Picture This

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Square One’s school-age childcare program
Picture This

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

 

Education and Fun

Square One’s school-age childcare program recently received a $5,000 boost from Liberty Bank. The funds will be used to enhance the experiences of Square One’s children, kindergarten through grade 5, who attend after-school and summer programming. Enhancements will include a partnership with Mass Audubon and educational and recreational field trips. “Exposure to engaged learning opportunities and fun, recreational experiences in a community-based setting is key to further advancing our future leaders,” Liberty Bank president and CEO Dave Glidden said.

Square One’s school-age childcare program

Square One’s school-age childcare program

 

 

Bringing Back the Music

Florence Bank recently announced it has donated $100,000 to the Iron Horse Music Hall, supporting a $750,000 capital campaign for renovations and updates to the well-loved music venue in downtown Northampton, which its new owner, the Parlor Room Collective, reopened on May 15.

Parlor Room Collective

Pictured, from left: Randy Krotowski, president of the Parlor Room Collective board of directors; Chris Freeman, executive director of the Parlor Room Collective; and Matt Garrity, president and CEO, Florence Bank. (Photo by Jim Gipe, Pivot Media)

 

 

A Nursing Career Awaits

American International College celebrated National Student Nurses Day on May 8 as its nursing students gathered for the annual class photo on the steps of the college’s Esther B. Griswold Theatre. With campus therapy dog Woody adding to the excitement, these soon-to-be nurses were eager for their pinning ceremony on May 10 and graduation at the MassMutual Center on May 11.

American International College nursing students. (Photo by Leon Nguyen)

American International College nursing students. (Photo by Leon Nguyen)

 

 

Lifetime Achievement Award

On May 3, state Sen. John Velis joined community members at Hope for Holyoke’s eighth annual Hopey Awards. During this event, which recognized individuals, businesses, staff, peer leaders, and volunteers, Velis received Hope for Holyoke’s Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his work to support those in recovery. Throughout Velis’s career, he has championed legislation and support for programs focused on supporting those with substance-use disorders.

On May 3, state Sen. John Velis joined community members at Hope for Holyoke’s eighth annual Hopey Awards.

On May 3, state Sen. John Velis joined community members at Hope for Holyoke’s eighth annual Hopey Awards.

 

 

Learning with a Purpose

On April 30, students in the Communication department at Westfield State University presentation a $915 check to Shannon Rudder (second from right), president and CEO of Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services of Springfield. The students had built an awareness and fundraising campaign for the organization during the spring semester. To date, this Advanced Public Relations class taught by Professor Suzanne Boniface has raised more than $18,000 for nonprofit organizations.

Students in the Communication department at Westfield State University

Students in the Communication department at Westfield State University presentation a $915 check to Shannon Rudder (second from right), president and CEO of Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services of Springfield

 

 

Team Spirit

Members of Mercy Medical Center’s Family Life Center team (pictured) recently celebrated the hospital’s recognition as a TeamBirth site. Mercy implemented TeamBirth in 2023 to optimize teamwork and communication before, during, and after labor and delivery. Through structured huddles and a shared planning board, TeamBirth empowers patients, their support people, and their clinicians to reach care decisions together. The result is more dignified, respectful care that gives patients the role that they want.

Members of Mercy Medical Center’s Family Life Center team

Members of Mercy Medical Center’s Family Life Center team

 

Agenda

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Agenda

Designer Showhouse at Cassilis Farm

June 1-30: Construct Inc., a nonprofit provider of affordable housing and supportive services to residents in 15 towns across the Southern Berkshires, announced its first Designer Showhouse fundraising exhibition. Slated for the entire month of June, the Designer Showhouse will highlight the elegant, creative work of more than a dozen local and regional designers, as well as landscape architects and visual artists. Each exhibitor has been assigned a space at Cassilis Farm, an iconic, 27-acre, Gilded Age estate that Construct, along with the New Marlborough Housing Development Committee, purchased at auction with the intention of renovating and converting it into 11 much-needed affordable-housing apartments. The Designer Showhouse pays homage to the theme “Nature in the Berkshires” and displays the transformative, custom work of award-winning designers, whose areas of focus range from real-estate staging and interiors to styling and iconic textile design. Room themes range from a swan nursery inspired by a local swan rescue area to a picnic-under-the-stars nod to Tanglewood to an equestrian-heavy library drawing inspiration from the estate’s former existence as a hackney horse-breeding farm. The Showhouse will be a timed, ticketed walk-through and will be open to visitors through five weekends in June. Timed tickets cost $40 per person and can be purchased online only, at constructberkshires.org/construct-designer-showhouse.

 

Real-estate Licensing Course

June 3 to July 11: The Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley will host a 40 hour, 14-class, sales licensing course to help individuals prepare for the Massachusetts real-estate salesperson license exam. Tuition costs $425 and includes the book and materials. For an application, call the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley at (413) 785-1328 or visit www.rapv.com.

 

A Better Life Homecare Cocktail Hour

June 5: A Better Life Homecare will host a cocktail hour at Dewey’s Jazz Lounge in Springfield from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This networking event serves multiple purposes. First, it’s an opportunity for the company to introduce its newest home-care programs, designed with the aim of enhancing quality of life for clients. Additionally, A Better Life has exciting news to share. Attendees will connect with fellow healthcare experts and community leaders in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, discover more about A Better Life’s innovative homecare programs and how they can benefit those in need, and join in celebrating the company’s successes and look forward to a future of continued collaboration and growth. RSVP by emailing [email protected] or calling (413) 285-5929.

 

Free Shred Days

June 8, 22: bankESB invites customers and members of the community to two free shred days at local offices. Events will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. (or until the truck is full) on the following dates and at locations: Saturday, June 8 at 770 Main St., Agawam; and Saturday, June 22 at 241 Northampton St., Easthampton (two trucks at this event). No appointment is necessary. Local residents can reduce their risk of identity theft by bringing old mail, receipts, statements or bills, canceled checks, pay stubs, medical records, or any other unwanted paper documents containing personal or confidential information and shredding them safely and securely for free. A professional document destruction company will be on site in the bank’s parking lot and can accept up to two boxes of documents per person.

 

40 Under Forty Gala

June 20: BusinessWest will celebrate the 18th annual 40 Under Forty at the MassMutual Center in Springfield with fine food, music, networking, and the presentation of the class of 2024, profiled in the April 29 issue of BusinessWest and at businesswest.com. The 40 Under Forty sponsors include presenting sponsor PeoplesBank and partner sponsors the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst, Live Nation, Mercedes-Benz of Springfield, and Mercy Medical Center/Trinity Health. The event will also feature the announcement of the 10th annual Alumni Achievement Award, presented by Health New England. Tickets cost $125 per person and are available at businesswest.com/40-under-forty/40underforty. 

 

Hooplandia

June 21-23: Registration is now open for Hooplandia, the second annual 3×3 basketball tournament and festival, at www.hooplandia.com. The three-day event includes levels of play for all ages and divisions. Hooplandia launched in 2023. Taking place in the heart of Greater Springfield, the birthplace of basketball, the event is hosted by Eastern States Exposition (ESE) in West Springfield and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield. Most games will be played on the ESE grounds, with special games held at the Hall of Fame. Seventy-five basketball courts will be set up to accommodate more than 650 games played by approximately 2,100 participants of all ages. Divisions of play have been created to provide an all-inclusive environment for players of all ages and playing abilities. The diverse divisions include young girls, boys, women, men, high-school-level, college-level, OGs, veterans, and more. Players are invited to build teams of four, create their own unique team name and uniforms, and register at www.hooplandia.com. Team fees range according to age, and children in the under-8 category are free of charge. Hooplandia will once again partner with Boys and Girls Clubs throughout the region as its designated philanthropic partner, providing $10 from every paid team registration to support the mission and programs of the clubs. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For inquiries, email [email protected].

 

Yidstock

July 11-14: Tickets are now on sale for Yidstock: the Festival of New Yiddish Music. Now in its 12th year, Yidstock brings the best in klezmer and new Yiddish music to the stage at the Yiddish Book Center in Amherst. Highlights this year will include the Klezmatics, Frank London, Eleanor Reissa, Judy Bressler, Daniel Kahn, and many more. Concert passes are available and include admission to all concerts and the two dance workshops. Individual tickets are also available for purchase for those who can only attend for part of the weekend. This year, livestream concert passes will allow friends from afar to experience Yidstock from the comfort of their homes. These passes only include access to the seven concerts; they do not include access to talks, workshops, or the film screening. Visit yiddishbookcenter.org/yidstock for more information and to purchase tickets.

People on the Move

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People on the Move
Megan Moynihan

Megan Moynihan

United Way of Pioneer Valley (UWPV) announced that Megan Moynihan, who has been serving as interim CEO since February 2023, has officially been appointed CEO of the organization, effective immediately. Moynihan was selected by the UWPV board of directors after a nationwide search. Moynihan has more than 18 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, including 12 years at UWPV. She joined the organization in 2012 as a finance and accounting analyst and worked her way up to chief operating officer in 2022. In that role, she oversaw the development and implementation of UWPV’s strategic plan, grantmaking, and community partnerships. She also led the organization’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including launching the COVID-19 Relief Fund and shifting programming in response to community needs. Scott Grodsky, chair of the UWPV board of directors, said Moynihan was the unanimous choice of the board after a rigorous and competitive process.

•••••

Jie Chen

Dietz & Company Architects announced that Jie Chen, AIA has completed the Architectural Registration Examination and met all of the requirements for architectural licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Chen joined Dietz & Company in 2017 as an architectural associate upon graduating with her master of architecture degree from UMass Amherst. Since then, she has grown within the company and shown her talent and enthusiasm working on a variety of projects in the hospitality, public, and multi-family housing sectors. Now as a licensed architect, she has been promoted from her role as architectural staff to the position of architect.

•••••

Westfield State University President Linda Thompson appointed William Salka as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. Salka will begin his duties on July 5. Among talented candidates, Salka was distinguished by his academic leadership as provost for Eastern Connecticut State University for the past six years, during which time he was widely recognized as a champion of faculty scholarship and research and students’ academic pursuits. He believes in the importance of a dynamic undergraduate and graduate learning experience in which faculty and employees work cooperatively to develop the knowledge, skills, and character essential for students to become responsible leaders and engaged citizens. Salka received a bachelor’s degree in political science and government from Lewis & Clark College and a doctorate in political science and government from Colorado State University. Prior to serving as chief academic officer for Eastern Connecticut State University, he taught numerous courses in American government, environmental policy, and globalization in his capacity as professor of Political Science since 2000.

•••••

Brooke Barre

Brooke Barre

Phillips Insurance Agency Inc. announced that Brooke Barre, senior account management in the Commercial Insurance department, has earned the prestigious CPCU (chartered property casualty underwriter) designation. The CPCU is considered the most valuable credential in the industry for demonstrating insurance and risk-management skills. The CPCU program is a multi-year program focusing on in-depth risk-management analysis of complex insurance risks. Barre will attend the CPCU induction ceremonies this November at the Coronado Springs resort in Orlando, Fla. A graduate of Bridgewater State University, she joined Phillips Insurance in 2020.

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Michelle Raskevitz

Michelle Raskevitz

bankESB recently promoted Michelle Raskevitz to vice president, Learning and Development. Raskevitz joined bankESB as a teller in the bank’s College Highway, Southampton office, and is about to celebrate her 30-year work anniversary at bankESB. She has held various roles, primarily in the realm of training, and was most recently assistant vice president, Learning and Development. Over the course of her career, she has grown the Learning and Development department into a place where everyone is both a teacher and a student, continuously growing, sharing, and innovating together, all under her leadership. She enjoys helping others unlock their full potential, and she has had a hand in developing many of bankESB’s leaders. Raskevitz obtained her associate degree in business administration from Greenfield Community College, as well as multiple diplomas and certificates from the Center for Financial Training. She also graduated with honors from the New England School for Financial Studies in 2013. She has an extensive background of community involvement and volunteer experience with organizations like Credit for Life and the Easthampton High School Council, and currently is chairperson of the executive board of directors for the Center for Financial Training.

•••••

Greenfield Cooperative Bank (GCB) announced the promotions of 14 team members. Jeremy Payson is being promoted to executive vice president, Finance. He holds an MBA in finance and economics from Western New England University and has been with the bank since 2022. Chris Wilkey is being promoted to vice president, Information Systems. He has been with GCB since 2007. Casey Cusson is being promoted to vice president, Treasury Management officer. He joined the bank in 2017. Julie Gonzales is being promoted to assistant vice president, Human Resources. She has been with Greenfield Co-op since 2012. Siobhan Tripp is being promoted to marketing director. She has been with GCB since 2020. Harlin Glovacki is being promoted to branch manager-in-training. He has been with GCB since 2022. Annette Baker is being promoted to customer service representative. She has been with GCB since 2021. Brandi Knowlton is being promoted to customer service representative. She has been with GCB since 2024. Aaron Thompson is being promoted to customer service representative. He has been with GCB since 2023. Sarah Beresford is being promoted to head teller. She has been with GCB since 2022. Samantha Kelley is being promoted to assistant manager. She has been with GCB since 2013. Kim Fontaine is being promoted to senior underwriter. She has been with GCB since 2023. Angie Macleay is being promoted to senior underwriter. She has been with GCB since 2009. Aaron Frentzos is being promoted to senior technology specialist. He has been with GCB since 2013.

•••••

Zachary Gundler

Pittsfield Cooperative Bank announced the hiring of Zachary Gundler to its Commercial Lending team as a vice president. He has significant experience in commercial lending, commercial real-estate assessment, credit risk analysis, portfolio management, relationship management, and business development. Gundler joins the bank after working for the previous 10 years at Berkshire Bank in its Commercial Lending and Business Banking departments. For the last four and a half years, he has been a vice president, Business Banking officer, managing customers with annual revenues ranging from $3 million to $25 million and originating loans up to $3 million. “Coop Bank is excited to add Zach to our growing team,” CEO J. Jay Anderson said. “He has significant experience in lending, commercial real-estate valuation, relationship management and development, and risk analysis.”Gundler has a bachelor’a degree in business administration and an MBA from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA). He currently serves on the Vermont Banking Assoc. commercial lending committee and previously served on the MCLA alumni board.

•••••

Kuhn Riddle Architects & Designers announced the promotion of Garrison Piers-Gamble to the position of senior project manager. Piers-Gamble brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this elevated role, having demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep understanding of sustainable architecture principles throughout his career. As a certified passive house consultant, and with experience working on a Living Building Challenge project, he is poised to drive the firm’s commitment to sustainability to new heights. Piers-Gamble has played a pivotal role in the firm’s engagement in the AIA 2030 Commitment, with a goal that all the firm’s projects will achieve net-zero emissions by 2030. His dedication to excellence, coupled with his strong background in architectural project management and enthusiastic approach to sustainable design, has earned him recognition from clients and colleagues alike. As senior project manager, he will lead the firm’s efforts in advancing sustainable and passive house design principles across all projects. He will work closely with clients, design teams, and industry partners to develop tailored solutions that minimize environmental impact while maximizing energy efficiency and exceeding clients’ expectations.

•••••

Veera Patel

Veera Patel

Dana Burton, scholarship chair for the Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley, announced that Veera Patel is this year’s Young Women in Public Affairs scholarship recipient. Patel is a senior at Minnechaug Regional High School. She is president of the National Honor Society, plays on the girls’ varsity volleyball team, and is involved with Student Council, Key Club, International Club, and World Care Club. She also enjoys volunteering at community organizations and working with and mentoring youth in sports and social skill building. Looking forward, Patel would like to pursue the fields of business finance and law at Bryant University in Rhode Island.

Company Notebook

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Company Notebook

AIC to Launch Center for Financial Literacy and Economic Development

SPRINGFIELD — U.S. Rep. Richard Neal joined American International College (AIC) interim President Nicolle Cestero to announce a $1,050,000 earmark to launch a Center for Financial Literacy and Economic Development. The allocation was made possible through congressionally directed spending from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Neal included funding for this project in the FY 2024 spending bill that was signed into law by President Biden on March 9. The Center for Financial Literacy and Economic Prosperity at AIC is a transformative initiative that will bolster the financial well-being of Springfield residents. Funding will support the rehabilitation of an AIC campus building to house the center, underscoring its commitment to community development. This project seeks to combat financial illiteracy and empower economically disadvantaged individuals and families in Springfield by providing comprehensive financial education, research, and outreach programs. AIC’s longstanding dedication to accessibility and opportunity aligns seamlessly with the center’s mission to address economic disparities in the region. With the support of key stakeholders, including Springfield Mayor Dominic Sarno and the Springfield Housing Authority, the center will offer free, multilingual services focusing on education, research, and community engagement. By fostering financial empowerment and economic resilience, the Center for Financial Literacy and Economic Prosperity at AIC aims to catalyze economic development in Springfield and beyond, driving sustainable progress and prosperity for all.

 

Ja’Duke Inc. Expands Programming into Greenfield

GREENFIELD — Ja’Duke Inc. owners Kimberly Williams and Nicholas Waynelovich announced their intent to expand their childcare, driving-instruction, and performing-arts program through the purchase and renovation of 270 Main St. in Greenfield. Formerly occupied by Greenfield Community College, this 25,000-square-foot facility has been vacant since 2020 and has remained unused even after Dave Mell purchased the building in January 2023. If approved, Ja’Duke plans to utilize the 270 Main St. site as a satellite location to its Turners Falls facility located at 110 Industrial Blvd., which currently houses seven of Ja’Duke’s businesses. After opening in 2004, Ja’Duke Inc. has grown to include driver’s education through the Ja’Duke Driving School, 75 weekly performance-art classes under Ja’Duke Center for the Performing Arts, 14 early-education and childcare classrooms through Ja’Duke Preschool, and dozens of performances hosted annually in Franklin County’s largest theater, Ja’Duke Theater. Additionally, owners Williams and Waynelovich operate Ja’Duke Backdrops, with an on-site coffee shop, Ja’Duke Café, and ice-cream shop, Ja’Duke Scoops. Williams and Waynelovich plan to focus the Greenfield site’s programming on childcare, driving, and performing-arts education. The 270 Main St. site would house 14 classrooms, accommodating 150 new childcare slots per day serving children ages 0-5. The basement floor will host Ja’Duke Driving School offices, which hopes of serving hundreds of new Franklin County drivers ranging from teens to adults. According to Williams, the third floor will hold Ja’Duke’s performing-arts classrooms. The proposed project would create at least 30 new jobs and significantly increase foot traffic in the downtown district.

 

Real Pickles Wins Good Food Award

GREENFIELD — Real Pickles, a worker cooperative based in Greenfield, has won a Good Food Award for its organic sauerkraut. The winners were announced on April 29 at the historic Portland Center Stage at the Armory in Portland, Oregon. Real Pickles co-op members Kristin Howard and Katie Korby received the award at the ceremony celebrating 218 of America’s best food crafters. In operation since 2001, Real Pickles produces organic, fermented vegetables, including sauerkraut, kimchi, dill pickles, and other traditional pickled foods. The co-op buys more than 450,000 pounds of certified organic produce each year, exclusively from Northeast family farms. The organic green cabbage used in the winning recipe was grown by area farms, including Atlas Farm in South Deerfield and Harlow Farm in Westminster, Vt. Other winners from New England include Stoneman Brewery in Colrain, Tavernier Chocolates in Brattleboro, Vt., and Champlain Orchards in Shoreham, Vt. The winners rose to the top in a tasting of 1,650 entries, then passed a rigorous vetting to confirm they meet Good Food Awards standards regarding ingredient sourcing and environmentally sound agricultural practices. In addition to purchasing from Northeast organic farms and distributing its products only within the Northeast region, Real Pickles’ commitment to sustainability includes operating out of an energy-efficient, solar-powered facility.

 

MSB Receives Highest Rating for Financial Strength, Stability

MONSON — Bank rating firm BauerFinancial Inc. announced that Monson Savings Bank has earned its highest, 5-Star Superior rating for financial strength and stability for the 57th consecutive quarter. Having maintained its financial strength and stability for more than a decade, Monson Savings Bank has also earned another designation as an Exceptional Performance Bank. Only banks that have earned and maintained this highest 5-Star rating for 10 years (40 consecutive quarters) or longer may claim this distinction. This latest rating was assigned in March 2024 based on Dec. 31, 2023 financial data.

 

Health New England Honors Tania Barber with Grant to Caring Health Center

SPRINGFIELD — In honor of Tania Barber’s eight years of service on the board of directors of Health New England (HNE), the not-for-profit health plan is donating $5,000 to Caring Health Center. Barber recently retired from the HNE board and is currently the president and CEO of Caring Health Center, the only federally qualified community health center in Springfield. The grant will focus on Caring Health Center’s new Tania M. Barber Learning Institute, which offers training for professions in the healthcare industry. The model of the Learning Institute, developed by Barber, pays students, often individuals from historically underrepresented groups, while they undergo training for jobs. Barber’s vision for the Learning Institute is to address systemic barriers affecting BIPOC, immigrant, and refugee communities in Springfield. She prioritizes hiring from within the community to respond to workforce shortages and disparities, like racial wealth gaps and barriers to access education. During her two decades at Caring Health Center, she has been committed to lifting others up.

 

Tenth Local Farmer Awards Help 100 Farms Make Improvements

AGAWAM — Checks of up to $2,500 have been sent to 100 Western Mass. farms that are recipients of this year’s Local Farmer Awards. Supporting a diverse range of farm operations and infrastructure projects, the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation, in partnership with Big Y and the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture, along with other funders, issued a record number of awards in the program’s 10th year. A team of independent reviewers read each of the 199 applications submitted this year. These reviewers selected 100 farms to receive a 2024 grant from the Local Farmer Awards. The capital projects include the purchase of an egg-washing machine, livestock pasture expansion, reusable harvest bins, a cover-crop flail mower for reduced tillage, mobile chicken coops, and many more. The program funders collectively contributed more than $230,000 this year to assist these local farmers. Funders include the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation, Big Y, Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture, PeoplesBank, Ann and Steve Davis, Charles and Elizabeth D’Amour, Barbara Deslauriers, Audrey and Chick Taylor, Andrews, Farm Credit East, Hood, the DeNucci Group at Merrill, Baystate Health, Country Bank, Eastern States Exposition, Three County Fair, bankESB, and Franklin First Federal Credit Union. Anyone interested in supporting the 2025 Local Farmer Awards should email Cari Carpenter, director of the program, at [email protected].

 

Cambridge College Launches MBA Degree in Spanish

BOSTON — Cambridge College has launched a master of business administration (MBA) degree program taught in Spanish for learners looking to delve into the rigor and complexity of graduate-level business courses in their native language. The MBA in Spanish is a 36-credit program delivered completely online. It can be completed in 18 months, with students devoting their focus to just one course per five-week session. As of 2021, it was estimated that 2.6 million Spanish speakers have recently (within the past five years) immigrated to the U.S.; 27% of them have bachelor’s degrees, compared to 37.7% of the entire U.S. population. Being multilingual an important asset in the global business sector. According to a recent survey by Schwartz Insurance and reported by the Financial Post, bilingual or multilingual employees, particularly those who speak Spanish, earn 5% to 20% more than their monolingual colleagues. In addition to all coursework being conducted in Spanish, Cambridge College also provides support and advising in Spanish. The MBA in Spanish program is currently accepting applications, and fall-term classes begin Sept. 2.

 

Berkshire Bank Foundation Contributes to 107 Nonprofits

BOSTON — Berkshire Bank announced that its foundation made $401,190 in philanthropic investments during the first quarter of 2024. The grants covered a wide range of projects that foster upward economic mobility, support overall well-being, and enhance opportunities for individual success in the communities the bank serves. The investments also support the company’s BEST Community Comeback program. In all, the Berkshire Bank Foundation gave 107 local nonprofits grants to assist with critical projects in the areas of education, youth, food insecurity, housing, healthcare, substance-abuse prevention, veterans, and employment. In addition, the foundation supports programs that align with Berkshire Bank’s Center for Women, Wellness, and Wealth.

 

Liberty Bank Funds Programs at Dress for Success Western Mass.

SPRINGFIELD — The Liberty Bank Foundation, an extension of Liberty Bank’s commitment to the communities it serves, granted Dress for Success Western Massachusetts (DFSWM) $10,000 in support of its mission to provide professional attire and a network of support to help women thrive in work and life. The funding will help make possible DFSWM’s continuum of support, which helps underserved women and gender non-binary people in the community find not just any job, but sustainable career paths with upward mobility that will change their lives, the lives of their families for generations, and the community on whole. The continuum of support includes suiting for professional attire, the Foot in the Door workforce-readiness training, the Margaret Fitzgerald Mentorship Program, the Professional Women’s Group, and digital-literacy training in partnership with another local nonprofit Tech Foundry. In addition to its grant, Liberty Bank also provides financial-literacy programming covering basic budgeting, paths to homeownership, building and rebuilding credit, paying for higher education, and more.

 

Legacy Counsellors, P.C. Celebrates 30 Years in Business

EASTHAMPTON — On April 19, Legacy Counsellors, P.C. celebrated 30 years in business with a celebration at Springfield Country Club. In attendance were the firm’s two partners, Kevin Quinn and Michael Gove, as well as Legacy’s attorneys and support staff, clients, and professional partners such as CPAs, financial advisors, bankers, real-estate agents, and more. Everyone celebrated with drinks and hors d’oeuvres, a slideshow of the firm’s memorable moments, raffle prizes, and a speech from Quinn, the firm’s founder. Also during the event, Quinn launched his new book, titled Everyone You Love, Everything You Have. Legacy Counsellors, P.C. is an estate-planning and real-estate law firm with offices in Easthampton, Ludlow, Amherst, Sturbridge, and Northampton, as well as Bloomfield, Conn. It offers services such as estate planning, real-estate transactions and landlord representation, supplemental needs planning, elder law, Medicaid planning, and more.

Incorporations

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Incorporations

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

CHICOPEE

ALS Habitat Services Inc., 26 Call St., Chicopee, MA 01013. Mark Johnston, same. Retail and residential habitat maintenance and service.

RB&C Financial Services Inc., 117 Dejordy Lane, Chicopee, MA 01020. Ryan Boisselle, same. Investment planning services.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Barton & Weston Corp., 121 North Main St., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Shequinna Barton, same. Clothing company and chronic kidney disease caretakers.

FLORENCE

Iyengar Yoga Center of Western Massachusetts Inc., 76 Maple St., Florence, MA 01062. Susan Esquivel, 575 Bridge Road, Unit 11-8, Florence, MA 01062. Iyengar yoga studio and classes.

LONGMEADOW

180 Construction Inc., 190 Englewood Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Garrett Moulton, same. Construction, contracting, real-estate management, and disposition.

NORTH ADAMS

Kinetek Inc., North Adams, MA 01247. Debra McGrory, 490 Reservoir Road, North Adams, MA 01247. Media production.

NORTHAMPTON

Taipei Taipei Corp., 16 Crafts Ave., Northampton, MA 01060. Kung Huan Chen, same. Restaurant.

PITTSFIELD

Fluent Force AI Business Solutions and Consulting Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Aykut Turkoglu, same. Customized business solutions and management consulting services, focusing on enhancing business operations at tactical, strategic, and operational levels.

Say Play Therapy Inc, 56 Saratoga Dr., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Gillian Bianchi, same. Speech therapy.

Viva Brooklyn Festival Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Nathalie Coupet, 2108 North St., Suite N, Sacramento, CA 95816. Large-scale choral-orchestral concerts in the U.S. performed by the next generation of singers and instrumentalists.

SOUTH HADLEY

Naxiz Inc., 19 Spring Meadows, South Hadley, MA 01075. Shahid Habib, same. Investments.

SPRINGFIELD

Choi’s TKD Inc., 469 Sumner Ave., Springfield, MA 01108. Changheon Choi, same. Taekwondo instruction.

OM Feeding Hills Inc., 752 Belmont Ave., Springfield, MA 01108. Shilpaben Patel, same. Smoke shop.

Walckner Law Office, P.C., One Monarch Place, Suite 1810, Springfield, MA 01144. James Walckner, same. Law practice.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Prime Trans Inc., 72 York St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Natalia Babinov, same. Trucking services.

WILBRAHAM

Advanced Data Systems Inc., 2 Crane Park Dr., Wilbraham, MA 01095. Steven Bearse, same. IT consulting and software, website setup and support.

Doing Business as Certificates

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DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and/or trade names were issued or renewed during the months of April and May 2024.

BELCHERTOWN

Bridge the Gap Property Partners
240 Stebbins St.
Juliana Salva

JB Excavation
63 Barton Ave.
Jonathon Bish

Pelham Auto Service
1315 Federal St.
Gwendolyn Hubler, Eyituoyo Amoye, Jeremy Smith

Soundscape Imaging LLC
40 Front St.
Brian Giggey

VIP Petcare
30 Turkey Hill Road
Community Veterinary Clinics LLC

EASTHAMPTON

D&D Auto Machine
9 Northampton St.
Brent Thayer

The Embodymind Clinic
1 Adams St.
Danielle Martineau

Hometown Glow
35 Kenneth Road
Evan Sears

Mike Orzel Tree Service
79 West St.
Michael Orzel, Dean Downer, James Liv

satellite.works
29 Parsons St., #2
Harry Grillo

T Birdy Salvage
14 Ward Ave., Apt. F
T Birdy Green

Wheelwright Consultants of Easthampton
97 Cottage St.
Kimberly McCarthy

PITTSFIELD

Affordable Mobile Detailing & Window Tinting LLC
681 North St.
Affordable Mobile Detailing LLC

Berkshire County Caregivers
55 Hancock Road
Kristen Hinckley Morrison

Berkshire Tires Security Inc.
607 West Housatonic St.
Berkshire Security Services Inc.

Black Luxe Limousine
555 East St.
Victor Diaz

Bloom Creativity
36 Elizabeth St.
MaeEllen Scarpa

By George Home Improvement and More
44 Winship Ave.
George Berne

Can Corp.
15 Westbrook Ter.
Lit Alerts Corp.

Carolgi House Cleaning
23 Jubilee Ter.
Carolina Tenorio Cuyago

Cosmoprof
19 Cheshire Road, Suite 6
Beauty Systems Group LLC

Eastside Café
378 Newell St.
Dolores Capitanio

Investigative Essentials
85 East St., Suite 14
Louie Perkins

JD’s Computer Services
951 Cascade St.
Jennifer Downs

Jeff Malderez Artist
123 Onota St.
Jeffrey Malderez

Jessie Ferdinando
337 Elm St.
Jessie Ferdinando

La Rotta Home Improvements
184 Dalton Ave.
Victor Herrera

Lenco Armored Vehicles
10 Betnr Industrial Dr.
Lenco Industries Inc.

Miracle Ear
180 Elm St., Unit 180F
Quality Hearing Instruments LLC

Northeast Drone Video
11 Woodland Dr.
Hugh Holland Jr.

OPM CWAC
97 Ridge Ave.
Anthony Contenta

Pittsfield Pharmacy LTC
294 First St.
Berkshire Hills Health Inc.

Real Property Management Shire Team
54 Churchill St.
KOW Management LLC

Redbox Automated Retail LLC
555 Hubbard Ave.
Brian Rady

A Thing or Two Variety
228 Francis Ave.
Beam-W Enterprises LLC

West Street Wine & Spirits
200 West St.
George Garivaltis

SOUTH HADLEY

A.L. Bristol & Sons Inc.
634 Amherst Road
A.L. Bristol & Sons Inc.

Always Reliable Sewer & Drain
35 Fairlawn St.
Always Reliable Excavating Inc.

Drain Defense LLC
19 East St.
Drain Defense LLC

Stop and Go
4 Bardwell St.
MS Traders LLC

VJ’s Convenience
460 Amherst Road
V&V Brothers

WSK Resource
25 Riverboat Village Road
Whitney Keaton

WESTFIELD

Cabral Concepts
14 Day Lily Lane
Brad Cabral, Michele Cabral

Dan’s Tile
359 Holyoke Road
Daniel Shokov

Evltr3 Productions
140 Union St., #22
Nina Gonzales

The Hangar Pub and Grill
29 School St.
Hangar of Westfield Inc.

Ideal Health & Body
41 Court St.
Kristen Hook

James Ryan Electrician
691 Russell Road, Apt. 9
James Ryan

Law Offices of Zachary M. Strasser
10 School St., #600
Zachary Strasser

Major Home Improvement
22 Verona St.
Vasilie Kukharchuk

OMG Coffee
45 Northridge Road
Denis Slivca

Optimum Health Therapeutic Massage
120 Elm St.
Christine Bissonnette

Perry Enterprise
63 Big Wood Dr.
Jordan Perry

Royal Cleaning Services
49 Little River Road
Mariya Lisitsina

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Berkshire Heating and Air Conditioning LLC
8 Capital Dr.
Merrimack Valley Corp.

Bertera Collision Repair Center
83 Worthen St.
Bertera Collision Repair Center

Broken Edge Deburring Inc.
42 Norman St.
Broken Edge Deburring Inc.

Joseph Desrosiers Photography
1332 Amostown Road
Joseph Desrosiers Photography

Karma Karo Gas LLC
562 Westfield St.
Karma Karo Gas LLC

Longwood Eye and Lasik
180 Daggett Dr.
Longwood Eye LLC

Off the Wall Games
1654 Riverdale St.
War Stories LLC

Tender Care Helping Hands LLC
1434 Memorial Ave.
Tender Care Helping Hands LLC

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

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

Ames, Lucas H.
472 Union St., Apt. B
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/17/2024

Anello, Heather
732 Main St.
Becket, MA 01223
Chapter: 13
Date: 04/29/2024

Bess, Matthew Eugene
188 East Allen Ridge Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/23/2024

Bourgeois, Kenneth A.
28 Saint John St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/19/2024

Brownstein, Robert Mathew
PO Box 803
Greenfield, MA 01302
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/30/2024

Desmond, Rachel Nicole
32 Dunhill Ave.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/26/2024

Diaz-Burgos, Rosa
65 Broadway St., Apt. 12
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/25/2024

Franco, Edna
93 Santa Barbara St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Date: 04/24/2024

Gosselin, Robert L.
Gosselin, Tanya M.
95-B Cote Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/29/2024

Guinen, Alan R.
Guinen, Audrey L.
93 Davis St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/29/2024

Gustafson, Faith Marie
a/k/a Burns, Faith M.
a/k/a DeGennaro, Faith M.
105 Saint Kolbe Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Date: 04/30/2024

Harris, Tina Marie
24 Main St., Apt. 2F
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/30/2024

Hicks, Arthur D.
Hicks, Jacqueline H.
519 East River St., Lot 122
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/30/2024

Howard, Katherine Anna
36 Blue Sky Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/18/2024

Innis, Gideon
47 Grande St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Date: 04/23/2024

Lafleche, Nicole M.
491 Bridge Road, Apt. 622
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/25/2024

LaRose, Richard Albert
105 North Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/30/2024

Lemoine, Joseph A.
182 Overlook Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Date: 04/30/2024

Longto, Brandy Phyllis
182 Rolling Green Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/26/2024

Lucia, Raymond E.
77 Madison St., Apt 2
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/27/2024

Makkiya, Maria F.
122 Barna St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/30/2024

McNally, Regina Marie
a/k/a Drozdal, Regina Marie
48 Cahillane Ter.
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 13
Date: 04/25/2024

Menzie, Jermaine
87 Garfield St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Date: 04/26/2024

Mexcalito Taco-Bar, Inc.
281 Mill Valley Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 11
Date: 04/16/2024

Molyneux, Melissa Ann
a/k/a St. Andre, Melissa Ann
49 Bessemer St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/25/2024

Murphy, Erin E.
107 West State St.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/18/2024

Orszulak, Bozena Maria
56 Montvue St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/18/2024

Page, David Michael
Page, Christy Lynn
64 East St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/17/2024

Parrott, Tyson J.
114 Joseph Dr.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
24301747
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/17/2024

Richard, Janet
116 Fieldston St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Date: 04/30/2024

Pinkney, Stacy R.
119 Nonotuck St., Apt 2A
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/29/2024

Richards, Victoria O.
86 Redden St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/19/2024

Rios-Martinez, Miriam D.
1029 Elm St., Apt. 2A
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/26/2024

Rodriguez, Myrnali Ortiz
1440 Riverdale St., #B3
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/16/2024

Sanabria, Sammy
Sanabria, Nicole
a/k/a Santiago, Nicole Shannon
18 Southern Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 13
Date: 04/25/2024

Shaw, Maria
523 Tyler St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Date: 04/18/2024

Smith, Stacey Nicole
43 Pasco Road
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 13
Date: 04/25/2024

Weaver, Kristopher R.
53 Cross St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 04/25/2024

Real Estate Transactions

By
Real Estate

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

ASHFIELD

449 Main St.
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $510,000
Buyer: Craig Gibson
Seller: Susan A. Gambino
Date: 04/16/24

BERNARDSTON

84 Bald Mountain Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Robert Graves
Seller: Eric M. Boliski
Date: 04/17/24

BUCKLAND

7 Mary Lyon Road
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Choegar Gong Inc.
Seller: Natural Light Retreat LLC
Date: 04/26/24

CONWAY

1076 Roaring Brook Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Roaring Brook Camp LLC
Seller: New England Church Of God
Date: 04/17/24

DEERFIELD

594 Greenfield Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $178,321
Buyer: Arpc LLC
Seller: Winn, Mildred G. (Estate)
Date: 04/26/24

ERVING

21 East Main St.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $268,000
Buyer: Ryan A. Bailey
Seller: John D. McAuley
Date: 04/19/24

GREENFIELD

111 Bungalow Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $335,100
Buyer: Abdelilah Safir
Seller: Annette Kilminster
Date: 04/26/24

270 Chapman St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Anthony Stokes
Seller: Francisco Santiago
Date: 04/22/24

291 Chapman St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $264,600
Buyer: Carrington Mortgage Services LLC
Seller: Cayla Plasse
Date: 04/22/24

7 Cooke St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Scherrer Holdings LLC
Seller: Kaminski, Kevin P. (Estate)
Date: 04/19/24

100 Fairview East
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $272,000
Buyer: Pioneer Valley Redevelopment LLC
Seller: Pioneer Valley Redevelopment LLC
Date: 04/18/24

73 Ferrante Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Jeanne T. Canteen
Seller: Sigsworth Int.
Date: 04/18/24

20 Frederick Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $339,000
Buyer: Michael McCormack
Seller: Judith A. Karpinski
Date: 04/19/24

169 Old Albany Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Old Albany Rd LLC
Seller: Jeanne T. Canteen
Date: 04/17/24

50 Petty Plain Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: Bethaney L. Messer
Seller: Christian J. Dodge
Date: 04/26/24

HAWLEY

124 East Hawley Road
Hawley, MA 01339
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: 124 East Hawley Road LLC
Seller: Lien Vuong
Date: 04/18/24

LEVERETT

475 Long Plain Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Si C. Zhu
Seller: Hong T. Cai
Date: 04/17/24

MONTAGUE

411 Federal St.
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Anne L. Moore
Seller: Justin D. Killeen
Date: 04/19/24

54 Greenfield Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Maxwell V. Over
Seller: Jared L. Porter
Date: 04/26/24

NORTHFIELD

59 Strowbridge Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $426,000
Buyer: Jospeh F. Montanaro
Seller: Christina L. Williams
Date: 04/25/24

ORANGE

12 Chase St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Ismael A. Silva
Seller: Homestead Real Estate Investment LLC
Date: 04/22/24

78 Cheney St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $160,298
Buyer: 1900 Capital TI
Seller: Ellen L. Adams
Date: 04/17/24

67 Fountain St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: DPM Consult LLC
Seller: Bruce A. Gabrenas
Date: 04/16/24

250 Holtshire Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Dennis Piragis
Seller: Cathy L. Cronin
Date: 04/26/24

23 Stone Valley Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $154,732
Buyer: Jean Maurin
Seller: Pennymac Loan Services LLC
Date: 04/19/24

SHELBURNE

169 Old Albany Road
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Old Albany Road LLC
Seller: Jeanne T. Canteen
Date: 04/17/24

23 Mechanic St.
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $308,000
Buyer: RB Realty Associates LLC
Seller: Phillips Int.
Date: 04/22/24

7 Warren Court
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: T. W. Flanders
Seller: Kathleen T. O’Rourke
Date: 04/19/24

SHUTESBURY

309 Montague Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $372,000
Buyer: Bryan D. Beneitone
Seller: Patricia Convery
Date: 04/16/24

WHATELY

105 Christian Lane
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Jake Skroski
Seller: Cynthia A. Skroski
Date: 04/26/24

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

85 Cooper St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Jayden D. Cho
Seller: Peggy C. Risley
Date: 04/17/24

540 Cooper St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Anna Waite
Seller: Bruna M. Morassi
Date: 04/26/24

75-77 Hope Farms Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Tatyana Gingeruha
Seller: Neis FT
Date: 04/26/24

84 Norris St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Philemon Kosgei
Seller: Fred U. Sisson
Date: 04/19/24

120 Oak Lane
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: Murat Karaarslan
Seller: Plata O. Plomo Inc.
Date: 04/24/24.

74 Pleasant Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Ryan S. Stork
Seller: Stuart W. Stork
Date: 04/18/24

92 Poplar St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $2,200,000
Buyer: Car Wash Holdings LLC
Seller: Prestige World Wide Enterprises
Date: 04/22/24

114 South West St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $578,000
Buyer: George Timmons
Seller: Michael A. Mirski
Date: 04/23/24

304 Silver St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Jonathan Beaty
Seller: Ahmet Gunay
Date: 04/26/24

40 Stewart Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Sergey Skovorodin
Seller: James V. Afflitto
Date: 04/25/24

BLANDFORD

87 Chester Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $535,000
Buyer: American Towers LLC
Seller: Lloyd J. Martin
Date: 04/24/24

47 North St.
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Shannon Kanelong
Seller: Michael L. Thomas
Date: 04/26/24

BRIMFIELD

128 Old Palmer Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $276,000
Buyer: John A. Sciaraffa
Seller: Jesus Gonzalez
Date: 04/25/24

CHESTER

674 Skyline Trail
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $505,000
Buyer: Adam Washburn
Seller: Keith Orr
Date: 04/25/24

CHICOPEE

39 Ashgrove St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Kyle Laplante
Seller: Sandra J. Burgess
Date: 04/24/24

93 Beeler Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Arthur W. Boutin
Seller: Timothy B. Martin
Date: 04/19/24

51 Blanchard St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Woytych, Carol A. (Estate)
Date: 04/16/24

58 Bonner St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $319,900
Buyer: Kerry-Ann McLean
Seller: Nexius LLC
Date: 04/22/24

590 Broadway St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Marvin Ventura
Seller: Ivan Carrasquillo
Date: 04/18/24

99 Cobb Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $267,500
Buyer: Maksim Gladysh
Seller: Laurel Placzek
Date: 04/24/24

134 Farnsworth St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Todd S. Allegreto
Seller: Zakory Christian
Date: 04/16/24

74 Hilton St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: KSM Home Properties LLC
Seller: Joel R. Colon
Date: 04/26/24

73 Kaveney St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: Kelly Ryan
Seller: Normand R. Lussier
Date: 04/22/24

66 Moore St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Rachael Kwasnik
Seller: Sergey Dikan
Date: 04/24/24

31 Ruskin St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $488,500
Buyer: Pawel A. Karbarz
Seller: Arthur W. Boutin
Date: 04/19/24

88 Skeele St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $243,750
Buyer: Michael F. Lacoste
Seller: Norman L. Lacoste RET
Date: 04/19/24

175 Szetela Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Christopher R. Dupont
Seller: Mark S. Lukas
Date: 04/17/24

286 Szetela Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Jennifer Wallace-Johnson
Seller: Jan Makselon
Date: 04/23/24

75 Thomas St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Wayne L. Mecteau
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 04/24/24

40 West St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $377,500
Buyer: 40 West Street Properties LLC
Seller: MD Realty LLC
Date: 04/16/24

49 Wilson Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $323,000
Buyer: Raghdah H. Aldoghani
Seller: Pezda, Thomas R. (Estate)
Date: 04/18/24

127 Woodcrest Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Mohammed Alkhabi
Seller: Fahmia A. Charanek
Date: 04/18/24

EAST LONGMEADOW

76 Alpine Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Michael Carabetta
Seller: Richard H. Brent RET
Date: 04/19/24

286 Benton Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Center For Human Development Inc.
Seller: MPT Development LLC
Date: 04/17/24

60 Highlandview Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Kristina M. Ranieri
Seller: Jim F. Arroyo
Date: 04/19/24

25 Mill Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $640,000
Buyer: Timothy M. Giguere
Seller: Maria Russo-Appel
Date: 04/25/24

541 Parker St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Hannah Byam-Mooney
Seller: David G. Abad
Date: 04/22/24

25 Speight Arden
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $389,900
Buyer: Lucia Zachowski
Seller: Mary L. Donohue
Date: 04/26/24

24 Westwood Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Nicholas A. Bordoni
Seller: B. J. Anzalotti-Colby IRT
Date: 04/25/24

HOLYOKE

25 Amherst St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Julia A. Meslener
Seller: Elise M. Roy
Date: 04/22/24

151 Beech St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Coterie Investment Group
Seller: Joseph Lynskey
Date: 04/18/24

52 Belvidere Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Aisling Buckley
Seller: Joyce G. Smalley
Date: 04/22/24

93 Chapin St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Kenyatta R. Titus
Seller: Aldo Properties LLC
Date: 04/17/24

31 Columbus Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Jane A. Heye
Seller: Smith, Madeline R. (Estate)
Date: 04/25/24

67 Edward Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $284,000
Buyer: Brian T. Jackson
Seller: Peter N. Papineau
Date: 04/22/24

24 Fairfield Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: John R. O’Connell
Seller: Meara Properties LLC
Date: 04/25/24

17-19 Gates St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $462,000
Buyer: Germika L. Davis
Seller: Amanda Bialas
Date: 04/17/24

19 Greenwood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Michael J. Gaugh
Seller: Brett A. Scott
Date: 04/16/24

151 Homestead Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Alexander Alfano
Seller: Gloria D. Neves
Date: 04/25/24

14 Orchard St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $271,000
Buyer: Kenneth Revett
Seller: Daigle, Joan M. (Estate)
Date: 04/26/24

7 Stanford St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Markeisha Hill
Seller: Gretchen Siegchrist
Date: 04/17/24

15 Village Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Sunscape Investments LLC
Seller: Hohenberger, Ann T. (Estate)
Date: 04/19/24

108 West Meadowview Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $380,985
Buyer: Brett A. Scott
Seller: Macmillan, Patricia L. (Estate)
Date: 04/16/24

LONGMEADOW

73 Captain Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $1,125,000
Buyer: Herka Diamond NT
Seller: Alexander Farhadi
Date: 04/19/24

28 Farmington Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $558,000
Buyer: Michael Harper
Seller: Quentin Sweeney
Date: 04/19/24

29 Longview Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $436,000
Buyer: Craig Kasprzak
Seller: Carol C. Spelman
Date: 04/16/24

138 Maple Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $368,000
Buyer: Jenna Schwartz
Seller: Gregory L. O’Connor
Date: 04/18/24

308 Pinewood Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: Benjamin R. Baraldi
Seller: Kirankumar P. Chauhan
Date: 04/22/24

131 Western Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $640,000
Buyer: Erika Hajati
Seller: Jennifer J. Langieri
Date: 04/26/24

LUDLOW

214 Americo St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Melissa Premo
Seller: Bho Realty LLC
Date: 04/16/24

Balsam Hill Road, Lot 60
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Waclaw Plewa
Seller: Nelson G. Duarte
Date: 04/19/24

158 Highland Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Jose Marchi
Seller: Jaime I. Thayer-Awoniyi
Date: 04/19/24

13 Lillian St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Anthony Gagnon
Seller: Thomas F. Hodgins
Date: 04/26/24

142 Marion Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Jennifer Rivera
Seller: Stebbins, Jennie A. (Estate)
Date: 04/23/24

158 Munsing St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Megan Delrosario
Seller: Bertilia Goncalves IRT
Date: 04/26/24

111 Pine St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Shannon K. Tucker
Seller: Jose F. Santos
Date: 04/23/24

175 Sewall St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $243,000
Buyer: Susana A. Williams
Seller: Manuel D. Silva
Date: 04/17/24

15 Victor St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $349,000
Buyer: Eric E. Rivas
Seller: Darlene L. Kennedy
Date: 04/17/24

149 West Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $301,000
Buyer: Keturah M. Kreps
Seller: Chris E. Dempsey
Date: 04/23/24

MONSON

257 Hovey Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Lauren L. Libiszewski
Seller: John C. Durham
Date: 04/22/24

1 Lakeshore Dr.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $439,900
Buyer: Ryan Cox
Seller: Timothy Marquis
Date: 04/18/24

163 Moulton Hill Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: N. Jr. & Diane Baril LT
Seller: Laurie A. Jacobsen
Date: 04/19/24

PALMER

17 Country Lane
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Jeffrey D. Jacob
Seller: Lloyd E. Lords
Date: 04/25/24

7 Crawford St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $448,000
Buyer: Christopher J. Besancon
Seller: Vision Invest Rental Properties LLC
Date: 04/19/24

60 East Palmer Park Dr.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Diane M. Santos
Seller: Cole, Brenda (Estate)
Date: 04/22/24

2038 Pleasant St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Eric M. Gilbert
Seller: Karen L. Noakes
Date: 04/18/24

39 Smith St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Lake Thompson Realty LLC
Seller: Kelly Davis
Date: 04/25/24

46 Smith St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Laura R. Quintero
Seller: Malia Homebuyers LLC
Date: 04/26/24

102 State St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Jennica Huff
Seller: Nicholas Mardirosian
Date: 04/16/24

120 State St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $151,000
Buyer: Forever Home Improvement LLC
Seller: Federal National Mortgage Assn.
Date: 04/25/24

RUSSELL

4 Park St.
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Derek Vaughan
Seller: Sean J. Zielinski
Date: 04/24/24

SPRINGFIELD

127 Abbott St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: Naples Homes Buyers TR
Seller: Elaina A. Mendrala
Date: 04/17/24

339 Abbott St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Millennia Development LLC
Seller: Sonia Velazquez
Date: 04/19/24

32 Aldrew Ter.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $262,000
Buyer: Binh T. Le
Seller: Guadalupe M. Defriedson
Date: 04/24/24

339-441 Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Changin Lee
Seller: Mindruns Properties LLC
Date: 04/25/24

769 Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Pamela Gomes
Seller: Tavernier Investments LLC
Date: 04/22/24

61-63 Ames St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Plata O. Plomo Inc.
Seller: Carmen Shaver
Date: 04/24/24

153-155 Arnold Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Tony & Tong LLC
Seller: Fatima Marques
Date: 04/18/24

17-19 Banbury St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Xiumei Ye
Seller: Donaldsons Development TR
Date: 04/16/24

27 Aspen Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $294,500
Buyer: Elizabeth Cruz
Seller: Deblois, Jr. George C. (Estate)
Date: 04/26/24

16 Athol St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Daniel Tellez
Seller: Barbara Dobronski
Date: 04/23/24

52 Bairdcrest Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Anthony M. Santaniello
Seller: Laflamme, Joseph R. (Estate)
Date: 04/23/24

1342 Bay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Alexandra P. Leon-Fils
Seller: Felix B. Suren
Date: 04/25/24

129 Bellevue Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Christian Cherisclair
Seller: Burns, Karin E. (Estate)
Date: 04/22/24

52 Berkshire St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Nery G. Rodriguez
Seller: Buitrago & Ballesteros LLC
Date: 04/17/24

517 Boston Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $284,000
Buyer: Mental Health Assn. Inc.
Seller: Shwee-Tian Chou
Date: 04/17/24

1165 Bradley Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $405,500
Buyer: Hong S. Jang
Seller: Joseph J. Deburro
Date: 04/19/24

114-116 Breckwood Circle
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Sharnett T. Thomas
Seller: Karl-Marx Delphonse
Date: 04/18/24

6 Brookburn St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Margaretta F. Robert
Seller: Ilyssa O. Zippin
Date: 04/19/24

147 Carnavon Circle
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Lester C. McDonald
Seller: Nathaniel T. Sanders
Date: 04/22/24

28 Chilson St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Kenneth R. Spear
Seller: Patriot Living Properties LLC
Date: 04/22/24

642 Cooley St.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $237,157
Buyer: Abby Wilson
Seller: Sarah A. Baiye
Date: 04/19/24

1-3 Decatur St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Kayla M. Bieber
Seller: Mary T. Popko
Date: 04/26/24

558 Dickinson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Ryan Shaver
Seller: Deirdre Alton
Date: 04/26/24

770 Dickinson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $262,500
Buyer: Agape Haguma
Seller: Samuel A. Pava
Date: 04/25/24

72 Druid Hill Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Teilyn Lopez
Seller: Anne M. White
Date: 04/19/24

185 East St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Mark Lucente
Seller: Bernice C. Salvas
Date: 04/24/24

79 Elaine Circle
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $590,000
Buyer: Carlos A. Rosado
Seller: Grahams Construction Inc.
Date: 04/16/24

90 Elijah St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: George Petropulos
Seller: Montes, Celestino (Estate)
Date: 04/23/24

76-78 Enfield St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Marco Reis
Seller: Greitcha M. Velez
Date: 04/26/24

1 Factory Road
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: Astro Chemicals Inc.
Seller: Burke Hendee Realty LLC
Date: 04/23/24

14 Fairfield St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Nathan Andary
Seller: Michael R. Ferrier
Date: 04/17/24

18 Fenway Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $346,500
Buyer: Anwar L. Thomas
Seller: Santana Real Estate Inc.
Date: 04/16/24

16 Fordham St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $276,000
Buyer: Pedro Alicea
Seller: Chenevert Properties LLC
Date: 04/26/24

23 Foster St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Ramona Flores
Seller: Belvid Realty Group LLC
Date: 04/19/24

53 Foster St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Shalina B. Wray
Seller: Springfield Ventures RT
Date: 04/24/24

125 Frank B. Murray St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Glaze Realty LLC
Seller: 621-625 Center Street RT
Date: 04/19/24

166 Grayson Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Edgardo Rivera
Seller: Francesco Siniscalchi
Date: 04/24/24

246-248 Hancock St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Omar Awkal
Seller: Oussama Awkal
Date: 04/23/24

284 Hermitage Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Sarahi Rivera
Seller: Murat Karaarslan
Date: 04/24/24

25 Kazbeck St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Evan Springer
Seller: Methuselah RT
Date: 04/26/24

156 King St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: San J. Harrison
Seller: Lachenauer LLC
Date: 04/24/24

221 Laurelton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Juan A. Cintron
Seller: Methuselah RT
Date: 04/26/24

39-41 Lyndale St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $116,600
Buyer: Waiwai RT
Seller: Stephen T. Kowal
Date: 04/26/24

34 Macomber Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $294,800
Buyer: Veronica Morales
Seller: Ramon Rivera
Date: 04/26/24

184-186 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Paradise 1971 Star Realty
Seller: Hanna Kucharczyk
Date: 04/19/24

254-256 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Rafael A. Martinez
Seller: Winners O. LLC
Date: 04/26/24

74-78 Manitoba St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Faruq M. Stokes
Seller: Diane T. Sheets
Date: 04/25/24

46 Marsden St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Tamarah R. Chinn
Seller: William E. Higgins
Date: 04/26/24

39 Massachusetts Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Jose H. Quintana
Seller: Yellowbrick Property LLC
Date: 04/19/24

126-128 Maynard St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: App Realty TLLC
Seller: Yochana R. Mitchell RT
Date: 04/22/24

83 Mazarin St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $236,000
Buyer: Michelle Love
Seller: Judithann M. Campbell
Date: 04/23/24

14 Meredith St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Phung Le
Seller: Thuy T. Nai
Date: 04/23/24

69 Merrimac Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Abdullah M. Jashaami
Seller: Robert E. McNulty
Date: 04/23/24

62 Midway St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Maria Mead
Seller: Joeilys D. Ofray
Date: 04/26/24

88 Newton Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Austin Hamel
Seller: Raymond Hamel
Date: 04/24/24

13-15 Noel St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Ahmat A. Hilal
Seller: Lachenauer LLC
Date: 04/24/24

383 Nottingham St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $358,000
Buyer: Lissette Saillant
Seller: Snhst LLC
Date: 04/19/24

120 Paramount St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Luis E. Rivera
Seller: Wendy R. Kearney
Date: 04/26/24

1840 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Fernando O. Walker-Rivera
Seller: Janet Staples
Date: 04/26/24

362 Parkerview St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $324,000
Buyer: Oscar Castro
Seller: William Pacheco
Date: 04/26/24

23 Preston St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $256,280
Buyer: Emmanuel Tirado
Seller: Melvin Cordero
Date: 04/16/24

49 Rimmon Ave.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Christopher A. Rodriguez
Seller: Elizel Martinez
Date: 04/19/24

41 Rosella St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $257,000
Buyer: Tiburcio Romero-Martinez
Seller: Boland, Suzanne (Estate)
Date: 04/25/24

239 Saint James Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Tyler Rae
Seller: Tok Chang
Date: 04/18/24

 

115 Santa Barbara St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: India M. Colon
Seller: Chelsea Wait
Date: 04/25/24

220 Senator St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Juliana B. Ocampo
Seller: Thomas Davis
Date: 04/22/24

663 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: North East Construction Services Inc.
Seller: Spring Forth Properties LLC
Date: 04/24/24

124-126 Westford Circle
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Plastoid LLC
Seller: Onota Rental LLC
Date: 04/16/24

995 Worthington St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $1,900,000
Buyer: Guidewire Inc
Seller: Mental Health Assn. Inc.
Date: 04/19/24

92 Wrentham Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $319,000
Buyer: Joshua Rios
Seller: David A. Bennett
Date: 04/24/24

SOUTHWICK

103 Feeding Hills Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Moccio FT
Seller: Danette Peters
Date: 04/17/24

9 Gargon Ter.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: William F. Lavigne
Seller: Michael Tefts
Date: 04/16/24

6 Shirley Ter.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $302,500
Buyer: Kimberly Morrissey
Seller: Michelle Bertrand
Date: 04/26/24

Silvergrass Lane, Lot 17
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Hamelin Framing Inc.
Seller: Fiore Realty Holdings LLC
Date: 04/19/24

247 Vining Hill Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $289,000
Buyer: Petrona B. Hodges
Seller: Anne D. Viets
Date: 04/25/24

TOLLAND

82 Stones Throw Dr.
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $448,200
Buyer: Mark Cohen
Seller: Gerald F. Devokaitis
Date: 04/24/24

WEST SPRINGFIELD

225 Butternut Hollow Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Matthew N. Slowick
Seller: Timothy E. Slowick
Date: 04/19/24

26 Exeter St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Brianna M. Brush
Seller: Matthew N. Slowick
Date: 04/18/24

62 George St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $238,000
Buyer: Zulimar Rios
Seller: Alycar Investments LLC
Date: 04/22/24

73 Herrman St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Lou Lou Holdings LLC
Seller: Lee, Vergie Mae (Estate)
Date: 04/23/24

23 James Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Lok B. Bhattarai
Seller: Islam Niyazov
Date: 04/26/24

35 Lancaster Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $297,000
Buyer: Alisha Orwat
Seller: Susan M. Vandal
Date: 04/18/24

161 New Bridge St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $379,000
Buyer: Natalia Varela
Seller: Angeljoy Co. LLC
Date: 04/26/24

6 Primrose St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $283,000
Buyer: Suk Rai
Seller: Arpc LLC
Date: 04/16/24

714 Rogers Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Joanne J. Hamel
Seller: John J. Yiznitsky
Date: 04/17/24

9 Willard Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $236,000
Buyer: Marties Floating Event
Seller: Masjid Al-Baqi Inc.
Date: 04/26/24

WESTFIELD

37 Buschmann Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $227,000
Buyer: Richard M. Stephens
Seller: Thomas Tomasini
Date: 04/26/24

9 Crown St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $352,000
Buyer: Joshua C. Cyr
Seller: Deborah L. Burkott
Date: 04/22/24

45 Jaeger Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $123,000
Buyer: Martin Millan
Seller: John S. Hezik
Date: 04/26/24

14 Mather St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $373,000
Buyer: Rebeka L. Hoffman
Seller: MJ Real Estate LLC
Date: 04/16/24

76 Meadow St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $237,000
Buyer: Eric K. Lacombe
Seller: Kaitlin Davis
Date: 04/26/24

97 Mechanic St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $232,000
Buyer: Francis A. Hastings
Seller: Lou M. Sanchez
Date: 04/17/24

400 North Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Kevin Dansereau
Seller: Daniel Gilbert
Date: 04/18/24

100 Rachael Ter.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $632,500
Buyer: Christopher M. Bannish
Seller: Dawn M. Bonneau
Date: 04/24/24

535 Russellville Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $617,000
Buyer: Kelly A. Freeman
Seller: Cheryl Denardo
Date: 04/22/24

3 Shadow Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $431,500
Buyer: Todd G. Clark
Seller: Gregory E. Freeman
Date: 04/22/24

236 Shaker Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $487,500
Buyer: Mariah L. Bouchard
Seller: Arshad Mehmood
Date: 04/26/24

30 Summer St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Matthew D. Blonairz
Seller: James R. Jylkka
Date: 04/26/24

WILBRAHAM

224 3 Rivers Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $540,000
Buyer: Monique Worthy
Seller: Amjad Real Estate LLC
Date: 04/24/24

2138 Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $2,200,000
Buyer: Car Wash Holdings LLC
Seller: Prestige World Wide Enterprises
Date: 04/22/24

3 Branch Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $444,900
Buyer: D. J. Bozak Eclaration Of TR
Seller: Joyce M. Butler 2010 RET
Date: 04/16/24

21 Brooklawn Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Amanda Ingerson
Seller: Sarah Hauser
Date: 04/25/24

59 Glenn Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Victoria W. Kirton
Seller: Connor Courtney
Date: 04/26/24

417 Mountain Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Positive Spin Real Estate Investments Inc.
Seller: Raschi, John A. (Estate)
Date: 04/26/24

102 Sandalwood Dr., Lot 102
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $554,900
Buyer: Bryan D. Jamgochian
Seller: Ac Homebuilding LLC
Date: 04/16/24

3 Weston St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $238,500
Buyer: Lucielle A. Spindola
Seller: Jennifer Wallace-Johnson
Date: 04/23/24

12 Wilbraview Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Margaret A. Treacy
Seller: Alfred W. Patrie
Date: 04/26/24

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

161 Chestnut St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $695,800
Buyer: YG Chestnut 161 LLC
Seller: Melida D. Dyar
Date: 04/22/24

60 Country Corners Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $925,000
Buyer: David Sandak
Seller: Kira Kmetz
Date: 04/16/24

306 Northampton Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $339,000
Buyer: A1N1 LLC
Seller: North Pleasant St. Partner
Date: 04/16/24

22-24 Nutting Ave.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: Eastern Realty LLC
Seller: ACS 22-24 Nutting Ave Inc.
Date: 04/19/24

28-30 Nutting Ave.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: Eastern Realty LLC
Seller: ACS 28-30 Nutting Ave
Date: 04/19/24

BELCHERTOWN

122 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: Greige Belchertown Realty LLC
Seller: Federal Building LLC
Date: 04/19/24

620 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: D. & Susan Coates LT
Seller: Timothy E. Spears
Date: 04/19/24

479 Franklin St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $574,900
Buyer: Ryan Donoghue
Seller: Kara F. Kirchner
Date: 04/16/24

17 Sabin St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $710,000
Buyer: John E. Nelson
Seller: Laliberte Home Builders Inc
Date: 04/17/24

BELCHERTOWN

365 Bardwell St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Alee T. Morgado
Seller: Johnny C. Allen
Date: 04/23/24

CUMMINGTON

88 Nash Road
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Cameren R. Granger
Seller: Delbert H. Robbins
Date: 04/19/24

EASTHAMPTON

10 Beyer Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $399,900
Buyer: Lorna K. Hunt
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 04/19/24

18 Gaugh St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Thom Properties LLC
Seller: 18 Gaugh LLC
Date: 04/22/24

148 Holyoke St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Emma P. Shumeyko
Seller: Jill J. Cooney
Date: 04/23/24

122 Parsons St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: W. Marek Inc
Seller: Parda, Lynn F. (Estate)
Date: 04/26/24

5 Plaza Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $398,000
Buyer: Cheryl J. Davis
Seller: Villamora Homes LLC
Date: 04/19/24

GRANBY

92 Batchelor St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: PTB Realty LLC
Seller: Roach, Kathleen (Estate)
Date: 04/24/24

7 Lanebrook Circle
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Marvin W. Jackson
Seller: Paula Leclair
Date: 04/18/24

119 School St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Golden Lotus RT
Seller: Nawrockis Inc.
Date: 04/25/24

HADLEY

1 Adare Place
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Rosemund LLC
Seller: Adare Place Properties LLC
Date: 04/18/24

8 Colony Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Bercume Construction LLC
Seller: Yuhua Li
Date: 04/16/24

12 Indian Pipe Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $1,100,000
Buyer: Max Borten RET
Seller: Shaun McConkey
Date: 04/25/24

9 Middle St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Michael S. Macdonald
Seller: Shane R. Conklin
Date: 04/18/24

NORTHAMPTON

14 Claire Ave.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: James F. Roberts
Seller: Patricia V. Huff
Date: 04/19/24

29 Ford Xing
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $850,000
Buyer: Ulsh Ft
Seller: Sarah Myrth Diggon TR
Date: 04/16/24

20 Ormond Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Irhe Sohn
Seller: Mark W. Erba
Date: 04/24/24

PELHAM

33 Harkness Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Pamela J. Taylor
Seller: John H. Marshall
Date: 04/16/24

206 North Valley Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $825,000
Buyer: Currie Larkin Barron TR
Seller: John R. Mullin
Date: 04/17/24

PLAINFIELD

49 North Union St.
Plainfield, MA 01070
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Frank Reyes
Seller: Scott, Ronald A. (Estate)
Date: 04/26/24

SOUTH HADLEY

11 Ashton Lane
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Bryan Gleason
Seller: Jason M. Walker
Date: 04/25/24

19 Dartmouth St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $292,000
Buyer: Amanda Walker
Seller: Francis Geraghty
Date: 04/25/24

25 High St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Julie E. Steiner
Seller: Kevin McCarthy
Date: 04/24/24

24 Lyon Green
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $629,500
Buyer: Julie E. Sansoucy
Seller: J.N. Duquette & Son Construction
Date: 04/26/24

160 North Main St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Nicholas Fieldging
Seller: Altagracia Ramirez
Date: 04/24/24

SOUTHAMPTON

20 Katelyn Way
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Michael F. Seklecki
Seller: Ninsheng Zhu
Date: 04/26/24

75 Lead Mine Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: New England Remodeling
Seller: Vera K. Gaughan RET
Date: 04/19/24

535 Russellville Road
Southampton, MA 01085
Amount: $617,000
Buyer: Kelly A. Freeman
Seller: Cheryl Denardo
Date: 04/22/24

Russellville Road (rear)
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $617,000
Buyer: Kelly A. Freeman
Seller: Cheryl Denardo
Date: 04/22/24

WARE

35 Bacon Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $379,000
Buyer: Chad Balicki
Seller: Christine Stochlinski
Date: 04/26/24

62 Church St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Noah P. Shields
Seller: Wicked Deals LLC
Date: 04/19/24

1 Pleasant Ter.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Fumi Realty Inc.
Seller: Lynn A. Liquornik
Date: 04/24/24

45 South St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Henry Valerio
Seller: MacKenna Hogan
Date: 04/23/24

Upper North St., Lot 2
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Robert Rucki
Seller: Donald Williams
Date: 04/25/24

WILLIAMSBURG

4 Main St.
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $682,500
Buyer: E. Waverly Realty LLC
Seller: Brewmasters Realty LLC
Date: 04/25/24

87 Main St.
Williamsburg, MA 01039
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Douglas W. Laroche
Seller: Torrey, Dannie T. (Estate)
Date: 04/18/24

WESTHAMPTON

68 Reservoir Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Timothy A. Reilly
Seller: Eds Enterprises LLC
Date: 04/19/24

Building Permits

By
Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the months of April and May 2024.

CHICOPEE

Magdalene D’Angelo
147 Broadway St.
$40,000 — Roofing

Hershal LLC
600 Memorial Dr.
$350,000 — Exterior cosmetic renovation, including roofing and repainting stucco

Eric Szlachetka et al.
10 Center St.
$65,000 — Replace storefront glass and frames, two knee walls, and flooring, and paint existing areas, all due to motor-vehicle accident

HADLEY

E&A/I&G Campus Plaza LP
458 Russell St.
N/A — Interior demolition for incoming tenant fit-up

E&A/I&G Campus Plaza LP
458 Russell St.
N/A — Interior refresh of existing AAA branch to include new flooring

Mish Potato and Produce Packers
15 Railroad St.
N/A — Demolish partially collapsed wood structure

NORTHAMPTON

10 Bright LLC
10 Bright St.
$1,218 — Insulation and weatherization

32 Masonic Street LLC
32 Masonic St., Unit 1
N/A — Roofing

35 Ladd Ave. LLC
35 Ladd Ave.
$9,600 — Replace bulkhead

175 Main Street LLC
175 Main St.
$4,000 — Remove non-structural studs in basement and other select non-structural materials

American Tower Corp.
114 Glendale Road
$50,000 — Modify cellular site

Bang Bang LLC
29 Pleasant St., Unit C
$14,195 — Repoint back wall on three stories

Captive Energy LLC
474 Easthampton Road
$78,000 — Add second-floor bathroom to attic space

Children’s Advocacy Center of Hampshire County Inc.
593 Elm St.
$9,900 — Roofing

Colvest/Northampton LLC
303 King St.
$12,000 — Demolish and repair masonry column wrap

Coolidge Northampton LLC
249 King St.
$17,500 — Build ADA unisex bathroom and shower area for staff in Suite 104

CS-MA LLC
40 Hatfield St.
$14,950 — EPDM repairs and Gaco coating

DA Sullivan & Sons
504 Easthampton Road
$417,840 — Erect four-bay garage

Day Avenue Properties LLC
30 Day Ave.
$10,000 — Renovate third-floor bathroom and kitchen, roof repairs

Ellendave LLC
971 Bridge Road
$1,102 — Non-illuminated wall sign for Goodwill

Kilerine Properties LLC
97 State St.
$11,000 — Roofing

Livett, Lovett & Crumberg LLC
184 Main St.
$2,300 — Non-illuminated wall sign for Tunic

Matt & Nick LLC
199 Pine St.
$10,000 — Add partition walls to office space

Meadowbrook Preservation Associates LP
491 Bridge Road
$11,999 — Roofing on buildings 1301 and 1302

Mill River Realty
23 Main St.
$29,000 — Roofing

New England Deaconess Assoc.
37 Coles Meadow Road
$7,400 — Install sprinklers

Our Lady of the Hills
173 Main St.
$105,000 — Update existing egress stair

Smith College
15 Ahwaga Ave.
$44,000 — Demolish single-family house and detached garage

Smith College
144 Green St.
$174,645 — Renovate Room 215 at Sage Hall

Smith College
44 College Lane
$123,000 — Renovate Room 338 at Sabin-Reed Hall

Trident Realty Corp.
5 Strong Ave.
$7,500 — Install suspended ceiling in kitchen

SPRINGFIELD

1441 Main Street LLC
1441 Main St.
$774,000 — Alter interior tenant office space on third floor for Balise corporate offices

Amelia Harrell
355 St. James Ave.
$14,000 — Install handicap ramp to left side of funeral home

HB&B Corp.
827 State St.
$145,000 — Alter interior space for first-floor assembly uses, upgrade restrooms and kitchen areas, add rear addition for entrance area

Maple Properties LP
55 Maple St.
$143,750 — Install new pergola to existing outdoor dining area at Hot Table

Mittas Hospitality LLC, DD Development, Rudra Realty LLC, Sai Ra
1500 Main St.
$143,750 — Install new pergola to existing outdoor dining area at Hot Table

Northeastern Conference Corp. of Seventh Day Adventists
797 State St.
$69,000 — Repair front entry steps, remove granite, and install poured concrete at Shiloh Seventh Day Adventist Church

Revitalize Community Development Corp.
240 Cadwell Dr.
$9,390 — Insulation and air sealing

Sanchez Family Enterprise LLC
586 Berkshire Ave.
$120,000 — Roofing

Solutia Inc.
730 Worcester St.
$230,000 — Roof repair at Eastman Building #100

Springfield Foodservice Corp.
1 Performance Blvd.
$24,400,000 — Expand existing building for a cold-storage warehouse, docks, and office uses

Springfield Gardens LP
90 Westminster St.
$18,000 — New fire-alarm system

St. Peter & St. Paul Russian Orthodox Church Inc.
118 Carew St.
$5,000 — Redo front concrete stairs

Sunflower Property Inc.
113 Vermont St.
$9,000 — Insulation

Worthy III LLC
280 Worthington St.
$140,000 — Modify existing building shell for egress stairs, elevator, and exterior shell upgrades

Baystate Health, MassMutual Partner to Build New, State-of-the-art Community Health Center

By
Breaking News Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — In an effort to improve health equity and meet the growing needs of the Springfield community, Baystate Health announced a plan to build a comprehensive community health center in the heart of the city, made possible by the support of its longstanding partner, MassMutual.

MassMutual is donating approximately 10 acres of land valued at an estimated $5 million in the southeast corner of its Springfield campus, as well as providing financing and other support for the project. In addition, the MassMutual Foundation is donating $5 million over five years to support the new, state-of-the-art health center that will be owned and operated by Baystate Health.

The expected total cost for the project is $45 million to $50 million.

The proposed 90,000-square-foot community health center, which will be accessible at the intersection of Wilbraham Road and Alden Street, will centralize services, creating a medical neighborhood caring for children, families, and adults and providing comprehensive primary care, integrated behavioral health, and ancillary services for the Greater Springfield area. The new center will have greater access by public transportation, ample free parking, and easy access from major thoroughfares.

Prior to conveyance to the Baystate Health Foundation, MassMutual will clear the site of the existing buildings, and the lot will be subdivided into its own parcel, separate from MassMutual’s headquarters. Construction is expected to begin sometime in 2025 and be completed in 2027.

“Thanks to the generous donations and substantial support provided by MassMutual and the MassMutual Foundation, Baystate Health’s vision to create a comprehensive, integrated community health and wellness center to serve the most vulnerable populations in Greater Springfield can advance towards realization,” Baystate Health President and CEO Dr. Mark Keroack said.

With the new community health center and wellness hub in place, Baystate Health will consolidate services from four of its existing Springfield health centers to the new building, where they will continue to provide services, plus more, for adult and pediatric patients at the new location. These centers will remain open and fully functional until their services can be transitioned to the new health center, and Baystate Health is committed to engaging the community and local leaders during the planning phase of the project.

The centers and their services that will be transitioned to the future Wilbraham Road location include Mason Square Neighborhood Health Center, Baystate High Street Health Center, Baystate High Street Pediatrics, and Wesson Women’s Clinic.

These existing community-based facilities are limited in size and scope with many infrastructure challenges that require significant upgrading and capital investment to  allow for growth and expansion of services. The new center will provide Baystate Health with a state-of-the-art, modern facility to provide robust care for patients as well as attract top providers.

“We intend to co-locate four of our existing Springfield community health centers into a larger, modern facility to create this unified healthcare delivery wellness hub,” Keroack said. “Several convergent factors have informed our vision. The positive outcomes we have demonstrated in our Medicaid accountable care organization, involving more than 50,000 of the region’s most underserved patients, have provided value to this population, improved health, and allowed us to begin to address health disparities and inequities. We could not do this without the generosity of MassMutual and the MassMutual Foundation.”

In addition to MassMutual’s support, the project will also benefit from some expected state and federal grants. The land that will be donated to Baystate Health represents roughly 10% of MassMutual’s approximately 100-acre Springfield campus. The company’s move toward digitization and bringing its employees together in its iconic main office building on State Street has left a portion of its property underutilized, including two vacant buildings. Rather than leave this space unused, the company wanted to find a better, more long-term meaningful use for the land, one that would serve the community MassMutual has called home since 1851.

“Throughout our long histories in Springfield, both MassMutual and Baystate have had an enduring commitment to each other’s success as we’ve worked toward our own respective, yet similar pursuits, helping people live better, more fulfilling lives,” said Roger Crandall, chairman, president, and CEO of MassMutual. “We are incredibly proud that a portion of our property will serve a more meaningful purpose and a greater good, expanding access to high-quality medical care to improve the health and well-being of our community for generations to come.”

Combined, the four existing community health centers planned for the move currently serve 125,000 patient visits annually. In the envisioned community health center campus on the land to be donated by MassMutual, Baystate Health expects patient visits to increase to 145,000 annually by 2028.

Caolo & Bieniek Commences Public-safety Projects in Taunton, Lenox

By
Daily News

CHICOPEE — Caolo & Bieniek Architects joined the communities of Taunton and Lenox at groundbreaking ceremonies for their new public-safety facilities. City officials, key stakeholders, and residents gathered to celebrate the kickoff of construction for both community projects.

It has been nearly 114 years since the city of Taunton has had a building constructed for the Police Department, and first responders have been operating out of temporary facilities for more than 50 years. This new complex, estimated to cost $50 million, will allocate 62,000 square feet to Police and Fire headquarters, 17,000 square feet to an auxiliary storage and maintenance building, and 3,000 square feet to a training facility.

The town of Lenox broke ground as well, kicking off its new public-safety complex project. With an overall budget of $25 million, this complex will house the Lenox Police, Fire, and EMS headquarters. The single-story, 21,000-square-foot facility provides much-needed space for each department’s operational needs and allows for future growth, all within a new facility designed with the architectural character of the town of Lenox.

Diana Szynal Inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society

By
Daily News

Diana Szynal

SPRINGFIELD — Diana Szynal, president of the Springfield Regional Chamber, was honored with induction as an honorary member into the prestigious Beta Gamma Sigma AACSB Honor Society on April 25. The induction ceremony was hosted by the College of Business Beta Gamma Sigma Chapter at Western New England University (WNE).

Beta Gamma Sigma is the international honor society serving business programs accredited by AACSB International, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Membership in Beta Gamma Sigma is the highest recognition a student can receive in an AACSB-accredited business program.

Szynal’s honorary induction acknowledges her professional achievements, leadership, and commitment to advancing business education. According to Sharianne Walker, dean of the WNE College of Business, Szynal was selected as an honorary inductee not only because of her rich business experience, but because she has played a pivotal role in fostering economic growth, advocating for local businesses, and supporting entrepreneurship in the Springfield region.

“Szynal’s induction serves as an inspiration for aspiring business leaders and highlights the strong partnership between academia and industry as well as the powerful impact it has on our regional business ecosystem,” Walkers said. “The recognition not only celebrates her personal and professional journey to her current role at the Springfield Regional Chamber, but also reinforces the importance of her commitment to supporting business education and serving as a role model for emerging business professionals.”

The induction ceremony was attended by faculty members, students, inductee families, and guests from Western New England University. The 2024 Beta Gamma Sigma class featured 19 undergraduate and graduate inductees who had demonstrated requisite member levels of achievement in academics and service. Szynal delivered the evening’s keynote address and encouraged students to never forget the value of hard work and perseverance throughout their business careers.

Five College Campuses Collaborate for Third Annual Job Fair on May 29

By
Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — The Five College campuses of Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith colleges and UMass Amherst are collaborating to offer job seekers one-stop shopping for hundreds of jobs at a late May event in Northampton.

The third annual Five College Job Fair, taking place on Wednesday, May 29 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Smith College’s indoor track and tennis complex, will feature high-priority openings in a wide variety of departments. Attendees will be able to talk with campus representatives and explore job opportunities. Refreshments will be available, and gift bags of campus souvenirs will be raffled off to attendees.

“Our first two job fairs attracted hundreds of job seekers from our communities, so we’re excited to offer it again this year,” said Kim Kenney-Rockwal, director of Talent Acquisition at Smith College. “Something for people to keep in mind is that residential colleges are self-contained communities, with the same range of jobs found in most towns and cities. There may be openings for electricians, landscapers, hospitality staff, security personnel, and nurses, as well as professors and provosts. So if you’re looking for a job in a certain field, there’s a good chance we’ll have that job on one of our campuses.”

The campus departments with the most openings include administration, campus safety (security officers), dining services (cooks, kitchen assistants, and cashiers), facilities and custodial services, financial services, and IT technicians.

For more information about this event, visit fivecolleges.edu/jobfair.

Siobhan Tripp Graduates from American Bankers Assoc. Bank Marketing School

By
Daily News

Siobhan Tripp

GREENFIELD — Tony Worden, president and CEO of Greenfield Cooperative Bank, announced that Marketing Director Siobhan Tripp has successfully completed the American Bankers Assoc. (ABA) Bank Marketing School. This intensive program, which was held April 10-19 in Atlanta, is designed to equip banking professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to develop and execute effective marketing strategies in today’s dynamic financial landscape.

“Completing the ABA Bank Marketing School has been an enriching experience,” Tripp said. “The program provided me with invaluable insights into the latest marketing trends and best practices specific to the banking industry. I’m confident that the knowledge and skills I gained will allow me to make a significant contribution to the continued success of Greenfield Co-op.”

The program emphasizes practical application through a collaborative marketing planning case study, allowing participants to grapple with real-world scenarios and refine their marketing problem-solving abilities.

“Siobhan’s dedication to professional development is a valuable asset to our team,” Worden said. “The expertise gained through the ABA Bank Marketing School will be instrumental in helping us achieve our marketing goals and better serve our customers.”

BusinessTalk with Ashley Muspratt, president and CEO of the Florence-based Center for EcoTechnology, and Emily Gaylord, the organization’s director of Communications & Relationship Development

By
Business Talk Podcast Special Coverage

We are excited to announce that BusinessWest has launched a new podcast series, BusinessTalk. Each episode will feature in-depth interviews and discussions with local industry leaders, providing thoughtful perspectives on the Western Massachuetts economy and the many business ventures that keep it running during these challenging times.

Go HERE to view all episodes

Episode 214: May 20, 2024

Editor Joe Bednar talks with Ashley Muspratt and Emily Gaylord

Since its inception in 1976, the Center for EcoTechnology (CET) has been on the cutting edge of big issues like energy efficiency, waste reduction, and, more recently, decarbonization. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar talks with Ashley Muspratt, president and CEO of the Florence-based Center for EcoTechnology, and Emily Gaylord, the organization’s director of Communications & Relationship Development, about CET’s evolving mission and broad impact, why the organization expects to grow dramatically in the coming years, and how individuals and businesses can take steps to move toward a greener, healthier future. It’s must listening, so tune in to BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest.

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Caolo & Bieniek Architects Promotes Ashik Mubarak

By
Daily News

Ashik Mubarak

CHICOPEE — Caolo & Bieniek Architects announced the promotion of Ashik Mubarak to an architectural staff position.

This promotion comes as Ashik recently graduated from UMass with a master of architecture degree, marking a significant milestone in his career journey. He was also recipient of the second-place honor in the Metal Building Manufacturers Assoc. Student Design Competition, which sought to foster innovation in sustainable design for a marine nature center in Gloucester.

“We are thrilled to see him grow and develop within our team,” the firm said, “and we are confident that he will continue to excel in this new role.”

Girls on the Run Annual Spring 5K Slated for June 8

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts will host its annual spring 5K on Saturday, June 8 at Western New England University, an event expected to draw 3,000 to 3,500 people.

Girls on the Run is a physical-activity-based, positive youth-development program that uses fun running games and dynamic discussions to teach life skills to girls in third to eighth grade. During the 10-week program, girls participate in lessons that foster confidence, build peer connections, and encourage community service while they prepare for an end-of-season, celebratory 5K event.

This spring season, Girls on the Run has 970 participants in 67 sites around all four Western Mass. counties, with 270 volunteer coaches that bring the curriculum to life. Participants learn many important life skills throughout the lessons. One participant wrote, “I like Girls on the Run because it makes you more confident when you’re talking to others, and it helps you control your emotions when you’re feeling sad or anxious.”

This 5K is the culmination of a 10-week, 20-lesson, social-emotional program, bringing together all participants, coaches, running buddies, and families. This season, Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts served its 10,000 girl since it started.

The run starts at 10:30 a.m., but the group warm-up will begin at 10 a.m., with participants arriving for fun events at 9 a.m. Participation in the 5K event is open to the public, and all proceeds from the event will benefit Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts. The registration cost is $25 for adults and $10 for youth under 12 and includes an event 5K shirt for the first 700 registered. Early arrival is suggested. Registration opens at 9 a.m.

Girls on the Run is also looking for volunteers for this event. For more information about the event, how to register, and volunteer opportunities, visit www.girlsontherunwesternma.org.

Congressman Neal Secures $700,000 for North Adams Flood Chutes Project

By
Daily News

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal celebrated a significant step in bringing the North Adams Flood Chutes Project to fruition.

After being in frequent communication with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) over the last several months, Neal has secured $700,000 through USACE’s FY 2024 budget to complete a feasibility study of the project.

“The residents of North Adams have long advocated for much-needed improvements to the city’s decades-old flood chutes. This announcement is a substantial victory for the city, one that reaffirms the federal government’s commitment to making this project a reality,” Neal said. “As a former mayor, I know first-hand the importance of these issues, especially when it comes to the safety and well-being of residents. That is why I have prioritized funding for this project, one that will not only enhance protections along the Hoosic River Basin and reduce flood risk, but also make much critical improvements to the city’s infrastructure and create jobs.”

Built by the USACE in 1961, the flood chutes play a vital role in providing flood protection to about 85% of the city’s industrial and commercial firms and about 25% of residential property. After nearly 60 years of use, the flood chutes are in severe disrepair and in need of significant structural improvement.

“We are pleased to be able to continue the work on the Hoosic River flood-control project,” North Adams Mayor Jennifer Macksey said. “We are delighted with the continued support of the federal delegation, including Congressman Neal, Senator [Ed] Markey, and Senator [Elizabeth] Warren. This project is ever so important to the city, not only from a safety perspective, but also for the overall well-being of the river and the community at large.”

Neal previously secured $200,000 in the FY 2023 omnibus spending package for USACE to begin the feasibility study. The additional funding will allow for the completion of the study before the project can move on to the next phase.

“I applaud Mayor Macksey and her administration for their continued advocacy on behalf of the city of North Adams,” Neal said. “We are all in on this project, and I will continue working with the mayor and the Army Corps of Engineers to ensure future funding is made available.”

Massachusetts Unemployment Holds Steady in April

By
Daily News

BOSTON — The state’s April total unemployment rate was 2.9%, unchanged from the revised March estimate of 2.9%, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced. The Massachusetts unemployment rate was 1.0% lower than the national rate of 3.9% reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Over the year, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was down by 0.3%.

The labor force increased by an estimated 12,200 from the revised estimate of 3,757,000 in March, with 10,100 residents more employed and 1,900 more residents unemployed over the month. The state’s labor-force participation rate — the total number of residents 16 or older who worked or were unemployed and actively sought work in the last four weeks — increased 0.2% over the month to 65.1%. Compared to April 2023, the labor-force participation rate was unchanged.

The BLS preliminary job estimates indicate Massachusetts lost 500 jobs in April. This follows March’s revised loss of 4,100 jobs. The largest over-the-month private-sector job gains were in education and health services; professional, scientific, and business services; and trade, transportation, and utilities. Employment now stands at 3,733,000. Massachusetts gained 669,500 jobs since the employment low in April 2020.

From April 2023 to April 2024, BLS estimates Massachusetts gained 21,800 jobs. The largest over-the-year gains occurred in education and health services, leisure and hospitality, and government.

Florence Bank Awards $150,000 to 40 Local Nonprofits

By
Daily News

FLORENCE — Florence Bank awarded $150,000 to 40 area nonprofits through its annual Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program, through which bank customers cast votes to determine how funds are dispersed.

“Last year, for our 150th-anniversary celebration, we increased the total amount of our Customers’ Choice grant awards to $150,000 because it drew a nice parallel, and we wanted to continue that level of giving this year,” President and CEO Matt Garrity said during a celebration at the Garden House at Look Park on May 14.

“We are proud of the history of our unique grant program, and we respect our customers and enjoy giving them a chance to help decide where we allocate funds in the region,” Garrity added. “It gives our customers a voice and offers much-needed assistance to many organizations serving people in need.”

For the second year in a row, 13 organizations received $5,000 grants: Dakin Humane Society in Springfield, Cancer Connection Inc. in Northampton, It Takes a Village in Huntington, Friends of the Williamsburg Library, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Florence, Friends of Forbes Library in Northampton, Manna Soup Kitchen in Northampton, Goshen Firefighters Assoc., Food Bank of Western Massachusetts in Chicopee, Our Lady of the Hills Parish in Haydenville, Amherst Survival Center, Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton, and Northampton Survival Center. Click here for a full list of the 40 recipients and their awards.

“I appreciate Florence Bank’s focus on community involvement and its expansion of this program in recent years,” said Lev BenEzra, executive director of the Amherst Survival Center, which has received a grant annually for many years. “We love the approach of bank leaders looking to their customers who are community members in the region to identify meaningful organizations that are highly effective and doing good work. It’s an inclusive process and simplifies the process for organizations.”

Florence Bank’s community grants program is an annual offering founded in 2002 and, through it, Florence Bank customers are invited to vote for their favorite local nonprofit in hopes it will receive a share of grant funding.

Voting takes place all year long, online at florencebank.com/vote and in bank branches, and each customer has only one vote. To qualify for a community grant, organizations must receive at least 50 votes. In 2023, roughly 7,168 votes were cast, making 40 nonprofits eligible for a grant.

Tony Worden Elected Director of Cooperative Banks Employee Retirement Assoc.

By
Daily News

Tony Worden

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank announced that President and CEO Tony Worden has been elected as a director of the Cooperative Banks Employee Retirement Assoc. (CBERA), a specialized organization dedicated to overseeing the retirement benefits of employees at member banks in Massachusetts.

“I am honored to be elected to the board of directors of CBERA,” Worden said. “I look forward to working with my fellow directors to ensure CBERA continues to provide its members with the highest-quality retirement benefits and resources.”

Established in 1946, the Cooperative Banks Employee Retirement Assoc. was formed to administer the pension programs for the employees of the Massachusetts cooperative bank industry. Today, CBERA serves not only cooperative banks, but all financial institutions.

Worden brings a wealth of knowledge in the financial-services industry to the CBERA board. He has nearly 30 years of banking experience and has served as president of Greenfield Cooperative Bank since 2021.

Party for a Purpose on Sept. 19 to Support Square One

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD —With the goal of making sure Square One’s children have a new, state-of-the-art, outdoor learning and playspace, Friends on a Mission will host its annual Party for a Purpose to raise funds for the playground project at Square One’s Tommie Johnson Child & Family Center in Springfield.

Now in its second year, Friends on a Mission started with a trio of friends — Bob Perry, Walter Tomala, and the late Jenn Schimmel — who set out to spend time together while giving back to the community. Their inaugural event held last fall raised more than $38,000 for Make-A-Wish of Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

“In life, I seek out and choose to be around like-minded people — those who are kind, thoughtful, enjoy life, and love to laugh,” Tomala said. “Bob and Jenn embodied that and became family to me. I could not be more proud or honored to honor Jenn’s memory and share a night with all of you, doing what Jenn loved the most in life — connecting with others and supporting our community. Together, we will make Square One’s dream playground a reality.”

With early sponsorship support from PeoplesBank and Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C., this year’s Party for a Purpose, featuring cocktails, food, and festivities, will be held on Thursday, Sept. 19 at 5:30 p.m. at the Delaney House in Holyoke. Interested sponsors should contact Perry at (413) 530-3787. For tickets, visit www.startatsquareone.org.

“We are humbled and grateful to have been selected as this year’s beneficiary,” said Kristine Allard, vice president of Development & Communication for Square One. “This project will take our early learning experiences to new heights, allowing our children to learn and grow in an environment that promotes nature, imagination, creativity, independent thinking, and physical fitness. Simply put, it’s going to be amazing.

“Knowing how important this project and this event were to our dear friend, Jenn, makes it that more special,” Allard added. “This event will be a wonderful way to honor her memory and the impact she had on our community.”

Rachel’s Table Receives $30,000 Donation from Antonacci Family Foundation

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts announced a $30,000 donation from the Antonacci Family Foundation to support the organization’s refrigerated van delivery program. Both organizations celebrated the announcement with an event in Springfield to unveil the addition of the foundation’s name to the van.

“Our family is deeply committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work,” said Frank Antonacci, chief operating officer of USA Waste & Recycling and spokesperson for the foundation. “An astounding one in three households in Western Massachusetts are food-insecure. This is an issue that impacts people from all backgrounds and walks of life. It has never been more important to support organizations like Rachel’s Table that are committed to eradicating hunger throughout the region,”

Since the inception of the refrigerated van in October 2022, more than 1.1 million pounds of healthy food has been distributed to agencies and individuals across Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties by Rachel’s Table. The van has enabled Rachel’s Table to deliver perishable and nutrient-dense items like meat, milk, and cheese more frequently and more equitably in greater quantities across its service area. This donation will help further expand its reach by providing funding to support staffing, maintenance, and fuel for the van.

“This donation of the Antonacci Family Foundation is a game changer for our van operations,” said Jodi Falk, executive director of Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts. “Those we serve can rely on us for more nutritious food, and we can meet the growing need with their support.”

Each month, the refrigerated van delivers more than $100,000 worth of nutritious meat. The van helped double Rachel’s Table’s distribution of primarily meat, dairy, and produce. In 2023 alone, the organization gleaned and donated 71% more farm-fresh produce to more than 90 recipient partners and agencies, adding 19 more food donors and seven more agencies throughout three Western Mass. counties. Fifty percent of those agencies are not served by other food-access programs.

Pilot Precision Products Promotes John Fazzio to VP, Chief Operating Officer

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Daily News

John Fazzio

SOUTH DEERFIELD — Pilot Precision Products, a leader in standard and custom broaching tool manufacturing, announced the elevation of John Fazzio to vice president and chief operating officer.

Fazzio, who had served as the company’s chief financial officer for the past four years, earned the promotion by leading Pilot’s implementation of EPICOR Kinetic enterprise resource planning and adding smart inventory software to improve inventory management by providing closed-loop scheduling. The implementation allows for real-time order adjustments and the scheduling of more precise delivery times. Those technological advancements have also enabled the company to ensure that standard products are always available for immediate delivery, reducing lead times and improving customer service.

Before joining Pilot, Fazzio held executive positions at Intermountain Electronics in Price, Utah. He earned a master’s degree in accounting from Southern Utah University and a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business management from Utah State University.

“Our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction drove us to take decisive actions despite pandemic and inflationary-related challenges,” said Eric Hagopian, Pilot’s president and CEO. “John has helped us succeed in that regard, and the team looks forward to continued improvement and success under his leadership.”

The Royal Law Firm to Present Seminar on Workplace Investigations

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Royal Law Firm will present a seminar titled “How to Conduct an Effective Workplace Investigation: an Overview” on Wednesday, June 5 from 8 to 9 p.m. at 33 Elliot St., Springfield.

Attorney Elaine Reall will guide attendees through every stage of carrying out an exhaustive and successful workplace investigation. Each step in the process will be discussed in detail to ensure that, if any situation arises, the employer is prepared.

The cost is $30 per person. Payments should be mailed, and checks made payable, to the Royal Law Firm, 33 Elliot St., Springfield, MA 01105. Registration is required, and seating will be limited. Email Heather Child at [email protected] to register, or with any questions about the seminar.

Springfield Rifles Rugby Club to Host Eric White Memorial 7s Rugby Tournament

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Rifles Rugby Club, a local organization consisting of both men’s and women’s adult rugby teams, will be hosting its 30th annual Eric White Memorial 7s Rugby Tournament on Saturday, June 1. The tournament, which will be held on the fields at Blunt Park, 1780 Roosevelt Ave., Springfield, will host men’s and women’s teams from throughout New England and surrounding states.

Rugby 7s is a fast-paced, shortened version of the game of rugby. Teams are made up of seven players instead of the traditional 15, and matches are shorter, with two seven-minute halves. Rugby 7s is popular at all levels of rugby, with club tournaments generally held throughout the summer months.

The tournament is a tribute to a former member of the club, Eric White, who tragically passed away. When asked about his former teammate, Rifles Treasurer Bill Welch said, “Eric White was a 7s guy. He loved it. He always pushed us to play more rugby all throughout the year. He wanted us to play 7s so we could all be together all summer. He’s part of the reason we still have such a great team culture today.”

The event is free to the public, with ample parking for spectators. Matches start at 9 a.m., with the final match of the day starting at 4 p.m. The Caravan Kitchen food truck will be on site from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., serving “paninis for all palates.” Following the last match of the day, players and spectators are invited to a traditional post-match social at the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England, 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield.

For more information about the tournament or about joining the Springfield Rifles Rugby Club, visit www.springfieldrugby.club or email [email protected].

Report Calls for More Equitable State Investment in Regional Transportation

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Daily News

WORCESTER — Regional public transit plays a vital role in communities across Massachusetts, but the current funding approach is fragmented, unfair to those living in rural areas, and unable to fully meet the needs of residents statewide, according to a report released by the Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts and the Quaboag Connector.

Research support was provided by the Center for State Policy Analysis at Tufts University, which examined the operational funding landscape for regional transportation providers, including the “patchwork” of 15 regional transit authorities (RTAs) that offer fixed-route and on-demand bus and shuttle service to millions of residents living outside of Greater Boston, which is served by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).

Regional public transit connects people to jobs, healthcare, education and many other daily activities and is a lifeline to those who cannot afford a car, choose not to own one, or cannot drive.

The report found that the funding mechanism for RTAs lacks transparency, is overly reliant on local contributions relative to the MBTA, and does not adequately account for issues of regional, rural, or economic equity. It argues that a sustainable funding model is necessary to improve the efficacy and fairness of the transit system as a whole and to fill gaps in the current system.

“We must do more to eliminate transportation deserts and to ensure that urban and rural regions alike have access to public transit, not only within each region, but across a more connected system across the state,” said Dr. Amie Shei, president and CEO of the Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts. “Transportation is a public good, and we must invest in it today so we can achieve the Commonwealth’s climate, economic-development, health, and housing goals of tomorrow.”

RTAs are more reliant on local contributions from the communities they serve than the MBTA system — about 20% versus just 8% to cover operating expenses. Setting aside any federal dollars, the gap is even wider, with 32% of the RTA system funded by local contributions versus 12% of the MBTA. In rural parts of the state, where the tax base is limited, these contributions amount to a significant financial burden for local municipalities and taxpayers.

The study was commissioned by the Quaboag Connector, a micro-transit initiative serving 10 rural communities west of Worcester and funded through a Synergy Initiative grant from the Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts. The Quaboag Connector, led by the Quaboag Valley Community Development Corp. and the town of Ware, has provided more than 66,000 rides over the past several years, serving as a lifeline for local residents.

“Where residents live in Massachusetts should not determine their mobility or access to opportunity,” said Melissa Fales, executive director of the Quaboag Valley Community Development Corp. “This report underscores the critical need to incentivize connectivity across RTA service areas, particularly in rural areas, and to identify dedicated funding streams to support independent micro-transit efforts that are working to fill gaps across the Commonwealth.”

Advocates for transportation equity have called for increased state funding to support RTA operating expenses. “Providing accessible, affordable transportation to rural communities can have transformative impacts on community health, but there is currently no funding mechanism that incentivizes large-scale development of these programs or supports them sustainably in the long run,” said Jen Healy, Quaboag Connector program manager.

Holyoke Community College Recruiting Students for Free Human-services Program

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) is now recruiting students interested in working in the human-services field for a free, two-semester certificate program that starts in September.

This is the second year of the grant-funded human-services certificate program, which started in the fall of 2023 after the college received a $1.28 million award from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services. The grant covers the full cost of tuition, fees, books, and supplies for students who want to earn a certificate in human services and is coupled with a paid internship at participating local social-service agencies.

HCC’s community partners in the grant include Gándara Center, Craig’s Doors, Mental Health Assoc., and Jewish Family Services. The grant and the HCC program are intended to help address a shortage of workers in the human-services industry.

“This program is really meant to accelerate a student’s entry into the workforce,” said Donna Rowe, chair of HCC’s Human Services program. “It’s wonderful that these four agencies have made this agreement with us. They’re looking for workers, and we have students looking to get into the field.”

The two-semester human-services internship program is now looking to fill slots for up to 30 full-time students to start in the fall. HCC celebrated the first cohort of students to complete the program on May 1.

The human-services industry presents a wide variety of career options for people who are interested in providing care to children, seniors, adolescents, the homeless, or individuals dealing with substance abuse or mental-health issues.

Thanks to the grant, the total savings for full-time students is estimated to be $5,384 per semester. During their second-semester internship, students will receive a stipend of $2,500, which will pay $20 per hour for 10 hours per week of on-the-job training and learning.

“There is definitely a big shortage of human-service workers,” said Amy Brandt, HCC’s dean of Health Sciences. “It’s a challenge for agencies who have a variety of workers at different levels. They don’t have a lot of additional resources to develop that talent pool. They really are on shoestring budgets trying to provide services to the community. When you look at this grant, it’s a huge investment that can really help fill their needs.”

The 24-credit human-services certificate students earn can also be stacked, or applied toward an associate degree in human services, which could then lead to a bachelor’s degree in social work at a four-year college or university.

“The program really has the potential to set students up for lifelong learning and career advancement,” Brandt said, “and it’s also helping these social-service agencies meet their needs.”

Springfield Museums Join Blue Star Museum Initiative

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Museums have joined other museums nationwide in the Blue Star Museums initiative, a program that provides free admission to currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families this summer. The 2024 program will begin on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 18, and end on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2.

Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families in collaboration with the Department of Defense and participating museums across the U.S.

“We are honored to extend our thanks to the active military and their families by offering free admission to our museums,” said Kay Simpson, president and CEO of Springfield Museums. “We benefit from their service and sacrifice and feel privileged to share our limitless array of collections, exhibitions, and educational activities with them as an expression of our gratitude.”

In addition to the Springfield Museums, the Blue Star Museums program includes children’s museums; art, science, and history museums; zoos, gardens, and lighthouses; and more, from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the U.S. military: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force, as well as members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and up to five family members. Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card, DD Form 1173 ID card, DD Form 1173-1 ID card, or Next Generation Uniformed Services ID card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum.

Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club to Host Dragon Boat Open House on May 18

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club (PVRC) will host a dragon boat open house on Saturday, May 18 from 9 a.m. to noon at the PVRC Boathouse at North Riverfront Park, 121 West St., Springfield. PVRC will welcome the Veterans Dragon Boat USA team, which is recruiting new veterans to its team that will compete in this year’s PVRC Dragon Boat Festival.

The open house is for all to attend to learn more about rowing, dragon boating, and kayaking programs available to the public at PVRC this summer.

PVRC is preparing for its 10th annual Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday, July 20, and registration is now open for teams to participate at www.pvriverfront.org. Teams that sign up prior to May 27 receive an early-bird discount.

Veterans Dragon Boat USA is the nation’s first sustained all-veteran dragon boat team. At the open house on May 18, which is Armed Forces Day, veterans are encouraged to come and learn more about the team and how to join. No experience is necessary, only a desire to learn a new sport alongside fellow veterans.

According to Ben Quick, executive director of PVRC, “a dragon boat is like a 20-person canoe. The feeling of this many people all working together is inspiring, energizing, and rewarding. Come give it a try and see why it’s such a popular way to enjoy recreation, exercise, and teamwork.”

The Springfield Dragon Boat Festival, which has been hosted by the Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club since 2013, attracts hundreds of participants and spectators to the banks of the Connecticut River for a day of competition, festivity, and community support. The festival is an important fundraiser in support of breast-cancer survivors and community programming at the Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club.

More than 20 teams with hundreds of paddlers from throughout New England participate in PVRC’s Dragon Boat Festival each year. A team is comprised of up to 20 paddlers who race against other teams in 200-meter races on the Connecticut River. Each race lasts about one minute, and each team races at least three times on the day of the festival. Dragon boating originated in China 2,000 years ago and today is one of the world’s fastest-growing team water sports.

Monson Savings Bank to Host Clothing Drive During June

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Daily News

MONSON — Monson Savings Bank announced it will host a clothing drive during the month of June at all branch locations to collect professional work attire for Suit Up Springfield and Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts.

Suit Up Springfield accepts donations of suits, shirts, ties, shoes, and outer coats. Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts accepts donations of blazers and suits, dress pants, skirts, shoes, outerwear, and jewelry.

Donations of gently used and clean, professional business attire will be accepted at the following branch drop-off locations during normal business hours: 146 Main St., Monson; 15 Somers Road, Hampden; 100 Post Office Park, Wilbraham; 136 West St., Ware; and 61 North Main St., East Longmeadow.

Forest Park Zoo to Host Wine Safari on June 1

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Pinot and parrots, Riesling and rabbits, Sauvignon and snakes. These are a few of the pairings you might see at the Zoo in Forest Park’s Wine Safari on Saturday, June 1 from 2 to 6 p.m.

The 21+ fundraiser will take guests on a trip around the world, pairing wine from different countries with an animal from the same region, giving guests the opportunity to sample various wines as they meet and learn about that country’s native wildlife from members of the zoo’s education and animal-care teams. The money raised from this event supports the care of more than 225 animals that live at the zoo, many of which have been deemed non-releasable to the wild due to illness, injury, permanent disability, habituation, humans, or other factors.

“People often think the zoo is a place for kids, but no one is ever too old to learn,” said Gabry Tyson, assistant executive director at the Zoo in Forest Park. “Wine Safari offers a fun way for adults to learn about and engage with native and non-native species while enjoying a glass of wine or two.”

Guests must be age 21 or older to attend. The $55 ticket includes wine samples from 2 to 6 p.m. (while supplies last), charcuterie and small-bite appetizers, and animal encounters and keeper talks from members of the zoo’s animal-care and education teams. There will also be a raffle with prizes that include handmade Adirondack chairs, wine tasting at a local vineyard, and Red Sox tickets.

“Wine Safari has become one of our most popular signature events,” said Sarah Tsitso, executive director at the Zoo in Forest Park. “We absolutely love welcoming guests to sample wine, interact with our animals, and learn a little something about the wildlife that surrounds us.”

Advanced tickets are required to attend, and IDs will be checked at the door. Tickets are limited and are on sale now at www.forestparkzoo.org/winesafari.

HCC Athletic Director Tom Stewart Earns National Award for Excellence

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Daily News

Tom Stewart

HOLYOKE — Tom Stewart, director of Athletics and Student Engagement at Holyoke Community College (HCC), is the recipient of the 2024 George E. Killian Award of Excellence, the highest award bestowed each year by the National Junior College Athletic Assoc. (NCJAA).

The award is given to those who demonstrate the ideals of volunteerism, achievement, service, leadership, and excellence. It is named after George Killian, the first executive director of the NJCAA, which he led for nearly 40 years.

“Thank you for all you do to ensure a great student-athlete experience and for your dedication to the NJCAA,” Christopher Parker, NJCAA president and CEO, said in the award letter.

Stewart, a graduate of Westfield State University, has worked in college athletics for more than 35 years, the past 26 at HCC, where he has been director since 1999.

At HCC, he oversees nine intercollegiate sports programs and manages the David Bartley Center for Athletics and Recreation. He serves on the NJCAA board of regents as the representative for Region 21. He chairs the NJCAA Division III men’s golf committee and the NJCAA Division III women’s golf committee while also serving on the NJCAA track and field committee.

During his career, HCC has hosted nine NJCAA cross country championships and a track and field championship. In 2016, he was elected second vice president for the association’s men’s division. In that role, he oversaw the complete budgetary activity of the association. He has previously served as the co-chair of the finance and budget committee.

Stewart and other award winners were recognized on April 17 in Charlotte, N.C. during the 2024 NJCAA annual convention.

Representing 550 schools, the NJCAA is the largest athletic association for two-year colleges in the U.S. Stewart is the first recipient of the George E. Killian Award from any college in New England since it was first presented in 2006.

“That means a lot,” he said. “It’s kind of a culmination of all my work for all these years. And as I’m winding down toward the end of my career, it’s kind of nice to be recognized, even though I’m not big on getting these kinds of awards.”

Stewart started his career in higher education at Westfield State, where he worked for seven years as Student Activities administrator and director of intramurals and coached cross country. He was hired at HCC in 1996 as Student Activities director and became assistant athletic director in 1999 and athletic director in 2007. He now also supervises the Student Engagement department at HCC, which includes Student Activities and the Student Senate.

In October, Stewart was inducted into the Westfield State University Athletics Hall of Fame. As an undergraduate there, he was a four-year member of the cross country and track and field teams. An all-conference runner in 1985 and 1987 in cross country, he won the Westfield State Invitational and was an all-New England runner in steeplechase his sophomore year. Westfield State’s cross country and track teams won conference titles all four years he was on the team.

Springfield Chamber Players to Present Free Outdoor Concert on June 13

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Chamber Players will return to the Longmeadow Adult Center with a free performance by Quartetto Mosso on Thursday, June 13 at 6 p.m. The performance, held rain or shine, will feature violinists Ronald Gorevic and Beth Welty, violist Delores Thayer, and cellist Yoonhee Ko.

Quartetto Mosso is a new Springfield Chamber Players ensemble, which made its premiere in the Berkshires last winter, before presenting a showcase performance in Springfield. The quartet will become the Springfield Chamber Players’ outreach and education performers. The Longmeadow program will include two works by African-American composers, William Grant Still and Florence Price; “Lullaby” by George Gershwin; Antonin Dvořák’s “American Quartet”; and Henry Mancini’s film music for Charade.

Tickets are free, but advance reservations are required by calling (413) 565-4150, option 1. In case of rain, only a limited number of people can be accommodated indoors.

Gagne Wealth Management Group Expands

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Daily News

GREENFIELD — Gagne Wealth Management Group is expanding its footprint with the addition of two financial advisors, three employees, and an expansion that will double its office location at 238 Main St. in Greenfield. The advising firm, which offers comprehensive estate and income planning, retirement solutions, and investment services, has served Franklin County since 2006.

The acquisition will expand the reach of Gagne Wealth Management, an affiliate of Northwestern Mutual, and comes after Forbes magazine named Gagne Wealth Management to its Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list for the third consecutive year.

“Our commitment to all of our clients and local communities has never been stronger,” Merrill Gagne said. “I feel very fortunate to be able to provide solid local jobs and positively impact Franklin County.”

Dave Bonomi, Tad Malek, Sam Smith, Jenn Hoffman, and Lane Simmons have joined the team, nearly doubling its size. Gagne said the expansion will not only allow the firm to continue to grow in supporting its clients, but also provide significant local revenue to continue its support of local commerce and nonprofits.

BusinessTalk with executive director of the Northampton Downtown Assoc., Jillian Duclos

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Business Talk Podcast

We are excited to announce that BusinessWest has launched a new podcast series, BusinessTalk. Each episode will feature in-depth interviews and discussions with local industry leaders, providing thoughtful perspectives on the Western Massachuetts economy and the many business ventures that keep it running during these challenging times.

Go HERE to view all episodes

Episode 213: May 13, 2024

Joe Bednar talks with  Jillian Duclos, executive director of the Northampton Downtown Assoc.

Downtown Northampton has long been a neighborhood in flux — from its renaissance in the 1990s to its reputation as a trendsetter and tourism draw; from its resilience during the pandemic to the construction and road redesign beginning next year. As executive director of the Northampton Downtown Assoc., Jillian Duclos leads a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the cultural and economic vitality of downtown, through a mix of beautification, events, marketing, and advocacy. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, she talks withBusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar about the challenges of this important role, and why she’s so passionate about meeting them. It’s must listening, so tune in to BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest.

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bankESB Promotes Michelle Raskevitz to Vice President

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Daily News

Michelle Raskevitz

EASTHAMPTON — bankESB recently promoted Michelle Raskevitz to vice president, Learning and Development.

Raskevitz joined bankESB as a teller in the bank’s College Highway, Southampton office, and is about to celebrate her 30-year work anniversary at bankESB. She has held various roles, primarily in the realm of training, and was most recently assistant vice president, Learning and Development.

Over the course of her career, Raskevitz has grown the Learning and Development department into a place where everyone is both a teacher and a student, continuously growing, sharing, and innovating together, all under her leadership. She enjoys helping others unlock their full potential, and she has had a hand in developing many of bankESB’s leaders.

Raskevitz obtained her associate degree in business administration from Greenfield Community College, as well as multiple diplomas and certificates from the Center for Financial Training. She also graduated with honors from the New England School for Financial Studies in 2013. She has an extensive background of community involvement and volunteer experience with organizations like Credit for Life and the Easthampton High School Council, and currently is chairperson of the executive board of directors for the Center for Financial Training.

MCLA to Host Graduate Programs Information Session at Berkshire Innovation Center

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Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will host information sessions for its master of business administration (MBA) and master of education (MEd) graduate programs on Tuesday, May 14 at 5 p.m. at the Berkshire Innovation Center in Pittsfield. A virtual session will be held on Thursday, May 30 at noon.

Prospective students are invited to meet with faculty, students, and staff to learn more about how to continue their education in two of MCLA’s innovative programs designed to support the rising workforce needs in the Berkshires and beyond.

The MBA program is committed to redefining the educational experience by focusing on real-world applications that drive meaningful change in the region’s businesses and organizations. The program combines liberal-arts principles with modern business studies, equipping students with the critical-thinking skills needed to excel in today’s dynamic business environment. It is a part-time, 30-credit program structured in an accelerated hybrid learning model for working professionals and in partnership with the Berkshire Innovation Center.

The MEd program offers a thoughtful blend of classroom and fieldwork experiences that prepare students to make a meaningful impact in their school communities. Programs include MEd with initial licensure, professional teacher licensure with MEd, MEd with individualized plan of study non-licensure, and accelerated +1 bachelor’s degree with Med.

To register for an information session, click here or call the Office of Graduate and Continuing Education at (413) 662-5575.

Human Service Forum to Host Breakfast Workshop on Strategic Planning

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Daily News

EASTHAMPTON — The Human Service Forum (HSF) will host a breakfast workshop on strategic planning on Tuesday, May 21 from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Willits-Hallowell Conference Center, 25 Park St., South Hadley. Click here to register.

The workshop will be led by Jeff Wetherhold, a change-management expert with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations of all sizes develop and implement successful strategic plans. He will discuss the importance of using change-management techniques in strategic planning and provide tips on how to get buy-in from stakeholders and how to track progress.

“Strategic planning is essential for any organization that wants to achieve its goals,” HSF Executive Director Becca Coolong said. “However, many strategic plans end up gathering dust on a shelf. This workshop will teach participants how to develop strategic plans that are engaging and effective.”

The Human Service Forum is a nonprofit organization that provides education, training, and networking opportunities for human-service professionals.