Home and Garden, and Real Estate- February 27, 2022 by repubnews

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Home & Garden F

| SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2022

INSIDE

& Real Estate

‘Epic’ tomatoes Tomato-growing experts share advice, Page F2

ANTIQUES & COLLECTING: Unfold the history of this combination chair, table, F6 IN THE GARDEN WITH LEE REICH: Growing seedlings is its own reward, F3 GARDEN NOTES: Berkshire Botanical Garden programs, garden club scholarships, F3 PROJECT OF THE WEEK: Wishing for a well? F4 WMASS DEEDS, F7 MORTGAGE RATES: 30year US mortgage rate falls to 3.89%, F7 PROTECT YOUR TECHNOLOGY: When it comes to smart home tech, learn how to protect your privacy and personal information, F9

HOME & GARDEN

F2 | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2022

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

COVER STORY

The secret to ‘epic’ tomatoes Tomato-growing experts Craig LeHoullier and Joe Lamp’l offer advice, methods

‘W By Margaret Roach

New York Times

e are the luckiest tomato growers in all of history,” proclaimed Craig LeHoullier as he thumbed with dramatic effect through the Seed Savers Exchange yearbook, a hefty index of nearly 12,000 heirloom varieties of the beloved Solanum lycopersicum.

Choosing among such a staggering selection of tomatoes, plus hundreds of modern hybrids not included in that print version of the yearbook, is the first step toward your best-ever harvest — or what LeHoullier, a retired chemist who has grown perhaps 3,000 varieties, calls “epic tomatoes.” And reaching that goal does not start with just any old tomato that the local big-box store serves up as transplants by the truckload. “Epic Tomatoes: How to Select and Grow the Best Varieties of All Time” is LeHoullier’s 2014 book, now in its seventh printing, with about 80,000 copies

in print. And “Growing Epic Tomatoes” is the name of an online course that he teaches with his friend Joe Lamp’l, the host for 12 years of the Emmy Award-winning public television program “Growing a Greener World.” Lamp’l is no tomato slouch, either. Each year, under lights in his Atlanta-area basement, he sows more than 40 varieties — a total of about 2,000 seedlings. He transplants 60 into his raised-bed garden; the rest go to an annual plant sale that he holds with his younger daughter, Amy. LeHoullier recently moved to the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina from Raleigh, where he held

a similar annual sale. But now he is paring down, from a peak of 150 varieties a year to maybe 50, with one plant of each grown mostly in straw bales, not garden beds. “The fruit set is too good here, without so much heat and blossom drop,” he said of his new location. “Last year, with 100 plants, I was picking 75 pounds daily for a month.” Yes, there is such a thing as too epic. So many tomatoes, so little space Despite their shared passion, these two successful gardeners differ in their choice of gear and the subtleties of their techniques — the methods to their tomato madness. Likewise, they have an ongoing debate about which tomato best anchors a BLT. Dester, LeHoullier says emphatically, while Lamp’l The Seed Savers Exchange yearbook is a hefty index of nearly SEE TOMATO, PAGE F10 12,000 heirloom tomato varieties. (METRO CREATIVE ARTS)

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GARDEN NOTES

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2022 | F3

Lee Reich | In the Garden

Growing seedlings is its own reward

ROWING SEEDlings for the garden involves three steps: seed germination, “growing on,” and transplanting. Seed-sowing, that first step which leads to seed germination, is a combination of art and science; let’s look at it. Get started by spreading newspaper on the kitchen table and gathering together a few plastic seedling flats and some potting soil. Egg cartons or cut-open milk cartons can serve as flats if you punch drainage holes in their bottoms. For potting soil, either buy a bag of packaged potting soil (and add some extra perlite to lighten it) or make your own from equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite. In any case, do not use soil straight from the garden; it’s too dense. Before you fill the seed flats, moisten the potting soil and rub it through 1/4-inch

Growing your own seedlings is both rewarding and satisfying, and offers you a much wider choice of what to grow. (LEE REICH PHOTO)

mesh hardware cloth. This makes it homogeneous and fluffs it up a bit. Then fill the flats with the potting soil and firm it slightly so that there are no air pockets. The moist soil should just barely stick together and then spring back a little after you firm it. Seeds are either “broadcast,” i.e. spread out over the surface of the flat, or sown in

furrows made with the point of a pencil or plastic row marker. Since “growing on” conditions differ from germination conditions, in each flat sow only a single variety, or at least seeds that take about the same amount of time to germinate. After sowing, cover the seeds with soil to the depth indicated in SEE REICH, PAGE F4

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accepted to participate in a special program. All applicants must be planAGAWAM ning to pursue a degree in a major relevant to agriculGarden club ture, botany, conservation, ecology, environmental scholarship engineering, environmental Applications are available science, floral design, forestfor the Agawam Garden Club ry, landscaping architecture, 2022 scholarship. To qualify oceanography, perma-culfor the scholarship students ture/agro-ecology or a relatmust be a graduating senior ed field. of Agawam High School or a Applications, including college student who grada copy of an official grade uated from Agawam High transcript, must received by School. tomorrow. Applicants being Applicants must be major- considered will be contacted ing in or planning on major- by the Esther A. Rosati East ing in: botany, environmental Longmeadow Garden Club’s engineering, environmental Scholarship Committee for science, earths systems, an interview. forest management, natural resources, plant soil and STOCKBRIDGE insect science, sustainable Garden programs agriculture, sustainable horticulture or food and Berkshire Botanical Garden farming, turf grass science presents these upcoming and management, landscape programs: design and management • “The Bulb Show,” from technology, clean energy, March 3 through 13, 9 a.m. technology studies: waste to 4 p.m. Visitors will see an water or other environmental evolving collection of tradirelated studies. tional New England favorites Completed applications such as narcissus, tulips and along with transcripts and grape hyacinths; references must be submit• “Growing Giant Pumpted to Denise Carmody, 40 kins,” March 5, 10 a.m. to Primrose Lane, Agawam MA noon. Adam Wheeler of Bro01001 by April 1. Applicaken Arrow Nursery will offer tions are available through an informative look into the Agawam High School or can world of competitive pumpbe found online at agawam kin growing. Although the gardenclub.com. lecture will focus on how to grow extra-large pumpkins, EAST LONGMEADOW it will also inform gardeners about improving growing Garden club conditions for other pumpkin relatives, including melons, scholarship squash and cucumbers. $20 Applications are being members, $30 nonmembers; accepted for the 2022 Esther • “Ramen from Scratch,” A. Rosati Memorial East March 5, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Longmeadow Garden Club Join Carrie Chen for a cookScholarship in the amount of ing class and learn how to $1,000. cook ramen at home. Ramen Applicants must presently is a Japanese version of fastbe an East Longmeadow food that can be found everyHigh School senior or a where in Japan. In this class, recent graduate of East you will learn three different Longmeadow High School types of ramen soup bases: who is planning to attend an Tonkotsu (simmered chicken institution of higher learning; and pork bone), shoyo (soy or a graduate student who is sauce) and miso (salt). $40 a resident of East Longmead- members, $55 nonmembers. ow and is attending or planTo register for these proning to attend an institution grams or for more informaof higher learning; or an East tion, visit berkshirebotani Longmeadow student who cal.org. Botanical Garden is SEE NOTES, PAGE F4 is a resident and has been

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F4 | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2022

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Notes

Don & Dave Runyan | Project of The Week

Wishing for a well?

F YOU’RE A DO-ITyourselfer looking to freshen up the yard this spring, try making a wish. It’s easy with this pretty little wishing well — just close your eyes, toss in a coin, add some potted plants and flowers and you’ll find your wish has come true. It’s really that simple to create a colorful new focal point for the landscape. As inexpensive as it is easy to build, the wishing well requires a small quantity of standard redwood lumber (as pictured; pine, cedar or treated lumber work just as well), a 4-by-4 sheet of plywood, some shingles (cedar or asphalt), a dowel, fasteners, glue and finish. The project features fullsize traceable patterns for all the curves and angles, making construction a breeze. To build, simply trace the pieces onto wood and cut everything

Reich CONTINUES FROM PAGE F3

seedpacket instructions, or use the general rule of burying a seed to twice its depth. Light can be a factor in seed germination. Some seeds, especially tiny seeds like those of snapdragon, lobelia, petunia, and hollyhock, need some light in order to germinate. This is a natural protection mechanism that keeps small seeds from germinating deep within the soil, where their food reserves would be expended before their emerging shoots reached light. On the other hand, there are some seeds, especially big seeds like calendula and nasturtium, that germinate best in darkness. They need lots of water to germinate, a condition most often found deep in the soil, and — you guessed it — darkness. I said light can be a factor in germination; the germination of most seeds is unaffected by light. And the needs of those that are affect-

CONTINUES FROM PAGE F3

located at 5 West Stockbridge Road.

out. Next, assemble the well and roof separately. To finish, combine the well and roof, add shingles and seal, paint or stain. The completed project measures 27 inches in diameter by about 48 inches tall. The Wishing Well plan, No. 877, is $9.95 and includes step-by-step instructions with photos, full-size traceable patterns, construction diagrams, a shopping list and cutting schedule and a tollfree help line for project questions. Please include $3.95 for postage and handling and allow about two weeks for delivery. To order by mail, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o The Republican, 741B Olive Ave., Vista CA 92083. To order by credit card, call 1-760-8067708. Visit U-Bild on the web at u-bild.com.

WILBRAHAM

Garden club meeting The first meeting of 2022 for the Wilbraham Garden Club will be held March 3 at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Cecilia’s Parish Center, 42 Main St. Coffee and pastries will be served. The speaker will be Neil Sanders, an author who writes suspense novels that center on strong, independent women gardeners, who will speak about his book, “Gardening Will Kill You.” Send items for Garden Notes to pmastriano@ repub.com two weeks prior to publication.

Whether seeds have been sown in or on the soil, firm the surface after you sow the seed to establish intimate contact between the seed and soil. ed are somewhat flexible, influenced by temperature and other environmental factors. Whether seeds have been sown in or on the soil, firm the surface after you sow the seed to establish intimate contact between the seed and soil. I like to use a brick or piece of 2-by-4. Then sprinkle on top of the soil a thin layer of finely shredded sphagnum moss, which helps prevent damping-off disease. Next, the flats need a thorough watering. Hold on, before you reach for a glass of water to splash on the soil surface, you don’t want to wash away your carefully sown seeds and puddle the soil surface. Fill the kitchen sink with an inch of water and set the pans in the sink for 10 minutes. Then cover each flat with newspaper or plastic, depending on the light require-

ment of the seeds. No more water will be needed until the seedlings germinate. The seeds now have moisture and oxygen (the perlite you add to potting mixes ensured an aerated soil), and all they need now is a little heat to speed germination. “Gentle bottom heat,” instruct old gardening books. If you are a stickler for numbers, call it 70 degrees Fahrenheit. You can buy thermostatically-controlled heating mats made expressly for this purpose, or improvise by using the top of your water heater or your gas stove’s pilot light. Finally, wait and watch for germination. I’ve grown seedlings for my garden for years, but I still get a tingle of excitement when that first green leaf becomes evident against the background of brown sphagnum moss.

Once those seeds germinate, move the flats for “growing on,” where temperatures are cooler and seedlings are bathed in light.

Any gardening questions? Email them to me at garden@ leereich.com and I’ll try answering them directly or in this column.

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Terry & Kim Kovel | Antiques & Collecting

Unfold the history of this combination chair, table

HE 19TH CENTURY was a time of innovation in wooden furniture. New inventions, such as the jigsaw, and construction methods, such as mass production, opened up previously unheard-of possibilities for architects and designers. One such designer was Stephen Hedges of New York, whose patent for a “combined table and chair,” filed in April 1854, can be viewed online in Google Patents. His invention appears to be a small round table, but, with half the hinged tabletop folded back, opens into a desk joined to a semicircular chair. One example made of mahogany with leather upholstery and attributed to Hedges sold at Neal Auction in New Orleans for $1,586. This style of convertible desk and chair is sometimes known as an “Aaron Burr desk” after the statesman and third vice president of the United States. As often happens when a style is associated with a historical figure, it isn’t based on a true story. An article published in 1911 claimed that not only did Burr own a desk like this, but it had also been designed specifically for him to accommodate his short height. That article apparently did not account for the fact Burr died nearly 20 years before Hedges filed his patent!

Wedgwood Group. It became part of WWRD Holdings in 2009. WWRD was bought by Fiskars in 2015. Waterford and Wedgwood are now brands owned by Fiskars. What you are witnessing is the normal ebb and flow of collecting. Many items that used to sell for high prices — like Bakelite jewelry 15 years ago — are now selling for a lot less. Waterford is at a low ebb. But remember what we say about collecting: You should collect what you love. Don’t collect things to predict the future and expect to make money.

Q. I made an impulse

buy at a garage sale of a cute 6-inch plate. It has a 1/2-inch-high rim. The words “Baby’s Plate” are on the brownish-orange rim. The interior is pale yellow with five baby ducks running in a green circle. I paid $15. Can you tell me a little about the plate?

This combination desk and chair sold for $1,586 at Neal Auction in New Orleans. It is attributed to Stephen Hedges, who patented the design in 1854. (COWLES SYNDICATE INC.)

large “B” and “Burke, Inc., Dallas, Texas, 103.” What are they worth?

cars such as Graham-Paige, Packard, Buick, Plymouth and Chrysler. Simple, effective clockwork motors powered Burke’s chairs were these toys and some even had electric lights. They made You bought a vintage Ros- inspired by the midcentuthem in three sizes, from 4 to eville Pottery Juvenile cream- ry modern “Tulip Chair” ware “Baby’s Plate” with five designed by Eero Saarinen in 12 inches, and they’re sought after by collectors today. A yellow chicks and a rolled rim. 1957. Burke’s molded chairs prewar Japan Kuramochi Roseville Juvenile creamware were made with either a round foot on the pedestal police car with its box, 11 was introduced by Roseville base or a star-shaped “proinches long, sold in NovemPottery about 1910. The line peller” foot. Molded armber 2019 at Bertoia Auctions includes bowls, plates, cups, mugs and pitchers that were chairs in the same style were for $1,750. also made. Cushions were TIP: Experts say you should decorated with ducks, pigs, available in several colors. keep your wooden furniture rabbits, dogs, cats, sunbonMidcentury modern styles are clean and dust free. Wax or net girls and more. Roseville popular. The chairs sell for polish it once a year and don’t Juvenile pieces were often let it dry out. unmarked, but later examples about $150 to $250. I’ve noticed that Water- from about 1924 are marked Terry Kovel and Kim Kovel My father gave me one answer readers’ questions sent ford crystal vases, candlewith the “Rv” ink stamp. Juvesticks and clocks seem to be nile was very popular and was of his old toys, a really nice to the column. Send a letter Packard car by Kuramochi. with one question describing the selling for very low prices made by the factory for more Do you have any history size, material (glass, pottery) on internet marketplaces. I than 20 years. A set of two and what you know about the seem to be getting bargains. rimmed plates like yours, plus on it? I recently bought a small a flat plate, sold at an auction item. Names, addresses or email Waterford clock for $25. for $57 in July 2021. Toy cars and robots were addresses will not be published. But why is this happening? a hallmark of the Japanese Questions that are answered will We have a set of four tin toy industry. Before World appear in Kovels Publications. Waterford crystal was white molded fiberglass War II, Japanese companies Write to Kovels, The Republican, King Features Syndicate, first made in 1783 in the Irish chairs with swivel pedestal like CK, or Kuramochi Co., were producing large and re- 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL city of Waterford. In 1986, bases and vinyl cushions alistically detailed cars. They 32803 or email collectors Waterford bought Wedgwood that screw into the seat. were models of American gallery@kovels.com. and formed the Waterford They’re marked with a

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CURRENT PRICES Current prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States. Prices vary in different locations because of local economic conditions. Doll, Kenner, Strawberry Shortcake, Almond Tea, purple wig, painted face, purple eyes, yellow and purple outfit, yellow petal hat, Marza Panda pet, box, 1982, 7 3/4 x 4 3/4 x 2 3/4 inches, $45. Thermometer, advertising, Woolsey marine paint and finish, Cawlux can on top, Best For Topsides, Vinelast can on bottom, Tops For Bottoms, white ground, black lettering, red and blue graphics, 27 inches, $85. Art glass vase, violet, molded, amber rim and circular foot, labels, Hank Adams, Blenko, 13 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches, pair, $90. Sports card, baseball, World Series Batting Foes, Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, Topps, No. 418, 1958, $235. Clothing, man’s pea coat, suede, napped, light brown, double-breasted, notched lapel, shearling lining, Polo Ralph Lauren, c. 1980, size XL, 45 x 20 1/2 inches, $405. Mirror, vanity, silver plate frame, oval, laurel wreath finial, diamond pattern supports, grapevine feet, marked, Norblin & Co., Warsaw, Poland, c. 1900, 19 x 19 x 5 inches, $510. Pottery dish, Santa Clara, blackware, carved interior, Avanyu water serpent figure around rim, signed, Severa Tafoya, 8 3/4 inches, $705. Silver sugar basket, lid, grapevine handle, inverted bell shape, scrolled cutwork panels, scalloped rim, round foot, cast grape clusters, blown cranberry glass liner, marked, Henry Wilkinson & Co., Sheffield, c. 1850, 9 x 6 3/4 inches, $840. Furniture, desk and chair, N.E. Glasdam Jensen, Danish Modern, teak, teak veneer, black upholstery, lectern style desk, lift lid, slant front, adjustable, square seat on chair, low back, stretcher base, stamped, Vantinge Mobelindustri, Denmark, 47 x 253/4 inches, $1,310.

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WASHINGTON

30-year US mortgage rate falls to 3.89% By Kathy Orton

The Washington Post

The upward trajectory of mortgage rates was halted by developments in Ukraine. According to the latest data, released Thursday by Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate average fell to 3.89% with an average 0.8 point. (A point is a fee paid to a lender equal to 1% of the loan amount. It is in addition to the interest rate.) It was 3.92% the previous week and 2.97% a year ago. Freddie Mac, the federally chartered mortgage investor, aggregates rates from about 80 lenders across the country to come up with weekly national averages. The survey is based on home purchase mortgages. Rates for refinances may be different. It uses rates for high-quality borrowers with strong credit scores and large down payments. Because of the criteria, these rates are not available to every borrower. The 15-year fixed-rate average slipped to 3.14% with an average 0.7 point. It was 3.15% the previous week and 2.34% a year ago. The fiveyear adjustable-rate average was unchanged at 2.98% with an average 0.3 point. It was 2.99% a year ago. “Mortgage rates were fairly flat last week,” said Paul Thomas, vice president of capital markets at Zillow. “There were no signs of changes in labor markets, as employment figures remain strong. Retail sales were stronger than expected and import prices pointed to continued inflationary pressures. But the strong economic data from last week was offset by continued uncertainty in Ukraine, keeping rates from continuing to increase.”

Deeds

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2022 | F7

Jared A. Taylor and Sydney L. Taylor to Kyle L. Taylor, Jared A. Taylor and Sydney L. Taylor, 335 Hill Road and Beldingville Road, $385,000.

AGAWAM Andrew J. Fox to Yuriy Havlytyuk and Oleksandr N. Kryshchuk, 30 Logan Place, $435,000. Asda LLC, to Vilkh Holding LLC, 69-73 Garden St., $450,000. John C. McDonald and Elisandra McDonald to Taylor Coffey, 140h Autumn St., $167,500. Kelsy Coren Whitney to Sandra Whiston, 2 Maple View Lane Unit D, $277,000. Margo L. Vanzandt and Margo Vanzandt to Jane R. Beresford, 207 Poplar St., $345,000. Pine Crossing Construction Inc., to Paul T. Mahoney and Susan E. Mahoney, 19 Villa Drive, Unit 4, $329,900. Roland A. Ciocca to Jbella Realty LLC, 12 School St., $445,000. Sandra M. Shade, representative, and Bryan T. McMullan, estate, to Janet Kazukonis and Anthony W. Kazukonis, 24 Ash Lane, $225,000. U S Bank Trust, trustee, and LSF10 Master Participation Trust, trustee of, to Hassan Saleh, 108 Franklin St., $152,000.

AMHERST

BELCHERTOWN Hilda I. Pons Loud, Hilda I. Pons and Bryan C. Pons Loud to Nicholas P. Sheldon, Laurel C. Sheldon and Martha B. Cooke, 190 Sabin St., $470,000. Laurel C. Sheldon and Nicholas P. Sheldon to Martha B. Cooke, 190 Sabin St., $100. John P. LaBrecque and Theresa M. LaBrecque to Wen Xiu Lian, 50 West St., $590,000. Jaren Newell and Samaita Newell to Nicholas B. Daniel, 10 Keyes St., $265,000. Amber K. Merceri to Kakas Cornelia and Benjamin Martin Coblyn, 296 Daniel Shays Highway, $268,000.

BRIMFIELD Christine Waible to 36 Warren Road Realty Trust, trustee of, and Jonathan Burke, trustee, 36 Warren Road, $117,000. Michael W. Sheerin and Amy A. Sheerin to Lawrence D. Simonetti and Elizabeth Simonetti, 54 Dearth Hill Road, $660,000.

Cindy M. Simis, representative, and Patrick L. Murphy, estate, to Joseph A. Rubilar, 101 Collins St., Unit E9/ 101, $167,000.

Marcia J. LaRocque-Levy to Hannah Levy, trustee and David & Marcia Levy Irrevocable Trust, 47 Knipfer Ave., $100.

Eugene D. O’Shea, Layla O’Shea and Layla Watkins to Drew Nalewanski and Elizabeth P. Martins, 357-359 Hampden St., $310,000.

Jeffrey J. Wolak, Patricia Gosselin Gorman and Patricia A. Gosselin to Roman Catholic Bishop of Springfield, 109 Everett St., $400,000.

John H. Garvulenski to Chaz Carmichael, 51 Lorimer St., $260,000.

Sydney Helfen and Roslyn F. Helfen to Roslyn F. Helfen, 64 South St., $100.

Kimberly Collins, representative, and Dale R. Schutte, estate, to Emi Investments LLC, 725 Lombard Road, $176,500.

GILL Joseph M. Parzych to Michael J. Leva, 180 Main Road, $200,000

Ryszard Starsiak to Karen Chi and Weimon Chi, 21 Emery St., $334,000.

Frederick W. Sheard and Nancy D. Sheard to Benjamin Woodard and Zoe Gardner, 80 Center Road, $435,000.

Susan L. Gouin and Robert D. Gouin to Madeline Puma, 39 East Street Ave., $249,900. Timothy S. Beauchamp to Antonio Martinez and Darline Espinosa, 6365 Mellen St., $295,000.

GRANBY Kevin J. Longo and Virginia L. Longo to Kevin J. Longo, trustee, Virginia L. Longo, trustee, and 139 South Street Realty Trust, 139 South St., $100.

COLRAIN William Watkins and Lilia Marie Vreeland to Joshua Breitner, Lewis Breitner and Laurie Breitner, 49 Fairbanks Road, $223,100.

GRANVILLE Michael B. Guarco to 478 Main Road LLC, Westfield Street, $64,000.

CONWAY Jeanet H. Irwin and Genevieve P. Hardigg, trustees of the James S. Hardigg Revocable Trust, to Arthur P. Hardigg, 36 Upper Baptist Hill Road, $330,000.

GREENFIELD

Martha Merrill Umphrey to Trustees of Amherst College and Amherst BUCKLAND College, 32 Hitchcock Road, EAST LONGMEADOW $440,000. DC Cote Properties LLC, to John Thary Phok-Mizrahi and Nir Mizrahi Lawson II, 44 Green St., $330,000. Carl R. Hindes Jr., and Susan Hindes to Nir Mizrahi, 131 Pondview Drive, to Amber M. DeMaio, 5 Revere St., $100. $220,000. CHARLEMONT Dugubrown Construction LLC, to Giovanni Montefusco to Gerardo Yuqing Guo and Hui Guan, 74 East Bradley J. Rice to Anthony J. Grey, Acosta Barreto and Marissa Nicole 14 East Harmony Road, $200,000. Rocha, 37 Taylor St., $285,000. Leverett Road, $612,500. Fannie Mae, Federal National Mort- Harry Perrone Jr., to Sterling Land gage Association and RM Title LLC, Development LLC, Potters Road EASTHAMPTON Extension, $7,350. attorney in fact, to KGT Associates LLC, 19 Thayer St., $210,000.

CHICOPEE

ASHFIELD Lynn M. Benson, “fka” Lynn M. Taylor, Alan L. Taylor, Kyle L. Taylor,

BDF Realty Co., LLC, to Procon Group LLC, 850 Sheridan St., $1,300,000.

Mountain View Investors LP, to New England Remodeling General Contractors Inc., Pomeroy Street and Cook Road, $180,000. David A. Levy, Marcia Levy and

Margaret K. Rice Holden to Daniel J. Wessman and Barbara Roche. 261 Briar Way, Unit 3B, Briar Knoll Townhouse Condominium, $213,000. James P. Curtis and Thea P. Atwood, “aka” Thea Atwood, to Nathan J. Sugerman Castle and Arwen Miller. 9 Willow St., $270,000. Deborah L. Deskavich, Maureen A. Black and Karen Palaoro to Robert L. Kidder and Louise H. Kidder, 8 Cooke St., $365,000. Jana M. Read, personal representative of the Estate of Roger Frederick Dunn, “aka” Roger F. Dunn, to A Plus Enterprises Inc., 20 MacLellan Lane, $138,000.

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413-267-4513 www.monsonsavings.com

LIC# 613363

LEGEND: The rate and annual percentage rate (APR) are effective as of the publication date. The APR may increase after consummation and may vary. Payments do not include amounts for taxes and insurance. The fees set forth for each advertisement above may be charged to open the plan (A) Mortgage Banker, (B) Mortgage Broker, (C) Bank, (D) S&L, (E) Credit Union, (BA) indicates Licensed Mortgage Banker, NYS Banking Dept., (BR) indicates Registered Mortgage Broker, NYS Banking Dept., (loans arranged through third parties). “Call for Rates” means actual rates were not available at press time. All rates are quoted on a minimum FICO score of 740. Conventional loans are based on loan amounts of $165,000. Jumbo loans are based on loan amounts of $548.250. Points quoted include discount and/or origination. Lock Days: 30-60. Annual percentage rates (APRs) are based on fully indexed rates for adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs). The APR on your specific loan may differ from the sample used. Fees reflect charges relative to the APR. If your down payment is less than 20% of the home’s value, you will be subject to private mortgage insurance, or PMI. FHA mortgages include both UFMIP and MIP fees based on loan amount of $165,000 with 5% down payment. VA mortgages include funding fees based on loan amount of $165,000 with 5% down payment. The Republican does not guarantee the accuracy of the information appearing above or the availability of rates and fees in this table. All rates, fees and other information are subject to change without notice. The Republican does not own any financial institutions. Some or all of the companies appearing in this table pay a fee to appear in this table. If you are seeking a mortgage in excess of $548.250, recent legislation may enable lenders in certain locations to provide rates that are different from those shown in the table above. Sample Repayment Terms-ex. 360 monthly payments of $5.29 per $1,000 borrowed ex. 180 monthly payments of $7.56 per $1,000 borrowed. We recommend that you contact your lender directly to determine what rates may be available to you. To access the NMLS Consumer Access website, please visit www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. To appear in this table, or report any inaccuracies call 413-788-1050.

HOME & GARDEN

F8 | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2022

Deeds CONTINUES FROM PAGE F7

HADLEY Walter C. Wanczyk Jr., and Janet D. Wanczyk to Janet D. Wanczyk, 50 Cemetery Road, $100. Walter C. Wanczyk Jr. and Janet D. Wanczyk to Janet D. Wanczyk, 180 Russell St., $100. Walter C. Wanczyk Jr. and Janet D. Wanczyk to Janet D. Wanczyk, 146 Rocky Hill Road, $100. Walter C. Wanczyk Jr. and Janet D. Wanczyk to Janet D. Wanczyk, 146 Honey Pot Road, $100. Walter C. Wanczyk, Walter C. Wanczyk Jr. and Janet D. Wanczyk to Janet D. Wanczyk, 52 Cemetery Road, 23 Cemetery Road, 22 Honey Pot Road and 25 Cemetery Road, $100. Walter C. Wanczyk Jr. and Janet D. Wanczyk to Janet D. Wanczyk, 46 Cemetery Road, $100. Therese Fleming Dudek to Joshua Relin and Megan L. Relin, 11 Lady Slipper Lane, $520,000. Mourad Belfakih and Imane Kartit to Aaron T. Soules, Timothy B. Soules and Carol B. Soules, 11 Sylvia Heights, $370,000.

HATFIELD Carol Kwapien and Thomas J. Kwapien, attorney-in-fact, to Thomas J. Kwapien Sr., 62 Main St., $100.

HAWLEY Cheryl A. Yates to Hawley Preserve LLC, 292 East Hawley Road, $475,000.

HOLLAND Diane Miller to Katie Anne Pollard and Jason Wesley Pollard, Sutcliffe Road, $2,000. Ontour Properties Inc., to Kate Meadows Berti, 4 Howlett Drive, $346,000.

HOLYOKE Alfaville LLC, to Gerald Lavoie, 5 Maple Crest Circle, Unit A, $104,500.

Kim M. Bey to Yomary Figueroa, 27 Oscar St., $240,000. Nationstar Mortgage LLC, and Mr. Cooper to Edward A. Cianci and James F. Kay, 19 Cherry St., $159,000. Oscar Reyes to Yaniana Mendoza Torres, 10 Robert Drive, $364,000.

LEYDEN Patricia M. Saline, trustee of Saline 2019 Revocable Trust, to Oscar R. Cornejo, 838 Greenfield Road, $280,000.

LUDLOW Marie I. Anderson and Maria Teles to Larsen Marcel, 129 Lakeview Ave., $297,000. Paula Bogacz to PAH Properties LLC, 700 Center St., $150,000.

MONSON Amber M. DeMaio to Real Estate Investments Northeast LLC, 12 Hampden Ave., $120,000. Carol P. Darnley, estate, and William E. Darnley, representative, to Adam Pafumi and Oceanna Baranski, 42 Waid Road, $270,000. Diane Hastings to Mark Mayberry and Colleen Mayberry, Wales Road, $3,000.

Riverview Development Associates LLC, to Cheryl Jacques and Jennifer Chrisler, 717 Northampton St., Unit 72, $367,900. Kelly A. Ambrogio, conservator, and

Wicked Deals LLC, to Choquette Capital Investments LLC, 54 Platinum Circle, $410,000. Steven Berlin to Jana Harvill-Correa and Ivan E. Correa, 428 Westhampton Road, $675,000. Gary R. Champagne to Gary R. Champagne, trustee, and Gary R. Champagne Living Trust, 71 Pleasant St., $100.

NORTHFIELD Michael Wasilauski and Dorothy Wasilauski to David W. Leduc and Lori A. Leduc, 271 West Road, $400,000. William Scott Robinson and Cynthia Ann King to Ella Bourgeois, trustee of the S&A Realty Trust, 28 Hamilton Drive, $234,500.

ORANGE Wayne D. Whitmore and Kelly Anne Whitmore to Kanchana Fernando, 564-566 East Main St., $160,000. Daniel Carr to Kyle A. Carr, 54 East Myrtle St., $250,000. Albert Lichoulas to Catherine P. Pilgrim-Smith, Fairman Road, $55,000.

William P. Brown and Theresa M. Brown to Efrain Troche and Carmen R. Otero, 85 Pleasant St., Joanne Palhete to Joseph A. Easton, $165,000. Turners Falls Road, $30,000. Edward J. Berte and Jean E. Berte, John H. Stewart III, “aka” John H. “fka” Jean E. Palaima, to Jarad J. Stewart and Barbara Stewart to May, 42 Cheney St., $175,000. Curtis Weaver, 38 First Ave., “fka” Ashley Warner to Michael Ray 40 First Ave., $238,500. McGehee and Sarah Lee McGehee, Alan Parrish to Bruce A. Aune and 195 South Main St., $333,000. Anne B. Aune, 23 East Taylor Hill Patricia J. Rushford to Charlene Road, $75,000. Adams, Cheney Street, $2,500. 104 Fourth Street LLC, to Amanda L. Nash. 104 4th Street. $280,000.

MONTAGUE

Brian Costa and Toni Costa to Toni Costa, 5 Kingsley Ave., $134,000.

NORTHAMPTON Brian Lienert and Jackie Lienert to Nicholas S. Riggall and Tamar Smith, 866 Burts Pit Road, $525,000. Nancy C. Chamberlin, trustee, and Nancy C. Chamberlin Revocable Trust to Danica Phelps, 83 North St., $450,500.

Alycar Investments LLC, to Laura M. Bogart, 161 1/2 Oak St., $276,000. Katherine S. Irwin to Martha Merrill Umphrey, 90 Pomeroy Terrace, Christel A. Hendricks and Erika C. Teele to Christel A. Hendricks, 1421 $480,000. Dwight St., $100.

Daignault Family Trust to Whitney Wilson, 89 Main St., and 89-93 Main St., $405,000.

PALMER

54 Commercial St. Inc., to Roger Parker, 42 Commercial St., $94,300. 54 Commercial St. Inc., to Roger Parker, 54 Commercial St., $40,700. Arthur L. Biron and Roberta L. Biron to Dylan A. Costa and Kayleigh M. Robare, 121 Flynt St., $287,000. Paula L. Matukaitis to Brittany Thibeault and James Michael Woods, 247 Thompson St., $350,000. Sandra Gouvin to James Coyer and Stacey Coyer, 3134 South Main St., $139,000.

David Glickman, personal representative, Evalyn G. Glickman, estate, PELHAM and Evalyn Geilich Glickman, estate, to Amy E. Mager and Daniel Timothy R. Smith to Warren K. E. Garfield, 52 Prospect Ave., Castonguay and Jordan Rehn $647,000. Castonguay, 96 Daniel Shays HighAnne Daignault, trustee, and Anne way, $345,000.

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

72 Wrentham Road, $165,000.

ROWE Karin E. Spiegler and Eric Spiegler, personal representatives of the Estate of Gerhard E. Spiegler, to Austin Willis, Zoar Road and Hazelton Road, $95,000.

SOUTH HADLEY John A. Dent and John Dent to Teresa Lewis, 10 Ranger St., $285,000. Francis J. Kulig to Sarah L. Kulig, trustee, Erin K. Hennen, trustee, and Francis & Kathleen Kulig Irrevocable Trust, 109 Alvord Place, $100. Gary L. Kouflie to Jaime M. Dahlquist, 13 The Knolls, $100.

SOUTHAMPTON

Cheri Facchini, representative, and John B. O’Sullivan, estate, to Revitalized Renovations Inc., 8-10 Langdon St., $140,000. Clinton A. Mitchell to Carlos De Leon, 30 Clayton St., Unit E, $125,000. Daniela D. Urena to Emily Torres Figueroa, 83 Sherbrooke St., $285,000. Denise D. Harper-Forde to Brendaliz Vallejo, 41 Fairhaven Dr., $322,000. East Columbus Avenue LLC, to Gandara Mental Health Center Inc., 933 East Columbus Ave., $2,028,500. Elizabeth J. Plante, estate, and Richard D. Plante, representative, to Spring Park Properties Inc., 54 Duryea St., $125,000.

Fyxer Up Properties LLC to NextDeborah A. Peters to Kevin C. Netto gen Construction Service Inc., 28 Construction Inc., 117 Strong Road, Bosworth St., $160,000. $330,000. Gary A. Daula to Anthony M. Stacey J. Piandes and Stacey J. Santaniello, 616-618 White St., Bartolomeo to Alla Katsnelson and $220,000. Geoffrey D. McKonly, 11 Maple St., Heather Goodyear Blantyre, Heath$282,000. er M. Goodyear and William E. Blantyre to Emmanuel Marte and Rosa D. Ramos Solares, 41 Garfield SOUTHWICK St., $290,000. Donna L. Maynard, Donna L. Jacey M. Rondeau, Nancy E. Ciarlone and Thomas R. Maynard Rondeau and Nancy E. Stroup to to Jeno103 LLC, 103 Point Grove Justin S. Correa, 34-36 Sterling St., Road, $349,900. $276,000. Maksim Dzyubenko and Vita Jahmeelah O Bai-Grandson, Dzyubenko to Ashley Garlo and Jahmeelah Oseye Bai and Charles Alexander John Garlo, 11 Falmouth A. Grandson IV to Knollwood PropRoad, $370,000. erty Group LLC, 69-71 Knollwood Norman H. Storey to Thomas R. St., $215,000. Maynard and Donna Maynard, 122 James Coombs to Miguel Vargas, Berkshire Ave., $400,000. 364 Island Pond Road, $245,000. Susan B. Hart to Chad F. Hart, 9 James S. Hwang and James Hwang Gillette Ave., $100,000. to Knox Residences I Limited Zoe Falken to Joseph M. SantanPartnership, 34 Wilbraham Ave., iello and Anthony Santaniello, 37 $450,000. Tannery Road, $50,000. Joel A. Rapalo to Jarvis Q. Lee, 2527 Margerie St, $235,000.

SPRINGFIELD

Jonathan J. Demars, John J. Demars, Agatha Worrell to Altagracia Mirian Lexxi N. Demars and Edward Demars to Edwin Rodriguez and NeisEstrella De Urena, 426 Sumner ha Rivera, 87 Dorset St., $225,000. Ave., $310,000. Kahlil Crittendon to Brital 1987 Alfred J. Long to Novelette ColeLLC, 18 Stanhope Road, $145,000. man, 1427 South Branch Parkway, Lester E. Johnson and Shadina M. Andrew L. Rohan to Pratik Mandav- Johnson to Jeniffer Vazquez-Nieves and Angel Colon-Diaz, 165 Greshgade, 50 Dawes St., $252,000. am St., $238,000. Antonio Calabrese and Jennifer Calabrese to Carlos Rodriguez, 29- Michael C. Krobock and Michael C. Wagner to Alanna Bernstein and 31 Morris St., $229,000. Nicholas W. Leigh, 14 Mandalay Blueline Management LLC, to Road, $230,000. John Richard Barnett and Nerica Monica A. Cuccovia to Angela C. Barnett, 309 Sunrise Terrace, Della Croce, Mary C. Perkins-Dobek $249,900. and Paul M. Dobek, 114 Nassau Bretta Construction LLC, to Shadi- Drive, Unit 114, $138,000. na M. Johnson and Lester E. JohnNovelette Coleman and Robert son, 321 Gilbert Ave., $465,000. Bennett to Abraham Merida, 94-96 Casey Roginski and Nichol RoginsEdgewood St., $298,000. ki to Rodman Capital Group LLC, SEE DEEDS, PAGE F9 $299,000.

HOME & GARDEN

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2022 | F9

Are you managing your smart home technology? Understanding how to protect your privacy, secure personal information important

‘L

By Michele Lerner

of thumb is that if you are a casual user (you use a streaming service to ights, camera, watch TV, you have one or two smart devices, etc.) then you should aim for action” isn’t about 20 to 50 mbps [megabits per heard just on second] speeds. If you have several TVs streaming 4k at the same time, movie sets various smart home devices and a these days. gamer or two in the house, then you You’re just as likely to say it should aim for speeds of 100 mbps or more. Don’t forget, just because you in your own home when you have speed, doesn’t mean you have coverage. You need to make sure you operate your smart home perform a speed test from various devices. points of your home to determine your Although using an app for security, coverage. lighting and entertainment can feel If coverage is poor in areas where simple, you need to understand how you want to put a device, you may to protect your privacy and secure want to consider: your personal information in this • Centralizing your router. You may new age of high life at home. We pay for great speeds coming into your sought advice from two experts: Hank home, but if your router is located in Schless, senior manager of securia decentralized corner of your house, ty solutions at Lookout, a mobile you are severely limiting its coversecurity provider; and Scott McKinley, age. Wi-Fi signals don’t travel well assistant vice president of Pocket through dense objects like concrete, Geek Home. Both replied via email, metal and wood. The more walls your and their responses were edited. signal must move through, the more strength it loses. Just a simple move How do you know if you have the of the router to another location can bandwidth in your home to handle solve many signal strength and covermore smart home-tech gadgets? age issues. Schless: Many internet service • Upgrading your router to a mesh providers have apps that help you system. Mesh routers provide a great understand how much data and option for extending your coverage for bandwidth your connected devices those who have big gaps where their are using. The providers will also note Wi-Fi signal just won’t reach. They how many devices each of their plans provide a consistent speed since they can support. work together to extend your coverMcKinley: Depending on the age. number of smart home tech de• Upgrading to a Wi-Fi 6 router. Wivices you have in your home, and Fi 6 is a relatively new technology that the type of techie you are, you may is faster and can handle more devices have different needs. A basic rule (or streams) simultaneously. This The Washington Post

Deeds

Fredette St., $100.

CONTINUES FROM PAGE F8

Uriel Reyes and Jose A. Reyes to Cottages By Lorraine LLC, 48-50 Blodgett St., $219,000.

Paige N. Derry, John M. Thompson and Linda J. Thompson to Arie Myrmo, 196 Forest Park Ave., $290,000.

William M. Fossa, Frank Fossa, Kathleen Houlihan and John A. Fossa to Paul B. Mock, 25 Manhattan St., $132,000.

Quang M. Nguyen to Michael A. Bisrat, 52-54 Somerset St., $285,000.

Yuriy Rudenko and Yelena Rudenko to Athime Continual Wealth LLC, 49 Prospect St., $285,000.

Springfield City to Knox Residences I Limited Partnership, Waltham Avenue, $11,000. Sugandh Bhatia to Sebastian A Rodriguez, 22 Burr St., $244,000. Tom Makris to Corfou LLC, 15

SUNDERLAND Nancy R. Gesualdi to Robert L. Hesseltine, trustee of Robert L. Hesseltine Family Trust, 70 Plum-

gives it an advantage, but it’s a single router so it needs to be centralized in your home to be effective. If you have a central location in your home that you can move your router to, a Wi-Fi 6 upgrade may be the best choice for you due to its ability to process several instructions simultaneously. When you add devices, are you more vulnerable to someone getting your personal information? Schless: More devices inevitably mean more places where some part of your personal data is stored. Since attacks on consumer hardware like connected home technology typically take place at the network level, the number of devices may not affect your actual vulnerability level. However, you have to take into account the risk of the device manufacturer being attacked. Nowadays, you almost always have to enter some personal information in order to activate a new device, which means the manufacturer possesses that data. If their corporate infrastructure is breached, there’s a risk that your data could be exposed. How do you protect privacy when you’re using smart home tech? Schless: Protecting your personal privacy with smart home tech is important to think about. The general best practice is to enable the minimum amount of data access and permissions. With smart home tech, there’s usually a minimum necessity for things like location data, microphone access and connected accounts in order for the technology to work. Depending on your personal

tree Road, $373,000.

WARE Robert T. Jacques and Denise M. Jacques to Amy Barry and Sean Barry, 29 Canal St., $198,000. Eric D. Even and Erin Even to Karen Marie Gallant, 79 ½ East St., $135,000. Concepcion A. Wnek to Eleanor Mercure, Michael Flood and Linda Ann Flood, 11 Grove St., $279,900.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

risk tolerance and how you want to balance increased functionality with less privacy, you may choose to enable additional home tech features at the expense of a little more personal data. What do you do when something goes wrong with a smart home gadget? Schless: If something seems like it’s not functioning correctly, the best thing to do is call the manufacturer and see if they can help you fix it. However, if you feel the device has been hacked or someone else is controlling it, you should first turn it off and unplug it from its power source. McKinley: Reboot! Sometimes the quickest resolution is to unplug the device, then unplug your Wi-Fi router, then power them back on after about 30 seconds and see if the issue resolves itself. Nine times out of 10, a simple reboot fixes the issue. If this doesn’t solve your issue, then the next step really depends on your situation and device. If you’re a Pocket Geek Home customer, use the mobile app for access to connected home device experts and self-help content for the most common connected home devices if you prefer to DIY. You can also Google the problem and see what others have done to resolve it. If that doesn’t help, then your next option is to contact the manufacturer and hope they can help. However, today’s smart home devices are interacting with other devices. Many manufacturers have great support for their devices, but if the issue extends beyond their device, then they may provide limited or no support.

Rosemarie Condarcuri and Frank Condarcuri to Emmanuel Ortiz Sierra and Janice Marie Serrano Martinez, 132 Riverdale St., $270,000. Susan T. Frasca to Michael T. Hahn and Teresa K. McMahan, 65 Van Horn St., $235,000.

WESTFIELD Ashley R. Diduk, Ashley R. Garlo and Alexander Garlo to Ross Joseph Lebo, 40 Maple Terrace, $235,000.

Fumi Realty Inc., to Melodie Perez Adam Pafumi to Kayla Bonafilia, 96 Roldan and Kyle Russell, 89 Otis St., $250,000. Labelle St., $201,000.

Samantha L. Pielock to Samuel N. Duffy, 41 Fowler St., $226,500. Trisha M. Garcia to John D. Bruce and Beth Sager, 1 Saint Paul St., $280,000.

WILBRAHAM Campagnari Construction LLC, and Campagnari Construction Inc., to Walter B. Robinson Jr., and Sandra L. Robinson, 18 Bruuer Ave., $341,000. Robert C. Boilard and Jane A. Boilard to Sea Glass Trust, trustee of, Melanie J. Stone, trustee, and Mark J. Stone, trustee, 75 High Pine Circle, Unit 75, $530,000.

F10 | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2022

HOME & GARDEN

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Identify the varieties that match your space and garden conditions, and especially those rated with specific resistance to any disease pressure you have experienced.

Tomato CONTINUES FROM PAGE F2

insists on Black Krim. And for sauce? Whatever is ripe, other than cherry types, they agree. It’s too much work to skin so many little guys for a batch. There’s another point on which they concur, as well: Every gardener should dig into the catalogs and explore all the possibilities. “The diversity of catalogs is where tomato dabblers become the tomato obsessed,” said LeHoullier, who named the popular heirloom Cherokee Purple in 1990. (It came from seed that had been passed down and eventually made its way to him.) Some of his recommended sources include Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, whose founder tried some Cherokee Purple seed that LeHoullier shared, and introduced the variety to commerce in 1993. The Seed Savers Exchange, a nonprofit whose catalog showcases heirlooms, is “pivotally important,” said LeHoullier, who serves as the group’s tomato adviser. Johnny’s Selected Seeds and Pinetree Garden Seeds also make his list, along with Victory Seeds, which offers all of the varieties from the Dwarf Tomato Project, a breeding effort that Dr. LeHoullier co-founded in 2004, with about 145 varieties. It’s “the heirloom experience with short plants,” he said, “and no need to deal with suckering.” Dwarfs are perfect for pots or space-constrained gardens — and for gardeners who don’t want to repeatedly prune and support a 10-foot vine. Identify the varieties that match your space and garden conditions, and especially those rated with specific resistance to any disease pressure you have experienced. Both men grow a mix of hybrids and heirlooms, which are usually considered less resistant, as a hedge against loss. And while you’re brows-

remove the germinating mat as soon as the seedlings poke through, along with whatever humidity cover you used, or you’ll risk having weakened seedlings. Another common mistake: fertilizing too soon. Resist the urge, the two men agree. Seeds come packed with what they need to get started. “I seldom fertilize when they’re inside, under lights,” Lamp’l said. “It can lead to seedlings that are leggy and floppy.” Light up their leaves By the time LeHoullier’s The diversity of tomatoes is how many become tomato-obseedlings reach their first sessed: different varieties serve better for different purposes. four-week transplanting, he (METRO CREATIVE ARTS) daringly takes advantage of outdoor light instead of ing, consider what you’ll in the community pot or cell relying on grow lights. But he be doing with the tomatoes won’t take up much room un- keeps a frost blanket at the you grow. Will they be hotder your lights. Peppers and ready, just in case. packed in Ball jars, as whole eggplants can be sowed this Lamp’l’s indoor seed-starttomatoes? Then LeHoullier way, too. ing room has the look of a recommends not just the “Even if you only sow six laboratory, fitted with metal usual suspect, Roma, but any seeds of each desired variety shelving and all manner of color of Oxheart. But if you’re to a cell,” Lamp’l said, “you grow lights, from fluorescent planning to eat them out of get insurance in a small foot- T5 high-output types to the your hand, both LeHoullier print.” latest dual-band LEDs that and Lamp’l suggest Sun Gold, After four weeks, Phase 2 glow with a color known as the popular tangerine-orange begins. “Take that rootball burple. He enjoys experimenthybrid cherry tomato. out, tease the tiny plants apart ing and comparing results. and put them in their own And for all of his garden ad‘Insurance in a cells,” he said. ventures, he uses the Day One small footprint’ But first, let’s back up a journaling app to record data Timing is another point on bit. Working with a sterile, and photos. which they agree. To deterfine-textured germinating or Once the seeds germinate, mine when to sow tomatoes seed-starting mix is essential. Lamp’l lights them for 16 indoors, count back eight LeHoullier fills his cells with hours a day. Each fixture weeks from your final spring dry mix, then moistens every- hangs on ratchet pulleys, so frost date, when it’s usually thing with a small watering it can be raised as the plants safe to transplant seedlings can before sowing the seeds. grow. At first, he follows each outdoors. (Calculate when to He sieves a bit more dry melight manufacturer’s guidesow for your location.) dium on top with a spaghetti lines for recommended poThen try their “four-week, colander, to barely cover the sitioning; then, based on the four-week routine,” sowing seeds, then mists the surface. plants’ response, he adjusts. into cells in an 18-cell flat Seed must stay moist to gerThe remedy for or a flat fitted with 18 threeminate. Cover each flat with over-enthusiasm and-a-half-inch-square pots. a clear plastic dome or with Into each compartment, they plastic wrap (LeHoullier’s preOops — you started too thickly sow seeds of a differferred method) laid right on soon. Or maybe insufficient ent variety. LeHoullier calls the surface. Flip the sheeting light pushed your beloved this “dense sowing” — in his every day to minimize excess seedlings past the ideal stocky plant-sale days, he sowed up moisture buildup that could stature to leggy. Tomatoes to 100 seeds in each compart- harbor disease. are forgiving, though, and ment. Mere tomato mortals Heat applied to the botthere are two possible workwill probably do more like a tom, from a germinating mat arounds. half-dozen in each cell. placed under a just-sown At outdoor transplant time, The idea is space efficiency. flat, speeds germination remove the bottommost For those first four weeks, from about a week to three or pair of leaves, then plant the the little thicket that sprouts four days. But remember to seedling extra-deep, so two or

three pairs of leaves remain aboveground. Tomatoes have the ability to form roots along an entire stem, including that newly buried part. Or cut the top six inches off a too-tall plant and root the cutting in water on a bright windowsill. After roots form, pot the cutting up to grow for another couple of weeks under lights. Then gradually acclimate it to the outdoors — as you would with any seedling experiencing sunshine and open air for the first time — before transplanting it into the garden. “Take it slow when hardening seedlings off,” advised Lamp’l, who starts with a half-hour of outdoor exposure and adds an hour daily over an eight-day period. “Even strong grow lights might only be 10% of the intensity of outdoors.” Once the seedlings are in the ground, Lamp’l’s homemade “ultimate tomato cages” go up around each plant. Two portions of wire mesh are cut with a bolt cutter from a four-by-16-foot livestock panel of 4-gauge wire with openings of about six by eight inches. The resulting pieces are then bent into L shapes, each providing two sides of a square cage. “Makes me smile every time I bring them out from storage and put them in the bed,” he said. “They’re it.” What makes Lamp’l — and LeHoullier, as well — smile even more: summer’s first ripe tomato. Among the non-cherry types, the heirloom Mortgage Lifter is most likely to win that race in Mr. Lamp’l’s garden. At Dr. LeHoullier’s, Kimberly and Taxi usually come in first. The prize for most prolific harvest? Polish at Dr. LeHoullier’s; Cherokee Purple and Black Krim at Mr. Lamp’l’s. No two gardens, or gardeners, are alike, in tactics or tastes. But there is a tomato and then some for everyone. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2022 | F11

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Auctions

Best local auctions in print and online at masslive.com

PUBLIC AUCTION

FRIDAY, MARCH 11TH AT 2:00 P.M.

FRIDAY, MARCH 18TH AT 11:00 A.M.

• SPRINGFIELD •

• RUSSELL •

THURSDAY, MARCH 10TH AT 11:00 A.M (ET)

MORTGAGEE’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE

AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SHOP

± 5,469 S/F 2-STORY

SECURED PARTY SALE

• (12) AUTO & TRUCK LIFTS • • ALIGNMENT & TIRE MACHINES •

• SUPPORT EQUIPMENT • (130) TIRES •

JACKSON’S AUTO SALES & SERVICE, INC. 1307 PARK STREET PALMER, MASSACHUSETTS

TO BE SOLD ON THE PREMISES AND BY LIVE INTERNET BIDDING

✩ LIVE ONSITE & LIVE ONLINE BIDDING ✩ AVAILABLE AT WWW.BIDSPOTTER.COM

SEND for DESCRIPTIVE BROCHURE or VISIT our WEBSITE at WWW.POSNIK.COM SALE PER ORDER OF SECURED PARTY ATTORNEY GARY M. WEINER OF THE FIRM OF WEINER LAW FIRM, PC 1441 MAIN STREET, SPRINGFIELD, MA ATTORNEY FOR SECURED PARTY TERMS OF SALE: 25% DEPOSIT CASH OR CERTIFIED FUNDS. 15% BUYER’S PREMIUM APPLIES ON ALL ONSITE PURCHASES 18% BUYER’S PREMIUM APPLIES ON ALL ONLINE PURCHASES OTHER TERMS TO BE ANNOUNCED AT TIME OF SALE INSPECTION: MORNING OF SALE – 8:30 A.M. TO 11:00 A.M

Aaron Posnik

PUBLIC AUCTION

1% Broker Incentive Offered!!!

OWNER’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE

★POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT★ ±127 UNIT

MIXED-USE BUILDING

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

939-941 East Columbus Avenue SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS

261 - 268 Woronoco Road RUSSELL, MA

“CLOSE PROXIMITY TO MGM CASINO & RT. 91”

Features:

To be Sold on the Premises

• 2-Story Mixed-Use Building • (2) Parcels/ Total ± 4,000 S/F of Land • • ±5,469 S/F of Gross Building Area • Full Basement w/ (2) Offices & Storage • • Separate Gas FWA Boilers (Each Unit) • Separately Metered • Central Air Conditioning • • Flat Roof • Brick, Stucco & Vinyl Exterior • Paved Parking for ± 10 Vehicles • • Map ID: 043030550 • Zoned: B2 • 1st Floor: • Large Open Area • (4) Offices • (2) Restrooms • Carpeted Floors • • Drop Ceiling • Fluorescent Lighting • 2nd Floor: • Total of (5) Rooms w/ (1) Bedroom & (1) Bath • • Carpeted & Tile Floors • Separate Rear Entrance •

Terms of Sale: $20,000.00 Deposit Cash or Certified Funds. 5% Buyer’s Premium Applies. Other Terms to be Announced at Time of Sale. Attorney for Mortgagee Inspection: Day of Sale 12:00 P.M. (Noon) to 2:00 P.M.

Sale Per Order of Mortgagee Attorney William E. Martin Of the firm of Martin & Oliveira, LLP 75 South Church St., Ste 550, Pittsfield, MA

Aaron Posnik

“VIEWS OF SALMON FALLS ON WESTFIELD RIVER”

Features:

To be Sold on the Premises

• (3) Multi-Story Mixed-Use Buildings • (3) Parcels • ± 5 ¾ Acres of Land • • Paved & Gravel Parking Lot • Public Water and Sewer • • Zoned: Mixed-Use Commercial & Residential Uses • Assessors Map 27, Block 9, Lot 2 • • Map 27, Block 5, Lot 3 • Map 27, Block 8, Lot 7 • IMPROVEMENTS: • (3) Multi-Story Mixed Use Buildings • • ±140,788 Total S/F • Concrete/Stone Foundation • Wood, Steel & Masonry Framed • • Brick Exterior • Concrete & Wood Floor • Freight Elevator • ★ Potential ± 127 Unit Residential Development with: ★ • (74) One Bedroom Units; (7) Two Bedroom Units; (46) Efficiency Units • 2% BROKER INCENTIVE OFFERED!! Sale Per Order Of Owner Attorney Mark Beglane

Of the firm of Bacon Wilson, P.C.

33 State Street, Springfield, MA Attorney for Owner

Terms of Sale: $50,000.00 Deposit Is Required At Time Of Auction In Certified Funds. 10% Buyer’s Premium Applies.. Other Terms to be Announced at Time of Sale.

Aaron Posnik

AUCTIONEERS•APPRAISERS

West Springfield, MA • Philadelphia, PA 413-733-5238 • 610-853-6655

www.posnik.com • E-Mail:info@posnik.com

MA Auc. Lic #161 • PA Auc. Lic. #AY000241L www.posnik.com • E-Mail:info@posnik.com

MA Auc. Lic #161 • PA Auc. Lic. #AY000241L

WANTED TO LEASE

Dogs

OFFICE SPACE IN CHARLTON, NORTHBRIDGE, OXFORD, SOUTHBRIDGE, or WEBSTER

On behalf of the Department of Children and Families of the Executive Office of Health & Human Services, the Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance invites proposals to lease approximately 20,000 usable square feet of office space in the above-referenced search area for a term of 10 years. Proposals must be submitted to: Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance Office of Leasing and State Office Planning One Ashburton Place 15th Floor, Room 1500 Boston, Massachusetts 02108 or by e-mail to: leasepropsubmittal.DCAMM@mass.gov

PUBLIC REAL ESTATE AUCTION CONDO LIEN FORECLOSURE Thursday, March 3 at 12:00 PM 59 Hadley Village Road, Unit 59 AKA 540 Granby Road, Unit 59 South Hadley, MA 01075 Public Record Indicates: Condominium 2 Levels, 2 BR, 1 FB, 1 HB and 1,215 SF +/- of GLA

Auction Sale Per MGL 183A:6

www.SABIDS.com • 877-426-8175 Strategic Auction

Alliance

22 River Street, Braintree, MA 02184 LIC 222

Proposals must be submitted by the deadline of March 24, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. Proposals will be opened at that time.

The RFP can be downloaded from www.commbuys.com Under Requests for Proposals (RFP) to Lease Space, click on “COMMBUYS” and then click on “Find It”. You may also email leasing.dcamm@mass.gov or call 857204-1355 to request a copy of the RFP, referencing Project Number 202110900.1. For further information, call PROJECT MANAGER: Jennifer Hart, (617) 413-6362 or Jennifer.Hart@mass.gov. This notice is also available at www.masspublicnotices.org

life for rent Apartments and houses, too. Check out the Classified section.

every day

Animals Birds Cats Dogs Exotic Animals Feed Fish Horses Livestock Pet Services Pet Shows Pet Supplies Pets - Lost & Found Pets Wanted

Cats Kitten 2 months old, $180. 413-244-7901

Litter of 5 kittens, Brittish short-haired, 2 males, 3 females, $1200/each. 1st shots & vet checked. Text or call 413-824-5801 Puppy chihuahua mix $450. Call 413-244-7901

**SUPER SWEET KITTENS** I have two adorable kittens! Get your adorable holiday gift for someone looking to provide fuurever homes for these munchkins. Call or text me at (413)-386-5105 for more info. $290/each.

Dogs 9 month male German Shorhaired Pointer. $150. Email bearlyartdesigns@ gmail.com

GERMAN SHEPHERD pups, 7M & 3F. Black/Tan, black & red, AKC paperwork, shots, wormed, written Hip & Health guarantee. Parents on premises. Raised in country setting. $1400. Call 978-249-3724 German Shepherd pups, champion Czeck & Belgian bloodlines, avail now. with 1st shots 4M, 3F, $1000/BO (413) 218-2321

Dogs German Shepherd Puppies, mom/dad both AKC Reg. Purebred, 2 females, 2 males $750/each. Will be ready for new homes in April. Call 413-339-5391 Golden Retrievers Puppies, 1st shots & dewormed. $850. 2 females & 1 Male Call 802-895-2784 Teddy Bear Pups 8 weeks old, $600./ea. Call/msg 413-523-6002

Exotic Animals Chinchilla mixed gray, 6 months old. $400/best offer. Call or text 413-523-6002

Merchandise Antiques/Collectibles Appliances Articles for Rent Articles For Sale Audio Building Materials Cameras Camping Equipment Clothing Coins and Stamps Construction Equipment Do-In-Yourself Materials Electronics/Compuiters Fitness Equipment Flea Markets Forklifts and Equipment Fuel Furniture, Etc. Good Things To Eat Hot Ticket Items Jewelry Lawn & Garden Lawnmower & Snowblower Machinery & Tools Med. Equipment Sales/Wanted Miscellaneous Musical Instruments Office Equipment Pools, Spas & Accessories Professional Equipment Restaurant Equipment Seasonal Snowmobiles Sports Television Tickets Video Vintage Clothing Wanted to Buy Wood-Burning Stoves

Articles for Sale 8’ Fisher Minute Mount plow, complete with snow guard, works great. $1,300. Call 413-537-0442

BASEBALL, Football Basketball & Hockey cards, 1950’s-present, 50 to 90% off, selling boxes for $.50 BUYING ALL SPORTS CARDS, RETIRED KOREAN WAR VET 413-596-5783 Bluish-Gray recliner, remote control, good cond. $175./BO. 413-733-1613 ask for Dennis Cross Country Skis, adult & children, poles, shoes included. 70’s type. $75.00 for all. 413-592-5098

Beagle Pups for sale. Parents on premises. Males & females avail. Asking. $700. Call 978-355-4685

Light Ceramic kitchen set w/4 chairs, exc. cond., $100. Call 413-331-4762 or 413-331-3633

FRENCH BULL DOG PUPPIES ready for new home Dec. 12. 2 Females brindle & black, $3,500 each. Almost white, female $3,500. Both parents on premises from Europe. Call 413-478-0763

U.S. #1 Stamp (U) $300./OBO Call Ron 413-896-3324 $$$ Cash For Stamps $$$

Wood Burning Stoves Quadrafire Pellet Stove, runs great $450. Call 413-478-6306

Auctions Auctions DouglasAuctioneers.com

ESTATES-ANTIQUES 413-665-2877

MORTGAGEES’ REAL ESTATE AUCTIONS TO BE SOLD ON THEIR RESPECTIVE PREMISE

THURSDAY MARCH 3, 2022 1:00 PM - ORANGE, MA 25 HIGH STREET DEPOSIT $5,000 TERMS OF SALES: DEPOSITS IN THE AMOUNTS SPECIFIED ABOVE ARE TO BE PAID BY THE PURCHASER(S) AT THE TIME AND PLACE OF EACH SALE BY CERTIFIED OR BANK CHECK. ALL BALANCES DUE ARE TO BE PAID WITHIN 30 DAYS OF EACH INDIVIDUAL SALE. OTHER TERMS, IF ANY, TO BE ANNOUNCED AT EACH SALE. CALL OUR AUCTION SCHEDULE LINE AT (617) 964-1282 FOR A LIST OF THE CURRENT DAY’S AUCTIONS AND VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.commonwealth auction.com FOR CONTINUOUSLY UPDATED SCHEDULING INFORMATION AND ADDITIONAL SCHEDULING INFORMATION COMMONWEALTH AUCTION ASSOCIATES, INC. (617) 964-0005 MA LIC 2235

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