Home and Garden, and Real Estate- November 26, 2023

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Home & Garden F |

| SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2023

& Real Estate

Fresh-picked holiday gifts Gift ideas for the gardeners in your life, Page F2

HOME & GARDEN

F2 | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2023

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Fresh-picked holiday gifts for gardeners

T

By JESSICA DAMIANO

Associated Press

he best holiday gifts for gardeners are the ones that keep their minds in the dirt, even during the off-season.

These gardening and garden-themed gifts will sow the seeds of anticipation for greener days to come and spread a little sunshine just when it’s needed most.

• Smart Video Camera Bird Feeder: This device not only feeds your feathered friends but also identifies and records them as they visit.

Mount it outdoors, then download the free app to your iPhone (iOS 11 or later) or Android (OS 5.0 or later) and connect it to your Wi-Fi network. When a bird lands on the solar-charged feeder, AI identifies its species and sends alerts, ultra-wide HD images, live stream video with sound, and species details to your smartphone. Includes 8 GB memory card. $219.99 at sharperimage.com.

• Hydroponic Smart Grower: This award-winning grow system allows you to grow fresh food indoors yearround without sunlight or soil.

The 16-plant unit has 86 LED lights and 10 smart sensors that monitor plants remotely and communicate with the free aspara mobile app, which sends alerts when care is needed. Two vegetable, herb, fruit or edible flower capsules are included; others are sold separately. $399 at growgreen.com.

• Modern Sprout Grow and Glow: Enjoy the soyblend candle over the winter, then upcycle its footed ceramic vessel into a planter and grow the included seeds in spring.

Choose from Herb Garden (gray pot with basil seeds), Wildflower Fields (dark brown pot with daisy seeds), Desert Oasis (light brown pot with aloe seeds) or Frosted Forest (white with spruce tree seeds). $40 at modernsprout.com.

• Sweet Grace Flower Diffuser: This cleverly designed oil diffuser looks like a pretty silk blossom in a bud vase, but it’s actually a fragrance delivery system in disguise. Fill the vase with the included Sweet Grace oil and insert the ivory flower’s wick “stem,” then watch as the blossom gradually opens and turns pink.

It will perfume your room with a blend of passion fruit, sparkling tea and patchouli for about 50 days. $35 at bridge watercandles.com.

• Noble Oak Bourbon: Every time a bell rings, an angel may get its wings, but this SEE GIFTS, PAGE F3

GARDEN NOTES STOCKBRIDGE

Garden meditation

Berkshire Botanical Garden will lead a me ditation program on Dec. 2.

Berkshire Botanical Garden will present “The Quieting: A Meditation Gathering to Welcome Winter’s Energy” on Dec. 2 from 4 to 5 p.m.

The program will be led by mindfulness-in-nature facilitator Sandrine Harris. All adults (18+) are welcome, and no experience with mindfulness or meditation is needed. This process takes place inside the gallery space, with chairs for sitting. Cost is $15 members, $20 nonmembers. To register or for more information, visit berkshirebotanical.org.

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flowers and fillers using the included ergonomic scissors, then arrange them decoratively in the 4-inch, eco-friendly pot using the set’s mossing pins, teal bind wire and one of three included floral foam bricks. $39.99 at Oasis Forage Products.

• SolTech Vita Grow Light Pendant Kit: Houseplant parents will love this grow light because, well, it doesn’t look like a grow light. But don’t let its stylish vibes fool you: The dimmable Vita emits full-spec-

trum lighting, closely mimicking natural sunlight. Designed to have a 5-year lifespan, it’s available with a black or white cord; bronze, black or nickel pendant; and with a lampshade ($160) or without ($105) at soltech.com.

• Hartley Botanic Patio Glasshouse: What do you get for the gardener who has everything? If your budget allows, this elegant, space-saving model will delight them year-round and for years to come. At 2 feet

5 inches deep, 4 feet 2 inches wide, and 4 feet 6 1/2 inches tall, the Patio Glasshouse is perfect for starting seeds, nurturing cuttings and extending the season. A hinged top pane and double sliding front doors provide easy access to three levels of plants. Crafted in Lancashire, England, where the company, Hartley Botanic, has been manufacturing glasshouses since 1938, the Patio is available in 15 colors. $4,400 at hartley-botanic.com.

This image provided by Jessica Damiano shows a Video Camera Bird Feeder, available at SharperImage.com. (JESSICA DAMIANO VIA ASSOCIATED PRESS)

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• Back to The Roots CONTINUES FROM PAGE F2 Organic Mushroom Grow bourbon brand goes one step Kit: If you want to grow your further to please gardeners: own mushrooms but aren’t Every time a bottle is sold, a up to sourcing fungal spawn tree gets planted (in partnerand substrate, you can raise a ship with One Tree Planted, a crop in a cardboard box right Vermont-based reforestation on your kitchen counter. After nonprofit). So far, the collabsoaking the substrate brick, oration has resulted in more open the box’s side panel, mist than 1 million new plantings. daily with the included spray And the award-winning bottle, and your harvest of whiskey, finished with sherry organic, non-GMO shitake, oak staves, would make a nice oyster or button mushrooms addition to eggnog. $36.99 for will be ready in as little as 10 a 750-ml bottle at select retailers days. Each crop yields 3-4 nationwide; find one near you at servings, and each box grows nobleoak.com. two crops. $19.99 to $39.99 at • STIHL HSA 26 Cordless backtotheroots.com.

Shrub Shears: These cord• Botanical Gardens less gardening shears make Reciprocal Membership: easy work of pruning hedges, Membership in the American taming bushy perennials and Horticultural Society comes cutting back ornamental grass- with a great perk: free admises. Lightweight construction sion and privileges at more (the tool weighs less than 2 than 350 public gardens and pounds), an ergonomic design arboretums in 48 U.S. states, and rubberized grips provide Canada, the Cayman Islands comfortable maneuverability, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. while an easy-switch button Your gift will also include a allows for tool-free changes be- subscription to The American tween the included grass- and Gardener magazine, discounts shrub-cutting attachments. on educational programs An LED indicator informs on and garden shows, access to battery life, which runs 80 or members-only online garden120 minutes on a single charge, ing resources and more. Dues, depending on the attachment which support AHS educationused. $149.99 at stihlusa.com. al programs, are tax-deduct• ZoomBroom: This cordible. $35 at ahsgardening.org/ less stick blower is lightweight gardening-programs/rap/. and easy to operate. It as• Forage Floral Design sembles in minutes, holds its Kit: Gardeners, wildflower charge (via USB-C) for up to 30 foragers and wannabe florists minutes, and clears walkways, will enjoy crafting one-of-apatios, decks, cars, RVs and kind arrangements with this other surfaces of leaves and de- seven-piece design kit. Clip

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www.Sondriniinc.com / 413-443-0219 Awning Display: Olde Hadleigh Hearth & Patio 119 Willimansett St., South Hadley, MA 01075

HOME & GARDEN

F4 | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2023

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Lee Reich | In the Garden

Meet the ‘Three Sisters’ of Thanksgiving

T

Snow blankets a neighborhood in Washington in 2022. (CAROLYN VAN HOUTEN / THE WASHINGTON POST)

The easy way to save up to 20 % on your heating bill this winter

By Allyson Chiu

The Washington Post

With temperatures dipping in many parts of the country, people are probably bracing for their utility bills to climb as they crank up the heat in their homes.

Experts say a drafty building can be one of the main reasons it costs more to keep your home comfortable during the winter. While major energy savings will come from upgrading windows and doors, improving insulation and ambitious retrofits to replace outdated HVAC systems and ducts, there are simple steps you can take to plug up the leaks in your home.

Buildings lose a significant amount of energy from air traveling in or out through cracks in walls, poorly sealed or underperforming windows and doors, and aging caulking, said John Fernandez, director of the MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative.

Depending on what you do, sealing up your home, which can be accomplished with do-it-yourself projects, could

“The absolute smartest, greatest return on investment, easiest, least expensive way to lower your energy cost is to make sure that the exterior wall of your house or your residence or your office building is performing as well as it possibly can.”

John Fernandez, director of the MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative

result in energy savings of 5 to 20%, according to the Energy Department.

“The absolute smartest, greatest return on investment, easiest, least expensive way to lower your energy cost is to make sure that the exterior wall of your house or your residence or your office building is performing as well as it possibly can,” Fernandez said.

Assess your home Before tackling any projects, experts recommend starting with some level of home assessment.

The easiest first step is a visual inspection, Fernandez said. You can look for

cracks, holes or spaces in the walls and gaps around doors or windows where air can move in or out. You can also find leaks by turning on your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans, creating a slight pressure differential between indoors and outdoors, then holding up a lit incense stick to potential problem areas, The Washington Post’s Sarah Kaplan previously reported.

If the smoke wavers or blows in one direction, there could be a draft that needs to be addressed.

But if you’re unsure of what to look for or want a more detailed review of your home, experts recommend

SEE HEATING, PAGE F10

HE “THREE SISters” always showed up at Thanksgiving dinners in Colonial times. These Three Sisters, or at least some of them, still turn up at today’s Thanksgivings tables. But my, how the Sisters have changed!

The Three Sisters are corn, beans, and squash (or pumpkins). They provided a large degree of sustenance to the Native Americans, so also were known to the them as “Our Life” or “Our Supporters.”

The Three Sisters commonly were eaten together in succotash, and they maintained a likewise congenial relationship in the Native American garden. Corn and bean seeds were planted on small mounds of soil fertilized with wood ashes and animal offal. Between these mounds, pumpkins were sown. The beans enriched the soil with nitrogen which they are able to take from the air and turn into fertilizer. The corn plants acted as stakes up which the beans could clamber. And the pumpkins strewed over the ground shading out weeds.

The early settlers no doubt would have starved had they not adopted Native American agriculture. Corn was the best grain crop to grow in the rude conditions of a settler’s clearing. Little land preparation was needed, and the ripe ears could be left dangling on the stalks until there was time for harvest. In the kitchen, the settlers did alter the traditional Native American succotash

Since 1985

of corn, beans, pumpkin, and chopped dog meat to corn, beans and pork.

Let’s move up a few centuries to the Thanksgiving table of today. Here we might find cornbread, but beans surely are no longer a traditional staple and pumpkin has suffered an identity crisis. Sweet potato is orange, so has a Thanksgiving air which accords it a prominent position — as pudding — next to the turkey.

And pumpkin pie filling often is made with winter squashes. The latter substitution is justifiable, since pumpkin and squash are in the same botanical genus; some squashes even are of the same species as pumpkins. (And in England they call some things pumpkins which we call squashes).

Let’s look at how the Three Sisters have changed in our gardens. Sweet corn is the corn of our gardens. Yet most of the corn eaten in colonial times was field corn, ground into a coarse meal for mush or bread (Hiawatha’s “yellow cakes of Mondamin”). The first record of sweet corn did not even show up until 1779, and those early sweet corns could not match today’s hybrids for sweetness (less than ten percent then, as opposed to more than 35% now).

Dry field corn was a staple in colonial times because it would keep through the winter so long as it was dry and protected from rodents. Sweet corn, or immature field corn sometimes was preserved for

SEE REICH, PAGE F10

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HOME & GARDEN

F6 | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2023

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Terry & Kim Kovel | Antiques & Collecting

O

Old designs aren’t out of style for collectors

NE OF THE MOST recent, most popular and often most expensive categories of collecting is known as design. Sometimes called modern or industrial design, the term refers to the work of 20th and 21st century manufacturers who brought their distinctive style to various types of furnishings and housewares, from furniture to lamps to decorative sculptures to functional appliances.

Industrial design took off in the mid-century modern era shortly after World War II (think of Charles and Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi, Alvar Aalto, etc.), but artisans were working in multiple media before then.

Emile Galle, a pioneer of the art nouveau movement that started in the 19th century, is famous for his glass, ceramics and furniture. He is best known for the cameo glass made by the studio he founded in Nancy, France, in 1873. His glass had the graceful curving shapes, Japanese influence and natural elements like flowers and plants that characterize art nouveau. So did his furniture. This tea table by Galle, with scrolling legs, scalloped edges and inlaid cherry blossoms, sold for $2,800 at a Rago auction.

Q. I have a piece of

pottery 8 inches tall and 9 inches in diameter with no maker’s mark. The pattern is similar to Weller Knifewood pottery with a carved squirrel, owl and raven in leafy tree branches. Can you help me find the manufacturer or value?

A. Weller pottery is not

always marked. Weller started making art pottery in the early 1900s. Designer Rudolph Lorber created several art pottery lines for the company, including Knifewood, which was introduced

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.

A wooden table like this one is as different as can be from a glass vase or a pottery figure, but Emile Galle brought his skill and art nouveau style to all three. (COWLES SYNDICATE INC.)

by the 1920s. A 1921 catalog described Knifewood as having “the effect of which is suggested by the name. The various pieces have all the appearances of being carved out of wood by a sharp knife.” Designs have matte or high-gloss glazes and feature woodland scenes with animals like dogs, squirrels and birds. Unmarked Weller vases like yours tend to sell for about $200 to $300.

Generally, the more three-dimensional elements, the higher the price.

Q. Attached are three

pictures of the oil painting I received years ago from my grandparents in Germany. I was wondering if the painting is worth anything. I would appreciate greatly if you could give me some feedback.

A.

Your painting is by Carl Schultze, sometimes spelled Karl Schultze or Carl Schultz, a painter who lived in Dusseldorf, Germany, from 1856 to 1926. He graduated from the Dusseldorf Academy about 1880 and soon established his own studio.

Most of his paintings are of German landscapes. In recent years, his paintings have sold for about $150 to $1,500. They sell most often in Europe, especially Germany. If you can identify the precise location, such as a town or landmark, in your painting, it increases the value. If you plan to sell your painting, get a professional appraisal first. Some art museums and galleries offer appraisals or can help you get more information.

Q. I have an antique col-

lectable Russian porcelain figurine “Dancer” that was in my family at least 70 years. It was designed

by Boris Kustodiev c. 1923.

Size is 21 by 11 by 10 centimeters. It was made by the Leningrad Porcelain Factory. It has the shaper’s mark “IK” for molder I. Kuznetsov. In 1923, Boris Kustodiev created models of figurines “Accordionist” and “Dancer” for the State Porcelain Factory. His figures have become symbols of the era of 1920-30 in the USSR. I am trying to find a price for

Glass-midcentury, tumbler set, Silver Fade, eight glasses, ice bucket, caddy, $35.

Animation art, cel, Bugs Bunny, wearing tuxedo jacket, holding carrot, mouth open, frame, Warner Bros., 1989, 9 1/2 x 11 1/2 inches, $75.

Stoneware, pitcher, brown and cream swirl, baluster shape, etched bands and zigzag, applied handle, marked, BB Craig, 8 inches, $95.

Plastic, tray, Bakelite, Pavement, rows of pink circles, transfer printed, George Nelson, Bolt-A-Best, c. 1956, 13 1/2 x 10 1/2 inches, three pieces, $195.

Rug, Navajo, chinle, alternating bands, brown, tan, red, serrated double diamond motif, 60 x 37 inches, $200.

Toy, car, racing, Super Hot Rod, open top, driver, red, yellow, light blue, flashing lights, battery operated, friction, box, Marx, 1950s, 11 1/2 x 4 x 5 inches, $250.

Advertising, display, Smile Soda, bottle, painted green, black script lettering, waffled texture, mounted as lamp, mid 1920s, 23 inches, $470.

Tole, tea cannister, black, parcel gilt, armorial, shield flanked by griffins, red and white details, rectangular base, mounted as lamp, 21 x 10 x 10 inches, pair, $1,280.

Silver-sterling, tea service, pear shape, animal head spout, artichoke finial, server, bone handle, stand, coffeepot, teapot, sugar and creamer, oval tray, six pieces, $1,320.

this unique figurine and places where I can sell it.

A.

Boris Kustodiev (18781927) was a painter, illustrator and stage designer born in Russia. His most famous

paintings are portraits and genre scenes of provincial life. Later in his career, he created models for figurines based on his paintings. The Harmonist (or Accordionist) and Dancer figures are from his painting of a winter carnival. The models were originally ordered by the Volkhov porcelain plant.

Later, other factories made the figures, including the Leningrad Porcelain Factory (the Imperial Porcelain Factory in St. Petersburg).

Today, the figures can sell for high prices. Earlier this year, a Harmonist figure sold for about $500 at auction. A few years ago, a Harmonist and Dancer made in different years sold as a pair for $5,700. If you decide to sell your figurine to an antiques dealer or at an auction, be sure to get a signed contract with the terms of stale, any fees or commission charged and whether it is insured.

Another option is to sell your figurine online through a resale site like eBay or Etsy, or one that specializes in antiques like Ruby Lane or TIAS (The Internet Antique Shop).

TIP: Don’t try to clean an oil painting unless you are an expert.

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 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 collectorsgallery@kovels. com.

HOME & GARDEN

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

30-year US Deeds mortgage rate falls to 7.29%

cy Rodriguez to Patrice Lamumba Housey and Marie Housey, 16 Pheasant Run, $725,000.

AGAWAM

Donna Kosinski, representative, Donna L. Kosinski, representative, and Mary Eileen Patnaude, estate, to Jordyn L. Michaelson and Anthony Franco, 65 South Park Terrace, $250,000.

4th straight weekly drop

By ALEX VEIGA

Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — The average

long-term U.S. mortgage rate fell for the fourth time in as many weeks, more positive news for prospective homebuyers who have been held back by sharply higher borrowing costs and heightened competition for relatively few homes for sale.

The latest decline brought the average rate on a 30-year mortgage down to 7.29% from 7.44% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Wednesday. A year ago, the rate averaged 6.58%.

Despite the recent pullback, the average rate on a 30-year home loan is still sharply higher than just two years ago, when it was around 3%.

Higher rates can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for borrowers, limiting how much they can afford in a market already out of reach for many Americans. They also discourage homeowners who locked in far lower rates two years ago from selling.

The elevated mortgage rates and a near-historic-low supply of homes on the market have stymied sales of previously occupied U.S. homes, which slumped in October to their slowest pace in more than 13 years and have now fallen 20.2% through the first 10 months of the year versus the same period in 2022.

Borrowing costs on 15year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners refinancing their home loan, also declined this week, with the average rate falling to 6.67% from 6.76% last week.

A year ago, it averaged 5.9%, Freddie Mac said.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2023 | F7

Christopher F. Fitzgerald to Ruth Huyler, 19 Dana Hill Road, $280,000.

BLANDFORD Aaron J. Labrecque and Amanda L. Labrecque to Kelsey M. McGinley, 49 North St., $260,000.

Jacob M. Kopyscinski and Diana Horning to Scott Harlow, 46 FederAmanda R. Rudzik, Amanda R. al St., Extn, $250,000.

Bevens and Jayme A. Rudzik to Jonathan Zuber to Umer Farooq Stone Mitchell, 55 Russell Stage Husain and Aysel Husain, 437 Road, $175,000.

Southwick St., $360,000.

Lynne M. Paquin-Torino and Lynne M. Paquin to Silver Snake Properties LLC, 397 Southwick St., $230,000.

SM Real Estate Investments LLC, to Nickolas Stasack and Amanda Shafii, 2B Sabrina Way, Unit 2B, $439,900.

BUCKLAND Claire I. Grandison, trustee of the Grandison Investment Trust, and Gregory Grandison to Morgan A. Mazzone and Zachary R. Mazzone, 97 Elm St., $405,600.

CHESTER

AMHERST Maharaj Kishen Koul and Sudha Koul to Keya Koul and Yashomati Koul, 67 Butterfield Terrace, $100.

Bonnie Brooks Anderson to Malia Homebuyers LLC, 51 Valley View Drive, $220,000.

Joseph F. Zak, Maureen Hayes Zak and James M. Hayes to James M. Hayes and Katherine Hayes, 3 Duxbury Lane, $100.

RGINK LLC, to CIL Realty of Massachusetts Inc., 27 The Hollow, $408,000.

ASHFIELD Suzanne E. Connell, Mark D. Graves and June L. Heideman to Franklin Land Trust Inc., Barnes Road and Phillips Road, $680,000.

BELCHERTOWN Chad L. Rose and Kristine M. Rose to Chad L. Rose, 275 Hamilton St., $100.

Victor L. Rodrigues, Victor L. Rodriguez, Stacy Rodrigues and Sta-

Chester Hill Farm LLC, to Richard A. Light and Rosemarie S. Light, 0 Skyline Trail, $43,000.

CHESTERFIELD Charles Valencik and Paula Valencik to Allen R. Hallenbeck, trustee, and Allen R. Hallenbeck Investment Trust, Bissell Road, $63,000.

Patricia A. Moos, estate, and Justine Babski, representative, to Karl Robert Meyer, 1091 James St., Unit N2, $243,900.

Patricia Fiske Brown, estate, and Patricia F. Brown, estate, to Thomas F. Rivers, 19 Bettswood Road, $340,000.

Vicente Torres to Randi Garon, 138 Woodbridge Road, Unit 6258C, $215,000.

Scott Phillips, trustee, and Knox Trail Realty Trust, trustee of, to Moltenbrey Builders LLC, Anna Marie Lane, Lot A, $120,000.

Robert C. Allard and Jean M. Baczek to Kaitlyn Ree Williams, 60 Jurek Road, “fka” 5 Jurek Road, $125,000.

CUMMINGTON Hannah L. Streeter to Jonathan G. Cranston and Carrie L. Cranston, 103 Stage Road, $25,000.

Bruce H. Hoag, William Hoag, conservator, Dale A. Hoag, William Hoag, William H. Hoag and Chad J. Hoag to HHCP LLC, 149 Porter Hill Road, $220.000.

Christopher Mason to Eileen Weller and Marc Weller, 638 Greenfield Road, $650,000.

Elaine Bourgeois to Pedro Sanchez and Maria Rivera Barreto, 16 Woodcrest Drive, $270,000.

JoeJoe Properties LLC, to Orlando Samuel Gonzalez Santos, 61 Kimball St., $360,000.

J. Robert Brandts, trustee of the Susan Brandts Revocable Trust, to Michael Robert Gretzinger and Vincent John Russo Jr., 5 Hillside Road, $450,000.

Gwen Lannon to Martin Crouch and Maud Low, 6D Adams Court, Unit 29, Commons of Deerfield Condominium, $335,000.

Kerry Ann Young to Hedge Hog Industries Corp., 24 Pendleton Ave., $90,000.

Mason Capital Ventures LLC, to Living Water Capital LLC, 373-375 Hampden St., $100.

Pah Properties LLC, to Luis Capellan and Kiara D. Carrasquillo, 224 School St., $265,000.

EASTHAMPTON

Allen Dewing Jr., individually and as trustee of the Allen Dewing Jr. Trust of 1999, and Deborah B. Dewing, individually and as trustee of the Deborah B. Dewing Trust of 1999, to Leslie Frazier and Bennett Schwartz, 141 Franklin Hill Road, $895,000.

DEERFIELD

CHICOPEE

Vladimir Strelnitski to Thomas J. Flanagan and Tina M. Flanagan, 55 Pineywoods Drive, $460,000.

COLRAIN

EAST LONGMEADOW

Kevin M. Schmitter, Amy L. Schmitter and Amy L. Brown to Fiverobin LLC, 393 Main St., $300,000.

Malzone Real Estate Investments LLC, to Herb Homies Properties LLC, 74 Cottage St., $255,000.

Tina Brown, personal representative, Stacy Benevides, personal representative, Irl K. Brown Jr., estate, and Irl Kenneth Brown Jr., estate, to Michael R. Dion and Patricia A. Dion, 10 Duda Drive, $415,000.

GRANBY Diane Soriano to Richard Landry, 31 Forge Pond Road, $130,000.

Sharon Rogers, Lori Girard and Raymond Girard to Pamela Monska, 80 Amherst St., $112,500.

Alexander Nejelski, Valentina Nejelskaia and Valentina Nejelski to Oleh Pikulskiy, 122 Carver St., $400.000.

GREENFIELD ARPC LLC, to Raymond Cusson, 23 Laurel St., $270,000.

Carol J. Avonti, trustee of the Judith B. Stein Revocable Living Trust, to Jorge Alberto Vasquez Quintanilla and Mayra Escobar Quintanilla, 157-159 Wells St., $242,000.

Bank Of New York Mellon, trustee, Eric J. Streeter and Jeanette E. and CWABS Inc. Series 2004-12, trustee of, trustee of, to Lachenauer Streeter to Prime Partners LLC, 140 Wells St., $90,000.

LLC, 208 Shaker Road, $139,000.

SEE DEEDS, PAGE F8 Kevin D. Brown, representative,

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413-267-4513 www.monsonsavings.com

LIC# 613363

LEGEND: The rate and annual percentage rate (APR) are effective as of the publication date. The APR may increase after consummation and may vary. Payments do not include amounts for taxes and insurance. The fees set forth for each advertisement above may be charged to open the plan (A) Mortgage Banker, (B) Mortgage Broker, (C) Bank, (D) S&L, (E) Credit Union, (BA) indicates Licensed Mortgage Banker, NYS Banking Dept., (BR) indicates Registered Mortgage Broker, NYS Banking Dept., (loans arranged through third parties). “Call for Rates” means actual rates were not available at press time. All rates are quoted on a minimum FICO score of 740. Conventional loans are based on loan amounts of $165,000. Jumbo loans are based on loan amounts of $548.250. Points quoted include discount and/or origination. Lock Days: 30-60. Annual percentage rates (APRs) are based on fully indexed rates for adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs). The APR on your specific loan may differ from the sample used. Fees reflect charges relative to the APR. If your down payment is less than 20% of the home’s value, you will be subject to private mortgage insurance, or PMI. FHA mortgages include both UFMIP and MIP fees based on loan amount of $165,000 with 5% down payment. VA mortgages include funding fees based on loan amount of $165,000 with 5% down payment. The Republican does not guarantee the accuracy of the information appearing above or the availability of rates and fees in this table. All rates, fees and other information are subject to change without notice. The Republican does not own any financial institutions. Some or all of the companies appearing in this table pay a fee to appear in this table. If you are seeking a mortgage in excess of $548.250, recent legislation may enable lenders in certain locations to provide rates that are different from those shown in the table above. Sample Repayment Terms-ex. 360 monthly payments of $5.37 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

HOME & GARDEN

F8 | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2023

Deeds CONTINUES FROM PAGE F7 John F. Merrigan to Danielle Bassett and Christopher Lemay, 127 Franklin St., $290,000.

28 High Street LLC, to Newlife LLC, 28 High St., $425,000.

2Orchard LLC, to David L. Boutros, trustee of the David L. Boutros Revocable Trust, 2 Orchard St., $105,000.

James Foster, individually and as personal representative of the Estate of Lawrence D. Foster, to Gregory T. Chartier, 23 Woodard Road, $80,000.

Lonny Black, individually and as trustee of the Powell Irrevocable Real Estate Trust, to Joan McWilliams, trustee of the Joan McWilliams Investment Trust, and Paul McWilliams, trustee of the Paul McWilliams Investment Trust, 35 Lillian St., $360,000.

Douglas S. Creighton and Susan Creighton, “fka” Susan E. Janssen, to Benjamin Stafford and Samantha Stafford, 141 Leyden Road, $375,000.

Jesse R. Duquette and Leah D. Duquette to Thomas Bledsoe and Alexandra Turner, 17 Chestnut Hill, $650,000.

HOLLAND Andrew M. Pantuosco and Mary Pantuosco to Michael Pantuosco, trustee, Lucille V. Pantuosco, trustee, and Pantuosco 2023 Family Trust, trustee of, 20 Joanie Drive, $383,584.

HOLYOKE Bobo Realty Trust, trustee of, and Joanna Bianchi, trustee, to Pink Finch LLC, 354-356 High St., $120,000.

Donna M. Daigle to Jefte A. Silva and Emily E. Toro-Mattoon, 106 Sheehan Drive, $255,000.

Maria Rivera and Pedro A. Sanchez to Michael Sanchez, 2 Willow St., $275,000.

Michael Asselin, trustee, and Theresa L. Asselin Revocable Trust, trustee of, to Rosa Adorno, 44 George St., $350,000.

Miguel Colon to Meghan Carroll, 246 West Franklin St., $278,000.

Stephen Donoghue, estate, and Myles D. Donoghue, representative, to Susan Fritz and Peter Fritz, 1222 Northampton St., $471,500.

LEYDEN Harry Neville and Margaret R. Neville, trustees of the Neville Investment Trust, to Adam Cormier

and Rebecca Cormier, 19 W.S. Black Road, $524,900.

LONGMEADOW Hilary Ann Considine and Matthew Ryan Bouthilette to Anthony Gandelli and Lisa K Gandelli, 30 Plymouth Road, $515,000.

Custom Homes Development Group LLC, to CKJ Realty LLC, 36 Belleclaire Ave., $450,000.

Custom Homes Development Group LLC, to CKJ Realty LLC, 51 Belleclaire Ave., $445,000.

LUDLOW David J. Knapp and Michelle D. Knapp to Rebecca L. Goncalves, 187 Ventura St., $340,000.

NORTHFIELD Nancy H. Ames to Benjamin Paly and Andrea Tosi, 50C South Mountain Road, $299,000.

Nancy H. Ames to Ruby Glaser and John Loranger, 50 South Mountain Road, $1,095,000.

ORANGE Elaine J. Inman and James A. Inman to Scott Parkinson, 95 Adams St., $380,000.

Moses S. Ajunwa to Jaqueline Carvalho Davis, 414 East River St., $302,000.

Robert Chase to Hiunitto Dusoousa Strongns Palacios Mosquera, 99 West Orange Road, $50,000.

Irene Faustino to John M. Faustino, 65 Parkview St., $250,000.

Emma Ellsworth to Seth Kelley and Kelly Zweben-Kelley, 193 Royalston Road, $410,000.

Michael Yuscavitch, representaPALMER tive, Carl J. Tiberio, estate, and Carl Austin Collins to Danielle M. ColTiberio, estate, to Sima Gojgini, life estate, and Babak Gojgini, 665 lins and Paul J. Kowal, 10-12 Fox St., $250,000.

Center St., Unit 808, $326,000.

Justin K. Cordeiro and Abigail Cordeiro to Theresa Ann Cofske, 127 MONTAGUE Springfield St., $285,000.

Lorraine B. Mauran to Harry Neville and Margaret R. Neville, trustees of the Neville Investment Trust, 76 Montague St., $352,500.

David J. Larue to Third Place Garage LLC, 149-151 Third St., “fka” 151 Third St., $405,000.

NORTHAMPTON Claudia Viele to Dasher J. Rattray and Elena J. Ruffo, 701 Westhampton Road, $550,000.

Amir Paknya to Jane E. Lerner and Jane Lerner, 36 Warburton Way, $299,200.

Elisa S. Daus and Lorena E. Silverman to Toby S. Nelson and Jeannette Nelson, 661 Park Hill Road, $739,000.

Tina T. Champagne to Timothy J. Lepore and Kate Lepore, 418 Ryan Road, $340,000.

David L. Fradkin and Joan Robb Fradkin to Carl Douglas Tietjen and Jason Troy Weaver, 735 Westhampton Road and Route 66, $585,000.

Marcella M. Couchon and Dory Howard-Corrin, attorney-in-fact, to Anthony C. Gladu, 63 Laurel Park, $235,000.

Marlene A. O’Connell and William E. O’Connell to Kevin G. Cote and Alisa N. Wagman, 389 Bridge Road, $237,500.

Lorraine D. Lavallee to Roland W. Cox II, and Patricia L. Cox, 123 Granby Road, $335,000.

Barbara J. Smith, Mary Elizabeth O’Meara, Theresa Elaine Gagne, Julie A. Levreault, Julie A. Kerchner, Joseph P. Levreault, Joanne E. Levreault, Jeffrey L. Levreault, Jill L. Brown, Jill K. Brown, James P. Levreault, Jennifer M. Sabourin and John J. Levreault to Paul Jacob Wanat, 12 Lithia Springs Road, $125,000.

EEPS LLC, to Arthur Williamson and Amber Connors, 39 Old CounJay M. Guilmette and Martha J. Guilmette to Sydney J. Ecklund and ty Road, $510,000.

Shamus P. Gorman, 241 Hayden St., $314,000.

SOUTHAMPTON

Emilio Santos to Natalie A. Colapietro, 52 West Belmont St., $214,000.

Mario G. Carneiro to Joel Mata, 64-66 Oak St., $374,000.

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Logan J. Lehman and Connor J. Lehman to Justin K. Cordeiro and Abigail G. Cordeiro, 75 Griffin St., $350,000.

PELHAM Bank of America NA, PHH Mortgage Corp., and PHH Mortgage Services, attorney-in-fact, to Michael Bernard Mahoney, 59 Meetinghouse Road, $135,000.

RUSSELL Katelyn H. Decoteau, representative, and Robert S. Decoteau III, estate, to Anthony C. Diaz and Theresa L. Diaz, 70 Fairview Ave., $235,000.

SHUTESBURY Bradford Spry to Jeremy G. Kellogg and Wendy Raskevitz, West Pelham Road, $6,500.

Heather M. Martino, personal representative of the Estate of Constance Marie Hoyack, to Brian A. Kolb and Laura M. Soito, 33 Wendell Road Court, “aka” 33 Wendell Road, $505,700.

SOUTH HADLEY Adam Lukomski to Esther H.M. Chandler and Geneese V. Webster, 36 Ludlow Road, $310,000.

Jennifer Siegel and Frederic Siegel to Mary E. Longabaugh, trustee, and Mary E. Longabaugh Revocable Trust, 125 Glendale Road, $600,000.

SOUTHWICK Alfred J. Beauregard and Karin S. Beauregard to Lisa Freeman, 465 North Loomis St., $600,000.

Christopher Michael Thomas and Christie Elizabeth Thomas to Morris John Govan III, and Jashia Quatey Govan, 152 Feeding Hills Road, $299,987.

Craig S. Miller to Vincent Petrangelo and Jennifer Petrangelo, 18 Meadow Lane, $775,000.

SPRINGFIELD 38 Collins LLC, to Nicholas Avery, 38 Collins St., $290,000.

Americo Freitas to Carlos Restrepo, 59 Berkshire St., $364,000.

Ana Nieves to Tascon Homes LLC, 0 Bay Street, $25,000.

Bobby E. Loguidice and Jill Bradley-Graham to 99 Yorktown Drive LLC, 99 Yorktown Drive, Unit 99, $218,000.

Carol J. Summerson to NKZ Realty Inc., 18 Stuyvesant St., $60,000.

Elizabeth Imelio and Ryan Imelio to Dylan Sliech, 73 Bremen St., $292,000.

Fab Holdings LLC, to Rose Cash, 1225 St. James Ave., $250,000.

Florence N. Fay to Jouly T. Yang and Lor V. Yang, 73 Sunapee St., $246,000.

Gail T. Cutler and Nancy A. Pilon to Jaime Casiano, Nilda Casiano and Manuel Casiano, 203 Arthur St., $260,000.

Jacqueline Martinez to Auris Encarnacion Done and Santa Gomez, 601-603 Plainfield St., $330,000.

Kennedy Acquisitions LLC, to Robin L. Youmans, 169 Penrose St., $230,000.

Long River Realty LLC, to Sebastian O. Garcia, 61 Kimberly Ave.,

$315,000.

Lor V. Yang, You Yang and Jouly T. Yang to Rosalinda Hernandez and Rosalie Garcia, 80 Keddy St., $180,000.

Lukasz M. Jacek, Klaudia M. Jacek and Klaudia M. Drap to Dustin R. Rhodes and Kristol Barnett, 55 Beaufort Circle, $330,000.

Minerva Aponte to Sonia N. Rodriguez, 328 Gilbert Ave., $190,000.

Nelida Medina, Nelida Rivera and Roberto Medina Jr., to Jaimilly Torres Garcia, 105 Welland Road, $291,000.

Nereida Rivera and Julio Pineda to Jose A. Rivera, 187 Connecticut Ave., $220,000.

Patricia A. Varney, trustee, and Patricia A. Varney Revocable Trust, trustee of, to David Anthony Brunato, 110 Dewitt St., $260,000.

Peter J. Danalis, trustee, Lisa M. Danalis, trustee, and Peter J. Danalis & Lisa M. Danalis Revocable Trust, trustee of, to Geraldo Zayas, 41 White Birch Drive, $293,500.

Ruby V. Jones and Shakema Ali to Katherine Ramos, 164 Hampden St., $220,000.

S R Energy Inc., to Morais Enterprises LLC, 160-234 Rocus St., $1,075,000.

Taylor Tran and Phung Tu Vo to Andrea M. Martins, 140 Glenwood St., $200,000.

Thomas F. Rivers to Leanny Puello, 556 White St., $405,000.

Tiyra L. Johnson to Igor Arbuzov, 22-24 Burke St., $225,000.

Walter R. Kubacki and Josephine T. Kubacki to Patriot Living Properties LLC, 28 Chilson St., $177,000.

TOLLAND David A. Spidal, trustee, Karen M. Spidal, trustee, and Spidal Nominee Realty Trust, trustee of, to Howard S. Hoffman and Elyse Hoffman, 84 Lakeview Lane, $549,000.

WARE Laura A. Jablonski and Douglas P. Jablonski to Matthew D. Jablonski and Christopher P. Jablonski, 1 Berkshire Drive, $100.

Gary F. Thomas to Shawn C. Crevier and Angelique L. Crevier, 275 Malboeuf Road, $75,000.

Carla Mallard Kusek, trustee, Carla E. Kusek, trustee, Karen A. O’Brien, trustee, and Reynolds Family Trust to Richard G. O’Brien, trustee, and O’Brien 2023 Irrevocable Trust, Osborne Road Off, $100.

Dennis P. Slattery to Daniel D. Slattery and Kevin P. Slattery, 27 Morse Ave., $100.

SEE DEEDS, PAGE F9

HOME & GARDEN

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2023 | F9

Skip the traditional tree this Christmas — use a potted one instead

By Nevin Martell

The Washington Post

The joy of a cut Christmas tree is fleeting. All the festive fun is front-loaded: picking out the perfect specimen, bedazzling its boughs with lights and meaningful ornaments, and gathering around it to sing carols and sip eggnog. Then come all the grinchy downsides: the inevitable browning and dropping of countless needles, the begrudging haul to the curb (leaving another trail of needles) and, finally, the guilt of knowing it likely will end up in a landfill — or being mulched by an eco-unfriendly woodchipper run by fossil fuel.

This year, consider rethinking the Yule tradition by opting for a young potted tree instead. Not only do they avoid the disadvantages of cut conifers, but many of these Tannenbaums — ranging from tabletop-sized to seven feet tall — can work well in smaller living spaces. And after Santa has visited, they can be planted outside to extend (hopefully) fond memories of the holidays. All it takes is a smidgen of planning, a touch of maintenance, a well-executed exit plan and the right tree.

1. Put it in the right place Potted trees can be heavy.

You don’t want to throw your back out and spend the holidays recuperating, so consider getting a helper or a dolly. Avoid placing the tree

Deeds CONTINUES FROM PAGE F8

WEST SPRINGFIELD Erin C. Byrne-Cardillo and Benjamin Cardillo to Erin C. Byrne-Cardillo, 48 Mount Pleasant Ave., $100.

Jahjan LLC, to Arpana Rai and Arati Rai, 132 Grandview Ave., $317,000.

James P. Galica, David W. Galica and Marie Galica to Beau D. Salamon-Davis, 154 Pease Ave., $309,000.

Jason D. Leary to Tianyi Zhou, 32

near a fireplace, radiator or vent, as the heat will dry it out and potentially damage it, says Vicky Tate, owner of Lime Cross Nursery, a conifer nursery in Herstmonceux, England. It’s not necessary to position your Yule tree near a window, because it will be inside for a relatively short period and won’t need light.

To bolster its spirited sensibility, consider replanting it in a celebratory pot or draping a holiday-themed tree skirt over its original container.

2. Care for it properly “Place the pot in a water tray and make sure to water it every few days,” says Tate, who also reminds folks to beware of pets. Humans see a festive potted plant, but cats may see a beautifully decorated toilet. To stop Whiskers from leaving an early Christmas gift, thoroughly cover the soil’s surface with a two-inch layer of pebbles.

To ensure the long-term health of the tree, display it inside for no more than 10 days.

“If you leave it in the home too long, it comes out of dormancy and starts growing, which is tough on the tree when you move it outside,” says Aaron Steil, consumer horticulture extension specialist for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

3. Move it outdoors Thinking ahead is key for transitioning a potted tree

from indoors to outdoors during the winter. Before the ground freezes, choose a planting site, dig a hole and cover the opening to ensure no one falls in and it doesn’t fill with snow (or anything else). When Christmas is in the rearview mirror, place the tree in an unheated garage, on a covered porch or in a well-sheltered outdoor area, allowing it to acclimate to the cold without getting damaged or killed by the temperature shock. After a week or so, place it in the hole, still in its pot. In the spring, when the ground thaws, remove the tree from the pot, cover its roots in a mixture of dirt and compost, add a light layer of mulch and water it.

4. Some tree options These trees will brighten your home this holiday season — and enliven your yard for many Christmases to come.

Dwarf Alberta spruce. With a classic, conical shape and dark green hue, these tabletop trees have big Christmas vibes.

Their wonderfully scented, densely packed fine needles give the tree a charmingly fuzzy appearance but make it less than ideal for hanging ornaments. Instead, Steil recommends decorating it by draping it with lights, garland or stringed popcorn.

Hinoki cypress. Available in green, blue and golden shades, these roughly pyramid-shaped

Glenview Drive, $330,000.

Serrano and Gabriel Lopez to Maryanne E. Carter, 139 Union St., Unit 13, $235,000.

Skyspec LLC, to Nickalos Robert Rodriguez and Amire Ashley Burgos, 34 Belle Ave., $281,000.

Suk Realty Trust, trustee of, and Nancy Kane, trustee, to Christina Suheen and Sergiy Suheen, 2355 Westfield St., $350,000.

Tiberiu Poshtaru, Tiberiu Fana, Liubovi Poshtaru and Lyubov Fana to Benjamin M. Ward and Mariah A. Ward, 326 Morton St., $305,000.

WESTFIELD Alexandra Lopez, Alexandra E.

Archie F. Hogue IV, and Annmarie Hogue to Caitlyn Nicole Blanchard Champagne, 100 Park Drive, $410,000.

David J. Oleksak and Patricia M. Oleksak to Kayla Michelle Smith and Patrick Alan Smith, 5 Pequot Point Road, $210,000.

evergreens are popular in Japanese gardens. “Depending on how it was raised, it may be able to handle ornaments, but definitely lights, garlands and tinsel,” says Ted Hildebrant, owner of Coldwater Pond Nursery in Phelps, N.Y., and a regional director for the American Conifer Society.

Norfolk Island pine. This not-actually-a-pine (it’s technically related to the monkey puzzle tree) with short, inward curving needles is often exclusively an indoor plant, so it can be used year after year, though it also can be planted outside in warmer climes. “It has a unique branching architecture

with nice spacing that makes hanging ornaments on it very easy,” says Steil.

Oriental spruce. Hildebrant loves this tree because its formal pyramid shape and the branching structure of the boughs are perfect for holding lights and ornaments. You can even pop an angel at its peak because it has what Hildebrant refers to as a “straight terminal leader” and the rest of us call a “pointy stick at the top.”

Fraser fir. Millions of these coniferous evergreens are cut down every year to be used as Christmas trees or transformed into garlands and wreaths.

Kathryn L. Buttrick Revocable Trust, trustee of, to Michael Wheeler and Sarah T. Wheeler, 259 Steiger Drive, $410,000.

Pasiecnik, to J Bysiewski Farm LLC, 207 River Road, $1,415,000.

WILBRAHAM

Steven J. Sheldon, Edite Sheldon and Edite Fragoso to Gabriel Lopez Gregory A. Coutu to Trevor James and Alexandra E. Lopez, 27 Furrow- Ziomek and Megan Ellen Ziomek, 21 Jewell Lane, $405,000. town Road, $470,000.

WHATELY

Patricia A. Jablonski to Eileen Holden Canty to Seth T. Philipp, Strzegowski and Joseph Strze184 Birch Bluffs Drive, $335,000. gowski, 196 Christian Lane, Joanne C. Lisee to Nextgen RE LLC, $459,900.

43 Jaeger Drive, $200,000.

Justine Pasiecnik, personal repreKathryn L. Buttrick, trustee, and sentative of the Estate of James M.

Kevin J. Silk, Patrica W. Silk and Patricia W. Silk to Rachel A. Silk, Patricia W. Silk, life estate, and Kevin J. Silk, life estate, 10 James Circle, $100.

Teresa M. Strandberg, John Strandberg and Teresa M. Cosgrove to Matthew A. Gay and Kelsey N. Maciel, 7 Rice Drive, $435,000.

F10 | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2023

HOME & GARDEN

What do I need to know when hiring for appliance repair?

By Paul F. P. Pogue

especially a big Tribune News Service one, poses a risk The winter season places of damage to the the most pressure on our home, whether appliances. Not only is the during installation home a closed envelope with or just by transportheaters running full blast in ing a large object cold weather, but the holidays through the house. generally mean your appliEnsure your pro ances will experience a lot has a strategy to more wear and tear than the keep your flooring, walls and rest of the year. furniture safe.

You never want to lose 3. Do you carry insurance? access to an appliance in cold Lack of insurance should be weather; when you do, you a deal-breaker when hiring want to repair it promptly. It any pro. Appliance repair might seem easy to call the involves large equipment, first appliance repair place working with water, gas, or you can find, but take care electrical lines, and almost when hiring. You want a always occurs in your house. qualified professional to give That means your contractor you the best work. Since most should carry insurance to states and cities don’t closely cover any damage or injuries regulate appliance repair, that take place — or else you you need to hire a top-notch yourself might be liable for pro. Ask these questions to costs! improve your odds: 4. Are you experienced 1. Who will be working on with my kind of work? my appliance?

Your pro should be familiar Some repair companies with the type of appliance and employ multiple employees. the manufacturer. Different Avoid hiring contractors who scenarios present their own are unwilling to share details challenges. about who will be working on 5. What kind of warranty your project. do you offer?

2. What will this job enA reliable appliance pro will tail, and how will you keep provide a written warranty for my home safe? both their work quality and Any appliance installation, whatever parts they supply.

Heating

cient Economy.

“You can think about weatherization as a protective layer CONTINUES FROM PAGE F4 around your house, which bringing in a professional. A helps make you comfortable $150 tax credit can be used inside the home or building,” for an energy audit, said Srivastava said.

Carlos Martin, a researcher Weatherstripping and caulkat the Harvard Joint Center ing are two of the most effecfor Housing Studies. Many tive and simple air-sealing utilities will also provide the techniques that can be used service free. to reduce the amount of air that leaks in and out of your Plugging the leaks home, according to the EnerEnsuring your home is gy Department. The agency tightly sealed is one approach estimates that weatherstripto shielding buildings from ping can result in energy outside elements — a process savings of 5 to 10 percent, known as weatherization, said while caulking could save 10 Rohini Srivastava, a senior to 20 percent. researcher in the buildings Use weatherstripping for program at the American cracks around structural Council for an Energy-Effielements of your home that

The holidays generally mean your appliances will experience a lot more wear and tear than the rest of the year. (DREAMSTIME / TNS)

6. Is it better to repair or replace my appliance?

In many cases, a simple formula helps you determine if it’s worth the cost to repair an appliance. This formula usually compares the appliance’s age to its expected lifespan and compares the repair cost versus how long it’s likely to last. However, this varies by appliance. Make sure you can trust what your pro says about your appliance’s lifespan.

7. What discounts and rebates are available?

A number of new, energy-efficient appliances are eligible for tax credits and utility rebates. This will vary by state and city, so ask your pro if they know all the perks available for your work.

move, such as doors and operable windows. The Energy Department recommends choosing a type of weatherstripping that will withstand the friction, weather, temperature changes, and wear and tear associated with where you’re applying the material.

If you’re trying to plug small gaps in parts of your home that don’t move, caulking is the recommended approach. The Energy Department provides stepby-step online guides for caulking and weatherstripping projects.

While experts note that a significant amount of household heating and cooling — 25 to 30 percent, according

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Reich CONTINUES FROM PAGE F4

the winter by roasting freshpicked ears until they were dry.

We now grow beans in our gardens to eat as green beans, rather than as mature, dry bean seeds, as they were grown by the colonists and Native Americans. Also, most gardeners now plant bush beans, rather than pole beans, perhaps because bush beans have a shorter period from sowing to first harvest.

Pole beans, on the other hand, continue cropping longer than do bush beans, and, when trained up a trellis, make good use of space in the garden.

How many gardeners do you know who grow pumpkins? Pumpkin vines strew themselves widely enough to engulf most gardens, and some of the lawn, too.

Large pumpkins usually are grown for Halloween rather than for eating. Today’s gardeners wanting pumpkins of more manageable size could grow one of the newer varieties, like ‘Jack Be Little’ which produces cute three-inch pumpkins.

Squash often turns up as the pumpkin substitute in the garden as well as the kitchen. The trailing habit has been bred out of a

to the Energy Department — can be lost through windows, some cautioned against addressing the problem with quick fixes, such as films or other glass treatments.

“It’s not going to hurt, but it’s not going to be particularly helpful for you, so I wouldn’t waste the money on that,” Martin said. “I would just as soon invest in a really good curtain.”

squash variety like ‘Golden Nugget,’ so ersatz pumpkins can be accommodated in even postage-stamp sized gardens.

One final note, which concerns my experiences with an almost-traditional planting of the Three Sisters. My planting of sweet corn, pole green beans, and zucchini squash suffered from two problems. The first was timing the planting right so the corn would not grow so fast as to shade the climbing beans, nor the beans so fast as to strangle the growing cornstalks.

The second problem was harvesting. Fresh corn, fresh beans, and fresh zucchini need to be harvested every few days. Consequently, I had to withstand repeated assaults from scratchy squash leaves, I had to uncurl bean vines from around ears of ripe (?) corn, and I inevitably squished squashes with my footsteps.

Next time I will plant for a one-time, end-of-the-season harvest of dry beans, mature corn (maybe popcorn), and winter squash. Followed by a harvest festival, of course.

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 www.leereich.com/blog.

ficient HVAC systems or heat pumps, Martin said. These investments, many of which are or could become eligible for tax credits and rebates, will also provide energy-saving benefits during hotter months, he added.

But tackling simple weatherization tasks is “absolutely the first step to take before you do anything else,” Fernandez said.

“The last thing you want to Next steps do is have a really high-effiKeep in mind that while ciency, low-carbon system these small repairs can be that’s just pumping heat effective, it’s important to or air conditioning into a consider investing in bigger building that’s just leaking,” home improvement projects, he said. such as upgrading insulation, replacing old doors and winSarah Kaplan contributed to dows, and installing more ef- this report.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2023 | F11

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Live Onsite &Webcast

PUBLIC AUCTION WED. & THURS., NOVEMBER 29 & 30 AT 10:30 A.M. (ET) TH

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SEND for DESCRIPTIVE BROCHURE or VISIT our WEBSITE at WWW.POSNIK.COM SALE PER ORDER OF 99 DEGREES TERMS OF SALE: 25% DEPOSIT CASH OR CERTIFIED CHECK. 15% BUYER’S PREMIUM APPLIES ON ALL ONSITE PURCHASES 18% BUYER’S PREMIUM APPLIES ON ALL ONLINE PURCHASES OTHER TERMS TO BE ANNOUNCED AT TIME OF SALE INSPECTIONS: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28TH – 10:00 A.M. TO 4:00 P.M. & MORNING OF SALE – 8:30 A.M. TO 10:30 A.M.

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Fine Art - paintings, prints, sculptures, Furniture Early, Victorian, Mission, Custom, Danish, Modern, Rolex Submariner 16800 wristwatch, gold coins and currency, canes, sterling, glass and china, paperweights, Quantum Q6 Edge electric wheel chair, oriental rugs, slot machine, bottles, baskets, pre-Columbian pottery, clocks, and more.

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MORTGAGEE’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE AT PUBLIC AUCTION

Monday, November 27, 2023 1:00 PM-MONSON 37 Bridge Street

sgl fam, 1,285 sf liv area, 0.37 ac lot, 6 rm, 3 bdrm, 1 bth, Hampden: Bk 16382, Pg 545 TERMS: Cashier’s or certified check in the sum of $5,000.00 as a deposit must be shown at the time and place of the sale in order to qualify as a bidder. No CASH. No personal checks will be accepted. Cashier/certified checks should be made out to whomever is going to bid at the auction. The balance to be paid within thirty (30) days at the law offices of Korde & Associates, P.C. 900 Chelmsford Street, Suite 3102, Lowell, MA 01851, Attorney for the Mortgagee.

Auctioneer makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information contained herein.

NORTH CHELMSFORD (978) 251-1150 www.baystateauction.com MAAU#: 1029, 2624, 2959, 3039, 2573, 116, 2484, 3246, 2919, 3092, 3107, 0100030, 3099

PUBLIC AUCTION

PUBLIC AUCTION

MORTGAGEE’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE

MORTGAGEE’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13TH at 3:00 P.M.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15TH at 1:00 P.M.

• WESTFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS •

• WEST YARMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS •

13 ROOM / 7 BEDROOM

2 BEDROOM / 1 BATH 2 STORY

★ UPSCALE NEIGHBORHOOD ★ 2 STORY

COLONIAL STYLE HOME WITH

IN-LAW UNIT & 4 CAR ATTACHED GARAGE “IN-GROUND POOL & TENNIS COURT” 15 Brimfield Way WESTFIELD, MA

Features:

To be Sold on the Premises

• Two Story Colonial Style Home • ±3/4 Acre of Land • • Total of (13) Rooms. (7) Bedrooms & (4) Bathrooms • • ±4,942 S/F of Gross Living Area Above Grade • • Gas FWA Heat • Central Air Conditioning • • Full Basement • Vinyl & Brick Exterior • • In-Law Unit • Hardwood & Carpeted Floors • • Wood Deck • Covered Porch • Fireplace • • Tennis Court • Public Water & Sewer • • In-Ground Pool • 4-Car Attached Garage • • Zoned: RES A (Residential) •

Terms of Sale: Sale Per Order of Mortgagee $20,000.00 Deposit Bank Treasurer’s Check or Attorney Thomas J. Hamel Certified Funds. Deposit to be increased to 10% of Of the firm of Courtney, Lee & Hamel, P.C. Purchase Price within 5 Business Days.

31 Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield, MA 5% Buyer’s Premium Applies.

Attorney for Mortgagee Other Terms to be Announced at Time of Sale

Aaron Posnik

WATERFRONT PROPERTY

RESIDENTIAL CONDOMINIUM UNIT “VIEWS OF LEWIS BAY & NANTUCKET SOUND” 9 Windemere Road, Unit #10, (Building “G”) WEST YARMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS

Features:

To be Sold on the Premises

• Two Story Residential Condominium Unit • • Total of (2) Bedrooms & (1) Full Bathroom • • ±784 S/F of Living Area • Electric Heat • Air Conditioning • • Hardwood Floors • Wood Shingle Exterior • Asphalt Gable Roof • • Wood Deck • Public Water • Private Septic • • Assessor’s ID: 21/45.1/C10 • ★ ACROSS FROM COLONIAL ACRES BEACH ★

Terms of Sale: : $15,000.00 Deposit Cash or Certified Funds.

Deposit to be increased to 10% of Purchase Price within 5 Business Days.

5% Buyer’s Premium Applies.

Other Terms to be Announced at Time of Sale

Sale Per Order of Mortgagee Attorney Keith K. Fuller 5300 Bigelow Commons, Enfield, CT Attorney for Mortgagee

Aaron Posnik

AUCTIONEERS•APPRAISERS

AUCTIONEERS•APPRAISERS

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

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

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

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

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

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

CLASSIFIEDS In print in The Republican or online at MassLive.com

info@towneauction.com / 781.790.7870 www.towneauction.com

MORTGAGEE’S FORECLOSURE AUCTION HELD ON THE PREMISES WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023 11 AM 397 Elm Street, Pittsfield, MA 1 PM 134 Western Circle, Westfield, MA THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 1 PM 76-78 Highland Avenue, West Springfield, MA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 01, 2023 1 PM 782 Newbury Street, Springfield, MA Terms of Sale: Unless specified above, 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 Lic. AU 3112

Articles for Sale

Real estate for rent

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Amendments Act and Massachusetts Labor and Industries Law, which make it illegal to advertise any preference, limitations or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, familial status, sexual orientation which shall not include persons whose sexual orientation involves minor children as the sex object, genetic information, ancestry, children, marital status, or public assistance recipiency, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. To report discrimination, call the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) at 1-800-6699777. The HUD TTY telephone number for the hearing impaired is 212-708-1455.

Houses, Furnished

House for rent, exceptional opportunity, 1st floor only, 1 bd, full bath, $700/ month, 69 John St, Ludlow, 5 months tenant is by themselves while owner is in FL, call 413583-3908 or 413-682-6108

Tag Sales Tag Sales

Hampden

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

Cats Kitten for sale, male, 2 month old, looks like a tiger, $175.00. Call for details 413-244-8046 Maine Coon Bengal Siamese mix kitten, 1F $35.00.

1 Male $25.00. Call 413777-9659 or text 575-1389

Dogs AKC German Shepherd Pups, 4m & 3 f, Black & tan, black & red, and sables. AKC paperwork & all shots/worming up to date, written hip-andhealth guarantee, parents on premises, raised in country setting, $1400, call 978-249-3724 Border Collie pups, 8 weeks, black and white, vet-checked, shots, wormed, $700, 860-449-2246 English Golden Retriever puppies M/F. Both parents on premises. Many generations loved and shown. Reserve now.

Ready Oct. 20, 2023 413531-1373

Golden Retriever female, 1 1/2 years, sweet, vet checked, perfect home only $750. 413-531-1373, 413-367-2405 Puppy, 2 months, Husky Mix. $650. Call 413-2448046

Collector pays cash for stamp collections, lrg or sml. Call RON for sale or eval. 413-896-3324

Jewelry Cabinet w/ 8 drawers, 2 side panels and mirror full of sanitized modern fashion jewely, $750 or best offer.

XXL Snow leopard fox fur coat, never worn, $50.

XXL Silver Puffercoat w/ fox fur collar, never worn, $50, Ask for Lisa in Ludlow, 413-949-5445 Two Raleigh Venture 20in & 14in bikes, one Polaris 20 in Swimano gear bike for sale, $150 for all three or best offer, call 413-3887694.

Med. Equip Sales/Wanted Full adjustable medical bed w/remote control, like new, $500.

Call 413-537-0650

Miscellaneous Items 15 Ball quilted 8oz canning jars, new, $10 each. Call 413-733-8592

Auctions Auctions AARON POSNIK & CO. INC. Indust & Comm. Auctions 31 Capital Dr. W. Spfld.

733-5238 www.posnik.com

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

MONDAY DEC. 4, 2023 3:00 PM- SPRINGFIELD, MA 49 WORTHY STREET DEPOSIT $5,000

TUESDAY DEC. 5, 2023

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

Articles for Sale 406 North Rd Sat. 11/25, 9am-4pm Sun. 11/26, 10:30-2pm

Part 2 House antique furniture, quality lamps, sleigh bed, ornate wardrobe, partners desk, carved table, Cushman maple, trunks, deluxe canoe, books, refrig., holiday, oriental area rugs, Hitchcock stands, kitchen set, tables, twin beds, chests Limited Parking (Wanda)

2022 National Purple Heart $5 Gold Proof coin.

Issued by US mint, low mintage with box, COA, $730./best offer, call 413-426-7063

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 $2.50 per box.

CALL 413-596-5783

2:00 PM - FLORENCE, MA 16 FAIRFIELD AVENUE DEPOSIT $5,000

FRIDAY DEC. 8, 2023 1:00 PM - MONTAGUE, MA 132 MEADOW ROAD DEPOSIT $5,000

MONDAY DEC. 11, 2023 10:00 AM - CHICOPEE, MA 117 MARTEN STREET DEPOSIT $5,000 11:00AM-SPRINGFIELD, MA 165 LAURELTON STREET DEPOSIT $5,000 4:00 PM - CHICOPEE, MA 19 DRESSER AVENUE DEPOSIT $5,000 TERMS OF SALES: DEPOSITS IN THE AMOUNTS SPECIFIED ABOVE ARE TO BE PAID BY THE PURCHASER(S) AT THE TIME AND PLACE OF EACH SALE BY CERTIFIED OR BANK CHECK. ALL BALANCES DUE ARE TO BE PAID WITHIN 30 DAYS OF EACH INDIVIDUAL SALE. OTHER TERMS, IF ANY, TO BE ANNOUNCED AT EACH SALE. CALL OUR AUCTION SCHEDULE LINE AT (617) 964-1282 FOR A LIST OF THE CURRENT DAY’S AUCTIONS AND VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.commonwealth auction.com FOR CONTINUOUSLY UPDATED SCHEDULING INFORMATION AND ADDITIONAL SCHEDULING INFORMATION COMMONWEALTH AUCTION ASSOCIATES, INC. (617) 964-0005 MA LIC 2235

F12 | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2023

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

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