Warning Signs from Hampshire College

By
Opinion

Editorial

For years now, there have been rumblings from the world of higher education. Rumblings that times were changing and times were not particularly good. Rumblings that in some cases led to mergers among colleges, even a closing or two, and predictions that more were likely to come.

But the rumblings seemed far away, involving small institutions most of us had never heard of — Mount Ida College, Newbury College, the College of St. Joseph.

All of that changed last week, when Hampshire College President Miriam Nelson dropped what seemed like a bombshell, but what was in reality news that many saw coming. She announced that, amid falling enrollment and declining revenues, the nearly half-century-old college has commenced a search for a partner to help secure its future. The situation is so dire that school officials are not even sure if they’re going to admit a freshman class for this coming fall.

That decision will come in the near future, and in the meantime, the school will search hard for a merger partner, preferably one that will not only help it get back on solid financial footing, but enable it to maintain its non-traditional approach — there are no grades here, for example — and decidedly different ways of doing things.

Nelson is confident that such a partner can be found — other schools, such as Wheelock College, have forged such partnerships, in its case with Boston University — but time will tell.

Meanwhile, the announcement from Hampshire College should serve as a wake-up call, not that anyone in higher education really needed one, that times are, indeed, changing, and that imaginative, proactive steps are needed to secure the future of such institutions.

Numbers lie at the heart of this problem — all kinds of numbers, but especially those pertaining to the size of high-school graduating classes. They’ve been falling steadily over the past several years, and at an alarming rate.

With fewer students going to college, a survival-of-the-fittest scenario is emerging, and there are high stakes, not only for the colleges involved but the communities in which they reside.

Indeed, it’s no secret that, in addition to healthcare, education is the other pillar of the region’s economy — hence the phrase ‘eds and meds.’

Fortunately, for the most part, the ‘eds’ sector locally remains quite strong, and many institutions are faring well, primarily because they are fitter than some others.

And by fit, we mean aggressive in efforts to develop new programs and new revenue streams, and also tell their story. In short, they are not sitting on their hands, hoping and believing that times will get better and that what has worked in the past will work in the future.

At the risk of greatly oversimplifying things, this is exactly what has happened at Hampshire, and also Mount Ida and other schools.

Several schools in this area have been very proactive in finding new ways to attract students and remain vibrant. Bay Path University and the emergence of its cybersecurity programs is a good example (and there are many others there), and American International College’s ambitious expansion of its graduate programs (a strong sources of revenue) is another example.

The demographic patterns we’re seeing today are not projected to change anytime soon. High-school graduating classes are going to continue to get smaller, and colleges of all sizes — even this region’s community colleges — must be creative and entrepreneurial in their planning if they intend to not only survive but thrive.

If they’re not, there may well be more press conferences like the one at Hampshire College last week.

Employers Impacted by Shutdown

By
Opinion

Opinion

By Mark Adams

The ripple effects of the government shutdown have started to come to bear on employers.

Specifically, due to the partial government shutdown that began on Dec. 22, 2018, the E-Verify system is not available. According to the E-Verify site, operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), “E-Verify is currently unavailable due to a lapse in government appropriations. While E-Verify is unavailable, employers will not be able to access their E-Verify accounts. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to serving you once we resume operations. For more information, see E-Verify Unavailable.”

During the shutdown, employers will not be able to enroll in the program; access their E-Verify accounts; create a case; view or take action on any case; add, delete, or edit accounts; reset passwords; edit company information; terminate accounts; or run reports. Workers will not be able to resolve E-Verify Tentative Nonconfirmations (TNCs) during the shutdown.

In addition, myE-Verify will be unavailable, and employees will not be able to access their myE-Verify accounts.

To minimize the burden on both employers and employees, DHS announced that:

• The three-day rule for creating E-Verify cases is suspended for cases affected by the unavailability of the service;

• The time period during which employees may resolve TNCs will be extended. The number of days E-Verify is not available will not count toward the days the employee has to begin the process of resolving their TNCs; and

• Federal contractors with the Federal Acquisition Regulation E-Verify clause should contact their contracting officer to inquire about extending federal contractor deadlines.

Further information about what is and is not available online can be found at www.e-verify.gov/e-verify-and-e-verify-services-are-unavailable.

The shutdown does not affect an employer’s responsibility to verify employment eligibility through the Form I-9. Employers must still complete the Form I-9 no later than the third business day after an employee starts work for pay and comply with all other Form I-9 requirements.

Once the government operations fully resume, DHS will notify employers with additional guidance regarding the ‘three-day rule’ and time period to resolve TNC deadlines once operations resume.

Mark Adams is director of HR Services for the Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast (EANE), an Agawam-based company that provides resources for organizations to maximize employee engagement and retention while minimizing risk.

Picture This

By
Picture This

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



Asnuntuck Community College

Going Digital

In an effort to provide students with relevant skills for the workplace, Asnuntuck Community College has adopted eLABJournal, a software solution from Bio-ITech, a division of Eppendorf. eLABJournal is an intuitive and user-friendly application that is designed for laboratories in academic teaching and research labs as well as in commercial settings. Students using this platform in the classroom will gain valuable experience in electronic notebook and inventory/data management, which will better prepare them for their careers. Here, Asnuntuck student Samantha Fox is photographed in one of the college’s labs working with eLabJournal. Asnuntuck Community College’s Foundation provided the funding, through a mini-grant, for this software.





The West of the River Chamber of Commerce

Open for Business

The West of the River Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Box Paper Scissors to the Agawam community. The store, which opened in late December and is owned by Bryant Whitsett, offers a wide variety of products and services, including key cutting, notary, DVD transfer, office supplies, conference-room rental, space to sell and promote local products and services, shipping, mailbox services, faxing, and more. A grand-opening celebration was staged Jan. 17. Here, Whitsett is seen with employee Delaney Tanzer.





North Brookfield Savings Bank

Meeting a Need

North Brookfield Savings Bank (NBSB) recently thanked the community for the overwhelming success of its annual toy drive, during which the bank accepted thousands of donations of new and unwrapped toys and collected monetary donations in jars at its branch locations. Pictured are the Cindy Fountain (left) and Patty Ostrout of NBSB with officers from the North Brookfield Police Department, whose Toys for Joy program was one of many partnering organizations in the drive.





Officials from Holyoke Community College and Westfield State University

Nursing Degree Partnership

Officials from Holyoke Community College and Westfield State University signed a dual-admission agreement that streamlines the process for students who want to continue their nursing educations at Westfield after earning an associate degree in nursing at HCC. The RN-to-BSN completion program partnership was announced during a ceremony at HCC’s Center for Health Education on Jarvis Avenue, home to the college’s RN (registered nurse) and LPN (licensed practical nursing) programs and medical simulation center. From left: Diane Prusank, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs at Westfield State University; Ramon Torrecilha, president of Westfield State University; Christina Royal, president of Holyoke Community College; and Monica Perez, vice president of Academic Affairs at Holyoke Community College.

Court Dockets

By
Court Dockets

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

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Pedro Precipe v. City View Commons II, LLC and First Resource Management Co., LLC
Allegation: Negligence; slip and fall causing personal injury: $43,779.77
Filed: 12/3/18

Brianna Meade v. Governor’s Center RE, LLC
Allegation: Employment discrimination: $25,000+
Filed: 12/4/18

Susan Barai v. Borges Construction Inc.
Allegation: Negligence; slip and fall causing personal injury: $47,181.67
Filed: 12/4/18

Rosemary Askew v. Michael J. Spink, DDS, MD; and Facial Cosmetic & Maxillofacial Surgery, P.C.
Allegation: Medical malpractice: $16,742+
Filed: 12/5/18

Associated Scaffold Builders, LLC v. Timothy Ford d/b/a Ashmar Group Inc. a/k/a John Doe Corp.
Allegation: Breach of contract; money owed for materials, labor, and supervision: $23,607.13
Filed: 12/5/18

Peter Miele v. Jackson’s Auto Sales and Service
Allegation: Negligence causing personal injury: $20,000
Filed: 12/10/18

Fedex Corporate Services v. Turley Publications Inc.
Allegation: Money owed for transportation services: $26,825.10
Filed: 12/10/18

Christine Lemay-Kenyon v. University of Massachusetts
Allegation: Motor-vehicle negligence causing personal injury: $6,408.27
Filed: 12/12/18

HAMPSHIRE DISTRICT COURT
Taylor England v. B. Koi, LLC d/b/a Kisara Japanese & Korean Restaurant
Allegation: Failure to compensate for tips due, failure to pay proper hourly wages: $3,375
Filed: 12/4/18

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT
Margaret LaMotte v. Paragus Strategic IT Inc. and Delcie D. Bean IV
Allegation: Non-payment of wages, non-payment of overtime wages, retaliation, defamation, tortious interference with employment relationship: $45,000
Filed: 12/7/18

Agenda

By
Agenda

40 Under Forty Nominations

Through Feb. 15: BusinessWest is currently accepting nominations for the 40 Under Forty Class of 2019. The deadline for nominations is Feb. 15. Launched in 2007, the program recognizes rising stars in the four counties of Western Mass. Nominations, which should be detailed in nature, should list an individual’s accomplishments within their profession as well as their work within the community. Nominations can be completed online by visiting www.businesswest.com, clicking on ‘Our Events,’ and then ‘40 Under Forty.’ Nominations will be weighed by a panel of judges. The selected individuals will be profiled in the April 29 issue of BusinessWest and honored at the 40 Under Forty Gala on June 20 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke.

Stress Management and Resiliency Training Course

Jan. 28 to March 18: Baystate Franklin Medical Center announced it will offer the eight-week Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART) course in the hospital’s conference rooms on Monday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. Developed by the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, the SMART program helps participants achieve greater quality of life and an enhanced sense of well-being. The program teaches self-care practices that help buffer daily stress, making participants less emotionally and physically vulnerable to it. Stress affects more than just mental health; an estimated 75% to 90% of all doctor visits are for stress-related issues. Stress is a factor in five out of the six leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, stroke, lower respiratory disease, and accidents. Topics include techniques to improve eating, sleeping, and physical activity, as well as how to recognize an individual’s responses to stress and how to change though patterns. The cost is $150, which includes a workbook. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, call Pascucci at (413) 773-2741.

‘Speaking Out: For Women and Girls’

Jan. 30: #MeToo has galvanized a national reckoning about sexual harassment — but girls have been downplayed in the dialogue. “Speaking Out: For Women and Girls,” an event presented by Girls Inc. of Holyoke from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Delaney House, is doing its part to change the exchange. The need is dramatic. Sexual harassment doesn’t begin in the workplace, but starts much earlier: studies show that seven of 10 girls are harassed before they leave high school, and one in four girls experiences sexual abuse and assault in childhood. This is why “#GirlsToo: Respect Starts Young” inspired the night’s theme. #GirlsToo is a new viral media campaign launched by the national Girls Inc. organization that adds girls’ voices to this essential conversation. The moderator of “Speaking Out: For Women and Girls” is Victoria Ann Rodriguez, a litigation assistant at MassMutual and committee member of Springfield’s Puerto Rican Parade. The three featured local authors are Latoya Bosworth, Magdalena Gómez, and Crystal Senter-Brown. They have long advocated for women and girls and promise to present a lively, thought-provoking evening. Event tickets are $100 each and include an open bar and hearty appetizers. To purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/SpeakingOut2019. The authors’ books will be on sale at the event. All proceeds will benefit Girls Inc. of Holyoke.

Talk on Prosthetic Technology

Jan. 31: Kevin Carroll, a certified prosthetist and developer of the first prosthetic tail for a dolphin — portrayed by Morgan Freeman in the Dolphin Tale feature films — will speak with local amputees and show them what’s available with prosthetic technology and what’s on the horizon. The event will be hosted by the Hanger Clinic, 1985 Main St., Springfield from 5 to 7 p.m. Carroll is acclaimed for his work in creating the first prosthetic tail fluke for Winter, a young Atlantic bottlenose dolphin who got caught in a crab trap near Cape Canaveral when she was just three months old. Her tail fluke eventually came off, as it was severely damaged by the trap’s rope entanglement. Winter received round-the-clock medical attention at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to save her life. Having survived, she adapted to a less efficient, damaging side-to-side swimming style, as there was no tail fluke to give her thrust. Thanks to the ingenuity of Carroll and his colleague, Dan Strzempka, Winter became the first dolphin to have her entire tail fluke replaced with a prosthetic device. Additionally, the unique levels of research and development necessary to fit a prosthetic tail on a dolphin resulted in the development of WintersGel, a new gel material that is benefiting human amputee patients worldwide. Winter’s story of survival has become an inspiration to people all over the world. Springfield residents interested in meeting with Carroll should call (413) 313-5608.

Western Mass. Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Banquet

Jan. 31: Seven individuals and one team will be inducted into the Western Massachusetts Baseball Hall of Fame’s class of 2019. They include Justine Siegal, Dana LeVangie, Karl Oliveira, Mike Laga, Jim Jachym, Mark Belanger, Candy Cummings, and the 2018 Pittsfield Little League team. The class will be inducted at the Western Massachusetts Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Banquet, presented by Westfield Bank at 6:30 p.m. at Hadley Farms Meeting House, 41 Russell St., Hadley. The keynote speaker for the evening’s ceremonies will be Siegal, president and founder of Baseball for All, a nonprofit organization that empowers women to play, coach, and lead in baseball. Siegal became the first female coach of a Major League Baseball team in 2015, when the Oakland Athletics invited her to be a guest instructor for two weeks in the instructional league in Arizona. This year’s class is the sixth since the inaugural banquet in 2014. Since its inception, 35 individuals and four teams who have represented and served the baseball community of Western Mass. have been honored. Tickets for the banquet are $50, or $450 for a table of 10. Dinner and dessert are included. To purchase tickets, call (413) 533-1100 or visit valley-blue-sox.ticketleap.com/2019-hof.

‘DiSC for Sales’ Workshop

Feb. 28: Elms College will host a workshop to help salespeople and business leaders maximize their effectiveness with customers from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Faculty Dining Room in the Dooley College Center. The three-hour “DiSC for Sales” workshop, sponsored by the college’s MBA program and the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (CEL), will be led by Nancy Davis, Business Development specialist at CEL. DiSC for Sales is a model that supports people in sales roles and helps them to recognize and understand their own unique strengths and style, while also helping them build relationships with clients by learning to read each client and adapt to connect with them better. The model offers a concrete method and practical tools to help businesspeople engage with all personality styles. During the interactive workshop, Davis, a certified DiSC facilitator, will offer educational content, examples, activities, and opportunities for sales-oriented people to recognize customer priorities, what to emphasize to customers, and strategies that work with different personality styles. Prior to the event, participants will take an online assessment and receive a full report. The cost to attend is $199 per person, which includes the workshop and dinner. Space is limited. Register by Friday, Feb. 15 by e-mailing [email protected]. For more information, e-mail Davis at [email protected].

Springfield Leadership Institute

Feb. 28 to June 6: The 2019 Springfield Leadership Institute will focus on core management and leadership skills for increasing personal and organizational effectiveness. The practical and applied program will equip participants with the knowledge and skills to take their leadership to the next level. The Institute takes place on Thursdays from 1 to 4:30 p.m., and is directed by Robert Kleine III, dean of the Western New England University College of Business, and Associate Professor Stacie Chappell, who has a strong background in leadership development and consulting to a variety of organizations. The program is supported by the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation. All sessions will be held at the TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St., Springfield. Sessions will focus on managerial leadership, emotional intelligence and self-awareness, powerful communication, building high-performance teams, and leveraging conflict. Participants will actively explore best practices of leaders; analyze their own leadership, learning, and problem-solving styles; and experience the synergies that result from high-performing teams. The emphasis will be on experiential activities that provide opportunities to identify, develop, and refine skill sets for effective leadership. Participants will have the opportunity to apply and extend their learning through a practice-based team project. The program is designed for aspiring managers, new managers, and professionals interested in increasing their effectiveness and/or expanding their impact within or beyond their current role. Upon successful completion of Leadership 2019, participants will be eligible to enroll in a free graduate course offered through the College of Business at Western New England University (subject to certain requirements). Applications must be received by Thursday, Feb. 14. Tuition is $885 per participant and includes a day trip to Beacon Hill and a graduation dinner. For questions about the program or the application process, e-mail Grace Szydziak at [email protected].

Difference Makers

March 28: BusinessWest launched its Difference Makers program in 2009 to celebrate individuals, groups, organizations, and families that are positively impacting the Pioneer Valley and are, as the name suggests, making a difference in this region. The class of 2019 will be announced and profiled in the Feb. 4 issue and feted at the Difference Makers Gala on March 28 at 5 p.m. at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. Tickets are on sale now for $75. To reserve a spot, call (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or e-mail [email protected]. Event sponsors include Royal, P.C. and Burkhart Pizzanelli, P.C.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By
Chamber Corners

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

• Feb. 26: 1Berkshire Entrepreneurial Meetup. Looking to start up a business? Grow your network? Meet others with similar business interests? 1Berkshire is a countywide organization with an innovative approach to economic development. Get to know fellow entrepreneurs and business owners, rub elbows with local leaders, and share success stories at the monthly free Entrepreneurial Meetups. Free of charge. Register at www.meetup.com/1berkshire-alliance.

• Feb. 28: 1Berkshire February Chamber Nite, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Barrington Stage Co. Wolfson Center, 122 North St., Pittsfield. Join us for the February Chamber Nite in partnership with Downtown Pittsfield Inc. Members of either organization get in for free. Stick around after the event for discounted tickets to the 10×10 play festival. Register at www.1berkshire.com.

FRANKLIN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.franklincc.org
(413) 773-5463

• Feb. 7: Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Greenfield Savings Bank, 400 Main St., Greenfield. Come meet the chamber’s new executive director, Diana Szynal, at a wine and chocolate pre-Valentine’s Day networking event sponsored by Greenfield Savings Bank. Register at franklincc.org or e-mail [email protected].

• Feb. 22: Monthly Breakfast Series, 7:30-9 a.m., hosted by Greenfield Community College Cohn Family Dining Commons, One College Drive, Greenfield. Full breakfast will be served during the program, which will feature a panel on the ways businesses and secondary schools can benefit from each other and help the community. Sponsored by Franklin Hampshire Workforce Board. Register at franklincc.org or e-mail [email protected].

GREATER CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101

• Jan. 30: Annual HR Update, 8:30-10:30 a.m., hosted by Hampton Inn, Memorial Drive, Chicopee. Join this presentation with attorney John Gannon of Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C., one of the leading labor and employment law firms serving employers in New England, for a discussion aimed to prepare you to enter the New Year with a better understanding of state and federal laws employers need to be aware of in 2019. Series sponsored by Westfield Bank. For more information, visit chicopeechamber.org/events or call (413) 594-2101.

• Feb. 7: Business After Hours, 4:30-6:30 p.m., hosted by Elms College, 291 Springfield St., Chicopee. Sponsored by Polish National Credit Union. An evening of fun, networking, and an opportunity to meet potential employees. Free hors d’oeuvres and cash bar available. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Sign up online at www.chicopeechamber.org/events.

• Feb. 12: Educational Seminar on Employee Development, 7:30-9:30 a.m., hosted by Elms College, College Center FDR Room, 291 Springfield St., Chicopee. Sponsored by Elms College MBA Department. An educational seminar on proper planning and maintenance of your employees’ development. Includes a continental breakfast. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Sign up online at www.chicopeechamber.org/events or call (413) 594-2101.

• Feb. 22: Lights On Arts & Culture, 5-8 p.m., hosted by select downtown Chicopee businesses. Explore local art, meet the people, visit the places, and learn about the events that help to shape our city’s culture. Sponsored by the Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, the Chicopee Cultural Council, and TDI Partner. Cost is free, but donations are welcome. Check out more information online at chicopeechamber.org/events or call (413) 594-2101.

GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.easthamptonchamber.org
(413) 527-9414

• Jan. 31: Celebrate Success, 5-8 p.m., hosted by Northampton Country Club, 135 Main St., Leeds. Sponsored by Polish National Credit Union, Finck & Perras, and Taylor Real Estate. The event honors milestone achievers, salutes annual award recipients, and gives a preview of where the chamber will head in 2019. Cost: $40 per person, which includes dinner. Pre-registration is required. For more information and to register, visit www.easthamptonchamber.org or call the chamber at (413) 527-9414.

• Feb. 19: In the Know, 5-7 p.m., hosted by New City Brewery, 180 Pleasant St., Easthampton. The first in a series of three panel discussions exploring the challenges and frustrations shared by business owners. Panelists will include Elizabeth Paquette from Rock Valley Tool, Mark Zatyrka from INSA, and Nate Costa from the Springfield Thunderbirds. There will be time for networking and noshing after the panel concludes. Cost: $15 for members, $30 for non-members. Pre-registration is required. For more information and to register, visit www.easthamptonchamber.org or call the chamber at (413) 527-9414.

GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.holyokechamber.com
(413) 534-3376

• Jan. 24: Legislative Leaders Reception, 5 p.m., hosted by Marcotte Ford, 1025 Main St., Holyoke. Sponsored by Marcotte Ford, bankESB, the Dowd Agencies, Holyoke Community College, Holyoke Medical Center, and the Republican. Build connections and network among the Greater Holyoke business community as well as local and state legislators. Featuring keynote speakers Timothy Brennan, executive director of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, and Denis Luzuriaga, managing partner at the Cubit. Hearty hors d’oeuvres and open bar. Cost: $40.

• Feb. 20: Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Gary Rome Hyundai, 150 Whiting Farms Road, Holyoke. Get connected and help your business grow. Meet the Gary Rome team, Jack and Gary, as welcome guests during one of their busiest seasons. Light bites, cash bar, door prizes, and 50/50 raffle. Cost: $10 for members, $25 for non-members.

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618

• Feb. 4: February Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m., hosted by Armbrook Village, 551 North Road, Westfield. Join us for our monthly Mayor’s Coffee Hour with Westfield Mayor Brian Sullivan. The event is free and open to the public. Sign up online at www.westfieldbiz.org/events or call the chamber at (413) 568-1618 to register so we can give our host a head count.

• Feb. 11: February After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Pair A Dice Clean, LLC, 31 St. Jacques Ave., Agawam. Refreshments will be served, and a 50/50 raffle will benefit the chamber scholarship fund. Bring your business cards and make connections. Cost: free for members, $15 for non-members (cash or credit paid at the door). Sign up online at www.westfieldbiz.org/events. For sponsorships or more information, call the chamber at (413) 568-1618.

SOUTH HADLEY & GRANBY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.shgchamber.com
(413) 532-6451

• Feb. 7: Business After 5, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Yarde Tavern, 3 Hadley St., South Hadley. Refreshments will be served, and connections will be made. Bring your business cards to share and to enter a raffle to win a prize. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Register by e-mailing Kim Prough at [email protected].

SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL CHAMBER
www.springfieldregionalchamber.com
(413) 787-1555

• Feb. 6: Winning the War for Talent, 7:15 a.m.-9 a.m., hosted by the MassMutual Center, 1277 Main St., Springfield. Presented by Mark Emrick of the Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast. Sponsored by United Personnel and the Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast. Cost: $25 for members ($30 at the door), $35 for non-members ($40 at the door). To register, visit www.springfieldregionalchamber.com, e-mail [email protected], or call (413) 755-1310.

• Feb. 28: Leadership Institute, hosted by TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St., Springfield. Presented in partnership with Western New England University College of Business with support from the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation. The deadline to apply is Feb. 14. E-mail [email protected] for an application.

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.ourwrc.com
(413) 426-3880

• Feb. 6: Wicked Wednesday, 5-7 p.m., hosted by MacMillan Group, 265 Main St., Agawam. Wicked Wednesdays are monthly social events hosted by various businesses and restaurants. These events bring members and non-members together to network in a laid-back atmosphere. For more information about this event, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880, or register at www.ourwrc.com.

• Feb. 28: Mayoral Breakfast, 7-9 a.m., hosted by Crestview Country Club, Agawam. Join us as we listen to an informative discussion with our mayors, who will update the guests on all that is going on in our towns individually and collaboratively. For sponsorships or to register online, visit www.ourwrc.com.

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY OF GREATER SPRINGFIELD
springfieldyps.com

• Feb. 21: February Third Thursday & Trivia, 5 p.m., hosted by Nathan Bills Bar & Restaurant. Cost: free for members, $10 for non-members. Visit springfieldyps.com to register.

People on the Move

By
People on the Move
Colin Lacey

Colin Lacey

Clare Ladue

Clare Ladue

Samuel Smith

Samuel Smith

PeoplesBank announced the appointments of Colin Lacey as Village Commons South Hadley Banking Center manager, Clare Ladue as Hadley Banking Center manager, and Samuel Smith as East Longmeadow Banking Center manager. In his new position, Lacey is responsible for identifying and providing personal and small-business customers banking options to achieve their financial needs, including depository services and lending solutions. He has six years of financial-services experience. Lacey holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Saint Anselm College in Manchester, N.H. He is also a 2017 graduate of the Springfield Leadership Institute. He is a volunteer youth lacrosse coach in South Hadley. In her new position, Ladue oversees and manages all aspects of a full-service banking center, including staffing, sales, operations, business development, and community relations. She has 24 years of banking experience. Ladue earned commercial-lending certification from the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. (MBA), and is a graduate of the MBA’s New England School of Financial Studies. Her volunteer service includes the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce, where she served on the executive committee, as well as the Ware 250th anniversary committee, West Springfield Partners for Education, the Walk of Champions to benefit Baystate Mary Lane Rays of Hope, Junior Achievement, Rays of Hope, Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen, and Link to Libraries. In his new position, Smith is serving the financial needs of both consumer and small-business clients. Utilizing technology, he is providing a consultative learning environment in order to educate clients around the various options for banking with PeoplesBank. He has 13 years of banking and financial-services experience. Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems with a minor in business management. He is also a certified business banker by Moody’s Analytics. He is also an active volunteer for Revitalize CDC and Junior Achievement.

•••••

Bill Grinnell

Bill Grinnell

Beth Young

Beth Young

The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts announced the addition of two new members, Bill Grinnell and Beth Young, to its board of directors. Grinnell is president of Webber and Grinnell Insurance and manager of Webber and Grinnell Employee Benefits LLC of Northampton. He also serves as vice president of River Valley Investors, an angel investment group in Springfield. He is the former president of the Hampshire YMCA, past co-chair of the United Way annual fund, past vice president of the Employers Assoc., former member of the Northampton Planning Board, and past trustee of the Academy at Charlemont. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Hartwick College in New York. Young has served as district director of Stop & Shop Supermarket Co. for the past 20 years, covering stores in all four counties in Western Mass. and two stores in Connecticut. Throughout her time there, she and her team have organized numerous fundraising events to support local community organizations, including regional food banks, the USO, and Dana Farber’s Cure for Childhood Cancer. She is a graduate of Westfield State University and holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology. 

•••••

Mayor Domenic Sarno announced the appointment of attorney Talia Gee as the city of Springfield’s new chief Diversity & Inclusion officer. “As I said this past year, and with the upcoming retirement of Equal Opportunity Administrator Dan Hall, a newly evolved/transitional position would be developed,” Sarno said. “My thanks to Dan Hall for all his years of dedicated service to our city. This new position enhances my vision to lead in development and implementation of proactive diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in hiring, career development, and leadership opportunities in support of our city’s strategic plan to continue to foster a working environment, where all have an opportunity to succeed. Though this new position will work closely with our Human Resources Division, it is a direct cabinet-level report to me.” Gee will start her position on Jan. 14. Her salary will be $92,000. She is a graduate of St. John’s University in New York City and received her MBA and law degree from Western New England University. She is MCAD-certified and previously worked at the law firm of Sullivan, Hayes & Quinn. She is the board chairwoman of the Springfield Boys & Girls Club and co-creator of the “How to Wear Your Crown” event that focuses on Springfield-area teenage girls.

•••••

Kathryn Crouss

Kathryn Crouss

Bacon Wilson announced that Kathryn Crouss has been named the firm’s newest shareholder. Crouss is a member of Bacon Wilson’s litigation team and handles all aspects of employment law, including management-side representation, defending employers against discrimination and wage-and-hour lawsuits and routinely advising employers on matters related to compliance, official policies and procedures, and best practices. She also represents employees with regard to severance or employment agreements, worker’s compensation matters, as well as claims of discrimination against their employers. She also has extensive experience with both family-law litigation and alternative dispute resolution. Crouss is a certified mediator, trained in collaborative law, an LAR (limited assistance representation) qualified attorney for Hampden County, and a trained conciliator for the Massachusetts Probate & Family Courts. She is also an adjunct faculty member at Bay Path University, where she teaches “Legal Environments in Business” to students of the university’s business department.

•••••

Greg Chiecko

Greg Chiecko

Greg Chiecko, director of Sales at the Eastern States Exposition (ESE), has been named president and CEO of the Outdoor Amusement Business Assoc. (OABA), the mobile amusement industry’s trade association. The announcement was made by the OABA board of directors following a comprehensive executive search. Chiecko succeeds longtime OABA President Robert Johnson, and will embark on his new career on Feb. 1. The OABA is the largest trade association representing carnivals, circuses, concessionaires, independent ride owners, and others who serve fairs, festivals, and community events. Chiecko’s 24-year career at ESE included the oversight of midway operations at the Big E. He worked closely with the OABA and other industry associations and is past board member of the International Assoc. of Fairs and Expositions, and past president of the Massachusetts Agricultural Fairs Assoc. and the New England Assoc. of Amusement Parks and Attractions. He also sits on the board of the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau and served as its chair for five years.

•••••

Berkshire Family & Individual Resources Inc. (BFAIR) announced an organizational restructuring and internal promotions. Rich Weisenflue, previously executive director, will assume the role of CEO. Other promotions included Ethel Altiery to executive director, Jane Patenaude-LeBeau to chief financial officer, and Theresa Gelinas to senior vice president, Day Services. The structural changes come as a response to the organization’s continued growth. According to Alex Kastrinakis, BFAIR’s board chair, “the board of directors placed an emphasis on devising a management structure to achieve the agency’s mission to meet the growing needs of people with disabilities and older adult members of our community. In 2019, we will celebrate the agency’s 25th anniversary, and the new structure is also reflective of the positive changes the management team accomplished over the past two decades, including expansion of services beyond the Berkshires into the Pioneer Valley and Southern Vermont.” Restructuring of the management team will also include a newly created position, vice president, Residential Services. BFAIR is a member agency of the Northern Berkshire United Way and Williamstown Community Chest.

•••••

Monson Savings Bank (MSB) announced the promotions of Carolyn Balicki to branch manager/retail banking officer, Rob Chateauneuf to first vice president commercial loan officer, and Dina Merwin to first vice president compliance and BSA officer. Balicki joined the MSB team in 2009 as a CSA in Monson. She was promoted to CSA supervisor in 2010, assistant branch manager in 2011, and branch manager in 2014. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration at UMass Amherst and is a graduate of the New England School of Financial Studies. Chateauneuf joined MSB in 2012 as an assistant vice president commercial loan officer. He was promoted to vice president in 2014 and took on the added responsibility of assistant department manager of the Commercial Loan department in 2015. He has close to 20 years of commercial and retail banking experience and earned a bachelor’s degree in business management at UMass Amherst. Merwin came on board in December 2012 as a temporary BSA analyst to assist during an employee leave of absence. In June 2013, she was hired as compliance officer. In 2014, she was promoted to AVP compliance and BSA officer, and she earned the vice president title in 2016. She has 25 years of community banking experience and is a graduate of the National School of Banking and the Massachusetts School for Financial Studies.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Smith Brothers Insurance Merges With the Partners Insurance Agency

EASTHAMPTON — Effective Jan. 1, Smith Brothers Insurance, with offices in Easthampton and West Springfield, and the Partners Insurance Agency, an independent insurance agency located in Vestal, Owego, and Waverly, N.Y., have merged together. This merger expands the Smith Brothers Insurance footprint into upstate New York, where the Partners will maintain local presence while leveraging the resources of Smith Brothers Insurance, one of the nation’s top 100 independent brokers. Owners of the New York offices — Don Patterson, Bill Soprano, Phil Wiles, John Carlin, Michael Constantine, and Chris Hutchings — will stay fully engaged in client service and business development. Constantine will run the New York region, continuing to serve clients with the same team of insurance professionals who have also become employees of Smith Brothers Insurance.

Florence Bank Opens Second Branch in Hampden County

SPRINGFIELD — Florence Bank opened its second Hampden County branch at 1444 Allen St. in Springfield on Dec. 19. “We’re very pleased to be expanding our presence in Springfield,” said John Heaps Jr., Florence Bank’s president and CEO. “Our focus is on providing great customer service and helping to reinvigorate the community.” The Allen Street branch has an open floor plan with two teller pods and innovative technology for quick cash handling. The location will also feature a drive-up ATM with SMART technology for easy depositing and a comfortable waiting area inside with a coffee bar and free wi-fi. Nikki Gleason serves as branch manager for the new location. Other employees include Candice Somar, assistant branch manager; Bianca Hyde, customer service representative (CSR) and teller operations manager; Mario Nascimento, CSR and senior teller; Magdalis “Maggie” Sierra, CSR and senior teller; and Carolyn Ware, community relations director. In August 2017, Florence Bank opened its first branch in Hampden County at 1010 Union St. in West Springfield. The Springfield branch marks the second of several anticipated branches in the region, Heaps said.

WNEU Announces $35 Million ‘Campaign for Our Second Century’

SPRINGFIELD — Western New England University (WNEU) announced plans for a comprehensive fundraising campaign designed to enrich the student experience inside and outside the classroom. Named the Campaign for Our Second Century, the philanthropic endeavor launched publicly on 1/9/19 — a nod to the university’s founding year of 1919. Western New England University aims to raise at least $35 million in private support for a range of priorities that will build on the institution’s historic first century and shape its future progress. Those priorities fit into five overall fundraising objectives: growing scholarship aid, building and enhancing campus facilities, creating impactful opportunities for student life, boosting academic initiatives and experiences, and strengthening the President’s Fund for Excellence. Current and future Western New England students will be the direct beneficiaries of the most ambitious fundraising effort in the university’s history. The number-one priority of the campaign is to increase student aid through donor-funded scholarships. In recent years, full-time undergraduate enrollment has grown to record levels, with more than 98% of students receiving financial aid through scholarships, grants, and loans. The university has already secured more than $29 million in new gifts and commitments to advance Western New England during the campaign’s pre-launch phase, which began in 2016. Lead gifts were made by two of the university’s most ardent supporters — Kevin Delbridge ’77 and Janet Johnson Bullard ’69, both university trustees who are serving as the campaign’s honorary chairpersons. To date, more than 4,000 individual alumni, friends, and foundations have made commitments. Each gift made to WNEU during the campaign counts toward its goal. This is Western New England’s second comprehensive campaign. Private philanthropic support is not intended to replace university sources of revenue, but rather provide the margin that enables greater access to scholarship support, state-of-the-art technologies, outside-the-classroom experiences, faculty development, and other critical learning services. For details about the Campaign for Our Second Century, visit wne.edu/campaign.

Community Chooses Recipients of Monson Savings Bank Philanthropy

MONSON — For the ninth year in a row, Monson Savings Bank asked the community to help plan the bank’s community giving activities by inviting people to vote for the organizations they would like the bank to support during 2019. The top vote getters include Wilbraham United Players, Scantic Valley YMCA, the Women’s Empowerment Scholarship Fund, Rick’s Place, River East School-to-Career, Greene Room Productions, Boy Scouts of Western Massachusetts, Link to Libraries, Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts, and Old Post Orchestra.

HealthSouth Rehab Hospital Unveils New Name, Brand

LUDLOW — HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Western Massachusetts has unveiled its new name and brand as part of its management company’s name change and rebranding initiative. As of Jan. 1, the inpatient rehabilitation hospital is known as Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Western Massachusetts. It will continue to provide the same post-acute care for patients overcoming a variety of major illnesses and injuries. Birmingham, Ala.-based HealthSouth Corp. launched its new name and brand on Jan. 1, 2018 and will be transitioning its 130 inpatient rehabilitation hospitals and 273 home-health and hospice locations serving 36 states and Puerto Rico through 2019. All of the company’s post-acute-care service locations in Massachusetts migrated to the Encompass Health name and branding last week.

Advocacy Network Donates $17,000 to Whole Children

HADLEY — The Advocacy Network, a local organization with a mission to promote and protect the health, human rights, and safety of people with developmental disabilities, recently donated $17,000 to Whole Children. The donation was one of the last acts of the group, which announced it is dissolving after more than 60 years of work. The late Benjamin Ricci, an Advocacy Network member, was the father of Belchertown State School patient Robert Ricci. He filed a class-action lawsuit against the school in 1972, claiming that its residents were living in horrific conditions. The judge assigned to the Belchertown case, Joseph Tauro, who died in November, spearheaded a major overhaul of Massachusetts’ state facilities as a result of the lawsuit, which ultimately ended in the closing of the institution. Amherst resident Bob Ricci, the man named in the lawsuit against Belchertown, came to Whole Children with members of the Advocacy Network to deliver the check to director Maggie Rice. Whole Children was started in 2004 by a group of parents looking for after-school programs for their children with intellectual disabilities or autism. It joined with Springfield-based Pathlight in 2010 and has expanded to serve some 600 adults, teens, and children each year in a variety of recreation, performing-arts, and enrichment programs.

SmartDollar Names OMG Inc. Company of the Year

AGAWAM — The statistics are alarming: 70% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. At work, stress over finances can take a toll on employee performance and impact productivity. Almost 10 years ago, OMG Inc. saw this as a factor limiting employee success and took action. OMG used SmartDollar, the financial-wellness program created by money expert and best-selling author Dave Ramsey, to teach employees how to take better care of themselves financially. More than 300 employees have taken advantage of the program to create a financial plan for themselves and their families. Using SmartDollar, the average OMG participant has paid off more than $8,000 in debt and saves more than $5,000. Collectively, participants have achieved a positive swing of almost $1 million through debt reduction and savings contributions. As a result, SmartDollar recognized OMG as its 2018 Company of the Year.

Briefcase

By
Briefcase

Employer Confidence Weakens in December

BOSTON — Massachusetts employers gave a big “bah, humbug” to the year-end economy as business confidence withered in the face of a government shutdown and the largest one-month stock-market decline since the Great Depression. The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Business Confidence Index lost three points to 58.6 during December, its lowest level since December 2016. Confidence readings have dropped five points during the past 12 months. The retreat was led by an 8.6-point drop in employer views of the national economy, and a 4.7-point drop among manufacturing companies. Overall confidence remains within optimistic territory, but less comfortably so than earlier in 2018. “The Massachusetts economy remains strong, with a 3.3% growth rate and an unemployment rate of 3.4%, but employers are increasingly concerned about factors such as financial-market volatility, a dysfunctional national political debate, and challenges such as the cost of providing health insurance to employees,” said Raymond Torto, chair of AIM’s Board of Economic Advisors (BEA) and lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Design. The AIM Index, based on a survey of Massachusetts employers, has appeared monthly since July 1991. It is calculated on a 100-point scale, with 50 as neutral; a reading above 50 is positive, while below 50 is negative. The Index reached its historic high of 68.5 on two occasions in 1997-98, and its all-time low of 33.3 in February 2009. It has remained above 50 since October 2013.

Bradley Adds New Non-stop Service to Raleigh-Durham, Orlando, Pittsburgh

WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) announced the debut in 2019 of new, non-stop service from Bradley International Airport to Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Orlando International Airport on low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines, as well as the addition of non-stop service to Pittsburgh on Via Airlines. The service to Raleigh-Durham will commence on April 30 on an Airbus A320. It will operate seasonally on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. The service to Orlando will commence on May 1 on an Airbus A321. It will operate seasonally on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The service to Pittsburgh will commence on July 22 on an Embraer ERJ145 with 50 seats. It will operate four times a week, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

 

Community Foundation Awards $665,200 to 45 Nonprofits

SPRINGFIELD — The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts (CFWM) recently awarded $665,200 to 45 area nonprofits through its capital grant and capacity grant programs, two of the foundation’s six competitive grant-making programs that focus on improving and supporting quality of life for people in Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties. CFWM capital grants help local nonprofit organizations expand their impact by funding new and upgraded technology, equipment, and facilities. Capacity grants support local nonprofits to build their own organizational effectiveness and operational efficiency. Grant awards range from $4,500 to $40,000 and address community needs in the areas of arts and culture, education, the environment, health, housing, and human services. More than 25 of the projects funded were supported by trusts administered by Bank of America. CFWM receives and reviews grant applications on behalf of Bank of America for four charitable trusts for which the bank serves as a trustee. Total grant awards by county are as follows: Hampden, $412,000, Hampshire, $144,400, and Franklin, $108,800. Capital grants were awarded to the following programs and organizations: Ascentria Community Services, Baystate Health Foundation, Bethlehem House, Chester Theatre Company, Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society, Davenport Child Care, Franklin County Community Meals Program, Franklin Land Trust, Friends of the Montague Common Hall, Friends of the Springfield Public Library, Gardening the Community, Hilltown Community Health Center, Hitchcock Center for the Environment, Holyoke YMCA, MHA, Multicultural Community Services of the Pioneer Valley, Quaboag Valley Community Development Corp., Robert F. Kennedy Academy, Roca, Second Chance Animal Services, ServiceNet, Springfield Museums, Stanley Park, Tapestry Health Systems, Tolland Volunteer Fire Department, Valley Eye Radio, Willie Ross School for the Deaf, and Womanshelter Companeras. Capacity Grants were awarded to the following programs and organizations: 1794 Meetinghouse Inc., Birthday Wishes, Brick House Community Resource Center, Cancer Connection, Double Edge Theatre Productions, Hilltown Land Trust, Kestrel Land Trust, Link to Libraries, Mary Lyon Education Fund, Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange, Massachusetts Review, North Quabbin Citizen Advocacy, Northampton Education Foundation, Trauma Institute and Child Trauma Institute, and the World Affairs Council of Western Massachusetts.

Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation, Big Y Announce Local Farmer Awards

AGAWAM — Starting Jan. 1, farmers in Western Mass. are invited to apply for Local Farmer Awards up to $2,500 toward equipment and infrastructure projects to help them complete in the marketplace. The Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation (HGCF), in partnership with Big Y and with the support of other funders, is entering the fifth year of the awards program, which has helped more than 125 farmers carry out a total of 188 projects. Some examples of how the awards have been used include a high-efficiency vegetable washer, a walk-in cooler aging room, an egg washer, high tunnel irrigation, electric fencing, and a milkplan bulk tank. To be eligible, farms must have gross sales of $10,000 or above and either be a member of Berkshire Grow or Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) or reside in one the four Western Mass. counties. Berkshire Grown and CISA share their passion for local farms by providing ongoing guidance and help with promotion of the of the Local Farmer Awards. The deadline for applying is Thursday, Jan. 31. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit www.farmerawards.org for more information.

Horace Smith Fund Offers Scholarship, Fellowship Funds

WESTFIELD — The Horace Smith Fund, now in its 120th year, has scholarship and fellowship money available for graduates of Hampden County public and private high schools. Scholarship awards of $12,000 are distributed as $3,000 annually and renewable each year until graduation. Fellowship awards of $15,000 are distributed as $5,000 annually and renewable for two additional years. Students must maintain at least a B average in college. Recipients are selected on a variety of criteria, including financial need, college entrance-exam scores, class rank, extracurricular activities, and recommendations. Of great importance is a personal, written account of why the student feels deserving of financial assistance. Fellowship applicants must also submit their transcripts and, if applicable, GRE or degree-specific test scores. All recipients must be full-time students and residents of Hampden County. Last year, $382,000 was awarded to 37 individuals. Scholarships were given to 26 graduating seniors from 13 Hampden County high schools. Five scholarships were also awarded to current college students to assist them in completing their undergraduate degrees. Six fellowships were given to college graduates pursuing graduate degrees, who had graduated from Hampden County high schools. Completed applications must be received either electronically or by mail to the Horace Smith Fund at 16 Union Ave., Suite 2K, Westfield, MA 01085 no later than March 15, 2019. Applications are available at local high-school guidance offices, college financial-aid offices, online at www.horacesmithfund.org, or by phoning (413) 739-4222.

Small Businesses Starting to Feel Impact of Shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the partial government shutdown continues, small businesses across the country are starting to feel the effects of the shutdown, resulting in unnecessary uncertainty at the start of a new fiscal year. Keith Hall, president and CEO of the National Assoc. for the Self-Employed, the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, called on Congress and the White House to work together to end the shutdown on behalf of America’s small-business community. The Washington Post reported that, as of Dec. 22, the Small Business Administration stopped processing new small-business loans due to the government shutdown. Thousands of small-business owners across the country are unable to receive critical funding to start and grow their businesses because of the partial government shutdown. Even when full funding is restored, a backlog is likely. “The negative consequences of one of the longest shutdowns in U.S. history is now fully impacting our country’s small-business community,” said Hall. “From uncertainty around how the shutdown could impact delays in tax refunds small businesses were looking to invest from this year’s new tax law to the shuttering of the Small Business Administration impacting small-business loans, America’s small businesses are on the front lines feeling the adverse impact.  “The government shutdown has created additional uncertainty during a critical time when small businesses are starting a new fiscal year,” he continued. “Small businesses must continue to abide by their tax obligations, including paying quarterly tax estimates and adhering to all filing deadlines. However, the federal government is unlikely to keep their end of the deal by processing tax refunds on time and providing small businesses access to critical answers they may have to questions about filing for the first time under the new tax law.” During the shutdown, about 12% of IRS staff are expected to continue working, according to the agency’s lapsed funding contingency plan. This will result in the inability of such functions as staff being available to answer questions for small businesses filing for the first time under the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act law going into full effect this tax year. It could also negatively impact the ability of IRS staff to process tax refunds in a timely manner, resulting in delays.

Incorporations

By
Incorporations

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

BELCHERTOWN

VSL Investments Corporation, 9 Crestview Dr., Belchertown, MA 01007. Van Lip, same. Property investments.

EAST LONGMEADOW

TDS Center for Communication Inc., 232 North Main St., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Jodi L. Mckenna, same. Speech therapy.

West Road Assisted Living Inc., 200 North Main St., Suite 204, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Jason Robertson, same. Assisted living facility.

LONGMEADOW

Western Mass. Endodontics Holdings, P.C., 66 Dwight Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Craig A. Saltzman, 266 Ardsley Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Dentistry and related specialties.

NORTHAMPTON

The Eric and Barbara Carle Foundation Inc., 84 North St., Northampton, MA 01060. John F. Fortier, 1174 Florence Road, Florence, MA 01062. Preservation and protection of the environment and domestic and wild animals.

PALMER

Ware River Woodworks Inc., 4400 High St., Palmer, MA 01069. William Fenner, same. Production of custom cabinetry.

SOUTHWICK

Smigiel Inc., 6 Alcove Road, Southwick, MA 01077. Shawm Smigiel, same. Restaurant.

SPRINGFIELD

Smoke and Sweets Distributors Corp., 143 Main St., Unit 212, Springfield, MA 01105. Oscar Cadiz, same. Sales and distribution of tobacco.

WESTFIELD

Service Jobs Inc., 51 Murray Ave., Westfield, MA 01085. Jamshed Khan, 68 Windsor Road, Brookline, MA 02445. Sales.

The Westfield Tavern Inc., 2 Broad St., Westfield, MA 01085. Peter Kantos, 1192 Amostown Road, West Springfield, MA 01089. Restaurant.

WILLIAMSBURG

Water Heaters America Inc., 46 Bissell Road, Williamsburg, MA 01096. Benjamin C. West, same. Sales, installation, and servicing water heaters.

WILLIAMSTOWN

The Architectural Sales Group Inc., 63 Spring Street Suite 2B, Williamstown, MA 01267. D. Foster Goodrich, same. Sales of architectural products.

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and trade names were issued or renewed during the months of December 2018 and January 2019.

BELCHERTOWN

Nelson’s Barber Shop
51 North Main St.
Nelson Eusebio

Planet Fuel of Belchertown
33 State St.
Stephen Weibel, Kristina Weibel

Webster’s Garage
176 Federal St.
Barry Potter

CHICOPEE

All Ways Roofing
522 Springfield St.
Nicholas Lafayette

Blueprint Hair Design Studio
44 Walnut St.
Mary DiDomenico

Lucky Strike Restaurant
703 Grattan St.
LS Restaurants, LLC

S & V Mart
659 Grattan St.
Suresh Patel

Sheffield Logistics
340 McKinstry Ave., Suite 200
Brian Paige

Western Massachusetts Futbal League
52 Hendrick St.
Brent Dilliard

DEERFIELD

Country Strong Fitness
90 Steam Mill Road
Brennan McKenna

Deerfield Nail & Spa
Hong Yen Vo
6A Sugarloaf St.

Lichocki Design
10 Crestview Dr.
Edward Lichocki

HOLYOKE

BE Donuts
1600 Northampton St.
Lori Martins, John Salema

DX2 Fitness
155 Nonotuck St.
Daniela Fernandez

F & M Motor Sales
414A South St.
Michael Gruszka

Jerry’s Auto Repair and Sales
901 Main St.
Victor Gomez

Two Dog Media
404 Southampton Road
Damian Gawle

United Capital Financial Advisors, LLC
330 Whitney Ave., Suite 750
United Capital Financial Advisors

LONGMEADOW

Artists of Springfield, MA
195 Meadowbook Road
Artists of Springfield, MA

Rachel Kuhn, LMHC
123 Dwight Road
Rachel Kuhn, LMHC

NORTHAMPTON

Busy Bee-Cleans
187 North Main St.
Carrielynn Fournier

Gemini Research
220 Grove St.
Rachel Volberg

JoKent Katz
693 Bridge Road
Joanna Kent Katz

Nail Care by Shauna
16 Center St., Suite 511
Shauna Rogers

New Takes
49 Beacon St., Apt. B
Bette Elsden

Panacea Salon
28 Pleasant St.
Panacea Salon

SpecCNC
89 Ridgewood Ter.
Paul Voss

Swing Graphics
126 Main St.
Gregory Perham Jr.

WintergreenDev
72 Barrett St., Unit 109
Joseph Carlino, Rebecca Tremblay

SPRINGFIELD

A+ Family Child Care
37 Waldorf St.
Avril Reid

A Brighter Future Childcare
83 Main St.
Michele Pepe

Acropolis Enterprises
191 Chestnut St.
Jorge Martinez

EM-K Nails Spa
1655 Boston Road
Cindy Tai

Fame Cuts
278 Oakland St.
Virginia Arias

Family Dollar #32212
1250 St. James Ave.
Family Dollar Stores

Hancock Market
260 Hancock St.
Rigoberto Grullon, Cristine Batista

I.Q. Smoke Shop
1655 Boston Road
Cameron Quinlan

Keno White, LLC
961 Worcester St.
Keno White II

Lily Crow Wellness Center
899 Carew St.
Lilian Ramos David

Mobile Man Details
105 Princeton St.
Andre Yarns Jr.

Monsoon Roastery, LLC
270 Albany St.
Timothy Monson

Professional Meats of New England
955 Boston Road
David Smith II

Stonekoncepts
257 Dickinson St.
Pablo Morales

Touch of NYC Hair Studio
803 Belmont Ave.
Sophia Evans

WESTFIELD

Del Photo & Craft Works
46 Spruce St.
Michael Del Monte

San-Man Graphics
16G Union Ave.
Edgardo Sanchez Jr.

Smith Monuments
David Dumala
104 Court St.

Vision Centre
194 East Main St.
Nickolas Linna

Yummi Noodle
160 Elm St.
Dong Han

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Apex Home Improvement
1215 Elm St.
Jason Boulanger

Bath Crafters
176 Labelle St.
James Belle-Isle

Dk Tax Prep
425 Union St. Ext.
Michael Dipon

Llumin Inc.
59 Interstate Dr.
Edward Garibian

Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Co.
174 Brush Hill Ave.
Andrew Churchill

Market One
70 Robinson Road
Nicholas Toma

Perfect Fit Dental Lab
442 Westfield St.
Vitaliy Tkachenko

Pisst Fish
1270 Memorial Ave.
Kevin Ondras

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

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

Adhikari, Prem
463 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/17/18

Aller, Christopher R.
950 North Pleasant St., Apt. 123
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/28/18

Berger, Mindy
a/k/a Roman, Mindy
34 Gordon St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/18/18

Boudreau, Margaret
144 Branch Hill Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/20/18

Brooke, Kevin
2 Barker St.
Three Rivers, MA 01080
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/21/18

Cabana, Patricia
4 Sutton Place, Apt. 18
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/27/18

Chadwick, Lesley Lee
Chadwick, Marilyn Rose
a/k/a Wright, Marilyn Rose
1127 Mohawk Trail
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/24/18

Cruz, Noel
128 Woodmont St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/20/18

Davis, Katherine N.
14 Prospect St.
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/20/18

Downs, Thomas
11 Cochran St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/21/18

Gibson, Chad M.
14 Salli Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/21/18

Griffith, Shirley M.
6 Roosevelt Ter.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/26/18

Herbalife Nutrition
Collins, Elizabeth L.
79 Delaney Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/28/18

Jez, Daniel Anthony
Jez, Carolyn Joann
29 Geraldine St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/24/18

LeVasseur, Denise Marie
9 Desimone Dr.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/28/18

Mailloux, Cheryl-Ann
116 Bostwick Lane
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/17/18

McKoy, Mark A.
155 Laconia St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/22/18

Patruno, Derrick M.
155 Jackson St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/28/18

Pride Property Service
Meisenhelder, Glen C.
62 Chapin St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/27/18

Puchelt, Cheryl A.
a/k/a Brouillard, Cheryl A.
a/k/a Grant, Cheryl A.
58 Poole Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/28/18

Puchelt, William
58 Poole Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/28/18

Robbins, Loretta J.
91 Hadley Village Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/28/18

Sorenson, Shawn
31 Knowlwood Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/19/18

Trudeau, Steven S.
55 Empire St., Unit 42
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/20/18

Vazquez, Angela G.
34 Pasadena St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/18

Wheble, Robert J.
43 Brianna Lane
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/18

White, Michael D.
12 Hollywood St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/18

Yvon, Karen M.
419 Poole St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/20/18

Zavala, Raul
25 Piedmont St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/20/18

Real Estate Transactions

By
Real Estate

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

ASHFIELD

686 Creamery Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Hannah L. Jacobson-Hardy
Seller: Aaron Grinstein
Date: 12/20/18

Pfersick Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: David P. Thibault
Seller: Poplar TR
Date: 12/28/18

BERNARDSTON

242 Bald Mountain Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Jessica Shepley
Seller: Andrews INT
Date: 12/28/18

258 Northfield Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $143,500
Buyer: 258 Northfield Road RT
Seller: Susan M. Adams
Date: 12/28/18

CHARLEMONT

280 Legate Hill Road
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $212,000
Buyer: David M. O’Neil
Seller: John J. Handschuh
Date: 12/27/18

COLRAIN

18 Coombs Hill Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Lawrence R. Bruffee
Seller: Ivey T. Dowell
Date: 12/27/18

CONWAY

91 Hidden Ledge Dr.
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $269,000
Buyer: Robert C. Douglas
Seller: David S. Chalfant
Date: 12/20/18

DEERFIELD

26 Whitmore Ferry Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Joseph Berman
Seller: Tierney TR
Date: 12/21/18

ERVING

5 East Prospect St.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $147,900
Buyer: Harold K. Burt
Seller: Jennifer A. Stiles
Date: 12/28/18

GILL

163 French King Hwy.
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Mauria Sirum
Seller: Dickerman, Leon F., (Estate)
Date: 12/28/18

GREENFIELD

720 Bernardston Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Paul Mervine
Seller: Isaac L. Galeas
Date: 12/21/18

199 Chapman St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $142,500
Buyer: Douglas R. McNamara
Seller: Alex J. Schimelpfenig
Date: 12/28/18

284 Conway St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $128,200
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Rochelle Lussier
Date: 12/26/18

21 Mill St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Mark D. Bodah
Seller: Matthew D. Parody
Date: 12/21/18

24 Mill St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Richard J. Brynda
Seller: Fitzgerald RET 2010
Date: 12/31/18

97 Newton St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $159,000
Buyer: Jason B. Stevens
Seller: Robert F. Hale
Date: 12/21/18

12 Oak St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $193,000
Buyer: Michael D. Crigler
Seller: Christine R. Ciepiela
Date: 12/21/18

MONTAGUE

91 2nd St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Jessica Solarski
Seller: John Haigis
Date: 12/17/18

139 Dry Hill Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Jane A. Alessandra
Seller: Bernard J. Goclowski
Date: 12/21/18

366 Montague City Road
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $1,130,000
Buyer: Daniel J. Donoghue
Seller: Michael C. Stempel
Date: 12/31/18

370 Montague City Road
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $1,130,000
Buyer: Daniel J. Donoghue
Seller: Michael C. Stempel
Date: 12/31/18

NEW SALEM

37 South Main St.
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: 37 South Main TR
Seller: Patricia I. Barletta
Date: 12/24/18

NORTHFIELD

137 Alexander Hill Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Jessica Brice
Seller: Sarah P. Hoffman
Date: 12/28/18

84 Captain Beers Plain Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $176,000
Buyer: Stephen R. Shearer
Seller: Hammond, Beryle, (Estate)
Date: 12/21/18

693 Millers Falls Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $223,000
Buyer: Evelyn E. Whiteman
Seller: Johnson FT
Date: 12/28/18

ORANGE

105 Daniel Shays Hwy.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Marie Reid
Seller: Currier Road Holdings LLC
Date: 12/28/18

24 East Howe St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $183,500
Buyer: Joel S. Demont
Seller: Clarke T. Doody
Date: 12/21/18

383 East River St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $5,472,500
Buyer: King Pine RHF Partners LP
Seller: King James Court RHF Housing
Date: 12/28/18

419 East River St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $4,477,500
Buyer: King Pine RHF Partners LP
Seller: Pine Crest RHF Housing
Date: 12/28/18

435 East Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $146,250
Buyer: Bank New York Mellon
Seller: George Yiantsidis
Date: 12/24/18

5 Roche Ave.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: William R. Johnston
Seller: Steven E. Savoy
Date: 12/28/18

94 West Orange Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: David J. Murphy
Seller: Constance E. Selanis
Date: 12/21/18

326 West River St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Paul W. Penerian
Seller: George J. Batista
Date: 12/21/18

WHATELY

11 Laurel Mountain Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $710,000
Buyer: Carl D. Long
Seller: John W. Torchia
Date: 12/21/18

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

62 Annable St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $182,500
Buyer: Scott M. Dashnaw
Seller: US Bank
Date: 12/28/18

179 Country Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $233,000
Buyer: Jason Pami
Seller: John J. Kirby
Date: 12/19/18

129 Elm St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Timofey Pchelka
Seller: Tara J. Dasilva
Date: 12/21/18

87 Farmington Circle
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $492,000
Buyer: Robert G. Labun
Seller: Hillside Development Corp.
Date: 12/27/18

70 Fernwood Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Charles H. Miller
Seller: Victor R. Alessandri
Date: 12/28/18

10 Gary Place
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $247,944
Buyer: 716 Spring Valley LLC
Seller: Yellowbrick Property LLC
Date: 12/28/18

17 Hall St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Timothy Huston
Seller: Richard D. Black
Date: 12/26/18

210 High St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $202,000
Buyer: Frank E. Disco
Seller: Rhonda K. Blanton
Date: 12/18/18

190 Mill St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $136,000
Buyer: Jose Quinones
Seller: Bayview Loan Servicing
Date: 12/18/18

43-45 Orlando St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $177,615
Buyer: 716 Spring Valley LLC
Seller: Yellowbrick Property LLC
Date: 12/28/18

11 Valentine Terrace
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $228,000
Buyer: Lorelei Alfano
Seller: Edwin M. Cushing
Date: 12/21/18

BLANDFORD

26 Brookman Dr.
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Michael K. Tame
Seller: Theo Martzoukos
Date: 12/26/18

17 Gore Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Sean E. O’Clair
Seller: Corinne M. Cheffer
Date: 12/17/18

BRIMFIELD

120 5 Bridge Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Peggy S. Armentrout
Seller: Peter R. Neslusan
Date: 12/28/18

66 Holland Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Wilmington Savings
Seller: Mary Veit
Date: 12/18/18

185 Old Sturbridge Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $212,000
Buyer: Philip Cordello
Seller: Mark R. Bastien
Date: 12/17/18

CHESTER

57 Middlefield Road
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $145,900
Buyer: Christopher D. Strong
Seller: Cody Mizula
Date: 12/17/18

381 Route 20
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $122,000
Buyer: 381 Huntington Road LLC
Seller: Leland W. Wheeler
Date: 12/31/18

CHICOPEE

56 Brentwood Ter.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Douglas D. Meserve
Seller: Denis M. Martel
Date: 12/18/18

65 Broadway St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $13,500,000
Buyer: Macarthur Ter. LLC
Seller: Chicopee Housing Assocs.
Date: 12/28/18

70 Broadway St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $13,500,000
Buyer: Macarthur Ter. LLC
Seller: Chicopee Housing Assocs.
Date: 12/28/18

1785 Carew St.
Chicopee, MA 01104
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Hector M. Ortiz-Valdez
Seller: Eleanor F. Haggerty
Date: 12/21/18

114 Carriage Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Jonathan M. Pirog
Seller: Maria L. Silva
Date: 12/17/18

418 Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $228,000
Buyer: Roseann Bonatakis
Seller: Diane R. Sawyer
Date: 12/28/18

191 Dale St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $121,000
Buyer: John P. Bosley
Seller: Veronica M. Melanson
Date: 12/19/18

116 Dayton St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Sheila A. Gordon-Nieves
Seller: Virginia C. Humel
Date: 12/28/18

33 Fairfield Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Melissa M. Fifer
Seller: Lynn A. Scott
Date: 12/28/18

91 Laclede Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $206,000
Buyer: Kenneth J. Brown
Seller: Patriot Living LLC
Date: 12/21/18

15 Lavoie Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Jonathan M. Pasternak
Seller: June A. Plasse
Date: 12/18/18

20 Lawrence Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $151,000
Buyer: Anthony Machuca
Seller: Sonja E. Kokoszka
Date: 12/21/18

100 Lombard St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Adam T. Dubois
Seller: Stephen A. Foster
Date: 12/31/18

72 Lord Terrace North
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $363,000
Buyer: Christopher M. Topor
Seller: Peter Lake
Date: 12/21/18

134 Lukasik St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: Daniel J. Leclair
Seller: Anthony Bourget
Date: 12/21/18

107 Maryland Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Nyasha Gutsa
Seller: Nikolay Dikan
Date: 12/17/18

32 McCarthy Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Joseph E. Brault
Seller: FNMA
Date: 12/28/18

2040 Memorial Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: At Home Properties LLC
Seller: Reniewicz, Lucille M., (Estate)
Date: 12/19/18

19 Old Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Sunny Hill LLC
Seller: Mitchell Nowak
Date: 12/27/18

27 Old Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Jerzy Cebula
Seller: Mieczyslaw Nowak
Date: 12/27/18

445 Oldfield Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $188,500
Buyer: Nicole M. Devlin
Seller: John M. Wozniak
Date: 12/21/18

32 Roosevelt Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $262,000
Buyer: Michael R. Maciolek
Seller: James G. Costigan
Date: 12/28/18

75 Saint Jacques Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: John C. Brault
Seller: Jonathan M. Pirog
Date: 12/17/18

46 Saint James Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $239,000
Buyer: Kenneth R. Germain
Seller: Yellowbrick Property LLC
Date: 12/19/18

257 School St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Robert A. Arcott
Seller: Arabasz, John, (Estate)
Date: 12/19/18

433 Springfield St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $239,900
Buyer: Victor J. Morando
Seller: Laplante, Leona C., (Estate)
Date: 12/17/18

106 Tolpa Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Patrick M. Lathrop
Seller: Luis Gomes
Date: 12/21/18

28 Wells Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Yurii Savchuk
Seller: Testamentary TR
Date: 12/18/18

11 Wilson Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Craig P. Zielonka
Seller: Wanda Zielonka
Date: 12/18/18

81 Woodcrest Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $197,000
Buyer: Keith A. Arvanitis
Seller: Debra L. Badger
Date: 12/31/18

EAST LONGMEADOW

64 Colony Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Renee Coppolo
Seller: Rose Karaarslan
Date: 12/18/18

30 Harwich Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $238,000
Buyer: Jeffrey K. Demers
Seller: Dennis F. Olisky
Date: 12/27/18

604 North Main St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Andrew Bonavita
Seller: MPSA LLC
Date: 12/31/18

226 Parker St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $234,900
Buyer: Jeffrey R. Armitage
Seller: Anthony P. Potito
Date: 12/21/18

9 Pine Grove Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Angelo A. Gomez
Seller: Sharon A. Adams
Date: 12/17/18

39 Rankin Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: James K. Doyle
Seller: Daniel J. Delaney
Date: 12/18/18

26 Rockingham Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $555,000
Buyer: D. O. Oloruntola-Coates
Seller: Robert Hayes
Date: 12/21/18

36 South Brook Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $302,000
Buyer: Anthony R. Cirillo
Seller: Ayaz G. Kagzi
Date: 12/19/18

3 Shawmut St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $226,000
Buyer: Antonio Montefusco
Seller: Beverly J. Budd
Date: 12/21/18

157 Smith Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $235,500
Buyer: Derrick Savaria
Seller: Zin Property Solutions Inc.
Date: 12/17/18

GRANVILLE

76 Blandford Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Jeremiah S. Tysz
Seller: Patricia L. Tysz
Date: 12/28/18

HAMPDEN

8 Maple Grove Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $287,400
Buyer: Joann Gagliarducci
Seller: Loretta J. Scibelli
Date: 12/28/18

HOLLAND

25 Forest Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Matthew McNutt
Seller: Christine S. Tenney
Date: 12/20/18

63 Mashapaug Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $530,000
Buyer: Scott Davis
Seller: Donna Reed
Date: 12/20/18

166-B Stafford Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Paul G. Leone
Seller: Nathan R. Trombley
Date: 12/19/18

HOLYOKE

6 Beacon Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $167,000
Buyer: Javier Flores
Seller: Christopher S. Clark
Date: 12/21/18

8 Field St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Luis Rodriguez
Seller: Marc C. Thompson
Date: 12/21/18

16 Gary Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $252,320
Buyer: Shawn Delton
Seller: Allen, Helen E., (Estate)
Date: 12/31/18

18 Hemlock Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Kevin Bechard
Seller: Patrick J. Clayton
Date: 12/21/18

97 Hitchcock St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $239,000
Buyer: Tamara Figueroa
Seller: David N. Vermette
Date: 12/24/18

4 Kennedy Circle
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $272,500
Buyer: Ann W. Wedaman
Seller: Robert J. O’Neill
Date: 12/28/18

604-606 Main St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: SR&JP Investment LLC
Seller: Wholesale Transfer LLC
Date: 12/21/18

42 Meadowview Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Alexander F. Rodriguez
Seller: Robert A. Burnett
Date: 12/28/18

3 Montgomery Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $228,100
Buyer: Megan M. Cornell
Seller: Davis J. McCabe
Date: 12/19/18

95 Ridgewood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $156,000
Buyer: Roberto F. Deza
Seller: Ernest, Sias D., (Estate)
Date: 12/19/18

108 Westfield Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $239,000
Buyer: Tamara Figueroa
Seller: David N. Vermette
Date: 12/24/18

LONGMEADOW

38 Hazelwood Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $331,000
Buyer: Helene G. Robbins
Seller: Neil A. Daboul
Date: 12/18/18

909 Longmeadow St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $347,000
Buyer: Albert E. Hofmann
Seller: Patricia J. McTaggart
Date: 12/28/18

56 Massachusetts Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $219,000
Buyer: Cara M. Canedi
Seller: Reinaldo Rivera
Date: 12/28/18

53 Meadowlark Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $238,000
Buyer: Thomas C. Bernatavitz
Seller: Lloyd C. Sutton
Date: 12/21/18

80 Windsor Place
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Patrick M. Frechette
Seller: Hamlin, Charles G., (Estate)
Date: 12/24/18

LUDLOW

Cislak Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Carlos Martins
Seller: Antonio F. Gois
Date: 12/28/18

223 Clover Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $226,810
Buyer: Joshua Bailey
Seller: Matthew J. Simonoko
Date: 12/28/18

3 Fontaine St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $264,900
Buyer: Matthew T. Bridges
Seller: Joan F. Ramos
Date: 12/28/18

62 Gaudreau Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Alexander A. Suglia
Seller: Roz Denette
Date: 12/28/18

50 Holy Cross Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Emily V. Leonczyk
Seller: David A. Williams
Date: 12/17/18

103 Karen Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $338,000
Buyer: David A. Rodrigues
Seller: Emily V. Leonczyk
Date: 12/17/18

22 Leland Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Jessica Szlosek
Seller: Janusz Szlosek
Date: 12/28/18

359 Lyon St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $248,500
Buyer: Luis Gomes
Seller: Glenn Potter
Date: 12/21/18

637 Miller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $186,000
Buyer: Danielle E. Bowen
Seller: Miller Gap LLC
Date: 12/21/18

Sunset Dr. #5
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: David J. Vanderboom
Seller: Baystate Developers Inc.
Date: 12/27/18

MONSON

102 Bumstead Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Doyle
Seller: Brown, Alice, (Estate)
Date: 12/20/18

40 Crest Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $231,900
Buyer: Rachel A. Wright
Seller: Aaron T. Chesnes
Date: 12/31/18

130 Ely Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $404,408
Buyer: Matthew Tassinari
Seller: H. & Assinari Builders Inc.
Date: 12/28/18

423 Lower Hampden Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Eric M. Gilbert
Seller: Earl M. Gilbert
Date: 12/31/18

34 Paradise Lake Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $207,875
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Sandra M. Czupryna
Date: 12/31/18

238 Silver St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Kyle Chase
Seller: Wendy L. Gleason
Date: 12/28/18

47 Thayer Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $148,000
Buyer: Ruby Realty LLC
Seller: Robert J. Sanderson
Date: 12/31/18

PALMER

2261 Baptist Hill Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $189,900
Buyer: Justin A. Kania
Seller: Kristy L. Kania
Date: 12/28/18

123 Boston Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Wilmington Savings
Seller: Charles Bowes
Date: 12/17/18

5 Linda St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $182,500
Buyer: Robert W. Roy
Seller: Joseph H. Vigneau
Date: 12/20/18

2022-2024 Palmer St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $164,000
Buyer: Frank Delvalle
Seller: Michele A. Topor
Date: 12/28/18

2142 Palmer Road
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $194,816
Buyer: Carrington Mortgage Services
Seller: Edes A. McCray-Walton
Date: 12/31/18

3034 Pleasant St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $159,000
Buyer: Anthony Quintana
Seller: Margaret M. Landers
Date: 12/28/18

366 Rondeau St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $297,000
Buyer: Mark A. Crawley
Seller: Justine M. Gliesman
Date: 12/21/18

RUSSELL

680 South Quarter Road
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $237,000
Buyer: Sara A. Raymaakers
Seller: Chapter 7 Of US Bankrptcy
Date: 12/27/18

SOUTHWICK

32 Bungalow St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: Mackenzie Powers
Seller: Dellagiustina, S. H., (Estate)
Date: 12/26/18

10 Gargon Ter.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $170,900
Buyer: Richard L. Winkler
Seller: David A. Howard
Date: 12/28/18

64 Kline Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Scott T. Colby
Seller: David B. Hopkins
Date: 12/19/18

80 Kline Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Scott T. Colby
Seller: David B. Hopkins
Date: 12/19/18

11 Noble Steed Xing
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Vincent L. Petrangelo
Seller: Driftwood Development Co.
Date: 12/28/18

Sawgrass Lane #4
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Joseph G. Fournier
Seller: Fiore Realty Holdings LLC
Date: 12/18/18

40 South Longyard Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: David Avalone
Seller: Clifford P. Kibbe
Date: 12/28/18

SPRINGFIELD

248 Abbott St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: Vincent R. Esposito
Seller: Jennifer L. Henderson
Date: 12/27/18

Amboy Court #1
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $571,000
Buyer: Rae Realty Partners LLC
Seller: Northeast Terminals LLC
Date: 12/31/18

49 Ambrose St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $151,000
Buyer: Samantha E. Hahn-Clark
Seller: Leonard Camano
Date: 12/21/18

81 Amore Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Gloria V. Carrino
Seller: Leila Hurst
Date: 12/17/18

34 Ashwood St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $227,400
Buyer: Chad J. Fraga
Seller: Raul Fraga
Date: 12/17/18

39 Ballard Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $193,000
Buyer: Matthew Wright
Seller: Scott L. Tidlund
Date: 12/28/18

36 Berlin St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $129,000
Buyer: Luis R. Franco
Seller: Cynthia L. Ray
Date: 12/21/18

1791 Boston Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $685,000
Buyer: J&C Business Ventures LLC
Seller: Armand J. Beaupre
Date: 12/20/18

242 Breckwood Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Wilmington Savings
Seller: Yvette C. Young
Date: 12/19/18

64 Burt Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Douglas R. Eldridge
Seller: Howard C. Eldridge
Date: 12/21/18

234 Cambria St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $172,900
Buyer: Samantha Alejandro
Seller: James Hutchinson
Date: 12/17/18

29 Cedar St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $120,700
Buyer: Alves & Son LLC
Seller: Pamela C. Johnson
Date: 12/21/18

80 Chapin Ter.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $166,690
Buyer: FHLM
Seller: Carline Bouquet
Date: 12/31/18

10 Chestnut St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $12,000,000
Buyer: Chestnut Park Preservation LP
Seller: Related Springfield Assocs.
Date: 12/17/18

275 Chestnut St. #1
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: BH Chestnut Crossing LLC
Seller: YMCA
Date: 12/21/18

108 Cuff Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Miguel A. Hernandez
Seller: Murphy, Mary, (Estate)
Date: 12/27/18

98 David St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Angel R. Ayala-Marrero
Seller: Della Ripa Real Estate
Date: 12/26/18

101 Daviston St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $169,900
Buyer: Mary L. Burgos
Seller: Rosemary Perez
Date: 12/20/18

69 Dawes St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $197,000
Buyer: Rafael Medina
Seller: Vadim Tulchinsky
Date: 12/28/18

307-309 Dorset St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Guiseppe Leone
Seller: Eric Chapdelaine
Date: 12/18/18

67-69 Draper St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Orange Park Management
Seller: Orange Park Management
Date: 12/19/18

133 Drexel St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $138,350
Buyer: Ryan McAnaugh
Seller: Mary E. Scott
Date: 12/17/18

226 Dutchess St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $173,000
Buyer: Jessica M. Baker
Seller: Cooper Properties LLC
Date: 12/28/18

115-185 Dwight St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $12,000,000
Buyer: Chestnut Park Preservation LP
Seller: Related Springfield Assocs.
Date: 12/17/18

185 Dwight St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $12,000,000
Buyer: Chestnut Park Preservation LP
Seller: Related Springfield Assocs.
Date: 12/17/18

65 East Allen Ridge Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $126,000
Buyer: Elizabeth Acevedo
Seller: John P. Polaski
Date: 12/28/18

64 Euclid Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Dnepro Properties LLC
Seller: Catfish Properties LLC
Date: 12/17/18

144 Ferncliff Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Candice M. Garner-Higgins
Seller: Dawnelle Davis
Date: 12/21/18

98 Forest Park Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $233,000
Buyer: West Valley LLC
Seller: Thomas J. Manion
Date: 12/17/18

46 Gates Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $239,900
Buyer: Diana M. Chung-Edwards
Seller: Kyle Chase
Date: 12/28/18

12 Green Way
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $251,000
Buyer: Shawna Nelson
Seller: Myles D. Donoghue
Date: 12/28/18

109 Grover St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Zion Property LLC
Seller: Armand M. Roy
Date: 12/20/18

58 Haskin St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $151,900
Buyer: Minani Marc
Seller: Travis A. Kuffel
Date: 12/28/18

56-58 Horace St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Ana M. Mirbon
Seller: JJS Capital Investment
Date: 12/28/18

30 Jardine St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $151,410
Buyer: M. I. Polanco-Martinez
Seller: RBT Enterprise LLC
Date: 12/28/18

23 Lakevilla Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $155,675
Buyer: Delphine Wray
Seller: Knolly D. Demills
Date: 12/21/18

88 Lancashire Road
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: Aaron Abreu
Seller: Jorge Montalban
Date: 12/27/18

58 Larkspur St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: Mario Velazquez
Seller: Rochelle D. Newbert
Date: 12/20/18

189 Laurelton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: David Bowens
Seller: Sherquita Thomas
Date: 12/28/18

96 Laurence St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $156,000
Buyer: William Suarez
Seller: Jose M. Monzon
Date: 12/28/18

12-14 Ledyard St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: J&W Feng LLC
Seller: Sara Maldonaldo
Date: 12/28/18

64 Littleton St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $147,900
Buyer: Lenford Gunthrie
Seller: Candice M. Garner-Higgins
Date: 12/20/18

Malden St.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Kelnate Realty LLC
Seller: Nest Egg RT
Date: 12/28/18

211 Marmon St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Monika Rodriguez
Seller: Kim J. Gumlaw
Date: 12/21/18

57-59 Maryland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Jared A. Barklow
Seller: Leon Hutt
Date: 12/18/18

65 Merida St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $124,000
Buyer: HSBC Bank
Seller: Robert Marona
Date: 12/31/18

N/A
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Juan R. Hernandez
Seller: William M. Gaynor
Date: 12/17/18

101 Oak St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Joshua M. Gonzalez
Seller: Adeleke Thomas
Date: 12/20/18

103 Oak St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Joshua M. Gonzalez
Seller: Adeleke Thomas
Date: 12/20/18

21-23 Oakwood Ter
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $171,000
Buyer: Veronica Addison
Seller: Kaleshwar Bedessie
Date: 12/21/18

103 Ontario St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $147,000
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Timothy M. Waldron
Date: 12/31/18

381 Orange St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Katherine A. Lopez
Seller: Carmine E. Dibella
Date: 12/26/18

85 Osborne Terrace
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Isabelle Joseph
Seller: Savage, Karen A., (Estate)
Date: 12/31/18

86 Osborne Terrace
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Katherine C. Ortiz
Seller: Adam T. Dubois
Date: 12/28/18

1416 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Tedeschi Properties LLC
Seller: Forest, Richard J., (Estate)
Date: 12/28/18

778 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Joaquim C. Martins
Seller: Mary T. Popko
Date: 12/24/18

159 Patricia Circle
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $186,300
Buyer: Ashley Discawicz
Seller: Donald M. Stevens
Date: 12/17/18

65 Primrose St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Lara Quiles
Seller: Thomas A. Lefsyk
Date: 12/31/18

234 Redlands St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Mark R. McClarty
Seller: Carmen Reyes
Date: 12/28/18

55 Rimmon Ave.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Ryan Banville
Seller: Mamba Capital LLC
Date: 12/20/18

50 Ringgold St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Felix G. Checo
Seller: Full Service RE LLC
Date: 12/21/18

171 South Branch Pkwy.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $249,500
Buyer: Jennifer McCarthy
Seller: Nicole E. McClain
Date: 12/20/18

28 Southern Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Dennis P. Moulton
Seller: Amirah Guess
Date: 12/28/18

61 Southern Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Andre P. Bernatchez
Seller: JJB Builders Corp.
Date: 12/28/18

659 State St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $3,000,000
Buyer: 659 State St. Apt. LLC
Seller: Ocean Development 1 LP
Date: 12/18/18

663 State St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $3,000,000
Buyer: 659 State St. Apt. LLC
Seller: Ocean Development 1 LP
Date: 12/18/18

106 Suffolk St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Delia Arroyo
Seller: Giuseppe Berardi
Date: 12/21/18

590 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $748,677
Buyer: TGN Associates LLC
Seller: S-Bank Springfield LLC
Date: 12/28/18

62 Temple St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Joseph Coat
Seller: Living Stone LLC
Date: 12/17/18

Terrence St. (WS)
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $3,000,000
Buyer: 659 State St. Apt. LLC
Seller: Ocean Development 1 LP
Date: 12/18/18

479 Trafton Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Nancy M. Peterson
Seller: Amy Kenefick-Moore
Date: 12/28/18

130-132 West Alvord St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $148,000
Buyer: Bank New York Mellon
Seller: Wanda I. Fontanez
Date: 12/17/18

71 Wachusett St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $115,257
Buyer: Springhouse Properties LLC
Seller: Wilmington Savings
Date: 12/21/18

98 Welland Road
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $136,000
Buyer: Wilmington Savings
Seller: Glenn Wilson
Date: 12/17/18

826 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $165,770
Buyer: Wilmington Savings
Seller: Katheeln M. Ahren
Date: 12/17/18

2163 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Tracy M. Ryan
Seller: US Bank
Date: 12/31/18

48 Willard Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Miguel A. Colon
Seller: TM Properties Inc.
Date: 12/28/18

WALES

47 Fountain Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Roxanna M. Fredette
Seller: Sharon A. Mikaelian-Vlk
Date: 12/28/18

95 Union Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $212,000
Buyer: John Martin
Seller: Kyle Welch
Date: 12/31/18

WESTFIELD

15 Angelica Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Michael J. Dicarlo
Seller: Trinity Group Development LLC
Date: 12/21/18

41 Arnold St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $2,272,725
Buyer: CV Westfield 1 LLC
Seller: Van Deusen Apts. LLC
Date: 12/28/18

42 Arnold St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $2,272,725
Buyer: CV Westfield 1 LLC
Seller: Van Deusen Apts. LLC
Date: 12/28/18

54 Arnold St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $2,272,725
Buyer: CV Westfield 1 LLC
Seller: Van Deusen Apts. LLC
Date: 12/28/18

69 Court St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $2,050,425
Buyer: CV Westfield 1 LLC
Seller: Van Deusen Apts. LLC
Date: 12/28/18

16 Denise Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Vanessa Filiault
Seller: Joseph L. Hart
Date: 12/18/18

302 East Main St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $675,000
Buyer: NPJW LLC
Seller: Kyprea LLC
Date: 12/26/18

91 Elm St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $3,304,275
Buyer: CV Westfield 1 LLC
Seller: Chalmers Enterprises LLC
Date: 12/28/18

61 Glenwood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Brian W. Isaacson
Seller: Subataitis, Irene S., (Estate)
Date: 12/26/18

23 High St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $213,100
Buyer: Scott A. Ostrander
Seller: John A. Devine
Date: 12/21/18

32 Knollwood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Eva Fuller
Seller: Amy M. Varner
Date: 12/20/18

6 Lockhouse Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $166,000
Buyer: Kristina M. Schnopp
Seller: Michael J. Brouillard
Date: 12/27/18

8 Monroe St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $2,122,575
Buyer: CV Westfield 1 LLC
Seller: Pilgrim Apts. LLC
Date: 12/28/18

11 Monroe St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $2,122,575
Buyer: CV Westfield 1 LLC
Seller: Pilgrim Apts. LLC
Date: 12/28/18

73 Northridge Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Amy M. Varner
Seller: Kristen A. Edinger
Date: 12/20/18

40 Plantation Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Nicholas Galarneau
Seller: Diane Lennox-Barstow
Date: 12/21/18

169 Pontoosic Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $291,925
Buyer: Michael Forry
Seller: Natalie F. Latulippe
Date: 12/20/18

20 Queen St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Cindy A. Bobe
Seller: Amy Neumann
Date: 12/19/18

15 Riverside Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Logan A. Morton
Seller: Loren M. Cowhey
Date: 12/21/18

1220 Russell Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: EDS Holdings LLC
Seller: William F. Carlin
Date: 12/18/18

89 Sunset Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Maxim Bratnichenko
Seller: Ellen M. Unsderfer
Date: 12/28/18

180 Tannery Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Brian T. Howard
Seller: Nicholas R. Galarneau
Date: 12/21/18

36 White St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $133,100
Buyer: Denise A. Pooler
Seller: FHLM
Date: 12/31/18

8 Woronoco Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $189,500
Buyer: Mary E. Krol
Seller: Michael E. Goodwin
Date: 12/17/18

WILBRAHAM

12 Algonquin Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Preston E. Beadling
Seller: Ronny Priefer
Date: 12/20/18

3121 Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $156,000
Buyer: Jacob C. Bailey
Seller: Gordon W. Richards
Date: 12/26/18

11-13 Brimfield St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $212,000
Buyer: Daniel B. Dinis
Seller: Sheila Rodrigo
Date: 12/21/18

5 Country Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $199,000
Buyer: Elizabeth StJohn
Seller: David Stone
Date: 12/21/18

7 Country Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $199,000
Buyer: Elizabeth St.John
Seller: David Stone
Date: 12/21/18

5 Elm Circle
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $144,000
Buyer: Kaylan Beaudry
Seller: Pennymac Loan Services
Date: 12/19/18

39 Glenn Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $263,000
Buyer: Terrie Alexis
Seller: Edmun G. Ellington
Date: 12/27/18

299 Main St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $207,500
Buyer: Jennifer L. Raiche
Seller: Dale M. Varney
Date: 12/18/18

685 Main St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $253,000
Buyer: Scott L. Tidlund
Seller: Peter W. Ablondi
Date: 12/28/18

7 Pearl Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $259,900
Buyer: Joseph A. Lorenzatti
Seller: Edward C. Ebberston
Date: 12/18/18

59 River Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Brenda J. Hickey
Seller: Judith M. Auclair
Date: 12/19/18

80 Springfield St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $199,999
Buyer: Kerry Sheldon-Ferry
Seller: Donna L. Fountain
Date: 12/27/18

8 Tall Timber Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: John J. Blain
Seller: Carol J. Cote
Date: 12/28/18

WEST SPRINGFIELD

34-36 Allen St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Oleksandr Yusenko
Seller: Anatoliy Chuduk
Date: 12/28/18

59-61 Bliss St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $131,500
Buyer: Yevgeniy Popa
Seller: Sergey Malikov
Date: 12/31/18

159 Brookline Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Roy E. Beusee
Seller: Roy E. Beusee
Date: 12/26/18

Front St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: 108 Front St. RT
Seller: Langone Realty Corp.
Date: 12/28/18

83 Herrman St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: MAA Property LLC
Seller: Joseph Pavlovich
Date: 12/17/18

11 Hill top St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $217,500
Buyer: Dirk P. Kidwell
Seller: Celeste Benoit
Date: 12/28/18

79 Massasoit Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Melan Gurung
Seller: Michael E. Barber
Date: 12/28/18

108 Park St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Town Of West Springfield
Seller: First Cong Church
Date: 12/27/18

5 Piper Cross Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Arjun Basnet
Seller: Jose L. Quinones
Date: 12/20/18

1367 Piper Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $457,900
Buyer: Calvin C. Fletcher
Seller: Zed O. Griffin
Date: 12/21/18

19 Queen Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Billy Velazquez
Seller: Anthony Gamelli
Date: 12/28/18

14 Thomas Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $202,500
Buyer: Gregory L. Rewinski
Seller: Kathleen Curley
Date: 12/28/18

162 Verdugo St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Hope-Anne E. Johnson
Seller: Gordon, Orville F., (Estate)
Date: 12/28/18

74 Winona Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $221,400
Buyer: JP Morgan Chase Bank
Seller: Shane M. Ross
Date: 12/20/18

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

18 Grove St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $247,500
Buyer: Sara R. Lawler
Seller: Jason W. Sullivan-Flynn
Date: 12/17/18

30 Hillcrest Place
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Maya J. Marx
Seller: James M. Matusko
Date: 12/28/18

27 Hills Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Jason Sullivan-Flynn
Seller: Kathryn V. Broy
Date: 12/17/18

42 Kingman Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Yongzheng Zhang
Seller: Jannet Douglass
Date: 12/21/18

36 Valley View Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $263,000
Buyer: Kelly L. Koomler
Seller: Elaine C. Aldrich
Date: 12/21/18

45 Ward St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $367,000
Buyer: Franklin S. Odo
Seller: Jon A. Kurtz
Date: 12/19/18

196 West St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $342,900
Buyer: Ana M. Curcija
Seller: Japheth E. Dziubek
Date: 12/28/18

BELCHERTOWN

360 Amherst Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $257,000
Buyer: Jeffrey T. Menard
Seller: Emerald City Rentals LLC
Date: 12/20/18

500 Amherst Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $250,500
Buyer: Jessica Detweiler
Seller: Alison Berryman
Date: 12/17/18

15 Barrett St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: John D. Sansoucy
Seller: Jason D. Woodcock
Date: 12/21/18

403 Bay Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Stephan S. Wright
Seller: Carolyn Olsen
Date: 12/28/18

689 Bay Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Nelida Barreto-Monteiro
Seller: Camerlin, Carol A., (Estate)
Date: 12/28/18

83 Cheryl Circle
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Peter Fafard
Seller: Merrill J. Gagne
Date: 12/18/18

11 Dana Hill
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $271,500
Buyer: James Worrall-Turgeon
Seller: Lisa D. Watts
Date: 12/17/18

1 Dogwood Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Roxanne Dorrie
Seller: Luis Builders Inc.
Date: 12/27/18

305 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: Rebecca J. Kowalik
Seller: Florence Bank
Date: 12/19/18

10 Fox Run Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $339,900
Buyer: Charles M. Voth
Seller: Jessie-Sierra Ross
Date: 12/31/18

208 North St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Remeliza V. Swain
Seller: Glenn Wilson
Date: 12/20/18

400 Stebbins St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $186,000
Buyer: Danny O. Champagne
Seller: Deborah E. Whidden
Date: 12/19/18

CHESTERFIELD

62 Willicutt Road
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Thomas E. Dawson-Greene
Seller: Snoeyenbos, Oona L. O., (Estate)
Date: 12/20/18

EASTHAMPTON

34 Brook St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $138,500
Buyer: Etabav RT
Seller: Deborah A. Banas
Date: 12/26/18

40 Church St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Reymanuel Sola
Seller: FNMA
Date: 12/17/18

18 Coed Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Judy D. Peloquin
Seller: Jonathan Donais
Date: 12/18/18

9 Droy Circle
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $193,851
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Katie Clark
Date: 12/19/18

42 East Green St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Jonathan M. Donais
Seller: Maryann Donais
Date: 12/18/18

26 Florence Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $264,000
Buyer: Jonathan R. Harris
Seller: David Raucher
Date: 12/28/18

3 Fugere Court
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Gleason Johndrow Rentals
Seller: Revampit LLC
Date: 12/21/18

5 Glendale St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Mark J. Brewin
Seller: Bruce H. Gagnon
Date: 12/17/18

13 Peloquin Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $207,000
Buyer: Rudolph A. Sacco
Seller: Dorman FT
Date: 12/28/18

17 Peloquin Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $242,000
Buyer: Carlos J. Reyes
Seller: Todd R. Carson
Date: 12/18/18

29 Pepin Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $265,500
Buyer: Holly E. Ricci
Seller: Casey J. Trytko
Date: 12/18/18

88 Plain St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Brittany M. Kelly
Seller: Erin K. Gluckman
Date: 12/31/18

99 Plain St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Mark S. Rioux
Seller: Jenna L. Novotny-Schmidt
Date: 12/28/18

GRANBY

132 Aldrich St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Kevin C. Connally
Seller: Dennis Gareau
Date: 12/28/18

14 Cold Hill Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Amanda Grayum
Seller: Alecto RT
Date: 12/27/18

HADLEY

154 Rocky Hill Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $213,000
Buyer: Weizhao Huang
Seller: Carol W. Rundberg
Date: 12/27/18

400 Venture Way
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $4,650,000
Buyer: University Of Mass. Building
Seller: NCS Pearson Inc.
Date: 12/28/18

HUNTINGTON

4 Bromley Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $241,000
Buyer: Kathryn J. Dugan
Seller: Sarafin, Christopher D., (Estate)
Date: 12/17/18

10 Nagler Cross Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $182,000
Buyer: Shaina A. Salvatore
Seller: Tracey B. Yankee
Date: 12/20/18

78 Searle Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $124,900
Buyer: Siren Song RT
Seller: Diane Wozniak
Date: 12/19/18

NORTHAMPTON

136 Acrebrook Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $349,000
Buyer: Christopher J. Herndon
Seller: Philippe J. MaCary
Date: 12/18/18

37 Austin Circle
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $238,000
Buyer: Jessica Whitehead
Seller: Sara C. O’Donnell
Date: 12/17/18

42 Bliss St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $290,400
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Diane Johnson
Date: 12/21/18

20 Bridge Road #21
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $807,859
Buyer: Terry J. Minnick
Seller: Bridge Road LLC
Date: 12/21/18

670 Bridge Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $167,700
Buyer: Lathrop Community Inc.
Seller: Ruby Realty LLC
Date: 12/21/18

128 Brookside Circle
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $216,500
Buyer: Barry M. Gruber
Seller: Daniel W. Emerson
Date: 12/21/18

428 Chesterfield Road
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Angel M. Emerson
Seller: Kathleen J. Farris RET
Date: 12/21/18

225 Chestnut St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $263,000
Buyer: Seweryn Kolysko
Seller: Edmund O. Jones
Date: 12/17/18

46 Cross St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Helen Spiegel-Savoie
Seller: Lise L. Wessmann
Date: 12/20/18

34 Dewey Court
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $670,000
Buyer: Dewey Court Properties LLC
Seller: Northeast Ent. Realty Partners
Date: 12/19/18

22 Gilrain Ter.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $269,875
Buyer: Philippe J. Macary
Seller: Cynthia M. Malcolmson
Date: 12/18/18

36 Hampden St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Pioneer Development LLC
Seller: Christine A. Nolan
Date: 12/28/18

39 High St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $259,000
Buyer: Keddie B. Loughrey
Seller: James K. Doyle
Date: 12/18/18

65 Sherman Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $346,500
Buyer: Noah Merhar
Seller: Helen Spiegel-Savoie
Date: 12/20/18

213 Spring Grove Ave.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $309,900
Buyer: Jesse A. Harris
Seller: Premo FT
Date: 12/21/18

67 Winterberry Lane
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Daniel Dodge
Seller: Edith M. Mehiel
Date: 12/31/18

PELHAM

57 Buffam Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Youssef Oulhote
Seller: Maureen S. Williams
Date: 12/21/18

SOUTH HADLEY

75 Canal St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $2,300,000
Buyer: 75 Canal LLC
Seller: YCCO6 South Hadley MA LLC
Date: 12/26/18

14 Carlton St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Brett Marrin
Seller: Aaron Judge
Date: 12/21/18

28 Cornell St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Ruby Realty LLC
Seller: Catherine E. Partridge
Date: 12/21/18

1 Ethan Circle
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Homes By Leblanc Inc.
Seller: Ethan L. Bagg
Date: 12/24/18

27 Gaylord St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Fuel Services Inc.
Seller: WBCMT 2007-C33 Gaylord St.
Date: 12/18/18

26 Parkview Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Crystal M. Williams
Seller: Neil T. Heymanns
Date: 12/19/18

SOUTHAMPTON

24 Bissonnette Circle
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Patrick J. Clayton
Seller: Joseph P. Arduino
Date: 12/21/18

15 Center St.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $139,900
Buyer: Alan Madsen
Seller: Thomas M. Bacis
Date: 12/20/18

18 Coleman Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Janet L. Pare
Seller: Judy D. Peloquin
Date: 12/27/18

257 College Hwy.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Lise L. Wessmann
Seller: Alison Frary
Date: 12/20/18

94 County Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Todd Carson
Seller: Lewis H. Wright
Date: 12/18/18

7 Nicholas Lane
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Nathan A. Dastoli
Seller: Volkan Polatol
Date: 12/28/18

19 Pequot Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Darin Pawlus
Seller: Eric C. Maslak
Date: 12/21/18

134 Russellville Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Casey J. Trytko
Seller: Janet G. Swierzewski
Date: 12/18/18

WARE

51 Coffey Hill Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $178,760
Buyer: Citizens Bank
Seller: Shawn B. Fontaine
Date: 12/20/18

109 Fisherdick Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: Michael Kiernan
Seller: Jonathan L. Miller
Date: 12/19/18

32 Gilbertville Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Kristyl Hermosillo
Seller: Paul Clark
Date: 12/20/18

353 Palmer Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $324,720
Buyer: Palmer Road 1031 Exchange
Seller: Philip R. Clarkson RET
Date: 12/26/18

355 Palmer Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $324,720
Buyer: Palmer Road 1031 Exchange
Seller: Philip R. Clarkson RET
Date: 12/26/18

WILLIAMSBURG

23 Old Goshen Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $305,500
Buyer: Thomas H. Lynn
Seller: Flippin Good Home Buyers
Date: 12/26/18

123 Petticoat Hill Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Steven R. Roszko
Seller: Corey A. Fox
Date: 12/21/18

WESTHAMPTON

108 Main Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $342,000
Buyer: James D. Jackewich
Seller: E. Reginald Bouchard
Date: 12/27/18

WORTHINGTON

272 Cummington Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: 272 Cummington Road RT
Seller: Forest Medicines Sanctuary
Date: 12/28/18

Building Permits

By
Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the months of December 2018 and January 2019.

AMHERST

A Nelson, LLC
20 Belchertown Road
$22,000 — Sheetrock, demolish interior walls, install new door, frame basement stairwell

D’Angelo Inc.
48 North Pleasant St.
$45,455 — Install two antennas, remote radio heads, and associated equipment

Frances Goodwin, Jerry Bryant
25 Columbia Dr.
$1,820 — Install snowguards below solar array

Bruce Patterson, Galina Patterson
324 Montague Road
$67,080 — Ground-mount solar array

CHICOPEE

American Tower
645 Shawinigan Dr.
$25,000 — Replace three panel antennas, install six remote radio units and associated equipment

O’Leary-Vincunas No Two, LLC
102 First Ave.
$17,850 — Renovate existing fire sprinkler system

Veden, LLC
55 Main St.
$50,500 — Commercial fit-up for National Ambulance

NORTHAMPTON

Zahoor Mian
60 King St.
$3,500 — Illuminated sign

Northwood Development, LLC
15 Atwood Dr.
$1,500 — Non-illuminated wall sign

PeoplesBank
415 Pleasant St.
$11,500 — Install ATM

Pride Convenience Inc.
375 King St.
$15,000 — Remodel interior space

Thornes Marketplace, LLC
150 Main St.
$15,000 — Swap three antennas, swap three remote radio units, add six coaxial cables, remove three AISG cables

PALMER

Camp Ramah in New England
39 Bennett St.
$100,000 — Repairs to arts and crafts building due to tree damage

SPRINGFIELD

Ramos Argenis
784 Bay St.
$54,000 — Remodel existing space at auto-service garage, add restrooms, install show window

Blue Tarp Redevelopment Corp.
12 MGM Way
$400,000 — Install filter fabric and gravel fill under pavers at all roof decks

City of Springfield
36 Court St.
$2,500 — Alter office space on fourth floor of City Hall for internal auditor

Five Town Station, LLC
300 Cooley St.
$120,000 — Alter interior tenant space for ATI Physical Therapy

McDonald’s Corp.
386 Main St.
$416,000 — Alterations and accessibility upgrades

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Inc.
1000 Hall of Fame Ave.
$2,135,000 — Alter space on Hall of Honor gallery on second-floor mezzanine

Shriners Hospitals for Children
516 Carew St.
$24,000 — Renovate existing space in Room 1202

Vibra Healthcare Real Estate Co. II, LLC
1414 State St.
$20,000 — Replace three antennas

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Chandler Holdings, LLC
69-73 William Franks Dr.
$129,500 — Build new drywall partitions, relocate doors and frames, change lighting to LED lighting, hang new acoustical suspended ceilings, change two existing restrooms to handicap-accessible restrooms

Della Ripa Real Estate, LLC
51 Park Ave.
$36,500 — Roofing

Family Nepali & Indian Cuisine
977A Main St.
$10,000 — Install two handicap-accessible bathrooms, install checkout countertop, add double doors to kitchen area

Ievgenil Gusiev
311 Elm St.
$3,800 — Alter interior space for a wedding-dress designer with a fitting room and a handicap-accessible fitting room and bathroom, build a handicap-accessible ramp to enter building

Ronald Laprise
346 Main St.
$14,800 — Install roof-mounted solar array

EANE Adds Two Area Executives to Its Board

By
Daily News

AGAWAM — Meredith Wise, president of the Employers Assoc. of the Northeast (EANE), announced the addition of two new members, Marilyn Lopez-Haddad and Pattie Hallberg, to the EANE board of directors, effective Jan. 1, for three-year terms.

The EANE board represents a cross section of professionals throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island who provide certified expertise in the areas of business, human resources, and financial management. “Our board members are leaders in their professions, and their experience guides our vision of creating successful workplaces throughout the Northeast,” EANE President Meredith Wise said. “Our newest additions to the board have been active members of EANE, and have demonstrated a commitment to the best practices that develop employees and give organizations a competitive advantage.”

Lopez-Haddad, vice president of Human Resources for the Seven Hills Foundation, joined that organization’s senior leadership team in 2008.  She oversees the HR office and Seven Hills Corporate College, and provides leadership in the areas of employee relations, recruitment and retention compensation and benefits, and learning and development. Seven Hills is an integrated health and human services network based in Worcester.

Before joining Seven Hills, Lopez-Haddad worked for various municipalities in Connecticut as the head of HR, personnel, and labor relations. She also worked as a Social Security disability associate in Florida. Most recently, she worked as an adjunct professor at Clark University in Worcester, where she taught global talent development. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Fairfield University and a juris doctor degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law. She was admitted to practice law in Connecticut and Massachusetts, is a certified executive and career coach, and has acquired the SPHR and SHRM-SCP certifications.

Hallberg is CEO of Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts (GSCWM), headquartered in Worcester and Holyoke. She joined GSCWM as CEO in 2008 to lead the merger of the three Girl Scout councils into one organization with a commitment to developing girls’ leadership potential. Under her direction, GSCWM has emerged as a leader in Central and Western Mass. in advocacy for girls.

Hallberg is a commissioner on the Hampden County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls. She serves as a co-chair for the Investing in Girls Alliance in Worcester, and is a founding member of the advisory committee for the Leadership Institute for Political and Public Impact and an advisory board member of the Young Women’s Leadership Institute with the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts.  

Hallberg serves as a board member and member of the finance committee for New England Public Radio. She is a member of the Women’s Suffrage Celebration Coalition of Massachusetts and a member of the Western Mass Women Presidents’ Organization. She is on the advisory board of the Institute for Women’s Leadership at Nichols College and a volunteer for the Springfield Schools Read-Aloud Program. In 2013, she received the Outstanding Women in Business Award from the Worcester Business Journal.

Massachusetts Unemployment Drops Slightly in December

By
Daily News

BOSTON — The state’s total unemployment rate dropped one-tenth of a percentage point to 3.3% in December, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ preliminary job estimates indicate Massachusetts added 5,600 jobs in December. Over the month, the private sector added 5,500 jobs as gains occurred in professional, scientific, and business services; other services; education and health services; leisure and hospitality; manufacturing; financial activities; and information. Construction and trade, transportation, and utilities lost jobs over the month. 

From December 2017 to December 2018, BLS estimates Massachusetts has added 65,800 jobs. 

The December unemployment rate was six-tenths of a percentage point lower than the national rate of 3.9% reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“Preliminary estimates show an addition of 184,700 residents to the labor force during 2018 — the largest yearly increase in the labor force since the beginning of the series in 1976. These labor-force gains, alongside the 65,800 jobs added to the economy last year, are indicators of the continued strength of the job market in the Commonwealth,” Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Rosalin Acosta said.

The labor force increased by 5,000 from 3,837,000 in November, as 8,800 more residents were employed and 3,800 fewer residents were unemployed over the month. Over the year, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped two-tenths of a percentage point.

The state’s labor-force participation rate — the total number of residents 16 or older who worked or were unemployed and actively sought work in the last four weeks — increased one-tenth of a percentage point to 68.1%. Compared to December 2017, the labor-force participation rate is up 2.8%.  

The largest private-sector percentage job gains over the year were in professional, scientific, and business services; information; other services; and education and health services.

Westfield State University to Offer Leadership in Human Services Academy

By
Daily News

WESTFIELD — The College of Graduate and Continuing Education and the Department of Social Work at Westfield State University will offer a Leadership in Human Services Academy beginning Wednesday, Feb 6.

This hybrid certificate program will provide social workers and other human-service professionals with the core knowledge of leadership, administration, and supervision necessary to help them be successful as they transition into a leadership role within an agency.

The program is divided into four units. For each unit, participants will complete five one-hour online modules and then attend a three-hour, face-to-face seminar that explores the application of material covered in the online modules. These seminars are scheduled to take place on Wednesdays, Feb. 27, March 20, April 10, and May 1, from 6 to 9 p.m. The certificate program takes 12 weeks to complete.

The cost of this program is $800, and licensed social workers will earn 32 CEUs by completing it. Individuals who do not wish to commit to the entire certificate program may enroll in individual online trainings at $30 per module, for which licensed social workers can earn one CEU each. To register, visit www.westfield.ma.edu/swceu.

Asnuntuck Community College to Offer Extended Hours This Week

By
Daily News

ENFIELD, Conn. — Asnuntuck Community College’s spring semester begins on Thursday, Jan. 24. Students may apply or register online 24 hours a day at www.asnuntuck.edu, or register in person at the Registrar’s Office Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Extended hours until 6:30 p.m. will be offered on Jan. 22, 23, and 24. The college is closed today, Jan. 21.

Late-start classes are also available. Online late courses include Art Appreciation, Art History II, Spreadsheet Applications, and Database Management, all beginning on Thursday, Feb. 7. Additional late-start classes include Composition, beginning on Monday, Feb. 11, and First Year Experience, beginning on Wednesday, Feb. 13.

Print Marketing Best Practices

By
Marketing Tips Uncategorized

Courtesy of jetline.com

Print advertising is a more permanent solution than digital marketing. However, it is not just a case of churning out content. From brochure design to billboard printing, your print campaign needs to be in line with your brand identity and get your message across effectively. You need to have a strong, well thought out strategy behind your print campaign, and there are best practices you should put into place before implementation.

Read more

10 Local Marketing Ideas

By
Marketing Tips

Courtesy of Nia Gyant, ThriveHive

Chances are that your small business is primarily, if not entirely, dependent on the support and patronage of your community. That being the case, you need to pay special attention to its members, investing in marketing that will attract them. Do you need some local marketing ideas to get you started? Consider 10 things you can do to boost awareness of your business within your locale and get more customers through your doors.

Read more

Florence Bank Cuts Ribbon on Second Hampden County Branch

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Moments before he cut the celebratory ribbon marking the opening of Florence Bank’s second Hampden County branch on Wednesday, president and CEO John Heaps Jr. announced the bank’s support for several community projects.

This spring, in collaboration with the city of Springfield and the Basketball Hall of Fame, the bank will provide $15,000 to refurbish a basketball court at Greenleaf Community Center, and it is also contributing $25,000 to a $2 million campaign to build a library and community learning center in East Forest Park.

“We’re here,” Heaps said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the newest branch at 1444 Allen St. “We’re going to be a major player in the community. We love being here in Springfield.”

About 50 people attended the event at the branch, including bank employees, board members and corporators, as well as community leaders such as Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno; Kevin Kennedy, Springfield’s chief Development officer; state Rep. Angelo Puppulo; and city councilors Kateri Walsh and Jesse Lederman.

Also in attendance were businesspeople with a role in the opening, from the former land owners to the architects, engineers, site planners, and the furniture supplier.

Branch manager Nikki Gleason, a Springfield native and active volunteer, said she is excited to have the branch up and running. She introduced her staff team, including Candice Somar, assistant branch manager; Bianca Hyde, customer service representative (CSR)/teller operations manager; Mario Nascimento, CSR/senior teller; Magdalis (Maggie) Sierra, CSR/senior teller; and Carolyn Ware, Community Relations director.

“The staff we have here is incredible,” Heaps said. “They all came from other banks, so they know the value of working for a local bank.”

The Allen Street branch has a contemporary, open floor plan with two teller pods and innovative technology for quick cash handling. The location also features a drive-up ATM with SMART technology for easy depositing and a comfortable waiting area inside with a coffee bar and free wi-fi.

Sarno thanked Florence Bank and its staff for its commitment to Springfield and for the philanthropic measures — with the basketball court and library — that it is already putting in place.

“Your heart has always been in the city of Springfield,” Sarno told Heaps, who lives in Longmeadow and grew up in the Allen Street neighborhood of Springfield. “Your board, your whole staff team — I thank you all for your continued belief in the city of Springfield. You give back to customers and to the community. Your expansion here sends a resounding message that it’s good to do business in the city of Springfield.”

In August 2017, Florence Bank opened its first branch in Hampden County at 1010 Union St. in West Springfield. “We will be opening several other branches in this area in the coming years,” Heaps said. “We’re excited to be expanding here.”

Florence Bank has nearly 3,900 customers living in Hampden County, including 762 business customers, 373 of whom are located in Springfield.

Community Bank N.A. Celebrates Grand Reopening of Springfield Branch

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Community Bank N.A. Springfield branch celebrated its grand reopening on Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Local dignitaries, customers, community members, and Community Bank N.A. team members gathered to celebrate the completion of the branch’s renovations. Located within Tower Square, the renovated branch will offer Springfield customers enhanced and expanded services, including a 24-hour ATM and a night drop.

“We were thrilled to celebrate the Springfield branch reopening today with community leaders and members,” Community Bank N.A. CEO Mark Tryniski said. “The updates to this branch will offer customers increased convenience and access to bank services. We look forward to continuing to serve the banking needs of the Springfield community.”

At the celebration, Community Bank N.A. leaders also announced the results of a community vote between three nonprofits to receive a portion of the bank’s $12,500 commitment to give back to the Springfield area. Springfield Boys & Girls Club received the majority of the community vote and was presented with a $7,500 donation. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampden County and YMCA of Greater Springfield each received a $2,500 donation.

“Congratulations and thank you, Community Bank N.A., for your continued belief and investment in our Springfield,” said Mayor Domenic Sarno, who was in attendance to mark the occasion.

The Community Bank N.A. Springfield branch began renovations in early October 2018 to add convenient features for customers. The branch will house nine team members and offer customers a wide range of services, including checking and savings accounts, commercial business, and mortgages.

GCAi Marketing Technologists Upgrade Their Certifications

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD ­— Garvey Communication Associates Inc. (GCAi), the most experienced independent Google Partner in the Springfield area, announced the 2019 certifications for its Google Ads strategists. Mary Shea, vice president of Digital Strategy, and James Garvey, digital marketing analyst, collectively have passed the Search, Display, Mobile, and Video exams certifying their advanced expertise in creating, managing, measuring, and optimizing these specific Google Ads products. The two GCAi marketing technologists also meet with a dedicated Google Ads representative every month to review and further increase the performance of client campaigns.

GCAi earned its Google Partner Agency designation more than five years ago. Partner status requires that GCAi associates pass Google Ads certifications, that the agency meets the spend requirements across its managed accounts, and that it demonstrate performance by delivering strong client and company growth.

Shea works out of GCAi’s downtown Springfield headquarters at Tower Square. Garvey works out of GCAi’s newest office at WeWork’s Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, Calif.

HCC Welcomes Laura Lefebvre as Director of Public Safety

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) hired Laura Lefebvre as its new director of Public Safety. Lefebvre, a seasoned investigator, has more than 30 years of law-enforcement experience, most recently as senior sergeant in the campus police department at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) in North Adams. She is the first woman to serve as chief of police at HCC.

“I’m not unaccustomed to being the first woman,” said Lefebvre. “There’s a lot of firsts under my belt.”

Lefebvre, 56, got her start with the Hialeah Police Department in Dade County, Fla. She began as a patrol officer in 1986, then one of only four women in the 450-person department. She worked in the juvenile sexual battery unit investigating child-abuse cases before becoming the first woman assigned to the robbery division. She later moved into homicide as a detective during the era captured in the TV series Miami Vice.

“We didn’t drive great sports cars, and we didn’t dress really well, but that was the time,” she said. “Miami was crazy and fast. The drug trade was high. There were a lot of homicides.”

One of her most memorable cases was captured on an episode of the true-crime documentary series Forensic Files called “Tourist Trap” (season 8, episode 6), where Lefebvre used bite-mark evidence to help convict a man who had carjacked and robbed two German tourists at Miami International Airport, one of a rash of such crimes at the time.

Lefebvre retired from the Hialeah Police Department in 1999 and then moved to Western Mass. with her husband, Gary, also a retired police officer, and two small children, Spencer and Emily, now adults. 

She then spent a few years as an officer with the Hadley Police Department and a police lieutenant at Westfield State University. Before going to MCLA, where she was the first woman sergeant, she worked for 11 years as a fraud investigator for the National Insurance Crime Bureau and the insurance giant Unum.

Throughout her career, Lefebvre has been a field-training officer, teaching at police academies in Florida, Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont. She holds a bachelor’s degree from MCLA in interdisciplinary studies in business and sociology and will complete her master’s degree in education at MCLA this May. 

“I’m a big advocate of professional development,” she said. “We should be learning constantly. I’m a lifelong learner. Everybody should be.”

6 Great Examples of Print Marketing (And Why They Worked)

By
Marketing Tips

Courtesy of: Campaign Drive; ttps://www.campaigndrive.com

In an increasingly digital world, print marketing is still popular. Brands haven’t forgotten about the power of print to engage and excite their consumers. In fact, top multi-location brands use print — whether direct mail, billboards or good old newspaper ads — to drive local engagement and sales.

“Marketers have a plethora of tools to choose from, whether they decide to use a solely digital strategy or incorporate a blend of both traditional and digital tactics,” says Larry Myler, contributor at Entrepreneur.” [1] More importantly, brands need to begin thinking like their customer and understand how their target markets are accessing information and consuming content.”

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Revisiting the Power of Print

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Marketing Tips

Courtesy of: Pat Friesen, Target Marketing; https://www.targetmarketingmag.com

Haptically speaking, there’s a lot to be said for writing marketing messages for print. For starters, they have a better chance of being read when printed on paper and remembered than those viewed on a screen. (More on this later.)

If you’re not familiar with haptics, it’s the neuroscience of touch. What we know about haptics is based on extensive research that has produced fascinating findings.

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Multiple marketing touches close the sale. But are all marketing touches created equal? Not according to Neuroscience

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Marketing Tips

Courtesy: Randall & Reilly; https://www.randallreilly.com 

Over the past fifteen years, neuroscience research methods have helped many companies, including Google, measure actual, rather than just self-reported consumer response to ads or products.

Neuroscience research uses eye tracking, sensors, and MRI techniques to assess the visual attention, engagement and brain activity of test subjects. A 2015 study by Temple University Fox Center for Neural Decision Making employed neuroscience to gauge how people respond to physical and digital ads.

During the first phase, they exposed respondents to print and digital ads, and administered a survey to gauge preferences and recall of the ads. For the second phase, the respondents were exposed to new and previously seen ads, and asked whether they had seen the ads and if so, what format.

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Eversource Recognized for Two Energy-efficiency Programs in Massachusetts

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Daily News

BOSTON — Homeowners, renters, and business owners across Massachusetts are always looking for ways to reduce expenses, and that includes energy costs. In recognition of its efforts to help these customers better manage their energy, Eversource was recognized by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) with Exemplary Energy Efficiency Program awards for both its Home Energy Services (HES) program and Franchise Customer Initiative in Massachusetts. The national award recognizes the best utility programs across the country.

“It is an honor to be recognized by ACEEE for our programs, which have been very successful,” said Eversource Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer Penni Conner. “We strive to help all of our customers save energy and keep costs down wherever possible. We will continue working with homeowners and business owners across the Commonwealth on customized energy-efficiency solutions that will make their living spaces more comfortable and their businesses more competitive.”

ACEEE’s national review evaluates and recognizes exemplary programs in areas such as direct customer energy savings, cost-effectiveness, customer service, innovation, and expansion potential. 

Eversource’s HES program takes a fuel-blind approach and provides in-home energy assessments, turnkey facilitation of weatherization measures, and 0% financing to help homeowners or renters retrofit their homes with cost-effective, energy-efficient measures. Since 2016, the energy saved through Eversource’s HES program in Massachusetts is enough to power approximately 6,000 homes for a year, and the greenhouse-gas emission reductions are equivalent to taking 1,062 cars off the road for a year.

“We felt like we were getting solid advice on how we could improve our energy use, and we were so surprised by the support we received to make those changes,” said Westhampton homeowners and HES program participants Elizabeth Preston and Cindy White. “To find out that the cost of the work would be offset so significantly with all the program incentives was really exciting.”

United Bank to Help Government Employees Impacted by Shutdown

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Daily News

HARTFORD, Conn. — United Bank announced it will be waiving all deposit-account monthly service charges and offering loan assistance for United customers who are federal government employees and are currently not receiving pay due to the ongoing government shutdown that began on Dec. 22.

“For several hundred of our customers who are federal employees, this is an uncertain time for them and their families. So we want our customers to know we are here for them when their federal paychecks are interrupted,” said William Crawford IV, CEO and president. “Therefore, we will be waiving all deposit account monthly service charges and offering loan assistance for customers who are federal government employees not currently being paid during the government shutdown to help make it a little easier for them to pay their bills, do their banking, and make ends meet until the government reopens.”

United Bank, on a case-by-case basis, will offer loan assistance by making loan modifications for impacted customers, if necessary. To be eligible, the loans must be owned and serviced by United Bank.

To take advantage of this special temporary benefit offered by United Bank, impacted customers must show proof they are a federal government employee, which could include a government-issued ID or their most recent pay stub from the federal government. The benefit will conclude when the federal government reopens.

Anyone who is a federal government employee and United Bank customer and qualifies for these special temporary benefits and has any questions or comments should visit a United Bank branch or call the Customer Care Center at (866) 959-2265.

Wendy Fitzgerald Returns to HUB International New England

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Daily News

EAST LONGMEADOW — HUB International New England, LLC, a division of HUB International Limited, a leading global insurance brokerage, recently announced that Wendy Fitzgerald has re-joined HUB New England as a strategic account executive, responsible for all things personal (personal insurance/auto, home, condo, renters, and more).

Her role will include handling new business and outreach, renewals, quoting, special projects, and providing support when needed to the Personal Lines team of experts. She will be based out of HUB New England’s East Longmeadow office. Previously, Fitzgerald had been with the HUB/FieldEddy Personal Lines team from 2008 to 2016.

“We are so excited to have Wendy back on our team as every employee is a valued member,” said Timm Marini, president of Personal Lines at HUB New England. “The integrity, entrepreneurship, teamwork, and service HUB provides has helped us get to the successes of today. Adding to HUB’s team, and our growth, is a reflection of our combined hard work. Wendy’s history at HUB is well-regarded and adds to our team of experts that offer local market specialization, value-added solutions, and innovative products.”

CLICK Workspace to Host Concert by Chandler Travis Three-O’s on Jan. 25

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Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — CLICK Workspace ​continues its concert series, CLICK Music, with the second show of the winter/spring 2019 season on Friday, Jan. 25 from 7 to 9 p.m. The Chandler Travis Three-O’s will bring CLICK a performance featuring “playful original songs that mix mind-bending wordplay with jazz, shimmering rock, and horn-fuelled R&B,” ​according to John Donohue of the New Yorker.

Tickets are available on Eventbrite or at the door for $17 (cash only). CLICK Music sponsors include Building 8 Brewery, River Valley Co-op, Pixel Edge, Northwest Mutual, and the Law Office of Peter Irvine.

Hampshire College Seeks Partner, Grapples with Future

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Daily News

AMHERST — Citing financial strain, Hampshire College on Tuesday outlined its desire to merge with another educational institution. The school is also evaluating whether to admit a freshman class for the fall. The news came in an e-mail from President Miriam Nelson.

“I’m announcing today our intent to find a long-term partner that can help us achieve a thriving and sustainable future for Hampshire,” she wrote. “With the guidance and passion of Hampshire’s trustees we’ve begun a process to seek a strategic partnership to address the challenges we’ve faced as an underendowed institution, really from our very first days. As we approach our 50th anniversary, and as Hampshire continues to have an impact on students and society, the trustees and I are absolutely determined to find the best way forward.

“As we embark on this process,” she continued, “we’re also carefully considering whether to enroll an incoming class this fall, and will work with the trustees to make that decision before the February 1 admissions notification date. This decision has significant ethical implications, and must take into account the welfare of our prospective students and community as a whole.”

She noted that Hampshire has a balanced budget, its $52 million endowment has performed well, and the success of its unconventional educational model has been confirmed by various data, including ranking among the top 3% of institutions whose students go on to earn a research doctorate. Two-thirds of its graduates earn advanced degrees.

“We’re convinced that seeking a strategic partnership is the right and responsible thing to do,” Nelson said. “And now is the time to do it. We have great resources in our people, in our pedagogy that has had outsize influence on higher education, and in our reputation for imaginative and forward thinking. By moving ahead so forthrightly now, we also have perhaps the most important resource of all — time. We have the time to undertake the awesome, exhilarating responsibility of evolving education at Hampshire.”

Monson Savings Bank Announces Three Recent Promotions

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Daily News

MONSON — Monson Savings Bank (MSB) announced the promotions of Carolyn Balicki to branch manager/retail banking officer, Rob Chateauneuf to first vice president commercial loan officer, and Dina Merwin to first vice president compliance and BSA officer.

Balicki joined the MSB team in 2009 as a CSA in Monson. She was promoted to CSA supervisor in 2010, assistant branch manager in 2011, and branch manager in 2014. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration at UMass Amherst and is a graduate of the New England School of Financial Studies.

Chateauneuf joined MSB in 2012 as an assistant vice president commercial loan officer. He was promoted to vice president in 2014 and took on the added responsibility of assistant department manager of the Commercial Loan department in 2015. He has close to 20 years of commercial and retail banking experience and earned a bachelor’s degree in business management at UMass Amherst.

Merwin came on board in December 2012 as a temporary BSA analyst to assist during an employee leave of absence. In June 2013, she was hired as compliance officer. In 2014, she was promoted to AVP compliance and BSA officer, and she earned the vice president title in 2016. She has 25 years of community banking experience and is a graduate of the National School of Banking and the Massachusetts School for Financial Studies.

“We are extremely pleased to announce these well-deserved promotions,” said Steve Lowell, president of Monson Savings Bank. “Carolyn, Rob, and Dina are important contributors to our success.”

AIC to Offer Graduate and Low Residency Program Information Sessions

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) will host two information sessions on Saturday, Jan. 19 in the Admissions Office, DAR building, on the college campus located at 1000 State St. in Springfield.

The graduate information session begins at 9 a.m. and will provide insight into the application process, providing perspective students with an opportunity to meet with admissions staff members, program directors, and current students. 

The Low Residency Program information session, which begins at 11 a.m., will provide an indepth review of the master of arts program in counseling psychology and higher education and doctor of education programs, in addition to a meet and greet with staff members, program directors, and current students. Lunch will be served during this session.

To learn more about graduate degree programs at American International College,  visit www.aic.edu or call Director of Graduate Admissions Hannah Hartzsch at (413) 205-3700.

BusinessWest Seeks 40 Under Forty Nominations

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest is currently accepting nominations for the 40 Under Forty class of 2019. The deadline for nominations is Feb. 15.

Launched in 2007, the program recognizes rising stars in the four counties of Western Mass. Nominations, which should be detailed in nature, should list an individual’s accomplishments within their profession as well as their work within the community. Nominations can be completed online by visiting www.businesswest.com, clicking on ‘Our Events,’ and then ‘40 Under Forty.’

Nominations will be weighed by a panel of judges. The selected individuals will be profiled in the April 29 issue of BusinessWest and honored at the 40 Under Forty Gala on June 20 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke.

HCC, Westfield State Announce Nursing Degree Partnership

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — Officials from Holyoke Community College (HCC) and Westfield State University signed a dual admission agreement this week that streamlines the process for students who want to continue their nursing educations at Westfield State after earning an associate degree in nursing at HCC. 

The RN-to-BSN completion program partnership was announced during a ceremony at HCC’s Center for Health Education on Jarvis Avenue in Holyoke, home to the college’s RN (registered nurse) and LPN (licensed practical nursing) programs and medical simulation center.

“We’re delighted to be here today and excited about this new venture to expand our existing collaboration with HCC to offer a streamlined, efficient pathway to a bachelor of science in nursing degree for HCC students,” said Westfield State University President Ramon Torrecilha. “This is important because it underscores the values of both institutions — our commitment to accessibility and our commitment to affordability.”

By granting automatic admission, the new agreement simplifies the application process for HCC nursing students who want to earn a BSN at Westfield State — and can also significantly reduce the cost for that degree. 

“We already have a really strong partnership with Westfield State, and this is an opportunity to enhance that partnership,” said HCC President Christina Royal. “It’s all for the sake of our students who need and want easier options as they move from their two-year studies to their four-year studies. Many of our students prefer Westfield State, so we want to make that transfer process as seamless as possible.”

Officials said the new program will consist mostly of online coursework with limited on-campus requirements. Applications are now being accepted for fall 2019 enrollment.

According to the agreement, graduates of HCC’s associate degree program can transfer up to 90 course credits into the BSN degree program at Westfield State. HCC students need 72 credits to complete the requirements for their associate degree in nursing.

“The total cost of the 30 nursing-degree credits for the completion program is $10,800, making the program one of the most cost-effective of its kind in the area,” said Shelley Tinkham, dean of the College of Graduate and Continuing Education at Westfield State.

Full-time students can complete the program as quickly as one year; students can also opt to complete the program on a part-time basis in 24 months.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 15% by 2026, significantly faster than the average for all occupations. Torrecilha said nursing professionals with BSN degrees will remain in high demand for the foreseeable future.

“This latest collaboration emphasizes both institutions’ commitment to growing this high-demand segment of the workforce, underscoring our mutual concern and interest in preparing future generations of nursing professionals,” he said. 

Royal cited a recent report, the “Pioneer Valley Labor Market Blueprint,” that identified health sciences as a priority sector for Western Mass.

“It’s one of the economic engines that drive our region,” she said, “so for us to stay focused on providing opportunities like these that are going to lead to vibrant jobs in this community is just going to bolster that sector of the economy.”

Attorney Amelia Holstrom Named Partner at Skoler, Abbott & Presser

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C. announced that Attorney Amelia Holstrom was named a partner in the firm on Jan. 1. Holstrom, who has been with the firm since 2012, focuses her practice on labor law and employment litigation, including personnel policies and practices review, wage-and-hour compliance, and separation and severance agreements.

“Amelia is renowned statewide for her legal and professional skills,” said attorney Timothy Murphy, a partner at Skoler Abbott, noting that Holstrom was a Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly Up & Coming honoree in 2017, selected to the Super Lawyers Rising Stars list in 2018, and is a regular contributor to the Massachusetts Employment Law Letter. “She helps her clients make difficult employment decisions within their legal obligations. She provides counsel to management regarding strategies to avoid litigation, but is an experienced litigator prepared to vigorously defend her clients in court when necessary. We are thrilled Amelia has accepted partnership in the firm.”

Holstrom frequently speaks about employment-related legal topics for a wide variety of associations and organizations. She was selected by BusinessWest as a 40 Under Forty honoree in 2015 and received the Massachusetts Bar Assoc. Community Service Award in 2016. She is a member of the Massachusetts, Hampden County, and Connecticut bar associations; sits on the board of directors for Clinical & Support Options in Northampton and Girls Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts; and is an ad hoc member of the personnel committee for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.

“I’m proud to be able to take on more of a leadership role for one of the region’s most vibrant, well-respected firms,” Holstrom said. “Growing up, I watched my parents, who worked in management at different companies, make challenging decisions about employees. When I took a labor law class in school, I was reminded of the myriad difficulties employers face and the laws that impact those decisions. That served as the basis for my legal career, while my work at Skoler Abbott has helped me finely hone my skills. I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue to grow with the firm.”

Esther Rich Joins Rediker Software as Director of Support

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Daily News

HAMPDEN — Andrew Anderlonis, president of Rediker Software, recently announced that Esther Rich has been hired as the company’s new director of Support. Rich brings more than 30 years of experience in customer support, with more than 10 of those years spent in a management position. Before joining Rediker Software, Rich was the Customer Support manager for Farm Credit Financial Partners in Agawam.

In her new role, Rich will lead and motivate her team to ensure they have the tools and skills required to provide the best customer service possible. She holds a business management degree from St. John’s School of Business.

“Esther brings us many years of call-center and customer-support leadership experience,” Anderlonis said, “and we are very excited to have her with Rediker to help manage our fantastic support team.”

OMG Inc. Named Company of the Year by SmartDollar

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AGAWAM — The statistics are alarming: 70% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. At work, stress over finances can take a toll on employee performance and impact productivity. Almost 10 years ago, OMG Inc. saw this as a factor limiting employee success and took action.

OMG used SmartDollar, the financial-wellness program created by money expert and best-selling author Dave Ramsey, to teach employees how to take better care of themselves financially. “This has been a game changer for us,” said Sarah Corrigan, vice president of Human Resources. “More than 300 employees have taken advantage of the tools we offer for free to create a financial plan for themselves and their families.”

Helping employees succeed financially is part of OMG’s overall wellness strategy. “Reducing the worry over money allows employees to focus on their work and, more importantly, on themselves and their future,” Corrigan said. Using SmartDollar, the average OMG participant pays off more than $8,000 in debt and saves more than $5,000. Collectively, participants have achieved a positive swing of almost $1 million through debt reduction and savings contributions.

As a result, SmartDollar recognized OMG as its 2018 Company of the Year. “Our team absolutely loved hearing about what’s happening at OMG,” said Brian Hamilton, vice president of SmartDollar. “They did it. They made the kind of behavior change it takes to change their lives and their family’s futures.”

Added Hubert McGovern, OMG president and CEO, “we’re very proud of what our employees have accomplished. There’s nothing more satisfying for us as a business than to help our employees succeed not only professionally, but personally as well.”

Employer Confidence Weakens in December

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BOSTON — Massachusetts employers gave a big “bah, humbug” to the year-end economy as business confidence withered in the face of a government shutdown and the largest one-month stock-market decline since the Great Depression.

The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Business Confidence Index lost three points to 58.6 during December, its lowest level since December 2016. Confidence readings have dropped five points during the past 12 months.

The retreat was led by an 8.6-point drop in employer views of the national economy, and a 4.7-point drop among manufacturing companies. Overall confidence remains within optimistic territory, but less comfortably so than earlier in 2018.

“The Massachusetts economy remains strong, with a 3.3% growth rate and an unemployment rate of 3.4%, but employers are increasingly concerned about factors such as financial-market volatility, a dysfunctional national political debate, and challenges such as the cost of providing health insurance to employees,” said Raymond Torto, chair of AIM’s Board of Economic Advisors (BEA) and lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Design.

The AIM Index, based on a survey of Massachusetts employers, has appeared monthly since July 1991. It is calculated on a 100-point scale, with 50 as neutral; a reading above 50 is positive, while below 50 is negative. The Index reached its historic high of 68.5 on two occasions in 1997-98, and its all-time low of 33.3 in February 2009. It has remained above 50 since October 2013.