Puzzled Escape Games Offers an Immersive Experience

By
Lise Lawrence
Sports & Leisure

Exit Strategy

Lise Lawrence

Lise Lawrence, in the study where a professor has disappeared — and visitors must learn why.

Escape Games have been growing in popularity across the U.S., but the Pioneer Valley lacked such an attraction until siblings Lise Lawrence and Tom Dahl opened Puzzled Escape Games at Eastworks in 2016. Since then, they’ve offered several levels of challenge to friends, families, and even companies that take advantage of the activity as a team-building experience. And an experience it is — one that can be as tense and unnerving as it is entertaining.

Picture this: you’re on vacation in Mexico, you visit a tequila distillery, drink too much questionable tequila, pass out, and wake up chained to the wall in a Mexican drug lord’s basement. Now, you have to figure out how to get out in just one hour, before he comes back.

That may sound awful, but plenty of people are happily signing up for the experience — well, minus the tequila.

Indeed, that story is the setup of “Escape from Escobar’s,” one of three escape-room experiences at Puzzled Escape Games, which recently celebrated its two-year anniversary at Eastworks in Easthampton.

Lise Lawrence, who launched and manages the attraction along with her brother, Tom Dahl, recently gave BusinessWest a glimse of what visitors experience on a daily basis, showing how a group of individuals are handcuffed to the wall in a dungeon set, and can’t reach each other — but each has a different perspective on the rest of the room, and they must work together to figure out how to free themselves, first from their shackles and then from the chamber itself.

“You have to communicate,” she said. “People in the front of the cell can see things the people in the back can’t.”

Lawrence, who has a background in film, and Dahl, an actor and screenwriter, established the first escape room in Western Mass. with the goal of building something different than the typical model of ‘find the clues, escape the room’ — even though there’s plenty of that.

“All these places are fun, but what we really pride ourselves on is storylines and set decoration and experience,” she said. “We want to create that real experience, where the only ones who can get you out are you and your team. If you’re alone, you can’t get out of your handcuffs; you need the other people.”

Of course, a game that starts with the claustrophobic tension of a dungeon and handcuffs might not appeal to everyone, which is why Puzzled offers two other experiences: “Find the Professor of the Occult,” and “The Lost Wand,” which appeals to the younger set.

In the former, players enter a large study lined with bookshelves, a desk, and several other items. “The professor’s gone missing, and his housekeeper heard a loud thunder noise, and she went in to investigate, and he was gone,” Lawrence said. “So you’re a paranormal investigator, and you have to figure out what happened to the missing professor.”

In each case, the scenario is introduced by a ‘game master’ who becomes part of the story before leaving the players to their own devices. “That’s another thing that sets us apart from other escape games, where it’s like, ‘OK, go in there and figure it out.’ The moment you walk in the door, you’re aleady engaged with us.”

In its two-plus years of operation, Puzzled Escape Games has engaged a steady flow of participants looking for a different type of activity. For this issue’s focus on sports and leisure, BusinessWest talks to Lawrence about why it’s fun for people to exercise their brains in this way — and why they keep coming back, only to be trapped again.

No Simple Escape

Anyone who thinks these games are easy can think again, Lawrence said — about 20% of teams manage to escape Escobar’s dungeon within the hour allotted, and about 30% figure out what happened to the professor and make their way out of his study. For the rest, well, answers are given to those who want them, while others choose to come back and try again.

“Surprisingly, people usually aren’t disappointed,” she said. “They’re like, ‘oh man, how far did we get?’ You can come back for half price if you want to play the same room again. Or we show you the rest of the tricks.”

Chalkboards outside each game celebrate

Chalkboards outside each game celebrate the teams who completed the challenge the fastest.

Dahl and a screenwriting friend based in Toronto — he and his wife are also partners at Puzzled — came up with the idea of launching an escape room after visiting several and realizing Western Mass. didn’t have such an attraction.

“They said, ‘we can create an experience without cell phones. We can have people work together and have fun using different parts of their brain,’” Lawrence recalled. “They noticed the biggest thing, when you go to other escape games, is that it’s not heavy on storyline. A lot of times, there’s not a lot of intro. We thought, ‘how could we make it a fully immersive experience?’

“That’s why, when you walk through the door, you’re immediately part of the adventure,” she went on. “The game masters are acting with you. As you’re asking, ‘oh, what does this open?’ and finding clues the puzzle, you’re also learning about what happened to the professor. Why did he disappear in the first place? You’re building the storyline. We have set designers on staff, so we’ve created a theater set, so you feel even more immersed in the experience.”

“The Lost Wand,” which opened in December, caters more to kids with its wizarding-school theme (shades of Harry Potter), but mostly draws adults, just like the other two games. It’s also easier than the other two, with a roughly 80% success rate; when kids play, certain puzzles can be switched out for easier ones, and the pass rate jumps to 100%. A wizard-themed party room adjoining the puzzle room hosts theme birthday parties and other events.

Yet, kids do surprisingly well in the other games as well, Lawrence said, especially “Find the Professor.”

“Funny enough, they do amazing in that room because it’s so academic,” Lawrence said. “I was hosting a group of 12- and 13-year-olds, six of them, and they got out. Kids that age might look for things we might not even think about.”

Still, kids dig “The Lost Wand” for the appeal of sitting in a Potteresque classroom, which sits just beyond a lobby filled with board games, tables, and quirky décor — and that’s part of the experience, too.

“It starts with our lobby. The doors are open, and sometimes people come in just to hang out and play board games,” she explained. “We have our wizarding music playing in the background, we have our fun lights, and this is a great place for people to ramp up and get ready for their game.

“Then,” she added, “the game master comes out and does the intro: ‘this is the Massachusetts Academy of Magic.’ Then the door opens, they enter, and their game experience begins.”

In all three games, teams may ask for up to three clues during the hour when they get stuck. “You agree together you’d like a clue, and you press the doorbell. Monitors are watching through cameras, so we have eyes and ears on you, and we give you the best clue possible.”

The lobby outside “The Lost Wand”

The lobby outside “The Lost Wand” is packed with games to pass the time while waiting for the main event.

Everyone gets one extra tip in “Find the Professor,” however — the hundreds of gold-colored books lining the long wall of shelves aren’t clues at all, and the game master says as much, to avoid having teams waste time on them.

“We tell people these gold books are just set decorations, and you don’t have to look in them or behind them,” Lawrence said. “Some people are like, ‘no, they lied to us.’ But we just don’t want to waste your time. Trust us, focus on other things around the room.”

You’re in the Picture

Lawrence draws on her experience creating film festivals to craft a much more interactive type of experience at Puzzled, while most of the staff have backgrounds in graphic design, painting, set design, and the like. The window in the “Lost Wand” classroom is a colorful, painted dragon’s head, and it’s illuminated at night, so visitors see it from outside Eastworks.

It’s not just families and groups of friends who take part in the games; companies have visited as team-building exercises, which is an especially good use of “Escape from Escobar’s,” with teamwork absolutely necessary to escape those initial handcuffs. “We really push to get groups and companies that want to have a fun activity that also enhances team building and communication. This is a great room for that.”

As for other visitors, they appreciate a different experience from the usual night out, even though not everyone is sold right away.

“A lot of times, there’s one person that’s dragged in, saying, ‘I would never choose to do this on a night out.’ Those are my favorite customers because they soon realize it’s not what they think. I was one of those. It took me two years before I did one because I didn’t want to get locked in a room; I didn’t want to feel stupid.

“But one moment can change all that,” she went on. “If they’re the one that finds the first clue, all of a sudden they’re part of that team. Now they’re the ones that get excited, like ‘wow, I had no idea that was going to happen.’ Most people walk out happy. This isn’t for everybody, but it’s for most.”

Because two of the games require at least four players, sometimes strangers are tossed together, depending on who shows up and when. “Those groups usually have the highest escape rate because there’s different minds in there all working together,” Lawrence said.

It’s fun to make progress on the puzzles, she added, even if the end result isn’t a timely escape — and, hopefully, it’s fun mixed with actual thrills. “In Escobar’s, people start thinking, ‘what if I really went on vacation and this happened?’ It’s freaky. People sweat because it gets intense.”

What she hasn’t sweated is launching a startup with Dahl, even after both had heard it’s not a good idea to be, well, handcuffed to one’s sibling in a business venture. But they’re close and get along well, she said.

“We both went to the performing-arts high school in Hadley, so we’re local, and it’s nice to create something artistic and bring something back to our community,” she told BusinessWest. “That’s literally the basis — how can we provide a fun, immersive experience for people? It’s a lot of work, but it’s rewarding. That’s why we do it.”

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Central Rock Gym Peaks the Interest of Area Adventurers

By
Hana Skirkey says rock climbers are drawn to the sport
Sports & Leisure

Upwardly Mobile

By Kayla Ebner

Hana Skirkey says rock climbers are drawn to the sport

Hana Skirkey says rock climbers are drawn to the sport for both the physical challenge and the welcoming community.
Photos by Kayla Ebner

Hana Skirkey says that, increasingly, individuals young and old are looking for outlets that are both mentally and physically challenging — a tough combination to come by.

Perhaps that difficult search for such an activity is why more people are turning to indoor rock climbing as either a fun activity or a competitive sport. It could also be because climbing offers individuals an opportunity to see some incredible places around the world. Or maybe, it’s because of the truly welcoming people that belong to the climbing community.

Skirkey, general manager of Central Rock Gym in Hadley, believes the the answer is, well, all of the above.

“Indoor climbing is great because you can do it in any type of weather, and the community here is amazing,” said Skirkey, who told BusinessWest that the Hadley location is ideally situated in many respects.

For starters, it’s within a few hours — or even a few minutes — of some challenging and thus popular climbing spots. Meanwhile, it’s situated in the middle of the Five College area — and perhaps 40,000 college students, who make up a large percentage of the growing climbing community.

Actually, Hadley is the second location for Central Rock Gym, or CRG, as it’s called. The company was founded by brothers Ed and Joe Hardy, who decided to bring their love for climbing to their hometown of Worcester, and opened their first location there in 2009. Hadley followed just two years later.

Today, there are nine CRG locations spread across Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York, and four more locations are set to open very soon. According to CRG’s website, a location in Manhattan will be opening this summer; another Bay State location, in Stoneham, will open in September; and two facilities, in Buffalo and Rochester, N.Y. will be debuting in November. In less than a decade, this business has grown from one facility to 13.

This profound growth reflects the steadily rising popularity of rock climbing — again, as both a recreational activity and competitive sport — in Western Mass. and across the country, for that matter.

The no-harness activity known as boulder-ing gives climbers a different type of experience.

The no-harness activity known as boulder-ing gives climbers a different type of experience.

And the Hadley facility is, in essence, a microcosm of this phenomenon, said Skirkey, referencing everything from the wide age disparity of CRG members — they range from 3 to 90 or so — to the way families are embracing the sport as a unit.

For this issue and its focus on sports and recreation, BusinessWest talked with Skirkey at length about rock climbing, CRG and its Hadley facility, and why the climbing community continues its torrid pace of growth.

Scaling Up the Business

Located at 165 Russell St., CRG’s Hadley facility is a short drive from some of the top climbing destinations in this region, including the White Mountains, making it the perfect spot for outdoor adventurers to train and have fun. There are also many local crags in the Western Mass. area, including Chapel Ledge in Ashfield, Mormon Hollow in Wendell State Forest, and the Skinner area in Hadley.

“There’s a lot of outdoor climbing specifically in Western Mass. compared to other parts of the state,” said Skirkey, who has enjoyed climbing for most of her life.

She graduated from UMass Amherst in 2010 and was the president of the UMass Outing Club (UMOC) where she enjoyed “fun — what some people call crazy — activities” with friends who had the same interest and excitement as she did for various outdoor hobbies. UMOC is a UMass Amherst registered student organization that organizes outdoor trips to both local and distant areas, taking part in activities such as hiking, rock climbing, cross-country skiing, and everything in between. Aside from being the president, Skirkey was also a hiking/backpacking and whitewater kayaking leader for UMOC.

Although she never imagined herself being a climbing-gym manager, Skirkey knew she wanted to be somewhere with like-minded individuals who enjoy being active as much as she does. And CRG is the perfect fit.

“It’s not a normal office job,” she said. “Being a part of the community is great here.”

A passion for those ‘crazy’ activities is one of the things Skirkey loves about the outdoor community. Making friends is easy, she explained, when everyone in a community loves to do a specific thing together — in this case, indoor rock climbing.

After graduation, Skirkey heard the gym was opening a location in Hadley, so she applied. She got a job as a desk staff member, and a year later moved on to assistant manager. She continued to climb — literally and figuratively — and eventually became general manager at Central Rock’s Hadley location.

Climbers prepare to scale the high walls at Central Rock Gym.

Climbers prepare to scale the high walls at Central Rock Gym.

As noted earlier, Skirkey is not the only college student drawn to the gym’s facilities. Students from the Five Colleges — UMass Amherst, Smith College, Amherst College, Hampshire College, and Mount Holyoke College — and many more schools in the Western Mass. area visit CRG to climb. Skirkey said she also sees students from Springfield College visiting the facility.

She noted that people who enjoy outdoor climbing come to CRG to train indoors on days and seasons when outdoor climbing is not feasible because the rocks get wet, or it’s just too cold outside.

“We’re between two and three-ish hours from other, bigger destinations, and then we also have a bunch of local crags people can go out to,” she explained.

CRG upgraded its Hadley location in December 2017. The original 12,400-square-foot facility was expanded to 26,000 square feet. This expansion added 8,000 square feet of climbing surface, 200 linear feet of new bouldering walls, and 24 top-rope stations on a new climbing-wall product. An additional 80 parking spaces were also created. The project expanded the fitness room to 2,100 square feet and nearly tripled the size of the yoga room, extending it to 900 square feet.

CRG holds daily fitness and yoga classes, Skirkey explained, adding that the expansion has brought a new level of service to the membership and guests they bring — and helped increase the ranks of both.

“We just felt like we were in this bubble that we needed to help grow,” she said. “People love bringing their friends here; it’s really nice to be able to accommodate that just a little bit better now.”

When planning the expansion, CRG looked at the busiest areas of the gym, as well as what needed to be improved in terms of spacing. Bouldering is a popular climbing activity that needs a quicker turnover rate, said Skirkey. There are several other types of climbing that a person at any skill level can do when visiting CRG.

Ascending Order

Skirkey described CRG as a very welcoming and community-oriented company, and noted that one of the most common things she hears in reviews is how friendly the staff is. No matter what age or skill level, anyone who walks through the doors is welcomed with open arms.

“It’s really easy to get into it and feel welcomed,” said Skirkey. “I don’t think you get that with most gyms.”

This welcoming effect has contributed to the growth of membership and the wide diversity within it, she noted, adding that the gym’s youngest climbing club ranges from ages 3 to 6 years old. Skirkey also noted that families often come in to enjoy climbing together, a much different family activity than most experiences.

Aside from the standard membership, which costs $85 a month, CRG also has a family plan for these families who love climbing together. The membership includes two people who are engaged or married, or two parents and their dependent children, for $125 a month. Those who want to add additional family members can do so for $30 a month.

Skirkey believes that climbing can help family members bond with each other.

“It’s nice for parents, too, because they can do something active with their kids,” she noted. “Especially for young kids, it’s critical to get into something that makes them feel strong. I think that’s really important for development.”

Climbers have two main options at CRG: bouldering and what’s known as top roping. Bouldering is climbing that a person can undertake after a brief orientation given by a staff member. This specific type of climbing is a free climb on a wall about 15 feet tall.

A renovation completed last year added 8,000 square feet of climbing surface

A renovation completed last year added 8,000 square feet of climbing surface to Central Rock Gym’s Hadley facility.

The other climb, top roping, is highly recommended for those who are new to the sport. Here, the climber is tied onto one end of the rope, and a supporting climber, known as a belayer, is connected to the other side, making sure the rope stays tight so the climber does not fall.

In order to start top roping at CRG, climbers must take a one-hour introductory class to learn how to belay properly. If a person is not interested in learning how to belay, they can schedule a staff belay in which the staff member belays while the customer climbs. In order to belay, a climber must be 13 years or older.

The intro belay class is $20 per person but free for members, and typically lasts between an hour and 90 minutes. During this class, the climber will learn knots, the belay process, and safety procedures practiced at CRG. The staff belay costs $30 an hour per climber. Both the intro belay class and the staff belay require reservations and are only offered at certain times during the week.

“I would say that roped climbing is a bit more beginner-friendly than bouldering is,” said Skirkey. “You’ve got a staff person when you do staff belay, and you’ve got a rope to catch you when you fall. The way that bouldering is … the type of movements are usually a bit more power-oriented.”

There are, of course, varying skill levels of climbing, and some people coming in are going to be far more advanced than others. CRG offers many options for beginners to help them adjust and start their climbing journey, and also has state-of-the-art facilities for more advanced climbers. Aside from the intro and staff belay classes, customers can also schedule a private lesson with a staff member to help them learn the ins and outs of climbing one-on-one. In the “Technique 101” class, climbers who are interested in learning some basic tips can sign up to improve their climbing skills.

Members ages 6 to 18 at Central Rock Gym may also form both competitive and non-competitive climbing teams to help gear up for competitions, or just for fun. In the past, CRG has sent several members to the Nationals run by USA Climbing. Skirkey says members have done exceptionally well at these competitions, and have even placed in third and sixth place. This year, the gym has six kids going to Nationals.

CRG offers plenty of options for climbers of different skill levels. The gym also offers day passes and discounted memberships for climbers 22 and under or 65 and older, and active military members.

Another characteristic that helps CRG stand out from other climbing gyms is the cleanliness and openness of the building itself, Skirkey said. Climbers will use chalk on their hands to help their grip as they climb the walls, and things can get dirty quickly.

“We dedicate a lot of our time to cleaning and making sure the facility has clean air to breathe and nice lighting,” she said. “A lot of climbing gyms can feel like dungeons.”

But not Central Rock Gym. Each facility, including the one in Hadley, has large glass windows that let in plenty of natural light, making the experience for climbers even more enjoyable.

She noted that CRG even connects people who do different outdoor activities. Sometimes, people who enjoy mountain biking or hiking will come in wanting to try climbing, and end up expanding their circle of friends. CRG is definitely a place that attracts the outdoorsy type, she added.

Due to the rising popularity, Skirkey recommends making a reservation, especially if a person lives far away from the gym.

Reaching New Heights

Summing up the many rewards offered by climbing, Skirkey said that, for those dedicated to this sport, it’s not all about getting to the top, although that’s a big part of it.

It’s also about the journey. Indeed, figuring out how to make your way to the top, step by step, is the best part, she told BusinessWest.

“I love it because it’s fun to try to figure out how to finish a climb and challenge yourself both mentally and physically,” she added.

From her perspective, those twin challenges go a long way toward explaining the growing popularity of climbing and the upward trajectory of CRG and especially its Hadley location.

And the best part is, they can both go much higher still.

Community Connections Energize Easthampton

By
Moe Belliveau says there’s strength in numbers
Community Spotlight

Community Spotlight

Moe Belliveau says there’s strength in numbers

Moe Belliveau says there’s strength in numbers, and in collaboration, when it comes to promoting a city and its region.

As executive director of the Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce, Moe Belliveau has a good view of what has become one of the region’s more unique and energetic small cities.

“There’s a lot of great stuff here, different stuff,” she told BusinessWest. “I think Easthampton has a very eclectic flavor to it, and that just continues to grow. I believe the community really enjoys that about itself and embraces that part of themselves, and helps to nurture that. It’s lovely to be a part of that.”

From its well-established arts culture to its rehabilitated mill complexes to its walkable, dog-friendly downtown, she said Easthampton is, quite simply, a place residents and businesses are happy to call home. “We even have a pond in the middle of our city — who else has that?”

It’s also a community where a raft of businesses have launched recently — many of them catering to leisure time and quality of life, like arts establishment #LOCAL Gallery; restaurants like Daily Operation, a casual eatery, and Kisara, a Japanese and Korean barbecue; and additions to Eastworks like Prodigy Minigolf and Gameroom, the Coffee Mill, and Puzzled Escape Games.

“I like to say that Easthampton’s hip, cool, wow, and now — as is its chamber,” said Belliveau, who arrived to lead the body four years ago after a stint with the Westfield Business Improvement District. Since then, she has been leading a shift from simply organizing events to a more holistic, collaborative approach that brings value to chamber members and creates more vibrancy in the town’s business community.

In short, the chamber has become not only more member- and community-focused, through events like ‘listening lunches’ with area businesses, but also more collaborative with other area communities and their chambers.

“We’ve continued with our listening-lunch program because it’s a good opportunity for us to hear not only what people like, but what people are perhaps yearning for in their chamber, and how we might be able to do things differently — or even to be made aware of things we might not know about. It’s helpful.”

One development from those sessions was the chamber’s universal gift card, which is redeemable at dozens of area businesses. “The chamber gift card was a direct development from that collaboration, and that continues to grow; it’s really popular,” Belliveau said. “I’m very excited and very proud of that.”

It’s one way Easthampton’s is creating energy and buzz in its growing business community — and it’s far from the only way.

Regional Approach

Take, for example, a new partnership with the Amherst Area and Greater Northampton chambers, called the Hampshire Regional Tourism Council. Among its first accomplishments was the publication last September of the first Hampshire County Tourism Guide, a colorful, comprehensive compendium of the three communities’ restaurants and hospitality businesses, tourist attractions, recreational opportunties, shopping and wellness options, and more.

“I’m really very proud of this; I don’t know how many tourism guides actually have this look and feel,” Belliveau said. “As Easthampton continues to grow into — or already is — a destination city, it’s a really great tool that highlights who we are, what we do, and why we do it.”

The concept behind the three-city collaboration is that Easthampton, Northampton, and Amherst are all known for arts and culture, food, and a generally eclectic mix of businesses that both serve residents and draw tourists — but they’re different from each other in many ways, too, and by promoting themselves as one mini-region, the hope is that all will benefit.

Easthampton at a glance

Year Incorporated: 1785
Population: 16,059
Area: 13.6 square miles
County: Hampshire
Residential Tax Rate: $16.00
Commercial Tax Rate: $16.00
Median Household Income: $45,185
Median Family Income: $54,312
Type of government: Mayor, City Council
Largest Employers: Berry Plastics Corp., Williston Northampton School; National Nonwovens Co.
*Latest information available

“Don’t we all have our own flavor?” she asked rhetorically. “Yet, we add to each other’s energy and strengths, and we work quite well together. We enjoy partnering, and we do it quite often during the year. We’re looking to publish our second edition this coming September, so we’re currently pulling that together.”

Such collaborations, Belliveau said, have always been important to her. “I feel like we all have our own voice and our own character and identity, but I think when we come together, we add value for our members, and there’s strength in numbers.”

Another example is “The Art of Risk,” a women’s leadership conference the Greater Easthampton Chamber presented last fall in collaboration with the Greater Holyoke Chamber. It featured keynote speaker Angela Lussier, founder of the Speaker Sisterhood, a business devoted to helping women find their voice.

“That event was a sold-out success, so we’re looking to do that again,” Belliveau said, referring to the second annual conference, slated for Sept. 28 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke, featuring keynoter Valerie Young, an author and public speaker who’s also an expert on the impostor syndrome, a common psychological pattern that breeds doubt and fear in potential leaders, and keeps them from realizing their potential.

The event will also feature morning breakout sessions in “The Art of Self-promotion,” “The Art of Leadership,” “The Art of Balance,” and “The Art of Storytelling,” followed by an afternoon panel featuring local women sharing personal stories of personal or professional risk.

Other workshops organized by the chamber, both alone and in collaboration with other groups, have convinced Belliveau there’s an appetite for such outreaches, especially those that are interactive in design.

“It’s really helped me to see what kinds of information the business community finds helpful. It’s not just sitting all day listening, but adding tools to their toolbox,” she told BusinessWest.

“I like to say it’s not your grandfather’s chamber anymore,” she went on. “What’s really very exciting to me, in addition to these events, is the relationship that we’ve been able to foster and nurture with the city. We value them, and they value us as contributing partners to the economic-development team. So that’s been pretty exciting.”

Art of the Matter

Even the city’s cultural events reflect this desire for collaboration. For example, #LOCAL Gallery will open a new exhibit on July 14. The 12 artists displaying their works in “An Excursion in Color,” organized and curated with the help of color consultant Amy Woolf, will be joined by Prindle Music School owner Dan Prindle and musical guests to provide entertainment. Meanwhile, flowers from Passalongs Farm & Florist will add more aesthetic appeal to the event.

“There’s a lot of great partnerships, a lot of great collaborations going on,” Belliveau said. “A lot of nonprofits like to collaborate and work together, from the schools to the arts community. I really enjoy being a part of that.”

The city also continues see a continued reuse of old mill buildings — as one example, Erin Witmer opened the Boylston Rooms, a quirky meeting and event space, in the Keystone building on Pleasant Street last year. Meanwhile, Easthampton’s three breweries — Fort Hill, Abandoned Building, and New City — continue to grow, while Valley Paddler, launched last year, has been a success offering paddleboats for use on Nashawannuck Pond.

An eclectic mix? For sure. Bealliveau says Easthampton is a community that continues to attract residents and businesses to its navigability, the services offered by a wide range of small businesses, its focus on the arts as an economic driver, and much more. And she plans to continue bringing as many of those entities together as she can.

“Nobody needs to be out in front, if that makes any sense,” she told BusinessWest. “We’re all running in the same race. Actually, it’s not even a race. The goal is the same, and we all have our different perspectives on that, which just makes the endgame all the richer. And I’m not sure I’ve ever experienced that before. It’s exciting.”

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Tax-bill Provision Presents Challenges to Those in Healthcare

By
Banking and Financial Services

Take Caution with Section 199A

By Kristina Drzal Houghton, CPA, MST

Kristina Drzal Houghton

Kristina Drzal Houghton

On Dec. 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law, bringing the biggest changes to both corporations and individuals in the past 30 years. Having spoken before groups of medical professionals on this issue, I have found that many believe limitations in the law will prohibit physicians from benefiting from these tax reductions.

This article will focus on medical practices and highlight some techniques available to benefit from the 20% deduction which might otherwise be limited. Additionally, there will be detailed examples of said techniques that will help to provide perspective and clarity to practice owners and shareholders on this very complicated tax issue.

Over the past few decades, many practices have been formed as pass-through entities. In contrast to C-corporations, income earned by a sole proprietorship, S-corporation, or partnership is subject to only a single level of tax. There is generally no tax at the entity level; instead, owners of these businesses report their share of the business’ income directly on their tax return and pay the corresponding tax at ordinary rates.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, signed into law this past December, reduced the top rate on ordinary income of individuals from 39.6% to 37%, and Section 199A further reduced the effective top rate on qualified business income earned by owners of sole proprietorships, S-corporations, and partnerships to 29.6%. Section 199A allows taxpayers other than corporations a deduction of 20% of qualified business income (QBI) earned in a qualified trade or business, subject to certain limitations.

Business owners below the applicable threshold amount — which is $157,500 of taxable income for all filers except joint filers, and $315,000 for those filing jointly —— can enjoy a QBI deduction for the lesser of 20% of their qualified business income or 20% of their taxable income. It does not matter what type of business is generating the income, nor is there a need to analyze W-2 wages paid by the business or depreciable assets owned by the business. The QBI deduction is what it is.

Business owners over their applicable threshold who derive their income from a business that is not a specialized trade or service business may also have their QBI deduction at least partially phased out, but the full deduction may be ‘saved’ based on how much they pay in W-2 wages and/or how much depreciable property they have in the business.

Business owners over their applicable threshold who derive their income from a ‘specified service’ business — which includes doctors, lawyers, CPAs, financial advisors, athletes, musicians, and any business in which the principal asset of the business is the skill or reputation of one or more of its employees — will have their QBI deduction phased out.

The phaseout range is $50,000 for all filers except joint filers, and $100,000 for those filing jointly. Once a business owner’s taxable income exceeds the upper range of their phase-out threshold ($207,500 for individuals and $415,000 for married filing jointly), they cannot claim a QBI deduction for income generated from a specialized trade or service business.

Examine your practice to determine if all your income is from a specified trade or business. A careful analysis of your practice could identify that it consists of multiple different trades or businesses. For example, an orthopedic practice might sell medical equipment. Breaking this portion of the practice off into its own LLC will decrease the specified service trade or business income and could potentially qualify for a QBI deduction with proper planning.

Shifting Business-owned Real Estate to New Entities and Paying Rent

Many practices own the real estate out of which they operate. If this is the case for a higher-earning business owner, there is an obvious way of converting some of the specified service-business income into income from a business that may qualify for a QBI deduction. In short, the business owner can create a new entity, transfer the real estate into that entity — provided the transfer is not tax prohibitive — and then lease that real estate back to the original business.

The original business’s profits, which are not eligible for the QBI deduction (assuming the business owner’s taxable income exceeds their applicable threshold), will decrease, and profits can be shifted to the new real-estate company, which could potentially qualify for at least a partial QBI deduction.

Example: John is a dentist and is the sole owner of an oral-surgery practice organized as an LLC. His income from the practice — which falls under the specified service business umbrella — is $900,000 per year. Thus, John is currently ineligible for any QBI deduction. Several years ago, the LLC purchased the medical offices out of which the practice operates for $2 million. The upkeep on the office space, the depreciation on the property, and other expenses currently reduce the net profit of the LLC by about $100,000 per year, but the property provides little else in the way of tax benefit for John.

One option to consider in a case like this would be to spin off the medical office building into a separate LLC, or other business structure, and have the dental practice rent space in the building. Those rent payments would be deductible for the medical practice, and taxable income for the new business … except the profit in the new business may be eligible for the QBI deduction.

For instance, suppose that, after spinning the medical office off into its own entity, the dental practice leases the office space at the rate of $220,000 per year. The net result of such a transaction would be reducing the dental practice’s net income $120,000 ($220,000 rental expense minus $100,000 prior expenses ‘lost’ = $120,000). The real-estate entity, on the other hand, would now have a profit of $120,000 — a net shift of zero — but the real estate’s income could qualify for the QBI deduction. Thus, the result is an equivalent amount of business income, but a $24,000 QBI deduction for John on his personal return that, at his tax rate, would save him nearly $9,000 in federal income taxes annually.

Shifting Other Business-owned Assets to Other Entities and Leasing Them Back

For some business owners, there’s the potential to continue to push the boundary even further on shifting depreciable property out of a business, and then leasing it back to the original business entity.

Example: Continuing the earlier example of John and the dental practice above, suppose the practice also owns X-ray machines and a variety of other depreciable medical equipment as well, with an unadjusted basis of $750,000. This equipment could be spun off into yet another business, and the dental practice could lease back the equipment.

The mechanics and potential tax benefits of this move are essentially the same as when real estate is moved into a separate entity. When it comes to the QBI deduction, depreciable business property is depreciable business property. The 2.5% limitation is not impacted by the type of depreciable property or the length of time over which it will be depreciated.

Of course, the limitation to this strategy is that not all small businesses have substantial (or much, or any) depreciable property to spin off into other entities in the first place … and at some point, any and all depreciable property that could be spun off will have been. So that’s it, right? Maybe not.

If You Can’t Lease Equipment, Lease People with an Employee-leasing Company

Many specified service businesses are labor intensive but may not necessarily require a great deal of depreciable property. Anesthesia and radiology practices are both good examples of this. Outside of some office furniture and some computers, these businesses can generate substantial profits without ever owning any significant amount of depreciable property since they operate out of hospital-owned facilities. They do, however, often employ a great number of people, and spend substantial amounts on human capital.

To that end, the language in Section 199A leaves the door open to the possibility of creating an employee-leasing company and leasing back one’s employees from that company. Some practitioners believe this to be a gaping hole in the rules, while other practitioners are a little more cautious at this time. Even on the conservative side, the billing and administrative employees could defensibly be split off into a separate LLC if it can be demonstrated that it is not a specified trade or business because it is not dependent on the skill or reputation of one or more of its employees.

Notwithstanding the benefits of the above strategy, some caution is merited. Tax advisers are understandably eager for answers, but unfortunately, Section 199A is just one small piece of the most significant overhaul of the tax law in 31 years. The IRS is now charged with the herculean task of providing guidance for a host of new and changed statutory provisions, and, as a result, it may be some time before tax advisers have certainty related to some of the strategies posed in this article.

Until that guidance arrives, Section 199A will best be approached cautiously, particularly considering the potential substantial-understatement penalty that comes with claiming a deduction under this provision.

Kristina Drzal Houghton, CPA, MST is a partner with the Holyoke-based accounting firm Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. and director of the firm’s Taxation Division; [email protected]

Nicebox Takes Proactive Approach to Meeting Needs of the Homeless

By
Pat Callahan and his aunt, Jan
Nonprofit Management

Sustainable Concept

Patrick Callahan doesn’t know exactly where the image originated.

It was a Facebook post about a community overseas that had set up a refrigerator on the side of a street to provide the homeless with leftovers offered by the local community.

“I think it was in India, but I really can’t be sure,” said Callahan, adding quickly that the exact location wasn’t and isn’t really important. What is important is the concept and the proactive, imaginative response to the needs of the homeless.

And what’s more important still is the way it inspired him to not only ask what could be done in this region — a thought experiment, as he called it — but to help answer that question.

“I thought to myself, we should be doing something like that refrigerator,” said Callahan, a member of the emerging third generation involved with Palmer Paving Corp., who approached the principals there, including his aunt, Jan, about leveraging the company’s many relationships within the communities it serves and building upon its long history of giving back to address obvious needs.

That ‘something’ is an emerging and intriguing story called Nicebox, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit created in 2016 to address the many needs of the homeless.

One of the original ideas — and it is still being talked about on many levels — was to install solar-powered vending machines in strategic locations that would, in exchange for a certain amount of recyclables, dispense a Nicebox, a pack filled with items the homeless can use. While discussions on machines continued, talk also focused on exactly what should go into these packs, said Pat Callahan, adding that, eventually, it was determined that several different kinds of packs are needed, including those filled with food, hygiene items, and healthcare needs.

And the newly created nonprofit set about creating some of these packs, starting with the one that has come to be called the Tidypack. It contains a host of hygiene products, including soap, shampoo, conditioner, a razor and shaving cream, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and more.

Working with the Friends of the Homeless, part of Clinical & Support Options (CSO), Nicebox has distributed more than 3,000 of these packs to date, said Pat Callahan, adding that the boxes are catching on, and so is that name, Tidypack, thanks to a true partnership with Friends of the Homeless.

“We’ve been working in close concert with them,” she explained. “Originally, we had an idea for the Tidypack — let’s give them these products. But then we took a step back and said, ‘let’s go in and see what they really need.’ So we sat down with the team at Friends of the Homeless and determined what they really needed.”

The packs can last an individual a week or more, said Jan, adding that the cost of filling one — thanks to wholesale purchases and discounts given to nonprofits — is roughly the same as that for a gourmet coffee, and this is the message Nicebox is spreading as it goes about enlisting support for its efforts.

“To help someone stay clean for a week only costs $2.50,” she noted. “When you think of an individual who’s struggling, you can help them for the same as it would cost to buy to a coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts.”

Pat Callahan and his aunt, Jan, say customers and partners of Palmer Paving have supported Nicebox early on, and they want to see that support expand outward.

And the nonprofit has secured quite a bit of help, she went on, noting that while Nicebox does some fundraising — she recently conducted an appeal on Facebook — it has thus far mostly relied on the support of customers, vendors, and other partners of Palmer Paving.

“With the reach that Palmer Paving has, we’ve been sending out sort of ad hoc requests for donations within our group of friends and company friends, and they’ve been supportive of this,” she told BusinessWest.

And support is needed as the nonprofit looks to not only expand the presence of the Tidypack, but also move forward with another type of assistance package — the Healthpack.

Indeed, Nicebox is collaborating with Mercy Medical Center, which already has a strong track record for work with the homeless in and around Springfield, to introduce the packs this summer.

They will include such items as a clean pair of socks, Band-Aids, ointment, a sewing kit, and other items, said Pat Callahan, and will be distributed by the medical center to those who, for whatever reason, will not come to a homeless shelter.

Moving forward, Pat and Jan noted that those involved with Nicebox have been working diligently over the past two years to track their progress and results, with the goal of using the accumulated data to apply for grants from foundations and other entities so the nonprofit doesn’t have to rely on donations and can expand its efforts geographically and through initiatives that might include a Nicebox on wheels that can distribute packs to a wider area.

Mercy Medical Center is part of the national Trinity Health system, noted Pat Callahan, adding that this affiliation may become a vehicle for taking the Healthpacks regional and perhaps national. Already, the nonprofit has become involved with some initatives in the Hartford area.

Meanwhile, Nicebox is also taking steps to increase its visibility through a number of initiatives, including booths at events like the upcoming Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival and others like it.

Overall, Nicebox is focused on putting its mission on a rock-solid foundation and continually building — those sound like phrases that would be heard at Palmer Paving — on a concept grounded in meeting need.

Like Patrick Callahan said, he’s not sure where that Facebook post of the refrigerator on the side of the road originated from. What matters is that he saw it, he was inspired by it, and he’s working with others to find similarly unique ways to help those who need some.

— George O’Brien

Springfield’s Next Challenge

By
Opinion

Editorial

As you read this, the countdown clock at MGM Springfield is inside 50 days.

Which means that, in essence, the nearly $1 billion project that has dominated the local landscape, literally and figuratively, for the better part of seven years, is essentially done. Just as Union Station is done and the massive I-91 reconstruction project is done.

And soon, there will be a number of other initiatives in the proverbial ‘done’ pile, including Stearns Square, the innovation center, Riverfront Park, an extensive renovation of the Basketball Hall of Fame, and others, with the acknowledgement that ‘soon’ is a relative term.

That’s a lot of things to get done, and the city should be proud of all that has been accomplished and how the landscape has been dramatically altered for the better — much better.

The question of ‘what now?’ has been tossed around for a while now, and while such talk might be a little premature — after all, it will take some time for MGM Springfield, Union Station, and other initiatives to really be done and have those facilities fully assimilated — but in most ways, it isn’t.

There are certainly things the city has to do to as part of that assimilation process and as part of building off the momentum that’s been generated. That list includes everything from creation of new market-rate housing in the downtown to a remaking of Tower Square into something much more vibrant and relevant, to some aggressive marketing of the city and its comeback story.

And in some ways, work on all those initiatives is already underway.

But Springfield has another big and important challenge facing it, and that is to revitalize many of its proud neighborhoods — to take the progress beyond downtown, if you will.

This is, in many ways, more difficult than any of the projects undertaken thus far, and that’s with the acknowledgement that it took 40 years or more to revitalize Union Station and for the largest development project in the city’s history (MGM) to revitalize the South End.

That’s because rejuvenating neighborhoods like Old Hill, Mason Square, the North End, and the South End are difficult undertakings, especially in these changing times and continued rough going for most old manufacturing centers, like Springfield.

There has been some progress made, though the efforts of local, state, and national initiatives and the of work nonprofit agencies ranging from DevelopSpringfield to Wayfinders, from Revitalize CDC to ROCA. But many of Springfield’s neighborhoods still rank among the poorest in the state, and progress has come very, very slowly.

This isn’t exactly a news flash, but Springfield’s neighborhoods are truly the city’s next big challenge. If this community is to make a real comeback, the good news has to extend beyond Main and State streets.

For the comeback to spread to those neighborhoods, there must be opportunites — or more opportunities, as the case may be — for employment, home ownership, and new-business development. As we said, there has already been some progress made on these fronts, but more extensive efforts are required in order to keep these neighborhoods from being left behind.

A few paragraphs ago, we referred to Springfield’s proud neighborhoods. You almost always see that adjective used in that context, and for a reason. Residents of these areas are proud of their neighborhood, although in many cases, they’re proud of what they once were, not what they are now.

Creating far greater use of the present tense when it comes to these neighborhoods and ‘good times’ is clearly the next big challenge for Springfield.

A Symbol of More Big Things to Come

By
Opinion

Editorial

Sports all-star games have been enduring somewhat of a public-relations crisis in recent years.

Indeed, the NFL’s game, now played the week before the Super Bowl, has become almost a farce, with players opting not to play, fans opting not to show up, and viewers opting not to tune in. The NHL and NBA games, meanwhile, have become circus shows where no one plays defense, and in the latter case, the game is actually upstaged by the slam-dunk contest the night before. Major League Baseball still has the best game, but that league, too, has struggled to make the so-called midsummer classic captivating and relevant, especially to younger audiences.

No, it’s not the best of times for these games.

But the narrative is a little different with the American Hockey League and its decision to play next year’s game in Springfield. Here, the story isn’t about the game, the gimmicks, or the weekend’s supply of festivities that may or may not work.

Instead, it’s about what the game means to the city and its hockey team, and what it symbolizes in terms of what comes next. All of that came together late last month when the logos for the event and the official corporate partner, Lexus, were unveiled.

Don’t forget, 27 months or so ago, this city didn’t even have a hockey team. And when a group of area business people came together, bought a franchise, and brought it to Springfield, there were many who doubted whether this franchise would fare any better than the one that just departed for Arizona.

To say those doubts have been dispelled would be a huge understatement. The team has become one of the best business stories of the past few years, and BusinessWest chose the team’s owners and managers, collectively, as its Top Entrepreneurs for 2017.

But the AHL All-Star Game coming to the City of Homes next February is not just about the Thunderbirds and the remarkable work done by President Nathan Costa 2018 40 Under Forty’s top honoree to revitalize hockey in Springfield and make the team part of the fabric of the community.

It’s also about the city’s resurgence and the arrival of MGM and its $950 million casino, MGM Springfield, which will serve as presenting sponsor of the all-star game. MGM now manages the MassMutual Center, and it no doubt played a prominent role in effectively bringing Springfield into the discussion when it comes events like this All-Star Game.

To say that it wasn’t in those discussions for the past decade and more would be another understatement. It is now, because of its resurgence, the team’s incredible surge, and MGM’s ability to help put on a good show.

And this combination bodes extremely well for the city moving forward. The game came to Springfield as a result of effective partnerships and strong teamwork, and these potent forces can bring more shows and meetings and conventions to this city and this region.

As we said at the top, all-star games have suffered some bad press and some tough times lately. In many respects, the games are no longer a big deal.

This is a notable exception, and one the city should be proud of.

Picture This

By
Picture This

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

PWC New Members Gathering

The Professional Women’s Chamber of Western MA, an affiliate of the Springfield Regional Chamber, hosted its first annual new-member event on June 28 at Glendale Ridge Vineyard in Southampton. This event brought together professional women from all specialties and backgrounds to network and learn more about the benefits of becoming a member of the Professional Women’s Chamber. Attendees also had the opportunity to sample wines and learn more about the vineyard from host Mary Hamel, co-owner of the Vineyard.

From left: Kate Vishnyakov of Kate Gray Boutique, Jenny MacKay of the Gaudreau Group, and Madeline Landrau from MassMutual Financial Group


From left: Diane Cordeiro of Louis & Clark Drug, Gillian Palmer of Eastern States Exposition, Jeannie Filomeno of Marcotte Ford, Caron LaCour of Burkhart, Pizzanelli, P.C., Margaret Perry of Wilson’s Department Store, Kathleen Plante of BusinessWest, Landreau, and Rachel Duda of Louis & Clark Drug

Cutting the Ribbon

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Paul Picknelly, president of Monarch Enterprises, and Jeff Lomma, member services director of the Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce joined members of the United Bank team for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the bank’s new location at Monarch Place in downtown Springfield on June 28. Earlier this year, the bank moved its branch from 115 State St. into the first floor of One Monarch Place. June 28 marked the ceremonial opening of the new branch location.

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Paul Picknelly, president of Monarch Enterprises, and Jeff Lomma, member services director of the Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce (left to right at center)

All-Star Unveilings

On June 28, the American Hockey League and the Springfield Thunderbirds announced that Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc. will serve as the title corporate partner for the 2019 Lexus AHL All-Star Classic presented by MGM Springfield, which will take place on Jan. 27-28, 2019 at the MassMutual Center. Balise Lexus of West Springfield was an integral part of the partnership for the AHL All-Star Classic, in addition to being a Springfield Thunderbirds corporate sponsor. “Balise is proud to partner with Lexus, the Springfield Thunderbirds, and the AHL in this endeavor to make the city we call home a destination, for both entertainment and community,” said Jeb Balise, owner and CEO of Balise Motor Sales, at the announcement. “As an integral part of the city of Springfield since 1919, we are committed to its continuing growth and revitalization.”

Officials from the team, the AHL, and Balise Lexus pose behind the official All-Star logos


Thunderbirds President Nathan Costa addresses the gathering

Pilgrimage Tour

Two students from Elms College spent a week in France last month, practicing their French, learning about French history and culture, and — perhaps most importantly — making personal connections with the legacy of the college’s founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph. The week of June 16-23, Jane Dugan of Southwick and Monica Karriem of West Hartford, Conn. joined a pilgrimage to Le Puy, France, led by the Assoc. of Colleges of Sisters of St. Joseph (ACSSJ), of which Elms College is one of nine members. The group was led by Sr. Kitty Hanley and Sr. Joan Lescinski, along with Martha Malinski, executive director of the ACSSJ, and campus ministry representatives from some of the colleges.

Jane Dugan of Southwick (at right) and Monica Karriem


Dugan (left) and Karriem pose beside the statue of Mother St. John Fontbonne at the Sisters of St. Joseph Heritage Rooms in Lyon, France.

Supporting Square One

For the second consecutive year, customers of Pride Stores and store management are showing support for Square One in a very big way. Pride recently staged a campaign where customers were encouraged to purchase a Square One ‘square’ for $1 at all Pride locations. Pride owner Bob Bolduc, one of BusinessWest’s Difference Makers for 2018, agreed to match all the donations, in support of the children and families served by Square One. On July 3, surrounded by Square One preschoolers, Bolduc, along with his team, presented a check for $13,000 to the agency at its location at 255 King St. in Springfield.

Pride employees play games with some of the children


From left, Joan Kagan, president and CEO of Square One; Marsha DelMonte and Kyara Wiggins of Pride Stores; and Kristine Allard, Square One


Bolduc meets with one of the young students.

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.

CHICOPEE DISTRICT COURT

Zenaida Rivera v. Wakefern Food Corp. d/b/a Shop Rite d/b/a Price Rite
Allegation: Negligence; slip and fall causing personal injury: $6,988
Filed: 6/8/18

HAMPDEN DISTRICT COURT

Frank Scott v. Gregory Curtis and Good Brothers Business Inc.
Allegation: Motor-vehicle negligence causing personal injury: $24,000
Filed: 6/7/18

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Beverly Rigler, personal representative of the estate of Mildred Dombrowski v. 61 Cooper Street Operations, LLC d/b/a Heritage Hall West; Genesis Healthcare, LLC; Genesis HealthCare Inc.; Genesis HealthCare Corp.; and Victoria Peters, D.O.
Allegation: Wrongful death: $1,000,000+
Filed: 5/30/18

Gary Lonczak v. Agilent Technologies Inc.
Allegation: Breach of employment contract: $100,000
Filed: 5/31/18

Edward Ballis, M.D. v. Baystate Noble Hospital Corp., Baystate Health, and Barry Sarvet, M.D.
Allegation: Employment discrimination: $350,000+
Filed: 5/31/18

Sara E. Martineau as personal representative of the estate of Laurie Jean Martineau-Gemelli v. Mary Norris, M.D.; Saba Kohkar, M.D.; and Holyoke Medical Center Inc.
Allegation: Medical malpractice, wrongful death: $32,595.36+
Filed: 6/5/18

Hedge Hog Industries Corp. v. KDC Construction Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract, negligence: $30,000
Filed: 6/6/18

Michael McNierney v. John F. Phillips d/b/a Jobbers Auto Electric
Allegation: Negligence; dog bite causing personal injury: $86,962.27
Filed: 6/7/18

Marcy Martin v. Yuri Cleaning Service, LLC
Allegation: Negligence; slip and fall causing personal injury: $165,000
Filed: 6/12/18

HAMPSHIRE DISTRICT COURT

Peter Tear v. OCPS Inc.
Allegation: Negligence; slip and fall causing personal injury: $13,070
Filed: 6/11/18

Jennifer Polins d/b/a the School for Contemporary Dance and Thought v. Chamisa Corp.
Allegation: Breach of commercial lease: $24,000
Filed: 6/19/18

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

Luis A. Gomez v. Shield Packaging Co. Inc.
Allegation: Negligence causing personal injury: $1,000,000
Filed: 6/1/18

Agenda

By
Agenda

Financial-literacy Workshops

July 11 to Aug. 1: Springfield Partners for Community Action Inc. will host financial-literacy workshops starting Wednesday, July 11 and continuing every Wednesday through Aug. 1. Sessions run from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at 721 State St., Springfield, and are free and open to the public. Workshops are facilitated by the agency’s on-staff, nationally certified credit counselors. Series learning objectives include budgeting, credit, managing money, and debt. Participants completing the course will be presented with certificates of achievement, documenting an additional skill to enhance participants’ résumés or include in their personnel files on the job. Refreshments will be served, and raffle prizes will be offered. Call Springfield Partners at (413) 263-6500 to register.

‘Trauma-sensitive Schools’

July 11-13: The Education Division at Elms College will host a three-day conference in July to give educators tools for working with students who have been affected by trauma. The conference, titled “Trauma-sensitive Schools: Meeting the Needs of Traumatized Students and Their Teachers,” will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day on the Elms College campus. This comprehensive, trauma-informed conference is designed for pre-K-to-12 school administrators, teachers, counselors, school nurses, and paraprofessionals. District and school teams are strongly encouraged to attend. The summit will provide educators with the knowledge, understanding, and tools to create a successful trauma-informed learning environment, whether in a single classroom, a whole school, or an entire district. The cost for an individual to attend is $250; for district/school teams of three or more, the cost is $200 per person. The registration deadline is June 13. To register, e-mail [email protected].

Brightside Golf Classic

July 23: More than 200 golfers are expected to participate in the 38th Annual Brightside Golf Classic at Springfield Country Club in West Springfield. Two tee times are available. Registration and breakfast for the morning session will begin at 6:45 a.m. with a shotgun start at 7:30 a.m. Lunch and registration for the afternoon session will begin at 11:30 a.m. with a 1 p.m. shotgun start. The evening reception will be held immediately following the tournament from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Prices include green fees, golf cart, breakfast and/or lunch, a gift and swag bag, and reception featuring cocktails, food stations, auction, networking, and live entertainment. On-course food and beverages will be provided by event sponsors throughout the day. Golfers will also be eligible for a chance to win prizes and participate in raffles. The 2018 Golf Classic chairs are John Kendzierski, founder and director, Professional Dry Wall Construction Inc.; Matt Sosik, president and CEO, Easthampton Savings Bank; Hank Downey, vice president, commercial loan officer, Florence Savings Bank; and Dan Moriarty, senior vice president, chief financial officer, Monson Savings Bank. For more information on sponsorships, donations, and attending the event, contact Suzanne Boniface at (413) 748-9935 or [email protected]. Information is also available at www.mercycares.com/brightside-golf-classic.

Future Tense Lecture

Sept. 20: The second 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.

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), Renew.Calm (supporting sponsor), and the Elms College MBA program (supporting sponsor).

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By
Chamber Corners

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

• July 18: 1Berkshire Chamber Nite, 5-7 p.m., hosted by NBT Bank on North Street.

• July 22: BYP Summer Social, 1:30-7:30 p.m. Begin with a catered lunch at Tanglewood with the Boston Young Professionals and end the evening with a cocktail reception at Berkshire Botanical Gardens.

• July 31: Entrepreneurial Meet-up, hosted by Shire Breu Hous, Dalton.

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

• July 30: 15th Annual Golf Tournament, hosted by Orchards Golf Club, South Hadley. Schedule: 10:30 a.m.: registration, putting contest, and light lunch; noon: shotgun start, scramble format; 5 p.m.: social hour and cash bar; 6 p.m.: dinner and awards ceremony. Hole-in-one, longest-drive, and closest-to-pin contests. Cost: $150 per player, $600 for a foursome. To register, visit www.amherstarea.com/events/details/2018-golf-tournament-19060.

• 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

Aug. 16: European Café & Open House, 4:30-7 p.m., hosted by Chicopee Chamber of Commerce & Courtyard, 264 Exchange St., Chicopee. Come enjoy a taste of the European flavors of the local restaurants, all in a relaxed setting with the musical stylings of Sergio D’Orsini. Meet and greet the local artists and tour the Chamber of Commerce and engage with many small business owners, including MaryKay, Herbarium, Lemon Grass Fitness, and TrueHeart Wellness, to name a few. Presented in partnership with Westfield Bank. Cost: $25 for one attendee, $40 for two attendees (must be purchased at the same time). Sign up online at www.chicopeechamber.org/events or call (413) 594-2101.

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

• July 9: Grow with Google, hosted by MassMutual Center, Springfield. Grow with Google is an initiative to help small businesses, startups, job seekers, developers, and teachers improve the skills they need to prepare for a job, find a job, or grow their business. These free, live workshops include “Get Found on Google Search and Maps,” “E-mail, Spreadsheets, and Presentations,” “Reach Customers Online with Google,” “Get Started with Code,” “Using Data to Drive Growth,” and “Coding for Kids.” Join us for the whole day or a specific workshop. Greater Holyoke Chamber members receive first priority registration. To register, e-mail Jordan at [email protected].

GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.explorenorthampton.com
(413) 584-1900

• July 11: July Arrive @ 5, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Northampton Country Club, 135 Main St., Leeds. Cost: $10 for members.

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

• July 12: 41st Pancake Breakfast, 7-11 a.m., hosted by South Middle School, 30 West Silver St., Westfield. Rain or shine. Attractions include a bounce house, face painting, entertainment, a live broadcast from WSKB 89.5, and vendor tables. Sponsors to date include BusinessWest (pancake sponsor), Appalachian Press (placemat sponsor), Puffer Printing (ticket sponsor), and Dunkin’ Donuts (coffee sponsor). Cost: $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, $3 for kids under 10. For additional sponsorships or tickets, call the chamber at (413) 568-1618 or visit www.westfieldbiz.org.

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

• July 19: Golf Tournament, 11 a.m., hosted by Crestview Country Club, 281 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam. Cost: $600 per foursome, $150 per individual. Reservations may be made at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com, [email protected], or (413) 755-1310.

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

• July 25: West Meets West at the Ranch Networking Event, 5-7 p.m., hosted by the Ranch Golf Club in Southwick. Join us as we pair up with the Greater Westfield Chamber for an evening of games, fun, networking, and food. These events bring members and non-members together to network in a laid-back atmosphere. Cost: free for members, $10 for non-members. For more information about this event, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880, or register online at www.westoftheriverchamber.com.

• Aug. 6: 15th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament, hosted by the Ranch Golf Club in Southwick. Schedule: 11:30 a.m.: registration; noon: lunch; 1 p.m.: shotgun start, scramble format. Putting contest, 15th hole air cannon, Carrabba’s Cuisine Hole, and more. Cost: $125 for golf and dinner. For more information and tickets to this event, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or [email protected], or register online at www.westoftheriverchamber.com.

• Aug. 16: Free Membership Appreciation Luncheon, noon to 1:30 p.m., hosted by Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Riverdale Street, West Springfield. Lunch is on us! Members can register for this networking event and bring a non-member guest, and you both enjoy a free lunch. Seating is limited, so register at www.westoftheriverchamber.com before it’s too late. For more information, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880.

People on the Move

By
People on the Move

Local news hires, promotions, awards, and appointments

Joanne Beauregard

Joanne Beauregard

The O’Connell Companies announced the promotion of Joanne Beauregard to financial vice president. Beauregard fills the position vacated by Martin Schoenemann, who retired this spring after 38 years at O’Connell’s. As financial VP, she is responsible for management of the financial, accounting, and tax matters of the company’s real estate, construction, property-management, and biosolids businesses. She moves to this position after 34 years of successive positions of increased responsibility and leadership, most recently as controller for O’Connell Development Group. She holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Hartford and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Western New England College. Beauregard is currently a board member of Providence Ministries Service Network and previously served as the chair of the board of the Sisters of Providence Health System. She also served as the treasurer of the Holyoke Children’s Museum. The O’Connell Companies is the parent company of O’Connell Development Group, New England Fertilizer Company, Appleton Corp., Western Builders, and Daniel O’Connell’s Sons.

•••••

Jessica Dupont has been named the new president of the board of Dress for Success Western Massachusetts. Dupont, director of Risk Adjustment for Health New England, joined HNE in 2008 to help launch its Medicare Advantage plan. During her tenure there, she has held several roles within the organization and was promoted to her most recent position in February 2017. Dupont received a bachelor’a degree in sociology from Mount Holyoke College and an MBA with a concentration in healthcare leadership from Elms College in 2016. She is active in both the business and nonprofit communities in the area. In 2015, she began volunteering with Dress for Success Western Massachusetts and was later asked to become a member of the board of directors. In July 2017, she assumed the role of vice president of the board. That same year, she was profiled in BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty, earning the highest score among the 150-plus nominees. Dupont is also chairperson of the local Catholic Campaign for Human Development advisory board, a member of the Elms College MBA executive advisory council, and a member of the board of directors for Square One.

•••••

Lew Rudolph

Lew Rudolph

Rev. Marisa Egerstrom

Rev. Marisa Egerstrom

Jeannie Filomeno

Marvin Gonzalez

Providence Ministries for the Needy Inc. recently announced four new board members: Lew Rudolph, the Rev. Marisa Egerstrom, Jeannie Filomeno, and Marvin Gonzalez. Rudolph is currently the director of Government and Foundation Grants and Contracts for Trinity Health in Springfield. His past experience includes roles as program director and psychotherapist for ServiceNet Inc. in Northampton, and president and CEO of Hampshire Community United Way. Egerstrom is currently the priest-in-charge at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Holyoke. Her past experience includes serving as Christian education coordinator at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Boston, as a chaplain in hospital and street settings, and as a spiritual director for young adults. She is completing a Ph.D. in American studies at Harvard University. Filomeno currently serves as the Human Resource manager at her family-operated business, Marcotte Ford. With her family, she has dedicated years of support to Providence Ministries, including preparing and serving monthly at Kate’s Kitchen, organizing clothing, food, and school-supply drives distributed to the community through Margaret’s Pantry; and donating more than 100 holiday gifts and Easter baskets. Outside of working at Marcotte Ford, Jeannie serves on the board of the Professional Women’s Chamber. Gonzalez currently serves as an outreach specialist with Eliot Community Human Services. As part of his role, he performs daily street outreach in Holyoke and Chicopee. At Kate’s Kitchen, he not only greets guests and records vital daily census data, but also serves as an advisor and troubleshooter on topics including access and information related to housing, detox, mental health, and food support. He has dedicated more than 30 years to working in human services as an advocate for the most vulnerable.

•••••

United Personnel announced the expansion of its Connecticut-based team. Nancy Scirocco Nesbitt has joined the company as its new vice president of Business Development for the Connecticut region, while Brandon Houston, United Personnel’s new director of Client Services, is leading the expansion of the firm’s Information Technology Division. Scirocco Nesbitt, most recently vice president for Government and Not-for-Profit Banking for Webster Bank, brings more than 20 years of management, client-support, and economic-development experience to her position with United. Past positions include vice president of at the Metro Hartford Alliance, adjunct professor at Central Connecticut State University, and contract administrator at Otis Elevator. She has an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut. She serves on the Governor’s Task Force for Abused Children and is a former board member of Internhere.com and the Special Olympics of Connecticut. Houston has more than 10 years of human-resources experience, with a specialty in recruiting and placing software engineers, developers, architects, project managers, infrastructure, and security personnel. He most recently worked as a senior account manager for Prestige Staffing in Atlanta. Other prior positions include recruitment management roles at Latitude Inc. and Maxim Healthcare. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Tennessee and is involved with the Metro Hartford Alliance and HYPE.

•••••

Local author and business owner Carleen Eve Fischer Hoffman is featured in the new book The Waiting Room: Invisible Voices of Lyme. The book is a compilation of 27 real-life stories released to help raise Lyme disease awareness, to encourage sufferers to keep fighting, and to help caregivers and doctors understand how to better support those with Lyme disease. Compiled by author Vickie Gould, the book outlines the struggles that sufferers go through on a daily basis, and aims to raise awareness and understanding of the disease. “It was difficult for me to write my story, and I was hesitant to release it for fear of what my family, friends, and colleagues would think — and, in fact, I had missed the deadline while contemplating my decision,” said Fischer Hoffmann, owner of the Clutter Doctor Inc. “But then I thought to myself, what if, by sharing my story, someone reading it got inspired to speak up and get help? Of course I would be happy with that.” The book is available for purchase on Amazon, and all profits will be donated to the Lyme documentary The Monster Inside Me.

•••••

Rick Sawicki of Sawicki Real Estate in Amherst was named the 2018 Realtor of the Year by the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley (RAPV). The announcement was made at the association’s annual awards dinner held on June 14 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. Realtor of the Year is the highest honor given to a member of the association and is bestowed upon a single individual who demonstrated outstanding service and devotion to the 1,700-member organization during the past 17 months in the areas of association activity, community service, and business activity. A Realtor since 2005, Sawicki served as president of the association in
2017. He is currently the immediate past president and serves on the
building, executive, finance, government affairs, president’s award,
professional development, and strategic planning committees, as well as the
candidate endorsement work group. He has participated in the Massachusetts Assoc. of Realtors (MAR) annual Realtor Day on Beacon Hill and is a major investor in the Realtors Political Action Committee (RPAC). He has been featured on the “Real Estate Minute” segment of WWLP’s Mass Appeal program. Sawicki has given back to the community through activity with the Rotary Club of Amherst and the Turners Falls High School logo task force and is a member of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce. He is actively involved in state initiatives and activities such as MAR professional standards training and Realtor party training, along with being a MAR RPAC trustee. He is also a member of the National Assoc. of Realtors (NAR) public policy coordinating committee.

•••••

Kathleen Sawtelle, a clinical and lab instructor in the Surgical Technology program at Springfield Technical Community College (STCC), received the Clinical Educator of the Year Award during the Assoc. of Surgical Technologists 2018 conference in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., on May 31. She was at the conference as a delegate for the organization. The award recognizes one clinical educator who has gone above and beyond the call of duty for students. Sawtelle received a $500 award, a trophy, and recognition at the annual conference. A 1976 graduate of STCC’s Surgical Technology program, Sawtelle has worked in the field for 42 years. She has been coordinator of clinical education for the program at STCC for the past three years, and has taught at the college for 11 years. She has worked as a certified surgical technologist at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield for 28 years and on a per diem basis for 10 years. She previously received the designation of Fellow of the Assoc. of Surgical Technologists, which recognizes surgical technologists who have upheld the highest professional, ethical, and moral standards and traditions of the profession.

•••••

Lamont Clemons, President of the Rotary Club of Springfield, recently presented Rotarians Jack Toner and Rick Lee with Rotary pins to acknowledge their donations to the Rotary Foundation. The Rotary Foundation supports clean-water projects, maternal and child health, education, and the promotion of peace throughout the world. Toner’s pin has one blue sapphire stone for his $2,000 to the foundation, and Lee’s has three sapphire stones for his $4,000 donation made over a period of time. “The global impact of the Rotary Foundation is extraordinary,” Toner said. “My small monthly gift pays itself forward over and over again. Each dollar given is multiplied through grants and various partnerships, mostly notably with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in Rotary’s effort to eradicate polio worldwide. I feel privileged to wear a different lapel pin each day to represent the various and diverse ongoing activities Rotary initiatives are involved with around the globe.” Lee also feels strongly about the Rotary and its foundation. “When I served as club president in 2014, I became acutely aware of the important work done worldwide through the Rotary Foundation,” he said. “I am convinced that supporting these efforts should be job one for any Rotarian. For me, Rotary’s unique blend of local fellowship and service, coupled with its global reach, makes the experience truly special.”

•••••

Springfield College President Mary-Beth Cooper announced the appointment of Kathleen Martin of to the position of executive director of the Capital Campaign and Campus Strategy. The appointment marks Martin’s return to Springfield College, where she received both her doctorate in physical education with a specialization in sport psychology and her master’s degree in physical education (athletics administration concentration). She also began her teaching career at Springfield College. Martin will be responsible for coordinating the overall strategic direction of the college’s capital campaign, strategic plan, and campus master plan. Through the development of strong collaborative relationships with the office of the president, the college’s senior leadership team, and key stakeholders, she will serve as the primary lead, strategist, and coordinator of strategic initiatives. Most recently, Martin served as vice provost and chief educational compliance officer and Title IX coordinator at Bay Path University. She also held the positions of director of Institutional Research and Special Projects, and assistant provost for Academic Affairs.

•••••

The Center for Human Development (CHD) has named Ben Craft its vice president of Community Engagement.In the newly restructured position, Craft has been charged with deepening the nonprofit human services agency’s relationships in the communities it serves in Massachusetts and Connecticut. In the role, he will oversee strategic communications, marketing, and development, as well as community, government, and provider relations.Craft brings a strong background in communications, engagement, and advocacy to CHD, coupled with almost 10 years of experience in healthcare and public policy, at a critical point in CHD’s growth and development. “We are excited to have Ben join us at a time when CHD is not only expanding our network of human services into more communities, but also at a time when we are playing a critical and growing role in the new model of care management, and connecting people with complex needs to more preventive and supportive services,” said Jim Goodwin, president and CEO of CHD. Craft, who grew up in East Longmeadow, started his career in New York at the Wall Street Journal and worked at the United Nations as a communications officer before returning home to Western Mass. in 2008 to work for Baystate Health, most recently as senior director of Government and Public Affairs. He is a 1996 graduate of UMass Amherst.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Florence Bank Breaks Ground on New Springfield Branch

SPRINGFIELD — Florence Bank broke ground recently on its second Hampden County branch, at 1444 Allen St. in Springfield, and leaders said the full-service location will open later this year. “We’re coming to Springfield,” John Heaps Jr., Florence Bank’s president and CEO, told a crowd of roughly 50 people who gathered for the celebratory event. “Our focus is on our customers and on helping to reinvigorate the community.” Last September, Florence Bank opened its first branch in Hampden County at 1010 Union St. in West Springfield. The Springfield branch marks the second of an anticipated four branches in the region. Like the West Springfield banking center, Heaps said, the Allen Street branch will have an open floor plan with a full-service teller pod and innovative technology for quick cash handling. The location will also feature a drive-up ATM with SMART technology for easy depositing and a comfortable waiting area inside with a coffee bar and free internet. Florence Bank has nearly 3,800 customers living in Hampden County, including 700 business customers.

People’s United Financial to Acquire First Connecticut Bancorp

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — People’s United Financial, Inc., the holding company for People’s United Bank N.A., announced an agreement to acquire First Connecticut Bancorp Inc., the holding company for Farmington Bank, in a 100% stock transaction valued at approximately $544 million. Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals and the approval of First Connecticut Bancorp shareholders. Established in 1851, Farmington Bank is a community bank with 28 branches throughout Central Conn. and Western Mass. With $3.1 billion in assets, the bank has built a strong balance sheet by focusing on commercial and retail banking. “People’s United Bank is a premier brand with a rich, 176-year history in the state of Connecticut,” said John Patrick, chairman, president, and CEO of Farmington Bank. “Our customers will benefit from their broader array of products, enhanced access to technology and digital capabilities, as well as the bank’s seven-day-a-week Stop & Shop branch locations.” The transaction is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2018. Under the terms of the agreement, which has been approved by both companies’ boards of directors, First Connecticut Bancorp shareholders will receive 1.725 shares of People’s United Financial stock for each First Connecticut Bancorp share. The transaction is valued at $32.33 per First Connecticut Bancorp share.

State’s First Solar Cooperative to Be Built in Wendell

WENDELL — Northeast Solar, in cooperation with the Wendell Energy Committee, is offering residents of Wendell and surrounding communities the opportunity to become owners of the state’s first solar cooperative. The co-op will be owned by community members who become member-owners of the site by purchasing part of the community solar array. Owners will receive all of the solar benefits generated at the site, located at 97 Wendell Depot Road. Solar panels are typically mounted on rooftops, but close to 60% of residential buildings are not suitable sites for solar due to shading or roof condition. The solar cooperative will allow any resident to purchase solar power for their homes by buying into the centralized array.  Owners in this system will receive a lower purchase price than standard residential installations. The Wendell Solar Cooperative will return more than $1.3 million back into the local economy over the life of the array. The site is expected to take between six and eight weeks to build. The co-op will accept 50 members, but Northeast Solar is planning more solar cooperatives in other communities to allow more residents the chance to go solar.

Greenfield Cooperative Bank Announces 2018 Performance

GREENFIELD — Michael Tucker, president and CEO of Greenfield Cooperative Bank and its parent company, Greenfield Bancorp, MHC, announced the operating results of the bank’s latest fiscal year as reported at the 113th annual meeting of the bank on June 19. Tucker reported that FY 2018, which ended March 31, was successful, with and the assets of the bank growing by $24.9 million (up 4.3%) over the prior year. In addition, GCB originated more than $124 million in loans of all types, and saw an increase of $28.4 million in deposits over the past year. Total equity grew to $67.4 million. The pre-tax operating income for Greenfield Cooperative Bank was up to $5,078,000 for the year ended March 31, 2018, and the net income after taxes was $2,773,000. The bank also paid its fair share of federal and Massachusetts income taxes ($1.5 million) and local property taxes (more than $129,000) in the cities and towns where it has offices. As a result of these earnings and the fact that Greenfield Cooperative Bank targets its charitable and civic giving at 5% of the prior year’s pre-tax operating income, the bank and its employees were able to contribute more than $200,000 to more than 200 charities, community groups, school events, youth teams, and cultural events throughout Hampshire and Franklin counties during the past fiscal year.

HCC, Holyoke Schools Receive Grant for Early College Program

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) and Holyoke public schools have been awarded a $131,600 state grant to establish a new program to help high-school students get an early start on their college educations. The program was one of only five such partnerships — and the only one outside the Greater Boston area — to receive an official  “Early College” designation from the state. The Early College Program will enable participating Holyoke students to earn a minimum of 12 college credits before they graduate from high school. Beginning in their sophomore years, students enrolled in the program will complete college courses in fields of study that align with academic majors at HCC and transfer pathways to four-year colleges and universities in Massachusetts. There is no cost to participating students. Like other dual-enrollment classes, the Early College courses will be taught by HCC faculty at Holyoke High School or on the HCC campus. The program is designed for 100 students each academic year, beginning in the sophomore year. At full capacity, in fall 2020, up to 300 students in grades 10-12 will be part of the program. Sophomore students will take their first college courses at Holyoke High School. In their junior and senior years, they will take courses on the main HCC campus on Homestead Avenue. According to studies, dual-enrollment courses and early-college programs boost college-completion rates for low-income students, minorities, and first-generation college students.

Colony Care at Home Donates $500 to Rotary Club’s Cambodia Project

SPRINGFIELD — Alan Popp, president of Colony Care at Home, a home-care agency in Springfield serving Western Mass. and North Central Conn., recently presented Dr. MaryAnne Herron of the Rotary Club of Springfield a check for $500. The donation was to kick off a fundraiser for the Springfield Rotary Club’s participation in an international water project for the Lvea Em District in Cambodia. “The villagers presently use the very polluted river water that surrounds their six small communities,” Herron said. “The Springfield Rotary Club has a goal to raise $600,000 to build a generator for 10,000 families who have no clean water to drink. We are applying for grants to Rotary International but need to raise some of the funds ourselves. This check is very much appreciated and a great start to our cause.” Added Popp, also a Springfield Rotarian, “I have always been especially drawn to the international service aspect of Rotary and have a particularly high regard for MaryAnne’s passion, energy, and personal sacrifice on behalf of villagers in Cambodia. As a Vietnam veteran, I also appreciate having this opportunity to give something back to Southeast Asia.”

Community Bank N.A. Donates $2,500 to MSBDCN

SPRINGFIELD — Community Bank N.A. recently presented the Western Regional Office of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network (MSBDCN) with a $2,500 donation to support the organization’s various programs for 2019. MSBDCN’s Western Regional Office provides free and confidential one-to-one business advice to prospective and existing small businesses in Western Mass. The office provides a variety of services to startups and existing businesses in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties. Areas of assistance include business-plan development, preventure feasibility, conventional and non-conventional financing, cash-flow analysis, organizational and personnel issues, and marketing. In its last fiscal year, MSBDCN conducted 36 events and workshops, which were attended by more than 300 participants. Throughout the first six months of this year, MSBDCN has met with 261 small-business clients seeking to start and grow their businesses and helped secure close to $2 million in funds for those clients.

Berkshire Bank Named 2018 Halo Award Winner

BOSTON — Berkshire Bank announced it was awarded the 2018 Gold Halo Award for its XTEAM corporate volunteer program. The award recognizes the top corporate social-responsibility efforts in North America across multiple categories, including education, cause marketing, and employee engagement. Berkshire received the award in the Employee Engagement (Group Volunteering) category, which recognizes initiatives that meaningfully and measurably engage its employees in a cause-focused initiative to achieve both a social and a business impact. Berkshire’s Xtraordinary Day of Service, held in June 2017, mobilized 92% of its workforce across the country and impacted more than 400,000 individuals. In 2017, the XTEAM logged 306 projects benefiting 203 organizations and contributed 40,000 hours of service. This corporate employee-volunteer program boasts a 100% employee-participation rate, earning it the highest recognition in the Employee Engagement category.

Briefcase

By
Briefcase

News of interest about the region’s business community

ValleyBike Launches Regional Bike-share Program

NORTHAMPTON — ValleyBike launched with a celebration and parade on June 28 at in Pulaski Park. ValleyBike is the first bike-share program in the Pioneer Valley and the first pedal-assist bike-share program in New England. The program allows members to pay for bikes by the trip, or join as a member for unlimited 45-minute rides by the day, month, or year. Partners include the communities of Amherst, Holyoke, Northampton, South Hadley, and Springfield, as well as UMass Amherst and the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC). ValleyBike was initiated by Amherst, Northampton, and the PVPC, and then quickly joined by Springfield, Holyoke, and South Hadley. The planning effort was led by the PVPC, which found the funding for planning. Leadership of the effort switched to Northampton for the implementation phase of the project. Residents may sign up at www.valleybike.org, with special founding membership opportunities for a limited time. “ValleyBike is yet another exciting example of how our region, and its cities and towns, are working collaboratively and proactively to shape a smart and sustainable future for us all,” said PVPC Executive Director Tim Brennan. “ValleyBike not only introduces a new type of shared mobility, but offers a creative and sensible way to improve our air and our health while capturing the benefits of modern-day pedal power.” ValleyBike has contracted with Bewegen Technologies and Corps Logistics to build and operate the system, and is funded by state and federal grants, Bewegen investments, community investments in station pads, user fees, and program sponsors.

State Awards $1,080,000 to Increase Access to Healthy, Local Food

BOSTON — The Baker-Polito administration awarded $1,080,000 to a joint partnership between the Local Enterprise Assistance Fund and Franklin County Community Development Corporation to create a sustainable program that creates quality jobs and increases food access for low-income residents throughout the state. The funding is awarded under the Massachusetts Food Trust Program (MFTP), a program launched by the Baker-Polito administration in 2017, which seeks to establish a financing infrastructure that increases access to healthy, affordable food options and to improve economic opportunities for nutritionally underserved communities statewide. The MFTP, funded through the administration’s FY 2018 Capital Investment Plan, provides funding through grants to community development financial institutions and community development corporations. This statewide program is designed to meet the financing needs to fresh food retailers and distributors that plan to operate in underserved communities where costs and credit needs cannot be filled solely by conventional financing institutions. With the funding, grantees may provide grants, loans, and technical assistance to support entities that have shown a meaningful commitment to sell fresh, affordable, and local products, with a preference for food grown, caught, or harvested in Massachusetts. Projects that are eligible for funding through the awarded financial institutions include the development, renovation, and expansion of supermarkets; commercial community kitchens; and commercial greenhouses.

Job Picture Continues to Improve in Massachusetts

BOSTON — Local unemployment rates decreased in 13 labor-market areas, increased in six areas, and remained the same in five labor-market areas in the state during the month of May, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported. Compared to May 2017, the rates dropped in 23 labor-market areas and increased in one area. Fourteen of the 15 areas for which job estimates are published recorded a seasonal job gain in May. The largest gains occurred in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, Barnstable, Worcester, Framingham, and Haverhill-Newburyport-Amesbury areas. The Brockton-Bridgewater-Easton area lost jobs over the month. From May 2017 to May 2018, all 15 areas added jobs, with the largest percentage gains in the Lynn-Saugus-Marblehead, Haverhill-Newburyport-Amesbury, Lawrence-Methuen-Salem, Lowell-Billerica-Chelmsford, and Worcester areas. In order to compare the statewide rate to local unemployment rates, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the statewide-unadjusted unemployment rate for May was 3.3%. Last week, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported the statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in the month of May remained at 3.5% for the eighth consecutive month. The statewide seasonally adjusted jobs estimate showed a 6,200-job gain in May, and an over-the-year gain of 56,100 jobs.

 

Pioneer Valley Communities, PVPC Acting on Climate Change

SPRINGFIELD — Nine new Pioneer Valley municipalities recently joined six already working on Municipal Vulnerability Program (MVP) certification, bringing the total to 15 communities seeking greater resiliency in the face of climate change. That represents 35% of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission’s (PVPC) member municipalities — home to approximately 410,000 people, or more than 66% of the region’s population. In 2017, six pioneering municipalities applied for and secured MVP planning grants, and four of these six have now successfully secured action grants in the highly competitive first round of funding. Of these, Belchertown will assess stream crossings and culverts, Holyoke is learning from Hurricane Maria survivors how to adapt and care for vulnerable residents affected by extreme weather, Northampton is reducing storm damage by designing with nature, and Pelham aims to improve small-town resilience. Together, these 15 municipalities have secured $1,186,512 in state funding to plan for ($348,000) and adapt to ($838,512) the changing climate. The funding allows the PVPC to engage with local officials and community stakeholders, while leveraging its unique technical capabilities. Any of the 43 cities and towns of Hampden and Hampshire counties not currently engaged in MVP work, but interested, should contact PVPC Senior Planning Emily Slotnick at (413) 781-6045 or [email protected].

Incorporations

By
Incorporations

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

AGAWAM

MKDP Inc., 418 Meadow St., A6, Agawam, MA 01001. Paul D. Musselwhite, same. Restaurant.

Pastaio Via Corta Inc., 25 Alhambra Circle South, Agawam, MA 01001. Danielle M. Glantz, same. Production and sale of food.

AMHERST

PB & A Solutions Inc., 55 Hulst Road, Amherst, MA 01002. Paul G. Bobrowski, same. Software development and other related services

EAST LONGMEADOW

Morrissey Ventures Inc., 141 Porter Road, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Paul Morrissey, same. Pet boarding and grooming.

GREENFIELD

Om Country Farm Inc., 49 Main St., Greenfield, MA 01301. Falguni Patel, 5 Patriot Ridge Lane, Wilbraham, MA 01095. Convenience.

INDIAN ORCHARD

Orchard Laser Hair Removal & Aesthetics Inc., 835 Worcester St., Suite, B, Indian Orchard, MA 01151. Aesthetic laser treatment center.

NORTHFIELD

Pioneer Valley Poetry Productions Inc., 181 School St., Northfield, MA 01360. Edward Foster, same. Product and promote public poetry readings.

PALMER

New Tang’s Inc., 1581 North Main St., Palmer, MA 01069. Chang Qi Wu, 433 51st St., Brooklyn, NY 11220. Take-out restaurant.

SPRINGFIELD

Pinnacle Express Inc., 143 Main St., Springfield, MA 01105. Kennth M. Rodriguez, same. Transportation.

Quantum Electric Inc., 29 Pelham St., Springfield, MA 01109. Christopher Martinez, same. Constructional, electrical.

WESTFIELD

New China Star Inc., 36 Southwick Road, Westfield, MA 01085. Yun Zheng, same. Take-out restaurant.

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates

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

BELCHERTOWN

Belchertown Soccer Club
2 Sabin St.
Clifford Holt II

C.O. Lawncare
40 Daniel Shays Highway
Ann Shelton

Community Options Inc.
442 State St.
Ann Shelton

Family Ties
584 North Liberty St.
Mark Fitzherbert

Frank’s Lawnmower Service
181 Jabish St.
Frank Towne

Galaxy Automotive
50 Turkey Hill Road
Ali Soleimani, Wendy Soleimani

Hubbard Home Improvement
121 North Main St.
Thomas Hubbard

Inner Peace Farm
275 Jackson St.
Sara Weil

CHICOPEE

AK Corp.
45 Forest St.
Marie-Airelle Kemembin

Residential & Commercial Design
704 Granby Road
John Kosakowski

Sarah S. Vadi
208 Exchange St.
Sarah Shanty Vadi

Where the Vinyl Things Are
141 Nonotuck Ave.
Nina Leclerc

DEERFIELD

High Performance Marketing
75 Sugarloaf St.
Daniel White

Jerry’s Place
55A North Main St.
Jared Dagrosa

Polar Focus Inc.
20 Industrial Dr. East
Michael Akrep

EASTHAMPTON

Grey Street Photography
173 Main St., Apt. R
Danielle Vengrove

Tall Dog Electronics
48 Parsons St., Unit 6
Daniel Gilbert

HADLEY

Alligator Brook Farms
42 Lawrence Place
James Gnatek

Ananda Yoga
41 Russell St.
Justine Budhram

Arts School
8 Goffe St.
Weir Arts

Edible Arrangements
41 Russell St.
Louise Beauchenirn

Embodied Chiropractic
226-D Russell St.
Brenna Werme

Fort River Farm
102 Mill Valley
Gordon Smith

Knotted Wood
79 River Dr.
Kellsie Rees

Lucy & Sue Pioneer Valley Photo
233 Bay Road
Susan Pawlishen

Pipczynski Farm
22 East St.
Dennis Pipczynski

Studio Subjective
5B Cemetery Road
Emily Gallik

HOLYOKE

Amazing Discount
369 High St.
Abdul Sattar Chaudhry

AOK Improvements
120 Front St.
AOK Bottle & Can Inc.

Bliny Crepes Tea House Inc.
50 Holyoke St.
Arturas Rivinskas

Home Health Solutions
1593 Northampton St.
Nova Leap Health MA II Inc.

Pickles Pub & Pizzeria
910 Hampden St.
Rene Dulude, Jodi Dulude

Salon Jade
234 Lyman St.
Jasmine Reyes

LONGMEADOW

Claddagh School of Irish Dance
37 Wimbleton Drive
Home Office

EPF Consulting
247 Crestview Circle
IT Consulting

NORTHAMPTON

Bird’s Store
94 Maple St.
Gaurang Patel

Companion Software
71 Olander Dr.
Lawrence Daniele

Crafted Birth
149 Barrett St.
Mollie Hartford-Chamberland

Deals by Little Man
35 Ellington Road
Katherine Carey

Holistic & Rehab Center
107 Moser St.
Sunny Chernly

Holy Cow Online Marketing
71 Olander Dr.
Lawrence Daniele

Jeffrey Bott Contracting
32 Pine St.
Jeffrey Bott

Northampton Jewelers Inc.
104 Main St.
Cuauhtli Hernandez

Rolling Clouds Soapery
140 Pine St.
Rebecca Fritz

Room 6
140 Pine St.
Wendie Willey

SPRINGFIELD

Andrew Farrar Painting
852 Belmont Ave.
Andrew Farrar

Andy and Jassi Inc.
711 Boston Road
Ravinder Arora

Barranco Construction
43 Melha Ave.
Santos Barranco

Beauty Queen Salon
874 State St.
Janira Del Luna

Blair Boys Painting
43 Belvidere St.
Dennis Blair

Crown Weather Services
152 Lake Dr.
Robert William

Dewey Street
34 Front St.
Cindy Nickerson

Fine Arts Heritage
54 Thornfell St.
Erin Lamica

FedEx Office #176
1 MGM Way
FedEx Corp.

Good Neighbor Fence Co.
80 Elijah St.
Elijah Street, LLC

Metrocare of Springfield
125 Liberty St., #404
Alex Eydinov

NEMC, LLC
720 Berkshire Ave.
Mohammed Burhan

New York Nail Salon
1368 Allen St.
Trung Nguyen

Olmeda Home Improvement
26 Ledyard St.
Orlando Olmeda

Pamela J. Chesbro Consulting
41 Eleanor Road
Pamela Chesbro

Renay’s Personal Chef Service
193 Northampton Ave.
Renay Stampp

RJ’s Handyman Service
100 Loretta St.
James Avery

Robbin D. Jones
21 Deveau St.
Robbin Jones

Roll In Roll Out Tire Service
359-361 Taylor St.
Ngoni Noble Makoni

School of the Noble Warrior
57 School St.
Ahmad Sharif

The Spirit Shoppe
1132 St. James Ave.
Pankajkumar Patel

Taylor Rentals
34 North Chatham St.
Velma Taylor

WESTFIELD

Blueriver Recycling
58 Sherwood Ave.
Gene Davis

Erwin Electrical Services
53 Westwood Dr.
Michael Erwin

Gambe ENT
43 Fairfield Ave.
Robert Gambe

Jojo’s Rustic Remnants
182 Falley Dr.
Joanne Bigelow

Major Home Improvements
19 Hunters Slope
Vasilie Kukharchuk

Pro Green Power Washing
73B Moseley Ave.
Nathan Provost

Property Management Service
Merritt Andrews
14 Spring St.

Ray of Hope International Church
15 Summer St.
Parlad Gurung

The Scrub Peddler
10 Fawn Lane
Ellen Tatro Majka

TNT Pressure Washing
9 Zephyr Dr.
Terrence Pulley

Unified PPC
49 Church St.
Maksim Yurovsky

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Aveanna Healthcare
78 Capital Dr.
Epic Health Services

Bobcat of Greater Springfield
181 Wayside Ave.
Bobcat of Greater Springfield

Comfort Inn and Suites
106 Capital Dr.
Nataver Inc.

Conca Sport and Fitness
170 Elm St.
Stephen Conca

Denny’s Auto Export
1044 Piper Road
James Denny

Elm Family Dentistry
1284 Elm St.
Cole Archambault, Gary Archambault

Forfa Home Repair
85 Day St.
William Forfa

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

The following bankruptcy petitions were re5onfirm all information with the court.

Barboza, Heidi A.
3 Fletcher St., Apt. D
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/06/18

Bauer, Raymond
229 West St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/15/18

Blakely, Jason M.
54 Beverly Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/08/18

Boudreau, David J.
18 Maple St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/01/18

Boudreau, Marilyn J.
234 South St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/01/18

Bridges, James A.
26 Spruce St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/08/18

Burgos, Eduardo R.
34 Ontario St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/05/18

Burke, Paula Anne
a/k/a Burke-Montalvo, Paula A.
40 Lawler St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/08/18

Burnett, Joshua Daniel
Burnett, Kelly Marie
181 Harugari St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/14/18

Cognac, Lori A.
58 Allison Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/06/18

Colon Robles, Carmen M.
411 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/14/18

Cox, David Martin
70 Birch St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/14/18

Cust Express
Cust, Jerry L.
36 Westerly Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/01/18

Daigneault, Kathleen M.
151 Gardens Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/12/18

Denette, Edward C.
116 John St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/13/18

Duford, Jason A.
Duford, Christy L.
112 Balfour Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/08/18

Flores, Jasmine A.
19 Hastings St., Apt. 2L
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/11/18

Gaj, Paul Francis
60 Oaklawn Ave.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/31/18

Gamache, Tammy L.
157 Palmer St.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/05/18

Gardner, Shirley L.
a/k/a Spencer, Shirley L.
47 Palmyra St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/13/18

Gelinas, Brett A.
75 Fairway Dr.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/01/18

Gillis, Brian Stuart
128 Russell St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/04/18

Gorn, Scott Zelig
457 Springfield St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/05/18

Guiel, Daniel R.
Guiel, Cheryl A.
2027 Westfield St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/12/18

Kelly, Carol L.
28 Duffy Lane
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/04/18

Landry, Linda A.
260 Fountain St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/11/18

LeClaire, Kenneth J.
LeClaire, Robin D.
50 Campbell Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/01/18

Lissandri, Lillian P.
21 Gay Ter.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/01/18

Lorow, Gregg A.
Lorow, Lynda S.
146 Edwards Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/01/18

Lovler, David A.
11 Fairfield Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/05/18

Morey, Amy R.
22 Laurel St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/08/18

MSM Transport, LLC
73 Oregon Road
Ashland, MA 01721
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/11/18

Mullarkey, Gregory A.
11 Fowler Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/07/18

Narreau, Paul
Narreau, Patricia A.
2023 East St.
Three Rivers, MA 01080
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/11/18

North, Kevin Allen
227 North Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/14/18

Ojeda, Jessica
a/k/a Ojeda-Tarrats, Jessica
38 Dorothy Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/11/18

O’Malley, Maureen V.
16 Union St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/04/18

Owens, Kissa T.
a/k/a Owens-Davis, Kissa T.
53 Palmer Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/08/18

Payless Auto Sales
Doyle, Wayne
Doyle, Kelly
a/k/a Brothers, Kelly
215 Ware St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/11/18

Pushee, Craig Eugene
13 Leo Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/12/18

Renaud, Kelly Rita
23 Coolidge Ave.
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/05/18

Renaud, Kelly Rita
23 Coolidge Ave.
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/15/18

Rodriguez, Evelyn
290 Dorset St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/07/18

Rozki, Bethany J.
110 Wayne St.
West Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/10/18

Ruel, Paul A.
37 Ridgeway Circle
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/08/18

Spencer, Elizabeth A
75 Main St., Apt. 2
Northfield, MA 01360
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/08/18

Sustache, Ruth D.
16-18 Beacon Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/05/18

Territo, Jennifer M.
38 Gerrard Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/11/18

Torres, Denise
a/k/a Rivera, Denise
51 Quincy St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/07/18

Turgeon, Germain J.
Turgeon, Laurette M.
20 Everett St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/08/18

Welcome, Kurt Joseph
10 Depot St.
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/08/18

Wiater, John M.
200 Stafford Road
Wales, MA 01081
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/07/18

Zborowski, Douglas J.
Zborowski, Renee O.
a/k/a Stetson, Renee O.
49A Crown St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/13/18

Real Estate Transactions

By
Real Estate

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

ASHFIELD

1629 Conway Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Cynthia J. Cheever
Seller: Jacqueline T. Marsh
Date: 06/05/18

BUCKLAND

1 Conway Road
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $218,000
Buyer: Clint R. Kelley
Seller: Dena M. Briggs
Date: 06/14/18

COLRAIN

15 High St.
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Migdalys Burgos-Diaz
Seller: Douglas A. Weber
Date: 06/07/18

CONWAY

411 South Shirkshire Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $134,000
Buyer: Patrick Lynch
Seller: Wells Fargo Bank
Date: 06/11/18

DEERFIELD

12 Captain Lathrop Dr.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Barbara Kubacki
Seller: Barbara Kubacki RET
Date: 06/05/18

341 Pine Nook Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Philip Greer
Seller: David Ilsley
Date: 06/11/18

GREENFIELD

898 Bernardston Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $322,000
Buyer: Frederick G. Nassiff
Seller: R. J. Mulford
Date: 06/15/18

68 Cleveland St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $197,500
Buyer: Michael F. Dindoffer
Seller: Dana M. Fulton
Date: 06/08/18

259 Federal St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: James W. Renaud
Seller: Raven Ridge LLC
Date: 06/08/18

70 Fort Square
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Edmond L. Leclerc
Seller: Jennifer A. Mielinski
Date: 06/08/18

39 Grove St.
Greenfield, MA 01376
Amount: $174,000
Buyer: Paul W. Allis
Seller: Daniel M. Majewski
Date: 06/15/18

16 Hall Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $192,000
Buyer: Andrew Downey Myles
Seller: Joshua D. Parker
Date: 06/15/18

128 Mountain Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $433,500
Buyer: Curtice R. Griffin
Seller: Alistair N. Shurman
Date: 06/08/18

47 Silvio O. Conte Dr.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $640,000
Buyer: DS PBCR LLC
Seller: Howard Mathison
Date: 06/06/18

28 Wunsch Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Austin E. Moreno
Seller: Andrew M. Cloutier
Date: 06/15/18

HAWLEY

12 Pudding Hollow Road
Hawley, MA 01339
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Bryan W. Clark
Seller: Kenneth A. Bertsch
Date: 06/07/18

LEVERETT

10 Lead Mine Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Michael A. Wissemann
Seller: Langley RT
Date: 06/07/18

101 Long Hill Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $338,000
Buyer: Anya Jacobs
Seller: Sharon E. Howard
Date: 06/14/18

LEYDEN

27 Eden Trail
Leyden, MA 01337
Amount: $236,000
Buyer: Richard Pendleton
Seller: Wayne L. Fisher
Date: 06/08/18

MONTAGUE

14 Gunn Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $308,000
Buyer: Tanya M. Parker
Seller: Henry Komosa
Date: 06/15/18

ORANGE

35 Ball St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Katherine S. Bates
Seller: David A. Page
Date: 06/05/18

24 Briggs St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Lisa R. Merrill
Seller: Arthur Dumont
Date: 06/11/18

67 Mayo Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: 88 Lambert Ave NT
Seller: Ruby Realty LLC
Date: 06/11/18

3 Meadow Lane
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Jacob Fedelski
Seller: Ryan J. Lilley
Date: 06/08/18

Moore Ave. #6E
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: George A. Hunt
Seller: Orange Economic Development
Date: 06/08/18

118 Tully Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Mickey Gonzalez
Seller: Reginald C. Haughton
Date: 06/07/18

SHELBURNE

125 Reynolds Road
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: John F. Manning
Seller: Michael D. Parry
Date: 06/15/18

55 Shelburne Center Road
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Jeffrey B. Barden
Seller: Biscuit Hill Farm LLC
Date: 06/04/18

SHUTESBURY

379 Leverett Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Thomas R. Zeller
Seller: Kevin McGarigal
Date: 06/08/18

WENDELL

41 Bear Mountain Road
Wendell, MA 01379
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Rachel Stevens
Seller: John T. Koehler
Date: 06/11/18

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

115 Anthony St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Alicia C. St.Laurent
Seller: Mary-Ellen Hulse
Date: 06/04/18

27 Belvidere Ave.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $200,900
Buyer: Kathleen S. Sobczyk
Seller: John Cooley
Date: 06/08/18

44 Colonial Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $208,000
Buyer: Timothy J. Dobek
Seller: Patrick H. Cullen
Date: 06/11/18

234 Corey St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $228,550
Buyer: New England Developers
Seller: US Bank
Date: 06/14/18

28 Garden St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Kelly Holve
Seller: David A. Dorman
Date: 06/05/18

70 Independence Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $339,000
Buyer: Lawrence A. Mayo
Seller: Matthew W. Bulmer
Date: 06/14/18

232 North Westfield St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Katelyn Iacolo
Seller: Norman J. Iacolo
Date: 06/08/18

58 Oak Lane
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $206,250
Buyer: Thomas J. Graveline
Seller: James T. Graveline
Date: 06/04/18

34 Peros Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Stephen Liptak
Seller: June L. Savoy
Date: 06/11/18

52 Peros Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Joshua M. Dufrane
Seller: Viktor Moshkovskiy
Date: 06/08/18

31 Pineview Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: J. M. Leclerc-McLaughlin
Seller: Brett J. McLaughlin
Date: 06/05/18

76 Pineview Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Ashley M. Moore
Seller: David L. Aldrich
Date: 06/12/18

167 Poplar St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Jason Mann
Seller: Mary F. Whalen
Date: 06/15/18

53 Silver St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Patrick H. Cullen
Seller: Emerald City Rentals LLC
Date: 06/11/18

71 Stony Hill Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $142,058
Buyer: HSBC Bank
Seller: William J. Muzzy
Date: 06/13/18

76 Pineview Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Ashley M. Moore
Seller: David L. Aldrich
Date: 06/12/18

167 Poplar St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Jason Mann
Seller: Mary F. Whalen
Date: 06/15/18

53 Silver St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Patrick H. Cullen
Seller: Emerald City Rentals LLC
Date: 06/11/18

71 Stony Hill Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $142,058
Buyer: HSBC Bank
Seller: William J. Muzzy
Date: 06/13/18

BLANDFORD

30-R Birch Hill Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Ryan F. Jarest
Seller: Edwin E. Howe
Date: 06/15/18

Stannard Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Springfield City Water
Seller: Arlow H. Case
Date: 06/11/18

30-R Birch Hill Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Ryan F. Jarest
Seller: Edwin E. Howe
Date: 06/15/18

Stannard Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Springfield City Water
Seller: Arlow H. Case
Date: 06/11/18

BRIMFIELD

67 Champeaux Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $446,000
Buyer: MTGLQ Investors LP
Seller: Mike W. Crosby
Date: 06/08/18

CHICOPEE

40 Auburn St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $169,500
Buyer: Victor M. Santiago-Rivera
Seller: Glotin, Leone A., (Estate)
Date: 06/15/18

115 Blanchwood Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Ramona M. Romero
Seller: Christina J. Cordero
Date: 06/11/18

388 Broadway St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $392,500
Buyer: Hurricane Properties LLC
Seller: North Harlow 2 LLC
Date: 06/15/18

635 Burnett Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $213,000
Buyer: Robert F. Barnes
Seller: Jones FT
Date: 06/08/18

378 Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Dmitriy Salagornik
Seller: Sergey Tokarev
Date: 06/05/18

400 East Main St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Al Lafleur Inc.
Seller: Kenneth A. Gevry
Date: 06/13/18

600 East Main St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Elizabeth J. Cayo
Seller: Ronald A. Libby
Date: 06/15/18

146 Edgewood Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Steven P. Gilzinger
Seller: Joseph M. Thomas
Date: 06/08/18

195 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Jessica Nhong
Seller: Jadwiga D. Nhong
Date: 06/15/18

92 Harding St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $163,000
Buyer: Lisa M. Reniewicz
Seller: Adam P. Tanguay
Date: 06/06/18

117 Labelle Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $274,000
Buyer: Sobhi M. Saleh
Seller: Kazimierz Chmielewski
Date: 06/14/18

43 Laskowski St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Melissa M. Lizardi
Seller: Daniel J. Roberge
Date: 06/13/18

76 Neill Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $213,000
Buyer: Paulo M. Fragoso
Seller: Michael J. Fine
Date: 06/08/18

17 Pearl St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $248,000
Buyer: Joseph T. Lemire
Seller: Elaine M. Dutton
Date: 06/15/18

421 Prospect St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $163,000
Buyer: Barbara Dickinson
Seller: Jeffrey Vanoudenhove
Date: 06/11/18

25 Tenney St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Jose A. Fines
Seller: Robert F. Barnes
Date: 06/08/18

40 Western Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Bachir M. Saleh
Seller: Elizabeth Dabrowski
Date: 06/15/18

24 Willwood St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $145,953
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: John Martino
Date: 06/04/18

EAST LONGMEADOW

147 Canterbury Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $730,500
Buyer: Min Zhao
Seller: Mitchell J. Westlund
Date: 06/15/18

134 Country Club Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $900,000
Buyer: Peter Cote
Seller: Timothy P. Daggett
Date: 06/15/18

Deer Park Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Charles G. Arment
Seller: Westmass Area Development Corp.
Date: 06/14/18

126 Gates Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $185,500
Buyer: Jonathan Schroeder
Seller: William E. Preye
Date: 06/04/18

26 Hampden Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $252,500
Buyer: Ronald F. Ennaco
Seller: Allyn K. Peterson
Date: 06/07/18

38 Hillside Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $234,900
Buyer: Kyle C. Mitchell
Seller: David N. Abad
Date: 06/14/18

12 Indiana St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: M. N. Logan-Cangialosi
Seller: Hastings, Cedric W., (Estate)
Date: 06/11/18

15 Peachtree Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $555,000
Buyer: Ormond B. Hamilton
Seller: Jeffery H. Hastings
Date: 06/05/18

80 Porter Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Casey Laushway
Seller: Todd M. Kowalczyk
Date: 06/04/18

55 Rockingham Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $589,000
Buyer: Christopher Mudge
Seller: Patrick T. Mailloux
Date: 06/15/18

834 Somers Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $264,000
Buyer: Jessica Nash
Seller: Joseph P. Deangelo
Date: 06/15/18

250 Westwood Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Gina M. Roy
Seller: Samar Reine
Date: 06/07/18

HAMPDEN

13 Sessions Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $223,000
Buyer: Taran A. Savoie
Seller: Joseph Delessio
Date: 06/15/18

HOLLAND

18 Knollwood Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $126,000
Buyer: David A. Roche
Seller: Barbara Travisano
Date: 06/07/18

21 Lakeridge Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Karen J. Calkins
Seller: Arnold Paul
Date: 06/13/18

51 Old County Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Davide M. Ferrari
Seller: Jude Germaine-Skowyra
Date: 06/15/18

1 Old East Brimfield Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $198,000
Buyer: Jennifer J. Sullivan
Seller: Jean M. Sullivan
Date: 06/11/18

18 Stafford Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $214,900
Buyer: Jesse Vaillancourt
Seller: Jose L. Ramos
Date: 06/12/18

HOLYOKE

82 Chapin St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $184,000
Buyer: Luis Rodriguez
Seller: Miguel A. Cruz
Date: 06/11/18

11 Cypress Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Anthony E. Giannetti
Seller: James M. Hart
Date: 06/13/18

141 Dupuis Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Brian E. Besko
Seller: Andrew M. Barsalou
Date: 06/04/18

345-363 Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Assets Investment Co. LLC
Seller: Princeton Commercial Holding
Date: 06/05/18

51 Francis Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $157,700
Buyer: Jeffrey D. Nutting
Seller: Donna E. Dickinson
Date: 06/13/18

1033-R Hampden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $171,000
Buyer: Beatriz I. Rivera
Seller: Bowen, Shirley J., (Estate)
Date: 06/13/18

63 Hillview Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $189,839
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Erica R. Leahy
Date: 06/12/18

20 Labrie Lane
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $389,000
Buyer: Leeann Pasquini
Seller: Eduardo B. Carballo
Date: 06/12/18

21 Morgan St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: Jennifer Gutterman
Seller: Hedge Hog Industries Corp.
Date: 06/11/18

1140 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Ruth H. Pinon
Seller: James M. Neiswanger
Date: 06/04/18

126-128 Pearl St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Alexandra H. Fazzi
Seller: John Makowski
Date: 06/15/18

133 Pleasant St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Andrzej J. Warminski
Seller: Linda C. Laderach
Date: 06/15/18

28 Stanford St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Patrick T. Kandianis
Seller: Katherine Q. Hebert
Date: 06/15/18

30 Vadnais St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $259,000
Buyer: Fabienne D. Boisson
Seller: Jennifer L. Cooper
Date: 06/08/18

292-294 West Franklin St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: James Stillwaggon
Seller: Richard A. Herman
Date: 06/14/18

LONGMEADOW

37 Captain Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $226,800
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Diane L. Josephson
Date: 06/14/18

246 Colony Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $675,000
Buyer: Yiming Ching
Seller: James R. Cook
Date: 06/04/18

26 Edgewood Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $278,000
Buyer: Ryan M. Coseo
Seller: Jesus Escobar
Date: 06/08/18

177 Hopkins Place
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $316,900
Buyer: Michael Diclemente
Seller: John D. Bowman
Date: 06/06/18

10 Magnolia Circle
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $628,000
Buyer: Timothy J. Sheehan
Seller: Elaine Fleisher
Date: 06/13/18

15 Magnolia Circle
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $580,000
Buyer: Andreas Vaupel
Seller: Natalie K. Rafferty
Date: 06/04/18

183 Meadowbrook Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Carol L. Abizaid
Seller: Mary Scully
Date: 06/04/18

142 Meadowlark Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $269,000
Buyer: Jeremy E. Master
Seller: Anil V. Inamdar
Date: 06/04/18

49 Quinnehtuk Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $427,000
Buyer: Shawn A. Caron
Seller: Richard S. Fox
Date: 06/15/18

36 Willett Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $481,000
Buyer: Matthew Brais
Seller: James F. Biron
Date: 06/14/18

186 Williams St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $277,000
Buyer: David P. Buscemi
Seller: Elizabeth Perodeau
Date: 06/08/18

963 Williams St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $488,000
Buyer: Alexander C. Santaniello
Seller: Vincent B. Santaniello
Date: 06/11/18

LUDLOW

30 Brookfield St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Raul R. Coelho
Seller: Anne M. Correia
Date: 06/12/18

54 Bruni Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Butcher
Seller: Hervieux, Mary C., (Estate)
Date: 06/08/18

47 Coolidge Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $235,500
Buyer: Isabel G. Martins
Seller: Elaine Lemieux
Date: 06/13/18

33 Crescent Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $186,250
Buyer: Nicole L. Belisle-Garza
Seller: Domitilia A. Rodrigues
Date: 06/12/18

174 Erin Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $284,000
Buyer: Steven M. Oliveira
Seller: Ann M. Belden
Date: 06/15/18

78 Georgetown Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Patrick A. Roy
Seller: Diane L. Witowski
Date: 06/11/18

135-137 Howard St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Manuel C. Salgado
Seller: Idalina C. Rodrigues
Date: 06/14/18

115-117 Minechoag Heights
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Jorge J. Fonseca
Seller: Jose F. Mateus
Date: 06/14/18

11 Nash Hill Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $332,000
Buyer: Brent E. Fisher
Seller: Deann Szczepanek-Bingham
Date: 06/08/18

183 Prospect St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Nathan J. Pereira
Seller: Donald G. Clement
Date: 06/07/18

183 Reynolds St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $148,500
Buyer: Eric A. Rucki
Seller: Wells Fargo Bank
Date: 06/15/18

137 Stevens St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Grace M. Dias
Seller: Vincent F. Stanek
Date: 06/05/18

681 West St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $397,000
Buyer: Chris L. Cotto
Seller: Ronald P. Methe
Date: 06/15/18

135 Whitney St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Kyle W. Neil-Vosburgh
Seller: Kyle J. Gauthier
Date: 06/15/18

MONSON

41 Thompson St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $128,200
Buyer: TM Properties Inc.
Seller: TM Properties Inc.
Date: 06/05/18

MONTGOMERY

47 Pitcher St.
Montgomery, MA 01085
Amount: $613,000
Buyer: Steven D. Pierce
Seller: Roberta Barron
Date: 06/14/18

PALMER

10 Brown St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Stephanie S. Russo
Seller: Gordon M. Merkel
Date: 06/04/18

1057 Central St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $212,400
Buyer: Carol Campagna
Seller: Donald J. Potter
Date: 06/15/18

39 Converse St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Michael C. Champagne
Seller: Irene M. Johnson
Date: 06/15/18

4037 Hill St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $252,500
Buyer: Dianne L. Lefebvre
Seller: Steven P. Lemay
Date: 06/08/18

80 Squier St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $236,195
Buyer: Wesley R. Deshano
Seller: Raymond Labonte
Date: 06/08/18

2 Thompson Dr.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $231,900
Buyer: Kevin Larocque
Seller: Jane E. Sutphin
Date: 06/15/18

SOUTHWICK

12 Bugbee Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Larue FT
Seller: Anderson, Elwood H., (Estate)
Date: 06/04/18

9 Junction Station Road #9
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Mary F. Whalen
Seller: 20 Depot Square LLC
Date: 06/15/18

24 Lauren Lane
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $540,000
Buyer: Matthew W. Bulmer
Seller: Kelly J. Francoeur
Date: 06/14/18

11 North Pond Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $725,000
Buyer: Daryl M. Philo
Seller: Chang H. Choi
Date: 06/15/18

7 Overlook Lane
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Cynthia N. Metcalf
Seller: Pinnacle Estates at the Ranch
Date: 06/15/18

45 Pineywood Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: Yuliya Sivolobova
Seller: Wilmington Savings
Date: 06/05/18

11 Pondview Lane
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $510,000
Buyer: Thomas C. Feyre
Seller: Rodney H. Payette
Date: 06/13/18

SPRINGFIELD

48 Agnes St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $148,900
Buyer: Darcy L. Borecki
Seller: Brian A. Bisson
Date: 06/14/18

137-139 Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Charlie Melo-Perez
Seller: Gabriel E. Sanchez
Date: 06/05/18

891-893 Armory St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $128,740
Buyer: JP Morgan Chase Bank
Seller: Domitila Silva-Cruz
Date: 06/07/18

36 Arthur St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $194,000
Buyer: Juan D. Almonte
Seller: Miriam I. Caldwell
Date: 06/15/18

107 Arthur St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $200,500
Buyer: Evelyne I. Malavi
Seller: Erik J. Lacasse
Date: 06/11/18

228 Atwater Road
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Robert F. Shea
Seller: Keough, John J. Jr, (Estate)
Date: 06/08/18

64 Audubon St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $199,000
Buyer: Daren Kline
Seller: Grosz RT
Date: 06/04/18

17 Balfour Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $131,500
Buyer: Scott T. Page
Seller: Andrew A. Ngure
Date: 06/15/18

465 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $124,586
Buyer: PNC Bank
Seller: Susann G. Schwarz
Date: 06/04/18

185 Birchland Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Mattie L. Barklow
Seller: Robert J. Shonak
Date: 06/08/18

175 Bowles Park
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $223,829
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Anthony Appleyard
Date: 06/06/18

37 Bray St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Yolanda Torres
Seller: Mary Peters
Date: 06/12/18

35 Bruce St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $147,000
Buyer: Kathryn Graves
Seller: Kevin T. Stevenson
Date: 06/08/18

50 Cambridge St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $202,000
Buyer: Orlando Berdecia
Seller: VIP Homes & Associates LLC
Date: 06/06/18

52 Carnavon Circle
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Jeanny B. Chalas
Seller: Titus B. Barklow
Date: 06/08/18

26-28 Claremont St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Zuleikys Y. Escoto
Seller: Lachenauer LLC
Date: 06/08/18

374 Commonwealth Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $136,900
Buyer: Krista Santiago
Seller: Mildred Goldsmith
Date: 06/15/18

58 Crawford Circle
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Ashley C. Crutchfield
Seller: Della Ripa Real Estate
Date: 06/14/18

41 Dartmouth St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Fatima M. Abdelmagid
Seller: Yasir Osman
Date: 06/06/18

84 Denver St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Kimberly A. Deuso
Seller: Juan A. Lozada
Date: 06/12/18

201 Durant St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $169,900
Buyer: Seneca R. Spruill
Seller: Joshua O’Neil
Date: 06/11/18

74 East Drumlin Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Jenna Girouard
Seller: Leonard Volfson
Date: 06/15/18

101 Eleanor Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $133,000
Buyer: Joyce A. Crafts
Seller: Maria Georges
Date: 06/07/18

29 Fairway Dr.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $162,500
Buyer: Garfield D. March
Seller: Shellie M. Donner
Date: 06/15/18

55 Fenway Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $204,000
Buyer: Mohammed N. Meteab
Seller: Country Development Corp.
Date: 06/14/18

264 Fountain St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $117,500
Buyer: William Raleigh
Seller: Wells Fargo Bank
Date: 06/08/18

228 Gifford St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: NSP Residential LLC
Seller: PNC Bank
Date: 06/08/18

171 Gilbert Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $116,400
Buyer: Daniel Cabido
Seller: James W. Fiore
Date: 06/05/18

46 Grattan St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Hellson N. Almodovar
Seller: Anibal Cotto-Laboy
Date: 06/08/18

6 Greentree Circle
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $206,000
Buyer: Shane M. Fricke
Seller: Charmaine Luvera
Date: 06/15/18

23 Greentree Circle
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Hyacinthe Ufiteyezu
Seller: Domenic S. Folco
Date: 06/08/18

98 Hall St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Jose L. Fontan
Seller: Lachenauer LLC
Date: 06/15/18

77 Huron St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Lareau
Seller: Kenneth L. Fitzgibbon
Date: 06/11/18

55 Ionia St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $147,100
Buyer: Johanny M. Tejeda
Seller: Indra Harris
Date: 06/04/18

43 Jefferson Ave.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Homayra Rivera-Lozada
Seller: Imadeddine A. Awkal
Date: 06/05/18

179 King St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $138,500
Buyer: Kevin R. Benoit
Seller: Marie Tavernier
Date: 06/15/18

34 Lancaster St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $169,900
Buyer: Justin J. Turner
Seller: George E. Legere
Date: 06/04/18

65 Leatherleaf Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: 4D RT
Seller: Janice M. Moses
Date: 06/12/18

73 Leete St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $117,400
Buyer: Jose E. Serrano
Seller: Vanessa Rodriguez
Date: 06/12/18

150 Louis Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $174,000
Buyer: Dylan J. Sheehan
Seller: Joanne N. Gilley
Date: 06/13/18

45 Lumae St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Michele L. Paige
Seller: Laura A. Normand
Date: 06/15/18

445 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: 445 LLC
Seller: RSMS LLC
Date: 06/11/18

46 Marquette St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Lydia E. Caban
Seller: Joseph Pantuosco
Date: 06/14/18

53 Martha St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Solimar Rivera
Seller: Somontia S. Smith
Date: 06/05/18

110 Mary Coburn Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Robert J. Perkins
Seller: Nancy G. Kennedy
Date: 06/07/18

90 Mayher St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $164,900
Buyer: Chad J. Tillinghast
Seller: Cheryl M. Cassidy
Date: 06/15/18

41 McKnight St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $154,000
Buyer: Jitxia M. Diaz
Seller: Good Homes LLC
Date: 06/13/18

109 Mildred Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Miriam L. Caldwell
Seller: Sandra L. Sternal-Chafer
Date: 06/15/18

34-36 Moulton St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $128,625
Buyer: Junior Properties LLC
Seller: HSBC Bank
Date: 06/15/18

49 Norman St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $169,900
Buyer: Jacqueline Diaz
Seller: James Lee
Date: 06/15/18

24 North Brook Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Rick M. Pio
Seller: Brian Krawiec
Date: 06/04/18

80 Northampton Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Ramon A. Rodriguez
Date: 06/11/18

60 Old Brook Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $205,500
Buyer: Kelly A. Partridge
Seller: Daniel P. Lukasik
Date: 06/07/18

154 Packard Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $174,000
Buyer: Venice M. Phillips
Seller: Gary M. Gaudette
Date: 06/08/18

406-408 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Albert B. Cuevas
Seller: FHLM
Date: 06/12/18

850 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Bank New York Mellon
Seller: David O. Nicholson
Date: 06/05/18

14 Parkwood St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $179,900
Buyer: Felix Arez
Seller: Albert Garnier
Date: 06/08/18

872 Plumtree Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $163,000
Buyer: Matthew Simon
Seller: Freddie Redondo
Date: 06/05/18

133 Powell Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Gamalier Colon
Seller: Randy L. Knoll
Date: 06/08/18

23 Rosedale Ave.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $167,000
Buyer: Michael Winn
Seller: Frank V. Winn
Date: 06/15/18

1160 Saint James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $227,000
Buyer: Sabrina L. Cooley
Seller: Saw Construction LLC
Date: 06/15/18

68 South Branch Pkwy.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: DPW RET
Seller: William L. Collins
Date: 06/15/18

119 South Branch Pkwy.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $160,514
Buyer: FHLM
Seller: Veronica C. Gooden
Date: 06/06/18

36 South Shore Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Jeffrey C. Meon
Seller: Mary E. Metzger
Date: 06/12/18

183 Stapleton Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $153,000
Buyer: Amybeth Danehey
Seller: AJN Rentals LLC
Date: 06/15/18

34-36 Sterling St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $182,000
Buyer: Jacey M. Rondeau
Seller: Nolava LLC
Date: 06/07/18

27 Stocker St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Charlene Cuevas
Seller: Jessica Ferreira
Date: 06/12/18

102 Tinkham Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $224,900
Buyer: A. Martinez-Velazquez
Seller: Anthony M. Feliton
Date: 06/14/18

22 Virginia St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $192,000
Buyer: Yolanda I. Cabrera
Seller: Global Homes Properties
Date: 06/08/18

374-382 Walnut St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Joshua Reid
Seller: Mitchell Taylor
Date: 06/12/18

24 Webber St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Ai N. Lin
Seller: Carol R. Collins
Date: 06/07/18

191 West Allen Ridge Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $156,100
Buyer: Catharine Norman-Pauze
Seller: Alice Eustathion
Date: 06/14/18

750 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $164,820
Buyer: Midfirst Bank
Seller: Mai Nguyen
Date: 06/06/18

226 Winton St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $174,226
Buyer: Christopher J. Footit
Seller: Alan A. Pellerin
Date: 06/15/18

15 Woodridge Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Anthony Recchia
Seller: Timothy M. McGowan
Date: 06/08/18

29 Woodrow St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $129,700
Buyer: Irmarilis Santiago
Seller: Diego Garcia
Date: 06/14/18

WALES

18 Ainsworth Hill Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $219,000
Buyer: Jarrett Tanner-Sumwalt
Seller: Theodore J. Casey
Date: 06/12/18

22 Monson Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $268,000
Buyer: Eric Pedersen
Seller: Timothy J. Watson
Date: 06/13/18

WEST SPRINGFIELD

163 Albert St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Amanda E. Kocot
Seller: Gray, Birgitta E., (Estate)
Date: 06/15/18

31 Bonnie Brae Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $297,000
Buyer: Arnold C. Farley
Seller: Jeanne A. Gagne
Date: 06/05/18

47 Bradford Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $5,000,000
Buyer: DAK Judge LLC
Seller: Home-Like Apartments Inc.
Date: 06/15/18

35 Burke Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: John P. Rancin
Seller: Lilliya Kulyak
Date: 06/14/18

86 Connecticut Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Brian S. Zapor
Seller: Brahman Holdings LLC
Date: 06/08/18

62 Craig Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $5,000,000
Buyer: Dak Judge LLC
Seller: Home-Like Apartments Inc.
Date: 06/15/18

102 Greystone Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Ryan Bartlett
Seller: James F. Bailey
Date: 06/04/18

123 Greystone Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Migdalia Bernal
Seller: Catherine J. Napolitan
Date: 06/04/18

45 High St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Atif Khan
Seller: Vladimir Kot
Date: 06/07/18

6 Lyman St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Aspen Properties Investments
Seller: Ryan Harrington
Date: 06/07/18

79 Robinson Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $283,500
Buyer: Joseph P. Saimeri
Seller: William Brown
Date: 06/05/18

11 Sheridan Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $232,500
Buyer: David J. Malloy
Seller: Nolan P. Ryan
Date: 06/06/18

68 Sprague St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $155,900
Buyer: That W. Tun
Seller: Robin A. Austin
Date: 06/04/18

249 Woodmont St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $227,500
Buyer: Michael S. Tenczar
Seller: Sabrina Capaccio
Date: 06/08/18

WESTFIELD

56 Barrister Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Scott A. Cervonayco
Seller: Paul P. Petell
Date: 06/15/18

50 Dartmouth St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Nicholas J. Blais
Seller: Brahman Holdings LLC
Date: 06/15/18

307 Falley Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Anthony J. Bilotta
Seller: Judith G. Mason
Date: 06/04/18

33 Hawks Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Vuthy Chhum
Seller: Eric D. Meyers
Date: 06/08/18

102 Lindbergh Blvd.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: MTGLQ Investors LP
Seller: Kara E. Smith
Date: 06/07/18

163 Main St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $158,546
Buyer: Wilmington Savings
Seller: Pamela J. Kappel
Date: 06/11/18

138 Meadow St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $117,500
Buyer: C&K Blue Sky Properties
Seller: Ruby Realty LLC
Date: 06/05/18

45 Miller St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $179,900
Buyer: Joann Laplante
Seller: John E. Wood
Date: 06/08/18

78 Orange St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $224,000
Buyer: Maya Shankar
Seller: Sara E. Gilbert
Date: 06/08/18

20 School St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $204,500
Buyer: Western Mass Property Developers
Seller: Eagle Properties Development Inc.
Date: 06/15/18

347 Shaker Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $224,900
Buyer: Krystal Olko
Seller: Lapierre, Liann, (Estate)
Date: 06/06/18

10 Sherman St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $116,500
Buyer: Richard Ringer
Seller: Deutsche Bank
Date: 06/15/18

55 South Meadow Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $263,500
Buyer: Elizabeth A. Emmett
Seller: Robert B. Morrill
Date: 06/14/18

25 Spruce St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Zachary Florek
Seller: Robert W. Bernardara
Date: 06/08/18

57 Western Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Patrick M. Greaney
Seller: Jeffrey R. Mitchell
Date: 06/13/18

WILBRAHAM

2343 Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Tadpole Development Corp.
Seller: Bellasophia LLC
Date: 06/15/18

43 Decorie Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $337,000
Buyer: Jeffrey M. Picariello
Seller: Rene D. Garza
Date: 06/12/18

14 Devonshire Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $213,600
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Richard K. Lawrence
Date: 06/07/18

44 East Longmeadow Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Association Properties Group
Seller: Steven E. Kloss
Date: 06/08/18

9 Longfellow Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $176,320
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Lorraine Scott
Date: 06/12/18

4 Maynard Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: NRZ REO 10 LLC
Seller: Richard S. Kinsey
Date: 06/05/18

7 Ronald Circle
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Nicole M. Fusco
Seller: Custom Homes Development Group
Date: 06/08/18

38 Sunnyside Ter.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $318,000
Buyer: Daniel Soto-Tovar
Seller: Judy L. Cezeaux
Date: 06/07/18

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

42 Applewood Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Adam Tanguay
Seller: David L. Slovin
Date: 06/06/18

50 Aubinwood Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $347,500
Buyer: Rochelle Green
Seller: Kent FT
Date: 06/12/18

1335 Bay Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Ian M. Fisher
Seller: Agustin Lao
Date: 06/14/18

19 Dickinson St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Dickinson Street LLC
Seller: Crossman, Marjorie R., (Estate)
Date: 06/04/18

419 Henry St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $699,000
Buyer: Darcy A. Zbinovec
Seller: Benjamin R. Preston
Date: 06/11/18

211 Iduna Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $675,800
Buyer: Zhijian Qiao
Seller: Robert L. Sullivan
Date: 06/11/18

15 Jason Court
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Tingyi Liu
Seller: Kam Kit Wong 2007 TR
Date: 06/07/18

28 Kestrel Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Symeon Gerasimids
Seller: William B. Driscoll
Date: 06/15/18

125 Lindenridge Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $819,000
Buyer: Ryan Crawford
Seller: Bercume Construction LLC
Date: 06/11/18

87 Logtown Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Min Cheng
Seller: Rex E. Wallace
Date: 06/11/18

641 Main St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Paul M. Dibenedetto
Seller: Kathleen H. Maiolatesi TR
Date: 06/06/18

401 Old Farm Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: William J. Leonard
Seller: Tsering Dolma
Date: 06/15/18

1380 South East St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Dolkar Gyaltsen
Seller: Robert W. McAllister
Date: 06/15/18

108 Wildflower Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $509,200
Buyer: Patrick Chin-Hong
Seller: Schultz-Pietromonaco FT
Date: 06/04/18

BELCHERTOWN

227 Bay Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $269,900
Buyer: Charles A. Blandford
Seller: Eric C. Paige
Date: 06/15/18

671 Bay Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Gabriel Ting
Seller: Megan S. Scoon
Date: 06/08/18

30 Canal Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Bryan W. Eldridge
Seller: William F. Daly
Date: 06/11/18

23 Chadbourne Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: Steven I. Hodgen
Seller: Jeffrey D. Hodgen
Date: 06/14/18

305 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $234,597
Buyer: Florence Bank
Seller: Michalski, Jennifer M., (Estate)
Date: 06/13/18

12 Magnolia Lane
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $412,900
Buyer: Richard W. Rege
Seller: J. N. Duquette & Son Construction
Date: 06/15/18

177 Michael Sears Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $344,900
Buyer: Andrew M. Barsalou
Seller: William R. Thomas
Date: 06/04/18

25 South Washington St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Michael J. Fine
Seller: Gary G. Decoteau
Date: 06/08/18

107 South Washington St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Christopher J. Plewa
Seller: Deutsche Bank
Date: 06/11/18

305 Sabin St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Michael T. Adams
Seller: Thomas J. Pelissier
Date: 06/08/18

153 Stebbins St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Dean M. Kolodji
Seller: Stephen M. O’Brien
Date: 06/14/18

CHESTERFIELD

141 Ireland St.
Chesterfield, MA 01084
Amount: $204,000
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Edward Stempniewicz
Date: 06/11/18

EASTHAMPTON

21-23 Exeter St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $312,000
Buyer: Bethany O’Neil
Seller: Lindsay R. Barron
Date: 06/15/18

7 Laurel Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: George A. Paradee
Seller: Lisa L. Cappello
Date: 06/07/18

8 Louise Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $258,375
Buyer: 8 Louise Avenue LLC
Seller: Elizabeth Stiles-Neumann
Date: 06/15/18

127 Main St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $622,500
Buyer: Viktoriia Harrison
Seller: Diane M. Kwolek
Date: 06/11/18

29 Morin Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $239,900
Buyer: Angeline M. Brault
Seller: Patrick E. O’Neil
Date: 06/15/18

50 Pomeroy St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $396,000
Buyer: Deborah B. Harris
Seller: Mark S. Dupuis
Date: 06/04/18

33 Torrey St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $272,600
Buyer: Barbra L. Eaton
Seller: Cheryle S. Lawrence
Date: 06/08/18

GRANBY

174 Batchelor St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Robert S. Seibert
Seller: David J. Barthelette
Date: 06/08/18

Carver St. #4
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Daniel J. Roberge
Seller: Kotowicz Custom Homes LLC
Date: 06/11/18

4 Carver St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Thomas O’Brien
Seller: Matthew T. Biron
Date: 06/07/18

89 Morgan St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: James M. Hart
Seller: Richard P. Mathieu
Date: 06/14/18

16 Taylor St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Patricia J. Amidon
Seller: Patricia L. Gordon
Date: 06/15/18

HADLEY

14 Crystal Lane
Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $762,500
Buyer: Nadeem Sheikh
Seller: Bercume Construction LLC
Date: 06/07/18

12 East Commons Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $459,500
Buyer: John J. Pipczynski
Seller: East Street Commons LLC
Date: 06/06/18

73 North Maple St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Dorn L. Carranza
Seller: Carl Selavka
Date: 06/08/18

158 Rocky Hill Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $292,000
Buyer: Nader S. Akoury
Seller: Camella World-Peace
Date: 06/04/18

303 Russell St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: 303 Russell Street LLC
Seller: 1836 Development Ent. LLC
Date: 06/06/18

42 West St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $510,000
Buyer: 42 West Street Realty LLC
Seller: Jacqueline M. Zuzgo
Date: 06/15/18

HATFIELD

13 Chestnut St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Cindy A. Barcomb
Seller: Mark D. Kamins
Date: 06/04/18

78 Chestnut St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Robert J. Powers
Seller: Edward L. Malinowski
Date: 06/14/18

8 School St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $237,000
Buyer: Katherine S. Knapp
Seller: FNMA
Date: 06/08/18

HUNTINGTON

68 County Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $352,000
Buyer: Sarah J. Pringle
Seller: Casey J. Mitchell
Date: 06/14/18

15 Mountain View
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $146,500
Buyer: Norwich Properties LLC
Seller: Wells Fargo Bank
Date: 06/08/18

171 Worthington Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Joshua S. Parsons
Seller: Timothy D. Doherty
Date: 06/04/18

MIDDLEFIELD

57 East River Road
Middlefield, MA 01243
Amount: $302,000
Buyer: Alfonso J. Longobardi
Seller: Judith E. White
Date: 06/08/18

NORTHAMPTON

88 Autumn Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Josiah Friedberg
Seller: Steven Friedberg
Date: 06/05/18

218 Elm St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Stephen R. Watson
Seller: Kenneth C. Hellman
Date: 06/15/18

36 Forbes Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $445,115
Buyer: Matthew Czaplinski
Seller: Nancy W. Keyes
Date: 06/15/18

8 Garfield Ave.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Mary J. Sondrini
Seller: Mary C. Skinner
Date: 06/15/18

29 Munroe St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $660,000
Buyer: Martha T. McCluskey
Seller: Erich Husemoller
Date: 06/11/18

190 North Elm St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $419,900
Buyer: Jaycelle M. Pequet
Seller: Lindsay R. Barron
Date: 06/11/18

61 Ridgewood Ter.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Elizabeth A. Myers
Seller: Kim Y. Dionne
Date: 06/04/18

944 Ryan Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Joyce Duso
Seller: Christopher R. Aller
Date: 06/05/18

113 Sandy Hill Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Bridget C. Pinsonneault
Seller: Kelly A. Rose
Date: 06/08/18

14 Straw Ave.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $336,000
Buyer: Laura E. Carlton
Seller: Jo-Anna Ross
Date: 06/11/18

22 Swan St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $337,000
Buyer: James N. Lobley
Seller: Julia A. Johnson
Date: 06/07/18

625 Westhampton Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $366,000
Buyer: Rachel S. Simpson
Seller: Thomas B. Malsbury
Date: 06/11/18

PLAINFIELD

73 South Union St.
Plainfield, MA 01070
Amount: $388,000
Buyer: Jerry H. Little
Seller: Patricia G. Morrill
Date: 06/12/18

West St.
Plainfield, MA 01070
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Massachusetts Audubon Society
Seller: Mary A. O’Brien LT
Date: 06/15/18

SOUTH HADLEY

26 Lamb St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Kevin Haczynski
Seller: SDJ Realty LLC
Date: 06/15/18

98 Morgan St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: David Barthelette
Seller: Marcela Bustamante
Date: 06/08/18

231 Mosier St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $312,000
Buyer: Bozena Welborne
Seller: Jake R. Blais
Date: 06/15/18

7 Roundelay Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $259,900
Buyer: Sarah K. Nystrom
Seller: Elizabeth A. Innocent
Date: 06/08/18

31 South St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: RB Homes LLC
Seller: Alison M. Lapierre
Date: 06/11/18

10 Spring St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Nicholas A. Friscia
Seller: 4 Seasons Property Maintenance
Date: 06/14/18

SOUTHAMPTON

133 Middle Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $219,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Lori D. Reynolds
Date: 06/13/18

24 Mountain View Circle
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: John Kennedy-Twyford
Seller: Ryan Hollister
Date: 06/15/18

WARE

50 Bacon Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Nathaniel A. Prince
Seller: Stewart M. Scoles
Date: 06/15/18

6 Gwen Circle
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $228,800
Buyer: Wilmington Savings
Seller: Steven G. Kiel
Date: 06/13/18

14 Lee Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Warren M. Coughlin
Seller: Louis J. Supczak
Date: 06/08/18

19 Maple Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $138,900
Buyer: Gary W. Aiken
Seller: Ahmad N. Almoula
Date: 06/06/18

181 Monson Turnpike Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $147,500
Buyer: Megan K. Scott
Seller: Wilmington Savings
Date: 06/05/18

4 Moriarty Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Maximino Gonzalez
Seller: Joseph A. Companion
Date: 06/07/18

66 Pleasant St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: Kelsi Lopes
Seller: Yellowbrick Property LLC
Date: 06/14/18

WILLIAMSBURG

5 Kingsley Ave.
Williamsburg, MA 01060
Amount: $314,000
Buyer: Chelynn Tetreault
Seller: Sara A. Sullivan LT
Date: 06/05/18

1 Myrtle St.
Williamsburg, MA 01039
Amount: $248,000
Buyer: Elizabeth C. Mathews
Seller: Allan L. Kidston
Date: 06/15/18

WORTHINGTON

265 Ridge Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: James A. Ryan
Seller: Joan M. Mendieta
Date: 06/04/18

Building Permits

By
Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the months of May and June 2018.

AGAWAM

ICNE Group Realty, LLC
1070 Suffield St.
$81,500 — Modify wall locations, renovate two rooms, and new finishes in six rooms

Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield
823-835 Main St.
$16,500 — Roofing

AMHERST

Amherst College
Mead Art Building
$15,000 — Move existing door in restroom

Amherst College
Webster Hall
$40,000 — Paint, replace carpet, and lighting fixtures in classroom

Gleason Johndrow Rentals, LLC
10 University Dr.
$8,000 — Remove wall in kitchen of the Hangar, install new steel door for trash removal

PVP Holdings, LLC
30 Boltwood Walk
$65,000 — Remodel interior finishes, new bar construction

CHICOPEE

James Costigan Sr., Janice Costigan
32-34 Roosevelt Ave.
$17,500 — Remove and rebuild front-porch floor

Crown Atlantic Co., LLC
514 Montgomery St.
$30,000 — Verizon Wireless to remove antennas and replace with new antennas and ancillary equipment

Rene Fagnant
728 Grattan St.
$10,925 — Frame and sheetrock interior, replace doors

EASTHAMPTON

Autumn Properties, LLC
221 Northampton St.
$69,000 — Install ductwork for two HVAC units and refrigerant piping for Cumberland Farms

CH Realty VII CG Mact Bird, LLC
124 Northampton St.
$98,000 — Build addition to rear of car wash

Williston Northampton School
40-50 Park St.
$114,000 — Roofing

NORTHAMPTON

City of Northampton
125 Locust St.
$28,152 — Remove and replace garage door for DPW

Malvern Panalytical
22 Industrial Dr.
$1,000 — Replace window

Nonotuck Mill, LLC
296 Nonotuck St.
$3,000 — Add three partitions
Northampton Golf
135 Main St.
$2,500 — Non-illuminated monument sign

Smith College
102 Lower College Lane
$16,000 — Upgrade interior finishes in Ainsworth Gym, including ceiling, paint, flooring, and lockers

Suher Properties, LLC
76 Pleasant St.
$15,000 — Remove ceiling and wall partitions

SPRINGFIELD

143 Main Street Realty Corp.
125 Main St.
$60,000 — Install 12 roof-mounted panel antennas, microwave dish, and one GPS antenna

3640 Main Street, LLP
3640 Main St.
Alter medical office tenant space for New England Retinal Consultants

Blue Tarp Redevelopment, LLC
12 MGM Way
$343,328.80 — Tenant fit-out for Starbucks at MGM Springfield

Industry Avenue Holdings, LLC
66 Industry Ave.
$54,800 — Alter warehouse and office space for Refco Manufacturing

MassMutual
1295 State St.
$260,000 — Alter existing women’s restroom

Springfield Boys Club
481 Carew St.
$405,795 — Install roof-mounted solar panels

Springfield College
263 Alden St.
$30,390 — Interior demolition for future buildout of Dunkin’ Donuts in Springfield College Campus Union

Springfield College
263 Alden St.
$15,000 — Alter office space

Springfield Redevelopment Authority
55 Frank B. Murray St.
$200,000 — Alter space for community space and office areas on second floor of Union Station

Trident Alloys Inc.
181 Abbe Ave.
$481,500 — Add rooftop solar panels to commercial building

WEST SPRINGFIELD

CH Realty VII CG Mact Bird, LLC
1130 Riverdale St.
$15,000 — Exterior modifications, new entry arcade

Costco Wholesale
119 Daggett Dr.
$234,239 — Remodel restrooms

Coyote Realty
117 Park Ave.
$17,800 — Fire-protection system

Garrett Distefano
431 Gooseberry Road
$10,000 — Porch roof, pour concrete slab under porch, install new doors

Advertising Club Selects 2018 Pynchon Medalists

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts’ trustees of the Order of William Pynchon announced their selection of four local residents as recipients of this year’s Pynchon medal.

“Our choice of these four remarkable individuals represents a collective concern and dedication to the past, present, and future of our region,” said Mary Shea, chairman of the Pynchon trustees.

Slated to receive the Advertising Club’s Pynchon Medal on Oct. 18 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke are: Craig Carr, one of the original incorporators of the Ronald McDonald House of Springfield; Sally Fuller, a tireless advocate for early childhood literacy; Robert McCarroll, a noted historic preservationist; and Ronald Weiss, who was instrumental in the creation of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts.

The Advertising Club confers the Order of William Pynchon and the Pynchon Medal upon citizens of Western Mass. who have rendered distinguished service to the community. Recipients are nominated each year by members of the community, and are chosen by unanimous decision of the Pynchon trustees, who are Ad Club’s current and five past presidents.

Since 1991, Springfield’s Ronald McDonald House has hosted more than 12,500 families from around the globe, and since that time, Craig Carr has been maintained a consistent and dedicated commitment to the organization. In his letter nominating her for the Pynchon medal, Jack Dill, himself a Pynchon medalist (2016), noted that “there is little doubt that, without Craig’s formative and ongoing commitment, this facility, of such great importance to so many families, would neither exist nor have prospered over the past 30 years.”

Carr established the initial relationship with Ronald McDonald House Charities and helped organize the founding board of directors for the house and played an integral part in engaging Shriners Hospitals for Children and Baystate Health with the project. She was instrumental in raising the $2.3 million needed to establish the local Ronald McDonald House, and has been a tireless advocate for the house ever since. She is also secretary of the Ronald McDonald Charities Board of Western Massachusetts and Connecticut.

It should come as no surprise that the daughter of a high-school English teacher would value literacy. Or that before she spent more than a decade working with the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation on childhood-literacy projects such as Cherish Every Child and the Read! Reading Success by 4th Grade initiative. Sally Fuller has also been an active volunteer at local family- and community-oriented organizations such as WGBY, the Springfield Mentoring Partnership, the Pioneer Valley Girl Scout Council, Square One, Springfield School Volunteers, and the Ronald McDonald House.

The Cherish Every Child initiative aims to prime Springfield children for success as they entered kindergarten. Under her leadership, this was accomplished by creating an environment where educators, business leaders, elected officials, and others worked together, to, in part, ensure quality education for children under age 5, improve services provided to families, and create beneficial health programs for those children and their families.

Robert McCarroll has been described as the “protector of Springfield’s built environment,” and indeed, over the past four decades, with a career as city planner, and long-time volunteer with the Springfield Preservation Trust, Springfield Historical Commission, and Mattoon Street Arts Festival, he has worked tirelessly to make a measurable difference in the quality of life in Springfield while promoting the city he loves.

As a member of the Springfield Planning Department, he was instrumental in the creation of five of Springfield’s local historic districts, protecting more than 1,000 buildings; later as a member of the Springfield Historical Commission, he spearheaded the creation of four additional districts. He also successfully fought to preserve several historic buildings at the site of the MGM Springfield casino. He has instituted house tours, walking tours, and programs, as well as lecturing and leading public meetings introducing residents to the value of Springfield’s built environment and the economic benefit from its restoration and preservation.

For more than 30 years, Ronald Weiss has applied his talents to issues confronting area civic, artistic, charitable, economic, and religious organizations, and worked toward creating viable solutions that benefit the entire region.

Along with area banking, business, and civic leaders, Weiss formed the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts in November 1990. He authored the trust agreement that formed the foundation, creating a unique structure that allows the foundation to directly receive, administer, and distribute funds, and also allows financial institutions that are private foundation trustees to remain as trustees after their foundations become part of the community foundation. Since its founding, the foundation has grown to include total assets of more than $150 million, with nearly 2,000 contributions totaling $10.7 million in 2017. Foundation distributions in 2017 included $2.1 million in scholarships and loans to 800 students, and nearly 1,500 grants totaling $6.9 million.

Healthcare Heroes Nomination Deadline Is Today

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The deadline to nominate an individual or organization for the second annual Healthcare Heroes awards is today, July 9, at 5 p.m. To nominate someone, visit healthcarenews.com or businesswest.com, click on ‘Our Events,’ and proceed to ‘Healthcare Heroes.’

This 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 individuals providing that care.

Nomination categories include ‘Lifetime Achievement,’ ‘Emerging Leader,’ ‘Patient/Resident/Client Care Provider,’ ‘Innovation in Health/Wellness,’ ‘Health/Wellness Administrator,’ and ‘Collaboration in Healthcare.’ Winners will be profiled in both magazines in September and feted at the Oct. 25 gala at the Starting Gate at GreatHorse in Hampden.

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/Trinity Health Of New England.

Kristin Leutz to Take Helm at Valley Venture Mentors

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SPRINGFIELD — Valley Venture Mentors CEO Liz Roberts announced that she will be leaving her position as of July 13, at which time current chief operating officer Kristin Leutz will take the helm of the organization that has been dedicated to nurturing entrepreneurship in Western Mass.

Roberts plans to depart after a period of growth for Valley Venture Mentors (VVM). During her tenure, she launched the Startup Accelerator program, in which entrepreneurs receive five months of training, mentoring, office space, and access to equity-free funding. Entrepreneurs who graduated from all VVM programs generated $51 million in revenue and fundraising during the past three years, and created 500 full-time and part-time jobs over the course of 2017. The Startup Accelerator program earned recognition as a model rural accelerator by the Obama administration.

“I’ve always said that leadership is not a sprint, and it is not a marathon,” Roberts said. “It is a relay, and it is smart to pass the baton at just the right time. It’s not only the right time, but Kristin Leutz — with her expertise in management, passion for entrepreneurship, and commitment to Western Massachusetts — is absolutely the right person.”

Prior to joining Valley Venture Mentors as COO in 2017, Leutz served as vice president for Philanthropic Services at the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, where she helped create programs such as Valley Gives. Leutz also aided entrepreneurs at VVM as a volunteer mentor for many years before joining the team. She has had a career in global philanthropy and business leadership spanning organizations like MassMutual and RefugePoint, a Cambridge- and Nairobi-based, globally recognized social-impact startup. She has led operations, fundraising, and marketing, and brings decades of experience to her role at VVM.

“I’m deeply honored to be given this opportunity,” said Leutz, “and I’m excited to work even closer with the amazing community of entrepreneurs and mentors that Liz Roberts has cultivated and engaged at VVM.”

The team includes Ronald-Molina Brantley, the former senior program manager for the city of Springfield, VVM’s vice president of Operations; Dorota Glosowitz, vice president of Programs, overseeing the Mentorship and Startup Accelerator programs; Stephannie Kirby, an alumna of VVM’s Collegiate Accelerator, as Program Manager; and Christian Setian, formerly of the Miami Dolphins, as the new Partnerships and Events assistant, working with VVM’s sponsors and volunteers from the community.

Springfield Thunderbirds Honored with Two Awards from AHL

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SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Thunderbirds were honored by the American Hockey League with four Team Business Service awards at a gala reception during the board of governors’ annual meeting at Hilton Head Island, S.C.

As part of its Team Business Services program, the AHL honored one club from each conference for top revenue growth in four areas during this past season: overall ticket sales, season-ticket sales, group-ticket sales, and corporate sponsorship sales. 

For the 2017-18 season, the Thunderbirds took home two Awards of Excellence in the areas of season-ticket sales growth and corporate sponsorship sales growth. This marked the second consecutive season that Springfield captured these awards.

“After an extremely successful first season, it was a lofty goal and challenge within our organization to achieve an award-winning second season,” said Thunderbirds President Nathan Costa. “These awards of excellence would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of our front office, but they also would not have come to fruition without the continued support of our fans and corporate partners. Their involvement with the Springfield Thunderbirds is pivotal to the success of our entire organization, and we are privileged to be able to share these honors with them.”

These awards came just weeks after the Thunderbirds received numerous honors at the 2018 AHL Marketing Meeting presented by ExteNet Systems in Des Moines, Iowa. At that meeting,the Thunderbirds received the AHL award for Most Unique Community Relations Promotion. This past March, Thunderbirds player Eddie Wittchow approached team management with the idea of presenting loyal season ticket holder Katrina King with specialty glasses that would allow Katrina, a legally blind fan, to have the ability to see the action — through her own eyes — for the first time in her life. 

Springfield was also recognized for achieving a greater-than-15% increase in per-game full-season equivalents, a statistic that tracks the combined sales of all ticket packages. The Thunderbirds’ corporate sales team also was recognized for having a greater-than-15% growth in corporate cash sponsorships generated in the market. The organization also was honored for reaching the benchmark of a greater-than-15% growth in per-game group-ticket-sales revenue for a second straight season.

On an individual level, Thunderbirds Senior Account Executive Matthew McRobbie beame the first Thunderbirds sales representative to be recognized as the Eastern Conference’s Top New Season Ticket Sales Executive. 

“It is fantastic that the Springfield Thunderbirds continue to be such a resounding success story in just two seasons,” said Thunderbirds Managing Partner Paul Picknelly. “These honors continue to validate the hard work of so many people who strive to make the Thunderbirds a must-see entertainment attraction in the city of Springfield. We want to thank our sponsors and fans for their continued loyalty to this team and this city.”

Kim Lee Joins MHA in Newly Created Leadership Role

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SPRINGFIELD — Kimberley Lee, a recognized leader in the nonprofit sector of the Western Mass. region, has joined the staff of MHA, a nonprofit provider of residential and support services to people impacted by mental illness, developmental disabilities, substance abuse, and homelessness. Lee is taking on the newly created role of vice president of Resource Development and Branding for MHA.

“Kim Lee is the first member of our leadership team whose primary focus will be to develop our organization’s face to the community,” said Cheryl Fasano, president and CEO of MHA. “She is well-known to leaders of government, media, and business state-wide, and her achievements in building strategic alliances have resulted in new resources and innovative solutions delivered through nonprofit businesses. We are excited to have her on our team at MHA.”

Lee previously served in communications and development roles in several local nonprofit organizations, including CHD, Square One, the Basketball Hall of Fame, and the Community United Way. She has advanced these organizations and the people they serve with an active voice in the community and through vigorous advocacy achieved by constant policy influence at the local, community, and state level.

A lifelong resident of Western Mass., Lee earned her bachelor’s degree in mass communication from Westfield State College.

PeoplesBank Sponsors Team Fastrax at Great New England Air & Space Show

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HOLYOKE — PeoplesBank has joined Big Y as a sponsor of the 2018 Great New England Air & Space Show, specifically by underwriting the appearance of Team Fastrax, a professional skydiving parachute demonstration team.

“This was a unique opportunity for us to honor those who served or are serving, as well as area veterans and active military personnel,” said Thomas Senecal, president and CEO of PeoplesBank. “It also is an investment in economic development, as the Air & Space Show brings thousands of people here, and it has an overall $15 million economic impact on the region.”

Team Fastrax has performed thousands of exhibition skydives at entertainment venues as far away as Moscow, Russia, and Normandy, France. Approved to jump in highly restricted airspace, it is the only parachute demo team to have performed over Ground Zero (on 9/11), the Pentagon, Independence Hall, and the Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

To sponsor Team Fastrax, PeoplesBank worked with the Galaxy Community Council, a nonprofit that supports Westover and assists with putting on events like the air show.

The 2018 Great New England Air & Space Show will be held on Saturday and Sunday, July 14-15, and gates will open at 8 a.m. Shows are expected to start at 10 a.m. Attendance and parking are free.

Employer Confidence Weakens During June

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BOSTON — Confidence among Massachusetts employers weakened considerably during June as tariffs, rising raw-material costs, and approval of paid family and medical leave in the Bay State raised concerns about business growth. 

The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Business Confidence Index dropped 5.3 points to 61.3 last month, its lowest level since August 2017. Confidence remains well within the optimistic range, but the June decline left the BCI slightly below its level of a year ago.

Though analysts say the volatility in business confidence during May and June may reflect some statistical anomalies, the comments provided by employers on the monthly AIM survey suggest that companies are becoming increasingly concerned about a perfect storm of issues on the federal and state levels.

“It is certainly significant that the AIM Business Confidence Index is lower than it was in June 2017. It is also significant that many of the individual indicators that make up the overall index — ranging from employer hiring plans to their views of the Massachusetts economy — are also lower than they were a year ago,” said Raymond Torto, chair of AIM’s Board of Economic Advisors (BEA) and lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Design. “It will be interesting to see how confidence changes during the summer as Massachusetts continues to operate at virtually full capacity.”

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

The constituent indicators that make up the overall Business Confidence Index all lost ground during June. The Massachusetts Index assessing business conditions within the Commonwealth fell 7.2 points to 62.8, leaving it 1.4 points lower than in June 2017. The U.S. Index ended the month at 60.0, down 9.3 points for the month but 2.6 points better than a year ago. June marked the 100th 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, declined 2.6 points to 63.5. The Future Index, measuring expectations for six months out, fell 7.5 points to 59.1. The Current Index gained 1.6 points during the year, while the Future Index lost 2.6 points.

Employer views of their own companies also weakened. The Company Index declined 3.3 points to 61.2, down 1.2 points for 12 months. The Employment Index ended the month at 55.0, a 3.3-point decrease for the month and 3.1 points lower than a year ago. The Sales Index lost 2.9 points for the month and 0.2 points for the year.

Manufacturing companies (62.5) were slightly more optimistic than non-manufacturers (60.2). Companies in the eastern part of Massachusetts (63.3) were more bullish than those in the west (58.7).

“It’s interesting to note that medium and small companies remain significantly more optimistic than larger companies, reversing the typical pattern,” said Edward Pendergast, managing director at Dunn Rush & Co. “Entrepreneurial companies continue to drive growth here in Massachusetts.”

Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts Welcomes New Board Members

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SPRINGFIELD — The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts (WFWM) announced that Rania Kfuri and MaryLynn Murray have joined its Board of Directors. They will each serve a three-year term.

Kfuri currently works as the Communications and Partnerships officer for the Solidago Foundation. Throughout her life experiences, she has worked to support educational opportunities and access to resources that improve the lives of women and girls. She has a professional background in international development, with a master’s degree in ethics, peace, and global affairs from American University in Washington D.C.

Murray is vice president for Commercial Lines and Sales at the Insurance Center of New England. She holds an MBA with a concentration in human resources and has been employed in the insurance industry since 2002. She previously served on the board of the Agawam Small Business Assoc. and on the Women’s Fund marketing committee.

In addition, new officers elected include Haydee Lamberty-Rodriguez as board president (formerly vice president), Leigh Rae as vice president (formerly board clerk), and Pia Kumar as clerk. Layla Taylor, immediate past board president, will remain on the board through June 2019.

Pride Stores Present $13,000 to Children and Families Served by Square One

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SPRINGFIELD — For the second consecutive year, customers of Pride Stores and store management are showing support for Square One in a big way. 

Pride recently held a campaign where customers were encouraged to purchase a Square One ‘square’ for $1 at all Pride locations. Pride owner Bob Bolduc agreed to match all the donations in support the children and families served by Square One. Bolduc, along with his team, presented a check for $13,000 to Square One on July 3.

“We are so grateful to Bob Bolduc, the Pride staff, and their many loyal customers for their very generous support of our work,” said Kristine Allard, chief Development & Communications officer for Square One. “Not only did the campaign raise much-needed funds to support Square One’s work in the community, it was a great way to raise awareness of the programs and services that our agency provides. Whether we are teaching children to read and write, inspiring an appreciation of fine arts, providing a nourishing meal, or developing a healthy love of play, everything we do is driven by our vision of a bright future for all children, despite the daunting challenges many of them face at home.”

Crocker Communications Wins ATSI Award of Excellence

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SPRINGFIELD — Crocker Communications Inc. has been honored with the exclusive ATSI 2018 Award of Excellence for the 10th year. This award is presented annually by the Assoc. of TeleServices International (ATSI), the industry’s trade association for providers of telecommunications and call-center services, including telephone answering and message delivery across North America and the UK.

Independent judges are contracted by ATSI to evaluate message services over a six-month period. The scoring criteria includes response time, courteousness of the representative, accuracy of the call, knowledge of the account, and overall impression of the call.

“The ATSI Award of Excellence is one of the many ways businesses in our industry can measure their customer-service levels as it relates to agent performance,” said ATSI President Josue Leon. “Agents are evaluated on how they interact with callers based on established call-handling criteria. The program gives participating companies bragging rights — and with good reason.”

The award was established 22 years ago as a means to improve the overall quality of the call-center industry by setting expectations and measurements to ensure a successful call-handling experience. 

Bulkley Richardson Opens Office in Hadley

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SPRINGFIELD — Due to expanding needs, Bulkley Richardson has moved from its Amherst location into a more spacious office at 380 Russell St. in Hadley.

“This move supports the growing needs of our clients and offers a more centralized location in Hampshire County,” said Peter Barry, managing partner of the 35-attorney firm. “The move is another example of the firm striving to exceed client expectations. We can accommodate more attorneys working in the new space, which means offering a greater range of services to our clients.”

Seunghee Cha, partner, will be located primarily in Hadley, where she has a comprehensive estate-planning and administration practice, including special-needs planning for individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She looks forward to “welcoming my Springfield colleagues to Hampshire County and offering a greater breadth of services to both new and existing clients.”

Added Scott Foster, chair of the firm’s business and finance group, “our client base continues to grow, especially as we expand our services to meet the evolving changes to legal needs. Among other areas, a Hampshire County office is relevant to the unique needs of startups, reality of cybersecurity threats, and emergence of cannabis facilities. Our clients range from large hospitals and medical practices to small brewery startups, and nationwide manufactures to local farmers and artists — and a whole lot in between. By having a local office, it just brings us closer to these clients.”

More Than $2 Million Announced for Collaborative Workspaces

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BOSTON — The Baker-Polito administration and MassDevelopment announced $2,155,000 in funding for the third round of Collaborative Workspace Program grants, a MassDevelopment program that accelerates business formation, job creation, and entrepreneurial activity in communities by supporting infrastructure that fuels locally based innovation. Eligible organizations may apply for either seed grants to plan and study the feasibility of new collaborative workspaces, or fit-out grants to develop and expand existing workspaces.

Through its first two rounds of grants, the Collaborative Workspace Program provided $3 million in funding to more than 50 organizations for the planning, development, and build-out of different types of collaborative workspaces. This new round includes $1.5 million from the Commonwealth’s capital budget and $655,000 from the Barr Foundation, the second installment of a three-year, $1,965,000 grant to the program to expand support for arts-related collaborative workspaces in the Commonwealth.

“Through our 2016 Economic Development Legislation, our administration implemented the Collaborative Workspace Program to enable investments in community-based innovation infrastructure to provide entrepreneurs across Massachusetts with the resources to turn ideas into businesses,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash. “Throughout the Commonwealth, participating communities are making progress in creating welcoming and productive spaces. We look forward to investing further in our statewide innovation ecosystem.” 
Added MassDevelopment President and CEO Lauren Liss, “funding awarded through the Collaborative Workspace Program has helped advance community-based innovation and entrepreneurship in cities and towns across the Commonwealth. Thanks to continued support from the Baker-Polito administration and the Barr Foundation, MassDevelopment is thrilled to kick off a third round of grants that will provide even more organizations with the resources they need to create or enhance collaborative workspaces in their community.”

MassDevelopment’s continued partnership with the Barr Foundation broadens the reach of the Collaborative Workspace Program to include the creative sector, a critical source of innovation and positive community change.

Proposals are due via e-mail at [email protected] by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 20. Funding decisions are expected to be announced at the end of September.

Normandeau Technologies Attends NASRO Show in Nevada

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WEST SPRINGFIELD — Normandeau Technologies Inc. (NTI) attended the National Assoc. of School Resource Officers in Reno, Nevada in June. The annual, one-week NASRO conference brings together SROs from throughout the U.S. and international locations to meet, discuss the current state of school safety, and receive updates and training on the latest issues surrounding school-safety policy and procedures for school-based law-enforcement officers.

NTI has undertaken a program to introduce the StaffAlerter Emergency Notification System (ENS) to school districts throughout the New England area. In association with this endeavor, Brett Normandeau, president and owner of NTI, is positioning the StaffAlerter with organizations associated with K-12 education, including NASRO. StaffAlerter is an ENS and cloud-based systems control. Any teacher or staff can press a button on a wi-fi personal access device and send a notification to thousands of people, lock doors, sound alarms, and page over loudspeakers.

“The turnout at the show was over 1,000 SROs, and we were able to demonstrate StaffAlerter to many of the attendees,” over the three days of the NASRO conference exhibition, Normandeau said. “The response was overwhelmingly positive, and we were also able to talk to the SROs to get their inputs for features they would want to see on the StaffAlerter that could improve their jobs.”

NASRO national leadership spent time with NTI to see and hear about StaffAlerter and were impressed and positive with their feedback, he added. NTI is looking to attend future SRO regional and national meetings as both exhibitor and presenter.

Friends of Northampton Trails and Greenways to Hold Conference

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NORTHAMPTON — The Friends of Northampton Trails and Greenways will host a statewide conference of community rail-trail advocates and government policymakers on Saturday, July 28 at Union Station in Northampton.

The keynote speaker will be Kurt Gaertner, director of Land Policy and Planning for the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), who is responsible for statewide land-use and land-conservation policies as well as sustainable development. 

Gaertner also serves as the Massachusetts secretary of state’s designee on the Massachusetts Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board, and he represents the EEA on the Governor’s Trails Team. He is an adjunct faculty member at Boston University in its City Planning and Urban Affairs Program, where he has taught since 2009.

Gaertner will deliver the lunchtime address at the sixth Golden Spike 2018 Conference to be held over the past 16 years. Before lunch, in two separate one-hour sessions, a series of speakers will discuss updates and news along the path of the Mass Central Rail Trail from Boston to Northampton, and then from Northampton to New Haven, Conn. These talks will be highlighted by aerial maps via a live Google Maps feed. 

The event is open to residents of Massachusetts and Connecticut. The program begins at 8 a.m. with registration, breakfast, and networking. At 9:15 a.m., an update on the Massachusetts Central Rail Trail from Boston to Northampton will be offered, and Gaertner’s plenary session will begin at 12:30 p.m. The plenary costs $35 and includes lunch.

The goal of the conference is to update participants on new developments and the various uncompleted sections of the rail trail that stretches from New Haven to Northampton and across Massachusetts from Northampton to Boston.

As part of the conference, eight bicycle and walking tours of varying lengths, featuring topics from local history to flora and fauna along the rail trail, will be offered on Friday, July 27 and Saturday, July 28 at 2:30 p.m. The cost is $15 per tour.

Funding for the conference was provided by a $9,460 Recreational Trail Educational grant from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation as well as gifts from Greenfield Savings Bank and the national engineering firm VHB. To register for the conference or a tour, visit www.gs2018.org.

Comcast Appoints Daniel Bonelli VP of Finance for Region

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SPRINGFIELD — Comcast announced the appointment of Daniel Bonelli as vice president of Finance for the company’s Western New England Region, which includes more than 300 communities in Connecticut, Western Mass., New York, Vermont, and Western New Hampshire.

In this role, Bonelli will oversee all financial operations, including finance and accounting, warehouse and materials, information technology, facilities, security, fleet management, and environmental health and safety.

Bonelli began his career with Comcast in the Western New England Region in 2007 as a financial analyst. He quickly progressed to manager and then director before being promoted to senior director of Finance in 2014. In 2016, he relocated to the Philadelphia area, where he served as senior director of Finance for one of Comcast’s largest regions, overseeing a team of 60.

“Dan has an outstanding background in finance and operations,” said Michael Parker, senior vice president of Comcast’s Western New England Region. “His expertise in analysis, planning, and execution make him the ideal leader to oversee our financial operations, and we’re thrilled to welcome him back to Connecticut to join our regional leadership team.”

Bonelli graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance from Central Connecticut State University.

HCC’s Line Cook Training Helps Kitchen Workers Land MGM Jobs

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HOLYOKE — Annie Rosa signed up for the free Line Cook Training program at Holyoke Community College with a clear objective in mind — get a job working in one of the new restaurants opening soon at MGM Springfield.

The 38-year-old Springfield resident had worked in other restaurant kitchens, including Cracker Barrel, Cafe Lebanon, and Subway, but admits that most of her experience came from cooking for her family. She needed a professional boost. 

“I’m an MGM hopeful,” she said earlier this month, not long after starting daily classes at the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute. Then, before the four-week training program concluded on June 29, Rosa accepted an offer to work as a pantry chef at the Chandler, MGM’s fine-dining steakhouse. She starts July 30.

“I’m no longer a hopeful. I’m part of the show,” she said. “I came here with a plan. I passed my ServSafe training and my TIPS training. I made new friends. I learned new things. And to work for MGM and have the possibility of growing my career with them — that was my ultimate goal. Overall, it was an awesome experience.”

So far, half the students in the program — four of the eight who completed the training — have been offered restaurant jobs with MGM.

Applications are now being accepted for the next round of Line Cook Training, which is free to experienced kitchen workers who want to take their culinary skills to a higher level.

“This is designed for professionals who have been out there for a while,” said HCC Culinary Arts instructor Warren Leigh. “Maybe they’re prep cooks, maybe they’re line cooks and they want to get better. They want to move up. That’s what we’re hoping to get in the next round also. That way we can push them to be better. We can make them better with their knife skills, really master sautéing, really master grilling — as best as we can in four weeks.”

Classes will run Monday through Friday, July 23 through Aug. 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the new HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute at 164 Race St., Holyoke. Class topics include moist and dry cooking methods, soups, stocks, sauces, knife skills, culinary math, and ServSafe and TIPS certifications. Students will also participate in résumé workshops and mock interviews.

The program is funded partly through a $50,000 grant HCC recently received as winner of the Deval Patrick Prize from the Boston Foundation for expanding its Culinary Arts program to help address workforce needs.

Applicants must have at least two years of experience working in the culinary industry. For more information or to register, call Ann Rocchi, job placement assistant, at (413) 552-2753, or Milissa Daniels, career development counselor, at (413) 552-2042.

Bradley International Airport Receives A+ Revenue Bond Rating

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WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) announced that the credit-rating agency S & P Global Ratings has raised Bradley International Airport’s rating on its general airport revenue refunding bonds from ‘A’ to ‘A+’ with a stable outlook.

“S & P Global Ratings is one of the most respected and widely used sources for credit ratings,” said Charles Gray, chairman of the CAA Board of Directors. “We’re pleased that the agency shares our confidence in Bradley International Airport’s fiscally responsible management team and the airport’s continued success.”

S & P Global Ratings assigns a credit rating for Bradley International Airport’s public debt obligations. Some of the factors taken into account during the rating process include the airport’s strong financial and risk-management practices, steadily improving liquidity, low and declining debt burden, strong origin and destination base, diverse service-area economy, airline diversity, and increasing number of enplanements and positive trends. 

“Our business model is to attract new air carriers and to improve facilities while maintaining a competitive cost structure,” said Kevin Dillon, executive director of the CAA. “The raised rating demonstrates our continued financial stability and growth. It is an important indicator of Bradley Airport’s strength in the aviation marketplace and its key role as an economic driver in the region.”

Debra Flynn-Gonzalez Honored in Boston as ‘Unsung Heroine’

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HOLYOKE — Every year, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women asks every state legislator to nominate someone from their district as an “Unsung Heroine.” For state Rep. Aaron Vega, this year’s pick was Debbie Flynn-Gonzalez, program director at the Gándara Center’s Hope for Holyoke peer-recovery support center.

Flynn-Gonzalez was honored with more than 100 other women on June 20 at the Massachusetts State House’s Great Hall. Each Unsung Heroine received a citation signed by Gov. Charlie Baker and had her bio read aloud at the event.

“I am so impressed with Deb’s leadership among our most vulnerable and the supportive community she’s created,” Vega said. “I’m proud that she has been able to do this work in my hometown, and we’re all the richer for it.”

Flynn-Gonzalez began her career in social work as a mental-health clinician performing outreach work in Holyoke 24 years ago before her personal background in recovery led her to work with the recovery community. She launched the first peer-recovery program for pregnant and parenting women in Holyoke and led that program for eight years. She has been program director at Hope for Holyoke for three years.

“Recovery is different for women,” she says. “For a mother in recovery, your children are your greatest source of motivation. I always understood that as someone who has walked in their shoes.” 

Hope for Holyoke has 300 active members, with an average of 50 people accessing the center daily. One of the members, Kaitlyn, who leads a spiritual journey group there, has high praise for Flynn-Gonzalez. “People walk through these doors broken,” she said. “Starting our day feeling loved is difficult. Deb always makes me feel cared for. She brings out the best in me.”

At the event, Flynn-Gonzalez noted that she couldn’t help but think of the many people in recovery she had meet throughout the years. “For me, it is just such an honor to be part of their journeys. For some of them it is very brief, and they move on. But for others, they remain a part of my life as they continue to grow. Some of them even work in the field now, and they are the new generation of women who will be carrying on this all-so-important peer-recovery work.”

Flynn-Gonzalez earned her bachelor’s degree in social work at UMass Amherst and her master’s degree in counseling and psychology from Cambridge College. She is fluent in Spanish and said she learned the language on the streets of Holyoke and from the mothers she worked with early in her career.

DPH Releases Mandated State Study of Marijuana Use

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BOSTON — A new, statewide study of marijuana use among Massachusetts residents found that about 21% of adults had used marijuana in the past 30 days, and the proportion of marijuana use was highest among 18- to 25-year-olds.

The study, conducted by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), was mandated by the Legislature as part of its revisions to the 2016 adult-use marijuana law. The purpose of the study was to investigate the patterns of use, methods of consumption, and general perceptions of marijuana; incidents of impaired driving and hospitalization related to marijuana use; and the economic and fiscal impacts for state and local governments.

“The study establishes a baseline measurement of how marijuana is used and how that affects public health, public safety, and potential revenue in the state before adult-use marijuana becomes widely available,’’ said Marc Nascarella, the study’s principal investigator.

Among the study’s other highlights, smoking is the most common method of marijuana consumption, although more than 40% of marijuana users report using multiple methods of use. More than half of adults perceive marijuana to have slight or no risks and use marijuana for non-medical purposes.

A survey of patients who use marijuana products for medical use suggests that the average person uses marijuana 24 days a month, with the majority using marijuana products for at least 21 out of the past 30 days.

Among respondents that use marijuana, 34.3% reported driving under the influence. Overall, 7.2% of the adult population drove under the influence of marijuana in the past 30 days, and 11.3% of adults rode with a marijuana-using driver in the past 30 days. This is similar to estimates from a survey of medical marijuana patients that found approximately 10% of respondents drove under the influence in the past 30 days.

The number of marijuana-related calls to the Regional Poison Control Center in Massachusetts has been increasing over time. The calls include incidents of unintentional exposures among children, with the majority of calls related to 10- to 19-year-old individuals, and/or exposure to dried marijuana flower. The proportion of calls increased after medical marijuana was available in the Commonwealth. 

Economic projections suggest that marijuana will increase Massachusetts state revenue by about $215.8 million in the first two years of retail sales. The increase will largely come from sales and excise taxes collected on retail purchases. Based on experiences from states with existing legalized adult use, sales-tax revenue is expected to be higher in the second year ($154.2 million), as compared to the first year ($61.6 million). 

The study began in early 2017 and was conducted by DPH, in consultation with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the Executive Office for Administration and Finance, and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. In addition to state-agency expertise, DPH partnered with the UMass Donahue Institute/UMass Amherst School of Public Health and Health Sciences, Mathematica Policy Research Inc., and JSI Research and Training Inc. to assist with the execution of the study.

Ben Craft Named VP of Community Engagement for CHP

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Center for Human Development (CHD) has named Ben Craft its vice president of Community Engagement.

In the newly restructured position, Craft has been charged with deepening the nonprofit human services agency’s relationships in the communities it serves in Massachusetts and Connecticut. In the role, he will oversee strategic communications, marketing and development as well as community, government, and provider relations.

Craft brings a strong background in communications, engagement and advocacy to CHD, coupled with almost 10 years of experience in healthcare and public policy at a critical point in CHD’s growth and development.

 “We are excited to have Ben join us at a time when CHD is not only expanding our network of human services into more communities, but also at a time when we are playing a critical and growing role in the new model of care management, and connecting people with complex needs to more preventive and supportive services,” said Jim Goodwin, president and CEO of CHD. 

“Stronger relationships with our partners, collaborators, funders, and the community at large are absolutely critical to helping us further our mission of positively changing lives through our network of human services, and Ben’s technical grasp of the critical issues of healthcare along with his skills as a relationship builder, communicator, and connector will supercharge this effort,” Goodwin explained.

Craft, who grew up in East Longmeadow, started his career in New York at The Wall Street Journal and worked at the United Nations as a communications officer before returning home to Western Mass. in 2008 to work for Baystate Health, most recently as the Senior Director of Government and Public Affairs. He is a 1996 graduate of UMass Amherst.

United Bank Cuts Ribbon at
Monarch Place Location

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Joined by Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Paul Picknelly, president of Monarch Enterprises, Jeff Lomma of the Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce and other guests, a team of United Bank employees officially cut the ribbon to its new location   at 1414 Main Street- One Monarch Place on Thursday.

Earlier this year, the bank moved its branch from 115 State St. into the first floor of One Monarch Place, the signature office tower in Springfield. Thursday marked its ceremonial opening of the new branch location.

United Bank noted several reasons why they wanted to relocate to One Monarch Place, including creating a more modern, ergonomically-designed floor plan and optimizing space to enhance the banking experience for their personal, commercial and business banking customers.

The Monarch Place location has private offices for bankers to privately meet with customers, including offices for the Bank’s branch manager, financial advisor, mortgage banker and business banker who cover the Springfield market. The space provides better company branding opportunities due to everyday pedestrian traffic on the street level and among visitors and potential customers who work or utilize the amenities inside the building. The location also provides greater exposure among other neighboring businesses – including the new Starbucks that opened next door.

“United Bank’s commitment to first-class banking and community giving in the Greater Springfield market dates back to 1882. Today, we are celebrating another milestone that underscores our commitment to our customers who bank with us at Monarch Place, strengthening our community partnerships in Springfield and attracting new personal, commercial and business banking customers,” said William H.W. Crawford, IV, CEO & President of United Bank. “It’s the type of physical banking location that is more inviting to our customers and potential customers looking to bank with a local, established and reputable banking partner in downtown Springfield.”