Day: March 14, 2019

BOSTON — Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced that the state reached settlements with seven nursing homes, including Jewish Nursing Home of Longmeadow, after an investigation found “systemic failures” at the facilities that led to the death or injury of some residents.

About $500,000 in penalties were announced during a news conference Wednesday, the Boston Globe reported. The seven facilities will now be enrolled in strict compliance programs and must undergo safety and care-quality improvements.

Settlements were reached with Jewish Nursing Home of Longmeadow (which received an $85,000 fine), Oxford Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Haverhill ($180,000), Wakefield Center in Wakefield ($30,000), the Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Everett ($40,000), Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center in Westboro ($37,500), Braemoor Health Center in Brockton, and Woodbriar Health Center in Wilmington.

Synergy Health Centers, which owns Braemoor and Woodbriar, is banned from operating in Massachusetts for seven years. Synergy will pay between $100,000 and $200,000 in fines.

“Every senior has the right to quality care, and every family deserves to know their loved one is safe when choosing a long-term care facility,” Healey said. “Long-term-care facilities must be accountable to the public, and to the commitments made to residents and family members.”

SPRINGFIELD — Robinson Donovan, P.C. announced that attorney David Lawless has been named a partner at the firm.

“David has demonstrated strong leadership and commitment to our clients and our community since he joined our firm,” said Partner James Martin. “We are thrilled to welcome him to his new role as a partner in the firm, and look forward to his growing contributions.”

Lawless previously served as an investigative analyst in the Manhattan District Attorney’s office in New York City. He focuses his practice on civil litigation in federal and state courts, including employment law and litigation, business litigation, and municipal defense litigation.

A member of the American, Massachusetts, Franklin County, Hampden County, and Federal bar associations, Lawless graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 2005. He was named to the Super Lawyers Rising Star list every year from 2008 to 2015.

He is active in the legal community, serving as a board member of the Federal Bar Assoc., Massachusetts chapter, and co-chair of its civil rights and new programming committees. He also serves on the board of the Northeast Center for Youth and Families.

HOLYOKE — The Dowd Agencies, LLC announced the promotion of Jennifer Lawton to vice president of Insurance Operations. Lawton, who began her career with Dowd in 2014, was formerly the agencies’ personal-lines manager.

“We’re very excited to welcome Jennifer to her new and well-deserved role,” said John Dowd Jr., president and CEO. “Of her nearly 30 years’ experience in the insurance industry, Jennifer has spent the last five lending her significant talent, expertise, and sense of dedication to the Dowd Agencies. We think Jennifer will thrive in her new position, which not only helps our organization but also, and most importantly, the clients we serve.” 

In her new position, Lawton provides leadership in the development, implementation, and oversight of systems and procedures that align with Dowd’s organizational strategic initiatives, helping to ensure the achievement of business results. She also serves as the primary advisor to the company’s senior executive leadership team on operational efficiencies.

A certified insurance service representative, Lawton received her associate degree in business from Holyoke Community College. She is the chairperson and program coordinator for Distinguished Young Women of Greater Easthampton, a scholarship program for high-school girls.

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Eastern States Exposition announced that Timothy Garstka has joined ESE and will serve as the organization’s director of Sales. Garstka comes to ESE from his position at Williams Distributing in Chicopee, where he served as Sales manager and Brand Marketing manager.

He has more than 15 years of experience in strategic direction, coaching and counseling, performance management, and revenue growth, overseeing inside and outside sales professionals. His skills range from direct sales management and revenue growth to team building and training initiatives.

Prior to joining Williams Distributing, Garstka was a Field Sales manager for Molson/Coors Brewing Co. in Burlington, Vt., and worked as a salesperson for Burke Beverage in Chicopee.

“We are extremely pleased to have Tim on board at the Exposition,” said Gene Cassidy, ESE president and CEO. “His experience will bring a fresh, new approach to our year-round program of events and help bring innovative shows and events to our grounds.”

As director of Sales, he will be responsible for the oversight of the department, including the extensive number of year-round events held at ESE, Big E sponsorships and vendor/concessionaire space sales, advance ticket-sales outreach, and group sales.

“As a West Springfield native, I understand the importance of the Big E to the local economy,” Garstka said. “I am honored to be a part of this iconic organization that believes strongly in supporting local business, agriculture, and education. It’s an amazing organization with an outstanding team.”

Garstka graduated from West Springfield High School in 1991. He serves as the vice president of the East Longmeadow Baseball Assoc. and is a former board member of the Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter. He and his wife, Christine, are active volunteers for local Jimmy Fund events. He was also an assistant golf professional at Springfield Country Club in West Springfield and the Forest Country Club in Fort Myers, Fla.