Home and Garden, and Real Estate- February 18, 2024 by repubnews

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Home & Garden F |

| SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2024

& Real Estate

A way forward MORE INSIDE

IN THE GARDEN WITH LEE REICH: How do you know when it’s time to repot your plants? F2 ANTIQUES & COLLECTING: An eye-catching bookmark, F6

When war came to her country, Ukrainian gardener had been planning to open a plant nursery. Page F4

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F2 | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2024

GARDEN NOTES AGAWAM

2024 scholarship Applications are now available for the Agawam Garden Club’s 2024 scholarship. To qualify for the scholarship students must be a graduating senior of Agawam High School or a college student who graduated from Agawam High School and is planning to attend an institution of higher learning in the fall. Applicants must be majoring in or planning on majoring in one of the following: botany, environmental engineering, environmental science, earths systems, forest management, natural resources, plant soil and insect science, sustainable agriculture, sustainable horticulture or food and framing, turf grass science and management, landscape design and management technology, clean energy, technology studies, waste water or other environmental related studies. The recipient will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship at the clubs annual June meeting. Completed applications along with transcripts and references must be submitted to Denise Carmody, 40 Primrose Lane, Agawam, MA 01001 by April 1. Applications are available through Agawam High school or can be found online at agawamgardenclub.com EAST LONGMEADOW

Student scholarship

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Lee Reich | In the Garden

When do you know if it’s time to repot?

HAT’S HAPPENing in the soil beneath your potted plants? Over time, roots fill up the pot so there’s little more room left for them to grow. And nutrients get sucked out of the soil or washed out by water. I keep my potted plants hale and hardy with periodic repotting. This also gives me a look at the roots, which I always find interesting. (Belowground goings on was one area of my research when I worked for Cornell University.) If I see roots are pressed around the outside of the rootball, especially if traveling around and around it, they’re telling me they want out. A plant might also indicate its roots need more elbow room by looking like it’s ready to topple over. More subtle signs are potting soil that dries out very quickly, a plant hardly growing, or roots attempting escape out a pot’s drainage holes. Rapidly growing plants need repotting yearly, especially when they are young; older plants and slow growers can get by with being repotting every two or three years. Some plants hardly ever need repotting, such as — looking around my collection — my amaryllis (Hippeastrum), bay laurel, hardy cyclamen, jade plant, aloe, and cactus. I wait to repot my ponytail palm until its bulbous base breaks open the pot it’s growing in; this happens about every 15 years. Same goes for my clivia. Now, when plants are dormant or semi-dormant yet soon to jump into action, is a good time for repotting, especially for any plant that’s going right back into the same pot that it now calls home. And that’s the first decision I make, whether to move a plant to a larger pot, in which it will grow commensurately larger, or, if the plant has reached its allotted (by me) size, to keep it in the same pot. I repotted

my jade plant into successively larger pots for perhaps a half-dozen years, but after that it always went back into the same pot. Otherwise, the jade “tree” would not have fit through doorways on its way outdoors each summer and indoors each autumn. Before dealing with a plant needing repotting, have ready a pot, moistened potting soil, a sharp stick, and a blunt stick. New clay pots need to be soaked overnight before use. Cover any drainage hole(s) with gravel, broken pieces of clay pot, or screening, just enough to keep potting soil from washing out the bottom. Then put a layer of potting soil into the pot. Next, slide the plant out of its pot. With a small plant, invert the pot, holding the root ball, and give the pot’s rim a rap on the edge of a table. Lay a large plant on its side, hold the stem, then rap the pot’s rim with a mallet. If no amount of tugging and rapping extricates a plant from its pot, smash the pot with a hammer or cut it away. Before repotting a plant into a larger pot, use the sharp stick to tease the outer layer of roots free from the root ball. Sometimes I make vertical slices around the root ball and spread apart the opening at each cut. Either way, I then put enough soil in the bottom of the new pot so the old soil line of the root ball is a halfinch lower than the pot rim. After scooping soil into the space between the pot and the root ball, I pack it down with the blunt stick, occasionally thumping the pot on the ground or a tabletop to further settle the soil. For a plant that’s going to get new soil but not a new home, room needs to be made for the new soil. With a sharp knife or, if the roots are tough, a reciprocating saw fitted with a metal blade, I slice off some soil and roots from all around and the bottom of the root ball (a half

Houseplants need periodic repotting, some — such as this “living stone,” Lithops — almost never. (LEE REICH PHOTO)

to one inch for a six-inch pot, one to two inches for a twelveinch pot, etc.). This may seem brutal, but most plants tolerate it fine. This root-pruning and repotting is mandatory treatment for my largest fig plants. They fruit mostly on new shoots. The more vigorous the new shoots, the more figs I get to eat (to a point). New root growth and good nutrition fuel that vigorous growth. Root-pruning and repotting is also mandatory for my smallest fig plant. Twice each year. This fig is a strictly ornamental species, weeping fig (Ficus benjamina), which, unrestricted in the tropics, would grow as large as our maple trees. Mine is a bonsai. At eleven years old, I’ve kept the tree to only a few inches tall and its roots in a bonsai “tray” only 3 by 4 inches long and wide, and an inch deep. I don’t want lots of growth

from this bonsai; a half inch of stem growth would be fine. But enough roots are needed to get water and some nutrients into the little plant. With little space for potting soil and roots, twice a year I cut back some roots and remove some soil to make room for new soil and root growth. To help the plant survive this ordeal, I also remove all the leaves and cut back some stems so that the plant’s needs are put on hold until new roots begin to explore the fresh soil. As soon as any plant is in its new home or back in its old home, I water it thoroughly. Even indoor plants can sense that spring is around the corner. Roots will begin growing into the new soil before new stems or flower buds show any signs of life. Email gardening questions to me at garden@leereich.com and I’ll try answering them directly or in this column.

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SPRINGFIELD

Gardening series The Springfield Garden Club is hosting “Gardening Basics,” a series of classes on the basics of starting a garden. The next presentation on March 9 is “Preparing Garden Soil,” presented by Kerisa Perazella of Crow River Farm in East Longmeadow. April 13 is “Composting,” presented by Janet Dolder, Springfield Garden Club member and master gardener. Classes will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturdays at the Shea Building at Forest Park, 300 Sumner Ave. The fee is $10 per class. Tickets are available on Eventbrite, by emailing spfldgardenclub@ gmail.com or by calling 413-285-3163. At left are flower arrangements made by a member of the Springfield Garden Club for a past year’s event. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN, FILE)

Notes

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tional information and to request a copy of the application contact Jane Glushik at CONTINUES FROM PAGE F2 SGCscholarship@gmail.com. or a graduate student who is a Scholarship applications are resident of East Longmeadow to be complete and meet the and is attending or planning submission deadline of April to attend an institution of 1, to be eligible for considerhigher learning or an East ation. Longmeadow student who For more information on is a resident and has been the Springfield Garden Club accepted to participate in a events, visit www.springfieldspecial program. gardenclubma.org or visit Applications must be rethem on Facebook. ceived on or before Feb. 28. The recipient will be awarded STOCKBRIDGE the $1,000 scholarship at the Upcoming events annual May meeting of the east Longmeadow Garden Berkshire Botanical Garden Club. presents these upcoming Send completed application programs: and documents to East Long• Beginning Feb. 24 meadow Garden Club Scholthrough March 17, the Bulb arship Committee, c/o Diane Show is back and open daily, A. Tiago, 38 Rogers Road, East from 9 to 4 p.m., at the FitzLongmeadow, MA 01028. patrick Greenhouse. Admission is free; SPRINGFIELD • Feb. 24, 1 to 4 p.m., “Galantines” Snow Moon Student scholarship DIY Herbal Spa Day. Please The Springfield Garden Club arrive with a freshly washed is accepting applications for face with no makeup prodits annual $2,000 scholarship, ucts. No matter your level of to be awarded to a graduating knowledge or experience, high school senior, underthis workshop welcomes graduate or graduate college all enthusiasts who share student majoring in a full-time a passion for the power of plant science or environmental plants. Cost $65 members, studies program, such as horti- $80 nonmembers; culture, floriculture, landscape • Feb. 24 and 25, “Science design, conservation, forestof Plant Propagation,” 9 a.m. ry, botany, agronomy, plant to 4 p.m. Learn about the art pathology, environmental and science of plant propacontrol, land management or gation on with Adam Wheelother allied fields. er. Bring your own lunch. The candidate must be a Cost is $215 members, $240 resident of Hampden County, nonmembers. demonstrate financial need To register for these proand have adequate academic grams or for more informastanding. High school seniors, tion, visit berkshirebotaniundergraduate and graduate cal.org. Berkshire Botanical college students are eligible Garden is located at 5 West for consideration. For addiStockbridge Road.

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F4 | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2024

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For Ukrainian gardener, flowers offer a way forward

By Margaret Roach

New York Times

hen war came to her country, Alla Olkhovska had been planning to open a rare-plants nursery. Now her Clematis seeds have an international following. The Clematis that delight Alla Olkhovska the most among the 120 or so types she grows are not the familiar, large-flowered hybrids, as extravagantly beautiful as they are. It’s the small, less frequently grown species — the ones whose common names often include the phrase “leather flower,” many of them native to the Southeastern United States — that have stolen her heart.

“It’s very important for me to have some fresh flowers, and I do it despite everything,” said Alla Olkhovska, a Ukrainian gardener, about the bouquets she brings home from the garden. “Even when it’s really hard, because it helps — it helps to cope with the problems.” (“GARDENING IN A WAR ZONE” VIA NEW YORK TIMES)

Their scaled-down charm makes them ethereal subjects for photography, another passion of Ms. Olkhovska’s. But what really impresses her is how well the tiny, bell-shaped blooms with their thick petals stand up to the increasingly hot, dry summers her garden is experiencing. The whiteleaf leather flower (C. glaucophylla) and scarlet leather flower (C. texensis), for example, can really take the heat, and just keep blooming and blooming, adapting to challenging environmental circumstances. Two years ago this month, a more sudden call to adapt was sounded — this one to the gardener herself, along with her fellow Ukrainian citizens. In Kharkiv, where she lives, and around the nation, war had arrived. Olkhovska, who is now 38, had been building up her plant collection in preparation for starting a small rare-plants

nursery. But with war came a new assignment: to find a way, in the face of it, to support her family. There were already challenges. Olkhovska’s motherin-law and grandmother rely on her as a caregiver. And her husband, Vitalii Olkhovskyi, who sustained lung and heart damage from a severe COVID infection, was early in his ongoing rehabilitation when war broke out. The family was rooted in place, unable to afford relocating, as they watched so many neighbors do, following round after round of missile and drone attacks that ravaged the city and its infrastructure. With Ukrainians “not knowing what will happen next, and a very, very big decline in the standard of living,” Olkhovska said, she knew that starting a local nursery was no longer feasible; any customers would have to come from elsewhere.

Shopping for plants, she added, is just not front of mind “when you’re afraid, and you don’t know what will happen with the territory — whether you’ll be able to stay there, or if you will survive the winter.” Nevertheless, it was her garden, and especially her Clematis, that provided, showing her the way forward. Cultivating customers Olkhovska began by doing the only thing she could think of: selling more seeds online. The internet, after all, was where she had started learning about plants when she got her first computer at 20. Then, as now, hobbyists and experts would gather on foreign forums and, later, social media to swap horticultural knowledge and seed. Perhaps, she thought, some of those connections might help her expand her small customer base.

“Selling seeds — it was like my last resort, my last attempt,” she said. And she was far from confident that her plan would work. As it turned out, however, Olkhovska’s taste in plants, honed on those foreign forums, had made the seeds from her Clematis collection especially marketable. Different sells. “I like everything unusual, everything rare, everything difficult and challenging to grow,” she said, although

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difficult and challenging have been taken to an extreme these last two years, through no fault of the plants. Her affection for species plants over hybrids has helped, too, because many non-hybrid types can be grown more reliably from seed than the offspring of the large-flowered hybrids, which don’t resemble the parent plant. But she had gravitated toward them for another

SEE UKRAINIAN, PAGE F7

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Terry & Kim Kovel | Antiques & Collecting

With a bookmark like this, you’ll never lose your place reading again

VID READERS, DO you find yourselves in a pickle when you lose your place in a book? All right, maybe that’s a little labored. Still, a brightly colored pickle-shaped bookmark can get your attention no matter what you say about it. And that’s exactly what the Heinz brand counted on with advertising premiums like these die-cut cardstock bookmarks. This set of nine was sold by Morford’s Antique Advertising Auctions for $130. On one side, you have a bright green cucumber with a smiling child or chef holding a Heinz product. On the reverse, there’s a reminder of how “Pure, Clean, Good” Heinz products are, along with a list of a few of their “57 Good Things for the Table,” like (of course) pickles, baked beans, tomato soup and various relishes and sauces. Heinz introduced the “57 Varieties” slogan in 1892. It wasn’t exactly truth in advertising; by that time, the company had over 60 products. There are a few different stories about why the number 57 was chosen: because 5 and 7 are lucky numbers, or because it makes a memorable slogan. Considering that the company has been in business for over 150 years, with the slogan still easy to recognize, either one may be true.

surface and several drawers. It may rotate. We have seen them called by several names: drum tables, library tables, card tables, loo tables (after a card game) or rent tables. The name “rent table” comes from their supposed use in business transactions. We have read that they were used to discreetly handle transactions: a client could place the money in a drawer, then rotate the tabletop so the drawer now faced their creditor on the other side of the table. Apparently, this was more genteel than exchanging money directly. The multiple drawers could also be used as a sort of filing system to keep track of multiple clients. No matter how they were used, these tables are associated with the Regency period (c. 1811-1830) in England. The corresponding American furniture period is American Empire (c. 18151840). There was a revival of Regency styles in the 20th century. Your table could have been made anywhere from the early 1800s to the mid-1900s. An expert would need to see it in person to determine if it is authentic Regency or a revival piece.

Advertising bookmarks like these could preserve your place in a book while reminding you of how helpful the company that they promote can be. (COWLES SYNDICATE INC.)

heaters and burners. In the 1930s, they introduced an oil and gas combination range and oil-burning space heaters. Later, they made electric ranges as well. Production in Gardner came to an end in the 1950s. And yes, there are collectors of antique and vintage stoves! Contact The Antique Stove Association (antiquestoveassociation. org) to get in touch with collectors and dealers of antique stoves in the United States and Canada. Many antique stove dealers and restorers are also collectors. The Antique Stove Hospital in Rhode Island (stovehospital.com) and Good Time Stove Company (goodtimestove.com) have information available I have a Florence Stove online. Company Model HR91D. I’m pretty sure it’s an oil Do you know of anywhere or anyone that heater but I am not posibuys old photos? I have an tive. I’m hoping you can help me identify it. And do antique framed black-andI inherited a mahoga- you know of people who white photograph with ny drum table, raised on a collect items like this? another photograph on the back of the frame. turned pedestal with splay legs and roundels. Because The Florence Stove Co. Old photographs often I can’t find an image or has its roots in the American sell for low prices at thrift replica anywhere online, Oil Stove Co. founded in I need you to advise me. Gardner in 1884. The compa- shops and estate sales. Some What is the type of furniny was taken over by Central collectors will buy antique ture and what year or time Oil and Gas Co. in 1890, and framed photographs just for frame was it made? it became the Florence Stove the frame. If you want to sell Co., named after the town of your photos for a higher price, Tables like yours were Florence where the kerosene you could try contacting an first made in the late 18th burner was invented in 1872. antique photography colleccentury. The drum-shaped The company’s stoves burned tors club like the Daguerreian top usually has a leather kerosene. They made ranges, Society (daguerreian

society.org) or looking up photography classes, clubs or shows in your area. Some used or antiquarian bookstores also sell antique photographs. In the 1990s, some dealers and art galleries started taking interest in “found” photographs, or antique photographs, usually of ordinary people and everyday life, taken by amateurs. TIP: Don’t write on the back of a print with either pencil or ink. Eventually the writing will bleed through to the front. 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. We do not guarantee the return of photographs, but if a stamped envelope is included, we will try. 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.

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. Advertising, stand, Maxwell House Coffee, oval top, sixlobed lower tier, rectangular base, painted red, yellow lettering, 27 1/2 x 18 x 12 1/2 inches, $40. Furniture, stand, plant, neoclassical, faux marble top, painted, round, three legs, crossed, faux bamboo, 19th century, 42 x 12 1/2 inches, $160. Dollhouse, diorama, living room, 19th-century style furnishings, desk, secretary, two chairs, prints on wall, rug on floor, cat figurine, demilune display case, lights, 10 x 15 x 9 inches, $170. Advertising, sign, Providence Washington Insurance Company, George Washington portrait, Gothic lettering, tin, frame, early 1900s, 26 1/2 x 20 inches, $250. Cowan Pottery, paperweight, elephant, on square base, red glaze, Margaret Postgate, c. 1930, 4 1/2 inches, $830. Satsuma, vase, globular, multicolor scene, festival, allover figures, flared lip, tapered base, short flared foot, gilt trim, marked, Kawagurisu Ogurusu, 7 1/2 inches, $875. Cut glass, centerpiece, Aurora Borealis, scalloped rim, skirted base, two pieces, Pitkin & Brooks, 15 x 12 inches, $1,800.

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2024 | F7

Q&A

A lightbulb broke off when I tried to remove it. What can I do? By Jeanne Huber

may already own — or that will serve you in many ways if you do need to buy it. When my in-laws faced this problem, one of their sons got the remnants of a bulb out using needle-nose pliers — also known as long-nose pliers — in an unconventional way. For most jobs, the point of needle-nose pliers is to grip tightly to whatever is held between the jaws when you squeeze the handles together. Sometimes, when a bulb breaks, the filament and a supporting glass rod remain. When that’s the case, you can use the pliers the regular way to grip the rod and unscrew the base. But when the filament is broken off, as it was at my in-laws’ house, you need to use the pliers in the opposite way: Stick the jaws into the socket and press the handles apart. This opens the jaws enough so the back edges press against what is left of the bulb base. Keep the handles pulled apart and twist out the metal.

Once enough of the metal is out, you can use the pliers in the conventional way, which is more comfortable: Grip an edge of the metal and unscrew the base the rest of the way. Of course, before you try this, make sure power is turned off at the circuit breaker. It’s not enough to just turn off the switch on the wall; the ceiling fixture could be connected to a live wire, with just a loop running to the switch. Also wear goggles and gloves because your efforts to remove remnants of the bulb might cause shards of glass to fall. If carpet is underneath, cover it first so bits of glass don’t become embedded in the fibers. If needle-nose pliers don’t work, you could try a few other tricks featured in a YouTube video you can find by doing a web search for “tips for removing a broken lightbulb from a socket.” One calls for cutting a potato in half across its width, pressing it over the socket, and

twisting it counterclockwise. If you press hard enough and keep twisting, the potato will supposedly eventually jam into the bulb base and allow you to twist it out. It sounds intriguing but messy. A higher-tech, tidier version of this approach is to use a wad of epoxy putty — the kind that comes with parts A and B extruded in the right proportion along the length of the product, such as Oatey fix-it stick ($7.68 for a four-ounce package at Lowe’s). Break off enough to fill the recess of the socket. Knead the putty thoroughly to mix the two parts, then jam the wad into the socket. When it stiffens but is not yet hard, poke the tip of a flat-head screwdriver a half-inch or so into the putty. Remove the screwdriver and wipe off the tip. Wait for the epoxy to fully harden, then reinsert the screwdriver and twist counterclockwise to extract the metal base of the bulb. If you want to invest in a

specialty tool, options include the mini lightbulb removal tool ($11.17 on Amazon), which is similar to needle-nose pliers, but the tips are cupped and sheathed in a rubberlike coating that helps the jaws grip better. As the product name implies, it’s for small bulbs such as those in candelabras, not regular-size ones. The Alden 9207P easeout standard lightbulb extractor kit ($21.99 on Amazon) is for standard-size bulbs, not small ones. It’s a plastic version of pliers, with a clear shield below the jaws to catch bits of glass. And there is the Bayco LBC800 broken bulb changer ($9.75 on Amazon). It’s basically a shaft with interchangeable rubberlike pads that adapt the tip to fit regular or small sockets. You stick the tip into the socket and twist. About 60 percent of the reviewers on Amazon said it worked well; critics complained that the small pad is too big for candelabra sockets or that the pads fell apart.

and wanted to see for herself. It was the photographs that pulled Benzakein in. With CONTINUES FROM PAGE F4 more than a million Instareason beyond their potential gram followers and multiple as mail-order seed-packet books to her credit, including material. “The species are the a New York Times best seller, beginning of any hybrids we she has a highly cultivated eye have in the garden,” she said. not just for flowers, but for “My idea was to introduce effective media. a nice collection of species “I was stopped like, ‘Wait, plants to my garden in order what’s going on here? These to try making hybrids myself, are too beautiful. How have in some future time.” I not seen this before?’” Ms. In the meantime, though, Benzakein recalled. “I was her energy was focused on surprised by the varieties that growing, harvesting, packshe was featuring, and then aging and selling. As she the way that she showed them accelerated her efforts, more in the photos just completely foreign orders arrived, includ- stopped me in my tracks.” ing one last spring from Erin Into her shopping cart went Benzakein of Floret, a flower seeds and more seeds. Soon farm and seed company in the messages started going back Skagit Valley of northwestern and forth between the two Washington. women. Clematis vines make A documentary of distinctive filler for flower arrangements, and Benzakein a wartime garden was searching the web for unAn idea germinated. Could usual varieties to expand the Benzakein interview Olkfarm’s selection. She had read hovska for Floret’s popular about Olkhovska’s seed list website? And then another

plan quickly sprouted: a documentary for the company’s YouTube channel. The 33-minute “Gardening in a War Zone” debuted in December, with Rob Finch, who leads Floret’s video-based storytelling efforts, as the director and producer. The film combines footage shot by Oleh Halaidych, a local videographer; Olkhovskyi, Olkhovska’s husband; and Ms. Olkhovska herself. Like her day-to-day life, it is a work of chiaroscuro, a portrait of extremes — roses and guns. We see her at the kitchen table in her hooded fleece robe, working by candlelight, during yet another power outage. To a soundtrack of air-raid sirens, she is counting seeds to pack into little envelopes for shipping. One by one, each precious seed is harvested from the garden surrounding her grandmother’s home, which Olkhovska travels to regularly from the apartment 30 minutes away where she lives with

her husband. It’s not the first time that the plot at Granny’s has come to the family’s rescue. The house once belonged to Olkhovska’s great-grandfather, who planted an orchard in post-World War II Soviet times, hoping to provide income and food. Now his great-granddaughter is cultivating seed there, and not just from the Clematis that scramble over shrubs, festooning their branches with colorful little bells and stars and, later, the froth of all those seed heads. There are species peonies, too, and other treasures. In another scene in the documentary, she holds out one hand piled with the latest Clematis gleanings, each seed still attached to its feathery brown tail. “It’s incredible how many lives — future lives — I have in my hand right now,” she says. But it was another moment, a spontaneous one, that struck Finch most of all in the documentary, as he watched

footage of Olkhovska filming herself cutting flowers to bring home. “It’s very important for me to have some fresh flowers, and I do it despite everything,” she says as she scouts for blooms. “Even when it’s really hard, because it helps — it helps to cope with the problems.” Nature’s influence as a restorative agent and a force of connection is almost regarded as a given by those who engage with the outdoors. “But here it was put to the test,” Finch said in a recent Zoom call. “Put to the test in a wartime situation, of all places.” If there was ever any doubt about the power of the natural world, this was irrefutable proof. “Does beauty still really matter if you’re trying to find food or shelter, or have heat or electricity, or avoid missile attacks or drone attacks?” he said. “Yes, it still matters.”

Special to The Washington Post ·

Q. I’ve got an interesting

problem: When I tried to remove a burned-out bulb in a recessed floodlight fixture in our dining room, the glass separated from the metal threads, leaving nothing to grab onto while unscrewing. I had a similar problem in the bathroom and hired an electrician, who “fixed it” such that he had to replace the entire fixture. I’d rather not go through that again. I’ve read about tricks like using a potato jammed into the socket, but is that the best option?

You are most certainly not the first one with this issue. Proof is in the listings on Amazon: At least three tools are made for dealing with just this issue. But before you go out and spend money on a single-purpose tool, try using one you

Ukrainian

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.

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F8 | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2024

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30-year US mortgage rate rises to 6.77% By ALEX VEIGA

ing their home loans, also rose this week, pushing the LOS ANGELES — The average average rate to 6.12% from long-term U.S. mortgage rate 5.90% last week. A year ago it rose last week to its highest averaged 5.51%, Freddie Mac level in 10 weeks, a setback said. for prospective homebuyers The increase in rates echoes ahead of the spring homebuy- moves in the 10-year Treasury ing season. yield, which lenders use as a The average rate on a 30guide to pricing loans. Stronyear mortgage rose to 6.77% ger-than-expected reports from 6.64% last week, morton inflation, the job market gage buyer Freddie Mac said and the overall economy have Thursday. A year ago, the rate stoked worries among bond averaged 6.32%. investors that the Federal ReBorrowing costs on 15-year serve will wait longer before it fixed-rate mortgages, popular begins cutting interest rates. with homeowners refinancHopes for such cuts amid

signs that inflation has declined from its peak two summers ago has been a major reason the 10-year Treasury yield has mostly pulled back since October, when it climbed to its highest level since 2007. Investors’ expectations for future inflation, global demand for U.S. Treasurys and what the Fed does with interest rates can influence rates on home loans. “The economy has been performing well so far this year and rates may stay higher for longer, potentially slowing the

Deeds

John R. Winters, Kelly A. Saltmarsh and Kathleen C. Winters to Karen Lynn Leblanc and John Ferrell, 56 Fredette St., Unit I-9, $176,000.

Krupalu LLC, to Michelle A. Gould, 78 Pleasant St., $530,000.

Lisa M. Fournier to Chapeaurouge Investments LLC, 46 Harvard St., $300,000.

Alexander W. Kwolek and Betty-Ann Kwolek to Lisa A. Darragh, 4 East Green St., $335,000.

Associated Press

AGAWAM Bretta Construction LLC, to Benjamin Reynolds, 12 Damato Way, $690,000. Doreen J. Merola to William D. Corbin and Susan L. Corbin, 170 Mallard Circle, $300,000. Plata O Plomo Inc., to Michael Edward Trippodo, 44 Colonial Ave., $315,000.

$349,000. Vera M. Sherman, trustee, Vera M. Sherman Revocable Trust and John Sherman to Colin MacNeil, Ruth MacNeil and Ruth Stiles MacNeil, 161 Federal St., $400,000.

Joseph A.L. Marino and Laurie E. Lentz-Marino to Joshua J. Alway, 94 Michael J. Molinari, Anne K. Molinari, Canal Drive, $450,000. Paul V. Boutot and Donna M. Boutot to Donna M. Boutot and Paul V. Robert H. Adair to DPR Legacy Boutot, 33 Belcher St., $50,000. Enterprises LLC, 15 Main St., $320,000.

Gwendolyn Daguiar to Gwendolyn R. Daguiar, trustee, Grimm Addams Sani Realty LLC, to 444 Shoemaker Supplemental Needs Trust and MA LLC, 444 Shoemaker Lane, Grace Linda Ann Daguiar Supple$1,450,000. mental Needs Trust, 340 Amherst Tree House S LLC, to XPB LLC, Road, $100. Main Street, $145,000.

AMHERST Joseph Kennedy to APN Properties LLC, 95 East Pleasant St., and 95 E. Pleasant St., $100. Alfred J. Albano Jr., commissioner, Elisabeth Howard and Catherine Nicholas to Historic Renovations & Rental Properties LTD., 68 McClellan St., $335,000. Stanley L. Warner and Signia R. Warner to Philip B. Torrey and Nancy G. Torrey, 31 Middle St., $600,000. Jeffrey P. Roth-Howe, trustee, and Jeffrey P. Roth-Howe Revocable Trust to Evan Paul Roth-Howe and Maria Alejandra Alcaraz Sainz, 74 Overlook Drive, $300,000. Pelham Road Partners LLC, to Yeon Soon Kim, 370 Pelham Road, $415,000.

BELCHERTOWN Fay M. Flanary to Daniel E. Chase and Tracy Marton, 27 Lloyd Ave.,

BRIMFIELD Scott C. Aikey and Debra A. Aikey to Ja Property Group LLC, 1494 Dunhamtown-Brimfield Road, $320,000.

CHICOPEE Alan Wishart Jr., representative, and Alan P. Wishart, estate, to Anna Marquez and Dennis Sanders, 48 Cambridge St., $233,000. Slosek Real Estate Holdings LLC, to Privilne Real Estate LLC, 799 Front St., $159,300. Carlos Pacheco Rubert to Naisha Hernandez, 553 Chicopee St., $269,000. Dean J. Delamarter and Shirley Ann Delamarter to Ahmed Aljanabi, 19 Dresser Ave., $185,000. DGL Properties LLC, to Torrey Santini and Maegan Santini, 34 Bromont St., $430,000. Janet D. Derderian to Angel Matos Rodriguez, 343 Chicopee St., Unit 12, $165,000.

Nolava LLC, to Nicholas D. Franck, 35 Moore St., $370,000.

Robert S. Talbot, representative, and Glen Blanchard, estate, to Arthur Benoit III, 110 Haven Ave., $245,000.

COLRAIN Darlene M. King, trustee of the Walker Investment Trust, to Paul Gulla, 100 Main Road, “aka” Route 112, $30,000.

CUMMINGTON Lyle Hazel and Lyle M. Hazel to Lyle Hazel, trustee, Janeen Romie, trustee, and Lyle Hazel Family Revocable Trust, 47 Main St., $100.

EAST LONGMEADOW Lachenauer LLC, to Toni Brandofino, 382 Porter Road, $345,000. Mark C. Czupryna and Denise D. Czupryna to Christian T. Dancy and Chelsea L. Dancy, 236 Parker St., $380,000. Samantha F. Taha and Morgan L. Sibley to Richard W. Santasiere II, 30 Bayne St., $220,000. William A. Brown and David P. Brown to Elizabeth Vilkhovoy and David Vilkhovoy, 61 Devonshire Terrace, $169,000.

spring homebuying season,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. So far this year, mortgage applications to buy a home are down in more than half of all states compared to a year earlier, noted Khater. When mortgage rates rise, they 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 rock-bottom rates two or three years ago from selling.

EASTHAMPTON

Walter L. Hawrylow to Christopher L. Hawrylow, 4 Division Street W., $100. Michaela A. Tally to Anne Canfield, 30 Pine St., $282,000.

The average rate on a 30-year mortgage remains sharply higher than just two years ago, when it was 3.92%. The cost of financing a home has come down from its most recent peak in late October, when the average rate on a 30year mortgage hit 7.79%, the highest level since late 2000. Many economists have projected that mortgage rates will continue heading lower this year, though forecasts generally have the average rate on a 30-year home loan hovering around 6% by the end of the year.

V. Bosch Revocable Trust, to Spencer Telega, 41 Norwood St., $286,500. Wicked Deals LLC, to Congamond Management LLC, 231 Hope St., Lot 2, $40,000. Wicked Deals LLC, to Congamond Management LLC, 231 Hope St., Lot 1, $120,000. Wicked Deals LLC, to Congamond Management LLC, 231 Hope St., Lot 3, $40,000.

Erich L. Janes, Marilyn G. Janes and Erika J. Saracino, attorney-in-fact, HAMPDEN to Erich L. Janes, 4 Gross Lane, Bedrock Financial LLC, trustee, $100. and Cumberland Blues Realty Trust, trustee of, to Leslie P. AdERVING dicks and Thomas P. Addicks, 149 Chapin Road, $743,000. Lynda Richardson and Michael J. Richardson to Kenneth Allen Rounds, 5 North St., $247,000.

GRANBY Linda A. Kapinos to Mack M. Son and Bopha T. Son, 140 Pleasant St., $350,000.

GREENFIELD Carter J. Robertson and Justina Smith to Justina Smith, 167 Wells St., $45,000. Matthew Buttolph Jackson, trustee of the Katherine Buttolph Revocable Trust, to Michael J. Marotto and Sarah Marotto, 100 Silver S., $385,000. Damon Blake to Mark Wightman, 200 Wisdom Way, $170,000. Charles Frieders, personal representative of the Estate of Ronald Bosch, “aka” Ronald V. Bosch, “aka” Ronald Vander Bosch, and Charles Frieders and Joyce Bosch Frieders, trustees of the Ronald

HATFIELD Susan E. Lynes, Susan E. Lynes, trustee, Susan E. Bartlett, trustee, and Susan E. Bartlett Lynes Trust to Maxwell C. Bartlett, 323 West St., $300,000.

HOLYOKE Alfred Estabrook to Brittany Wajda and David Wajda, 24 Bayberry Drive, $325,000. Alycar Investments LLC, to Jennit Rojas Diaz and Ronald L. Cruz Fuentes, 44-46 Gilman St., $361,000. Brittany L. Petersen to Kenneth A. Lauzier, Kenneth Lauzier, Julia M. Lauzier and Julia Lauzier, 133 North Pleasant St., $420,000. David F. Nitkiewicz and Hideliza Nitkiewicz to Luz Diaz-Feliciano, 1470 Northampton St., $335,000. David Schirch, Kimberly Frisino,

SEE DEEDS, PAGE F9

HOME & GARDEN

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Deeds CONTINUES FROM PAGE F8 Nicole Frisino and Francis E. Frisino, estate, to Abimael Claudio, 538 Hampden St., $89,000. Deepon Realty LLC, to April L. Rivera, 60 Beech St., $206,000. Jeannette R. Rivard, Ruth Rivard and Jeannette R. Nadeau to Stephanie Szklarz and Angela Marie Figueroa, 37 Franks Drive, $240,000.

MONTAGUE 113 Avenue A LLC, to Avenue A Group LLC, 113-115 Avenue A, $600,000. U.S. Bank NA, trustee of MEB Loan Trust IV, to Jason Michael Secord, 13 Franklin St., $70,000. Ann Engley and April Engley to EDS Enterprises LLC, 7 Avenue C, $189,900. AGT Homes LLC, to Diana L. Tobin and Robert J. Tobin, 257 Wendell Road, $540,000.

Limited Partnership Pearson-Valley NEW SALEM Development Co., and Norman Fine to Remote Opportunities LLC, 4 Kathleen P. Starkey to Adam North Bridge St., $1,280,400. B. Brougham and Marcy A. Northern Flooring & Remodeling Brougham, West Street, $80,000. LLC, to Adrian Cruz, 36-38 Gates St., $435,000. Peloquin Real Estate One LLC, to TKJM LLC, 286-288 Pine St., $1,950,000. Stephen C. Konstantinidis, Ellen L. Konstantinidis and Ellen L. Little to Mohammad A. Dib, 88 Lynch Drive, $280,000. Peloquin Real Estate Two LLC, to PCJM LLC, 38 Clinton Ave., 56 Clinton Ave., 77-79 Elm St., 244 Walnut St., 223 Suffolk St., 101 Pine St., and 184-186 Lyman St., $1,850,000.

HUNTINGTON Ramanjanappa Ravikumar and Subasri Dorairaj to Rt 20 LLC, Russell Road, $350,000.

LEVERETT Barbara J. Raymond to Frederic P. Hartwell and Marie Hartwell-Walker, 295 Shutesbury Road, $118,000.

LONGMEADOW Trevor H. Agnitti and Angelica Agnitti to Donald R. Muller and Kylie Elizabeth Muller, 192 Converse St., $372,000.

LUDLOW Angela S. Berkeley and Angela S. Nurek to Jessica Lynn Walsh, 31 Cady St., $289,000. Joanne M. Bell, representative, Robert C. Blais, representative, Robert Armand Blais, estate, and Robert A. Blais, estate, to Richard Rustic, trustee, and Rustic Family Trust, trustee of, 200 Poole St., $250,000. Jose T. Martins and Susan Dias Martins to Steven A. Crespo, Cislak Drive, Lot 38, $221,000. Tracey A. Ware and Thomas Ware to David Nitkiewicz, 57 Grimard St., $285,000.

NORTHAMPTON

Robert P. Abuza, trustee, Rebecca R. Abuza, trustee, Katharine J. Waggoner, trustee, and Mardi J. Abuza Living Trust to Robert P. Abuza, trustee, Rebecca R. Abuza, trustee, Katharine J. Waggoner, trustee, Mardi J. Abuza Family Trust and Mardi J. Abuza Marital Trust, 226 Chestnut St., $100. Lisa Chodos to Lisa Chodos and Leigh Chodos, 63 Sheffield Lane, $100. Hans D. Michaud to JJK Investments LLC, 16 Fairfield Ave., $500,000. Theodore W. Schultz to Melissa Islam and Ashequl Islam, 80 Damon Road, $175,000.

Irrevocable Trust, 35 New South St., $100. Lindsay Rockwell to Lindsay Rockwell and Ami Ladd, 107 Vernon St., $100.

NORTHFIELD Erin Jaworski, Julian Jaworski and Jane H. Lyle-Jaworski, individually and as personal representative of the Estate of Walter C. Jaworski, to Charles E. Fisher, Lyman Road, $45,000. MW&MW Realty LLC, to Raquel L. Chlosta and Joshua Willis, 21 Meadow St., $370,000.

ORANGE Mary Chaplin to Schwowens Properties LLC, 82 Mechanic St., $120,000. Donna E. Estabrooks, Loretta A. Estabrooks, Philip R. Estabrooks and Diane L. Tilden to James B. Berry and Laura J. Berry, 63 Main St., $901,000.

PALMER Abaigeal M. Duda to B & B Realty Partners LLC, 3205 Main St., $305,000. Bryan Damas and Barbara Damas to Coby Piardi and Natalie St. George, 249 Ware St., $330,000. Clayton J. Lizak, trustee, and John W. Lizak Revocable Indenture of Trust of, trustee of, to Andrew Shevchenko and Nikole Shevchenko, Old Warren Road, Lot 27-8, $100,000.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2024 | F9

and as trustee of the Martha J. McCutchen Credit Shelter Testamentary Trust, and as trustee of the Martha J. McCutchen Martial Testamentary Trust, “aka” the Martha J. McCutchen Marital Testamentary Trust, to Michel A. Clapham and Grace Anne Kennerly, 12 Main St., $450,000.

SHUTESBURY Edward M. Suter and Marialis J. Suter, individually and as trustees of the Suter Family Revocable Trust, to Allen H. Pease Jr., and Lesley Pease, 94 Pratt Corner Road, $487,500.

SOUTH HADLEY Marcus Grothues to Kayla Langevin, 2 Maple St., $269,000. Amy Jamrog and Kimberly Cook to Thomas J. Desrochers, 22 Ridge Road, $345,000. Skinner Woods LLC, to Robert Salem and Marlene Salem, 3 Skinnerwoods Way, $559,900. Kevin Haczynski to Choquette Capital Properties LLC, 266 North Main St., $415,000.

SOUTHAMPTON Philip Corbeil to Charlene M. Lustenberger Corbeil, 18 Noreen Drive, $300,000.

SOUTHWICK

Dawn A. Turgeon, representative, and William K. Sanders, estate, to Eduard Tsikhotskiy and Maryna Lorraine D. Spelko, representative, Tsikhotskiy, 11 Crescent Circle, Edward R. Decker, Delores Belmore, personal representative, and and Frank W. Spelko, estate, to Jen- $371,000. nifer W. Putney and John F. Putney Marylou Decker, estate, to Elaine Kim A. Prevost, representative, II, 27 Country Lane, $675,000. N. Fitzgerald, 9 Cross Path Road, Kim Ann Prevost, representative, $320,000. Patricia A. Prevost, estate, and Patricia Ann Prevost, estate, to PLAINFIELD Linda B. Putnam to Amy B. DickinNatalie A. Gaudino, 11 Fernwood son, 24 Perkins Ave., $325,000. Amanda Grosmann Rieder, trustee, Road, $222,000. Joseph D. Squires and Michelle Daniel Grossman, trustee, Iris Bikel, Randy S. Rindels and Lori Jean l. Squires to Shawn S. Ryder and trustee, and Richard Grossman Rindels to Kevin P. Mahoney and Shannon M. Shaw, 294 Bridge St., Irrevocable Trust to Kivah P. Singh $400,000. and Joshua C. Nordin, Lower Liber- Kathleen M. Mahoney, 13 Lauren Lane, $750,000. Karen Spindel to Rachel M. Prehod- ty Street, $52,500. V F Realty Co. LLC, to FMM Southka-Spindel and Spindel Family Rewick LLC, 561 College Highway, vocable Trust, 61 South St., $100. ROWE $900,000. Alice L. Sadlowski and Alice L. Sias John Nicolaou to Richard H. Watling, Riverbank Road, $75,000.

to Tracy J. Lisewski, trustee, and 14 Acrebrook Drive Real Estate Trust, 14 Acrebrook Drive, $100.

Brian C. McKay and David J. McKay to Sheri A. Kelly and Katie E. McKay, 50 Pond Road, $50,000.

Rebecca H. Olander, Rebecca F. Hart and Jonathan T. Olander to RUSSELL Rebecca H. Olander, trustee, Jonathan T. Olander, trustee, and Rebec- Ramanjanappa Ravikumar and Subasri Dorairaj to Rt 20 LLC, 0 ca H. Olander Trust, 96 Chestnut Huntington Road, $350,000. St., $100. Silvia Araneda Burwell, trustee, and Silvia Araneda Burwell Revocable SHELBURNE Trust to Silvia Araneda Burwell, 35 Deborah K. McCutchen, personal New South St., $100. representative of the Estate of Silvia Araneda Burwell to Maria Leighton Mills McCutchen,Jr., Teresa Hart, trustee, and Burwell

SPRINGFIELD 374 Allen Street LLC, to Sole Room LLC, 374-380 Allen St., $260,000. Athime Continual Wealth LLC, to Welhington S. Dasilva, 49 Prospect St., $365,000. Awilda Vazquez to James Paul Martin Jr., and Michelle Ruth Derosa, 5 Lavender Lane, $290,000. Campagnari Construction LLC, to Anthony George Wallace, 64 Burghardt St., $235,000. Cheryl C. Clapprood to Michael

Goncalves, 117 Nassau Drive, $196,000. Christal J. Vaz and Rishawn Harris to Naomie C. Delva, 3 Hillside Place, $300,000. Christopher Edmunds to Sean Roth and Katie Roth, 63 Welland Road, $346,000. David Kachinski and William Raleigh to Alonzo Smith and Denise Lewis, 46-48 Mooreland St., $325,000. Dylan J. Sheehan, Nora A. Sheehan and Nora A. Snyder to Cailyn Pereira, 150 Louis Road, $273,000. U S A Housing & Urban Development to Jose Rivera-Portillo, 22-24 Terrence St., $250,000. Home LLC, to Mass Rentals LLC, 466 Liberty St., $320,000. James M. Montana, representative, William Gregory Montana, estate, and William G. Montana, estate, to Dominic Kirchner II, trustee, and Cioccolate Realty Trust, trustee of, 14 Dorchester St., $54,255. Jeffrey G. Cabana to Angel Sunuwar and Sarita Bhattaral, 63 Rencelau St., $300,000. John H. Meredith to Jose A. Cruz Rivera, 48 Eton St., $248,000. John J. Damato to Johnny Franco Paredes, 18 Fairmont St., $430,000. Juan C. Rodriguez and Sharon M. Rodriguez to Javier Pardave and Dayana Pardave, 193 Corona St., $300,000. Kennedy Acquisitions LLC, to Wendy Gilman, 305 Denver St., $295,000. KHL Group LLC, to Mheg Inc., 751755 Liberty St., $180,000. 80 Congress Street Properties LLC, to Aldaine Murray, 39 Milton St., $300,000. Luis Infante, Luis C. Infante Perez and Elizabeth Aguilera De Infante to Jose R. Brizuela and Jose Roberto Brizuela, 194-196 Massachusetts Ave., $335,000. Luis Ventura to Angelina Marte Pena, 108 School St., $265,000. Marcia L. Doyley and Edger Dunkelly to Flanders Homebuyers LLC, and Cream City Homebuyers LLC, 54 Princeton St., $95,000. Michael J. Molinari and Paul V. Boutot to Phoenix St. LLC, 27 Phoenix St., $500,000. Nelly Otero and Nelly Collazo to Hiram Maldonado Rolon and Emely F. Martinez Marrero, 19 Granville St., $250,000. New Canaan Properties LLC, to Consultant LLC, Pioneer Valleys Event Catering and Donovan Allen, 442 Liberty St., $260,000. Patricia Haynes Nnaji to Luis Eduardo Perez, 54 Dawes St., $200,000.

SEE DEEDS, PAGE F10

HOME & GARDEN

F10 | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2024

Deeds CONTINUES FROM PAGE F9 Patriot Living Properties LLC, to A Plus Enterprises Inc., 0 W S Chilson St., $40,000. Richard L. Marino, Ronald J. Marino and Eileen Marino to James J. Jozokos Jr., and Mary Jane Flynn, 17-19 Alsace St., $335,000. Robert J. Cotton and Sylvia Cotton to Dnepro Properties LLC, 95 Windemere St., $240,000. Ronnie T. Salas to Jorge Rosa, 515 Berkshire Ave., $405,000. Rose D. Roman and Noel Vazquez Martinez to Rose Mirleine Janvier, 47 Laurel St., $289,900. Round Two LLC, to Hector Suarez, 85 Farnsworth St., $243,000. Sharon R. Raverta, representative, and Roy Fanti, estate, to Cil Realty of Massachusetts Inc., 171 Atwater Road, $475,000. Springfield Gardens 69 LP, and Schweb Partners – Springfield LLC, to Lachenauer LLC, 0 WS Fort Pleasant Ave., $200,000.

Noel Olin, 82 Sackett Road, $396,500. Daniel C. Alvord to Bradley R. Alvord and Shannon M. Boyden, 277 Hillside Road, $250,000. Katie Schott, Katie L. Laplante, Edward Laplante, representative, and David E. Laplante, estate, to Andrew Schultz, 23 Walker Ave., $327,500. Malia Homebuyers LLC, to Ashlyn Whitney Pentowski and Sarah M. Pentowski, 127 Northridge Road, $350,000. Nathaniel Arkoette and Candace A. Francis to Candace A. Francis, 92 Crane Ave., $46,500. Patricia Z. Johnson, Susan M. Zarichak and Carol Z. Glynn to Juan Rodriguez Reyes, 131 Westwood Drive, $330,000. Stacey Albert Sorawat and Shaneekwa Shaunte Perkins to Mohamed Sadique Abdul Cader and Fathima Nusrath Sadique, 405 Montgomery Road, $460,000.

WESTHAMPTON

Robert J. Tobin and Diana L. Tobin to Miguel Estrada-Zavala Steven E. Zeimbekakis and and Brandon Miguel Estrada George Zeimbekakis to Susan Agostine, 775 White St., $310,000. Rodriguez, 160 Laurel Hill Road, Suzanne Duguay to Philip J. Beau- $589,000. lieu, 286 Nassau Drive, Unit 286B, $187,900.

WARE Ryan E. Mulligan, personal representative, and Jeanne C. Mulligan, estate, to Megan Charter, 210 Belchertown Road, $252,500. West Springfield Bent Tree Development LLC, to Peter J. Godbout, 21-23 Piper Road, $449,900. Kerry L. Lafromboise to Congamond Management LLC, 29-31 Worthen St., $200,000.

WHATELY Nicole L. Pietraszkiewicz to David F. Harrington, Kathleen P. Harrington and Susan M. Lewis, 62 Long Plain Road, $605,000. Brenden J. Monahan to Nicole L. Pietraszkiewicz, 282 Haydenville Road, $529,000.

WILBRAHAM Gwen Christine Smith to Katherine Siegel and Justin McKenna, 155 Stony Hill Road, $349,900.

Matthew P. Metzler to Rattlesnake Lok B. Bhattarai to Kiritkumar Holdings LLC, 92 Burleigh Road, I. Patel and Sobhna Patel, 13 Alder- $156,000. brook Lane, $352,000. Phyllis M. Emet to Tyler Emet, GaPavel Duducal and Tatyana briela Fonseca Marafuga and Eric Duducal to Tila Gurung and Emet, 8 Mark Road, $275,000. Sujit Gurung, 38 Humphrey Lane, Robin Farrington Cook and David $396,000. W. Cook to Elizabeth Af Simons Samuel P. Orlando and Suzanne and Jacob Michael Simons, 4 U. Orlando to Matthew J. Sady and Ripley St., $410,000. Amy E. Sady, 115 Peachstone Glen, $660,000.

WILLIAMSBURG

WESTFIELD Aero Fastener Realty LLC, to Conrad Z. Mayeski and Patricia L. Mayeski, 95-97 Highland Ave., $425,000. Centura Bay LLC, to Shakira B. Valentin, 24 Hampden St, $220,000. Conrad Z Mayeski and Patricia L Mayeski to Joshua D. Olin and

Elizabeth M. Hartman to Paola V. Sherman, 33 Petticoat Hill Road, $237,000.

WORTHINGTON Leann M. Mason to Lydia Irene Bussiere, Sherri Schon, Robert Thomas Scott, Iris Scott and Elizabeth McCormick, 584 Kinnebrook Road, $539,000.

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Redfin adds air quality scores to listings as climate concerns rise By Rachel Kurzius

The Washington Post

After a year of record-breaking air pollution from wildfire smoke, real estate brokerage Redfin has begun publishing air quality data in its home listings. Now buyers can see how many days a year on average a particular area will experience poor air quality, and whether that number is projected to increase over time. Redfin launched the new feature this week. Users can find it in the “climate” tab above the listing, along with information about other environmental risks, such as fire, heat, drought and storms, which Redfin has included in its listings since 2021. As with information about schools, walkability and pricing history, the company says that understanding a property’s climate risks is essential for home buyers looking to make an educated decision, especially as those risks intensify. While poor air quality isn’t always as visible a threat as wildfires or hurricanes, the effects can accumulate over time and harm a person’s health. “Seeing all the data helps people quantify the risk when deciding if they’re going to live in one county or another county,” said Daryl Fairweather, chief economist at Redfin. “What’s probably going to happen over time is that [poor air quality] is just another type of weather that people either can adapt to, or they say it’s not worth it” and move to a different region. Recent studies have shown that wildfire smoke has had a significant impact on air quality, slowing or even reversing improvements made since the passage of the Clean Air Act. According to an analysis by Redfin, people are indeed moving out of areas with a higher risk of unclean air. The company studied U.S. Census Bureau data and air quality risk scores, finding

Home buyers that search listings on Redfin’s website will now find information about air quality in the home’s neighborhood. (REDFIN)

ple relocating because of affordability. While they offer “Seeing all the a cheaper cost of living, they data helps people also face heightened climate risks, including severe heat, quantify the risk extreme winds, hurricanes when deciding if and flooding, according to they’re going to live Redfin. To determine the air qualin one county or ity risk of a given neighboranother county.” hood, Redfin relies on First Daryl Fairweather, chief Street, a climate risk data economist at Redfin firm that analyzes the number of poor air quality days expected in the current year that from 2021 to 2022, 1.2 and three decades into the million more people moved future. It assigns each home out of areas where at least one of six ratings, ranging one out of every 10 properfrom minimal to extreme. ties is at major, severe or exFairweather said there is treme risk of poor air quality. reason to believe the new air That’s more than double the quality data could influence number of people who left buyer decisions. Before the those areas during the two company began including previous years. flood information in 2021, it Crucially, though, these ran a controlled experiment high-risk places, such as involving 17.5 million users. Pierce County in WashingHalf of them were able to see ton state and San Bernardiproperty-specific flood-risk no and Fresno counties scores, and the other half in California, are largely did not have access to that clustered on the West Coast, information. “In this experwhere housing costs contin- iment, people did use that ue to soar. The study notes flood information, and they that the majority of those ended up making offers on decamping for other regions homes with half as much are motivated by affordabili- risk” as the homes they had ty, not air quality woes. previously been viewing, she And they aren’t necessarily said. moving to parts of the coun“We know that people try with better environmen- do use this information,” tal prospects. Places such Fairweather said. “They as Las Vegas, Orlando and are using it on some level to Tampa are among the most decide between one home or popular destinations for peo- another.”

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2024 | F11

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Animals

PUBLIC AUCTION

FRIDAY, MARCH 1ST STARTING AT 11:00 A.M.

PUBLIC AUCTION

FRIDAY, MARCH 8TH at 11:00 A.M.

MORTGAGEE’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE

★ (3) AUCTIONS / (3) LOCATIONS ★

7 ROOM / 4 BEDROOM 2 STORY

• BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS •

• 5-UNIT MIXED-USE BUILDING • • 3-STORY THREE FAMILY HOME • • 4-UNIT MIXED-USE BUILDING • 305 K Street; 595 E. 6TH Street; 921-923 E. BROADWAY BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

305 K STREET at 11:00 A.M. • 5-Unit Brownstone Mixed-Use Building • • ±1,300 S/F of Land (±20’x65’) • ±3,780 S/F of Total Gross Living Area • • Total of (18) Rooms w/ (8) Bedrooms & (5½) Baths • 595 E. 6 STREET at 12:00 P.M. (NOON) • 3-Story Three Family Building • • ±2,457 S/F of Land (±20’x122.85’) • • Total of (9) Rooms w/ (3) Bedrooms & (3) Baths • 921-923 E. BROADWAY at 1:00 P.M. • 4-Unit Brownstone Mixed-Use Building • • ±1,950 S/F of Land (±30’x65’) • ±4,386 S/F of Total Gross Living Area • • Total of (18) Rooms w/ (9) Bedrooms & (5) Baths • TH

Send for Descriptive Brochure or Visit our Website www.posnik.com 1% BROKER INCENTIVE OFFERED!! Sale Per Order Of Mortgagee Terms of Sale: Attorney Steven Weiss $50,000.00 Initial Deposit Per Property is Of The Firm Of Shatz, Schwart and Fentin, P.C. Required at Time of Auction in Certified Funds. 1441 Main Street, Springfield, Ma Deposits to be Increased to 10% of Attorney For Mortgagee Purchase Price Within 5 Business Days 6% Buyer’s Premium Applies. Other Terms To Be Announced At Time Of Sale.

Aaron Posnik

AUCTIONEERS•APPRAISERS

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

• SPRINGFIELD •

COLONIAL STYLE HOME WITH

ONE CAR DETACHED GARAGE

23 Foster Street

Features:

SPRINGFIELD, MA

To be Sold on the Premises

• 2 Story Colonial Style Home • ±5,423 S/F of Land • • Total of (7) Rooms w/ (4) Bedrooms & (2) Bathrooms • • ±1,600 S/F of Gross Living Area Above Grade • • Gas Steam Heat • Full Basement • Vinyl Siding • Porch • • Hardwood & Ceramic Tile Floors • Public Water & Sewer • • Zoned: R2 • Parcel ID: S:05320, P:0027 • ★ One Car Detached Garage ★ Sale Per Order of Mortgagee Attorney Keith K. Fuller 5300 Bigelow Commons, Enfield, CT Attorney for Mortgagee

Terms of Sale: $10,000.00 Deposit Bank or Certified Funds. 5% Buyer’s Premium Applies. Other Terms to be Announced at Time of Sale.

Aaron Posnik

AUCTIONEERS•APPRAISERS

West Springfield, MA • Philadelphia, PA 413-733-5238 • 610-853-6655 MA Auc. Lic #161 • PA Auc. Lic. #AY000241L

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

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

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

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

ANTIQUE AUCTION

FRI, FEB. 23, AT 6 P.M. Fine Art 100+ lots - including paintings, prints, sculptures, important needlework, 40+ lots jewelry, sterling, 1930 Red Crown clockface gas pump, glass and china, oriental rugs, bottles, preColumbian pottery, Asian, bisque dolls, clocks, and more.

PREVIEW: THURS. 8AM - 4PM & FRI. 8AM - 6PM VIEW CATALOG ONLINE

www.DouglasAuctioneers.com

When you go on vacation, leave something behind. Donate your newspapers to our Newspaper in Education program. For every newspaper you donate, four students in local schools will receive copies of The Republican. Call 413-788-1100.

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

MORTGAGEE’S FORECLOSURE AUCTION HELD ON THE PREMISES FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2024 11 AM 110 Lancaster Avenue, West 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

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

CALL THE PROS

Professional Service Directory in Print and Online Place your service ad 24/7. Call (413) 788-1234 or go to: www.MassLive.com Carpentry David Orszulak Finish Carpenter

Cats Kitten for sale, male, 2 month old, looks like a tiger, $175.00. Call for details 413-244-8046

- Custom cabinets - Stairs - Flooring

Call 413-813-8238

2 Chihuahua puppies, male & female, 6 weeks old, $600/ea. Call 413-786-0957 or 413-561-5177

Articles for Sale

6 month old white puppy for sale. $300 or best offer. Call 413-966-9152

2022 National Purple Heart $5 Gold Proof coin. Issued by US mint, low mintage with box, COA, $650./best offer, call 413-426-7063

Westie/Beagle Puppies, 3 females, 2 males, vet checked, 1st vac. Ready for Christmas $500. Adult Beagle fem. 3 yrs old $200. 413-596-8190

Yorkie puppy, traditional color, 9 wks old upto date with shots, dewormed, parents on premises. This puppy is going to be tiny. Ready to go. $1900. Call 413-777-3536

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

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 $2.25 per box. CALL 413-596-5783

Ron’s Handyman Service Painting-general repairslight carpentry-installsjunk removal- light moving-labor/demolitionand more. Insured, Senior, and Vet discounts, free estimates, Call/text Ron Roberts, Chicopee cell 413-313-6507 Home & Commercial Cleaning

House Cleaner, 20+ years experience, references available, commercial and residential, Karen, 413-799-1485

Dogs

Beautiful and loving Golden Retrievers, UTD w/ vaccines, males and females available. call 413-885-0773

Handyperson Services

Auctions

Queen Anne wing back chair, mauve, exc. cond. $50.00 Call 413-204-0226

Furniture, Etc. Ashley Recliner, dark blue, 1 year old, $250.00 or best reasonable offer. Call 413-237-5532. Sofa and loveseat $100. Double bed $40. Dresser $40. Cedar chest $40. Recliner $20. 413-525-7747

Musical Instruments 4 Guitars $1200. Call Al 413-237-7430 Agawam

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

Wanted To Buy

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 21, 2024

Cash paid, LP records 45’s, CD’s, reel-to-reel tapes. Rock, Jazz, Blues, Classical. Scott 518-424-8228

4:00PM - SPRINGFIELD, MA 111 MANCHESTER TERRACE DEPOSIT $5,000

Mr Baseball, Coming to Springfield, Buying Sportscards and Memorabilia, 203-767-2407 Wanted Pinball Machine & Old slots. Call/txt/email 617-335-7650. thatpinballguy@gmail.com

Tag Sales Tag Sales Springfield

31 Overlea Drive

Sat. 2/17, 9-5 Sun. 2/18, 9-5

Part 2 Blow out sale, everything must go! Negotiating on all remaining items. Cabinets, tables, glassware, fancy oak server and dresser, linens, clothes, lamps, some Lladro and Hummels, trunks and pewter.

John & Jackie

M.R. Russo Company

MONDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2024 11:00AM-SPRINGFIELD, MA 91-93 PARKSIDE STREET DEPOSIT $5,000

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 27, 2024 2:00 PM MIDDLEFIELD, MA 143 CHIPMAN ROAD DEPOSIT $5,000

MONDAY MARCH 4, 2024 4:00PM - SPRINGFIELD, MA 100 DONBRAY ROAD 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, FEBRUARY 18, 2024

FILL THIS IN XXXX

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