While many are making home design choices to accommodate their pets, some are going bigger building feeding stations and mudrooms.
A home that’s fit for your pets
How pets are driving home design
By Jolie K err
The Washington Post
MIKE TARTAMELLA, a managing principal at Patrick Ahearn Architect, has helped clients restore some of Massachusetts’s important historic homes, including the John Hardy House in Wellesley and the Admiral Chin House in Edgartown. He has also designed a lavish outdoor space for goats.
“We’ve done animal yards, we’ve done chicken coops,” Tartamella says, drawing a straight line from the pandemic to the surge in pet-driven design requests his firm receives.
“ With the advent of covid, everybody got animals,” he says, “me included. I thought I’d never get a dog, and you know, we got a dog.”
Regardless of how they came to be a part of the family, our pets, says Kathy Kuo, founder and CEO of Kathy Kuo Home,
“are truly part of the family, and almost every space in the home needs to be welcoming for the pet.”
For most pet parents, design choices meant to accommodate their furry (or feathered, or scaled) friends are relatively simple ones: choosing performance materials that can withstand chewing, clawing and general-purpose romping, and color palettes that camouflage fur. But some are going bigger, building custom feeding centers in the kitchen, complete with pot fillers to top off water bowls, installing dog wash stations in their mudrooms and designing elaborate antechambers where cats can ponder the big questions of the universe.
Stations that turn feeding time into a high dining experience
Isfira Jensen, the principal designer and CEO of Jensen & Co. Interiors, considers her 3-year-old, shih tzu, Bentley, a part of her family. “I’m known to spoil him, so when remodeling my house, many
Yes, you can get rid of that stinky dog smell. Here’s how.
By C olleen G rablick
The Washington Post
LIVING WITH A PET IS an exercise in compromise. In exchange for years of companionship, entertainment and endless love, you tolerate the stains and various odors they leave behind in your home.
From accidents to litter boxes, pets come with a potpourri of unpleasant aromas. But with some vigilance and planning, you can keep your home smelling fresh.
Removing accidents and stains
to let your animals back on it. (And if you’re concerned about a cleaner damaging the color of the fabric, DiNicolantonio suggests testing it on a small, less-visible area first.)
of my design decisions were made with him in mind,” she says performance fabrics for upholstered pieces and area rugs, matte finish hardwood and porcelain tile that are forgiving of claw marks. But she also splurged on incorporating a pet feeding station into their kitchen cabinetry.
“This built-in feeding station is a game changer because of the elevated design and how it provides concealment of clutter,” Jensen says. These stations streamline the twice-daily task of feeding your pet, giving them their own dedicated space for eating that is free from distractions; get bowls out of the way; provide a place for storing large bags of food, treats, medicine and other supplies; and, of course, enhance your pet’s dining experience. (Jensen estimates that using pet-friendly performance fabrics added 20 percent to her budget; the feeding station cost $2,000; and installing durable flooring in her 3,500-square-foot home cost $30,000.)
The sooner you catch a mess, the better the odds you’ll be able to restore the material to its original state and avoid unpleasant smells. But even if you’re a bit late to the scene (animals typically reserve their bathroom issues for when owners aren’t home) don’t assume you have to toss your favorite rug or couch cushion. It’s still possible to remove the stain and certainly the odor if you use the right products. Best practices for odor and stain removal vary according to what kind of mess you’re dealing with, and what type of surface your animal chose to do their business on.
For urine, you’ll generally want to get a special urine remover, according to Kristin DiNicolantonio, a senior director of communications with the American Cleaning Institute. Look for something that has enzymes in it; these work to break down the molecules in pee and are especially effective at targeting that ammonia smell associated with cat urine.
If the pee is on a material like a carpet, rug, couch or mattress, blot away the excess liquid before going in with your urine-enzyme spray. After spraying, wait three minutes, then wipe the area with a damp cloth. You’ll want to wait until it’s completely dry
For poop on those same surfaces, DiNicolantonio recommends an at-home mixture: add a half tablespoon of dishwashing liquid to one tablespoon of white vinegar and two cups of warm water. Obviously, the first step is to remove and dispose of the poop. Then blot the stain slowly with the vinegar mixture and a cloth. When all of the excess liquid is gone, repeat and blot until you no longer see the poop. Wipe the area with a cloth dampened with cold water, then blot with a fresh sponge. If the mess is on a cushion or mattress with a removable cover, it’s best to throw that in the washer with an enzyme-based detergent, too.
For pee or poop on less-porous floors and surfaces like tile, granite and marble, any antibacterial disinfectant should remove both the stain and odor. You could still go in with an enzyme spray first to ensure any microbes are completely broken down before attacking the area with rags and disinfectant.
Living with a pet is an exercise in compromise. In exchange for years of companionship, entertainment and endless love, you tolerate the stains and various odors they leave behind in your home.
(CREDITS: ADOBE STOCK)
Design
Custom doggy spas for outdoorsy types
Denver resident Elizabeth Valeski worked with interior designer Laura Medicus on a dog wash for Charlie, a 6-year-old golden retriever whose outings to nearby Cherry Creek State Park make frequent baths a necessity.
Washing Charlie in the upstairs bathtub left the house covered in dirt and required his humans to bend over, straining their backs. “We wanted a dog shower in our mudroom, right next to the door so that we could enter the house, pick up Charlie and plop him right in,” Valeski says. To get the custom spa just right, she says, “We put Charlie on a table and measured the appropriate height that would make it easy to wash him standing up.” The space underneath the shower has baskets that hold his toys, food and treats, and wall-mounted hooks keep towels and an apron nearby.
“The size is perfect, the location is ideal, and it’s easy to wipe down,” Valeski says. “Because the shower is not contained, it’s easy to get Charlie in and out.” The project, which Valeski says cost around $3,500, came with an unforeseen bonus: “One thing that’s been extra handy is using the shower to water plants and spray off our kids’ dirty feet.”
People who have especially outdoorsy pets say that these types of grooming stations make a huge difference in their day-to-day lives, more than justifying the cost of the custom work.
Thomas and Valerie Frederick have three golden retrievers and one Labrador. “It’s a lot,” they say. Stuart Pumpelly, a Virginia-based project manager at Four Brothers Design + Build, redesigned the couple’s laundry and mudroom with a separate entrance for the dogs, a dog-washing stall, feeding station and bedding. The space can also be completely isolated from the main living area of the house when needed. “It’s a practical,
low-maintenance space that makes life with active dogs a little easier — and a lot cleaner,” the Fredericks say.
Montessori for cats
While they tend not to be as exuberant in their mess-making as dogs, cats have needs, too. And for cat people, ensuring that Fluffette is intellectually stimulated is as important as finding a litter box management system that works.
“We had one client that designed and installed an intricate floating shelving system for their cat to climb and play on,” Pumpelly says.
“The shelving was a beautiful walnut, and it created a feature wall of sorts.” Laura Hildebrandt, the owner and principal interior designer of Interiors by LH, is working on a cat room featuring a climbing apparatus, scratching area and places for lounging, hiding and sleeping.
Creative ways to manage litter boxes are high on the list of upgrades for cat parents. Medicus recently created an enclosed underthe-stairs kitty litter room for a client with two cats: One opening allows the cats to come and go at their leisure, and the other allows access for their human to clean and replenish their litter.
If a built-in litter box isn’t in your budget, Jensen suggests heading to your local big box or discount store for materials. “I’ve seen a number of cat owners turning Ikea cabinets or old consoles into kitty litter enclosures,” she says.
“With a little creativity, some ventilation holes, and a litter mat, owners are able to have a stylish furniture piece while hiding the kitty mess.”
Elevators and goat pens and chicken coops (oh my)
“Ease of feeding and cleaning are definitely the top needs leading to the design decisions,” Pumpelly says, but unusual requests are, well, not that unusual. Jensen says her most unusual request was to design a pet elevator for a senior dog. “The owner was also older so this inclusion was a must for them.”
While they tend not to be as exuberant in mess-making as dogs, cats have needs, too. (ADOBE
Lee Reich | In the Garden
Which is the best variety of basil?
“ No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, & no culture comparable to that of the garden. Such a variety of subjects, some one always coming to perfection, the failure of one thing repaired by the success of another, & instead of one harvest a continued one thro’ the year. Under a total want of demand except for our family table I am still devoted to the garden. But tho’ an old man, I am but a young gardener.”
THAT’S WHAT THOMAS JEFferson wrote to Charles Willson Peal on August 20, 1811. Mr. Jefferson had it right. One thing, among many others, that makes gardening so rewarding for me is that there’s always something new to learn about plants and their cultivation.
Take basil, for instance, which I, like many of you, have grown for many years. I’ve always been satisfied with a good harvest, enough for adding pizazz to summer salads and for preserving — dried, or frozen as pesto — for winter. But basil growing became more involved some years ago after a seed company sent me sample packets of a
GARDEN NOTES
STOCKBRIDGE
Upcoming program at Berkshire Botanical Garden
Berkshire Botanical Garden presents the following upcoming programs. Monday, July 7, “Music Mondays,” featuring Glori Wilder and the Moonflowers. Concerts are held in front of the Fitzpatrick Greenhouse from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Food will be available for purchase from Hand Crafted Catering + Events, and beer and wine can be purchased from Another Round Mobile Bar. Come early and for their Farmers Market from 3 to 6 p.m. Cost $15 members, $25 nonmembers; Thursday, July 10, “Wines of France: A Pre-Bastille Day Celebration.” 6 to 7:30 p.m. Join Dare Bottleshop & Provisions and fellow wine lovers for an intimate evening at the Berkshire Botanical Garden Center House
Spicy Globe is a dwarf basil which, besides being tasty, makes a nice ornamental plant. (LEE REICH PHOTO)
few varieties of basil, and then I spoke with some commercial herb growers. In spring, I planted short rows of all
as we raise a glass to the best of French wine at the height of the summer season. This engaging seminar will take guests on a journey through France’s most iconic wine regions — one sip at a time. Explore a thoughtfully curated selection of wines representing diverse styles, grapes and terroirs, all while learning about the history and modern-day significance of French wine in the global landscape. Cost is $60 members, $80 nonmembers; Friday, July 11, “Family Fridays: Animal Menagerie.” Join us for Animal Menagerie with Sharon Audubon from 11 a.m. to noon. Animal life and its diversity are astounding. Join Sharon Audubon to learn about live birds, reptiles and insects. Learn about each group of animals as they compare the biology, behavior, ecology, and physical and behavioral adaptations of different animals. Family Fridays are free with Garden admission, and BBG members are admitted free of charge. To register or for more
the varieties I had, with a row marker at the head of each row. The tags were unnecessary, for no two varieties looked alike and I could have deduced the variety names by the catalogue descriptions.
Flavor has always been my reason for growing basil, and I wondered just how different each variety would taste from its neighbor one row over. So, I picked leaves of each variety and nibbled them. I rubbed their leaves between my palms, then inhaled deeply their aromas. I invited visitors to sample each variety, and as they sampled, I badgered them with questions and jotted down notes. A pasta dinner was needed so we could evaluate each type of basil made into a pesto sauce. What torture!
There actually were differences in taste between the basils. The variety called Sweet lived up to its name with a mild flavor. The similarly mild flavor of Napolitano had the slightest hint of licorice; that of Spicy Globe, the slightest suggestion of mint. Progressively stronger in flavor were Lettuce Leaf, then Fino Verde. The taste of Genova
information, visit www.berkshirebotanical.org. Berkshire Botanical Garden is located at 5 West Stockbridge Road.
WEST SPRINGFIELD West Springfield Garden Club meeting
The West Springfield Garden Club will meet on Thursday, July 17, at 6 p.m. in the J. Edward Christian Municipal Office Building, 26 Central Street. Parking is available in the Municipal lot across the street. The program will be held in the Justin Morgan Auditorium on the second floor. The evening’s guest speaker will be Patti Bessette, owner of Zenful Spaces. Patti’s topic will be “Hardy Succulents: Beyond the Rock Garden.” She will demonstrate how to employ vertical space to display succulents, using birdbaths and terracotta towers to add interest to the garden. Learn which containers, soil, water, and light are needed to
was strong, bordering on acrid. Syracusa was one of the best — strongly aromatic, yet smooth to the palate. I also grew some of the newer varieties resistant to downy mildew disease. Basil downy mildew is a relatively newcomer here, making itself seen by causing a slight yellowing of the leaves, with purple fungal spores on leaf undersides. I’ve got little more to say about those varieties because none of their flavors were notably better or as good as the non-resistant varieties, because the disease rarely shows up here, and because it can be controlled with abundant sunlight and good air circulation, and by avoiding infected plants, leaves, or seeds. What’s more, disease resistance is a matter of degree, and various degrees might also exist among the varieties not bred as such.
Honestly, though, the differences in flavor among the tasty varieties were not dramatic; rather, they were subtle nuances of the familiar basil flavor. And tasting a few varieties does put objectivity on shaky ground.
make a successful display. The public is welcome to attend. Please contact Joan at graceshad@msn.com to RSVP.
EAST LONGMEADOW East Longmeadow Garden Club presents scholarship
Branden Hrdlicka and his family attended the annual luncheon-meeting of the East Longmeadow Garden Club on Thursday, May 29. Diane Tiago, Scholarship Chair, presented him with a certificate representing the Esther A. Rosati Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1,000.
Branden completed his junior year at Westfield State University where he has chosen to major in two different areas: Environmental Science and Regional Planning. According to Tiago, this is not the first time Branden has received the award. In a previous year
he stated that he wanted to be an active participant and leader to help find solutions that will improve our environment. He has stayed the course.
As a member of the college’s extra-curricular Environmental Group, Branden participated on canoe expeditions on the Westfield River which aligns with his vocational plan to work in water resources. He explained that water is an essential element of life but lacks proper attention.
As part of Branden’s Applied Science of the Environment course, Branden and his classmates went on a ten-day trip to Costa Rica with Professor Michael Vorwerk, Chair of the Environmental Science Department at Westfield State University. Branden shared brochures, photos, and explained about its ecosystem. He related his experiences and explorations while there.
Send items for Garden Notes to pmastriano@repub.com two weeks prior to publication.
“Yankee Home did an amazing job removing our old bathtub and installing a stand alone shower in its place. They quoted 2 days and finished it all in 1 day. Extremely happy with the results, would recommend Yankee Home 100 percent!!
-Mike F.
My front door looks terrible. Is there a way to rescue it?
By Jeanne Huber
The Washington Post
Q.The exterior side of our front door looks like it’s spotted with mildew. I asked two house painters if they could fix it, but they were not interested. What should we do?
A. A front door should smile at all who enter. But a door with worn or peeling finish and patches of mildew is not smiling.
If mildew were the only issue, you could probably just wipe it off. The finish on exterior wooden doors is usually slick and washable. It needs to stand up to rain, after all. But, judging from the picture you sent, the finish on your door appears to have flaked off in areas. UV rays from the sun could be the main culprit. UV degrades wood fibers near the surface enough so that they lose their hold on the wood underneath. The fibers slough off, carrying the finish with them. This gives moisture an easy path in, causing further damage. At this point, the only solution is to remove the finish, smooth the wood and start over. You could opt for a door that looks like natural wood enhanced with a stain to add a little color. Or you could go for an opaque stain or even paint. You could tackle the job yourself or hire a pro. Some house painters might be happy to do the work, but you’re more likely to get a commitment from a company that specializes in restoring woodwork. In the Washington metro area, one option is the D.C. location of Doorstain, a company that started in Atlanta seven years ago.
Russ Rol, a supervisor at the D.C. Doorstain, looked at the picture you sent and gave an estimate: $1,530. That would include chemically stripping the old finish, sanding down to bare wood, applying a wood conditioner to ensure that the wood absorbs stain evenly, multiple coats of an oil-based
with the door down and the entry to your home covered with plywood or another temporary fix, try prepping the lower part of the door while it’s in place and tackling only the higher sections when it is down.
stain, a sanding sealer and one or two coats of an oilbased marine varnish that protects against UV damage. The work would be done in one day, at your house. The crew would start by taking off the door and covering the opening with plastic, then they would do all the prep and staining steps with the door horizontal. Typically, that’s done by 4 p.m., Rol said, leaving enough time to reinstall the door and brush on the varnish.
With all these steps, how long does the finish last?
Maybe four or five years, Rol said, but he noted that there can be great variation depending on whether the door gets direct sun or is sheltered by a porch roof. If a customer pays attention and has the door refinished when the old varnish is just beginning to show a few cracks or dullness, it’s possible to spruce up the finish without sanding down to bare wood. Doorstain offers a basic refinishing package — including a light sanding, an application
of stain and new varnish — for $1,310.
Homeowners who can’t find someone willing to tackle a door refinishing project, who are on a tight budget, or who enjoy DIY projects can redo a door on their own at far less cost. A trusted handyman service might also be an option. The biggest challenge is removing the old finish and sanding down to bare wood. Switching to a painted door would minimize the work because the surface just needs to be smooth and devoid of loose bits of finish and wood fibers; stained wood fibers and even intact areas of finish can remain as long as edges of the remaining paint are rounded over, and the entire surface is at least scuff-sanded. And a painted door will stay in good shape much longer — probably 10 years or more — than one with stain and varnish.
Whether you are aiming to stain or to paint, to get off the old finish and the loose wood fibers you could use a sharp paint scraper followed by sandpaper, starting with
a coarse grit, maybe 80, then a medium grit, maybe 150, and finishing with 220 grit. Sanding sponges in the various grits would be helpful around edges of the panels. Pay attention as you sand, though: Some doors have a thin veneer, and you don’t want to sand through it. If you see that happening, use a chemical stripper to get off the old finish and just lightly hand-sand.
If you’re painting, Sherwin-Williams has a good online guide about the steps involved. They suggest leaving the door in place and covering hardware with tape or, in the case of the knob, aluminum foil. But when there is a lot of old finish to remove, as on your door, you might find it easier to work on the door when it’s off its hinges and resting on sawhorses.
Front doors are heavy, though, so have someone assist. Don’t try to unscrew the hinges while the door is vertical; instead, tap up on the hinge pins and remove them. To minimize the time
If you want to keep the natural wood look enhanced by stain, Sherwin-Williams recommends using Minwax Gel Stain. Gel stain is an oilbased product with a thick consistency that is designed to be rubbed, rather than brushed, on. The color sits on the surface of the wood, so there’s less risk of the blotchiness that can occur with standard oil-based stains, which penetrate into the wood. Over the gel stain, the company recommends Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane, which comes in an oil-based formula or in a water-based formula. Between the two coats, lightly handsand with 320-grit sandpaper. Other paint companies also offer gel stains and clear coatings that have UV resistance built in. Generally, it’s smart to stick to one brand to avoid possible incompatibilities in the products.
Whether you hire someone to stain and finish the door or do it yourself, remember that you will need to do frequent maintenance to keep it looking great. Asked whether an oil-based urethane would last longer than a water-based one, a customer-service representative for Sherwin-Williams wouldn’t say. “It’s a maintenance application no matter which one you use,” she said. “In three to five years, it’s going to need attention.”
But if you do give the door the care it needs then, you can skip all the hard work of removing the finish and starting over. Washing the door and lightly hand-sanding just to dull the surface is enough. You don’t need to take down the door for this. Then brush on a coat or two of the same finish you used initially and you’re good to go for another three to five years.
Homeowners who are on a tight budget, or who enjoy DIY projects can redo a door on their own at far less cost. (ADOBE STOCK IMAGE)
Smell
And for best results, make sure you follow the directions on any cleaning product to the letter, says Stephen Cole, a vet and an assistant professor of veterinary microbiology at the University of Pennsylvania.
“Like, exactly how the manufacturer recommends it, or else it probably won’t work the same way,” he says. “If you want to disinfect a surface, all you need to do is make sure that it gets cleaned first, and then use the disinfectant. It has to stay wet for the amount of time that it says on the back of the container in order for it to be effective.”
Furnish strategically
An easy way to avoid soiled sofas and stinky beds is to prep your furniture with protective materials before you bring the pieces around your pet. It’s a good idea to get waterproof mattress pads and to slipcover any nice furniture or treat it with a fabric stain protector. If you’re in the market for new furniture, think about the fabric and make of the piece before bringing it home. DiNicolantonio, who also has a
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background in interior design, says you can look for specific stain- and pet-resistant weaves in chairs, sofas and rugs; the tighter the weave and higher the thread count, the more durable it will be in the face of stains and even scratches. While leather might seem like a sensible option it won’t cling to fur and air hair like other materials it’s not the most pet-friendly upholstery.
“If your leather is untreated, it’s going to be easier to cause stains and odors and the leather can become dry and brittle,” DiNicolantonio says. She recommends pet parents avoid leather altogether. (Your best bets will be something like microfiber, wool, or polyester even if it loses a few points in the style department.) If the leather is already in your home, check with the manufacturer on the proper treatment and conditioning protocols before
Maybe even the order of tasting is important.
So, which is the best variety of basil? This brings us back to the striking difference in appearance between the varieties. Since the differences in taste were not that great, I usually choose a basil variety on the basis of plant size, and the size, color, shape, and texture of its leaves. If I want a basil with a very large leaf — perhaps large enough to wrap around a piece of fish to bake — I’ll grow Mammoth.
For drying or pesto, I like a variety with a lot of leaf and a minimum of stem. (The dried stems are useless; they’re basil-flavored twigs.) So, any variety except small-leaved Fino Verde or Spicy Globe would be suitable for pesto.
For eating fresh in salads, even the small-leaved varieties are okay, since the fresh, young stems are tender.
Living with a pet is an exercise in compromise. You tolerate the stains and various odors they leave behind in your home. (ADOBE STOCK PHOTO)
trying to clean it. Enzyme removers can work to kill the bacteria and odor of the pet mess, but they may also remove the dye on your leather, leaving a mark, or dry it out, leaving it dull. Test everything on a small, hidden part of the furniture before trying anything major.
Choose their space carefully
In terms of reducing more general pet odors, take a hard look at where you store their things. Bacteria love moisture, for example, so keeping a litter box in the bathroom can trap odors longer than necessary. Ideally (if your cat will tolerate it), you would move the litter box to a dry corner of a low-traffic, low-visibility room, such as a small closet or office, to prevent the smells from permeating more lived-in spaces. If that’s not an option,
One of the purple-leaved varieties could be used fresh to add a splash of color in salads.
I might grow some basils just for decoration, even if they had no culinary use. Spicy Globe basil, planted close together, makes soft, green mounds resembling a miniature boxwood hedge — a nice border for a terrace or a flower garden. The deep purple color of Dark Opal would contrast nicely with bright yellow and orange zinnias in a sunny flower border. Purple Ruffles could be used for a more-frilly effect. The largeleaved, green basils make an island of lime-green if massed together, with a texture dictated by the leaves of the variety chosen: smooth and shiny, wrinkled, or ruffled. And who knows, maybe I’ll grow certain basil varieties just for the musical sounds of their names. When someone innocently asks, “What kind of basil is that?” I might gesticulate and sing, “Genova Profumatissima,” “Syracusa,” or “Fino Verde Compatto.”
minimize the moisture in the bathroom by opening a window, running a fan, or using a dehumidifier. Also scoop the litter at least once a day. For other animals, keeping items they use regularly in a secure, closed-off space can reduce the spread of unpleasant odors that can come from treats, food or chew toys. DiNicolantonio, for example, keeps all of her dog’s stuff food, toys, harnesses, and leashes in one designated, dry cabinet. If you’re hurting for cabinet space, you can get creative with plastic bins and tuck-away storage.
Don’t skimp on the maintenance cleaning
It sounds like a no-brainer, but the best way to avoid a stinky home with animals is the same way to avoid a stinky home with humans: regular cleaning. Many of us probably don’t wash our own bedsheets as often as we should, but DiNicolantonio says that pet items including their bed, any blankets they like, and even leashes and collars should be washed at least once a week. Give their linens a vacuum first, then wash them on a high temperature with a mild bleach. (Check the tags first to make sure they
Design
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Pet-driven home design choices aren’t just for typical domesticated animals like dogs and cats, “We’re seeing people who want to make provisions for chickens, goats, bunnies,” Tartamella says, “whatever it is that they’re incorporating into their daily lives.” Projects that he has taken on include animal yards, chicken coops and warming stations. His clients have installed heated flooring, and custom pet gates for stairs and doorways that are a part of the millwork.
Pet-friendly materials and finishes that are sophisticated and functional
Flashy built-in dining centers and spas get all the attention, but most pet-driven design choices are as simple as picking the right fabrics for furniture and floor coverings. “The most common decision for most people is what color sofa to get based on what color fur their pet has,” Medicus says.
are bleach-safe.)
Litter boxes, cages and crates also should be emptied and given a deep clean at least biweekly. Cat urine can react with the bacteria in litter to release that ammonia smell, so refreshing the litter frequently will reduce the odors lingering in your home. (According to Cole, it’s recommended that pregnant people sit out litterbox cleaning duty; cat feces can contain Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that can be dangerous for pregnant and immunocompromised people.)
First empty the litter box or cage, then wash it with soap and warm water before filling the container with a water-bleach solution and letting it sit for a few minutes. Rinse thoroughly and dry the cage or litter box before allowing your pet back inside.
And if you have a particularly pungent friend who enjoys hanging out on your carpet and couch, vacuum the surface, sprinkle a little baking soda on the items and let it sit for five minutes, then vacuum again. This can help get out odors that may be trapped deep in the fabric.
Colleen Grablick is a writer in D.C. who covers news and the occasional curiosity.
“I see pet-parents opting for gorgeous custom upholstered options that are sure to be durable but also extremely comfortable, well-made, the perfect color and silhouette, and just as chic as any other sofa or chair,” Kuo says. “There’s a myth that ‘performance’ means less sophisticated, and that is simply just not true anymore.” That means choosing fabrics that are stain resistant and snagproof (claws, you see). “We also stay away from fringes or trims on fabrics as they tend to invite chewing or licking,” Hildebrandt says.
Ultimately, regardless of whether they cost $30, $3,000, or $30,000, these projects reflect the important place our pets have in our lives — and in our homes. “Pets are members of the family and as such need their own spaces,” Hildebrandt says. “My clients are very much inclined to include the pets in all aspects of the design project.”
Jolie Kerr is a cleaning expert and the author of the best-selling book “My Boyfriend Barfed In My Handbag … And Other Things You Can’t Ask Martha.”
Terry & Kim Kovel | Antiques & Collecting
Sculpture contains china fragments from Mount Vernon
SOMETIMES, ALL WE know about an artist from the past comes from their artwork. This is especially true of folk and outsider artists; collectors are often lucky to know their names. Fortunately, artist Louis E. Thompson signed and dated his works, like the mixed media wall sculpture shown here, made in 1932, that sold for $343 at Alex Cooper Auctioneers.
Several other pieces by Thompson sold at the same auction, providing an overview of his art style. They included similar relief wall sculptures painted gold, multicolor mixed media figures painted in patterns, and scenic pictures on board in painted frames decorated with small figures.
Thompson lived from 1894 to 1963, spent his life in Maryland, and worked as a teacher. Other than that, his life is largely a mystery. His art fits into folk art traditions; for example, it is typically mixed media, indicating that he used whatever materials were available.
Painted pieces usually have flat areas of color without shading.
Some of his works have Christian imagery, like figures of saints or pictures of churches.
References to American history are another frequent subject. Thompson depicted scenes of historical sites or events and created images based on Native American art.
Gold-painted eagles, like the carved and gilded finials seen on fine Federal furniture, appear on frames and wall sculptures. According to a note on the back of this wall sculpture, the china fragments incorporated into it are from Mount Vernon, George Washington’s plantation.
Archaeological excavations there began in the 1930s, about the time Thompson made the sculpture.
es of the Golden Oak period (1880-1920). They were mass-produced and inexpensive, selling through sources like the Sears, Roebuck and Company catalog or used as advertising premiums. They are still inexpensive today.
Pairs of pressed back chairs usually sell for about $50, sometimes less. Unusual features, like a leather or cane seat or a pressed design that advertises a product, increase the value. You are right to avoid damaging the design. Refinishing usually lowers the value of antique furniture. However, because your chairs are fairly recent, probably dating to about 1900, you may want to refinish the parts without decoration, like the seat or legs, if you intend to use them.
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. Lamp base, oil, figural, owl, yellow eyes, textured feathers, rocky base, porcelain, Victorian, 6 1/2 inches, $50.
Q. I have a carnival glass berry service with a large bowl and six serving cups. The set is amber, and the large bowl has berries around the top and a tiger in the center bottom. The serving cups have berries and no tiger. They have no chips or imperfections. The set was my great-grandmother’s, which would make it approximately 100 years old or more. Could you give me any information and approximate value? I would be interested in selling it.
A. Your berry set is in the Panther pattern by Fenton, although most collectors agree that the animal looks more like a tiger. The amber color, often called marigold, is a common color for this pattern. Berry services in this color and pattern generally sell for about $75. To get the most attention, and the best price, you may want to contact an auction house that specializes in carnival glass. There
are also collectors’ clubs for carnival glass, like the American Carnival Glass Association, Inc. (myacga.com) or the International Carnival Glass Association (inter nationalcarnivalglass. com) and Fenton glass, like the National Fenton Glass Society Inc. (nfgs.org) that may have more information or help connect you with prospective buyers. Another option is to sell your set to a pattern-matching service, which may get you a better price than an auction.
Q. Could you please tell me about my pressed back chairs and their value? I purchased two about 40 years ago at an auction sale, but did not refinish them because I didn’t want to hurt the design.
A. Pressed back chairs were first made about 1890. Designs were pressed into the wood with a metal die, hence the name. Oak was the usual wood, and the chairs were usually made with the simple lines and light finish-
A tip to verify the ages of your chairs: Check the seat. Pressed back chairs made about 1900 have seats made of three or four boards. Later reproductions used more boards, usually about seven.
TIP: Don’t display colorful items in direct sunlight, especially paintings and prints. Sunlight dries out wood and other materials and emits ultraviolet rays that discolor them.
Kovels answers 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.
Pressed glass, Inverted Thumbprint, straw holder, dome lid, silver plate, blue, Victorian, 12 inches, $170. Toothpick holder, figural, putto, standing, on turtle’s back, holding umbrella, open, pierced, silver plate, Pairpoint, 4 1/2 inches, $190. Print, Japanese, Arai Yoshimune, Suma Beach by Moonlight, beach scene, tree, full moon, figures carrying water, frame, 17 x 13 inches, $255. Advertising, sign, Coney Island Fireworks, Every Tuesday 9 P.M., June 26th To August 28th, blue and red lettering, frame, mid20th century, 10 1/2 x 14 inches, $260. Rug, Navajo, multicolor, allover hexagonal lattice, red squares in corners, four tassels, tag, 53 x 49 inches, $320. Toy, merry-go-round, blue canopy, American flags on finial, six swing seats, bisque dolls, wigs, fabric clothes, tin plate, Germany, 20 inches, $470.
Furniture, chair set, Renaissance Revival, walnut, scrolled crest rail, marble medallion, upholstered seat and back, fluted legs, caster feet, 19th century, 38 inches, six pieces, $625. Sevres, vase, mottled ground, white to rose, orchids, shaped border around rim, green handles, art nouveau, signed, Henry Gaupillat, 15 inches, pair, $650. Cloisonne, vase, oval, blossoming trees, birds, sparrows, perching and flying, multicolor flowers, black ground, oval, double band rim at neck and foot, Japan, c. 1900, 12 inches, $1,280
All we know about Louis Thompson comes from his artwork. He made mixed media pieces that often reference American history, like this wall sculpture that incorporates china from Mount Vernon. (ALEX COOPER AUCTIONEERS)
NEW YORK
30-year US mortgage rate falls to 6.67%
Rate hits lowest level since early April
By M att O tt Associated Press
The average rate on a 30year U.S. mortgage fell for the fifth straight week to its lowest level since early April, an encouraging sign for potential buyers who have wrestled with rising home prices.
The long-term rate fell to 6.67% from 6.77% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 6.95%.
Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners refinancing their home loans, fell to 5.80% from 5.89% last week. A year ago, it was 6.25%, Freddie Mac said.
High mortgage rates can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for borrowers and reduce their purchasing power.
That’s helped keep the U.S. housing market in a sales slump that dates back to 2022, when mortgage rates began to climb from the rock-bottom lows they reached during the pandemic.
Last year, sales of previously occupied U.S. homes sank to their lowest level in nearly 30 years. They’ve remained sluggish so far this year, as many prospective homebuyers have been discouraged by elevated mortgage rates and home prices that have continued to climb, albeit more slowly.
High borrowing costs are also putting pressure on the new home market. Last week, the government reported that sales of new U.S. homes fell nearly 14% in May from the previous month.
Recent data suggests sales could pick up in the coming months, especially with the recent decline in mortgage rates. A seasonally adjusted index of pending U.S. home sales rose 1.8% in May from the previous month and increased 1.1% from May last year, the National Association of Realtors said last week.
There’s usually a month or two lag between a contract signing and when the sale is finalized, which makes pending home sales a bellwether for future completed home sales.
Mortgage rates are influenced by several factors, from the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy decisions to bond market investors’ expectations for the economy and inflation.
The key barometer is the 10-year Treasury yield, which lenders use as a guide to pricing home loans. The yield was at 4.33% at midday Thursday, down from 4.58% just a few weeks ago.
The average rate on a 30year mortgage has remained relatively close to its high so far this year of just above 7%, set in mid-January. The 30-year rate’s low point this year was in early April when it briefly dipped to 6.62%.
Mortgage rates have now fallen five weeks in a row, reflecting the recent pullback in bond yields.
The recent decline in mortgage rates appears to have encouraged some home shoppers. Last week, mortgage applications rose 2.7% from a week earlier, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.
Economists generally expect mortgage rates to stay relatively stable in the coming months, with forecasts calling for the average rate on a 30-year mortgage to remain in a range between 6% and 7% this year.
Deeds
AGAWAM
716 Spring Valley LLC, to Joyce Ann Stevens, 43-45 Orlando St., $416,500.
Barbara M. Barker, trustee, Beck Family Trust, trustee of, Christine T. Beck, representative, and Theodore H. Beck, estate, to Thanwah Hasan Yoshaa, Mutur Karhab Yoshaa and Noah Mutar Karhab, 907 Main St., $410,000.
Gary J. Fortier and Christa J. Fortier to Rusian Nepliuiev, 46 Giffin Place, $377,000.
Gary Lambert and Patricia Lambert to Janna Mayersky and Steve Mayerski Jr., 265 Colemore St., $400,000.
Mary Gayle Keith, representative, Joyce Keith, representative, Sandra J. Curran, estate, and Sandra J. Keith, estate, to Thomas Rule III, and Heather Rule, 41 Denise Lane, $425,000.
Richard D. Veighey Sr., estate, Richard D. Veighey, estate, and Richard D. Veighey Jr., representative, to Mehmet Citlak, 94 Norris St., $335,000.
Valiantsin Zhmaidziak and Iryna Zhmaidziak to Armando Roman, 131 Ridgeway Drive, $975,000.
AMHERST
Ronald P. Marino and Maureen Marino to Tiffany Quan, 237 Grantwood Drive, $410,000.
Wharton C. Clay and Tiffany R. Clay to Blake A. Minchoff and Margaret M. Minchoff, 22 Eames Ave., $645,000.
Elizabeth Rosenberg to JBK Partners LLC, 874 East Pleasant St., $672,000.
Shelley Y. Barnett, trustee, and Shelley Young Barnett Revocable Trust to Jessica Wolpaw Reyes and Rene Reyes, 101 Cherry Lane, $750,000.
Sharon Becker, trustee, Tamara Daitch, trustee, and Pearl Family 2021 Trust to Jorge Armando Zavala Solano and Susana Alejandra Torres Hurtado, 53 Amity Place, $471.000.
James E. Young, trustee, Lisa T. Ades, trustee, and James E. Young Trust to Michael A. Anthony, trustee, Michael Alan Anthony Revocable Trust, Laura J. Anthony, trustee, and Laura Jennings Anthony Revocable Trust, 232 Northeast St., and 232 North East St., $260,000.
L.H.B. Amherst LLC, to J&J Lee 360 LLC, 360 College St., $1,000,000.
Brittany M. Hutson and Karl Hutson to Kyle Nitzsche, trustee, and Kyle Nitzsche Family Trust, 267 Shutesbury Road, $825,000.
Siqi Lu to Yuxia Fang, 25 Webster Court, $200,000.
BELCHERTOWN
Alexandra N. Marra to Michael Nolden and Alissa Nolden, 59 Summit St., $80,000.
Frank T. Pudlo and Margaret S. Pudlo to Philip J. Lagrant and Sharon A. Lagrant, 111 Daniel Shays Highway, $460,000.
Amanda L. Marley to Amanda L. Marley and Jonathan K. Child, 54 Edelcy Drive, $120,000.
BLANDFORD
Suyan Huang to Michael J. Zapp, 39 Gibbs Road, $740,000.
BUCKLAND
John Angleman, Barry J. Scott and Sheralyn F. Scott to Alana Calhoun and Andrew Calhoun, 92 Clesson Brook Road, $350,000.
CHARLEMONT
Jacob Wendell Rheinheimer and Shana Rae Totino to Piti Theatre Co. Inc., Avery Brook Road, $160,000.
Dhruv Narain and Sandhya Subbarao to Jessica Musiak and William Musiak, 60 South River Road, $300,000.
CHESTERFIELD
Scott Andre Wright, Scott A. Wright, Roxane Gray Wright, Roxane G. Wright, Heather Elyn Wright and Heather E. Wright to James G. McSweeney Jr., and Lisa Ann McSweeney, Willcutt Road, $105,000.
CHICOPEE
Bryndis Curtin, Mary Christine Vieira and Thomas Curtin to John M. Lucas and Jennifer Lynn Croteau-Lucas, 593 New Ludlow Road, $398,000.
Colleen Bates to Emily Joy Gardner, 101 Fairview Ave., $254,900.
Colleen Rae Stickeler, Melissa Ann Kerby and Ashley Nicole Walmer to Christian Paret Hernandez, 95 Baskin St., $329,900.
David Fredenburgh to Laura Ashley Langone, 55 Empire St., Unit 8, $190,000.
Emerald Peist to Lindsay Jayne Barker and Jonathan Thomas Dzwonkus, 35 Dorothy Ave., $315,000. Fides Ushe to Oba Erukakpomren, 200 Lambert Terrace, Unit 41, $270,000.
Isander Robles and Brenda M. Robles to Joel Pumarejo Jr., and Yadira I. Ramos, 81 Northwood St., $325,000. JahJan LLC, to Ferik Romanferrer, 39 Algonquin St., $315,000.
John Mathue Lucas III, and Jennifer Lynn Croteau-Lucas to Alyssa Jo Croteau and Matthew J. Narreau,
583 New Ludlow Road, $360,000. Keem LLC, to Eric Graziano, 160 Crestwood St., $305,000.
Kimberly Hiroux-Slachetka, trustee, Kimberly Heroux-Slachetka, trustee, Sandra M. Dudek and Dudek Family Trust, trustee of, to Shannon O’Leary and Bryan Midura, 200 Lambert Terrace, Unit 49, $230,000.
Lori A. Kapinos, Lori A. Paolucci and Steven J. Paolucci to Dawn Delgado, 136 Woodbridge Road, $235,000.
Maritza I. Santos Rivera and Martiza I. Santos Rivera to Mohammad Shiban, 55 Empire St., #42, $220,000.
Pah De1 LLC, to Darwin Deavens and Angela Zielinski, 315 Front St., $305,000.
Rhonda S. Butler, Rhonda S. Barlow and Steven M. Butler to Lisa A. Byers-Clark, 259 Beauchamp Terrace, $299,900.
Roberto Rivera Negron and Nilsa Laboy to Hector Rosado and Hector R. Rosado, 109 9th Ave., $335,000.
Ronald F. Hartling to James C. Pula, 104 Mount Vernon Road, $276,000.
Savier Masionet-Pagan and Luis Fernando Figueroa Camacho to William Teddy Martinez Reguero, 200 Narragansett Boulevard, $372,500.
Sheryl Elizabeth Bacon to Lawrence Phillips III, and Lawrence Phillips IV, 162 Lafayette St., $275,000.
COLRAIN
Anne N. Wheeler and Stephen C. Wheeler to Caroline Bruno and Courtney Mae Fuller, 41 Coombs Hill Road, $472,000.
CONWAY
Aaron R. Grinstein and Lynsey Grinstein to Melinda A. Burke and Linda K. Strom, 543 Williamsburg Road., $585,000.
CUMMINGTON
Chase Enterprises Corp., to Donald R. Chase, Route 112, $100.
DEERFIELD
Melissa H. Perot, trustee of the Melissa H. Perot Living Trust, and as trustee of the James Perot Living Trust, to Jean Callahan and Julia Callahan, 74 North Main St., $480,000. Frances S. York, trustee of the Valeski Investment Trust, to First Generation Investments Group LLC, 28 Conway St., $62,000.
Rachel Springly Shipman to Lydia S. Greene, 4B Meadow Oak Lane, Unit 5, Meadow Oak Condominium, $350,000.
David E. Breuer to Peri’s Line Inc., 30 Lee Road, $350,000.
Deeds
EAST LONGMEADOW
D R Chestnut LLC, to Nancy W. Sklar, trustee, and f Nancy W Sklar Revocable Indenture Of Trust Of, trustee of, 6 Clover Lane, $1,141,000.
Dennis J. Spillane and Maryann A. Spillane to William McMahon, Brenda McMahon and Dale Varney, 208 Westwood Ave., $235,000.
Jesse D. Garrison and Sarah Klepic Garrison to Rachel B. Vieu and Daniel M. Vieu Jr., 569 Somers Road, $569,900.
Jonathen Browne and Shealynn Browne to Kimberly Meneo and Kyle Mailman, 88 Harwich Road, $450,000.
KCK Holding LLC, to CJB Realty LLC, 15 Baldwin St., $600,000.
Norman J. Corigliano to 611 Parker Street LLC, 611 Parker St., $245,000.
On The Mark LLC, to Michael Anthony Vatrano and Amber Nicole Vatrano, 12 Melody Lane, $500,000.
Susan B. Moynihan and Mark P. Moynihan to Jonathan Stone and Melanie Avdoulos, 24 Heritage Circle, $626,000.
EASTHAMPTON
Thomas W. Brown and Diane M. Brown to Jeremy D. Ober, 52-54 Holyoke St., $400,000.
John Allen Soler and Megan Robin Murnane to David E. Simpson, trustee, Margaret W. Ferguson, trustee, and Simpson Ferguson Family Trust, 1 Park Ave., $570,000.
Daniel Ortmeyer to Congamond Management LLC, 26 Mount Tom Ave., $246,000.
One Northampton Street Enterprises Inc., to One Noho LLC, 1 Northampton St., $696,000.
Stephen A. Sojkowski, Daniel S. Sojkowski, Bryan R. Sojkowski and Katie A. Wilby to Matthew Grant and Bayla Silver Metzger, 21 Davis St., $440,000.
Peter Marks and Kelly Jean Marks to Emily Ivashenko, 3 Gula Drive, $364,000.
CTNA Construction LLC, to Robert F. Staley Jr., and Monica K. Staley, 278 Main St., $835,000.
Andrew Greto and Dorothy M. Greto to Thomas W. Brown and Diane M. Brown, 6 Grove St., $420,000.
Roberta L. Jones to Jelal Jones, 19 Oliver St., $100.
GILL
Salim Abdoo, “aka” Salim Adboo, to Denise Delsignore, 35 Riverview Drive, $389,000.
GOSHEN
Nina E. Pinger, trustee, and Emerson Investment Trust to Cathy Dana Evans, 123 West St., $280,000.
John A. Shaw, trustee, and Steven J. Barrus Revocable Trust to John A. Shaw and Jennifer B. Shaw, 8 Stone Road, $100.
GRANVILLE
Granville Town to Sheri Knox, 232 Sodom St., $59,000.
GREENFIELD
Amy Bernard and Timothy R. Bernard to EDS Enterprises LLC, 15 Pond St., $220,000.
Jerad R. Goulston and Vera Goulston, trustees of the Jems Realty Trust, to Pioneer Valley Redevelopers LLC, 29 Phillips St., $390,000.
Robert P. Bourke and Patricia A. Hertzfeld to EDS Enterprises LLC, 1 Barber Ave., $214,000.
Thi Phuong Lan Trinh to Parker Farthing, 24 Cedar Glen Circle, Unit 24, Greenfield Town Homes Condominium, $232,000.
Lindsay V. Gardner, “fka” Lindsay V. Stanley, and Robert J. Gardner to Samantha C. Clay, 311 Plain Road, $620,000.
Donna Vi Manuel to Tiana Jones-Pendergrass and Morgan Pendergrass, 133 School St., $377,000.
Luke R. Nugent and Heather M. Terry to Corinne A. Fitzgerald, 21 Raingley Road, $392,000.
Faye J. Turner and James A. Turner to Holly A. Tomlinson and Nathan A. Tomlinson, 16 Vermont St., $190,000.
HADLEY
Jonathan K. Child to Elizabeth Rosenberg, 135 East St., $543,000.
HAMPDEN
Conery Morse to Nicole E. Gray and Nicole Elizabeth Gray, 159 Chapin Road, $180,000.
Jill Norton to Steven Hearn and Taryn Hearn, 237 Allen St., $540,000.
Michela L. Paolucci and Joshua A. Bailey to Salvatore Paolucci and Maria Paolucci, 14 Echo Valley Drive, $400,000.
HATFIELD
Thaddeus L. Kabat Jr., to Peter Grandonico Jr., South Street, $10,200.
Thaddeus L. Kabat Jr., to Peter Grandonico Jr., South Street, $16,000.
Thaddeus L. Kabat Jr., to Grand River Holdings LLC, Dike Road, $10,000.
Bryan M. Schwartz to Selina Fourni-
er, 62 Dwight St., $350,000.
Thomas M. Luce to Cody Shane and Jamie Shane, 7 Linseed Hill Road, $350,000.
HAWLEY
Deborah E. Bradley, “aka” Deborah B. Bradley, to Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, West Hill Road, $54,000.
HOLYOKE
Gallagher Capital Group LLC, and General Enterprise LLC, to Daniel Ortmeyer, 3 Parkview Terrace, Unit 4, $200,000.
Jose Tenesaca and Rosa Zumba to 25 Mount Tom Realty Trust, trustee of, and Marcus Tenesaca, trustee, 25 Mount Tom Ave., $100.
KeyBank to 378 High Street Holyoke LLC, Newton Street, $385,000.
Latino Chamber of Commerce Inc., to Valley Opportunity Council Inc., 435 Main St., $68,480.
Luis Sumba-Morcho and Luis E. Sumba Morocho to Araceli N. Sumba, trustee, and 36 Lynwood Ave. Realty Trust, trustee of, 36 Lynwood Ave., $100.
William P. McHugh Jr., to Berris Morris, 28 Portland St., $244,000.
HUNTINGTON
John Glynn and Noah Goldstein to Mechanic Man LLC, 16 Knightville Dam Road and 16 Knightsville Dam Road, $100.
LEVERETT
Seth W. Donahue to Dawn E. Roberts and Donald M. Towse, 11 Shutesbury Road, $625,000.
Elsbeth L. Walker to Mina Rae Ogut Beckman, 258 North Leverett Road, $105,000.
LEYDEN
Elizabeth A. Walz to Jane Frances Alexander and Alexa Erin Williamson, 25 Stephen Lane, $400,000.
LONGMEADOW
Aphrodite M. Barbalias to Prabhjot Kaur, 557 Maple Road, $350,000.
Caroline M. St. Clair to Melissa Coughlin, 341 Farmington Road, $650,000.
Kimberly D. Henley and Joseph M. Henley to Michael D. Bajakian and Michelene C. Bajakian, 189 Rugby Road, $930,000.
Laura D. Donovan, Laura D. Rusiecki and Michael P. Donovan to Ronald Earl Johnson and Karen Elizabeth Sullivan Johnson, 46 Autumn Ridge,
$765,000.
Mazin Shaikhoun and Setana A. Idriss to Laila L. Atta and Patrick C. Bennett, 638 Laurel St., $515,000.
Misoon Kim and Tae Hun Kim to Michael P. Donovan and Laura D. Donovan, 31 Lincoln Park, $416,088.
Sally Ann Resnic, trustee, and Sally Ann Resnic Revocable Indenture of Trust of, trustee of, to Zhiyu Liu, 25 Deerfield Ave., $735,000.
LUDLOW
Brian Regnier, Craig Regnier, Todd Regnier and Sean Regnier to 20 Mineral Spring Realty Trust, trustee of, Muhammad Ali Saleem, trustee, and Mian Z. Saleem, trustee, 517 Ideal Lane, $420,000.
David M. Tassinari and Melissa A. Tassinari to Rana C. Morton, trustee, and Trust 132 Prospect Street Revocable, trustee of, 132 Prospect St., $300,000.
Dominic Kirchner II, trustee, and Saklaa Realty Trust, trustee of, to Ricardo Rebecca, 138-140 East St., $460,000.
Kenneth R. Hamel and Carrie A. Hamel to Myles Dacunha and Karen Schuster, 1 Rosewood Drive, $655,000.
WestMass Area Development Corp., to Pamet LLC, State Street, Lot 2, $457,200.
William D. Henry to Jasmin Martinez, 157 Highland Ave., $290,000.
MONTAGUE
Ainsley Brick, personal representative of the Estate of Stephen E. Brick Jr., “aka” Stephen Edward Brick Jr., and Judith Brick, “aka” Judith A. Brick, to Shannon Archambault and Brian M. Chyz, 5 Highland St., $335,000.
Kelsey A. Naughton and Tyler C. Reynolds to Miriam Cady, 134 Montague City Road, $305,000.
Lenore Styler to Andrew Thibault, 1 Franklin Commons, Unit 1, Franklin Commons Condominium. $252,000.
Gregory J. Precourt to William Cumming Quale, 10 Station St., $175,000.
MONTGOMERY
Thomas M. Thornton to Taylor
Virginia Smith, 83 Main Road, $120,000.
NEW SALEM
ARPC LLC, to Morning Star Chenven and George Moonlight Davis, 48 North Main St., $400,000.
NORTHAMPTON
Richard K. Winnick to Jennifer Anne Joyce and Huseyin Bulut, 32 Round Hill Road, $635,000.
Ximena C. Kilroe to Unit 304 Barrett Street LLC, 74 Barrett St., $200,000. Jesse T. Casaubon and Jennifer E. Casaubon to 15 Elizabeth Street LLC, 15 Elizabeth St., $100.
Jeffrey Parker and Sharon Parker to Xinyang Sun, 61 Crescent St., $370,000.
Robert B. Arbib to David Van Wyk and Hannah Van Wyk, 23 Randolph Place, $280,000.
Jose C. Carrasco to Jose C. Carrasco, trustee, and Jose C. Carrasco Revocable Trust, 80 Damon Road, $100. Chase Enterprises Corp., to Donald R. Chase, 29 Pleasant St., $100.
Brooke Diamond O’Brien and Brooke K. Diamond to Ejja Properties LLC, 167 South St., $210,000.
Freda L. Driscoll-Sbar and Linda M. Driscoll-Sbar to Alicia Simoni, 497 Riverside Drive, $560,000.
Gary B. Rackliffe, Kevin M. Rackliffe and Janet C. Scaggs to Michelle Pratt, 90 Brierwood Drive, $325,000.
Nancy A. LaPointe and David W. LaPointe to Anne M. LaPointe, 48 Chapel St., $100.
Anne M. LaPointe to Jane A. P. Christensen, trustee, and Jane Christensen Family Revocable Trust, 48 Chapel St., $365,000.
Judson B. Brown and Sandra R. Brown to Scott A. Bennett and Leslie Y. Bennett, 90 Laurel Park, $350,000. Nicholas K. Canby, personal representative, Henry Canby, estate, and Ruth Critcher to Annie Salsich and Gabriel Phipps, 42-44 Grove Ave., $680,000.
Felix Grygorcewicz and Melodie Grygorcewicz to William J. Mears and Steve S. Luxenberg, 48 Evergreen Road, $275,000.
Buy or Sell Realty LLC, to Molly Pickett and Stephen Tirrell, 90 Fox Farms Road, $680,000.
Coleen C. Currie to Rachel Joy Currier-Rubin and Colleen C. Currier Irrevocable Trust, 7 Gilrain Terrace, $100.
Ronald J. Nault Jr., estate, and Virginia R. Nault, personal representative, to Virginia R. Nault, 308 Acrebrook Drive, $100.
NORTHFIELD
Gloria J. Gregoire to Frank R. Sprague, 102 Mount Hermon Station Road, $45,000.
Carlton M. Brown III, and Louella V. Brown to Carlton M. Brown IV, and Elyse Brown, 619 Millers Falls Road, $309,000.
ORANGE
Juliann G. Belloli to Angela Bright, Yarely Lizeth Guerrero-Sanchez and Kenneth P. Hurtle, 925-929 North Main St., $30,000.
PUBLIC AUCTION
GENERAL ESTATE AUCTION
FRI, JULY 11, AT 6 PM
Including furniture, glass & china, small antiques, artwork, jewelry, books, Gottlieb’s Lucky Hand pinball, 2 Jazzy Pride Scooters, Quantum Edge 3 wheelchair, and more. Ham Radio - Collins, Hammarlund, Hallicrafters, Mikes, and more. 2000 International 4700 - 2007 Isuzu NRR 14 ft. Radisson canoe
PREVIEW DAY OF SALE: 8 AM - 6 PM www.DouglasAuctioneers.com
PALMER
FSG Realty LLC, to Demon Deacon Realty LLC, 1010 Thorndike St., $910,000.
Quaboag East LLC, to Eleven27 South Main LLC, 1127 South Main St., $3,811,462.
Sandra L. Trubounis and Sandra Lee Trubounis to Justin Curtis Mustafa, 230 Sykes St., $379,900.
PELHAM
Andrew T. Bagge, Sarah E. Bagge and Sarah E. Lynch to Keith M. Polasko and Nicola R. Gardiner, 202 Amherst Road, $475,000.
Richard M. Scott and Janet M. Scott to Eric C. Scott, trustee, Kerry E. Scott, trustee, and Richard & Janet Scott Irrevocable Trust, 31 Shutesbury Road, $100.
Michael J. Beaupre to Joseph E. Durham II, 90 Amherst Road, $475,000.
Susan A. Korenewsky, trustee, and Bradford & Virginia White Living Trust to Davida Rubin-Baker and Iyamoro Baker, 88 Buffam Road, $700,018.
SHUTESBURY
Denis B. Poirier and Mary Ann Poirier, trustees of the Revocable Indenture of Trust of Denis B. Poirier, to Simmons Rental Properties LLC, 18 Lake Drive, $800,000.
David B. Brown, Lois C. Brown and Forest Rothchild to Kestrel Land Trust Inc., Montague Road, $315,000.
SOUTH HADLEY
Donna Marie Lamothe, trustee, and Caroline B. Dziel Revocable Trust to CIL Realty of Massachusetts Inc., 294 Brainard St., $415,000.
Julie M. Goudreault and Jon D. Goudreault to Julie M. Goudreault, trustee, Jon D. Goudreault, trustee, Julie M. Goudreault Living Trust and Jon D. Goudreault Living Trust, 2 Briar Spring Lane, $100.
Marco F. Gutwaks and Gail A. Corriveau-Gutwaks to Nikolai A. Gutwaks, 135 Pine Grove Drive, $100.
Christina S. Hansen, personal representative, Christine MacPhail Hansen, personal representative, Christina M. Hansen, personal representative, Andrew HM. Smith, personal representative, Andrew Hamilton MacPhail Smith, personal representative, George F. Smith, estate, and George Fox Smith, estate, to Morgan Hussey, 78 Hadley St., $445,000.
SOUTHAMPTON
Joel P. Kupeyan and Yelena Kupeyan to Kyle Rondeau and Carey Lang, 7 Old County Road, $602,000.
Patrick J. Brennan and Leslie N. Campbell to Pamela H. Smith, 70 Crooked Ledge Road, $130,000.
SOUTHWICK
Hamelin Framing Inc., to Richard Gallerani and Julianne Gallerani, 19 Silvergrass Lane, Lot 18, $180,000.
Jeremy Dunn and Whitney Bloom to Ashley Marie Paier and Andrew Michael Paier, 3 Pine Knoll Road, $580,000.
SPRINGFIELD
Ana L. Borges to Benjamin L. Zeller, trustee, and 105 Wilber Street Nominee Trust, trustee of, 105 Wilber St., $179,000.
Andrew J. Tenczar and Hedwig F. Tenczar to Renovagent LLC, 104106 Dubois St., $242,000.
Anthony M. Santaniello to Adam Jezewski, 26 Dwight Road, $325,000.
B Dream Inc., to Santiago Rodriguez and Idalia Guzman, 33 Derryfield Ave., $342,000.
Cig4 LLC, to Alberto F. Robles, 845 Worthington St., $315,000.
Clearedge Lending LLC, to Fanny Polanco Polanco, 46-48 Windsor St., $285,000.
De Quan Wu to Carla Simon-Henriquez, 58-60 Lester St., $475,000.
Emtay Inc., to Briyant Roberto Arias, 47-49 Governor St., $376,000.
Emtay Inc., to Riverstone Property Holdings LLC, 14 Lafayette St., $305,000.
Hector Moll Serrano and Maria Figueroa Ortiz to R&R Home Improvement & Remodeling LLC, 12 Brickett St., $165,000.
Irma Rodriguez to Alexander Pineda, 28-30 Tracy St., $350,000.
Irving R. Newcomb to Ibrahim M. Aljashaam, 31 Burton St., $185,000.
Isanthes LLC, to Dream Living Solutions LLC, 29-31 Rush St., $290,000.
James B. Morrissey Jr., trustee, John Swift, trustee, and Springfield Ventures Realty Trust, trustee of, to Emmanuel Pinywah, 95 Quincy St., $345,000.
Jamie A. Shepard to Daniel Alonso Cernas Poveda and Jose Alonso Ramirez Paniagua, 31 Thornton St., $304,000.
Janet L. Hay to Amarcus A. Woodfine and Amarcus A. Woodfine Jr., 100 Loretta St., $100.
Janna Mayersky and Steven Mayersky to Shawn Aaron Lee-Jacobs, 76 Hazen St., $320,000.
Jealyn M. Rivera, Jealyn M. Sanchez and Edmundo Rivera-Haddock to Surabhi Suero Felix, 27 Newhall St., $315,000.
Jeannette Velez to Jose Juan Figueroa, 45 Olney St., $10,000.
Jenna M. Molinari to Donald Edward Taggart III, 53 Gail St., $415,000.
Joel Wun and Paula Wun to Laura Deluca, 83 Jamestown Drive, $293,000.
John P. Brennan to Bryanne Gonzalez, 59 Chalmers St, $335,000.
Jose R Dejesus to Phantom Holdings LLC, 140-142 Cherry St., $210,000.
Joseph W. Andrews, estate, and Marlon Andrews, representative, to Hosea Sherman Arnold II, 70 Delmore St., $260,000.
Jyovani Joubert to Mirna J. Rivera Lima and German A. Lima Escalante, 1554 Bay St., $395,000.
Kevin Estrada to Laura Discawicz, 15 Berard Circle, $341,000.
Laura L Discawicz to R&R Home Improvement & Remodeling LLC, 26 Miner St., $205,000.
LB-Igloo Properties IV LLC to Angel L. Rivera, 101 Victoria St., $283,500.
Lucas Giusto, trustee, Dominic Santaniello, trustee, and Naples Home Buyers Trust, trustee of, to Manuel Rivera, 25 Pheland Ave., $230,000.
Margarette Jacob to Owen Nicholas Cocchi, 523 Nassau Drive, Unit 523, $232,000.
Melanie S. Avdoulos to Corenn Murphy and Liam Murphy, 253 Gillette Ave., $350,000.
Octavian Group Inc., receiver, Springfield City, Gregory Tapp and Susan Tapp to Lorraine Morissette and Robert Morissette, NS Notre Dame Street, $45,000.
Paulo J. Faria and Yiannis A .Faria to Susan M. Glatki, 127 Cheyenne Road, $318,350.
Philip Panidis to Aurelina Placencio and Leissa Frias, 30-32 Sterling St., $410,000.
Greater Springfield Habitat For Humanity Inc., to Driss Errahali and Majda Braik, 1688 Dwight St., $155,000.
Round Two LLC, to Jonathan Vera, 112 Bay St., $330,000.
Samuel B. Sharpe Jr., to Zachary Beach, trustee, and 78 Maple St. Trust, trustee of, 78 Maple St., $474,109.
Sareen Properties LLC, to Timothy Riley, 90 Eddy St., $300,000. Seajay Group LLC, to Djonatan P. Oliveira, 118-120 Kensington Ave., $475,000.
Timothy C. Demars to Megan Thompson, 105 Hamilton St., $327,500.
William N. Rosario and Jennifer L. Rosario to Anna L. Coombs, 171 Dorset St., $256,000.
SUNDERLAND
Matthew P. Martin and Melissa A. Martin to Matthew P. Martin, 36 Country Lane, $87,397.
TOLLAND
Donald J. Brault and Alicia C. Brault to Tortoise Ventures LLC, Colebrook River Road, Lot 15, $40,000.
WARE
Philip J. Lagrant and Sharon A. Lagrant to Joshua A. Evans, 25 Pinecrest Circle, $460,000.
Ross Edward Kendrick, Joanne J. Kendrick and Gary P. Kendrick to Corey Grigas, 105 Gilbertville Road, $405,000.
Alan R. Clough and Deborah A. Clough to Jacob Perron and Brianna LaFlamme, 4 Chester Ave., $305,000.
Philip E. Ethier, Jeffrey Ethier, power-of-attorney, and Ellen J. Missale to Stacey J. Lowe, 23 Beach Road, $460,000.
Lisa J. Terry-Jakshtis to Bryan Michael Schwartz, 80 Anderson Road, $520,000.
David Lipinski and Geeta Lipinski to Robert E. Hewlett and Mary C. Pfeifer, Lee Road, $40,000.
WENDELL
BLC RE Holdings LLC, to Zachary Greninger, 30 Lockes Village Road, $165,000.
WEST SPRINGFIELD
Andrew M. Paier, Ashley Marie Paier and Andrew Michael Paier to Carly Camossi-Lapalme, 50 Hathorn Ave., $310,000.
Kimberly L. Linares and Christopher J. Rizzuto to William N. Rosario and Jennifer Rosario, 270 Ely Ave., $379,000.
ML Saleh Holdings Inc., to Rui Ferreira, 136 Queen Ave., $305,000.
Richard C. Galarneau, Sandra Gibson and Sandra L. Gibson to Candace Holman, 118 Janet St., $345,000.
Veronica Conuel, representative, Joseph F. Hayes Jr., estate, Joseph Hayes, estate, and Joseph F. Hayes III, estate, to Madhuparna Dutta, 71 Colony Road, #4, $115,000.
WESTFIELD
Carl Hanselman and Jennifer
Hanselman to Nicholas C. Bonavita and Alexa R. Bonavita, 100 Ridgecrest Drive, $490,000.
David B. Smith, representative, and Laurel J. Smith, estate, to William Rivera and Angela Rivera, 769 Western Ave., $260,000.
Dreampath Homebuyers LLC, to Flipping Best LLC, 16 Locust St., $274,900.
Gerard Mattia and Susan Mattia to Shelley O’Connell and Daniel O’Connell, 26 Day Ave., $600,700.
Karen M. Schuster to Robert Loyd Warren Dunning and Leigh Danielle Pinkston, 65 Michael Drive, $510,000.
Mary Ellen Ploran, trustee, Joan V. Dupuis, trustee, and Mary Ellen Ploran Trust, trustee of, to Edward Carmin Bell and Patricia Ann Bell, 42 Mockingbird Lane, $665,000.
Mary Margaret Burke to Courtney Paquette and Christopher Paquette, 410 Montgomery Road, $705,000.
Michael T. Rockwal and Eileen S. Rockwal to Jonas Black and Jennifer Black, 5 Blueberry Ridge, $595,000.
WESTHAMPTON
Gavin C. Cook and Megan P. Shea to Richard A. Finnegan, 315 Southampton Road, $490,000.
WILBRAHAM
Kenneth A. Fish to Wicked Deals LLC, 16 Maple St., $200,000. Myungseob Kim and Moon Sil Chae to Jeffrey R. Colapietro and Mary C. Colapietro, 4 Willow Brook Lane, $701,000.
Robert Michaud and Mary Michaud to William J. Marganti and Anna M. Marganti, 47 Cypress Lane, $740,000.
WORTHINGTON
Chase Enterprises Corp., to Donald R. Chase, 51 Williamsburg Road, $100.
Chase Enterprises Corp., to Donald R. Chase, Route 112, $100.
Chase Enterprises Corp., to Donald R. Chase, 76 Radiker Road, $100. Mikaela Spence, Mikaela Robbins and Sean Flynn to Jeanne D. Alvord Regauld, 24 Old Post Road, $170,000.