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Development Associates Calls on Experience at a Challenging Time in Real Estate

By
Development Associates President Ken Vincunas
Commercial Real Estate Special Coverage

Going by the Book

Development Associates President Ken Vincunas

Development Associates President Ken Vincunas

 

Ken Vincunas says he’s long kicked around the idea of writing a book, one that would call on nearly 40 years of experience in the broad realms of development and commercial real estate.

He even has a working title: What’s the Rent?

That’s a simple question, one that property owners and leasing agents probably get asked every day, and hopefully several times a day, said Vincunas, president of Agawam-based Development Associates, which has a broad portfolio of office, retail, and industrial properties across Western Mass. and into Connecticut. But coming up with an answer is usually anything but simple.

“There have to be 20 subjective factors and no objective factors that go into this, and every time one of them comes up, you have to hope that you have the experience to know your market, know your tenant, know your building, know your rates, and try to make a deal that’s fair to everyone and keep the place leased,” he said, adding that COVID and its aftereffects, including the strong movement toward remote work and hybrid schedules, have only further complicated this equation, as we’ll see.

While addressing the rent question, Vincunas said his book — if and when he ever gets around to writing it — would also include some case studies, and there are many he can piece together involving the myriad scenarios he and others in this business face regularly.

“There are things that can’t possibly happen, but they do,” he explained. “Like this … you get no one for a space for six months, and then, you have two people. The one you want is slow and can’t quite figure out, but they’re a better prospect; the one you don’t really want is champing at the bit — ‘let’s go, we’re ready.’ What do you do? That’s probably happened 15 times to me; it’s really something.”

“There have to be 20 subjective factors and no objective factors that go into this, and every time one of them comes up, you have to hope that you have the experience to know your market, know your tenant, know your building, know your rates, and try to make a deal that’s fair to everyone and keep the place leased.”

As he talked about this book waiting to be written, Vincunas said he’s always calling on the years of experience that would go into it, especially at this time of challenge in commercial real estate and development, one he summed up quickly and effectively by saying, “we would look to acquire things if prices were fine or if we had a tenant lined up, but we’re in no hurry, and we’re going to hope for better times in the next seven to eight months.”

Elaborating, he noted that, on the development side, this is mostly a time to hit pause, noting that several colliding factors — from higher interest rates to the still-climbing costs of materials; from supply-chain issues to mandates for electric heat — are making this a difficult time to build.

And on the leasing side of the equation, it’s a time to tough out those aforementioned challenges, try to keep buildings full, and take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves. He’s doing all that at the Greenfield Corporate Center, where a large (as in 55,000-square-foot) vacancy, left by the Greenfield District Court when it moved back to downtown Greenfield and a new facility there, has been mostly backfilled.

The StubHub Building in East Granby

The StubHub Building in East Granby, acquired by Development Associates in early 2020, is still vacant, but the company is optimistic this will soon change.

“We had counted on them staying — government contracts never come in on time,” he said with a laugh, referring to the construction of a new courthouse, which did come in on time, adding that the vacant space has been largely filled by an allergist, a CPA, the Sheriff’s Department, and other tenants, and the two buildings on the property are mostly occupied.

And Vincunas and his team are doing it at other properties as well, which are seeing those colliding forces from COVID, including businesses eyeing less space, in many cases, with fewer people coming to the office to work, but also different space as it comes on the market and deals can be made.

Meanwhile, DA, as his firm is called, is pushing ahead with some new projects, including a 55,000-square-foot office building in East Granby, Conn., known as the StubHub Building, which it acquired just prior to the pandemic in 2020, and nearby property — a five-acre parcel and a larger 19-acre parcel — that awaits development.

“The industrial market is exceedingly tight — purchase prices have doubled, at least. No one can afford to build with the high interest rates and the high cost of construction. Those who had industrial space in place could rent it for much more than they could have years ago.”

For this issue and its focus on commercial real estate, BusinessWest talked with Vincunas about everything from the state of the market, and the many factors that go into the current picture, to the manner in which he’s calling on all of his experience in these different — and challenging — times.

 

The Next Chapters

As he talked with BusinessWest about the Development Associates portfolio of existing properties and what might come next, Vincunas got up from his chair and retrieved a piece of paper thumbtacked to a board hanging next to his desk.

It was a timetable of sorts for the project in Northampton that has come to be called the Atwood campus. And he marveled that it has been 13 years since the former Clarion Hotel & Conference Center was demolished to make way for the office complex that sits there now.

The Atwood campus in Northampton

The Atwood campus in Northampton is one of the many success stories scripted by Development Associates.

The Atwood campus is one of many success stories in the DA portfolio. The three buildings on the property are full, with tenants ranging from Cooley Dickinson Hospital and Clinical & Support Options to several professionals. And while the success of the complex would seem to welcome development of another office building on the remaining space within the footprint, current conditions, including ongoing questions about the long-term strength and resiliency of the office market, but also the soaring costs of building, dictate caution, Vincunas said.

“We’d love to do it, but you have to have some pre-leasing,” he told BusinessWest. “And how much is the rent a year and a half from now? When you commit to someone today, you say, ‘you’re going to take 30% to 40% of the building.’ Sure, we’ll start building it, hope we get some others, and carry on with you until we get them. But what’s the rent a year and a half from now? It’s not easy to know.”

These sentiments reflect the high levels of challenge and uncertainty, but also opportunity, that define the commercial real-estate market at present, he said, adding that some segments of this market are doing very well, especially industrial — again, because building new is not an attractive option, and also because the work done at these facilities, be it manufacturing or warehousing, can’t be done remotely.

“So the industrial market is exceedingly tight — purchase prices have doubled, at least,” he said, noting that the same is true of lease rates. “No one can afford to build with the high interest rates and the high cost of construction. Those who had industrial space in place could rent it for much more than they could have years ago.”

Meanwhile, the office market is certainly slower, but there is movement as leases expire and business owners mull options, which bode well for properties like the StubHub Building, which remains vacant but may soon be landing a federal agency, said Vincunas, adding that DA acquired the property knowing it would take some time to lease it out, and COVID only exacerbated that challenge.

Greenfield Corporate Center

Development Associates has been successful in backfilling space at the Greenfield Corporate Center.

“It’s a very solid, very attractive building, and we know it’s going to work based on the price that we paid,” he said, adding that those same sentiments apply to the five-acre parcel just down busy Route 20, where DA is envisioning a a retail complex at that location, as well as the larger, 19-acre parcel. In both cases, the company can afford to be patient.

“I’m bullish on that whole area,” he said. “There are 400-plus apartments being built within three miles, so that whole area, in our estimation, is going to take off.”

 

The Plot Thickens

As he assessed the current office market, Vincunas said that, despite the convictions of many in this business that workers will eventually return to the office because companies function more efficiently if people are all in one place, the reality is that remote work and hybrid schedules are very likely here to stay.

That means most of those same businesses have decisions to make as leases expire, about how much space they need and where they want to be. And for those trying to keep buildings full, or as full as possible, it means working hard with both existing tenants, to keep them in some capacity, while also trying to attract those using their own expiring leases to explore the many other opportunities presenting themselves.

He’s seeing that at several of the DA properties, including Greenfield, where that successful backfilling is ongoing, and also 200 Silver St. in Agawam, where the company is trying to fill a vacancy left by a departing fitness center.

“Overall, you have to know your market and try to strike a balance. People don’t want to move, and people have options. And each situation is different. If you know the people love the location and the building, they might feel more strongly about staying where they are, and you work with them to make that happen.”

“We’re entertaining two companies in the insurance business; one wants to get out of Springfield, and one wants to consolidate its offices,” he said, adding that these are some of the forces impacting the market at present, ones that create uncertainly and volatility, but also opportunities, especially in smaller communities and smaller office facilities.

But there are risks everywhere, he added quickly, noting that, across the broad office market, the trends toward consolidation and putting fewer people in smaller spaces cast long shadows over the market.

To manage these sea changes, real-estate firms must call on their experience and handle each case individually.

“Overall, you have to know your market and try to strike a balance,” Vincunas said. “People don’t want to move, and people have options. And each situation is different. If you know the people love the location and the building, they might feel more strongly about staying where they are, and you work with them to make that happen.”

Returning to that aforementioned book he’s looking to write and its unofficial title, he reiterated that each case is different and each time is different, and companies like Development Associates must adjust to the conditions at that moment in time.

“When it comes to office space, you’re either in a strong position or a weak position, and you have to respond accordingly,” he said. “It’s the same as ever.”

Picture This

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WFD members simulate bringing a student into the decontamination tent
Picture This

Email ‘Picture This’ photos with a caption and contact information to [email protected]

 

Practice Makes Perfect

On April 13, a mass-casualty drill was held at Baystate Noble Hospital, a group collaboration between the Westfield Fire Department (WFD) and the hospital’s Emergency Department. In attendance were team members of the Nursing Flex team, Security, and more than 40 students from Elms College, Westfield State University, and Holyoke Community College.

Southwick High School student Abigail Grazia uses her moulage skills on herself and a dummy to add some striking realism.

Southwick High School student Abigail Grazia uses her moulage skills on herself and a dummy to add some striking realism.

 

WFD members simulate bringing a student into the decontamination tent

WFD members simulate bringing a student into the decontamination tent

 

Home Stretch

At a festive reception on April 2, the Irish Cultural Center (ICC) of Western New England announced the formal launch of its capstone capital campaign to raise the final $2 million needed to complete its facility at 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield. Funds raised will be used to complete the Community Performance Center.

From left: Frank Quigley, ICC co-Vice President Kevin O’Connor, West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt, ICC co-Vice President Ed Sullivan, and ICC President Sean Cahillane

 

U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, honorary campaign chair, speaks at the reception

U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, honorary campaign chair, speaks at the reception

 

 

Career Exploration

Every other Saturday this spring, 16 area high-school students get a hands-on experience working with talking patient simulators at Springfield Technical Community College as part of the STCC Career Connections Academy, a state-funded program designed to expose high-school students to high-demand industry options such as business administration, healthcare, and social assistance.

Daniel O’Neill, patient simulation information coordinator at STCC, talks to the students

Daniel O’Neill, patient simulation information coordinator at STCC, talks to the students

 

West Springfield High School student Nahla Williams works with a patient simulator

West Springfield High School student Nahla Williams works with a patient simulator

 

Wesley Carter, director of the STCC Career Connections Academy

Wesley Carter, director of the STCC Career Connections Academy

Agenda

By
Agenda

Cirque du Soleil BAZZAR

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

 

Alumni Achievement Award Nominations

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

Visit businesswest.com/40-under-forty/alumniachievementaward for the nomination form, and visit businesswest.com/40-under-forty/40underforty for a list of the past 40 Under Forty classes.

 

Rev. Hugh Crean Lecture

May 1: Elms College and the St. Augustine Center for Ethics, Religion, and Culture will present the fifth annual Rev. Hugh Crean Distinguished Lecture in Catholic Thought at 4:30 p.m. The lecture, which will take place in person in the college’s Alumnae Library Theater, was rescheduled from its initial April 4 date. The distinguished speaker for this lecture is Dominic Doyle, associate professor of Systematic Theology at the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry (STM). The theme for Doyle’s remarks will be “Christian Humanism and the Theology of Hope.” Most recently, Doyle led STM’s Neuroscience Education for Theological Training grant from the Science for Seminaries program sponsored by the American Assoc. for the Advancement of Science/Dialogue on Science, Religion, and Ethics. He is currently working on a book exploring the history of theological virtues, tentatively titled Thematic Variations in Theological Virtue. To register, visit www.elms.edu/events/st-augustine-rev-hugh-crean-distinguished-lecture.

 

YWCA Golf Tournament

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

 

‘So You Think You Want to Join a Board?’

May 8, Aug. 14, Oct. 9: United Way of Pioneer Valley is introducing a learning component as part of its OnBoard board-readiness and matching program. Serving as an on-ramp to the popular annual board-matching event held each winter, “So You Think You Want to Join a Board?” is a three-part series geared toward individuals considering board-level volunteer opportunities. Through a conversational style of presentations by highly experienced nonprofit mentors in Western Mass., attendees will have the opportunity to learn, ask questions, network, and receive resources and tools to help them determine if board service is a good fit. Part one of “So You Think You Want to Join a Board?” will be facilitated by Shannon Mumblo, president of Shannon Mumblo Consulting Inc., who will review the unique role nonprofits play in the community ecosystem and what potential volunteers should be aware of as board members. This breakfast event will be held on Wednesday, May 8 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. in the TD Bank conference room at 1441 Main St., Springfield. Part two will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 14 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. and will be facilitated by National Federation of Community Broadcasters CEO Rima Dael, who will provide participants with an understanding of board service as it relates to governance, fundraising, and basic financial oversight. The final event in the series will take place the morning of Wednesday, Oct. 9, and will be led by Sarah Tanner, a partner with Financial Development Agency, who will guide attendees in understanding what questions they need to ask nonprofits in order to determine a fit. All three of the learning sessions are free and will culminate in the OnBoard matching event on the evening of Thursday, Dec. 12.

 

VA Central Western Mass. Centennial Celebration

May 11: The VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System is commemorating a century of dedication to serving U.S. veterans. Established in 1924, the healthcare system has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of veterans, delivering compassionate care and innovative services. To honor this significant milestone, the VA invites the community to an event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 421 North Main St., Leeds. The festivities will include special events, recognition ceremonies, and opportunities for veterans and their families to connect with one another, as well as food, games, and fun for the whole family. For more information about the centennial celebration and upcoming events, visit www.va.gov/central-western-massachusetts-health-care or call Sarah Robinson, Public Affairs officer for the VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, at (413) 584-4040, ext. 3532.

 

Pioneer Valley Conference for Women

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

 

Free Shred Days

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

 

40 Under Forty Gala

June 20: BusinessWest will celebrate the 18th annual 40 Under Forty at the MassMutual Center in Springfield with fine food, music, networking, and the presentation of the class of 2024, profiled in this issue and at businesswest.com. The 40 Under Forty sponsors include presenting sponsor PeoplesBank and partner sponsors the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst, Live Nation, Mercedes-Benz of Springfield, and Mercy Medical Center/Trinity Health. The event will also feature the announcement of the 10th annual Alumni Achievement Award, presented by Health New England. Tickets cost $125 per person (tables of 10 are available), and they go on sale on Monday, April 29 at 9 a.m. at businesswest.com/40-under-forty/40underforty.

 

Hooplandia

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

 

Yidstock

July 11-14: Tickets are now on sale for Yidstock: the Festival of New Yiddish Music. Now in its 12th year, Yidstock brings the best in klezmer and new Yiddish music to the stage at the Yiddish Book Center in Amherst. Highlights this year will include the Klezmatics, Frank London, Eleanor Reissa, Judy Bressler, Daniel Kahn, and many more. Concert passes are available and include admission to all concerts and the two dance workshops. Individual tickets are also available for purchase for those who can only attend for part of the weekend. This year, livestream concert passes will allow friends from afar to experience Yidstock from the comfort of their homes. These passes only include access to the seven concerts; they do not include access to talks, workshops, or the film screening. Visit yiddishbookcenter.org/yidstock for more information and to purchase tickets.

People on the Move

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People on the Move
Ricard Torres-Mateluna

Ricard Torres-Mateluna

Jillian Duclos

Jillian Duclos

The Northampton Jazz Festival has welcomed two new board members who bring broad skills and deep experience in entrepreneurship, marketing, community organizing, and music from world cultures. They are Ricard Torres-Mateluna, who joined last month, and Jillian Duclos, who joined the board in September 2023. After earning a bachelor’s degree in politics at Mount Holyoke College as a Francis Perkins Scholar in 2017, Duclos became a grass-roots organizer, a driver of workforce development, and then a business owner. Now, as executive director of the Downtown Northampton Assoc., she collaborates with city leaders, downtown organizations, and community members to drive economic development for downtown Northampton and provide a safety net to local and small businesses who anchor the community. Torres-Mateluna is a brand and marketing strategist who thinks with a global perspective and seeks solutions at the local level. Over his more than 20 years in the field, he has successfully worked toward uplifting educational entities and nonprofit organizations, having worked in advertising agencies and startups — large and small, at home and abroad — run by people from all backgrounds. His current role is vice president of Marketing and Communications for the Springfield-based human services agency Viability Inc. Torres-Mateluna has been a jazz lover since childhood and is also a member of the editorial board and U.S. correspondent for Papeles de Jazz magazine in his native Chile.

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Lee Craig

Lee Craig

Freedom Credit Union recently hired Lee Craig as its senior vice president and chief financial officer. Bringing three decades of leadership experience in credit-union operations and compliance, Craig will lend his expertise to planning, directing, and controlling Freedom’s overall financial plans and policies, accounting practices, and relationships with lending institutions and the financial community. He comes to Freedom after 23 years as CFO at MassMutual Federal Credit Union, where he was responsible for the operation’s overall financial condition, information-technology oversight, compliance management, and strategic planning. He also previously served as principal examiner at the National Credit Union Administration. A member of the Credit Union National Assoc. CFO Council and Compliance Council and a past member of Fiserv’s user advisory board, Craig served on the town of Westhampton’s Finance Committee for several years. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business management from Westfield State University.

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Reinaldo Román

Reinaldo Román

Joshua Burgos

Pittsfield Cooperative Bank announced the hiring of Reinaldo Román as vice president, branch officer. In this role, he will manage the institution’s branch operations at its main office located at 70 South St., Pittsfield. Additionally, he will assist the organization with its further development of Spanish-focused materials. Román joins the bank after a successful 23-year tenure at Greylock Federal Credit Union. He has extensive experience in branch operations and management, business development, retail lending, and customer relations. He received his business administration in banking degree from Berkshire Community College. The bank also announced the hiring of Joshua Burgos as its new Business Development and Cash Management officer. In this role, he will oversee the multitude of cash transactions for the institution’s commercial customers as well as manage business deposits, real estate, and non-real-estate loans. Burgos joins the bank after working most recently at Canyon Ranch as a senior accountant. He has 10 years of experience working in financial services, having served in positions at MassMutual and Greylock Federal Credit Union. He has an associate degree in business administration from Cambridge College, a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Capella University, and will be completing his MBA from UMass Amherst this fall.

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Colin D’Amour

Colin D’Amour

The board of directors of Big Y Foods Inc. announced the appointment of Colin D’Amour as senior director of asset protection. In that role, he will lead the asset protection team, develop and execute future strategies, deploy new technologies, build relationships with law enforcement and other regulatory agencies, and foster both education and growth within the department. D’Amour began working as a service clerk at Big Y Supermarkets in 1998 at age 14. From there, he held several positions, including produce clerk, warehouse selector, and construction/remodel store projects coordinator. In 2007, he accepted a commission with the U.S. Marine Corps as second lieutenant, serving with distinction and ultimately earning the rank of captain. In 2010, he was deployed to Helmand, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2014, D’Amour left active duty in the Marines and returned to Big Y by entering into its store director training program. Since then, his career has included several roles, including store director, corporate center store sales director, senior manager of procurement, and, most recently, senior director of the Big Y Express division. He was also a project manager for the expansion of the Fresh and Local Distribution Center and is a member of Big Y’s real estate and store design committees. In addition, he oversees multiple programs and initiatives with Topco, an $18 billion cooperative that provides aggregation, innovation, and management solutions to its leading food-industry members across the country. A graduate of Boston College, D’Amour holds personal decorations from his military service, including both the Navy and Marine Corps commendation and achievement medals. He is the grandson of Big Y co-founder Gerald D’Amour and son of Executive Chairman Charles D’Amour.

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Myranda Nasworthy

Myranda Nasworthy

Garvey Communication Associates Inc. (GCAi) has expanded its digital public-relations capacity by adding Myranda Nasworthy, an experienced video producer. Armed with GCAi’s new G7x vlogging cameras, Nasworthy worked on client videos before she started at the company. She will work in GCAi’s new edit suite, including a 2024 Apple Mac Studio. She is also equipped with a 2024 Macbook Pro for remote video editing. She is already working with a new GODOX lighting kit used at GCAi’s 24th-floor studios in Tower Square to produce 10 videos for an award program. Nasworthy shot and worked on all the edits with co-producer Nate Dion. She has also worked with GCAi’s West Coast team to produce 9:16 videos for Reels and TikTok. A former associate producer of New England Public Media’s Emmy-nominated quiz show, As Schools Match Wits. Nasworthy is a summa cum laude graduate of Westfield State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in communication with a concentration in media arts & analysis. Her skill set includes operating Sony, Canon, Panasonic, and Nikon filming equipment and studio, control-room, and field equipment. She also is experienced in working with Adobe Premiere Pro, Lightroom, Dreamweaver, and Final Cut Pro.

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Monson Savings Bank announced its second annual President’s Award recipients. This year’s award has been presented to Sara Rodrigues, assistant vice president and Commercial Loan Operations officer, Bridget Bunce, Bank Secrecy Act analyst. The President’s Award is an opportunity to acknowledge those who consistently represent the bank’s mission and values through their commitment to customer service, the community, teamwork, and excellence. Rodrigues joined the Monson Savings Bank family in February 2013. She consistently represents the bank at many local events and has volunteered for numerous organizations, such as Revitalize CDC, the United Way of Pioneer Valley, and I Found Light Against All Odds. Bunce started with Monson Savings in October 2021 as a Deposit Operations administrator and was promoted to her current position in August 2023. She is always eager to lend a hand and has helped at several bank-sponsored events in 2022 and 2023.

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Jeffrey Siegel

Jeffrey Siegel

Fierst Bloomberg Ohm LLP announced that Jeffrey Siegel has become a partner of the firm. Having earned his juris doctorate at the University of Connecticut School of Law and his master of laws in taxation at the New York University of School of Law, Siegel has more than 35 years of experience assisting individuals with their estate-planning, tax-planning, probate and trust administration, and corporate law needs.

•••••

Paul Haible, executive director of the Peace Development Fund (PDF) for the past 20 years, announced his plans to retire on April 30. Under Haible’s leadership, PDF amplified its focus to include a broad range of social-justice issues and movements; expanded its footprint to include a regional office in San Francisco, where he was based; and increased its international scope to include funding to Haiti, Mexico, and the Middle East. He collaborated with the board to launch several initiatives engaging a range of issue constituencies, including a national environmental-justice initiative that spanned a decade, a cross-border initiative, and a national criminal-justice-reform movement. He was instrumental in creating PDF’s capacity-building program to fiscally sponsor more than 40 organizations and led PDF’s recent Indigenous Land Back work.

Company Notebook

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Company Notebook

TMGC LLC Acquires Thomas Memorial Golf & Country Club

TURNERS FALLS — On April 3, Kyle and Kelly Snow, as well as Kyle’s father, Edward Snow Jr., acting as TMGC LLC, purchased the Thomas Memorial Golf & Country Club in Turners Falls. The Snow family, who own and operate Northfield Golf Course and Snow & Sons Landscaping in Greenfield, purchased the 55-acre property from the Thomas family with assets acquired from the Thomas Memorial Golf & Country Club board of directors. The acquisition also includes two private residences, an event space, a clubhouse, and a maintenance building. While membership rates will stay level with the 2023 season, the Snows plan to make immediate improvements to the grounds and clubhouse, including a facelift of the common areas and restrooms. These updates are part of a comprehensive three- to five-year improvement plan the Snow family developed to ensure that Thomas Memorial Golf remains a leading local course and offers a unique Franklin County experience for golfers at all levels of play. The Snow family plans to create a synergy between Northfield Golf Club and Thomas Memorial Golf that will benefit both courses.

 

Excel Dryer Pioneers Blueprint for Healthy, Sustainable Workplaces

EAST LONGMEADOW — Excel Dryer recently unveiled a comprehensive office expansion and renovation project. This initiative, rooted in the company’s mission to lead through innovation, aimed to merge beauty, health, wellness, and sustainability into its workplace. The project’s insights and methodologies are set to educate through a unique continuing education unit (CEU) course offered by Architectural Record magazine in its Continuing Education Center, serving as a detailed roadmap of Excel Dryer’s innovative journey. Guided by the WELL Building Standard as a principal framework, the renovation serves as a case study showcasing Excel’s commitment to integrating the latest and most effective products in support of occupant well-being, productivity, and environmental sustainability. This initiative aims to inspire and educate not just architects, designers, and the construction community, but also owners and facility managers, offering insights into the practical application of sustainability and health-focused principles in commercial interiors and demonstrating Excel Dryer’s leading role in the movement toward more responsible workplace design. The Architectural Record’s CEU course provides a focused overview on the intersection of modern design, health standards, and sustainability in commercial architecture. It provides information on the multiple innovative products used to achieve WELL certification and explores the evolution of hygiene and sustainability post-pandemic, highlighting the importance of touchless technologies in public restrooms to prevent illness. Ultimately, the course showcases how integrated design solutions can promote health, efficiency, and environmental stewardship in commercial spaces.

 

YWCA Awarded $111,111 Grant for Violence-prevention Program

SPRINGFIELD — The YWCA of Western Massachusetts recently received $111,111.11 from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for its youth violence-prevention program, called the H.E.R.E. (Healthy Empowering Relationships and Education) Project. This evidence-based project has been successfully embedded in many Springfield middle and high schools for about 18 months. With this new grant funding, the YWCA intends to hire additional staff to reach more youth within area schools beyond Springfield. The H.E.R.E. Project’s curriculum is specifically developed for teens, inclusive of all genders, and designed for applicability across gender, ethnicity, sexual identities, and socio-economic backgrounds. It specifically targets Springfield youth ages 12-18 and aims to educate youth at risk for teen dating violence, sex trafficking of minors, and gang violence. During these classes, YWCA employees use varied teaching methods such as games, small and large group work, and role playing. YWCA staff visit the participating middle and high schools once per week for eight weeks, and since the start of the program more than 18 months ago, the H.E.R.E. Project has served about 600 students.

Incorporations

By
Incorporations

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

AGAWAM

Wang Friendly’s Inc., 19 Springfield St., Agawam, MA 01001. Yingying Wang, same. Food sales.

BLANDFORD

Baypoint Floristry and Events Inc., 56 Otis Tolland Road, Blandford, MA 01008. Tammy Saloomey Tavernia, same. Florist shop and related activities.

CHICOPEE

Opt for Nature Inc., 140 Padgette St., Unit E, Chicopee, MA 01022. Shahid Habib, 19 Spring Meadows, South Hadley, MA 01075. Brand holder of dietary supplements.

Wang China Star Inc., 80 Main St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Yingying Wang, same. Restaurant.

EASTHAMPTON

Reynolds Purified Water Inc., 6 Morin Dr., Easthampton, MA 01027. Bradford Reynolds, same. Water-purification systems.

FEEDING HILLS

A&A Remodel Co., 30 Logan Place, Feeding Hills, MA 01030. Andrii Prus, same. Sales and installation of windows and doors.

GREENFIELD

Franklin County Police Cadet Program Inc., 28 Forest Ave., Greenfield, MA 01301. Jason Haskins, same. Corporation established to create a safe and enjoyable environment for its youthful members; allow each cadet to develop healthy relationships with other youth and adults with similar interests; instill and develop self-confidence; teach respect and self-discipline, acceptable social values and behavior, responsibility, self-sufficiency, personal tolerance, and patience; expose members to the importance of positive police and community relations; learn how to act efficiently under stressful situations; and more.

HOLYOKE

Tru-Clear Window Cleaning Inc., 145 Westfield Road, Holyoke, MA 01040. Jared Martinez, same. Residential and commercial window cleaning.

PITTSFIELD

Conference on Language Modeling Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Alexander Rush, 385 Union Ave., #2A, New York, NY 11211. Conference on language modeling consisting of a series of professional meetings.

Missouri Dental Insurance Services Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Jacky Clay Standlee, same. Insurance sales.

TKT Enterprises Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Tracey Twarog, same. Health insurance, Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare supplement plans, and prescription drug plans.

SOUTH HADLEY

Forbes and Sons Painting and Staining Inc., 63 Laurie Ave., South Hadley, MA 01075. Brad Forbes, same. Painting contractor.

SPRINGFIELD

AH Accounting and Tax Services Inc., 299 Carew St., Suite 134, Springfield, MA 01104. Abdillahi Hussein, same. Professional accounting and tax services.

Grandma’s Place Inc., 11 Moore St., Springfield, MA 01107. Dawn Hunter, same. Individual youth and adult mental-health services, including but not limited to social assistance, housing, and job-search assistance.

Titanium Springfield Inc., 1112 Bay St., Springfield, MA 01109. Muhammad Ali Saleem, same. Gas station.

 

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates

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

AMHERST

Augusto Therapeutic Massage
401 Main St.
Debra Augusto

Dream Glimmers
85 Amity St., Apt. 201
Jennie Moss

Dungeon Delvers
30 Gatehouse Road, Unit 208
Aaron Damon-Rush

Heystack
34 Kingman Road
Prashant Shenoy

Just Body Glow LLC
17 Kellogg Ave.
Cheyquetta Charvis

Kim Chin-Gibbons
63 North Prospect St.
Kim Chin-Gibbons

Mt. Pollux Music
1301 South East St.
Dan Kennedy

Roger Sonier DDS
196 North Pleasant St., #13
Roger Sonier

Strategic Investigations
339 Potwine Lane
Philip Kass

Three P Painting
79 Tracy Circle
Mohamed Ben-Slama

BELCHERTOWN

Amherst Self Storage
1270 Federal St.
Alejandro Levins

Cole’s Pest Control
2 Canal Dr.
Nicole Balboni

Go with the Flow
1035 Federal St.
Julie Leahey, Elizabeth Eggleston

MVM Contracting
156 Stebbins St.
Michael Martins

Nutrition Genesis
20 Sheffield Dr.
Gina Headrick

Photosynthesis
279 Old Enfield Road
Marie Ciosek

Pretty Pickings
41 Doe Hollow
Renate Robinson

Revive and Thrive
786 Franklin St.
Elizabeth Moody

EASTHAMPTON

Conscious Soma
37 Hannum Brook Dr.
Virginia Wilke

Cleaners MultiServices
11 Princeton Ave.
Rubio Perez, Sergio Raiza

LauraLee Sampere-Gagnon, LICSW
23 Federal St.
LauraLee Sampere-Gagnon

R&R Properties
13 Northampton St.
Stephen Robinson

Robinson Properties
13 Northampton St.
Stephen Robinson

HOLYOKE

3 Brothers Auto Sales & Repair
522 Maple St.
Maple Street Sales Corp.

AE Outfitters Retail Co.
50 Holyoke St.
AE Outfitters Retail Co.

Clean Queen Car Wash
185 South St.
Richard Sherwood, Nicole Stasz

David Alger Consulting
1 Deer Run
David Alger

Los Supreme Latin Cuisine
50 Holyoke St.
Marielys Rosado Torres

Monsoon Bistro
50 Holyoke St.
Jin Rong Zhang

Pandora
50 Holyoke St.
Pandora Ventures LLC

Real Dry Waterproofing
137 Dupuis Road
Stephen Wall

Rewarding Tax Services
284 Maple St.
Lidia Rodriguez

Reyes Income Tax and Bookkeeping
2257 Northampton St.
Enrique Reyes

PITTSFIELD

Berkshire Biscotti
11 Lombard St.
Berkshire Biscotti Inc.

Berkshire Concrete Repair
16 Hampshire St.
Michael Stewart Sr.

Berkshire Faceted Gemstones
494 Pomeroy Ave.
Daniel McMorris

Berkshire Fence Co.
1625 West Housatonic St.
Todd M. Driscoll Inc.

Berkshire Precision Paint Works
11 Myrtle St.
Berkshire Precision Paint Works LLC

BRC Transportation Service
120 Lyman St.
Bruno Rodrigues Camargos

Down the Garden Path
39 Windsor Ave.
William Morency

Email Overload Solutions
20 Lakecrest Dr.
Michael Einstein

Garden Blossoms Florist
97 First St.
Sean Colombari

Gino’s Pizza
1206 North St.
Filioglu LLC

Gustitos Boricuas
248 Dewey Ave.
Mariam Orengo

Hollywood Nails
351 North St.
Yen Thi Nguyen

Koto
795 Dalton Ave.
Sakura Hibachi Steakhouse Inc.

Peaslee’s Package & Variety
1 Wilson St.
Peaslee Inc.

Superior Sealcoat & Asphalt Service
19 Manchester Ave.
Superior Maintenance Group LLC

SOUTH HADLEY

Big Wide Smiles LLC
32 Willimansett St.
Karen Anne Lundsford

Teachin Beag LLC
112 River Road
Teachin Beag

Trinity Home Support LLC
52 Hadley St.
Trinity Home Support LLC

Wadsworth Birther and Family Care
16 Central Ave.
Taylor Wadsworth

WESTFIELD

Be There Travel
51 Court St.
Miyuki Johnson

Crispy Crepes
46 Chapel St.
Crispy Crepes

Green Groves Lawn Maintenance
5 Hickory Ave.
Green Groves Lawn Maintenance

Kettlebread Franchising Corp.
105 Meadow St.
Edward Grimaldi

Results in Wellness, LLC
93B Springfield Road
Results in Wellness, LLC

RKS Management
8 Dubois St.
Michael Stanley

Running Shoe Productions
273 Papermill Road
Running Shoe Productions

Savaria Painting
240 Sackett Road
Mark Savaria

Spritz Traveling Glow
22 Kellogg St.
Cynthia Barton

Storied Adventures
440 Falley Dr.
TJC Travel LLC

S.V. Tiling
31 Sunset Dr.
Serhii Vorobei

Triple 3 Racing
379 Russellville Road
Richard Miller

WEST SPRINGFIELD

AFC Urgent Care
18 Union St.
AFC Physicians of Massachusetts, P.C.

Asian Halal Market
20 River St.
Taqwa Inc.

Beauty Gate Salon & Spa
1646 Riverdale St.
Beauty Gate Salon & Spa

Custom Gutters
2385 Westfield St.
Custom Gutters

EpicVibe Production
117 Park Ave., Unit F3
EpicVibe Production

Guitar Center #556
935 Riverdale St.
Guitar Center Stores Inc.

Little George’s
2648 Westfield St.
Little George’s

Marties Floating Event Planning LLC
9 Willard Ave.
Marties Floating Event Planning LLC

Photography by Duval
439 Birnie Ave.
Madeline Duval Davidson

Pool Revolution
26 Fairview Ave.
Pool Revolution

Riverdale Inn
1500 Riverdale St.
Ram Sai LLC

Specialty Imported LLC
130 Allston Ave.
Specialty Imported LLC

Western Mass Hypnosis Center
201 Westfield St.
Western Mass Hypnosis Center

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

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

Agyeiwaah, Afua
172 Talmadge Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/22/2024

Bordeau, Mary Ellen T.
29 High St., Apt. 1
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/27/2024

Casa, Gail C.
38 Honeysuckle Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01022
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/30/2024

Cook, George Jayson
133 Donbray Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/21/2024

Corchado, Cindy Marie
83 Wilton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/18/2024

Curran, Christopher
10 Pleasant St., Apt. D
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/30/2024

Grogan, Kathleen P.
150 Oakland St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/30/2024

Habib, Edward J.
19 L St., 1st Fl.
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/27/2024

Hallock, Brian
191 Ashland St., Apt. 201
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/28/2024

Hector, James
67 Wentworth St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/21/2024

Jaskulski, Linda A.
23 Hancock St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/18/2024

Judd, Roger Gary
148 Templeton Road
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/25/2024

Kohm, Aaron M.
Kohm, Sarah F.
a/k/a Sugrue, Sarah F.
71 Lyman St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/22/2024

Labonte, Edward
41 Biltmore St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/30/2024

Leduc, Scott R.
153 New Boston Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/19/2024

Lucey, Robert A.
77 Imperial Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/22/2024

Malanowski, Tim
206 Fairview Ave., Apt 1
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/21/2024

Medina, Eulogio Ferrer
70 Broadway St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/27/2024

Melnik, Natalya
86 Sheri Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/18/2024

Miller, Russell A.
14 Madison St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/30/2024

Mogelinski, Carlos M.
42 Granville St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/28/2024

Morse, Shirley A.
174 Regency Park Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/30/2024

Mullarkey, Matthew James
Mullarkey, Nicole Marie
488 Main Road
Granville, MA 01034
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/27/2024

Munoz, Jahayra
111 Manchester Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/22/2024

Murphy, Michael R.
97 Prokop Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/18/2024

Peck, Stephan
84 Telegraph Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/26/2024

Sears, Regina M.
73 Ontario St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/19/2024

Smith, Matthew J.
PO Box 399
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/30/2024

Sunderland, Matthew Whitney
132 Holyoke St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/27/2024

Velazquez, Osvaldo
Velazquez, Zoraida
80 Bircham St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/20/2024

Wagner, Edward Bruce
180 Northampton St., Apt. L
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/28/2024

Real Estate Transactions

By
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

ASHFIELD

1823 Hawley Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $777,000
Buyer: Ian Adams
Seller: Vincent M. Biggs
Date: 03/29/24

BUCKLAND

35 Avery Road
Buckland, MA 01339
Amount: $554,000
Buyer: Finnivan FT
Seller: Marc H. Dodson
Date: 03/26/24

139 Main St.
Buckland, MA 01330
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Albert E. Gray
Seller: Daniel Sonntag
Date: 03/29/24

DEERFIELD

Plain Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Friends Of The Franklin
Seller: Adella T. Wrobleski RET
Date: 03/22/24

251 River Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $585,000
Buyer: John Decoursy
Seller: Robert W. Doyle
Date: 03/28/24

36 Thayer St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Anujkumar Dhamija
Seller: Nnpl TR
Date: 03/22/24

36 Thayer St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $333,828
Buyer: Nnlp TR
Seller: Bertha F. Markowski
Date: 03/22/24

GILL

155 French King Hwy.
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $794,450
Buyer: David Giard
Seller: Giknis, James A., (Estate)
Date: 03/22/24

Mountain Road
Gill, MA 01376
Amount: $794,450
Buyer: David Giard
Seller: Giknis James A., (Estate)
Date: 03/22/24

GREENFIELD

602 Bernardston Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Parliament Redemption LLC
Seller: Stoneleigh Burnham School
Date: 03/20/24

616 Bernardston Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Parliament Redemption LLC
Seller: Stoneleigh Burnham School
Date: 03/20/24

28 Colorado Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $850,000
Buyer: 23-34 Colorado Ave. LLC
Seller: Allan E. Keyes
Date: 03/26/24

34 Colorado Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $850,000
Buyer: 23-34 Colorado Ave. LLC
Seller: Allan E. Keyes
Date: 03/26/24

19 Highland Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $536,500
Buyer: Steven J. Cohen
Seller: Dzanc Books Inc.
Date: 03/29/24

155-165 Main St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $1,100,000
Buyer: Stonewall Entities LLC
Seller: Sherman Realty LLC
Date: 03/25/24

220-228 Main St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Frank X. Cid
Seller: John Toro
Date: 03/22/24

220-228 Main St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: John Toro
Seller: Rolling js LLC
Date: 03/22/24

56 Rockland Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Parliament Redemption LLC
Seller: Stoneleigh Burnham School
Date: 03/20/24

71-73 West St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Maureen Pollock
Seller: Peter Kuzmeskus
Date: 03/25/24

HAWLEY

198 West Hawley Road
Hawley, MA 01339
Amount: $267,500
Buyer: Max Leh
Seller: Wayne R. Clark
Date: 03/26/24

90 West Hawley Road
Hawley, MA 01339
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Wayne R. Clark
Seller: James M. Desrochers
Date: 03/26/24

LEVERETT

42 Cushman Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Nathan Y. Lumen
Seller: Michael L. Williams
Date: 03/29/24

MONTAGUE

39 Grove St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $317,774
Buyer: Lakeview Loan Servicing LLC
Seller: David M. Shea
Date: 03/26/24

ORANGE

25 2nd St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Ruth Isaac
Seller: Jericho Fellows
Date: 03/18/24

52 Briggs St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Eli Miller
Seller: Norman Bartlett
Date: 03/29/24

232 East Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $301,000
Buyer: Marvin Q. Turuy
Seller: Tyler Q. Grossman
Date: 03/27/24

673 East Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $396,000
Buyer: Lestter Quintero
Seller: Dale O. Killip
Date: 03/18/24

87 Enfield Dr.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Christopher K. Hart
Seller: Melanson, Rhonda J., (Estate)
Date: 03/18/24

SHELBURNE

90 Mahawk Trail
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $895,000
Buyer: Jeffrey M. Hayes
Seller: Susan M. Broadhurs
Date: 03/19/24

SUNDERLAND

62 Howard Hepburn Dr.
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $622,500
Buyer: Elizabeth Mayers
Seller: Ryan J. Shea
Date: 03/21/24

495 Montague Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: Paul Jacobs
Seller: Laryssa Kachorowsky
Date: 03/20/24

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

7 Agnoli Place
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Haczynski Homes LLC
Seller: Linda M. Cardaropoli
Date: 03/20/24

22 Center St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Edward D. Foley
Seller: Mary A. Ruscio
Date: 03/20/24

42 Independence Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Rafael O. Cornier
Seller: Prime Partners LLC
Date: 03/18/24

31 Maple St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Zachary Riopelle
Seller: Maple Tree Rentals LLC
Date: 03/29/24

123-129 Riviera Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $740,000
Buyer: Yosmaira Deleon
Seller: Robert A. Desimone
Date: 03/26/24

106-108 Silver St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Oma Inc.
Seller: Chenevert Properties LLC
Date: 03/29/24

649-651 Springfield St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $342,000
Buyer: Matthew Czepiel
Seller: Christopher J. Frawley
Date: 03/29/24

90 Stewart Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $281,000
Buyer: Edward Haskell
Seller: O’Neil, John, (Estate)
Date: 03/29/24

BLANDFORD

9 Cobble Mountain Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $339,000
Buyer: Pamela J. Coon
Seller: Beacon Home Buyers LLC
Date: 03/27/24

BRIMFIELD

59 Sutcliffe Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Zi M. Zhao
Seller: Sam Zhao
Date: 03/27/24

CHICOPEE

62 6th Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Frank Dingman
Seller: Debra J. Hilton
Date: 03/18/24

52 Access Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: William E. Poirier RET
Seller: Stefanie C. Adkison
Date: 03/29/24

157 Amherst St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Rebeca Rios
Seller: Rafael Cornier
Date: 03/18/24

94 Arthur St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $382,000
Buyer: Jose A. Negron
Seller: Wladyslaw Pikula
Date: 03/20/24

53 Barbara St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $427,000
Buyer: Allen Benzenhafer
Seller: Alexis A. Karwowski
Date: 03/26/24

34 Beauchamp Ter.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Ricardo Ortiz
Seller: Alfredo R. Ortiz
Date: 03/26/24

13 Beston St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Citrus Property Investors LLC
Seller: Christine Drost
Date: 03/18/24

83 Bonner St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $234,000
Buyer: William Raleigh
Seller: Lena A. Perez
Date: 03/22/24

589 Burnett Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: David A. Deslauriers RET
Seller: James, Fred P., (Estate)
Date: 03/25/24

48 Gardner Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $256,000
Buyer: Thomas R. Niemiec
Seller: Kathleen Niemiec
Date: 03/25/24

1075 Granby Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Jonathan Rivera
Seller: Chang L. Jiang
Date: 03/26/24

147 Hampden St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Livingwater Capital LLC
Seller: Sopheak Mar
Date: 03/25/24

13 Lorimer St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $163,200
Buyer: Dnepro Properties LLC
Seller: Matthew D. Collins
Date: 03/28/24

1875 Memorial Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $875,000
Buyer: URL Properties LLC
Seller: R. & T. Frattesi LLC
Date: 03/28/24

61 Montello Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Yocasta Lara
Seller: Carroll, Robert, (Estate)
Date: 03/27/24

47 Moore St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Lucy Wilson
Seller: Marek Grzejka
Date: 03/21/24

125 Nonotuck Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Jrchr LLC
Seller: Wolfindale FT
Date: 03/22/24

115 Nutmeg Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: William Boyd
Seller: Martha F. Kusiak FT
Date: 03/19/24

16 Reed Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Carlos Cedeno
Seller: Glorimar Colon
Date: 03/29/24

48 Rimmon Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Seth E. Lorusso
Seller: Brewster, Janet T., (Estate)
Date: 03/26/24

104 Springfield St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Iglesia Cristiana Casa
Seller: Roman Catholic Bishop
Date: 03/29/24

EAST LONGMEADOW

102-104 Allyn St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $394,000
Buyer: Mishaela L. Brennan
Seller: Kevin R. Lumb
Date: 03/20/24

9 Crescent Hill
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $218,000
Buyer: Equity TR Co.
Seller: Sharon B. Coliss
Date: 03/28/24

311 Elm St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Struening
Seller: Denise E. Degon
Date: 03/28/24

16 Hamlet St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: Fumi Realty Inc.
Seller: Donna Decorie
Date: 03/29/24

763 Homestead Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Joseph Morrison
Seller: Mental Health Assn. Inc.
Date: 03/18/24

22 Knollwood Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Julien Gour
Seller: Paul M. Gour
Date: 03/28/24

249 Millbrook Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $787,000
Buyer: Joshua L. Matt
Seller: Leonard F. Pansa
Date: 03/29/24

HAMPDEN

5 Andrew Cir.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $580,000
Buyer: Douglas P. Rosien
Seller: Lee M. Zuber
Date: 03/28/24

1 Saint Germain Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $589,000
Buyer: Vanessa A. Cienciwa
Seller: Thomas P. Addicks
Date: 03/29/24

277 Walnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Abigail Glogower
Seller: Gail S. Bielizna
Date: 03/21/24

HOLLAND

203 Stafford Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Anthony Roman
Seller: David J. Valego
Date: 03/26/24

HOLYOKE

72 Berkshire St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: James Poirier
Seller: Amador Diaz
Date: 03/26/24

1435-1451 Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $1,500,000
Buyer: Dwight Ivy LLC
Seller: OneHolyoke Community Development Corp.
Date: 03/28/24

807-809 Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Urbanist Capital LLC
Seller: Rodriguez, Dominga, (Estate)
Date: 03/25/24

346 Hillside Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $217,600
Buyer: Ashley Oquendo
Seller: Priscilla J. Myers RET
Date: 03/27/24

9 Ivy St.
Holyoke, MA 01013
Amount: $1,500,000
Buyer: Dwight Ivy LLC
Seller: OneHolyoke Community Development Corp.
Date: 03/28/24

69-71 North East St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Frilard LLC
Seller: Luis A. Gonzalez
Date: 03/25/24

1678 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: John M. Barrett
Seller: Gallagher Properties LLC
Date: 03/28/24

1985 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $1,000,000
Buyer: Iglesia Apostolica Cristi
Seller: Foley Property Mgmt. Corp.
Date: 03/26/24

16 Washington Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Sullymar N. Andujar
Seller: Gallagher Cap Group LLC
Date: 03/29/24

LONGMEADOW

72 Colton Place
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Alfons Skudlarek
Seller: Suzanne S. Warner LT
Date: 03/29/24

128 Converse St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $539,900
Buyer: Babatunde Idowu
Seller: Al-Tahoun TR
Date: 03/22/24

117 Edgewood Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $333,000
Buyer: Wendy L. Foy
Seller: A-O-K RT
Date: 03/22/24

51 Village Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Kelley A. Bergin
Seller: Stuart M. Ransom
Date: 03/18/24

198 Warren Ter.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Mary L. Hammer
Seller: David M. Guthrie
Date: 03/25/24

18 Wimbleton Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: Vincent J. Mariano
Seller: Jeffrey G. Clayton
Date: 03/29/24

LUDLOW

325 Alden St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $287,000
Buyer: Ethan Jones
Seller: Nicholas J. Goncalves
Date: 03/29/24

764 Center St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Nicholas J. Goncalves
Seller: Fengming Li
Date: 03/29/24

97 Church St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Joseph Moore
Seller: Rodman Capital Group LLC
Date: 03/28/24

Deroche Circle, Lot 2
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Peter E. Miccoli
Seller: Bourdeau, Robert D., (Estate)
Date: 03/22/24

Deroche Circle, Lot 3
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Peter E. Miccoli
Seller: Bourdeau, Robert D., (Estate)
Date: 03/22/24

208 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Branden Simard
Seller: Tiago B. Martins
Date: 03/19/24

132-134 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Deny Kim
Seller: Joao Sanches
Date: 03/29/24

181 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Sean Mckeever
Seller: William F. Richardson
Date: 03/18/24

80 Letendre Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Nery L. De Leon Reyes
Seller: Manuel J. Salgado
Date: 03/20/24

59 Meadow St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Robert Cunningham
Seller: Kevin P. Geissler
Date: 03/28/24

164 Prospect St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Daniel Moriarty
Seller: Robert J. Lefebvre
Date: 03/22/24

348 West St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Joyce D. Roswess
Seller: Clarke D. Kennedy
Date: 03/21/24

139 Yale St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $282,000
Buyer: Joel F. Marques
Seller: Jose A. Dias
Date: 03/19/24

MONSON

124 Butler Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Ray S. Frost
Seller: William J. Manning
Date: 03/28/24

32 Main St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: BD Construction LLC
Seller: BG Real Estate Inc.
Date: 03/29/24

PALMER

100 Breckenridge St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Hussein S. Akbar
Seller: Taylor, Eunice F., (Estate)
Date: 03/25/24

2022 Maple St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Ryan T. Micelotta
Seller: Jjb Builders Corp.
Date: 03/29/24

2018 Pleasant St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Sami Afiri
Seller: Paul Jones
Date: 03/29/24

RUSSELL

210 Pine Hill Road
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Casey Belieu
Seller: Anatoliy Tereshchuk
Date: 03/20/24

69 West Main St.
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Melissa King
Seller: Gerard J. Roy
Date: 03/27/24

468 Westfield Road
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Alexis King
Seller: Marsha K. Montori
Date: 03/29/24

SPRINGFIELD

52-54 Adams St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Veteran Stan LLC
Seller: Raffaele Russo
Date: 03/20/24

106 Barber St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $150,100
Buyer: Jjj17 LLC
Seller: Federal National Mortgage Assn.
Date: 03/28/24

35-37 Bartlett St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $301,000
Buyer: Ariel Properties LLC
Seller: Topher Properties LLC
Date: 03/22/24

252 Bay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Xavier Adorno
Seller: LKN Realty Investors LLC
Date: 03/21/24

84-86 Bowles St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: MLB Property Mgmt. LLC
Seller: R. M. Blerman LLC
Date: 03/18/24

127 Bowles Park
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Bridgette A. Bethel
Seller: Tyler J. Ledbetter
Date: 03/28/24

58 Brewster St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Lydia I. Quiles
Seller: Aisha A. Pizarro
Date: 03/20/24

661 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $242,000
Buyer: Cuong Tao
Seller: Jjj17 LLC
Date: 03/28/24

115 Carroll St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: M&M Renovations LLC
Seller: Fay Servicing LLC
Date: 03/18/24

120 Central St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $1,256,000
Buyer: H. P. Rum LLC
Seller: Springfield Gardens
Date: 03/28/24

408-410 Central St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: Daphney Williams
Seller: Northern Flooring & Remodeling
Date: 03/20/24

700 Chestnut St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: 700 Chestnut LLC
Seller: Grace R. Hatch
Date: 03/29/24

144 Denver St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Erica Arce
Seller: Emid Properties LLC
Date: 03/28/24

284 Denver St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $137,500
Buyer: Mlm Holdings LLC
Seller: Courageous Lion LLC
Date: 03/22/24

238 Edendale St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $249,000
Buyer: Heather Rusiecki
Seller: Lawrence R. Pelland
Date: 03/26/24

200 Florida St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Arnold C. Kamara
Seller: Robert J. Paskins
Date: 03/28/24

51 Fort Pleasant Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $2,496,000
Buyer: H. P. Rum LLC
Seller: Springfield Gardens 49-59 LP
Date: 03/28/24

56-60 Fort Pleasant Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: H. P. Rum LLC
Seller: Springfield Gardens 56-60 LP
Date: 03/27/24

59 Fort Pleasant Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $2,496,000
Buyer: H. P. Rum LLC
Seller: Springfield Gardens 49-59 LP
Date: 03/28/24

66-68 Fort Pleasant Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $1,248,000
Buyer: H. P. Rum LLC
Seller: Springfield Gardens 66-68 120-1 LP
Date: 03/28/24

73-75 Glenham St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $362,000
Buyer: Juan Rodriguez
Seller: Stephen F. Burke
Date: 03/29/24

21 Greenwich St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Rafael Severino
Seller: Hlre Development LLC
Date: 03/20/24

42-44 Grover St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Flora Hernandez
Seller: Maria Santiago
Date: 03/20/24

129-131 Hamburg St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Rosario Del Rosario
Seller: Jessica Y. Gonzalez
Date: 03/18/24

100 Harvey St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $281,000
Buyer: Rukundo Bizimana
Seller: Ryan A. Reeves
Date: 03/27/24

157 Kensington Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Kelnate Realty LLC
Seller: Junior Properties LLC
Date: 03/22/24

161 Kensington Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $312,500
Buyer: Benjamin Lawlor
Seller: Dnepro Properties LLC
Date: 03/26/24

89 Lamont St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $306,000
Buyer: Sinclair Allen
Seller: Plata O. Plomo Inc.
Date: 03/18/24

29 Lancashire Road
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Carlos F. Gonzalez Diaz
Seller: Eric Cassidy
Date: 03/29/24

94 Lang St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Kehinde Oyedeji
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 03/26/24

17-19 Laurel St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Modern Creative Contracto
Seller: Carmen V. Dernandez
Date: 03/25/24

198-200 Leyfred Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Gilberto G. Perez
Seller: Miosol R. Rodriguez
Date: 03/26/24

34 Leyfred Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Ra Nou
Seller: Jose Cela
Date: 03/28/24

446 Liberty St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Mindruns Properties LLC
Seller: Mass Rentals LLC
Date: 03/21/24

54 Lincoln St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Finlay O. Oguku
Seller: Elizabeth Roccamo
Date: 03/29/24

22 Locust St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Locust22spfld LLC
Seller: Christine M. Tazzini
Date: 03/29/24

418 Longhill St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Prestigious One LLC
Seller: Yazan Haddad
Date: 03/26/24

83 Lorimer St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Bobbie C. Gentry
Seller: Christian B. Wiernasz
Date: 03/21/24

66 Melrose St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $263,000
Buyer: Lissette Compres
Seller: Federal Natl Mtg Assn
Date: 03/26/24

25-27 Merida St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Andre Ferdinand
Seller: Marianna Alvarado
Date: 03/21/24

24 Metzger Place
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Tracy Bradford
Seller: Judith M. Lemieux
Date: 03/18/24

30-32 Moulton St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Tiffany S. Clark
Seller: Ob Properties LLC
Date: 03/19/24

43 Ontario St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Jaime Duran
Seller: Sareen Properties LLC
Date: 03/26/24

352-354 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $262,500
Buyer: Equity TR Co.
Seller: Nicholas C. Pappas
Date: 03/20/24

1375 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Genevieve Construction Development Group Inc.
Seller: Meronda Richardson
Date: 03/26/24

130 Plumtree Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Linda A. McCarthy
Seller: Richard J. McCarthy
Date: 03/28/24

245 Plumtree Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Maureen E. Webber
Seller: Chad E. Joseph
Date: 03/28/24

333 Saint James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Prestigious One LLC
Seller: Orleans RT
Date: 03/22/24

761 Saint James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Efe Gunaydin
Seller: Larry Lawson
Date: 03/21/24

114 Saint James Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $156,000
Buyer: Abfc 2004-Opt5 TR 2004-Opt
Seller: William L. Costigan
Date: 03/20/24

156 Shawmut St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Deepon Realty LLC
Seller: Everett Sexton
Date: 03/29/24

49 Sylvester St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: 49 Sylvester Street LLC
Seller: Filipe L. Rodrigues
Date: 03/18/24

49 Sylvester St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Filipe L. Brito-Rodrigues
Seller: Stanwich Mtg. Loan TI
Date: 03/18/24

38 Tinkham Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $287,456
Buyer: Tinkham Road TR
Seller: Selana M. Picard
Date: 03/19/24

36 West Bay Path Ter.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $336,000
Buyer: Hanna L. Carrabba
Seller: Maria I. Ortiz
Date: 03/29/24

113-115 Westford Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Luz Ramirez
Seller: Birch Properties LLC
Date: 03/28/24

28 Whitmore Dr.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Lisandra Sepulveda
Seller: Kayla Nieves
Date: 03/21/24

182 Wrentham Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Alexis Ramos
Seller: Hector L. Marquez
Date: 03/28/24

SOUTHWICK

114 Congamond Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $531,000
Buyer: James Ferrara
Seller: Smith FT
Date: 03/29/24

82 North Lake Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $251,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Jennifer A. Ritter
Date: 03/29/24

TOLLAND

14 Brook Lane
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Richard D. King
Seller: David L. Letellier
Date: 03/20/24

141 Fox Den Road
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Jessica Woodward
Seller: Michael Clarke
Date: 03/29/24

147 Thicket Road
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Christopher Baker
Seller: Mclp Asset Co. Inc.
Date: 03/29/24

WEST SPRINGFIELD

478 Amostown Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $341,500
Buyer: Vincenzo F. Suffriti
Seller: Kevin C. Huyghe
Date: 03/18/24

153 Bonnie Brae Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Douglas J. Richard
Seller: Brian J. Kolodziej
Date: 03/21/24

46 Chestnut St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $243,000
Buyer: Cameron G. MacDonald
Seller: Lismel Luciano
Date: 03/25/24

190 Hillcrest Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $479,900
Buyer: 190 Hillcrest Ave. Inter-vivo TR
Seller: Premier Home Builders Inc.
Date: 03/27/24

576 Kings Hwy.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Talia J. Wujtewicz
Seller: Amber Beninati
Date: 03/22/24

178 New Bridge St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Ddmns Realty LLC
Seller: New Bridge RT
Date: 03/29/24

76 New Bridge St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $221,500
Buyer: Marc Dulaimy
Seller: Cascade Funding Mtg. TR HB1
Date: 03/29/24

6 Plateau Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $263,500
Buyer: Omar Shehzad
Seller: Adam M. Ciborowski
Date: 03/18/24

54 Prince Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $143,334
Buyer: Jennie L. Duprey
Seller: Richard C. Brown
Date: 03/27/24

80 Riverdale St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Caring For Others Health
Seller: Fatima Apartments LLC
Date: 03/22/24

26 Sagamore Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Liudmyla Slyusar
Seller: Karen Chmura
Date: 03/29/24

46 Wilder Ter.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $338,500
Buyer: Eric Perrier
Seller: Jon E. Polnack
Date: 03/27/24

WESTFIELD

36 Berkshire Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Carole L. Janicki
Seller: Lynette L. Litourneau
Date: 03/27/24

80 Egleston Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $735,000
Buyer: Luke & Diane Holdings Inc.
Seller: 80 Egleston Road LLC
Date: 03/19/24

152 Elizabeth Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $443,400
Buyer: Amanda M. Larose
Seller: Daniel B. Daley
Date: 03/18/24

12 Ellsworth St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Tgc Investments LLC
Seller: Linda R. Shepherd
Date: 03/26/24

143 Holyoke Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: John Linscott
Seller: Maria Pantoja
Date: 03/22/24

23 Leonard Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: Amenadiel RT
Seller: Urbanski, Michael J., (Estate)
Date: 03/18/24

229 Montgomery Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $412,500
Buyer: Christina S. Davies
Seller: Yurany Echeverri
Date: 03/28/24

10 Nicholas Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $745,000
Buyer: Roy A. Swenson
Seller: Maksim I. Loboda
Date: 03/29/24

163 North Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $372,000
Buyer: Andrey Gnidenko
Seller: Michael D. Bryant
Date: 03/29/24

139 Root Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Fabian C. Montero
Seller: Kimberly A. Cowles
Date: 03/26/24

10 Union Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: North Elm Realty Inc.
Seller: WF1 Realty LLC
Date: 03/27/24

48 Washington St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $284,836
Buyer: CrossCountry Mortgage LLC
Seller: Ashley Pacheco
Date: 03/19/24

WILBRAHAM

3075 Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Yanqiong Zhang
Seller: Johnson Sr., William G., (Estate)
Date: 03/22/24

1016 Main St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Jacob Leblanc
Seller: Robert Sarasin TR
Date: 03/27/24

8 Maynard Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Max Majors
Seller: Diamond Home Improvement LLC
Date: 03/18/24

56 Oakland St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $528,000
Buyer: Seware Kangalu
Seller: Jonathan A. Delaunay
Date: 03/22/24

20 Railroad Ave.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Luis Ortiz
Seller: Joseph O’Malley
Date: 03/27/24

106 Springfield St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $436,000
Buyer: Corey Sanders
Seller: Madison M. Chmyzinski
Date: 03/21/24

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

44 Chapel Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $560,750
Buyer: Kristin M. Flewelling
Seller: Paul A. Schroeder
Date: 03/29/24

76 North Pleasant St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $1,333,337
Buyer: Lynn E. Payton
Seller: Bruce B. Payton
Date: 03/18/24

45 Oakwood Circle
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $725,000
Buyer: Jonathan C. Cheng
Seller: Helene Cunningham
Date: 03/20/24

9 Owen Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $980,000
Buyer: Michael A. Fox
Seller: John H. Fanton
Date: 03/19/24

BELCHERTOWN

62 Gold St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Prinka Musa
Seller: James Walker
Date: 03/21/24

21 North St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Laura R. Robinson
Seller: 6221 NT
Date: 03/21/24

203 South St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $507,150
Buyer: Glenna J. Young
Seller: M. & F. Land Development LLC
Date: 03/25/24

45 West St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Serenity FT
Seller: John P. Budz
Date: 03/27/24

CHESTERFIELD

185 East St.
Chesterfield, MA 01096
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Luis M. Campos
Seller: Jesse C. Paszko
Date: 03/27/24

EASTHAMPTON

5-7 Clinton St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Nicholas B. Difazio
Seller: Susan D. Colby
Date: 03/18/24

8 East Green St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Sarrah Bogdanovitch
Seller: Lisa A. Darragh
Date: 03/29/24

181 East St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $900,000
Buyer: Kevin R. Burke
Seller: Scott A. Richards
Date: 03/27/24

282 Loudville Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Pineview Development LLC
Seller: Nicol FT
Date: 03/28/24

1 Louise Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: 1 Louise Ave. TR
Seller: Robert Scott
Date: 03/28/24

5 Orchard St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Elizabeth Jensen
Seller: Yarasavych IRT
Date: 03/20/24

112 Plain St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Priscilla Rosado
Seller: Connor, Maureen A., (Estate)
Date: 03/22/24

Pomeroy St., Lot 11
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: David A. Hardy Contractor
Seller: Cykowski FT
Date: 03/26/24

20 Searls St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $407,000
Buyer: Jeston A. Sussman
Seller: Briana Taylor
Date: 03/28/24

GOSHEN

59 Aberdeen Road
Goshen, MA 01032
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Anne M. Child
Seller: John S. Webb
Date: 03/29/24

GRANBY

6 Greenmeadow Lane
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Gabriel C. Nelson
Seller: Travis C. Scheinost
Date: 03/18/24

HADLEY

63 East St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $725,000
Buyer: Pied Piper Properties LLC
Seller: 63 East Realty LLC
Date: 03/21/24

79 Mount Warner Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Vincent M. Biggs
Seller: John A. Mathews
Date: 03/29/24

13 Shattuck Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $615,000
Buyer: Aaron B. St.John
Seller: Helen Wang
Date: 03/19/24

40 Shattuck Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $377,000
Buyer: Paul A. Kelley
Seller: Tudryn, Thomas R., (Estate)
Date: 03/25/24

HATFIELD

8 Porter Ave.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Jennife R. Gwozdzik
Seller: Daniel E. Gwozdzik
Date: 03/29/24

129 Prospect St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $319,299
Buyer: Avet RT
Seller: Freedom Mortgage Corp.
Date: 03/29/24

HUNTINGTON

26 Allen Coit Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $140,450
Buyer: Jake W. Lachapelle
Seller: Frank A. Dearinis
Date: 03/20/24

MIDDLEFIELD

143 Chipnan Road
Middlefield, MA 01243
Amount: $257,875
Buyer: Federal Home Loan Mtg. Corp.
Seller: Patricia L. McIntyre
Date: 03/22/24

NORTHAMPTON

1181 Burts Pit Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Justus Perry
Seller: Wendy Decou
Date: 03/21/24

3 Elm St.
Northampton, MA 01063
Amount: $1,100,000
Buyer: Sunwood Development Corp. Inc.
Seller: Roman Catholic Bishop
Date: 03/19/24

118 Florence St.
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Kevin Dubleday
Seller: Willis P. Brennan
Date: 03/18/24

Garfield Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Nu-Way Homes Inc.
Seller: Amity Perman
Date: 03/29/24

642 North Farms Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $699,000
Buyer: Krista Hennings-Vinocur
Seller: Timothy D. Scott
Date: 03/21/24

31 Park St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Healthy Neighborhoods Group LLC
Seller: Driscol, Ann C., (Estate)
Date: 03/18/24

SOUTH HADLEY

46 Ashton Lane
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: John B. Belknap
Seller: Susan R. Barry
Date: 03/29/24

11 Bardwell St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $620,000
Buyer: Nicholas J. Bryda
Seller: Dpr Legacy Enterprises LLC
Date: 03/29/24

89 Bardwell St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Patrick C. Fecher
Seller: Heath G. Molte
Date: 03/28/24

25 Chileab Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Sandra Stoughton
Seller: Michael N. Gagnon
Date: 03/22/24

21 Maple St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Kenna Magrath
Seller: Theresa M. Magrath
Date: 03/18/24

180 Old Lyman Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $690,000
Buyer: Aqrs Realty LLC
Seller: Pmdm Realty LLC
Date: 03/18/24

48 River Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $595,000
Buyer: Thomas Martin
Seller: Donna J. Sexton RET
Date: 03/28/24

SOUTHAMPTON

52 Cold Spring Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Eric Madsen
Seller: Paul J. Hendrick
Date: 03/28/24

77 Crooked Ledge Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $535,000
Buyer: Allison M. McFadden
Seller: Geoffrey R. Fleury
Date: 03/19/24

WARE

34 Berkshire Circle
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Dale H. Vieu
Seller: Maxine M. Houle
Date: 03/27/24

13 Cherry St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $338,920
Buyer: Felix L. Santana
Seller: Felix L. Santana
Date: 03/25/24

72 Eagle St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $169,900
Buyer: Amy Mathison-Start
Seller: Angelina Roman
Date: 03/21/24

59 James Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $619,000
Buyer: Kirsten Desjardins
Seller: Kristel L. Johnson
Date: 03/29/24

17 Pleasant St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $258,000
Buyer: John P. Mogle
Seller: Gary J. Buelow
Date: 03/19/24

130 West Main St.
Ware, MA 00108
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Emiliano Osmani
Seller: Marc A. Delrosario
Date: 03/22/24

88 West St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Thomas Hubbard
Seller: Ebenzer Construction & Cleaning
Date: 03/22/24

WESTHAMPTON

71 Northwest Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $434,817
Buyer: Scott Currie
Seller: James S. Kemper
Date: 03/20/24

WILLIAMSBURG

7 Depot Road
Williamsburg, MA 01039
Amount: $264,000
Buyer: Amie C. Burrell
Seller: Anna Pertzoff
Date: 03/29/24

WORTHINGTON

18 Old North Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $259,900
Buyer: Jacob Lessard
Seller: Linda Jackson
Date: 03/29/24

Building Permits

By
Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the months of March and April 2024.

CHICOPEE

City of Chicopee
110 Church St.
$73,390 — Remove and replace existing ceiling tiles and lighting in various rooms at Police Department

City of Chicopee
154 Grove St.
$200,000 — Demolish one-story structure with basement, including slab and foundations; remove debris

EASTHAMPTON

Atomic Real Estate LLC
193 Northampton St.
$8,000 — Siding

Easthampton Congregational Church
116 Main St.
$16,025 — Air sealing and insulation in two attics

HADLEY

Gulmohar Realty Corp.
237 Russell St.
N/A — Install supply and return duct work

Montgomery Rose LLC
319 River Dr.
N/A — Verizon to upgrade and replace antenna and radio equipment

Pyramid Mall of Hadley Newco
373 Russell St.
N/A — Construct new Chase Bank branch with drive-thru ATM

NORTHAMPTON

The Building Trust LLC
83 Spring St.
$144,229 — Renovation

City of Northampton
300 North Main St.
$25,000 — Strip and reroof garden house at Look Park

Lathrop Community Inc.
680 Bridge Road
$184,189 — Insulation and weatherization of community room

Michael’s House LLC
71 State St.
$24,160 — Insulation in attic

Northampton Historical Society
66 Bridge St.
N/A — Install roof-mounted solar system

 

Recovery Real Estate Holdings LLC
178 Industrial Dr.
$15,255 — Change from storage to production space, install ERV unit

Smith Charities
51 Main St.
$393,000 — Masonry facade restoration

Smith College
53 West St.
$965,000 — Construct new greenhouse

Sullivan Real Estate LLC
125 State St.
$45,000 — Repairs to steps and throughout house

SPRINGFIELD

Baystate Medical Center Inc.
759 Chestnut St.
$172,138 — Alter interior space to expand three IT closets

Blackened Realty LLC
201 Worthington St.
$33,000 — Modifications to entrance doorway at Theodores’

Cal Rolling Hills LLC
365 Cadwell Dr.
$3,000,000 — Erect automotive service center

City of Springfield
299 Sumner Ave.
$88,750 — Roof repair at Cyr Arena in Forest Park

Dask Partnership
90 Carando Dr.
$43,000 — Alter interior commercial tenant space for Trane

Derf Realty Corp.
1 Carando Dr.
$280,000 — Alter interior office space on first floor, rework accessible ramp, add exterior roll-up door

Five Town Station LLC
400 Cooley St.
$11,440,166 — Renovate exterior facade and install exterior insulation, finishes, and new siding at Burger King

Lee Hyo Jung
587 Main St.
$107,000 — Make alterations to mercantile building for marijuana sales establishment

Nell Investments LLC
130 Union St.
$75,000 — Alter interior office space at Visual Sound Productions

Worthy III LLC
270 Worthington St.
$16,500 — Alter fire-protection sprinkler system

Greenfield Builds Momentum on Many Fronts

By
planned redevelopment of the former Wilson’s department store
Community Spotlight

Community Spotlight

planned redevelopment of the former Wilson’s department store

An architect’s rendering of the planned redevelopment of the former Wilson’s department store into a mix of retail and housing.

Virginia “Ginny” Desorgher is a retired emergency-room nurse, mother of three, and grandmother of nine.

She had no real desire to add ‘mayor of Greenfield’ to that personal profile, but Desorgher, a transplant from the eastern part of the state and, by this time last year, a veteran city councilor and chair of the Ways and Means Committee, decided that change was needed in this city of almost 18,000.

So she ran for mayor. And she won — handily. And now that she’s been in the job for three months, she can see many similarities between being an ER nurse and being the CEO of a city.

In both settings, there is a need for triage, she explained, noting that, in the ER and with this city, there is a steady stream of cases, or issues, to be dealt with, and they must be prioritized.

“You just have to take care of the thing that’s the most important at the time and try to keep everyone happy,” she said while trying to sum up both jobs.

There is also a need for communication.

Indeed, in the ER, Desorgher said she made a habit of visiting the waiting room and talking with the patients here, explaining why their wait was so long and asking them if they needed something to eat or drink or maybe some ice for their broken ankle. As mayor, she sees a similar need to communicate, whether it’s with other city officials, residents, neighbors of the Franklin County Fairgrounds, or business owners — a constituency she heard from at a recent gathering she described as a “listening session,” during which she received input on many subjects, but especially parking.

“You just have to take care of the thing that’s the most important at the time and try to keep everyone happy.”

“I thought I kind of knew how much people cared about parking,” she said. “Now I really know that parking is quite an issue.”

But while that subject remains mostly a sore spot for this community, there is momentum on many different fronts, and what Desorgher and others described as ‘game changers’ — or potential game changers — in various stages of development.

That list includes the much-anticipated adaptive reuse of the former Wilson’s department store into a mix of retail (in the form of an expanded Green Fields Market) and housing, both of which are expected to breathe new life into the downtown.

“The initial impact on foot traffic downtown from 61 new units will be extraordinary,” said Amy Cahillane, the city’s Community and Economic Development director, adding that the project is being designed to bring these new residents into the downtown area.

It also includes the prospects for the city becoming a stop on what’s being called the ‘northern tier’ of proposed east-west rail service — one that will in many ways mirror Route 2 — as well as the pending arrival of both a Starbucks and an Aldi’s grocery story near the rotary off I-91 exit 43 and a massive redesign of Main Street, now likely to start in 2027.

Together, these game changers — coupled with some new businesses downtown; efforts to inspire and support entrepreneurship, including a new pitch contest called Take the Floor; collective efforts to bring more visitors to Greenfield and the surrounding area, especially at its oldest continuously operating fairgrounds in the country; and a greater sense of collaboration among business and economic-development agencies — have created an upbeat tone in this community, with great enthusiasm for what comes next.

Ginny Desorgher

Ginny Desorgher says she wasn’t keen on adding ‘mayor’ to her personal profile, but became convinced it was time for a change in Greenfield.

“What I’m most excited about is that we now have all these people who are thinking collectively about how we can make the most of this momentum,” said Jessye Deane, executive director of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and Regional Tourism Council.

For this latest installment of its Community Spotlight series, BusinessWest takes an indepth look at the many developing stories in Greenfield.

 

Tale of the Tape

And we start with a somewhat unusual gathering downtown on the Saturday before Easter.

Indeed, Desorgher, Cahillane, Deane, and others spent several hours in the central business district cleaning the bases of streetlights, an undertaking organized by the Greenfield Business Assoc. (GBA).

All three had somewhat different takes on what they were expecting from this exercise, but the consensus is that it was more difficult, and time-consuming, to remove the remnants from countless posters for events — and the tape used to affix them to the structures — than they thought.

But while the work was a grind, they all said it was important, worthwhile, and much more than symbolism. And it even inspired a thought to create one or more community bulletin boards so individuals and groups would have a place to promote their events other than light poles.

Deane said the cleanup was an example of a greater sense of collaboration within the community and its many civic and business organizations, from officials in City Hall to the chamber; from the GBA to the Franklin County Community Development Corp. (FCCDC).

“What I’m most excited about is that we now have all these people who are thinking collectively about how we can make the most of this momentum.”

“There’s new energy taking place on a partnership level, and it was nice to see Greenfield leaders like the mayor come down and take action,” said Deane, adding that the cleanup was just one example of this energy. Another was the aforementioned listening session, which she said was likely the first of its kind.

“The business owners and community leaders really appreciated having the opportunity to have that kind of forum with the mayor — an open forum where they could say, ‘here’s what’s going really well, here’s what we think needs work, and how are we all going to work together to bring Greenfield forward?’ That was great.”

The streetlight cleanup project and listening session represent just two of many forms of progress, with some steps larger and more significant than others, said those we spoke with, but all critical to that sense of momentum and building toward something better.

And there are many reasons for optimism, especially what most refer to simply as the ‘Wilson’s project.’

For decades, the store represented something unique — an old-fashioned department store in an age of malls and online shopping. When it closed just prior to the pandemic, it left a huge hole in the downtown — not just real estate to be filled, but the loss of an institution.

There’s no bringing back Wilson’s, but the current plan, a proposal put forward by the Community Builders and Green Fields Market, a popular co-op currently located farther down Main Street, will bring retail and housing, specifically roughly 60 mixed-income units, to Main Street.

The housing units, as noted earlier, are expected to bring foot traffic and more vibrancy to the downtown, said Cahillane, noting that this will be foot traffic that doesn’t leave at 5 o’clock and should comprise a good mix of age groups, thus providing a boost for the growing number of restaurants and venues like the Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center.

“The Community Builders is being thoughtful in the way they’re designing this space to encourage folks not to just exit out a rear door, get in their cars, and leave,” she explained. “Instead, they’re going to make it so it’s very easy to get from the apartments onto Main Street; this encourages them to come out into the community.”

Greenfield at a glance

Year Incorporated: 1753
Population: 17,768
Area: 21.9 square miles
County: Franklin
Residential Tax Rate: $20.39
Commercial Tax Rate: $20.39
Median Household Income: $33,110
Median Family Income: $46,412
Type of Government: Mayor, City Council
Largest Employers: Baystate Franklin Medical Center, Greenfield Community College, Sandri
* Latest information available

Meanwhile, several other properties downtown are in various stages of bringing upper floors online for housing, Cahillane explained, adding that this movement will help ease a housing crunch — which she considers the most pressing issue in the community — and generate still more foot traffic, which should help bring more businesses to the downtown.

There are already some recent additions in that area, including a computer-repair store on Federal Street, and, on Main Street, Sweet Phoenix, an antiques and crafts store, and Posada’s, a family-owned Mexican restaurant that the mayor said is “always packed.”

Meanwhile, the plans for Aldi’s and Starbucks, both in the early stages, are generating some excitement, the mayor added, noting that the latter, especially, will provide motorists on I-91 with yet another reason to get off in Greenfield and perhaps stay a while.

 

Getting Down to Business

These additions bolster an already large and diverse mix of businesses in the city, which still boasts some manufacturing — though certainly not as much as was present decades ago — as well as a healthy mix of tourism and hospitality-related ventures, service businesses, nonprofits (Greenfield serves as the hub for the larger Franklin County area), and several startups and next-stage businesses in various sectors, from IT to food production.

One of those long-standing businesses is Adams Donuts on Federal Street, now owned by Sabra Billings and her twin sister, Sidra Baranoski.

Originally opened in the ’50s, Adams Donuts is an institution, well-known — and in many cases revered — by several generations of area families. There have been several owners not named Adams, Billings said, adding that the one before her closed the establishment during COVID with the intention of reopening, but never did.

The two sisters stepped forward to keep a tradition alive — and work for themselves instead of someone else.

“It was kind of crazy; we’d never owned a business before, but here we were buying a shuttered business in the middle of a pandemic,” Billings said. “But it’s been really special to be part of the community, and what we call the ‘Adams community’; there are generations from the same families that are customers.”

Thus, they’re part of what could be called a groundswell of entrepreneurship in Greenfield and across Franklin County, one that John Waite, executive director of the FCCDC, has witnessed firsthand over the past 24 years he’s spent in that role.

He said there is a large, and growing, amount of entrepreneurial energy in Greenfield and across the county, largely out of necessity.

Indeed, since the larger businesses, most of them manufacturers, closed or left, the region and its largest city are more dependent on smaller businesses and the people who have the imagination, determination, and ideas with which to start them.

And the FCCDC is supporting these business owners in many different ways. The agency has several divisions, if you will, including direct business assistance — everything from technical assistance to grant funds to support ventures of various sizes — to a venture center that now boasts six tenants, to the Western Massachusetts Food Processing Center, which boasts 66 active clients processing, canning, and jarring everything from salsa to applesauce to fudge sauce.

Overall, the FCCDC served more than 350 clients in FY 2023, loaned out nearly $3 million to 31 businesses, and carried out work that resulted in the creation of 70 jobs and the preservation of 114 jobs, said Waite, adding that one of its more impactful initiatives is its loan program.

The loans vary in size from a few thousand dollars to $300,000, and the agency can work with area banks if a venture needs more. They are offered to businesses across a wide spectrum, including hospitality, a sector where there is often need, Waite noted, citing the example of 10 Forward, a unique performing-arts venue and cocktail bar on Fiske Avenue in the downtown.

“A lot of musicians need a place to play, and they’ll sign them up, and they’ll do comedy once in a while,” he explained, adding that the venue is part of an evolving downtown, one that now has more things happening at night and more events and programs to attract the young people who provide needed energy.

Meanwhile, Take the Floor, a CDC initiative that involves the entire county, is another avenue of support. The Shark Tank-like pitch contest has attracted dreamers across the broad spectrum of business, and the top three performers at three different contests — the latest was in Orange — will compete for $10,000 in prizes in the finale at Hawks & Reed.

“Developing our entrepreneurial infrastructure is very important to this region,” Waite said. “We want to make sure people know where they can go for resources to help them succeed.”

Area Contractors Hoping for a Strong 2024

By
Wonderlyn Murphy (standing, center) with her leadership team at City Enterprise.
Construction Special Coverage

Building on Momentum

Wonderlyn Murphy (standing, center) with her leadership team at City Enterprise.

Wonderlyn Murphy (standing, center) with her leadership team at City Enterprise.

 

 

To Wonderlyn Murphy, a successful construction project can be defined in different ways. And one of those is how gratifying it is.

Take the new digital marquee sign at the MassMutual Center, which displays upcoming events, weather, and other information. Springfield-based City Enterprise built the structure that holds the digital display in place and ran the electrical work. The stone exterior in that area of the building had to be removed, reconfigured, and reinstalled after significant steel reinforcement was added to the wall structure to support the 40-by-25-foot display.

“That’s a brand-new sign, and it’s a big deal for Springfield and a big deal for us. We wanted that contract because of everything that Springfield is doing,” said Murphy, City Enterprise president, noting other developments happening in the downtown area, like the transformation of the former Court Square Hotel into housing. “To be part of what’s happening in Springfield, for me, is important.”

Another gratifying project is City Enterprise’s work on Martin Luther King Jr. Community Presbyerian Church, which was set ablaze by an arsonist in December 2021.

“We’re currently working on rebuilding that, to make sure that they have services again,” Murphy told BusinessWest. “It’s a very significant project for us, being a local contractor, and that being an African-American church with all its history. It’s an important project for us, very close to home.”

In terms of sheer volume of work, Murphy said, “it’s been challenging finding the right opportunities for us to bid. We have found them — we have an excellent estimating department that fishes out all these opportunities to bid. But it’s slim pickings out there.”

That said, she added, “it’s cyclical. As the summer comes along, we’ll find more opportunities that fit within our wheelhouse.”

City Enterprise has been involved in an array of intriguing projects, though, from laboratory renovations at UMass Lowell and two projects at UMass Amherst’s Mullins Center — an HVAC system overhaul and chiller replacement — to work at the Moakley federal courthouse in Boston and a complete rebuild of a security entryway for the Air National Guard at Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport.

J.L. Raymaakers & Sons has been busy on a project at Gardner Municipal Airport.

J.L. Raymaakers & Sons has been busy on a project at Gardner Municipal Airport.

“That’s a very significant project,” Murphy said of the latter. “We’ll take on any type of challenge.”

Dan Jodice has a similar take on being involved in a variety of projects. As a co-owner of PDS Engineering & Construction in Bloomfield, Conn., he’s seen the 60-year-old firm specialize in a widening list of sectors, including automotive, aviation, education, healthcare, retail, public safety, and more.

“Self-storage facilities are popular now, and car washes and car dealerships have been very popular with our clients over the past three years,” he said. “We can also do schools; we’re renovating a $40 million school in Hartford right now. Usually we do one school at a time, so we’ll do a school job, and when that ends, we’ll start on another one. We’ve also done a handful of churches over the years, and aerospace and aviation are pretty popular.

“We probably could be busier, but we’re happier with what we have now,” Jodice went on. “I’d say 60% of our work is repeat clients, and the other 40% is just getting out there and finding every lead possible.”

 

Challenge and Opportunity

John Raymaakers Jr. and Josh Raymaakers, directors at J.L. Raymaakers & Sons in Westfield, are plenty optimistic about how business is going, noting that all this year’s projects had been booked by last June.

The firm specializes in excavation, site work, and construction projects of all kinds, including airport runways and taxiways, pump stations, and, most recently, the foundation technique known as sheet shoring. Recent jobs include multiple bridge projects, Gardner Municipal Airport, a pump station in Great Barrington, and a Dunkin’ Donuts in Easthampton. “I’d say it’s a good mix right now,” Josh said.

“These are jobs funded through federal money and have been trickling into our local economy, which is helping us out and giving work for our employees.”

That said, they’ve dealt — like every other firm — with the key challenges of the past several years in construction: higher costs, supply-chain delays, and workforce shortages.

“They’ve been challenges, every one of them,” Josh said. “The pump stations require a lot of electrical components, and those have been an issue.”

Jodice agreed. “The biggest supply-chain issue is for electrical switchgear. If you order that now, it seems like it’s a year out, for some reason. Since COVID, that has not rebounded at all. Everything else is back to normal. Prices aren’t the same — I wish the prices were lower — but the supply chain is better. Ordering a metal building during COVID took six months. Today, it’s three months or faster.”

As for workforce, “we do pretty well,” Josh Raymaakers Jr. said. “Obviously, we would like more, but it’s a difficult challenge to find good people who have experience in our field.”

John recognizes the challenges across the industry as retirees are outpacing new blood, but as someone who grew up around the family business, he said construction is a stable and satisfying career — for those willing to put in the work.

entryway for the Air National Guard in Westfield

One current job at City Enterprise is rebuilding a security entryway for the Air National Guard in Westfield.

“You can’t be scared to get your hands dirty at first. The problem is, everyone wants to start at the top. But you have to work in the field and get your hands dirty. You have to learn. That’s what our parents made us do,” he explained. “That knowledge from being in the field is crucial, and that’s the hardest thing we’ve got to teach people. We have a project manager and bidder who started as a laborer, then became an operator, then a foreman, and now he’s a project manager. And his experience has been crucial for us.”

Challenges aside, “we’re very busy, and it doesn’t look like it’s slowing down, even with the private-sector work,” John continued, noting that about 75% of Raymaakers jobs are public, and 25% private.”

A great deal of the public work is being driven by a recognition that much infrastructure in Massachusetts is in need of repair, and federal money has been flowing in to help address those needs.

“Those are good opportunities,” he told BusinessWest. “These are jobs funded through federal money and have been trickling into our local economy, which is helping us out and giving work for our employees.”

Jodice said PDS doesn’t do as much public bidding as it does private, bidding maybe six public-sector jobs a year. “We try to stay busy in the private market. Public, you’re bidding against 10 to 15 GCs, and private, it’s maybe five, so there’s a better chance you get the project. And if it’s private, you can land a job more by building on a relationship with the owner and having them select you rather than the low number getting the bid.”

PDS got started six decades ago erecting pre-engineered steel buildings, and still does that work today, along with a much wider variety of projects ranging from commercial and industrial buildings to small fit-outs and large college projects — typically about $60 million worth of work each year across Connecticut, Western Mass., and Rhode Island. It also touts its expertise in the design-build realm.

“The convenient thing is we do our own design in-house; we can design and build rather than have the client go to an architect and have several different parties involved. The process is quicker because we’re doing everything here.”

 

From the Ground Up

Several years ago, J.L. Raymaakers & Sons launched a second business called ROAR (Raymaakers Onsite Aggregate Recycling), through which it collected and resold the dirt it dug up from construction jobs. That enterprise, which then expanded into bark mulch, processed gravel, and all kinds of rock, now employs four people full-time.

Because both businesses have been growing, the family bought land on Progress Avenue in Westfield and is building a new, 4,000-square-foot office space, which will be followed next year by a 7,000-square-foot maintenance garage. That property will be the new home of J.L. Raymaakers & Sons, while the current headquarters on East Mountain Road will exclusively house the ROAR operation.

“ROAR started strong, and it complements our other company,” John Raymaakers Jr. said. “We’re able to take the topsoil materials off of our jobs and then recycle them and sell them. That’s been a huge aspect of our business.”

City Enterprise has seen growth over the years as well, and now touts “the best team in the industry,” Murphy said.

“I have core values here, and I have people working with me that are really aligned with those,” she added. “Each department has their expertise, and we have a vision, and we’re working to get things done.”

Picture This

By
Driving Support
Picture This

Email ‘Picture This’ photos with a caption and contact information to [email protected]

 

Driving Support

Balise Auto recently presented a check for $40,000 to Square One, combining Balise’s generosity with matching gifts from Balise’s corporate partners at Lexus and Toyota. Square One currently provides early learning services to more than 500 infants, toddlers, and school-age children each day, as well as family support services to 1,500 families each year, as they work to overcome the significant challenges in their lives.

Driving Support

Pictured, from left: Ken Maffia of Balise; Kristine Allard and Dawn DiStefano of Square One; and Alex Balise and Tim Cardillo of Balise.

 

 

Progress, Promise, and a Name

On March 26, regional leaders unveiled a name for the cybersecurity center at Union Station: the Richard E. Neal Cybersecurity Center of Excellence. U.S. Rep. Neal, who provided a tour of the center currently under construction, led a funding effort in 2023 that resulted in $3 million of congressionally directed spending to establish the center, which is also is supported by a $1.46 million state grant and $500,000 from the city of Springfield.

Progress, Promise, and a Name

Pictured, from left: STCC President John Cook, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Neal, Springfield Redevelopment Authority Chair Armando Feliciano; and CyberTrust Massachusetts CEO Peter Sherlock.

 

Beyond Frames

Mechanics Hall in Worcester unveiled three commissioned portraits of 19th-century Black Americans at an event called “Beyond Frames” on March 14, as part of its Portraits Project. Westfield State University Associate Art Professor Imo Nse Imeh contributed with his portrait of formerly enslaved civil-rights leader, orator, and writer Frederick Douglass. The Mechanics Hall Portrait Gallery is an installation honoring 19th-century Worcester innovators, social reformers, Civil War heroes, and political leaders.

Pictured: Imeh in his studio with his Douglass portrait.

 

Student Art at the Mill District

On April 6, the Mill District General Store & Local Art Gallery unveiled an installation called “Pieces of Us,” a mosaic by more than 120 students at Pelham Elementary School. The front-window exhibit, which runs through April 27, was “inspired by classroom dialogues around identity and the many characteristics that shape our school community,” art teacher Emily Stewart (pictured) said. “Each student had full control over their creative expression within Pelham’s choice-based art studio. The selections they made in subject, media, style, and design invite us to embrace the beauty of their collective diversity and the mosaic of their varied experiences.”

Student Art at the Mill District

The Mill District General Store & Local Art Gallery unveiled an installation called “Pieces of Us,” a mosaic by more than 120 students at Pelham Elementary School

 

Community Effort

Monson Savings Bank’s annual donation and pledge drive to benefit the United Way of Pioneer Valley (UWPV) recently raised a total of $5,184. Employees also raised an additional $1,063 through a bank-wide bingo game and $695 through a TGIF dress-down program. The bank also provided a corporate donation of $1,000, bringing the total United Way donation to $7,942.

Community Effort

Pictured, from left: Dodie Carpentier and President Dan Moriarty of Monson Savings, Tracy Trial and Megan Moynihan of UWPV, and Michael Rouette and Kylie LaPlante of Monson Savings.

 

Learning Opportunity

Five Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) students — Travis Canary, Bradley DeJesus, Samuel Frechette, Jessica Phillips, and Hong Zhang — joined their peers for the Annual Conference on the First-Year Experience in Seattle on Feb. 18-21. The five STCC students in the STEM Starter Academy embarked on a transformative experience, embracing opportunities for growth, connection, and learning.

Learning Opportunity

Pictured, from left: Canary; Zhang; Jason Phillips, academic counselor; DeJesus; Zahi Haddad, professor of Engineering and Physical Sciences; Frechette; and Samar Ghrear, director of the STEM Starter Academy.

Agenda

By
Agenda

Cirque du Soleil BAZZAR

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

 

Alumni Achievement Award Nominations

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

 

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

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

 

Get Hired Job Fair

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

 

YWCA Golf Tournament

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

 

Pioneer Valley Conference for Women

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

 

Free Shred Days

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

 

Hooplandia

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

People on the Move

By
People on the Move
Mei-Ann Chen

Mei-Ann Chen

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

•••••

Jack Dill

Jack Dill

Ashley Vanesse

Ashley Vanesse

Lisa Wills

Lisa Wills

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

•••••

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

•••••

Thomas Dufault

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

•••••

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

•••••

Caitlin von Schmidt

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

•••••

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

•••••

Lauren Tabin

Lauren Tabin

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

•••••

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

•••••

Paul Asselin

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

•••••

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

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Sublime Systems Awarded $87 Million in Federal Funds

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

 

Bay Path Cybersecurity Program Ranked in Top Five by Forbes

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

 

Nonotuck Resource Associates Honored Among Top Workplaces

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

 

Modern Workspace Opening in East Longmeadow

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

 

AIC Earns 2024-25 Designation as Military Friendly School

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

 

Bulkley Richardson Honors Jeff Poindexter with YMCA Gift

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

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates

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

EASTHAMPTON

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

Annie’s Kitchen
79 Maple St.
Ann LaRochelle

Bark Rangers
38 Clark St.
KJ Nichols

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

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

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

Mango Fish Inc.
117 Maple St.
Lori Novis

Northeast Diagramming Services
27 Overlook Dr.
Michael Allard

Nouria
124 Northampton St.
Tony El-Nemr

Oxbow Tattoo
2 Holyoke St.
Maximilian Rothert

Phoenix Painters
10 Sunset Ave.
Brendyn Phoenix

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

SD Services
13 Chapman Ave.
Joshua Dean

Space and Robot
10 East Green St.
Christopher Ferry

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

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

Win/Win
2 Pine St.
Jenna Weingarten

PITTSFIELD

Berkshire Mattress Recycling
51 Stratford Ave.
Wahid Hage

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

Brazzucas Market
75 North St.
Brazzucas LLC

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

Divo Enterprise LLC
44 Scalise Dr.
Mohamed Fofana

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

Fantastick Patrick
32 Kensington Ave.
Patrick Connor

fauxstainedglasspanes.com
82 Wendell Ave.
Stuff Is Parts LLC

Harvest Health & Nutrition
75 South Church St.
Makenzie Evangelisto

Landscaping by Antonio
22 Elizabeth St.
Antonio Aleman

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

Millsbeauty
25 Cobblestone Cove
Millicent Homiah Beckham

New England Cleaners
69 Wellington Ave.
New England Cleaners LLC

Rockland Restoration and Masonry
82 Lafayette St.
Matthew Canterella

Stylin’ on Elm
136 Elm St.
Stephanie Vallone

TEC Consulting
45 Woodlawn Ave.
Tamara Sime

Turnkey Innovation Services
5 Cheshire Road
Latoya Gillyard

WeeCare Upwards Childcare Services
82 Wendell Ave.
Amanda Smith

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

SOUTH HADLEY

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

Fleming Banking Co.
51 Woodbridge Ter.
Emily Fleming

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

Mastercom Design
134 College St., #1
Todd Guenther

Nicnats Bakery
4 Wellington Ave.
Melissa Pontbriant

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Real Estate Transactions

By
Real Estate

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

BERNARDSTON

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

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

BUCKLAND

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

CHARLEMONT

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

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

COLRAIN

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

DEERFIELD

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

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

ERVING

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

GILL

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

GREENFIELD

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

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

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

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

HEATH

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

MONTAGUE

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

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

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

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

NEW SALEM

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

ORANGE

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

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

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

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

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

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

SUNDERLAND

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

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

WHATELY

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

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHICOPEE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EAST LONGMEADOW

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GRANVILLE

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

HAMPDEN

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

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

HOLLAND

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

HOLYOKE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LONGMEADOW

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LUDLOW

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MONSON

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

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

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

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

PALMER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SPRINGFIELD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SOUTHWICK

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

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

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

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

WALES

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

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

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

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

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

WEST SPRINGFIELD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WESTFIELD

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

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

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

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

WILBRAHAM

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

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

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

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

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

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BELCHERTOWN

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHESTERFIELD

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

EASTHAMPTON

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

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

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

GRANBY

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

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

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

HADLEY

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

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

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

HATFIELD

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

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

HUNTINGTON

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

NORTHAMPTON

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

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

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

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

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

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

PELHAM

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

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

SOUTH HADLEY

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

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

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

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

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

SOUTHAMPTON

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

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

WARE

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

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

WILLIAMSBURG

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

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

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

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

Building Permits

By
Building Permits

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

CHICOPEE

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

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

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

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

EASTHAMPTON

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

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

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

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

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

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

HADLEY

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

NORTHAMPTON

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SPRINGFIELD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By
Business Talk Podcast

We are excited to announce that BusinessWest has launched a new podcast series, BusinessTalk. Each episode will feature in-depth interviews and discussions with local industry leaders, providing thoughtful perspectives on the Western Massachuetts economy and the many business ventures that keep it running during these challenging times.

Go HERE to view all episodes

Episode 207: April 1, 2024

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

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

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Used-car Values Decline, Leaving Some in a Tricky Spot

By Contributor
Autos

Change of Direction

A growing number of consumers across the U.S. are finding themselves upside down on their car loans as the used-vehicle market continues to stabilize and used values dwindle, according to the latest Edmunds Used Vehicle Report. Among the findings:

• Used-car values continue on a downward trend. The average transaction price (ATP) for all used vehicles in the fourth quarter of 2023 dipped to $28,371, a 4.4% decrease from $29,690 in Q4 2022.

• Trade-ins with negative equity are on the rise, as 20.4% of new vehicle sales with a trade-in had negative equity in Q4 2023 — the highest in two years — compared to 17.7% in Q4 2022 and 14.9% in Q4 2021.

• Consumers who are upside down on their auto loans owe more than ever before. The average amount owed on upside-down loans climbed to a record high of $6,064 in Q4 2023, compared to $5,347 in Q4 2022 and $4,143 in Q4 2021.

“A storm is brewing in the used market as incentives and inventory continue to trickle back into the new-vehicle market,” said Ivan Drury, Edmunds’ director of insights. “With demand for near-new vehicles on the decline, used-car values are depreciating similarly to the way they did before the pandemic, and negative equity is rearing its ugly head.”

Edmunds analysts note that consumers who paid above MSRP for a new vehicle during the pandemic are the most vulnerable to falling underwater on their car loans because their newer tradeins are the most susceptible to dramatic decreases in value.

According to Edmunds data, one- and two-year-old vehicles are experiencing the most significant drops in value compared to older used vehicles. Compared to Q3 2022 (when used vehicle values were at their peak), Edmunds data reveals:

• The ATP for one-year-old vehicles in Q4 2023 dropped to $38,720, a $6,763 decrease;

• The ATP for two-year-old vehicles dropped to $32,583, a $3,294 decrease; and

• The ATP for 10-year-old vehicles dropped to $12,447, a $1,304 decrease.

“During the last few years, consumers could jump into new-car loans, and their tradeins were shielded from negative equity because some dealers, desperate for used inventory, were willing to pay near original purchase prices,” Drury said. “These days, consumers need to be more careful — especially if they’re trading in newer vehicles — because near-new cars are being hit the hardest by depreciation.”

Although a downturn in used values is negatively affecting a growing share of new-car owners, Edmunds analysts note that there’s a bright spot for car shoppers with bigger budgets. In an analysis of ATPs of used vehicles up to three years old compared to ATPs for new vehicles, large luxury cars offered an average discount of $48,111 — the greatest dollar savings across all vehicle segments — with new vehicles going for $118,309 compared to $70,198 for used. Large mainstream SUVs also offered a notable average discount of $19,966, with new vehicles going for $76,131 compared to $56,164 for used.

“If you want to save big on used versus new, you still have to be willing to spend big,” said Joseph Yoon, Edmunds’ consumer-insights analyst. “Unfortunately, the most price-sensitive consumers seeking affordable transportation will have a much harder time finding discounts because the supply of older used vehicles is still pretty restricted.”

Looking forward, Edmunds analysts caution that a number of factors influencing used-vehicle prices will make trade-in values increasingly difficult to predict heading into 2024.

“As near-new vehicles sit on dealer lots for longer periods of time and automaker incentive programs continue to change dramatically month to month, dealers will likely be hedging their bets against value reductions as they manage their inventory,” Drury said.

Toward the end of 2023, Edmunds experts issued a number of predictions for the vehicle-sales industry, with 15.7 million new cars to be sold in 2024, a 1% increase from the estimate of 15.5 million new vehicle sales in 2023. Electric-vehicle (EV) market share is expected to tick slightly higher to 8% of total new vehicle sales in 2024, up from 6.9% in 2023.

Still, hybrids remains the more comfortable choice for the majority of Americans seeking electrified options right now. According to Edmunds data, hybrid market share increased to 9.7% in November 2023 from 4.9% the year prior.

Area Auto Dealers Optimistic About Year Ahead

By
Rob Pion
Autos Special Coverage

Drive Time

Rob Pion

Rob Pion says the customer experience has become more important in a competitive marketplace for dealers.

 

 

 

Auto dealers have seen it all over the past few years, from soaring costs for vehicles, parts, and labor to inventory shortages to a rapid rise in interest rates.

But they’ve adjusted and adapted, they say — and so have consumers.

“We’re still doing all right. There still seems to be plenty of traffic and activity out there,” said Rob Pion, general manager of Bob Pion Buick GMC in Chicopee. “I would say there was a period last year where people really started to get rate-conscious, but that has passed to some extent. We’ve seen rates start to come down as well as people just kind of accepting it. I mean, it’s not our rate; the Fed sets the rate.”

Despite those concerns, Pion added, “2023 was a great year for us. GMC’s got a couple new products and redesigns coming out, and Buick’s got a number of redesigns coming out. We’re going to have almost a completely new set of models by this time next year. So there’s a lot happening. The used-car market has somewhat stabilized, too, and think that’s going to continue to stabilize throughout ’24. But right now, the public still seems to be out there buying and looking for vehicles.”

Especially on the new-car side, “everything’s kind of back to where things were,” said Mike Filomeno, general manager of Marcotte Ford. “The inventories are really good; products are coming in quickly. Prices are still up there, though, based on supply and demand.”

Manufacturers recognize the dual crunch of rising costs and rising interest rates, however, said Mike Marcotte, president of the dealership. “When interest rates rose last year, Ford started putting programs on the new vehicles again, like the 1.9% or lower interest rates that help with the financial changes going on. The market is definitely starting to react to that.”

Pion has seen similar moves. “Throughout the year — and it’s still continuing — GM has had some aggressive financing rates out there. We’re not seeing the big rebates of years past, but depending on credit approvals, we’ve seen 3.9%, 2.9%, they even went down to 0.9% for a little bit for 36 months. So there has been some help from the factory on that side of things. Not the big cash rebates that we saw in years past, but certainly interest-rate relief.”

Carla Cosenzi, president of TommyCar Auto Group, said business has been strong, and she’s seeing positive trends across her family of six dealerships.

“We’re not seeing the big rebates of years past, but depending on credit approvals, we’ve seen 3.9%, 2.9%, they even went down to 0.9% for a little bit for 36 months.”

“Despite inflation affecting costs of parts and services, consumers understand the situation,” she told BusinessWest. “Manufacturers are offering more aggressive lease incentives, which our customers are taking advantage of, leading to increased business. Certain manufacturers like Volkswagen, Nissan, and Hyundai are also offering 0% financing to consumers.”

That’s in addition to TommyCar’s internal loyalty program, which allows customers to earn up to 15% back on every dollar spent in the service department, which can be used toward their next vehicle purchase.

Meanwhile, “our inventory levels for both new and used vehicles are returning to normal,” Cosenzi noted. “We’ve seen an increase in our used inventory levels, primarily due to steady trade-ins and our aggressive buy-back offers, which have helped us maintain a steady supply of used cars. We’re optimistic about the year ahead.”

 

Back in Stock

Marcotte said his dealership, like many others, dipped to around half of normal inventory in the wake of the pandemic. “But now we’re back to good levels. I’m so glad we can offer gas, diesel, hybrid, and now electric vehicles, which are 8% of the market right now. We’re in every segment.”

Used-car inventories were one of the biggest stories in auto sales across the U.S. over the past few years, as shortages led to soaring values. That situation has stabilized (not necessarily to car owners’ benefit; see story on page 22), but dealers are breathing easier when it comes to what they can put on their lots.

“We’re a big Ford certified pre-owned dealership,” Filomeno said, “and there’s still demand for a good used car out there. A lot of people have been holding on to their cars for the last five years and repairing them because there wasn’t a vehicle for them to buy, so now they’re trying to trade those vehicles in.”

Marcotte Ford’s mobile service vans

Marcotte Ford’s mobile service vans have been a popular customer perk.

Pion agreed, noting that inventory has rebounded, for both new and used vehicles, and across the spectrum, from cars to SUVs to trucks.

“Some of the specialty trucks, especially the heavy-duty trucks, things of that nature, are still difficult to get. It could be anywhere from 12 weeks to 8 months to get it. But people have also become a little more accustomed to that today, too. They don’t expect things tomorrow. They kind of know what it’s like, so they’re willing to wait a little longer.

“Specific trucks are still hard to get,” he went on. “If you come in here and you want a black one with a black interior with the 22-inch wheels with this type of engine … that could still be a hard truck to get. If you came in here and said, ‘hey, Rob, I want a pickup truck. I don’t need to have a big engine, I’m going to use it mostly for my family, some landscaping on the weekends, just around the house’ … I have that. So that purchaser who isn’t incredibly specific about their needs can walk in and be serviced pretty quickly. But that business owner that only wants the white truck for their company? That can be tough.”

The used-car market has continued to favor sellers, Pion added, “and I think it’s created a desire in some people to keep their vehicles longer. In the service department, we definitely see larger repair bills than we have in the past because people are keeping their vehicles longer.”

Another big shift in auto sales continues to be the proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs), a trend that TommyCar has embraced.

“We’ve been a strong electric-vehicle dealer and continue to be one of the top electric-vehicle dealers,” Cosenzi said. “Electric vehicles are more affordable than ever, thanks to federal and state rebates, along with manufacturer incentives.”

While some new EVs, like the Volvo EX90 and EX30 models, require pre-orders due to their popularity and limited availability, others can easily be found on lots, including the Volkswagen ID.4, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6, and Nissan Ariya.

“Once people are in the EVs, they’re going to buy another EV. I love the EV. That’s my next purchase.”

Marcotte Ford boasts three EVs — the Mach-E, the F-150 Lightning, and the E-Transit — and “they’re bringing a different shopper than we normally see, with different trade-ins. So it’s bringing a new face, a new customer, into the dealership,” Marcotte said. This evolution is also why the dealership installed four high-speed EV chargers on its lot last year.

“We see people from all over New England coming through here on the weekends. They’ll charge up before going skiing,” he said. “Our employees, if they buy, can charge right here. Customers can come here to charge.”

Marcotte said EV adoption is still increasing, but not as quickly as before, and Ford has changed its production level based on that trend, but the company still envisions a strong future for electrics.

Carla Cosenzi

Carla Cosenzi says interest-rate incentives, the return of healthy inventory levels, and solid options in electric vehicles have all boosted sales.

“Once people are in the EVs, they’re going to buy another EV. I love the EV. That’s my next purchase,” he told BusinessWest, noting that some drivers are more comfortable driving hybrid vehicles first, and many of those will eventually move to all-electric as well. “So it’s good we can offer every option to customers.”

Many drivers, he added, are waiting to feel more confident about charging stations becoming more widespread. “So once there’s more infrastructure, I think that anxiety will go away a little bit.”

Whether they’re buying electric, hybrid, or traditional vehicles, today’s drivers tend to be interested in certain bells and whistles, Cosenzi said.

“Customers are seeking vehicles with advanced high-tech features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, large touchscreens, smartphone integration, and voice recognition,” she noted. “These trends reflect a desire for practical, safe, convenient, and sustainable vehicles with the latest technology.”

 

Out and About

Still, at the end of the day, customers still appreciate a positive experience when purchasing a vehicle, Pion said.

“These brands mean everything to us,” he said, noting that he’s now the only Buick dealership within an hour’s drive. “I just hope that we can offer an experience where people want to be here and be a part of the family. That’s how we try to treat everybody and differentiate ourselves. I try to meet and talk to as many of my customers throughout the day as I can because it’s important to me.”

Marcotte agreed the customer experience is critical. One intriguing development at his dealership has been the introduction of five mobile service vehicles that will drive to a home or business and service a car on the spot.

“It’s bringing the convenience to the customer, and we know time is so valuable, and want to get them up and running,” Marcotte said, noting that the program has been a positive for Ford. “It’s a whole brand differentiator, and not all manufacturers are up on this. So we keep focusing on the guest experience, giving them every option, and now you can be at your home while we do the oil change, or keep your business up and running. We’ve had really great feedback from the customers.”

Spring Allergies and Asthma Are Problems in Western Mass.

By Contributor
Healthcare News Special Coverage

A Blooming Challenge

By David Robertson, MD, MPH, MBA

Spring is a season of rebirth and rejuvenation, with flowers blooming and the world around us turning from brown to green. However, for many area residents, this beautiful transformation comes with a less-welcome companion, with Springfield consistently ranking as one of the worst cities in the country for allergies and asthma.

This year, the warm winter that just came to an end is set to extend the allergy season, bringing about an early and possibly more intense onset of symptoms for allergy sufferers.

 

The Warm Winter Effect

Typically, cold winters help delay the start of the allergy season by keeping plants dormant and the ground frozen longer. A warmer winter can lead to an earlier thawing and activation of outdoor molds in the soil. This early activity, combined with spring rains, means that outdoor mold spores are already circulating, ready to trigger allergy symptoms. With tree pollen following closely behind, residents may find themselves in the midst of a particularly challenging allergy season.

 

Understanding Allergies and Asthma

Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to substances in the environment, known as allergens, which are harmless to most people. These can include tree, grass, and weed pollens; molds; animal danders; and dust mites. When these allergens are inhaled or come into contact with the skin, they can cause symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes.

“Managing allergies and asthma requires a multifaceted approach. The three basic strategies for dealing with environmental allergens are avoidance, medications, and allergy immunotherapy.”

For some, allergies can also exacerbate asthma, a condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways in the lungs, leading to wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. Asthma can be triggered by allergens as well as changes in the weather, making the spring season particularly challenging for individuals with both allergies and asthma.

 

Strategies for Relief

Managing allergies and asthma requires a multifaceted approach. The three basic strategies for dealing with environmental allergens are avoidance, medications, and allergy immunotherapy.

The first line of defense is to minimize exposure to allergens. This can include staying indoors on days when pollen counts are high, using air purifiers at home, and changing clothes and rinsing off after time spent outside. Some people also find wearing masks or even protective eyewear helpful, particularly with activities that may increase allergen exposure, like cutting the grass and gardening.

Many over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications can help manage symptoms of allergies and asthma. Antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, and eye drops are widely used to alleviate allergy symptoms, while asthma sufferers often use prescription inhalers to control their symptoms. However, choosing the right medication can be daunting due to the vast array of options available.

For those with severe allergies, allergy immunotherapy, which includes allergy shots and sublingual tablets, may be an option. This long-term treatment gradually desensitizes the body to specific allergens, potentially providing lasting relief.

 

Navigating Treatment Options

While many effective treatments are available over the counter, selecting the right product can be challenging without professional guidance.

In studies, nasal steroid sprays like Flonase or Nasacort are the most effective family of medicines for helping with congestion, sneezing, and post-nasal drip, but many people do not like using them. They may not be right for everyone, particularly people prone to nosebleeds or with glaucoma or cataracts.

Oral antihistamines, like Allegra, Claritin, or Zyrtec, can help with sneezing and itching, and these new antihistamines are not supposed to cause drowsiness, though everyone’s body is different. Antihistamine eye drops can help with itchy, watery, or swollen eyes, but can also cause or worsen dry eyes.

Oral decongestants can provide temporary relief of sinus pressure, but can also cause increased blood pressure and insomnia, so we generally recommend minimizing these medications. Nasal decongestant sprays like Afrin can provide temporary relief of congestion, but should not be used for more than two or three days in a row because they can cause increased congestion.

All of these medicines are available in less expensive generic forms, which most people find equally effective.

Given the number of treatment options and potential side effects for some people, it may beneficial to consult with a healthcare provider or an allergist to develop a personalized treatment plan. If you already have a treatment strategy that works for you and your family, now may be a good time to get a few boxes of your preferred medicine — in the last few years, there have been occasional shortages at the peak of allergy season. But leave enough for your neighbors!

 

The Road Ahead

As Springfield and the surrounding region brace for a longer allergy season, staying informed and proactive in dealing with allergens will be crucial for those looking to enjoy the spring while keeping their symptoms in check.

By understanding the triggers, using effective management strategies, and seeking professional guidance when necessary, allergy sufferers should be able to navigate the challenges of spring allergies and asthma with increased confidence.

 

Dr. David Robertson is an allergist and clinical immunologist and owner of Western Massachusetts Allergy, LLC in Springfield.

Picture This

By
Baystate Health and Audacy Springfield
Picture This

Email ‘Picture This’ photos with a caption and contact information to [email protected]

 

Healthy Support for a Good Cause

The annual 94.7 WMAS Children’s Miracle Network Radiothon, held on March 5-6, raised $289,355 in support of Baystate Children’s Hospital. Throughout the two-day event, WMAS personalities spearheaded fundraising efforts, rallying listeners and supporters to contribute to the cause and make a difference in the lives of children facing medical challenges.

Baystate Health and Audacy Springfield

Pictured: the Kellogg Krew’s Chris Kellogg (left) and Dina McMahon (third from left) with one of the families that received treatment at Baystate Children’s Hospital. (Photo courtesy of Baystate Health and Audacy Springfield)

 

 

Empowerment and Inspiration

Springfield Technical Community College capped off its celebration of Black History Month on Feb. 29 with an inspiring talk by Ilyasah Shabazz, an award-winning author, educator, and producer, and daughter of the late activists Malcolm X and Betty Shabazz. She spoke about historical injustices and offered a message of empowerment and social change. She also shared engaging personal stories about her parents and addressed larger themes of social justice, love, and human rights.

STCC group

Pictured: Shabazz (second from left) with STCC students and Karolyn Burgos-Toribio, STCC’s Community Outreach counselor (far right). (Photo by Ed Cohen)

 

Positive Steps in Mental Health

During his Feb. 27 tour of the newly renovated adolescent unit at MiraVista Behavioral Health Center, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal called this age group a population that can be treated successfully, and the recently reopened unit “clearly a step in the right direction.” He was joined on the tour by Holyoke City Councilor Juan Anderson-Burgos and some of the psychiatric hospital’s executives.

MiraVista and TaraVista Behavioral Health Centers

Pictured, from left: Joel Doolin, executive vice president of MiraVista and TaraVista Behavioral Health Centers; Dr. Negar Beheshti, chief medical officer of MiraVista and TaraVista; Shelley Zimmerman, hospital administrator at MiraVista; and Neal.

 

 

Agenda

By
Agenda

Women’s Leadership Conference

April 4: Bay Path University announced that real-estate legend, investor, best-selling author, entrepreneur, producer, and Shark Tank shark Barbara Corcoran will be the keynote speaker at the 27th Women’s Leadership Conference (WLC), taking place at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield. The WLC will also feature lunchtime speaker Amy Purdy, a three-time Paralympic medalist in snowboarding for Team USA. This year’s conference will also feature breakout sessions led by business experts and authors, including Yvonne Camus, the former COO of SPINCO, Canada’s largest indoor cycling brand and the only female to outperform the Navy Seals in the multi-terrain adventure race known as Eco-Challenge. In addition, the WLC will welcome Sylvia Baffour, an author, podcast host, and emotional-intelligence coach recently ranked by HubSpot among the top 15 female motivational speakers. For further information on the 2024 conference, sponsorship information, and ticket sales, visit baypath.edu/wlc.

 

Margarita Madness

April 4: The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce will host its largest event of the year, Margarita Madness, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Interskate 91 at the Hampshire Mall. Attendees will network and enjoy an evening of tasty margaritas and vote for this year’s fan favorite. Local restaurants showcase their culinary skills, and dozens of raffle prizes are donated by Amherst Area Chamber members. The event’s presenting sponsor is TommyCar Auto Group, and the supporting sponsor is Hampshire Mall. The cost is $35 pre-registered or $45 at the door. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s Emergency Department. Visit business.amherstarea.com/events/details/2024-margarita-madness-24121 to purchase tickets.

 

Difference Makers 

April 10: The 16th annual Difference Makers Gala will be held at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. Since 2009, BusinessWest has been recognizing the work of individuals, groups, businesses, and institutions through this recognition program. The 2024 Difference Makers — profiled in the Feb. 19 issue of BusinessWest and at businesswest.com — are Matt Bannister, senior vice president, Marketing and Corporate Responsibility, PeoplesBank; Delcie Bean, CEO, Paragus Strategic I.T.; Linda Dunlavy, executive director, Franklin Regional Council of Governments; Dr. Fred and Mary Kay Kadushin, co-founders, Feed the Kids; Scott Keiter, CEO, Keiter; the staff of Rock 102; Shannon Rudder, president and CEO, Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services; and Springfield Symphony Orchestra and Springfield Chamber Players. Tickets cost $95 each, with reserved tables of 10-12 available and available now through March 29. Partner sponsors for the 2024 Difference Makers include Burkhart, Pizzanelli, P.C., Keiter, Mercy Medical Center/Trinity Health, the Royal Law Firm, and TommyCar Auto Group. Supporting sponsors include the Springfield Thunderbirds and Westfield Bank. For more event details and to reserve tickets, visit businesswest.com/difference-makers/difference-makers-tickets.

 

Common Threads

April 11: Common Threads, the signature event of Dress for Success Western Massachusetts (DFSWM), will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. Common Threads will feature networking, a sit-down dinner, and a silent auction leading into a program that will highlight multiple local women who have made significant strides toward financial stability and personal goals. Award-winning weeknight evening anchor Ciara Speller of WWLP 22News will be the emcee for the event. LaTonia Monroe Naylor, school committee representative, small-business entrepreneur, gunshot survivor, author, nonprofit founder, wife, and mother, will serve as the keynote speaker. During the event, Sarai Arroyo of West Springfield Public Schools and a student at Holyoke Community College will be given the Distinguished Alumna Award, Tammy Hickey will be honored as Volunteer of the Year, and Jessica Dupont of Alliant Health Plans, a DFSWM past board president, will be recognized as an Outstanding Contributor. All proceeds support DFSWM’s mission to provide women and non-binary people in the community with the tools and network of support to achieve financial independence. Local programs include the Foot in the Door workforce-readiness program, the Margaret Fitzgerald Mentorship Program, the Professional Women’s Group, a digital-literacy program, and the suiting program. The event will feature opportunities to donate to the work of Dress for Success Western Massachusetts. Tickets, which cost $75 each, are available until April 1 at www.dfswm.org.

 

Get Hired Job Fair

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

 

YWCA Golf Tournament

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

 

Hooplandia

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

People on the Move

By
People on the Move
Claudia Pazmany

Claudia Pazmany

Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services (MLKFS) named Claudia Pazmany as its new chief Development officer. She will be responsible for developing a sustainable institutional development effort to both support existing programs and expand them to serve the emergent needs of the organization’s clients. Pazmany had served as a volunteer member of the MLKFS development committee before being appointed to her new position. Pazmany, who most recently served as executive director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, brings a history of professional fundraising with a career total of raising more than $15 million in a development capacity for the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts, Providence Ministries, and other organizations. She also serves as volunteer, advisory board member, and former board president of CHD’s Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County, a development committee member of the United Way of Franklin & Hampshire Region, and as a 2020 and 2021 EforAll Pioneer Valley mentor. In 2021, Pazmany received a citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives for her leadership role in supporting Amherst’s small businesses throughout COVID, leveraging more than $2 million in small-business assistance. She was honored with the Family 2022 Outreach Center’s Helen Mitchell Community Service Award for conceptualizing and implementing a program that provided restaurant relief while feeding families who were disproportionately impacted by COVID. She was also honored as a 2023 BusinessWest Difference Maker along with Amherst Business Improvement District Executive Director Gabrielle Gould for their partnership and leadership to build a stronger community throughout COVID. Pazmany earned a bachelor’s degree with concentrations in French and business from UMass Amherst, and an MBA from Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst. She earned a program leadership certificate from the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts’ Leadership Institute for Political and Public Impact.

•••••

Peter Banko

Peter Banko

The Baystate Health board of trustees announced it has appointed Peter Banko as Baystate Health’s new president and CEO. He succeeds Dr. Mark Keroack, who previously announced his plans to retire after serving as the system’s leader for 10 years. An executive experienced in leading multi-faceted health systems in markets throughout the country, Banko was chosen after an extensive national search by the board of trustees. Banko will officially join Baystate Health at the beginning of June. Banko most recently served as president and CEO of Centura Health in Centennial, Colo., which was part of the national CommonSpirit Health system. The $3.8 billion hospital and health-services system comprised more than 20 owned and affiliated tertiary and rural hospitals, an extensive network of physician partners, and numerous community-based services and clinics across Colorado, Kansas, and Utah. Banko, a native of New Jersey, started his calling in healthcare as a junior volunteer and has served in CEO-level roles for several health systems for nearly two decades. He has an industry reputation of leading innovation, transformation, integration, and partnerships with hospitals, physician groups, and health plans. He earned his bachelor of business administration degree from the University of Notre Dame and his master of health administration degree from the Sloan Program in Health Services Administration at Cornell University.

•••••

Vicki Baldyga

Vicki Baldyga

Amber Messer

Amber Messer

Monson Savings Bank announced that Vicki Baldyga, former Ware branch manager, and Amber Messer, former assistant Ware branch manager, have transferred to the bank’s Wilbraham branch to take the helm as the new management team of the 100 Post Office Park location. Baldyga has 25 years of experience in the banking industry, 17 of which have been in branch management. She has been employed with Monson Savings Bank for five years. Committed to expanding her knowledge and skill set, she is currently enrolled in the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. New England School for Financial Studies and holds several diplomas and certificates from the Center for Financial Training. In her role as Wilbraham branch manager, she will be responsible for planning, organizing, and directing branch operations. She aims to foster an environment of teamwork and provide a high level of leadership to her team, as well as provide a high level of customer service with a positive, respectful, and courteous attitude. Baldyga is very involved in the local community, volunteering at Crossway Community Clothing Outreach, serving on the board of the Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce, and donating blood to the Red Cross. Messer began her banking career as a customer service representative and teller at Monson Savings Bank six and a half years ago. Throughout her career, she has proven to be an asset to the bank and has achieved several promotions, ultimately attaining the position of assistant branch manager. In 2023, she was a nominee for Monson Savings Bank’s President’s Award. She was recognized by a peer for her commitment to customer and community service, teamwork, and excellence. She has also received several customer-service excellence awards during her time with the bank for going above and beyond. As the assistant Wilbraham branch manager, Messer will support Baldyga to manage the branch. She will also assist customers with their banking transactions, drawing on her extensive knowledge of bank products and services, while promoting an atmosphere of positive staff morale by inspiring trust and respect.

•••••

Country Bank announced the appointment of Clare Ladue as the assistant vice president of the Customer Care Center. With 30 years of financial-service experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to her new role. Ladue graduated from Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. New England School of Financial Studies. She has a commercial lending certificate from the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. and numerous professional leadership certifications. Throughout her career, she has gained extensive experience in banking, including retail banking, deposit operations, commercial lending, and regional management, making her the ideal candidate to lead Country Bank’s Customer Care team. Her connection to the local community is evident through her previous involvement as an executive committee member of the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce. She has also participated in numerous charitable initiatives, including the Walk of Champions, Junior Achievement, Rays of Hope, Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen, and Link to Libraries. Her dedication to making a positive impact aligns with Country Bank’s core values.

•••••

Hector Suarez

Hector Suarez

bankESB recently hired Hector Suarez as assistant vice president, branch officer of its Sargeant Street office in Holyoke. Suarez grew up in Holyoke and Puerto Rico and has nearly 30 years of banking experience. He says he is passionate about providing a customer-first experience and brings an extensive background to his new role, where he will manage the Holyoke office team while fostering relationships within the community. Prior to joining bankESB, he was a vice president, branch manager at M&T Bank, People’s United Bank, and United Bank. Before that, he was a branch manager at Key Bank and First Niagara Bank, as well as a personal banker with Baybank, BankBoston, FleetBoston, and Bank of America.

•••••

Seth Clark

Seth Clark

bankESB recently promoted Seth Clark to wire transfer officer, based in the 36 Main St., Easthampton office. Clark has 11 years of banking experience and has held a variety of positions since joining bankESB in 2013, including wire transfer manager, assistant branch manager, personal banker, and senior teller. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Westfield State College. Outside of work, he has been a part-time church organist in Westhampton and Holyoke for 20 years.

•••••

Alignable, an online networking platform for business owners, invited its more than 8.7 million members to shout out local business leaders who have gone above and beyond guiding peers and supporting entire communities amid challenging economic conditions. The network announced that Judy Herrell of Herrell’s Ice Cream has again been elected Northampton’s 2024 Businessperson of the Year. Alignable’s 2024 Local Businessperson of the Year contest reached unparalleled participation levels, logging more than 309,000 votes, more than 64,000 recommendations, and more than 5,100 local winners across the U.S. and Canada. It was most popular competition Alignable has hosted in more than five years, marking a 40% jump in participation over 2023. Winners were commended for helping their peers and communities through a year with many challenges, including rising interest rates and rents, not to mention skyrocketing supply costs.

•••••

Jessica Roncarati-Howe

Jessica Roncarati-Howe

The board of directors of Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts (DFSWM) announced that Jessica Roncarati-Howe is the organization’s new executive director, effective March 1. Candidates were vetted by a volunteer hiring committee and the board of directors. After four years with DFSWM, most recently as director of Programs and Operations before taking on the interim executive director role, Roncarati-Howe has an intimate understanding of the work of the organization. Before joining DFSWM, Roncarati-Howe held several leadership roles, including executive director of both the AIDS Foundation of Western Massachusetts and the Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce. She has dedicated her career to promoting dignity and quality of life in the community and has 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, focusing on program development, management, board governance, and leading mission-based organizations toward maximum community impact. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English and fine arts from Elms College and a master’s degree in nonprofit management and philanthropy with a certificate in fundraising from Bay Path University.

•••••

Caolo & Bieniek Associates Inc. announced that Principal Bertram Gardner has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Donald & Lois Prescott Founders Award by the Boys & Girls Club of Chicopee. This recognition is awarded annually to individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to the youth, community, and mission of the club. Each year, the Boys & Girls Club of Chicopee carefully selects community members who exemplify dedication and support toward the club’s vision. Gardner has been chosen as this year’s recipient in acknowledgment of his inspirational commitment, vision, courage, enthusiasm, and leadership. The Donald & Lois Prescott Founders Award, initiated at the Centennial Gala in 2012, honors the legacy of Lois Prescott and the late Donald Prescott, a longstanding member of the club’s board of directors.

•••••

Shannon Ortona

Shannon Ortona

Monson Savings Bank announced the recent promotion of Shannon Ortona to Ware branch manager. In addition to her new role, Ortona will continue to serve as the bank’s IRA administrator. She is now based out of the Ware branch, located at 136 West St. Prior to joining the Monson Savings Bank family 11 years ago, Ortona began her banking career with Chicopee Savings Bank. After five years there, where she held the positions of full-time teller, senior teller, and head teller, she accepted the position of customer service associate supervisor in Monson Savings Bank’s Ware branch. During her tenure with the bank, Ortona has earned positions of increasing responsibility. She became the assistant branch manager of the Ware branch and became a certified IRA specialist through Ascensus. Prior to her most recent promotion, she worked as the Wilbraham assistant branch manager. In her new role, she will draw on her extensive experience and knowledge of retail banking. She will be responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the Ware branch’s operations. She will also aim to foster an environment of teamwork within the branch and provide her team with a high level of leadership. She will work with customers to conduct various banking transactions and help them reach their financial goals. Ortona is board member with the Ware Business Civic Assoc.

•••••

Aaron Lansky, founder and president of the Yiddish Book Center, announced he plans to retire in June 2025. Lansky founded the Yiddish Book Center in 1980 as a 24-year-old graduate student, and since then, the organization has rescued more than 1.5 million Yiddish books, created educational programs that bring the language and culture to new audiences, documented the oral histories of more than 1,300 narrators, created a publishing imprint devoted to Yiddish translation, and much more. Susan Bronson, who has been the center’s executive director for 14 years and holds a doctorate in Russian and Jewish history, will succeed Lansky as president.

•••••

Heather Rush

Market Mentors LLC recently welcomed Heather Rush to its team as associate creative director. She arrives with more than 20 years of experience in everything from graphic design, photography, and copywriting to creative direction, art direction, and brand development. In her previous roles, Rush has been immersed in all things creative, from storyboarding, strategizing, and conceptualizing to brand development and implementation, photography, and video shoots. Over the past six years, she managed a marketing team of designers and project editors and launched campaigns and products through digital and print channels. A graduate of Elms College with a degree in commercial arts, Rush is a member of the American Institute of Graphic Arts. She has received the Moonbeam Children’s Book Award for book-cover design and layout, and several awards for book-series design from BookBuilders of Boston, which also awarded her the 2017 iPad App UX/UI design award. An avid painter, she recently spent two weeks in Italy on a watercolor painting intensive. Active in the Hampshire County community, Rush is a team captain and team organizer/top-50 fundraiser for the Hot Chocolate Run for Safe Passage, a member of the Easthampton Farmers and Makers Market committee, and a volunteer with Easthampton Arts.

•••••

Francis “Sandy” Dibble, John Pucci, and Jeffrey Roberts, attorneys at Bulkley Richardson, have been recognized by Super Lawyers for 20 consecutive years, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of Massachusetts Super Lawyers. According to Super Lawyers, there are 42,635 attorneys registered with the Massachusetts state bar, but only 264 attorneys selected to Super Lawyers all 20 years, making this an elite group of 0.6% of attorneys in the state. Dibble, partner, has been recognized in the area of business litigation. He has tried and won, or favorably settled, significant cases for a wide range of clients throughout the U.S. Pucci, partner, has been recognized in the area of criminal defense: white collar crimes. He is one of Massachusetts’ top trial lawyers, representing individuals and companies in complex civil and criminal litigation of all kinds in both state and federal courts. Roberts, counsel, has been recognized in the area of estate & probate. He has handled many sophisticated estate-planning matters throughout his career, as well as corporate work and business transactions, primarily for closely held companies.

•••••

Tech Foundry, the regional leader in IT workforce development and training, announced the appointment of 12 new members to its board of trustees. Hailing from a wide variety of professional backgrounds and including an alumnus of the organization’s 18-week IT support training program, the new slate of directors represents the diversity of the communities served by Tech Foundry. The organization welcomes Paul Nicholson (treasurer), Finance director at Wellfleet Insurance, and Briana Dawkins (clerk), associate attorney at Litchfield Cavo LLP in Simsbury, Conn. They join veteran officers Mike Walker (chair), retired financial-services professional at MassMutual Financial Group, and Delcie Bean (founder and immediate past chair), CEO of Paragus Strategic IT. New directors include Jay Ash, CEO of Mass Competitive Partnership; Everton Chin, director of IT at Travelers; Damon DePaolo, director of Human Risk Management at MassMutual; Samalid Hogan, CEO and principal consultant at Greylock Management Consulting; Xiaolei Hua, first vice president at PeoplesBank; Cindy Knowles, Strategy & Change Management lead at MassMutual; George Timmons, president of Holyoke Community College; and Hector Toledo, commercial lender and vice president at New Valley Bank. Patrick Streck, president and founder of Estli Consulting, returns to Tech Foundry after serving on the original board of advisors from 2013 to 2021. Salam (Sam) Zebian, Information Protection senior advisor at Cigna, graduated from Tech Foundry in 2017 and has been volunteering with the organization as a guest speaker since then. They join veteran board members Greg Bialecki, principal at Redgate; Ann McFarland Burke, owner of Ann McFarland Burke Consultancy; Dawn Creighton, Community Outreach officer at Liberty Bank; and Dianne Fuller Doherty, one of the original founders of the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts.

•••••

Hubert Benitez

Nicolle Cestero

Nicolle Cestero

American International College (AIC) announced that Hubert Benitez plans to step down as president of the college at the end of the current academic year on June 7. Frank Colaccino, chair of the AIC board of trustees, said Nicolle Cestero, who serves as executive vice president and chief operating officer at AIC, will be appointed interim president immediately. In his letter of resignation, Benitez said, “I made this decision by engaging in a deep process of prayer and discernment, and after thoughtful consideration and reflection with my family, I have decided to focus on the next chapter of our lives.” Colaccino said the tenure of Benitez’s service as president of the college was marked by a number of progressive actions designed to promote the mission of AIC and his effective leadership in the development of AIC Reimagined, the strategic plan that will guide the initiatives undertaken by the college during the coming years. Cestero, who will serve as interim president until the next president is identified, has been with AIC since 2011 when she joined as associate vice president for Human Resources. She has served the college as chief of staff and most recently as executive vice president and chief operating officer. Prior to joining AIC, her professional journey began in New York City at the Council on Foreign Relations, a leading nonpartisan foreign-policy think tank in the U.S., focused on disseminating information to members, government officials, and the public on matters of international significance. She holds an MBA degree from AIC, a master of arts degree from the University of West Florida, and a bachelor of arts degree from Mount Holyoke College. According to Colaccino, as COO, Cestero has overseen the day-to-day operations of the college and played a key role in implementing AIC’s strategic plan.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

AIC Launches Center for Sport Physiology and Exercise Testing

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) recently opened its Center for Sport Physiology and Exercise Testing (CSPET). The state-of-the-art human-performance laboratory, located in the AIC Colaccino Center for Health Sciences, is the only one of its kind in the Greater Springfield area. It features sophisticated testing equipment used to provide advanced exercise assessments and analyses in all aspects of health and performance, including BOD POD body composition testing, resting metabolic rate testing, and VO2 max testing. Working in the testing center benefits AIC students in the allied health professions, providing them with learning opportunities to advance their practical knowledge in exercise science. After being trained by faculty, students gain experience administering exercise testing protocols and educating participants on their results, setting them apart from others as they enter their careers. The CSPET is now open to members of the college and Greater Springfield community by appointment. AIC student-athletes, coaches, faculty, and staff may sign up for testing at a discounted rate. To request information or to make an appointment, visit www.aic.edu/lp/sport-physiology.

 

Keiter Executive Headquarters to Move to West Springfield

FLORENCE — Keiter, a construction-services firm located in Florence since 2008, recently announced it will relocate its executive headquarters to a 6,000-square-foot facility at 1 Interstate Dr., West Springfield later this year. Keiter is comprised of Keiter Builders, the commercial/institutional division; Keiter Homes, the residential arm; and Keiter Properties, the real-estate venture. Its pre-construction, sales and marketing, finance and administration, and operations departments will be located in the new space. The move is prompted by growth and will allow Keiter much-needed space to collaborate with customers and partners on projects. The new location will also help Keiter better serve clients in Hampden and Berkshire counties while continuing to serve clients in Hampshire and Franklin counties.

 

Gazebo Opens Second Store in East Longmeadow

NORTHAMPTON — Gazebo, the lingerie, bra-fitting, and swimsuit store in downtown Northampton, has expanded with the opening of Gazebo Too in the location of the former Coughlin’s Place restaurant at 182 North Main St., East Longmeadow. Gazebo was founded in 1978 by Judith Fine and sold to employees Donna McNeight and Amy Dickinson in 2016. McNeight will run Gazebo Too, and Dickinson will run the original Gazebo in Northampton. Gazebo prides itself on full-service bra, binder, and cup-sized swimsuit fittings, with cups ranging from AA to N. Gazebo is a proud ally of the LGBGTQ community and is wheelchair- and service-animal-friendly.

 

Eversource Tests New Mobile Batteries for Emergency Power

SPRINGFIELD — As part of Eversource’s commitment to advancing clean technologies and exploring innovative ways to help the Commonwealth achieve its decarbonization goals, the company is testing a mobile battery energy storage system (MBESS) as a zero-carbon backup power source. As part of its MBESS pilot program, the energy company now has two mobile batteries that it is strategically deploying across its Massachusetts service territory, including in environmental-justice communities, to provide power to customers while its crews make upgrades or repairs to the electric system that would otherwise require a power outage. Eversource is also charging one of the batteries using a solar array at its Springfield Area Work Center, further enhancing the clean-energy applications of the technology. Mobile batteries produce no exhaust fumes, and, unlike diesel generators, the MBESS operates virtually silently. Also, by eliminating noise, batteries can facilitate clearer communication between workers on construction job sites or disaster-relief efforts. The MBESS can also be swapped out for recharging and save money previously spent on diesel fuel to power generators. One new 500 kilowatt-hour mobile battery can, for example, charge a 50-home neighborhood for four hours. The current plan is to have two mobile batteries at the Springfield Area Work Center for deployment.

 

Independent Connections Expands into Pittsfield

PITTSFIELD — Independent Connections (IndyConn), an IT-solutions company in the Berkshires, announced the grand opening of its Pittsfield office. The new building will serve as the company’s Massachusetts branch and will house its growing team of skilled professionals dedicated to providing innovative technology solutions to businesses across the region. The company has other office locations in Hartford, Conn. and East Greenbush, N.Y.

 

Tighe & Bond Opens Second New York Office

WESTFIELD — Tighe & Bond announced the opening of a new office in Troy, N.Y. Located at 433 River St. in the Hedley Building, this location will allow the firm to better service its growing base of clients in the Albany region. Tighe & Bond’s newest location brings the firm’s total office count to 16 throughout the Northeast and is the firm’s second New York location, in addition to the Hudson Valley office located in Rhinebeck. Vice President Erin Moore will provide leadership for the establishment of the Troy office as location manager. A lifelong resident of New York’s Capital District, with more than two decades of experience in municipal water, wastewater, and stormwater projects, she has been actively engaged in expanding Tighe & Bond’s services throughout New York in response to clients’ needs.

 

Three Nonprofits Deliver Pet Food to the Elderly

NORTH ADAMS — In partnership with the Berkshire Humane Society Pet Assistance Program, BFAIR and Elder Services of Berkshire County are helping elders feed their pets in conjunction with Meals on Wheels, which provides hot lunchtime meals for people age 60 and older. BFAIR’s Community Based Day Services (CBDS) program participants fill a vehicle at Berkshire Humane Society before embarking on a journey through Pittsfield and Dalton to deliver pet food to more than 20 elders in the Berkshire community. The program will run monthly, and BFAIR program participants will continue to deliver this resource. BFAIR’s Community Based Day Services program helps adults with disabilities participate in their community and improve their skills by providing access to regular, meaningful social contact and stimulating activities. Services are designed to maximize a person’s ability to manage everyday life activities in their community. To be eligible to receive pet assistance through this program, the individual must receive services through Elder Services’ Meals on Wheels program. For more information on how to get started, visit esbci.org or call (413) 499-0524.

 

Community Foundation Receives $560,000 Grant from MassMutual Foundation

SPRINGFIELD — The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts announced it has received a $560,000 gift from the MassMutual Foundation to support grantmaking in Springfield through the Community Foundation’s Flexible Funding program. Through this grant, the MassMutual Foundation seeks to create more equitable access to social and economic opportunity in its local community. Recognizing a need in Springfield to address barriers to financial well-being, the MassMutual Foundation identified the opportunity to support the Community Foundation’s Flexible Funding grant program, which uses a trust-based approach, informed by community, to make resources available to those nonprofits best positioned to increase equity and opportunity for all residents. The MassMutual Foundation’s funding will specifically target programs and organizations with a focus on building financial resiliency through four focus areas: building networks, fostering financial health, fulfilling basic financial needs, and expanding employment opportunities. The Flexible Funding program provides unrestricted financial support to nonprofits and other organizations assisting their communities in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties, prioritizing organizations actively working to combat racial disparities, promote equity and justice, and create pathways for marginalized communities. The program is designed to uplift the day-to-day operations and sustainability of these organizations. Applications for the next Flexible Funding round will open in August, and recipient grantees will be announced in December.

 

bankESB Parent Wins 2024 Top Workplaces USA Award

EASTHAMPTON — Hometown Financial Group, parent company of bankESB, Abington Bank, and bankHometown, announced it was named a winner of the 2024 Top Workplaces USA award by Energage. Top Workplaces USA celebrates organizations with 150 or more employees that are dedicated to building an exceptional, people-first culture. Winners are chosen based solely on employee feedback gathered through an anonymous, third-party employee-engagement survey, issued by Energage, a leading provider of technology-based employee-engagement tools. More than 42,000 organizations across the country were invited to participate in the Top Workplaces USA survey. Results are calculated by comparing the survey’s research-based statements, including 15 culture drivers that are proven to predict high performance, against industry benchmarks.

 

Rocky’s Ace Hardware Supports Baystate Children’s Hospital

SPRINGFIELD — Rocky’s Ace Hardware announced the results of its semiannual Round Up for Kids fundraiser, with its Western Mass. stores raising a grand total of $8,336.74 for Baystate Children’s Hospital. Local participating Rocky’s locations include the Island Pond Road and Liberty Street stores in Springfield, and the Agawam, East Longmeadow, Westfield, Ludlow, Palmer, and South Hadley stores, with all local funds benefiting Baystate Children’s Hospital. Throughout the campaign, which took place at all 48 Rocky’s stores during November, customers rounded up their purchase totals to the next dollar. The difference added up to $41,376.96 and was donated to the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) hospital nearest to each store. This was the second Round Up for Kids fundraiser the 48 Rocky’s stores held in 2023.

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates

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

LEE

Berkshire Craftsmen
1240 Cape St.
Kurt Warner

Convenience Plus #2750
241 Main St.
Global Montello Group Corp.

Hanesbrands Inc.
400 Premium Outlets Blvd.
Jeffrey Teal

Nautica #2253
110 Premium Outlets Blvd.
Nautica Retail USA LLC

Rick Puleri Carpentry
365 Fairview St.
Richard Puleri

LONGMEADOW

180 Construction
190 Englewood Road
Garrett Moulton

Clear Eyed Media
75 Erskine Dr.
Joseph Douglass

Fibrenew Springfield
82 Canterbury Lane
Brian Newburn

Flynn Consulting Services
37 Birnie Road
John Flynn

Keller Williams Realty
66 Dwight Road
Laura Stevens

Mortgage Giver LLC
1650 Longmeadow St.
Daniel Edwards

Mulberry Real Estate Group LLC
18 Fernleaf Ave.
Jason Donaldson

OASSA Lean Quality Consulting
253 Pendleton Lane
Muhammed Awais

Prime Real Estate
111 Warren Terrace
David Roffo

Razzmatazz Kids
803 Williams St.
Anna Whitton

Sonny’s Junk Removal
45 Berwick Road
Sonny Nicholas

PITTSFIELD

Alpine Services
71 Bartlett Ave.
Christopher Dombrowski

Berkshire Event Lighting
30 South Merriam St.
Alana Gillooly

Bittersweet Farm
973 Barker Road
David Halley

Bliss Nails
180 Elm St.
Thoa Kim Huynh

Elm Street Barber Shop
321½ Elm St.
Christopher Welker

Empire Pizza
413 North St.
Larry Food Corp.

Entech Engineering Associates Inc.
82 Wendell Ave.
Entech Engineering Inc.

General Machine and Control Engineering
82 Wendell Ave.
James Ruggieri

Greylock Investment Group
150 West St.
Greylock Federal Credit Union

Heal to Toe Nursing Foot Care
20 Euclid Ave.
Lynette Dukehart

Ideal Insurance Agency Premier
82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100
Ideal Insurance Agency Inc.

Jehovah’s Business Solutions
32 King St.
Stacia Wright

KLE Project Services
82 Wendell Ave.
KLE Inc.

Mom’s Auto Sales
221 Newell St.
Jaime Traversa, Christopher Barris

Negotiation Task Force
82 Wendell Ave.
Negotiation Design and Strategy LLC

Nerdz for Hire
146 South St.
Poulton Zane

NetworkFolio LLC
82 Wendell Ave.
Gabrielle Chanel

NJS Concrete
51 Robert St.
Nicholas Sumner

Pittsfield Language Services
22 Worthington St.
Elizabeth Trabulsi

Ready Set Clean
82 Wendell Ave.
Edward Savarese

Sister’s Cleaning Services
283 First St.
Cintia de Moura Miranda

Teddy’s Pizza
508 East St.
Wind Chime Properties LLC

Third Avenue Fitness
54 Wendell Ave.
Brittany Gingras

SOUTHWICK

Baystate Printing
13 Sterrett Dr.
Nick Boldyga

Capital Strategies
13 Sterrett Dr.
Nick Boldyga

Coffee Canvas Café
141 Congamond Road
Volkov Demyan

Congamond Coffee & Café
108 Congamond Road
Pam Sclafani

Fusion Bar & Grill
141 Congamond Road
Jose Fernandes

Great Brook Greens
11 Great Brook Dr.
Erica Heng

Hillside Property Services LLC
198 Hillside Road
Mark McDonald

Lynch’s Heating & Cooling
303 North Loomis St.
Kenneth Lynch

Southwick Pools
18 Woodside Circle
Thomas Favreau

Speakers and Sports Services
535 College Highway
Konstantin Makarov

Walker’s Landscape Services
35 Birchwood Road
Jacob Walker

WESTFIELD

413 Alarms
174 Honey Pot Road
Eric Dauplaise

Appalachian Press
11 Railroad Ave.
Michael Dion

Bhatnagar Enterprises
19 Winding Ridge Lane
Nitin Bhatnagar

Dream Meadow Farm
631 West Road
Pamela Boisseau, Joseph Boisseau, Justin Boisseau

Forever Dream Boutique
20 Goose Hollow Road
Holly Janisieski

Kaylisse Ruiz @ A Slight Edge Salon
20 Elm St.
Kaylisse Ruiz

Lauri’s Locks
33 Broad St.
Lauri Gardner

M.D. Siebert Renovations
51 Barbara St.
Mark Siebert

NAP Electric
160 Holyoke Road
Neil Peloquin

NAP Properties LLC
160 Holyoke Road
Neil Peloquin, Dawn Peloquin

Natalia’s Custom Crayons
126 Union St., #821
Shahana Gaston

Nouria
88-90 South Maple St.
Nouria Energy Retail Inc.

Pearl City Antiques
284 Hillside Road
Jessi Messier

Pioneer Valley Home Sales
77 Mill St., #120B
Juan Cruzado

PLAYNOW!
5 East Silver St.
Jennr Ventures LLC

Rick’s Home Improvements
63 Country Club Dr.
Richard Doiron

Right Solution
13 Madison St.
Nelya Misiruk

Slumber Massage Therapy
102 Elm St., Suite 1
Fantasia Garcia

Southwick Road Shell
27 Southwick Road
Abdulsalam Alsaleh

Sushi’s Thrift
56 Washington St.
Kseniya Covileac

Willow and Grace Photography
22 Cherry St.
Jessica Cernak

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Class General Contracting
425 Union St.
Class General Contracting

Delta Bulk Transport
66 Western Ave.
J.E.P. Inc.

JG Site Services LLC
78 Poplar Ave.
JG Site Services LLC

John R. Sweeney Insurance Agency
1233 Westfield St.
John R. Sweeney Insurance Agency

Money Wise Mom
41 Galaska St.
Money Wise Mom

Mylyfe Specialty Pharmacy
1111 Elm St.
Mylyfe Specialty Pharmacy

Park Square Realty
464 Westfield St.
PSQ Inc.

Shah Traders
464 Main St.
Shah Traders

Sono Bello
171 Park Ave.
Sono Bello

Tied Down Solutions LLC
110 Quarry Road
Tied Down Solutions LLC

Treehouse Orthodontics
46 Daggett Dr.
Treehouse Orthodontics

Visiting Angels
33 Westfield St.
Living Assistance Corp.

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

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

Brown, Bryan D.
19 Evergreen Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/20/2024

Byrnes, Donna Louise
44 Riverboat Village Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/29/2024

Charland-Tait, Michael Valentine
80 Barrett St., #22
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/29/2024

Clark, Everett D.
Clark, Tammy L.
10 -12 Weber St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/27/2024

Cormier, Anthony J.
59 Mary St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/15/2024

D and J’s Hash House, Inc.
a/k/a D&J’s Hash House
P.O. Box 1151
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 11
Date: 02/23/2024

Decasse, Elizabeth A.
45 Summer St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/26/2024

Elgin, Linda
1038 Morgan Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/29/2024

Galica, Eric
595 Northampton St., Apt. 8A
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/25/2024

Larose, Elba
11 Allison Lane
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/25/2024

Mancini, Robert M.
110 Lancaster Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/20/2024

Moulton, Jeffrey Gillman
75 Riverview Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/22/2024

Muisa, Judith L.
161 Davis St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/20/2024

Mumblo, Yvonne Dale
60 Prescott Lane
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/28/2024

O’Brien, William R.
30 Birchwood Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/29/2024

Oliva, Jeffrey M.
1009 Wauwinet Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/29/2024

Perez Lorenzano, Edwin
35 Highview Dr., Apt C
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/29/2024

Ponce, Jacqueline
11 Bessemer St.
Springfield, MA 01104-1507
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/22/2024

Rofulowitz, Logan H.
6 Ed Holcomb Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/28/2024

Roncarati, Lynndia Ann
309 Parker St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/28/2024

Sedberry, Don Wesley
629 West St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/01/2024

Shackelford, Dara Lum
Lum, Dara Michelle
44 Evergreen Road, Apt. 104
Leeds, MA 01053
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/16/2024

Shackelford, Jason Keith
55 Empire St., Unit 68
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/16/2024

Smith, Allen F.
314 Caldwell Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/20/2024

Torres, Felix
408 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/15/2024

Vega-Mata, Yoana Padua
52 Breckwood Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 02/26/2024
Date: 13

Real Estate Transactions

By
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

ASHFIELD

228 Plainfield Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $318,000
Buyer: Serena Bouvier
Seller: Fidelis Bridge Loan V
Date: 02/28/24

BUCKLAND

200 Lower St.
Buckland, MA 01370
Amount: $199,000
Buyer: 1900 Capital TII
Seller: Daniel Hyytinen
Date: 02/20/24

ERVING

3 Central St.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Elise Edward
Seller: Ala J. Escott
Date: 02/23/24

48 River Road
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $359,000
Buyer: Michael J. Winn
Seller: Daniel M. Majewski
Date: 02/26/24

GREENFIELD

633 Bernardston Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $599,000
Buyer: Nancy Conner
Seller: Eds Enterprises LLC
Date: 02/22/24

81-83 Hope St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: House Hack Helpers LLC
Seller: Kevin J. Cummings
Date: 02/23/24

171 Leyden Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $309,000
Buyer: Matthew Saba
Seller: Mark S. Richardson
Date: 02/29/24

MONROE

9-A Main Road
Monroe, MA 01247
Amount: $216,200
Buyer: Ramon F. Deandrade
Seller: Tammy R. Habacker
Date: 02/27/24

MONTAGUE

4 Depot St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Cody J. Celino
Seller: Angela D. Varilly
Date: 02/29/24

12 Montague St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Christopher M. Varilly
Seller: Pamala J. Reipold
Date: 02/29/24

NEW SALEM

21 Old County Road
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $131,500
Buyer: Daniel T. Leaders
Seller: William F. Leanders
Date: 02/28/24

NORTHFIELD

Fisher Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $120,900
Buyer: Ramona M. Pinto
Seller: Valerie A. Duvall
Date: 02/22/24

15 South Mountain Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Gary M. Weber
Seller: Cynthia J. Harrington
Date: 02/23/24

ORANGE

27 Chaste St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Jacobo Delacruz
Seller: Vrmtg Asset TR
Date: 02/26/24

49 Cherry St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Matthew V. Buscaenra
Seller: Kenneth M. Capasso
Date: 02/23/24

20 Fieldstone Dr.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Jessica Schavrien
Seller: Christie Goodwin
Date: 02/20/24

23 Stone Valley Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $162,800
Buyer: Pennymac Loan Services LLC
Seller: Judith M. Gancorz
Date: 02/26/24

15 West Myrtle St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Deysi V. Barahona
Seller: Gleison Rocha
Date: 02/27/24

94 West Orange Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: David J. Murphy
Seller: Murphy, David J., (Estate)
Date: 02/23/24

ROWE

16 Hazelton Road
Rowe, MA 01367
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Matthew Brown
Seller: Richard K. Quinn
Date: 02/21/24

SHUTESBURY

74 Lake Dr.
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Timothy A. Pickering
Seller: Maryjane Trubulski
Date: 02/28/24

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

206 Colemore St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Randy Wessels
Seller: Darlene A. Sandstrom
Date: 02/29/24

73 Edward St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $377,000
Buyer: Brandon Montalvo
Seller: Payden Yates
Date: 02/22/24

94 Harvey Johnson Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Gregg Dipietrantonio
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 02/23/24

19 Lancaster Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Andrew Armstrong
Seller: David E. Kozel
Date: 02/21/24

111 Reed St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Emily Ashe
Seller: Joseph R. Moore
Date: 02/21/24

17 Rowley St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: William Rivera
Seller: David B. Donoghue
Date: 02/20/24

925 Shoemaker Lane
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Nicholas W. Turnberg
Seller: Michael S. Lynch RET
Date: 02/26/24

164 Tobacco Farm Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Latina A. Devaughn
Seller: David B. Dussault
Date: 02/21/24

174 Tobacco Farm Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $499,900
Buyer: Russell Oneill
Seller: Michael J. Breault
Date: 02/29/24

194 Tobacco Farm Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $459,900
Buyer: Isidro Acosta
Seller: Ward, Gregory Lee, (Estate)
Date: 02/20/24

CHESTER

10 William St.
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Eugene B. Watters
Date: 02/05/24

CHICOPEE

20 Alvord Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Logan M. Lacroix
Seller: Alycar Investments LLC
Date: 02/29/24

46 Bromont St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Jennifer T. Labonte
Seller: DGL Properties LLC
Date: 02/28/24

63 Clarendon Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Nathaniel E. Martinez
Seller: Eduardo Zayas
Date: 02/29/24

37 Erline St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Handyflippers Inc.
Seller: Wicked Deals LLC
Date: 02/23/24

23 Fitzpatrick Lane
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Julian Arias
Seller: George A. Croteau
Date: 02/29/24

120 Gill St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Jose A. Diaz
Seller: Suzanne L. Krause
Date: 02/28/24

10 Harding St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $396,000
Buyer: Aneudi J. Ortiz
Seller: DCL General Construction LLC
Date: 02/29/24

69 Lafayette St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $261,000
Buyer: Irene T. Rollings
Seller: Anne M. Labrecque
Date: 02/28/24

86 Lapa Farm Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $386,000
Buyer: Alexander Richi
Seller: Robert Desroches
Date: 02/29/24

6 Leo Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $173,000
Buyer: William J. Rokowski
Seller: Zakowski Jr., Leo F., (Estate)
Date: 02/29/24

505 McKinstry Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $232,000
Buyer: Connor D. Presz
Seller: Roman Tryba
Date: 02/20/24

27 Moreau Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Joshua Croake
Seller: Matthew Dunn
Date: 02/28/24

58 Rzasa Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Dominik R. Bieniasz
Seller: Nancy A. Coughlin
Date: 02/26/24

104 Stedman St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $286,500
Buyer: Amer Alalean
Seller: Dean M. Fay
Date: 02/22/24

40 Sunnymeade Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Handyflippers Inc.
Seller: Wicked Deals LLC
Date: 02/29/24

24 White Birch Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $249,900
Buyer: Timothy J. Kulig
Seller: Henry P. Roux
Date: 02/29/24

18 Wildermere St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $284,700
Buyer: Artur Tkachenko
Seller: Manchester Ent. LLC
Date: 02/29/24

189 Wilson Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Gilberto R. Cruz
Seller: Aneudi J. Ortiz
Date: 02/29/24

209 Woodcrest Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $258,000
Buyer: Ali M. Mourad
Seller: LSF11 Master Part TR
Date: 02/27/24

EAST LONGMEADOW

239 Braeburn Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Hong Nguyen
Seller: Christine A. Martin
Date: 02/26/24

325 Kibbe Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: John McCullough
Seller: Rinaldi, James A., (Estate)
Date: 02/22/24

228 Pleasant St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Angel L. Agront
Seller: Barbara J. Nutbrown
Date: 02/21/24

88 Porter Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Abigail Caple
Seller: Patrick Ayres
Date: 02/20/24

16 Shawmut St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Liam R. O’Donnell
Seller: Karen M. Schmidt
Date: 02/23/24

HAMPDEN

102 Baldwin Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Matthew Catjakis
Seller: Lumturi RT
Date: 02/28/24

66 Forest Hill Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Yabela RT
Seller: Bienvenue, Camille C., (Estate)
Date: 02/23/24

34 Mountainview Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Devin Hoagland
Seller: Robert G. White
Date: 02/28/24

129 Somers Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Paul M. McKenna
Seller: Susan Arce-Beaver
Date: 02/05/24

HOLLAND

38 Lake Shore Dr.
Holland, MA 01081
Amount: $677,000
Buyer: Roy St Andre
Seller: Michael A. Benedetto
Date: 02/23/24

HOLYOKE

Anniversary Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: 0 Anniversary Road LLC
Seller: Telahc Properties LP
Date: 02/26/24

340 Appleton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: Mango Group LLC
Seller: 340 Appleton LLC
Date: 02/21/24

16 Arden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $337,900
Buyer: Kathy J. Labombard
Seller: Patricia L. Matthews
Date: 02/28/24

75 Brook St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Calvin Stotz
Seller: Debra Bombard
Date: 02/29/24

17 Clayton Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Brian Johnson
Seller: Rene M. Barkyoumb
Date: 02/28/24

606 County Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $289,000
Buyer: Ellen Little
Seller: Bryce G. Menninga
Date: 02/23/24

820 High St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: ER Energy LLC
Seller: OM Holyoke Real Estate LLC
Date: 02/27/24

48-50 Holy Family Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $30,000,000
Buyer: Devonshire Owner LLC
Seller: Holy Ventures LLC
Date: 02/22/24

82 Knollwood Circle
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $347,500
Buyer: Cody A. Ross
Seller: Corbin H. Chicoine
Date: 02/29/24

28-30 Longwood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: George Papulis
Seller: Shane M. Ezyk
Date: 02/28/24

71-73 Longwood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $292,000
Buyer: Julio Fernandez
Seller: Sullivan, Karen M., (Estate)
Date: 02/20/24

1244 Main St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Nicolas Feliciano
Seller: Justin Tomasini
Date: 02/23/24

100 Nonotuck St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Elizabeth A. Hurley
Seller: Gregory K. Hurley
Date: 02/23/24

280-282 West Franklin St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Frederic R. Beddall
Seller: Jordan Doucette
Date: 02/20/24

LONGMEADOW

18 Barbara Lane
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $240,418
Buyer: Maria O. Perales
Seller: Samantha Fenska
Date: 02/21/24

157 Captain Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $477,000
Buyer: Diego V. Calle
Seller: Craig A. Super
Date: 02/28/24

83 Longfellow Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $412,295
Buyer: Lakeview Loan Servicing LLC
Seller: Christina A. Knybel
Date: 02/05/24

195 Meadowbrook Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Chris J. Dobbins
Seller: Stephen B. Shelasky
Date: 02/29/24

191 Nevins Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Douglas J. Bixby
Seller: William J. Kaplita
Date: 02/26/24

80 Roseland Ter.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Jonathan L. Dent
Seller: Anthony Rubio
Date: 02/26/24

94 Westwood Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Anne R. Most
Seller: Frank T. Lucchesi
Date: 02/05/24

186 Williams St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $397,000
Buyer: Amanda May
Seller: Katrina Martin
Date: 02/20/24

109 Williston Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $660,000
Buyer: Jatin J. Patel
Seller: John P. Ward
Date: 02/28/24

49 Wimbleton Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $306,000
Buyer: Yeslin B. Gonzalez
Seller: Sheehan, Catherine M., (Estate)
Date: 02/21/24

LUDLOW

17 Arnold St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Edward R. Perlak
Seller: Lisa A. Chaves
Date: 02/27/24

Athol St., Lot 11B2
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Banas Jr., Joseph, (Estate)
Date: 02/21/24

Athol St., Lot 43
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Banas Jr., Joseph, (Estate)
Date: 02/21/24

Athol St., Lot 43A
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Banas Jr., Joseph, (Estate)
Date: 02/21/24

Athol St., Lot 44
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Banas Jr., Joseph, (Estate)
Date: 02/21/24

Athol St., Lot 45
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Banas Jr., Joseph, (Estate)
Date: 02/21/24

48 Baker St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $131,000
Buyer: Dreambighomes LLC
Seller: Maureen A. Buccacio
Date: 02/29/24

60 Blanchard Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Tiago B. Martins
Seller: Mint Realty Group LLC
Date: 02/28/24

18 Butler St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $369,000
Buyer: Trisha L. Arsenault
Seller: Blanco Realty LLC
Date: 02/28/24

1634 Center St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $165,500
Buyer: Wicked Deals LLC
Seller: Brain T. Gaudreau
Date: 02/21/24

329 Holyoke St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Banas Jr., Joseph, (Estate)
Date: 02/21/24

30 Lillian St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Michael Bettencourt
Seller: AEM Property Investment LLC
Date: 02/22/24

1385 Lyon St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Amanda Mcclure
Seller: 1385 Lyon Street RT
Date: 02/23/24

63 Margaret Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $281,500
Buyer: Nicholas R. Fales
Seller: Richard S. Fales
Date: 02/20/24

441 Miller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $303,000
Buyer: Brandon M. Underwood
Seller: Stephen M. Nareau
Date: 02/27/24

32 Warsaw Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Cherie A. Ptaszkiewicz
Seller: Rogerio B. Costa
Date: 02/23/24

MONSON

139 Stafford Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $327,500
Buyer: Jeffrey Peristere
Seller: John M. Wilson
Date: 02/20/24

12 Upper Palmer Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $649,900
Buyer: Frank W. Kochanowski
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 02/22/24

PALMER

46 Glenn St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $301,000
Buyer: Frank C. Didomenico
Seller: Elaine T. Rice TR
Date: 02/29/24

3182-3184 High St.
Palmer, MA 01009
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Carlson Abel
Seller: Chenevert Properties LLC
Date: 02/22/24

4425 High St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $211,300
Buyer: Allyson Strahan
Seller: Lakeview Loan Servicing LLC
Date: 02/29/24

3205 Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: B. & B. Realty Partners LLC
Seller: Abaigeal M. Duda
Date: 02/05/24

1512 North Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Nsroma Multi Buses Corp.
Seller: Wicked Deals LLC
Date: 02/27/24

209 Old Warren Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: William O’Toole
Seller: David M. Ingram
Date: 02/05/24

126 State St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $241,000
Buyer: Tommy Leigh RET
Seller: Roman, Judith A., (Estate)
Date: 02/29/24

SPRINGFIELD

31 Alice St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $219,000
Buyer: Stephanie O. Rodriguez
Seller: Dexter Williams
Date: 02/27/24

14 Aster St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Post Investment LLC
Seller: Solo7 Capital & Consulting LLC
Date: 02/23/24

Balis St.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $510,000
Buyer: United We Care LLC
Seller: Roy FT
Date: 02/22/24

126 Benton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Giovanni Crespo
Seller: Rodman Capital Group LLC
Date: 02/29/24

29 Berbay Circle
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Olmstead Realty LLC
Seller: Courageous Lion LLC
Date: 02/20/24

270 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Qian Z. Li
Seller: Wei Q. Ni
Date: 02/29/24

40 Bissell St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Hassan Thomas
Seller: Paul L. Gauthier
Date: 02/28/24

174 Bloomfield St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Juan C. Reynoso
Seller: 174 Bloomfield Street RT
Date: 02/26/24

17-19 Braddock St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $323,000
Buyer: Peter M. Mungara
Seller: Yellowbrick Property LLC
Date: 02/27/24

29 Bruce St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Jerry B. Gonzalez
Seller: Steven Dunn
Date: 02/27/24

18 Brunswick St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $201,000
Buyer: Hualiang Zhou
Seller: Mclp Asset Co. Inc.
Date: 02/27/24

89 Carroll St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Sybel Gonzalez
Seller: Fiorini Sr., John Donald (Estate)
Date: 02/29/24

126 Caseland St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Christos Notidis
Seller: Loleta Collins
Date: 02/23/24

309 Chestnut St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Independent Housing I Inc.
Seller: Springfield Housing Authority
Date: 02/26/24

520-526 Chestnut St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Aliza Abid
Seller: Gonzalez, Pedro M., (Estate)
Date: 02/23/24

91 Denver St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Olmsted Realty LLC
Seller: Courageous Lion LLC
Date: 02/20/24

53 Clifton Ave.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Rodney Eltinor
Seller: Springfield Ventures RT
Date: 02/28/24

68 Crestmont St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $146,000
Buyer: Manchester Enterprises LLC
Seller: Johnson, Marnie-Faye, (Estate)
Date: 02/27/24

93 Crestmont St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Jonathan Stone
Seller: Carolyn A. Curpenski
Date: 02/27/24

72 Darling St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: William A. Chapman
Seller: Michael G. Kijek
Date: 02/26/24

21-27 Decker Place
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $439,000
Buyer: Cherlie Magny-Normilus
Seller: Hat Trick Properties LLC
Date: 02/28/24

100 Derryfield Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Pennymac Loan Services LLC
Seller: Kendall J. Brea
Date: 02/21/24

109 Dewitt St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $296,000
Buyer: James L. Omahoney
Seller: Anthony J. Zalowski
Date: 02/28/24

98 Drexel St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Gilberto J. Sotolongo
Seller: Luis E. Dominguez
Date: 02/29/24

88-90 Edgewood St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Hunter Property Group LLC
Seller: Omar Abeed
Date: 02/29/24

103 Euclid Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Newlife LLC
Seller: Thuy T. Tran
Date: 02/27/24

16 Fordham St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Chenevert Properties LLC
Seller: Mary A. Figueroa Torres
Date: 02/23/24

396 Grayson Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Cottages By Lorraine LLC
Seller: Andrew M. Croteau
Date: 02/22/24

86 Gresham St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Margaret Vanderburgh
Seller: Mae O. Bell
Date: 02/29/24

177 Hartford Ter.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Keila Santiago
Seller: Daniel A. Richton
Date: 02/29/24

66 Hermitage Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Zachary Larabee
Seller: John P. Ryan
Date: 02/23/24

49 Hillmont St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: P. & R. Investments LLC
Seller: Courageous Lion LLC
Date: 02/29/24

30 Hood St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Virgen Santa
Seller: Matadormus LLC
Date: 02/27/24

31 Kerry Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $278,000
Buyer: James A. Bunch
Seller: Thomas M. Slavin
Date: 02/28/24

70 Kirk Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Mariapamela Caldas
Seller: Cornerstone Homebuying LLC
Date: 02/26/24

66 Lancaster St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $352,000
Buyer: Maya N. McCann
Seller: Better Builders Construction LLC
Date: 02/26/24

 

60 Malibu Dr.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Sandra I. De La Cruz
Seller: Carmen R. Palma
Date: 02/26/24

55 Mandalay Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $181,000
Buyer: Prestigious One LLC
Seller: Marie J. Bates
Date: 02/29/24

77 Maple St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: SFMG Capital LLC
Seller: Develop Springfield Corp.
Date: 02/22/24

83 Maple St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: SFMG Capital LLC
Seller: Develop Springfield Corp.
Date: 02/22/24

63 Margerie St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Michael Simmonds
Seller: MCLP ASSET CO. Inc.
Date: 02/21/24

146-148 Marion St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $449,000
Buyer: Elizabeth W. Wanjigi
Seller: Advanced Aesthetics Medical
Date: 02/21/24

18 Mark St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $267,500
Buyer: Rachel Jansen
Seller: Cornerstone Homebuying LLC
Date: 02/21/24

68-70 Massachusetts Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Kelnate Realty LLC
Seller: AJN Rentals LLC
Date: 02/23/24

25 Mayflower Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $262,000
Buyer: Karen Paris
Seller: Joanne M. Denver
Date: 02/26/24

57-59 Michigan St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Mert Gunaydin
Seller: Annie Salem
Date: 02/05/24

79 Monmouth St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $136,500
Buyer: Chenevert Properties LLC
Seller: David J. Hartman
Date: 02/29/24

123-125 Moxon St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Ivan M. Valdez
Seller: G. A. Irizarry-Marrero
Date: 02/29/24

281 Newton Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $206,500
Buyer: Sareen Properties LLC
Seller: Freedom Mortgage Corp.
Date: 02/29/24

63 Quincy St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Neysha M. Marrero
Seller: Yadira Santiago
Date: 02/20/24

60 Rencelau St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Plata O. Plomo Inc.
Seller: Sandra M. Pallotta
Date: 02/22/24

32-34 Rittenhouse Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Julio M. Santana
Seller: Keishla M. Diaz-Olavarria
Date: 02/20/24

10 Rollins St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Adianez Lopez-Andujar
Seller: Roberto Rivera-Negron
Date: 02/23/24

37 Stanhope Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Diana I. Garcia
Seller: Calvin F. Owens
Date: 02/29/24

1522 State St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $510,000
Buyer: United We Care LLC
Seller: Roy FT
Date: 02/22/24

234-236 Union St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Sfmg Capital LLC
Seller: DevelopSpringfield Corp.
Date: 02/22/24

161 Verge St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Elliot M. Lehane
Seller: Lorraine L. Gazda
Date: 02/05/24

200 Whittum Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $287,000
Buyer: Shayna J. Sullivan
Seller: Mary K. Flaherty
Date: 02/21/24

114 William St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $407,000
Buyer: Christopher Flores
Seller: RBT Enterprise LLC
Date: 02/23/24

96 Willowbrook Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $289,900
Buyer: Michael Cahill
Seller: James A. Glover
Date: 02/29/24

1275 Worcester St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Lavotto Group LLC
Seller: Alexis Martinez
Date: 02/29/24

 

SOUTHWICK

59 College Hwy.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $1,475,000
Buyer: Catic Exchange LLC
Seller: Papyrus Equities LLC
Date: 02/29/24

23 Congamond Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $221,000
Buyer: Rene L. Crete
Seller: David Humphrey
Date: 02/21/24

4 Crystal Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Steven R. Manning
Seller: Timothy A. Barry
Date: 02/27/24

16 Crystal Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $435,100
Buyer: Timothy Fratini
Seller: Daniel L. Garrity
Date: 02/22/24

183 Feeding Hills Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $121,755
Buyer: Real Estate Investments Northeast LLC
Seller: Orcutt, Constance, (Estate)
Date: 02/28/24

3 Gargon Ter.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $283,000
Buyer: Christopher Bedard
Seller: Jeremy P. Fisher
Date: 02/26/24

11 John Mason Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $475,100
Buyer: Magdalena Czerkawska
Seller: James McInerney
Date: 02/22/24

26 Noble Steed Xing
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Hailey E. Charpentier
Seller: Giberson Construction Inc.
Date: 02/23/24

Silvergrass Lane, Lot 13
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Hamelin Framing Inc.
Seller: Fiore Realty Holdings LLC
Date: 02/23/24

279 South Longyard Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Viktor Moshkovskiy
Seller: Patricia J. Schmidt LT
Date: 02/20/24

36 South Longyard Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Matthew T. Seklecki
Seller: Erik Roberts
Date: 02/21/24

WEST SPRINGFIELD

57 Burford Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Michael Laguerre
Seller: Shaji S. Almstoo
Date: 02/29/24

511-R Elm St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $473,000
Buyer: Lilliya G. Salem
Seller: Pavel Panasyuk
Date: 02/21/24

533 Elm St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $473,000
Buyer: Lilliya G. Salem
Seller: Pavel Panasyuk
Date: 02/21/24

116 Greystone Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Stephanie Dusza
Seller: Cornerstone Homebuying LLC
Date: 02/29/24

61 Homestead Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $353,000
Buyer: Victoria L. Colpas
Seller: Ashleigh Chrusciel
Date: 02/29/24

61 Larchwood St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Kai Devlin
Seller: Carocci, Claire E., (Estate)
Date: 02/26/24

79 Massasoit Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Ilyas Koc
Seller: Melan Gurung
Date: 02/26/24

51 Spring St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $296,000
Buyer: Philip O. Champigny
Seller: Mohanad Jumaah
Date: 02/26/24

77 Wilder Ter.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Toby L. Daniels
Seller: Larkspur LLC
Date: 02/23/24

WESTFIELD

80 Alexander Place
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Michael W. Farrell
Seller: Jeffrey P. Grabiec
Date: 02/21/24

66 Barbara St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $303,000
Buyer: William M. Lamirande
Seller: William M. Lamirande
Date: 02/23/24

62 Bayberry Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Milan P. Peich
Seller: Thomas D. Pirnie
Date: 02/20/24

2 Big Wood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $466,000
Buyer: Nadezhda S. Tsvor
Seller: Jan I. Dickinson
Date: 02/23/24

4 Birch Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Cora Knurek-Hogan
Seller: Kvitek, Ricky David, (Estate)
Date: 02/20/24

98 Dartmouth St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: John Marcyoniak
Seller: Krystal S. Guilmette
Date: 02/27/24

312 East Mountain Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $293,500
Buyer: Nicholas M. Roy
Seller: Alexandra Whiting
Date: 02/29/24

25 Ellsworth St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $216,667
Buyer: Tim A. Balser
Seller: James Garcia
Date: 02/22/24

289 Granville Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $268,851
Buyer: Freedom Mortgage Corp.
Seller: Jason M. Donnachie
Date: 02/05/24

15 Jeremy Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Michael P. Grise
Seller: Christopher R. Manfredi
Date: 02/29/24

140 Meadow St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $392,000
Buyer: Peace I. Ovabor
Seller: Vantage Home Buyers LLC
Date: 02/05/24

99 Mountain View St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $318,500
Buyer: Sarah A. Welch
Seller: Manchester Enterprises LLC
Date: 02/23/24

38 Park Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Veniamin Shovgan
Seller: Brian R. Knowlton
Date: 02/23/24

23 Pearl St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $302,500
Buyer: Barbara J. Nutbrown
Seller: Krista D. Chechile
Date: 02/21/24

21 Summer St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Summerset II LLC
Seller: John P. Morizio
Date: 02/28/24

WILBRAHAM

310 3 Rivers Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Xiaotian Zhang
Seller: Danyun Huang
Date: 02/29/24

33 Delmor Ave.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Brian Fortier
Seller: Matthew Enzor
Date: 02/28/24

104 Sandalwood Dr., Lot 104
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $634,935
Buyer: Thomas K. Brown
Seller: AC Homebuilding LLC
Date: 02/29/24

675 Tinkham Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $433,088
Buyer: Blanco Realty LLC
Seller: Christopher Anciello
Date: 02/29/24

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

42 Hills Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $589,000
Buyer: Joanna Carber
Seller: Snoeyenbos FT
Date: 02/28/24

111 Logtown Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Amherst Community Land Trust Inc.
Seller: Maly Mao
Date: 02/23/24

BELCHERTOWN

North St., Lot 1A
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Richard G. Prager
Seller: Hilary Whitlock
Date: 02/29/24

EASTHAMPTON

15 East St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Kyle D. Cross
Seller: Keely S. Sexton
Date: 02/23/24

25 Golden Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Evergrain Orchard LLC
Seller: Diane J. Miller
Date: 02/20/24

21 Pepin Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $412,000
Buyer: Elizabeth Holland
Seller: Jaime M. Rogers
Date: 02/20/24

GRANBY

4 Deerbrook Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $535,000
Buyer: Wood FT
Seller: John J. Curley RET
Date: 02/20/24

12 Truby St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $129,250
Buyer: Leo E. Fugler
Seller: Kumiega, Christine M., (Estate)
Date: 02/23/24

 

12 Truby St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $129,250
Buyer: Leo E. Fugler
Seller: Walter A. Kumiega
Date: 02/23/24

NORTHAMPTON

469 Audubon Road
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $699,000
Buyer: Rachel S. Piscette
Seller: Frederick J. MacInnis TR
Date: 02/27/24

239 Bridge St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $522,000
Buyer: Deborah Keisch
Seller: Gordon M. Meadows
Date: 02/29/24

236 Grove St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Thea Paneth
Seller: Kelly A. Gallagher
Date: 02/29/24

21 North Maple St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $787,000
Buyer: Robert M. McKittrick
Seller: Roger P. Clark
Date: 02/29/24

54 Pilgrim Dr.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $697,025
Buyer: David Bond
Seller: Barbara J. Ryan LT
Date: 02/22/24

39 Ridge View Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: 21st Century Green Home Inc.
Seller: James Bachand
Date: 02/29/24

PELHAM

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

49 Enfield Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $438,000
Buyer: Bank Of America
Seller: Joan R. Hart
Date: 02/28/24

SOUTH HADLEY

Bombardier St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Mary G. Biastoff
Seller: Kathleen A. Duffy-Silcott
Date: 02/27/24

4 Douglas Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Mary G. Biastoff
Seller: Kathleen A. Duffy-Silcott
Date: 02/27/24

49 Fairview St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: David B. Grey
Seller: Charlebois, John A., (Estate)
Date: 02/29/24

1 Hollywood St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Thala Rivers
Seller: Baker, Janet M., (Estate)
Date: 02/29/24

27 Hollywood St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $316,000
Buyer: Andrew J. Jacobs
Seller: Robert K. Desgres
Date: 02/20/24

150 Lyman St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $342,000
Buyer: Ml Sale Holdings Inc.
Seller: Plata O. Plomo Inc.
Date: 02/28/24

28 Maple St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $312,500
Buyer: Joshua Breault
Seller: Corrine Lavalle
Date: 02/22/24

81 River Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $386,000
Buyer: Joshua D. Sanford
Seller: Carol Dineen
Date: 02/20/24

SOUTHAMPTON

116 County Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $416,300
Buyer: Cyris R. Copen
Seller: Wiliams, Marcia B., (Estate)
Date: 02/23/24

WARE

56 Old Belchertown Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $224,000
Buyer: Todd A. Blais
Seller: Toni J. Stewart
Date: 02/26/24

11 Old Would Dr.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $634,600
Buyer: Mark Dore
Seller: Evergreen Design Build Inc.
Date: 02/29/24

39 South St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: R&L Property Invest LLC
Seller: David Guerra
Date: 02/22/24

80 West Main St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $292,000
Buyer: Ian J. Merry
Seller: Ronald W. Gresty
Date: 02/26/24

WESTHAMPTON

89 Northwest Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $329,000
Buyer: Garrett Tenczar
Seller: Hayden, Richard J., (Estate)
Date: 02/20/24

WILLIAMSBURG

8 Petticoat Hill Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $216,000
Buyer: Alicia M. Smith
Seller: Smith FT
Date: 02/28/24

WORTHINGTON

226 Huntington Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Mark Nielsen
Seller: Leon W. Horning
Date: 02/21/24

Building Permits

By
Building Permits

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

CHICOPEE

Buckley Property Investments
30 Buckley Blvd.
$35,000 — Remove ceiling tiles

EIP 1 Better Way LLC
1 Better Way
$144,000 — Roofing

Holly Gay
82 Olea St.
$14,000 — Air sealing and insulation, install ventilation, weatherize accesses

Willard McKinstry II
753 Montgomery St.
$18,000 — Shed

EASTHAMPTON

Atomic Real Estate Inc.
193 Northampton St.
$8,000 — Sheetrock, flooring

Joe Martinez
36 Chapman Ave.
$16,823.55 — Insulation

The Philipp Maufacturing Co.
17 Ward Ave.
$23,000 — Roofing

HADLEY

Joseph Boisvert
8 Stockwell Road
N/A — Build new agriculture storage building

E&A/I&G Campus Plaza LP
454 Russell St.
N/A — Fire sprinkler work

NORTHAMPTON

1XO LLC
6 Fairfield Ave.
$22,350 — Roofing

310 Bridge Street Realty LLC
310 Bridge St.
$1,500 — Install free-standing, illuminated, double-faced sign with changeable copy track

Blue Mountain Properties LLC
76 Maple St.
$16,000 — Renovate basement bathroom

City of Northampton
20 Florence St.
$407,500 — Replace windows at Leeds Elementary School

D.A. Sullivan & Sons Inc.
84 North St.
$425,000 — Convert business space to residential unit

JW Inc.
13 Old South St.
$30,587 — Insulation and weatherization

Lathrop Community Inc.
680 Bridge Road
$30,000 — Kitchen and bath renovation

Maiewski Real Estate Investments
218 Audubon Road
$65,940 — Install detached ground-mount solar carport

Maiewski Real Estate Investments
102 Vernon Road
$2,500 — Insulation and weatherization

New England Deaconess Assoc.
37 Coles Meadow Road
$243,466 — Renovate community room

Northampton Holdings LP
180 North King St.
$75,000 — Replace HVAC rooftop units and one split unit

ServiceNet Inc.
48 Pleasant St.
$140,000 — Create new space for pharmacy; modify second floor to create offices, break room, and waiting area

Smith College
2 Tyler Court
$106,700 — Renovate Room 309 of McConnell Hall

Smith College
14 Green St.
$1,000 — Non-illuminated wall sign for Sub Rosa

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

PITTSFIELD

The Cooper Center LLC
116 North St.
$3,000 — Repair beam supporting fourth floor and roof

Hurricane Properties LLC
307 Springside Ave.
$7,000 — Upgrade existing common-area fire alarm to monitored, addressable system

Pittsfield Realty Investments LLC
831 Dalton Ave.
$45,600 — Roofing

White Terrace Building LLC
592 North St.
$2,000 — Temporary plywood enclosure in Building 1 to accommodate asbestos abatement work

One Way Brewing Is Taking the High Road to Success

By
Zach Schwartz (left) and Jason Tsitso
Features

Getting Revved Up

Zach Schwartz (left) and Jason Tsitso

Zach Schwartz (left) and Jason Tsitso have One Way Brewing on the fast track to continued growth.

 

As with every brewery operation in Western Mass., there’s a story behind the name of this venture, one Jason Tsitso has told many times.

It harkens back to the days when he was a motocross racer, he said, adding that one of his good friends at the time worked for Ryder truck rentals. Tsitso said he and another friend would often help out at the Ryder facility, and one day he discovered his bike covered with the ‘one-way’ stickers that were affixed to the company’s vehicles.

“The next day, I was racing in a moto, and I was doing well, and the announcer said, ‘296 from One Way Racing,’” he went on, adding that, soon thereafter, he actually created a racing team with that name, complete with jerseys and other apparel with a ‘one-way’ logo.

And when he started home brewing with one of those friends from his racing days, they started tossing around ideas for a name and settled on something from the past. And it has stuck.

But there are other meanings behind this brand that Tsitso has established and grown with partner Zach Schwartz.

“There’s only one way to brew beer, and that’s fresh and local,” he told BusinessWest, adding that this way has helped give their brand a following, one that has enabled it to become one of the many emerging craft-beer labels in the 413 and a developing success story.

The two partners now have a taproom on Maple Street in Longmeadow, across from the plaza that was destroyed by fire just after they opened (more on that later), and a growing portfolio of craft beers, a few of them with racing-related names, such as Brraaap! (that’s the sound motorcycles make when their drivers hit the throttle), a New England IPA; and Kick Starter, another New England IPA, with which the partners got things started.

But there’s also the Betty, a Scottish export ale, One Rustic Cranberry Stout (no explanation needed for that one), One Hard Lime Seltzer (ditto), and others.

“Home brewers will come in and ask, ‘what’s your favorite? It’s very hard to be objective when all of these beers are your babies.”

The business plan is rather simple and direct, Schwartz said — to continue developing more of these beers and continue building on the solid foundation they’re created.

For Tsitso, vice president of Operations for a commercial construction company, and Schwartz, owner of Manchester, Conn.-based Fusion Cross Media, a printing company, this is still a part-time pursuit, or “passion,” as they call it, but one that is absorbing ever-larger amounts of the time not spent at their day jobs.

“This is more of our passion project,” said Tsitso, who also takes the title of head brewer. “Zack and I both like to build things, and this was our project when we started out. We wanted to see where we could take it and build it from grassroots; we expand as we have the bandwidth to do so.”

For this issue and its focus on breweries, BusinessWest takes an in-depth look at One Way Brewing and how its fast start has it on track for a high-octane brand of success in this sector where there’s friendly competition — or, as Tsitso described it, a “community” where customers are shared.

 

Lager Than Life

As he and Tsitso talked one recent Saturday morning about One Way Brewing, the route traveled to date, and where the road might take them from here, Schwartz first went about describing what they’ve created on Maple Street, and how it is different from a bar.

One Way’s portfolio of craft beers

One Way’s portfolio of craft beers continues to grow and now includes a wide spectrum of offerings.

“At a bar, you eat food, you have a drink, and maybe you watch TV,” he told BusinessWest. “Here at the brewery, Jason and I talk business with you. I don’t want to say that we’re entertaining, but we are engaged. And people are always asking questions — ‘how did you come up with that?’ and ‘what are your ingredients?’ or ‘what malts did you use?’

“Home brewers will come in and ask, ‘what’s your favorite?’” he went on. “It’s very hard to be objective when all of these beers are your babies.”

And that’s essentially how this venture started — two guys, Tsitso and Schwartz, talking about brewing, then doing it, and never stopping when it comes to asking questions, perfecting their craft, and creating more of these ‘babies.’

Elaborating, the two partners said they’ve known each other a long time and that their daughters hung out together. They both developed a thirst for craft beer — Tsitso has always had one, and Schwartz’s developed over time.

“I would say we got him into craft beer four ounces at a time,” Tsitso said of Schwartz, adding that they and other friends would do a lot of tasting over the years, activity that would eventually lead them down that stimulating but challenging path that would take them from tasters to brewers.

“We got tired of waiting in line,” Tsitso said with a laugh, adding that, rather than queuing up for other brewers’ offerings (although they still did some of that, too), they decided to brew their own.

They started attending brew fests, which back then drew both professional and home brewers, and found themselves often mistaken for the former.

“At our first brew fest, we had a logo, we had a brand, we looked like pro brewers,” Schwartz recalled. “We were at a beer fest in Vermont, and people kept asking, ‘where’s your brewery? We want to check out your brewery.’ And we said, ‘we brew out of our garage.’

“And at every brew fest after that, people would enjoy and ask the same thing — ‘where’s your brewery?’” he went on, noting that with those comments as inspiration — and as the pandemic forced brew fests to take a lengthy pause — they eventually went about creating one.

They began with cans and eventually opened their taproom after COVID restrictions were fully lifted in the spring of 2021.

As for beers, they started with … Kick Starter, a beer that would in many ways set the tone for this venture.

“It came about as West Coast IPAs were really popular and New Englands were just getting started,” Tsitso recalled. “Our whole concept with that beer was to create something that was really approachable for non-IPA drinkers, was well-balanced, and really got them into enjoying IPAs and broadening their beer drinking.”

 

Draught Choice

This same thought process has gone into subsequent additions to the portfolio, including Brraaap!, which was created to mark the two-year anniversary of the opening of the taproom; One Hard Lime Seltzer; One Rustic Cranberry Stout; and Spilled Milk Mango, a mango milkshake IPA and another popular seller.

While Tsitso is the head brewer and recipe developer, the two will work together on potential additions to the roster, looking at what might be missing from the lineup and what the next logical new label should be.

The same is essentially true of the broad business plan, said the partners, adding that the goal is sustainable growth and building on the solid base they’ve created.

“One thing we’ve always tried to do is not overextend ourselves and get to the point where we can’t manage it, either from the stress level or it just doesn’t become fun anymore,” Tsitso said. “As we get the bandwidth to expand, we expand.”

Possible avenues for expansion include a larger footprint in the plaza where they’re currently operating, and enhanced distribution, with most of it coming currently at the taproom, with beers on tap in only a few area restaurants.

Moving forward, the partners say they’re looking forward to operating with the nearby shopping plaza rebuilt. Former anchor Armata’s grocery store will not be part of the new mix, as it was destroyed by fire just a few months after they opened in the spring of 2021, but they could already see that it helped drive traffic to their business, and they long for the day when that busy intersection can turn back the clock and become a true destination.

“We’re excited that they’re rebuilding across the street, because that will really enhance traffic,” said Schwartz, adding that the taproom has a solid working relationship with a pizza shop next door and other businesses at that intersection.

Meanwhile, the partners are already drawing visitors from Longmeadow, East Longmeadow, Springfield, Enfield, and well beyond, he went on, noting that craft-beer enthusiasts travel well and are willing to put some miles on the odometer to experience something new and different.

Still, the taproom’s bread and butter is a cadre of regulars who come, as Schwartz noted earlier, not simply to drink beer, but to talk beer and experience beer.

“In the beginning, we bartended Thursday and Friday nights; we alternated every week,” he went on. “And those regulars … we developed relationships with them, talked beer with them, and shared our passion and dream with them. A lot of them come here to drink beer and visit — it’s that kind of atmosphere here.”

All this has made One Way not just a business, although it is certainly that, but also a passion, one that has taken the high road to success and is certainly revved up about what might come next.

Deerfield’s Economy Goes Well Beyond Tourism

By
Chris Dunne
Community Spotlight

Community Spotlight

Chris Dunne

Chris Dunne says one of the town’s priorities is to create more housing.

 

‘Diverse.’

That’s the one word Jessye Deane kept coming back to as she talked about Deerfield and its business community.

And with good reason.

Indeed, while this community of just over 5,000 is home to Yankee Candle Village, Historic Deerfield, the Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory, and other tourist attractions, its economy is quite broad, covering sectors ranging from agriculture to craft brewing (which doubles as a tourist attraction, as we’ll see); manufacturing to retail; restaurants to the arts.

They all come together in a picturesque community that is a true destination, said Deane, executive director of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, which also calls Deerfield home. And this diversity is certainly an asset, she added, especially as manufacturing declines in many other communities.

“This diversity is the real strength of the economy of Deerfield,” she told BusinessWest, noting that, while large employers like Yankee Candle are always important, the backbone of the community’s economy is small businesses.

And, as noted, they cover all sectors, from restaurants like Leo’s Table in the community’s small but vibrant downtown to Ames Electrical Consulting, a growing business, soon to move to Greenfield, that specializes in helping manufacturers and even municipalities with efforts to automate facilities and processes.

That list also includes manufacturers like Worthington Assembly, which has become noteworthy not only for the circuit boards it produces for a wide range of clients but for a decidedly different culture, one it describes as ‘humanizing manufacturing’.

The obvious goal moving forward is to continue adding more pieces to this diverse business puzzle, said Chris Dunne, Deerfield’s Planning & Economic Development coordinator, while also making the town even more livable and, well, simply providing more places to live.

Indeed, like most other communities in this region — although not all those in Franklin County, where population loss is a pressing issue  — Deerfield needs more housing, said Dunne, adding that creating more is part of a larger effort to repurpose land and property in what he called the town campus.

“Approximately 45% of Deerfield residents are over age 55, so there is a definite need for senior housing.”

This is a collection of buildings, many of them currently or soon to be town-owned, including the current Town Hall, two churches, and a former elementary school, some of which could likely be converted to senior housing, said Denise Mason, chair of the town’s Planning Board, adding that there is real need in this category, and if it is met, other homes could become available to younger families.

“Approximately 45% of Deerfield residents are over age 55, so there is a definite need for senior housing,” Mason said. “And there is a housing issue across our region, and especially in Deerfield. We’re hoping that by building senior housing — and we’re looking to add approximately 32 units — that would free up some of the other homes, because we do have some older seniors who would like to downsize, but they have no place to move to.”

For this, the latest installment of its Community Spotlight series, BusinessWest turns the lens on Deerfield, where an increasingly vibrant community and ever-changing destination comes into focus.

 

Developing Stories

They are referred to as the ‘1821 Building’ and the ‘1888 Building,’ respectively, because that’s when they opened their doors.

The former is a long-closed church, and the latter is the aforementioned former elementary school that, with the help of a $4 million federal earmark, is being eyed as a replacement for the current town offices, built in the ’50s and now outdated and energy-inefficient.

Wade Bassett

Wade Bassett says Yankee Candle is one of many intriguing draws that have helped transform Deerfield into a true destination.

Transformation of those two historic properties tops the list of municipal initiatives in Deerfield, Dunne and Mason said.

And if town offices can be moved to the renovated school, new uses, perhaps senior housing, could be found for the current Town Hall, which, as noted, is an aging, inefficient structure.

These properties and others sit on what is called the campus, a slice of land, most of it town-owned, between North Main Street and Conway Street that includes several structures, including Town Hall, the 1821 and 1888 buildings, the town’s senior center, a ballfield, and a second church, St. James Roman Catholic Church, and its rectory, which the town may acquire with an eye toward preservation and reuse, perhaps for more senior housing, said Mason, adding that a request for proposals will soon be issued for that property.

As noted, there is real need for this type of housing, said Mason, noting that, if it is created, homes will come on the market, opening the door for more families to move to the community.

Meanwhile, new senior housing on the campus and more young families would provide a boost for the nearby downtown, said Dunne, adding that, while that area is vibrant, there are some ‘infill projects,’ as he called them, to contend with, including a long-vacant Cumberland Farms (a new, much larger one was opened on Route 5).

Other initiatives include ongoing development of a municipal parking lot with EV chargers, one complete with a large amount of green space to counter all the paved surfaces downtown — and a Complete Streets project that include improvements to sidewalks and adding a tree belt to downtown streets.

While there’s a concerted effort to create more housing inventory for those who want to live in Deerfield, there’s already a deep portfolio of attractions for those who want to visit.

“Tree House is driving a lot of traffic to this area, with their beer and with their concerts.”

Yankee Candle has long been the mainstay, and it continues to evolve in this anchor role, said Wade Bassett, director of Sales and Operations at Yankee Candle Village.

But the tourist sector, like the overall economy, is diverse, boasting everything from butterflies to history lessons at Historic Deerfield to the latest draw — craft beer and accompanying events, especially at Tree House Brewery, now occupying the large campus that was once home to publisher Channing Bete.

That campus incudes a concert venue that brings thousands of people to Deerfield for shows, said Dunne, adding that the brewery is working with town officials to increase the limit for attendance so it can bring larger acts to that campus and thus increase the ripple effect.

19th-century building

This 19th-century building is among the properties in the town ‘campus’ being eyed for renovation.

And that effect is already considerable, said Jen Howard, owner of Leo’s Table, a breakfast and lunch restaurant on North Main Street, named after her grandfather, who owned and operated a similar establishment in Fitchburg after returning from military service.

Howard said she explains the name on a regular basis, adding that many guests will ask her male kitchen employee if he is Leo.

Those guests run the gamut, she said, noting that there is a solid core of locals, many of them senior citizens, but many diners are coming on their way to attractions like Yankee Candle, the butterfly conservatory, and, increasingly, Tree House.

“We even see some from the parking lot — people charging their vehicles will come in,” she told BusinessWest, adding that a much larger boost comes from the tourist attractions, which fuel many other hospitality-related businesses.

 

Staying Power

At Yankee Candle, they call it the “golden key.”

That’s the name of a long-standing program, a tradition, really, at the company, whereby one family, or an individual guest, is chosen to receive an actual, and quite large, golden key, which they are required to wear, and which entitles them to enjoy all the many experiences at the Village for free.

Deerfield at a Glance

Year Incorporated: 1677
Population: 5,090
Area: 33.4 square miles
County: Franklin
Residential Tax Rate: $13.85
Commercial Tax Rate: $13.85
Median Household Income: $74,853
Median Family Income: $83,859
Type of Government: Open Town Meeting
Largest Employers: Yankee Candle Co., Pelican Products Inc.
* Latest information available

“They can enjoy Wax Works, they can fill a candy jar, they can get some ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s — it gives a next-level experience to the guest,” said Bassett, adding quickly that the program was designed to engage not only guests, but employees at the Village as well. Indeed, each day a different team member is assigned the task of deciding who, if anyone, is worthy of the golden key, which is awarded for many good reasons, from a 100th birthday to a wedding anniversary to marking one’s final round of chemotherapy.

“Recently, we had two people get engaged in our Black Forest, and one of our employees came back and said, ‘we just had an engagement in our store — why don’t we give them the golden key?” Bassett went on, adding that the program is just one way the Village strives to heighten what is still in most respects a retail experience and take it to the next level.

That level has been raised continuously over the more than 30 years that the Village has been operating, he said, adding that the facility, which is in seemingly constant motion and changing with the holidays and seasons — Easter and April school vacation are next on the schedule, and programs are already being developed — is now part of a broad effort to make Deerfield and all of Franklin County a true destination.

Indeed, like others we spoke with, Bassett said Deerfield has become a regional tourism hub, with a variety of attractions that can broaden a visit from a few hours to an entire day — or even longer.

Tree House has been an important addition to the mix, he told BusinessWest, adding that it is part of a craft-beer trail, if you will, along with Berkshire Brewing nearby in the center of Deerfield. But Tree House has become a much bigger draw with its concerts and other types of events.

“Tree House is driving a lot of traffic to this area, with their beer and with their concerts,” Bassett said, adding that this traffic is finding its way to different stops in the area, including Yankee Candle.

Deane agreed, and said that the goal in Deerfield, and across Franklin County, is to simply “extend the stay.” Elaborating, she said the community has Yankee Candle to bring visitors in, but it also has Tree House, Berkshire Brewing, Historic Deerfield, and other attractions to keep them there for an extended stay — and bring them back again.

 

Hometown Financial Group Continues Course of Acquisition

By
Matt Sosik
Banking and Financial Services

Branching Out — Again

Matt Sosik

Matt Sosik says Hometown’s latest acquisition is part of an ongoing initiative to gain needed size and extend the institution’s footprint.

 

Matt Sosik referred to it as a “mutual admiration society.”

That’s how he chose to describe the respect that he developed for the manner in which Kevin Tierney had grown North Shore Bank into a force in that region of the Commonwealth and, likewise, how Tierney respected what Sosik had done with Easthampton-based Hometown Financial Group, using acquisition and organic growth to transform it into a $4.7 billion multi-bank holding company with a reach that extends across Western and Central Mass., the South Shore, and into Northeastern Conn.

This mutual admiration eventually became the catalyst for talks to bring the institutions together, said Sosik, chairman and CEO of Hometown Financial, adding that North Shore will become part of the Hometown family of banks through a merger of Abington Bank, acquired by Hometown in 2019, into North Shore.

The combined bank will have more than $3 billion in assets and 25 full-service retail locations across the Bay State’s North and South Shore regions and Southern New Hampshire. Meanwhile, Hometown will become, with more than $6 billion in assets, one of the largest mutual banks in the country, said Sosik, adding that the merger gives the group more of what banks need in this challenging day and age — size.

“Margins have been falling steadily, and the only way to beat that back and try to win that battle is drive down costs, at least on the average.”

Indeed, when asked what greater size — $6.4 billion in assets compared to $4.7 billion — provides, Sosik started by saying simply, “survival.”

“Margins have been falling steadily, and the only way to beat that back and try to win that battle is drive down costs, at least on the average,” he explained. “So scale is the way to achieve that; when you put more assets under one roof and achieve more efficiencies, you’re driving down per-asset costs, and that’s what this business model tries to attain.

“We want to use that $6.5 billion chassis that’s headquartered in Easthampton to run the back offices of all of our three subsidiary banks,” he went on, listing bankESB, bankHometown in Central Mass., and the soon-to-be-much-larger North Shore Bank. “We can liberate those banks to do what they do best, which is use the power of their local brand in their communities they’re serving and let the shared service model of the holding company do the grungy stuff to produce efficiencies.”

That business model he mentioned has been an aggressive course of acquisitions that makes sense on every level, but especially those involving new opportunities for achieving growth and diversity when it comes to markets and regional vibrancy.

For this issue and its focus on banking & financial services, we take an in-depth look at the latest of these acquisitions for Hometown Financial and what it means for the institution moving forward.

 

Another Transaction of Note

As he talked about Hometown’s latest expansion effort, Sosik broke it down into two parts, essentially.

The first is the merger of North Shore into Hometown Financial Group, and then the merger of two of its subsidiary banks, North Shore and Abington, under the North Shore banner — although the Abington name will live on.

Putting those two institutions together under one roof, if you will, gives Hometown a dynamic presence in the eastern part of the state, which, like Western Mass. — and all corners of the state, for that matter — is a highly competitive region charactized by a strong mix of local, regional, and national banks, Sosik said.

Elaborating, he noted that the joining of Abington and North Shore brings a number of benefits, everything from resolution of succession issues at Abington — long-time President and CEO Andrew Raczka is entering retirement — to needed size and scale for North Shore.

“For North Shore, this makes a lot of sense strategically because they’re going to expand their footprint around Boston, gain market share … all the important things,” Sosik told BusinessWest. “But they’re also sliding underneath this $6.5 million company. They’re going to get to run their bank, and yet they can have their cake and eat it too in the sense that they’ll have access to our shared services and gain the efficiences of a much larger company. The benefits are the same for us — ensuring long-term viability and relevance in a very slim-margin industry.”

Rewinding the tape, Sosik said the talks between him and Tierney began just over a year ago and accelerated over the past few months. The merger was announced early last month, and the transaction is anticipated to close in the second half of this year.

It is the latest of seven strategic mergers for Hometown Financial Group over the past nine years, an aggressive pattern of acquisition that has taken the institition well beyond the 413. Indeed, its reach now extends across most of the state into neighboring Connecticut and New Hampshire.

Recounting those acquisitions, Sosik said they started in June 2015, when Citizens National Bancorp and its subsidiary, Citizens National Bank, merged into bankESB, which was operating at the time under the name Easthampton Savings Bank. In April 2016, Hometown Community Bancorp and its subsidiary, Hometown Community Bank, joined Hometown Financial Group to become the second subsidiary of the holding company; Hometown Community Bank has since changed its name to bankHometown. And in January 2019, Pilgrim Bancorp and its subsidiary, Pilgrim Bank, joined Hometown Financial Group.

Later that year, Abington Bank merged into Pilgrim Bank, with the name of the combined bank changed to Abington Bank, and Millbury Savings Bank merged into bankHometown. In October 2022, Randolph Bancorp and its subsidiary, Envision Bank, merged into Abington Bank, and last month, North Shore Bancorp and its subsidiary, North Shore Bank, announced plans to merge with Abington Bank; at transaction closing, Abington Bank will operate as a division of North Shore Bank.

 

Moves of Interest

This latest merger transforms North Shore into a $3.1 billion powerhouse, one of the largest mutuals in that part of the state, with reach across Eastern Mass., where, again, there are many competitors, size is an all-important asset, and meaningful, organic growth is far more attainable than it is Western Mass., which is typically described as a slow- or no-growth area.

“It’s a very competitive market, but also a very vibrant market,” said Sosik. “When you look at our demographics in the Pioneer Valley, they’re not very impressive; we love that market, and it’s very stable, but it’s not high-growth.

“It’s different in the eastern part of the state,” he went on. “In spite of the depth of the competition, it’s still a great market to be in; there are opportunites for growth.”

From a bigger-picture perspective, this latest merger provides an opportunity to take the stability of Western Mass. and juxtapose it against the “higher highs and lower lows” that define the far more dynamic eastern part of the state, he continued, adding that this diversity of regions and markets is another solid asset for Hometown Financial Group.

It’s an asset most other banks in the region are seeking as well, he said, noting that several banks in Western Mass. are pushing into Connecticut and other regions, and some Connecticut-based banks are moving north.

It’s all a function of gaining access to higher-growth areas and, overall, much-needed size, said Sosik, as he returned once again to the topics of margins — and how they became even smaller in the wake of repeated interest-rate hikes last year — and scale and the importance of attaining it.

“Banks are not built to withstand that kind of pressure,” he said in reference to climbing deposit rates and an inability to increase yields on existing loan portfolios beyond a certain point. “So you’re seeing banks in various degrees of duress becase of that predicament.”

The pace of interest-rate increases has certainly slowed, and rates may even decline somewhat this year, but this will remain a challenging climate for banks of all sizes, he went on, adding that the only course of action is to achieve greater size.

“In a low-margin business of any kind, and banking is certainly right at the top of that list, you have got to grow, or you’re going backward,” he went on. “That’s the nature of the beast. How do you acomplish that growth? We’ve chosen one model, and there are other successful pathways.”

Thus far, this model has chosen to be successful at achieving its various goals — from territorial expansion and regional diversity to much-needed scale.

And Sosik expects this pattern to continue with the acquisition of North Shore Bank.

Area Banks, Credit Unions Stress Philanthropy, Volunteerism

By
Mary McGovern, incoming president of Country Bank.
Banking and Financial Services Special Coverage

Community Interest

Mary McGovern, incoming president of Country Bank.

Mary McGovern, incoming president of Country Bank.

 

When asked why Country Bank supports local nonprofits, incoming President Mary McGovern gave a simple answer. “It’s a way for us to make a difference in our community.”

Then she elaborated.

“We have a tagline we adopted two years ago, ‘made to make a difference.’ We feel that encapsulates what Country Bank is all about, trying to make a difference in our community. It’s something we’ve done over the history of Country Bank, and we continue to make a positive impact by supporting local nonprofits, specifically the kind that rely on donations from their local businesses to help support them.”

Those efforts have focused in recent years on a number of priorities, she added, including food insecurity, health, education, and financial literacy, as well as homeless shelters, senior-serving programs, youth organizations, and more.

To that end, Country reported more than $1.2 million in donations in 2023, with 463 organizations receiving grants. One highlight last year was a partnership with (and $30,000 donation to) the Wonderfund, which aims to improve the lives of individuals in the Department of Children and Families system.

That large number of supported nonprofits resonates with Matt Bannister, senior vice president of Marketing and Corporate Responsibility at PeoplesBank, who was named a 2024 Difference Maker by BusinessWest last month for his extensive role in the bank’s community-support efforts. PeoplesBank recorded $1.6 million in donations last year to more than 550 area nonprofits, making the average grant just under $3,000.

“We continue to make a positive impact by supporting local nonprofits, specifically the kind that rely on donations from their local businesses to help support them.”

“We give a little to a lot of groups. We don’t tend to do large capital campaigns,” he said. “One big ‘yes’ often means a lot of little ‘no’s.’ So many nonprofits out there are doing good work, so it feels wrong to say ‘no’ to people.”

So, outside of a few big splashes — like a major donation to help the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts build its new headquarters — spreading the wealth around is a guideline the bank tends to stick with.

“The overall philosophy for our funding is we want to level the playing field — give opportunities to those who are disadvantaged and need more help,” Bannister added. “We have funding areas — food insecurity, housing, economic development, etc. — and the overarching principle of all these funding areas is to level the playing field.”

Many area institutions share their donation figures each year; Pittsfield Cooperative Bank donates nearly $200,000 — a striking number, considering it boasts around $385 million in total assets — through its charitable contributions to regional scholarships, youth mentorship programs, and nonprofit, economic-development, and health and human-service organizations.

Meanwhile, the Liberty Bank Foundation granted $1,453,742 to local nonprofits in 2023, including $10,000 as an annual ‘holiday gift’ from the bank, with the recipient chosen by bank customers. And Greenfield Savings Bank (GSB) gave more than $1 million in 2023 to more than 300 organizations.

Peter Albero, GSB’s chief financial officer and treasurer, noted that, while profits have been challenged over the past couple years by rising interest rates, the bank has not cut back on its financial support in the community, or its level of employee volunteerism.

Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch (right) presents a check to John Beaulieu

Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch (right) presents a check to John Beaulieu, president of the Westover Galaxy Community Council, one of the recipients of Freedom’s Month of Giving campaign.

“Profitability may be reduced, but we have not reduced our commitment to our communities. I think we are a pillar of Greenfield and the broader community,” Albero said. “So we continue to reinvest in the community, and everyone benefits from that.”

A.J. Bresciano, first vice president and commercial loan officer at GSB, agreed.

“Even in a higher-interest-rate environment, we’re taking measures to ensure our impact in the community is not being impacted and not deteriorating. So many local organizations throughout the Pioneer Valley rely on contributions of time, talent, and treasure. We make supporting those organizations a priority at Greenfield Savings Bank, and we want our team members to invest going forward.”

 

Philanthropic Priorities

Bannister made it clear that banks are required, to some degree, to be involved in their communities in a charitable way, noting that bank examiners make sure a bank’s locations and loan activities are representative of where it does business — meaning not just serving and lending to those with high incomes or profits — and they also ask how the institution gives back to the community.

“The challenge with that is there’s no right answer. We just have to go to the examiners each year and say, ‘here’s what we did.’ And when we give, we make sure a substantial amount that we give away benefits LMI — lower- to middle-income communities.”

Area banks and credit unions have increasingly inspired employees and customers to involved in giving efforts as well. In 2023, Freedom Credit Union contributed $181,898 to more than 70 charitable organizations throughout the four counties of Western Mass.

Of that, corporate charitable giving accounted for $130,432, but throughout the year, Freedom also conducts Month of Giving campaigns, in which customers can support a specific organization each month; those programs raised $17,316 in 2023. And local branch and department giving contributed an additional $34,150 to local charities.

“Our members and staff are passionate about supporting the community where we live, work, and serve,” Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch said. “In 2023, we were proud to donate funds for a wide variety of deserving institutions.”

“We give a little to a lot of groups. We don’t tend to do large capital campaigns. One big ‘yes’ often means a lot of little ‘no’s.’ So many nonprofits out there are doing good work, so it feels wrong to say ‘no’ to people.”

Other institutions take customer involvement to the polls. Both Florence Bank and Monson Savings Bank boast popular programs — called the Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program and the Community Giving Initiative, respectively — that complement other bank philanthropy by letting customers vote for nonprofits to support.

Through that initiative, Florence Bank awarded $150,000 to 46 area nonprofits in 2023, the 21st year of the program; the higher-than-usual total commemorated the bank’s 150 years in business.

“It’s amazing to see so many community organizations being recognized, and the fact that the recognition comes from Florence Bank customers in the form of votes is really special,” President and CEO Matt Garrity said.

Meanwhile, in the 14th year of its community-giving program, Monson Savings Bank awarded a total of $15,000 to the 10 top vote-getting nonprofits.

PeoplesBank employees volunteers

A team of PeoplesBank employees volunteers at Kent Memorial Library in Kent, Conn.

“Everyone’s passion for our annual Community Giving Initiative is always so exciting,” said Michael Rouette, the bank’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. “As a locally operated bank, Monson Savings has a great desire to support the residents, businesses, and nonprofits of the communities that we work in and live in.”

President and CEO Dan Moriarty added that “these organizations are worthy nonprofits that supply important resources to our communities. It is clear why they were chosen by our community members to receive support from Monson Savings.”

 

More Than Money

But community banks and credit unions in Western Mass. aren’t just giving money; many also emphasize a culture of volunteerism, even providing time for their employees to get involved in the community.

For example, employees at UMassFive College Federal Credit Union raised more than $18,000 for two local nonprofits last fall — $13,677 for the UMass Cancer Center via participation in the UMass Cancer Walk and Run, and $4,800 for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts via participation in Will Bike 4 Food.

A supporter of the UMass Cancer Walk and Run for more than 20 years — during which time it has raised more than $186,600 for the cause — UMassFive employees join together annually as Team UMassFive to raise funds, both personally and in branch locations. In 2023, fundraising efforts included raffle baskets, bake sales, candy sales, and art and jewelry sales, and the credit union’s corporate partners also pitched in.

Will Bike 4 Food is a more recent priority at UMassFive, as employees have taken part since 2020, raising a total of $17,500 in just four years, which equates to providing 70,332 meals to neighbors in need.

“We are so proud of our employees for supporting local causes that they care about,” said Cait Murray, Community Outreach manager at UMassFive. “Together, our team can make a more significant impact than if we all participate in events on our own. These organizations make such a big difference in our communities, and we are thrilled to support those efforts.”

Country Bank reported that its team members volunteered 1,255 hours of community service in 2023, while 37 team members served on 65 nonprofit boards and committees.

“Oftentimes, we can supplement or replace a monetary donation with volunteers, whether it’s picking vegetables at a local farm to be donated out, or helping nonprofits clean up the facility, or doing outdoor work like volunteering with Habitat for Humanity,” McGovern said. “We’re still putting the bank’s dollars to work, but the hands of our employees are helping to sustain some of these nonprofits as well.”

Liberty Bank reported 13,721 employee volunteer hours, including nearly 170 hours at Connecticut Foodshare, the aforementioned recipient of the bank’s holiday gift in 2023. The bank also actively solicits nonprofits to share information on what types of volunteer help is needed — whether working on a project or serving on a board or committee — and aims to meet those requests.

At PeoplesBank, employee volunteerism is considered part of the bank’s culture, Bannister said — part of its DNA, in fact, and something made clear to job applicants.

“We report volunteer hours to the bank examiners, and we were third in the state last year in hours volunteered per employee. It’s something that’s expected, and it’s something that builds camaraderie,” he said.

And it’s something that community banks simply should do.

“We’re more engaged in the community, where national banks are not known for that as much,” Bannister told BusinessWest. “And we consider it a competitive advantage. When you’re choosing a bank, hopefully the bank’s values are something you consider, and hopefully that volunteerism reflects well on the brand.”

 

Mill Town Capital Aims to Make an Impact in Pittsfield

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The Mill Town Capital team atop Bousquet Mountain Ski Area.
Commercial Real Estate Special Coverage

A Visionary Approach

The Mill Town Capital team atop Bousquet Mountain Ski Area.

The Mill Town Capital team atop Bousquet Mountain Ski Area.

 

Real-estate development can be a profitable business. In fact, it’s safe to say that’s the key driver for most players in this sector.

For the team at Mill Town Capital, it’s about impact — on more than the bottom line.

Formed in 2016 and based in Pittsfield, Mill Town is an “impact investment platform,” said Tim Burke, the company’s CEO. “Our overall mission and mandate is to really make the area of Pittsfield and the Berkshires a better place to live through traditional investments, impact investments, and pure philanthropic community work.”

But what is impact investment?

“To us, impact investment means focusing on key assets or amenities or projects that have a high potential positive impact on the region,” he explained. “So it’s a little bit different than maybe a traditional impact investment that might look at energy or other areas of impact. Ours is really place-based in terms of our approach.

“When we think about impact, it’s taking on investments that most traditional investors wouldn’t take on either because the rate of return is lower, or it takes a much longer time to realize it, or they’re just really difficult projects,” he added. “We’re not necessarily restrictive to different sectors or industries. It’s really about, is this project good for the region? Is it good for the local economy? Does it have the chance to spur economic development or other potential investment, and, if so, how can we make it work?”

The company’s first ventures into real estate centered on housing-development projects in Pittsfield.

“Impact investment means focusing on key assets or amenities or projects that have a high potential positive impact on the region.”

“Pittsfield used to be a 60,000-person city, but now has 40,000 people. So you would think that there is enough housing for everyone, but the stock itself is significantly deteriorated,” Burke explained. “You have a lot of really old stock, things that are run down, properties where absentee landlords have a lot of deferred maintenance. And the living conditions in some of these are really tough.”

Since taking what he called a “clustered approach” to housing stock in the area, Mill Town has accumulated more than 200 units of housing in Pittsfield alone, as well as a few commercial buildings and mixed-use properties, with apartments on the upper floors and commercial space on the lower floors.

“So the real-estate approach there has been trying to improve neighborhoods with housing at the forefront, but also supporting small businesses and restaurants where we can.”

Bousquet complex

Tim Burke calls the Bousquet complex “a critical local asset that had fallen on some tough times.”

Public investment has sometimes followed that private investment, Burke said, with the city or state coming in with utility upgrades or streetscape improvements.

“So it’s really a multi-faceted approach, and it certainly has a patient-capital component to it as well, where we’re not looking to get in and monetize things really quickly. We have more of a patient, long-term approach to it.”

On the business-enterprise side of the ledger, Mill Town now owns about a dozen local businesses, either directly or in partnerships.

One example is Bousquet Mountain Ski Area, one of the oldest continuously operating ski areas in the country. “We felt that’s a great example of a critical local asset that had fallen on some tough times and needed a lot of investment,” Burke said. “I don’t think many rational investors would have gone in there with a pure investment business case, but we felt like it was worth saving.”

These enterprise investments tend to be clustered in regional assets in real estate, recreation, and hospitality, such as the Central Downtown Inn & Suites in Pittsfield; Gateways Inn in Lenox; Blueprint Property Group in Pittsfield; Framework, a Pittsfield co-working space; and others — about a dozen in all.

“We’ve been involved in those types of projects for a number of years, some of which are business-oriented projects, and some are philanthropic, that we do through our our 501(c)(3) foundation. That includes things like improvements in Springside Park, which is a large, local park in Pittsfield where we helped reshape and reinvest in trail networks there.”

Tim Burke

Tim Burke

“Is this project good for the region? Is it good for the local economy? Does it have the chance to spur economic development or other potential investment, and, if so, how can we make it work?”

Mill Town has also provided contributions to the Berkshire Natural Resources Council for a project that connects the various trail networks in the Berkshire mountains.

“And then we have two businesses that are in the recreation space,” Burke said. “We own an athletic center that’s called Bousquet Sport, which is across the street from the ski area, where we’re currently undergoing a 15,000-square-foot addition plus renovation to the facility, and that’s an investment in tennis, fitness, and pickleball.”

Then there’s Camp Arrow Wood, where the former Lakeside Christian Camp on Richmond Pond was converted into a new, sleep-away summer sports camp.

“We run three- and six-week summer camp sessions out of that property. That’s another project that we kind of uncovered during the COVID period … and we’ve been building that up over the past year and a half or so.”

 

Coming Home

Prior to Mill Town, Burke spent a number of years in corporate finance roles with United Technologies and then later with a couple different biotechnology companies, most recently Biogen in Boston’s Kendall Square biotech cluster.

Camp Arrow Wood

Mill Town transformed the former Lakeside Christian Camp on Richmond Pond into Camp Arrow Wood, a new, sleep-away summer sports camp.

But his connection to Pittsfield was strong, having grown up there, and around 2015, he met Dave Mixer, Mill Town’s founder “and really kind of the motor and the initiative and the capital behind everything that we do,” Burke said. “So I ended up meeting with Dave, and he had a general idea of what he wanted to do.”

Mixer, like Burke, is a Berkshire native and had just come back to the area after being away for a long period of time, and he wanted to make an impact, Burke explained.

“His view of making an impact is a little bit non-traditional from a philanthropic standpoint. He didn’t want to just write checks and then walk away. He really wanted to see if he could drive economic development and job growth and population stabilization and new housing and educational improvements — all across the spectrum of economic development and quality of life.

“It’s been a great, challenging, unique run for us over the past six or seven years, and we’re at a point now where, through Mill Town and our businesses, we employ over 300 people in the area. We’re constantly looking to grow and make this engine work and also kind of preach what we’ve learned over the years to other communities and people and investors and philanthropists and see if there are ways we can help other areas progress with what we’ve done in Pittsfield.”

“I think we’re pretty hard on ourselves in that we think we have a ways to go before we achieve the impact that we want to achieve. But it is validating to a certain degree that people see that we’re heading in the right direction.”

Indeed, Burke firmly believes Mill Town has a replicable model, but it’s one that’s still evolving. “We think we’re in the second or third inning of what we’re doing here in Pittsfield.”

And as someone with a lifelong heart for the city, he envisions what a vibrant, thriving Pittsfield can one day be.

“I think it’s a place where people from all aspects of the economic spectrum can find quality housing. They can send their kids to schools and get them a good education. They can find jobs that will allow them to live here productively and raise a family.

“And then we can provide those systems on the periphery that allow people to have a good quality of life here — places where kids have opportunities to have athletic endeavors in camps, places where adults can enjoy the natural assets that the area has,” he went on. “That comes back to trail networks and all the outdoor recreation assets that we have here.”

After all, he added, those are some of the things the Berkshires are most known for.

“Making sure that we can maximize those benefits for the people of Pittsfield is where we want to make a difference,” Burke told BusinessWest. “That involves a lot of different things and broader socioeconomic issues that are much harder to solve, like education and poverty and addiction. But we still should try to get involved in some of those things through partnerships with organizations who have that expertise.”

 

Moment of Recognition

Last fall, at 1Berkshire’s Celebrate the Berkshires event, Mill Town Capital was recognized as a special honoree for “putting the Berkshires on the map” — an honor that recognized the company’s investments in housing and downtown redevelopment, as well as its philanthropic support around the region.

“When our regional economic-development group recognized Mill Town for the work that we’re doing, it was tremendously gratifying for our team to see that people see the work that we’re doing and that it is having a positive impact,” Burke said. “I think we’re pretty hard on ourselves in that we think we have a ways to go before we achieve the impact that we want to achieve. But it is validating to a certain degree that people see that we’re heading in the right direction.

“That hasn’t always been the case,” he added. “I think when we first started out, there was a lot of skepticism and questioning: ‘what’s the angle?’ ‘What are you trying to accomplish?’ So it was great to see that, at a minimum, people view it as positive-intent work that has the potential to drive change.”

Franklin County Businesses Face Challenges, but Also Opportunity

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Franklin County Special Coverage

Big Ideas in Small Towns

Lucy Damkoehler has developed a strong following from both within and outside Franklin County for her bakery and cooking classes.

When Lucy Damkoehler returned to Western Mass. after 20 years away, she opened a bakery in a town she knew well — Bernardston, to be exact, with its population of 2,000.

That was in 2018. Today, Sweet Lucy’s Bakeshop is thriving, demonstrating, like many other businesses already have, that it’s possible to succeed in a county whose 26 communities total around 71,000 residents — less than half of Springfield alone.

“It took off right away,” she said. “My prices were competitively high. I knew the cost of food was going up and the cost of labor was going up, so I priced it so I didn’t have to change my prices too often. But people didn’t complain about it, and I felt like it was doing pretty well.”

When COVID shut down much of the world, Damkoehler pivoted to a concept called Take & Bake Meals, which, at its height, was sending 50 to 60 meals out the door each day, which wound up expanding her reach and widening her exposure.

“We were getting people from Connecticut, from New York, discovering us,” she recalled, and those days partly explain why her customer base went from 90% local before 2020 to a ratio today of about 60% repeat customers — who come anywhere from every day to once a month — and 40% travelers checking out the bakery for the first time.

And Damkoehler’s success continues; she used a crowdfunded grant and a bank loan to build an addition, doubling her kitchen space and allowing her to begin offering cooking classes last September. She now employs six full-time bakers and six front-of-house staff, and is looking to hire a chef instructor as well.

“It blows my mind that I’ve only had one class that’s had to cancel due to low enrollment. They usually sell out within a couple of weeks, if not days,” she told BusinessWest. “It shows there’s a major need for that part of the business; there’s nothing like that around here. We’re doing kids’ classes now, too.

“I’m amazed every day that we’re able to do this successfully,” she added, especially in a community of just over 2,100 residents. “The prices are not cheap. But people recognize the value, and they appreciate it, and they’re willing to spend more money on something that’s done right. It doesn’t scare people away.”

So that’s what Damkoehler brought to the table: talent, quality, drive, and the instincts to pivot to what the market needed, which, both during the pandemic and with her classes, generated further opportunities for growth. Meanwhile, other businesses throughout this mostly rural county bring their own differentiators, but they also testify to a supportive, if small, community.

“Business owners here who are thriving have really committed, loyal customers. They have customers who love to come out and spend time there, spend their dollars with them, and they’re focused on providing a really great experience every time someone comes in,” said Hannah Rechtschaffen, director of the Greenfield Business Assoc. (GBA).

“One thing that I hear from some business owners is a sense of community and mutual support,” she added, noting that one of the GBA’s goals is to keep building opportunities for business owners to know each other better, so they can recommend each other.

“I think it’s organizations like ours and like the chamber that are able to listen to business owners and respond and really be another set of hands in their business success. That’s not overrated when you’re wanting to have a brick-and-mortar presence. So I hope businesses will think about opening here; I hope businesses will think about opening a second location here.”

“We were getting people from Connecticut, from New York, discovering us.”

To that end, Rechtschaffen added, “when we’re in conversation with Greenfield Community College about getting an internship program going, or when we’re in conversation with the Franklin County CDC about small-business support and entrepreneurship, all of those relationships are so, so crucial. None of us want to feel like we’re toiling away alone. We want to feel like we’re part of a larger ecosystem.”

Jessye Deane, executive director of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and Regional Tourism Council, agreed.

“Partnership and collaboration are the special ingredients in Franklin County. The way our communities come together to support our small businesses, it’s not like anything I’ve seen elsewhere,” she said.

“What I love to see here are thoughtful partnerships and strategies around how to best support business owners in filling in some gaps and resources that some more populated areas have, and how to attract different industries to the area,” she continued, touting, as Rechtschaffen did, the partnership between the chamber and GBA, but also Greenfield Community College, the CDC, and various economic-development entities.

“We want everyone’s business to be as successful as possible and have as many resources as they can tap into to ensure that success,” Deane said. “We wake up every day asking how to best support them.”

 

Declining Numbers

Such partnerships and mutual support are especially meaningful in a county that, after years of plateauing population, has seen those numbers start to creep downward, especially in the small towns beyond Greenfield and Deerfield.

“Certainly, population decline — or the projection of population decline we see — is a pretty major threat to many rural parts of Massachusetts,” said Linda Dunlavy, executive director of the Franklin Regional Council of Governments. “As Baby Boomers age, we need help, and not attracting young people to our region will be a concern for us. So we’re working on that.

Double Edge Theatre in Ashfield

Double Edge Theatre in Ashfield is just one example of the many cultural offerings in Franklin County.

“But population decline also hurts Franklin County and its rural areas because so many state and federal funding formulas, the distribution of aid money to municipalities, is based on population,” she continued. “So as our population decreases, the amount of money we have for infrastructure improvements, for education, etc., also decreases, which compounds the problem: how do we get people to come to our region if we’re not caring for our infrastructure, our assets, adequately?”

Dunlavy, who was named one of the Difference Makers for 2024 by BusinessWest, has been working for the benefit of Franklin County for decades, so she understands its assets — from arts and culture to outdoor recreation to that supportive business community others mentioned — but she understands the challenges of an aging, shrinking population base, too.

“Because we’re so rural, we have to work together,” she told BusinessWest. “We are a very collaborative region, probably one of the most collaborative regions in Massachusetts, because all the regional organizations are working together. We combine services of municipalities, our businesses work together, and they are served by strong regional support systems. It’s a great region to live in — if you know about us.”

A.J. Bresciano, first vice president and commercial loan officer at Greenfield Savings Bank (GSB), has been lending in Franklin County for the past 16 years, and he feels good about the current strength of business activity in the region.

“In terms of business lending, I think there’s some growth and some optimism, post-pandemic, in starting businesses and seizing opportunities to capitalize on improving economic markets. I think there is some opportunity for people with great ideas and a passion for what they do to come in and start something new,” he told BusinessWest.

That said, “there are certainly some challenges in the interest-rate environment,” he added, especially on the residential side, where higher rates and a shortage of housing have taken away the ‘churn’ of a vibrant market. “But I think that will change. Hopefully we’ll see rates start to come down in the near future, which will give people an opportunity to go out and seek new opportunities. We’re pretty optimistic about what the future holds.”

On the plus side, “there’s a lot of interest in this market because it’s less expensive than other markets that are overdeveloped. So a lot of borrowers see opportunity here,” said Peter Albero, chief financial officer and treasurer, noting that GSB originated $100 million in commercial loans and $70 million in residential loans last year. “The residential side is still a little bit lower … but the commercial side is very strong. A lot of banks are competing for strong borrowers.”

The aging of the population has created a fair amount of business turnover, Bresciano added, as long-time business owners are looking to retire and move into the next chapter of their lives.

“So there’s definitely opportunity for someone else to come in with new ideas, new ambitions, and to cultivate a new environment,” he said, pointing to one project — the conversion of the former Wilson’s Department Store in downtown Greenfield to a mixed-use property — as an example of forward thinking.

“None of us want to feel like we’re toiling away alone. We want to feel like we’re part of a larger ecosystem.”

For her part, Deane has seen a pipeline emerge of younger leaders in many Franklin County communities as older leaders, like those older business owners, look to retirement. “I’m excited about the leadership we’re seeing step into those roles,” she said.

 

Plenty to Promote

Rechtschaffen is acutely aware of what a spread-out county like Franklin faces in terms of housing, transportation, and access to amenities, but she tends to light up when talking about what she loves about the region — and there’s a lot of that.

“We have so much amazing outdoor arts, outdoor activities, whitewater rafting, skiing, theater … there are so many things. So I always want to make sure that people know what there is to visit up here.”

The target audience isn’t just visitors from afar, though.

“We have an advantage in Franklin County, which is that people really do want to support local, so it’s important that we have the right retail mix and experience mix here for people to be able to do that,” Rechtschaffen said, which is the impetus behind efforts like the “find it in Greenfield” campaign running on Bear Country radio and through other outlets.

“A lot of people don’t realize what’s so close by. So getting the word out can be a challenge,” she added. “We’re really trying to keep beating that drum and making sure that things are affordable, things are accessible, and we’re bringing businesses into Greenfield and Franklin County that people really want. That’s also a crucial part of the puzzle.”

Dunlavy has helped put many pieces in place, from north-south rail to broadband access to a planned partnership with other regional councils of government on a Connecticut River climate-resiliency plan.

“You do nothing alone. Everything takes partnership and many people working together,” she said. “And I like that part of the job. I like that challenge, and I like that focus. I’m never bored, ever. There’s always something to work on and always something to think about.”

Rechtschaffen never stops thinking about Franklin County, either.

“This is really creative work,” she said, “to be problem solving, to be listening, to be connecting people with one another so that their business can thrive, maybe in ways they didn’t think about. I really love all of this work to grow Greenfield and Franklin County in a way that feels good, for as many people as possible.”

 

Company Notebook

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Company Notebook

Bay Path University to Acquire Cambridge College

LONGMEADOW — The boards of Bay Path University and Cambridge College announced today that Bay Path has entered into a formal agreement to acquire Cambridge College. This move reflects a strategic focus by both institutions on planning for future success providing career-focused education models to a diverse student population. Each based its decision to join together on the shared mission of the two institutions. The two institutions have shared their plans and the greater opportunity created by a combined organization with both the Commonwealth’s Department of Higher Education, which has regulatory purview over both Bay Path and Cambridge, and the New England Commission of Higher Education, which accredits both institutions. Both organizations will be working with Bay Path and Cambridge to ensure the process to combine the institutions meets their respective standards and regulatory requirements. The acquisition of Cambridge College will nearly double the number of students served by Bay Path and bring total enrollment to more than 5,000, including a growing number of international students. The geographies served by Bay Path will expand to include Cambridge’s Eastern Mass. location as well as its growing Puerto Rico location. Opened in downtown San Juan more than 20 years ago, the campus provides graduate programs in business and technology as well as education and counseling to working professionals. Bay Path currently operates two locations: its Longmeadow campus, which serves women at the undergraduate level, and the state-of-the-art Philip H. Ryan Health Science Center in East Longmeadow, which provides graduate degrees in education, healthcare, and psychology. The university also grants undergraduate degrees online through the American Women’s College. Bay Path’s acquisition of Cambridge College is likely to be complete in June. Full integration of Cambridge College into Bay Path will take 18 to 24 months, pending a series of approvals by accreditors and appropriate state and federal regulators.

 

Florence Bank Supports West Springfield’s 250th

FLORENCE — Florence Bank has donated $4,000 to the city of West Springfield to help support four events the city has planned in 2024 as part of a year packed with 250th-anniversary festivities. Florence Bank’s backing of the West Springfield 250th celebration specifically offers support for three 5K races, happening in March, July, and November; a block party on June 22 and 23, when Elm and Central streets will be closed for activities from dancing to vendors and food trucks; family photo sessions at historic town locations; and a golf tournament in July. Also part of the 250th events in West Springfield are a birthday celebration in Clark Field today, Feb. 23, the same day West Springfield was incorporated in 1774; a black-tie ball in May; various ongoing public art projects; and a Bright Nights display next winter. In addition to the financial support, a team of bank staff will volunteer at some of the events in town. Since 2007, Florence Bank has had a presence in West Springfield, which was enhanced five years ago when the current full-service branch opened at 1010 Union St.

 

Second Chance Composting Program Comes to Pittsfield

PITTSFIELD — Second Chance Composting recently brought its residential community composting program to Pittsfield. Memberships are open and ongoing for the 9 South Atlantic Ave. dropoff location. The program runs continuously all year, through all four seasons. Memberships start at $9.99 per month, offering unlimited dropoff of household food scraps to the location each month. Members simply save their food scraps at home and, at their convenience, bring them to 9 South Atlantic Ave. and drop their material into the tote. Members can come as little or as often as needed each month. All food and food scraps are accepted, including meat, fish, dairy, bones, and shells. Other membership pricing options are available for those who wish to receive finished compost back. In addition to the new Pittsfield location, Second Chance Composting currently has dropoff locations in North Adams, Williamstown, and Adams, which have continuous and ongoing membership signups. Every week, Second Chance Composting picks up the material, which is brought to its MassDEP-certified facility in Cheshire to process the food scraps into compost, which is then distributed back to the community to grow more food, flowers, plants, and trees. Those interested in learning more or signing up for a membership can do so by visiting www.secondchancecomposting.com.

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