorothy M., (Estate)
Date: 01/30/15

553 Springfield St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Scott J. Beeman
Seller: Leslie P. Lohnes
Date: 01/30/15

4 Webster Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $615,000
Buyer: Daniel Chalifour
Seller: Michael J. Thompson
Date: 01/30/15

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

1260 Bay Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $152,500
Buyer: Renata Smith
Seller: Bank Of America
Date: 02/04/15

245 East Hadley Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Edwin E. Cruz
Seller: Mary E. Dizek
Date: 01/30/15

East Leverett Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: MKM Investments LLC
Seller: Barry L. Roberts
Date: 01/30/15

27 Greenleaves Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $214,200
Buyer: Sarah J. Emans
Seller: Amhad Development Corp.
Date: 01/26/15

BELCHERTOWN

248 Amherst Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $129,000
Buyer: Jason Gagnon
Seller: FNMA
Date: 01/30/15

240 Barton Ave.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $377,500
Buyer: Oscar A. Martinez
Seller: Christopher M. Buell
Date: 02/06/15

16 Emily Lane
Belchertown, MA 01002
Amount: $421,509
Buyer: Renee E. Drysdale
Seller: JP Builders Inc.
Date: 01/28/15

North Liberty St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Pioneer Valley Custom Homes
Seller: Dudek, Sebastian E., (Estate)
Date: 02/06/15

369 State St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $210,810
Buyer: Bradley M. Marszalkowski
Seller: Scott A. Anderson
Date: 02/02/15

CUMMINGTON

Berkshire Trail
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: T&J Stone Properties LLC
Seller: MJW Properties LLC
Date: 01/28/15

EASTHAMPTON

18-20 Arlington St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $194,400
Buyer: FHLM
Seller: Edwin J. Jeliciano
Date: 02/02/15

22 Hannum Brook Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $258,000
Buyer: Stephanie E. Flaherty
Seller: Richard S. Lyman
Date: 02/03/15

55 Holyoke St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $167,547
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Rebecca L. Skubiszewski
Date: 01/30/15

295 Main St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Martha L. Smith
Seller: Lewis, Barbara B., (Estate)
Date: 02/04/15

28 Paul St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $335,500
Buyer: Margaret Kennedy-Nelson
Seller: David Garstka Builders
Date: 01/30/15

75 West St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $149,500
Buyer: Kyle R. Kazunas
Seller: Eleanor J. Lussier
Date: 01/29/15

17 Westview Terrace
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Sigmond A. Wernik LT
Seller: Craig, Jeffrey D., (Estate)
Date: 01/29/15

HADLEY

121 Rocky Hill Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $329,000
Buyer: Pamela A. Mandler
Seller: Jeanne E. Ammon
Date: 01/26/15

NORTHAMPTON

406 Acrebrook Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Jeffrey D. Maciborski
Seller: James F. Natale
Date: 01/28/15

39 Fair St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Stella Pang
Seller: Zewski, Stanley V., (Estate)
Date: 01/30/15

5 Garfield Ave.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $116,660
Buyer: Christopher A. Wolcott
Seller: Pioneer Valley Habitat
Date: 01/29/15

591 Kennedy Road
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $386,000
Buyer: Jacqueline M. Urbanovic
Seller: Maureen F. Dwyer
Date: 01/30/15

103 Moser St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $404,815
Buyer: Johanna F. Silva
Seller: Kent Pecoy & Sons Construction
Date: 02/06/15

202 North Main St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Joslad & Associates PC
Seller: Robert G. Cromley
Date: 02/06/15

1163 Westhampton Road
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Michael Baffaro
Seller: Hamelin, Kathryn J., (Estate)
Date: 01/30/15

33 Wilson Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $610,000
Buyer: Kathryn M. Reagan-Talbot
Seller: Aquadro FT
Date: 01/30/15

SOUTH HADLEY

18 Central Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $152,250
Buyer: Blaney Y. Sabbs
Seller: Karen L. Szlosek-Welch
Date: 01/30/15

55 Chestnut Hill Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Timothy J. Parsons
Seller: Richard D. Tufo
Date: 01/30/15

4 Pershing Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $233,000
Buyer: Kerry L. Hussey
Seller: Sheri L. Parsons
Date: 01/30/15

15 Richview Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $159,000
Buyer: Stephen A. Foster
Seller: Jonathan L. Burdick
Date: 01/30/15

14 Riverlodge Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $351,300
Buyer: Daniel J. Pawlowski
Seller: Patrick J. Spring
Date: 02/03/15

SOUTHAMPTON

4 Belanger Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $155,500
Buyer: Joseph Gebo
Seller: Kennedy, James F., (Estate)
Date: 01/29/15

46 Coleman Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Berkshire Omega Corp.
Seller: John J. Marcyoniak
Date: 02/05/15

362 College Hwy.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Matthew R. Boulanger
Seller: Daniel Canning
Date: 01/30/15

7 Nicholas Lane
Southampton, MA 01085
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Anne M. Polatol
Seller: Czelusniak Custom Homes
Date: 02/03/15

Nicholas Lane #6
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $610,436
Buyer: Stanislav Adzigirey
Seller: James F. Boyle
Date: 02/06/15

104 Pomeroy Meadow Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Stacy L. Moran
Seller: Patricia R. Hagelstein

WARE

31 West Main St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $135,900
Buyer: Sarah M. Desroches
Seller: Christiansen FT
Date: 01/29/15

WESTHAMPTON

212 Northwest Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Garth Stevenson
Seller: Jane A. Lattes
Date: 01/26/15

WORTHINGTON

50 River Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $513,000
Buyer: Lisa A. Ouellet
Seller: Mary A. Raynor
Date: 01/26/15

Bankruptcies Departments

The following bankruptcy petitions were recently filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Readers should confirm all information with the court.
 
Amsden, Sherry Jean
81 Sessions Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/30/15

Andras, John
Andras, Kathleen B.
82 Birchland Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/05/15

Barton, Jordan Lee
27 Monument Valley Road
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/12/15

Bates, Christopher D.
Bates, Colleen M.
69 Hillcrest St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/09/15

Brazier, Alaine R
47 Whittlesey Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/06/15

Chiavacci, Lynn
a/k/a Reese, Lynn C.
27 Monument Valley Road
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/12/15

Dougherty, Tamera L.
a/k/a Neil, Tamera
a/k/a Seddon, Tamera
6 Stephanie Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/31/15

Ferrero, Donald J.
66 Partridge Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/12/15

Flecher, Rosemary
30 Green St.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/06/15

Fournier, Jamie E.
a/k/a Tylunas, Jamie E.
8 Old Stage Road
West Hatfield, MA 01088
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/06/15

Franchere, Niki L.
24 Lemuel Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/13/15

Gallant, Brenda J.
225 College St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/06/15

Gomes, Aurora F.
26 Wilno Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/30/15

Gregori, Molly E.
P.O. Box 60352
Longmeadow, MA 01116
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/11/15

Hall, Danielle S.
P.O. Box 128
Russell, MA 01071
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/30/15

Hebert, Scott A.
Hebert, Deborah L.
a/k/a Antonuzzo, Deborah
P.O. Box 418
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/31/15

Hollister, Gary M.
Hollister, Linda A.
191 Gilbert Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/10/15

Johnson, Oscar L.
8 Grout Circle
Millers Falls, MA 01349
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/31/15

Lafleche, Nicole Marie
a/k/a Rumrill, Nicole M.
398 Acrebrook Dr.
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/12/15

Langevin, Marc W.
Marion-Langevin, Rebecca G.
914 McKinstry Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/31/15

Malaquias, Caroline R.
22 Savoy Place
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/07/15

Manning, Michael J.
Manning, Carolyn M.
27 Shoemaker Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/13/15

Montes, Daisy
49 Palmer Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/13/15

Mulligan, Tracy
99 Alfred Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/11/15

Nuhn, John Matthew
36 Lyman Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/06/15

O’Neil, Joan L.
12 Randall St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/02/15

O’Shaughnessy, Michael D.
O’Shaughnessy, Wendy A.
Box 481
Brimfield, MA 01010
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/09/15

Padgett, Travis W.
Padgett, Holly A.
139 Eagle St.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/06/15

Perez, Robert
10 Bruce St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/08/15

Pidgin, Richard J.
53 Chickering St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/11/15

Rivet, Amy Eileen
775 Springfield St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/06/15

Rodriguez, Roberto
7 Worthy St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/02/15

Rose, Vanessa R.
a/k/a Greco, Vanessa Renee
661 Mill St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/12/15

Sabin, Greg C.
520 Cold Spring Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/11/15

Smelstor, Dawn M.
21 Fernwood Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/06/15

Smith, O’Neil Barrington
51 Whittier St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/13/15

Snow, Norman E.
6 Ed Holcomb Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/13/15

Stacy, Lori G.
16 Ridgecrest Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/04/15

Stone, Denise M.
157 Main St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/12/15

The Stone Works
Tile Times
Tom Boynton Handyman
Tom Boynton Carpenter
Boynton, Thomas E.
65 Schoolhouse Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/10/15

Tinker, Patricia M.
a/k/a Tinker, Trisha
233 Upper Church St.
Gilbertville, MA 01031
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/31/15

Valli, Carolyn E.
4 Caratina Dr.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/03/15

Vaughn, Viki
33 Mercedes St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/31/15

Zuccalo, Rhonda J.
a/k/a Wainwright, Rhonda J.
a/k/a Massey, Rhonda
40 Mapleshade Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/08/15

DBA Certificates Departments

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

AGAWAM

Auto Paint Motors
1039 Springfield St.
Moe M. Borhot

Feeding Hills Public Market
634 Springfield St.
Hemal Batteriwala

Mitteneague Enterprises
18 Valentine Terrace
Steven Atkinson

PDK Associates
37 White Oaks
Paul Koetsch

The Pet Agree
1 South End Bridge Circle
Dominic Scavotto

The Vape Spot
525 Springfield St.
Richard Johnson

CHICOPEE

AMF Chicopee Lanes
291 Burnett Road
Timothy Joly

Continental Beauty Salon
290 East St.
Hanna Dzierzgowski

D & D Sales and Auctioneering
815 McKinstry Ave.
Donald Perusse

Digital Vision 1
54 Truro St.
Adam Warzybok

L.E. Bolcher Inc.
95 West St.
Edward Housh

Mr. Cone
1048 Granby Road
Joseph Coelho

Serenity Salon & Spa
472 Burnett Road
Laurie Kareta

Spring Real Estate
97 Woodcrest Circle
Sheila Spring

Universal Products of Poland
234 Exchange St.
Maria Stafinski

Walz Home Improvement
33 Grattan St.
Timothy Walz

Western Mass Rebels
73 Narragansett Blvd.
Luis DeJesus

Willamansett Center West
546 Chicopee St.
David Ianacone

GREENFIELD

Alber Hearing Services
489 Bernardston Road
Lisa Alber

Citizens Investment Services
89 French King Highway
Richard McClendon

Fit Nation
298 Federal St.
Megan T. Earle

Franklin St. Barbers
34 Bank Row
Steve Prondecki

HOLYOKE

Aunty’s Market
539 Pleasant St.
Mohinder Grelval

Baystate Comfort Heating & Cooling
134 Sky View Terrace
James Lapointe

Providence Ministries for the Needy
51 Hamilton St.
William Labroad

Stop & Go
399 Hillside Ave.
Rajendera Modi

PALMER

Griswold Glass & Aluminum
1184 Park St.
Jeffrey Griswold

Walnut Street Café Inc.
8 Walnut St.
Doris Theodore

SPRINGFIELD

Fabulous Cuts Barber Shop
363 Boston Road
Joe C. Long

Grace Fellowship Sanctuary
33 Peer St.
Kelly Jones

IPC Healthcare of Massachusetts
819 Worcester St.
Adam Singer

J.A.V. Home Improvement
302 Bay St.
Juan A. Velez

Jorge Movie Production
1145 Liberty St.
Jorge Rafael

K. Duran Enterprises
19 St. James Ave.
Kelvinson Duran

Kuhn Services and Landscape
181 Garland St.
William J. Kuhn

M.R.L.R. Property Maintenance
112 State St.
Mark R. Larose

MassMutual Insurance
603 Wilbraham Road
Haq Zahoor

Mike Shepard Remodeling
191 Navajo Road
Michael G. Shepard

Miss Latina Western Massachusetts
46 Redland St.
Jennifer Rodriguez

Mr. Gordon’s Landscaping
119 Quincy St.
Eric Gordon

Nature’s Way
301 Longhill St.
Daniel Atkins

Page Blvd Bottle and Can
233 Page Blvd.
Duc Truong

Palazzo Café
1350 Main St.
Luisa Cardaropoli

The Landlocked Dog
11 Cooper St.
Ulrike D. Colonna

Tony Famous Barber Shop
1153 Main St.
Dino Isotti

WESTFIELD

Creative Critters and Crafts
24 Northwest Road
Cheryl Cote Albert

Grouse Gunner Guides
17 Leaview Dr.
Sean Searles

Plantcycled
19 Lockhouse Road
Ashley Stebbins

Quality Ink and Toner
154 Wild Flower Circle
Jeffrey Lavoine

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Avis Budget
2161 Riverdale St.
Matt Rettura

Bath Crafters
176 Labelle St.
James E. Belle-Isle

DA Services
207 Morgan Road
Brynn M. Demas

Galeria Barbershop
715 Main St.
Enrique Hernandez

IVS Transportation
1506 Westfield St.
Ivan Shabayer

M & M Jewels
52 Irving St.
Mildred Ronghi

Mario’s Shoe Service
211 Elm St.
Mario Cardinale

Santana’s Kung-Fu Studio
452 Main St.
Maria E. Santana

Total Women’s Health Care
46 Daggett Dr.
Aleli L. Villanueva

Briefcase Departments

Cathedral High School, Holyoke Catholic to Merge
SPRINGFIELD — Cathedral High School and Holyoke Catholic High School will be merged into a new, regional Catholic High School under a plan announced yesterday by Mitchell Rozanski, bishop of the Diocese of Springfield. While the site of the merged school has not been determined, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and other Cathedral supporters are still pushing for the school to be rebuilt on the tornado-damaged Surrey Road location where Cathedral had been located. “No concepts other than a new regional school have been decided,” Rozanski said, noting that Surrey Road is one of several options that will be investigated. The bishop wants the two schools’ students to be merged in a temporary location by the fall of 2016, and for a permanent school to be completed by the fall of 2017, adding that insurance money from the tornado, plus $29 million in Federal Emergency Emergency Management Agency aid, will fund the construction. “The city of Springfield has supported Cathedral at its temporary home in Wilbraham by providing over $1 million of support in busing as well as assisting with locations for athletic practices and events. We will continue to support Cathedral as long as rebuilding on Surrey Road remains the plan,” Sarno said. “I am hopeful that Bishop Rozanski and the diocese will live up to their commitment made by Bishop [Timothy] McDonnell to rebuild Cathedral, where it belongs, on Surrey Road. The extended Cathedral family and neighborhood deserve nothing less.” Since the June 1, 2011, tornado severely damaged Cathedral, its 400 students were relocated to the former Memorial School in Wilbraham, where the diocese has been renting space; enrollment has since declined to just over 200. Meanwhile, Holyoke Catholic was forced to move from its namesake city in 2002 when its building was declared unsafe. After setting up at the former St. Hyacinth College and Seminary in Granby for four years, the school, which has about 250 students, moved into the former Assumption School on Springfield Street in Chicopee, opposite Elms College, in 2006.

Governor Announces New Panel on Opioids
BOSTON — As the number of deaths from opioid-related overdoses rises, Gov. Charlie Baker is taking is appointing a 16-member working group assigned the task of putting together “specific, targeted, and tangible recommendations” by May to stem the tide. The group will be led by Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Healey, and include individuals working in government, law enforcement, and addiction treatment. As he made the announcement, Baker stood in front of a display bearing alarming statistics, including the 978 deaths attributed to opioid-related overdoses in 2013, a 46% increase from the year before. Baker, who pledged to provide quarterly data on overdoses, said the 2014 death toll would be available in April. The working group will hold public meetings, assess the resources devoted to the problem, and make specific recommendations.

MGM Announces Parking-lot Closings
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Business Improvement District (SBID) issued a reminder that changes are coming as MGM closes several downtown parking lots. These parking-lot closures, which monthly parkers were notified of six weeks ago, will require downtown workers to seek alternative parking solutions. “We understand this is not convenient for some,” said Chris Russell, SBID executive director, “but we are working very hard to make sure solutions are available. To that end, we will have SBID ambassadors on hand Monday to direct parkers to alternative lots. In addition, we are working alongside the Springfield Parking Authority, ProPark, Valet Park of America, Executive Parking, various private lots, and the mayor’s office to make sure all needs are accommodated.” Also, he went on, “the Springfield Business Improvement District is trying to work on organizing a shuttle from alternative lots outside of downtown.” In the meantime, in an effort to make this process as easy as possible, MGM Springfield has agreed to keep a few select lots open for a while longer as details are sorted out. The SBID is encouraging all individuals who are monthly parkers in downtown to not wait, but rather look for new parking as soon as possible. For continued updates on the shuttle and other related downtown news, visit the Springfield Business Improvement District’s website at www.springfielddowntown.com or follow the SBID on Facebook.
 
ACCGS Releases Legislative Agenda
SPRINGFIELD — The Affiliated Chamber of Commerce of Greater Springfield (ACCGS) has released its 2015 legislative agenda, addressing the major legislative issues intended to strengthen business competitiveness, lower business costs, and stimulate growth in the Greater Springfield region. The agenda touches upon key issues in the areas of tax policy, workplace ethics, healthcare, and workforce development. The ACCGS will continue to update the legislative agenda throughout the session so to stay current with the evolving nature of the region. With revenues growing at a 4.5% rate, the chamber will focus on how those revenues are prioritized and spent in the areas of Gateway Cities, infrastructure, and local aid. The chamber continues to work hard in making the region competitive when it comes to the costs of doing business, and is addressing issues in the workplace with a focus on mandated sick leave, unemployment insurance, treble damage, and non-compete legislation. Healthcare costs are a major priority in this session’s agenda and remain a point of concern for the chamber and its members. The chamber will focus its efforts on addressing the federal Affordable Care Act, mandated benefits, and insurance disbursements. With more than 6,000 pieces of legislation filed at the commencement of the session on Jan. 1, the ACCGS will be monitoring the progress of these bills to better assert its position throughout the 2015-16 legislative session.

UMass Researcher Teams with Chinese Inventor on New Antibiotics
AMHERST — Margaret Riley, an evolutionary biologist at UMass Amherst and pioneer in fighting antibiotic-resistant bacteria, announced this week that she is partnering with a Chinese scientist to develop a new drug platform, pheromonicins. The Chinese government is committing $400 million per year to support the newly created Pheromonicin Institute of Beijing. Riley plans to open a sister institute in the Amherst area. “At this point, I will be doing the work in Beijing,” Riley says. “Later, as we sort out details and opportunities for U.S. funding support, we may be able to bring some of the work to the Pioneer Valley.” After trying unsuccessfully for years to find funding to study and develop a more effective method of treating catheter-related urinary-tract infections (UTIs) that are resistant to current antibiotics, she was contacted by Dr. Xiao-Qing Qiu, the inventor of pheromonicins, who asked if she was interested in collaborating with his government-supported lab. Riley now plans to collaborate with Xiu to develop his powerful new drugs there instead of in the U.S. “I want to solve the problem, and if I have to fly to Beijing to do my animal trials, that’s what I’ll have to do,” she said. The short-term goal is to focus on a new treatment for UTI, but the ultimate goal is to increase the number of effective therapeutic drugs and strategies to combat drug resistance in quickly evolving diseases such as HIV, TB, malaria, cancer, and cystic fibrosis. “One of the things that people don’t realize is how significant drug resistance is in the disease process. It’s only in the past 10 or 15 years we have begun to understand the way drug resistance arises at the molecular level,” Riley noted. “Drug resistance is at the core of many of these diseases, and their ability to stay ahead of and stymie our efforts at eradicating them is extremely serious.” Antibiotics are the primary weapons against harmful bacteria like those that cause strep throat, but they have become less effective in recent years because the bacteria can evolve into ‘superbugs,’ new strains resistant to most antibiotics. A recent pledge announced by President Obama to give $1.2 billion across a half-dozen agencies to classify and monitor antibiotic-resistant bacteria, discover new antibiotics, and improve prescribing methods highlights the importance of such efforts. “I think the president’s initiative is phenomenal and long overdue,” Riley said, adding that the biggest chunk of money allotted to the effort as part of the 2016 budget proposal, nearly $1 billion, will go to the Department of Health and Human Services, which will effectively double the agency’s funding over 2015 levels, she notes. Many observers in recent years thought that new antibiotics would be discovered in time so doctors wouldn’t need to worry about resistance, Riley acknowledges. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that antibiotic-resistant bacteria now cause 2 million illnesses and 23,000 deaths a year in the U.S. Riley feels that’s a conservative estimate, and the real number of deaths is likely double or triple that. The economic price is high as well, she added, as much as $20 billion a year in healthcare costs and $35 billion in lost worker productivity. Further, the antibiotics doctors employ now use a “shotgun approach,” she explained, that targets healthy as well as harmful bacteria. “With this method, when people take antibiotics, the drugs also kill beneficial bacteria in our bodies that we need for good health. This can do more harm than good, especially for children who take antibiotics while young and may carry long-term damage to their microbiome.”

Company Notebook Departments

MassMutual Announces 2014 Financial Results
SPRINGFIELD — Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. announced strong consolidated statutory financial results for 2014, including a substantial increase in earnings and net income, record sales in key businesses, and highest-ever levels of assets under management, statutory surplus, and total adjusted capital. The company reported that, for the year ended Dec. 31, 2014, sales of whole-life insurance were $418 million, up 20% from the prior 12 months — representing the ninth consecutive year of record highs — while retirement-plan sales rose 23% to $9.1 billion, also a record. The net gain from operations before policyowner dividends and taxes — the company’s primary earnings measure as a mutual company — was up 27% to $2.2 billion. Further, MassMutual’s highest-ever levels of statutory surplus and total adjusted capital — both key indicators of the company’s overall financial stability — were $14.2 billion and $16.4 billion, respectively, and continued to provide the company with substantial financial resources that help deliver long-term financial confidence and security to policyowners and customers. “I am pleased to report that 2014 was another tremendous year for MassMutual,” said Roger Crandall, MassMutual’s chairman, president, and CEO. “By delivering record results, outpacing growth in our industry, and increasing our financial strength, we performed favorably against the backdrop of a U.S. economy that continued a slow but steady rebound in 2014. Our results further illustrate our powerful momentum and have positioned the company for another great year in 2015.” He added, “through our people, products, and solutions, we continued to take steps to build a better company for our policyowners and customers, and deliver on our purpose to help people secure their future and protect the ones they love.” While dividends are not guaranteed, MassMutual’s board of directors approved an estimated 2015 dividend payout of $1.6 billion, which reflects a dividend interest rate of 7.10% on eligible participating life-insurance policies, highest among its mutual competitors. Also driving MassMutual’s 2014 success was its growing network of financial professionals, who help people gain confidence by bringing clarity and solutions to some of the biggest financial challenges they face. MassMutual expanded that network by 6% over 2013 to more than 5,500 financial professionals at the end of 2014, an all-time high.

The Spa Opens for Business in Westfield
WESTFIELD — New England Dermatology & Laser Center announced the opening of the Spa, a med spa located at 57 Union St. The new med spa at New England Dermatology & Laser Center boasts a peaceful, rejuvenating atmosphere and a complete menu of services designed to relax and revitalize. “The Spa provides restorative and nourishing treatments, including your favorite spa services and products, in addition to a complete line of medically supervised esthetic procedures,” said Dr. Stanley Glazer, a board-certified physician with over 40 years experience in dermatology. “The Spa offers guests an escape from the rigors of the day-to-day by focusing on inner and outer wellness.” Glazer is joined at the Spa by Dr. Michael Loosemore, a board-certified physician with nearly 10 years of experience in dermatology and dermatologic surgery; aesthetic nurse specialist Mary Jo Devlin; aesthetic supervisor Laurie Circosta; and clinical operations manager Shannon Page. The Spa’s full menu of services include customized clinical skin care, massage and body treatments, facials, manicures, pedicures, makeup, and waxing. Also available are laser treatments including hair removal and fine-line treatment, and medical esthetics like microneedling, microdermabrasion, Botox injections, dermal fillers, and laser treatments. The Spa provides restorative and nourishing treatments for both men and women, as well as teens. For more information, visit westfieldspa.com.

CDH Expands Pharmacy as Part of New Cancer Center

NORTHAMPTON — Cooley Dickinson Hospital recently went live with the operation of its expanded pharmacy, which is the first visible and tangible part of the Massachusetts General Cancer Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. “Renovations to the pharmacy are an essential underpinning to the future of cancer care at Cooley Dickinson,” said Dr. Mark Novotny, chief medical officer. An expanded pharmacy with new oncology pharmacy staff allows Cooley Dickinson to offer people living with cancer the same treatment regimens, protocols, and safety for chemotherapy and radiation that Mass General Cancer Center physicians use. “This is about getting Mass General Cancer Center quality at Cooley Dickinson Hospital,” said Dr. Sean Mullally, medical oncologist and medical director of the CDH cancer center. In addition, the oversight of the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center means people newly diagnosed or living with cancer no longer need to decide if they should go to Boston for care. “They can come here, and their team will help them decide what care they should receive and where,” Novotny said. The renovated pharmacy includes a new sterile-preparation space with separate rooms for chemotherapy and intravenous compounding. Chemotherapy is drug treatment given in pill, injection, and intravenous forms to kill cancer cells. The sterile-prep area has positive air pressure and hoods that filter air to prevent possible contamination while preparing the drugs. The chemotherapy prep area has negative air pressure to reduce the risk of chemotherapy exposure and specialized chemotherapy hoods that filter air to prevent contamination and preserve negative pressure to protect staff. Improved storage, more automation, and fail-safe technologies reduce the risks of introducing errors when dispensing medications from the pharmacy. Chemotherapy regimens will be reviewed and approved by on-site oncology clinical pharmacists and prepared by chemotherapy pharmacy technicians dedicated to the cancer center. The renovations to the pharmacy were needed to provide the right chemotherapy hoods, space, sterile prep areas, and ventilation for mixing chemotherapy according to best practices. In addition, the renovations and expanded space increase the standard of care for all Cooley Dickinson patients with an increased focus on quality and safety.

Springfield College Program Recognized by National Organization
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield College Strength and Conditioning Graduate Program has again received acceptance into the National Strength and Conditioning Assoc. (NSCA) Education Recognition Program (ERP) for the next three years. “The graduate strength and conditioning program provides challenging academic coursework combined with internship opportunities that in many instances lead to student employment,” said Tracey Matthews, dean of the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. “Dr. Brian Thompson has built a stellar program, and this achievement is evidence of the commitment and passion our faculty place in our graduate programs. We are extremely proud of this recognition. This further affirms the strength of our program.” A new benefit of having ERP acceptance will be the opportunity for Springfield College to host an Exam Prep Live Clinic providing students a comprehensive review of information most relevant to the certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) and the national strength and condition association-certified personal trainer (NSCA-CPT) exams. As a NSCA Exam Prep Live Clinic host school, Springfield College students would be able to take advantage of a discounted rate when registering for the exam, as well as discounted rates on all CSCS and NSCA-CPT exams. Additional benefits for the college resulting from the ERP acceptance include a strong presence on the NSCA’s official website, a listing in the NSCA membership newsletter that is distributed to professional and associate members, and the opportunity for the college to receive up to three complimentary career postings on the nsca.com career-resources page for the three-year period. The Springfield College Strength and Conditioning Graduate Program prepares students to work with athletes as strength and conditioning coaches in secondary-school, collegiate, professional, and private settings. Students develop the skills and knowledge needed to design physiologically sound programs that enhance athletic performance, as well as the coaching skills needed to implement the programs.

Country Nissan Wins DealerRater Consumer Satisfaction Award

HADLEY — Country Nissan has been awarded a 2015 DealerRater Consumer Satisfaction Award, a recognition auto dealerships can earn by delivering outstanding customer service as rated by online consumer reviews. DealerRater, the car-dealer review site for consumers, created the Consumer Satisfaction Awards to enable online car shoppers to instantly spot car dealerships that provide high-quality customer service. Country Nissan has achieved consistently high marks on the DealerRater website, placing it among the top dealerships nationwide. Online shoppers visiting Country Nissan’s dealer review page on DealerRater.com will find a “2015 Consumer Satisfaction Award winner” designation.

Renaissance Advisory Services Moves to Ludlow
LUDLOW — Renaissance Advisory Services, LLC announced its expansion and relocation to Ludlow. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held recently with staff members, invited guests, and representatives of the East of the River 5 Town Chamber of Commerce in attendance. State Rep. Thomas Petrolati (D-Ludlow) performed the ceremony. According to managing director Werner Maiwald, Ludlow was selected due to the convenient access to current clients. Renaissance Advisory Services, LLC is a fully independent financial-advisory firm that works with individual and corporate clients. The firm offers portfolio services such as 401(k), IRA, personal retirement, and distribution-planning services. It also offers gas and oil syndication, fixed income accounts, corporate buy/sell, corporate executive insurance, high-income disability planning, long-term care planning, and charitable giving plans. The firm consists of two primary advisors, Werner Maiwald and Michael Hurst, who have a total of 65 years combined experience. The firm is presently seeking a third advisor. Gail Sherman, past president for the Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, is the executive marketing director; Christine Maiwald serves as corporate administrator; and AnnMarie Gaudette is the receptionist. “We are unique because we are long-term advisors; we are not day traders,” said Maiwald. “We only bring on a limited number of new clients each year, which allows us to fulfill our investment philosophy and maximize our service capabilities. The financial well-being of our clients is our ultimate goal.” For more information, visit www.renadvisorysvcs.com.

Departments People on the Move

Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. announced the following:
• Kayla Helitzer, MSA, has been hired as an Associate. Helitzer began her career at MBK as an intern before acquiring her current position. She holds a master’s degree in accounting from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst. In her free time, she participates in the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield, volunteers at the Knesset Israel synagogue, and enjoys skiing and snowboarding;
• Joseph Vreedenburgh, MSA, has been hired as an Associate. Vreedenburgh comes to MBK with a background as a corporate accountant and experience with small to medium-sized businesses, as well as government entities. This experience provides him with a unique perspective as an auditor at the firm. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Washington and a master’s degree in accounting from UMass Amherst. He is a member of Northampton Area Young Professionals and enjoys hiking and mountain biking; and
• Brandon Mitchell, MSA, CPA, has been hired as an Associate. Mitchell specializes in audits of commercial and not-for-profit entities, reviews and compilations of financial statements for small businesses and individuals, and tax-return preparations. Before joining the firm, he worked as a business manager for a locally owned business. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s degree in accountancy from Westfield State University and devotes much of his spare time to his alma mater’s Mentoring Program.
•••••

Christine Phillips

Christine Phillips

PeoplesBank announced the appointment of Christine Phillips as vice president, Human Resources. In her new position, Phillips will monitor and administer the bank’s human-resources policies and recruitment plan, oversee employee relations, administer employee benefits, and serve as the bank’s EEO/AAP officer. Phillips brings more than 15 years of human-resources experience including recruiting, performance analysis, and compliance. She not only helped a variety of organizations recruit top talent, she also helped operate a successful human-resources company. A member of the AIM Human Resources Group, Phillips holds a bachelor’s degree from UMass Amherst. She is a member of the South Hadley School Committee, the PTA president of Plains School, and a board member of St. Patrick’s CYO Basketball.
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Elizabeth Hukowicz

Elizabeth Hukowicz

Elms College has appointed Elizabeth Hukowicz dean of the newly established School of Graduate and Professional Studies. Hukowicz has been the associate academic dean of the Division of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education since 2005. Under her leadership, the number, scope, and complexity of programs in her department has increased tremendously. In recognition of this growth, the division has been restructured into a school, with Hukowicz appointed as the first dean. “The new school will serve our non-traditional and adult learners, and also highlight the importance of these programs to the strength and vitality of the institution,” said Walter Breau, vice president of academic affairs. Added Hukowicz, “this restructuring will allow the school to offer a broader array of degree options and services for adult learners on and off campus. The adult learner is at the core of what we do, and we will provide increased opportunities to better serve the adult learner in and out of the classroom, wherever and however that may be. We will continue to find new and better ways to make students successful.” Elms College offers graduate-degree programs in accounting, applied theology, autism-spectrum disorders, education, healthcare leadership, management, and nursing. The college also offers certificates of advanced graduate study in autism-spectrum disorders, communication sciences and disorders, and education.
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Mike Harsh

Mike Harsh

FloDesign Sonics Inc. announced it has added Mike Harsh to its board of directors. Harsh served as vice president and chief technology officer for GE Healthcare until December 2014 and led its Global Science and Technology Organization. “The addition of Mike to our board will have a profound impact on our company,” said founder and CEO Stanley Kowalski III. “Mike has personally been involved with the research and development of acoustic-based products in life sciences. He has the ability to get into the details while envisioning our global strategy. We are delighted to have him join our team.” Added Harsh, “I am really excited to be part of FloDesign Sonics. Their entrepreneurial sprit is contagious, and the convergence of this unique and innovative application of acoustics to filtration will unleash a new tool in healthcare that can also be leveraged into other industries.” Harsh led the global Science and Technology Organization for GE Healthcare, a $18 billion business unit of General Electric focusing its research on the development of innovative diagnostics, healthcare IT, medical imaging and information technologies, medical diagnostics, patient-monitoring systems, biopharmaceutical-manufacturing technologies, and technologies that facilitate new drug discovery. Harsh began his career at GE in 1979 as an electrical design engineer in nuclear imaging, and subsequently held numerous design and engineering management positions with X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, patient monitoring, and information technologies. He was also the global technology leader of the Imaging Technologies Lab at the GE Global Research Center, where he led the research for imaging technologies across the company, as well as the research associated with computer visualization/image analysis and superconducting systems. He was named an officer of General Electric Co. in November 2006. Harsh earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Marquette University, and he holds numerous U.S. patents in the field of medical imaging and instrumentation.
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Luis Santamaria

Luis Santamaria

Luis Santamaria has been chosen as Greenfield Community College’s new director of Campus Public Safety. He will oversee GCC’s Campus Public Safety department and serve as GCC’s chief of police. Santamaria leaves his position as associate director of Public Safety for Curry College in Milton. Prior to his work at Curry College, he served as a sergeant for Tufts University for nine years and as a campus police officer at Simmons College and officer in charge at Western New England University. Santamaria graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in criminal justice administration from Western New England University. He served as vice president of his class at the Special State Police Academy. He holds EMT certification and has certification as a MCJTC sexual assault investigator, defensive tactics instructor, and rape aggression defense instructor. He is bilingual in English and Spanish.
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Kate Bechtold

Kate Bechtold

Anthony Scibelli

Anthony Scibelli

Following nationwide searches, Cooley Dickinson Hospital President and CEO Joanne Marqusee announced that two healthcare executives, Katherine Bechtold and Anthony Scibelli, have joined the organization’s senior leadership team. Bechtold has been selected as Cooley Dickinson Health Care’s vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer. “I am very excited to have someone with Kate’s depth of experience, clear commitment to quality care and service excellence, collaborative style, and ability to inspire staff at all levels join the senior leadership team,” Marqusee said. Added Bechtold, “I am excited about this wonderful opportunity to lead nursing and patient-care services at Cooley Dickinson. I was impressed with the commitment to patient care that I heard from staff and medical staff alike and look forward to being part of the new leadership team that Joanne Marqusee is building.” Most recently, Bechtold served as the senior vice president and chief nurse executive for MultiCare Health System in Tacoma, Wash., where she oversaw system-wide nursing and clinical policies, case management, social work, and quality care for the five-hospital system and its primary-care, urgent-care, and specialty clinics. She also served for eight years as chief nursing officer and vice president of patient care at Centura Health Systems in Englewood, Colo., and Saint Anthony Hospital System. She counts among her accomplishments leading Saint Anthony Central Hospital to one of the highest scores in the nation for nursing quality indicators and significantly reducing nursing-management turnover rates. Scibelli has joined Cooley Dickinson Health Care as vice president, operations and chief administrative officer. He will supervise a number of departments, including Facilities, Housekeeping, Transport, Security, Nutrition, Lab, Imaging, and Human Resources. “I am very excited that a leader with Tony’s range of experience, dedication to service excellence, and ability to lead teams and promote teamwork has accepted this important position. He will add much to the new senior leader team we are building,” Marqusee said. Scibelli has most recently served as senior vice president, Human Resources, Support Services, and Post Acute Operations at Mohawk Valley Health System in Utica, N.Y., which resulted from the affiliation of Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare and St. Elizabeth Medical Center. He oversaw a range of functions, including Human Resources, Facilities Management, Support Services, Home Care, and Long-term Care. Scibelli joined Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare in 2004 as vice president, Human Resources and was promoted several times there. Scibelli earned a bachelor’s degree at Worcester State College and master’s degrees from Lesley College in Cambridge and SUNY Albany.
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Patrick McCarthy, Sodexo Dining Services general manager for the Loomis Communities, has been selected for the Sodexo National Emerging Leaders program, joining 29 of his peers who have been identified as leaders in their field. The Sodexo Emerging Leaders program consists of an intensive, nine-month leadership-development course focusing on leadership at a strategic level. The course study includes trainings at the Sodexo North American headquarters in Gaithersburg, Md., as well as peer project assignments and online interactive trainings. Prior to working for Sodexo and the Loomis Communities, McCarthy attended classes at the Culinary Institute of America and owned restaurants in the Pioneer Valley.

Chamber Corners Departments

ACCGS
www.myonlinechamber.com
(413) 787-1555
 
• Thursdays through March 26: ACCGS Leadership Institute 2015, 1-4 p.m., at the TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St., Springfield, in partnership with Western New England University.
 
• March 11: ACCGS Speed Networking, 3:30-5 p.m., at Frank Webb’s Bath Center, 145 Performance Blvd., Springfield. Network in a fast-paced round-robin format, then stay for the After 5. This event is open only to members. Reservations are $20 for members, $25 at the door. Includes complimentary ticket to After 5. Register online at www.myonlinechamber.com.
 
• March 11: ACCGS After 5, 5-7 p.m., at Frank Webb’s Bath Center, 145 Performance Blvd., Springfield. Reservations are $5 for members, $10 for general admission. Register online at www.myonlinechamber.com.

• March 24: ACCGS Pastries, Politics, and Policy, 8-9 a.m., at the TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St., Springfield. For political and policy junkies. Reservations are $15 for members, $25 for general admission. Register online at www.myonlinechamber.com.
 
AMHERST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.amherstarea.com
(413) 253-0700
 
• March 26: Margarita Madness 2015, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Hadley Farms Meeting House, 41 Russell St., Hadley. Taste a variety of margaritas and vote for your favorites. This is a Division One competition between restaurant and business margaritas. Your votes will determine who will take home the coveted trophies. Business margaritas provided by Alden Credit Union, New England Promotional Marketing, Hadley Farms Meeting House, Country Nissan, Lord Jeffery Inn, TD Bank for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County, Encharter Insurance, Applewood at Amherst, and many more to come. Restaurant margaritas provided by Bistro 63 at the Monkey Bar, Bread & Butter, Bridgeside Grille, Chandler’s Restaurant, the Pub, Lord Jeffery Inn, Hadley Farms Meeting House, Chez Josef, Johnny’s Tavern, and many more to come. Food provided by Emily’s Gourmet to Go, Something Special Catering, Pallazo Café, Glazed Donut Shop, Pop’s Biscotti, and Johnny’s Tavern. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For more information, contact the chamber at (413) 253-0700.
 
CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101
 
• March 25: 21st Annual Table Top Expo and Business Networking Event, 4:30-7 p.m., at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Exhibitor cost: $125 for a table. Admission $10 in advance, $15 at the door. To register, contact the chamber at (413) 527-9414.
 
GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.easthamptonchamber.org
(413) 527-9414
 
• March 25: 21st Annual Table Top Expo and Business Networking Event, 4:30-7 p.m., at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Exhibitor cost: $125 for a table. Admission is $10 in advance, $15 at the door. To register, contact the chamber at (413) 527-9414.
 
GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.explorenorthampton.com
(413) 584-1900
 
• March 13: Microsoft Excel: Tips, Tricks, and Shortcuts, 9-11 a.m., at the chamber office, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton. Learn tips and tricks no one ever teaches you from the trainers at Pioneer Training. This workshop will present our favorite tips, tricks, and shortcuts that we have collected and developed over 15 years of teaching and using Microsoft Excel. Participants are encouraged to bring laptops and follow along with the instructor, but this is not required. Admission: $20 for members, $30 for non-members.
 
• March 17: 35th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m., in the Hotel Northampton Grand Ballroom. Also, Join us at Fitzwilly’s for the annual after-breakfast toast and for the laying of the wreath at the Daley and Halligan memorial stone on the former state hospital grounds. Tickets: $20 per person. Tables of 10 also available.
 
• March 25: 21st Annual Table Top Expo and Business Networking Event, 4:30-7 p.m., at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Exhibitor cost: $125 for a table. Admission $10 in advance, $15 at the door. To register, contact the chamber at (413) 584-1900.
 
GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618
 
• March 13: March Breakfast, 7-9 a.m., at Westfield State University, 577 Western Ave., Westfield. Platinum sponsor: Westfield Bank. Gold sponsor: Westfield Gas & Electric. Silver sponsor: FieldEddy Insurance. For more information or to donate a raffle prize, call the Chamber office at (413) 568-1618.
 
• March 18: March After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m., at Noble Primary Care, 57 Union St., Westfield. Bring your business cards and make connections. Refreshments will be served. Tickets: $10 for members, $15 cash for non-members. To register, call Pam at the Chamber office at (413) 568-1618.
 
PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CHAMBER
www.professionalwomenschamber.com
(413) 755-1310
 
• March 18: Professional Women’s Chamber Tabletop Expo/Luncheon,
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at Storrowton Tavern, Carriage House, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Featuring Tracy Noonan of Wicked Good Cupcakes and contestant on ABC’s Shark Tank. Reservations are $25 for PWC members, $35 for general admission. Register online at www.myonlinechamber.com.
 
YOUNG PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY OF GREATER SPRINGFIERLD
www.springfieldyps.com
 
• March 14: 2015 YP Cup Dodgeball Tournament, at Springfield College, 263 Alden St., Springfield. To register a team (up to eight players, two must be of the opposite sex ) or an individual, visit springfieldyps.com/2015-dodgeball-individual-registration-form. E-mail questions to [email protected]. Reception to follow at Nathan Bill’s Bar & Grill, 110 Pond Road, Springfield.
 
• March 19: March Third Thursday, 5-8 p.m., at the Storrowtown Meeting House and Carriage House, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. This event is open to everyone. Invite your friends. Food and cash bar. Admission: free for YPS members, $10 for non-members.