Year: 2016
Community Spotlight
By Kathleen Mitchell
Mayor William Reichelt says the $6 million Fathers & Sons auto dealership under construction on Memorial Drive will enhance the commercial corridor.
Mayor William Reichelt says West Springfield is a small town that in many ways assumes the character of a city, due in part to the popular retail establishments — stores and restaurants — that line its two main commercial corridors, Riverdale Street and Memorial Avenue.
Indeed, the traffic that passes along these stretches each day makes them such an ideal location that little commercial space remains. When parcels do become available, they move quickly, and right now, more than $34 million in new construction is underway along the two thoroughfares.
But that economic development has been balanced by efforts initiated by the new mayor: Reichelt, a member of BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty Class of 2016, took office in January and has already streamlined the permitting process and formed new committees and task forces to ensure that the zoning is appropriate, traffic flow does not affect residential neighborhoods, and blighted properties are addressed.
“West Springfield is easy to get to for people coming from the north, south, east, and west, and we have become a cut-through community, so we’re trying to improve the quality of life for our businesses and residents,” he said, noting that the town’s roadways connect Springfield to Agawam; Westfield to Springfield and points farther south; and provide access to Riverdale Street and Springfield for residents of the hill towns.
Reconstruction of the Memorial Avenue rotary on the West Springfield side of the Memorial Bridge, which contains two overpasses on Route 5 to the north and south, was recently completed by the state Department of Transportation under its Accelerated Bridge Program.
It’s an important gateway, which is matched by another one to and from Agawam at the end of the 1.7 mile strip, and last year the town signed a contract with Greenman-Pederson Inc. to create a design that incorporates principles of the Complete Streets program and will accommodate the increased traffic flow expected to occur when the MGM Casino in Springfield is finished.
“Memorial Avenue is expected to become a pinnacle of the Complete Streets plan,” Reichelt told BusinessWest, adding that the Big E is also studying the traffic flow through its property, and efforts will be made to ensure that any work that is done meshes together well.
The cost estimate for the Complete Streets project, which includes repaving the corridor, adding a two-lane bicycle path, updating utilities, and adding new landscaping, is estimated at $15 million, and since it’s more than the town and MassWorks can pay for, officials are hoping the Transportation Infrastructure Program will help fund the project.
“Memorial Avenue is the first view people have of West Springfield when they cross the Memorial Bridge, and we want to make it more attractive,” Reichelt said, noting that two major multi-million-dollar projects are underway along the commercial strip that will further enhance its desirability and likely spark investments by other businesses.
For this, the latest installment in its Community Profile series, BusinessWest looks at what is going on in West Side and the measures being taken to strike a balance between commercial growth and the needs of the town’s residents.
Major Investments
Reichelt said Fathers & Sons is building a new $6 million, 50,000-square-foot Audi and Volkswagen automotive sales showroom and service center on Memorial Avenue. The company’s former Volkswagen showroom and Kia of West Springfield, which it had closed earlier, were demolished to make way for the new facility, which will include two large showrooms and a 23-bay, state-of-the art service area and waiting room with flat-screen TVs, leather couches, and Internet access.
The company expects the new service area to increase efficiency and reduce customer waiting time, and notes that the new Audi store will free up space at the Fathers & Sons dealership on 989 Memorial Ave., which will sell and service Volvo vehicles exclusively once the new facility opens.
The town has never undertaken a comprehensive review of its zoning, and we want to make traffic flow and the use of property in our commercial areas harmonious with the rest of the town.”
The project is expected to create 20 new jobs, and Reichelt noted that the city approved a five-year tax-increment-financing deal with Cartelli Realty LLC, which owns the Fathers & Sons site. It will provide limited tax breaks on the so-called growth portion of the assessed valuation of the property at 434 Memorial Ave., and town officials hope it will help enhance the corridor’s desirability.
“The new dealerships will bring more business to Memorial Avenue, and we hope it will help it to become the new Riverdale Street. Everyone wants to move their business there (Riverdale Street) because it gets so much traffic, but space along that corridor is expensive,” Reichelt said.
Work is also underway on the grounds of the former St. Ann’s Church, which was sold to the Colvest Group by the Diocese of Springfield about four years ago.
Colvest President Frank Colaccino said the company acquired and combined three parcels, which include the church property, the Bridge Street road closure, and a parking lot behind Clark Paint Factory on 966 Union St., and created a plan to build a one-story, 9,000-square-foot retail structure on the 1.5-acre site that has been approved.
Currently, utility lines on the property are being relocated, work that must be finished before construction can begin.
“It will be a good addition,”Colaccino said. “West Springfield is a great town which is well-perceived; and the new mayor is very capable and gets an A+.”
Colvest recently signed a lease with Florence Bank, which will become the anchor tenant in the new building. The new bank branch will have a drive-through window and ATM, and its current West Springfield offices will be moved into the structure when it is finished.
But it has taken years to ready the site for construction. “The church property was contaminated when we purchased it. The diocese was responsible for cleaning it up, and it has been a process to get it ready for a new building,” Colaccino said, adding that the company is in negotiations with several businesses interested in occupying the 65% of the building that Florence Bank does not need.
“It’s nice to see the church property being reused for a commercial purpose,” Reichelt said, adding that traffic along the roadway is also driven by the Big E, which attracts thousands of visitors every year and can help spur continued growth.
However, new investments are ongoing. McDonald’s held a ribbon-cutting ceremony several weeks ago to celebrate a complete renovation of its 429 Memorial Ave. eatery; and a Chipotle Mexican Grill is in the permitting process and hopes to open next summer in the former home of Jiffy Lube, which moved into a new facility on 788 Memorial Ave.
Growth is also occurring on Riverdale Street, where a new four-story hotel with 92 rooms is in the permitting stage; and scattered improvements are being made throughout the community. The Food Bag on 884 Westfield St. is being remodeled; Arrha Credit Union recently opened on 63 Park Ave. in the former home of Springfield Teacher’s Credit Union; and plans submitted to knock down the Cumberland Farms on Park Avenue and built a new one have been approved.
Helpful Measures
The town is rife with private investments, and Reichelt is doing his part to facilitate balanced growth; he immediately began taking action to address issues and areas of concern after he was sworn into office earlier this year.
He told BusinessWest that he heard complaints from some business owners about the length of time it took to navigate the permitting process, so in April he kicked off a new program. Today, meetings are held on the first and third Mondays of the month, and business owners and developers meet with a team that includes the mayor, the chair of the planning board, and 11 department heads, which helps iron out difficulties and streamlines the process.
A new, 13-member Zoning Review Committee is also being formed to take a close look at West Springfield’s zoning as well as the zoning in a variety of communities across the state. The group will begin meeting in September and will determine what needs to be done to facilitate growth, while protecting the quality of life in residential neighborhoods.
“The town has never undertaken a comprehensive review of its zoning, and we want to make traffic flow and the use of property in our commercial areas harmonious with the rest of the town,” Reichelt said, adding that the committee will also look at pedestrian crossings to make sure residents are safe.
He noted that to that end, the entire lighting pattern at the intersection of Park and Elm streets was revamped after the 2011 tornado, and new pedestrian crossways were added.
A Blight Task Force has also been formed to deal with the 100 or more vacant or derelict properties in town. Members include the building inspector, two health inspectors, and the town attorney; who take calls from residents in a centralized location about sites that need to be addressed. The mayor told BusinessWest that since the task force was formed, four homes have gone into receivership and three are being rebuilt.
In addition, action is being taken at the former Standard Plating Co. on 964 Main St., which has been vacant since 2011 when it was ravaged by the tornado that swept through the area.
The city worked with the owner to remove contamination at the brownfields site, which is within walking distance of the Memorial Avenue rotary. The building has been razed, and when the environmental cleanup is complete, the Redevelopment Authority will take possession and build a new commercial structure there.
West Springfield also plans to apply for a $1.5 million MassWorks grant for a new pumping station and an extension of the sewer lines along Route 5.
“There are five properties near the river, including a large car dealership, that have septic systems right now,” Reichelt said, noting that the pumping station was built when Riverdale Plaza consisted of a drive-in movie theater and airport, and the area occupied by Costco was farmland.
He added that Agri Mark on Riverdale Road is also building a new processing plant. “They’re making a $10 million investment in West Springfield,” the mayor said.
Continued Progress
Although a significant amount of new construction is taking place in West Springfield, balance is critical to the town’s future.
“If you leave the business corridors, you find neighborhoods and two schools in the Merrick section of town,” Reichelt told BusinessWest. “Union and Main streets are walkable areas that contain small businesses, and as you move up the hill you encounter the residential subdivisions that have grown up over the past 20 to 30 years.
“There are a lot of commercial projects underway, and we benefit from being the crossroads of New England, but the town is also a great place to live,” he said. “We’re community-oriented and have active groups that range from the Tree Committee to the Garden Club, so we are careful not to forget about our residents.”
Which makes West Springfield far more than an address for the Big E and two busy commercial strips that have become a destination due to the large number of retail establishments and eateries that flourish there.
It’s also a community that residents and businesses alike love to call ‘home.’
West Springfield at a glance
Year Incorporated: 1774
Population: 28,391 (2014)
Area: 17.49 square miles
County: Hampden
Residential Tax Rate: $16.99
Commercial Tax Rate: $22.21
Median Household Income: $54,434
Family Household Income: $63,940
Type of government: Mayor; Town Council
Largest employers: Eversource Energy; Harris Corp.; Home Depot; Interim Health Care; Mercy Home Care
* Latest information available
SPRINGFIELD — Two Sullivan Hayes & Quinn, LLC attorneys have been named Lawyer of the Year for 2017 by The Best Lawyers In America. Selection, which is based on professional evaluations by other attorneys, honors only one attorney in each professional practice area and community.
Meghan Sullivan is Lawyer of the Year for Labor Law – Management, the fifth year in the past six years that she has been selected for that honor. Gordon Quinn was honored for Litigation – Labor and Employment.
Additionally, Sullivan’s accomplishments for clients resulted in her being named to The Best Lawyers in America for Employment Law – Management and Labor Law – Management and Litigation – Labor and Employment. Quinn was selected by The Best Lawyers in America for his work in Employment Law – Management and Labor Law – Management, and Litigation – Labor and Employment.
Again named to The Best Lawyers In America was Fred Sullivan, who has now been included for more than 20 consecutive years. He was named for his work in Employment Law – Management and for Labor Law – Management.
Sullivan Hayes & Quinn represents employers in a variety of Western Mass. industries and throughout the Northeast in employment- and labor-law issues.
GRANBY — Red Fire Farm will host its 16th annual Tomato Festival on Saturday, Aug. 27 — a celebration of the end of summer, peak harvest, and the sweetheart of the summer crops: the tomato.
This year’s celebration will include a big brass band and more music, local food and craft vendors, games, kids’ activities, wagon rides, and a tomato tasting, featuring more than 75 varieties of tomatoes. The festival runs from noon to 6 p.m. at 7 Carver St. in Granby.
Among the many types of tomatoes to taste this year will be classics like Brandywine, Cherokee Purple, and Paul Robeson, as well as more exotic offerings such as Arkansas Marvel, Gold Dust, Chocolate Stripes, Sunsets Red Horizon, and Moonglow.
The collection of cherry tomatoes is a popular stop each year as well, with great varieties such as Matt’s Wild and Red Pearl, along with the more unusual Indigo Cherry Drop, Egg Yolk, Lemon Drop, and Pink Bumble Bee.
In addition to tasting tomatoes, the farm creates a day filled with tomato-themed events geared toward families. This year there will be a Great Tomato Toss, with prizes available for those who can catch the longest throws without getting sauced. Attendees will also enjoy tomato spoon races, vegetable sculpture, vegetable stamp painting, face painting, and more.
For cooking and homesteading enthusiasts, the festival features cooking demos with “Shakshuka: An Israeli Stewed Tomato Dish” by Mary Reilly from Edible Pioneer Valley, “How to Make Fresh Ricotta” by Mary Nelen from the Valley Locavore, and more. A Wild Edibles Walk with Jean Bergstrom, an experienced outdoor guide, will be another fun, family-friendly learning opportunity, as well as a yo-yo demo from some of the best players in the Northeast with the A2Z Modern Yo-Yo Team.
Under the music tent, the Party Band, a wild many-piece brass band from Lowell, will bring booty-shaking music to this year’s Tomato Festival. Other bands performing include Violet Maeve, Larry Dulong & Random Sighting, and Will Kindler.
Local vendors will provide tasty treats to snack on throughout the day, such as Barnlight, serving rustic fare including local tacos and other treats from the grill. Tom’s Kettle Corn all natural popcorn, Beets & Barley vegetarian creations, and grilled, farm-fresh corn from Red Fire Farm are among the many other food options.
Day-of admission is $14 for adults, $7 for kids, and free for children under 8. Advance tickets at discounts are available online. Parking is free. This year’s Tomato Festival is sponsored by PV Squared.
WATERTOWN — Three companies from Western Mass. are among the 18 businesses from across the state selected as finalists for the 2016 Team Massachusetts Economic Impact Awards, awarded annually by MassEcon. They are Jarvis Surgical of Westfield, PV Sullivan Supply of Chicopee, and Prolamina of Westfield.
These finalists will present one-minute elevator pitches describing their growth in the Bay State to a panel of judges and business leaders on Sept. 14 at Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP in Boston. Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash, will be the featured guest at the event.
The awards celebrate companies that have made an outstanding contribution to the Massachusetts economy. The winners from each of the five regions will be announced in October and recognized at an awards luncheon on Nov. 22 in Boston.
The finalist companies range in size and are drawn from different industries, including manufacturing, biotechnology, medical devices, technology, and education. MassEcon selected the finalists based on their job growth, facility expansion, and investment since Jan. 1, 2015, as well as other criteria, including community involvement. Together, this year’s finalists have added more than 2,000 jobs to the Commonwealth, invested more than $450 million, and expanded their facilities by nearly 1.5 million square feet since January 2015.
Finalists compete on a regional basis, defined as West, Central, Southeast, Northeast, and Greater Boston. From the pool of finalists, a gold, silver, and bronze winner will be selected from each region.
BOSTON — The state’s total unemployment rate dropped to 4.1% in July from 4.2% in June, and preliminary estimates show the state gained 7,300 jobs over the month, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported.
The state also added more jobs in June than the Bureau of Labor and Statistics originally estimated for the month, gaining 17,600 jobs compared to the previously published 16,400-job-gain estimate. Year to date, December 2015 to July 2016, Massachusetts has added 56,600 jobs.
In July, the largest over-the-month job gains occurred in the professional, scientific, and business services; leisure and hospitality; and financial activities sectors.
At 4.1%, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is down 0.7% over the year from 4.8% in July 2015. There were 26,700 fewer unemployed residents and 60,000 more employed residents over the year compared to July 2015.
Massachusetts’ unemployment rate remains lower than the national rate of 4.9% reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The state’s labor-force participation rate — the total number of residents 16 or older who worked or were unemployed and actively sought work in the last four weeks — is 65.0%, up 0.1% from the previous month. Over the year, the labor-force participation rate has increased 0.1% compared to July 2015.
Over the year, the largest private-sector percentage job gains were in the construction; professional, scientific, and business services; education and health services; and leisure and hospitality sectors.
SPRINGFIELD — Congressman Richard E. Neal and Mayor Domenic J. Sarno announced Thursday that the city of Springfield has received a grant from the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) in the amount of $147, 456 to expand communications and technology at the Springfield Police Department, and to increase officer safety and efficiency. The funds were awarded through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, the primary provider of federal criminal justice assistance to state and local governments. The JAG funds support for a range of program areas, including law enforcement, drug treatment, victim and witness initiatives, and technology improvement programs.
“This important crime-prevention assistance for the city is timely and needed. I have always said the men and women of the Springfield Police Department deserve the appropriate amount of local, state, and federal resources they need to do their jobs effectively. Each day they put their lives at risk to protect families and keep our community safe. With these additional funds, they will be able to continue to do their vital and courageous work on the streets of Springfield. In my opinion, Mayor Sarno and Commissioner Barbieri deserve great credit for their efforts to secure this highly competitive grant,” said Neal.
Said Sarno, “Police Commissioner John Barbieri is always looking to do cutting edge innovative technology initiatives which in turn will continue to enhance the public safety of each and every one of our residents in the City of Springfield. These funds will assist with improving the technology needed to make the Springfield Police Department more efficient and effective in serving the residents of our fine city.”
According to the DOJ, the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) allows states and units of local government to prevent and control crime based on their own state and local needs and conditions. Grant funds can used for state and local initiatives , technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice, including for any one or more of the following areas:
- Law enforcement programs;
- Prosecution and court programs;
- Prevention and education programs;
- Corrections and community corrections programs;
- Drug treatment and enforcement programs;
- Planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs; and
- Crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation).
The Springfield Police Department will use the award funds to support information technology upgrades and purchase protective equipment. The goals of this project are to increase organizational capacity and communications, and enhance officer safety. The use of this federal assistance meets unfunded needs and expands communications and technology capacity and increases officer safety and efficiency.
CHICOPEE — Mary Reap, IHM, Ph.D., president of the College of Our Lady of the Elms, has announced that she will retire in the summer of 2017, according to Cynthia Lyons, chair of the Elms College board of trustees.
In accepting Reap’s retirement, Lyons said, “On behalf of the board of trustees, I wish to express our sincere gratitude for all Sr. Mary has given to the College of Our Lady of the Elms during her tenure. Her accomplishments will serve as the firm foundation upon which the future of the college will be built. This year will provide us with the opportunity to celebrate Sr. Mary and her many contributions to our college and our community. Sr. Mary’s guidance, dedication and vision will leave a lasting legacy on the Elms campus and in the hearts of all who love this college.”
Since arriving at Elms College in 2009, Reap has made a profound impact on both the academic programs and the campus itself. It was her vision, for example, that instituted a successful fundraising effort for the new Center for Natural and Health Sciences building, which now serves as the crown jewel of the campus.
Reap has also been instrumental in the creation of articulation agreements between Elms College and every community college in Western Mass. and into Worcester County to develop completion programs for adult students. During her tenure, the college also added to its graduate offerings by developing DNP (doctor of nursing practice) and MBA (master of business administration) programs.
“We are committed by our mission to carry on the legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph in as many ways as possible through our thoughts and actions,” Reap explained. “The very fabric of the college is to serve the spiritual, social and healthcare needs of our dear neighbors as the sisters have done throughout the diocese over so many years.”
Reap will remain as president through the academic year, and will assist the trustees in the college’s search for a new president, in addition to other projects related to the development of a Master Campus Plan, and strategic refinement of programs and services to meet the needs of the college over the next year and beyond.
The board of trustees will form a search committee, and a national search for a permanent successor will take place. The national search firm R.H. Perry and Associates has been hired to assist in the search.
Reap joined the Congregation of Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, in 1961. She previously served as president of her alma mater, Marywood University in Scranton, Pa., from 1988 to 2007, completing the longest tenure of any president in the school’s history. At Marywood, Reap oversaw the school’s transition from college to university status. Her many successes at the university were recognized when the Reap College of Education and Human Development was named in her honor.
“Elms College is a very special place,” she said. “It has been a great joy and a privilege to have served as its president for eight years. I look forward to its bright future and continued growth.”
SPRINGFIELD — MindScrambler’s “Cultivating Connections” live show will be the highlight of the Springfield Regional Chamber’s kick-off Business@Breakfast on Sept. 7 at 7:15 a.m. at the Sheraton Springfield, One Monarch Place, Springfield.
The event is sponsored by Breakfast Series Sponsor United Personnel, Breakfast Sponsor Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, Speaker Sponsor Bay Path University’s Graduate Program and Coffee Bar Sponsor FIT Staffing.
Having the ability to connect with others is the foundation to any relationship. With friendships, networking opportunities or a business interactions the stronger you can form the connection, the more powerful the bond. In a MindScramblers live show, they partner with the audience in an entertaining, interactive presentation to personally bond at levels never thought possible.
MindScambler’s Founder Christopher L. Tabora will orchestrate a mind-blowing demonstration of what an optimal connection should look like.
With more than 20 years of success in the medical device sales field and decades of performances, Tabora has been crafting miracles and creating artistic wonders for elite gatherings his entire life. As a corporate sales professional, performer, writer, sculptor, photographer and a student of the art of magic, Tabora has been described as “… a modern day renaissance man.”
He credits all of his success to one simple thing – his understanding of how to build meaningful connections. Whether it’s reaching out at a professional level while engaging in a sales call or trying to touch an individual emotionally via an artistic means, Tabora says it all stems from one’s ability to cultivate indestructible connections with the world around you.
At the breakfast, the chamber will also welcome to the region Nate Costa and the Springfield Thunderbirds and Zach Baru and the Springfield Sting.
Reservations are $22.50 in advance for Springfield Regional Chamber members ($25 for member walk-in registrations) and $30 for general admission. Reservations are suggested and can be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.
Members can also purchase a season pass in advance of the breakfast. Season passes are a guaranteed reservation for each of the chamber’s regularly-scheduled 2016-17 Business@Breakfasts and can save attendees time and money. Season passes are available for purchase by members for $175 — nine breakfasts for the price of eight — and can be purchased on the chamber website as well.
SPRINGFIELD — Springfield College, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and the Beta Sigma Boulé announced that Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2016 inductee Shaquille O’Neal will serve as the keynote speaker at the Education and Leadership Luncheon at Springfield College on Sept. 9.
The Education and Leadership Luncheon is part of the Basketball Hall of Fame 2016 Enshrinement Weekend festivities. During this special event, local high school students will be rewarded for their perseverance and excellence. Students and local business leaders will have the opportunity to celebrate their achievements and hear from inspiring hall of famers.
O’Neal is a professional basketball player whose skills and talents have earned him many accolades. Throughout his prolific 19-year NBA career, O’Neal played for the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Boston Celtics. In addition to his prowess on the court, O’Neal has worked as an actor, rapper, police officer, businessman, and investor. He earned his bachelor degree in 2000; his master’s degree in 2005; and his doctoral degree in 2012.
For luncheon ticket information, contact Donielle Singer Jr. at the Basketball Hall of Fame at (413) 231-5528 or e-mail at [email protected].
SPRINGFIELD — Leadership Pioneer Valley (LPV)’s Alumni Association will stage their 1st Annual Volleyball Tournament on August 20 from 11am-3pm at the YMCA of Greater Springfield, 275 Chestnut St. The event is being staged as a fun way to showcase the region’s invention of volleyball and raise funds to support the leadership and community development work of Leadership Pioneer Valley.
Roughly 10 teams of six to eight will compete for the trophy and bragging rights that day. Sponsors include Northwestern Mutual and Freedom Credit Union.
“Volley for the Valley was organized in an effort to bring representation of area businesses together in a different setting in order to connect and spread the word about the amazing work being done at LPV. Why not bring on the spike to our networking efforts?” remarked LPV Alumna and event organizer, Lidya Rivera-Early.
SPRINGFIELD — In support of Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts’s mission to empower women in their careers, the agency was recently awarded $5,000 from TD Bank.
“We’re so grateful to TD Bank for recognizing the importance of our work in the community and the impact we are having on the women who are benefiting from our programs and services,” said Dawn Creighton, board president, Dress for Success. “Our community is fortunate to have so many business leaders who understand and appreciate the importance of supporting our region’s non-profit work.”
“Not only does TD donate monetarily,” added Creighton. “Their volunteer efforts to mentor our participants on financial literacy and work in our boutique, speak volumes about their genuine commitment to our community.”
“TD Bank is excited to be a part of the good work of Dress for Success,” said Robert Babcock, TD Bank market president for Central and Western Massachusetts. “We understand the struggles that many people face in trying to achieve success in their careers and appreciate the measures that Dress for Success takes to ensure that women have all the tools they need to build their careers.”
In addition to outfitting women with professional attire for job interviews, Dress for Success offers programs and services that provide long-lasting solutions to enable women to break the cycle of poverty. Dress for Success is part of a global movement for change, empowering women to obtain safer and better futures.
For more information on Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts, visit www.westernmass.dressforscuccess.org.
SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Medical Center is one of only 17 hospitals in Massachusetts and the only acute care hospital in Western Massachusetts to receive designation as a NICHE hospital in support of caring for elders in a growing Baby Boomer population that is retiring and requiring more complex care.
NICHE — which stands for Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders — indicates a hospital’s commitment to caring for older patients. Being part of the program will allow Baystate Medical Center to offer evidence-based, interdisciplinary approaches that lead to better care for older adults.
“At Baystate Medical Center, we have a history of always trying to improve what we do, not just to provide good care, but excellent care,” said Christine Klucznik, DNP, RN, Baystate Medical Center CNO and vice president of Medicine, Professional Practice, and Magnet.
The elderly are the fastest-growing population in the country.
“Older adults are the core customers,” said Vernette Townsend, RN, NICHE program coordinator for Baystate Medical Center. “By 2050, there will be 90 million older adults. That’s almost double from 2010. Some 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 every single day. Anyone who is taking care of an older adult needs to know how to take care of them. NICHE helps bridge the gap by giving staff the tools to take care of these patients.”
Becoming a NICHE hospital is a positive step in preparing for the complicated medical issues older people face. Nurses at Baystate Medical Center complete the necessary training, 20 hours of continuing education specific to caring for older adults, to become certified Geriatric Resource Nurses.
“As we see Baby Boomers requiring more care now, we’re also seeing many more elderly patients at one time. We know how complex it is to care for them as the elderly face different issues than younger patients,” said Virginia Chipps, RN, unit manager of Springfield 3 Medical. “We have adopted a new model of practice on our Springfield 3 Medical unit designed to address the needs and to prevent functional decline in elders, over the age of 70, that are acutely ill in the hospital and to help them to transition back to their home.”
Known as ACE (Acute Care for Elders) programs, this nationally recognized model of care has been shown to significantly improve clinical outcomes by improving the elderly patient’s ability to function at discharge, therefore reducing the need for transfers to nursing homes or rehabilitation hospitals.
The program’s success is built around maintaining the physical and psychosocial needs of the patient. The focus of the program is to keep patients engaged and moving around early and often to help prevent complications associated with immobility and to prevent delirium. A team of interdisciplinary professionals made up of nurses, pharmacists, volunteers, therapists, nutritionists, and spiritual care review daily each patient’s plan of care and make recommendations to the physician for activity modifications, medication use and dosage, and nutritional needs. Patient advocate volunteers and volunteer students make daily visits to patients to provide support, assist with meals and walking, and to identify any needs the patient may have.
Preliminary results of the program’s success over the past year have been extremely encouraging with falls and delirium rates decreasing by 30-50%. The length of the hospital stay has also decreased by almost a full day for those admitted to the ACE program.
The NICHE program advocates the use of the ACE model of care for hospitalized elders.
WILBRAHAM — The Gaudreau Group Insurance and Financial Services Agency announced that Judy Davis has joined its Employee Benefits team. Davis has more than 25 years of experience in the corporate employee benefits industry, with a focus on designing and implementing benefits plans and services for organizations large and small.
She joins The Gaudreau Group after having spent 11 years as Vice President of Sales in the Employee Benefits Division at Insurance Center of New England in Agawam. Prior to her time at Insurance Center, Davis was Vice President of Employee Benefits at Banknorth (now USI) Insurance Agency in Springfield.
“I’m very proud to have joined an organization that exemplifies the same high standards of exceptional customer service and integrity that I have provided my clients for over 25 years,” says Davis.
Jules Gaudreau, President of The Gaudreau Group added, “Judy is a great addition to our industry-leading Employee Benefits division. With the largest staff in the region, robust compliance programs, and high-tech employer and employee software solutions on her side, Judy will deliver real, impactful results to our clients.”
Davis is the recipient of several accolades and awards, including the 2013-2014 Top Woman in Insurance in the “Top 25 Women to Watch” in Western Mass., as well as the 2015 “Friend of Stavros” award from Stavros Center for Independent Living in Amherst, MA. She has served on several Chamber of Commerce boards and committees in the Western Mass. area.
SPRINGFIELD — Robinson Donovan, P.C., a full-service law firm based in Springfield, announced that seven attorneys were honored by The Best Lawyers in America© for 2017. They are:
- Attorney Jeffrey Roberts, managing partner at the firm, in the practice area of corporate law and trust and estates. Roberts graduated from Colgate University (Bachelor of Arts, 1968) and Georgetown University (Juris Doctor, 1974).
- Attorney Jeffrey L. McCormick, a partner at the firm, in the practice areas of personal injury litigation — defendants and personal injury litigation — plaintiffs. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts (Bachelor of Arts, 1970 and Master of Education, 1971) and Seton Hall University (Juris Doctor, 1975).
- Attorney James F. Martin, a partner at the firm, in the practice areas of franchise law and real estate law. Martin attended Georgetown University (Bachelor of Arts, 1975 and Juris Doctor, 1978).
- Attorney Nancy Frankel Pelletier, a partner at the firm, in the practice area of personal injury litigation — defendants. Notably, she was named a 2017 Best Lawyers in America© Lawyer of the Year, for her practice of personal injury litigation in Springfield. Pelletier is a graduate of Boston College (Bachelor of Arts, 1981) and George Washington University (Juris Doctor, 1984).
- Attorney Patricia M. Rapinchuk, a partner at the firm, for her practice in employment law and management in Springfield. She graduated from Mount Holyoke College (Bachelor of Arts, 1979) and the University of Connecticut (Juris Doctor, 1989).
- Attorney Carla W. Newton, a partner at the firm, in the practice area of family law. Newton is a graduate of Lesley College (Bachelor of Arts, 1972), Suffolk University (Juris Doctor, 1980) and Boston University (Master of Laws, 1990).
- Attorney Richard M. Gaberman, of Counsel for Robinson Donovan, P.C., in the practice areas of corporate law, real estate law, tax law and trusts and estates. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts (Bachelor of Business Administration, 1960), Boston College (Bachelor of Laws, 1963) and Boston University (Master of Laws in Taxation, 1968).
Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey. Over 79,000 leading attorneys are eligible to vote and more than 12 million votes have been received to date on the legal abilities of lawyers in their practice areas. Lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed; therefore, inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor. Corporate Counsel magazine has called Best Lawyers “the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice.”
SPRINGFIELD — Fourteen lawyers from area law firm Bulkley Richardson were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2017.
Bulkley Richardson had the most honorees of any law firm in Springfield, with 12 of its 14 selected lawyers based in its Springfield office.
Three of the firm’s honorees were also named Springfield “Lawyer of the Year” in specific practice areas:
- William E. Hart was named the Best Lawyers® 2017 Springfield Trusts and Estates “Lawyer of the Year”;
- John P. Pucci was named the Best Lawyers® 2017 Springfield Criminal Defense (White-Collar) “Lawyer of the Year.” Pucci was also recognized in the area of Criminal Defense (General Practice); and
- Ellen M. Randle was named the Best Lawyers® 2017 Springfield Family Law “Lawyer of the Year.”
The following Bulkley Richardson lawyers were also selected for the 2017 edition of Best Lawyers®:
- Peter H. Barry — Construction Law;
- Michael H. Burke — Medical Malpractice Law (Defendants); Personal Injury Litigation (Defendants);
- Mark D. Cress — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law; Corporate Law;
- Francis D. Dibble, Jr. — Bet-the-Company Litigation; Commercial Litigation; Criminal Defense (White-Collar); Litigation (Antitrust, Labor and Employment, Securities);
- Daniel J. Finnegan — Administrative/Regulatory Law; Litigation (Construction);
- Robert A. Gelinas — Personal Injury Litigation (Defendants);
- Kevin C. Maynard — Commercial Litigation; Litigation (Banking and Finance, Construction);
- David A. Parke — Corporate Law;
- Melinda M. Phelps — Medical Malpractice Law (Defendants); Personal Injury Litigation (Defendants);
- Donn A. Randall — Commercial Litigation;
- Ronald P. Weiss — Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law; Tax Law
Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. For the 2017 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, 6.7 million votes were analyzed, which resulted in more than 55,000 leading lawyers being included in the new edition. Lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed; therefore inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor.
SPRINGFIELD — Keith Minoff was recently selected by his peers for inclusion in the 2017 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America in the areas of commercial litigation and corporate law.
Minoff represents businesses and individuals throughout Western Massachusetts in the areas of business litigation and employment law.
He received his law degree with honors from George Washington University in 1983 and has been a practicing attorney for more than 30 years.
HOLYOKE — The Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce’s summer Chamber After Hours networking event will be staged tonight at Fiesta Café at 305 Main Street, starting at 5, as the business celebrates the opening of its new outdoor patio with a ribbon cutting.
Fiesta Café opened its doors in January 2015 with the aim of holding Latino culture high in downtown Holyoke. Owned and operated by Juan Montano, Fiesta Café is a family-orientated restaurant that believes in keeping family and tradition together.
The Montano family has lived in Holyoke for more than 25 years. The family’s first business was established in Holyoke in the’ 90’s when they opened a jewelry store called Montano Jewelry Store. The family patriarch later went on to open his own snack distribution business that services all of New England and which is still going strong today.
Following in their father’s footsteps, Montano’s enterprising sons decided to try their hand in business and opened Fiesta Café. With many of their goods imported from Puerto Rico, such as their coffee and bread, Juan and his team serve up a delicious menu of traditional Latino fare with great customer service.
The networking event is from 5 to 7, and the ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 6, with welcoming remarks from Mayor Alex Morse. State Rep. Aaron Vega and Holyoke Chamber of Commerce President Kathleen Anderson are also scheduled to attend.
Other festivities include, signature mojitos, music, and a 50/50 raffle.
HOLYOKE — The National Endowment for the Humanities recently announced that the city of Holyoke, along with 20 other entities across the country, has been awarded a Landmarks of American History and Culture: Workshops for School Teachers grant, which funds one-week workshops for K-12 educators that address themes and topics in American history, government, literature, art history, and other humanities fields related to historic landmarks.
Wistariahurst, on behalf of the City of Holyoke, has been awarded $123,768 to implement two, week-long intensive history summer teaching institutes to be held in August, 2017. The institutes, titled Women Making Change: Activism and Progressivism at the Turn of the Twentieth Century will be presented twice in August, 2017 with the first week being designed and reserved specifically for local teachers and the second presenting the history of Holyoke to teachers from across the country.
“Over the past year we have been re-investing in our institutional roots as an educational center serving the City of Holyoke and especially our local school system,” said Kate Preissler, Director at Wistariahurst. “This grant will allow us to take that work to a new level as we develop training materials that not only showcase Holyoke history’s significance on a national scale, but will bring archival techniques and resources into classrooms enabling teachers to more easily make history come alive for students.”
The content of the institutes will focus on the work of Holyoke women in the late 19th and early 20th century who were working to make change at all levels of society — from the Skinner sisters, Belle and Katharine who founded the Skinner Coffee House to Anna Sullivan, who led the movement to unionize the workers of Holyoke’s textile mills. The teaching institutes are designed to use the physical landscape of the City of Holyoke to guide teachers through historical content that many teachers may not have had the opportunity to previously learn. In addition to studying at Wistariahurst, participants will have the chance to explore many corners of the city as they work with materials at the Holyoke History Room, attend lectures and discussions with scholars, take a history tour of the city, visit an operational mill, and participate in hands-on teaching workshops.
The week-long institute for commuting teachers will include activities and materials designed to integrate local history content directly into their classrooms, while teachers from farther afield will be given training and resources to research similar local stories in their home communities.
“This is a great opportunity for both Wistariahurst and Holyoke’s educators,” said Mayor Mayor Alex Morse. “Not only is teaching local history important but so is teaching about the impact women have had throughout our community. I’m proud that we’ll be able to support continued learning for our local teachers while also showcasing the significance of our city’s history at a national level.”
Both sessions of the institute will be free for participants and include a stipend. Applications will be available later this year. Interested teachers should contact Wistariahurst at (413) 322-5660 or [email protected] to add their names to the institute contact list.
SPRINGFIELD — Bacon Wilson announced that four partners have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2017.
Michael Katz was selected for bankruptcy and reorganization, Paul Rothschild for plaintiff’s litigation, Jeffrey Fialky for commercial and finance, and Stephen Krevalin received the honor for family law for the fifth consecutive year.
The Best Lawyers in America© is a peer-review publication which has earned the respect of the legal profession, the media, and the public since its first publication in 1983. Best Lawyers® compiles data from tens of thousands of confidential surveys completed by leading attorneys. There is no opportunity to pay for a listing and as such, inclusion in Best Lawyers® is a unique honor.
Founded in 1895, Bacon Wilson, P.C. is one of the largest firms in the Pioneer Valley, with 42 lawyers, and approximately 60 paralegals, administrative assistants, and support staff. The firm’s offices are located in Springfield, Amherst, Northampton, and Westfield.
SPRINGFIELD — The board of directors of the Professional Women‘s Chamber (PWC), a division of the Springfield Regional Chamber, has elected its officers to lead the division: Laurie Cassidy as president; Tracy Sicbaldi as acting vice president; Caron LaCour as Treasurer; Jeannie Filomeno as assistant treasurer; and Liz Rappaport as secretary. Janet Casey serves as past president.
Cassidy is the executive director of the West Springfield Council on Aging/Senior Center and has served in that position since 2010. Prior, she served with the Greater Springfield Senior Services as its area agency on aging director and its regional ombudsman director. She has extensive volunteer experience, currently serving as a member of the Sisters of Providence Health System Board of Trustees, Mary’s Meadow Board of Trustees, West Springfield commission on Disabilities, and West Springfield Garden Club. She is also the secretary and treasurer of the West Springfield Emergency Planning Committee and Medical Reserve Corps and associate member of the West Springfield Veterans Council. She has been a member of the PWC since 2011.
Sicbaldi is an accountant with Overland Solutions Inc. and has more than 30 years of banking experience and six years as a municipal treasurer. She joined the PWC in 2006 and has served as its treasurer, vice president, and president.
LaCour is a Certified Public Accountant working with Burkhart Pizzanelli P.C. She focuses on taxation of individuals, businesses and nonprofit corporations. This is LaCour’s first term on the PWC board and is active on its scholarship, woman of the year and program committees. She is also actively involved with Rays of Hope and the Red Thread Network.
Filomeno is the human resource manager at Marcotte Ford Sales, Inc., her family business where she has worked since graduating college. She has served on the PWC board for three terms, served as the co-chair of its mentoring program and is a member of its scholarship committee.
Rappaport is a third-generation property manager at Century Investment Company. Prior to joining the family business, she served in a marketing and brand management role at WF Young. In addition to the PWC, Rappaport is actively involved with the Jimmy Fund taking a leadership role in several fund-raising activities each year.
Casey, principal and founder of Marketing Doctor, served as the PWC president for the past two years.
Board members Jacquelyn Bangs, senior account manager for EMC; Marikate Murren, director, training and workforce development for MGM Springfield; and Gillian Palmer, business development and group sales coordinator for the Eastern States Exposition, will round out the executive committee.
The PWC supports the female professional through networking opportunities, provides scholarships for nontraditional students returning to the workforce and mentors students through a partnership with Springfield Technical Community College.
HOLYOKE — VertitechIT, a nationally known healthcare leader in the design and implementation of hyper-converged network architecture, has promoted Gerry Gosselin to the position of Vice President, Engineering. Having formerly served as the company’s Director of Technical Operations, Gosselin brings with him more than eighteen years of programming and network engineering experience.
“Gerry’s wealth of early experience as a programmer shines through in his infrastructure design skills,” said VertitechIT Chief Operations Officer Gregory Pellerin. “As health system IT departments across the country adopt a software-defined approach to networking and storage, we’re confident that Gerry will further our leadership position in the industry.”
Gosselin will oversee VertitechIT’s team of senior engineers and architects in determining technology, scope, and level of effort for all company projects. He joined the company in 2013 and has developed high-level IT experience in network engineering, monitoring and management, virtualization, system administration, and systems integration.
Link to Libraries Inc. announced the addition of new members to its executive board:
- Gail Baquis is a graduate of the University of Maine with a degree in journalism. She has been a volunteer with Link to Libraries since its inception in 2008 and has been the project director for the LTL Read Aloud programs and the RAP – Reading Any Place for Homeless Youth program.
- Tammy Trudeau is a graduate of University of Massachusetts. She has been involved with numerous fund raising events for Link to Libraries and other local organizations.
- Kelly Dawson, CPA, Audit Manager for Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P. C. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She also holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts. Her professional affiliations include the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants.
- Amy Scott is the founder of the marketing firm Wild Apple Design Group in Wilbraham and is best know for website design success in non-profit, education and for profit sectors. She is a BusinessWest Forty Under 40 Alum.
- Laura McCarthy, Attorney is an associate at Bacon Wilson, P. C. where she practices bankruptcy, corporate law, commercial and residential real estate and other transactional matters. She is a graduate of Boston University School of Law.
- Dr. Jennifer Stratton has been teaching students from the kindergarten to graduate level for more than 15 years. She is certified as a reading specialist and holds a doctoral degree from AIC in education. In addition to teaching, Jen hosts a blog (JenStratton.com) where she shares the sports stories of athletes who play adaptive sports and authors children’s books about Paralympians.
Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni will today distribute Forfeiture Funds for Community Safety to a host of area nonprofits.
The Forfeiture Funds for Community Safety is an effort to create safer communities by distributing money collected by the Hampden District Attorney’s Office, through forfeiture proceedings. Eligible recipients are qualified non-profit organizations focused on the District Attorney’s priorities of crime intervention and prevention.
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 94C § 47 (d) authorizes the District Attorney to expend forfeiture monies for such programs that further law enforcement purposes. Through this program the District Attorney hopes to assist organizations in their attempts to create safer community environments. It is the partnership of community organizations and law enforcement that fosters trust and cooperation among citizens.
“Giving kids productive and healthy outlets is key to leading them towards a bright future,” said Gulluni. “We’re providing a total of $65,000 in grants to these very worthy organizations to assist them in their work with kids. Together, we can nurture healthy children and create safer communities.”
This year’s recipients are: Boys and Girls Club Family Center; Springfield Housing Associates Inc.; Officials Boxing Club; YMCA Summer Camp at Camp Weber; South End Community Center; BOKS; 5A Bulldogs Football Assoc.; Black Men of Greater Springfield; and Big Brothers Big Sisters
SPRINGFIELD — Make a phone call. Check your email. Watch a show on cable TV. What do these three every-day activities have in common? Fiber optics.
Modern telephones, Internet, and cable television are connected to fiber optic cables, which can ferry much more information than old-fashioned copper wires. Due to the growing demand for optical fibers, the telecommunications industry needs certified fiber optic technicians to install, maintain and repair its vast networks. And to help meet the demand for employees in this growing field, Springfield Technical Community College offers affordable training.
The college has been running a Certified Fiber Optics Technician Course for the past several years. The next three-part introductory course takes place Sept. 12, 13 and 14 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Designed for anyone interested in becoming a certified fiber optic technician, the introductory course is a combination of theory (15%) and hands-on activities (85%). Students will take the certified fiber optic technician test sanctioned by the Fiber Optics Association and given and graded the final class day. Students must pass the test to become certified. Interested individuals will need just a few basic requirements to enroll: Basic working knowledge of computers; ability to see and identify small items (an optical fiber is only a little thicker than the diameter of a strand of human hair); and ability to speak and understand English fluently.
Those who obtain certification may be qualified to install and repair telecommunications cable, including fiber optics. Massachusetts is a top-paying state for telecommunications line installers and repairers, with an annual average wage of $74,430 as of May 2015, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.
STCC works with Bob Ballard, the owner of BDI Datalynk, a company that trains fiber optic technicians and delivers the classes.
STCC also offers more complex courses on Sept. 15 and 16 (Certified Fiber Optics Specialist in Testing & Maintenance) and on Sept. 17 and 18 (Certified Fiber Optics Splicing Specialist Course). For more information, visit http://www.stcc.edu/wd/descriptions/ZTEC-120.asp.
HOLYOKE — Olde Holyoke Development Corporation will now be called OneHolyoke CDC (Community Development Corporation) to better reflect its service to the most challenged neighborhoods in Holyoke and its commitment to best practices in the field of community development.
“It’s ‘Out with the Olde’ at Olde Holyoke Development Corporation,” according to OneHolyoke CDC Executive Director Michael Moriarty. “Our new name reflects the changes we have made to be a Community Development Corporation that represents a 21st century catalyst for change in Holyoke.”
Founded in 1971, the newly-named OneHolyoke CDC has created more than 160 new homes in the Flats, Churchill, and South Holyoke neighborhoods, rehabilitated hundreds of apartments, and provided thousands of home-improvement grants to homeowners through the Neighborhood Improvement Program.
Olde Holyoke Development Corporation was formed originally as a Model Cities Community Development Corporation serving only the Flats neighborhood and continuing the work of a discontinued federal Great Society program. In 2014, Olde Holyoke Development Corporation became the only certified Community Development Corporation based in the City of Holyoke. “OneHolyoke is a name that reflects the unifying, flexible and responsive CDC we strive to be,” Moriarty noted. “We’re doing what it takes to build communities, make improvements and transform lives.”
In recent years the housing development agency has diversified its board of directors, expanded its community service outreach, and launched efforts to collaborate with many city agencies and nonprofits that go beyond brick and mortar projects. Moriarty said the new name reflects the company’s evolution.
“The ‘Olde’ has served its purpose and outlived its time; we have a legacy of service and success we are proud of as ‘Olde Holyoke,’ but it is not our original name,” he said. “In the early ‘80s we adopted Olde Holyoke because the Flats is the oldest densely-populated section of Holyoke, which was the only area of focus. Now in 2016, we have been working throughout the city for years, not only in the Flats. OneHolyoke speaks to our service to the whole City, and our hope is to be a unifying and positive voice for Holyoke.”
SPRINGFIELD — Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C., a labor and employment law firm serving employers in the greater Springfield area, today announced that four attorneys were honored by The Best Lawyers in America© for 2017:
- Ralph F. Abbott Jr. was listed in Best Lawyers in the categories of arbitration, employment law — management, labor law — management, and mediation. A partner since 1975, Abbott is known throughout the legal community for his work representing management in labor relations and employment-related matters, providing employment-related advice to employers, assisting clients in remaining union-free, and representing employers before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Abbott also has numerous credits as an author, editor, and teacher, and a record of civic and community involvement. He has been selected by his peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers consecutively, since 1989.
- Jay M. Presser, was listed in Best Lawyers in the categories of employment law — management, labor law — management, and litigation — labor and employment law. Presser has more than 35 years of experience litigating employment cases. He has successfully defended employers in civil actions and jury trials and handled cases in all areas of employment law, including discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful discharge, wage hour, FMLA, ERISA and defamation. He has won appeals before the Supreme Judicial Court and the First and Second Circuit Courts of Appeals and represented employers in hundreds of arbitration cases arising under collective bargaining agreements. He has been selected by his peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers every year since 1991.
- John H. Glenn was listed in Best Lawyers in the categories of arbitration, employment law — management, and labor law — management. He has been a partner of the firm since 1979 and spent his career representing management in labor relations and employment-related matters. In addition to providing employment-related advice to employers, he assists clients in remaining union-free and represents employers before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). He has extensive experience negotiating collective bargaining agreements, representing employers at arbitration hearings and before state and federal agencies. Prior to joining Skoler, Abbott & Presser, Glenn was employed by the National Labor Relations Board in Cincinnati, Ohio. He has served as an adjunct professor of labor law at Western New England University School of Law and is a member of the American Academy of Hospital Attorneys. He has been selected by his peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers repeatedly, since 1995.
- Timothy F. Murphy was listed in Best Lawyers in the categories of employment law — management, labor law — management, and litigation — labor and employment. A partner in the firm, Murphy joined Skoler, Abbott & Presser after serving as general counsel to an area labor union and serving as an assistant district attorney for the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office. His practice includes labor relations and employment litigation, as well as employment counseling. A native of the Springfield area, Murphy is a graduate of the Western New England University School of Law. He is a frequent contributor to business and human resource publications and a contributing author to the Massachusetts Employment Law Letter. He has been selected by his peers and listed by Best Lawyers every year since 2013, and was named the Best Lawyers 2015 labor and employment law “Lawyer of the Year” in Springfield.
Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey. Over 79,000 leading attorneys have cast more than 12 million votes to date on the legal abilities of other lawyers in their practice areas. Lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed; inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor. Corporate Counsel magazine has called Best Lawyers “the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice.”
SPRINGFIELD — In a memo to employees, Baystate Health President and CEO Dr. Mark Keroack announced the elimination of 300 positions from among the system’s 12,500 employees, citing a budget gap of $75 million for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, 2016.
“Many factors are causing this projected shortfall, most significantly the continuing shortfalls in the reimbursements we receive for providing Medicaid services,” Keroack said. “Other factors are also contributing to this challenge, most prominently the recent decision by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services not to accept corrected wage data resulting in $23 million in reduced Medicare reimbursements next year, as well as increased spending on wages and benefits, pharmaceutical costs, and malpractice insurance.”
He explained that Baystate’s leadership team has identified almost $40 million in strategies to mitigate these impacts and reduce the budget gap to about $35 million, but workforce cuts are necessary to further trim the deficit.
“We expect that these reductions will affect management as well as front-line team members, prioritizing non-clinical areas for reductions, and most importantly preserving the quality and safety of the care we provide,” he wrote. “We expect the majority of these reductions will take place in Springfield-based operations, but we anticipate some impact throughout many parts of Baystate Health. As we know more specifics about impact on teams and individuals, we will share them.”
Employees affected by the cuts will have access to severance pay and Baystate Health’s workforce placement and transition services, and may apply for open positions of critical need in the system.
“Even after these painful steps, we expect to face a remaining budget gap of $15 million. We’ll continue our work to address this gap and do all we can to preserve jobs,” Keroack noted. “Our leadership has worked hard, as our financial challenges have mounted in recent months, to minimize the impact of these challenges. We are doing everything we can to help our elected leaders change some of the long-standing disparities in Medicaid reimbursement between different provider organizations in Massachusetts, which have been a major driver of our current difficulties.”
SPRINGFIELD — In keeping with its mission to empower women to be more confident in their personal and professional lives, Dress for Success is hosting a tag sale in Springfield to raise funds and awareness, while also working to meet the needs of women throughout the community.
In conjunction with the United Way of Pioneer Valley’s Day of Caring, Dress for Success volunteers will host the event at Eastfield Mall on Sept. 9 and 10 from 1 to 7 p.m., and Sept. 11 from 1 to 6 p.m. Customers may peruse through the racks of new and gently used donated items, including suits, dresses, pants, blouses, skirts, shoes, accessories, and more. Items may be purchased individually or by filling a shopping bag for only $25. All proceeds will benefit Dress for Success.
Volunteers are needed to staff the event. If interested, contact [email protected]. This event follows several successful tag sales, each raising thousands of dollars and engaging the help of hundreds of community volunteers.
SPRINGFIELD — The Foundation for TJO Animals will host the eighth annual “Ride Like an Animal” motorcycle ride and poker run to benefit the animals at the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center. All proceeds from this event, slated for Satursday, Aug. 13 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., will provide much-needed medical care and training to the many animals that call the adoption center their temporary home.
Registration opens at 8 a.m. at Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center, 627 Cottage St., Springfield. Pre-registration festivities including Pat Kelly from Lazer 99.3 and special guest Jonathan Hall and Toto the Tornado Kitten.
An expected 300 bikes will leave the shelter at 10:30 a.m. for a scenic ride through Western Mass. that ends at the Polish American Club, 139 Southwick St., Feeding Hills. Riders and guests will enjoy a post-ride party featuring food, live music by Tough Customer, raffles, and — new this year — a classic car show. Car enthusiasts are invited to come out and show off their vehicles.
Registration is $25 per adult rider and free for children under age 7. For those individuals who would like to attend the after party, tickets are available for $15 per person.
“Ride Like an Animal” is sponsored by Chicopee Charitable Foundation, Colonial Tire and Brake Center, Florence Bank, Freedom Credit Union, Southampton Harley Davidson of Southampton, Teddy Bears Pools & Spas, and Wizard Auto Body. Special thanks to the members of the Iron Order International Motorcycle Club for their help organizing this event.
The Foundation for TJO Animals is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that supports and enhances the medical services and enrichment programs for the animals at Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center. For more information, contact the Foundation for TJO Animals at (413) 306-5161 or [email protected].
FLORENCE — Florence Bank announced that Toby Daniels, vice president and branch manager at the bank’s Hadley location, and Susan Seaver, vice president and mortgage loan officer, have both been recognized by the Warren Group as among the top loan originators for the Central and Western Mass. regions.
The Warren Group, publisher of Banker & Tradesman, compiled the list and rankings for the top loan originators statewide for the period between April 1, 2015 and March 31, 2016. The originators were ranked by number of loans and volume of loans, statewide and by region. Seaver was listed eighth in mortgage volume and seventh in number of loans. Daniels was listed ninth in mortgage volume.
The comprehensive list, based on public records, is the compilation of data on hundreds of licensed loan originators in the state, as well as their lending institutions. The list was published in the June 20 edition of Banker & Tradesman and also distributed to attendees at the 2016 Mid-Year Mortgage Conference, held June 23 in Natick.
In its report, the Warren Group stated that the Massachusetts housing recovery is one of the fastest in the nation and still going strong in most areas of the state. “All over the state,” the publishers noted, “loan originators have worked hard in the face of increased demand and increased regulatory burden. They are to be commended for their well-deserved success and their contributions to helping families achieve their dreams of home ownership.”
Seaver said, “I’m thankful to have the opportunity to work with so many great customers. It’s very rewarding to help people purchase their dream home. I’m also thankful for the underwriters and processors at Florence Bank who work as a team with the loan officers to ensure the borrower gets the highest level of personal service, which makes my job easy.”
Added Daniels, “I’m very happy to have been recognized. We have a great network of realtors who provide referrals, as well as a strong back office and streamlined approval process. And the lending rates have been great. We’re very pleased to have been able to help so many of our neighbors and friends here with their housing needs.”
John Heaps Jr., president and CEO of Florence Bank, said the bank is honored to have the pair recognized among the region’s top lenders. “This speaks volumes about their commitment and good work. At Florence Bank, we are fortunate to have such a dedicated team of people focused on helping our friends and neighbors achieve their dreams of buying a home. I am proud of them all.”
SPRINGFIELD — Today, Aug. 11, United Personnel is hosting a day-long hiring event in the Oxford Room at the Sturbridge Host and Hotel at Cedar Lakes at 366 Main St., Sturbridge. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., United Personnel is working in partnership with a local company located in Auburn to fill entry-level customer-service positions.
Interested applicants should apply directly online at bit.ly/CSVCInterview for immediate consideration and a scheduled interview time, or just stop in to learn more.
SPRINGFIELD — The Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts recently launched its redesigned website, adclubwm.org, with the assistance of Envision Marketing Group of East Longmeadow.
“It’s been on our radar screen for months, and we finally pulled the trigger on the redesign project with the help of our communications committee, headed by Gary Czelusniak, interim communications director,” said David Cecchi, Ad Club president. “For too long, we were like the cobbler’s children without shoes.”
The Ad Club’s new website is organized into three distinct sections: enroll, engage, and explore. The objective is to create an electronic user experience that is responsive with mobile devices, relevant, elegant, and simple to navigate. ‘Enroll’ allows visitors to understand the value of becoming an Ad Club member or sponsor, view the club’s leadership, and access the club’s current members. ‘Engage’ provides information and an online reservation system to attend the array of Ad Club engagement opportunities throughout the year. ‘Explore’ is a resource featuring the ‘Chatter,’ providing news and information about the club and its members, as well as a job-posting service.
At the same time, the Ad Club revamped its social-media strategies on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, and added an Instagram account.
“The method in which the club engages its membership and prospective members, and vice versa, has absolutely changed forever,” Czelusniak said, “and we must continuously adapt — simply, relevantly, and elegantly.”
GREENFIELD — What skills and knowledge do Pioneer Valley employers look for in their recent hires? That was the focus of a spring 2016 survey conducted by Greenfield Community College (GCC). More than 125 businesses, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and schools weighed in on the college-learning outcomes they value the most.
The survey, modeled after a national study conducted by Hart Research Associates on behalf of the Assoc. of American Colleges & Universities (AAC&U), was sent to Pioneer Valley employers on the member lists of the Franklin County, Greater Northampton, and Amherst Area chambers of commerce. It presented 17 distinct skill and knowledge areas and asked respondents to indicate how important it is that the new college graduates they employ exhibit proficiency in each.
Among the results, at least four out of five respondents said they want new hires to have the ability to effectively communicate orally, ethical judgment and decision making, the ability to work effectively with others in teams, the ability to apply knowledge and skills to real-world settings, and critical-thinking and analytical-reasoning skills. Employers, both large and small, report placing high value on these skills when hiring recent college graduates.
Recently, GCC students participated in the national Community College Survey of Student Engagement and were asked how much their experience at the college has contributed to their knowledge, skills, and personal development in a number of areas similar to those on the employer survey. A majority of respondents indicated that their time at GCC has contributed “quite a bit” or “very much” to their abilities to write and speak clearly and effectively, think critically and analytically, and work effectively with others.
Marie Breheny, GCC’s director of Assessment, noted that “the findings from this local survey of Pioneer Valley employers were very similar to those obtained through the AAC&U’s larger effort. The ongoing national debate about the purpose of a college education is often presented in terms of conflicting viewpoints, with some believing that college is primarily for the development of a person and others believing that it is primarily to get a job. Following from that argument are questions about the value of various courses of study. The results from these surveys show no such conflict, as the outcomes from a broad education that that contribute to the development of a well-rounded individual are also highly valued by employers. In short, a liberal-arts education that fosters communication, ethics, critical thinking, teamwork, and the application of knowledge to real-world settings prepares students for success in employment and success in life.”
Added GCC President Bob Pura, “Greenfield Community College thanks employers in the Pioneer Valley for their participation in this effort. Input such as this helps the college understand how issues in higher education that garner national attention play out at the local level. GCC will use this information to inform its programming and planning so as to best serve students while being responsive to the needs of area employers and the community.”
SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) has been named one of the top 50 nursing schools in New England by a research team at Nursing Schools Almanac, which collected data on more than 3,200 nursing schools and campuses throughout the U.S., with just 10% making the final list.
Each nursing school in the six-state region was evaluated on three dimensions: the institution’s academic prestige and perceived value, the breadth and depth of nursing programs offered, and student success, particularly on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
According to Nursing Schools Almanac, “AIC ranked number 36 in New England. American International College opened in 1885 as a school for international immigrants. The institution became coed in 1892, making it one of the first colleges in the region to educate women. AIC offers BSN and RN-to-BSN courses for undergraduate students. The college introduced its MSN program in 2005, which offers a hybrid of classroom and online modules. In fact, two-thirds of the content is available online, providing much-needed flexibility for working nurses.”
Cesarina Thompson, dean of the School of Health Sciences, is pleased that AIC is being recognized. “Over the past five years, AIC’s average pass rate on the NCLEX exam has been at or above state and national averages. The college’s diverse nursing programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels offer a breadth and depth of courses and degrees that address current shortages of skilled healthcare professionals and an ever-increasing need for the future.”
SPRINGFIELD — Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C. announced that attorney Kimberly Klimczuk is among only 50 women throughout the Commonwealth named among the 2016 Top Women of Law by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.
The Top Women of Law program showcases women who are shining stars across numerous legal fields. This list of elite legal female professionals will be honored at a dinner program sponsored by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, planned for Oct. 27 at the Marriott Copley Hotel in Boston.
“I know that Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly has a long-standing tradition of recognizing pioneers in the legal field,” Klimczuk said. “I am honored to be included in this group of talented women lawyers throughout Massachusetts.”
Klimczuk joined Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C. in 2004 and concentrates her practice in labor law and employment litigation. She became a partner with the firm in 2011. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and received her juris doctor from Duke University School of Law. Her experience includes negotiating collective bargaining agreements and advising on contract interpretation and successfully defending clients in state and federal court and before administrative agencies in a variety of areas of employment law, including wage-and-hour law, discrimination, harassment, wrongful discharge, and breach of contract.
In addition, she has assisted employers in compliance matters involving the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, and drafted numerous affirmative-action plans for them. She is a frequent speaker for a wide variety of associations and organizations and, as a resident of Springfield, is an active member of the Western Mass. community.
SPRINGFIELD — Robinson Donovan, P.C. announced that partner Nancy Frankel Pelletier will be honored among the 2016 Top Women of Law by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.
This honor is awarded to only 50 women attorneys annually throughout the Commonwealth. It recognizes and celebrates outstanding achievements made by exceptional female lawyers. The 2016 honorees will be recognized at a dinner program on Oct. 27 at the Marriott Copley Place Hotel in Boston.
“When I look at the list of honorees this year, I see a group of women who are without-a-doubt trailblazers in the legal field,” Pelletier said. “I am thankful to be included among so many influential legal experts, and I want to extend my congratulations to each of them.”
Pelletier exclusively practices litigation. She has no fear of taking a case to trial; however, she recognizes when it is not in the best interest of her clients, and she is equally talented at resolving conflicts outside of the courtroom expeditiously and economically. Her reputation as a litigator reaches well beyond Springfield, with a practice area extending from the Berkshires to Boston in both state and federal courts. She has also been admitted to the Hampden County Bar Assoc., the Women’s Bar Assoc. of Massachusetts, and the Federal Bar Assoc.
Pelletier is a fellow at the International Association of Defense Council and a life fellow of the Massachusetts Bar Foundation. Other professional affiliations include membership to the Massachusetts Defense Lawyers Assoc., the Defense Research Institute, and civic involvement at George Washington University and East Longmeadow High School, where she provides mentoring and career job-shadowing opportunities for students.
A complete list of 2016 Top Women of Law nominees can be found online at masslawyersweekly.com.
SPRINGFIELD — Pope Francis High School, a faith-based, college-preparatory school serving grades 9-12, announced its accreditation by the New England Assoc. of Schools and Colleges Inc. (NEASC). The school was formed by the recent merger of Cathedral High School and Holyoke Catholic High School.
“This accreditation provides assurance to our prospective families that Pope Francis High School meets and upholds the standards that are outlined by the NEASC, and we will continue to work to meet those standards in the future,” said interim Head of School Dr. Thomas McDowell. “Accreditation by the NEASC is voluntary; it shows our willingness to abide by their standards and open ourselves regularly to examination by outside evaluators familiar with higher education.”
According to a letter dated July 19 from Jay Stroud, NEASC interim director of the commission, Cathedral and Holyoke Catholic have been members of the association since 1993 and were last evaluated in 2013. By commission policy, their accreditation is extended to cover Pope Francis High School, which will be reevaluated for continued accreditation in 2023.
“The effective date of accreditation for Pope Francis High School is Nov. 5, 2013, and the expiration date is Dec. 31, 2023,” Stroud wrote, adding that “Pope Francis High School is in good standing with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.”
NEASC was founded in 1885 and works to establish and maintain high standards for all levels of education, from pre-kindergarten to the doctoral level.
SPRINGFIELD — Readers of the Daily Hampshire Gazette voted Garvey Communication Associates Inc. (GCAi) “Best Marketing – Advertising Agency” in the 2016 Reader’s Choice poll. GCAi is a digital-marketing agency and independent Google Certified Partner agency which recently celebrated its 25-year anniversary.
“The award certainly comes as a surprise and is a nice 25th-anniversary present,” said Mary Shea, vice president of Digital Strategy at GCAi. “We have worked hard for years to introduce new digital-marketing strategies to the market, and our volunteer work with startups, here and around the world, is unparalleled. We see the award as validation of both.”
For several years, GCAi was the pro bono agency of record for local startup accelerator Valley Venture Mentors, and the GCAi digital-marketing team regularly presents and mentors entrepreneurs from around the world through the global accelerator MassChallenge.
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Armory National Historic Site invites everyone to grab chair or a blanket and welcome the 94th United States Army Band. The concert begins at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 21, behind the museum building. Admission is free. The concert will be cancelled in case of inclement weather.
Based in Windsor, Conn., the 94th has a long tradition. The band is a unit of the Army Reserve assigned to the Eastern U.S. The 94th, or Pilgrim Division, was formed during World War I and participated in the Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe campaigns of World War II. Its band was created in 1943. The bands of the U.S. Army are the oldest in all of the military branches and have toured throughout the U.S., Canada, South America, Europe, and the Far East.
Michael Deraleau, unit administrator, said the band, consisting of a woodwind and brass quintet, would be playing patriotic military music, along with selections similar to chamber music.
“Springfield Armory is the ideal place for this Army band concert,” said Chief of Interpretation Joanne Gangi-Wellman. “Having served the United States Armed Forces through 174 years of firearms production for the Army, now, the Springfield Armory NHS is pleased to invite the 94th Army Band to perform on Armory grounds.”
Springfield Armory National Historic Site commemorates and preserves the site of the nation’s first armory, established in 1794. Managed with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Springfield Technical Community College, and the National Park Service, it is the home of the world’s largest historic American military firearms collection. The site is open daily, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
