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Editorial

By Editorial June 9, 2020

Opinion

PPP: The Feds Need to Do More

As you read the accounts of individual companies grappling with the pandemic in the June 8 issue of BusinessWest — we call them ‘COVID Stories’ — a number of themes and similarities emerge.

The first is that virtually every business in every sector of the economy was hit, and hit extremely hard by this. We talked with people in healthcare, service, tourism and hospitality, the sector known as ‘large events,’ marketing, retail, and more, and all of them said the same thing — that the floor was virtually taken out from under them back in mid-March.

Another theme is that businesses have responded with imagination and determination, finding new revenue streams, new products to develop, new ways to do things, and new opportunities wherever they arise.

Still another theme is that these new revenue streams and opportunities haven’t produced results that come anything close to what these companies were doing before the pandemic, a time that now seems like years ago, but was really only three short months ago.

Which brings us to one more common thread among the stories presented this month in a series that will continue into the summer — the fact that these companies needed help, received it, and will very likely need more help if they are going to fully rebound from this crisis.

Indeed, most all the companies we spoke with received support in the form of loans from the federal Paycheck Protection Program, or PPP, an acronym now very much part of the current business landscape.

“Most of the companies we spoke with are not even close to being out of the woods. In fact, some are counting down the days until the PPP runs out with a certain amount of dread and a painful question: ‘what happens then?’”

Some struggled to get it and waited nervously for the money to land in their accounts. Others haven’t really touched it yet and don’t know exactly what to do with it because they can’t bring their people back to work because there is, as yet, no work to do.

The program isn’t perfect, and there are some bugs to be worked out, but overall, this measure has done exactly what it was designed to do — provide a lifeline to businesses that desperately need one. PPP has enabled companies to meet that most basic of obligations — meeting payroll — at a time when so many would not have been able to do so.

But as these stories make painfully clear, most of the companies we spoke with are not even close to being out of the woods. In fact, some are counting down the days until the PPP runs out with a certain amount of dread and a painful question: ‘what happens then?’

What should happen is the government offering another round of support to companies that can demonstrate real need — and, again, that’s most of them. The recovery is not going to be V-shaped or even U-shaped. It may be several months before there is, in fact, real recovery.

And the federal government has an obligation to help businesses get to that point. When the PPP was first conceptualized, the thinking was (we presume) that, in eight weeks, the worst would be over and things would start to return to normal. It’s still early in the game, but mounting evidence suggests that is not the case.

‘Normal’ is still a long-term goal, and it’s clear that companies will need additional support to be able to keep paying people and staying upright until better days arrive.

As one business owner we talked with said, and we’re paraphrasing here — ‘the government caused this problem by ordering a shutdown … so now, they own the problem.’ He’s right.

Already, there are far more ‘for sale’ and ‘for lease’ signs on properties across the region than there were three months ago. A number of businesses, many of them in the broad realm of hospitality and tourism, have already failed. Many more will fail in the months to come if they don’t get the support they need — not only from local consumers, but from the federal government itself.

PPP isn’t perfect, but it works. And we’ll likely need at least one more round of it to enable businesses to survive this pandemic.

Picture This

By BusinessWest Staff June 9, 2020

Picture This

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

Summer Fun

The law firm Pellegrini, Seeley Ryan & Blakesley donated $3,000 and employees’ time to provide and distribute summer-activity backpacks to 300 children for the Boys & Girls club of Greater Westfield. The backpacks were stuffed with art supplies, puzzles, games, soccer and gym balls, and other items for children.

Attorney Patrick McHugh stuffs a backpack

Ayame Anthony is pleased with her haul

Feed the Fight

Peter Pan Bus Lines and the Bean Restaurant Group recently teamed up with U.S. Rep. Richard Neal to show appreciation for first responders. On May 26, as part of the “Feed the Fight” project, Neal helped deliver more than 300 meals to Mercy Medical Center in Springfield. Supported by a donation from Neal’s campaign and organized by Peter Pan and the Bean Group, the project rewards the hard work of frontline healthcare workers while also supporting local Western Mass. restaurants.

Bridging the Gap

bankESB recently donated $5,000 to the Easthampton Community Center to support the Kid’s Bag Pantry program, which typically provides each child up to age 18 with a bag of food monthly during the school year and weekly during the summer months. This year, the weekly program began in March due to school closures, contributing to a shortfall in funding. Pictured: Easthampton Community Center Executive Director Robin Bialecki (left) receives the donation from Natalie Didonna, assistant vice president and branch officer at bankESB’s Easthampton office.

Opinion

By Editorial June 9, 2020

Opinion

Riots Reflect Deeper Issue of Racism

Editor’s Note: In the wake of recent incidents in Minneapolis and other communities, MassMutual chairman, president, and CEO Roger Crandall issued the following letter to employees.

In response to the racist acts that have come to light over the past several weeks, I wanted to directly address the deep frustration, anger, and sadness weighing heavily on all of us, especially the African-American and black community. The tragic and senseless deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd and the delays in bringing justice against those responsible, as well as the ugly confrontation in Central Park, have been vivid reminders of the prejudice and bigotry that continue to exist in our country.

Importantly, while we mourn for each of these victims, our hearts ache for many others previously killed under similar circumstances, including those whose names we don’t know, simply because there was no video or witness. These losses of human lives are staggering, unjust, and incomprehensible — and are taking a painful, emotional toll on our country.

The violence and riots of the past weekend are symptoms of the deeper issues of racism, inequality, and hopelessness that continue to exist in America today, and reflect the expressions of a community that feels its voice is not being heard. These issues have shaped everything from where people live to the healthcare they receive, to their access to education, to their treatment by the justice system. We see the results of this today during the COVID-19 pandemic, as people of color have shouldered a far greater impact, with the African-American and black community accounting for a higher proportion of deaths compared to other racial groups.

This is a vast, systemic problem, and I wish I was writing to you today with a crisp, detailed plan for how we will fix it. I don’t have this plan, and frankly no one does. But I can tell you instead what MassMutual is doing and what is on my mind.

First and foremost, I want to voice my — and the executive leadership team’s — support for our colleagues in the African-American and black community. Your voices, perspectives, and feelings matter to us. While I can’t begin to understand the full extent of your pain and hurt — how fear and discrimination are part of your everyday activities, or how you may worry as a parent when your child goes for a jog or enters a store — I want you to know we firmly stand with you as allies and advocates. Each of us can make a difference simply by asking how others are doing and spending time listening to their experiences, fears, and concerns, so we can learn more about what we can do as allies to take meaningful action and offer our support.

Secondly, at the heart of who we are and who we have been since our founding nearly 170 years ago is a company of people helping people. I want to reiterate that MassMutual’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is non-negotiable, and part of our core values and our promise to Live Mutual to make our world better. We will honor the memories of the victims of these senseless acts by influencing real change, and we are working with a cross-functional team, including representatives from our Passages Business Resource Group, to identify the best way to engage and act as an organization to advance how we address these complex issues.

Most immediately, Passages hosted a ‘Brave Space’ discussion recently to talk about these recent events and consider ways we can work together to build a sustainable, lasting effort to fight inequality and recognize and value the differences among us. While outside our walls, we are also actively working to unify business leaders to use our collective voices to drive change in our communities and workplaces.

In the meantime, I promise you this: MassMutual will stand with the victims of racism and hate crimes of any kind, with the people fighting oppression, and with everyone seeking to turn their sadness at recent events into actions that will build a better world. This is not the country I want to leave to my children and grandchildren. We can — and must — do better.

Agenda

By BusinessWest Staff June 9, 2020

Agenda

Alumni Achievement Award Nominations

Through June 12: 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 businesswest.com/40-under-forty/40-under-forty-alumni-achievement-award. Only nominations submitted to BusinessWest on this form will be considered. The deadline is Friday, June 12 at 5 p.m. No exceptions. Candidates must be from 40 Under Forty classes prior to the year of the award — in this case, classes 2007 to 2019. Past winners include: 2019: Cinda Jones, president, W.D. Cowls Inc. (40 Under Forty 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). The 2020 honoree will be announced at the 40 Under Forty gala later this year. The presenting sponsor of the Alumni Achievement Award is Health New England.

Healthcare Heroes Nominations

Through July 1: Since the phrase COVID-19 came into our lexicon, those working in the broad healthcare field have emerged as the true heroes during a pandemic that has changed every facet of life as we know it. And over the past several months, the world has paid tribute to these heroes, and in all kinds of ways — from applauding in unison from apartment-complex windows to bringing hot meals to hospital and nursing-home workers; from donating much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE) to people putting hearts on their front lawns and mailboxes to thank first responders, healthcare workers, postal workers, and others. BusinessWest and its sister publication, the Healthcare News, will pay tribute in their own way, by dedicating their annual Healthcare Heroes program in 2020 to those who are have emerged as true heroes during this crisis. Healthcare Heroes was launched by the two publications in 2017 to recognize those working in this all-important sector of the region’s economy, many of whom are overlooked when it comes to traditional recognition programs. Over the years, the program has recognized providers, administrators, emerging leaders, innovators, and collaborators. For 2020, the program will shift its focus somewhat to the COVID-19 pandemic and all those who are working in the healthcare field or helping to assist it at this trying time. All manner of heroes have emerged this year, and we invite you to nominate one — or several — for what has become a very prestigious honor in Western Mass.: the Healthcare Heroes award. To assist those thinking of nominating someone for this honor, we are simplifying the process. All we desire is a 400- to 500-word essay and/or two-minute video entry explaining why the group or individual stands out as an inspiration, and a truly bright star in a galaxy of healthcare heroes. These nominations will be carefully considered by a panel of independent judges, who will select the class of 2020. The deadline for nominations is July 1. For more information on how to nominate someone for the Healthcare Heroes class of 2020, visit businesswest.com/healthcare-heroes/nomination-form. Videos can be sent via dropbox to [email protected].

Submission Period for Virtual Art Show

Through Aug. 13: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NAMI Western Massachusetts will present a virtual art show this year, and is now accepting artwork for the show. Submissions are limited to individuals living with a mental-health diagnosis, and the artwork will be displayed on the organization’s website and social-media pages for a limited time, then switched out for new artwork. To submit, e-mail a picture of the art to [email protected]. Note the size of the piece, the medium, and the price if it is for sale. The artist should also specify if they want their name used. The deadline for submissions is Aug. 13.

People on the Move

By BusinessWest Staff June 9, 2020

People on the Move

Paul Belsito

The directors of the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation announced the appointment of Paul Belsito as executive director of the foundation, succeeding Mary Walachy, who has served in the position for the past 23 years. Belsito will begin his new role on June 1. Belsito most recently worked for the Hanover Insurance Group in Worcester, where he served as president of the Hanover Insurance Group Foundation and assistant vice president for Community Relations. In his nearly eight years at Hanover, Belsito led charitable giving, community relations, and employee giving and service in the company’s efforts to improve the lives of Worcester’s youth. The Hanover Insurance Group Foundation places special emphasis on programs designed to strengthen schools and propel youth to higher levels of success. One of Belsito’s signature initiatives was supporting the Advancement Via Individualized Determination college readiness program in Worcester Public Schools. During her tenure, Walachy guided the foundation in establishing several signature initiatives, including Cherish Every Child, the nationally-recognized Reading Success by 4th Grade initiative, the 413families/familias community texting initiative, and the advocacy group Springfield Business Leaders for Education. Most recently, she led the effort to establish and build the innovative Educare Springfield early-education center, which opened in the fall of 2019 near the campus of Springfield College and Brookings Elementary School. Walachy will continue to represent the Davis Foundation in its role as philanthropic lead for Educare Springfield, the 24th Educare in the country and the first in Massachusetts, through the end of 2020. A native of Worcester, Belsito has long been deeply involved in his community, serving on numerous nonprofit boards, including corporator of the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, associate trustee of the Nativity School of Worcester, and presently as chair of the board of the EcoTarium. In the last few months, he co-led the city of Worcester’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in support of COVID-19 pandemic response. Belsito brings a diversity of professional experiences across higher education, politics, and government to the Davis Foundation in addition to his significant experience in philanthropy and community engagement. Prior to joining Hanover, he served in the Office of the President at Assumption College as executive assistant for Government and Community Relations, and as a district director in the Massachusetts State Senate. He holds a bachelor’s degree in management and an MBA, both from Assumption College.

•••••

Vanessa Otero

The board of directors of the Healing Racism Institute of Pioneer Valley (HRIPV) announced that former board member Vanessa Otero has been named interim director through the end of the year to support and move forward the work of the institute. The institute also announced it has become a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. As part of that move, the HRIPV board has appointed Baystate Health executive and longtime social-justice advocate Frank Robinson as the organization’s first president. Otero is among the co-founders of HRIPV that grew out of a City2City Pioneer Valley visit to Grand Rapids, Mich. in 2011, where a Healing Racism Institute was formed and housed at the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. Grand Rapids has also established institutes in its community’s faith and higher-education sectors. Otero is currently director of Smith College’s Urban Education Initiative. She has deep roots in the community, serving on state and regional boards, including being appointed to the Governor’s Latino Advisory Commission. She is also the chair of the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission. Mostly recently, Otero was asked to join the Department of Public Health’s COVID-19 Health Equity Advisory Group, advising Commissioner Dr. Monica Bharel and DPH on health-equity issues related to and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and providing suggestions on solutions to be implemented at all levels. Otero graduated from Smith College as an Ada Comstock Scholar. She has a master’s degree in public policy administration from UMass Amherst.

•••••

Brenna Breeding

Brenna Breeding has joined the bankESB Marketing Department as its digital marketing manager. In this role, she will be responsible for providing strategic, tactical, and analytical support for online and digital marketing initiatives for bankESB and across the member banks of its parent company, Hometown Financial Group. Prior to joining bankESB, Breeding was the marketing communications associate with VentureWell in Hadley, and before that was the communications and marketing specialist for the Center for Responsive Schools. Breeding earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware. She is an active volunteer in the Greater Springfield community and has been a member of the Junior League of Greater Springfield for seven years.

•••••

Jessica Colon

Kim Bruno

DiGrigoli Salon, located in West Springfield, officially opened for business on May 26, included in the phase 1 reopening plan for Massachusetts. At the same time, two stylists, Jessica Colon and Kim Bruno, have been promoted to ‘the Artist’ level, the highest recognition of experience, due to their dedication, loyalty, and improvement throughout their careers. Colon joined the DiGrigoli Salon artistic team upon graduating DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology in 2008 and has grown into a stylist with a large and still-growing clientele over the past 12 years. She is particularly skilled in color formulation, precision cutting, and blow-drying curly hair types. In addition to a full appointment schedule, she has also performed demos and worked with upcoming stylists and students, all while continuing her own education at beauty shows such as Premiere Orlando in Florida and the Beauty Experience in New York. Bruno, also a graduate of DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology, became a stylist at the salon in 2011, and her skills and clientele have grown exponentially since then. With expertise in vivid colors and makeup, she has become one of the most sought-after stylists and makeup artists in the area. Frequently appearing on local lifestyle TV programs, she demonstrates standard makeup, special-FX makeup, and hairstyling techniques to a wide audience. Much like Colon, Bruno takes the time to educate others while balancing a booked schedule and pursuing her own education at the aforementioned beauty shows. DiGrigoli Salon is currently booking appointments and taking all recommended precautions necessary for the health and safety of both clients and the stylists. Appointments with Colon, Bruno, or any experienced DiGrigoli stylist can be made by calling (413) 827-8888 Tuesday through Saturday.

•••••

Richard Meelia

The Elms College board of trustees appointed Richard Meelia, principal of Meelia Ventures, LLC, as a new member of the board. From July 2007 until his retirement in July 2011, Meelia served as chairman, president, and CEO of Covidien, an $11 billion global healthcare-products company, following its separation from Tyco International in June 2007. Prior to that separation, Meelia served in a variety of senior leadership roles, including CEO and president of Tyco Healthcare. In addition to his business experience, Meelia has a passion for student experiential learning. He funded the Meelia Center for Student Engagement and Volunteerism at Saint Anselm College and has provided support to establish the Srs. Kathleen Keating and Maxyne Schneider Experiential Learning Fund at Elms College. Meelia is the chairman of the board of Haemonetics, a global provider of blood and plasma supplies and services located in Braintree. He is also a member of the board of directors of several organizations, including St. Francis House in Boston, the largest day shelter in Massachusetts; Por Cristo, a Brighton nonprofit dedicated to improving the health of poor children and their families in Ecuador; and Conformis, a knee-replacement manufacturer in Billerica. He has served on the board of trustees of Saint Anselm College in Manchester, N.H.

•••••

The West Springfield franchise of Visiting Angels announced that Michele Anstett, co-founder of the business, has transitioned to full ownership and assumed the role of president and CEO. Visiting Angels offers in-home care services to elderly and disabled adults throughout Western Mass. Anstett started the business in 1999 with her business partner, Joe Arduino, and served as the chief financial officer (CFO) for the past 20 years. Arduino recently retired, and Anstett has since assumed the role of full ownership, president, and director. Since 1999, the home-care landscape has changed dramatically in the Pioneer Valley. Anstett’s experience growing the business for the past 20 years in an evolving sector equips her to handle the modern challenges of the industry and successfully direct the business. Anstett’s franchise was the ninth franchise in the Visiting Angels network, which has since increased in size to more than 400 agencies internationally. With her guidance as co-director and CFO, the franchise has grown to provide more than 70,000 hours of care annually, helping seniors to maintain a sense of independence, dignity, and quality of life in their own home setting. Anstett brings dedication, compassion, experience, and attention to detail to the role — fundamental skills for successful leadership in the ever-evolving home-care industry. Particularly now, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Anstett has taken rapid action to increase caregiver training and certification to establish effective strategies to ensure client safety under the current circumstances.

Company Notebook

By BusinessWest Staff June 9, 2020

Company Notebook

Olver Design Building Receives Architecture Institute’s Highest Honor

AMHERST — The American Institute of Architecture’s (AIA) Committee on the Environment (COTE) announced recently that the John W. Olver Design Building on the UMass Amherst campus is a winner this year of its highest honor, the COTE Top Ten Awards. Projects “illustrate the solutions architects have provided for the health and welfare of our communities and the planet,” the AIA citation says. Called the most technologically advanced CLT building in the country, the Design Building opened in 2017 to house the campus’s Department of Architecture, Building and Construction Technology Program (BCT), and Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning. The BCT program developed some of the CLT technology used and has since been testing native Massachusetts wood species for CLT suitability. The building is named for former congressman and UMass Amherst Chemistry professor John Olver and was designed by Boston architectural firm Leers Weinzapfel. In 2014, Olver attended a talk by associate professor of Environmental Conservation Peggi Clouston of the BCT program. She noted how CLT construction using lower-quality wood was enjoying a comeback. Olver, recognizing an expanded use for regional wood, encouraged campus officials to consider adopting the new technology. Built of CLT timber and glue-laminated columns, the 87,000-square-foot Design Building saves the equivalent of more than 2,300 metric tons of carbon compared to a traditional energy-intense steel and concrete building. It uses 54% less energy than a typical campus building and is one of two in North America to use CLT for wind and seismic resistance. Its footprint once a parking lot, the building now includes a rooftop garden and rain-garden landscaping. A central courtyard highlights natural light while reducing heat loss. Its open central stairway invites visitors to take the stairs instead of an elevator.

Whittlesey Achieves Blue Partner Status with Datto

HARTFORD, Conn — Whittlesey announced it has achieved exclusive Blue partner status with Datto, the world’s leading provider of IT solutions delivered through managed service providers (MSPs). Datto Blue status represents the top 5% of the company’s partners worldwide. “We’ve been partnered with Datto since 2014,” said Mark Torello, partner in charge of Whittlesey Technology. “We’ve been growing with them as they’ve branched out from data backup and recovery products to networking, cloud continuity, and device management. The reliability of their products and services and outstanding customer and technical support have been consistently top‐notch and provided us the resources to accelerate our business growth. It’s an honor to be acknowledged for putting these products and tools to use and demonstrating success.” Whittlesey has exceeded high standards of performance to qualify for Blue status within Datto’s Global Partner Program, the highest classification provided by Datto. Blue status includes many exclusive programs and benefits designed to support further enablement and business growth.

TRE Olive Wins Two Awards at International Olive Oil Competition

EAST LONGMEADOW — TRE Olive, located in East Longmeadow, is both a Gold and Silver award winner at this year’s 2020 New York International Olive Oil Competition. The NYIOOC is held each spring in New York and is the world’s largest and most prestigious olive oil contest. Its annual listing of award winners is considered the authoritative guide to the year’s best extra-virgin olive oils, according to Joe Maruca, co-owner of TRE Olive. TRE Olive won the Gold Award for Campo Dieci “Terra dei Nonni,” which means ‘land of our grandparents.’ The Silver was awarded for its TRE Olive Select. In addition to its award-winning extra-virgin olive oil, TRE Olive also offers a tree-adoption program. When an olive tree is adopted, the recipient will receive an adoption certificate, a gift box, a photo of their tree, a welcome brochure, and three tins of olive oil to get started. The tree is also tagged with the adoptee’s name for one year.

Paragus IT Named to Forbes ‘Small Giants’ List

HADLEY — Every year, Forbes publishes its “Small Giants” list highlighting 25 businesses “whose commitment to greatness over fast growth has enabled them to best serve their customers, employees, and communities.” This year, Paragus IT was recognized as an innovator in the small-business world, with Forbes citing the Hadley-based firm’s employee-ownership structure and mission to make IT fun, among other features. “It’s an honor to be included on such a diverse and amazing list of other small businesses around the country,” said Delcie Bean, CEO of Paragus IT. “And it’s great that a magazine as prestigious as Forbes is committed to appreciating what makes small businesses great. As an employee-owned company, our employees, or partners, as we call them, were so excited to be recognized for our passion for making IT fun.”

Bacon Wilson Donates $10,000 to YMCA of Greater Springfield

SPRINGFIELD — Bacon Wilson announced that the firm has recently completed a $10,000 contribution to the capital campaign for the YMCA of Greater Springfield. The pledge originated in the fall of 2019, as Bacon Wilson supported the YMCA’s transition from the former Chestnut Street location to the new Tower Square facility in downtown Springfield. “My partners and I are very pleased to be able to support the Springfield YMCA at this critical moment,” said attorney Kenneth Albano, Bacon Wilson’s managing partner. “Bacon Wilson is pleased to know our contribution will boost the mission and continuing good works of the YMCA of Greater Springfield.”

Bay Path Launches Master’s Program in Learning, Design, and Technology

LONGMEADOW — As an onslaught of complex challenges, and the urgency to develop innovative solutions to meet them, promise to reshape higher education, Bay Path University announces the launch of a new master’s program in Learning, Design, and Technology (LDT) this fall. The fully online program will tap into Bay Path’s long-standing position as a leader in the use of emerging technologies, creative curricula, and learning analytics to train professionals looking to shape the ongoing evolution of higher education by applying technology to the development of innovative, accessible, and impactful learning processes. Designed by a broadly representative team of Bay Path faculty and staff, the LDT program was launched to give students a students a deep foundation in the tools and theory of learning design, technology innovation, learning analytics, and higher-education leadership, a foundation on which they can create engaging and innovative learning experiences for all students. Students will also have the opportunity to enroll jointly in Bay Path’s doctoral program in Higher Education Leadership and Organizational Studies (HELOS) and carry out applied, real-world learning design projects. While the launch comes at a time when the coronavirus has transformed campuses, Bay Path has used technology to pioneer unique teaching and learning formats and offer flexible, dynamic, and personalized educational experiences for 20 years. The university’s diverse student population includes its traditional on-campus undergraduates, online graduate students, and online adult learners obtaining bachelor’s degrees through the American Women’s College.

Food Insecurity Prompts Big Y to Make Second Round of Donations

SPRINGFIELD — With regional food banks experiencing unprecedented demand, Big Y is providing an additional $125,000 in support to address the rise in food insecurity. With the donations made in March, Big Y has provided $250,000 in financial assistance to area food banks in addition to the healthy surplus food it provides to them on a weekly basis. Using the estimate that every dollar donated provides four meals, the Big Y financial assistance amounts to 1 million meals. The donation will be split equally by the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, the Worcester County Food Bank, and the Greater Boston Food Bank in Massachusetts, as well as Foodshare and the Connecticut Food Bank in Connecticut. As part of its commitment to hunger relief in its neighborhoods and ongoing partnerships with regional food banks, Big Y provided an estimated $11.5 million of healthy surplus food to these organizations in 2019. This food donation amounts to an estimated 5.7 million meals, two-thirds of which include donations of meat and fresh produce as well as bakery and non-perishable grocery items. Frozen food and dairy products account for one-third of the annual donation.

MCLA Innovation & Entrepreneurship Challenge Announces Three Winners

NORTH ADAMS — Although this year’s Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Innovation & Entrepreneurship Challenge, held May 4-8, was a virtual affair, the college community still came together to view and vote for the three finalists’ pitches. The finalists, all seniors, who pitched their business ideas via video, were David Flight, Kimberly Granito, and Sierra Lamonde. The students were coached through a series of deliverables — determining a solution to a problem, developing a budget and business plan as the road map for the project or business, and presenting before a panel of judges. Granito’s Detailing Dream won first place, which came with a $7,500 award. Lamonde’s Pyrography Crafts placed second, for a $5,000 award, and Flight’s Settling the States won the $2,500 third-place award. The startup funding awards aim to cover inventory, equipment, and marketing costs for the three new businesses. Granito’s winning business, Detailing Dream, is a car-detailing service meant to cater to people who may think they don’t have the time or money for such a service. Granito’s packages include lower-cost options that other companies don’t offer because they usually cater to luxury cars. Unlike most of her competitors, Granito’s business would also include a mobile option where she would come to the customer, so they could take advantage of the service without leaving their home or office. Second-place winner Lamonde said her business, Pyrography Crafts, aims to bring joy to customers by creating one-of-a-kind, handcrafted wood burnings of people, pets and other animals, cartoons, and more. Flight’s Settling the States is a company that designs legacy board games inspired by the geographical regions of the U.S. The company’s first product, Settling New England, has players compete against each other to survive the changing seasons to become legend settlers.

Monson Savings Bank Announces New Loan & Operations Center

MONSON — Because Monson Savings Bank continues to grow by adding new positions and new personnel, and has outgrown some of its spaces, some employees are moving this week into a new, 12,000-square-foot office space on the top floor at 75 Post Office Park in Wilbraham. This location will be the new Monson Savings Bank Loan & Operations Center. The following departments will be moving: Commercial Lending, Residential Lending, Collections, Compliance, Retail Administration, Retail Operations, Business Development, Municipal Banking, and E-Banking. The main branch and corporate headquarters will still be located in Monson.

Taylor Real Estate Moving to Liberty Street in Easthampton

EASTHAMPTON — Taylor Real Estate, which is celebrating 65 years of operation this year, announced it will move to a new location on Liberty Street in Easthampton this month. Chuck Conner, a third-generation owner of the business founded by his grandfather in 1955, said the new office space offers convenient off-street parking for clients and staff as well as on-site storage for the firm’s plentiful ‘for sale’ signage, and a newer, brighter workspace for staff. He noted that the move is symbolic of moving the firm into the future, when ownership and operations will be assumed by his daughters, Megan Conner and Danica Achin, both licensed Realtors with the firm. In addition to working with buyers and sellers, Megan handles administration and advertising, and Achin is the rental division manager. Additional change has come in the form of new technology that allows a digital approach to marketing and communication and the execution of documentation. Houses can be shown to potential buyers via virtual visits made possible by professional photography, and closing papers can be signed electronically.

Incorporations

By BusinessWest Staff June 9, 2020

Incorporations

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

ASHFIELD

Ginevra Corp., 245 Main St., Ashfield, MA 01330. Sally G. Sasso, same. Media/video production and other lawful activities.

CHESTERFIELD

GRS Equipment Services Inc., 526 Main Road, Chesterfield, MA 01012. George R. Sturtevant, same. Heavy equipment repair.

CHICOPEE

Fruit Life Inc 398 Front St., Chicopee, MA 01013. Jared Newell, 44 Buckingham St., Springfield, MA 01109. Grocery store.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Hilltop Wood Products Inc., 27 Helen Circle, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. James M. Cummings, same. Manufacturing wood components.

EASTHAMPTON

Haven Body Arts Inc., 31 High St., Easthampton, MA 01060. Penelope Silverstein, same. Body piercing, tattooing, and other body modifications.

GREAT BARRINGTON

GB Hospitality Inc., 249 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230. Chrisoula D. Mahida, same. Hospitality/hotel management.

HADLEY

Happy Valley Nutrition PC, 3 Phillips Place, Hadley, MA 01035. Amanda K. Mittman, same. Professional dietician and nutritional services.

HARDWICK

Hardwick Auto Inc., 2583 Greenwich Road, Hardwick, MA 01092. Jake E. Luzi, 139 Bartlett Ave., Wilbraham, MA 01095. Auto sales, repair, parts, dismantle, disposal.

LUDLOW

First Action Cleaning Inc., 15 Canterbury St., Ludlow, MA 01056. Tatiane Bruna Da Silva Mendonca, same. Cleaning services.

H & J Group Inc., 12 Lakeview Ave., Ludlow, MA 01056. Hang Wu, same. Food services.

SPRINGFIELD

Gary’s Auto Repair and More Inc., 167 Denver St., Springfield, MA 01109. Gary Leyden, same. Auto repair, gasoline sales, state inspections.

Home Service Electrical Inc., 980 Bay St., Springfield, MA 01109. Todd E. Hickman, 34 Moody St., Ludlow MA 01056. Electrical contractors.

Human to Human Inc., 37 Chestnut St., Springfield, MA 01103. Douglas John Fisher, 1900 Home Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230. Serve as an umbrella for the programs and ministries of the episcopal diocese of Western Mass. committed to meeting people facing economic, social support and service challenges where they are in their personal journey of health, recovery and discovery.

WESTFIELD

FEK$AD Home Improvement Inc., 12 Conner Ave., Westfield, MA 01085. Anatolii Federiuc, same. Window installer.

G7 Bridge Inc., 21 Dana St., Westfield, MA 01085. Dmitriy Girich, same. Trucking.

Herd of Help Inc., 16A Herold Ave., Westfield, MA 01089. Aleksandr Abashin, same. Provide aide and support to communities in east Africa through continued mission trips.

WORTHINGTON

Healing Hearts Sanctuary Inc., 241 West St., Worthington, MA 01098. Tracy McManmon, same. Providing a sanctuary for the community. Such as offering classes, education, around all faiths. A healing spiritual sanctuary.

Doing Business as Certificates

By BusinessWest Staff June 9, 2020

DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and/or trade names were issued or renewed during the month of May 2020. (Filings are limited due to closures or reduced staffing hours at municipal offices due to COVID-19 restrictions).

BELCHERTOWN

M & N Homes
3 Stadler St.
Neil Jackson

Pelham Auto Service
1315 Federal St.
Barney Dashiell

Shumway Farm
95 Old Amherst Road
Cory Shumway

WESTFIELD

B-Clean Home & Office Cleaning Service
50 Pequot Point Road
Carol Iwanski

Ideal Health & Body
41 Court St.
Kristen Hook

New England Title Examiners
1076 East Mountain Road
Jacqueline Brown

Bankruptcies

By BusinessWest Staff June 9, 2020

Bankruptcies

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

Barnes, Anita June
43 Point Grove Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/13/2020

Bates, Odessa S.
a/k/a Carbonell, Odessa S.
24 Silver St., Apt. D-5
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/15/2020

Colon, Sugeily
211 Laurelton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/12/2020

Commisso, Frank J.
Commisso, Martha A.
39 Cooley Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/08/2020

Denino, Scott M.
62 Franklin St., Apt. 23
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/01/2020

Dowd, Nicholas J.
392 Meadow St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/01/2020

French, Donna Lynn
6 Pearl Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/30/2020

Galvagni, Amanda N.
12 Meadow Lane
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/15/2020

Germain, Robert Lee
Germain, Amanda Jean
366 Lincoln Ave.
Athol, MA 0133
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/04/2020

Greylock Sand & Gravel
MJD Real Estate LLC
Dellaghelfa, Norman
56 Orchard St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/30/2020

Hardy, Jessica Elizabeth
265 Roy St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/13/2020

Hunte, Aretha
107 Memorial Dr.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/07/2020

LaPlante, Ronald J.
LaPlante, Kirstin M.
2 Thomas Circle
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/04/2020

Lapomardo, Elaine M.
23 Rivercrest Way
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/06/2020

Laventure, Joseph Paul
Laventure, Rebecca A.
139 Valley Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/11/2020

Leone, Tina
5 Kania St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/08/2020

Long, Marie B.
329 Pinedale Ave.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/08/2020

Marren, James M.
235 State St., Unit 409
Springfield, MA 01103
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/12/2020

Meuse, Terese Laraine
6 Crown Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/13/2020

Moberg, Eric Matthew
139 Union Road
Wales, MA 01081
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/01/2020

Sticco, Thomas A.
424 Dwight Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/15/2020

Terrero, Ana F.
672 Alden St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Date: 05/12/2020

Wilmot, Patricia A.
16 Church St.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/13/2020

Real Estate Transactions

By BusinessWest Staff June 9, 2020

Real Estate 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

24 Gill Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $293,500
Buyer: Steven F. Duffany
Seller: Douglas R. Fish
Date: 05/15/20

CHARLEMONT

456 Zoar Road
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Benjamin H. Gagnon
Seller: Ivan J. Gould
Date: 05/11/20

GREENFIELD

661 Bernardston Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: MCK 2017 Descendants TR
Seller: Wheaton Mahoney
Date: 05/11/20

303 Davis St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Paul Szczepanek
Seller: Kathleen N. Forster
Date: 05/15/20

58-60 Elm St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $147,000
Buyer: Veaceslav Falceanu
Seller: US Bank
Date: 05/13/20

37 Norwood St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: David Cheptea
Seller: Ellen L. Rawson
Date: 05/15/20

289 Wells St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $562,500
Buyer: ACCSS 1 LLC
Seller: Timber Commercial LLC
Date: 05/15/20

291 Wells St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $562,500
Buyer: ACCSS 1 LLC
Seller: Timber Commercial LLC
Date: 05/15/20

61 Plantation Circle
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: William D. Connelley
Seller: Archer, Charmaine R., (Estate)
Date: 05/08/20

ORANGE

620 East Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: Wayne Whitmore
Seller: Mitchell Enterprises Inc.
Date: 05/08/20

107 New Athol Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Jake Stevens
Seller: George H. Newcomb
Date: 05/15/20

SUNDERLAND

679 Amherst Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Chandra K. Gurung
Seller: Alfonso Cumplido
Date: 05/18/20

50 Claybrook Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $284,000
Buyer: John G. Hansbury
Seller: Thomas L. Hollingsworth
Date: 05/18/20

258 North Main St.
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $187,500
Buyer: Amanda L. Hanley
Seller: Ciak, Louise M., (Estate)
Date: 05/14/20

114 Old Amherst Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $252,000
Buyer: Toni L. Dolan
Seller: Carol M. Krimsky
Date: 05/11/20

WENDELL

87 Bullard Pasture Road
Wendell, MA 01379
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Kristen Wilson
Seller: Sharon A. Gensler
Date: 05/08/20

WHATELY

8 Dickinson Hill Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $324,000
Buyer: Daniel Lapenta
Seller: John P. Imhoff
Date: 05/08/20

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

127 Colemore St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $213,675
Buyer: Santander Bank
Seller: Pauline V. George
Date: 05/14/20

102 Country Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $282,500
Buyer: Thomas A. Walker
Seller: Nicholas D. Rau
Date: 05/15/20

15 Farmington Circle
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $459,000
Buyer: Erin Hurley-King
Seller: Hillside Development Corp.
Date: 05/06/20

67 Highland St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $201,000
Buyer: Mohammed E. Abdul-Baki
Seller: Melhem F. Salloum
Date: 05/11/20

48 Horsham Place
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $230,322
Buyer: Oleg Shevchenko
Seller: Jury, Renee Odette, (Estate)
Date: 05/15/20

13 Pierce St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $147,500
Buyer: Kate S. Menard
Seller: Felix M. Losito
Date: 05/08/20

44 Royal St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $248,000
Buyer: Paul Versace
Seller: Aleksandr Katykhin
Date: 05/07/20

86 Sunset Ter.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Richard Gomez
Seller: Robert W. King
Date: 05/06/20

BLANDFORD

1 Kaolin Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $128,000
Buyer: Matthew Gogal
Seller: Nicholas A. Saltmarsh
Date: 05/18/20

BRIMFIELD

108 Cubles Dr.
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $191,000
Buyer: Shaun McLaughlin
Seller: Douglas R. Alfreds
Date: 05/12/20

CHICOPEE

96 Arnold St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Socrates Caminero
Seller: Sabri Bajrami
Date: 05/15/20

93 Bay State Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Gabriel A. Diaz
Seller: Joshua M. Dupuis
Date: 05/12/20

7 Campbell Place
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $259,999
Buyer: Sabri Bajrami
Seller: Tascon Homes LLC
Date: 05/15/20

118 Clairmont Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Henry S. Gottardi
Seller: Wilmington Savings
Date: 05/08/20

105 East St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Prem LLC
Seller: Thomas Fotiathis
Date: 05/15/20

52 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Haider Abdulridha
Seller: Timothy J. Czerwiecki
Date: 05/18/20

47 Harvard St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Josue X. Colon
Seller: Gregoire, Maurice, (Estate)
Date: 05/08/20

24 Lafayette St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $610,000
Buyer: 24 Lafayette Street LLC
Seller: Henry F. Dabek
Date: 05/19/20

25 Leclair Ter.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Juan A. Rodriguez
Seller: Elizabeth A. Girouard
Date: 05/15/20

82 Madison St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Conor J. Patrick
Seller: HLR Home Inc.
Date: 05/11/20

20 Olea St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $177,500
Buyer: Jossimarye Melendez
Seller: Joshua Figueroa
Date: 05/15/20

53 Ondrick Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Luis Rodriguez
Seller: Gale A. Ascioti
Date: 05/19/20

744 Pendleton Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Teresa Doyle
Seller: Joseph R. Lecuyer
Date: 05/18/20

178 Prospect St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $252,000
Buyer: Thomas Tetrault
Seller: Eddie Martinez
Date: 05/19/20

63 Silvin Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Tommy R. Ruiz
Seller: Edward A. Rivera
Date: 05/14/20

EAST LONGMEADOW

6 Amaretta Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $307,500
Buyer: Tuan M. Tran
Seller: Samuel J. Stoughton
Date: 05/15/20

7 Callender Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Curtis B. Frick
Seller: Elizabeth A. Clarke
Date: 05/14/20

14 Crescent Hill
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $176,800
Buyer: Alexander Sneirson
Seller: US Bank
Date: 05/08/20

35 Dorset St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Tiffany M. Velazquez
Seller: Joseph M. Santaniello
Date: 05/11/20

51 East Village Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Gary D. Lynch
Seller: Margaret M. Sullivan
Date: 05/14/20

33 Evergreen Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Peter A. Drane
Seller: Carol M. Kalmbach
Date: 05/08/20

253 Maple St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $228,000
Buyer: Amanda L. Joyce
Seller: Timothy A. Provost
Date: 05/15/20

674 North Main St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $243,750
Buyer: Teamwork Realty Group LLC
Seller: Steven E. Rovithis
Date: 05/06/20

141 Nottingham Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $601,000
Buyer: Ryan T. Morton
Seller: Joseph A. Champigny
Date: 05/08/20

51 Oak Brook Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $329,900
Buyer: Cynthie Poon
Seller: Stephanie A. Griggs
Date: 05/08/20

152 Prospect St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Kevin M. Shippee
Seller: Ruby Realty LLC
Date: 05/18/20

64 South Brook Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $590,000
Buyer: Lindsey E. Price
Seller: Daniel P. Garvey
Date: 05/07/20

12 Speight Arden
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $130,278
Buyer: Pennymac Loan Services
Seller: Richard E. Renaud
Date: 05/11/20

7 Townview Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Brock I. Gaspar
Seller: Allison W. Li
Date: 05/14/20

57 Tufts St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Andrii Fedosh
Seller: Eric Johnson
Date: 05/19/20

HOLLAND

28 Evelyn Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $206,000
Buyer: Joshua D. Thomas
Seller: Jay C. Demartino
Date: 05/06/20

1 Forest Court
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Alexander Noonan
Seller: Tiffany M. Letendre
Date: 05/15/20

HOLYOKE

32 Edbert Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Etabav RT
Seller: Serge J. Odabashian
Date: 05/15/20

319 Elm St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $187,500
Buyer: Arnold Aleanu
Seller: Tina Laflamme
Date: 05/08/20

61-63 Elmwood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $187,500
Buyer: Cangialosi Group LLC
Seller: Cangi 5 Properties LLC
Date: 05/12/20

44-46 Gilman St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $148,350
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Jorge A. Burgos
Date: 05/12/20

52 Gilman St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Tiffany S. Thurston
Seller: Thomas F. Moriarty
Date: 05/13/20

76 Hillview Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Jess H. Dods
Seller: Susan B. Church
Date: 05/15/20

27 Linden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Maria M. Negroni
Seller: Marcos A. Marrero
Date: 05/11/20

12 Roosevelt Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $119,000
Buyer: Best4u RT
Seller: Bank Of America
Date: 05/08/20

640 South East St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Sage Group LLC
Seller: Maurice, V. Spear Jr., (Estate)
Date: 05/11/20

2-4 Shawmut Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Sarah Boisvert
Seller: Corbin H. Chicoine
Date: 05/07/20

15 Vadnais St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Alex J. Kim
Seller: Amy C. McDonough
Date: 05/15/20

6 Western View Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $451,000
Buyer: Kyle R. Pouliot
Seller: Paul J. Digrigoli
Date: 05/06/20

LONGMEADOW

48 Colony Acres Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Michael V. Adamski
Seller: Howard A. Dickstein
Date: 05/15/20

18 Dunsany Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Alexander Giles-Eaton
Seller: David A. Andre
Date: 05/15/20

190 Kenmore Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $303,000
Buyer: Patrick J. Dawes
Seller: Joanne Leboeuf
Date: 05/15/20

1497 Longmeadow St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Carol A. Watts
Seller: Corey Neal
Date: 05/11/20

7 Robin Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Corey C. Neal
Seller: Vineyard Partners Limited
Date: 05/12/20

LUDLOW

39 Andrew St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $227,000
Buyer: Matthew G. Gilman
Seller: Cornerstone Homebuying
Date: 05/15/20

64 Brook Hollow Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Paulo J. Cruz
Seller: Americo G. Dacruz
Date: 05/14/20

162 Cady St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $118,500
Buyer: Michael L. Roberts
Seller: Roberts, James M., (Estate)
Date: 05/13/20

659 Center St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Erin L. Lepage
Seller: David C. Smith
Date: 05/13/20

39 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $318,000
Buyer: James R. Carvalho
Seller: Paulo J. Cruz
Date: 05/14/20

35 Fox Hill Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Steven Cassesse
Seller: Derek Sipma
Date: 05/14/20

36 Higher St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Amanda J. Purchase
Seller: William E. Duquette
Date: 05/14/20

11 Inwood Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01095
Amount: $329,000
Buyer: Phillip E. Russ
Seller: Elizabeth Zirakian
Date: 05/18/20

142 Loopley St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $248,000
Buyer: Nicholas Sharon
Seller: Frank N. Roda
Date: 05/18/20

47 Pondview Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $184,500
Buyer: Carrington Mortgage Services
Seller: Anita Teece
Date: 05/12/20

Turning Leaf Road #22
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $141,500
Buyer: Efrain Mendoza
Seller: Whitetail Wreks LLC
Date: 05/08/20

MONSON

123 Bethany Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Ian Q. Tatro
Seller: Frederick McDonald
Date: 05/11/20

47 Blanchard Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Brandon T. Ford
Seller: Jennifer A. Braman
Date: 05/15/20

102 Brimfield Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $237,000
Buyer: Peter G. Sias
Seller: Scott E. Malo
Date: 05/11/20

68 Cote Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Janet B. Moorman
Seller: Mark E. Russell
Date: 05/06/20

40 Paradise Lake Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $292,000
Buyer: April Perez-Moore
Seller: Francis P. Roach
Date: 05/08/20

32 Zuell Hill Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: William B. Freeland
Seller: Robert L. Carlson
Date: 05/19/20

PALMER

9-11 Bond St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Kayla M. Turowsky
Seller: Milestone Rentals LLC
Date: 05/15/20

1042 Circle Dr.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Samuel Houle
Seller: Kathleen Skowyra
Date: 05/15/20

573 Old Warren Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Dylan Bachand
Seller: Daniel Fisk
Date: 05/15/20

1400 Park St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Erin L. Ruggiano
Seller: Corinne F. Hulse
Date: 05/15/20

18 Sasur St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Jennifer A. Braman
Seller: Claire E. Rebello
Date: 05/15/20

172 Shearer St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $173,000
Buyer: Rachel M. Lynds
Seller: Dylan J. Bachand
Date: 05/18/20

1397 Ware St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Bryan Ouellette
Seller: Home Point Financial Corp.
Date: 05/08/20

SPRINGFIELD

402 Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Ivan Diaz-Vazquez
Seller: Matthew L. Palatino
Date: 05/11/20

66 Ambrose St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $194,000
Buyer: Jimmy Cardona
Seller: Ericka L. Winslow
Date: 05/07/20

74 Ames St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Cagdas Yilmaz
Seller: US Bank
Date: 05/08/20

132 Amherst St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $196,000
Buyer: Wayne A. Harris
Seller: Okabbs Properties LLC
Date: 05/18/20

79 Armory St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $137,500
Buyer: Ronilo Anglo
Seller: JJS Capital Investment
Date: 05/18/20

27 Ashley St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: Madelaine Castro-Acevedo
Seller: Kiplin R. Samuels
Date: 05/15/20

57 Avon Place
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $136,900
Buyer: Safia Siidali
Seller: SLC Associates LLC
Date: 05/06/20

9-13 Baldwin St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Cagdas Yilmaz
Seller: US Bank
Date: 05/08/20

39 Balfour Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $161,000
Buyer: Hector V. Garcia-Alvarado
Seller: Antonio Palermo
Date: 05/15/20

93 Bartels St.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $224,000
Buyer: Amanda Begin
Seller: Revampit LLC
Date: 05/15/20

89 Brookside Circle
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $239,900
Buyer: Rupert R. Gordon
Seller: Christopher Tokas
Date: 05/15/20

70-72 Burr St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $137,000
Buyer: Junior Properties LLC
Seller: Emtay Inc.
Date: 05/13/20

15 Cambridge St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Molly Realty LLC
Seller: Aliciah M. Porter
Date: 05/08/20

126 Carroll St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $197,000
Buyer: Carole A. Colon
Seller: Viktor Smolnikov
Date: 05/12/20

38 Cherrelyn St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $122,000
Buyer: Carlos Cruz-Cedres
Seller: Justine T. Frazier
Date: 05/14/20

16 Colchester St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Abigail Martinez
Seller: Anchor Moore Investings
Date: 05/12/20

196-198 College St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: G. A. Hernandez-Montes
Seller: AAD LLC
Date: 05/11/20

162-164 Commonwealth Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Patricia Meshack
Seller: Riccardo Albano
Date: 05/08/20

206 Corcoran Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Kimberly A. Santiago
Seller: William T. Raleigh
Date: 05/19/20

44 Curve St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $209,000
Buyer: Walter S. Barlow
Seller: Tascon Homes LLC
Date: 05/11/20

87-89 Curve
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Gariel Cruz-Rodriguez
Seller: AJN Rentals LLC
Date: 05/08/20

134 Draper St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Luz I. Rodriguez
Seller: Alexandr Carapunarli
Date: 05/08/20

1604 Dwight St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Yitzahak Rosario
Seller: JJJ 17 LLC
Date: 05/11/20

103 Duryea St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Raymond Deneault
Seller: Bachir Saleh
Date: 05/18/20

55 Dutchess St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Erin A. Prickett
Seller: James C. Forsberg
Date: 05/15/20

143 El Paso St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Jose Rosado
Seller: Timmy J. Begin
Date: 05/15/20

329 Forest Hills Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Dwayne C. Burey
Seller: Jonathan Docanto
Date: 05/15/20

158 Fountain St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Melanie Jefferies
Seller: Prime Partners LLC
Date: 05/15/20

123 Hanson Dr.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $134,620
Buyer: Tascon Homes LLC
Seller: PHH Mortgage Corp.
Date: 05/18/20

48 Homestead Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $161,000
Buyer: Nathan Shea
Seller: Mamba Capital LLC
Date: 05/06/20

450 Island Pond Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $196,000
Buyer: Richard G. Henry
Seller: Thomas J. Masotti
Date: 05/08/20

80 Jennings St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Marcus Garner
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 05/19/20

82 Jasper St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Marcus L. Whitley
Seller: William H. Russell
Date: 05/15/20

167 Lamont St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: Eddie Martinez
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 05/15/20

112 Lancaster St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Michael G. Robie
Seller: Susan E. Raimer
Date: 05/15/20

186 Louis Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $213,000
Buyer: Lymari Diaz
Seller: Elizabeth Hernandez
Date: 05/12/20

112 Lyons St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Madeline Cortes
Seller: Feranando F. DaSilva
Date: 05/15/20

171 Marsden St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Elizmabel Colon
Seller: NRES LLC
Date: 05/08/20

95 Maynard St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Brian Donah
Seller: Pearlie L. Pitts
Date: 05/15/20

24-26 Mazarin St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Altagracia Valdez-Garcia
Seller: KEC Properties LLC
Date: 05/07/20

180 Mildred Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Joseph Santana
Seller: Elvin Gonzalez
Date: 05/11/20

19 Milton St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Hector L. Colon
Seller: Nicola S. Williams
Date: 05/11/20

383-385 Newbury St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Gustavo A. Olivio
Seller: TFO Properties LLC
Date: 05/08/20

103 North Branch Pkwy.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Bruce L. Tetrault
Seller: Vincent Poon
Date: 05/15/20

100-102 Newfield Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Natanael Crespo
Seller: Sylvia Bethea
Date: 05/14/20

92 Osborne Ter.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $179,000
Buyer: Luis A. Deleon
Seller: Ashley M. Caron-Burey
Date: 05/15/20

182 Overlook Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Joseph A. Lemoine
Seller: Ashleigh Malinowski
Date: 05/15/20

38-40 Parallel St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Adalberto Colon
Seller: Bank New York Mellon
Date: 05/08/20

66 Pendleton Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $163,000
Buyer: Idalia Ojeda-Torres
Seller: Zuleika Rivera
Date: 05/11/20

158 Pendleton Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $159,500
Buyer: Peter Cortes-Soto
Seller: Aquarius Real Estate LLC
Date: 05/15/20

85 Pheland St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Jodanne St.George
Seller: Johannah E. Marcoux
Date: 05/11/20

35 Pinta Circle
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $251,400
Buyer: George E. Golderesi
Seller: Carrie L. Ramos
Date: 05/07/20

1360 Plumtree Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Mark A. Gayle
Seller: Rosanne T. Lyons
Date: 05/08/20

49 Ranney St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $167,500
Buyer: Luis Cruz
Seller: Inci Kavraz
Date: 05/18/20

16 Ravenwood St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $292,000
Buyer: Chris J. Anderson
Seller: Kimberly A. Goldsmith
Date: 05/15/20

56 Rosedale Ave.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Jonathan M. Westbrooks
Seller: Paul C. Macdonald
Date: 05/11/20

140 Slumber Lane
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Steven Al-Husseini
Seller: US Bank
Date: 05/19/20

110 Spikenard Circle
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $162,800
Buyer: MTGLQ Investors LP
Seller: Gary Fortune
Date: 05/12/20

110 Spikenard Circle
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Paul Plante
Seller: MTGLQ Investors LP
Date: 05/15/20

163 Spikenard Circle
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: CIG 4 LLC
Seller: Joseph A. Wandolowski
Date: 05/12/20

257 Spikenard Circle
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $229,900
Buyer: Diamante Seguin
Seller: Baystate Restoration Group
Date: 05/11/20

15 Sylvan St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Caleb A. Rozwenc
Seller: John J. Poirier
Date: 05/08/20

268 Talmadge Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Amneris Serrano
Seller: Dwain P. Devine
Date: 05/07/20

16-18 Trillium St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $234,000
Buyer: Juliana M. Evans
Seller: TFO Properties LLC
Date: 05/11/20

291 Tyler St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Yeidi Cartagena
Seller: Elnora Larry
Date: 05/08/20

79 Wait St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Solimar Colorado
Seller: Lindsay Carpentier
Date: 05/07/20

24 West Colonial Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $352,400
Buyer: Emmanuel Nava
Seller: Brenda A. McGaffigan
Date: 05/15/20

747 White St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $269,000
Buyer: Anthony Charles
Seller: Mark Wedderburn
Date: 05/15/20

200 Windemere St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $202,000
Buyer: C. A. Morales-Nieves
Seller: Chris Wiernasz
Date: 05/15/20

163 Winterset Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $222,000
Buyer: Matina S. Geanopoulos
Seller: Basile Realty LLC
Date: 05/08/20

115 Woodside Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $221,000
Buyer: Verleane Webb-Harris
Seller: Natasha Polite
Date: 05/07/20

1440-1442 Worcester St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $189,900
Buyer: Robert Caudle
Seller: Artur Formejster
Date: 05/06/20

SOUTHWICK

757 College Hwy.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $272,000
Buyer: Donald J. McClellan
Seller: Guy Stanhope
Date: 05/06/20

18 George Loomis Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Andrew S. Brower
Seller: Allissa A. Nugent
Date: 05/18/20

50 George Loomis Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $510,000
Buyer: David D. Eichstaedt
Seller: Howard P. Kelley
Date: 05/15/20

33 Gillette Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $123,000
Buyer: Peter J. Theodorowicz
Seller: Robert N. Tingley
Date: 05/15/20

61 Hastings Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: PHH Mortgage Corp.
Seller: Consuelo M. Carlson
Date: 05/08/20

353 North Loomis St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Phillip Price
Seller: Seth Girace
Date: 05/14/20

151 Point Grove Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Frank Grillo Enterprises
Seller: Ransford W. Kellogg Post
Date: 05/07/20

WALES

4 Cordially Colony
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $277,000
Buyer: Cynthia L. Price
Seller: Robert J. Pierce
Date: 05/08/20

WESTFIELD

109 Apremont Way
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $3,700,000
Buyer: Triple 7 LLC
Seller: DMA Associates LLC
Date: 05/08/20

2 Bristol St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $138,600
Buyer: Home Team LLC
Seller: Bank New York Mellon
Date: 05/15/20

22 Canterbury Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $399,900
Buyer: Cole Skinner
Seller: Oak Ridge Custom Home Builders
Date: 05/13/20

58 Day Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Oscar N. Naranjo
Seller: Berdahowski, Stanley F., (Estate)
Date: 05/18/20

9 Dickinson Place
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $272,000
Buyer: Therese Burdick
Seller: Stephen J. Bouffard
Date: 05/19/20

723 Holyoke Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: First Tennessee Bank
Seller: Kerry A. Little
Date: 05/11/20

15 Laro Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Francis B. Marsh
Seller: Raymond K. Broderick
Date: 05/15/20

11 Pineridge Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $197,000
Buyer: 11 Pineridge Drive RT
Seller: Swiecanski, Henry S., (Estate)
Date: 05/19/20

1335 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Armor Fire Technologies
Seller: Judith E. Hoey
Date: 05/15/20

WILBRAHAM

3068 Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $202,000
Buyer: Manuel Santos
Seller: Peter Baruffaldi
Date: 05/11/20

3116 Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Nicholas A. Ouano
Seller: Steven A. Maiolo
Date: 05/08/20

4 Danforth Farms Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Brian M. Chapdelaine
Seller: Dan Roulier & Associates
Date: 05/08/20

2 Judith Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Timothy A. Provost
Seller: Shashi D. Desai
Date: 05/15/20

3 Millbrook Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $356,000
Buyer: Robert E. Dooley
Seller: Kelnate Realty LLC
Date: 05/19/20

19 Scenic Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Daniel J. Gomez
Seller: James M. Lagodich
Date: 05/15/20

24 West Colonial Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $352,400
Buyer: Emmanuel Nava
Seller: Brenda A. McGaffigan
Date: 05/15/20

WEST SPRINGFIELD

530 Bear Hole Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Joseph A. Judge
Seller: Amy L. Mendrala
Date: 05/15/20

99 Brookline Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Jason S. Phillips
Seller: Michael Lastoria
Date: 05/15/20

64 Hill St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Turian L. McCollum
Seller: Ruslan Kuychiyev
Date: 05/08/20

16 Jensen Circle
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Christopher R. Shain
Seller: John Bielanski
Date: 05/18/20

108 Jensen Circle
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $219,400
Buyer: Ellen C. Shaw
Seller: Samuel Spinazzola
Date: 05/18/20

600 Kings Hwy.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Bernice McKenna
Seller: Kaydoke RT
Date: 05/14/20

72 Lower Beverly Hills
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $196,000
Buyer: Joshua Daly
Seller: Wilmington Savings
Date: 05/15/20

149 Lower Beverly Hills
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $159,000
Buyer: Steven T. Sullivan
Seller: Stephen V. Zambelli
Date: 05/08/20

990 Piper Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $271,000
Buyer: Riteshkumar R. Patel
Seller: Clara P. Calabrese
Date: 05/07/20

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

58 Belchertown Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Neal B. Patel
Seller: Keith O. Kaneta RET
Date: 05/15/20

86 Lindenridge Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $824,900
Buyer: Gregory S. Vorderstrasse
Seller: Catherine M. Cullen
Date: 05/13/20

3 Overlook Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Andrew J. Spracklen
Seller: Hubert, John F., (Estate)
Date: 05/08/20

10 Pine St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Pine Street Partners LLC
Seller: Smith Frank A., (Estate)
Date: 05/06/20

24 Tracy Circle
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Andrew T. Brace
Seller: Quyen Nguyen
Date: 05/13/20

100 University Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $5,175,000
Buyer: Gleason Johndrow Investments
Seller: Elysium LLC
Date: 05/08/20

3 Wildflower Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $438,000
Buyer: Matthew T. Hoyle
Seller: Dolly G. Jolly
Date: 05/18/20

45 Wildwood Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $410,900
Buyer: Donna C. Heussler
Seller: Elizabeth H. Alcaide
Date: 05/15/20

44 Woodlot Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Steven Palatt
Seller: Feldman, Barbara P., (Estate)
Date: 05/15/20

BELCHERTOWN

267 Barton Ave.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Maxwell Mayer
Seller: James G. Aberdale
Date: 05/18/20

44 Boardman St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Kayliegh J. Hodgen
Seller: Michael B. Mackay
Date: 05/18/20

Michael Sears Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Stephen Rock
Seller: Daguiar, Joseph L., (Estate)
Date: 05/18/20

59 Underwood St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: James W. Gelinas
Seller: James L. Beaumont
Date: 05/14/20

CUMMINGTON

32 Clark Road
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Bo Guyer-Carpen
Seller: Heywood Farms NT
Date: 05/15/20

28 Porter Hill Road
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $122,800
Buyer: Shelby L. Ellison
Seller: Douglas Noel
Date: 05/08/20

EASTHAMPTON

22 East Green St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Timothy J. Garceau
Seller: Geoffrey P. Rice
Date: 05/07/20

176 Main St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $348,000
Buyer: Timothy A. Brault
Seller: Kara Y. Wood
Date: 05/15/20

GRANBY

92 East St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Harvey J. Lafleche
Seller: Anne M. Knox
Date: 05/15/20

72 West St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $162,500
Buyer: Nathan M. Henry
Seller: Joanne Henry
Date: 05/08/20

HADLEY

66 Stockbridge St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Amy E. Chapman
Seller: Morton, Bruce N., (Estate)
Date: 05/08/20

HATFIELD

14 Chestnut St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Adam J. Barker
Seller: DMP T
Date: 05/11/20

King St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Walter R. Thayer
Seller: Harriet M. Tetrault
Date: 05/15/20

24 North Hatfield Road
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $348,000
Buyer: Jacklyn M. Szawlowski
Seller: Thomas J. Wickles
Date: 05/15/20

NORTHAMPTON

19 Arlington St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: Leeor Jaffe
Seller: Simone Topal
Date: 05/15/20

122 Florence St.
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Elizabeth M. Burnworth
Seller: Robin M. Larochelle
Date: 05/07/20

8 Fox Farms Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Zachary M. Lipkin-Moore
Seller: O’Connor FT
Date: 05/11/20

60 North Elm St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Michael Chill
Seller: Joseph R. Gaubinger RET
Date: 05/18/20

126 North Maple St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: John & Doris Szawlowski FT
Seller: Jacklyn M. Szawlowski
Date: 05/08/20

117 Olander Dr. #10
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $550,792
Buyer: James A. Glickman
Seller: Sunwood Development Corp.
Date: 05/08/20

117 Olander Dr., #11
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $464,518
Buyer: Susan Hogan
Seller: Sunwood Development Corp.
Date: 05/08/20

19 Pine Brook Curve
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $322,500
Buyer: Michael Lesley
Seller: Wilmington Savings
Date: 05/07/20

375 Rocky Hill Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: David A. Toone
Seller: Barbara C. Dunn
Date: 05/19/20

12 Winslow Ave.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $523,000
Buyer: Felice Lesser
Seller: Nu-Way Homes Inc.
Date: 05/06/20

PELHAM

328 Amherst Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $560,000
Buyer: Gregor S. Semieniuk
Seller: Patricia Millington
Date: 05/15/20

PLAINFIELD

54 South Union St.
Plainfield, MA 01070
Amount: $251,000
Buyer: Lyla Rozelle
Seller: John G. Hanhardt
Date: 05/08/20

SOUTH HADLEY

285 Brainerd St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $257,000
Buyer: Mary K. Carroll-Bowlick
Seller: Hector L. Santiago
Date: 05/07/20

20 Chestnut Hill Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $344,000
Buyer: Benjamin Sabbs
Seller: Kenneth B. Minor
Date: 05/15/20

148 Old Lyman Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $337,000
Buyer: April B. Bellafiore
Seller: Todd W. Perkins
Date: 05/11/20

28 North St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $209,900
Buyer: Gregory Pandoli
Seller: Michael Ermold
Date: 05/14/20

11 Silver St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $289,000
Buyer: Patricia Stefanelli
Seller: Joseph A. Stefanelli
Date: 05/18/20

SOUTHAMPTON

5 Gilbert Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $263,000
Buyer: Douglas L. Schonlaw
Seller: Jennifer C. Leveille
Date: 05/15/20

69 Moose Brook Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $271,900
Buyer: Jesse Coughlin
Seller: Kathryn R. Riel
Date: 05/14/20

90 Pleasant St.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $469,900
Buyer: Alex S. Engelson
Seller: Chester J. Kellogg
Date: 05/08/20

WARE

158 Osborne Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Ann M. Votta
Seller: Julia A. Critelli
Date: 05/13/20

10-12 Pleasant St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Douglas P. Gauthier
Seller: Brian T. Hatch
Date: 05/08/20

60-62 Pleasant St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $180,500
Buyer: Arielle V. Day
Seller: Melanie C. Dodge
Date: 05/08/20

3 Walter Dr.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Melissa Hancock
Seller: Michael Huse
Date: 05/06/20

WESTHAMPTON

242 Kings Hwy.
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Thomas Raschi
Seller: Jason T. Novak
Date: 05/11/20

WORTHINGTON

140 Cudworth Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Douglas A. Noel
Seller: Heywood Farms NT
Date: 05/08/20

Building Permits

By BusinessWest Staff June 9, 2020

Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the month of May 2020. (Filings are limited due to closures or reduced staffing hours at municipal offices due to COVID-19 restrictions).

CHICOPEE

Chicopee Property
443-445 Chicopee St.
$5,000 — Demolish metal building

Christy Real Estate, LLC
390 Burnett Road
$150,000 — Roofing

Elms College
291 Springfield St.
$98,995 — Roofing

New England Tel. and Tel. Co.
29 Riverview Ter.
$188,772 — Remove and replace existing air-conditioning system

Tabernacle Baptist Church
603 New Ludlow Road
$30,000 — Repair sills and floor joist, replace entry door and windows, repair handicap ramp

LENOX

Berrydale, LLC
7 Hubbard St.
$40,000 — Repair front porch of building

Jaki Nominee Trust
12 Housatonic St.
$9,000 — Outdoor dining awning

MRG CRW Holdings, LLC
55 Lee Road
$7,543 — Replace fire-alarm panel and tie into fire-alarm network

SPRINGFIELD

Mittas Hospitality, LLC; DD Development, LLC; and Rudra Realty, LLC
1500 Main St.
$326,173 — Remodel first-floor lobby, bar, kitchen, and restaurant at Tower Square Hotel

For Those Who Keep the Shelves Stocked, Many Lessons Have Been Learned

By George O'Brien June 8, 2020

Coronavirus

Supply Chain of Events

By George O’Brien

Supply chain.

That’s a two-word phrase that had rarely made its way into the lexicon of most area residents before the COVID-19 pandemic; it was generally assumed that the shelves in the stores would be crammed with product — because they always had been.

But in a year when there have been shortages of cleaning supplies, surgical masks, beef, fish, hair coloring, paper towels, ice cream, rice, frozen pizza, and, yes, toilet paper — a product that has become a metaphor for a crisis — people can no longer take supply chain, and full shelves, for granted.

This has been a learning experience — on a number of levels.

So too for those who work to keep the shelves stocked. For them, it’s a time of relationship building, finding new ways of doing things, and providing ongoing proof that, while the supply chain has been bent — severely and repeatedly — it hasn’t, in their minds, been broken.

Michael D’Amour

“The supply chain has definitely been tested through all this, and there have been shortages of some things, as everyone knows,” said Michael D’Amour, chief operating officer at Springfield-based Big-Y, the fourth-generation, family-owned grocery chain. “But, overall, I think this crisis has shown just how resilient the supply chain is.”

Doug Baker, vice president of Industry Relations for the Food Marketing Institute, (FMI) agreed.

“Almost weekly we’re getting back numbers, and we’re still seeing double-digit growth across many categories — and you can’t have double-digit growth if inventory is not available,” he said, referring to specific product lines ranging from cleaning supplies to frozen foods. “It’s just a matter of matching inventory with consumer demand, and that’s been the challenge.

Doug Baker

“And that’s why we’ve seen shortages — because that inventory output hasn’t been able to rise to the level of consumer demand,” he went on, adding that recent numbers show a slowing of demand that is giving many producers at least a chance to catch up.

In March, on average, the industry was seeing 35% to 40% increases in overall sales volume, Baker said, while in late May, the number was closer to 20% to 25%.

“We’re seeing sales slow, which is helpful because it allows the supply chain to catch up to an extent,” he explained. “But we also have to understand that those are still pretty significant increases, and we’re not going to go back to pre-COVID days, because the public still has yet to engage in a livelihood that they engaged in before the pandemic, and that’s based on where you see them spending their food dollar.”

D’Amour agreed, noting that, as May turned to June, a good number of people were still in something approaching lockdown mode. They were eating most meals at home because restaurants were only open for takeout. They were also still working at home and, therefore, eating lunch at home. Meanwhile, children are home from school, and college students are home as well. This all adds up to people buying more at the supermarket.

As phase 2 of Gov. Charlie Baker’s reopening plan takes effect on June 8, restaurants will be opening for curbside dining, and preschools and day camps will be reopening. And as more and more people go back to their offices — the ones they left in March for space on their dining room table — the ratio of food dollars spent out of the home will start to rise higher.

How long it will take to reach pre-COVID levels — when 54 cents of each dollar was spent outside the home — remains to be seen, said Baker. However, what is certain is that the situation is fluid at best and it could change in a hurry if cases start to surge, a second wave arrives, and people start spending more time working — and eating — at home.

Meanwhile, this new normal has essentially forced chains like Big Y to forge new alliances with suppliers, said D’Amour, noting that as restaurants, colleges, and schools of all kinds closed earlier this year, this created an enormous surplus of inventory, but put the demand on grocery stores, while also creating an opportunity to redeploy goods and resources to grocery retail to meet demand and reduce waste.

One such alliance, one that typifies how suppliers and grocers are working together to forge solutions, involves Little Leaf Farms in Shirley, a local partner and grower of lettuce that saw demand decline dramatically as schools and restaurants closed a few months back and was looking for new opportunities to sell product and reduce the kind of waste that was seen almost nightly on major news broadcasts.

“They’re one example of so many local partners who have sat down with us and worked to figure out how to maximize business between us and keep their stuff growing and moving through the pipeline when the restaurants were shut down,” D’Amour explained. “We worked with them on supply and hotter deals and pricing to keep it moving through the grocery channels.”

For this issue, BusinessWest talked with several players involved with supply chain about the lessons learned to date and how they will help the broad food industry through the uncertain months to come.

Food for Thought

As noted earlier, the laws of supply and demand generally take care of shortages on store shelves — in normal times.

But these are not normal times, said those we spoke with. Still, those laws have applied to items like surgical masks. Hard to find only six weeks ago, they are now seemingly everywhere, and in large quantities, as a number of companies started making them — and more of them.

“Everyone’s getting into the mask business now,” Baker explained, adding quickly that it’s much easier to convert machines to make those products than it is to supply more canisters of Lysol or make more rolls of toilet paper, as simple as that might sound.

“Paper manufacturers have been putting in additional lines,” he said. “But the challenge the industry is facing now is that there two types of fiber used to make toilet paper — there’s recycled fiber and there’s virgin fiber, and with recycled fiber, the supply is low, and not every machine can be converted to use virgin fiber, so you’re going to have less output if you can’t convert.”

And sometimes, because of the pandemic, producers simply cannot meet demand.

That was the case for several weeks — although matters have improved — when it came to supplies of meat and chicken, said Baker, noting that, early on, plants were shut down temporarily. And when they reopened, to keep workers safe, production lines were altered in ways that actually slowed production.

Such specific cases help explain shortages of particular items, said those we spoke with, adding that, overall, many of the empty shelves result from unprecedented demand and panic buying that is starting to wane in many instances. But as the year continues, more lessons will certainly be learned, said D’Amour, adding that there have been plenty of learning experiences already.

Elaborating, he said that, from the beginning, those at Big Y have been watching what’s happening globally, anticipating, and “trying to get on top of things” — a phrase he would use many times — when it comes to everything from employee and customer safety to creating efficient traffic flow in the stores, to keeping items on the shelves.

This has obviously led to new policies and procedures — from the directional arrows on the floors to special hours created for seniors to the plexiglass screens at the check-out counters.

“For us, the biggest component is the people part, and that continues to be stressed by our suppliers, wholesalers, and others,” he said, adding that, while much of that panic buying and hoarding is being talked about in the past tense, the need for diligence remains, and chains like Big Y can’t let their guards down.

Getting back to the supply chain, D’Amour said it has been a struggle in some well-documented areas, but suppliers are responding by trying to increase supply and also reduce the number of overall SKUs to help put some product on the shelves.

“Where people are used to walking down the paper aisle and seeing 150 different choices of bath tissue and paper towels, now they’re seeing far fewer,” he said. “But products are coming back; we’re working with all our partners to get them back in.”

Perhaps the biggest key to providing quality service to customers during the crisis has been efforts to forge new partnerships and stronger relationships with those within the food-service industry, said D’Amour. He mentioned ongoing work with Springfield-based Performance Food Group as one example.

“They’ve done a phenomenal job working with us, working together, to figure out what food they have stuck in the pipeline that we can use,” he explained, adding that, over the past several months, PFG, as it’s called, has even helped with trucking and labor for either Big Y’s warehouse or at wholesale partners. “Most of these partnerships we’ve had have been mutually beneficial, but there are strategies and tactics that we’ve never done before; everyone’s been very open and ready to fight the battle, work together, and think of new ways to partner for the benefit of the consumers.”

Paul Sellew

Which brings him to Little Leaf Farms. Paul Sellew, owner and founder of that facility, which began operations just four years ago, said it is now part of a larger local-food movement that not only puts fresher produce on the shelves, but in many ways helps ease flow of product through the supply chain.

“People don’t realize that 95% of the leafy greens that you see in the grocery store are grown in California and Arizona,” he explained. “And when you have this global pandemic, an unprecedented situation, that puts stress on the supply chain, so imagine managing a supply chain from Selinas, California to Springfield, as opposed to my supply chain, from Devens, Mass. to Springfield.”

Little Leaf has historically seen much of its business fall into the broad category of food service — restaurants, schools, and other institutions. But with the pandemic and the sharp decline of demand on that side, the company, like many other suppliers, has shifted into retail grocery, which has been a win/win/win, for those growers, the grocers, and, ultimately, consumers.

“When you get these unprecedented events, you really want to make this region stronger and more resilient, and food is such a strong, fundamental component of that,” he went on. “And that’s why we’re so grateful for partnerships like the one we have with Big Y, which has supported us from day one.”

Overall, there is a ‘new normal’ within the grocery/food-service industry, a phrase now being heard in virtually every sector of the economy. It involves a landscape that could change quickly and profoundly depending on the pandemic and its impact.

No one really knows when there will be real light at the end of the tunnel, said D’Amour, adding that Big Y, like all those it is partnering and working with, needs to remain nimble and flexible, and continue to work in partnership with others to not only keep the shelves stocked, but also keep people safe.

Bottom Line

Summing up the past several months, those we spoke with said it’s been a challenging and in many ways difficult time, where, again, many important lessons have been learned that will serve consumers, suppliers, and retailers well in the uncertain months still to come.

“The United States is a country of abundance, and the supply chain is a beneficiary of this abundance,” Baker said. “Yes, the supply chain is strained, and some shortages will be experienced, but it’s not broken — there are not critical disruptions in the supply chain.”

The hope, and the expectation, said D’Amour, is that things will stay that way.

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

State Transitions to Second Phase of Economic Reopening

By BusinessWest Staff June 8, 2020

COVID-19 Daily News

BOSTON — The Baker-Polito administration announced that phase 2 of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan begins today, June 8. Businesses and sectors set to begin opening in phase 2 are subject to compliance with all mandatory safety standards.

The following businesses will be eligible to reopen immediately, with contingencies:

• Retail, with occupancy limits;

• Childcare facilities and day camps, with detailed guidance;

• Restaurants, outdoor table service only;

• Hotels and other lodgings, but no events, functions, or meetings;

• Warehouses and distribution centers;

• Personal services without close physical contact, such as home cleaning, photography, window washing, career coaching, and education tutoring;

• Post-secondary, higher education, vocational-technical, and occupational schools for the purpose of completing graduation requirements;

• Youth and adult amateur sports, with detailed guidance;

• Outdoor recreation facilities;

• Professional sports practices, but no games or public admissions;

• Non-athletic youth instructional classes in arts, education, or life skills in groups of less than 10;

• Driving and flight schools;

• Outdoor historical spaces, but no functions, gatherings, or guided tours; and

• Funeral homes, with occupancy limits.

The following businesses will be eligible reopen later in phase 2, at a date to be determined:

• Indoor table service at restaurants; and

• Close-contact personal services, with restrictions, including hair removal and replacement, nail care, skin care, massage therapy, makeup salons and makeup-application services, tanning salons, personal training (with restrictions), and tattoo, piercing, and body-art services.

A full list with safety protocols is available at www.mass.gov/reopening.

Healthcare providers may also incrementally resume in-person elective, non-urgent procedures and services, including routine office visits, dental visits, and vision care subject to compliance with public health and safety standards. All other in-person medical, behavioral-health, dental, and vision services may also resume on June 8, except for elective cosmetic procedures and in-person day programs, which will be included in phase 3. Telehealth must continue to be utilized and prioritized to the greatest extent possible, whenever feasible and appropriate.

Limited reopening of visitation will also begin, and all visitation is subject to infection-control protocol, social distancing, and face coverings. Given the diversity of facilities and programs, there are specific timetables for visitation, and congregate-care programs will be reaching out to families with specific details on scheduling visits.

On May 18, the administration released a four-phased plan to reopen the economy based on public health data, spending at least three weeks in each phase. Key public health data, such as new cases and hospitalizations, has been closely monitored and seen a significant decline, allowing for phase 2 to begin.

The public-health dashboard designating the progress of key COVID-19 data metrics has been updated to reflect the number of COVID-19 patients in Massachusetts hospitals to green, indicating a positive trend.

Since mid-April, the seven-day average for the positive COVID-19 test rate is down 82%, the three-day average of hospitalized patients is down 55%, and the number of hospitals in surge is down 76%.

A total of 630,000 viral COVID-19 tests have been completed, and testing continues to increase throughout the state.

The Zoo at Forest Park Announces Reservation-only Reopening Today

By BusinessWest Staff June 8, 2020

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center has received approval from the city of Springfield to open for the 2020 season. The zoo will reopen to the general public today, June 8 at 10 a.m. In accordance with Gov. Charlie Baker’s guidelines for the state’s phase 1 reopening plan, all zoo guests, including members, are required to have a timed ticket to enter the zoo.

To make a reservation, visit The zoo’s virtual box office at buytickets.at/forestparkzoo and select the date you would like to visit. From the drop-down menu, select the time of your visit. Tickets will be honored only for the time indicated on the ticket. Select how many adults, children, and/or seniors are in your party. Each time slot is limited to 10 visitors. Then, proceed to the checkout screen.

Current zoo members should also use this system to reserve time slots, utilizing the special member code sent out via e-mail; there will be no admission charge for members.

All guests should plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to the time indicated on their pre-purchased ticket. This ensures they are at the zoo ticket booth, awaiting entry, at their scheduled time. All guests over age 2 must wear a mask at all times while inside the zoo, unless prevented by a medical condition. Guests who are unable to wear a mask are asked to skip all feline exhibits in accordance with USDA regulations. Guests must remain six feet apart from other parties at all times and follow the one-way path around the zoo, avoiding sectioned-off areas and the inside of the barn.

For more information on purchasing tickets, visit www.forestparkzoo.org, or e-mail Gabry Tyson at [email protected].

West of the River Chamber to Host Virtual Annual Meeting, Town Updates

By BusinessWest Staff June 8, 2020

Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — With the government-mandated social-distancing restrictions in place, the West of the River Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting and town updates will be a virtual event this year.

“We feel we need to continue to move forward in this new environment and show our business community that we are here, active, and supporting our members during this time” Executive Director Robin Wozniak said.

The Zoom event will take place on Tuesday, June 23 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Not only is this a free event this year, but the West of the River Chamber board of directors want to give back to its members by awarding three $500 business grants during the event.

“Times are different now, and many businesses are struggling. We understand this and want to give back,” Wozniak said.

The event will also feature a talk on “Cybersecurity and Beyond,” a guest speaker, and Agawam Mayor Bill Sapelli and West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt giving town updates.

For more information and to register, visit www.westoftheriverchamber.com.

Researchers Call for New Federal Authority to Regulate Facial-recognition Technology

By BusinessWest Staff June 8, 2020

Daily News

AMHERST — A group of artificial-intelligence experts, including computer vision researcher and lead author Erik Learned-Miller of the UMass Amherst College of Information and Computer Sciences, recently proposed a new model for managing facial-recognition technologies at the federal level.

In a whitepaper titled “Facial Recognition Technologies in the Wild: A Call for a Federal Office,” the authors propose an FDA-inspired model that categorizes these technologies by degrees of risk and would institute corresponding controls.

“There are a lot of problems with face recognition, like breach of privacy, surveillance, unequal performance across subgroups, and profiling,” Learned-Miller explained. “Due to the high-stakes situations in which this technology is being deployed, such as in police work, financial decision making, and analysis of job applicants, harms from inaccuracies or misuse are a real and growing problem.”

Further, “people have proposed a variety of possible solutions, but we argue that they are not enough. We are proposing a new federal office for regulating the technology. We model it after some of the offices in the Food and Drug Administration for regulating medical devices and pharmaceuticals.”

He said the FDA provides a model or precedent of centralized regulation for managing complex technologies with major societal implications. Such an independent agency would encourage addressing the facial-recognition technology ecosystem as a whole. The whitepaper describing the researchers’ proposal is accompanied by a primer and basic introduction to the terminology, applications, and difficulties of evaluating this complex set of technologies.

Learned-Miller’s co-authors are Joy Buolamwini of MIT’s Media Lab and founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, computer scientist Vicente Ordóñez of the University of Virginia, and Jamie Morgenstern at the University of Washington. The project was supported by a grant from the MacArthur Foundation.

The authors write that, while various cities and states have begun to pass laws that provide oversight of facial-recognition technologies, these individual measures are not enough to guarantee the consistent protection of people’s rights or set shared expectations for organizations that buy and sell in the tech market. Although the task is complex, this whitepaper provides actionable recommendations.

Buolamwini said the paper is a starting point for how society might establish redlines and guidelines for a complex range of facial-recognition technologies. “Left unchecked,” the authors write, “they threaten to propagate discrimination and intensify the risks for eroding civil liberties and human rights.”

Last year, Learned-Miller and two others received an award from the International Conference on Computer Vision for work on one of the most influential face datasets in the world, Labeled Faces in the Wild. It has been used by companies like Google and Facebook to test their facial-recognition accuracy.

BusinessTalk with Mayor Nicole LaChapelle

By BusinessWest Staff June 7, 2020

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 2: June 17, 2020

Thom Fox interviews Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle

Photo Credit: Henry Amistadi

Thom and Mayor LaChapelle discuss her service on Governor Baker’s COVID-19 Reopening Advisory Board, resources business owners can access to reopen successfully, and challenges some industries may face in a post-COVID economy.

Sponsored by:

Also Available On

Peter Pan Bus Lines Resumes Service with CDC-approved Cleaning Process

By BusinessWest Staff June 5, 2020

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Peter Pan Bus Lines buses will be back on the road serving major cities along the Northeast corridor starting today, June 5, and the company has developed a new cleaning process to keep both customers and employees safe.

“Shutting down was one of the hardest things we have ever done,” said Peter Picknelly, chairman of Peter Pan Bus Lines and third-generation leader of the family-owned company. “We also know that our customers have been through a lot as well. So, we are happy to be back on the road, serving our customers again, but now using the best cleaning and sanitizing practices in the transportation industry.”

During the shutdown, Peter Pan Bus Lines continued to improve its contactless boarding procedures and technologies. The company also made a significant investment in its bus cleaning and disinfecting procedures. Currently, Peter Pan Bus Lines is the only bus company using CDC-approved PermaSafe to continuously kill viruses, including COVID-19, bacteria, germs, and mold on contact. The non-toxic product also purifies passenger cabin air while making the interior surfaces antimicrobial and self-sanitizing. The company also uses state-of-the-art Victory electrostatic handheld sprayers, together with the powerful BruTabS6 sealant, to sanitize and disinfect. The virus-killing sprayer is used over the bus. Peter Pan Bus Lines cleans all its coaches every day, with some of them being cleaned mid-route.

“No-contact boarding means that, once they have purchased their ticket online or through our app, all passengers have to do to board is to simply walk up to the bus and give the driver their name,” Picknelly added. “In terms of safety and sanitizing, we are leading the industry with our CDC-approved approach. In fact, a hospital recently asked us to clean their staff buses.”

In addition, passengers are required to wear a face mask at all times while boarding, traveling, and exiting the coach; the first row of seats behind the driver will not be open for passengers; while the bus is occupied, fresh air will be continuously circulating; and employees have been issued personal protective equipment, including face masks and hand sanitizer, to follow CDC recommendations.

Routes and schedules are still changing frequently, so customers should visit peterpanbus.com for the latest information.

Massachusetts Unemployment Claims Continue to Ease

By BusinessWest Staff June 5, 2020

Daily News

BOSTON — Massachusetts had 27,034 individuals file an initial claim for standard unemployment insurance (UI) from May 24 to May 30, a decrease of 10,584 over the previous week. Since March 15, a total of 924,239 initial claims have been filed for UI. For the same week, there were 575,862 continued UI claims filed, a decrease of 12,187 or 2.1% over the previous week. This marks the first decrease in continued UI weeks claimed since the beginning of the pandemic-related unemployment surge.

At 54,281, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) initial claims filed for the week ending May 30 were 93,313 less than the previous week. Since April 20, 573,077 claimants have filed for PUA.

The Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), which provided up to 13 weeks of extended benefits to individuals who have exhausted or expired their regular unemployment compensation since July 2019, was implemented on May 21. For the week ending May 23, 39,011 PEUC claims were filed, followed by 4,242 PEUC filings for the week of May 24 to May 30.

Max Scherff Appointed General Manager of the Red Lion Inn

By BusinessWest Staff June 5, 2020

Daily News

STOCKBRIDGE — Max Scherff has been appointed general manager at the Red Lion Inn. He will oversee the historic hotel’s operational strategy to ensure execution of Main Street Hospitality’s quality standards of service and hospitality.

As general manager, Scherff will be responsible for creating and maintaining a customer-driven hotel. He will also oversee and inspire employees to meet and exceed guest expectations by consistent delivery of both product quality and service excellence. Additional responsibilities include collaborating with Main Street’s vice president of Operations and director of Finance on budget concepts for the entire property.

“It is a great pleasure to have Max Scherff take the helm of the Red Lion Inn,” said Sarah Eustis, CEO of Main Street Hospitality. “With 20 years of leadership experience across the hospitality industry, he brings well-rounded knowledge, a lead-by-example philosophy, and enthusiastic attitude for hospitality.”

Prior to his new role at the Red Lion Inn, Scherff worked at Canyon Ranch in Lenox. While there, he served as hotel director and, before that, food and beverage director. Additional experience includes roles as assistant food and beverage director/director of banquets at the Omni Shoreham in Washington, D.C., and assistant food and beverage director at the Omni William Penn in Pittsburgh. Before heading to the East Coast, Scherff worked in San Francisco, holding leadership roles at the Palace Hotel and the Fairmont, where he was named employee of the year in 2011.

Mural Inspired by Death of George Floyd Being Painted at MLK Jr. Family Services

By BusinessWest Staff June 5, 2020

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — A mural inspired by the death of George Floyd that will pay tribute to unarmed people of color killed by police, titled “Say Their Names,” is being painted on the Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services building, located at 3 Rutland St. in Springfield.

In addition to the mural, there will be an adjacent area where members of the community are encouraged to share their own tributes and remembrances. The project is organized by Common Wealth Murals, organizer of Fresh Paint Springfield, and Rosemary Tracy Woods, executive director and chief curator of Art for the Soul Gallery. The mural is hosted by Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services of Springfield.

The mural was designed and is being painted by internationally known muralist and graffiti artist Wane One from New York City, with assistance from two additional muralists, Nero and Souls. Wane One painted the East Columbus Avenue parking garage during the Fresh Paint Springfield Mural Festival in 2019 and a mural for the Friends of the Homeless shelter on Worthington Street in Springfield.

The mural, which will include the phrase “Say Their Names,” will feature the names of the more than 60 unarmed people of color who have been killed by police in the U.S. in the past 12 months (from June 1, 2019 to May 31, 2020). The people whose names are included on the mural are those whom police reported as unarmed when killed. The names and demographics of those killed, as well as the circumstances of their death, were drawn from the research by Mapping Police Violence.

According to the project organizers, “we were inspired to create this mural by the death of George Floyd. We believe more must be done to prevent the excessive use of force by police, which disproportionately harms people of color. We hope this mural will create a space for public and communal mourning, inspiration, and conversation. We believe free expression and community conversation during a time of heightened tension increases the likelihood of peaceful and constructive action. We hope that this mural will help people heal, process emotions, gain new understanding, and inspire concerted effort to eliminate individual and systemic racism.”

Wane One has been an active and progressive participant in the New York City graffiti community for 36 years, and has painted more than 35 public murals in New York City and around the world. He has designed for hip-hop groups and artists like Gangstarr, Jeru the Damager, and Group Home, as well as brands such as Nike, Reebok, New Balance, and RYU.

HCC, STCC Announce Small-business Resource Series

By BusinessWest Staff June 4, 2020

Daily News

HOLYOKE, SPRINGFIELD — Holyoke Community College (HCC) and Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) will jointly host a series of online workshops in June and July for area employers who want to explore programs, services, and grant-funded workforce-training opportunities to boost their small businesses.

Each of the three, 45-minute remote sessions will meet from 9 to 9:45 a.m. and focus on a different government funding source.

On June 18, Workforce Training Fund Outreach Manager Kristen Rayne will provide an overview of grant programs. On June 25, Oreste Varela, branch manager for the U.S. Small Business Administration office in Springfield, will talk about SBA programs and services available to prospective and current entrepreneurs who need assistance starting or expanding their businesses. On July 2, Melissa Scibelli, director of Workforce Development Programs for MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board, will discuss the Registered Apprenticeship program, an innovative, work-based learning model for new hires and incumbent employees that provides funds to assist businesses in closing critical workforce-gap shortages through on-the-job learning and related technical industry training.

The Small Business Resource Series is being offered by HCC and STCC through their Training and Workforce Options (TWO) partnership.

“COVID-19 is having a powerful impact on the workforce and our economy,” said Sharon Grundel, director of corporate training for TWO. “To emerge stronger, businesses really need to start retooling how they operate now, and that includes retraining their workforce to meet new workplace demands. Through TWO, HCC and STCC are at the crossroads of industry and education and perfectly positioned to assist.”

Advance registration is required for all sessions. To register, visit hcc.edu/business-series. Log-in information for each remote session will be supplied after registration is complete.

Leadership Pioneer Valley Hosts Drive-in Graduation for Class of 2020 Leaders

By BusinessWest Staff June 4, 2020

Daily News

HOLYOKE — Leadership Pioneer Valley (LPV) hosted a graduation ceremony for its nine-month regional leadership-development program, called LEAP, a little differently this year. This year’s group of 33 professionals from area businesses, nonprofits, and the public sector lined up in a parking lot at Holyoke Community College to hear video congratulations from employers and elected officials before receiving certificates. The program was also livestreamed on Facebook.

“This class has risen to new challenges that weren’t anticipated by anyone and gotten closer as a result,” said Lora Wondolowski, executive director of LPV. “As a result, they have applied crisis-leadership techniques in real time and are well-positioned to lead their teams and communities.”

Participants are trained in leadership skills by experts in a classroom setting. They also attend in-depth field experiences across the region, where they met with local leaders to explore the region’s economy, arts, and key issues. The program conducted the final three months virtually.

“Leadership Pioneer Valley is intentional is its efforts, inviting diverse participants to self-reflect personally and professionally,” said Taniesha Burton of Baystate Health, class of 2020 speaker. “It provided the opportunity to obtain invaluable concepts through observations and experiences, using insightful materials to explore the process. It helped me uncover areas to improve, while challenging me to press into strengths, honing them for the better.”

Leadership Pioneer Valley LEAP graduates worked in teams during the program with area nonprofits. Projects included creating a business plan for Greenfield Community College’s Food Pantry, organizing a signature fundraiser for Each Moment We Are Alive, organizing public support for an affordable-housing unit with One Holyoke, creating planning and promotion tools for the Springfield Central Cultural District, and diversifying the constituencies and offerings of MassAudubon’s Arcadia Sanctuary. The projects are designed to be in-depth, hands-on experiences that put the LPV curriculum into action for the benefit of communities in the Pioneer Valley. The majority of teams changed their projects to meet the changing needs of organizations in light of COVID-19.

Taylor Real Estate Schedules Move to Liberty Street in Easthampton

By BusinessWest Staff June 4, 2020

Daily News

EASTHAMPTON — Taylor Real Estate, which is celebrating 65 years of operation this year, announced it will move to a new location on Liberty Street in Easthampton this month.

Chuck Conner, a third-generation owner of the business founded by his grandfather in 1955, said the new office space offers convenient off-street parking for clients and staff as well as on-site storage for the firm’s plentiful ‘for sale’ signage, and a newer, brighter workspace for staff.

“We have been helping clients move for 65 years, and now it’s our turn to pack up and go,” Conner said.

He noted that the move is symbolic of moving the firm into the future, when ownership and operations will be assumed by his daughters, Megan Conner and Danica Achin, both licensed Realtors with the firm. In addition to working with buyers and sellers, Megan handles administration and advertising, and Achin is the rental division manager.

“We’re moving toward the future, Danica and myself being the fourth generation coming in,” Megan said. “We’re moving forward.”

For most of the past 65 years, the real estate firm run by the Conners has been located on Main Street, otherwise known as Shop Row.

Chuck Conner’s grandfather, Charles Taylor, founded the Charles W. Taylor Agency at 85 Main St. in 1955. In 1965, when Taylor passed the business to his daughter, Bernice, and her husband, Bob Conner — Chuck’s parents — the business was run out of the Conners’ Easthampton home.

Around 1980, the Conners reopened the office at 77 Main St., later moving to 87 Main St. — until now. Chuck Conner expects the move to 4A Liberty St. will be complete by mid-June. Liberty Street is off Union Street, making the new space central to downtown and also accessible to walkers and bicyclists arriving via the Manhan Rail Trail.

“We’ll still be steps to downtown,” Megan Conner said. “We are really excited. We’ve all been saying it will be a really nice, fresh start, especially as people are getting back to work after the pandemic closures and getting back to regular routines again. It will be really nice.”

Additional change has come in the form of new technology that allows a digital approach to marketing and communication and the execution of documentation. Houses can be shown to potential buyers via virtual visits made possible by professional photography, and closing papers can be signed electronically.

BusinessWest, HCN Will Honor the Heroes of COVID-19

By BusinessWest Staff June 4, 2020

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Since the phrase COVID-19 came into our lexicon, those working in the broad healthcare field have emerged as the true heroes during a pandemic that has changed every facet of life as we know it.

And over the past several months, the world has paid tribute to these heroes, and in all kinds of ways — from applauding in unison from apartment-complex windows to bringing hot meals to hospital and nursing-home workers; from donating much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE) to people putting hearts on their front lawns and mailboxes to thank first responders, healthcare workers, postal workers, and others.

BusinessWest and its sister publication, the Healthcare News, will pay tribute in their own way, by dedicating their annual Healthcare Heroes program in 2020 to those who are have emerged as true heroes during this crisis.

Healthcare Heroes was launched by the two publications in 2017 to recognize those working in this all-important sector of the region’s economy, many of whom are overlooked when it comes to traditional recognition programs. Over the years, the program has recognized providers, administrators, emerging leaders, innovators, and collaborators.

For 2020, the program will shift its focus somewhat to the COVID-19 pandemic and all those who are working in the healthcare field or helping to assist it at this trying time. All manner of heroes have emerged this year, and we invite you to nominate one — or several — for what has become a very prestigious honor in Western Mass.: the Healthcare Heroes award.

Here are some examples of those who have become real heroes:

• Doctors and nurses;

• Emergency-room personnel, including doctors, nurses, orderlies, techs, triage, receptionists, and others;

• EMTs;

• Police and firefighters;

• Nursing-home personnel, everyone from frontline providers to administrators;

• End-of-life care providers;

• Administrators leading the efforts to battle the pandemic;

• Behavioral-health practitioners helping people and families navigate this crisis;

• Individuals and groups from our community who have stepped up to help healthcare workers with everything from hot meals to PPE;

• Companies that have pivoted and commenced production of materials such as PPE to help those in healthcare confront the pandemic;

• Scientists working behind the scenes to develop a vaccine or new types of PPE; and

• Truck drivers delivering supplies to hospitals and other providers.

These are just a few examples, and there are myriad others. In truth, everyone who goes to work in a hospital, nursing home, assisted-living facility, or other healthcare facility, thereby risking their own health, and perhaps their life, is a hero.

In many respects, all these heroes will be honored at the Healthcare Heroes event, now scheduled for this fall at the Springfield Sheraton. And to honor all of them, we want to bring to the podium a number of individuals and groups that represent everyone who has become a hero in these trying times.

To assist those thinking of nominating someone for this honor, we are simplifying the process. All we desire is a 400- to 500-word essay and/or two-minute video entry explaining why the group or individual stands out as an inspiration, and a truly bright star in a galaxy of healthcare heroes. These nominations will be carefully considered by a panel of independent judges, who will select the class of 2020.

The deadline for nominations is July 1. For more information on how to nominate someone for the Healthcare Heroes class of 2020, click here. Videos can be sent via dropbox to [email protected].

Pearson Wallace Insurance Sponsors Amherst Area Chamber Reopening Series

By BusinessWest Staff June 3, 2020

COVID-19 Daily News

AMHERST — The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, along with presenting sponsor Pearson Wallace Insurance, launched a three-part series for small businesses on the reopening of the economy, featuring local experts.

“Due to the COVID-19 crisis and related health and safety restrictions being lifted with each phase of reopening Massachusetts as laid out by the Baker administration, we are working in concert to provide optimal support for a recovery plan,” said Claudia Pazmany, executive director of the Amherst Area Chamber. “As a chamber in the time of COVID-19, we have been working on a theme of ‘response, reopening, recovery.’ Every step we have taken has been in response to the changing health and economic climate due to COVID-19, then putting wheels in motion toward proactively preparing for reopening and recovery, and this program falls in line at the right time.”

The three-part series begins with “The Business of Returning to Work: Reopening with Confidence” today, June 3, from 10 a.m. to noon, presented by Thomas Reidy, Kathryn Crouss, and Meaghan Murphy, attorneys with Bacon Wilson, P.C.

“Property and Casualty Insurance Returning to Work Considerations: Reopening with Confidence” will follow on Wednesday, June 10 from 10 to 11:30 a.m., presented by Beth Pearson and Alex Pearson Bennett of Pearson Wallace Insurance.

The series concludes with “New Changes to PPP Forgiveness: How Does This Affect Your Loan Repayments?” on Wednesday, June 17 from 10 to 11:30 a.m., presented by Brandon O’Donnell, CPA with Boisselle, Morton & Wolkowicz, LLP, along with a commercial-loan officer at bankESB.

“This is important for us to host because we know our local businesses are incredibly challenged and are operating without a compass in these uncharted and stormy waters,” Pearson said. “We have brought together a team who can provide legal, accounting, and insurance direction for considerations for opening and keeping their staff and customers safe.”

E-mail Pazmany at [email protected] with any questions.

Basketball Hall of Fame Postpones Class of 2020 Induction Ceremony to 2021

By BusinessWest Staff June 3, 2020

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Basketball Hall of Fame class of 2020 induction weekend has been moved to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re definitely canceling,” Jerry Colangelo, chairman of the board of governors of the Hall of Fame, told ESPN. “It’s going to have to be the first quarter of next year. We’ll meet in a couple weeks and look at the options of how and when and where.”

Headlined by Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, and the late Kobe Bryant, the class of 2020 also includes Tamika Catchings, Kim Mulkey, Barbara Stevens, Eddie Sutton, Rudy Tomjanovich, and Patrick Baumann.

The Hall of Fame initially targeted Columbus Day weekend as a possible alternative, but Colangelo called those dates “just not feasible.” He also confirmed that the class of 2020 will have its own ceremony distinct from the one that will eventually be held for the class of 2021.

Elms College Appoints Richard Meelia as Trustee

By BusinessWest Staff June 3, 2020

Daily News

CHICOPEE — The Elms College board of trustees appointed Richard Meelia, principal of Meelia Ventures, LLC, as a new member of the board.

“I am delighted that Richard Meelia has accepted our invitation to serve on our board,” said Elms College President Harry Dumay. “I look forward to working with him and seeing how his business experience will contribute to our strategic thinking.”

From July 2007 until his retirement in July 2011, Meelia served as chairman, president, and CEO of Covidien, an $11 billion global healthcare-products company, following its separation from Tyco International in June 2007. Prior to that separation, Meelia served in a variety of senior leadership roles, including CEO and president of Tyco Healthcare.

“I look forward to serving on the Elms College board of trustees and working with board Chair Cynthia Lyons and the entire board,” Meelia said.

In addition to his business experience, Meelia has a passion for student experiential learning. He funded the Meelia Center for Student Engagement and Volunteerism at Saint Anselm College and has provided support to establish the Srs. Kathleen Keating and Maxyne Schneider Experiential Learning Fund at Elms College.

Meelia is the chairman of the board of Haemonetics, a global provider of blood and plasma supplies and services located in Braintree. He is also a member of the board of directors of several organizations, including St. Francis House in Boston, the largest day shelter in Massachusetts; Por Cristo, a Brighton nonprofit dedicated to improving the health of poor children and their families in Ecuador; and Conformis, a knee-replacement manufacturer in Billerica. He has served on the board of trustees of Saint Anselm College in Manchester, N.H.

Orders Close Today for Delaney House Meal Pickup at Curran and O’Brien Funeral Home

By BusinessWest Staff June 3, 2020

Daily News

SOUTH HADLEY — This is the final week for the COVID-19 pandemic food pickup taking place at Curran and O’Brien Funeral Home. Orders for the final week are being accepted until 2 p.m. today, June 3. Visit www.facebook.com/beth.w.dowd to place an order.

For the past five weeks, local South Hadley resident Beth Dowd has worked with the Delaney House restaurant coordinating individual meal pickups for the South Hadley community out of the Curran and O’Brien Funeral Home parking lot.

“I had been ordering meals through the Hadley pickup set up by RuthAnn Fitzgibbons, and she encouraged me to set up a South Hadley location because of the demand she was seeing for the South Hadley area,” Dowd said.

Much of the South Hadley community has taken advantage of this discounted meal opportunity, purchasing individual meals that are easy to reheat at a discounted rate of $5, she added. “Our first week, we had 125 meals ordered. Now we have grown to over 400 meals purchased each week.”

For many, this has been an opportunity to give back. Thanks to the generosity of the South Hadley community, monetary donations have been made to the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Food Pantry, and meal donations have been made to the South Hadley Police Department and Fire Post #1 and Fire Post #2 for the South Hadley Fire Department. Since Dowd continues to work full time from home, she enlisted the help of her family, especially her daughter, who is finishing up college, and her husband.

“I could not have done this without the help of my daughter and husband,” Dowd said. “My daughter is home from college and was able to treat this almost like an internship. It gave her some great work experience.”

State Releases Guidelines for Reopening of Childcare, Camps, Summer Programs

By BusinessWest Staff June 2, 2020

COVID-19 Daily News

BOSTON — The Baker-Polito administration released health and safety requirements that apply to the reopening of all childcare programs, recreational camps, and municipal or recreational programs not traditionally licensed as camps as part of the phased reopening of the Commonwealth.

The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) assembled a Health and Safety Working Group and solicited input from thousands of childcare providers from across the Commonwealth, as well as consulting with medical experts at Boston Children’s Hospital, to develop the “Massachusetts Child and Youth Serving Programs Reopen Approach: Minimum Requirements for Health and Safety.” These requirements must be implemented to protect the health and safety of all children, families, and staff and minimize the spread of COVID-19.

Childcare programs licensed by EEC will be required to submit plans to the department to be approved once phase-2 reopening begins. The department will provide templates for submission as the process is launched and will utilize an attestation approval process.

Recreational camps and municipal or recreational youth programs not traditionally licensed as camps may open during phase 3. Residential camps and other overnight stays will not be allowed until phase 3.

Prior to reopening, all programs must develop plans for daily health screenings and ways to identify children and staff who are sick, symptomatic, or who become exposed to coronavirus. Programs must also have a plan in place to handle possible closings, staff absences, and gaps in child attendance, as well as determine how to communicate with staff, parents, local boards of health, and others.

Programs must screen all staff and children with a temperature check before they are permitted to enter the childcare space. Programs must establish one entry point to ensure no one is allowed in the building until they pass a health screening.

Parents must wear masks or face coverings when picking up and dropping off their child on a staggered schedule and will be met at the door by staff.

Children over age 2 should be encouraged to wear a face covering, at the discretion of parents or guardians, if they can safely wear, remove, and handle masks. Certain exceptions are detailed in the guidance. Masks do not need to be worn while playing outdoors if children are able to keep six feet apart. Children should not wear masks while eating, drinking, sleeping, or napping.

Staff members are encouraged to wear masks or cloth face coverings at all times when caring for children and interacting with parents and families. If possible, the department recommends staff wear transparent masks to enable children to see facial expressions, which is important for child development.

Programs are asked to make additional changes to their operations, including canceling field trips and not holding activities involving attendance of multiple groups. Non-essential visitors, including parents and volunteers, will be restricted from entering the premises of childcare programs.

Group sizes must be restricted to a maximum of 10 children, with a total of 12 individuals including children and staff in each room. Consistent with pre-pandemic operations, the infant-to-staff ratio is smaller, with seven infants to two staff members and a maximum of group size of nine.

Children must remain with the same group each day and at all times while in care. Siblings should be kept in the same group, when suitable. Groups must not be combined at any time. The same staff must remain with the same group of children each day. Staff should not float between groups either during the day or from day to day, with some limited exceptions.

Group transportation should be provided only during the phased reopening when there is no other option to transport children to and from the program. Programs intending to provide transportation services should follow detailed guidance.

For summer day camps, campers and counselors will need daily health screenings, including temperature and other checks for signs and symptoms of illness. Camps will need plans in place for when a staff member or child becomes sick. Camp spaces will need to be prepared to ensure physical distancing, and camps will need to have at least two health-services staff on site at all times.

Other protocols require campers and counselors to stay together in their groups, and staff will not be able to move between groups either during the day or from day to day, unless needed to provide supervision of specialized activities such as swimming.

Snacks and meals should be brought from home, pre-packaged, or ready to serve in individual portions to minimize handling and preparation. When this is not feasible, staff must prepare and serve meals. No family-style food service is allowed.

Parents must wear face coverings, and camps must develop safe pickup and drop-off procedures to maintain social distancing. Camps may not take campers on field trips or for other off-site travel.

Employer Confidence in Massachusetts Rises in May

By BusinessWest Staff June 2, 2020

Daily News

BOSTON — The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Business Confidence Index gained 3.7 points to 42.1 two months after suffering the largest one-time decline in its history. The increase left the Index 15 points lower than in May 2019 and well below the 50-point mark denoting an optimistic outlook on the economy.

The rise in confidence came as Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker announced a four-phase process for reopening the state economy under strict workplace-safety guidelines. Employers hope a timely return to business will allow them to rehire some of the 1.2 million Massachusetts residents who have filed for unemployment since the onset of the pandemic.

“Employers are encouraged that Massachusetts has been able to moderate the number of new COVID-19 cases. We have said all along that the current economic crisis is being driven by the public-health crisis, and that’s what we see here,” said Raymond Torto, professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Design and chair of the Board of Economic Advisors (BEA).

The constituent indicators that make up the Business Confidence Index were uniformly higher during May. Employers’ confidence in their own companies rose 3.9 points to 45.7. The Massachusetts Index assessing business conditions within the Commonwealth increased 2.9 points to 37.4, leaving it 23.5 points lower than in May 2019. The U.S. Index measuring conditions nationally gained 3.9 points to 36.0, a drop of 19.0 points during the year.

The Current Index, which assesses overall business conditions at the time of the survey, was up 4.9 points to 36.1. The Future Index, measuring expectations for six months out, rose 2.6 points to 48.2. The Employment Index increased 3.5 points in May, while the Sales Index, a leading indicator, gained 2.1 points to 40.3.

Manufacturing companies (42.4) were slightly more confident than non-manufacturers (41.5). Medium-sized companies (44.0) were more optimistic than both large companies (40.4) and small companies (41.3). Companies in Eastern Mass. (44.3) were more optimistic than those in Western Mass. (38.6).

Elliot Winer, chief economist at Winer Economic Consulting and a BEA member, said any uptick in employer sentiment is important at a time when the COVID-19 virus caused the Massachusetts economy to contract at an estimated 6.1% annual rate during the first quarter.

“The fact that the Future Index is 12 points higher than the Current Index suggests that some employers believe they will be able to resume acceptable business volume as long as the virus remains under control,” Winer said.

AIM President and CEO John Regan, also a BEA member, said Baker’s deliberate reopening plan marks an encouraging first step to reopening the state economy in a safe and efficient manner.

“We realize that every employer in Massachusetts would love to hear that they can reopen immediately. But we also acknowledge that a phased reopening balances the need to restart the economy with the need to manage a public-health crisis that continues to claim many lives a day in Massachusetts,” Regan said. “Any decision by government to lift of the prohibition on non-essential businesses will be just the beginning for Massachusetts employers, who will in many cases need to reconfigure workplaces for social distancing and determine how to implement other safety measures, such as the wearing of protective equipment, continuing work-from-home policies, and ensuring the health of workers and customers.”

Monson Savings Bank Announces New Loan & Operations Center in Wilbraham

By BusinessWest Staff June 2, 2020

Daily News

MONSON — Because Monson Savings Bank continues to grow by adding new positions and new personnel, and has outgrown some of its spaces, some employees are moving this week into a new, 12,000-square-foot office space on the top floor at 75 Post Office Park in Wilbraham. This location will be the new Monson Savings Bank Loan & Operations Center.

The following departments will be moving: Commercial Lending, Residential Lending, Collections, Compliance, Retail Administration, Retail Operations, Business Development, Municipal Banking, and E-Banking. The main branch and corporate headquarters will still be located in Monson.

Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley Gives 300 Activity Backpacks to Boys & Girls Club

By BusinessWest Staff June 2, 2020

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The law firm Pellegrini, Seeley Ryan & Blakesley provided $3,000 and employees’ time to provide and distribute summer-activity backpacks to 300 children for the Boys & Girls club of Greater Westfield.

“We wanted to do something that would help keep children creatively, mentally, and physically engaged during this pandemic,” Partner Charles Casartello said. “It was also a wonderful opportunity for our lawyers and staff to roll up our sleeves and help do something productive for the community by physically assembling the packs in addition to funding them.”

The backpacks were stuffed with art supplies, puzzles, games, soccer and gym balls, and other items for children.

“The Boys & Girls Clubs are a haven for children,” PSRB Partner Patrick McHugh said. “They work every day to make a difference in kids’ lives. We wanted to aid that mission and provide a little joy for the kids who aren’t able to be at the club right now.”

Added Casartello, “it was a real team effort. We are so pleased to help out an organization that does so much for the community.”

bankESB Adds Brenna Breeding to Marketing Department

By BusinessWest Staff June 1, 2020

Daily News

EASTHAMPTON — Brenna Breeding has joined the bankESB Marketing Department as its digital marketing manager. In this role, she will be responsible for providing strategic, tactical, and analytical support for online and digital marketing initiatives for bankESB and across the member banks of its parent company, Hometown Financial Group.

Prior to joining bankESB, Breeding was the marketing communications associate with VentureWell in Hadley, and before that was the communications and marketing specialist for the Center for Responsive Schools.

Breeding earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware. She is an active volunteer in the Greater Springfield community and has been a member of the Junior League of Greater Springfield for seven years.

MCLA Innovation & Entrepreneurship Challenge Announces Three Winners

By BusinessWest Staff June 1, 2020

Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — Although this year’s Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Innovation & Entrepreneurship Challenge, held May 4-8, was a virtual affair, the college community still came together to view and vote for the three finalists’ pitches.

The finalists, all seniors, who pitched their business ideas via video, were David Flight, Kimberly Granito, and Sierra Lamonde. The students were coached through a series of deliverables — determining a solution to a problem, developing a budget and business plan as the road map for the project or business, and presenting before a panel of judges.

Granito’s Detailing Dream won first place, which came with a $7,500 award. Lamonde’s Pyrography Crafts placed second, for a $5,000 award, and Flight’s Settling the States won the $2,500 third-place award. The startup funding awards aim to cover inventory, equipment, and marketing costs for the three new businesses.

While this year’s challenge was different than past events, first-place winner Granito said the college made sure everyone had a good experience nonetheless. The sociology major, with minors in criminal justice and women, gender, and sexuality studies, admitted to being a little intimidated going into the challenge because she wasn’t a business major, but stressed that anyone could do it.

“It takes a lot of time to put a business plan together, but it was possible with the mentorship the challenge offers,” she said. “It’s such a great opportunity, even without the prize money, just learning the ins and outs of putting a plan together.”

Her winning business, Detailing Dream, is a car-detailing service meant to cater to people who may think they don’t have the time or money for such a service. Granito’s packages include lower-cost options that other companies don’t offer because they usually cater to luxury cars. Unlike most of her competitors, Granito’s business would also include a mobile option where she would come to the customer, so they could take advantage of the service without leaving their home or office.

“I was trying to cater to single women, single moms, and parents with kids who might be too intimidated to go to a big shop with all men,” she said. “I’m a female in a very male-dominated career — society has deemed cars a man’s hobby. It was empowering to be a female jumping into a male-dominated area.”

Second-place winner Lamonde said her business, Pyrography Crafts, aims to bring joy to customers by creating one-of-a-kind, handcrafted wood burnings of people, pets and other animals, cartoons, and more.

Flight’s Settling the States is a company that designs legacy board games inspired by the geographical regions of the U.S. The company’s first product, Settling New England, has players compete against each other to survive the changing seasons to become legend settlers.

Lee Bank Plans to Reopen Lobbies on July 6

By BusinessWest Staff June 1, 2020

Daily News

LEE — As Massachusetts continues its phased reopening plan, Lee Bank is targeting Monday, July 6 as the date it will reopen all bank lobbies for walk-in services. It will continue to post updated guidelines and information on its social-media accounts and website.

In the meantime, lobbies will remain open by appointment only, while other customers are encouraged to use drive-ups (in Lee, Lenox, and Stockbridge), ATMs, and online and mobile banking. Business hours for all branches are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Lenox drive-up is open on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

To schedule an appointment or speak to staff at any branch, call (413) 528-5531 in Great Barrington, (413) 243-0117 in Lee, (413) 499-9922 in Lenox, (413) 445-7270 in Pittsfield, or (413) 298-3611 in Stockbridge.

Massachusetts Initial Unemployment Claims Decrease Slightly

By BusinessWest Staff June 1, 2020

Daily News

BOSTON — From May 17 to May 23, Massachusetts had 37,618 individuals file an initial claim for standard unemployment insurance (UI), a decrease of 463 over the previous week. Since March 15, a total of 897,205 initial claims have been filed for UI. For the same week, 588,049 continued UI claims were filed, an increase of 5,009 or 0.9% over the previous week.

For the week of May 17 to May 23, 147,594 Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claims were filed, bringing the total of claimants who have filed for PUA to 518,796.

Phase 2 of Economic Reopening to Include Guidance for Restaurants, Hotels

By BusinessWest Staff May 29, 2020

COVID-19 Daily News

BOSTON — The Baker-Polito administration provided an update on the plan to reopen the Massachusetts economy and preparations for phase 2. The administration will determine the start of phase 2 on June 6.

On Monday, June 1, Gov. Charlie Baker will issue an executive order with a detailed list of sectors that fall into each phase. The order will allow phase 2 businesses to bring back employees in preparation for reopening. Through this order, professional sports teams can begin practicing at their facilities in compliance with the health and safety rules that all the leagues are developing. Facilities remain closed to the public.

The administration today issued workplace safety standards for restaurants and lodging, organized around four distinct categories covering social distancing, hygiene protocols, staffing and operations, and cleaning and disinfecting.

Outdoor dining at restaurants will begin at the start of phase 2. Indoor dining will begin later within phase 2, subject to public-health data. Even when indoor seating is permitted, use of outdoor space will be encouraged for all restaurants.

Social-distancing guidance includes spacing tables six feet apart with a maximum party size of six people. The use of bars, except for spaced table seating, will not be permitted. For hygiene protocols, utensils and menus should be kept clean through single use or with strict sanitation guidelines; reservations or call-ahead seating is recommended; and contactless payment, mobile ordering, or text on arrival for seating will also be encouraged.

Restaurants will be expected to follow cleaning and disinfecting guidelines, in accordance with CDC guidance. This includes closing an establishment temporarily if there is a case of COVID-19 in an establishment.

Hotels, motels, and other lodging businesses will be allowed to expand their operations in phase 2. Lodging safety standards apply to all forms of lodging, including hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, and short-term residential rentals including Airbnb and Vrbo.

Event spaces, like ballrooms and meeting rooms, will remain closed. On-site restaurants, pools, gyms, spas, golf courses, and other amenities at lodging sites may operate only as these categories are authorized to operate in accordance with the phased reopening plan. Lodging operators must also inform guests of the Commonwealth’s policy urging travelers to self-quarantine for 14 days when arriving from out of state.

Elms College Distributes CARES Act Funds to 425 Students

By BusinessWest Staff May 29, 2020

Daily News

CHICOPEE — Elms College distributed funds to 425 students under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Stability (CARES) Act, the college announced.

“We are pleased that we could ease the financial burden put on many of our students as they adapted to learning remotely during the pandemic,” said Financial Aid Director Richard O’Connor, adding that qualifying expenses included moving off campus and investing in technology to do classwork from home. “These funds have also helped offset childcare costs and preventive measures in addition to the treatment of COVID-19.”

Expenses such as food, housing, course materials, healthcare, childcare, technology, and transportation were considered as well. Overall, the college received 496 applications from students for emergency funding. The average amount awarded to the 425 students was $1,478.

Money spent on trips that the college had to cancel were also included in the funding requests that were granted. “We had several students who were affected by canceled mission trips, and I am grateful that these students were able to get reimbursed,” O’Connor said.

On March 27, Congress passed the CARES Act, which included specific guidelines for colleges and universities to distribute the funding. For example, half of each institution’s total grant allotment was earmarked for students in need of emergency aid, with the other half going to the institution to defray costs and expenses resulting from COVID-19.

Following passage of the CARES Act, Elms College received nearly $1.3 million. Half of the college’s allotment, just over $649,000, was reserved for eligible students in need of emergency aid, and the other half was issued to the college to defray costs and expenses as a result of COVID-19.

To date, the college has awarded more than $628,000 to students. The remainder of the allotment to students, approximately $21,000, will fund students’ future emergency needs.

UMass Amherst’s Olver Design Building Receives Architecture Institute’s Highest Honor

By BusinessWest Staff May 29, 2020

Daily News

AMHERST — The American Institute of Architecture’s (AIA) Committee on the Environment (COTE) announced recently that the John W. Olver Design Building on the UMass Amherst campus is a winner this year of its highest honor, the COTE Top Ten Awards. Projects “illustrate the solutions architects have provided for the health and welfare of our communities and the planet,” the AIA citation says.

The COTE jury wrote of the Olver Building, “the space is made possible by an innovative wood-truss system showing us how to reach beyond the cross-laminated timber (CLT) systems to make larger spaces. Its courtyard guarantees views and access to campus to everyone within the building and is well-integrated into the larger campus.”

Called the most technologically advanced CLT building in the country, the Design Building opened in 2017 to house the campus’s Department of Architecture, Building and Construction Technology Program (BCT), and Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning. The BCT program developed some of the CLT technology used and has since been testing native Massachusetts wood species for CLT suitability.

The building is named for former congressman and UMass Amherst Chemistry professor John Olver and was designed by Boston architectural firm Leers Weinzapfel. In 2014, Olver attended a talk by associate professor of Environmental Conservation Peggi Clouston of the BCT program. She noted how CLT construction using lower-quality wood was enjoying a comeback. Olver, recognizing an expanded use for regional wood, encouraged campus officials to consider adopting the new technology.

Built of CLT timber and glue-laminated columns, the 87,000-square-foot Design Building saves the equivalent of more than 2,300 metric tons of carbon compared to a traditional energy-intense steel and concrete building. It uses 54% less energy than a typical campus building and is one of two in North America to use CLT for wind and seismic resistance.

Its footprint once a parking lot, the building now includes a rooftop garden and rain-garden landscaping. A central courtyard highlights natural light while reducing heat loss. Its open central stairway invites visitors to take the stairs instead of an elevator.

Previously, among other awards, the Olver Design Building was named the Jury’s Choice for Wood Innovation in the WoodWorks 2018 Wood Design national awards for excellence in wood building design. In November 2017, it was honored with an Award of Merit in the Engineering News-Record list of New England’s 2017 Best Projects in the Higher Education/Research category.

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Food Insecurity Prompts Big Y to Make Second Round of Donations

MCLA Innovation & Entrepreneurship Challenge Announces Three Winners

Monson Savings Bank Announces New Loan & Operations Center

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Supply Chain of Events

Food for Thought

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Episode 2: June 17, 2020

Thom Fox interviews Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle

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