Home 2016 March (Page 4)

Month: March 2016

Bankruptcies

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Bankruptcies Departments

The following bankruptcy petitions were recently filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Readers should confirm all information with the court.
 
Baran, Madonna J.
a/k/a Ulmer, Madonna J.
41 Chestnut St., Apt 3
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/06/16

Bigby, Robert A.
190 Frontenac St
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/03/16

Boucher, Bruce A.
55 Crest Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/08/16

Boutwell, Tammy L.
P.O. Box 558
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/10/16

Clark, Joan R.
147 Rosemary Drive
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/03/16

Dansereau, Kelley A.
63 Valley Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/01/16

Despres, Louis J.
2705 Greenwich Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/08/16

Franchere, Laura E.
24 Lemuel Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/03/16

Gifford, John Paul
PO Box 701
Chester, MA 01011
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/01/16

Gilman, William B.
Gilman, Deborah A.
a/k/a Clark, Deborah A.
475 Main Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/12/16

Grant, Robert C.
136 Riviera Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/12/16

Henriquez, Xiomara
525 Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/02/16

Houck, Laura J.
8 Preserve Way
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/11/16

Ivers, Bruce F.
104 Forest Glen
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/05/16

Jones, Latoya Alexandria
1057 Worcester St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/01/16

Lamere, Crystal Amy
41 Maple St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/10/16

Laplante, Donna M.
19 Cornell Ave.
First Floor
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/13/16

Lewis, Ulysee G.
40 Montrose St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/05/16

Marvici, Anthony D.
89 Kensington St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/04/16

Mirror Image
Boutwell, Norman E.
P.O. Box 558
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/10/16

Moore, Francis W.
1110 Berkshire Ave.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/04/16

Morin, Jennifer Lynn
71 Pleasant St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/31/16

Paoletti’s Fruit Store, Inc.
PO Box 766
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/02/16

Perez, Evelyn
55 Central St., Apt. A
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/04/16

Rodriguez, Yelitza Ivette
209 Dunmoreland St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/01/16

Rosa, Maricel
59 New Ludlow Road, Apt. 16
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/02/16

Shiever, Savannah R.
15 Bradley St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/03/16

Shumans, Carol A.
101 State St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/04/16

Spillane, Deborah A.
58 Southworth St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/11/16

Walsh, Lawrence W.
245 Sand Springs Road
Williamstown, MA 01267
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/08/16

Wilson, Anthony
269 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/09/16

Bacon Wilson Names Kenneth Albano Managing Shareholder

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Bacon Wilson announced that Attorney Kenneth Albano will assume the role of managing shareholder, effective Jan. 1, 2017.

For the remainder of 2016, he will share the role with Bacon Wilson’s current managing shareholder, Stephen Krevalin, who has led the firm for the past 15 years, during which time Bacon Wilson has become one of the largest regional, full-service law firms in Hampden and Hampshire counties.

“I am thrilled at the choice of attorney Albano as my successor,” Krevalin said. “Ken was the unanimous choice among the shareholders, and I have every confidence that he will do a phenomenal job as the firm’s next managing shareholder.”

Albano is a senior partner and a member of the firm’s corporate, commercial, and municipal practice groups. In addition to his legal practice, he is active in the community, chairing the board of the March of Dimes Western Mass Division and serving on the board of the New England Chapter of the March of Dimes. He is a board member with Behavioral Health Network, where he has served for over 20 years. He also works with the American Cancer Society, Make-A-Wish, and the ALS Assoc. Last June, Albano was honored with the Massachusetts Bar Assoc. Community Service Award in recognition of his volunteer work.

Bacon Wilson, P.C. boasts total of 43 lawyers and approximately 60 paralegals, administrative assistants, and support staff. The firm’s offices are located in Springfield, Northampton, Amherst, Holyoke, and Westfield. For more information, visit www.baconwilson.com.

‘Poets for Life: Poets Respond to AIDS’ Slated for April 9

By
Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — On Saturday, April 9 at 3 p.m., Patrick Donnelly, 2015-17 poet laureate of Northampton, will host “Poets for Life: Poets Respond to AIDS,” a benefit reading in support of A Positive Place (formerly AIDS Care/Hampshire County), a nonprofit organization providing a wide array of services for people with HIV in Hampshire and surrounding counties.

The event will be held at the Paradise Room, Conference Center, Smith College, 51 College Lane, Northampton. The Northampton Council for the Arts and the Poetry Center at Smith College are co-sponsors of the benefit. Tickets for the event are $20 and may be purchased online at poetsforlife.brownpapertickets.com, or by phone at (800) 838-3006, ext. 1, or at the door at the event. All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit A Positive Place.

Those unable to attend the event can designate a tax-deductible donation through poetsforlife.brownpapertickets.com to make it possible for one of A Positive Place’s clients to attend.

“In the 35 years since AIDS began, there has been not only a medical and social-service response to preventing and treating the disease, but there has also been a response from artists of all kinds, mourning the losses and celebrating the victories,” Donnelly said. “Specifically, American poets have created an entire literature of AIDS, leaving for the future an important record of this time.”

Poets for Life will feature readings by award-winning poets Eduardo C. Corral, Patrick Donnelly, Michael Klein, and Joan Larkin, who will read not only from their own poetry about the epidemic, but from the work of other notable poets, living and dead. Singer-songwriter Laura Wetzler will also perform.

Since 1991, A Positive Place has been providing comprehensive, confidential case management and health-related support services, filling life-saving needs for people living with HIV/AIDS in the county. Anyone living with HIV or AIDS is eligible for services regardless of level of need, health status, or ability to pay. Services are free to people living with HIV.

Berkshire Museum to Reopen Feigenbaum Hall of Innovation April 16

By
Daily News

PITTSFIELD — The Feigenbaum Hall of Innovation, one of the most popular core exhibitions at the Berkshire Museum, will undergo a significant upgrade and reopen to the public on Saturday, April 16. The improvements and upgrades to the Hall of Innovation are supported by a grant from the Feigenbaum Foundation that has pledged $500,000 to the Berkshire Museum, to be used for a series of annual improvements over the next few years.

The Feigenbaum Foundation has made a commitment to “ensure the Feigenbaum Hall of Innovation at the museum is on the leading edge of exploring innovation in the Berkshires and beyond. This will require ongoing intellectual, financial, and physical resources to implement and maintain a high-level core experience for visitors in the Hall,” said Emil George, president of the Feigenbaum Foundation.

While the Feigenbaum Hall of Innovation will continue to feature the accomplishments of Berkshire innovators and the many ways they were able to change the world around them, visitors will experience several exciting new additions. The highly anticipated Mindball brain game will engage visitors of all ages. The only one of its kind in the state of Massachusetts available to the public, Mindball uses EEG biofeedback sensors to track the players’ alpha and theta brain waves sending the ball across the table and into their opponent’s goal.

In addition, the Museum’s brand-new interactive app, i-Innovate, provides a digital visitor experience, from opportunities to create and innovate right in the galleries to accessing expanded content and information. The video displays at each entrance to the Hall have been updated with new innovators, new ideas, and a fresh look. The Hall of Innovation will boast all-new interactive activities, original artwork, and new displays and objects from the museum’s permanent collection, as well as fresh paint and new carpet.

“I was fortunate to be part of the team that originally designed the Feigenbaum Hall of Innovation,” said Maria Mingalone, Berkshire Museum’s director of Curatorial Affairs and Collections. “After several years observing how the exhibition engages visitors to think creatively, we are excited to expand the audience experience through fresh new technology, with Mindball and the new i-Innovate app as centerpieces of this first upgrade. By modeling innovative thinking, we anticipate making ongoing improvements to keep the Hall of Innovation truly innovative, including the addition of new innovators and exhibit components in the coming years.”

American Institute of Architects Fellowship Recognizes Margo Jones

By
Daily News

GREENFIELD — The 2016 Jury of Fellows from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) elevated 149 AIA members to its prestigious College of Fellows, an honor awarded to members who have made significant contributions to their profession.

Margo Jones, principal of Jones Whitsett Architects (formerly Margo Jones Architects), was nominated and elected to the College of Fellows in recognition of her leadership in the field and her service to the communities of Western Mass.

Jones, who holds a master’s degree in architecture from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has practiced architecture in Greenfield for more than 30 years. As principal of her own design firm since 1984, she has designed numerous award-winning schools, public projects, and significant historic-preservation projects, including Sanderson Academy in Ashfield, several projects at the Bement School in Old Deerfield, renovations to the Ted Shawn Dance Theater at Jacob’s Pillow in Becket, and, most recently, the renovation of Colegrove Park Elementary School in North Adams, a project currently being considered for a Massachusetts Historic Commission Preservation Award.

Jones has also served on the board of directors of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Architects, and the board of directors of the Western Mass. chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

Out of a total AIA membership of nearly 88,000, fewer than 3,200 members are distinguished with the honor of fellowship. Jones will be honored at an investiture ceremony at the AIA convention in Philadelphia in May.

NUVO Welcomes Keith Nesbitt as Regional Commercial Credit Officer

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Keith Nesbitt has joined the Springfield office of NUVO, a division of Merchants Bank, as regional commercial credit officer, said Laura Abbott, senior credit officer of Merchants Bank.

Nesbitt brings a vast wealth of knowledge with 11 years of experience in commercial lending, portfolio management, and credit administration in regional and community banking institutions. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia, his master’s degree from Georgia State University, and his MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. He is also a candidate for the chartered financial analyst (CFA) designation and will sit for the CFA Level III exam in June.

Nesbitt is a high-school and college football official and a member of the Western Massachusetts Football Officials Assoc. and the Eastern Assoc. of Intercollegiate Football Officials.

Big Y Celebrates 80th Anniversary with Make-A-Wish Promotion

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — In honor of its 80th Anniversary, Big Y Foods has partnered with Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island, inviting customers to purchase ‘Wish Stars’ in checkout lines at all 61 Big Y World Class markets, including at 30 stores in Massachusetts.

Stars cost $1 each, and customers are welcome to write their name on their star for display in their store. Funds raised through the sale of Wish Stars in Massachusetts throughout March will help grant wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions throughout the Big Y communities. On Thursday, March 17, Big Y will match all Wish Star purchases and any additional donations up to $8,000.

“As a local and family-owned and -operated company for 80 years, we strive to give back to the communities we serve, year after year. This year we are proud to partner with Make-A-Wish to bring joy to local children and their families through programs that involve both our employees and our customers,” said Big Y CEO Donald D’Amour. “Thanks to their efforts, we can make a difference.”

Added Charlotte Beattie, CEO of Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island, “support from our community is critical to our ability to give wish children the hope, strength, and joy that comes from a wish fulfilled. We are incredibly grateful to Big Y and the D’Amour family for supporting our efforts and helping to make wishes possible for children with life-threatening illnesses.”

Gray House Spaghetti Supper Slated for March 9

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Gray House will hold its 25th annual Spaghetti Supper on Wednesday, March 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Greek Cultural Center, 22 St. George St., Springfield.

“This special event is a crucial fund-raiser for the Gray House, attracting approximately 400 attendees,” said Dena Calvanese, executive director. “All proceeds will help the Gray House provide food, clothing, and educational services to our neighbors in need. We couldn’t do this without the support of our community and sponsors.”

This year’s platinum sponsors include Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, Freedom Credit Union, and Charlie Arment Trucking Inc. Tickets for the event are a minimum donation of $5. Children 6 and under are free, and all tickets can be purchased at the door. In addition to the supper, the event will include a ticketed raffle and a Chinese raffle. The East Longmeadow Knights of Columbus Council #9960 will once again be cooking the meal.

This year, the Gray House will honor Bill Toller, deacon at Holy Cross Church in Springfield. “Deacon Bill has been at Holy Cross Parish for 15 years and has been a long-time supporter of the Gray House,” Calvanese said. “His own generosity, volunteer time, and support are commendable on their own, and yet Deacon Bill has done much more by creating awareness and excitement about the Gray House and our mission. He has introduced an incredible number of very dedicated supporters to the Gray House, and I look forward to honoring him at this year’s Spaghetti Supper.”

The Gray House is a small, neighborhood agency located in and serving the North End of Springfield, one of the city’s poorest neighborhoods and one of the poorest in the state, where more than 50% of residents live in poverty and struggle to meet their daily needs. The Gray House assists by providing food, clothing, adult education, and after-school and summer programming for children. The agency assisted nearly 8,000 people in 2015.

For more information or to purchase tickets to the supper or the raffle, contact the Gray House at (413) 734-6696 or [email protected], or visit www.grayhouse.org.

Springfield Regional Chamber Breakfast to Feature Mayor’s Forum

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Regional Chamber will present a Business@Breakfast event, featuring a mayor’s forum, on Wednesday, April 6 from 7:15 to 9 a.m. at the Delaney House, 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke.

Dave Madsen, primary anchor for Western Mass News, will moderate an informal discussion with Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Easthampton Mayor Karen Cadieux, and West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt. The discussion will provide attendees with an inside look at the personal and professional lives of these elected officials.

Business@Breakfast is a monthly series which pays tribute to individuals, businesses, and organizations for major contributions to civic and economic growth and for actions which reflect honor on the region. The April 6 event is sponsored by breakfast series sponsor United Personnel Services and speakers sponsor Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts.

Tickets cost $20 for Springfield Regional Chamber members and $30 for general admission. Reservations are suggested and can be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com or by e-mailing Sarah Mazzaferro at [email protected]. Sponsorship opportunities are also available; contact Mazzaferro at (413) 755-1313 for information.

Lee Bank Announces Alliance with St. Germain Investment Management

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Daily News

LEE — Lee Bank President and CEO Chuck Leach announced that Lee Bank and St. Germain Investment Management have entered into a strategic alliance called October Mountain Financial Advisors, by which St. Germain will provide investment-management and financial-planning services to Berkshire County clients from its new offices in Lee.

“Lee Bank is thrilled to offer a Berkshire County-focused wealth-management platform staffed with Berkshire residents who care deeply about their customers and community,” said Leach. “We’re extremely pleased to join forces with St. Germain Investment Management as we embark on this new endeavor. Furthermore, with our recently granted trust powers, we look forward to working closely with attorneys, CPAs, and our clients on trust and estate-planning matters right here in Berkshire County.

“We have long considered tackling the wealth-management space because it’s a natural extension of what we do extremely well — building strong relationships with our customers and community,” he added. “It is logical for us to be working with St. Germain given their deep bench of talented investment professionals, most of whom I have worked closely with in the past, and their commitment to remaining independent and committed to our same core values.”

Prior to being named president and CEO of Lee Bank last July, Leach served as senior vice president/managing director of wealth management and chief investment officer at Berkshire Bank Wealth Management. Previous positions include vice president/senior portfolio manager at TD Bank Wealth Management Group and vice president of the Gilder Technology Group and the Telecosm Fund.

According to Tim Suffish, senior vice president and head of equities at St. Germain Investment Management, “we place the highest value on client relationships and locally made investment decisions, whether it’s a family’s nest egg or a nonprofit’s endowment. We believe that October Mountain Financial Advisors is well-positioned to avoid the conflicts of interest, persistent fee increases, and key person risks inherent with most investment options available today. As a long-time resident of Pittsfield, I’m thrilled to bring our highly qualified team to the Berkshire community.”

Along with Suffish, October Mountain Financial Advisors’ principal team includes St. Germain Investment Management’s Michael Matty, president and director; Richard Bleser, vice president, portfolio manager; Matthew Farkas, vice president, portfolio manager; and Thaddeus Welch, portfolio manager.

October Mountain Financial Advisors is now open for business at the bank’s branch in Lee and at St. Germain’s offices in Springfield and Hartford, Conn. October Mountain’s permanent headquarters will be located at 103 West Park St., adjacent to Lee Bank, and is slated to open in the spring following renovations to the building.

Falcons Present Six Flags Night March 13 to Benefit Square One

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Falcons will celebrate Six Flags Night on Sunday, March 13 at 5 p.m. against the Syracuse Crunch. The Falcons and Six Flags New England will partner for the first time to support the Square One, a 133-year-old, nonprofit organization that provides services for children and families throughout the Springfield area.

Fans will have the opportunity to be gifted Six Flags memorabilia, day passes, and front-of-the-line access passes with a donation to Square One.

“Opportunities like this are a great reminder of how fortunate this region is to have businesses and community leaders who are so committed to the work of organizations like Square One,” said Kristine Allard, Square One’s vice president of Development. “We are so grateful to Six Flags and the Springfield Falcons for lending their support to our important work with children and families.”

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, and Agawam Mayor Richard Cohen will go head-to-head in a first-intermission shootout. Each mayor has 10 pucks to attempt to shoot into the net. For each successful goal, Six Flags New England will donate 10 tickets valued at $61.99 to children and families affiliated with Square One. In addition, Looney Tunes characters will be in attendance.

To purchase tickets, call (413) 739-4625 or visit the team office at the MassMutual Center weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are also available on ticketmaster.com.

Wistariahurst Presents Workshops on Documenting Family History

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — Want to start documenting your family or community’s history? This spring, Wistariahurst has teamed up with a variety of professionals to help you do just that. With a Monday-evening series starting March 14 at 6 p.m., participants will have the opportunity to work with experienced workshop leaders to learn the techniques and methods of gathering, recording, sharing, and presenting their own stories.

First in the series is Gail Herman, professional storyteller, performer, and educator, who will focus on the art of storytelling. “Stories are windows into other worlds; they are what make us human,” she said. “And family storytelling gives us a sense of roots, no matter how many places a family resides.”

As the weeks progress, presenters such as Sam Redman, professor in the UMass Oral History Lab, and journalist Greg Saulmon will facilitate workshops on a variety of memory-collecting and sharing methods. The workshops will address displaying artifacts to tell a story, conducting oral histories, interviewing techniques, creating and broadcasting a podcast, writing personal stories, and composing a strong photograph.

No prior experience in necessary to attend a workshop, and participants may attend one or come for the whole series. “If you have an interest and a willingness to participate and learn, you should join us,” said Holyoke City Historian and series curator Penni Martorell. “The skills you will come away with will not only apply to documenting your family history, but will bring you an understanding of some aspects of the work that goes into being an historian and interpreting the past.”

Workshops will take place in the Carriage House at Wistariahurst, and will run for 90 minutes. Pre-registration is strongly suggested, as there is limited space in each workshop, and sellouts are expected. To register, visit www.wistariahurst.org/museum/getting-to-the-stories. Each workshop costs $7 for the public or $5 for museum members.

Marylou Fabbo Appointed to Wilbraham Commission on Disabilities

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C., a leading labor and employment law firm serving employers in the Greater Springfield area, announced that attorney Marylou Fabbo was appointed by the Wilbraham Board of Selectmen to the Wilbraham Commission on Disabilities.

The commission provides information, referral, and technical assistance to individuals, businesses, and organizations in all matters pertaining to disability. The commission acts as an advocate for disabled people, family members, and caregivers. The commission also advises and assists Wilbraham businesses and municipal officials in ensuring compliance with disability laws. Fabbo’s involvement on the commission will include promoting awareness of disability-related issues and assisting in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and state disabilities laws.

Fabbo, a partner in the Springfield office of Skoler, Abbott & Presser, joined the firm in 1995. As head of the firm’s litigation team, she practices in all areas of employment litigation. She provides counsel to management on taking proactive steps to reduce the risk of legal liability that may be imposed as the result of illegal employment practices and defends employers who are faced with lawsuits and administrative charges filed by current and former employers.

Fabbo is a frequent speaker on employment-related topics. She conducts extensive management training, is a published author, and has repeatedly been included on the list of Super Lawyers by Boston magazine.

“I am honored to be given this opportunity to work with the residents of Wilbraham and address the challenges that face disabled individuals,” she said. “My goal is to work with committee members to make sure that the proper accommodations are being made throughout our community.”

Employer Confidence in Massachusetts Weakens in February

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Daily News

BOSTON — Confidence among Massachusetts employers weakened for the fifth time in seven months during February, but businesses remain optimistic overall about the ability of the Massachusetts economy to ride out uncertainty abroad and an increasingly curious election season in the U.S.

The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Business Confidence Index shed 0.7 points to 55.1 last month, still comfortably above the 50 mark that denotes a positive economic outlook.

However, the reading was 4.7 points below its level of a year earlier, weighed down by growing concern about the slowing U.S. economy. That concern was confirmed Friday when the government said U.S. economic growth slowed to 1% during the fourth quarter of 2015.

“We’re seeing some ambivalence among employers as they look at the economy, especially the turmoil in some overseas markets, but all within the range of general optimism about 2016,” said Raymond Torto, chair of AIM’s Board of Economic Advisors (BEA) and lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Design. “Ambivalence indeed seems to define most views of the U.S. economy, as we saw last week when the annual economic report of the president noted the strong rebound since 2008 while acknowledging that economic forces, including the rapid pace of technological change, are weighing on American industry.”

The AIM Index, based on a survey of Massachusetts employers, has appeared monthly since July 1991. It is calculated on a 100-point scale, with 50 as neutral; a reading above 50 is positive, while below 50 is negative. The index reached its historic high of 68.5 on two occasions in 1997-98, and its all-time low of 33.3 in February 2009. The index has remained above 50 since October 2013.

Bob Pion Buick GMC Welcomes Toby Grader

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Daily News

CHICOPEE — Bob Pion Buick GMC recently welcomed Toby Grader to the team.

Grader has worked in the auto industry for more than 25 years and is a GM certified service manager. He took time off to open his own restaurant, but is now excited to start a new chapter at Bob Pion Buick GMC.

“I enjoy the challenge of working in the auto industry. Helping people find the car of their dreams and making them happy is very rewarding,” he said. “Being in the auto industry for over 25 years, you make a lot of friendships. It makes the hard work worthwhile.”

To learn more about Bob Pion Buick GMC, visit www.pionauto.com.

Springfield College Names Stuart Jones VP for Enrollment Management

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield College President Mary-Beth Cooper announced the hiring of Dr. Stuart Jones as vice president for Enrollment Management, effective April 1.

“I am delighted that Stuart will join the leadership team at Springfield College,” Cooper said. “His extensive experience in enrollment management and data analysis, coupled with his engaging personality, will make him a great addition to our college community.”

An enrollment-management professional in higher education for more than 20 years, Jones was vice president for Enrollment Management at Trine University in Angola, Ind. since 2013. Prior to that role, he was vice president for Enrollment Management at Averett University in Danville, Va. and dean of Enrollment and executive director of the Student Success Center at Manchester University in North Manchester, Ind.

At Springfield College, Jones will work to further strengthen the college’s competitive position through enrollment growth in traditional undergraduate and graduate programs. He has a bachelor’s degree in interpersonal and public communications from Purdue University, a master’s degree in divinity and theology from the Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, and a Ph.D. in higher education leadership from Northcentral University in Prescott Valley, Ariz.

Meyers Brothers Kalicka Welcomes Three New Associates

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. (MBK) announced the hiring of three new associates: Elyse Merrigan, MSA, Sevane Khatchadourian, and Mila Renkas.

Merrigan is an associate in the Tax department. She previously held a career as a trial paralegal with a regional law firm. However, based on her strong aptitude with numbers, she decided to pursue the necessary advanced education that would allow her to transition into the field of public accounting. She is a graduate of the Commonwealth College at UMass Amherst and recently earned her master’s degree in accounting from Western New England University. She joined the Mass. Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) as a student during her graduate studies and is currently a candidate to sit for the CPA exam.

Khatchadourian is beginning her career in public accounting in the Audit and Accounting (A&A) practice at MBK. As an A&A associate, she will help service a wide variety of A&A clients throughout the year. She graduated from Westfield State University in 2015 with a bachelor’degree in business management with a concentration in accounting, and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in accounting at the same school. As a current graduate student, Sevane is a student member of the MSCPA and AICPA.

Renkas, who is also an A&A associate, brings five years of bookkeeping experience and fluency in three languages to her new position. She earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Elms College in 2015 and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in accounting at Westfield State University. She has been recognized for her significant academic achievements though her membership with various honors societies and scholarships, including the Western Mass Women magazine scholarship.

“MBK is excited to have the opportunity to welcome such a diverse and academically achieved group of women to our firm,” said MBK Partner Howard Cheney. “We work hard to find and attract the best and brightest to our firm because we know that the key to sustained, quality service for our clients is having great people at every level in our organization. We are proud that Elyse, Sevane, and Mila have chosen to pursue their careers in public accounting with MBK.”

Gov. Charlie Baker to Headline Springfield Regional Chamber Outlook

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Charlie Baker will serve as the keynote speaker at the Springfield Regional Chamber’s Outlook 2016 on Tuesday, March 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the MassMutual Center, 1277 Main St., Springfield. He made his first major address to the business community at the chamber’s annual event in 2015.

Presented by Health New England, Outlook is the area’s largest legislative event, attracting more than 700 guests and presenting expert speakers on local, state, and federal issues. The event is sponsored by Eastern States Exposition, MassMutual Financial Group, United Personnel, and MGM Springfield; program/reception sponsors Sisters of Providence Health System, Comcast, Eversource, and the Republican; with support from Chicopee Savings Bank and BusinessWest, and presented in in partnership with the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce (ERC5).

Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito have set their sights on addressing some of the Commonwealth’s greatest long-term challenges, including reducing family energy costs and improving the reliability of the energy grid through hydro- and solar-power legislation; lifting the charter-school cap; securing a 50% increase in the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC); and curbing the opioid epidemic’s grip on Massachusetts families.

Baker will be joined in the program by U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, who will remark on events at the federal level, including his insight into activities on Capitol Hill, the presidential race, and front-burner issues facing Congress in the coming months.

“As a senior member of the powerful House Committee on Ways and Means and ranking member of its Select Revenue Measures subcommittee, Congressman Neal serves in a critically important capacity in Washington for our area, our state, and the entire country,” said chamber President Jeffrey Ciuffreda.

Tickets are $50 for Springfield Regional Chamber members and ERC5 members, and $70 for general admission. Reserved tables of 10 are available. Reservations must be made by Friday, March 18 by visiting www.springfieldregionalchamber.com or e-mailing Sarah Mazzaferro at [email protected]. No walk-ins will be accepted, and no cancellations will be accepted once the reservation deadline has passed.

Painting with a Twist to Host Fund-raiser to Benefit CHD

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Daily News

EAST LONGMEADOW — Painting with a Twist, an art and social studio, will host a Painting with a Purpose charity event Sunday, March 6 from 7 to 9 p.m. to benefit the Center for Human Development. Attendees will participate in an instructed painting class while sipping on their beverage of choice at this BYOB venue.

Each month, franchisees from across the nation hold monthly painting fund-raisers through the Painting with a Purpose program to benefit local charities. For this event, half the proceeds will be donated to CHD Disability Resources. To date, Painting with a Twist studios have raised $1 million for local charities.

“We’re delighted to partner with the Center for Human Development to help raise funds and increase awareness,” says David Small, Painting with a Twist owner. “Community involvement is of utmost importance to us. We are thrilled to be helping a local group in need.”

The Center for Human Development delivers a wide array of social and mental-health services to more than 18,000 people each year right in Western Mass. and Connecticut.

Painting with a Twist is located at 448A North Main St., East Longmeadow. The ticketed event costs $35 per person.

In addition to supporting the local community, Painting with a Twist also offers private parties for corporate outings, bachelorette parties, sorority functions, date nights, and special events. For more information or to reserve a spot, visit www.paintingwithatwist.com/east-longmeadow.

Good Dog Spot Unleashes New Bus Stop Service

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Daily News

CHICOPEE — The Good Dog Spot is now offering a curbside service to make pet drop-offs and pick-ups easier. Customers using the service will provide an estimated time of arrival and pull up to the marked bus stop, and the Good Dog Spot will take care of the rest.

“We understand our lobby gets hectic,” said Elizabeth Staples, owner of the Good Dog Spot. “Our customers live very busy lives, and we want to make things as easy as possible for them. Let us know your approximate time of arrival, and your furry friend will be brought right out to your car.”

The service will be available weekdays from 7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. The bus fare will cost $2 for non-members and is complimentary to all members. For more information, visit www.gooddogspot.net.

Kitchens & Baths by Curio Earns Award for Customer Service

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Houzz (www.houzz.com), a leading platform for home remodeling and design, recently announced its online community’s picks for “Best of Houzz 2016,” a homeowner-to-homeowner guide to the top home builders, architects, interior designers, landscape pros, and other residential remodeling professionals. Kitchens & Baths by Curio (www.kitchensandbathsbycurio.com), located at 1045 Boston Road in Springfield, was honored in the category of customer service.

Houzz connects people with home professionals for their projects by providing information on their portfolio, client reviews, awards and accreditations, and their work style and expertise, said Liza Hausman, vice president of industry marketing for Houzz, adding that these awards help homeowners identify popular and top-rated home professionals in every metro area.

“We are very proud to be awarded the ‘Best of Houzz 2016’ for customer service, the recognized quality mark for kitchen and bath installation services,” said Frank Nataloni, co-owner of Kitchens & Baths by Curio. “This offers our customers complete reassurance that Kitchens & Baths by Curio will deliver on the excellence associated with this prestigious award. After winning last year, 2015, and now 2016, our staff is delighted to have received this award again as recognition of the careful planning and preparation we put into every purchase and installation.”

Women in Philanthropy to Host ‘Growing Philanthropy’ Conference

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Women in Philanthropy will host its biennial “Growing Philanthropy” conference on Thursday, March 17 at the Springfield Marriott.

Internationally acclaimed speaker Dan Pallotta, author of Uncharitable: How Restraints on Nonprofits Undermine Their Potential and Charity Case: How the Nonprofit Community Can Stand Up for Itself and Really Change the World is the keynote speaker for the event. During his address, Pallotta will take a deeper dive into the topics mentioned in his 2013 TED Talk. He will encourage attendees to consider the disparities between nonprofit organizations and for-profit companies in the way they spend funds on compensation, capital, and advertising, as well as how the two invest in their futures and experiment with new ideas.

Morning keynote speaker Dr. K. Shelette Stewart is a Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Program specialist and author of the book Revelations in Business: Connecting Your Business Plan with God’s Purpose and Plan for Your Life. She has more than 20 years of leadership experience in strategic business planning, marketing, and national account sales with Fortune 500 companies including Coca-Cola and BellSouth/AT&T. Her presentation will offer spiritual principles, practical tools, and real-life examples from today’s industry leaders to help attendees connect profession with purpose and maximize personal fulfillment and professional success.

In addition to these keynote speakers, “Growing Philanthropy” boasts breakout sessions that will round out a full day of new tactics, best practices, and networking with philanthropic peers and leaders. Topics will include annual fund, donor relations, planned giving, boards and volunteers, storytelling, stewardship, successful special events, and more, and will feature leading experts in philanthropy, including Susan Alston, Sarah Nathan, Sam Samuels, A. Rima Dael, Maeve Strathy, Jeff LaValley, Ayda Sanver, and Alfonso Santaniello. For speaker bios and detailed information on each session, visit www.wipwm.org.

Conference registration is open until March 14. Visit www.wipwm.org to learn more and register. If you have general questions about the conference, e-mail [email protected].

“Growing Philanthropy” is sponsored by WGBY, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, Andrew Associates, Five Maples Development Communications, PeoplesBank, Rainmaker Consulting, United Way of Pioneer Valley Women’s Leadership Council, and the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts.

Greater Holyoke Chamber Slates St. Patrick’s Breakfast for March 16

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — The St. Patrick’s Business Breakfast of the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce will be held on Wednesday, March 16 at 7:30 a.m. at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House.

Event sponsors are PeoplesBank, Holyoke Mall at Ingleside, and new chamber member Quality Life Adult Day Service. A full Irish breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m.

Jeffrey Sullivan of M&M Consulting and the Chamber Foundation’s board chairman will serve as greeter, while Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse kicks off the program with a special St. Patrick’s Day welcome and roast. State Rep. Aaron Vega and state Sen. Donald Humason will provide the audience with lots of laughs as they roast friends and fellow politicians.

The Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade, to be held on Sunday, March 20, will once again be in the spotlight along with the 2016 Grand Colleen Meghan Ryan and her court, the Parade Committee, and all award winners. Also recognized will be the chamber’s new members: Brennan’s Place, Cultivate and Nest, Hot Oven Cookies, Jadhai Boutique, Mr. Gio, Newave Hydrographics, Quality Life Adult Day Service, Rainbow International Restoration, Studio 20 Salon, Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Underwood Photography, Vapers Edge, and YNI Services, LLC. CareerPoint will be honored on its 20th anniversary, as well as Holyoke Rotary Club, celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Music will be provided by Kira Jewett and Dave Meuser, who are both members of the traditional Irish sextet Banish Misfortune, recently voted one of the top five bands in the Valley in the 2015 Valley Advocate Grand Band Slam.

Guests will have an opportunity to purchase St. Patrick’s Day Road Race ornaments, Holyoke shamrock hats and cozies, and the Republican’s Heritage series of books featuring The Irish Legacy.

Tickets may be purchased at $30 each until Friday, March 10, and $40 thereafter. To order tickets, call the chamber office at (413) 534-3376 or visit holyokechamber.com. Payment at time of registration is required.