Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and/or trade names were issued or renewed during the month of April 2021. (Filings are limited due to closures or reduced staffing hours at municipal offices due to COVID-19 restrictions).

DEERFIELD

Carsons Cans, LLC
40 Hawks Road
Walter Kleeberg Jr.

Deerfield Car and Shuttle Services, LLC
78 Hillside Road
Vincent Traina Jr.

Korpita Masonry
165 Pine Nook Road
Paul Korpita Jr.

HADLEY

Bay Road Firewood
35 Lawrence Place
Kenneth Koehler

Benjamin Co.
2 Bay Road, Suite 200
Paul Benjamin

Cups & Stones Therapeutics
226 Russell St.
Heather Roberts

Healing Zone
58 Russell St.
Nanci Newton

Katie Ray Arts
81 Rocky Hill Road
Kathryn Richardson

Spruce Hill Motors
235 Russell St.
Randall Izer

Tim Perry Rocks
18 West St.
Timothy Perry

Ulta Beauty
351 Russell St., #40
Ulta Beauty

Zgrodnik Farm
12 Knightly Road
Joseph Zgrodnik

NORTHAMPTON

Advanced Holistic Health and Fitness Studio
80½ Maple St., Apt. 2R
Caren Figliolini

B Strategic Communications
45 Orchard St.
Elena Sharnoff

Beth A. Senecal
219 Prospect St.
Beth Senecal

Claim Resolution Forum
446 Bridge Road
Neil Darragh

Hampshire Myotherapy
16 Center St., Suite 222
Robert Anderson

Iconica Social Club
1 Amber Lane
William Swyers, Ximena Salmerón

JJ’s Tavern
99 Main St., Unit B
Jon Neumann

Northampton Family Acupuncture
51 Lincoln Ave.
Nora Kennedy

Northampton Transmission
245 North King St.
John Hunter

Simhai Solutions
210 State St.
Nili Simhai

Starlight Llama Bed & Breakfast
940 Chesterfield Road
Diana Boyle-Clapp

Sutajin Bileygr
73 Barrett St., #6201
José Gonzalez

Transhealth Northampton
10 Main St.
Katie Wolf

Well Student
166 Grove St.
Jessica Gifford

SOUTHWICK

AJ Stephans Beverages
395 North Loomis St.
Russell Jones

Berkshire Kitchens & Baths
8 Evergreen Ter.
Dean Porter

Mark’s Property Services
15 Hudson Dr.
Mark Kuchachik

WESTFIELD

Bombshelly Vintage
32 White St.
Lynn Wegiel

D & D Cleaning Services
322 Papermill Road
Deborah Gaudette

Father & Sons Hardscaping & Landscaping
32 Rosedell Dr. Ext.
Valeriy Mikhalinchik

Hang-Rite Gutter Installation Co.
37 South Meadow Road
CKG Gutters, LLC

Jay’s Property Services
33 West Silver St.
Jay Larsen II

Jolene Hamilton, PhD
571 Granville Road
Jolene Hamilton

LTW Custom Cosmetics
32 White St.
Lynn Wegiel

Katt’s Creations
35 Jeanne Marie Dr.
Yekaterina Panasyuk

Mam’s Creations Handmade
5 East Bartlett St.
Mayra Matos

MJH Carpenters & Contractors
41 Crown St.
Michael Helbling

Mr. Easy Shop Store
126 Union St.
Marianne Ramos

NE Billing
15 Noble Ave., Apt. 1
Brittany Gum

New England Ammonia Safety Inc.
29 Salvator Dr.
James Burke

Perrier Trucking
12 Madison St.
Jeremy Perrier

Pioneer Valley Property Services
87 Franklin St.
Mark Slayton

Scorzi’s Auto Detailing
270 Munger Hill Road
Richard Scorzafava

Squid Decals
30 Bush St.
Emily Anton, Jeffrey Anton

Susan’s Discount Travel
33 Woodcliff Dr.
Susan Williams

Susan’s Global Imports
33 Woodcliff Dr.
Susan Williams

Ultimate Floors
18 Cara Lane
Seth Lakin

Western Mass Irrigation Services, LLC
503 West Road
Robert Patenaude Jr.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Absolute Fire Protection
87 Lowell St.
E. David Knapik

Balise Lexus
1385 Riverdale St.
Linda Texeira

Balise Toyota
1399 Riverdale St.
Linda Texeira

Batik Clothing Co.
123 Pine St.
Carrie Blair

DJ Prince Entertainment
80 Brush Hill Ave.
Brandon Naylor-Green

Eurofins Environment Testing New England
126 Myron St.
Thomas Mitchell

Friendly’s #20847
1094 Riverdale St.
Beth Moore

Good Gatherings
905 Piper Road
Lauren Gaffney

Main Auto Sales
842 Main St.
William Matte

Oakland Family Daycare
39 Glenview Dr.
Michele Robert

Smokin Scoops
1425 Westfield St.
Jonathan Goodhind

Teece Tax Solutions
24 Craig Dr.
Shawn Teece

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

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

Ascioti, Lisa Beth
11 Bramble Hill Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/30/2021

Baker, Kevin Michael
71 Craig Dr., Apt. F2
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/25/2021

Byrne, Nathaniel A.
29 Tracy St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/30/2021

Cerveira Construction
Cerveira, Jack
Cerveria, Joaquim
P.O. Box 1634
Pittsfield, MA 01202
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/29/2021

Cordero, Irbian
146 Pearl St., Apt. 1R
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/19/2021

Eger and Associates
Eger, Michael
78 Mercury Court, Apt. R2
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/24/2021

Evans, Daniel N.
19 Yorktown Dr.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/29/2021

Environmentally Conscious Cleaners, LLC
Willow Tree Outdoor, LLC
Pacheco, Katie Ann
83 North Whitney St., Apt. 8
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/26/2021

Gauthier, Johanna E.
114 Dubois St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/29/2021

Guzman, Fiordaliza
518 Amherst Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/29/2021

Hannigan, Karen A.
8 Lower Cove Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/24/2021

Hernandez, Nestor
Hernandez Calderon, Nestor H.
6 Mill Site Road, Apt. 1
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/26/2021

Kamikaze Industries, LLC
Montel, Stephen G.
18 Burford Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/26/2021

Kenyon, Ernest R.
104 Maplegrove Dr.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/25/2021

Korchevskaya, Angela
235 State St., Unit 216
Springfield, MA 01103
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/23/2021

Lanney, Christopher Donald
18 Main St., Apt. 3D
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/31/2021

leveragedomains.com
Velez, Stefano P.
Velez-Morell, Stefano P.
Parodi, Carla M.
Parodi-Rullan, Carla M.
P.O. Box 1392
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/31/2021

Michon, Mary F.
a/k/a Altman, Mary
211 Protection Ave., Apt. 5
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/25/2021

Mt. Tom Companies, Inc.
Mt. Tom Ski Area, Inc.
273 State St., 2nd
Springfield, MA 01103
Chapter: 11
Date: 03/25/2021

Naginewicz, Brenda Jeanne
15 Mitchell Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01022
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/31/2021

Reardon, Michael J.
42 Colony Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/17/2021

Rodriguez, Melvin Diaz
P.O. Box 1252
Westfield, MA 01086
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/24/2021

Soules, Gail M.
P.O. Box 712
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/13/2021

Shepardson, Nicholas J.
P.O. Box 268
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/19/2021

Volcy, Kelly Marie
PO Box 416
South Barre, MA 01074
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/25/2021

Wheeler, Scott T.
19 Saab Court, Apt. 1206
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/17/2021

Wisell, Michelle Marie
55 Waters Edge Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/31/2021

Zagame, Tyler A.
Zagame, Martha
a/k/a Mitchell, Martha
3 South High St.
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/31/2021

Zinni, Amber Nicole
Zinni-Richer, Amber Nicole
210 Pleasant St., Apt. 2
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/23/2021

Real Estate Transactions

By
Real Estate

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

BERNARDSTON

379 Fox Hill Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $229,000
Buyer: Mark E. Gilmore
Seller: Leslie J. Stevens
Date: 04/02/21

19 Harwood Dr.
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Susan Root
Seller: R. Brown TR
Date: 03/31/21

169 Shaw Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: William D. Cycz
Seller: Noah Deignan
Date: 03/31/21

BUCKLAND

4 Old State St.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $198,000
Buyer: Laurie L. Laffond
Seller: Christopher D. Davenport
Date: 03/24/21

33 William St.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Jocelyn O’Shea
Seller: Thomas W. Archer
Date: 04/02/21

CHARLEMONT

495 Mountain Road
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $206,000
Buyer: Nicholas R. Cerveny
Seller: Russell R. Risden
Date: 03/31/21

COLRAIN

411 Jacksonville Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $236,000
Buyer: Cody Strakose-Griffin
Seller: Jon Sonntag
Date: 03/23/21

DEERFIELD

24 Meadow Wood Dr.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Julia Gates-Hartnell
Seller: Eggers INT
Date: 04/01/21

43 Snowberry Circle #A
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $389,900
Buyer: W. A. & June A. Lundin IRT
Seller: Ragus LLC
Date: 03/26/21

43 Snowberry Circle #B
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $324,900
Buyer: John W. Rees INT
Seller: Ragus LLC
Date: 03/26/21

GREENFIELD

26 Champney Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $144,000
Buyer: Michael Grover
Seller: Leonard F. Gould
Date: 03/31/21

163 Chapman St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $123,985
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Vanessa Arabia
Date: 03/25/21

294 Country Club Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Danielle C. Loynd
Seller: Caitlin R. Tela
Date: 03/31/21

77 Crescent St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Hugh B. Bales
Seller: Jacqueline A. David
Date: 03/31/21

112 Franklin St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Enoch Jensen
Seller: Ann M. Powers
Date: 04/01/21

82 James St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Camillo Archuleta
Seller: Wayne Garfinkel
Date: 03/29/21

342 Log Plain Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Taylor E. Neal
Seller: Kristin Knoll
Date: 03/26/21

479 Main St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Rikard R. Treiber
Seller: Women In Transition Inc.
Date: 04/01/21

73 Orchard St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $749,000
Buyer: Isaac Torrin
Seller: Brian E. Thompson
Date: 04/01/21

51 Thayer Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Christopher Damboise
Seller: Terry L. Gregory
Date: 03/31/21

28-30 Walnut St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Heather F. Stewart
Seller: Karen M. Truehart
Date: 03/31/21

LEVERETT

246 Long Plain Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Elsbeth L. Walker
Seller: Herbert, Marjorie P., (Estate)
Date: 03/24/21

LEYDEN

Greenfield Road
Leyden, MA 01301
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Shawna Pazmino-Brook
Seller: Deloretto, David, (Estate)
Date: 04/02/21

MONTAGUE

Federal St.
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Thomas Delvan-Dougan
Seller: James H. Clapp
Date: 03/31/21

472-476 Federal St.
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Andrei Taraburca
Seller: Stone, Richard K. Jr., (Estate)
Date: 03/26/21

433 Turners Falls Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Heather George
Seller: Quinones, Donna D., (Estate)
Date: 03/31/21

450 Turners Falls Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $221,000
Buyer: Jake Curry
Seller: Marion, Edward E., (Estate)
Date: 03/26/21

NEW SALEM

377 Petersham Road
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Todd Lanoue
Seller: David A. Pariseau
Date: 03/26/21

ORANGE

23 Cottage St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $159,575
Buyer: Michael Burch
Seller: Mignonne D. Davis
Date: 03/22/21

75 Daniel Shays Hwy.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $192,900
Buyer: John E. Bellar
Seller: Donald W. Knapp
Date: 03/23/21

154 Memory Lane
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Derek M. Salmi
Seller: FNMA
Date: 04/01/21

153 Quabbin Blvd.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $2,500,000
Buyer: 153 Quabbin Boulevard LLC
Seller: JGC RT
Date: 04/02/21

SHELBURNE

4 Mercy Anderson Road
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $148,000
Buyer: Emily A. Tuthill
Seller: Raymond W. Tuthill
Date: 03/31/21

SHUTESBURY

196 Montague Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Nora L. Gurley
Seller: Anne M. Kittredge
Date: 03/24/21

WHATELY

1 Sugarloaf St., Ext.
Whately, MA 01373
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Danielle Paley
Seller: Pamela Smith
Date: 04/01/21

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

62 Center St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $257,000
Buyer: Margarita Malyshevski
Seller: Vadim Nazarets
Date: 03/29/21

135 Edgewater Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Lissette Grimaldi
Seller: James E. Millot
Date: 03/25/21

74 Federal St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Fumi Realty Inc.
Seller: Carr, Ronald A., (Estate)
Date: 04/02/21

135 Franklin St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Zachary Lebreton
Seller: Edward P. Borgatti
Date: 03/31/21

1744 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Anatolie Corja
Seller: Maxcine Cirillo
Date: 03/31/21

981 River Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: JMAC Realty Corp
Seller: Paul J. Traska
Date: 03/31/21

521 South West St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: Nicholas L. Damours
Seller: Jessica L. Iacolino
Date: 03/31/21

700 Silver St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $2,350,000
Buyer: Igloo Cellulose Realties
Seller: Robert A. Fagin
Date: 04/01/21

173 Southwick St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: Hillside Development Corp.
Seller: Longhi, Alfred J., (Estate)
Date: 03/31/21

1094 Suffield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $1,150,000
Buyer: Tiernanoge Properties LLC
Seller: Work Opportunity Center Inc.
Date: 03/29/21

114 Wagon Wheel Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $565,000
Buyer: Zachary Curtin
Seller: Michelle L. Reynolds
Date: 03/31/21

198 Walnut St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $202,000
Buyer: Lora Feeley
Seller: Louis Bonavita
Date: 04/02/21

215 Valley Brook Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Kubra Cayan
Seller: Nurcan Cayan
Date: 03/26/21

BRIMFIELD

50 Dix Hill Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Peter McQueen
Seller: Ryan C. Hurt
Date: 03/30/21

CHESTER

313 Abbott Hill Road
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Timothy Hoffmann
Seller: Jeffrey M. Defeo
Date: 03/23/21

26 Taft Road
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Dennis L. Nolt
Seller: Henry J. Niemiec
Date: 04/01/21

CHICOPEE

14 Alfred St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Victor G. Burgos
Seller: Bowers, Charles C., (Estate)
Date: 04/01/21

70 Amherst St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Henry J. Niemiec
Seller: Frances S. Taborowski
Date: 04/01/21

42 Bemis St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Kaelyn M. Aponte
Seller: Mario Tedeschi
Date: 03/30/21

45 Chapel St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Steven Cole
Seller: Downie, Katherine D., (Estate)
Date: 03/26/21

1 Clifton St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $260,900
Buyer: Jade Elsamahy
Seller: Carl S. Williams
Date: 03/31/21

28 Douglas Circle
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $256,000
Buyer: Matthew T. Hewes
Seller: Suzanne M. Hemby
Date: 03/26/21

211 East St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Raymond O. Rodriguez
Seller: Renee A. Ashey
Date: 03/24/21

690 East Main St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Abdulmaged T. Aljashaami
Seller: Roxanne L. Bean-Riley
Date: 03/23/21

19 Fisher St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Carlton L. Thompson
Seller: Allen M. Caron
Date: 03/26/21

690 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Agape Real Estate LLC
Seller: Wai P. Cheng
Date: 03/26/21

24 Henry Harris St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $226,000
Buyer: Kevin E. Baker
Seller: Christopher Przybyl
Date: 04/02/21

25 Honey Lane
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $261,000
Buyer: Paul Modelski
Seller: Charmaine Gazda
Date: 03/31/21

23 Jackson St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Jainis J. Colon-Vazquez
Seller: Kristal Hollimon
Date: 03/31/21

46 Leary Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Hanna Newberg
Seller: Cory J. Rodgers
Date: 03/24/21

34 Maple St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: Kelly VanBuren
Seller: Celestino Montes
Date: 03/24/21

44 McCarthy Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Paul J. Leblanc
Seller: James Sabourin
Date: 03/23/21

285 McKinstry Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $6,553,109
Buyer: ARG NCD5PCK001 LLC
Seller: E&R Realty LLC
Date: 03/31/21

971 McKinstry Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Jose Rodriguez-Marrero
Seller: Nadine N. Curtin
Date: 03/31/21

Meadow St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $15,110,096
Buyer: ARG NCD5PCK001 LLC
Seller: E&R Realty LLC
Date: 03/31/21

705 Meadow St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $15,110,096
Buyer: ARG NCD5PCK001 LLC
Seller: E&R Realty LLC
Date: 03/31/21

725 Meadow St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $2,575,800
Buyer: ARG NCD5PCK001 LLC
Seller: E&R Realty LLC
Date: 03/31/21

739 Meadow St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $4,503,911
Buyer: ARG NCD5PCK001 LLC
Seller: E&R Realty LLC
Date: 03/31/21

751 Meadow St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $4,503,911
Buyer: ARG NCD5PCK001 LLC
Seller: E&R Realty LLC
Date: 03/31/21

30 Mount Royal St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Louis C. Correa
Seller: Nathan R. Alexander
Date: 03/31/21

90 Murphy Lane
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: William Cardinal
Seller: Mary Cardinal
Date: 03/23/21

18 Nash St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $230,625
Buyer: Harshman Singh
Seller: Ramon Alvarez
Date: 04/01/21

69 Olea St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Abigail Graffam
Seller: Riverbound Investments Inc.
Date: 03/29/21

90 Quartus St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Joel Maldonado
Seller: Beatriz Agosto
Date: 03/24/21

245 Rolf Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $287,000
Buyer: Amanda A. Long
Seller: Lisa M. O’Sullivan
Date: 03/31/21

1045 Sheridan St.
Chicopee, MA 01022
Amount: $5,623,439
Buyer: ARG NCD5PCK001 LLC
Seller: E&R Realty LLC
Date: 03/31/21

19 Sherwood St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Christopher M. Stortz
Seller: Diane T. Duval
Date: 03/26/21

405 Springfield St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $313,000
Buyer: Mario Rivera
Seller: Lisa Silva
Date: 03/31/21

463 Springfield St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $227,190
Buyer: Israel Estrada
Seller: L. A. Conner Inc.
Date: 03/26/21

26 Thaddeus St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $246,000
Buyer: Marta L. Zuluaga-Alvarez
Seller: Victor J. Monsalve
Date: 04/01/21

59 Watson St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Raymond Turgeon
Seller: Christopher M. Stortz
Date: 03/26/21

EAST LONGMEADOW

98 Colony Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $369,150
Buyer: Jaime R. Gonzalez
Seller: Emtay Inc.
Date: 04/01/21

7 Dearborn St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Timothy Leahy
Seller: Noonan, Joan M., (Estate)
Date: 04/02/21

38 Garland Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $228,700
Buyer: Sydney Slattery
Seller: Terry Peckham
Date: 04/02/21

34 Holland Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Jonathan D. Maciorowski
Seller: Patricia M. Rhodes
Date: 04/02/21

Jeffery Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: Vladimir Kulenok
Seller: Southern NE RE Development Inc.
Date: 03/24/21

48 Moore St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $261,500
Buyer: Michael White
Seller: Katie A. Miller-Murphy
Date: 04/01/21

14 Oak Bluff Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $271,000
Buyer: Michael Ostrander
Seller: Thomas F. Connors
Date: 03/31/21

5 Redin Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $347,000
Buyer: Bethany L. Charis-Molling
Seller: Nathan J. Martin
Date: 03/26/21

29 Wellington Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $719,000
Buyer: Robert J. Seer
Seller: Kevin J. Aliengena
Date: 03/31/21

35 Westernview Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $339,000
Buyer: April S. Mills
Seller: Jaime E. Cabezas
Date: 03/26/21

HOLYOKE

30 Anderson Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $256,000
Buyer: Joshua A. Stark
Seller: Rachelle Encarnacion
Date: 03/29/21

177 Bemis Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $302,500
Buyer: Donald Stone
Seller: Lawrence W. Preston
Date: 03/22/21

17-1/2 Clark St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $209,000
Buyer: Janet Glenn
Seller: Jennie M. Padua
Date: 03/23/21

1020 Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $177,500
Buyer: Heather Messer
Seller: Kori Wilson
Date: 03/31/21

1021 Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Sarah A. DeAraujo
Seller: Erica L. Pelletier
Date: 04/01/21

1033-R Hampden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $159,900
Buyer: DTA LLC
Seller: Ruby Realty LLC
Date: 03/23/21

598 Hampden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Blackrock SHM Group LLC
Seller: Holyoke 1 LLC
Date: 03/24/21

820 High St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: OM Holyoke RE LLC
Seller: A&A Shell LLC
Date: 03/23/21

17 Holly Meadow Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Noel S. Sherman
Seller: Ryan Hamel
Date: 04/01/21

334 Linden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Christophe Vaughn-Karney
Seller: Alan Elman
Date: 04/02/21

197 Locust St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Shianne Padilla
Seller: EPB RE Services LLC
Date: 03/22/21

213 Locust St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Shaheen Sutterwala
Seller: David M. Cowan
Date: 03/31/21

25 Portland St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $263,000
Buyer: Anthony M. Stanfield
Seller: CIG 4 LLC
Date: 04/01/21

2 River Ter.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Zachary Goodwin-Boyd
Seller: Hepburn, Eleanor, (Estate)
Date: 04/02/21

523-525 South Bridge St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Donovan Parker
Seller: Nueva Esperanza Inc.
Date: 03/30/21

11 Steven Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $163,000
Buyer: Edward Cauley
Seller: Donna M. Gemme
Date: 03/24/21

LONGMEADOW

43 Burbank Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Danielle Hegarty
Seller: Dennis M. O’Connor
Date: 03/31/21

23 Chestnut Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Timothy M. Paltz
Seller: Mark W. Grimaldi
Date: 04/02/21

435 Converse St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $417,000
Buyer: Michael Agen
Seller: Michael P. Fritz
Date: 03/31/21

533 Laurel St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $437,000
Buyer: Alena Maple
Seller: Truong Vuong
Date: 04/01/21

144 Lincoln Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $237,700
Buyer: Kings Enterprise LLC
Seller: Christopher Evans
Date: 03/31/21

1399 Longmeadow St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Christopher R. Fogelstrom
Seller: James O. Humphries
Date: 03/30/21

34 Primrose Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $452,000
Buyer: Scott R. Hanson
Seller: Ronald F. Conway
Date: 04/02/21

LUDLOW

603 Alden St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Melissa A. Archer
Seller: Stephen Ecrement
Date: 03/31/21

41 Berkshire St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $138,550
Buyer: Steffanie M. Rodrigues
Seller: Charles R. Summers
Date: 03/31/21

339 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $279,900
Buyer: Prestin J. Torchia
Seller: Andrew Ferrier
Date: 03/26/21

74 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $311,000
Buyer: Michael P. Ferzoco
Seller: Daniel J. Hague
Date: 03/25/21

677 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $204,500
Buyer: Michael J. Bennett
Seller: Bennett, Judith C., (Estate)
Date: 03/29/21

296 Fuller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $272,000
Buyer: Randy J. Hevey
Seller: Noel S. Sherman
Date: 04/01/21

83 Hubbard St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $146,000
Buyer: David Summers
Seller: Donna G. Tarullo
Date: 03/26/21

101 Lavoie Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $237,000
Buyer: Nicole C. Riel
Seller: Gyu Y. Nam
Date: 03/31/21

38 Lyon St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $610,000
Buyer: Nancy Gesauldi
Seller: Kenneth A. Butts
Date: 03/25/21

52 Napoleon Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $191,000
Buyer: Roberto V. Ciccarelli
Seller: Deutsche Bank
Date: 03/22/21

63 Prospect St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Citizens Bank
Seller: Richard J. Ziemba
Date: 03/29/21

17 Sunset Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: William E. Reid
Seller: Elizabeth M. Sedelow
Date: 03/30/21

MONSON

177 Stafford Hollow Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $265,500
Buyer: Cheryl A. Lofland
Seller: Frank W. Hull
Date: 03/24/21

151 Upper Hampden Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $659,000
Buyer: Donato F. Del-Bene
Seller: Amy G. St.Germain
Date: 03/26/21

PALMER

26 East Palmer Park Dr.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Wendi Gross
Seller: Tippett, Anne M., (Estate)
Date: 03/22/21

46 Kelley St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Hanan E. Mohamad
Seller: Kevin Cruz
Date: 04/02/21

260 Peterson Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $292,475
Buyer: Joseph Milillo
Seller: Mary J. Banas
Date: 03/31/21

3003 Prospect St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $307,450
Buyer: Hugh C. Scott
Seller: Nelson A. Azevedo
Date: 04/01/21

125 Shearer St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $251,000
Buyer: Antone J. Motta
Seller: Jayne G. Heede
Date: 03/29/21

25 Ware St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $1,600,000
Buyer: NLCP 25 Ware St. Mass. LLC
Seller: G. M. Garabedian Inc.
Date: 04/01/21

RUSSELL

20 Blandford Stage Road
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $152,500
Buyer: Ryan A. Fisk
Seller: Anthony L. Switzer
Date: 03/30/21

SOUTHWICK

21 Gableview
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $874,700
Buyer: Francis M. Potts
Seller: Robert T. Clayton
Date: 04/01/21

9 Pondview Lane
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: Patrick E. Adamson
Seller: Wendy L. Williamson
Date: 03/26/21

11 Secluded Ridge
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Shawn S. Baker
Seller: Charles Snyder
Date: 03/30/21

SPRINGFIELD

293 Abbott St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Richard P. Gaviorno
Seller: William R. Nickerson
Date: 03/30/21

46-48 Acorn St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Maleke M. Cunningham
Seller: Caroline Torres
Date: 03/26/21

31 Acrebrook Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Joejoe Properties LLC
Seller: Stefanie Erickson
Date: 03/31/21

575-577 Armory St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: H. E. Valasquez-Hernandez
Seller: R. L. Thomas LLC
Date: 03/22/21

62 Barrington Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: William R. Nickerson
Seller: Dollymae Carnegie
Date: 03/30/21

41 Birch Glen Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $218,600
Buyer: Nicholas E. Holland
Seller: Aaron O. Butler
Date: 04/01/21

98 Bowles St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $334,000
Buyer: Josue Matos
Seller: Dubs Capital LLC
Date: 03/31/21

43 Caseland St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Wayne Corse
Seller: William J. Britt
Date: 04/01/21

276-278 Centre St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: Mint Western Mass. Group LLC
Seller: Angeljoy Co. LLC
Date: 03/22/21

536-538 Chestnut St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Felix J. Figueroa
Seller: Norman Roldan
Date: 03/23/21

86-88 Clifton Ave.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: Colin W. Hodgson-Smith
Seller: Clifton Ave. LLC
Date: 03/22/21

82 College St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Hunter Property Group LLC
Seller: WN Management LLC
Date: 04/02/21

50 Commonwealth Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Hilda M. Santa
Seller: MBC Properties LLC
Date: 04/01/21

17-19 Crown St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Detric Watkins
Seller: Helen Al-Mahrwuth
Date: 03/29/21

44-46 Dale St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $239,900
Buyer: Brandon J. Ward
Seller: Robert S. McCarroll
Date: 03/23/21

172 Davis St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $197,000
Buyer: Zenaida Figueroa
Seller: Eladio Pagan
Date: 03/31/21

39 Dearborn St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Christian Cherisclair
Seller: Roman J. Boiko
Date: 03/26/21

227 Denver St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: Abraham E. Torres
Seller: Rodolfo V. Espinosa
Date: 03/29/21

358 Dickinson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $213,500
Buyer: Euripides P. Piatti-Rios
Seller: Hillary E. Smith
Date: 03/26/21

215 Dorset St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Dshawn O. Telfaire
Seller: Tanisha Cabezudo
Date: 03/31/21

295 Draper St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $207,000
Buyer: Justin B. Richardson
Seller: Marcella A. Pagliaro
Date: 04/01/21

174 Drexel St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: Edwin Medina
Seller: Medina-Rivera, Genaro, (Estate)
Date: 04/01/21

202 Dunmoreland St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Jazmin Montes
Seller: Value Properties LLC
Date: 03/29/21

414 Dwight Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Kyeesha L. Weaver
Seller: Petit, Marcellin J., (Estate)
Date: 03/29/21

50 East Alvord St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $198,000
Buyer: Larry Lewis
Seller: Erica M. Jackson
Date: 03/26/21

221 Eddy St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Angelica Cotto
Seller: Della Ripa RE LLC
Date: 04/02/21

90 Elijah St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $166,400
Buyer: Celestino Montes
Seller: Brian L. Stasiak
Date: 03/24/21

25 Eton St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $242,000
Buyer: Nicole M. Patterson
Seller: SRV Properties LLC
Date: 03/26/21

47 Felicia St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Hedge Hog Industries Corp.
Seller: Chmura, Jane V., (Estate)
Date: 04/01/21

129 Florence St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Jailyne Torres-Figueroa
Seller: Mario B. Cruz-Garcia
Date: 03/26/21

68 Forest Park Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: AK&M Properties & Estates LLC
Seller: Marcelino Vazquez
Date: 03/23/21

21 Fort Pleasant Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $1,200,000
Buyer: Renaissance Springfield LLC
Seller: 30 Belmont LLC
Date: 03/31/21

43 Fresno St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Handyflippers Inc.
Seller: Nelson Perez
Date: 03/31/21

20 Gerald St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Daniel S. Paris
Seller: Chad T. Lynch
Date: 03/31/21

45 Greaney St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $180,700
Buyer: Adria Morales-Villalobos
Seller: Denis R. Picard
Date: 03/23/21

139 Groton St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Harmony A. Black
Seller: Christine A. Fitzell
Date: 03/23/21

58 Grover St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Wadenise Mezil
Seller: Carlos A. Morales
Date: 04/02/21

41 Hillside Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Richard Ringer
Seller: William W. Babcock
Date: 03/24/21

177 Jasper St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $191,000
Buyer: Elijah Saez
Seller: Felecia Yager
Date: 04/02/21

47 Juliet St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $298,000
Buyer: Jeremy Moore
Seller: Bukowski Construction LLC
Date: 03/31/21

28 Juniper Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $399,000
Buyer: Edras O. Ramos
Seller: Bruce L. Tetrault
Date: 03/23/21

101 Kensington Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Mint Western Mass. Group LLC
Seller: Angeljoy Co. LLC
Date: 03/24/21

107 Kensington Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $510,000
Buyer: Mint Western Mass. Group LLC
Seller: Angeljoy Co. LLC
Date: 03/24/21

42 Kerry Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Melanie Massiah-Gordon
Seller: E. Coast Contracting LLC
Date: 03/30/21

52 Kerry Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $223,000
Buyer: Rene Santiago
Seller: Heather Chaiffre
Date: 04/02/21

38 Leitch St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $223,000
Buyer: Jose A. Oyola
Seller: Boisjoli, Daniel J., (Estate)
Date: 03/31/21

51-53 Leyfred Ter.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $148,374
Buyer: Jet Investments LLC
Seller: Mariano Bulted
Date: 03/29/21

99 Littleton St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Richard Santiago
Seller: Latonya Jerry
Date: 03/25/21

18-20 Lombard St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $191,820
Buyer: Hanati Lubega
Seller: Olmsted Realty LLC
Date: 04/01/21

12-14 Longview St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $236,000
Buyer: Hawo Ali
Seller: Vidal Cardona
Date: 03/26/21

63-65 Los Angeles St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $267,000
Buyer: Kirsten Helmer
Seller: Richard T. Pelchar
Date: 03/25/21

192 Maynard St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Rosa Dorsey
Seller: Victor Martinez
Date: 03/26/21

49 Mohegan Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $212,500
Buyer: Daniel J. Garvey
Seller: Jesus Alicea
Date: 03/24/21

24 Mountainview St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $289,900
Buyer: Nathan Crocco
Seller: Eliezer Garcia
Date: 03/29/21

75 Morningside Park
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Home Staging & Realty LLC
Seller: John W. Drummond
Date: 03/22/21

34 Newhouse St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Nicholas Ayala
Seller: Misael Rodriguez-Cruz
Date: 04/02/21

127 Newland St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Nathaniel Pace
Seller: Yevgeniy Rudenko
Date: 03/26/21

18 Norfolk St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Oscar Barquin
Seller: Naida Irizarry
Date: 03/22/21

174-176 Northampton Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $217,000
Buyer: Omar Tuitt
Seller: Luis O. Tarraza
Date: 04/01/21

120 Orchard St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Mint Western MA Group LLC
Seller: Angeljoy Co. LLC
Date: 03/22/21

29 Parkin St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Juan Rios
Seller: Donna S. Martelle
Date: 04/02/21

44 Pascal Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $287,000
Buyer: Lewen Cotte
Seller: Charise Gonzalez
Date: 03/29/21

219 Pendleton Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Caty Rosario
Seller: Hilda Martinez
Date: 04/02/21

86 Pendleton Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Evangelio Gonzalez
Seller: Ana Zunilda-Jerez
Date: 03/31/21

31 Pheland St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Emmanuel Tete-Donkor
Seller: Techia L. Francis
Date: 03/31/21

51 Pine Grove St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Rafael Perez
Seller: Julio Ayala
Date: 03/29/21

112 Revere St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $197,000
Buyer: Oniel Ogando-Mejia
Seller: Xiomary Reyes
Date: 03/31/21

90 Revere St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Julian T. Kyndy
Seller: Andrea P. Richards
Date: 03/31/21

139 Rosemary Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Laura I. Gonzalez-Colon
Seller: Christopher M. Rancitelli
Date: 03/26/21

57 Superior Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Joseph M. Anderson
Seller: Janessa Acquaro
Date: 03/22/21

57 Surrey Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $204,900
Buyer: David Williams
Seller: FNMA
Date: 03/29/21

119 Tavistock St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $147,000
Buyer: Lydia E. Torres
Seller: Ashey, Donald G. Sr., (Estate)
Date: 03/25/21

167 Thompson St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Shaina Curran
Seller: Carlo J. Dilizia
Date: 04/02/21

438 Tinkham Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $274,500
Buyer: Antoinette Filiault
Seller: Cornerstone Homebuying LLC
Date: 04/02/21

448 Tinkham Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $274,500
Buyer: Antoinette Filiault
Seller: Cornerstone Homebuying LLC
Date: 04/02/21

247 Union St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Bear Rock Properties LLC
Seller: Ameri-Trin Ltd
Date: 03/26/21

249 Union St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Bear Rock Properties LLC
Seller: Ameri-Trin Ltd
Date: 03/26/21

59 Vincent St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: Luis D. Torres-Felix
Seller: Wendy L. Ashe
Date: 04/02/21

25-27 Virginia St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $264,000
Buyer: Shayvonne Plummer
Seller: Truong Nguyen
Date: 03/23/21

124 Wait St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Michael Pacheco
Seller: Erin L. O’Neill
Date: 03/22/21

139 West Allen Ridge Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Patrick Ralph
Seller: Craig R. Harmsen
Date: 03/22/21

55 Westbrook Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Ileana Garcia
Seller: Goodreau, Richard, (Estate)
Date: 04/01/21

238 Winterset Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Sanu Rai
Seller: John D. Slavick
Date: 03/30/21

775-R Worthington St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $336,345
Buyer: Clinical & Support Options
Seller: BSC Realty Inc.
Date: 04/01/21

780-800 Worthington St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $336,345
Buyer: Clinical & Support Options
Seller: BSC Realty Inc.
Date: 04/01/21

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Agawam Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Koch Real Estate Corp.
Seller: Steven Haddad
Date: 03/22/21

97 Ashley St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: G&C RE Investments LLC
Seller: Lizbeth A. Scholpp
Date: 04/01/21

53 Bacon Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Jaime Rodriguez
Seller: CIG 4 LLC
Date: 03/26/21

78 Brookline Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Michele A. Dandy
Seller: Frank E. Charbonneau
Date: 03/29/21

125 Craiwell Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $341,000
Buyer: Matthew D. Rivest
Seller: Regina R. Perry
Date: 03/31/21

35 Duke St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $201,000
Buyer: Etabav RT
Seller: Ronald G. Batchelor
Date: 04/02/21

946 Elm St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $226,688
Buyer: 946 Elm Street LLC
Seller: Deli Dong
Date: 03/26/21

162 Front St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $163,313
Buyer: Peter E. Strniste
Seller: Mark S. Rolandini
Date: 03/25/21

52 Meadowbrook Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Custom Home Development Group LLC
Seller: Marian L. Giannetti
Date: 03/31/21

187 Monastery Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $309,000
Buyer: Harka Neopaney
Seller: Kevin Conroy
Date: 03/26/21

414 Morgan Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $139,900
Buyer: Ajax 2018-F REO Corp.
Seller: Joseph A. Davis
Date: 03/22/21

33 Old Westfield Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Elizabeth Battey
Seller: Richard C. Lovely
Date: 03/30/21

88 Partridge Lane
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Eric Mancini
Seller: Maksim Loboda
Date: 03/22/21

811 Piper Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Christopher Rancitelli
Seller: Brian D. Seibold
Date: 03/26/21

42 Plateau Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Elizabeth A. Olinger
Seller: Adair V. Rivest
Date: 03/31/21

16-18 Southworth St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Christophe Rivera-Sierra
Seller: Emtay Inc.
Date: 04/02/21

28 Warren St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Zhong Chen
Seller: Patrick M. Hogan
Date: 03/22/21

22 West St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Alex Geas
Seller: Thomas J. Nault
Date: 04/02/21

758 Westfield St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $1,105,265
Buyer: Silktree Properties LLC
Seller: Archgate Townhouses LLC
Date: 04/02/21

53 Wilder Ter.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $226,000
Buyer: Charles Joyal
Seller: William J. Allard
Date: 03/26/21

286 Woodmont St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Richard M. Carnevale
Seller: Heather E. Danielle RET
Date: 03/31/21

35 Worthy Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: John Molinary
Seller: Bridget L. Nelson
Date: 03/24/21

29 York St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $297,000
Buyer: Colin Moll
Seller: Marc T. Bergeron
Date: 03/31/21

WESTFIELD

31 A St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Vitaliy Dubovoy
Seller: Sunlight Properties LLC
Date: 04/02/21

15 Casimir St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $560,500
Buyer: Paul Rubera
Seller: Brian W. Hoskin
Date: 03/23/21

14 Clark St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $247,000
Buyer: Samuel Rivera
Seller: Mechanic Man LLC
Date: 03/22/21

100 Dana St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $268,000
Buyer: Brian Callahan
Seller: Hugh J. Lannon
Date: 04/02/21

77-79 Elm St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $167,500
Buyer: Keenan Real Estate LLC
Seller: Sharon D. Pepel RET
Date: 03/31/21

7 Harvest Moon Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $635,000
Buyer: Chad H. Nelson
Seller: David A. Kowalski
Date: 04/02/21

2 Linden Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $134,480
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Jamin Fuller
Date: 04/02/21

366 Loomis St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $342,000
Buyer: Heather A. Prouty
Seller: Matthew P. Farnsworth
Date: 03/23/21

26 Lozier Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Anthony Matos
Seller: Martha A. Mastroberti
Date: 03/26/21

10 Maria Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $262,500
Buyer: Kimberley Gepfert
Seller: Shawn Baker
Date: 03/30/21

160 Munger Hill Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Jeffrey C. Guarnieri
Seller: Jean M. Trader
Date: 03/25/21

103 Old County Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $359,000
Buyer: Richard Viernes
Seller: Robert E. St.Onge
Date: 03/26/21

123 Old Farm Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Michael Seklecki
Seller: Jeffrey C. Guarnieri
Date: 03/25/21

25 Pearl St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $238,342
Buyer: Alexandra M. Webster
Seller: Laurie Despard
Date: 03/31/21

70 Pineridge Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $520,000
Buyer: Michael P. Carley
Seller: Robert G. Herrick
Date: 04/01/21

25 Pleasant St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $231,802
Buyer: Wilmington Savings
Seller: Southbridge RE LLC
Date: 03/23/21

210 Pontoosic Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Thomas L. Bannish
Seller: Bannish, Anna M., (Estate)
Date: 03/30/21

232 Russellville Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $186,375
Buyer: Adam P. Gauthier
Seller: Viktor Lezhnyak
Date: 03/22/21

230 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Sardinhas & Constante Realty
Seller: Mercer Island Realty Inc.
Date: 04/01/21

480 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $880,000
Buyer: Marky Marc LLC
Seller: Elite Contracting Services
Date: 03/24/21

30 Sunset Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Brittany J. Taylor
Seller: Angela M. Southwick
Date: 03/29/21

WILBRAHAM

2555 Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Vital Days LLC
Seller: Atlantic Holding Group Inc.
Date: 03/31/21

23 Carla Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: Christopher J. Harley
Seller: Phillip Brousseau
Date: 03/29/21

80 Main St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Joseph D. Tranghese
Seller: Anthony J. Tranghese
Date: 04/01/21

575 Main St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Luke Langelier
Seller: Jean M. Dirico
Date: 03/26/21

20 Maplewood Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $446,500
Buyer: Ana C. Castellanos-Gomez
Seller: Charles W. Coscore
Date: 03/31/21

427 Soule Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Ali Javaid
Seller: William H. Kemple
Date: 03/29/21

196 Springfield St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: John D. Slavick
Seller: Ariel O. Bogoff
Date: 03/30/21

479 Springfield St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $302,500
Buyer: Laura M. Quink
Seller: Custom Home Development Group LLC
Date: 03/31/21

7 Squire Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $670,000
Buyer: John M. Biela
Seller: Mark E. Loos
Date: 03/26/21

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

456 Flat Hills Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: Eric A. Braxton
Seller: Ruby Realty LLC
Date: 03/25/21

40 High Point Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Fousseni D. Chabiyo
Seller: Rondina Acquisitions Corp.
Date: 03/26/21

86 Larkspur Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $477,000
Buyer: Jarrett Man
Seller: Jesse McCoomb
Date: 04/02/21

26 Lindenridge Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Randy K. Rethemeyer
Seller: Peng Wang
Date: 04/02/21

28 Stagecoach Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Elizabeth Brainerd
Seller: Allen H. Brainerd
Date: 03/24/21

83 Stony Hill Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Laurence Starn
Seller: Reva A. Rudman
Date: 03/25/21

BELCHERTOWN

15 Autumn Lane
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $172,500
Buyer: James Austin
Seller: Patricia R. Marsh
Date: 04/01/21

19 Brandywine Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $379,000
Buyer: Deborah Melendez-Otero
Seller: Richard R. Delvalle
Date: 04/02/21

11 Catherine Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $442,000
Buyer: Abigail E. Weeks
Seller: Stanley E. Jacobs
Date: 03/31/21

78 Clark St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $223,400
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Christopher P. Bowen
Date: 04/02/21

10 Cottage St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $228,000
Buyer: Kellye B. Lupica
Seller: Peter R. Harbison
Date: 03/31/21

241 East St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Rachel Telushkin
Seller: Alan D. Slessler
Date: 03/25/21

109 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $196,000
Buyer: Michael F. Demarco
Seller: Billy Leung
Date: 04/02/21

296 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $425,150
Buyer: Kimberly Lodi
Seller: Henry R. Martin
Date: 03/24/21

279 Granby Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Heather R. Woodworth
Seller: Suzanne Reece
Date: 03/30/21

73 North Main St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Trevor J. Sims
Seller: Mary L. Beaulieu
Date: 03/23/21

CHESTERFIELD

46 Bray Road
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Marie Kirk
Seller: Goyette, Gary G., (Estate)
Date: 03/26/21

EASTHAMPTON

2 Admiral St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Michael W. Buehrle
Seller: Diane S. Scott
Date: 03/24/21

14 Fairfield Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $186,000
Buyer: Ye Zheng
Seller: Michelle Blouin-Burelle
Date: 03/26/21

10 Hannum Brook Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: New England Remodeling
Seller: Fisher, Janice, (Estate)
Date: 03/24/21

114 Line St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $242,000
Buyer: Jeffrey L. Lebeau
Seller: Jason P. Graham
Date: 04/01/21

325 Main St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $379,000
Buyer: Barra L. Cohen
Seller: Hayley M. Singleton
Date: 04/01/21

30 Pleasant St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $362,250
Buyer: Tyler M. Rocco-Chaffee
Seller: Bruce Harrison
Date: 04/02/21

GOSHEN

Loomis Road
Goshen, MA 01032
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: George D. Judd & Sons LLC
Seller: Peter F. Lafogg
Date: 03/30/21

GRANBY

16 High St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Brian Fournier
Seller: James R. Dufresne
Date: 03/31/21

16 Parish Hill Road
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $157,507
Buyer: John B. Gulbrandsen
Seller: US Bank
Date: 03/30/21

HADLEY

4 Colony Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $170,500
Buyer: Feng Qiu
Seller: Valley Construction Co. Inc.
Date: 03/26/21

9 Indian Pipe Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $640,000
Buyer: Bliss R. Scriber-Dubrow
Seller: Ronald Bercume
Date: 03/26/21

171 Rocky Hill Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Thomas E. Nasiatka
Seller: Maureen A. Porter
Date: 03/31/21

70 Russell St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Donald R. Dion
Seller: Mickey Long
Date: 04/01/21

HATFIELD

89 Depot Road
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $339,900
Buyer: Joshua Sprague
Seller: Lee M. Callan
Date: 03/22/21

HUNTINGTON

9 Birchwood Dr.
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $850,000
Buyer: Chad Lafrance
Seller: James K. Patenaude
Date: 03/23/21

NORTHAMPTON

274 Bridge St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $344,900
Buyer: Katharine J. Waggoner
Seller: John J. Ferriter
Date: 03/30/21

16 Chesterfield Road
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $404,000
Buyer: Kathleen M. Palmer
Seller: Wayne J. Blair
Date: 03/29/21

696 Florence Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Lesley-Ann Giddings
Seller: Daniel R. Crouss
Date: 04/02/21

23 Higgins Way
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $905,000
Buyer: Sunwood Development Corp.
Seller: Sturbridge Development LLC
Date: 03/24/21

43 Higgins Way
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $905,000
Buyer: Sunwood Development Corp.
Seller: Sturbridge Development LLC
Date: 03/24/21

Higgins Way #6
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $905,000
Buyer: Sunwood Development Corp
Seller: Sturbridge Development LLC
Date: 03/24/21

Higgins Way #15
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $905,000
Buyer: Sunwood Development Corp.
Seller: Sturbridge Development LLC
Date: 03/24/21

250 Jackson St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $281,000
Buyer: Steven R. Ferry
Seller: Thomas E. Kostek
Date: 03/22/21

25 New South St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $409,500
Buyer: Perry Friedman
Seller: Megan E. Handwerk
Date: 03/26/21

118 North St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Margaret Treloar
Seller: William M. Welch
Date: 04/02/21

147 North Main St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Martha Senser-Blair
Seller: Daniel A. Blair
Date: 03/29/21

36 Ridgewood Ter.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $454,000
Buyer: Elizabeth Roberts
Seller: Douglass, Christine C., (Estate)
Date: 03/24/21

101 Woodland Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $505,900
Buyer: Christopher Adams
Seller: Kate Bagley
Date: 03/31/21

PLAINFIELD

197 Summit St.
Plainfield, MA 01070
Amount: $405,500
Buyer: Adrian Almquist
Seller: Jacob B. Morrow
Date: 03/22/21

SOUTH HADLEY

8 Bardwell St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Vadim Popovichenko
Seller: RGS Realty LLC
Date: 04/01/21

435 East St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Jacqueline Rosario
Seller: Michael V. Yonika
Date: 03/25/21

4 Hartford St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Dylan Graveline
Seller: Michael R. Daniele
Date: 03/31/21

80 Mountain View St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Kellen T. McCaffrey
Seller: A. Kenneth Root
Date: 04/01/21

5 Stewart St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $312,500
Buyer: Michael J. Gwynn
Seller: Jessica L. Falade
Date: 03/30/21

47 Susan Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Julian Jocque
Seller: Ronald N. Gendron
Date: 03/31/21

SOUTHAMPTON

9 Coolidge Dr.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Jose A. Figueroa
Seller: Panagiotis C. Sierros
Date: 03/23/21

30 Mountain View Circle
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Bryan J. Luszczki
Seller: Melissa E. Herrera
Date: 03/26/21

WARE

1 Fisherdick Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $236,000
Buyer: Cassidy D. Caravella
Seller: Carol A. Desantis
Date: 03/29/21

347 Monson Turnpike Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Corey Ingalls
Seller: Delia J. Butler
Date: 03/29/21

54 North St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: FJ Property LLC
Seller: Timothy J. Wrobel
Date: 04/01/21

94 West St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $224,000
Buyer: Owls Nest LLC
Seller: Jose A. Reyes
Date: 03/22/21

WILLIAMSBURG

152 Ashfield Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $1,250,000
Buyer: A. Lahm Heller 1999 TR
Seller: C. L. Bateman 1991 TR
Date: 03/31/21

44 Village Hill Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $200,500
Buyer: Robert F. Sherlock LT
Seller: William C. McAvoy
Date: 04/01/21

WESTHAMPTON

Blueberry Hills Road #2
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Maura L. McCarthy
Seller: Patrick Properties LLC
Date: 03/29/21

Blueberry Hills Road #5
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Rebecca Carriere
Seller: Patrick Properties LLC
Date: 03/30/21

134 Kings Hwy.
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $298,400
Buyer: Berkshire Classics LLC
Seller: Wendy P. Blow
Date: 04/01/21

WORTHINGTON

22 Harvey Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $397,500
Buyer: Erica M. Salling
Seller: Evlyn H. Newell
Date: 03/31/21

1108 Old North Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Hundred Acres Woods RT
Seller: Robert K. Reinke
Date: 03/31/21

152 Witt Hill Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $146,000
Buyer: Jack Flynn
Seller: Anne M. Dickinson
Date: 03/23/21

26 Witt Hill Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Maureen Defalco
Seller: Judith A. Lyon TR
Date: 03/25/21

 

Building Permits

By
Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the month of April 2021. (Filings are limited due to closures or reduced staffing hours at municipal offices due to COVID-19 restrictions).

CHICOPEE

Mitchell Nowak
14 West St.
$22,800 — Remove and replace plastic sprinkler pipe, replace old heads

Scott Raymond
45 Colonial Circle
$10,000 — Gut bathroom down to studs and rebuild

Sherroy, LLC
1408 Memorial Dr.
$5,000 — Open interior wall, frame new header and studs for installation of new window

LENOX

Trinity Church
88 Walker St.
$200,000 — Repair porch on parish house

NORTHAMPTON

39 Main Street, LLC
39 Main St., Suite 5
$15,000 — Interior renovation

Chamisa Corp.
25 Main St., #444
$10,605 — Remove drywall to update wiring, install new drywall

DBR Properties, LLC
270 Pleasant St.
$13,605 — Renovate second floor to be a residential apartment

Joe-Mae Realty Associates
147 Main St.
$9,995 — Illuminated sign for Rebekah Brooks Jewelry

Shalom Murray
153 Main St.
$1,180 — Wall sign for Cotton Gallery

Northampton Community Music Center
139 SouthSt.
$51,369 — Rooftop solar panels

Paul Serio
63 Center St.
$2,000 — Roofing

ZQHW Corp.
60 King St.
$58,400 — Repair damage due to car impact

PITTSFIELD

395 North, LLC
391 North St.
$15,000 — Roofing

Blue Chair Properties, LLC
101 Dan Fox Dr.
$20,000 — Demolish Bousquet ski lodge

Blue Chair Properties, LLC
101 Dan Fox Dr.
$10,000 — Install field-office trailer for Bousquet ski lodge project

Passardi Family Holding, LLC
160 North St.
$79,600 — Renovations and additions to existing fire sprinkler system

Robert Wheeler
71 Dalton Ave.
$1,200 — Install two thermally broken commercial aluminum windows

Stanley Wojtkowski
108 Summer St.
$4,800 — Roofing

SPRINGFIELD

1626 Bay Street, LLC
281 Cottage St.
$119,000 — Install a handicap bathroom in office

KS Cantor, LLC
606 Sumner Ave.
$101,657 — Alter interior of former restaurant for use as a dental office

Marrewa Realty Inc.
1440 Boston Road
$3,900 — Remove and replace seven duct smoke detectors at Walgreens Pharmacy

MGM Springfield Redevelopment, LLC
1 MGM Way
Remove decorative wall and section of vestibule wall and install glass storefront near poker room

Springfield Bridge Holding, LLC
146 Chestnut St.
$55,000 — Alter interior of mezzanine of first and second floor at Libertas Academy Charter School

Pride, LP
77 West St.
$126,000 — Remodel Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant; remove and replace millwork and siding

Summer Ave., LLC
752 Sumner Ave.
$10,000 — Repair roof

TMB Investments, LLC
563 Main St.
$98,597.88 — Roofing

Wyatt Quinn, Joline Seymour
36 Sabin St.
$1,300 — Install pellet stove in basement

WILBRAHAM

Monson Savings Bank
100 Post Office Park
$6,850 — Three signs on left, right, and front gables

Monson Savings Bank
100 Post Office Park
$4,950 — Sign at Post Office Park entrance

Monson Savings Bank
100 Post Office Park
$1,325 — Sign on Boston Road

 

Springfield Museums Announce Winners of Ubora Award, Ahadi Youth Award

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The African Hall Committee of the Springfield Museums announced its annual Ubora Award and Ahadi Youth Award winners. Now in its 30th year of celebrating leadership by people of African heritage, the 2021 Ubora Award honors Robert Cee Jackson as an exemplary philanthropist and humanitarian. The 12th Ahadi Youth Award honors the remarkable energy and intent of Tigist Dawit Terefe, a junior at the High School of Science & Technology.

Robert Cee Jackson

As president of Jackson Security and Jackson Transportation, Jackson employs many community members and negotiates fees to help make his services affordable to all. As vice president of the African-American philanthropic organization the Brethren Community Foundation, he helps neighborhood youth with projects such as staging a celebration of Juneteenth that showcased remarkable community talent and providing college scholarships for youth.

Jackson’s community-minded leadership also includes the Urban League board of directors and the Springfield Partners for Community Action board of directors. In addition, he is an active member and distinguished leader of the Masonic Order.

For decades, Jackson has helped at the Stone Soul Festival, which is recognized as one of New England’s largest African-American festivals. He was a co-founder of the 5A football program, which is now called Springfield Youth Athletics. Its mission is to provide activities and opportunities for young people, regardless of race, religion, or economic status, in the urban Springfield community and surrounding area.

He volunteers with the Old Hill Neighborhood Council, which is dedicated to serving the needs and concerns of community members. And he was appointed in 2008 by Mayor Domenic Sarno to serve as a commissioner of the Community Police Hearing Board.

“This is such an unexpected surprise,” Jackson said. “I am honored to be the recipient of the 30th Ubora Award. The volunteer service that I do is because of my commitment to and love for my community. This is a prestigious award, and I am humbled and grateful to the African Hall Committee, Springfield Museums, and all involved in this honor.”

Tigist Dawit Terefe

Terefe maintains top grades while also pursuing difficult coursework, including advanced-placement classes. She has taken advantage of dual-enrollment opportunities with Springfield Technical Community College to earn college credits as well as the After Dark Vocational Program with Putnam Vocational Technical Academy, which allows her to graduate with both her high-school diploma and as a certified nurse assistant.

Terefe also works part-time at Pioneer Valley Life Sciences Institute, as an intern in the cancer-research lab, and looks forward to going into cancer biomedical research in the future. She participates in the Baystate Educational Partnership to expand her insight into the medical world. She is also one of the founders of the first-ever Springfield Leadership Advisory Council, which will work to connect students of Springfield public schools with district leaders.

Terefe is a member of District Attorney Anthony Gulluni’s Youth Advisory Board, which addresses issues facing today’s teens, researches effective prevention strategies, and works to give youth and residents in the City of Springfield a more powerful voice to make positive change. She is a tutor to other Youth Advisory Board members and leads the inclusion committee, which has created a series of podcasts to give insight on how people could be more inclusive, and what they have experienced as students in Hampden County.

“I am overjoyed to have received the Ahadi Award,” Terefe said. “I have always found people with an interest in their community impressive, and have worked in my academic ventures to do the same. I love working on topics of equity and inclusivity in the Springfield community and generally. I thank the committee for selecting me, and I thank my guidance counselor, Ms. [Amy] Quinlan, for nominating me. I hope I represent the award well throughout and after my high-school career.”

The Ubora Award and the Ahadi Youth Award are awarded to African-Americans from Greater Springfield who have demonstrated commitment, above and beyond, to the fields of community service, education, science, humanities, and/or the arts.

Elms College Welcomes Charlene Holmes, Jennifer Leon to Staff

By
Daily News

CHICOPEE — Elms College announced the appointment of two staff members: Charlene Holmes, director of Diversity and Engagement; and Jennifer Leon, director of Residence Life.

Charlene Holmes

Holmes has a decade of experience in student engagement, student support, and programmatic development to ensure college access and success for under-represented groups. She has spent most of her career working with nonprofit organizations serving low-income, first-generation student athletes achieving post-secondary success, such as the East Harlem Tutorial Program, the Harlem Children’s Zone, and Door-A Center for Alternatives.

Most recently, she was president and CEO of Imana Borena in New York, where she oversaw the organization’s executive leadership programs, including diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. She holds a bachelor’s degree in health science from Mercy College and a master’s degree of professional studies in sports management from St. John’s University.

Jennifer Leon

Leon has six years of experience in higher education, serving in a variety of roles within student affairs, residential life, student activities, orientation, and parent programs. Most recently, she was assistant director of student life at SUNY Adirondack and was responsible for student-engagement opportunities, orientation, and leadership programming.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from SUNY Oneonta and a master’s degree in student affairs in higher education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission Receives CARES Act Recovery Assistance Grant

By
Daily News

PITTSFIELD — The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded a $842,522 CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) to develop and implement an economic recovery and resiliency plan and provide technical assistance to bolster the region’s ability to withstand future economic disruptions.

The two-year project will fund expansion of Berkshire County’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) to include regional resiliency planning, and will also help identify and support recovery projects; rebuild the region’s online data and economic-indicator tracking capabilities; provide technical assistance and capacity-building opportunities to local businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities; and support workforce and industry-building efforts to facilitate meaningful work toward economic recovery, growth, and resiliency in the long term.

“Positioning Berkshire County for the best possible recovery from impacts of the pandemic is a top priority for Berkshire Regional Planning Commission,” BRPC Executive Director Thomas Matuszko said. “This funding supports a wide range of efforts on behalf of our region, each critical to our future economic well-being.”

Work to overhaul an online data clearinghouse, www.berkshirebenchmarks.org, is already underway, with a focus on improving user experience and encouraging a broader range of agencies to access the site for a better understanding of existing conditions in the county and to support their own grant-writing efforts. Advisory teams from around the county are providing guidance on the most important indicators to measure progress in economic recovery as well as various quality-of-life factors.

BRPC staff will expand upon the county’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy to address long-term economic resiliency, working with members of the CEDS committee and additional stakeholders to develop new protocols for coordination during future disruptions. Staff will facilitate significant recovery-oriented projects from the CEDS priority project list, assisting municipal leaders and project managers in bringing projects to fruition, and will also seek to identity additional grant-eligible projects.

“We’re grateful to receive this investment in Berkshire County,” said Laura Brennan, Economic Development program manager at BRPC. “It allows us to take stock of how the region was impacted over the past year and play an important role in strategizing for the future.”

Local businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities will benefit from access to technical assistance through the EDA-funded initiative. These efforts will provide tools for businesses and organizations to better operate virtually if needed, as well as guidance on accessing state and federal assistance. Technical assistance for municipalities will support improvements to policies and operations for increased responsiveness to business community needs at the local level, including online permitting, revisions to zoning and other regulations, and improved communications with business owners.

The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission will work with 1Berkshire as the primary partner in coordinating technical assistance to local businesses. 1Berkshire will also take the lead role in industry-specific capacity-building efforts, primarily focusing on industry clusters identified in the Berkshire Blueprint 2.0. Additional partners will be identified for the delivery of specialized technical assistance to businesses and municipalities after needs are assessed through online surveys and other outreach.

“This is a fantastic opportunity,” said Jonathan Butler, president and CEO of 1Berkshire. “This level of federal investment into the nuts-and-bolts technical assistance our regional economy needs is critical, and we are excited to play our part to maximize the impact of this effort for businesses and organizations across the Berkshires.”

Registration Now Open for Summer and Fall at Asnuntuck Community College

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Daily News

ENFIELD, Conn. — Asnuntuck Community College will offer six- and eight-week online summer sessions beginning in June. Asnuntuck’s six-week session will run June 2 through July 14, while the eight-week session will begin June 2 and run through July 28. Medical, health, and manufacturing courses will begin on May 24, with most classes completed no later than July 19.

Students who are on summer break from their four-year institution should consider taking a course and then transferring the credits back to their institution. Prior to registering, students are advised to check with their home institution to determine whether the courses transfer. Course topics include many disciplines, including art, accounting, biology, business, chemistry, communications, early childhood, computer information systems technology, economics, English, history, human development, human services, manufacturing, medical assisting, philosophy, political science, psychology, and sociology.

Asnuntuck continues to offer admissions and financial-aid virtual information sessions to assist students interested in learning about the college’s affordable fall-semester opportunities. The fall semester begins on Aug. 26.

Upcoming sessions include Thursday, May 6 at 5 p.m.; Tuesday, May 18 at 3 p.m.; and Thursday, May 27 at 3 p.m. Potential students need to attend only one of the sessions. Participants will be able to learn about the admissions and financial-aid process during the 60-minute sessions. The sessions will include a question-and-answer time as well.

Register for the session and learn more about summer and fall options by visiting asnuntuck.edu/admissions/how-to-enroll. For information regarding academic advising, visit www.asnuntuck.edu/advising. To view the summer and fall course bulletins, visit asnuntuck.edu/moreinfo.

Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. E-mail Asnuntuck’s Financial Aid office at [email protected] for more information.

Visit asnuntuck.edu and click on the ‘make an appointment’ button to reach a specific department or make an appointment with a specific area.

Holyoke Gas & Electric Explores Offering Residential Fiber Internet Service

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Gas & Electric (HG&E) is studying the feasibility of offering high-speed internet service to residential customers in Holyoke.

This potential new service, called Fiber to the Home (FTTH), uses fiber-optic cables to bring internet into residential dwellings. While HG&E is capable of providing residential FTTH service, there must be sufficient interest and demand for the service in order for the venture to be economically viable and not have an adverse impact on utility rates. Preliminary estimates indicate that a citywide fiber internet build-out could cost upwards of $30 million.

HG&E would not offer television services as part of the FTTH service. Customers would be required to either ‘cut the cord’ — terminate traditional cable television service and subscribe to streaming services — or keep their current TV provider.

“As we continue to study and research the feasibility of this project, we want to hear from HG&E customers,” said Kate Sullivan Craven, manager of Marketing and Communications at HG&E. “Customers can go to our website and fill out a survey detailing their interest in potentially subscribing to a local, residential fiber internet service. The survey will also be included as an insert with their upcoming bill.”

Customers should visit www.hged.com/ftth to learn more about this potential new service or express their interest.

Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C. Hires Former Law Clerk Patrick Huse

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C. hired former law clerk Patrick Huse to fill the role of associate attorney following his admission to the Massachusetts bar.

Huse is a 2020 graduate of Suffolk University Law School. While pursuing his graduate studies, he was a member of Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity, the Business Law Assoc., and the Suffolk Prosecutors Clinic. His career-focused extracurricular activities, coupled with his time interning at the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office, have prepared him for a career rooted in the law.

Huse assists clients in the areas of business transactions, real-estate transactions, and bankruptcy matters.

Hampden County Bar Assoc. to Host Local Law Day Celebration

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — On Monday, May 3, the Hampden County Bar Assoc. (HCBA) will participate in a local Law Day event.

The theme of this year’s event is “Advancing the Rule of Law Now,” and it will be hosted by attorney and HCBA President Thomas Wilson, with the help and support of the master of ceremonies, Springfield District Court Judge Kevin Maltby. Paula Carey, chief justice of the Trial Court, will also be in attendance to offer remarks. The event will be held outside the Roderick L. Ireland Courthouse at 50 State St., Springfield.

The program will include the annual presentation of the John M. Greaney Award to an attorney and non-attorney for their contributions to the Hampden County legal community. The HCBA will have Rose Boyle present the award to Springfield District Court Officer Luis Ramos, and Regional Administrative Justice Maureen Walsh present the award to Springfield District Court First Justice John Payne.

The event will also be livestreamed via Zoom. Contact the HCBA office at (413) 732-4660 or [email protected] for more information.

Environmental Integrity Rebrands as ZEEP Technology

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Daily News

SOUTH HADLEY — Since 2007, Environmental Integrity has provided eco-friendly electronic recycling solutions for area businesses. Founder Steve Czepiel has always stayed true to the mission of creating a sustainable, forward-thinking company that can adapt to an ever-changing industry. As his daughter Kristina took on a larger role, they decided it was time for a brand that represented the future.

“When the time came to rebrand, we wanted a fresh, bold name that reflected the progressive, woman-owned company we have evolved into over the years,” said Kristina Czepiel Dearborn, CEO of ZEEP Technology. “ZEEP also drives home the fact that we are a family business. Because of our last name, my father and I have been nicknamed ‘Zeep’ all our lives. Now the whole company answers to it.”

Added Steve Czepiel, “as the industry continues to evolve, our strong capabilities and ability to grow, adapt, and deliver allow us to do the same. ZEEP Technology is committed to providing innovative solutions and services that meet our clients’ needs, and offering the highest level of service and care.”

ZEEP Technology maximizes product reutilization through repair, remarketing, and recycled materials. In an age of high security risks and data breaches, ZEEP also provides peace of mind through complete data destruction.

BusinessTalk with Meredith Wise, president of the Employers Association of the Northeast

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Business Talk Podcast Special Coverage

We are excited to announce that BusinessWest, in partnership with Living Local, 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.

Episode 61: April 26, 2021

George O’Brien talks with Meredith Wise, president of the Employers Association of the Northeast

BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien talks with Meredith Wise, president of the Employers Association of the Northeast. The two discuss a wide range of topics, from how business owners and managers handle the reopening of their offices and the return of employees — some will want to go to the office, but many won’t — to the growing challenge of simply finding enough good help. Employers across virtually all sectors are struggling with this assignment, and Wise notes things may get even worse before they get any better. It’s must listening, so join us for BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest in partnership with Living Local.

 

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Today is the Deadline to Nominate Someone for the Alumni Achievement Award

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — When BusinessWest launched its 40 Under Forty program in 2007, it did so to identify rising stars across our region — individuals who were excelling in business and through involvement within the community — and celebrate their accomplishments.

In 2015, BusinessWest announced a new award, one that builds on the foundation upon which 40 Under Forty was created. It’s called the Alumni Achievement Award (formerly the Continued Excellence Award). As the name suggests, it is presented to the 40 Under Forty honoree who, in the eyes of an independent panel of judges, has most impressively continued and built upon his or her track record of accomplishment.

To nominate someone for this award, visit HERE. Only nominations submitted to BusinessWest on this form will be considered. The deadline is today at 5 p.m., no exceptions. The 2020 honoree will be announced at the 40 Under Forty gala in June.

Candidates must be from 40 Under Forty classes prior to the year of the award — in this case, classes 2007 to 2020. For your convenience, a list of 40 Under Forty Alumni can be found at the bottom of this page.

Past winners include: 2020: Carla Cosenzi, president, TommyCar Auto Group (40 Under Forty class of 2012), and Peter DePergola, director of Clinical Ethics, Baystate Health (class of 2015); 2019: Cinda Jones, president, W.D. Cowls Inc. (class of 2007); 2018: Samalid Hogan, regional director, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (class of 2013); 2017: Scott Foster, attorney, Bulkley Richardson (class of 2011), and Nicole Griffin, owner, ManeHire (class of 2014); 2016: Dr. Jonathan Bayuk, president, Allergy & Immunology Associates of New England (class of 2008); 2015: Delcie Bean, president, Paragus Strategic IT (class of 2008).

PeoplesBank Opens New South Hadley Banking Center, VideoBankerITMs

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — PeoplesBank has announced the planned April 26, 2021 opening of its newest banking center, located at the corner of Newton St. and Lyman St., South Hadley, along with two adjacent drive-thru VideoBankerITM’s (Interactive Teller Machines), bringing the newest banking technology and seven-days-a-week banking convenience into the community.

The newly constructed banking center, measuring 1,900 square feet, is a modern, aesthetically pleasing addition to the neighborhood, offering a combination of in-person service using the Universal Banker system, where each associate is specially trained to assist with almost all banking transactions, enabling shorter wait times and more efficient servicing, as well as offering the latest in banking technology, the VideoBankerITM.

The two VideoBankerITMs at the location will be open seven days a week, and provide an opportunity for customers to interact with a PeoplesBank associate via video from a remote location. VideoBankers can perform virtually all banking transactions, including cashing checks down to the penny, accepting loan payments or any other common transaction.

The two existing locations in close proximity in South Hadley (at Village Commons, 7 College St., and at 494 Newton St.), will both be closed, with the locations now combined into this one new, state-of-the-art banking center. The 494 Newton St. banking center will be permanently closed at the end of business on April 24 while the Village Commons location will be shuttered on May 24. However, PeoplesBank will retain a retail banking presence at the Village Commons, with the conversion of the ATM into a VideoBankerITM, which will also offer real-time video banking with a PeoplesBank associate, 7 days a week.

WSU Plans to Return to Increased Residential Capacity and On-ground Classes for Fall 2021  

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Daily News

WESTFIELD — Westfield State University continues planning for its fall 2021 semester, aiming to welcome more than 2,000 residential students and return to its standard amount (75 %) of classes on-ground. Westfield State leadership indicates the university’s plans to return to normal are synchronous with the growing availability and administering of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“New and returning students can expect an on-campus population and activity level in the fall that is more indicative of Westfield State’s normal campus culture,” said Interim President Roy H. Saigo.

Saigo said the university is strongly encouraging all students, faculty, and staff to get vaccinated as Westfield State awaits release of the Massachusetts Higher Education Control Plan. Once announced, the control plan’s guidance will help the University finalize the finer points of its Fall 2021 semester, prioritizing the health and safety of its full campus community.

“Westfield State University looks forward to offering the majority of academic and student-life experiences on campus, as we realize the important role those play in our students’ overall experience and growth here,” he noted.

As it prepares for fall 2021, the University anticipates the gradual return to a more robust on-campus workforce, beginning in May and carrying through to the end of August.

Visiting Angels Supports Parking Lot Bingo

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Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Visiting Angels, the West Springfield-based provider of home care and other services for the elderly, is supporting the West Springfield Council on Aging in an initiative it calls Parking Lot Bingo.

As that name suggests, this is Bingo in a parking lot. Staged every Wednesday at 1 p.m., the program was created for individuals over the age of 60. Seniors receive disposable Bingo cards and pens and are able to participate from their car by listening to the numbers called on the radio. When someone gets Bingo, they honk their horn and receive a prize. The program allows people to get out of their homes to retain some of their normal daily activities while still adhering to safety protocols in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This week, Visiting Angels provided the prizes for the Bingo program. The Visiting Angels bags included a puzzle, nostalgic candy, and other assorted Visiting Angels goodies with information about the company’s services.

“Visiting Angels of West Springfield and West Springfield Council on Aging share a common love for helping the elder community, and we were excited to be a part of such an enjoyable event for our seniors during these difficult times,” said company president Michele Anstett.

Parking Lot Bingo is a free event that typically lasts an hour consisting of 10 games. To register, call (413) 263-3264 or do so online at https://www.townofwestspringfield.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/5809/556?backlist=%2Fgovernment%2Fdepartments%2Fcouncil-on-aging.

Visiting Angels offers senior in-home care, elderly care, and care for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s. It serves towns across the Pioneer Valley, including Springfield, West Springfield, Longmeadow, East Longmeadow, Wilbraham, Agawam, Ludlow, Westfield, Southwick, Chicopee, Feeding Hills, Indian Orchard, Holyoke, Southampton, and Montgomery.

Eversource Urges Customers to Remain Vigilant Against Scams

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — With scam artists aggressively targeting utility customers, Eversource is warning people to be on the lookout for new tactics being used so they don’t fall victim. Scammers continue finetuning their techniques, including using phony caller IDs that display ‘Eversource’ and scripts that sound like a legitimate company representative threatening to disconnect their electric or gas service because of an unpaid bill.
“Unfortunately, these scammers sound legitimate and with a phony caller ID they’re even more convincing — so we all need to have our ‘guard up’ more than ever,” said Eversource Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer Penni Conner. “These scam artists sound sophisticated and are ruthless. That’s why we’re reminding customers to beware — if they get a call and the caller’s message doesn’t look or sound right, don’t panic and don’t pay. Remember, we will never threaten to disconnect service or demand instant payment over the phone.”
The energy company offers the following tips to help avoid becoming a victim:
• Eversource representatives never demand instant payment over the phone, require the use of pre-paid debit cards, or request customers meet at a “payment center” to make the payment;
• Never provide personal financial or account information to any unsolicited person on the phone, at the door or online, even if they seem legitimate;
• Beware — some sophisticated scammers can manipulate their caller ID to say the caller is with Eversource;
• Customers who are scheduled for disconnection due to nonpayment receive a written notice that includes information on how to maintain their service; and
• Customers can verify they are speaking with an Eversource representative by asking for some basic information about their account – like the name on the account, the account address, and the exact past due balance.

Eversource urges anyone who believes they are a target of improper solicitation to immediately contact their local law enforcement. Customers are also encouraged to contact the energy company at l-877-659-6326 if they receive a call, text, email or if someone shows up at your door to verify it’s Eversource.

For more information on how to protect personal information and avoid becoming a victim of utility scams, visit Eversource.com.

SSO Announces Transitions; CEO to Step Down

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) has announced that its current executive director, Susan Beaudry, will be leaving the SSO effective April 23, to pursue entrepreneurial interests.

John Anz, currently development director, will step in as interim executive director, according to SSO Board President Robyn Newhouse.

“We appreciate all that Susan Beaudry has done on behalf of the symphony and for the arts in our region. Susan has made valuable contributions during her six years leading the symphony, first as development director and then as executive director. She is a strong leader and will be sorely missed,” Newhouse said.

Beaudry said she will pursue a passion in the wine industry. “I will be leaving my position with the symphony in the good hands of the board and John Anz. I was pleased to be a part of the most recent strategic planning process that I believe will lead to the re-emergence of the SSO and the goal of providing classical music in the region. As the arts and live performances re-emerge from the pandemic, I am optimistic the SSO will continue to fulfill its mission.”

Anz joined the SSO as development director in 2019 and has a 20-year career in development that includes independent schools, the YMCA and in music and the arts. Prior to joining the SSO, Anz worked as director of Development at Berkshire Hills Music Academy in South Hadley, and is a former board member of the Northampton Community Music Center.

“These are challenging and exciting times for live music and symphony orchestras everywhere,” said Anz. “So, it is both an honor and privilege to be asked to serve the SSO in this capacity at this moment. I look forward to working with all of our community leaders, cultural and business partners, and other key players to continue to move this cherished institution forward as we look toward a bright future, and beyond.”

According to Newhouse, the strategic planning process and the choosing of a new executive director will figure largely in how and when the symphony meets its mission of engaging the public around classical music performances. No time frame has been finalized on the selection of a new leader, she said.

Amherst Area Chamber Wins MOTT Travel & Tourism Recovery Grant

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Daily News

AMHERST — The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce has been awarded a Mass. Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) Marketing Travel & Tourism Recovery Grant totaling $116,655, in a very competitive application process, to leverage a comprehensive marketing campaign to attract visitors to the Amherst area.

Tourism, the third largest economic sector in the Amherst region, has been decimated by COVID, said Claudia Pazmany, executive director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, adding, “this grant instills hope and will allow us to highlight the best of Massachusetts, showcasing the Amherst area as a hub for culture, education, global dining, agriculture, and local business. We have long been a destination for tourists to experience Western Massachusetts, and these funds will allow us to deploy tourism assets we would not otherwise have the means to do, and will enhance our region’s tourism recovery, amplify our ‘destination Amherst’ focus in tandem with the State’s MyLocalMa and ‘Put Your Money Where Your Heart Is’ campaigns.

“The comprehensive marketing campaign will leverage and focus on our regional assets — the natural beauty and outdoor recreational points of interest in our region, our iconic and internationally known art and cultural institutions including museums and historical sites, and our rich gastronomy culture where local farm-to-table sourcing meets global flavor in order to draw visitors to Western Mass and enhance visitor’s experience once they arrive,” she went on. “We will use photography, video production, and the creative content to tell the story of the Amherst area and the local businesses, institutions, and people that call it home.”

Tigerweb, a local marketing firm, will be responsible for the marketing collateral and deliverables, and has been chosen due to its ties to the Amherst area and for its prior work on the chamber’s nationally recognized #IAMherst COVID recovery campaign.

“With 59 awardees, eight being Western Mass., we see this as another vote of confidence in Western Mass from our Eastern Mass counterparts to put our region’s assets on the map,” said Pazmany. “We all know why we live and work here, but this allows us to tell that story to attract visitors and to also amplify our pride to all those who have now moved here as a result of the urban flight of the pandemic, and to instill true value in the quality of life we hold dear here.”

The grant was awarded on April 20, and the marketing campaign will run through Sept 1.

Sen. Lesser Appointed to Senate Vice-chair of Early Education and Care Economic Review Commission

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Daily News

This week, state Sen. Eric Lesser attended the inaugural meeting of the Early Education and Care Economic Review Commission in his new role as Senate vice-chair. The commission was established in the FY21 budget, and as Senate chair of the Committee on Economic Development, Lesser was appointed Senate Vice-chair.

The commission is tasked with investigating cost, availability, and other concerns surrounding early education and childcare, a growing issue for the Commonwealth’s working families. Since the pandemic hit, the issues of childcare and working life have grown in urgency, with approximately 750,000 children in Massachusetts living in households where both parents work full time and a state childcare system with the capacity for approximately 230,000 children.

“The first forum on the state of childcare in Massachusetts was eye-opening. As noted in the hearing, childcare is a critical enabler of employment and economic growth across our Commonwealth, especially as we recover from the pandemic,” said Lesser. “I am looking forward to working to address these issues with co-chairs Peisch and Lewis as well as other commission members to invest in our childcare workforce, improve funding models, increase pathways to the childcare workforce, and increase equity for families and providers.”

MCLA, MassHire Partner to Support 2021 Berkshire Virtual Career Week

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Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — As part of the Berkshire Compact for Education, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, MassHire and other community partners will help showcase careers in the Berkshires the week of April 26-30 through Berkshire Virtual Career Week. The event aims to engage high school students, mainly in grades 10-12, in career awareness and exploration through a blend of live Zoom sessions with local professionals and scheduled broadcasts on Pittsfield Community Television.

Career Week programming is also open to Berkshire residents of all ages who are interested in learning more about the current labor market landscape in the Berkshires. Via PCTV, portions of the live sessions will be broadcast, and career-related content will air when there is not a live Zoom meeting. All videos will be available after the week-long event in PCTV’s online educational library. A full schedule with all programming will be available prior to April 26 at www.masshireberkshire.com

The MassHire Berkshire Career Center will also host a virtual job fair from noon to 4 p.m. on April 27. This event is for those ages 14-21 seeking jobs in the Berkshires. To register for the job fair, visit www.MasshireBerkshireCC.com and then “Calendar of Events.”

Career Week will also feature daily, live Zoom sessions focused on different careers in the Berkshires including a STEM session organized by MCLA and the Berkshire STEM Network, plus sessions on Health Care and Human Services, Hospitality and Tourism, Communications, Building Trades, and Advanced Manufacturing.

“It’s great to see these opportunities for students to learn more about what they want to pursue in their future,” said Berkshire Workforce Board high school intern Nick Lopenzina. “Workshops like this really give kids a chance to start finding their direction.”

Said MCLA Director of Corporate and Strategic Partnerships Dr. Joshua Mendel, “MCLA is proud to partner on this program with MassHire. Through MCLA representation on the Berkshire Compact’s Aspiration Committee and the Berkshire STEM Network, the College is able to contribute to these kinds of opportunities for students throughout the Berkshires, another part of our mission of public education, and another aspect of the work we do toward maintaining a thriving economy in Berkshire County.”

PeoplesBank Celebrates Spring and Earth Day with Annual Garden Giveaways

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — The arrival of spring means sunshine, warmer weather and, of course, the annual Earth Day tomato plants and garden seeds giveaways hosted by PeoplesBank at four of its banking centers today. Gardening enthusiasts can also register to win one of five $50 gift certificates to Dickinson Farms in Granby.

The bank will give away tomato plants and garden seed packets starting at 10 a.m. at the following locations:

• 300 King St., Northampton;

• 547 Memorial Ave., West Springfield;

• 1936 Memorial Dr., Chicopee; and

• 1 Turkey Hills Road, East Granby Connecticut

The events are open to the public. Seed and plant quantities are limited, will be distributed only while supplies last and only at the designated PeoplesBank offices.

PV Financial Announces Additions to Staff

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Daily News

LUDLOW — PV Financial Group recently welcomed two new members to its team — Antonio Bastos as retirement plan coordinator and Andrea Santos as digital marketing specialist. Both will be working in PV’s main office located in Ludlow.

Upon graduating from Nichols College in Dudley with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Bastos accepted a job with MassMutual Retirement Services. During his five years with the company, he represented and sold MassMutual’s qualified retirement plan platform to small and mid-sized businesses. Bastos also obtained his Series 6 and Series 63 licenses while gaining beneficial knowledge and experience with qualified retirement plans.

At PV Financial, Bastos’s role is to manage all the qualified retirement plan clients, from day-to-day servicing to fielding all inquiries from retirement plan participants and plan trustees. He will also maintain relationships with retirement-plan providers in the industry. Other responsibilities will include staying connected and up-to-date on new products, services, and ERISA compliance regulations so he can properly and confidently serve PV Financial’s retirement plan clients and participants.

“By having Tony join the team at PV Financial, we have committed to the qualified retirement plan marketplace,” said Edward Sokolowski, PV’s managing partner. “As many local financial firms have been exiting this business, Tony will be able to fill the void and offer professional guidance to companies looking for quality advice for their retirement plans.”

Santos graduated from Holyoke Community College with an associate’s degree in Business Administration, as well as from Elms College with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Marketing. Upon graduating from Elms, Santos accepted a job at Northwestern Mutual. During her four years with the company, she held the position of director of Client Services, where she was responsible for the oversight of new business insurance applications and investment accounts, as well as insurance underwriting correspondence. She also worked with clients directly on account inquiries and led the office’s marketing efforts.

At PV Financial, Santos will be the digital marketing specialist. She will be the first point of contact for new and current clients who are a part of PV Financial’s new program, PV Navigator. Other responsibilities include maintaining the program’s website and social media accounts, staying up to date with the services provided within the program, maintaining relationships with the program’s clients, and assisting the advisors with outreach.

“Having Andrea join our team is a major step in the future success of PV Financial,” said Sokolowski. “Andrea’s talents in social media and client relationships will be a cornerstone to our newly launched investment program, PV Navigator.  I look forward to the energy and focus Andrea will bring to our firm and the positive impact she will have on our clients.”

Western New England University to Receive Funding from National Endowment for the Humanities

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has announced its support of Western New England University’s proposed project entitled “Interdisciplinary Ethics Training for Students in the Biosciences.” The grant provides $35,000 in funding through its Humanities Connections grant program, an initiative designed to expand the role of the humanities in undergraduate education.

Under the direction of Assistant Professor of Philosophy Valerie Racine and Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering Devina Jaiswal, the grant funds will be used to develop a certificate program in Ethics of Scientific Research and Technological Innovation, with a focus on creating experiential learning opportunities for students, and fostering cross-college faculty collaborations in teaching and research.

“We believe this initiative will help break down disciplinary silos and establish a flourishing partnership between the humanities and science and engineering at Western New England University; one that will better equip our students to face the complex challenges of tomorrow,” said Racine.

The NEH Humanities Connections awards support innovative curricular approaches that foster productive partnerships among humanities faculty and their counterparts in the social and natural sciences and in pre-service or professional programs (such as business, engineering, health sciences, law, computer science, and other technology-driven fields), in order to encourage and develop new integrative learning opportunities for students.

“By providing coursework in the Liberal Arts and Humanities for all undergraduates, the Western New England University College of Arts and Sciences plays an important role in holistic student development. A foundation in the liberal arts and humanities provides context for ethical decision-making, social responsibility, and the role humanity must play in harnessing technology and science for good,” said WNE University Interim Provost Dr. Curt Hamakawa.

The Care Center Receives Grant to Support Bridge to College Program

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — People’s United Community Foundation, the philanthropic arm of People’s United Bank, N.A., announced that it has awarded a $5,000 grant to the Community Adolescent Resource and Education Center Inc. (The Care Center), which provides, innovational, educational support programs for low income, pregnant and young mothers (ages 16 – 24) in Holyoke. The grant will help bolster its Bridge to College program, which provides young mothers with in-house college courses for students preparing to take the high school equivalency exam, in addition to support services to promote college access and retention. 

Through the Bridge to College program, approximately 85 women will prepare to take The High School Equivalency Test (Hi-Set) while also gaining exposure to college-level work and receiving support in the college application process. 

“We are so grateful for the important investment People’s United Community Foundation has made in the lives of the young women in this community. With their support, young women have the opportunity to begin their path to college and on to a brighter future,” said Anne Teschner, executive director of The Care Center.

The Bridge to College program helps young mothers traverse the arduous path from high school dropout to college graduate. Similar to college preparatory schools, The Care Center program provides an ideal learning environment including small class sizes, lively academics, and a commitment to their students. Additionally, supportive services such as transportation, daycare, counseling, meals, and a staff nurse practitioner allow them to concentrate on their studies. Each year, approximately 70-80% of The Care Center’s graduates continue to higher education. 

“The Bridge to College program is giving young mothers a second chance and the opportunity to pursue their dreams,” said Patrick Sullivan, Massachusetts president, EVP of People’s United Bank and officer of the Foundation. “We are proud to be able to support them in their mission supporting young women at a time in their lives when that little bit of extra help and support can make all the difference.”

Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, 42% of the Care Center’s 2020 graduates have already matriculated to college. Since 2016, graduates have had the opportunity to attend Bard Microcollege Holyoke, the nation’s first college designed for young mothers and low-income women. This program has a 74% graduation rate, with graduates going onto pursue Bachelor’s degrees at Smith, Mount Holyoke, Hampshire and Trinity Colleges.

In total, People’s United Community Foundation and People’s United Community Foundation of Eastern Massachusetts collectively awarded more the $325,000 to 57 Massachusetts nonprofits as part of its first grant cycle of 2021.

GCC Alumni Association Announces Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient

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Daily News

GREENFIELD — Phillip Ringwood ’99, ’03, was awarded the GCC 2021 Distinguished Alumni award at the college’s recent board of trustees meeting.

“Phil is an extraordinary leader and graduate who has accomplished so much since leaving GCC,” said GCC President Yves Salomon-Fernández at the event. “We are just so proud to honor him as this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipient.”

The annual Distinguished Alumni Award was established by the Greenfield Community College Alumni Association to recognize and honor an alumni of GCC who has achieved substantial public recognition for their accomplishments or success.

Ringwood has worked at DIAL/SELF Youth and Community Services, a community-based non-profit agency that has been serving the youth and communities of Western Mass. since 1977, for more than 20 years and served as the executive director since 2012. The organization provides a wide array of services that foster youth empowerment and community service. Over the course of the last four decades, more than 40,000 area youth have been served by the agency in Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden Counties and the North Quabbin region.

In this role, he is especially proud of his experience advocating for the Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Bill in the MA Legislature, informed by his own experience as a 15-year-old homeless youth. He actively included the community in developing the case for support to present to the delegation in support of the initiative.

“Phil is a leader within the community, always stepping up to the next challenge. He is collaborative and has helped form a solid network of community service organizations within the region” said Alexandria Green-Atchley, one of his DIAL/SELF colleagues who submitted a nomination for him.

ABC’s Ann Compton to Keynote Springfield Regional Chamber’s Virtual 2021 Outlook

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Longtime ABC News White House correspondent Ann Compton will headline the Springfield Regional Chamber’s virtual Outlook on April 28, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Presented by Baystate Health, Outlook generally brings together more than 500 business leaders to network and hear from expert speakers on local, state, and federal issues.

 

Keynote speaker Compton has 41 years of on-air experience for ABC News. Her tenure spanned seven presidents and 10 presidential campaigns. Assigned to the White House in 1974, she reported for ABC News broadcasts from Washington and around the globe, traveling with presidents, vice presidents, and first ladies. Notably, Compton was the first woman assigned to cover the White House on network television. Compton received special recognition onboard Air Force One during the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks in the awards bestowed on ABC’s coverage which included an Emmy, a Peabody, and a SilverBaton from the DuPont awards at Columbia University.

“This year’s Outlook program will look a little different, but it’s important to note that the content will be just as informative,” said Nancy Creed, president of the Springfield Regional Chamber. “It has been a challenging year for our business community, our region, our Commonwealth and our country, but we do have a path forward and are making strides in our recovery. We’re thrilled to be able to discuss what lies ahead with key leaders who are helping our communities rebuild a sustainable future.”

 

The Outlook event will once again be hosted by Congressman Richard E. Neal, who will provide insights on what is happening on Capitol Hill, the American Rescue Plan stimulus package, and what is on the horizon relative to a major infrastructure spending bill. The event will include remarks from recently elected speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, Ronald Mariano, who has represented the third Norfolk District, comprised of Quincy, Weymouth, and Holbrook in the Massachusetts House of Representatives since 1991.

Additional speakers will include Michael Knapik, vice president of Government and Community Relations at Baystate Health, who will serve as the event’s emcee; Springfield’s Mayor Domenic Sarno, and representative of the 8th Hampden District and assistant majority leader, Joseph Wagner.

This year’s Outlook is supported by platinum sponsors: Comcast, Mercy Medical Center, Health New England, Eversource, and United Personnel along with gold sponsors MGM Springfield and BusinessWest. Print and television media partners include The Republican/MassLive and WWLP-TV 22.

Tickets cost $39.95 for Springfield Regional Chamber members and $49.95 for general admission. Enterprise-level tickets (six access passes) for members are available for $179 and enterprise level tickets (six access passes) for general admission are available for $225. Visit www.springfieldregionalchamber.com to register. For additional information, visit [email protected].

Freedom Credit Union raises $1,736 for local animal shelters 

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Throughout the month of March, Freedom Credit Union collected cash donations at its 11 branches throughout Western Mass. to benefit the Foundation for TJO Animals and the Franklin County Regional Dog Shelter, raising a total of $1,736.

“As a member-owned institution, we do our best to support organizations that are near and dear to our members’ hearts, and it’s obvious by this outpouring of support that we have a lot of animal lovers in our community,” said Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch. “We were glad to take this opportunity to let our local shelters know how much we appreciate their efforts on behalf of our furry friends.”

Freedom Credit Union provided the opportunity for its employees, members and community to purchase a “paw print” for $1 or more at any Freedom branch.

 “It was gratifying to see our branch windows fill with these paw prints,” said Welch. “We extend a thank you to everyone who participated.”

The Thomas J. O’Connor Adoption Center provides animal shelter and adoption services for the cities of Springfield, Chicopee and Holyoke. The Foundation for TJO Animals was formed to allow the group to better serve the shelter animals in their care through medical treatments and rehabilitation. This veterinary care allows pets to be brought to the adoption floor, where they will hopefully find their forever home.

The Franklin County Regional Dog Shelter is a volunteer-led group serving the communities of Franklin County. Their mission is to protect and improve the lives of stray, lost and unwanted dogs by offering a welcoming facility, providing care and finding good homes for each and every animal.

Springfield College Partners with Springfield Public Schools to Offer Employee Grants

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield College has partnered with the Springfield Public Schools in providing employee grants to full and part-time employees of Springfield Public Schools, who are enrolled in either undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, or certificate of advanced graduate study programs at Springfield College.

Springfield Public Schools employees are eligible to receive scholarships, which have been established by Springfield College to support its members being educated for leadership in service to others. Students must provide employment information to confirm their eligibility. For more information, visit springfield.edu/partnership.

“We are excited to continue to grow our menu of options for Springfield Public Schools employees interested in furthering their education,” said Springfield Public Schools Senior Administrator of Talent and Diversity Development Matthew J. Grimes. “The synergy that exists between SPS, Springfield College, and other organizations in Western Mass is exactly what is needed to address critical issues impacting education in the region, including the lack of racial diversity that exists in our workforce. Partnerships like this allow us to leverage our resources to provide opportunities for meaningful engagement and retention. Our goal is to not only attract highly qualified, diverse employees to SPS, but also keep and develop them. Being able to support employees on their own learning journeys is critical in strengthening our workforce.”

Employees of Springfield Public Schools can receive the employee grant for each degree pursued at the college, and participants will be awarded potential transfer credits who have completed trainings and certifications as outlined in the college’s experiential learning handbook.

In addition, the college will provide a pathway for Springfield Public Schools employees, once enrolled, to earn additional credits for their degree program through the College’s prior learning assessment portfolio program.

Berkshire County Groups Announce Funding for Resilience Grants

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Daily News

A new round of funding from the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund for Berkshire County will help nonprofit organizations respond to the social and emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children, families, and communities in Berkshire County.

Berkshire United Way, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Northern Berkshire United Way, and Williamstown Community Chest have shifted their focus from emergency response to recovery. Through a new grant request process, funding will support innovative approaches to addressing emotional well-being for children, youth, and families.

The funding collaborative will award up to $5,000 to programs serving a minimum of 10 participants. Some awards may be higher depending on available funding and demonstrated need. Applications are due by May 15 and grantees will be notified on or before May 31. Funds must be used by Sept. 30. The grant proposal can be found on the Berkshire County COVID-19 Fund page.

“As we pivot to recovery, we see the toll this pandemic has taken on the well-being of our children, youth, and families. We heard from our community partners how tough the year has been and knew we needed to help,” said Candace Winkler, CEO and president of Berkshire United Way. “We want to help our children and youth get back on track with their social and emotional development, and hope to see some fun and innovative grant proposals.”

The new funding builds on the partnership established in March 2020 with the launch of the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund for Berkshire County. From March 19 to Aug. 3, 2020, the emergency fund awarded more than $2 million through 132 grants to 95 nonprofits supporting low-income families, communities of color and immigrants, and seniors through services such as food pantries, health care, and housing.

Contributions can still be made to the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund.

AIC to Name Renovated Basketball Locker Room in Honor of Frank Oppedisano

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The American International College (AIC) men’s basketball locker room will enjoy a much-needed makeover with help from friends in the community.

Earlier this year, a group of alumni expressed an interest in doing something meaningful to help AIC men’s basketball in memory of their friend and former teammate, Frank Oppedisano, class of 1967. In addition to their fundraising effort, AIC Athletics engaged alumni and supporters during Athletics Giving Week last month. Donors were asked to consider giving to a general fund or team of their choice, with proceeds from the campaign earmarked to benefit student-athletes and athletic programs at the college.

Head Men’s Basketball Coach Andy Burkholder knew exactly where funds raised for men’s basketball could best be utilized.

“If you have ever been part of a team, you know that the wins are great, and the losses hurt,” he said. “The things you remember most are the times spent with teammates in the dorms, at the dining commons, and in the locker room. For more than 15 years, our team has had the same locker room. Athletics Giving Week success for men’s basketball will not only give our student-athletes much needed equipment and gear to represent AIC while they are on the road, but — in conjunction with funds set aside by friends of Frank ­— it will provide them with a destination of their own when they are home: a place of pride on campus where they can hang out and build important bonds.”

The new locker room will offer additional locker space, new flooring, and Yellow Jacket branding throughout, and will be named in honor of the Springfield native who was a four-year member of the basketball program. Before his passing in March 2020, Oppedisano was a regular at AIC men’s basketball home games and routinely provided congratulations after a win or unconditional support in defeat.

“Frank was truly proud to be a Yellow Jacket and was clearly invested in the success of student-athletes,” Burkholder said. “The new locker room named in his memory will be a place to build memories.”

Due to current health and safety regulations, the official dedication of the Oppedisano Locker Room will take place at a future date when the community can be invited to participate.

Brenda Cuoco & Associates to Open Second Branch in Longmeadow Shops

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Daily News

LONGMEADOW — Brenda Cuoco & Associates Real Estate Brokerage announced the addition of a new flagship office location opening soon in the Longmeadow Shops. The office is currently under construction, with a target opening date of May 1, and will be located at 714 Bliss Road, adjacent to Starbucks.

The addition will support the steady and sustained growth that the brokerage has seen in the last several years and will complement the existing office located at 2442 Boston Road in Wilbraham. The brokerage will also actively recruit top-performing agents to help serve this new community.

“We are so excited to be joining the Longmeadow community,” said Brenda Cuoco, broker owner. “In a time when so many businesses have been struggling and even closing, our unwavering commitment to serving the clients has allowed us to continue to excel to new heights. The growth has been incredible, due to our outstanding customer-service skills, strong market knowledge, and the systems and processes that we have put in place to bring our boutique-style approach to new success levels.”

The firm sold 164 properties last year with a volume of $46.8 million.

“People like to shop and buy and engage with business professionals in the communities in which they live and work.” Cuoco said. “We have been serving the buyers and sellers of Longmeadow, East Longmeadow, Springfield, Somers, and Enfield for years, and this new, state-of-the-art facility that is located in the heart of this region will afford us the opportunity to serve those clients even better.”

HCC Women’s Leadership Luncheon on April 28 to Focus on ‘Courageous Actions’

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — Dr. Sarah Perez McAdoo, population health capstone director at UMass Medical School, and Jessica Collins, executive director of the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts, will be the featured presenters at the Wednesday, April 28 session of the Holyoke Community College (HCC) Women’s Leadership Luncheon Series.

Perez McAdoo and Collins will lead a discussion titled “Courageous Actions” from noon to 1:15 p.m.

The 2021 Women’s Leadership Luncheon Series takes place over Zoom on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Participants join a group of women leaders to discuss current issues and ideas to help their leadership development. They also have the opportunity to build a network of women leaders to help them navigate their careers.

The May 26 event, called “Leading Through Change,” will feature Margaret Tantillo, executive director of Dress for Success Western Massachusetts, and Jess Roncarati-Howe, the organization’s program director.

Sessions cost $20 each. Space is limited, and advance registration is required. To register, visit hcc.edu/leadership-luncheons.

BusinessTalk with talks with Suzanne Murphy, CEO and founder of Unemployment Tax Control Associates in Springfield

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Business Talk Podcast Special Coverage

We are excited to announce that BusinessWest, in partnership with Living Local, 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.

Episode 60: April 19, 2021

BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien talks with Suzanne Murphy, CEO and founder of Unemployment Tax Control Associates in Springfield

On this installment of BusinessTalk, BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien talks with Suzanne Murphy, CEO and founder of Unemployment Tax Control Associates in Springfield. The two discuss a critical issue now facing employers across the region — the huge increases in the unemployment insurance solvency fund assessment now facing all business owners. These assessment increases are dramatic and largely unforeseen, and they come at a time when many business owners are still reeling from the pandemic.  The two have a lively discussion about what’s at stake for businesses if something isn’t done, and just what can be done to provide a softer landing for the state’s businesses. It’s must listening, so join us on BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest in partnership with Living Local.

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Freedom Credit Union Announces Spring Community Shred Days

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Just in time for spring cleaning, Freedom Credit Union will again offer the opportunity for Western Mass. residents to securely purge unwanted paperwork.

In cooperation with PROSHRED Springfield, Freedom is offering free Community Shred Days at six of its branches in Springfield, Feeding Hills, Northampton, Greenfield, Chicopee, and Ludlow. The schedule is as follows:

• Saturday, May 8, 9-10 a.m., 1976 Main St. Springfield;

• Saturday, May 8, 11 a.m. to noon, 959 Springfield St. Feeding Hills;

• Friday, May 14, 9-10 a.m., 226 King St., Northampton;

• Friday, May 14, 11 a.m. to noon, 74 Main St. Greenfield;

• Friday, June 11, 9-10 a.m., 1976 Memorial Dr., Chicopee; and

• Friday, June 11, 11 a.m. to noon, 645 Center St., Ludlow.

The public is invited to bring old bills, bank statements, tax returns, and other sensitive documents for free, quick, and secure on-site shredding.

Members and non-members alike may bring up to five file boxes or paper bags per vehicle to the events. Masks are required, and social-distancing guidelines will be in effect.

Opinion: Time Is of the Essence

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Daily News

It seems like it came out of nowhere. And, in many respects, it did.

Indeed, the bill has come due on the skyrocketing amounts of unemployment benefits being paid out in this state. And unless something happens, and quickly, small businesses that are already facing innumerable challenges brought on by COVID-19 will be hit with another that might just be too much to take.

We’re talking what’s known as the unemployment insurance (UI) solvency fund assessment, the other, often-overlooked component of the overall assessment handed down to employers to cover the state’s unemployment costs — only, it won’t be overlooked any longer.

That’s because, due to a statutory increase in the formula used to calculate an employers’ experience rating, the annual UI solvency fund assessment rate has jumped from 0.58% to a whopping 9.23% for 2021. This represents a staggering 1,591% increase in just one year, which will cost business owners thousands of dollars in additional expenses at a time when they can certainly least afford it, including those employers who were able to retain their full workforce during the pandemic.

Already, stories are circulating about companies being hit with massive increases in their assessment, hikes that could eventually stifle growth and hiring and perhaps lead to layoffs and other types of cutbacks.

With these types of impacts looming, the local business community is marshaling its forces and lobbying legislative leaders to take needed steps to ward off what could be catastrophic effects from these UI solvency fund assessments.

Letters now being circulated ask the Commonwealth to follow the lead of Maryland and other states by dedicating a portion of the federal COVID-19 relief aid Massachusetts is receiving through the American Rescue Plan Act or other available and relevant federal funds to replenish the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. Doing so will remove the financial burden from employers who are already struggling to survive, which in turn will help protect jobs and contribute to a strong post-pandemic economic recovery.

We urge every business owner in this region to join these efforts and make sure a loud, crystal-clear voice is heard on this. And we urge the Legislature to take this step, and any others it can take, to keep the massive unemployment bill now coming due from further devastating the business community — and the state’s economy.

The state’s businesses did not cause this problem. Indeed, a huge number of job losses resulted directly from the state’s shutdown of the economy roughly 13 months ago. At that time, state leaders, and especially the governor, did what they thought was necessary to ward off disaster.

Now, they need to ward off disaster again — in the form of more layoffs, stalled growth, and, very probably, the loss of many more businesses.

The Department of Unemployment Assistance has announced that the quarterly payments that were due April 30, which would include the new rate calculation, have been deferred until June 30. This is a good first step. State leaders now need to use this time to take the steps necessary to dedicate a portion of the federal COVID-19 relief aid Massachusetts is receiving to replenish the UI Trust Fund. They need to do the right thing for the businesses in the state, and those same businesses can help themselves by reminding them of this responsibility.

Every for-profit business in this region has skin in this game — and it’s a game they can’t afford to lose.

Springfield College Presenting Virtual Hip-hop Summit Today and Saturday

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield College Office of Multicultural Affairs team, in collaboration with other partners, is hosting a two-day virtual summit today and Saturday, April 16 and 17, to provide a background, general understanding, and experience in the study of hip-hop as a field of academic inquiry, and to address the new realities of those involved in and impacted by the culture.

The event will feature keynote speaker Rosa Clemente — an organizer, producer, independent journalist, and scholar-activist — and 10 panelists, performers, and artists. The summit will educate the community on topics related to classism, racism and white supremacy, sexism, and heteronormativity.

Click here for more details about this event. For general inquiries, e-mail [email protected].

Common Threads to Celebrate Women and Mentorship

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Common Threads, the signature event of Dress for Success Western Massachusetts, is coming up on Thursday, April 22 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event will highlight the “My Strong Suit” campaign, which celebrates women’s unique talents and skills.

The annual event, held virtually this year for safety reasons, is an evening that celebrates women. Guests will hear stories of success and be encouraged to discover and share their strong suits. Dress for Success serves low- to moderate-income women, many who have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Now more than ever, it is important to lift everyone’s spirits and celebrate the women served by Dress for Success.

Western Mass News anchor Briceyda Landaverde will be the emcee for the event. Joli Hamilton, a depth psychologist whose life has revolved around teaching in non-traditional settings, will serve as the keynote speaker. Rather than working on what is ‘wrong’ in a situation, Hamilton approaches every question and emotion with an attitude of curiosity, looking for the ways she can help people find their own answers, providing practical, well-researched support.

During the event, the Eastfield Mall and its management team will be honored as Outstanding Contributors for their generous support hosting the Dress for Success boutique, which serves more than 400 women per year.

In addition, the organization will honor Christina Atwater as Volunteer of the Year for her leadership in implementing and developing programs like the Margaret Fitzgerald mentor program, the volunteer strategic plan, and the diversity, inclusion, and equity initiative. “Her altruism is an inspiration to all of our participants,” Executive Director Margaret Tantillo said.

Jenary Merced will be recognized with the Distinguished Alumna Award. She successfully completed Dress for Success’ programs and is now an accomplished professional and passionate community contributor.  “Jenary recently joined our board and is a role model for all women in our organization,” said Jessica Dupont, board president.

Click here to register. Tickets to Common Threads cost $15. In recognition of how they help the organization, volunteers may attend at no cost. The event will feature opportunities to donate to the work of Dress for Success Western Massachusetts.

Event sponsors include Baystate Health, Berkshire Bank, BusinessWest, Health New England, MassLive, Meredith-Springfield Associates, PeoplesBank, Scout Curated Wears, Seven Roads Media, the Republican, St. Germain Investments, Toner Plastics, Western Mass News, and Zasco Productions.

STCC Launches ‘Spring into Wellness’ Learning Series

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College and the STCC Foundation will kick off a free learning series for the Western Mass. community that combines education and wellness in a fun and engaging format.

Called “Spring Into Wellness,” the season begins with a three-part virtual series conducted on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. The sessions include:

• May 4: “Health Cooking at Home” with Nadim Kashouh, owner of Nadim’s Mediterranean in Springfield;

• May 18: “Financial Wellness Checkup” with Anthony Rondinelli, associate professor of Business Administration at STCC; and

• June 1: “Total and Holistic Wellness Practices” with Sheila Magalhaes, owner of Heartsong Yoga Center in East Longmeadow.

“This opportunity begins as a virtual celebration that brings education and wellness together for all to learn in an enjoyable, fun and engaging format, while raising awareness and funding for student programming and support through the STCC Foundation,” said Jennifer Brown, president of the STCC Foundation.

Dr. Kevin Hinchey, a STCC Foundation board member, added that “STCC is a gem for our community, providing rich and diverse education and training that benefits our richly diverse community. Now, in this difficult time, they have once again stepped up to help stimulate wellness with the Spring into Wellness series. This is one more example of how STCC is a great partner in supporting the health of our community.”

The STCC Foundation is offering community sponsorship opportunities for the series. Sponsors will enjoy benefits such as acknowledgement on YouTube video during the event; advertisement on all STCC social-media channels leading up to the event; name and logo featured on the STCC event website; listing in the upcoming STCC president’s report; verbal acknowledgement by the STCC Foundation board during the event; recognition in the event public-relations campaign, including direct mail, e-mail, and publication advertising; and complimentary STCC Cares personalized gifts commemorating the series.

Gold sponsors for this event include Baystate Health, the Collins Companies, and Smith & Wesson. Sponsorships are still available at the bronze, silver, and gold levels. E-mail Kelly Galanis at [email protected] for more information about sponsorship.

To register to attend the event, visit www.stcc.edu/wellness.