Home and Garden, and Real Estate- October 09, 2022

Home & Garden

Real

GARDEN NOTES: Hamp den Garden Club to pres ent on beer brewing,

IN THE GARDEN WITH LEE REICH: Pick the chestnut tree that will stand tallest,

SAVE SEEDS FOR NEXT YEAR’S GARDEN, F5

ANTIQUES & COLLECTING: Whooo’s ready for Halloween,

MORTGAGE RATES: 30-year US mortgage rate dips to 6.6%,

WMASS DEEDS, F7

PROJECT OF THE WEEK: Angels bring tidings of

Protect

Protect your pumpkins

on my porch. In my woodsy first-ring suburb, some neigh bors flaunt pristine pumpkins all the way until Halloween, but mine are pulverized with in days.

What do they know that I don’t?

By L aura Yuen Star Tribune

THE OTHER DAY MY phone’s calendar pinged me with a cryptic reminder. I had no memory of setting it up a year ago, but my past self apparently determined the matter so dire that it needed to warn my future self: “Don’t set pumpkins on porch.”

“Huh,” I thought aloud. “Why would I tell myself this?”

“Because!” my husband snapped. “You do this every year, and you forget about the squirrels.”

Ohhhh. The cobwebs in my cortex began to clear. Pin terest-suitable memories of plump, shiny pumpkins on my doorstep were replaced by the truth: a bloodbath of pulp, seeds and rotting shell, all because of those rodents going hog wild on my festive gourds.

Just as pumpkin spice lattes and buffalo plaid come alive this season, so does my han kering for a touch of autumn

To get to the bottom of it, I called John Loegering, an ex tension wildlife specialist with the University of Minnesota, as well as Jessie Jacobson, owner of Tonkadale Green house in Minnetonka. Both believed I shouldn’t hesitate to decorate my porch with some delicious fall produce — as long as I went in with a game plan.

“One of the troubles with squirrels is — their brains might not be as big as hu mans’ — but they’re thinking about this problem 24/7,” he said. “So they very often out wit us because we just haven’t spent as much time on it as they have.”

And the nut they’re trying to crack at this time of year is

Here’s how to make sure Jack O’Lanterns are still smiling come Halloween

Pick the chestnut tree that will stand tallest

OF ALL THE SPECIES of chestnuts, none is finer than the Ameri can chestnut. This ma jestic tree towered to 100 feet high in America’s virgin forests and yielded a wood that was used in musical instruments, molding, fenceposts, barrel staves, even telephone poles. The nuts of the American chestnut are deliciously sweet and flavorful.

But the sturdy chestnut had its Achilles’ heel — chestnut blight. The disease, accidental ly introduced from Asia, was first noted at New York’s Bronx Zoo in 1906. It spread 25 to 50 miles a year and within 50 years had left 7 million acres of Appalachian forests with dead or dying chestnut trees.

Trees cling tenaciously to life, sending up new sprouts from the roots as older trunks are killed back by blight. The sprouts, which succumb to blight only as they age, provide a constant source of food to sustain the chestnut blight organism. No need to writeoff the chestnut as a lingering, dying tree, though. Looking across the Pacific to Asia, home of the blight organism, we find chestnut species with some resistance to chestnut blight: Japanese chestnut (Cas taneae crenata) and Chinese chestnut (C. mollisima). This is not to say that either of these two species equal the Ameri can chestnut in grandeur. The Japanese chestnut is an imp of a tree, often no more than a shrub. Its nuts, though enor mous, are mediocre quality, at their worst insipid, coarsetextured, and with a thick skin clinging to the nutmeat.

There’s more hope with Chi nese chestnut. While still not as large a tree as the American chestnut, the Chinese chestnut grows larger that any other chestnuts commonly used for nut production. The trees are precocious, and the delicious nutmeats are enclosed in beau tiful mahogany-colored husks.

The chestnuts you see in food

markets come from across the Atlantic Ocean. They are European chestnuts (C. sativa), many million dollars worth of which are shipped to us each year. This species is almost as susceptible to blight as is our native species. The nuts them selves vary in quality.

Let’s get back to the Asiatic species — specifically Chinese chestnut — and the American species. As you might have guessed, these two species could be hybridized to produce a tree with almost the grandeur of the American chestnut, yet resistance to chestnut blight. Both species produce good quality nuts, and the Chinese species could infuse the hybrid with larger, more attractive nuts than the pure American species. Well, hybrids have been made, and some can be purchased either as seedlings or named varieties. Some nostalgic folks still long for the purebred, unadulterated American chestnut. Fortunate ly for them, researchers have found that chestnut blight is susceptible to a virus disease. Chestnut trees can live happily with a little infection, if the infection is from virus-infected blight fungi. Natural spread of the virus has been effective in arresting the spread of blight in Europe. Here in America, though, we are dealing with a different chestnut species, a different climate, and different strains of blight and blight viruses. This technique has met with partial success here thus far. Other research has shown that disease lesions on already infected trees can be treated with “natural medi cation.”

One scientist found that if the soil at the base of a blight-infected tree is made into a poultice and affixed to the lesion with plastic wrap and tape, the lesion heals. Remember that the chest nut roots are not attacked by the blight fungus. The roots are perhaps protected from infection by certain benefi cial soil microorganisms, and

these same organisms have a beneficial effect when applied to infected bark.

The chestnut can return as a backyard tree, as a stately tree to line farm driveways or streets, and perhaps as a forest tree through the combined efforts of plant breeders, plant pathologists, and the obser vant eyes of everyday people. Perhaps an American chest nut tree towers in solitude in some forest today, awaiting discovery. Some do, those that have been planted in regions beyond the chestnut’s natural range, the Pacific Northwest, for example. People interested in bringing back the American chestnut are invited to join the American Chestnut Founda tion (acf.org).

For the present, consider planting Chinese-American or Chinese chestnut trees. Given reasonably good soil, such trees grow rapidly to eventual ly become 40-foot “spreading chestnut trees.” You need two seedlings or two different varieties of grafted trees in order to get nuts. Expect the first crop in about five years from the former, in two years from the latter.

Any gardening questions? Email me at garden@leereich. com. Come visit my garden at leereich.com/blog.

GARDEN NOTES

AGAWAM Garden club

The Agawam Garden Club will meet Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Capt. Charles Leonard House, 663 Main St. After a short business meeting, Betsey Szymczak will present “A Begonia for any Season.” This program will feature how to grow begonias both inside and out. All meetings are open to the public and not restricted to Agawam residents.

HAMPDEN Club meeting

The Hampden Garden Club meet on Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. The guest speaker will be Dave Buel, who will pres ent a brief history on brew ing beer, hop growing and ways of fermentation with foods and beverages. All are welcome. The meeting will take place at Academy Hall on Main Street. For more information, call Lil at 413566-1137.

Send items for Garden Notes to pmastriano@repub.com two weeks prior to publication.

Ripening chestnuts fall free from their spiny husks or, sometimes, along with and within those husks. (LEE REICH PHOTO)

Save seeds for next year’s garden

By Jessica Damiano Associated Press

I

F YOU LOVE THE

flowers in your garden but don’t love the idea of spending money on new ones, why not save their seeds to plant next year?

To maximize the odds that new plants will grow true to their parent, only collect seeds from those labeled “heirloom” or “heritage.”

Seeds from hybrid cultivars,

them mature and dry com pletely on the plant. Other wise, they might not germi nate. Wait too long, however, and you could miss out.

After harvesting and sep arating out such non-seed material as petals and husks, spread seeds on a screen or newspaper in a single layer and allow to dry for about a week.

Then place them in a paper envelope or sealed glass jar

best to collect seeds on a dry, sunny day. And

of the seeds

let them mature

birds over winter. They’ll reward you with free pest con trol in your garden next year.

More on collecting seeds from different kinds of plants:

Although many plants naturally drop their dry seeds, some, such as California pop pies, cleome, impatiens and Texas bluebonnets, produce pods that burst open when mature, spewing seeds as far as 20 feet away. Since it’s hard to know exactly when that will happen, you’ll have to keep an eye on the pods and harvest when they look like they’re about to split. But be careful; many types of pods will burst open with the slightest touch, and good luck finding the seeds if that happens.

which result from breeding two or more varieties, will produce plants that resem ble only one of the plant’s parents, so you have no way of knowing what you’ll end up with. Still, there are no guarantees. Accidental hy bridization can occur in your garden when wind or insects transfer pollen between vari eties. To help avoid this, plant only one variety of the plant from which you plan to collect seeds.

But if you don’t mind sur prises, go ahead and exper iment – you might create a beautiful new plant!

As with much of gardening, timing is everything. It’s best to collect seeds on a dry, sun ny day. And regardless of the seeds you’re harvesting, let

(I put the envelope in the jar) and store in a cool, dry spot. A refrigerator is ideal, as long as seeds can be kept away from fruit, which exudes ethylene gas that can affect their ger mination. Adding a silica gel pack for the first day or two of storage will help prevent mold growth.

Label your envelopes or jars, because regardless of how sure you are that you’ll remember what they are in spring, you probably won’t.

Collected seeds can remain viable for several years when stored properly, but their overall germination rate will diminish. For the best results, plant harvested seeds the following year.

Also, be sure to leave some seedheads standing to feed

Instead, tie a small paper bag or specially made mesh seed-collection bag over the pod when it’s nearly mature. If the explosion happens when your back is turned, the bag will contain the seeds.

Other plants, such as Mex ican sunflowers and cone flowers, produce prickly seed heads. To avoid nipping your fingers, cut the entire mature head off and drop it in a paper bag, then give it a shake to loosen and separate the seeds.

A dry coneflower seed head with seeds ready to be harvested to save for next year’s garden.

In general, seeds of daisylike flowers such as sunflow ers, coneflowers and, well, daisies have relatively low germination rates. Pick the plumpest for planting or sow extra for insurance.

Some flowers, such as mari golds, produce seeds attached to rod-like structures on the innermost portion of their tightly clustered petals. To ex

pose them, remove all the dry petals and open the seed head to release the rods within. Then dry, store and plant the entire structure.

Jessica Damiano writes regular gardening columns for The Associated Press. Her Gardening Calendar was named a winner in the 2021 Garden Commu nicators International Media Awards.

Whooo’s ready for Halloween?

SHINING RED AND yellow eyes peer from the dancing shadows. This could be a scene from a haunted forest – or a cozy living room fireplace.

A cast-iron figure of an owl perched on a twisted branch decorates each of these and irons, which sold as a pair for $660 at Morphy Auctions. They use the fire to their advantage with colored glass marbles that catch the light for eyes. Appropriately, they are marked “Bright Eyes” on the reverse.

Andirons have been used for hundreds of years to hold the logs off the fireplace floor, allowing for air circula tion and letting the fire burn brighter. They are also dec orative, with styles changing over time. Animal and bird figures became popular by the 19th century.

Owls have been used in art and decoration since ancient times. Their big bright eyes and ability to see at night make them a symbol of wis

CURRENT PRICES

dom. But being nocturnal, not to mention their eerie calls, means they are also associated with darkness and bad luck. Of course, around Halloween, when it’s time to be scary, a sign of bad luck can be a good thing!

Q. I have an unusual fork with one wide tine on the left side and two narrower tines. It’s marked “Wm. A. Rogers SXR” and “Pat Apr 17 06.” What was it used for?

A. You have a pastry fork. It was used to eat pie or cake. There were many silver companies named “Rogers,” including at least eight using some form of the name “Wil liam Rogers.” Wm. A. Rogers Ltd. was started by a shop keeper in New York in the 1890s. The company began making silver plated flatware in 1894. Oneida Silversmiths bought the company in 1929. The letters “SXR” indicate the fork was plated with an

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.

Toy teddy bear, Steiff, cinnamon mohair, clipped face, jointed arms and legs, plays music, key on back, Steiff button in ear and chest tag, 15 inches, $70.

Jewelry, cuff links, muse’s head, flowered headdress, 14K yellow gold, elliptical ends, art nouveau, heads 3/4 inches, $185.

Garden bench, metal, chain-link top rail, cutout nautical ship’s wheel and anchor on back, shaped arms, slatted seat, 37 x 42 x 20 inches, $245.

Office, desk organizer, chrome wire top with compartments, Lucite base, Modernist, 3 1/4 x 11 x 9 inches, $340.

Chinese export porcelain shrimp dish, Canton river land scape with diapered rain and cloud border, blue and white, shaped rim on one side, 1800s, 10 1/2 inches, $485.

Staffordshire historical platter, Palace of Saint Germain, France, blue and white transfer print, oval, marked “R. Hall’s Picturesque Scenery” series, c. 1825, 19 x 14 3/4 inches, $575.

Box, mahogany, dovetailed construction, inlaid bone bands and corners, inlaid cherry sawtooth diamond on lid, sailor made, 1800s, 5 3/4 x 18 x 7 inches, $615.

Jewelry, pin, flower, five round moonstone petals, sapphire center, stem with five leaves, 14K gold, marked, Tiffany & Co., 2 inches, $790.

Furniture, table, Pembroke, Federal, tiger maple, two lobed drop leaves, pivot supports, drawer, square tapering legs with casters, c. 1800-1820, 27 x 31 x 21 1/2 inches, (closed), $1,475.

Pair of lamps, walnut base, four tapered sides, cylindrical paneled banana fiber parchment shade, pointed finial, Robert Whitley, c. 1975, 42 x 18 1/2 inches, pair, $1,625.

extra layer of silver. The pat ent date is probably the date the pattern was patented.

Q.

My sister bought a pitcher and washbasin at an estate sale on the East Coast. The pitcher is 12 inches tall and the basin is 16 inches in diameter. It’s marked “Royal Foley Ware, J. Kent, Semi porcelain, England.” Can you tell us the value of this set?

A. James Kent founded his company at Old Foley Pottery in Longton, Stafford shire County, England, in 1897. Kent’s sons joined the business. It became James Kent Ltd. in 1913. The pot tery was run by members of the Kent family until 1981. Ownership changed several times after that. Old Foley Pottery was demolished in 2006, and the company closed about 2008. The mark on your wash set indi cates it was made between 1897 and the 1920s. Pitcher and basin sets sell for about $75 to $150.

Q.

I have a Wheaties box with the image of Jackie Robinson in excellent con dition. Can you tell me if it is worth anything?

A. The cereal Wheaties, called the “Breakfast of Champions,” was created in 1921 because of an acci dental spill of a wheat bran mixture onto a hot stove by a Minnesota clinician working for the Washburn Crosby Co., later General Mills. A clever marketing strategy instituted by company pres ident James Ford Bell had Wheaties being promoted as a healthy breakfast option through its association with athletics. Athletes have been featured on the cereal’s iconic orange cardboard boxes since 1934, when New York Yankees first baseman Lou Gehrig was featured. Wheaties put Jackie Robin son (1919-1972) on the box

These shadowy owl

in 1996 to commemorate when he broke the baseball color line and started at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947. At latest count, more than 850 athletes have been on the box, including nearly 100 Olympic medalists. Pric es depend on the box and whether it is a commemo rative edition, but generally are less than $50.

Q. I found the strangest tea set in my father’s attic. It must be for children because the pieces are small. The background is white with an old lady holding a baby, a jester, and a frog smoking a pipe printed in red. The border and flowers are red, too. Most pieces have “Punch” printed on the bottom. There are 16 pieces, and all are in great condition. Can you tell me anything about the set and its possi ble value?

A. The tea set is a chil dren’s set made by Charles Allerton & Sons, Stafford shire, England, in the late 19th century. The figures you describe are the famous slapstick puppets, Punch and Judy and their baby. The Punch character originated in 16th-century Italy. A rou tine comedy performance usually ends with another puppet (often his wife, Judy)

the target of a hit by Punch’s “slapstick.” Slapstick also began in 16th-century Italy when two thin pieces of wood were slapped together to make a loud exaggerat ed slapping sound during comedy shows. The puppets have been popular for about 350 years. Tea sets like yours have recently sold for $110 to $160.

TIP: Early (18th century) glass is thinner than later glass. Early mirrors reflect a darker image than new mirrors.

Terry Kovel and Kim Kovel answer readers’ questions sent to the column. Send a letter with one question describ ing the size, material (glass, pottery) and what you know about the item. Include only two pictures, the object and a closeup of any marks or dam age. Be sure your name and return address are included. By sending a question, you give full permission for use in any Kovel product. Names, addresses or email addresses will not be published. We do not guarantee the return of photographs, but if a stamped envelope is included, we will try. Questions that are an swered will appear in Kovels Publications. Write to Kovels, The Republican, King Features Syndicate, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803 or email collectorsgallery@kovels.com.

30-year US mortgage rate dips to 6.66%

By M att O tt Associated Press

AVERAGE LONGterm U.S. mortgage rates ticked down modestly this week after six straight weeks of gains pushed rates to heights not seen in more than a decade, before a crash in the housing market triggered the Great Recession in 2008.

Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac reported Thursday that the average on the key 30year rate dipped to 6.66% from 6.70% the previous week. One year ago, the rate stood at 2.99%.

The average rate on 15year, fixed-rate mortgages, popular among those looking to refinance their homes, came down to 5.9% from 5.96% the previous week. Rapidly rising mortgage rates have more than doubled this year, pushing many prospec tive homebuyers out of the market.

Freddie Mac says that for a typical mortgage, borrowers who locked in at the higher end of the rate range during the past year would pay several hundred dollars more than borrowers who signed contracts at the lower end of the range.

The Fed’s aggressive action has decelerated a housing sector that — outside of the onset of the pandemic — has been hot for years. Existing home sales have declined for seven straight months as the rising cost to borrow money puts homes out of reach for more people.

Fed officials forecast that they will further raise their benchmark rate to roughly 4.4% by year’s end, a full point higher than they envi sioned as recently as June. They expect to raise the rate again next year, to about 4.6%. That would be the highest level since 2007.

AGAWAM

Eleanor A. Geiger, estate, and Christopher Romano, representa tive, to Hector A. Engleton Men dez, 55 Lawnwood St., $250,000.

James B. Burgos and Lizsandra M. Burgos to Allison Ulasewich, 30 Washington Ave., $290,000.

Jeannette Price to Jeanne Corcor an, 14 Ash Lane, Unit 14, $278,500.

Jerry J. Frisino Jr., and Diane M. Frisino to Christy M. Zielinski, 16 Beekman Drive, Unit 16, $209,500.

Karen Marie Conkey and William Thomas McLellan to Omar Awad and Aysha Awad, 527 North St., $406,000.

Kristin N. Halley, representative, and Nancy K. Alechny, estate, to John E. Schott Jr., and Andrea L. Scalise, 99 Thalia Drive, $235,000.

Mark Woodbury to Shannel Ortega and Danny DeJesus Jr., 73 Cooper St., $268,100.

Ronald T. Cote and Caroline Scher pa to Sybel Gonzalez and Robert Rivera-Negron, 27 Sherwood Drive, $425,000.

Santander Bank to Emtay Inc., 127 Colemore St., $239,555.

Tiernanoge Properties LLC, to 1094 Suffield LLC, 1094 Suffield St., $1,300,000.

William E. Shibley, trustee, and Edna Shibley, estate, to Shibley Holdings LLC, 295-299 Springfield St., $239,000.

AMHERST

Barbara L. Guidera, trustee, and Barbara L. Guidera Revocable Trust to Bradley Kobylarz and Stephanie Kobylarz, 14 Gray St., $830,000.

Nirupama Ravi and Vamsicharan Vakulabharanam to Steven Nelson and Lori Mortimer, 39 Old Town Road, $569,000.

Anita L. Walker, personal represen tative, Steven G. Walker, personal representative, and Elaine L. Walker, estate, to Emily H. Belt, 19 Applewood Lane, $435,000.

Benjamin J. Moreland, personal representative, Benjamin F. Mo reland Jr., estate, and Benjamin F. Moreland, estate, to Eugene Mattie and Samuel Ehrlich, 91 State St., $335,000.

Richard J. Giglio and Sally G. Giglio to Chaoran Ma and Tianyi Zhang, 171 Heatherstone Road, $660,000.

Dina Navon and Jacob Navon to Matthew E. Hannon and Shali Qiu, 20 Webster Court, $240,000.

BELCHERTOWN

Stephen R. Utley to Frances O’Ro urke MacPhail, 631 Warren Wright Road and 631 Warren Wright Street, $405,000.

BERNARDSTON

Thomas A. Anderson to Dakota Dodge, 51 Bald Mountain Road, $260,000.

CHARLEMONT

Betty A. Hicks, personal represen tative of the Estate of Francis R. Slaunwhite, to Charles J. Hayes, 1139 Route 2, $156,500.

N. Douglas Powers to William Pappa, Maxwell Road, $70,000.

Teresa S. Hassay, “fka” Teresa S. Dailey, to Emilee Felton and Jack Rybczyk,191 Hawk Hill Road, $329,000.

CHICOPEE

Casa Bonita Apartments LLC, to Jorleny Rivera De Espiritusanto, 23 St Jacques Ave., $276,000.

Daniel G. Sharpe to Jerome Talbot, 60 Lagadia St., $35,000.

DCL Property Management LLC, to Dominic A. Iannuzzi, 182-184 Irene St., $406,000.

Doris D. Fagan to Jenna Szalk iewicz and Debra Szalkiewicz, 179 Casey Drive, $210,000.

Front Street LLC, to Alansari Re alty Limited Partnership, 920-950

Front St., $650,000.

Homestead Connections LLC, to Extremely Clean (2) LLC, 0 Swol St., $145,000.

Isabel M. G. Bakos and Isabel M. Brosnan to Michelle St. James and John Connell, 200 Mountainview St., $320,000.

James A. Bessey to Doreen Bessey-Robbins, 77 Charpentier Boulevard, $105,000.

Karen E. Pepin, representative, and Gary Roger Pepin, estate, to Karen E. Pepin, 125-127 Summit Ave., $100,000.

Karen Hoffman to Jesse M. Haas and Katie K. Houle, 75 Sampson St., $270,000.

MA/NH Home Buyers LLC, to Des tinie Phillips and Jacob Sjoberg, 160 Cochran St., $210,000.

Marion Shaughnessy, representa tive, Alberta Marie Sullivan, estate, Alberta M. Sullivan, estate, and Alberta M. Kennedy, estate, to Abi mael Pizarro and Elizabeth Pizarro, 504 East Main St., $275,000.

Mark Duda and Frances Duda to Jessica Sousa, 183 Basil Road, $362,000.

Michael Guerin and Gabriele Guerin to Sonia Rivera and Francisco Rivera, 41 Ellsbree St., $245,000.

Michael K. Deady to Lenore A. Carlin, 62 Greenwood Terrace, Unit 6027A, $175,000.

N. Riley Development Inc., to Gerald Gramer, 39 Jean Circle, $430,000.

Nicole M. Beaulieu and Larry L. Beaulieu to Timothy D. Beaulieu, Timothy Beaulieu and Krystle Rooney, 46 Roberts Pond Lane, $375,000.

Plata O Plomo Inc., to Sarah Cuz zone, Sarah J. Cuzzone, Stephen Bognar and Stephen M. Bognar, 151 Rolf Ave., $210,000.

Robert E. Bergmann to Natasha M. Quiles, 2-4 Summer St., $295,000.

Scott C. Bennett to Annaliese Bis choff, 24 Theodore St., $260,000.

Steven R. Desousa and Felicia L. Desousa to Mohammed J. Moham med, Jassim Alsanea and Iman Lateef, 21 Hartford St., $385,000.

Tavernier Investments LLC, to Andres Ortiz Arroyo, 139 Skeele St., $330,000.

Timothy V. Flouton to Joseph A. Cuzzone Jr., 15 Oxford Place, $220,000.

COLRAIN

Hubbard Jackson and Sandra Jackson to Benjamin P. Niles, Green River Road, off Nelson Road, $20,000.

DEERFIELD

Carol A. Crafts to Daniel C. Yates and Edith R. Yates, 59 Mill Village Road, “fka” 9 Mill Village Road, Unit 5 Mountainview Condomini um, $346,000.

Lee Ann Baronas to Daniel W. Churchill and Megg S. Churchill. 3B Duncan Drive, Unit 4 Meadows of Deerfield. $335,000.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Carmela M. Bonavita and Carmino Bonavita to Eugeniu Corja, 118 South Brook Road, $935,000.

Jacqueline E. Brecht to Renata M. Ferraro, 99 Prospect St., $310,000.

Maryangela J. Hill to Timothy Bai ley and Jennifer Kalisz, 20 Pilgrim Road, $340,000.

EASTHAMPTON

Patricia A, LaRochelle Irrevocable Trust, Patricia A. LaRochelle and Teresa M. Desmond, trustee, to Patrick E. O’Neil, Richard B. O’Neil and Conor W. O’Neil, Brook Street, $5,000.

Dominic Kirchner II, trustee, and

Deeds SEE DEEDS, PAGE F8

Deeds

Ushokoledi Realty Trust to Jeanne M. Ryan, 10 Pinebrook Drive, $380,000.

Marc C. Maki to New England Re modeling General Contractors Inc., 233 Loudville Road, $262,000.

GOSHEN

Mary Ann Whitehill to Michael L. Cocco and Lynn A. Cocco, Wing Hill Road, $52,500.

GRANBY

Jennifer R. Dirico and Jennifer Dirico to Amanda Nichole Hunt, 24 Baggs Hill Road, $290,000.

John Grimaldi to Michael G. Page and Jennifer R. Dirico, 75 Kendall St., $595,000.

Edward C. Shyloski & Sons Inc., to Kotowicz Custom Homes LLC, Carver Street, $65,000.

Sean W. Scully and Cynthia Scully to Emtay Inc., 55 Pleasant St., $165,000.

GREENFIELD

Jean A. Simmons and Richard C. Simmons to Katherine A. Fish and Jonathan T. Walsh, 23 Sunset Square, $375,000.

Donna D. Berkman and Ellen M. Russell, trustees of the SD Estate Trust, to Jennifer A. Hoffman, 9 Homestead Ave., $350,000.

HADLEY

Christine M. Newman, trustee, and Christine M. Newman Revocable Trust to 14 & 18 Russell Street LLC, 14 Russell St., and 18 Russell St., $475,000.

Theresa Banach and Chester Anthony Banach Jr., to Brian J. Crandall Jr., and Xuan Z. Crandall, 53 East St., $215,000.

HATFIELD

ARC HR5CSMA002 LLC, and Inland South Hatfield Elm LLC, to Foxrock 142 Elm Realty LLC, 142 Elm St., $15,500,000.

HEATH

Samantha M. Howe to David P. Le skowitz and Emily Luhrs, 8 Taylor Brook Road, $202,000.

David L. Freeman to Teresa Lee Lucas-Rose, 5 West Brook Road, $2,500.

HOLLAND

Dawn M. Shaw, representative, Dawn Shaw, representative, Carol

Landers, estate, Carol Ann Landers, estate, Carol A Landers, estate, Anthony J. Landers and Kate Land ers to Michael D. Fitzback, Lot 3A Sturbridge Road, $10,000.

Cormier & Sons Construction & Homebuilding LLC, to Christopher Pease, 11 Old Turnpike Road, Lot 3, $49,900.

Isabel Mazzone and Anthony M. Mazzone Jr., to Tess Mazzone, 13 Morse Road, $300,000.

HOLYOKE

Ellen Stevenson, representative, Barbara A. Stelmach, estate, and Barbara Stelmach, estate, to Haresh Lalchandani, 20 Calumet Road, $242,000.

Janusz Lecko to Luis A. Rodriguez, 203 Pine St., $195,000.

RJB Properties LLC, to Winners O LLC, 109 Waldo St., $400,000.

Robert W. Narey and Laurie A. Na rey to Adam Mission, 26 Washing ton Ave., $290,000.

Susan W. Oparowski to Andrew Kurtz, Roxanne Kurtz and Austin Kurtz, 21 Pearl St., $200,000.

HUNTINGTON

Jean LaFortune, trustee, and Zmuda Realty Trust to Joseph Pion, Pisgah Road, $85,000.

Jean Bushey, Jeanne Bushey, Rich ard D. Bushey and Richard Bushey to Joseph Lopez, 220 Searle Road and 220 Norwich Lake, $275,000.

LEVERETT

Richard W. Carey Jr., and Corinne M. Kolasienski to Randy S. Carey, 7 Sprinkle Road, $309,500.

LONGMEADOW

Jonna I. Gaberman, Bruce I. Wintman and Janna I. Gaberman to Daniel Shapira and Kristin M O’Sullivan, 100 Ashford Road, $817,500.

Katarzyna K. Soja to Kasey J. Pekala and Alyssa M. Ostrout, 129 Meadowlark Drive, $386,000.

LUDLOW

Antonio Silva Martins, Antonio S. Martins, Cristina Martins and Cris tina S. Martins to Jhon Wielblad and Alysha Pepin, Lot 87 West St., $430,000.

Hazel E. Bazinet to Jamie Tomas and Irena Tomas, Lot 0 Colonial Drive, $120,000.

Lupa Development Co. LLC, to Brandon Vigneault and Melissa Vi gneault, Lot #1 West St., $74,000.

MONSON

Anthony Patalano to Springfield Sportsmans Club Inc., Lower Hampden Road, $85,158.

Devan Katrell Beane to Martin J. Sweeney and Donna Lee Sweeney, 8 Circle Drive, $335,000.

Michael J. Coolong and Darlene M. Coolong to Diane S. Salstead, 365 Cedar Swamp Road, $500,000.

Michael J. Coolong and Darlene M. Coolong to Michael P. Moyna han, Lot 8B Stafford Hollow Road, $25,000.

NORTHAMPTON

Ronald T. Blechner to Gena M. Downey, trustee, and Gena M. Downey Living Trust, 392 Bridge St., $258,000.

Joan Swerdlow-Brandt, trustee, Robert Brandt, trustee, and Joan Swerdlow-Brandt Revocable Trust to Maria A. Rao, 38 North Elm St., $475,000.

Judith S. Polan and Steven Polan, power-of-attorney, to Stephen Sheldon and Maura Kelly, 6 Frank lin Court, $600,000.

George E. Guyette, George Guyette and Charlene Davey, attor ney-in-fact, to Susan E. Berger, 358 Chesterfield Road, $350,000.

Christopher M. Hunt and Oanh Y. Truong to Brian Hanlon, 15 Mary Jane Lane, $330,000.

D.P. Holdings LLC, to JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA., 1 King St., $1,300,000.

Carolyn N. Dashef to Carolyn N. Dashef, trustee, Stephen S. Dashef, trustee, and Carolyn N. Dashef Family Trust, 78 Harrison Ave., $100.

Emerson Way LLC, to Kimberly E. Sager, 775A Burts Pit Road, $230,000.

H & D Enterprises LLC, to EAWOFTD LLC, 264 Elm St., $270,000.

ORANGE

Dennis R. Barrows to Tsute Chen and Shiaw Shyuan Yaun, 332 Holt shire Road, $225,000.

Noble Manna Farms LLC, to Prov ident Capital Group LLC, 52 East Road, $350,000.

Laura D. Kowacki and Paul A. Kow acki to Judy A. Anair and Richard A. Anair Jr., 395 Oxbow Road, and 369 Oxbow Road, $350,000.

Joyce Ann Stevens to Seth Sim onelli and Leanne Wiseman-Sim onelli, 44 Lake Ave., $295,000.

Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society Inc., to Mark D. Fisher, 238 Tully Road, $5,000.

Athol Memorial Hospital to Mark D. Fisher, 238 Tully Road, $5,000.

Malia Homebuyers LLC, to Amanda May Meuse, “aka” Amanda M.

Meuse, and Steven Wayne Meuse, “aka” Steven W. Meuse, 22 Center Drive, $255,000.

Matthew Tarlin to Marilene Do Am aral, 114 South Main, $96,000.

PALMER

Amira Antar, Sharon K. Antar, Jennifer Jaime and Amir Antar to Zaid A. Watt, 37-39 Belchertown St., $400,000.

Karen A. Brown and John J. Pyzo cha Jr., to Revampit LLC, 86 Boston Road, $189,000.

Nancy L. Dranka and Margaret E. Leclair to Second Chance Realty Trust, trustee of, and Enrico J. Paone, trustee, 4048 High St., $180,000.

PELHAM

Richard M. Hall and Jeannette J. Hall to Ann Preston McNeal, 33 Enfield Road, $2,500.

Ann Preston McNeal to Lisa Cross man and Oscar Gavilan Ortiz, 33 Enfield Road, $322,500.

PLAINFIELD

Gary L. Hunt and Pauline M.D. Hunt to Susan Bartfay, 6 Hill St., $300,000.

Eric E. Williams, personal rep resentative, Gary A. Williams, personal representative, Eric E. Williams, Gary A. Williams, Percival Lawrence Williams Jr., estate, and Percival L. Williams Jr., estate, to Jessica B. McLean, Maple Street, $40,500.

RUSSELL

Michael G. Meskevich, representa tive, Kenneth Michael Hawk, estate, and Kenneth M. Hawk, estate, to Dawn M. Koivisto, 59 Raymur Drive, $240,000.

SHUTESBURY

Linda Newcomb to Karin M. Eichel man and Douglas M. Wilson, 23 Pelham Hill Road, $405,000.

SOUTH HADLEY

Sarah L. Fogg and Sarah Fogg to Kris A. McNulty and Gale Cross man, 5 Grandview St., $318,000.

Anthony Dejura to Ryan P. Sweeney and Mleia C. Sweeney, 151 Abbey St., $410,000.

Patricia A. Costello to Ethan Joseph Mansur and Olivia Nicholle Laurin Mansur, 4 Priestly Farms Road, $560,000.

Christine Ann Phillips to Li Qiu Gao and Mun Ying Cheng, 11 Spring Meadow, $675,000.

Lukasik Irrevocable Trust, Henry J. Lukasik Jr., trustee, and Charles

S. Lukasik, trustee, to Rebecca T. Bassett and Daniel J. O’Connor, Pearl Street, $130,000.

Ronald P. Oparowski to Brett Remi llard, 17-19 Taylor St., $185,000.

Michael J. Ciolek Jr., personal representative, and Bernice K. Ciolek, estate, to Sean Bradshaw and Jamie Bradshaw, 39 Pine St., $510,000.

SOUTHAMPTON

Immacolata Silvestri to Dax Gillis, 80 Russellville Road, $490,000.

Terry R. West and April T. West to Dillon F. Monroe and Brooke K. Marion, 54 Strong Road, $435,000.

Richard A. Jensen to Dean T. Cou ture and Katherine S. Couture, 77 Russellville Road, $500,000.

Ellen F. Kaplan and Michael S. Kaplan, attorney-in-fact, to Gordon Alexander and Timothy D. Grader, 27 East St., $580,000.

SOUTHWICK

Fiore Realty Holdings LLC, to Hamelin Framing Inc., 765 (Flag Lot 25) College Highway, $100,000.

Lori P. Clarke to Nikolas Savva and Jamie Savva, 23 South Loomis St., $369,900.

SPRINGFIELD

Aimee R. Freeman and Aimee R. Hyland to Jacob Gonzalez, 47 Clough St., $245,000.

Aldrwyn Figuereo to Elizabeth Guz man Sierra and Damarymela Otero Otero, 23 Harvey St., $245,000.

Andrew Calvanese to Springfield Foodmart Inc., 58-60 Armory St., $175,000.

Angela M. Pessolano Pelzek, Ange la M. Pessolano and Adam Pelzek to Kathleen Elizabeth Pumilia and Seth Michael Pumilia, 141 Louis Road, $260,000.

Anthony J. Mctizic and Anthony Mctizic to Gary Robert Cheetham and Debra Ann Cheetham, 235 State St., Unit P-77, $190,000.

Arthur R. Outhuse and Denice M. Outhuse to Denise R. Jordan, 97 Garvey Drive, $352,000.

Bukowski Construction LLC, to Dung H. Pham and Ly Dang, 31 Juliet St., $395,000.

Carlos M. Ortiz and Carlos Ortiz to DB Real Estate LLC, 134-136 Darling St., $223,110.

Colton H MacDonald and Melissa Ann MacDonald to Evelyn Cama cho, 139 Tiffany St., $180,000.

David E. Dragon and Susan M. Dragon to 82 Marengo Park LLC, 82 Marengo Park, $230,000.

Deeds

David Kachinski and William Raleigh to Emily B. Gordon, 17 Marengo Park, Unit 17, $185,000.

Dawn M. Keenan and Richard E. Weibust to Paul E. Cote and Rose marie Cote, 1671 S Branch Parkway, $264,900.

Dubs Capital LLC, to Dubs Capital LLC, and Andrew Bonavita, 10-12 Brookline Ave., $75,000.

Fallah Razzak to Yamilka Figueroa Rivera and Rafael Del Valle Diaz, 65 Beaufort Circle, $308,000.

Francisco J. Gonzalez, trustee, and Healey Main Realty Trust, trustee of, to Pesky Properties LLC, 2928-2936 Main St., $150,000.

Gladys Rivera and John Rivera to Sha B. Pradhan and Devi Pradhan, 104 Signal Hill Circle, $420,000.

Guy R. Petit and Michael Reyor to Derek Chandonnet, 37 Pennsylvania Ave., $305,000.

John J. Percy III, Ruth L. Percy and Carole L. Singh to Dnepro Properties LLC, 93 White St., $119,500.

John T. Moriarty to Cherie Burton and Adrienne Burton, 60 Norman St., $165,000.

Joseph J. Perla and Victoria M. Perla to Prestigious One LLC, 278-280 Orange St., $160,000.

K & J Realty LLC, to 11 Fisk Ave Storage LLC, 11 East Fisk Ave., $795,000.

Kyle G. Unsderfer, Kristina M. Unsderfer and Kristina M. Persson to Nellysha Sanabria-Lopez and Ruben Orlando Roberto, 1929 Allen St., $353,000.

Lascelles Marsh and Cynthia Marsh to DJ & T Investments Inc., 150 Catherine St., $430,000.

Luis M. Rodriguez to Leonardo E. Perdomo Sr., 252-254 Orange St., $360,000.

Mary Ellen Labonte, representative, and Noreen B. Fitzgerald, estate, to Ernie Estrada Colon, 44 Cherrelyn St., $203,000.

Mary T. Popko to Joseph M. Santani ello, 110-112 Slater Ave., $185,000. Marzena K. Sochacka-Medina to Rosa H. Lane and David C. Lane, 496-498 Grayson Drive, $275,000.

Michael D. Fisher to Jorge Santiago, 65 Puritan Road, $253,000.

Michael McDonnell and Jennifer B. McDonnell to Mohamed H. Ibrahim and Sara Eid Abdelazie Elkhawaga, 15 Gatewood Road, $235,000.

Michael P. Williams, representative, Marie Chouinard, estate, Marie C. Chouinard, estate, Marie Candace Chouinard, estate, Marie C. Bailar geon, estate, Marie C. Williams, estate), Marie Candace Williams, estate, and Marie Williams, estate,

to Jean C. Baez Rivera, 45 Vann St., $300,000.

Muhammad Umer Farooq to Dudley Brice Casimir Pierre, 36 Fort Pleas ant Ave., $309,000.

Nathan Alfonza Garner and Marcus Garner to Aimee Maldonado, 81 Navajo Road, $235,000.

Nathan Rodriguez and Elijah Gero to Esmeralda Gonzalez and Hermes Gonzalez Velez, 65 Pembroke Circle, $210,000.

Nolava LLC, to Nora Mokam Mouas som, 19 Yale St., $260,000.

Nora T. Owens, Christine Eckert, representative, and Joseph A. Fabbri, estate, to Robert Allen White and Tina Tatro, 977 Carew St., $205,000.

NRES LLC, to Yenit Degracia and Ursula Degracia, 135 College St., $310,000.

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., to Cangi-Five Properties LLC, 401 Water St., $207,500.

Patricia A. Carlin, Mary O’Brien, Geraldine Elias, James K. Heffernan III, Susan Carey and Timothy Heffer nan to Edwin O. Garcia, 31 Bray St., $175,000.

Paul J. Ryan, representative, John David Ryan, estate, and John D. Ryan, estate, to Bryan Cunningham, 216 Dwight Road, $239,000.

Percy Williams III, Sharon Wat kinson-Williams and Donald R. Lassman, trustee, to Jerome Brown, 50-52 Savoy Ave., $200,000.

Roy Eggleston and Jennifer A. Eggleston to Aiviis Rosado, 223 Almira Road, $215,000.

Sally Gould to Geoffrey Spier, 140 Chestnut St., $41,000.

Sean Matthew Bradshaw and Jamie M. Bradshaw to Wilber Anaximan dro Bernal and Lauri Jane Gardner, 246 Connecticut Ave., $275,000.

Value Properties LLC, to Hunter Property Group LLC, 7 Marlborough St., $116,500.

William W. Cygan to Dawn M. Keenan and Richard E. Weibust, 104 Stuart St., $215,000.

TOLLAND

Julie A. Roberts and David A. Roberts to William A. Dittrich and Susan Dittrich, 40 Meadow Drive, $305,000.

WARE

Kelly R. Blinn and Christopher S. Blinn to Jason Chemero and Krystal M. Chemero, 105 Maple St., $170,000.

Manomednet LLC, to Damaris M. Frias, 54-58 West St., $160,000.

4J Real Estate Group LLC, to Robert Vassallo, 37 Benham Ave., $274,000.

Beth A. Ligawiec, Beth A. Ligawiec, personal representative, and John P.

Harszy, estate, to Ashliana Woulfe and Debra Army, 46 Morse Ave., $300,000.

Erick A. Vasquez and Melissa J. Vasquez to Michael W. Ponyta, 20 Eddy St., $245,000.

WARWICK

Marcy D. Robitaille and Robert R. Robitaille to Amanda J. LeBlanc and Christopher J. LeBlanc, 595 Winchester Road, $336,000.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Clayton Tinson, Jr., and Akilah Pur nell to Shirley Marie Martinez, 151 Upper Beverly Hills, $235,000.

CMBD Property Enterprises LLC, to Robert M. Zeller, 41 Chapin St., $425,000.

Daniel J. Casey Jr., to Tatum S. Cal abrese, 597 Rogers Ave., $290,000.

John G. Kudlic to Maksim Vasilchen ko and Anna Vasilchenko, Lot #9, Hyde Road, $155,000.

Paul E. McDonald and Nan K. Mc Donald to Kevin J. Conway, 37 Shady Brook Lane, $445,000.

Robert J. Turcotte, Carol Colla and Louise J. Arnold to Frantz S. Etienne and Stella Etienne, 22 Vincent Drive, $291,000.

Stephen Kimball, Kristine Trudeau and Karen Larkin to Melvin A. Arroyo, 80 Brush Hill Ave., Unit 51, $149,900.

WESTFIELD

Andrew C. Delusa and Sally Delusa to Donald Bailey, Kim Bailey and Deanna Bailey, 26 Saint Paul St., $295,900.

Andrew Laverdiere, Emma La verdiere and Emma Rickenbach to Nicole Wright and Daniel Wright, 142 Western Circle, $316,500.

Arnold E. Thompson Jr., to Heath M. Rawlings, 48 Shannon Lane, $342,000.

Charlene M. Fantakis-Henderson, Charlene M. Fantakis and Richard Henderson to Ghassan A. Saleh, Ghassan Saleh and Dalia Karim, 140 Wild Flower Circle, $645,000.

Dana K. Rising to Paul William Nimchick III, 353 North Elm St., $137,500.

Douglas Fuller and Doug Fuller to Bruce L. Cordero, 1071 Shaker Road, $345,000.

Glenn E. Van Veldhuizen and Deb orah Van Veldhuizen to BP LLC, 83 William St., $157,500.

Henry M. Bisbee IV, to Andrew Delu sa, 292 West Road, $279,000.

Lawrence E. Oleksak Jr., Doreen S. Gallagher, Deborah A. Higgins, Don na M. Davino and Donna M. Cupak to Luz C. Caballero, 86 Dartmouth St., $310,000.

Normand L. Guilbert and Sue Guil bert to Michael C. Potter and Monika Cross, 41 Woodcliff Drive, $355,000.

WESTHAMPTON

Gail E. Nutting to Caroline Moore, 127 Northwest Road, $475,000.

Benjamin W. Coggins III, to Emily M. Coggins and Daniel Engelke, 64 Southampton Road, $585,000.

WHATELY

Thomas Burke and Sherry Weitzen to Kevin DiGuglielmo, “aka” Kevin P. DiGuglielmo, and Deanna D. Nappi, 80 Long Plain Road, $384,000.

WILBRAHAM

AC Homebuilding LLC, to Ronald Wyzik and Susan Wyzik, Oaks Farm Lane, Unit 7, $484,800.

Bedrock Financial LLC, trustee, and China Cat Realty Trust, trustee of, to Grayson Kern Colarusso and Jessica Jude Somma, 105 Silver St., $595,000.

Daniel R. Balser and Janet E. Balser to Kelly E. Middleton and Alexander C. Baker, 9 Leemond St., $439,000.

Frank Kulig to Michael Vivenzio, 18 Sunnyside Terrace, $325,000.

Gavin D. Berkeley and Jennifer L. Berkeley to Rolando L. Bones and Louisa M. Bones, 27 Hillcrest Drive, $215,000.

Gerard A. Rocchi, Gerard Rocchi, Amy Griswold Rocchi and Amy G. Rocchi to John Quincy Hunt Jr., and Ana Gabriela Wells, 39 Soule Road, $550,000.

Joanne W. Felchner to Anthony M. Dejura, 29 Blacksmith Road, $450,000.

Joseph A. Champigny and Jennifer A. Champigny to Marian Sweeney, 67 High Pine Circle, $465,000.

Kathleen E. Collins to Christine Lee Graham, Christine L. Graham, Timothy William Keane and Timothy Keane, 9 Echo Hill Road, $800,000.

Robert K. Adamski and Angela J. Rice to Andre King and Michael Pope, 945 Tinkham Road, $190,000.

Vernor A. Watkins, representative, and Colin D. Williamson, estate, to Servicenet Inc., 16 Hickory Hill Drive, $450,000.

WILLIAMSBURG

Susan M. Goulet to Randy R. Sher man, 31 Goshen Road, $310,000.

Mark D. Albright and Mary A. Mori arty to Wendy Messerli, 2 Pine St., $380,000.

WORTHINGTON

Serena F. Slack and Serena F. Zo noni to Timothy W. Lipski and Taylor Farrie, 285 Williamsburg Road, $330,000.

Don & Dave Runyan

of

Angels bring tidings of joy

CAROLS SUCH AS “Angels We Have Heard on High” and “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing” remind us that angels were the original messengers who spread the joyous news of the first Christmas. Perfect for the yard, porch or roof, these do-it-yourself Christmas angels make it easy to send “glad tidings of great joy” to the whole neighborhood this holiday season.

Each angel is traced from the same reusable, full-size pattern, so it’s easy to make as many as you choose. To build, transfer the pattern onto wood (three will fit on one 4-by-8 sheet of particle board or plywood) and cut the figures out. Next, sand the edges, prime and paint. To finish, add a wooden stand or a stake made from galvanized pipe, set up and enjoy the Christmas cheer. Each angel stands 50 inches tall by 21 inches wide.

The Christmas Angels plan, No. 852, is $9.95 and includes full-size traceable patterns, step-by-step directions with photos and a shopping list and cutting schedule. Please include $3.95 per order for postage and handling and allow about two weeks for delivery. To order, send this article with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o The Republican, 741B Olive Ave., Vista CA 92083 or visit U-Bild on the web at u-bild. com

Pumpkins

how to fatten themselves up before a long winter.

Pumpkins and their seeds are far more nutritious than acorns or tree buds, Loe gering explained. Squirrels crave calories, and those gourds have a lot of them.

To outsmart a squirrel this fall, here are some strategies to try. Remember, squirrels are persistent, so don’t as sume that just one approach will do the trick. Go with a multi-pronged defense, and set out your pumpkins confidently.

Taste deterrent

Think of your friend who orders curry at a Thai restaurant at the spice level of 0. A squirrel has a similar palate.

Covering your pumpkin with hot sauce, cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes can all work to dissuade the squirrel from digging in. Loegering suggests pouring a bottle of hot sauce into a spray bottle, adding about the same amount of water,

and a couple of drops of dish soap. Spray liberally.

You can also find commer cial products sold at local garden stores or big-box retailers.

“The active ingredient is capsaicin, which is the com pound that makes peppers

different smells because it could signal danger. He rec ommends sprinkling some blood meal — which is dried blood powder, often from a cow or a pig that was slaugh tered. Sprinkle the blood meal around the pumpkin. Maybe cast a spell and hold

gooey like petroleum jelly or Aquaphor onto the pumpkin will lead to squirrels getting sticky digits, and they don’t like that.

“It’s just gross to get it all over your hands,” Loegering said. “And it’s not like they’re carrying towels to wipe it off.”

Choosing wisely

taste hot,” said Jacobson, who recently filmed a video for her store about how to make your pumpkins last.

“It deters critters from chomping down because they don’t like that spice taste. They wanted a pump kin, and they got a pepper.”

She recommends Bonide Hot Pepper Wax, which can be applied in your planters and gardens, as well.

Smell deterrent

The goal here is to make your property “smell really odd,” Loegering said.

In the natural world, animals avoid offensive or

a seance while you’re at it. It’s Halloween, after all.

Don’t use blood meal if you have a dog, however, as it will find this condiment de licious. Instead, try pet hair. You can collect it from your own pet, or ask a groom er for a bunch of dog hair. Lay it around the pumpkin. Squirrels will think a preda tor awaits.

You can also seek smell deterrents in stores. If it’s designed to deter deer, it should work on squirrels, too.

Vaseline

Slathering something

Scrutinize your gourds and squash before purchasing. Make sure they are firm, and there no “soft spots or sugary goo oozing out,” Jacobson said, “because that’s an in dication that it’s ripening or even rotting.”

Don’t let your pumpkins freeze on cold nights, or they will turn mushy, inviting more scavengers to feed on them. Jacobson also suggests opting now for the truly dec orative squashes and gourds with pops of blue, green and stripes, and saving the orange carving pumpkins for closer to Halloween.

Sacrificial feeding sta tion

In this classic diversion tactic, lure the squirrels to another part of your yard with a feeder filled with

cracked corn or sunflower seeds. Loegering says he’s not fond of this strategy, which should be used as a last resort, because it puts a target on the squirrel’s back: “Every cat, every fox, every predator in the world knows where that squirrel is going to be standing, and it makes them much more vulnera ble.”

The most ingenious hack of all ...

This pro tip is one used by Loegering himself, and he swears by it. It’s relatively inexpensive, effective and innocuous: a motion-acti vated sprinkler.

“It scares the creatures. They just bug out,” he said.

You can set the sprinkler so it sprays the steps of your house or right onto your porch.

Just make sure you turn it off for the trick-or-treat ers. If your pumpkins have lasted by then, Operation Scared Squirrel was a suc cess.

Come November, toss them into your backyard and let those outwitted critters chow down.

“Don’t let your pumpkins freeze on cold nights, or they will turn mushy, inviting more scavengers to feed on them.”

MORTGAGEE’S FORECLOSURE AUCTION HELD ON THE PREMISES

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2022

MORTGAGEE’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE AT PUBLIC AUCTION

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

PM - CHESTER

- CHICOPEE