Page 130 – BusinessWest

Abandoned Building Brewery Finds Its Place in the 413

By George O'Brien August 31, 2023

Cover Story

Coming to a Head

Brewer and owner Matt Tarlechi

Matt Tarlechi says many people assume that he found a home for his fledgling brewery and then attached a name that spoke to that location.

Truth is, he and friends had long before settled on the name Abandoned Building for this venture — he’s from Philadelphia, and, apparently, there were a lot of abandoned buildings there at the time — and then went about securing a home that, well … fit that description.

He found one, sort of, in the complex of mills on Pleasant Street in Easthampton. The spot chosen, in the sprawling Brickyard Mill, wasn’t exactly abandoned, but it was vacant, having last been occupied by a manufacturer of plastic bags and similar products.

A decade or so after settling in, Tarlechi and a growing staff now numbering 14 have found more than a home. They’ve found a place — among the growing number of breweries in Western Mass., in the community of Easthampton and the surrounding area, and, increasingly, on the list of intriguing destinations on Friday night.

Indeed, in addition to producing a wide variety of brews with names like Dirty Girl IPA, Galactic Insanity (another IPA), and Cool Beans, a cold-brew coffee stout, ABB, as it’s called, has become well-known for its Food Truck Friday, which is just what it sounds like — the gathering of a few food trucks, some live music, and cold brews in the mill’s parking lot.

“We had a good amount of time to establish ourselves as a craft brewery that puts out consistent beers throughout the year. And we’ve had a lot of customers who have been here since early on that we still have today.”

“We set up tables and chairs, and we invite three to five different food trucks to come out,” he explained. “We also have live music and provide beer in the beer garden. We do it 16 times a year, and it’s become a staple in Easthampton for families, friends, and visitors.”

On a good night — and weather is usually the biggest factor — these events will draw more than 700 people to the mill, he said, adding that they have become part of the fabric of the community and succeeded in helping to make Easthampton, a former mill town that has evolved into a center for hospitality and the arts, into a true destination.

Ten years on, Tarlechi told BusinessWest, his brewery has really found its place, and the business plan essentially calls for more of everything that has gone into the success formula. And there are many ingredients — from the beers to the food trucks to the growing appeal of the created event space, which will soon host a wedding, but is better-known for wedding-rehearsal parties, showers, birthday gatherings, and the like.

Overall, the craft-beer landscape has changed considerably since ABB first opened its doors, with a huge increase in competition across the 413. But that competition has only helped in some ways, as we’ll see, and this venture has a name and track record for excellence that are well-grounded.

“One of the great things that has been an advantage to us is that we did get in here early on — we’re coming up on 10 years early next year,” he explained. “So we had a good amount of time to establish ourselves as a craft brewery that puts out consistent beers throughout the year. And we’ve had a lot of customers who have been here since early on that we still have today.”

Abandoned Building Brewery has steadily added to its portfolio of Belgian-style beers over the past decade.

For this issue and its focus on breweries and wineries — a growing and ever-more-intriguing component of the region’s business community — BusinessWest opens the tap on Abandoned Building Brewery, which arrived with a brand, but has increasingly made a name for itself within the 413.

Perfecting His Craft

Tarlechi is an engineer by trade. But like many who start breweries, he was bitten by the home-brewing bug, and what started as a hobby while he was in college — California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo — eventually became his career.

“The science-y part of me was into the chemistry behind brewing, and the tinkerer in me was into all the fun setups of the home-brewing process,” he explained. “And throughout the end of college, and then grad school, and into my professional career, I was always doing home brewing on the side, entering competitions, earning a couple of medals.”

“The science-y part of me was into the chemistry behind brewing, and the tinkerer in me was into all the fun setups of the home-brewing process.”

After college, he returned to the Philadelphia area, where he grew up, and started work as a civil engineer in Valley Forge while home brewing on weekends.

His life, and career, took a dramatic turn after several visits to high-school friends who were attending Hampshire College. He would bring his home brews with him for these gatherings, and, after a while, his friends began to encourage him to take his brewing beyond his home — and into their backyard, figuratively speaking.

“They were saying, ‘there’s not a lot of breweries up here; you should start one in Western Mass.,’” he recalled, noting that the landscape was much different than it is now when it comes to players in the craft-brewing industry within the 413.

Food Truck Fridays at Abandoned Building Brewery have become part of the landscape in Easthampton, drawing people from across the region and beyond.

Indeed, there were a few established players in the region, but not many, and there was certainly room for more.

“I started doing some research, looking at the different towns,” he recalled. “At the time, I was only visiting a few days at a time, so I didn’t know the area really well. I started visiting more, looking at more of the area, and trying to figure out what breweries were up here. Back in 2013, there weren’t many — Berkshire Brewing, Lefty’s, Opa Opa was around, Northampton Brewery … those were the mainstays. The craft-beer explosion hadn’t really taken off here yet.”

Fast-forwarding a little, he said he drafted a business plan and started looking for a location — one that would go with the name Abandoned Building Brewery.

“Luckily, there were a lot of old mill buildings here in the Valley,” he said, adding that his search brought him to Holyoke, Chicopee, and other communities before settling on space in the Brickyard Mill on Pleasant Street in Easthampton, a former felt factory that had become home to a large recording studio, an electrician, a plumbing business, and a host of other tenants.

The space in question had been vacated by Yankee Plastics several years earlier, he went on, adding that it was well-suited to a brewery operation, needing only some cosmetic work, which he undertook almost entirely himself — paint, refinishing the floors, and adjustments for equipment.

“Having a really awesome space for people to visit has been at the core of moving us forward through the years.”

With the space secured, he commenced brewing in early 2014, focusing on Belgian-style brews, which makes this venture unique in many respects.

“These beers are not extremely popular in the broader craft-beer sense, like IPAs, brown ales, and stouts,” he explained. “But they’re popular enough, and they’re fun beers to make, like our Belgian Saison, which translates to ‘summer.’ It’s a lighter beer; it’s very unique in that the yeast, which is the showcase of the beer, gives it a lot of unique flavors — a lot of pepperiness, a lot of spice. We don’t add any of these things to the beer — it’s all about how you treat the yeast during fermentation.”

Meanwhile, Tarlechi and his growing team have expanded and further renovated the space, building out a larger tasting room several years ago and adding an outdoor beer garden, while also taking full advantage of a municipal project to pave the back parking lot. These steps have made the brewery more visible and more accessible.

Mike Cook (left) and Will Meyer opened their Vegan Pizza Land trailer at Abandoned Building Brewery in May.

“Before, it really lived up to its name of being an abandoned building — people were wondering what was going on back here when we first moved in,” he recalled. “But the city and the building owners got this grant money, and they were able to improve utilities — electrical, water — and add the parking lot you see now.”

Draught Choice

Over the years, ABB has added a number of new labels to the portfolio while continuing to produce many of what could be called its legacy brews, including Dirty Girl, a Western-style IPA; Galactic Insanity, a New England-style IPA; and Curbside Pils, a Bohemian-style Czech pilsner that has become a staple of the brewery.

Additions over the years include Lola’s Saison, a pale-golden-colored, Belgian-style farmhouse Saison; Oktoberfest, ABB’s interpretation of a classic Marzen-style brew; Odin Quadrupel, the most complex Belgian-style ale in the portfolio — and the beer that started Tarlechi down the path to opening ABB — and Zappa Zappa Zappa, another New England IPA featuring a new and esoteric hop called Zappa.

These beers and others are available in the tap room, and also in cans in package stores across the region, said Tarlechi, adding that, like most breweries in this region, cans became the distribution model of choice, rather than ‘growlers,’ the large, half-gallon glass jugs that were popular several years ago, or the smaller bottles.

“It turns out that the aluminum can is actually a much better vessel for containing beer,” he explained, noting that a mobile canning operation comes to the brewery three or four times a month. “It doesn’t let any light in, the seal on it is much more durable than a bottlecap, and it’s easier to ship and easier to store.

“Once the cans came onto the market, it really changed everything — it allowed us to get into more locations,” he went on. “It’s a lot easier to sell to retail package stores with cans — they’re a little more attractive.”

But, as noted earlier, this venture has become about much than the beer, although that is still, and always will be, the main attraction.

Which brings us back to the space, to events like Food Truck Fridays, and also to a food truck that has become a permanent part of the landscape in Easthampton, one selling vegan pizza. They all factor large in the business plan moving forward.

“Having a really awesome space for people to visit has been at the core of moving us forward through the years,” Tarlechi said, adding that the space has certainly evolved over the years and has become a destination of sorts, especially with the two other breweries in town — New City Brewery and Fort Hill Brewery — creating a sort of Easthampton craft-beer trail. “Having dedicated spaces where people can go and hang out and bring their friends … you almost need to have that these days.”

Indeed, while ABB draws most of its visitors from the 413, others are coming from Connecticut, New York, and the Boston area as well.

They come for the beer, he said, but also the food trucks and the live music on Friday nights, which have become somewhat of a tradition in the region. They start in May and end in October (sometimes with space heaters), and, as noted earlier, they draw several hundred people to the mill on Pleasant Street.

“I’ve tried to keep the same equation since we started,” he told BusinessWest. “We provide the tables, the chairs, the food trucks, and the music, and that’s it. People come, bring their friends, and … community just kind of happens at these events.”

When It Rains, They Pour

The weather has not been kind to Food Truck Fridays — or many other business endeavors — this summer, said Tarlechi, noting that this is a rain-or-shine event, and on at least occasions, it’s been the former.

Still, the show has gone on, albeit with smaller crowds and a maybe one or two fewer food trucks.

But the tradition — where, again, community just kind of happens — will continue, he said. In fact, it has become part of the vision and the business plan at this brewery, a venture that, 10 years later, has found not only a home that conveys its name, but a distinctive place within the 413.

Companies Are Getting Serious About Their Employees’ Mental Wellness

By Joseph Bednar August 31, 2023

Modern Office Special Coverage

Critical Conversations

It’s easy to tell when someone is struggling with asthma, Krista Mazzuca said.

“If I come to work with bad asthma, you see me breathing hard. My supervisor says, ‘hey, Krista, take a minute,’” said Mazzuca, first vice president of Human Resources at PeoplesBank.

But mental distress, she noted, can be tougher to spot.

“It’s important for managers in an organization to understand how mental health impacts their employees. If I’m stressed out, you have to know how to recognize that, too, and say, ‘hey, you look stressed. Maybe take a walk. Maybe take tomorrow off.’”

Shana Hendrikse agrees. As senior advisor at Giombetti Associates, a Wilbraham-based consulting firm that specializes in building high-performance companies, she said employees’ mental wellness is a key factor in that effort, and one more companies are becoming aware of.

Shana Hendrikse

“While it’s gotten better, I don’t think we’re there yet. There’s more conversation and more awareness from businesses. But there’s work to do.”

“Burnout is a real thing, especially after COVID, and there’s been a definite increase in mental-health issues in the workplace,” she told BusinessWest. “We definitely touch on that a lot in our team-building conversations, our one-on-ones with managers and supervisors, making sure they create a safe space and an environment where you feel comfortable sharing what you’re feeling, which ultimately reduces the stigma around mental-health issues.”

At a time when employers across the country, and across all sectors, are still grappling with a workforce crunch that has made talent recruitment and retention more challenging than ever, many businesses say keeping their workers happy is key. And happiness is, very often, tied to mental wellness and stress reduction — hence, a greater willingness by employers to directly talk about it.

“While it’s gotten better, I don’t think we’re there yet,” Hendrikse said. “There’s more conversation and more awareness from businesses. But there’s work to do.”

One key to that work is what Pam Thornton, director of Strategic HR Services at the Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast, calls “empathetic leadership.”

“We’re in this extreme talent crunch, with not enough people to do the work, and people are stressed; they’re leaving the workforce in droves, retiring early, or leaving a full-time job and taking two part-time jobs. There’s so much pressure, and employees have so many choices.”

In such an environment, she went on, “empathetic leadership is the driving force behind retention. It’s about individualized conversations, understanding where people are. ‘Is there too much work?’ ‘Are you happy here?’ ‘Do you have balance?’ Maybe they can’t focus on work because of what happens at home. We might not have all the answers, but we may be able to make all kinds of accommodations. We need to try. At the end of the day, if we don’t make space for the things they’re asking for, we won’t be able to get our work done.”

Pam Thornton

“We might not have all the answers, but we may be able to make all kinds of accommodations. We need to try.”

And that’s the heart of the issue — employee wellness isn’t just good for the employee; it benefits the business, too, and it’s worth investing in for both reasons.

“The stress of the workplace has definitely been exacerbated over the past few years, and that stress is something employers have recognized,” said Joel Doolin, executive vice president of MiraVista Behavioral Health Center in Holyoke and its sister facility in Devens, TaraVista. He added that a positive employee experience is directly tied to a positive business outcome, so employers would do well to be open about mental and emotional wellness at work.

“It starts with the culture of an organization and buy-in from the leadership,” he explained. “Mental health is like any other employee factor. If someone has the flu, you make sure they have days off. Well, if they’re overwhelmed, they should have a mental-health day — a sick day like any other sick day. Ten years ago, talking about that was taboo; you just called in sick and did what you had to do. Now people are more open about it. Employees should still have rules and regulations, but days off for mental health are important.”

Help Is on the Way

Mazzuca cited statistics suggesting one in five people struggle with mental illness, but only about a third of them seek help. And that can be a problem at work.

“It’s a real thing, and I think it’s more present now than it’s ever been,” she said. “If you have anxiety or depression, it’s an invisible disability. But people don’t want to miss work.”

That leads to the phenomenon called ‘presenteeism,’ she noted, which connotes people who come to work but aren’t fully invested because of what else they’re dealing with, affecting both their wellness and the company’s productivity. Mental health can also affect physical health, she added, which makes the situation even worse.

There are resources companies can offer, however. At PeoplesBank, she cited a well-attended class on burnout and resilience, robust mental-health coverage in employee health plans, and free subsciptions to online resources like Calm.com, a meditation and mindfulness app, and Care.com, a resource for finding dependent care.

Joel Doolin

“If someone has the flu, you make sure they have days off. Well, if they’re overwhelmed, they should have a mental-health day — a sick day like any other sick day.”

“The important thing is, we’re trying to promote well-being,” she said, also noting that the bank has invested in its employee-assistance program (EAP). “We’ve done a lot to get people to use our EAP and give them access to mental-health professionals. The EAP is open to not only them, but their family. It’s also important that people know it’s confidential and free of charge.”

Thornton agreed that EAPs are a valuable tool to help employees with issues that company leadership might not be suited to deal with. “It’s confidential, and it provides a resource for them to connect with someone who can help them.”

Doolin noted that, while EAPs have been around for some time, he sees them getting more attention now. In some sectors, they’ve long been a key resource for employees, Hendrikse added.

“I was in banking for 25 years, and the EAP was always a thing in banking. It was part of the onboarding process,” she said, adding that companies should emphasize such resources up front, during onboarding and even recruitment, because they hold value for plenty of people.

“I don’t think a lot of companies stress that enough in terms of onboarding people. It’s important to have these conversations with people: ‘hey, we have these resources for you. If you’re feeling burned out, if something’s going on at home, here are the resources we have for you.’ It sets the tone, knowing that you’re taking a job where you can be vulnerable about what you’re going through. It reduces stigma.”

After all, Hendrikse added, while employees certainly want good pay, a solid benefits package, and paid time off, they also value a culture that recognizes the damaging effects of stress and the need for work-life balance. “It would make me feel like this company cares about me and my well-being. And I think you might get a lot more engagement from employees when they feel valued and safe. I mean, we’re all human.”

That positive engagement means having conversations with employees and building trust between the leadership and workforce, Thornton said. That might involve surveying employees on what they need and — even more critically — following up. That might mean more scheduling flexibility or mental-health days off, or recognizing when there’s just too much on an employee’s plate.

“Hearing nothing, it’s easy to keep going along and assume we’re doing everything right. You have to get feedback,” she said. “When there’s turnover, sometimes you don’t replace a person, and now there’s more on someone else’s plate. That’s a real thing.

“Without good leaders — not just at the top of the business, but good, empathetic leaders throughout the company — you won’t be successful,” she added. “You have to invest in your leaders.”

Support System

Getting back to her initial asthma analogy, Mazzuca said employees need to feel supported at work when they’re grappling with mental-health issues and stress, whether that means being allowed to take a leave of absence without penalty or being encouraged to access other resources without fear of stigma.

“People are more vulnerable to the negative impacts of stress outside the workplace if they don’t have positive relationships at work,” she said, noting that conversations around these issues — followed, again, by real action — benefit everyone. “It increases retention, and it increases productivity. It’s worth investing in helping them be their best self.”

As long as they’re not abusing the privilege and taking time off every week, Doolin said employees should be able to use paid sick time for legitimate mental-health struggles, and be open about it. And employers need to recognize that it’s tougher than ever to escape the stresses of life — at home or at work.

“Today, we have cellphones and laptops. Twenty-five years ago, you went to work and dealt with work, and then you went home and dealt with home. Now, everything follows you wherever you go. I think it’s important to recognize that and talk about how we can mitigate some of that. Maybe put in a no-email-on-vacation policy to make sure people get the rest they need. I’m a fan of technology, but it can also be a hindrance.

“Being a leader in an organization that works with people that have mental-health situations, it’s important for us to recognize the need for flexibility,” he added. “Even as a hospital, we still have situations where people can work from home — not direct-care staff, but we’ve adapted to that flexibility. We recognize that employees and employers are in it together. In order to be successful, to have great employees, we need to be able to pivot and give them what they need.”

Hendrikse said there’s often a gap between what employers think they’re providing and what employees feel like they’re getting when it comes to resources and benefits, and closing that gap often comes down to simply starting conversations.

“It’s about creating a culture where it’s OK to talk about these things,” she said. “You can have trainings and workshops, provide resources like EAPs, bring in experts. But the supervisor can also have these conversations directly with the team. Make it relatable: ‘hey, this is what I struggle with myself.’ When supervisors are more transparent with their own struggles, when they’re being vulnerable, employees will feel safer sharing.”

There has been an uptick in this vulnerability and openness in organizations since COVID, Hendrikse added, but much more common, even now, is a persistent unwillingness to share certain things with the boss.

“It’s seen as a weakness,” she said. “A lot of places are doing better with that, but I think we still have a ways to go.”

Representatives Must Navigate the Many Ways to Probate an Estate

By Contributor August 31, 2023

Law Special Coverage

Complex Decisions

By Michael Roundy, Esq.

Estate representatives have a variety of options for how to probate an estate. Decisions made early in the process may have long-term consequences, as reflected in a recent decision of the Supreme Judicial Court, In re Estate of Slavin.

The Massachusetts Legislature enacted the Massachusetts version of the Uniform Probate Code (MUPC) in 2008. Under the MUPC, estates may be administered under a ‘formal’ or ‘informal’ process, as ‘supervised’ or ‘unsupervised’ administrations, as a ‘voluntary’ administration, and even by appointment of a ‘special personal representative’ under some circumstances.

Sorting through all of these options may seem daunting — and mistakes made at the initial stage may have lasting impact. In Estate of Slavin, an early decision to file as a voluntary personal representative nearly prevented the voluntary PR from pursuing a wrongful-death claim on behalf of the estate.

An informal probate, under Section 3-301 of the MUPC, is possible where the proposed personal representative has priority for appointment (usually named as PR in the will), and is in possession of the original will. A petition for informal appointment in intestacy (without a will) must also attest that, after a reasonably diligent search, the petitioner is unaware of any unrevoked will or why such an instrument the petitioner is aware of is not being probated. Informal probate is overseen by a magistrate rather than a judge, and hearings are not permitted. The benefit of informal probate is that it can be a faster process than a formal probate.

A formal probate, under Section 3-402 of the MUPC, is typically heard by a judge and may involve one or more hearings. It may be necessary to file a formal probate in order to object to an informal probate if the terms of the will are unclear, if the administration needs to be supervised, if the court needs to appoint a special personal representative, or for other reasons. A formal petition may also be used to obtain a judicial determination of intestacy, and of the heirs, without requesting the appointment of a personal representative.

Michael Roundy

“Sorting through all of these options may seem daunting — and mistakes made at the initial stage may have lasting impact.”

A formal administration may be supervised or unsupervised. A supervised administration is overseen more closely by the court, which typically must approve everything the PR wants to do before he or she does it. A supervised administration may be requested by the PR or by any interested person, and may be requested while a petition to appoint the PR is pending, or after the PR has already been appointed. Where a will directs supervised administration, it will be ordered unless the court finds that the circumstances relating to the need for supervision have changed since execution of the will.

For some estates, it may be necessary to appoint a special personal representative under Section 3-614 of the MUPC for specific purposes, such as searching the decedent’s safe-deposit box for his or her will, or to preserve assets of the estate. A special PR may also be appointed for the purpose of performing an act that a general PR cannot or should not perform due to a potential conflict of interest. While a special PR can have many of the same powers as a permanent PR, the special PR is not able to sell or distribute any assets of the estate.

Small estates may be administered by a voluntary PR. Under Section 3-1201 of the MUPC, a voluntary PR may administer an estate consisting only of personal property (no real estate) that includes a vehicle owned by the decedent and other property valued up to a cap of $25,000. Although voluntary PRs are recognized as such by certification by the register of probate, they are not appointed to the role by a judge or magistrate.

Case in Point

In Estate of Slavin, the decedent’s daughter filed the necessary statement of voluntary administration, which the register of probate certified in accordance with Section 3-1201. The daughter served as the voluntary PR for more than four years before she filed a petition for formal probate, seeking appointment as a personal representative under Section 3-402. She feared, correctly, that, as a voluntary PR, she would be unable to pursue a wrongful-death claim.

Although all five of the decedent’s other children assented to the daughter’s appointment as PR under the formal petition, the Probate and Family Court judge denied the appointment. The judge noted that Section 3-108 of the MUPC prohibits filing a formal petition for appointment more than three years after the decedent’s death. Since the decedent in Estate of Slavin had at that point died more than four years earlier, the judge denied the formal petition.

“The Estate of Slavin case reflects the potentially dramatic impact of an early decision about which method to use for probating an estate.”

The daughter appealed. The Supreme Judicial Court took the case for direct appellate review and reversed the lower court’s decision. The SJC noted that one of the few exceptions in Section 3-108 to the three-year limit on filing for a formal probate appointment is “appointment proceedings relating to an estate in which there has been a prior appointment.” While the Probate and Family Court judge found that a voluntary personal representative is not a ‘prior appointment,’ the SJC disagreed, holding that the exception in Section 3-108 “does not limit the type of prior appointment that qualifies.”

It agreed that, while a personal representative in a formal or informal probate must be appointed by a judge, a voluntary PR does not need to be. However, the voluntary PR statute does permit the register of probate to “issue a certificate of appointment to such voluntary personal representative” (MUPC Section 3-1201).

Moreover, the voluntary PR has the authority to pay debts, receive and sell personal property, pay funeral expenses, and distribute any balance remaining according to the principles of intestate succession. In addition, Section 3-1201 notes, third parties delivering property to the estate are “discharged and released to the same extent as if he dealt with a personal representative of the decedent.” Finally, a voluntary PR is liable for his or her administration of the estate to the same extent as a personal representative who was appointed by the court.

For all of these reasons, the SJC held that a voluntary PR constitutes an ‘appointment’ within the scope of the ‘prior appointment’ exception of Section 3-108. Thus, the daughter could be formally appointed (more than four years after death) as PR and pursue the wrongful-death claim that she could not pursue as a voluntary PR.

The Estate of Slavin case reflects the potentially dramatic impact of an early decision about which method to use for probating an estate. Would-be estate administrators may want to seek assistance from a qualified attorney in navigating such complex decisions.

Michael Roundy is a partner at the Springfield-based law firm Bulkley Richardson.

FootCare by Nurses Focuses on Preventive Care, Quality of Life

By Joseph Bednar August 31, 2023

Business of Aging Special Coverage

Before the Fall

Early in Kate Clayton-Jones’s nursing career, she was struck by the cost — both financial and personal — of neglecting preventive care.

Specifically, of the feet.

“I kept seeing a whole bunch of people getting their feet amputated or having surgeries for having fallen,” she said, “and I thought, ‘my God, this is just so preventable.’”

That thought eventually (after plenty of planning, training, and persistence) became FootCare by Nurses, a model for preventive foot care that meets clients — mostly older people — where they are, especially in their homes.

“This isn’t nursing care like, ‘let me come in every day and feed you, clothe you, whatever else,’ but nursing care that could come episodically, once a month, or once every other month, and do this much-needed work, which is taking care of the feet of older adults.”

She explained that her nurses sit on the floor and look for circulation problems, sores, and calluses, and release tension in the toes that can limit flexibility and lead to falls. They also check the fit and lacing of shoes and make recommendations about socks. “All our work is designed to improve quality of life. This is an alternative pathway for foot care from typical podiatry or nail salons that most people know.”

For those who would prefer a clinic to a home visit, FootCare by Nurses also has offices in Greenfield, Lenox, and Fitchburg.

“It can be as simple as showing someone how to lace their shoes. We have an opportunity to spend time with people to help them understand simple changes like the way their shoes and socks fit, and skin care. We do a lot with balance and trip hazards,” Clayton-Jones explained.

“Elders are getting touched, and they’re having meaningful conversations. The work we do restores dignity and quality of life. Because we come in as nurses, we can talk about other things as well, and we see them on a regular basis, not just when they have an acute incident.”

While podiatrists are medical doctors whose responsibility is to diagnose and fix problems — recommending treatments and performing procedures — she and her team are licensed nurses with extensive training in foot care, whose responsibility is to prevent problems from happening in the first place. And there is some overlap.

“We have many podiatrists who support this work, though podiatry is a medical intervention, and a lot of this is not medical; it’s basic activities of daily living, and nursing is ideally suited to take care of people in that way,” she said. “There was this gap, and a huge opportunity to do something that is so meaningful, and it’s just a delight.”

The work is important, Clayton-Jones said, because people can become embarrassed by neglected feet and neglect them further — often with dangerous and even tragic results. She was thanked recently by a man whose edema was diagnosed by FootCare by Nurses, and he got the treatment he needed before the situation grew dire.

But even beyond such critical interventions, she said, people are happy when they can simply find pain relief and be able to leave their house or walk with their loved ones.

“We support quality of life in so many ways,” she said. “We not only make a difference when we walk in, but we give them peace of mind. It’s the only type of nursing I’ve done where I’ve heard someone say, ‘I can’t wait for that nurse to come back.’ It’s just such a nice intervention.”

Finding Her Footing

Clayton-Jones didn’t start off as a nurse; in fact, she earned a business degree and was working in aviation before shifting her flight plan to nursing school.

About a decade ago, while working on various floors of Berkshire Medical Center, she encountered patients with inflamed, infected feet, or — even worse — who had broken a hip in a fall, where poor foot care had been a factor. So she asked herself, “why can’t we, as nurses, take care of feet? I can learn to do it.”

So she sought further education through the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society. During that time, she recalls watching a toe amputation of a Korean War veteran who had developed an infection due to ill-fitting shoes a doctor had recommended.

Kate Clayton-Jones at the American Foot Care Nurses Assoc. 2023 National Conference.

“The surgeon did a beautiful job. He was very nice and kind and connected to this man. But the man was very angry because he was losing a part of his body.”

It occurred to her that no one had checked on him and his new shoes — a simple intervention perfect for a nurse’s assessment skills. And she wondered how many other serious infections, debilitating falls, and amputations could be avoided altogether with simple, home-based foot care … by nurses.

After becoming a certified foot-care nurse, Clayton-Jones started treating people’s feet in various setttings. When met with skepticism by people who suggested clients just visit a nail salon, she had a ready answer.

“I said, ‘you don’t understand this population. They’re not able to go out. You’ll never see these people; they’ll never be on your radar, but they are costing the healthcare system an inordinate amount of money when they fall.’”

More importantly, “it gave me great joy to bring dignity and function to these humans who have put so much back into the community,” she added. “These are really incredible people. It doesn’t matter how wealthy or poor you are or where you live — your feet still need to be taken care of.”

By 2016, she had become very busy and realized she couldn’t provide all the care on her own.

“I knew, if I’m going to take on the responsibility of taking care of all these people, this needs to be a real business, with people who want to do this work,” she told BusinessWest. “I will train these nurses, but it needs to be a business that solidly sits on its own foundation.”

In doing so — the business has expanded from three employees in 2016 to 42 today — Clayton-Jones said she’s not only taking care of the community, but providing good jobs for nurses on schedules that work for them, which is especially important if they have families.

“They can start a quarter after nine, after they drop off the kids, see six or seven people, and pick the kid up by three o’clock,” she said, adding that “foot care is not an emergency — it’s prevention.” So if a snowstorm strikes, appointments can be easily moved to a different day. In short, she’s providing nursing jobs with predictable, and not burdensome, schedules.

At right, a nurse at FootCare by Nurses teaches three new nurses how to touch and treat feet.

“I wanted to give them autonomy and responsibility and quality of life while also a joyful, meaningful job that’s not just about trimming toenails, but restoring the best function to an older foot.

“It turns out feet are really, really important,” she added, noting that 40% of cardiac flow is related to foot and leg movement, and toes are part of the body’s ‘seeing’ system for positioning itself in space, so the healthier the feet and toes are, the less likely an older person will fall.

“It’s just preventable with good foot care, good foot function, knowledge about how shoes fit. I started pulling the pieces together — what was behind everything we were doing. And we keep evolving the science.”

And as age demographics in the U.S. keep trending older, it’s a growing problem, especially among the Baby Boom generation.

“They need help — not just care at a podiatry office or a nail salon; they’re going to need this help at home because many can’t drive, or they’re cognitively impaired, or frail. They need to stay home and have care come to them,” she explained. “So the business model was not working with one visiting nurse association or one long-term-care facility — we would work with many, and I would work regionally.”

Next Steps

And the practice is still growing. Clayton-Jones — who regularly speaks on foot-care issues nationally and around the world — recently announced that three new contracts will allow FootCare by Nurses to expand its services in Central Mass., the city of Springfield, and some towns in Connecticut.

A contract with the Program of All-Inclusive Care (PACE) in Springfield will allow Serenity Care case workers to refer clients to FootCare by Nurses. The PACE program is centered on the core belief that, given a choice, most elders, the disabled, and their families would choose to receive care in their homes and communities rather than in a nursing home — so it meshes well with Clayton-Jones’s own mission.

Meanwhile, a contract with Tri Valley Elder Services will expand FootCare by Nurses’ services into the area south of Worcester. Additionally, FootCare by Nurses will take on former clients of Connecticut-based Pedi-care.

“This expansion and continued growth means adding close to 1,000 new clients and $300,000 in new revenue, which will trickle in slowly as referrals for foot care come in,” she said, adding that she plans to add two administrative positions and 10 nursing positions — and is actively hiring for them.

“At the end of the day, if you want a meaningful nursing career, this is just an excellent place. If you’re community-minded, if you like one-on-one conversations where you can make a huge difference, this is really a good career,” she said. “My nurses speak of it as the most joyous job they’ve ever had. They thank me for the autonomy and responsibility, and they get to use all their nursing skills. And they feel connected to the community that they live in, supporting other people.”

As the company grows, its mission — to redefine elder care by making evidence-based foot care central to general health — will not change, she added.

“Our mission is prevention, and our passion is caring. Feet are literally the foundation for our body; they allow us to be mobile, they pump blood back to our hearts, and they connect us to the world. Any fault in feet affects the whole body, just like faults in a foundation affect the entire structure. Yet, feet are too often ignored or neglected, while their care and well-being are essential.”

In short, Clayton-Jones stressed, FootCare by Nurses is not an aesthetic service that simply makes feet and toes more presentable.

“These people need nursing care; it’s a nationwide problem. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen nail polish glossing over toenail fungus or a callus or corn, and it continues to perpetuate because no one’s done preventive education,” she said.

“Nurses are educators. We teach people how to take their medications, what the side effects are … a lot of people recognize we’re the healthcare teachers out there. Our mission is prevention. Yes, we’re great at taking care of toenails, but we’re also there to prevent falls or wounds from happening — and we save lives.”

West Side, Big E Are Focused on Milestones

By George O'Brien August 31, 2023

Community Spotlight Special Coverage

Community Spotlight

Mayor Will Reichelt says planning is underway for West Springfield’s 250th birthday, with anniversary-themed events slated for each month of the year.

Once the 17 days of the Big E Fair begin, Gene Cassidy settles into a routine he’s followed for years now.

His day starts early, with a few minutes in his office in the Brooks Building, before he gets into a golf cart and proceeds to his ‘other office’ in the Hampden County building. Along the way, he stops in with employees in the parking area, the ticket booths, and other areas to get a sense of how things went the day before and what would be expected in the hours to come. And to stress, again, the importance of these 17 days to the overall health and vitality of this West Side institution.

“I remind people that they can make the difference between someone who’s a patron having a good day or a bad day,” he said. “Or I’ll thank them if the day before was pouring rain … I’m very conscientious about making sure that people understand that we make 87% of our revenue in 17 days. The people who work here, they have to know how important their role is to delivering to the fairgoing public an experience that’s at the highest level it can possibly be.”

Before any of that, though, Cassidy checks the attendance numbers for the corresponding day of the fair the year before. That number becomes a target and a tone setter, he explained, adding that, if that day from the year before was a washout due to rain, there probably won’t be any trouble matching or exceeding results and moving toward the ultimate goal of improvement over last year. If it was a really good day the year prior, it’s the opposite.

Which means that, this Big E season, there will be some big nuts to crack.

“I remind people that they can make the difference between someone who’s a patron having a good day or a bad day.”

Indeed, the fair set five single-day attendance records in 2022, starting on opening day, and continuing to the second Friday, the second Saturday (when the single-day record was broken and more than 177,789 came through the gates), the second Monday, and the final day. Overall, the 2022 fair came in just shy of the 17-day record of 1,543,470 set in 2018.

“People really responded to the fair last year, and, overall, the weather was pretty good,” Cassidy said, touching on a subject we’ll get back to in some depth later. “People really came out.”

Those new standards set last year, and maybe some others as well, might fall this year, based on what Cassidy has seen in Wisconsin, which just wrapped up its annual fair, as well as Indiana and elsewhere.

Indeed, while inflation remains high, and Americans have plowed through most of the money they saved during the pandemic and are now taking on more debt, attendance at fairs like the Big E is up, said Cassidy, who believes such institutions provide what people are looking for these days.

“We represent the very best of the American way of life,” he said. “The fair is a place for family and friends and camaraderie. The Wisconsin fair recently ended, and they had amazing attendance, and Indiana is going on now, and they had a few record-setting days. People gravitate toward that which satisfies the need for human interaction. Even in years when we have high inflation, people may sacrifice a trip to Disney or a trip to Boston for a Red Sox game to get together with family at the fair.”

West Springfield at a glance

Year Incorporated: 1774
Population: 28,835
Area: 17.5 square miles
County: Hampden
Residential Tax Rate: $15.54
Commercial Tax Rate: $30.58
Median Household Income: $40,266
Median Family Income: $50,282
Type of Government: Mayor, City Council
Largest Employers: Eversource Energy, Harris Corp., Home Depot, Interim Health Care, Mercy Home Care
* Latest information available

The ramp-up to the Big E is always big news in West Springfield, and this year is no exception. But there are other developing stories, as they say, starting with the community’s 250th birthday in 2024; a major, as in major, upgrade of Memorial Avenue, the mailing address for the Big E and many other businesses; and the opening of the town’s first cannabis enterprises.

Mayor Will Reichelt said planning for the 250th is well underway, with a full slate of events set, starting early in 2024 and continuing throughout the year.

That slate includes a 250th Leap Year celebration on Feb. 29, with specifics to be determined; a 250th Ball, slated for May 18; a parade and block party in June; a golf tournament and 5K in July; a parade in August … you get the idea.

As for the massive, $26 million upgrade to Memorial Avenue, work is already underway, said Reichelt, noting tree-removal work and other initiatives, and it will ramp up considerably over the next few years, bringing improvement to a major thoroughfare, but undoubtedly some headaches as well.

For this, the latest installment of its Community Spotlight series, BusinessWest takes an in-depth look at West Springfield and the many things happening in this community, starting with the annual fair.

On a Good Run

Reichelt was among the competitors at the recent Ironman competition that wove its way through several area communities, including West Springfield — and a stretch of the Connecticut River for the swimming part of the competition.

He finished in just under seven and half hours — the top finishers came in at just over four hours — a time that he will look to improve upon next year (yes, he’s already committing to doing it again).

“Even in years when we have high inflation, people may sacrifice a trip to Disney or a trip to Boston for a Red Sox game to get together with family at the fair.”

“I bought an Ironman training guide and wrote my time for this year and my projected time for next year,” he said, adding that the target for the 2024 event is to get under six hours. “If I start training now, I think I can get there.”

The Ironman is one of many events already on the 2024 calendar — or soon to announce official dates — that will take on the flavor of the 250th anniversary, everything from St. Patrick’s Day activities to the block party, which will embody elements of a Taste of West Springfield event that was a staple in the community for many years.

Overall, planning for the 250th is ongoing and will ramp up over the coming months, said Reichelt, noting that, while the actual 250th birthday is Feb. 25, this will be a year-long celebration.

Gene Cassidy says the Big E came close to setting a new 17-day attendance record in 2022, and if the weather cooperates, it might accomplish that feat this year.

By the time it’s over, some major thoroughfares will look considerably different, he said, starting with Memorial Avenue. By this time next year, a project that has been nearly a decade in the making will be well underway, he noted, adding that highlights of the ambitious undertaking, designed to improve traffic flow, will include a reduction of lanes from four to three along a stretch by the Big E, with reconstruction of traffic islands to allow for better turning in and out of businesses along the street. The stretch from Union Street to the Memorial Bridge will also feature a bike lane.

In addition, water and sewer mains are being replaced, and drainage systems will be improved, he said, adding that the project will take several years to complete.

Meanwhile, the city will soon commence work on another major infrastructure project in its downtown area.

It includes construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Westfield and Elm Streets, an area that has seen renewed vibrancy with the opening in recent years of new restaurants and the redevelopment of the former United Bank building into a mixed-use facility called Town Commons. Also planned are improvements to the town common, with new sidewalks, tree plantings, and more.

Beyond infrastructure, there are some new developments within the business community as well, said the mayor, noting that the town’s first cannabis dispensaries — the community was a late entry in this sweepstakes — will be opening in the coming weeks, with one on Memorial Avenue near the bridge, and the other on Riverdale Street.

Meanwhile, the town continues to work with Amherst Brewing on redevelopment of the former Hofbrahaus restaurant just off Memorial Avenue — a project that has been paused with hopes that it can be restarted — and plans are being forwarded, by the same group that redeveloped the former United Bank building, to redevelop a long-closed nursing home off Westfield Street, with housing being the preferred option.

Fair Game

As he talked with BusinessWest about the upcoming Big E, the weather, and the overall goal of matching or exceeding last year’s numbers, Cassidy got up from his desk and retrieved his notes from previous fairs.

In deep detail, he has recorded not just the attendance for a given day, but the weather and other factors that might provide deeper insight into those numbers.

Especially the weather.

Indeed, Cassidy goes much deeper than ‘rain,’ ‘sun,’ or even ‘partly cloudy’ to describe a day. Much, much deeper.

“We missed the 17-day record last year by just a little bit, and the reason we missed it is because we had five days of rain,” he explained. “I often laugh, because people will say ‘oh, the weather was great year.’ Well, it was great on the day they came.”

Running back over his notes, Cassidy revealed the level of detail given to cataloguing, if that’s the right term, each day of the fair, so that the numbers can be fully understood and put in their proper context.

“That first Sunday was a threatening mix all day; Monday and Tuesday were heavy rain; Monday, there was sun at 5 p.m.; Tuesday, there was sun at 2 p.m., and it was very hot,” he said, reading from his notes. “The first Thursday, there was heavy rain with lightning all day. And the second Monday was pleasant, but there was serious rain at 5:30, and the people ran out — although we had a very big day that day. We had a big day on the final Sunday, but it was cold and overcast.”

All this serves to show the importance of weather to the success of the fair, Cassidy said, adding that this isn’t lost on anyone at the fair, with everyone involved hoping that the seemingly constant rains that have swollen area rivers and damaged crops of all kinds will take a break in mid- to late September.

Beyond weather, Cassidy also likes to talk about what’s new at the fair, starting with entertainment, but also food.

Regarding the former, the 2023 fair will feature an eclectic mix of musical acts, including John Fogerty, Bachman-Turner Overdrive, Parker McCollum, Jimmy Eat World, Quinn XCII, Chris Young, and many more. As for the food, Cassidy teased that there is an intriguing new addition for the 2023 fair, but he couldn’t announce what it was at the moment.

What he did say is that food has come a long way — a long, long way — over the past few decades, with offerings that go well beyond traditional fair food and also beyond the ‘everything that can possibly be fried’ category as well.

“The food is so different today than it was 20 years ago, when it was more fair food,” he told BusinessWest. “There is a lot of high-quality food here, and it has nothing to do with being fried. The food today is so much more creatively put together. You can get steak tips with real mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables; no one thought you could buy that on a fairgrounds 20 years ago.

“When I first started in the fair industry, there were hamburgers and hot dogs and cotton candy and candied apples; there was a guy who made sausages,” he went on. “Today, the quality of food, the abundance of it, and the diversity of it are significantly different.”

Some of these eclectic offerings are available at a new area that made its debut in 2022 and will return this year. It’s called the Front Porch, and it promotes small businesses, many of them taking their first opportunity to showcase their brand, Cassidy said.

Last year, there were nine or 10 businesses participating, and this year, there will be seven or eight, to provide the ventures with more room to operate, he said, adding that some will be back from last year, while others will not, primarily because they’ve moved on to brick-and-mortar operations.

“It’s a fun way for people to get their feet on the ground,” he said, adding that the Front Porch has become an intriguing and popular addition to the landscape at the Big E — and one more reason for folks to show up in West Springfield … and maybe break a few more records.

Pro & Local Detailing to Host Fourth Annual Charity Car Show

By BusinessWest Staff August 31, 2023

Daily News

ENFIELD, Conn. — Pro & Local Detailing Inc. will host its fourth annual Charity Car Show at the Polish American Club of Agawam on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will be free to attend, with a donation required to enter a vehicle into the show. All makes and models are welcome. The event will include food, drinks, and awards, and all proceeds will benefit the Veterans’ Home in Holyoke.

Previous years have raised more than $4,600 for veterans, and Pro & Local Detailing owner Paul Frasco hopes to continue to make a local impact. “Pro & Local has been passionate about our veterans and our local community since day one. We wanted to partner with the Veterans’ Home in Holyoke because we knew it was the best way to make a hyper-local impact in supporting our veterans.”

This year’s event is hosted by Pat Kelly of Rock 102 and sponsored by other local businesses in the area, including Mothers Polishes, the Springfield Thunderbirds, Mercedes-Benz of Springfield, Naples Waste Removal, Precision Auto Repair, Circuit Coffee, EMP, State Line Propane & Oil, Rick’s Auto Body, Mark’s Auto Parts Inc., GreatHorse Country Club, the Car Club of New England, and Cloud 9 Marketing Group.

St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke to Participate in #KeepitClean2K23 Initiative

By BusinessWest Staff August 31, 2023

Daily News

HOLYOKE — The St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke announced its participation in the #KeepitClean2K23 initiative hosted by OneHolyoke CDC and the city of Holyoke. Committee members will be helping to clean streets along the 2024 Holyoke St. Patrick’s Road Race and Parade routes on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 1 to 3 p.m. The public is invited to join.

All participants are asked to fill out a registration form by clicking here. Supplies will be provided, and registered volunteers will be given a T-shirt and invited to a post-cleanup reception at City Sports Bar and Lounge, 352 High St., Holyoke.

“The St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke is grateful to the city of Holyoke for its annual support of the St. Patrick’s Day weekend festivities,” said Hayley Dunn, 2024 parade president. “As we near the halfway to St. Patrick’s Day, we will be celebrating by rolling up our sleeves and helping to beautify the streets that thousands will be running on and marching in next March. I’m excited to launch our first Parade Committee Day of Service, and I invite the public to join us and learn about the St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke.”

Smith Brothers Insurance Acquires Palmer Family Insurance Agency of New York

By BusinessWest Staff August 31, 2023

Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — Smith Brothers Insurance, which has an office on Main Street in Northampton, has acquired Palmer Family Insurance Agency Inc., an independently operated insurance agency located in Marathon, N.Y. Smith Brothers Insurance is headquartered in Glastonbury, Conn. and has multiple locations in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts.

Cassie Mauser, former owner of Palmer Family Insurance Agency, chose Smith Brothers when she decided to transition her career out of insurance into teaching.

“As I got to know the Smith Brothers team, I saw their approach to the client experience and how it aligned with our values and purpose,” she said. “I believe our clients will benefit from their expertise and services and will be working with people who are dedicated to their best interests, consistently deliver on service, and will help them in times of need.”

Michael Constantine, New York region leader at Smith Brothers Insurance, added that “we are honored Cassie chose Smith Brothers to serve her clients as she changed career paths into teaching. As a family confidant and outsourced risk manager, we help families and businesses plan for and manage risk, and are excited to build upon what the Palmer Family Insurance Agency started.”

Dulye Leadership Experience to Host Workshop on Mental Fitness

By BusinessWest Staff August 31, 2023

Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire-based stress expert Julie Haagenson will lead a virtual Dulye Leadership Experience wellness workshop called “Transforming Stress: An Interactive Workshop for Improving Your Well-being and Mental Fitness” on Wednesday, Oct. 11.

This one-hour, interactive session, which begins at 5:15 p.m., will deliver valuable insights into the physiological and psychological aspects of stress. Haagenson has more than two decades of experience as a counselor, facilitator, educator, consultant, and coach. As the founder of New Pathways Coaching & Consulting, she will provide tools and strategies to increase well-being and improve performance.

Through the underwriting of the Dulye & Co. management consultancy, there is no fee to attend. Advance registration is required. To ensure an intimate and interactive learning experience, only 45 spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Click here to reserve a virtual seat.

Country Bank’s Mary McGovern Graduates from ABA Wharton Leadership Lab

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2023

Daily News

WARE — Country Bank announced that Mary McGovern, executive vice president and chief financial and operating officer, successfully completed the inaugural American Bankers Assoc. (ABA) Wharton Leadership Lab at the University of Pennsylvania last week. She earned an ABA Wharton Executive Leadership Certificate, a prestigious credential that demonstrates her excellence in leadership and strategic planning.

The ABA Wharton Leadership Lab is a rigorous, immersive program that challenges executive bankers on the reality of leadership in today’s world at an Ivy League level. The program, which included 42 students, covers topics such as creating and sharing a vision, goal setting, managing talent, driving innovation, and sustaining meaningful relationships.

McGovern is an influential executive leader with more than 30 years of experience in the financial-services industry. Her leadership has contributed to the bank’s continued success for the past 12 years. Her participation in the ABA Wharton Leadership Lab reflects her commitment to continuous learning and professional development at a critical time in the industry as regulations, technologies, and the workforce continue to rapidly evolve.

“Mary’s commitment to Country Bank is admirable, with oversight of operations, finance, facilities, retail banking delivery, and technology, she has continued to drive strategic change throughout the bank,” said Paul Scully, president and CEO. “On behalf of the entire team and the board of directors, we would like to congratulate Mary for this achievement and look forward to her continued leadership as we navigate the next few years in a challenging economy.”

The Royal Law Firm Welcomes Samantha Graves

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2023

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Samantha Graves recently joined the Royal Law Firm team. She advises clients on various matters involving allegations of discrimination, harassment, wrongful terminations, and violations of FMLA. Her preventive work also includes drafting a variety of employment-related manuals and contracts, such as executive agreements, compensation and commission agreements, and severance and settlement agreements.

Graves graduated cum laude from Worcester State University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a minor in business administration. She obtained her juris doctorate from Western New England University School of Law.

The Royal Law Firm is a woman-owned, woman-managed corporate law firm that specializes in labor and employment law.

Eight Bacon Wilson Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2023

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Bacon Wilson, P.C. announced that six lawyers from the firm were recently recognized in The Best Lawyers in America for 2024, and two were included in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America. Along with the year they were first recognized in Best Lawyers in any practice area, they are:

• Gary Breton (2018): banking and finance law and business organizations (including LLCS and partnerships);

• Michael Katz (2016): bankruptcy and creditor debtor rights/insolvency and reorganization law;

• Kenneth Albano (2020): business organizations (including LLCS and partnerships);

• Gina Barry (2018): elder law;

• Hyman Darling (2020): elder law;

• Peter MacConnell (2021): real-estate law;

• Daniel McKellick (2023): Ones to Watch in real-estate law; and

• Tyler Humphrey (2021): Ones to Watch in banking and finance law.

Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America is based on comprehensive peer-review surveys. This year alone, almost 58,000 voters responded to surveys.

Amherst Area Chamber A+ Award Nominations Due Sept. 8

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2023

Daily News

AMHERST — The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce announced the return of its 43rd annual A+ Awards celebration to be held on Thursday, Nov. 16 at the UMass Student Union Ballroom, celebrating “Rooted in Community” in recognition of the region’s agricultural roots.

Each year, the chamber bestows A+ Awards to individuals and organizations that enrich the life of the community through their work in education, business, and civic engagement across its service area: Amherst, Belchertown, Hadley, Leverett, Pelham, Shutesbury, and Sunderland.

Nominations for the 2023 A+ Awards are open and can be made online only through Friday, Sept. 8 at amherstarea.com. The categories are:

• Lifetime Achievement/Legacy Award, recognizing an individual or business for their outstanding contributions to the Amherst area over their career and the lasting impact their work will have on future generations;

• Leader in Innovation Award, recognizing entrepreneurs who craft creative solutions and redefine the way Amherst lives, works, and learns;

• Leader in Sustainability Award, recognizing a business, organization, or individual for their contribution to creating a sustainable Amherst, preserving and ensuring its vitality for future generations;

• Young Professional Award, honoring a young professional who has a positive presence and has made a significant impact in the Amherst area;

• Community Service Award, honoring a business, nonprofit, or individual whose volunteerism has benefited the lives of the Amherst-area community through their work and outreach; and

• Chamber MVP, an individual who truly embodies the mission of the Amherst Area Chamber as a convener, connector, and catalyst for business and community development.

PeoplesBank returns as presenting sponsor, and is an Amherst Area Chamber platinum chamber champion partner. BusinessWest continues as media partner for this annual event.

A+ Awards celebration sponsorships and ads are available. Email Executive Director Claudia Pazmany at [email protected] with any inquiries.

An Investment in Education

By Editorial August 30, 2023

Opinion

Editorial

It’s a significant investment: more than $20 million just for the first year. But it’s an investment that could bring a significant return.

That’s the hope, anyway, of Gov. Maura Healey and other state officials, who officially launched the initiative called MassReconnect with a press conference on Sept. 24 at MassBay Community College in Wellsley.

The program, quite simply, establishes free community college — covering not just tuition and fees, but books and supplies — for academically qualifying students age 25 and older.

The governor laid out the compelling rationale for the program at the event. “MassReconnect will be transformative for thousands of students, for our amazing community colleges, and for our economy,” she said. “It will bolster the role of community colleges as economic drivers in our state and help us better meet the needs of businesses to find qualified, well-trained workers. We can also make progress in breaking cycles of intergenerational poverty by helping residents complete their higher-education credentials so they can attain good jobs and build a career path.”

Let’s consider those points one at a time.

Western Mass., where four of the state’s 15 community colleges — Berkshire Community College, Greenfield Community College, Holyoke Community College, and Springfield Technical Community College — are located, needs them to be strong and vibrant to generate, and maintain, a strong pipeline of workers coming into myriad fields.

Meanwhile, at a time when businesses of all kinds are struggling to attract and retain talent, making it easier for non-traditional students — those who haven’t started in college, or who have started but haven’t completed, for one reason or another — to enter career pipelines could make a real difference in those companies’ growth, and even survival.

Meanwhile, Healey is right: there’s no doubt that education is a key factor in overcoming barriers to economic success; it isn’t hard to imagine that many students taking advantage of this program will represent the first generation of their family to attend college.

Holyoke Community College President George Timmons believes that “MassReconnect will enable our community colleges to do more of what we do best, which is serve students from all ages and all backgrounds and provide them with an exceptional education that leads to employment and, ultimately, a stronger economy and thriving region.”

MassReconnect is expected to support up to 8,000 community-college students in the first year, which could grow to closer to 10,000 students by FY 2025, depending on how many students take advantage of the new opportunity. There are approximately 700,000 Massachusetts residents who have some college credit but no degree. MassReconnect could help bring back these students to finish their degrees, with the additional funding and support they may have lacked the first time around.

Meanwhile, the Commonwealth’s 15 community colleges are a ticket to economic mobility for many residents. Nationally, employees who have earned their associate degree are paid 18% more than workers with only a high-school diploma, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As for those jobs, in July, there were more than 26,000 job postings in Massachusetts that specifically required an associate degree.

The hope is that MassReconnect will harness the power of community colleges by allowing workers to earn the training and education necessary to jump-start their career growth and reinforce a pipeline of skilled professionals entering the workforce. That’s what this is about, and why Healey and other proponents and believe the state’s investment will be more than justified by its return.

“MassReconnect will be a game changer for residents 25 and over in the Pioneer Valley and throughout the Commonwealth,” Greenfield Community College President Michelle Schutt said.

Let’s hope it changes the equation for employers — and the state’s entire economy — as well.

Keep Supporting Local Farms

By Contributor August 30, 2023

Opinion

By Philip Korman

The widespread flooding that hit our region in mid-July illuminates many truths: the vulnerability of many local farms, the hard reality of climate change, and the amazing response that is possible when the community, nonprofit and foundation partners, and government all step up and work together.

Current estimates are that more than 100 local farms were affected by the floods and that they lost a combined $15 million in crops — but long-term effects are still being counted. The flooding came on the heels of two freezes that damaged peach, blueberry, and apple crops, and was followed by continued heavy rains that deluged even non-flooded fields. As our climate changes, these extreme weather events will become more common.

The response — from the generosity of individual donors to the speed with which our state government has acted — has been stunning. The governor signed a supplemental budget that includes $20 million in disaster relief to cover crop losses. The Emergency Farm Fund at Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) is offering no-interest loans up to $25,000 to affected farms, and a recent disaster declaration will make low-interest federal loans available too.

What is missing is money to cover all the other losses that farms have suffered, including the destruction of property and equipment. The new Massachusetts Farm Resiliency Fund can help fill this gap, and it has set an ambitious fundraising goal of $5 million to quickly get grants to farms.

Farmers are resilient, and they are adapting to their new reality — but they will need continued support and a robust emergency-response system as the climate changes. You can support them, as always, by buying local, and you can help build up the Massachusetts Farm Resiliency Fund now so it’s there in the future. Learn more at buylocalfood.org/helpfloodedfarms.

Philip Korman is executive director of Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture.

Picture This

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2023

Picture This

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

Patriot Awards

Four providers from the Emergency Department (ED) at Mercy Medical Center were recognized for providing medical care to visitors at the 2023 International Air Show at Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield. Dr. Matthew Cauchon, EMS medical director and associate director of Emergency Medicine at Mercy; along with Jillian Hevey, PA-C; Erica Nader, PA-C; and Mike Stevens, PA-C (not pictured), were given ESGR (Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve) Patriot Awards by Earl Bonett, ESGR area chair.

Pictured, from left: Air Force Lt. Col. Patrick LaFond, Mercy Director of Emergency Services Kelly Chevalier, Hevey, Cauchon, Nader, Mercy ED Nurse Manager Lisa Tyndall, Bonett, and Air Force Lt. Col. Peter Carr.

Fore a Good Cause

Feed the Kids raised $75,000 through its sixth annual online auction and golf tournament, held on Aug. 7 at Springfield Country Club, bringing the six-year total raised to more than $370,000. Proceeds benefit local organizations that work to ensure children do not go hungry, including Square One, the Holyoke School Backpack Program, Pioneer Valley Powerpacks, and No Kid Hungry. For the first time in the event’s history, a golfer achieved a hole in one.

Scott Trevethan (pictured) scored an ace on the ninth hole, winning a vacation from Curry Honda. (Photo by Jonathan Polep-Saffer)

Building a Reputation

Carr Hardware in Pittsfield was honored with the industry’s Retailer Beacon Award during the Hardware Conference Awards banquet on Aug. 18 in Marco Island, Fla. The hardware industry recognizes the best independent home-improvement retailers with the Beacon Awards. Carr was one of two Beacon Award winners across the U.S. this year, along with RP Lumber, which operates seven stores in five states.

Carr, led by President Bart Raser (pictured, second from left) was chosen based on its highly rated customer service, innovative marketing, and a strong commitment to the communities it serves.

Court Dockets

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2023

Court Dockets

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

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Nakeah Norwood p/p/a Derek Russell v. Springfield Gardens II LP

Allegation: Negligence causing personal injury and property damage: $86,824.97

Filed: 6/22/23

LM Insurance Corp. v. Petter Moore Trucking Inc.

Allegation: Money owed for insurance premiums: $59,787.58

Filed: 6/28/23

Regina Leete as personal representative of the estate of Nikki Bisiniere v. JSAA Inc. d/b/a Country Club Grille, City of Chicopee d/b/a Chicopee Country Club, Douglas P. Girouard, and Alyssa Sagan

Allegation: Negligence causing wrongful death; gross negligence and malicious, willful, wanton, and reckless conduct causing wrongful death

Filed: 6/30/23

Brandi Reed v. Rebecca Brushwood, DO; Trinity Health Of New England Corp. Inc.; Minerva Surgical Inc., and John Doe Corp.

Allegation: Product liability, medical malpractice: $530,847.79

Filed: 6/30/23

Giovannina Stellato and Peter Stellato v. SunPower Corp.

Allegation: Breach of contract, breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, breach of express warranty, negligence: $85,000

Filed: 6/30/23

Susan Stenta v. J&J Agawam Realty Associates

Allegation: Negligence causing personal injury: $737,000

Filed: 7/6/23

Kevin Edward Landers, individually and on behalf of all other persons similarly situated v. Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District

Allegation: Failure to pay wages: $75,000

Filed: 7/13/23

Air Purchases of New Hampshire Inc. d/b/a API of NH/Delta T Distributors v. Capital Air Systems LLC and Timothy Mongan a/k/a Timothy Joseph Mongan a/k/a Timothy J. Mongan

Allegation: Money owed for goods sold and delivered: $210,100.69

Filed: 7/18/23

Earl Twining v. Aspen Dental and Nazeeh Abunasra

Allegation: Medical malpractice: $39,000

Filed: 8/4/23

Agenda

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2023

Agenda

Women of Impact Nominations

Through Sept. 5: BusinessWest, the business journal of Western Massachusetts, is now accepting nominations for the sixth annual Women of Impact awards. In 2018, BusinessWest created the Women of Impact program as a way to honor women in the region who are making an impact and creating positive change. Women of Impact was chosen as the name for the program because, while nominees can hail from the world of business, they can also emerge from other realms, such as the nonprofit community, public service, law enforcement, education, social work, the mentorship community, a combination of these — in short, we’re recognizing inspirational women on any level. Nominations for the class of 2023 are due by Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 5 p.m., and the honorees will be announced in the Oct. 16 issue of BusinessWest. Nominations should be written with one basic underlying mission: to explain why the individual in question is, indeed, a woman of impact. Visit businesswest.com/women-of-impact-nominations for additional information and a nomination form. For more information, call Melissa Hallock, Marketing and Events director, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or email [email protected].

Shred Day

Sept. 16: The Wealth Transition Collective of Holyoke is partnering with Cooley Dickinson Hospital for its annual shred day. Anyone with financial or sensitive documents that need shredding can bring them to Cooley Dickinson on from 9 to 11 a.m. (or until the truck is full). A donation of $5 per paper box will directly benefit the hospital. Only paper items will be accepted. For more information, visit www.twealthtc.com.

Estate-planning Courses

Sept. 21, Oct. 19, Nov. 30: Attorney Karen Jackson of Jackson Law in Holyoke will lead three estate-planning workshops at Holyoke Community College. An elder-law and estate-planning attorney, Jackson will present these sessions:

• “Core Estate Planning,” Thursday, Sept. 21, 6-7 p.m. Jackson recommends that everyone should have what she calls a ‘core estate plan,’ with a will, power of attorney, and healthcare proxy. She will explain the value of each document.

• “De-mystifying Trusts,” Thursday, Oct. 19, 6-7 p.m. Jackson will explain what a trust is, review the different types of trusts, and outline who needs a trust and in what situations.

• “Saving Your Home from the Nursing Home Bill,” Thursday, Nov. 30, 6-7 p.m. Jackson will explain the use of an irrevocable income-only trust to save one’s home when nursing care becomes problematic. She will explain MassHealth rules and provide tips and traps to avoid. Each class costs $39. To register, call (413) 552-2320.

Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament

Sept. 26: The fifteenth annual Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament will be held at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow. Tom Cosenzi, successful businessman and father of four, succumbed to brain cancer in 2009 at the early age of 52. His vision was that no other family would experience the pain that he and his family endured. It was his wish that his family and friends continue to raise money for neuro-oncology research so the burden of cancer can be eliminated for patients and their families. In his memory, the Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament was formed. All money raised will go directly to benefit the work of Dr. Patrick Wen and his team of researchers in the Center for Neuro-Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in search for a cure. The tournament has raised more than $1,458,135 in its 14-year history. Volkswagen of America has has signed on as the event’s 2023 presenting sponsor. Visit www.tomcosenzidrivingforthecure.com for registration, sponsorship opportunities, and more information. Questions may be directed to (413) 341-1917 or [email protected].

Jack Rome Memorial 5K

Oct. 7: Local canine celebrity Jack Rome, official greeter of Gary Rome Auto Group, who peacefully passed away last year, will now be memorialized with an annual 5K run/walk to benefit the Foundation for Thomas J. O’Connor (TJO) Animals. Sponsored by Gary Rome Hyundai and Western Mass News, the first annual Jack Rome Memorial 5K will take place at 10 a.m. at Forest Park in Springfield, and will be a family- and dog-friendly event. Visit runsignup.com/race/ma/springfield/jackromememorial5k to register. All funds raised will be donated directly to the Foundation for TJO Animals and will be used specifically for medical and veterinary care, emergency surgery, and rehabilitation services to help the animals find new, loving homes. To inquire about sponsorship opportunities or for more information, contact Dara Davignon, executive assistant to Gary Rome, at [email protected] or (413) 420-8049.

Dragon Boat Festival

Oct. 14: A new date for the ninth annual Dragon Boat Festival has been set. The event will feature dragon-boat races, food trucks, and Asian-themed entertainment from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at North Riverfront Park, 121 West St., Springfield. The festival was originally scheduled for July 29 but postponed due to unsafe water conditions resulting from recent flooding. Admission to the festival is free for spectators. Twenty-four teams from throughout New England are registered to participate in this year’s dragon-boat races. Community teams include Behavioral Health Network, CRRC-MA, as well as the defending champions, Springfield Pharmacy First Responders. With the new date set, registration will be reopened at www.pvriverfront.org for additional teams to sign up to race on Oct. 14. The Springfield Dragon Boat Festival, which has been hosted by the Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club (PVRC) since 2013, attracts hundreds of participants and spectators to the banks of the Connecticut River for a day of competition, festivity, and community support. The festival is an important fundraiser in support of breast-cancer survivors and community programming at the Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club. Hundreds of paddlers from New England participate in the festival races. A team is comprised of up to 20 paddlers who race against other teams in 200-meter races on the Connecticut River. Each race lasts about one minute, and each team races at least three times on the day of the festival. Dragon boating originated in China 2,000 years ago and today is one of the world’s fastest-growing team water sports. The festival makes it easy for anyone to participate and spectate. Free parking is available nearby at 77 West St. or along Avocado Street and on property abutting and behind the new Starbucks store adjacent to the Riverfront Club. The festival can also be reached by the Connecticut Riverwalk Bikeway. More information can be found at www.pvriverfront.org or by calling (413) 736-1322.

Healthcare Heroes

Oct. 26: BusinessWest and the Healthcare News will honor nine individuals as 2023 Healthcare Heroes at a celebration dinner at Marriott Springfield Downtown. The Healthcare Heroes class of 2023 will be announced and profiled in the Sept. 18 issue of BusinessWest. Tickets will be on sale beginning Friday, Sept. 15. Tickets cost $90 per person, and reserved tables of 10 are available. Current event sponsors include presenting sponsors Elms College and Baystate Health/Health New England and partner sponsors Holyoke Medical Center and Mercy Medical Center/Trinity Health. Congratulatory advertisements and additional event sponsorships are available. For more information, call (413) 781-8600 or visit businesswest.com/healthcareheroes.

People on the Move

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2023

People on the Move

Lisa Green

Catherine Thompson

The African Hall Committee of the Springfield Museums announced the recipients of the 2023 Ubora Award and Ahadi Youth Award. Lisa Green, a distinguished professor at UMass Amherst, is this year’s Ubora Award recipient, and Catherine Thompson, a 2023 graduate of Springfield Central High School who is headed to Johns Hopkins University, was chosen for the Ahadi Youth Award. Named for the Swahili word meaning ‘excellence,’ the Ubora Award has been awarded annually since 1992 to an African-American adult who has demonstrated a commitment to Greater Springfield and has exhibited excellence in the fields of community service, education, science, humanities, or the arts. Green is an expert in syntax and African-American English (AAE). She founded the Center for the Study of African American Language at UMass in 2006 and has directed it ever since. She is also the author of two books and is working on a third. She is an active volunteer and mentor with the Greater Springfield Chapter of Links Inc., the Western Massachusetts Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, and the Xi Xi Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. And since 1996, she has been running a children’s summer reading program that she started at a church in her hometown of Lake Arthur, La. The Ahadi Youth Award has been given since 2009 to an African-American student (age 19 or younger) who embodies the Swahili word for ‘promise’ and excels both in academics and service to the Greater Springfield community. An outstanding student who graduated sixth in her class, Thompson is passionate about community service, especially with regard to social justice. For instance, at the Pioneer Valley Project, she worked on getting teens to pre-register to vote; as a teen-advocacy board member for Girls Inc. of the Valley, she attempted to increase awareness of racial justice, mental health, equal rights, and sexual- and domestic-violence issues. She was also actively involved in myriad clubs and organizations throughout high school, including the Key Club, the National Honor Society, student government, and the varsity tennis and soccer teams.

•••••

Lukman Arsalan

Elms College has named Lukman Arsalan its new vice president of Enrollment Management and Marketing, effective Aug. 14. In this role, Arsalan will become a member of the president’s cabinet. Arsalan joined Elms College following his most recent appointment as the dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at King’s Academy in Madaba, Jordan. Prior to that, he served as dean of Admission at Franklin and Marshall College in Pennsylvania and director of Global Enrollment and Student Success at Trinity College in Hartford, Conn. He brings a wealth of experience in higher education to this leadership role at Elms and will lead the college’s strategic efforts to attract outstanding students from Massachusetts, New England, and beyond. At King’s Academy, Arsalan achieved record-breaking application numbers and successfully launched a national campaign to attract talented students. During his tenure at Trinity College, he built a reputation for his dedication to providing a student-success ecosystem, while significantly increasing the college’s international applications, net revenue, and global brand recognition.

•••••

Heather Iampietro

Legacy Counsellors, P.C. recently welcomed its newest associate attorney, Heather Iampietro. She focuses her practice on real-estate transactions and estate planning. Iampietro received her juris doctorate from Western New England University School of Law in 2021 as a part-time student, while working full time in commercial and residential real estate as a paralegal at local firms. As a paralegal, she gained experience in all aspects of the real-estate process from inception through closing. She received her bachelor’s degree in legal studies and a certificate of advanced paralegal studies from Bay Path University in 2016.

•••••

Greenfield Community College’s Information Technology team has new leadership with the addition of Antoine Harrison as vice president of Information Technology. Harrison brings more than 25 years of experience in information technology to the campus, including more than 14 years leading IT efforts within education. Harrison joins GCC at a time when numerous large projects are either underway or will soon be at the college to improve student and employee experience, including implementation of GCC’s first-ever CRM, upgrading the college’s enterprise systems, strengthening GCC’s cyber network security, and instituting an identity-management system. Harrison came most recently from Worcester Polytechnic Institute where he served as the institution’s deputy chief information officer. While there, he led critical technology areas and provided key guidance to senior leadership on enterprise applications, data-analytics infrastructure, integrations, business intelligence, web development, and project management. Previously, he has also contributed to infrastructure and technology projects in a variety of disciplines, including higher education, K-12 education, government, and private industry. He has also been recognized nationally for his innovative work, including being featured in industry magazine Toggle as one of the country’s top innovative CIOs.

•••••

Julie Beck

Elms College named Julie Beck its new dean of the School of Nursing (SON). Beck joins Elms from Wilson College in Chambersburg, Pa., where she recently served as director of Nursing and Health Sciences. The author of the book The Meaning of Voice to Experienced Nurses in Magnet Hospitals, Beck has more than 20 years of higher-education experience in nursing and holds a doctoral degree in adult education from Penn State University. She also holds an MSN in nursing education from Villanova University and a BSN from Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania. Beck will be a key member of Elms’ leadership, bringing a new strategy and vision that will reinforce the strengths of the School of Nursing.

•••••

Springfield Thunderbirds General Manager Kevin Maxwell announced that Jeff Jordan has been promoted to manager of Hockey Operations. Previously the Thunderbirds’ video coach and Team Services coordinator, Jordan will continue his work with the coaching staff in the video department during the 2023-24 season. Jordan joined the St. Louis Blues’ AHL affiliate in 2019 when he was hired by the San Antonio Rampage as the team’s video coach. Before starting his professional career, he served as an assistant coach with the Ontario Hockey League’s Ottawa 67’s in 2014-15 and 2015-16.

•••••

Bulkley Richardson recently welcomed Jennifer Santucci to the firm as an associate in the Real Estate department. She will work with clients on drafting and negotiating purchase and sale agreements; reviewing and analyzing sales contracts, LLC/corporate documents, trust documentation, and title commitments; and preparing for and conducting closings. Her experience also includes real-estate financing, including representing various lenders in commercial real-estate transactions, and preparation of loan agreements and other loan documents on behalf of lenders. Santucci earned a juris doctorate from Suffolk University Law School in 2014 and a bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, in criminal studies from Johnson & Wales University in 2009.

•••••

Jane Wolfe

Greenfield Cooperative Bank (GCB) announced that Jane Wolfe, executive vice president of Residential Lending, successfully completed the inaugural American Bankers Assoc. (ABA) Wharton Leadership Lab at the University of Pennsylvania. She earned an ABA Wharton Executive Leadership Certificate, a prestigious credential that demonstrates her excellence in leadership and strategic planning. Wolfe is a valuable member of GCB’s senior leadership team and a leader in the residential-lending industry, with more than 20 years of experience providing service and solutions to the bank’s customers and partners.

•••••

The St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke announced that its 71st grand marshal is Mary Lynch, a Holyoke native and 34-year member of the St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke. The grand marshal of the annual parade is the committee’s highest local honor given to a person who has distinguished themselves as a loyal person to their career, family, and Irish ancestry. Lynch is a graduate of Holyoke Catholic High School, Holyoke Community College, and Westfield State College, where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. She retired in 2017 as a long-time professor of Early Childhood Education at Holyoke Community College. She also served on several boards, including the Greater Holyoke YMCA and the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England. She was honored in 2010 with the Oldershaw Award from the Greater Holyoke YMCA, which is its highest honor given to an individual who has made significant volunteer contributions to the Greater Holyoke community. “Auntie Mary,” as she’s known to many on the committee, has held many important roles, including chair of the JFK and Memorial Mass, Grand Marshal’s Reception, Coronation Ball, and Awards Dinner. She has also served on the program book and tartan committees, parade coordination, and the board of directors. She was honored with the Rohan Award in 1996 and was a member of the Grand Colleen Court in 1970.

•••••

Tim Deshaies

Florence Bank recently presented its 2023 Community Support Award to Tim Deshaies, director of Retail Operations at the bank. The award was established by the bank in 1997 as a means of formally recognizing employees who are active in the community and give their personal and professional time to local nonprofit organizations. Each year, the award recipient can select an organization to which the bank will donate $500. Deshaies has chosen the Therapeutic Equestrian Center, citing the work the organization does with horse-assisted therapy for people in the community. Deshaies came to Florence Bank in 2007. He holds a master’s degree in business administration from Western New England University. He is active in the community, serving as treasurer of the Therapeutic Equestrian Center and the Wistariahurst Foundation, vice president of Black Horse Trust, and director of Mansir Trust.

•••••

Berkshire Money Management (BMM), a full-service financial-advising firm with offices in Dalton and Great Barrington, announced the expansion of its Great Barrington team with the addition of Airen Wadsworth as front office coordinator. In that role, he is the first person to welcome guests to the new Great Barrington office at 72 Stockbridge Road. His goal is to help every client and visitor feel comfortable, at home, and part of the BMM culture. He will also support the firm with scheduling, data entry, and other vital tasks. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from MCLA in 2018.

•••••

Dorian Guidi

Monson Savings Bank (MSB) recently announced the promotion of Dorian Guidi to portfolio manager. He will continue to be based out of the Monson Savings Bank Loan & Operations Center, located at 75 Post Office Park in Wilbraham. Guidi is a graduate of Western New England University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting. Additionally, he completed the School of Commercial Lending facilitated by the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. in October 2020, and the Leadership Institute facilitated by the Springfield Regional Chamber in June 2022. He is currently attending the New England School for Financial Studies and is on track to graduate in 2024. With more than eight years of banking experience, five of which have been at Monson Savings, Guidi has the background and banking knowledge to serve the bank’s commercial borrowers. Prior to working with MSB, Guidi spent 3 years at TD Bank as a teller and customer service representative. In his new role as portfolio manager, he will be responsible for assisting the bank’s commercial-loan officers with managing established commercial banking relationships and facilitating the underwriting, closing, and booking of new commercial-loan requests. Additionally, he will work to support the commercial loan department with audits and regulatory exams.

•••••

KeyBank announced that Dennis Breitrick has joined the bank as senior Business Banking relationship manager for its Connecticut and Western Mass. market. In his new role, he will provide customized financial solutions to improve cash flow, such as commercial lines of credit, SBA financing, equipment financing, cash management, merchant services, commercial real-estate financing, and more to businesses with sales revenues between $3 million and $50 million annually. A graduate of Fordham University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree, Breitrick joins KeyBank from M&T Bank (formerly People’s United Bank), where he served as a business relationship manager since 2019. Previously, he spent 10 years with JPMorgan Chase Bank in similar roles serving business clients.

•••••

Kathryn Crouss

Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury and Murphy, P.C. (DWPM) announced that Kathryn Crouss, who became a shareholder at the firm in January, was named the 78th president of the Hampden County Bar Assoc. (HCBA). Crouss joined the firm in May 2022 and became a shareholder at the start of this year. With extensive experience in both family law and employment matters, she is a certified mediator and represents family-law clients both in court and through alternative dispute resolution. In addition to her service as president of the Hampden County Bar Assoc., Crouss also serves on the board of Community Legal Aid and has chaired the its Access to Justice fundraising campaign for the past two years. She has served on the board of the Hampden County Bar Assoc. since 2018.

•••••

Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin announced that eight of its lawyers have been awarded in the 2024 editions of The Best Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America. Steven Schwartz was named a Lawyer of the Year in the field of business organizations (including LLCs and partnerships). He was also chosen for The Best Lawyers in America in the fields of business organizations (including LLCs and partnerships), closely held companies and corporate law. Gary Fentin was named a Lawyer of the Year in the fields of banking and finance law and commercial transactions/uniform commercial code (UCC) law. Carol Cioe Klyman was named a Lawyer of the Year in the fields of elder law and trusts and estates. Timothy Mulhern was named a Lawyer of the Year in the fields of corporate law and tax law. Steven Weiss was named a Lawyer of the Year in the fields of bankruptcy and creditor debtor rights/insolvency and reorganization law. Mark Esposito was named to Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America in the fields of commercial litigation and litigation – labor and employment. Also selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America are Michele Feinstein, recognized in the fields of trusts and estates litigation, elder law, and trusts and estates; and James Sheils, recognized in the field of commercial transactions/ uniform commercial code (UCC) law.

•••••

Bulkley Richardson announced that 15 lawyers from the firm were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. These lawyers were recognized in 24 unique areas of practice. They include Peter Barry: construction law, healthcare law, and education law; Kathy Bernardo: real-estate law; Michael Burke: medical malpractice law (defendants) and personal-injury litigation (defendants); Mark Cress: banking and finance law, bankruptcy and creditor-debtor rights/insolvency and reorganization law, and corporate law; Francis Dibble Jr.: bet-the-company litigation, commercial litigation, white-collar criminal defense, labor and employment litigation, and securities litigation; Daniel Finnegan: administrative/regulatory law, construction litigation, and construction law; Scott Foster: business organizations, including LLCs and partnerships; Mary Jo Kennedy: employment law (individuals) and employment law (management); Kevin Maynard: commercial litigation, banking and finance litigation, and construction litigation; David Parke: corporate law and mergers and acquisitions; Jeffrey Poindexter: commercial litigation and construction litigation; John Pucci: bet-the-company litigation, general-practice criminal defense, and white-collar criminal defense; Jeffrey Roberts: corporate law and trusts & estates; Michael Roundy: commercial litigation; and Ronald Weiss: corporate law, mergers and acquisitions law, and tax law.

Company Notebook

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2023

Company Notebook

Whittlesey Named a Top 200 Accounting Firm for 2023

HOLYOKE — Whittlesey was recognized again as a Top 200 Accounting Firm in the country by INSIDE Public Accounting for 2023. “We are honored to be recognized as a Top 200 Accounting Firm. This award is a testament to our sustained growth and ability to bring exceptional value to our clients,” Managing Partner and CEO Drew Andrews said. “Our unique approach of combining outstanding client service at the regional level with the technical prowess of a national entity is the differentiator that drives our growth. We are deeply thankful for the chance to serve our clients, team members, and communities.” INSIDE Public Accounting is an award-recognized newsletter for the accounting profession. It ranks the country’s top 500 accounting firms. This year nearly 600 accounting firms participated in its annual nationwide survey.

UMass Amherst Again Top-ranked for Campus Food

AMHERST — For the seventh consecutive time, UMass Amherst has earned the top spot for Best Campus Food in annual rankings published by the Princeton Review. The rankings are derived from student reports of their experiences at the schools in its annual “Best Colleges” guidebook. The 2024 rankings are based on feedback from 165,000 students at the schools in the guide. UMass Dining, the largest collegiate dining program in the U.S., is committed to providing the campus community with locally sourced, healthy, sustainable, and globally inspired cuisine, and its leadership believes in helping to build community through food.

Berkshire Black Economic Council Issues Vibe North Street Grants

PITTSFIELD — The Berkshire Black Economic Council (BBEC) announced four grant awardees for the Vibe North Street storefront recruitment grant program, in collaboration with Downtown Pittsfield Inc. This grant program, funded by MassDevelopment’s Transformative Development Initiative (TDI), aims to revitalize downtown Pittsfield by supporting businesses relocating to the North Street TDI district. The awardees are Guelce Collaborative Marketing, which specializes in website development and management services for small businesses, and will use its grant award to establish a physical presence in the North Street district and expand its digital and marketing expertise to downtown Pittsfield by providing social-media management, advertising, and recording and editing support; BB’s Hot Spot LLC, which brings the flavors of Caribbean barbecue and jerk to the Berkshires, and will bring its eatery to downtown Pittsfield and add a unique culinary experience for local foodies; Dolce Rose Beauty Supply, formerly operated online and vended at pop-up events, which will now open the only Black-owned beauty-supply store within a 40-mile radius, and will use the funding to establish a brick-and-mortar presence, bringing diverse beauty products to the local community; and Brazzucas, a Brazilian market that will bring the tastes, colors, and culture of Brazil to the heart of Pittsfield, with plans to move onto North Street in the former General Store.

AIC Receives Grant to Support Mental-health Initiative for Youth

SPRINGFIELD — The Division of Occupational Therapy (OT) Services at American International College (AIC) announced its receipt of a $15,000 grant from the Hope for Youth and Families Foundation, established by Bob Bolduc, former CEO of Pride Stores. This grant will facilitate collaboration among the division, Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services of Springfield (MLKFS), and the MLK Charter School of Excellence in Springfield to implement the evidence-based mental-health promotion initiative “Every Moment Counts.” The objective of this program is to empower participating youths, including 60 students in the MLK after-school program and 340 students at the MLK Charter School, through engaging activities tailored to promote mental health, enhance self-esteem, and foster resilience. This partnership is the result of a proposal developed by Professor and Post-professional OTD Faculty Lead Dr. Allison Sullivan, who also serves on the board of directors at MLKFS. AIC’s faculty leadership in this initiative offers valuable field-work opportunities for emerging practitioners enrolled in AIC’s Occupational Therapy program. Sullivan and her AIC colleague, Dr. Christine Helfrich, will provide comprehensive training to AIC OT students and staff members at both MLKFS and the MLK Charter School of Excellence on the principles of the “Every Moment Counts” program to enhance mental well-being in children. The first training session begins in late August.

Doing Business as Certificates

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2023

Bankruptcies

The following business certificates and/or trade names were issued or renewed during the month of August 2023.

BELCHERTOWN

Caliimariee
687 Federal St.
Monique Beaudry

Carz
442 State St.
Roger Brandt

Clay Mates Ceramic Café
145 State St.
Susan Hevey

Envy Yard Maintenance
68 North Liberty St.
Nicholas Vona

Gray Craig Farm
11 Jeffrey Lane
Barbara Hastings, Thomas Hastings

Pristine Apparel
19 Fuller St.
Ty Bogdanovich, Joseph Mankowsky

Sublime Carpentry
299 Mill Valley Road
Zackary Desilets

EAST LONGMEADOW

Beauty Times Nails & Spa
200 Shaker Road
Beauty Times Nails & Spa

Comb & Collar Pet Styling
55 Maple St.
Comb & Collar Pet Styling

Dr. Robert Caprile, Chiropractor
181 Maple St.
Dr. Robert Caprile

Eyesight and Surgery Associates
382 North Main St.
Eyesight and Surgery Associates

Lori Bousquet at Obsessions
8-10 Center Square
Lori Bousquet

Renew Health LLC
280 North Main St.
Renew Health LLC

Smoke N Pipe Outlet
686 North Main St.
Smoke N Pipe Outlet

Ward Renovations
14 Lee St.
Ward Renovations

HOLYOKE

Amedeo’s Pizza and Restaurant
8 North Bridge St.
Bianca Inc.

Andujar’s Pizza D’Action
232 Lyman St.
Joshua Andujar, Jessica Santana Andujar

Auto Zone #5146
2231 Northampton St.
Auto Zone Parts Inc.

Fini’s Ice Cream
2 Fini Road
Alan Fini

The Inspiration Company, LLC
50 Holyoke St.
William Waldbueser

Janjua Convenience Store
539 Pleasant St.
B&S LLC

Jason’s Mattress LLC
226 Sargeant St.
Jason Michelson

Mattress by Appointment Holyoke
226 Sargeant St.
Jason’s Mattress LLC

Neeley Group Inc.
98 Lower Westfield Road
Hector Fearfield Neeley

Old Navy
50 Holyoke St.
Old Navy LLC

Ponce Family Store
319 High St.
Efrain Resto, Maria Vargas

Quick Stop Food Mart
172 Sargeant St.
Fouzi Nahid Raheel

Stop & Go
399 Hillside Ave.
Rajman Inc.

Target Store #1232
50 Holyoke St.
Lisa Roath

Valley Springs Behavorial Health Physicians Services LLC
45 Lower Westfield Road
Lifepoint Behavorial Health Services

LONGMEADOW

413 Skin Care
651 Main St.
Virginia Miller

BARE Electrolysis & Laser Hair Removal
321 Main St., Suite 203
Gabrielle Frydel

Farm Girl Farm
22 Manville St.
Laura Meister

Hans Electrical Design
6 Forest St.
Marx Fernandez

PITTSFIELD

Anything but Basic
5 Cheshire Road
Ashley Strack

AutoZone #106451
858 Dalton Ave.
AutoZone Parts Inc.

Berkshire Net Results
411 Pomeroy Ave.
Amy Chin

Brickle Tile
25 Church St.
Adam Brickle

Cliff’s Camper Rental
146 Parkside Ave.
Radcliffe Harewood Jr.

Eva Assante LMT
5 Cheshire Road
Eva Assante

Garlington Projects
73 East New Lenox Road
Nina Garlington

George B. Crane Memorial Center
81 Linden St.
Sioga Club of Berkshire County Inc.

Liberate Deodorant
119 Lenox Ave.
Tanya LeRose

putes_woodcrafts
35 Wilson St.
Austen Dupont

Saucegod Entertainment
555 Hubbard Ave.
Dereck Carter

Secure Response
35 Hampshire St.
David Hicks

Shire Acupuncture
55 North St., Suites 203 & 205
Kacey Boos

Sportsman’s Café
415 Pecks Road
Fin Mar Holdings LLC

Ultmicro Health LLC
82 Wendell Ave.
Liuqi Gu

ZZ & Co. BBQ
291 Onota St.
Michael Fox

WESTFIELD

Bruce H. Bonsall LLC
12 Salvatore Dr.
Bruce Bonsall

CBD413
13 Dubois St.
Andrew Carmel

Donna Carmel Artist/Printmaker
399 Little River Road
Donna Carmel

Eastern Touch Bodywork
83B Main St.
Liyin Zhen

E. Silver Charcuterie
36 Court St.
Cariel Lewis

Evan Martin Remodeling
327 Russellville Road
Evan Martin

Florek’s Electrical Service
948 Granville Road
Jason Florek

Intrade
334 Buck Pond Road
Vitaliy Zakharchenko

J. Goss Construction
12 Glenwood Dr.
Jarrod Goss

Kad Elite
239 Springdale Road
Dara Jarvis Spitikowski

Kim’s Online Design
10 Cherry St.
Kimberly Roque

Lunas Clean
135 Hillside Road
Alona Pascal

Maksimum Landscaping
47 Governor Dr.
Oleh Hrabovskyi

MedExpress Urgent Care
311 East Main St.
MedExpress Urgent Care P.C. Massachusetts

Roberts Construction
31 Valley View Dr.
Jeffrey Roberts

Sam’s Remodeling Service
44 Pontoosic Road
Samuil Prykhodko, Sofiia Prykhodko

State of Art HVAC
20 Pauline Lane
Dustin Cupak

Sweet & Salty Sisters
182 Falley Dr.
Joanne Bigelow, Maria Hart

Weweantic River Co.
181 Notre Dame St.
Ryan Moorhouse

William A. White MSW, LADC1
215 Springdale Road
William White

Yemelianov Services
105 Fowler St.
Ivan Yemelianov

WEST SPRINGFIELD

5 Star Food Mart
884 Westfield St.
Nazar Corp.

Balise Collision Repair Center
1800 Riverdale St.
Balise CRC Inc.

Branden Bruso Photography
30 Fabyan St.
Branden Bruso Photography

Carrie Blair Real Estate Services
123 Pine St.
Carrie Blair Real Estate Services

DB Failey and Associates
44 Craig Dr., Unit K6
DB Failey and Associates

Essential Power Massachusetts LLC
15 Agawam Ave.
Nautilus Power LLC

Pioneer Valley Lactation
258 Ashley St.
Pioneer Valley Lactation

Quality Appraisal Co.
73 Rogers Ave.
Donald Pinkerman

Shell Food Mart
173 Elm St.
Shell Food Mart

TJL Charitable Foundation Inc.
250 Dewey St.
TJL Charitable Foundation Inc.

WILBRAHAM

All-Terior Painting & Powerwashing Services
15 Shirley St.
Marcia Long

Cacela Construction
768 Glendale Road
Luis Cacela

Cycle & Praise
1964 Boston Road, Unit 1
India Keyes, Matrisa Collins

Expertbind
15 Longview Dr.
Gerard Berthiaume

K-Squared Financial
511 Springfield St.
Peter Kochanowski

The Local Table N Tap
2039 Boston Road
Christopher Arillotta

Lyft II & Bella Luna Aesthetics
2341 Boston Road, D100
Pamela Facteau, Maricely Cancel-Ortiz

Poulin Woodworking
8 Stonington Dr.
Scott Poulin

The Sugar Chalet
2133 Boston Road
Allison Henry

Unity Health Solutions
5 Sherwin Road
Kevin Farrell

Wilbraham Inn
2009 Boston Road
Mala Patel

Real Estate Transactions

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2023

Building Permits

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

699 Suburban Dr.
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Louise H. Neidle
Seller: Deborah J. Tacy
Date: 08/01/23

BERNARDSTON

32 Bernardston Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Anthony M. Larareo
Seller: Janice H. Obeido
Date: 07/28/23

283 Martindale Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Richard J. Donati
Seller: David K. Allen
Date: 07/28/23

BUCKLAND

28-30 Ashfield St.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Deborah J. Tacy
Seller: 28-30 Ashfield St. LLC
Date: 08/01/23

50 Prospect St.
Buckland, MA 01370
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Rachel S. Riverwood
Seller: M. Garvey Supplement Needs
Date: 07/26/23

CHARLEMONT

55 North River Road
Charlemont, MA 01370
Amount: $338,000
Buyer: Rachel E. Rose
Seller: James S. Smith
Date: 08/04/23

DEERFIELD

7-A Oak Knoll Dr.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $379,900
Buyer: Kaitlyn Okonis
Seller: Mark A. Wightman
Date: 08/04/23

7 Jackson Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Tamela R. Gaylor
Seller: Walter W. Dzenis
Date: 07/28/23

GILL

22 Franklin Road
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $526,000
Buyer: Woody C. Meiszner
Seller: Barbara M. Laczynski
Date: 08/01/23

GREENFIELD

661 Bernardston Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Anna M. Casey
Seller: MCK 2017 Descendants TR
Date: 08/02/23

717 Bernardston Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $409,000
Buyer: Ross J. Nickerson
Seller: Suhua Chia
Date: 07/28/23

93 Columbus Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $276,000
Buyer: Carmela Semonelli
Seller: Diran Adjoyan
Date: 07/31/23

332 Deerfield St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Fathima J. Lebbe
Seller: Dan V. Oros
Date: 07/25/23

426 Davis St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $289,987
Buyer: Vince A. Youngwell
Seller: Methuselah RT
Date: 08/03/23

107 Fairview St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Ijaz Estates LLC
Seller: OV Properties LLC
Date: 07/28/23

88 Fairview St. E
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Sandra Richter
Seller: Robinson, Mae L. (Estate)
Date: 07/28/23

182 Fairview St. W
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $155,925
Buyer: Justine McCarthy
Seller: Lakeview Loan Servicing LLC
Date: 07/31/23

56 Forest Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $359,000
Buyer: Caitrin M. Lawlor
Seller: John W. Rudd
Date: 07/25/23

31 Gold St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: Aaron C. Estilette
Seller: John Burgess
Date: 07/28/23

55 Grinnell St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $361,000
Buyer: Casey Duggan
Seller: Gregory R. Augustine
Date: 07/26/23

14 Kenwood St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $269,250
Buyer: Desiree V. Svegliati
Seller: Dorothea Melnicoff
Date: 07/27/23

23 Laurel St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: Arpc LLC
Seller: Matthew B. Boria
Date: 08/01/23

7 Loomis Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $349,900
Buyer: Cheyenne L. Frost
Seller: Nicole Bieniek
Date: 07/28/23

73 Meadow Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $351,000
Buyer: Jesse Sevoian
Seller: Wolanske, Robert R. (Estate)
Date: 08/04/23

74 Oakland St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $364,500
Buyer: Mary J. Geroulo
Seller: Christene M. Libbares RET
Date: 08/01/23

51-53 Place Ter.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Alycar Investment LLC
Seller: Gary E. King
Date: 07/31/23

2 Solon St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Anna Knecht
Seller: Xin O. Zheng
Date: 08/04/23

LEVERETT

9 Number 6 Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $301,000
Buyer: Ana L. Woody
Seller: Ashley M. Hanas
Date: 07/31/23

LEYDEN

106 Wilson Road
Leyden, MA 01337
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Jennifer B. Siegel
Seller: CWALT Inc.
Date: 07/28/23

MONTAGUE

517 Federal St.
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Todd Langdon
Seller: Deerfield Valley Management TR
Date: 08/04/23

70 High St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $364,000
Buyer: Lighthouse West TLLC
Seller: Linda S. Gould FT
Date: 07/31/23

76 Montague St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Richard A. Mauran
Seller: Riel Int.
Date: 07/28/23

430 Turners Falls Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Mikal Viencek
Seller: Refined Design Homes Inc.
Date: 08/01/23

NEW SALEM

5 Lavoie Lane
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Erica Tero
Seller: David S. Barnes
Date: 07/26/23

NORTHFIELD

59 Strowbridge Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Christina L. Williams
Seller: Karen E. Gillespie RET
Date: 07/25/23

ORANGE

125 Eagleville Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Michael Gelinas
Seller: Wilson Auto Parts LLC
Date: 08/01/23

7 Eddy St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Robert Bergquist
Seller: Justin M. Frost
Date: 07/27/23

50 Hamilton Ave.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Sheila M. Piper
Seller: Rebecca J. Eklund
Date: 07/31/23

SHELBURNE

65 Fiske Mill Road
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: David M. Wagstaff
Seller: Wicked Deals LLC
Date: 08/04/23

95 Main St.
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $429,000
Buyer: Davin G. Ojala
Seller: Noble Home LLC
Date: 08/03/23

685 Patten Road
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $232,800
Buyer: Shawn M. Davenport
Seller: Cheryl A. Billiel
Date: 07/25/23

55 Water St.
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Regenerative Development LLC
Seller: Shelburne Falls Realty Corp.
Date: 07/31/23

SHUTESBURY

295 Montague Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $695,000
Buyer: Robert Hendren
Seller: Eric Sheehan
Date: 07/31/23

SUNDERLAND

149 Hadley Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Matthew Pipczynski
Seller: Monterey Rose LLC
Date: 08/01/23

238 North Main St.
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $855,000
Buyer: 238 North Main St. TR
Seller: Cynthia M. McGuire
Date: 07/25/23

Plumtree Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Expedio Group LLC
Seller: Klemyk, Barbara A. (Estate)
Date: 07/26/23

WENDELL

174 Locke Hill Road
Wendell, MA 01379
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: David R. Misek
Seller: Joanna R. Moest
Date: 07/31/23

WHATELY

186 River Road
Whately, MA 01373
Amount: $522,000
Buyer: Edward C. Lee
Seller: Sycamore Tree Int.
Date: 08/03/23

148 Westbrook Road
Whately, MA 01373
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: Jessica R. Brand
Seller: Enace J. Lococo
Date: 07/24/23

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

17 Butterwood Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $341,500
Buyer: Lorik Berisha
Seller: Michael P. Flynn
Date: 07/31/23

83 Federal St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Necati Acikgoz
Seller: Othman M. Mohammad
Date: 08/04/23

171 Florida Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Kerolos F. Gad
Seller: August P. Kozlak
Date: 08/03/23

77 Independence Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $462,000
Buyer: Ronald Maillet
Seller: David C. Fazio
Date: 07/25/23

63 Karen Lynn Circle
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Nathan C. Davis
Seller: Susan E. Devine FT
Date: 08/01/23

139 Meadowbrook Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $398,000
Buyer: Michael D. Latourelle
Seller: Ronald T. Scherban
Date: 07/28/23

35 Moore St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Charles A. Rossi
Seller: Rossi, Angelina C. (Estate)
Date: 07/27/23

41 Morningside Circle
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $469,900
Buyer: Mark A. Graveline
Seller: Joseph J. Davis
Date: 08/02/23

68 Moylan Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $1,925,000
Buyer: Suffield St. Holdings LLC
Seller: Sasanecki LLC
Date: 07/28/23

829 River Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Christine Fager
Seller: Joan Vilmenay
Date: 07/31/23

1181 River Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $301,000
Buyer: Cynthia J. Geiger
Seller: Patricia A. Moller
Date: 07/27/23

29 Roberta Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Jordan Cree
Seller: Thomas S. Albano
Date: 07/28/23

29 Ruth Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Cansu Kayan
Seller: John P. Mulkern
Date: 07/25/23

123 South St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $191,500
Buyer: Maa Property LLC
Seller: Carrington Mortgage Services LLC
Date: 07/31/23

BLANDFORD

64 Main St.
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Rebecca Kerr
Seller: James J. Pazik
Date: 07/27/23

BRIMFIELD

Holland Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $174,900
Buyer: Anthony Soto
Seller: John Luszcz
Date: 07/25/23

31 Knollwood Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $126,000
Buyer: Gjl Rnl Nt
Seller: Mid-State Capital Corp. 2005-1
Date: 07/31/23

45 Saint George Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Paul E. Rekos
Seller: Manicki, Edward W. (Estate)
Date: 08/01/23

15 Wales Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $568,000
Buyer: Michael R. Palermo
Seller: Kele K. Piper
Date: 08/04/23

CHICOPEE

47 Alvord Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Myrtha Quinones
Seller: Mint Realty Group LLC
Date: 08/03/23

19 Casey Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $218,750
Buyer: James R. Theriault
Seller: Debra D. Theriault
Date: 07/28/23

112 Chateaugay St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: John Dwyer
Seller: Linda A. Seibold
Date: 07/28/23

East Main St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Koi 2 Koi Associates LLC
Seller: Westmass Area Development Corp.
Date: 07/31/23

536 East St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: FH Vision Inc.
Seller: Amjad Real Estate LLC
Date: 08/02/23

18 Indian Park
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $246,000
Buyer: Luis Rodriguez
Seller: Mass. Housing Finance Agency
Date: 08/03/23

62 Leona Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: James M. Roy
Seller: Ivelisse Vicente
Date: 07/31/23

64 Manning St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Diane M. Warren
Seller: Dennis J. Lajeunesse
Date: 08/04/23

15 Margaret St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Kevin A. Ruiz
Seller: Gilles A. Rheaume
Date: 07/31/23

100 Mathieu Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $280,100
Buyer: Angela P. Riva
Seller: Angela P. Riva
Date: 08/01/23

203 Montcalm St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $275,093
Buyer: Harborone Mortgage LLC
Seller: Stephen A. Burgen
Date: 07/24/23

235 Montgomery St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $229,000
Buyer: Holly E. Dill
Seller: Bethzaida Colon
Date: 07/25/23

52 Moore St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Eduard Artin
Seller: Donna Minnie
Date: 08/02/23

56 Mount Vernon Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Patricia Dawson
Seller: Christopher Nascembeni
Date: 08/02/23

218 Newbury St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $232,000
Buyer: Emily Parks
Seller: Laura A. Medeiros
Date: 07/24/23

27 Peter St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Christopher Borzumato
Seller: Sandra S. Kirasoulis
Date: 08/04/23

Robbins Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Koi 2 Koi Associates LLC
Seller: Westmass Area Development Corp.
Date: 07/31/23

147 School St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Ibrahim S. Al Dulaimi
Seller: Zahraa Abdullah
Date: 07/31/23

166 Shepherd St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: Tavernier Investments LLC
Seller: Lakeview Loan Servicing LLC
Date: 07/24/23

18 Shirley St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $292,000
Buyer: Anyia Hillman
Seller: Raymond W. Blair
Date: 07/31/23

137 Skeele St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Sabrina Jaramillo
Seller: Therrien, Patricia A. (Estate)
Date: 07/26/23

30 South St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $324,000
Buyer: Max Frimpong
Seller: Zachary R. Tucker
Date: 08/02/23

336 Springfield St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Raquel G. Buenaventura
Seller: Crossover Corp. Inc.
Date: 08/01/23

Stockbridge St., Lot 16
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Raymond J. Marion
Seller: Waycon Inc.
Date: 07/26/23

EAST LONGMEADOW

9 Euclid Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $487,100
Buyer: Sohrab Uddin
Seller: Francis J. Barrington
Date: 07/31/23

14-16 Maple St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $3,025,000
Buyer: Jpmorgan Chase Bank
Seller: M&n Schoenberg LLC
Date: 08/02/23

471 Porter Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Dnepro Properties LLC
Seller: Joyce C. Gamache
Date: 08/01/23

74 Rogers Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Charles N. Simonich
Seller: John F. Simonich
Date: 07/28/23

68 Senecal Place
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $780,000
Buyer: Kimberley R. Strother
Seller: Ryan B. Darnell
Date: 07/24/23

65 Smith Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $479,900
Buyer: Tyler Kelleher
Seller: Michael F. Torcia
Date: 07/31/23

37 Terry Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Irina Taylor
Seller: Tara M. Celani
Date: 07/26/23

GRANVILLE

688 Main Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: John C. Stevenson
Seller: Martha A. Lacrosse
Date: 07/31/23

HAMPDEN

198 Ames Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Gary Petzold LT
Seller: Thomas Petzold
Date: 07/25/23

299 Bennett Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Alexander Fox
Seller: Joyce Ogonowski
Date: 08/01/23

101 Glendale Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $849,900
Buyer: Kelly Galster
Seller: Evergreen Design Build Inc.
Date: 08/03/23

36 Ridge Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $689,000
Buyer: Brett D. Shorette
Seller: Johanna Q. Howland
Date: 07/25/23

HOLLAND

27 Craig Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Peter R. Laylin
Seller: Mary M. Barton
Date: 07/24/23

16 Lake Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Brittany Corson
Seller: Christopher H. Storer
Date: 07/28/23

HOLYOKE

105 Central Park Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $371,500
Buyer: Avery Klotsche
Seller: Joseph J. O’Hare
Date: 08/04/23

903 Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $212,639
Buyer: PNC Bank
Seller: David A. Caputo
Date: 07/26/23

58-60 Elmwood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Gloria E. Vasquez
Seller: Denale Investments LLC
Date: 08/02/23

48 Fairfield Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Samuel M. Hamad
Seller: Marianna M. Dimercurio
Date: 07/25/23

117-123 High St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $298,800
Buyer: Ronald E. Bridgers
Seller: Yasser Hussain
Date: 08/02/23

80 Jarvis Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $605,000
Buyer: PQR Holdings LLC
Seller: Q. Perkins Real Estate Mgmt. LLC
Date: 07/28/23

15 Meggison Lane
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $162,000
Buyer: Ann M. Bouthiette
Seller: Ryer, Kenneth D. (Estate)
Date: 08/02/23

1040 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01041
Amount: $899,000
Buyer: Philip K. Peake
Seller: Edward J. Barowsky
Date: 07/31/23

403 Pleasant St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Gendry W. Rodriguez
Seller: Alliance For Best Practice
Date: 07/31/23

24 Quinn Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $326,500
Buyer: Muhammad Khan
Seller: Bridgette O. Sullivan
Date: 08/03/23

58 Rugby St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $307,000
Buyer: Michael R. Bergman
Seller: Konopacki, Wanda P. (Estate)
Date: 07/28/23

5 Shawmut Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Sheila Pietras
Seller: Linc Suppliers Corp.
Date: 07/31/23

20 Southampton Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Janice L. Sparko-Frey
Seller: Koszewski FT
Date: 08/04/23

13 Washington Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Kurt Bluemer
Seller: Richard R. Duquette
Date: 07/27/23

673 West Cherry St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $499,900
Buyer: Lowen RET
Seller: Neil Novik TR
Date: 08/04/23

123 Walnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: 123 Walnut Realty LLC
Seller: Albert E. Paone
Date: 08/01/23

LONGMEADOW

112 Albemarle Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $402,000
Buyer: Luke C. Carbonaro
Seller: Margaret S. Barsalou
Date: 07/31/23

36 Chatham Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $540,000
Buyer: Thomas F. Prendergrast
Seller: Peter M. Payson
Date: 07/26/23

94 Churchill Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Jonathan Bubier
Seller: Jerry A. Hirsch
Date: 08/02/23

927 Converse St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Homes Management LLC
Seller: Homes Management LLC
Date: 07/28/23

117 Dunsany Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $412,750
Buyer: Timothy Frisch
Seller: Papadopulos, George W. (Estate)
Date: 07/28/23

19 Ellington St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $622,000
Buyer: David N. Garcia
Seller: Nicholas B. Norgaard
Date: 08/04/23

373 Frank Smith Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Byron E. Polanco
Seller: Adam E. Garcia
Date: 08/01/23

460 Laurel St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $505,000
Buyer: Marshall Wade
Seller: Jonathan W. Pinkston
Date: 07/28/23

144 Magnolia Circle
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $757,500
Buyer: Daniel Babai
Seller: John T. Doherty
Date: 07/24/23

121 Meadow Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Dudley Williams
Seller: Emma R. Mendoker
Date: 07/31/23

67 Shady Side Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Bobby Loguidice
Seller: Bret F. Jackson
Date: 07/28/23

44 Tanglewood Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: Crabapple Realty LLC
Seller: Blue Castle Ltd
Date: 07/28/23

274 Tanglewood Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $900,000
Buyer: Mashrafi Ahmed
Seller: Jay S. Kumar
Date: 07/31/23

181 Twin Hills Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $770,000
Buyer: Adam Lahti
Seller: Celso E. Dias
Date: 07/28/23

57 Wheel Meadow Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $824,900
Buyer: Charles Bridge
Seller: 18 South Ridge Road RT
Date: 07/31/23

84 Wheel Meadow Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $532,000
Buyer: Joshua S. Cooper
Seller: Cynthia H. Harris
Date: 08/01/23

285 Williams St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $451,000
Buyer: Manuel Ott
Seller: Erin A. O’Brien
Date: 07/27/23

LUDLOW

549 Alden St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Melitsa Figueroa
Seller: Domingo Tavarez
Date: 07/28/23

26 Aldo Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Michelle J. Brandrick
Seller: Maureen L. Beauregard
Date: 07/26/23

735 Center St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Nathan D. Pulowski
Seller: Robinson, Barbara Rose (Estate)
Date: 07/25/23

49 Circuit Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Donna M. Fountain
Seller: Vernadette Ortiz
Date: 07/28/23

224 Erin Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Joseph Carnevale
Seller: Dematos, Mary Irene (Estate)
Date: 08/03/23

5 Mineral Spring Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Stephen Nembirkow
Seller: Paula Grywalski
Date: 08/01/23

46 Pinewood Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Jason D. Wegiel
Seller: Kevin J. Leclaire
Date: 07/25/23

16 Roy St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Eileen Smith
Seller: Adam G. Vehr
Date: 07/31/23

79 Shawinigan Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Fumi Realty Inc
Seller: Justin M. Silva
Date: 07/27/23

29 Wedgewood Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Isatou Jallow
Seller: Laurence P. Leroux
Date: 07/28/23

319 Winsor St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $281,000
Buyer: Elise M. Lord
Seller: Fernando S. Cordeiro
Date: 08/03/23

MONSON

2 Country Club Lne
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Kyle A. Longtin
Seller: Jennifer Aldrich
Date: 07/28/23

25 Flynt Ave.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $298,000
Buyer: Steven Lenehan
Seller: JBK Capital Advisors LLC
Date: 07/28/23

183 Palmer Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Rick Cherico-Lozano
Seller: John D. Holdcraft
Date: 07/31/23

246 Stafford Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $339,000
Buyer: Justin J. Cooley
Seller: Frank W. Hull
Date: 07/28/23

246 Stafford Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Frank W. Hull
Seller: James E. Meurisse
Date: 07/28/23

PALMER

166 Breckenridge St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Francesca Caramante
Seller: Timothy Cienciwa
Date: 07/28/23

4002 Church St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Yvonne A. Mbi
Seller: Wiseman Xavier
Date: 07/31/23

7 Geraldine St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Tigran Tadevosyan
Seller: Robert R. Trahan
Date: 07/31/23

138 Jim Ash Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Heather M. Mellish
Seller: Wicked Deals LLC
Date: 07/25/23

2022 Maple St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $150,100
Buyer: JJB Builders Corp.
Seller: Angelica Howlett
Date: 07/25/23

1117 South Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Charles F. Teixeira
Seller: Flora B. Thomas
Date: 07/25/23

169 Thompson St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Matthew D. Hanks
Seller: Ashleigh Sturgis
Date: 07/28/23

RUSSELL

770 Blandford Road
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $211,000
Buyer: Tyler Chrystal
Seller: Vanessa Morin
Date: 07/28/23

SPRINGFIELD

11 Anthony St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Plata O. Plomo Inc.
Seller: William T. Sherman
Date: 07/28/23

109-111 Ardmore St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $353,000
Buyer: G. C. Regalado-Chavez
Seller: Eustaquio Mendoza
Date: 07/31/23

588-590 Armory St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $368,000
Buyer: Bernard Dos Santos
Seller: A-O-K RT
Date: 08/04/23

26 Beech St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $262,000
Buyer: Quitemae Butler
Seller: Luis F. Cruz
Date: 07/31/23

645 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: 645 Belmont Ave. RT
Seller: Woodside Realty LLC
Date: 08/01/23

895 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Anamaria B. Ivan
Seller: Faith E. Izevbigie
Date: 08/01/23

225 Boston Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Arelis B. Ramirez
Seller: Overseer RT
Date: 07/31/23

946 Bradley Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $257,000
Buyer: Luna M. Puchalsky
Seller: Mark T. Whelan
Date: 08/02/23

34 Brandon Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Ruth Agosto
Seller: A. Reyes Homes LLC
Date: 07/31/23

23 Calhoun St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Darcelyn Green
Seller: Angel Villar
Date: 07/24/23

36 Calvin St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Danny Antone
Seller: Salomon A. Mateo
Date: 07/28/23

723-725 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Laura Zapata
Seller: Anthony G. Trikas
Date: 08/01/23

5 County St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Jennifer M. Staples
Seller: Ernest Rental LLC
Date: 07/25/23

149 Croyden Ter.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Kayleigh A. Garcia
Seller: Joshua D. Barnett
Date: 08/01/23

20 Danaher Circle
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Donna Brown
Seller: John J. Barr
Date: 07/28/23

77 Daviston St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Equity Trust Co.
Seller: Frank Laragione
Date: 08/04/23

177 Denver St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Better Builders Construction LLC
Seller: Wesley White
Date: 08/03/23

18 Earl St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Irialelis R. Vargas
Seller: Damian A. Gawle
Date: 07/31/23

273-275 East St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Jonathan Long
Seller: Big Daddy TR
Date: 07/28/23

90 East Allen Ridge Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Ronnie Berrios
Seller: Carolyn D. Maye
Date: 08/02/23

108 Ellsworth Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Steven F. Rivera
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 07/27/23

30 Forest Park Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Jose C. Santiago
Seller: Edwin Mendez
Date: 07/31/23

257 Fort Pleasant Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Luke M. Hollwedel
Seller: Luis J. Rattia
Date: 07/24/23

89 Gatewood Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Diaz Properties LLC
Seller: Wicked Deals LLC
Date: 07/25/23

9 Glenwood St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $189,900
Buyer: Nicholas Rastello
Seller: Federal National Mortgage Assn.
Date: 07/31/23

18 Greenacre Square
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Plata O. Plomo Inc.
Seller: Aleksandr Glib
Date: 07/31/23

194 Hancock St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Christopher Pousland
Seller: Maria L. Hernandez
Date: 07/28/23

295 Harkness Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Troy C. Makinen
Date: 08/02/23

39-41 Keith St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Jaminton Palma
Seller: Lidia E. Disla
Date: 08/03/23

184 King St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $242,124
Buyer: Mint Realty LLC
Seller: Healthy Neighborhoods Group LLC
Date: 07/31/23

935 Liberty St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: B. J. Loja-Guamanrrigra
Seller: 935 Liberty Street LLC
Date: 07/25/23

111 Margerie St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Basilia I. Canela
Seller: Angelika G. Rodriguez
Date: 08/03/23

23 Mary St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Virginia O. Pearson
Seller: Richton & Wynne LLC
Date: 08/04/23

28 Meredith St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Carlos Portillo
Seller: Miguel A. Maysonet
Date: 07/28/23

16 Nelson Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Omayra Heredia
Seller: Kevin D. Tran
Date: 07/28/23

727 Newbury St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Michael Jolicoeur
Seller: John P. Barker
Date: 08/01/23

21 Nokomis St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Ebony M. Smith
Seller: Correa, Julissa I. (Estate)
Date: 08/02/23

103 Northway Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Mariluz Davila
Seller: Joseph J. Griffin
Date: 07/28/23

83 Oak St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Plata O. Plomo Inc.
Seller: Nicholas D. Duffy
Date: 08/01/23

120-122 Orange St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Keiry Marquez
Seller: Ernesto Martinez
Date: 07/26/23

21 Ozark St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Manuel F. Enamorado
Seller: Anis K. Sarrage
Date: 07/28/23

1144-1146 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $232,000
Buyer: NRES LLC
Seller: Steven E. Zeimbekakis
Date: 07/31/23

1553 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Alexus Bolanos
Seller: Juanita M. Diaz
Date: 07/28/23

29 Pasco Road
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: Ashraf M. Galal
Seller: Harry H. Derderian
Date: 07/27/23

242 Pheland St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Luke C. Levesque
Seller: Lady S. Bedoya
Date: 07/27/23

133 Pine Grove St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Mlm Holdings LLC
Seller: Nicholas Mercolino
Date: 07/26/23

1448 Plumtree Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Brandyn J. Warren
Seller: Luis D. Avila
Date: 07/28/23

164 Prouty St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Tanisha Brantley
Seller: E. N. Pumarejo-Villanueva
Date: 07/31/23

22 Roosevelt Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Mercy Doegblee
Seller: Kennedy, Ryan Patrick (Estate)
Date: 07/26/23

26 Rose Place
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: K. Sacco Realty LLC
Seller: DDM Page LLC
Date: 07/25/23

153 Savoy Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $309,000
Buyer: Jaeqhan Mcclain
Seller: Healthy Nbrhds Group LLC
Date: 07/31/23

14 Scarsdale Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Chenghua Deng
Seller: Anh G. Tran
Date: 07/26/23

103 Shady Brook Lane
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $291,500
Buyer: Julian E. Molina-Leon
Seller: Targaryen RT
Date: 08/04/23

181 Shawmut St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Luis F. Cruz
Seller: Lumturi RT
Date: 07/31/23

45 Slumber Lane
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $267,000
Buyer: Kaila Plumb
Seller: Alexander Lozada
Date: 07/28/23

171 South Branch Pkwy.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Matthew L. Creech
Seller: Jennifer McCarthy
Date: 07/31/23

280 Tiffany St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Devon M. Florek
Seller: Adam S. Korabowski
Date: 07/31/23

56 Vann St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $252,500
Buyer: John Scibelli
Seller: Barlow, Kenny (Estate)
Date: 07/25/23

83 Warrenton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $282,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Castro
Seller: Miguel A. Sosa
Date: 07/25/23

17-19 Washington St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $192,000
Buyer: Posiadlosc LLC
Seller: Steven E. Zeimbekakis
Date: 07/28/23

41 Watling St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Richard Rodriguez
Seller: Stanley R. Jurkowski
Date: 07/31/23

22 West Colonial Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Mark D. Chamberlain
Seller: Scott A. Vuori
Date: 08/04/23

84 Wheeler Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $334,000
Buyer: Hajar Akanour
Seller: Santos Delgado
Date: 07/25/23

511-513 White St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Semi Eriyo
Seller: Agape Mgmt. Group LLC
Date: 08/02/23

615 White St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $193,315
Buyer: PHH Mortgage Corp.
Seller: Roney L. Harris
Date: 07/25/23

1446 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $291,000
Buyer: William Robinson
Seller: Alice E. Ross
Date: 07/25/23

71 Willard Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $377,000
Buyer: Jazmine Bautista
Seller: Lasasha R. Lemons-Taylor
Date: 07/28/23

58 Woodland Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Garfield Brown
Seller: Karin M. Cocchi
Date: 07/31/23

85-87 Woodlawn St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Peter Daviau
Seller: Ralph J. Cocchi
Date: 07/28/23

1428-1434 Worcester St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Michelle McPherson
Seller: Lupine Properties LLC
Date: 08/03/23

SOUTHWICK

8 Coyote Glen
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $675,000
Buyer: Elizabeth A. Guthrie
Seller: Michael A. Jensen
Date: 07/28/23

198 Hillside Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $505,000
Buyer: Mark McDonald
Seller: Doreen M. Dargon
Date: 08/01/23

172 South Longyard Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Kevin Learned
Seller: Erik J. Pori
Date: 07/24/23

5-A Sawgrass Lane
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $640,000
Buyer: Jeremy Pepin
Seller: Hamelin Framing Inc.
Date: 07/31/23

TOLLAND

128 Lands End Dr.
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: 128 Lands End LLC
Seller: Moccio FT
Date: 07/28/23

WALES

39 Main St.
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Stephen Edwards
Seller: Cecile Housand
Date: 07/27/23

93 Monson Road
Wales, MA 01057
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Christine M. Randall
Seller: Wolanski, John B. (Estate)
Date: 07/28/23

WEST SPRINGFIELD

63 Bliss St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Koda Penny Realty LLC
Seller: Pamela J. Shaw
Date: 07/31/23

254 Ely Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Nicholas M. Pandolfi
Seller: Philip J. Roberts
Date: 08/01/23

63 Hampden St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $281,500
Buyer: URL Properties LLC
Seller: Alan N. Sharpe
Date: 07/26/23

74 Hanover St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $276,000
Buyer: Pavlo Kravchenko
Seller: Sergey Gladysh
Date: 07/28/23

37 Hathorne Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Nourredine C. Noureddine
Seller: John Bobrowski
Date: 07/28/23

7 Healy St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Rufai Kasim
Seller: Azusa RT
Date: 08/03/23

276 Hillcrest Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Edward Denette
Seller: Sylvia A. Hunter
Date: 07/28/23

207 Labelle St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Deborah A. Watson
Seller: P. C. & Cheryl L. Hoover TR
Date: 07/28/23

40 North Blvd.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $349,000
Buyer: Dennis J. Adams
Seller: Cory Swett
Date: 08/02/23

263 Upper Virginia Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Patrick S. Lusteg
Seller: Mark E. Steben
Date: 07/31/23

884 Westfield St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $1,700,000
Buyer: Abo Fuels LLC
Seller: Atlantis Real Estate LLC
Date: 07/28/23

WESTFIELD

204 Apple Blossom Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Timothy K. Barut
Seller: Eliana I. Terry
Date: 07/27/23

45 Cardinal Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $620,000
Buyer: Rory B. King
Seller: Muhammad H. Chaudhry
Date: 07/24/23

43 Gifford Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $610,000
Buyer: Brendan McKinney
Seller: Andrey N. Novenko
Date: 07/28/23

10 Grove Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Richard Garcia
Seller: B9 Industries Inc.
Date: 07/31/23

181 Gun Club Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $533,500
Buyer: Tang Properties LLC
Seller: Nancy R. Pezzini-Pasquini
Date: 07/28/23

183 Gun Club Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $533,500
Buyer: Tang Properties LLC
Seller: Nancy R. Pezzini-Pasquini
Date: 07/28/23

185 Gun Club Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $533,500
Buyer: Tang Properties LLC
Seller: Nancy R. Pezzini-Pasquini
Date: 07/28/23

49 Jefferson St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Steliano Properties LLC
Seller: Merciful Management LLP
Date: 08/01/23

44 King St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Keith Feist
Seller: Susan Christenbury
Date: 08/04/23

44 Llewellyn Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $451,000
Buyer: John Graziano
Seller: Laurel Martin
Date: 08/03/23

323 Lockhouse Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $14,500,000
Buyer: Epro Lockhouse Road LLC
Seller: SL 323 Lockhouse Road LLC
Date: 08/01/23

North Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $766,500
Buyer: Hometown Holdings LLC
Seller: Nancy R. Pezzini-Pasquini
Date: 07/28/23

286 Notre Dame St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $341,000
Buyer: Vitali Korets
Seller: Real Estate Investors Northeast LLC
Date: 07/31/23

3 Old Farm Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $306,000
Buyer: Brandi Begin
Seller: Birdie Properties LLC
Date: 07/28/23

29 Pleasant St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Abigail Rix
Seller: James A. Wynegar
Date: 07/24/23

17 Scenic Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $442,000
Buyer: Michael Shaunessy
Seller: Carol A. Ondrick
Date: 07/31/23

14 Sylvan Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Edward Hagelstein
Seller: Jennifer P. Smidy
Date: 07/25/23

29 Union St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: J&M Realty LLC
Seller: Joseph G. Flahive
Date: 07/27/23

66 Westfield Industrial Park
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Simwich LLC
Seller: Tomar Sales LLC
Date: 08/03/23

WILBRAHAM

3 Birch St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $319,000
Buyer: Alexander S. Monast
Seller: Stanley M. Orlowski
Date: 07/27/23

3117 Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Amanda L. Dente
Seller: Cornerstone Homebuying LLC
Date: 08/04/23

3 Brentwood Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Power
Seller: Sheryl L. Moriarty
Date: 08/01/23

4 Conifer Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Jennifer Smolnik
Seller: Colleen A. Sheldon-Ferry
Date: 07/28/23

6 Eastwood Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $640,000
Buyer: Joseph J. Griffin
Seller: Juan Gonzalez
Date: 07/28/23

19 Hunting Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Fumi Realty Inc.
Seller: Marcella Hall
Date: 07/27/23

10 Julia Way
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: Tess K. Miller
Seller: Malia A. Weber-Parker
Date: 08/04/23

14 Lake Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $292,500
Buyer: Rolando L. Bones
Seller: Joan M. Monteiro RET
Date: 08/04/23

580 Ridge Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Jonathan Paixao
Seller: Michael E. Pietras
Date: 07/27/23

771-773 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Anthony Carnevale
Seller: Elsie Lucier RT
Date: 07/25/23

7 Surrey Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Yakov Tseitlin
Seller: Riccardo Albano
Date: 07/31/23

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

35 Bayberry Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $856,700
Buyer: James E. Hasselschwert
Seller: Nicholas A. Speyer
Date: 08/02/23

76 Chestnut St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Kilerine Properties LLC
Seller: Chestnut St. Realty Partners
Date: 07/28/23

194 College St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Wild Onion Rentals LLC
Seller: East Pleasant St Partners
Date: 07/28/23

29 Colonial Court
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $565,000
Buyer: Mary F. McKenna
Seller: Kathleen H. Childress
Date: 08/01/23

27 Elf Hill Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $610,000
Buyer: James Boyce
Seller: Whitney D. Lyman
Date: 07/31/23

7 Foxglove Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $746,000
Buyer: Tamara Agarwal
Seller: William Brady
Date: 07/24/23

29 Frost Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $444,000
Buyer: Patrick C. Brock
Seller: John C. Carey
Date: 07/31/23

137 Glendale Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $510,000
Buyer: Karen L. Walker
Seller: Laurie R. Devault
Date: 08/02/23

54 Greenwich Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $386,000
Buyer: Gary P. Alicandro
Seller: Andrew Fernsten
Date: 08/02/23

538 Market Hill Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $775,000
Buyer: Alexander T. Liotta
Seller: Leslie Smith
Date: 07/24/23

90 Memorial Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $648,500
Buyer: Samuel P. Xenos
Seller: Nicholas J. Dufresne
Date: 07/28/23

1190-1192 North Pleasant St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $685,000
Buyer: Wild Onion Rentals LLC
Seller: East Pleasant St. Partners
Date: 07/28/23

112-114 North Whitney St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $535,000
Buyer: 992 East Pleasant St. LLC
Seller: Good View LLC
Date: 08/01/23

16 Poets Corner Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $760,000
Buyer: Horn G. Van
Seller: J. A. Cox
Date: 08/03/23

130 Red Gate Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: Nicholas Wechsler
Seller: Hartwell FT
Date: 08/01/23

134 Tracy Circle
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $400,500
Buyer: Jonathan D. Sipes
Seller: Alison Greene-Barton FT
Date: 07/27/23

BELCHERTOWN

65 Bardwell St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $392,500
Buyer: Hali J. Race
Seller: M. & G. Land Development LLC
Date: 07/31/23

7 Barton Ave.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $385,125
Buyer: Jason P. Robinson
Seller: Joseph P. Desroches
Date: 07/25/23

96 Gold St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $337,500
Buyer: Adam Smith
Seller: Hasbrouck Properties LLC
Date: 08/02/23

20 Green Ave.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $478,200
Buyer: Zachary D. Parker
Seller: Michael J. Bishop
Date: 07/26/23

225 Gulf Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: William L. Witten
Seller: C. Land-Kazlauskas
Date: 08/03/23

181 Mill Valley Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Hayden A. Bennis
Seller: Nicholas J. Creigle
Date: 08/03/23

326 North Washington St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Clarence G. Olson
Seller: Meredith L. Normandeau
Date: 07/31/23

6 Pine St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $530,000
Buyer: Nicholas J. Creigle
Seller: Christopher Anciello
Date: 08/04/23

112 Sheffield Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Clifford T. Meyers
Seller: Walter L. Mikulski
Date: 07/24/23

260 State St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Nathan Pacheco
Seller: Irene Mariettos
Date: 07/26/23

35 Sycamore Circle
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $604,000
Buyer: Frank Olszewski
Seller: JN Duquette & Son Construction
Date: 08/01/23

30 Terry Lane
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $520,000
Buyer: Nathan E. Kiner
Seller: Kimberly A. Desautels
Date: 07/26/23

238 West St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $505,000
Buyer: Hilary Hayes
Seller: Sandra A. Wilk
Date: 07/28/23

25 Woodhaven Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Jonathan D. Hillman
Seller: Christine R. Staritz
Date: 08/03/23

CHESTERFIELD

21 South St.
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Kailey N. Bak
Seller: Dyanne E. Palmer
Date: 08/02/23

75 Willicutt Road
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $269,000
Buyer: Christopher M. Greenwood
Seller: Beaulieu, Dorothy (Estate)
Date: 07/27/23

EASTHAMPTON

8 Culdaff St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Jess Affhauser
Seller: Todd M. Burgess
Date: 08/01/23

8 David Richardson Circle
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $237,000
Buyer: Brian E. Besko
Seller: Besko, Edward Ronald (Estate)
Date: 07/27/23

17 Laurin Lane
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $553,000
Buyer: Jeffrey S. Uzzel
Seller: Paul McMillan
Date: 07/26/23

19 Lyman Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Nineteen Lyman LLC
Seller: Baker, Robin M. (Estate)
Date: 07/24/23

30 Overlook Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Diane Dunn
Seller: Charles O’Dowd
Date: 08/04/23

177 Park St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Jennifer Gundersen
Seller: Lorraine M. Lebeau LT
Date: 07/26/23

3 Strong St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Cil Realty Of Mass. Inc.
Seller: Way Finders Inc.
Date: 08/03/23

29 Zabek Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Joseph A. Andreoli
Seller: Brendan K. Mckinney
Date: 07/28/23

GOSHEN

518 East St.
Goshen, MA 01096
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: James M. Durant
Seller: Valerie A. Durant
Date: 07/25/23

63 Main St.
Goshen, MA 01032
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: William M. Tuman
Seller: Johannah J. Hetherington
Date: 07/31/23

GRANBY

149 Harris St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Jason A. Richards
Seller: Robert M. Jurkowski
Date: 08/02/23

HADLEY

16 Grand Oak Farm Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $576,300
Buyer: Elizabeth Rotich
Seller: Ronen Shoham
Date: 08/01/23

110 North Maple St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Rgink LLC
Seller: Brown 3rd, Charles M. (Estate)
Date: 08/02/23

HATFIELD

90 Cronin Hill Road
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Leticia P. Maisey
Seller: Linda Morini
Date: 07/31/23

3 Gore Ave.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Peter R. Norton
Seller: Hillard, Stephen D. (Estate)
Date: 07/28/23

HUNTINGTON

26 Worthington Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Dean A. Stoddard
Seller: Sergiy Suprunchuk
Date: 07/24/23

MIDDLEFIELD

113 Chipman Road
Middlefield, MA 01243
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Tci Holdings LLC
Seller: Craig D. McKelvey
Date: 07/26/23

NORTHAMPTON

243 Acrebrook Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Richard Raftery
Seller: Mark R. Duffus
Date: 07/28/23

110 Bridge Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $312,500
Buyer: Jonathan N. Kelley
Seller: Alice M. Kelley
Date: 08/03/23

1206 Burts Pit Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Abigail L. Rivard
Seller: Michael V. Whitlock
Date: 08/04/23

900 Florence Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $348,900
Buyer: Jennifer Banda
Seller: Sandra L. Parent
Date: 07/28/23

35 Fox Farms Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $806,000
Buyer: John D. Hirsh
Seller: Jacob Ditkovski
Date: 08/01/23

20 Garfield Ave.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $725,000
Buyer: David M. Hallerman
Seller: Mary F. Hutchinson
Date: 07/28/23

61 Hawley St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $652,000
Buyer: Chelsea Rossier
Seller: Martin V. Espinola
Date: 08/02/23

183 Main St.
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $444,000
Buyer: Laila M. Salins
Seller: Haim Shahar LT
Date: 08/02/23

64 North St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: New England Remodeling
Seller: Michael Harrington
Date: 08/04/23

43 Rick Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Timothy Dwyer
Seller: Sara L. Ottomano
Date: 07/31/23

47 Warner St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $415,900
Buyer: Daniel S. Smith
Seller: John Galvin
Date: 08/03/23

56 Westwood Ter.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $349,000
Buyer: Christina S. Casey
Seller: J. & Susan Szawlowski FT
Date: 07/28/23

38 Woodbine Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Jessica H. Dawson
Seller: Haim Shahar LT
Date: 08/01/23

PELHAM

5 Arnold Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $585,000
Buyer: Judith A. Meskill
Seller: Daniel G. Griswold
Date: 07/27/23

SOUTH HADLEY

15 Chestnut Hill Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Lee Carroll
Seller: Salvatore J. Prince
Date: 07/25/23

8 Dove Hill
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $1,150,000
Buyer: John I. Howell
Seller: C. E. Thomson
Date: 07/28/23

23 Fairlawn St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $372,000
Buyer: Marry C. Hasselvander
Seller: Joan A. Kalus
Date: 08/04/23

61 Fairview St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Eric T. Sheehan
Seller: Kathleen M. Rogers
Date: 07/31/23

124 Ferry St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Tascon Homes LLC
Seller: Phelan, James Joseph (Estate)
Date: 08/03/23

124 Ferry St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: MF Properties LLC
Seller: Tascon Homes LLC
Date: 08/03/23

175 Lathrop St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $391,500
Buyer: Casey Berger
Seller: Bridget K. Carroll
Date: 07/25/23

30 Leahey Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $454,100
Buyer: David N. Giguere
Seller: Elyse R. Ness
Date: 07/26/23

11 Pleasant St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: 11 Pleasant Street Real Estate LLC
Seller: Lacoste Properties LLC
Date: 07/27/23

3 Priestly Farms Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $610,000
Buyer: Weston Dripps
Seller: Sara Taheri
Date: 08/01/23

37 Richview Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Kathleen Menard
Seller: Zhi Q. Tan
Date: 07/26/23

32 Saybrook Circle
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $307,500
Buyer: Kayden Osullivan
Seller: Joshua P. Lenardson
Date: 07/24/23

17 Taylor St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $278,000
Buyer: Lori Prince
Seller: Brett Remillard
Date: 07/25/23

SOUTHAMPTON

307 College Hwy.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Cornelia M. Dennehy
Seller: Ryan H. Hodder
Date: 07/25/23

3 Elm St.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Bryan F. Badecker
Seller: Konheim Properties LLC
Date: 08/04/23

WARE

6 3rd Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $264,000
Buyer: Heather A. Newman
Seller: Jacek A. Sadowicz
Date: 07/27/23

10 Eddy St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Ronald Forette
Seller: David J. Mendelsohn
Date: 08/01/23

14 Park Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $212,500
Buyer: Jasmynn Daley-Giunta
Seller: Nelson Villacis-Bohorquez
Date: 07/26/23

76 River Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $395,500
Buyer: Ryan L. Fischer
Seller: James O’Neill
Date: 07/28/23

91 Shoreline Dr.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Michael Chiaravalle
Seller: Thomas M. Nosel
Date: 08/01/23

109 West St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: CKG Properties LLC
Seller: Lovett Properties LLC
Date: 07/28/23

WILLIAMSBURG

82 South St.
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $725,000
Buyer: Mary Maloneyhuss
Seller: Patricia A. Billingsley
Date: 08/04/23

29 Village Hill Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Mary C. Paige
Seller: Philip C. Merritt
Date: 08/02/23

60 Old Goshen Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $675,000
Buyer: Brian Cook
Seller: Edith N. Milbury
Date: 07/31/23

WESTHAMPTON

356 Northwest Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Simone Prystowski
Seller: Gary Wickland
Date: 08/04/23

Building Permits

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2023

Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the month of August 2023.

CHICOPEE

Rodrigo Araujo
348-354 Montcalm St.
$13,500 — Construct deck, stairs, and railing

Basser Kaufman Mass 310 LLC
678 Memorial Dr.
$372,000 — Roofing at Stop & Shop

Paul Bebo
244 Montgomery St.
$16,800 — Roofing; repair stairs, handrail, and gutters

MA Home Buyers LLC
618 McKinstry Ave.
$14,285 — Roofing

Montcalm Associates LP
419 Montcalm St.
$125,000 — Roofing

Victor Rivera
141 Skeele St.
$37,640 — Roofing

HADLEY

Amir Mikhchi
216 Russell St.
N/A — Plumbing repair

LEE

David Delgrande, Anne Delgrande
135 Housatonic St.
$1,300 — Vinyl windows

LENOX

Spigalina LLC
80 Main St.
$1,100 — Roofing

NORTHAMPTON

25 Williams LLC
25 Williams St.
$13,300 — Insulation and weatherization

City of Northampton
274 Main St.
$9,258 — New auditorium dome work platform and hoist framing at Academy of Music

Lake Rentals LLC
312 King St.
$99,000 — Interior renovations

Lathrop Community Inc.
680 Bridge Road
$35,000 — Meeting house roofing

Messer Investments Inc.
306 King St.
$6,120 — Illuminated ground sign for Northampton Athletic Club

Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity
781 Burts Pit Road
$25,600 — Install roof-mounted solar system

Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity
789 Burts Pit Road
$24,000 — Install roof-mounted solar system

Smith College
College Lane
$23,000 — Open floor for electrical work, install plywood subfloor to close floor back up, construct new wall with door

Smith College
112 Elm St.
$6,000 — Repairs to porch at Hopkins House

St. John’s Episcopal Church, T-Mobile
48 Elm St.
$7,240 — Replace copper flashing

PITTSFIELD

Blue Chair Properties LLC
101 Dan Fox Dr.
$25,000 — Dish to install microwave dish, OVP, and associated cables on existing wireless facility

Clock Tower Partners LLC
75 South Church St.
$190,500 — Roofing

Pittsfield Management Systems Inc.
1000 North St.
$30,000 — Remove and replace existing rooftop heating and cooling unit

Patrick Ricchi
169 First St.
$17,300 — Roofing

Scarafoni Associates Nominee Trust
5 North St.
$420,000 — Roofing

Scarafoni Associates Nominee Trust
76 North St.
$2,561 — Add non-load-bearing wall

SPRINGFIELD

City of Springfield
90 Berkshire St.
$142,618 — At Springfield Public Day High School, hallway ceiling removal and replacement, roofing, structural support frame, existing louver infill, classroom wall repair, concrete pads, new chimney access door, new electrical room door

City of Springfield
55 Catharine St.
$127,000 — Miscellaneous repairs coinciding with mechanical upgrades at Rebecca M. Johnson School

City of Springfield
65 Sumner Ave.
$2,362,090 — Alter interior space for use as pre-kindergarten school

The Community Music School of Springfield Inc.
127 State St.
$208,100 — Roofing

Lingo Associates LLC
20 Carando Dr.
$269,000 — Roofing

Wytas Properties LLC
8 Florence St.
$80,000 — Alter mixed-use property (commercial and one-family) to a three-family residential structure; install second egress on third floor and install doors and windows

Greater Northampton Chamber Announces 2023 Eva Trager Memorial Honorees

By BusinessWest Staff August 29, 2023

Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — The Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce announced the 2023 honorees for the Eva Trager Memorial. First introduced in 2012, the memorial posthumously recognizes individuals who made a significant impact on the vitality of downtown Northampton during their lifetimes.

In memory of their distinguished commitment and dedication to downtown Northampton, the chamber is honoring the life and legacy of four honorees this year: Marcia Burick, assistant Mayor Dave Musante, 1980-86; Henry DeTurck of Cahill & Hodges; James LaSalle of LaSalle Florists; and Don Miller of Northampton Rental Center.

Hailed as the ‘queen of Main Street,’ Trager distinguished herself as a successful businesswoman and champion for downtown Northampton for nearly 40 years. Named in her honor, the memorial celebrates the lives and achievements of those who demonstrated a personal commitment and relentless dedication to the vibrancy and vitality of downtown Northampton and the community.

“The Eva Trager Memorial represents the visionaries, ambassadors, and movers and shakers who lived a life of passion and service in a way that leaves us all inspired, not just by their success, but also by their significance in serving as a model of excellence for great stewardship of our city,” said Vince Jackson, executive director of the chamber. “They set a standard for innovation and creativity, and downtown Northampton continues to thrive because of the inroads and investments that these honorees made in our community.”

The Eva Trager Memorial ceremony will take place on Friday, Sept. 8 at 4 p.m. in front of the Owl memorial statue at 157 Main St. in downtown Northampton. The public is invited to this ceremony in memory of this year’s honorees.

Volunteers serving on the 2023 Eva Trager Memorial committee include Jackson, Jack Brown, Joe Blumenthal, Judith Fine, Mark Goggins, and Maya MacLachlan. Additional information about the memorial is available at evatragermemorial.com.

Stephen Holstrom, Lauren Ostberg Named 2024 Ones to Watch by Best Lawyers

By BusinessWest Staff August 29, 2023

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Bulkley Richardson announced that both Stephen Holstrom and Lauren Ostberg have been included in the 2024 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America.

Holstrom, counsel at Bulkley Richardson, was recognized for his work in both professional malpractice law and education law. Ostberg, an associate in the Litigation department and co-chair of the Cybersecurity practice, was recognized in the area of commercial litigation.

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America recognizes lawyers relatively early in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the U.S.

Community Music School of Springfield Receives $10,000 Grant From New York Life

By BusinessWest Staff August 29, 2023

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Community Music School of Springfield (CMSS), which provides accessible, affordable music education, has been awarded a $10,000 Community Impact Grant from New York Life. The grant will support the Adaptive Music Program (AMP), which connects music education and special education to improve students’ lives, impacting their social/emotional, academic, and artistic development.

“We are grateful for New York Life’s investment in AMP, which will change many lives for the better,” said Jean Deliso, CFP, an agent with New York Life’s Connecticut Valley General Office and CMSS board member. “We are pleased that our partnership will have a long-lasting impact on CMSS and the population they serve.”

The Community Impact Grant program awards grants of up to $25,000 to local nonprofit organizations, which are championed by New York Life agents and employees. Since the program’s inception in 2008, nearly 800 grants totaling more than $10 million have been awarded to nonprofits across the country.

“With this generous support from New York Life, this year, AMP will be able to work with over 800 students at more than 15 Springfield public schools, providing critical skill building, including receptive and expressive language, motor skills, and building social relationships, helping these vulnerable children build their foundation for future success in all types of academic and personal areas,” said Eileen McCaffery, executive director of CMSS.

Maybury Material Handling, Community Action Pioneer Valley Win HNE Well Worth It Award

By BusinessWest Staff August 29, 2023

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Health New England has awarded Maybury Material Handling of East Longmeadow and Community Action Pioneer Valley of Greenfield its Well Worth It Award, Gold designation, for outstanding employee-wellness programs.

Maybury Material Handling provides industrial products and services to manufacturing, distribution, and warehousing customers. Community Action Pioneer Valley is a not-for-profit that helps those with low incomes achieve economic stability and security, and works to build communities in which all people can thrive.

Both employers demonstrated their responsibility to the health and well-being of their employees by encouraging them to use Health New England’s suite of health and wellness services. These include its Healthy Choices Rewards Program that offers monetary rewards for healthy activities, such as joining a gym, nutrition counseling, smoking cessation, and more.

“Creating a culture in which employees are encouraged and empowered to use their wellness programs can be critical to improving their health, and thus the health of the business,” said Richard Swift, president and CEO of Health New England. “Maybury Material Handling and Community Action Pioneer Valley are among the best at recognizing this and taking steps to help their employees reach their best overall health. We are pleased to recognize their dedication with this Well Worth It Award Gold designation.”

Will Maybury, chief financial officer of Maybury Material Handling, added that “we are so proud to receive this award from Health New England. It is a testament to our commitment to helping our employees reach their best possible health, both mentally and physically. A healthy team is critical to offering our customers best-in-class service.”

Jess Thompson, associate director of Community Engagement at Community Action Pioneer Valley, noted that “the health of our employee team is tantamount to our ability to help others. We see the impact every day of health challenges on our communities. It is important to us to do everything we can to help our employees be as healthy as possible, and Health New England’s programs help us do that. We are honored to be recognized for this work.”

Health New England also awarded Well Worth It Awards in the Silver designation to Scantic Valley Regional Health Trust and PeoplesBank, and in the Bronze designation to Springfield Area Transit Co. Inc./Pioneer Valley Transit Authority.

Well Worth It Award winners will be honored at a luncheon on Oct. 5 at the Sheraton Springfield.

The Stubblebine Co., JLL Announce Sale of Westfield Property to ERD Metal Inc.

By BusinessWest Staff August 28, 2023

Daily News

WESTFIELD — The Stubblebine Co./CORFAC International and JLL announced the sale of 323 Lockhouse Road, Westfield to ERD Metal Inc. for $14.5 million. The property consists of a 229,867-square-foot industrial building on 26.09 acres. Situated two miles from I-90 and seven miles from I-91, the property is located adjacent to Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport.

“The Stubblebine Company team is pleased that ERD Metal Inc. has chosen Westfield as the home base for its new manufacturing facility,” said David Berman, advisor at the Stubblebine Company. “This location is highly strategic and offers access to a very strong Western Massachusetts labor market. It was a pleasure working with the ERD team, and we look forward to their continued success.”

Erdoganlar Aluminum (ERD Metal Inc.) was established in 1987 in Istanbul, Turkey as a family-owned aluminum-extrusion company. Its vision is to fulfill the needs of its partners by offering a wide range of products and services, including custom fabrications, plastic injection, aluminum casting, custom aluminum extrusions, custom packaging, and more.

Established in 1987, the Stubblebine Co./COFAC International specializes in selling and leasing large industrial investment properties and adaptive reuse sites throughout New England.

Florence Bank Presents 2023 President’s Award to Three Employees

By BusinessWest Staff August 28, 2023

Daily News

FLORENCE — Florence Bank recently presented its 2023 President’s Award to three staff members for exceptional service.

Established in 1995, the President’s Award recognizes outstanding performance, customer service, and overall contribution to Florence Bank. Awardees are nominated by their colleagues at the bank.

This year’s award recognizes Calli Paulin, a teller at the bank since 2021; Aaron Bonneau, an IT administrator who has worked at the bank since 2019; and David Lipson, a marketing research analyst who came on board in 2018.

Paulin attended Bay Path University in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. Bonneau holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from UMass Amherst. Lipson holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business management from Western New England University.

“These employees embody the qualities we value at Florence Bank, hard work, determination, patience, enthusiasm, and compassion among them,” said Matt Garrity, president and CEO of Florence Bank. “They have built enduring relationships with colleagues and customers alike, giving their peers good reasons to nominate them.”

Monson Savings Bank Supports Springfield Business Improvement District

By BusinessWest Staff August 28, 2023

Daily News

MONSON — Dan Moriarty, Monson Savings Bank president and CEO, recently met with Samantha Savoie, Marketing & Creative Services project manager at the Springfield Business Improvement District (SBID), and Michelle Grout, SBID executive director, to present them with a $4,000 contribution in support of SBID’s mission.

“Monson Savings is grateful to be a part of the Springfield community,” Moriarty said. “We are so filled with gratitude to be a part of this amazing community. Likewise, we are grateful for this opportunity to support the community through the Springfield BID.”

Since 1998, the Springfield Business Improvement District has aimed to be a driving force of economic, cultural, and social development in downtown Springfield. Its mission is to facilitate growth within the downtown community and utilize resources efficiently. SBID aims to achieve city revitalization through increased marketing and visibility, partnerships with cultural organizations, keeping the streets safe and clean, improving and renewing infrastructure, and focusing on developing local business. Through these outlets, it aims to assist in building a city that attracts a wide audience to live, work, and play.

“We are excited about our new relationship with Monson Savings Bank,” Grout said. “Their contribution supports Springfield’s annual Restaurant Week in June. This event encourages people to gather and enjoy the diversity of cuisines the city offers and supports our local economy. We are grateful to Monson Savings Bank for supporting our community programming.”

Women of Impact Nominations Due on Sept. 5

By BusinessWest Staff August 28, 2023

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest, the business journal of Western Massachusetts, is now accepting nominations for the sixth annual Women of Impact awards.

In 2018, BusinessWest created the Women of Impact program as a way to honor women in the region who are making an impact and creating positive change.

Women of Impact was chosen as the name for the program because, while nominees can hail from the world of business, they can also emerge from other realms, such as the nonprofit community, public service, law enforcement, education, social work, the mentorship community, a combination of these — in short, we’re recognizing inspirational women on any level.

Nominations for the class of 2023 are due by Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 5 p.m., and the honorees will be announced in the Oct. 16 issue of BusinessWest.

Nominations should be written with one basic underlying mission: to explain why the individual in question is, indeed, a woman of impact. Visit businesswest.com/women-of-impact-nominations for addional information and a nomination form.

For more information, call Melissa Hallock, Marketing and Events director, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or email [email protected].

BusinessTalk with Chris Kelley, MGM Springfield’s president and COO

By BusinessWest Staff August 28, 2023

Business Talk Podcast Special Coverage

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 176: August 28, 2023

BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar sits down with Chris Kelley, MGM Springfield’s president and COO

Many people vividly remember their excitement when MGM Springfield opened its doors five years ago — as well as the early returns, which didn’t meet the lofty expectations casino proponents had laid out, followed by the pandemic shutdown and, later, a halting return to activity. What people might not realize is that the casino’s last three quarters have been its best, while legal sports betting and an impressive recent slate of music and comedy shows bode well for an even stronger future. On the next installment of BusinessTalk, BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar sits down with Chris Kelley, MGM Springfield’s president and COO, about rising expectations, how to continually improve the customer experience, the challenge of maintaining a large workforce, and much more. It’s must listening, so tune in to BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest and sponsored by PeoplesBank.

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Massachusetts Launches Free Community College for Residents 25 and Older

By BusinessWest Staff August 25, 2023

Daily News

WELLESLEY — Gov. Maura Healey, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Senate President Karen Spilka, Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler, Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega, and community-college presidents gathered Thursday at MassBay Community College’s Wellesley campus to launch MassReconnect, a new program establishing free community college for Massachusetts residents age 25 and older.

“MassReconnect will be transformative for thousands of students, for our amazing community colleges, and for our economy,” Healey said. “It will bolster the role of community colleges as economic drivers in our state and help us better meet the needs of businesses to find qualified, well-trained workers. We can also make progress in breaking cycles of intergenerational poverty by helping residents complete their higher-education credentials so they can attain good jobs and build a career path. Our administration is grateful for the partnership of the Legislature to move forward on this critical program that will make our state more affordable, competitive, and equitable.”

The state is investing $20 million in MassReconnect for the first year of implementation. The funding covers the full cost of tuition and fees and includes an allowance for books and supplies for qualifying students. Additionally, each community college will receive $100,000 to support student and community program awareness, staffing, and program administration.

“This is an exciting moment for HCC and all Massachusetts community colleges,” Holyoke Community College President George Timmons said. “Our college’s Financial Aid and Student Affairs teams have been working diligently to prepare for MassReconnect and to guide students through the process of enrolling at HCC. MassReconnect will enable our community colleges to do more of what we do best, which is serve students from all ages and all backgrounds and provide them with an exceptional education that leads to employment and, ultimately, a stronger economy and thriving region.”

MassReconnect starts immediately, and there is still time for students to enroll for the fall 2023 semester. Qualifying students must be enrolled in at least six credits per semester in an approved program of study leading to an associate degree or certificate at one of the Commonwealth’s 15 community colleges and complete the 2023-24 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. There is no deadline to sign up.

“MassReconnect will be a game changer for residents 25 and over in the Pioneer Valley and throughout the Commonwealth,” Greenfield Community College President Michelle Schutt said. “GCC is eager to help prospective MassReconnect students meet their academic and long-term career goals.”

American International College Introduces Division of Arts, Media, and Design

By BusinessWest Staff August 25, 2023

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) has made a significant advance toward meeting the evolving demands of the workforce with the introduction of a new Division of Arts, Media, and Design within the School of Business, Arts, and Sciences. This division encompasses redesigned undergraduate programming in the bachelor of arts and bachelor of science curricula, launching with the upcoming fall 2023 semester.

Frank Borrelli, assistant dean of Student Support and Experiential Learning, and chair of the division, expressed that this initiative was inspired by AIC’s 2022 strategic plan, “AIC Reimagined,” which includes a goal to enhance the college’s academic landscape.

“The academic offerings within the Division of Arts, Media, and Design are designed to provide students with hands-on learning experiences, facilitating the cultivation of skill sets aligned with the requisites of the job market,” he said. “Our newly introduced majors encompass not only professional internships but also classroom settings that foster effective communication, innovative creation, and productive collaboration.”

This new division will introduce four undergraduate majors, each crafted to provide students with a comprehensive foundation. The offerings include public relations & social media administration, digital media production, arts and entertainment management, and graphic arts and design.

Moreover, AIC unveiled six new undergraduate minors that complement these majors. The minors include public relations and social media administration, digital media production, arts & entertainment management, graphic arts and design, fashion design and merchandising, and music technology & production.

Clinical & Support Options Announces Several Appointments, Promotions

By BusinessWest Staff August 25, 2023

Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — Karin Jeffers, president and CEO of nonprofit community behavioral-health agency Clinical & Support Options (CSO), has been re-elected to a three-year regional director term on the board of directors of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.

Meanwhile, Jeffers announced several appointments to CSO’s own board and leadership team:

• Anderson Gomes, owner of Anderson Cleaning, and Jess Miller, local standup comic and community philanthropist, have both joined the nonprofit’s board.

• Frank Mertes has assumed the chief financial officer role following the retirement of CSO’s prior CFO. Previously, Mertes served as CFO of Hilltown Community Health Centers.

• Cheryl Pascucci has been appointed the agency’s first vice president of Medical Integration and chief Nursing officer. Pascucci last served as program director of Population Health & Integration at Baystate Franklin Medical Center.

• Heather-Lee Marsh has taken on the role of vice president of Acute and Day Programs. Previously, she served as director of Substance Use Services with the Center for Human Development.

• Jessica Charette-Fallon has been promoted to associate vice president of Organizational Excellence. She previously served the agency as director of Business Systems and Integration.

• In addition, Associate Vice Presidents Joanne Bird (Administrative Operations) and Geoffrey Oldmixon (Marketing & Development) have both been promoted to vice president level within their continued purviews.

Country Bank, Worcester Red Sox Foundation Announce 2023 WooStars

By BusinessWest Staff August 25, 2023

Daily News

WARE — Country Bank and the Worcester Red Sox Foundation recently announced the 2023 WooStars, a program that supports nonprofit leaders throughout the region.

Country Bank recently recognized nine local WooStars and the nonprofits they are affiliated with at Polar Park, including Mari Gonzalez of El Buen Samaritano Food Program Inc., Jenna Rahkonen of HomeFront Strong, Brian Feeley of Miracle League of Western Massachusetts, Todd Stewart of Camp Putnam, Sharon MacDonald of Guild of St. Agnes of Worcester Inc., Anna Rice of Dismas House, Gina and John Connolly of Lou Gehrig Little League, and Joseph Kenadek of Jack Barry Little League. Each nonprofit was presented with a $5,000 donation.

“Country Bank and the Worcester Red Sox Foundation are passionate about supporting the communities we serve. The WooStars is a partnership program between our two organizations,” said Shelley Regin, senior vice president of Marketing and Public Relations at Country Bank. “It is so meaningful to us as our community members nominate the WooStars and support the nonprofits they serve. In its third year, we have awarded 27 WooStars with $135,000 in donations. These community leaders are genuinely making a difference, and we are honored to support them.”

Charles Steinberg, president of the Worcester Red Sox and the WooSox Foundation, added that “Country Bank has been an ideal community partner. Our WooStars partnership sheds the light on some wonderful organizations — and that’s in addition to our collaboration on our Police vs. Fire Baseball Classic and our MVT program that supports our most valuable teachers. We thank our friends at Country Bank, and we salute our 2023 WooStars.”

Jean Deliso Named to Forbes’ Top Financial Security Professionals Best-in-State List

By BusinessWest Staff August 24, 2023

Daily News

AGAWAM — Jean Deliso, CFP, from the Connecticut Valley General Office of New York Life, has been listed on the 2023 Forbes Top Financial Security Professionals Best-in-State list. The individuals named to this list of distinguished professionals were chosen based on many criteria considered by an independent research firm.

A New York Life agent for 28 years, Deliso received this recognition for helping her clients in a world in which wealth preservation and protection matter more than ever.

“We are honored that Jean appears on this prestigious list,” said Eli Burrows, managing partner of the Connecticut Valley General Office. “New York Life has known for quite some time what a valuable asset Jean has been to our family and to many families and businesses in our community.”

Deliso is president and owner of Deliso Financial and Insurance Services, a firm focusing on comprehensive financial strategies that help position clients for a solid financial future. She has been working in the financial field for more than 30 years, her first seven in public accounting and the balance working in the financial-services industry.

She has developed an expertise in helping business owners and individuals protect and secure their own and their family’s future. Her extensive experience has led to a focus in certain fields, such as cash and risk management, retirement, and estate planning. She is committed to helping educate individuals regarding their finances and frequently conducts workshops advocating financial empowerment.

Deliso is a Nautilus Group member agent, an advanced-planning resource for estate-conservation and business-continuation strategies. Her access to this exclusive resource enables her clients to benefit from the group’s collective experience and solutions as they apply to the protection, accumulation, and distribution of wealth to individuals, families, and business owners throughout the country.

A graduate of Bentley College, she has also been a member of New York Life Chairman’s Council since 2012 and a qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table since 1999. Members of the elite Chairman’s Council rank in the top 3% of New York Life’s sales force of more than 12,000 licensed agents in sales achievement.

Active in her community, Deliso currently serves on and is immediate past chairman of the board of the Baystate Health Foundation. She also serves on and is past chairman of the board of the Community Music School of Springfield, and is also a past board member of Pioneer Valley Refrigerated Warehouse.

27th Annual Source to Sea Cleanup Invites Community Action for Clean Water

By BusinessWest Staff August 24, 2023

Daily News

GREENFIELD — What began as a group of volunteers organizing to remove trash from local rivers more than two decades ago has become a hugely popular annual event that brings communities together in support of clean water and healthy habitats throughout the Connecticut River watershed in New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

Connecticut River Conservancy’s (CRC) 27th annual Source to Sea Cleanup is back on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 22-23, with opportunities for individual groups to set their own specific cleanup days around this time. The objective is clear: safely collect as much trash as possible to reduce the impact of pollution across all four states of the 410-mile Connecticut River basin, including the tributaries that feed the main river in those four states.

Volunteers are organized into groups, with group leaders coordinating details at different trash sites. Trash tallies are also gathered after each cleanup, contributing to CRC’s long-standing database, which is used to inform the nonprofit’s work in advocacy to reduce future pollution, support river restoration, and inform the public and policymakers of issues affecting the environment.

In last year’s cleanup, more than 1,300 volunteers reported hauling 37 tons of trash from riverbanks and waterways across the four watershed states. Volunteers removed everything from recyclable bottles and cans to fishing equipment, food packaging, tires, televisions, and refrigerators. More than 12,000 beverage containers were tallied in 2022 alone.

Registration is now open for both group leaders and volunteers to participate. Businesses and community groups are also encouraged to register, and entities able to support cleanup efforts through in-kind or monetary donations are appreciated. Click here to sign up as a volunteer or group leader.

For any questions about getting involved, email Stacey Lennard at [email protected].

Cruise for Critters Drives Back to Westview Farms Creamery on Sept. 23

By BusinessWest Staff August 24, 2023

Daily News

MONSON — The engines are revving, and the countdown has begun for the much-anticipated Cruise for Critters to Westview Farms Creamery on Saturday, Sept. 23. Now in its 11th year, this car show, sponsored by Service Connection of Monson, is set to once again make a meaningful impact on the lives of pets in need at Second Chance Animal Services.

Service Connection owner Al Widlan has championed this event for more than a decade, rallying car enthusiasts and compassionate hearts alike to come together for a worthy cause. Widlan enthusiastically invites car aficionados to join in the festivities and revel in a day of fun.

This year’s Cruise for Critters promises an array of fall-themed activities for attendees of all ages. A vendor fair will offer a treasure trove of unique finds and is expected to be the largest Cruise for Critters vendor fair to date. The much-loved Halloween Barktacular kids’ games will be back thanks to Second Chance volunteers who are gearing up to provide an unforgettable experience for children and families alike.

Lindsay Doray, chief Development officer at Second Chance Animal Services, extends her heartfelt gratitude to Service Connection and Westview Farms Creamery for their unwavering commitment to the welfare of pets. As economic challenges and uncertainties persist, many pet owners find themselves facing difficult decisions. The choice between parting ways with a cherished pet and struggling to provide proper care is a heavy burden to bear. Doray emphasizes that the funds raised through this event directly contribute to Second Chance’s vital programs that make a tangible difference within the local pet-loving community.

The festivities are set to kick off at 10 a.m. and continue until 3 p.m., encompassing food and ice cream along with an assortment of fall-inspired attractions for which Westview Farms Creamery is known, from pumpkin picking to navigating through a corn maze. Live music by Spare Parts will provide a soundtrack to the day, while raffle prizes beckon attendees to try their luck.

Organizers extend an invitation to local businesses and vendors, calling upon them to unite in support of pets in need. Information on sponsorship opportunities and becoming a vendor can be found at secondchanceanimals.org/events/cruise.

The event will welcome spectators free of charge. Car enthusiasts are encouraged to take part in the show by contributing a $20 entry fee per vehicle, with every dollar earmarked for the betterment of pets’ lives. A rain date has been set for Saturday, Sept. 30.

bankESB to Host Two Free Shred Days This Fall

By BusinessWest Staff August 24, 2023

Daily News

EASTHAMPTON — bankESB invites customers and members of the community to two free Shred Days at local offices. Events will be held from 9 to 11:00 a.m. (on until the truck is full) on Saturday, Sept. 23 at the 241 Northampton St., Easthampton office; and Saturday, Oct. 14 at the 40 State St., Belchertown office. 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 having them shredded 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.

Coming to a Head

Perfecting His Craft

Draught Choice

Critical Conversations

Help Is on the Way

Support System

Complex Decisions

Case in Point

Before the Fall

Finding Her Footing

Next Steps

Community Spotlight

West Springfield at a glance

On a Good Run

Fair Game

Editorial

Opinion

Patriot Awards

Fore a Good Cause

Building a Reputation

Women of Impact Nominations

Shred Day

Estate-planning Courses

Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament

Jack Rome Memorial 5K

Dragon Boat Festival

Healthcare Heroes

Whittlesey Named a Top 200 Accounting Firm for 2023

UMass Amherst Again Top-ranked for Campus Food

Berkshire Black Economic Council Issues Vibe North Street Grants

AIC Receives Grant to Support Mental-health Initiative for Youth

Episode 176: August 28, 2023

BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar sits down with Chris Kelley, MGM Springfield’s president and COO

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