Courtney Doyle-Campbell

By
40 Under 40 The Class of 2016

Clinical Assistant Professor, Western New England University; Age 38

Courtney Doyle-Campbell

Courtney Doyle-Campbell


During her undergraduate studies at Smith College, Courtney Doyle-Campbell considered whether to become a doctor or a researcher. She eventually chose a career that bridged both worlds: the rapidly changing field of pharmacy.

After earning her PharmD degree at UConn, she took a retail job with Walgreens as a community pharmacist, but then an intriguing opportunity arose: an adjunct teaching position at Western New England University, in its just-launched College of Pharmacy. So she made a career shift into education.

“I learned that I love teaching,” she said. “I had been resisting it. I come from a long line of educators, and I saw how hard teachers work and how burned out they get.”

That wasn’t her experience at WNEU, however. Not only did Doyle-Campbell enjoy interacting with students, she also forged a partnership with RiverBend Medical Group to develop a program for patients with treatment-resistant hypertension, splitting her time between that clinic and the college.

“Physicians send me patients who have trouble getting their blood pressure under control, or patients who are confused about their medications and need more education, or they’re taking three or four things, and their blood pressure is still high,” she explained. “I enjoy chronic disease management and talking with patients. It’s really one of my passions. So it’s a perfect fit for me along with my job at Western New England.”

That program is one way she has taken to heart the college’s philosophy of ‘the pharmacist as educator,’ and she’s excited to be in the field at a time when the pharmacist’s role is expanding and becoming a more critical bridge between the patient and primary care.

“It’s continuing to evolve, and you can do anything in this field — research, teaching, patient education, or a mix of those things,” said Doyle-Campbell, who also advises the local student chapter of the American Pharmacists Assoc., and is active in efforts to get the government to recognize pharmacists with provider status on par with physicians and other healthcare professionals — all while making time for her daughters, Maura and Elyse.

“There’s a disconnect between what we do and what people perceive that pharmacists do. We’re trying to bridge that gap and get more recognition,” she added. “It’s different than when pharmacists graduated 20 years ago. Then, the emphasis was all on the drugs. Now, the emphasis is really on the patient. It’s amazing how far pharmacy has come in such a short time.”

—Joseph Bednar


Photography by Leah Martin Photography

Beth DeGray

By
40 Under 40 The Class of 2016

Managing Partner and Director of Sales, the Log Cabin and Delaney House; Age 38

Beth DeGray

Beth DeGray


It was the spring of 1997, and Beth DeGray, then a 19-year-old student at Holyoke Community College, was looking for some part-time employment. She heard about the upcoming opening of the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, and applied for a server’s job.

She never imagined that, 19 years later, she would still be driving up Route 141 to get to work. But that’s exactly what she does, primarily because the man who hired her all those years ago, Peter Rosskothen, has given her several opportunities for advancement, and she’s taken advantage of every one.

While the titles on the business card (managing partner is the latest) have certainly changed, as have the job descriptions, the basic assignment has not. Indeed, then, as now, DeGray’s job has been about taking care of the client. In 1997, that meant getting dinner in front of the guest while it was still hot. Now, it means selling the Log Cabin’s various facilities to clients ranging from brides to area bank presidents to regional nonprofit managers, and then making sure their events come off without a hitch.

It’s a challenging but supremely rewarding role, one she approaches with a distinct philosophy. “My main goal is making it so the client can totally check out mentally, in terms of what they’ve planned, by the time they walk in the door on the day of the party,” she explained. “And we handle the rest.”

When not facilitating such efforts, DeGray is active in the community, especially with the Ronald McDonald House and the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau and its Howdy Committee.

She’s also committed to finding time within a sometimes grueling schedule for her family — her husband, Christopher, and sons Adam, 9, and Jack, 7. DeGray credits them with helping her rediscover a childhood obsession — skiing.

“My parents were both ski instructors — I lived on the mountain,” she said, adding that she put the pastime down as career and family responsibilities mounted. “A few years ago, I picked it up again, and I’m very passionate about it, because I can do it with my family.”

DeGray is no stranger to the 40 Under Forty Gala — the Log Cabin is hosting it for the eighth time this year. This time, though, she’ll see it from a much different light. Yes, she’s given herself the night off — with definitive plans to check out mentally.

— George O’Brien


Photography by Leah Martin Photography

Adrian Dahlin

By
40 Under 40 The Class of 2016

Director of Marketing and Admissions, Conway School of Design; Age 28

Adrian Dahlin

Adrian Dahlin

Adrian Dahlin traces his passion for the environment to a childhood trip to the Cascades with his father. But he said he got into what he called “social entrepreneurship” accidentally.

Specifically, while studying political science and environmental studies at Tufts University in 2011, he received a $29,000 Compton Mentor Fellowship to fund a project of his own design. One aspect of that project was building an online resource that would connect graduates with jobs in the environmental and sustainability sector.

“There weren’t many resources or good career advice for people like me who wanted opportunities to impact people and the planet,” said Dahlin, who attracted additional seed funding from investors the following year to turn the enterprise, called Rising Green, into a startup business, which he ran for two years.

Rising Green helped plenty of job seekers and employers alike, he said, and there’s still a need for it, but in 2013, he shifted gears and became director of marketing and admissions at Conway School of Design, drawn by the graduate school’s mission of training the next generation of landscape designers and urban planners, with an emphasis on sustainable design methods.

“I wear a lot of hats here,” he said. “It’s really motivating to be around students and see them working on projects with real clients in real communities. I see the passion they bring to their work, and I believe in Conway’s applied-education model, teaching a master’s program through real-world projects.”

Dahlin’s passion extends to his own community, Holyoke, where he’s spearheading an entrepreneurship-education program for the city’s SPARK initiative and has served on the Conservation Commission. Last fall, he ran for City Council against a ballot of much more well-known candidates, but garnered broad support across a wide spectrum of sectors, including the business community, civic groups, and racial- and economic-justice activists. Though the effort fell short, he hasn’t ruled out another run someday.

“I have what seems to be an inevitable interest in both politics and entrepreneurship,” Dahlin said. “Some people see those as conflicting things, as business and politics can get messy. But I can’t separate them; for me, they’re two ways of contributing to society, and I bring the same approach to both. It’s all about having a positive impact and bringing modern technology to bear on these things, and doing it all with integrity. I want to help make our community strong.”

— Joseph Bednar


Photography by Leah Martin Photography

Rebecca Connolly

By
40 Under 40 The Class of 2016

CPA, Audit Manager, Moriarty & Primack, P.C.; Age 31

Rebecca Connolly

Rebecca Connolly


There are days when sorting out a problem in a client’s accounting is the best part of Rebecca Connolly’s day. There are others when it’s teaching real-world tactics to college students at her alma mater, Elms College, and still others when it’s building forts of pillows and having a mighty Nerf gun battle with her 4-year-old son, as her 4-month-old looks on with glee. 

It’s a balancing act, she says, but one she’d never trade. 

“I enjoy what I do, and that makes all the difference in the world,” said Connolly, audit manager with Moriarty & Primack in Springfield. But that’s not all there is to the equation: Connolly was one of the youngest people ever promoted to manager within the firm, while at the same time serving as an adjunct professor at Elms.

“I thought I wanted to teach at one time, but I found public accounting, and I love it,” she said. “Now, I love being able to teach what I do and pass on what I’ve learned.”

She also sits on Elms’ Business Department Advisory Committee, helping to guide development of new classroom materials, and volunteers for the college’s STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education) workshops.

“To me, that is what we should be teaching girls, hands down: there are degrees that lead to STEM professions. I wish someone had brought it up to me even sooner, because I’ve always loved numbers.”

That enthusiasm and mind for numbers serves Connolly well, but also benefits many other aspects of the community. She’s an active civic leader, serving as treasurer for the Springfield Boys and Girls Club’s board of directors, volunteering with Junior Achievement — including as a teacher of JA’s life course “Economics for Success” — and working to promote emerging leaders through her membership with the Mass. Society of CPAs’ Western Mass. chapter.

“I like to be as useful as I can be,” she said. “I like the fun of trying to work out problems, like a puzzle. That’s where my passion is, so I have no problem being on finance committees, giving advice, and helping to find out what it’s going to take to reach certain goals.

“I work with for-profit and nonprofit businesses, both small companies and those with high net worth,” she continued. “So I have a well-rounded view of the business environment, and I can answer a lot of questions.”

And if there are no Nerf wars scheduled, answering that question might even be the best part of Connolly’s day.

— Jaclyn Stevenson


Photography by Leah Martin Photography

Lamont Clemons

By
40 Under 40 The Class of 2016

Executive Vice President, S-Cel-O Painting; Senior Vice President of Commercial Energy Sales, Proton Energy Group; Age 38

Lamont Clemons

Lamont Clemons


Lamont Clemons was born and raised in Springfield. At this particular time in its history, he’s glad to be back.

“I think about my humble beginnings here, and watching the transformation of Springfield has made me passionate about the city,” he said.

His role at Agawam-based Proton Energy Group — which brokers deals with energy suppliers to reduce the costs of commercial customers in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York — follows positions with Dominion Power, Wachovia Securities, and Capital One in Richmond, Va.; American Express in Greensboro, N.C.; and Northrop Grumman in Elkridge, Md., jobs that gave him an appreciation for cities in other regions. “I felt that there were a few things I could take back to my hometown.”

At the same time, Clemons plays a role at his family’s 30-year-old business, S-Cel-O Painting. “There’s definitely not a dull moment. We’re dealing with high-end clients who are used to getting excellent customer service, and they want you to pick up the phone and respond to them immediately. So excellent customer service, building relationships, is a main focus.”

Besides his dual career, Clemons is involved in a host of community organizations, serving as president of the McKnight Neighborhood Council, assistant treasurer of the Greater Springfield YMCA, and second vice president of the Springfield Rotary Club.

“Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of role models in the minority community, especially here in Springfield, and I wanted to add that value, to give back to the community,” he went on.

He’s particularly proud of programs he’s helped launch at the Dunbar Community Center, including one where teenagers run a concession stand at basketball games and learn about supply and demand, revenue and expenses, in order to make decisions on what to stock and how to maximize profits.

“We show them the value of running a business, and along the way, they learn about workforce management and process improvement,” he said. “To give those kids that skill set is a huge value to add. Sometimes decisions don’t go well, and that’s life — they make adjustments. When you see the light go off in their head, it’s really phenomenal.”

And hugely gratifying, he went on.

“These kids are really the future of the city. We’re at a tipping point into a really good era for Springfield, and I’m very interested in contributing something to this city that built me.”

—Joseph Bednar


Photography by Leah Martin Photography

Michael Clark

By
40 Under 40 The Class of 2016

Chief of Staff, Office of State Sen. Eric Lesser; Age 26

Michael Clark

Michael Clark


When asked about everything that goes into his job description and how he carries out that broad assignment, Michael Clark summoned some phrases and analogies straight from one of his boss’s top priorities at the moment — gaining expanded rail service for the Greater Springfield area.

“I keep the train on the tracks,” said Clark, who works with other members of state Sen. Eric Lesser’s staff on everything from drafting legislation to crafting press releases; from meeting with constituents to handling questions from the press. “You might say I’m the conductor.”

Putting aside the railroad terminology for a moment, Clark, who worked on Lesser’s campaign for the Senate in 2014 and eventually led that effort, said that perhaps his most important function — and it’s not written down anywhere — is to act as the senator’s sounding board.

“I spend a lot of time with him myself, and we do a lot of strategic planning,” he said, adding that there are many issues to contend with in Lesser’s extremely diverse 1st Hampden and Hampshire Senate district, one that includes Longmeadow, East Longmeadow, and other affluent suburbs, but also roughly half of Springfield and two-thirds of Chicopee, the region’s largest urban centers.

Some issues are specific to one city or town, he said, but most, like the opioid crisis, rail service, and boosting the manufacturing sector, cross all border lines.

When asked what he likes most about his broad role, Clark paused and said, in essence, everything.

Indeed, he told BusinessWest that he very much enjoys the challenge of running a political campaign — and he’s been involved with several beyond Lesser’s — but also likes the hard work that follows a race, especially the part about listening to constituents and working to address their concerns.

He does this not only in his role as Lesser’s chief of staff, but also as a member of Longmeadow’s School Committee, which is tasked with maintaining one of the state’s best school systems and serving an extremely demanding constituency.

When asked about the 2016 presidential race, shaping up as one of the most intriguing in the nation’s history, Clark, who can look at it from several angles, summoned just a single word to describe it all: crazy.

That adjective would also apply to his schedule, workload, and the sum of those efforts to keep the train on the tracks.

And he wouldn’t have it any other way.

— George O’Brien


Photography by Leah Martin Photography

Ashley Clark

By
40 Under 40 The Class of 2016

Cash Management Officer, Berkshire Bank; Age 29

Ashley Clark

Ashley Clark


Ashley Clark wanted a challenge.

She entered the banking world after college with a part-time teller position at Westfield Bank. From there, she moved to a full-time role, but after a year of that, she approached her superiors and said she was bored and needed more of a challenge. Because they wanted to grow their cash-management department, they moved her there.

“I’ve been in the cash-management world since then,” she said, although now with Berkshire Bank. “I’m responsible for payments and collections for business customers — anything from how they handle their deposits and their payments to wire transfers, online banking, things like that.”

The good news is, she’s far from bored.

“It’s always different, never the same day twice. I get to meet a lot of people, go out and see a lot of business, and I learn a lot. I cover Springfield and the Berkshires, and going up and down, you see totally different markets and get to learn about these different businesses you normally wouldn’t know about.”

With those opportunities, Clark has become acquainted with a vibrant business community in Greater Springfield, and has become heavily involved in organizations like the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield — where she chairs the YP Cup dodgeball tournament that draws close to 400 participants annually — and Valley Venture Mentors, where she helps mentor startup companies trying to reach their dreams of successful business ownership.

“I grew up in Westfield, on the other side of the river, where all you knew about Springfield was what you saw on the news,” she said. “But when I got involved in groups like YPS, their passion for the city rubbed off on me, and I came to realize that, if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.”

That’s not to say cities don’t have problems, she added.

“The people I grew up with constantly talked down about Springfield. But that’s not making a difference. All cities have challenges, but you’ll never see any change until you put your money where your mouth is. So, instead of pointing out the negatives, I’ve submerged myself in the Springfield culture. It’s a shame there’s so much focus on the bad when so much good is happening. That should make news. I want to share that news with people in different communities.”

In other words, this finance professional is bullish on Springfield.

“The city will change,” Clark said. “What will you do to help it get there?”

— Joseph Bednar


Photography by Leah Martin Photography

Katie Chappell

By
40 Under 40 The Class of 2016

Program Project Coordinator, Girl Scouts of Central and Western Mass.; Age 33

Katie Chappell

Katie Chappell


Katie Chappell likes to joke that she has 105 children, and 45 happen to live with her — along with a 90-pound dog named Fenway.

This thumbnail sketch of Chappell’s life says a lot: She loves to work with young people, she’s not afraid of hard work — not to mention a lot of noise — and she’s a perennial Red Sox fan, as is her canine companion.

But it’s not the whole story. Those 105 kids comprise the girls Chappell works with through her position as program project coordinator with the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Mass., and the women she lives with as house director of the Sigma Delta Tau Psi sorority at UMass Amherst.

These are just the two latest positions Chappell has held in an already-impressive career working with youths and nonprofits, including as fund development coordinator with the Springfield Boys & Girls Club Family Center and Dunbar Community Center, senior program director with the Boys & Girls Club of Hartford, Conn., and recreation building supervisor with the Manchester Recreation Department in Manchester, Conn.

Chappell has worked with the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Mass. since 2012, holding three different positions as she advanced in her career. Her accomplishments in that time have included increasing the number of programs offered by 346%, summer-camp attendance by 20%, and recipients of Bronze and Silver awards, which recognize exemplary service by Girl Scout Juniors and Cadettes, by 10%.

But the Girl Scouts organization has been instrumental in bringing her out of her comfort zone for much of her life, said Chappell. She earned her own 25-year pin in 2014, and maintains her membership in the national chapter.

“I truly believe that Girl Scouts make the world a better place. It taught me how to give back to the causes and issues I care about as I grew up, and now, I can instill what I got out of scouting in others,” she said, noting that this includes her volunteer work with organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, the Massachusetts Park and Recreation Assoc., and the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield, to name a few.

“Everything I do is a passion for me, and why I give back and do everything that I do,” she said. “If it’s important to you, you make time, and make things happen.”

— Jaclyn Stevenson


Photography by Leah Martin Photography

Brian Canina

By
40 Under 40 The Class of 2016

Chief Financial Officer, PeoplesBank; Age 38

Brian Canina

Brian Canina

Brian Canina calls himself a “math geek,” which has served him well in both phases of his career.

First, he earned a degree in accounting and worked for Wolf & Co. in Boston, then in Springfield. That firm’s niche is in banking, and he audited banks for a decade before being contacted about an open controller position at PeoplesBank in 2009. Late last year, he was named CFO.

“Essentially, I oversee all the financial aspects of the bank,” he explained. “I manage the loans and deposit balances and financial statements for the bank. We have to make sure we’re lending out at higher rates than we’re taking money in, make sure the bank stays financially healthy. From that standpoint, I manage the bank’s assets and liabilities and also financial reporting.”

In that role, he has increasingly embraced new technology, using sophisticated business-intelligence tools to ensure PeoplesBank remains competitive and responsive to customer needs. “That’s a new undertaking, this concept of big data, where we gather different data sources around the bank and bring it into one large database, then slice and dice and analyze it to get to know our customers better, see which customers are using which products. That’s the wave of the future, and we’re probably one of the first community banks around here using data analysis like that.”

That’s typical for PeoplesBank, which prides itself on staying on the cutting edge in banking. “We’re a smaller community bank, so we’re not going to be the one that comes out with anything first, but we consider ourselves fast followers behind the big banks, and typically first to market in Western Mass. with some of the up-and-coming technologies in banking.”

He says the math geek in him truly enjoys the strategic aspects of his job. “I love digging into numbers to find trends and different things that can give us an advantage.”

The father of two children, Aidan and Addison, with his wife, Sarah, Canina clearly has a heart for kids. So, in his spare time, he helps young people get a leg up in life, from coaching youth sports to his work as a board member for Children’s Study Home in Springfield, which serves young people and families with special needs, including behavioral, psychiatric, and cognitive issues related to experiences they’ve survived.

“It’s a little overwhelming how many different things they do. They’re active in so many different aspects of children’s lives,” he said. “I enjoy being part of that in any way I can. Getting involved in the community and helping children in need is probably one of the best things anyone can do.”

— Joseph Bednar


Photography by Leah Martin Photography

Darleen Buttrick

By
40 Under 40 The Class of 2016

Project Manager, Tighe & Bond; Age 36

Darleen Buttrick

Darleen Buttrick


A bachelor’s degree in chemistry can lead to an array of careers. When Darleen Buttrick was earning hers at Bucknell University, her research into how tire-wear particles leach harmful substances into the environment piqued something inside her.

“That fueled my fire for taking what I knew about chemistry and getting into the environmental field,” said Buttrick, who enrolled at UMass Amherst for her master’s in environmental engineering. There, she became involved in research in the field of drinking water, “and I haven’t looked back.”

In her 11 years at Tighe & Bond, the region’s largest civil-engineering firm, she has specialized in the water-treatment arena, managing projects for some of the firm’s largest clients, including the recently completed, $3 million ultraviolet disinfection facility for Holyoke Water Works.

It’s important work, she said, even if most people don’t think about it often. “Treatment facilities tend to be out of sight, out of mind, until you see something like what happened in Flint, which brings the reality of drinking water to the forefront.”

In fact, cities face a constant challenge balancing needed infrastructure upgrades with limited funds, she added. “One of the big things I’ve been working on is assisting them with evaluating the condition of their infrastructure and targeting the most critical needs for improvements, and from there coming up with a cost-effective solution to upgrade their facilities.

“I love the feeling that I’m having a positive impact,” she went on. “If we can make water-treatment plan operators’ lives a little less stressful or develop a solution to construct a new system, that’s so satisfying.”

Recently promoted to an associate in Tighe & Bond’s stock-ownership program, Buttrick is excited to be with a rapidly expanding company that has grown from 175 to 275 employees over the past five years. But she’s just as passionate about her volunteer work, which includes wearing many hats at her church, serving on the Aquifer Protection Committee in her hometown of Easthampton, and launching and co-leading a Girl Scout troop in that community.

The Girl Scout work is personal to Buttrick, who recalls being diagnosed with scoliosis at age 9 and wearing a back brace, and struggling to develop friendships — until she became involved in the Pioneer Club, a church-based youth organization. “Those friendships lasted my entire childhood; they were constant friends who were always there,” she said. “I wanted my two girls to have the same chance to build lifelong friendships.”

— Joseph Bednar


Photography by Leah Martin Photography

Nunzio Bruno

By
40 Under 40 The Class of 2016

Owner/Business Strategist, Disruptive Strategy Co.; Age 31

Nunzio Bruno

Nunzio Bruno


Nunzio Bruno says there are more similarities between his career and one of his newer passions — power lifting — than most people think.

“I started taking it seriously, honoring my own goals, putting money down on equipment and meets … essentially, showing up,” he said, noting that his first power-lifting meet was just a few weeks ago. “I realized, as I started to see changes as I progressed, that it’s like a metaphor for what I ask people to do every day.”

Bruno owns the Disruptive Strategy Co., a business-strategy firm based in West Springfield that works with companies of all sizes to improve their output, organizational structures, and, ultimately, their bottom lines.

“I work with staff to identify resources, offer communication coaching, develop business plans … it’s always a little different, but the idea is that all companies have challenges and don’t always have the capacity or capabilities to address them. Someone like me is brought in to dive into the research, get into the nitty-gritty, and create a plan for improvement, plus the documentation to show how it will play out.”

Since his company’s inception in 2009, Bruno has seen success with a wide breadth of clients, from an indie soap maker he helped introduce to Whole Foods, which now carries the line, to a Fortune 500 firm. He’s begun to develop his own curriculum of sorts for companies — the Disruptive Decision Framework — to assist them in identifying specific weak spots across their organizations and make decisions about next steps.

“I’m asking organizations to buy into a big process, and the curriculum helps us to build frameworks, do a bit of planning, and create a system to move everything forward,” he explained.

Bruno also teaches economics, finance, and strategy as an adjunct faculty member at Elms College, Bay Path University, Springfield College, and American International College, and speaks frequently on related topics. Both roles have allowed him to stay abreast of subtle changes in the corporate marketplace, including a shift he sees toward redefining success.

“Whatever the goal, we need to take the outcomes seriously, and honor a system,” he said.

That brought Bruno back to his new discoveries in the world of amateur power lifting, and those parallels he sees between his work and his weights.

“When I’m lifting, if I don’t feel right, the feedback is real. Something is off, and I can’t justify it away,” he said. “I work to get people to see their businesses the same way — if there’s a problem, it needs a fix. Be pumped to do it, and follow through.”

— Jaclyn Stevenson


Photography by Leah Martin Photography

Latoya Bosworth

By
40 Under 40 The Class of 2016

Author, Teacher, Nonprofit Leader, K.Y.D.S; Age 38

Latoya Bosworth

Latoya Bosworth


Whether she’s at work teaching young people, leading workshops with nonprofit and human-service organizations, or writing and editing books, stories, and poetry collections, Latoya Bosworth is the queen of self-esteem.

A teacher, speaker, workshop leader, and writer, Bosworth offers several programs and resources to youths and women, bound together by the core ideas of self-worth and empowerment. She founded K.Y.D.S — Keep Youth Dreaming and Striving — in 2006 to offer mentoring to area youth on a one-on-one basis. She also launched the Gifted Diva Showcase the same year, a biannual exhibition for teen girls ages 13 to 19 designed to showcase their strengths (as opposed to their evening wear), and went on to launch the H.E.R.S — Health, Empowerment, Resiliency, and Self-worth — Conference for young women.

“I saw a lot of self-esteem lacking,” she said of her impetus for creating such a diverse set of programs. “Ultimately, my goal is to ensure people that their circumstances don’t have to define who they are. They may shape them, but do not define them.”

That’s a life lesson Bosworth learned herself and passes on to others at every opportunity. She lost her mother at age 4, and later her grandmother, who raised her from age 4 to 13, both to cancer. But she said she’s always been a positive, creative spirit, and that passion for life is seen in everything she does.

Her workshops for kids, teenagers, and adults range in topic from “Self-esteem Superheroes” for young girls to “Using the Pen to Push Past the Pain,” which incorporates some lessons from the national Freedom Writers Foundation; from “Motherless Mothers,” a facilitated forum for young moms who grew up without a mother of their own, to “Got H.E.R.S,” an all-encompassing session on personal growth for women ages 18 to 24.

As a poet, writer, and spoken-word artist, Bosworth has published eight books and performed at live events across the U.S., often using the moniker Brenda’s Child in honor of her late mother.

She’s also blended her many passions, in one instance, by creating a collection of poetry and essays by her students titled Our Voices.

As she continues to help others evolve into confident individuals, she continues to grow herself. Bosworth’s goals for the future include finding a central, dedicated space for K.Y.D.S programming in Western Mass., completing her Ph.D — now underway at Walden University — and passing on her lessons of strength and joy to her 18-year-old son, Najee, 4-year-old son, Elijah, and the rest of her large, extended family.

— Jaclyn Stevenson


Photography by Leah Martin Photography

Jesse Belcher-Timme

By
40 Under 40 The Class of 2016

Associate Attorney, Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury & Murphy, P.C.; Age 37

Jesse Belcher-Timme

Jesse Belcher-Timme


Jesse Belcher-Timme says that, long before he set out in pursuit of his juris doctor at New England School of Law, he envisioned himself joining the legal profession.

As for becoming a litigator and spending most of his time in the courtroom arguing cases before a judge and jury … well, that was another matter.

“I was always interested in the law,” he told BusinessWest, “but I was pretty sure I didn’t want to do trial work; it definitely intimidated me at the beginning — that public-performance aspect of it and being in front of a judge.”

But he said it’s his style to not back away from those things that intimidate him, and instead address them head-on. “That’s my response when I’m nervous about something — to bite the bullet and just do it.” And that’s what he did with his career, with some impressive results.

Indeed, he’s now a rising star at Springfield-based Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury, & Murphy, P.C., handling cases across a broad spectrum of the law, from insurance defense to municipal issues to complex commercial disputes.

“Many lawyers practice in a subject matter, and they sort of get comfortable with that,” he said while explaining his work and why he enjoys it. “When you’re a trial attorney, your subject matter is going to court, so while the nature of the cases changes, what you’re doing is the part you know best — the process, the procedure, and the strategy; you’re always learning something new.”

And he now talks about litigation using phrases like this: “the more you do it, the more of a rush you get from that kind of performance, and that’s part of the draw at this point.”

While making a name for himself in courts across the region, Belcher-Timme has also been active in the community, especially the city he calls home — Easthampton. There, he serves as chairman of the Planning Board, representative on the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, and trustee of the Hilltown Cooperative Charter Public School.

The rest of his time gets devoted to what he described as his two passions: these would be his family — wife, Becky, son, Jack (11), and daughter, Ella (9) — and the sport of hockey.

He played it at New York University, and still plays it in area men’s leagues, while also coaching it and directing the Nonotuck Valley Hockey Assoc.

So you might say that, both inside and outside the courtroom, he’s netting some real results.

— George O’Brien


Photography by Leah Martin Photography

Celebrating the Difference Makers Class of 2016

By
Class of 2016 Difference Makers

More than 450 people turned out at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke on March 31 for a celebration of the 2016 Difference Makers, the eighth annual class of individuals and organizations honored by BusinessWest for making an impact in their Western Mass. communities. The photos below capture the essence of the event, which featured entertainment from Veritas Preparatory Charter School and the Taylor Street Jazz Band, as well as fine food and thoughtful comments from the honorees. This year’s class, chosen by the editor and publishers of BusinessWest from dozens of nominations, include Hampden County Sheriff Michael J. Ashe Jr.; the late Mike Balise, Balise Motor Sales and philanthropist; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties; Bay Path President Carol Leary; and John Robison, president of Robison Service and advocate for individuals on the autism spectrum. Once again, the honorees received glass plates handcrafted by Lynn Latimer, representing butterflies, the symbol of BusinessWest’s Difference Makers since the program was launched in 2009.

Celebrating the Difference Makers Class of 2016

By
Class of 2016 Difference Makers Features

Scenes From the Eighth Annual Event

2016 AwardMore than 450 people turned out at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke on March 31 for a celebration of the 2016 Difference Makers, the eighth annual class of individuals and organizations honored by BusinessWest for making an impact in their Western Mass. communities. The photos below capture the essence of the event, which featured entertainment from Veritas Preparatory Charter School and the Taylor Street Jazz Band, as well as fine food and thoughtful comments from the honorees. This year’s class, chosen by the editor and publishers of BusinessWest from dozens of nominations, include Hampden County Sheriff Michael J. Ashe Jr.; the late Mike Balise, Balise Motor Sales and philanthropist; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties; Bay Path President Carol Leary; and John Robison, president of Robison Service and advocate for individuals on the autism spectrum. Once again, the honorees received glass plates handcrafted by Lynn Latimer, representing butterflies, the symbol of BusinessWest’s Difference Makers since the program was launched in 2009. Photos by Leah Martin Photography

Sponsored by:

EMAdental
FirstAmerican
HNEnew
MBK
NorthwesternMutual
PeoplesBanks
RoyalPC
SunshineVillage

A chorus of young singers

A chorus of young singers from Veritas Preparatory Charter School in Springfield kicks off the evening’s festivities.

2016 Difference Maker Big Brothers Big Sisters

From 2016 Difference Maker Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS): from left, Angela Smith-LeClaire; her ‘little,’ Abby; Executive Director Danielle Letourneau-Therrien; and Kate Lockhart, all of BBBS of Hampshire County; and Ericka Almeida from BBBS of Franklin County.

Marisa Balise (left) and Maryellen Balise

Marisa Balise (left) and Maryellen Balise, daughter and wife, respectively, of Difference Maker Mike Balise.

Representing event sponsor Northwestern Mutual, from left: Nico Santaniello, Dan Carmody, and Darren James.

Representing event sponsor Northwestern Mutual, from left: Nico Santaniello, Dan Carmody, and Darren James.

Bill Hynes, Baystate Health Foundation

Bill Hynes, Baystate Health Foundation (left), and Hector Toledo, People’s United Bank.

Deborah Leone

Deborah Leone with 2013 Difference Maker James Vinick, Moors & Cabot Inc.

event sponsor Royal, P.C.,

Back row: from event sponsor Royal, P.C., from left: Julie Cowan, Sarah Reece, Shawna Biscone, Founding Partner Amy Royal, Tanzi Cannon-Eckerle, Joe Eckerle. Front row: from left, Amy Jamrog, the Jamrog Group; Dawn Creighton, Associated Industries of Massachusetts; Mike Williams, Royal, P.C.; and 2010 Difference Maker Don Kozera, Human Resources Unlimited.

From event sponsor EMA Dental

From event sponsor EMA Dental, from left: owners Dr. Vincent Mariano and Dr. Lisa Emirzian, Christine Gagner, Colleen Nadeau, Amy Postlethwait, Dr. Rebecca Cohen, and Dr. Colleen Chambers.

from event sponsor First American Insurance

Back row, from left: from event sponsor First American Insurance, Edward Murphy, President Corey Murphy, Chris Murphy, and Molly Murphy; and Jim Fiola, Westwood Advertising. Front row, from left: from First American Insurance, Amber Letendre, Jenna Dziok, Alicja Modzelewski, Dina Potter, and Noni Moran.

t sponsor Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.,

From event sponsor Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C., back row, from left: Brandon Mitchell, Managing Partner Jim Barrett, Kristi Reale, Joe Vreedenburgh, and Jim Krupienski. Front row, from left: Howard Cheney, Donna Roundy, and Melyssa Brown.

Representing event sponsor PeoplesBank

Representing event sponsor PeoplesBank, back row, from left: Xiaolei Hua, President Tom Senecal, Meghan Parnell-Gregoire, Matt Krokov, Cindy Wszolek, and Mary Meehan. Front row, from left: Shaun Dwyer, 2009 Difference Maker Doug Bowen, Anna Bowen, and Matthew Bannister.

sponsor Health New England

From event sponsor Health New England, back row, from left: Dan Carabine, Steven Webster, Elaine Mann, Rosa Chelo, and Sandra Bascove. Front row, from left: Brooke Lacey, Aracelis Rivera, Sandra Ruiz, and Nicole Santaniello.

: Jill Monson-Bishop

Back row, from left: Jill Monson-Bishop, Inspired Marketing; Darren James and Nico Santaniello, event sponsor Northwestern Mutual; and Heather Ruggeri, Inspired Marketing. Front row, from left: Daryl Gallant, Joe Kane, Donald Mitchell, and Dan Carmody, Northwestern Mutual.

From event sponsor Sunshine Village

From event sponsor Sunshine Village, back row, from left: Jeff Pollier, Michelle Depelteau, Marie Laflamme, and Ernest Laflamme. Front row, from left: Colleen Brosnan, Richard Klisiewicz, and Executive Director Gina Kos from Sunshine Village, and Chicopee Mayor Richard Kos.

From event sponsor Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.

From event sponsor Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C., from left: Joe Vreedenburgh, Jim Krupienski, and Managing Partner Jim Barrett.

Brenda Olesuk

Brenda Olesuk from Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C., an event sponsor.

David Beturne

David Beturne, executive director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampden County, and his wife, Julie.

From left: Western Mass. Economic Development Council President

From left: Western Mass. Economic Development Council President and CEO Rick Sullivan, BusinessWest Associate Publisher Kate Campiti, and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno.

2016 Difference Maker John Robison

2016 Difference Maker John Robison, who could not attend the event, addresses the audience remotely.

Jack Robison

Jack Robison, son of 2016 Difference Maker John Robison, speaks about his father’s life and work on behalf of individuals on the autism spectrum.

Mike Balise

Mike Balise, honored posthumously as a 2016 Difference Maker, is memorialized by, from left, his children David and Marisa, and his wife, Maryellen.

Carol Leary

Carol Leary, honored as a 2016 Difference Maker, addresses the packed room at the Log Cabin.

Michael J. Ashe Jr.

2016 Difference Maker Sheriff Michael J. Ashe Jr. takes in the evening’s presentations.

Holyoke’s ‘Homecoming’ is a Year-round Labor of Love

By
Holyoke’s ‘Homecoming’
Features

Step by Step

ParadePipes

It was only a few days after the last marchers had passed the reviewing stand at the 65th annual Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade, but committee members were already hard at work breaking down that event and beginning work on the next one. It’s been this way since the beginning, in 1952, for what committee members prefer to call a ‘homecoming’ rather than a parade. The event is in many respects like a half-million-dollar business, but it’s different in one important respect: its lifeblood is committee members who not only volunteer, but pay for the privilege of being part of this labor of love.

There’s a clock in the upper right-hand corner of the home page on the website for the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade that counts down the days, hours, and minutes to the start of the next one, the 66th, set for March 19, 2017.

It’s there for the potential attendees and the general public, said Michael Moriarty, president of Olde Holyoke Development Corp. and the incoming chairman of the Parade Committee, adding quickly that those who make this event happen don’t need a countdown.

“They have one in their head,” he joked, adding that the roughly 120 active members of the committee (there are nearly 300 total) know just how many days — and at least one actually does know how many hours — there are to the next parade. And they also know what they have to do each month — and even each week — between now and then to assure that this ‘homecoming,’ as they prefer to call it, comes off with as few hitches as possible.

But while parade committee members don’t need a clock, they certainly need a good calendar, excellent time-management skills, and an understanding spouse or significant other, said Moriarty, adding that, if they are truly active — and most are just that — they will attend dozens of meetings over the next 335 days or so. In fact, most have already been to several since the 65th parade concluded just a few weeks ago.

There are no fewer than 22 subcommittees working on the event, said Moriarty, with assignments ranging from the pre-parade road race to marketing; from determining which bands will march to deciding who will receive each of the many coveted honors bestowed each year.

“We have lots of subcommittees because we have lots of moving parts,” he said, adding that what looks like extreme bureaucracy and overkill to some is actually a conscientious attempt to make sure each of those moving parts moves properly by awarding ownership of it to a laser-focused group with the requisite talents (more on that in a bit).

As BusinessWest talked with members of the parade’s Marketing Committee at Johnny’s Tavern in South Hadley just a few weeks after the parade, there were comparisons made between organizing the parade and a running a half-million-dollar business, which is what this is.

The parade’s Marketing Committee

The parade’s Marketing Committee is one of 22 subcommittees working year-round to make the event a success.

And, in many cases, the comparisons work. The parade, like a business, has to be mindful of revenues and expenses, always with the goal of making sure the latter do not exceed the former. It must also put a premium on customer service and providing value for patrons. And, like ventures across all sectors of the economy, it puts an emphasis on continuous improvement.

But in many other ways, the analogy doesn’t work as well. The biggest difference is that the employees, the committee members, are not only volunteers, but they pay for the right to attend all those meetings and do all that work. Indeed, there is an annual fee or dues payment — a check that committee members look forward to writing.

“We don’t have any paid staff, and we’re one of the very few parades of this size that does not have a paid executive director,” said Moriarty, adding that the event has relied on generations of volunteers.

In a word, the parade is not a business, but a tradition, and so is the committee itself, with many members noting with pride in their voices that they are second- or third-generation participants. But while most traditions are resistant to change — and this one was for many years as well — it has come to the parade and the committee that organizes it, and in a meaningful way, said Alan Cathro, an officer with Meriden, Conn.-based Tucker Mechanical, who pointed at the people sitting at the table to get his point across.

“Until 1988 or so, it was all white men who were asked to be on the committee,” he said, noting that the parade committee was, in many respects, defined by what would be called ‘old Holyoke.’ Today, women comprise roughly half the parade committee, and it is diverse in many other ways as well, said Cathro, referring to race, age, and geography, among other traits.

It is this diversity that has enabled the parade to grow in size and stature and extend its influence well beyond the borders of Holyoke to become part of the fabric of the entire region.

For this issue, BusinessWest takes an in-depth look at the Holyoke parade, the committee that runs it, how this is a tradition that has changed with the times, and why those committee members don’t need a clock ticking down the days.

Marching Orders

When asked about those two dozen subcommittees and their various assignments, Moriarty offered a heavy sigh, but also a determined look that seemed to indicate that he could list them all if pressed and given enough time.

But when afforded the opportunity to provide a sampling, he seized upon it.

There is a committee devoted to the selection of a grand marshal, perhaps the most coveted honor, he noted, adding quickly that there is essentially a committee for each of the many awards that have been added over the years and the announcement events that are part of that process.

These range from the John F. Kennedy Award, presented annually to an American of Irish descent who has distinguished themselves in their chosen field, to the O’Connell Award, presented to a long-standing member of the Parade Committee who has made significant contributions to the fund-raising efforts of the parade and/or the association.

The pre-parade road race

The pre-parade road race has become one of the weekend’s most anticipated events.

There’s also a committee (a large one) that handles both the March road race and the so-called ‘Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Road Race,’ which, as that name suggests, is staged each fall. There’s a panel to run the annual fund-raising golf tournament in October, another to pick the Grand Colleen and her court, still another that’s charged with producing the annual parade program book (this year’s ran 124 pages), and on it goes.

Meanwhile, there are committees for the many area cities and towns that now have a significant presence at the parade, a lengthy list that includes Chicopee, West Springfield, Westfield, and many other communities.

As he noted earlier, Moriarty said the committees assume ownership of a specific assignment, thus providing a measure of quality assurance regarding all those parts to the whole.

“We break up into different areas of interest, with some of them related specifically to the parade, and some to the many events that precede it,” he explained. “We have a lot of skilled builders on our floats committee, for example; we have folks who assess and select all the bands; we have a coordination committee that works early on to make sure that things are lined up and come out onto the street properly — and that’s a very intensive bit of work that goes on well before anyone shows up in Holyoke.”

In fact, said Cathro, probably half of the subcommittees will have the bulk of their work, if not all of it, done two months before the parade.

But the work for the next year begins as soon as the parade or another specific event assigned to a subcommittee is in the books, said Brian Donoghue, a sales representative with ASICS Corp., who used the Road Race Committee, which he chairs, and its recent meeting to review this year’s race, as an example.

“We went over what worked and what didn’t, and we had a list of really every little thing that happened over those two days, the Friday and Saturday,” he noted. “It was three pages of notes — this went well, this didn’t go well, this needs to change — while it’s fresh in everyone’s mind.”

When asked how it went, he offered a firm “we did OK this year.”

More specifically, “we kept waiting for something to go wrong,” he joked, “and nothing really did.”

This same kind of commitment to detail, critical review, and continuous-improvement philosophy permeates each committee, said Moriarty, and this quality has facilitated continued growth and excellence.

Band of Brothers — and Sisters

Overall, the Holyoke parade, as an institution, likes to look back and reflect on the past, said Cathro, adding that this exercise involves everything from the weather that has greeted the event — everything from snow to mid-70s temperatures — to famous personalities, a list that includes the actor Robert Stack, the historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, the author Tom Clancy, JFK, and his brother, Sen. Ted Kennedy.

But in general, and especially after that year’s parade is in the books, the focus is squarely on the future and writing new chapters to that storied legacy.

Together, the committee, the subcommittees, and their makeup convey how the parade has grown and changed — and, in many important ways, not changed — over the years, he went on, noting, as others did, that the parade has evolved from a Holyoke event into a regional phenomenon now ranked at or near the very top of the nation’s largest and most prestigious St. Patrick’s Day parades — and parades of any kind.

And while it’s not written down anywhere, it is the committee’s basic — and very broad — assignment to make sure that the parade maintains this distinction and is in all ways worthy of it.

Again, as all those smaller committees would suggest, there is much that goes into this, said Moriarty, who listed everything from securing the many local, regional, and even national sponsors for the event to taking the multi-faceted marketing efforts to a national level, to forging a relationship with WGBY, Channel 57, to televise the parade and thus give it status afforded to only a few parades across the country.

demographics

An event run solely by men as recently as 30 years ago has broadened its leadership demographics considerably since then.

What makes the Holyoke parade special and one of the most prestigious events of its kind in the country is the sum of procession that moves through the streets of Holyoke, said Sheila Moreau, vice president of Sales & Marketing and professional development coordinator for Springfield-based Mindwing Concepts Inc., listing everything from those aforementioned celebrities to bands like the internationally known Mummers.

There are expenses attached to most all of those elements, she went on, adding that some bands cost as much as $5,000, and even high-school bands must be compensated for their appearances.

This puts a premium on finding sponsors, she told BusinessWest, noting that this is work the public doesn’t see, but it’s critically important to maintaining the parade’s high standards for quality. And to sell the parade to sponsors, committee members don’t sell it as a parade.

“It’s not just a road race, it’s not just a parade, it’s this whole weekend — it’s kind of a festival of sorts, a true homecoming,” said Moreau, adding that this message resonates not only with local companies like Holyoke-based PeoplesBank and a host of smaller businesses that call the Paper City home, but also with regional stalwarts such as Big Y and international corporations such as Stop & Shop and Aer Lingus. “We have an incredible product for people to be involved with.”

But it certainly helps to be able to show these sponsors just what kind of value they’re getting for their contribution, she went on, adding that the parade’s Marketing Committee can now provide detailed information about just how many individual impressions they will generate by putting their name in front of the 400,000 attendees.

And while it’s essential to note what those selling sponsorships or carrying out the subcommittee work do to make the annual homecoming memorable and run smoothly, said Moriarty, it’s more important to examine how that work is carried out, and by whom.

Regarding the former, he noted that, while there is more diversity than ever when it comes to who works on the parade, the common denominator remains passion for the event and a firm understanding of all that it means, not just to Holyoke, but the region.

As for the latter, as he looked around the table at Johnny’s, he noted the many young faces, the fact that half those present were women, and some of those present were definitely not of Irish descent.

“Those are all very healthy signs,” he said, adding that, where once individuals had to be asked to serve, now people can request to be part of this tradition. And many do, said Moriarty, adding that recruitment has never really been a problem, especially of late.

“I’ve been on the committee for 29 years, and I’ve witnessed this dichotomy — on the one hand, we’ve been successful for a very long time, and you never want to break the stuff that you did right last year,” he said. “So there’s a lot of resistance to change for that very legitimate reason. But at the same time, we’re in a dynamic economy where the source of our sponsors change, and in a world where service oganizations are not growing or getting younger.

“We’re an exception to that — we’re growing, and we’re getting younger, and a big reason for that is the change that allowed women to be members,” he went on. “We wouldn’t have a committee if we weren’t open to bringing women on.”

But beyond the breaking of the gender wall, the parade continues to attract young people from across the region who are drawn by everything from the majesty of the event to the friendships that come from being part of it all.

Moving Experience

Hayley Dunn, a community relations and economic development specialist with Eversource Energy, summed things up nicely.

“I’m a second-generation member, and my sister is a member as well; we have a lot of pride in the history of the parade and the organization and the work that our fathers and grandfathers have done,” she told BusinessWest, using that collective ‘we’ to refer to everyone in the room and those who will be attending all those other meetings over the next 340 days. “So we don’t want to see these events fail. I felt a duty … I came to Holyoke, and I joined the Parade Committee to make sure this amazing homecoming event keeps going. ”

Such sentiments go a long way toward explaining why this event continues to grow in size and stature — and also why none of the committee members need to look at that countdown clock on the home page.


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

Belchertown Creates Cohesive Plan for Growth

By
Community Spotlight Features

Community Spotlight

Douglas Albertson

Douglas Albertson says Jessica’s Boundless Playground is just one important addition to Belchertown’s recreational culture.

Douglas Albertson says Belchertown officials are in the midst of several major planning initiatives that have converged with the goal of addressing the community’s needs, setting the stage for future growth, and connecting the former Belchertown State School with the town center and Lampson Brook Farm property that borders the edge of the state school and was once part of it.

“Belchertown is poised for the next round of development, and the Planning Department is getting ready for what will come. But we’re making sure that what we do is what the community desires,” the town planner told BusinessWest, adding that making areas contiguous in the town is the main focal point within that vision.

An assisted-living facility called Christopher Heights of Belchertown, to be built by the Grantham Group LLC and contain 83 units, 40 of them affordable, has been approved on the old state school property, but the group is waiting to receive low-income housing credits before breaking ground for the project.

Four buildings have been demolished to make room for the facility, and this year the second phase of demolition on the property has begun with the abatement of the multi-story former auditorium, which will be torn down when it is complete.

The master plan for the former state school created by MassDevelopment contains space for retail shops, offices, and live/work/play units for artisans, but there is a need for connectivity between that acreage and other parts of the town within walking distance, including the town common, the public-schools complex, the police station, the senior center, and businesses and apartments to the north.

To that end, Albertson applied for and received a grant from the American Institute of Architects and the New England Municipal Sustainability Network, which sent a ‘sustainable-design and resiliency team’ comprised of five experts in engineering, architecture, community design, sustainability, and planning to the town. After spending three days in the community gathering input, which included a public forum that attracted close to 70 residents, they conducted research and follow-up interviews, and looked at available development sites. The team’s final set of recommendations is not complete, but the initial report notes that piecemeal planning done in the past needs to be pulled together in a cohesive manner that will fill in gaps that exist.

“The plan is all about the larger community and providing cohesion,” Albertson said.

Selectman Nicholas O’Connor is also helping to plan for the future, and has enlisted aid from more than a dozen people on town departments and boards. He told BusinessWest that, although he hopes the former state school property will someday attract new businesses, retail operations, and restaurants, business owners and entrepreneurs need a reason to want to come to Belchertown.

O’Connor was elected last May, is the liaison for the town’s human-services group that includes about 15 organizations, and believes that adding agritourism and recreational opportunities will help attract businesses and result in visitors who could help them to thrive.

“We get a lot of vehicular traffic, but it is not stopping here,” he noted. “We are land-rich and have so many beautiful places to hike and fish that we should be able to capitalize on that, which would help to create a more fertile business environment.”

O’Connor and other officials believe building a new sports complex large enough to host tournaments would bring more visitors to town, and the Cultural Council wants to create a performance and community space for concerts, drama productions, and other gatherings which could also make a difference. They would, in theory, both benefit residents and draw people into vibrant spaces that could give new businesses and restaurants an opportunity to germinate and do well.

Old-school Thinking

O’Connor cites the former Lampson Brook Farm property as a prime spot to add a sports complex as well as the playing fields that the Recreation Department says the town needs, especially since they will lose some of the ones they have when the old state school is developed.

Obtaining ownership of the property would be timely, because the farm used to be part of the old state school, and Gov. Charlie Baker recently said he wants it removed from the state surplus rolls.

“It contains hiking trails that we can’t use right now due to no-trespassing signs,” O’Connor said.

The town is also hoping to purchase the defunct Patrick Center on 47 State St. near the public-school complex, which has been vacant for more than a decade, for recreational use. It is going through a value assessment and consists of a 4,400-square-foot building on 5.4 acres.

The Norwottuck Rail Trail ends a few miles from Lampson Brook, and O’Connor says if it could be extended through the farm property into the MassDevelopment site, it would provide a connection that would allow people to get from one area to the other more easily.

“The goal is to create a pedestrian zone,” he explained, adding that the town is also petitioning the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority to extend the existing bus route to the courthouse.

Residents are doing their own work to fill in gaps and make Belchertown more accessible and attractive, and the completion of Jessica’s Boundless Playground about 16 months ago on school property off Route 202 across from the police station serves as a prime example. It is fully accessible, contains exercise stations for adults and state-of-the-art play equipment for the small set, and was named in honor of 19-year-old Jessica Martins, who had Rett syndrome and died in 2009 from the H1N1 or ‘swine flu’ virus.

Her mother, Vicki Martins-Auffrey, formed Team Jessica with a group of friends. It raised $600,000 for the park over a five-year period (which included $200,000 in Community Preservation Act funds). In addition, close to $400,000 in volunteer labor was donated, with help coming from local businesses and 200 volunteers from the community who built the playground in two days.

“We had to turn people away,” said Martins-Auffrey, adding that the idea for the boundless playground came from Drew Gatesman and Mike Seward, who contacted her and suggested the park be named after her daughter. “The response to this was incredible. It seemed like we made the impossible happen, as a lot of people didn’t think we could ever do it.”

In addition, several hundred residents have completed four ‘walk audits’ to identify areas around State Street, Route 9, and Route 202 that need improvement and are home to many apartments and shops.

Albertson said town officials recommended installing sidewalk curbs, wheelchair ramps, and other enhancements that could help pedestrians navigate the area more easily. As a result, signs have already been put up to identify crosswalks, and as the state school property is developed, pedestrian accessibility will remain an area of focus.

The town is also planning on making improvements to the section of Route 202 between the state school property and the public school complex, and Albertson said officials hope to implement the state’s Complete Streets policy in the area, which would make it eligible for additional state funding that could pay for new sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and other amenities.

“It’s a great time to do some planning for this in addition to developments at the state school,” Albertson said, adding that, as that property gets developed, it may fuel investments by businesses situated along the nearby commercial zone on Stadler Street.

He noted that a large commercial lot owned primarily by Pride that sits to the west has real potential for development. Pride purchased the 46-acre parcel in 2005, and a few businesses have been established there, including a physician office building, Tractor Supply, and Planet Fitness. The Eastern Hampshire District Courthouse also sits on six acres, leaving 28.5 acres open for development.

The Town Common is about a mile from the courthouse and is included in the larger planning area, and Albertson said the idea is to create a sense of cohesion between it and the area along Route 202 that runs from the old state school to the public school complex.

Infrastructure work is also nearing completion on Route 181 and is expected to be finished in the near future. “It has been rebuilt and was in the works for well over 10 years,” the town planner continued, noting that the roadway has been widened, new sewer lines have been installed, and drainage repairs have been made.

Development is also occurring in the form of a large commercial solar-energy project that was recently approved and will be built toward the end of the year by Nexamp on land that includes a sand pit and a Christmas tree farm situated between Franklin and North Liberty streets.

“We were one of the first green communities, and clean energy is part of our value system,” Albertson said, noting that a previously approved solar farm off Springfield Road has been completed and is expected to go online in the near future.

Businesses are also growing, and Albertson said Universal Forest Products LLC has purchased abutting property with plans to expand.

Forward Movement

Creating cohesion between the town common and the area along Route 202 that is bordered by the public schools complex and the state school on each end is a project that will take time.

But O’Connor and Albertson, along with a supporting cast of officials and active residents, are committed to fulfilling that goal.

“There is connective tissue that overlays everything,” O’Connor said, “and what we have planned is something we need to do not only for ourselves, but to position the town as an attractive place where businesses can grow and thrive.”

 

 

Belchertown at a glance

Year Incorporated: 1761
Population: 14,735
Area: 52.64 square miles
County: Hampshire
Residential Tax Rate: $17.97
Commercial Tax Rate: $17.97
Median Household Income: $76,968
Family Household Income: $80,038
Type of government: Open Town Meeting; Board of Selectmen
Largest Employers: Hulmes Transportation Services; Belchertown High School; Super Stop & Shop
* Latest information available

Class of 2016 Has Its Priorities in Order

By
Opinion

Editorial

When the judges chosen by BusinessWest to score the nominations for the 40 Under Forty program (roughly 150 or so annually in recent years) complete their assignment and e-mail those scores back, they will usually send along a few editorial comments as well.

‘That took longer than I thought it would’ is a common refrain, as is ‘I wish some of those nominations were more detailed’ — a strong bit of advice to those thinking about nominating someone they know next year (and nomination forms for 2017 are available at businesswest.com). And there’s usually at least one or two along these lines — ‘that was a lot of fun; thanks for allowing me to be a part of it.’

But invariably, at least one judge will also say something like ‘I feel a little (or a lot) better about this region and its future having read about all those young people and what they’re doing.’

This year was no exception, and with good reason. Like other recent groups, the class of 2016 is not only excelling in the workplace and in the broad theater of community involvement, but in perhaps the most important realm of all — work/life balance.

Indeed, this class does a very good job of reflecting the priorities of the young people now becoming leaders in communities across the four counties of Western Mass., and increasingly, the top priority is family, which is more critical to the future of this region than having been named assistant vice president of a department at their bank or that they’re involved with the local Boys & Girls Club — although those are vitally important as well.

A look at the pictures of our winners this year  reveals what is important to them. Yes, there are images that reflect their day jobs and what they like to do on weekends, but for the most part, it’s family.

And in the words that accompany those photos, family once again takes center stage. Comments offered by Andrew Anderlonis, president of Rediker Software in Hampden, sum things up nicely.

“One of the big reasons I left the Navy was that I wanted to be around to see my child grow and up and be there for him,” he told BusinessWest, referring to 2-year-old Tyler.

There are many similar comments to this effect from young people who make it clear that, while they are ambitious and intend to succeed in their fields while also giving back to the community, home is where their attention lies.

And this is reason enough to feel a little better about this region and its prospects moving forward.

Indeed, at BusinessWest’s annual Difference Makers gala on March 31, Carol Leary, who never minces words and has a way of drilling down and getting to the heart of the matter in question, said that, while she was flattered to be honored as she was, she knows the real difference makers in this world are parents.

Or, to be more specific, parents who take the myriad responsibilities that come with that job at least as seriously as those in their work on the job and in the community.

This class of 40 Under Forty winners seems to have that part down. Thus, we should all feel a little (or a lot) better about the future.

Employers Oppose Marijuana Legalization

By
Opinion

 By CHRISTOPHER GEEHERN

Massachusetts employers oppose by a wide margin a pending ballot question that would legalize the recreational use of marijuana in the Commonwealth.

Sixty-two percent of 180 employers responding to the special question on the March Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Business Confidence Index survey said they would vote ‘no’ on the pot-legalization referendum due to appear on the Nov. 1 ballot. Thirty-eight percent were in favor.

The proposed ballot law would authorize individuals 21 and over to possess up to one ounce of marijuana outside of their home and up to 10 ounces of marijuana in their residences. It calls for taxes on marijuana sales and creates a Cannabis Control Commission to handle regulation and licensing. If approved, the new law would take effect on December 15.

AIM opposes the question because the legalization of marijuana in Massachusetts would create considerable uncertainty for employers relative to their legal rights and obligations, particularly with workplace drug policies. These employers would operate in an environment in which state law permits private use of marijuana, while federal law, which is often the overriding jurisdiction in employment scenarios, prohibits marijuana use.

“We’re not surprised by the poll results given the concerns being expressed to us by member employers,” said John Regan, AIM’s executive vice president of Government Affairs. “How will an employer respond to a worker operating heavy equipment on a job site under the influence of marijuana? Many jobs, particularly those in safety-sensitive fields like transportation or manufacturing, must adhere to federal regulations that still prohibit the use of any substance that creates impairment.”

Another issue is that many companies receive favorable workers’ compensation insurance rates by declaring themselves to be drug-free workplaces. That status may be substantiated only through drug-testing employees. Even if employees are, on their personal time, using drugs legal in their state, if those drugs are indicated on their drug tests, their workplace would lose those favorable insurance rates.

Recent surveys have indicated an increase in general marijuana use when states approve the legalization of marijuana. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, between 2012 and 2013 (when marijuana was legalized but states had yet to implement a regulatory framework), the percentage of adults who reported using marijuana jumped by more than 20% in Washington and Colorado.

Marijuana legalization is among a handful of November ballot questions with implications for employers. AIM favors a proposal to lift the cap on charter schools and opposes questions that would end the use of Common Core educational standards and impose de-facto government price controls on hospitals. AIM also opposes a proposed constitutional amendment, which could reach the ballot by 2018, that would impose a 4% surtax on income of more than $1 million.

Christopher Geehern is executive vice president of Marketing & Communication at Associated Industries of Massachusetts.

It’s Time to Spell Out the Costs of Being Lazy and Careless

By
Features

Bad Writing Inc.

By JOEL SAMBERG

Good writing in corporate America is dead.

Well, not really, at least not entirely. But with a considerable number of e-mails, press releases, newsletters, advertorials, and other forms of internal and external communications showing signs of carelessness, it’s not exactly the picture of health, either.

While there is plenty of accomplished writing coming out of Springfield-area businesses and organizations (some generated in-house and some provided by skilled marketing communications agencies), too often it is the sloppy, nominal work that stands out. Through indifference, good writing has been devaluated in corporate America. That needs to be reversed.

It’s bad enough when you receive a poorly written e-mail from the human resources department (after all, they’re the ones who should know all about the skill sets needed to grow business); it’s even worse when a white paper prepared by the corporate communications department has misspellings and misplaced modifiers.

The promotional merits of good, effective writing must never be underestimated. Too many executives and managers fail to recognize that whatever is written on behalf of their products, services, and projects — including hiring efforts and networking ventures — can end up as archival material that represents their companies for years to come, even if that’s not the intention.

This includes websites, brochures, e-newsletters, advertorials, company-wide e-blasts, and much more. In today’s cyber world, anything can show up anywhere and last forever. That’s just the way it is. Rambling, boring, ostentatious, cliché-ridden, or grammatically challenged writing can easily come back to haunt. Good writing from the start pays off.

Unfortunately, fewer people seem willing to take the time. Most employees claim they are overworked to begin with; who has time to reread something twice before sending it out?

E-mail is one of the biggest victims, from subject lines to body copy. How often have you received an e-mail that has absolutely nothing to do with what the subject line indicates? The subject line might say “Kittens & Puppies,” for example, and because of that you may decide to wait until the next afternoon to open it. But it could, in fact, be from your biggest client asking you to meet him early in the morning for an important discussion that concerns an income-earning opportunity.

Your client simply hit ‘respond’ on your last e-mail — the one in which you presented a promotional idea tying in to a local pet shelter — and wrote a new e-mail without bothering to change the subject line. That income-earning opportunity would have been missed simply because the subject line on an e-mail wasn’t changed.

I received a corporate e-mail the other day for which the subject line read “Re,” followed by body copy that said, “Tomorrow is fine my bad for not getting back to you sooner.” The fact is that e-mail is fast and easy — too fast and easy. It empowers us, making us feel as if we are dynamic skippers on the information superhighway with no need for self-evaluation, and certainly none for criticism or even assistance.

Many companies rely on their own employees to provide content for business communications, including websites. Often it’s a budgetary decision: why hire a communications firm or reputable freelancer when writing is a fundamental skill we have all learned in school? I believe that’s one of the reasons why professional writing is not always seen as a valuable corporate commodity.

But here’s the problem: yes, we can all write, but we can all add, subtract, multiply, and divide, too, yet would you want to use just any employee to run your accounting department? Good writing is actually a specialized skill. Fewer people are willing to acknowledge that fact.

Here’s an actual line from a website I recently reviewed: “The owners of the company have made a commitment to continue to provide the excellent service and expertise which has lead to the success of these firms through the years.”

The owners may have a commitment to service, but evidently not to syntax or spelling.

Thousands of press releases are generated every day. When deciding which ones to save and which to discard, editors won’t be charitable to the ones that are weak and unconvincing. Here’s an actual selection from a release issued by a nonprofit organization: “On March 4, three planes loaded with thousands of pounds of emergency resources and supplies delivered much-needed goods to the local orphanage. ‘When we approached the orphanage to see what we could do to help them, we were simply doing what all of us do every day,’ the organization’s president said.”

Does the president’s comment do anything to truly set him and his organization apart?

I took the liberty of pulling together a few simple suggestions to help put an emphasis back on good, effective writing, particularly for the in-house crowd for whom corporate communications may not be a primary job description.

• Reread everything several times before deeming it final — at least once for the sole purpose of eliminating as many words and phrases as possible;

• Avoid clichés like a pandemic;

• Simple words and phrases are always better than those that try to impress;

• Know your audience;

• Recognize that your audience is as stressed and as cautious as you are, and will find it easy to dismiss what they read if it doesn’t grab them right away; and

• Get a second pair of eyes to read all material — preferably someone who isn’t already familiar with the topic. Beg for their honest opinion. Listen to them.

Help might actually be just a water cooler away, because most companies have people on staff with a proven facility for writing and editing who can provide a little bit of editorial support. They may appreciate being asked to help because they, too, may very well wish to keep good writing alive.

So go ahead and send out an internal e-mail to find the right person to provide a fresh pair of eyes. But be careful: in the subject line, please do not write “Fresh Pair.” You’d probably get a nasty e-mail back from HR. You don’t want that — even if it’s well-written. n

Joel Samberg is a freelancer who offers time-efficient, cost-effective corporate writing and editing for businesses, organizations, and individuals. In addition to press releases and newsletters, he also helps out with white papers, advertorials, speeches, brochures, websites, presentations, slogans, special projects, and more; joelthewriter.com; [email protected]

The Berkshires Beckon Year-round Visitors Looking to Get Up, Out, and Away

By
Berkshires
Sections Travel and Tourism

The Great Escape

The Berkshire region

The Berkshire region has become known for its outdoors and foodie tourism.

By JACLYN C. STEVENSON

The Berkshires have always been a haven for tourists and a region in many ways dependent on the dollars those tourists spend. And throughout history, this has been largely a summer phenomenon. But in recent years, the state’s westernmost county has been devoted to making itself a year-round destination, with those efforts yielding solid results.

In the late 1800s, society’s well-to-do waved farewell to ‘the season’ in the Berkshires — the summer months — with elaborate parades, featuring horse-drawn carriages.

In the 1910s and 1920s, vacationers returned in the warmer months to venues like the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield, for a chance to see the stars — Ethel Barrymore, Al Jolson, and Sarah Bernhard, to name a few — basking in the glow of General Electric’s newfangled footlights.

And in the 30s, the first picnickers began flocking to Tanglewood’s grounds, bringing increasingly over-the-top spreads with them to listen to music outside and engage in a bit of neighborly competition.

Today, all of these attractions — even GE’s switch-board-operated footlights, though not in operation — still help define a vibrant summer and early-fall season that offers a number of historic cultural opportunities. Across Berkshire County, however, leaders of destinations of all kinds agree that year-round development is the key to continued success. To that end, they’re allocating dollars, developing partnerships, and highlighting hidden talents, with the common goal of welcoming visitors during all seasons, not just ‘the season.’

Dinner and a Show

Lindsey Schmid, director of Marketing at 1Berkshire and the Berkshire Visitors Bureau, said this includes calling attention to all the area’s specific strengths: farm-to-table culinary experiences, year-round outdoor recreation, and several different types of lodging opportunities, from bed and breakfasts to boutique inns to large hotels.

“The Berkshires will always be a cultural mecca, but the rolling hills and open space not filled with cars is part of that culture,” Schmid said. “More and more people are viewing us as a year-round escape, and we’re working to call attention to the different things visitors are escaping to.”

That includes a rich ‘foodie’ culture that extends from fine dining to locally produced niche items, such as spirits from Berkshire Mountain Distillers, cheese from Cricket Creek Farm, craft beer from Big Elm Brewing and Wandering Star Brewery, and bread from Berkshire Mountain Bakery.

1Berkshire staff

1Berkshire staff pose with #intheberkshires signs — just one aspect of a larger effort to brand the region as a year-round destination for travelers of all ages.

The Berkshire theater scene, often thought of in terms of summer stock, has evolved to offer readings of plays in progress, musical-theater labs, and new works that have started at venues such as Barrington Stage Co. in Pittsfield, Shakespeare and Co. in Lenox, and WAM Theatre, a professional company that produces plays and events across Berkshire County with a focus on female theater artists and stories of women and girls.

“There’s so much to do all year round, we often remind even local residents of the value that is in their backyard,” said Schmid. “Many theater productions that got their start here have gone on to present off- and on-Broadway following successful showings in the Berkshires. That’s a point of pride for us.”

For instance, Schmid called WAM Theatre (the acronym stands for Where Arts and Activism Meet) “a start-up that also brings a new level of theater” to the Berkshires. Now in its seventh year in business, WAM continues to find new ways to extend its influence — and its season. Artistic Director Kristen van Ginhoven announced plans for the company’s 2016 season in February — including performances and events scheduled from February into October and a new collaboration with the Berkshire Theatre Group (BTG), an organization created in 2010 by the merger of two of Berkshire County’s oldest cultural organizations: Berkshire Theatre Festival, founded in 1928 in Stockbridge, and the Colonial Theatre, built in 1903 in Pittsfield.

Click HERE for a chart of the region’s tourist attractions

“I’m delighted to announce the programming we’ve planned for WAM Theatre’s seventh season,” said van Ginhoven. “We have a dynamic lineup of events that fulfill our vision of creating opportunity for women and girls.”

She will direct WAM’s main-stage production, the American premiere of The Bakelite Masterpiece by Kate Cayley, in September and October this year, outside of the more traditional summer season. The play will be co-produced with BTG and performed at the Unicorn Theatre in Stockbridge.

“The play came to me via a close colleague in Canada who acted in the original production,” she noted. “I immediately envisioned it at the Unicorn and approached Kate Maguire [Berkshire Theatre Group artistic director and CEO], who loved the play. WAM Theatre is very excited that the Berkshire Theatre Group has opened their doors to make this a co-production.”

A Walk in the Woods

Schmid noted that she’s seen the region’s marketing dollars spreading across the entire calendar more and more in this way — traditional seasons lengthening, the ‘off-season’ shortening, and an overall, collaborative effort afoot to position the Berkshires as an escape for all types of travelers, rather than simply an historic or cultural destination.

“In the past, there’s been a lot of marketing of the summer and fall, because that’s when we had traffic. In the last couple of years in particular, though, we’ve focused more branding dollars on the shoulder seasons,” she said, adding that the tourism industry on the whole is seeing a trend toward travelers looking for unique outdoor experiences, and that’s something on which Berkshire County can capitalize.

“It’s not just taking a hike outdoors — there are adventure opportunities like aerial parks, as well as things designed to make nature feel more accessible to people who aren’t used to it,” she said, listing mountain biking, white-water rafting, mountain coasters — including North America’s longest, the Thunderbolt at Berkshire East in Charlemont — and the burgeoning trend of forest bathing, through which groups are guided through the woods, traveling short distances but taking in the scenery, among the options.

Lindsey Schmid

Lindsey Schmid says the region’s farm-to-table culinary experiences, outdoor recreation, and lodging opportunities make it a year-round destination.

“The outdoor activity message in the Berkshires is allowing us to talk to a slightly younger audience,” she said, “but also to address other hurdles, like museum fatigue among group tours. That’s something so many cultural facilities are experiencing … and here, they can stay outdoors, experiencing the natural beauty and enjoying a cultural experience at the same time; that sets us apart.”

Indeed, Berkshire County is home to several outdoor cultural venues. In addition to Tanglewood, the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s summer home in Lenox, Jacob’s Pillow in Becket offers world-class dance performances outside on a 220-acre parcel of land that is also a national historic landmark. The Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge includes 36 acres of largely walkable space, as does adjacent Chesterwood — once the summer home of sculptor Daniel Chester French — which regularly offers modern sculpture walks on its campus.

Conversely, the region’s outdoor destinations, including its mountain resorts — among them Berkshire East, Ski Butternut in Great Barrington, Jiminy Peak in Hancock, and Bousquet Mountain in Pittsfield — have taken a page from the cultural venues, offering a greater variety of things to do throughout the year. Now in its 15th year, the Berkshires Arts Festival is hosted at Ski Butternut in July. Jiminy Peak has had some late-autumn success with its 13 Nights of Jiminy haunted attraction, and Berkshire East opened Thunder Mountain Bike Park just last year.

Sherry Roberts, who owns Bousquet, noted that a number of upgrades have been made at the mountain in recent years, all with an eye toward year-round operation.

“We’ve made a lot of renovations to our banquet space, allowing us to open the lodge up for private functions,” she said. “We’re contacting schools and booking them now for summer adventure camp, as well as different parks and recreation groups.”

Roberts said the adventure-camp business, along with other offerings such as a waterslide, adventure park, zipline, and go-karts, serve Bousquet Mountain well — necessitating a full-time office staff during the summer months as well as ski, snowboarding, and tubing season.

“We do try to book most of the summer,” said Roberts, noting that the mountain resort community feels the importance of year-round business acutely, especially following a particularly slushy winter ski season that never quite guaranteed even a full week of strong sales. “When you have a group coming at a specific time and date, there are no surprises — not like opening the doors in January and seeing pouring rain.”

With all of New England seeing record warmth, Roberts said this season was particularly short.

“There were no snowstorms in the forecast, so we were very careful with the money we spent on snow making,” she said. “But we continued right to the end of the season, and I have a tremendous staff that is young and full of ideas. Whether it’s private functions, groups, or what we offer to the public, we’re always trying to build on it.”

All for One

Continuing to build on the idea of cooperation across all types of tourism outfits in the Berkshires, Schmid said 1Berkshire is working more and more with its members to create group opportunities such as cooperative ad buys, sponsorships, and other member benefits that help stretch the marketing budget across 12 months. To woo a younger audience, the region has also taken to putting its many attractions under one social-media umbrella: #intheberkshires, which is added to everything from billboards to Facebook updates.

“We’re branding all year round, and we’re better honed in than ever on specific messages about what our members offer,” she said. “The overall push is that, whoever you are, you can imagine yourself in the Berkshires.”

While that daydream might include a late-season picnic at Tanglewood, a night at the theater, and a farewell to the season with flower-festooned carriages, it can also include a modern meal, an arts walk, or even a high-wire zipline. Whatever the season, the Berkshires are open for business.

Brimfield Shows Attract Buyers, Sellers from Around the Globe

By
Sections Travel and Tourism

Treasure Trove

Shows are held in May, July, and September

Shows are held in May, July, and September, and unusual statues are among the many items for sale.

Patricia Schultz’s New York Times bestseller 1,000 Places to See Before You Die includes the Brimfield Outdoor Antiques Show, and, as a result, the world-renowned event has been put on many people’s bucket lists.

“I had a lady call from Michigan last week who is coming in May just for that reason,” said Lenny Weake, president of the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce, which fields an untold number of calls every year about the show that began 57 years ago and features about 6,000 vendors on 1,200 acres of privately owned property that stretch along a one-mile strip of Route 20.

The event is held three times a year, and the first show of 2016 will take place May 10-15. Many people make reservations a year in advance, and local hotels and motels from Springfield to Sturbridge take bookings from all over the U.S. and as far away as England, France, and Korea.

“Anything you could ever dream of can be found here,” Weake said. “It’s not just small items and trinkets. There are life-size statues, vintage ice-cream stools and counters, all types of period furniture, antique signs, toys, clocks, trains, jewelry, old magazines, movie posters, and buttons so intricate you need a magnifying glass to see the mosaics on them.”

But he admits it can be a test of endurance when a dedicated collector is in search of a specific item because vendors are not grouped by the type of merchandise they sell or the fields where they are located. In fact, there is no map to help locate a particular vendor, which makes it especially important for people to get receipts with names and phone numbers when they make a purchase, in case they want to return to the booth.

It takes days to walk the properties, and Weake advises people to dress comfortably and bring a backpack or wagon to hold their purchases because their vehicle may be parked six fields away from where they find what they want.

Some fields are open only on selected days, and because there is an endless bounty of things to see, many shoppers browse Wednesday through Sunday, including avid antique enthusiasts and collectors determined to be among the first on hand when a new field opens.

Over 1 million people attend the three annual outdoor showcases, which will be held this year May 10-15, July 12-17, and Sept. 6-11. However, the May show typically contains the most merchandise because dealers buy pieces all winter and often bring so much, they need to rent more than one spot to put it on display.

David Lamberto began helping the owner of Hertan’s Antique Show 25 years ago. That’s the name of the field he eventually purchased and runs today. He explained that the words ‘field’ and ‘show’ are used interchangeably, but the reality is that each show is its own entity and run by the person who owns the property.

The town of Brimfield is not involved with the event, although property owners must get permits, and Massachusetts state tax is collected on purchased items.

Vendors plan for the events far in advance, and many have been returning for decades, setting up their wares in booths next to their friends.

“They regard it as more than an opportunity to sell things,” Lamberto noted. “They also come to buy and network. It’s almost like a convention of antique dealers from all over the country.”

Expanding Horizon

Auctioneer Gordon Reid staged the first notable Brimfield antique show in 1959 after he purchased a piece of property on Route 20. It featured 67 dealers, attracted about 300 people, and was so successful he held a second one the same year.

Lenny Weakes

Lenny Weakes says people come from all over the world to buy and sell at the Brimfield Outdoor Antiques Show.

By the time Reid died in 1974, the 25 acres dedicated to his show had become home to about 800 vendors, and many marked the annual events on their calendars. After he passed away, his daughters, Jill Lukesh and Judy Mathieu, took over and changed his business name from the Gordon Reid Company to J & J Promotions.

Word spread about Gordon’s success, and when they began turning dealers away due to lack of space, many started knocking on neighbors’ doors, and the show expanded as owners of adjoining properties cashed in on the opportunity.

Every show or field charges for parking, and a few, including J & J, charge the first day they open, but many have no admission charge. In addition, a plethora of food vendors are spread out over the mile-long strip so visitors don’t have to worry about where to eat. Most dealers have porters that can help with large, bulky items.

And although the Brimfield Outdoor Antique Show is a venue unto itself, local businesses including restaurants, gas stations, hotels, motels, and bed-and-breakfast operations benefit from each seasonal show and have come to rely on it for part of their annual revenue.

The Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce receives endless calls about where to stay and what there is to do in the area, since families and spouses often attend together, but not everyone likes to shop. Weake and his staff work hard to educate them, promote their members, and tell callers about area historical or tourist attractions they might enjoy.

He added that transportation is often a critical part of a discussion because many visitors arrive at Bradley International Airport or on Amtrak and need to rent a vehicle. “People from places like New York City can’t envision what the show is like or the geography of it is like,” Weake explained. “They’re flabbergasted when I tell them there is no public transportation or taxi service in Brimfield.”

But the event is definitely an economic driver for the area, and Weake’s goal is to get people to stay at least an extra day. Many do, and visit attractions that range from the Basketball Hall of Fame and Springfield Museums to Yankee Candle and Old Sturbridge Village, while others drive to see historic sites, such as the 14 milestones Benjamin Franklin erected in 1767 when he was assistant postmaster general of the U.S. and mail was delivered to towns along the Old Boston Post Road.

The owners of properties who rent space formed the Brimfield Show Promoters Assoc. some time ago and advertise the event via the Internet, TV, and print media. They also belong to a number of different chambers and visitors and convention bureaus that help to spread the word. And some, including J & J Promotions, do their own advertising.

Social media has also helped raise awareness, and five years ago, Gretchen Aubuchon of Aubuchon Hardware started a tent for designers at Hertan’s by advertising it on Twitter. It was well-received, and for three years, busloads of designers from across the country gathered in a beautifully decorated private tent outfitted with chandeliers and a bar where they relaxed, compared notes, and stopped to rest during shopping sprees.

The tent ceased to exist two years ago after Aubuchon moved to a different job, but designers still band together, and last week Lamberto received a call from a Chicago group that will attend the May event. There are also celebrities and buyers from many different places, including local antique shops that rely on the show to boost their inventory of sought-after items.

“Ralph Polo sends a team to find things to decorate their stores, and we see people like Barbra Streisland and Martha Stewart every year,” he told BusinessWest.

The popular TV show Flea Market Flip usually stages a taping in Brimfield at least once a season, and Weake said the newest, most-sought-after items include repurposed furniture and building materials that have been transformed into lights, wine racks, and other one-of-a-kind pieces.

Collecting Memories

When eBay first became popular, business decreased slightly, and although people still use their cell phones to compare prices and haggle, there is nothing like the joy of finding something unexpected, being able to touch it, and bringing it home that same day.

“Our father was a visionary. He pioneered the show, did beautifully with it, and we hope we are making him proud,” Lukesh said.

Leake is happy it draws so much attention to the Quaboag region and also benefits area businesses.

“It’s the place to be, and people come here from all over the U.S. as well as from other countries,” he said. “We want them to have a good time, and they do. It’s a beautiful area and a treasure hunt; there is everything under the sun, and you never know what you will find.”

Landscape Designers Ride Momentum from Early Spring

By
Landscape
Landscape Design Sections

Going Yard

Amherst Landscape & Design Associates

One of Amherst Landscape & Design Associates’ many hardscape projects.

After several lean years during the recession, followed by the slow revival of the home-building and commercial-construction sectors, landscape designers are finally feeling like their industry is surging, with customers jumping on trends ranging from outdoor kitchens to landscape lighting to sustainable elements. A mild winter meant an early start for these professionals, who are optimistic the brisk business will continue throughout 2016.

It’s a simple question, just four words. But it speaks volumes about the optimism area landscape designers feel about the 2016 season.

“The golden question we’re hearing is, ‘when can you start?’ Not ‘let me get back to you,’ but ‘when can you start?’” said Stephen Roberts, president of Stephen A. Roberts Landscape Architecture & Construction in Springfield. “We haven’t heard those words much the last eight years, but we’re starting to hear them. People want to pull the trigger and go.”

That’s not to say the last few years haven’t been positive. Since the lean times caused by the Great Recession, the landscape-design business, like other construction trades, has been on an upward arc. But something seems different — even more positive — this year, Roberts said.

“We’ve seen an uptick in calls coming in, contracts have been signed already, and the backlog is stacking up,” he noted. “It seems stronger than the past few years.”

He admits the unseasonable winter — one in which the Pioneer Valley totaled well under two feet of snow and bare lawns, not mounds of snow, dotted the landscape throughout much of January and February — had something to do with that.

“Of course, we had the mild winter; last year, there was still plenty of snow on the ground at this time, and people weren’t thinking about landscaping,” he said when he spoke with BusinessWest at the start of April. “This year, with hardly any snow, people have been looking at their dreary landscape all winter and thinking about what to do.”

The warm weather also allowed for an early start to work, Roberts said. “We were able to get out much earlier because the ground wasn’t frozen; we could start excavating and preparing for construction. And because we got out into the community earlier, people saw the trucks, and that generated even more action.”

Steve Prothers, president of Amherst Landscape & Design Associates, senses similar optimism in the air.

“It’s exciting. There’s a lot of energy out there, a lot of excitement for the new season,” he said. “Of course, that’s true after every winter, regardless of the severity; come spring, people are excited to be outdoors, and they look to landscaping to make their property a beautiful and desirable place to hang out.”

Still, the mild winter and early onset of warm weather — give or take a couple late-season accumulations that melted quickly — gave landscapers about a four-week start on the time they usually start cranking up, which is typically mid-April.

“From what I can tell, this is going to be a very busy year,” he said. “That shows there’s a lot of construction going on. Landscaping is always the result of a lot of physical building and remodeling, and it’s kind of a snowball effect. We can’t help but benefit. As they go, we go. When they’re down in flow, so are we. I’ve been doing this for 37 years, and maybe we’re a little insulated in this region, but we’re still affected by the ups and downs of the national and local economy.”

Roberts agreed that a strong flow of work among both commercial contractors and home builders over the past few years has definitely trickled down to landscapers.

“A lot of new construction is getting ready for landscaping,” he explained. “When the engineers are first getting busy, we’re usually two years out from them. But you’re seeing contracts being signed now for the landscape phase.”

At Home Outdoors

As a specialist in hardscaping, Prothers is in a good spot these days, as that aspect of landscape design has been on an upward track since the recession began to fade and people began reinvesting in their homes in earnest.

“We’re seeing a lot of landscape construction from people who are remodeling or expanding and want to expand their outdoor living rooms, using walkways, patios, gazebos, pergolas … anything that makes the space more inviting to hang out or entertain.”

Click HERE for a chart of area landscape design companies

He said water features and outdoor firepits have become especially popular with customers, not to mention kitchen areas where families can cook and dine outdoors — in some cases, poolside. Others are hardscaping around hot tubs and better connecting the poolside experience to the overall landscape — in both cases, making pools and hot tubs part of the entire outdoor-living experience, rather than standalone spots to enjoy a dip or a soak. “People want to feel like they’re spending vacation time in their backyard.”

Roberts agreed that demand remains strong for outdoor living rooms, cooking areas, and firepits. “Those are still high up on the want list for a lot of customers. And the trend is more toward gas features, which are easier to operate.”

Beyond the cooking aspects, he added, homeowners have moved well beyond lawn chairs and favor durable and weatherproof outdoor furniture. “They want to create comfortable, casual spaces. They want to gather and relax in a little more upscale environment than what they’ve had in the past.”

Steve Roberts and his dog, Max

Steve Roberts and his dog, Max, enjoy a moment at the firepit on the Elms College quadrangle, which his company gave a significant makeover recently.

They’re also increasingly looking to install artistic landscape lighting, also known as architectural lighting, a niche popular in the South that is coming into its own in the Northeast. As opposed to powerful floodlights, landscape lighting uses a variety of smaller accent lights to highlight the features of a home and yard.

“Outdoor lighting is being requested a lot more, with the LED lights available now,” Roberts said. “Those are more energy-efficient, and more people are gravitating toward them than in the past. They’re coming up earlier in the conversation, instead of something being added on in the future; people are asking for lighting up front.”

All these features reflect national landscaping trends, according to Corinne Gangloff, media relations director for the Freedonia Group, which studies landscaping trends. She writes that, “as part of the outdoor living trend, homeowners create outside kitchens and living rooms, and businesses extend outdoor areas to expand their seating space. Urban communities increasingly create ‘parklets,’ small green spaces that may feature flower beds, container gardens, walking paths, water features, seating, bird-watching opportunities, and statuary. Some communities have used these parks as a way to address the issue of abandoned homes in blighted neighborhoods, tearing down the structures and replacing them with this type of public green space.”

Other trends in this $6.3 billion industry, according to the organization’s 2016 survey, include heating elements, pavers, and environmental concerns, driving the popularity of solar-powered features, water conservation, and recycled materials.

“Sustainability is a growing concern and desire for homeowners,” writes Jill Odom, associate editor of Total Landscape Care. “As houses get renovated to conserve energy, yards will be redesigned to conserve water. There are plenty of design options that can be used to achieve this, but the two main options will be low-water-use plant material and better irrigation systems.”

Practical features are popular too, Roberts noted. “A lot of people want to add gardens and grow vegetables and fruit. I think there’s definitely a trend toward having some type of edible landscape aspects to their properties, even if it’s just an herb garden, just to have something to pick and throw on a salad. We see that as kind of a trend.”

Heating Up

While the hot choices in landscaping features might vary from customer to customer, Prothers told BusinessWest, the professionals working in the field report similar levels of enthusiasm for what the spring and summer of 2016 will bring after that remarkably mild winter.

“If it’s not overwhelming, it’s certainly steady work,” he said, noting that customers are starting to think about their spring plans sooner — as in the previous winter or even fall — and booking their projects instead of waiting, as they might have in past years. “They realize these jobs have a schedule, so they want to lock them in, and they’re thinking in advance.”

There are plenty of reasons for that, he added, but in general, people have a little more money to spend right now, and they want to invest it in their homes — specifically, in extending their homes outside. “There are a lot of larger renovation jobs taking place, which is great, but also a lot of older landscapes that were installed 30, 40 years ago, and are tired and need a little attention. People want something that’ll go the rest of distance they’re in their homes — or help them resell their homes.”

The almost complete lack of snow this year, while a relief for the average Massachusetts homeowner weary of long, harsh winters, did pose some stress to landscapers — Roberts included — who turn to snow removal during the cold months. But he’s not complaining about the flip side.

“We rely on that winter income for our overhead, and to give us a little cash going into the spring, and that money wasn’t there this year,” he said. “But, luckily, things are on the upswing now.”

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Flowers, Shrubs, Trees Can Bring Definition to a Property

By
Landscape Design Sections

Deep-rooted Concepts

This landscape design by David Paine

This landscape design by David Paine uses plants to create privacy as the steps behind this home lead to a hot tub.

Bill St. Clair likes to compare the plantings around a home to a frame chosen for an expensive piece of artwork.

It takes time and care to select the right frame — or, in this case, plants for a landscape design — but doing so is well worth the cost because it enhances the beauty and increases its value.

“Plants can transform a beautiful home into a picture,” said the owner of St. Clair Landscaping and Nursery in Hampden. “I tell people all the time they are the frame around a house.”

Andy Grondalski agrees and says plants can also be used to create outdoor living space. “Some people frame outdoor rooms with plants, while others use them on patios or along winding paths that lead to areas with a bench or pond or that open up into a field,” said the nursery manager from Sixteen Acres Garden Center in Springfield. “Annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees can be used to define space and create a garden, and people can plant them with roses, hydrangeas, or different varieties of day lilies.

“But it’s important to find the right plants for the right place,” he continued, adding that he has measured out 20-foot spots at the nursery and had people place plants alongside each other before they buy them to make sure they like how they look from a distance.

“You may prefer something ornate, while other people want something simpler, but plants are an investment, so it’s important to be sure what you are getting is something you really like,” he noted.

Andy Grondalski

Andy Grondalski says people can have color in their yards year-round with the right mix of plants.

Local experts say it’s also critical to use plants with a USDA Hardiness Zone 5 rating because they can withstand the harsh New England climate. The zones are based on average annual extreme minimum temperatures over a 30-year period, and although some people purchase plants rated for Zone 4 and Zone 6, they are less likely to survive when the weather turns cold.

Although everyone wants plants that don’t require much maintenance, with the exception of mature trees and shrubs, they all need watering, and some require deadheading, pruning, trimming, repotting, and other work.

“Plants are alive, and anything alive has to be cared for,” Grondolski said.

David Paine, owner of Plan It Green in Northampton, advises people to use native plants as often as possible. “They are more apt to survive because they’ve lived here for thousands of years,” said the licensed landscape architect. “They also benefit the environment.”

For example, white oak trees produce acorns, while serviceberry trees, blueberry bushes, and various varieties of holly produce berries that birds eat.

Paine said some people shy away from oaks because they views acorns as messy or worry they’ll dent their vehicles when they fall, but oak trees provide incredible habitats; more than 300 wildlife species are known to use or make their home in oaks, including dozens of types of birds.

Flowering plants that attract bees and butterflies are also important and beneficial.

“We would lose many of our food sources if we didn’t have bees to pollinate plants, and although some people are afraid of them, they are far more interested in the nectar on flowers than human beings,” Paine said.

As the number of people concerned about the environment increases, those who love the look of a lush lawn are turning to varieties that are hardier and more drought-tolerant.

“Everyone wants their place to look nice, but Kentucky bluegrass needs two inches of water a week, so it’s almost irresponsible to plant it,” Paine said, adding that replacing turf grass with ground cover is also a growing trend.

Variety of Settings

Today, many landscapers use plants to define a space or create privacy around an outdoor living area. “We put Japanese painted ferns in 24-inch pots around a outdoor room in a Longmeadow home that has a fireplace and TV,” St. Clair told BusinessWest, adding that they are 18 to 24 inches in height and 36 inches wide.

The use of ornamental grasses is also on the rise because they reach heights of five to seven feet and provide privacy and interest, as well as a soothing sound when the wind ruffles through them.

The grasses need to be cut back six to 12 inches from the ground in the fall, although some people leave them standing until the spring because they like the way they look when they are covered with snow. They don’t begin growing again until late May or June, but can reach their mature height in two months.

“They came into popularity over the past decade, are relatively easy to care for, and provide a different aesthetic,” Paine explained.

People love colorful plantings, which can add beauty or create warmth in almost any area, and experts say color can be maintained year-round with a mixture of spring, summer, and fall perennials as well as bushes, including green or gold evergreens or holly, which are known for their glossy green leaves and bright red berries.

“You can also achieve year-round color by using only shrubs and trees, as there are so many interesting textures of foliage and bark,” Grondolski said. “Red twig dogwood shows up really nicely in the snow, and paperback maples have cinnamon-colored bark that peels off like birch bark. Their fall foliage is phenomenal in the fall, and when it comes to color, it’s definitely a multi-season tree.”

He added that reblooming hydrangea is one of the most popular bushes, and it’s possible to change the color of the plant’s flowers from blue to pink or purple by changing the soil composition and making it more acidic or more alkaline.

Filling large pots with plants can also add interest to a landscape, especially when they are placed on each side of the front door of a home or business. St. Clair has clients who like the look of these pots and have him change the flowers in them each season.

Others prefer a more permanent plant and opt for dwarf Alberta spruce trees in pots, as they do well year-round and can be decorated with lights during the Christmas season. They reach a height of three to four feet and can be sprayed in the fall with anti-desiccant oil that prevents the moisture from escaping so they don’t dry out during the winter, although they do need to be watered until the pot freezes.

The market for trees is also growing, and popular choices include varieties of Japanese maples with dome-shaped foliage that looks like an upright umbrella, Kousa dogwoods, Bradford pears, thundercloud plums, and apple trees.

“People can have a small orchard in a 50-by-50-foot space if they plant dwarf varieties. They are the easiest trees to grow, and you don’t need a huge area or have to climb a ladder to harvest the fruit,” Paine said.

Sixteen Acres Garden Center sold out of fruit trees last year, and Grondolski said people are still replacing trees that were downed during the tornado and freak October snowstorm several years ago. In addition to aesthetics, they are beneficial to the environment and reduce heating and cooling bills because they provide shade in summer and block the wind in the winter.

Choosing a plant or tree can be daunting, however, as growers continue to offer an array of new varieties. Some, such as the Kousa dogwood, are disease-resistant, while hollies have been genetically engineered; until about five years ago, a holly plant would not produce red berries unless there were a male and female shrub within 100 feet of each other. “But today, growers have propagated a holly that has the male and female in the same plant,” St. Clair noted.

Helping Plants Thrive

Plants are an investment, and knowledge is required to make sure they not only survive, but thrive.

Sixteen Acres Garden Center guarantees its plants for a year, and the majority that are returned have failed because of the way they were planted.

“Many people make the mistake of putting soil too high around the stem, which causes rot and kills the plant. Or they place the plant too deep in the soil,” Grondolski said, adding that mulch around plants or trees should be tapered inward, and there shouldn’t be any about three fingers away from the base.

“If you want to ring a tree with mulch, you should create a bowl near the base that catches water and can be filled with a hose,” he told BusinessWest.

Paine said another mistake people make is not checking to find out how large something will grow. “A Colorado blue spruce is cute when it is young, but it will grow 70 feet tall and 35 feet wide,” he noted, adding that most plants eventually have to be moved or removed.

However, many don’t require the trimming needed years ago when most homes had a row of yews planted in front of them.

“Things in this profession keep evolving,” St. Clair said, explaining that, when he started out in business 40 years ago, most trimming was done with hand shears. That changed when gas hedge trimmers hit the market, but today, hand trimming has made a comeback.

“Gas trimmers aren’t selective,” he said. “For example, you can’t bring in a canopy on a maple tree with them, so more is being done today by hand, as people want a natural appearance.”

Another thing that has changed is the practice of planting yews in front of a home, which were occasionally punctuated by an azalea plant.

Paine said the idea of putting shrubs in front of a home originated in Victorian times because the multi-storied homes with steep staircases that were being built at the time didn’t look like they were anchored to the ground.

“So, people started planting shrubs around them to create a visual anchor. The nursery business developed as a result, and they tried to sell foundation plants to every homeowner,” he said. “But capes and small ranches don’t really need them, and in a lot of cases, they are out of scale with the house.”

Today, landscapers tend to put accent plants in key locations such as the corners of a home, on either side of the front door, or along the front walkway.

The amount of space people have to work with makes a decided difference, and Grondolski said people who have only eight to 10 feet in front of their home often choose to tier plants of different heights to add interest.

“But plant material won’t perform well unless it’s in the right location,” he cautioned. “If it needs a lot of sun and is in the shade, the growth will be stunted, and it will drop leaves or needles as it stretches to grow toward the light.”

Peace of Mind

St. Clair said many people with demanding jobs don’t want to spend time caring for the plants on their property. As a result, a growing number of clients have him maintain their plantings, and if they do their own maintenance, they make sure someone waters their plants when they are away during the summer.

“Protecting their investment is very important,” he said.

And, indeed, the reasons surpass aesthetics and money spent on them. “Many people find plants and gardens therapeutic, whether they are sitting on a bench and admiring them or down on their hands and knees working,” Grondolski said.

So, with longer days and warmer weather on the horizon, it’s an ideal time to look  online and make careful choices about plants that can be used to frame a property, enhance it, and increase its value.

Building Permits

By
Building Permits Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of March 2016.

AGAWAM

Allied Flooring and Paint
350 Main St.
$116,000 — Install rooftop solar voltaic array

Primos Pizza
1623 Main St.
$107,000 — New storefront

Sultan Restaurant
2170 Maple St.
$3,000 — New fire suppression system

AMHERST

One East Pleasant Street, LLC
1 East Pleasant St.
$14,408,000 — Construct new five-story mixed-use building

HADLEY

Berkshire Hills Music
48 Woodbridge St.
$2,624,000 — New 8,000-square-foot building

The Moynihan Realty
548 New Ludlow Road
$4,000 — Install new fire alarm system

LUDLOW

Silvestre Gama
165-167 East St.
$11,000 — Alterations

Starbuck’s Coffee
456 Center St.
$165,000 — New construction

NORTHAMPTON

Coolidge Northampton, LLC
225 King St.
$363,000 — Renovate former restaurant to UMass credit union

Hampshire Hospitality Group
259 Elm St.
$10,000 — Repair to rooms

Pioneer Valley Transit Authority
54 Industrial Dr.
$601,650 — New roof

Smith College
8 Paradise Road
$379,500 — Install replacement windows

Smith College
11 Arnold Ave.
$13,000 — Exterior repairs to fire escapes and porches

Smith College
12 Arnold Ave.
$13,000 — Exterior repairs to fire escapes and porches

Smith College
43 West St.
$13,000 — Exterior repairs to fire escapes and porches

PALMER

Converse Middle School
24 Converse St.
$3,000 — Air seal attic and weather stripping

Johnson Home Improvement
2193 Palmer St.
$15,700 — Construct 8’ x 29’ square foot office area

SOUTH HADLEY

Francis Conforti
41 West Summit St.
$47,000 — Re-roof

GG’s Realty, LLC
785 New Ludlow Road
$33,000 — Install new sprinkler system

Town of South Hadley Football Field
Lincoln Ave.
$4,000 — Re-roof

SPRINGFIELD

City of Springfield
474 Armory St.
$14,000 — Repair glass door

City of Springfield
1170 Carew St.
$7,000 — Construct glass storefront

CNR Springfield, LLC
655 Page Blvd.
$2,138,000 — 10,720 square feet of alterations

Garrett Lumsden
1304 Worcester St.
$13,000 — Build new sales office

MGM
95 State St.
$925,000 — Interior alterations

Premier Education
189 Brookdale Ave.
$100,000 — Interior education

Super Worcester, LLC
800 Worcester St.
$1,212,000 — Construct 9,975-square-foot addition

WEST SPRINGFIELD

380 Union Street, LLC
380 Union St.
$16,000 — Interior renovations for new office

Aspen Square Management
1139 Westfield St.
$8,000 — Strip and re-roof

DDR Corporation
935 Riverdale St.
$16,500 — Interior build-out for tenant

Fred Aaron
134D Capital Dr.
$9,000 — Interior renovations

Real Estate Transactions

By
Departments 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

1620 Cape St.
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Christopher E. Roberts
Seller: Anne E. Porter
Date: 03/15/16

CONWAY

522 Hoosac Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $298,500
Buyer: Michael R. McDowell
Seller: Tammy J. Dubuque
Date: 03/16/16

DEERFIELD

230 Stillwater Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Michael S. Didonna
Seller: Beatrice Young-Blain
Date: 03/18/16

GILL

280 West Gill Road
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $115,250
Buyer: Brooke Hastings
Seller: John L. Dubay
Date: 03/16/16

GREENFIELD

68 Devens St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: Crista R. Dericco
Seller: Nicholas Blackmer
Date: 03/14/16

272 Federal St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $164,900
Buyer: Drew Taylor-Pogue
Seller: FHLM
Date: 03/14/16

126 Oakland St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $171,300
Buyer: Gerard M. Keim
Seller: Thomas D. Newcomb
Date: 03/08/16

LEVERETT

102 Juggler Meadow Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $372,000
Buyer: Joshua W. Wallace
Seller: Woodland NT
Date: 03/15/16

247 Long Plain Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $289,500
Buyer: Patrick J. Geryk
Seller: Peter R. Heronemus
Date: 03/15/16

MONROE

Davis Road
Monroe, MA 01350
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Todd M. St.Jacques
Seller: Todd M. St.Jacques
Date: 03/07/16

MONTAGUE

154 Montague City Road
Montague, MA 01301
Amount: $191,000
Buyer: Katie M. Boudreau
Seller: Thomas J. Demers
Date: 03/11/16

NORTHFIELD

204 Main St.
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Kristin S. Graves
Seller: Sherry K. Tychsen
Date: 03/11/16

66 Main St.
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $212,500
Buyer: Deutsche Band
Seller: Jonathan R. Christopher
Date: 03/08/16

6 Pine St.
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $237,500
Buyer: Melissa K. Heckman
Seller: Gay A. Roberts LT
Date: 03/11/16

ORANGE

349 Tully Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $131,000
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Christopher S. Cote
Date: 03/07/16

ROWE

43 Middletown Hill Road
Rowe, MA 01367
Amount: $132,439
Buyer: USA HUD
Seller: Barbara A. Stickney
Date: 03/17/16

SHELBURNE

101 Mechanic St.
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $179,900
Buyer: Clayton L. Connor
Seller: Bonita Bobowiec
Date: 03/16/16

SUNDERLAND

18 Howard Hepburn Dr.
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $317,000
Buyer: Melinda J. Martin
Seller: Michael E. Sweeney
Date: 03/11/16

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

50 Harding St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $173,900
Buyer: Glenn Vreeland
Seller: Antonio J. Pezzimenti
Date: 03/11/16

7 Marla Place
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $312,000
Buyer: Brendan S. Hartt
Seller: Christopher J. Strycharz
Date: 03/07/16

15 Memorial Park
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $199,000
Buyer: Petr Melnik
Seller: Kierkla, Maria, (Estate)
Date: 03/18/16

27 Merrill Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $138,801
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: James M. Turnberg
Date: 03/10/16

14 Reed St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $206,836
Buyer: HSBC Bank
Seller: John D. Foster
Date: 03/07/16

21-23 Scherpa St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $217,500
Buyer: Bryan Mruk
Seller: Diane M. Mercier
Date: 03/11/16

300 Springfield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: S&H Goodies Realty LLC
Seller: Mark Cornelius
Date: 03/18/16

325-327 Walnut St. Ext.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $281,000
Buyer: OSC Property LLC
Seller: Raymond Kuselias
Date: 03/17/16

CHICOPEE

88 7th Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $144,500
Buyer: Joshua J. Vadakin
Seller: Ivan Panasyuk
Date: 03/11/16

65 Dayton St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Nicholas A. Breton
Seller: Gerald A. Lavallee
Date: 03/16/16

165 Deslauriers St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $118,000
Buyer: Wrecker LLC
Seller: Debra J. O’Connor
Date: 03/07/16

429 East St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $143,100
Buyer: Ocwen Loan Servicing LLC
Seller: Margaret Taylor
Date: 03/15/16

369 Hampden St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $137,000
Buyer: Luke Vicente
Seller: FNMA

New Ludlow Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: MSJ USA LLC
Seller: Ronald R. Barthelette
Date: 03/08/16

38 Nye St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Mark V. Bartosz
Seller: Paul C. Poreda
Date: 03/14/16

572 Springfield St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Lindsay A. Drobnak
Seller: Krzysztof B. Janczar
Date: 03/11/16

161 Vadnais St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Evan M. Mann
Seller: Keem LLC
Date: 03/18/16

42 Valier Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $238,000
Buyer: Rachael M. Pignatare
Seller: Mildred M. Hayward
Date: 03/18/16

33 William St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $149,900
Buyer: Tyler S. Austin
Seller: Christopher J. Plewa
Date: 03/14/16

EAST LONGMEADOW

462 Chestnut St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $244,900
Buyer: Sheila R. Heady
Seller: Camilo J. Catarino
Date: 03/10/16

322 Elm St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $167,000
Buyer: Steven A. Clines
Seller: Eleanore A. Kennedy
Date: 03/18/16

37 Frankwyn St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $254,000
Buyer: Emily Link
Seller: Laura A. Stevens
Date: 03/09/16

10 Judy Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Erica Donnelly
Seller: Mark R. Carnevale
Date: 03/18/16

193 Kibbe Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $251,000
Buyer: Steve Congelos
Seller: Kelly Binnall
Date: 03/11/16

11 Oak Brook Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $219,100
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: James L. Bowen
Date: 03/08/16

566 Parker St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Couture Partners LLC
Seller: S&C Homebuyers LLC
Date: 03/10/16

119 Pleasant St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $216,000
Buyer: Tina L. Girhiny
Seller: Brenda J. Anderson
Date: 03/18/16

310 Prospect St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $249,900
Buyer: Mark R. Carnevale
Seller: Jeffrey M. Cabral
Date: 03/18/16

21 Scantic Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Rebecca Ouellette
Seller: Theresa Ouellette
Date: 03/15/16

HAMPDEN

260 Bennett Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $297,000
Buyer: Christopher P. Turnberg
Seller: Clifton R. Graves
Date: 03/08/16

30 Brookside Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $141,135
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Barbara A. Olend
Date: 03/17/16

39 Brookside Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Buyer: Kelli D. Kefalas
Seller: Timothy D. Johnson
Date: 03/10/16

91 Raymond Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $211,500
Buyer: Jerry Ago
Seller: Thomas M. Rosati
Date: 03/10/16

126 Steepleview Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: James M. Quinn
Seller: Jennifer M. O’Connor
Date: 03/18/16

HOLYOKE

21 Arthur St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Jonathan M. Westbrooks
Seller: 3 Palms LLC
Date: 03/18/16

51-53 Belvidere Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Corey J. Potvin
Seller: Kristen Mone
Date: 03/16/16

25 Central Park Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $266,500
Buyer: Tracy A. Caisse
Seller: Pamela St.Jean
Date: 03/18/16

2-6 Day Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $214,900
Buyer: Michele L. Richardson
Seller: Shemaya Laurel
Date: 03/07/16

75-77 Longwood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Sandra I. Santiago
Date: 03/08/16

167 Pearl St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Daniel Bones
Seller: Mark D. Bodah
Date: 03/11/16

2-4 Saint Jerome Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $156,976
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Elmis A. Collado
Date: 03/07/16

LONGMEADOW

79 Chiswick St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Kearney
Seller: Tusk RT
Date: 03/18/16

123 Dwight Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $1,450,000
Buyer: LPC Realty LLC
Seller: Longmeadow Professional Center LLP
Date: 03/18/16

97 Homestead Blvd.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Kyle J. Dufault
Seller: Paul C. Sabec
Date: 03/14/16

69 Western Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Ghulam Sheraz
Seller: Andrew M. Aronson
Date: 03/11/16

LUDLOW

28 Dale St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $268,000
Buyer: Manuel Duarte
Seller: Carlos Ribeiro
Date: 03/11/16

92 Laroche St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Amandio D. Ferreira
Seller: Domingos F. Afonso
Date: 03/09/16

36 Newbury St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Anotonio Carvalho
Seller: Reeves, Dorilla M., (Estate)
Date: 03/07/16

138 Ridgeview Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $147,900
Buyer: Nelson G. Duarte
Seller: Karen Larocque
Date: 03/18/16

49 West Akard St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $164,900
Buyer: Andrew Connor
Seller: Thomas J. Russo
Date: 03/09/16

MONSON

261 Wilbraham Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $432,500
Buyer: Clifton R. Graves
Seller: James P. Kelley
Date: 03/08/16

35 Zuell Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $252,500
Buyer: Brian K. Brennan
Seller: Michael S. Carter
Date: 03/07/16

PALMER

26 Burlingame Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $187,900
Buyer: Scott C. Miller
Seller: Wrubel, Enes E., (Estate)
Date: 03/08/16

56 Burlingame Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: John D. Alexander
Seller: FHLM
Date: 03/16/16

12-16 East Palmer Park Dr.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Baldyga Realty LLC
Seller: Susan Monat
Date: 03/14/16

19 Emelda St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $165,900
Buyer: Caitlin A. Lamoureux
Seller: Rafael A. Sierra
Date: 03/14/16

3041 High St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Debra J. O’Connor
Seller: Barbara A. Spear
Date: 03/09/16

360 Park St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Baldyga Realty LLC
Seller: Susan Monat
Date: 03/14/16

SPRINGFIELD

13 Amity Court
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $119,500
Buyer: Olmstead RT
Seller: MNL Management LLC
Date: 03/17/16

48 Bevier St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $127,500
Buyer: Tamara D. Williams
Seller: Carol J. Flouton
Date: 03/11/16

145 Bowles St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $129,900
Buyer: Johanna Maldonado
Seller: James W. Fiore
Date: 03/08/16

107-109 Brunswick St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $164,000
Buyer: Ricardo Merced
Seller: Wilbraham Builders Inc.
Date: 03/08/16

384 Central St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Rosa K. Parra
Seller: North End Housing Initiative
Date: 03/16/16

75 Fox Woods Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $244,000
Buyer: Crescenza Dobiecki
Seller: Erica M. Marsh
Date: 03/10/16

4 Garfield St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Straitway To Heaven COGIC
Seller: First Park Memorial Baptist
Date: 03/16/16

94 Gillette Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Lahoussine Akanour
Seller: John R. Lyons
Date: 03/11/16

478-480 Grayson Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $140,000
Seller: Ronald J. McClements
Date: 03/17/16

245 Gresham St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Yvette Heredia
Seller: Devon S. Boreland
Date: 03/11/16

24 Ionia St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Angelica J. Cruz
Seller: Shawn Carleton
Date: 03/11/16

91 Jeffrey Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Kristy Yacovone
Seller: Abram Aviles
Date: 03/10/16

45 Larkspur St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $126,500
Buyer: Joseph C. Pollard
Seller: Lee C. Chua
Date: 03/18/16

58 Leete St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $153,295
Buyer: Wilmington Savings
Seller: Madelyne M. Robbins
Date: 03/09/16

18-20 Leonard St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Omar Yousef
Seller: Fancy Living LLC
Date: 03/11/16

54 Luden St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $124,500
Buyer: Joni Rhone
Seller: Beverly J. Wilander
Date: 03/09/16

57 Lyons St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: Tanya S. Boacas-Martins
Seller: Pogman Realty LLC
Date: 03/07/16

470 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Bar S. Land Holdings LLC
Seller: Carolyn A. Racicot
Date: 03/16/16

472 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Bar S. Land Holdings LLC
Seller: Carolyn A. Racicot
Date: 03/16/16

64 Marlborough St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Kimberly S. Williams
Seller: NI Management LLC
Date: 03/14/16

175 Marmon St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $207,000
Buyer: Adam L. Weber
Seller: Patricia A. Demers
Date: 03/15/16

66-68 Montclair St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Christina Henry
Seller: Olaolu O. Odewole
Date: 03/18/16

261 Oak Grove Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Better Homes Inc.
Seller: Lugrone L. Handford
Date: 03/11/16

22-24 Ozark St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Olmsted RT
Seller: WN Management LLC
Date: 03/17/16

134-136 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Antonio Ferreira
Seller: Francisco F. Fandinga
Date: 03/14/16

191 Pasco Road
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Luz Lopez
Seller: Viviana Council
Date: 03/07/16

1553 Plumtree Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Michael Morrison
Seller: Richard M. McKeever
Date: 03/17/16

143-149 Putnam Circle
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Ricky B. Wallace
Seller: Tang Realty LLC
Date: 03/10/16

111 Ramblewood Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $144,000
Buyer: Mario E. Martinez
Seller: Wilmington Savings
Date: 03/07/16

229 Ramblewood Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $156,900
Buyer: Ru J. Zhao
Seller: Paul R. Chartier
Date: 03/18/16

13 Raymond Place
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Lisandra Zeno
Seller: Global Homes Properties
Date: 03/15/16

179 Saint James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: JJS Capital Investment
Seller: Cabot Realty LLC
Date: 03/09/16

204 Saint James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: JJS Capital Investment
Seller: Cabot Realty LLC
Date: 03/09/16

213 Slater Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $124,250
Buyer: Albert C. Crepeau
Seller: Evelyn A. Such
Date: 03/08/16

1207 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Christian A. Palma
Seller: Gloria G. Weissman
Date: 03/14/16

51-59 Taylor St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: City Church
Seller: 51-59 Taylor Street Inc.
Date: 03/11/16

33 Thorndyke St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $154,000
Buyer: Lennox A. James
Seller: Robert J. Tudryn
Date: 03/18/16

48 Undine Circle
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Ellen T. Moorhouse
Seller: Gail M. Lonis
Date: 03/14/16

52 Wachusett St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $142,500
Buyer: Tomasz Szal
Seller: Hugh K. Martin
Date: 03/18/16

26 Warner St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $211,270
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Kelly Reyes
Date: 03/09/16

166 Westminster St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: JJS Capital Investment
Seller: Cabot Realty LLC
Date: 03/09/16

179 Westminster St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: JJS Capital Investment
Seller: Cabot Realty LLC
Date: 03/09/16

180 Whittum Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Irina Vidomanets
Seller: Alexander Vidomanets
Date: 03/11/16

126 Wollaston St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $239,500
Buyer: Kwaku Agyei-Yeboah
Seller: Nu Way Homes Inc.
Date: 03/18/16

15 Wood End Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $153,000
Buyer: James F. Ware
Seller: Jason S. Balut
Date: 03/18/16

SOUTHWICK

118 Berkshire Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Mark Mikaelian
Seller: Steven R. Legault
Date: 03/15/16

68 Davis Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Calvin J. Arnold
Seller: Daniel O’Sullivan
Date: 03/18/16

6 Great Brook Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $560,000
Buyer: Cemil Erdem
Seller: Tracy M. Calvanese
Date: 03/11/16

29 Lauren Lane
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Kevin K. Yarrows
Seller: Pine Knoll Inc.
Date: 03/10/16

7 Liquori Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $457,500
Buyer: Karl R. Schmidt
Seller: Paul E. Cesan
Date: 03/11/16

106 Summer Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $184,000
Buyer: Erin M. Larson
Seller: New England Remodeling & Restoration
Date: 03/17/16

40 Woodside Circle
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Emily J. Bryant
Seller: Lynn N. Fiana
Date: 03/18/16

WESTFIELD

31 Alquat St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Thomas I. McLain
Date: 03/08/16

72 Cardinal Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Gary L. Gover
Seller: Roger L. Ringenbach
Date: 03/14/16

71 Franklin St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $400,000
Seller: 71 Franklin Street LLC
Date: 03/07/16

22 Harold Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Bridget A. Stearns
Seller: Robert P. Williamson
Date: 03/11/16

46 Holland Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $121,200
Buyer: Big Buck Properties LLP
Seller: Wells Fargo Bank
Date: 03/09/16

12 Leaview Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Gregory F. Vescio
Seller: Eric P. Leduc
Date: 03/16/16

18 Llewellyn Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $195,187
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Robert F. Swayger
Date: 03/08/16

44 Montgomery St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: Brian A. Kuchachik
Seller: Burlingame, Carol A., (Estate)
Date: 03/11/16

225 Pontoosic Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Stephen R. Walbridge
Seller: Henry J. Bannish
Date: 03/14/16

18 Rosedell Dr. Ext.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Mellissa Leduc
Seller: Thomas Scott-Smith
Date: 03/16/16

69 South Maple St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $162,000
Buyer: Anthony R. King
Seller: Kylah M. Murdock
Date: 03/09/16

123 Sackett Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $162,250
Buyer: Justin B. Guilmette
Seller: Phillip B. Prather
Date: 03/11/16

36 Sherwood Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $218,000
Buyer: Matthew R. Montini
Seller: Brandon F. Giordanolanza
Date: 03/15/16

10 Smith Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Anotoliy Ovdlychuk
Seller: US Bank
Date: 03/10/16

179 Tannery Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $252,500
Buyer: Chad Brodeur
Seller: Lynn M. Boudreau
Date: 03/11/16

229 Western Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Robert L. Knapp
Seller: Joanne M. Brochetti
Date: 03/09/16

WILBRAHAM

6 Bradlind Ave.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $133,900
Buyer: Michael S. Gloster
Seller: Cheryl Wooster
Date: 03/15/16

485 Main St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $322,500
Buyer: David G. Mitchell
Seller: Joseph G. Lafreniere
Date: 03/17/16

603 Main St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: David J. Izatt
Seller: Donald R. Bennett
Date: 03/07/16

1 Meadowview Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Richard F. Steng
Seller: Luisa M. Tavares
Date: 03/07/16

11 Tracy Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Brick Road Properties LLC
Seller: Rivest, Robert F. Jr, (Estate)
Date: 03/14/16

WEST SPRINGFIELD

107 Althea St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $180,109
Buyer: Ocwen Loan Servicing LLC
Seller: K. Sukhumbaadthaneai
Date: 03/18/16

220 Ashley St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Robert A. Foresi
Seller: Nancy E. Dellaquila
Date: 03/11/16

409 Brush Hill Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $209,000
Buyer: Rodney H. Dupuis
Seller: Carol A. Clark
Date: 03/10/16

125 Craiwell Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $266,500
Buyer: Brett Gazaille
Seller: Linda L. Crean
Date: 03/07/16

55 Cooper St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Kurt M. Davis
Seller: Nancy A. Kingsbury
Date: 03/18/16

292 Greystone Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $214,000
Buyer: Dean H. Hoppe
Seller: Rose M. Danoff
Date: 03/10/16

104 Kings Hwy.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $202,500
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: George Colon
Date: 03/07/16

17 Lotus Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Linda L. Crean
Seller: Adam L. Dasso
Date: 03/07/16

N/A
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $226,500
Buyer: Toralben Patel
Seller: Robert A. Foresi
Date: 03/11/16

35 Ridgeview Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Jessica E. Hagerman
Seller: Michael Macutkiewicz
Date: 03/14/16

91 Woodmont St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Bhim Gurung
Seller: Gheorghe Seremet
Date: 03/17/16

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

195 Heatherstone Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Patrick J. Flaherty
Seller: Killough RT
Date: 03/18/16

32 Hitchcock Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $368,000
Buyer: Martha Merrill-Umphrey
Seller: Amherst College
Date: 03/09/16

Meadow St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $361,000
Buyer: Joseph J. Czajkowski
Seller: W. D. Cowls Inc.
Date: 03/07/16

Old Farm Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Town Of Amherst
Seller: Sabrina Realty LP
Date: 03/07/16

BELCHERTOWN

689 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $157,049
Buyer: Vision Investment Properties
Seller: US Bank
Date: 03/09/16

37 Jackson St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $278,200
Buyer: Amy M. Lavoie FT
Seller: Michael Edreich
Date: 03/17/16

6 South Liberty St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $167,700
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Jason Zdrojkowski
Date: 03/08/16

132 Springfield Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Kelly B. Edreich
Seller: David G. Mitchell
Date: 03/17/16

25 Trillium Way
Belchertown, MA 01002
Amount: $348,000
Buyer: James C. Pijar
Seller: Mark G. Jackson
Date: 03/07/16

EASTHAMPTON

16 Beyer Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $176,000
Buyer: Sarai Kon
Seller: Edward P. Dickson
Date: 03/18/16

15 Gaugh St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $187,088
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Ibro Duric
Date: 03/18/16

33-R Maine Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Kimberly A. Sweeney
Seller: Dailee E. Joyce
Date: 03/18/16

2 Schumikowski St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $152,500
Buyer: Laura Routhier
Seller: US Bank
Date: 03/11/16

GRANBY

435 East State St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $202,500
Buyer: Steven Stimpson
Seller: Eunice Y. Quinlan
Date: 03/18/16

51 Lyman St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Brian Marsh
Seller: Charles A. Bennis
Date: 03/10/16

HADLEY

2 Hawks Meadow
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $527,000
Buyer: Emily J. Cowden
Seller: Countryside Home Builders
Date: 03/14/16

HUNTINGTON

19 Blandford Hill Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Alisha Hanlon
Seller: Kyle F. Pero
Date: 03/11/16

NORTHAMPTON

5 Calvin Ter.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Asaf Pollin-Galay
Seller: Candace P. Curran

120 Chestnut St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $247,000
Buyer: Michael Stephens
Seller: Etavab RT
Date: 03/16/16

Easthampton Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: City Of Northampton
Seller: RWZ LLC
Date: 03/16/16

123 Meadow St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $685,000
Buyer: Jacqueline G. Leighton
Seller: Nooni Hammarlund
Date: 03/11/16

N/A
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Alan T. Dorman
Seller: Brian J. Campedelli
Date: 03/08/16

751 Park Hill Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $347,500
Buyer: Clifford Madru
Seller: Alan T. Dorman
Date: 03/08/16

SOUTH HADLEY

14 Apple Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Rudolph J. Hall
Seller: Craig J. Sypek
Date: 03/09/16

10 Forest Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $199,000
Buyer: Ryan C. Bowler
Seller: Matthew Bruton
Date: 03/11/16

12 Harvard St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Kimberly M. Dubois
Seller: US Bank
Date: 03/10/16

40 Lathrop St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $227,000
Buyer: Robert L. Oldershaw
Seller: Anthony L. Stevens
Date: 03/07/16

SOUTHAMPTON

27 Helen Dr.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Brian J. Binnall
Seller: Anthony Fedirko
Date: 03/11/16

WARE

178 North St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Elmer L. Grant
Seller: Talbot, Lillian M., (Estate)
Date: 03/17/16

WORTHINGTON

118 Scott Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Neil K. Keen
Seller: Jeffrey C. Johnson
Date: 03/15/16

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies Departments

The following bankruptcy petitions were recently filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Readers should confirm all information with the court.
 
Beecher, Joseph, A.
Beecher, Donna, M.
a/k/a Pastore, Donna, M.
40 Sioux Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/09/2016

DeMusis, Robert, P.
DeMusis, Maria, Katina
33 Colorado St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/14/2016

Dunham, Allen, R.
31 Railroad Ave.
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/15/2016

Gingersnaps Vending
Simone, Mark, R.
Simone, Ginger, P.
350 West St., Lot 41
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/14/2016

Jackson, Heather
PO Box 1924
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 13
Date: 03/09/2016

Jandro, Edward, J.
Jandro, Beverly, D.
102 Tanner St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/10/2016

Kurzman, Colleen A.
31 Railroad Ave.
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/15/2016

Perez, Carmen, Amanda
1682 Memorial Dr. 2R
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/10/2016

Rakaska, William, R.
1612 Westover Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/09/2016

Rostick, Lesline, G.
a/k/a Ainsley, Lesline, G.
12 Hamlin St., Apt. D
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/10/2016

Stone, Eric, K.
22 Bonair Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/15/2016

Szynkaruk, Jacek
Szynkaruk, Gina, B.
6 Taylor Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/09/2016

Williams, Susan, L.
1932 Page Blvd.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Date: 03/15/2016

Doing Business As Certificates

By
DBA Certificates Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of April 2016.

AGAWAM

Brittany Shields Photography
327 North West St.
Bradford Tilden

Feeding Hills Wellness Center
567 Springfield St.
Nancy Griswold

Gallagher A/S
81 Ramah Circle
Gianfranco Scirocco

R & G Remodel
94 Witheridge St.
Roman Gurskil

Titan Trading
15 Plumtree Way
Michael Pelletier

The Garlington House
322 Meadow St.
Larry Garlington

Tobedo
59 South Westfield St.
Wanda Torres

V & G Quality Home Improvement
32 White Fox Road
Vasiliy Grigorchuk

Victor Snacks
19 River St.
Victor Suarez

HOLYOKE

Aeropostale
50 Holyoke St.
Harry Axt

Convenience Plus
225 Whiting Farms Road
Andrw Slifka

Hampden County Cardiovascular Associates
230 Maple St.
James Arcoleo

Merrell
50 Holyoke St.
Ronald Balk

SG Renovations
294 Pleasant St.
SG Renovations

NORTHAMPTON

Antique Corner
5 Market St.
Louis Farrick

Barefoot Gardening
8 Aldrich St.
Courtney Gilligan

CAC Maintenance
65 Reservoir Road
Joseph Murphy

Heartcore Writing
28 North Maple St.
Elizabeth Solomon

Muscular Therapy Center
5 Strong Ave.
Catherine Carija

Northampton Doula
15 Nonotuck St.
Sara Rachlin

PALMER

One Stop Liquors
1458 North Main St.
Jeegar Patel

Roof Maintenance Management & Materials
111 Breckenridge St.
David Giordano

The Barn Cat
2136 Baptist Hill St.
Deborah Kelder

SPRINGFIELD

A Touch of Heaven
770 Carew St.
Tanya Martinez

Abuelita’s Kitchen
17 Rutland St.
Peter RiDubois

Alpha & Omega Construction
132 Croyden Terrace
Stefan Tshihotsky

AMC Childcare
799 Sumner Ave.
Victor Allder

Annette Marie Laroche
156 Jeffrey Road
Annette Laroche

Axiom Insurance
251 Boston Road
Lance Letourneau

Belle
68 James St.
Lynell Gasque-Davis

Beneath the Beauty
567 Carew St.
Stephanie Edwards

Da Li Mo and Company
9 Temple St.
Sandra Cotten

De Todos Market
306 Belmont Ave.
Ana Marte

Gifted Tones
1655 Boston Road
Alberto Navarro

Team Strength
23 Paridon St.
Lauren Corthell

Teo’s Finest T-Print
28 Preston St.
Teifilo Aponte

The Legends Barbershop
2388 Worthington St.
Luis A. Baez

Tripticstar
298 Allen Park Road
Michelle Barnaby

VSJ Productions
15 Barber St.
Veronica Shippy-Josey

WLHZ La Hora Zero
470 Main St.
Evelyn Edwards

Young Urban Engineering
815 State St.
Greg Ellerbee

Youthful Expressions
1 Allen St.
Zena R. Murray

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Lattitude Restaurant
1338 Memorial Ave.
Jeffrey Daigeneau

M.D. Transportation
198 Heywood Ave.
Maria Duducal

Navone News
35 Albert St.
Jennifer Navone

Peak Performance Exterior
103 Upper Beverly Hills
Eric Barkyoumb

Ready Motors
2405 Westfield Road
Victor Meyko

Scattered Seeds Foundations
908 Morgan Road
Maryanne Pacitti

Shawna’s Solutions
26 Duke St.
Shawna McDaniel

Sprint Spectrum
233 Memorial Dr.
Terrence Frederick

The Pawsitive Look
865 Memorial Dr.
Doris Ruiz

The Puppy Place
935 Riverdale St.
Richard Carty

Van Deene Medical Building
75 Van Deene Ave.
Jonathan C. Sudal

Western Mass Hypnosis Centers
201 Westfield St.
Thaddeus Muszynski

Incorporations

By
Departments Incorporations

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

AGAWAM

C & N Renovations Inc. 410 Meadow St., Apt. 30, Agawam, MA 01001. Christopher Guyette, 174 Birnie Ave., West Springfield, MA 01089. Residential Remodeling.
 
AMHERST

Action Interaction Inc. 145 University Drive, #3612, Amherst, MA 01004. Robert Price, same. Provides assistance with conducting events, workshops and performances, and all other lawful business.
 
CHESTERFIELD

Ajility Chico Corporation, 173 South St., Chesterfield, MA 01012. Gauis Brandt Slosser, same. Health care personnel staffing.
 
EAST LONGMEADOW

Ceramoptec Industries Inc., 515 Shaker Road, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Damian Pange. To acquire and dispose of real estate or personal property of any kind; and to purchase, mortgage, rent or lease, real estate or personal property of any kind.
 
GREAT BARRINGTON

Berkshire Community Land Trust Inc., 140 Jug End Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230. Billie Best, 16 White’s Hill Road, Alford, MA 01230. Education, research, and the promotion of and appreciation for community access to land and other natural resources in Berkshire County and environs for sustainable: 1. Affordable housing, 2. Farming, 3. Economic diversity, and 4. Open space for recreation. B. Enhancement of the community by acquiring by gift or purchase land and interests in land in Berkshire County.
 
Barlow Landscaping, Excavation, Paving and Construction Corp., 77 Davis St., Greenfield, MA 01301. Bryan Barlow, same. Landscaping, excavation, paving and construction and any other lawful business or activity.
 
HAMPDEN

BAF Auto Sales Inc., 482 Main St., Hampden MA 01036. Bilal Mhanna, 48 Agnes St., Springfield MA 01118. Used car dealer.
 
HOLYOKE

Colegio Biblico Camino De Emaus Inc., 349 High St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Juan Fernandez, 210 Mountain View Dr., Holyoke, MA 01040.
 
LEE

Berkshire Hills Youth Soccer Inc., 325 Marble St., Lee, MA 01238. Matthew Naventi, same. Organize and administer youth soccer teams and leagues in Southern Berkshire County of Western Massachusetts.
 
PITTSFIELD

123 Up and Adam Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Manuel Arcangel Martinez. 1123 Rockdale Ave., New Bedford, MA 02740. A nonprofit organization established to assist cross-disability, community-based agency that practices consumer-control. The non-profit corporation shall provide aid and relief services, to homeless disabled persons in Massachusetts.

Carlow and Zepka Construction Inc., 7 Park Dr., Pittsfield, MA 01220. Construction services.
 
WEST SPRINGFIELD

All for Christ Deliverance Outreach Ministries, 73 Hillside Village, Ware, MA 01082-0916. Marineusa Portugal Brown, 204 Pearl Street, Springfield, MA 01108. The ministry will serve its purpose by reaching out to Springfield and other communities throughout Massachusetts. We so endeavor to win souls for the kingdom of God. We desire to edify and to bring about positive change for the lives of many by teaching the Bible and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
 
WILBRAHAM

Confluent Sciences Consulting Inc., 255 Burleigh Road, Wilbraham, MA 01095. Frederick Haibach, same. Consulting practice and small-scale manufacturing of instrumentation. The services provided are in proof-of-concept chemical measurements, instrumentation development, evaluation and methods for interfacing instruments to the measurement all the way to the supervisory control and data acquisition system and training. Small- scale instrument manufacturing of limited-run prototypes or prototyping instruments.

Briefcase

By
Briefcase Departments

Leadership 2016 Lauds 22 Graduates

SPRINGFIELD — Twenty-two business professionals graduated from the Springfield Regional Chamber’s Leadership 2016 in a ceremony on April 14 at the Springfield Sheraton. Sponsored by the MassMutual Financial Group with scholarship support from the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation, the program is a collaboration between the Springfield Regional Chamber and Western New England University to teach middle- and upper-level managers the crucial thinking and problem-solving skills needed to prepare participants to be effective leaders in service to the community and their workplaces. This year’s program, “Leadership Skills: For Personal, Organizational, and Community Development,” included an emphasis on strategies and techniques designed to create high-energy and high-involvement leadership, focusing on problem solving, learning to ask the right questions, and implementing creative and innovative solutions for both nonprofit and for-profit organizations. “Notwithstanding the learning component, the Leadership program is unique in that it brings together people from different business backgrounds, providing an opportunity to view the various learning topics from different points of view, giving participants a greater appreciation of the lessons,” said 2016 graduate Youssef Fadel of New England Promotional Marketing. “The setting is casual and friendly, making it conducive to developing an atmosphere where one wants to learn and observe. You get to appreciate many aspects of leadership and come out with a specific plan for your own leadership journey. You can use what you learned in your professional, volunteer, or personal life.” Working alongside Western New England University professors, participants actively explored best practices of leaders; analyzed their own leadership, learning, and problem-solving styles; were challenged to think in new ways and to analyze their own strengths and organizational challenges within a dynamic economy; and explored task and interpersonal focus, negotiation orientation, and emotional intelligence, supplemented by self-diagnostics, experiential activities, and case studies. “The Leadership Institute offers a wonderful refresher on various leadership frameworks such as planning and problem solving. It helps you to stretch your mind to explore ways you can use your influence to help others. If you get the opportunity to participate in the Leadership Institute, I highly recommend it,” said 2016 graduate Gillian Palmer, business development and group sales coordinator with the Eastern States Exposition. Sessions included “Each Person’s Behavior Makes Perfectly Good Sense to Them: We Are All Different,” which explored how individuals differ in the ways they learn, communicate, lead, and follow, and “Leadership Who Get Things Done: The Power of Influence,” which focused on influence skills such as reading other people and adapting the message so it will be better-understood, understanding the six universal forms of influence, and developing political savvy. Since 1982, more than 900 area leaders have graduated from the institute. “TD Bank’s focus on continued development of our rising talent goes hand in hand with the goals of the Leadership program,” said Christine Moran, senior vice president and market commercial credit manager for TD Bank, who has sponsored many of these area leaders. “Year over year, we have seen our employees develop increased confidence and gain negotiation and influential skills to become stronger team members. These accomplishments keep us committed to the program, as we continually grow our next generation of leaders.” Members of this year’s class include: Bill Raimondi and Christopher Savenko, Baystate Health; Sean Nimmons, Big Y Foods Inc.; Gillian Palmer, Eastern States Exposition; Abby Getman, Food Bank of Western Mass.; Mahera Chiarizio, Ryan Howard, Terri Lombardo, Naida Lopez, and Shawn Teece, HCS Headstart Inc.; Waleska Lugo-DeJesus, Healing Racism Institute of the Pioneer Valley; Steven Facchetti and Tina Whitney, MassMutual Financial Group; Melissa Nelson, Medvest LLC (Doctors Express); Youssef Fadel, New England Promotional Marketing; Latora Godbolt, Ormsby Insurance Agency; Vickie Dempesy, Shriners Hospital for Children; Michael Ehmke and Christopher Scott, TD Bank; Julie Fregeau, the Republican; Marlene Johnson, United Personnel; and Mike Murray, Western New England University.

Employer Confidence Strengthens in March

BOSTON — Massachusetts employers grew more confident during March as turbulence in China and other key global markets subsided. At the same time, a significant gap has developed between the bullish outlook of service companies and a less optimistic view among manufacturers that is also reflective of national developments. The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Business Confidence Index rose 1.4 points to 56.5 last month, its highest level since November and well above the 50 mark that denotes a positive economic outlook. The index for service companies and other non-manufacturers increased to 61.3, while the manufacturing index fell to 54.8, down 7.1 points from its level in March 2015. The results come a week after the state announced that the unemployment rate dropped to 4.5% during February and that employers added 14,400 jobs during the first two months of the year. “The good news is that the Massachusetts and U.S. economies have proven remarkably resilient in the face of weak growth globally that unsettled financial markets at the beginning of the year,” said Raymond Torto, chair of AIM’s Board of Economic Advisors (BEA) and lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Design. “What happens next? Employers here in Massachusetts appear to be generally optimistic about their prospects during the next six months, though the outlook among manufacturers remains muted by global uncertainty, weakening corporate earnings, the strength of the dollar, and rising credit risk.” The AIM Business Confidence Index, based on a survey of Massachusetts employers, has appeared monthly since July 1991. It is calculated on a 100-point scale, with 50 as neutral; a reading above 50 is positive, while below 50 is negative.

Law Reduces Barriers for People Convicted of Drug Offenses

BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker signed bipartisan legislation passed unanimously by both branches of the Legislature to ease the transition for those convicted of drug offenses to re-enter society, hold employment, and care for their families by repealing the automatic suspension of drivers licenses and a subsequent $500 reinstatement fee for all drug convictions. “As the Commonwealth takes important steps to battle substance abuse and re-examine our criminal-justice system, I am pleased to sign legislation providing opportunities for those convicted of drug offenses and who have served their time to re-enter society, find and keep a job, and support their families,” Baker said. “Removing this significant barrier to re-entry reduces the prospects of recidivism as individuals continue treatment or recovery and gives them a better chance at getting back on their feet.” The legislation provides certain exceptions for drug-trafficking convictions and takes effect immediately. “We are proud to support this legislation that would ensure those who have paid their debts to society for drug offenses have the means to be productive citizens, capable of supporting themselves and their loved ones,” said Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito. “I’m proud of our administration’s efforts and collaboration with the Legislature to counter opioid addiction, and ending the automatic license suspension is a reform that will help put people on a path that keeps them out of our criminal-justice system.”

Meehan Praises Baker, Legislature for Backing UMass Funding

BOSTON — UMass President Marty Meehan praised Gov. Baker and the state Legislature for approving funding to the system. “The support we are receiving from Gov. Charlie Baker and from the House and Senate will help to fuel our progress and success — and will have a real impact on the Commonwealth’s future,” Meehan said. A $158 million supplemental budget approved by the Legislature and signed by the governor includes $10.9 million for UMass. The funding, which relates to labor contracts, will be used for workforce purposes and will also fund $7 million in student scholarships, in addition to aiding the university’s overall pursuit of quality and excellence. Meehan praised Baker, House Speaker Robert DeLeo, and Senate President Stanley Rosenberg, saying, “I am grateful to our state leaders for their commitment to UMass and to the cause of high-quality public higher education — a cause that is so critical to the Commonwealth and its citizens and will remain so for generations to come.” The Legislature’s action comes at a time when UMass is enjoying successes on many fronts, with its endowment, enrollment, and research output reaching record levels. Additionally, UMass has been named the top public university in New England, one of the best 20 public universities in the nation, and among the top 100 in the world, according to the 2015 Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings.

Springfield Named Among Best Cities for African-Americans

SPRINGFIELD — The City of Springfield has been named one of the “10 Best Cities for African-Americans, 2016” by Livability.com. The cities were selected based on basic indicators of livability including cost of living, healthcare availability, economic equality, commute time, access to parks, and safety. Editors looked for cities with higher-than-average and growing African-American populations, and where they are succeeding in terms of income, academic achievement, and home ownership.
Springfield is cited for its diverse economy and recovery from the financial recession of 2008, as well as ongoing economic development. Also noted are the strong presence of corporate headquarters, which offer employment opportunities and commitments to workforce diversity. Local nonprofit organizations are noted for leveling the educational and economic playing field for African-Americans through after-school programs for children, mentoring, housing, and parenting-skills training.
Livability.com notes that African-Americans are the ethnic group most likely to stress the importance of a college education, and Springfield and the surrounding area is home to more than two dozen colleges and universities.
“In this age of reality TV, where negativity sells with some media outlets, especially in how they depict our urban American cities, it’s nice to know that our Springfield does and will continue to make good lists, too,” Mayor Domenic Sarno said. “We’ve always believed there is plenty of good that our diverse city has to offer.”

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook Departments

Westfield Bank, Chicopee Savings Bank to Merge

WESTFIELD — Westfield Financial Inc., the holding company for Westfield Bank, and Chicopee Bancorp Inc., the holding company for Chicopee Savings Bank, announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement. The merger will create the largest locally managed bank in Hampden County and the second-largest bank in terms of deposit market share in the county. The combined company will have total assets of $2.1 billion, tangible equity of over $215 million, and 21 branch locations serving customers throughout Western Mass. and Northern Conn. “We are excited to combine with such a strong partner as Chicopee,” said James Hagan, president and CEO of Westfield Bank. “As we have gotten to know Bill Wagner and his team over time, we have been pleased at the commonality of our cultures, operating models, and the customer-service focus of our two institutions. Although headquartered in the same county, we currently serve two distinct customer bases, which, when combined, will complement each other tremendously. A merger of our two banks will be extremely favorable for the shareholders, customers, employees, and communities of both institutions.” Following completion of the transaction, Hagan will be president and CEO of the combined company, and Donald Williams will be chairman of the Board. William Wagner, chairman, president, and CEO of Chicopee, will join the executive management team of Westfield, and will become vice chairman of the board of directors. Four additional board members of Chicopee will also join the board of Westfield. Following closing, the combined bank will do business under the Westfield Bank name, with the holding company to be renamed Western New England Bancorp. The Chicopee Savings Bank Charitable Foundation will remain in place with its original philanthropic mission in the Greater Chicopee area unchanged. “Westfield is the ideal partner for Chicopee,” Wagner said. “This is the first in-market merger our community has seen in over 25 years and, as such, will not result in a significant outflow of resources or shift the focus of our franchise elsewhere, but rather will intensify and strengthen our combined ability to serve our local markets, consumers, and businesses that make both Westfield and Chicopee successful. I look forward to our future together as a combined institution and to the substantial impact our bank will have in Western New England.” The merger agreement has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both Westfield and Chicopee. Closing is anticipated to occur during the fourth quarter of 2016, subject to approval by the shareholders of both companies, receipt of required regulatory approvals, and other customary closing conditions. “Westfield has a strong reputation in commercial business lending to large-scale customers that will enhance our lending platform and ability,” Wagner said. “Moreover, the larger lending limit, breadth of product mix, and deep and sophisticated support functions will allow our bank to be a major competitor in Western New England for years to come.”

UMass Amherst Joins Advanced Fibers Initiative

AMHERST — UMass Amherst is a research partner in Advanced Functional Fibers of America (AFFOA), a new, $317 million public-private partnership announced by U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter. UMass Amherst is the only public university in New England participating in the MIT-led partnership, which includes 31 universities, 16 industry partners, 72 manufacturing entities, and 26 startup incubators across 28 states. The partnership won a national competition for federal funding to create the nation’s eighth Manufacturing Innovation Institute. It is designed to accelerate innovation in high-tech, U.S.-based manufacturing involving fibers and textiles. UMass Amherst’s involvement in AFFOA draws on research expertise in its departments of polymer science and engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and the College of Information and Computer Sciences. “Through the combination of our polymer science, roll-to-roll nano-manufacturing, and electrical-engineering expertise, UMass Amherst is well-equipped to make important contributions to the development of new functional fabrics as part of the AFFOA team,” says Mike Malone, vice chancellor for Research and Engagement. “We expect to conduct research in a range of areas that have important military and commercial applications, including fiber-integrated sensors, energy generation and storage systems, thermal camouflage, optical and photonic components or fibers, fiber-integrated antennas, fiber/fabric surface modifications, and the incorporation of chemical, biological, and physical functionality onto woven fabrics and non-woven and flexible substrates.” As part of the initiative, the university is committing up to $1 million in matching funds to support AFFOA projects, process development, and education and workforce training over the first five years of operation.

Gove Law Office Relocates Northampton Office

NORTHAMPTON — Gove Law Office announced it has moved its Northampton office into larger space at the historic Old School Commons Building located at the corner of New South Street and Main Street in Northampton. “With this move to the Old School Commons, Gove Law gains an office identity that reflects our strong Hampshire County presence and accommodates our recent and future growth plans,” said Michael Gove, founder and owner of Gove Law Office. “Both geographically and architecturally, this stunning new space supports the firm’s leading practice areas.” Gove Law Office, with offices in Northampton and Ludlow, is a bilingual firm with attorneys who provide guidance to clients in the areas of business representation, commercial lending, residential and commercial real estate, estate planning, probate and family law, criminal and civil litigation, personal-injury law, and bankruptcy.  For more information, visit www.govelawoffice.com.

Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership Opens at Elms

CHICOPEE — Elms College announced the launch of its new Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (CEL) to expand business-education offerings at the college through a hands-on, real-world approach. “In this time of a rapidly emerging entrepreneurial society, we need to create a flexible structure to accommodate not only degree work but also certificate programs, workshops, consulting services, and other assistance needed to make sure that entrepreneurs are equipped not only to start a business but, more importantly, to sustain it over time,” said Elms College President Sr. Mary Reap. The Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership was developed with that goal in mind. Reap and Elms faculty have worked closely with focus groups comprised of area businesses and officials to assess the specific needs of the local business community. Amanda Garcia, assistant professor of Accounting, was appointed director of the CEL in January. “We have an opportunity to provide hands-on learning experience,” Garcia said. “That was one of the major things that came out of the focus groups: ‘we need it to be real, and we need it to be hands-on.’” To that end, the CEL will incorporate Lean Launchpad, a startup methodology in which new businesses receive immediate feedback from customers in the marketplace during the business launch. “We know that the majority of businesses fail in the first five years, and a big cause of that is due to not understanding specific core business concepts or the marketplace needs,” Garcia noted. The Lean Launchpad model allows startup owners to learn as they grow their businesses and react to market demands. The CEL’s academic offerings will include an interdisciplinary undergraduate minor in entrepreneurship, which will launch this fall. “We also plan to integrate it into an entrepreneurship track in our MBA,” Garcia said, “and we will explore the needs in the marketplace around business-growth strategies and programming related to business growth and mergers and acquisitions.” The entrepreneurship track will join existing accounting, healthcare leadership, and management tracks in the Elms MBA program. “Elms College also has a mission to give back to the community,” Garcia said. “We know that economic development and entrepreneurship is a big part of making our community better, so we’re planning to offer workshops and Lean Launchpad boot camps on weekends, to help people flesh out their ideas. We are also planning programming to help them learn what to do once they flesh out those ideas.” The CEL will also partner with the college’s nursing and science programs. “I see great opportunity in collaborating with the Elms Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership in the development of an interdisciplinary healthcare leadership program for master’s-prepared and certified nurse practitioners, as well as master’s-prepared clinical nurse leaders who seek the doctor of nursing practice,” said Dr. Kathleen Scoble, dean of the School of Nursing. “We believe that the Lean Launchpad is an excellent methodology, well-matched for nursing and healthcare, and an extraordinary learning opportunity for these advanced nursing students.” Added Garcia, “for our biomedical technology program, we’re looking to incorporate Lean Launchpad in bringing research to commercialization. It’s one thing to have research, and it’s another thing to commercialize it and make money off of it.”

Tighe & Bond Secures Award for Excellence

WESTFIELD — The American Council of Engineering Companies of Massachusetts presented Tighe & Bond and Borrego Solar Systems with a Silver Award for the 3.5-megawatt North Adams E Street solar photovoltaic (PV) system during its 2016 Engineering Excellence and Awards Gala. Held on March 16 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge, this annual competition and event recognizes recent engineering achievements that demonstrate the highest degree of merit, ingenuity, complexity, and client satisfaction. Tighe & Bond, a New England leader in civil and environmental engineering, teamed with Borrego Solar Systems to develop a solar PV system on top of the closed E Street landfill in North Adams. Completed last year, the new solar system is one of the largest of its kind in Western Mass. Its output, when combined with power being purchased from two other nearby PV sites, makes the city 100% solar-powered. All of its municipal buildings and facilities are running on clean, renewable energy. Borrego Solar Systems estimates that the array offsets 2,989 tons of carbon annually, the equivalent of removing 630 cars from the road or the amount sequestered by 2,450 acres of U.S. forests in a year. Tighe & Bond provided site design, permitting, and construction administration for this project that sits on approximately 11.7 acres of the 31-acre capped landfill. Additional project features included the construction of access roads and the installation of ballast trays with concrete blocks to support the photovoltaic panel racks and solar panels. It also included equipment pads for the inverters and transformers, as well as a variety of other electrical infrastructure and support features. Borrego Solar Systems was the developer of the solar system, and Syncarpha Capital is the system owner.

People on the Move

By
Departments People on the Move
Michael Houff

Michael Houff

Spiros Hatiras, president and CEO of Holyoke Medical Center, announced the appointment of Michael Houff as director of Physician Services for HMC Specialty Practices as well as Western Massachusetts Physician Associates. Houff brings more than 20 years of extensive healthcare leadership experience in executive-level physician-group management, project consulting, revenue-cycle management, hospital outpatient operations, managed-care payer and provider operations, and IT implementations. He most recently served Meridian Medical Management in Windsor, Conn. as director of operations and, previously, Hampden County Physician Associates, LLC in Springfield as chief operating officer, vice president of operations, and director of operations. “Mike brings the leadership necessary to help Holyoke Medical Center and Western Mass Physician Associates provide the highest levels of patient care and satisfaction,” said Hatiras. “His experience in managing physician services will be an asset to ensuring that our providers and office staff continue to deliver high-quality and compassionate care to our patients.” Houff graduated from American University in Washington, D.C. with a bachelor’s degree in international affairs and received a master’s degree in general administration health care management from the University of Maryland in 1996. From 1988 to 1992, he served as active duty combat arms officer in the U.S. Army and then worked for Kaiser Permanente in Rocky Hill, Conn., Tulane University Hospital and Clinic in New Orleans, and GE Healthcare. “I really wanted to get back to the patient-care-delivery side of the business of healthcare,” said Houff of choosing to work at HMC. “It’s a much more meaningful mission to know that what you’re doing every day in outpatient operations has a real impact on people’s lives — helping people who are going through very difficult times with their health issues and being able to help them have one good day among many bad ones is a really good motivation.”

•••••

The Hampshire Mall management team recently welcomed Lynn Gray as general manager. Gray has extensive knowledge of the shopping-center industry. She is a graduate of Holyoke Community College with an associate degree in business administration. She returns to Hampshire Mall after holding the positions of marketing assistant, assistant marketing director, and marketing director within Pyramid Management Group from 1995 to 2005. Prior to her return, she held various roles within General Growth Management over the past 10 years, most recently as director of field marketing for the East Region. During her time there, she received the MAXI Award for innovative contributions made to Natick Mall. She is a lifelong resident of the Western Mass. area and actively involved with several community and nonprofit organizations, including Alex Scafuri’s Benefit Fund, Harper Yucka Benefit Fund, Chicopee Youth Football Assoc., and CHERUBS. “We are pleased to have Lynn return to Pyramid Management Group,” said Joe Castaldo, Pyramid Management Group’s director of Shopping Center Management. “With her vast experience in the shopping-center industry, she will be a tremendous asset in the development of Hampshire Mall.”

•••••

Melissa Provost

Melissa Provost

HUB International New England, a division of HUB International Limited, announced that Melissa Provost has joined HUB International New England as a personal lines account manager, responsible for assisting clients with their home, auto, and personal-liability umbrella coverages. She will be based in the South Hadley office. Provost joins HUB International with several years of customer service experience in the insurance industry, and has held previous positions with Liberty Mutual Insurance, most recently as a senior customer service representative. At HUB International, her role includes assisting in the day-to-day needs of clients, handling client requests, preparing quotes, reviewing and updating policies and certificates, maintaining existing client relationships, generating new business, and keeping abreast of the changing market. “Over the past few months, we have hired several talented individuals as we continue to expand into one of the largest agencies throughout New England,” said Timm Marini, president of HUB International New England. “Melissa is a perfect fit for our agency as she is clearly a ‘people person’ who will focus on providing extraordinary customer service.”

•••••

Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) announced that Bob Perry — a donor, volunteer, partner, and friend who has supported the organization for more than 15 years — will join the team as the new volunteer donor relations manager. “Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity is thrilled to be able to welcome back Bob Perry as our new volunteer donor relations manager,” said Jennifer Schimmel, the organization’s executive director. “Even with his new title, he’ll still be known by many as Habitat’s chief hugging officer!” Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity is a housing ministry dedicated to strengthening communities by empowering low-income families to change their lives and the lives of future generations through home ownership and home-preservation opportunities. This is accomplished by working in partnership with diverse people, from all walks of life, to build and repair simple, decent, affordable housing. GSHFH has helped 70 local families, as well as 90 international families, over the past 27 years.

Chamber Corners

By
Chamber Corners Departments

AMHERST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.amherstarea.com

(413) 253-0700

• May 11: After 5, 5-7 p.m., Amherst Golf Club, 365 South Pleasant St., Amherst. The club will be running some fun-filled activities that evening, including a 50/50 putting contest, and attendees will receive a voucher for a free round of golf. Established in 1900, the semi-private Amherst Golf Club is owned by Amherst College and run independently by an incorporated community group of dedicated golfers. The 9-hole layout, which tests all skill levels, was designed by Walter Hatch, an assistant of the famed Donald Ross, and later renovated by Geoffrey Cornish. Cost: $10 for chamber members, $15 for non-members.

EAST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.erc5.com

(413) 575-7230

• April 19: ERC5 Feast in the East, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Twin Hills Country Club, 700 Wolf Swamp Road, Longmeadow. Come sample dishes from area restaurants and have a chance to vote in for the coveted People Choice award. There will be ample time to mingle and network in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Silver spoon sponsor: the Republican. Restaurant Sponsors: CMD Technology Group Inc., Freedom Credit Union, the Gaudreau Group, Glenmeadow Retirement Community, JGS Lifecare, Life Care Center of Wilbraham, NUVO Bank & Trust Co., and Robert Charles Photography. Cost: $25.

GREATER CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101

• April 20: April Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., La Quinta Inn & Suites, 100 Congress St., Springfield. Cost: $23 for members, $28 for non-members.

• April 21: Mornings with the Mayor, 8-9 a.m., Polish National Credit Union, 46 Main St., Chicopee. Free for all chamber members.

• May 18: Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., Elms College, 291 Springfield St., Chicopee. Cost: $23 for members, $28 for non-members.

• May 20: Golf Tournament at Chicopee Country Club, 10 a.m. start. Cost: $125 per golfer, $600 corporate green sponsorship includes a foursome and exclusive green sponsorship.

• May 21: New York City bus trip. A day on your own in the city. Bus leaves at 7 a.m. and returns at 9:30 p.m. Cost: $55 per person.

• May 25: Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., Loomis House, 298 Jarvis Ave., Holyoke. Cost: $10 for members pre-registered, $15 for non-members. Sign up online at www.chicopeechamber.org.

GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.easthamptonchamber.org

(413) 527-9414

• April 29: Legislative Luncheon on Tourism, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the Log Cabin, 500 Easthampton St., Holyoke. The Greater Holyoke and the Greater Easthampton chambers are teaming up to present an opportunity to discuss local tourism with keynote speakers Mary Kay Wydra, president, Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau; MGM Springfield President Michael Mathis; and Seth Stratton, vide president and general council, MGM Springfield. State Sen. Eric Lesser, chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts & Culture Development, will speak to what’s happening at the state level. Sponsored by Resnic, Beauregard, Waite and Driscoll. Cost: $30 for members, $35 for non-members, which includes lunch. To register, call (413) 527-9414 or visit www.easthamptonchamber.com.

• May 7: Downtown Cleanup Day, 8 a.m. to noon. General cleanup of downtown, the Rail Trail, Cottage Street municipal parking lot, the banks of the Nashawannuck Pond, and more. Volunteers are needed. No experience is necessary. Volunteers will meet at the Easthampton Chamber of Commerce to receive their assignments. Register at (413) 527-9414.

• May 12: Networking by Night, 5-7 p.m., Amy’s Place. To register, call the chamber at (413) 527-9414.

• May 19: Medallion Speaker Forum, noon to 1:30 p.m. “The Affordable Care Act: The Legal Twists & Turns.” Attorney Eilin Gaynor of Health New England helps employers, business owners, and entrepreneurs navigate the legalities of this important piece of legislation. Complete Payroll Services shares what it means from an accounting perspective. Space is limited for this member exclusive opportunity. Cost: $20, which includes a boxed lunch. For more information, call the chamber at (413) 527-9414.

GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.holyokechamber.com

(413) 534-3376

• April 29: Legislative Luncheon on Tourism, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the Log Cabin, 500 Easthampton St., Holyoke. The Greater Holyoke and the Greater Easthampton chambers are teaming up to present an opportunity to discuss local tourism with keynote speakers Mary Kay Wydra, president, Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau; MGM Springfield President Michael Mathis; and Seth Stratton, vide president and general council, MGM Springfield. State Sen. Eric Lesser, chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts & Culture Development, will speak to what’s happening at the state level. Sponsored by Resnic, Beauregard, Waite and Driscoll. Cost: $30 for members, $35 for non-members, which includes lunch. To register, call the chamber office at (413) 534-3376 or visit holyokechamber.com.

• May 16: Annual Chamber Cup Golf Tournament celebrating the chamber’s 125th anniversary, Wyckoff Country Club, 233 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Registration and lunch at 10:30 a.m., tee off at noon (scramble format), dinner following game with assorted food stations. Cost: $125 per player includes lunch, 18 holes of golf, cart, and dinner. Dinner only: $25. Awards, raffles, and cash prizes follow dinner. Corporate sponsors: Dowd Insurance, Goss & McLain Insurance Agency, Holyoke Gas & Electric, Loomis Communities, Marcotte Ford, Mountain View Landscapes, Northeast IT Systems Inc., Holyoke Medical Center, and Resnic, Beauregard, Waite & Driscoll. For reservations or sponsorships, call the chamber office at (413) 534-3376 or visit holyokechamber.com.

• May 18: Chamber After Hours, 5-7 p.m., hosted and sponsored by Quality Life Adult Day Services, 18 Elm St., Holyoke (behind the South Street Shopping Center). Join friends and colleagues for this fun and casual evening of networking. Tours of the new facility will be available. Cost: $10 for chamber members, $15 for non-members and walk-ins.

GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.explorenorthampton.com

(413) 584-1900

• April 22: Workshop: “Waste Reduction & Energy Efficiency,” 9:30-11 a.m., Center for EcoTechnology, 320 Riverside Dr., Northampton. Waste reduction and energy-efficiency upgrades can save your business money. This workshop will cover incentives, benefits, and options to green your business. Learn from case studies of other local businesses that have started waste-diversion programs or installed energy-efficiency improvements. RSVP required, and space is limited. To register, contact Cate Foley at [email protected] or (413) 586-7350, ext. 240.

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.westfieldbiz.org

(413) 568-1618

• April 18: “The Painkiller Epidemic: Legal Implications of Prescription Drug Use in the Workplace,” 8:30-10 a.m., Holiday Inn Express, 39 Southampton Road, Westfield. Prescription drug use in the workplace is on the rise. From an employer’s perspective, employees who are abusing prescription medication tend to be less productive, less reliable, prone to absenteeism, a greater safety risk, and create unnecessary costs, burdens, and liabilities to the company. Royal, P.C. will present an informational seminar that will address some of the most common areas employers express uncertainty and concern about, including maintaining a safe workplace, enforcing drug-free workplace policies and conducting drug testing, and the risk of disability-discrimination claims. Light refreshments will be served. Cost: free for chamber members, $30 for non-members.

• April 26: Sixth annual Southwick Home & Business Show, 4:30-7 p.m., Southwick Town Hall, 454 College Highway. The Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce is once again partnering with the Southwick Economic Development Commission on this tabletop event to promote Southwick businesses. Cost to display: $25 per business (Southwick businesses only). Registration form and payment due by April 11. The event is free and open to the public. Questions can be e-mailed to [email protected], or leave a message at (413) 304-6100.

• May 2: Mayor’s Coffee Hour with Mayor Brian Sullivan, the Arbors Assisted Living Residential Communities, 40 Court St., Westfield. Event is free and open to the public. To register or for more information, call the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.

• May 9: Workshop: “What to Save and What to Shred?” at Holiday Inn Express, 39 Southampton Road, Westfield. Registration and networking at 8:30 a.m., followed by workshop from 9 to 10 a.m. Attorney Karina Schrengohst of Royal, P.C. will present an informational seminar providing an overview of state and federal record-keeping requirements. The discussion will cover which records must be saved, where records must be kept, and how long records must be retained pursuant to a variety of employment laws. Cost: free for chamber members, $30 for non-members. To register, call the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.

• May 11: After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m., Bella Medspa, 3 Court St., Westfield. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to network, and bring your business cards. Refreshments will be served. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. To register, call the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.

• May 23: Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce 55th annual Golf Tournament, East Mountain Country Club, 1458 East Mountain Road, Westfield. Registration and lunch, 10 a.m.; shotgun start, 11 a.m.; cocktail hour, 4 p.m.; dinner, 5 p.m. Cost: $500 for a foursome with dinner, or register a single player for $125. Title sponsor: Alternative Health Inc. Premium gift sponsor: Westfield Gas and Electric. Ball sponsor: Westfield Gas and Electric. Cart sponsor: Westfield Bank. Goody-bag sponsor: Liptak Emergency Water Removal. Register by calling the chamber office at (413) 568-1618 or e-mailing [email protected]. Consider donating a raffle prize or a gift for the wine and spirit table raffle.

SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL CHAMBER

www.myonlinechamber.com

(413) 787-1555

• April 27: Beacon Hill Summit, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Massachusetts State House. Co-hosted by state Sen. James Welch and state Rep. Angelo Puppolo Jr. Day-long opportunity to meet with members of the Baker-Polito administration and the Massachusetts delegation. Sponsored by Comcast and WWLP-TV 22, presented in partnership with the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce, and supported by the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce. Cost: $180 per person, which includes continental breakfast, transportation, lunch, reception, and all materials. Reservations may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.

• May 4: Springfield Regional Chamber Business@Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Natural History, Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards St., Springfield. “The Creative Economy” panel discussion with Helena Fruscio, deputy assistant secretary of Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Technology; and Jeffrey Bianchine, Holyoke Creative Economy coordinator. Sponsored by United Personnel and the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County. Cost: $20 for members in advance ($25 at the door), $30 for non-members. Reservations may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.

• May 11: Springfield Regional Chamber Economic Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., MassMutual Center, 1277 State St., Springfield. “Creating a Western Massachusetts Renaissance” discussion with John Traynor, People’s United Bank; Rick Sullivan, Western Mass. Economic Development Council; and Dr. Mark Keroack, Baystate Health, moderated by David Hobert, People’s United Bank. Panelists will discuss the Massachusetts economy, how communities across the Commonwealth can work together to create a broader and more robust economy, local economic-development initiatives at work in Western Mass., how the region can capitalize on its existing assets and develop its growth engines, and the important role the healthcare sector plays in developing centers of excellence for future growth. Sponsored by People’s United Bank. Cost: $35. Reservations may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.

May 18: Springfield Regional Chamber Kick Off to Summer After 5, 5-7 p.m., Colony Club, 1500 Main St., Springfield. Informal, after-hours networking. Sponsored by Wolf & Company, P.C. Cost: $5 for members, $10 for non-members. Reservations may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.

• May 24: Springfield Regional Chamber Pastries, Politics & Policy, 9-10 a.m., TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St., Springfield. Featuring state Secretary of Administration and Finance Kristen Lepore. Cost: $15 for members, $25 for non-members. Reservations may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.ourwrc.com

(413) 426-3880

• May 4: Wicked Wednesday, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Park Square Realty 470 Westfield St., West Springfield. Wicked Wednesdays are monthly social events, hosted by various businesses and restaurants, that bring members and non-members together to network in a laid-back atmosphere. Cost: free for chamber members, $10 at the door for non-members. For more information, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].

• May 10: Coffee with Mayor Reichelt, 8-9:30 a.m., West Springfield Senior Center, 128 Park St. Join us for a cup of coffee and a town update from Mayor Will Reichelt. Q&A will immediately follow. For more information, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].

• May 19: West of the River Chamber of Commerce Networking Lunch, noon to 1:30 p.m., Cal’s Wood Fired Grill, 1068 Riverdale St., West Springfield. Enjoy a sit-down lunch while networking with fellow chamber members. You must be a member or guest of a member to attend. Each attendee will get a chance to offer a brief sales pitch. The only cost to attend is the cost of your lunch. Attendees will order off the menu and pay separately the day of the event. We cannot invoice you for these events.
 For more information, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].

Agenda

By
Agenda Departments

‘Wolf to Woof’ Exhibit

Through May 12: In today’s society, dogs enhance the lives of millions of people in countless ways, but they are also some of our oldest friends. Ancient clues like cave paintings and burials reveal that dogs and people have lived together for thousands of years. But why have humans formed such close relationships with dogs, and not cows or chickens? “Wolf to Woof: The Story of Dogs” is the largest and most comprehensive traveling exhibition ever created on the history, biology, and evolution of dogs. The exhibit, on view at the Springfield Science Museum through May 12, attempts to sniff out the facts on dogs and explore what makes the human/dog relationship so unique. It uses the familiarity and love of these four-legged friends to explore science and biological concepts. The exhibit has four themed sections including multi-media displays, artifacts, photo murals, and dioramas of taxidermied wild canines and sculpted modern dog breeds. Additionally, interactive, hands-on components demonstrate key exhibit concepts. For example, visitors can enter a ‘howling area’ and guess what dogs are saying, test their nose against a dog’s great sense of smell, and examine fossil and genetic evidence of how modern-day dogs are descended from wolves.

‘125 Years Of Memories’ at Academy of Music

April 21: The Academy of Music Theatre will host a “125 Years of Memories” benefit at 6:30 p.m. in the theater. In the late 19th century, Edward H.R. Lyman, a philanthropist and Northampton native, had a vision for a new venue for culture and theater in his hometown. On May 23, 1891, the 800-seat Academy of Music Theatre opened its doors to the public for the first time, and it quickly became a favorite stop on tours of leading troupes and big-name performers. Today, the 800-seat Academy of Music has been renovated and reclaimed as a venue for live theater, as well as dance, film, music, and performing-arts education. The “125 Years of Memories” benefit will begin with a cash bar reception in the lobby, where guests will mingle and enjoy hors d’oeuvres, craft beer, and wine. In addition, silent-auction items donated by local businesses and artists will be on display. At 6:30 p.m., guests will move into the theater for a brief program, paying tribute to the Academy through the decades. Following the production, attendees will be invited onstage for the party, with musical accompaniment by jazz pianist Jerry Noble, appetizers from River Valley Market, craft beer, and wine provided by Black Birch Vineyard. Tickets for the event are $50, and can be purchased online at www.aomtheatre.com. For those who prefer to pay by check, tickets are available at the Academy of Music Theatre box office, Tuesday through Friday, from 3 to 6 p.m. Any questions can be directed to Development Coordinator Kathryn Slater at (413) 584-9032, ext. 101, or [email protected].

Spring Sip & Shop

April 28: The Arbors at Chicopee will host a Spring Sip & Shop event in honor of Mother’s Day on Thursday, April 28 from 4 to 8 p.m. at 929 Memorial Dr. More than 15 vendors will gather and display their products for sale. Items include scarves, jewelry, totes, bags, makeup, homemade lotions and soaps, and much more. The event is sponsored by Tastefully Simple, and all proceeds will go toward the Alzheimer’s Assoc. The event will feature a silent auction, raffle, passed hors d’ouvres, and complimentary sangria. The suggested donation upon admission is $5. RSVP by calling Noelle at (413) 593-0088 or e-mailing [email protected]. Walk-ins are welcome.

‘A Night of Laughter’

April 30: Smith & Wesson will host its annual live comedy show, “A Night of Laughter,” to support two local children’s charities, Shriners Hospitals for Children and the Ronald McDonald House. The event will be held at the Cedars Banquet Facility, 419 Island Pond Road in Springfield. The show will feature two comedians, Chris Zito and Tony V. Zito is a mainstay of the Boston comedy scene and made appearances on Comedy Central, USA, A&E, and NESN. He has been heard on New England radio for more than 20 years, and currently “Zito and Kera” can be heard on weekday mornings on Mix 93.1. Tony V started his comedy career in 1982 in Boston. In 1986, he was named “Funniest Person in Massachusetts” by Showtime. He has also appeared on HBO, A&E, Comedy Central, and MTV. His big-screen performances include State and Main, Celtic Pride, Housesitter, One Crazy Summer, and Shakes the Clown. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and the comedy will begin at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person and include an evening of laughs, hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, raffles, and more. Tickets are now available at eventbrite.com. For more information, contact Elaine Stellato at (413) 747-3371 or [email protected].

Community Enterprises 40-Year Luncheon

May 12: Richard Venne, president and CEO, invites the public to join Community Enterprises Inc. in celebrating 40 years of empowering individuals with disabilities to live, learn, work, and thrive in the community. A luncheon will be held at the Log Cabin in Holyoke from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Individual tickets are $50 per person, a reserved table for eight is $400, and tickets for clients and staff of Community Enterprise are $30. For more information about tickets, sponsoring the event, or placing an ad in the program, e-mail Krystle Bernier at [email protected] or call (413) 584-1460, ext. 120.

‘Maximize Your Website for Business Growth’

May 13, 20, 27: MarketingWorks, a series of educational programs for business owners, marketing professionals, and entrepreneurs hosted by Stevens 470 in Westfield, announced an upcoming program called “Maximize Your Website for Business Growth.” It meets weekly for three Friday mornings, May 13, 20, and 27. Customers, prospects, and associates make an immediate assessment of a business based on the content of its website. Participants in this group program will evaluate their current website and clarify the steps needed to make it the company’s most valuable marketing channel. For program details, visit www.stevens470.com/educational-programs.html or call Tina Stevens at (413) 568-2660.

Youth Mental-health First-aid Training

May 13, 20: Funded by a three-year grant by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) through the White House’s “Now is The Time” initiative, Clinical & Support Options Inc. is now offering free youth mental-health first-aid trainings to the community. The free, two-day training will be held at CSO’s administrative offices in Northampton; attendance both days is required. Youth mental-health first aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addiction challenge or is in crisis. The training is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental-health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a five-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including ADHD), and eating disorders. Registration is required; e-mail [email protected] for a registration form. CSO is also available to bring this training on site to local agencies and businesses that wish to have a group of people trained for free. For more information on bringing this training to your agency or business, contact Allison Garriss, director, Business Development and Projects at Clinical & Support Options, at (413) 773-1314, ext. 5502 or [email protected].

‘Grieving the Death of a Child’ Workshop

May 14: The Garden: A Center for Grieving Children and Teens announced a free workshop, “Grieving the Death of a Child,” from 12:30 to 4 p.m. The workshop is open to adult parents and caregivers who have experienced the death of a child. The workshop will include a screening of the video “Helping Parents Grieve: Finding New Life After the Death of a Child,” which was produced by Paraclete Press and features real stories about families who have lost a child. The video has five parts, including knowing you are not alone, loss of hopes and dreams, death of a baby, families, and honoring and remembering. Following each section there will be a break for discussion and an activity. Parents and caregivers who have experienced the death of a child are welcome, and there are no limits on how, where, or when the child died. The workshop is for appropriate for adults only and is open to the public. It will be held at the Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice, 168 Industrial Dr., Northampton. The event is free, but registration is required. For more information, contact Shelly Bathe Lenn, coordinator at the Garden, at (413) 582 5312, or [email protected].

Mental Health and Wellness Fair

May 18: In celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, Clinical & Support Options Inc. (CSO) will host its 14th annual Mental Health and Wellness Fair at the Energy Park in Greenfield from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Featuring CSO’s Green River House and Quabbin House Clubhouse members, the fair will be an afternoon of music, singing, poetry, and testimonials by members to highlight mental-health illness, wellness, and recovery. The fair started in 2002 in an effort to bring awareness and information to the community about mental-health illness and recovery. The event is an opportunity to dispel the stigma around mental-health illness, encourage people to seek support, and spotlight agencies available to assist. This year, the theme is “Mental Health Matters.” Local mental-health and wellness providers are welcome to present their materials and programming for free by registering for a table by calling the Green River House at (413) 772-2181. In addition to local community providers sharing information, there will be live music, a food vendor, and raffles, and WHAI will be on site doing a live broadcast. For more information, call the Green River House at (413) 772-2181.

40 Under Forty

June 16: The 10th annual 40 Under Forty award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke, honoring 40 of the region’s rising stars under 40 years old. An independent panel of judges has chosen the winners, and their stories are told in the pages of this issue. The event is sponsored by Northwestern Mutual (presenting sponsor), Paragus Strategic IT (presenting sponsor), EMA Dental, Health New England, the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst, Moriarty & Primack P.C., United Bank, and the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield.

Court Dockets

By
Court Dockets Departments

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

CHICOPEE DISTRICT COURT

FedEx Techconnect Inc. v. Spectrum Crafts Inc. f/d/b/a The Jannlyn Corp.
Allegation: Non-payment for shipping services: $11,520.28
Filed: 2/22/16

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Christopher Lopez v. Sonic Velocity and Ali Ozan Koseoglu
Allegation: Misclassification as independent contractor and non-payment for services: $25,000+
Filed: 2/22/16

Dominic Santiniello, a minor, by and through his mother as next friend, Lori Santiniello v. Longmeadow High School
Allegation: Wrongful suspension of student: $25,000
Filed: 2/24/16

Red Technologies v. Safe Environment of America Inc
Allegation: Non-payment of waste-removal services: $48,667.94
Filed: 2/22/16

United Bank v. Hilltop Holding, LLC and Thomas Engwer, III
Allegation: Default on loan payment: $70,412
Filed: 2/24/16

Valerie Greene v. Fathima, LLC d/b/a Corner Convenience and Gas and Zahoor Haq
Allegation: Negligent maintenance of premises causing ankle fracture: $2,946.94
Filed: 3/11/16

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

Gustafson Electric Inc. v. O’Leary Group Inc., American River Inc., and TwoThree27, LLC
Allegation: Breach of third-party beneficiary contract and unjust enrichment: $127,614.85
Filed: 3/16/16

Valley Home Improvement Inc. v. SunEdison, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment for services rendered: $37,771.69
Filed: 3/18/16

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

United Bank v. Grow, LLC and Jodie Castanza
Allegation: Breach of promissory note: $10,379.74
Filed: 2/22/16

PALMER DISTRICT COURT

Aramsco Inc. v. Accutech Insulation and Contracting Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $14,088.23
Filed: 3/25/16

Picture This

By
Departments Picture This

Send photos with a caption and contact information to:  ‘Picture This’ c/o BusinessWest Magazine, 1441 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103 or to [email protected]

 

‘A Night of Passion’

Link-to-Libraries_016Link to Libraries hosted “A Night of Passion” on April 5 at the Log Cabin, promoting childhood literacy with an evening of fine food and beverages. A host of area celebrities and business leaders — including Mike Mathis, MGM Springfield president and COO; Kevin Rhodes, Springfield Symphony Orchestra conductor; Spiros Hatiras, Holyoke Medical Center president and CEO; Delcie Bean, CEO of Paragus Strategic IT; Mick Corduff, executive chef and co-owner of the Log Cabin; and Amy Royal, founding partner of Royal, P.C., among others — served up their favorite food or drink, all donated by the Log Cabin and its owner, Peter Rosskothen (left, with Link to Libraries co-founder Susan Jaye-Kaplan). More than 500 people attended Link to Libraries’ biennial fund-raiser, which benefits the organization and celebrates what it has accomplished since 2008, including the donation of nearly 500,000 books to area schools and organizations, and how it intends to expand its mission in the years to come.

 

Link-to-Libraries_014Link-to-Libraries_119Link-to-Libraries_079Link-to-Libraries_119

PeoplesBank To Jump Start Gardening Season With Free Earth Day Events

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — PeoplesBank, a leader in corporate environmental sustainability, has announced its 2016 Earth Day events. The bank will give away flowers and vegetable garden seeds to the public on Earth Day, April 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the following locations:

  • 300 King St., Northampton, a LEED® gold-certified office;
  • 1051 St. James Ave., Springfield, a LEED® silver-certified office;
  • 1240 Sumner Ave., Springfield; and
  • 547 Memorial Ave., West Springfield, a LEED® Gold certified office

The events will be open to the public. Quantities are limited and will be distributed while supplies last, and only at the designated PeoplesBank offices.

Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts Seeks Pynchon Award Nominations

By
Daily News

The Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts is seeking nominations from the four Western Massachusetts counties for the 101st annual William Pynchon Award, the area’s oldest community service award.

Established in 1915, the award honors individuals from all walks of life who go beyond the call of duty to enhance the quality of life here in our Western Mass community. Past recipients have included social activists, teachers, philanthropists, historians, clergy, volunteers, physicians, journalists, and business leaders, a diverse group with one thing in common — a drive to make our region a better place for all who live here.

To nominate an individual, submit a one-page letter explaining why the nominee should be considered. Please include brief biographical information, outstanding accomplishments, examples of service to the community, organizations he or she is or has been active in, and the names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of at least three people who can further attest to the nominee’s eligibility for induction into the Order of William Pynchon.

All nominees will be considered and researched by the Pynchon Trustees, comprised of past and present presidents of the Advertising Club. Nominations must be submitted by April 30 to: William Pynchon Trustees, Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts, P.O. Box 1022, West Springfield, MA 01090-1022 or by e-mail to [email protected]

Jean Deliso Joins Select Group Helping AARP Members Secure Their Futures

By
Daily News

AGAWAM — Jean M. Deliso, CFP, from the CT Valley General Office of New York Life, recently joined a select group of agents who are authorized to offer AARP members a range of financial solutions through AARP life insurance, annuity and long-term care options from New York Life. To become part of this group of agents, Deliso followed a certification process established by New York Life, which includes extensive training on products and regulations, education on evaluating client needs, state licensing and a commitment to service.

AARP Services, AARP’s for-profit subsidiary, provides quality control over the certification process and training.

Deliso, is president/owner of Deliso Financial and Insurance Services, a firm focusing in comprehensive planning designed to help position clients for a solid financial future. Her extensive experience in several areas has helped lead to a reputation for certain specializations, such as assisting people in planning for their financial future, particularly in preparation for retirement as well as in times of transition such as divorce or widowhood.

After graduating from Bentley University, Deliso spent seven years in the public accounting profession before transitioning to Financial Services in which she has been working for more than 20 years.

New York Life has been offering AARP-branded products to AARP members since 1994. Since then, the relationship has grown to include a portfolio of annuity products (added in 2006) and now most recently long-term care options in [2016].