West Side’s Story is About Maximizing its Assets

By
Mayor Will Reichelt
Community Spotlight

Community Spotlight

Mayor Will Reichelt

Mayor Will Reichelt says that West Springfield’s biggest challenge may be a lack of developable land, which places a priority on maximizing existing real estate.

Like just about everyone else in this region, Will Reichelt has circled August 24 on all his calendars.

That’s the day MGM Springfield opens, as most everyone knows, and it’s a day of high expectations and some anxiety. Especially in West Springfield, where Reichelt has served as mayor for nearly three years now.

West Side isn’t the host city for MGM, but it is certainly among those to be the most impacted by the $960 million development that has gone up just across the Connecticut River.

The Eastern States Exposition will handle MGM’s overflow parking on August 24, with a shuttle running between the two locations. And the annual 16-day Big E will begin only a few weeks after MGM opens, creating considerable talk — as well as that aforementioned anxiety — about just what traffic will be like on Memorial Avenue, I-91, the Turnpike’s exit 4, the Memorial Bridge, Route 5, the North End Bridge, and other arteries in and around the city.

“It’s certainly going to be an interesting weekend and couple of weeks, with the Big E opening three weeks later,” said Reichelt, in a classic bit of understatement. “It will be interesting to see how Big E traffic interacts with MGM traffic.”

He added, as others have, that traffic and parking issues in the wake of MGM Springfield fall into the category of good problems to have, at least from a vibrancy standpoint. And looking beyond August 24 and the days to follow, Reichelt is hoping, and perhaps also expecting, that MGM will generate, in addition to traffic issues, some additional development opportunities.

“It will be interesting to see what happens long term as a result of MGM, especially just over the Memorial Bridge, where there are certainly some development opportunities,” said the mayor, referring to some of the retail areas on the eastern end of Memorial Avenue. “People have talked about a hotel, restaurants, and maybe redevelopment of the whole Memorial Avenue/Main Street area.”

More specifically, he was referring to redevelopment of some vacant or underutilized properties there and in other areas within the community, which has been the basic M.O. for this city for quite some time.

Indeed, unlike neighboring Westfield and many other area communities, West Side is, as they say in development circles, ‘land poor,’ meaning that most all developable parcels have been developed. That goes for residential development — although a few new small projects seem to materialize each year — and especially commercial development.

Most of the projects in that latter category have involved reuse of vacant or underutilized property, and examples abound — from the conversion of the former Yale Genton property and some neighboring homes on Riverdale Street into the site of the massive Balise Honda, to the conversion of the former Boston Billiards site just north on Riverdale Street into a new Marriott Courtyard.

The most recent example is the stunning transformation of a former auto body shop just off Memorial Avenue into the home of Hot Brass, an indoor firearm and bow range that opened its doors in early August.

“It will be interesting to see what happens long term as a result of MGM, especially just over the Memorial Bridge, where there are certainly some development opportunities. People have talked about a hotel, restaurants, and maybe redevelopment of the whole Memorial Avenue/Main Street area.”

Reichelt said MGM could help trigger more developments of this kind on sites ranging from the old Medallion Motel property just over the Morgan-Sullivan Bridge linking the community to Agawam and across from The Big E, to the United Bank building on Elm Street street (the bank is moving across the street into space once occupied by Webster bank), to some properties north of I-91 on Riverdale Street, which are in less demand than those on the south side of the highway.

“South of I-91 is the real hot spot; whenever there’s a vacancy, it usually fills quickly,” said Reichelt, adding that the city’s board goal is to the make the area north of the interstate just as hot.

For this, the latest installment in its Community Spotlight series, BusinessWest talked with Reichelt about ongoing efforts to bring more economic development to West Side and make the very most of the property that can be developed.

Developing Story

The ambitious Hot Brass venture, which combines a retail sporting goods store with a 17-lane recreational archery and shooting range, is, indeed, only the latest example of how underutilized properties have found new lives in this community.

And, as the mayor noted, this is out of necessity, because there are very few, if any, developable spaces left in this city, for either residential or commercial development.

West Springfield at a glance

Year Incorporated: 1774
Population: 28,391 (2014)
Area: 17.49 square miles
County: Hampden
Residential Tax Rate: $17.05 
Commercial Tax Rate: $32.90
Median Household Income: $54,434
<strong>Median Family Income: $63,940
Type of Government: Mayor, Town Council
Largest Employers: Eversource Energy, Harris Corp., Home depot, Interim Health Care, Mercy Home Care
* Latest information available

“When I was on the Planning Board four years ago, we approved a subdivision, which I assumed would be the last one,” Reichelt recalled. “But then, when I was a lawyer for the city, they approved another one, and I said, ‘that must be the last subdivision in West Side.”

Developers keep finding ways to shoehorn in smaller residential projects, he went on, but on the commercial and industrial side, the city has essentially run out of real estate.

And, as has been the case for some time now, most development — or redevelopment — efforts have been focused on the two main retail thoroughfares, Riverdale Street, home to countless auto dealerships, the massive Riverdale Shops, a cinema complex, several hotels and motels, and more, and Memorial Avenue, home to more auto dealerships, more retail plazas, and, of course, the Big E.

Both are doing very well, and are in seemingly constant motion, development-wise, said Reichelt, adding that over the past few years, Memorial Avenue had added new Fathers & Sons Audi and Volkswagen dealerships, a Chipotle, a new Florence Bank branch, and, most recently, Hot Brass, and a Sketchers outlet store.

Meanwhile, on Riverdale Street, additions to the landscape include the Marriott Courtyard, a new Pride store (the first one with a full-service kitchen), and a Balise carwash, among others.

But there are opportunities on both main drags for additional development, said the mayor.

On Riverdale, these include the site of the closed Bertucci’s restaurant, just south of the new Marriott Courtyard, and some vacant or underutilized property on the north side of the highway.

As for Memorial Avenue, there’s the former Medallion Motel site, but also the closed Hofbrauhaus restaurant, the site of the closed Debbie Wong restaurant (across the street from the Big E), and others.

The United Bank building on Elm Street

The United Bank building on Elm Street, soon to be vacated by the bank, is one of the keys to bringing more vibrancy to the downtown area.

The Medallion Motel site, at the corner of Memorial Avenue and River Street, is intriguing because of its size and proximity to the Big E, although its location, just over the Morgan-Sullivan Bridge, a site of persistent traffic congestion, is seen by some as a drawback, said the mayor, adding quickly that reconstruction of the bridge and a broad plan to redo all of Memorial Avenue from the Morgan Sullivan Bridge to the Memorial Bridge may change that outlook.

Work is slated to begin in 2021, said Reichelt, with plans calling for maintaining four lanes between the Memorial Bridge and Union Street, with some turning lanes carved out in the center (lack of such lanes leads to considerable congestion), with three lanes between the Morgan-Sullivan Bridge and Gate 9 of the Big E, with turning lanes added on that stretch as well. Meanwhile, there will be a bike path constructed on the Big E side between the Morgan-Sullivan Bridge and Union Street, with bike lines on both sides between Union Street and the Memorial Bridge.

As for the much-anticipated reconstruction of the Morgan-Sullivan Bridge itself, that work is expected to commence after this year’s Big E concludes, said the mayor.

Back on Riverdale Street, one of the main goals at present is to stimulate more interest in the section north of the highway. And for many retailers, it remains a much tougher sell.

“We need to help more people understand that north of I-91 is still Riverdale Road and it’s still a high-traffic area,” he explained. “There are many businesses that have been there forever and they’ve done extremely well.”

But while Riverdale Street and Memorial Avenue get most of the attention, community leaders are also focusing efforts on an often-overlooked asset — what’s considered the downtown area, the stretch of Elm Street beginning at Park Street.

That section boasts the Majestic Theater, a few restaurants, including B-Napoli, the town library, a few banks, and some retail, and has considerable potential as a destination, said the mayor.

“Every mayor says they want to have a Northampton-like downtown,” he told BusinessWest. “And in a way, our downtown suits itself to that, because we have a huge common on Park Street and a smaller common on Elm Street.”

The downtown section is hampered by a lack of parking, as many downtowns are, he noted, adding that a recent renovation of the municipal lot by City Hall to add more than 100 spaces will help.

One key moving forward is the United Bank building, which sits adjacent to the Majestic Theater and is around the corner from the city’s offices.

Years ago, the space occupied by the bank was home to a number of small retail shops, said the mayor, adding that a similar mixed-use role — with residential as possibly part of the mix — could help bring more people, and more vibrancy, to that section of the city.

Meanwhile, there are a number of municipal projects ongoing, everything from construction of a new elementary school, to infrastructure work including water and sewer projects, to ongoing improvements to Mittineague Park, all aimed at making the city a better place to live and work.

Some Solid Bets

Projecting ahead to August 24 and the days to follow, Reichelt said West Springfield residents, those who commute through the city, and even retailers on Memorial Avenue should be ready for what’s to come because they’ve dealt with Big E traffic for years.

“They know what to expect,” he said, adding that long-term, it’s a little harder to predict just what will transpire.

Overall, for the city across the river from the casino, the changing landscape presents many new opportunities to put some older properties to new and exciting uses.

There’s been a lot of that in West Springfield over the past several years and there are very good odds (yes, that’s a gaming industry term) that there will be much more in the years to come.

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

Legislature Passes Bill Restricting Non-compete Agreements

By
Employment

Language Course

 By Timothy M. Netkovick, Esq.

Big changes may be on the horizon regarding non-competition agreements. For the first time, there may be legal restrictions on the terms of those agreements, and, in a major development, employers may be required to pay former employees during the non-compete period.

This is the result of a bill passed by the Massachusetts state legislature that, if signed by Gov. Baker, will mandate the timing of non-competition agreements, the employees who can enter into those agreements, and certain language within the agreement.

Timothy M. Netkovick, Esq

Timothy M. Netkovick, Esq

Employers use non-competition agreements in order to protect their business interest in the event an employee leaves the company and begins to work for a competitor. In that scenario, the now former employee could be motivated to entice clients to their new place of business or to use confidential information of the former employer for the benefit of a competitor.

Historically, there has been little restriction on the contents of a non-competition agreement other than what terms would be enforced by a court in the event of a dispute. However, that may be about to change. If signed by Gov. Baker, the bill states that a non-competition agreement will need to include:

• A reasonable geographic reach in relation to the interest sought to be protected;

• A reasonable scope of the activities prevented;

• That the agreement be supported by a garden-leave clause (more on that later); and

• That the agreement comply with public policy.

The new bill is the result of the Legislature’s perception that non-competition agreements have become overused in the Commonwealth. As such, the bill requires that certain steps be taken at each stage of the employment process. At the outset, the bill mandates that non-competition agreements are unenforceable against:

• Nonexempt employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act (hourly workers);

• Interns;

• Employees terminated without cause or due to layoff; and

• Employees under 18 years old.

In a typical scenario, non-competition agreements are entered into at the beginning of the employment relationship, and can be included as part of the employee’s ‘on boarding’ documents, along with a copy of the Employee Handbook and other standard documents.

The Legislature’s apparent concern is that an employee could sign a non-competition agreement without understanding what they are signing.

In order to protect employees, the bill requires that a non-competition agreement must be entered into by the earlier of a formal offer of employment or 10 business days before the start of employment. In addition, the agreement must be signed by both the employer and the employee and, further, must include a statement that the employee has the right to consult with counsel of their choosing prior to entering into the agreement. In effect, this makes a non-competition agreement the subject of a separate negotiation well prior to the first day of employment.

In the event the agreement is entered into after employment has started, the bill requires that there be a 10-day waiting period before the agreement becomes effective, and that it include the same statement that the employee has the right to consult with counsel of their choosing prior to entering into the agreement.

The bill further requires that “fair and reasonable consideration” be exchanged in order to support the agreement. The bill doesn’t state what “fair and reasonable consideration” is, however, it specifically states that “fair and reasonable consideration” must be more than just the employee’s continued employment.

Since there is no definition of “fair and reasonable consideration,” there can be a variety of potential interpretations as to what that phrase means. Could it be a raise for the employee to support the agreement? A bonus? Unfortunately, the legislation is silent. However, it is clear from the overall text of the legislation that the intent is for more than just nominal consideration, i.e. $1.00.

For the most part, once the agreement is signed, the bill adapts the standards typically used by Massachusetts courts in enforcing non-competition agreements in terms of duration and scope. For instance, Massachusetts courts have typically held that non-competition agreements are enforceable so long as they are reasonable in time and scope.

Courts have also typically interpreted non-competition agreements narrowly in terms of enforcing the agreement for a short period of time and limited to the areas where the employee actually performed services for the former employer. In addition, several professions are exempt from non-competition agreements due to public policy reasons, such as doctors and lawyers.

The major potential change is the requirement for employers to pay their former employees during the non-compete period. Under the bill, the agreement must be supported by a “garden leave clause” or other mutually agreed upon consideration. The bill defines a “garden leave clause” as 50% of the employee’s highest annualized salary within the two years preceding termination. In effect, employers will be required to pay the former employee not to work during the non-compete period.

In addition to the other provisions put in place, it seems that the Legislature’s goal is to provide an additional disincentive for an employer to enter into a noncompetition agreement unless the employer views it as absolutely necessary for a legitimate business interest. Given the other restrictions in terms of the category of employees specifically excluded from entering into non-competition agreements, it’s clear that the Legislature intends for non-competition agreements to apply to only executive or upper level management.

If enacted, these new requirements will require employers to review and modify their existing non-competition agreements. Employers will want to monitor the situation and consult their employment counsel regarding any revisions that may be necessary before they seek to enter into new agreements, or run the risk that those agreements will be unenforceable when the employer needs them the most.

Timothy M. Netkovick, an attorney at Royal, P.C., has 15 years of litigation experience. He has successfully tried several cases to verdict. In addition to his trial experience, he has specific experience in handling labor and employment matters before a variety of administrative agencies including the Mass. Commission Against Discrimination, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, National Labor Relations Board, and Department of Industrial Accidents. He also assists employers with unionized workforces during collective bargaining, at arbitrations, and with respect to employee grievances and unfair labor practice charges; (413) 586-2288.

Suicide Rates Continue to Rise; the Question Is Why

By
Dr. Gaurav Chawla
Health Care

A Different Kind of Health Crisis

Dr. Gaurav Chawla

Dr. Gaurav Chawla describes suicide as “a very unfortunate, tragic outcome of a complex set of circumstances.”

It’s a common, but certainly not universal, refrain when an individual takes his or her own life.

Friends and relatives will say they didn’t see any signs that this was coming, said Kate Hildreth-Fortin, program director, Emergency Service & Mobile Crisis Intervention with Behavioral Health Network (BHN). Or they’ll say that they could not see any apparent reason for this outcome, that the individual in question seemed outwardly happy and was enjoying life.

That’s what people said about celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, designer Kate Spade, comedian Robin Williams, and countless others, famous and not at all famous.

“But almost always, there are warning signs, and there are reasons,” said Hildreth-Fortin, one of many who spoke with BusinessWest about a subject that is timely, immensely complicated, and a true healthcare crisis probably on the same level as the one involving opioid addiction.

“If you think about the cost society pays due to undiagnosed mental-health conditions, due to emotional crises and stressors leading to loss of function and ultimately to suicide, and how many lives are directed affected by suicide … when you think about all that, this is a public health crisis.”

Timely not just because of those celebrity suicides several months ago — although they always help bring attention to the problem — and not just because of a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the growing problem.

It’s timely because the numbers continue to rise, as does the overall toll from suicide, which goes well beyond the individuals who take their own life, said Dr. Gaurav Chawla, chief medical officer at Providence Behavioral Health Hospital, part of Trinity Health Of New England, who estimated that six lives are directly impacted by each suicide.

“If you think about the cost society pays due to undiagnosed mental-health conditions, due to emotional crises and stressors leading to loss of function and ultimately to suicide,” he went on, “and how many lives are directed affected by suicide … when you think about all that, this is a public health crisis.”

Getting back to the numbers, they are eye-opening and quite alarming:

• The most recent surveys show there are 45,000 completed suicides in the U.S. every year;

• That number has steadily risen since the start of this millennium, with suicides up a total of 28% since 2000;

• Massachusetts has the third-lowest suicide rate in the nation, but the rate of suicides in the Bay State has increased 35% since 1999, well above the national average;

• Women attempt suicide at a higher rate than men, but men complete suicide at a higher rate than women;

• Firearms are used in more than 50% of suicide attempts;

• Middle-aged white men (those in their 40s to mid-50s) have the highest suicide rate, particularly when they are single, but there is another peak involving individuals over 84; and

• Among individuals ages 14-34, suicide is the second-leading cause of death after accidents.

Perhaps as disturbing and frustrating as the numbers themselves are the forces behind them. They are numerous, often difficult to see, and very difficult to combat.

But there are common denominators of a sort. For starters, suicide usually results from a combination of factors, not one in particular, said Chawla, who summed things up succinctly, noting that “there is never one reason for someone to take their life; suicide is a very unfortunate, tragic outcome of a complex set of circumstances.

Kate Hildreth-Fortin

In almost all cases, Kate Hildreth-Fortin says, there are warning signs with someone contemplating suicide.

“You will often see the assumption that undiagnosed mental illness or inadequately recognized or treated mental illness is the cause,” he went on. “However, that is a myth; 50% of the suicides do not have a diagnosed mental illness behind them.”

As for what is behind them, that list is obviously quite long, said Hildreth-Fortin, and could include biological and genetic factors, increasing stresses of life, relationship crises, financial and occupational stressors, poor coping styles, increased substance use, and many others.

Another common denominator is that those contemplating suicide generally feel trapped in a life that does not bring them happiness or make them fulfilled, said those we spoke with, adding that this descriptive phrase can be applied to people at every age, every income bracket, and every walk of life.

Slicing through it all, such individuals need a way out of that trap and can’t find one or are unwilling to try, said Chawla.

“Suicide is a confluence of circumstances that lead one to conclude that they’re trapped in a hopeless circumstance, sometimes without purpose, in a painful existence from which there is no other way out,” he told BusinessWest.

Meanwhile, providing a way out, especially to those suffering from behavioral-health issues (and that’s a large percentage of those who contemplate or complete suicide) is made more difficult by the persistent stigma attached to seeking help for such conditions, and then finding help in a system plagued by a shortage of resources.

These are the reasons why this is a healthcare crisis, even if the same politicians who are quick to give such a label to the opioid epidemic are mysteriously reluctant to do the same with suicide.

For this issue, BusinessWest takes a long, hard look at suicide, going beyond the numbers in a quest to explain why they continue to rise, and also looking at how area professionals are helping those who are in that aforementioned ‘trap’ and need a way out.

A Failure of the System

Hildreth-Fortin, like the others we spoke with, said that, while it is somewhat regrettable that it often takes celebrity suicides like Bourdain’s and Spade’s to bring heavy media attention to the problem of suicide, she’s happy for the attention and a chance to bring the conversations to the forefront, instead of the background, where they have been for too long.

That’s because a brighter light needs to be shone on this crisis to bring about any kind of change in the current trends. With that attention, she said, there is hope that the stigma attached to mental-health issues and seeking help for them might be diminished; hope that more resources might be brought to bear to address the crisis, as has happened with opioid addiction; hope that friends and loved ones might become aware of the warning signs — what to do when they see and hear them; and hope that those feeling trapped might be more persistent in finding a way out.

That’s a lot of hoping, but in this battle, those fighting it will take whatever help they can get, especially with regard to that stigma concerning mental health.

“Suicide is a word we use every day; it’s something we deal with every day,” said Hildreth-Fortin, whose program handles roughly 1,300 assessments a month, and 70% of these individuals, in her estimation, have suicidal thoughts. “There’s a lot we can do with prevention; we need to reduce the stigma, improve education, and treat suicide the same way we would diabetes — ‘what can we do to help someone?’”

Chawla agreed, and said the stigma attached to both suicide and mental illness and seeking help for it often contributes to a lack of understanding concerning why someone commits suicide.

That is certainly the case with celebrities such as Bourdain, Williams, and others, he went on, adding that, to most of the rest of the world, these people seem happy and content with their lives.

But it’s not the world’s perception of these individuals that matters; it’s how they view themselves, and this is true of people across all income levels and social strata.

“It’s about perceptions of who you are, how you fit in your world, and how meaningful you find your existence,” he said. “That’s what ultimately leads to or doesn’t lead to such acts.”

But while suicide is seemingly an individual act, it isn’t, and each act represents more than one person choosing that tragic outcome.

“Suicide is taken as one event by one individual, and that’s not what it is,” said Chawla. “It is the final outcome of the failure of the system. Along the way, there are many lives affected, there’s a lot of loss of function, and there is opportunity that’s missed.”

Hildreth-Fortin and others at BHN agreed, and said one huge key to perhaps reducing the number of suicides is to seize opportunities rather than miss them.

And there is quite a bit that goes into this equation, she noted, listing everything from proper training of police officers, teachers, and others to being aware of the many warning signs; from knowing what questions to ask those at risk (and asking them) to knowing how to respond to the answers to those questions.

And this means not overreacting or underreacting, and, above all, connecting people at risk with services that provide help, said Hildreth-Fortin, who, like Matthew Leone, assistant program director of the crisis unit at BHN, is trained in something called QPR, which stands for question, persuade, refer — the three basic steps in suicide prevention.

“This is training given to anyone in recognizing the risk factors, how to persuade the person to get help, and how to refer that person for help,” Leone explained, adding that, in his role, he does a lot of training in the community on how to recognize suicide.

Which brings him to those warning signs. There are many to watch for, some subtle, some most definitely not, he said.

“This is training given to anyone in recognizing the risk factors, how to persuade the person to get help, and how to refer that person for help”

They could and often do include people saying ‘goodbye’ or ‘nice to know you’ on Facebook and other platforms, individuals giving away possessions, young people suddenly drawing up a will, people losing interest in things they enjoy doing, a decrease in performance at school, and many others.

“A more overt sign might be when they start stockpiling medication or another means of following through on their plan,” Leone went on, adding that, in addition to these warning signs, which are clearly red flags, there are also risk factors.

And there are many of those, he said, starting with being a middle-age male. Others include financial distress, depression, divorce, loss of a job, being given a terminal diagnosis, and, of course, a combination of some of these.

Questions and Answers

The next part of the equation is knowing what to do when warning signs are recognized, or with someone who outwardly seems at risk, said Hildreth-Fortin.

She acknowledged that having a conversation with such an individual and asking the questions that need to be asked is awkward and often very difficult (some fear that just asking the questions can help promote a suicidal act) but it needs to be done.

“A big piece of QPR training is teaching people how to ask the question, to get someone comfortable with asking someone if they’re suicidal,” she said, adding that this training is often given to first responders and educators, but parents, spouses, friends, and employers also fall into the category of individuals who need to ask questions and need to know how to ask and also how to respond.

Questions should focus on what thoughts people are having, how often they’re having them, and whether they’ve acted on these thoughts in any way before, said Hallie-Beth Hollister, assistant program director, Community Relations for BHN, adding that the answers will generally reveal just how at-risk someone might be.

Jenni Pothier

Jenni Pothier says those working with those contemplating suicide need to create a comfortable, non-judgmental, open space for dialogue to occur.

One key, she went on, is not asking leading questions that would enable the individual to give the answers the questioner might be looking for.

“Don’t say, ‘you’re not thinking of killing yourself, right?’” she said by way of example.

But, as noted, recognizing warning signs and asking the right questions are only parts of the equation. Responding to the signs and the questions to the answers is another big part, said Leone, adding that that many people balk at asking questions, or especially difficult and specific questions, because of anxiety about the answer.

“‘What do I do if the answer is yes?’” is a question that unnerves many, he went on, adding that there’s a reason for this; the response can be complex.

“We talk with people all day who mention that they’ve having suicidal thoughts,” he explained. “Some have the intent to follow through, others do not; some have vague suicidal ideation where there’s no real plan to it.”

Which is why overreaction is possible and should be avoided.

“Many times, with suicide, when someone says they’re having those thoughts, instead of starting a conversation, it ends the conversation,” he explained. “People will jump in and say, ‘we need to get them to the hospital, we need to get them help now,’ when the person is just reaching out to talk about it for help.

“And this overreaction can have a negative effect to it because then the next time the person is experiencing those thoughts, they may not say anything,” he went on, adding that the key is generating the proper response given the individual’s risk factors, warning signs, the strength of the connections in his or her life, and other factors.

Jenni Pothier, director of the Tenancy Preservation program for Springfield-based Mental Health Associates, agreed. In the course of her work, which involves helping individuals who are at risk of homelessness — a stressful situation to say the least — the subject of suicide often comes up.

“Because we know that suicide includes risk factors like poverty, experiencing potential homelessness, and a lack of access to resources, people are in crisis,” she explained. “So we’re assessing people regularly for suicide.”

And those assessments involve asking those questions mentioned above, asking them in an effective way, and responding in the appropriate manner.

“As practitioners and clinicians in the community, you need to create comfortable, non-judgmental, and open spaces for dialogue to occur,” she explained, “so people can express to you how they’re feeling without the fear of the stigma or that you’re going to instantly call 911 to get them hospitalized if they say they’re contemplating suicide or having suicidal ideations.”

Bottom Line

As she talked with BusinessWest about suicide and, more specifically, the problems many have with asking the questions that must of asked of someone at risk, Hildreth-Fortin related the story about an educator who, during a QPR training session, admitted not only that she would have difficulty asking such questions, but also that she would be upset if someone put those questions to her child.

“I had a real hard time responding to her, because it spoke so greatly to the stigma attached to this,” she said. “If your child had a stomach ache, you wouldn’t have a problem with him going to the nurse. You talk about what hurts, what kind of pain it is … we have to treat suicide the same way we would any medical symptom. We have to talk about it.”

It will take a confluence of factors and a great deal of resources to reverse the current trends on suicide, but getting people to talk about it and respond to the talk is the big first step, said Chawla, adding that only by doing so can those missed opportunities he mentioned become real opportunities to do something about a true healthcare crisis.

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

This Company Wants Consumers, Businesses to Make Clean Break

By
Jim Cayon says he’s just looking for some opportunities
Green Business

Fueling Interest

Jim Cayon says he’s just looking for some opportunities

Jim Cayon says he’s just looking for some opportunities to show what the Environmental Engines products can do.

Jim Cayon says he’s looking for an opportunity. A chance. A break. An open door.

He probably used all those words and phrases as he talked with BusinessWest about relatively new and occasionally misperceived products and his ongoing quest to prove that they work, can save users money and substantially reduce pollution. To do that, he needs an opportunity to demonstrate all his technology could do for them.

The company is called Environmental Engines, and it offers motor oils with a 30,000-mile lifespan, Cayon claims, as well as advanced protection technology (APT), a synthetic metal treatment that’s been proven to substantially decrease friction. The result is a reduction in damaging harmonics and wear on the engine as well as transmissions, which improves performance and fuel efficiency while significantly lowering carbon emissions.

It can do this, he said, for cars, trucks, motorcycles, buses, boats, you name it.

Cayon, who handles the Northeast sales region for the Nevada-based company and was an exhibitor at last fall’s Western Mass. Business and Innovation Expo, told BusinessWest that he’s been approaching various businesses and municipalities to consider his oils and treatments as a solution in further reducing maintenance costs and emissions. (The lubricants alone reduce related expenses and dirty-oil waste by two-thirds or more, he claims).

And for the most part, he’s still looking for an entity to take that chance.

And he understands, generally, why that is.

Many businesses with fleets, not to mention and municipalities are loyal to the products they’re already using — and are contractually obligated in some cases — and these factors make it difficult to avail themselves of such opportunities, said Cayon, based in Easthampton.

“It’s human nature to resist change, yet on the other hand, there is some preconception about what the Environmental Engines products are or aren’t,” he explained.

“They’ve already made up their minds,” he went on, adding that the motor oil industry isn’t easy to break into because of brand loyalty and long-standing relationships. “In many cases, they think they know what is — they think it’s that thing they’ve heard or read about that doesn’t work — and so they don’t even want to consider trying it.”

Cayon doesn’t give up easily, and he’s working hard to make it as simple as possible for those he’s talking with to put the company’s products to work. And he brings with him what he considers some very compelling arguments, not just about the APT ceramic protection and motor oils, but also about how they would fit in nicely with many companies’ ongoing efforts — and missions — to become more ‘green’ and Earth-friendly, but also more bottom-line conscious.

At present, Cayon has been focusing much of his time and energy on getting the ear of area municipalities, many of which are actively engaged in efforts to become ‘green’ and energy efficient, and not just because it’s the right thing to do. There are frequently considerable cost benefits to doing so as well.

“If everyone in this half of the state were to use our on-time engine treatment, in terms of cars, light trucks, and motorcycles, we’re talking about the elimination of up to 1.5 billion pounds of regional vehicle emissions every year. The impact is profound if I get to that level, but …”

Cayon noted that the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission has, among its many goals, a desire to reduce carbon emissions in this by 80% by 2050. And then he threw out another number that should get someone’s attention.

“If everyone in this half of the state were to use our on-time engine treatment, in terms of cars, light trucks, and motorcycles, we’re talking about the elimination of up to 1.5 billion pounds of regional vehicle emissions every year,” he told BusinessWest. “The impact is profound if I get to that level, but …”

He didn’t finish, but made it clear that he would like to start with at least one city, town, or large business fleet and expand from there.

He has extended invitations to every community in Berkshire, Franklin, and Hampshire counties, with Hampden and most of Worcester County to follow.

What he’s sending them is a fairly comprehensive explanation of how APT ceramic protection works, and how it could change the equation for the municipality in question.

Here is how it works. APT is a nanotechnology that permanently embeds into the metal parts within an engine to form what Cayon called a “microceramic seal” on all metal parts within an engine. Indeed, these treatments can be applied not only to engines and transmissions, but hydraulic systems, fuel pumps and injectors, drive trains, air conditioning systems, power steering systems, and more.

Elaborating, Cayon said APT molecules are able to penetrate sludge and residual buildup on surfaces without the use of solvents. It forms a ceramic shield that protects the engine from heat, allowing for exceptionally high temperatures without any damage and metal wear. Once bonded, the surface is smooth with fewer pores for particulates to latch onto, said Cayon, therefore repelling potential carbon buildup back into the lubricant stream, where it is cleaned by vehicles’ inline or bypass filtration system.

“The two major benefits are emissions reduction and better engine responsiveness — which is going to be correlated somewhat with fuel efficiency,” he explained. “And the responsiveness factor is important; if you have vehicles you’re relying on like ambulances, fire trucks and police cruisers, for example … those are vehicles that need to be performing at a very high level.”

That’s the message Cayon is trying to convey to potential clients of all kinds in both the private and public sectors. There are many challenges to getting that message across, but he’s going to keep trying, because if they do listen, they will likely be compelled to respond to what they hear.

Like he said, he’s looking for a chance, an opportunity to become the solution for companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint as well as motor oil costs. But the real opportunity could come to those who open their doors to it.

It’s Certainly an Exciting Time

By
Opinion

Editorial

‘Palpable.’

That’s an adjective that means, among other things, that something is noticeable, perceptible, or tangible.

People all over the region have been using that word in reference to what’s happening in downtown Springfield as the buildup to MGM Springfield’s opening reaches its climax. They’re deploying the term with regard to the excitement level, the energy, and the anticipation for what is to come.

They’re right to do so, because all of those things are clearly noticeable and tangible. And while it’s more so in the downtown area, there are similar feelings in neighboring cities and across the region for that matter.

This is a good feeling, one we haven’t felt around here in a long time — or ever, really. People don’t know what’s going to happen on August 24 and the days to follow, but the sense is that something transformational will occur. And, like we said, when have we seen that lately?

BusinessWest attempts to capture these sentiments — and this palpable energy and excitement — in a special section. In it, we talk to area business and civic leaders, business owners who have become MGM vendors, area residents who will now put on an MGM nametag every day, and other constituencies. The common denominator in each case is genuine excitement about what is already happening and what will happen in the weeks, months, and years to come.

At BusinessWest, we share the excitement because we’ve not only been recording this all-important development for the past seven years or so, but we’ve talked directly with people who have, well, seen their lives changed because of this.

A few months back, we talked with many young people who were all looking for some kind of opportunity, job-wise or career-wise, several years ago, and came to MGM, either by walking in the door of their small office at 1441 Main St. or wandering to the MGM booth at a job fair. One thing led to another, and they wound up joining the company and playing important roles in bringing MGM Springfield to this day.

We’ve talked with more young people, and some who are not so young, who have joined the MGM workforce as dealers, cashiers, and chefs. And for some, the job represents much more than a job.

And we’ve talked with people like Dennis King, president of King Ward Coach lines who have seen the trajectory of their company changed in a profound way by earning a contract with MGM.

In each case, the emotions are real and the excitement (here comes that word again) is palpable.

But beyond individuals and companies, we’re excited for the region. In a few days, people will be getting into cars, buses, vans, and limos and telling people they’re heading to Springfield, Massachusetts. That’s not something they were likely to say 20, 10, five, or even two years ago.

Yes, it took a casino to get them here, but once here, they’ll have a chance (hopefully) to maybe see all the other great things we have in this region. Before, unless they were coming to the Big E (and in most cases, they were just coming for the Big E) they never had a chance to do that. Springfield has always been on the map in a literal sense, but now, it’s really on the map, and, more importantly, people will find it.

In a few days, people will be getting into cars, buses, vans, and limos and telling people they’re heading to Springfield, Massachusetts. That’s not something they were likely to say 20, 10, five, or even two years ago.

There’s talk that a few businesses in downtown Springfield will actually be closed on August 24. The thinking is that traffic will be heavy, parking spaces will be hard to come by, and it might just be easier to give everyone the day off. The fact that it’s a Friday in late August probably made the decision a little easier.

But still, businesses closing for a day because their employees would likely have a hard time getting to work and then finding a place to park? That should tell you something.

It tells us that something special is happening. And everyone can sense it; the word, again, is palpable.

7 Attorneys from Robinson Donovan Named ‘Best Lawyers’

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Robinson Donovan, P.C. announced that seven attorneys were listed in The Best Lawyers in America 2019 and one was also named ‘Lawyer of the Year’ in her field.

The following attorneys were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2019:

  • Attorney Jeffrey W. Roberts, managing partner, practices corporate and business counseling and estate planning, and was named in the practice areas of Corporate Law and Trusts and Estates. He has received theBest Lawyersrecognition for 27 consecutive years.
  • Attorney Jeffrey L. McCormick, partner, was listed in the fields of Personal Injury Litigation-Defendants and Personal Injury Litigation-Plaintiffs. A member of Robinson Donovan’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Group, he practices complex litigation,arbitration and mediation.He has received the Best Lawyers recognition for 19 consecutive years.
  • Attorney James F. Martin, partner, was listed in the practice areas of Franchise Law and Real Estate Law. He concentrates his practice on corporate and business counseling, litigation, and commercial real estate law, and is a member of Robinson Donovan’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Group. Hehas received theBest Lawyers recognition for 19 consecutive years.
  • Attorney Nancy Frankel Pelletier,partner,was listed in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation-Defendants. A member of Robinson Donovan’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Group, she concentrates her practice in the areas of litigation and insurance defense. She has received the Best Lawyers recognition for 14 consecutive years.
  • Attorney Patricia M. Rapinchuk, partner, was listed in the fields of Employment Law-Management and Litigation-Labor and Employment. She was also named “Lawyer of the Year” in the field of Litigation-Labor and Employment. She practices employment law and litigation. She has received theBest Lawyersrecognition for 10 consecutive years.
  • Attorney Carla W. Newton,partner, was named in the field of Family Law. She focuses her practice on divorce and family law, litigation, corporate and business counseling and commercial realestate, and is a member of Robinson Donovan’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Group. She has received the Best Lawyers recognition for seven consecutive years.
  • Attorney Richard M. Gaberman was named in the fields of Corporate Law, Real Estate Law, Tax Law, and Trusts and Estates. He focuses his practice on corporate and business counseling, commercial real estate and estate and tax planning law. He has received theBest Lawyersrecognition for 27 consecutive years.

Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey. More than 79,000 leading attorneys are eligible to vote, and more than 12 million votes have been received to date on the legal abilities of lawyers in their practice areas. Lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed.

Attorney Isaac Fleisher Joins Bacon Wilson

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Bacon Wilson announced that attorney Isaac C. Fleisher has joined the firm as an associate on the firm’s business and corporate team.

As an accomplished transactional attorney, Fleisher has broad experience in all aspects of business representation, for legal matters ranging from mergers and acquisitions to business formation and financing, real estate transactions including land use and zoning issues, copyright work, and mediation and arbitration.

He also has experience representing clients in the rapidly expanding solar energy and cannabis industries.

Earlier in his career, Isaac worked as in-house counsel for a prominent musical theater licensing agency in New York City, and as a legal fellow for the New York State Attorney General. He serves on the board of the Lander-Grinspoon Academy in Northampton, and is a member of the Hampden County Bar Association’s Pro Bono Advisory Board.

 

Springfield Thunderbirds Announce Staff Promotions

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — In recognition of another record-breaking season for the business, the Springfield Thunderbirds are proud to announce three of their staff members will take on new roles for the 2018-19 season.

Thunderbirds President Nathan Costa announced the promotions of Steve Kunsey to senior manager of Business Development and Nicole Taylor to Business Development & Special Events executive. Additionally, Frank Grimaldi will be taking on a new role as Ticket Operations and Retention executive.

 

“The Thunderbirds organization, on and off the ice, prides itself on growth and a strong work ethic,” said Costa. “Steve, Nicole, and Frank were each integral parts of a record-breaking season, and we look forward to celebrating their successes in their well-deserved new roles during the 2018-19 season.”

 

Kunsey and Taylor were each key members of the Thunderbirds’ sponsorship sales staff during the 2017-18 season. That department reached a new pinnacle with more than $1.2 million in corporate cash for the first time in Springfield AHL history, including 177 corporate accounts — the second-highest total in the AHL.

 

Grimaldi will take on his new role after previously serving as an account executive in Ticket Sales. He will oversee the Thunderbirds ticketing system, with a focus on digital ticketing and data collection.

Info Sessions on Casino Dealer School Announced

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Mass. Casino Career Training Institute (MCCTI) will host a series of information sessions to answer questions about the next wave of casino dealer classes that are starting Sept. 10. Interested students will be able to enroll immediately after the presentation.

Sessions will be held at the MGM Career Center, third floor of 1259 East Columbus Ave., Springfield on August 21, 6-7 p.m.; August 22, 9-10 a.m.; Aug. 29, 6-7 p.m.; Aug. 31, 10-11 a.m.; and Sept. 6, 10-11 a.m.

For people new to the gaming industry, it’s recommended they start training with blackjack and then continue on with carnival games. MGM has stated that if a person has at least two table game certifications, he or she is guaranteed a chance to audition with MGM.
Upcoming classes for 2018 include three blackjack classes starting on Sept. 10. Classes run Monday through Friday to Oct. 22, and are slated from: 7:30-10:30 a.m.; 1-4 p.m.’ and 4-7 p.m.
The cost is $399 and scholarships may be available for students. The cost is dramatically lower than similar courses across the country because it is being supported by MGM, Holyoke Community College, Springfield Technical Community College and the Mass. Gaming Commission. Carnival games is the second recommend class for new dealers and starts immediately after the conclusion of blackjack. For experienced dealers that are looking for an additional game:

  • Roulette: Sept. 10-Oct. 12. (Morning and afternoon);
  • Craps: Oct. 1-Nov. 14. (Morning and afternoon);
  • Mini baccarat: Oct. 15-Nov. 14. (Morning and afternoon);
  • Carnival games: Oct. 23-Nov. 21. (Morning, afternoon, evening). 

Students do not have to attend an information session to enroll in classes. They are encouraged to enroll in the course or to sign up for the information session at www.mccti.org.

Celebrating ‘the Year of the Woman’

By
Opinion

Editorial

Talk about a good problem to have.

There are so many women running for the Merrimack-Valley-based congressional seat being vacated by the retiring Niki Tsongas that women’s advocacy groups don’t really know what to do.

In the past, they would know exactly what to do — endorse the one woman who might be running for the post amid a crowded field of men.

This year, though, they have to choose which woman to endorse, and there were five of them at one point. Like we said, that’s a good problem to have. Actually, it’s a great problem to have, and women’s advocacy groups across the region, the state, and the country, are now facing it.

Indeed, women are running for political offices of all kinds, and at all levels, in record numbers, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University. In fact, people are calling this the ‘year of the woman,’ and with very good reason.

It’s a stunning development in some ways and a very positive one on many levels. Sparked by the #MeToo movement as well as by the ineffectiveness of leaders in Washington to accomplish much of anything, women are stepping off the sidelines and into the political fray, if you will.

And it’s about time.

Indeed, while one can argue the degree to which women have broken through the glass ceiling in business — some would say they have; others would contend that they still have a ways to go, especially when it comes to seats on corporate boards — there is no debating that when it comes to politics, the ceiling remains.

There has been some progress over the years, but the governing bodies in this country are still dominated by men — white men to be more specific.

And while many of them represent their constituents well, it just makes sense that governing bodies are more effective — and address the wants and needs of all people — when they are truly diverse.

And that means more women.

Throughout history, women have been involved in politics, but in most cases, that meant working on behalf of men seeking office. There’s nothing wrong with that, but in many cases, these women were selling themselves short. They were working for someone they thought could listen, act on what they were hearing, and lead effectively. And if they wanted to find someone who could do all that, all they need do was look in the mirror.

But, quite obviously, they needed to do more than that. They needed to find the courage — because that’s what’s required — to put themselves out there, defend their views, and be willing to handle the personal attacks and all the other forms of mud that are part and parcel to running for office.

This year, thousands of women are finding that courage, and it is certainly the most positive development — politically speaking — that we have seen in some time.

Not all these women will win office, obviously. But that’s a secondary consideration at this point. They are winners simply because they are running, and the country wins as well.

Picture This

By
Picture This

Email ‘Picture This’ photos with a caption and contact information to [email protected]
A photo essay of recent business events in Western Massachusetts / August 20, 2018

Swinging for a Good Cause

The 38th annual Brightside Golf Classic at Springfield Country Club

The 38th annual Brightside Golf Classic at Springfield Country Club raised $90,180 to help to continue the work of Brightside for Families and Children as a nonprofit child-welfare and family-support organization for at-risk children, adolescents, and their families. The support given through this year’s Golf Classic will help Brightside’s efforts to assist children, adolescents, and families in need through family outreach and stabilization, psychiatric and medication evaluation and management, special education, and therapeutic mentoring. Pictured, from left:  William Walthouse, St. Germain Investment Management; Maria Zygmont, Brightside; John Kendzierski, Professional Drywall Construction Inc.; Daniel Moriarty, Monson Savings Bank; Mark Paglia, Brightside; Jack Dowd, the Dowd Agencies; Madeline Johnson, Brightside; Hank Downey, Florence Bank; William Wagner, Westfield Bank; and Mark Fulco, President, Mercy Medical Center.


 

Building Leaders

The MHA Leadership Series

The MHA Leadership Series, which is open to all members of management at MHA and targeted at program supervisors and directors, recently graduated 26 participants. The program delivers a leadership curriculum specialized for human-services professionals. The comprehensive training is designed to support supervisors and directors within their roles. A second Leadership Series is scheduled for the winter of 2019. “Employee training is essential to the success of any organization. Supervisor training and development can have a profound effect on employee retention, as well as recruitment,” said Cheryl Fasano, MHA president and CEO. “The investment MHA has made in our Leadership Series will benefit the organization for the long run. Investing in our most important resources, our human resources, is a priority.”


 

Community Impact

The staff of Facial Cosmetic & Maxillofacial Surgery (FCMS) in East Longmeadow

The staff of Facial Cosmetic & Maxillofacial Surgery (FCMS) in East Longmeadow collected money over the past few months during dress-down Fridays, and chose to donate $500 in proceeds to East Longmeadow Fire Department for its Firefighters Assoc. Pictured, from left: Cheryl Grassetti of FCMS, Mike Minahan of the East Longmeadow Fire Department, FCMS owner Dr. Richard Fraziero, and Ashley Swift of FCMS.

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 DISTRICT COURT
Astro Automotive Inc. v. Luzi’s Auto Body Inc.
Allegation: Money owed for goods sold and delivered: $4,139.14
Filed: 7/17/18

Beacon Sales Acquisition Inc. d/b/a Beacon Sales Co. v. Matthew R. Will and Tina Bowles d/b/a 5-Star Discount Roofing
Allegation: Money owed for goods sold and delivered: $18,682.12
Filed: 7/23/18

Justin Koch v. Taylor Kibbe and Thomas Wilson Enterprises Inc.
Allegation: Negligence causing personal injury: $15,248.97
Filed: 7/27/18

New England Industrial Uniform Rental Service Inc. v. Bertera Motors of West Springfield Inc., Bertera Nissan Inc., Bertera Chevrolet Inc., Bertera Automotive Corp., and Bertera Subaru Inc.
Allegation: Breach of uniform rental contracts: $14,055.24
Filed: 7/31/18

Norman Spencer v. Jose A. Baez and Fedex Freight Inc.
Allegation: Motor-vehicle neglience causing personal injury: $17,298.92
Filed: 8/1/18

Glenda Morales v. Walmart Stores East, LP
Allegation: Negligence; slip and fall causing personal injury: $4,007.28
Filed: 8/2/18

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Deli Williams v. Springfield Water and Sewer Commission
Allegation: Motor-vehicle negligence: $4,553
Filed: 7/10/18

William J. Cerri Sr. v. TigerPress and Shafii’s Inc.
Allegation: Negligence; slip and fall causing personal injury: $366,446.87
Filed: 7/13/18

Andrew Bergeron v. R.M. Blerman, LLC; Michael Werman; and Richard Blaser
Allegation: Negligence causing personal injury: $804,493.30
Filed: 7/16/18

Karen Feliciano v. Matthew Brackman, M.D., and Pioneer Valley Surgical Associates, P.C.
Allegation: Medical malpractice: $531,641.59
Filed: 7/19/18

Nitza Ramos v. Picknelly Family, LP
Allegation: Negligence; slip and fall outside Monarch Place causing personal injury: $9,879.69
Filed: 7/19/18

Angela Powell v. Marino Realty Inc., Marino Realty Corp., and Montagna Enterprises Inc. d/b/a JJ’s Soft Serve and More
Allegation: Negligence; slip and fall causing personal injury: $400,000
Filed: 7/20/18

Joseph Lepianka v. Brinker International Payroll Co., LP d/b/a Chili’s Grill & Bar and Kelli Valade
Allegation: Non-payment of minimum fair wages, non-payment of wages: $25,000
Filed: 7/25/18

Maureen Lyon v. Dollar Tree Inc.
Allegation: Negligence; shelving bracket fell over, causing personal injury: $151,380.90
Filed: 7/30/18

Kori M. Johanson v. Stanley J. Swierzewski d/b/a La Dermique
Allegation: Breach of contract, fraud, and unjust enrichment: $112,640
Filed: 8/1/18

Beryl Ohlson v. City of Holyoke
Allegation: Negligence; Holyoke Gas & Electric shut off power without notice in plaintiff’s residence to conduct maintenance, and plaintiff fell down stairs in the dark, causing personal injury: $250,000
Filed: 8/1/18

Brandon Vreeland as personal representative of the estate of Sherry L. Vreeland v. Tashanna K. Myers, M.D. and Ziad Kutayli, M.D.
Allegation: Medical malpractice, wrongful death: $2,000,000
Filed: 8/3/18

Shanard L. Green Sr. v. Coca-Cola Refreshments
Allegation: Employment discrimination: $31,000
Filed: 8/6/18

Agenda

By
Agenda

SSO Percussion Trio

Aug. 30: As part of its 75th-anniversary season, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) is scheduling a series of free chamber-music concerts throughout the Pioneer Valley. The first, slated for 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Springfield Armory, will debut a percussion trio. Guests are invited to arrive early to enjoy canapes and a cash bar before the concert begins promptly at 6:15 p.m. The SSO percussion trio will feature SSO principal percussionist Nathan Lassell, principal timpanist Marty Kluger, and percussionist Doug Perry. The trio will present a mixed program featuring snare drumming, marimba music, and multi-percussion pieces with humorous musical commentary thrown in. Guests are also invited to stay after the concert for a wrap-up cocktail hour to socialize with SSO musicians and further peruse the Springfield Armory National Historic Site collection.

Walk for Love

Sept. 8: Are you ready to walk for love? Join the fun at Shriners Hospitals for Children – Springfield for the eighth annual Walk for Love Walkathon and Barbecue. The Walkathon begins at the hospital and continues through Van Horn Park and back to the hospital for a barbecue. It is an easy, three-mile walk and will be held rain or shine. Registration begins at 9 a.m., followed by the walk at 10 a.m., and the barbecue from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The $25 cost ($5 for children 10 and under, and $40 for families) benefits Shriners Hospitals for Children – Springfield. Register online by visiting lovetotherescue.org/events/walk-for-love-springfield-ma, or register the day of the walk.

Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Sept. 13: The abundance of recent high-profile sexual-harassment complaints has completely changed the public perception of this persistent problem. Sexual harassment is no longer a silent epidemic which is by and large being ignored. Posts stating the phrase ‘#metoo’ have created camaraderie among individuals who are choosing to speak up and stand up. However, despite the nation’s growing awareness about the prevalence of sexual harassment, as business owners and human-resources professionals, the problem probably isn’t all that surprising. Clearly, the perfunctory sexual-harassment policies and bland pro forma sexual-harassment trainings are not working. It’s no longer adequate to take the same tired approach. As business leaders, we need to approach sexual harassment in the workplace from a new perspective. You’re invited to join a roundtable discussion on how we can profoundly change our approach to sexual harassment in the workplace. Discussion topics will answer questions like, if we’re already training employees, why does sexual harassment keep happening? How do we change workplace cultures that are conducive to prevalent sexual harassment? How do we deal with essential employees who engage in sexual harassment? Why aren’t our current efforts effective? And what do we do now? The event will take place from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Royal, P.C., 270 Pleasant St., Northampton. Advance registration is required, and seating will be limited. The cost is $30 per person. Mail your payment and make your check payable to Royal, P.C., 270 Pleasant St., Northampton, MA 01060. 
E-mail Heather Loges at [email protected] to register or if you have any questions about this workshop.

River Valley Counseling Center Golf Tournament

Sept. 14: River Valley Counseling Center (RVCC) will hold its third annual golf tournament fundraiser at East Mountain Country Club in Westfield. The funds raised will help RVCC to continue providing mental health and other supportive services to thousands of individuals, families, and groups throughout the Pioneer Valley. The cost per golfer is $100 and includes greens fees, a golf cart, gift bag, lunch, and dinner. Golfers will also be able to participate in a raffle and silent auction. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. with a 10:30 a.m. shotgun start. There will also be contests on the course which include prizes donated by Marcotte Ford and Teddy Bear Pools. For more information on sponsorships, donations, and registration, contact Angela Callahan, RVCC’s Marketing and Development specialist, at (413) 841-3546 or [email protected]. Information is also available at www.rvcc-inc.org or by visiting River Valley Counseling Center’s Facebook page.

United Arc Gala & Auction

Sept. 15: The United Arc 2018 Annual Gala & Auction, to be held at Hadley Farms Meeting House in Hadley, will offer collections of packages from local businesses and individuals that support the United Arc’s mission. The Priceless Collection showcases the works of local artists, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through being featured at past auctions, some of these artists are increasingly finding opportunities to share their artistic talents. Leading up to the event throughout the summer, select packages are up for bid online in a web-based catalog. Hosted at www.theunitedarc.org/auction, this catalog also provides previews of raffle prizes and packages for the silent and live auctions available at the gala. The online auction will run Monday, Sept. 3. Tickets are on sale now. Additional package donations and sponsorships are welcome. To become a sponsor or donate an auction package, contact Development Coordinator Saera Hanlon at (413) 774-5558, ext. 1058, or [email protected]. All proceeds go to support the United Arc’s programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization provides services to individuals and their families in Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, and Worcester counties.

No Kid Hungry Golf Tournament

Sept. 17: The sad reality is that one in six kids in the U.S. goes hungry every day. No Kid Hungry is a national nonprofit organization created to alter that reality. Through its fundraising efforts, No Kid Hungry supports school breakfast programs, after-school meal programs, summer meal programs, and food-skills education programs to help parents sustain nutrition efforts. Each dollar raised by No Kid Hungry provides 10 meals to at-risk children and supports education programs for parents. No Kid Hungry Golf, a local affiliate, will sponsor a golf tournament at Longmeadow Country Club to raise money to help feed these hungry kids. A number of businesses and organizations have already joined the effort as sponsors. Participants can register to golf, be a sponsor or donor, or come to the cocktail hour/dinner and auction. For more information or to register, visit www.nokidhungrygolf.com or contact Dr. Fred Kadushin at [email protected] or (413) 893-9677.

Future Tense Lecture

Sept. 20: The third installment of the BusinessWest lecture series Future Tense, titled “Change Considerations: An Examination of Lean Process, Market Disruption, and the Future of Your Business,” will take place on Thursday, Sept. 20 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Tech Foundry, 1391 Main St., ninth floor, Springfield. The lecture, open exclusively to CEOs and business owners, will be delivered by Mark Borsari, president of Sanderson MacLeod. The cost is a $25 donation to Tech Foundry. Event sponsors include Paragus IT, the Jamrog Group, and Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. With increasingly automated business processes, AI, and machine manufacturing, lean concepts are becoming more important than ever in terms of staying competitive. Borsari will discuss change and innovation through lean concepts and focus on resulting cultural considerations. The presentation will also address already-active market disrupters that will affect business processes in various industries. Metered street parking is available near the venue, and there are several parking-garage options nearby as well. To register, visit BusinessWest.com/lecture-series.

Source to Sea Cleanup

Sept. 28-29: Registration is now open for the Connecticut River Conservancy’s (CRC) Source to Sea Cleanup. This annual event, now in its 22nd year, has grown into New England’s largest river cleanup, winning an American Rivers award for most miles cleaned in 2017. There are three ways for volunteers to get involved in the Source to Sea Cleanup this year: report a trash site in need of cleaning, find a cleanup group near you to join, or organize and register your own local cleanup group. For more information or to register for the event, visit www.ctriver.org/cleanup. The annual Source to Sea Cleanup is a two-day river cleanup coordinated by CRC in all four states of the 410-mile Connecticut River basin. Each fall, thousands of volunteers of all ages and abilities clean the Connecticut River and its tributaries on foot or by boat. Volunteers remove trash along rivers, streams, parks, boat launches, trails, and more. In 2017, more than 2,500 volunteers hauled more than 46 tons of trash from riverbanks and waterways in the four river states. Volunteers remove everything from recyclables, fishing equipment, and food waste to tires, televisions, and refrigerators. To date, volunteers have removed more than 1,043 tons of trash from our rivers. If your group wants to get involved but needs a cleanup site, if you have questions, or if you know of a trash site in need of cleaning, contact CRC Cleanup Coordinator Stacey Lennard at [email protected]. Learn more about the event at www.ctriver.org/cleanup.

Drone Pilot Certification

Sept. 29 to Oct. 20: Holyoke Community College (HCC) will again offer a hands-on program for individuals who want to become FAA-licensed drone pilots. “Flying Drones for Profit, Public Safety, and Commercial Applications” will run on four consecutive Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the main campus of HCC, 303 Homestead Ave., Holyoke. The course will prepare individuals to take the Federal Aviation Administration Remote Pilot in Charge exam, which they must pass to become licensed drone operators. All classes will be taught by Larry Harmon, co-director of the GeoGraphics Laboratory at Bridgewater State University and an industry consultant on small, unmanned aircraft systems. The lecture portion of the course will meet in the HCC Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development on the main campus. Students will fly drones outside on the college sports fields. The course focuses on all content required to pass the FAA test, including regulations, national airspace system rules, weather, aircraft loading, aircraft performance, and flight operations. The cost for the four-week, non-credit course is $315. Space is limited. Drones will be provided for use in class. Participants can bring their own, but that is not necessary.

Healthcare Heroes

Oct. 25: The second annual class of Healthcare Heroes will be honored at the Starting Gate at GreatHorse in Hampden. Healthcare Heroes, a recognition program involving the Western Mass. healthcare sector, was launched last spring by HCN and BusinessWest. The program was created to shed a bright light on the outstanding work being done across the broad spectrum of health and wellness services, and the institutions and people providing that care. Individuals and organizations were nominated in categories including ‘Lifetime Achievement,’ ‘Emerging Leader,’ ‘Patient/Resident/Client Care Provider,’ ‘Innovation in Health/Wellness,’ ‘Health/Wellness Administrator,’ and ‘Collaboration in Healthcare.’ They will be profiled in both magazines in September and feted at the Oct. 25 gala. Healthcare Heroes sponsors include American International College (presenting sponsor), National Grid (partner), and supporting sponsors Renew.Calm, the Elms College MBA program, and Mercy Medical Center and Trinity Health Of New England.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By
Chamber Corners

AMHERST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.amherstarea.com
(413) 253-0700

• Aug. 30: Candidate Debate, 7 p.m., hosted by Amherst Regional Middle School auditorium. A pre-primary debate for candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for state representative (Third Hampshire) and state senator (Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester).

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

• Sept. 6: CEO Luncheon, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., hosted by Collegian Court, 89 Park St., Chicopee. A quarterly luncheon series where CEOs tell of how they rose to their positions. September’s luncheon will feature Jim Goodwin of CHD. Series sponsored by Polish National Credit Union. Cost: $30 for members, $35 for non-members. Sign up online at www.chicopeechamber.org/events or call (413) 594-2101.

• Sept. 13: Business After Hours, 4:30-6:30 p.m., hosted by Red Fez, 70 Exchange St., Chicopee. Series presented by Polish National Credit Union Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Sign up online at www.chicopeechamber.org/events or call (413) 594-2101.

• Sept. 19: Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., hosted by Tru By Hilton, 440 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Chief greeter: Tony Cignoli. Keynote speaker: state Rep. Joseph Wagner. Series sponsored by United Personnel, Westfield Bank, Holyoke Medical Center, Polish National Credit Union, Gaudreau Group, Spherion Staffing Services, PeoplesBank, and Interstate Towing Inc. Cost: $23 for members, $28 for non-members. Sign up online at www.chicopeechamber.org/events or call (413) 594-2101.

• Sept. 28: Chamber Seminar: “Authenticity in Leadership,” 9-11 a.m., hosted by Residence Inn, 500 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Presenter: Lora Wondolowski of Leadership Pioneer Valley. Presented by Westfield Bank. Cost: $15 for members, $20 for non-members. Sign up online at www.chicopeechamber.org/events or call (413) 594-2101.

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

• Sept. 13: Networking by Night, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Northampton Country Club, 135 Main St., Leeds. Sponsored by Tunnel 7 and Fran’s Fine Editing. Food and door prizes will be available, as well as a cash bar. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Pre-registration is suggested. For more information and to register, visit www.easthamptonchamber.org or call the chamber at (413) 527-9414.

• Sept. 23: Breakfast, 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., hosted by Springfield Country Club, 1375 Elm St., West Springfield. The Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce joins with other area chambers to provide information concerning the nursing ballot initiative. There will be a continental breakfast and networking beginning at 7:30 a.m., folllowed by a panel discussion beginning at 8 a.m. For more information and to register, visit www.easthamptonchamber.org or call the chamber at (413) 527-9414.

• Sept. 28: Women & the Art of Risk, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., hosted by the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. A women’s leadership event featuring workshops, discussions, and career-development opportunities, all led by distinguished women from the Pioneer Valley. Hear personal and professional stories of how taking calculated risks led these women to new adventures and made them stronger leaders. The keynote speaker is Dr. Valerie Young, an internationally recognized expert on impostor syndrome. Cost: $119, or $875 for a table of 10. Pre-registration is a must. For more information, a schedule of the day’s events, and to register, visit www.easthamptonchamber.org or call the chamber at (413) 527-9414.

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

• Sept. 28: Monthly Breakfast Series, 7:30-9 a.m., hosted by Franklin County Technical High School, 82 Industrial Blvd., Turners Falls. Full breakfast will be served during the program, which will feature the kickoff of the United Way of Franklin County’s fundraising campaign. Register at franklincc.org or e-mail [email protected].

PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CHAMBER
www.springfieldregionalchamber.com
(413) 787-1555

• Sept. 13: Professional Women’s Chamber Season Kickoff Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., hosted by the Munich Haus, 13 Center St., Chicopee. Sponsors: BusinessWest and HCN. Lisa Mullins, host of WBUR’s All Things Considered, will headline the luncheon. Cost: $35 for members, $40 for non-members, $99 for luncheon season pass. Registration will be available soon on the PWC website at www.professionalwomenschamber.com.

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

• Sept. 13: Lunch & Learn: “Marketing Your Small Business,” noon to 1:30 p.m., hosted by Yarde Tavern, 3 Hadley St., South Hadley. Ryan Mahoney, an account manager at Hibu, will facilitate this discussion about how best to promote your business with the resources you have, whether you are a one-person business or someone who works at a much larger company. We will order individually off the Yarde Tavern menu at noon, and plan to start the discussion about 12:15 p.m. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. To register, visit www.shgchamber.com and go to this event on the calendar.

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

• Sept. 18: September Legislative Breakfast, 7-9 a.m., hosted by Chez Josef, 176 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam. Join us as we listen to an informative panel discussion with our elected officials. State senators, state representatives, and local mayors will update guests on all things politics. The presenting sponsor is Horizon Services; premier sponsors include the Insurance Center of New England, Health New England, Polish National Credit Union, and Republic Services; and preferred sponsors include Reliable Temps, Spherion Staffing, Westfield Bank, and Partners Restaurant & Catering. Register online at www.westoftheriverchamber.com.

YPS OF GREATER SPRINGFIELD
springfieldyps.com

• Sept. 13: Vote the Valley: The New Springfield, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Mahogany Room at Symphony Hall, 34 Court St., Springfield. Join us for an in-depth update from Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno on the current state of Springfield. We will highlight the advances and opportunities for young professionals in the area and those who work with them. For sponsorship and partnership opportunities, e-mail Ashley at [email protected].

People on the Move

By
People on the Move
Brad Bedard

Brad Bedard

Wayne Ringenbach

Wayne Ringenbach

Chris Mowatt

Chris Mowatt

Geri McCarthy

Geri McCarthy

OMG Inc. announced four promotions in supply-chain management and operations. Brad Bedard was promoted to director of Supply Chain Management, Wayne Ringenbach was promoted to director of Manufacturing, Chris Mowatt was promoted to director of Manufacturing Engineering, and Geri McCarthy was promoted to director of Operations. Bedard is responsible for overall management of the company’s global supply chain and distribution logistics. In this new role, he will work with his organization to develop and implement short- and long-term strategies that maximize the company’s supply and distribution performance. He has been with OMG since August 2007, most recently as director of Distribution & Sales Inventory Operations Planning, where he was instrumental in developing and implementing the company’s forecasting and operations planning process. Prior to joining OMG, he held various distribution and logistics roles for Bose Corp. and Timex Corp. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Harvard University. Ringenbach is responsible for all facets of manufacturing in Agawam, including post-manufacturing processes of heat treating, coating, product packing, and ongoing maintenance activities. He started with OMG in 1992 and has held several positions throughout his career, including maintenance manager and, most recently, manufacturing manager. He is a master electrician and attended Springfield Technical Community College. Mowatt will develop and implement a strategic roadmap to improve company manufacturing performance across the business units using the Steel Business System as well as best practices and specialized modeling, analysis, simulation, and computation tools. He has been with OMG since 2011 and is responsible for several significant functional and efficiency advances in the company’s Agawam manufacturing facility. He holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Western New England College and a master’s degree in engineering management from Western New England University. McCarthy will manage the company’s production planning teams, as well as continuous improvement, quality, and manufacturing training. She was hired in 2012 to oversee the company’s finishing process, including the coating and packing functions. Most recently, she was in an operations role in the company’s FastenMaster division. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business from American International College and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.

•••••

Akiko Takata

Akiko Takata

Jill McMahon

Jill McMahon

Elms College announced it will host two Fulbright language teaching assistants (FLTAs) during the 2018-19 academic year. Akiko Takata of Kyoto, Japan, will teach Japanese language and culture, and Jill McMahon of Dublin, Ireland, will teach Irish (Gaelic) language and culture. The Irish FLTA position is co-sponsored by the Irish Cultural Center of Western Massachusetts. Takata most recently worked as a teacher at Doshisha Junior High School in Japan. She earned her bachelor’s degree in linguistics at Tokushima University and her master’s degree in teaching Japanese at Kobe University. She also worked as an assistant language teacher in Dublin from July 2016 to February 2017, teaching Japanese to students at Dublin City University and four secondary schools. In her teaching practice, Takata engages students and illuminates concepts by incorporating technological tools such as audio-visual teaching materials, tablets, and electronic blackboards. One of her future goals is to set up a support system in Japanese public schools for foreign students who lack Japanese language skills. McMahon, who earned a bachelor’s degree in Irish and journalism at Dublin City University and a master of philosophy degree in digital humanities and culture at Trinity College, has worked solely in the Irish-language sector following her graduation. She most recently served as a government administrator with Gaeloideachas, an Irish organization that supports Irish-language immersion schools in Ireland. She has eight years of Irish-language teaching experience, including working as a tutor and an Irish/art teacher, and participates in her Gaelic Athletics Assoc. club, Na Gaeil Óga, whose goal is to encourage people to speak Irish outside of school and work. She plans to incorporate extracurricular activities into her FLTA duties, to give students opportunities to learn Irish in less formal contexts.

•••••

Valley Classical Concerts announced it will be guided by three co-presidents in the coming year: Laurel Rogers will focus on administrative matters and will chair the board meetings, Emily Gaylord will handle marketing matters, and Jaime Morton will be in charge of development and fundraising. Rogers is a book binder and book artist and previously played the cello professionally. In addition to her performing and teaching activities, she has also served on concert boards in Los Alamos, N.M. and Princeton, N.J. Morton has run fundraising programs for departments at Smith College, New York Public Library, and other organizations. She owns Artspromo.org, a social-media marketing and PR company. Gaylord works in the nonprofit sector and feels that “doing my part to support the arts here is a real gift.” In high school, she said, she was a “begrudging violinist, but I love that classical music has found its way back to me.” Valley Classical Concerts presents six concerts each season, running from September to May, in Sweeney Hall at Smith College in Northampton. Information and tickets are available at valleyclassicalconcerts.org, or by calling (413) 585-0458. The first concert in the 2018-19 season is the Telegraph Quartet with oboist James Austin Smith, on Saturday, Sept. 29.

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Marin Goldstein

Marin Goldstein

Marin Goldstein has been tapped to lead electricity and renewable-energy programs at HCG as director of energy operations, sales, and innovation. In his new role, he will oversee Hampshire Power, Hampshire Renewables, and HCG’s Renewable Energy Credit brokerage program. Hampshire Power, the only Massachusetts-based nonprofit electricity supplier, allows local businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities to power their values by choosing to keep their energy dollars local, while giving back to the community. Goldstein brings with him more than 10 years of management experience in both business and nonprofit sectors. He also currently serves on the Energy Committee for the City of Easthampton, formerly as chair. He comes to HCG after three years in operations management and solar advocacy at Trinity Solar. Prior to that, he managed public education campaigns on renewable energy and energy efficiency and developed community partnerships across Western Mass. at the Center for EcoTechnology. In addition to expanding Hampshire Power, Goldstein will run the Hampshire Renewables net-metering program, which offers a market-leading 15% savings to thousands of electricity customers in Western Mass. He will also grow the lucrative Renewable Energy Credit brokerage service, which currently manages more than $9.7 million worth of energy credits on behalf of more than 1,500 local renewable-energy system owners.

•••••

Pete Crisafulli

Pete Crisafulli

Taylor Real Estate announced it has hired Pete Crisafulli to serve as a licensed agent for the family-owned firm. The role represents the start of a second career for Crisafulli, who has a counseling background and has spent three decades in social services and education. Early on in his first career, Crisafulli was a therapist and clinical director for the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children for eight years, and he later served as an administrator in the Frontier Regional School District for 18 years. Crisafulli came to Western Mass. in 1988 to attend Springfield College, where he earned a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Queens College. He volunteered as a coach for many years and served on the boards of the Easthampton Youth Soccer Assoc. and Easthampton Little League.

•••••

Ashley Marshall

Ashley Marshall

The MP Group announced that Ashley Marshall, CPA has joined the firm. She is an audit manager with primary responsibility for managing services provided to nonprofit organizations (including yellow book and single audits), employee-benefit plans, and closely held businesses. Marshall holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from Western New England University. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and is active in the community. Prior to joining the MP Group, she was a senior manager at KPMG, LLP. The MP Group is a regional audit, tax and business-advisory firm with offices in Springfield and Lincoln, as well as Bloomfield, Conn. Clients include high-net-worth individuals and families, venture-capital firms, construction, manufacturing, distributions, not-for-profit organizations, and employee benefit plans.

•••••

The board of trustees of Stoneleigh-Burnham School (SBS) announced it elected alumna and entrepreneur Lynn Schultz Kehoe as its new chair. Kehoe, who was vice chair of the board of trustees since 2016, replaces Allison Porter, who served as chair for four years. Kehoe also served as chair of the investment committee from 1998 to 2004, and chaired the search committee tasked with hiring Stoneleigh-Burnham’s new Head of School Stephanie Luebbers. Kehoe’s professional career has been in financial services, real-estate investing, business development, and consulting. In 2016, she founded Shift Up, a company dedicated to supporting girls’ and women’s empowerment through the field of auto sports. She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in economics from the American University. She has served on the advisory boards of the University of Pennsylvania Institute on Aging and the Philadelphia Chapter of Commercial Real Estate Women. She participates in various philanthropic and charitable organizations, including the Alzheimer’s Assoc., the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.

•••••

Susan Grealy

Susan Grealy

As COO of Pinck & Co. Inc., Susan Grealy implements growth strategies and leads the firm’s day-to-day business operations, including its technology, finance, human resources, marketing, and administration functions. Previously, she was a business owner, CFO, and vice president — to name a few roles. Now she is taking on a different kind of leadership role — one in which she is helping women transition out of poverty and into the workforce. Devoting time each month as a volunteer mentor for Dress for Success (DFS) of Western Massachusetts, Grealy provides one-on-one job training and life-skills coaching. She works with her mentee to develop self-confidence, identify career interests and goals, and find viable employment. “It’s an honor to be part of a devoted network of volunteers who help women turn their lives around and achieve economic independence,” she said. “DFS is proof that one shared mission can reach across language and culture to help better the lives of women in our backyard, throughout the United States, and in many corners of the globe.”

•••••

The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts (WFWM) announced that Carla Oleska, former WFWM CEO who led the formation of the Leadership Institute for Political and Public Impact (LIPPI), and Daisy Hernandez, LIPPI class of 2017, have been chosen to lead the upcoming ninth cohort of LIPPI, which begins in September. During this one-year appointment, Oleska and Hernandez will coordinate the LIPPI program by implementing the curriculum, identifying and scheduling instructors, acting as the main point of contact with participants, communicating with LIPPI partner Bay Path University, and collecting and analyzing student and alumnae data. The LIPPI program, launched in 2009, has trained more than 250 women in Massachusetts in a non-partisan initiative to provide women with the tools, mentors, and confidence needed to become the region’s community leaders and elected officials. Since the first cohort, LIPPI graduates are active in running for public office, currently holding office, sitting on boards, writing policy, promoting public advocacy, and drafting legislation while encouraging respectful and meaningful civic engagement. The program begins in September and runs to June.

•••••

Berkshire Hills Bancorp Inc. announced that Gary Levante was appointed vice president, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) officer, a newly created position within the Berkshire Bank Foundation. In this role, Levante will work to expand the foundation’s community-engagement efforts to implement an all-encompassing CSR strategy. In doing so, he will lead Berkshire’s efforts to integrate corporate social responsibility into all of the company’s and foundation’s activities, supporting key objectives, such as strengthening communities and engaging employees. Levante will oversee the development of CSR goals, policies, and programs, with a strong focus on establishing a framework of standards and tools for advancing social responsibility. An employee of Berkshire since 2010, Levante previously held the position of assistant vice president, Community Engagement officer. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Saint Michael’s College in Vermont. He serves on the Pittsfield Community Development Board and the boards of Downtown Pittsfield Inc. and America’s Charities, and is a member of the Corporate Volunteer Council of Greater Boston. He was named the New England Regional Lead for United Nations IMPACT2030.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Blue Sox Sweep Waves to Repeat as NECBL Champions

HOLYOKE — The Valley Blue Sox are hoisting the NECBL championship trophy for a second straight season after pounding the Ocean State Waves 19-6 to sweep the two-game series. The Blue Sox pounded out 20 hits in the victory, failing to score in just two out of the nine innings. They jumped off to a 5-0 lead before the Waves even batted in the first inning, and never looked back. The Blue Sox were paced by Simon Whiteman of Yale University, who went six for seven, scored five runs, and added four RBIs. Connor Pauly of Morehead State University went four for six on the night with one run and four RBIs. The Blue Sox have now won back-to-back championships under head coach John Raiola. First-year owner Fred Ciaglo hoisted the Fay Vincent Sr. cup for the first time as owner of the Valley Blue Sox.

MGM Guest Experience to Include White Lion Brewing

SPRINGFIELD — True to its promise, MGM Springfield has established strong relationships with Springfield-based businesses in preparation for the casino’s Aug. 24 launch. Specially brewed lager from White Lion Brewing Co. will be served on MGM’s casino floor. The bottled lager is appropriately named King of Hearts. According to White Lion brew master Mike Yates, “this lager is brewed exclusively for MGM Springfield. It’s a classic German style lager, light amber in color with an ABV of 4.7%. It’s crisp and drinkable with subtle flavors, thanks to both German and American hops with a touch of sweetness from German malts.” Several months ago, White Lion owner Berry and Yates were invited to talk specifics with MGM’s food and beverage team. The decision was made to develop a distinctive lager, and Yates went to work. MGM notes that, in addition to King of Hearts, White Lion’s signature brews will be available at TAP Sports Bar.

MS in Forensic Accounting at Bay Path Earns High Marks

LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University’s master of science (MS) program in forensic accounting has been named third in a list of the top five best in the nation, as ranked by BestColleges.com. According to the site, graduate-degree programs in forensic accounting were ranked on a 100-point scale based on academic quality, affordability, and online programming. The editor’s review of Bay Path University highlights the flexibility of the program, offered 100% online with dedicated on-ground support from staff and faculty. In addition to forensic accounting, Bay Path University also offers concentrations including public and private accounting under the umbrella of its MS in accounting. The MS in forensic accounting, open to men and women, offers a unique schedule with no classes during the accounting ‘busy season’ (January to mid-April). The flexible, 30-credit program includes individualized advisement and career coaching from full-time, academically and professionally (CPA) certified faculty. Classes start every April, May, July, September, and November, and some students are able to complete the program in just eight or nine months.

HMC Opens Center to Address Opioid Dependence

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Medical Center recently opened the Comprehensive Care Center to address opioid dependence. This program provides comprehensive, confidential treatment options for people looking to quit prescription painkillers, heroin, and other opioids. Board-certified physician and Medical Director Dr. Amy Jaworek manages the use of prescription medication to treat opioid dependency, while licensed mental-health counselors with River Valley Counseling Center provide psychological treatment and substance-abuse counseling. Patients are prescribed buprenorphine-naloxone (trade name Suboxone) to help break their addiction so they can focus on healing. Eligible patients must be diagnosed with substance-use disorder, complete an initial medical evaluation, and be screened for associated illnesses. The program treats patients who are age 18 and older, are self-referred or referred by a healthcare provider, and have a desire to stop opioid use. The Comprehensive Care Center is located 575 Beech St., Suite 404, Holyoke, and can be reached at (413) 535-4889.

Berkshire Bank Recognized for Corporate Philanthropy

BOSTON — Berkshire Bank has been selected as one of three national finalists for the Corporate Philanthropy Award in the Financial Institutions category as part of the 12th annual Invest in Others Awards, a program that recognizes the charitable work of financial advisors and financial-services firms in communities around the globe. Invest in Others launched the Corporate Philanthropy Award in 2015 to recognize the importance of encouraging philanthropy at a corporate level. The awards will be presented on Thursday, Sept. 27 in Boston. Berkshire Bank was selected as a finalist for its commitment to philanthropy, volunteerism, and broader social corporate-responsibility activities. Annually, Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Bank Foundation provide more than $2 million in financial contributions, as well as scholarships to high-school seniors. The company also provides every employee with $500 in matching gift funds to amplify their own individual giving. In addition to financial support, the XTEAM, the company’s employee volunteer program, provides employees with paid time off to volunteer during regular business hours.

Springfield College, NEBA Introduce Project SEARCH

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield College, along with New England Business Associates (NEBA), recently introduced the first cohort of interns participating in the Project SEARCH program. Springfield College is the first college or university in Western Mass. to lead the Project SEARCH program on the campus. Project SEARCH’s mission is to help young adults with disabilities transition from school to work through a community-agency partnership while gaining employability skills. The program is dedicated to workforce development that benefits the individual, community, and workplace. The Project SEARCH model involves an extensive period of training and career exploration, innovation adaptations, and long-term job coaching, and continues feedback from teachers, job coaches, and employers. New England Business Associates’ mission is to enable individuals, who may face barriers, to be fully included in community life through employment, and to become economically empowered in a way that incorporates and creates best practices, creates valued typical societal roles, and offers individualized opportunities.

Briefcase

By
Briefcase

Employer Confidence Flat During July

BOSTON — Confidence levels among Massachusetts employers were virtually unchanged during July as strong economic growth balanced persistent concerns about tariffs and escalating international trade tensions. The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Business Confidence Index dropped 0.1 point to 61.2 last month after tumbling more than five points in June. The drop left the BCI three-tenths of a point lower than a year ago, though still comfortably within optimistic territory. The constituent indicators that make up the overall Business Confidence Index were mixed during July. The Massachusetts Index assessing business conditions within the Commonwealth gained 2.3 points to 65.1, leaving it 1.9 points ahead of July 2017. The U.S. Index ended the month at 61.9, rising 1.9 points after sliding 9.3 points the previous month. The US Index was 4 points better than a year ago. July marked the 101st consecutive month in which employers have been more optimistic about the Massachusetts economy than the national economy. The Current Index, which assesses overall business conditions at the time of the survey, rose 0.1 point to 63.6. The Future Index, measuring expectations for six months out, fell 0.4 point. The Current Index gained 2.4 points during the year, while the Future Index lost 3.1 points. Employer views of their own companies weakened. The Company Index declined 1.5 points to 59.7, down 2.5 points for 12 months. The Employment Index ended the month at 54.5, a 0.5-point decrease for the month and 1.2 points lower than a year ago. The Sales Index lost 0.6 point for the month and 2.3 points for the year.

Bradley Launches Daily, Non-stop Service to St. Louis

WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — This week, the Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) launched its inaugural Southwest Airlines flight from Bradley International Airport to St. Louis Lambert International Airport. The new daily, non-stop service departs from Bradley at 11:10 a.m. (EST) and arrives at St. Louis Lambert International Airport at 12:45 p.m. (CST). The inbound flight leaves St. Louis at 4:25 p.m. (CST) and arrives at Bradley at 7:50 p.m. (EST). The service utilizes a Boeing 737. Southwest Airlines currently offers non-stop service from Bradley International Airport to Baltimore, Chicago, Denver, Ft. Lauderdale, Ft. Myers, Las Vegas, Orlando, Tampa, St. Louis, and West Palm Beach. The airline first started flying out of Bradley in 1999.

Greater Holyoke Chamber, HCC Announce Leadership Holyoke 2018-19

HOLYOKE — Leadership Holyoke — a comprehensive community leadership and board-development program of the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce — is back again. Leadership Holyoke utilizes a combination of classes and practical experiences to help local business people develop their leadership skills, increase their knowledge of the community, and acquire the skills needed to serve as board members and community leaders. The series is made possible by PeoplesBank and the Republican. The 2018-19 leadership series begins on Sept. 21, consists of eight seven-hour sessions, and concludes on May 8 with a graduation ceremony at Holyoke Community College with a specialty luncheon prepared by the college’s culinary program students. All sessions will be held on Fridays (except for the Boston State House trip) and take place at Holyoke Community College and other locations throughout the city. Each session will include a segment on organization and leadership skills and a segment on community needs and resources. Faculty members from Holyoke Community College will participate as instructors and facilitators, and community leaders will participate as speakers and discussion leaders in their areas of their expertise. Tuition of $600 per participant is due at the start of the course and includes the fee for a continental breakfast each week, a bus trip to Boston, and the graduation luncheon. Sign up online at holyokechamber.com or call the chamber with any questions at (413) 534-3376.

DPH: Job-related Injuries Often Lead to Opioid Misuse

BOSTON — The rate of fatal opioid overdoses varied significantly by industry and occupation from 2011 to 2015, with construction workers dying from opioid overdoses at six times the average rate for all Massachusetts workers, according to a report released by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH). Using available death-certificate data, DPH analyzed 4,302 opioid-related deaths in Massachusetts from 2011 to 2015 by industry and occupation to understand whether work, and specifically work-related injuries, might have contributed to opioid-use disorders. Overall, workers employed in occupations known to have high rates of work-related injuries had higher rates of fatal opioid overdoses. In addition, workers in occupations with lower rates of paid sick leave and higher job insecurity had higher rates of opioid overdoses. Construction and extraction workers (quarrying and mining) accounted for more than 24% of all opioid-related deaths among the working population. This occupation group had a high death rate — 150.6 deaths per 100,000 workers — and a high number of opioid-related deaths — 1,096 — during this time period. Despite the small number of workers employed in the farming, fishing, and forestry occupations, these jobs also had a high opioid death rate. While there were fewer deaths among this group (61) than in the construction occupations, the rate of opioid-related deaths — 143.9 per 100,000 workers — was more than five times the average rate of 25.1 per 100,000 for Massachusetts workers. Several other occupations also had rates of opioid-related overdose deaths that were significantly higher than the average rate for all Massachusetts workers. These included jobs in material moving; installation, maintenance, and repair; transportation; production; food preparation and serving; building and grounds cleaning and maintenance; and healthcare support. Similar to findings for all opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts, the majority — 77.3% — of deaths in this study were among males. However, there were several occupation groups where females had significantly elevated rates of opioid-related overdose deaths, particularly healthcare support and food preparation and serving.

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.

BRIMFIELD

BT & Sons Towing & Recovery Inc., 8 Oakwood Road, Brimfield, MA 01010. Robert A. Wemyss, same. Towing.

DALTON

Andarah Inc. 165 High St., Dalton, MA 01226. Andrew G. Perenick, same. Rental and sale of boats, watercraft and equipment.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Coltey Enterprise Inc., 41 Millbrook Dr., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Leo P. Coltey, same. Restaurant.

EASTHAMPTON

Cristina P. Carrier, Pc, 95 Holyoke St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Cristina P. Carrier, same. Professional legal services.

HOLYOKE

Betty Minimart & Restaurant Inc., 345 High St., Holyoke MA, 01040. Eritania Diaz, 1850 Northampton St., Apt. 231, Holyoke, MA 01040. Grocery store and restaurant.

LUDLOW

BP Home Improvement Inc., 89 Cislek Dr., Ludlow, Ma 01056. Norbert A. Pereira, same. Residential and commercial construction services.

NORTHAMPTON

Arkham Logistics Co., 123 Moser St., Northampton, MA 01060. Gino Davis, same. Package pickup and delivery.

WESTFIELD

API Construction Inc., 100 Meadow St., Westfield, MA 01085. Aleksandr Popov, same. Dwelling construction.

WESTHAMPTON

Audiwerks Division Inc., 9 Edward Road, Westhampton, MA 01027. Roland Madzunovic, same. Auto repair.

SHEFFIELD

Black Prince Hospitality Inc., 375 Hewins St., Sheffield, MA 01257. Adrian D’Ambrosi, 20 Salem Road, Pound Ridge, NY 10576. Bed and breakfast.

SOUTHWICK

Chiu Chu Inc., 20 Laurel Ridge Road, Southwick, MA 01077. Cheuk Chiu Chu, same. Restaurant.

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and trade names were issued or renewed during the month of July 2018.

AMHERST

A. Smith Builders
53 Salem St.
Adam Smith

The Flashlight Company
6 University Dr., Suite 206
Chris O’Keefe

Planet 10 Productions
35 The Hollow
Schuyler Bush

Positive Connections, Positive Strategy
11 Dennis Dr.
Linda Meccouri

BELCHERTOWN

Preserve History
667 South Washington St.
Richard Dzialo

Soundscape Imaging, LLC
40 Front St.
Brian Giggey

Stonebrook Construction
600 Daniel Shays Highway
Wayne Mahall

Touch Needed Animal Massage Therapy
376 Stebbins St.
Jennifer Matos

Valley Earth Lawn & Garden Service
270 Amherst Road
Robert Erbeck

CHICOPEE

Andrey’s Family Chiropractic
53 Springfield St.
Andrey Okhrimenko

McKenna Heavy Equipment
61 South Winthrop St.
Joshua McKenna, Michael McKenna

PC Supply Co.
13 Sherman Ave.
John Syler

DEERFIELD
Bolton Crest Farm
641 River Road
Donald Bolton

O’Bryan Enterprises
385 Upper Road
Patrick O’Bryan

Sunderland Roof Specialists
112 Sunderland Road
Michael Killeen

EASTHAMPTON

Union Street Bistro & Bakery
35 Union St.
Kimberly Scribner

Women of Rock Oral History Project
17 Adams St., Apt. 1
Tanya Pearson

EAST LONGMEADOW

AJS Appraisal Group
137 Allen St.
Anthony Santaniello

Boyajian Remodeling
10 Crane Ave.
David Boyajian

Michelle Murray, LMHC
143C Shaker Road
Michelle Murray

Midwifery Education Design & Development
87 Pease Road
Susan DeJoy

New Beginnings Hair Salon
10 Crane Ave.
Maria Koutroubila

Revolution Hair and Makeup
10 Center Square
Caitlin Howland

GREENFIELD

Carquest of Greenfield
369 Federal St.
Kathy McCrory

Ciak Enterprises
726 Colrain Road
Anthony Ciak

Country Club Enterprises, LLC
1173 Bernardston Road
Ross Spencer

Crown Lawn Care
344 Davis St.
Patrick Crowningshield

It’s a Dootie Business
80 Lunt Dr.
Tony Thurston

ZMuff Guitars
2 Mead St.
Zachary Muffoletto

HADLEY

James J. Pipczynski Farm
151 River Dr.
James Pipczynski

Precision Dental Associates
190 Russell St.
Precision Dental, LLC

Pride Subway
25 Russell St.
Marsha Del Monte

R. Christopher & Associates
245 Russell St., 19B
Robert Stevens

relaks.
108B Russell St.
Samantha Winning

HOLYOKE

Bankiewicz Originals
11 School St., Apt. 2
Brittany Ankiewicz

Chelsi Construction
2 St. James Ave.
Paul Reynolds

Heart Beats Music Therapy
43 Taylor St., #1
Michael Russell

Indigo Painters
322 Pine St.
Raquel Figueroa

Jizays Global Tech
101 High St.
Eddie Rivera

Paul’s Custom Carpentry
1104 Hampton St.
Paul Pennell Sr.

LONGMEADOW

Embroidered on Ardsley
172 Ardsley Road
Embroidered on Ardsley

Hair Studio One Inc.
20 Cross St.
Hair Studio One Inc.

LUDLOW

Cluett’s
433 Center St., Suite 29
Mark Swett

Gillespie Car Care
407 West St.
Brian Gillespie, Edward McGrew, Meghan Hewitt

MM Burring
146 Vienna Ave.
Manuel Moreno

Steppin Out II
200 Center St., Suite 5
Sarah Lewison

NORTHAMPTON

Deniz Romano, LLC Tailor Shop
123 Hawley St.
Ibraham Deniz

Lucy’s Nail
284 Ryan Road
Sovannary Chea

Northampton Institute of Intersubjective Psychotherapy
16 Center St.
Rebecca Tew, Cara Segal

Quality Cars
345 Damon Road
Ronald Gardner Sr.

Styles by Lisa
99 Market St.
Lisa Simoneaux

Tom’s Service
28 Pencasal Dr.
Thomas Venne

PALMER

AJC Mechanical, LLC
1008 Baptist Hill St.
Lawrence Caputo Jr.

Apple Automotive, LLC
1205-1207 South Main St.
Raymond Labonte Jr.

The Computer Wiz
1605 North Main St.
Glen Whitney

David A. Farnum Productions
106 Pleasant St.
David Farnum

DeSousa Trucking
97 Water St.
Ruy DeSousa

Essentials
1005 Church St.
Erica Enos

Palmer Coin-op Laundry and Dry Cleaner
1331 Main St.
Vi Hung Nguyen, Huong Thi Nguyen

Palmer Recycling Corp.
2 Fenton St.
Pamela Douthwright, Mary Douthwright

Pitt Stop
1618 North Main St.
Damien Pittola

Primo Wildlife Control, LLC
260 Flynt St.
Edward Hageman, Debra Hageman

Sunny Nails & Spa
1331 Main St.
Khoa Nguyen

SOUTHWICK

Redline Labs
22 South Longyard Road
Robert Slate Jr.

Southwick Computer Services
4 Island Pond Road
Robert Cranston

Stone Crow Painting
17 Sheep Pasture Road
Kevin Stark

Tomahawk Restoration
13 Fred Jackson Road
Thomas Larkin

Wendy’s Place Hair Salon
183 South Loomis St.
Wendy Sylvester

SPRINGFIELD

Antonio Rodriguez Jr. Auto
308 Abbott St.
Antonio Rodriguez

Anushcare Home Health
78 Chauncey Dr.
Paulette Dunkelly

Aroma Café
1160 Dickinson St.
Milana Gesin

Atlantico Designs
1221 Carew St.
Peter Zurlino

C. Liquori & Sons Auto Sales
279 Locust St.
Christopher Liquori

Dollar Tree #05573
1060 Wilbraham Road
Deborah Miller

E.J.’s Home Improvement
30 Quincy St.
Eliezer Jimenez Perez

Fortune Cookie
907B Carew St.
Mei Ru Wang

The Happy Weaver Studio
34 Front St.
Nancy Evans

JRC Landscaping
380 Nothingham St.
Jose Calderon

Kenison Consulting
8 Fordham St.
Guy Kenison

McDow Properties, LLC
16 Prince St.
Sakinah Allard

Michael’s Auto Body
7-9 Worcester St.
Michael Partynski

Stetson’s Interiors and Exteriors
45 Lyndale St.
Robert Stetson

Tredee Web Solutions
201 Morton St.
Robert Carter

True Blue Car Wash Corp.
739 Boston Road
New True Blue Car

Words of Wisdom Art Studio
117-119 Chestnut St.
Chris Franklyn Agyei

WARE

Bev’s This n That Shop
1 Ashley St.
Beverly Adamsky

Hans Craft Beer & Convenience Mart
30 West Main St.
Satnam Hans

Tropical Tanning & Beach Emporium
180 West St., Suite D
Lisa Kingston

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Cellular Sales of Massachusetts
175 Memorial Ave.
Pamela Kimball

Cheap Tees Screen Printing
150 Front St.
Allen Warren

The Flying Locksmiths
425 Union St.
Emari Enterprises Inc.

Imereli Construction
1155 Elm St.
Shalva Enukidze

Law Office of Mary A. Samberg
93 Van Deene Ave.
Mary Samberg

Over the Moon
206 Norman St.
Pauline Delton

Pride
757 Riverdale St.
Pride Limited

U.S. Trucking Express
56 Lathrop St.
Andrei Mineev

VA Trans
105 River St.
Andrii Fedosh

Verizon Wireless Cellular
175 Memorial Ave.
Pamela Kimball

WILBRAHAM

Tax Rocks Global and Financial Solutions
447 Stony Hill Road
Arnold Kange

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

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

Addy, Bismark
42 Bay State Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/12/2018

Bandarchuk, Darya
109 River St., Apt. 5
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/13/2018

Bustamante, Gabriela Teresa
34 Michelman Ave., Apt 7
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/13/2018

Coney, Gerald Lee
333 Adams Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/13/2018

Corder, Jeffery J.
63 Schley St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/13/2018

Dubois, Lauren B.
229 Draper St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/12/2018

Farr, Stephen R.
Farr, Catherine A.
111 Winterset Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/12/2018

Girard, Daniel J.
Girard, Maryann R.
9 Decatur St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/11/2018

Hardgrove, Judith A.
Hardgrove, Mark A.
92 Burnham Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 07/11/2018
Filing Date: 7

Jablonski, Jonathan B.
43 1/2 Bethany Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/11/2018

Pagan-Sanchez, Radames
284 Lexington St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/11/2018

Pierce, Ricky M.
855 North St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/12/2018

Rushbrook, Doreen Ann
70 Silver St.
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/11/2018

Scott, Timothy J.
36 Plastics Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/12/2018

Sissy’s Cleaning Services
Lega, Rosemarie
27 Metacomet St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/10/2018

Triple J Logging
Morey, Joseph D.
PO Box 164
Ashley Falls, MA 01222
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/10/2018

The Workhorse Group, Inc.
Abundant Harvest Apiary
Woods, R. Susan
a/k/a Woods, Rorie
P.O Box 160
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/10/2018

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

139 Bug Hill Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $276,000
Buyer: John A. Sanders
Seller: Daniel A. Jepson
Date: 07/25/18

235 Bug Hill Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Colleen A. Teti
Seller: Peter Lodi
Date: 07/20/18

1447 Cape St.
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Martha R. Jones
Seller: Robin M. Fasoli
Date: 07/26/18

93 Dyer Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Alyssa L. Prew
Seller: Wesley T. Fleming
Date: 07/20/18

1296 Watson Spruce Corner Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Richard P. Pantermehl
Seller: Christopher J. Haddad
Date: 07/20/18

BERNARDSTON

426 Northfield Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Nicholas M. Carter
Seller: Ovitt INT
Date: 07/18/18

BUCKLAND

8 East Buckland Road
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $295,263
Buyer: Goldman Sachs Mortgage Co.
Seller: G. Joyce Amendola
Date: 07/19/18

15 Hodgen Road
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Kelly Wilkinson
Seller: Greg E. Stacy
Date: 07/24/18

22 Kendrick Road
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: Hana Nower
Seller: Nasrollah Khansalar
Date: 07/20/18

COLRAIN

30 Prolovich Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Grace L. Ahrensdorf
Seller: Jeffrey M. King
Date: 07/20/18

300 West Leyden Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Vanessa S. Espinal
Seller: Henry M. Reisen
Date: 07/24/18


CONWAY

24 Parsons Hill Dr.
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $320,500
Buyer: Midori K. Tabery
Seller: Hatch INT
Date: 07/16/18

DEERFIELD

8 Braeburn Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Nicholas J. Casioppo
Seller: Richard J. Sadoski
Date: 07/20/18

14 Eastern Ave.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: John A. Andross
Seller: Harris FT
Date: 07/27/18

16 Eastern Ave.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $327,000
Buyer: Thomas J. Gessing
Seller: Thomas L. Hollingsworth
Date: 07/18/18

Merrigan Way
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Hagopian 18287 Parking TR
Seller: Town Of Deerfield
Date: 07/27/18

10 Pocumtuck Dr.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Francis X. O’Leary
Seller: Nancy O. Maynard
Date: 07/23/18

GILL

31 Hoe Shop Road
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Reid A. Motha
Seller: Richard N. Giverson
Date: 07/27/18

GREENFIELD

119 Davis St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Joshua L. McConnell
Seller: Michael Mendyk
Date: 07/16/18

320 Deerfield St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $138,500
Buyer: Raymond P. Drewitz
Seller: Irene Dejackome
Date: 07/27/18

15 Grove St.
Greenfield, MA 01376
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Christopher H. Keniley
Seller: Eric F. Nusbaum
Date: 07/20/18

12 Holland Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Rodney R. Scott
Seller: FNMA
Date: 07/20/18

94 Oakland St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Sandro P. Didonato TR 2017
Seller: Erik A. Lively
Date: 07/16/18

38 Overland Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $223,900
Buyer: Leeanne P. Hadsel
Seller: Trenholm NT
Date: 07/27/18

33 Smith St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $121,000
Buyer: Christa Pylant
Seller: Pioneer Valley Habitat
Date: 07/27/18

LEVERETT

260 Montague Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Timothy H. Pinault
Seller: Frederick Schneider
Date: 07/27/18

132 Shutesbury Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $217,000
Buyer: Zachary Woodis
Seller: Amy E. Kahn
Date: 07/17/18

LEYDEN

697 Greenfield Road
Leyden, MA 01301
Amount: $238,000
Buyer: Colton H. Stebbins
Seller: Jeffery D. Stebbins
Date: 07/27/18

MONTAGUE

218 Montague City Road
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $157,250
Buyer: Citibank
Seller: Kathleen J. Lastowski
Date: 07/26/18

8 West Chestnut Hill Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $119,000
Buyer: Bank Of America
Seller: Laurie D. Williams
Date: 07/20/18

NORTHFIELD

25 Gerrish Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Brian G. Johnson
Seller: David R. Rogers
Date: 07/18/18

217-K Adams Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $144,500
Buyer: Edward D. Hyrne
Seller: Wilmington Savings
Date: 07/25/18

ORANGE

29 2nd St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $222,500
Buyer: Luke Lupaczyk
Seller: Thebeau NT
Date: 07/27/18

149 Bartlett Lane
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Katie L. Knechtel
Seller: Katie L. Knechtel
Date: 07/26/18

241 Brookside Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $162,000
Buyer: Jennifer L. Gariepy
Seller: Piragis, Louise M., (Estate)
Date: 07/19/18

90 Memorial Dr.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $184,481
Buyer: Thomas Small
Seller: Virginia Realty Inc.
Date: 07/16/18

81 Memory Lane
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: James Feehan
Seller: Michael T. Barrette
Date: 07/27/18

856 North Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $239,900
Buyer: Benjamin Bray
Seller: Justen B. Stevenson
Date: 07/27/18

91 Sandrah Dr.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $118,500
Buyer: Reginald C. Haughton
Seller: Samantha North
Date: 07/24/18

ROWE

23 Pelham Dr.
Rowe, MA 01367
Amount: $279,500
Buyer: Edward Whitaker
Seller: Hillwater RT
Date: 07/27/18

SUNDERLAND

3 Bears Den Dr.
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Suzanne Scallion
Seller: Herrick, Thomas R., (Estate)
Date: 07/26/18

54 Howard Hepburn Dr.
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Peng Bai
Seller: Robert C. Cook
Date: 07/16/18

Russell St.
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Peter R. Laznicka
Seller: Joyce M. Kulessa
Date: 07/26/18

379 Russell St.
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Peter Jessop
Seller: PJAN Realty LLC
Date: 07/17/18

WARWICK

24 Athol Road
Warwick, MA 01378
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Ivan S. Ussach
Seller: Gail A. Beauregard
Date: 07/27/18

WENDELL

245 Lockes Village Road
Wendell, MA 01379
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Rowan Stephenson-Gay
Seller: Jeoffrey Pooser
Date: 07/16/18

76 New Salem Road
Wendell, MA 01379
Amount: $266,000
Buyer: Michael Warner
Seller: Alfred F. Souza
Date: 07/27/18

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

20 Allison Lane
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: John Spano
Seller: Maria Basile
Date: 07/19/18

60 Beverly Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $241,500
Buyer: Robert W. McCoy
Seller: Richard J. Gamelli
Date: 07/23/18

95 Bridge St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $184,000
Buyer: Daniel J. Laporte
Seller: Barry, Marguerite L., (Estate)
Date: 07/20/18

94 Carr Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $224,900
Buyer: Alicia M. Gardner
Seller: Marc A. Pereira
Date: 07/27/18

61 Center St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Catherine Danilcenco
Seller: Danil Hrytskevich
Date: 07/18/18

25 Deer Run Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Matthew L. Dimauro
Seller: Ricky D. Heaton
Date: 07/27/18

70 Faymore Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $261,000
Buyer: Karla L. Camacho-Rivera
Seller: Edgar P. Gillis

37-39 Highland Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Stephan J. Willett
Seller: Thomas E. Hannon
Date: 07/18/18

59 Simpson Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $221,400
Buyer: John M. Velez
Seller: Matthew J. Koons
Date: 07/19/18

28 Spencer St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Gabriel Degray
Seller: Linda M. Roberts
Date: 07/24/18

BLANDFORD

4 Beagle Club Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $323,750
Buyer: Gavin B. Todesco
Seller: Michael P. Albert
Date: 07/25/18

257 Brookman Dr.
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $875,000
Buyer: Kathleen K. Bourn
Seller: Stephen M. Cloud
Date: 07/20/18

BRIMFIELD

46 3rd St.
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: John C. Hinrichs
Seller: Theresa A. Robertson
Date: 07/18/18

116 Brookfield Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Phyllis Lussier
Date: 07/23/18

7 Little Alum Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $276,000
Buyer: Michael W. Gibree
Seller: Paula L. Buchanan
Date: 07/20/18

11 Mill Lane
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: W. Christian-Titus
Seller: Michael P. Rasys
Date: 07/20/18

102 Wales Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Steven Hin
Seller: Molasses Hill RT LLC
Date: 07/20/18

CHESTER

80 Maynard Hill Road
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Patrick J. Reed
Seller: Darvin G. Martin
Date: 07/20/18

110 Middlefield Road
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $123,000
Buyer: Timothy J. O’Brien
Seller: Gregory G. Beskalo
Date: 07/27/18

CHICOPEE

130 4th Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Aaron M. Gomes
Seller: Janina W. Hidde
Date: 07/27/18

23 Alvord Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Matadormus LLC
Seller: Maria L. Coelho
Date: 07/27/18

6 Ashmont St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $216,500
Buyer: Benjamin D. Austin
Seller: John F. Vitullo
Date: 07/20/18

17 Asinof Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: EAD Properties LLC
Seller: JPNTT Real Estate LLC
Date: 07/26/18

144 Beauchamp Terrace
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Alison H. Gray
Seller: US Bank
Date: 07/26/18

233 Blanchard St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $266,000
Buyer: Terence S. O’Neil
Seller: DGL Properties LLC
Date: 07/25/18

5 Bourbeau St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $212,500
Buyer: Amy B. Kugler
Seller: Robert Rojowski
Date: 07/20/18

18 Charpentier Blvd.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Kera Nyarko
Seller: Property 1 LLC
Date: 07/26/18

60 Coakley Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $148,200
Buyer: Anouk RT
Seller: Wilmington Savings
Date: 07/23/18

202 College St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Anthony M. Demattia
Seller: Amy B. Kugler
Date: 07/23/18

1 Cottage Place
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Rosa E. Calderon
Seller: Henry Dzieciolowski
Date: 07/27/18

125 Deslauriers St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Katelyn Nadeau
Seller: Malinda M. Johnston
Date: 07/18/18

62 Downey St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $282,000
Buyer: Mark Bergeron
Seller: Robert F. Lacosse
Date: 07/25/18

577 East St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Rivaan LLC
Seller: Edward F. Szczur
Date: 07/20/18

162 East Main St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: EAD Properties LLC
Seller: Legacy Realty Associates
Date: 07/26/18

32 Emerald St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $156,000
Buyer: George S. Zurita
Seller: Fernando J. Lucio
Date: 07/25/18

51 Falmouth Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Eric G. Tipton
Seller: Richard Sawicki
Date: 07/23/18

225 Fuller Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $257,500
Buyer: Dejesus A. Vazquez
Seller: Jillian L. Bowyer
Date: 07/23/18

260 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Max S. Syrek
Seller: Daniel J. Daponde
Date: 07/20/18

464 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Sofia S. Rivera
Seller: Francis A. Zdrojkowski
Date: 07/27/18

19 Harding St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $172,545
Buyer: Pennymac Holdings LLC
Seller: Silvio F. Lima
Date: 07/24/18

103 Ingham St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Jennifer Sarante
Seller: Wilmington Savings
Date: 07/16/18

95 Laramee St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Agnieszka Salamon
Seller: Joan E. Labonte
Date: 07/19/18

30 Lauzier Terrace
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $118,000
Buyer: Shelly L. Scott
Seller: Bruce E. Tease
Date: 07/20/18

57 Liberty St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: Sead Bajrami
Seller: Renee Fournier
Date: 07/18/18

38 Loveland Terrace
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Marcus L. MacDonald
Seller: Jeffrey M. Deren
Date: 07/23/18

30 Mount Carmel Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $191,000
Buyer: Justina D. Ortiz
Seller: Alison H. Gray
Date: 07/18/18

172 Mount Vernon Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $178,900
Buyer: Mercy R. Doctolero
Seller: Steven Wenninger
Date: 07/20/18

9 Pendexter Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $156,900
Buyer: Konstantinos Cambos
Seller: Lucyna Piascik
Date: 07/27/18

53 Poplar St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $167,000
Buyer: MHFA
Seller: Joseph Renaud
Date: 07/23/18

23 Reedstone Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $178,500
Buyer: Stephen M. Frasier
Seller: Michael L. Yucka
Date: 07/23/18

90 Royalton St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Orlando Pineiro
Seller: William Chaput
Date: 07/26/18

117 Silvin Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Eileen E. Breen
Seller: Dubois, Mary Ann, (Estate)
Date: 07/16/18

222 Stebbins St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $166,000
Buyer: Pennymac Corp.
Seller: Sheila Martone
Date: 07/25/18

83 Stebbins St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Corey J. Gilpatrick
Seller: Gill J. Gilpatrick
Date: 07/23/18

24 Upton St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $239,000
Buyer: Heidi M. Annino
Seller: Akin, Kemal, (Estate)
Date: 07/23/18

57 Ward St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Elena Abashina
Seller: Laura A. Romano
Date: 07/25/18

EAST LONGMEADOW

137-A Allen St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $387,000
Buyer: Jonathan E. Abel
Seller: Patrick R. Tudryn
Date: 07/20/18

102 Braeburn Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Marystella L. Maende
Seller: 88 Casino Terrace LLC
Date: 07/19/18

53 Edmund St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $269,900
Buyer: Zachary T. Milbourn
Seller: Eric A. Krupka
Date: 07/20/18

142 Gates Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Michael D. Ketterman
Seller: Brendan McNeish
Date: 07/26/18

58 Mapleshade Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $121,032
Buyer: USAA FSB
Seller: James W. Klemmer
Date: 07/20/18

146 Meadowbrook Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Shaleice Parris
Seller: Claude M. Godbout
Date: 07/27/18

133 Millbrook Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Patrick R. Tudryn
Seller: Joseph G. Moleski
Date: 07/20/18

6 Peachtree Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Shawn Gloster
Seller: Roger S. Cameron
Date: 07/27/18

15 Sturbridge Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Jason Williams
Seller: Robert F. Schnepp
Date: 07/17/18

14 Thompson St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Benjamin Torres
Seller: Shawn Gloster
Date: 07/27/18

64 Waterman Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Sarah A. Dudley
Seller: Michael Carabetta
Date: 07/26/18

23 Wood Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Anna C. Judd
Seller: Sean C. Kelly
Date: 07/19/18

GRANVILLE

24 Dickinson Dr.
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Danielle L. Zering
Seller: Judith D. Zering
Date: 07/16/18

80 Sodom St.
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $223,000
Buyer: Alex M. Mechachonis
Seller: Nancy E. Meehan
Date: 07/17/18

HAMPDEN

25 Evergreen Terrace
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: James P. Rheaume
Seller: Melro Assocs. Inc.
Date: 07/16/18

306 South Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Kathleen O’Connor
Seller: Stephan W. Andwood
Date: 07/24/18

HOLLAND

10 Bennett Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $185,323
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Norman C. Butler
Date: 07/16/18


162 East Brimfield Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Nathaniel Cable
Seller: Anthony R. Ianniccheri
Date: 07/16/18

HOLYOKE

15 Alderman St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Ramon B. Rivera
Seller: Lynn T. Lajoie
Date: 07/27/18

14 Anderson Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $198,000
Buyer: Deborah C. Saperstone
Seller: Jonathan A. Roche
Date: 07/18/18

70 Bemis Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Robert C. Fuller
Seller: EDC Real Estate LLC
Date: 07/16/18

27 Cherry Hill
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Peter R. Fritz
Seller: Alexander J. Miklasiewicz
Date: 07/18/18

335-337 Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $152,400
Buyer: Massachusetts Development Finance Agency
Seller: David R. Richardson
Date: 07/26/18

1330 Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Christophe Gonzalez-Cruz
Seller: William Prost
Date: 07/17/18

6 Francis St.
Holyoke, MA 01013
Amount: $217,000
Buyer: Meghan E. Garrity
Seller: Matthew T. Welch
Date: 07/27/18

205 Locust St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Veronica Gomez
Seller: Diana Sutton-Fernandez
Date: 07/25/18

195 Mountain View Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Sharon A. Farmer
Seller: Brad R. Tuttle
Date: 07/20/18

175 Sycamore St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Stephen Devine
Seller: Elizabeth A. Beaudry
Date: 07/23/18

70 West Glen St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: David J. Hearn
Seller: John P. O’Neill
Date: 07/23/18

496 Whitney Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Andy Ramos Electric LLC
Seller: K&L Realty LLC
Date: 07/24/18

LONGMEADOW

206 Colony Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $850,000
Buyer: Caitlin J. Cronin
Seller: Joseph A. Pacella
Date: 07/27/18

117 Crescent Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $346,000
Buyer: Heidi D. Davis
Seller: Robert J. Petroff
Date: 07/16/18

38 East Primrose Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $336,000
Buyer: Matthew D. Raymond
Seller: Juanita R. Demos
Date: 07/16/18

28 Edson St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Todd L. Vandoren
Seller: Eric P. Lesser
Date: 07/20/18

65 Franklin Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Ryan M. Bateman
Seller: Michael R. Weaver
Date: 07/19/18

33 Harwich Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $436,000
Buyer: Marissa D. Cerretani
Seller: Christopher R. Glass
Date: 07/19/18

70 Hazelwood Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $379,900
Buyer: Robert H. Caldwell
Seller: Mary K. Eaton
Date: 07/20/18

168 Lawrence Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $497,000
Buyer: David W. Griffin
Seller: Thomas K. Keyser
Date: 07/24/18

50 Lees Lane
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: John J. Mazzucco
Seller: Howard P. Kagan
Date: 07/27/18

79 Maple Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Lisa Muftic
Seller: Patriot Living LLC
Date: 07/27/18

689 Maple Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $224,000
Buyer: Chandra S. Mandal
Seller: Benjamin J. Jaffe
Date: 07/16/18

55 Woodside Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Robert Quadros
Seller: Phillip M. Wacks
Date: 07/26/18

LUDLOW

448 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Kyle L. Bugbee
Seller: Sophie Gazda
Date: 07/20/18

124 Coolidge Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Mary L. Wetzel
Seller: Jennifer S. Goncalves
Date: 07/17/18

36 Electric Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $197,000
Buyer: Heather K. Roy
Seller: Carol S. Chesnes
Date: 07/19/18

161 Erin Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Anna M. Psoter
Seller: John J. Vomero
Date: 07/20/18

36 Greenwich St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Natalie A. Barroso
Seller: Samantha J. Hawley
Date: 07/20/18

20 Hampshire St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Christopher J. Martell
Seller: Luiza Ramos
Date: 07/26/18

Harvest Dr. #36
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $139,900
Buyer: Jacob A. Barr
Seller: Whitetail Wreks LLC
Date: 07/20/18

7 Haswell Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Bethany A. Ketchale
Seller: Dias Properties LLC
Date: 07/23/18

144 Kirkland Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $222,000
Buyer: Brittany M. Enman
Seller: Joaquim F. Zina
Date: 07/17/18

181 Pine St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Jose M. Baltazar
Seller: Nicole K. Santos
Date: 07/26/18

211 Simonds St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $366,000
Buyer: Ronald A. Antaya
Seller: James Baillie
Date: 07/17/18

125 Watson Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $419,900
Buyer: David R. King
Seller: Timothy W. Whitney
Date: 07/27/18

262 West St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $202,000
Buyer: Richard A. Roberts
Seller: Roberts, Richard A., (Estate)
Date: 07/17/18

320 Woodland Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Michael F. Carbonneau
Seller: Ciaschini, Frances, (Estate)
Date: 07/26/18

MONSON

16 Bethany Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $424,900
Buyer: Aaron T. Chesnes
Seller: Robert D. Roncarati
Date: 07/23/18

78 Bogan Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $349,900
Buyer: Robert D. Roncarati
Seller: Gloria C. Pattenaude
Date: 07/23/18

134 Brimfield Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Trent D. Guihan
Seller: Donald L. Morrison
Date: 07/27/18

18 Carriage House Lane
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $540,000
Buyer: John R. Fijol
Seller: Steven B. Holsten
Date: 07/27/18

2 East Boston Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Fay Servicing LLC
Seller: David M. Lewis
Date: 07/18/18

75 Ely Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Jared Ballou
Seller: Kimberly A. Richardson
Date: 07/27/18

20 Margaret St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Jose A. Rodriguez
Seller: Sidney N. Lima
Date: 07/19/18

270 Stafford Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $209,000
Buyer: Thaddeus J. Odell
Seller: Syed W. Hashmi
Date: 07/20/18

174 Town Farm Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: John F. Vitullo
Seller: John N. Mullen
Date: 07/20/18

MONTGOMERY

39 Carrington Road
Montgomery, MA 01050
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: James G. Basciani
Seller: Mark A. Couchon
Date: 07/27/18

PALMER

13 2nd St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: Double R. Enterprises LLC
Seller: Albe F. Martin
Date: 07/20/18

18 Coache St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: John E. Tatro
Seller: Bousquet, Pauline L., (Estate)
Date: 07/20/18

3 Emelda St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $154,500
Buyer: James L. Provost
Seller: Sekula, Irene, (Estate)
Date: 07/27/18

3117-3119 Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Marek Dybacki
Seller: Atlantic Holdings Group
Date: 07/18/18

1614 North Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Boluk Realty LLC
Seller: JMS North Main Street LLC
Date: 07/27/18

55 Olney Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $316,000
Buyer: John A. Payant
Seller: MA Home Buyers LLC
Date: 07/23/18

22-28 Roosevelt St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $289,700
Buyer: Christopher Adams
Seller: Roosevelt Street RT
Date: 07/18/18

132 Shearer St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $223,000
Buyer: Joshua Decker
Seller: FNMA
Date: 07/16/18

14 Strong St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $164,000
Buyer: Renee L. Forgues
Seller: Lisa A. Muller
Date: 07/19/18

26 Taft St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Brian Frederick
Seller: Andrzej Lipior
Date: 07/25/18

53 Walnut St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: Jeremy T. Collins
Seller: Walter J. Zarenko
Date: 07/25/18

RUSSELL

164 Dickinson Hill Road
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Marie E. Hart
Seller: Thomas M. Shea
Date: 07/17/18

63 Raymur Dr.
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $232,900
Buyer: Christopher R. Ferrari
Seller: Michael E. Neveu
Date: 07/23/18

SOUTHWICK

1-A Amberleaf Way
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $189,900
Buyer: Daniel J. Coffey
Seller: Donald R. Elton
Date: 07/27/18

438 College Hwy.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Michael P. Albert
Seller: Rosemarie M. Ricco
Date: 07/25/18

8 Pearl Brook Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $467,000
Buyer: Brian W. Doyle
Seller: Ronald J. Brodalski
Date: 07/27/18

3 Pinnacle Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Oleksiy Kononenko
Seller: Mark D. Goodwin
Date: 07/27/18

16 Revere Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $323,500
Buyer: Traci J. Parent
Seller: Brian W. Doyle
Date: 07/26/18

249 Vining Hill Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Anne L. Delcampo
Seller: Joanne L. Frasco
Date: 07/18/18

SPRINGFIELD

179 Albemarle St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Phylicia Morris
Seller: JJS Capital Investment
Date: 07/17/18

30 Alberta St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $180,900
Buyer: Carry Denno
Seller: Kenneth Fitzgibbons
Date: 07/27/18

74 Andrew St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Eis Quinones
Seller: Jose A. Rivera
Date: 07/16/18

340 Arcadia Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $207,000
Buyer: La T. Green
Seller: Rebecca J. Smith
Date: 07/24/18

7-15 Armory St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $1,750,000
Buyer: 26 Federal BSD LLC
Seller: MA 1 LLC
Date: 07/27/18

945 Armory St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $184,000
Buyer: Lauren E. Marshall
Seller: Terence S. O’Neil
Date: 07/25/18

183 Arthur St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $129,000
Buyer: Leslie G. Rosales
Seller: Carmino J. Santaniello
Date: 07/20/18

20 Beaudry St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Armando Torres
Seller: Jodi Macrae
Date: 07/23/18

38 Biella St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Maria P. Estrella-Munoz
Seller: Jorge L. Diaz
Date: 07/17/18

16 Bissell St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $131,560
Buyer: Anthony Bourget
Seller: JP Morgan Chase Bank
Date: 07/23/18

9-11 Bloomfield St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $139,000
Buyer: Mister Mister LLC
Seller: Tenants & Landlords Inc.
Date: 07/27/18

226 Breckwood Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $149,500
Buyer: Frank A. Medero
Seller: Raphael J. Rivera
Date: 07/19/18

112 Bridle Path Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Brendan P. McNeish
Seller: Julie M. Martineau
Date: 07/26/18

21 Burns Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $198,500
Buyer: Christopher L. Yates
Seller: BP LLC
Date: 07/18/18

95 Campechi St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Jose Diaz
Seller: Kim D. Bransford
Date: 07/19/18

1066 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $162,000
Buyer: Johnny Quinones
Seller: Michael D. Wiggins
Date: 07/18/18

156 Carroll St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Patricia A. Montague
Seller: Felipe Silva
Date: 07/24/18

135-137 Cedar St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $123,210
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Okey U. Ikewibe
Date: 07/25/18

125 Clement St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $208,000
Buyer: Ganga Pariyar
Seller: Jessica E. Lopez
Date: 07/27/18

239 Cortland St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Sheila Delois-Arnold
Seller: Louis Elmore
Date: 07/18/18

144 Denver St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $141,260
Buyer: Linda Osei
Seller: Anderson Marti
Date: 07/27/18

138 Draper St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $144,000
Buyer: Anthony G. Schiappa
Seller: Robert J. Schroeter
Date: 07/25/18

Driftwood Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Gabriel A. Ortiz
Seller: Jorge L. Carrasquillo
Date: 07/16/18

336 Dwight Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Dung Waterhouse
Seller: Carroll H. Dwyer
Date: 07/20/18

40 Dutchess St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $223,500
Buyer: Marilyn Torres
Seller: Robert W. McCoy
Date: 07/23/18

3-5 Federal St.
Springfield, MA 01001
Amount: $1,750,000
Buyer: 26 Federal BSD LLC
Seller: MA 1 LLC
Date: 07/27/18

23-29 Federal St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $1,000,000
Buyer: 26 Federal BSD LLC
Seller: MA 2 LLC
Date: 07/27/18

63 Finch Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: Franco J. Serrano-Morales
Seller: Ronald D. Hamlin
Date: 07/27/18

70 Firglade Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $196,000
Buyer: Chelsea N. Lefebvre
Seller: Neil G. Greene
Date: 07/27/18

504 Forest Hills Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Stephanie Vega
Seller: Sean F. Hallihan
Date: 07/18/18

249 Garnet St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Erik L. Greene
Seller: Daniel J. Laporte
Date: 07/20/18

167 Gillette Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $184,900
Buyer: Nellie Torres
Seller: Peiwei Li
Date: 07/27/18

72 Glenmore St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Greysha M. Santiago
Seller: Maria I. Santiago
Date: 07/20/18

148 Glenoak Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $148,000
Buyer: James Schmidt
Seller: Marcia A. Barnard
Date: 07/23/18

117 Gresham St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $211,000
Buyer: Kevin Jones
Seller: Jason B. Crews
Date: 07/24/18

128 Hadley St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $227,000
Buyer: Daniel J. Daponde
Seller: Joshua J. Lamoureux
Date: 07/20/18

126 Hanson Dr.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $159,900
Buyer: Shayla Velez
Seller: Julie L. Sterling
Date: 07/26/18

25 Hobson St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $144,000
Buyer: Barrington A. Johnson
Seller: Julius F. Sweeney
Date: 07/19/18

21-23 Littleton St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Blake W. Hansen
Seller: Edwina Lessard
Date: 07/25/18

30 Lively Lane
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Stanley H. Czaplicki
Seller: Bennett Properties LLC
Date: 07/25/18

23 Loring St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $174,500
Buyer: Marco U. Rivera-Acurio
Seller: Giovanna Capua
Date: 07/18/18

30 Louis Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Audrey H. Piubeni
Seller: Susan J. Spencer
Date: 07/17/18

231 Louis Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Ruth M. Rivera
Seller: Virgilio Garcia
Date: 07/19/18

129-131 Merida St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $218,000
Buyer: Emily Maldonado
Seller: Nicholas J. Eldridge
Date: 07/23/18

217 Merrimac Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Helena L. Jordan
Seller: Stephanie C. Vega
Date: 07/18/18

33 Mountainview St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $171,000
Buyer: Joel Pagan-Gonzalez
Seller: Mary Ann L. Lane
Date: 07/27/18

617 Newbury St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $131,000
Buyer: Randy Amadis
Seller: Zaida Cruz
Date: 07/16/18

5 Northway Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $150,500
Buyer: Johanna K. Bushey
Seller: Denise M. Moran
Date: 07/27/18

26 Oak Ridge St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Sean P. Buchanan
Seller: Brian C. Winsor
Date: 07/25/18

5 Oakhurst St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $171,000
Buyer: Evelyn Rivera
Seller: Eric Sanchez
Date: 07/24/18

97 Olmsted Dr.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $209,500
Buyer: Christine M. Agnitti
Seller: Shmuel J. Condon
Date: 07/20/18

396-398 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Yanory L. Pagan
Seller: Dinc, Gani, (Estate)
Date: 07/20/18

162 Patricia Circle
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $156,000
Buyer: Alberto L. Morales
Seller: Mark W. Tryon
Date: 07/17/18

41 Pear St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $148,000
Buyer: Western Mass. Property Development
Seller: Mister Mister LLC
Date: 07/23/18

167-169 Pineywoods Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Luis Correa
Seller: Yunhee Han
Date: 07/18/18

430 Plainfield St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Vaycheslav Foksha
Seller: Tenants & Landlords Inc.
Date: 07/24/18

70 Plumtree Circle
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $117,260
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Andrea E. Lanzillo
Date: 07/18/18

75 Roanoke Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $117,000
Buyer: James Niedbala
Seller: FNMA
Date: 07/19/18

435 Roosevelt Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Seamus M. Warwick
Seller: Mary D. Healey
Date: 07/24/18

2448 Roosevelt Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Sharon E. Otero
Seller: Jamie Erickson
Date: 07/20/18

157 Russell St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Crystal A. Bushey
Seller: Thomas E. Murray
Date: 07/26/18

70 Ruthven St.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $149,900
Buyer: Jareth J. Staine
Seller: Winsted Reo 2 LLC
Date: 07/23/18

203 Saint James Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Ninon Borgelin-Saby
Seller: Fallah Razzak
Date: 07/17/18

86 Silas St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Dewayne A. Reis
Seller: Corbeil, Roland A., (Estate)
Date: 07/16/18

463-465 State St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $487,500
Buyer: Highview Properties LLC
Seller: Gina L. Bellucci-Dilizia
Date: 07/25/18

471 State St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $487,500
Buyer: Highview Properties LLC
Seller: Gina L. Bellucci-Dilizia
Date: 07/25/18

323 Sunrise Terrace
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $122,000
Buyer: Roman T. Klimczuk
Seller: Kimberly A. Klimczuk
Date: 07/18/18

60 Superior Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $117,500
Buyer: Jennifer Cruz
Seller: Purple Key Homes LLC
Date: 07/26/18

78 Superior Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Gracie A. Green
Seller: David A. Douglas
Date: 07/17/18

359 Taylor St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Alhadi Realty LLC
Seller: 359-361 Taylor Street LLC
Date: 07/23/18

65 Wait St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $128,000
Buyer: MTGLQ Investors LP
Seller: Matilde Batchelder
Date: 07/16/18

48 Waldorf St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $182,750
Buyer: Lindsey Fullmer
Seller: Michael J. Gasperini
Date: 07/27/18

37 Warehouse St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Charles G. Arment
Seller: Western Mass Warehouse
Date: 07/27/18

22 Warner St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Zhengs 168 Group LLC
Seller: Greenfield Development
Date: 07/17/18

26 Warner St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Zhengs 168 Group LLC
Seller: Greenfield Development
Date: 07/17/18

73 Warrenton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $202,787
Buyer: Wilmington Trust
Seller: Vivian C. Williams
Date: 07/17/18

88 Washburn St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $162,500
Buyer: Wun M. Suen
Seller: Nicholas G. Newsome
Date: 07/27/18

72 Westminster St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Wilmington Savings
Seller: Joseph L. Trzepacz
Date: 07/20/18

26 Weymouth St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $206,000
Buyer: Erica M. Floyd
Seller: Carmine Manzi
Date: 07/19/18

48-50 Wrentham Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: Manuel Garcia
Seller: Mark E. Barcomb
Date: 07/27/18

WALES

16 Lake Shore Dr.
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Jennifer Oskirko
Seller: Audrey D. Samek
Date: 07/26/18

74 Union Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $119,000
Buyer: MTGLQ Investors LP
Seller: Mark A. Pincince
Date: 07/23/18

WESTFIELD

204 Apple Blossom Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $228,000
Buyer: Eliana I. Lakritz
Seller: Joshua Violette
Date: 07/17/18

47 Broadway
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $229,000
Buyer: Chris J. Blair
Seller: Kyle P. Kelleher
Date: 07/27/18

77 Colony Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Seth A. Burt
Seller: Gail L. Cervonayco
Date: 07/27/18

73 Devon Terrace
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $373,500
Buyer: Joshua Violette
Seller: Robert F. Browning
Date: 07/17/18

10 Dubois St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $166,000
Buyer: Brian A. Carney
Seller: Karl L. Scholpp
Date: 07/26/18

1214 East Mountain Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $226,000
Buyer: Matthew Pittenger
Seller: Marie Hart
Date: 07/17/18

5 Ethan Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $207,000
Buyer: Anthony J. Saltmarsh
Seller: Christine M. Kane
Date: 07/27/18

12 Evergreen Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Tracy A. Marshuk
Seller: Adam T. Tetrault
Date: 07/27/18

71 Flynn Meadow Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $522,500
Buyer: Michael P. Morin
Seller: RSP Realty LLC
Date: 07/19/18

19 Foss St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $214,900
Buyer: Melissa A. Kukucka
Seller: Castle Headquarters Inc.
Date: 07/27/18

12 Fowler St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $164,000
Buyer: Christina M. Rodriguez
Seller: Jean Bushior
Date: 07/19/18

68 Hagan Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $137,000
Buyer: Dean T. Couture
Seller: FHLM
Date: 07/17/18

120 Hampton Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $120,500
Buyer: Paul Lafromboise
Seller: Richard Westbrook
Date: 07/20/18

78 Heggie Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Gerard M. Farrelly
Seller: US Bank
Date: 07/26/18

332 Holyoke Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: City Of Westfield
Seller: Michael T. Ledoux
Date: 07/19/18

362 Holyoke Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: City Of Westfield
Seller: Heather N. Stayton
Date: 07/24/18

362 Holyoke Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: City Of Westfield
Seller: Heather N. Stayton
Date: 07/24/18

380 Holyoke Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $153,000
Buyer: City Of Westfield
Seller: David L. Guin
Date: 07/19/18

27 Jeanne Marie Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $407,500
Buyer: Aaron J. Allard
Seller: Deborah M. Leonczyk
Date: 07/27/18

53 Jefferson St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Soleil Lafrance
Seller: Roland R. Deblois
Date: 07/27/18


12 Kellogg St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $174,000
Buyer: Celeste G. Washington
Seller: Rocki Fleming
Date: 07/27/18

68 King St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $161,500
Buyer: Stacy A. Tabb
Seller: Shou Q. Liang
Date: 07/27/18

26 Laflin St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Tara A. Satkowski
Seller: Donald York
Date: 07/27/18

19 Laro Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Ashlee Bard
Seller: Kevin Bard
Date: 07/27/18

32 Michael Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Michael D. Getto
Seller: Renee A. Coppolo
Date: 07/20/18

64 Moseley Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $126,280
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Ricardo Guzman
Date: 07/25/18

293 Paper Mill Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Ann M. Guin
Seller: Beverly J. Pike
Date: 07/19/18

9 Princeton St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $264,900
Buyer: Theresa Dintzner
Seller: Aleksandr I. Mokan
Date: 07/18/18

97 Prospect St. Ext
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $232,000
Buyer: Joseph Randall
Seller: Nicholas S. Beluzo
Date: 07/27/18

246 Springdale Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $264,450
Buyer: Timothy J. Blais
Seller: Robert A. Carney
Date: 07/17/18

33 Squawfield Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $268,500
Buyer: Joseph Kollisch
Seller: Gregory A. Denys
Date: 07/16/18

WILBRAHAM

7 Blueberry Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Sean Hoey
Seller: Jack C. Thornton
Date: 07/16/18

8 Brooklawn Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $318,000
Buyer: Kirk E. Wesloski
Seller: Peter D. Michaud
Date: 07/26/18

35 Brookmont Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $307,000
Buyer: Zarre Rodrigues
Seller: James P. Rheaume
Date: 07/16/18

11 Echo Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Miguel Goncalves
Seller: Richard D. Bourgeois
Date: 07/19/18

59 Glenn Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Yongqi Chen
Seller: Eugene D. Roux
Date: 07/27/18

1016 Main St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Antonio Carvalho
Seller: Linda J. Chartier
Date: 07/26/18

1 Meadowview Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $207,000
Buyer: Erin Smith
Seller: Richard F. Steng
Date: 07/27/18

120 Old Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $4,750,000
Buyer: 120 Old Boston Road Recycling
Seller: JPZ Inc.
Date: 07/24/18

11 Old Carriage Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $329,900
Buyer: Michael Ortega
Seller: Carol R. Tucker-Avery
Date: 07/20/18

18 Pine Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $328,000
Buyer: Carl O. Pichirilo
Seller: Kathleen O’Connor
Date: 07/16/18

13 Porter Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $329,900
Buyer: Ryan M. Merclean
Seller: Brian F. Warren
Date: 07/19/18

25 Red Gap Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $590,000
Buyer: Noah E. Rosen
Seller: Kurt L. Brannigan
Date: 07/16/18

12 Stirling Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: 12 Stirling LLC
Seller: Mark A. Edgar
Date: 07/24/18

491 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Joao M. Pereira TR
Seller: Miguel Goncalves
Date: 07/19/18

560 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $349,900
Buyer: Peter H. Zimmerman
Seller: Beverly J. Litchfield
Date: 07/18/18

599 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $252,500
Buyer: Jeffrey M. Beaudin
Seller: Richard J. Azzoli
Date: 07/25/18

1 Sunset Rock Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $170,001
Buyer: Custom Homes Development
Seller: Sarah H. Robinson
Date: 07/18/18

WEST SPRINGFIELD

29 Adrian Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $271,500
Buyer: Leah M. Ramirez
Seller: Chaoush, Sandra O., (Estate)
Date: 07/19/18

42 Bliss St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: FF Quality Realty LLC
Seller: Danmar Inc.
Date: 07/18/18

112 Brookline Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $229,900
Buyer: Foint FT
Seller: Sequoia Properties LLC
Date: 07/27/18

89 Circle Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $225,950
Buyer: Ryan M. Pellerin
Seller: Joyce L. Korona
Date: 07/27/18

31 Curtis St.
West Springfield, MA 01013
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Amiraslan Tasaev
Seller: Sergey Savonin
Date: 07/16/18

37 Garden St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $155,959
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Edwin N. Velasquez
Date: 07/27/18

477 Gooseberry Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Allison M. Masi
Seller: Vernon W. Miller
Date: 07/19/18

49 Greenleaf Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $238,500
Buyer: Jenny Livingstone
Seller: Lisa L. Page
Date: 07/27/18

267 Jeffrey Lane
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Cig4 LLC
Seller: Michael Huse
Date: 07/23/18

33 Lathrop St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $173,500
Buyer: Amar J. Hasan
Seller: Robert D. Spano
Date: 07/26/18

2 Lenox St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Mattbo RT
Seller: Mary Ragan
Date: 07/25/18

972 Morgan Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: AEM Property Investment
Seller: JP Morgan Chase Bank
Date: 07/27/18

66 Morton St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $146,000
Buyer: Daniel J. Augustino
Seller: Anthony J. Augostino
Date: 07/27/18

24 Moseley Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Gahar Baniya
Seller: Amiraslan Tasaev
Date: 07/16/18

119 North Blvd.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $153,001
Buyer: Abraxas RT
Seller: US Bank
Date: 07/26/18

216 Prospect Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Andrew Christopher
Seller: Joseph Kollisch
Date: 07/16/18

1048 Riverdale St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $1,305,000
Buyer: David Wilson FT
Seller: GC Pizza Hut LLC
Date: 07/19/18

10 Shadow Lane
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $429,900
Buyer: Ryan N. Tellier
Seller: Martin J. McDonough
Date: 07/20/18

133 Upper Beverly Hills
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Ahmed Aljanabi
Seller: Kathleen K. Kulik
Date: 07/27/18

57 Wayside Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: JLL Real Estate LLC
Seller: Hedwig B. Bean
Date: 07/24/18

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

41 Chapel Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Aaron Morse
Seller: Denno FT
Date: 07/27/18

2 Edge Hill Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Yeon S. Noh
Seller: Kuo H. Lee
Date: 07/24/18

30 Fearing St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $335,700
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Cynthia Owens
Date: 07/20/18

30 Hedgerow Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $455,500
Buyer: Jan-Michael Silbaugh
Seller: Charles E. Hurlburt
Date: 07/23/18

435 Henry St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Meta M. Cherry-Alice
Seller: Henry H. Gibson
Date: 07/16/18

Market Hill Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Barbara L. Davis TR
Seller: Frederick G. Ruder
Date: 07/27/18

405 Market Hill Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Jacqueline Bagwell
Seller: Nancy S. Ruder RET
Date: 07/19/18

444 Old Montague Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $153,000
Buyer: Franklin R. Marra
Seller: Nicholas A. Marra
Date: 07/18/18

506 Pine St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $329,000
Buyer: Yael R. Rice
Seller: Josiah S. Litant
Date: 07/16/18

27 Sheerman Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $317,179
Buyer: Wilmington Savings
Seller: Norma J. Anderson
Date: 07/27/18

73 Stagecoach Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: J. F. Fernandez-Rodriguez
Seller: Wynn A. Abranovic
Date: 07/16/18

173 Strong St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $337,500
Buyer: Derek Fu
Seller: Joshua C. Klein
Date: 07/27/18

BELCHERTOWN

26 Barton Ave.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $462,500
Buyer: Lisa D. Watts
Seller: Erik Laakso
Date: 07/18/18

330 Barton Ave.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: Galen B. Wilson
Seller: Rock M. Nietupski
Date: 07/16/18

61 Chauncey Walker St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $264,000
Buyer: Steven R. Sadusky
Seller: Robert J. Keene
Date: 07/20/18

91 Clark St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $223,040
Buyer: Citizens Bank
Seller: Shelly L. Manning
Date: 07/25/18

80 Goodell St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Alex Hawke
Seller: Peter Billman-Golemme
Date: 07/23/18

41 Hickory Hill
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Catherine M. Anziano
Seller: J. N. Duquette & Son Construction
Date: 07/27/18

343 Mill Valley Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: 13 Cottage Street LLC
Seller: Patrick T. Duffy
Date: 07/19/18

2 Newton St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Eliseo Velasquez
Seller: David J. Bodin
Date: 07/27/18

9 North Liberty St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $198,000
Buyer: FHLM
Seller: Edward R. Perlak
Date: 07/27/18

369 Old Enfield Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $297,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Eric M. Roy
Date: 07/17/18

21 Warren Wright Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Jean M. Boudreau
Seller: Steven E. Carey
Date: 07/18/18

CHESTERFIELD

57 Curtis Road
Chesterfield, MA 01096
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Keith A. Snape
Seller: Frank R. Snape
Date: 07/26/18

22 Sugar Hill Road
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $1,000,000
Buyer: Tolgy Wood LLC
Seller: Robert J&O E. Koehler TR
Date: 07/23/18

27 Sugar Hill Road
Chesterfield, MA 01096
Amount: $1,000,000
Buyer: Tolgy Wood LLC
Seller: Robert J. & O. E. Koehler TR
Date: 07/23/18

CUMMINGTON

12 Bush Road
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Dawn M. Klein
Seller: Investments College
Date: 07/17/18

36 Main St.
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Shepley P. Metcalf
Seller: Benjamin C. Addleson
Date: 07/18/18

EASTHAMPTON

3 Bernie Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Brian J. Dejordy
Seller: Orzel, Joyce M., (Estate)
Date: 07/18/18

17 Carillon Circle
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $283,505
Buyer: Glenn Barnes
Seller: Robert M. Willig
Date: 07/18/18

13 Coed Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $258,500
Buyer: Paul Kearney
Seller: Leslie R. Towle
Date: 07/18/18

23 Dragon Circle
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $279,500
Buyer: Simon Basse
Seller: Fletcher S. Smith
Date: 07/27/18

198 East St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: CIL Realty Massachusetts
Seller: Angela B. Redfern
Date: 07/25/18

316 Main St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Keith Holloway
Seller: Brendan D. Taylor
Date: 07/23/18

58 Maple St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Nathan N. Smiley
Seller: Nathaniel P. Ziegler
Date: 07/24/18

20 Monska Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $207,000
Buyer: Edmund T. Ward
Seller: Glenn A. Guzik
Date: 07/27/18

11 Olympia St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Nathaniel J. Gosselin
Seller: Steven J. Fickert
Date: 07/16/18

133 Parsons St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: James L. Carmichael
Seller: Robert J. Zaik
Date: 07/20/18

4 West Green St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Christopher N. Scanlon
Seller: Sherburne G. Tilton
Date: 07/20/18

GRANBY

235 Batchelor St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $251,000
Buyer: Hannah E. Placzek
Seller: Raymond E. Paquette
Date: 07/24/18

139 Cold Hill Road
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: John R. Lynch
Seller: Couffer, Townsend J. K., (Estate)
Date: 07/16/18

108 East St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $161,250
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Dennis St.Jacques
Date: 07/17/18

51-53 New Ludlow Road
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Jamroth LLC
Seller: Lorilee W. Robert
Date: 07/27/18

55 North St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Steven R. Drouin
Seller: Henry J. Wielgosz
Date: 07/27/18

HADLEY

11 Frost Lane
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $412,500
Buyer: Allen G. Ross
Seller: Brian J. Rogal
Date: 07/23/18

172 South Maple St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Stephen J. Grader
Seller: Richard S. Grader
Date: 07/20/18

HATFIELD

26 Bridge St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $389,000
Buyer: Patricia Sweetser
Seller: Christina Sekaer
Date: 07/20/18

14 South St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $216,000
Buyer: Jesse C. Montgomery
Seller: Virginia Y. Orson RET
Date: 07/26/18

HUNTINGTON

26 Harlow Clark Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Michael T. Pelullo
Seller: Anthony E. Pelullo
Date: 07/23/18

NORTHAMPTON

20 Bridge Road #24
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $651,050
Buyer: Michael S. Harrison
Seller: Bridge Road LLC
Date: 07/24/18

1114 Florence Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $649,500
Buyer: David Dion
Seller: Scott E. Magoon
Date: 07/16/18

41 Ford Xing
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $603,500
Buyer: Susan K. Lewis
Seller: Sturbridge Development
Date: 07/18/18

68-B Hatfield St. #68B
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: John R. Barlow
Seller: L. P. Audette Builders Inc.
Date: 07/19/18

291 Haydenville Road
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Kim G. Bierwert
Seller: John F. Lutz
Date: 07/18/18

20 Marc Circle
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Holly H. Young
Seller: Tammy M. Brisson
Date: 07/17/18

25 Meadow St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Julie Starr
Seller: Modestow, John E., (Estate)
Date: 07/16/18

201 Park Hill Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Pascale Desir
Seller: Eric O. Olsson
Date: 07/23/18

61 Pine St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Emily F. Deines
Seller: John P. Papillon
Date: 07/19/18

301 Prospect Heights
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $718,000
Buyer: Douglas R. Wein
Seller: Stacey G. Kors
Date: 07/24/18

125 Riverside Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Dorothy Reed
Seller: Samantha E. Britt
Date: 07/19/18

54 Ryan Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Tracey A. Scalzo
Seller: Devarennes, Linda E., (Estate)
Date: 07/20/18

125 Straw Ave.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $361,500
Buyer: Janivette Alsina
Seller: Edythe M. Ambroz
Date: 07/27/18

15 Willow St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Mark Beckwith
Seller: Colleen A. Teti
Date: 07/20/18


PELHAM

192 Amherst Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Stephen M. Hall
Seller: Bray. David A., (Estate)
Date: 07/19/18

SOUTH HADLEY

516 Amherst Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Laura A. Davis
Seller: MTGLQ Investors LP
Date: 07/27/18

242 Brainerd St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Sohail H. Hashmi
Seller: Frank D. Labombard
Date: 07/25/18

Ethan Circle
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Luis Builders Inc.
Seller: Ethan L. Bagg
Date: 07/23/18

Ethan Circle #3
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Luis Builders Inc.
Seller: Ethan L. Bagg
Date: 07/23/18

81 Hadley St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $194,839
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Eleanor R. Edge
Date: 07/18/18

Hildreth Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $269,900
Buyer: Raymond H. Faginski
Seller: Richard C. Kirby
Date: 07/17/18

54 Lawn St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Richard C. Holden
Seller: Kevin Miele
Date: 07/20/18

63 McKinley Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $198,000
Buyer: Sokha Khun
Seller: Alexander Ross
Date: 07/27/18

6 Sycamore Park
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: Mathew Adams-Merritt
Seller: Edward J. Ryan
Date: 07/20/18

63 Washington Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Brian Krok
Seller: Erica A. Faginski-Stark
Date: 07/17/18

SOUTHAMPTON

72 Gunn Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: David M. Prova
Seller: Michael R. Guyette
Date: 07/20/18

133 Middle Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Kristina Katalnikov
Seller: US Bank
Date: 07/24/18

85 Pomeroy Meadow Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Daniel C. Hagan
Seller: Daniel C. Hagan
Date: 07/16/18

60 Strong Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $338,000
Buyer: Benjamin H. Sloot
Seller: Richard E. Hand
Date: 07/27/18

7 Strong Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Kelly R. Coon
Seller: Maryann T. Bimbane
Date: 07/27/18

WARE

19 Juniper Hill Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $232,000
Buyer: Michael L. Yucka
Seller: Holly E. Bruso
Date: 07/23/18

180 Old Belchertown Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $121,799
Buyer: Assist Realty Group LLC
Seller: Bank New York Mellon
Date: 07/26/18

36-38 West St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Timothy Burke
Seller: William T. Rohan
Date: 07/27/18

9 Woodland Heighta
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Gale Sullivan
Seller: Dunbar, Helen, (Estate)
Date: 07/19/18

WILLIAMSBURG

2 Chesterfield Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $178,500
Buyer: Thomas Investments Inc.
Seller: Kevin F. O’Brien
Date: 07/26/18

4 Deer Haven Dr.
Williamsburg, MA 01039
Amount: $582,000
Buyer: Richard G. Guzowski
Seller: Suzanne E. Scallion
Date: 07/26/18

91 Mountain St.
Williamsburg, MA 01062
Amount: $329,000
Buyer: Janet D. Peters
Seller: Gareth Gorman
Date: 07/18/18

Perry Hill Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Meehan Estates Inc.
Seller: Bill Willard Inc.
Date: 07/25/18

WORTHINGTON

125 Cudworth Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: David C. Varjas
Seller: Susan R. Brown
Date: 07/24/18

300 Sam Hill Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Nicholas Dyer
Seller: Berta S. Mason
Date: 07/25/18

Building Permits

By
Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the month of July 2018.

AGAWAM

Agawam Plaza, LLC
63-79 Springfield St.
Alter former YMCA into nightclub; construct bandstand and bar, alter restrooms, install commercial kitchen equipment, exhaust hood, freezers, coolers, finishes, lighting, etc.

F Fiore, LLC
378-384 Walnut St. Extension
$17,000 — Build service bar, paint walls, replace ceiling tiles, sand and finish floor

OSC Property, LLC
325-327 Walnut St. Extension
$7,500 — Aluminum and acrylic mounted sign for Family Appliance

Western Massachusetts Electric Co.
198 Springfield St.
$25,000 — Modify existing cellular equipment

AMHERST

17 Kellogg Ave., LLC
17 Kellogg Ave., Unit A
$84,000 — Fit out coffee café in existing space with current tenant

CH Realty VII/CG Mact Bird, LLC
399 Northampton Road
$275,000 — Remove and replace underground storage tanks at gas station, install new piping from tanks to dispensers, install new islands and dispensers

Gleason Johndrow Rentals, LLC
10 University Dr.
$11,000 — Install new doors to kitchen, open wall to back hallway, glass in old opening to brewhouse, remodel food truck, and close hallway at the Hangar

Jewish Community of Amherst
742 Main St.
$75,433 — Remove existing egress ramp and door, install two new doors and egress ramp

CHICOPEE

Chicopee Crossing, LLC
474 Memorial Dr.
$238,370 — Construct shell for new retail building

City of Chicopee
617 Montgomery St.
Swap three existing cellular antennas with three newer-technology cellular antennas and associated equipment

Elms College
291 Springfield St.
$36,458 — Install two antennas, remote radio heads, and associated equipment on library roof

Ashley Peleckas
591 Memorial Dr.
$100,000 — Renovate space within Walmart for a new dental office

DEERFIELD

Deerfield Academy
7 Wells St.
$5,000 — Roofing

Deerfield Academy
53 Albany Road
$204,300 — Sheet metal for health center

Deerfield Academy
53 Albany Road
$71,250 — Demolish building

Deerfield Academy
535 Greenfield Road
$7,000 — Remove and replace shingles

EASTHAMPTON

Revampit, LLC
3 Fugere Court
$31,000 — Renovate third-floor bathroom, install 42 replacement windows, install four new exterior doors, new roof

EAST LONGMEADOW

Multi-Cultural Community Services
191 Vineland Ave.
$29,892 — Roofing and siding

Roullier & Associates
11 Broadleaf Circle
$8,000 — Sheet metal

TGW Realty, LLC
19 Anne St.
$62,500 — Roofing, windows, complete interior remodel

GREENFIELD

Alliance Church
385 Chapman St.
$80,000 — Roofing, reframe new slope roof, demolish carport

Baystate Franklin Medical Center
164 High St.
$138,540 — Renovate rooms 310 and 312

DP PBCR, LLC
47 Silvio O. Conte Dr.
$64,500 — Renovate space for Pierce Brothers Coffee

Spike Segundo, LLC
1 Bank Row
Building-attached sign for Greenfield Community Acupuncture

Lisa Underwood
571 Bernardston Road
$3,280 — Replace four windows

The United Arc
111 Summer St.
Install fire-alarm system

HADLEY

ENZ, LLC
207 Russell St.
$10,268 — Install ductwork at F45 Training

Eversource
47 Russell St.
$3,000 — HVAC upgrades

Amir Mikhchi
1 Mill Valley Road
$18,500 — Partition walls and doors for Happier Valley Comedy

Parmar & Sons
340 Russell St.
$100,000 — Install HVAC, kitchen exhaust system, vents, and air balancing at Homewood Suites

Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School
317 Russell St.
$120,986 — Reconfigure three rooms, install exterior window, relocate sprinklers for new wall and light layout

Quinnehtuk Co.
47 Russell St.
$451,445 — Remove six AHU units, add six RTU units, reconnect to existing ductwork, add 20 new FVAV boxes, rebalance existing building for Eversource

LONGMEADOW

Longmeadow Historic Preservation
734 Longmeadow St.
$60,000 — Repair exterior porches

Twin Hills Country Club
700 Wolf Swamp Road
$2,000 — Two new signs

NORTHAMPTON

Zhu Li Qian
84 Main St.
$75,500 — Renovate to convert existing space to a restaurant

Virginia Poirier
40 Main St.
$105,000 — Interior renovations to existing tenant suite

Smith College
2 Tyler Dr.
$18,000 — Build new partition wall

Smith College
25 College Lane
$40,000 — Install handicap-accessible ramp and asphalt sidewalk

St. John’s Episcopal Church
48 Elm St.
$1,800,000 — Addition and renovations, including new elevator, new commercial kitchen, interior renovations, new fire protection, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing upgrades

Whalen Insurance
71 King St.
$325,000 — Install solar array

PALMER

McDonald’s Real Estate Co.
1184 Thorndike St.
$457,000 — Interior and exterior renovations to McDonald’s

Louis Menard
2025 Pine St.
$12,500 — Replace interior doors and one exterior door, repair and replace sills and floor joists, new insulation and sheetrock

New England Recreation & Health
8 Chamber Road
$4,681,945 — Renovate existing warehouse to F-1 use and construct a greenhouse addition

Palmer Place, LLC
1581 North Main St.
$4,500 — Replace two signs for Verizon

Palmer Place, LLC
1581 North Main St.
$3,000 — Repair columns supporting porch roof

SPRINGFIELD

Albany Road Springfield Plaza, LLC
1284 St. James Ave.
$10,773 — Interior demolition of tenant space for future build-out

Chestnut Springfield Inc.
144 Chestnut St.
$8,080 — Install fire-alarm system on fourth floor

J. Norbert Properties, LLC
10 Ingraham Terrace
$22,800 — Alter business for an alcohol rehabilitation center

William Julian Jr.
1019 St. James Ave.
$15,000 — Addition to rear of building for Subway

MassMutual
1295 State St.
$147,099.34 — Alter space for architectural access ramp at south entrance, repair front flat portion of roof

Springfield College
263 Alden St.
$104,180 — Alter space in campus union for Dunkin’ Donuts build-out

Michelle Wolt, LLC
1402 Allen St.
$7,000 — Install fire-alarm system at McDonald’s

Work Opportunity Center
73 Market Ave.
$238,813 — Alter tenant office space

WARE
Charbonneau Funeral Home
30 Pleasant St.
$350,000 — Addition and alterations to existing building

Quabbin Wire
10 Maple St.
$10,906 — Remove two windows and infill with steel studs, insulate, and cover with plywood

Walmart
352 Palmer Road
$15,000 — Construct new wall in bakery department, install new bakery racks and cases

WEST SPRINGFIELD

American Tower Corp.
1201 Westfield St.
$18,000 — Sprint will remove and replace three antennas and upgrade coaxial cables and RRUs

Brueno Scharmann, LLC
242 Westfield St.
$7,000 — Replace five windows

Town of West Springfield
429 Morgan Road
$5,000 — Erect vinyl shed near concession building at Morgan Road Pavilion

Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine
1305 Memorial Ave.
$6,000 — Remove partition and move switches in Maine Building at Big E

WILBRAHAM

The Garvey Group Inc.
70 Post Office Park
$3,400 — New sign for ProShred

The Garvey Group Inc.
70 Post Office Park
$3,400 — New sign for ProScan Solutions

Patneaude Promoted to EVP at HSA Bank

By
Daily News

WATERBURY, Conn. — Webster Bank announced that Tim Patneaude has been promoted to executive vice president.

Patneaude serves as chief operating officer for HSA Bank, a division of Webster, and has a broad range of responsibilities, including information technology, banking operations, professional services, project management and continuous improvement.

Since joining HSA Bank in 2015, he has made significant improvements in process, measurements and focused execution across the organization, resulting in superior performance.

Patneaude earned a bachelor’s degree in information systems at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Blue Sox Pitcher, Manager Take Home Honors

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Valley Blue Sox pitcher Endy Morales and manager John Raiola have won 2018 NECBL awards for their season performances this past summer.

Morales was the recipient of the Robin Roberts Award for best starting pitcher, while Raiola took home the Joel Cooney Award for manager of the year.

Morales, a native of Holyoke, MA, led the league with an earned run average of 1.13 over 40 innings pitched. The senior from Southern New Hampshire University struck out 32 hitters while walking 13. Opposing hitters managed a mere .199 batting average against.

Raiola, in his fourth season with the Blue Sox, led his brigade to a 30-12 regular season record and an undefeated four-game postseason run en route to a second straight NECBL Championship. Under Raiola, the Blue Sox have compiled an 8-0 postseason record over the course of their 2017 and 2018 championship seasons.

MSBDCN Offers Workshop on Starting a Business

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Mass. Small Business Development Center Network’s Western regional office will offer a free workshop ‘The Basics of Starting a Business,’ four times this fall, starting on Sept. 17.

Presented by Allen Kronick, senior business advisor with the MSBDCN’s Western Mass. office, will focus on business fundamentals, from start-up considerations to business-plan development to funding sources.

It is designed for owners of existing businesses as well as those who are planning to start one.

Oresta Varela, Springfield brand manager of the U.S. Small Business Administration, will also present ‘SBA Advantage,” an overview of SBA’s programs and services.

The program will also be presented on Oct. 1, Nov. 5, and Dec. 3. The location is the STCC Technology Park, Scibelli Enterprise Center, Bldg. 101, 3rd floor. Pre-registration is required; register at www.msbdc.org/wmass/training.

Revitalize CDC, WNEU Grid Squad Team up for Project

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — More than 135 Western New England University football team members will volunteer to provide a yard clean-up and repair/preserve a handicap ramp at the home of Springfield resident Tammy Golphin along with another city resident today.

Golphin has lost both of her legs and most of her eye site from complications related to diabetes. Golphin, her husband, Prince, and teenage daughter Amiracle have lived in their home for almost 15 years. She said she named her daughter “Amiracle” because she was “a miracle” for her. Tammy’s husband, Prince is unable to work as Tammy’s care requires 24/7 care including bringing her to doctor appointments and dialysis.

stated: “It’s very important to us that especially in the thick of preseason camp, we consider the needs of others before our own needs,” said Western New England University Head Football Coach Jason Lebeau. “I love that Revitalize CDC gives our guys the opportunity to do just that and give back to the city of Springfield.” The scope of work on Friday includes applying a wood/stain preservative to her handicap ramp, trimming shrubs and trees, and making minor repairs to her handicap ramp.

GSB’s Caryl Connor Named Top Mortgage Originator

By
Daily News

GREENFIELD — For the third year in a row, Caryl Connor of the Mortgage Department of Greenfield Savings Bank has been named the area bank’s ‘Number One Mortgage Originator’ (by number of loans) according to the journal Banker & Tradesman.

Banker And Tradesman’s 5th Annual Top Loan Originators report also ranked O’Connor the area bank’s ‘Number Two Top Loan Originator,’ by total dollar amount of loans and the ‘Sixth Top Loan Originator in the State,’ based on number of loans.  

“Caryl has earned a reputation with customers for her commitment to providing them with exceptional service,” said Lori Grover, senior vice president and senior residential lending officer of Greenfield Savings Bank. “Caryl worked very hard for this achievement and all of us at the bank are proud of her.”

Founded in 1869, Greenfield Savings Bank has 135 employees and has offices and ATMs throughout Franklin and Hampshire counties and has just recently opened additional offices in Hampshire County in downtown Northampton and downtown Amherst and Hadley.

BCC Awarded Grant to Help Expand Financial Literacy Program

By
Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Community College (BCC) has been awarded a nearly $200,000 grant from Guardian Life Insurance Company of America for a proposal to expand the college’s financial literacy programming to continue offering, at no cost to students, the Money Management for Life course, as well as debt forgiveness grants. 

The grant will also support hiring a new financial services coach at the College, offering paid internships to students, and expanded marketing for the Guardian-supported efforts.

“We are so excited to have received these funds from Guardian for the proposal that a brilliant team here at the College put together to help our students in their financial literacy endeavors,” said Ellen Kennedy, president of the College. “This program will really change lives.”

The college received an initial grant last year from Guardian to begin offering a free three-credit course to students called BUS 139 – Money Management for Life. The class covers strategies to help students manage budgets, expenses, and debt; save and invest for the future; plan for the unexpected; and establish personal financial plans to achieve their goals. It is being offered again this fall, both on the main campus and at the South County Center.

In the funding for 2018-2019, the college’s proposal included hiring a full-time student financial literacy coach, who will promote and coordinate financial literacy initiatives across the campus. The coach will help students understand their financial health, develop a new Guardian Internship program, and collaborate with community organizations in Berkshire County to promote financial literacy through workshops and outreach events. This will be a new position at the college that will help students not only to successfully repay loans, but also to manage their finances on a daily basis.

“This grant really will help our students succeed personally, financially, and on their academic pathway,” said Charles Kaminski, dean of Business, Science, Mathematics and Technology. “Between the Guardian Value scholarships that are being offered to help pay some of our students’ debt to having a person at the College you can talk to about managing your money — this is a big win for our students and the community overall.”

The grant from Guardian will also help pay for the textbooks for the Money Management for Life class, and it will help pay the student accounts community college debt (up to $1,800 per student that qualifies) for up to 32 students over the course of the year. Students who receive this tuition reimbursement will also be enrolled in the Personal Money Management class.

Over the course of the year, the grant will also help develop a new internship program for students and help to connect BCC’s academic programs with the community to place students in internship positions. The student financial literacy coach will oversee and evaluate this program, and work closely with the coordinator of Career Services to place students in the internship program.

 

25,000 Pounds of Pet Food and Supplies Donated to Local Shelters

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Big Y Foods announced that the company’s fourth annual “May is Pet Month” initiative has resulted in donations of close to 25,000 pounds of pet food and supplies to 45 different local animal shelters.

The program, which ran in all 70 Big Y markets from April 26 through May 30, encouraged shoppers to purchase food and other supplies for a local shelter as part of the company’s ongoing effort to give back to the community.

Each Big Y enjoyed decorating their store’s donation bins with pictures of their family pets. Many customers also donated other needed pet items such as collars, leashes, cat litter, and pet toys.

In addition to food and supply donations, Big Y partnered with iHeartRadio to collect donations at the checkout. More than $100,000 was raised from these donations to be distributed to the Humane Society of Connecticut, Kenway’s Cause, Fur Gotten Tails Animal Rescue, and the MSPCA of Massachusetts.

One focus this year was on Pure Harmony, Big Y’s own brand of high quality pet food that provides options for grain free, meat, poultry or fish as the first ingredient, and is carefully blended with real, wholesome ingredients from a variety of food groups.

Big Y’s fourth annual pet month has resulted in a four-year total of over 175,000 pounds of pet food and supplies donated to local shelters and a total of $175,500 raised.

Dress for Success to Host Tag Sale

By
Daily News

Dress for Success Western Massachusetts will host a clothing tag sale at the Eastfield Mall to raise funds and awareness of its mission of helping women achieve their goal of creating a better life. Women may choose from an extensive array of work-suitable clothing, shoes, accessories, and more.  

These new and gently used clothing include selections from name-brand fashion houses including Anne Klein, Evan Picone, Ellen Tracy, and many more. People can fill a shopping bag for only $25.   

There is an abundance of clothing, so items in the tag sale will be restocked throughout the three days. Dates are: Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Aug. 18 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Aug. 19 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.  On Friday, opening day, there will be a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. Friday and Saturday are referring agency days. 

The event will be held in the Eastfield Mall at 1655 Boston Road, Springfield, where Dress for Success maintains a boutique managed by Sally Rueli. MassMutual is a sponsor of the tag sale. 

All proceeds will benefit Dress for Success Western Massachusetts. Volunteers are needed for the event. If you are interested, please contact [email protected]. 

 

The Beach Boys to Appear at the Big E

By
Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Beach Boys, who have become synonymous with the California lifestyle and an American icon to fans around the world, will perform Sept. 30 at The Big E in West Springfield, Massachusetts.

As the Beach Boys mark more than a half century of making music, the group continues to ride the crest of a wave unequalled in America’s musical history. Since lead-singer Mike Love penned the lyrics to The Beach Boys’ first hit, “Surfin’” (1961), dozens of the bands chart toppers have become eternal anthems of American youth:  “Surfin’ USA,” “Surfer Girl,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “I Get Around,” “California Girls,” “Help Me Rhonda,” “Barbara Ann,” “Good Vibrations,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “Rock and Roll Music” and “Kokomo.”

The Beach Boys have sold more than 100 million records worldwide and have received more than 33 RIAA Platinum and Gold record awards. The Rock And Roll Hall of Famers were also honored at the 2001 Grammy Awards with the Lifetime Achievement Award. With more than five decades of touring under their belts, The Beach Boys have performed more concerts than any major rock band in history.

Sounds Of Summer: The Very Best Of The Beach Boys, Capitol/EMI’s 30-track collection of the band’s biggest hits, has achieved triple-platinum success with sales of more than 3 million copies in the U.S. since its release.

The Beach Boys are led by Mike Love and Bruce Johnston, who along with Jeffrey Foskett, Tim Bonhomme, John Cowsill, Keith Hubacher, Scott Totten and Christian Love continue the legacy of America’s iconic band.

Collaboration Receives $750,000 Grant to Address Asthma

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD –  After a highly competitive review process, the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission (HPC) as part of their SHIFT-Care Challenge has awarded Baystate Health Care Alliance/BeHealthy Partnership ACO a $750,000 grant to expand the Springfield Healthy Homes Asthma Program designed to improve the health and quality of life for people with asthma.

The HPC’s SHIFT-Care Challenge grant opportunity is designed to foster innovative care delivery models in Massachusetts that shift the unnecessary delivery of care of complex patients from acute care hospitals to more economical, patient-centered, community-based settings. Nearly $10 million was awarded to 15 innovative care delivery transformation proposals from Massachusetts health care providers. The HPC sought models that had strong organizational leadership, sustainability, and importantly, a notable impact. An innovative collaboration, the Springfield Healthy Homes Asthma Program brings together healthcare and community partners to address two of the root causes of poor asthma outcomes—unhealthy homes and lack of patient education.

In the first collaboration of its kind in Massachusetts, two Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) — BeHealthy Partnership and MercyHealth ACO — will join together with community organizations from the greater Springfield area to refer patients for the Springfield Healthy Homes Asthma Program’s home education and remediation service.

Other partners include the University of Massachusetts Medical School — Baystate, Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts, Pioneer Valley Asthma Coalition, Baystate Medical Center’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation Department, Revitalize CDC, City of Springfield Office of Housing, Springfield Partners for Community Action, and Green & Healthy Homes Initiative. 

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America recently named the Springfield area as the #1 asthma capital, the most challenging place to live with asthma. The concerning designation was based on the high rates of asthma prevalence and emergency department visits in the area. Nearly one in five school children (18%) and adults (17%) in Springfield have asthma, more than double the national rates. According to figures from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), the Springfield area has almost triple the emergency room visit rate (1,483 per 100,000) as the state average (572 per 100,000). In the local area, there are significant racial and ethnic disparities in asthma. Latinos and blacks experience asthma emergency room visit rates much higher than whites in Springfield, with rates 4.1 and 2.0 times greater than whites, respectively.

“Across the United States, asthma accounts for more than 14 million physician visits, more than 1.7 million emergency room visits, and over 400,000 hospitalizations each year; we are spending over $50 billion on asthma medical costs alone each year and the highest utilization is in pre-school children. This makes asthma a public health crisis,” said Dr. Nico Vehse, chief, Pediatric Pulmonology at Baystate Children’s Hospital and a member of the Pioneer Valley Asthma Coalition steering committee.

The Health Policy Commission grant will fund the expansion of the Springfield Healthy Homes Asthma pilot program, coordinated by the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts, and will serve 150 families with home-based asthma education and self-management support, as well as home assessment and repair for conditions that contribute to asthma flare-ups. Patients cared for by the two ACOs, who have been hospitalized or have had multiple emergency room visits in the last year for asthma, are eligible for the services.

The grant will allow Baystate’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation Department to hire two community health workers who will conduct home visits and provide asthma education to individuals and families enrolled in the program. Revitalize CDC will be the lead housing service provider, with additional services from the City of Springfield’s Office of Housing and Springfield Partners for Community Action. As part of the 18-month project, patients will receive three to four home visits involving asthma self-management education, such as proper use of medications and home assessment and remediation services for any asthma triggers identified. In addition, families will also receive supplies such as anti-allergen pillows, mattress protectors, and green cleaning kits. 

“This collaborative brings together partners from health and housing sectors that have been working together for years, but not had significant funding to do something at a broader level. The new funding is key to our collaboration to implement an evidence-based intervention that will address asthma, a serious problem in our area,” said Jessica Collins, executive director, Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts. For more information, contact the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts at (413) 794-7600.

 

Peoples United Foundation Awards $62,000 in Grants

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SPRINGFIELD — People’s United Community Foundation, the philanthropic arm of People’s United Bank, N.A., today announced that it awarded $62,000 to Western and Central Massachusetts non-profits during its second grant cycle of 2018. 
Funding was allocated to 13 non-profit organizations in support of activities that ranged from basic needs services and affordable housing initiatives, to education and workforce development programs. Grant recipients included: 

• Coalition for a Better Acre
• Common Capital
• Jeremiah’s Inn
• Northampton Survival Center
• The Treehouse Foundation
• Worcester State Foundation
• YMCA of Central Massachusetts
• The American Red Cross of Massachusetts
• Worcester Community Housing Resources
• HAPHousing
• Springfield College
• Boys & Girls Club of Metrowest; and
• Girls Inc. of Holyoke

“We are pleased to support the work of the many non-profit organizations across Western and Central Massachusetts that are demonstrating positive outcomes and making a difference in our communities,” said Karen Galbo, executive director of the Foundation.
In total, People’s United Community Foundation awarded $855,500 during its second grant cycle of 2018 to 159 organizations throughout the communities it serves in Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. The grants were disseminated in alignment with the foundations’ three areas of focus, including 41 percent to community and economic development, 40% to youth development, and 19% to affordable housing initiatives. 
For a detailed list of organizations that People’s United Community Foundation supported during the second grant cycle of 2018, visit www.pucf.org. 

UConn, Tennessee to Renew Series in Hall of Fame Benefit Game

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SPRINGFIELD — The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced today the renewal of the historic series between the UConn Huskies and the Tennessee Lady Vols, starting in the 2019-20 season.

As a longstanding rivalry, the teams consistently met from 1995-2007, but have not faced each other since. Widely regarded as the two most successful women’s programs in the country, UConn and Tennessee account for 19 National Championships, dozens of impact players in the WNBA and many of the sport’s all-time greats.

“The Basketball Hall of Fame is proud to celebrate all levels of the game for both men and women,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. “When it comes to women’s college hoops, there’s no match-up more highly anticipated than that of UConn versus Tennessee. We’re so proud to unite these teams in a contest benefitting great causes and honoring the late Hall of Famer Pat Summitt.

As part of the two-year series, UConn will host Tennessee during the 2019-20 season, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the Pat Summitt Foundation and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In the 2020-21 season, the Lady Vols will host the Huskies in Knoxville, with a portion of the proceeds again benefitting the Pat Summitt Foundation and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, as well as the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.

“We are so excited to join UConn for games that will generate incredible interest for women’s basketball and benefit the Pat Summitt Foundation, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame,” Tennessee Head Coach Holly Warlick said. “Basketball fans will be intrigued to watch these two programs meet on the court again, and I know Lady Vols and Huskies fans will be eager to pack arenas, cheer on their teams and make a difference for some very worthy causes, including one bearing the name of my coach, mentor and friend.”

UConn head Coach Geno Auriemma echoed this by saying, “I am happy to have the Lady Vols back on our schedule and am thrilled that proceeds to our games will benefit such an important endeavor like the Pat Summitt Foundation. I know our fans will be excited to renew the rivalry with Tennessee and expect them to fill the building for some good basketball and a great cause.”

The games will be televised and supported worldwide by the ESPN family of networks.

Game dates, ticket information and any ancillary events will be released at a later date.

MGM Springfield. PVTA Unveil ‘The Loop’

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SPRINGFIELD — MGM Springfield and the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) unveiled the creative wrap of the ‘The Loop’ on Monday. Beginning August 24, with the opening of the new MGM resort, the new public transportation service will link downtown tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants, and arts and culture destinations.

The Loop will connect a number of Springfield landmarks, including Union Station, the Springfield Armory, Springfield Museums, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and MGM Springfield.

“Springfield is on the rise, and tourism is a vital component to its revitalization,” said Alex Dixon, general manager of MGM Springfield. “The Loop will be a welcome boost to area businesses, allowing us to package the whole area as a consolidated travel destination rather than just one individual attraction.”

The Loop will also make stops at the MassMutual Center, Holiday Inn Express, the Sheraton, Hampton Inn, and La Quinta Inn & Suites. It will run Wednesdays through Sundays from Union Station, beginning at 10 a.m., until 10 p.m., and complete a full circuit in 60 minutes during the day and 40 minutes in the evening

Comcast Helps More Than 6 Million Cross Digital Divide

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PHILADELPHIA — Comcast today announced it has now connected more than six million low-income Americans to the Internet through its Internet Essentials program, the largest and most comprehensive broadband-adoption program for low-income families in the U.S.

The company connected more than 2 million people in the past year alone, which is the largest annual increase in the program’s history.

The company also announced it will significantly expand eligibility — for the 11th time in seven years — to low-income veterans, nearly 1 million of whom live within the Comcast footprint.

According to the United States Census Bureau’s 2016 American Community Survey, less than 70% of low-income veterans have Internet access, and about 60% own a computer.

“This program has had an enormous impact on millions of families and children who now have high-speed Internet at home, many for the first time in their lives,” said David L. Cohen, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer. “We’re excited to extend that same opportunity to more than 1 million, low-income veterans. Veterans have stood up for our country; now it’s time for us to stand up for them by providing access to life-changing digital tools and resources.”

Since 2011, Comcast has invested more than half a billion dollars to support digital literacy training and awareness, reaching more than 8.5 million low-income Americans. In addition, the company has sold more than 85,000 heavily subsidized computers.

Comcast attributes some of the recent growth of Internet Essentials to its easy-to-use mobile application, which now accounts for more than a third of all enrollments. In addition, the company today released a new seven-year progress report. It contains detailed information about customer demographics and insights, as well as a history of the program’s evolution and key milestones. The company has also redesigned its Internet Essentials Learning Center with new content from Common Sense Media and ConnectSafely.org. The site now includes a variety of free videos, tools, and resources that can help individuals learn vital Internet safety and digital skills.

U.S. Olympic Gold Medalists Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson and Monique Lamoureux-Morando, who were recently named as ambassadors and spokespeople for the company’s corporate values initiatives, will join Cohen on a multi-city tour to visit local communities and raise awareness about the Internet Essentials program.  Both were instrumental in Team USA’s defeat of Canada for the gold in the Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, and are passionate advocates for gender equity.

Dakin Announces Return of ‘Clear the Shelters’ Promotion

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SPRINGFIELD — Dakin Humane Society announced it is participating in the WWLP-22News annual Clear the Shelters pet adoption drive on August 18. 

On that day, Dakin will offer reduced pet-adoption fees on small animals and select adult cats to help local families adopt a new pet. Since 2015, NBC and Telemundo stations’ nationwide Clear the Shelters campaign has resulted in more than 150,000 pet adoptions.

“Clear the Shelters is a terrific program that raises awareness about the importance of pet adoption,” according to Dakin’s Executive Director Carmine DiCenso. “It’s also the mission of shelters like Dakin every day of the year. We always strive to find homes for all types of pets. The changing face of adoption brings us more animals with complex needs, and we find ways to put them on the path to successful adoptions.”

Small animals at Dakin include rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, chinchillas, mice, rats and birds, based on availability. A full, up-to-the-minute listing of adoptable animals is available at https://www.dakinhumane.org/adopt-a-pet.html#!/. Dakin’s Springfield Adoption & Education Center will be open 12:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. that day, while its Leverett Adoption Center will be open 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.dakinhumane.org.

 

Big Y Combats Opioid Crisis with Deterra Drug-disposal System

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SPRINGFIELD — Big Y Pharmacy and Wellness Centers, along with all Big Y Supermarkets, are now carrying the Deterra® Drug Deactivation System at all stores in Massachusetts and Connecticut. The Deterra Drug Deactivation System is a drug-disposal pouch which allows people to easily and effectively dispose of unused or expired medications, even opioid painkillers, at home.

Anyone can use a Deterra pouch to deactivate drugs including pills, liquids, and patches. Simply add the recommended amount of unused medicines in the pouch, fill the pouch half-way with warm water, wait 30 seconds, seal the pouch and gently shake and dispose of in normal trash. Each Deterra pouch contains activated carbon, which firmly bonds to pharmaceuticals rendering them inert and unavailable for abuse. The Deterra pouch is the only environmentally sound, in-home drug disposal system that permanently deactivates drugs.

Big Y hopes to help combat the opioid crisis by stocking these deactivation kits in all of their stores to provide their customers with a safe and reliable way to keep unused medications from being diverted to abuse.

“At Big Y, we share everyone’s concern about the opioid crisis in our communities,” said Steve Nordstrom, Big Y Pharmacy and Wellness Center director of pharmacy. “By bringing these easy to use and highly effective Deterra Drug Deactivation pouches to all of our stores, we hope to empower our customers to prevent drug abuse by getting rid of their unused or unneeded medications, especially opioids.”

Currently, the pouches are on sale for the special introductory price of $3.99 for each pouch which has the capacity to deactivate up to 45 pills or six ounces of liquid or six patches.

 

 

David Henry Named Chairman of the Board of Eastern States Exposition

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WEST SPRINGFIELD — David C. Henry, of Scituate, R.I., a Christmas tree grower and owner of The Henry Co. Insurance, has been named chairman of the Board of Eastern States Exposition.

A trustee of the exposition since 1983, Henry had served as a member of the ESE board of directors since 2005, and has been secretary since 2012.

Henry has been an independent insurance agent for 50 years, specializing in life, disability and long-term care. He has been named to the Senior Agent Hall of Fame and the Million Dollar Round Table.

In October 1978, Henry purchased the Scituate farm that had been in his family for more than 160 years, the land where he began growing Christmas trees at the age of 12 as an FFA project. Under Henry’s leadership, the property became the largest Christmas tree farm in Rhode Island, selling wholesale and choose-and-cut trees. With help from his wife, Linda, Henry tends to between 90,000 and 100,000 Christmas trees on the 131-acre farm that bears his name. Simply called Henry’s Christmas Tree Farm, the sprawling land is home to rows and rows of species including favorites like Douglas and Fraser firs. David represents the fifth generation of Henrys to own the farm, which has been in his family since 1851.

The Eastern States Exposition has been an important part of Henry’s life for more than 50 years. He attended The Big E as an FFA member and served as the R.I. state FFA president. He served on the milk-judging teams, participated in various FFA contests, and competed as RI’s Star State Farmer in the regional Star Farmer competition in the Coliseum. Later as a member of the RI FFA alumni, Henry annually attended the fair to judge FFA public speaking and extemporaneous speaking contests.

“My FFA involvement was an especially rewarding experience and laid the foundation for a career spanning business and agriculture,” he said. “It is my privilege to lead this august organization and I look forward to working with the dedicated board of directors, trustees and staff.”

In addition to Henry, the following were voted as officers by the Exposition’s 165 trustees: James N. Putnam II of Southwick, first vice chair; Robert Spoerl, Derry, New Hampshire, second vice chair; James R. Lyman, of Middlefield, Conn., treasurer; Robert W. Spear, of Nobleboro, Me, secretary, as well as Eugene J. Cassidy, Eastern States Exposition president and chief executive officer.

 

Nominations For Women Of Impact Awards Deadline Today

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest magazine is currently accepting nominations for a new recognition program to honor a specific segment of the local population: women who are making an impact in and on this region. Nominees who score the highest in the eyes and minds of a panel of three independent judges will be honored at a luncheon on Thursday, Dec. 6 at the Sheraton Springfield.

Nominations are due today, Monday, Aug. 13. by 5 p.m. For guidelines to consider when nominating, visit www.businesswest.com/women-of-impact. Nominations may be submitted at businesswest.com/women-of-impact-nomination-information-criteria.

“We decided to create a special program recognizing women because, after careful consideration, we decided that this region needed one and that BusinessWest was the right organization to do it,” Kate Campiti, associate publisher and sales manager for BusinessWest, explained. “While women have certainly made great strides over the past several decades, and many women have made great achievements and broken through that proverbial glass ceiling, doing so remains a stern challenge for many.”

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

Country Bank is a supporting sponsor of the event, and additional sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, call Bevin Peters, Marketing and Events director, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or e-mail [email protected].