Greenfield Provides Update, Seeks Input on Main Street Redesign

By
Daily News

GREENFIELD — Members of the Greenfield community are invited to learn more about and share their input on redesign plans for Main Street on Thursday, Feb. 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the John Zon Community Center (snow date Feb. 21, same time).

The city is hosting its first of two community workshops on the curb-to-curb configuration of Main Street, including upgrades to pedestrian, bicycle, and transit accommodations, as it works with Fuss & O’Neill to develop design plans for a complete street rehabilitation. This effort follows Greenfield’s Complete Streets Prioritization Plan adopted in 2017 and its 2014 Master Plan: Sustainable Greenfield.

The workshop will also address how the redesign will promote safety at state-identified pedestrian and bicycle-crash clusters, upgrade infrastructure, and improve the intersection of Main and High streets for the safety of all travel modes.

The focus of this first meeting is to gather input from the public before design concepts are developed. A second community workshop will be scheduled in June to present design-concept plans and gather feedback before completing the 25% design for MasssDOT review.

“If you have ideas about the configuration of parking, crosswalks, or bicycle lanes on Main Street, now is the time to weigh in, so that feedback can be included in the design process,” Mayor Roxann Wedegartner said. “Though we’re working toward the 25% design, the time to voice your ideas is now because many key decisions are made in this stage before MassDOT begins its review.”

Wedegartner has appropriated $288,900 in capital funds for engineering and design of the project, which begins 100 feet to the east of Colrain Street and ends at High Street. Construction cost is projected at $7.78 million, funded by the state and federal governments. The project is on track to be included in MassDOT’s Transportation Improvement Program, and construction is slated to begin as early as fall 2026.

Top Entrepreneurs 2022

By
Bruce McAmis, left, and Benson Hyde, co-owners of Provisions
Cover Story Top Entrepreneur

Benson Hyde and Bruce McAmis Make Provisions a Regional Success Story

Bruce McAmis, left, and Benson Hyde, co-owners of Provisions

Bruce McAmis, left, and Benson Hyde, co-owners of Provisions

 

Grape Expectations

Benson Hyde was a financial advisor who wasn’t enthralled with the firm he was working for or the direction his career was headed in.

Bruce McAmis was a lawyer who would have preferred to be doing … well, just about anything else.

That was years ago. In the intervening time, let’s just say their paths crossed (we’ll fill in the details later), and they are now co-authoring one of the more intriguing entrepreneurship stories unfolding in the region.

It’s called Provisions, a wine, cheese, and much-more store that now has three locations: in Northampton, where it all started, in Amherst, where the plot thickened, and, most recently, Longmeadow, where it thickened even more, with the opening of a location in the Longmeadow Shops just before the holidays. They would have preferred to open sooner, but … well, that’s part of the story.

Indeed, expansion has come quickly — more quickly than they anticipated when they first drafted a business plan that has been revised several times already — because opportunities have presented themselves. Seizing them hasn’t been easy, but they’re managing to take a promising concept and run with it, even in the middle of a pandemic, as we’ll see.

The concept? Hyde described it in a number of ways, but maybe this one works best: “people like to talk about fine wine; we like to say we’re all about fun wine.”

By that, he and McAmis meant wine that comes with stories, products produced in ways that resonate with a younger audience that is embracing wine perhaps more than generations before them.

“Our focus is on smaller producers with a story,” Hyde said, “and being able to provide service on a personal level — when someone walks in the store and wants a recommendation, or wants to hear about where a wine came from, or wants a pairing suggestion and an idea for what would make a great gift.”

“People like to talk about fine wine; we like to say we’re all about fun wine.”

Of course, this story is about more than wine. It’s also about cheese — or cheeses, to be more precise. It’s also about spirits of all kinds now. It’s also about making connections with customers and the community, and educating people about wine, not just selling it by the bottle or case.

And, of course, it’s about entrepreneurship and two people settling into that role after working for others and not really enjoying it, and desiring something else.

McAmis and Hyde look the part, and they also sound the part, using words and phrases that anyone who has gone into business for themselves — especially over the past several years — would use.

“It’s been quite a ride … high highs and low lows; it’s been an incredible learning experience,” said Hyde as he talked about everything from accelerated expansion to coping with a pandemic that forced them to find new ways of doing business and had both of them venturing out to make deliveries themselves.

McAmis echoed those thoughts as he talked about their venture. He actually uttered the words “it’s been fun,” and then retracted the statement. Well, sort of. He said it’s occasionally been fun, but mostly it’s been a stern challenge, one that has tested them in all kinds of ways.

The Provisions owners aim to satisfy an evolving market

The Provisions owners aim to satisfy an evolving market when it comes to how people buy wine, and who is buying it.

“I love it … I rarely, if ever, take a whole day off, but that’s part of being an entrepreneur, I guess,” he said. “It’s been intense, but rewarding on many levels.”

For their work to make Provisions a regional story, one with many chapters still to be written, Hyde and McAmis have been named BusinessWest’s Top Entrepreneurs for 2022. They continue a tradition of entrepreneurship in this region that goes back more than 300 years, and they join a distinguished list of previous winners of this award.

That list includes a college president, a hospital administrator, a public utility, the founders of several tech startups, many family-owned ventures, and several individuals and partnerships like the one forged by McAmis and Hyde.

For this issue, BusinessWest tells their story and, in the process of doing so, explains why they are more than worthy of this coveted honor.

 

Vintage Undertaking

They call it the ‘Provisions Dungeon.’

That’s the name affixed to the basement of the Northampton location, on Crafts Avenue.

And the name fits. It’s a large, cavernous space with several rooms of various sizes, all of them now crammed with wine and other products sold upstairs. The main area off the stairs was once a classroom where experts on wine passed on their knowledge to diverse audiences eager to learn more about this far-reaching, truly global subject. Now, that space has been given over to racks holding a wide array of spirits, with the classes held at the Amherst location.

“One of the important traits we’ve shown over the years is being responsive to what we’re facing. Whether it’s having to reshape everything because of the pandemic or with growth, it’s a matter of staying aware and staying flexible, and leaning into opportunities.”

Because the main floor is somewhat cramped, with little if any room for inventory, employees are constantly going back and forth to the basement, McAmis noted.

“We almost need to have extra staff on hand because everything that needs to be restocked is in the basement, and that means a lot of carrying cases of wine up the stairs,” he said, adding that the dungeon, where we talked with the two partners, is just one of the more colorful aspects of this evolving business.

Our story starts roughly 12 years ago, said Hyde, at one of the many dinners he enjoyed with his cousin, Alex Feinstein, founder of GoBerry, the recently closed frozen-yogurt store in downtown Northampton, and his wife.

Bruce McAmis, Benson Hyde, and Hyde’s wife, Toni DeLuca

From left, Bruce McAmis, Benson Hyde, and Hyde’s wife, Toni DeLuca, also the company’s wine and spirits buyer.

“He and I had become very close in the Boston area … he and his wife would cook me dinner, and I would bring the wine,” Hyde recalled. “When they got to Northampton, he called me up and said, ‘they could use a good wine shop downtown.’

“I was working in financial services for a company that I wasn’t thrilled to keep working for, so it was pretty easy to twist my arm and talk me into moving out here,” he went on. “I was inspired by his foray into small business.”

In collaboration with the Feinsteins and two other partners, Gordon Alexander and Nancy Baker, he opened Provisions on Crafts Avenue in November 2011. One of the first wine vendors he worked with was McAmis, who, as noted earlier, had a law degree but decided he didn’t want to make that his career. Instead, he ventured into the liquor-wholesaling business with a venture called Yankee Distribution.

After three years in business, Feinstein and Hyde were the remaining partners in the venture, and in late 2019, McAmis bought out Feinstein and became Hyde’s partner in Provisions.

“I thought that we could really grow the business and take some next steps,” said McAmis, adding that he became intrigued by the possibilities — and by Hyde’s determination to take the venture to the next level and scale up.

Those plans started to materialize quickly, but first — actually, at the same time — the business had to contend with the pandemic, which hit Northampton and its downtown, dominated by restaurants and clubs, extremely hard.

“We stayed open the whole time, but we weren’t open to the public, obviously,” McAmis recalled, adding that, like other ventures of this kind, Provisions relied on pickup and delivery, which constituted new, and expensive, ways of doing business that had to be learned and mastered.

“Main Street was a ghost town,” he said, noting that he was making many deliveries himself, and could see that Provisions, State Street Liquors, and a CVS were essentially the only businesses with lights on in that historically vibrant area.

The new Longmeadow location

The new Longmeadow location came about rather unexpectedly and before the partners were really ready, but they jumped on the opportunity.

Overall, the pandemic was a learning experience and test of the partners’ mettle, said Hyde, adding that, while business was brisk — sales ballooned during the pandemic for many different reasons — business was also much more difficult.

“We had to completely pivot our business model and completely rethink how we worked with customers and how we operated the entire store,” he recalled. “It was intense, and we made a lot of mistakes before we eventually got things ironed out.

“We were really lucky because we had attracted a staff that was really committed,” he went on. “I don’t think we could have done it if we didn’t have such a loyal and committed staff — it was extremely hard.”

 

Case in Point

But at the same time they were enduring the pandemic and its many challenges, the two partners were still thinking about expansion and that proverbial next level.

And, as noted earlier, that expansion has come about more quickly, and more profoundly, than they had anticipated in any version of that business plan, primarily because opportunities presented themselves, and they were determined to take advantage of them.

Previous Top Entrepreneurs

• 2021: Dinesh Patel and Vid Mitta, owners of Tower Square in Springfield
• 2020: Golden Years Homecare Services
• 2019: Cinda Jones, president of
W.D. Cowls Inc.
• 2018: Antonacci Family, owners of USA Hauling, GreatHorse, and Sonny’s Place
• 2017: Owners and managers of the Springfield Thunderbirds
• 2016: Paul Kozub, founder and president of V-One Vodka
• 2015: The D’Amour Family, founders of Big Y
• 2014: Delcie Bean, president of
Paragus Strategic IT
• 2013: Tim Van Epps, president and
CEO of Sandri LLC
• 2012: Rick Crews and Jim Brennan, franchisees of Doctors Express
• 2011: Heriberto Flores, director of the New England Farm Workers’ Council and Partners for Community
• 2010: Bob Bolduc, founder and CEO of Pride
• 2009: Holyoke Gas & Electric
• 2008: Arlene Kelly and Kim Sanborn, founders of Human Resource Solutions and Convergent Solutions Inc.
• 2007: John Maybury, president of
Maybury Material Handling
• 2006: Rocco, Jim, and Jayson Falcone, principals of Rocky’s Hardware Stores and Falcone Retail Properties
• 2005: James (Jeb) Balise, president of Balise Motor Sales
• 2004: Craig Melin, then-president and CEO of Cooley Dickinson Hospital
• 2003: Tony Dolphin, president of Springboard Technologies
• 2002: Timm Tobin, then-president of
Tobin Systems Inc.
• 2001: Dan Kelley, then-president of
Equal Access Partners
• 2000: Jim Ross, Doug Brown, and Richard DiGeronimo, then-principals of Concourse Communications
• 1999: Andrew Scibelli, then-president
of Springfield Technical Community College
• 1998: Eric Suher, president of E.S. Sports
• 1997: Peter Rosskothen and Larry Perreault, then-co-owners of the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House
• 1996: David Epstein, president and co-founder of JavaNet and the JavaNet Café

The first such opportunity came on King Street in North Amherst, with the opening of Bottle-O, what McAmis described as “an easy, in-and-out beer and wine store where you can grab some cheese.”

As for the expansion of Provisions, the two partners had long targeted Amherst and Longmeadow as the most logical communities to take their concept, and they started with the former, primarily because opportunities in Longmeadow are harder to come by.

Specifically, they started in North Amherst and the emerging Mill District, for which Cinda Jones, architect of that ambitious undertaking, became another of BusinessWest’s Top Entrepreneurs three years ago.

When Atkins Farms decided to leave its space in the sprawling mill complex, Jones approached Benson and McAmis about taking that square footage. They did, recognizing an opportunity to take the brand to a new area and a site that is rapidly becoming a destination because of its array of shops and eateries.

The Amherst location opened in November 2020, still the height of the pandemic, and there have been some growing pains due to COVID, the emerging nature of the Mill District, and the fact that the complex is somewhat off the beaten path.

“It’s taken a little bit of time for word to get out that we’re there,” McAmis said. “But we are growing; we’re seeing green shoots.”

Hyde agreed. “We believe in their vision; they have created a really cool space there,” he said, adding that a planned move to another location at the Mill District, amid an emerging ‘food cluster’ at the complex — with a brewpub envisioned for the space they’re currently occupying — will generate even better results.

As for the Longmeadow location, McAmis said it came about through some “dumb luck.”

Indeed, a space in the Longmeadow Shops next to Max’s restaurant became available, and McAmis noticed the listing while doing a random search for space in Longmeadow last spring.

“As soon as we walked in there, we realized that it was well-suited for what we were looking for,” he told BusinessWest, adding that, while the timing was not exactly ideal because of everything else they were dealing with, they decided to press ahead and get it done, knowing that such opportunities — in that town and in that location — do not come about often.

“Longmeadow happened maybe a year or two sooner than it would have in a perfect world,” he said, noting that the partners were still engrossed in making the North Amherst location work. “It just felt like a bit of a rush to us to contemplate that, but we also didn’t think we would get a better opportunity; not only is it in the Longmeadow Shops, it’s right in the heart of it — so we went ahead. And now that it’s open, I’m happy it’s open.”

Hyde agreed. “The consequences of not taking that spot were huge; I don’t think we would ever have found something that ideal,” he said, adding that the location is close to East Longmeadow and Northern Connecticut, providing an opportunity to introduce the Provisons brand to some new customers.

 

Taste of Success

When asked what might come next for Provisions, Hyde and McAmis looked at each other, laughed, and offered a collective sigh.

The body language and sound effects made it clear that they’re not contemplating additional expansion at this time, and are instead focused on settling in — in every aspect of that phrase.

Elaborating, they said they want to put their new locations on solid ground, build the brand, and, well … keep doing what they’ve been doing all along.

Specifically, this means listening to customers, responding to what they’re saying, and providing an overall product that is in many ways as distinctive as the various bottles and cheeses on the shelves.

“One of the important traits we’ve shown over the years is being responsive to what we’re facing. Whether it’s having to reshape everything because of the pandemic or with growth, it’s a matter of staying aware and staying flexible, and leaning into opportunities,” said Hyde, adding that this operating mindset has served the partners well to date, and it will continue.

“The focus is going to be less on expanding our footprint in the near term, and more on expanding services and making connections within the community,” he went on. “What’s important to both of us is that we not only have a good business, but our business is part of the community; we support our community, and our community supports us.”

Meanwhile, the partners plan to continue with that theme of providing not just fine wine — they do that as well — but also ‘fun’ wine and products with compelling stories.

And while doing so — and this is perhaps the most rewarding part — they’ve earned the trust of customers.

“That’s been a cool thing — developing those relationships, getting to know people’s palates, and building that trust,” Hyde said. “People will call up and say, ‘I trust you … pick out 12 bottles for me, and I’ll come pick it up.”

That’s an example of that flexibility he described, and being responsive to what a changing audience wants and needs in a bottle of wine and the store that will sell it.

“How people shop for wine has changed, and who is shopping for wine has changed,” he expained. “There are more young people interested in wine these days than when we first opened.”

McAmis agreed. “They’re younger, and they’re interested in learning about the products; it doesn’t have to be a lot of money, but there’s an emphasis on quality, not quantity,” he noted. “We have wines that come from family-owned estates and are natural or biodynamic, organic or sustainably grown — these are all important attributes for a lot of these younger consumers.”

Wine tastings, such as this one at the location in the Mill District in North Amherst

Wine tastings, such as this one at the location in the Mill District in North Amherst, are one way the company focuses on education and engaging its customers.

These attributes and others are explained at the wine classes staged at the Amherst store, said Hyde, adding that education remains a big part of the equation at Provisions.

“There’s usually a theme to these classes,” he explained. “We’ll take people to a region, for example; it’s everything from ‘Wine 101’ to how you taste wines, to deep dives on regions or grades or producers.”

Such classes — and tastings — continued through the pandemic via Zoom, he said, noting that producers brought attendees into their operations virtually. “Having that actual producer in their winery talking about the wine is a cool way to experience it,” Hyde said, adding that the partners are looking to add more of these types of presentations in the future.

“Generally, we want to keep our eyes and our ears open to what people are wanting, what spaces we can fill, and how we can keep ourselves different from the bigger package stores,” he went on. “We do have a big selection, but we’re geared more toward service than having a ton of product; we have well-chosen, curated, thoughtful, fun products.”

Such an attitude explains not only why these two are successful, but why they are BusinessWest’s Top Entrepreneurs for 2022.

Community Foundation’s New Leader Focuses on Equitable Economic Mobility

By
Features Special Coverage

Opening the Doors Wider

Community Foundation President and CEO Megan Burke

Community Foundation President and CEO Megan Burke

Megan Burke was taking a walk through downtown Springfield on a Sunday morning not quite a year ago, and found herself on Bridge Street, passing by the offices of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts (CFWM).

She stopped, looked in, and became immersed in what she was seeing, while also not quite believing her eyes.

“I looked in the conference-room windows, and I saw the papers lining the walls detailing their strategic-planning process and all their priorities for the next year,” she recalled. “And I actually took some photos, sent them to my boss in Hartford, and said, ‘look at how transparent the Community Foundation of Western Mass. is; we need to be more like this.’

“There were no secrets — they just put it right out there,” she went on. “I took pictures, I took notes … I said, ‘hey, they’re moving to the same database system we use, but more importantly, these are things they’re prioritizing for the community.’”

The ‘we,’ in this case, was the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, which Burke was serving as director of Community Impact Grantmaking. The amazing transparency she observed that morning was and is just one of the things Burke admired about the Community Foundation of Western Mass., and which she had come to respect from afar — or not really that far at all, depending on your take; she’s a resident of West Springfield.

And that helps explain why, when the agency’s long-time president and CEO, Katie Allan Zobel, announced in the spring of 2022 (just a few weeks after Burke’s walk in downtown Springfield) that she would be stepping down at the end of the year, Burke became interested in the position, at the same time she was being recruited for it.

After several rounds of interviews, during which she would see and hear more things that impressed her, Burke was tapped to fill Zobel’s very large shoes, thus beginning an intriguing new chapter in a career marked by more than two decades of work in nonprofit management, philanthropy, fundraising, and advocacy, with a particular focus on equitable access to economic opportunities and human rights.

Her career has included work on issues ranging from advancing LGBTQ+ rights in a Latin American country, Nicaragua, to continuing efforts to ban landmines globally, to the challenge of leveling the playing field between those in urban and suburban communities in Northern Connecticut.

“I looked in the conference-room windows, and I saw the papers lining the walls detailing their strategic-planning process and all their priorities for the next year. And I actually took some photos, sent them to my boss in Hartford, and said, ‘look at how transparent the Community Foundation of Western Mass. is; we need to be more like this.’”

Summing it all up, Burke said it has been invigorating and rewarding work, which she is anxious to take to the 69 communities served by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts.

In a wide-ranging interview with BusinessWest just a few days after she began work in those offices on Bridge Street, Burke said her broad goal is to build on all that’s been accomplished over the past several years to take CFWM well past check writing and into a role as convener and catalyst for positive change.

“I really want to spend at least the next three months getting to know the folks who are involved in the Community Foundation and who’s not involved, and opening our doors even wider,” she explained. “And listening to people — I have a lot to learn. I think I bring a lot to the job, but I have a lot to learn from the community about what they think is important and what they believe we should be doing better.”

She said the Hartford Foundation has been able to mobilize resources and support efforts to more equitable economic and social mobility, and one of her goals is to amass similar forces and create momentum on that same front in Western Mass.

“In both Hartford and Springfield, and in pockets of the regions more generally, success for people is often more closely correlated to the zip code in which they were born than their own talents, creativity, and hard work,” she said. “And I think that’s where the experience I have is relevant to thinking about how we can change that together — not just the Community Foundation, not just our nonprofit partners or our donors, but all residents of the region.”

 

Questions and Answers

Burke recalls that it “almost felt like I was cheating.”

That’s almost.

In the run-up to the first of her interviews with CFWM for the president’s position last September, she noted that Zobel was the most recent guest on BusinessTalk, the weekly podcast hosted by this writer. She listened to the episode, not once but twice, and heard Zobel talk in vague terms about what might come next for her career-wise — and, in far more specific terms, about the many new programs and initiatives she and her staff introduced during her tenure, everything from Valley Gives to Valley Creates.

the windows of the Community Foundation offices on Bridge Street

Megan Burke was amazed by the transparency she witnessed when looking in the windows of the Community Foundation offices on Bridge Street. It’s a tradition she intends to continue.
Staff Photo

“It was such a helpful interview,” she recalled. “I was able to get a sense of what she felt was important and what she thought were some of the great successes here.”

Whether listening to the podcast had any impact on her performance during that interview is a subject for debate (Burke already knew a great deal about the Community Foundation, as we’ll see), but what isn’t — according to those doing the interviewing — is that Burke is a logical successor to Zobel, and this position is a logical next step for someone who has spent a career working to advance diversity, equity, and the inclusion of diverse perspectives.

It’s a career that has taken her from New York to Nicaragua to Hartford, and to remote-working opportunities long before they became the norm.

Our story starts with Burke — who earned her bachelor’s degree in political science at Wellesley and a master’s degree in international relations at Yale — working for the Ford Foundation in New York, where she served as program officer, U.S. Foreign and Security Policy, Governance & Civil Society.

In 2007, she and her family moved to Nicaragua for what she called “a different pace to her work” than what she found in New York. There, she worked first for the nonprofit Centro de Estudios Internacionales, where her efforts supported the emerging LGBTQ+ movement and the development of a nationwide campaign to advance human rights.

“My role was to support various representatives of the movement to create a platform for them to come together and establish some advocacy priorities and to really be a go-between with the funder to make sure of the direction it was moving in, and to really track the impact of the work,” she explained. “For me … I had not worked on that particular issue before; it was incredibly eye-opening. It was very humbling to be working in a second language and be the least articulate person in the room.”

“During my time there, we announced a new strategic focus on dismantling structural racism and promoting more equitable economic and social mobility. And while that work is by no means easy, it’s incredibly important, and I spent the past few years with a great team trying to figure out how to make that happen.”

Burke worked for the group for roughly three years, eventually transitioning to a new role with the Nobel Peace Prize-winning International Campaign to Ban Landmines. She started working as a researcher in Latin America — Nicaragua was a country impacted by landmines from the war in the 1980s — and eventually became executive director of the campaign.

She was still in that position when she returned to Western Mass. nearly a decade ago, eventually to ease herself out of that role — while also downsizing the organization, as more countries addressed the problem of landmines.

“It’s kind of nice to be involved in something where we could see steady progress and say we were working ourselves out of a job; it’s not often that you get to say that,” she noted. “Every year I worked there, the casualty rate declined.”

In some respects, leading a coalition to ban landmines is a world apart from work with a local foundation, she said, but in Burke’s estimation, the work is very similar.

“Sometimes people say, ‘how did you go from this international work focused on advocacy at the U.N. and traveling around the world to working for a local foundation?’” she noted. “My feeling on that is that every issue is a local issue somewhere, and what we were really trying to do at the international level is raise up local issues that were impacting people in mostly post-conflict countries, and get international attention to redistribute resources — not totally unlike what a foundation does to help those with the greatest need.”

 

Vision Statement

In 2017, Burke joined the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving as senior Community Impact officer, a position with a broad job description, one that included everything from work creating career pathways to efforts promote civic engagement through grants and training to increase voter engagement and participation in the 2020 Census.

In September 2020, she became director of Community Impact Grantmaking, leading the foundation’s strategic grantmaking — there was an annual budget of $25 million to $30 million — to advance equitable economic mobility and address systemic racism in Greater Hartford.

“During my time there, we announced a new strategic focus on dismantling structural racism and promoting more equitable economic and social mobility,” she explained. “And while that work is by no means easy, it’s incredibly important, and I spent the past few years with a great team trying to figure out how to make that happen.”

Not long after Zobel announced that she would be stepping down from her position, Burke received a call from a search firm to gauge her interest in the position.

It was quite high, she said, and for all the reasons she mentioned earlier — from the agency’s transparency with its goals and plans for the future, as evidenced by the uncovered windows facing Bridge Street, to its rapid and highly effective response to COVID, marked by a deep commitment to helping the region’s struggling nonprofits, along with many other successful programs in realms ranging from the arts to education.

Summing it all up, Burke said that, while she loved her work with the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, the only thing she might like more is a chance to similar work closer to her home, something this opportunity at the Community Foundation provided her.

Still, while those on the other side of the interview table had questions for her, she had some for them, and the answers — especially with regard to a willingness to broaden efforts in the realm of equity — would ultimately determine whether this would be the right fit for her.

“I wasn’t sure where they were in terms of their own strategic vision to promote equity and opportunity,” she explained. “And I know that when you take on work like that, it’s important that everyone has bought in, feels that it’s important, and sees the value in that work.

“You never have a situation where every stakeholder is 100% all in from the very beginning,” she went on. “But from other areas of my work, I’ve seen what happens when there is great resistance, and it makes it really, really hard. I didn’t know if there was resistance, but I also didn’t know how much buy-in there was. So in many of my early conversations, I really tried to get a sense — ‘is there a serious commitment to moving this forward?’ And I got a resounding ‘yes’ from everyone I spoke to.

“It was clear that the commitment runs deep,” she continued. “And that excited me.”

Elaborating, she noted that, while Greater Hartford and Greater Springfield are different in some respects, they are similar in most, especially when it comes to disparities that exist between the urban centers and the more rural and suburban areas, and the manner in which those inequities impact opportunity.

“When everyone has an opportunity to fulfill their own potential, I think everyone wins,” she went on. “When people are held back due to the circumstances of their birth, I think everyone loses.”

Burke started at the Community Foundation on Jan. 18, the day of a scheduled board meeting. She joked that this would be the first and only time she would be at such a meeting with the primary mission of simply watching and listening.

Although she still has a lot of that to do in general, and with a number of different constituencies, she noted that she has already embarked on what she calls a “listening tour.”

Its underlying goal, as she stated earlier, is to enable her to learn about the region and the issues facing those living and working here and to generate some momentum on the broad issue of economic and social mobility and making it more equitable.

“We don’t plan to change our broader strategic vision — I think it’s a great vision,” she said. “And promoting equity and opportunity is not something that’s going to happen overnight; I think there’s a huge commitment to that, and I was brought on to help figure out how to make sure we can operationalize that as effectively as possible.

“I have to listen,” she said in conclusion, “and make sure I’m building on what’s already happening here that’s great.”

 

Bottom Line

When asked what she likes to do when she’s not working, Burke offered a hearty laugh as she said, “take walks in urban areas.”

She also likes to hike in more rural settings, partake in yoga, be a good ‘dog aunt,’ and keep up with friends scattered across the region and around the world.

What she really likes, though, is to work with others to address what she called “seemingly intractable problems” — meaning everything from inhumane weapons to access to healthcare and education for LGBTQ+ residents of Nicaragua to food insecurity for residents of Greater Hartford.

Throughout her long career, it has been her mission to take doors and open them wider to enable more to pass through. With her latest assignment with CFWM, the setting has changed, but that mission hasn’t.

Outgoing HCC President Makes Strides on Everything from Food Insecurity to … Pickleball

By
HCC President Christina Royal
Education Special Coverage

Looking Back — and Ahead

HCC President Christina Royal

HCC President Christina Royal

 

Christina Royal wanted to make one thing clear.

Her decision to step down as president of Holyoke Community College (HCC) later this year has nothing whatsoever to do the Great Resignation.

“The Great Resignation, to me, reflected people who were in various stages of unhappiness with their respective roles and looking for a change,” said Royal, the school’s fourth president, who arrived on campus in 2016. “I love this college, and I love my position.”

Elaborating, she said her decision is about finding the space to decide what she wants to do next, and at this point in time, she really doesn’t know what that might be, other than some travel (destinations still to be determined), planning her wedding, and what she calls “voluntary unemployment” until at least the start of 2024.

In a wide-ranging interview during which she looked back as well as ahead, Royal talked at length about the past three years, especially, and what it has been like, personally and professionally, to lead an institution like HCC through the pandemic. She said it was a tremendous, and exhausting, learning experience, one in which she and members of her team had to reach down and find the determination and imagination to see the college and its students, staff, and faculty through an unprecedented crisis, during which the school was mostly closed to the public for more than a year.

Indeed, while talking about the length of her tenure at HCC — which will be close to seven years by the time she steps down this summer — Royal jokingly asked if there is a “multiplier” for the COVID era, a roughly two-and-a-half-year stretch that probably seemed like it was exponentially longer.

She likened that period to another one in the school’s long history, a devastating fire that destroyed its one building in 1968. Royal told BusinessWest that she has read and heard a lot about those days, and she believes they were in many ways similar to what the college and its leadership endured starting that day in March 2020 when the governor shut down the state.

“The Great Resignation, to me, reflected people who were in various stages of unhappiness with their respective roles and looking for a change. I love this college, and I love my position.”

“I never thought that in my lifetime and during my tenure there would be another moment to rival that one, but the global pandemic did,” she said. “And being in a leadership capacity during such uncertain times, you tap all of the skills that you’ve developed over a lifetime to be able to learn and lead in such times.”

While efforts to lead the school through the pandemic have in many ways dominated her tenure, she said there have been many important accomplishments, especially in the broad realms of diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as addressing student basic needs, ranging from food to housing to childcare.

With the former, she said the school has made significant strides, and on many different levels.

“We have really prioritized equity at all levels within our organization, including at the board level, with a statement on anti-racism, and also with the great work of our facility and staff. We’ve invested financial resources to grow our wrap-around support services for our under-represented students, and we continue to help all of our students be successful regardless of what their starting point is, who they are, and what their background is.”

With the latter, Royal, named a Woman of Impact by BusinessWest in 2020 for her work at the school and within the community (the two often overlap), said there have been some important and innovative steps forward, and several ‘firsts.’

Christina Royal meets with students

Christina Royal meets with students at the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute, which opened its doors in 2019.

These include the Homestead Market, at which HCC became the first institution of its kind in the Commonwealth to accept SNAP benefits.

“This was pretty significant — we had to get federal approval from the USDA to be able to accept SNAP benefits,” she told BusinessWest. “To be able to do that on a college campus is innovative and an example of how we listen to students and respond to what we’re hearing.

“Our students who found themselves food-insecure and receiving SNAP benefits said, in essence, ‘why can’t I use my benefits on campus?’” she went on. “And we said, ‘good question.’”

As for her own future and what the next chapter might be professionally, Royal said that is … still to be determined. And it may not be determined for a while yet. Indeed, while she has already received some invitations to look at opportunities, she is determined to take her time — and take at least the balance of 2023 off — and find the right fit.

In the meantime, she is focused on the remainder of her tenure at HCC, continuing the work that has been done there and preparing the school for a successful transition in leadership.

 

Court of Opinion

As she talked about what she and her administration have been able to accomplish over the past several years, Royal made sure she didn’t leave out pickleball.

Indeed, under her direction, and in response to the meteoric rise in popularity of the game — a combination of tennis, badminton, and ping pong — the college created several pickleball courts in the Bartley Athletic Center on campus.

“I was looking for something to burn off stress, and as a former tennis player, I really enjoyed the racket sports, and this is something that’s a little easier on my knees,” she said, adding that a former trustee of HCC turned her on to the sport. “We have seven courts here now, and the response from the community has been tremendous; people are calling and asking if we can expand the hours. I think we’ve really tapped into an outlet that people are looking for.”

Beyond pickleball, Royal can provide a long list of accomplishments and milestones that have happened during her tenure. It includes the college’s 75th-anniversary celebration in 2022— put off for one year because of the pandemic — as well as the 50th anniversary of the HCC Foundation; the opening of a new life-sciences building and the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute, located in a renovated mill in the city’s downtown; and extensive renovations to the Campus Center, which reopened just a few weeks before the pandemic forced it to go dark once again.

Beyond infrastructure and new academic programming, Royal said the biggest strides made at HCC have come in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and meeting those basic needs of students that she mentioned earlier.

As for meeting students’ basic needs, Royal said there have been many steps forward, perhaps none as significant, and symbolic, as the Homestead Market and the acceptance of SNAP benefits.

Today, other schools and other institutions are looking to follow suit, she said, and they are looking at HCC as a leader in what Royal called “hunger-free college campuses.”

“We’ve used this as an opportunity to be responsive to students, and also to be able to further our work with basic student needs,” she noted, adding that there was a prime motivating force behind the school’s perseverance in this matter: “it’s hard to educate a hungry student.”

“This has been an incredible journey … I think about how much I’ve grown in this role. I never imagined leading through such uncertain times, with a pandemic that few saw coming and for which there was no playbook.”

As noted earlier, meeting student needs goes well beyond food, said Royal, who has been at the forefront of many such efforts, from housing and internet service to an important recent addition to the portfolio: the President’s Emergency Fund, which is … well, just what it sounds like, a fund to help students in emergency situations.

They can apply quickly and easily, said Royal, and they get a response within 24 hours.

“We cut a check immediately,” she said, noting that funding for the program was set up through the school’s foundation and has grown through the support of alumni and other donors to the college, including faculty and staff. “If you’re experiencing an emergency, that means you don’t have weeks to wait for financial resources to come in. And this fund has made a huge difference.”

Overall, these various programs reflect an operating philosophy at the college that, especially in a community like Holyoke, students need more than the right mix of courses to succeed — however they might define success.

“When we started our strategic plan, we defined our basic needs as encompassing four key priorities — food insecurity, housing insecurity, housing, and childcare,” she explained. “And in the process of addressing those, we had a few others emerge over time, including mental-health support and digital literacy.

“We knew that, in order to really support students, not only through wrap-around services but particularly with other barriers to them successfully completing, we had to address these other basic needs,” she went on. “The public at large tends to think of colleges as needing to focus on academics and the curriculum in order to set up students for success, and that is certainly a key priority — we’re focused on having the academic rigor that can allow for students to transfer successfully to our four-year colleges and universities. And in doing so, we needed to set students up outside of the classroom for success, and that is helping to address the other barriers that sometimes hinder their ability to stay continuously enrolled.”

 

Forward Thinking

The decision to move on from this work and to the next stage of her career came at a time of great change and reflection in her life, said Royal, who turned 50 last summer, traveled to Bali with her partner for an extended vacation, got engaged, and, amid all that, started to think about what’s next.

“I didn’t necessarily want to leave HCC … it was more about creating space for me to expand and engage in some creative projects and simply have some space,” she noted. “This job is an intense job, and I wanted to give it its due respect. And as I turned 50, I thought, ‘here is an opportunity for the next chapter.’ But first, I wanted to have some space to figure out what that might look like. So I didn’t want to rush into something; if I wanted to move into another presidency or another CEO position, I could have easily done that, but I wanted to focus on HCC.

“I’ve had a lot of opportunities come my way, but it felt too soon to commit myself to something else because I wanted to take a break,” she went on. “And that’s very important to me; I’ve been running hard for a number of years.”

Indeed, she has, with the pandemic years, especially, testing her in ways she could not have imagined. And they have left her reflecting on how those years have changed education, the world, and, yes, what she wants to do next.

“I’m a very intentional and reflective leader, so I make this shift with a great deal of intention around creating space for reflecting on this extremely unique and significant period in our lifetime — at least in my lifetime,” she said. “This has been an incredible journey … I think about how much I’ve grown in this role. I never imagined leading through such uncertain times, with a pandemic that few saw coming and for which there was no playbook.”

With that, Royal returned to 1968 and that fire that forever changed the college, and drew some direct comparisons to how the two disasters, more than 50 years apart, forced leaders to challenge themselves — and others — to find answers to complex problems.

Indeed, there were large amounts of learning and leading over the past three years or so, she went on, regarding everything from teaching from a distance — and supporting students at a distance — to simply reopening the college when the conditions allowed.

“It made me a better leader, and it certainly took a lot out of me,” she said of that period, adding that such experiences help explain why a large number of college presidents have moved on from their jobs in recent months, and more have announced intentions to do so.

For Royal, the pandemic provided large doses of perspective on what she could do next — and should do next.

“I feel excited for the next chapter, I feel excited about the possibilities, and perhaps something the pandemic did for me was invite me to expand those possibilities in my imagination of what can come next,” she said. “It was one of the most palatable reminders of just how short life is, and that in the blink of an eye, we’re dealing with an international crisis and health threats that were unprecedented in my lifetime.

“All that had a significant impact in shifting my perspective on what I want to do with the second half of my life,” she went on, adding that she won’t get around to figuring that out for a while.

After all, she still has a college to lead.

As Employers Fret over Remote Work, Hybrid Schedules May Be Here to Stay

By
Employment Special Coverage

Home Sweet Home

Make no mistake, Meredith Wise says — employers miss those bustling offices where all their employees used to come to work.

And after almost three years of remote work — during which the practice evolved from a temporary necessity to a ubiquitous reality — businesses are definitely grappling with what it all means, and whether they can slow the remote train down.

“A lot of businesses would like to have people back in the office,” said Wise, president of the Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast. “They’re struggling a bit with communication, with employee relations, and with staying in touch with people and knowing what’s going on with them.

“The idea used to be that people would come in, and you’d get a sense of how their night went, how their morning was going,” she added. “With Zoom communications, you just don’t get that same feeling. A lot of companies are feeling like they’re losing that personal connection with employees.”

Even some of the largest employers feel that way, as Walt Disney Co. workers found out in a recent internal memo from CEO Bob Iger, who is calling on all workers to spend at least four days a week in the office, starting March 1.

“In a creative business like ours,” Iger wrote, “nothing can replace the ability to connect, observe, and create with peers that comes from being physically together, nor the opportunity to grow professionally by learning from leaders and mentors.”

Still, Wise noted that many local companies seem to be moving in the opposite direction, by continuing to embrace hybrid schedules. “They’ve found productivity can be better when working from home remotely, where people don’t have any of the distractions of being in an office, and I think that hybrid model is going to stay.”

Amy Roberts, executive vice president and chief Human Resources officer at PeoplesBank, agreed.

“A lot of businesses would like to have people back in the office. They’re struggling a bit with communication, with employee relations, and with staying in touch with people and knowing what’s going on with them.”

“We implemented a flexible work-arrangement policy in the midst of COVID, and we still have a lot of people working hybrid, with some time in the office and some time working from home,” she told BusinessWest. “It really depends on the area a person works in and what the business needs are. We have a couple fully remote workers; we actually hired a person out of Illinois who works fully remotely.”

Like Wise, Roberts said it’s easy to see why remote work is appealing, from the elimination of commuting time to creating a focused work environment. “I think the flexibility of it is really helpful to people in terms of work-life balance. Or they might say, ‘I really need to get X done, and doing this particular work is best done when I’m home, so I can focus more.’”

Roberts said many companies are starting to pull everyone back into the office — especially businesses that stress a collaborative culture or require plenty of face-to-face work with customers — but not all. “I do think the hybrid model is here to stay, though I don’t think it works for everyone.”

Seth Stratton, managing shareholder with Fitzgerald Law in East Longmeadow, noted that, like many small businesses, his firm never fully left the office during the pandemic, and these days, everyone has been back for some time. But they have continued to use communication tools, like Zoom, that became popular when employees at most companies were at home.

“We were forced to embrace some technology and ways of working that carried over and make work more flexible, even though we’re back in the office.”

Stratton understands the value of remote work in some situations, drawing on examples from his own career.

“During the peak of the workday in the office, there are a lot of interruptions, and a lot of times, when I’m focused on revising a lengthy contract or drafting a legal brief to submit to court, I need time to focus mentally on what I’m doing, so historically, a lot of that will be done early in the morning or later in the evening, after the phone stops ringing,” he said, noting that working from home can create more time and space for such work.

Seth Stratton

Seth Stratton says remote work can reduce distractions, but also hinder communication and collaboration.

On the other hand, someone in a home office can’t just walk into the next room to tap someone else’s expertise.

“You can do that remotely, but it’s harder to get on the cell or set up a Zoom meeting; it’s not as seamless as walking 10 feet away. That affects you from a collaborative standpoint.”

And collaboration happens outside the office, too.

“In Western Mass., probably moreso than other markets, when it comes to business generation, marketing, and client development, this is a parochial business community; a lot of business is conducted through personal relationships, personal connections,” Stratton explained. “I might be having lunch at the Fort or at Nadim’s and see someone I know — ‘oh, I’ve been meaning to call you; let’s schedule a call. Or do you have a minute now?’

“It’s harder to make those connections when you’re fully remote,” he went on. “Being available, I think, is a hallmark of business development in Western Mass., at least in my experience.”

 

Successful Experiment

While it may have eventually surprised employers how effective their teams could be at home, Wise recalled the challenge of those first few weeks in March 2020.

“When it first started, nobody really had the computer setups or the communication tools to be able to work remotely from home,” she said. “Now, people are more able to work at home and be productive.”

These days, “while we have found some companies saying, ‘we want all employees in the office Monday through Friday,’ those are few and far between. Instead, what a lot of employers are saying is, ‘you know what your job requires; work with your manager on what days you need to be in the office and what days you can work at home.’”

As a Baby Boomer, Wise said, she understands the old-school mentality of employers who have always been able to see their employees at work, and may be hesitant to give that up.

“It can be a hurdle to get over that perspective that ‘I can’t see you, so are you working?’ Part of the communication piece is doing a better job as organizations to define productivity and what needs to happen on the job. And it’s been good for leaders and workers to tighten up some of the parameters — ‘you know what’s expected of you, and you and I need to set that ahead of time, because things can easily get out of hand if you’re not here every day.’”

It makes sense to put those parameters in writing, said John Gannon, a partner with the law firm Skoler Abbott in Springfield. “The accountability policy needs to be clear. I’ve seen policies that say, ‘we need to see proof that your children are in daycare.’ I’m not sure if I’d recommend going that far, but certainly the supervisors need to be paying attention to their employees when they’re home.”

Zoom meetings help, he said, but employees are still unmonitored for the vast majority of the workday. Some companies have even installed technology on home computers that logs keystrokes per hour.

“If they have employees working remotely, even in a hybrid fashion, in another state — which is not uncommon given Springfield’s proximity to Connecticut — they have to be cognizant of which state’s employment laws apply.”

John Gannon

John Gannon

“I don’t like that, personally,” Gannon went on. “But it’s an option for employers if they have concerns that the hybrid model results in less productivity. I wouldn’t recommend it unless an employer is having problems, because it is a privacy issue, and a lot of this comes down to trust; you want to trust your employees, and you don’t want to set up a model that says you don’t trust them.”

Wise has heard of keystroke monitoring as well, and said most employers in this region aren’t looking to go there. But they’re also still in an experimental stage when it comes to remote and hybrid schedules.

“A lot of organizations are still feeling this out — ‘let’s try this for six months; I know we did it during the pandemic, but let’s try it in the new year and see if it works out, or whether we need to make adjustments to it.’ Handbooks and policies are still catching up.”

And if employers have employees working remotely in a different state, Gannon added, they need to update that handbook to make sure employees in those states are getting a handbook with laws applicable to that state, and also make sure the company is registered to do business in that state.

“If they have employees working remotely, even in a hybrid fashion, in another state — which is not uncommon given Springfield’s proximity to Connecticut — they have to be cognizant of which state’s employment laws apply,” he explained. “If they’re working from home three or four days a week and coming in one or two days a week, their primary office is their home, and if that’s in Connecticut, they’re subject to Connecticut employment laws and Connecticut employment taxation.

Those laws touch on everything from paid family medical leave and sick time to injuries on the job.

“It may sound crazy, but you may have to address workers’ compensation,” Gannon said. “If you’re walking down your stairs in the morning to go to your home office, that’s not covered, but in your home office, if you fall out of your chair and hurt yourself, that may be covered.”

 

Losses and Gains

Roberts agreed that there’s an interesting dynamic at play now, with some employers worried they don’t have eyes on their employees, while others fret about losing office culture and the ability to keep workers engaged.

“How do they know if they’re happy, if they’re productive, if they’re getting what they need from their career development? If you don’t see them all the time, how do you mentor? There’s a lot of questions managers are grappling with when it comes to this new style of work.”

That said, employers who embrace remote and hybrid schedules are able to cast a wider net in recruitment, at a time when talent is difficult to come by.

“We’ve been able to advertise positions as hybrid, which certainly brings more candidates our way,” Roberts said. “People are looking for that flexibility, and if you’re able to offer a fully remote situation, you can hire someone from anywhere; you have the ability to get the best available talent. Unfortunately for us, a lot of our positions are hybrid or in the office or banking center; we don’t have the luxury of large companies that are fully remote — but we’ve increased the candidate pool for sure.”

Stratton said the tools of remote business has helped his firm expand its client base beyond Western Mass.

“It allows us to reach out geographically with clients because clients are used to working by Zoom meeting and don’t feel that same compulsion to meet in person that they used to,” he said. “That’s given us more flexibility to actually grow our footprint a little more.”

And grow it into regions where legal services cost more than they do in the 413, he added. “We always had a pricing advantage over areas like Eastern Mass. and Southern Connecticut, and we can more easily use that pricing advantage to our benefit by expanding our footprint and working farther outside Western Mass.”

Though hybrid work may be here to stay, Stratton said, most of his firm’s clients are small to medium-sized businesses, and the majority of them have emphasized getting workers fully back in the office, though some are embracing hybrid work schedules and remote-work tools.

“A lot of large, national corporations, you see fully remote, where a lot of their workers are in different offices anyway, so it’s less impactful to be spread out,” he added. “But small to medium-sized businesses in this area, in my experience, are generally pushing toward being back and find it more effective, which is consistent with our experience as a small business.”

There’s no one-size-fits-all model, however, and Roberts said everyone is still grappling with the new work styles and how to make them effective.

“We need to figure out how to mourn the loss of the old way and transcend to a new way of working. It’s not the same as it was 15 years ago, maybe even 10 years ago, where you were identified by the office you worked in, and you had celebrations and events, things happening there. It’s different now; people are looking for a different way of working, and employers have to think differently.”

As Competition Depresses Profits, What’s Next for the Cannabis Industry?

By
Michael Kusek
Cannabis Special Coverage

After the Green Rush

The numbers are impressive, to be sure.

Adult-use cannabis shops in Massachusetts posted close to $1.5 billion in sales in 2022, up from $1.33 billion in 2021. Since recreational sales began in late 2018, the total figure is closing in on $4 billion.

That’s a big pie.

The problem, for the hundreds of dispensaries already open and many more at various stages of planning and development, is that each slice of that pie is getting smaller. As a result, prices are crashing, with some products selling for half of what they did a year or two ago.

That’s great for cannabis consumers. For businesses? Not so much.

But it’s not an unexpected development, not is it any sort of crisis, said Michael Kusek, publisher of Different Leaf magazine and one of the nation’s leading experts on the cannabis industry. But it’s certainly a challenge, one that promises to weed out some of the current players.

“You can’t solve the overabundance of product in the marketplace by transferring it to another market,” Kusek told BusinessWest. “You can’t make the product go away, so the price bottoms out. This has happened in every other market, so it’s not a shock.”

It will, however, require business owners to think smarter, focusing on quality, the customer experience, and other ways of differentiating themselves in an increasingly crowded marketplace. And the situation already has municipalities revisiting old concerns about a saturated market.

Northampton, where one of the city’s 12 dispensaries, the Source on Pleasant Street, recently closed, is the most notable case, as its City Council voted 6-3 last month to cap the number of retail cannabis shops at 12 going forward.

At press time, Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra said she would not sign off on the cap, but with a two-thirds vote of the City Council needed to overcome any veto, the measure will likely still become law.

“We are not anti-business,” Councilor Marianne LaBarge said before the vote, as reported by the Shoestring. “We have a job, and we have heard from so many people to place a cap.”

Some residents at a hearing days before the vote expressed concerns about the impact of so many cannabis shops on the city’s youth, while councilors like LaBarge said they want to protect existing businesses from being crowded out.

Council President Jim Nash, one of the dissenters, said he favored a cap when recreational cannabis first became legal, but now believes the maturing marketplace is providing a natural cap, as evidenced by the Source’s closing and declining sales at other shops. He argues as much in a recent column in the Daily Hampshire Gazette, co-written with former City Councilor Dennis Bidwell.

“Since when does local government step in to protect the bottom line of existing businesses by excluding the entry of competition?” they wrote. “We don’t do that for beauty salons or pharmacies or anything else. It’s one thing to put a cap in place in the early stages of an industry’s development, before anyone has opened their doors. It’s another thing entirely to enact a cap that would freeze the market where it is, prohibiting further competition.”

What isn’t up for debate is that it’s getting tougher to turn a profit in an industry that’s already taxed about 70% and can’t claim many normal deductions. That reality, plus an ever-more-competitive marketplace, both inside Massachusetts and from surrounding states, is creating an environment that’s not unexpected for those who have followed the industry’s maturation in other states.

“So many people think, ‘if I get a license, I’m going to be a kajillionaire.’ Sorry, that’s not the case. If you’re in it because of the money, it’s going to be a tough road for you.”

People like Meg Sanders, CEO of Canna Provisions in Holyoke and Lee, who was in Colorado when that state, one of two, along with Washington, to pioneer legal adult-use cannabis in 2012, experienced its own ‘green rush,’ with a quickly saturated market causing prices to plummet. What Massachusetts cannabis businesses need to do, she said, is to focus on differentiating themselves in the right ways (see story on page 35).

“I think it’s going to be a painful year, but a necessary year. Honestly, it’s important,” she said. “So many people think, ‘if I get a license, I’m going to be a kajillionaire.’ Sorry, that’s not the case. If you’re in it because of the money, it’s going to be a tough road for you. We believe money is a byproduct, not a goal. We believe in running a good business, a responsible business, serving customers thoughtfully and respectfully and providing an amazing experience with lots of options on the menu. A cannabis purchase should be fun.”

Certainly more fun than selling the product at a time when economic realities in the industry are dramatically shifting.

 

Growth Potential

There’s no doubt that legal cannabis has been a boon to not only sellers, growers, and manufacturers, but to state and local coffers. Massachusetts imposes a 10.75% excise tax on purchases, while recreational cannabis purchases are also subject to the state’s 6.25% sales tax, and most municipalities levy 3% more.

David O’Brien, the president of the Massachusetts Cannabis Business Assoc., recently told the Boston Globe that the industry will remain strong despite its current challenges.

“Legalization has brought about change people can see. You can see it in the tax revenue, in the jobs that have been filled, in the dispensary storefronts that used to be empty, in the old warehouses that now host manufacturing companies — it’s all growth, it’s all progress, and the sky did not fall.”

Michael Kusek

Michael Kusek says the cannabis industry’s tightening profits are a natural evolution that has occurred in other states.

As for those jobs, about 22,000 workers were authorized by the state to work at licensed cannabis facilities as of December, making it an attractive field to enter, Kusek said. “Once they get a little experience under their belt, they’re infinitely more marketable. Head growers are making $100,000 to $120,000 a year.”

The problem, he noted, is that players coming into the market now are dealing with product prices that are much different than when they established their first business plans. And the regulatory hoops remain challenging in many cases, as is the decision of where to locate: in a community with limited licenses that are difficult to secure, or a community with a more laissez-faire approach, but also, as a result, much higher competition?

“I just talked to a couple of lawyers, and they’re not working as many licenses as they were two years ago,” Kusek said, and there could be several reasons for this, foremost being access to capital, which is still limited because most banks won’t lend for cannabis enterprises.

“If they can’t access capital, they’re forced to shoulder the ups and downs of the industry by daily revenues,” he added. “If you open a successful restaurant and want to open a second location, you can go back and get a loan to do that. If you want to open a second cannabis location to sell all this product you have, you can’t easily do it.”

“Regular businesses still get normal deductions, but we can’t deduct anything except the cost of goods. That creates a real challenge for overall profitability and cash flow.”

Meanwhile, cannabis investors in the Northeast are increasingly looking to what Kusek calls “the shiny new object” — New York, where shops started selling legal recreational cannabis just a few weeks ago. “That’s where the capital is going, which starves out the businesses we have here.”

And when capital dries up, it’s the mom-and-pop entrepreneurs that suffer, as well as social-equity candidates.

“The companies that operate in multiple states have more of a cushion; they can continue to roll forward,” Kusek said. “Who’s going to get hurt by this [competition]? People who have been trying to get a license for a long time. This just makes it harder for them if they didn’t get more of a leg up in the beginning.”

Sanders said the businesses that survive, both those currently operating and those just setting up shop, will be those that “hunker down a little bit and are super thoughtful with every dollar.”

“This is a business that has zero deductibility, except the cost of goods,” she added. “We have to be way more careful than any other business going through this recession. Those regular businesses still get normal deductions, but we can’t deduct anything except the cost of goods. That creates a real challenge for overall profitability and cash flow.”

Without examples from other states to consult, Sanders recalled, Colorado was immediately saturated, prices cratered, and the market became what she called “a race to the bottom,” with price trumping everything. “But as things got more sophisticated in Colorado, a lot of good operators started telling compelling stories about why you should spend money with this dispensary rather than that dispensary.”

That’s why she focuses on the stories behind Canna’s products and also on giving back to the communities in which she operates.

“Businesses need to be as lean as possible and as thoughtful as possible, and make sure you’re telling a compelling story about why people should buy your brand.”

 

Legitimate Concerns

In their recent column, Nash and Bidwell argued that public-safety and public-health concerns that motivated discussion about a cap on dispensaries in Northampton five years ago have not come to pass.

“There is, and always will be, an underground market for unregulated, uninspected marijuana. This black market is fraught with crime and suspect product,” they wrote. “The availability of legal marijuana puts a dent in this market, tilting the share of sales toward legal purchase rather than black-market ones. To the extent the market allows, additional regulated cannabis retail outlets will further reduce the use of unregulated, dangerous cannabis.”

And falling prices in legal shops may entice many long-time black-market customers to try different types of strains and products, Kusek said. “As prices come down, people will try and buy more. This is great for consumers; in some circumstances, it costs half of what it did. For consumers, that’s great.”

That’s even more true for medical users, he added, as they tend to be more price-sensitive than recreational users, since they often have to maintain regular usage with finite resources, since insurance won’t cover the product.

“This is still a young market, and consumers are still developing their preferences. It’s only been a couple of years, and people will develop brand loyalty and particular consumption methods, and they will spend their money to get those particular brands or products.”

Kusek agreed with Sanders that product quality is important, especially as consumers are still discovering what they like.

“This is still a young market, and consumers are still developing their preferences,” he told BusinessWest. “It’s only been a couple of years, and people will develop brand loyalty and particular consumption methods, and they will spend their money to get those particular brands or products. That will come over time.”

Kusek also believes the consumer base has room to broaden.

“People become cannabis consumers for a wide variety of reasons. We have a medical market and people for whom cannabis is a significant part of their medical treatment, and you have more people coming into the market and exploring cannabis for treating pain and sleeplessness. Those people are always going to be coming into the market, as well as people who are curious about it.

“I think one of the challenges in cannabis is connecting and finding consumers; with each new market that comes online, you get the people who are curious, or who are coming back to cannabis after not using it for a long time, people whose life circumstances have changed. There will always be new consumers.”

In other words, it may be a tougher business to navigate than when there were only a few dozen shops open in Massachusetts, but it’s still a dynamic field.

As Kusek put it, “it’s never dull, that’s for sure.”

Westfield River Brewing Co. Hosts Winter Concert Series

By
Daily News

SOUTHWICK — Sergio Bonavita, owner of Westfield River Brewing Co. (WRBCo), located at 707 College Highway, Southwick, is working with brewery co-owner and JJK Productions founder Josh Kelleher to bring a unique wintertime music series to Western Mass.

The Winter Concert Series kicked off on Jan. 28 with a performance from the Mallet Brothers, with special guest opener Alex Rohan. Other notable acts include tributes to Jimmy Buffett, Sublime, the Eagles, Dave Matthews, Nirvana, and Johnny Cash. Attendees will be able to catch ‘80s and country cover bands, as well as the 413’s own Dr. Westchesterson.

“We are excited to bring a music lineup to WRBCo that is unique to the area because live music and craft beer are passions of ours,” Bonavita said. “Creating an platform for fans to see bands they can’t normally see in Western Mass. was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up.”

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and showtimes vary by artist. For a full schedule and to purchase tickets, visit www.etix.com/ticket/v/15983.

BetMGM Sports Betting Goes Live at MGM Springfield

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Tuesday morning at 10 a.m., the state’s first legal sports wager was placed at the BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge by Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, along with Boston hockey legend Ray Bourque.

“The BetMGM Sportsbook at MGM Springfield is a phenomenal sports-betting hub designed for New England’s passionate sports fans,” BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt said. “Today is a monumental step for BetMGM and sets the stage for us to deliver a best-in-class sports-wagering experience across Massachusetts.”

Betting lines are displayed on large screens at MGM Springfield.

The BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge at MGM Springfield offers a state-of-the-art gameday experience. The space features a 45-foot, LED viewing wall and four betting windows, making it easy for guests to access a variety of sports-wagering options. Additionally, the resort houses 18 sports-betting kiosks conveniently located throughout the gaming area.

“This has been a long time coming and brings yet another chapter of innovation to enhance the operations and development at MGM Springfield,” Sarno said.

Chris Kelley, president and chief operating officer for MGM Resorts’ Northeast Group, added that “we’re thrilled to add this new amenity, strengthening our commitment to being New England’s premier entertainment and gaming destination. We are incredibly grateful for the tireless work of the state delegation to bring this historic bill to the finish line, and to the MGC [Massachusetts Gaming Commission] for crafting the necessary regulations. The BetMGM Sportsbook at MGM Springfield allows us to create even more one-of-a-kind engagements for our guests while generating tax revenue and job opportunities for our community.”

State Sen. Adam Gomez noted that “BetMGM will bolster our economy locally and statewide. It’s a momentous occasion to have some of the first wagers on sports betting take place in Springfield today.”

State Rep. Carlos Gonzalez added that “today reaffirms our collective support to pass legislation for sports betting. It will bring more visitors to Springfield’s MGM, create jobs, and generate $20 million to $30 million in revenue to Massachusetts.”

New Material Developed at UMass Amherst Solves Problem of Wearable Sensors

By
Daily News

AMHERST — A team of researchers, led by Trisha Andrew, professor of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at UMass Amherst, recently announced that they have synthesized a new material that solves one of the most difficult problems in the quest to create wearable, unobtrusive sensitive sensors: the problem of pressure.

“Imagine comfortable clothing that would monitor your body’s movements and vital signs continuously, over long periods of time,” Andrew said. “Such clothing would give clinicians fine-grained details for remote detection of disease or physiological issues.”

One way to get this information is with tiny electromechanical sensors that turn the body’s movements — such as the faint pulse felt by placing a hand on one’s chest — into electrical signals. But what happens when someone receives a hug or takes a nap lying on their stomach? “That increased pressure overwhelms the sensor, interrupting the flow of data, and so the sensor becomes useless for monitoring natural phenomena,” Andrew noted.

To solve this problem, the team developed a sensor that keeps working even when hugged, sat upon, leaned on, or otherwise squished by everyday interactions. The secret, which was detailed in the journal Advanced Materials Technologies, lies in vapor-printing clothing fabrics with piezoionic materials. With this method, even the smallest body movement, such as a heartbeat, leads to the redistribution of ions throughout the sensor. In other words, the fabric turns the mechanical motion of the body into an electrical signal, which can then be monitored.

Zohreh Homayounfar, lead author of the study and a graduate student at UMass Amherst, noted that “this is the first fabric-based sensor allowing for real-time monitoring of sensitive target populations, from workers laboring in stressful industrial settings to kids and rehabilitation patients.”

Of particular advantage is that this all-fabric sensor can be worn in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing rather than embedded in tight-fitting fabrics or stuck directly onto the skin. This makes it far easier for the sensors to gather long-term data, such as heartbeats, respiration, joint movement, vocalization, step counts, and grip strength — a crucial health indicator that can help clinicians track everything from bone density to depression.

Andrew and her group will next use an array of the pressure sensors under additional scenarios to determine what other types of physiological signals can be extracted, and to what accuracy.

Junior Achievement to Hold Music Legend Night Bowl-a-Thon on Feb. 17

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts (JAWM) will hold its Bowl-a-Thon on Friday, Feb. 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Shaker Bowl in East Longmeadow. Registration fees will support Junior Achievement programs and events for youth throughout the region.

“We’re looking forward to this fun, family-friendly evening of bowling, pizza, and contests,” said Jennifer Connolly, JAWM president. “In keeping with our Music Legend Night theme, we will award prizes for the best group, male, and female music-legend costumes. We encourage people to come as a family or with friends and co-workers for this great night for a great cause.”

There are three levels of participation for bowling teams of four to five people: Perfect Game ($400), which includes T-shirts, three strings with shoe rental, a special JA gift per team, two large pizzas, soda, popcorn, and one alcoholic drink per adult player; Strike ($300), which includes T-shirts, three strings with shoe rental, a special JA gift per team, one large pizza, soda, and popcorn; and Spare ($200), which includes T-shirts, three strings with shoe rental, and a special JA gift per team.

For more information or to register, visit jawm.org/bowl.

Change, Challenge in Cannabis Sector

By
Opinion

Editorial

 

To say that the still-emerging cannabis sector has had a profound impact on the local economy, and the local landscape, would be a huge understatement.

Indeed, this sector, now just over six years old in the Commonwealth, has brought much-needed revenue to area cities and towns, several hundred new jobs, and new life to dormant or underperforming properties ranging from old mills in Holyoke and Easthampton to the Springfield Newspapers building.

No one really knew just what to expect when this new business took off, but few could have expected this kind of impact.

And while nothing was easy for anyone getting into this sector — there are steep costs and a mountain of regulations to meet — it has been, for the most part, a ticket to success.

That’s has been.

As the stories make clear, the cannabis sector has already entered a new and exponentially more difficult phase of its existence. Competition is growing, both in this region and in neighboring states; prices are coming down; margins are becoming ever-more thin; and profitability is becoming more difficult.

To make a long story short, the laws of supply of demand are starting to catch up with this sector.

In the beginning, meaning just a few years ago, there was huge demand and not nearly as much supply as there is now. We can all recall the long lines of people around those first dispensaries that opened in this region.

It was these lines that hinted at just how lucrative this business could be, and they helped lead entrepreneurs with capital and a sense of adventure to stake a claim during what some came to call a ‘green rush.’

What these entrepreneurs are realizing, and most of them realized it long ago, is that there is a limit when it comes to just how big this pie can become. And as more people want a slice … well, the slices will get smaller and smaller.

In this environment, communities — smart ones, anyway — will take steps to limit the number of licenses, thus enabling those operating at least a fighting chance to succeed. Meanwhile, individual business owners will have to focus on quality, customer service, branding, and, overall, separating themselves from the competition and finding what it will take to survive in a changing, more competitive environment.

In that respect, they will have to be like business owners in every sector where the consumers have choices and exercise their right to choose.

History has shown that, in situations like this, it becomes a matter of survival of the fittest. And it will be the same with this sector, which has changed the landscape in all kinds of ways and continues to do so.

Cannabis has been a game changer for this region and this state, but now, the cannabis game itself is changing. It will be interesting to watch as the new chapter in this intriguing story unfolds.

Dealing with Change Fatigue

By
Opinion

Opinion

By Valerie Harlow

We’re all facing many types of disruption from ongoing organizational transformation, new approaches on how work is done, economic uncertainty, and political discourse. Maybe, as an employer, you are seeing and hearing things like louder complaints about changes, indifference and disengagement with work and projects, burnout, resistance, negativity, etc.

Change fatigue is not something to discount or think it will just take care of itself. It has a huge impact on attrition, which will impact your bottom line. Gartner for HR lists in its “Top 5 Priorities for HR Leaders in 2023” that 43% of employees who experience above-average change fatigue intend on staying, compared to 74% who have low change fatigue.

That 31% difference could be a big cost to an organization — not just the bottom line, but also the impact on engagement, productivity, culture, and more.

What can leaders do about it? Focus on moving toward an open-source change strategy and away from the traditional top-down ‘cascading’ approach. Open-source change strategies involve employees throughout the process. It’s not about just telling employees what is happening or what will happen. Instead, it’s involving them from the beginning. They help co-create and are active participants in identifying, making, and crafting change decisions and outcomes.

In other words, employees own the change planning process. From there, they can develop individual or team change-implementation plans. Communication becomes an open conversation rather than a constant marketing message of the change and its benefits.

From an organizational perspective, it’s also important to have a pulse on the amount, size, and significance of change that is happening or being planned in the organization. This can help to ensure employees are able to participate early on, and it helps the overall organization mitigate any change overload or manage changes that really are not aligned strategically. This can also prevent change fatigue.

Change is constant and necessary to bring about innovation, creativity, and long-term growth and results. Ensuring that your employees don’t burn out or become change-fatigued is an important leadership responsibility.

 

Valerie Harlow is a learing advisor and facilitator at the Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast. This article first appeared on the EANE blog; eane.org

Picture This

By
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Picture This

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

 

Trees of Hope

Ronald McDonald House of Springfield and partnering sponsor Gary Rome Hyundai raised $175,686 through the second annual Trees of Hope event, far surpassing last year’s tally of $126,823.

 

Trees of Hope

Pictured, from left: Cathy Riley of Gary Rome Hyundai (GRH); Rosemarie Zello and Celine Hamilton Quill from Ronald McDonald House (RMH); Brianna Zemrock, Daisy Rome, and Gary Rome from GRH; RMH Executive Director Michelle D’Amore; and Dara Davignon and Brittany Zabielski from GRH.

 

 

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

The second annual Neighbors Helping Neighbors fundraising drive at bankESB collected $35,000 for 14 local food pantries. Throughout November, the bank invited customers, employees, and community members to donate at bankESB branches. All donations were matched by bankESB and the total divided equally among food pantries in Western Mass. communities the bank serves.

 

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Pictured: bankESB Vice President and Easthampton Branch Officer Gary Turku presents a $2,500 check to Jillian Morgan of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.

 

New Name, Broader Mission

On Jan. 25, the Children’s Study Home rebranded as Helix Human Services. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and members of the community joined board members, faculty, staff, and Executive Director Will Dávila (pictured at podium) for the unveiling at the Merriam-Webster building in Springfield. The need to rebrand the agency was identified during a seven-month strategic-planning process that involved representatives of the board and staff. Now, Helix Human Services focuses on helping not only children and women, but all adults and families affected by trauma.

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and members of the community joined board members, faculty, staff, and Executive Director Will Dávila (pictured at podium) for the unveiling at the Merriam-Webster building in Springfield

 

New Name, Broader Mission

Executive Director Will Dávila (pictured at podium) at the unveiling of the Merriam-Webster building in Springfield

 

Court Dockets

By
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

Nydia Burgos v. MGM Springfield Redevelopment LLC and MGM Resorts Springfield

Allegation: Negligence; slip and fall causing personal injury: $19,000

Filed: 11/29/22

 

Charles Mead v. Consolidated Rail Corp.

Allegation: Failure to use ordinary care and caution; failure to take effective action to reduce, modify, or eliminate duties, equipment, or practices to minimize or eliminate exposure; failure to test railroad facilities, locomotives, equipment, yards, buildings, and right of ways for the presence of toxic materials and carcinogens; failure to engage in followup monitoring of facilities, equipment, yards, buildings, and right of ways for the presence of toxic materials and carcinogens; failure to properly remediate known toxic materials and carcinogens from facilities, locomotives, equipment, yards, building, and right of ways; failure to periodically test employees for physical effects of exposure to toxic materials and carcinogens and failure to take appropriate action; failure to warn plaintiff of risk of contracting cancer or other diseases as a result of exposure to known carcinogens; failure to make reasonable efforts to inspect or monitor the level of exposure to carcinogens; failure to provide plaintiff with knowledge of reasonably safe and sufficient clothing and proper protective equipment to protect against exposure to carcinogens; failure to provide plaintiff with protective equipment designed to protect against exposure to toxic materials and carcinogens; failure to comply with existing federal, state, and local statutes, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to presence of toxic and carcinogenic substances and employee exposure; failure to undertake proper medical examinations and diagnostic studies to determine plantiff’s exposures; failure to promulgate, implement, and enforce rules, regulations, and policies to eliminate or reduce exposure; failure to ensure locomotives are in proper condition and are safe to operate without unnecessary danger as required by Locomotive Inspection Act; negligence resulting in personal injury: $525,000

Filed: 11/29/22

 

Maria Valego v. City of Holyoke and G&H Landscaping Inc.

Allegation: Negligence; slip and fall causing personal injury: $14,600

Filed: 12/1/22

 

Marjorie Sullivan v. Big Y Express and Krishnakant Swadia as trustees of Yashvi Realty Trust

Allegation: Negligence; slip and fall causing personal injury: $60,000

Filed: 12/2/22

 

Linda Dobiecki v. Pamela Coe, personal representative for the estate of Nicholas Coe, MD; Carolyn Messere, MD; Pamela White, RN; John Doe, RN; and Baystate Medical Center

Allegation: Medical malpractice, medical negligence, negligent infliction of emotional distress: $1,000,000

Filed: 12/2/22

 

Leilanie Jusino, a minor, by and through her parents and next friends, Michael Jusino and Carina Diaz v. Fun Z Trampoline Park Westfield LLC

Allegation: Negligence causing personal injury: $22,295.91

Filed: 12/5/22

 

Roberto Hernandez, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. DFA Dairy Brands Ice Cream, LLC

Allegation: Unpaid wages, violation of Massachusetts Overtime Act, violation of Massachusetts Wage Act, timekeeping system failure to properly account donning, doffing, and walking activities: $75,000+

Filed: 12/5/22

 

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

All Parts Racing LLC v. Energy Site Services LLC and the Minority Alliance Group LLC

Allegation: Breach of contract, breach of good faith and fair dealing, unjust enrichment: $55,000

Filed: 12/16/22

 

Marc Whalen v. Hugh Manheim and Manheim Farm Plastics Inc.

Allegation: Motor-vehicle negligence resulting in personal injury: $52,631.20

Filed: 12/19/22

 

Liz Cross v. Enterprise FM Trust and Joss Dore

Allegation: Motor-vehicle negligence resulting in personal injury: $119,587.60

Filed: 12/20/22

 

Edward Scott Corbett v. Mananto Enterprises LLC, Tala Hotels Holding LLC, and Mansour Ghalibaf

Allegation: Employment discrimination, handicap discrimination and failure to accommodate, age discrimination, race discrimination, retaliation: $5,000,000

Filed: 12/20/22

 

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By
Chamber Corners

1BERKSHIRE

(413) 499-1600; www.1berkshire.com

 

Feb. 1, 7: MCLA Leadership Academy Information Session, 4 p.m. Leadership Academy applications accepted until April 14. These are virtual sessions. Registration is required; to register, visit www.1berkshire.com.

 

EAST OF THE RIVER FIVE TOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

(413) 575-7230; www.erc5.com

 

Feb. 2: Virtual Speed Networking, 8-9 a.m. The virtual Speed Networking Coffee Hour with ERC5 and the West of the River Chamber of Commerce is back by popular demand. This is a virtual event hosted via Zoom. Register at erc5ma.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/4725.

 

Feb. 7: Arrive After 5, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Dimauro Carpet & Tile Inc., 185 Shaker Road, East Longmeadow. Enjoy refreshments and connect with other passionate networkers. This event is free, but registration is limited and required. Register online at www.erc5.com.

 

Feb. 22: ERC5 Government Breakfast Reception and Awards, 8:30-10 a.m., hosted by Twin Hills Country Club, Longmeadow. Join the ERC 5 as we gather to celebrate stage and local dignitaries, select board members, town managers, Town Council members, and department leaders from each of our five towns. Tickets cost $45 for members and $50 for non-members. Register online at www.erc5.com.

 

GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

(413) 584-1900; www.explorenorthampton.com

 

Feb. 1: Arrive@5, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Progression Brewing Co., 9 Pearl St., Northampton. Sponsored by the Davis Financial Group. Our monthly networking get-together is the perfect place to expand your circle of connections in the business community. New to (or nervous about) networking? Join us at 4 p.m. for a Warm Welcome pre-party and get tips from our experts. This is a free event. Register online at www.explorenorthampton.com.

 

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

(413) 568-1618; www.westfieldbiz.org

 

Feb. 6: Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m., hosted by Westfield Barnes Regional Airport, 110 Airport Road, Westfield. This month’s Mayor’s Coffee Hour will be held in the conference room in the terminal building of Westfield Barnes Regional Airport. Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe will fill us in on what’s going on at City Hall, and questions are welcome. This event is free to attend. To register, visit www.westfieldbiz.org.

Feb. 16: After 5 Connections, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Shortstop Bar & Grill, 99 Springfield Road, Westfield. Don’t miss this networking opportunity. This event is free to attend. To register, visit www.westfieldbiz.org.

 

Feb. 23: Morning Brew, 8-9 a.m., hosted by Shortstop Bar & Grill, 99 Springfield Road, Westfield. Join us for this networking opportunity. Introduce yourself and your business to attendees. Everyone will have a chance to discuss what their business does and what they are looking for to expand and improve. This event is free to attend. To register, visit www.westfieldbiz.org.

 

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

(413) 426-3880; www.ourwrc.com

 

Feb. 2: Virtual Networking Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m. Join us virtually as we connect with our business friends. This event is free to attend. To register, visit www.ourwrc.com.

Agenda

By
Agenda

40 Under Forty Nominations

Through Feb. 17: BusinessWest is currently accepting nominations for the 40 Under Forty class of 2023. The deadline for nominations is Friday, Feb. 17. Launched in 2007, the program recognizes rising stars in the four counties of Western Mass. Nominations, which should be as detailed and thorough as possible, should list an individual’s accomplishments within their profession as well as their work within the community. Nominations can be completed online at businesswest.com/40-under-forty-nomination-form. Nominations will be weighed by a panel of judges, and the selected individuals will be announced and profiled in the May 1 issue of BusinessWest and honored at the 40 Under Forty Gala on June 15. Event sponsorship opportunities are available.

 

‘Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow’

Feb. 6-21: Wistariahurst Museum and Garden will display a poster exhibition titled “Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow,” organized and distributed by the New York Historical Society Museum and Library, with lead support for this traveling exhibition provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Black Americans gained monumental new liberties after the Civil War and the end of slavery. The era known as Reconstruction brought freedom, citizenship, and, for Black men, the right to vote. By the early 1900s, these liberties had been sabotaged by a repressive racial system known as Jim Crow. This exhibit chronicles the long strides forward, bruising setbacks, and heroic struggle for equality that took place during these years. In addition to the exhibit, this program provides a resources for teachers and the public, including recommended readings, recommending watching, links to interactive presentations, workshops and educational curricula, and lesson plans for grades K-12. The exhibit will be supplemented with artifacts and images from the Black Holyoke collection. The gallery is open Mondays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Tuesdays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Visit wistariahurst.org/events-2 to register for this event.

 

Easthampton WinterFest

Feb. 11: The 10th annual Easthampton WinterFest will be held in locations throughout the city. The festival is organized by the Nashawannuck Pond Steering Committee and is a fundraising event created to bring public awareness about ongoing efforts needed to keep Nashawannuck Pond healthy for generations to come. Outdoor activities include a historical ice harvest on Nashawannuck Pond featuring historian Dennis Picard. Participants can try their hands at using a pond saw to ‘harvest’ blocks of ice as they learn about Easthampton’s part in the area’s ice industry. Other outdoor activities include a nature walk at Arcadia, Clay Hill Farm draft-horse wagon rides, and a fire by the pond. Ice carver Mike Rondeau will create an ice bar, luge, and tabletops on the Keystone Mill patio. Indoor activities at Keystone Mill, 122 Pleasant St., include a vendor/artisan/craft fair, Art in Motion dance demonstration, Dennis the Magician, puppeteer Tom Knight, a martial-arts demonstration, Emily Foxtrot dance lessons, and a Juggernaut Glass and Go with the Float open house. Emily Williston Library, the Council on Aging, and Easthampton Media are also planning events. Adult fun includes the first Winterfest Deca-Dance Gala, a ticketed event, at Boylston West Room featuring Johnny & the Flashbacks and appetizers by Meyers Catering and ice bar/luge outdoors on the Keystone patio featuring two signature drinks. Other events include a chili tasting hosted by Big Bear Used Books and Café, WinterFest After Dark with live music at Abandoned Building Brewery, 1 Man Party trivia at New City Brewery, and bingo at Abandoned Building Brewery. To view the full list of activities, visit www.nashawannuckpond.org/winterfest.html.

 

Lawyer on the Line

Feb. 13: The Hampden County Bar Assoc., in conjunction with Western Mass News, will hold its Lawyer on the Line program from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Local, experienced attorneys will be able to provide legal advice on various topics, including divorce and family, bankruptcy, business, employment, landlord/tenant, and real estate. Individuals needing advice should call (413) 846-0240 to speak to a volunteer.

 

MOSSO Concert Series at Westfield Athenaeum

Feb. 23, March 23, April 20: The Westfield Athenaeum will present a three-concert chamber-music series with MOSSO (Musicians of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra) performing. This is the second year of this partnership. Guy McLain, executive director of the Westfield Athenaeum, will offer a pre-performance talk at 6 p.m., which is free to ticket holders. The Westfield Athenaeum series opens with MOSSO and Friends on Feb. 23. Violinist Beth Welty, horn player Sarah Sutherland, and pianist Elizabeth Skavish will perform horn trios of Frédéric Duvernoy, Trygve Madsen, and Johannes Brahms. Welty, chair of MOSSO, is acting principal second violin of MOSSO and the Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO). Sutherland, MOSSO and SSO horn player, is also MOSSO’s finance director. The series continues on Thursday, March 23 with a performance by the Vermont-based Champlain Trio, which includes MOSSO and SSO principal cello Emily Taubl. The Champlain Trio will perform “Brilliant Colors,” a program that features music by Tchaikovsky, Erik Neilsen (“Trio No. 2” written for the ensemble), Jennifer Higdon, Amy Beach, and Stravinsky’s “Firebird Suite.” The series concludes on Thursday, April 20 with MOSSO and SSO horn player Robert Hoyle’s quintet, the Connecticut-based Harmonia V. The quintet will celebrate April in Paris with an all-French program, featuring pieces by Barthe, Fauré, Ravel, Poulenc, Debussy, Pierné, and Lefebvre. Tickets for the concerts, $25 per person, must be purchased in advance at the Westfield Athenaeum during business hours, or online at www.westath.org.

 

Springfield Thunderbirds Sensory-friendly Game

Feb. 26: The Springfield Thunderbirds, in conjunction with the Center for Human Development (CHD) and Springfield College’s Department of Occupational Therapy, will host their third annual sensory-friendly game at 3:05 p.m., when the Thunderbirds host the Charlotte Checkers. The game presentation will feature decreased stimulation, including no goal horn or noise meters, decreased microphone and music volume, no strobing lights, and consistent lighting throughout the game and pregame, as well as two ‘cool-down stations,’ quiet areas on the concourse and main entry level of the MassMutual Center, away from the seating bowl, and a ‘sensory story’ booklet and other supportive items for guests. Since their inaugural season in 2016, the Springfield Thunderbirds have been partners with CHD, celebrating community-focused initiatives and difference makers in the Western Mass. community. At each T-Birds home game, a Game Changer award is presented to a member of the crowd who has bettered his or her community in ways both large and small. Additionally, the two organizations have partnered to create an opportunity for all — including those with physical limitations — to enjoy the game of hockey with the introduction of the CHD Sled Hockey Thunderbirds. The Springfield Thunderbirds, through Hockey Fights Cancer and other initiatives, have also been steadfast supporters of the CHD Cancer House of Hope, which is committed to providing access to free services and therapies that bring comfort, care, strength, resilience, and hope to patients with cancer and their loved ones. Fans with questions regarding the sensory-friendly game can direct them to the Thunderbirds front office at (413) 739- 4625 or by visiting www.springfieldthunderbirds.com.

 

Difference Makers Gala

April 27: The 15th annual Difference Makers Gala will be held at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. Since 2009, BusinessWest has been recognizing the work of individuals, groups, businesses, and institutions through this recognition program. The 2023 Difference Makers will be announced, and their stories told, in the Feb. 20 issue of BusinessWest and at businesswest.com. Event ticket cost and registration information is coming soon. Partner sponsors for this year’s program include Burkhart Pizzanelli, the Royal Law Firm, TommyCar Auto Group, and Westfield Bank.

People on the Move

By
People on the Move
Matt Garrity

Matt Garrity

Matt Garrity launched a new era for Florence Bank, taking the helm as president and CEO. He brings extensive experience as a leader and promoter of growth along with a broad base of knowledge in serving both business customers and general banking consumers. Garrity was formerly the executive vice president and chief lending officer and head of Residential Lending at Premier Bank, serving Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. He replaces Michael Lynch, senior vice president and senior commercial lender, who has served as interim president since former president and CEO Kevin Day retired on Nov. 25. In his first year — the 150th-anniversary year for Florence Bank — Garrity expects to focus on getting to know the Florence Bank staff and, over time, on growth, particularly further expansion into Hampden County, where the bank currently has three branches. John Ebbets, chair of the bank’s board of directors, said the search for a new president and CEO began in July and was led by Kaplan Partners, which broadcast the position throughout New England, parts of the mid-Atlantic, and Ohio. A pool of 125 candidates was methodically pared to two finalists, each of whom met live with the full board, which sought a leader with vision, a history of execution, and a willingness to embrace Florence Bank’s mutual culture. Garrity lived in Lee until seventh grade, when he moved to Ohio. He holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from Ohio University and chose banking as a career so he could help consumers achieve their financial goals. His first job was in consumer banking, but he quickly learned he was drawn to commercial banking and took a job as a credit analyst; he rose into leadership steadily over the years. In 2009, he was recruited to serve as chief credit officer for a mid-size bank and rescued the organization from significant financial distress and the threat of closure via a federal cease-and-desist order.

•••••

Megan Burke

Megan Burke

The trustees of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts (CFWM) announced the appointment of Megan Burke to the position of president and CEO (see story on page 4). Burke has been a Community Impact officer at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving for more than seven years, most recently serving as its director of Community Impact Grantmaking. Burke has more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit management, strategic planning, and philanthropy. She will begin her tenure at the Foundation on Jan. 18, succeeding Katie Allan Zobel, who moved forward in her career on Oct. 1 after navigating the pandemic and a period of tremendous growth for the foundation. Burke began her career working on international peace and security issues at the Ford Foundation and through the United Nations. She also lived in Nicaragua for several years, where her work supported the emerging LGBTQ+ movement and the development of a nationwide campaign to advance human rights. Prior to her most recent position at the Hartford Foundation, Burke led the Nobel Peace Prize-winning International Campaign to Ban Landmines, an international network of nonprofits engaged in advancing a ban on anti-personnel landmines and cluster munitions worldwide. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Wellesley College and a master’s degree from Yale University.

•••••

Michael Savitt

Michael Savitt

Excel Dryer Inc., manufacturer of the XLERATOR Hand Dryer, announced the promotion of Michael Savitt to director of Domestic Sales. Savitt has held positions with increasing responsibility over his 10 years with Excel Dryer, most recently serving as Business Development manager for North America. In his new role, Savitt will supervise the U.S. sales team, explore opportunities to support the company’s growth, and work closely with architects, distributors, and end users to identify how high-speed, energy-efficient hand dryers fit into cost-saving and sustainability initiatives. Prior to his role as Business Development manager for North America, Savitt started at Excel Dryer as a field sales manager and then became a national field sales manager. He has worked across all markets, verticals, and channels for Excel Dryer over the past decade. Before joining the company, Savitt worked at Avatar HR Solutions and Data Recognition Corp. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a bachelor’a degree in journalism and went on to receive his master’s degree in journalism at Indiana University Bloomington. He completed the “Mastering Sales: A Toolkit for Success” course at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, “Coaching for Improved Performance & Results” with Leadership Dynamics Inc., and “Effective Personal Productivity” with Leadership Management International Inc.

•••••

Ibrahim Alkahiabri

Ibrahim Alkahiabri

Dietz & Company Architects Inc. announced the addition of Ibrahim Alkahiabri in the role of architectural associate, where he will assist project teams throughout all phases of design.

Alkahiabri holds a bachelor of fine arts degree in architecture from Savannah College of Art and Design, as well as a diploma in business and tourism from the Prince Sultan College of Business in Saudi Arabia. He comes to Dietz having worked at firms in Charlotte, N.C. and Atlanta, where he gained experience working on multi-family and single-family housing projects.

•••••

Jake Hooker

Jake Hooker

Jake Hooker, a 2012 Northampton High School graduate, has passed the state’s bar exam and joined his father, Michael Hooker, in Hooker’s legal firm, Attorney Michael Hooker Elder Law, which serves elders and those living with disabilities. Jake Hooker is the second attorney at the firm, which also includes a Medicaid specialist, a social worker, a financial specialist, and two specialized paralegals. The practice is unique; its services extend beyond the realm of the law to provide financial and social services for elders and their families. Hooker began interning at the firm while he was attending Northampton High School and continued to assist while at Greenfield Community College and UMass Amherst, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science. He graduated from Northeastern University School of Law in 2022. While there, he completed two internships — one at Attorney Michael Hooker Elder Law and one with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services at the General Counsel’s Office, where he assisted the MassHealth Estate Recovery Unit as well as the Litigation Department.

•••••

Alexander Pattacini

Alexander Pattacini

Bacon Wilson, P.C. announced that attorney Alexander Pattacini has joined the firm. He is a member of the firm’s Estate Planning and Elder Law department. Pattacini earned his juris doctorate with a concentration in transactional law from Western New England University School of Law, where he served as a clinician in the Small Business Clinic. He previously earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut in Storrs. Prior to joining Bacon Wilson, P.C., he interned with the Connecticut Department of Education Division of Legal Affairs, and served as legal counsel for the Connecticut House Majority Leader’s Office. He is a member of the Massachusetts Bar Assoc. as well as the Education Law Assoc. He is licensed to practice in Massachusetts and will be working in all Bacon Wilson office locations, but primarily in Springfield.

•••••

The International Language Institute of Massachusetts (ILI) recently welcomed Italian instructor Jennie Coletta, ESOL instructor Brandon LeBlanc, Spanish teacher Kara McBride, and Spanish instructor Boris Romero. Coletta has a bachelor’s degree in Italian studies from Brown University and a master of education degree from Lesley University. As an undergrad, she studied abroad at the Università di Bologna, and later au paired for a family in Sicily. She has taught Italian at a public high school in Massachusetts, and while living in Italy, she taught English to Italian adults. LeBlanc earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Pace University in New York City and a master’s degree in history from York University in Toronto. He has taught English in Spain, social studies/ESL in Bolivia, and most recently taught adult ESL in South Carolina. McBride has one master’s degree in Spanish from Purdue University and another in teaching English to speakers of other languages from Indiana University, and a PhD in second language acquisition and teaching from the University of Arizona. She first joined an improv group in St. Louis, where she was working as an associate professor of Spanish. After eight years at Saint Louis University, she moved to Valparaíso, Chile and opened the House of English. Her business offered immersive language learning experiences such as improv workshops and mystery dinner theater. She returned to the U.S. in 2016 to work as a senior education specialist for World Learning, the international development organization that grew out of the School for International Training. While living in Washington, D.C., she joined the Washington Improv Theater. She will be teaching Spanish improv at ILI this winter. Romero has taught Spanish since 2008 in institutes and universities of Colombia, Canada, and the U.S. He earned both his bachelor’s degree in modern languages and his master’s degree in applied linguistics of Spanish as foreign language at Javeriana University in Bogota, Colombia. He is in the last stages of his doctoral dissertation related to the connection between language and culture. He speaks English, Spanish, French, and a little Italian.

•••••

Trevor Brice

Trevor Brice

The Royal Law Firm recently welcomed attorney Trevor Brice to the team. Brice received his bachelor’s degree from Providence College and his juris doctor and MBA from Suffolk University Law School. He has regularly advised and represented clients in state and federal courts, as well as at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, and other state agencies. Brice moved to Western Mass. after working for a large company in the Boston area, work that provided him with a detailed understanding of the difficult scenarios employers face when defending claims of discrimination, harassment, wrongful terminations, and allegations of violations of FMLA. He is admitted to practice law in the state and federal courts in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New York, and New Hampshire.

•••••

Bulkley Richardson announced that Sarah Willey has been promoted to partner in the firm’s Business/Finance Department, and Stephen Holstrom has been promoted to counsel in the firm’s Litigation Department. Willey’s practice includes a range of business services, including advising clients in business formation, mergers and acquisitions, business-succession planning, and corporate structuring of businesses in regulated industries, including cannabis. She also represents employers in a variety of matters before the MCAD, EEOC, and state and federal courts, and counsels clients in protecting and maximizing their intellectual property via trademarks, copyrights, and licensing agreements. Holstrom joined the firm in 2018 as an associate. He is a general practice litigator with a focus on medical-malpractice defense. In addition to medical-malpractice actions, he has litigated other complex tort actions, commercial cases, insurance cases, complex class actions, and education cases.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

PeoplesBank Donation Supports Rent-stabilization Initiative

HOLYOKE — OneHolyoke Community Development Corp. announced a $20,000 donation from PeoplesBank to support OneHolyoke’s Working Families – Rent Stabilization initiative. The lead grant from PeoplesBank has allowed the organization to freeze rents for those in OneHolyoke housing units. “At a time when housing costs are spiking and rents are becoming unaffordable for many, OneHolyoke has maintained our rents without any increase over the past year,” Executive Director Michael Moriarty said. “We are able to accomplish this due to the community partnerships we have formed leading to grants such as this $20,000 gift from PeoplesBank. PeoplesBank understands the importance of community, and we appreciate their partnership in this important initiative to keep housing that is affordable to families in Holyoke.” OneHolyoke manages more than 160 units of non-subsidized housing in the Holyoke neighborhoods of the Flats, Churchill, and South Holyoke.

 

One Way Brewing Celebrates One-year Anniversary

LONGMEADOW — It’s been one year since One Way Brewing opened its taproom at 807 Maple Road in Longmeadow. In that year, the One Way crew has welcomed thousands of customers, released more than two dozen new beers, and made lots of friends in the community. In recognition of and gratitude for this milestone, One Way Brewing hosted a celebration on Jan. 22 at the brewery. The event featured live music from the Hard to Read band, as well as the release of a New England IPA anniversary beer that was brewed only for this occasion. Co-owners Jason Tsitso and Zach Schwartz also partnered with Fletcher’s BBQ Shop and Steakhouse for the event. “Zach and I would like to thank everyone who supported us this past year, from our awesome patrons to our One Way family,” Tsitso said. “But, to quote Bill Belichick, we’re on to year two.”

 

HCC Grant to Expand Outreach to Formerly Incarcerated

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) has been awarded an $81,605 Bridges to College grant from the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education to expand community outreach to adult learners who have been previously incarcerated. Specifically, the money goes to Western Mass CORE, an HCC program that works in partnership with the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department to facilitate pathways to education for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals. CORE stands for community, opportunity, resources, and education. The program was founded in 2019 by two HCC professors, Nicole Hendricks (criminal justice) and Mary Orisich (economics). The Bridges to College grant will allow Western Mass CORE to expand office hours, advising services, and information sessions at the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department’s AISS facility, located in the WW Johnson Life Center on State Street in Springfield. AISS stands for Al Inclusive Support Services (formerly After Incarceration Support Services). The grant will also support the hiring of a new community-navigator position to lead this outreach work. This is Western Mass CORE’s third Bridges to College grant as project lead. The grant also will provide funding for Western Mass CORE to host a series of community events, including a monthly children’s story hour at the Holyoke Public Library for parents who have been previously incarcerated and their children, and community coffee hours at the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute on Race Street. On March 24, as part of the grant and in partnership with Western New England University, Western Mass CORE will host an expungement event and CORI-friendly career fair in HCC’s Bartley Center for Athletics & Recreation, where formerly incarcerated individuals will be able to consult with lawyers to help have their criminal records expunged. In the meantime, Western Mass CORE will continue its work inside the Hampden County Correctional Center in Ludlow and the Western Massachusetts Regional Women’s Correctional Center in Chicopee. This spring, at the Ludlow jail, Hendricks will teach a criminology course, while Orisich will lead an economics class. HCC theater professor Patricia Sandoval will teach a fundamentals of acting class at the women’s jail.

 

UWPV to Distribute $258,500 in Emergency Food and Shelter Funds

SPRINGFIELD — The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) is a program funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and designed to supplement and expand the ongoing work of local social0service organizations to provide shelter, food, and supportive services to individuals and families who are experiencing, or are at risk of experiencing, homelessness or hunger. The United Way Pioneer Valley (UWPV) serves as the administrator for Hampden County, South Hadley, and Granby for all EFSP funds. With the help of a local board comprised of local community leaders, UWPV determines how funding is allocated through a competitive grant application process. EFSP funding for Phase 40 recently became available, resulting in the distribution of $258,500 to be disbursed on a reimbursement basis to local nonprofit organizations.

 

Bulkley Richardson Supports Greater Westfield Emergency Food Pantry

WESTFIELD — The Greater Westfield Emergency Food Pantry received recently a $2,000 donation from the Springfield-based law firm Bulkley Richardson. “Since the expiration of special government assistance during the pandemic, we have witnessed the need for additional aid in feeding the hungry,” said Rebecca Hart, director of the Greater Westfield Emergency Food Pantry. “Along with a dramatic rise in prices for food and housing, food insecurity remains a growing concern.” Mike Roundy, partner at Bulkley Richardson and longtime Westfield resident, added that “seeing the real struggles that members of our community face every day to meet basic needs is painful. I am pleased that our firm can be a small part of the solution to help combat hunger, but there is so much more work to be done. I encourage others to help in ways that they are able.” The mission of the Greater Westfield Emergency Food Pantry is to provide food to those in need in the Westfield area; to foster self-sufficiency in individuals through encouragement, support, guidance, and education; and to identify and address the root causes of hunger in the community and to strive to provide long-term solutions.

Incorporations

By
Incorporations

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

AGAWAM

Mass Auto Inc., 24 Highland Ave., Agawam, MA, 01001. George Pascaru, same. Transportation services.

AMHERST

Poetshuffle Inc., 70 North Whitney St., Apt. E, Amherst, MA, 01002. Samuel Murphy-Judelson, same. Charitable organization established to the make distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

BLANDFORD

Blandford Fair Preservation Association Inc., 55 Woronoco Road, Blandford, MA, 01008. David Hopson, same. Corporation established to promote the preservation of the Blandford Fairgrounds; promote the education of the public regarding agricultural exhibitions and provide appropriate facilities to host an annual agricultural fair.

CHICOPEE

Christ Community Church Chicopee Inc., 101-105 Springfield, Chicopee, MA 01013. Angela D Trueheart, same. Church, worship place for all people.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Golden Years Home Health Care Services Inc., 16 Shaker Road, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Cesar Ruiz Jr., same. Provide skilled medical assistance in the patient’s home.

FEEDING HILLS

EZ Dump Inc., 69 Garden St., Feeding Hills, MA 01030. Vadzim Loban, 40 Dale Ct., Chicopee, MA 01020. Trash hauling services.

HOLYOKE

Trinity Senior Services Management Inc., 12 Gamelin St., Holyoke, MA, 01040. Janice Hamilton-Crawford, 20555 Victor Parkway Livonia, MI 48152. Management or continuing care services for third party healthcare providers.

LUDLOW

Quabbin Valley Eye Care Corporation, 135 Waverly Road, Ludlow, MA 01056. Rebecca L Maurer, same. Eye care services.

PITTSFIELD

Aidoc, Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Elad Walach, same. Online software sales.

Find Better Food Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA, 01201. David Moosman, 8776 West 67th Dr. Arvada, CO 80005. Developer of a food-ordering platform between distributors and restaurants.

Revival Therapeutics, Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. George Mabry, same. Researching, developing and commercializing potential drug therapies.

SOUTH DEERFIELD

Logan Training Group Inc., 19 Kelleher Dr., South Deerfield, MA 01373. Richard F Logan, same. Tactical training for protection and defense.

SPRINGFIELD

All About You Creative Wellness Inc., 1 Crescent Hill, Springfield, MA 01105. David Mech, same. Wellness services for mind, body, and soul.

Famipak Inc., 267 Beacon Circle, Springfield, MA 01119. Nathalie Orelien, same. Non-profit organization designed to provide programs and services alongside of evangelism to women and children living in impoverished nations.

Lea’s Home Agency Inc., 1607 Plumtree Road, Springfield, MA 01119. Lea Leconte, same. Home care services.

Thffi Inc. Massachusetts Chapter, 138 Switzer Street, Springfield, MA 01109. Sharon Schweizer, 41 Asinof Ave., Chicopee, MA 01013. Not for profit corporation organized and operated exclusively for the purpose of: (a) receiving charitable contributions and bequests to provide for scholarships, (b) undertaking genealogical research into the spread of Hungerford diaspora throughout the world, (c) establishing a research library, archives and museum for the preservation of original historical artifacts, manuscripts, bibles, photographs and other materials pertaining to the Hungerford diaspora, (d) preserving and replacing Hungerford gravestones, and (e) undertaking educational activities pertaining to the Hungerford diaspora.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Aladdin Halal Market, Corp., 312 Memorial Dr., West Springfield, MA, 01089. Aladdin Halal, 292 Sherman Street Albany, NY 12206. Convenience store specializing in the sales of Mediterranean goods.

WESTFIELD

Ink Bros Corp., 77 Mill St., Unit 116, Westfield, MA 01085. Joshua Kelsey, same. Printing services.

WILBRAHAM

Dominic John Inc., 2039 Boston Road, Wilbraham, MA 01095. Daniel D. Kelly, 33 Mulberry Street, Springfield, MA 01105. Restaurant and bar.

Doing Business As Certificates

By
DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and/or trade names were issued or renewed during the month of January 2023. (Filings are limited due to closures or reduced staffing hours at municipal offices due to COVID-19 restrictions).

AGAWAM

Quality Auto LLC
62 Ramah Circle North
Robert Smigiel

River Auto Services & Garden Auto Sales
204 Garden St.
Daniel Borkosky

Santo C Despirt Marble and Granite Inc.
2 South Bridge Dr.
Philip Scoville

Scissors and Razor Unisex Hair Studio
313 Springfield St.
Monica Orta

Set the Tone LLC
5 South Bridge Dr.
Maeghan Aberdale

Utopia
11 Herbert P Almgren Dr.
Seven Roads Media LLC

Western Mass Floor
779 Main St.
Timur Dadayev

CHICOPEE

MAR Auto Inc.
31 Prospect St.
Anthony Witman

The Place Chicopee
48 Center St., Units 215-216
Diane Tellier

Sandy’s Auto World
963 Meadow St.
Lyudmila Kudrya

Wicked Cycles Inc.
576 East St.
Scott Goncalves Machado

WickedSmart-SEO
22 Sachem St.
Jacob Stetson, Colleen Stetson

EAST LONGMEADOW

HUB International New England
96 Shaker Road
Timothy Marini

Jelly on My Belly
604 North Main St.
Thomas Costa

Renew Health LLC
124 Shaker Road
Alyssa Almeida

Shaker Bowl
168 Shaker Road
Justin Godfrey

ENFIELD

Exclusive Painting
11 Parker St.
Ryan Roberts

Fleet Management
89 Phoenix Ave.
Sean Grady

R&M Cleaning Solutions
2389 Main St., Suite 100
Ryan Gaetani

Reborns with Reasons
5 Raffia Road
Jaime Beebe

GREAT BARRINGTON

Marketplace Kitchen Table
128 Taconic Ave.
Kevin Schmitz

Salon Luna
789 Main St.
Lauren Germain

GREENFIELD

The Modern Design House
18 Laurel St.
Iancu Placinta, Ludmila Placinta

Mosquito Joe of Greenfield-Pittsfield
30 Plum Tree Lane
John Walker Jr., Thomas Glazier

Pioneer Ergonomics
152 Petty Plain Road
Gail Hegeman

Spectrum United
209 Barton Road
Joni Sue Hanley

Vlad Flooring
27 Washington St.
Vladimir Volosenco

Village Pizza
42 Bank Row
Walter Pacheco

Whole Foods Together
50 Orchard St.
Johnna Bossuot

HADLEY

Long River Budo
37 Lawrence Place Road
Beth Johnson

McDonald’s
374 Russell St.
Gomez Enterprises III LLC

Taco Bell
348 Russell St.
GF Enterprise LLC

Valley Excavating
39 Knightly Road
David Fill

LEE

Wadsworth Vinyl Windows and Siding
30 Union St.
Brian Wadsworth

Walgreens #19088
25 Park St.
Walgreens Eastern Co. Inc

LENOX

J’s Dog Haus Sheds
36 Pittsfield Road
Jason Smegal

Sonu Bridal and Beauty
4 Maple St.
Lani Mackie

LONGMEADOW

Hall & Hall Associates/CCH Consulting
76 Fernwood Road
Clair Hall

My Furry Faces
407 Frank Smith Road
Donna Calvanese

Vitality Massage and Pilates Center
175 Dwight Road
Marzena Glebocki

LUDLOW

Ludlow Public Market
48 Birch St.
Rosa Fernandes

Mad Wings
36 Westerly Circle
Alyssia Cust

NORTHAMPTON

Panacea Salon
28 Pleasant St., Unit 7B
Patricia Roguz-Britt

Pleasant Journey Used Cars
459 Pleasant St.
John Davey Jr., Cheryl Davey

River Valley Home Improvement
183 Grove St.
Tino Maric

Sacred Oak Homes
11 Bright St.
Steven MacLeay

Urgent Message Music
37 Woodmont Road
Peter Hamelin

Valley Recycling
234 Easthampton Road
Richard Pitts

PALMER

John’s Paint Store
1240 Park St.
Thomas Leecock

Le’s Auto Center Inc.
1575 North Main St.
Leslie Skowyra

Life’s Memories & More
2067 Main St.
Tanya Bullock

Luke’s Beer and Wine Convenience Store
1478 North Main St.
Joppu Lukose

Palmer Package
1615 North Main St.
Carlos Martins

Noah Lis Production
4 Springfield St.
Noah Lis

Northern Tree Service LLC
1290 Park St.
Philip Cambo, Timothy Lamotte

Palmer Hobbies LLC
1428 Main St.
William Lanzo

Sew Bizzie Quilting
4109 Main St.
Diana Ruth Doane

Walnut St. Café
8 Walnut St.
Barry Theodore

PITTSFIELD

Alarms of Berkshire County
326 Springside Ave.
The Professionals LLC

AR Rachielle Builder
55 Glenn Dr.
Anthony Rachielle

Atmosphere Printing Co.
137 North St.
Sire Press LLC

Bennington Banner
75 South Church St.
New England Newspaper Inc.

Brattleboro Reformer
75 South Church St.
New England Newspaper Inc.

Bugsy’s Dad Enterprises
419 Dalton Ave.
Mark White

CMG Financial
82 Wendell Ave.
CMG Mortgage Inc.

CMG Home Loans
82 Wendell Ave.
CMG Mortgage Inc.

Global Security & Investigation Solutions
82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100
Global Security Solutions Inc.

HomeFundIt
82 Wendell Ave.
CMG Mortgage Inc.

Johnson Family Partnership
694 East St.
Gary Johnson

Law Office of Shannon C. Plumb
205 South St.
Shannon Plumb

Manchester Journal
75 South Church St.
New England Newspaper Inc.

Network Connex
82 Wendell Ave.
Advantage Engineers LLC

Nexben Insurance Solutions
1830 Colonial Village Lane
Trovia Inc.

Nissan of Pittsfield
25 West Housatonic St.
Robert Urrutia

P&G Management
15 Clark Road
Jonathan Pierce

Pittsfield Lawn and Tractor Inc.
1548 West Housatonic St.
Pittsfield Lawn and Tractor Inc.

The Pomeroy
76 East Housatonic St.
Springside Gardens LLC

Power Supply Mall
82 Wendell Ave.
Wellforces LLC

Sir Fix-a-Lot Home Services
101 Elberon Ave.
Wade Poplaski

South Berkshires Shoppers Guide
75 South Church St.
Birdland Acquisition LLC

TOG Property Management
35 Deborah Ave.
Tyrekee Gordon

Venus Temple
50 North Pearl St.
Dr. Marie Clifton

SOUTH HADLEY

Parthenon Restaurant
475 Newton St.
D.P. Parthenon

Pleasant Street Auto Sales
650 New Ludlow Road
Pleasant Street Auto Body & Repair Inc.

Stoney’s Pub
1 Bridge St.
Pioneer Valley Inc.

Vasily Morozov Electrical
5 Central Ave.
Vasily Morozov

The Writer’s Tech Shop
124 Alvord Place
Karin Ohlson

Yes Realty LLC
460 Granby Road
Yes Realty

SOUTHWICK

Billy C’s Raw Honey
18 Klaus Anderson St.
William Crawford III

Priority Skin Boutique LLC
208 College Highway
Cassandra St. Jean

SPRINGFIELD

Jah First Music and Cloth
57 Westford Ave.
Godfrey Smith

Keno White LLC
961 Worcester St.
Keno Lee White II

Libertas Counseling
181 Monrovia St.
Kency Gilet

Lily Crow Wellness Center
899 Carew St.
Lilian Ramos David

Main Street Auto Services
77 Main St.
Michael Belanger

Mamuchy Grocery Store
306 Belmont Ave.
Berta Luciano Fabian

Merri Maid Laundry
819 State St.
Yanghwa Chong

Mobile Man Details
105 Princeton St.
Andre Yarns Jr.

Monsoon Roastery LLC
270 Albany St.
Timothy Monson

Pure Medicine
18 Pine Acre Road
Anthony Chechile

Rivera Home Remodeling LLC
173 Tyler St.
Victor Rivera

Ross & Ross, P.C.
121 State St.
Ross & Ross Law

Sabis International Charter
160 Joan St.
Crystal Hodge-Lizana

Simply Serendipity/Dharma
1341 Main St.
SimpyGrace LLC

Sky Nails & Spa
1198 Parker St.
Thi Tai

Sky’s Home Improvement
120 Marengo Park
Dinh Thai

Smoke Shop
117 State St.
Yimaira Gines

StoneKoncepts
257 Dickinson St.
Pablo Morales

Touch of NYC Hair Studio
803 Belmont Ave.
Sophia Evans

Vega & Vega Financial Services
29 Melville St.
Willie Vega

WLC Electric
814 Roosevelt Ave.
William Collins

WARE

Pineda Real Estate
61 Babcock Tavern Road
Donna Pineda

Villa’s Restaurant
123 Main St.
Efren Steve Kolenovic

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Custom Build LLC
2405 Westfield St.
Dmytro Barynov

Lotus General Contracting
12 South Blvd.
James Stephenson

Texture and Fringe
249 Great Plains Road
Michele Shibley

Vista Home Improvement
2097 Riverdale St.
Brian Rudd

We & Co Designs
278 Ely Ave.
Wanda Estremera

West Springfield Veterinary Clinic
288 Westfield St.
Carolina Joos

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

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

Altomare, Jr., Salvatore P.
178 Shady Brook Lane
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/05/2023

Atalay, Ibrahim
25R Prospect Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/06/2023

Auclair, Amber L.
140 Pulaski St., Apt. A
West Warren, MA 01092
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/06/2023

Bonilla, Angel Isaac
837 State St., Apt. 146
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/04/2023

Brown, Richard W.
101 Dunham Road
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/11/2023

Clark, Eloise
110 Tilton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/09/2023

Collins, Jennifer
283 Wildermere St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/11/2023

Conde, Victor M.
Conde, Rachel R.
112 Pineview Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/12/2023

Daitch, Jason P.
Daitch-Bergeron, Jason P.
Daitch, Kristyana E.
a/k/a Digiovanni, Kristyana E.
175 West Allen Ridge Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/06/2023

Graham, Elizabeth A.
81 Fish St., Apt. 2
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/15/2023

Hutchinson, William
375 North St.
Williamstown, MA 01267
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/09/2023

McIntosh, Mellesha
121 Wayne St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/11/2023

Rivas, Libia
41 Chestnut St., Apt. 305
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/11/2023

Savage, Carol Nellyne
57 Warrenton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/04/2023

Stamp, Angella C.
a/k/a Morgan, Angella C.
242 Cabinet St., #1
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/13/2023

Real Estate Transactions

By
Real Estate

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

ASHFIELD

228 Plainfield Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $399,000
Buyer: Fidelis Bridge Loan Ventures V
Seller: Crowd Lending Fund One
Date: 01/05/23

BERNARDSTON

277 South St.
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $910,000
Buyer: Donna Giard
Seller: Pamela T. Buzzell Int.
Date: 12/29/22

COLRAIN

299 Adamsville Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $224,500
Buyer: Everest J. Peacock
Seller: Mandigo, Lester G., (Estate)
Date: 01/06/23

10 Purington Lane
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $117,500
Buyer: Virginia Brown
Seller: Federal National Mortgage Association
Date: 12/30/22

DEERFIELD

89 Upper Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $482,500
Buyer: Erin E. Madison
Seller: Richard E. Alber
Date: 12/28/22

GREENFIELD

130 Colrain Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $9,290,000
Buyer: Greenfield Mgmt. Systems
Seller: Charlene Manor LLC
Date: 12/30/22

186 Conway St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $121,938
Buyer: TD Bank
Seller: Eric C. Guba
Date: 01/05/23

57 Forest Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $287,500
Buyer: Donna M. Riggs
Seller: Kara J. Jacobsen
Date: 01/05/23

130 Franklin St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: K. P. Property LLC
Seller: Crawford K. Sweeley
Date: 01/05/23

46 French King Hwy.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Leah Daniels
Seller: Oleksandr Lyvytsky
Date: 12/30/22

17 Garfield St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Mark R. Penfield
Seller: Holmes, Donald K., (Estate)
Date: 12/28/22

45 Harrison Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Matthew T. Phillips
Seller: Isotti FT
Date: 12/28/22

318 High St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: Liam Lane Holdings LLC
Seller: Doleva Real Estate Inc.
Date: 12/30/22

344 Log Plain Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Mark A. Wallace
Seller: Dauntless Path LLC
Date: 12/30/22

270 Main St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: 270 Main Greenfield LLC
Seller: Greenfield Community College
Date: 12/29/22

48 Montague City Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Barlow Paving & Excavation
Seller: AR Sandri Inc.
Date: 12/29/22

361 Silver St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Liam Lane Holdings LLC
Seller: Doleva, John E., (Estate)
Date: 12/30/22

MONTAGUE

6 11th St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Brianna C. Doxzen
Seller: Jose A. Ortiz
Date: 12/30/22

NORTHFIELD

Highland Ave.
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $502,000
Buyer: Thomas Aquinas College
Seller: Mnorthfield1 LLC
Date: 12/29/22

491 Millers Falls Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Christopher C. Beckwith
Seller: James S. Rider
Date: 01/06/23

19 Moody St.
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $502,000
Buyer: Thomas Aquinas College
Seller: Mnorthfield1 LLC
Date: 12/29/22

31 Moody St.
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $502,000
Buyer: Thomas Aquinas College
Seller: Mnorthfield1 LLC
Date: 12/29/22

36 Winchester Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Thomas Aquinas College
Seller: Moody Center Inc.
Date: 12/29/22

ORANGE

19 Clifton St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $269,900
Buyer: Maris Clement
Seller: Ian Hurley
Date: 12/29/22

SHUTESBURY

163 Leverett Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $269,900
Buyer: Colin P. Davis
Seller: Stephen Mace
Date: 01/05/23

548 Wendell Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Laura J. Ketteringham
Seller: Tamie Kelsey-West
Date: 12/28/22

SUNDERLAND

129 Plumtree Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $274,900
Buyer: MF Properties LLC
Seller: Gerald Baranoski
Date: 12/29/22

WHATELY

269 River Road
Whately, MA 01375
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Jonathan C. Galenski
Seller: Pasiecnik, James M., (Estate)
Date: 12/28/22

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

136 Barry St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $457,000
Buyer: Melissa J. Losito
Seller: Mario Tedeschi
Date: 12/29/22

26 Brookside Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $396,000
Buyer: Sean Fitzgerald
Seller: Christopher Roos
Date: 01/05/23

24 Campbell Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Sergeo V. Arbuzov
Seller: Campbell Drive LLC
Date: 12/30/22

51 Fruwirth Ave.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Frederick S. Fruwirth
Seller: Frederick S. Fruwirth
Date: 12/29/22

1370 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $401,000
Buyer: Geraldine O’Sullivan
Seller: Joshua W. Stanley
Date: 12/28/22

16 Norris St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Calabrese Construction LLC
Seller: Tifany Inacio
Date: 12/29/22

40 Plumtree Way
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $545,000
Buyer: Corey Jenks
Seller: Lisa M. Curry
Date: 12/30/22

248 South Westfield St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Scott Pattenaude
Seller: Dorothy J. Gallo
Date: 12/29/22

164 Southwick St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: Cil Realty of Mass. Inc.
Seller: Interbartolo & Ricupero L
Date: 01/06/23

1083 Suffield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Christine A. Elias
Seller: Sadiq A. Elias
Date: 12/29/22

216-218 Walnut St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Walnut Street RT
Seller: Deborah A. Andrews
Date: 12/28/22

BLANDFORD

11 Beulah Land Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: James Gaeta
Seller: Gladys T. Kazalski
Date: 01/04/23

145 Chester Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: MHI Properties LLC
Seller: Gary Fitzgerald
Date: 12/28/22

BRIMFIELD

18 Lyman Barnes Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $451,500
Buyer: Sean Moynagh
Seller: Alan M. Pelletier
Date: 12/30/22

CHESTER

258 Bromley Road
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Lisa P. Buckman
Seller: Daphne A. Janes
Date: 01/06/23

CHICOPEE

107 Britton St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $117,500
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Zhichun Tang
Date: 01/05/23

115 Cochran St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: David R. Pratt
Seller: John A. Ziemba
Date: 12/30/22

362 Front St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: ASP Home Improvement & Construction Corp
Seller: RCMC Grape St. Realty LLC
Date: 01/03/23

57 Gill St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $237,500
Buyer: Faruk Ocak
Seller: Henry A. Lapa
Date: 01/04/23

161 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: 161 Grattan TR
Seller: Lawrence R. Loranger
Date: 12/29/22

133 Hampden St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Nolava LLC
Seller: Partyka Partners Group TR
Date: 01/05/23

749 James St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $404,500
Buyer: Alden Credit Union
Seller: Bernashe RT
Date: 01/03/23

763 James St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $404,500
Buyer: Alden Credit Union
Seller: Bernashe RT
Date: 01/03/23

763 James St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $164,900
Buyer: Curtis Girard
Seller: Alden Credit Union
Date: 01/04/23

40 Marble Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $179,000
Buyer: Amanda Smith
Seller: Rose P. Benoit
Date: 12/30/22

529 Memorial Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $3,236,837
Buyer: Avodah 613 LLC
Seller: Orion Pro Friend KP LLC
Date: 12/27/22

999 Memorial Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $2,500,000
Buyer: MPK Properties LLC
Seller: Arbors Associates LLC
Date: 12/27/22

194 Montgomery St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Joseph Thibault
Seller: Cosmopoulos 2007 RET
Date: 01/06/23

35 Moore St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Nolava LLC
Seller: Partyka Partners Group TR
Date: 01/05/23

232 Pendleton Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $334,000
Buyer: Megan Lafrenaye
Seller: Mark E. Hayward
Date: 12/30/22

46 Saint James Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Emma L. Jopson
Seller: Marty K. Properties LLC
Date: 01/05/23

58 Silvin Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $197,000
Buyer: Natanoeal Crespo
Seller: Robert E. Dall
Date: 12/30/22

23 State St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Darlene Saczawa
Seller: Ibelis Mateo
Date: 12/30/22

230 Szetela Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $292,000
Buyer: Amy Meneguzzo
Seller: Ellen M. Johnson
Date: 12/28/22

20 Thomas St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Javier Garcia
Seller: Victor C. Colon-Vazquez
Date: 12/29/22

1721 Westover Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Orlando Quinones
Seller: Lisa K. Lewis
Date: 12/28/22

EAST LONGMEADOW

16 Black Dog Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Sarah M. Morrissey
Seller: Andrew R. Shpak
Date: 12/27/22

48 Edmund St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Benjamin D. Fordham
Seller: James M. Turnberg
Date: 01/05/23

Fernwood Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $520,000
Buyer: Bretta Construction LLC
Seller: Manchester Enterprises LLC
Date: 01/06/23

5 Harris Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Helen H. Huynh
Seller: Thomes, Barbara L., (Estate)
Date: 12/29/22

46 Lori Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Suman Sharma
Seller: Leah M. Kenney
Date: 01/05/23

362 Parker St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $520,000
Buyer: Bretta Construction LLC
Seller: Manchester Enterprises LLC
Date: 01/06/23

GRANVILLE

10 Julia Lane
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Frank A. Soleimani
Seller: Joseph M. Ascioti
Date: 12/30/22

HAMPDEN

73 Allen St.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $266,000
Buyer: Giggle Gardens Inc.
Seller: Safford, Patricia N., (Estate)
Date: 12/29/22

261 Chapin Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Fumi Realty Inc.
Seller: Alphonse Mercurio
Date: 01/04/23

HOLLAND

30 Butterworth Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Benjamin Grajales
Seller: Hunter Boody
Date: 01/06/23

143 Vinton Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $202,000
Buyer: Maple Ledge Assocs. Inc.
Seller: Beres, Kenneth P., (Estate)
Date: 12/30/22

HOLYOKE

337-351 Chestnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $1,900,000
Buyer: Voces De Esperanza LLC
Seller: Voces De Esperanza LP
Date: 12/30/22

348 Chestnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $1,900,000
Buyer: Voces De Esperanza LLC
Seller: Voces De Esperanza LP
Date: 12/30/22

383 Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $12,000,000
Buyer: Open Square Realty LLC
Seller: Open Square Properties LLC
Date: 12/27/22

1159 Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $1,100,000
Buyer: Dwight Arms LLC
Seller: Cha-Kat Realty LLC
Date: 12/30/22

811 High St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Raksha Properties LLC
Seller: A To Z Property Mgmt. LLC
Date: 01/06/23

493 Hillside Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Leclerc
Seller: B. J. Pietruszkiewicz
Date: 01/03/23

113 Jackson St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Ireydiza Perez
Seller: Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity
Date: 01/06/23

16 Laura Lane
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $259,000
Buyer: Gallagher Cap Group LLC
Seller: Lillian C. Guthrie
Date: 01/06/23

110 Lyman St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $12,000,000
Buyer: Open Square Realty LLC
Seller: Open Square Properties LLC
Date: 12/27/22

2-4 Portland St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $303,000
Buyer: Ashley L. Richard
Seller: Paola Ferrario
Date: 12/30/22

60 Westfield Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Mustafa Ibic
Seller: Elaina K. Paquette
Date: 12/30/22

107-109 Westfield Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: William Hannigan
Seller: Rosemarie McLaughlin
Date: 12/30/22

LONGMEADOW

123 Arlington Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Andrew Kessler
Seller: Lena P. Decarlo Realty NT
Date: 12/28/22

128 Benedict Ter.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $399,900
Buyer: Jennifer Coffin
Seller: Karen M. Carroll 2018 RET
Date: 01/05/23

62 Birch Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $361,000
Buyer: Maryna Gorbunova
Seller: Janell Sargent
Date: 12/28/22

85 Emerson Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Salvatore Anzalotti
Seller: Ann M. Lynch
Date: 12/28/22

82 Knollwood Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Hannah A. Driscoll
Seller: Brandon Stepp
Date: 12/30/22

31 Whitmun Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Rimantas Sturonas
Seller: Falcone Retail Property LLP
Date: 12/28/22

LUDLOW

20 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $3,500,000
Buyer: V & V Properties LLC
Seller: Walter S. Wood LLC
Date: 12/27/22

257-265 Fuller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Shreekrupa LLC
Seller: Meadowbrook Plaza LLC
Date: 12/30/22

182 Karen Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Dustin Gray
Seller: Ana M. Dias
Date: 01/05/23

59 Ray St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Lauren Cole
Seller: Goncalves RT
Date: 12/30/22

Riverside Dr., Lot C
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Stockhouse 122 Realty LLC
Seller: Westmass Area Development Corp.
Date: 12/30/22

60 Vienna Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $282,000
Buyer: Tyler A. Kareta
Seller: Adam J. Dube
Date: 12/30/22

237 Westerly Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $565,000
Buyer: Christopher M. Bordenca
Seller: Daniel T. Laing
Date: 01/06/23

MONSON

Hovey Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Town Of Monson
Seller: Booker, Jean, (Estate)
Date: 12/28/22

244 Main St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Finnegan Properties LLC
Seller: Simon R. James
Date: 01/06/23

129 Upper Hampden Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Robert G. Pafumi
Seller: Carolyn A. Hyatt
Date: 12/28/22

218 Stafford Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $304,000
Buyer: Christopher Villa
Seller: Jennifer L. Tiraboschi
Date: 01/04/23

22 Wilbraham Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $207,000
Buyer: Thomas A. Yvon
Seller: Lorraine E. Kelly
Date: 12/28/22

PALMER

1-3 Bourne St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Fabio M. Rodrigues
Seller: Exultant RT
Date: 12/30/22

197 Flynt St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Travis D. Bonsant
Seller: Outhuse, Ruth, (Estate)
Date: 12/29/22

4425 High St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $197,467
Buyer: USA VA
Seller: Matthew Toelken
Date: 12/30/22

5 Holbrook St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $277,000
Buyer: Charla Bush
Seller: Jemel L. Williams
Date: 12/29/22

18-24 Stewart St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Peter Topor
Seller: Norval N. Rose
Date: 01/05/23

1186 Thorndike St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $2,300,000
Buyer: Palmer Retail Mgmt. LLC
Seller: J. W. Lizak Indenture RET
Date: 12/28/22

1190 Thorndike St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $2,300,000
Buyer: Palmer Retail Mgmt. LLC
Seller: J. W. Lizak Indenture RET
Date: 12/28/22

RUSSELL

123 Main St.
Russell, MA 01008
Amount: $202,000
Buyer: Javier Melendez
Seller: Russell Community Church
Date: 12/30/22

15 River St.
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $914,000
Buyer: Hurricane Properties LLC
Seller: Thomas N. O’Brien
Date: 12/30/22

81 Valley View Ave.
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Jennifer Puthycheat-Ros
Seller: Cheryl A. Denardo
Date: 12/27/22

SOUTHWICK

12 2 States Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Bruce K. Staubley
Seller: Rotondo, Anthony A., (Estate)
Date: 01/06/23

427 College Hwy.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Ian Hurley
Seller: Kari L. Scott
Date: 12/30/22

140 Hillside Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $442,000
Buyer: Kyle P. Davidson
Seller: Bonnie L. Willey
Date: 12/28/22

42 Point Grove Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Sebastian P. Roy
Seller: Daniel J. Towle
Date: 12/30/22

9-B Sawgrass Lane
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $715,000
Buyer: Vimal Patel
Seller: Hamelin Framing Inc.
Date: 01/03/23

SPRINGFIELD

270 Arcadia Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Andrew M. Siano
Seller: Value Properties LLC
Date: 01/03/23

61 Arden St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Kernandhe D. Dardompre
Seller: Kevin M. Edwards
Date: 01/06/23

234 Arnold Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $163,000
Buyer: Douglas J. Dichard
Seller: Katie R. Lewis
Date: 01/05/23

134 Avocado St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $1,500,000
Buyer: JVLV Realty LLC
Seller: BML Holdings LLC
Date: 12/30/22

18-20 Banbury St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: Sukna Mhanna
Seller: Carol Lee
Date: 12/28/22

5 Barber St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Pearwood LLC
Seller: PVIC Realty LLC
Date: 12/28/22

34 Brandon Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $120,200
Buyer: Wicked Deals LLC
Seller: Russell J. Boothe
Date: 12/30/22

63 Bridle Path Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $319,900
Buyer: Brian Henderson
Seller: Gary Munn
Date: 01/06/23

89 Brightwood Ave.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $217,500
Buyer: Angel L. Salcedo-Rodriguez
Seller: Jorge Baez
Date: 12/28/22

23 Campechi St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Damarr Duncanson
Seller: Jennifer A. Modest
Date: 01/04/23

43 Castle St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Kevin Darjee
Seller: Ellen Spritzler
Date: 01/04/23

223-235 Centre St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Doms Home Improvement LLC
Seller: New Man Ventures LLC
Date: 12/30/22

162 Chalmers St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $276,000
Buyer: Namarig Attahauir-Mohamed
Seller: Narayan Adhikari
Date: 12/30/22

45 Cloran St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $409,900
Buyer: Carline D. Mondesir
Seller: Global Homes Property LLC
Date: 01/06/23

33 Colony Road
Springfield, MA 01106
Amount: $729,500
Buyer: Joshua W. Stanley
Seller: Hans J. Vonnahme
Date: 12/28/22

22-24 Cortland St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $208,000
Buyer: Jerrell Glass
Seller: Kristol Griffith
Date: 12/29/22

39 Cortland St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $208,000
Buyer: Jerrell Glass
Seller: Kristol Griffith
Date: 12/29/22

134-136 Darling St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Shanice L. Reid
Seller: DB Real Estate LLC
Date: 12/30/22

91 East Park St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $1,185,000
Buyer: Round Two LLC
Seller: 91 East Park Inc.
Date: 01/05/23

43 Eddywood St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: 43 Eddywood LLC
Seller: Tascon Homes LLC
Date: 12/30/22

43 Eddywood St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Tascon Homes LLC
Seller: Smith, Virginia K., (Estate)
Date: 12/30/22

108 Ellsworth Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $162,000
Buyer: Pah Proerties LLC
Seller: Donald W. Hoynoski
Date: 01/05/23

55 Elmore Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Amber L. Dutton
Seller: David Kachinski
Date: 01/04/23

211 Emerson St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Myra Oppel
Seller: Lynn Landry
Date: 12/28/22

14 Endicott St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Ian T. Morrissey
Seller: Campagnari Construction LLC
Date: 12/28/22

74 Everett St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $278,000
Buyer: Simeon P. Eustaquio
Seller: BRVS LLC
Date: 12/30/22

53 Fox Hill Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $317,000
Buyer: Spencer McKay
Seller: Raymond Jenkins
Date: 12/28/22

14-1/2 Girard Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $222,400
Buyer: Eric A. Safner
Seller: Elsi L. Lemus-Ochoa
Date: 01/03/23

36-38 Greenacre Square
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $272,900
Buyer: Javier A. Gonzalez
Seller: Springfield Ventures RT
Date: 01/06/23

83-B Hampshire St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Christian M. Mackenzie
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 12/30/22

83-A Hampshire St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Christian M. Mackenzie
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 12/30/22

51-53 Horace St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Francisco Dejesus
Seller: Javier Garcia
Date: 12/29/22

58-60 Howes St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $346,000
Buyer: Katharine Hickson
Seller: Winners O. LLC
Date: 01/06/23

11 Intervale Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Equonda Bercy
Seller: Short4u RT
Date: 12/30/22

80 Jerilis Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $224,450
Buyer: Patricia Rios
Seller: Steven D. Mackay
Date: 12/30/22

68 Kensington Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Deniker Jean-Charles
Seller: Round Two LLC
Date: 12/30/22

162 Kensington Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Mohamud Hussein
Seller: Djuan J. Barklow
Date: 12/27/22

84-86 Lebanon St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Hourglass Property Solutions LLC
Seller: Michael W. Sales
Date: 12/30/22

255 Liberty St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $400,000
Seller: KMM Properties LLC
Date: 12/29/22

331 Liberty St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $2,000,000
Seller: Liberty St. Acquisitions LLC
Date: 12/29/22

774-776 Liberty St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: NRES LLC
Seller: JJJ17 LLC
Date: 01/04/23

54 Littleton St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $258,000
Buyer: Asmenne Derolus-Aurelien
Seller: Ahmed Aljashaam
Date: 12/30/22

231 Louis Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $276,300
Buyer: Raymond B. Jenkins
Seller: Ruth M. Rivera
Date: 12/28/22

97-99 Madison St.
Springfield, MA 01020
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Santo Aybar-Percel
Seller: Danoma LLC
Date: 12/27/22

184 Monrovia St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Teresa A. Novotny
Seller: Rabecca A. Tysz
Date: 01/04/23

9 Morris St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Derrick Bonnah
Seller: Todd J. Illingsworth
Date: 01/04/23

37-39 Nathaniel St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $249,900
Buyer: Fermin B. Navarro
Seller: Dani Tleis
Date: 01/04/23

127 Old Brook Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Joseph H. Ely
Seller: Ruby Realty LLC
Date: 01/06/23

908 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Carla Maisonet-Machado
Seller: Michael Kamrowski
Date: 12/27/22

276 Parkerview St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Nathanael Cruz-Vargas
Seller: Dreamwake Homes Inc.
Date: 12/30/22

7 Patrick St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Jilena M. Cichon
Seller: David M. Dollar
Date: 12/27/22

20-22 Pequot St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $310,500
Buyer: Melissa Bautista
Seller: Edwin E. Pagan-Suro
Date: 12/29/22

33 Pembroke St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Brenda L. Berrios
Seller: Juana Ramirez
Date: 01/06/23

34 Preston St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Felix Antigua
Seller: Nancy I. Valle
Date: 01/06/23

54 Queen St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $223,000
Buyer: Carmen I. Navedo-Aviles
Seller: Rafael Capellan-Polanco
Date: 12/29/22

277 Redlands St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $227,000
Buyer: Jose A. Berrios
Seller: Phoenix Development Inc.
Date: 12/29/22

43 Reed St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Doms Home Improvement LLC
Seller: Copenger LLC
Date: 12/30/22

14 Rittenhouse Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Michael Visneau
Seller: Roger F. Dialessi Ft
Date: 01/03/23

80 Roy St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $237,500
Buyer: Hasiah Williams
Seller: William F. Norman
Date: 01/05/23

181 Shawmut St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Lumturi RT
Seller: Daniel P. Miller
Date: 12/29/22

17 Sorrento St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Shamella F. Kearse
Seller: Michael Gonzalez
Date: 12/28/22

35-37 Suffolk St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Ericka Gonzalez-Carrillo
Seller: Alberta Williams
Date: 12/30/22

266 Sunrise Ter.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Cheryl D. Lynch
Seller: Jerzy J. Letkowski
Date: 01/06/23

120 Talmadge Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Christina Valle
Seller: Florissa L. Fuentes
Date: 01/04/23

82 Temple St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Temple G3 Realty NT
Seller: Living Stone LLC
Date: 12/30/22

82 Timber Lane
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Joseph Prete
Seller: V. I. O. LLC
Date: 01/06/23

25 West Canton Circle
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $254,000
Buyer: Barbara Torres-Colon
Seller: Angelina V. Estrada
Date: 01/04/23

17 Wellesley St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Roberto Lopez
Seller: Tolliver Carrie
Date: 01/06/23

1413 Worcester St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Eric Agyare-Yankyera
Seller: Property Advantage Inc.
Date: 01/06/23

50 Wrona St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Jerry Torres
Seller: Emmett Potter
Date: 12/29/22

WALES

4 Lake George Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Benjamin Payne
Seller: 123 Kids LLC
Date: 12/30/22

WESTFIELD

40 Adams St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: John Quigley
Seller: FHB Realty LLP
Date: 01/03/23

41 Claremont St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $310,500
Buyer: WS & Sons Realty LLC
Seller: Dlemelin Property Mgmt. LLC
Date: 01/05/23

69 East Silver St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Francis J. Simmitt
Seller: Mary J. Lamb
Date: 01/06/23

35 Gary Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $537,500
Buyer: Richard A. Esposito
Seller: Peter J. Fiore
Date: 12/30/22

3 Gillette Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Daniel S. Dembek
Seller: Holly A. Prater
Date: 12/28/22

30 Jefferson St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $218,000
Buyer: Joshua J. St. Onge
Seller: John J. Sampson
Date: 01/06/23

87 Northridge Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $412,000
Buyer: Jorge Rodriguez
Seller: William J. Rhodes
Date: 01/06/23

372 Russellville Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Silver Snake Properties LLC
Seller: Stephanie Horkun
Date: 12/28/22

4 Saint Paul St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Obelisk Holdings LLC
Seller: James R. Christofori
Date: 12/30/22

242 West Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Kari L. Scott
Seller: Maria Diaz
Date: 12/30/22

49 Western Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $401,700
Buyer: Jonathan R. Surratt
Seller: Mark R. Bollenbach
Date: 12/30/22

WILBRAHAM

224 3 Rivers Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Amjad Real Estate LLC
Seller: Conley, Eugene M., (Estate)
Date: 12/30/22

4 Christopher Circle
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $620,000
Buyer: Collin Carlone
Seller: Cynthia Schultz
Date: 01/06/23

687 Glendale Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $306,500
Buyer: Matthew Nataloni
Seller: Steven R. Denby
Date: 12/28/22

10 McIntosh Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $449,000
Buyer: Jemel L. Williams
Seller: Kevin W. Rossmeisl
Date: 12/30/22

980 Tinkham Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Joann L. Demore
Seller: NKZ Realty Inc.
Date: 12/29/22

WEST SPRINGFIELD

96 Garden St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Ruth Rivera
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 12/29/22

51 Glenview Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Tianyi Zhou
Seller: Shashi M. Bharvirkar
Date: 12/27/22

28 Lombra Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Lombra Realty NT
Seller: Living Stone LLC
Date: 12/30/22

15 Oleander St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: S & A Property Mgmt. LLC
Seller: Diplomat Property Manager LLC
Date: 12/29/22

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

24 Tanglewood Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $635,000
Buyer: Xuhui Li
Seller: Eric H. Kleinberg
Date: 12/28/22

20 Western Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Ngoc D. Pham
Seller: Phoebe J. Merriam-Welcome
Date: 12/28/22

BELCHERTOWN

55 Chadbourne Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Thomas A. Whelan
Seller: Declan McCarthy
Date: 12/29/22

9 Chauncey Walker St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Caitlin McCabe
Seller: Gary R. Wilkinson
Date: 12/28/22

154 Chauncey Walker St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Nicholas Dente
Seller: Kyle M. Belanger
Date: 12/28/22

5 Diane Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Robert H. Adair
Seller: Diane M. Lemire
Date: 12/29/22

119 Franklin St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $615,000
Buyer: Brendan M. Coughlin
Seller: Robert Morra
Date: 12/30/22

12 Jabish St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $4,250,000
Buyer: Land Of Oz LLC
Seller: Jackson Brothers Property Mgmt. LLC
Date: 12/30/22

203 Orchard St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $216,600
Buyer: Daniel A. Hebert
Seller: Jeffrey N. Cosgrove
Date: 12/29/22

121 South Washington St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Nicole Wilcox
Seller: SNAB LLC
Date: 01/04/23

1 Stadler St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $4,250,000
Buyer: Land Of Oz LLC
Seller: Jackson Brothers Property Mgmt. LLC
Date: 12/30/22

EASTHAMPTON

35 Clapp St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $531,000
Buyer: Pamela B. Kennedy
Seller: Richard P. Bangham
Date: 01/03/23

16 Lyman St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $352,800
Buyer: Cheryl A. Thomas-Camp
Seller: John G. Tenczar RET
Date: 12/28/22

30 Overlook Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Charles O’Dowd
Seller: Carole N. Gross
Date: 12/30/22

101 West St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $187,500
Buyer: Angela C. Olson
Seller: Mark D. Wheaton
Date: 01/06/23

GRANBY

197 Batchelor St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $266,000
Buyer: Andrew W. Serra
Seller: Karin M. Eichelman
Date: 12/30/22

187 West St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Matthew D. Cayer
Seller: Nicholas Dente
Date: 12/28/22

HADLEY

13 Middle St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Kipa Realty Inc.
Seller: Barbara L. Palangi
Date: 12/29/22

329 Russell St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $4,100,000
Buyer: 329 Hadley LLC
Seller: Amherst Development Assocs. LLC
Date: 01/04/23

HATFIELD

102 Main St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Martha E. Kinney
Seller: Nicholas M. Hebert
Date: 12/30/22

343 West St.
Hatfield, MA 01066
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Craig Bell
Seller: Keith F. Papageorge
Date: 12/30/22

HUNTINGTON

94 Goss Hill Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $306,000
Buyer: Samantha J. Wetherell
Seller: Michael A. Tremble
Date: 01/04/23

NORTHAMPTON

30 Baker Hill Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Kozuch
Seller: Ankudowich Mass. Properties LLC
Date: 12/29/22

7 Bardwell St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Rhyan F. Sullivan
Seller: Shebek RET
Date: 01/06/23

345 Haydenville Road
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $21,620,000
Buyer: Northampton Mgmt. Systems
Seller: Zoe Senior Retirement
Date: 12/30/22

349 Haydenville Road
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $14,490,000
Buyer: Northampton Mgmt. Systems
Seller: Linda Manor LLC
Date: 12/30/22

51 Linseed Road
Northampton, MA 01088
Amount: $825,000
Buyer: Elizabeth D. Morgan
Seller: John P. O’Grady
Date: 12/30/22

68 Masonic St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Lilia R. Olpindo
Seller: Barbara A. Fingold TR
Date: 01/03/23

21 Park St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Kris Baker
Seller: Platt, Constance A., (Estate)
Date: 12/29/22

95 Sylvester Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Karen E. Natsios
Seller: Christopher C. Beckwith
Date: 01/06/23

PLAINFIELD

130 West Hill Road
Plainfield, MA 01070
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Risa F. Harris-Gerstein
Seller: Daniel K. Lederer
Date: 12/29/22

SOUTH HADLEY

11 Central Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Elias Daniel
Seller: Cecilia A. Hripak
Date: 01/03/23

56 Lyman St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Gallagher Properties LLC
Seller: George L. Leduc
Date: 12/30/22

40 Pittroff Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Kristin M. Phelan
Seller: Amanda J. Beaudry
Date: 12/30/22

50 Spring St. Ext.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $151,000
Buyer: Etabav Rt
Seller: Leo J. Tetrault
Date: 12/30/22

21 Yale St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Sarah G. Ritchie
Seller: David P. Brochu
Date: 01/04/23

SOUTHAMPTON

Florence Secondary Tract
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Southampton Town
Seller: Pioneer Valley Railroad Co.
Date: 12/27/22

18 Noreen Dr.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Philip Corbeil
Seller: Mark W. Hagelstein
Date: 12/28/22

WARE

26 Grove St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Upland Mortgage Loan TA
Seller: Rudolph J. Sojka
Date: 12/30/22

7 Longview Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $241,224
Buyer: Newrez LLC
Seller: Brian Rein
Date: 12/28/22

34 Pine St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Rated Speed LLC
Seller: Forty Pine LLC
Date: 12/29/22

WILLIAMSBURG

Old Goshen Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Hilltown Land Trust Inc.
Seller: Hull Forestlands LP
Date: 01/05/23

WORTHINGTON

24 Indian Oven Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $139,772
Buyer: HUD
Seller: Towd Point Master Funding TR
Date: 12/28/22

132 Scott Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $297,500
Buyer: Alfred A. Clay
Seller: Paul A. Labonte
Date: 12/28/22

Building Permits

By
Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the month of January 2023. (Filings are limited due to closures or reduced staffing hours at municipal offices due to COVID-19 restrictions).

CHICOPEE

Fairview Knights of Columbus
1599 Memorial Dr.
$8,100 — Install fire-alarm system

Fairview Medical LLC
1176 Memorial Dr.
$19,045.10 — Interior renovations to two exam rooms

Manchem LLC
836 East Main St.
N/A — Commercial fire alarm

Dennis Menard
21 Tourtellotte Ave.
$2,471 — Remove and replace two windows

Abdullah Zahraa
147 School St.
$12,000 — Roofing

HADLEY

Pyramid Mall of Hadley Newco LLC
367 Russell St.
N/A — Remove Sephora from space, reconfigure fixtures

Walter Wanczyk Jr.
180 Russell St.
N/A — Install new sign on barn building

LEE

Berkshire Corporate Realty LLC
480 Pleasant St.
$931,501 — Roofing

LENOX

Chucky’s LLC
90 Main St.
$11,700 — Exploratory demolition of interior walls, ceiling, and insulation

PITTSFIELD

Pittsfield Cooperative Bank
70 South St.
$9,500 — Create two new offices and reception area on third floor

Tower 21C LLC
123 North St.
$15,000 — Cut and remove brick walls and portions of concrete slab for new piers and repair existing plumbing waste line

SOUTH HADLEY

Mount Holyoke College
50 College St.
$120,000 — Minor demolition and removal of finishes, new interior walls, new lighting, new plumbing for kitchen, new cabinets and flooring, minor HVAC work

SPRINGFIELD

Mary Vargas Alcala
23 Glenham St.
$10,500 — Install solar panels to roof of detached garage

Behavioral Health Network
401 Liberty St.
$6,703 — Alter cafeteria space at Cole’s Place into new food pantry

Boston Road/Pasco Rt 20 Retail LLC
1340 Boston Road
$420,000 — Alter interior tenant space for Kay Jewelers

Jewish Community Center
1160 Dickinson St.
$80,000 — Install new fire-alarm system

Red Diamond Properties LLC
281 State St.
$14,000 — Install new fire-alarm system at Playful Minds

Glenda Serrano
66 Redlands St.
$26,535 — Install solar panels to roof of detached garage

Springfield Qoz Self-Storage II LLC
55 Emery St.
$495,000 — Roof removal over ballast and decking, interior demolition, and removal of windows and doors in former Kittredge Building

Zhengs 168 Enterprise LLC
20 Montgomery St.
$26,000 — Remove and replace retaining wall at rear of property

Legal Sports Betting Begins Today in Massachusetts

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Massachusetts’ three casinos will begin taking sports bets today at 10 a.m., six months after the state Legislature legalized sports betting in in the Commonwealth.

Some big names are expected to be on hand at the state’s casinos Tuesday to place their bets, including Johnny Damon, Cedric Maxwell, Matt Light, and Julian Edelman at Encore Boston Harbor; Rob Ninkovich at Plainridge Park Casino; and Ray Bourque at MGM Springfield.

MGM Springfield is also touting its 4,586-square-foot sports-wagering lounge with stadium seating, a 45-foot viewing wall, an enclosed wagering counter, and space for wagering kiosks.

Sports betting is expected to bring in about $50 million in annual revenue to the Bay State. Mobile sports betting, allowing people to use apps on their smartphones, is the next phase, but no date has been given for when that will begin.

Holyoke Community College Launching Pickleball Clinics

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Starting Feb. 11, Holyoke Community College (HCC) will begin a series of Saturday pickleball clinics for beginners and those who want to improve their game all the way up to tournament-level play.

The group classes will be led by pickleball coach and racquet sports instructor Kelly Canniff, who has 25 years of experience educating children, adolescents, and adults.

All sessions run on Saturdays from 8 to 9:30 a.m. on the new indoor pickleball courts at Bartley Center for Athletics and Recreation on the main HCC campus, 303 Homestead Ave. The cost for each three-session series is $75.

“It’s a new craze, it’s good for the community, and we’re a community-based organization,” said Tom Stewart, HCC’s director of Athletics. “Our goal is to offer something for all abilities, all ages, and all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced player, there are other people we can place you with.”

“Beginner Pickleball” will run on three consecutive Saturdays, Feb. 11, 18, and 25, and covers the rules of play, court layout, equipment, basic game play, and strategy.

“Advanced Beginner Pickleball” will run March 4, 18, and April 1, and is designed for players who have taken the beginner classes or already have some familiarity and experience with the game and want to advance their play by improving their groundstrokes, overhead shots, volleys, and serves, as well as adding direction, control, and accuracy.

“Intermediate Pickleball” runs April 8, 15, and 22 and will help players better understand court positioning; sustain longer rallies; improve strokes, volley, and drop shots; and focus on moving to the NVZ line, which marks the ‘non-volley zone,’ also known as the ‘kitchen.’

“Advanced Pickleball,” on May 13, 20, and 27, is designed to prepare players for tournament-level play, with practice to help them improve shot variety and accuracy and develop better strategies for playing doubles.

To register, visit hcc.edu/health-and-fitness.

Florence Bank Promotes Nicolle Marceau

By
Daily News

FLORENCE — Florence Bank promoted Nicolle Marceau to branch manager of the Granby branch.

With 10 years of retail banking experience, Marceau was hired in October 2022 and has worked in the bank’s Belchertown, Amherst, and Florence branches. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Westfield State College and is certified in business banking.

In the community, Marceau coaches youth sports for the South Hadley Recreation Department and will soon be a member of the Parent Teacher Assoc. for Mosier Elementary School and the Plains Elementary School Council, both also in South Hadley.

“We are pleased to appoint Nicolle as the new branch manager of our Granby branch,” said Shelley Daughdrill, retail banking director and senior vice president of Retail Administration. “She provides excellent customer service and will excel in her new position.”

Latino Economic Development Corp. Awards Mini-grants to Nine Businesses

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Latino Economic Development Corp. awarded nine grants to Latino-owned businesses that are focusing on growing in the new year. This round includes a security business, a honey farmer, a bakery on wheels, and a juice bar, just to name a few.

The LEDC is excited to offer not only these grants, but also the services of more than 25 business coaches to help the recipients achieve the goals for their business.

The grantees include Pedro Arroyo, Juguitos Healthy Grab & Go ($2,500), Jose Burgos, Burgos & Son Trucking LLC ($3,000), Stephanie Figueroa, 50/50 Food Truck ($2,000), Josh Montanez, who works in security ($1,000), and Thomas Peralta, Thomas’ Cleaning ($1,000), all in Springfield; Gustavo Agudelo, Agudelo Apiary ($2,000), Johnny Colon, JC Carriers ($1,000), and Erika Matos, Top-Flight Nutrition ($2,000), all in Holyoke; and Ricardo Diaz-Vargas, Faded Barber Lounge in Chicopee ($2,500).

“In the beginning of the year, businesses and entrepreneurs are ready to grow, start, and expand,” said Andrew Melendez, CEO of the Latino Economic Development Corp. “I am excited our team has been working hard to help these nine businesses from Springfield, Chicopee, and Holyoke.”

Gary Rome Named TIME Dealer of the Year

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Gary Rome, president of the Gary Rome Auto Group, was given TIME magazine’s Dealer of the Year award at the 2023 National Automobile Dealers Assoc. (NADA) convention, as reported by CBT News, which covers the auto industry.

Rome, who runs both Kia and Hyundai storefronts, has been in the automotive retail business since 1997. His dealerships carry new and used and vehicles, and are located in Holyoke and Enfield.

Rome was nominated by the vice president of his state’s dealers association, Robert O’Koniewski, who based his nomination on the retailer’s charitable donations and community support. The award comes with a $10,000 check dedicated to a charity of the winner’s choosing, which Rome said would be chosen after he received input from his employees.

“It’s not about me,” Rome said at the NADA convention. “It’s about our employees who are the backbone of our success, and it’s about what they do day in and day out that makes the difference.”

Rome was selected from a candidate pool of 48 dealers by judges from the University of Michigan’s Tauber Institute for Global Operations. NADA, Ally Financial, and TIME sponsored the contest, with Ally supplying the $10,000 donation money. The award is intended to recognize store owners for the support they provide their communities and the quality of their business services.

Businesses Join GCAi in Celebrating 25 Years at Tower Square with New Video

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Garvey Communication Associates Inc. (GCAi) recently finished a production called “Life at Tower Square” (click here for video) for the Tower Square management group. GCAi produced the video for free for Tower Square in celebration of a quarter-century of doing business in the building.

Joining GCAi President John Garvey in the video were attorney Scott Foster of Bulkley Richardson, Diane Varypatackas of Le Greque, Patricia and Michael Matty of St. Germain Investment Management, Carlo Bonavita of Springfield Wine Exchange, Ray Berry of White Lion Brewing Co., and Brandon Quiterio and Melissa Halton of Wolf & Co.

“Tower Square is like the perfect brochure for our business because our clients really like coming here,” Garvey said. “The other business leaders interviewed, all long-term tenants of Tower Square, praised Tower Square for its convenient location and amenities like the new hotel, indoor parking, restaurants, a brewery, wine shop, and much more.

Sara Smith, property manager at Tower Square, added that “we are thrilled that John and his team assembled such a great group to make this video. We are going to use it on our new website, and have already launched it on our social-media platforms.”

The “Life at Tower Square” video is not the first Tower Square-related video produced by GCAi. Several months ago, a division of GCAi, New England Corporate Video, produced a video on the post-pandemic return of Le Greque (click here for video) to the mezzanine, where it has been located for 40 years.

“My businesses have been located in other office space, so I know by comparison that Tower Square has been critical to GCAi’s success,” Garvey said. “This is where business in Western Massachusetts gets done. Of course, Carlo with his wine tastings and Ray with his brewery have taken it to a quite pleasurable, higher level.”

JUS10H to Present New York Fashion Week Livestream from Springfield Museums

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield native Justin Haynes of Jus10H will present his collection CORE by ONYX, the Basics of Luxury, at the Springfield Museums on Wednesday, Feb 15 during a New York Fashion Week CFDA Runway 360 Showcase.

Haynes will feature his New York Fashion Week presentation in the Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts in the middle of Black History Month. The collection will be available for viewing through livestreaming. In-person attendance is exclusive, by invitation only.

“February 15 will be a night where a dream becomes history and fine art meets fashion,” said Haynes, an international designer and tailor.

“The Springfield Museums are honored to showcase the spectacular fashions of Justin Haynes in the D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts as a livestreaming event during New York Fashion Week,” said Kay Simpson, president and CEO of the Springfield Museums. “It is a privilege to celebrate a hometown hero and renowned artist at the Quadrangle.”

The Jus10H brand has graced runways worldwide, including Milan Fashion Week, Apsara Fashion Week, Dubai Fashion Week, and Asia Fashion Week. Haynes is the first designer from Springfield to showcase his fashion at Springfield City Hall, Paris Fashion Week (held at the Eiffel Tower), New York Fashion Week, LA Fashion Week, and Miami Fashion Week. He is a training partner with the fashion industry in Ukraine and has been named a Council of Fashion Designers America designer.

FEMA Awards $7.3 Million to Massachusetts for COVID-19 Homeless Care Costs

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Daily News

BOSTON — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will send more than $7.3 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse the Executive Office of Health and Human Services for the costs of providing outpatient care sites to homeless populations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $7,339,766 public-assistance grant will reimburse the Commonwealth for setting up and operating isolation and recovery sites in Everett, Lexington, Northampton, Pittsfield, and Taunton for homeless individuals who contracted COVID-19 between April 2020 and May 2021.

By contracting temporary nursing staff to monitor the health, safety, and welfare of homeless individuals at these sites, they served to reduce capacity pressures on hospitals, since hospitals could safely discharge stable COVID-19 positive homeless individuals to these sites.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with these costs,” FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich said. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the pandemic fight is critical to their success, and our success as a nation.”

FEMA’s public-assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. So far, FEMA has provided more than $1.5 billion in public-assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the Commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

BusinessTalk with Amy Jamrog, Holyoke-based financial advisor, coach, and consultant

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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 147: January 30, 2023

George Interviews Amy Jamrog, Holyoke-based financial advisor, coach, and consultant

Amy Jamrog

Amy Jamrog is a Holyoke-based financial advisor, coach, and consultant. And experiences in all of those roles have also inspired her to write. Her book is called Confetti Moments: 52 Vignettes to Spark Conversation, Connect Deeply and Celebrate the Ordinary, a title that pretty much says it all. Jamrog talks with BusinessWest editor George O’Brien about her book, what inspired it, why we all have confetti moments, and why we should celebrate them on the next episode of BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest in partnership with Living Local 413 and sponsored by PeoplesBank.

 

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Seth Lawrence-Slavas Completes Acquisition of Wright Builders Inc.

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Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — Seth Lawrence-Slavas, president of Wright Builders Inc., announced that he has completed his acquisition of company founder Jonathan Wright’s interests, ensuring both a smooth ongoing transition of leadership and a continued commitment to the sustainability and business-culture goals that have defined the company.

Wright will continue to serve Wright Builders as a senior advisor, supporting long-term client relations and ongoing signature projects, but without day-to-day responsibilities. He will continue consulting to organizations interested in carbon reduction, electrification, and sustainable practices, as well as advancing his writing and woodworking projects.

“Seth is an engaging, modest, innovative, highly skilled, and passionate leader who has navigated the ever-changing terrain during COVID-19 with clear and focused judgement, always doing his best to keep his staff and the community safe while still pushing projects forward during a time of unprecedented supply delays and labor restrictions,” Wright said. “His technical and personal skills are quite remarkable. We are truly fortunate.”

In 2019, co-owners Wright and the late Mark Ledwell welcomed Lawrence-Slavas as a Project Development engineer. He had recently completed his master’s degree in building and construction technologies from UMass Amherst, contributing to groundbreaking research on local forest-product utilization for cross-laminated timber as part of both carbon reduction and advancing economic development for rural New England. He quickly showed himself to be a vital addition to the company, becoming vice president of Project Development in 2020 and president of Wright Builders in 2021. Along with his presidency, he acquired partial ownership of the firm in 2021.

Lawrence-Slavas grew up in Wendell, where he was raised in a household of educators, engineers, and timber framers, with a strong commitment to sustainable and traditional living, which he has carried into his career. After moving to Colorado in 2000 to pursue his passion for mountain living, he returned to Massachusetts, where he met his wife, Rachael, and they married in 2007. Shortly after welcoming their first child, they moved to Southern Vermont, where they added a second child to their family. His work continued in construction-related fields, as well as retail and diverse management responsibilities. After over a decade in the Green Mountains, they returned to Massachusetts in 2019.

Lawrence-Slavas has involved himself in the communities of the Connecticut River Valley. He serves on the board of directors of Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity, as well as coaching various youth sports in Amherst.

“I hope and plan to advance sustainable building and lifestyle practices at Wright Builders Inc. and throughout the region,” he said. “It is especially meaningful to me that I get to continue the legacy that Jonathan has trailblazed and am encouraged with the progress and continued stewardship in the Pioneer Valley.”

Florence Bank Names Jessica Wales Branch Manager at King Street Location

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Daily News

FLORENCE — Florence Bank announced that Vice President and Granby Branch Manager Jessica Wales has been named manager of the bank’s King Street branch in Northampton.

Wales will replace Lee McCarthy, who is retiring in April after serving as manager of the King Street branch for 18 years and area manager for the bank since 2018.

Since 2020, Wales has served as manager of the Granby branch. She has 26 years of banking experience and previously worked for Florence Bank from 2000 to 2011. She holds a bachelor’s degree in management from Ashworth College and is a graduate of the New England School for Financial Studies.

Active in the community, she is a board member and member of the finance committee for the United Way of Franklin & Hampshire Region, and a committee member for the Western Mass Women’s Business Network and Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s Golf FORE Health Tournament. She is also an ambassador for the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce.

A member of BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty class of 2014, Wales is also a past recipient of the Florence Bank Community Support Award.

McCarthy worked in the banking industry for 42 years. Hired in 2004 by Florence Bank, she served as branch manager for King Street, beginning in 2004, and in 2018, she also became area manager, overseeing the King Street, Williamsburg, downtown Northampton, and Easthampton branches. For 16 years, McCarthy served on the United Way’s community investment committee.

“We wish Lee the best as she moves closer to retirement, and we are pleased to welcome Jessica to the King Street branch,” said Shelley Daughdrill, retail banking director and senior vice president of Retail Administration. “Jessica has proven herself as a leader, and her experience will make for a smooth transition.”

Forest Park Zoo’s Eastern Screech Owl in Superb Owl Award Finals

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Clint Screechwood, a one-eyed screech owl from the Zoo in Forest Park, is on his way to being named Superb Owl of the Year in BonusFinder’s Superb Owl Awards.

The Superb Owl Awards is a contest run at bonusfinder.com that is inspired by the spike in accidental internet searches for ‘superb owl’ that occur every year in the weeks leading up to the Super Bowl, according to the website.

Mr. Screechwood was selected as one of the top 16 owls to compete in the Superb Owl Awards in a tournament-style voting system. In the first round, he was up against Grace, a rehabbed owl from Utica Zoo, before moving on to face Chili, another one-eyed screech owl from Birmingham Zoo. In the semifinals, he battled a southern white-faced owl from the San Diego Zoo.

Clint Screechwood is one of three non-releasable eastern screech owls that joined the Zoo in Forest Park during the winter of 2020. He and his two companions, Hooma Thurman and Jean-Clawed Van Damme, all live with vision impairments that prevented their return to the wild.

In addition to taking home the coveted title of Superb Owl of the Year, the zoo that is home to the winning owl will receive $5,000 in support of its mission, and one lucky voter will be randomly selected to win $1,000.

The Zoo in Forest Park is focused on education, conservation, and rehabilitation and works with wildlife rehabilitators across the country to provide permanent homes to animals that have been deemed non-releasable due to injury, illness, permanent disability, and other factors, much like these three eastern screech owls.

“We love showcasing the very special animals that call our zoo their home,” said Sarah Tsitso, executive director of the Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center. “Clint Screechwood epitomizes the important work we do here — caring for animals that would not survive on their own in the wild. Of course, we believe Clint is absolutely a superb owl. Now all we need is for the public to get out and vote for him.”

The link to vote for Clint Screechwood can be found on the Zoo’s website at www.forestparkzoo.org/learnmore, or by clicking www.bonusfinder.com/about-us/blog/the-superb-owl-awards. Voters must be 21+ to participate and need to input a name and email address to cast their vote. Participants can vote daily for their favorite owl.

The final round runs Jan. 26 through Jan. 31. The winning owl will be crowned on Feb. 1.

Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley Donates Hand Sanitizer to Local Organizations

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The law firm of Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley (PSRB) donated thousands of bottles of hand sanitizer to organizations focused on children. The hand sanitizer, originally provided to the firm by Just Because Inc., a food bank serving Massachusetts, was distributed locally by the law firm staff to Boys and Girls Clubs in Springfield, Westfield, Chicopee, and West Springfield along with YMCAs in Springfield and Westfield. The hand-sanitizer bottles are branded with characters from the Walt Disney movie Frozen II.

“Any time we can aid our area youth and the organizations which serve them, we welcome the chance,” said attorney Peter Moran, a partner at PSRB. “Doing something which helps keep kids safe is always what we strive for in our charitable activities.”

Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley is a law firm of more than 15 lawyers who devote their practice to protecting the rights of injured people.

Valley Communications Systems Announces Leadership Changes

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Daily News

CHICOPEE — Valley Communications Systems Inc. announced that Edward Tremble is vacating the role of CEO and has been named board chairman. In this role, he will continue his strategic oversight and business-development efforts for the company. Tremble, who has served as CEO since 2010, will be succeeded by Michael Tremble, who has been serving as executive vice president, with Joshua Kranz assuming the role of president.

In their new roles, Michael Tremble and Kranz will draw on their extensive knowledge and tenure at Valley Communications, leveraging their creative mindsets and passion to help the company further build out its solutions while identifying future areas of growth.

Michael’s work over the past 11 years at Valley has helped the company grow through its strategic sales and partnership objectives. Prior to joining Valley, he served as a strength and conditioning coach both at the NCAA and professional levels. His 10-year coaching background, with a focus on individual and team growth and development, has helped guide his leadership style and approach to how he has supported Valley’s customers and employees. He is also active in the community, currently serving as a board member for Glenmeadow (board vice chair), Providence Place, and Mary’s Meadow, all nonprofit organizations focused on senior living and care.

“It is an honor to carry on the legacy of Valley’s leaders that have come before me,” Michael Tremble said. “I look forward to building upon the strong foundation they have laid over the past 77 years. I am proud that Valley’s culture emphasizes our incredible people and strong commitment to our partners. We will continue to grow and expand our reach while holding true to our core values.”

In Kranz’s 34 years with Valley, he has held numerous roles of increasing responsibility across the organization. Most recently, he served as the company’s chief technical officer, a position he will retain alongside his new role as president.

“I am very excited about the future and believe my skill set, experience, and organizational mindset uniquely positions me to lead the operational efforts of this great company,” he said.

Edward Tremble added that “Michael and Joshua are extremely respected leaders whose relentless focus on the client and partner relationship will ensure a smooth transition. Valley’s future looks incredibly bright with these two steering the company towards new heights of innovation and growth.”

The Children’s Study Home Rebrands as Helix Human Services

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — On Jan. 25, the Children’s Study Home rebranded as Helix Human Services while keeping and expanding on its original mission. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and members of the community joined board members, faculty, staff, and Executive Director Will Dávila for the unveiling at the Merriam-Webster building in Springfield.

“More than a name change, our new brand captures our why,” Dávila said. “The resiliency captured in our brand means our purpose is still relevant after 157 years. We continue to work to restore normalcy in the lives of children and families who have been impacted by traumatic circumstances. Helix Human Services will do everything in our power to help make traumatized children, families, and adults whole again.”

The mission of Helix Human Services has always been to have families leave better than they arrived. The need to rebrand the agency was identified during a seven-month strategic-planning process that involved representatives of the board and staff. Now, the agency not only focuses on helping children and women, but all adults and families affected by trauma.

Nonotuck Resource Associates Promotes Ryan Gaw to Director of Finance

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Daily News

FLORENCE — Nonotuck Resource Associates announced that Ryan Gaw has been promoted to director of Finance.

Gaw has worked at Nonotuck since 2017. Initially hired as a staff accountant, he has also worked as a senior accountant and accounting manager before his promotion to director of Finance this month. He will now supervise accounts payable, accounts receivable, the staff accountant position, and the billing and A/R coordinator position.

Nonotuck President and CEO George Fleischner called Gaw’s promotion well-deserved. “In the five years that Ryan has worked at Nonotuck, he has steadily increased the scope of his responsibilities and has been awarded with several promotions. His work is meticulous, and he has been a great support to Diane Basnet, CFO and VP of Finance and Administration. Moreover, he is kind and has a great manner about him. This promotion is well-deserved.

Basnet added that “Ryan has been an instrumental part of the Finance team. He is always willing to assist other team members and is able to quickly pivot when needs arise. Ryan is a professional and great leader.”

Gaw said the most unique part about working at Nonotuck is the culture. “The culture is certainly different than a lot of other organizations that I worked for. It’s a growing organization with family-style culture and leadership.”

Gaw earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Rhode Island and his master’s degree in accounting from UMass Amherst.

Nonotuck Resource Associates offers shared living, adult family care, and personalized day services for people with disabilities. Each of its services helps support its mission of providing people with disabilities a choice, a voice, and the opportunity to live authentic lives. The agency provides support and services across Massachusetts and is the largest shared-living organization in the state.

Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley Installs 2023 Officers, Directors

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Lori Beth Chase was installed as the 2023 president of the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley (RAPV), a nonprofit trade association with more than 1,800 members. The 107th annual installation of officers and directors was held on Jan. 12 at the Roosevelt Room at Union Station in Northampton.

Chase started her professional real-estate career in 2017 and quickly became involved in serving locally. Since 2020, she has served on the local board of directors at RAPV and, in 2021, served as treasurer and chair of the finance committee. Also in 2021, she served on the Massachusetts Association of Realtors finance committee and, after the passing of Rick Sawicki in 2021, has served as the Western Mass. regional vice president, serving not only the Pioneer Valley but the Berkshires as well. In this position, she sits on the Massachusetts Assoc. of Realtors executive committee and board of directors.

The following individuals were installed as 2023 officers: Arlene Castellano of Maria Acuna Real Estate as president-elect; Peter Ruffini of RE/MAX Connections as treasurer; and Cheryl Malandrinos of BHH Realty Professionals as immediate past president. Directors include Carrie Blair of Keller Williams Realty, Shawn Bowman of Trademark Real Estate, Brenda Cuoco of Brenda Cuoco & Associates, Peter Davies of Borawski Real Estate, Janise Fitzpatrick of Jones Group Realtors, Judy Nevarez of BHH Realty Professionals, Michelle Stegall of Property One, and Clinton Stone of RE/MAX Connections.

The 2023 Massachusetts Assoc. of Realtors leadership team also attended the installation, including President David McCarthy, immediate Past President Dawn Ruffini, President-elect Amy Wallick, Treasurer Jim Major, and CEO Theresa Hatton.