Home and Garden, and Real Estate- September 3, 2023

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INSIDE

ANTIQUES & COLLECTING: Sign shows off pride behind ‘union-made’ clothing, F6

HOUSE CLEANING: Things experts wish clients knew before hiring a housekeeper, F2

IN THE GARDEN WITH LEE REICH: Sowing the secrets to a healthy new lawn, F4

GARDEN NOTES: Programs at Berkshire Botanical Garden, F4

MORTGAGE RATES: 30year rate falls to 7.18%, F7

WMASS DEEDS, F7

PROJECT OF THE WEEK: ‘Portable’ closet, F10

The most efficient way to clean your whole home, according to pros, Page F2

The things house cleaners wish every client would do

By R achel Kurzius The Washington Post

When Dana Poulin, owner of Lake Tahoe Cleaning Services, walks into a home, she knows almost immediately if it’s going to be a hard job.

“The first second I walk in that door, things will be moved out of place. There will be a blanket or pillow thrown where it’s not supposed to be or a water bottle or a cup sitting there,” she says. “I’m like, ‘Oh that is a sign no one picked up after themselves.’ And then as you go through the house, you realize the

whole house is just a disaster.”

to get a ballpark estimate in advance.

From top to bottom

The most efficient way to clean your whole home, according to pros

By H annah Holland The Washington Post

Maybe you’ve been putting it off — and who could blame you? Almost everyone hates the thought of an entire Sunday spent disinfecting bathrooms and dusting surfaces. But the dreaded deep clean is, at some point, unavoidable. So, we set out to make it a little bit easier.

We asked professional house cleaners and other cleaning experts to divulge their best advice for cleaning an entire home both quickly and thoroughly.

Here is their road map to getting through your next whole-house scrub-down as

efficiently as possible. Choose a few core cleaning supplies

When it comes to cleaning supplies, less is more. Vanesa Amaro, a housekeeper in Texas and the self-proclaimed “Queen of Clean” to her 5.9 million TikTok followers, recommends “stocking up a few core products that can be used on multiple surfaces and for different cleaning techniques throughout your home.”

You’ll want one disinfectant on hand, especially “when there is a known contagion in the house, like someone has a stomach flu,” says Lisa Bronner, author of the blog Going Green With Lisa Bronner and the forthcoming book “Soap & Soul.”

And the cleaning experts we interviewed all praised one powerful, reusable item: microfiber cloths. These

inexpensive little squares can be used to achieve everything from streak-free mirrors to dustless shelves.

To simplify and speed things up even more, Amaro color-codes her supplies, including the “microfiber cloths and sponges — so all my green supplies are for the kitchen, blue for the bathroom and so on.”

Work top to bottom, left to right

Elizabeth Buchanan, owner of Cleaner Living NW and Nurturals Natural Products in Oregon, has been cleaning homes professionally for nearly two decades. She says the easiest way to tackle any room is to clean from top to bottom, working in sections left to right. “If you walk into a room and follow that order, starting from the left and

If you plan to hire someone to clean your home, don’t be like this. Instead, heed the advice we gleaned from cleaning professionals about how you can help them do a better job tidying up your place. Here’s what house cleaners say they wish every client knew.

1. Communicate expectations in advance

Before someone comes to your house to clean, have a direct conversation about pricing and expectations. Some companies charge an hourly rate, others by the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Whatever the case, you want

You should also have a clear understanding of the tasks you can reasonably expect the service to handle. Some cleaners will wash dirty dishes or do laundry, whereas others consider those to be add-ons. If you have outdoor areas, such as a deck, that you want included, make sure you specify as much. (Yes, cleaners field complaints from clients that patios or garages have not been swept, despite those chores not being a part of your typical house cleaning package.) For specialized services, such as organizing closets or deep-cleaning rugs,

SEE CLEANERS, PAGE F10

When the time comes, wipe the cleaner off those hard surfaces with a wet microfiber cloth, then dry with a fresh cloth so that everything is shiny and streak-free.

Buchanan uses her wet Magic Erasers for scrubbing showers, tubs and tile. Save mirrors and glass shower doors for last, spraying those with Windex (or a similar product), or white vinegar diluted with water. Amaro suggests “turning off any lights directly above the

Efficient

going in a circle, you won’t miss anything.”

Amaro echoes this, especially when it comes to the top-tobottom part. “This way, you can make sure any dust lingering on high surfaces will make its way to the floor [by the time] you do a final vacuum.”

Declutter, then dust

Before you can really clean, you must declutter. Do this in every room — dishes out of the sink, toys off the ground, that mountain of clean laundry folded. You can’t attack dirt and grime properly if it’s concealed beneath a messy pile. And if you have to keep interrupting your dusting or vacuuming to put things away, you’ll only waste time.

Once you’ve decluttered, Buchanan prescribes a three-step process to eliminate dust: Go over surfaces with a dry duster (such as a Swiffer duster), then hit them a second time with a damp microfiber cloth. Finally, buff them with a dry microfiber cloth. As Buchanan notes, don’t waste time worrying about pushing crumbs and other debris onto the ground as you go — you’ll vacuum those up later.

Tackle the kitchen

In Buchanan’s experience, the kitchen is the messiest part of most people’s homes. For that reason, she suggests getting it out of the way early. She begins by wiping down the fronts of cabinets with a microfiber cloth and the appropriate spray cleaner, following the

top-to-bottom method.

If you’ve got stainless steel appliances, Bronner suggests microwaving a damp microfiber cloth for a few seconds, then using it to wipe them down. The hot cloth will help loosen grease, without leaving any streaks behind.

For especially tough messes on a stovetop, Buchanan suggests scrubbing with a paste of equal parts Bar Keepers Friend and dish soap. Amaro uses a dual-sided scraper “to lift the crust up before spraying and wiping down the surface with a degreaser.”

Finally, zero in on your sink, an area particularly prone to grime and germs. Buchanan uses a small scrubbing brush to get inside and around the drain. She swears by a wet Magic Eraser to wipe down the sink basin because you can “feel if the surface is smooth and therefore clean.” (Magic Erasers work on other smooth surfaces, too, she says, such as bathtubs or even light switch plates. Just avoid painted surfaces, “as they can take the finish off.”)

Then tackle the bathrooms

Next, move on to the bathrooms. If you have more than one, Buchanan advises starting with the primary because it is often the largest and therefore feels the most daunting.

First, spray every hard, non-glass surface — countertop, toilet, tub, sink — with an all-purpose bathroom cleaner suited to eradicating mold, mildew and germs. Let the cleaner sit for at least a few minutes to work correctly. Empty the trash as you wait.

mirror, because the heat of the lightbulb can evaporate your cleaning solution and cause streaks.”

Save floors for last Start by vacuuming. Bronner and Buchanan say an adjustable vacuum is key — that way it’ll work just as well in your carpeted bedroom as your hardwood hallway. Buchanan prefers to vacuum her “way out of the house,” working from the deepest part of the interior

toward the front door. That way “you don’t leave footprints on the carpet or walk over the vacuumed areas.”

Once the floors are sufficiently vacuumed, it’s time to mop. Bronner notes your flooring type will dictate what sort of mop you’ll need. If you have tile, you’ll need a string mop that can get into those hardto-reach grout lines, not just push dirt deeper into them. For hardwood, you’ll need a flathead mop.

The kitchen tends to be the messiest area of most homes, cleaning pros say, and it makes sense to get it out of the way early when cleaning.

Lee Reich | In The Garden

Sowing the secrets to a healthy new lawn

THE BEST TIME TO establish a new lawn is from the middle of August to the middle of September. Before you go out scattering handfuls of seed on bare soil, make sure you have, first, chosen the right kind of grass seed, and, second, prepared the soil correctly.

Grasses for lawns here in the humid Northeast are Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, creeping red fescue, and bentgrass. Which grass to choose for a lawn will depend on whether the site is sunny or partially shaded, and whether you want to play volleyball and croquet on it, or just admire and occasionally walk upon it.

The type of soil also matters, but, depending upon your time and energy, and the expanse of lawn desired, the soil can be modified to suit the grass. If the site you have in mind for lawn is shaded all day, forget about any of these grasses, and plant instead a groundcover like pachysandra or vinca.

Now to highlight the important characteristics of each of the four grasses: Kentucky bluegrass produces a fine-textured, dense turf under average conditions of care and maintenance. Each plant will spread, but this turf is slow to establish so is sown with a “nurse” grass. Perennial ryegrass is the usual nurse grass for Kentucky bluegrass. Perennial ryegrass establishes quickly, but doesn’t spread and usually dies out in a few years.

Where a lawn is subject to wear — as from occasional volleyball games — plant creeping red fescue. Not only does fescue tolerate wear, but it also tolerates partial shade, and dry, poor soils. The leaf blades are fine, but wiry.

The aristocrats of grasses are those which produce an extremely tight and neat, uniform lawn — the bentgrasses. But they need all the coddling accorded aristocracy. Do not plant bentgrass

GARDEN NOTES

a soil that is too compact. This condition is corrected by digging organic matter into the soil (four bales of peat, or a half-ton of manure or compost, per thousand square feet), and keeping vehicles off the soil. Organic matter also enriches the soil, which all grasses appreciate, but is especially important for Kentucky bluegrass and bentgrass. Rototilling will incorporate organic matter and prepare a seedbed for the grass seed. It is important not too overtill the ground to a fine powder, or the soil will re-compact with the first rain.

AGAWAM Club meeting

If you have the space and want to mow less, let part of the lawn turn into a meadow.

When you rototill, add lime and fertilizer to the soil. Of the grasses mentioned, Kentucky bluegrass is the

Which grass to choose for a lawn will depend on whether the site is sunny or partially shaded, and whether you want to play volleyball and croquet on it, or just admire and occasionally walk upon it.

unless you are willing to mow frequently and low (a halfinch or less), water regularly, and topdress annually with compost or peat moss.

Most lawns are seeded with a mixture of grasses. Read the label when you buy seed, to ensure a mixture suited to your site and use. A “general purpose” lawn in the sun should have at least fifty percent Kentucky bluegrass seed, with the remainder comprised of fescue for durability, and perennial ryegrass (or Redtop, another nurse grass) for quick coverage.

Plan on more time maintaining and less time playing on the lawn as you increase the percentage of Kentucky

bluegrass or go to bentgrass. A mix for shady lawns should have at least 50% fescue, with the remainder of the seed comprised of a nurse grass, and, as long as the site is moist, a bit of Kentucky bluegrass. It’s poor economy to buy cheap seed. The label is required by law to list ingredients and germination percentages. A good quality mix has little chaff or weed seeds, or seeds of inferior grass species like Canada bluegrass, sheep fescue, or meadow grass. A good mix also germinates well. With seed chosen, the next step is to prepare the soil. No grass will thrive in

only one that requires a near-neutral soil; the others will tolerate acid soils. Fifteen or 20 pounds of a complete fertilizer per thousand square feet will get the lawn off to a good start.

Spread the seed evenly over the prepared seedbed (1 to 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet, depending on the type of seed), then rake it lightly, and cover with a thin mulch of cheesecloth,

The Agawam Garden Club will meet Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Agawam Public Library, 750 Cooper St., in the Feeding Hills section. After a short business meeting, Jacqueline Clark will present a program titled “Put Your Garden to Sleep.” A certified landscape designer and horticulturalist, Clark started her own business in 2005, “Garden Designs by Jacqueline.” A ticket for a bus trip to the New York Botanical Garden on Sept. 17 will be raffled at this meeting. Club meetings are open to the public and not restricted to Agawam residents. More information about the club can be found online at agawamgardenclub.com or on Facebook.

STOCKBRIDGE Upcoming events

Berkshire Botanical Garden presents these upcoming programs:

• Today, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Berkshire Woodworkers Guild Fine Woodwork Show and Silent Auction.” A fine woodwork show and sale featuring designs by professional woodworkers from the Berkshires and neighboring counties in New York and Connecticut. Throughout the weekend, guild members will demonstrate various wood-

SEE REICH, PAGE F9 SEE NOTES, PAGE F9

Terry & Kim Kovel | Antiques & Collecting

Sign shows off pride behind ‘union-made’ clothing

TRADE UNIONS

played a crucial role in establishing Labor Day as a holiday. “Union Made” has long been a point of pride for American industries, as in this sign advertising Sweet-Orr clothing, which sold for $7,380 at a Morphy auction. Talk about the value of hard work! The sign celebrates workers as not just the makers of the clothes, but as the brand’s clientele.

The story goes that James Orr returned from the Gold Rush without gold, but with a business idea. Having seen firsthand how easily prospectors’ work clothes were damaged, he persuaded his nephews Clayton and Clinton Sweet to join him in starting a company to make high-quality off-the-shelf workwear.

The Sweet-Orr company started making overalls in Wappingers Falls, New York, in 1871. By the 1880s, it had an iconic advertising strategy: Representatives would hold events challenging groups of six men to play tug-of-war with a Sweet-Orr garment, showing the clothes’ resistance to tearing. This was supposedly inspired by feedback from customers claiming that their lives had been saved by the strength of their SweetOrr clothing. This strategy soon made it into the company’s logo and stayed there.

This sign, depicting such a tug-of-war, dates to about 1920. Although the original New York factory has closed, the Sweet-Orr company is still operating today.

Q. Can you tell me something about the maker and value of my platter marked “Walbrzych, made in Poland, A.D. 1845”? It’s white with bunches of roses and has gold trim on the edges. It’s 11 inches by 6 3/4 inches and is in perfect shape.

A. Carl Tielsch started a porcelain factory in Altwasser, Germany (now part of Walbrzych, Poland) in 1845.

The Tielsch family left after the town was occupied by Russian troops at the end of World War II. Some German workers remained and continued to operate the factory. It was nationalized in 1952 and became Walbrzych Table Porcelain Plant. In 1992, it was privatized, and the name was changed to Table Porcelain Works in Walbrzych S.A. In 2007, it became Porcelain Factory Walbrzych S.A. The factory closed in 2012. The mark on your dish was used from 1952 to 1992. A 13-inch platter in this pattern is listed online for $20.

Q. My father’s estate had three small silver trays, one with a lid (but the lid fits on all of them), that say “made in occupied Japan.” As he was in World War II, I’m sure that this is something he picked up along the way. They also have the stamp “Amerexware” on them. I am curious to know if they are worth anything other than the silver value.

A. There is little information available about Amerexware. The mark “Amerex” also appears on tableware and cameras made in Occupied Japan and on some Japanese electronics made later. It isn’t clear if it is a brand name or if it means the product was made for export to America. There are a few references to an Amerex Trading Co. in Japan that was owned by Americans and associated with the Sogo Department Store in the 1950s. Your trays appear to be silver plated. Silver plate has very little silver value and is difficult to sell. However, your trays may have value as Occupied Japan collectibles. The label “Occupied Japan” appears on ceramics, silver, toys, and other products made in Japan during the Allied occupation after World War II. To collectors, this label is the most important part; in fact, Occupied Japan products

Sweet-Orr clothing was proudly made by workers, for workers. Their logo shows their clothes are strong enough to handle anything a worker, or group of workers, might put them through. (COWLES SYNDICATE INC.)

are often displayed upside down at shops and shows so the label is the first thing you see! Silver plated trays marked “Occupied Japan” tend to sell for about $20 each.

Q. I inherited my grandfather’s collection of Early American Pressed Glass. He had over 100 pieces, of various patterns; i.e., Wildflower, Westward-Ho, Daisy and Button, Queen’s Crown, Frosted Lion and many more. I am not a collector, and I would like to sell these beautiful items. I don’t know how to go about doing that. Any suggestions?

A. Pressed glass, also called pattern glass, is a popular collectible. Pieces are usually inexpensive, but rare patterns by known makers can sell for hundreds, even thousands of dollars. Pressed glass sells well online, at general antiques shows and at small

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.

Tole, tray, oval, black, red and yellow flowers in center, gilt Greek key rim, England, late 1800s, 24 x 30 inches, $55.

Toy, dog, Molly, mohair, sitting, brown and white fur, swivel head, plastic eyes, stitched nose, red ribbon around neck, squeaker, Steiff, 7 inches, $95.

Daum, vase, Daffodil, molded flowers, yellow and orange heads, shaded green ground, flared, pate de verre, signed, 10 x 8 1/2 inches, $300.

Jewelry, pin, Bakelite, School Days, ruler, red chain with four dangles, black pen nib, globe, miniature blackboard, red pen nib, 3 1/4 inches, $370.

local auctions, but if you are planning to sell the entire collection, you may want to find an auction that specializes in antique glass. Collectors’ clubs can help you find more information and possibly connect you with buyers. The Early American Pattern Glass Society (eapgs.org) is a good place to start. Or look for a glass club in your area. There are many listed in the Business Directory on Kovels. com.

TIP: Keep your collection of glassware away from the speakers of your sound system. Heavy bass and highpitched sounds can crack the glass.

Terry Kovel and Kim Kovel answer readers’ questions sent to the column. Send a letter with one question describing the size, material (glass, pottery) and what you know about the item. Include only two pictures, the object and a closeup of any

Game, mahjong, tiles, counting sticks, red case, sliding panel opens to five drawers, gilt animals and clouds, brass hardware, two top handles, 6 x 6 1/2 inches, $510.

Pen, fountain, Patent Scientific Ball Bearing Pen, 15K gold, case, John Whytwarth, England, early 20th century, 5 inches, $530.

Pottery, vase, Santa Clara Pueblo, globular, short neck, black glaze, sgraffito, stylized animals, red accents, signed, Emily Tafoya, miniature, 2 inches, $660.

marks or damage. 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. Questions that are answered will appear in Kovels Publications. Write to Kovels, The Republican, King Features Syndicate, 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803 or email us at collectorsgallery@ kovels.com.

30-year US mortgage rate falls to 7.18%

By A LEX VEIGA Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate slipped after climbing for five consecutive weeks to a more than 20-year high, a modest relief for would-be homebuyers challenged by rising home prices and a thin inventory of homes on the market.

Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the average rate on the benchmark 30-year home loan fell to 7.18% from 7.23% last week. A year ago, the rate averaged 5.66%.

The average rate is now the lowest it’s been in two weeks, but remains above 7%. High rates can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for borrowers, limiting how much they can afford in a market already unaffordable to many Americans. They also discourage homeowners who locked in low rates two years ago from selling.

The average rate on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with those refinancing their homes, was 6.55%, unchanged from last week. A year ago, it averaged 4.98%, Freddie Mac said.

Mortgage rates climbed for much of August along with the 10-year Treasury yield, which is used by lenders to price rates on mortgages and other loans.

The yield, which last week neared its highest level since 2007, rose sharply as bond traders reacted to reports showing the U.S. economy remains remarkably resilient. That’s stoked worries that the Federal Reserve will conclude that it needs to keep interest rates higher for longer in order to crush inflation.

The average rate on a 30year mortgage remains more than double what it was two years ago, when it was just 2.87%.

AGAWAM

Chenevert Properties LLC, to JLX 2 Properties LLC, 34 Mooreland St., $330,000.

Dola T. Tayeh to Andrew J. Colson, 35 Lealand Ave., $309,500.

Douglas Dichard to James C. Carr, Debra A. Pettigrew and Kelly M. Oliver, 17 Cambridge St., $350,000.

Jared M. Hamre and Ashley Hamre to Monique Lauren Malvezzi and Bryan Arthur Camuse, 138 Suffield St., $360,000.

Robert A. Frasco, Diane Margaret Lyons-Frasco, Dolores T. Fellion, Bella Aherne and Brunella A. Aherne to Lucas Giusto, 240 South St., $325,000.

Susan M Smith-Malecky and Marcia J. Smith to Brian Holmes and Caryn Holmes, 523 N Westfield St., $345,000.

AMHERST

Matthew Casey, trustee, and Natalie McKeon Irrevocable Trust to Olufunmilayo A. Adeoyin and Olalekan A. Adeoyin, 2 Wintergreen Circle, $560,000.

Michele L. Dufresne, trustee, Robert J. Dufresne, trustee, B&R Family Trust and RTLI Family Trust to Julie Silberstein and Harvey Silberstein, 15 Sherry Circle, $1,825,000.

John A. Stanley to Tammy J. Stanley, trustee, Susan A. Brand, trustee, Alan H. R. Stanley, trustee, and John A. Stanley Irrevocable Trust, 260 College St., $100.

James J. Rutter and Leah I. Leviton to Subhransu Maji and Gayane Vardoyan, 3 Evergreen Lane, $563,000.

Christene A. DeJong and Timothy D. Zimmerman to Joy L. Frestedt and Robert L. Frestedt, 81 Pine Grove, $383,888.

Hazel V. Cardozo, trustee, and Re-

vocable Indenture of Trust of Hazel V. Cardozo to Jennifer Gephart, 255 Market Hill Road, $520,000.

ASHFIELD

Christina A. McQuade to Pasha Realty LLC, 83F Bear Mountain Drive, $295,000.

Belchertown

Bruce Robert MacPherson, personal representative, and Arlena B. MacPherson, estate, to Bruce Robert MacPherson, 16 Tucker Lane, $100.

Kathleen M. West and Douglas G. West to Brita A. Riley and Sandra A. Wilk, 11 Rainbow Drive, $615,000.

Summer Hill Estates Development LLC, to Thomas A. Childress and Kathleen E. Childress, 111 Daniel Shays Highway, $435,000.

Michelle D. Staudinger and Joshua T. Snyder to Matthew W. Deady and Shauna M. Lyden-Fortier, 152 Old Bay Road, $645,000.

Mingxu You and Ying Lu to Timothy J. Luce and Melissa A. Luce, 10 Old Sawmill Road, $620,000.

Bryan C. Pons Loud and Hilda I. Pons Loud to Alphonse Provost, Sabin Street, $22,000.

BRIMFIELD

Roberts Family Irrevocable Trust, trustee of, and Randolph R. Roberts, trustee, to Tony R. Roberts, 124 Washington Road, $252,000.

BUCKLAND

Silvia Paulina Baltazar and Daniel T. Smith to Sean P. Geary and Adriana Isaza-Geary, 47 School St., $385,000.

CHESTER

Annette L. Lamountain, trustee, Terry L. Murphy, trustee, and Terry L. Murphy Revocable Trust, trustee of, to Andrea Joy Plankey, 171 Route 20, $255,000.

John M. McGinn, Lizette G. Smith and John F. McGinn to Michael T. Barbehenn, trustee, Jacinda M. Barbehenn, trustee, and 601 East River Road Realty Trust, trustee of, 601 E River Road, $790,000.

CHICOPEE

Avail I LLC, to Kyle LaPlante, 68 Trilby Ave., $260,000.

Bogdan Konarzewski and Ewa Konarzewska to 4Front Ventures LLC, 10 Parshley Ave., $860,000.

Edward Juchno to 606 Front Sreet Realty LLC, 600 Front St., $300,000.

Gerard Roy to Susanne M. Romani and Andrew C. Martin, 793 Pendleton Ave., $275,000.

Linda M. Benoit to Tracy A. Sawyer, 62 Horseshoe Drive, Unit 6155A, $230,000.

Lynnette Lee Tabin and David Fitzgerald Krause to David Fitzgerald Krause, 5-7 Highland Ave., $100.

Martha W. Mohr to Carrieanne Proulx-Hilton and David R. Hilton, 87 Applewood Drive $182,000.

Mary E. Goulette to Lisa Anne Mindell and Elizabeth Anne Willett-Mindell, 98 Clairmont Ave., $286,000.

Maurice N. Lacasse Jr., and Laurie J. Lacasse to Joe Joe Properties LLC, 61 Kimball St., $235,000.

Robert N. Rouleau and Diane S. Rouleau to Eduardo Quinteros, 664 Chicopee St., $140,000.

Sherry C. Eldred, Sherry C. Jarvis and Allan J. Jarvis to Kelly Mortimer, 15 Conrad St., $280,000.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Benjamin F. Turnberg and Olga Turnberg to David Santos and Giovanna Santos, 63 Greenwich Road, $500,000.

Beverly L. Carrington to Keshav Joshi and Rachael Strogoff, 47 Newbury Ave., $312,000.

Larry A. Litscher and Karen C. Haeberle to Nicholas R. Kososki

and Lauren A. Kososki, 115 Old Farm Road, $910,000.

Mark J. Masi and Valerie M. Masi to Hazel Zebian, 36 Lee St., $260,000.

Patrick J. Lynch and Paula L. Bailey to Timothy Theriaque and Carrie Theriaque, 21 White Ave., $376,000.

Robert Potvin to Jonathan Kuivinen and Roshawna Flores, 390 Somers Road, $280,000.

EASTHAMPTON

Holly J. Burns, Holly T. Burns, Paul K. Graves Jr., David H. Graves and Barbara J. Graves to Jean D. Smith, 7 Lazy D Drive, $475,000.

Robert E. Carmel and Susan M. Carmel to Lauren E. Devine, trustee, Robert M. Carmel, trustee, and Robert & Susan Carmel Irrevocable Trust, 69 Plain St., $100. David W. Curtin and Diane M. Curtin to Carole Ann Andrus, 8-10 Spring St., $425,000.

Linda M. Lococo, Susan Overbey and Mary J. Valley to Lura Elderkin-Rouleau, 16 Truehart Drive, $375,000.

James Edward O’Donnell III, James Edward O’Donnell III, personal representative, James Edward O’Donnell Jr., estate, James E. O’Donnell, estate, James E. O’Donnell III, and James E. O’Donnell III, personal representative, to Paul N. Ribeiro and Karen E. Ribeiro, 41 South St., $135,000.

Nora D. DeJasu, Jennifer Godlesky and Jennifer A. Godlesky to Nora D. DeJasu, 14-16 Prospect St., $100.

Williston Northampton School to John M. Doll and Lesley D. Doll, 198 Park St., $147,500.

ERVING

David K. Grunwald and Tory F. Grunwald to Julianne Vaccaro, “aka” Julianne A. Vaccaro, 2 Flagg Hill Road, $375,000.

MORTGAGE GUIDE

413-267-4513 www.monsonsavings.com

LIC# 613363

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 $5.37 per $1,000 borrowed ex. 180 monthly payments of $7.65per $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 413-788-1165

Deeds

Linda L. Brouillette to Devin Boudreau and Katie Boudreau, 66 Mountain Road, “fka” 130 Mountain Road, $331,500.

GILL

David Edelman, trustee of the Revocable Indenture of Trust of David Edelman, to Chase Jones, Christopher D. Jones and Jennifer L. Jones, 12 West Gill Road, $675,000.

GOSHEN

Yvonne Ting and Janna Richards to Andrew Gould, Meghan Taylor, Arthur Gould, trustee, Judith Gould, trustee, and Gould Revocable Trust, 87 Lake Drive, $608,500.

GRANBY

Stephen J. Polchlopek to Carol L. Roy, East State Street, $110,000.

Donald A. Tremblay and Annette M. Tremblay to Christopher Gallant and Ariel J. Etheridge, 252 Taylor St., $425,000.

Chrystal Petersen to Robert Joseph Embury, 11 Meadow Glen Drive, $308,000.

GRANVILLE

Darcy M. Grimaldi, Debra A. Fuller and Matt R. Lefebvre to Joshua Fuller, 44 Granby Road, $210,000.

GREENFIELD

Carlyle A. Field to BHO Realty LLC, 14 Solon St., $58,975.

Austin S. Chapin and Colleen S. Chapin, “fka” Colleen S. Giroux, to Abrah Jordan Zaltzberg-Drezdahl and Keith Alan Zaltzberg-Drezdahl, 91 Norwood St., $395,000.

Robert W. Glabach to Shawn Daniel Patrick Telega, 38-42 Devens St., $297,500.

John H. Howland and Phelicia A. Howland to Ryan Sargeant Jarvis, 452 South Shelburne Road, $800,000.

Christina Dupree, Gregory Sund and Timothy E. Sund, trustees of the Sund Irrevocable Real Estate Trust, to Julia Ann Juenemann and John Speers, 47 Leyden Road, $330,000.

Kevin A. Hassett to Steven B. Luzi, 31 Lovers Lane, $110,000. Greenfield Acres LLC, to Ten Congress Acres LLC, 10 Congress St., $9,300,000.

HADLEY

John A. Stanley and Madonna L.

Stanley to John A. Stanley, trustee, Madonna L. Stanley, trustee, John A. Stanley Living Trust and Madonna L. Stanley Living Trust, 281 Bay Road, $100.

John A. Stanley and Madonna L. Stanley to John A. Stanley, 282 Bay Road, $100.

Jason E. Kopec and Courtney E. Kopec to Christopher Coyle and Deborah Coyle, 22 Farm Lane, $650,222.

Ellen Woolford and John J. McCarthy III, to Kamyar Vahdat and Haleh Akhtari, 37 Shattuck Road, $690,000.

Peter Niedbala, Peter D. Niedbala and Robert S. Niedbala, attorney-in-fact, to Peter D. Niedbala, trustee, and Peter D. Niedbala Living Trust, 136 East St., $100.

HAMPDEN

59 Greenleaf Drive LLC, to John Thorin Quackenbush and Carina M. Quackenbush, 59 Greenleaf Drive, $210,000.

David M. Syrek to Albana Deda, 57 Woodland Drive, $290,000.

Michael D. Goldberg and Katherine S. Goldberg to Nicholas Boissonneault and Madeline Boissonneault, 17 Kibbe Lane, $620,000.

Roseann Bonatakis to Samantha Peck Dionne, 381 Allen St., $339,900.

Taran A. Savoie, Danielle Savoie and Danielle A. Savoie to Nicole Morales and Jonathan Morales, 13 Sessions Drive, $350,000.

HATFIELD

Michael S. Smith and Kathy R. Smith to Bethany M. Accipiter and Elaine Lee Corvidae, 55 North St., $415,000.

HOLYOKE

Christopher Thompson and Mark T. Delisle to Taylor Robbins and Ashlyyn McKellick, 75-77 Longwood Ave., $399,900.

Josue Lopez to Drew Nalewanski and Elizabeth Martins, 16 Brightwood Ave., $440,000.

Michael T. Pueschel, representative, and Gloria J. Pueschel, estate, to Robert L. Hodgkins and Melinda S. Hodgkins, 32 Clark St., $251,000.

Rafael Santos and Aracelis Santos to L&B Greenvale Home Improvements LLC, 6-8 Portland St., $200,000.

LEVERETT

Leah H. Roth-Howe and Carl R. Siebing, “aka” Carl R. Siebling, to Lee Brando and Tara S. Pauliny, 26 Teawaddle Road, $575,000.

LONGMEADOW

Bank Of New York Mellon, trustee, and 2005- 5 Structured Asset Mortgage Investments II Inc., trustee of, to Custom Homes Development Group LLC, 36 Belleclaire Ave., $287,700.

Carla Horn, trustee, Michael R. Verrilli, trustee, Barbara S. Verrilli Trust, trustee of, and Barbara S. Verilli Trust, trustee of, to Kristan Xanders and Max Hallmark, 304 Farmington Road, $550,000.

Ilkwon Kim, Il Kwon Kim and Yun Ja Kim to Vincent C. Bucklen and Nancy C. Bucklen, 94 Wheel Meadow Drive, $580,000.

Irina Uta Ohara and Thomas

A. Ohara to Kevin Morine and Jessica Morine, 159 Ellington Road, $785,000.

LUDLOW

H P Rum LLC, to Boomerang Realty LLC, 190 Moody St., $1,880,000.

Laurenio S. Azevedo and Maria D. Azevedo to Lianne E. Azevedo, 38 Robin Drive, $430,000.

Peter A. Morales to Christopher Anthony Rodriguez, 11 Greenwich St., $370,000.

MONSON

Donald Rhea and Georgia Papoutsakis to Thomas Palazzi and Shannon Palazzi, Munn Road, Lot 2B, $55,000.

Gary D. Stewart and Melissa Stewart to Jeffrey A. Shaw and Deanna L. Shaw, 66 Palmer Road, $316,000.

Gary S. Pfisterer to Nathan R. Olson, Main St., Lot 10, $47,000.

MONTAGUE

Devin T. Boudreau and Katie Marie Boudreau to Geoffrey Kanteles.,154 Montague City Road, $325,000.

MONTGOMERY

Mark A. Nelson and Ginger L. Nelson to Jacob Gonska and Shannon Gonska, 86 Pine Ridge Road, $475,100.

NEW SALEM

Else Goddard, individually and as personal representative of the Estate of Jackson Goddard, to Michael Welsch, 394 Daniel Shays Highway, $350,000.

NORTHAMPTON

Molly G. Keehn, David C. Keehn and Sally M. Keehn to Shasten S. Sherwell, 16 Laurel Park, $276,500. Amy Bleiweiss to Francis O’Brien, 53 Clark Ave., $385,000.

Linda DuPont, personal representative, and Henry Michael Deturck, estate, to Arthur M. Spencer, trustee, Patricia A. Spencer, trustee, and Spencer Family Trust, 48 Hickory Drive, $292,000.

Elizabeth I. McCormick to Nicole C. Wofford and Megan Harding, 1388 Westhampton Road, $440,000.

Gwen D. Dwyer, trustee, and Revocable Indenture of Trust of Joanne

K. Dwyer to Gwen D. Dwyer and Carol A. Dwyer, 35 East Center St., $100.

Lila Shanor Rountree to Mary Jo Kvam and Lloyd Kvam, 23 Randolph Place, $321,000.

Geoffrey D. Heard, personal representative, and Erich E. Heard, estate, to Ruth Francis, 81 Williams St., $250,000.

Lori L. Paporello, trustee, and Lori L. Paporello Trust to Lucas Thatcher, 85 Woodlawn Ave., $866,000.

Brian Michaud and Irene Michaud to Emily Timmons Hamilton, 123125 Nonotuck St., $612,000.

NORTHFIELD

John Edward Dale, “aka” John Dale, and Patricia Nix Dale, individually and as trustees of the John Edward Dale and Patricia Nix Dale Revocable Trust, to Laura Santerre and Troy M. Santerre, School Street, $12,000.

ORANGE

Rebekah J. Southworth and Shane Southworth to Ryan Freitas, 258 North Main St., $317,500.

Barry R. Martin and Christi M. Martin to Mary Donovan, 61 West Myrtle St., $290,000.

Julianne Sisson and Morgan A. Sisson to Julianne Sisson, 20 Burrill Ave., $145,000.

Nicole Ward and Thomas Ward to Randy Pinard and Shari Pinard, “aka” Shari L. Pinard, 157 West River St., $300,000.

PALMER

Daniel J. Dupuis, Alicja Farrell and Alicja T. Farrell to Citadel Projects LLC, 2098 Calkins Road, $250,000.

Donald H. Labare to Kendrick J. Dempsey and Desiree Dempsey, 52 Pinney St., $425,000.

Mia Lynn Griffin and Ian Robert Stanisewski to Ian Curtiss and Annelise Curtiss, 2340 Main St., $260,000.

Phillip M. Lapete to Bay Flow LLC, 19 George St., $77,500.

PLAINFIELD

Patricia L. Bush to Erik R. Pizani, 127 Summit St., $89,900.

Martha J. Lynch, Kate H. Albrecht

and Kate H. Albrecht, attorney-in-fact, to Ry M. Patton and Sydney H. Treuer, 37 South Union St., $301,000.

Johnathan R. Griffin and Nicole E. Tebaldi to Kurt Brouillette, West Street, $50,000.

SHUTESBURY

Debbie Burnett, individually and as personal representative of the Estate of Sandra Jean Rodovich, David LaClaire, Luann LaClaire “aka” Luanne LaClaire, Timothy LaClaire and Janie Liimatainen “aka” Jane Liimatainen, “aka” Janie Lamitainen, to David R. Bernard and Teresa J. Bernard, 371 Locks Pond Road, $125,000.

SOUTH HADLEY

Lucid Development Inc., to Karen A. Lindsay and Robert C. Power Jr., 3 Valley View Drive, $178,000. Mark A. Roberts and Elaine M. Roberts to Daniel J. Pawlowski, trustee, Pawlowski Irrevocable Trust and Daniel Joseph Pawlowski, 32 Carriage Lane, $565,000.

Lawrence J. Sullivan, Kathleen P. Sullivan, Kathleen P. Labernz, Karen A. Devins, Karol E. Sullivan, Robert M. Sullivan and Brian J. Sullivan to Adam Miklius and Elizabeth Kathleen Vernon, 8 Skyline Drive, $425,000.

Michael S. Lussier and Robbin A. Lussier to Dakota James Hebert and Molly Elizabeth Hebert, 12 San Souci Drive, $740,000.

Vincent A. Ferraro and Priscilla A. Mandrachia to Charles Q. Maney and Celine F. Maney, 6 Pheasant Lane, $625,000.

Elbert J. Bowler, trustee, Bank of America NA, trustee, and Drummer Realty Trust to Donald J. Roy and Irene M. Roy, 154 Stonybrook Way, $410,000.

Robert F. Moineau and Linda L. Moineau to Maksim Grachev and Katryn Marino Davalos, 161 Granby Road and Route 202, $510,000.

Ryan M. Lewis to Timothy Dietrick, 120 Morgan St., $335,000.

Cynthia Andrews to Donn Swift and Donna Gatnarek, 42 Pine Grove Drive, $330,000.

Edward T. Pecord, Gerald L. Pecord and Gerald Pecord to Jailyn Gonzalez, 20 Spring St., $85,000.

Christopher R. Woloszyn to James William Foley and Molly Marie Burke, 20 Highland Ave., $385,000.

SOUTHAMPTON

Kathryn L. Buttrick, trustee, and Kathryn L. Buttrick Revocable Trust to Jacob N. Lennen and Amanda S. Lennen, 193 Brickyard Road, $440,000.

SEE DEEDS, PAGE F9

Reich

burlap, or straw (laid down only a couple of straws thick).

The mulches decompose as the grass establishes. Water deeply every few days and in a couple of weeks, little green sprouts should emerge. Don’t mow the lawn shorter than two inches for the first year; you want it to establish a strong root system. There is no justification (given the ecological consequences attendant to frequent mowing, water, and fertilizer use) or need for large expanses of fine, uniform turf. Rather, I suggest

Deeds

CONTINUES FROM PAGE F8

Martin P. Lusczynski to Foley Capital LLC, 154 County Road, $158,000.

Foley Capital LLC, to Aleksandr Chuduk, 154 County Road, $230,000.

SOUTHWICK

David S. Bunten to Mark Merrow, Joann Merrow and Michael Merrow, 17 White St., $475,000.

Marcel J. Grondin and Charlotte A. Grondin to Laura Marion Richter-Austin and Sean Austin, 10 Great Brook Drive, $560,000.

Melissa Morrow and John Scanlon to Rebekah Diamond and Samuel Tariq Butt, 204 Hillside Road, $460,000.

Miroslav Tkach and Oksana S. Tkach to Thomas Mack Rice and Trista Lee Rice, 7 Reservoir Road, $630,000.

Terri L. J. Brown, trustee, Weston H. Brown, trustee, Danica L. Brown, trustee, Alida J. Brown, trustee, and Walter E. Johnson Irrevocable Trust, trustee of, to David R. Whitelock and Laurie E. Whitelock, Fred Jackson Road, Par A, $4,000.

SPRINGFIELD

AJN Rentals LLC, to BRVS LLC, 6 Sorrento St., $455,000.

Alfred J. Albano Jr., commissioner, to Eileen Hernandez, 412 Kent Road, $305,000.

Bretta Construction LLC, to Nevaeh Price and Tyler Hardy, 35-39 Darling St., $471,000.

Christian Armand to Mahmood

establishing the best lawn right near the house, then making the lawn wilder and wilder with distance, perhaps with more fescue, coarser grasses, and “weeds” like clover.

On a large property, let the “lawn” culminate in a meadow, needing only once-yearly mowing. You can hardly distinguish between a uniform, close-cropped, high maintenance lawn and a motley, low maintenance lawn from a distance anyway.

Any gardening questions?

Email them to me at garden@ leereich.com and I’ll try answering them directly or in this column. Come visit my garden at leereich.com/blog

Realty LLC, 34 Sumner Ave., Unit 217, $190,000.

Federal National Mortgage Association and Fannie Mae to NSP Residential LLC, 1192 Bay St., $140,000.

Courageous Lion LLC, to Giselle Collazo, 42 Melrose St., $280,000.

Dennis A. Herring to Dennis A. Herring and Tammy J. Smith, 32 Helberg Road, $100.

Dominic Kirchner II, trustee, and A-O-k Realty Trust, trustee of, to Real Estate Investments Northeast LLC, 105 E Alvord St., $55,000.

Edurd Shvetsov, Eduard Shvetsov and Tanya Shvetsov to Exandieu Arelus and Rosemarie Arelus, 150152 Sumner Ave., $560,000.

Elving L. Rosado and Samantha Victoria James-Rosado to Chaz Williams, 80-84 Keith St., $330,000.

Gary A. Daula to Arlennis Segura and Moraima Alcantara, 76 Darling St., $365,000.

Giovanni Cardaropli to Jasmin Sara Powers, Jelissa L. Powers-Bennett and Jasmine Powers, 80 Baird Trace, $352,000.

James Coombs to Theresa Harrington, 40 Dennis St., $245,000.

Jessenia Robles to Johnathan Salas

Delgado and Jonathan Salas-Delgado, 85-87 Windemere St., $350,000.

Jesus Manuel Roman Diaz, Carmen

Luisa Peralta and Carmen Luisa

Roman to Areid Estate LLC, 79 Oak St., $165,000.

JJJ17 LLC, to Eyea Darwulo, 52-54 Draper St., $380,000.

Joann L. Gagne to Christopher Fairbanks and Michelle Fairbanks, 153 Brandon Ave., $183,000.

John Robert Stanton King to Isabel

Notes

CONTINUES FROM PAGE F4

working techniques including woodturning, longbow construction, marquetry, joinery, and hand-cut dovetails. Admission is $5 general, $3 members;

• Tuesdays, from Sept. 5 through Sept. 26, “Herbaceous Plants,” 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. This intensive four-session class led by Lee Buttala, explores the world of herbaceous plants, from their identification, selection and use in the garden through their basic botany, life cycle, and propagation. Participants are asked to create a final project

Pellot and Jordan Graham, 86 Linnell St., $170,000.

John T. Kukowski Jr., Harriett E. Barnes, Harriet E. Barnes, Jonan Marie Cunningham and James Patrick Kukowski to Bryan Zatorski and Christina Elysse Reed, 31 Starling Road, $236,000.

Kristina E. Tenggren to Esther Durance, 34 Crystal Brook Drive, $371,000.

Ascher Zimmerman Funeral Home LLC, to Milestone Funeral Services of Massachusetts LLC, 44 Sumner Ave., $900,000.

Nicole L. Morales, Nicole L. Patruno and Jonathan Morales to Gloria McCutchen and Terrell L. Sabb, 30 Burton St., $262,000.

NSP Residential LLC, to Barbara J. Williams and Ronnie L. Coleman, 1192 Bay St., $180,625.

Pah Properties LLC, to Steven A. Aquino, E S Gillette Avenue, $290,000.

Plata O Plomo Inc., to Rejuvenate Real Estate LLC, 83 Oak St., $219,000.

Raymond Rivard and Sallejane Rivard to Mass Postal Holdings LLC, 912 State St., $500,000.

Regina V. Jackson to Pellisas Construction Inc., 201 Westford Circle, $189,000.

Robert J. Pelzek and Claudia A. Pelzek to Sandra Maria Valentin, 36-38 Ashmont St., $390,000. Sharon R. Kosinski to Cornerstone Homebuying LLC, 18 Mark St., $191,000.

Stephanie J. Smith to Naomi L. Deslongchamps, 122 Prentice St., $265,000.

Tiara J. Chatman, Tiara J. Holmes and Nicholas J. Chatman to Lilynilka Morales, 73 Sawmill Road, $315,000.

highlighting a genus or plant family related to the curriculum. A part of the Level 1 Horticulture core curriculum, this class is essential for the committed gardener and includes lectures, hands-on activities and field study, and group discussion. Cost is $185 members, $215 nonmembers:

• Wednesdays, Sept. 6 through Sept. 27, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., “Fall Flower fest in Painting,” with artist Pat Hogan. Hone your skills in mixing colors, painting containers and backgrounds, and economical brushwork. Cost is $235 members, $255 nonmembers;

• Saturdays, Sept. 9 through Sept. 30, “Qigong at Berkshire

Tm Properties Inc., to Justin Curtis Ching, 28 Longview St., $320,000.

Tyler M. Feinstein and Shannon C. Hastings to Real Estate Victory LLC, 258-260 Roy St., $355,000.

Willie Peopoles and Willie W. Peoples to Judith Peoples, 59 Sherman St., $100.

SUNDERLAND

Laura B. Attanasio and Adam J. Dahl to Jeffrey V. Bronke, 410 Hadley Road, $465,000.

Patricia Jablonski, individually and as trustee of the Helen V. Sidur Irrevocable Trust, to Meaghan J. Ahearn, 224 River Road, $310,000.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Bryan A. Cote and Kellee Cote to Michael Patenaude, 190 Heywood Ave., $260,000.

Danny M. Devlin and Bonnie Devlin to Lilian Ayala, 55 Church St., $300,000.

Dorothy M. Harris, Glenn R. Harris, Donna L. Okscin, Robert D. Harris and Paul D. Harris to Hiram Rodriguez Jr., and Deborah L. Rodriguez, 75 Lewis Ave., $315,000.

WESTFIELD

Elizabeth E. Champagne and Monique L. Malvezzi to Josue Rodriguez and Jennifer Rodriguez, 39 Pochassic St., $280,000.

Jacob N. Lennen and Amanda S. Lennen to Erika Csekovsky, 29 Berkshire Drive, $330,000.

Jeffrey M. Beebe to Tyler David Spath, 856 East Mountain Road, $320,000.

Joanne L. Drozdowski, Joanne L. Desrochers and Jeffrey Desrochers

Botanical Garden,” 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Enjoy the ancient Chinese mind-body practice of qigong (life energy optimization) in the Berkshire Botanical Garden. Qigong, a simpler form of tai chi, combines gentle movements that mimic nature, self-applied massage, breathwork, and meditation with the goal of improving and maintaining our health and well-being. Wear comfortable shoes or bring a mat and practice barefoot. Beginners welcome. Cost is $65 members, $80 nonmembers.

To register or for more information, visit berkshirebotanical.org. Berkshire Botanical Garden is located at 5 W. Stockbridge Road.

to Suzanne M. Pelott and William M. Moeck, 1331 East Mountain Road, $450,000.

John D. Sullivan to Ramon M. Batista, 23 Day Ave., $350,000.

Julie A. Sillesky to Kathryn L. Buttrick, trustee, and Kathryn L. Buttrick Revocable Trust, trustee of, 259 Steiger Drive, $390,000.

Lynnette Lee Tabin and David Fitzgerald Krause to Lynnette Lee Tabin, 9 Hunters Slope, $100.

Maryanne Elizabeth Carter and Robert Charles Carter to Kimberly Santiago and Angel Santiago, 20 Pilgrim Drive, $381,000.

Steven H. Horkun to Angela Hollis and Seth T. Cupak, 0 Russellville Road, $168,000.

William E. Miner and Cynthia E. Miner to Joshua P. Stebbins, 986 Russell Road, $340,000.

WESTHAMPTON

Thomas Rice and Trista Rice to Michael Canzoniero and Erin Patterson, 56 Southampton Road, $610,000.

Linnea O. Lagerstrom to Noel Cody and Sarah Cody, 82 Laurel Hill Road, $750,000.

WHATELY

Randall G. Baker Jr., to Timothy M. Nourse, trustee of the Timothy M. Nourse Trust, Masterson Road, $189,000.

WILBRAHAM

Daniel J. Hamel to Alyn Coler, 7 Decorie Drive, $328,000.

Jeffrey M. Lotterer and Paul V. Lotterer to Melissa Morrow, 46

Don & Dave Runyan | Project of The Week

‘Portable’ closet means instant storage

IT DOESN’T MATTER IF you live in a small apartment, a big house or anything in between — chances are you’ve struggled with the problem of storage space. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a way to add a closet to your home without the expense and inconvenience of a major remodel? If storage is an issue at your house, this do-it-yourself, free-standing linen closet project just might be the perfect solution.

The project features three big shelves above and two below, with a drawer in the middle. Designed to fit any budget, the closet is built from 16 board feet of pine lumber (other species will work), three sheets of matching plywood, a piece of hardboard, some pine molding, glue, fasteners, a few pieces of common hardware and the builder’s finish of choice.

Construction is simple enough

Cleaners

CONTINUES FROM PAGE F2

you almost certainly have to call someone else.

Then there are tasks that take exorbitant amounts of time, such as scrubbing the walls. Zeynep Mehmetoglu, co-owner of Maid Bright in Herndon, Virginia, says this is a frequent ask: “We’ve had so many requests, ‘Can you clean all my walls?’ And that’s [its own visit] for us just to do that,” she says. “We’re not going to do it during a regular cleaning.” This preliminary conversation is also an opportunity to discuss cleaning supplies. Some services provide their own, whereas others use yours. If you prefer the house cleaner to use yours, make sure you have all the supplies you say you do.

Maria Buendia, owner of New York City cleaning cooperative Up and Go, recalls one homeowner who told her they had a vacuum for her to use. “The house had not been cleaned in awhile, and they had a pet, and they gave us a hand vacuum,” she

for beginners. Just cut everything to size and assemble the cabinet using glue and nails. Next, assemble and attach the face frame, add the back, install molding, sand and apply finish. Finally, attach the doors and the install the drawer.

The completed linen closet measures 68 inches tall by 29 inches wide by 14 inches deep. The Linen Closet plan, No. 735, is $9.95 and includes step-by-step instructions with photos, construction drawings and a shopping list and cutting schedule. 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, visit U-Bild on the web at u-bild.com.

says through a translator. The small device was not strong enough for the job. “I had to be bent over and crouched the whole time,” she says, adding “If she had told us that she didn’t have a vacuum, we would’ve brought one.”

2. Declutter before your house is cleaned

It might seem counterintuitive to clean before a professional cleaning, but tidying up makes it easier for the cleaners to do a thorough job. No need to mop or dust. Simply clearing away the clutter will go a long way. If you leave laundry, paperwork or other belongings out, cleaners will have to move it to do their work, which could lead to misunderstandings or even false accusations. “We have had instances where it is cluttered then we have our cleaners accused of, ‘Oh this went missing,’” but the clients “end up finding it because it was just part of their own mess,” Mehmetoglu says.

3. Secure pets and kids

Do not make your housecleaner act as a babysitter or

Deeds

CONTINUES FROM PAGE F9

Monson Road, $465,000.

LRD Realty Properties Inc., to Kyle D. Jamison and Karina Y. Castro, 3085 Boston Road, $435,000.

Mary H. Polom to Nathan Teri-Savage, 488 Dipping Hole Road, $345,000.

Michael David Marceau and Erica Lee Marceau to Patrick J. Lynch and Paula B. Lynch, 17 Bittersweet Lane, $610,000.

Ryan Westbrooks and Jennifer Westbrooks to Jeffrey MacDonald and Emma MacDonald, 1076 Stony Hill Road, $350,000.

Sam Henderson and Kathryn Henderson to Joao Paulo Barbosa Inacio, 24 Oaks Farm Lane, Unit 24, $487,000.

WORTHINGTON

John M. McGinn and Lizette G. Smith to Michael T. Barbehenn, trustee, Jacinda M. Barbehenn, trustee, and 829 West Street Nominee Realty Trust, Bailey Road, $8,000.

petsitter. Vania Soares, owner of Extra Green Cleaning Services in the Washington area, once had a client’s dog bite her worker on the job. While the wound did not end up being too serious, it required medical attention. On another occasion, Soares was working in a home herself while a client’s kid constantly disrupted her team. The child, who she guesses was about 5 years old, “was around us in the bathroom all the time,” she says. “He was playing with our products, our supplies.” She has also dealt with kids who like to play with the vacuum cleaner.

For everyone’s safety, keep kids and animals out of the way of cleaning professionals. If you plan to secure pets somewhere while you leave, such as in the basement, be sure to give the cleaners clear instructions about rooms they shouldn’t enter and whether you expect them to let an animal out when they’re done working.

4. Stash away special or sentimental items

House cleaners should

do their best to be careful around your belongings, but accidents happen. If a vase from your grandmother is an irreplaceable heirloom, put it away rather than risk a wayward vacuum hose knocking it over. If you must leave it out, flag that it’s precious and explain to the cleaners precisely how you want them to care for it.

On one job, Buendia was dusting what she thought was a doll, when suddenly its “lid went flying,” she says. If she had known that the valuable had a lid, Buendia would have approached it differently. Ultimately, her company paid for the damage. Ever since that mishap, Buendia has made sure to ask about anything that looks antique or delicate when she visits a client for the first time. But the onus is really on the homeowner to point out these things.

5. Give a heads up about quirks and defects

All homes (and homeowners) have quirks. Just be sure to let your cleaners know about the ones that could affect them. If a glass

shower door is unstable, for instance, “you should let us know about that, because we wouldn’t want our cleaning crews to get hurt” while putting too much pressure on it during a wipe-down, Mehmetoglu says. Soares says she gets frequent requests to watch out for certain faulty toilets or faucets.

6. Treat workers with respect

This should go without saying, but your home should be a pleasant and safe working environment. One simple place to start is with the thermostat. Though Soares says it doesn’t happen too often, working in homes that are an uncomfortable temperature can be a problem “especially when [clients] go on vacation” and turn off their heating or cooling systems.

And being kind to your cleaning professionals will only help you, says Trinidad Lopez, a member of the Dulce Hogar Cleaning Coop in the District, through a translator: “That motivates us to continue and do better work.”

Live Onsite &Webcast PUBLIC AUCTION

PUBLIC AUCTION

STYLE HOME

info@towneauction.com | 781.790.7870 www.towneauction.com

MORTGAGEE’S FORECLOSURE AUCTION HELD ON THE PREMISES

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 06, 2023

11 AM 73 Hamilton, aka 73A, 73B and 73C Hamilton, Belchertown, MA

2 PM 1084 James Street Unit No. B2, Building No. 2849, Chicopee, MA

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 08, 2023

1 PM 2-4 Cherry Street a/k/a 2 Cherry Street, Pittsfield, MA

Terms of Sale: Present a $5000 bank check deposit at sale The balance shall be paid 30 days from the sale. Other terms may be announced at sale. Auctioneer makes no representations as to the accuracy of the information contained herein. NO CASH

T. Gravlin - MA License AU 3112

MORTGAGEE’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE AT PUBLIC AUCTION

Friday, September 8, 2023

3:00

GENERAL ESTATE AUCTION

FRI, SEPT 8, AT 6 PM

Including furniture, glass & china, small antiques, artwork, jewelry, coins, tools, Cub Cadet 526 SWE snowblower, piano, and more.

UMass Police Abandoned Property Bicycles, watches, electronic equipment, jewelry, backpacks, and more.

PREVIEW: 8AM - 6 PM www.DouglasAuctioneers.com

Tag Sales

Tag Sales

125ChurchSt,Ludlow, Monday9/3,8-2,clothes, furniture,householdappliances, toys

GiantTagSale,something foreveryone,Sat,Sun,& Mon9.2-9/4,1RitaCircle, South Hadley

Huge BACKYARD tagsale , Fri-SunSept1st,2nd,& 3rd,9-4,243SomersRd,E. Longmeadow.Steamer trunk,lamps,tools,dealerswelcome,everything mustgo,noreasonable offers refused.

TagSale,38LindenSt, ChicopeeMA,Sat.9/2& Sun 9/3, 8AM-4PM

Animals

Birds Cats

Dogs Exotic Animals

Feed

Fish

Horses Livestock

Pet Services

Pet Shows

Pet Supplies

Pets - Lost & Found

Pets Wanted

Cats

BengalKittens,2available, male&female,$400,will bedewormedand1stset ofshots,CallorTextfor more info. 802-323-2538

Kittenforsale,male,2 monthold,lookslikeatiger,$200,callfordetails 413-244-8046

Dogs

11montholdfemaleGermanShepherd/Labmix, Goodtemperament, walksonleash,very friendly,$250,callortext 802-323-2538

6Yorkshiremix,home raised,$550orbestoffer, maleandfemaleavail. hypoallergenic,dewormed,callortext413291-4429

8 weeks, AKC pure bred Boston Terrier Puppies, 4 available (2M & 2F) Call 413-207-4664 MiniatureSchnauzers,1M &1F,Salt&Peppercolor, currentvaccinations, 7yrsold,$300each,call 413-596-8190

PureBredFrenchBulldogs (PUPPIES),Parentsfrom Europe,2M(1BlendTan) &2F(1black1blendfemale),1stshotdewormed&healthcertificatebothparentsin house,$3,000.Call413478-0763

Teddy Bear Puppies, pure white $650/ea. For info. text or call Lori 413-966-9152

You never know what you'll find inside. ow d inside.

NORTH CHELMSFORD (978) 251-1150 www.baystateauction.com

MAAU#: 1029, 2624, 2959, 3039, 2573, 116, 2484, 3246, 2919, 3092, 3107, 0100030, 3099

Auctions

Auctions

18, 2023

10:00 AM - HOLLAND, MA 9 AMBER ROADDEPOSIT $5,000 TERMSOFSALES000DEPOSITSINTHEAMOUNTS SPECIFIEDABOVEARETO BEPAIDBYTHEPURCHASER(S)ATTHETIME ANDPLACEOFEACH SALEBYCERTIFIEDOR BANKCHECK.ALLBALANCESDUEARETOBE PAIDWITHIN30DAYSOF EACHINDIVIDUALSALE. OTHERTERMS,IFANY, TOBEANNOUNCEDAT 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

1,000’s of sports cards, all big stars, at least 50% off. 1950’s to present.

BUYING ALL SPORTS CARDS, RETIRED VETERAN Selling at $3.50 per box. CALL 413-596-5783 2022 National Purple Heart $5 Gold Proof coin. Issued by US mint, low mintage with box, COA, $730./best offer, call 413-426-7063

Couch Sleeper, like new, used 4 times $275. firm. Desk, lg wood, 6 drawers, ex. shape, 30Hx60Wx33D comes apart $200 firm. Call 860-741-2768

MountainBike,$45orB/o. 10ftfoldingwoodladder, $125 or B/o. Call 413-592-6510

TwoRaleighVenture20in &14inbikes,onePolaris 20inSwimanogearbike forsale,$150forallthree orbestoffer,call413-3887694.