Construction Archives - Page 23 of 53

Construction Unemployment Hits Eight-year Low, but Challenges Remain

The construction industry, both nationally and in Massachusetts, seems to be emerging from several years of sluggish growth, as unemployment in the field has fallen to an eight-year low across the U.S.

Specifically, construction companies added 12,000 jobs nationally in October, pushing the sector’s unemployment rate to 6.4%, the lowest mark since 2006, according to Associated General Contractors of America.

“For the past several months, the construction industry has added jobs at double the all-industry rate of 1.9%,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Construction wages, which were already higher than the private-sector average, rose 2.6% in the last year — the fastest rate since early 2010 — as contractors ramped up their search for qualified workers. There were fewer unemployed, experienced construction workers [in October] than at any time in the past eight years.”

The trend is occurring fairly uniformly across America, with 28 states adding construction jobs between September and October, and 37 adding jobs over the past 12 months, in both cases including Massachusetts.

Indeed, over the past 12 months, the Commonwealth has added 2,400 construction jobs, a 2.0% increase that ranks 29th among all U.S. states. However, the Bay State added 1,300 jobs between September and October alone, a 1.1% increase that ranked 13th in the U.S. That performance coincides with a quarterly report from the Mass. Assoc. of Commercial & Institutional Builders that casts a cautiously positive eye on the landscape, while lamenting the rising costs of materials and labor.

“In the near term, higher costs of production don’t help contractors repair their recession-weakened bottom lines,” the report states. “However, these components are also signs of a growing economy as manufacturers see higher utilization rates and unemployment drops closer to full employment levels, thus pushing wages up.”

Back to Work

Nationally, construction employees worked an average of 39.2 hours per week, tying the highest mark in almost nine years. “Together,” Simonson said, “these indicators — high weekly hours, low unemployment, and accelerating wage gains — point to an industry that may be on the verge of acute difficulty filling key positions.”

Association officials said the construction-employment gains, along with rising wages and weekly hours, are consistent with survey results showing more firms having a hard time finding enough qualified workers to fill available positions. Construction employment totaled 6,095,000 in October, the highest total since May 2009, with a 12-month gain of 231,000 jobs, or 3.9%, Simonson said.

Over the past year, Florida added the most construction jobs of any state (38,900 jobs, or 10.2%), trailed closely by Texas (38,500 jobs, 6.2%), California (34,300 jobs, 5.3%), Illinois (14,800 jobs, 7.8%), and Utah (11,000 jobs, 14.9%). Meanwhile, Texas, Florida, Utah, Colorado, and Idaho posted the highest one-month jumps between September and October.

Stephen Sandherr, CEO of Associated General Contractors of America, noted that job growth remains inconsistent in some states because many firms are struggling to cope with growing worker shortages, new regulatory burdens, and flat, or declining, public-sector investments in infrastructure and construction. “Many firms are having a hard time expanding their payrolls as wages rise, costs grow, and market demand varies greatly from one segment to the next.”

Added Simonson, “these year-over-year and one-month changes show that construction is doing well in most of the country. Yet, the list of states that have added construction jobs varies from month to month, showing that the industry’s recovery remains vulnerable to worker shortages and unfavorable governmental actions.”

The latter is also a worry for the Mass. Assoc. of Commercial & Institutional Builders, which notes that the federal government continues to stall on a comprehensive highway bill, while private investors follow the government’s lead and sit on their hands.

“The good news is that, in general, we are now at a point in the recovery where we can focus more on thriving than surviving,” the group notes, “but thriving in the new economic climate will require not just being the strongest or biggest, but also the most adept at dealing with economic climate change.” n

Real Estate Transactions

Departments Real Estate

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

BERNARDSTON

512 Bald Mountain Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Allison E. Page
Seller: Thomas P. Owen
Date: 10/24/14

BUCKLAND

25 North St.
Buckland, MA 01339
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Jody P. James
Seller: Carolyn V. Boyer
Date: 10/28/14

CHARLEMONT

207 Main St.
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $166,000
Buyer: Jennifer L. Lagoy
Seller: JJ Smith Properties LLC
Date: 10/24/14

93 Warfield Road
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Samuel B. Smith
Seller: Nancy Kittelsen
Date: 10/24/14

CONWAY

86 Main St.
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Jim D. Moore
Seller: Paula L. Olson
Date: 10/31/14

64 Mathews Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: David R. Mazur
Seller: A. P. Kari
Date: 10/30/14

420 Mathews Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $239,000
Buyer: Andrew P. Soles
Seller: Raymond E. Perkins
Date: 10/23/14

800 Roaring Brook Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Dick L. McLeester
Seller: Nancy T. Winter RET
Date: 10/31/14

DEERFIELD

17 Braeburn Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $267,000
Buyer: Catherine A. Carulli
Seller: Kathleen D. Johnston
Date: 10/31/14

139 Lower Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: John G. Savage Realty Corp
Seller: Hassay, Agnes B., (Estate)
Date: 10/31/14

27 North Hillside Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $224,000
Buyer: Francis G. Sobieski
Seller: David A. Rohrs
Date: 10/29/14

341 Pine Nook Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $221,888
Buyer: David Ilsley
Seller: William B. McIlvaine
Date: 10/31/14

249 River Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Norma S. Friedman
Seller: Daniel F. Graves
Date: 10/24/14

48 South Mill River Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Florence E. Howes
Seller: Boron LT
Date: 10/27/14

ERVING

16 Flagg Hill
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $179,900
Buyer: Curtis R. Brunelle
Seller: Craig D. Moore
Date: 10/24/14

58 High St.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: James M. Hackett
Seller: Elizabeth A. Hackett
Date: 10/29/14

GILL

33 Atherton Road
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $154,000
Buyer: Elizabeth L. Girard
Seller: Raymond E. Purington
Date: 10/31/14

25 Green Hill Road
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Laura M. Wiancko
Seller: Mackin, Helen, (Estate)
Date: 08/01/14

GREENFIELD

62 Barton Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Daniel P. Goepp
Seller: Beatrice S. Clair
Date: 10/24/14

525 Bernardston Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $640,000
Buyer: 525 Bernardston Road LLC
Seller: Mass. Non Elective Credit TR
Date: 10/31/14

366 Davis St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Andrew Babits
Seller: Allison E. Page
Date: 10/24/14

10 Euclid Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Fawn M. Howe
Seller: David W. Britt
Date: 10/24/14

32 Fargo St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $286,000
Buyer: Alexander J. Duda
Seller: Eunice N. Kugell RET
Date: 10/30/14

63 Haywood St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: John Bottomley
Seller: David E. Moscaritolo
Date: 10/28/14

576 Leyden Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $234,000
Buyer: Bryan G. Hobbs
Seller: Albrecht H. Kummerle
Date: 10/30/14

164 Log Plain Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: John P. Markoski
Seller: Jerry A. Gaimari
Date: 10/29/14

22 Quincy St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Thomas L. Wilkinson
Seller: Aaron J. Sawyer
Date: 10/30/14

90 Vernon St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Mary I. Fiske
Seller: Scott D. Collins
Date: 10/31/14

3 Woodbine St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $159,000
Buyer: Angela Recchia
Seller: Dick J. McLeester
Date: 10/31/14

HAWLEY

26 Forget Road
Hawley, MA 01339
Amount: $268,000
Buyer: Holly B. Steward
Seller: Jade L. Mortimer
Date: 10/22/14

59 Middle Road
Hawley, MA 01339
Amount: $208,000
Buyer: William C. Cosby
Seller: Singing Brook Farm TR
Date: 10/24/14

MONTAGUE

127 Chestnut Hill Loop
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $237,500
Buyer: Sandy J. Beauregard
Seller: Thomas F. Schiff
Date: 10/30/14

118 Federal St.
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $218,000
Buyer: Michelle D. Demers
Seller: Chris Roberts
Date: 10/29/14

517 Federal St.
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Deerfield Valley Management Trust
Seller: Teri M. Martineault
Date: 10/21/14

224 Greenfield Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $171,000
Buyer: Daniel M. Bartos
Seller: Stanley E. Noga
Date: 10/29/14

53 Randall Wood Dr.
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $223,500
Buyer: Steven A. Hawkins
Seller: William A. Shattuck
Date: 10/30/14

NORTHFIELD

13 Ferncliff Ave.
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $137,000
Buyer: Arthur W. Davis
Seller: Suzanne M. Travisano
Date: 10/24/14

112 Main St.
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: George M. Larue
Seller: Michelle C. Minter
Date: 10/22/14

ORANGE

3 Converse Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Maureen F. Polana
Seller: Schwab, Mary L., (Estate)
Date: 10/27/14

153 Dana Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Robert J. Zajac
Seller: Paul G. Duffell
Date: 10/31/14

800 Pine Hill Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Zachary McBride
Seller: Darcy R. Flynn
Date: 10/24/14

91 Sandrah Dr.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Samantha North
Seller: Keith S. Holden
Date: 10/31/14

ROWE

112 Ford Hill Road
Rowe, MA 01367
Amount: $220,200
Buyer: Alexandra R. Reisman
Seller: James M. Wootton
Date: 10/30/14

29 Potter Road
Amount: $328,000
Buyer: Cynthia L. Stetson
Seller: Audrey I. Faivre
Date: 10/22/14

SHELBURNE

121 Bridge St.
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Timothy J. Richardson
Seller: Joseph F. Palmeri
Date: 10/27/14

SHUTESBURY

399 Leverett Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Russell P. Mizula
Seller: Deerfield Valley Management Trust
Date: 10/30/14

SUNDERLAND

120 North Main St.
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Town of Sunderland
Seller: Sophie M. Buczynski
Date: 10/29/14

70 North Silver Lane
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $230,500
Buyer: Daniel F. Cicia
Seller: Alfred R. Lamountain
Date: 10/24/14

WHATELY

Masterson Road (ES)
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: FS RT
Seller: Steven R. Hannum TR
Date: 10/24/14

Masterson Road #6
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Stacy R. Ashton
Seller: Trust Indenture
Date: 10/29/14

215 River Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: James M. Pasiecnik
Seller: Lorri L. Jorgensen

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

68 Birch Hill Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $359,900
Buyer: Mark B. Vye
Seller: Derek H. Egerton
Date: 10/20/14

14 Farmington Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $377,000
Buyer: Mary Millimet RET
Seller: Hillside Development Corp.
Date: 10/31/14

127 Katherine Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Mi Wheat
Seller: Gary M. Matroni
Date: 10/29/14

4 Memory Lane
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $332,000
Buyer: Gregory M. Caputo
Seller: David B. O’Neill
Date: 10/28/14

49 Morningside Circle
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $286,000
Buyer: Dmitriy Shlemanov
Seller: Frank E. Disco
Date: 10/24/14

68 Parkview Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $246,000
Buyer: Matthew A. Pacinella
Seller: Gregory M. Caputo
Date: 10/28/14

76 Pineview Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $276,400
Buyer: David L. Aldrich
Seller: James J. Sikora
Date: 10/24/14

51 Robin Ridge Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $214,900
Buyer: Harriet R. Lawton
Seller: FHLM
Date: 10/24/14

394 Springfield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: VIP Homes & Associates LLC
Seller: Schulze, Germaine A., (Estate)
Date: 10/28/14

156 Suffield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $2,775,000
Buyer: Legacy RT
Seller: GP Apartments LLC
Date: 10/30/14

Washington Ave. #A-D
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $2,775,000
Buyer: Legacy RT
Seller: GP Apartments LLC
Date: 10/30/14

BLANDFORD

41 North Blandford Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $274,000
Buyer: Eric B. Mcvey
Seller: Darlene F. Horne
Date: 10/23/14

BRIMFIELD

55 Dix Hill Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $214,900
Buyer: Keith Vieweg
Seller: Sarah A. Parker
Date: 10/31/14

56 Haynes Hill Road
Amount: $278,000
Buyer: Thomas M. Williams
Seller: Fountain & Sons Fuel Co. Inc.
Date: 10/31/14

CHESTER

74 Kinnebrook Road
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Douglas L. Rockwell
Seller: Steven A. Stroud
Date: 10/29/14

CHICOPEE

149 Casey Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $191,000
Buyer: Neonita M. Yeaple
Seller: Michael G. Harris
Date: 10/28/14

63 Chapel St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $168,900
Buyer: Willie D. McCollaum
Seller: Bennett Properties LLC
Date: 10/23/14

12 Columba St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Frank A. Demarinis
Seller: Christopher Pawlikowski
Date: 10/24/14

134 Gilbert Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Hector R. Gonzalez
Seller: Daniel R. Godbout
Date: 10/31/14

1193 Granby Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $7,769,000
Buyer: ARCP WA Chicopee MA LLC
Seller: Ogden MA LLC
Date: 10/31/14

541 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: William J. Beynor
Seller: Lucille A. Dubois
Date: 10/31/14

71 Kaveney St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $254,000
Buyer: Shawn C. Roberts
Seller: Christine M. Filiau
Date: 10/27/14

12 Loretta Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Kirill I. Zenchenko
Seller: Edmund Stlaurent
Date: 10/30/14

127 Lukasik St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Kele
Seller: Wyllie, Nancy E., (Estate)

91 Mountainview St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Timothy J. Dupuis
Seller: Frances S. Cahalan
Date: 10/31/14

56 Ogden St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $144,900
Buyer: Scott E. Early
Seller: Inna Boyko
Date: 10/24/14

134 Polaski Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $131,200
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Dorothy Weber
Date: 10/23/14

169 Poplar St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Krzysztof Dziegielewski
Seller: Ferdynand Dziegielewski
Date: 10/30/14

16 Sanford St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Liena Mor
Seller: Tod R. Noftall
Date: 10/31/14

147 Skeele St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: John R. Damato
Seller: Edward P. Gay
Date: 10/28/14

96 Walnut St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $117,000
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Ran D. Booth
Date: 10/27/14

128 Wheatland Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $180,400
Buyer: MKAA LLC
Seller: Edward S. Bury
Date: 10/28/14

48 Woodcrest Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $126,000
Buyer: Brendan D. Crandall
Seller: Patricia Scanlon
Date: 10/23/14

73 Wymanlea Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $162,500
Buyer: Triple JCD LLC
Seller: Charlene Stoyak
Date: 10/30/14

EAST LONGMEADOW

37 Frankwyn St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Lisa C. Finn
Date: 10/27/14

74 Indian Spring Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $269,900
Buyer: Paul S. Brewster
Seller: David R. Mazur
Date: 10/30/14

4 Hedgerow Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $239,900
Buyer: Dorothy M. Joseph
Seller: Timber Development LLC
Date: 10/23/14

35 High Pine Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $342,000
Buyer: David M. Ference
Seller: Jeffrey D. Leclair
Date: 10/24/14

Pease Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Dennis A. Chaffee
Seller: Ronald I. Goldstein
Date: 10/23/14

121 Westwood Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Christopher R. Driscoll
Seller: Mary E. Kostorizos
Date: 10/30/14

GRANVILLE

81 Granby Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $172,200
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Thomas F. Alamed
Date: 10/28/14

HAMPDEN

8 East Brook Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $372,500
Buyer: Frank Morello
Seller: Peter C. James
Date: 10/31/14

32 Oak Knoll Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $206,400
Buyer: Craig A. Forni
Seller: Gordon E. Clark
Date: 10/31/14

19 Tall Pines Road #19
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $326,500
Seller: BB Holdings 2 LLC
Date: 10/24/14

HOLYOKE

8 Bayberry Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Jennifer L. Dowland
Date: 10/28/14

11 Brenan St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $174,000
Buyer: Marcia Russell
Seller: Edward H. Riel
Date: 10/30/14

6 Brenan St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Susan Yelle
Seller: Kathleen M. Costello
Date: 10/31/14

190 Chestnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $9,432,354
Buyer: PNC Bank
Seller: Melvin N. Caballero
Date: 10/20/14

11 Claren Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $150,368
Buyer: Midfirst Bank
Seller: Raymond A. Cote
Date: 10/23/14

21 Glen St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Caelin M. Aklais
Seller: Michael S. Lesniak
Date: 10/31/14

Nonotuck St. (rear)
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Joseph H. Ely
Seller: 329 Beech Street LLC
Date: 10/31/14

25 Orchard St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $173,000
Buyer: Sofia Lemons
Seller: Jill Gagne
Date: 10/27/14

15 Park Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Deborah L. Willis
Seller: Nancy Kennedy
Date: 10/29/14

109 Ridgewood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Danielle R. Dallaquila
Seller: John A. Magri
Date: 10/29/14

21 Saint James Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Francisco Marrero
Seller: Russell A. Sprague
Date: 10/31/14

9 Vassar Circle
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $274,000
Buyer: William J. Cubi
Seller: Barowsky, Norma J., (Estate)
Date: 10/30/14

LONGMEADOW

46 Cheshire Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $398,750
Buyer: Joseph W. Furnari
Seller: Diana M. Abbasy
Date: 10/29/14

223 Kenmore Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Keith S. Maynard
Seller: Apex Inc.
Date: 10/21/14

113 Longmeadow St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $278,000
Buyer: Bruce L. Morin
Seller: Stephen J. Murphy
Date: 10/29/14

104 Osceola Lane
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $778,166
Buyer: Hershal Patel
Seller: Sodi Inc.
Date: 10/24/14

43 Severn St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Ellen Humphreys
Seller: Philip C. Steiger
Date: 10/31/14

59 South Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: David A. Lenn
Seller: Nancy J. Burns
Date: 10/30/14

68 Willow Brook Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $309,000
Buyer: Willow Realty LLC
Seller: Edward F. Szela
Date: 10/27/14

LUDLOW

21 Batista Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $267,000
Buyer: Erik McKeone
Seller: Wayne N. Lafleur
Date: 10/30/14

148 Cislak Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $655,000
Buyer: Jeremy J. Procon
Seller: Ann L. Morello
Date: 10/31/14

80 Davis St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $220,545
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Andrew Robert
Date: 10/29/14

5 Green St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Michael P. McGrath
Seller: Etta H. Sergneri
Date: 10/24/14

59 Meadow St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $160,500
Buyer: Kevin P. Geissler
Seller: Krystal A. Cortinhas
Date: 10/24/14

42 Jestina Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Wayne N. Lafleur
Seller: Christopher J. Dias
Date: 10/30/14

155 Lakeview Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Steven W. Balicki
Seller: Goncalves, Maria F., (Estate)
Date: 10/31/14

7 Parker Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: James C. Wyllie
Seller: USA HUD
Date: 10/31/14

66 Ridgeview Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $141,000
Buyer: Anthony J. Elias
Seller: Robert H. Hickey
Date: 10/28/14

180 Southwood Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Jessica Salema
Seller: Peter D. Martins
Date: 10/20/14

67 Valley View Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Carmine M. Keane
Seller: Debra K. Stacy
Date: 10/31/14

142 Wedgewood Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $272,000
Buyer: Timothy D. Rego
Seller: John R. Davis
Date: 10/24/14

105 West Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $143,000
Buyer: Walter A. Lorenz
Seller: Gretchen E. Moos
Date: 10/27/14

149 Wilno Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Alicinio Martins
Seller: Corine A. Thompson
Date: 10/31/14

MONSON

72 Bradway Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $277,500
Buyer: Timothy B. Gregoire
Seller: Donald J. Grimaldi
Date: 10/31/14

21 Bunyan Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Richard A. Lombardo
Seller: USA
Date: 10/27/14

356 Main St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Tina M. McBee
Seller: John J. Bish
Date: 10/28/14

53 Nieske Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $229,000
Buyer: John J. Maloney
Seller: Steven D. Fontaine
Date: 10/31/14

126 Upper Hampden Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $287,500
Buyer: Martin R. Bolduc
Seller: Thomas A. Wood
Date: 10/31/14

98 Wilbraham Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Michael S. Kazalis
Seller: Gregory J. Hall
Date: 10/28/14

PALMER

55-69 Belanger St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Remlap Rentals LLC
Seller: C. K. Scott LLC
Date: 10/23/14

88 Longview St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $179,000
Buyer: Joshua J. Gagnon
Seller: Roy M. St.George
Date: 10/31/14

2090-2092 Main St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Remlap Rentals LLC
Seller: Clifford J. Scott
Date: 10/23/14

2094-A Main St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Remlap Rentals LLC
Seller: Clifford J. Scott
Date: 10/23/14

81 Mount Dumplin Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $186,000
Buyer: Ryan A. Dias
Seller: Sergio A. Dias
Date: 10/31/14

120 Peterson Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Christyna A. Rioux
Seller: Kenneth L. Mongeau
Date: 10/21/14

3064 Pine St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $133,000
Buyer: Richard T. Wells
Seller: Divina Urena
Date: 10/29/14

SPRINGFIELD

199 Acrebrook Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $166,000
Buyer: Oleg Atayan
Seller: Fannie Sophinos
Date: 10/27/14

100 Aldrew Terrace
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: John L. Viens
Seller: Richard B. Francis
Date: 10/31/14

28 Austin St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Teodoro R. Cruz
Seller: West Meadow Homes Inc.
Date: 10/21/14

814 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Chhabi Pathak
Seller: DB Properties LLC
Date: 10/31/14

95 Briggs St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Ileana Garcia
Seller: Grahams Construction Inc.
Date: 10/22/14

60 Clement St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $134,000
Buyer: Paul V. Allard
Seller: Anthony A. Bocchino
Date: 10/31/14

24-26 Commonwealth Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $167,000
Buyer: Dawa W. Tamang
Seller: Thomas W. Cuzzone
Date: 10/22/14

24 Cunningham St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $133,320
Buyer: Maureen Rehbein
Seller: Alexis A. Majka
Date: 10/22/14

246 Dutchess St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Buyer: Lisa P. Kallaugher
Seller: Surtan Realty LLP
Date: 10/24/14

8-10 Enfield St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $140,000
Seller: Anthony J. Nowak
Date: 10/27/14

119 Fenway Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $162,000
Buyer: Luis E. Diaz
Seller: Robert P. Doty
Date: 10/24/14

127-129 Fountain St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: Cristhian B. Vasquez
Seller: Phuong Nguyen
Date: 10/31/14

287 Fountain St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Cherrie L. Mahmoud
Seller: Shirley A. Ford
Date: 10/31/14

143 Groveland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $138,081
Buyer: Bayview Loan Servicing
Seller: Carrie Schaub
Date: 10/30/14

152 Harkness Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $127,500
Buyer: Tsering Lhamo
Seller: Value Properties LLC
Date: 10/27/14

27 Health Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $142,500
Buyer: Luis A. Cruz
Seller: Shawn Carleton
Date: 10/24/14

39 Hermitage Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Emilio Sanchez
Seller: Delois F. Swan
Date: 10/31/14

44 Howes St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Nathan Ladlee
Seller: Gabrielle Agron
Date: 10/31/14

63 Kipling St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: Mark J. Hawkins
Seller: Christine Gula
Date: 10/31/14

231 Louis Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $149,900
Buyer: Virgilio Garcia
Seller: Cindy Valerio
Date: 10/21/14

20 Mandalay Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $168,750
Buyer: Alan B. Magill
Seller: Laurence P. Brandoli
Date: 10/31/14

77 Methuen St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $116,505
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Eugenia Caraballo
Date: 10/23/14

74 Mildred Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Javires M. Colon
Seller: Timothy J. Rahilly
Date: 10/24/14

225 Oakland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: MJT Properties LLC
Seller: Oak Ridge Custom Home
Date: 10/24/14

47 Palmyra St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Shirley L. Spencer
Seller: Michael D. Thomas
Date: 10/22/14

119 Park Road
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Meraliss Velazquez
Seller: Robert F. Filipiak
Date: 10/31/14

104 Parkside St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Pedro Arenas
Seller: Elsa Dones
Date: 10/28/14

146 Paulk Terrace
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $182,000
Buyer: Ian M. Mancini
Seller: Jason D. Sylvester
Date: 10/29/14

120 Pinecrest Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Laura M. Acerra
Seller: Lucien J. Demers
Date: 10/27/14

55 Ramblewood Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $149,900
Buyer: Siha Sok
Seller: Stanley Tolpa
Date: 10/23/14

83 Ridgewood Terrace
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $212,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Anne B. Bell
Date: 10/30/14

25 Riverview Terrace
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $253,000
Buyer: Kerri Saucier
Seller: Paul Depelteau
Date: 10/28/14

30 Rosedale Ave.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Jack A. Ohlemacher
Seller: Beatrice U. Rancore
Date: 10/30/14

53 Rosella St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $224,000
Buyer: Robert F. Schmidt
Seller: Elizabeth A. Staggs
Date: 10/31/14

151 Saffron Circle
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $168,900
Buyer: Bob L. Daniels
Seller: Taryn Markham
Date: 10/30/14

152-154 Santa Barbara St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $152,500
Buyer: Luis R. Torres-Ortiz
Seller: Abigail Alers
Date: 10/24/14

43 Sargon St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $119,000
Buyer: Robert D. Gaspari
Seller: John J. Maloney
Date: 10/31/14

691 State St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: MS Homes LLC
Seller: CF SBC REO LLC
Date: 10/24/14

70 Sunset Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $181,382
Buyer: DLJ Mortgage Capital Inc.
Seller: Rafael R. Santana
Date: 10/23/14

78 Thorndyke St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $167,500
Buyer: Victor Colon
Seller: Lisa D. Richardson-Gomes
Date: 10/31/14

25 Tioga St.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Mark S. Flood
Seller: Marshall Harris
Date: 10/31/14

35 Trillium St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $134,526
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Nicole Moody
Date: 10/28/14

69 Upland St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $142,600
Buyer: Sue A. Ho-Sang
Seller: Gilbert F. Gordon
Date: 10/31/14

46 Wachusett St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Darwin Rivera
Seller: DAG Real Estate Development Inc.
Date: 10/31/14

SOUTHWICK

21 Feeding Hills Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Megan Cammisa
Seller: Raymond A. Ouellette
Date: 10/30/14

6 Jeffrey Circle
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $197,000
Buyer: Carmen L. Marquez
Seller: Edward C. Hildreth
Date: 10/31/14

69 Lakeview St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Mark W. Blackmer
Date: 10/31/14

358 North Loomis St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Lauren Kendzierski
Seller: Roger E. Hughes
Date: 10/28/14

11 Pine Knoll
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $389,000
Buyer: Craig A. Johnsen
Seller: Michael J. Rauza
Date: 10/31/14

210 Sheep Pasture Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $187,827
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Veronica L. Dearden
Date: 10/28/14

108 South Loomis St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Pomeroy
Seller: Seth W. Pomeroy
Date: 10/22/14

26 Shirley Terrace
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $216,000
Buyer: Jessica L. Gilbert
Seller: Adam R. Hart
Date: 10/23/14

TOLLAND

307 Jeff Miller Road
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $223,800
Buyer: Ryan A. Michonski
Seller: Robert Franchino
Date: 10/31/14

WEST SPRINGFIELD

64 Ashley St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Pavel Banaru
Seller: Louis H. Beauvais
Date: 10/30/14

39 Baldwin St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: Elida Gashi
Seller: Richard Williams
Date: 10/31/14

36 Blossom Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Kathleen M. McDonagh
Seller: Lizanne Campanini
Date: 10/30/14

34-38 Elmdale St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Constantin Enciu
Seller: Cesare R. Ferrari
Date: 10/31/14

44 Hillside Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Cassandra Ardizoni
Seller: Patrick J. Lynch
Date: 10/31/14

222 Kings Hwy.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Jose M. Perez
Seller: Elizabeth A. Staltare
Date: 10/30/14

21 Lynne Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $242,500
Buyer: Jason Boutet
Seller: Robert A. Swanson
Date: 10/29/14

47 Mosher St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $147,000
Buyer: Jason R. Vandeusen
Seller: Lindsey G. Brynjolfsson
Date: 10/30/14

95 Ohio Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Edward P. Czeremcha
Seller: Jeffrey W. Puffer
Date: 10/22/14

112 Orchardview St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Kristen N. Montville
Seller: Mark A. Lamy
Date: 10/24/14

36 Orchardview St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $167,000
Buyer: Benjamin J. Crum
Seller: David L. Aldrich
Date: 10/24/14

44 Talcott Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $196,600
Buyer: Melissa Deslauriers
Seller: Conlin, Barbara A., (Estate)
Date: 10/27/14

WESTFIELD

10 Belden Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $339,900
Buyer: Matthew T. Vanheynigen
Seller: Long, Theresa A., (Estate)
Date: 10/24/14

288 Elm St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Siddhi Vinayak Corp.
Seller: Leemilts Petroleum Inc.
Date: 10/31/14

18 Fowler Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Sergey Markevich
Seller: Susan M. Oleksak
Date: 10/24/14

351 Hillside Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Peter M. Ulias
Seller: Maurice S. Erwin
Date: 10/31/14

56 Jefferson St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Double D. Investments LLC
Seller: Lynn A. Chrzanowski
Date: 10/30/14

44 Llewellyn Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $324,000
Buyer: Edward F. Wienckowski
Seller: Bruce E. Armstrong
Date: 10/24/14

24 Loring Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Dana A. Gronbeck
Seller: Roy E. Tatro
Date: 10/31/14

9 Paper St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Jefford A. Barnes
Seller: Lawrence S. Trinceri
Date: 10/24/14

193 Peach St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $214,188
Buyer: Kimberly A. Landry
Seller: James N. McElroy

107 Pineridge Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $306,600
Buyer: Eric L. Breault
Seller: Dana A. Gronbeck
Date: 10/31/14

39 Pochassic St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $147,500
Buyer: Edward M. Tosado
Seller: Martin E. Newman
Date: 10/24/14

140 Pontoosic Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Kenneth A. Pelletier
Seller: Matthew A. Pacinella
Date: 10/28/14

53 Putnam Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $172,500
Buyer: Jeffrey A. Thomson
Seller: Peter J. Miller
Date: 10/24/14

25 Ridgeway Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $161,000
Buyer: Stephan K. Dickinson
Seller: Andrew J. Pavlica
Date: 10/24/14

44 Sabrina Brooke Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Jason A. Lavallee
Seller: John M. Tierney
Date: 10/31/14

12 Winding Ridge Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $414,900
Buyer: Gerard J. Sokop
Seller: Norman E. Wroblewski
Date: 10/20/14

7 Woodland Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Nancy J. Bals
Seller: Jon M. Schultz
Date: 10/30/14

31 Woodside Terrace
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Edward J. Fournier
Seller: Patricia A. Cray
Date: 10/31/14

WILBRAHAM

1126 Glendale Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Jason P. Keegan
Seller: Linda S. Hall
Date: 10/24/14

28 Grassy Meadow Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $222,500
Buyer: Kimberly Ross
Seller: Claudette Desanctis
Date: 10/28/14

7 Ladd Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $311,000
Buyer: Bart Soar
Seller: Stanley Kogut
Date: 10/31/14

509 Main St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Brett F. Johnson
Seller: Claire E. Fredette
Date: 10/31/14

12 Mcintosh Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Tina M. Carnevale
Seller: David D. Patterson
Date: 10/29/14

17 Millbrook Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Taryn Siciliano
Seller: FHLM
Date: 10/30/14

6 Stirling Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Kenneth C. Byers
Seller: Patrick F. McComb
Date: 10/30/14

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

181 Aubinwood Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Mazen Naous
Seller: Catherine E. Manicke
Date: 10/29/14

44 Dennis Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $216,000
Buyer: Corey B. Kurtz
Seller: Kathleen I. Dyer
Date: 10/23/14

9 Hedgerow Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $369,000
Buyer: Brian E. Messier
Seller: David R. Salvage
Date: 10/30/14

7 Laurel Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Hampshire Property Management
Seller: Kornorfer, Raymond H., (Estate)
Date: 10/23/14

86 Northampton Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $436,000
Buyer: Amherst College
Seller: Daniel P. Barbezat
Date: 10/30/14

340 Potwine Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $272,000
Buyer: Peter M. Levy
Seller: Robert A. Cooke
Date: 10/30/14

616 Station Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: David R. Salvage
Seller: Elliott N. Fortescue
Date: 10/30/14

BELCHERTOWN

12 Clark St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Steven D. Fontaine
Date: 10/31/14

26 Clark St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Alicia B. Agoglia
Seller: Bethany K. Bowman
Date: 10/27/14

178 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Darkar LLC
Seller: Manx LLC
Date: 10/28/14

61 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Jackson Brothers Property Management
Seller: Peter S. Galuszka
Date: 10/27/14

130 Gold St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $177,250
Buyer: Edward B. Tick
Seller: Joshua D. Burkett
Date: 10/31/14

9 Howe St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $237,000
Buyer: Molly W. Fenton
Seller: Kenneth R. Chaisson
Date: 10/24/14

14 Ledgewood Circle
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Walter J. Rose
Seller: Larry D. Unwin
Date: 10/22/14

7 Rural Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $170,600
Buyer: Thomas J. Tonelli
Seller: Property Edge LLC
Date: 10/30/14

22 South Main St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: Joseph R. Bowman
Seller: Christopher Agoglia
Date: 10/27/14

121 Stebbins St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: David M. Arbour
Seller: James A. Ribeiro
Date: 10/24/14

127 Turkey Hill Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: John H. Bickford
Seller: David Wilson
Date: 10/29/14

CUMMINGTON

247 Stage Road
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Elizabeth E. Kapitulik
Seller: David E. Gowdy
Date: 10/30/14

EASTHAMPTON

1 Autumn Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $359,900
Buyer: Jason Curtis
Seller: Melissa L. Coyle
Date: 10/20/14

9 Camelot Lane
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Alan C. Borowski
Seller: Bartlett, Russell P., (Estate)
Date: 10/30/14

4 Gaugh St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $197,500
Buyer: Budlia LLC
Seller: Jaime M. Caplis
Date: 10/24/14

2 Grove St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Thomas W. Brown
Seller: Robert J. Labonte
Date: 10/31/14

157 Hendrick St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Nancy A. Ogulewicz
Seller: David M. Lepine
Date: 10/24/14

20 Mayher St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: Nicholas J. Schwab
Date: 10/21/14

24 Mill St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $552,500
Buyer: James C. Seltzer
Seller: Chester R. Torrey
Date: 10/22/14

222 Park St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Molly Montgomery
Seller: Charles G. Cernak
Date: 10/31/14

52 Phelps St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: April Yvon
Seller: Timothy J. Dowgiert
Date: 10/31/14

9 Taft Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $269,000
Buyer: Alysa Austin
Seller: Laura A. Tilsley
Date: 10/24/14

29 Treehouse Circle
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $251,000
Buyer: Jonathan D. Cartledge
Seller: EH Homeownership LLC
Date: 10/30/14

HADLEY

15 Stockwell Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $148,500
Buyer: Manuel T. Morocho
Seller: Schick, Karl D., (Estate)
Date: 10/29/14

HATFIELD

11 Pleasant View Dr.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $389,900
Buyer: Dennon A. Rodrigue
Seller: Gerard J. Sokop
Date: 10/20/14

HUNTINGTON

80 County Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $282,500
Buyer: Carole J. Bihler
Seller: Allison T. Flynn
Date: 10/24/14

46 Harlow Clark Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Luke Leszczynski
Seller: FNMA
Date: 10/24/14

61 Searle Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $216,500
Buyer: Chrisoula Marangoudakis
Seller: Kyle Colby
Date: 10/31/14

NORTHAMPTON

10 Bright Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Michelle L. Squires
Seller: Vivian M. Eastman
Date: 10/31/14

Easthampton Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $387,500
Buyer: City Of Northampton
Seller: Carol Hewes
Date: 10/24/14

33 Emerson Way
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Susan H. Angier
Seller: Emerson Way LLC
Date: 10/23/14

141 Fair St., Ext
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Laurel Carangelo
Seller: Marcia Russell
Date: 10/30/14

65 Ford Xing
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $563,810
Buyer: Ivana M. Liebert
Seller: Kent Pecoy & Sons Construction
Date: 10/24/14

18 Laurel Park
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: 35 State St. LLC
Seller: David R. Baker
Date: 10/31/14

46 Laurel Park
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $159,500
Buyer: Todd Wilsey
Seller: Laurie Scanlon
Date: 10/22/14

38 Matthew Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Chanbona Er
Seller: Matthew R. Marchand
Date: 10/31/14

123 Moser St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $433,931
Buyer: Lora M. Hodges
Seller: Kent Pecoy & Sons Construction
Date: 10/29/14

14 Murphy Terrace
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $123,000
Buyer: Sherry L. Taylor
Seller: Elizabeth M. Mongeau
Date: 10/29/14

273 North Main St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $303,000
Buyer: Jennifer L. Busone
Seller: Bonnie A. Galenski
Date: 10/31/14

128 Rocky Hill Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $387,500
Buyer: City Of Northampton
Seller: Carol Hewes
Date: 10/24/14

237 Spring Grove Ave.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $242,500
Buyer: Elizabeth L. Mercer
Seller: Marjorie L. Harrington
Date: 10/22/14

276 State St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Linda Putnam
Seller: Elizabeth A. Falkenthal
Date: 10/30/14

26 Sumner Ave.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Nooni Hammarlund
Seller: Bryan N. Lombardi
Date: 10/30/14

51 Vernon St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $457,000
Buyer: Stephen Petegorsky
Seller: David J. Lalima
Date: 10/27/14

SOUTH HADLEY

246 Brainerd St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $331,000
Buyer: Andreas Zinner
Seller: Michael A. Chmura
Date: 10/31/14

113 East St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $327,500
Buyer: Paul S. Kandel
Seller: Katie L. Stefanik
Date: 10/20/14

141 Granby Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $152,500
Buyer: Ruby Z. Khan
Seller: Eleanor M. Contini
Date: 10/31/14

340 Granby Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $202,500
Buyer: Lauren Emery
Seller: Glen E. Kotfila
Date: 10/22/14

16 Michael Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Jeffrey W. Dupaul
Seller: David J. Boutin
Date: 10/30/14

44 Pittroff Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $231,000
Buyer: Dana R. Sicard
Seller: George W. Dewolfe
Date: 10/30/14

22 Spring Meadows
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Michael R. Matty
Seller: Stephen Doyle
Date: 10/22/14

4 Stewart St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $192,000
Buyer: Raymond V. Hebert
Seller: Mark R. Marion
Date: 10/31/14

18 Summit St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $222,000
Buyer: Shannon K. Dasilva
Seller: Peter A. Gallivan
Date: 10/20/14

23 Tampa St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $164,900
Buyer: Kyle E. Rodrigues
Seller: Anne Pappas
Date: 10/31/14

6 Yale St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: Christopher F. Geraghty
Seller: Francis W. Geraghty
Date: 10/22/14

SOUTHAMPTON

22 Bluemer Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $167,500
Buyer: Darcelle A. Ward
Seller: Barbara J. Calisch
Date: 10/30/14

83 College Hwy.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: TBH Realty LLC
Seller: Daniel T. Hatzipetro
Date: 10/27/14

96 Gunn Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $452,500
Buyer: Richard S. Lyman
Seller: James F. Boyle
Date: 10/31/14

87 Maple St.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $303,000
Seller: Doreen A. Boisjoli
Date: 10/23/14

199 Pomeroy Meadow Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $348,000
Buyer: Gary Sheldon
Seller: Richard C. Ziomek
Date: 10/21/14

WARE

88 Coffey Hill Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: James A. Beaudry
Seller: Martin R. Bolduc
Date: 10/31/14

133 North St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $196,500
Buyer: Taylor B. Williams
Seller: Kenneth Fitzgibbon
Date: 10/20/14

51 West St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Heat Pro Inc.
Seller: Jean E. Broom
Date: 10/27/14

WILLIAMSBURG

161 Main St.
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: John J. Svoboda
Seller: Emma F. Karowski
Date: 10/21/14

4 Nash Hill Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Adrienne Deluca
Seller: Andrew P. Soles
Date: 10/23/14

80 South St.
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Laura T. Garcia
Seller: Robert J. Bihler
Date: 10/24/14

Doing Business as Certificates

DBA Certificates Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of November 2014.

AGAWAM

4tion Skateboards
206 Garden St.
Dylan Copella

AFIS, LLC
365 Main St.
Steven Zicolella

Enigma HVAC
33 Norman Terrace
Irina Kuzmenko

Happy Home Maid Service
101 Sylvan Lane
Laura Vieu

CHICOPEE

Chuck’s Auto Sales, LLC
78 West St.
Charles Swider

Eric’s Sales
103 Lukasik St.
Eric Ladabouche

Salon Bocage
766 Memorial Dr.
Lisa A. Allen

St. Amand Services
32 Highland Ave.
Jessica St. Amand

HOLYOKE

Action Figure Planet
50 Holyoke St.
Nancy Cote

Amy’s Hallmark
50 Holyoke St.
Buzook Vitt

Dunkin Donuts
330 Main St.
Lori Martins

Dunkin Donuts
1600 Northampton St.
Lori Martins

Paper City Cuts 2
522 South St.
Jose M. Lopez

NORTHAMPTON

Karmel Kreations
25 Franklin St.
Selena Dittberner

Pixel Edge
109 High St.
Sunergix Inc.

Red Barn Honey Company
43 Fort Hill Terrace
Richard Conner

Skyline Design
209 Locust St.
Douglas Ferrante

Sushi City
228 King St.
Soe Naing

Toad’s Kin Car Company
5 Middle St.
Radley Nutting

PALMER

A-Z Heating & Cooling
17 Lafayette St.
Kevin Zawaliki

Al’s Heating & Plumbing
37 Stimson St.
Eric Nareau

Blockberries
65 Jim Ash St.
David Whitney

Family Produce Market
54 Commercial St.
Gidget Jolly

Hollywood Nails
1411 Main St.
Linh Lee

PG Building & Remodeling
54 Charles St.
Peter Gorski

Target Engineering
111 Woodland Heights
Norman Leclair

SPRINGFIELD

Kate Transportation
44 Montgomery St.
Catherine Kamau

La Primera Iglesia Elahim
113 Orchard St.
Carmen Rodriguez

Mamajuana Roasted Chicken
30 Fort Pleasant Ave.
Christian Flores

Manna Chinese Food
44 Springfield St.
Hua Y. Ou

Martinelli, Martini & Gall
82 Maple St.
Paul R. Gallagher

Metro Apartment, LLC
908 Belmont Ave.
Peter J. Houser

Midway Barber & Company
1106 State St.
Thomas Allen

Painter Plus Floors
91 Portulaca Dr.
Gilfrey Gregory

Powell Construction Company
11 Preston St.
Lillian Moultrie

South End Smoke and Grocer
469 Main St.
Manirakiza Jamari

The Rich Look Fine Auto
36 Amity Court
Richard D. Manning

The Touch of NYC Hair Studio
680 Sumner Ave.
Sophia C. Evans

Word Barista
79 James St.
Cheryl D. Noel

WESTFIELD

Alessio’s Pizza Inc.
280 Southampton Road
Alessio’s Pizza, Inc.

Have Comedy Will Travel
36 Moseley Ave.
Steven L. Henderson

Menard Construction & Design
46 Stuart Place
Dennis Menard

Mlisyany Direct
1 Brentwood Dr.
Mlisyany Direct

Roadrunner Express
772 West Road
Thomas Sorel

Briefcase

Briefcase Departments

EDC Names Sullivan New President, CEO
SPRINGFIELD — Richard Sullivan, former mayor of Westfield and currently chief of staff for Gov. Deval Patrick, has been chosen to become president and CEO of the Economic Development Council of Western Mass., succeeding Alan Blair, who will retire Dec. 31. Sullivan prevailed in a lengthy search for Blair’s successor that began when Blair announced his intention to retire almost a year ago. Sullivan, an attorney, brings to the job a résumé that includes a lengthy stint as Westfield’s mayor as well as work with the Patrick administration, first as commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Recreation, then as secretary of the Mass. Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, and then as chief of staff, a position he assumed in June.

Massachusetts Adds 1,200 Jobs in October
BOSTON — The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) reported that preliminary estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show Massachusetts added 1,200 jobs in October for a total preliminary estimate of 3,424,600. The October total unemployment rate remained unchanged at 6.0%. Since October 2013, Massachusetts has added a net of 52,600 jobs, with 50,400 jobs added in the private sector. The total unemployment rate for the year is down 1.2% from the October 2013 rate of 7.2%. BLS also revised its September job estimates to a 7,800-job gain from the 9,400-gain previously reported for the month. Here’s an October 2014 employment overview:
• Information added 1,900 jobs (+2.0%) over the month. Over the year, the sector added 7,900 jobs (+9.1%);
• Construction gained 1,300 jobs (+1.1%) over the month. Over the year, the sector has added 2,400 jobs (+2.0%);
• Education and Health Services added 800 jobs (+0.1%) over the month. Over the year, the sector gained 16,000 jobs (+2.2%);
• Professional, Scientific and Business Services gained 200 jobs (0.1%) over the month. Over the year, the sector added 14,500 jobs (+2.9%);
• Other Services had no change in its jobs level over the month. Over the year, Other Services are up 1,100 jobs (+0.9%);
• Trade, Transportation, and Utilities lost 1,800 jobs (-0.3%) over the month. Over the year, the sector gained 7,200 jobs (+1.3%);
• Leisure and Hospitality lost 1,500 jobs (-0.4%) over the month. Over the year, the sector added 100 jobs (0.1%);
• Financial Activities lost 500 jobs (-0.2%) over the month. Over the year, the sector added 1,900 jobs (+0.9%);
• Manufacturing lost 400 jobs (-0.2%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Manufacturing lost 700 jobs (-0.3%); and
• Government added 1,200 jobs (+0.3%) over the month. Over the year, the sector gained 2,200 jobs (+0.5%).
The October 2014 estimates show 3,334,800 Massachusetts residents were employed and 211,000 were unemployed, for a total labor force of 3,545,800. The October labor force increased by 14,100 from 3,531,700 in September, as 16,400 more residents were employed and 2,300 fewer residents were unemployed over the month. The labor force was an estimated 61,800 above the 3,484,000 October 2013 estimate, with 100,600 more residents employed and 38,800 fewer residents unemployed. The unemployment rate is based on a monthly sample of households. The job estimates are derived from a monthly sample survey of employers. As a result, the two statistics may exhibit different monthly trends.

Baystate Health Opens TechSpring Center
SPRINGFIELD — Representatives from companies that are developing new products to improve healthcare joined leaders from Baystate Health, the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, and a host of elected officials on Nov. 14 to celebrate the opening of TechSpring, Baystate Health’s technology innovation center based in Springfield’s emerging innovation district. The facility will match private enterprises with partners and expertise from Baystate to take on some of healthcare’s most difficult challenges.
TechSpring owes its existence in large part to a $5.5 million grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, an investment agency charged with implementing Gov. Deval Patrick’s 10-year, $1 billion Life Sciences Initiative that supports life-sciences innovation, research, development, and commercialization. “Being part of the innovation ecosystem that’s developing in downtown Springfield was a major incentive for us in locating here,” said Joel Vengco, Baystate Health’s vice president of Information & Technology and chief information officer. “There is very real potential and a strong foundation in our community for real progress in creating employment and economic opportunities in the areas of healthcare technology and informatics. The fact that these innovators and companies have come here to invest time and resources is a testament to the potential here, and we’re thrilled to be part of it.” TechSpring, which is housed at 1350 Main St. in downtown Springfield, is already hosting work between Baystate and private-industry partners to create new technology solutions and products that could be used to improve health outcomes. TechSpring’s founding sponsors and innovation partners are IBM, Premier Inc., Cerner Corp., Dell, Medecision, and Mainline Information Systems. All are engaging in collaborative work and product development in the new space. “In this space, my colleagues and their industry partners are putting information technology to work in service of better health outcomes for people here in our community and across the nation,” said Dr. Mark Keroack, president and CEO of Baystate Health. “They’re also working toward bringing opportunity — a real potential for better economic health — for our city and our community. We’re very proud to be here downtown, and we’re proud of the partnerships on display, with industry, with academia. and with government.”

Patrick Announces $1.5 Million for Water-technology Innovation
AMHERST – Gov. Deval Patrick announced $1.5 million in funding to build on his administration’s efforts to make Massachusetts a hub for the emerging water-innovation sector. Patrick was joined by UMass Amherst and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials as they announced $4.1 million in federal funding for a national center for drinking-water innovation at the university. “All over the world and right here at home in the Commonwealth, water challenges are threatening the environment and the economy,” said Patrick. “Investing in the development of water-innovation technologies not only protects precious natural resources and public health, but creates high-quality local jobs.” The Water Infrastructure Bill, signed by Patrick in August, calls for $1.5 million in investments from the Mass. Department of Environmental Protection for water innovation. The federally funded center will be one of two national research centers focused on testing and demonstrating cutting-edge technologies for small drinking-water systems. The Patrick administration, through MassCEC, matched the federal investment with a $100,000 grant. “Under Gov. Patrick’s leadership, Massachusetts has pursued cost-effective innovations to address environmental concerns,” said Curt Spalding, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s regional administrator for New England. “We are very pleased to join the governor as both the EPA and the Commonwealth announce investments in further research and technology development at UMass Amherst that will help continue to provide clean and safe drinking water to people.” Providing safe, clean drinking water is critical for maintaining the health and security of the Commonwealth, said UMass Amherst Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy. “Researchers here at UMass Amherst are on the front lines of efforts to make sure that clean water is a reality for all our communities and citizens. This new funding will help the Commonwealth’s flagship campus make an important contribution to this key public need.” During the Massachusetts-Israel Innovation Partnership (MIIP) mission in May, Patrick announced the winners of the first MIIP water-innovation challenge. The governor made this announcement with Israeli Chief Scientist Avi Hasson during the U.S.-Israel Connected Summit “Going Global with Water Tech” forum. The MIIP was launched in 2011 as a direct result of Patrick’s first innovation-partnership mission to Israel. During that 10-day trade mission in March 2011, a coalition of the state’s leading business executives and senior government officials explored growth opportunities of common interest to Massachusetts’ and Israel’s innovation industries. During that mission, Patrick and Shalom Simhon, Israeli minister of Economy, signed a memorandum of understanding in Jerusalem resulting in this partnership. “Safe, reliable drinking water has always been a critical need. In the 21st century, we will need to develop new technologies to meet growing demand,” said U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern. “I’m pleased that the federal government is joining with the Commonwealth and UMass Amherst in this promising effort.”

Women’s Fund to Issue $240,000 in Grant Funding
EASTHAMPTON — The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts (WFWM) announced the availability of $240,000 in grant funding for organizations that serve women and girls in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties. Grant recipients will each receive $60,000 over three years to deploy innovative programs that help shift the landscape for women and girls within the agency’s focus areas of educational access and success, economic justice, and safety and freedom from violence. Grant applications will be available on the WFWM website on Jan. 10 and will be due on March 23. “Due to renewed and expanded investments from community members in the Women’s Fund mission, we are thrilled to be able to offer another round of multi-year grants in 2015,” said Elizabeth Barajas-Román, chief executive officer of the WFWM. “Multi-year grants allow us to partner with organizations in a sustained way that helps make a significant impact in communities. This funding will increase our ability to scale up and positively affect the lives of women and girls.” Successful applications will demonstrate meaningful partnerships among two or more organizations, agencies, or projects. “We know that effective solutions require creative collaboration,” said Barajas-Román. In addition to the financial award, the Women’s Fund will invest an additional $20,000 into each grantee by giving each project the opportunity to select two staff, constituents, or board members as participants of the Women’s Fund’s Leadership Institute for Political and Public Impact (LIPPI). LIPPI, a Women’s Fund program, has equipped 200 women from across Western Mass. to become civic leaders in their communities; to impact policy on the local, state, and national levels; and to seek and retain elected positions. Since 1997, the WFWM has awarded more than $2 million to more than 150 nonprofit organizations, impacting more than 80,000 women and girls.

Company Notebook

Company Notebook Departments

Florence Bank Opens New Hadley Branch
HADLEY — Florence Bank, a mutually owned savings bank serving the Pioneer Valley through nine branch locations, celebrated the opening of its new Hadley location at 377 Russell St. last month, with local and state officials, as well as more than 100 well-wishers. Florence Bank CEO John Heaps Jr. and bank officials were joined by State Senate Majority Leader Stan Rosenberg, state Rep. John Scibak, Hadley Town Administrator David Nixon, and Amherst Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Don Courtemanche, along with customers, friends, and supporters who turned out to welcome the bank to its new home. In addition to the ribbon cutting, bank officials officially dedicated a new tractor weathervane, which sits atop the new building, to the Devine family of Hadley. John Devine, who was a lifelong farmer and a member of Hadley’s Planning Board, was instrumental in recommending that the bank consider a cupola and weathervane as part of the new building’s design. Bank officials wanted to do something to honor the memory of Devine, who passed away unexpectedly a year ago. Florence Bank Senior Vice President Sharon Rogalski presented a replica of the weathervane to John Devine Jr., who accepted the gift on behalf of his family. Toby Daniels, vice president and branch manager of the Hadley Branch, will continue in that role in the new location. “Hadley has been our home for nearly 20 years,” said Heaps. “We are especially pleased to renew our commitment to this community with our new location. We thank our many customers and friends for their ongoing support and look forward to serving everyone for years to come.”

PeoplesBank Named a ‘Top Place To Work’
HOLYOKE — Recently, the Boston Globe recognized PeoplesBank as a “Top Place to Work” for the third year in a row. Massachusetts-based companies that are eligible for Top Place to Work consideration undergo a rigorous evaluation by survey firm WorkplaceDynamics. More than 76,000 individuals’ responses were submitted by the companies regarding key factors related to employee happiness, company direction, execution, employee connection, work load and responsibility, management, and pay and benefits.  “While there is definite value in these indicators, many signs of recovery cannot be boiled down to pure economics,” said Boston Globe Business Editor Mark Pothier. “The companies on our Top Places to Work list foster productivity and innovation by investing in the happiness of their employees, which cannot solely be measured in dollars and cents.” Said Douglas Bowen, president and CEO of PeoplesBank, “our intent was to establish the values and culture necessary to support a great organization. Over time, we learned that those values and that culture would improve our bottom line and make PeoplesBank a top place to work.” Employee engagement is critical to a high-performance culture, according to Janice Mazzallo, executive vice president and chief human resource officer at PeoplesBank. “Associates become engaged when they know we care about them,” she said. “We want to know their ideas, so we have associate think tanks. We want them to grow, so we have innovative development programs, mentoring, and learning centers. And we want to encourage life-work balance because our values are abou more than just work. We need to have fun, too.” As part of the Top Place to Work award to PeoplesBank, the Boston Globe highlighted two efforts by bank associates. The first, called the Smoothie Patrol, started at an associates’ organized wellness fair and was so well-received that associates decided to take it on the road and make surprise visits to each of the bank’s 17 offices. Xiaolei Hua, an assistant vice president and credit officer at PeoplesBank and Habitat for Humanity volunteer, was interviewed by the Boston Globe regarding the bank’s support of volunteerism. “I know that the bank cares about more than just getting the work done,” Hua told the paper. “They care about me, my family, and the community.”

Polish National Credit Union Donates $15,000 to Westfield Senior Center
WESTFIELD — At a check-presentation ceremony last month, Polish National Credit Union made a $15,000 donation to the capital campaign of Friends of the Westfield Senior Center Inc. The donation was made at the Westfield River Branch of the PNCU by Branch Manager Cynthia Houle to Friends of the Westfield Senior Center’s board of directors. PNCU President and CEO James Kelly commented on the credit union’s commitment to the Westfield community. “Our branch in Westfield is one of our largest and most vibrant locations, and we enjoy being involved in supporting the community in any way we can. The new senior center is going to be a wonderful asset to the community, and PNCU is thrilled to be a part of it.” The donation will be used for furnishings at the new senior center, currently under construction on Noble Street in Westfield. “The Polish National donation will enable us to provide comfortable furniture and accessories for the new senior center that Westfield’s seniors will benefit from for years to come,” said board member Tom Keenan. “Polish National is genuinely concerned about the community and making Westfield a better place to live.” Founded in 1921, Polish National Credit Union is one of the largest credit unions in the Pioneer Valley. Headquartered on Main Street in Chicopee, the credit union operates full-service branches in Chicopee, Granby, Westfield, Southampton, Hampden, and Wilbraham.

Grainger Foundation Supports STCC Foundation
SPRINGFIELD — The Grainger Foundation, an independent, private foundation located in Lake Forest, Ill., has donated $5,000 to the Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) Foundation in support of its Foundation Innovation Grant program. “This grant will be used to help us continue to support faculty and staff innovation here at STCC,” said President Ira Rubenzahl. “The Foundation Innovation Grant program helps us to improve excellence in the delivery of academic or student retention services at STCC. We are grateful to the Grainger Foundation for its generosity and in helping us to continue our mission.” In addition to the contribution from the Grainger Foundation, the STCC Foundation will match Grainger’s $5,000 contribution this year. Foundation Innovation Grants are awarded in the spring. “We want to thank the Grainger Foundation for its generous support,” said STCC Foundation President Kevin Sweeney. “With their assistance, the STCC Foundation will continue its commitment to support innovative projects at the college that promote community impact, economic growth, workforce development, and quality of life in our region.” The donation to the STCC Foundation was recommended by John Duffy, market manager of W.W. Grainger Inc.’s Springfield location. Grainger has been a part of the Western Mass. business community for nearly 40 years as the leading broad-line supplier of maintenance, repair, and operating products. “We are proud to recommend the programs offered by STCC,” said Duffy. “We understand the need for active engagement and partnership between our technical education providers, businesses, and the community.” The Grainger Foundation was established in 1949 by William Grainger, founder of W.W. Grainger Inc.

Mercy Hosts Topping-off Event for Cancer Center
SPRINGFIELD — The construction project to expand the Sr. Caritas Cancer Center at Mercy Medical Center is on schedule, and a topping-off ceremony was held Nov. 20 to mark the completion of the project’s main structure with the placement of the top steel beam. A topping-off ceremony is a tradition within the construction industry and is held when the highest structural point in the building construction is attained. To celebrate this event, the last steel girder is signed, lifted into place, and welded to the structure. A small evergreen tree and the American flag are also secured to the girder as it is hoisted to the top of the structure. The tree is meant to represent the strength of the new building and the desire for the construction project to remain injury-free. The $15 million expansion of the Sr. Caritas Cancer Center, which will add an additional 26,000 square feet of space on two levels, is designed to provide more comprehensive care delivery and added convenience for patients. In addition to radiation-oncology services, medical-oncology offices, physician offices, and exam rooms will be located on the first floor. Medical-oncology treatment and infusion space, an oncology pharmacy, and laboratory space will be located on the second floor.

Court Dockets

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
Calise & Sons Bakery Inc. v. East Baking Co. Inc.
Allegation: False advertising and breach of contract: $26,000
Filed: 11/7/14

Datto Inc. v. Haselkorn Inc.
Allegation: Breach of equipment lease: $143,704
Filed: 10/30/14

Mark Lizak v. Apria Health Care, LLC
Allegation: Product liability: $13,593
Filed: 10/20/14

Perkins Paper, LLC v. Daily Harvest Café Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $91,147.42
Filed: 10/27/14

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT
Hap Inc. v. Certain Underwriters of Lloyd’s London and Bresnahan Insurance Agency Inc.
Allegation: Breach of insurance policy: $99,000+
Filed: 10/3/14

Kenneth Williams v. Thibault Fuel Inc.
Allegation: Negligent operation of motor vehicle causing injury: $25,444.86
Filed: 10/20/14

Teresa O’Shea v. Florence Pizza and Family Restaurant
Allegation: Negligent maintenance of property causing injury: $289,365.20
Filed: 10/6/14

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT
David W. Kretchmar v. Burris Logistics, Inc. d/b/a Burris Springfield, LLC and Jason James
Allegation: Violation of the Wage Act: $4,149.76
Filed: 11/5/14

PALMER DISTRICT COURT
Lynn Baker v. East Longmeadow Methodist Church
Allegation: Negligent maintenance of property causing slip and fall: $2,888.80
Filed: 11/5/14

St. Clair Landscaping Inc. v. Northern Tree Service
Allegation: Non-payment for labor and materials: $6,394
Filed: 9/4/14

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Amelia Goldrup p/p/a Trista Nadolski v. Peanuts Daycare Inc.
Allegation: Breach of duty of care and failure to adequately supervise: $912.50
Filed: 10/1/14

Comcast Spotlight Inc. v. Adrian Construction Co.
Allegation: Non-payment of advertising services provided: $2,580.16
Filed: 10/6/14

Marlene Johnson v. Kenton Johnson d/b/a A.T.C. Home Improvement, LLC
Allegation: Breach of contract: $7,824.72
Filed: 11/10/14

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Advance Me Inc. v. Lawrence Bannish d/b/a Feed Warehouse
Allegation: Breach of contract: $27,284.26
Filed: 8/28/2014

Capital One Bank v. Jason Liacos and Liacos Landscaping
Allegation: Non-payment on credit account: $12,934.94
Filed: 10/28/14

Patricia Scuderi v. Scuderi’s Inc. d/b/a Crabby Joe’s
Allegation: No compensation for hours worked: $11,942.87
Filed: 9/22/14

Funding Announced for Environmental Projects in Lenox, Pittsfield

By BusinessWest Staff November 25, 2014

LENOX, PITTSFIELD — Gov. Deval Patrick recently joined state environmental officials and local officials to announce $1.2 million in capital funding to support environmental projects at Baker’s Pond in Lenox and Berkshire Community College in Pittsfield, enhancing existing natural habitats and improving recreational opportunities for residents.

“Growth requires investment, and creating and upgrading recreational parks and open spaces while also providing important community resources will help create growth and opportunity across the commonwealth,” Patrick said. “This investment will improve the lives of Massachusetts children and families now and for generations to come.”

The administration’s $125,000 investment in Baker’s Pond will assist in the final phase of restoration of the pond. The removal of invasive species and water-quality improvements will preserve the habitat for wildlife species and make it a more appealing destination for visitors to Kennedy Park. Berkshire Community College’s Life Sciences Department will work with the town to ensure proper removal of any invasive species and the complete restoration of the pond.

“Safe, reliable drinking water has always been a critical need. In the 21st century, we will need to develop new technologies to meet growing demand,” said U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern. “I’m pleased that the federal government is joining with the Commonwealth and UMass Amherst in this promising effort.”

Baker’s Pond has a history of recreational use, but, after a small dam breach, the pond fell into disrepair, resulting in the growth of invasive plant and animal species. With ongoing improvements, the pond is once again becoming an attraction for tourists and hikers, as well as a habitat for endangered amphibian species.

The city of Pittsfield was also awarded $1.1 million to ensure proper drainage and wetland protection as Berkshire Community College works to construct an athletic field on campus, the first of its kind in Berkshire County. The athletic-field location is north of a vernal pool, certified by the Natural Heritage Endangered Species Program, making it important for the project to be environmentally sensitive in order to preserve habitat for plants and animals.

“Gov. Patrick has demonstrated a strong commitment to Pittsfield an Berkshire County,” said Mayor Daniel Bianchi. “The city of Pittsfield is pleased to join the governor in a financial commitment for the environmental restoration and construction of the new Berkshire Community College turf field. The new field will provide an athletic hub from Berkshire County and beyond. I look forward to the new events that the BCC turf field will bring to Pittsfield.”

Christopher Heights Development Project Breaks Ground

By BusinessWest Staff November 25, 2014

NORTHAMPTON — Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Undersecretary Aaron Gornstein recently joined representatives of the Grantham Group, Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz, MassDevelopment President and CEO Marty Jones, and state and local officials to break ground on the Christopher Heights assisted-living community in Northampton.

“Christopher Heights is an important step toward the goal of expanding our supply of affordable housing for all of our citizens in the Commonwealth,” said Gornstein. “DHCD is pleased to assist with this development that will not only provide new housing opportunities for the elderly, but will stimulate local economic activity. We congratulate Grantham Group and appreciate the leadership of Mayor Narkewicz and other local, state, and federal officials who have helped make this project a reality.”

Christopher Heights will be the newest development in Village Hill, a 126-acre mixed-use community located on the site of the former Northampton State Hospital. Christopher Heights is expected to open in the fall of 2015 and will have 83 assisted-living units, of which 43 are designated for low-income seniors. Seventeen of the 43 affordable units will be reserved for households earning less than 30% of the area median income. Christopher Heights also has locations in Worcester, Webster, Attleboro, and Marlborough.

“We are excited to bring our expertise in assisted-living development and management to the Northampton State Hospital redevelopment known as Village Hill,” said Grantham Group Managing Director Walter Ohanian. “We look forward to serving the senior population who will benefit from the housing and services of an affordable assisted-living community.”

The Grantham Group estimates that the project will create 65 construction jobs for the area. Once built, there will be another 40 permanent jobs at the facility.

“This exciting new addition to the Village Hill community will provide affordable assisted-living housing for our local seniors,” said state Rep. Peter Kocot. “I want to congratulate the Grantham Group, Undersecretary Gornstein, and Gov. Patrick for their leadership and commitment to developing affordable housing for people of all ages.”

Since 2007, the Patrick administration has invested more than $1 billion in state and federal resources to create 24,000 units of housing, of which approximately 22,000 are affordable. In Northampton, DHCD has invested more than $7.6 million to preserve or create 98 units of housing, 95 of which are affordable, for veterans, those who are institutionalized or at-risk of institutionalization, and low-income households.

Massachusetts Adds 1,200 Jobs in October

By BusinessWest Staff November 21, 2014

BOSTON — The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) reported this week that preliminary estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show Massachusetts added 1,200 jobs in October for a total preliminary estimate of 3,424,600. The October total unemployment rate remained unchanged at 6.0%. Since October 2013, Massachusetts has added a net of 52,600 jobs, with 50,400 jobs added in the private sector. The total unemployment rate for the year is down 1.2% from the October 2013 rate of 7.2%. BLS also revised its September job estimates to a 7,800-job gain from the 9,400-gain previously reported for the month. Here’s an October 2014 employment overview:
• Information added 1,900 jobs (+2.0%) over the month. Over the year, the sector added 7,900 jobs (+9.1%);
• Construction gained 1,300 jobs (+1.1%) over the month. Over the year, the sector has added 2,400 jobs (+2.0%);
• Education and Health Services added 800 jobs (+0.1%) over the month. Over the year, the sector Education gained 16,000 jobs (+2.2%);
• Professional, Scientific and Business Services gained 200 jobs (0.0%) over the month. Over the year, the sector added 14,500 jobs (+2.9%);
• Other Services had no change in its jobs level over the month. Over the year, Other Services jobs are up 1,100 jobs (+0.9%);
• Trade, Transportation and Utilities lost 1,800 jobs (-0.3%) over the month. Over the year, the sector gained 7,200 (+1.3%) jobs;
• Leisure and Hospitality lost 1,500 jobs (-0.4%) jobs over the month. Over the year, the sector added 100 (0.0%) jobs;
• Financial Activities lost 500 jobs (-0.2%) over the month. Over the year, the sector added 1,900 jobs (+0.9%);
• Manufacturing lost 400 jobs (-0.2%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Manufacturing lost 700 jobs (-0.3%); and
• Government added 1,200 jobs (+0.3%) over the month. Over the year, the sector gained 2,200 jobs (+0.5%).

The October 2014 estimates show 3,334,800 Massachusetts residents were employed and 211,000 were unemployed, for a total labor force of 3,545,800. The October labor force increased by 14,100 from 3,531,700 in September, as 16,400 more residents were employed and 2,300 fewer residents were unemployed over the month. The labor force was an estimated 61,800 above the 3,484,000 October 2013 estimate, with 100,600 more residents employed and 38,800 fewer residents unemployed. The unemployment rate is based on a monthly sample of households. The job estimates are derived from a monthly sample survey of employers. As a result, the two statistics may exhibit different monthly trends.

Polish National Credit Union Donates $15,000 to Westfield Senior Center

By BusinessWest Staff November 21, 2014

WESTFIELD — At a check presentation ceremony on November 13, the Polish National Credit Union made a $15,000 donation to the capital campaign of the Friends of the Westfield Senior Center Inc. The donation was made at the Westfield River Branch of the PNCU by Branch Manager Cynthia L. Houle, to the Friends of the Westfield Senior Center’s board of directors. PNCU President and CEO James Kelly, commented on the credit union’s commitment to the Westfield community. “Our branch in Westfield is one of our largest and most vibrant locations, and we enjoy being involved in supporting the community in any way we can. The new Senior Center is going to be a wonderful asset to the community and PNCU is thrilled to be a part of it.” The donation will be used for furnishings at the new senior center, currently under construction on Noble Street in Westfield. “The Polish National donation will enable us to provide comfortable furniture and accessories for the new Senior Center that Westfield’s seniors will benefit from for years to come,” said board member Tom Keenan. “Polish National is genuinely concerned about the community and making Westfield a better place to live.”

Founded in 1921, The Polish National Credit Union is one of the largest credit unions in the Pioneer Valley. Headquartered on Main Street in Chicopee, the credit union operates full-service branches in Chicopee Center, Granby, Westfield, Southampton, Hampden, and Wilbraham.

Baystate Medical Announces Temporary Traffic Change

By BusinessWest Staff November 20, 2014

SPRINGFIELD — Access to Baystate Medical Center, including Baystate Children’s Hospital and the Medical Office Building, via the hospital’s Medical Center Drive entrance off Springfield Street will be temporarily closed to both vehicular and pedestrian starting Nov. 22 for one month.
The closure will not affect access to the hospital’s Emergency and Trauma Center, Wesson, and Chestnut Buildings, all of which remains the same.  The change in traffic pattern is necessary in order to provide space on Medical Center Drive, between the Daly Building main entrance and Springfield Street, for a large crane required for the installation of a new air handling unit, part of the hospital’s continuing efforts to upgrade its facilities.

During the approximately four weeks of construction and installation of the air handler on the hospital roof, access to Baystate Medical Center will be via the Chapin Terrace end of Medical Center Drive. Signs off both I-91 north and southbound will direct vehicle traffic south on Springfield Street to Chapin Terrace. The project is expected to be complete on or about Dec. 20. Also, the PVTA will temporarily suspend service to its bus stop on Medical Center Drive, and will bring riders to its stop on Chestnut Street, where they will be directed to enter the hospital through the Wesson Building. “Our goal is to continue to provide easy access to Baystate Medical Center and the Medical Office Building, and to ensure patients, visitors, and employees can safely get where they need to go. We’ll put in place plenty of signage, police redirecting traffic at the closed-off entrance on Springfield Street, and valet parkers who will further assist people in reaching their destination,” said Louis Faassen, manager of Construction Services, Facilities Planning and Engineering, Baystate Medical Center.
For more information on Baystate Medical Center, visit baystatehealth.org/bmc.

Mercy Medical Center to Host ‘Topping Off’ Ceremony

By BusinessWest Staff November 19, 2014

SPRINGFIELD — The construction project to expand the Sister Caritas Cancer Center at Mercy Medical Center is on schedule, and a ‘topping off’ ceremony will be held Nov. 20 to mark the completion of the project’s main structure with the placement of the top steel beam. A topping off ceremony is a tradition within the construction industry and is held when the highest structural point in the building construction is attained. To celebrate this event, the last steel girder is signed, lifted into place and welded to the structure. A small evergreen tree and the American flag are also secured to the girder as it is hoisted to the top of the structure. The tree is meant to represent the strength of the new building and the desire for the construction project to remain injury-free. The $15 million expansion of the Sister Caritas Cancer Center, which will add an additional 26,000 square feet of space on two levels, is designed to provide more comprehensive care delivery and added convenience for patients. In addition to Radiation Oncology services, Medical Oncology offices, physician offices and exam rooms will be located on the first floor. Medical Oncology treatment and infusion space, an oncology pharmacy and laboratory space will be located on the second floor.

The Countdown Begins

Features

Casino Project Generates Challenges, Anticipation

A panoramic view of the section of Springfield’s South End that will be transformed into MGM’s $800 million casino complex.

Thirty-three months.

That’s how long MGM Resorts International has to complete construction on its $800 million casino complex in Springfield’s South End, according to the host-community agreement inked early this year.

That means August 2017, if you haven’t already done the math.

Kevin Kennedy, Springfield’s chief development officer, said the city (or MGM) might eventually erect one of those digital displays that counts down the months, days, hours, minutes, and seconds until something starts, as cities hosting the Olympics have done. But even without such a device, everyone involved will know that the clock is ticking — and that time, as that old saying goes, is money.

That’s why MGM didn’t put this project aside during the four months between when it was announced that a measure to repeal the state’s gaming law would appear on the election ballot and when it was soundly defeated, said Mike Mathis, president of MGM Springfield.

“There was a mandate from our chairman, Jim Murren, and our president, Bill Hornbuckle, an attitude that ‘we’re going to win this on Nov. 4, so let’s keep the intensity up so we don’t lose that time,’” said Mathis, adding that work pressed on with everything from final design to workforce-development issues to the overall timetable for what will easily be the largest construction project in this region’s history.

In some ways, this initiative will look like one of those 1960s-style urban-renewal projects, said those we spoke with, noting that several buildings, many of them damaged by the June 2011 tornado, will be torn down within the 14.5-acre site, and a number of businesses will be relocated to make way for the casino project. But it will also be different in many respects.

Indeed, this will be a private project, one that won’t bulldoze an area, but rather preserve many buildings within it, including historic 101 State St. — the original home of MassMutual — as well as First Spiritual Church and the façade of distinctive 73 State St. And instead of taking taxpaying properties off the rolls, as many of those massive urban-renewal projects did, this one will raise the amount of taxes generated within those 16 acres from $634,000 at present to $17.6 million when the casino opens its doors.

Mathis, who has been involved with several MGM casino initiatives, in this country and abroad, said the Springfield project presents some distinctive challenges — and opportunities — with its urban setting, its location in a state that has no experience with gaming at this level, and its so-called inside-out design.

“They’re all unique, but this is particularly unique, because of the integration with the existing downtown environment; this is not a greenfield project,” he explained. “There’s no template in our portfolio for a project like this, but that said, we’ve built in challenging environments at major scale, so this is certainly within our wheelhouse.”

Mike Mathis says MGM’s Springfield casino complex is unique in many respects, and thus it presents a number of challenges.

Mathis said work has already commenced on the site, with some soil testing underway, as well as surveying and preliminary work to attain excavation permits. The first component of the complex to take shape will be a 3,500-car parking garage that will sit on the site of the tornado-damaged Zanetti School, said Mathis, noting that the casino project will take a number of existing surface parking spaces offline in the South End. He expects that facility to be completed over the next 12 to 14 months.

Next will come the hotel tower, which will incorporate the façade of 73 State St. into its design, as well as other components on what Mathis called “parallel tracks.” These include retail areas, a projected 50 units of market-rate housing near the casino site, and other facilities. Many of those components will be preceded by demolition of existing structures, including the school, the Western Mass. Correctional Alcohol Center on Howard Street, and a retail complex on Main Street, among others, and the relocation of roughly 20 businesses.

Meeting that 33-month mandate will be challenging on many levels, especially if the planned I-91 viaduct reconstruction project takes place at the same time, as expected. But all parties involved — MGM, the city, and the state — have no shortage of incentives to meet that timetable.

For this issue, BusinessWest talked with Mathis, Kennedy, and others about what the next 33 months might be like. The words heard most often were ‘challenging’ and ‘exciting.’

The Suspense Is Building

Kennedy, who has played a role in several development projects — from the new federal courthouse to significant improvements to State Street to Union Station — in his current role and also as aide to U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, said the casino will be like those initiatives in some ways, but there are important differences that might actually make the MGM complex a smoother, easier undertaking.

“The scale is obviously much different than anything we’ve ever done here in Springfield before — there haven’t been any $800 million projects,” he told BusinessWest. “However, the nature of the projects and how a project gets done … they’re all pretty similar in terms of permitting, demolition, and all the things that will happen here.

“But in terms of complications, while this is the largest economic-development project we’ve undertaken, the complexity of it, from a government standpoint, is actually less than either the U.S. courthouse and State Street,” he went on. “On the courthouse, not only did we have to make deals with property owners, tear down a portion of Technical High School, and move the Alexander House, but this was a three-tiered governmental project — there was federal, state, and local involvement, and everyone has their regulatory issues. And when you’re redoing 3.2 miles of State Street, we were two years in the planning process alone.”

But the casino project will undoubtedly have its challenges, said Kennedy, adding that one matter of particular concern is infrastructure and, more specifically, old and deteriorating water and sewer lines in that part of the city.

“When we had our negotiations with MGM, we talked to them extensively about these infrastructure issues, and they are very much on board for this because they can’t afford to have a water or sewer problem,” Kennedy noted. “And we don’t want them to have a breakdown, either, because some of our funds are attached to their ability to do business.”

The Western Mass. Correctional Alcohol Center on Howard Street will be one of the buildings demolished to make way for the casino.

Overall, the keys to keeping the project on schedule and free of problems are organization and communication, said Kennedy, who was preparing last week for the first of what will be regular meetings “between our team and their team” (MGM).

“We’ll start to scope out what the issues are, how we’re going to do this, and who needs to be assembled on either side of the table in order to coordinate this and deliver the project by August 2017,” he explained.

Mathis acknowledged that building an urban casino — and building one in a heavily regulated state like Massachusetts — will be a different experience for himself and MGM, but lessons learned during other projects will serve the company well.

“We’ve built City Center, an 18 million-square-foot project in Las Vegas, one of the largest private developments at that time in the entire country, so we know how to do sophisticated construction in tough environments,” he said. “So we’re confident we can hit our time period. But it takes a lot of work, it takes a lot of preparation, and our group recognizes that.”

Meanwhile, all the principal parties involved — MGM, the city, and the state — have plenty of motivation to help this project proceed on schedule.

“The great thing is that the state is our partner on this, as is the city,” said Mathis. “We all have the common goal to get this facility up and start generating revenue and putting people to work.”

Overall, he said he hopes to harness the considerable energy present at a gathering at the Basketball Hall of Fame on election night to move the casino project from the drawing board to reality.

“The energy in the room was palpable — everyone wanted to be a part of this,” he told BusinessWest, adding that this level of support and enthusiasm should help the company navigate the many kinds of challenges that will present themselves over the next 1,000 days or so.

Placing Their Chips

Indeed, while the transformation of the site in the South End will be the focus of most of the region’s attention over the next three years, there are many other matters to address to ensure a successful opening in the summer or fall of 2017, said Mathis, adding that MGM and its many types of partners in this region are already working on some of them.

Relocation of businesses to be displaced by the casino complex is one such matter, said Mathis, noting that uncertainty in the wake of the referendum vote has delayed this process somewhat and has now generated a new sense of urgency (see related story, page 43).

“One of the things that we negotiated with the city was to provide incentives — we’ll pay the moving costs for tenants if they relocate in the downtown Springfield area,” he explained. “For those who take us up on that offer, we’ll be happy to subsidize that move and keep the energy downtown. We’re already talking with other commercial property owners about space that they can make available that we can provide a pre-agreed group rate to and make this transition as easy as possible.”

Meanwhile, MGM is preparing to close on roughly $35 million worth of real estate it has acquired in the South End for the project, he went on, adding that designs for the project, while not final, are close, and at this moment they do not require any additional acquisitions.

As designs are completed, the company will also go about hiring a general contractor for the massive project, he went on, adding that there are a number of developments happening simultaneously.

“We’re excited about our preparedness to move forward with the project with our different contractors and suppliers,” he said, adding that workforce development is another focal point moving forward. And there are challenges in this regard, Mathis told BusinessWest, because gaming is new to the Bay State, and thus there is no trained workforce in place, as there would be in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, or Macau.

“There is a significant amount of training that needs to take place in a market like this that doesn’t have casinos or gaming,” he said, adding that MGM is working with a host of parties, including the area community colleges and regional employment boards, to identify and then train a workforce.

Another partner is the American Red Cross and its Boots to Business program. As part of that initiative, several area veterans will go to Las Vegas to be trained on table games. After eight months of training and honing their skills, they will return to this region and train others who have been identified as good candidates for those positions.

Other priorities for MGM and various partners are to develop a comprehensive marketing strategy for MGM Springfield — one that focuses on the Bay State as well as surrounding states with competing casinos — and work to sell Springfield (and its new casino) as a destination for meetings and conventions.

“A casino is one of the things that meeting planners look for, but they also look for the things that come with a casino, like four-star hotel rooms, which this market doesn’t have. They look for high-end restaurants and diverse entertainment experiences,” he said, adding that MGM’s complex will make this region that much more attractive to those booking conventions.

“We’re one of the largest convention-space operators in the world — our Mandalay Bay events center is the fifth-largest convention facility in the country — so we know as much about conventions as we do about gaming,” Mathis went on, adding that MGM has a huge database of current and potential clients, including some groups that are too small to consider Las Vegas, but would find Springfield a good fit.

Mary Kay Wydra, director of the Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau, said that, with the defeat of ballot Question 3, Springfield and the region as a whole can now market themselves as the future home of a gaming complex, a considerable addition to the current list of amenities.

“If we can capture a fraction of their [MGM’s] national and international database and get the regional groups that those entities represent, those will be obvious targets as the building opens and the casino comes online,” she told BusinessWest. “They’re already familiar with MGM — they know what that brand stands for — and they know its quality and what they’re going to get. We’re excited about starting our work with them in that matter.”

Not Hedging Their Bets

That excitement, coupled with large doses of anticipation, should make the next 33 months an intriguing time for the region, one that will test the imagination — and sometimes the patience — of all those involved.

“It would not be wise to think that we’re not going to have some challenges as we go through this,” Kennedy told BusinessWest. “There will be some bumps in the road. We have a partnership with MGM, and any partnership will have some tension built into it. There will be some issues as we move through this process.”

But as all those we spoke with noted, there is more than enough incentive to get through those issues and clear those bumps.

August 2017 will no doubt arrive quickly, and the countdown has already begun.

George O’Brien can be reached at [email protected]

Shuffling the Deck

Commercial Real Estate Sections

Casino Vote Spurs Movement in Real-estate Market

The buildings along Main Street between Harrison Avenue and Falcons Way are among those expected to draw interest from businesses to be displaced by the casino.

Kevin Jennings called it “an election-night hangover.”

That’s how he chose to describe the relative — and unexpected — quiet on the morning of Nov. 5, maybe a dozen or so hours after it became clear that ballot Question 3 was going to be defeated and that the casino era had officially begun in Springfield.

“But then on Thursday, the floodgates opened,” said Jennings, president of Springfield-based Jennings Real Estate, in reference to the volume of phone calls to his office, most of them from business owners who will be displaced by the $800 million gaming complex to be built by MGM Resorts International in the city’s South End.

And he expects the calls to keep coming in the weeks and months to come as the dust only begins to start settling from this momentous development, one that has the potential to lift the local real-estate market from the general doldrums that have characterized it for the more than a decade now.

“My expectation is that we will be busy, and the whole trickle-down from this will be fantastic,” he told BusinessWest. “It will involve not only the real-estate brokers, but the lawyers, the phone companies, the contractors, the rug companies, the movers, and many others.

“The trickle-down will be significant and exciting,” he went on. “For the first time in I don’t how long, the landlords in Springfield who have slugged it out for the past 15 years will finally see some rent appreciation.”

While he was somewhat more reserved in his tone, Doug Macmillan, president of Macmillan & Son Inc., said essentially the same thing as he speculated on what will certainly be an intriguing time for the downtown real-estate market.

“I don’t think we’ve ever seen anything quite like this — it’s a dynamic change,” said Macmillan, who came into the business started by his father just as the real-estate bust of the late ’80s was gaining steam and has seen a number of economic cycles since. “This is certainly going to be interesting.”

The stately building at 73 State St., part of which will be used for the casino’s hotel, is among those whose tenants must find new homes.

And the relocation of businesses to be displaced by the casino is only one of the reasons why.

Indeed, while many tenants in buildings along State, Main, and other streets in or near the South End will have to be moved to make way for the casino and MGM’s operations, there are others who will want to be near that $800 million complex — or away from it, as the case may be. Meanwhile, Macmillan has started getting calls from some parties concerned about the casino and I-91 reconstruction projects happening simultaneously, and the possible negative impact on their business.

“We’ve seen a fair amount of people who are actively contingency planning for how all this construction for the casino and the viaduct might impact their business downtown,” he said. “They’re wondering if customers are going to be able to get to them and if employees are going to be able to get to work. They’re thinking about whether they should set up a satellite office or do something different. It’s created a lot of … not pandemonium, but certainly uncertainty.”

MGM is offering incentives to businesses to be displaced by its complex — $3 per square foot for those who stay in Springfield and $4 per square foot for those who remain in the central business district.

And while the downtown market has tightened up somewhat in recent years, with new businesses and organizations ranging from MassLive to Bay Path University moving in, there is still plenty of space available in many different categories.

One full floor and many smaller spaces are available in 1350 Main St., also known as One Financial Plaza, said Bill Low, a broker with NAI Plotkin, which is leasing agent for the top 12 floors in that building. There is also some space in both Tower Square and Monarch Place, Macmillan noted. Meanwhile, considerable square footage is available in Harrison Place and other buildings along Main Street between Harrison Avenue and Falcons Way, noted Jennings, who is handling those properties for owner Glenn Edwards.

Jennings said he’s already had a few soon-to-be-displaced business owners sign on the dotted line, and he expects several more in the months to come as the project moves forward.

“Our goal is to be 100% occupied,” he said of the properties along Main Street. “That’s ambitious, but we’re optimistic.”

One Financial Plaza, a.k.a. 1350 Main St., is another property expected to draw interest from displaced businesses, including many law firms.

For this issue and its focus on commercial real estate, BusinessWest takes an in-depth look at this exciting time for the local market and at how this unique opportunity might play itself out.

New Lease on Life

MacMillan told BusinessWest that he didn’t care to speculate on how many businesses will be displaced by the casino and MGM’s day-to-day operations and how much square footage is represented by those pending relocations. “I really have no idea, and if I guessed, I’m sure I’d be way off.”

Jennings said he’s heard some numbers, such as 250,000 square feet, in reference to the amount of real estate involved — meaning property to be demolished or made part of the casino complex.

Whatever the figure is, it adds up to an unprecedented opportunity for area landlords and brokers to fill space that in some cases has been vacant for more than a decade.

And, in many ways, movement to seize that opportunity began months ago.

Indeed, Edwards has invested a significant amount of money in capital improvements to the properties along Main Street in anticipation of the casino moving forward, said Jennings, adding that his firm has been proactive with regard to marketing the space, opting not to wait until after the vote on Question 3.

“We put together a strategic list of properties that we have both for sale and lease in Springfield,” he explained, “and knocked on doors.”

And there are many to knock on within the 14.5-acre area in which the casino will be built, he said, noting that there are many lawyers and other professionals in both 95 State St. and 73 Main St. — located just a block or two from the Hampden County Hall of Justice — which will both become part of the casino complex.

Meanwhile, there are several retail operations along Main Street and other service businesses within the casino site that will have to be relocated.

Some will move out of that area and perhaps out of the city, but Jennings and Macmillan believe many will opt to stay downtown.

And some of these business owners are being proactive themselves when it comes to finding a new address, opting not to wait until the votes were counted on Nov. 4 to consider some options.

“The day after the election, my phone did ring a little louder and a little longer than it normally does,” said Macmillan. “But a lot of these people have been forward-thinking enough to understand that they need to be proactive about this, because they’re only going to have X amount of time to find a new home.

“We’ve been working with some groups for more than a year now,” he continued, “because they’ve recognized this eventuality and wanted early on to identify where they thought they might like to be.”

However, some waited until after the vote, said Low, and now they’re making up for lost time.

“There were some people who didn’t bother calling — they just showed up at 1350 Main St. and asked to see space,” he told BusinessWest, adding that a few businesses have made verbal commitments to take space there. “You hardly ever see anything like that.”

He noted that the building is attractive to the law firms and solo practitioners that will be displaced by the casino because of its proximity to the courthouse and the flexible nature of the available space.

Jennings said he’s brokered some deals for smaller spaces, 2,000 square feet and under, and also a few in the 2,000-to-4,000-square-foot range. And since Question 3 was defeated, the volume of inquiries has increased exponentially.

They come during a time that Macmillan described as a “resurgence of interest in downtown,” a period during which UMass Amherst has opened a center in Tower Square; Bay Path, MassLive, and Thing5 have moved into 1350 Main St.; New England Public Radio has relocated into the Fuller Block; and Accountable Care Associates has taken a full floor in Monarch Place; just to name a few developments.

“There’s been a renewed interest in downtown that is unrelated to the casino,” he explained. “We’ve been extremely busy leasing an awful lot of downtown office space for the past two years. Some of them are new tenants, some of them expanding; there’s been a lot of activity, and we’ve done a number of deals.”

The “shuffling of the deck,” as he called it, that will result from the casino projectg — and is, in many respects, already underway, will further tighten and stabilize the market, and likely push lease rates higher.

“With all this interest we’ve seen in downtown before the casino, the downtown market has tightened up; there’s still a fair amount of space, but there’s not the same amount that there was two years ago,” Macmillan said, speculating that perhaps 80% of the Class A space and 70% of the Class B space downtown was occupied.

Jennings said the surge of interest is already impacting rates in some of the properties he’s representing. At Harrison Place, he noted, space that was quoted at $11 or $12 per square foot is now being quoted at $17, and there have been similar increases at other properties along Main Street.

Low said the asking prices at 1350 Main St. may soon be rising, adding that those who wait to begin the process of finding a new home will likely pay more for that square footage.

Building Momentum

As he talked about the recent history of the downtown commercial real-estate market, Macmillan said there have been a number of “fits and starts” over the past few decades, small gains that have been slowed or reversed by economic declines in the early ’90s, just after 9/11, and the Great Recession.

The dawn of the casino era presents the opportunity for something far more substantial and lasting, he said, although the overall impact of this massive development is still difficult to predict.

What is known is that this situation presents a rare opportunity, one that all those involved are committed to take full advantage of.

George O’Brien can be reached at [email protected]

People on the Move

Departments People on the Move

Farmington Bank announced the following:

Michael Moriarty

• Michael Moriarty has been named Senior Vice President, Commercial Team Leader, and Regional Executive. Moriarty is a 24-year veteran of the Western Mass. banking industry. He comes to Farmington Bank from United Bank, where he most recently served as executive vice president and regional commercial executive. Moriarty is the treasurer of Human Resources Unlimited in Springfield and is a member of the board of directors of the West Springfield Boys and Girls Club and St. Thomas School in West Springfield. Moriarty received a bachelor’s degree from Merrimack College and an MBA degree from Western New England University.

Joseph Kulig

• Joseph Kulig has been named Vice President, Commercial Lender. Kulig also has 24 years of local banking experience, and has held the position of relationship manager at both United Bank and TD Bank. Kulig is a member of the board of directors of Rebuilding Together Springfield, West Springfield Youth Soccer Club, and West Springfield Wildcats Baseball Club. Kulig received his bachelor’s degree from UMass Amherst and an MBA degree from Western New England University.

Joseph Young

• Joseph Young has been named VicePresident, Commercial Lender. Young also brings to Farmington Bank more than 24 years of local banking experience. Previously a senior vice president of commercial lending at United Bank, Young is a 20-year retired veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He serves on the board of directors of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Westfield. Young received his bachelor’s degree from St. Leo College in Florida; and

Candace Pereira

• Candace Pereira has been named Assistant Vice President, Commercial Portfolio Loan Officer. Pereira, with nearly 10 years of local banking experience, comes to Farmington Bank from United Bank, where she most recently served as a commercial lending officer. Pereira is a member of the board of directors at the Gray House in Springfield. She received her bachelor’s degree from UMass Amherst. In September, Connecticut-based Farmington Bank announced its plans to enter Massachusetts with the establishment of a commercial-lending office and two de novo hub branches, subject to regulatory approval, located in West Springfield and East Longmeadow. With this expansion, Farmington Bank services will now be available from Hampden County to New Haven, Conn., spanning New England’s Knowledge Corridor, an interstate partnership of regional economic-development, planning, business, tourism, and educational institutions that work together to advance the region’s economic progress.
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Jean Deliso

Jean Deliso has been named a member of the 2014 Chairman’s Council of New York Life. Members of the elite Chairman’s Council rank in the top 3% in sales achievement among New York Life’s elite sales force of more than 12,000 licensed agents. Deliso has accomplished this level of achievement after 30 years in the financial-services industry. Her passion for finance and strategic planning led to the creation of Deliso Financial and Insurance Services in 2000. Deliso began her career in corporate accounting in Tampa, Fla., where she consulted with small-business owners on financial operations and maximizing performance. She has been a New York Life agent since 1995 and is associated with New York Life’s Connecticut Valley General Office in Windsor, Conn. She serves on many boards in her community, including the Pioneer Valley AAA Auto Club and Pioneer Valley Refrigerated Warehouse, and is currently chairman of the board at the Community Music School of Springfield. She is a past chairman of the board at the YMCA of Greater Springfield and a past trustee of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts and the Bay Path College Advisory Board.
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Morrison Mahoney LLP announced that attorney Jennifer Rymarski has been elected a Partner. Rymarski, who practices in the Boston-based firm’s Springfield office, serves a wide base of clients in the arenas of medical malpractice litigation, as well as employment, business, and corporate law. Rymarski has more than 10 years of experience as an attorney and more than 15 years of experience in the legal field. She has a diverse background in medical-malpractice defense work and general business law, communications, and management. Rymarski advises healthcare clients on litigation matters and other issues involving healthcare law. She also serves as defense counsel for court cases and Board of Registration in Medicine investigations and complaints. For general business clients, she offers business advice, including dispute resolution, collections, adherence to corporate and regulatory formalities, and negotiations concerning leases, contracts, financing, and bankruptcy. Rymarski earned a bachelor’s degree from Westfield State University, a certificate of paralegal studies from Elms College, and a juris doctor from Western New England University School of Law. She is a member of the Massachusetts Bar Assoc. and the Hampden County Bar Assoc., and is also licensed to practice law in Connecticut. She serves as a board member of the Children’s Study Home. Rymarski has been named a “Rising Star” in Boston magazine for four consecutive years.
•••••

Mary Hurley

The law firm of Cooley Shrair announced that Mary Hurley, Esq., retired first justice of the Chicopee District Court, has returned to private practice with Cooley Shrair. Hurley served 19 years as a judge, following 18 years as a practicing attorney. She was a principal with Cooley Shrair and served two terms as mayor of Springfield before accepting an appointment as a state court justice. Hurley actively serves as a member of the advisory board for the Elms College Criminal Justice Program and the College Club of Greater Springfield. Her background of community service includes work as a trustee of Elms College, the Springfield Library and Museums Assoc., Springfield College, and Holyoke Community College, as well as service on the boards of directors for such organizations as Sisters of Providence Health System, Springfield Symphony Orchestra, and Alcoholism and Drug Services of Western Mass. Inc. She is also a recipient of the Massachusetts Bar Assoc. Public Service Award. Hurley earned her J.D. from Western New England College School of Law and her bachelor’s degree from Elms College, where she also obtained a teaching certificate and an honorary doctorate.
•••••

Patrick McCann

Robert Herchert

Tighe & Bond, a civil and environmental engineering firm, recently appointed two new members to its board of directors, Patrick McCann and Robert Herchert. McCann has more than 30 years of leadership experience in the environmental, engineering, and construction business. He joined Weston Solutions, an infrastructure-redevelopment firm with offices nationwide, in 1996 and led the company through a successful transformation from public to employee ownership. He became chief operating officer in 1997, president in 1998, and CEO from 2003 to 2013. Currently, McCann serves as board chair for Water for People, an international development organization with operations in nine countries that focuses on providing sustainable water and sanitation to some of the poorest villages in the developing world. He also serves as a board member for Harris & Associates, a West Coast construction-management and design firm, as well as the SUNY Oneonta Foundation. Herchert has nearly 50 years of leadership experience in the public and private sectors, with approximately half of those in the professional-services industry. For the past 13 years, he has been chairman of the board at Freese and Nichols Inc., an engineering, architecture, and environmental-science firm headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. He also develops and maintains client relationships, and is a Freese and Nichols representative in community and civic activities. Prior to this, he was the firm’s president and CEO for 11 years. Previously, Herchert served as city manager for the City of Fort Worth from 1978 to 1985, and as executive vice president for Texas American Bancshares from 1985 to 1990. Over the years, he has served on numerous boards to support government, business, and community initiatives, and has served on various corporate boards. In 2009, he joined the board of Terracon Consultants Inc., where he also chairs the executive compensation committee and serves on the governance committee.
•••••

Craig Smith

Craig Smith has joined Berkshire Community College (BCC) as Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the BCC Foundation. In this dual role, Smith is responsible for developing, directing, and implementing internal and external fund-raising for both the college and the foundation as well as advancing community initiatives that promote BCC’s mission, direction, and goals. Smith, who has extensive experience in capital-campaign fund-raising as well as annual and planned giving programs, previously served as managing director of the Berkshire Theatre Group in Pittsfield. Prior to that, he was the development director at the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA in Becket. “Craig’s years of fund-raising and management experience will be a true asset to our institution, the advancement division, and the BCC Foundation,” said BCC President Ellen Kennedy. “His knowledge, coupled with his ties to the Berkshires, will certainly help him forge relationships not only with our donors and alumni, but also with our students, faculty and staff, and the community at large.” He earned a master’s degree from Assumption College in Worcester, and a bachelor’s degree from Eastern University in St. Davids, Penn.

Company Notebook

Company Notebook Departments

PeoplesBank Again Named a Top Corporate Charitable Contributor
HOLYOKE — PeoplesBank was honored by the Boston Business Journal with a “Top Corporate Charitable Contributor” award for the seventh year in a row. The bank was recognized along with other recipients at the publication’s annual Corporate Citizenship Summit on Sept. 10 at the Westin Copley Place hotel. The award was accepted by Douglas Bowen, president and CEO of PeoplesBank, on behalf of the bank’s more than 250 associates. Susan Wilson, first vice president of Corporate Responsibility at PeoplesBank, noted that, “through our Community Care Program, we have contributed millions of dollars to local nonprofit organizations that provide services to the residents of Hampden and Hampshire counties. Our bank associates are committed to the community through their own generosity as well. They enthusiastically volunteer their time to help local schools, teach financial-education classes, clean up parks, plant trees, and help revitalize neighborhoods.” Wilson added that the bank’s charitable-giving program focuses on academic excellence, community vibrancy, and environmental sustainability. She also noted that PeoplesBank associates devote an average of 6,000 hours to volunteer work each year, and that 48 of the bank’s officers serve on the boards of directors and committees of 115 area nonprofit organizations.

Southwick Forastiere Funeral Home Celebrates 30 Years in Business
SOUTHWICK — Forastiere Family Funeral & Cremation announced the 30th anniversary of Southwick Forastiere Funeral Home, which opened on College Highway in Southwick in 1984. “For three decades, we have had a professional and compassionate team caring for families in Southwick and surrounding communities,” said Frank Forastiere, president and funeral director of Forastiere Family Funeral & Cremation. “Building a connection within the community and earning the trust of the families we work with are important aspects of our longevity, and we hope to continue to provide the same quality of service for years to come.” Forastiere Family Funeral & Cremation has served the Greater Springfield area since 1905, when Frank M. and Carmela Forastiere opened the original storefront on Water Street (now Columbus Avenue) in Springfield. In 1911, Forastiere’s flagship facility moved to William Street in Springfield before finally settling on Locust Street in Springfield, where it still resides today. Colonial Forastiere Funeral Home, located in Agawam, opened its doors in 1980, followed by Southwick Forastiere Funeral Home in 1984. “We have a vested interest in this community. We care for its members during times of grief,” said Forastiere. “Our staff is dedicated to meeting the needs of each and every family that passes through our doors. That dedication means a lot to our clients.” For more information, visit www.forastiere.com.

Monson Savings Bank Wins Gold Community Champions Award
MONSON — For the second year in a row, Monson Savings Bank has won the Gold Community Champions Award given by the New England Financial Marketing Assoc. (NEFMA). This year, the award was based on the bank’s extraordinary measures to improve and increase financial literacy throughout its communities. While the award was given by NEFMA, in order to insure impartiality, the judging was done by members of the PennJerDel Bank Marketing Assoc. in Pennyslvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, so that there was no connection to any of the banks being reviewed. Efforts by banks and credit unions all over New England were considered. According to Vincent Valvo, the organizer of the competition, “we received a record number of submissions, yet we gave out a more limited number of awards this year. That’s a clear reflection that judges held the submissions to a high bar and only rewarded the best of the best.” Monson Savings was the only winner in the financial-literacy category in which up to nine awards could have been given (gold, silver, and bronze for large, medium, and small banks). “We were extremely pleased to receive this award,” said Steve Lowell, president of Monson Savings. “We have become increasingly concerned about financial literacy and the fact that many people lack the money-management knowledge and skills they need to ensure long-term stability for themselves. We’ve made this a strategic priority and are addressing the issue on many fronts, including teaching in the schools; holding complimentary workshops on important financial topics that are open to everyone in the community; partnering with MassSaves, a statewide effort to help people improve their financial knowledge and build wealth; and offering banking products and services specifically designed to help young people learn how to bank and save. Our people are working very hard at this, and I am so very proud of them.”

MassMutual Approves $1.6B Dividend Payout to Policy Holders
SPRINGFIELD — Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. (MassMutual) announced that its board of directors has approved an estimated dividend payout of $1.6 billion for 2015, marking the third consecutive year the company has paid a record dividend to eligible participating policy owners and members. The dividends to be paid in 2015 reflect a dividend interest rate of 7.10% — maintaining the same rate as 2014 — for eligible participating permanent life and annuity blocks of business. The approved estimated payout represents an increase of $92 million — or 6.2% — over 2014, and reflects updated investment, mortality, expense, and other experience, as well as the distribution of other business earnings from the company’s asset-management and non-participating businesses. The 2015 MassMutual dividend payout marks the 17th consecutive year that it exceeds $1 billion. MassMutual has paid more than $21 billion in dividends over the last two decades, and although dividends are not guaranteed, the company has paid dividends to eligible participating policyowners consistently since the 1860s.

HMC Receives $3.9M for Behavioral Health, ED Enhancements
HOLYOKE — Holyoke Medical Center (HMC) has been awarded $3.9 million by the Mass. Health Policy Commission (HPC) for a project to enhance behavioral healthcare services for patients. The two-year project has an aggressive completion deadline of January 2017. The funds awarded by HPC are Phase 2 of the Community Hospital Acceleration, Revitalization, and Transformation (CHART) investment program, dubbed “Driving System Transformation.” HPC awarded $60 million for projects throughout the Commonwealth, for which they received requests of more than $117 million. HMC’s award was the highest award for a single hospital and reflects the recognition of the need for improved conditions as well as the vital role HMC plays in the community. The award also came with the expressed support from many local and state officials, including state Reps. Aaron Vega, Joseph Wagner, and John Scibak and state Sen. Don Humason. “This funding will allow us to create significantly improved conditions for all our patients, especially those with behavioral-health needs. Programmatic changes and designated treatment space for behavioral-health patients in the Emergency Department will help to avoid unnecessary hospitalization and reduce re-hospitalization of behavioral-health patients,” said HMC President and CEO Spiros Hatiras. Approximately half of the funds awarded by HPC, nearly $2 million, are designated to assist in a designated treatment space in the ED for behavioral-health patients, of which the total cost is estimated to be between $6 million to $7 million. Holyoke Medical Center will organize a capital campaign and invest in the balance of funds needed to complete the Emergency Department redesign project. The HMC Emergency Department serves more than 45,000 patients per year and will continue to serve the community through the redesign and construction phase of the project. The renovations of the ED will provide a designated treatment area needed to deliver safe, comprehensive behavioral-health services to a wide range of patients. The renovations are expected to begin in early 2015 and be completed by the end of the same calendar year. This initiative will also introduce robust care navigation in partnership with community organizations to ensure that patients receive targeted interventions, are referred to the ‘right’ services, and successfully follow through on their care plans to achieve optimal short- and long-term health outcomes. “This project is an amazing opportunity to provide specialized emergency care for people with mental-health and substance-abuse issues,” said HMC Director of Behavioral Health Baxter Chandler. “Not only will we more effectively address a patient’s emergency behavioral-health needs, we will also enhance our ability to connect patients with appropriate treatment and community services, reducing the need to return to the ED.”

Springfield Museums Announce Major Grants to Fund Renovations
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Museums have received two major grants to fund exterior renovations to the William Pynchon Memorial Building (formerly known as the Connecticut Valley Historical Museum). Through $120,000 from the Cultural Facilities Fund of the Massachusetts Cultural Council and another $50,000 from the Beveridge Family Foundation Inc., the Museums will be able to repair and restore the building’s slate roof, replace its gutters, rebuild its shutters and dormers, and paint the building in accordance with historical-preservation standards. Renovations to the building have already commenced, with completion targeted for the spring of 2015. The ultimate goal of the renovation is to reclaim the museum’s aesthetic appearance and prepare it for the installation of an exhibition honoring the life and work of Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss). Working in close collaboration with community leaders and educators, the museums plan to design and build a literacy-based, interactive exhibition titled “The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss” that will make his works come alive for children and their families, while also helping to boost Springfield’s profile as a regional and national destination. “The Pynchon Memorial Building is an integral component of the architectural landscape of the Quadrangle and cultural life of downtown Springfield, and we’re deeply indebted to the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Beveridge Family for their help in reviving this elegant building,” said Springfield Museums Vice President Kay Simpson. Named after the founder of Springfield, the William Pynchon Memorial Building was built in 1927 to house the extensive collections of the Connecticut Valley Historical Society. Designed by Springfield architect Max Westhoff, the building exemplifies the Georgian Colonial Revival style that was popular in the early 20th century and reflected the prevailing attitudes about the importance of preserving and interpreting America’s colonial past. The central doorway has a ‘broken scroll’ pediment, pineapple centerpiece, and flanking pilasters, all characteristic hallmarks of Connecticut Valley homes of the 18th century. The Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund is a program of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, administered through a collaborative arrangement between MassDevelopment and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Cooley Dickinson Recognized for Patient-safety Record
NORTHAMPTON — Cooley Dickinson Hospital was honored with an ‘A’ grade in the fall 2014 Hospital Safety Score, which rates how well hospitals protect patients from errors, injuries, and infections. The Hospital Safety Score is compiled under the guidance of the nation’s leading experts on patient safety and is administered by the Leapfrog Group, an independent industry watchdog. The first and only hospital-safety rating to be peer-reviewed in the Journal of Patient Safety, the score is free to the public and designed to give consumers information they can use to protect themselves and their families when facing a hospital stay. “Cooley Dickinson is fortunate to have a community of staff and providers who make delivering quality and safe care their daily priority,” said Joanne Marqusee, president and CEO of Cooley Dickinson. “But high quality and patient safety require not only skilled people with a commitment to great care, it also requires leadership at all levels to make safe systems and teamwork a priority.”

Visual Changes Announces Start of Construction Project
EAST LONGMEADOW — Visual Changes Inc. has announced its plans to build a premier day spa and salon at 100 Shaker Road in East Longmeadow. The company will partner with Craig Sweitzer & Co., LLC on the project. The site is a former post office and currently houses Atrium Dental Group, another Sweitzer construction project. With the addition of Visual Changes, the property is near full occupancy. “The design goal for Visual Changes is to create an environment that is simultaneously serene and high-tech with a cosmopolitan feel,” said founder Mark Maruca. The 2,300-square-foot facility will feature vaulted ceilings, state-of-the-art private spa spaces, and upscale stations for salon services.

Briefcase

Briefcase Departments

DevelopSpringfield to Create Downtown Innovation Center
SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Deval Patrick’s recent announcement of $2 million in MassWorks Infrastructure Program funding to MassDevelopment marks a critical step toward the creation of the Springfield Innovation Center. The project is a collaboration between DevelopSpringfield, the state Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, MassDevelopment, the city of Springfield, Valley Venture Mentors, the Springfield Innovation Hub, and MassMutual. “The Patrick administration has been committed to providing support to communities like Springfield so that they can grow and prosper,” said Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Greg Bialecki. “Revitalizing a community through infrastructure improvements will make it easier for businesses to grow and communities to flourish.” The project includes rehabilitation of more than 16,000 square feet of mixed-use space, which will include a 9,000-square-foot business-accelerator program with co-working, presentation, and function space and an innovation café, as well as additional office space. “We are really looking forward to collaborating on this project,” said Paul Silva, co-founder of Valley Venture Mentors. “This new space will provide a home that will bring together more than 50 startups a year to collide with each other, investors, customers, and the local business community.” The Springfield Innovation Hub’s goal is to create a series of “watering holes” throughout the Pioneer Valley with the flagship location being in downtown Springfield, said Delcie Bean, founder of the Springfield Innovation Hub. “These cafés will cater to audiences ranging from students to professors, business people to entrepreneurs, and just about anyone else looking for a cool, energetic spot to grab a coffee, have a meeting, or meet a friend. We will be featuring a mix of high-tech and low-tech solutions that will create a space that is both exciting and approachable. The objective of these watering holes is to create concentrations of energy and people where ‘collisions’ can occur. The Springfield Innovation Hub will be a 501(c)(3) organization which seeks only to spur economic growth and development by creating centers for energy, collaboration, and collision.” DevelopSpringfield purchased a building earlier this month at 276-284 Bridge St. in a block of historic buildings known as the Trinity Block. On Oct. 20, the Springfield City Council approved the sale of a vacant adjacent building at 270-272 Bridge St. to DevelopSpringfield in the same block to support the project. Funds to advance the development of this project, including property acquisition and rehabilitation of the two buildings, have been provided by the Commonwealth through a MassWorks Infrastructure Program grant to MassDevelopment by MassMutual. “Less than 500 feet around the corner from 1550 Main, the Springfield Innovation Center will represent an exciting addition to the city of firsts,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Marty Jones. “MassDevelopment appreciates this vote of confidence in us from MassWorks, and looks forward to partnering with Mayor [Domenic] Sarno, DevelopSpringfield, and the local business community to continuing to make downtown Springfield a more attractive destination for businesses old and new alike.” Planned rehabilitation includes the installation of an elevator, window restoration and replacement, mechanical-system upgrades, re-roofing, and re-pointing on the front exterior and interior fit-out for Valley Venture Mentors’ business accelerator and office space. “The Springfield Innovation Center is conceived as a cornerstone of downtown Springfield’s newly designated Innovation District, building on the legacy of the area’s 19th-century history of industry and innovation, a wealth of architecturally significant historic buildings, and proximity to the downtown core,” said Jay Minkarah, President and CEO of DevelopSpringfield.

Western Mass. Sports Commission Launches ‘Fan in a Can’ Initiative
SPRINGFIELD — The Western Mass. Sports Commission (WMSC), a division of the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau (GSCVB), recently put together a memorable direct-mail campaign called “Fan in a Can,” providing rights holders with all of the necessities they need to be a fan … literally. With plenty of indoor and outdoor facilities to choose from, along with the area’s outstanding attractions, full complement of lodging and restaurants, easy accessibility, and great affordability, Western Mass. offers everything event planners need to host an unforgettable and highly successful event. Close to 200 cans are in the process of being mailed out across the nation to senior-level planning executives within sports organizations for all types of events from disc golf, rowing, and bowling to more traditional sports like soccer and basketball. The eye-catching tin can includes a foam finger that screams “we’re #1,” a pom-pom, a cowbell, a temporary tattoo, a Lands End winter beanie, and a printed, call-to-action sales piece. “We hope that, by doing such a fun and interactive direct-mail piece, potential event planners who would not have considered Western Mass. as a location for their next event will now reach out and have a conversation with us about bringing their event to our area,” said Mary Kay Wydra, president of the GSCVB. “On behalf of the Western Mass. Sports Commission, we look forward to working with event planners and are excited to bring a diverse mix of sports to the area.” The WMSC will be at TEAMS Expo in Las Vegas in November where rights holders will be able to find a Fan in a Can on display and speak to a representative from this region regarding hosting potential events. For regional information, visit the GSCVB website at www.valleyvisitor.com, or contact Director of Sales Alicia Szenda at (413) 755-1346 or [email protected] to plan your next sports event.

Construction Employment Rises in Most Metro Areas
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Construction employment expanded in 236 metro areas, declined in 53, and was stagnant in 50 between September 2013 and September 2014, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that, as firms expand their payrolls, many are finding a limited supply of available qualified workers. “It is good news that construction employment gains have spread to more than two-thirds of the nation’s metro areas,” said Ken Simonson, chief economist for the association. “But there is a growing risk that contractors in many of these regions will have trouble finding qualified workers to complete the rising volume of projects.” According to a recent construction-industry survey conducted by the association, 83% of construction firms report having a hard time finding qualified craft workers. They called on federal, state, and local officials to act on the measures outlined in the association’s workforce-development plan to make it easier to establish new programs designed to prepare students for high-paying careers in construction.

Grants Awarded for Workforce-development, Job-training Efforts
SPRINGFIELD — In July 2014, the city of Springfield issued an RFP soliciting proposals from providers for job training and workforce development. As a result of this solicitation, the city is awarding a total of $250,000 in HUD Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds to three separate agencies to provide job-training and workforce-development programs to residents of disaster-impacted neighborhoods. There will be a special focus on recruiting residents of the Six Corners and South End neighborhoods, as the residents of these neighborhoods face multiple barriers to employment, and both areas were heavily impacted by both the long- and short-term effects of the natural disasters that occurred in 2011. Training Resources of America will receive $85,100; Springfield Technical Community College will receive $94,449; and Window Preservation, LLC, in partnership with the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, will receive $70,451. “Providing education and job training to our residents is vital in our efforts in knocking down poverty and crime,” said Mayor Domenic Sarno. “Whenever we can step up and provide opportunity, it is a win-win for us all.” The city anticipates that the contracted organizations will provide training to a minimum of 100 Springfield residents. The programs will involve a variety of educational instruction subjects, including high-school-equivalency preparation, English language, math, computers, customer service training, and more. The varied programs will prepare and enable trainees to obtain permanent positions in fields such as educational and health services, food service, leisure and hospitality, social assistance, wholesale and retail trade, financial and business services, insurance and real estate, office and administrative support, accounting, bookkeeping, payroll services, legal services, advertising, manufacturing, asbestos/lead abatement, and construction.

Mullins Center Hosts Toy Drive to Benefit Children
AMHERST — The Mullins Center and Global Spectrum Charities have partnered with Toys for Tots to host the Holidaze Toy Drive, running through Saturday, Nov. 29. The goal of the drive is to collect new toys for less-fortunate children during the holidays. Gearing up for the “Cirque Dreams Holidaze” performance at the Mullins Center on Thursday, Dec. 11, the venue is hosting this toy drive to tie into the performance. Members of the public are urged to drop items off at the Mullins Center box office Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. and Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Everyone who donates a toy will receive $5 off their ticket to see “Cirque Dreams Holidaze” on Dec. 11.

AMA Supports Regulation to Restrict E-cigarettes
DALLAS — As electronic cigarettes continue to gain popularity among youth in the U.S., the American Medical Assoc. (AMA) is reinforcing its support for regulatory oversight of e-cigs. The nation’s largest physician organization adopted new policy that would establish the minimum legal purchase age of 18, place marketing restrictions on manufacturers, and prohibit claims that electronic cigarettes are effective tobacco cessation tools. According to estimates from the National Youth Tobacco Survey, electronic cigarette use among middle-school and high-school students in the U.S. has grown at a rapid rate in recent years. The prevalence of those who said they’ve tried an e-cigarette doubled among both of these groups from 2011 to 2012. The survey also found that more than 263,000 middle- and high-school students who had never before smoked reported using electronic cigarettes in 2013, a threefold increase from 79,000 in 2011. “The AMA supports the FDA’s proposed rule to regulate electronic cigarettes, and we urge the federal government to implement more stringent regulations that will further protect our nation’s youth and overall public health,” said AMA member Dr. William Kobler. “The new policy will continue the AMA’s efforts to deter the sale of electronic cigarettes to minors.”

Real Estate Transactions

Departments Real Estate

FRANKLIN COUNTY

ASHFIELD

343 Apple Valley Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Justin Sherman
Seller: Diane Greenman
Date: 10/08/14

74 Ranney Corner Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $214,500
Buyer: Anne F. Boltz
Seller: Cheryl E. Brown
Date: 10/06/14

BUCKLAND

115 Ashfield Road
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Peter H. Wood
Seller: Betsy A. Felix
Date: 10/10/14

96 Clesson Brook Road
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $216,500
Buyer: Cynthia A. Simurro
Seller: Jason Heilman
Date: 10/16/14

72 Elm St.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Elia A. Sinaiko
Seller: Johnson Investment TR
Date: 10/16/14

CONWAY

381 South Deerfield Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $229,000
Buyer: Heath E. Roberts
Seller: Justin S. Allis
Date: 10/15/14

GILL

7 Cove View Lane
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $228,000
Buyer: Simon E. Scher
Seller: Adam N Zaykoski
Date: 10/08/14

GREENFIELD

37 Brookside Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Patrick J. Merrigan
Seller: Lovette, Beatrice L., (Estate)
Date: 10/15/14

194 Cleveland St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Greenfield Real Estate
Seller: Lane Construction Corp.
Date: 10/14/14

150-152 Conway St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $172,500
Buyer: Caroline A. Whitbeck
Seller: John S. Anderson
Date: 10/15/14

78 Riddell St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $218,500
Buyer: Sarah M. Bellemare
Seller: Craig W. Gibson
Date: 10/10/14

HAWLEY

Bozrah Road
Hawley, MA 01339
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Kyle D. Clark
Seller: Eugene J. Tanguay
Date: 10/06/14

9 Stetson Road
Hawley, MA 01339
Amount: $140,979
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Stephen C. Kimball
Date: 10/06/14

HEATH

26 South Road
Heath, MA 01346
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Jason Heilman
Seller: Andrew H. Berman
Date: 10/16/14

MONTAGUE

32 Hillside Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $208,877
Buyer: Jason D. Grader
Seller: Benjamin R. John
Date: 10/07/14

5 Lyman St.
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $142,900
Buyer: Alexia E. Cota
Seller: US Bank
Date: 10/14/14

NORTHFIELD

45 Gill Center Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $247,000
Buyer: James P. Smith
Seller: James Barrett Parrish LT
Date: 10/10/14

602 Mount Hermon Station Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $137,000
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Lucille H. Moran
Date: 10/06/14

ORANGE

15-17 East Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $462,134
Buyer: Orange Teen Housing Inc.
Seller: Orange Teenhousing LLC
Date: 10/17/14

96 Eagleville Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $152,763
Buyer: Bank New York Mellon
Seller: Raymond C. Aucoin
Date: 10/07/14

SHUTESBURY

29 Leverett Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $252,000
Buyer: Michael Pill
Seller: Karen E. Baronas
Date: 10/10/14

WARWICK

50 Athol Road
Warwick, MA 01378
Amount: $128,000
Buyer: Prudence Carnahan-Gavin
Seller: Susanne E. Gunnard
Date: 10/15/14

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

61 Campbell Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: Earl R. McNamee
Seller: Michael J. Paynter
Date: 10/10/14

115 Columbia Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $282,000
Buyer: Dean M. Berry
Seller: James M. Monteith
Date: 10/15/14

142 Country Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Daren T. Conlin
Seller: Scott Kenney
Date: 10/15/14

35 Elbert Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $192,500
Buyer: Steven T. Winter
Seller: William V. Sinico
Date: 10/17/14

187 Lancaster Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $328,000
Buyer: Scott Kenney
Seller: Nils L. Griffin
Date: 10/15/14

30 Lango Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Jenniffer Duque
Seller: PBI Inc.
Date: 10/10/14

68 Washington Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $132,600
Buyer: Artem Dyachkov
Seller: Charles E. Jenks
Date: 10/17/14

33 Woodcock Court
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: Peter J. Porra
Seller: William J. Boyd
Date: 10/17/14

BRIMFIELD

103 Brookfield Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Jared Fortin
Seller: Mellnick, Richard, (Estate)
Date: 10/10/14

CHESTER

East River Road
Chester, MA 01050
Amount: $128,900
Buyer: Edgar Phillips-Jones
Seller: Stuart Arbeit
Date: 10/07/14

CHICOPEE

548 Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: 548-554 Chicopee St LLC
Seller: Sandra Cieslak
Date: 10/07/14

202 College St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $229,000
Buyer: Amy B. Kugler
Seller: Christopher M. Peloquin
Date: 10/10/14

165-167 Fairview Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Donald Peery
Seller: Lynn A. Wightman
Date: 10/09/14

47 Goodhue Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $179,900
Buyer: Timothy K. Bullens
Seller: Brian W. Summers
Date: 10/08/14

126 Labelle Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $229,000
Buyer: Thomas H. Scott
Seller: Gary B. Szymaniak
Date: 10/15/14

73 Leo Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $237,400
Buyer: Robert D. Walker
Seller: Jeffrey F. Wenzel
Date: 10/17/14

Nelson St. #1-2
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: CRA Holdings Inc.
Seller: Lake Point Realty LLC
Date: 10/07/14

234 Old Lyman Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Philip Lamoreux
Seller: Sandra M. Kennedy
Date: 10/14/14

65 Royal St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $133,000
Buyer: Crystal D. Dasilva
Seller: Teresa Poirier
Date: 10/08/14

EAST LONGMEADOW

52 Bent Tree Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Claudia F. Penna
Seller: Michael T. Barbieri
Date: 10/10/14

8 Boulder St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01108
Amount: $254,900
Buyer: Normand F. Cormier
Seller: Amanda H. Alexiadis
Date: 10/06/14

177 Hampden Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Sarah E. Moses
Seller: Paul A. Yacovone
Date: 10/07/14

64 Heatherstone Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Christopher Dowd
Seller: James F. Foard
Date: 10/10/14

144 Old Farm Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Stephen Zhang
Seller: United Bank Residential
Date: 10/10/14

285 Pease Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Amy Schulze
Seller: Claudia F. Penna
Date: 10/10/14

Pondview Dr. #3
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Thomas Hanifan
Seller: Joseph Chapdelaine & Sons
Date: 10/08/14

330 Porter Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Fredia L. Degray
Seller: Farrell, Antonietta, (Estate)
Date: 10/06/14

GRANVILLE

855 Main Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Douglas T. Balfour
Seller: John A. Devine
Date: 10/17/14

HAMPDEN

23 Edward St.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $216,000
Buyer: Joseph L. Montano
Seller: Phillip C. Lovell
Date: 10/15/14

HOLLAND

1 Waterfront Way
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Eugene J. Segaline
Seller: Quechee RT LLC
Date: 10/17/14

HOLYOKE

314 Apremont Hwy.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Raquelle Defelice
Seller: James R. Franz
Date: 10/15/14

74 Cherry Hill
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $233,000
Buyer: Susan M. Wesolowski
Seller: Maureen Lucey
Date: 10/08/14

220 Easthampton Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $249,000
Buyer: Suzanne Cappella
Seller: Edward J. Cauley
Date: 10/10/14

657-663 High St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $599,900
Buyer: HR Holyoke LLC
Seller: Kevin Cruz
Date: 10/09/14

105 Hillside Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: Jose Cora
Seller: Jason L. Curtis
Date: 10/17/14

4 Hillview Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Patricia A. Mullady
Seller: Phyllis R. Feldman
Date: 10/15/14

12 Liberty St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $146,000
Buyer: Jill M. Roach
Seller: Premier Source Credit Union
Date: 10/17/14

50 Lower Westfield Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $147,000
Buyer: Hari Sharma
Seller: John P. Brunelle
Date: 10/17/14

116-124 Sargeant St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $599,900
Buyer: HR Holyoke LLC
Seller: Kevin Cruz
Date: 10/09/14

44 Vassar Circle
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: 3f Properties LLC
Seller: Florence Savings Bank
Date: 10/17/14

122 Vermont St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $196,500
Buyer: Jason M. Proctor
Seller: Louise S. Lashway
Date: 10/10/14

LONGMEADOW

11 Brooks Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Daniel M. Kelly
Seller: Einzig, Betty J., (Estate)
Date: 10/16/14

144 Burbank Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $337,000
Buyer: Andrew J. Mariani
Seller: Michael P. Dunnirvine
Date: 10/07/14

75 Cobblestone Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Steven A. Alminas
Seller: Ronald M. Schnitzler
Date: 10/15/14

82 Crestview Circle
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $860,000
Buyer: Alice Y. Chang
Seller: Sturbridge Development LLC
Date: 10/16/14

303 Deepwoods Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Joseph R. Yvon
Seller: John K. Casanova
Date: 10/08/14

476 Frank Smith Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $233,800
Buyer: Jennifer K. Lapointe
Seller: Rachel E. Chick
Date: 10/06/14

86 Lincoln Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Stuart B. Gordon
Seller: Robert F. Chalero
Date: 10/17/14

31 Longmeadow St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $440,500
Buyer: Julia A. Cowley
Seller: Ross FT
Date: 10/10/14

93 Osceola Lane
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Susan E. Fitzgerald
Seller: Bridget T. Regan
Date: 10/17/14

109 Wild Grove Lane
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: David Fontaine
Seller: Judith M. Collins
Date: 10/10/14

LUDLOW

102-104 Booth St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $270,500
Seller: Anthony Pio
Date: 10/07/14

120 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Robert M. Ollquist
Seller: Joseph R. Stejna
Date: 10/10/14

Daisy Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Gerald E. Dubour
Seller: MHB Inc.
Date: 10/17/14

133 Pond St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $161,000
Buyer: Paul R. Racine
Seller: Gary P. Shannon
Date: 10/15/14

121 Richmond Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Paul M. Miele
Seller: Gloria E. Tetrault
Date: 10/17/14

83 Skyridge St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $203,155
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: James T. Gennette
Date: 10/14/14

54 Stivens Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $224,000
Buyer: Zachary M. Falconer
Seller: Fernando E. Alfaia
Date: 10/08/14

MONSON

321 Cedar Swamp Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $239,400
Buyer: Nathan M. Kology
Seller: Garrett J. Cavanaugh
Date: 10/10/14

25 Country Club Heights
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $244,000
Buyer: Steven J. Ziobrowski
Seller: Laurie A. Petsche
Date: 10/14/14

28 Country Club Dr.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Alicia Martel
Seller: William F. Donovan
Date: 10/10/14

11 Pease Ave.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Frederick J. Baxter
Seller: Remo J. Pizzichemi
Date: 10/09/14

16 Reynolds Ave.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Donald T. Macomber
Seller: Timothy B. Gregoire
Date: 10/17/14

170 Wales Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Matthew Gautreau
Seller: Christopher J. Dowd
Date: 10/10/14

PALMER

3201 Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $230,859
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Tracy Flematti
Date: 10/17/14

2002 Overlook Dr.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Brenda L. Methot
Seller: Louis A. Brodeur
Date: 10/16/14

SPRINGFIELD

1235 Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Daniel W. Brueno
Seller: Donald H. Matthews
Date: 10/10/14

96 Appleton St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $136,000
Buyer: Daenia M. Bernard
Seller: Global Homes Properties
Date: 10/16/14

116-118 Ardmore St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $131,000
Buyer: Oscar A. Dalmasi
Seller: Dustin L. Ruby
Date: 10/16/14

136-138 Arthur St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $173,000
Buyer: Giovanni Solivan-Lebron
Seller: Mong D. Nguyen
Date: 10/10/14

115 Clayton St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Luis Acosta
Seller: Ayala Enterprise LLC
Date: 10/07/14

211 Breckwood Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $117,500
Buyer: Aaron Stonacek
Seller: Debbie A. Cowdrey
Date: 10/17/14

52 Brentwood St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $201,684
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Anthony Son
Date: 10/16/14

1041 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $126,000
Buyer: John H. Sanders
Seller: Jason S. Balut
Date: 10/17/14

82-84 Cherrelyn St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Ruben D. Avendano
Seller: City Joe LLC
Date: 10/17/14

50 Colony Road
Springfield, MA 01106
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Charles A. Bellows
Seller: Daniel M. Kelly
Date: 10/16/14

108 Dartmouth St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $209,552
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: James Llewellyn
Date: 10/15/14

189 Dayton St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $217,777
Buyer: PNC Bank
Seller: Andrea M. Sticco
Date: 10/16/14

18 Doyle Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $148,000
Buyer: Benjamin J. Nadeau
Seller: Blueline Management LLC
Date: 10/14/14

61 Grattan St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $159,900
Buyer: Carlos J. Colon-Alicea
Seller: Mark A. Young
Date: 10/10/14

55 Marengo Park
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $165,417
Buyer: Peter A. Negosanti
Seller: Maria L. Negosanti
Date: 10/16/14

172 Marsden St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $123,500
Buyer: Juanita Rosa
Seller: Legacy Strategic Investment
Date: 10/07/14

97 Melba St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $141,000
Buyer: Marjorie M. O’Donnell
Seller: Kevin M. Murphy
Date: 10/09/14

65 Midway St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $117,000
Buyer: Matthew W. Roache
Seller: Annette Cotela
Date: 10/15/14

340 Naismith St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $249,900
Buyer: Nicola Barrett
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 10/09/14

57 Pomona St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $143,851
Buyer: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Seller: Judith A. Hanke
Date: 10/14/14

137 Shawmut St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $122,500
Buyer: Linda F. Jordan
Seller: Melro Associates Inc.
Date: 10/08/14

14-16 Taft St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $146,910
Buyer: Katy M. Carpio
Seller: Michael J. Quinlivan
Date: 10/15/14

71 Virginia St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Danny P. Rebelo
Seller: Catalina Visalden
Date: 10/17/14

SOUTHWICK

66 Davis Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $239,900
Buyer: Tina M. Beaudry
Seller: Neil L. Denowitz
Date: 10/17/14

10 Depot St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $183,702
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Douglas H. Teece
Date: 10/17/14

73 North Lake Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $140,526
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Roger Dalpian
Date: 10/08/14

21 Shaggbark Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Lbdnbd LLC
Seller: Andree D. Buscemi
Date: 10/06/14

234 Sheep Pasture Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $177,714
Buyer: Norman H. Storey
Seller: Rachael W. Teach
Date: 10/07/14

TOLLAND

135 Owls Nest Lane
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $159,100
Buyer: Melissa L. Saulenas
Seller: John Mercede
Date: 10/10/14

WESTFIELD

25 Chestnut St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $171,500
Buyer: Cynthia J. Geiger
Seller: Robert J. Schulze
Date: 10/14/14

7 Delancy St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Catherine Naputi
Seller: George Janke
Date: 10/10/14

21 Lindbergh Blvd.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Vaughn Willis
Seller: Marie A. Kaleta
Date: 10/07/14

14 Livingstone Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Joseph N Rollins
Seller: Sherri A. Hawes
Date: 10/10/14

2 Morris St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Jacklyn F. O’Neill
Seller: Peter S. Brancewicz
Date: 10/08/14

20 Murray Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Ethel Ramonas
Date: 10/09/14

168 Prospect St. Ext.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $204,500
Buyer: Shannon L. Oleksak
Seller: Stephen Foster
Date: 10/09/14

41 Saint Dennis St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Buyer: Siarhei L. Ryhal
Seller: FHLM
Date: 10/06/14

14 Sterling St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $212,469
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Kevin M. Swords
Date: 10/16/14

199 Susan Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Stephen A. Foster
Seller: US Bank
Date: 10/16/14

91 Woodside Ter.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $192,400
Buyer: Amy K. Dowland
Seller: Linda Steglinski
Date: 10/17/14

WILBRAHAM

23 Deerfield Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Milton L. Knudsen
Seller: Wilbraview LP
Date: 10/10/14

7 Falcon Heights
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $494,340
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Douglas I. Hanson
Date: 10/08/14

10 Marilyn Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: Shawn O’Connor
Seller: Marian E. Bergeron
Date: 10/15/14

12 Meadowview Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Edward C. Hough
Seller: Charles R. Fortin
Date: 10/17/14

200 Soule Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Jason Grondin
Seller: Russell C. Mooney
Date: 10/17/14

644 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: Catherine C. Deloria
Seller: Douglas M. Hagopian
Date: 10/17/14

892 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Kim L. Crowther
Seller: Jane P. Broderick
Date: 10/10/14

WEST SPRINGFIELD

622 Amostown Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $187,640
Buyer: Donald D. Dumais
Seller: Robert A. Bengle
Date: 10/17/14

33 Baldwin St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $154,500
Buyer: Glenn R. Demarco
Seller: SAJ Real Estate LLC
Date: 10/10/14

510 Birnie Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Barbara E. Hawrylciw
Date: 10/17/14

620 Elm St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $163,000
Buyer: Michael J. Keane
Seller: Paul D. Bessette
Date: 10/10/14

94 Havenhurst Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Michael J. Szawlowski
Seller: Sandra A. Barbeau
Date: 10/14/14

217 Morgan Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $212,500
Buyer: Constantin Malancea
Seller: Adam R. Kellogg
Date: 10/17/14

57 Penrose Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Brian J. Chapman
Seller: James R. Lachapelle
Date: 10/17/14

70 Robinson Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Nicholas Toma
Seller: James M. Mitchell
Date: 10/15/14

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

74 Blue Hills Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: John M. Snyder
Seller: Henry E. Whitlock
Date: 10/14/14

22 Eames Ave.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Tiffany R. Clay
Seller: Kathleen E. Ford
Date: 10/16/14

112 Leverett Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: John L. Miller
Seller: Sarah A. Bevilacqua
Date: 10/06/14

3 Moss Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $238,500
Buyer: Naomi M. Elliott
Seller: Audrey M. O’Connell
Date: 10/10/14

147 North Whitney St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Pavers NT
Seller: Wharton C. Clay
Date: 10/16/14

265 South East St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Hilary Whitlock
Seller: Karen J. Mills
Date: 10/17/14

11 Teaberry Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: John Siano
Seller: Carolyn P. Collette
Date: 10/07/14

BELCHERTOWN

124 Allen Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Adam C. Hebert
Seller: Craig H. McCauley
Date: 10/17/14

298 Cold Spring Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $266,250
Buyer: Corey J. Lajoie
Seller: Andrew K. Carey
Date: 10/15/14

191 East St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Andree M. Pages
Seller: Ronald Toelken
Date: 10/16/14

87 Railroad St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $162,656
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Mary E. Fickett
Date: 10/17/14

36 Sarah Lane
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $184,559
Buyer: USA
Seller: Larry G. Desreuisseau
Date: 10/15/14

29 Stebbins St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Phillip E. Chilson
Seller: Scott A. Anderson
Date: 10/06/14

207 Warner St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $316,000
Buyer: Christopher Peterson
Seller: 21st Century Green Homes
Date: 10/10/14

CUMMINGTON

225 Trouble St.
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Sarah E. Tompkins
Seller: Paul A. Dion
Date: 10/10/14

EASTHAMPTON

22 Knight Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $269,000
Buyer: John Mortimer
Seller: Norah B. Seiger
Date: 10/15/14

28 Mckinley Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Emily A. Lees
Seller: Kim P. Hackworth
Date: 10/15/14

41 South St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $149,900
Buyer: Mary M. Roensch LT
Seller: Bruce D. Sylvia
Date: 10/17/14

GRANBY

189 East St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Westover Metropolitan Development Corp.
Seller: Robert D. Walker
Date: 10/15/14

School St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: International EC LLC
Seller: FMJ Realty LLC
Date: 10/17/14

HADLEY

133 Middle St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $159,334
Buyer: John A. Lipski
Seller: Elizabeth A. Newman
Date: 10/08/14

HATFIELD

115 Elm St. #31
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $249,900
Buyer: William H. Bittner
Seller: Hatfield Village LLC
Date: 10/10/14

450 Main St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Mt. Tom Properties LLC
Seller: Walker P. Lee
Date: 10/17/14

108 Straits Road
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Duval Logging LLC
Seller: Stephen F. Bruscoe
Date: 10/17/14

HUNTINGTON

14 Kennedy Dr.
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Maureen Lucey
Seller: Donald & Janice Gormley NT
Date: 10/08/14

84 Searle Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Paul C. Stanley
Seller: Theodore M. Lapointe
Date: 10/17/14

NORTHAMPTON

1152 Burts Pit Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Joanne K. Clark
Seller: Samuel J. Lococo
Date: 10/06/14

19 Drewsen Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Gregory R. Haas
Seller: Deborah Coon
Date: 10/17/14

808 Florence Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Daniel L. Polachek
Seller: Lauretta R. Dietrich
Date: 10/17/14

12 Hinckley St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Patrick A. Corliss
Seller: Glenn Alper
Date: 10/10/14

SOUTH HADLEY

59 Bardwell St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $206,000
Buyer: Melissa Holmes
Seller: Michelle George
Date: 10/17/14

336 Brainerd St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $308,000
Buyer: Robert F. Caselden
Seller: Bridget E. Gardner
Date: 10/10/14

16 Brittany Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Benjamin H. Hale
Seller: Paul D. Boudreau
Date: 10/06/14

8 Cypress Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $198,000
Buyer: Tracy A. Copeland
Seller: Nancy M. Herrick
Date: 10/07/14

60 East St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $174,000
Buyer: Prateek Rajbhandari
Seller: William P. Butler
Date: 10/10/14

6 Lawrence Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $166,000
Buyer: Anthony A. Chambers
Seller: Ronald F. Bisiewicz
Date: 10/17/14

36 Ludlow Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Steve Aube
Seller: Linda L. Drozdowski
Date: 10/10/14

Ludlow Road #3
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Steve Aube
Seller: Linda L. Drozdowski
Date: 10/10/14

Ludlow Road #4
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Steve Aube
Seller: Linda L. Drozdowski
Date: 10/10/14

34 Queen Circle
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $169,950
Buyer: Suzanne M. Frenette
Seller: Karen E. Lappalainen
Date: 10/10/14

154 Stony Brook Village
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $307,000
Buyer: Drummer RT
Seller: Whispering Pines
Date: 10/07/14

29 Upper River Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Scott G. George
Seller: Daniel F. Muldoon
Date: 10/17/14

7 Valley View Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $442,500
Buyer: Michael & L. Matyszewski RET
Seller: James Mumm
Date: 10/07/14

8 Virginia Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Brian W. Summers
Seller: Todd T. Holt
Date: 10/08/14

SOUTHAMPTON

13 Cottage Ave.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Bruce A. Slabinski
Seller: Nathan Sansouci
Date: 10/17/14

WARE

304 Beaver Lake Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $287,500
Buyer: Russell C. Mooney
Seller: Debra A. Charette
Date: 10/17/14

42 Crescent St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $203,500
Buyer: Kristine A. Roach
Seller: FNMA
Date: 10/16/14

121 Glendale Circle
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Jarrod Dandurant
Seller: Mark A. Orszulak
Date: 10/17/14

14 Indian Hill Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $155,500
Buyer: Katie J. Cienciwa
Seller: George E. Moeckel
Date: 10/16/14

WORTHINGTON

123 Capen St.
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Samantha L. Kabat
Seller: Mary A. Munson FT
Date: 10/10/14

8 Dingle Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Joshua J. Tanner
Seller: Susan S. Martin
Date: 10/07/14

27 Ireland St.
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Kathleen E. Ford
Seller: Madeleine A. Cahill
Date: 10/16/14

Sam Hill Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $176,000
Buyer: Theodore M. Lapointe
Seller: Edward & Shirley Porter LT
Date: 10/17/14

Paragus, R.H. White Named ‘Employers of Choice’ by EANE

By BusinessWest Staff November 12, 2014

AGAWAM — Two Massachusetts businesses were selected as Employer of Choice Award recipients by the Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast (EANE). Paragus Strategic IT of Hadley and R.H. White Construction Companies, based in Auburn, received their awards at EANE’s Employment Law and HR Practices Conference on Nov. 4.

Winners of the Employer of Choice Award are recognized for developing a culture for transforming and rewarding employee performance. Entrants are judged in categories that include company culture, training and development, communication, recognition and reward, and work-life balance.

“Both R.H. White and Paragus have succeeded in creating amazing workplace cultures which maximize employee engagement, creativity, and organizational success,” said Meredith Wise, president of EANE. “They are truly connected to their communities, contributing financially as well as with staff time and talent to various charities and events.”

Paragus Strategic IT employees attend 90 to 100 hours of learning and development each year. In 2012, the company was ranked by Inc. magazine as one of the 5,000 fastest-growing companies in the country. R.H. White Construction Companies celebrated its 90th anniversary last year with a goal to raise $90,000 for local charities; the company actually raised $156,000. It provides more than $700,000 in safety-related training to employees annually.

Employers who have been in business for at least three years and have a minimum of 25 employees are eligible to participate; both the company size and its resources are considered in the screening and selection process. Sponsored by EANE and the Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, the award has been given since 2011.

UMass Records Best-ever Year for Startup Businesses

By BusinessWest Staff November 11, 2014

AMHERST — The University of Massachusetts created six new startup companies within the past year, its best-ever annual performance, and set new records for patent applications and the number of faculty members disclosing inventions, President Robert Caret said.

The new companies reflect the university’s increased focus on coaching, mentoring, and providing other services and support to help researchers start businesses. Also, for the eighth straight year, UMass generated more than $30 million in licensing income, enough to ensure that the university maintains its perch in national surveys of universities with the highest licensing income derived from academic research.

“Our success is proof that the leading-edge research performed by our distinguished faculty and the high-performing students who work alongside them is growing every day in relevance and importance,” Caret said. “We want to accelerate these efforts because this research — and the new treatments, products, services, and companies it spawns — adds tremendous value to society and impacts the quality of life in Massachusetts.”

In addition to the six new startups, the UMass recorded 157 patent applications and 180 faculty invention disclosures for fiscal year 2014, which ended June 30. In all three categories, it was the university’s best-ever yearly performance. The university also was granted 54 patents for ideas that have the potential to be commercialized. UMass generated more than $31 million in licensing revenue in fiscal year 2014. The six companies spun out of UMass inventions this year were:

• Felsuma, “Geckskin Adhesive Technology,” by Al Crosby and Duncan Irshick, professors at UMass Amherst. Felsuma is commercializing a new technology, Geckskin, licensed from UMass Amherst. Geckskin is a three-dimensional, transformational adhesive that can attach and release repeatedly from multiple surfaces with high bonding strength. It is based on technology developed in the laboratories of Crosby in Polymer Science and Irschick in Biology. The major markets are large and include clothing, shoes, households, medical devices, military, and construction. The company is headed by Rana Gupta, an entrepreneur and former venture capitalist.

• Aha! Productions/Innovation Accelerator, “Obscure Features Hypothesis,” by Joseph McCaffrey from UMass Amherst. The company licenses UMass software technology that is useful in creativity and invention processes. The firm’s first product, Analogy Finder, offers a software package that seeks to rationalize the process of creativity and invention. The software seeks out analogous solutions to problems by hunting through patent databases, research libraries, and other sources. Innovation Accelerator is headed by James Pearson, an alumnus of UMass Amherst’s Mechanical and Engineering Department.

• Sonation, “Expert System for Musical Accompaniment,” by Chris Raphael from UMass Amherst. The company is developing music software technology that transforms singing and playing instruments into a more interactive, fun experience. It is creating apps that simulate playing with a full band or orchestra that listens and responds to the user’s style. The first product, Cadenza, is available at the iStore for use on the iPad. The product, to be introduced in the next two years, will expand the application to other devices, instruments, and available music. The company is headed by Ann Chao, a Harvard MBA and former strategy consultant.

• Voyager Therapeutics, “RNA Interference,” by Phil Zamore, Guangping Gao, Neil Aronin, and others at UMass Medical School. The company is developing gene-therapy methods to treat several important neurological diseases, including ALS, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease. Voyager will focus on adeno-associated virus as the vector and will try to effect gene replacement or gene knockdown to effect the relevant protein production. The company, financed by $45 million in funding from a venture capitalist, will be located in Cambridge.

• TATT, LLC, “Use of siRNA to Preserve Organs for Transplant,” by Timothy Kowalik and Marc Uknis, professors at UMass Medical School. The company is based on technology, developed by Kowalik and Uknis, that relates to the use of siRNA to improve organs being used for transplantation by minimizing organ rejection, transplantation-mediated transmission of viral infection, and the triggering of apoptosis in transplanted tissue.

• Agalimmune Ltd., “Cancer Immunotherapy,” by Dr. Uri Galili from UMass Medical School. The company is developing innovative immunotherapies for the treatment of solid tumors based on Galili’s work. The company is based in London and California and has received initial funding from Loxbridge Research, LLP and Animatrix Capital, LLP. Dr. Giles Whalen, professor of Surgical Oncology at UMass Medical School, is working with the company to bring its first product, Alphaject Technology, to clinics.

Construction Unemployment Falls to Lowest Rate Since 2006

By BusinessWest Staff November 10, 2014

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Construction employers added 12,000 jobs in October and the sector’s unemployment rate fell to 6.4%, the lowest rate for October since 2006, according to an analysis by Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the construction-employment gains, along with rising wages and weekly hours, are consistent with survey results showing more firms having a hard time finding enough qualified workers to fill available positions.

Construction employment totaled 6,095,000 in October, the highest total since May 2009, with a 12-month gain of 231,000 jobs or 3.9%, said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. Residential building and specialty trade contractors added a combined 8,000 employees since September and 130,600 (6%) over 12 months. Non-residential contractors — building, specialty trades, and heavy and civil engineering — experienced an overall gain of 3,600 employees for the month and 99,800 (2.7%) over 12 months.

“For the past several months, the construction industry has added jobs at double the all-industry rate of 1.9%,” Simonson said. “Construction wages, which were already higher than the private-sector average, rose 2.6% in the last year — the fastest rate since early 2010 — as contractors ramped up their search for qualified workers. There were fewer unemployed, experienced construction workers last month than at any time in the past eight years. Meanwhile, all construction employees worked an average of 39.2 hours per week, tying the highest mark since that series began in March 2006. Together, these indicators — high weekly hours, low unemployment, and accelerating wage gains — point to an industry that may be on the verge of acute difficulty filling key positions.”

MGM Resorts International Accepts Massachusetts Casino License

By BusinessWest Staff November 7, 2014

BOSTON — MGM Resorts International received a unanimous vote from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) on Thursday, officially granting MGM Springfield a license to operate a resort casino in downtown Springfield.

In June, the MGC entered into an agreement to award MGM Resorts the Region B Category 1 license upon final resolution of a ballot initiative to make gaming illegal in Massachusetts. On Tuesday, Massachusetts voters overwhelmingly supported keeping the gaming statute in place.

“This has been one of the most exciting weeks in MGM’s history,” said James Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International. “We are grateful to the voters of the Commonwealth, and especially the people of Springfield, for voting for jobs and economic opportunities. Today we want to thank the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for formalizing our agreement that will allow us to revitalize a great downtown.”

MGM will pay its $85 million licensing fee to the commission on Nov. 17. Following the historic vote, MGM Springfield immediately began work on the property. On Wednesday morning, heavy equipment was at Howard Street School to conduct geotechnical soil assessments. The site will house a 3,500-space parking garage. This is the first time since 2012, when MGM first formally announced its interest in a resort casino in Springfield, that construction activity has taken place on the site. It signals the kickoff to early preparations for a spring 2015 groundbreaking.

“It is extremely gratifying to have equipment on site, not only because it signals the start of the work, but because the people of Springfield no longer have to imagine MGM Springfield,” said President Michael Mathis. “Their future is now.”

Tighe & Bond Appoints Two to Board of Directors

By BusinessWest Staff November 6, 2014

WESTFIELD — Tighe & Bond, a leading civil and environmental engineering firm, recently appointed two new members to its board of directors, Patrick McCann and Robert Herchert.

“Pat and Bob each bring substantial industry experience and leadership to Tighe & Bond that will be an asset to our strategic and growth initiatives,” said David Pinsky, president and CEO. “Their past professional successes — as well as their external and fresh perspectives — are just what we need to complement our existing board of directors and fine-tune our performance.”

McCann has more than 30 years of leadership experience in the environmental, engineering, and construction business. He joined Weston Solutions, an infrastructure-redevelopment firm with offices nationwide, in 1996 and led the company through a successful transformation from public to employee ownership. He became chief operating officer in 1997, president in 1998, and CEO from 2003 to 2013.

Currently, McCann serves as board chair for Water for People, an international development organization with operations in nine countries that focuses on providing sustainable water and sanitation to some of the poorest villages in the developing world. He also serves as a board member for Harris & Associates, a West Coast construction-management and design firm, as well as the SUNY Oneonta Foundation.

Herchert has nearly 50 years of leadership experience in the public and private sectors, with approximately half of those in the professional-services industry. For the past 13 years, he has been chairman of the board at Freese and Nichols Inc., an engineering, architecture, and environmental-science firm headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. He also develops and maintains client relationships, and is a Freese and Nichols representative in community and civic activities.

Prior to this, he was the firm’s president and CEO for 11 years. Previously, Herchert served as city manager for the City of Fort Worth from 1978 to 1985, and as executive vice president for Texas American Bancshares from 1985 to 1990. Over the years, he has served on numerous boards to support government, business, and community initiatives, and has served on various corporate boards. In 2009, he joined the board of Terracon Consultants Inc., where he also chairs the executive compensation committee and serves on the governance committee.

HMC Receives $3.9M for Behavioral Health, ED Enhancements

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Medical Center (HMC) has been awarded $3.9 million by the Mass. Health Policy Commission (HPC) for an innovative project to enhance behavioral healthcare services for patients. The two-year project has an aggressive completion deadline of January 2017.

The funds awarded by HPC are Phase 2 of the Community Hospital Acceleration, Revitalization, and Transformation (CHART) investment program, dubbed “Driving System Transformation.” HPC awarded $60 million for projects throughout the Commonwealth, for which they received requests of more than $117 million. HMC’s award was the highest award for a single hospital and reflects the recognition of the need for improved conditions as well as the vital role HMC plays in the community. The award also came with the expressed support from many local and state officials, including state Reps. Aaron Vega, Joseph Wagner, and John Scibak and state Sen. Don Humason.

“This funding will allow us to create significantly improved conditions for all our patients, especially those with behavioral-health needs. Programmatic changes and designated treatment space for behavioral-health patients in the Emergency Department will help to avoid unnecessary hospitalization and reduce re-hospitalization of behavioral-health patients,” said HMC President and CEO Spiros Hatiras.

Approximately half of the funds awarded by HPC, nearly $2 million, are designated to assist in a designated treatment space in the ED for behavioral-health patients, of which the total cost is estimated to be between $6 million to $7 million. Holyoke Medical Center will organize a capital campaign and invest in the balance of funds needed to complete the Emergency Department redesign project.

The HMC Emergency Department serves more than 45,000 patients per year and will continue to serve the community through the redesign and construction phase of the project. The renovations of the ED will provide a designated treatment area needed to deliver safe, comprehensive behavioral-health services to a wide range of patients.

The renovations are expected to begin in early 2015 and be completed by the end of the same calendar year. This initiative will also introduce robust care navigation in partnership with community organizations to ensure that patients receive targeted interventions, are referred to the ‘right’ services, and successfully follow through on their care plans to achieve optimal short- and long-term health outcomes.

“This project is an amazing opportunity to provide specialized emergency care for people with mental-health and substance-abuse issues,” said HMC Director of Behavioral Health Baxter Chandler. “Not only will we more effectively address a patient’s emergency behavioral-health needs, we will also enhance our ability to connect patients with appropriate treatment and community services, reducing the need to return to the ED.”

For the Long Haul

Features

Springfield Welcomes a New Industry — and a Brighter Economic Outlook

A few hundred new jobs in Springfield is always cause for celebration. But city leaders are thinking much bigger than that.

For instance, David Cruise recalled his first meetings with representatives of CNR Changchun Railway Vehicles, the Chinese-based rail-car manufacturer that announced a $565 million deal last month to build at least 284 new subway cars for the MBTA, and to base its operations at the former Westinghouse site in Springfield.

“We were very excited about the opportunity to have CNR Changchun here in the area — it’s a very unique opportunity to bring sustaining wages and career opportunities to people of all ages,” said Cruise, president and CEO of the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County (REB). “We believe they’re very, very committed — not only to fulfilling this contract with the MBTA, but using that contract to expand their business in other parts of the country, while keeping their corporate offices and manufacturing facility here in Springfield.”

Kevin Kennedy, Springfield’s chief development officer, said he and Mayor Domenic Sarno have the same idea.

“In our discussions, what really intrigued the mayor and me the most is that they immediately said to us, ‘we want to make this our American manufacturing headquarters,’” Kennedy told BusinessWest. “Their goals went well beyond the MBTA contract, and it says to us that they plan to have prolonged growth, sustained growth, both from a jobs point of view and and from an ecomomic-development point of view … from every point of view we could think of.”

In other words, the world’s largest rail-car maker setting up shop in Springfield could represent far more than the expected initial 100 to 125 construction jobs and 225 to 250 jobs at the plant.

David Cruise says he was impressed with CNR Changchun’s commitment to growing in Springfield.

“They are very serious about getting into the American rail-car market,” Kennedy continued. “After the original contract, they’re looking at other opportunities, and we could see significant job growth. And I think the key right now — the thing everyone in political and private life is talking about — is jobs.”

Sarno agreed. “The impression I get from them is, this is really going to blossom for them,” he said. “Increased jobs are going to come from this — good-paying jobs, hundreds of jobs — and will solidify and strengthen the tax base. But I think this is something even bigger. This will be their North American hub; they’re already looking at secondary projects in the Springfield area.”

In other words, CNR Changchun’s decision to set up shop in Springfield, catalyzed by the MBTA’s decision to award the company the contract to manufacture almost 300 new cars, could lead to many more economic benefits down the road — or the track, as the case may be.

Mass Appeal

The saga that eventually brought CNR Changchun to Springfield began late last year, when the MBTA first announced the project.

“We’re always looking for different opportunities, and when we came across the MBTA advertising for the bid, we contacted them and got the list of bidders who had taken out bid specs, and we contacted all of them to talk about Springfield, how Springfield would be very receptive to them coming here,” Kennedy said. “As it turned out, potential bidders had already looked at Springfield. We ended up with two that already had half a stake down in the ground here, and we met with both over a period of months.”

Those companies were CNR Changchun — which bought the former Westinghouse site from Pinnacle Entertainment — and Hyundai Rotem, which aimed to build a plant on Progress Avenue. Both companies met extensively with city officials and learned about potential workforce-training initiatives involving Springfield Technical Community College, Holyoke Community College, Western New England University, and Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy, as well as the region’s two one-stop career centers, CareerPoint and Future Works, and entities like the REB and the Economic Development Council.

“One of my first questions for the CNR folks, when they indicated they had taken an option on the property from Pinnacle, was ‘why Springfield?’” Kennedy said. “They said to me, ‘you’ve got a great workforce, a great location, great transportation system. We think this would be a really good place for workforce development and for our employees to work.’”

The city’s appeal would only be heightened, he added, by the MGM Springfield resort casino to be built in the South End if a ballot measure aimed at barring casinos in Massachusetts is defeated this Tuesday. “A number of Millennials are interested in quality-of-life issues, and we’re not talking about gambling; we’re talking about entertainment.”

Meanwhile, the entire Page Boulevard corridor around the Westinghouse site could see a bump in quality of life, Sarno added.

“The restaurants in that area are ecstatic. Now we’re going to get spinoff businesses — people are going to want to eat, get their hair cut, need this, need that,” the mayor said. “We also have great housing stock there. Someone may say, ‘hey, I work here; if I buy a house in the area, I can walk to work.’ There’s tremendous potential there for the long haul.”

Cruise also used that term ‘long haul’ when describing his interactions with CNR Changchun over the past several months.

“We would have been pleased with whomever was selected if they were coming into the area, but we’re particularly pleased by this selection,” he said. “In the discussions we were part of, it was pretty evident to us that this company was committed to being in the area for the long haul — that the MBTA contract to provide rail cars in Boston was critical to them, but they were going to use this as a platform for additional business around the country.”

In addition, “our impression was that they were committed to making certain that local residents were hired for their production and assembly positions, and that was really important to us,” Cruise said. “Their reputation as the largest builder of railway cars in the world certainly wasn’t lost on us. I was impressed by a number of things they had to say. This could be very, very significant.”

Sarno said the company appreciated the way the city seamlessly brought together players from the business, political, and workforce-development realms to craft a vision of what the city and its environs could offer.

“They really liked the red carpet we rolled out for them here in Springfield,” the mayor said. “CNR Changchun is very good with grassroots, with reaching out, and had meetings with Putnam, WNEU, workforce-development people, the media, vendors, the employment base. They really wanted to touch every base they could here in Springfield, and we helped facilitate that.”

Added state Sen. Gale Candaras, at the recent press conference where Gov. Deval Ptrick announced the MBTA deal, “their level of engagement with people here was amazing. Right from the beginning, they wanted to be here; they were committed to this site.”

Engine for Growth

Like Kennedy, the mayor said the city’s greatest appeal to CNR Changchun — which will do business here under the name CNR MA — is its worker pool and, more importantly, the infrastructure already being built to train it for what are expected to be well-paying precision-manufacturing jobs.

For the REB’s part, Cruise explained, it will take a three-pronged approach. It will coordinate with the CareerPoint and Future Works career centers, the Department of Veterans Services, and area vocational high schools to identify existing candidates for jobs; help develop training programs at Putnam, STCC, and WNEU to increase that pool; and work closely with labor unions whose members have the required skills associated with rail-car assembly, as well as the REB’s network of advanced-manufacturing firms to connect CNR MA with area companies that can manufacture required parts and components.

“When trying to build a workforce of this size, you have to have educational outreach programs to make certain the community as a whole is aware of the positions that will be available — primarily production opportunities, but I suspect some in the corporate office in Springfield as well,” Cruise told BusinessWest.

“It’s critical that companies assist CNR in their efforts to get the workforce,” he continued, “but also make certain, as the workforce is selected, that we have an infrastructure in place to continue to provide skills to their incumbent workforce. In my opinion, this area has the educational infrastructure to be able to respond to workforce needs, which is not something you find in too many areas. I suspect one of the reasons CNR chose Springfield as a location for their facility was that they saw the resources available here, and I think that was important to them.”

CNR MA expects to break ground on its new, $60 million plant sometime in 2015, just as planned worker-training programs begin to gear up. The initial project to build 152 Orange Line cars and 132 Red Line cars — replacing vehicles that have been in use for between 35 and 45 years — is set to continue until a planned delivery date of 2021, but by then, the company is hopeful that an expanded workforce will be busy with other projects well into the future.

“This is huge,” Cruise said, “not only for the whole issue of job creation, but also for some of the smaller companies, sheet-metal companies, and the labor unions here in the area, who can be suppliers and partners in this work.

“We think it will have a ripple effect on other companies,” he continued. “Whenever you bring a manufacturing facility of this magnitude in the area, there will be some spinoff for some of the smaller companies that provide goods and services to them. That’s critical.”

Richard Davey, secretary and CEO of the Mass. Department of Transportation, recognized the importance of this project to the people of Springfield.

“The governor has talked about transportation not being about just trains and buses, but lifting communities, about jobs and economic development,” he said.

Added Patrick, “they’ve been thoroughly vetted; they’ve constructed these kinds of cars all over the world, and they’re very well-respected. One condition of this deal is that they do the assembly and manufacturing here in Western Mass., and they have chosen to do that right here in East Springfield.”

Springfield Bound

Sarno suspects that most people didn’t consider his city a front-runner, yet, after CNR Changchun officials visited about 50 sites along the Northeast corridor, it settled on Springfield.

“Even though the region’s manufacturing base has eroded since the old days, dating back to the ’70s, it’s still a hotbed for precision machining,” he told BusinessWest. “And they liked what they saw here. They liked the supports from the city and state, they liked the workforce development we have here, our farm system, and they really loved the property.”

The mayor also believes the rise of a new industry in Springfield could be a catalyst to attract other manufacturing firms of all types. “I think it’s the best advertisement to come to Springfield.”

Kennedy said a manufacturer of this size and reputation locating in Western Mass. is unheard of these days, but in a way, it fits in perfectly with the other positive changes happening in Springfield, from MGM Springfield and Union Station to the area colleges procuring a presence downtown and the development of an innovation district plan.

“All these pieces of the puzzle are coming together — it’s happening,” he said. “There’s certainly enthusiasm happening in the business community, recognizing what’s happening here. What we need now is to translate this into a real marketing effort for Springfield, so the general public can see it.”

And other businesses, of course.

“We really are at a pivotal moment in the city’s history,” Sarno said, citing not just potential new jobs, but planned improvements in public safety and education. “We’re moving in the right direction, though obviously we always want to do more.

“I’m bullish on Springfield,” he concluded, “and I think people are starting to be bullish on Springfield as well.” Including, in CNR Changchun, one more large firm that’s betting big on the City of Homes.

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Editorial

Opinion

Another Triumph for Springfield

When it was first announced that CNR Changchun Railway Vehicles Co., a manufacturer of urban mass-transit vehicles based in China, was interested in building replacement subway cars for the MBTA’s Red and Orange lines in Springfield, the news was greeted with a large dose of skepticism.

And why not? Things like that just haven’t happened in Springfield in recent years— or decades, for that matter. They’re talked about, but the talk rarely translates into anything substantive. The $565 million contract to build nearly 300 subway cars was the kind of development that simply went somewhere else.

The fact that it didn’t, and that the subway cars will be built in the former Westinghouse complex in East Springfield, is perhaps the best aspect to this encouraging story, although there are many positives to take from it.

First and foremost are the jobs — a projected 100-plus new construction jobs from the building of a 150,000-square-foot plant, and more than 200 new manufacturing positions — as well as the quality of those jobs. Indeed, at a time when many of the jobs coming to the region are in service, distribution, or call centers, these are manufacturing positions, the type that every region covets.

There’s also the prospect for more manufacturing coming to Springfield and this region in general if all goes as well as expected with these subway cars in terms of providing this company with a qualified workforce. This state and this region cannot sell themselves as being low-cost (at least when compared to southern states and foreign countries like Mexico), and they can’t market themselves as being business-friendly, because, by and large, they are not. But a quality, well-trained workforce is a strong selling point.

And then, there’s the needed boost the city gains with regard to its image. Newspapers in Boston and elsewhere were placing ‘Springfield’ in stories that had nothing to do with poverty, crime, or high dropout rate. And it had probably been some time since they’d done that.

But, as we said, maybe the best thing to come from this may well be a needed jolt of confidence — or another jolt, as the case may be. There is a growing sense that things can be done in this city, because they are being done.

This list includes the three colleges that now call downtown Springfield home — UMass Amherst, Bay Path University, and Cambridge College — as well as Union Station, a project that many thought they’d never see come to fruition; an emerging innovation district; and even the successful effort to keep the Student Prince restaurant (the Fort) from becoming merely a part of the city’s past.

And if voters do the right thing and vote ‘no’ on Question 3 on Election Day, there will be yet another boost in confidence, in the form of an $800 million resort casino that will rise in the city’s beleaguered South End.

Springfield still has a number of challenges to confront, including its high poverty rate and equally high dropout rate, but there is some real momentum in the city now, a sense that things are possible, that good things can happen here.

And with that momentum will hopefully come a change in attitude, so the next time a company announces its intention to bring jobs to the city, the news won’t be greeted with that same level of skepticism.

The Super 60

Sections Super 60

Program Marks 25 Years of Honoring the Top-performing Companies

It started a quarter-century ago.

The program was smaller — it was known as the Fabulous 50 back then — and was conceived as a fund-raising event for what is now the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield (ACCGS), and also as an opportunity to celebrate the top-performing companies that characterized the region’s diverse economy.

Along the way, it has become a fall tradition, and the phrase ‘Super 60 company’ has become a bragging right for businesses large and small, said ACCGS President Jeff Ciuffreda, as he referenced the class of 2014.

It will be celebrated on Nov. 14 at Chez Josef in Agawam, which has traditionally been sold out for the Super 60 luncheon, and should be this year as well.

And, as in the previous 24 years, the Super 60 lists are characterized by diversity — in a number of forms (see snapshots below). First, geographically. Nearly 20 cities and towns in Western Mass. are represented by the companies in the Total Revenue and Revenue Growth categories, including both the larger cities, such as Springfield, Holyoke, and Westfield, but also the smaller towns, such as Ware, Belchertown, and Southwick.

There’s also diversity in terms of the industrial sectors represented on those lists. There are winners from the financial-services sector, retail, manufacturing, education, healthcare, technology, service, distribution, construction, and the region’s large nonprofit realm. And there’s diversity in terms of size, with some of the region’s largest employers on the Total Revenue list, and some of its smaller rising stars on the Revenue Growth compilation.

Add it all up, and this year’s winners provide ample reason for optimism as the region continues to battle its way back from the prolonged recession that began in 2007.

“Small business is the backbone of our region,” said Ciuffreda, “and the success of this year’s winners is a clear indication that our regional economy is strong.”

This strength is reflected in the numbers posted by this year’s winners. The average revenue of the companies in the Total Revenue category exceeded $35 million, with combined revenue of more than $1 billion. Meanwhile, one-third of the companies in the Revenue Growth category posted growth in excess of 50%, with the average growth of all honorees in that category at more than 49%.

Topping the Total Revenue category is West Springfield-based Balise Motor Sales, which now boasts more than 20 facilities (new- and used-car dealerships, collision-repair shops, and car washes) in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Placing second is the Stavros Center for Independent Living, with NUVO Bank & Trust Co. placing third.

In the Revenue Growth category, Springfield-based City Enterprise Inc., a woman-owned commercial and residential builder, finished on top, followed by Troy Industries Inc. and Chemex Corp.

Also, 16 companies qualified for both categories. They include the Dennis Group, Gandara Mental Health, Joseph Freedman Co., Maybury Associates, M.J. Moran, Northeast Treaters, NUVO Bank & Trust Co., PC Enterprises (Entre Computer), Pioneer Valley Concrete Services, Premier Source Credit Union, Tighe & Bond, Troy Industries, Universal Plastics Corp., and Whalley Computer Associates. Each was placed in the category where it finished highest.

The winners will be saluted at the annual luncheon, which this year will feature Friendly Ice Cream President and CEO John Maguire as keynote speaker.

Maguire is credited with engineering a strong turnaround at the company, which began with a single shop in Springfield in 1935, grew into a regional powerhouse, but struggled through the ’90s and the first part of this century, eventually filing for bankruptcy.

The celebration luncheon is presented by Health New England and sponsored by Hampden Bank, Zasco Productions, and WWLP-TV22.

Reservations for the luncheon are required and can be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by e-mailing Sarah Mazzaferro at [email protected]. Tickets are $50 for ACCGS members, $70 for non-members. The deadline for reservations is Nov. 7.

Fast Facts:

What: The Super 60 Luncheon
When: Nov. 14, 11:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Where: Chez Josef, Agawam
Keynote Speaker: John Maguire, president and CEO, Friendly’s
For more Information: Visit www.myonlinechamber.com

TOTAL REVENUE

1. Balise Motor Sales
122 Doty Circle, West Springfield
(413) 733-8604
www.baliseauto.com
Jeb Balise, President and Dealer
Now one of the largest retailers of new and used automobiles in New England, Balise Motor Sales, which traces its roots back to 1929, operates more than 20 dealerships, collision-repair shops, and car washes in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Brands sold and serviced include Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Lexus, Mazda, Nissan, Scion, Subaru, Toyota, and Volkswagen. The company now employs more than 1,000 people at its various facilities.

2. Stavros Center for Independent Living
210 Old Farm Road, Amherst
(413) 256-0473
www.stavros.org
Jim Kruidenier, Director
The Stavros Center for Independent Living, founded in 1976, is one of the oldest independent-living centers in the country. It is the goal at Stavros to give people with disabilities the tools to take charge of their life choices, act on their own behalf, and overcome situations that reduce their potential for independence. The company operates three offices, in Amherst, Springfield, and Greenfield. Offerings include deaf and hard-of-hearing services, housing services, building services, options counseling, a transition-to-adulthood program, personal-care-attendant services, and many others.

3. Nuvo Bank & Trust Co. *
1500 Main St., Springfield
(413) 787-2700
www.nuvobank.com
Dale Janes, CEO
NUVO Bank is a locally owned, independent small-business bank located in downtown Springfield. NUVO provides loans, deposits, and cash-management services for personal-banking and business-banking needs.

The Assoc. for Community Living
220 Brookdale Dr., Springfield
(413) 732-0531
www.theassociationinc.org
Barbara Pilarcik, R.N., Executive Director
For 60 years, the Assoc. for Community Living has been creating opportunities, building relationships, and improving lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. The agency’s caring and experienced workforce empowers individuals with developmental disabilities to live with dignity, bringing fulfillment, community, and valuable relationships into their lives.

Charter Oak Insurance and Financial Services Co.
330 Whitney Ave., Holyoke
(413) 374-5430
www.charteroakfinancial.com
Peter Novak, General Agent
A member of the MassMutual Financial Group, Charter Oak been servicing clients for 127 years. The team of professionals serves individuals, families, and businesses with risk-management products, business planning and protection, retirement planning and investment services, and fee-based financial planning.

City Tire Company Inc.
25 Avocado St., Springfield
(413) 737-1419
www.city-tire.com
Peter Greenberg, President
Brothers Peter and Dan Greenberg, the third generation of a family-owned business founded in 1927, have grown the business to 11 locations in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The company offers one-stop shopping for tires of all shapes and sizes and a full compliment of maintenance and repair services.

Commercial Distributing Co. Inc.
46 South Broad St., Westfield
(413) 562-9691
www.commercialdist.com
Richard Placek, Chairman
Founded in 1935 by Joseph Placek, Commercial Distributing Co. is a family-owned and -operated business servicing more than 1,000 bars, restaurants, and clubs, as well as more than 400 package and liquor stores. Now in its third generation, the company continues to grow through the values established by its founder by building brands and offering new products as the market changes.

The Dennis Group, LLC *
1537 Main St., Springfield
(413) 746-0054
www.dennisgrp.com
TOM DENNIS, CEO
The Dennis Group offers complete planning, design, architectural, engineering, and construction-management services. The firm is comprised of experienced engineering and design professionals specializing in the implementation of food-manufacturing processes and facilities.

Environmental Compliance Services Inc.
588 Silver St., Agawam
(413) 789-3530
www.ecsconsult.com
MARK HELLSTEIN, PRESIDENT AND CEO
For more than 25 years, ECS has specialized in environmental site assessments; testing for asbestos, lead, indoor air quality, and mold; drilling and subsurface investigations; and emergency-response management.

Gandara Mental Health Inc. *
147 Norman St., West Springfield
(413) 736-8329
www.gandaracenter.org
Dr. Henry East-Trou, CEO
Focusing on the Latino/Hispanic community, Gandara Center provides substance-abuse recovery, mental-health, and housing services for men, women, children, adolescents, and families throughout the Pioneer Valley.

Joseph Freedman Co. Inc. *
115 Stevens St., Springfield
(888) 677-7818
www.josephfreedmanco.com
John Freedman, President
Founded in 1891, the company provides industrial scrap-metal recycling, specializing in aluminum, copper, nickel alloys, and aircraft scrap, and has two facilities in Springfield — a 120,000-square-foot indoor ferrous facility, and a 60,000-square-foot chopping operation.

Kittredge Equipment Co. Inc.
100 Bowles Road, Agawam
(413) 304-4100
www.kittredgeequipment.com
Wendy Webber, President
Founded in 1921, Kittredge Equipment Co.is one of the nation’s leading food-service equipment and supply businesses. It boasts 70,000 square feet of showroom in three locations — Agawam, Williston, Vt., and Bow, N.H., making it the largest total showroom in New England, with in-stock inventory of equipment and smallware consisting of more than 7,000 different items. The company also handles design services, and has designed everything from small restaurants to country clubs to in-plant cafeterias.

Marcotte Ford Sales
1025 Main St., Holyoke
(800) 923-9810
www.marcotteford.com
BRYAN MARCOTTE, PRESIDENT
The dealership sells new Ford vehicles as well as pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs, and features a full service department. Marcotte has achieved the President’s Award, one of the most prestigious honors given to dealerships by Ford Motor Co., on multiple occasions over the past decade.

Maybury Associates Inc.*
90 Denslow Road, East Longmeadow
(413) 525-4216
www.maybury.com
John Maybury, President
Since 1976, Maybury Associates Inc. has been designing, supplying, and servicing all types of material-handling equipment throughout New England. Maybury provides customers in a wide range of industries with solutions to move, lift, and store their parts and products.

Northeast Treaters Inc./Chemical Wood Treaters *
201 Springfield Road, Belchertown
(413) 323-7811
www.ntreaters.com
David Reed, President
Northeast Treaters, founded in 1985 in Belchertown, is a manufacturer of pressure-treated lumber. In 1996, an additional facility was added in Athens, N.Y. to produce fire-retardant treated lumber.

Quabbin Wire & Cable Co. Inc.
10 Maple St., Ware
(413) 967-6281
www.quabbin.com
Paul Engel, President
Quabbin Wire & Cable Co. is a privately held corporation that manufactures a variety of thermoplastic shielded and unshielded cables that are sold through distribution. Cable applications and markets include local area networks (LANS), industrial LAN systems, telecommunications systems, control and Instrumentation, process-control interconnect, computer peripherals, low-capacitance data, point-of-sale equipment, sound and audio instrumentation, fire alarm and security systems, medical devices, and custom-designed signaling applications.

Rediker Software Inc.
2 Wilbraham Road, Hampden
(800) 213-9860
www.rediker.com
RICHARD REDIKER, PRESIDENT
Rediker software is used by school administrators across the U.S. and in more than 100 countries, and is designed to meet the student-information-management needs of all types of schools and districts.

Sarat Ford Lincoln
245 Springfield St., Agawam
(413) 789-5400
www.saratford.com
Jeff Sarat, President
Founded in 1929 by John Sarat Sr., Sarat Ford has become the largest Ford dealership in Western Mass., and today, grandson Jeff Sarat leads the company. The full-service dealership includes a state-of-the-art body shop, and a new, 10,000-square-foot expansion offers a 24-bay service center that houses a $1 million parts inventory featuring Ford, Motorcraft, Motorsport, and a variety of other specialty manufacturers.

Specialty Bolt & Screw Inc.
235 Bowles Road, Agawam
(413) 789-6700
www.specialtybolt.com
Kevin Queenin, President
Founded in 1977, Specialty Bolt & Screw (SBS) is a full-service solutions provider of fasteners, vendor-managed inventory (VMI) programs, and c-class commodities. Based in Agawam, it has locations in Valcourt, Quebec; Juarez, Mexico; Queretaro, Mexico; Rovaniemi, Finland; and Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Spectrum Analytical Inc.
11 Almgren Dr., Agawam
(413) 789-9018
www.spectrum-analytical.com
Hanibal Tayeh, CEO
For more than a decade, Spectrum Analytical Inc. has provided quantitative analysis of soil, water, and, more recently, air samples, as well as petroleum products. Consulting firms, industries, municipalities, universities, and the public sector are among the constituencies that make up the client list.

Springfield College
263 Alden St., Springfield
(413) 748-3000
www.springfieldcollege.edu
Mary-Beth Cooper, President
Founded in 1885, Springfield College is a private, independent, coeducational, four-year college offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs with its Humanics philosophy — educating students in spirit, mind, and body for leadership in service to others.

Tighe & Bond Inc. *
53 Southampton Road, Westfield
(413) 562-1600
www.tighebond.com
David Pinsky, President
Having celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2011, Tighe & Bond specializes in environmental engineering, focusing on water, wastewater, solid-waste, and hazardous-waste issues, and provides innovative engineering services to public and private clients around the country and overseas.

United Personnel Services Inc.
1331 Main St., Springfield
(413) 736-0800
www.unitedpersonnel.com
PATRICIA CANAVAN, PRESIDENT
United provides a full range of staffing services, including temporary staffing and full-time placement, on-site project management, and strategic recruitment in the Springfield, Hartford, and Northampton areas, specializing in administrative, professional, medical, and light-industrial staff.

University Products Inc.
517 Main St., Holyoke
(413) 532-3372
www.universityproducts.com
John Magoon, President
University Products is one of the nation’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of materials for conservation, restoration, preservation, exhibition, and archival storage. The company’s catalog includes thousands of paper and plastic enclosures, specialty tapes and adhesives, preservation framing supplies, and archival storage boxes. In addition, it distributes furnishings, tools, equipment, chemicals, and other materials that contribute to the field of preservation.

Valley Fibers Corp.
75 Service Center Road, Northampton
(413) 584-2225
www.yarn.com
Steve Elkins, CEO
Valley Fibers Corp., operating as Webs Amera’s Yarn Store, was founded in 1974, and ships products for knitters, weavers, and spinners in Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, the continental U.S., and internationally. Products consist of all forms of natural and man-made fibers for clothing and accessories in addition to crochet accessories, tools, and more.

Valley Opportunity Council Inc.
35 Mount Carmel Ave., Chicopee
(413) 552-1554
www.valleyopp.com
Stephen Huntley, Executive Director
The Valley Opportunity Council (VOC) is the largest and most diverse community-action agency in the region. It has a network of support and collaborative services that include energy assistance, nutrition, early education and childcare, adult education, senior services, housing, money management, and transporation.

WestMass ElderCare Inc.
4 Valley Mill Road, Holyoke
(413) 538-9020
www.wmeldercare.org
Priscilla Chalmers, Executive Director
WestMass ElderCare is a private, nonprofit agency with a mission to “to preserve the dignity, independence, and quality of life of elders and disabled persons desiring to remain within their own community.” The agency offers a variety of services for elders, their families and caregivers, and persons with disabilities. Programs and services include supportive housing, home care, options counseling, adult family care, nutrition programs, adult foster care, and group adult foster care.

Whalley Computer Associates Inc. *
One Whalley Way, Southwick
(413) 569-4200
www.wca.com
JOHN WHALLEY, PRESIDENT
WCA is a locally owned family business that has evolved from a hardware resale and service group in the ’70s and ’80s into a company that now focuses on lowering the total cost of ownership of technology and productivity enhancement for its customers. Whalley carries name-brand computers as well as low-cost performance compatibles.

YMCA of Greater Springfield
275 Chestnut St., Springfield
(413) 739-6951
www.springfieldy.org
Kirk Smith, President and CEO
The YMCA of Greater Springfield, established in 1852, is the fourth-oldest Y in the world, second-oldest in the country, and third-oldest in North America only to Montreal and Boston. The Y provides services annually to more than 115,000 members, and the program participates in 14 cities and towns across the region. Facilities include the Downtown Springfield YMCA Family Center, the Scantic Valley YMCA Family Center in Wilbraham, the Agawam YMCA Wellness & Program Family Center, and the Dunbar YMCA Family & Community Center in Springfield.

* Indicates company qualifed in both categories

REVENUE GROWTH

1. City Enterprise Inc.
38 Berkshire Ave., Springfield
(413) 726-9549
www.cityenterpriseinc.com
Wonderlyn Murphy, president
City Enterprise Inc. offers skilled general-contracting services to the New England region. The company prides itself on custom design and construction of affordable, quality homes and the infrastructure surrounding each project.

2. Troy Industries Inc. *
151 Capital Dr., West Springfield
(866) 788-6412
www.troyind.com
Erhan Erden, president
Troy Industries is a leading U.S. government contractor that designs and manufactures innovative, top-quality small-arms components and accessories and complete weapon upgrades. Many iconic firearms manufacturers incorporate Troy products into their weapons, including Smith & Wesson, Sturm Ruger & Co., Viking Tactics, POF-USA, LaRue Tactical, LWRC International, Noveske, and HK Defense.

3. Chemex Corp.
11 Veterans Dr., Chicopee
(413) 331-4460
www.chemexcoffeemaker.com
Liz Grassy, president
The Chemex coffeemaker was invented in 1941 by Dr. Peter Schlumbohm. Made simply from non-porous, borosilicate glass and fastened with a wood collar and tie, it brews coffee without imparting any flavors of its own. Chicopee-based Chemex Corp., a family-owned company, manufactures Chemex coffeemakers, bonded filters, handblown water kettles, and accessories for worldwide distribution.

American Pest Solutions Inc.
169 William St., Springfield
(413) 781-0044
www.413pestfree.com
Robert Russell, president
For about a century, American Pest Solutions has been taking care of families and business owners to keep their properties free from ants, bedbugs, rodents, roaches, termites, and other harmful pest infestations. By utilizing products and pest-treatment solutions designed to minimize impacts on the surrounding environment, American takes an ecologically sensitive approach to pest control for the environmentally concerned client.

Boys & Girls Club Family Center Inc.
100 Acorn St., Springfield
(413) 739-4743
www.bgcafamilycenter.org
O’Rita Swan, executive director
The Boys & Girls Club Family Center, featuring a regulation-size gym, a full-size indoor swimming pool, and rooms where kids study and play, is devoted to the idea that children need a place where they are nurtured, protected, and loved. The center offers a variety of activities for children and teens, at all times of the day and early evening. Open year-round, its programs include a pre-school program, after-school program, teen drop-in program, and summer camp.

CanAm Fibers
100 State St., Ludlow
(413) 525-9018
www.canamfibers.net
Peter Meuiner, president
CanAm Fibers has established itself as a well-known and highly respected supplier of varied and specialty-grade paper products to export markets, particularly third-world countries, a segment that allows CanAm to offer domestic suppliers a feasible and economically advantageous avenue in which to dispose of excess material.

Convergent Solutions Inc.
9501 Post Office Park, Wilbraham
(413) 509-1000
www.convergentsolutions.com
Arlene Kelly, CEO
A healthcare billing solutions provider founded in 2006, Convergent Solutions provides hardware and software products that help eliminate human error in medical billing processes, thus helping bring down the cost of healthcare.

Dietz & Co. Architects Inc.
17 Hampden St., Springfield
(413) 733-6798
www.dietzarch.com
Kerry Dietz, CEO
Dietz & Co. provides a full range of architectural services in the public and private sectors, including work in housing, education, healthcare, commercial facilities, historic preservation, and sustainable projects. The firm seeks to bring the benefits of integrated design into all its projects, from individual buildings to entire neighborhoods.

FIT Solutions, LLC
25 Bremen St., Springfield
(413) 733-6466
www.fitsolutions.us
Jackie Fallon, president
Since 2004, FIT Solutions has been partnering with clients, from small-business owners who have only a few IT needs to large companies that have small IT departments, to provide the best candidates for a variety of IT positions. Serving both the Massachusetts and Connecticut markets, FIT Solutions determines the exact qualifications and skills needed, as well as the personality traits desired, in order to find candidates that fit an array of technology-based positions.

The Gaudreau Group
1984 Boston Road, Wilbraham
(413) 543-3534
www.gaudreaugroup.com
Jules Gaudreau, president
A multi-line insurance and financial-service agency established in 1921, the Gaudreau Group combines the traditional service philosophy of an agency with the talents of a dynamic marketing organization. With the expertise and resources that enable clients to respond to an ever-changing economic environment, the agency offers a broad range of insurance and financial products from basic life, home, and auto insurance to complex corporate services, employee benefits, and retirement plans.

GMH Fence Company Inc.
15 Benton Dr., East Longmeadow
(413) 525-3361
www.gmhfence.com
Glenn Hastie, owner
Serving the Western Mass. area for more than over 20 years, GMH Fence Co. is one of largest and most respected fence companies in the region. The fencing contractor offers quality service and fence installations from a selection of wood, aluminum, steel, and vinyl fencing that are durable and virtually trouble-free for residential, commercial, and industrial fencing requests.

Haluch Water Contracting Inc.
399 Fuller St, Ludlow
(413) 589-1254
Thomas Haluch, president
For 30 years, Haluch Water Contracting has served the region as a water-main construction and excavation contractor specializing in water, sewer, pipeline, and communications and power-line construction.

Hampden County Career Center / CareerPoint
850 High St., Holyoke
(413) 532-4900
www.careerpointma.com
David Gadaire, executive director
Since 1996, Hampden County Career Center Inc., d/b/a CareerPoint, has been serving the workforce and economic-development needs of individual job seekers, social-service agencies, and the business community throughout Hampden County and beyond. The center transforms the maze of complex, bureaucratic employment and training programs into one seamless service-delivery system for job seeking and employer customers alike.

Holyoke Community College Foundation Inc.
303 Homestead Ave., Holyoke
(413) 552-2546
www.hcc.edu/the-hcc-foundation
Erica Broman, executive director
The Holyoke Community College Foundation was created four decades ago to help the college meet the needs of the region’s citizens and workforce, by raising both funds and awareness and supporting programs and activities in keeping with the mission of the college.

Innovative Business Systems Inc.
161 Northampton St,.  Easthampton
(413) 584-4274
www.for-ibs.com
Dave DelVecchio, president
For a quarter-century, IBS has provided information-technology solutions designed to meet the stated business objectives of its customers through a process-oriented, consultative approach, with services including exchange conversions, data-replication solutions, disaster recovery and business continuity, and much more.

Janice Yanni, DDS
180 Westfield St., West Springfield
(413) 739-4400
www.yanniorthodontics.com
Dr. Janice Yanni, owner
Dr. Janice Yanni specializes in orthodontic treatment for children, teens, and adults with offices in West Springfield as well as Tolland, Conn., using the latest in technology and a variety of treatment options, including Invisalign, Invisalign Express, Incognito, Six Month Smiles, and traditional braces.

M.J. Moran Inc. *
4 South Main St., Haydenville
(413) 268.7251
www.mjmoraninc.com
James Moran, CEO
The M.J. Moran company was formed in February of 1978 and has steadily grown in size. Services include plumbing, HVAC systems, process piping systems, high-pressure gas and steam systems, medical-gas systems, design/build services, and mechanical construction management. Repeat customers include Top Flite/Callaway Golf, Milton Bradley, Suddekor, Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, Amherst College, Eaglebrook School, Northfield Mount Hermon, and the Cooley Dickinson Hospital.

Market Mentors, LLC
1680 Riverdale St., West Springfield
(413) 787-1133
www.marketmentors.com
Michelle Abdow, principal
A full-service marketing firm, Market Mentors handles all forms of marketing, including advertising in all mediums, media buying, graphic design, public relations, and event planning.

Netlogix Inc.
181 Notre Dame St., Westfield
(413) 586-2777
www.netlgx.com
Marco Liquori, president
NetLogix offers a wide range of IT services, including equipment sales; managed network services and remote monitoring; network design, installation, and management; network security and firewalls; disaster-recovery and business-continuity services; VoIP; wi-fi; and more.

Northeast Security Solutions Inc.
33 Sylvan St., West Springfield
(413) 733-7306
www.northeastsecuritysolutions.com
George Condon, president
Northeast Security Solutions takes a unique, integrated approach to security by bringing together locks, access control, alarms, safes, camera systems, and door-replacement systems to enhance clients’ security.

O’Connell Professional Nurse Service Inc.
14 Bobala Road, Holyoke
(413) 533-1030
www.opns.com
Francis O’Connell, president
For more than two decades, O’Connell Professional Nurse Service has grown to deliver a range of home-health and staffing services across the Pioneer Valley. Services range from nursing care and geriatric healthcare management to advocacy and transportation.

Paragus Strategic IT
84 Russell St., Hadley
(413) 587-2666
www.paragusit.com
Delcie Bean IV, president
While still in high school, Delcie Bean founded Paragus IT in 1999, first under the name Vertical Horizons and then Valley ComputerWorks. Under the Paragus name, it has grown dramatically as an outsourced IT solution for area clients. From information technology solutions to CMR-17 compliance to EMR implementation, Paragus provides business computer service, computer consulting, information-technology support, and other proactive services to businesses of all sizes.

PC Enterprises / Entre Computer *
138 Memorial Ave., West Springfield
(413) 736-2112
www.pc-enterprises.com
Norman Fiedler, CEO
PC Enterprises, d/b/a Entre Computer, assists organizations with procuring, installing, troubleshooting, servicing, and maximizing the value of technology. In business since 1983, it continues to evolve and grow as a lead provider for many businesses, healthcare providers, retailers, and state, local, and education entities.

Pioneer Valley Concrete Service Inc. *
66 North Chicopee St., Chicopee
(413) 534-8171
Dan Smith, owner and president
Pioneer Valley Concrete Service is one of the largest open-shop concrete contractors in New England with experience in warehouse, industrial, institutional, foundation, flatwork, and mass concrete construction, with single-limit bonding capacity in excess of $12 million and aggregate bonding capacity in excess of $20 million, and more than 80 field personnel in addition to a fully staffed office.

Premier Source Credit Union *
232 North Main St., East Longmeadow
(413) 525-2002
premier-sourcecu.com
Bonnie Raymond, CEO and president
Premier Source Credit Union (formerly Kelko Credit Union) was founded in 1941 by the employees of Kellogg Envelope Co. Kelko merged with Twin Meadows Federal Credit Union in 2000, with Spalding Employees Credit Union in 2001, and with Embeco Credit Union (Hasbro Games) in 2006. Combining the resources of these credit unions has allowed it to continue providing personal attention, while expanding its products and services.

Topato Corp.
14 Industrial Parkway, Easthampton
www.topatoco.com
Jeffrey Rowland, president
Topato Corp. is a widely recognized online retailer of webcomic and related merchandise established around 2004 by artist Jeffrey Rowland. Its services are exclusively for established, original, independent Internet creators with a proven record of solid updates and a considerable existing audience.

Universal Plastics Corp. *
75 Whiting Farms Road, Holyoke
(800) 553-0120
www.universalplastics.com
Joseph Peters, CEO
Since 1965, Universal Plastics has been a leading force in the custom thermoforming industry. It specializes in precision custom thermoforming, a plastic-manufacturing process that converts a sheet of plastic into a highly detailed finished product with less tooling investment than other plastic molding processes.

V&F Auto Inc.
443 Springfield St, Agawam
(413) 789-2181
www.vfauto.com
Frank Palange, owner and president
Since 1988, V & F Auto Inc. has been a local, family-owned and -operated auto-repair center servicing Agawam and neighboring areas. As an approved AAA auto-service shop, its ASE-certified technicians have years of experience working on both domestic and import vehicles of all makes and models and can work with customers to find cost-effective repair and maintenance alternatives.

Valley Home Improvement Inc.
340 Riverside Dr., Florence
(413) 517-0158
www.valleyhomeimprovement.com
Steven Silverman, owner
Valley Home Improvement has specialized in home improvement, renovations, and remodeling service in Leeds, Hadley, Amherst, Sunderland, Florence, and Northampton since it was founded in 1991. Home-improvement and remodeling services include kitchen design, bathrooms, additions, sunrooms, screen porches, basement finishing, weatherization/insulation services, garages, and custom cabinetry and countertops.

Westside Enterprises Inc.
1004 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam
(413) 786-1414
www.westsideenterprises.com
Gary Mitchell, president
With a proven track record for project management and superior craftsmanship, Westside Enteprises is a general contractor offering project management, consulting/site management, project estimating, contract negotiations, quality-control management, subcontractor coordination, material purchasing and handling, site work, interior fit-up, and in-house craftsmen. Other specialties include all types of landscaping, retaining walls, snow removal, and emergency construction.

* Indicates company qualifed in both categories

Employee or Subcontractor?

Insurance Sections

The Line Is Blurry, but Employers Must Be Careful Not to Cross it

By BILL GRINNELL

Bill Grinnell

As business owners, our quest for increased efficiency and cost-effective solutions has led many of us to hire subcontractors. It often makes sense to subcontract for work outside of your expertise or for extra work during abnormally busy times of the year.

From an insurance standpoint, subcontracting work has advantages. A sole proprietor with no employees is not required to have workers’ compensation insurance in Massachusetts. Thus, this cost is eliminated by subcontracting work within the law.

But subcontracting work within Massachusetts law is much easier said than done.

Massachusetts Is Tougher Than the IRS

The laws governing subcontracting are much more complicated and stringent in Massachusetts than they are on a federal level. The IRS is the government agency that determines whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor, due to the tax implications of the determination.

The IRS has a list of 20 factors it uses to determine a worker’s status. The factors pertain to how, when, and where the work is performed. Some of these factors include:

• Whether a worker must comply with the employer’s instructions for the work;
• Whether the employer provides specific training;
• Whether the worker must comply with hours set by the employer; and
• Whether the worker is on the job full-time.

In Massachusetts, the law presumes that everyone you hire is an employee until proven otherwise. You’ve heard of innocent until proven guilty? Well, in Massachusetts, every freelancer you hire is an employee until proven an independent contractor.

Misclassification Is Costly

Misinterpreting the laws can have unexpected and costly consequences. Employers found to have misclassified an employee as an independent contractor may be subject to income-tax liability for withholding that should have occurred with wages that should have been paid, FICA and FUTA contributions, state unemployment-contribution payments, potential overtime and other wages owed, workers’ compensation insurance premiums, and civil and criminal liability.

Non-willful violations of the law can incur fines of up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to six months for a first offense. For violations found to be willful, the fine can rise to $25,000, and imprisonment can last up to one year for a first offence.

To steer clear of these landmines, ensure that your subcontractors qualify as independent contractors.

Three Critical Tests for Independent Contractors

In Massachusetts, there are three critical tests workers must pass to be deemed independent contractors: They must be free from the employer’s control, they must work outside the employer’s usual course of business, and they must do the same work regularly for other companies.

Freedom from Control
A worker must be free from the presumed employer’s control and direction in performing the service, both under a contract and in fact. To be free from an employer’s direction and control, a worker’s activities must be carried out with independence and autonomy. For example, workers should provide their own tools, set their own hours, and take their own approach to completing a job.

In the old days, paper-delivery boys and girls were deemed independent contractors. Today they are considered employees, and we no longer see young kids delivering papers door-to-door.

Work Must Be Outside the Usual Course of Business
To qualify as an independent contractor, the worker’s job or service also must be performed outside the usual course of business of whothat performs work that is part of the normal service delivered by the employer may not be treated as an independent contractor.

Here’s where the lines get sketchy. I have seen nightmares created by insurance-company auditors. If a home builder hires a plumber, is that outside of his usual course of business? Some insurance auditors interpret this law very strictly and take the position that any construction activity performed for a general contractor is in the same course of business. Thus, the auditor makes a charge for any uninsured subcontractors.

Work Must Be Done Regularly for Others
Third, an independent contractor must represent himself or herself to the public as being in business to perform the same or similar services. Furthermore, an independent contractor often has a financial investment in a business that is related to the service he or she is currently performing for the employer.

For example, if a restaurant were to hire the same driver to pick up meats and fresh produce every day and that driver only drove for that one restaurant, an employee relationship would exist.

Make sure your subcontractors pass all three tests to ensure that you will not be hit with penalties and saddled with a higher head count than you wish.

If you have questions about your subcontractor relationships, contact an insurance professional.

Bill Grinnell is president of Northampton-based Webber and Grinnell Insurance Agency; [email protected].

People on the Move

Departments People on the Move

The Springfield-based regional law firm Bacon Wilson, P.C. announced that six attorneys have been named to the 2014 New England Super Lawyers list, and four attorneys have been named to the 2014 New England Rising Stars list. Only 5% of New England’s lawyers were honored as Super Lawyers. They were identified for their background, experience, professional achievement, and peer recognition. Rising Stars are under 40 years old or have been practicing law for less than 10 years. Fewer than 2.5% of New England lawyers were named Rising Stars. The following Bacon Wilson attorneys were honored as Super Lawyers:

Gary L. Fialky

Michael B. Katz

Paul H. Rothschild

Stephen Krevalin

Hyman Darling

Gina Barry

Adam Basch

Todd Ratner

Kevin V. Maltby

Spencer Stone

• Gary Fialky, business/corporate;
• Michael Katz, bankruptcy and business;
• Paul Rothschild, general litigation;
• Stephen Krevalin, real estate;
• Hyman Darling, estate planning and probate; and
• Gina Barry, estate planning and probate.
The following Bacon Wilson attorneys were honored as Rising Stars:
• Adam Basch, construction litigation;
• Todd Ratner, estate planning and probate;
• Kevin Maltby, employment and labor; and
• Spencer Stone, business/corporate.
•••••

Donna George-Ebbeling

PeoplesBank has announced the appointment of Donna George-Ebbeling as First Vice President and Credit Risk Manager. She brings more than 32 years of banking experience to her new position. George-Ebbeling’s responsibilities include all aspects of credit and loan administration as well as the development of loan policies and procedures. She also manages the credit-analysis function and oversees the commercial-loan administration area. George-Ebbeling received a bachelor’s degree in English from Fairfield University. She also holds a master’s degree in finance from UMass Amherst.
•••••
Robinson Donovan, P.C., announced that eight of its attorneys have been named to the 2015 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list. In addition, three attorneys were named Rising Stars, a designation for attorneys 40 years old or younger or in practice for 10 years or fewer. No more than 5% of lawyers in a state are named to Super Lawyers, and no more than 2.5% are named to Rising Stars. “Super Lawyers is proud to provide visibility to outstanding attorneys,” said Julie Gleason, director of research for Super Lawyers. Added Jeffrey Roberts, the firm’s managing partner, “the number of attorneys receiving this award at Robinson Donovan highlights the quality of the firm’s lawyers and their dedication to the practice of law.” Robinson Donovan attorneys on the 2015 Massachusetts Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists, and the practice areas in which they are recognized, are as follows:
• Jeffrey Roberts, partner, estate planning and probate;
• Jeffrey McCormick, partner, general litigation;
• James Martin, partner, closely held business;
• Nancy Frankel Pelletier, partner, civil litigation: defense;
• Patricia Rapinchuk, partner, employment litigation: defense;
• Carla Newton, partner, family law;
• Richard Gaberman, of counsel, estate planning and probate;
• Kevin Chrisanthopoulos, associate, general litigation;
• David Lawless, associate, state, local, and municipal (Rising Star);
• Jeffrey Trapani, associate, general litigation (Rising Star); and
• Michael Simolo, associate, estate planning and probate (Rising Star).
Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented, multi-phase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates, and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive, and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys.
•••••
The Springfield-based law firm Sullivan, Hayes & Quinn announced the following:

Meghan Sullivan

• Meghan Sullivan, managing partner, has been selected for inclusion in the 2014 New England Super Lawyers magazine. Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Sullivan has extensive knowledge in the areas of employment law, discrimination law, labor relations, affirmative action, OSHA compliance, personnel policy, and training. She has represented employers in numerous judicial proceedings, administrative hearings, and arbitrations in both the public and private sectors; before the National Labor Relations Board; and before state anti-discrimination agencies, the U.S. Department of Labor, in state courts, and in federal District Court. She has also conducted numerous seminars, supervisory training sessions, and management-development programs, and is a sought-after speaker for numerous organizations and entities on topics ranging from discrimination to wage-and-hour laws.

Layla Taylor

• Attorney Layla Taylor, a partner with the firm, has been selected to the 2014 Massachusetts Rising Stars list. Taylor, a partner at Sullivan, Hayes & Quinn, LLC, joined the firm in 2004. She is experienced in assisting clients with human-resource management and policy development, as well as advising both private- and public-sector clients on legal compliance and best practices in the workplace. She routinely assists employers in workplace immigration matters and in negotiating employment contracts and separation agreements;

Alice Pizzi

• Attorney and Alice Pizzi has been selected to the 2014 Massachusetts Rising Stars list. Pizzi, a graduate of Western New England College School of Law, joined Sullivan, Hayes & Quinn, LLC in 2009 and has focused on the defense of discrimination and wrongful-employment cases filed against employers, employment litigation, employment benefits, and public-sector labor relations. Pizzi is listed on the Mass. Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) panel of sexual-harassment and prohibited-discrimination trainers who have successfully completed the MCAD’s certified program for workplace trainers.

Company Notebook

Company Notebook Departments

United Financial Bancorp Posts Solid Third Quarter
GLASTONBURY, Conn. — United Financial Bancorp Inc., the holding company for United Bank, announced results for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2014. These results represent the first full fiscal quarter as the combined United Financial (merger of legacy Rockville Financial Inc. and legacy United Financial Bancorp Inc.) Rockville was the legal acquirer in the merger of equals with legacy United, in a transaction that closed on April 30, 2014, and Rockville changed its name to United Financial Bancorp Inc. at that time. The company had net income of $10 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, for the quarter ended Sept. 30, compared to Rockville’s net income of $4.6 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2013. Operating net income for the third quarter of 2014 was $10.5 million (non-GAAP), or $0.20 per diluted share, adjusted for $4.5 million (pre-tax) of expenses related to the merger, $3.8 million (pre-tax) net positive impact of the amortization and accretion of the purchase accounting adjustments (or fair-value adjustments) as a result of the merger, and $430,000 (pre-tax) net gains on sales of securities. Operating net income for the quarter ending June 30 was $5.8 million (non-GAAP), or $0.13 per diluted share, adjusted for $21.3 million (pre-tax) of expenses related to the merger, $4.9 million (pre-tax) net impact of the amortization and accretion of the purchase accounting adjustments (or fair-value adjustments) as a result of the merger, and $589,000 (pre-tax) net gains on sales of securities. Operating net income for the third quarter of 2013 was $4.6 million (non-GAAP), or $0.18 per diluted share, adjusted for income of $29,000 (pre-tax) from net gains on sales of securities. “I am pleased to announce that, during United Financial Bancorp, Inc.’s first full quarter as a merged entity, the company reported strong organic earning asset growth, highlighted by 10% annualized commercial loan growth and record residential mortgage loan production, while maintaining superior asset quality,” stated William Crawford IV, CEO of United Financial Bancorp Inc. and United Bank. “While this is a difficult operating environment for banks, the company will continue its strategy of organic growth and commitment to enhancement of long-term shareholder value through operational and capital efficiency.” Other financial highlights:
• Third-quarter net income of $10.0 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, and operating net income of $10.5 million, or $0.20 per diluted share;
• A 12% increase in operating revenue, compared to linked quarter;
• A 22% increase in operating expense, compared to linked quarter;
• A 3.56% GAAP tax-equivalent net-interest margin, compared to 3.86% in the linked quarter. On an operating basis, the third-quarter tax-equivalent net-interest margin was 3.23%, compared to 3.34% in the linked quarter; and
• Operating non-interest expense/average assets decreased to 2.32% from 2.38% in the linked quarter.

Freedom Launches ATMs in Rite Aid Pharmacies in Western Mass.
SPRINGFIELD — Freedom Credit Union and Welch ATM announced that Freedom Credit Union-branded ATMs are now available in Rite Aid pharmacies in Agawam, Chicopee, Easthampton, Holyoke, Lee, Monson, Pittsfield, Southwick, Springfield, West Springfield, and Westfield. Freedom will also provide its members with surcharge-free access to all 224 Rite Aid pharmacy locations in Massachusetts and Connecticut. In addition to custom branding, Welch ATM is providing new, fully compliant ATM machines and complete management. “We are excited to provide Freedom Credit Union with ATM branding at Rite Aids in Massachusetts,” said Adam Hobelmann, senior vice president at Welch ATM. “Our company strives to provide customer satisfaction, and we look forward to offering easy cash access and consistent ATM service to Freedom Credit Union’s members.” Over the past 11 years, Freedom Credit Union has grown from one branch to 10. The newest branch opened in September in the Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy on State Street in Springfield.

Florence Bank Sets Grand Opening at Hadley Branch
HADLEY — Florence Bank, a mutually owned savings bank serving the Pioneer Valley through nine branch locations, will celebrate the official opening of its new Hadley location at 377 Russell St. on Nov. 8 between 10 a.m. and noon. The public is invited to help celebrate the important milestone by joining officials from the bank for a grand-opening ceremony that includes a ribbon cutting, a weathervane dedication in memory of John Devine, refreshments, and entertainment. The opening of this branch culminates a construction project that began in the spring. The bank’s new home is only a few doors down from where it has been serving the town for nearly 20 years. “The bank owns the real estate at its new location, whereas we rented our previous space at 335 Russell St. It made sense for us to own the space and have control over renovations and upgrades as needed,” said John Heaps, Jr., president and CEO of Florence Bank. “Plus, this is a truly state-of-the-art facility that we believe will be very well-received and appreciated by our customers and friends.” Amenities and features of the new, 3,150-square-foot branch include direct access from Route 9; a full-service teller line with state-of-the-art technology for quick cash handling; walk-up and drive-up ATMs with smart technology for easy depositing; three drive-up lanes, including a drive-up ATM; expanded private offices and a private conference room; an energy-efficient building to minimize the carbon footprint; and a comfortable waiting area with a coffee bar and free wi-fi. Wright Builders Inc. and HAI Architecture worked on the design and construction of the new building in close cooperation with officials from the bank. Toby Daniels, vice president and branch manager of the Hadley branch, will continue in that role in the new location.

Paragus Ranks Among ICIC and Fortune’s Inner City 100 Winners
SPRINGFIELD — The Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) and Fortune announced that Paragus Strategic IT was selected for the 2014 Inner City 100, a list of the fastest-growing inner-city businesses in the U.S. This year, for the first time in the list’s 16-year history, the Inner City 100 consists of 10 fast-growing businesses from 10 industry categories: construction, manufacturing, professional services, food and beverage, retail, media and communications, software and information technology, transportation and logistics, healthcare and biotechnology, and arts, entertainment, and recreation. Applicants ranked according to revenue growth against their industry peers, as well as overall. Paragus Strategic IT ranked sixth in the software and information-technology category, and 35th overall on the list of 100. The Inner City 100 program recognizes successful inner-city businesses and their CEOs as role models for entrepreneurship, innovative business practices, and job creation in America’s urban communities. Paragus Strategic IT, an outsourced IT-solutions business and a nonprofit that trains high-school students in IT, reported 2013 revenues of $3.54 million and a gross growth rate of 328% from 2009 to 2013. The full list of winners can be viewed at fortune.com. Preceding the Oct. 16 awards celebration, winners attended a two-day small-business symposium designed exclusively for urban firms. The 2014 Inner City 100 winners represent a wide span of geography, hailing from 53 cities and 23 states. The winners grew at an average compound annual growth rate of 39% and an average gross growth rate of 336% between 2009 and 2013. Collectively, the top 100 inner-city businesses employ 8,276 people and created 5,119 new jobs between 2009 and 2013. Not only are the winners powerful job creators in their communities, they also help develop their employees — 73% provide business-skills training, and 69% provide professional-development training to all full-time employees.

Baystate Partners with VertitechIT on IT Infrastructure Project
SPRINGFIELD — Looking to maintain its role as one of the largest and most technically advanced health systems in New England, Baystate Health has launched a new IT infrastructure-redevelopment effort to be managed by Holyoke-based VertitechIT. Baystate Vice President and Chief Information Officer Joel Vengco announced the initiative, which includes updates to critical IT technologies and migration to a new, advanced data center. “Our doctors, nurses, and clinicians need access to critical records at all times, in all of our facilities, and on multiple platforms,” said Vengco. “This initiative, including our data-center move to a new facility in downtown Springfield, will allow our more than 10,000 employees to better serve more than a million patients every year and fully utilize the technology that has made us a keystone of the Western Mass. community.” Vengco has called on VertitechIT, one of the fastest growing healthcare-technology consultancies in the country, to manage the project. “Baystate is among the most respected institutions of its kind in the nation,” added VertitechIT CEO and founder Michael Feld. “It’s our job to make sure they have the infrastructure to continue to provide seamless care between the academic medical center, two community hospitals, and numerous outpatient and primary-care facilities. And from a purely selfish standpoint, it’s nice to have such a prestigious client in our own backyard.” VertitechIT formally opened its new national headquarters at Open Square on Oct. 17.

Executech Sold to Dan Serrenho and Partners
AGAWAM — Executech, one of the area’s leading providers of office supplies and equipment, recently announced the sale of its business to Vice President of Sales Dan Serrenho. Serrenho and employees Hilary Leclair, William Walsh, and Greg Nivison jumped at the chance to acquire the business from owner David Centracchio when Centracchio decided to sell. According to Serrenho, “our goal is to let the community know that we are here to continue providing excellent service to our customers. The transition will be transparent in terms of service.” Added Kathleen Anderson, president of the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce, “we congratulate Mr. Serrenho and all the Executech employee owners on their new roles as small-business owners. Small businesses are the backbone of the community’s economy, and the Holyoke chamber is fully committed to supporting our local businesses.” Executech, located at 53 Ramah Circle South in Agawam, offers a full range of sales, leasing, and service of office supplies and business machines and equipment. “We’ve learned that local ownership is key to meeting the needs of the business of our community,” said Serrenho.

Berkshire Community College Receives 2014 Trendsetter Award
PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Community College (BCC) has received the 2014 Trendsetter Award for Growing and Advancing the Berkshire Economy by 1Berkshire, an independent not-for-profit corporation charged with strengthening and growing the economy in Berkshire County. The award, which was presented last month at 1Berkshire’s Celebrate the Berkshires event, is presented annually to an individual or organization with “a project that attracts new residents or new jobs or enhances the current workforce attributes for a single employer, targeted employee segment, or the region as a whole.” BCC was recognized for its unique collaborative partnership with the vocational schools in the Berkshires, in particular Taconic High School. The partnership between BCC and Taconic to produce the new advanced-manufacturing employee program was launched in October 2013 with the unveiling of a new, state-of-the-art lab. The lab is housed at Taconic and provides both BCC and Taconic students with the advanced technical skills that are needed in the new high-tech manufacturing workplace. BCC’s investment, along with matching funds from the state’s 2013 Vocational Equipment Grant Program, yield a $250,000 capital infusion into the new manufacturing lab. The lab includes a learning system consisting of two programmable computer numerical control (CNC) machines with a material-handling robot, hardware, simulation software, and other cutting-edge CNC equipment. This learning system was provided by funds from the Massachusetts Community Colleges & Workforce Development Transformation Agenda (MCCWDTA), a statewide Department of Labor grant. The kickoff event celebrated new manufacturing and BCC’s participation in MassDevelopment’s AMP (Advanced Manufacturing Program) it up! initiative. In addition to the investment into the manufacturing lab, BCC utilized funding from MCCWDTA and AMP it up! to promote manufacturing as a livelihood through the use of billboards and other advertising displayed throughout the county celebrating October as ‘manufacturing month.’ Presentations were also made to targeted audiences to promote advanced manufacturing as a career. BCC then offered its new advanced-manufacturing training certification program in partnership with Taconic High School to a pilot group of unemployed and incumbent workers at no cost. This 10-week, 66-hour, Level 1 program launched a statewide certified curriculum and employer-led training initiative developed by the Mass. Extension Partnership (MASSMEP) called MACWIC, (Mass. Advancement Center, Workforce Innovation Collaborative.) Following the Level 1 program, a 16-week, 115-hour, Level 2 program was established to build upon the Level 1 programming and meet the needs of the paper and plastic manufacturing companies in the Berkshires. The overall mission of the program is to preserve manufacturing knowledge and to execute the transfer of knowledge, all while meeting the needs of local employers. In addition to the programming at Taconic High School, BCC also assisted with a special manufacturing program offered at McCann Vocational Technical High School in North Adams.

Briefcase

Briefcase Departments

Decision Reduces Electric Transmission Profits, Benefits Consumers
LUDLOW — New England electricity consumers will get a roughly $60 million refund and pay less for transmission service in the future due to a federal ruling reducing the profit that power-grid owners are allowed to earn on their investments. The Massachusetts portion of the refund is expected to be about $28 million, with Massachusetts municipal utilities receiving a refund of approximately $4 million. The decision by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) reduces the allowed rate of return on equity (ROE) for transmission owners from 11.14% to 10.57%. In a 2011 complaint to the FERC spearheaded by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC) and others claimed the 11.14% profit margin was too high, given changes in economic conditions and interest rates since 2006, when the ROE was established. Utility regulators and consumer advocates from throughout New England, as well as U.S. Sen. Edward Markey, also supported the complaint. The Oct. 16 FERC decision found the higher rate to be “unjust and unreasonable,” set the new rate at 10.57%, and ordered refunds of overpayments for the period from October 2011 through December 2012. Litigation is continuing at the FERC to secure additional refunds. “This is an important and positive decision for all New England consumers, and it’s gratifying to see these years of effort coming to a close with a large net benefit for our customers,” said MMWEC CEO Ronald DeCurzio. “We are pursuing additional refunds of overpayments made in 2013 and 2014 and will continue our work to ensure that transmission investments are justified and beneficial to consumers.” DeCurzio said the refunds certainly are welcome, but the benefit increases as the lower rate of return is applied in years ahead to long-term transmission investments. The current $7 billion invested in New England transmission facilities is expected to increase to $11 billion by 2017, and the costs avoided with a lower rate of return will increase as the transmission investment base grows. The FERC has ordered New England’s transmission owners to file a refund report within 45 days of the Oct. 16 order. The transmission companies include National Grid, Northeast Utilities, NStar, Unitil, and Fitchburg Gas & Electric. MMWEC, a nonprofit, public corporation and political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is the joint action agency for public power in Massachusetts, providing a variety of power-supply, financial, risk-management, and other services to the state’s consumer-owned, municipal utilities.

Massachusetts Employment Numbers Up 9,400 in September
BOSTON — The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported that preliminary estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show Massachusetts added 9,400 jobs in September, for a total preliminary estimate of 3,425,000. The September total unemployment rate was 6.0%, up 0.2% over the August rate. Since September 2013, Massachusetts has added a net of 64,100 jobs, with 62,000 jobs added in the private sector. The total unemployment rate for the year is down 1.2% from the September 2013 rate of 7.2%. BLS also revised its August job estimates to a 4,900-job loss from the 5,300-loss previously reported for the month.

Construction Employment Increases in 39 States
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Construction firms added jobs in 39 states between September 2013 and September 2014 while construction employment increased in 34 states and the District of Columbia between August and September, according to an analysis of Labor Department data by Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that the construction job gains come as more construction firms report having a hard time finding qualified workers to fill key positions. “Construction firms in most states have been expanding during the past year,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “But as those firms expand, they have to work harder to attract their skilled craft workers and key construction professionals.” Florida added the most construction jobs of any state (41,900 jobs, 11.2%). Ten states shed construction jobs during the past 12 months, with construction employment unchanged in D.C. and New Mexico. Association officials said the new employment figures show that the industry continues to add new workers after its years-long downturn. But they cautioned that more and more firms are reporting labor shortages. “Hard as it is to imagine, given what this industry has been through the past few years, but many firms are very worried about their ability to find, recruit, and retain qualified workers as the industry continues to rebound,” said Stephen Sandherr, the association’s CEO.

MMS Urges Adoption of Regulations Governing Licensure, Health IT
WALTHAM — The Mass. Medical Society recently urged the state Board of Registration in Medicine (BRM) to adopt a set of proposed regulations that would satisfy a statutory requirement that physicians demonstrate proficiency in health information technology as a condition of maintaining their license to practice medicine. Testifying before the BRM, society Vice President Dr. James Gessner said the requirement is a provision of Chapter 224, the state health-reform law on cost control and quality enacted in August 2012. Chapter 224 required the BRM to establish as a condition of licensure regulations that physicians “demonstrate proficiency in the use of computerized physician order entry, e-prescribing, electronic health records, and other forms of health-information technology, as determined by the board.” The law further specified that, to demonstrate such proficiency, physicians must establish the skills to comply with federal meaningful-use requirements for health information technology. The requirement takes effect Jan. 1, 2015. According to the Massachusetts eHealth Institute, however, only 15,000 physicians who practice in the state have met or are expected to meet federal meaningful-use requirements. The state currently licenses more than 40,000 physicians. “Most of the remaining physicians are, under the law, ineligible for meaningful-use incentives and could lose their license if this statute were interpreted to require meaningful use as a standard for licensure,” said Gessner, adding that this situation would severely affect patient access to care across the Commonwealth, as physicians are prohibited from practicing medicine without a license. “The board has been left to interpret this statutory requirement on its own in a logical manner that is productive and serves the interests of the public. The Massachusetts Medical Society strongly supports the proposed regulatory approach the board has taken in compiling a thoughtful way to implement this requirement.” Among the BRM’s proposals are a provision that applicants may demonstrate skills through their employment with, credentialing by, or contractual agreements with an eligible hospital or critical-access hospital with a federally certified meaningful-use program; by being either a participant or authorized user in the Massachusetts Health Information Highway; or by completing three hours of continuing medical education in electronic records and meaningful use. The BRM also proposed several exemptions from the requirement, including those not engaged in the practice of medicine, such as researchers; medical residents and interns who are experienced with electronic records; those holding an administrative license and not engaged in direct patient care; those with a volunteer license, as these physicians often provide care to the most vulnerable and needy patients; and those on active military duty called into service during a national emergency. Another provision has been proposed to allow physicians coming to Massachusetts who have never been exposed to such a requirement to have the opportunity to be licensed and complete the requirement either through their employment site or other categories after arrival. Gessner, while indicating that large numbers of physicians will be able to comply with the statutory requirement by participating in one of the proposed categories, also cautioned BRM members that, “should any of these categories be eliminated or substantially changed, the impact would be profound on physicians, patients, and the board itself to process such denials of licensure.”

Regional Children’s Hospitals Begin Clinical Collaboration  
SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Children’s Hospital and Connecticut Children’s Medical Center have launched a new collaboration addressing potential ways to improve access to high-quality and high-value healthcare for children in Western Mass. and Connecticut. The two organizations, which both provide high-level inpatient pediatric and neonatal care as well as comprehensive outpatient services for children and adolescents, will work together to determine whether they can increase the availability, sophistication, and coordination of pediatric services throughout the Connecticut River Valley, and collaborate with community pediatric providers to improve the overall health and wellness of children in the region. Both have been recognized by U.S. News and World Report among the top U.S. children’s hospitals. “We recognize that an opportunity exists to bring together the talent, vision, and expertise of some of the leading healthcare providers in Western and Southern New England,” said Dr. Fernando Ferrer, chief physician executive at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. “As the pediatric healthcare environment becomes more complex, the responsible approach is to consider what is in the best interests of our children and families. We are committed to working together with this in mind.” Added Dr. John Schreiber, chief physician executive of Baystate Health, “our two organizations have a lot in common: similar cultures of placing the patient at the very center of our focus and strong commitments to the health of our communities in the broadest sense. In these common traits, we see the foundations of a very successful collaboration.” Examples of areas where both organizations agree that a collaborative approach could improve access and quality of care include pediatric neurosurgery, ophthalmology, pulmonology, and urology, all areas where current provider shortages can make getting care difficult for patients and families. The proposed collaboration may extend beyond clinical-care delivery as the organizations will also jointly explore the potential for expansion of a new pediatric accountable-care organization (ACO) that is now being developed in Western Mass. by Baycare Health Partners, Baystate’s affiliated physician-hospital organization. The goal of an expanded children’s ACO will be to improve the coordination of care between pediatric primary-care providers, specialists, and hospitals throughout the Connecticut River Valley; support the continuing development and implementation of healthcare-quality measures specific to caring for children; and continue the paradigm shift in the provision of care, from treating children when they’re sick to focusing on keeping them well. Another area of potential will be developing research collaborations between the organizations in order to expedite discovery and treatment of pediatric conditions. Both facilities are Children’s Miracle Network hospitals.

Real Estate Transactions

Departments Real Estate

FRANKLIN COUNTY

ASHFIELD

1452 Hawley Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Anna Westley
Seller: Eleanor Lazarus LT
Date: 09/29/14

BERNARDSTON

474 Bald Mountain Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $202,000
Buyer: Ryan J. Gunnison
Seller: Perry J. Brulotte
Date: 09/30/14

102 Charlemont Road
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $349,000
Buyer: Andree M. Duval
Seller: Bear Ridge RT
Date: 09/30/14

123 North St.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $262,500
Buyer: William J. Knittle
Seller: Brenda M. Spofford
Date: 10/03/14

BUCKLAND

124 North St.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Mauricia Alvarez
Seller: Anna J. Rice
Date: 09/26/14

CHARLEMONT

37 Schaefer Way
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Russell E. Perkins
Seller: Larry J. Lemek
Date: 09/30/14

Warfield Road
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $972,700
Buyer: 133 Warfield Realty LLC
Seller: Jeffrey W. Glaze GST TR
Date: 09/22/14

COLRAIN

158 East Colrain Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Martin D. Driggs
Seller: Kasky LT
Date: 09/22/14

CONWAY

149 Whately Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Robbie J. Edwards
Seller: Heather D. Truelove
Date: 09/30/14

DEERFIELD

3 Hadfield Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Daniel F. Graves
Seller: Nicole Bernier
Date: 09/30/14

49 King Philip Ave.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $336,000
Buyer: Richard B. Reeves
Seller: Richard H. Barnes
Date: 10/03/14

256 Lower Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $348,000
Buyer: Shao Z. Kuo
Seller: Robert S. Douglass
Date: 09/22/14

31 South Main St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: David Wolfram
Seller: Rita J. Powers
Date: 09/22/14

9 West St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $450,900
Buyer: Beth E. Malloy
Seller: James B. Sinclair
Date: 09/30/14

ERVING

88 Old State Road
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Michael T. Rau
Seller: Jeffrey P. Kaminski
Date: 09/26/14

GREENFIELD

100 Barton Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $167,900
Buyer: Timothy K. Dowd
Seller: Robert E. Knower
Date: 10/02/14

15 Camp Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $124,500
Buyer: WTE Recycling Inc.
Seller: John E. Miner
Date: 09/30/14

27 Cooke St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Allen W. Woods
Seller: Levitch, Gerald I., (Estate)
Date: 09/26/14

43 Country Club Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: David E. Moscaritolo
Seller: Richard E. Rodman
Date: 09/30/14

398 Deerfield St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Meadows Café & Golf Center
Seller: 5&10 Entertainment LLC
Date: 10/01/14

80 Elm St.
Greenfield, MA 01376
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Luz M. Oyola
Seller: David F. Markley LT
Date: 09/30/14

261-265 Federal St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: James W. Renaud
Seller: Brian J. Matteson
Date: 09/26/14

46 Hastings St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Marion B. Griswold
Seller: Amy S. Moscaritolo
Date: 09/30/14

191 Leyden Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $213,500
Buyer: Kathy A. Proudy
Seller: Lamar B. Gore
Date: 09/30/14

65 Lincoln St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Michael A. Phelps
Seller: Diana L. Constantine
Date: 10/03/14

18 Linden Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $187,500
Buyer: Jessica D. Gordon
Seller: Michael E. Ellis
Date: 10/02/14

24 Raingley Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $163,000
Buyer: Richard L. Welch
Seller: Lawrence P. Roy
Date: 09/30/14

20 Washburn Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: John E. Miner
Seller: Rose B. Caouette
Date: 09/30/14

LEVERETT

95 Amherst Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $384,000
Buyer: Anne K. Schuyler
Seller: Anne K. Schuyler
Date: 09/25/14

293 Shutesbury Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $199,000
Buyer: Terence F. McCue
Seller: Richard H. Roberts
Date: 09/22/14

MONTAGUE

25 Coolidge Ave.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $123,000
Buyer: Doreen Kamansky
Seller: Lisa J. Mackenzie
Date: 09/26/14

32 Federal St.
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Reller Group LLC
Seller: Carol L. Cameron
Date: 09/30/14

464 Millers Falls Road
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Robert W. Laffey
Seller: Tracy L. Bartus
Date: 09/22/14

71 Park St.
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $141,000
Buyer: Ryszard Brynda
Seller: Douglas R. McNamara
Date: 09/30/14

21 Turners Falls Road
Montague, MA 01301
Amount: $510,000
Buyer: Stuart Warner
Seller: Colonial Gardens RT
Date: 09/26/14

NEW SALEM

27 Millington Road
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Dixie L. Paquin
Seller: Dana K. Crosby
Date: 09/26/14

ORANGE

73 East Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $138,557
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Dong N. Dam
Date: 09/30/14

SHUTESBURY

Leonard Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $118,400
Buyer: Northwest Realty LLC
Seller: Potyrala, Chester J., (Estate)
Date: 10/03/14

121 Leonard Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Rui Fernandes
Seller: Amelia G. Vieira
Date: 09/22/14

SUNDERLAND

236 Hadley Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $318,500
Buyer: Susan H. Clatworthy
Seller: Robert M. Wojtowicz
Date: 09/25/14

61 Plumtree Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Zhiqiang Chu
Seller: Erick S. Burnett
Date: 09/24/14

WARWICK

922 Orange Road
Warwick, MA 01378
Amount: $154,000
Buyer: Joshua R. Chapin
Seller: US Bank
Date: 09/26/14

WHATELY

38 Conway Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Wayne G. Cournoyer
Seller: Wayne A. Cournoyer
Date: 09/30/14

145 Long Plain Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $274,000
Buyer: Kevin A. Wrisley
Seller: Linda M. Theriault
Date: 09/29/14

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

328 Cooper St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $311,500
Buyer: Brandon J. Donovan
Seller: Farid R. Faruqui
Date: 09/26/14

29 Kensington St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $157,500
Buyer: Joseph A. Renaud
Seller: Damon Hristopoulos
Date: 09/26/14

6 Lango Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $322,500
Buyer: Roberto Nieves
Seller: Melody A. Alvarado
Date: 10/01/14

1178 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $156,500
Buyer: Oleg Adzhigirey
Seller: Martin M. Radewick
Date: 09/24/14

608 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: Myron W. Littlehale
Seller: Bethany Assembly Of God
Date: 09/24/14

42-44 Mark Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $389,000
Buyer: Almeiro Serna
Seller: Langone Realty Corp.
Date: 09/25/14

623 North Westfield St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Andrey Iodlovskiy
Seller: Alfred T. Ingham
Date: 09/30/14

94 Roosevelt Ave.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Scott B. Silvia
Seller: Wongab Seo
Date: 09/26/14

268 South West St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Roberta Zupcich
Seller: Margaret A. Clark
Date: 09/26/14

214 Springfield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: JK Real Estate LLC
Seller: Edward T. Mish RET
Date: 09/30/14

89-91 Sunnyslope Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $221,000
Buyer: Stanislav Gvinter
Seller: Langone Plumbing & Heating
Date: 09/30/14

16 Tanglewood Lane
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $174,900
Buyer: George Mulry
Seller: FNMA
Date: 10/02/14

35 Western Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $164,900
Buyer: Marcia C. Hamel
Seller: Keith R. Senecal
Date: 09/26/14

BLANDFORD

6 Beulah Land Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Laurie A. Kline
Seller: Stephen C. Poteat
Date: 09/30/14

BRIMFIELD

31 7th St.
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Seth Mitchell
Seller: Robert Kenevan
Date: 09/25/14

10 Adams Dr.
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Brian G. McDonald
Seller: Nicolas J. Hebert
Date: 09/22/14

32 Lyman Barnes Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Matthew P. Beaudry
Seller: Dennis M. Maheux
Date: 10/03/14

84 Tower Hill Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $372,000
Buyer: Kenneth A. Lind
Seller: Cameron L. Holland
Date: 09/26/14

36 Washington Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $249,000
Buyer: Kenneth G. O’Keefe
Seller: Kenneth E. Stearns
Date: 09/30/14

CHESTER

53 Middlefield Road
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $118,000
Buyer: William J. Clark
Seller: George E. Skwirz
Date: 10/03/14

463 Route 20
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $147,500
Buyer: James J. Nodwell
Seller: Joseph A. Kurtz
Date: 09/26/14

Skyline Trail
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Michael T. Starr
Seller: Jules S. Gimbrere
Date: 09/23/14

CHICOPEE

54 Artisan St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: 54 Artisan St. Chicopee LLC
Seller: Joanne H. Darcy
Date: 09/23/14

17 Barre Circle
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Diane M. Casa
Seller: Garvin C. Headley
Date: 09/26/14

174 Beauregard Terrace
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Kenneth M. Mills
Seller: Jason Chew
Date: 09/25/14

203 Blanchard St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $136,000
Buyer: Luis Builders Inc.
Seller: Jamroth LLC
Date: 10/01/14

23 Bonneville Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $181,000
Buyer: Garvin C. Headley
Seller: Allen D. Donofrio
Date: 09/26/14

52 Casey Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Julie A. McCusker
Seller: Michelle A. Mathieu
Date: 09/26/14

137 Champagne Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $173,000
Buyer: Marian E. Bergeron
Seller: Janet Dipietro
Date: 09/22/14

33 Chapel St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Ahmed Mustafa
Seller: Abbas M. Hamdan
Date: 10/01/14

26 Claire St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Jacqueline R. Paul
Seller: Kevin F. Trombley
Date: 09/29/14

72 Farmington St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $207,500
Buyer: Paula D. Drown
Seller: Ronald F. Ritter
Date: 09/23/14

39 Fernwood St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $196,261
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Theresa C. Belisle
Date: 09/24/14

30 Harrison Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Eric J. Laflamme
Seller: Theresa V. Pete
Date: 10/01/14

197 Lafayette St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Amanda M. Godbout
Seller: Kathleen P. Boucher
Date: 09/30/14

61 Langevin St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $218,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Mitchell
Seller: Jill A. Nawskon

68 Lariviere Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $239,000
Buyer: Loon Hill Plaza LLC
Seller: Michael F. Curtis
Date: 09/29/14

90 Loveland Terrace
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $227,000
Buyer: Robert L. Hall
Seller: James J. Joe
Date: 09/22/14

46 McKinstry Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Carlos M. Nunez
Seller: Miguel Pedrosa
Date: 09/25/14

554 McKinstry Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Amanda L. Jordan
Seller: Thomas S. Gajowski
Date: 09/26/14

56 Nye St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $226,000
Buyer: Jeffrey W. Brochu
Seller: Retha J. Dawson
Date: 09/30/14

Saint James Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $1,312,500
Buyer: Vista Estates LLC
Seller: Jaleo LLC
Date: 09/26/14

30 Saint James Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: JJS17 Acquisition Co LLC
Seller: Ammar & Fotoun LLC
Date: 10/01/14

258 Springfield St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $205,700
Buyer: Andrew R. Prats
Seller: Victor J. Morando
Date: 09/23/14

434 Springfield St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $331,150
Buyer: Victor J. Morando
Seller: Thomas S. Minerich
Date: 09/24/14

15 Thaddeus St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $119,000
Buyer: Michael Stoeckard
Seller: Gregory Bertsch
Date: 09/30/14

119 Wheatland Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Sandra Rivera
Seller: Davidian Co. LLC
Date: 10/03/14

EAST LONGMEADOW

20 Anne St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $174,900
Buyer: Mary S. Christensen
Seller: Hickman, Ann M., (Estate)
Date: 09/24/14

19 Harris Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: National Equity Inc.
Seller: David H. Clark
Date: 09/25/14

11 Juniper Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $327,500
Buyer: Lauren A. Capobianco
Seller: Diane M. Johnson
Date: 09/26/14

5 Lester St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $195,500
Buyer: Olivia M. Schnorf
Seller: Aaron F. Smith
Date: 09/30/14

276 Millbrook Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $422,600
Buyer: Kevin M. Gaboury
Seller: Vernon Meyer
Date: 10/03/14

128 Mountainview Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $329,000
Buyer: Stanley R. Shaw
Seller: Vladislav M. Beznos
Date: 10/03/14

Pondview Dr. #10
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Mary Jo Christy
Seller: Joseph Chapdelaine & Sons
Date: 10/01/14

280 Porter Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $251,000
Buyer: Anthony J. Danos
Seller: Raymond J. Kallaugher
Date: 09/30/14

18 White Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $317,000
Buyer: Tracey Krol
Seller: Ryan Ogowan
Date: 09/30/14

12 Wisteria Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Ram S. Patath
Seller: Andrea Pereira
Date: 09/26/14

GRANVILLE

881 Beech Hill Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Matthew Ripley
Seller: Stephen A. Gladding
Date: 09/30/14

HAMPDEN

25 Maple Grove Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Christopher R. Dunn
Seller: Carolyn L. Rodgers
Date: 09/25/14

HOLLAND

137 East Brimfield Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Derek Mott
Seller: Marivani A. Guarda
Date: 09/25/14

HOLYOKE

33 Dicsal Lane
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Daniel M. Glanville
Seller: William R. Chagnon
Date: 09/25/14

695 Homestead Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: John W. Powers
Seller: Ryan D. Hamel
Date: 09/25/14

20 Jefferson St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $196,000
Buyer: Christine J. Bell
Seller: Emily A. Edwards
Date: 09/30/14

1010 Main St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Gary Rome Holyoke LLC
Seller: Tobias, Stanley T., (Estate)
Date: 09/23/14

243 Oak St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Timothy J. Brunelle
Seller: Timothy W. Purington
Date: 09/29/14

183 Sargeant St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $129,900
Buyer: Betty Kaplowitz
Seller: Timothy V. Daniels
Date: 09/29/14

30 Sheehan Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Gabriel Rodriguez
Seller: Thomas J. Cammilleri
Date: 09/26/14

535 South Bridge St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Sparrow Holdings LLC
Seller: Louis J. Luchini
Date: 09/23/14

23 Wellesley Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $289,900
Buyer: Rachael M. Hougen
Seller: William Cubi
Date: 09/30/14

LONGMEADOW

452 Bliss Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Xiuyun Zhang
Seller: Mary W. Palmer
Date: 09/25/14

118 Blueberry Hill Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Bernadette E. Dunnirvine
Seller: Earlon L. Seeley
Date: 09/30/14

259 Blueberry Hill Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Patrick M. Sullivan
Seller: Li Zhang
Date: 10/03/14

160 Ellington Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $529,900
Buyer: Wesley L. Oakford
Seller: Shaun P. Gaus
Date: 09/26/14

215 Hazardville Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $268,000
Buyer: Jason C. Chew
Seller: Gerald H. Tober
Date: 09/25/14

91 Longfellow Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $324,000
Buyer: Jacqueline E. Mackechnie
Seller: Eric Lundberg
Date: 09/30/14

221 Meadowlark Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Stuart D. Weissman
Seller: Lawrence F. Marquis
Date: 09/26/14

60 Merriweather Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: John R. Ketcham
Seller: Sen Li
Date: 09/29/14

47 Normandy Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $825,000
Buyer: William F. Peffer
Seller: Amy W. Wistreich
Date: 10/02/14

483 Williams St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Thanh T. Vo
Seller: Giuseppina M. Camerota
Date: 09/26/14

1280 Williams St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $1,000,000
Buyer: Pearson Williams Development Co.
Seller: Alliance Of Orthodox Congregation
Date: 09/30/14

LUDLOW

44 Center St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Chun J. Kim
Seller: Sandra A. Shooshan
Date: 10/02/14

449 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Michael Paine
Seller: Clyde Snow
Date: 10/03/14

32 Elaine Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $292,500
Buyer: Kevin F. Trombley
Seller: Robert B. Showalter
Date: 09/29/14

75-77 Fuller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $127,825
Buyer: Gervasio Crespo
Seller: Adelina Crespo
Date: 10/01/14

20 Gamache Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $301,000
Buyer: Jason Mourao
Seller: Gerald E. Dubour
Date: 09/30/14

230 Kendall St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $223,900
Buyer: Paul T. Carr
Seller: James M. Quill
Date: 10/02/14

132 Pondview Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Timothy Hnatow
Seller: Paul W. Hibbard
Date: 09/30/14

60 Posner Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Meagan Y. Belanger
Seller: Tourtellotte, Joanne M., (Estate)
Date: 10/01/14

465 State St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $208,000
Buyer: Michael J. Almeida
Seller: Jose R. Sa
Date: 09/26/14

18 Warwick Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $217,500
Buyer: Joseph B. Lanucha
Seller: Jazab LLC
Date: 09/30/14

MONSON

85 Main St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $243,786
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Michael Mun
Date: 10/03/14

128 Maxwell Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $252,000
Buyer: Eric A. Berman
Seller: Lindsay E. Huot
Date: 09/29/14

PALMER

45 Converse St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Lenoard E. Deshais
Seller: Rollande T. Salois
Date: 09/26/14

3175 Foster St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Kevin G. Chapman
Seller: Kim A. Gettens
Date: 09/29/14

9 Homestead St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $250,900
Buyer: Anthony E. Arventos
Seller: Nathan Nye
Date: 09/26/14

N/A
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Armand T. Madelle
Date: 10/02/14

61 River St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $192,000
Buyer: John Michael Dean
Seller: Amy B. Schulze
Date: 09/26/14

19 Ware St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $198,000
Buyer: Crystal A. Floyd
Seller: Anthony E. Arventos
Date: 09/26/14

SPRINGFIELD

1325 Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Kristin A. Pancotti
Seller: Theresa K. Geier
Date: 10/03/14

Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $31,007,400
Buyer: 5 Town Station LLC
Seller: Urstadt Biddle Properties
Date: 09/29/14

110 Audubon St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Yahaira Dejesus
Seller: Jimmy J. Linch
Date: 09/29/14

35 Bennington St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $159,000
Buyer: Brianna L. Laporte
Seller: Steven C. Barnett
Date: 10/01/14

130 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Jasvinder Arora
Seller: Edward J. Walsh
Date: 09/24/14

95 Birchland Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $118,500
Buyer: Gregory J. Heffernan
Seller: Donald R. Scott
Date: 09/29/14

1344 Bradley Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Nicholas M. Brown
Seller: Kotowski, Henry I., (Estate)
Date: 09/30/14

276-280 Bridge St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Develop Springfield Corp.
Seller: BSC Realty Inc.
Date: 09/26/14

46 Bronson Terrace
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Ronald G. Senez
Seller: Batya Cohen
Date: 09/25/14

16 Burt Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $164,044
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Charles F. Moberg
Date: 10/03/14

111 Clydesdale Lane
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: PNC Bank
Seller: Madeline Alicea
Date: 09/22/14

135 Emerson St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: Tek Gautam
Seller: Roberta W. Twining
Date: 10/03/14

342 Forest Park Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Louis W. Harm
Seller: Joan P. Flahive
Date: 09/26/14

41 Garfield St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Stacy M. Sheard
Seller: Peter J. Tivnan
Date: 09/24/14

55 Glenoak Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: Joshua L. Messer
Seller: Brian J. Maloney
Date: 09/30/14

33 Greenleaf St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Alexis Vergara
Seller: Richard W. Tyminski
Date: 10/03/14

41 Hampden St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $339,900
Buyer: Silver P. Serra
Seller: Helder F. Nunes
Date: 10/02/14

240 Jeffrey Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Robert F. Gayle
Seller: Paul E. Jerusik
Date: 09/26/14

38 Kittrell St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $127,500
Buyer: Laura Landry
Seller: Leo Norkin
Date: 09/22/14

34 Marmon Court
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: Curtis Miarecki
Seller: Gary D. Poehler
Date: 09/26/14

59 Mayflower Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $121,000
Buyer: Anthony Cicero
Seller: Kyle Anderson
Date: 09/26/14

110 Melha Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Raefat Tleis
Seller: Gilbert R. Barton
Date: 09/30/14

62 Midway St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $119,900
Buyer: Zachary Cortis
Seller: James W. Fiore
Date: 09/30/14

162 Northampton Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $181,997
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Robert Burgess
Date: 09/25/14

40 Ogden St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Thomas Day
Seller: Frank D. Roda
Date: 09/25/14

50 Orange St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $137,000
Buyer: Precious Williams
Seller: Bert V. Wright
Date: 10/03/14

130 Powell Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $122,000
Buyer: Justin D. Anstett
Seller: Christopher R. Driscoll
Date: 09/29/14

8 Redstone Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $194,900
Buyer: Andrea Lopez-Jones
Seller: Gina M. Ferrera
Date: 09/30/14

50 Steuben St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $129,900
Buyer: Ermer A. Cruz
Seller: J. B. Camerlin Real Estate
Date: 11/30/12

372 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Bhanu Tiwari
Seller: Gladys Wolmart
Date: 09/30/14

832-834 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $191,000
Buyer: Kinjal Vyas
Seller: Minh H. Bui
Date: 09/29/14

5 Town Plaza
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $31,007,400
Buyer: 5 Town Station LLC
Seller: Urstadt Biddle Properties
Date: 09/29/14

205 Winton St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $226,000
Buyer: Concepcion Morales
Seller: Michael W. Bush
Date: 09/23/14

SOUTHWICK

35 Berkshire Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Paul E. Jerusik
Seller: Robin A. Gardner
Date: 09/26/14

107 Coes Hill Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Witchwood Realty LLC
Seller: Karen B. Legace
Date: 09/26/14

31 Deer Run
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Richard C. Rigazio
Seller: Gary M. Grosso
Date: 09/30/14

2 Iroquois Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Robert E. Slattery
Seller: Jane D. Widun
Date: 09/26/14

17 Lake Shore Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $599,900
Buyer: Lace Twins LLC
Seller: Borrowed Time Realty LLC
Date: 10/01/14

141 Mort Vining Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Jane D. Widun
Seller: Ernest R. Lempke
Date: 09/26/14

1 Pauline Circle
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $236,000
Buyer: Allison E. Leavitt
Seller: Richard R. Winiarski
Date: 09/30/14

30 Powder Mill Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Kara K. Jorud
Seller: Patricia S. Sambo
Date: 09/25/14

5 Reservoir Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $399,900
Buyer: Robin A. Gardner
Seller: Jeffrey Imbriglio
Date: 09/26/14

WESTFIELD

17 Adams St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Ryan M. Curran
Seller: Christina K. Crow
Date: 09/26/14

Ascutney Ave. (rear)
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Michael G. Kosinski
Seller: Atlantic Tree Nursery
Date: 10/02/14

151 Berkshire Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $163,000
Buyer: Christopher D. Castanera
Seller: Marcial Otero
Date: 09/24/14

11 Cleveland Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Stephen R. Slater
Seller: Michael A. Denardo
Date: 09/30/14

47 Colony Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $270,550
Buyer: Richard P. Saloomey
Seller: Leonard F. Latour
Date: 09/23/14

14 Cross St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Buyer: Travis K. Lucia
Seller: Cheryl A. Denardo
Date: 09/30/14

East Main St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Michael G. Kosinski
Seller: Atlantic Tree Nursery
Date: 10/02/14

58 Elizabeth Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Victoria D. Reed-Britt
Seller: Veniamin Solokhin
Date: 10/01/14

50 Flynn Meadow Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Aaron F. Smith
Seller: RSP Realty LLC
Date: 09/30/14

25 Glenwood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: E. R. Donovan
Seller: High, William H., (Estate)
Date: 09/29/14

133 Granville Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Stephen A. Gladding
Seller: James F. Florek
Date: 09/30/14

6 Hawthorne Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $284,000
Buyer: Crist C. Roussi
Seller: Matthew T. Vanheynigen
Date: 09/26/14

154 King St., Ext.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $183,500
Buyer: Don P. Marks
Seller: Rebecca L. Lannon
Date: 09/30/14

27 Laurel Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $231,400
Buyer: James Ramistella
Seller: Robert F. Field
Date: 10/03/14

147 Main St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $161,000
Buyer: Donald Robert
Seller: Robert N. Holmes
Date: 09/26/14

33 Mill St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Shakedown Properties LLC
Seller: Rosemary S. Fortier
Date: 10/02/14

45 Miller St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: John E. Wood
Seller: Regina A. Mullens
Date: 09/29/14

90 Montgomery St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Wesley Shewchuk
Seller: Rosemary J. Nevins
Date: 09/30/14

61 Murray Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $207,000
Buyer: Daniel E. Roy
Seller: Matthew C. Marchesi
Date: 10/01/14

Neck Road #28
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Michael G. Kosinski
Seller: Atlantic Tree Nursery
Date: 10/02/14

259 Notre Dame St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $157,500
Buyer: David M. O’Connell
Seller: Cindy T. Lacoste
Date: 09/30/14

60 Old Farm Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $229,700
Buyer: Jeffery E. Popoli
Seller: Richard L. White
Date: 10/03/14

24 Ridgeview Terrace
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $187,500
Buyer: Nicholas M. Mobrice
Seller: Artur Lech
Date: 09/26/14

54 Riverside Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Evan V. Serella
Seller: Matthew Bishop
Date: 09/26/14

514 Southwick Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Christopher F. King
Seller: Kenneth Mitchell
Date: 09/29/14

Union St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Michael G. Kosinski
Seller: Atlantic Tree Nursery
Date: 10/02/14

914 Western Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $162,000
Buyer: Richard J. Gogal
Seller: Richard J. Gogal
Date: 09/25/14

23 Wieser Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $277,500
Buyer: Angela J. Larke
Seller: FNMA
Date: 09/29/14

27 Woodcliff Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $328,000
Buyer: Cathy M. Martin
Seller: David M. Woelper
Date: 09/30/14

WILBRAHAM

16 Highmoor Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Kristopher T. O’Connor
Seller: Kevin M. Gaboury
Date: 10/01/14

2 Kensington Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Manuel Bernardo
Seller: James R. Wawrzyk
Date: 09/26/14

137 Manchonis Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Crystal L. Morin
Seller: Nicholas Fazio
Date: 09/30/14

24 Maple St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $156,000
Buyer: Charles J. Haunton
Seller: Denise Tessier-Brown
Date: 09/24/14

252 Monson Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Kenneth R. Knodler
Seller: Gilda M. Balboni
Date: 09/25/14

29 Pineywood Ave.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $212,500
Buyer: Bank Of America
Seller: Pamela Sergienko
Date: 09/25/14

277 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Steven C. Barnett
Seller: Richard K. Lovell
Date: 10/01/14

328 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Katelyn Bortolussi
Seller: Michael Teixeira
Date: 10/03/14

8 Surrey Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $308,000
Buyer: Anthony J. Daniele
Seller: John Kiah
Date: 09/29/14

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Amostown Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $166,000
Buyer: Matthew Stetson
Seller: Lucia, Joseph T., (Estate)
Date: 10/02/14

137 Ashley St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $187,500
Buyer: John J. Ryan
Seller: Justin W. Glaze
Date: 09/30/14

69 Bridge St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Tariq Rahmat
Seller: Brian McNally
Date: 09/23/14

70 Butternut Hollow Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Tracy L. Bartus
Seller: John E. Wood
Date: 09/29/14

30 Chestnut St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Michael G. Piccin
Seller: Justin D. Tisdell
Date: 09/30/14

68 Elmwood Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Jeremy A. Keough
Seller: Wesley D. Shewchuk
Date: 09/30/14

33 Harbey Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Joseph S. Valentino
Seller: Mark D. Lussier
Date: 09/30/14

116 Herrman St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Stephen Muller
Seller: Erwin J. Luippold
Date: 09/26/14

1219 Piper Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $183,500
Buyer: Harry Melendez
Seller: Equity T Co.
Date: 10/01/14

1321 Piper Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Mark Ryaboklyach
Seller: Lavigne, Lionel O., (Estate)
Date: 10/03/14

263 Poplar Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $167,500
Buyer: Ian B. Shute
Seller: William J. Ahern
Date: 09/24/14

173 River St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: MLSZ Properties LLC
Seller: Buddy Realty LLC
Date: 09/26/14

45 Rochelle St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $154,600
Buyer: Regina R. Ranstrom
Seller: Richard S. Harty
Date: 09/26/14

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

27 Country Corners Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $232,500
Buyer: Linda L. Fijol
Seller: Sheralyn Bechtold
Date: 09/22/14

69 Dennis Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $407,500
Buyer: Roger A. Magnus
Seller: Allan F. Hershfield
Date: 10/03/14

144 Leverett Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $425,900
Buyer: Jungwoo Lee
Seller: Joslad & Associates PC
Date: 09/30/14

199 Northampton Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Shou Hu
Seller: Sung, Young J., (Estate)
Date: 09/23/14

124 Summer St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $389,900
Buyer: Andrew S. Neuman
Seller: Kscbj Properties LLC
Date: 09/24/14

172 Summer St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Frank Flaherty
Seller: Pascoe, Dorothy B. C., (Estate)
Date: 09/29/14

BELCHERTOWN

478 Bardwell St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: William H. Allan
Seller: Frank L. Ives
Date: 09/24/14

60 Daniel Square
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $210,050
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Jamie G. Vousineau
Date: 09/26/14

223 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Buyer: Laurie M. Shea
Seller: Utama Abdulwahid
Date: 10/03/14

570 North Liberty St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $120,500
Buyer: Property Edge LLC
Seller: Coyer, Alice E., (Estate)
Date: 10/01/14

7 Overlook Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Ryan J. Senecal
Seller: C. G. Weaver
Date: 09/25/14

Rural Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Stephanie M. Tremblay
Seller: Robert E. Cote
Date: 09/25/14

CUMMINGTON

54 Lilac Ave.
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $212,000
Buyer: Julielyn P. Becker
Seller: John M. Stevens
Date: 10/01/14

104 Porter Hill Road
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Ana E. Toth
Seller: Jean B. Mazeau TR
Date: 09/26/14

EASTHAMPTON

16 Arthur St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Segal Property Mgmt. LLC
Seller: RLRW LLC
Date: 09/25/14

36 Campbell Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Christopher B. Shattuck
Seller: Shelley M. Daughdrill
Date: 09/23/14

3 Carillon Circle
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $197,400
Buyer: Gertrude E. Hooks
Seller: Bank Of America
Date: 09/30/14

15 Center St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $242,900
Buyer: Bruce A. Andrew
Seller: Jeffrey W. Ketcham
Date: 09/26/14

28 East Green St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Andrew M. Dunn
Seller: Laurie A. Kline
Date: 09/30/14

5-7 Lincoln St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $193,000
Buyer: Cory A. Staples
Seller: Keith D. Powers
Date: 09/24/14

1 Park Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $268,800
Buyer: Robert A. Canon
Seller: Thomas E. Downie
Date: 09/26/14

11 Silver Lane
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $322,500
Buyer: Thomas E. Downie
Seller: Eugene S. Picard
Date: 09/26/14

33 Treehouse Circle
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $342,500
Buyer: Phebe B. Sessions
Seller: EH Homeownership LLC
Date: 09/29/14

10 Truehart Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $272,500
Buyer: Nathan W. Adams
Seller: Tammy L. Kaleta
Date: 09/26/14

GOSHEN

12 Lilly Pond Lane
Goshen, MA 01032
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Lucas A. McCraw
Seller: John B. Rustico
Date: 09/30/14

82 Shaw Road
Goshen, MA 01026
Amount: $259,500
Buyer: John F. Bienz
Seller: Jonathan R. Funk
Date: 09/26/14

44 West Shore Dr.
Goshen, MA 01032
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Philip W. McArthur
Seller: Susan Fortgang
Date: 10/03/14

HADLEY

85 Rocky Hill Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Dirgha B. Gurung
Seller: William H. Allan
Date: 09/24/14

216 Russell St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Amir Mikhchi
Seller: Jennifer L. Snyder
Date: 10/01/14

HATFIELD

15 North St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $319,000
Buyer: Margot C. Lacey
Seller: Thomas J. Wickles
Date: 09/26/14

168 Pantry Road
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Walter K. Feldman
Seller: Carol S. Dryzgula
Date: 09/29/14

HUNTINGTON

62 Old Chester Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $219,900
Buyer: Ashley J. Spear
Seller: Jamie Desormier
Date: 09/24/14

NORTHAMPTON

69 Barrett St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Christopher Mereschuk
Seller: Patricia A. Mullady
Date: 09/26/14

69 Bridge St.
Northampton, MA 01039
Amount: $740,000
Buyer: 69 Bridge Street LLC
Seller: All Smiles LLC
Date: 09/22/14

307 Damon Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Isaac Chow
Seller: Kubasek, Laura S., (Estate)
Date: 09/26/14

53 East Center St.
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Jacob N. Masenior
Seller: Susan F. O’Neill
Date: 09/30/14

22 Forest Glen Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Peter L. Galvagni
Seller: Marguerite A. Hewes
Date: 10/02/14

68 Hatfield St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $268,000
Buyer: L. P. Audette Builders Inc.
Seller: David J. McCutcheon
Date: 10/01/14

20 Linden St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Grace A. Bianciardi
Seller: Timothy H. McNerney
Date: 09/26/14

90 Moser St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $543,605
Buyer: Karen L. O’Brock
Seller: Kent Pecoy & Sons Construction
Date: 09/25/14

100 North Maple St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Kozuch
Seller: Bodin, Richard L., (Estate)
Date: 09/30/14

256 North Maple St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Maura F. Bradford
Seller: Deacon, Joan, (Estate)
Date: 10/03/14

358 South St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $149,000
Buyer: Earl R. Illingsworth
Seller: Joel I. Schulman
Date: 10/01/14

82 Stone Ridge Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $457,000
Buyer: Randy S. Kaplan
Seller: Keith H. Davis
Date: 10/01/14

645 Westhampton Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Kara B. Mcmahon
Seller: Annette O’Leary TR
Date: 09/26/14

946 Westhampton Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $177,500
Buyer: Charles W. Baranowski
Seller: Christine K. Barry
Date: 09/26/14

PLAINFIELD

9 Mountain St.
Plainfield, MA 01070
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: 9 Mountain Retreats RE
Seller: David A. Danielson
Date: 10/02/14

SOUTH HADLEY

502 Amherst Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $184,000
Buyer: Pamela J. Doyle
Seller: John N. Thibbitts
Date: 09/26/14

15 Applewood Lane
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $228,000
Buyer: James R. Brady
Seller: Helene S. Grunes
Date: 10/03/14

333 Granby Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Brian S. McClaflin
Seller: Griffin, Michael A. Jr, (Estate)
Date: 10/01/14

2 Hillside Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $174,000
Buyer: Angela Belieu
Seller: Christine M. Germain
Date: 10/03/14

Jacobs Way #1
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: Mary L. Pigott
Seller: Home Improvement Assocs.
Date: 09/24/14

11 Lois Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $227,000
Buyer: Cornelius J. Debeer
Seller: Paul E. Horne
Date: 09/24/14

25 McKinley Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Genti Lagji
Seller: Donna-Lou Fournier
Date: 10/01/14

33 Queen Circle
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Caleb M. Machak
Seller: Douglas M. Bernstein
Date: 09/30/14

11 Saybrook Circle
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $195,500
Buyer: Robert C. Wallace
Seller: Barbara D. Keegan
Date: 09/25/14

118 Willimansett St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $216,000
Buyer: Ryan M. Kobus
Seller: Mark D. Griswold
Date: 09/26/14

SOUTHAMPTON

3 Beccari Lane
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Suzanne McElroy
Seller: Michael A. Cosgriff
Date: 10/02/14

8 Nicholas Lane
Southampton, MA 01085
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: F&G Development Corp.
Seller: Chester J. Kellogg
Date: 09/25/14

30 Valley Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $387,000
Buyer: Mark Daughdrill
Seller: Philip M. Westerman
Date: 09/23/14

WARE

5 Gareau Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Russell Kularski
Seller: Catherine E. Koczur
Date: 09/25/14

19 Oakridge Circle
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Robert P. Beaulieu
Seller: Eric A. Ellison
Date: 09/24/14

43 Old Poor Farm Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Michael S. Soja
Seller: Kevin Chapman
Date: 09/29/14

6 Pleasant St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $263,456
Buyer: Flagstar Bank
Seller: John Williams
Date: 09/26/14

WESTHAMPTON

334 Southampton Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Maren E. Buck
Seller: Jason A. Doktor
Date: 09/26/14

WILLIAMSBURG

22 High St.
Williamsburg, MA 01062
Amount: $212,000
Buyer: Anna R. Lawrence
Seller: Elizabeth M. Huntley
Date: 09/23/14

31 Hyde Hill Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $212,500
Buyer: Elizabeth M. Filson
Seller: Gerald D. Lashway
Date: 10/03/14

Incorporations

Departments Incorporations

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

CHICOPEE

Cruz & Gallagher Insurance Agency Inc., 1643 Memorial Dr., Chicopee, MA 01020. Jeff Cruz, 124 Mulberry St., Springfield, MA 01105. Insurance Agency.

Elek-Holz Inc., 165 Front St., Suite 3407, Chicopee, MA 01013. Jennifer Yanyuk, 148 Telegraph Ave., Chicopee, MA 01020. Woodworking and electronics manufacturing.

EASTHAMPTON

Bethlehem House Inc., 33 Knipfer Ave., Easthampton, MA 01027. Pamela Hibbard, same. Provides a wide range of services and resources to parents facing pregnancy.

Easthampton Precision Manufacturing Inc., 16 Arthur St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Jeremy Segal, same. Manufacturing machine/fabrication shop.

FLORENCE

Brick and Feather Brewery Inc., 221 Pine St., Suite 140, Florence, MA 01062. Lawrence George, same. Beer brewery.

HADLEY

Body Spa Inc., 367 Russell St., Hadley, MA 01035. Yu Pei, 4170 Main St. B3357, Flushing NY 11355. Body Spa.

NORTHAMPTON

Dr. Kate Klemer Inc., 86 Moser St., Northampton, MA 01060. Katherine Pastrich-Klemer, same. Chiropractic and nutritional services.

PITTSFIELD

Berkshire Innovation Center Inc., 81 Kellogg St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. B. Stephen Boyd, 24 Glendale Road, West Stockbridge, MA 01266. Provides facilities and educational programs that enable and accelerate innovation and growth of existing businesses in Berkshire County.

Cat Construction Inc., 70 Downing Parkway, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Michael Walsh, same. Construction services.

SOUTH HADLEY

Curran-Jones & O’Brien Inc., 33 Lamb St., South Hadley, MA 01075. Timothy O’Brien, 27 Hilltop St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Funeral Home.

SPRINGFIELD

EB Homes, 1670 Parker St., Springfield, MA 01128. Evan Willard, same. Real estate redevelopment, investing.

WESTFIELD

ABA Transport, 121 A Otis St., Westfield, MA 01085. Aleksandr Bunin, same. Operating specialty and dedicated services of transporting foods, commercial goods, vehicles, and other commodities via flatbed, container, and heavy hauling trailers on a for-hire basis.

Alessio’s Pizza Inc., 16 Kelly Dr., Westfield, MA 01085. Alessio Calabrese, same. Pizza restaurant.

Visual Changes Announces Start of Construction

By BusinessWest Staff October 31, 2014

EAST LONGMEADOW — Visual Changes Inc. has announced its plans to build a premier day spa and salon at 100 Shaker Road in East Longmeadow. The company will partner with Craig Sweitzer & Co., LLC on the project. The site is a former post office and currently houses Atrium Dental Group, another Sweitzer construction project. With the addition of Visual Changes, the property is near full occupancy.

“The design goal for Visual Changes is to create an environment that is simultaneously serene and high-tech with a cosmopolitan feel,” said founder Mark Maruca. The 2,300-square-foot facility will feature vaulted ceilings, state-of-the-art private spa spaces, and upscale stations for salon services.

Grants Awarded for Workforce Development, Job Training

By BusinessWest Staff October 30, 2014

SPRINGFIELD — In July 2014, the city of Springfield issued an RFP soliciting proposals from providers for job training and workforce development. As a result of this solicitation, the city is awarding a total of $250,000 in HUD Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds to three separate agencies to provide job-training and workforce-development programs to residents of disaster-impacted neighborhoods.

There will be a special focus on recruiting residents of the Six Corners and South End neighborhoods, as the residents of these neighborhoods face multiple barriers to employment, and both areas were heavily impacted by both the long- and short-term effects of the natural disasters that occurred in 2011. Training Resources of America will receive $85,100; Springfield Technical Community College will receive $94,449; and Window Preservation, LLC, in partnership with the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, will receive $70,451.

“Providing education and job training to our residents is vital in our efforts in knocking down poverty and crime,” said Mayor Domenic Sarno. “Whenever we can step up and provide opportunity, it is a win-win for us all.”

The city anticipates that the contracted organizations will provide training to a minimum of 100 Springfield residents. The programs will involve a variety of educational instruction subjects, including high-school-equivalency preparation, English language, math, computers, customer service training, and more. The varied programs will prepare and enable trainees to obtain permanent positions in fields such as educational and health services, food service, leisure and hospitality, social assistance, wholesale and retail trade, financial and business services, insurance and real estate, office and administrative support, accounting, bookkeeping, payroll services, legal services, advertising, manufacturing, asbestos/lead abatement, and construction.

Construction Employment Rises in 236 of 339 Metro Areas

By BusinessWest Staff October 30, 2014

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Construction employment expanded in 236 metro areas, declined in 53, and was stagnant in 50 between September 2013 and September 2014, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by Associated General Contractors of America.

Association officials said that, as firms expand their payrolls, many are finding a limited supply of available qualified workers. “It is good news that construction employment gains have spread to more than two-thirds of the nation’s metro areas,” said Ken Simonson, chief economist for the association. “But there is a growing risk that contractors in many of these regions will have trouble finding qualified workers to complete the rising volume of projects.”

According to a recent construction-industry survey conducted by the association, 83% of construction firms report having a hard time finding qualified craft workers. They called on federal, state, and local officials to act on the measures outlined in the association’s workforce-development plan to make it easier to establish new programs designed to prepare students for high-paying careers in construction.

Pioneer Valley Christian Academy to Break Ground on Expansion

By BusinessWest Staff October 27, 2014

SPRINGFIELD — A groundbreaking ceremony will be held on Thursday, Oct. 30 at 1 p.m. for the expansion of the Pioneer Valley Christian Academy’s present facilities at 965 Plumtree Road, with construction of new physical-education and academic facilities.

The $6 million project will include a 17,000-square-foot gymnasium and physical-education complex, a media center, and five classrooms, as well as three additional tennis courts, a multi-purpose athletic field, an expanded baseball field, and a new entrance with additional parking. The expansion will connect with the present elementary-, middle-, and high-school areas. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will take place in the current gymnasium.

Bacon Wilson Attorneys Named Super Lawyers

By BusinessWest Staff October 24, 2014

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield-based regional law firm Bacon Wilson, P.C. announced that six attorneys have been named to the 2014 New England Super Lawyers list, and four attorneys have been named to the 2014 New England Rising Stars list.

Only 5% of New England’s lawyers were honored as Super Lawyers. They were identified for their background, experience, professional achievement, and peer recognition. Rising Stars are under 40 years old or have been practicing law for less than 10 years. Fewer than 2.5% of New England lawyers were named Rising Stars.

The following Bacon Wilson attorneys were honored as Super Lawyers:
• Gary Fialky, business/corporate;
• Michael Katz, bankruptcy and business;
• Paul Rothschild, general litigation;
• Stephen Krevalin, real estate;
• Hyman Darling, estate planning and probate; and
• Gina Barry, estate planning and probate.

The following Bacon Wilson attorneys were honored as Rising Stars:
• Adam Basch, construction litigation;
• Todd Ratner, estate planning and probate;
• Kevin Maltby, employment and labor; and
• Spencer Stone, business/corporate.

Florence Bank Sets Nov. 8 Grand Opening for New Hadley Branch

By BusinessWest Staff October 22, 2014

HADLEY — Florence Bank, a mutually owned savings bank serving the Pioneer Valley through nine branch locations, will celebrate the official opening of its new Hadley location at 377 Russell St. on Nov. 8 between 10 a.m. and noon.

The public is invited to help celebrate the important milestone by joining officials from the bank for a grand-opening ceremony that includes a ribbon cutting, a weathervane dedication in memory of John Devine, refreshments, and entertainment. There will be a live remote from 93.9 the River, live performances from the bank’s ‘Always’ dancers, face painting, and balloon animals for the kids. One lucky grand-prize winner will end up with a new lawn tractor. And for all who attend, a number of valuable coupons will be distributed courtesy of Amherst Nurseries, Chery Nina Salon & Day Spa, Fitness Together, Flayvors of Cook Farm, Friendly’s, the Healing Zone, Monkey Business, North Hadley Sugar Shack, the Toy Box, Valley Bike & Ski Werks, Vision Showcase, and Wildwood Barbecue.

The opening of this branch culminates a construction project that began in the spring. The bank’s new home is only a few doors down from where it has been serving the town for nearly 20 years. “The bank owns the real estate at its new location, whereas we rented our previous space at 335 Russell St. It made sense for us to own the space and have control over renovations and upgrades as needed,” said John Heaps, Jr., president and CEO of Florence Bank. “Plus, this is a truly state-of-the-art facility that we believe will be very well-received and appreciated by our customers and friends.”

Amenities and features of the new, 3,150-square-foot branch include direct access from Route 9; a full-service teller line with state-of-the-art technology for quick cash handling; walk-up and drive-up ATMs with smart technology for easy depositing; three drive-up lanes, including a drive-up ATM; expanded private offices and a private conference room; an energy-efficient building to minimize the carbon footprint; and a comfortable waiting area with a coffee bar and free wi-fi.

Wright Builders Inc. and HAI Architecture worked on the design and construction of the new building in close cooperation with officials from the bank. Toby Daniels, vice president and current branch manager of the Hadley branch, will continue in that role in the new location.

Gov. Patrick Announces Plan to Build Subway Cars in Springfield

By BusinessWest Staff October 22, 2014