Home and Garden, and Real Estate- December 12, 2021

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Home & Garden F

|

| SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2021

& Real Estate

INSIDE Many are more than doors – elaborate rooms with furniture and lamps and twinkling lights and front porches...

Decorating the tree

FAIRY DOORS: Artist fills her neighborhood with tiny structures, F10 IN THE GARDEN WITH LEE REICH: Dress trees for winter, F3 GARDEN NOTES, F3 PROJECT OF THE WEEK: Portable closet means instant storage, F6

ANTIQUES & COLLECTING: Collecting antiques can help you learn history, languages, F6 MORTGAGE RATES: 30year U.S. mortgage rate slips to 3.1%, F7 WMASS DEEDS, F7

Design experts say Christmas trees should embrace imperfection, tell a story, Page F2

HOME & GARDEN

F2 | SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2021

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

For Christmas trees, embrace the unexpected Experts suggest decorations that tell a story

A

By Megan Buerger

The Washington Post

re you – dare we say it – bored with your Christmas tree?

The same old garland with berries, the faded plaid ribbon, the few remaining silver and gold balls that haven’t shattered over the years. If it’s been a while since you refreshed your bin of ornaments, odds are those old glass snowflakes and metallic Kriss Kringles now seem mournfully generic, as if they were pulled from a dusty, decades-old catalogue.

It’s time to bring some personality back into those branches. We asked designers, lifestyle bloggers, artists, florists and craft experts – all self-described holiday fanatics with their own traditions and tastes – for advice on how to make a tree feel fresh and unexpected. Whether their trick is swapping silver bells for disco balls or classic star tree toppers for artificial exotic birds, they all agree: Christmas trees should embrace imperfection, rejoice in eccentricity and tell a story about your life.

Every little decoration had meaning.”

Today, Hildreth trims two trees: one on his front porch and one in his living room.

The outdoor tree is nature-themed, although it has needed some adjustments over the years. He started by using pine cones, peanut butter and birdseed to draw in local birds, but his porch devolved into “woodland chaos,” he said. “Every squirrel in the region was trying to get in.” Now, he uses an array of plastic fruit ornaments from American Plant that he

“Twenty-five years ago, [my husband] and I went to the Liberace museum in Las Vegas and bought two Liberace Christmas balls,” Adler said.

“Every year, we hang them on either side of the mantel.

They’re as fabulous and ghastly as you could imagine, but they’re ours.”

Otherwise, they keep their holiday decor “lean and mean,” Adler said, usually lighting one of his menorahs (he designs a new batch every year) and hanging ornaments from unexpected places (chandeliers, cabinet knobs).

“Look for local artists who are making ornaments that reflect your community or region.”

ERIKA LAVINIA, OF ANTHROPOLOGIE

“Christmas was huge in my house growing up,” said interior designer Josh Hildreth, who was raised in Minnetonka, Minnesota, and now lives in D.C.’s Wesley Heights neighborhood. He described his mother’s holiday decorating approach as one of abundance. “More was always more,” he said.

But “more” didn’t mean impersonating Martha Stewart or buying out the local department store. “She cringed at the idea of a designer tree,” he said. “Christmas was supposed to be about the beauty of nature, time with family, sentimental things.

swears look real.

His indoor tree is more sentimental and family-oriented, with ornaments that represent a part of his life – a place he’s visited, a person he’s lost. “One of my mother’s best friends gifted us miniature Christopher Radko ornaments every year,” he said. “At the time, I thought they were over the top and tacky. But now that she’s passed on, I cherish them.

They look like love.”

Jonathan Adler, the potter, designer and housewares guru known for whimsical, modernist collectibles, has his own version of nostalgia.

“We have a motto at my company, which is: ‘If your heirs won’t fight over it, we won’t make it,’” he said.

To translate that motto into the language of tree-trimming: If you wouldn’t pass an ornament down to your children, don’t keep or buy it.

“I think of the holidays as a season of unadulterated joy, but that doesn’t mean, ‘Go be a maximalist,’” Adler said.

“It just means that, whatever you do, really mean it.”

If you’re starting fresh with your collection, resist the urge to stop at a big-box store and pick up a tree’s

SEE TREES, PAGE F4

Experts say that Christmas trees should embrace imperfection, rejoice in eccentricity and tell a story about your life.

(METRO CREATIVE ARTS)

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

HOME & GARDEN

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2021 | F3

GARDEN NOTES

Lee Reich | In the Garden

Dress trees for winter

Y

a 12 to 18-inch-long cylinder of 1/4-inch hardware cloth, pushed a bit into the ground, prevents mice and rabbits from gnawing at tree crowns and bark. To keep deer at bay, dangle a bar of deodorant soap in the branches — one bar per tree, the cheaper the better. A mesh bag containing a wad of human hair will be equally repulsive to deer. The efficacy of either hairballs or soapbars depends on how many and how hungry the deer are. Last winter, olfactory affronts notwithstanding, deer chewed the branches of some of my young trees down to the trunks.

Moving on to the “perfume” department of winter tree wear, we find sprays to deter animal feeding on trees. Commercial sprays are appropriately named Deer-Away, Chew-Not and Hinder. Thiram is another commercial deer repellant and some gardeners make homemade sprays from egg whites. These sprays must be repeated periodically through the winter, especially since animal feeding

gets worse as winter wears on. I have had particularly good results with Bobbex; it’s been 100% effective and needs to be sprayed only once a month. The efficacy of sprays also depends on how many and how hungry the deer are.

All well-dressed young trees should have their trunks “made-up.” A coat of white latex paint protects the bark from sunscald by reflecting the sun’s rays so the bark doesn’tt heat up during the day. Paper or plastic tree wraps are sold that serve the same purpose.

I added bone meal to the paint that I used last winter, as a friend had suggested that rabbits and mice, being vegetarians, would not gnaw on boney-tasting bark. They didn’t.

Besides the above trappings, there are a few other measures to avert winter animal damage. Mice find a less congenial home in closely-mown lawn, where they are exposed to the the hungry, searching eyes of owls and hawks, than in high grass or weeds. The surest

Garden club

This tree is all dressed up for winter. (LEE REICH PHOTO)

cure for a deer problem is a fence. Unfortunately, deer playfully leap over anything less than 7 feet high, unless it is a specially designed electric fence. An efficient alternative is an outdoor dog. Give “Fido” a feline companion and you’ve got rodent control also.

Final decor for trees this season is lights. These are not functional, but Christmassy.

Any gardening questions?

Email them to me at garden@ leereich.com and I’ll try answering them directly or in this column. For online and live workshops, see leereich.com.

The Springfield Garden Club will host “Holiday Flora Design and Boutique” on Dec. 17 at 11:30 a.m. The event will be held in person at the Barney Carriage House at Forest Park as well as virtually on Zoom.

Garden members will create and demonstrate floral designs for the holiday season which will be auctioned afterwards. There also will be a holiday boutique offered both online and in person.

Lunch, including gluten-free options, will be available at 11 a.m. The club’s social hour begins at 11:30 a.m., followed by a business meeting at noon and the presentation at 12:30 p.m.

Guest fee is $5 and tickets are available on Eventbrite. com. Visit barneycarriage house.com for directions to the Carriage House.

For more information on this and other Springfield Garden Club events, go to gcfm.org/springfieldgar denclub or visit them on their Facebook page.

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

3160731-01

OUNG TREES I’VE planted are decked out in their winter finery — arboreal attire, perfumes, and cosmetics that protect the trees through the winter. With insects and diseases dead or dormant outside, from what, you may wonder, does a tree need protection?

For one thing, animals larger than insects now pose a threat. Stems, bark, and roots have become enticing food for deer, rabbits, and mice, now that leaves have either frozen or fallen.

And, with winter cold comes the potential for dessication and sunscald of plants. Evergreens are most subject to dessication, since they lose water through their leaves all winter long.

Sunscald, caused by fluctuations in bark temperature, is especially prevalent where the bark is last warmed by the sun each day, on the side facing the southwest horizon.

Young trees suffer the most in winter. Their thin bark is most susceptible to sunscald. And animals prefer the tender wood of young trees to the tough, gnarled wood of old trees.

Here is what the well-accoutered, young tree wears in winter: Mulch is good winter “footwear” for trees. Leaves, hay and straw insulate the soil against low temperatures, and wide swings in temperature. Evergreens are especially thankful for mulch, which keeps soil water unfrozen and, hence, available to the plants during the winter. Never pile mulch up against tree trunks, or else the trunks will rot, and mice not only will have sheltered living quarters, but also bark on which to nibble right at home.

There is a choice of tree furnishings for keeping animals at bay. Down around a tree’s ankle, a “legging” of

SPRINGFIELD

HOME & GARDEN

F4 | SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2021

Trees

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

“Your tree should be a narrative reflection of your life. It should tell your story and capture your memories. It should represent your many Christmases through the years.”

ing, decorate in layers: Tuck larger ornaments farther back, and place lighter ornaments CONTINUES FROM PAGE F2 toward the tips. “When you buy worth of ornaments. “Your lights or ornaments, be mindful of weight,” Hildreth said. tree will feel anonymous, and you probably won’t keep “If you wind up with too many them,” said Erika Lavinia, heavy pieces, the outer edge of your tree will be naked. Light who manages store displays JONATHAN ADLER, POTTER, DESIGNER AND HOUSEWARES GURU pieces help fill it out.” for Anthropologie. “Instead, look for local artists who are • Resist themes. If you aren’t two little girls that love a bit of concept so much, he decided making ornaments that reflect hazard-free copper and gold a particularly crafty person, Adler suggests ditching themed extra holiday magic.” your community or region.” cupcake wrappers. to do it again. “This year, I But what if Christmas isn’t Allow yourself a few years to Last year, Atlanta-based flochopped down the tree mytrees entirely. “They tend to get going. Eventually, your dec- ral designer Laura Wilson went your thing? Grant K. Gibson, self.” feel very catalogue,” he said.

“Your tree should be a narrative orations will feel full, authentic viral with an eye-popping tree an interior designer who splits made entirely of pampas grass. his time between San Francisco Tree-decorating tips reflection of your life. It should and personal.

Lavinia, who lives in Phila• Set yourself up for success. tell your story and capture your It did wonders for her business, and Castine, Maine, describes Flaura Botanica, she said, but himself as “not a holiday decor Measure for the largest tree you memories. It should repredelphia, said her own Christcan fit in your space and buy requests for her to re-create it mas tree has become more sent your many Christmases person.” He confessed to through the years.” crafty and handmade since she are met with a warning. skipping trees entirely - that is, one with the straightest trunk “People underestimate how until the pandemic hit. had her two children, who are • Lean into contrasts. When you can find. Then, get pruning. “Do not skip this step,” expensive pampas grass is,” 4 and 6. This year, they made “In full truth, last year was in doubt, approach your tree like an outfit, with a balance of Hildreth said. “Trees today Wilson said. “It’s only available the first time I put up a tree in paper snowflakes and hung for a short period every year, them around the living room, 15 years,” he said. “Maybe it high and low, classic and kitsch. come out like shrubs. They tree included, and will contin- so it’s about $20 a stem for the was something about being “My ornaments are an exercise force all the lights to the outer limbs, which leaves no place home in COVID times.” ue doing so through Christmas really fluffy stuff. And when I in democracy,” Hildreth said. “I have bought many, both tacky He went with a purposefully for long or large ornaments.”

Day. “The crazy buildup is part forage it, I’m really picky about airy and minimalistic tree in of the fun. With kids, you have the plumes. A tree that large, When you’re done, you should and exquisite, from Tuesday have clear contact with the the spirit of Charlie Brown, to embrace the imperfect,” she with more than 300 stems, Morning all the way to Bergdorf trunk, and the tree should have Goodman. It’s remarkable at would be about $4,000.” with vintage silver baubles said. how random they all are and a certain airiness to it.

Those eager for a more draIt’s also, she added, highly that have been passed down through his family and a handhow beautiful they manage to matic tree transformation will flammable. This year, she’s • Swap disposable ornaful of artificial candles. Rather ments for heirloom keepsakes. look together.” Hildreth pairs find no shortage of inspiration recommending dried fruit, online, where lifestyle bloggers ferns and amaranths instead. than using a tree skirt or base, Put as many handmade ornaa whimsical ornament of Elizhe planted the tree in an old and Instagram influencers are “In my experience, the more ments on your tree as possible, abeth Taylor holding a poodle unexpected the materials are, urn - an idea he saw in Martha Hildreth said, and if you don’t alongside a handmade “Wizard consistently raising the bar. have any, ask for them as gifts; of Oz” piece. “Christmas trees the more showstopping the Stewart Living years ago.

There are trees made of sucthey’re more special than mul- are not to be taken too seriousculents; ones decorated with tree will be.”

“I wanted to do something tipacks from Amazon, he said. ly,” he said. “I’m not against Polaroids, silk flowers, gingerHouston blogger Ashley Rose different while at the same • Layer your ornaments. To buying a hideous ornament just time keeping it simple,” he bread and gumdrops, and even of Sugar & Cloth enlisted her make your tree visually appeal- for the fun of it.” two daughters this year to help said, adding that he liked the multicolored disco balls; and those with colorful decorations her paint large papier-mâché that flow in gradients. In 2017, village houses, which they hung on the tree with wooden Provo, Utah-based blogger nutcrackers. “I love reimagBrittany Jepsen of the House That Lars Built made waves ining traditional decor to valid through 12/31/2021 add a quirky twist,” she said, with her clever paper candle “especially since we have ornaments constructed from

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Don & Dave Runyan | Project of The Week

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Portable closet means instant storage

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

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

Construction is simple enough for beginners. Just

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

The completed linen closet measures 68 inches tall by 29 inches wide by 14 inches deep.

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The completed linen closet measures 68 inches tall by 29 inches wide by 14 inches deep.

Terry & Kim Kovel | Antiques & Collecting

Q

Collecting antiques can help you learn history, languages

U’EST-CE QUE C’EST un chenet? Part of collecting antiques is always learning — whether you’re going deeper into history, discovering a new-to-you artist or learning a term in another language.

“Chenet” is the French word for “andiron,” the iron brackets that hold logs in a fireplace.

The andirons keep the burning logs off the floor, allowing air to circulate. “Chenet” comes from the French word for “little dog,” and they are sometimes known as “firedogs” in English. Perhaps they reminded people of small dogs lying down by the fire. Dogs were a popular decoration on them!

Cast figures in a shiny metal, like brass, were often added to andirons to reflect the light of the fire and brighten the room.

Metal crafters experimented with designs, including columns, animals, human figures and mythological characters.

This set of Louis XV style chenets, which sold for $500 at New Orleans Auction Galleries, features putti (cupids or cherubs), grapes, wheat and gilt bronze scrolls. The set was made in France in the late 19th

This set of Louis XV style chenets, made in France in the late 19th century, sold for $500 at New Orleans Auction Galleries.

(COWLES SYNDICATE INC.)

studios in 1907, moved several times, and began photographing Native American tribes in nearby areas. He also took promotional photos for the railroads and national parks.

Reed won a gold medal for “pictures of an educational and historic value” at the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, where his photos were displayed in the Indian Arts Building. Some of his photos were made in limited editions.

Some have been reprinted.

Some sell at auction for prices ranging from $50 to a few hundred dollars or even $2,000.

If the photos are not in good condition, they will sell for much less.

Q. With the holidays

century.

taken place. What is the value of these old photos?

nal and copywritten Indian photographs by Roland W. Reed. He lived in my hometown of Ortonville, Minnesota, for some time.

My family acquired the photos in the early 1900s. They are in the original frames, which aren’t in good condition, and some fading has

Roland W. Reed (18641934) did portrait and landscape photography and is known for his photos portraying life as it was before Indian tribes were moved to reservations. He opened a studio in Ortonville, Minnesota, in 1899 Fiesta ware was introand later opened a second duced in 1936 by the Homer studio in Bemidji. He sold his SEE ANTIQUES, PAGE F9

Q. I inherited four origi-

A.

coming up, I am pulling out the Fiesta dinnerware that I first began buying at flea markets 20 years ago. I was wondering if regular Fiesta ware is worth a lot of money. I don’t plan on selling it because I love it, but I am curious.

A.

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.

Wedgwood box, blue Jasperware, heart shape, white relief Christmas tree on top, white relief holly on sides, Wedgwood backstamp on bottom, 3 inches, $15.

Christmas tree stand, cast iron, traces of old green paint, cast with stylized flowers and scrollwork, square base with shaped sides, cylindrical insert with turn screws, 7 3/4 x 10 x 10 inches, $125.

Jewelry, ring, love token, 9K gold rimmed band, inset woven hair, gold plaque with initials “L.R.,” engraved inside “JCD to LR,” Victorian, 3/16 inches wide, $190.

World War I poster, female nurse, reaching out, Red Cross uniform and cap, marching soldiers and American flag in background, signed by artist Harrison Fischer, 20 x 25 inches, $220.

Furniture, table, Oscar Bach, demilune, black marble top, iron base with four curved flattened supports, bronze open scrollwork frieze and decoration, 32 x 32 x 11 inches, $300.

Christmas tree, goose feather branches, red berries, wood block base decorated with garlands and bows, Germany, c. 1900, 22 inches, $590.

WASHINGTON

30-year U.S. mortgage rate slips to 3.1%

By Kathy Orton

The Washington Post

Deeds

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2021 | F7

L. Duquette, 189 Michael Sears Road, $100.

AGAWAM Dmitriy Burkovskiy and Liliya Burkovskaya to Greg Burkovskiy and Nadezhda Burkovskiy, 27 Coyote Circle, $400,000.

Edward G. Faits and Paul H. Faits to Matthew C. Bassette and Caroline A. Paleologopoulos, 12 Ridgeway Drive, $230,000.

Alan K. Young, Patricia J. Young and Patricia Young to Libby Overly and Keith Hussey, 227 Old Enfield Road, $439,900.

Edna A. Tetrault to Scott P. Tetrault and Karen M. Tetrault, North Washington Street, $100.

Five Corners LLC, to Mark T. Halon and Keith T. Halon, Barton Avenue, $100.

Kevin J. Ryan, representative, and Janice E. Ryan, estate, to Timothy J. Ryan, 19 Fruwirth Ave., $210,000.

Mark T. Halon and Keith T. Halon to Cody Amelisko, Barton Avenue, $68,000.

Raymond S. Guerette to Timothy Dean, 26 Danny Lane, $350,000.

Michael Joseph Fine and Rebecca L. Fine to Noah Fossner and Allison Fossner, 25 South Washington St., $425,000.

Scott Bognar and Bela Bognar to Arthur Granger, 60 Ridgeway Drive, $216,900.

BUCKLAND AMHERST Frederick Myers and Ilsa D. Myers to Brien Baker, 368A Shays St., $80,000.

Frank A. Cable, F.A. Cable and Caryn Rachel Rothauser to Seunghun Kang and Eunsuk Song, 92 Grantwood Drive, $398,000.

Ann M. Leonard, trustee, Revocable Indenture of Trust of Nancy A. Leonard and Nancy Anthony Leonard to Stephen R. Bruner and Leah C. Schmalzbauer, 26 Amity Place, $400,000.

Echo Village Corp., to Laura Pfeffer, 664 Main St., $40,000.

Brett K. McDowell and Sandra M. McDowell to McDowell Holdings LLC, 32 Gray St., $100.

ASHFIELD Patricia A. Post, individually, and as personal representative of the Estate of Russell A. Packard, to Sterling Land Development LLC, Sears Road, “aka” Cape Street, $7,000.

BELCHERTOWN Jeffrey W. Farnham, Julie A. Deyo and Nichole A. Chilson to Sharon

Florence E. Scott and Raymond E. Scott to Joseph Moynihan and Julie Moynihan, 25 Birch Road, $375,000.

Lynda J. Leitner and William Leitner to Melissa Plesnar, 30 Franklin St., $271,600.

Vincent J. Cole and Beatrice R. Cole to Joanne T. Sanders and Timothy G. MacKenzie, 132 Cochran St., $255,000.

Jean Shyloski to Matthew Ramon and Shannon C. Ramon, 176 North Main St., Conway Road, Off Greenfield Road and Mill Village Road, $636,500.

Amanda J. Kinchla and John W. Kinchla to Michael C. Pascoe, 19 Graves St., $310,000.

COLRAIN Alexa J. Morrell and C. Leigh Morrell to Kasey M. Hebert and Richard R. Hebert II, 205 Greenfield Road, $440,000.

Lori Shearer, “aka” Lori A. Shearer, “fka” Lori Regienus, and Kenneth Shearer to Cory M. Dale and Kaysie L. Maxwell, 3 York Road. $215,000.

EAST LONGMEADOW

CONWAY Bear River Investments LLC, to Regina M. Barrett and John Berard, 2701 Shelburne Falls Road, $240,000.

CUMMINGTON Richard W. Clemo, personal representative, and Nancy Ellen Clemo, estate, to Fern Hearth LLC, 64 Cole St., $169,000.

DEERFIELD

CHESTER Zachariah French to David W. LaFogg and Stephanie M. Pinard, 113 East River Road, $300,000.

Jerald H. Gates and Lois S. Gates to Blake Gilmore and Dawn Tenney, 123 River Road, $720,000.

Dark Star Realty Trust, trustee of, and Bedrock Financial LLC, trustee, to Meaghan Graham and Christopher Graham, 3 Hidden Ponds Drive, $557,200.

James A. Fiore and Marilou T. Fiore to Emily Thomas, 192 Westwood Ave., $265,000.

Keith J. Stone and Cara M. Stone to Patrick J. Walsh and Allison M. Walsh, 4 Canterbury Circle, $565,000.

EASTHAMPTON Margaret Forget and Michael Forget to Colleen M. Longley, 67 Plain St., $370,000.

Joann Marie Denehy and Nancy

JHP Builders LLC, to Krista Suprenant, 190 Marion St., $385,000.

SEE DEEDS, PAGE F8

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After a volatile late summer and early fall, mortgage rates have been stuck in a holding pattern this winter.

According to the latest data released Thursday by Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate average slipped to 3.1% with an average 0.7 point. (A point is a fee paid to a lender equal to 1 percent of the loan amount.

It is in addition to the interest rate.) It was 3.11% the previous week and 2.71% a year ago.

Aside from the one week in November when it dropped to 2.98%, the 30-year fixed average has hovered around 3.1% for the past five weeks.

Freddie Mac, the federally chartered mortgage investor, aggregates rates from around 80 lenders across the country to come up with weekly national averages. The survey is based on home purchase mortgages. Rates for refinances may be different. It uses rates for high-quality borrowers with strong credit scores and large down payments.

Because of the criteria, these rates are not available to every borrower.

The 15-year fixed-rate average dipped to 2.38% with an average 0.7 point. It was 2.39% the previous week and 2.26% a year ago. The five-year adjustable rate average fell to 2.45% with an average 0.3 point. It was 2.49% the previous week and 2.79% a year ago.

“Mortgage rates have moved sideways over the last several weeks, fluctuating within a narrow range,” Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist, said in a statement. “Going forward, the path that rates take will be directly impacted by more information about the Omicron variant as it is revealed and the overall trajectory of the pandemic.”

HOME & GARDEN

3152120-01

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

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

HOME & GARDEN

F8 | SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2021

Deeds CONTINUES FROM PAGE F7

ERVING Franklin Technical School Building Society Inc., to Alma June Escott, 3 Central St., $282,900.

GOSHEN Barbara A. Briotta to Donald W. Todrin, trustee, Diane K. Todrin, trustee, and Diane K. Todrin Revocable Trust, 47 Aberdeen Road, $350,000.

GRANBY Cynthia Hope to Cynthia Hope, trustee, and Cynthia Hope Living Trust, 6 Bittersweet Lane, $100.

Kaylee A. Quenneville to Samuel Haviland, Amherst Street, $55,000.

GREENFIELD Heather Grincavitch and James Grincavitch, trustees of Grink Trust, to Bonnie J. Tuthill, 33 Washington St., $140,000.

Forge Hill Road, $690,000.

HEATH Lisa C. Burke to Donald LeBreux Jr., 8 West Main St., $195,000.

HOLLAND Gerald Germaine and Leslie M. Germaine to Ricky B. Lundin and Valerie K. Lundin, 215 Stafford Road, $395,000.

Homebuilding LLC, and Cormier & Sons Construction to James Edward O’Connor and Taylor O’Connor, 9 Old Turnpike Road, $60,000.

Cormier & Sons Construction & Homebuilding LLC, to Kevin Richard Soules and Sarah Soules, 19 Old Turnpike Road, $60,000.

Lauren P. Hand, Nathan Hand, Daniel P. Kirschner and Erin Kirschner to Mark Andrew Sommers and Holly A. Swiderski-Sommers, 187 Brimfield Road, $335,000.

Nelson A. Rouette to Laurette Marie Johnson, 6 Davidson Road, $420,000.

Andre P. Tourigny and Huguette D. Tourigny to Xin Zhao, 35-37 Gilman St., $280,000.

Arthur R. Sumner and Maxine L. Down Home Properties LLC, to Sumner to Alicia R. Vinci and Louis Briana Rae Brooks Chace, 356 Vinci, 16 Oak Hill Road, $360,000. Maple St., Unit R, $80,000.

HADLEY Christine Elaine Eustis to Eddy C. Augustin and Georgina M. Augustin, 7 Maplewood Terrace, $395,000.

Marlaina Haigh Cataldi to Tiffany M. Castillo, 168 Bay Road, $600,000.

HAMPDEN Janis K. Degrandpre and Janis K. M. Degrandpre to Luis D. Severino, Luis David Severino and Lorena Severino, 185 Raymond Drive, $315,000.

Rosemary B. Taft, representative, Helen Ross Boynton, estate, and Helen R. Boynton, estate, to Brandon Houle and Melaney Houle, 23 Mountain Road, $259,000.

HAWLEY Craig Shrimpton and Pamela L. Shrimpton to Kristin L. Kellenberger and Adam L. Littman, 10 & 12

Joseph F. Partyka, estate, Joseph F. Partyka Jr., estate, and Joan Partyka, representative, to Dakota M. Smith and Alana M. Shea, 195 West St., $286,000.

Katherine Marie Dias and Katherine Dias to Erin E. Middleton, 206 Cady St., $240,000.

Holyoke City to Elliot Properties LLC, 415 Main St., $10,000.

Christopher Zorra, representative, Lynn Angela Zorra, estate, and Lynn A. Zorra, estate, to AJC Investment Group LLC, 26 Green St., $180,000.

Susan M. Shields and Dennis T. Shields to John Wagner, 6 Fenton Road, $250,000.

MONTAGUE Sheila M. Hanlon, trustee of the Mary K. Dillon Revocable Trust Agreement, to Sandi Harris Graves, 5 Bulkley St., $255,000.

Justin Killeen to Dylan Provost, 421 Federal St., $40,000.

NEW SALEM Phyllis Ruth Anderson Rogers, personal representative of the Estate of Pauline Anderson, to Nicholas J. Curry and Ruth M. Curry, 182 Neilson Road, $265,000.

Anna J. Bergmann to Todd Blake, 185 Moosehorn Road, $202,500.

LONGMEADOW Duangporn Lertwongchatchawal, Bertrand Blazy and Duangporn Blazy to Mark A. Suchy and Lauren M. Suchy, 52 Quinnehtuk Road, $595,000.

Karen Ruth McCarthy to Clayton McGrath, 66 Westmoreland Ave., $315,000.

Sarah A. Hanson to Christopher Bushey, 20 Kimberly Circle, $525,000.

LUDLOW David P. Bogacz, Jenny L. Valliere and Jenny L. Bogacz to Torkwan Boonnag and Raymond Colby, 264

Darshan Kaur Khalsa, trustee of the McCollester Investment Trust, to Elaine Toomey, 23 St. Mary’s St., $281,000.

ORANGE Robert L. Leblanc to John J. Lerman, 168 West River St., $85,000.

PALMER Candice L. Swiatlowski, representative, and Robert McKee, estate, to Lucas George McDiarmid and Andrea M. McDermott, 10 Deborah St., $200,000.

Lewis E. Prentiss, L. Edward Prentiss and Regina A. Prentiss to Adam Burns, 20 Searle St., $239,500.

PELHAM Ronald A. Jones and Diane Y. Jones to Siddhartha Purkayastha, trustee, Siddhartha Purkayastha Trust, and Sujatha K. Purkayastha, trustee, 112 Buffam Road, $620,000.

Leon J. Osterweil and Lori A. Clarke to Ethan Chapin and Jessica Brooke Steier, 134 Harkness Road, $966,000.

RUSSELL Timothy Lawrence Garwacki and Brenda L. Garwacki to William St. Peter and Nicole S. St. Peter, 556 Woodland Way, $350,000.

NORTHAMPTON Carole A. LaFleur and John Michael Barrett to Rebecca L. Edwards, 215 Brookside Circle, $335,000.

Maria M. Mercedes and Waleska Figueroa to Solemar Mercedes, 5-7 Angela A. McMahon to Five Rivers Inc., 80 Damon Road, $165,000.

Portland St., $270,000.

Judith Gordon to Blake W. Bos and William D. Ashton to Michael Kristine Bos, 13 Lilly St., $530,000.

Patrick Coyle, 82 Sheehan Drive, $251,000.

NORTHFIELD

MONSON Brian R. Newton to Prentiss Street Real Estate LLC, 70 Prentiss St., 45 Bethany Road LLC, to Buck Ridge Real Estate LLC, 45 Bethany $200,000.

Road, $285,000.

HOLYOKE

Nancy C. Wrisley to Jerald H. Gates ACLES LLC, to Angie Guzman, 126-128 Center St., $230,000. and Lois S. Gates, 51 Silvercrest Lane, Unit 32 Silver Crest CondoAlfaville LLC, to Victor Acosta, minium, $351,500.

34 Maple Crest Circle, Unit F, $159,900.

Marykate Parody and Matthew D. Parody to Brooke A. Doleva and John P. Doleva, 36 Sunset Square, $495,000.

Ventura St., $265,000.

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Property Advantage Inc., to Sebastian Ross, 35 West Farms Road, $272,000.

SHUTESBURY Bradford Spry to Carolyn P. Keeffe, West Pelham Road, $24,000.

SOUTH HADLEY AAD LLC, to Gregory Paul Teran, 1 Canal St., $244,900.

David T. Daly and Christopher M. Daly to Yonatty Y. Abreu, 94 Lyman St., $224,900.

Ericka J. Laquer and Geoffrey A. Kuter to Tory Peterschild and Samu- Nancy C. Godbout to Jan Midura and Krystyna Midura, 376 North Main St., el Lacroix, 292 Elm St., $675,000. $334,900.

David D. King and Dolores A. Elaine B. Ironfield to Jeremy T. Dent, Arroyo to Thomas Shread and Carolyn Shread, 30 Audubon Road, 99 College St., $365,000. $343,000.

Jacie Mesheau to Jacie Mesheau Joanne Jaffin to Jamie Sharken and Corey Sharken, 69 Laurel Park, $100.

Joanne Comerford and Ann Hennessey to Thomas K. Leahy and Emily N. Keup, 22 Liberty St., $375,000.

Douglas P. Bilodeau and William T. Hodgkins, estate, to Jeremy Ober, 80 Damon Road, $49,000.

and Marie C. Mesheau, 15 San Souci Drive, $100.

Daphne L. Hall and Stephen Vincent Hall to David A. Hammer and Michelle A. Hammer, 15 Valley View Drive, $610,000.

SOUTHAMPTON

Daniel S. Ciejek, personal representative, Stanley J. Ciejek Jr., estate, Daniel S. Ciejek, trustee, Gary L. Fialky, trustee, and Irrevocable Indenture of Trust FBO Adam Ciejek & Johnat to Kristina M. Steffenhagen and Nathan D. Steffenhagen, 141 Fomer Road, $530,000.

SOUTHWICK Emily J. Bryant and Sheri A. Bryant to Sheri A. Bryant, 35 Sefton Drive, $100.

Frances A. Ide to Bryan Scott Haselkorn, 83 Bungalow St., $215,000.

Maegan A. Leon and Andrew R. Brown to Jessi J. Duval, 41 Miller Road, $198,000.

Samuel C. Chevalier and Stacey L. Chevalier to Samuel C. Chevalier, 8 Kimberly Drive, $100.

SPRINGFIELD 90 Termar Property LLC, to Serem Inc., 23-29 St. James Boulevard, $400,000.

Albert Y. Garner, estate, and Linda G. Wright, representative, to Scuelin Necklee Thompson and Lloyd George Windross Sr., 1463 Plumtree Road, $310,000.

Ann M Speer to Laurie Lavoie and Gerald Lavoie, 179 Overland St, $220,000.

Birgit T. Velazquez, Birgit Velazquez, Alexander Velazquez Jr., Birgit Velazquez, Kenneth Guerra, Michael Diaz and Samantha Velazquez to Arcadio T. Alvarado, 171 Breckwood Boulevard, $255,000.

Bonita Atanian to Chenghua Deng and Hongyan Ding, 146 Spear Road, $256,000.

Carmen M. Santiago to Angel R. Reyes Rios, 108 Parallel St., $212,000.

Cassandra Miller, Cassandra L. Miller and Mark A. Miller to Patrick Aristide and Lucifie Phanord, 91 Marion St., $200,000.

Donville Riley and Janet Riley to Lewen Cotte, 18 Porter St., $237,000.

Eduardo Valentin to Yeraly Aquino, 19-21 Ringold St., $280,000.

Genesis Rosario to Natalie Sanchez and Jordan Rivie, 85 Cedar St., $163,000.

Gregg A. Richers and Nida C. Richers to College Rentals LLC, 77-79 Firglade Ave., $335,000.

Hassan Saleh to Kaitlyn R. McLaughlin, 84 Northway Drive, $280,000.

Hedge Hog Industries Corp., and Michael Serricchio to Phantom Holdings LLC, 20 Goldenrod St., $720,000.

B9 Industries Inc., to Lucile Duncan, Home Staging & Realty LLC, to 14 Camp Jahn Road, $244,900.

SEE DEEDS, PAGE F9

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Antiques CONTINUES FROM PAGE F6

Laughlin China Company of West Virginia. Pieces of this American-made glazed dinnerware were found on Depression-era tables across the United States and continue to attract collectors. Its value is tied to color and rarity. Everyday items such as bowls and serving items are popular but do not bring the bigger prices unless they are a rare color.

The original colors were red, cobalt, yellow, light green, old ivory and turquoise. In the 1950s, gray, rose, chartreuse and forest green were added. The last and rarest color is called medium green, introduced in 1959. In Kovels Antiques and Collectibles

Deeds CONTINUES FROM PAGE F8 Tasha Henry and David Henry, 75 Morningside Park, $267,000.

2022 Price Guide, a rare medium green soup bowl with molded handles sold for $735.

Fiesta is still being made and a new color is introduced every March.

Q. My husband has an

Allman Bros. T-shirt that he bought at a concert in the early 1990s. Are rock ’n’ roll T-shirts collectible?

Are they valuable?

A.

Rock on! Value, authenticity and condition are top when trying to evaluate concert T-shirts. Other value factors include: a limited-run concert shirt (promotional and not mass-produced), the specific tour for which it was produced or something newsworthy related to a specific tour. Some very rare

lingiri and Nivi Vellingiri, 18-20 Healey St., $349,900.

Sandra M. Pereira, Maria Dossantos and Maria Dos Santos to Kiaranisha Ortiz, 1313 Worcester St., $266,000.

James R. Belmer and Sharon Maharne Belmer to Charles P. Hapcook Revocable Indenture of Trust , trustee of, and Charles P. Hapcook, trustee, 155 Porter Lake Drive, $212,500.

Sharon A. Goodman to Denita E. Stone and Raynard R. Stone Sr., 108-110 Rochelle St., $181,200.

Katherine Spada, Mark A. Guindon and Ralph B. Pelletier to NRES LLC, 160 Laurelton St., $123,000.

Sonia Miner, Steven Jusczyk, Virginia Calrson and Virginia Carlson to Wilbraham Builders Inc., 140 Groveland St., $125,000.

Luis D. Severino, Luis Severino and Lorena Severino to Luis Mathews, 17 Pequot St., $220,000.

Tri H. Pham and Kwanyee Lai to Queen LLC, 316-316 1/2 Belmont Ave., $90,000.

M & B Revocable Bousquet Trust, trustee of, trustee of, and Mark F. Bousquet, trustee, to Springfield Storage Investors LLC, 1021 Boston Road, $1,035,000.

OB Properties LLC, to Michael Molinari, 35 Gail St., $300,000.

Raul Quinones and Christine S. Quinones to Vanessa Rodriguez and Manaury K. Rodriguez, 51 Mary Coburn Road, $270,000.

Richard D. Little to Neffertari Glena Johnson, 89 Amore Road, $202,500.

Springfield City to Crossover Corp., College Street, $3,150.

Steven P. Cardwell to Sandra Ivette Perez, 42 Kulig St., $235,000.

HOME & GARDEN

Siobhan M. Rosa to Jesus A. Molina-Pagan and Michelle Santiago, 38 Bruce St., $279,000.

Victor Gomez and Sherry L. Gomez to Carlos Diaz, 67 Brightwood Ave., $244,000.

SUNDERLAND Thomas F. Devine to Gregory C. Pipczynski, 70 South Main St., $535,000.

WALES Maureen Pasquale to Jennifer Buckley, 6 Woodland Drive, $175,000.

WARE

Taiye M. Ologunro to Sancha Petergay Taylor, 24 Cleveland St., $210,000.

Interbartolo & Ricupero LP, Michael A. Interbartolo Jr., general partner, and Joseph M. Ricupero, general partner, to Shelby M. Bauman, 178 Greenwich Plains Road, $230,000.

Viktor Savonin to Vignesh Vel-

Sonya M. Reed and Sonya Paske

rock T-shirts, like a 1993 Nirvana T-shirt worn by the band’s crew, have sold for thousands of dollars. Most do not sell for that much. A 1982 T-shirt from The Who North American Tour recently sold for $119 at an auction store.

Let your husband enjoy his Allman Bros. T-shirt. The value is in his memories.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2021 | F9

Terry Kovel and Kim Kovel answer readers’ questions sent ed by Donald Bell and Albert to the column. Send a letter Howell in 1907. At first, the with one question describing the company made equipment size, material (glass, pottery) for the motion picture indus- and what you know about the try and professional phoitem. Include only two pictures, tographers. A 16mm movie the object and a closeup of any camera, Filmo model 70, was marks or damage. Be sure your made for amateurs in 1923. name and return address are The Filmo 57, a 16mm movie included. By sending a quesprojector, was made for home tion, you give full permission I’m hoping to find a use beginning in 1928. Old for use in any Kovel product. buyer for a very well cared projectors don’t sell easily.

Names, addresses or email for 16mm Bell & Howell It’s a special item that might addresses will not be pubFilmo 57 silent projector, appeal to a camera collector. lished. We do not guarantee the black leatherette-covIt takes research to find the return of photographs, but if a ered film can carrying right buyer. Try a camera stamped envelope is included, case and instructions. My club. The projector alone has we will try. Questions that are dad bought the projector sold for about $60. The case answered will appear in Kovels around 1930. The projector would sell separately.

Publications. Write to Kovels, works well. What do you Tip: Mint, rosemary, lavThe Republican, King Features think it’s worth, and how ender and thyme will repel Syndicate, 628 Virginia Dr., can I find a buyer? moths. Hang bunches of the Orlando, FL 32803 or email herbs near stored textiles. collectorsgallery@kovels.com.

A. Bell & Howell was found-

Q.

to Donna Marie Warburton, 21 Warebrook Village and 21 Warebrook Drive, $135,000.

Emmanuel Kadima to Kaeli E. Howard, 80 Orchardview St., $230,000.

Erin Foss, personal representative, and Sheila Perrault, estate, to Erin A. Foss and Kenneth W. Foss, 28 Moriarty Road, $140,000.

John Bobrowski to Adrien Andrew Ouellette, 246 Hillcrest Ave., $220,000.

Elaine M. Seveney to Elaine Seveney and Rebecca L. Hebert, 5 Sunnyhill Drive, $100.

Richard R. Goyette to Sharper Holdings LLC, 31-33 Williams St., $205,000.

Leo G. Chenevert Sr., to Leo G. Chenevert Jr., Kim Thomas, Lyn O’Connell, Paul Chenevert and Denise Chenevert, 25 Cummings Road, $100.

John E. Carroll and Cheryl L. Carroll to Eugene M. Rich and Patricia H. Rich, 77 Church St., $390,000.

WARWICK Chalet Properties III, LLC, to Donna L. Dusell, 55 Pine St., $50,000.

WENDELL Michael J. Ring, personal representative of the Estate of Sandra Lee Sullo, “aka” Sandra L. Sullo, to Douglas Simon, 493 New Salem Road, $145,000.

WEST SPRINGFIELD Brandon L. Carrillo to Genesis Rosario and Jose A. Lebron, 220 Hillcrest Ave., $275,000.

Bryn S. Paparello and Stephanie R. Testa to Katelyn M. Hartford, 28 Orchardview St., $186,500.

Purple Diamond Realty LLC, to 52 Baldwin Street LLC, 52 Baldwin St., $443,800.

Raymond J. Stevens, Maryanne Shamatta and Mary Anne Shamatta to Dennis P. Powers and Mary Paier Powers, 121 Sawmill Road, $385,000.

WESTFIELD Eastman Holdings LLC, to TGC Investments LLC, 28 East Silver St., $310,000.

George Phillips and Roxanne Phillips to Robin Glover, 23 Chestnut St., $275,000.

Jeffrey C. Keating to Ricardo Medina, Maria A. Medina and Emily Medina, 8 Greylock St., $262,700.

Jennifer L. Hayes to Matthew J. Murphy and Dawn A. Murphy, 118 Old Farm Road, $300,000.

John D. Zayac and Lisa M. Zayac to John Francis Holt and David W. Holt, 82 Maple St., Unit 29D, $128,000.

Kathleen P. Guevin and Samira E. Zebian to Samira E. Zebian, 105 Christopher Drive, $100,000.

Oleg Temchenko and Tatyana Temchenko to Jeremy A. Black-Manazer, 1008 Russell Road, $365,000.

Patrick W. Barrett to Zachery Scott, 75 Moseley Ave., $282,000.

Robert S. Beman Jr., and Tobi L.

Beman to Konrad M. Jazwierski, 21 Woodsong Road, $380,000.

Roland A. Tietze and Pamela M. Tietze to Daniel Dubovy, 97 Otis St., Unit A, $285,000.

Paul Shannon and Carol A. Diamond to William Kafanov, Bayberry Lane, $25,000.

Peter C. Zaleski and Jennifer Zaleski to Charlene Couchon, 137 Putnam Drive, $230,000.

Sandra Sporbert to Joshua McLain and Amy McLain, 407 Hillside Road, $345,000.

WILBRAHAM Corinne D. DeCoste, representative, and Elizabeth A. LaPointe, estate, to Dnepro Properties LLC, 5 Oxford Drive, $210,000.

Gilmar Realty LLC, to ASL Three Rivers Land Holdings LLC, 285 Three Rivers Road, $329,000.

Shaukat Matin to Brian Nogueira and Jennifer Nogueira, 11 Circle Drive, $385,000.

WORTHINGTON Matthew L. Lamere, Scott R. Taber and Sandra E. Taber to Timothy J. O’Keefe and Timothy M. O’Keefe, 299 Parish Road and 299 Parrish Road, $23,000.

Edward J. Harvey Jr., and Kristin A. Harvey to Nathaniel Robinson and Kathleen Maunz, 221 Old Post Road, $699,900.

Kenneth P. Bechis to Kenneth P. Bechis, trustee, Seth K. Bechis, trustee, and Bechis Worthington Nominee Trust, 125 Lindsay Hill Road, $100.

HOME & GARDEN

F10 | SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2021

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Artist fills her neighborhood with fairy doors Small structures have appeared in neighborhoods and parks internationally

B

By Tara Bahrampour

The Washington Post

efore the pandemic, Kate Young didn’t think of fairy doors as a way to commune with her neighbors.

The tiny sculptures she made were something she did for herself, tucking them into the crooks of branches and the bases of trees near her house in Del Ray, in Alexandria, Virginia. A graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design, she started making them four years ago when she was out of work and saw, in a nearby apartment complex, a little door in a tree with a stone path and a bridge. It looked like a fairyland.

She felt moved to contribute, and started leaving miniature gifts such as grocery bags for its invisible inhabitants. But when she considered making them a little clay pumpkin for Halloween, her father objected.

“He said, ‘You can’t take over someone else’s project,’” she recalled. So she started erecting her own fairy doors, windows and tiny structures in trees and walls around the neighborhood, unsure whether they would be appreciated or considered an eyesore.

“It’s pretty much graffiti, so when I put them out I’m pretty much ready for them to get destroyed,” said Young, 29, who grew up in the neighborhood of narrow lanes and century-old bungalows.

Mostly, she didn’t hear anything good or bad. Then the pandemic hit.

Unable to go to work or

Above is a fairy door in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandra, Va. At left, Kate Young places a fairy house inside of a tree in her neighborhood. (CRAIG HUDSON / THE WASHINGTON POST)

school, people took to walking around. Email chains began.

“Who’s doing this?” people wrote of the doors. Their children, they said, were enchanted.

Soon the fairy post office, a free-standing structure she had installed against a dogwood tree at Mount Jefferson Park with a slot for letters to Santa, began to fill up.

“Kids started leaving the fairies letters,” Young said. Envelopes arrived with stickers and hand-drawn pictures, bearing children’s jagged scrawls or the neat script of parents taking dictation. Some were from nearby neighbors, some from Maryland, D.C., and other parts of Virginia.

Who are you? the writers asked. What are you? What do you do in the night? What do fairies like to eat? Do fairies like bubbles? Are fairies afraid of dogs? Can fairies get COVID? “I was like, ‘No, fairies are immune to COVID,’” said Young, who tries to reply to all the letters. “But the need for them to know their fairy neighbors were OK – it really hit home.”

Young figures she has installed more than 100 doors around the neighborhood. After early polymer clay versions began to break down when exposed to the elements, she now makes them out of resin and epoxy clay.

Many are more than doors –

elaborate rooms with furniture and lamps and twinkling lights and front porches. And while Young now has a job at a local native plant nursery, she also runs a business making custom fairy doors and createyour-own fairy door kits.

Her workshop, in the basement of the brick rowhouse she shares with her partner and a housemate, is stacked with boxes and drawers containing materials and glittery objects she has made. Fairy lamps, fairy bottles and fairy long-stemmed roses, each small enough to perch on the tip of a finger. An overturned teacup refashioned into a house, with a door and windows and layers of buttons for roof shingles.

“The backstory is I am a fairy realtor, so I just build the houses, and the fairies move in,” explained Young, who with her cherry-red eyeglasses and turquoise lipstick and purple patchwork sweater has a fairyesque aura. “I work for the fairies.”

Fairy doors are not just a Del Ray thing and Young is not the only fairy real estate agent.

They have appeared in neighborhoods, parks and forests across the United States and in England and Ireland, and materials to make them are available in craft stores. There is a colony of them in D.C. around 15th and R streets NW. In the Palisades, the backyard of sisters Camila and

Alexa Ballesteros, 5 and 7 respectively, became a hub of fairy activity after their family built a pond with a fountain in the summer of 2020. Since then, 20 fairy houses have sprung up, with one tiny door serving as their portal (the sisters’ parents serve as fairy real estate agents). Now, other children come over to see the growing community.

“We planted flowers and we wrote notes to the fairies,” Alexa said. “We wrote, ‘Don’t worry, we are friends. We salute you.’”

In Del Ray, Young walked out on a recent morning to replace a fairy house she had repaired in the nook of a tree on a quiet residential street.

She glued down a geode next to its front door, explaining that “everything’s better when it sparkles a little bit.” As she walked she scanned the streets for potential new real estate (she usually keeps a couple of doors in her backpack for impromptu installations).

Often, it’s kids who notice them first, being closer to the ground and more attuned to fairies.

“They are so small, you know, some of them you absolutely cannot see,” said Jennifer Liao, who lives in Fairfax County, Virginia, and brought her children, 5 and 8, after she saw a mention of the Del Ray fairies on social media.

“We were looking for things

to do outside during the pandemic,” she said. The family followed a Google map where Young marks the presence of the doors. “They loved it so much,” Liao said of her kids.

“Who doesn’t love a scavenger hunt?”

Many of the addresses on the map include fractions of numbers, a nod not only to the fairies’ size but also to the proliferation of demi-addresses in a neighborhood of carriage houses, in-law units, and additions.

Sarah Lartey’s daughter Grace, 4, is obsessed with fairies, so when Lartey saw the doors mentioned on an email list of things to do with kids during the pandemic, she contacted Young. The family lives in the District of Columbia, but for Grace’s birthday in March, they took Grace and a few friends to Del Ray for a fairy door tour with Young.

“My daughter thought she was the most magical person,” Lartey said. “She came that day dressed as a modern witch and basically explained that she makes the fairy doors as an invitation to the fairies,” she said. At the end, each girl got her own fairy door and a crystal to put in their gardens.

More and more, doors appear that are not from Young.

“It’s getting to the point where I’m finding fairy doors that I didn’t know about. It’s the most amazing thing, to also be a fairy hunter,” she said.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2021 | F11

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

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• LUDLOW •

LIQUIDATION SALE

• MOTORCYCLE • AUTOMOTIVE EQUIPMENT • • WOODWORKING MACHINES • HAND TOOLS • • SUPPORT & OFFICE EQUIPMENT • 2 CRAFTSMAN ROAD, (UNIT 3) EAST WINDSOR, CONNECTICUT TO BE SOLD ON THE PREMISES AND BY LIVE INTERNET BIDDING ONLY

✩ LIVE ONSITE & LIVE ONLINE BIDDING ✩ AVAILABLE AT WWW.BIDSPOTTER.COM SEND for DESCRIPTIVE BROCHURE or VISIT our WEBSITE at WWW.POSNIK.COM

SALE PER ORDER OF OWNER

TERMS OF SALE: 25% DEPOSIT CASH, WIRE TRANSFER OR CERTIFIED CHECK 15% BUYERS PREMIUM APPLIES ON ALL ONSITE PURCHASES 18% BUYERS PREMIUM APPLIES ON ALL ONLINE PURCHASES OTHER TERMS TO BE ANNOUNCED AT TIME OF SALE INSPECTIONS: MONDAY, DECEMBER 20TH – 10:00 A.M. TO 4:00 P.M. & MORNING OF SALE – 8:30 A.M. TO 11:00 A.M.

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

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2021 11 AM 639 Silver Street, Agawam, MA Terms of Sale: Present a $5000 bank check deposit at sale. The balance shall be paid 30 days from the sale. Other terms may be announced at sale. Auctioneer makes no representations as to the accuracy of the information contained herein. NO CASH S. Hill - MA Lic. AU 03381 Receiver’s Sale of Real Estate at Public Auction To Be Sold On The Premises

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December 13, 2021, 11:00 A.M. *

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17-19 Whitman Streer, Chicopee, Ma.

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Multi Family Home believed to have

5 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths containing 1466 Square feet on a 4792 square foot lot Terms of Sales: Five THOUSAND ($5,000.00) DOLLARS of the purchase price must be paid in cash or bank check at the time of sale, the balance paid within thirty (30) days. Additional terms to be announced at the sale. This sale is subject to a 5% Buyer’s Premium.

Dennis Powers, Esq., Counsel for Receiver

Powers Law Group, LLc 1391 Main Street Springfield, MA 01103

Warren N. Schreiber, Auctioneer Lic. 101

125 Simonds Street LUDLOW, MA

Features:

To be Sold on the Premises

GENERAL ESTATE AUCTION

Including furniture, glass & china, rugs, small antiques, and more.

PREVIEW 8 AM - 6 PM www.DouglasAuctioneers.com

• 1 ½ Story Cape Style Home • ± 1/3 Acre of Land • • Total of (6) Rooms w/ (3) Bedrooms & (2 ½) Baths • • ±2,280 S/F of Gross Living Area • Central Air Conditioning • • Fireplace • Covered Front Entry • Porch/Patio • • Vinyl Siding • Fenced In-Ground Pool • ★ Two Car Attached Garage ★

Terms of Sale: $5,000.00 Deposit Cash or Certified Funds.

Deposit to be Increased 10% of the Purchase Price within Five Business Days of the Auction 5 % Percent Buyer’s Premium Applies.

Other Terms to be Announced at Time of Sale.

Sale Per Order of Mortgagee Attorney Gregory M. Schmidt Of the Firm of Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury & Murphy, P.C. One Monarch Place, Springfield, MA Attorney for Mortgagee

Aaron Posnik

AUCTIONEERS•APPRAISERS

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

Auctions Auctions DouglasAuctioneers.com

ESTATES-ANTIQUES 413-665-2877

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

WEDNESDAY DEC. 15, 2021 2:00 PM - WESTFIELD, MA 359 HOLYOKE ROAD DEPOSIT $5,000

TUESDAY DEC. 21, 2021

9:00 AM - BECKET, MA 71 PINE DALE CIRCLE 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

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

MORTGAGEE’S FORECLOSURE AUCTION HELD ON THE PREMISES

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“CLOSE PROXIMITY TO SHOPPING, SCHOOLS & PARKS”

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

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

Sale Date:

CAPE STYLE HOME

FRI, DEC. 17, AT 6 PM

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

Cats Kitten 2 months old, $200.

413-244-7901

Litter of 5 kittens, Brittish short-haired, 2 males, 3 females, $1200/each.

1st shots & vet checked.

Text or call 413-824-5801 Puppy chihuahua mix $500.

Call 413-244-7901

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

Dogs

Place your service ad 24/7.

Call (413) 788-1234 or go to: www.MassLive.com Handyperson Services

RON’S GUTTER CLEANING SERVICE

* Cleaning since ’94 * Insured - Free Estimate * Snow Blowing * Very reasonable rates * Attention to detail CALL OR TEXT Chicopee cell 413-313-6507

Furniture, Etc.

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 2 Extention Ladders, 40FT and 35FT. $500 for both.

Call 413-598-8855 2 Rowing Units w/hand working unit, like new, $20.00 each.

Call 413-739-4641 5 Drawer Antique Mahog. bureau, circ. 1900. $250.00 Call (413) 786-0148, leave message 8’ Fisher Minute Mount plow, complete with snow guard, works great. $1,300. Call 413-537-0442

9 month male German Shorhaired Pointer. $150.

Email bearlyartdesigns@ gmail.com American Bully puppies, all colors, shots, ready now. $450. Call 413-449-1951

FRENCH BULL DOG PUPPIES ready for new home Dec. 12. 2 males, brindle & black, $4,000/each.

2 Females brindle & black, $4,500 each. Almost white, female $5,000. Both parents on premises from Europe. Call 413-478-0763 German Shepherd/ Siberian Husky pups, ready now with shots & dewormer. Fast, smart, healthy pups. $850.

(413) 218-2321

BASEBALL, Football Basketball & Hockey cards, 1950’s-present, 50 to 90% off, selling boxes for $.75 BUYING ALL SPORTS CARDS, RETIRED KOREAN WAR VET 413-596-5783 Light Ceramic kitchen set w/4 chairs, exc. cond., $100. Call 413-331-4762 or 413-331-3633 Truck tool box ’Aluminum’ and locks. 62’’ x 20. $100.

Call 413-313-3658

Building Materials New Jeld-Wen entry door, 32x80, 4 5/8 jam, double bore, $150. 413-537-0442

Fitness Equipment Golden Retriever Labrador mixed pups, one girl, one boy. $950./each.

Call 413-829-9536 Rotties Pups - Avail NOW in LUDLOW, 5 males, 4 females $1,000/each. Tails docked. Call 413-589-0314

Streetstrider - Exerciser used one time original price $1,400.

Offered at $700.

Call 413-271-2520 evenings after 5pm.

Light Blue velvet 84’’ sofa, tufted back, 2 blue velvet side chairs, $300. Great cond. Call 413-536-4181.

Professional Equipment Beauty Salon furniture 2 stations, 2 styling chairs, 2 dryer chairs $100. each.

Call 413-539-7218

Wood Burning Stoves Quadrafire Pellet Stove, runs great $450.

Call 413-478-6306

F12 | SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2021

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

THIS IS WHAT A HEART ATTACK FEELS LIKE TO A WOMAN. (CHEST PAIN, DISCOMFORT, PRESSURE OR SQUEEZING, LIKE THERE’S A TON OF WEIGHT ON YOU)

Other Heart Attack Symptoms to Watch Out For:

If you experience any one of these symptoms, don’t make excuses for them. Make the Call. Don’t Miss a Beat.

To learn more, visit WomensHealth.gov/HeartAttack

SP22748

Shortness of breath • Nausea • Light-headedness or sudden dizziness • Unusual upper body pain, or discomfort in one or both arms, back, shoulder, neck, jaw or upper part of the stomach • Unusual fatigue • Breaking out in a cold sweat