WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — The New England’s Knowledge Corridor Partnership’s annual State of the Region Conference will be held June 13 from 7:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Sheraton Hotel at Bradley International Airport. The program’s centerpiece will be an action agenda for sustaining the interstate region’s economic competitiveness. New England’s Knowledge Corridor extends along the I-91 corridor from New Haven, Conn., through Hartford and Springfield, to Greenfield. The agenda is the result of a three-year, multi-million-dollar study funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The keynote speaker will be Steven Wray, executive director of the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia, a nationally recognized regional collaborative. Other highlights include the presentation of the region’s annual InternHero Awards, the introduction of the New England’s Knowledge Corridor Partnership’s new marketing-branding campaign, and an update on developments across the region.
Year: 2014
SPRINGFIELD — At its recent annual meeting, the YMCA of Greater Springfield announced four appointments to its board of directors. They include Fran Smith, a veteran of the newspaper advertising and circulation business for 34 years, and currently advertising manager at the Republican and masslive.com; Mark Smith, vice president of Manufacturing & Supply Chain Management for Smith & Wesson, who was previously a director with the Chicago-based consulting firm Alvarez & Marsal; Dan Flynn, senior vice president and marketing manager at People’s United Bank; and Stacey Church, assistant general manager of the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield. “The YMCA of Greater Springfield is very fortunate to have such strong, high-level board leadership,” said Kirk Smith, president & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Springfield. “We are grateful to have such a diverse, expert team to work with our staff to ensure that the youth-development, healthy-living, and social-responsibility needs of our community are being met.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Consumers revved up their borrowing in April, with growth in credit-card debt accelerating at the fastest pace in more than 12 years. Overall credit expanded by $26.8 billion during the month, up from $19.5 billion in March, the Federal Reserve said recently. The sizable climb is an encouraging sign for the economy, suggesting that consumers are confident enough to boost purchases by borrowing. The surge included auto and student loans, which rose by $18 billion, and credit-card debt, which was up $8.8 billion. The upward swing on credit-card debt represented a 12.3% gain, the fastest pace since November 2001, when consumers were being urged to spend to bolster the economy following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Employers added 217,000 jobs in May, pushing total employment to 138.4 million, or slightly above the previous peak reached in January 2008 as the recession got underway, the Labor Department reported last week. The six-plus years it took to fully recover the jobs represent the longest unemployment slump since World War II. The unemployment rate, which held steady at 6.3% in May, remains well above the 4% to 5% levels that preceded the recession, a sign that the economy has not generated jobs quickly enough to keep up with population growth.
SPRINGFIELD — Lioness magazine is looking to raise $10,000 in seed funding on indiegogo.com, a popular crowd-funding website. “Mainstream entrepreneur magazines are geared toward men, from their style to their content. Their publishers admit that more than 60% of their readers are males. Even though female entrepreneurship is rapidly on the rise and even though in 2013 female-owned companies generated more than $1.3 trillion, there was still no mainstream magazine for these women, until now,” explained Lioness founder Natasha Clark. Lioness launched in August 2011 and since then has been read by more than 3,000 people worldwide. Seventy-nine percent of the readers are women between the ages of 25 and 45. With the launch of the new lionessmagazine.com, the news site is able to provide daily content in addition their regular monthly magazine. “Western Mass. is a great place to live and do business, and my hope is to grow Lioness and keep it headquartered right here,” Clark said. From June 2 to Aug. 1, she is shooting to raise $10,000 in seed money to keep the magazine afloat through 2014. She has primarily been funding the company herself. Working as a program manager at the nonprofit Springfield School Volunteers, Clark works on the all-female staff to bring volunteers into the school district as mentors, academic tutors, and participants in the popular Read Aloud program. When the campaign closes, Clark will transition to running the startup full-time. She thought crowd funding would be an ideal way to raise funds and educate the public about Lioness’ mission at the same time. “I love that platforms such as Indiegogo and Kickstarter give entrepreneurs like me a fighting chance to raise some capital to get our startups to the next level,” she said. “I just want to do something really awesome for women entrepreneurs around the globe, and I want to be able to do it in my hometown. To learn more about Lioness and its Indiegogo campaign, visit igg.me/at/lionessmagazine.
NORTHAMPTON — The 2014 class of Leadership Pioneer Valley (LPV) graduated on June 5 in ceremonies at the Smith College Conference Center. Prior to getting their certificates, the 35 participants in the 10-month program presented their accomplishments from working in six teams on issues facing the region. Each project was submitted by a local nonprofit or past LPV team. Three of the projects were continuations from prior years, and the nonprofit partners included Peace Jam of New England, STCC’s Latino Success Project, and the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Project topics included increasing access to higher education, attracting and retaining young professionals, publicizing regional history, engaging young people in leadership, and connecting local colleges and universities to the regional food bank. Each team offered expertise and energy to make a difference on community challenges from throughout the region. Each team project afforded experiential-learning opportunities and the chance to further community trusteeship while making a real impact in the region. Teams also had to collaborate with their partners to reach their own goals and meet the expectations of the nonprofit partners. Each participant participated in day-long monthly sessions from October until May, featuring seminar-style leadership-development sessions and hands-on field experiences in communities throughout the Pioneer Valley. Through the program, they refined their leadership skills, gained connections, and developed a greater commitment to community trusteeship and cultural competency. The culturally diverse class of 35 men and women represent nonprofit, private, educational, and public organizations throughout Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties. The 2014 graduates are: Sherill Acevedo, Baystate Medical Practices; Jasmine Amegan, Westfield State University; Kerri Bohonowicz, Community Health Center of Franklin County; Amy Britt, Tapestry Health; Ronda Carter, Health New England; Christina Casiello, MassMutual; Jenny Catuogno, Gaudreau Insurance; Tammy-Lynn Chace, Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce; Eliza Crescintini, Children’s Study Home; Geoffrey Croteau, MassMutual Charter Oak Insurance & Financial Services; Nasheika Durham, YMCA of Greater Springfield; Andrew Fletcher, Holyoke Community College; Kelsey Flynn, MassMutual; Valerie Francis, Health New England; Meghan Godorov, Mount Holyoke College; Cynthia Gonzalez, Greenfield Cooperative Bank; Richard Griffin, City of Springfield’s Economic Development Department; Rachel Jones, Springfield Technical Community College; Kevin Jourdain, Sisters of Providence Health System; Diane LeBeau, Westfield State University; Yamilette Madho, Big Y Foods Inc.; Matthew Kullberg, WGBY; Rosemarie Marks-Paige, Health New England; Josiah Neiderbach, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission; Lizzy Ortiz, City of Springfield’s Office of Housing; Beena Pandit, MassMutual; Lee Pouliot, City of Chicopee; Jennifer Sanchez, Springfield Technical Community College; Isabel Serrazina, Springfield Housing Authority; Nicole Skelly, United Bank; Kyle Sullivan, John M. Glover Insurance; Colin Tansey, Specialty Bolt & Screw; Todd Weir, First Churches of Northampton; Christopher Whelan, Florence Savings Bank; and Jonencia Wood, Baystate Health.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. trade deficit jumped to a two-year high in April, as exports declined and imports surged to a record high. The deficit rose to $47.2 billion in April, up 6.9% from an upwardly revised March deficit of $44.2 million, the Commerce Department announced this week. Exports dropped for the fourth month out of the past five, falling 0.2% to $195.4 billion. Meanwhile, imports climbed 1.2% to a record high of $240.6 billion.
SPRINGFIELD — The Western New England University and Big Y Foods Inc. Consultation and Wellness Center was recently named an accredited diabetes-education program by the American Assoc. of Diabetes Educators (AADE). This accomplishment represents yet another step in the implementation of the ‘pharmacist as educator’ philosophy that is central to the vision of the university’s College of Pharmacy. Diabetes education is a collaborative process through which people with or at risk for diabetes gain the knowledge and skills needed to modify behavior and successfully self-manage the disease and its related conditions. These are provided by diabetes educators. “Trends show that diabetes education is moving out of the hospital and into the community, so AADE’s accreditation program was created, in part, to encourage diabetes education where the patient is seeking care,” said Leslie Kolb, program director for the AADE’s Diabetes Education Accreditation Program. “The Western New England University and Big Y Foods Inc. Consultation and Wellness Center is exactly the type of program we envisioned when we set up our accreditation program in 2009.” Kam Capoccia, associate professor and director of the Consultation and Wellness Center at 300 Cooley St. in Springfield, noted that it is one of 13 AADE-accredited programs in the Commonwealth. “This is a pharmacist-run diabetes center, and we are proud and honored to serve the community.” Added Nicole D’Amour Schneider, senior manager of Pharmacy Operations for Big Y, “the Western New England University and Big Y Foods Inc. Consultation and Wellness Center has been providing our community with excellent, patient-centered care and disease-state-management education for nearly four years. Our congratulations go out to our partners at the Western New England University College of Pharmacy for achieving this impressive accomplishment.”
AGAWAM — Chez Joseph announced the appointment of Pamela Vadnais as the new sales and marketing manager. She is responsible for business development and coordinating marketing initiatives on behalf of Chez Josef’s comprehensive event-planning and hosting services, including weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, retirement parties, proms, fund-raising events, awards, banquets, holiday functions, corporate events, and more. “Pam has extensive experience in the hospitality industry,” said Marc Sparks, president and CEO of Chez Josef. “She brings a goal-oriented approach to event planning, inviting our guests to envision the event, and she works strategically to make those visions a reality.” Vadnais is a veteran of the hospitality industry with more than 20 years of experience. Prior to joining Chez Josef, she spent more than 10 years as a catering and events coordinator at a local country club and was a program officer and development assistant for the Jimmy Fund. Vadnais is a long-time Western Mass. resident and a graduate of Minnechaug Regional High School in Wilbraham. Additionally, she is active in her community and has held several industry-related positions, including concession manager for a performing-arts center. She is currently a chairwoman for the annual parish fund-raising picnic for St. John the Baptist Church in Ludlow. “Pam’s previous experience coordinating catering is very beneficial for our guests here at Chez Josef,” said Executive Chef Marcel Ouimet. “Food is always a central element to any event, and she really understands how to tie in the details like flavors and presentation. Her skills complement our existing staff, and I’m excited to see how she will help us grow.”
BOSTON — The Associated Industries of Massachusetts Business Confidence Index rose 1.8 points in May to 54.8, its highest reading since August 2012, when the reading was 55.2, AIM announced recently. In May 2013, the index posted a reading of 52.1. “With its gains in April and May, the index appears to have broken out of the narrow range within which it had fluctuated for the previous 18 months,” said Raymond Torto, chair of AIM’s board of economic advisors. “Economic conditions have been improving at the state and national levels, and in fact globally, but until now, sentiment among Massachusetts employers has lagged behind. As a higher level of confidence becomes established, we should see more investment and job creation in our Commonwealth.”
AGAWAM — Environmental Compliance Services Inc. (ECS) announced the completion of the acquisition of the corporate assets and human talent of Pangean-CMD Associates Inc. (PCMD) of Woodstock, Ga. This acquisition, the largest in ECS’s 32-year history, will drive ECS’s evolution by expanding the market areas the company serves into Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Colorado, and Utah. In addition, it will also expand the existing company capabilities in the Carolinas, Florida, and Ohio. “This acquisition now means that ECS has a national presence that combines senior think-tank engineering with self-performed field services throughout the petroleum, building-sciences, and due-diligence market sectors,” said Mark Hellstein, ECS founder and CEO. “With the addition of the passionate team from Pangean-CMD, we are better positioned to service the upstream petroleum market.” Kevin Sheehan, ECS COO, added that “this acquisition will also provide professional growth and opportunity to employees as well as an effective tool to recruit new, talented staff.” ECS is now one of the only firms in the petroleum market that offers environmental services, compliance services, remediation, and cost recovery with in-house staff on a national basis. This strategic acquisition enables ECS to simplify the compliance and remediation process for petroleum customers while reducing their costs, essentially becoming a one-stop shop for clients. The expanded staff will also allow for boots-on-the-ground support for ECS’s existing web-based compliance-management programs. “The success of Pangean-CMD has evolved solely from our passion, our commitment to our customers, and our reputation for good, solid work,” said Darren Moore, president of Pangean-CMD. “Combining our assets will allow us to build relationships, share knowledge, and draw on the collective expertise of our co-workers to do what we have always done best: provide the best customer service and work environment possible.” Established in 1982 and headquartered in Agawam, ECS has grown to more than 20 office locations nationwide.
WALTHAM — A study recently released by the American Medical Assoc. (AMA) shows that the economic impact of physicians to the Massachusetts economy in 2012 totaled $39.5 billion, reflecting contributions in the areas of jobs, wages and benefits, and tax revenues. The study, conducted by IMS Health for the AMA, reported on the impact of more than 23,800 Massachusetts physicians who are primarily engaged in patient care, as opposed to research or teaching. It measured four key economic barometers: total output, jobs, wages and benefits, and state and local tax revenue. “Besides our role as caregivers, healers, and patient advocates, this study clearly shows another vital aspect of physicians,” said Dr. Ronald Dunlap, president of the Mass. Medical Society. “The collective impact of our profession to the state’s economy is significant. Healthcare is the state’s leading economic engine, and physicians are providing much of the fuel to keep that engine going.” In addition to the $39.5 billion in total economic output, the research found that physicians in Massachusetts in 2012 contributed by supporting 241,129 jobs, $22.8 billion in direct and indirect wages and benefits for all supported jobs, and $1.8 billion in local and state tax revenues. The study also found that the total economic impact of physicians of $39.5 billion far exceeded the economic contributions of four other industries in the state: higher education at $23.1 billion, nursing-home and residential care at $11.9 billion, legal services at $12.1 billion, and home health at $4.3 billion. Physician impact on jobs, wages, and benefits were also greater than those industries. Nationally, the total economic impact of more than 720,400 patient-care physicians was calculated at $1.6 trillion, or 10.2% of gross domestic product. The study revealed that physicians support nearly 10 million jobs, with $775.5 billion in wages and benefits. Reports on the Massachusetts and national studies are available at www.massmed.org/economic-impact.
EASTHAMPTON — Matthew Sosik, president and CEO of Easthampton Savings Bank, announced that the bank has become a keystone sponsor for the first Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity home in Easthampton. The bank contributed $10,000 to the East Street Habitat home. The money will go toward the costs of planning, construction, volunteer recruitment, and training. A 15-volunteer committee is already in place to plan the building of the East Street Home. “This particular build is significant because we are building two homes at once, and it is our first Women Build Initiative, which is a project designed to proactively welcome women leadership and women volunteers,” said Peter Jessop, interim executive director of the Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity. “Three of our steering committee members are from Easthampton Savings Bank, so ESB is providing more than just financial support — they are also providing leadership and volunteer capacity. This is the true spirit of the Habitat model, and we hope ESB’s commitment will inspire others to get involved.” Added Sosik, “the Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity is about building communities. Being a sponsor gives us the unique opportunity to become involved in a family’s journey towards home ownership in our community. Plus, the Women Build Initiative is a great way to empower women to get involved in the construction of a home and help a family who wouldn’t be able to build a home otherwise.” Easthampton Savings Bank has supported Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity since 2004 with contributions totaling over $31,000, while ESB employees sit on the organization’s board of directors, finance committee, and the Women Build steering committee.
SPRINGFIELD — Linda Ellen Jones, currently the vice president of Statutory Affairs at Alfred University in New York and a national expert in structural ceramic materials, has been appointed provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Western New England University. President Anthony Caprio announced the appointment, citing Jones’ academic accomplishments and strong record of institutional leadership. “I am delighted to welcome Dr. Jones as our new provost, and I’m looking forward to working closely with her as we continue to develop new academic programs to meet 21st-century needs.” The appointment is effective July 1. As provost, Jones will be the university’s chief academic officer and oversee the academic integrity of all colleges, schools, and institutes on campus. The provost is responsible for working with the deans and faculty to develop new programs, and oversees the academic-appointment process. “I am thrilled to be joining Western New England University as provost and vice president of Academic Affairs,” said Jones. “As we all know, higher education is at a remarkable cross-road. The work in front of us is to help our students answer the questions, who do I want to be, and how do I best prepare for a future rich in possibilities? I look forward to championing a faculty and staff who understand the potential and who are willing to embrace our collective future.” Jones currently heads the New York State College of Ceramics, which is comprised of the School of Art and Design, the Kazuo Inamori School of Engineering, the Scholes Library, and the Schein-Joseph Museum. The College of Ceramics is a unit of the public SUNY system, but administered and housed by the private Alfred University. A materials scientist, Jones is recognized as a national expert in high-temperature corrosion and degradation of structural ceramic materials, and serves as a professor of materials engineering. Prior to her post at Alfred University, Jones served as the director of the Picker Engineering Program at Smith College in Northampton. Jones received her Ph.D. and master’s degree in fuel science, materials science, and engineering from Pennsylvania State University, and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Mary Washington College. Jones succeeds Dr. Jerry Hirsch, who is retiring after 16 years of service as the provost of Western New England University.
SPRINGFIELD — ‘Social entrepreneurism’ will be the focus of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield’s (ACCGS) annual meeting, presented by MGM Springfield, on June 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sheraton Springfield. The event will feature Sam Intrator, professor and chair of the Education and Child Study Program, a member of the Urban Studies Program, founding director of the Smith College Urban Educational Initiative, and the co-founder of Project Coach, an innovative, Smith-staffed, out-of-school program that serves children and teenagers in Springfield and uses sports as a means to engage, connect, and empower adolescents and youth living in the city. Teenagers are trained and employed as coaches for elementary-aged children living in their communities. The major objective of the program is youth development and helping college students learn to teach and run these types of programs. Intrator came to Smith in 1999 after more than a decade of teaching and administrative service in public schools in Brooklyn, N.Y., Vermont, and California. Intrator believes that carefully designed programs (both in and out of school) that are led by engaged and committed adults working alongside youth can provide powerful opportunities for young people to acquire and develop personal, educational, and social assets. To this end, his research and practice explores the question: under what conditions do educational programs — both in the classroom and during out-of-school programs — genuinely matter to youth? Since youth most often describe the importance of a caring, committed, and devoted adult as the essential variable in meaningful learning, Intrator also pursues questions around what can be done to recruit, prepare, and sustain high-quality teachers and out-of-school staff within education. Intrator was awarded a W. K. Kellogg National Leadership Fellowship and, while teaching high-school English, was named a Distinguished Teacher by the White Commission on Presidential Scholars. He has authored and edited six books, including Tuned in and Fired Up: How Teaching Can Inspire Real Learning in the Classroom, which was a finalist for the prestigious Grawemeyer Award in education, and Leading from Within: Poetry That Sustains the Courage to Lead, which received the 2009 Nautilus Book Award Gold Medalist for Poetry. The June 27 meeting will also include the annual election of officers and directors, a recap of the ACCGS successes in the past fiscal year, and the presentation of the 2014 Richard J. Moriarty Citizen of the Year Award, presented annually to honor the memory of Richard Moriarty, a long-time participant in the ACCGS who gave of his time, talent, and personal and professional resources to the local community. Reservations for the event are $40 for members, $60 for general admission, and may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by contacting Cecile Larose at [email protected].
HOLYOKE — Banker & Tradesman has named Douglas Bowen, president and CEO of PeoplesBank, a Community Bank Hero. In awarding that honor, the publication said it goes to individuals who show “an exceptional dedication to service and investment in their community.” Bowen and the others were recognized at a special reception to honor those in the industry who have gone above and beyond to better their organization and their community. Since becoming president and CEO of PeoplesBank in 2007, Bowen and his leadership team have led a culture change at the bank. That shift defined a triple bottom line for the bank: going forward, enhanced financial performance would be linked to community and employee engagement as well as environmental sustainability. The team focused on developing new and higher levels of employee engagement and involvement by creating life-work balance initiatives, a management-development program, employee-led think tanks, and employee-recognition events. PeoplesBank associates have volunteered an average of 6,000 hours each year for charitable causes, and 48 of the bank’s officers serve on the boards and committees of 115 nonprofit organizations. The bank has also donated more than $5 million to local charitable and civic organizations and financed more than $70 million in wind, hydroelectric, and solar energy projects. PeoplesBank, having built three LEED-registered offices, is also a leader in green construction. “I am proud to say that, when I look around at work, I see heroes — PeoplesBank associates doing remarkable things for our customers, the community, and our organization every day,” Bowen said in accepting the award.
SPRINGFIELD — The Center for Human Development (CHD), NAI Plotkin, and One Financial Plaza will present the second annual Healing Arts Festival on Wednesday, June 11. The Healing Arts Festival — which features live music, artwork, food, and crafts — was designed to promote the use of visual and performing arts as an avenue of expression, incorporating the arts in the struggle to overcome addiction, mental-health issues, developmental disabilities, or other challenges that many face. This year the festival will also include other healing modalities, such as yoga, reiki, and massage. “Art and music offer an avenue for expression that’s invaluable to our clients,” said Jim Goodwin, president and CEO of the Center for Human Development. “It is often difficult for them to put their experiences into words. Art and music offer them another way to explore their experiences. We are excited to share their work with the public.” The Healing Arts Festival will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at One Financial Plaza in Springfield. The event is co-sponsored by Evan Plotkin, president of NAI Plotkin and CDH board chair. “This event will help highlight the vitally important work CHD provides to the local community, while also celebrating the arts in Springfield,” he said. “NAI Plotkin is proud to be able to provide the space for this event and showcase the varied ways art can help people heal.” This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.cdh.org.
SPRINGFIELD — The Western Massachusetts Developers Conference — a regional event aimed at connecting regional leaders and economic-development specialists with brokers, site selectors, investors, and others interested in learning about the exciting development opportunities of the region — will be held on Thursday, June 26 starting at 8 a.m. at the Basketball Hall of Fame. The conference will highlight Western Mass. as an exceptional place to invest, start, and grow businesses and will feature Roger Crandall, chairman, president, and CEO of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co., as the keynote luncheon speaker. A top 100 company on the Fortune 500, MassMutual has been recognized as a leader in the industry and an innovative employer. Crandall will share why this Springfield-based company calls Western Mass. home. In addition, the day will include information on shove-ready development opportunities, a review of the Western Mass. Value Proposition, a CEO panel sharing how the region supports business growth, and a review of recent major infrastructure investments and exciting projects on the horizon, such as the proposed MGM resort casino in Springfield. The day-long event includes a light breakfast, lunch, tours, and reception. This event is being coordinated by organizations including the Economic Development Council (EDC) of Western Mass., Economic Development Partners, MassDevelopment, and MassEcon. “The region is excited to showcase its assets to developers, real-estate investors, brokers, and corporate real-estate executives at this nuts-and-bolts conference on June 26,” said Allan Blair, president and CEO of the EDC of Western Mass. “The EDC and our many regional partners are eager to discuss the many investment opportunities throughout the Valley, and describe the resources available to those considering the region.” Gold sponsors for the conference include Baystate Health, Health New England, and Mass Mutual. The silver sponsor is Hampden Bank, and supporting sponsors include Hampden Bank, TRC Solutions, and United Bank. The event is free for attendees, but space is limited, and registration is required. For more information and to register, visit www.westernmassedc.com.
MONSON — Monson Savings Bank (MSB) has announced the promotion of Terry Poloski to Mortgage Originator. Terry joined the bank in December 2011, has more than 30 years of experience in consumer and mortgage lending, and has worked with every aspect of the lending process, including underwriting. She is not only adept at helping her borrowers obtain the right financing package, but also at assisting them with every detail along the way, said Steve Lowell, MSB president, adding, “we are extremely fortunate to have Terry on our team. She embodies the Monson Savings commitment to customer service and is highly qualified to help people find the right financing package for new homes, construction, and refinancing.” Poloski is a member of the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley.
TURNERS FALLS — Two new books from Northeast Foundation for Children Inc. (NEFC), developer of Responsive Classroom, a research-based approach to integrating high-level academics with social-emotional learning, have been awarded gold and silver medals in the Independent Publisher Book Awards (also known as the IPPY awards). The Language of Learning: Teaching Students Core Thinking, Listening & Speaking Skills took the gold medal for first place in the Education I (Workbook/Resource) category, while Doing Science in Morning Meeting: 150 Quick Activities That Connect to Your Curriculum took silver in the same category. Conducted annually, the Independent Publisher Book Awards honor the year’s best independently published titles from around the world. The IPPY awards program is open to all members of the independent publishing industry and to authors and publishers worldwide who produce books written in English and intended for the North American market. Roughly 2,000 publishers participate annually, and this year there were almost 6,000 individual book entries. Mary Beth Forton, Responsive Classroom’s director of Publications and Communications, and Associate Director Alice Yang accepted the medals at the awards ceremony in New York City on May 28. “All of us at Responsive Classroom are thrilled to receive not only one but two IPPY awards in a single year,” said Forton. “Recognition of the high quality of our resources benefits children by spreading the word about the Responsive Classroom approach and getting practical resources into the hands of even more educators.” Each of the award-winning titles, Forton went on, offers teachers valuable strategies for achieving key learning goals. “The Language of Learning is especially relevant today. Strong communication skills are so key to school success in the 21st century and age of the Common Core. This book shows how to weave the teaching of these skills into lessons throughout the day. And Doing Science in Morning Meeting helps teachers get students excited about science. Starting the day with lively and engaging group activities focused on science not only primes students for science learning later in the day, but fosters a lifelong sense of wonder and inquisitiveness about the world.”
SPRINGFIELD — DevelopSpringfield hosted an event on May 29 to mark the two-year anniversary of the Rebuild Springfield Plan release and to commemorate the third anniversary of the June 1, 2011 tornado. City officials, volunteers, contributors, residents, and other stakeholders gathered on Central Street to hear remarks highlighting Rebuild Springfield Plan progress. Attendees were provided an opportunity to tour newly rebuilt homes in the severely tornado-damaged Central Street corridor. The Rebuild Springfield Plan is a city-wide master plan designed to provide a framework for addressing the redevelopment needs of neighborhoods impacted by the June 2011 tornado. Additionally, the plan serves as a guide for addressing a wide range of issues relevant to the city as a whole. DevelopSpringfield, in partnership with the Springfield Redevelopment Authority, facilitated the planning process, which included the input of city residents and stakeholders and was published in the spring of 2012. The recent gathering featured remarks by Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno; Jay Minkarah, president and CEO of DevelopSpringfield; Nick Fyntrilakis, DevelopSpringfield board chair and vice president of Community Responsibility for MassMutual Financial Group; Bishop Bruce Shaw, pastor of New Hope Pentecostal Church; Melvin Edwards, city councilor and Maple High/Six Corners Neighborhood Council president; Tim Allen, city councilor; Steven Bradley, DevelopSpringfield board member and vice president of Government and Community Relations and Public Relations for Baystate Health; Jose Claudio, DevelopSpringfield board member and director of Community Development for the New North Citizens’ Council and speaking on behalf of the North End Housing Initiative; and Alberto Ayala, speaking on behalf of VIVA Development. All of the speakers played a role in planning and rebuilding efforts in the city. They noted that the new homes and cleanup in the Central Street corridor are clear signs of rebirth in that neighborhood, with construction of the new Elias Brookings School in the background. With the assistance of federal, state, and city investment, progress is being made on several other key projects, including plans for construction of a New South End Community Center at Mason Wight Park. Trees have been planted, parks rehabilitated, and the Dryden Memorial School rehabilitated, among many other signs of physical improvements since the tornado. Beyond the response to the challenges brought on by the tornado, the plan also provides a framework to advance other important community priorities throughout the city. Progress on these fronts is also evident in many ways, including work in addressing educational and workforce-training priorities; efforts to highlight cultural assets, including the designation of the Springfield Central Cultural District downtown; enhanced public safety programs; and cohesive and collaborative economic-development initiatives to attract business and permanent jobs to the city. The full plan is available at www.developspringfield.com. DevelopSpringfield also announced the publication of the Rebuild Springfield Progress Report 2014. Developed in collaboration with many volunteers who participated in the Rebuild Springfield planning process, the report highlights many of the plan’s priorities. It is available online at www.developspringfield.com; in print at DevelopSpringfield offices at 1182 Main St. in Springfield; and will be distributed in the Republican on June 5. A Spanish-language version will be available soon and distributed throughout the community and also online.
Area Hospitals Tout the Critical Role of Infection Control
Mary Ellen Scales says a big part of infection control is infection prevention.
By the time an effective vaccine was developed and distributed in the fall, however, the H1N1 threat had begun to ease up. “It was a flu that went through the entire summer and into the fall, when the traditional flu season was supposed to be starting, and then it started to tail off and disappear,” said Carol Wojnarowski, an RN and infection-control manager at Holyoke Medical Center. “It was a very unique situation. That’s how pandemics get labeled — it’s out of season, it’s worldwide, it usually moves rapidly, and it can be a significant disease for those who can’t fend it off.”
Wojnarowski and her staff — and infection-control personnel at all area hospitals — are among the community’s front-line defenses against such threats, along with local and state public-health officials. When threats emerge, their concerns range from making sure enough masks are available to protect people against airborne transmission to working with pharmacies to rotate antibiotics, to preserve their efficacy.
“We’re always working with other departments, from microbiology to central supply sterilization,” Wojnarowski added. “All these have to be moving together. One won’t work on its own.”
Not every infectious disease is communicable among people, she was quick to note. “You can get tetanus from a dirty nail or a rusty fence, but I can’t give you tetanus. But smallpox, chicken pox, measles, flu, I can give those to you and the person next to you. We have strategies in case we have a pandemic in the community and our vaccines aren’t suppressing it, so we can keep it under control.”
Mary Ellen Scales, an RN and chief infection-control officer for Baystate Health, said outbreaks of flu or a norovirus in the community will often be reported by the Department of Public Health, while, in other cases, a surprising number of patients with similar symptoms will show up in the emergency room, triggering an alert.
But she was quick to add that a significant part of her department’s job has nothing to do with infections and viruses that show up in the community. “Part of infection control is actually prevention. Chasing the horse after it’s left the barn is infection control; not opening the door in the first place is infection prevention.”
Indeed, infection prevention is serious business for hospitals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hospital-acquired infections are the fourth-leading cause of death in the U.S., and are responsible for tens of billions of dollars annually in healthcare costs.
“We have a responsibility to make sure patients, staff, visitors, and community members who come to Cooley Dickinson Hospital or its satellites are protected from transmittable infectious diseases,” said Linda Riley, an RN and manager of infection prevention at CDH. “We look for certain diseases in the hospital, and infections related to devices people use — IVs, catheters, tubes in the lungs that help them breathe. We look for infections in people having certain procedures and surgeries.
“We work as a team to keep our whole community safe where there’s a community exposure,” she noted. “I would alert our medical staff members, all our offices, let them know what they should expect, what the symptoms are, what they should do if people end up at their offices with measles or flu or something else.”
But where CDH has made major strides, she explained, is reducing the threat of infection inside the hospital.
“We’ve developed improvement plans to reduce the threat of infections,” Riley said. “We do orientation and education for staff, patients, and community members. We implement best practices, and I’m always on the Internet, reading infection-control journals and blogs, looking for new ideas, things we can do to create a safer environment for patients and staff.”
Just Breathe
Take, for example, ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), which is usually serious and caused by bacteria, which can be resistant to antibiotics. According to the Centers for Disease Control’s National Healthcare Safety Network Report, Cooley Dickinson’s efforts in preventing ventilator-acquired pneumonia place the hospital in the top 10% of the nation’s medical/surgical ICUs.
And that’s a big deal; patients on ventilators have a 32% mortality rate in the short term, but it rises to 46% when pneumonia is introduced.
The culture shift began in 2005 when a team of respiratory therapists, physicians, nurses, quality-improvement staff, and infection-prevention specialists adopted a set of instructions from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement known as the ‘IHI ventilator bundle.’ The bundle offers a series of interventions determined to be the best evidence-based practices related to reducing the risk of VAP to patients.
Carol Wojnarowski says infection-control work in hospitals involves a number of departments effectively working together to identify — and minimize — risks.
The hospital’s prevention strategy — which works, since it hasn’t had a VAP case in three years — includes making sure patients’ heads are elevated and heating the ventilator tubing to body temperature before use; if they aren’t heated, the gas that passes through them can turn into water vapor, which is a potential breeding ground for contaminants. Doctors at CDH also use closed-suction catheters, which allow them to clean secretions from a patient’s airway while maintaining ventilation, which also cuts down on the risk of infection.
A similar team was assembled at Baystate, which also adopted the IHI ventilator bundle in 2005 and, like CDH, witnessed an almost total elimination of VAP incidents. That followed on the heels of other infection-control measures, like installing alcohol hand rubs throughout its hospitals. “It’s important for healthcare workers to clean their hands,” Scales said.
Cooley Dickinson has taken a high-tech approach to hand hygiene, installing an electronic system, called the DebMed GMS, that monitors whether doctors, nurses, and other care providers are cleaning their hands before seeing patients.
An electronic box at each station keeps a tally of how many provider-patient contacts are preceded — or not — by hand disinfecting. Each department then discusses the findings at staff meetings to develop goals and strategies for improving compliance rates.
Again, this is a serious matter. A study conducted at Duke University Medical Center showed that a 1% increase in hand-hygiene compliance results in annual cost savings of $39,650 for a 200-bed hospital, due to fewer incidents of germ transmission requiring further care and longer stays.
Cooley Dickinson has also taken a cutting-edge approach to cleaner patient rooms using an ultraviolet disinfecting technology known as Xenex Px-UV. The system uses UV light to kill drug-resistant organisms like MRSA, VRE, and Clostridium difficile, or C. diff — which, by itself, infects 165,000 hospitalized patients annually, and about 9,000 of those die, according to the CDC. But at CDH, the presence of C. diff dropped by 82% in just the first four months after the introduction of Xenex.
Home Invasion
Wojnarowski said the report of a widespread pathogen in the community is followed by communication with public-health officials and procedures on everything from quarantines to immunizations. Hospital policy also requires care providers to be fully immunized against transmittable diseases.
But she also emphasized the importance of monitoring and preventing infections that develop inside the hospital.
“We invade the patient a lot; we put catheters in their veins, their bladder, their lungs. And those therapies, though they help the patient and provide relief in some ways, are also a pathway for bacteria to get in.”
That’s why Holyoke Medical Center has established guidelines for how long a catheter or IV can stay in, and how to put a medicated dressing around the catheter and insertion site.
“We’re always updating our guidelines, our patient-care practices, always consulting with operating-room people, sterilizing equipment — what can we do better to clean equipment, keep it sterilized? What are the latest strategies out there?” Wojnarowski explained. “It extends to purchasing equipment, too. For example, sometimes it’s cheaper to buy something disposable versus something we have to sterilize.”
Riley agreed. “We’re part of the equipment-management process, and we look for things that make hospital procedures safer.” For example, IVs must be disinfected with alcohol swabs, but CDH has started using alcohol-impregnated caps that keep the port disinfected. “We found this made our IV-related infections go away. We’re always looking for new things that come on the market and new practices to help us prevent infections.”
She said her job is enjoyable, if only because no two days are the same. For example, “environmental sources of infection are a concern when we do construction, so we do risk assessment, decide what protective barriers need to be in place, and do regular inspections. We do water and air testing to make sure they’re clean for the staff.”
Scales said her team gets support from the Mass. Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other bodies dedicated to preventing infection both inside and outside a hospital’s walls.
“We also get calls all the time from people in the community, clinics, doctors’ offices, about how to manage certain things. I got a call from a barber who wanted to teach infection control in hairdressing. That’s fascinating. People are more aware of the fact that infections can be passed — and that they can be prevented.”
Those relationships with state and national agencies can be onerous, too, Wojnarowski added, because organizations like the Joint Commission demand rigorous record-keeping. “We’ll have to provide a log book for temperatures in refrigerators, to prove that vaccines are stored at the right temperature,” she said. “A lot of stuff is very tedious, but it’s all about keeping people healthy, because healthcare does have risks. The therapies and treatments people undergo are not risk-free.”
Riley added that her department works closely with infection-control officials in other hospitals to support each other and share strategies that work. “We help each other problem-solve, do educational programs, and e-mail each other when we have questions. I think it’s the most successful example of hospital collaborations and communications. Our relationships are everything — knowing whom to call, when to call, and knowing you trust these people.”
Impossible Task?
Wojnarowski said they need that network because of how demanding their role is.
“The government says to the hospital, ‘improve this number, get this number to zero,’ which is completely impossible,” she told BusinessWest. “People ask, ‘why is it impossible?’ Well, you have a very elderly population; you have a population that’s on a lot of serious medications that weaken your system.
“Not every patient is a 20- or 30-year-old marathon runner,” she added. “Some are overweight, some of them smoke, and they’re not as healthy as the marathon runner. A risk for me might not be a risk for you. Although there is standardization of procedures, we’re not all the same.”
Riley agrees that zero infections is an impossible goal to meet, but it’s still the goal.
“It shows the commitment of the hospital to do everything we can to make a safe environment for patients. The community really appreciates it,” she said. “The goal is zero infections. But no one is able to do that; it’s not just what we do, but the patient’s own immune system. No hospital has achieved zero, but we’re working as hard as we can, doing everything we possibly can, to create the safest environment for our patients, staff, and visitors.
“If we don’t aim high,” she added, “we’ll never get there. So we’re aiming for zero.”
Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]
Web Design Is Only Part of the Game at Gravity Switch
Christine Mark, co-founder, graphic designer, and budding ukulele player at Gravity Switch.
“Yes, we’re working on the public face of a company or organization, but we always want to talk about what their business challenges are, what they’re trying to do, what are their metrics of success. The work we do needs to help drive those things forward in some way. If it’s not, it doesn’t make sense to pursue it,” said Mark, who started Gravity Switch in 1996 with her husband, Jason (the company’s creative lead and a BusinessWest 40 Under Forty winner in 2011) and one of his high-school friends.
“We were three kids out of college, not unlike how a lot of startups begin, a bootstraps operation with wires hanging from the ceiling,” she told BusinessWest. “But our core ideals and why we’re here haven’t changed, even though the landscape around us has changed tremendously. We’ve matured as a company as we approach our double-decade milestone, but we still follow those ideals of doing work that we love, that’s meaningful, for people and organizations that we believe in and care about.”
And they draw on their own business experience to approach web design and a range of other high-tech services from a broad perspective.
“The end product might be a website, or it might be a website plus a mobile version of the site, or responsive design where the display and content are dynamically reformatted depending on whether it’s on a desktop, tablet, smartphone, whatever the case may be,” she said. “Or we might develop print pieces to accompany a web launch, or user testing and a usability study with a findings report, where we can leverage what we learn in that process. There might be a social-media strategy; we can offer a lot to clients in terms of how to approach their social media.”
All these elements — design, branding, messaging, technology — are spokes on the same wheel, and at the center is a company’s goals.
“The clients we work with feel really excited and energized to articulate who they are and what makes them great,” Mark told BusinessWest. “I’ve heard clients say to us, ‘we thought coming to you would help us with this marketing and technology issue, but then you helped us figure out how to position our products differently.’”
For this issue’s focus on technology, BusinessWest visits a Northampton-based company known for its cutting-edge work, its civic conscience, and — did she just break out a ukulele? — sense of fun.
Evolving World
At the start, Gravity Switch wasn’t as broad in its goals; in fact, it didn’t even focus on websites, its eventual bread and butter. In its first year, about 95% of the company’s work was graphics, animation, and video for CD-ROM and other platforms.
“My, how that’s flip-flopped,” said Mark. “In 1996 or 1997, if you told someone you were doing websites, a lot of people didn’t understand what that meant. You had to do a lot of explaining.”
She recalled someone who called that first year, struggling to articulate his question before asking, “do you have the Internet there?”
The Internet has, obviously, become much more pervasive since then, but Gravity Switch has evolved in some key ways as well.
“Now, I can say to someone, ‘we do websites,’ and stop there, but it wouldn’t do justice to it,” she said. “What we do is build web and mobile and digital experiences — and we’ve really moved over to print as well — that are rooted in business marketing, branding, and messaging strategy. To pull it off right, it’s not just websites.”
The Marks and their 10-person team focus on three key sectors: higher education — they’ve done website work for Yale, Dartmouth, UMass, Smith, Asuntuck Community College, and many other institutions — nonprofitsm, and businesses, ranging from local entrepreneurs to large corporations.
“We’re a good match for people who are forward-thinking, energetic, and like to get things done, because that describes us,” she said. “We’re not afraid of hard work, and we bring a lot of energy and expertise to the mix.”
For the most part, Mark explained, Gravity Switch doesn’t build first websites for companies, unless the client is a startup. Instead, they tackle the challenge of redesign, of making a site powerful, visible, and adaptable in a more complex Internet landscape.
“Between 2000 and 2005, we were doing first websites; companies came to us, wanting to embark on the web, and there was a lot of education to convey — why it’s important, why it matters, and what things don’t matter.
“It’s a much savvier client base today,” she continued. “I can say ‘CMS,’ and most of our points of contact — directors of marketing, directors of IT, presidents and CEOs — they’ll understand that CMS means content-management system. We used to have to define what that meant even five years ago. Now, they know what that means and maybe have some experience working with them.”
A CMS is essentially a program that allows users to publish content on the web, and even do-it-yourself programs have become more sophisticated, she said, citing Squarespace as a good example.
“There are design constraints imposed by Squarespace templates, but it’s a pretty powerful tool. What it doesn’t bring, though — and what you always need a human for — is the strategic part, the thinking, the messaging. No technology is able to hear what the client is saying and listen between the lines. No technology can replace that and add good copywriting and photography.”
Two basic questions Gravity Switch asks clients is what they want people to know, in terms of data and facts, and what they want people to feel — what impressions they want to convey — when users access their site.
“When you start conversations with these questions, some really interesting, powerful things come out of it, versus coming out of it thinking, ‘I need a website, and I want it to be blue.’ We don’t pick blue; we pick ‘businesslike’ or ‘conservative’ or ‘edgy’ or other things,” she said, adding that it’s important to test design ideas with different audiences before going live. “It’s the mantra of ‘fail early and fail often’ when it’s not that expensive to fail and it’s pretty inexpensive to correct course.”
All aspects of design and testing have become more complicated in the new mobile world, where consumers are constantly accessing the Internet on the go. Mark said Gravity Switch designs apps for mobile devices, but because their budget isn’t always matched by an immediate return on investment — after all, most apps are offered for free — they are not always an attractive option.
More important, she noted, is a mobile-friendly or mobile-streamlined website, which might include anything from minimizing form entry to streamlining screen real estate, to making sure the company’s phone number is findable and tappable. “The dexterity available in the mobile environment is more limited, and that needs to be taken into consideration.”
Clients need to ask themselves what their mobile audience is — the difference between 1% and 20% can change the way they prioritize a mobile-streamlined site — but it’s becoming at least a consideration for almost everyone.
“Maybe four years ago, the question was, ‘do we think we need mobile?’ Now it’s ‘what do we need to do about mobile?’” she said. “It’s part of the landscape, and it’s an opportunity to be leveraged or missed.”
Fun with a Purpose
Mark repeatedly came back to her company’s philosophy, which has remained steady over 18 years of otherwise dynamic industry change. “We work with organizations we care about and believe in. When it comes down to it, we like working with organizations we think are making a good impact on the world. Nonprofits are exciting for us, education is exciting, and we work with businesses we like. We’re very passionate about the work we do.”
She added that she and Jason have built their own team in a similar way, choosing talented individuals who bring with them a passion for their work.
“In terms of how we hire and the expectations we have for our team members, the people at Gravity Switch are in the roles where they get to do what they do best every single day,” she said. “That’s really a core part of our hiring philosophy and career-development philosophy.”
In addition to 10 full-time employees and a few part-timers — what she referred to as a “good, strong team of designers, developers, lead strategists, people who do content, and project managers” — the firm also works with a number of outside contractors, including videographers, photographers, additional content writers, and designers, to regulate the workload.
While Gravity Switch — which was named, whimsically, after a Shel Silverstein poem — has become a well-known name in Northampton and beyond, it seeks to be part of the community in ways that go beyond business.
“We contribute to the world around us through group volunteer work — a couple of times, we’ve helped Habitat for Humanity build houses — and we donate 15% of our corporate profits every year to charity; our employees help direct the funds,” Mark said, adding that the Make-A-Wish Foundation has benefited recently as well, with Gravity Switch paying for three of the 50 wishes granted last year by the local chapter.
Taking a page out of Alan Robinson’s book Ideas Are Free, the company has also formalized a process for generating ideas to help people. Every other week, the staff gathers to pitch ideas for making people’s lives better, doing things more efficiently, helping clients save money, or just have fun — with the caveat that all ideas must cost under $30 and take less than 30 minutes to implement, the concept being that more complicated, expensive plans are less likely to be put into action. “It’s another piece of sharing the work we’re doing with each other,” Mark said.
In other words, it’s a fun, open, and progressive place to work, she said, one where she feels free to break out her ukulele to jog her creativity.
“We’re all avid learners with different areas of interests. It’s part of our culture, that energy we bring. I’m grateful for our people, this team, and our culture. Jason and I are the business owners, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t say it’s the people who create that culture. It’s a fun group — a hard-working group, but we like to laugh and enjoy work, too.”
Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]
Understand the Pros and Cons of Technology Investments
By GREG PELLERIN
Greg Pellerin
“I suppose that’s true,” the GM exec agreed. “But would you really want your car to crash twice a day?”
I think of this story whenever we’re asked by a client to justify the return on their technology investment. The latest and greatest may be better, but is it right for you, and how will it show up on the bottom line?
Take the healthcare industry, for example. Institutions are spending hundreds of millions — and, in some cases, billions — of dollars to meet new federal electronic healthcare (EHR) guidelines. Taxpayer dollars are in part funding the transition so that doctors can talk to the emergency room, radiology can talk to oncology, nurses can talk to the pharmacy, and everybody can talk to the accounting department.
Linking all systems together will invariably help improve patient care and no doubt provide accountability when it comes to paying for it all. That should help Washington’s bottom line as well as those of the insurance industry. But what about the hospitals? Hundreds of millions of dollars in up-front expense and tens of millions of dollars in annual system maintenance costs later, will it all be worth it?
A discussion on the subject took place recently on a LinkedIn forum, and the arguments for and against, can, quite frankly, be made for any business, inside or outside the healthcare world.
The Pros
• Technology reduces fraud, waste, and abuse;
• When used correctly, inter-department communication will drastically improve, making for a more efficient organization and happy customers (patients); and
• New-data analysis can identify strengths and weaknesses, driving process improvement and lowering costs.
The Cons
• The cost of installing and integrating software that, in the case of EHR, runs $250 million. An additional $30 million a year will need to be spent to keep it all running. That can only be recouped, some say, through massive cutbacks in personnel (either that, or as one online-forum participant suggested, “reduce the average physician’s salary by $100,000 a year!” That’s not going to happen).
• The system is broken. Hospitals, like many businesses, are being asked to improve quality even though they will need to spend more to operate and be paid less to do it.
Ask the Right Questions
So how do you judge ROI when it comes to a technology investment for your business? Start by doing a thorough LEAN analysis of your organization and industry. Begin by asking yourself two simple questions:
Why am I doing this? It may be something thrust upon you by the state or federal government, an industry group, the age and/or performance of your existing infrastructure, or security concerns.
How will it make my business better? Technology is often touted as making an organization more efficient, augmenting existing or opening up new capabilities, or allowing for increased capacity.
If you’re satisfied with the answers, make sure you then have a solid understanding of your existing network, because that needs to be the benchmark for your comparison. You don’t have to join the local ‘geek squad,’ but you should be asking the bits-and-bytes experts for a reasonable overview of your current systems, processes, and personnel. If you can’t understand it, tell them to go back to the drawing board. Throw out the acronyms and have them make their pitch again. You want an understanding of all the hardware and software you’re using today. You want assurances that all processes are documented and reviewed for optimal performance. And, finally, you want to know that you have the right team in place to run what you have now and handle the changes ahead.
With all of these answers in hand, you can now weigh the capital expense of the hardware or software against the resulting increases in operating expense and determine if the spending is appropriate for your business size and complexity.
Return on investment is not a simple ‘A + B’ calculation. But if you follow the process, you just may keep your ROI from turning into an IOU
Greg Pellerin is a 15-year veteran of the telecommunications and IT industries and a co-founder of VertitechIT, one of the fastest-growing business and healthcare IT networking and consulting firms in the country; (413) 268-1605; [email protected]
Send photos with a caption and contact information to: ‘Picture This’ c/o BusinessWest Magazine, 1441 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103 or to [email protected]
Groundbreaking Care
Mercy Medical Center recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for a $15 million expansion of the Sr. Caritas Cancer Center. Pictured from left are Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno; Mercy surgeon Dr. Mohamed Hamdani; Daniel Moen, president and CEO of the Sisters of Providence Health System (SPHS); Sr. Mary Caritas, Sisters of Providence; Dr. Philip Glynn, Mercy’s director of Medical Oncology; Dr. Catherine Carton, Mercy’s medical director of Radiation Oncology; Kate Kane, chair of the SPHS board of trustees; and Sr. Kathleen Popko, president of the Sisters of Providence.
Banking on the Future
Florence Savings Bank (FSB) recently broke ground on its new Hadley branch. Pictured from left are Amy Lewis, HAI Architects; Jonathan Wright, president of Wright Builders; Rick Katsanos, president of HAI Architects; John Heaps Jr., president and CEO of FSB; Robert Borawski, chairman of FSB; Toby Daniels, vice president and marketing director of FSB; Sharon Rogalski, senior vice president and senior retail executive at FSB; and Karen Soucie, HAI Architects.
Common Threads
More than 125 people turned out at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House on May 14 for “Common Threads: an Evening of Empowerment” to benefit the Dress for Success program. The event celebrated the progress made in re-entering the workforce by women from the Western Mass. Correctional Alcohol Center, also known as Howard Street, who have greatly benefited from the Dress from Success program. Honored that evening was Hampden County Sheriff Michael Ashe, whose office operates Howard Street, and who has been a long-time supporter of Dress for Success. Pictured from left are Kathy Tobin, director of Friends for the Homeless; Kate Kane, managing director of the Springfield office of Northwestern Mutual and president of the Western Mass. affiliate of Dress for Success; Sally Ruelli, Dress for Success Boutique director; and Ashe.
Getting Ripped
ENERGIA Fitness in Hadley recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate its new ownership. New owner Justin Killeen, third from right, joined Katie Lipsmeyer, ENERGIA manager, fourth from right; Don Courtemanche, director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, second from right; and ENERGIA employees at the celebration. Visit www.energiastudios.com for information on the center’s various classes and programs.
The following building permits were issued during the month of May 2014.
AGAWAM
Christian Ayotte
4 Independence Road
$24,000 — Install solar array on roof
Paul Hubbard
55 Springfield St.
$16,000 — Furniture store renovations
Town of Agawam
1000 Suffield St.
$240,000 — Construction of concession area
AMHERST
Half Pipe Associates, LLC
621 East Pleasant St.
$6,000 — Interior renovations
North Amherst Community Farm Inc.
1089 North Pleasant St.
$1,000 — Minor roof repairs
CHICOPEE
Chicopee Falls Lodge
244 Fuller Road
$40,000 — Strip and re-roof
The Consortium
44 Ludlow Road
$17,500 — Remodel bathroom
GREENFIELD
Franklin Associates
87-91 Main St.
$12,000 — Interior renovations
Joseph Nickerson
223 Mohawk Trail
$16,000 — Remodel interior of Circle K store
Rite Aid
107 Main St.
$105,000 — Interior remodel
Steven Schechterle
402 Federal St.
$8,500 — Strip and re-roof
PALMER
Country Bank for Savings
1485 North Main St.
$8,000 — Office renovations
Merchant Palmer LLC
1001 Thorndike St.
$135,000 — 1,400 square foot remodel
Mildred Kapinos
9 South St.
$9,000 — New roof
Wing Memorial Hospital
40 Wright St.
$265,000 — Upgrades to emergency room area
SOUTHWICK
CVS
215 College Highway
$46,000 — Renovations and accessibility improvements for handicap restrooms
SPRINGFIELD
1350 Main Street, LLC
1350 Main St.
$27,000 — Construct new office wall with window in suite 1510
Verizon Wireless
90 Memorial Dr.
$16,500 — Install 9 upgraded antenna panels
WESTFIELD
Gerald Damour
7 East Silver St.
$16,000 — Replace three rooftop gas/electric units
Lawry Realty, LLC
140 Appremont Way
$12,000 — Construct 14’ x 20’ interior room
WEST SPRINGFIELD
Carnegie Library
200 Park St.
$9,643,000 — Construction of a new two-story addition to the library
Johnson Acoustics
31 Pearson Way
$177,500 — New roof
Natu Patel
429 Riverdale St.
$9,500 — Renovations of commercial space
The following real estate transactions (latest available) were compiled by Banker & Tradesman and are published as they were received. Only transactions exceeding $115,000 are listed. Buyer and seller fields contain only the first name listed on the deed.
FRANKLIN COUNTY
ASHFIELD
665 Baptist Corner Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Jasper McChesney
Seller: Michelle L. Carter
Date: 04/30/14
BERNARDSTON
145 Merrifield Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $298,000
Buyer: Jason R. Baklavas
Seller: Kerry C. Heathwaite
Date: 05/01/14
62 Shedd Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Mark J. Vallee
Seller: Wesley J. Platek
Date: 04/22/14
BUCKLAND
150 Bray Road
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Courtney Zarish
Seller: Bryn C. Francis
Date: 05/02/14
2 Harmony Lane
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $145,900
Buyer: Carrie A. Ledoyt
Seller: Greenfield Savings Bank
Date: 04/22/14
37 North St.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Darren E. Fight
Seller: Carl D. Schatz
Date: 04/30/14
CONWAY
45 Baptist Hill Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Joan R. Schwartz
Seller: Anita Elise Rymer TR
Date: 04/30/14
46 Delabarre Ave.
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $147,000
Buyer: Amanda L. Nash
Seller: JP Morgan Chase Bank
Date: 04/23/14
DEERFIELD
278 Conway Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: John R. White
Seller: Deborah F. Oeky
Date: 04/24/14
36 Old Main St.
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $1,500,000
Buyer: Deerfield Academy
Seller: Kenneth S. Williams
Date: 04/23/14
ERVING
35 Forest St.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $281,000
Buyer: Karla J. Herzig-Doherty
Seller: Shawn M. Johnson
Date: 04/30/14
44 Mountain Road
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $217,000
Buyer: Alma D. Mankowsky
Seller: James A. Taft
Date: 04/22/14
GREENFIELD
335 Chapman St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Andrew J. Lively
Seller: Earley, Robert P., (Estate)
Date: 04/25/14
12 Cypress St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Addison L. Massa
Seller: Nathan O’Rourke
Date: 04/29/14
43 Cypress St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Jeremy M. Felton
Seller: Lauren K. Saczawa
Date: 04/23/14
155 Federal St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Emmalyn Hicks
Seller: Francis L. McDonald
Date: 04/24/14
296 High St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $118,500
Buyer: Daniel D. Garant
Seller: Helen C. Cobb
Date: 04/30/14
430 Mohawk Trail
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $118,000
Buyer: Vera Filobokova
Seller: Thomas D. Lewis
Date: 05/02/14
216 Munson St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Pavel Angelchev
Seller: James R. Fowler
Date: 04/30/14
13 Pierce St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Richard M. Henry
Seller: Peter B. Roberts
Date: 04/30/14
373 Plain Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $232,000
Buyer: Paul D. Eldridge
Seller: Robart W. Martin
Date: 04/30/14
HEATH
375 Route 8A North
Heath, MA 01346
Amount: $209,900
Buyer: Enrico Mezzacappa
Seller: Julie A. Howe
Date: 04/30/14
MONTAGUE
44 Coolidge Ave.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Daniel G. Brooks
Seller: Kurt A. Gilmore
Date: 04/28/14
12 James Ave.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Benjamin J. Tozloski
Seller: Helen L. Pearson
Date: 04/23/14
14 Keith St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $162,000
Buyer: Robert C. Eaton
Seller: Wayne R. Allen
Date: 05/02/14
35 North Leverett Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $128,333
Buyer: Thomas S. Norwood
Seller: 39 North Leverett RT
Date: 04/30/14
37 North Leverett Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $128,333
Buyer: Thomas S. Norwood
Seller: 39 North Leverett RT
Date: 04/30/14
39 North Leverett Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $128,333
Buyer: Thomas S. Norwood
Seller: 39 North Leverett RT
Date: 04/30/14
NORTHFIELD
294 Birnam Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Emily J. Koester
Seller: Northfield Mt. Hermon School
Date: 05/02/14
ORANGE
44 Meadow Lane
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Elaine Dadah
Seller: MHFA
Date: 04/29/14
5 Sunset Dr.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $129,900
Buyer: Anthony M. Brosca
Seller: Hilda D. Cogswell
Date: 04/25/14
SHUTESBURY
59 Briggs Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $156,500
Buyer: Jamie H. Sullivan
Seller: Richard F. Paczkowski
Date: 04/22/14
51 Merrill Dr.
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Kathleen A. Salvador
Seller: Carol A. Balakier
Date: 04/28/14
HAMPDEN COUNTY
AGAWAM
64 Adams St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: VIP Homes & Associates LLC
Seller: Lucille G. Harpin
Date: 05/01/14
55 Annable St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Melissa Oliveira
Seller: Luigi Chiarella
Date: 04/25/14
22 Belvidere Ave.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Anthony Liquori
Seller: Carlos M. Afonso
Date: 04/30/14
112 Cooley St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Liberato Management Co. Inc.
Seller: Frederick W. Richter
Date: 04/22/14
33 Cynthia Place
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $349,900
Buyer: Nicholas A. Pisano
Seller: Thomas A. Goodrow
Date: 04/25/14
48 Juniper Ridge Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Stephen N. Papadoulias
Seller: James A. Pafumi
Date: 04/30/14
69 Line St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Jason A. Root
Seller: Petr Privedenyuk
Date: 04/30/14
723 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Ascioti Vincunas LLC
Seller: 723 Main St. Agawam LLC
Date: 05/01/14
157 Meadowbrook Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Douglas E. Bernier
Seller: Scott T. Laviano
Date: 04/25/14
106 Mill St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $222,000
Buyer: Moquin FT
Seller: Jane E. Fazio
Date: 04/30/14
104 Reed St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: Butchie L. Donald
Seller: Kenneth A. Elkas
Date: 04/30/14
216 School St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $136,000
Buyer: Arnold Lovely
Seller: Ronald F. Ennaco
Date: 05/02/14
150 Southwick St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $281,000
Buyer: Aaron M. Jones
Seller: Kathleen A. Kelley
Date: 04/29/14
75 Spruce Circle
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Lee E. Smith
Seller: Eric W. Gaylord
Date: 04/24/14
41 Stewart Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $231,039
Buyer: Midfirst Bank
Seller: Edward A. Burinskas
Date: 05/01/14
43 Suffield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Anthony R. Boido
Seller: Diane Vanpelt
Date: 04/25/14
41 Trinity Terrace
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: Nicholas E. Gingras
Seller: Anthony M. Ruscio
Date: 04/22/14
BRIMFIELD
55 Brookfield Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $256,000
Buyer: Joel J. Klys
Seller: Thomas A. Russo
Date: 04/25/14
83 Cubles Dr.
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Michael P. Hogan
Seller: Mark Demerski
Date: 04/30/14
84 Champeaux Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: David W. Schermerhorn
Seller: Jose M. Martinez
Date: 04/23/14
Palmer Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Aura Enterprises Inc.
Seller: Laura P. May
Date: 04/30/14
CHICOPEE
64 Artisan St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Isacc Martinez
Seller: Bombardier, Marian B., (Estate)
Date: 04/23/14
4 Burton St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Legacy Realty Associates
Seller: TMT Services LLC
Date: 05/02/14
Celestine St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $615,000
Buyer: 91 East Park Inc.
Seller: 18 Piece Chicopee LLC
Date: 05/02/14
27 Charpentier Blvd.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $153,000
Buyer: Michael J. Holmes
Seller: Michael C. Waite
Date: 04/30/14
41 Chestnut St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: D. Serrano-Cordero
Seller: Chicopee Neighborhood Development
Date: 04/24/14
33 Dayton St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $141,000
Buyer: Manuel F. Lucio
Seller: Jeffrey R. Jochim
169 Fletcher Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: Lois Delisle
Seller: Robert J. Walsh
Date: 04/30/14
143 Hampden St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $179,900
Buyer: Ion Barbaneagra
Seller: Sergey Savonin
Date: 04/28/14
59 Hendrick St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: August J. Schau
Seller: Adam L. Wilbur
Date: 05/02/14
4 Indian Park
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $147,000
Buyer: Chelsea L. Tatro
Seller: Ann L. Boskiewicz
Date: 04/30/14
74 Langevin St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $129,000
Buyer: Valerie Jenkins
Seller: Du Con Properties LLC
Date: 05/01/14
4 Longwood Ct.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $197,000
Buyer: Laura A. Barrows
Seller: Orlando L. Gomes
Date: 04/28/14
14 Perry St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: Joann M. Garelli
Seller: Katie M. Wilkins
Date: 04/25/14
74 Wallace Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $163,000
Buyer: Nathan Jette
Seller: Mooney, James P., (Estate)
Date: 04/30/14
17 Woodcrest Ct.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $154,600
Buyer: Thomas Trudell
Seller: Carol Zimmermann
Date: 04/30/14
EAST LONGMEADOW
114 Canterbury Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Matthew D. Verdi
Seller: William H. McCauley
Date: 04/30/14
269 Elm St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Brian M. Liquore
Seller: Linda A. Somers
Date: 04/24/14
10 John St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Bruce A. Millen
Seller: Rochelle R. Stellato
Date: 04/30/14
6 Lester St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $208,000
Buyer: Kaitlin Kiely
Seller: Cheryl L. Ricciardi
Date: 04/29/14
56 Porter Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Vincent A. Vaicekauskas
Seller: Lee M. Hayward
Date: 04/30/14
GRANVILLE
808 Main Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $269,600
Buyer: John M. Doherty
Seller: Richard M. Pierce
Date: 04/29/14
HAMPDEN
74 Wilbraham Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Laurie E. Martin
Seller: Virgilio Santos
Date: 04/30/14
HOLLAND
122 Maybrook Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Adam L. Wilbur
Seller: Teresa A. Lake
Date: 04/25/14
HOLYOKE
320 Appleton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $630,000
Buyer: Wang & Wang Enterprises Inc.
Seller: Windship Enterprises Inc.
Date: 04/30/14
20 Cranberry Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Andrew P. Carriveau
Seller: Melissa R. Brown
Date: 04/25/14
4 Deer Run
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Darlene M. Kubas
Seller: Wykowski, Donna, (Estate)
Date: 04/23/14
8 Field St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $172,500
Buyer: Marc C. Thompson
Seller: John T. Riley
Date: 04/30/14
8 Granville St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $129,900
Buyer: James H. Lovett
Seller: James H. Woods
Date: 04/30/14
466 Hillside Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Juan Izquierdo
Seller: Ildefonso Izquierdo
Date: 04/23/14
22 Meggison Lane
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Robert A. Roberts
Seller: Chad R. Donnelly
Date: 04/23/14
70 Merrick Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $149,350
Buyer: Georgette Giuglielmo
Seller: Finn, Mildred M., (Estate)
Date: 04/30/14
1669 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Crosstown Development LLC
Seller: Crosstown Realty LLC
Date: 05/01/14
3 Scott Hollow Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: James H. Woods
Seller: Wendy B. Keller
Date: 04/30/14
LONGMEADOW
218 Bliss Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Roberta C. Geiger
Seller: Ari S. Berman
Date: 04/30/14
11 Brookside Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $438,000
Buyer: Rafael A. Hernandez
Seller: Jay M. Ungar
Date: 04/24/14
70 Dennis Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $540,000
Buyer: Evan Y. Lau
Seller: Esther F. Bartels
Date: 04/28/14
108 Edgewood Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $268,000
Buyer: John W. Davis
Seller: Michael T. Jordan
Date: 04/25/14
N/A
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Haven Houses LLC
Seller: Jesse Berezin
Date: 05/02/14
24 Willett Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Thomas Neubauer
Seller: William R. Bullock
Date: 05/02/14
LUDLOW
24 Bucknell St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Maria H. Alves
Seller: Nelson G. Tereso
Date: 04/28/14
20 Park Terrace
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Matthew Iwasinski
Seller: Peter A. Mancuso
Date: 05/02/14
Parker Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $129,900
Buyer: Richard A. Cieplik
Seller: Whitetail Wreks LLC
Date: 05/02/14
150 Rood St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: Anna S. Rodrigo
Seller: Rose A. Midura
Date: 04/30/14
187 Ventura St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: David J. Knapp
Seller: Aaron C. Patterson
Date: 04/28/14
304 Ventura St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $347,000
Buyer: David E. Walsh
Seller: Diane Cady
Date: 04/30/14
214 Westerly Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $363,000
Buyer: Peter A. Mancuso
Seller: Garrett W. Balich
Date: 05/02/14
160 Whitney St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $140,500
Buyer: Michael F. Carvalho
Seller: Anthony Drozdowski
Date: 05/02/14
226 Winsor St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Faycal Serisser
Seller: Anthony S. Santos
Date: 05/01/14
MONSON
51 Crest Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: James A. Dirico
Seller: Jennifer S. Brauer
Date: 04/24/14
88 Lakeshore Dr.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $261,000
Buyer: Michael J. Edgett
Seller: Laura Melbin
Date: 04/29/14
52 Paradise Lake Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $157,500
Buyer: Benjamin K. Goulet
Seller: William B. Warren
Date: 05/02/14
9 Thompson St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $150,900
Buyer: Todd M. Allen
Seller: Susan J. Costa
Date: 04/29/14
PALMER
2252 Baptist Hill Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $224,900
Buyer: Ann E. Hyszczak
Seller: Ronald J. Czaplicki
Date: 04/30/14
114 Belchertown St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Thomas J. Pelissier
Seller: Philip A. Sawicki
Date: 04/29/14
44 Converse St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $202,000
Buyer: Mathew W. Walch
Seller: Gordon M. Merkel
Date: 04/30/14
311 Old Warren Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Buyer: Jerry J. Gaulin
Seller: Steven J. Obarowski
Date: 04/29/14
1051 Overlook Dr.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $117,500
Buyer: Pamela Outhuse
Seller: FNMA
Date: 04/28/14
RUSSELL
62 Ridgewood Dr.
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $149,900
Buyer: Stephen Martin
Seller: Merrill, Brian P., (Estate)
Date: 04/30/14
SPRINGFIELD
16 Abbott St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $139,900
Buyer: Ramon A. Santini
Seller: Delmar C. Wilcox
Date: 04/22/14
20 Acushnet Ave.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $151,978
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Kimberly Barros
Date: 04/22/14
43 Appleton St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $134,000
Buyer: Arnold L. Lemboet
Seller: Peter J. Houser
Date: 04/25/14
60 Brookdale Dr.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $1,075,000
Buyer: Human Resources Unlimited
Seller: Lyons Real Estate LLC
Date: 05/01/14
881 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Sagheer Nawaz
Seller: Christine K. Berte
Date: 04/28/14
138 Colton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Springfield Ventures TR
Seller: Robert C. Andrews
Date: 04/22/14
304 Commonwealth Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $118,000
Buyer: Benjamin W. Wood
Seller: Barbara A. Kautz
Date: 04/25/14
Cottage St.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $1,075,000
Buyer: Human Resources Unlimited
Seller: Lyons Real Estate LLC
Date: 05/01/14
15 Delaware Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Sticks & Stones Inc.
Seller: Rohan G. Jumpp
Date: 04/25/14
300 Forest Park Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Buyer: Adam R. St.Martin
Seller: Patrick J. Garrity
Date: 04/25/14
118 Fountain St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Gary Daula
Seller: Michael E. Chagnon
Date: 05/02/14
62 Groton St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $143,089
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Juan R. Figueroa
Date: 04/25/14
118 Harmon Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $139,900
Buyer: Santos Mendez
Seller: Thomas R. Hatfield
Date: 05/01/14
88 Intervale Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Jennie R. Cash
Seller: Adam R. St.Martin
Date: 04/25/14
404 Island Pond Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $128,000
Buyer: Carol L. Suckau
Seller: Karen J. Morin
Date: 04/23/14
117 Louis Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $121,000
Buyer: James P. Lynch
Seller: George E. Desmarais
Date: 05/01/14
6 Louis Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $137,200
Buyer: Moises Morales
Seller: Kathleen D. McFadden
Date: 05/02/14
63 Magnolia Terrace
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $282,500
Buyer: Laura Fenn
Seller: Wayne J. Sakaske
Date: 04/25/14
259 Mallowhill Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $141,000
Buyer: Aileen M. Santana
Seller: Audra Manewich
Date: 04/30/14
236 Oakland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: Michael T. Sherlock
Seller: Sinikiwe Mahlatini
Date: 05/02/14
276 Oakland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Orange Park Management
Seller: Shakeel Ahmed
Date: 04/30/14
183 Patricia Circle
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $137,500
Buyer: Linda H. Zabaleta
Seller: VPH NPNR 14 LLC
Date: 04/23/14
22 Penncastle St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $173,900
Buyer: Pamela A. Curran
Seller: David E. Walsh
Date: 04/28/14
20 Primrose St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $167,000
Buyer: Brenda I. Rodriguez-Cotto
Seller: Ingrid Gartman
Date: 04/22/14
12 Skyridge Lane
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $166,000
Buyer: Casey L. Brown
Seller: Wilfred E. Thibodeau
Date: 05/01/14
27 Wachusett St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $232,000
Buyer: Chad Harrison
Seller: Amber J. Edwards
Date: 04/28/14
2402 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $140,500
Buyer: Jozlyn S. Goossens
Seller: Lisa Andre
Date: 04/30/14
188 Windemere St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $129,900
Buyer: Katherine C. Wheaton
Seller: Laplante Investments LLC
Date: 04/22/14
SOUTHWICK
185 College Hwy.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Hillside Development Corp.
Seller: Berkshire Bank
Date: 05/01/14
8 Depot St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $219,000
Buyer: John E. Gravell
Seller: Kimberly J. Bombard
Date: 05/02/14
10 Evergreen St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: David A. Kraus
Seller: Kenneth P. Johnson
Date: 04/23/14
2 Gableview
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $578,000
Buyer: Kurt S. Shea
Seller: Lisa A. Pellegrini
Date: 04/25/14
17 George Loomis Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $138,543
Buyer: RBS Citizens
Seller: George R. Everett
Date: 05/01/14
12 Granaudo Circle
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $201,500
Buyer: Kenneth Johnson
Seller: Raymond P. Lakota
Date: 04/25/14
221 Klaus Anderson Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $328,000
Buyer: Leonid A. Shut
Seller: Jason P. Gates
Date: 05/01/14
7 Klaus Anderson Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Patrick M. Levesque
Seller: Crossroads Property Investment
Date: 04/30/14
60 Lakeview St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $148,000
Buyer: Jennifer K. Bernier
Seller: F. P. Salzer
Date: 04/29/14
1 Lexington Circle
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $432,000
Buyer: Eric W. Lottermoser
Seller: Almeiro Serna
Date: 05/01/14
31 Lexington Circle
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $409,400
Buyer: Hongbo Li
Seller: David Rodrigues
Date: 05/02/14
36 Lexington Circle
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $520,000
Buyer: Shaun M. Stack
Seller: Roberta C. Geiger
Date: 04/30/14
20 Sam West Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Justin R. Eisenbeiser
Seller: Shaun M. Stack
Date: 04/30/14
Sunnyside Road #4
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $129,900
Buyer: Richard A. Murdock
Seller: Laplante Construction Inc.
Date: 05/01/14
WALES
27 Main St.
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $136,000
Buyer: Lisa M. Sheridan
Seller: Lariviere, Roger H., (Estate)
Date: 04/30/14
WESTFIELD
84 Barbara St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $222,000
Buyer: David E. Kingsley
Seller: James M. Mulvenna
Date: 04/25/14
86 Colony Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Gina Gioranino
Seller: Robert F. Nowak
Date: 04/30/14
Fowler St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Ronald E. Schortmann
Seller: Merchants Metals Inc.
Date: 04/23/14
69 Hillcrest Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Michael S. Patten
Seller: Sandra A. Schenna
Date: 04/30/14
15 Irene Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $258,900
Buyer: William J. Smithies
Seller: Daniel J. Asselin
Date: 05/02/14
129 Long Pond Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Lacey Blalock
Seller: US Bank
Date: 04/24/14
28 Magnolia Terrace
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Debra Mulvenna
Seller: Ferdinand Majka
Date: 04/25/14
70 Pequot Point Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $247,500
Buyer: Deborah D. Pijar
Seller: Jeffrey P. Gentes
Date: 04/25/14
11 Princeton St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Matthew C. Robidoux
Seller: Ralph E. Thresher
Date: 04/30/14
276 Prospect St. Ext.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Ivan A. Solokhin
Seller: Patrick A. Tallis
Date: 04/29/14
20 Stephanie Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Aspen Props. Holdings LLC
Seller: Joseph P. Kuzdzal
Date: 04/28/14
41 Stephanie Lane
Amount: $393,000
Buyer: Robert E. Murphy
Seller: Millard Crump
Date: 04/30/14
148 Western Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Louis E. Bernardi
Seller: John A. Killips
Date: 04/28/14
130 Yeoman Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Steven B. Clement
Seller: Marianne Theodorakis
Date: 04/30/14
WILBRAHAM
13 Brookside Circle
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Eleanor R. Burns
Seller: Dale J. Diefenderfer
Date: 04/28/14
54 Mountain Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: My T. Nguyen
Seller: Kevin Czaplicki
Date: 04/25/14
5 Ronald Circle
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Catherine M. Lamica
Date: 04/25/14
547 Springfield St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Todd Forward
Seller: Joseph Hendrix
Date: 04/30/14
2 Willow Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Theodore Russell
Seller: Cordner, Robin S., (Estate)
Date: 05/01/14
WEST SPRINGFIELD
1358 Amostown Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $276,070
Buyer: Michael S. Yu
Seller: Michael J. Evans
Date: 04/30/14
135 Butternut Hollow Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Deborah L. Miles
Seller: Marykay McCoubrey
Date: 04/24/14
202 Forest Glen
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Jonathan E. Sady
Seller: Marjorie F. Anderson
Date: 04/25/14
234 Greystone Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Gregory A. Lagueux
Seller: Thomas L. Smart
Date: 04/30/14
24 Hathorne Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Trevor P. Wood
Seller: Tracy M. Kupchunos
977 Main St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Anjum Khawaja
Seller: Cumberland Farms Inc.
Date: 04/29/14
261 Morgan Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $137,670
Buyer: Erynn J. Charter
Seller: Laurene V. Gutermann
Date: 04/30/14
1227 Union St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $3,000,000
Buyer: Placon Im Inc.
Seller: Weiss Realty Enterprises
Date: 05/02/14
52 Windsor St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Bishop & Crean Realty LLC
Seller: Wilbraham Trucking Corp.
Date: 05/01/14
HAMPSHIRE COUNTY
AMHERST
30 Blackberry Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: F. M. Montenegro-Menezes
Seller: Mohammad Idrees
Date: 05/01/14
19 Elf Hill Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $509,000
Buyer: Janet T. Marquardt TR
Seller: Alexandra J. Lefebvre
Date: 04/30/14
20 McClellan St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $342,500
Buyer: Simon P. Alciere
Seller: Richard E. Sclove
Date: 04/30/14
632 S. Pleasant St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Francis X. Bock
Seller: Peter F. Carr
Date: 04/30/14
80 West St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: North Plesant Street LLC
Seller: Lillian A. Gnatek
Date: 04/30/14
BELCHERTOWN
742 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Louis A. Freilicher
Seller: Miriam S. Freilicher
Date: 05/02/14
George Hannum Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Hills Realty LLC
Seller: John F. Loncrini
Date: 05/02/14
15 Meadow Pond Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $377,000
Buyer: David Funk
Seller: Paul Courchesne
Date: 04/28/14
20 Springfield Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $173,500
Buyer: Holly L. Burton
Seller: FNMA
Date: 04/25/14
250 State St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Robert S. Labonte
Seller: Edmond M. Gingras
Date: 04/30/14
380 State St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: Nicholas R. Lariviere
Seller: Fairbanks Holdings LLC
Date: 04/22/14
412 State St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $289,000
Buyer: Jason E. Vann
Seller: John W. Burton
Date: 04/23/14
71 West St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Devin O’Neil
Seller: Hazelwood Interests LLC
Date: 04/30/14
CUMMINGTON
6 Bug Hill Road
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $339,000
Buyer: Kristin Lacross
Seller: John W. Selfridge
Date: 05/01/14
EASTHAMPTON
401 East St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $239,500
Buyer: James J. Laliberte
Seller: Emlyn Makofsky
Date: 04/30/14
11 Loudville Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $227,000
Buyer: Jessye E. Joyce
Seller: Marnina A. Edelhart
Date: 04/30/14
108 Loudville Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: David A. Marek
Seller: Barbara K. Furgal
Date: 04/25/14
8 Morin Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $193,000
Buyer: Ashley N. McClaflin
Seller: Chad M. Busone
Date: 04/30/14
13 Oakridge Circle
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Ian C. Hogan
Seller: Yee C. Cheng
Date: 05/02/14
43 Parsons St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $302,000
Buyer: Jeremy Austin
Seller: Brooks Holmes
Date: 04/30/14
54 Plain St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $193,500
Buyer: Gerald W. Boulanger
Seller: Jennifer V. Hutchison
Date: 05/01/14
GRANBY
138 Carver St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $327,500
Buyer: Keith R. Harris
Seller: Mark E. Gibbs
Date: 04/30/14
139 East St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Girard
Seller: Joseph A. Dasilva
Date: 04/29/14
29 Greenmeadow Lane
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Lori A. Stpierre
Seller: Stanislav Adzigirey
Date: 04/30/14
HADLEY
193 Rocky Hill Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $171,000
Buyer: Sally A. Shaffer
Seller: Donna M. Kopec-Keith
Date: 05/01/14
HATFIELD
138 Elm St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Donald E. Acus
Seller: Richard J. Harubin
Date: 04/22/14
20 Gore Ave.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $255,500
Buyer: John J. Higuera
Seller: Colleen A. Sacheim
Date: 04/30/14
68 Plain Road
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Michael C. Bouley
Seller: David R. Battey
Date: 04/25/14
HUNTINGTON
20 Laurel Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $249,457
Buyer: Christina TR
Seller: Crystal A. Gomez
Date: 04/29/14
MIDDLEFIELD
6 Johnnycake Hill Road
Middlefield, MA 01243
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Paul A. Westerfield
Seller: Michael Mahana
Date: 04/30/14
NORTHAMPTON
324 Audubon Road
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $805,000
Buyer: Jody L. Cutler
Seller: Charles R. Sperry RET
Date: 04/29/14
Audubon Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Liisa Tikkalla
Seller: Charles R. Sperry RET
Date: 04/29/14
67 Bliss St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Elizabeth B. Fitzpatrick
Seller: Cara E. Chandler
Date: 04/25/14
201 Chestnut St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $355,500
Buyer: Faye E. Hollender
Seller: Danny A. Morris
Date: 05/01/14
38 Fort Hill Terrace
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $499,500
Buyer: Mary B. Caschetta
Seller: David R. Corbett
Date: 04/29/14
410 Kennedy Road
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Dawgs RET
Seller: Robin H. Fields
Date: 04/30/14
96 Laurel Park
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $176,000
Buyer: Nicholas T. Dines
Seller: Hope Solanis
Date: 04/30/14
Moser St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Wright Builders Inc.
Seller: Hospital Hill Development
Date: 05/02/14
311 Riverside Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $137,500
Buyer: MT Tom Properties LLC
Seller: Stanley J. Rys
Date: 04/29/14
269 Ryan Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $224,000
Buyer: Aaron J. Clark
Seller: Michael C. Bouley
Date: 04/25/14
209 Spring St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Jennifer S. Smith
Seller: Lisa A. Morrison
Date: 04/25/14
51 Westhampton Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Que H. Nguyen
Seller: Christopher P. Hudzik
Date: 05/01/14
PELHAM
11 King St.
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $199,000
Buyer: Benjamin Mazzei
Seller: Donald A. Weaver
Date: 04/28/14
SOUTH HADLEY
6 Henry Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Jonathan D. Buckley
Seller: Ronald A. Condino
Date: 04/30/14
7 Leblanc Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Peter B. Webster
Seller: Russell J. Omer
Date: 04/28/14
2 Lynch Place
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $173,400
Buyer: Jessica Ogg
Seller: William B. Nevill
Date: 04/22/14
120 Morgan St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: Fabian Anazco
Seller: Roger N. Babb
Date: 04/30/14
1 North Sycamore Knolls
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $282,250
Buyer: Richard L. Mallory
Seller: Michael F. Werenski
100 Pittroff Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Thomas E. Kelly
Seller: Susan M. Gustafson
Date: 04/25/14
SOUTHAMPTON
315 College Highway
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Henry Czeremcha
Seller: Wallace E. Rapalus
Date: 04/30/14
40 Cook Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $313,000
Buyer: Michael J. Simonzi
Seller: Niziolek, Linda A., (Estate)
Date: 04/30/14
6 Karen Lane
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Bernadette Brockwell
Seller: Dorothy J. Foley
Date: 04/25/14
WARE
90 South St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: CMJT Management LLC
Seller: John S. Mott
Date: 04/30/14
WESTHAMPTON
23 Reservoir Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $283,000
Buyer: Edward E. Chute
Seller: George H. Hollywood
Date: 04/28/14
WILLIAMSBURG
23 Nash Hill Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $444,500
Buyer: Sarah B. Kinder
Seller: Ethan A. Holmes
Date: 05/01/14
The following bankruptcy petitions were recently filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Readers should confirm all information with the court.
Accetta, Joseph Anthony
Accetta, Jessica Lynnanne
123 Lancaster St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/23/14
Alden, Diane E.
434 Union St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/18/14
Almonte, Wanda I.
a/k/a Torres, Wanda I.
90 East Alvord St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/25/14
Brennan, Tricia A.
PO Box 6
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/28/14
Butterworth, Joyce
a/k/a Vecchio, Joyce A.
23 King Place
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/25/14
Canjura, Maria L.
124 Noel St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/30/14
Chasam Boutique LLC
Gentile, Tammy
555 North West St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/14
Ciaglo, Paul
270 Russell St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 11
Filing Date: 04/23/14
Clarke, Janet L.
a/k/a Peart, Janet Lee
406 East St., Second Fl.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/17/14
Colbert, John R.
327 Little River Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/14
Complete Electrical Service
Dudas, James M.
18 Andes Road
Peru, MA 01235
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/29/14
Conover, Katherine Marie
279 Amherst Road, #55
Sunderland, MA 01375
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/14
Cormier, Cheri R.
24 Feeding Hills Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/14
Cote, Lenora M.
a/k/a Peloquin, Lenora M.
197 Mallowhill Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/14
Cotto, Joel
23 Sterling St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/18/14
Crawford, Lisa A.
a/k/a Heath, Lisa A.
a/k/a Heath, Lisa Crawford
a/k/a Curtin, Lisa A.
65 Tyringham Road
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/28/14
D’Agostino, Joseph M.
D’Agostino, Teresa M.
a/k/a Ford, Teresa M.
198 Hazardville Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/29/14
Dargie, Anne L.
58 East St.
South Egremont, MA 01258
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/28/14
Dargie, Timothy P.
294 Foley Hill Road
Southfield, MA 01259
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/28/14
Dasilva, James F.
Dasilva, Kathleen A.
112 Braeburn Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/21/14
Demers, Arthur L.
Demers, Patricia T.
296 Pease Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/18/14
Downs, David W.
224 Walnut St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/14
Farnham, Reyna C.
a/k/a Diaz, Reyna C.
47 Ardmore St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/14
Ferrante, Gaetano
48 Norcross Road
Royalston, MA 01368
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/29/14
Forrest-Pinette, Erin T.
19 Old Amherst Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/14
Fusco, Jesse L.
207 Bemis Road
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/14
Gaffey, Jeffrey F.
110 Marion Ave.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/17/14
Gaudreau, Julie Anne
P.O. Box 721
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/14
Gay, Michael A.
Gay, Karen A.
20 Doane Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/30/14
Geriatric Authority of Holyoke Inc.
45 Lower Westfield Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 11
Filing Date: 04/24/14
Gorman, Charles S.
18 White St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/26/14
Griffith, Robert Wayne
244 Damon Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/17/14
Hazel-Mims, Erica E.
PO Box 1141
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/16/14
Hochreich, Sean Michael
75 Union St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/22/14
Hokanson, Lynda B.
16 Lakeshore Dr.
Wales, MA 01081
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/25/14
Hunter, Theresa
a/k/a Bloomfield, Theresa
21 Old Point St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/14
Ireland, George R.
Ireland, Heather
a/k/a Pellerin, Heather A.
26 Castle Hills Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/14
Joaquim, Manuel
Joaquim, Lori Ann
a/k/a Knightly, Lori Ann
75 Longwood Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/23/14
Kindle, Jimmy J.
Kindle, Crystal L.
a/k/a Shaw, Crystal L.
a/k/a Jackman, Crystal L.
289 Ashfield Road
Buckland, MA 01338
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/28/14
Kitzmiller, Donald R.
Kitzmiller, Angela C.
22 Charles Place
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/28/14
Knox, Christopher M.
905 Williams St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/21/14
LaChance-Sakowicz, Charlene Mary
365 Greenfield Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/14
Largay, John J.
Largay, Teresa F.
48 Fox Farm Road
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/21/14
LaValley, Carol A.
732 White St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/27/14
Loranger, Gerald A.
Loranger, Rhonda J.
14 Lynch Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/25/14
Lynch, Sandra A.
32 Wilson St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/28/14
Marcyoniak, Roberta H.
5 Holland Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/29/14
Meffen, Matthew D.
33 Sherman Hill Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/23/14
Merzoian, Anita
31 Biltmore St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/21/14
Morrison, Dawn Marie
166 Summer St.
Thorndike, MA 01079
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/18/14
Murray, Jessica M.
a/k/a James, Jessica M.
36 Monson Road
Wales, MA 01081
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/16/14
Nelson, Richard A.
43 Pasco Road
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/16/14
Nicholas, John H.
Nicholas, Patricia A.
9 Howard Rd
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/23/14
Norris, Barbara M.
210 Lockhouse Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/18/14
O’Connor, Christopher G.
O’Connor, Beth A.
127 Ashuelot St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/22/14
Papoutsakis, Nektar A.
17 Crescent Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/17/14
Ricardi, Brian A.
Ricardi, Sheri L.
a/k/a Orchulek, Sheri L.
13 Vienna Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/28/14
Rivera, Angel L.
36 Longfellow Terrace, 2nd
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/23/14
Rivera, Evelyn
421 Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/16/14
Sakowicz, Steven Harold
34 River Road Apt. 129
Sunderland, MA 01375
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/14
Seven Sisters Market Bistro
270 Russell St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 11
Filing Date: 04/23/14
Sheehan, John W.
75 Appleton St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/14
Shelkey, Patrice M.
a/k/a Dorval, Patrice M.
a/k/a Rollet, Patrice M.
382 Linden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/28/14
Siepietowski, Maureen A.
1374 Memorial Ave., Apt. A
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/18/14
Silva, Frank J.
88 Better Way
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/16/14
Smith, Susan S.
26 Sterling Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/22/14
Taylor, Susan L.
11 Mill St.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/25/14
Valhalla Property Enterprises Inc.
270 Russell St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 11
Filing Date: 04/23/14
Wallace, Kathleen C.
10 Laurel Hill Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/16/14
White, Cindy L.
a/k/a Perry, Cindy L.
132 Beauchamp Terrace
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/17/14
Whittemore, Dennis P.
PO Box 612
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/18/14
Yates, Cory N.
301 Cedar St.
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/14
The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of and May 2014.
AGAWAM
Colonial Food Store
39 Southwick St.
Shahzad Chaudhry
GET Woodworking
346 Springfield St.
Gyslain Turgeon
Motor City Car Company
91 Ramah Circle
Peter Zurlino
CHICOPEE
Double J’s Landscaping
37 Rivest Court
Justin Pouliot
Lawn Champs Lawn Care
21 York St.
Ryan Franczek
Ondrick Natural Earth, LLC
729 Fuller Road
Adam J. Ondrick
PC Steven Computer Repair
46 Florence St.
Stephen Schaeneman
Rejuvenations
246 Montcalm St.
Marci Ryder
Rivers Variety & Wireless
130 Chicopee St.
Kisean Donaldson
GREENFIELD
AAC Flooring & Tile
12 Verde Dr.
Aleksander Komerzan
Eli & Olivia Pure Honey
280 Leyden Road
Bruce Baker
Institute for Wilderness and Emergency Medicine
41 Solar Way
Nicole Thurrell
JMB Bookkeeping
18 Carpenters Lane
JoAnne Bernot
Kobe Idibachi Sushi Bar
254 Mohawk Trail
Asian Buffett of Greenfield
Pleasant Street Community Garden
141 Davis St.
Alice Timmons
The Cookie Factory
224 ½ Federal St.
Shelley Phillips
PALMER
A-Plus Landscaping & Construction
1132 Thorndike St.
Robert Taylor
APA Construction Property Maintenance
3 Fairfield Dr.
Andrew Fredette
Balicki Auto Body Inc.
92 Bacon Road
Philip Balicki
Cornerstone Artistry
21 Wilbraham St.
Timothy Becker
Palmer Auto Wash
1219 Thorndike St.
Raymond Recor
RB Enterprises
2 Nipmuck St.
Raymond Briton
SOUTHWICK
Flo Castonguay
8 Crystal Dr.
Florence Castonguay
Jardan Movers & More
93 Bungalow St.
Christopher Jones
Lafrenier Trucking Company
5 Echo Road
Jon Lafrenier
Rehab Resolutions Inc.
627 College Hwy.
Sofia Zanarella
SPRINGFIELD
JZ Fashion
1611 Main St.
Joel Vargas
KD Custom Design
28 Mountainview St.
Keith Anderson
Kyle’s Security
256 Boston Road
Kyle A. Burns
Liem’s Hardwood Flooring
46 Burton St.
Liem V. Thai
Martys Re
272 Main St.
Martin J. Dietter
Mason Fortune
16 Leatherleaf Cir.
Shequinna Barton
Massachusetts Refrigerant
100 Verge St.
Thomas M. Washer
Michael J. Gelinas Electric
4 Rogers Ave.
Michael J. Gelinas
Mopeds Unlimited
42 Arbutus St.
Leslie K. Seabrooks
NJ Home Improvement
112 Belvidere St.
Ismael Medina
New York Sound & Motion
90 Carando Dr.
Edward W. Brown
Northeast Plumbing & Heating
16 Raman St.
William Walker
PG Lawn and Home Maintenance
82 Westford Ave.
Patricia Gentry
Plaster Party Time
1760 Boston Road
John A. Muise
Que Huong Restaurant
281 Belmont Ave.
Tri M. Bui
R.Y.S.E.
97 Mill St.
Judith E. Crowell
Religious Ritual Activities
213 Commonwealth Ave.
Hari P. Adhikari
S & N Transportation
209 Ramblewood Dr.
Steven Delmas
Sevi & Anu Inc.
1121 State St.
Satish Kumar
Sweetcakes Shoes & More
42 Wayne St.
Marcus Jordan
Top Mechanical Service
77 Ellsworth Ave.
Raymond M. Barainard
Tropical African Market
810 Main St.
Nana Lawrence
United States Veterans
1350 Main St.
Luann Beaulieu
Up Town Bills & Payment
302 Hancock St.
Rolando Rijo
V.J. Auto Sales
282 Locust St.
Victor S. Jimenez
WESTFIELD
Odd Job Doctor
8 Yale St.
Robyn Banks
RPM Wood Finishing Group Inc.
221 Union St.
RPM Wood Finishing Group
The Scrub Peddler
10 Fawn Ln.
Ellen T. Majka
WEST SPRINGFIELD
Bear Spirit Design
42 Murray Place
Cindy S. White
Bob’s Discount Furniture
135 Memorial Ave.
John J. Sullivan
C.R. Landscaping
92 Chilson Road
Patrick Butler
C.V.D.
31 Capital St.
Daniel R. Gold
Capital Realty Inc.
125 Capital Dr.
Capital Realty, Inc.
Energia Massage
1111 Elm St.
Yesenia Camareno
Maximum Pawn Company
1142 Memorial Ave.
Maximino M. Salvador
Olympia Junior Hockey
125 Capital Dr.
Patrick Tabb
Travelodge
437 Riverdale St.
Yogi Rana
Two Elements
102 Overlook Dr.
Christopher Anthony
West Springfield 15
864 Riverdale St.
Efrain E. Hague
UMass to Enhance Fan Experience with Mullins Center Upgrades
AMHERST — UMass Amherst, along with Global Spectrum, one of the nation’s leading public-assembly-facility management companies, recently unveiled plans for a series of renovations at the school’s Mullins Center, a 10,000-seat, multi-purpose entertainment and sports venue, designed to enhance the fan experience. Renovations include the installation of new, dynamic LED sports lighting for the arena and new upholstery for 3,594 seats. Additional, 7,705 seats will have cup holders installed. Universal Electric Co. and Ephesus Lighting have been awarded the bid to replace the existing high-intensity-discharge lighting with LED sports lighting. Ephesus focuses on commercial, industrial, and entertainment lighting that is vibrant and sustainable. With the new lighting in place, fans in the Mullins Center or watching events on HDTV will have a brighter, sharper view of the performance. In addition, the LED sports lighting will cut the venue’s energy costs by 50% to 75% for each event. The new upholstery in all padded seats will provide an upgraded appearance and more comfort. Finally, patrons at every permanent seat will have a secure place to put their drinks. The entire project is expected to be completed by the beginning of August. “These building enhancements are going to take our fans’ experience to a new level,” said Brian Caputo, assistant general manager and director of Operations at the Mullins Center. “Our new partnership with Ephesus Lighting and the upgraded seats will jump-start the 2014 sports season.”
Gaming Commission Revises Licensing Schedule for Casinos
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Gaming Commission recently released a revised schedule for licensing up to three casinos in the Commonwealth. In Western Mass., the commission still anticipates announcing whether MGM Resorts International gets approval for a Springfield casino on June 13. In Greater Boston, the commission anticipates deciding whether Wynn Resorts’ Everett project or Mohegan Sun’s Revere proposal will get the sole license by Aug. 29 at the earliest or Sept. 12 at the latest. In the southeastern part of the state, the commission expects to complete the application process by late September and issue a license in early 2015. MGM Resorts International is the sole company contending for the sole gaming license to be awarded in Western Mass. after city officials favored the project over a proposal by Penn National Gaming, and after residents of West Springfield and Palmer voted to reject gaming developments by Hard Rock International and Mohegan Sun, respectively. MGM has proposed an $800 million project in Springfield’s South End.
Employment Picture Improves in Massachusetts
BOSTON — The state Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported that the seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates for April dropped in 20 labor-market areas and rose in two areas, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Over the year, unemployment rates fell in 21 areas, and one area remained unchanged. The preliminary statewide unadjusted unemployment rate estimate for April was 5.6%, down 1.0% from March. Over the year, the statewide unadjusted rate was also down 1.0% from the April 2013 rate of 6.6%. During April, all 12 areas for which job estimates are published recorded seasonal job gains. The largest job gains were in the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, Springfield, Barnstable, Worcester, and Framingham areas. The seasonally adjusted statewide April unemployment rate, released on May 15, was 6.0%, down 0.3% over the month and down 1.0% over the year. Springfield’s unemployment rate fell to 8.9% in April from 10.2% in March on both an increase in the number of people working and a shrinking labor force. The city’s unemployment rate was 10.4% a year ago. As a region, Greater Springfield saw a one-month employment gain of 1.9%, a gain of 5,600 jobs for a new total of 292,000.
State Marks Completion of Pittsfield Armory Energy Project
PITTSFIELD — State officials recently joined military and public-utility representatives to celebrate the completion of an energy-efficiency project at the Pittsfield Armory as part of the Commonwealth’s Accelerated Energy Program (AEP), and to recognize the effects of energy projects at several Pittsfield court facilities and the Berkshire County House of Correction. The AEP was launched by the state Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) in 2012, with the goal of initiating energy-efficiency projects at 700 state sites in 700 days. To date, energy projects have already been completed or initiated at 535 of these sites. “The partnership between DOER and DCAMM is yielding significant results for state agencies and helping us meet the Commonwealth’s energy, environmental, and economic goals,” said DOER Commissioner Mark Sylvia. “The AEP investment of more than $12 million in the Berkshires is taking a serious bite out of electricity and natural-gas use, as well as greenhouse gas emissions.” Added DCAMM Commissioner Carole Cornelison, “the Accelerated Energy Program has helped to define Massachusetts as a national leader in energy efficiency and conservation, having put in place projects that are already yielding $4.3 million in annual savings. In addition to extraordinary savings, the economic and environmental benefits of projects like this will have a lasting and significant impact across the Commonwealth.” The armory is one of 29 state facilities in the Berkshires and one of 39 military sites across the Commonwealth undergoing energy-efficiency retrofits under the AEP. The $90,000 Pittsfield Armory project is expected to reduce energy consumption by nearly 59% and lower energy bills by 57% each year, while eliminating more than 40 metric tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions annually, a 58% reduction. It includes the installation of high-efficiency lighting, lighting controls, occupancy sensors, vending-machine controls, high-efficiency electric motors, and energy-management-system upgrades. The project will receive more than $17,000 in Mass Save incentives from Northeast Utilities and Berkshire Gas and will reduce energy costs by more than $10,000 per year. Energy-efficiency projects at the 39 military sites across Massachusetts will result in annual energy-cost savings of more than $265,000 and reduce GHG emissions by about 890 metric tons, equivalent to the emissions from 185 cars. Across the Berkshires, the AEP will invest more than $12 million in energy-efficiency projects at more than two dozen state sites, resulting in annual energy-cost reductions at these facilities of more than $900,000. Efficiency projects are taking place at a diverse range of facilities, including courthouses, community colleges, offices, transportation depots, and police stations. “I’m passionate about energy-efficiency initiatives and cannot be more pleased to learn of this partnership, which will yield tremendous savings throughout our city,” said state Sen. Benjamin Downing, Senate chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities & Energy.
Patrick Administration Launches Solar Initiatives
BOSTON — The Patrick administration recently announced it is accepting applications for the second phase of the Commonwealth’s RPS Solar Carve-Out Program, referred to as SREC-II. The program is designed to meet the governor’s goal of reaching 1,600 megawatts of installed solar capacity by 2020. “I am proud of the work we have done together to make Massachusetts a leader in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and emissions,” Patrick said. “This program will allow the solar industry in Massachusetts to continue to flourish and make solar energy more accessible for businesses, municipalities, and homeowners across the Commonwealth.” The new program aims to ensure steady annual growth, control ratepayer costs, and encourage ground-mounted solar projects on landfill and brownfield sites and residential rooftop solar. “The solar industry in Massachusetts has seen tremendous success since Gov. Patrick took office in 2007,” said state Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan. “There is now more than 140 times the amount of installed solar than there was in 2007, and SREC-II will continue our efforts to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, create clean-energy jobs, and make Massachusetts more energy-independent.” Incentives from the first phase of the SREC program led to the broad adoption of solar across businesses, homes, and institutions and helped to grow the amount of solar from 3 megawatts installed when Patrick first took office to 496 megawatts today. In 2013, Massachusetts met the governor’s initial goal of 250 megawatts four years early. Currently, 349 of the Commonwealth’s 351 cities and towns have at least one solar installation. In January, the Patrick administration announced the creation of a residential solar loan program, expected to launch in late summer or fall 2014 to complement SREC-II. “This program extends Massachusetts’ leadership in solar energy as well as our efforts to address climate change. It further illustrates that doing the right thing for the environment is also the right thing to do economically,” said state Sen. Benjamin Downing, Senate chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities & Energy.
NUVO Bank Announces First-quarter Results
SPRINGFIELD — NUVO Bank & Trust Co. announced net income of $67,000, or $0.02 per basic and fully diluted shares for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, compared to $2,122,000, or $1.13 per basic and fully diluted shares, for the quarter ended March 31, 2013. The bank’s book value per share increased from $5.23 per share at Dec. 31, 2013 to $5.27 per share at March 31, 2014. The $2,055,000 decrease in net income primarily reflects the fact that, in the first quarter of 2013, the bank was able to fully utilize a deferred tax benefit of $2,057,000, which more than offset income before taxes of $65,000. In the first quarter of 2014, the bank had income before taxes of $111,000 and no deferred tax benefit and a tax provision of $44,000. The per-share results during the first quarter of 2014 reflect the impact of the issuance of 974,454 shares in a private offering that closed on April 30, 2013. Diluted per-share results were also impacted by the fact that, in the private offering, the bank also issued 487,227 rights along with the shares of common stock. The $46,000 increase in pre-tax income reflects increases in net interest income and non-interest income of $241,000 and $31,000, respectively, which were partially offset by a $106,000 increase in the provision for loan losses and an increase of $120,000 in non-interest expense. Total assets at March 31, 2014 were $145.0 million compared to $135.2 million at Dec. 31, 2013, which is an increase of $9.8 million (7.3%). Cash and cash equivalents increased $1.8 million (27.2%) to $8.7 million at March 31, 2014, from $6.8 million at December 31, 2013. Total loans increased $8.2 million (7.0%) to $126.5 million at March 31, 2014, from $118.3 million at December 31, 2013. Deposits increased $9.8 million (8.4%) to $125.9 million at March 31, 2014, from $116.1 million at December 31, 2013. Stockholders’ equity increased $98,000 (0.7%) to $14.7 million at March 31, 2014 from $14.6 million at Dec. 31, 2013.
Hot Table to Open Two New Stores This Fall
SPRINGFIELD — Springfield-based Hot Table, a chain of fast-casual dining locations, will expand this fall with two new stores in Hadley and Glastonbury, Conn. The Hot Table team, brothers John and Chris DeVoie, opened their original restaurant, featuring signature paninis, in Springfield’s 16 Acres neighborhood in 2007. They followed up with a store in downtown Springfield in 2009, and another in Enfield, Conn. in 2012. They are now hoping to grow upon that success by opening their fourth and fifth locations in the heart of two of the busiest shopping districts in the Hartford/Springfield region. The Glastonbury store will be located in the Griswold Shoppes on Main Street, next to Bertucci’s, and is slated to open in early September. The Hadley store will be located in a new plaza on Route 9, in front of Home Depot, and will open in November. A cross between Panera Bread and Subway, Hot Table specializes in grilled panini sandwiches that are made-to-order for each customer. The stores also offer fresh, made-to-order salads, soups, desserts, and a variety of specialty coffees. The fast-casual style of service at Hot Table is designed to ensure that the diner has quick service and the freshest of ingredients. Each location will employ about 20 people. Hours of operation will be Monday through Saturday, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Fair-housing Grant Expands WNEU Law Partnership with MCAD
SPRINGFIELD — Western New England University School of Law announced recently that it is expanding its partnership with the Mass. Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) through a program to train law students in the substantive and procedural issues related to fair-housing practices under federal and state law. This collaborative program will allow the university’s School of Law to expand its offerings of specialized classes, externships, and practice-based legal opportunities to train the next generation of fair-housing lawyers in Western Mass. A grant of $30,500 was made by MCAD to assist in creating the new curriculum and managing externship opportunities. The law school’s partnership with MCAD was made possible by a Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP) Partnership Project grant awarded to MCAD by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. The law students participating in the program will assist in the representation of fair-housing complainants, many of whom are tenants with limited English proficiency. The program will be implemented in partnership with attorneys and staff from MCAD and the Massachusetts Fair Housing Center (MFHC), the oldest fair-housing advocacy organization in Massachusetts. “This grant from HUD will enhance our law school’s ability to positively impact fair-housing issues in cities and towns throughout Western Mass. by expanding the experiential and classroom training for law students interested in civil rights and fair-housing issues,” remarked Harris Freeman, professor of Legal Research & Writing at Western New England University School of Law. Added Commissioner Jamie Williamson, chair of the Mass. Commission Against Discrimination, “we are very excited to have the opportunity to work more closely with our partners at Western New England University School of Law. Residential segregation remains a pressing problem in Western Mass. Law students will investigate and litigate cases of housing discrimination, and will have the opportunity to work closely with indigent pro se complainants.” In light of the deeply rooted, segregated housing patterns in Springfield, Holyoke, and Pittsfield, and given the frequency of housing discrimination throughout Western Mass., this educational partnership is an important opportunity for Western New England University to serve the legal needs of Western Mass. residents. “The grant will expand our students’ ability to learn by participating in all facets of advocacy and adjudication of fair-housing claims in the housing courts, the MCAD, and with the Mass. Fair Housing Center,” said Freeman. “We are looking forward to deepening our partnerships with all three institutions and organizations.” The award and collaboration come following the 2014 Northeast Regional Fair Housing and Civil Rights Conference, which was held in Springfield in April. The conference, attended by 512 people, was co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, MCAD, HAPHousing, Western New England University, and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Easthampton Savings Bank Recognizes Employee Volunteers
EASTHAMPTON — Easthampton Savings Bank recently recognized employee volunteers at the recent Service Awards and Recognition event held at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House in Holyoke. Three CRA Community Service Awards were given out. Paula Auclair, a mortgage loan originator in the South Hadley office, received an award for performing 149 hours of CRA activity and 658 total volunteer hours. Jeni Cutter, a training specialist in the Main Street, Easthampton office was given an award for completing 192 hours of CRA activity and 220 total volunteer hours. Lori Ingraham, AVP/controller for the bank, was recognized for performing 136 hours of CRA activity and 557 total volunteer hours. Three Community Service Awards were given out. Katrina Dziedzic, AVP branch officer in the Westfield Office, was given an award for completing 275 volunteer hours. Jessica West, branch officer for the Northampton Street, Easthampton office was recognized for performing 420 volunteer hours. Lidia Zoltowski, a teller in the Main Street, Easthampton office, received an award for completing 261 volunteer hours. Two awards were presented to board members. Dr. James Hayden, DVM, was presented with the ESB Director Community Service Award. Daniel Polachek received the ESB Corporator Community Service Award. “In 2013, employees of Easthampton Savings Bank put in over 12,000 volunteer hours. When coupled with our direct financial investment, the bank donated nearly $750,000 in money and resources throughout the communities we serve,” said ESB President and CEO Matthew Sosik. “We are proud of our employees’ commitment to their communities and wanted to recognize them for their hard work.”
Jewish Geriatric Services Elects Officers and New Directors, Presents Awards
LONGMEADOW — Jewish Geriatric Services Inc. (JGS) presented the 2014 JGS Chairman’s Service Award to Carol Kantany Casartello and Charles (Charlie) Casartello Jr., and elected officers and new directors at its annual meeting on May 20 at the Julian J. Leavitt Family Jewish Nursing Home. The Chairman’s Service Award is given annually by JGS board members to individuals who have demonstrated an extraordinary dedication to JGS and the elders and families served by the organization. Kantany Casartello has served as the clerk-magistrate of the Westfield District Court for more than 20 years. Charlie Casartello is a partner with Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan and Blakesley, P.C. in Springfield, focusing on personal-injury litigation, workers’ compensation, and Social Security law. Their commitment to JGS and the people it serves began in 2001 when Kantany Casartello’s parents, Christopher and Jane Kantany, moved into Ruth’s House, an assisted-living residence. Kantany Casartello has served on the JGS board of directors and executive committee, as well as many other committees, including strategic planning, governance, and nominating. She coordinated and participates in an interdenominational Protestant worship service at the nursing home, and has trained and served as a Spectrum Home Health and Hospice volunteer. Charlie Casartello is a eucharistic minister for Roman Catholics at the nursing home and Ruth’s House. He has also served on the JGS rebranding committee since 2012. “It is an honor to pay tribute to Carol and Charlie for their long and varied support and service to JGS. It has been my pleasure to work with them on several projects, like the formation of the Ruth’s House Family Council, that have had a positive impact on the quality of service delivered across our service continuum,” said Susan Kline, outgoing chair of the JGS board of directors. Dr. Robert Baevsky, physician and director of Informatics at the Emergency Department of Baystate Medical Center, was installed as the new chairman of the board. Baevsky first started volunteering with JGS in 1972, and has served as treasurer and participated on numerous committees, including the medical services committee. He has also had loved ones cared for at JGS. “It is a privilege to be your next chairman and a true honor to join the ranks of those before me, who helped govern and shape JGS, and plan for a new JGS that will transform not only our brick and mortar, but also usher in a new world of care across all services,” Baevsky said in accepting the appointment. Martin Baicker, president and CEO of JGS, called it “an exciting time for JGS, a continuation of a long tradition of caring and embracing culture change that will culminate with a new name for our organization and a new world of person-centered care in more home-like, intimate surroundings, improving not only the care we provide, but also enhancing the dignity of those living here.” Other officers elected to a two-year term include Susan Goldsmith, first vice chair; Rudy D’Agostino, treasurer; and Carol Kantany Casartello, clerk. Elected to new second-year terms on the board of directors were Mark Dindas, Brad Foster, and Amy Wistreich.
F&F Store Opens in Holyoke Mall
HOLYOKE — F&F, an international, ‘of-the-moment’ fashion brand, has opened its doors in the Holyoke Mall. The brand is a British-inspired international fashion label that carries a broad range of affordable fashion for men, women, and children. F&F is the only clothing brand that is owned by Tesco, the third-largest retailer in the world. F&F is now among the top fashion brands in Europe with more than 1,600 locations worldwide. One of the latest retail brands to be represented by Retail Group of America, F&F plans to open further stores in the U.S. in 2014.
Women’s Bar Foundation Honors MassMutual, Law Firm with Pro Bono Award
BOSTON – The Women’s Bar Foundation of Massachusetts (WBF) recently honored volunteers for their service to the organization’s low-income clients. Among the recipients were MassMutual and the Springfield-based law firm Heisler, Feldman, McCormick & Garrow, P.C. for their unique partnership, which has been instrumental in the success of the WBF’s housing-court program in Hampden and Hampshire counties. This program provides legal assistance to low-income tenants and landlords who appear in these courts, unrepresented, on ‘eviction day.’ Dorothy Varon, assistant vice president and counsel at MassMutual, accepting the award on behalf of the company, said “MassMutual has long been committed to making the communities where we live and work a better place, and an important part of our participation involves donating our own talent and expertise in areas where we can make a positive difference in people’s lives. We’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with Heisler, Feldman, McCormick & Garrow, P.C., to deliver pro bono services to people who need them, and are honored to share this recognition with such an outstanding law firm.” Suzanne Garrow, a partner at the firm, said, “the members of my firm and I are so proud to be a part of the Women’s Bar Foundation’s pro bono housing court project and see this as important work toward preventing homelessness.”
TSM Design Chosen to Promote SC2 Hartford
SPRINGFIELDb — TSM Design was selected by the city of Hartford’s Development Services team to promote a 15-month contest that will result in detailed, actionable economic-development plans for the city. SC2 Hartford is an EDA grant-funded competition that invites interdisciplinary teams to produce innovative proposals and plans that maximize Hartford’s assets and address an entrenched set of issues. SC2 Hartford relies on community engagement and encourages people with distinctive skills to come together, form teams, and compete for prize money totaling $900,000. Hartford’s goal is to establish the city as the place where first-time, serial, and second-stage entrepreneurs start and grow their companies with ease. TSM Design is charged with developing effective strategies to reach a variety of stakeholders and to convert awareness into action. Individuals must register on the SC2 Hartford website, form teams, and then submit their proposals by Sept. 24. According to Stephen Cole, senior project manager of economic development in Hartford’s Development Services department, “we chose TSM Design because they are uniquely suited to communicate complex economic principles and public policy in meaningful ways to small-business owners and members of the community. The level of understanding and excitement that TSM Design brings to our project demonstrates the firm’s experience working with diverse community partners in multi-cultural communities.” Hartford is one of only three cities in the country to have won the opportunity to participate in this innovative program of the Obama Administration. Greensboro, N.C. and Las Vegas share the distinction with Hartford. “SC2 Hartford is a high-profile, game-changing initiative,” said TSM Design Principal Nancy Urbschat. “We’re honored to participate in what is now our new adopted city.”
AFFILIATED CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE OF GREATER SPRINGFIELD
www.myonlinechamber.com
(413) 787-1555
• June 4: ACCGS Business@Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m. Hosted by Springfield College at the Richard Flynn Campus Union. Topic: “Inspiring a Creative Corporate Culture.” Reservations are $20 for members, $30 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by contacting Cecile Larose at [email protected].
• June 12: ERC5 Annual Meeting, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Blake Dining Commons, Bay Path College, 588 Longmeadow St., Longmeadow. Reservations are $20 for members, $25 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by contacting Cecile Larose at [email protected].
• June 26: ACCGS Annual Meeting, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Sheraton Springfield, One Monarch Place, Springfield. The year in retrospect, and presentation of the 2014 Richard J. Moriarty Citizen of the Year award. Reservations are $40 for members, $60 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by contacting Cecile Larose at [email protected].
AMHERST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.amherstarea.com
413-253-0700
• June 19-22: Taste of Amherst 2014. Come enjoy four days of fun at the 2014 Taste of Amherst, on the Amherst Town Common. Live entertainment will be provided by 93.9 the River, fun family events, and more than 20 local restaurants. Eat, play, dance, and celebrate all of what Amherst has to offer. Hours: Thursday, June 19, 5-9 p.m.; Friday, June 20, 5-10 p.m.; Saturday, June 21, noon-10 p.m.; Sunday, June 22, noon-4 p.m.
• June 25: Chamber After 5, 5-7 p.m. New Member Reception. Don’t miss this annual event, hosted by all the businesses at 25-35 University Dr.:
Cheryl Nina Salon, Encharter Insurance LLC, J. F. Conlon & Associates, Sawicki Real Estate, and
Ziomek & Ziomek, Attorneys at Law. The Pub will provide food and drink. Sponsored by Greenfield Savings Bank.
Tickets: Free for new members (if you joined between June 2013 and June 2014), $10 for members, and $15 for non-members.
• July 21: Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce 11th Annual Golf Tournament, 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., at Hickory Ridge Golf Course, Pomeroy Lane, Amherst. Registration and lunch are from 10:30 a.m. to noon, with a shotgun start at noon, and reception and dinner starting at 5 p.m. Cost: $125 per player. Presented by Hampshire Hospitality Group. Co-scholarship sponsor: Cooley Dickinson Health Care. Silver sponsors: Encharter Insurance, J.F. Conlon & Associates, MBA. Dinner sponsor: Fallon Community Health Plan. Lunch sponsor: Davis Financial Group, LLC. Bronze sponsors: Daily Hampshire Gazette, NEPM, Steve Lewis Subaru. Carts sponsor: Taylor Rental. Water sponsor: Atkins Farms Country Market. Towels: Hampshire College.
CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101
• June 25: June Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at Teddy Bear Pools & Spas. Tickets: $10 for members, $15 for non-members.
• June 4: Member workshop, “Grow Your Business with E-mail Marketing and Social Media,” 9-11 a.m., at La Quinta Inn & Suites, 100 Congress St., Springfield. Sponsored by First American Insurance Agency Inc. Free for members, this workshop is designed to give small businesses and nonprofit organizations some simple ideas for growing their customer, prospect, or member network by using e-mail and social-media marketing. We will discuss what type of content to use in your campaigns; how to get more people to stop and read your messages; how to get more action, or reaction, to your messages and offers; why using images on social-media channels creates higher engagement; and why your content should be mobile-friendly. You’ll learn what it means to run effective e-mail and/or social-media marketing campaigns and what tools you can use to measure the success of your efforts without spending lots of time or money. Participants will leave with a workbook full of ideas for timing their messages, how to write a winning subject line, what kinds of offers or content they want to try, and how best to approach their next outreach project. This is a great workshop for beginners in online marketing looking to accomplish more in less time with a small budget.
• June 26: Member workshop, “E-mail Marketing for Success: Creating Effective Newsletters & Announcements,” 9-11 a.m., at La Quinta Inn & Suites, 100 Congress St., Springfield. Sponsored by First American Insurance Agency Inc. At the heart of small-business marketing are the campaigns that drive action — collections of marketing activities that help a small business or organization achieve its goals and objectives. Newsletters and announcements have become a core component of those campaign choices. E-mail is more important than ever to the communication efforts of businesses and nonprofits everywhere, and to customers, donors, clients, and supporters of those organizations. This session will reveal some simple but effective best practices and considerations for the small-business or nonprofit seeking to make their e-mail newsletters more effective. Attendees of this presentation will learn the different types of newsletters; what to write about in your newsletter or announcement and how to consider using images; subject-line best practices and when to send your newsletter; the importance of understanding how connected e-mail and social media are, and how they have to be done together; and what types of additional tools might be useful. Join us and learn some great new strategies to help your e-mail and social-media efforts be more effective components of one of the core campaign types, newsletters and announcements.
FRANKLIN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.franklincc.org
(413) 773-5463
• June 6: First Friday in Greenfield, 5-8 p.m. “Gotta Bee Downtown!” — a bee celebration. Live music, discounts, refreshments, art. All are welcome for free. Contact the chamber for more information at (413) 773-5464; www.franklincc.org
• June 27: Annual Meeting and Legislative Breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m., at Terrazza Ristorante, Country Club Road, Greenfield. Elected state officials and chamber election of officers. Tickets: $13 for chamber members, $15 for non-members. Contact the chamber for more information at (413) 773-5464 or www.franklincc.org
GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.easthamptonchamber.org
(413) 527-9414
• June 12: Networking by Night Business Card Exchange, 5-7 p.m., North Country Landscapes and Garden Center, One Main Road (Route 66), Westhampton. Sponsored by Innovative Business Systems. Door prizes, hors d’ouevres, and host beer and wine. Tickets: $5 for members, $15 for future members.
• June 16: Move the Mountain Networking Event, 4:30-7 p.m., at Holyoke Country Club, Country Club Road (off Route 5), Holyoke. Join with Greater Easthampton and Greater Holyoke chamber members as we ‘move the mountain’ to network together. Presented by the Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce. Door prizes, hors d’oeuvres, and cash bar. Cost: $10 for Greater Easthampton and Holyoke chamber members, $15 for non-members.
GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.explorenorthampton.com
(413) 584-1900
• June 4: Arrive@ 5, 5-7 p.m., at Black Birch Vineyard. Sponsored by Johnson & Hill Staffing Services, the Creative, and viz-bang! Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Register at [email protected].
• June 19: “The Art of Small Business: Pricing,” 9-10:30 a.m. Hosted and sponsored by the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton. Special guest: Don Lesser of Pioneer Training. Lesser has been a consultant and business owner for more than 30 years. His companies have grown and shrunk and grown again, and the nature of his business has changed over the years. “The Art of Small Business” contains the insights and techniques that have contributed to his success. Highlights: Apple never discounts. Clothing stores build in a series of discounts to the initial price. Consulting companies use various techniques to avoid quoting an hourly rate. Law firms typically quote an hourly rate and stick to it. How do you determine what rate you should charge for your time? Too high, and you scare clients away; too low, and your clients undervalue your work. There is an art to setting a price for your work. What is a livable rate for your work? What is the range of rates for your work in your market? How do you price a job, and how do you cover add-ons and other changes? Do you have separate rates for different types of clients? What about donating services? How do you negotiate rates with a potential client? This workshop covers the process of determining your rate and sticking to it. Cost: $20 for members, $25 for non-members.
NORTHAMPTON AREA YOUNG PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY
www.thenayp.com
(413) 584-1900
• June 12: Nonprofit Board Fair, 5 p.m. at the Smith College Conference Center, 51 College Lane, Northampton. Learn about, connect with, and help lead local nonprofits. Nonprofits count on volunteers like you to lead them to success. The United Way of Hampshire County and NAYP have once again partnered to host the Nonprofit Board Fair, a signature event featuring nonprofits throughout the Pioneer Valley whose leadership will be on hand to talk to interested candidates about serving on their organizations’ boards of directors. There will be a variety of organizations from large to small, representing a mix of essential services, including economic security, community building, children and education, the environment, health and disabilities, elder care, the arts, and advocacy and access. This event is ideal for younger professionals seeking this type of engagement for the first time, as well as seasoned professionals with prior board experience.
GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618
• June 11: After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m., at Westfield Bank, 462 College Highway, Southwick. Sponsored by Pro Tours & Cruises of Southwick. Great connection opportunities. Complimentary refreshments provided. Walk-ins are welcome. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members (cash at the door). To register. call Pam at the chamber at (413) 568-1618.
• June 12: Chamber’s Spring Marketing Speaker Series 2, 8:30-11 a.m., at the Holiday Inn Express, 39 Southampton Road, Westfield. Topic: “E-mail Marketing for Success: Creating Effective Newsletters & Announcements.” Speaker: Liz Provo, authorized local expert for Constant Contact. Cost: free to chamber members, $25 for non-members. For more information, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.
• June 20: June Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Ranch Golf Club, 65 Sunnyside Road, Southwick. Sponsors: platinum, First Niagara; gold, United Bank; silver, United Way of Pioneer Valley. Speaker: Superintendent of Schools Dr. Suzanne Scallion. Cost: $25 for members, $30 for non-members. Consider donating a raffle prize. To register, call Pam at the chamber at (413) 568-1618.
• June 25: Chamber’s Spring Marketing Speaker Series 3, 8:30-11 a.m., at the Holiday Inn Express, 39 Southampton Road, Westfield. Topic: “You’re Social. Now What? Is It Working?” Speaker: Liz Provo, authorized local expert for Constant Contact. Cost: Free to chamber members, $25 for non-members. For more information, call Pam at the Chamber office at (413) 568-1618.
• June 27: Local Legislative Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Tekoa Country Club, 459 Russell Road, Westfield. The luncheon is for the chamber communities of Blandford, Chester, Granville, Huntington, Montgomery, Russell, Southwick, Tolland, Westfield, and Woronoco. The state legislators for each community have been invited to speak. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Cost: TBA. For more information, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.
PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CHAMBER
www.professionalwomenschamber.com
(413) 755-1310
• June 3: PWC Woman of the Year, 5:30 p.m., at the Castle of Knights, 1599 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Honoring Carol Campbell, president, CEO, and founder of Chicopee Industrial Contractors. Reservations cost $55. Register online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by contacting Cecile Larose at [email protected].
• June 10: PWC Ladies Night Member Reception, 5-7 p.m., at Fathers & Sons, 989 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Enjoy complimentary wine and refreshments. Reservations are free. To register, e-mail Dawn Creighton at [email protected].
WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.ourwrc.com
(413) 426-3880
• June 11: Wicked Wednesday, 3-6 p.m., at Six Flags New England. Wicked Wednesdays are monthly social events hosted by various businesses and restaurants. These events bring members and non-members together to network in a laid-back atmosphere. For more information or for tickets, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].
• June 19: Annual Breakfast Meeting, 7-9 a.m., at Chez Josef, Agawam. Sponsored by OMG and Development Associates. The event will kick off with the welcoming of new chairman John Weiss and the incoming WRC board of directors. Cost: $25 for chamber members, $30 for non-members. For more information and for tickets, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].
• August 18: Annual Golf Tournament, at the Ranch Golf Course, Southwick. Registration is at 11:30 a.m., with lunch at noon and a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Cost: $125 for golf and dinner. For more information or for tickets, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].
Communication Strategies in Higher Education
June 13: Whether for college marketing, recruiting, advising, retention, or even alumni engagement, having strong and well-designed communication plans are the key to reaching your target market. How do colleges and universities integrate the new and old methods of marketing, getting results that lead to success? What role does key messaging and institutional brand play in effective marketing efforts? As part of Bay Path College’s Hot Topics in Higher Education series, Sarah Coen, vice president of Noel-Levitz, will present “Hit Your Target Market: Develop Communication Strategies that Really Work,” navigating the often-chaotic world of communications and marketing by sharing strategies and plans that yield positive results. The 8 a.m. event at the college’s Blake Commons is preceded by a 7:30 breakfast. A recognized leader in higher-education consulting, Noel-Levitz is committed to helping institutions meet their goals for enrollment and student success. During its 40-year history, more than 2,800 campus clients throughout North America and beyond have invited Noel-Levitz to collaborate with them. Coen offers nearly two decades of experience in new-student recruitment, financial aid, orientation, and staff development. She is especially adept at developing and implementing comprehensive communication plans for managing new-student enrollment and at applying predictive modeling toward enrollment management. She has served more than 30 institutions in the U.S. and Canada during her consulting career with Noel-Levitz, focusing primarily on inquiry-pool development, relationship management, communication-flow development, database management, campus-visit programming, staff development, and financial-aid strategy. The event is free and open to the public, although registration is strongly advised. To join the conversation via Twitter, use #bpctopics. For those unable to attend in person, there is an option at registration for virtual participation. For more information, visit graduate.baypath.edu.
BusinessWest 40 Under Forty
June 19: The eighth annual 40 Under Forty award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, honoring 40 of the region’s rising stars under 40 years old. The program has become a prestigious honor in the Western Mass. business community, and the gala has become one of the region’s most anticipated spring events. An independent panel of judges chose this year’s class from more than 150 nominations, a record. Their stories were presented in the April 21 issue, and may also be read online at BusinessWest.com. More details on the gala will be revealed in upcoming issues, but tickets cost $65, and they typically sell out quickly. For more information or to order tickets, call (413) 781-8600.
Mutton & Mead Medieval Festival
June 21-22: Experience old England in New England with the fourth annual Mutton & Mead Medieval Festival, which returns to 210 Turners Falls Road in Montague on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., rain or shine. A benefit for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and the Montague Common Hall, the festival transports fairgoers to the adventurous days of Robin Hood with two full days of fun for all ages, featuring 65 artisans and 40 hours of entertainment including knights jousting on horseback, whimsical stage shows, dancers, jesters, fairies, and unique musical acts not seen anywhere else. The festival also features a children’s area which hosts activities for kids throughout the day as well as puppeteers and medieval characters. The event brings the medieval world to life with re-enactors demonstrating skills such as cooking, textile arts, blacksmithing, and swordplay. Attendees will also have a chance to feast on delicacies including turkey legs, roasted lamb, mead, beer, and ale. Cost is $15 for adults, $10 children and seniors. Children under 6 are free. Parking is $5 per car.
Leadership Skills for Supervisors, Managers
July 24: Ensure the future of your organization by providing leadership skills for your supervisors and managers. The Principles of Leadership II series, sponsored by the Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast, emphasizes team-building skills. Participants will learn how to develop high-performance teams, lead change, and take their time-management and interpersonal skills to the next level. The series follows on the heels of Principles of Leadership I, which focused on the one-to-one relationship between the supervisor or manager and each of his or her direct reports. Participants in Principles of Leadership II, which begins on July 24, must complete five core programs — on topics ranging from team dysfunction to problem-solving skills; from time management to emotional intelligence — to receive the certificate of completion. To register, contact Sue Miller, director of Learning and Development at the Employers Assoc., at [email protected] or (877) 662-6444, ext. 3013.
Western Mass. Business Expo
Oct. 29: BusinessWest will present its fourth annual Western Mass. Business Expo at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield. The business-to-business show, which last year drew more than 2,000 visitors, will feature more than 100 booths, seminars, and Show Floor Theater presentations; breakfast and lunch programs; and a day-capping Expo Social. Details about specific events, programs, and featured speakers will be printed in future issues of BusinessWest. Comcast Business will again be Presenting Sponsor, while the social will be sponsored by Northwestern Mutual. Current Silver Sponsors are Health New England and DIF Design, and additional sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information on sponsorships or booth purchase, call (413) 781-8600.
The following is a compilation of recent lawsuits involving area businesses and organizations. These are strictly allegations that have yet to be proven in a court of law. Readers are advised to contact the parties listed, or the court, for more information concerning the individual claims.
CHICOPEE DISTRICT COURT
Patricia McGhee v. Circle K
Allegation: Negligent maintenance of property causing slip and fall: $5,089
Filed: 4/4/14
FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT
Edward M. Orcutt Jr., ppa John E. Orcutt and Leann Orcutt v. Pioneer Valley Regional School District
Allegation: Negligence in precautionary measures and supervision, failure to provide an agent who was MIAA concussion-certified or had first-responder training: $180,834.94+
Filed: 3/20/14
Martifer Solar USA Inc. v. Bith Energy Inc. and Washington Gas Energy Systems Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract and failure to pay under the terms of the contract: $1,212,952.44
Filed: 4/1/14
HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Cadwell Logging & Firewood Inc. v. RCS Diesel Service Inc.
Allegation: Action to recognize and enforce a foreign judgment: $36,012.24
Filed: 4/11/14
Chicopee Savings Bank v. Seven Sisters Bistro Inc.
Allegation: Breach of revolving demand Note: $1,564,208.50
Filed: 4/11/14
Fleet Operations Inc. v. Ryder Truck Rental Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract related to the sale of a vehicle: $50,000+
Filed: 4/7/14
GDF Suez Energy Resources, N.A. Inc. v. Apmar USA Inc.
Allegation: Breach of service agreement: $89,064.88
Filed: 4/17/14
TD Bank, N.A. v. BJK Fusco Inc. and Thomas E. Fusco
Allegation: Default on promissory note: $627,645.52
Filed: 4/15/14
SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Adam S. Crosby v. Ryder Truck Inc.
Allegation: Breach of employment contract and failure to pay bonus: $7,000
Filed: 4/3/14
Santos Family Chiropractic Inc. d/b/a Chiropractic AVTS v. Tower Group
Allegation: Breach of contract and failure to pay reasonable and necessary medical bills: $4,447
Filed: 3/28/14
US Foods Inc. v. PEAJ Inc., d/b/a Fox Den Restaurant and Paul M. B’Shara
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $5,792.61
Filed: 3/10/14
Westover Building Supply Co. Inc. v. Optimum Building and Inspection Corp.
Allegation: Failure to pay under the terms of a construction contract: $65,000
Filed: 3/24/14
EAST LONGMEADOW — FieldEddy Insurance announced the appointments of Gina Clark as finance manager as well as Sara Goodreau and Carla Dawley as personal-lines account managers. Clark will be responsible for training and supporting the finance-team members on all aspects of accounts payable and accounts receivable. Previously, she worked for several years in the finance and human-resources departments at Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. Goodreau holds her CISR and CIC designations, and has worked as a personal-lines account manager for more than six years. Her knowledge of various computer operating systems will benefit Goodreau as a staff trainer, and she will assist with operational tasks. As a personal-lines account manager, Dawley will apply her knowledge in both the insurance and banking industries to provide exceptional customer service to her existing and new clients. Dawley has her P&C license and is currently working on obtaining her CISR designation. “We are pleased to continue our growth with the addition of these new hires,” said Timm Marini, president of FieldEddy Insurance. “It is a very exciting time for our agency, and these three women have proven industry experience, which I know will provide substantial benefits to both our company and, most importantly, our clients.” Clark will be based out of the East Longmeadow office, while both Goodreau and Dawley will be located in the South Hadley office.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Total construction spending rose modestly for the third straight month in April as a mix of increases and declines in public and private categories showed the sector’s recovery remains fragile and fragmented, according to an analysis of new Census Bureau data by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). Association officials said the industry could benefit from new federal investments in infrastructure to offset declining public-sector demand. “Residential, private non-residential, and public construction spending all have areas of strength but also pockets of weakness,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “While the overall trend remains more positive than last year, growth is likely to be spotty for the foreseeable future.” Construction put in place totaled $954 billion in April, 0.2% above the revised February total and 8.6% higher than in April 2013. The year-over-year growth so far in 2014 has exceeded the full-year increase of 5% recorded from 2012 to 2013. Private residential construction spending inched up 0.1% in April to a six-year high. The latest total exceeded the year-ago level by 17%. Single-family construction rose 1.3% in April and 14% year-over-year. Multi-family spending soared 4.4% and 31%, respectively. Improvements to existing single- and multi-family structures slumped 2.2% for the month but increased 17% from a year ago. Private non-residential spending dipped 0.1% in April but climbed 5.6% over 12 months. Most major categories increased from year-ago levels. However, the largest private segment, power construction — comprising work on oil and gas fields and pipelines as well as electricity projects — slipped 0.6% for the month and 3.9% over the year. The fastest-growing private type was office construction, which jumped 3.1% in April and 26% since April 2013. Public construction spending rose 0.8% for the month and 1.2% year-over-year. The largest public segment, highway and street construction, declined 1.1% in April but increased 4.9% from a year before. The second-biggest category, educational construction, gained 3% and 4.9%, respectively. “The outlook for the rest of 2014 remains uneven,” Simonson predicted. “Demand for apartments appears to be very strong, but there are several warning signs about home building. Despite dropping last month, power and manufacturing construction should remain the leading private non-residential categories, with hefty growth for the year as a whole. The rebound in public construction that occurred last month may not be repeated soon.”
EASTHAMPTON — Matthew Sosik, president and CEO of Easthampton Savings Bank, announced that Ryan Leap has joined the bank as senior vice president of Commercial Lending. Leap brings to the bank more than 14 years of commercial-lending experience, most recently as senior vice president of Commercial Lending for Union Bank in Morrisville, Vt. He has worked as senior vice president of Commercial Lending for Hoosac Bank, a division of Mountain One Financial Partners, MHC, in North Adams. Prior to that, Leap was a vice president of Commercial Lending with the Bank of Western Massachusetts in Northampton, which later became People’s United Bank. Leap has a bachelor’s degree in economics, with a concentration in finance, from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Pa.
SPRINGFIELD — Mayor Dominic Sarno joined other public officials and neighborhood business leaders on June 2 for a ribbon cutting to mark the grand opening of the Q Restaurant, the latest example of renewed reinvestment and revitalization along the State Street corridor. Advertised as serving “real southern barbecue,” the restaurant opened for lunch on May 19 and started serving lunch and dinner on May 26. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday. “This is another example of the city’s continuing ability to attract new investment that revitalizes neighborhoods,” said Sarno. “Not too long ago, this building was seized by the city. Now, it is back on the tax rolls, it is looking better than ever, and I’m hoping it will be an asset to the neighborhood for years to come.” Located at 890 State St., the property was purchased from the city in 2013 by Craig and Chris Spagnoli, a father-and-son team that had previously worked with the city on revitalizing foreclosed properties in the Forest Park neighborhood. The Spagnolis have invested more than $500,000 in starting the restaurant and are also planning to rehabilitate the upper floors into 15 units of rental housing. “My son Chris’s wife, Sarah, is from the South, and since we’ve been working in Springfield, we’ve always talked about how we thought a good southern barbecue restaurant would go over well,” said Craig Spagnoli. “We’re hoping Q will be a popular place for the neighborhood, for the colleges nearby, and for commuters wanting to pick up takeout on their way home.” The restaurant is located in Mason Square on the edge of the campus of American International College and a few blocks from Springfield College. It is across the street from the former Indian Motorcycle factory, and the restaurant boasts several Indian models as a tribute to the neighborhood’s manufacturing legacy.
