Western Mass. Offers Plenty of Autumn Fun

By
Special Coverage Tourism & Hospitality

Cool Happenings

 

Western Mass. is known for its wide range of tourist destinations and attractions, but the fun doesn’t have to end once the weather cools down. In fact, thanks to the perennial popularity of Halloween with families, October is one of the most lively months on the calendar for fun in the 413. Here are eight ways to enjoy the season.

 

 

The Great Halloween Drive-Thru

1911 Poquonock Ave., Windsor, CT

thegreathalloweendrivethru.com

The Great Halloween Drive-Thru is a unique family- and kid-friendly attraction, conveniently located next to Brown’s Harvest Farm in Windsor, Conn., just 15 minutes from Hartford and 25 minutes from Springfield. Visitors stay in their vehicles for a 45-minute journey through a farm full of spooky holograms, projections, and special effects. The Great Halloween Drive-Thru is not scary. There are no live actors and no jump scares, making this an ideal attraction for families with children. Spooky fun without the scare, the attraction draws visitors from all over Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York. The Great Halloween Drive-Thru is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in October from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., with the last ticket sold at 9 p.m. Admission is $30 per carload.

 

Hancock Shaker Village

1843 West Housatonic St., Pittsfield, MA

hancockshakervillage.org

With 20 historic buildings and a working farm and garden, Hancock Shaker Village is open April through December for self-guided tours, demonstrations, talks, and programs. Admission is $8 to $20, with children under 12 free. On Oct. 17, 18, 23, 25, and 30, the village offers the Haunted Hancock Tour at 7 p.m. ($30 additional cost). Guests can walk the dark halls of the Brick Dwelling and hear about all the haunted stories of this old building. For the younger set, Haunted Hancock for Kids (Oct. 18 and 25, 5 p.m.) is a tour of Shaker ghosts and mystery especially designed for kids ages 8-12 (and at least one adult companion). The 45-minute walking tour ($10-$15) includes a spooky walk through the Village and a visit to the Brick Dwelling. Finally, included in the Hancock admission is the Halloween Pumpkin Extravaganza at the Village on Oct. 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests are invited to wear a costume, trick or treat through the Village, meet Valerian the Garden Witch, and decorate a pumpkin.

 

A family enjoys pumpkin picking at McCray’s Farm.

McCray’s Farm

55 Alvord St., South Hadley, MA

mccrays-farm.com

McCray’s always gets its terror on in the fall, and this year’s Fear on the Farm spectacle includes the Monster Mash Haunted Hayride, Massacre Manor, and the Diagnostic, Operations, Nexus Genetic Research Facility (DONGRF). The farm is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October. The ticket box office opens at 6:30 p.m., and the haunted attractions open at 7 p.m. General admission is $30, and the fast pass option (to skip to the front of the line) costs $55, available online only. McCray’s also offers pumpkin hayrides every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The ride to the pumpkin patch costs $5, and the pumpkins range in price depending on size.

 

Mike’s Maze at Warner Farm

23 South Main St., Sunderland, MA

mikesmaze.com

Visitors to Mike’s Maze, now celebrating its 25th year as one of the country’s most recognized corn mazes, will encounter activities, games, and amusements to entertain the entire family. Every year, the farm concocts a new maze, along with themed games that will challenge guests to solve puzzles and problems and guide their exploration through the corn. Outside the maze, the attractions include a horse-drawn wagon ride, potato cannons, pumpkin picking, and lunch at the Corn Café. Young kids will enjoy a playground featuring a giant double drain-tube slide, a jump pad, a tractor tire jungle gym, and giant games. Older kids and adults can race around the track in pedal carts at Dave’s Derby. And folks love to check out the view of the maze from the perspective of a giant walk-in camera obscura. General admission ranges from $10 to $14 and is free for kids 4 and under. The site is open through Nov. 2, Fridays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays, Sundays, and Columbus Day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

The Mount, Edith Wharton’s Home

2 Plunkett St., Lenox, MA

edithwharton.org

The Mount is a turn-of-the-century home, designed and built by Edith Wharton in 1902. Today, this historic landmark is a cultural center with a robust year-round calendar of events. On the Ghost Tour of the Mount (selected Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays in October; see edithwharton.org/visit/ghost-tours for a full schedule and reservations), guides lead guests through the darkened halls of the Mount, sharing tales of the many eerie encounters that have been reported there for years. Ghost Tours last approximately two hours and include a half-mile walk — rain or shine — between buildings on the Mount’s campus. This tour contains adult content that is not appropriate for young audiences, and children under 12 will not be admitted. Fortunately, families may also choose a Ghost Tour for Kids on Oct. 3, 24, or 30.

 

One of the performers lurking in a scare zone at Six Flags New England.

Six Flags New England

1623 Main St., Agawam, MA

sixflags.com/newengland

On weekends and select days through Nov. 9, the annual Fright Fest promises plenty of thrills and scares on weekends and select days through Nov. 2. Fright Fest features more than 20 attractions, including five haunted mazes: Nightmares, Terror Tales, Slasher Circus 3D, Midnight Mansion, and Camp Killamore. Guests will also encounter seven immersive scare zones located throughout the park, where creatures lurk in the fog and sinister performers emerge from the shadows. Each zone delivers its own brand of fear, from a toxic wasteland to a city overrun by demons, and even a carnival of sinister clowns. Live shows include Midnight Uprising, The Awakening, Mort’s Used Coffins, and Love at First Fright. Park admission is $39, and entry into the five haunted mazes is an additional $24.

 

Sonny’s Place

349 Main St., Somers, CT

sonnysplace.com

Halloween at Sonny’s takes place throughout October. In addition to more than a dozen year-round attractions, Sonny’s offers a pair of seasonal highlights. Haunted Mini Golf costs $18 per person and features terrifying themes and live scare actors roaming the course from sundown to 10 p.m. every Friday and Saturday through Nov. 1. In addition, the Trick-or-Treat Trail is a chance for kids to trick-or-treat at Sonny’s. Kids can purchase a bag and punch card ($6) and visit highlighted attractions to collect a prize or candy at each one. The trail is open Friday through Sunday during operating hours.

 

An illustration used in the “Witch Panic!” exhibit at the Springfield Museums.

Springfield Museums

21 Edwards St., Springfield, MA

springfieldmuseums.org

Through Nov. 2, the Wood Museum of Springfield History is showcasing an exhibit called “Witch Panic! Massachusetts Before Salem.” Forty years before the infamous trials in Salem, fear gripped the small settlement of Springfield. Neighbors whispered about Mary and Hugh Parsons as rumors simmered for years, exploding into hysteria that eventually consumed the town. “Witch Panic!” dives into the daily lives of the couple, examining the circumstances that led to their 1651 accusation and arrest for witchcraft. Guests can learn about the folklore surrounding witches, like their association with broomsticks, black cats, and cauldrons; design their own ghoulish familiar, a small creature believed to help witches; and review the evidence of the Parsons’ witchcraft as a member of the jury and determine their innocence or guilt. Admission to all five Springfield Museums ranges from $13 to $25, with children under 3 free.

 

Wistariahurst Museum

238 Cabot St., Holyoke, MA

wistariahurst.org

The 19th-century mansion and gardens at Wistariahurst comprise a cultural center that engages with the community and hosts exhibitions, performances, and private events throughout the year. October offers two seasonally appropriate events. Cemetery Tours at Forestdale Cemetery will take place on Oct. 11. Guests will discover all there is to know about living and dying in Holyoke from narratives of the people who now find solace in these hallowed grounds. Four tours kick off between 3 and 4 p.m., and the cost is $15. Then, on Oct. 15, the Darkened Hallways Tour (5:30 p.m., also $15) is a chance to get to know Wistariahurst Museum after dark as guests are led through its halls by candlelight.

Area Contractors Report Steady Pipeline of Projects

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A finished project from Sexton Roofing & Siding.
Construction Special Coverage

Looking Up

A finished project from Sexton Roofing & Siding.

A finished project from Sexton Roofing & Siding.

 

The construction industry remains one marked by both challenge and opportunity — and that goes for businesses that have been around for just a few years, or many decades.

In the former group is Sasha Wilde, who bought Sexton Roofing & Siding two years ago and has continued to grow the Hatfield-based business with a mix of residential roofing projects — the company’s bread and butter — and other services, including siding, windows, and exterior doors.

“We’re still doing all of that, making sure we can provide clients with a seamless experience. There’s a huge amount of opportunity,” she told BusinessWest.

“Last year was pretty down across the industry,” Wilde noted. “There was a hangover from COVID. So many people had accelerated home improvement projects during COVID, and last year, it seemed like everyone took a breath. And with the political climate uncertain, they didn’t want to spend as much money. This year, we’ve definitely seen people’s willingness to pull the trigger on projects. That’s been really helpful for us.”

“So many people had accelerated home improvement projects during COVID, and last year, it seemed like everyone took a breath. And with the political climate uncertain, they didn’t want to spend as much money. This year, we’ve definitely seen people’s willingness to pull the trigger on projects.”

In the more venerable category is Mowry & Schmidt in Greenfield, which has been in business for the past 78 years and is also extremely busy.

“I don’t see anything slowing down in the near future, which is a good thing,” co-owner Bob Provost said. “We’re usually trying to finish up some of the big spring, summer, and fall projects before the winter, but we’re just rolling right through. I don’t see a slowdown.”

The firm takes on a robust mix of new construction and renovation work, typically about 60% to 70% on the commercial side, with the rest residential, he explained, a diversity that buffers the company against industry trends.

Mowry & Schmidt is building a new ice hockey arena at Northfield Mount Hermon School.

“The last couple years, we’ve seen a steady flow of new home construction and higher-end kitchens and bath renovations, but the commercial volume is still a little higher. If the economy seems to affect one type of building and not the other, we’ve been able to adapt and make that transformation back and forth. It’s definitely key to staying busy, no doubt.”

Two of Mowry & Schmidt’s more interesting current projects are the construction of an ice hockey arena at Northfield Mount Hermon School and the renovation of the historic Leavitt-Hovey House — the former home of Greenfield Public Library — into a location for Greenfield Savings Bank.

“That’s a historical building, so there are a lot of facets there,” Provost said. “You get ready to go in a direction, then hold up, wait a little bit to get clarifications from the historical society, wait for approval, continue on. But it’s going well. It’s a nice property to work on.”

Clearly, despite challenges ranging from supply costs to workforce needs, contractors in Western Mass. are finding plenty of opportunities to grow their business.

 

Growth Opportunities

One of those is Keiter, a 17-year-old firm based in West Springfield that recently announced it is expanding into Berkshire County with a physical presence in that region, specifically the Clock Tower Business Center at 75 Church St. in Pittsfield. This marks the company’s second expansion in two years.

The move made sense, CEO Scott Keiter said, with past clients in the Berkshires including Mass Audubon Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Bousquet Sport, Premium Waters, Berkshire Medical Center, the town of Lenox, Saint Patrick and Raphael Church, as well as several residential clients. 

“Since we started doing a more regimented and strategic interview process, we’ve been able to find better people. We’ve weeded out the folks that look good on paper but are maybe not so aligned with the way we think.”

“For several years, we’ve had the opportunity to work with incredible clients and professionals throughout the Berkshires, and it felt like the right time to officially set roots,” he noted. “We’re proud to continue to grow in a region where we’ve already begun to build strong partnerships.”

Wilde said trying to grow her company is complicated by a tight potential worker pool, a persistent problem across the construction field.

“The home improvement business has been great, but not without its challenges, since we are trying to grow and scale this business. Scaling sometimes comes with its own set of challenges, one of them being just finding great people to add to the team,” she said, adding that she’s dealt with some “hiccups” in that area, but still saw her staff expand to nine this year, in addition to the subcontracting teams.

“I tried hard to get referrals from people we know, and we listed on the major sites like ZipRecruiter and Indeed. But it really comes down to the interview process,” Wilde told BusinessWest, adding that the way she handles that process has changed in positive ways.

Sasha Wilde (right) has grown her team to nine at Sexton Roofing & Siding — and wants to grow it further.

“The first interview anyone does with the team, I wind up talking about our company’s mission and core values, and whether they’re a cultural fit with us,” she explained. “Since we started doing a more regimented and strategic interview process, we’ve been able to find better people. We’ve weeded out the folks that look good on paper but are maybe not so aligned with the way we think.”

And finding talent that will stick is important in an industry where retirements continue to outpace young, incoming talent, she noted. “When I think about fellow business owners in construction, their people are approaching retirement age, and from what I can tell, there’s a shortage of actual people to do the work.”

Provost said Mowry & Schmidt typically employs between 13 and 15 people in the field and three or four more in the office.

“We’re pretty fortunate. We’ve got our employees that have been with us for quite some time. But it does create some challenges looking down the road. When we have to bring in new people, the new hires just aren’t there. I still have to rely on subcontractors, and you want them to be a good extension of what you’re offering in-house; you want to make sure that the subcontractors you bring in are equally good as our employees. There’s a definite shortage of construction trade workers out there.”

To that end, Provost has been involved with Franklin County Technical School to cultivate young talent and interest them in construction careers.

“We’ve brought in some work co-op kids. It’s a way to start them at a young age and keep them going. But it’s rough. Kids come out of school, and they’re not sure what they want to do.”

The other major challenges of the past few years, supply costs and availability, have settled down to an extent, Provost added, although tariffs have thrown in a new wrinkle.

“Supply of materials has gotten better,” he said. “Windows and doors and cabinets have caught up, but it can be challenging depending on certain materials.”

One new challenge is private equity firms moving into roofing, Wilde said.

“In prior years, they were focused on other trades, but they are now honing on roofing. We’ve had a couple of new competitors this year backed by private equity, and we’re trying to stay relevant and outmaneuver them in this market. But they have an unlimited marketing spend — I can’t spend that kind of money.”

One key is focusing on the local angle — not just being based in Western Mass. and doing projects here, but being involved in the community, she said.

“That’s how I think we’ll maintain our competitive edge over those companies. Western Mass. wants to take care of Western Mass. and support people who are here. We are your neighbors.”

 

Spreading the Word

Another key to growth is improving internal processes and communication with clients, so everything turns out the way the client expects with no surprises, Wilde noted.

“We’ve had a lot of learning around what documents to create to make sure that the jobs are communicated very clearly, to translate what’s in the homeowner’s head to what they’re building, and making sure that happens. We’ve done a lot of improving in this area.”

The team also tries to communicate with customers’ neighbors about work on their street, which is another chance to make connections; meanwhile, Sexton gives a discount on projects when the client keeps its yard sign up for four months — another way to raise the company’s visibility in an increasingly competitive market.

Provost said he takes pride in having a good base of repeat customers, which is essential to landing opportunities and responding to demand.

“We’re fortunate to be going strong here. We’re facing some uncertainties, but there’s a lot of work out there,” he said. “People are being more selective in the process of who’s going to do the work for them. Customers are more savvy these days, and they’re looking to make sure that the people that are working for them are qualified.”

Key Considerations for S Corporations in Year-end Payroll Reporting

By Contributor
Accounting and Tax Planning Special Coverage

Fringe Benefits

By Lauren Foley, MSA

As Dec. 31 approaches, an important consideration for employers is proper payroll reporting. W-2s must be sent to employees by Jan. 31, resulting in a very short window in which to ensure that final payroll is correct for tax reporting. In addition to compensation, employers must be sure that benefits are properly reported, including fringe benefits.

Fringe benefits are considered compensation and included in employee wages, unless they qualify for exclusion (i.e., are nontaxable and omitted from employee wages). However, if the recipient is a ‘2% shareholder’ (i.e., an owner and employee) of an S corporation, fringe benefits that otherwise qualify for exclusion are included in wages.

 

What Are Fringe Benefits?

A fringe benefit is a form of pay, including cash, amounts paid on behalf of an employee (e.g., health and life insurance, retirement and health accounts), or in-kind (e.g., property, meals, company cars), in addition to stated pay for the performance of services.

The Internal Revenue Code provides that fringe benefits are taxable, excluded, or partially taxable, depending on the type of benefit. If a fringe benefit is excluded or partially taxable, it must be ‘qualified,’ i.e. meet strict requirements to qualify for this preferential tax treatment. Even if excluded or partially taxable by employees, employers may deduct the cost of fringe benefits.

Lauren Foley

Lauren Foley

“The Internal Revenue Code provides that fringe benefits are taxable, excluded, or partially taxable, depending on the type of benefit. If a fringe benefit is excluded or partially taxable, it must be ‘qualified,’ i.e. meet strict requirements to qualify for this preferential tax treatment.”

 

What Are S Corporations?

Qualifying corporations that make S elections under the Internal Revenue Code are not separately taxed, as regular (C) corporations are. S corp status allows corporations to avoid double taxation by passing income, losses, and deductions to its shareholders, who report these items directly on their tax returns. Often, S corp shareholders are also employees.

Fringe Benefits and S Corp 2% Shareholder Employees

Due to the overlap between owner and employee status, special rules apply to S corp shareholder employee fringe benefit taxation and reporting. These rules apply to shareholders owning 2% or more of S corp stock (2% shareholders). Even if excludable by regular employees, 2% shareholder benefits are generally taxable and must be reported on the shareholder’s W-2. The following benefits are treated differently for 2% shareholders:

• Health insurance premiums are taxable and included on 2% shareholder employee W-2s. Regular employees’ W-2 wage does not include the employer paid portion of their health insurance.

• Retirement plan contributions are subject to self-employed contribution rules for 2% shareholder employees. These rules allow contribution of 25% of net earnings from self-employment. Retirement plan contributions for regular employees are non-taxable if they are within limits.

• Dependent care assistance from an employer is tax-free up to $5,000 for regular employees, while all dependent care benefits are taxable to 2% shareholder employees.

• Group term life insurance is entirely taxable to 2% shareholder employees, while life insurance is tax-free up to $50,000 coverage for employees.

• Health savings accounts are tax-free to regular employees but taxable to 2% shareholder employees.

• Unlike regular employees, 2% shareholder employees cannot participate in flexible spending accounts.

In addition, family members of 2% shareholders (e.g., spouse, children, parents) are also treated as 2% shareholders for fringe benefit purposes. That means any benefits they receive must follow the same tax and reporting rules as the ones given to the actual shareholder.

“Many S corporations are unaware of these rules and may face IRS adjustment if fringe benefits are not properly reported. If fringe benefits are omitted from W-2 reporting, the IRS may disallow related deductions, resulting in increased taxable income and potential penalties.”

Compliance and Planning

Many S corporations are unaware of these rules and may face IRS adjustment if fringe benefits are not properly reported. If fringe benefits are omitted from W-2 reporting, the IRS may disallow related deductions, resulting in increased taxable income and potential penalties.

If you are an S corp, planning to start an S corp, or a 2% shareholder employee, it’s important to review all the shareholders’ ownership percentages to determine the correct tax treatment of shareholder employee fringe benefits. The S corp should decide which benefits to offer and clearly communicate this information to its payroll provider, especially regarding shareholder benefits. Be sure to consult your CPA or refer to the IRS website for fringe benefit guidance.

 

Lauren Foley, is a senior associate at the Holyoke-based accounting firm Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. This material is generic in nature. Before relying on the material in any important matter, users should note date of publication and carefully evaluate its accuracy, currency, completeness, and relevance for their purposes, and should obtain any appropriate professional advice relevant to their particular circumstances.

Wilbraham Looks to Build on Recent Momentum

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Developers are planning to transform the former Lakeside Inn into a boutique hotel and restaurant.
Community Spotlight Special Coverage

Community Spotlight

Developers are planning to transform the former Lakeside Inn into a boutique hotel and restaurant.

Developers are planning to transform the former Lakeside Inn into a boutique hotel and restaurant.

 

Christal Russo acknowledged that Wilbraham hasn’t historically enjoyed a reputation for being ‘open for business,’ as communities like to say.

And that’s understandable given its rural nature and status as one of the more desirable of Springfield’s bedroom communities.

But it has always welcomed businesses that enhance the quality of life there and meet the needs of its residents, said Russo, the recently named chair of the town’s resuscitated Economic Development Committee. And now, it is even more so, she noted, adding that the community has many strong selling points, ranging from a single tax rate to some developable parcels along busy Boston Road, to a recent vote to squelch a proposed meals tax.

And there’s two developments to either side of the town — new development on the site of the former Eastfield Mall and a planned rail station in nearby Palmer as part of planned east-west rail — that can be added to that list.

Meanwhile, the town has seen some real momentum when it comes to new business in recent years, from a Delaney’s restaurant and Domino’s Pizza to a new development in the center of town featuring a pizza restaurant, brewery, and several apartments, to the recent announcement by developers of plans to transform the former Lakeside Inn (which was home to several other restaurants in recent years and is now used as office space for a transportation company) into a boutique hotel that will include a high-end restaurant (more on this later).

“And we want to keep that momentum going,” said Russo, a project manager at MassMutual, adding that the Economic Development Committee, resurrected a few years ago, is committed to promoting the town’s assets and growing its business community.

“What we want to do as a committee is let the public know is that Wilbraham is open for business and we support our businesses,” she said, adding that the community is poised for additional growth. “We’re looking to better understand what we can do and what our businesses need so we can support them.”

Jim Rooney, chair of the town’s Planning Board, agreed, noting that the single tax rate and other measures taken recently — or not taken, in the case of the meals tax — should help efforts to sell the town to business owners.

“We have a few open storefronts and some land available for additional development. We’d love to be able to fill those spaces and bring some businesses here to develop some of our open parcels.”

As for redevelopment of the Eastfield Mall, a project called Springfield Crossing, a planned mix of retail, service businesses, and, eventually, housing, should create more traffic on Boston Road, which will not only benefit existing businesses there and elsewhere in town, but inspire more business owners and entrepreneurs to give Wilbraham a hard look, Rooney said.

“We would definitely think that, with the increased traffic, someone will be driving down and thinking, ‘this would be a great place for my business.’”

For this latest installment in its Community Spotlight series, BusinessWest takes an in-depth look at Wilbraham and the many forms of momentum being seen in the community.

 

Delivering Results

Paul Robbins remembers driving past the site of Post Office Park on Boston Road while it was under construction a quarter-century or so ago. “I was thinking to myself, ‘who’s going to want to move in there?’”

Well … he did.

Indeed, not long after the facility opened, Robbins, a principal with the marketing firm Paul Robbins Associates, left his offices in downtown Springfield after 20 years there and relocated to the park. It was a move of convenience, he told BusinessWest, adding that he had moved his family to Wilbraham a few years earlier, and it just made sense to put his business there as well, especially since there was a new business park in town. (He recently relocated his business to the Brewer-Young mansion in Longmeadow.)

Getting back to his original commentary and skepticism about the park, it was grounded in the notion that Wilbraham was somewhat of a remote outpost, business-wise, hard to get to from Springfield — and many other parts of the 413.

And it still is.

But Wilbraham and, more specifically, the Boston Road corridor have become home to a growing number of businesses across several sectors, including hospitality, retail, and the broad realm of health and wellness, bringing people from several nearby communities into town.

A redeveloped Eastfield Mall is expected to boost existing businesses in Wilbraham and perhaps inspire more entrepreneurs to want to call it home.

Indeed, the park has made the community more of a destination, as it now hosts a post office (hence the name), the Scantic Valley YMCA, Monson Savings Bank corporate offices, a few medical offices, a hair salon, a shredding company, and other ventures. Looking at what’s happened, Robbins said the park has helped the community shed that ‘outpost’ label, and there have been many new developments along that stretch since.

And there’s land at the site for additional development, said Russo, adding that new businesses along that corridor, and the prospects for more, are one of the main forms of momentum in the community.

Perhaps the biggest are the announced plans for redeveloping the former Lakeside Inn. Built on Nine Mile Pond in the 1940s as an inn and restaurant, it was always a popular destination, drawing diners and guests from neighboring communities and well beyond.

Wilbraham at a Glance

Year Incorporated: 1763
Population: 14,613
Area: 22.4 square miles
County: Hampden
Residential Tax Rate: $17.88
Commercial Tax Rate: $17.88
Median Household Income: $65,014
Median Family Income: $73,825
Type of government: Board of Selectmen, Open Town Meeting
Largest Employers: Baystate Wing Wilbraham Medical Center; Friendly Ice Cream Corp.; Big Y; Home Depot; Wilbraham & Monson Academy
*Latest information available

The hope is that the planned boutique hotel and restaurant — conceived by unrelated business owners Joe Sullivan and John Sullivan, owners of several ventures in the area, including Nathan Bill’s Bar & Restaurant and Boulevard Tavern and Grill in Springfield and East Village Tavern in East Longmeadow — will do the same.

“This is a really exciting development for the community,” Russo said. “It’s going to bring new life to a true landmark.”

Rooney agreed. “We’re extremely excited to see this come back as a restaurant — they’re looking to have lakeside dining — and a boutique hotel, small rooms to support activities like when parents come in for events at Wilbraham Monson Academy,” he said. “We’re really looking forward to this happening; it will be a great addition to the landscape.”

Plans call for a restaurant on the main floor, with eight guest rooms on the second floor and another six on the basement level. If all goes as planned, both components of the business should be completed by the fall of 2026.

 

You Can Get Here from There

Overall, Wilbraham, its officials, and its town meeting voters have taken several steps that are making the community more business-friendly, said Rooney, listing everything from that vote to reject a meals tax, which will provide a boost for the town’s growing roster of restaurants, to a measure allowing used car sales (something not allowed in town previously) as an accessory to an existing business.

The latter is a nod to changes in that business, Rooney noted, adding that most of the business involving the sale of used cars is done online, reducing the need for large lots full of cars.

“This measure will allow that kind of business to flourish in Wilbraham,” he noted, adding that it is indicative of efforts to facilitate business growth in the community.

And while such growth will largely be limited to the Boston Road corridor and the center of town, as it has been historically, there is room for more, said those we spoke with.

“We have a few open storefronts and some land available for additional development,” Russo explained. “We’d love to be able to fill those spaces and bring some businesses here to develop some of our open parcels.

There is already ample motivation for doing so, said Russo and Rooney, but those twin developments mentioned earlier — the reimagined Eastfield Mall, known as Springfield Crossing (just a few hundred yards from the Wilbraham line), and the planned rail stop in Palmer — might provide additional incentives.

Construction is well underway at Springfield Crossing, a 360,000-square-foot strip mall that will include Target, BJ’s, Hobby Lobby, PetSmart, Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, and other regional and national retailers. It expected to make that corner of Springfield a more popular destination, as it was decades ago when the mall was thriving, said Rooney, bringing traffic from all directions, including east, through Wilbraham.

As for the rail stop, it is expected to make the eastern portion of the 413 more accessible, and more attractive, to potential residents — and also to business owners looking to create ventures to support those residents.

These are just some of the reasons why Wilbraham is enjoying some momentum, and why leaders there believe it can generate more in the years to come.

Western Massachusetts Literacy Collaborative Receives $190,000 Grant

By
Daily News

CHICOPEE — The Western Massachusetts Literacy Collaborative (WMLC) recently received a $190,000 Early Literacy Consortium (ELC) grant from the Healey-Driscoll administration and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The collaborative, through which local colleges and schools work together to address teacher preparation, boost student literacy, and enhance classroom practices, was created three years ago. It has been used as a model by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to encourage other colleges and public schools to partner on addressing literacy needs in their region. The Early Literacy Consortium grant program was created to support funding initiatives such as the WMLC and other consortia across the state.

Elms College is the lead institution in the WMLC, which also includes American International College, Bay Path University, Springfield College, and Westfield State University. The school districts include Springfield Public Schools, East Longmeadow Public Schools, and the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership. Also included are early education sites Educare Springfield and Square One.

A key part of the collaborative is the Summer Learn & Earn Literacy Corps, which prepares college students studying to be future educators to teach culturally responsive and evidence-based literacy practices. The college students then work as summer school tutors teaching elementary and middle school students ways to improve their reading skills.

Last summer, the Learn & Earn Literacy Corps attracted 34 tutors to help nearly 200 elementary and secondary students identified as needing support with reading skills.

The funds from this grant will provide professional development on evidence-based literacy practices to higher education and school district professionals, and contract an evaluation specialist who will determine the effectiveness of the literacy interventions.

“The WMLC is grateful for all the support we have received. It has enabled us to create quality mentored work experiences for new and aspiring teachers,” said Laura Porter, WMLC director and an instructor in the Education Division at Elms College. “Overall, the public school students who received literacy interventions from our college tutors during summer sessions demonstrated substantial growth with their reading skills. This points to the effectiveness of the Summer Learn & Earn Literacy Corps in supporting new teachers and providing strong literacy outcomes for elementary and middle school youth in our region.”

Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts to Host Annual Sneaker Soirée on Oct. 9

By
Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — Girls on the Run (GOTR) Western Massachusetts will host its annual Sneaker Soirée on Thursday, Oct. 9 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Springfield Country Club in West Springfield.

Dressed in their party attire and favorite sneakers, guests will enjoy an evening of food, fun, and inspiration. The event will feature a silent auction with items and experiences from local supporters, hors d’oeuvres and cash bar, a wine pull, and an opportunity to hear from GOTR participants and coaches. All event proceeds will support program scholarships so more girls can experience the transformative impact of Girls on the Run.

Tickets cost $50 per person or $400 for a table of eight. More information and tickets are available at www.girlsontherunwesternma.org/sneaker-soiree. The silent auction will be available online to event attendees and the public starting Oct. 4. Item donations are welcome and should be directed to Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts staff.

The presenting Sponsor is the Jamrog Group, and other event sponsors include Specialty Bolt & Screw, Burkhart Pizzanelli P.C, Meyers Brothers Kalicka P.C., and Martin Wohl and Marisa Labozzetta.

Over the last ten years, GOTR Western Massachusetts has grown from 90 girls on six teams to more than 1,900 girls on 85 teams in 2025. It has served more than 13,000 girls in all four Western Mass. counties since its start.

Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based, positive youth development program that uses fun running games and dynamic discussions to teach life skills to girls in grades 3-8. This fall season will introduce a newly updated curriculum for coaches to guide and facilitate lessons for their teams. The eight-week season will feature 16 lessons curated to build life skills around timely and age-appropriate topics such as managing emotions, positive self-talk, navigating friendships, and more.

The season culminates with teams completing a community impact project and a celebratory 5K. The fall 5K will take place on Sunday, Nov. 23 at 10:30 a.m. at Western New England University.

The Clutter Doctor Inc. to Hold 25th Anniversary Event on Nov. 5

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Daily News

AGAWAM — Carleen Eve Fischer Hoffman, founder of the Clutter Doctor Inc., a company that offers hands-on organizing services, announced a 25th anniversary celebration for the business, to be held on Wednesday, Nov. 5 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Next Level Cowork, 11 Herbert P. Almgren Dr., Agawam.

The event will include light fare, refreshments, and 25th anniversary award presentations. RSVP to [email protected].

Hoffman is known for bringing humor, heart, and deep expertise to the often overwhelming topic of clutter. She has helped hundreds of clients go from chaos to calm by helping them clear physical and emotional space.

Her childhood passion for organizing led to the creation of the Clutter Doctor Inc., an East Longmeadow-based business that has given her the opportunity to help clients get motivated to tackle clutter, understand the emotional side of ‘stuff,’ and learn how organization supports mental well-being. The Clutter Doctor was one of the first businesses of its kind in Western Mass.

Hoffman appears regularly on WWLP’s Mass Appeal, where she shares tips for organizing — whether in the home, the office, or when traveling. She also wrote a regular column for the Girls Just Wanna Have Fun magazine in the Republican newspaper. In addition, she has been featured nationally in magazines, newspapers, radio, and television.

Monson Savings Bank Donates $10,000 to Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services

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Daily News

MONSON — Monson Savings Bank announced a $10,000 donation to the Emergency Food Pantry operated by Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services (MLKFS), reinforcing the bank’s commitment to supporting local families and individuals facing food insecurity.

The donation was presented by Monson Savings Bank President and CEO Dan Moriarty and Assistant Vice President, Community Lending Officer Wil Morales, who also serves on the board of Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services, to MLKFS CEO Shannon Rudder and Chief Development Officer Claudia Pazmany.

The MLKFS Emergency Food Pantry provides essential nourishment to individuals and families facing food insecurity in the Greater Springfield area. With rising demand, the contribution from Monson Savings Bank will help ensure the pantry remains stocked and accessible to those who rely on its services.

“This donation reflects our deep commitment to the communities we serve,” Moriarty said. “We are honored to support the vital work of Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services and help provide food security to our neighbors.”

Added Morales, “as someone who sees firsthand the impact of MLKFS, I am proud to be part of a bank that steps up when our community needs us most. This gift will make a real difference.”

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services Food Pantry, located at the Community Center on 3 Rutland St. in Springfield’s Mason Square neighborhood, provides critical emergency food services to individuals and families facing food insecurity throughout Hampden County. Operating every Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon, the pantry offers a variety of food items, including meats, dairy, baked goods, and fresh and canned produce, based on availability.

Shoppers select their own items rather than receiving pre-packed bags, and while proof of residency is requested, no one is turned away. The pantry is staffed by a dedicated program director and supported by more than 20 weekly volunteers, with food donations supplied by the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and other grocery partners.

Additionally, MLKFS hosts a Mobile Food Bank in partnership with the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month from 1 to 2 p.m. at the same location. All shoppers are encouraged to bring their own bags, and SNAP eligibility screenings are available onsite. To learn more, visit www.mlkjrfamilyservices.org/families.

“At a time when funding cuts threaten the very safety nets our communities rely on, this investment in our Emergency Food Pantry is more than just financial support; it’s a statement of belief in our mission and those who we are honored to serve,” Rudder said. “Our pantry team is powered by the heart and hands of devoted volunteers who show up every day with one goal: to ensure no one in our community goes hungry. Our partnership with Monson truly bolsters our ability to meet the growing need and reaffirms that compassion and commitment still win, even in the hardest of times.”

Pazmany added that “we are incredibly grateful to Monson Savings Bank for their continued generosity. Their support feeds our mission to lead with hope and drive action, shaping futures with dignity and compassion across cultures and generations.”

Springfield WORKS to Receive $150,000 Grant for Leap into Law Program

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — State Sen. Adam Gómez joined the Executive Office of Economic Development in announcing a grant award through the Community Workforce Partnerships Grant Program (CWP) for Springfield WORKS in the city of Springfield.

This program is a reimagining of the Urban Agenda grant, which supported local economic priorities and collective problem solving for 10 years. The program offers one-year operating grants to projects in job skill training, literacy and language skills, and small business employee skill development, apprenticeship, recruitment, and retention.

“The Community Workforce Partnerships Grant Program creates real, equitable pathways to economic opportunity for cities and towns across Massachusetts,” Gómez said. “I’m thrilled that Springfield WORKS Leap into Law will [receive] a $150,000 grant through this program. This investment will empower women, underserved adults, and Accelerated Career English learners in Springfield with real skills, language training, and workplace experience — tools that lead to good jobs and a stronger community.”

Springfield WORKS at the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council is a collaborative workforce initiative focused on building pathways to economic mobility for underrepresented residents in the Springfield area. One of its flagship programs, Leap into Law, prepares under-resourced adults — especially women and accelerated career English learners — for living-wage careers in legal administration. The program combines skills training, language development, and hands-on workplace experience to create direct pipelines into the legal field and help participants achieve long-term career success.

Chikmedia Welcomes Julianne Fruscio as New Content Producer

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Daily News

Julianne Fruscio

SPRINGFIELD — Chikmedia, a boutique firm specializing in marketing, public relations, branding, and design, announced the addition of Julianne Fruscio to its growing creative team as a content producer. With more than a decade of expertise in marketing strategy, social media, and brand development, she brings a proven ability to craft impactful content that drives engagement, strengthens brand presence, and fuels growth.

Fruscio is a seasoned marketing director, social media influencer, and expert in content creation, with extensive experience developing innovative campaigns for major brands, including her work with Amazon and Comfrt. She specializes in brand positioning, storytelling, and creative direction, consistently producing results-driven content that captivates audiences and boosts conversions.

In addition to her corporate achievements, Fruscio has built a thriving body positivity community, showcasing her talent for fostering authentic engagement and inspiring audiences. Her strengths in trend analysis, content planning, and visual production ensure that the brands she works with achieve consistent growth and lasting impact.

“This partnership with Chikmedia is beyond exciting and is such a good fit between two strong women marketing professionals in Western Mass.,” Fruscio said. “I am in awe of Meghan and the Chikmedia team and what they have accomplished, so it truly is an honor to be part of the team. Creating compelling content and managing social media platforms is one of my passions, and I can’t wait to bring my creative vision to new and existing clients.”

Fruscio’s appointment underscores Chikmedia’s commitment to expanding its creative capabilities and delivering high-quality, compelling content for its clients. As a content producer, she will play a key role in content strategy, brand storytelling, and multi-media production.

“We are so excited to welcome Julianne to the Chikmedia team,” said Meghan Rothschild, president of Chikmedia. “Her expertise in social media marketing and brand development, combined with her creative vision and passion for storytelling, make her an invaluable addition as we continue to grow and innovate.”

Fruscio holds a bachelor’s degree in integrated marketing communications from Ithaca College’s Roy H. Park School of Communications. Prior to joining Chikmedia, she served as director of Marketing, Retention, and Field Services at Dominion Dealer Solutions, as well as Business Development and Marketing specialist at Excelsior Integrated.

Holyoke Mall to Host Halloween Mall-O-Ween on Oct. 30

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — Families and children of all ages are invited to Holyoke Mall’s annual Halloween Mall-O-Ween trick-or-treating event on Thursday, Oct. 30 from 4 to 6 p.m. Participating mall retailers will be handing out candy throughout the center, making it an ideal destination for little ghouls and goblins to safely enjoy trick-or-treating.

Attendees can also participate in a Social Media Costume Contest. Simply snap a photo while trick-or-treating at the mall, post it on Facebook and/or Instagram, follow and tag the mall @HolyokeMall, and use the hashtag #HolyokeMallHalloween2025. Contestants must be at least 18 years old. Winners will be announced on Nov. 3 and awarded prizes.

For full details regarding Halloween Mall-O-Ween, visit www.holyokemall.com/event/halloween-mall-o-ween-2025.

Picture This

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Picture This

Community Support

bankESB announced a $20,000 commitment over the next two years to support the construction of a new ADA- and safety-compliant play structure at Hilltown Cooperative Charter Public School in Easthampton. 

Pictured from left: Tiffany Ross, Rebecca Belcher-Timme, and Chris Kusek of Hilltown Cooperative Charter Public School; and Jessica West, Thomas Florence, Elizabeth Schabacker, and Robyn Michaud of bankESB. The bank also announced a $5,000 donation to It Takes a Village, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families in the rural Hilltown communities of Western Mass.

 

Pictured, from left: Lisa Goding, Kenzie Kinsella, Tara Balboni, and Becky Brisbois of It Takes a Village; and Schabacker, West, and Michaud

 

 

 

 

 

Technically Speaking

Holyoke Community College (HCC) celebrated the grand opening of its new Tech Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 3. Located on the second floor of the HCC Campus Center, the HCC Tech Center is a newly refurbished space that provides students with the technological support they need to be successful. The center is run by a team of student interns who offer one-on-one support to their classmates who need assistance. It also offers computer stations for students to use, a classroom for interactive workshops and meetings, and cubicles where other HCC support staff, such as financial aid counselors, can set up shop during special events. 

Pictured: HCC President George Timmons gets ready to cut the ribbon at the grand opening.

 

 

 

Promoting Fun and Wellness

Westfield Bank recently donated $5,000 to the YMCA of Greater Westfield to help launch Ninja Zone, a new program that promotes fitness, confidence, and fun for local kids. Pictured above left, from left: YMCA Mission Advancement Director Ashley Buxton, Westfield Bank President and CEO Jim Hagan, and YMCA CEO Andrea Allard. Westfield Bank also recently donated $10,000 to the Behavioral Health Network (BHN) Kamp for Kids to help support its summer camp, a six-week program that brings together children with and without disabilities for fun activities and events. Pictured above right: Westfield Bank COO Kevin O’Connor presents the check to BHN President and CEO Steve Winn, along with members of both organizations.

Pictured, from left: YMCA Mission Advancement Director Ashley Buxton, Westfield Bank President and CEO Jim Hagan, and YMCA CEO Andrea Allard. Westfield Bank also recently donated $10,000 to the Behavioral Health Network (BHN) Kamp for Kids to help support its summer camp, a six-week program that brings together children with and without disabilities for fun activities and events.

 

Pictured: Westfield Bank COO Kevin O’Connor presents the check to BHN President and CEO Steve Winn, along with members of both organizations.

 

 

Knowledge Is Power

Monson Savings Bank (MSB) recently pledged $20,000 to Educare Springfield, reinforcing its commitment to early childhood education. Pictured above left: MSB President and CEO Dan Moriarty (second from left) and Executive Vice President and COO Michael Rouette (right) join Educare Springfield Executive Director Nikki Burnett (third from left) and School Director Amy Stec (left) to celebrate the unveiling of Monson Savings Bank’s name on Educare’s interactive donor wall. The bank also recently donated $2,500 to the Women’s Empowerment Scholarship, which invests in the future of area women by encouraging and empowering them to pursue higher education. Pictured above right: Moriarty (right) and Rouette (left) present the donation to Cori Medeiros, vice president of the Women’s Empowerment Scholarship.

Pictured: MSB President and CEO Dan Moriarty (second from left) and Executive Vice President and COO Michael Rouette (right) join Educare Springfield Executive Director Nikki Burnett (third from left) and School Director Amy Stec (left) to celebrate the unveiling of Monson Savings Bank’s name on Educare’s interactive donor wall. The bank also recently donated $2,500 to the Women’s Empowerment Scholarship, which invests in the future of area women by encouraging and empowering them to pursue higher education.

 

Pictured: Moriarty (right) and Rouette (left) present the donation to Cori Medeiros, vice president of the Women’s Empowerment Scholarship.

Agenda

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Agenda

Community Workshops

Oct. 1, 6, 29: Greylock Federal Credit Union will host three free community workshops on the topics of avoiding debt, building credit, and Medicare. On Wednesday, Oct. 1, “Avoiding the Gift of Debt” will be held via Zoom from 6 to 6:45 p.m., and will outline strategies to avoid debt during the holiday season. On Monday, Oct. 6, “Credit Ability: Build a Strong Credit History” (in Spanish), a hybrid workshop, will help participants understand the need to build credit, the significance of credit scores, ways to establish credit, and how to use credit wisely. Participants are welcome to join in person from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Greylock Community Empowerment Center, 75 Kellogg St., Pittsfield, or join via a Zoom option. On Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 6 p.m., a virtual workshop, “Preparing for Medicare 101 and Open Enrollment Changes 2025,” will help prepare recent retirees and those looking to retire in near future. This event is presented in partnership with Elder Services of Berkshire County. For more information and to register, visit www.greylock.org/cec.

 

Party with 1 Purpose

Oct. 4: After a sold-out debut that earned national recognition from Breakthrough T1D as one of the Top New Fundraising Events of 2024, Party with 1 Purpose will return to the Basketball Hall of Fame. Chaired by David Fontaine Jr. and Sarah Fontaine, the gala unites community leaders, local families, and businesses in support of Breakthrough T1D’s mission to cure, prevent, and treat type 1 diabetes (T1D). Guests will enjoy an evening on Center Court featuring live music, an energetic auction, inspiring stories from local T1D families, and opportunities to directly fund life-changing research. This year’s Fund a Cure will shine a spotlight on the Kouflie family and their son Braden, who was diagnosed with T1D at age 7. The Kouflies will share their journey of navigating the daily challenges of diabetes while holding onto hope for a cure, giving guests a personal look at why Breakthrough T1D’s research is so critical. Sponsorships and tickets are available at www.breakthrought1d.org/ctma/wmassgala2025.

 

Barks & Brews

Oct. 5: The 10th annual Barks & Brews event, presented by Dakin Humane Society, will take place at Fort Hill Brewery in Easthampton. The event will begin with a VIP exclusive preview hour from noon to 1 p.m., with general admission taking place from 1 to 3 p.m. VIP admission tickets, priced at $75, entitle holders to on-site parking, hors d’oeuvres served during the preview hour, a complimentary beer, and an event T-shirt. General admission tickets, priced at $35, include a complimentary beer. Parking is located on street and at the local school lot (a five-minute walk). Visit www.dakinhumane.org/barksandbrews to purchase tickets. All attendees of the event must be at least 21 years old. Guests are invited to bring crowd-friendly dogs on a non-retractable leash (retractable leashes are not allowed), and are asked not to bring strollers. Other event features will include a Halloween costume contest for dogs, a hot dog eating contest for dogs, a 50/50 raffle (ticket holders need not be present to win), a photo booth, nail trimming, dog baths, vendor booth shopping, and food trucks. Barks & Brews is an important annual fundraiser for Dakin, a 501(c)(3) organization. In previous years at Fort Hill, this event has generated about $30,000 for services and programs that help animals in need.

 

Real Estate Licensing Course

Oct. 6 to Nov. 12: The Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley will host a 40 hour, 14-class sales licensing course to help individuals prepare for the Massachusetts real estate salesperson license exam. Tuition costs $425 and includes the book and materials. For an application, call the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley at (413) 785-1328 or visit www.rapv.com.

 

Estate Planning Series

Oct. 9, 16, 23: Attorney Karen Jackson of Jackson Law in Holyoke will lead a three-course series on estate planning at Holyoke Community College beginning Oct. 9 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. “Powerful Tools to Save the Home and Other Assets from the Nursing Home Bill” will continue on Oct. 16 and 23, also from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Participants will hear a high-level overview of MassHealth’s financial requirements, “so MassHealth, not the family, funds any necessary long-term nursing home care,” Jackson explained. She will also explain the benefits of what she calls the “powerful tools in estate planning” — the irrevocable trust, the caregiver child exception, the adult disabled child exception, the Medicaid qualified annuity, pooled trusts, and long-term care insurance. She will explain the benefits and limitations of each of these tools and will encourage questions. The cost for the series is $179. To register, call (413) 552-2320.

 

Cancer Connection Harvest Dinner

Oct. 16: Cancer Connection’s annual Harvest Dinner will take place at Union Station in Northampton. The Harvest Dinner is one of Cancer Connection’s most important fundraisers, and bankESB’s support will help underwrite the costs of the event and allow the organization to raise more funds for its programs. This festive evening brings the Cancer Connection community together and raises critical funds to bring support groups, integrative therapies, and educational programs to more cancer patients and their caregivers. The event will include a cocktail hour, farm-to-table dinner, silent auction, and a program of speakers. Cancer Connection, the only independent cancer support center in the area, is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025. Founded in 2000, Cancer Connection’s mission is to provide a haven where people with cancer and their loved ones can learn how to navigate the complicated cancer journey through one-to-one guidance, education, peer support, integrative therapies, and creative programs. Cancer Connection is the only cancer support center in Hampshire and Franklin Counties and draws additional participants from Hampden County and beyond. For more information on sponsorships and tickets for the Harvest Dinner, visit www.cancer-connection.org/special-events.

 

Healthcare Heroes Gala

Oct. 22: BusinessWest and the Healthcare News will celebrate this year’s eight Healthcare Heroes starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. The class of 2025, profiled in the Sep. 15 issue of BusinessWest and at businesswest.com, includes the Andy Yee Palliative Care Unit at Mercy Medical Center; Areliz Barbosa, clinical assistant professor and senior project coordinator at Bay Path University; Andrea Bertheaud, clinical assistant professor at Elms College; Chrissy Humason, Nursing supervisor and Stroke coordinator at Baystate Noble Hospital; Linda Koh, assistant professor at the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing at UMass Amherst; Cindy Leonard, Infusion manager at the Sister Caritas Cancer Center at Mercy Medical Center; Dr. Thomas Lincoln, physician and associate professor of Medicine at Baystate Health; and Dr. Yannis Raftopoulos, director of the Holyoke Medical Center Weight Management Program. Tickets cost $95, and tables of 10 are available. To purchase tickets, visit businesswest.com/healthcareheroes. Presenting sponsors include Baystate Health/Health New England and Elms College. Partner sponsors include Trinity Health Of New England/Mercy Medical Center and Holyoke Medical Center.

 

Fall in Love with BFAIR – One Sip at a Time Fundraiser

Oct. 22: Berkshire Family & Individual Resources (BFAIR) invites the community to an evening of fine wine, food, and music at its upcoming fundraiser, Fall in Love with BFAIR – One Sip at a Time, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Balderdash Cellars, 81 State Road, Richmond. The event, sponsored by Sourcepass, will feature wines paired with appetizers, charcuterie, and desserts by Pizza Trails. It will also feature a lively program including a silent auction, raffles, and live music performed by Brian Benlien. The evening’s proceeds will support BFAIR’s mission of providing quality, individualized services to people with developmental disabilities and acquired brain injury. Tickets cost $100 per person and must be reserved by Oct. 8 at bit.ly/452LPRn.

 

‘Safety Leadership for Your Workplace’

Oct. 23: The Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast (EANE) announced a conference, “Safety Leadership for Your Workplace,” taking place at the Marriott in Springfield. Attendees will experience a full day of presentations, including Dick Flynt from the National Safety Council, OSHA, certified safety professional Dan Williams, and the team from Protective Advanced Safety Services. Qualified Massachusetts employers can apply for reimbursement for conference fees using the MA Express Program. To learn more or register for these events, visit www.eane.org or email Allison Ebner at [email protected].

People on the Move

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People on the Move
Tom Senecal

Tom Senecal

Tom Senecal recently announced he will retire at the end of 2025 after more than 35 years in the banking industry. PeoplesBank, which he joined in 1995, has grown from a $450 million institution to almost $7 billion at the bank’s mutual holding company. The board of directors of PeoplesBank and the board of trustees of PeoplesBancorp, MHC have unanimously approved a succession plan resulting from the retirement of Senecal at the end of 2025. He currently serves as chairman and CEO of PeoplesBank and PeoplesBancorp, MHC. The CEO role will be filled by Todd Tallman, who will also remain CEO of Cornerstone Bank. Brian Canina will remain president of PeoplesBank and become president of PeoplesBancorp, MHC. Daniel Zona, currently president of Athol Savings Bank, will become president of Cornerstone Bank once the merger of Athol into Cornerstone is completed. Senecal will retain his role as the chairman of the board of directors of PeoplesBank and chairman of the board of trustees of PeoplesBancorp, MHC beginning in 2026.

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Mary Lou Vredenburg

Mary Lou Vredenburg

Miah Dreger

Miah Dreger

Springfield Technical Community College announced the appointments of two new academic leaders, Mary Lou Vredenburg as dean of the School of Liberal and Professional Studies, effective July 7, and Miah Dreger as dean of the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), effective Aug. 4. Vredenburg was most recently associate dean of Faculty at Connecticut State Community College’s Manchester campus. Prior to her role in Connecticut, she served as associate dean of Arts, Humanities, Mathematics, and Social Sciences at Brightpoint Community College in Virginia. She was also a full-time faculty member at SUNY Oneonta. A community college graduate, she began her academic journey at SUNY Orange. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Binghamton University and earned her PhD in humanities from Florida State University. Dreger joins STCC following a career in Connecticut, most recently as interim associate dean of Engineering, Science, and Technology at Central Connecticut State University. She previously served in key leadership roles within the Connecticut State Community College system, including interim provost and vice president of Academic Affairs at the system level and dean of Academic and Student Affairs at Capital Community College in Hartford. Before transitioning into administrative roles, she spent more than a decade as a full-time faculty member at the community college level. She earned her doctor of education degree in educational leadership from the University of Hartford, holds a master’s degree in technology education from Central Connecticut State University, and received her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Houghton University.

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Emily Leonczyk

Emily Leonczyk

The Markens Group Inc. (TMG), a nationally accredited association management company headquartered in Springfield, announced a transition in ownership to Emily Leonczyk. For many clients and community partners, this news will come as no surprise: Leonczyk has been leading day-to-day operations for more than three years. She now serves as president and CEO, carrying forward a legacy of success established by founder Ben Markens. Founded in 1988 to serve trade and manufacturing associations in fiber-based sustainable packaging, TMG’s roots remain firmly planted in that industry. That foundation has enabled the company to expand its support to a wide range of professional, manufacturing, and medical associations, while remaining true to its original mission: helping member-driven organizations thrive. The company also established the annual Markens Mutuality Award. The inaugural award was presented to Ben Markens to commemorate the transition, recognizing his visionary leadership, ability to bring people together, and steadfast belief in the power of belonging and mutuality. As part of the award, TMG will make an annual donation to a nonprofit chosen by each recipient. This year, the first donation will be made to the Mary Lyon Foundation, a cause close to Markens’s heart.

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Belt Technologies, a manufacturer of PureSteel custom metal belt conveyor solutions, announced that Ryan Elliott has joined the company as vice president of Operations. Based in Agawam, Elliott will oversee operations at both Belt Technologies and its Canadian sister company, Wire Mesh Belt. With more than 20 years of experience in the metals and manufacturing industries, Elliott previously served as president of aerospace components manufacturer HarcoSemco and president of Deringer-Ney, a producer of precious metals and components. Earlier in his career, he held roles across commercial, engineering, and senior leadership positions. At Belt Technologies, Elliott is responsible for overseeing the operational activities of both plants, directing the companies to achieve their production and financial targets. He works closely with manufacturing, purchasing, and quality teams to maximize resources and ensure customer expectations are met or exceeded. Key areas of focus include integrating Wire Mesh Belt into Belt Technologies’ systems and culture, driving improvements on the factory floors, and fostering open communication across the workforce. Elliott earned dual degrees in materials science and physics from Alfred University and holds multiple patents related to advanced materials applications.

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Christian D’Amour

Christian D’Amour

The board of directors of Big Y Foods Inc. announced the appointment of Christian D’Amour as senior director of Supermarket Operations. He will be responsible for the oversight of the five supermarket districts. He began his career at Big Y at the age of 14 as a part-time service clerk. After graduating from college, he worked as a sales and marketing representative for an insurance company based in Providence, R.I., then rejoined Big Y in 2014 as a store director trainee. Within a year, he was promoted to assistant store director at the Wilbraham store. In 2016, he was named store director in Southampton, later returning to manage the Wilbraham location. He was then selected to lead Table & Vine’s flagship store in West Springfield. In 2019, he was appointed district sales and merchandising mentor for Big Y’s 15-store district in Western Massachusetts. In this role, he oversaw sales, merchandising, and team development across all departments, while continuing to manage operations at Table & Vine. In 2021, D’Amour took on leadership of Big Y’s e-commerce platform, a role he held through 2023. He was subsequently appointed district director, overseeing 16 Big Y locations across Connecticut. He holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Michael’s College in Vermont and spent a semester studying at the National University of Ireland at Galway.

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Gary Talbot

Gary Talbot

UMassFive College Federal Credit Union is celebrating mortgage loan officer Gary Talbot’s recognition as a silver level MassHousing loan originator for FY 2025. UMassFive became an approved MassHousing lender in 2023, and in his first year, Talbot was recognized at the Bronze Level. Advancing to Silver this year reflects not only his dedication to serving UMassFive members, but also the strong momentum of a program that is making a meaningful difference for homebuyers across Massachusetts. MassHousing, an independent agency established in 1966, provides financing for affordable housing throughout the Commonwealth. Its programs offer valuable tools such as down payment assistance, affordable loan terms, and unique mortgage insurance. FY 2025 marked a record-breaking year for MassHousing, with 3,768 loans funded.

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Bulkley Richardson recently welcomed three associates to the firm. Nicole Palmieri, Johannah Huynh, and Cameron Reis, all previous summer associates with the firm, returned this fall as associates. Palmieri and Huynh will concentrate their practice in litigation, while Reis will focus on transactional work, including business, mergers and acquisitions, construction, and healthcare. Palmieri earned a juris doctorate, cum laude, from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 2024, where she was on the Connecticut Law Review and a University of Connecticut Scholar. She spent the past year clerking with the Connecticut Appellate Court. She received a bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, in American studies from Christopher Newport University. Reis recently earned a juris doctorate, magna cum laude, from Western New England University School of Law, where he concentrated his studies on transactional law and served as an editor of the Law Review. He was an Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. Scholar, a CALI award recipient, and was awarded the CATIC Foundation Award for Excellence in Real Property Coursework. He earned a bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, in criminal justice at Pace University. Huynh also recently earned a juris doctorate from Western New England University School of Law, where she received the Best Oral Advocate Award and was a member of the National Moot Court team. In addition to being a former summer associate, she served as a law clerk at Bulkley Richardson during her last year of law school. She earned a bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, from UMass Amherst in social thought and political economy.

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Vanessa Ford

Vanessa Ford

Saryah Brantley

Saryah Brantley

Elijah Ballard Deon

Elijah Ballard Deon

The African Hall Committee of Springfield Museums announced that Vanessa Ford, vocalist, composer, and arts leader, is this year’s Ubora Award recipient, and — for the first time in the history of the awards — two Springfield students were selected to receive the Ahadi Youth Award: Saryah Brantley and Elijah Ballard Deon. Ford is a dynamic performer whose career spans music, public service, and community health. She is also a faculty member at the Community Music School of Springfield and the director of the Trust Transfer Project, a nationally recognized initiative that mobilizes artists to address public health through creative expression. She also serves as board president of Blues to Green Inc. and is a board member of Common Wealth Murals and member of the Brianna Fund for Children with Physical Disabilities gospel planning team, as well as a member of the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts Youth Mental Health Advisory Coalition and the New England Teaching Artist Collaborative steering group. Brantley, a recent graduate of Hampden Charter School of Science, is an exceptional student and leader who has persevered through personal challenges with resilience and determination. She has excelled academically, taking four AP courses, maintaining a 4.38 GPA, and earning certificates of scholastic achievement. She is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Spelman. Ballard Deon distinguished himself as an exceptional scholar and leader throughout his years at Rise Early College High School. Consistently earning first honors, he graduated as valedictorian of his class this past spring and challenged himself by enrolling in Rise’s early college program in partnership with Springfield Technical Community College.

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Aditya Surendhra

Aditya Surendhra

Dietz & Company Architects Inc. announced that architect Aditya Surendhra has earned the credential of LEED accredited professional with a building design and construction (LEED AP BD+C) specialty through the U.S Green Building Council (USGBC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting sustainability in the built environment. The LEED AP BD+C designation denotes proficiency in current sustainable design, construction, and operations standards, and signifies expertise in green building and a LEED rating system. In order to achieve LEED certification, Surendhra completed a rigorous, multi-part exam to prove his knowledge on the subject. He joined Dietz & Company Architects in 2020 as an architectural associate and is now an architect in its Cambridge office, where his focus is on design and project management for multi-family housing and community centers.

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Country Bank announced that Sarah Yurkunas, assistant vice president, commercial lender, has been named the inaugural recipient of the PFS Community Champion Award. This newly established award honors an individual who demonstrates an exceptional commitment to volunteerism, both through Country Bank-sponsored initiatives and through personal dedication to causes that hold deep meaning for them. Yurkunas was nominated by a colleague for her extraordinary volunteer service and recognized for her compassion and commitment to Second Chance Animal Services. Since 2018, she has devoted more than 347 hours of personal volunteer time at the shelter, arriving every Sunday morning, even in the rain, snow, or on holidays, to clean kennels and feed, brush, and comfort animals in need. In addition, she has contributed more than 70 hours volunteering at Country Bank-sponsored community events since 2023. As part of this recognition, and in honor of Country Bank’s former president and CEO, Paul Scully, who retired in 2024, Yurkunas was able to direct a $2,000 donation to a charity of her choice. She selected Second Chance Animal Services, extending her impact even further.

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Tracy Bentley-Root

Tracy Bentley-Root

Bay Path University announced the appointment of Tracy Bentley-Root as the new program director of Occupational Therapy. Bentley-Root brings more than two decades of teaching, research, clinical practice, and administrative experience to her new leadership role in Bay Path’s master of occupational therapy (MOT) program. Bentley-Root joined Bay Path as interim program director in July 2024. A licensed and board-certified occupational therapist since 1997, she earned both her master’s and bachelor’s degrees in occupational therapy from D’Youville College and a doctorate in health science from the University of Indianapolis in 2022. She has presented her work at national and international conferences, including the American Occupational Therapy Assoc. and the upcoming 2026 World Federation of Occupational Therapists Congress in Bangkok. Her research focuses on fieldwork education, interprofessional collaboration, cognitive intervention, and evidence-based practice. Her work has been recognized with multiple awards, including the D’Youville University Faculty Award for 2021-22. In addition to her university roles, Bentley-Root has served in a variety of clinical and leadership capacities, including as corporate director of Rehab Clinical Resources at Amedisys Home Health. She is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Occupational Therapy Assoc. and the New York State Occupational Therapy Assoc.

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Amy Ganci

Amy Ganci

Greylock Federal Credit Union announced the hiring of Vice President, Business Banking Officer Amy Ganci, who joins the credit union’s Business Banking team. As part of the Business Banking team, Ganci will originate and underwrite commercial loan products and collaborate on business development activities, serving as an advisor for Greylock’s members by providing insight and support to small businesses. She will interface with loan applicants, act as account officer for existing credit union relationships, and manage all aspects of business development. Ganci has nearly 25 years of experience in business banking; her most recent role was vice president at PeoplesBank, where she managed a robust portfolio of client relationships, developed new relationships and expanded existing ones, and worked closely with branch partners to provide solutions to both new and existing clients. An active participant at her church and children’s schools, Ganci holds an associate degree in business from Greenfield Community College and has completed extensive coursework in business/financial management, psychology, and sociology from Westfield State University.

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Community Action Pioneer Valley (CAPV), the federally designated anti-poverty agency serving Franklin and Hampshire counties, announced that Lev BenEzra has been selected as the organization’s new executive director following an extensive search. She will succeed Clare Higgins, who retired in July after nearly 14 years of leadership. BenEzra will begin her new role on Oct. 27. Since 2019, she has served as executive director of the Amherst Survival Center, where she led the organization to become the largest direct-service food security organization in Western Mass. From 2008 to 2019, she served as program manager and then department director of CAPV’s Youth and Workforce Development programs. During her previous tenure, she successfully grew the department, strengthened program outcomes, and built lasting partnerships across the region. Her community involvement extended beyond her direct role, as she co-chaired the Communities that Care Coalition and actively participated in numerous other regional coalitions and CAPV internal committees, including strategic planning initiatives. BenEzra holds a master’s degree in management of mission driven organizations.

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Claire Sanders

Claire Sanders

Willie Ross School for the Deaf (WRSD) announced a new chair of its board of trustees. Claire Sanders is the second deaf chair of the board in the school’s history, following the late George Balsley II, who served as chair until his passing in early 2025. Sanders, who has been teaching in the field of American Sign Language and deaf studies for more than 25 years, serves as a Deaf Studies department chair and a professor of Language and Culture at Holyoke Community College. She has also taught at numerous colleges, including Hampshire College, Keene State College, Mt. Wachusett Community College, River Valley Community College, and Greenfield Community College. Sanders holds a master’s-level national certification from the American Sign Language Teachers Assoc. In addition to her service on the WRSD board, she is a board member of the Western Massachusetts Assoc. for the Deaf and has led workshops related to the growing field of deaf studies.

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Country Bank and the WooSox Foundation recently announced the 2025 WooStars, a program that supports nonprofit leaders throughout the region. Country Bank and the Worcester Red Sox recently recognized five local WooStars and the nonprofits they are affiliated with at Polar Park. They include Joe Firmani of Operation Service, Anthony Bizzotto of Revive of the USA Inc., Robert Alves of Wicked in Pink, Donna Marratta of Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen and Pantry Inc., and Tom Slicklen of Provision Ministry. Each nonprofit was presented with a $5,000 donation. The WooStars program allows community members to nominate outstanding individuals to recognize their contributions to the communities they serve and to contribute to the nonprofits they support. Now in its fifth year, this program has recognized 41 WooStars, providing $205,000 in donations.

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Stacy Roman

Stacy Roman

MountainOne Insurance Agency announced the promotion of Stacy Roman to vice president, personal lines operations manager, reflecting the agency’s long-term priorities of professional enrichment, internal mobility, and leadership excellence. Roman has been instrumental in shaping the direction of the agency’s personal lines operations with her strong leadership and operational expertise. She has led the agency through acquisitions, data conversions, and the creation of more efficient workflows. Her problem-solving instincts and ability to improve both client and employee experiences make her an invaluable member of the leadership team.

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Polish National Credit Union (PNCU) announced that Dominika Jasinska, recently crowned Polish Miss Massachusetts 2026, will represent the Commonwealth at the Miss Polish America national competition. Jasinska, a member of PNCU, won the Massachusetts title earlier this month, captivating judges with her grace, intelligence, and deep connection to her Polish heritage. The Polish Miss Massachusetts Pageant, held annually in Holyoke, celebrates young women of Polish descent aged 18 to 25, offering scholarships and a platform to showcase cultural pride and leadership. Jasinska’s victory marks a significant milestone, and she is poised to make a strong impression at the national level, where she will compete against other talented Polish-American women for the Miss Polish America title. In addition to her national competition preparations, Jasinska will participate in the Pulaski Day Parade in New York City on Sunday, Oct. 5 and the Pulaski Parade in Northampton on Monday, Oct. 13.

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Richard Merrifield Jr.

Freedom Credit Union announced that Richard Merrifield Jr. has joined its Ludlow branch as branch officer, where he leads a team focused on delivering exceptional service and personalized financial solutions for members. Merrifield brings more than a decade of experience in banking and credit unions, with a strong background in branch operations, lending, and community engagement. Before joining Freedom in 2025, he served as banking center assistant manager at PeoplesBank in Northampton. Active in the community Merrifield is an ambassador for the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce and supports volunteer efforts throughout Hampshire and Hampden counties. He earned an associate degree in business administration from Middlesex Community College.

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American International College (AIC) announced the appointment of five new members to its board of trustees, effective July 1. The new trustees are Charlie Carroll, John Falcone, Stefania Raschilla, Rachel Romano, and Rebecca Thibault. Carroll is a financial advisor for Edward Jones Investment Co. A graduate of AIC with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, he began his career as a financial planner with American Express. Over the years, he has held leadership roles with nationally recognized firms, including Liberty Mutual, TD Bank, TD Ameritrade, and First Country Bank, serving in positions ranging from head of Sales to senior vice president. In addition to his undergraduate degree, Carroll holds a level II certified financial planner certification. He is actively involved in his community, volunteering with Xavier High School in Middletown, Conn., as well as with local youth football and cheerleading organizations, and was recently asked to join the executive leadership committee for the New Haven, Conn. Walk for Alzheimer’s Assoc. Falcone began his career as an acquisitions analyst at Colony Hills Capital before joining his family’s business, Rocky’s Ace Hardware. Since then, he has held several roles within the company, including category manager and director of merchandising. In his current position as process engineer, he focuses on streamlining operations, developing scalable processes, and advancing innovation to strengthen organizational performance. Falcone earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Bentley University and an MBA with a concentration in entrepreneurship from the FW Olin Graduate School of Business at Babson College. Raschilla has served as the superintendent of schools in West Springfield since May 2023, overseeing nine schools and nearly 4,000 students. She has worked in urban public education since 1999, beginning her career in the Springfield Public Schools. Over the years, she has served in a range of roles, including elementary school teacher, reading director, principal, and chief instructional officer. Raschilla earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Saint Mary’s College and a master of education degree in reading from American International College. She also holds a professional license from the Massachusetts Department of Education. Romano is the founder and executive director of Veritas Prep Charter School in Springfield, which was established in 2012 as a middle school and has since expanded to include a high school. Before founding Veritas Prep, she served as a teacher and school leader in the Springfield Public Schools and as executive director of the Christa McAuliffe Regional Charter School in Framingham. Romano earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from Syracuse University and a master of education degree in educational administration from the University of Massachusetts. She was selected as a 2010 fellow with Building Excellent Schools. Thibault is a shareholder and co-managing partner at Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury & Murphy, P.C., where she focuses on advising and representing businesses and institutions in corporate and transactional matters, including real estate. Her clients include educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit businesses across a range of sectors. Thibault earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Trinity College and a juris doctorate from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law, where she served as managing editor of the Washington University Global Studies Law Review. She currently serves on the board of the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts and is on the personnel committee of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Each December, she leads the firm’s team in the Hot Chocolate Run for Safe Passage in Northampton, raising funds and awareness to support survivors of domestic violence.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

UMass Amherst Receives $4 Million in Research Gifts

AMHERST — UMass Amherst has accepted gifts and commitments totaling $4 million from longtime supporters John and Elizabeth Armstrong to advance the university’s research enterprise. The gifts establish the UMass Amherst Research Continuity Fund, the Armstrong Graduate Research Grant Fund, and the Armstrong Chancellor Professorships Award Fund, all of which will underwrite research contributions across a broad range of disciplines at UMass Amherst. In April, the Armstrongs made a $500,000 gift to the UMass Amherst Research Continuity Fund, which was established to provide immediate support to continue vital research despite federal funding interruptions and uncertainty about future funding in fields such as health equity, climate change, and gender-related issues. The Armstrong Graduate Research Grant Fund, established with a $1 million gift, will provide grants in support of research conducted by graduate students at UMass Amherst. This fund will be a crucial resource for doctoral students pursuing dissertation research, graduate student access to training in innovative methods, and students looking to participate in research projects supervised by faculty that directly foster their completion of an advanced degree. The remaining $2.5 million portion of the Armstrongs’ commitment will create an endowed Armstrong Chancellor Professorships Award Fund. Administered by the chancellor and provost, this fund will enable the university to retain outstanding, tenured faculty members who have made or can make significant contributions to the academic reputation of the university.

 

Red Sox Foundation Awards $400,000 to Square One

BOSTON — The Red Sox Foundation announced the creation of its Special Recognition Award, granting $750,000 in its inaugural year to support large-scale, high-impact community investments. Square One of Springfield received $400,000 to support the construction of an outdoor learning center and play space for preschool-aged children, part of the organization’s ongoing $19 million “Back to Square One” capital campaign to rebuild its campus after a tornado destroyed its South End facility in 2011. The Pedro Martinez Foundation received $350,000 toward the creation of a new library inside its Community & Health Center in Manoguayabo, Dominican Republic. The Red Sox have deep ties to the Dominican Republic through both player development and community engagement, including the foundation’s longstanding Lindos Sueños program, a partner of the Pedro Martinez Foundation. The new library will provide reading areas, computer access, and study spaces for more than 1,700 students, while also serving adult community members.

 

The Dowd Insurance Agencies Relocate Ludlow Office

HOLYOKE — On Sept. 8, the Ideal-Dowd Insurance Agency office in Ludlow relocated from 187 East St. to a new location a mile and a half away at 563 Center St. “This move underscores our commitment to serving the Greater Ludlow community,” said John Dowd, president and CEO of the Dowd Insurance Agencies. “The new location provides more parking and wider access, along with more space for our growing staff. Our clients can continue to expect the same familiar faces and the exceptional service they’ve come to rely on.” The new office offers a central location for convenient access, ample parking, and room to grow. The agency looks forward to welcoming clients to its new Ludlow location to review coverage, pay a bill, or simply stop by and say hello.

 

D.A. Sullivan & Sons Wins HNE Well Worth It Award

NORTHAMPTON — D.A. Sullivan & Sons Inc. (DAS), a general contracting firm based in Northampton, has been named a 2025 Health New England Well Worth It Award recipient at the Bronze level for successful worksite health promotion and employee health improvement. The award recognizes DAS’s commitment to its employees’ overall health and their achievements in implementing health and wellness programs during the previous year. This recognition underscores DAS’s commitment to supporting the overall well-being of its employees through programs that nurture physical, mental, and emotional health. In addition to providing comprehensive health coverage for employees and their families — including life and disability insurance — DAS has invested in resources that promote a balanced and active lifestyle. Recent initiatives include the creation of a private fitness studio, the addition of indoor and outdoor recreational spaces, and encouragement of employee participation in community activities such as volunteer programs and charitable races.

 

Bay Path Named Among Best Bang for the Buck Colleges

LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University has been ranked sixth in Massachusetts and 42nd in the Northeast on Washington Monthly’s list of Best Bang for the Buck Colleges. The publication, described as an independent media organization based in Washington, D.C., was founded in 1969 on the mission “to preserve democracy and champion good governance through honest journalism and thoughtful commentary.” Schools are ranked according to how well they help students from less affluent backgrounds attain marketable degrees at affordable prices. Washington Monthly calculates its rankings based on several factors: access for non-wealthy students, affordability for families with incomes below $75,000, student debt upon graduation, and both academic and financial outcomes for graduates.

 

bankESB Honored Among Most Charitable Companies

EASTHAMPTON — bankESB announced it has been recognized by the Boston Business Journal with the 2025 Corporate Citizenship Award, reaffirming its status as one of Massachusetts’s most charitable companies. This marks the 11th consecutive year bankESB has earned this recognition, an acknowledgment of the bank’s deeply rooted commitment to community support through both financial contributions and volunteerism. Central to bankESB’s philanthropic framework is its signature charitable giving initiative, the Giving Tree. Through this program, bankESB champions a range of community needs, supporting food security, affordable housing, education, veteran services, youth sports, and more throughout the cities and towns it serves. Over the past decade, the Giving Tree has donated more than $4 million to area nonprofits. In 2024 alone, the program contributed nearly $515,000, and this year’s initiatives — including seasonal food pantry drives and local education grants — continue to strengthen local institutions and impact lives. This year, 99 companies qualified for distinction as Top Charitable Contributors by reporting at least $100,000 in cash contributions to Massachusetts-based charities last year. The honorees this year include companies from such industry sectors as financial and professional services, healthcare, technology, retail, and professional sports.

 

Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin Earns Chambers Spotlight Recognition

SPRINGFIELD — Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C. announced it has been ranked in the inaugural Chambers Spotlight Massachusetts Guide, a new ranking from the internationally recognized legal research company Chambers and Partners. The firm was honored for its expertise in corporate/commercial law and trusts and estates law. Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin is the only firm in Western Mass. ranked in either category, underscoring its unique position as a leading resource for businesses and individuals seeking sophisticated legal counsel outside of Boston. The Chambers Spotlight rankings are awarded to select small and mid-sized law firms that demonstrate exceptional skill and results in their practice areas, based on Chambers’ rigorous, independent research. The Massachusetts Spotlight Guide is available at chambers.com. While the Massachusetts firms typically ranked by Chambers are ‘big law’ organizations, the Spotlight Massachusetts Guide highlights a small, select group of high-performing mid-sized firms, giving them visibility to general counsel, attorneys, and business leaders worldwide. Currently, no other Massachusetts firms have been announced in this edition.

 

Berkshire Innovation Center Announces Accelerator Cohort

PITTSFIELD — The Berkshire Innovation Center (BIC) announced the third cohort of startup firms that have been accepted into its Stage 2 Accelerator program. This 35-week, hands-on, results-oriented program is designed to serve early-stage tech startups. The awardees will receive BIC membership, full access to labs, advanced equipment, digital media studio, educational programming, and an internal team of subject matter experts, as well as broad, curated support from BIC’s committed member community. Six firms have been accepted into the third cohort of the BIC Stage 2 Accelerator. Diel Technologies has developed a patented axial flux motor that allows wearables to harvest energy while in motion, whether running a marathon or picking up a cup of coffee. Elimentra Technologies is developing a proprietary system that collocates processing units at the source of biomass and industrial waste byproducts, converting these end-stream materials in high-value-add commodities while capturing carbon that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. ENSO is reshaping the future of addiction recovery for more than 48 million Americans with an AI-powered behavior management system that delivers real-time, personalized support through a discreet wearable device and secure mobile platform. Globe Grown’s mission is to develop a fully autonomous robot that will help farmers reduce chemical herbicide use, improve soil health, and empower growers with data-driven, regenerative farming tools. HKG Energy has developed a proprietary material, Terra Silicon, that addresses the scalability, cost, and performance limitations of conventional graphite and silicon-graphite battery anodes. With a demonstrated energy density of over 400 watt hours per kilogram, fast-charging capabilities under 15 minutes, and a clear path to mass production, the firm is engaging with major original equipment manufacturers and battery manufacturers for early pilots. TaskMind is developing a full-circle sales platform designed to help teams sell smarter and harder. It is built for firms looking to improve the quality, precision, and efficiency of their sales outreach. Its intelligent web application equips sales representatives with the tools they need to generate deep research reports, craft high-context outreach, monitor real-time industry insights, and identify trends that guide smarter targeting.

 

Holyoke Mall Welcomes Urban Planet x Charlotte Russe

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Mall announced that Urban Planet x Charlotte Russe is the newest addition to its retail lineup, located on the upper level near Best Buy. To celebrate the grand opening, the store hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 12. On Sept. 13, the first 100 customers to enter the store received a gift bag. Urban Planet x Charlotte Russe is a new concept that brings together two popular fashion brands in one stylish destination. The store offers apparel, footwear, and accessories for men and women, with a focus on inclusive, versatile styles.

 

Herrell’s Ice Cream Wins City Beat News Spectrum Award

NORTHAMPTON — Herrell’s Ice Cream of Thornes Marketplace in Northampton and the Mill District in Amherst is being honored as a winner of the City Beat News 2025 Spectrum Award for Service Excellence. According to City Beat News, Herrell’s provides consistently great service and places great service as a top priority of its business, earning the highest annual rating for service by the Spectrum Award. Annually, out of the thousands of businesses that City Beat News researches, only a very small percentage performs to the level Herrell’s has reached. This is the second year Herrell’s has received a Spectrum Award from City Beat News.

 

 

1Berkshire Awards Grant to Roots & Dreams and Mustard Seeds

PITTSFIELD — 1Berkshire, thanks to a one-time earmark from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, announced the awarding of a $15,000 Immigrant Entrepreneurial Support Grant to Roots & Dreams and Mustard Seeds. This grant represents the second of two high-impact partner grant awards made by 1Berkshire to help foster the ecosystem and infrastructure needed to help the robust Berkshire immigrant entrepreneur community grow and thrive. Leveraging a one-time earmark allocated by the Commonwealth, 1Berkshire’s Immigrant Business Support Program launched in early 2025 to provide a variety of financial and technical assistance support to help entrepreneurs and businesses in the region gain improved access to programs that help their businesses improve. This high-impact partner grant awarded to Roots & Dreams and Mustard Seeds advances this work by helping the organization to overcome a final funding hurdle to fit out a shared commercial kitchen space in its building at 117-133 Fenn St. in Pittsfield. Additionally, this $15,000 aims to help offset some of the $37,000 in Community Empowerment and Reinvestment Fund (CERP) funds cut from a previously awarded CERP grant (a funding resource that has been integral to its work over the past two years). The multi-use spaces of 117-133 Fenn St. have already become a major anchor point of community, support, and entrepreneurship for a diverse array of individuals and small businesses. Fitting out this new shared kitchen space will further improve the ability of the space to become an incubator and accelerator of various food businesses.

 

UMass Amherst to Establish New Graduate Training Program

AMHERST — A UMass Amherst research team led by faculty from the Elaine Marieb Center for Nursing and Engineering Innovation (EMCNEI) has been awarded nearly $3 million to establish the nation’s first graduate training program designed to combine nursing’s hands-on patient care with engineering’s technical knowledge. The five-year U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) award will create SHINE: Strengthening Healthcare Innovation through Nursing and Engineering. In partnership with Baystate Health, this program will tackle some of healthcare’s toughest challenges around the realities of patient care. Its four main focal areas of work include streamlining healthcare workflow to ensure continuous, quality patient care; leveraging automation and robotics; improving the safety and usability of intravenous (IV) infusion pumps; and developing innovative healthcare products. A fundamental part of SHINE is the partnership between EMCNEI and Baystate Health. By uniting frontline clinical expertise with the interdisciplinary academic resources and research at UMass, the collaboration ensures that new technologies are designed around the realities of patient care.

 

Berkshire Bank Named Among Top Charitable Contributors

BOSTON — The Boston Business Journal recently honored Berkshire Bank as a Top Charitable Contributor in Massachusetts for the 13th consecutive year at its 2025 Corporate Citizenship Awards. This annual honor showcases companies that prioritize giving back to their communities. Recipients gave $100,000 or more to Massachusetts-based in charities in 2024. Collectively, they gave more than $416 million in cash contributions.

 

Hampden Charter School of Science Recognized by U.S. News

CHICOPEE — Hampden Charter School of Science (HCSS) was ranked among the state’s best high schools by U.S. News & World Report in its annual Best High Schools ranking. The school ranked first among all public high schools in the Springfield metro area and placed 52nd in the state of Massachusetts. The U.S. News Best High Schools rankings include data on more than 24,000 public high schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia. Nearly 18,000 schools were ranked on six factors based on their performance on state assessments and how well they prepare students for college. HCSS received 93.3 out of a possible 100 points in the rankings. HCSS’s graduation rate played a role in its state ranking; the school graduated 95% of its class. Graduates have gone on to some of the most prestigious colleges in the country, including Harvard. U.S. News also noted that 86% of HCSS students are taking advanced placement courses, and that 77% are minority.

 

River Valley Counseling Center Wins Supervision Capacity Grant

HOLYOKE — River Valley Counseling Center (RVCC), now a member of ServiceNet, has received a $912,000 award through the Healey-Driscoll administration’s Behavioral Health Supervising Clinicians Incentive Program, the largest award to a behavioral health provider in Western Mass. This funding, from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services’ Behavioral Health Trust, supports stipends for licensed clinicians who supervise interns and unlicensed staff, a crucial but time-intensive role that often goes uncompensated. RVCC employs nearly 200 unlicensed clinicians who can see clients under supervision. With this grant, senior clinicians can dedicate more time to mentoring, with financial recognition that fosters retention and stability. Awarded over a two-year period, the grant offsets the time supervisors invest in training and mentoring, allowing RVCC to further build and sustain a high-quality path to licensure.

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

Ashfield Mountain Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Lous A. Ebel
Seller: David B. Gilbert Keith TR
Date: 08/22/25

BERNARDSTON

31 Deane Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $361,500
Buyer: Brenda L. Boguslawski
Seller: Frederick D. Rowe
Date: 08/29/25

BUCKLAND

16 Green St.
Buckland, MA 01370
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Amber Garcia
Seller: Shannon S. Menko
Date: 08/29/25

34 Green St.
Buckland, MA 01370
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Elizabeth M. Balawick
Seller: Peter A. Otten
Date: 08/29/25

23 South St.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: Kathleen A. Casey
Seller: Blue On South LLC
Date: 08/26/25

5 Wilde Road
Buckland, MA 01370
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Emily Vail
Seller: Matthew Wanamaker
Date: 08/26/25

COLRAIN

34 York Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Eric Savoie
Seller: Marcie A. Savoie
Date: 08/29/25

CONWAY

56 Brester Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Christopher D. Law
Seller: Michael S. Forrest
Date: 08/29/25

DEERFIELD

106 North Main St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Marc E. Dautreuil
Seller: Michael E. Ramon
Date: 08/19/25

248 Stillwater Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $765,000
Buyer: Michael E. Ramon
Seller: Bethany L. Deshaies
Date: 08/19/25

ERVING

12 Warner St.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Rebecca J. Crapo
Seller: Carner, George K., (Estate)
Date: 08/22/25

GILL

242 West Gill Road
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Molley Duclos
Seller: Regis A. Crosby TR
Date: 08/25/25

GREENFIELD

581 Bernardston Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Johanna Munro
Seller: John B. Dunphy
Date: 08/26/25

283 Chapman St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Heather Matys
Seller: Bobbie Clark
Date: 08/20/25

385 Chapman St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $1,000,000
Buyer: Providence Moldovian Bass
Date: 08/20/25

219 High St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $419,000
Buyer: Sarah M. Norris
Seller: Kimberly J. Zabek
Date: 08/22/25

32 Lincoln St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Benegan 2 LLC
Seller: Mark L. Jacquez
Date: 08/26/25

102 Norwood St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $326,000
Buyer: Taylor Pompei
Seller: Edward A. Underwood
Date: 08/25/25

53 Norwood St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Steven Graham
Seller: Patricia L. Jordan
Date: 08/26/25

21 Raingley Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $392,000
Buyer: Jamie M. Bennett
Seller: Corinne A. Fitzgerald
Date: 08/22/25

17 Revere Circle
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Jonathan J. Bones
Seller: Matthew P. Garriss
Date: 08/28/25

83 Smith St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Josiah G. Spencer-Blaetz
Seller: James Dinan
Date: 08/20/25

104 Wells St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Charles F. Gabriel
Seller: Graydon E. Vigneau
Date: 08/28/25

12 Western Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Michael B. Devanny
Seller: Kevin Clarke
Date: 08/20/25

24 White Birch Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $309,300
Buyer: Conner Bobala
Seller: Lyle M. Augusto
Date: 08/21/25

LEVERETT

142 Shutesbury Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Jay Mooney
Seller: David A. Peterson
Date: 08/22/25

MONTAGUE

108 3rd St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: William R. Crosby
Seller: Della Ripa Real Estate LLC
Date: 08/22/25

25 Davis St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Nicholas Croteau
Seller: John A. Greene INT
Date: 08/22/25

166 East Chestnut Hill Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $253,000
Buyer: Elizabeth Ohara
Seller: Donna G. Petersen
Date: 08/21/25

254 Federal St.
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Lucas B. Wilson
Seller: Allison N. Shearer
Date: 08/28/25

96 High St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $353,000
Buyer: Griffin Leistinger
Seller: Jonathan R. Lord
Date: 08/19/25

67 Hillside Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $308,000
Buyer: Thomas Underwood
Seller: Manuel Furtado
Date: 08/21/25

407 Montague City Road
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $327,000
Buyer: Katherine Contois
Seller: Barry M. Lapean
Date: 08/29/25

31-33 Randall Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Gary W. Houle
Seller: Laurel A. Jablonski
Date: 08/22/25

48 Randall Wood Dr.
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $439,500
Buyer: Christina L. Feller
Seller: Justin T. Fermann
Date: 08/20/25

50 Vladish Ave.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $359,000
Buyer: Nicholas Mangs
Seller: Wendy E. Shaw
Date: 08/29/25

NEW SALEM

19 Lavoie Lane
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Jay A. Chaplin
Seller: Jeanne W. Clayton
Date: 08/20/25

NORTHFIELD

34 Ashuelot Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Ethan Minor
Seller: Powers INT
Date: 08/29/25

43 Meadow St.
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Phillip Sherwood-Berndt
Seller: Carroll, Brian, (Estate)
Date: 08/29/25

309 Millers Falls Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: A. Plus Enterprises Inc.
Seller: Brenda O’Connell
Date: 08/19/25

761 Millers Falls Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Jean M. Dresley
Seller: Noelle T. Anson
Date: 08/29/25

ORANGE

98 Mechanic St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Kenny Perez
Seller: Linda L. Chaplin
Date: 08/20/25

140 Memorial Dr.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $352,000
Buyer: Alan C. Barton
Seller: Taynan V. Barros
Date: 08/19/25

40 Town Farm Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Timothy Bowen
Seller: Dana Granquist
Date: 08/27/25

148 Walnut Hill Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Marie Mellott
Seller: Cellana, Kelly L., (Estate)
Date: 08/29/25

12 Wheeler Ave.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $263,000
Buyer: Katherine Schmittlein
Seller: W. F. & Patty J. Bowen RET
Date: 08/29/25

ROWE

10 Kings Hwy.
Rowe, MA 01367
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Evan Cusack
Seller: Unitarian Universalist
Date: 08/29/25

SHELBURNE

1 Murray Place
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Benjamin Chase
Seller: Mary E. Renner
Date: 08/28/25

SHUTESBURY

209 Baker Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $238,730
Buyer: Andrew Diciccio
Seller: Secretary Of Housing & Urban Development
Date: 08/21/25

26 Farrar Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $560,000
Buyer: Conor R. Ameigh
Seller: Alec C. Rivera
Date: 08/21/25

18 January Hills Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Charles D. Dana
Seller: Dolores M. Conway
Date: 08/28/25

WENDELL

78 Wickett Pond Road
Wendell, MA 01379
Amount: $539,000
Buyer: Jessica E. Bryant
Seller: Judith A. Hall RET
Date: 08/29/25

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

5 Brookside Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Ryan C. Martin
Seller: Maria T. Cabrera
Date: 08/19/25

53 Cecile St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Camille A. Aloisi
Seller: Elias, Geraldine A., (Estate)
Date: 08/28/25

12 Cosgrove Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Patricia Zabala
Seller: Zachary Matys
Date: 08/20/25

78 Elmar Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Erin Mattimoe
Seller: Philip M. Edwards
Date: 08/28/25

92 Forest Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Donna Roundy
Seller: Donald H. Willett
Date: 08/20/25

65 Hendom Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Wolf Of Westside LLC
Seller: Manchester Ent. LLC
Date: 08/26/25

27 Marlene Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $349,070
Buyer: Shavone Gauthier
Seller: Lucien D. Berthiaume
Date: 08/27/25

55 James St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $365,500
Buyer: Timothy J. Gaston
Seller: Hannah E. Martin
Date: 08/20/25

15 King St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: DTT Realty LLC
Seller: Michael Delaney
Date: 08/21/25

1443 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: James Kukharchuk
Seller: Neri D. Morataya
Date: 08/22/25

75 Memory Lane
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $850,000
Buyer: Hanna D. Awkal
Seller: Russell D. Fontaine
Date: 08/22/25

118 Moore St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Megan Martin
Seller: John Martin
Date: 08/19/25

429 North Westfield St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Youngsang Kim
Seller: Paul R. Gauthier
Date: 08/21/25

26 Pineview Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Nina Bruno
Seller: Susan D. Comee
Date: 08/27/25

66 Ramah Circle South
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $654,830
Buyer: RNL 2025D Owner LLC
Seller: Popco Real Estate LLC
Date: 08/28/25

24 South West St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Deborah St Peter
Seller: Dalal Mazraeh
Date: 08/28/25

BRIMFIELD

134 East Hill Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $360,300
Buyer: Phillip D. Cordello
Seller: Bonnie L. Pytel
Date: 08/25/25

CHESTER

110 Middlefield Road
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Bailey J. Jones
Seller: Timothy J. O’Brien
Date: 08/22/25

20 William St.
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: Brian White
Seller: Dillon S. Durrence
Date: 08/21/25

CHICOPEE

49 Anson St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Kayla S. Lafortune
Seller: Cristina G. Gonzalez
Date: 08/22/25

169 Beauchamp Ter.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $319,400
Buyer: Vincent Brower
Seller: David O. Brodeur
Date: 08/20/25

13 Beston St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: O&L LLC
Seller: Citrus Property Investors LLC
Date: 08/19/25

63 Beverly St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $364,000
Buyer: C. Gonzalez-Dejesus
Seller: Demesis Torres
Date: 08/18/25

538 Broadway St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $550,043
Buyer: B&B Properties LLC
Seller: Jjrob Realty LLC
Date: 08/29/25

43 Caddyshack Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $580,000
Buyer: Patrick D. Goldrup
Seller: David M. Pise
Date: 08/25/25

112 Casey Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Justine Jaworski
Seller: Michael A. Justice
Date: 08/21/25

209 Casey Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Kimberly J. Zabek
Seller: M&G Land Development LLC
Date: 08/22/25

32 Chateaugay St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $318,500
Buyer: Abdallah Mustafa
Seller: Kenneth F. Valego
Date: 08/18/25

40 Fillmore St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Timothy A. O’Grady
Seller: Cynthia A. Viamari
Date: 08/29/25

359 Granby Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $331,000
Buyer: Teri A. Lee
Seller: Mark R. McAuliffe
Date: 08/21/25

165 Haven Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: Eric Dembinske
Seller: Arpc LLC
Date: 08/29/25

631 James St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Chelsea Peterson
Seller: Carlisle, Louise J., (Estate)
Date: 08/26/25

28 Labelle Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Lauren Gougeon
Seller: Edward C. Cole
Date: 08/28/25

72 Laclede Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: James C. Desmarais
Seller: James C. Desmariais
Date: 08/20/25

232 Lafayette St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $287,000
Buyer: Joselmang D. Leon-Cruz
Seller: 1066 Granby Road LLC
Date: 08/29/25

119 Longwood Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $282,000
Buyer: Randy Soucia
Seller: Mercier, Lorena, (Estate)
Date: 08/22/25

25 Mellen St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Brian L. Mendes
Seller: Victor M. Mendes
Date: 08/22/25

Polaski Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Aya Custom Homes Inc.
Seller: Olesya Lebedinskaya
Date: 08/28/25

88 Prospect St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $229,500
Buyer: Chenevert Properties LLC
Seller: Commercial Lender LLC
Date: 08/20/25

49 Roberts Pond Lane
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Gregory Szyluk
Seller: Michael Hannum
Date: 08/29/25

70 Rzasa Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Daniel Velez
Seller: Claire I. O’Neil
Date: 08/29/25

41 Yvette St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Erich X. Wolmart-Hernandez
Seller: Jason M. Patla
Date: 08/29/25

 

EAST LONGMEADOW

3 Birch Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $505,000
Buyer: Nazimudeen M. Ifham
Seller: Marco Scibelli
Date: 08/18/25

38 Cara Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $505,000
Buyer: Afolabi N. Adisa
Seller: Maria A. Restrepo
Date: 08/28/25

7 Dewey Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $349,900
Buyer: Eddie A. Pagan
Seller: Chestnut Hill Homes LLC
Date: 08/29/25

130 Elm St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $545,000
Buyer: Peter J. Harrington
Seller: Luke Denver
Date: 08/21/25

20 Ericka Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $975,000
Buyer: Claudia T. Ojeda
Seller: Steven Nguyen
Date: 08/27/25

16 Fairhaven Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $399,900
Buyer: Angela M. Tkacz
Seller: Charles Garwacki
Date: 08/28/25

24 Harwich Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $381,000
Buyer: Sarah Vanells
Seller: 24 Harwich Rd LLC
Date: 08/21/25

146 Millbrook Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: Christopher M. Narkon
Seller: Mary L. Schaller-Race
Date: 08/29/25

15 Oak Bluff Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Caitlin C. Normoyle
Seller: Timothy C. Hutchins
Date: 08/22/25

167 Orchard Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $705,000
Buyer: David Fontaine
Seller: Martin F. Schoenemann
Date: 08/18/25

6 Peachtree Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Zachery M. Fountain
Seller: Shawn Gloster
Date: 08/19/25

83 Rogers Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Marco A. Scibelli
Seller: Gioio A. Scibelli
Date: 08/29/25

144 Shaker Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $2,864,770
Buyer: RNL 2025D Owner LLC
Seller: AW Brown Real Estate LLC
Date: 08/28/25

GRANVILLE

280 Silver St.
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Mitchell Goneau
Seller: Jason J. Mihlek
Date: 08/28/25

HAMPDEN

313 Bennett Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Ryan M. Honeycutt
Seller: Kevin J. Czaplicki
Date: 08/22/25

112 East Longmeadow Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Hennessey Williams Property LLC
Seller: Denise Panetta
Date: 08/28/25

145 Glendale Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $797,000
Buyer: Nathan Powers
Seller: Marjorie V. Della Valle
Date: 08/18/25

53 Greenleaf Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $413,200
Buyer: Kevin Windisch
Seller: Victoria Lynch
Date: 08/21/25

25 Pinewood Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $167,000
Buyer: Michael L. Ford
Seller: Linda Reilly
Date: 08/29/25

South Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Milikowski Farms LLC
Seller: William M. Pepin
Date: 08/19/25

HOLLAND

65 East Brimfield Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Derek Painchaud
Seller: Aaron Lieske
Date: 08/29/25

15 Old County Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $479,000
Buyer: Kevin Courtney
Seller: Luke Bardsley
Date: 08/22/25

26 Stony Hill Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $585,000
Buyer: Ralph Falls
Seller: Miguel Villa LT
Date: 08/22/25

HOLYOKE

27 Carol Lane
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: Timothy W. Britton
Seller: Paul A. Hoey
Date: 08/28/25

39 Claremont Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $327,500
Buyer: Jules B. Patigian
Seller: Jeanne Brodalski
Date: 08/21/25

32 Edbert Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Julie Arsenault
Seller: Daniel Cimini
Date: 08/28/25

75 Edbert Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Jacqueline Mendelson
Seller: Douglas Dean
Date: 08/18/25

217-221 High St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Highest Holyoke LLC
Seller: New England Farm Workers Council
Date: 08/22/25

223 High St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Highest Holyoke LLC
Seller: New England Farm Workers Council
Date: 08/22/25

328-330 High St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Metropolitan Property Mgmt. LLC
Seller: Holyoke Property Mgmt. LLC
Date: 08/25/25

957 Homestead Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Jude Prych
Seller: Jude Prych
Date: 08/18/25

957 Homestead Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Stephanie E. Piedra
Seller: Jude Prych
Date: 08/18/25

36 Lynwood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Luis Sumba-Morocho
Seller: Federal National Mortgage Assn.
Date: 08/25/25

169 Michigan Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $391,100
Buyer: Alexander Moore
Seller: Timothy L. McGeer
Date: 08/29/25

107 Newton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Principia Holdings LLC
Seller: Alecto RT
Date: 08/21/25

167 Oak St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Jorge A. Nieves
Seller: Angel G. Franco
Date: 08/20/25

24 Old Jarvis Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Jessica Rivera
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 08/26/25

6 Phillips Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $193,000
Buyer: Wilma Rivera-Otero
Seller: Randall J. Curtis
Date: 08/29/25

180 Pine St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Rabina Tandon
Seller: KC Family Properties LLC
Date: 08/20/25

179 Sargeant St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Ryan Randall Realty LLC
Seller: Haberman, Alfred I., (Estate)
Date: 08/29/25

1 Stratford Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Johanna Milburn
Seller: Mary B. Agostino-Evans
Date: 08/29/25

120-122 Sycamore St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Kmak LLC
Seller: Asw Fund 1 LP
Date: 08/29/25

12 Temple St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Naples Home Buyers TR
Seller: Lrs Irt
Date: 08/29/25

258 Walnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Shanda M. Reynolds
Seller: Jo Landers
Date: 08/21/25

84-86 Westfield Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Tina Spano
Seller: Peter Dorobisz
Date: 08/26/25

LONGMEADOW

76 Brookwood Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Gregory Palmer
Seller: Thomas F. Healy
Date: 08/28/25

60 Cheshire Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $805,000
Buyer: Paul R. Hanney
Seller: Bryan Gross
Date: 08/21/25

237 Concord Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Christopher Gabrielli
Seller: Tarun K. Ohri
Date: 08/18/25

70 Ferncroft St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $415,413
Buyer: Matthew Valle
Seller: On The Mark LLC
Date: 08/19/25

161 Field Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: John Haryasz
Seller: Cokkinias, Mary G., (Estate)
Date: 08/22/25

83 Longfellow Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Deloria
Seller: Anthony P. Aveyard
Date: 08/22/25

104 Longmeadow St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $588,500
Buyer: Dong H. Kim
Seller: Michael Tyburski
Date: 08/29/25

1142 Longmeadow St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Stephen A. Roulier
Seller: Dominick C. Braiotta
Date: 08/19/25

1656 Longmeadow St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Salih Akozbek
Seller: 1656 Longmeadow Partners
Date: 08/21/25

125 Pleasantview Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Khaled Elkhashab
Seller: Diane J. Gallan 2009 TR
Date: 08/29/25

10 Prynne Ridge Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $765,000
Buyer: James F. Martin
Seller: Christopher N. Russell
Date: 08/28/25

59 Stirling St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $306,000
Buyer: Michael D. Ginsberg
Seller: Elaine B. Ginsberg
Date: 08/29/25

96 Wild Grove Lane
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $695,000
Buyer: Christopher A. Laughton
Seller: Alyce Shapiro RET
Date: 08/22/25

759 Williams St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $588,000
Buyer: Milan Property Group LLC
Seller: Henshaw, Judith Ann, (Estate)
Date: 08/22/25

118 Yarmouth St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Pramuditha Rajapakse
Seller: James A. Langone
Date: 08/21/25

LUDLOW

24 Arnold St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Ivan Chernyshov
Seller: Robert J. Lefebvre
Date: 08/29/25

Balsam Hill Road, Lot 64
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $177,900
Buyer: MDA Future Builders Inc.
Seller: Whitetail Wreks LLC
Date: 08/22/25

20 Cady St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Shadane Ndi
Seller: Center For Human Development
Date: 08/19/25

330 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Jack Wojtowicz
Seller: Frank Reyes
Date: 08/22/25

213 Clover Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $396,000
Buyer: Barbara Lewko
Seller: Alexander Brady
Date: 08/26/25

1170 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $603,330
Buyer: Robert J. Russo
Seller: Michael Destefano
Date: 08/20/25

263-271 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $645,000
Buyer: Danh N. Dao
Seller: 271 East Street LLC
Date: 08/19/25

Leland Dr., Lot 4
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Michael Lekarczyk
Seller: Bernard F. Leger
Date: 08/19/25

60 Marion Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Jeffry H. Stanton
Seller: Modifi Homes LLC
Date: 08/22/25

233 Munsing St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $560,000
Buyer: Raymond A. Yeboah
Seller: Denise M. Pascale
Date: 08/19/25

89 Napoleon Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Karen Gates
Seller: Idalina Dasilva
Date: 08/20/25

75 Southwood Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $740,000
Buyer: 20 Mineral Spring RT
Seller: Janusz Szlosek
Date: 08/27/25

MONSON

197 Bumstead Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Galina V. Anderson
Seller: Eric J. Phinney
Date: 08/20/25

6 Harrison Ave.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Tyler Jessee
Seller: Pedro Serrazina
Date: 08/22/25

22 Highland Ave.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Andrea Gorman
Seller: Amie L. Heise
Date: 08/22/25

95 Upper Palmer Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Johnny East LLC
Seller: John M. Arooth
Date: 08/26/25

16 Woodridge Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Peter Andrusko
Seller: Nancy F. Needham
Date: 08/25/25

MONTGOMERY

36 Old House Road
Montgomery, MA 01085
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Andrew Shepard
Seller: Marshall Prokop
Date: 08/20/25

PALMER

305 Burlingame Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Sarah McPartland
Seller: Arabik Eugene, (Estate)
Date: 08/18/25

24 Charles St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Paralee Smith
Seller: Joseph E. Mastalerz
Date: 08/21/25

46 Charles St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Nichole A. Mileski
Seller: Alan M. O’Connor
Date: 08/27/25

4002 Church St.
Palmer, MA 01079
Amount: $369,000
Buyer: Bernard Rybicki
Seller: Yvonne A. Mbi
Date: 08/18/25

47 Flynt St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Shane A. Richardson
Seller: Kevin J. Dingman
Date: 08/28/25

2278-2280 Main St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Austin Koney
Seller: Steven M. Johnson
Date: 08/18/25

1458 North Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $221,000
Buyer: Vakratund Inc.
Seller: Jeegar A. Patel
Date: 08/27/25

1010 Park St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $725,000
Buyer: Laxmi Narayan LLC
Seller: Vpr Capital Partners II LLC
Date: 08/27/25

2011 Pleasant St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $361,000
Buyer: Richard L. Dickinson
Seller: Cynthia J. Dupre
Date: 08/29/25

24 Silvia St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: David A. Battles
Seller: Steven Nieves
Date: 08/28/25

1194 Thorndike St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Carlson Abel
Seller: William Lee
Date: 08/26/25

SPRINGFIELD

100 Abbott St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Hassle Free LLC
Seller: Rosado Jr., Edilberto, (Estate)
Date: 08/20/25

610 Alden St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $392,000
Buyer: Soeurette C. Remedor
Seller: Michael A. Orszulak
Date: 08/25/25

67 Alexander St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Olivia M. Strohman
Seller: Raquel G. Buenaventura
Date: 08/19/25

59 Alvin St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Juan C. Cornejo
Seller: Shaymis C. Wills-Goldson
Date: 08/28/25

518-520 Armory St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $402,000
Buyer: Franklin Ortega
Seller: Carlytom Veillard
Date: 08/29/25

103 Audubon St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Kimberly L. Chin
Seller: Carlos Camacho
Date: 08/29/25

20 Bangor St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $329,000
Buyer: Jacob R. Clendennen
Seller: Frank Camerota
Date: 08/29/25

139 Bay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Property Warehouse LLC
Seller: Elda S. Lopez
Date: 08/28/25

36 Benz St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $294,900
Buyer: Ashley D. Hartt
Seller: Maureen R. Phillips
Date: 08/18/25

64 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Ihi Wave LLC
Seller: Real Estate Investors Northeast LLC
Date: 08/27/25

73 Biltmore St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $252,735
Buyer: Nicholas Panidis
Seller: Luisa Romolo
Date: 08/21/25

46 Birchland Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Caleb Mattsson-Boze
Seller: Hugh A. Harline
Date: 08/26/25

523 Boston Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Mental Health Assn. Inc.
Seller: Shwee-Tian Chou
Date: 08/26/25

135 Bulat Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Deshia A. Horton
Seller: Ana C. Burgos
Date: 08/28/25

53 Canton St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Nohely Salazar
Seller: Izilda A. Barbosa
Date: 08/21/25

762-764 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Felix Bourque
Seller: Erik Rouleau
Date: 08/26/25

1183 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Ana L. Rodriguez-Ortiz
Seller: Bowes, Francine L., (Estate)
Date: 08/22/25

1715 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $267,000
Buyer: Conroy Burton
Seller: Guziec Joan A., (Estate)
Date: 08/22/25

42 Catalina Dr.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Randolph Wills
Seller: James Hillman
Date: 08/29/25

83 Chalmers St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Fonge Njunkeng
Seller: David O. Roman
Date: 08/21/25

141 Cooper St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Barry Smith
Seller: Maria E. Gonzales
Date: 08/26/25

93 Crestmont St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Ryan K. Chaffee
Seller: Jonathan Stone
Date: 08/25/25

82 Davenport St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Izilda A. Barbosa
Seller: Jacob Root
Date: 08/21/25

56 Donbray Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Maxwell C. Anderson
Seller: Laura K. Anderson
Date: 08/22/25

161 Dorset St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Veteran Stan LLC
Seller: Hammerle, Patricia A., (Estate)
Date: 08/19/25

166-172 Eastern Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Rony Almonte
Seller: Zhi J. Lin
Date: 08/29/25

149 Fountain St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $301,000
Buyer: Alice M. Ball
Seller: Emtay Inc.
Date: 08/25/25

58 Governor St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Marimer M. Laguer
Seller: Jjj17 LLC
Date: 08/28/25

63 Grandview St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $349,900
Buyer: Aristides Casillas
Seller: Alessandro Malafronte
Date: 08/21/25

22 Greenlawn St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Edward B. Cooley TR
Seller: Amy P. Ashford
Date: 08/21/25

61-63 Hall St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: Kerson Belizaire
Seller: Nghe Van Ho
Date: 08/20/25

100 Haskin St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Ariana Nunez
Seller: Nres LLC
Date: 08/21/25

27 Hickory St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Marco A. Diaz
Seller: Isander Lopez
Date: 08/26/25

24 Joseph St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Hasmukh Gogri
Seller: Kevin J. Key
Date: 08/26/25

101 Kensington Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $512,000
Buyer: Joshua P. Jean
Seller: Mint Western Mass. Group LLC
Date: 08/20/25

36 Kensington Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Alemat Realty TIi
Seller: 36 Kensington Avenue LLC
Date: 08/19/25

42 Kensington Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Alemat Realty TIi
Seller: 42 Kensington Avenue LLC
Date: 08/19/25

747-749 Liberty St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Salerno Pizzeria LLC
Seller: 747 Liberty LLC
Date: 08/25/25

151 Littleton St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Anthony M. Santaniello
Seller: Plata O. Plomo Inc.
Date: 08/18/25

139-141 Magnolia Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Jacob Root
Seller: Angel E. Lassalle-Romero
Date: 08/21/25

27 Michael St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $332,000
Buyer: Maria Cruz
Seller: Francisco J. Ramirez
Date: 08/28/25

27 Michigan St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $287,000
Buyer: Sarah E. Cournoyer
Seller: Kayla J. Perry
Date: 08/29/25

54 Mohawk Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: David V. Garcia
Seller: Cynthia A. Kennedy
Date: 08/28/25

193-195 Nottingham St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Bria Brantley
Seller: Brooke Coughlin
Date: 08/19/25

18 Olive St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Marangelli C. Morales
Seller: Luis J. Molina
Date: 08/29/25

27 Oregon St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Jason Carmignani
Seller: Holland, Nancy O., (Estate)
Date: 08/29/25

207 Overland St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Joseph M. Santaniello
Seller: Griffin, Viola M., (Estate)
Date: 08/22/25

191 Phoenix Ter.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Nulvia E. Morales-Ortiz
Seller: Dreamwake Homes Inc.
Date: 08/29/25

191 Pine Acre Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $312,000
Buyer: William E. Carmody
Seller: William E. Carmody
Date: 08/28/25

54 Revere St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Luis A. Hernandez
Seller: Daniel Mendoza
Date: 08/18/25

44 Rose St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $2,000,000
Buyer: F. P. McNamara Rubbish Removal
Seller: Leotal Inc.
Date: 08/22/25

208 Roy St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: R&R Home Improvement & Remodeling
Seller: Angela R. Greene
Date: 08/28/25

23 Saffron Circle
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Mackenzie C. Table
Seller: Peter Babineau
Date: 08/28/25

1206-1208 Saint James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Julianny P. Desanchez
Seller: Fab Holdings LLC
Date: 08/25/25

74 Springfield St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: 74 Springfield St. LLC
Seller: Randy Placzek
Date: 08/18/25

253 Stapleton Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $316,000
Buyer: Maryeila Santiago
Seller: Xtreme Homes LLC
Date: 08/29/25

1592 State St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: 1592 State Powers LLC
Seller: David R. Casey
Date: 08/29/25

51 Stratford Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Sashaya C. Lewis
Seller: Nilda Maldonado
Date: 08/29/25

93 Strong St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: 855 Liberty Sprfield LLC
Seller: Sumares, Charles D., (Estate)
Date: 08/25/25

175 Sunrise Ter.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $399,999
Buyer: Israel Lopez
Seller: Mary A. Hollister
Date: 08/29/25

84 Tallyho Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Christopher Luther
Seller: Otholene Martin
Date: 08/29/25

25 Tioga St.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Karen Martindell
Seller: Mark S. Flood
Date: 08/18/25

80 Tulsa St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Naples Home Buyers TR
Seller: Andrea J. Ruest
Date: 08/28/25

209 Tyler St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $234,000
Buyer: Laurie Caraid
Seller: Loida Matos
Date: 08/29/25

108 Wellington St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Akili Binia
Seller: James W. Fiore
Date: 08/28/25

138 West Allen Ridge Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $309,000
Buyer: Gianna Salemi
Seller: Jeffrey E. Ball
Date: 08/18/25

118 Woodland Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $359,000
Buyer: Temika Bennett
Seller: Sarah L. Clayton
Date: 08/26/25

158 Wollaston St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Rose-Ann Gaskin-Rice
Seller: Antonio Martinez
Date: 08/22/25

36 Yamaska Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $308,000
Buyer: Nelson Ayuso
Seller: Jason A. Williams
Date: 08/28/25

SOUTHWICK

42 Beach Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Donald C. Lorusso
Seller: Kenneth A. Marks
Date: 08/25/25

617 College Hwy.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $770,500
Buyer: Tierney Organization LLC
Seller: Keith F. King
Date: 08/18/25

4 Eagle St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Joel Marks
Seller: Kenneth A. Marks
Date: 08/22/25

33 Granville Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $247,450
Buyer: Jaden M. Fairthorne
Seller: Stellar Homes Inc.
Date: 08/29/25

27 Lakeview St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Suzanne Shuttleworth
Seller: Timothy J. Bertrand
Date: 08/22/25

9 Lauren Lane
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: Melisa A. Smith
Seller: Susanne M. Alberti RET
Date: 08/22/25

147 Mort Vining Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $431,000
Buyer: Joseph A. Longo
Seller: Viktor Moshkovskiy
Date: 08/22/25

4 Pearl Brook Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $461,000
Buyer: Douglas Dichard
Seller: Gary R. Allen
Date: 08/29/25

5 Tall Pines Trail
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $669,000
Buyer: Sean W. Smith
Seller: Mario J. Bernal
Date: 08/20/25

TOLLAND

339 Beetle Road
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $655,000
Buyer: Anna Gindes
Seller: Stanley F. Rosen
Date: 08/27/25

120 Lands End Dr.
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $487,500
Buyer: Thomas P. Dancy
Seller: Edward R. Greenbaum
Date: 08/28/25

WALES

8 Sizer Dr.
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $534,900
Buyer: Patricia L. Smith
Seller: Erica T. Enos
Date: 08/26/25

WEST SPRINGFIELD

156 Belmont Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Jacob R. Elkins
Seller: Patricia M. Youngs
Date: 08/26/25

149 Butternut Hollow Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $458,000
Buyer: Kandrap A. Vyas
Seller: Michael K. Kennedy
Date: 08/21/25

182 Central Miami St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $387,500
Buyer: Ghaeth Alsamraay
Seller: Cara M. Canedi
Date: 08/21/25

81 Chestnut St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: M&G Renovations LLC
Seller: Donna M. Clements
Date: 08/29/25

24 City View Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $305,100
Buyer: Daniel J. Skiba
Seller: Dreamwake Homes Inc.
Date: 08/22/25

20 Clara St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Carmen M. Rivera
Seller: Ismael J. Lopez
Date: 08/25/25

61 Clarence St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $217,500
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Alan Bendiksen
Date: 08/19/25

158 Falmouth Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $407,000
Buyer: Sonja M. Funk
Seller: Jonathan Chretien
Date: 08/22/25

104 Forest Glen
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $578,000
Buyer: Douglas Dreyer
Seller: Nathan P. Somers
Date: 08/29/25

53 Greystone Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $550,043
Buyer: B&B Properties LLC
Seller: Jjrob Realty LLC
Date: 08/29/25

31 Highland Lane
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $389,000
Buyer: Michael Forrest
Seller: Cig2 LLC
Date: 08/29/25

57 Hill St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Rosemary M. Hernandez
Seller: TM Properties Inc.
Date: 08/28/25

283 Hillcrest Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Maher A. Lebadeh
Seller: Edwan Alzuhairi
Date: 08/18/25

61 Lotus Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Christopher M. Jett
Seller: Mark C. Delmonte
Date: 08/28/25

125 Maple St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $308,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Wool
Seller: David J. Schwede
Date: 08/22/25

831 Morgan Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Trent Ceiley
Seller: Mpr Properties LLC
Date: 08/28/25

16 North St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Jt Realty Associates Inc.
Seller: Langone, Christine M., (Estate)
Date: 08/20/25

15 Oak St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Viktor Rushchak
Seller: Donna Defant RET
Date: 08/25/25

44 Orchardview St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $351,000
Buyer: Merve Turkman
Seller: Kingsford Aidoo
Date: 08/21/25

32 Paulson Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $352,700
Buyer: Christian Diluzio
Seller: Kathleen Devins
Date: 08/18/25

683 Rogers Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Faith Durmus
Seller: David W. Holt
Date: 08/29/25

32 Sikes Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $607,800
Buyer: Robert A. Niemiec
Seller: Thomas H. Wiggins
Date: 08/20/25

94 Tiara Lane
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $690,000
Buyer: Kruti Patel
Seller: Brian J. Kolodziej
Date: 08/20/25

524 Westfield St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Centura Bay LLC
Seller: Jessica Cintron
Date: 08/20/25

101 Westwood Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Zachary F. Ciaschini
Seller: West Co. Investments LLC
Date: 08/29/25

53 Wolcott Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Randy C. Guyette
Seller: John Wallace
Date: 08/21/25

16 Worthen St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Luis D. Burgos
Seller: Douglas J. Chevalier
Date: 08/29/25

WESTFIELD

259 Birch Bluffs Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Mary T. Dowling
Seller: Thanh Van T. Densmore
Date: 08/20/25

99 Dartmouth St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Kimberlee Rondoletto
Seller: Yevgeney Pyshnyak
Date: 08/19/25

34 Hawks Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Epro LLC
Seller: Patricia O. Hanrahan
Date: 08/29/25

15 Irene Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $502,900
Buyer: Ronald M. Beattie
Seller: Lindsay R. Smithies
Date: 08/22/25

253 Montgomery Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $675,000
Buyer: Devin S. Caugh
Seller: Donna M. Yerkes
Date: 08/22/25

282 Montgomery Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Rita Sanders
Seller: Scott Von Jouanne
Date: 08/28/25

275 Munger Hill Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $729,000
Buyer: Scott T. Flebotte
Seller: Linda J. Delia
Date: 08/20/25

52 Orange St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Ihi Wave LLC
Seller: John P. Morizio
Date: 08/29/25

78 Orange St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: George M. Matoke
Seller: Maya Shankar
Date: 08/26/25

87 Pineridge Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $542,500
Buyer: Patrick F. Styckiewicz
Seller: Stephen J. Hinck
Date: 08/21/25

48 Pleasant St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Sandra Atkins-Jason
Date: 08/29/25

11 Rachael Ter.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $715,000
Buyer: Lindsay R. Smithies
Seller: David J. Miller
Date: 08/22/25

152 Shaker Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Jeffery Audet
Seller: Suzanne Verrilli
Date: 08/27/25

20 Southgate Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Geoffrey Fleury
Seller: Parenzo, Dorothy L., (Estate)
Date: 08/21/25

7 Summit Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Sergey Kulyak
Seller: Richard P. Hartman
Date: 08/29/25

30 Western Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Elizabeth G. O’Donoghue
Seller: Ruth Ohayon TR
Date: 08/28/25

21 Winding Ridge Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $565,000
Buyer: Mohammed Saleem
Seller: Robert J. Lefebvre
Date: 08/18/25

WILBRAHAM

10 Cooley Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $674,789
Buyer: Peter J. Ouimette
Seller: Garvey, Arlene F., (Estate)
Date: 08/18/25

7 Deepwood Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $605,000
Buyer: Kevin Relihan
Seller: Moreno FT
Date: 08/20/25

21 Delmor Ave.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Erin E. Goodreau
Seller: Nicole Bateman
Date: 08/28/25

3 Mark Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: Wilfredo Perez
Seller: Raymond J. Crooks
Date: 08/29/25

733 Monson Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $739,000
Buyer: Mario Da Cruz
Seller: Victor A. Ayala
Date: 08/25/25

135 Mountain Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Robert M. Fragapane
Seller: Nicholas J. Collins
Date: 08/28/25

6 South Park Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Kevin J. Kervick
Seller: Kervick, Christine M., (Estate)
Date: 08/18/25

1080 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $343,500
Buyer: Alan Laporte
Seller: Courtney M. Lafreniere
Date: 08/20/25

1 Webster Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $840,000
Buyer: Meredith Flood
Seller: Lynne W. Gentry
Date: 08/21/25

4 Wilson St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Deuces Wild RT
Seller: Naples Home Buyers TR
Date: 08/22/25

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

28 Brigham Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $955,000
Buyer: Julie N. Tomlinson-Nolan
Seller: Pauline Stark NT
Date: 08/29/25

19 Hawthorn Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $960,000
Buyer: Moor-Vu RT
Seller: Changhui Pak
Date: 08/20/25

480 Middle St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $645,500
Buyer: Amy J. Mitrani
Seller: Kenneth P. Kleinman
Date: 08/26/25

300 North East St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: North East & Strong LLC
Seller: Heath, Richard A., (Estate)
Date: 08/26/25

505 Sunderland Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $459,000
Buyer: Jared F. Campbell
Seller: An H. Chu
Date: 08/28/25

131 Tracy Circle
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $417,075
Buyer: Dionne Aguilar-Nolan
Seller: Kenneth Reed
Date: 08/29/25

289 Triangle St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $537,000
Buyer: Sage S. Bailin
Seller: Constantine Pleshakov
Date: 08/29/25

BELCHERTOWN

296 Bardwell St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Cynthia Ely
Seller: Tammy Fellion
Date: 08/19/25

158 Barton Ave.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $744,000
Buyer: Samuel Torres
Seller: Robert J. Cote
Date: 08/29/25

107 Howard St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Neil G. Doherty
Seller: Joshua M. Smith
Date: 08/21/25

25 South Main St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Wyatt L. Brown
Seller: Deborah K. Robes
Date: 08/27/25

21 Waterford Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $838,500
Buyer: Yuntian Hu
Seller: Jamal D. Makkiya
Date: 08/29/25

CHESTERFIELD

109 East St.
Chesterfield, MA 01096
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Rebekah Song
Seller: Ronald P. Altimari
Date: 08/29/25

CUMMINGTON

489 West Cummington Road
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Kevin A. Williams
Seller: Joel M. Hinton
Date: 08/25/25

EASTHAMPTON

219 East St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Maren Bhagat
Seller: Lauren A. Soucey
Date: 08/28/25

15 Evans Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $381,000
Buyer: Joshua R. Allen
Seller: Bergeron, Barbara A., (Estate)
Date: 08/29/25

261 Hendrick St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $255,024
Buyer: Donald M. Levy
Seller: Martha R. Terry
Date: 08/29/25

263 Hendrick St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $255,024
Buyer: Donald M. Levy
Seller: Martha R. Terry
Date: 08/29/25

Mineral St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $188,700
Buyer: Maryellen Diluzio
Seller: Charles Edward RT
Date: 08/21/25

74 Parsons St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: Jaime D. Loja
Seller: Dawn M. Pepin
Date: 08/19/25

31 Pomeroy St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Anson Weidner
Seller: Sally M. Bastiaans
Date: 08/29/25

16 Sheldon Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Gregory C. Hauer
Seller: Theodore Kuc
Date: 08/18/25

28 Sterling Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $590,500
Buyer: Martin Jutres
Seller: Glen A. Gagnon
Date: 08/26/25

11 Stone Path Lane
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Stone Path Ln LLC
Seller: Barbara A. Yanke
Date: 08/22/25

51 Taft Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Ian Petty
Seller: George J. & E. G. Kwolek IRT
Date: 08/22/25

46-54 Union St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $1,000,000
Buyer: John Dunphy
Seller: Union West LLC
Date: 08/29/25

33 West St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $571,000
Buyer: Tyler Hess
Seller: Amy E. Thompson
Date: 08/28/25

GOSHEN

81 Lake Dr.
Goshen, MA 01096
Amount: $449,000
Buyer: Gail Hegeman
Seller: Philip Hurzeler
Date: 08/27/25

49 South Main St.
Goshen, MA 01096
Amount: $415,500
Buyer: Sarah A. Kane
Seller: R. & Joann Sheehan LT
Date: 08/28/25

GRANBY

Carver St., Lot 15
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $850,000
Buyer: Dans Construction Service Inc.
Seller: PC Development LLC
Date: 08/29/25

181 East St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Joshua A. Jazab
Seller: Carriveau, Leonard C., (Estate)
Date: 08/29/25

85 South St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Alexandra Zagalskaya
Seller: Wanda C. Blair
Date: 08/29/25

West St., Lot 1
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Oakbrook Homes LLC
Seller: William E. Chapdelaine
Date: 08/20/25

West St., Lot 2
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Oakbrook Homes LLC
Seller: William E. Chapdelaine
Date: 08/20/25

West St., Lot 3
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Oakbrook Homes LLC
Seller: William E. Chapdelaine
Date: 08/20/25

HADLEY

1 Aqua Vitae Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $257,000
Buyer: David N. Bovin
Seller: Sotanasky Sr., Ralph, (Estate)
Date: 08/25/25

269 Bay Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $487,000
Buyer: Donald Dion Rental Properties LLC
Seller: Gregory J. Omasta
Date: 08/21/25

121 East St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Sarah Berquist
Seller: Matthew Pfannenstiel
Date: 08/28/25

148 East St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $599,000
Buyer: Colee A. Curtis
Seller: Isman-Hollister IRT
Date: 08/22/25

424 Russell St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $1,900,000
Buyer: Hadley Investment Partners LLC
Seller: Nnn Reit Lp
Date: 08/26/25

455 Russell St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: 455 Russell St LLC
Seller: Och Realty LLC
Date: 08/19/25

HATFIELD

366 West St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: James A. Golonka
Seller: Mandy L. Sweet-Antes
Date: 08/28/25

MIDDLEFIELD

116 Skyline Trail
Middlefield, MA 01243
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Daniel Cimini
Seller: Barbara J. Karp LT
Date: 08/28/25

NORTHAMPTON

12 Day Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: Jill M. Bascomb
Seller: RM Blerman LLC
Date: 08/29/25

12 High Meadow Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $865,000
Buyer: Leticia Ward
Seller: John Reed Stifler RET
Date: 08/25/25

35 Hubbard Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $258,000
Buyer: Americamp Realty LLC
Seller: Edward J. Oshepa
Date: 08/29/25

68 Ice Pond Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Tiffany E. Kenney
Seller: Rhythm S. Patel
Date: 08/19/25

25 Indian Hill
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $572,000
Buyer: Augusta R. Rulewich
Seller: Marla S. Michel
Date: 08/28/25

12 Lincoln Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Emily T. Merriman
Seller: Karen S. Jones
Date: 08/20/25

Lyman Road, Lot 3
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Andrae Davey
Seller: Wendy L. Arnold
Date: 08/21/25

11 Orchard St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $582,000
Buyer: Gregory H. White
Seller: Jordan T. Burns
Date: 08/28/25

24 Orchard St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $1,076,200
Buyer: Ann Talarico
Seller: 24-26 Orchard LLC
Date: 08/19/25

275 State St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Lon D. Goodman
Seller: Christopher L. Leclerc
Date: 08/21/25

PELHAM

12 Bray Court
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $617,000
Buyer: Willert P. Klass
Seller: Peter D. Nolan
Date: 08/29/25

SOUTH HADLEY

26 Ashfield Lane
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Nathan P. Somers
Seller: Timothy D. Herbert
Date: 08/29/25

12 Boynton Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $446,000
Buyer: Heather Zeh
Seller: Daniel M. Vieu
Date: 08/28/25

27 Chestnut Hill Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Robert Loughrey
Seller: Douglas & Sarah Smith RET
Date: 08/19/25

3 Ethan Circle
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: Jacqueline Quirk
Seller: Celeste M. Talarico
Date: 08/18/25

64 Hadley St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Peter Ells
Seller: Virginia Dautreuil
Date: 08/27/25

75 Lamb St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Luciano Alvarez-Sanchez
Seller: Armando Roman
Date: 08/27/25

150 Lyman St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $620,000
Buyer: Jaskiran Saini
Seller: Timothy O. Donnell IRT
Date: 08/27/25

15 Magnolia Ter.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $246,549
Buyer: Csmc 2018-RP36 TR
Seller: Craig A. Hicks
Date: 08/29/25

513 Newton St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $416,000
Buyer: James Fay
Seller: David J. Johnson
Date: 08/21/25

40 Wildwood Lane
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $494,900
Buyer: Crystal Conroy
Seller: Tomasi, Mildred A., (Estate)
Date: 08/20/25

32 Woodbridge St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: Jessica A. Kotefila
Seller: Ronni A. Gordon
Date: 08/26/25

SOUTHAMPTON

7 Freyer Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Amy Virgilo
Seller: Bds Investments LLC
Date: 08/22/25

WARE

561 Belchertown Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $373,000
Buyer: Meredith Sbordy
Seller: Ahsley T. Chudy
Date: 08/28/25

97 Church St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Judith Magloire
Seller: Jason Patrissi
Date: 08/20/25

40 Coffey Hill Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Amberrose Julien
Seller: Tracey J. Giard
Date: 08/22/25

6 Highland St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Jacob Allard
Seller: Hailee B. Fullen
Date: 08/26/25

46 Horseshoe Circle
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Hrq Global LLC
Date: 08/25/25

97 South St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Marcie A. Savoie
Seller: Andrea Barstis
Date: 08/29/25

WILLIAMSBURG

35 Briar Hill Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Meghan French
Seller: Priscilla J. Williams
Date: 08/29/25

96 Petticoat Hill Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $850,000
Buyer: Aaron Wodin-Schwartz
Seller: Richard A. Barnard TR
Date: 08/21/25

WESTHAMPTON

29 Pine Island Lake
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $950,000
Buyer: David Spound
Seller: Martin R. Cook
Date: 08/28/25

WORTHINGTON

Cummington Road (off)
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $480,230
Buyer: Sofia Dobner-Pereira
Seller: Hilary M. Costa
Date: 08/18/25

444 Huntington Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Timothy J. O’Brien
Seller: Mark A. Spiess
Date: 08/22/25

19 Sawyer Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $480,230
Buyer: Sofia Dobner-Pereira
Seller: Hilary M. Costa
Date: 08/18/25

We Should Be Using AI in HR

By Contributor
Opinion

Opinion

By Pam Thornton

 

Time is the most valuable currency in human resources, and it’s slipping away. Too many HR professionals are still hesitant to adopt artificial intelligence (AI), even as it quietly transforms industries all around us. The clock is ticking, and HR leaders who delay are risking falling behind.

AI is not a futuristic concept; it’s already embedded in daily tools you may be using. Microsoft, LinkedIn, Zoom, and Google all have AI-powered features that analyze, summarize, and automate routine work. According to a 2024 SHRM survey, 26% of organizations use AI to support HR-related activities.

What’s at stake? According to a Deloitte-based analysis, HR professionals spend up to 57% of their work time on administrative tasks, which is equivalent to more than 22 hours per week in a standard 40-hour work week. Imagine what could be achieved if those hours were reinvested into strategy, culture, and leadership development.

Here are some of the benefits of AI for HR:

• Time savings. AI-driven recruiting tools can reduce screening time by up to 75% while improving candidate fit.

• Better insights. Predictive analytics allow HR teams to anticipate turnover risks, identify skill gaps, and strengthen workforce planning.

• Improved compliance. AI-powered auditing tools can scan policies and employee records for inconsistencies and legal risks in minutes.

• Enhanced employee experience. Chatbots and virtual assistants now answer common HR and benefits questions 24/7, freeing human resources staff to handle complex employee relations conversations and high-value issues in the organization.

• Upskilling opportunities. AI helps identify internal talent ready for reskilling, closing skills gaps and reducing external hiring costs.

For HR professionals, the ‘wait and see’ approach is costly. Competitors who adopt AI now are gaining efficiency, reducing costs, and positioning HR as a true strategic driver. According to a study from Gartner, the share of HR leaders who are actively planning or already deploying GenAI has jumped from 19% in June 2023 to 61% in January 2025. This sharp rise highlights growing recognition of GenAI’s power to reshape HR processes.

We can’t just ‘lean on’ and set it and forget it when using AI. When we ‘lean in’ and provide input and human oversight to synthesize the information and use our critical thinking skills to leverage AI as a tool, we gain the strategic advantage. Humans will always remain at the heart of HR.

The message is clear: HR’s future isn’t AI versus human, it’s AI plus human. Those who embrace the tools today will lead the transformation tomorrow. So, the real question is: how much longer can you afford to wait?

 

Pam Thornton is director of Strategic HR Services for the Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast. This article first appeared on the EANE blog; eane.org

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

Quality Home Exterior Inc., 9 South Bridge Dr., Agawam, MA 01001. Victor Gavriliuc, 457 Union St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Construction.

CHICOPEE

Bullseye Resilient Solutions Inc., 117 Dejordy Lane, Chicopee, MA 01020. David Boisselle, same. Logistics consulting.

Sewamazing.Shop Inc., 283 Fuller Road, Apt. K, Chicopee, MA 01020. Yuly Valencia Santamaria, same. Influencer who generates online sales.

EASTHAMPTON

Easthampton Coalition for Veterans Wellness Inc., 181 Northampton St., Suite A3, Easthampton, MA 01027. Heather Rudolph, 55 Pomeroy St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Nonprofit organization providing social support and crisis management for veterans.

EAST LONGMEADOW

East Longmeadow Girls Lacrosse Booster Club Inc., 62 Deer Run Ter., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Kimberly Schwartz, 41 Avery St., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Booster club run by the parents of the students in the girls lacrosse organization at East Longmeadow High School.

FLORENCE

Uya Florence Co., 89 Main St., Florence, MA 01062. Julius Berman, 10 Fairfield Ave., Haydenville, MA 01039. Fast casual eatery specializing in poke bowl, sushi burrito, and bubble tea.

GREENFIELD

Wags Plumbing and Heating Inc., 20 Wildwood Ave., Greenfield, MA 01301. Ryan Grady-Wagner, same. Plumbing and heating services.

HOLYOKE

Rinfire Technology Inc., 50 Holyoke St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Xiaofeng Lin, 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Experience and sales of entertainment electronics.

LONGMEADOW

Mapping Insight Inc., 817 Williams St., #61011, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Grace Kim, same. Consulting services.

NORTHAMPTON

54 Racing Mart Shell Inc., 54 Easthampton Road, Northampton, MA 01060. Sejal Patel, 75 Parsons St., Apt. N, Northampton, MA 01060. Gas station, package and convenience store.

PALMER
Boston Veterans Football Assoc. Inc., 4002 Church St., Palmer, MA 01079. Elvis Mbeng Mbi, same. Soccer club.

PITTSFIELD

The Carpocratian School Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Edith Burke, same. Philosophical and educational institution dedicated to research, scholarship, and public education in the fields of comparative philosophy, theology, and historical studies.

Electronic Data Collection Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Nancy Genung, same. Parking software management.

Green Sheep Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Nicole Doucet, same. Bottled and canned water wholesaler.

Scient Public Relations Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Michael Lampe, 138 Iron Hill Way, Collegeville, PA 19426. Corporate communications.

SOUTHWICK

Lakeview Tavern Inc., 141 Congamond Road, Southwick, MA 01077. Demyan Volkov, same. Restaurant with alcoholic beverages.

SPRINGFIELD

Club Oh Inc., 92 Stuart St., Springfield, MA 01119. Tyrone Ward, same. Provides a holistic approach for minority teens and instills resilience in their communities by supporting them to overcome adversity through mentorship and positive redirection.

TURNERS FALLS

D&F Exteriors and Roofing Corp., 59 L St., Apt. 2, Turners Falls, MA 01376. Durly Bartolon Bartolon, same. Roofing and exteriors services.

WESTFIELD

Evdoha Corp., 13 Ashley St., Apt 1, Westfield, MA 01085. Anatolii Yevdoshenko, same. Transportation services.

Seeyo Nails & Spa Inc., 99 Springfield Road, Westfield, MA 01085. Xiemei Wu, 162 Spratt Ave., Staten Island, NY 10306. Nail spa.

 

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Cornerstone Home Improvement Inc., 119 Humphrey Lane, West Springfield, MA 01089. Vadim Buguta, same. Residential renovation.

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and/or trade names were issued or renewed during the months of August and September 2025.

BELCHERTOWN

Grazescape
62 Dana Hill
Lori Chaffee

Hometown Holdings LLC
102 Oakridge Dr.
Anna Drost

Principle Property Management LLC
102 Oakridge Dr.
Anna Drost

Tang Properties LLC
102 Oakridge Dr.
Anna Drost

EASTHAMPTON

7-Eleven
97 Union St.
Lillian Kirstein

Clovercraft LLC
17 East St.
Kevin Perrier, Volkan Polatol

ETL Services
79 Main St., Apt. 2
Anthony Manganaro

Greene Custom Carpentry
47 Chapin St.
Benjamin Greene

Intro View Mindfulness
4 Pleasant St.
Brian Westerlind

J&P Home Improvement
11 Princeton Ave.
Jonnathan Paredes

Jason’s Plumbing and Heating
215 Hendrick St.
Jason Lisatinski

Jen Pressure Washing
27 Maple St.
Douglas Beyer

The Ounce Club
17 East St.
Kevin Perrier, Volkan Polatol

Purely You Spa
132B Cottage St.
Destini-Rose Sullivan

Sharken Landscaping and Odd Jobs
6 Searle Ave., Apt. 1L
Corey Sharken

Smudge Sorbetto
20 Pleasant Green West
Marc Candilore

Somehow School LLC
83 Main St.
Nora Miller

Valley Kitchens
51 Holyoke St., Unit A1
Dominic O’Connell

Yonder Community Toy Shop LLC
186 Northampton St., Unit E
Danielle Curry

HADLEY

Animal Aura Yoga
367 Russell St.
Animal Aura LLC

The Ben & Ed Show
5 Morning Star Dr.
Edward Roseman

Carol Berzonsky Psychotherapy
4 Kozera Ave.
Carol Berzonsky

Chipotle Mexican Grill
334 Russell St.
Chipotle Mexican Grill of CO

Downward Dog Yoga
367 Russell St.
Donna French

Fetterman & Associates
8 Bayberry Lane
David Fetterman

Flour and Field
333 River Dr.
J2 Living Co. LLC

Smithland Pet Center
335 Russell St.
CT Gardens LLC

Talon Furniture & Mattress
180 Mountain Farms Mall, Suite A
NE Contact LLC

Tap Root Massage Therapy
108A Russell St.
Patrick Arbour

HOLYOKE

Abercrombie & Fitch Stores
50 Holyoke St.
Hollister Co. #30125

Bamboo House
2223 Northampton St.
Xin Zhao, Naling Gao

Bo’s Landscapes
909 Homestead Ave.
Ryan Boman

The Coral Farm
120 Front St., #11
Brian Hale

Holyoke Towers Associates
582 Pleasant St.
Appleton Corp.

Infinity Framing
120 Front St.
James Lauzon

JCPenney Optical #1018
50 Holyoke St.
US Vision

O’Brien’s Auto
40 Anderson Hill Road
Edward O’Brien

RX Epoxy Flooring
76 Westfield Road
Xavier Pagan Reyes

Sweet Baby Rae’s Sourdough
1 Meadow St.
Kristin Fontaine

Visiting Angels
4 Open Square Way
Living Assistance Corp.

Wandering Willow Massage
6 McGrady St.
Alyssa Jakubiec

WESTFIELD

Alfu Cleaning Services
16 Taylor Ave., #25C
Albert Fuster

Angelo’s Tots-A-Lot
558 Granville Road
John Patterson

Be Good Hooman
60 Montgomery St.
Martin Beach

BJJ Advisory Co.
15 Cornish Dr.
SPB Advisory Group LLC

Brooks Books Travel & Beyond
24 Belmont St.
Melissa Brooks

Cold Harbor Coffee Co.
20 Rachael Terrace
Blue Chip LLC

The Handy Housekeeper
147 Main St.
Christine Camp

Hidden Hemlock LLC
109 Apremont Way, #9
Hidden Hemlock LLC

Miracle Cleaning Services
1B East Bartlett St.
Brandy Figueroa

Precise Carpentry LLC
114 Northridge Road
Serghei Marcu

Renew Crew
30 St. Pierres Lane
Jaden St. Pierre, Kaeven Eddington

Renovax
36 Kellogg St.
Oleksandr Verezhak

Septic System Design
43 Kittredge Dr.
David Tompkins

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

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

Allaire, Kimberly Ann
42 Andersen Road
Chicopee, MA 01022
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/25/2025

Alston-Brown, Keisha Lorraine
a/k/a Brown, Keisha Lorraine
18 Aster St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Date: 07/25/2025

Balzer, Dixie M.
15 Fredrick Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 13
Date: 07/23/2025

Belair, Michael L.
Belair, Jeanne A.
112 Morningview Dr.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Date: 07/30/2025

Bonneville, Tia Anne
a/k/a Hayes, Tia A.
182 Northampton St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/23/2025

Cardona, Aisha M.
49 Varney St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/29/2025

Centeno, Angel L.
439 Oldfield Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/22/2025

Daniels, Felissa
136 Marsden St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Date: 07/21/2025

Doel, Kelli Anne
4 North Main St., Apt. 1A
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/25/2025

Ericson, Deborah Anne
416 South Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/23/2025

ESG Clean Energy LLC
1111 Elm St., Suite 38
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 11
Date: 07/23/2025

Fassell, Isabel F.
105 Laurel St., Apt. 6B
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/22/2025

Gadreault, Shane
Gadreault, Jodilynn
28A Revere Circle
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/30/2025

Galipeau, Cynthia N.
93 Wheatland Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/17/2025

Gariepy, Jennifer Lynn
241 Brookside Road
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/21/2025

Guerrero, Julia
Guerrero, Leonel
1765 Memorial Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/31/2025

Gustafson, Bruce George
Gustafson, Heather Anne
141 McBride Road
Wales, MA 01081
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/30/2025

Hall, Keeira
96 Harness Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Date: 07/17/2025

Harris, Melvin L.
146 Brandon Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/18/2025

Hartmann, Craig F.
Hartmann, Shannon E.
11 Newton Place
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/28/2025

Hector, James G.
67 Wentworth St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Date: 07/30/2025

Irons, Wayne Richard
Irons, Renee Ann
116 Tom Swamp Road
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/28/2025

Jakuboski, Pamela A.
145 Pontoosic Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/31/2025

Kelleher, Robert F.
Kelleher, AnnaMaria
a/k/a Stellato, Anna M.
277 Orange St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/24/2025

Labarre, Joshua Patrick
97 Laurel Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 13
Date: 07/22/20

Laboy, Maria Pinto
17 Angelo St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/31/2025

Livewell Home Improvement, LLC
33 Laurel Mountain Road
Haydenville, MA 01039
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/25/2025

Malo, Jayson L.
Malo, Stephanie L.
a/k/a Elie, Stephanie l.
60 Mechanic St.
Gilbertville, MA 01031
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/21/2025

Marrett, David T.
Marrett, Sandy J.
495 Granby Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 13
Date: 07/22/2025

Masslanka USA, LLC
Raufdeen, Riswan M.
23 Tracy Circle
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/28/2025

Mendoza, Hector
Mendoza, Mary I.
91 Oakwood Ter.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/24/2025

Ortiz Felix, Ramona
65 Broadway St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/24/2025

Packard, Brandi L.
328 Columbus Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/17/2025

Paul, Michelle J.
41 Davidston St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Date: 07/28/2025

Perez, Edward W.
266 Woodcrest Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/18/2025

Przekopowski, Kyle William
41 Pynchon Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/21/2025

Rex, Daniel B.
8 Cleveland Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Date: 07/29/2025

Rizos, Antonios
a/k/a Rizos, Tony
2 Geryk Court
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/23/2025

Shartrand, David J.
Shartrand, Melissa A.
28 Chantilly Ave.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/22/2025

Suya, Felix
303 Maple St., #320
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/18/2025

Thomas, Chad Dewayne
Thomas, Cathleen Ann
a/k/a Thomas, Cathy Ann
51 Wales Road
Monson, MA 01057
Date: 07/30/2025

Valcour, Kaylee N.
105 Sadler Ave., Apt 1
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/31/2025

Weeks, Jeremy Jason
40 Woods Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/22/2025

Wood, David B.
Archer, Pamela J.
31 Cleveland St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 13
Date: 07/31/2025

This Could Be the Start of Something

By
Opinion

Editorial

 

Back in 2009, the first year BusinessWest staged its Difference Makers recognition program, the group of honorees included a relatively new nonprofit devoted to inspiring entrepreneurship and giving startups and early-stage companies a leg up as they sought to develop concepts and bring them to the market.

It was called Valley Venture Mentors, and its mission was relatively simple … give entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs exposure to mentors within the business community and provide programming to accelerate startup initiatives and get them off the ground. And the need was real, because new businesses weren’t coming to the region in large numbers, existing businesses were being merged into other entities at an increasingly alarming rate, and, because of these forces, new sources of jobs would be needed for the decades to come.

VVM, as it was called, was still in its infancy then, but it was already generating momentum and some positive results, enough to earn it the designation Difference Maker.

A dozen or so years later, VVM all but vanished from the landscape. We’re not sure what happened, but it was probably a combination of the pandemic, which robbed it of momentum and the ability to stage in-person meetings, changes in leadership, and other factors that led to dormancy — and a sizable hole in the region’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Recognizing the importance of filling this hole, a group led by Paul Silva, one of the early leaders of VVM and an entrepreneur himself who has created several ventures aimed at fostering startups, has launched Innovate413, or what they have nicknamed VVM 2.0 (see related story, page 4).

Silva joked that he was ‘getting the band back together,’ a reference to some of the mentors involved with the original VVM who will be participating with this version as well. But Innovate413 will go a step or two further.

Indeed, fueled by $250,000 in seed money from the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation and the MassMutual Foundation, the new nonprofit will seek to link entrepreneurs with mentors, but also catalysts in the form of access to potential customers (employers with problems that need solving) and access to the latest artificial intelligence and product-development technology from groups such as the Center for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (CDS) at the Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences at UMass Amherst.

The broad goal, said Silva, is to provide teach-based startups with what he called “an unfair advantage,” meaning direct access to businesses looking for solutions. This will enable entrepreneurs to problem-solve and develop technology for which there is a recognized need, rather than developing a product or service and hope that a market for it will develop.

It sounds good on paper. Whether Innovate413 will succeed with this mission remains to be seen, but we are encouraged that the band is coming back together and that there is a concerted effort to fill this hole in the entrepreneurship ecosystem.

That’s because the need that was apparent back in 2009, is still painfully evident. The region is not attracting large employers, the pace of mergers and acquisitions is only accelerating, and, while there is a strong wave of entrepreneurship sweeping the region, there remains a need for new tech-based companies that will stay in the 413 and potentially become large sources of jobs.

We hope VVM 2.0 can generate some momentum on this front and become a Difference Maker in its own right.

Building Permits

By
Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the months of August and September 2025.

EASTHAMPTON

Porvenir LLC
100-106 Cottage St.
$22,000 — Add two rooms to existing space for cosmetic procedures, add electrical outlets, install two sinks

St. Philip’s Episcopal Church
126 Main St.
$15,345 — Attic weatherstripping and insulation, add bath fan to gable/roof

HADLEY

W/S Hadley Properties II LLC
337 Russell St.
N/A — Repair/replace existing signage

LEE

Don Hunter
10 Park Place
$10,000 — Install 12 vinyl windows

LENOX

CACLB Properties
22 Walker St.
$60,000 — Convert existing space from residential back to manufacturing/industrial

PITTSFIELD

A. Leo Nash Realty LLC
99 Hawthorne Ave.
$115,650 — Tuckpoint large section of brick wall

Berkshire Fund Inc.
48 Elizabeth St.
$17,450 — Repair doors

Berkshire Medical Center Inc.
725 North St.
$89,000 — Interior alterations to reconfigure existing ultrasound room to X-ray room

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
44 Bank Row
$9,000 — Kiosk, coffee shop

The Cooper Center LLC
116 North St.
$17,961 — Repair damaged awning

Dan Fox Drive Pittsfield LLC
1 Dan Fox Dr.
$391,586 — Roofing

Premium Water Inc.
1505 West Housatonic St.
$43,319 — Quality control lab renovation, including, removal of existing finishes; installation of new walls, flooring, ceilings, and door; and modification and reinstallation of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, sprinkler, and HVAC systems

ServiceNet Inc.
717 Crane Ave.
$48,875 — Underground pipe to feed new sprinkler system

WESTFIELD

Beaver Lake Realty LLC
47 Westfield Industrial Park Road
$52,500 — Construct break room in existing warehouse space

Columbia Manufacturing
21 Cycle St.
$120,000 — Furniture showroom

Devcon Shops LLC
457 East Main St.
$6,560 — Remove partition walls

Double Play Properties LLC
225 East Main St.
N/A — Fire alarm system

Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield
35 Bartlett St.
N/A — Replace existing interior and exterior doors, install new partitions and doors

Santander Bank
30 Elm St.
N/A — Change of use from bank to antique mall

Zap Realty LLC
181 Notre Dame St.
$77,000 — Remodel existing office space

MCLA Maintains Top 10 Public Liberal Arts College Ranking for 11th Straight Year

By
Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) has maintained its position as the sixth-ranked public liberal arts school in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Colleges rankings, marking 11 consecutive years in the top 10.

“Eleven years of top ten recognition is a testament to our faculty, staff, and the entire MCLA community’s dedication to student success,” President James Birge said. “This consistency in rankings reflects our core mission: providing an affordable, transformative liberal arts education that empowers students from all backgrounds to achieve their goals and make meaningful contributions to society.”

More than 41% of MCLA undergraduate students receive Pell Grants, and 49% are the first in their families to attend college. Overall, 95% of MCLA students receive some form of financial aid.

“MCLA’s sustained excellence in the rankings reflects its unwavering commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education,” said Buffy Lord, chair of the MCLA board of trustees. “While some institutions may steeply discount their programs to attract students, MCLA uses an affordability model rather than a financial leveraging approach. The result is that MCLA graduates have the lowest student loan debt of any four-year public institution in Massachusetts, and 22% of graduates have no student loan debt at all.”

The college’s focus on individual attention and experiential learning continues to set it apart. Classes are taught by dedicated educators who prioritize teaching excellence and student development, creating an environment where every student can thrive academically and personally.

“At MCLA, we strike a balance between our strong identity rooted in practical education and our forward-looking approach,” Birge continued. “We understand the demanding expectations of today’s students, and we are committed to meeting their needs. This is why we have introduced new programs, such as nursing, radiologic technology, global studies, environmental studies, and music, industry, and production.”

Another one of the ways MCLA supports student success beyond the classroom is through its Essential Needs Center (ENC), which addresses the hardships outside of academics that can become obstacles to student achievement and overall well-being. This welcoming space offers food, essential items, housing and transportation assistance, seasonal clothes, SNAP applications, and much more. Importantly, the ENC is run by students who best understand these out-of-class challenges and are ready to help and support their peers.

“Our additional student support staff enables us to quickly and efficiently customize academic success plans, allowing students to focus on their classes without being sidelined by other stressors,” Birge noted. “At MCLA, students don’t just have a plan for their continued growth and success; they have the name of an MCLA mentor who is there from start to finish.”

U.S. News ranks colleges based on indicators including financial strength, faculty expertise, and educational outcomes.

“These rankings provide further validation that MCLA remains true to its 130-year commitment to public education and effectively prepares students for success in an increasingly complex world,” Lord concluded. “The liberal arts model is just as valuable now as it ever was, and we’re pleased to see our continued strengths highlighted in this way.”

American International College Recognized for Social Mobility

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report in the 2026 Best Colleges rankings for leadership in advancing social mobility. This is the third consecutive year AIC has earned this distinction, reflecting the college’s commitment to providing students from all backgrounds with access to life-changing opportunities through higher education.

Social mobility is a key measure in the U.S. News rankings, showing how effectively colleges help students achieve economic and social advancement. For AIC, this recognition reflects a long-standing mission of creating pathways to success for students who are often the first in their families to attend college or who come from communities with limited resources.

“For three consecutive years, American International College has shown that, when access and opportunity are central to education, students from all backgrounds can achieve extraordinary things,” AIC President Nicolle Cestero said. “This recognition from U.S. News & World Report affirms our belief that higher education should serve as a pathway to social mobility. At AIC, we provide the guidance, support, and resources that empower students to step through with confidence and create the futures they envision.”

At AIC, more than half of all undergraduate students receive Pell Grants, reflecting support for those with significant financial need. A large share of students are first-generation college attendees, many of whom graduate and pursue rewarding careers or further studies. In addition, academic support services — including tutoring, mentoring, and career readiness programs — equip students with the tools to complete degrees and succeed after graduation.

Country Bank Donates $4,000 to Support Longmeadow First Responders

By
Daily News

LONGMEADOW — Country Bank donated $4,000 to the town of Longmeadow’s public safety agencies last week. Two separate gifts of $2,000 were presented to the Longmeadow Police Department and the Longmeadow Fire Department by Melissa Stefanowich, assistant vice president and retail banking officer, and Angelica Coelho, assistant manager at the bank’s Longmeadow banking center.

“It was an honor to deliver $2,000 donations to both the Longmeadow Police Department and the Longmeadow Fire Department,” Stefanowich said. “Supporting those who serve and protect our community is something I’m truly proud to be a part of. I’m grateful to work for a company that is made to make a difference in the community every day.”

The funds will assist each department with ongoing training, equipment upgrades, and community outreach initiatives that enhance safety for Longmeadow residents and businesses.

Riverside Industries Welcomes Three New Board Members

By
Daily News

Dan Carey

EASTHAMPTON — Riverside Industries Inc. (RSI) recently welcomed three new members to its volunteer board of directors, all beginning their terms on Sept. 16. They include Dan Carey, clerk of courts at Hampshire County Superior Court; Andrew “Andy” Covington, assistant district attorney in the Northwest District Attorney’s Office; and Peter Holden, chief financial officer for the Williston Northampton School.

Andy Covington

“As we plan for the future of RSI, we will need a board of skilled and experienced members well-prepared to guide our strategic decisions” said Lynn Ireland, president and CEO of RSI, and an ex-officio member of the board of directors. “The board’s collective dedication to RSI’s mission has never been stronger. Their focus remains fixed on strategically growing the agency’s programs, diversifying revenue sources, and navigating the ever-changing landscape of federal policies which impact RSI’s primary funding sources. Each of these volunteers bring a unique and valuable set of skills to the boardroom, including nonprofit finance, local and statewide government relations, and legal matters.”

Peter Holden

RSI is a health and human services nonprofit located in downtown Easthampton, where its Day Habilitation, Community Based Day, and Transportation services are based. Individual and Group Employment Services are also central to RSI’s program and take place throughout Western Mass. in partnership with local businesses, independent schools, colleges, and universities.

RSI directly employs 143 direct support professionals and van drivers and provides services for more than 200 individuals living with disabilities throughout Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties. Its board of directors members serve three-year terms. Since its founding in 1968, RSI has also maintained a longstanding tradition of including both program participants and caregivers on its board, directly engaging its primary constituents at the highest level of strategic decision making. The RSI board already includes two parents of current program participants and a participant in the Group Employment program.

Melissa Pike, chair of the board, will conclude her term later this year. “These new members represent the next phase of board leadership here at RSI,” she said. “Their leadership and strategic decision making will ensure RSI’s success for many years to come. I’m especially grateful for their volunteer service to this organization and their dedication to strengthening the local Easthampton community.”

HCC Gateway to College Program Again Earns National Nod for Excellence

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — For the third consecutive year — and sixth time in the past nine — the Gateway to College program at Holyoke Community College (HCC) has received a national excellence award from its parent network, Achieving the Dream.

Achieving the Dream presents excellence awards to its Gateway affiliates when those programs meet or exceed four benchmark criteria: grade point average, retention (one-year persistence and two-year persistence rates), and graduation rate.

The Gateway to College program at HCC has won one or more benchmark awards for the last 10 years, and the excellence award in 2016, 2017, 2020, 2022, 2024, and 2025.

Through Gateway to College, students who have dropped out of high school, or are at risk for dropping out, complete their high school diplomas in college-based programs while simultaneously earning credits toward a college certificate or degree.

HCC has hosted a Gateway to College program since 2008. The program enrolled 144 students during the academic year when they received the award.

“We earned this award because young people who disconnected from traditional education were willing to trust us and give school another chance, and our amazing instructors and staff were patient and flexible and willing to give some grace as our young people navigated really challenging lives,” said Vivian Ostrowski, HCC’s Gateway to College program director. “We now have 662 high school graduates from 25 school districts, and we hope that our community is stronger and kinder because of those grads and the hope and investment they bring.”

During the assessment year (2024-25), students entered Gateway with an average GPA of 1.57, compared to a network average of 1.89, and finished their first term with an average GPA of 2.89, compared to a national average of 2.55.

The one-year persistence rate at HCC was 94%, compared to a 63% network average. The two-year persistence at HCC was 88%, compared to a national average of 63%. HCC’s three-year graduation rate was 84%, compared to a national Gateway average of 65%.

“Gateway to College programs provide a critical second chance for vulnerable high school students and a powerful testament to the importance of wraparound support services and creating a sense of belonging in college,” said Emily Froimson, executive vice president of Achieving the Dream. “Nearly 75% of program graduates nationwide continue their post-secondary education.”

At the most recent HCC Gateway to College graduation in June, 47 students earned their high school diplomas from nine different communities: Chicopee, Easthampton, Holyoke, Ludlow, Northampton, Palmer, Springfield, West Springfield, and Westfield. Collectively, they finished Gateway with an average GPA of 3.1 and collected 398 college credits. Thirty-five of them are continuing on in college, most of them at HCC.

“Our graduates have earned more than 100 college degrees, with many more in progress,” Ostrowski said.

Attorney Timothy Murphy Included in Best Lawyers in America

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C., a labor and employment law firm serving employers in the Greater Springfield and Worcester areas, announced that one of its partners, Timothy Murphy, has been recognized once again by his peers for inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America list for 2026. He is listed in three fields: employment law – management, labor law – management, and litigation – labor and employment.

Focusing his practice on labor relations, union avoidance, collective bargaining and arbitration, employment litigation, and employment counseling, Murphy has been included in Best Lawyers in America every year since 2013 and was Lawyer of the Year in 2015, 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2025.

Murphy is very active within the local community, sitting on boards of directors for several area organizations, such as the Human Service Forum and Community Legal Aid. He also is a member of the World Affairs Council.

Inclusion in Best Lawyers is based on a rigorous peer review survey comprising more than 12.2 million confidential evaluations by top attorneys. The lists of outstanding lawyers are compiled by conducting exhaustive peer review surveys in which tens of thousands of leading lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers. Lawyers are not permitted to pay any fee to participate in or be recognized by Best Lawyers.

Kristen Smidy Appointed to Board of Elementary and Secondary Education

By
Daily News

Kristen Smidy

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration announced that Gov. Maura Healey has appointed Kristen Smidy as the newest member of the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Smidy is a former teacher, principal, and superintendent with nearly 20 years of experience as an educator in Massachusetts. She currently serves as associate director for Accreditation and School Improvement on the New England Assoc. of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) Commission on Public Schools.

“We are excited to welcome Kristen Smidy to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education,” Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler said. “Her leadership and deep commitment to high-quality instruction, student support, and community connections will be a great asset to the board. She brings an important perspective and will be a powerful voice for students and families in Western Massachusetts.”

Smidy joined NEASC in the fall of 2025 after almost five years as superintendent for the Gateway Regional School District in Huntington. She previously served as principal of Hampshire Regional High School and began her career as a sixth- and seventh-grade social studies teacher at Duggan Middle School in Springfield.

“It is an honor to serve on the board and to bring forward the voices of students across Massachusetts, from our cities to small, rural towns across the state and particularly from Western Massachusetts,” Smidy said. “I am committed to ensuring that all students have the opportunities they deserve.”

Smidy has served on the legislative committee for Massachusetts School Superintendents, the Connecticut Valley Superintendent Roundtable executive board, and the Massachusetts Inclusive Higher Education task force. She is a graduate of UMass Amherst and Boston University.

Young Professional Society to Present Up Next Summit on Oct. 16

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield (YPS) announced the launch of the Up Next Summit, a first-time leadership event designed to empower, inspire, and connect the region’s rising professionals. This event will take place on Thursday, Oct. 16 at MGM Springfield, and tickets are now on sale. Click here to reserve a spot.

Designed to bring together emerging leaders for a day of workshops, keynote speakers, and high-impact conversations, Up Next will directly address the challenges faced by rising professionals and the leaders who champion their development.

“The Up Next Summit is a leadership initiative designed to empower emerging leaders through connection, growth, and bold action. It is not just about who is next. It is about who is ready,” said Aiden McDonald, YPS president. “The 2025 summit will serve as the official launchpad for this vision, providing attendees with actionable tools and connections they can bring back to their workplaces and communities. We cannot wait to see you there.”

This one-day event will bring together professionals from across the region for an energizing mix of expert-led micro workshops, networking, and big-picture conversations with topics ranging from community impact to personal development. In addition, Up Next will feature dynamic keynote presentations from Jill Monson, founder of POP!more Confidence Coaching, and Michelle Wirth, founder of Feel Good Shop Local. Both speakers are known for their powerful insights on leadership, purpose-driven work, and community engagement.

In addition to ticket sales opening, the YPS board continues to accept interest from companies interested in partnering with the Up Next Summit. Sponsorship offers meaningful brand visibility among a highly engaged, upwardly mobile audience while reinforcing a commitment to professional development, talent retention, and regional growth. For more information about partnering for this event, email Kara Bombard, YPS past president, at [email protected].

Big E Announces Winners of Big Eats Competition for Best Fair Food

By
Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Each year, The Big E’s food vendors submit their new, creative menu additions for a chance to claim top honors in the Big Eats awards, sponsored by Cutco Cutlery. This year’s competition was held on Sept. 16.

Of all the new foods submitted, 10 standout dishes were chosen to compete in two categories: Best Sweet Treat and Best Savory Snack. One winner was crowned in each category following the official judging.

Best Sweet Treat went to the spicy PB&J vegan ice cream sundae from Soulfully Vegan, located in the Front Porch. Business owners Calvin and Allison Vaughn were thrilled.

“This experience is awesome for us,” Calvin said. We always try to be creative and come up with something new and fun. Everybody loves ice cream, but not everyone can have it. Our vegan sundae gives everyone the chance, and the sweet and salty works so well.”

Best Savory Snack was awarded to the deep-fried enchilada from Deep Fried Taco, which can be found just outside the Mallary Complex. Business owners James and Andrea Staub were met with a round of exuberant applause from their staff.

“We are so grateful to have the opportunity to participate in this year’s Big Eats competition,” James said. “The deep-fried enchilada went through several taste testings to be perfected into what it is today. We thank our awesome staff who made this possible, and the Big E for continuously supporting our business.”

Both winners received sleek E-shaped trophies, designed by Eastern States Exposition’s own Mike Pietruska. The sculpture doubles as a functional knife rack that houses a Cutco knife.

Returning to the judging panel were West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt, Madeline LeBlanc of @HelloFoodReviews, and Daymon “Daym Drops” Patterson, best known for his Netflix show, Fresh, Fried and Crispy. Joining the lineup for the first time was Christina Allingham of @BiteofNewEngland, bringing a fresh perspective to the competition.

Fairgoers also get the chance to join the fun by voting online for Best New Food, a category chosen entirely by the public. Every new dish on the fairgrounds is eligible. Fairgoers can cast their vote for their favorite new treat now through Sept. 25. Votes can be cast at thebige.com, and the public’s choice for Best New Food will be revealed on Sept. 26.

‘She the People’ Author to Speak on Oct. 13

By
Daily News

LUDLOW — With more than 18 years of experience as an author and communicator, Jen Deaderick specializes in using writing and social media to amplify narratives about gender, history, and social justice. She will join the Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley on Monday, Oct. 13 at Ludlow Country Club to bring her insights on the evolution of women’s citizenship in the U.S. and the impact of our country’s recent withdrawal from its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically regarding gender equality as a fundamental human right.

The Sustainable Development Goals are a set of 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 to create a better and more sustainable future for all by 2030.

Deaderick is the author of She the People, published by Seal Press. Her writing has been featured in outlets like the New York Times, Dame magazine, and Huffington Post. As a founder of the Equal Rights Amendment Facebook page, she has fostered an engaged community of more than 30,000 members, advocating for legal gender equality and raising awareness through impactful content and campaigns. She is a frequent panelist on Greater Boston, a daily news show on WGBH. Copies of She the People will be available for purchase at the event.

The public is invited to attend. A reception is slated for 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. and the program. The buffet cost is $30, and attendees can pay at the door or online. RSVP by Oct. 6 at [email protected].

MCLA Lecture to Celebrate Legacy of Center for Resourceful Living

By
Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — MCLA’s fall 2025 Elizabeth and Lawrence Vadnais Environmental Issues Lecture will be held on Saturday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. in MCLA’s Murdock Hall, Room 218. This year’s event will celebrate the creation of the Center for Resourceful Living, started 50 years ago by MCLA Professor Emeritus Lawrence Vadnais.

The evening will feature the debut screening of filmmaker Sharon Wyrrick’s documentary, Did You Put Milk in the Bucket?: A Tribute to the Center for Resourceful Living. The filmmaker will be in attendance at the screening.

This event coincides with “Scenes from the Center for Resourceful Living,” an exhibition of photographs of the center curated by Wyrrick and on view at MCLA’s MOSAIC EventSpace (49 Main St.) from Oct. 3 to Nov. 2. The exhibit features photographs from the Randy Trabold collection, donated to MCLA by Ida Trabold; images from MCLA’s Freel Library archives; and additional photographs from center participants during its existence, from 1975 to 1980. The exhibit opens with a reception on Friday, Oct. 3 from 5 to 7 p.m.

“The Environmental Studies Department is excited to celebrate the Center for Resourceful Living and its legacy,” said Elena Traister, professor of Environmental Studies at MCLA. “This forward-thinking sustainability program remains important, not only to the alumni who participated in it, but also to the hands-on approach MCLA’s environmental studies program continues to take in preparing students to address the environmental challenges of our time. We are pleased to be able to share the story of this impactful program with the broader community.”

These events are free and open to the public. To directly support the Vadnais Lecture Series through “Pathways, the Campaign for MCLA,” visit lnk.mcla.edu/pathways.

MountainOne Insurance Promotes Jennifer Smith

By
Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — MountainOne Insurance Agency announced the promotion of Jennifer Smith to Senior Personal Lines account manager, a new, leadership-level role that recognizes team members who bring exceptional experience, knowledge, and client service to the agency.

According to Jonathan Denmark, executive vice president of MountainOne Bank and president and CEO of MountainOne Insurance, Smith delivers a thoughtful and client-focused approach to every interaction and has a reputation for explaining complex insurance details clearly and confidently, making her a trusted advisor to both clients and colleagues. She is also deeply committed to her community and actively supports the National Alliance on Mental Illness and mental health advocacy efforts.

“Jennifer exemplifies the values we hold highest at MountainOne — expertise, empathy, and a deep commitment to both our clients and our communities,” Denmark said. “Her promotion reflects her outstanding contributions, and also our belief in recognizing and growing talent from within.”

1Berkshire Announces Winners of 2025 Trendsetter Awards

By
Daily News

PITTSFIELD — 1Berkshire hosted its signature Celebrate the Berkshires event at the Linde Center at Tanglewood last week. More than 225 people were present as 1Berkshire honored the Norman Rockwell Museum for Putting the Berkshires on the Map and presented six other Berkshire Trendsetter Awards, which recognize businesses, organizations, and individuals whose outstanding achievements and commitment have strengthened the economy and helped the Berkshires grow.

Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center took home the award in the Driving Visitor Engagement (Fueling Tourism to Power the Berkshires) category. Kristy Edmunds of MASS MoCA was named the Visionary of the Year (Innovation & Fortitude in Action). The Nonprofit Collaborator (Building Bridges to Move Mountains) award was presented to Zion Lutheran Church. Brett Random received the Under 40 Change-Maker (Shaping the Berkshires’ Future) award. The Breaking the Mold (Reimagining Achievement) award was given to Roots & Dreams and Mustard Seeds. The Advancing the Berkshire Economy (Innovating for a Stronger Region) award was presented to Electro Magnetic Applications Inc.

Closing out the evening, the Norman Rockwell Museum was recognized as the special honoree for Putting the Berkshires on the Map in recognition of its strong foothold in the Berkshire tourism and creative economy clusters. From its home in Stockbridge, the museum has welcomed more than 6.7 million visitors and brought travelers from across the globe to experience the Berkshires.

Through nearly 250 exhibitions — circulating to 47 states and seven countries — as well as cultural diplomacy partnerships with the U.S. State Department in Ethiopia, Russia, and Mongolia, and collaborations with institutions including the White House and the United Nations, the Norman Rockwell Museum has expanded its reach far beyond the region. Yet, it has remained firmly rooted in the Berkshires, enriching the local economy and reinforcing the county’s reputation as a world-class arts destination.

Eversource Again Recognized as Tree Line USA Utility by Arbor Day Foundation

By
Daily News

BOSTON — For the second year in a row, Eversource has been named a Tree Line USA utility by the Arbor Day Foundation, a distinction highlighting the energy company’s ongoing commitment to following best practices for quality tree care while ensuring safe, reliable electric service for customers.

The Tree Line USA program, a partnership between the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Assoc. of State Foresters, celebrates forward-thinking utilities that exemplify industry leadership in vegetation management, strengthening reliability, sustainability, and public trust in the communities they serve.

“This recognition is a testament to the dedicated work of our arborists who are passionate about trees and work every day to thoughtfully trim and care for the abundant vegetation across our service territory,” said Sean Redding, Eversource’s director of Vegetation Management. “New England is home to trees of many shapes and sizes, and we’re always focused on balancing the natural beauty of our region with the need to provide safe, reliable electric service for our customers, which is why trimming or removing hazard trees that threaten power lines is so vital. We’re proud to be honored once again for how we set such a high standard for our vegetation management practices, and we look forward to continuing our mission as we help educate customers about the importance of planting the right tree in the right place.”

Eversource achieved the Tree Line USA recognition by meeting the program’s five core standards: following industry standards for quality tree care, providing annual worker training in best tree care practices, sponsoring a tree planting and public education program, maintaining a tree-based energy conservation program, and participating in an Arbor Day celebration. This year, the energy company partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation to distribute more than 1,000 free trees to customers across its three-state service territory through the nonprofit’s innovative Energy-Saving Trees program.

As part of its commitment to thoughtful vegetation management practices, Eversource works year-round to advance educational partnerships with municipalities, students, and the public about planting the right tree in the right place. Additionally, the energy company’s arborists have crafted a variety of free planting resources for customers, which can help them learn more about utility-compatible plants that are native to New England as well as plants that attract pollinators and can also thrive alongside power lines.

Polish National Credit Union Announces New President, Other Promotions

By
Daily News

CHICOPEE — Polish National Credit Union (PNCU) announced that its board of directors has selected Michael Sugrue, current executive vice president, as the next president, effective Sept. 17. Following the retirement of current President and CEO James Kelly on May 31, 2026, Sugrue will assume the CEO title.

Kelly’s 20-year tenure as president and CEO has driven significant growth in membership and assets, introduced innovative financial services, and strengthened community ties. “Serving PNCU has been the honor of my life,” he said. “Michael Sugrue’s leadership and dedication make him the ideal successor.”

Sugrue brings nearly 30 years of banking experience to his new role. Since joining PNCU in 2016 as executive vice president and chief lending officer, he has driven strategic growth and member engagement initiatives. His prior roles include positions in risk oversight, audit, compliance, community reinvestment, and as a financial institution examiner for regulatory authorities at both the state and federal levels.

Sugrue holds an MBA from UMass Amherst and a graduate degree in executive banking from the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking. His community involvement includes serving on the Holyoke Medical Center board, the Holyoke Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

“I am honored to lead PNCU and continue serving our Western Massachusetts community with innovative financial solutions and personalized care,” he said.

Effective Sept. 17, PNCU also announced the promotion of Charlotte Hansen to executive vice president and chief financial officer (CFO). Hansen brings more than 30 years of financial services experience and has been with PNCU for more than seven years, most recently serving as senior vice president and CFO. She now oversees finance and accounting, financial services, and marketing, with responsibility for financial reporting, budgeting, investments, treasury, and asset liability management.

Prior to joining PNCU, Hansen was CFO and senior vice president at Bankers’ Bank Northeast and began her career in public accounting with Whittlesey & Hadley, P.C., focusing on audit and tax services for financial institutions. A certified public accountant, she holds an associate degree in accounting from Manchester Community College and a bachelor of business administration degree in accounting from the University of Hartford. She also serves on several local boards.

Kirk Burnham, promoted to executive vice president of Operations/Technology, has more than 30 years of experience in financial services. Since joining PNCU in 2013 as senior vice president of Operations, he has overseen daily operations, including security, facilities, vendor management, data processing, electronic delivery systems, and the contact center, while driving technology objectives and policies. Previously, he served as vice president of Operations and chief Technology officer.

Burnham holds a bachelor of business administration degree in accounting and attended the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. School for Financial Studies and the National School of Banking. He serves on local education boards and supports financial literacy programs.

David Fernandes, promoted to senior vice president of Retail, and Sherri LaPlante, promoted to Human Resource director, further bolster PNCU’s leadership with their expertise in member services and workplace culture.

Massachusetts Unemployment Remains Unchanged for Fourth Consecutive Month

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Daily News

BOSTON — The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) released Massachusetts unemployment and job estimates for August, with preliminary data indicating 3,600 more Massachusetts residents gained employment, which includes individuals in private and nonprofit jobs plus self-employed individuals and entrepreneurs, while payroll jobs decreased by 3,800. This follows a revised increase of 2,100 payroll jobs in July.

Additionally, 2,100 individuals in August entered the Massachusetts labor force for a total of approximately 3,963,700. The labor force participation rate (66.9%) and unemployment rate (4.8%) remained unchanged. Preliminary data is based on survey data provided by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Despite a net loss in payroll jobs this month, there was some positive growth in BLS categories, including professional, scientific, and business services; trade, transportation, and utilities; and other services. In addition to payroll data, BLS also reports preliminary data that indicates 3,600 more Massachusetts residents were employed in August and 22,300 more over the year. Employed residents’ data includes individuals who are self-employed (e.g. contractors, physicians, and drivers) and is not captured in payroll job data.

“While this latest report offers a sign of somewhat stability amid economic uncertainty, the Healey-Driscoll administration remains focused on the people within our workforce — impacted workers seeking unemployment benefits, unemployed and underemployed individuals ready to access the job market and training opportunities, and employers eager to find skilled workers or to collaborate with training providers to attract, retain, and develop talent in Massachusetts,” Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones said.

Mark Rembert, chief economist in EOLWD’s Department of Economic Research, added that “the good news this month is that the Massachusetts labor market shows signs of continued stability, even as the national economic picture worsens. Yet, it’s a complex and delicate stability. The unemployment rate is stable but remains elevated for some workers, particularly young workers. Employment is stable, but job growth has slowed, nationally and in Massachusetts. Job postings remain stable, but the hiring outlook is uncertain. This combination continues to create a challenging environment for job seekers.”

Massachusetts Senate Approves Three Bills

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Daily News

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Senate approved three bills last week aimed at combating the opioid epidemic, protecting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and managing car rental costs for residents.

Specifically, the approved legislation expands protections for individuals using testing equipment to protect against fentanyl, updates an existing protection law to close an unintended gap for day habilitation participants, and changes car rental insurance requirements to reduce costs for Massachusetts residents.

“These three bills reflect the Senate’s continued commitment to smart, compassionate, and practical policymaking,” state Sen. Adam Gómez said. “By strengthening access to life-saving fentanyl testing tools, expanding protections for people with disabilities, and easing the financial burden of renting a car in Massachusetts, we are addressing real challenges that impact people’s daily lives. Each bill closes a gap — whether in the law, in access, or in affordability — and together, they represent meaningful progress toward a safer, more equitable, and more affordable Commonwealth. I’m proud to support this legislation and grateful to my colleagues for moving it forward.”

“An Act relative to fentanyl test strips,” S.1057, is intended to reduce the tragic toll of overdoses and make life-saving tools accessible to those who need them most. It explicitly exempts fentanyl testing equipment from the list of prohibited drug paraphernalia and expands liability protections to anyone who provides, administers, or uses the tests, including first responders.

“Fentanyl test strips are inexpensive, easy to use, and, most importantly, they are an evidence-based tool that saves lives,” said Senate Majority Leader Cindy Creem, primary sponsor of the legislation. “By making them widely available, Massachusetts can give people one more way to prevent overdoses and protect families from tragedy.”

The legislation builds upon a 2024 law that provided criminal and civil liability protections for those in the harm reduction community who provide or use fentanyl test strips in good faith. According to the Department of Public Health, nearly 400,000 fentanyl test strips were distributed in 2024, and fentanyl was present in 88.6% of opioid-related overdose deaths that year. This legislation would expand the liability protections beyond those just in the harm reduction community and ensure police officers who seek to distribute the tests or others acting in good faith are afforded legal protection.

“An Act to update Nicky’s Law,” S.165, strengthens protections for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities who participate in MassHealth contracted day habilitation programs and ensures that participants in day habilitation programs are afforded the same safeguards from abuse as individuals in other care settings.

“Placing your trust in a caretaker to ensure the safety and well-being of a child, parent, family member, or loved one with a disability is hard. When that trust is violated, it can feel like the ultimate betrayal of not only the caretaker who did it, but also the system that allowed it to happen,” said state Sen. Michael Moore, primary sponsor of the legislation.

The legislation would ensure that the existing statewide registry that prevents individuals with substantiated abuse allegations from being hired in care positions would include day habilitation programs contracted by MassHealth.

“An Act relative to affordable car rentals,” S.2367, aligns Massachusetts with the majority of other states by updating car rental insurance requirements to maintain liability coverage on a secondary basis, making rental companies responsible only if the renter is uninsured or underinsured.

State Sen. Julian Cyr, primary sponsor of the legislation, noted that “we’re one of the only states where rental companies, not your own insurance, are required to carry primary coverage, and the cost of that policy gets passed right along to consumers. By aligning Massachusetts with the rest of the country, we’re helping lower rental car prices for families, travelers, and anyone who needs to rent a car in a pinch. I’m proud the Senate has taken this step to make life just a little more affordable for our residents and visitors.”

By shifting primary liability to the renter’s personal auto insurance, the legislation helps make car rentals more affordable and accessible for Massachusetts residents, reducing costs while maintaining necessary protections.

Having been approved by the Senate, all three bills now advance to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Rocky’s Ace Hardware Launches Annual ‘Round Up for Pets’ Fundraiser

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Rocky’s Ace Hardware, one of the country’s largest family-owned Ace Hardware dealers with 51 locations in nine states, is once again giving shoppers a chance to support local animals in need. The annual “Round Up for Pets” fundraiser, now underway and running through Oct. 5, invites customers to round up their purchase totals to the next dollar at participating Rocky’s stores. The difference is donated directly to local animal shelters.

“We’re always amazed by the generosity of our customers,” Rocky’s Ace Hardware President and CEO Rocco Falcone II said. “This fundraiser has been a favorite for years, and it makes a real difference for the shelters that care for so many animals in our communities.”

Participating Rocky’s locations include the stores on Island Pond Road and Liberty Street in Springfield and the stores in Agawam, East Longmeadow, Westfield, Ludlow, Palmer, and South Hadley.

Local shelters that will benefit from the year’s round up include the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center and Dakin Humane Society in Springfield, Second Chance Animal Services in East Brookfield, and Westfield Animal Control and Shelter in Westfield.

“Pets are family, and we’re proud to give customers an easy way to make a difference in the lives of animals who need it most,” Falcone said.