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Measure of Interest

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New Parental-leave Law Will Soon Impact Bay State Employers

By ROBERT ZYWNO, Esq.

Robert Zywno

Robert Zywno

The subject of parental leave has received a lot of attention in the media following President Obama’s recent focus on family issues in this year’s State of the Union speech. Indeed, the president has since directed federal agencies to grant their employees six weeks of paid parental leave and is pushing Congress to grant them six more.

Receiving less attention is the Bay State’s new law on parental leave, which goes into effect on April 7. Former Gov. Deval Patrick signed the law, called the Massachusetts Parental Leave Act (MPLA), on Jan. 7, in his final days as governor. The law replaces the Massachusetts Maternity Leave Act (MMLA), which currently only provides leave to expecting and adopting mothers, while the MPLA will extend eight weeks of unpaid leave to both men and women.

The new law makes several other notable changes to the MMLA as well.

Beyond extending leave rights to men, the MPLA also expands the purposes for which employees can take parental leave. Under the MMLA, employees are allowed eight weeks of unpaid leave for childbirth or for adopting a child under the age of 18 (or, alternatively, under the age of 23 if the child is physically or mentally disabled). In addition to these purposes, the MPLA will also allow employees eight weeks of unpaid parental leave if a child under the age of 18 (or, alternatively, under the age of 23 if the child is physically or mentally disabled) is placed with them pursuant to a court order. Accordingly, employers should update their policies to allow employees leave in such circumstances.

In extending parental-leave rights to men, the MPLA does provide an employer-friendly benefit. If an employer has two employees who are together expecting, adopting, or having a child placed with them pursuant to a court order, the MPLA only requires that the employees receive a total of eight weeks of leave between them both. Thus, the employer is not required to provide eight weeks of leave to each of the two employees.

Other changes under the MPLA are more employee-friendly. For instance, employers who require employees to complete an initial probationary period should be aware that, under the MPLA, employees are eligible for parental leave after completing just three months of their initial probationary period. This differs from the MMLA, which requires that employees successfully complete their entire initial probationary period. Otherwise, the MPLA will continue to allow employees with no initial probationary period leave after three months of employment.

The MPLA generally carries forward the same requirements for notice that employees are currently required to give under the MMLA. If an eligible employee intends to take parental leave, the employee must give the employer at least two weeks notice. However, the MPLA will allow employees some leniency in providing notice where the MMLA does not. If an employee cannot provide two weeks notice of parental leave for reasons beyond the employee’s control, the MPLA will allow the employee leave if he or she provides notice as soon as practicable.

The most substantial change in the MPLA requires an employer who grants an employee more than eight weeks of parental leave to return the employee to the same or similar position and benefits if the employee does, in fact, take more than eight weeks of leave. Under the MMLA, employees do not currently receive such job protection beyond eight weeks, even if the employer grants more than eight weeks of leave.

The MPLA, however, does provide a way for employers who wish to grant more than eight weeks of parental leave to do so while still limiting job protection to just eight weeks. To do so, the employer must, prior to the employee taking leave, provide written notice that the employee risks losing his or her position and benefits if the employee takes more than eight weeks of leave.

Notably, like under the MMLA, an employer will still not be required to return an employee back to the same or similar position, regardless of the amount of parental leave taken, if other employees in the business with equal length of service and status have been laid off due to economic or operating conditions. However, like under the MMLA, the employee retains preferential consideration for other positions the employee may have been entitled to as of the date of leave.

The MPLA also continues the MMLA’s requirement that employers post a notice in the workplace about parental-leave rights. However, where the MMLA only requires that employers post a copy of the law, the MPLA requires that the notice be conspicuous and describe the law as well as the employer’s policies on parental leave.

Employers should further take note that any violation of the MPLA will soon be a violation of M.G.L. c. 151B, the Massachusetts law prohibiting employer discrimination, retaliation, and harassment in the workplace. Accordingly, of the claims that employees and former employees may now bring against an employer through the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, among them will soon be claims for failure to restore an employee to the same or similar position after taking protected parental leave, as well as for any other violation of the MPLA.

Like the MMLA, the MPLA generally applies to employers with six or more employees. Accordingly, Massachusetts businesses with six or more employees should consult with an attorney and review their leave policies to ensure compliance with MPLA requirements before they go into effect on April 7.


Robert Zywno is an attorney at Royal LLP, a woman-owned, boutique, management-side labor and employment law firm. Royal LLP is a certified women’s business enterprise with the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office, the National Assoc. of Minority and Women Owned Law Firms, and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council; (413) 586-2288; [email protected]

Employers: Think Fast

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Law Sections
The NLRB’s ‘Quickie’ Election Rule Is Coming This April

By AMELIA J. HOLSTROM, Esq.

Amelia Holmstrom

Amelia Holmstrom

Any employer that has been through a union-representation election knows the importance of time. The longer the time frame between the filing of the union’s petition and the election, the more time the employer has to educate and communicate with employees about the merits of remaining union-free.

This time period also gives the employer time to train its supervisors how to respond lawfully to the union’s organizing campaign. But beginning in April, that time frame will be drastically reduced. The National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) election rules are changing. The NLRB’s new election rule, frequently referred to as the ‘quickie’ election rule, will dramatically shorten the time period between the filing of a petition and the election.

The new rule means significant changes for employers. Under the current rule, the time between the filing of the petition and the election is generally 38 to 42 days, although it may be slightly longer. The new rule, however, will reduce that time period to around 19 or 20 days. Most importantly, this shortened time frame means that unions will now have more control over the timing of what will be ambush elections, purposefully designed to limit an employer’s ability to respond and educate its employees. Additionally, employers will have limited opportunities to raise challenges to the fairness and legality of the election process.

Under the current election rules, a petition filed by a union and hearing notice is faxed to the employer on the day that the petition was filed. The hearing date to determine voter eligibility and the time and place of an election is scheduled within seven to 10 days after the petition is filed. If the parties agree on matters at the hearing, the regional director issues a decision and direction of election, scheduling the election no more than 42 days from the date the petition was filed. The employer then has seven days from the direction of election to provide a list of eligible voters, including their names and addresses only.

Under current procedures, whenever the union and the employer cannot agree on matters at the hearing, the employer has a right to litigate such issues, file a post-hearing brief seven days after the hearing, and ask the regional director to resolve disagreements before an election is scheduled. The NLRB’s regional director then issues a decision, and the employer has 14 days to request board review of the regional director’s decision.

The NLRB also schedules the election for 25 to 30 days after the decision by the regional director, and the employer must provide a list of eligible voters, including names and addresses only, seven days after the regional director’s decision. Requests for review may result in a stay of the election or a delay in opening the ballot box on election day.

Beginning in April, however, the election rules are changing.

Under the ‘quickie’ election rule, pre-election hearings will be limited to a determination of whether an election should be conducted. Those hearings must begin eight days after the NLRB issues a notice of hearing. The new rule now requires the employer to submit a “statement of position,” generally no later than one business day before the hearing. This statement must include the identification of any issues the employer has with the petition plus a list of prospective voters with their job classifications, shifts, and work locations.

Any issues not included in the statement are deemed waived. The new rule also gives the NLRB the ability to limit the presentation of evidence at the hearing to evidence it believes is relevant to the existence of a “question concerning representation.” The rule also grants the hearing officer discretion over the filing of post-hearing briefs.

Additionally, the employer must provide a list of eligible voters, including the names, addresses, e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, work locations, shifts, and classifications within two work days of the decision. The rule eliminates the recommendation that the regional director should ordinarily not schedule an election sooner than 25 days after the direction of election.

In addition to these timing challenges, the new election rule also restricts the parties’ right to file a pre-election request for review of a regional director’s decision and instead puts all such requests off until after the election. Board review of the regional director’s decision will be discretionary, and the circumstances under which a request for review will be granted are substantially narrowed. In other words, employers may be denied the opportunity to challenge pre- and post-election rulings.

Each year Bloomberg BNA releases mid-year NLRB election statistics. According to the statistics for 2013 and 2014, unions have been winning representation elections between 65% and 70% of the time. However, under the ‘quickie’ election rule, we expect that unions may be able to win more frequently in the future.

Employers need to understand the increased risk and be ready to act quickly when they learn that a petition has been filed. Employers concerned that they are at risk of a union-organizing drive should reach out to experienced labor counsel for assistance before it’s too late.

Amelia J. Holstrom joined Skoler, Abbott & Presser in 2012 after serving as a judicial law clerk to the judges of the Connecticut Superior Court, where she assisted with complex matters at all stages of litigation. She is a graduate of Western New England University School of Law, where she was the managing editor of the Western New England Law Review. Her practice is focused in labor law and employment litigation; (413) 737-4753; [email protected]

The New ABLE Act

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Law Helps the Disabled Gain Greater Control of Their Financial Lives

By HYMAN G. DARLING, Esq.

Hyman G. Darling

Hyman G. Darling

The House and Senate, together with President Obama, recently passed the ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Act of 2014.

This new law will allow a disabled individual to establish a tax-free savings account while preserving government benefits. The ABLE savings account is modeled after the so-called 529 College Savings Plan, where funds are contributed on an annual basis, and the income earned is free from tax.

ABLE accounts allow the beneficiary to contribute $14,000 per year, provided the account balance does not exceed $100,000. Based on current tax rates, income-tax savings are minimal. The appeal and protection of the new law is that the individual can have a savings account without jeopardizing Social Security, Medicaid, and other benefits.

Unlike conventional savings accounts, all funds in an ABLE account are subject to payback, meaning that, if the ABLE account’s beneficiary passes away, then the state is entitled to reclaim benefits paid, up to the amount of the account at death. The intention, therefore, is that the funds will be spent on the individual’s needs and expenses, and not saved for a rainy day.

If a disabled person receives a lump sum — for example from an inheritance, divorce settlement, tort injury, retroactive Social Security Benefits, etc. — up to $14,000 may be contributed to an ABLE account without affecting other benefits. In this way, the ABLE account may eliminate the need to set up a special-needs trust or contribute the funds to a pooled trust.

The disabled individuals who will benefit most from the ABLE Act of 2014 are primarily those who do not have significant assets. A number of disabled people may also have ‘third-party’ special-needs trusts, which do not require payback. In this way, trust funds can be preserved for other beneficiaries, while ABLE account funds may be used only for the ongoing needs of the disabled person. ABLE account funds may be used for education, healthcare, transportation, and housing, among other expenses. ABLE accounts will have no impact on Medicaid eligibility.

Many worthy organizations worked for the passage of this bill, including the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the Special Needs Alliance, and the National Down Syndrome Society. The ABLE Act, however, does contain some significant restrictions, including the provision that the disability must have been present before age 26. The act, nevertheless, was passed with overwhelming support from both Democrats and Republicans. The House passed it with a vote of 404-17, and the Senate approved the bill by a vote of 76-16. President Obama signed the bill into law before leaving for the 2014 winter holidays.

Disabled persons can start setting up ABLE accounts in 2015, if they can find a bank, broker, or agency to establish the account. While the ABLE Act changes federal law to allow for the savings accounts, each state must now create its own regulations. At this time, it is anticipated that the same banks or brokerage firms who offer 529 College Savings Plans are likely to offer the new ABLE accounts as well.

Living with a disability can be both time-consuming and expensive. There are approximately 58 million individuals with disabilities in the U.S. Given its restrictions, the ABLE Act of 2014 will affect a relatively small portion of those individuals and their families. The act is, however, an important step toward disabled individuals gaining greater control of their financial lives.


Attorney Hyman G. Darling is chair of Bacon Wilson, P.C.’s Estate Planning and Elder Law departments. His areas of expertise include all areas of estate planning, probate, and elder law. He is a frequent lecturer on various estate-planning and elder-law topics at local and national levels; (413) 781-0560; [email protected]

Intercreditor Agreements

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With These Documents, Understand All the Caps, Wraps, and Traps

By JAMES SHEILS

James Sheils

James Sheils

It is not unusual for two or more lenders to have loan relationships with a borrower. The lenders might both be banks, or the second (junior) lender might be a government agency that is advancing funds for a particular project (examples of the latter would include housing developments, specialized equipment financing, and the like).

Frequently, both loans are secured by the same property (collateral) of the borrower. When that occurs, an intercreditor agreement is often required by the first (senior) lender. That document typically establishes the rights and priorities of the lenders if the borrower’s financial conditions deteriorates and the lenders want to exercise their respective rights regarding the collateral. Absent such an agreement, each lender could theoretically exercise its rights at the same time, perhaps inconsistently, and the process could be confusing, inefficient, or worse.

This article addresses some of the principal issues that arise when an intercreditor agreement is negotiated.

Areas of Negotiation

The senior lender will want to have maximum control over any foreclosure process, and both lenders will want the process to be as efficient as possible. Common areas of negotiation include the following:

• How much of the senior lender’s debt is to be afforded first priority? This issue has at least two components — what type of debt, and any cap on the amount of debt. Principal and interest, of course, are customarily protected, but other components could include late fees, pre-payment, or ‘make-whole’ charges; amounts due under cash-management or hedging/‘swap’ arrangements; indemnity provisions; and similar related costs, fees and expenses. Also, the agreement may cover all debt owed to the senior lender, whenever incurred, or it may be limited to a specific transaction.

Once the components are determined, the junior lender may insist on a cap on the amount entitled to first lien priority — for example, are future advances included? Since the junior lender is relying on any excess collateral value to be available for the repayment of the junior debt, the junior lender will want a cap, and will want it to be progressively reduced by the amount of any permanent reductions in the debt owed to the senior lender.

• Is all of the collateral ‘shared’ by the lenders? A common alternative is a ‘wrap,’ where one lender has a first lien on asset A, and the second lender has a first lien on asset B, with each lender obtaining a junior lien behind the other lender’s first lien.

The application of proceeds received from the sale of the shared collateral is sometimes subject to what’s known as a ‘waterfall’ provision. The senior lender gets proceeds up to a certain amount, then payments go to the junior lender up to a certain amount, then remaining proceeds (if any) go to the senior lender.

• Is the junior lender entitled to any priority if the senior lender has failed to do everything required to make its lien on the shared collateral a first-priority lien absent the intercreditor agreement? Many intercreditor agreements contain such provisions, even though the practical result can be a serious reduction in the amount recovered by the junior lender in a foreclosure proceeding. The junior lender may obtain recovery from the collateral, but be required to turn it over to the senior lender. If there is insufficient collateral, the junior lender may wind up with little or nothing, while the possibly negligent senior lender obtains a full recovery.

• What happens if the borrower wants to sell an asset that is collateral for both loans? The senior lender will want the junior lender to consent in advance to any sale which it approves; it doesn’t want the junior lender to leverage its consent to obtain payments or changes in terms. In return, the junior lender will insist that any such sale be ‘commercially reasonable,’ and may also attempt to require that the sale proceeds be used to permanently reduce the amount of debt secured by the senior lender’s lien.

• How does the senior lender exercise its control? Typically, the junior lender agrees to a ‘standstill,’ meaning a time period during which it agrees it will allow the senior lender sole discretion on if, how, and when to proceed against the collateral. The duration of the standstill is often heavily negotiated; six months is not unusual. Intercreditor agreements typically provide for an automatic extension of the standstill so long as the senior lender has commenced action against the collateral and is diligently pursuing its rights.

The ‘trigger’ which starts the standstill is also a point of discussion. It will be based on a default under the junior lender’s documents, so the nature and materiality of the default is important, as well as whether the standstill clock is reset if the default is ‘cured’ within the standstill period. For example, the senior lender may insist on having the right (but not the obligation) to cure a default under the juunior lender’s documents, with a corresponding re-set of the standstill.

Other Issues

While a detailed discussion of the impact of a insolvency is beyond the scope of this brief review, many issues may arise in a bankruptcy, including voting rights on a plan of reorganization, restrictions on the junior lender exercising rights (which may result in the junior lender having fewer rights than an unsecured creditor), and the value (if any) of any subrogation claims available to the junior lender.

Obviously, each lender and borrower anticipate and expect a profitable, uneventful relationship, in which case the intercreditor agreement is likely to sit on a shelf and never be looked at again after the loan closing. If things go south, as they can and do, an intercreditor agreement can be a critical component to the orderly liquidation of collateral as the repayment source to both lenders.


James B. Sheils, a partner of Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C., concentrates his practice in the areas of commercial finance law, creditors’ rights, banking law; and telecommunications siting matters; (413) 737-1131; [email protected]

Gearing Up

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Autos Sections
Area Auto Dealers Expect Sales to Accelerate in 2015

Carla Cosenzi

Carla Cosenzi says people who visit an auto dealership are often surprised at the advanced technology available in today’s models.

Carla Cosenzi doesn’t mince words when she talks about 2015 and her expectation that it will be a great year for auto sales.

“The economy continues to gain strength, interest rates remain low, and there are a lot of exciting new models coming out, so the outlook is really positive; the auto industry is predicting a record year,” said the president of TommyCar Auto Group, adding that sales have been on the rise in the past few years and the company was confident enough to build brand-new Hyundai and Volkswagen dealerships in Northampton over the past few years.

Jeb Balise agrees that sales are moving in a forward direction. “The industry is predicting a phenomenal year, but we had our best year ever last year,” said the chairman and CEO of Balise Auto Sales. “We sold just under 25,000 units, so any growth will be a bonus. But we are pretty excited about the future and continue to add new stores.”

Mike Marcotte said Marcotte Ford saw a 9% increase in new-car sales last year. “Sales were really strong, and we are hoping to be at 10% this year. We’ve hired new employees and ramped up our commercial sales department,” the company president told BusinessWest.

Such optimistic projections are in line with national forecasts. In fact, on Jan. 21, analysts at the American Financial Service Assoc. Vehicle Finance Conference in San Francisco said they expect the numbers to continue to grow in 2015 for the sixth consecutive year.

TrueCar and J.D. Powers are also optimistic and predict that sales of new vehicles should hit 17 million this year for the first time since 2005, a 3% increase over last year.

A number of factors are playing into the equation. Consumer confidence has risen, many vehicles can be purchased at low or 0% interest, gas prices have dropped dramatically, and consumers are impressed by the new features, gas mileage, and technology offered by manufacturers today, who find themselves in a highly competitive market with lean margins.

The reduction in gas prices has fueled the growth of SUVs and trucks, which slowed considerably nationwide when prices at the pump increased a few years ago.

Local dealers also noticed the trend. “People are very reactive to current circumstances, and we are already seeing sales of trucks and SUVs increasing because of low fuel prices; when gas prices went up, customers gravitated to hybrids,” Balise said. “But now, sales of mid- and full-sized SUVs and trucks are growing at a particularly fast rate.”

He believes the trend is exacerbated by the fact that construction jobs are increasing in the area, and with projects accelerating in Springfield, contractors and people in related businesses are buying the trucks they need to run their businesses. “There is a real demand for pickups again,” Balise said.

Marcotte concurred, and said the timing is serendipitous for Ford, due to its new, full-sized F-150 pickup, which has an all-aluminum body; redesigned Explorer and Edge SUVs; and a wide range of other new vehicles.

“We saw people trading in their big trucks for smaller cars three years ago,” he told BusinessWest, “But due to better gas mileage and the price of gas, there has been an upswing in sales of trucks and SUV’s.”

Marcotte Ford bulked up its inventory of 2014 F-150s last year to take advantage of the increase in demand, with the game plan of being able to offer attractive prices when the 2015 model came out. “There are great incentives for the 2014 models,” Marcotte said.

But the biggest factor in any sale is affordability, which has been a common denominator that is motivating people to purchase new vehicles.

“Transportation is less expensive today than it has been just about anytime in the past,” said Balise. “Low interest payments have exacerbated the advantages of new vehicles, and we are often able to offer people a lower payment than they had for their last vehicle.”

Jeb Balise, left, and Ken Maffia

Jeb Balise, left, and Ken Maffia say that providing exceptional service is a key component in repeat business.

Industry analysts say that, although people are borrowing more than they did in the past for a new vehicle, the fact that they are spreading payments over longer terms at low or 0% interest rates makes payments especially alluring. Experian Automotive reports the average new-car buyer financed approximately $27,799 in the third quarter of 2014, and although that was an increase of about 4% over the year before, their average monthly payment was only about 2.6% more.

“When people get a loan at 0% interest, it allows them to get more features and keep their payments the same,” Marcotte said.

Drumming Up Business

Auto dealers say that, although some people still trade in their vehicles every two to three years, most are keeping them for longer periods of time. “The average is 11 years, and the trade-ins we see have about 100,000 miles or more,” Marcotte said.

Balise agreed. “We’re seeing trade-ins with up to 270,000 miles. There are plenty with well over 100,000 miles that range between 175,000 and 205,000 miles, which is something we rarely saw prior to 2008.”

However, dealers say the fear of taking on new debt that existed during the recession has led to pent-up demand. “It’s greater today than it has ever been,” Balise said, adding that many people who put off purchasing new cars for several years are eager to buy again.

And since many haven’t entered a dealership for some time, they are wowed by what is being offered.

“Ford makes major changes every three years,” said Marcotte. “And people who visit a dealership for the first time in years are surprised by the technology and safety features in the vehicles.”

He told BusinessWest that Ford introduced two models that can be run on gas or electricity — the Fusion and the C-Max hybrid — to the market about three years ago. “People can plug into charging stations at dealerships and travel about 1,000 miles before they have to recharge. There are more options than ever before, so vehicles can really be tailored to suit people’s needs.”

Cosenzi agreed and noted that Volkswagen’s E-Gulf was named Motor Trend Car of the Year, and that vehicle, along with Nissan’s Leaf, another electric model, not only qualify for large state and federal rebates, but also ensure that buyers will never have to purchase gas again.

“We have a quick-charging station that fully charges a vehicle in under an hour, and more places are adding fast-charging stations so people can stop along the way when they want to take a long trip,” she continued, adding that customers who visit TommyCar’s dealerships often look for the latest safety features, including the BlueLink by Hyundai and Car Care by Volkswagen, which are similar to the OnStar system, which provides an emergency-response system, navigation, and diagnostics.

“BlueLink allows people to set a mileage parameter that alerts them if the driver goes outside of it or the speed limit, as well as step-by-step navigation. It also alerts them whenever the vehicle needs maintenance,” Cosenzi told BusinessWest. “But these features aren’t driving traffic, and people are not buying because they want the latest technology. They are just impressed by it when they come in.”

Balise agreed. “People are smart shoppers and more frugal than they used to be when it comes to options,” he explained. “They only want them if they see their value and know they will use them. They are more pragmatic and less emotional about purchases than they were in the past.”

Dealers are in agreement that most buyers know what they want when they enter the dealership because they have done research online. But they want to touch and feel the vehicle as well as test drive it, Cosenzi said.

However, due to fierce competition, they also know there is flexibility in pricing, and Balise said what used to be a painful transaction is now something that can be pleasant for the buyer.

“We’ve streamlined the process and discount vehicles in a forthright way with full disclosure so the customer is in control,” he said. “When they arrive, they are well-educated due to the Internet, so it behooves dealers to live up to the knowledge and understanding they have. Our success is based on high volume, so we are able to make transactions at low prices.”

Repeat business is important and is measured by manufacturers, and because the service people receive while they own a vehicle weighs heavily in their choice of where to go when they are ready to purchase a new model, dealerships are doing everything possible to make visits easy and pleasant.

“Manufacturers and dealers go to extremes to provide a great experience,” Balise said, adding that his dealerships’ customer-retention and loyalty rates are very high.

Marcotte explained that the trend of keeping vehicles longer than in the past led his dealership to outgrow its existing number of service bays. “So we are building new bays for commercial vehicles,” he said, adding that he will break ground next month on a new building with 16 bays. It will be positioned next to Quicklane on 933 Main St. in Holyoke, which services any make or model and was built by Marcotte six years ago.

He added that the dealership’s service department is open until midnight, and people who buy from Marcotte Ford can take advantage of its 150 free loaner vehicles. “We want to make things as convenient for customers as possible,” he noted. “We also offer breakfast catered by the Log Cabin Restaurant on Tuesdays and Saturdays so people can have a nice meal; some customers schedule visits at these times just because of the free meal.”

Balise said offering exceptional service is no longer an option, but a necessity. “Being good is not good enough today. Our growth is based on being customer-focused and is driven by that more than anything else. Standards have continued to rise over the last 10 years, and we are maniacal about being the absolute best in class.”

Optimism Prevails

Overall, Cosenzi said, consumers are more confident than they were a few years ago.

“Sales in the second half of 2014 really accelerated for us, and we are coming into our good months. Sales typically start to increase in February, and the outlook is really positive,” she noted, mentioning President’s Day specials and tax season because buyers who get large refunds often use them as a down payment for a new vehicle. “Plus, there are a lot of new models coming out.”

Balise concurs and said the company completed construction on four new dealerships last year and now has 19 in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. “We are predicting a 2% to 4% increase in sales this year and feel pretty confident we will sell more than 30,000 units,” he told BusinessWest.

If interest rates and gas prices stay low, and the economy continues to improve, the numbers should add up to a good outcome for consumers and dealers alike.

Truck Stop

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Autos Sections
Cap & Hitch of New England Continues to Broaden Its Scope

Jeff Hanks, left, and Jim Maynard

Jeff Hanks, left, and Jim Maynard turned their lifelong friendship, and mutual interest in cars and trucks, into a successful business partnership.


Friends for life.

That’s as good a description as any for Jim Maynard and Jeff Hanks, co-owners of Cap & Hitch of New England, a West Springfield store that sells those namesake products, plus dozens of other kinds of car and truck accessories.

“We grew up together in Wilbraham, playing hockey together, going to school together,” said Maynard as the pair sat with BusinessWest in the shop on Riverdale Street where 10 employees work. “Our main guys here are also friends we grew up with. We have a lot of history together, and all of us come from similar industries.”

Hanks, a certified mechanic — he prefers the term “auto technician” — and Maynard, who has worked in a number of automotive-related fields, from snowplowing to auto sales, saw an opportunity several years ago when Hanks’ father was planning to get out of the truck-cap and trailer-hitch business, and they took over ownership of the store.

“We decided to go into business together,” Maynard said. “His father had a business here, mainly caps and hitches. We brought a broader scope to it. We also brought in the whole electronic aspect with a website.”

That site, www.capandhitch.com, details what has become an impressive array of products, including bed liners, tonneau covers, snowplows, emergency lighting, step bars and running boards, grills and grill guards, bug shields, roof racks, rain guards, chrome trim accessories, wheels, ladder racks, toolboxes, shelving — and much more.

“We do contractor equipment, commercial van outfitting, we do everything,” Hanks said. “It’s tough to nail down. We have all types of car accessories, interior and exterior, work-related, aesthetic-related.”

Cap & Hitch fills a need in the marketplace, he added, because many of these products aren’t typically carried by car dealers. “We do a lot of work for dealerships because they don’t want to do that. There aren’t a lot of people doing it.”

Caps and hitches remain the store’s lead products, however, Maynard noted. “We have everything from fiberglass truck caps for commercial and personal use up to heavy-duty commercial caps, and trailer hitches of all types, from small cars to commercial, fifth-wheel, and gooseneck hitches.”

Hanks said the customer base is about 75% retail and 25% commercial, and he and Maynard try to give buyers access to as many product lines as possible. “We have all kinds of truck accessories, towing equipent, snowplows, mobile electronics, emergency lighting, strobe lights for vehicles — you name it.”

For the most part, he added, customers are bringing in newer cars and trucks to get decked out with accessories. “We still get people with used cars who want to get stuff done, but a good majority of the work we do is with new vehicles.”

Better Days

When he and Maynard took over the business in 2006, “it wasn’t in the best shape to begin with,” Hanks said. “Then, with the recession, we struggled.”

Those struggles were a direct result of depressed auto sales from 2008 onward, which meant fewer customers visiting Cap & Hitch to accessorize.

caps and trailer hitches.

Jim Maynard and Jeff Hanks have significantly broadened the store’s products and services beyond truck caps and trailer hitches.

“It was tough,” Maynard said, “but we survived by stressing customer service, getting the job done. We pride ourselves on that. Customers will come in here and say, ‘you guys are so highly recommended, I asked a two friends and a car dealership, and they all said the same thing.’ We put ourselves in customers’ shoes and solve any needs they have. We want to give them fair prices, too.”

Part of staying successful in the business of selling and installing vehicle accessories is keeping on top of new products and trends, whether that’s reading industry publications or attending the annual trade show of the Specialty Equipment Marketing Assoc. One of their more recent services is installing breathalyzer equipment for drivers who are ordered by a court to use them.

“We really want to focus on the product knowledge we have here — our knowledge of what customers need and want,” Maynard said.

Hanks agreed. “We’re constantly updating our knowledge base on new products. So much new stuff comes out every year — new products, new toys. Half the stuff we do now, we didn’t do on day one.”

‘Toys’ is an appropriate word, because car and truck enthusiasts get genuine pleasure from customizing their vehicles to their needs and tastes.

For example, Maynard said, “I’m a drummer. I love music, and even though it isn’t a big part of the business, I love putting a sound system in somebody’s car, somebody who’s also a music lover, and watch them sit in their car and turn it up.”

That’s the kind of enthusiasm he wants to generate with every customer, he added.

“Honestly, besides coming to work with friends and the good times we have, I love delivering a vehicle to a customer, then seeing a smile on their face, seeing them happy with the end product, happy to pay for the job, excited about driving their vehicle.”

Net Results

Maynard and Hanks enjoy connecting with people outside of the store, too, especially in the realm of youth sports.

“We both play hockey, and we sponsor a lot of youth activities, a lot of youth sports, like the Springfield Caps and various soccer teams,” Maynard said, adding that the company buys jerseys for youth teams and sponsors a golf tournament, among other efforts.

“We want to give back as much as we possibly can,” he added before thinking back to his days in youth hockey. “Part of our upbringing was sports, and we saw good people and small businesses doing things for us. I grew up playing with a sponsor’s name on my shirt so our parents could afford the most ridiculously expensive sport on the planet.”

In addition, Cap & Hitch of New England offers discounts to military, police, and fire personnel, Maynard noted. “They’re out there risking their lives for us so we can get up every day and play with vehicles.”

Hanks finds similar pleasure working in a field he’s loved from his childhood. “My whole family is in the automotive industry in one way or another. I grew up around it.”

And now these lifelong friends are prepared to take Cap & Hitch to the next level, with a goal of eventually moving beyond the small store that’s already bursting with products.

“We’ve continued to grow,” Maynard said. “And we want to keep growing.”


Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Building Permits

By
Building Permits Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of January 2015.

CHICOPEE

Frito-Lay Inc.
90 Champion Dr.
$21,000 — Replace existing overhead door

Front Street, LLC
916 Front St.
$4,000 — Strip and re-roof

Jennifer’s Kitchen
574 Chicopee St.
$9,000 — Install two commercial hood systems

LUDLOW

Black Diamond Development
485 Holyoke St.
$175,000 — New commercial construction

Citizens Bank
33 Center St.
$160,000 — Interior alterations

CVS
451 Center St.
$118,000 — Commercial alterations

Peter Kawie
250 West St.
$7,000 — Re-shingle

NORTHAMPTON

Atwood Drive, LLC
22 Atwood Dr.
$13,000 — Cell tower modifications

Clark Ave. Condos
53 Clark Ave.
$20,000 — Repair rear exterior decks

JW Inc.
71 King St.
$5,500 — Remodel second-floor bathroom

Northampton Housing Authority
56 Maple St.
$12,000 — Repair water damage

St. John’s Episcopal Church
48 Elm St.
$15,000 — Replace antennas and existing equipment

Valley Building Company, LLC
98 Market St.
$12,000 — Construct third-floor dormer and add egress

SOUTH HADLEY

Western Mass Girl Scouts
9 Camps Perkins Road
$18,000 — Install cell tower

Mt. Holyoke College
50 College St.
$20,500 — Renovations

SPRINGFIELD

1350 Main St., LLC
1350 Main St.
$66,000 — Construct conference room and break area

Astro Chemicals
126 Memorial St.
$1,955,000 — Construct a 25,000-square-foot metal building

CHE Trinity Health
195 Stafford St.
$38,000 — New roof

Expressions
1067 Boston Road
$3,000 — Interior renovations

Phillip Edison & Company
300 Cooley St.
$26,000 — New roof

WESTFIELD

FRP Holdings Westfield, LLC
64 Main St.
$230,000 — Interior renovation and new storefront

Westfield Housing Authority
16 Washington St.
$175,000 — Replace fire escapes

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Baghdad Bakery
977 Main St.
$3,000 — Install commercial exhaust hood

Big E
1305 Memorial Ave.
$780,000 — Reconstruction of bathrooms at the Better Living Center

Bill Bourque
177 Norman St.
$350,000 — Erect 3,880-square-foot single story building

Century Park, LLC
181 Park Ave.
$60,000 — Renovate 1,680 square feet of existing space

Chandler Architectural Product
255 Interstate Dr.
$12,000 — Re-roof

Clarion Hotel
1080 Riverdale St.
$90,000 — Interior renovation

Merrick Statron
389 Main St.
$107,000 — Create new office space

Real Estate Transactions

By
Departments Real Estate

The following real estate transactions (latest available) were compiled by Banker & Tradesman and are published as they were received. Only transactions exceeding $115,000 are listed. Buyer and seller fields contain only the first name listed on the deed.

FRANKLIN COUNTY

BERNARDSTON

10 Eden Trail
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Heilman
Seller: Jeanne M. Bell
Date: 12/31/14

513 Huckle Hill Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Laura James
Seller: Thomas L. Sampson
Date: 01/07/15

54 River St.
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $164,000
Buyer: Karen N Delorme
Seller: Lynch, Mary J., (Estate)
Date: 12/30/14

BUCKLAND

21 Walker Road
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Kavita H. Hunt
Seller: FNMA
Date: 01/07/15

6 Wall St.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Kenneth G. Campbell
Seller: Mary F. Schreiber
Date: 01/09/15

COLRAIN

497 Adamsville Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Michael A. Giard
Seller: Crosier, Francis R., (Estate)
Date: 01/07/15

24 Ed Clark Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Holland A. Herzig
Seller: Joseph R. Henry
Date: 12/30/14

CONWAY

2966 Shelburne Falls Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Jeremy C. Sinkus
Seller: John A. Siano
Date: 01/09/15

DEERFIELD

165 Lower Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Terry J. Kimball
Seller: Clearvue Opportunity 16
Date: 01/08/15

117 Old Main St.
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: Sunset RT
Seller: James M. Hardigg
Date: 01/08/15

ERVING

54 Mountain Road
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: William G. Gallant
Seller: Joseph S. Bagdonas
Date: 12/31/14

GREENFIELD

64 Adams Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $1,599,190
Buyer: Store Master Funding 7
Seller: Argotec LLC
Date: 12/29/14

8 Carpenters Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Nickate Property LLC
Seller: Gary D. Melen
Date: 01/09/15

24 Elm St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: MHFA
Seller: Michael L. Avery
Date: 12/30/14

24 Franklin St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $2,000,000
Buyer: Reed Apartments LLC
Seller: Mark A. Zaccheo
Date: 01/09/15

49 Greenfield Road
Greenfield, MA 01376
Amount: $2,128,922
Buyer: Store Master Funding 7
Seller: Argotec LLC
Date: 12/29/14

244 Leyden Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $177,900
Buyer: Kathleen M. Conti
Seller: Williams, Donald F., (Estate)
Date: 01/06/15

15 Lincoln St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $172,500
Buyer: Sara Jonsberg
Seller: Patricia P. Marcus
Date: 12/29/14

12 Mill St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Nickate Property LLC
Seller: Gary D. Melen
Date: 01/09/15

53 Silvio O. Conte Dr.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $6,146,888
Buyer: Store Master Funding 7
Seller: Argotec LLC
Date: 12/29/14

LEVERETT

83 North Leverett Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Diane L. Gorenstein
Seller: Vincent M. Vacca
Date: 01/06/15

LEYDEN

72 Eden Trail
Leyden, MA 01337
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Muka
Seller: Lori Levesque
Date: 01/07/15

NORTHFIELD

39 Highland Ave.
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: VanBro Co. LLC
Seller: Thomas W. Boisvert
Date: 12/30/14

SHELBURNE

19-23 Bridge St.
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Ancient Glacier LLC
Seller: James E. Singley
Date: 01/09/15

5-7 Grove St.
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $214,500
Buyer: John L. Occhialini
Seller: Chris E. Singley
Date: 12/31/14

SUNDERLAND

10 Bears Den Dr.
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $201,000
Buyer: Glenn F. Brozo
Seller: William R. Brown
Date: 01/09/15

42 Montague Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Jonathan Pepyne
Seller: Robert J. Zajac
Date: 01/05/15

WHATELY

30 Long Plain Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $261,760
Buyer: Peter E. Newsum
Seller: Diane M. Burns
Date: 12/30/14

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

15 Federal St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: John J. Ragno
Seller: Donald Neill
Date: 12/30/14

96 Meadow St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Henry Kozloski
Seller: Lucier, Bruce, (Estate)
Date: 12/29/14

100 Oak Hill Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $163,000
Buyer: Patrick M. Landers
Seller: Kris T. Lombardi
Date: 01/09/15

50 Pheasant Run Circle
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Charles D. Stevens
Seller: Pedro N. Guzman
Date: 01/09/15

36 Senator Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $118,750
Buyer: Tomroc Holdings LLC
Seller: Scott A. Richards
Date: 01/08/15

863 South Westfield St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Oleg Bratnichenko
Seller: David W. Dunican
Date: 12/30/14

18 School St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $193,000
Buyer: Michael H. Woods
Seller: Paul G. Roy
Date: 12/30/14

649-651 Springfield St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Simon Realty LLC
Seller: Thomas J. Lockwood
Date: 12/31/14

635 Suffield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Robert T. Shepard
Seller: Mary Shepard
Date: 01/09/15

BLANDFORD

18 North Blandford Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $228,000
Buyer: Sabrina R. Kanner
Seller: Jack L. Hooper
Date: 01/05/15

BRIMFIELD

1550 Dunhamtown Brimfield Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Jenna J. Cuthbertson
Seller: Keith R. Lapierre
Date: 12/29/14

116 Wales Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $174,000
Buyer: Darlene E. Rutkauskas
Seller: Lance W. Vandolson
Date: 12/30/14

CHESTER

270 Route 20
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $153,900
Buyer: Sarah L. Frost
Seller: Christopher J. Kanner
Date: 01/05/15

CHICOPEE

96 8th Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $172,500
Buyer: Miranda L. Pothier
Seller: Edward J. Allie
Date: 01/09/15

54 Armanella St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $149,000
Buyer: Miguel A. Sanchez
Seller: Kevin J. Czaplicki
Date: 01/05/15

131 Bay State Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Justinn D. Cassidy
Seller: Nu Way Homes Inc.
Date: 01/05/15

309 Casey Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $202,129
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Michael Horton
Date: 01/08/15

247 Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $139,400
Buyer: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Seller: Wayne E. Butler
Date: 12/29/14

24 Dewey St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $116,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Bernard J. Grummell
Date: 01/09/15

84 Fedak Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Beswick
Seller: Major, Rita T., (Estate)
Date: 12/30/14

10 Juliette St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: Roman V. Kouzmouk
Seller: Stacy L. Tassone
Date: 12/30/14

513 McKinstry Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $123,000
Buyer: Mercedes Alvarez
Seller: Robert R. Brassard
Date: 12/31/14

416 New Ludlow Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Wendy Burgos
Seller: Nathan K. Jedziniak
Date: 01/06/15

96 Savory Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $231,500
Buyer: David J. Matlasz
Seller: Irzyk, Mildred A., (Estate)
Date: 01/08/15

12 Searles St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $149,900
Buyer: Evan N Rosienski
Seller: Patricia L. Raymond
Date: 12/30/14

272 Springfield St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $239,000
Buyer: Antonio F. Tereso
Seller: Robert Borowiec
Date: 01/07/15

45 Whitin Ave.
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Donald H. Chapdelaine
Seller: Chapdelaine, L. A., (Estate)
Date: 12/30/14

EAST LONGMEADOW

21 Allen St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Tiffany L. Sanchez
Seller: Mahlon G. Cashman
Date: 12/29/14

127 Country Club Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $532,500
Buyer: Kate Laporte
Seller: Marc D. Giupponi
Date: 12/29/14

197 Dwight Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $142,500
Buyer: Trevor Devine
Seller: Stephen P. Wagner
Date: 12/31/14

255 Elm St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $145,152
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Catherine W. Potter
Date: 01/08/15

241 Kibbe Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Thomas E. Argenio
Seller: Moltenbrey Builders LLC
Date: 12/31/14

9 Lombard Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $182,000
Buyer: Country Development Corp.
Seller: James A. Rinaldi
Date: 12/29/14

19 Mereline Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Nicholas J. Harrington
Seller: Rosemary A. Martone
Date: 12/29/14

11 Sturbridge Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Gina E. Flanagan
Seller: Ralph D. August
Date: 12/31/14

GRANVILLE

1430 Main Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Richard Deblois
Seller: Jesse P. Saltmarsh

HAMPDEN

337 Main St.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $136,000
Buyer: John P. Kertenis
Seller: Paul S. Jaquay
Date: 01/09/15

Wilbraham Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Rocky Mountain Wood Co.
Seller: Ramon Carando

HOLYOKE

5 Appleton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Ralph Thompson
Seller: Indy Group Inc.
Date: 12/30/14

167 Chestnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $149,000
Buyer: Joseph C. Cox
Seller: Stiebel Properties Inc.
Date: 01/08/15

107 Lincoln St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Garrett J. Lavoie
Seller: Michael J. Curtin
Date: 12/30/14

245 Madison Ave. West
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Samuel G. Stauder
Seller: Benjamin Snyder
Date: 01/05/15

216 Ontario Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $200,207
Buyer: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Seller: James G. Bliss
Date: 01/06/15

24 Scott Hollow Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $214,500
Buyer: Dominick M. Ciuffreda
Seller: Daniel J. Sroka
Date: 12/29/14

329 Walnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $125,110
Buyer: Alexis D. Giacometti
Seller: Amy L. Stpeter
Date: 01/09/15

10 Western View Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Michael J. Curtin
Seller: Xin Y. Liu
Date: 12/31/14

LONGMEADOW

31 Churchill Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $484,900
Buyer: Brennan Collins
Seller: Peter L. Copeland
Date: 01/07/15

40 Circle Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: John E. Tyler
Seller: Michael S. Desmarais
Date: 12/30/14

107 Colton Place
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Paul A. Sweitzer
Seller: Randall, Bruce W., (Estate)
Date: 12/30/14

134 Edgewood Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $302,500
Buyer: John C. Austin
Seller: Stephen L. Simons
Date: 12/29/14

567 Maple Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $276,500
Buyer: Brent S. Spruill
Seller: Douglas E. Bourie
Date: 01/06/15

511 Wolf Swamp Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $266,000
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Andrea Chase
Date: 01/08/15

LUDLOW

22 Arch St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Augusto Coelho
Seller: Stephen J. Kubik
Date: 01/07/15

55 Atlantic St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Shawn P. Crimmins
Seller: Timothy P. Crimmins
Date: 12/30/14

Avelino Way #10
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: A&A Goncalves RT
Seller: AMM Group LLC
Date: 12/31/14

Avelino Way #6
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: A&A Goncalves RT
Seller: AMM Group LLC
Date: 12/31/14

Avelino Way #9
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: A&A Goncalves RT
Seller: AMM Group LLC
Date: 12/31/14

33 Higher St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $139,000
Buyer: Alex Montagna
Seller: Alice A. Lavatori
Date: 12/30/14

MONSON

32 Ayers Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $610,000
Buyer: James M. Veninger
Seller: Richard R. Loveless
Date: 01/06/15

19 Mechanic St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Gary L. Depace
Seller: Mark Depace
Date: 01/08/15

44 Stebbins Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $189,900
Buyer: Michael Beder
Seller: Duane W. Howard
Date: 12/30/14

PALMER

2115 Calkins Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Carmen S. Rivera
Seller: Barbara I. Benedetti
Date: 12/29/14

53 Crawford St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Erik M. Binczewski
Seller: Joseph S. Pisarski
Date: 01/08/15

331 Flynt St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Adam J. Skowyra
Seller: FNMA
Date: 12/29/14

139 Griffin St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Antonio Sebastiao
Seller: Christine L. Short
Date: 12/29/14

3145 Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $132,900
Buyer: Anthony B. Choquette
Date: 12/31/14

3147 Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $132,900
Buyer: Anthony B. Choquette
Seller: Joan D. Neiweem
Date: 12/31/14

SOUTHWICK

51 Lakemont St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $279,900
Buyer: Peter Molin
Seller: Penelope A. Fillion
Date: 01/02/15

39 Miller Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Joshua A. Miller
Seller: Pamela L. Pryor
Date: 12/31/14

275 South Longyard Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Christopher M. Gilmore
Seller: Walter N Brach
Date: 01/09/15

SPRINGFIELD

85 Amos Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $179,000
Buyer: Meera Adhikari
Seller: Lachenauer LLC
Date: 01/08/15

218 Arcadia Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Luca V. Mineo
Seller: John Kirzec
Date: 01/07/15

Arcadia Blvd. (NWS) #31
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Luca V. Mineo
Seller: John Kirzec
Date: 01/07/15

120 Atwater Road
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Elizabeth S. Belle-Isle
Seller: Julie Rypysc
Date: 12/29/14

87 Avocado St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $1,750,000
Buyer: Avocado Street LLC
Seller: Captiva Realty Inc.
Date: 12/29/14

281-285 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: CIG 2 LLC
Seller: Jinrong Properties LLC
Date: 01/07/15

89 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $117,150
Buyer: Eduardo E. Padilla
Seller: Kenneth R. Gagne
Date: 12/30/14

11-15 Bevier St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Paul Modelski
Seller: Roman Boiko
Date: 01/02/15

61 Bliss St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $6,025,000
Buyer: Blue Tarp Redevelopment
Seller: 73 State Street LLC
Date: 01/02/15

197 Dwight Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $142,500
Buyer: Trevor Devine
Seller: Stephen P. Wagner
Date: 12/31/14

82 Dwight Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Amanda Bligh
Seller: Stanley Russin
Date: 12/31/14

49-51 East Hooker St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Yellowbrick Property LLC
Seller: Yellow Brick Property LLC
Date: 12/31/14

207 Edendale St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $122,772
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Gerald J. Shannon
Date: 01/06/15

177 Ellsworth Ave. #68
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $224,500
Buyer: Lowell T. Manning
Seller: Nu Way Homes Inc.
Date: 12/30/14

18 Freeman Ter.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $123,000
Buyer: Yellowbrick Property LLC
Seller: Yellow Brick Property LLC
Date: 12/31/14

341 Gillette Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Thomas M. Ashe
Seller: Walter A. Mayo
Date: 01/06/15

172 Gresham St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Zachary J. Lyman
Seller: Ronald Vanbeek
Date: 01/07/15

37 Groveland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $177,710
Buyer: Pennymac Holdings LLC
Seller: Gregory Moultrie
Date: 01/07/15

52-62 Howard St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $6,025,000
Buyer: Blue Tarp Redevelopment
Seller: 73 State Street LLC
Date: 01/02/15

57 Howes St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $127,500
Buyer: Peter Mancuso
Seller: Regan, Michael J., (Estate)
Date: 12/30/14

10 Ingraham Ter.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: J. Norbert Properties LLC
Seller: Hampden Bank
Date: 01/02/15

72-74 Lebanon St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $118,500
Buyer: Gerardo A. Colon
Seller: Maribel Delrio
Date: 01/09/15

1126 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $1,000,000
Buyer: Blue Tarp Redevelopment
Seller: Dino A. Isotti
Date: 01/02/15

1132-1142 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $4,000,000
Buyer: Blue Tarp Redevelopment
Seller: Joo B. Lee
Date: 01/02/15

643 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: SDS LLC
Seller: 3 Pointer LLC
Date: 12/29/14

75 Market St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $615,000
Buyer: SH Realty LLC
Seller: Harrison Avenue RT
Date: 01/09/15

184 Mill St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $171,000
Buyer: George A. Spence
Seller: United Way Of Pioneer Valley
Date: 12/30/14

135 Oak Hollow Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $243,000
Buyer: Mary N Rowe
Seller: John M. Rossini
Date: 12/30/14

36 Pinecrest Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Vito M. Dellaera
Seller: Joan P. Learned
Date: 01/06/15

28-30 Olmsted Dr.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: Millicent Lardi
Seller: Andrew W. Smith
Date: 12/30/14

18 Riverton Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Edmund M. Leduke
Seller: Justinn D. Cassidy
Date: 12/30/14

195 Saint James Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Michael W. Walsh
Seller: Scott C. Powers
Date: 01/07/15

875 South Branch Pkwy.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $189,900
Buyer: Diana Estrada
Seller: City View Property Services
Date: 12/30/14

73 State St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $6,025,000
Buyer: Blue Tarp Redevelopment
Seller: 73 State Street LLC
Date: 01/02/15

79-83 State St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $1,237,500
Buyer: Blue Tarp Redevelopment
Seller: 79 State Street LLC
Date: 01/02/15

160 Taylor St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: R&B Karrasch LLC
Seller: Francis S. Mercier
Date: 01/06/15

129 Westminster St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $134,465
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Anthony W. Bosworth
Date: 01/08/15

128 Woodland Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: John E. Kaloroumakis
Seller: Edward F. Barbeau
Date: 01/05/15

TOLLAND

13 Lakeside Dr.
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Denis Dilallo
Seller: Debra A. Desmond
Date: 01/09/15

173 Owls Nest Lane
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Allen E. Nathan
Seller: Judith A. France
Date: 12/30/14

WALES

2 Cordially Colony
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $177,500
Buyer: Eugene Tosetti
Seller: Eileen F. Kniep
Date: 12/31/14

119 Main St.
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Jason A. Lisiecki
Seller: Brenda A. Laflamme
Date: 01/02/15

54 Monson Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $140,500
Buyer: Kevin M. Brunell
Seller: Country Bank For Savings
Date: 01/08/15

WEST SPRINGFIELD

55 Circuit Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Westside 55 Circuit LLC
Seller: HR Massachusetts LLC
Date: 12/31/14

1089 Elm St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Dog Alley RE LLC
Seller: Andrew J. Pignatare
Date: 01/02/15

120 Great Plains Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $245,200
Buyer: James F. Mello
Seller: William J. Pasternak
Date: 12/29/14

559 Main St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $139,263
Buyer: Nationastar Mortgage LLC
Seller: Frank Bonet
Date: 01/09/15

25 Orange St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $201,000
Buyer: Thomas J. Wood
Seller: Donald A. Rivers
Date: 12/29/14

38 Queen Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $172,500
Buyer: Tiana Phienboupha
Seller: Kristen S. Dominique
Date: 01/09/15

67 Trotters Walk
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Paul M. Bardwell
Seller: Jeffrey D. Jutsum
Date: 01/02/15

23 Windsor St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $192,500
Buyer: Brenda X. Chavez-Salas
Seller: Jacob N Dushane
Date: 12/30/14

WESTFIELD

13 Charles St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Franklin E. Tompkins
Seller: Mark G. Thompson
Date: 12/29/14

1526 East Mountain Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Michael D. Gonnello
Seller: Paul F. Kudryk
Date: 12/30/14

65 Laro Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Jack L. Hooper
Seller: Kelly M. Schetzel
Date: 01/05/15

107 Northwest Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Dawn M. Gahran
Seller: Raymond J. Salois
Date: 12/29/14

5 Northridge Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $191,500
Buyer: Kathryn V. Roberts
Seller: Frazier, Owczarski S., (Estate)
Date: 01/07/15

Root Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Frank A. Demarinis
Seller: Noreen Botticello
Date: 01/09/15

120 Skyline Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Pavel Yakovenko
Seller: Peter E. Flynn
Date: 12/31/14

480 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Elite Contracting Services
Seller: Rui M. Baltazar
Date: 01/08/15

Wildflower Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Jessica L. Mongeau
Seller: Richard B. Kramer
Date: 01/08/15

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

217 Aubinwood Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $399,000
Buyer: Aaron D. Osborne
Seller: Philippe G. Galaski
Date: 01/09/15

471 Bay Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Barrett Mully
Seller: Obediah D. Gibson
Date: 01/09/15

91 Cross Break
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $197,000
Buyer: Kebede Gashie
Seller: Carla Clason-Hook
Date: 12/30/14

669 East Pleasant St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $262,000
Buyer: Dana Parsons
Seller: Virginia L. Pierce
Date: 12/30/14

27 Greenleaves Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $224,000
Buyer: Irene S. Drummond
Seller: Amhad Development Corp.
Date: 01/09/15

405 Pine St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Kimberly D. Tremblay
Seller: Wesley J. Cembalisty
Date: 01/05/15

299 West St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Buyer: Matthew Wolaver
Seller: Meredith G. Troy
Date: 01/05/15

BELCHERTOWN

Allen Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $373,246
Buyer: Matthew T. Baird
Seller: Donald R. Besancon INT
Date: 01/09/15

440 Chauncey Walker St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Cheri A. Ulrich
Seller: Arthur R. Vilinskis
Date: 12/31/14

10 Depot St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $243,000
Buyer: Jonathan E. Blake
Seller: Joseph Cox
Date: 01/09/15

280 Granby Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $177,500
Buyer: Joanna G. Mull
Seller: Richard M. Grab
Date: 01/06/15

2 Rimrock Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $288,869
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Date: 01/02/15

CHESTERFIELD

Bofat Hill Road
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Nature Conservancy
Seller: Peter F. Lafogg
Date: 12/30/14

EASTHAMPTON

11 Brook St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $224,000
Buyer: Margaret Goller
Seller: Jeremy N. Rapoza
Date: 01/09/15

19 Kingsberry Way
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $394,000
Buyer: Susan M. Rapoza
Seller: Crown Meadow Corp.
Date: 01/09/15

24 Knipfer Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $174,500
Buyer: Marcie L. Cormier
Seller: Edward A. Lemanski
Date: 12/31/14

57 Maple St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $249,500
Buyer: Heather A. Zottoli
Seller: Samuel G. Stauder
Date: 01/05/15

14 Russell Lane
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Stephen L. Zimora
Seller: Margaret Goller
Date: 01/09/15

GOSHEN

39 Lake Dr.
Goshen, MA 01096
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Joshua Silver
Seller: Todd K. Thompson
Date: 12/30/14

GRANBY

67 Cold Hill
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Robert Cannon
Seller: Michael C. Karkut
Date: 01/09/15

36 High St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Mayra D. Jesus
Seller: Michael W. Simon
Date: 12/31/14

125 Maximilian Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $458,030
Buyer: Peter J. Gaj
Seller: East State Street NT
Date: 01/09/15

HADLEY

Hadley University Park #2
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: 23-27 LLC
Seller: Westmass Area Development Corp.
Date: 12/30/14

122 West St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $351,378
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: JJS Capital Investment
Date: 01/06/15

NORTHAMPTON

422 Acrebrook Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $174,900
Buyer: Dara Virks
Seller: Stephen J. Tremblay
Date: 12/29/14

31 Country Way
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: Daniel A. Philips
Seller: Frances P. Hack
Date: 01/07/15

311 Damon Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Edward J. Kubasek
Seller: Dolores A. Kubasek
Date: 01/05/15

191 Spring St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Keith A. Tardy
Seller: Luke A. Strzegowski
Date: 12/31/14

83 West St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Smith College
Seller: Raymond H. Niles
Date: 12/29/14

SOUTH HADLEY

17 Cypress Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Derek J. Lauder
Seller: Michelle A. Boisvert
Date: 12/30/14

8 Dove Hill
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: C. E. Thomson
Seller: Michael R. Sobon
Date: 01/05/15

35 Ferry St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $309,000
Buyer: Eric Wilson
Seller: Mayra L. Dejesus
Date: 12/29/14

12 Horseshoe Circle
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Micah W. Maloney
Seller: Michael S. Larson
Date: 01/09/15

33 Lamb St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $900,000
Buyer: Curran O’Brien Realty LLC
Seller: William W. Ryder
Date: 12/31/14

8 Lois Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Nicole Kwiatkowski
Seller: Xuan Li
Date: 12/30/14

31 Mountainview Dr.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $142,464
Buyer: FHLM
Seller: Alan F. Trudeau
Date: 01/09/15

54 Prospect St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $159,900
Buyer: Meredith O. Duval
Seller: Julio C. Ruiz
Date: 01/02/15

142 Stony Brook Village
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $324,000
Buyer: Clarissa G. Bak
Seller: Whispering Pines at Root
Date: 12/30/14

SOUTHAMPTON

33 Bissonnette Circle
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Robert A. Cestola
Seller: F&G Development Corp.
Date: 01/02/15

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies Departments

The following bankruptcy petitions were recently filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Readers should confirm all information with the court.

Akpan, Effiong Isaac
358 Park St. #134
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/14/15

Barszewski, Daniel J.
89 Maple St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/15

Brunelle, Robert
140 Rolling Green Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/02/15

Brusa, Jacqueline M.
a/k/a Lauzier, Jacqueline M.
342 Southwick Road #96
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/09/15

Building Blocks Family Church
Kirby, Eileen E.
2 Los Angeles St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/13/15

Camilleri, Donna M.
14 Upland Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/06/15

Carney, Geraldine
87 Narragansett Blvd.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/10/15

Comstock, Lon A.
250 Main St.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/08/15

Conway, Scott M.
Conway, Stacey M.
20 Whitin Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/10/15

Curran, Robert John
P.O. Box 2287
Westfield, MA 01086
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/15

Donovan, Jason B.
Donovan, Ashley V.
a/k/a Church, Ashley Varee
166 Line St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/14

Dyer, Joseph P.
P.O. Box 286
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/08/15

Estrada, Ernie
802 Newbury St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/15

Galecki, John
Galecki, Melaine Rose
51 Basket St.
Hunington, MA 01050
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/05/15

Genesis Barber Shop
Izzy’s Barber Studio
Acosta, Isidro
Acosta, Regina
P.O. Box 672
Westfield, MA 01086
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/14

Gordon, Asneth Tania
35 Noel St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/07/15

Goshea, Christopher R.
Goshea, Katie M.
a/k/a Lachance, Katie
95 Vermont St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/14/15

Herrick, Lisa Marie
66 Gates Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/05/15

Kohl, Leonora S.
29 High St., Apt. 2
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/01/15

LaFlamme, Daniel A.
PO Box 323
Leeds, MA 01053
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/05/15

Ledoux, Gerald R.
Ledoux, Susan L.
PO Box 323
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/14

Leonard, Lennie L.
76 Alden St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/06/15

Luciano, Damaris I.
a/k/a Reyes, Damaris I.
246 Oak St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/06/15

Matlasz, Jennifer M.
340 Dale St., Unit C
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/07/15

Phillips, James R.
81 Woodcrest Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/13/15

Regnier, Dolores J.
72 Worcester St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/06/15

Rider, Scott Anthony
316 Park St. #5
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/05/15

Sena, Gilbert M.
28 Kingsberry Way
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/12/15

Sobers, Nicola Susan
934 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/05/15

St. Pierre, Fawne M.
a/k/a White, Fawne M.
30 St. Pierre Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/14

Steenburgh Real Estate
Steenburgh, Michael A.
Steenburgh, Susan J.
182 East St.
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/05/15

Voutas, Steven
Voutas, Maureen
11 Knollwood St
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/12/15

Wellspeak, David B.
1177 Elm St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/06/15

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of January 2015.

CHICOPEE

B Big Global
211 Poplar St.
Bright Ukandu

Buns-on-Wheels
522 Main St.
Ana Guelhermino

Chicopee Building Supply
14 Exchange St.
Michael Chamberland

Cotton Mill Sound
165 Front St.
John Daigle

Fruit Fair
398 Front St.
Shailesh Patel

Head Quarters
852 Memorial Dr.
Mark Mushenko

Papa John’s
610 Broadway St.
Cary Rivest

HOLYOKE

Cara Foods
14 Corser St.
John Kennedy

Holyoke Furniture Outlet
354-356 High St.
Alfredo Improta

Salon 413
1735 Northampton St.
Stacie Anne Alicea

Zerorez Pioneer Valley
1-3 Thorpe Ave.
ZRPV Corporation

LUDLOW

Faustination
59 Szlosek Road
Daniel Faustino

Open Door Café
247 Cady St.
Arlindo Alves

SDI Auto Repair
575 East St.
Vanda Barros

NORTHAMPTON

Boomerang Booksellers
139 Federal St.
Mark Brumberg

Firestaff Homes
351 Pleasant St.
Gary Bennett

Fitness Together
18 Strong Ave.
Jessica Phaneuf

Keggeroo Creative Consulting
53 Clark Ave.
Kenneth Geiger

Ohmstyle Living
43 Finn St.
Allison Cook

Panacea Salon
28 Pleasant St.
Patricia Britt

Swing Graphics
36 Market St.
Gregory Perham Jr.

Valley Nibbler
80 Damon Road
Gwen Connors

Valley Stress Reduction
30 Locust St.
Ellen Kaufman

Western Construction Services
275 Hatfield St.
John S. Henderson-Adams

PALMER

C & G Services
8 Crest St.
Marie Day

Friendly’s
1519 North Main St.
Friendly’s, LLC

Walnut Street Café
8 Walnut St.
Doris Theodore

SPRINGFIELD

Lizet Land Photography
219 Gifford St.
Lizet Land

Luxury Nails Salon
1220 Main St.
Vy J. Nguyen

Mommy’s
324 Wilbraham Road
Henry Ogirri

Oriental Gift and More
171 Boston Road
Chun Yang

Plink Plunk Play
63 Lakevilla Ave.
Rita F. Bartholomew

Ray’s Auto Repair
3 Fountain St.
Ramon L. Rivas

Serenev Affordable Tax
67 Suffolk St.
Angela D. Martin

Superior Home Health
83 Hazen St.
Shari Anglin

SV Saturno Cleaning Services
413 Nottingham St.
Marcos Villegas

The Sports Shack
152 Main St.
Sandra A. Babbie

Tower Convenience Store
10 Chestnut St.
Zahid Farooqui

Tranquility Day Spa
1655 Boston Road
Charles Tran

Universal Caulking
42 Kimberly Ave.
Anthony M. Dewdney

Vape Religion
526 Sumner Ave.
Tam T. Le

WESTFIELD

Clean by Kim
207 Northwest Road
Kimberly J. Gamache

Del Photo & Craft Works
46 Spruce St.
Michael C. Delmonte

New England Winners Club
720 Russell Road
Vadim Lezhnyak

Rycon Renovation
41 St. Dennis St.
Sirahei Ryhal

Western Mass Excavation Corporation
30 Sunset Dr.
Dale Unsderfer

Western Mass Pan Project
76 Broad St.
Jonathan Adams

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Clarion Motel
1080 Riverdale St.
Shailesh Patel

Friendly’s
1094 Riverdale St.
Catherine Smith

Knight’s Inn
1557 Riverdale St.
Anil Rana

Pat’s Auto Service
163 Norman St.
Richard D. Parenteau

Santana’s Kung-Fu Studio
452 Main St.
Maria E. Santana

Welcome Inn
2041 Riverdale St.
Patel Pravinshai

Incorporations

By
Departments Incorporations

The following business incorporations were recorded in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties and are the latest available. They are listed by community.

AMHERST

Hangar of Greenfield Inc., 55 University Dr., Amherst, MA 01002. Harold Tramazzo, same. Franchise restaurant.
 
EAST BROOKFIELD

1 Stop Transportation Inc., 119 Oakwood Dr., East Brookfield, MA 01515. Samantha Marie Cox, 6 St. Clair Road, Brimfield, MA 01010. Interstate and intrastate transporting, towing, and storage of vehicles.
 
HOLYOKE

Christian Union Chaplaincy Commission, 349 High St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Juan Fernandez, 210 Mountain View Dr., Holyoke, MA 01040. Organized to establish a chaplaincy ministry, to be a governing entity which will establish governance and polity, oversee activities, enforce common doctrines, and provide general administrative and spiritual supervision for other organizations which will themselves be organized and operated exclusively for educational, charitable, and/or religious purposes.
 
LUDLOW

Duru Inc., 481 Center St., Center St., Ludlow, MA 01056. Aziz Turan, 96 Bluebird Circle, Ludlow, MA 01056. Full-service restaurant.
 
SOUTH HADLEY

Anthony Reynolds Sr. Memorial Fund Inc., 38 River Road, South Hadley, MA 01075. Anthony Reynolds Jr., same. Establishing scholarships for graduating high school students who wish to pursue the field of medicine or medical sciences.
 
SPRINGFIELD

Bay Auto Sales Corp., 784 Bay St. Springfield, MA 01109. Argenis Ramos, same. Auto sales and service.
 
Elser Builders Inc., 35 Glenwood Ave., Pittsfield, MA 01021. David Elser, same. Construction, commercial and residential.
 
Fast Lane Auto Sales & Service Inc., 18 Berkshire Ave., Springfield, MA 01109. Noemi De Leon, 56 Malden St., Springfield, MA 01108. Used automobile sales and service.
 
WEST SPRINGFIELD

A.M.P.M. Express Inc., 284 Main St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Murad-John Osmanli, same. Trucking business.
 
WESTFIELD

Indian Motorcycle Riders Group of Springfield Inc., 962 Southampton Road, Westfield, MA 01085. Ed Villareal, same. Non-profit organization with the primary objectives to promote the Indian Motorcycle brand and attend as a club at least two charitable / benefit rides a year.

Briefcase

By
Briefcase Departments

Federal $10M Grant Will Help Improve Long Island Sound
GREENFIELD — The Connecticut River Watershed Council (CRWC) is one of seven partners receiving a $10 million federal grant funded through USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program. This new project brings together seven partners to improve the health of Long Island Sound. The funding will be matched dollar for dollar by other local, state, and private funding sources. Excess nutrients have been identified as the primary driver of hypoxic conditions (lack of oxygen) in Long Island Sound and are also impacting upland water resources within the watershed, which encompasses areas of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. This project will develop a comprehensive, whole-farm, management-certainty program for farmers in the area and use both working lands and easement programs to improve soil health and nutrient management, establish community resiliency areas with a focus on enhancing riparian areas, and institute a land-protection program to protect agricultural and forestry areas. “The council is very pleased to be one of the many partners on this important project to improve the health of both the Connecticut River basin and Long Island Sound,” said CRWC Executive Director Andrew Fisk. “Funding will allow CRWC to continue working with landowners on restoration projects on their land that will improve our rivers and protect their investment in productive farm and forest land.” The Connecticut River contributes more than 70% of the freshwater to Long Island Sound and plays an important role in the health of the sound. “We are proud to be working with landowners to help them do their part to restore and protect the public’s water,” noted Fisk. “Many individuals working together across the entire watershed will have a great impact to improve the health of our rivers and Long Island Sound.” The Connecticut River Watershed Council works to protect the watershed from source to sea. To learn more, visit www.ctriver.org.

Construction Employment Increases in 40 States
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Construction firms added jobs in 40 states and the District of Columbia between December 2013 and December 2014, while construction employment increased in 38 states and D.C. between November and December, according to an analysis of Labor Department data by Associated General Contractors of America. “Part of the reason for the positive December construction employment figures was the exceptionally harsh weather in much of December 2013 and November 2014 and milder-than-normal weather in December 2014,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Nevertheless, the underlying trend is very positive, with construction employment expanding at more than double the rate for total non-farm payroll jobs.” Texas added more new construction jobs (47,500 jobs, 7.7%) between December 2013 and December 2014 than any other state. Other states adding a high number of new construction jobs for the past 12 months included Florida (34,300 jobs, 8.9%), California (26,000 jobs, 4.0%), Illinois (20,200 jobs, 10.6%) and Washington (14,100 jobs, 9.5%). North Dakota (25.7%, 8,300 jobs) added the highest percentage of new construction jobs during the past year, followed by Utah (13.4%, 10,100 jobs), Wisconsin (12.7%, 12,400 jobs), and Arkansas (12.6%, 5,800 jobs). Ten states shed construction jobs during the past 12 months. West Virginia lost the highest percentage (-9.1%, -3,000 jobs). Other states that lost a high percentage of jobs include Mississippi (-7.5%, -4,000 jobs), Hawaii (-4.5%, -1,400 jobs), and Arizona (-3.4%, -4,300 jobs). Arizona lost the most construction jobs between December 2013 and December 2014, followed by Mississippi, West Virginia, and Ohio (-2,500 jobs, -1.3%). Thirty-eight states and the District of Columbia added construction jobs between November and December. New York (6,400 jobs, 2.0%) added the most jobs, followed by Illinois (6,000 jobs, 2.9%), Texas (5,100 jobs, 0.8%), and North Carolina (4,100 jobs, 2.3%). Association officials said the latest construction employment figures are consistent with the optimism many contractors expressed in the association’s recently released annual “Construction Hiring and Business Outlook.” According to the outlook, 80% of contractors report plans to add new construction jobs in 2015. In addition, a majority of contractors expect demand for most construction-market segments this year to grow. “The construction industry appears on track to add many new construction jobs in 2015,” said Stephen Sandherr, the association’s CEO.

BCBS Grants to Support Care for Vulnerable Populations
BOSTON — Individuals with behavioral health and other medical issues are among the highest-need, most complex patients in the healthcare system but rarely receive care that integrates both aspects of treatment. The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation’s new, $1.3 million grant program, called Fostering Effective Integration of Behavioral Health and Primary Care, will support 10 organizations — including one in Western Mass., the Center for Human Development — that are currently implementing collaborative, co-located, and integrated service models for patients with a range of medical and behavioral-health needs, including support for their families. The National Co-morbidity Survey Replication shows that 68% of adults with a severe behavioral-health disorder have at least one chronic medical condition, and 29% of adults with a chronic medical condition have serious mental illness. Moreover, those with a mental illness live far shorter lives than those without, partly due to treatable medical conditions and inadequate access to medical care. Better coordination of primary care and behavioral health — including early identification, timely and regular treatment, and rehabilitation and recovery supports — is important to improving health care outcomes and potentially controlling costs for people with behavioral-health needs, said Audrey Shelto, president of the BCBS of Massachusetts Foundation. “We believe the time is now to invest in and evaluate programs that have experience providing primary care and also treating mental-health and substance-use disorders to help define what truly constitutes an effective integrated model of care.” The grantee organizations represent a variety of provider types — community health centers, community-based behavioral-health centers, and hospital-based programs — located throughout the entire state. “We are thrilled to be working with some of the most experienced healthcare providers in the Commonwealth and look forward to sharing information and collaborating on this critical issue,” said Shelto. The local grantee, the Center for Human Development (CHD), has created a project in partnership with two health centers to provide integrated care to seriously mentally ill adults and individuals with substance-use disorders. The health centers — Caring Health Center of Springfield and Holyoke Health Center — provide integrated primary care, care management and wellness services, while the Western MA Recovery Learning Community provides peer-guided wellness groups and peer specialists. The largest cluster of patients is within the Department of Mental Health-funded Community-Based Flexible Supports program, identified as ‘super-utilizers’ with high rates of avoidable ED visits. The program provides primary-care services to people with serious mental illness on site at a CHD community mental-health center, with a focus on patients with diabetes, pre-metabolic syndrome, and high risk for cardiovascular disease. Chronic-disease management and wellness programs are provided by primary-care nurses and peer specialists, and patients involved with the integrated care program experience reduced wait times when seeking medical care at the respective health centers. The focus of the foundation’s one-year grants is the evaluation and assessment of integrated-care programs that demonstrate the greatest likelihood of effectiveness across a range of domains such as increased access, improved outcomes, greater patient engagement, and reduced costs. The foundation will document the success factors, barriers, and challenges faced by grantees with the intent of making a longer-term investment in promising, replicable models in the future. For more information, visit www.bluecrossmafoundation.org.

Business Confidence Index Soars in 2014
BOSTON — The Associated Industries of Massachusetts Business Confidence Index ended 2014 at 57.3, 7.1 points above last December’s level. “This is the index’s highest reading since July 2007, before the Great Recession, and it concludes the best quarter since that period,” said Raymond Torto, chair of AIM’s Board of Economic Advisors (BEA) and lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Design. “There is reason to believe, moreover, that this upwelling in confidence will prove more lasting than the increase of early 2012, which was undone by fiscal conflict in Washington.” In 2014, Torto noted, “business confidence survived a stress test of economic contraction in the first quarter, then gained in eight of the last 10 months of the year. Fundamentals are looking much better — unemployment is down and job creation is running strong nationally and in Massachusetts, which shows up in rising consumer confidence; the federal deficit and the trade deficit are shrinking; and, of course, the stock market has done well. Despite significant areas of weakness in the global economy, Massachusetts employers have ample cause to be optimistic.” 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 sub-indices based on selected questions or categories of respondent experienced a mix of gains and losses from November to December, but all were up from a year before. The Massachusetts Index, assessing business conditions within the Commonwealth, added one point on the month to 56.1, and the U.S. Index of national business conditions was up four-tenths to 50.1. “This is the third time since the recession that U.S. Index reached 50, but so far it has not held that level,” said BEA member Paul Bolger, president of Massachusetts Capital Resource Co. “Respondents with 100 or fewer employees still tend to rate national conditions negatively, while larger firms are on the positive side. Compared to last December, the state indicator was up 9.1 points, while its national counterpart gained 5.3 points.” The Current Index, which assesses overall business conditions at the time of the survey, was up 1.2 points to 56.2, while the Future Index, measuring expectations for six months out, shed one-tenth to 58.4. The annual gains were 7.6 and 6.8, respectively.

Company Notebook

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Company Notebook Departments

Financial-success Center to Open at Holyoke Community College

HOLYOKE — Thrive, a one-stop financial-success center for local college students and residents, staged a grand-opening celebration on Feb. 4 in the Frost building at Holyoke Community College. Thrive, a collaborative effort between HCC, PeoplesBank, and United Way of Pioneer Valley, will offer financial literacy and coaching, workforce-development services, and public-benefits screening and enrollment. Thrive will provide a valuable support system for anyone in the community (along with necessary skills to achieve long-term financial goals), but especially college students, who may be experiencing financial independence for the first time in their lives. “I don’t think it’s any secret that most college students don’t have a lot of money and that those who choose to attend community college often do so because of its affordability and their own financial limitations,” said HCC President William Messner. “What we see, year after year, is that managing money is a huge challenge for students. That financial anxiety is an issue that often impedes their academic performance and sometimes even leads them to drop out of school. Anything we can do to eliminate or at least reduce those financial concerns is going to help our students succeed in the classroom. Healthy financial skills will aid them not only during their college days, but also after they move on, so we are very happy to provide this new resource here at HCC not only for our students, but for members of the community who might also be facing financial issues.” PeoplesBank has been working to increase financial literacy for years by supporting seminars in the community and teaching personal finance in area public schools. “Academic excellence and community vibrancy are core principles of our corporate-responsibility efforts,” said Douglas Bowen, president and CEO of PeoplesBank. “Supporting Thrive gives us the opportunity to expand on our financial-literacy education efforts. It also provides our associates with another way to volunteer to improve the community and help our future workforce by teaching classes at Thrive.” Financial literacy is also one of the four impact areas that United Way of Pioneer Valley focuses its fund-raising efforts on, because of the long-lasting results that can be attained with the proper skills and training. “We’re here to help hardworking families build assets for a successful future,” said Dora Robinson, president and CEO of United Way of Pioneer Valley. “Our partnership with HCC and PeoplesBank has made it possible for our community to ‘Thrive.’”

First Connecticut Bancorp Reports Q4 Earnings
FARMINGTON, Conn. — First Connecticut Bancorp Inc., the holding company for Farmington Bank, reported net income of $3.1 million, or $0.21 diluted earnings per share, for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2014, compared to net income of $2.5 million, or $0.17 diluted earnings per share, in the linked quarter. Diluted earnings per share were $0.07 for the fourth quarter of 2013. The bank had net income of $9.3 million, or $0.62 diluted earnings per share, for the year ended Dec. 31, 2014, compared to net income of $3.7 million, or $0.24 diluted earnings per share, for the year ended Dec. 31, 2013. “Despite the low-interest-rate environment which continues to apply pressure to the margin, we continue to generate improved earnings based on our organic growth strategy, coupled with our strategic steps of reducing operating cost through process improvement initiatives,” said John Patrick Jr., First Connecticut Bancorp’s chairman, president, and CEO. “I am extremely proud of our team for their efforts in 2014, as we have once again prudently grown our asset and deposit base, deepening our market share where we operate. Their effort is evidenced in the improvement in our operating efficiency and annual EPS growth of 158%. We continue to be pleased with the progress of our expansion into Western Massachusetts, and will be opening two branch offices in that market in 2015, as previously announced.” Also in the fourth-quarter report, net interest income increased $410,000 to $16.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to $16.0 million in the linked quarter, and increased $2.1 million or 14% compared to fourth quarter of 2013. On a core basis, net interest income increased $160,000 in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to the linked quarter. Strong organic loan growth continued during the quarter, as total loans increased $88.4 million to $2.1 billion at Dec. 31, 2014 and increased $318.7 million or 18% from a year ago. Non-interest expense to average assets was 2.39% in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to 2.46% in the linked quarter and 2.80% in the fourth quarter of 2013. Tangible book value per share was $14.57 compared to $14.56 on a linked quarter basis and $14.11 at Dec. 31, 2013. Checking accounts grew by 2.8% or 1,242 net new accounts in the fourth quarter of 2014 and by 13.1% or 5,248 net new accounts compared to Dec. 31, 2013. Asset quality improved, as loan delinquencies 30 days and greater decreased slightly to 0.75% of total loans at Dec. 31, 2014, compared to 0.78% at Sept. 30, 2014 and 0.85% at Dec. 31, 2013. Non-accrual loans represented 0.72% of total loans, compared to 0.76% of total loans on a linked quarter basis and 0.81% of total loans at Dec. 31, 2013. The allowance for loan losses represented 0.89% of total loans at Dec. 31, 2014 compared to 0.91% at Sept. 30, 2014 and 1.01% at Dec. 31, 2013. Finally, the company paid a cash dividend of $0.05 per share on Dec. 15, 2014, and paid a cash dividend of $0.17 per share for the year, an increase of $0.05 compared to the prior year. This marks the 13th consecutive quarter the company has paid a dividend since it became a public company on June 29, 2011.

Two Local Banks Boost Capital Campaign for Sr. Caritas Cancer Center
SPRINGFIELD — Mercy Medical Center announced that Westfield Bank and Chicopee Savings Bank Charitable Foundation have pledged gifts of $150,000 and $100,000, respectively, to “Transforming Cancer Care,” the capital campaign for the Sr. Caritas Cancer Center. Westfield Bank’s gift is particularly significant because it reflects the largest corporate gift in the history of the bank. “Whether we like it or not, every one of us will be touched by cancer, directly or indirectly,” said James Hagan, president and CEO of Westfield Bank. “As an employer and as a community member, I recognize the importance of outstanding hospital care for the health of our community. Supporting this expansion is the right thing for economic, humanitarian, and personal reasons. We’re proud to be a part of this worthy project and encourage other area businesses to support the expansion as well.” Added Chicopee Savings Bank President Bill Wagner, “Chicopee Savings Bank and its charitable foundation have consistently supported the Sisters of Providence Health System and their various efforts. We have long been impressed by the organization’s mission to serve all members of our community. Cancer affects people across the socio-economic spectrum. This expansion will lift the level of care at Mercy to an even higher level, while expanding Mercy’s ability to meet the growing cancer-care needs of this community.” Mercy Medical Center recently launched a capital campaign to support the $15 million expansion of the Sr. Caritas Cancer Center at Mercy Medical Center. Specifically, the funds will be used to consolidate all cancer services into a single, unified space and meet increased demand for outpatient cancer services. In the past two years, the number of patients receiving chemotherapy at the Sr. Caritas Cancer Center has increased by more than 200%. By 2022, the need for outpatient cancer services is expected to grow by 26%. “Through the years, the banking community has been at the forefront of supporting the Sisters of Providence Health System,” said Diane Dukette, vice president of Fund Development for the Sisters of Providence Health System. “Once again, they are among the first to step forward to support a critical community need. We are grateful for their ongoing generosity and commitment to the people we serve.”

United Financial Bancorp Announces Q4 Results
GLASTONBURY, Conn. — United Financial Bancorp Inc., the holding company for United Bank, announced results for the quarter and year ended Dec. 31, 2014. These results represent the second full fiscal quarter as the combined United Financial (merger of Rockville Financial Inc. and legacy United Financial Bancorp Inc.). Rockville was the legal acquirer in the merger of equals with legacy United in a transaction that closed on April 30, 2014, and Rockville changed its name to United Financial Bancorp Inc. at that time. The company had net income of $1.4 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2014, compared to Rockville’s net income of $1.8 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2013. Operating net income for the fourth quarter of 2014 was $8.3 million (non-GAAP), or $0.16 per diluted share, adjusted for $10.6 million (pre-tax) of expenses related to the merger, $3.4 million (pre-tax) net positive impact of the amortization and accretion of the purchase accounting adjustments (or fair value adjustments) as a result of the merger, $2.6 million (pre-tax) net adjustment for the company’s announced branch-optimization program, and $59,000 (pre-tax) net loss on sales of securities. Operating net income for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2014 was $10.4 million (non-GAAP), or $0.20 per diluted share, adjusted for $4.5 million (pre-tax) of expenses related to the merger, $3.8 million (pre-tax) net positive impact of the amortization and accretion of the purchase accounting adjustments (or fair value adjustments) as a result of the merger, and $430,000 (pre-tax) net gains on sales of securities. Operating net income for the prior-year period was $3.3 million (non-GAAP), or $0.13 per diluted share, adjusted for $2.1 million (pre-tax) of expenses related to the merger. Net income for the year ended Dec. 31, 2014 was $6.8 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, and declined from $14.2 million or $0.54 per diluted share for the year ended Dec. 31, 2013. Operating net income of $26.7 million (non-GAAP), or $0.62 per diluted share for the year ended Dec. 31, 2014 increased from $16.3 million or $0.62 per diluted share for the year ended Dec. 31, 2013. Adjustments to operating net income from GAAP net income are largely related to the merger with legacy United and are itemized in the reconciliation of non-GAAP measures. “As we close the books on 2014, I am pleased to announce that we reported impressive organic loan growth, successfully completed the conversion to one core operating system, and have materially achieved the company’s objectives related to eliminating redundant expenses by the end of the fourth quarter,” said William Crawford IV, CEO of United Financial Bancorp Inc. and United Bank. “Looking forward to 2015, the operational environment will be challenging; however, I am confident that our strategy to reduce expenses and improve efficiency will enhance long-term shareholder value while maintaining superior service for our customers.”

Family Legacy Partners Expands to Northampton
NORTHAMPTON — Karen Curran, CFP and Molly Keegan, CPA are announced the opening of a Northampton office of Family Legacy Partners Inc., an established financial-advisory firm headquartered in Greenfield. The new office is located in a historic property on Round Hill Road. Family Legacy Partners is an independent financial-services firm offering financial planning and investment management. Securities are offered through Bolton Global Capital Inc. in Bolton, Mass. Advisory services are offered through Bolton Global Asset Management, a SEC-registered investment advisor.

Ludlow Mills Riverwalk to Begin Construction
LUDLOW — The Westmass Area Development Corp. announced that it will begin Phase I of its riverwalk project this month, part of the approved Ludlow Mills Preservation and Redevelopment Comprehensive Master Plan. Westmass will begin construction on the riverwalk with a planned completion of Phase I this July. The initial phase of construction will cost $600,000 and is being funded through a partnership between HealthSouth and Westmass. The riverwalk is one of the early commitments that Westmass made to the town of Ludlow and its residents to promote public health and recreation along the river. The riverwalk will offer public space for pedestrian use and passive recreation, opening up the Chicopee River to the Ludlow Mills businesses and to residents of the community. Westmass has selected a local contractor, Gomes Construction Co., for this phase of the project. Phase I will feature a loop design and will start near Center Street, just east of the Town Common, run along the river toward the new HealthSouth Hospital, and then return through the proposed future park and reconnect with the recently installed municipal sidewalk system on State Street. The length of this phase of the riverwalk will span 3,575 feet and will incorporate the use of recycled brick materials, historic timeline markers and river observation areas along the walk. Together, the proposed riverwalk and future public park will cover approximately 52 acres, or nearly one-third of the Ludlow Mills site. Westmass seeks to convey that open space to the town so that it will remain in protected public use. The open space is intended to integrate the Ludlow Mills project into the neighborhood and community as well as support the many existing and new businesses that are attracted by the revived vibrancy of the Ludlow Mills.

UMassFive Opens Branch at Mercy Medical Center
SPRINGFIELD — UMassFive College Federal Credit Union introduced its newest branch location at Mercy Medical Center in Springfield. As of January, the Credit Union of the Providence System (CUPS) has formally merged with UMassFive College Federal Credit Union, and has transitioned former CUPS members to be UMassFive members. With this merger, current employees of the Sisters of Providence Health Systems and their immediate family members are now eligible for UMassFive membership. Along with this merger, there is a new location for this credit-union branch at the Weldon Rehabilitation Hospital at Mercy, 233 Carew St., in Room 110. This space has been completely renovated to provide members with an efficient place to do their banking and gives access to all credit-union products and services, including checking, auto loans, home-equity loans, mortgages, credit cards, and investment guidance. As with other branch locations, members at this new branch will have access to free financial workshops on topics such as budgeting essentials, home buying, identity theft, and paying down debt. The branch design has a modern and inviting feel and allows flexibility of use for both members and staff. Rather than a traditional teller line, the credit union has introduced teller pods, which both take up less space and increase the ability of tellers to move throughout the area, assisting members wherever they are in the branch. A touchscreen kiosk will provide online information about UMassFive. The hours for this new branch are: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Thursday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

People on the Move

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Departments People on the Move

Robinson Donovan, P.C., announced the promotion of two attorneys to Partner: Jeffrey Trapani, Esq. and Michael Simolo, Esq.

Jeffrey Trapani

Jeffrey Trapani

Mike Simolo

Mike Simolo

• Trapani, who joined the firm in 2007, concentrates in civil litigation, including insurance defense, employment law, municipal liability, business litigation, and professional malpractice. He also represents landlords in summary-process actions and housing-discrimination claims, and insurance companies in unfair-settlement claims and coverage issues. “Jeff is highly deserving of this designation,” said Nancy Pelletier, Esq., head of the Litigation Department at Robinson Donovan. “His expertise in civil litigation — both in the courtroom as well as in mediations and arbitrations — is a true asset to our firm.”
• Simolo, who joined the firm in 2009 and specializes in corporate and business counseling, estate planning, and litigation, plays a number of roles at Robinson Donovan, including supervising the organized transfer of wealth from clients to their beneficiaries. “Michael has deep knowledge of our shared practice areas and is a constant source of insight,” said Jeffrey Roberts, Esq., managing partner at Robinson Donovan. “He forms great relationships with his clients, getting to know their circumstances and helping them develop the kind of foresight that is beneficial for them in the long run.”
•••••
Monson Savings Bank recently announced three promotions:
Robert Chateauneuf

Robert Chateauneuf

Corinne Sawyer

Corinne Sawyer

• Robert Chateauneuf has been promoted to Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer. He joined Monson Savings Bank in 2012 as assistant vice president and is a key member of the bank’s commercial-lending team. He possesses indepth knowledge of the Western Mass. small-business marketplace and is a trusted advisor to business customers. He is a member of the 2014 class of BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty, and is a graduate of UMass Amherst;
• Corinne Sawyer has been promoted to Vice President, Business Development Officer. She joined Monson Savings Bank in 2001 and was promoted to assistant vice president in 2007. She works with the bank’s business customers to optimize cash flow, financial workflow, and efficiency using the bank’s deposit, cash-management, and eBanking products. She serves on the board of directors of the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce and is a graduate of Elms College;
Dodie Carpentier

Dodie Carpentier

• Dodie Carpentier has been promoted to Human Resources Officer. She joined Monson Savings Bank in 2006 as assistant branch manager and was promoted to branch manager in 2008. In 2012 she assumed a dual role as branch manager and education coordinator. With her growing interest in training and HR, she obtained certification in Supervision in Banking and Human Resources Management from the Center for Financial Training. She was awarded the position of human resources officer after an extensive search to replace her predecessor, Elaine Grimaldi, who retired last year.
•••••



Matthew Boilard

Matthew Boilard

The local, family-owned-and-operated supplier of building supplies A. Boilard Sons Inc., announced that Matthew Boilard has joined the family business. His appointment as Sales Associate continues a legacy of family leadership, now in its fourth generation. “This company has always been a part of my life, and I look forward to adding my own outside perspective to the business,” he said. “I’m proud to have an opportunity to be part of a family business, and my goals are to grow the business and look for new opportunities to help it succeed.” Boilard is a 2011 graduate of Bentley University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in corporate finance and accounting.
•••••
Jewish Geriatric Services has named Anne Thomas Vice President of Residential Services and Administrator of the Leavitt Family Jewish Home. Thomas brings more than 25 years of diverse experience in elder healthcare to this position. She will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Joint Commission-accredited, 200-bed, long-term-care and short-term-rehabilitation facility located in Longmeadow, and will also oversee management at Ruth’s House Assisted Living and Genesis House. Before joining the nursing home, Thomas served as the executive director and administrator of Hebrew Senior Life in Dedham, the largest provider of elder care in the Boston metropolitan area. In this role, she oversaw the day-to-day operations of more than 500 employees and 268 residents and their families, and was responsible for all aspects of financial and clinical outcomes. She also spearheaded the opening of a state-of-the-art healthcare center in the small-house model of care, which honors resident choice and quality of life. Prior to this, Thomas served as vice president/assistant administrator of Schervier Nursing Care Center, a member of the Bon Secours Health Care system, in Riverdale, N.Y.; and director of Chelsea Adult Day Health Care Center in New York City. Thomas is a member of Leading Age Massachusetts, the American College of Nursing Home Administrators, and the Assoc. of Health Care Executives. She holds a master’s degree in social work from Hunter College in New York, and a bachelor’s degree in social work from Providence College in Rhode Island. She is licensed as a nursing-home administrator and social worker, and is certified as a yoga instructor.
•••••
Dr. Holly Michaelson

Dr. Holly Michaelson

Dr. Holly Michaelson of Cooley Dickinson Medical Group General Surgical Care was among 1,640 initiates from around the world who recently became fellows of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). Michaelson received a medical doctorate from Temple University Medical School and completed a general surgical residency at Drexel University College of Medicine. She earned board certification from the American Board of Surgery in 2005, and is the director of minimally invasive and robotic surgery at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. Michaelson has a strong professional interest in advanced minimally invasive procedures, particularly surgeries of the colon and gastrointestinal tract as well as breast surgery. She holds membership in the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. The American College of Surgeons honored new initiates during its convocation ceremony at the college’s 2014 annual Clinical Congress in San Francisco. By meeting the college’s stringent membership requirements, fellows of the college earn the right to use the designation FACS (Fellow, American College of Surgeons) after their names. An applicant for fellowship must be a graduate of an approved medical school; must have completed advanced training in one of the 14 surgical specialties recognized by the college; must possess certification by an American surgical specialty board or its Canadian equivalent; and must have been in practice for at least one year at the time of his or her application. Before admission into fellowship, the surgeon must further demonstrate ethical fitness and professional proficiency, and his or her acceptance as a fellow of the college must be approved by three-fourths of its board of regents. The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and to improve the quality of care for the surgical patient.
•••••
The Gray House inducted Teresa Spaziani to a three-year term on its board of directors at its January board meeting. Also elected were four new officers for one-year terms:
• Michael Walsh, President;
• David Chase, Vice President;
• Paul Mitus, Treasurer; and
• Candace Pereira, Secretary.
Spaziani is a quality-assurance manager at the Children’s Study Home in Springfield. She has held that position since February 2014. Previously, she was its community relations and outreach manager. Spaziani holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western New England University, graduating magna cum laude in 2012. Walsh was the current board president and was re-elected for another one-year term. He is an adjunct instructor in Political Science at Westfield State University and a consultant and legal advisor at MIRA Associates. Chase has more than 20 years of banking experience. He is a vice president and commercial lender at Hampden Bank in Springfield. Mitus previously served as vice president. He has 25 years of banking experience and is currently a portfolio manager at Hampden Bank. Pereira has more than 10 years of banking experience. She is a commercial-portfolio loan officer for Farmington Bank in West Springfield. The Gray House is a small, neighborhood human-service agency located at 22 Sheldon St. in the North End of Springfield. Its mission is to help neighbors facing hardships to meet their immediate and transitional needs by providing food, clothing, and educational services in a safe, positive environment.
•••••
The American Assoc. of Community Colleges has selected HCC professor emerita, alumna, and major donor Elaine Marieb for its 2015 Outstanding Alumni awards. Marieb taught anatomy and physiology at Holyoke Community College for 25 years after receiving her Ph.D. in zoology from UMass. While teaching, she enrolled in HCC’s Registered Nursing program, earning her associate degree. Her teaching and education led her to write a series of anatomy and physiology textbooks that have gone on to become international bestsellers. Last year, Marieb donated $1 million toward HCC’s Building Healthy Communities fund-raising campaign, which is supporting two building projects at the college, a new Center for Health Education on Jarvis Avenue, and the Center for Life Sciences on campus. The AACC award recognizes community-college alumni for their career achievements, philanthropic contributions, and inspirational impact.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

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Chamber Corners Departments

ACCGS
www.myonlinechamber.com
(413) 787-1555
 
• Feb. 12-March 26: Leadership Institute 2015, to be staged Thursdays, 1-4:30 p.m., between Feb. 12 and March 26. The opening session will be held at Sheraton Springfield, One Monarch Place, Springfield, and all remaining sessions will be held at TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St., Springfield. In partnership with Western New England University, this seven-week program is designed to teach mid- and upper-level managers the crucial thinking and problem solving skills needed to enable them to be effective leaders in service to the community and in their workplaces and designed to develop high energy and high involvement leadership. Sponsored by MassMutual with scholarship support from the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation. For information, contact Kara Cavanaugh at [email protected].

• Feb. 27: Outlook 2015, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., MassMutual Center, Springfield. Featuring Gov. Charlie Baker and special guests including U.S. Rep. Richard Neal. Presenting sponsor: Health New England. Platinum sponsors: Eastern States Exposition, United Personnel, MassMutual Financial Group, MGM Springfield. Program/reception sponsors: Comcast, Sisters of Providence Health System, the Republican, Eversource. Gold sponsors: BusinessWest and Chicopee Savings Bank. Tickets are $50 for chamber members, $70 for general admission. Tables of 10 are available. Reservation deadline: Feb. 20. No walk-ins accepted. No cancellations after reservation deadline. Reservations must be made in advance. To register, visit www.myonlinechamber.com or e-mail Sarah Mazzaferro at [email protected].
 
GREATER CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101
 
• Feb. 11: CEO Luncheon, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hosted by Collegian Court Restaurant, 89 Park St., Chicopee.
Tickets are $25 members, $30 for non-members.

• Feb. 18: February Salute Breakfast & Annual Meeting, 7:15-9 a.m., at the MassMutual Learning & Conference Center, Chicopee. Tickets are $23 for members, $29 for non-members. 

GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.easthamptonchamber.org
(413) 527-9414
 
• Feb. 9: Getting Down to Business about Business, 8-9 a.m., on the second Monday of each month.  Mayor Karen Cadieux will be hosted by one of Easthampton’s businesses for casual question-and-answer sessions.
 
• Feb. 14: Second annual Easthampton WinterFest, starting at 11 a.m. The Nashawannuck Pond Steering Committee and Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce invite you to the second annual Easthampton WinterFest. This community-wide event features family-friendly winter activities held throughout the day, featuring an historical ice harvest on Nashawannuck Pond, horse-drawn wagon rides, snowshoeing, snow sculpture, a chili cook-off, a community bonfire, and much more. There will also be winter-themed indoor activities for all ages. Most events are free or by donation. A lineup of the day’s events will be posted on www.nashawannuckpond.org.
 
GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.holycham.com
(413) 534-3376
 
• Feb. 18: Chamber After Hours, 5-7 p.m. Business networking event includes complimentary appetizers, 50/50 raffle, and door prizes. Sponsored and hosted by Gary Rome Hyundai, 1000 Main St., Holyoke. Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for the public. Call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 or sign up online at holyokechamber.com.
 
• Feb. 24: “How to Start and Maintain Your Business: Marketing Your Business,” 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the chamber conference room, 177 High St. This program, the latest in a series, will provide all you need to know about designing a logo, branding your business, advertising opportunities, social media, and developing a website. Tickets are $20. Series sponsors: PeoplesBank, Common Capital, Mass Cultural Council/the Artery in partnership with Holyoke Creative Arts. Call the Holyoke chamber at (413) 534-3376 to sign up or online at holyokechamber.com.

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618
  
• Feb. 11: February After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m., at Betts Piping Supply Co., 14 Coleman Ave., Westfield. For more information, contact the chamber at (413) 568-1618.

PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CHAMBER
www.professionalwomenschamber.com
(413) 755-1310
  
• Feb. 10: Ladies Night, 5-7 p.m., at It’s All About Me!, 2 Somers Road, Hampden. Enjoy complimentary wine and refreshments. 
Reservations are complimentary but required. Contact Gwen Burke at (413) 237-8840 or [email protected]. The Professional Women’s Chamber is an affiliate of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield.

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.ourwrc.com
(413) 426-3880
 
• Feb. 19: Networking Lunch, noon to 1:30 p.m., at Lattitude, 1338 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. One must be a member or guest of a member to attend. Enjoy a sit-down lunch while networking with fellow chamber members. Each attendee will get a chance to offer a brief sales pitch. The only cost to attend is the cost of your lunch. Attendees will order off the menu and pay separately the day of the event. Please note that we cannot invoice you for these events.
 For more information, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].

• Feb. 25: Legislative Breakfast, 7-9 a.m., at Storrowton Tavern,  1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. The breakfast will feature a panel of various leaders, including state Sen. James Welch, state Sen. Donald Humason, Agawam Mayor Richard Cohen, and West Springfield Mayor Edward Sullivan. Tickets are $25 for members, $30 for non-members. For more information on ticket sales, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].

Agenda

By
Agenda Departments

Chicopee Chamber CEO Luncheon
Feb. 11: The Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce will present its first CEO luncheon of 2015 from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Collegian Court Restaurant, 16 Park St., Chicopee. The speaker will be Elizabeth Barajas-Román, CEO of the Women’s Fund of Western Mass. Barajas-Román has been a leader in progressive movements, including advocating at the national level for the health and rights of immigrant women and their families. Most recently, she was a manager at the Pew Charitable Trusts, where she directed a portfolio of partners that campaigned for state and federal policy change to improve government performance on issues that impact children’s health. Barajas-Román brings a background in impactful philanthropy, data-driven strategy design, fund-raising through philanthropic partnerships, creating coalitions, and mobilizing partners. Previously, she served as the director of Policy at the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health and directed the organization’s Washington, D.C. office. Barajas-Román was frequently invited to be a voice in national-policy discussions at the White House and on Capitol Hill. She is a graduate of Oberlin College and received her master’s degree in international policy from Harvard University. To register for the luncheon, visit ‘Upcoming Events’ on the chamber’s website, www.chicopeechamber.org. The cost is $25 for chamber members and $30 for non-members.

‘Pink in the Rink’
Feb. 21: Noble Hospital is the major sponsor the Springfield Falcons’ “Pink in the Rink” event against the Portland Pirates. This annual event helps to raise funds for and awareness of breast cancer. Falcons players wear special pink jerseys that will be autographed and auctioned off after the event. Visit www.ebay.com/usr/springfieldfalcons to bid on the pink jerseys after the game. In addition to the hockey game, breast-cancer survivors will be honored, there will be giveaways and raffles, and Noble Hospital will provide an information booth. Members of a support group, the Pink WAY, will also attend. Noble Hospital’s Center for Comprehensive Breast Health, under the direction of Dr. Steven Schonholz, provides a wide range of options and services in a single location. Pink bracelets will be available for donations at the Noble table; funds raised will go towards Noble’s breast-cancer awareness programs and to help local patients going through treatments. Area residents can support Noble Hospital by purchasing tickets to the game at give.noblehospital.org/pinkintherink. For more information, contact the hospital’s Community Development Office at [email protected] or (413) 568-2811, ext. 5520.

West of the River Chamber Legislative Breakfast
Feb. 25: The West of the River Chamber of Commerce announced that it will stage its Legislative Breakfast, an event that brings members and non-members together for a morning of breakfast and legislative updates, from 7 to 9 a.m. at the Storrowton Tavern Carriage House in West Springfield. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with local business people over breakfast, and later will enjoy an informational session presented by a panel of legislators including state Sens. Donald Humason and James Welch, state Rep. Michael Finn, Agawam Mayor Mayor Richard Cohen, and West Springfield Mayor Edward Sullivan. Political consultant Anthony Cignoli will emcee the event and offer economic updates. Sponsors for the event are Health New England, OMG, the Insurance Center of New England, Ormsby Insurance, and Spherion. The cost is $25 for members, $30 for non-members. For more information, call the chamber office at (413) 426-3880.

Greater Westfield Chamber Legislative Luncheon
Feb. 27: The Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, which serves Blandford, Chester, Granville, Huntington, Montgomery, Russell, Southwick, Tolland, Westfield, and Woronoco, will present its second annual Legislative Luncheon at Tekoa Country Club. Invited state legislators include Sens. Benjamin Downing and Donald Humason and Reps. Nicholas Boldyga, Peter Kocot, Stephen Kulig, William Pignatelli, and John Velis. A host of sponsorship opportunities are still available. Tickets for the event are $25 for chamber members and $35 (paid in advance) for non-members. For more information on tickets and sponsorships, call the chamber at (413) 568-1618.

PAWSCARS Fund-raiser
Feb. 28: Dakin Humane Society will present a fund-raising event at the MassMutual Center in Springfield that will affectionately spoof Hollywood, the Oscars, and red-carpet fashion. Dubbed “The PAWSCARS & Red Carpet Fashion Parade,” the show will be emceed by Ashley Kohl and Seth Stutman, hosts of Mass Appeal on WWLP-22News. Beginning with a VIP Reception at 6 p.m. and a plated dinner at 7 p.m., the evening will also include a red-carpet fashion parade featuring local people of prominence, accompanied by rescue dogs (among them former Dakin dogs, now adopted). Short videos of animals recreating iconic moments in cinematic history, created by members of the public, will also be screened during the evening. “We’re looking forward to presenting a one-of-a-kind event with the PAWSCARS,” said Dakin Executive Director Leslie Harris. “We’re blending fashion, fun, and film with a healthy dose of humor for an unforgettable night. Plus, as our major fund-raising event of the year, it will be a terrific opportunity for our supporters to come together and enjoy themselves while providing much-needed aid for the many animals in our care.” With a targeted audience of 500, The PAWSCARS is Dakin’s most ambitious fund-raising event in its 45-year history. Tickets for the event are available at www.dakinhumane.org for $125 per person (dinner and show) or $50 (show only). Corporate sponsors for the PAWSCARS include Baystate Health, Piepul’s Camera Center, Clinical & Support Options, United Personnel, C.A.R. Data Management and Program Evaluation Services, Hampden Bank, and Robinson Donovan. The Republican, Reminder Publications, WMAS, the Daily Hampshire Gazette, and the Recorder are among the media sponsors. Visit www.dakinhumane.org for more information about the event.

Difference Makers
March 19: The sixth annual Difference Makers award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House. Difference Makers is a program, launched in 2009, that recognizes groups and individuals that are making a difference in this region. The class of 2015 is profiled in this issue. Tickets cost $60 per person, and tables of 10 are available. Go HERE to order, or call (413) 781-8600, ext. 10, or e-mail [email protected].

40 Under Forty
June 18: The ninth annual 40 Under Forty award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House. Details on the event, which honors the region’s most accomplished and civic-minded professionals under age 40, will be published in upcoming issues. The class of 2015 will be revealed and profiled in the April 20 issue.

Court Dockets

By
Court Dockets Departments

The following is a compilation of recent lawsuits involving area businesses and organizations. These are strictly allegations that have yet to be proven in a court of law. Readers are advised to contact the parties listed, or the court, for more information concerning the individual claims.

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Daviau Construction, LLC v. Complete Restoration Solutions Inc.
Allegations: Failure to pay under the terms of a construction contract: $28,010
Filed: 12/30/14

Prospect Builders Inc. v. Elmcrest Country Club
Allegations: Non-payment of construction labor and materials provided: $33,378.22
Filed: 12/16/14

Quality Health Ideas Inc. v. Accountable Care Associates Inc.
Allegations: Breach of contract and breach of implied covenant of good-faith and fair dealing: $955,916.00
Filed: 12/23/14

USNE Inc. v. Prime Solutions Inc., Sune Monson I, LLC, and Pro-Tech Energy Solutions Inc.
Allegations: Non-payment of labor and materials: $118,843.30
Filed: 12/18/14

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT
Ian Hogan v. Gary M. Bombardier, M.D., Louis J. Durkin, M.D., Holyoke Medical Center, and Mercy Medical Center
Allegations: Tortious interference with business relations causing plaintiff to lose his job and restrict future employment: $450,000
Filed: 12/9/14

Michael J. Kocak, personally and as administrator for the estate of John W. Kocak v. Apple New England, LLC d/b/a Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar and Grill
Allegations: John Kocak was a patron at Applebee’s where he choked on food and later died as a result: $25,000+
Filed: 12/4/14

Vincent O’Connell and Katharine Swanson v. George Propane Inc.
Allegations: Negligence in winterizing of heating system causing damage to property: $42,000
Filed: 11/17/14

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT
Cheryl A. Vaid v. Seneca Foods Corp. and Stop and Shop Companies Inc.
Allegations: Negligence in food packaging and breach of implied merchantability: $25,000.00+
Filed: 12/9/14

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Thomas Publishing Co., LLC v. Diecutting Tooling Services Inc.
Allegations: Non-payment of advertising services rendered: $3,938.40
Filed: 11/24/14

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Horizon Beverage Co. Inc. v. Buck Pond Enterprise Inc., f/d/b/a Tommy D’s
Allegations: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $3,929.16; Filed: 11/21/14

Picture This

By
Departments Picture This

Send photos with a caption and contact information to: ‘Picture This’ c/o BusinessWest Magazine, 1441 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103 or to [email protected]

SCCC-Capital-Camp-Bankers

Transforming Cancer Care

Mercy Medical Center recently announced that Westfield Bank and the Chicopee Savings Bank Charitable Foundation have pledged gifts of $150,000 and $100,000, respectively, to Transforming Cancer Care, the capital campaign for the Sr. Caritas Cancer Center, located at the hospital. From left, Bill Wagner, president of Chicopee Savings Bank; Diane Dukette, vice president of Fund Development for the Sisters of Providence Health System; and James Hagan, president and CEO of Westfield Bank, check on the progress of the $15 million project to expand the cancer center.





TSM20TSM32TSM2

Thirty Years and Still Growing

TSM Design, a brand-development, marketing, and design firm located in the historic Stearns Building in downtown Springfield, recently celebrated 30 years in business. Owner Nancy Urbschat has been with the agency for all but three months of the 30 years, and 2015 also marks the anniversary of her purchase of TSM Design 10 years ago. Urbschat said 2014 was a banner year for the company, with the opening of a second office in the historic G. Fox building in downtown Hartford and a host of new clients, including the city of Hartford, the Insurance Center of New England, White Lion, and Fathers & Sons. “I know it’s early in the year, but I think 2015 will be even stronger,” she added. Top: Urbschat, right, with Janet Bennett, marketing director, and Brittany Arita, designer, of TSM Design. Middle: Janet and Mark Bennett. (Photos by Chris Marion)

Holyoke Health Center Announces ‘Dental Adventure’ Event

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Health Center is celebrating Children’s Dental Health Month by hosting a two-day event called “Dental Adventure” on Feb. 17 and 18 to raise awareness for Pediatric Oral Health. The American Dental Assoc. recognizes the month of the February as National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM) to increase awareness of the importance for children’s oral health. The Dental Adventure event will be held on all floors of Holyoke Health Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the two days.

The event will include activities that engage participants in oral-health education, dental exams, and creative oral-health crafts. The health center will provide pediatric dental services including oral exams, X-rays and imaging, sealants, and fluoride treatments. Throughout this event, young participants will get the opportunity to experience all the dental-health services provided at Holyoke Health Center by participating in a scavenger hunt throughout the facility, with tasks including oral-health education, dental-themed crafts, and an oral exam, with prizes and giveaways for completing each task.

“At our health center, we are proud to offer affordable medical, dental, pharmacy, behavioral-health and community programming,” said CEO Jay Breines. “Our approach is to look at the whole health of the person and their life beyond the walls of our health center. By focusing on prevention and partnering with local, community-based organizations, we can give our patients the right tools to stay healthy and productive, and out of the hospital.”

To learn more about Holyoke Health Center, visit www.hhcinc.org.

Jones Whitsett Architects Awarded GCC Child Care Center Project

By
Daily News

GREENFIELD — Greenfield-based Jones Whitsett Architects has been chosen to design Greenfield Community College’s new Child Care Center. The Mass. Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) selected Jones Whitsett to design a state-of-the-art facility that will combine a healthy, creative educational setting with maximum environmental efficiency.

Jones Whitsett, led by Principal Architect Margo Jones, is an award-winning architectural practice with three decades of experience providing architectural services on municipal, cultural, and historic-preservation projects. Over the past two decades, school design has become the largest part of Jones Whitsett’s portfolio.

The new Child Care Center will be the first on-campus child-care center at GCC since GCC’s Head Start program ended 15 years ago when renovation began on the College’s main building. The new center will be built on the college’s main campus and will serve the families of GCC staff, faculty, and students, as well as families from throughout the community. It will also serve as the ‘lab school’ for students in GCC’s Education programs to do their field work.

“The competition for this project was stiff, with many good architects from throughout the state eager to take on the work,” said GCC President Bob Pura. “We are especially pleased that the DCAMM Review Board chose Greenfield-based Jones Whitsett Architects to design GCC’s new Child Care Center. Margo Jones’ understanding of GCC is long-standing. This brings an added dimension and understanding of this community to the design of the center. Knowing that Jones Whitsett is designing the center elevates our excitement about the project. We are hopeful that children, teachers, parents, and GCC’s students will be entering the new Child Care Center by January of 2017.”

Responding to DCAMM’s decision, Jones said, “Jones Whitsett Architects is truly thrilled to have been selected as the design firm for this important project. It is a very exciting project, which will utilize many of our strengths and passions — healthy, creative educational environments, cutting-edge sustainable design, participatory and reclamation landscape architecture, and early-childhood design that will be state of the art. Certainly, affordable, high-quality child care for GCC is needed, and will be a huge resource for the college and its community. We are especially honored to be chosen to follow in the footsteps of the previous design team, who, in partnership with GCC and DCAMM, made beautiful improvements to the main building at the campus. We have every confidence we can meet and possibly exceed this very high bar for interactive, accessible architecture.”

Reflecting on the need for the Child Care Center, Professor of Education Kate Finnegan noted that, “in order to flourish as younger human beings, children need loving care, food, shelter, heat, clothing, and education. In addition, educational programs like those that will be housed in the new Center offer protection, foster resiliency, and create opportunity. As children flourish and mature into adulthood, they begin their unique journey into the larger world. GCC welcomes the children and their families who will be served by the programming delivered at the new facility on GCC campus. A majority of the parents of children served by child-care programming at the new GCC facility will be, in all likelihood, GCC students. When GCC’s previous child-care program closed years ago, 75% of the children’s parents were also GCC students.”

Working on the Child Care Center design along with Jones Whitsett will be Keith Miller of Miller Design LLC, which has designed more than 100 child-care centers in the U.S. and abroad. “We are excited to be part of the design team with Jones Whitsett Architects,” Miller said. “We look forward to sharing our expertise with the team and community in creating a building that will in turn shape the future of the community through the children, faculty, and students.”

Dr. Charlotte Boney Named Chair of Pediatrics at Baystate Health

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Dr. Charlotte Boney, a nationally recognized pediatric endocrinologist and physician educator, has been named to the position of Tufts University School of Medicine chair of Pediatrics at Baystate Health and vice president of the Pediatric Service Line at Baystate Children’s Hospital.

Before coming to Baystate Children’s Hospital, Boney was director of the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology in the Department of Pediatrics at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, and professor of Pediatrics at Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.

“I am thrilled to be joining Baystate. Baystate Children’s Hospital has a proven track record in delivering state-of-the-art clinical care, but it is the department’s commitment to serving the community’s children and their families, and to training future pediatricians, which really attracted me to this position,” she said.

Boney attended the University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn. and the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Memphis, where she was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. She completed her internship and residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore and a fellowship in pediatric endocrinology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She joined the faculty at Brown University in 1994 and became program director of the fellowship in Pediatric Endocrinology in 2003 and director of the Division of Endocrinology in 2005. She received numerous teaching awards at Brown, including the Dean’s Teaching Excellence Award every year from 2004 to 2011 and again in 2013.

Boney also has a distinguished research career, supported by National Institutes of Health funding, during which she focused on the biology of adipocyte (fat-cell) development. She has also conducted clinical research in pediatric obesity and diabetes. Additionally, she has served on numerous hospital, university, regional, and national committees.

Boney’s professional memberships include the Endocrine Society, the Pediatric Endocrine Society (for which she served on the board of directors), the Society for Pediatric Research, the Obesity Society, and the American Pediatric Society. She recently joined the sub-board in pediatric endocrinology at the American Board of Pediatrics. She has also authored some 40 scholarly publications, including peer-reviewed journals and abstracts, and is the author of several textbook chapters. She also serves as a member of the editorial board of the American Journal of Physiology, Endocrinology and Metabolism.

“It is my hope in my new role at Baystate Children’s Hospital to expand clinical programs, strengthen education programs, and generate new knowledge in pediatric medicine,” she said.

Berkshire Bank Supports Food Banks Through eStatement Initiative

By
Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Bank announced that its initiative to move customers from paper statements to eStatements, in an effort to reduce their carbon footprint, resulted in 1,099 customer conversions. As a result of this campaign, the Berkshire Bank Foundation is donating $3,500 to local food banks, having previously pledged donations for every account that converted to eStatements.

A secure and convenient way to stay organized while helping the environment, Berkshire Bank eStatements, like paper statements, are delivered regularly to each customer. An e-mail message alerts the customer when their statement is available online. Not only does this reduce paper usage, it is a secure way to manage finances without the worry of disposing of traditional statements through recycling and shredding.

The selected food banks that will be receiving funding include the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, the Food Bank of Greater Boston, the Worcester County Food Bank, the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY, the Food Bank of Central New York, FoodShare of Connecticut, and the Vermont Food Bank. Berkshire Bank’s eStatement campaign won the New England Financial Marketing Assoc. Best in Marketing Award for the category of image, green campaign.

Amherst Chamber Supports ARHS Business Education Program

By
Daily News

AMHERST — The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce announced a donation of $3,517 to Amherst Regional High School’s Business Education Program. This money was raised at the annual Chamber Golf Tournament held in July 2014 through donations from local businesses.

The chamber also announced the expansion of its successful ARHS scholarship program in collaboration with Cooley Dickinson Health Care. For the past 11 years, Cooley Dickinson and the chamber have funded two $1,000 scholarships to deserving ARHS seniors who plan to study business at UMass Amherst. This year, the scholarship program will be expanded to include ARHS seniors who will pursue a healthcare-related degree at UMass.

“We are thrilled to receive this significant donation from the chamber, which directly supports and positively impacts many ARHS students who are interested in business and entrepreneurship,” said Kimberly Stender, director of Community Partnerships and Volunteers for Amherst-Pelham Regional Public Schools.

Employer Confidence in Massachusetts Hits 14-year High

By
Daily News

BOSTON — Employers are more confident about the Massachusetts economy than they have been in 14 years. In the latest Business Confidence Index released by Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM), employer confidence in the Bay State economy surged 3.2 points to 59.3, on a 100-point scale, in January. Overall business confidence rose for the fifth consecutive month, to 58.1, while the U.S. Index of business conditions nationally rose 4.0 points to 54.1.

“These are landmark figures,” said Katherine Kiel, professor of Economics at the College of the Holy Cross and a member of the AIM board of economic advisors. “The national indicator is at a level not seen since before the Great Recession, in August 2007, and its state counterpart had not been this high since before the previous recession, in December 2000. Business confidence in Massachusetts conditions, like total statewide employment, did not fully recover from that earlier downturn before the next one hit.”

Added Richard Lord, AIM’s president and CEO, “our members rate conditions within the Commonwealth better than they have been in 14 years.” Lord noted that the January Business Confidence Index survey included a question asking employers how they saw Massachusetts as a place to do business in 2015. “Forty-two percent of respondents chose ‘the best’ or ‘very good,’ while only 8% went with ‘below par,’” he said. “It’s a credit to our business community, our workforce, and our political leadership that employer perceptions are so positive.”

AIM’s Business Confidence Index has been issued monthly since July 1991 under the oversight of its board of economic advisors. Presented on a 100-point scale on which 50 is neutral, the index attained a historical high of 68.5 in 1997 and 1998; its all-time low was 33.3 in February 2009. Economists say rising confidence leads to economic growth.

“When the Federal Reserve notes strong job growth and solid expansion, as it did in its assessment last week, it’s important to recognize that businesses are creating those jobs because they are feeling confident about the future,” said Raymond Torto, chair of AIM’s board of economic advisors (BEA) and lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Design.

The cheers for the economy were not, however, without reservation. The Current Index, tracking employers’ assessment of existing business conditions, edged off one-tenth to 56.1, while the Future Index, measuring expectations for the next six months, added 1.7 to 60.1. Meanwhile, the three sub-indices related to survey respondents’ own operations all weakened in January. The Company Index, in which employers assess the situations of their own operations, was down a point to 59.1; the Sales Index shed six-tenths to 60.7; and the Employment Index fell 2.8 to 53.9.

“The sales and employment numbers are off for the second consecutive month,” noted Michael Goodman, associate professor of Public Policy and executive director of the Public Policy Center at UMass Dartmouth, and a BEA member. “However, respondents expect both sales and hiring to increase in the next six months. Over the past six months, respondents reporting adding new staff have outnumbered those reporting layoffs, 29% to 22%, while expectations for the next six months are much stronger, with 33% reporting plans to hire and 11% expecting staffing reductions.”

BusinessWest, Healthcare News Launch New Lecture Series

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest and the Healthcare News are pleased to announce a new lecture series presented by Comcast Business. This series of lectures, panel discussions, and presentations will address timely and important business information, and is an ideal opportunity to meet industry leaders and network with area business professionals.

The first event in the series, called “Technology Has the Power to Change Healthcare,” is slated for Thursday, March 12 at La Quinta Inn & Suites, 100 Congress St., Springfield. Panelists include Neil Kudler, vice president and chief medical information officer for Baystate Health; Michael Feld, CEO of VertitechIT and acting chief technology officer of Baystate Health and Lancaster General Hospital; and Delcie Bean IV, CEO, of Paragus Strategic IT.

Registration begins at 7:15 a.m., followed by breakfast and networking at 7:30 a.m. and the panel discussion from 8 to 9 a.m. Admission is free, provided by Comcast Business, but RSVP is required by Thursday, March 5. Sign up online at businesswest.com/lecture-series, or call (413) 781-8600, ext. 10, for more information.

Monson Savings Promotes Carolyn Weeks, Anthony Jianaces

By
Daily News

MONSON – Monson Savings Bank has announced the promotions of Carolyn Weeks to branch manager of the Wilbraham office, and of Anthony Jianaces to branch manager of the Hampden office.

Weeks began her career at Monson Savings in 2007 as a part-time customer service associate while still in college. In 2009, she came back to the bank and has risen through the ranks to customer service associate supervisor, assistant branch manager, and now branch manager. She is a UMass graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Jianaces joined the bank in 2012, also as a part-time customer service associate. He has since been promoted to assistant branch manager and now branch manager. He is a registered financial representative and holds his series 7, series 66, and insurance licenses. He is a graduate of Stonehill College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

“I am extremely pleased to announce these promotions,” said Steve Lowell, president of Monson Savings Bank. “Carolyn and Anthony are both very talented and impressive young professionals who have already made significant contributions to the success of Monson Savings.”

Kevin Joyce Joins Team at Webber & Grinnell

By
Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — After a stint working as a senior member of IBM’s Business Analytics Division in the Boston area, Holyoke native Kevin Joyce has returned to the Pioneer Valley and taken a position at Webber & Grinnell Insurance.

Joyce began his insurance career in 2005 with Phillips Insurance of Chicopee. In his five years at Phillips, he built a significant book of business comprised of property owners, manufacturers, restaurants/hospitality, contractors/sub-contractors, and technology operations.

“I’m very excited to be back in the community I love, working with a great firm and clients that I’m passionate about,” Joyce said.

Added Mathew Geffin, vice president of Business Development, “we are very excited that Kevin is joining the team at Webber & Grinnell. Kevin is a son of the Pioneer Valley and understands the values and needs of our business community.”

As one of the largest insurance agencies in Western Mass., Webber & Grinnell currently serves more than 5,000 automobile and homeowner policyholders, and insures nearly 900 businesses throughout the region.

Westfield State University Advances Presidential Search

By
Daily News

WESTFIELD — Upon recommendation of its presidential search committee, the Westfield State University board of trustees has officially ratified Diversified Search of Philadelphia to help manage the search process for the selection of the university’s 20th president.

Diversified Search is woman-owned, top-10 executive-search firm with specialties in the areas of education and not-for-profits. Throughout the firm’s 40-year history, Diversified has always sought leaders that have not only strong character and credentials, but also different perspectives and views. The presidential search committee met on Jan. 5 to review proposals and conduct search-firm interviews, and selected Diversified from among four firms who submitted a request for proposal.

“Diversified Search was the strongest choice due to its extensive experience in higher education,” said Steven Marcus, co-chair of the search committee. “Diversified will help the search committee, the board of trustees, and the entire Westfield State community develop the values, characteristics, and alignment of purpose needed to conduct a successful search.”

With the search firm approved, a timeline will be developed, and meetings with the members of the campus community will be convened to share their opinions on what traits and characteristics the next Westfield State president should possess. Two days of open forums, moderated by Diversified Search, are scheduled for Feb. 11 and Feb. 12.

“Developing a timeline and criteria will be critical for this search. We do not want the search to drag on, but we do want to take the time we need to select the very best candidate possible,” said Terrell Hill, co-chair of the presidential search committee.

BusinessWest to Unveil Difference Makers on Monday

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest will unveil its seventh annual class of Difference Makers on Monday, in the Feb. 9 issue, which features lengthy, in-depth profiles of this year’s honorees — a can’t-miss issue. Difference Makers is a program, launched in 2009, that recognizes groups and individuals that are, as the name suggests, making a difference in this region.

The annual Difference Makers award program will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House on March 19. Tickets cost $60 per person, and reserved tables of 10 are available. To order tickets, call (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or e-mail [email protected].

Only a Few Hours Remain for 40 Under Forty Nominations

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Time is running out to nominate your favorite rising star in the Western Mass. business community. Nominations for BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty will be accepted through 5 p.m. today, at which time they will be forwarded to five independent judges, who will choose the class of 2015. The winners will be profiled in the April 20 issue and celebrated at a June 18 gala at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House.

Since its inception in 2007, said BusinessWest editor George O’Brien, “40 Under Forty has become a brand, as well as a goal for many young people in the business community, nonprofit sector, and public-service realm. It’s become a benchmark, if you will, a symbol of excellence that, above all, identifies someone as a leader.”

The nomination form, available at businesswest.com, requests basic information and can be supported with other material, such as a résumé, testimonials, and even press clippings highlighting an individual’s achievements in their profession or service to their community.

Voters Approve Zoning Change, Expansion of Longmeadow Shops

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Daily News

LONGMEADOW — Voters at a town meeting this week approved a zoning change to allow for the expansion of the Longmeadow Shops, a 78,000-square-foot retail plaza on Bliss Road and Williams Street. The proposal to change the zoning of an adjacent 1.8-acre parcel from residential to business zoning passed by a 729-168 margin, according to the Republican.

Grove Properties, which owns the Longmeadow Shops, plans to add 21,000 square feet of retail space to the plaza, which will include a new, enlarged CVS, two additional retail shops, 139 new parking spaces, an additional entrance, and a reconfiguration of the parking lot.

ACCGS Business @ Breakfast Event Tackles Viaduct Project

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The theme of the March 4 Business @ Breakfast event sponsored by the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield is “Hard Hats Required: I-91 Viaduct Project.” The event will take place from 7:15 to 9 a.m. at Chez Josef, 176 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam.

Springfield city officials, Parking Authority leaders, and construction representatives will tell attendees everything they need to know about the project so that businesses can be prepared. Featured panelists include Al Stegman of the Mass. Department of Transportation, Chris Cignoli from the city of Springfield, and Mary McNally of the Springfield Parking Authority.

Berkshire Bank Announces $2 Million in Philanthropic Grants

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Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Bank Foundation awarded a total of $1,518,133 in grants to nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, and Vermont during 2014. The grants supported important education and community development initiatives as well as health, human-service, and cultural programs. In addition, Berkshire Bank provided $500,622 in community sponsorships, raising its total contributions in the community to over $2 million.

“We are so pleased to continue providing critical funding to hundreds of nonprofit organizations across our footprint,” said Lori Gazzillo, vice president and director of the Berkshire Bank Foundation. “Our 2014 grants have supported programs and projects that are enhancing economic opportunities and improving the quality of life for members of our communities. On behalf of our entire Berkshire Bank team, we are honored to be able to give back in such a significant way.”

The bank’s charitable foundation and bank sponsorships fund nonprofit organizations and programs in communities that Berkshire Bank serves. While the foundation’s funding priorities are education and community and economic-development projects, it also supports youth, cultural, and human-service organizations. The bank also maintains an annual scholarship program for high-school seniors, which recently launched for 2015.

Meanwhile, recognizing that being a good corporate citizen and community partner is about more than writing a check, Berkshire administers an employee volunteer program called the X-Team, which provides employees with paid time off to volunteer during regular business hours. Through the program, more than 70% of Berkshire Bank’s employees donated in excess of 40,000 hours of service to benefit community organizations across the bank’s footprint.

Berkshire Bank’s philanthropic and community volunteerism efforts were honored in 2014 with the Capital Region Community Impact Award, the United Way Agar Volunteerism Award, two New England Financial Marketing Awards, and being named by the Boston Business Journal as one of Massachusetts’ Most Charitable Companies for the second consecutive year.

Berkshire Bank accepts requests for financial support at www.berkshirebank.com/giving. All requests must be submitted through the online system in order to be considered. Organizations interested in seeking funding are encouraged to read the foundation’s funding guidelines prior to applying for support. Complete guidelines for those seeking grants or bank community sponsorships are available on the website.

Deadline Is Tomorrow for 40 Under Forty Nominations

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Time is running out to nominate your favorite rising star in the Western Mass. business community.

Coming off a record haul of nominations last year, BusinessWest hopes to keep the momentum going as the 40 Under Forty program enters its ninth year. The magazine launched the program in 2007 as a way to spotlight the accomplishments of younger professionals throughout Western Mass. — not only their on-the-job achievements, but their often-extensive volunteer work with organizations that benefit their communities.

To nominate an individual, visit businesswest.com. Nominations will be accepted through the end of the business day (5 p.m.) tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 6. Five judges will then score those nominations, and the winners will be profiled in the April 20 issue.

There were many motivations for creating the program, said BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien, listing everything from a desire to identify rising stars to encouraging individuals to get involved in the community and, in short, do the things needed to become a 40 Under Forty winner. “In eight short years, 40 Under Forty has become a brand, as well as a goal for many young people in the business community, nonprofit sector, and public-service realm,” said O’Brien. “It’s become a benchmark, if you will, a symbol of excellence that, above all, identifies someone as a leader.”

Over the years, the program has highlighted individuals from a wide range of businesses and industries, including nonprofits. In addition, a healthy number of honorees each year are true entrepreneurs, individuals who have taken risks, developed their own business plans, and built companies that in turn create jobs.

Kate Campiti, BusinessWest’s associate publisher, said a compelling nomination “needs to be complete, it needs to be thorough, and it needs to essentially answer the question, ‘why is this individual worthy of a 40 Under Forty plaque?’” The nomination form requests basic information and can be supported with other material, such as a résumé, testimonials, and even press clippings highlighting an individual’s achievements in their profession or service to their community.

The class of 2015 will be toasted at the annual gala reception on June 18 at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke. “The gala has become a happening, a not-to-be missed gathering that is also the year’s best networking opportunity,” said Campiti.

Braman Termite and Pest Elimination Celebrates 125 Years

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Daily News

AGAWAM — Braman Termite and Pest Elimination, a leading provider of pest-management services in Southern New England, is celebrating 125 years in business. The business, originally founded in Boston in 1890, moved its headquarters to Agawam in 1980.

“In 1890, pest control was usually done at night or when no one was around,” said Jerry Lazarus, third-generation owner of Braman Termite and Pest Elimination. At the time, pest control was primarily done with kitchen-sink concoctions made with ingredients like arsenic, which has a very distinct and unpleasant smell.

“The common view was that, if it didn’t stink, it didn’t work. Nowadays, if it stinks, you have a problem,” said Lazarus. “Pest-control product development has come so far that they can be done in very controlled environments without displacement — we can even treat hospital rooms without moving patients, if needed.”

Now, there are no secret ingredients, and all products are scientifically tested to establish appropriate dosage, ensuring both efficacy and public safety. Meanwhile, technology like e-mail, cell phones, bar-code scanning, and global positioning systems have helped Braman continually provide fast, efficient, and customer-centered service.

“Technological advancements have been adopted by the pest-management industry to better communicate with customers and create efficiencies to help us be competitive and profitable,” said Lazarus.

Braman Termite and Pest Elimination has even adopted technology like social media to stay in touch with customers and educate the public. In honor of the 125 year anniversary, Braman has prepared 125 themed posts for its Facebook account that will appear throughout the year. Find Braman at www.facebook.com/bramanpest and ‘like’ the page to see a full year of fun and educational posts.

“We have everything from pest-control service options to awareness months to alert you when your home or business might be more vulnerable to certain pests, and employee milestones,” said Lazarus.

Small Plates Chef Fund-raiser on Feb. 9 to Benefit Gray House

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Daily News

CHICOPEE — The Small Plates Chef Fund-raiser to benefit the Gray House has been rescheduled to Monday, Feb. 9. It was originally scheduled for Jan. 26 but was postponed due to a snowstorm.



Chef Hubert Gottschlicht of the Munich Haus in Chicopee will hold a cooking class and demonstration at the Munich Haus from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased through PayPal at bit.ly/1AciOLh. Tickets must be purchased in advance, as seats are limited.



“This is a great way to enjoy a night out with friends and eat some fabulous food, all while benefiting a good cause,” said Dena Calvanese, executive director of the Gray House. “We’re planning on holding these events on a monthly basis, if possible, with different area restaurants. We held our first Chef Fundraiser in November with Samuel’s Sports Bar at the Hall of Fame, which sold out quickly.”


Participants can watch the master chef prepare several German delicacies and join in or sit back and enjoy the presentation. A light buffet will be provided in addition to a cash bar.


The Gray House is a small, neighborhood human-service agency located at 22 Sheldon St. in the North End of Springfield. Its mission is to help neighbors facing hardships to meet their immediate and transitional needs by providing food, clothing, and educational services in a safe, positive environment.
 For more information about the Chef Fundraiser, visit www.facebook.com/thegrayhouseinc or call Calvanese at (413) 734-6696, ext. 100.

Baystate Begins Registration for Mini-Medical School

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Medical Center’s Mini-Medical School, which begins its spring session on March 19, will give area residents a reason to come out of hibernation from the long, cold, snowy winter and join others interested in the expanding field of medicine.

Mini-Medical School program is an eight-week health education series featuring a different aspect of medicine each week. Classes this spring will include sessions on various medical topics, such as surgery, emergency medicine, anesthesiology, pathology, and several others. Many of the ‘students,’ who often range in age from 20 to 70, participate due to a general interest in medicine and later find that many of the things they learned over the semester are relevant to their own lives.

The goal of the program, offered in the hospital’s Chestnut Conference Center, is to help members of the public make more informed decisions about their healthcare while receiving insight on what it is like to be a medical student — minus the tests, interviews, and admission formalities. Each course is taught by medical-center faculty who explain the science of medicine without resorting to complex terms. Baystate Medical Center is the Western Campus of Tufts University School of Medicine and is the region’s only teaching hospital.

All classes are held Thursday nights starting at 6 p.m. and run until 8 or 9 p.m., depending on the night’s topic. No basic science knowledge is needed to participate. Each participant is required to attend a minimum of six out of eight classes in order to receive a certificate of completion. Among the topics and speakers slated for the spring semester are:

• March 19: “Hey, I Finally Got into Medical School!” with Dr. Michael Rosenblum, director, Internal Medicine Residency Program (includes a general tour of the medical center).
• March 26: “Surgery,” with Dr. Richard Wait, chair, Department of Surgery (includes a tour of the Baystate Simulation Center and the Goldberg Surgical Skills Lab).
• April 2: “Cardiac Surgery,” with Dr. John Rousou, chief, Cardiac Surgery.
• April 9: “Pathology,” with Dr. Richard Friedberg, chair, Department of Pathology (includes a tour of the lab).
• April 16: “Anesthesiology,” with Dr. Michael Bailin, chair, Department of Anesthesiology.
• April 23: “Psychiatry,” with Dr. Benjamin Liptzin, chair, Department of Psychiatry.
• April 30: “Stroke/Rehabilitation,” with Dr. Edward Feldmann, vice president and medical director, Neurosciences & Rehabilitation.
• May 7: “Emergency Medicine,” with Dr. Joseph Schmidt, vice chair and chief, Emergency Medicine (includes a graduation ceremony).

Tuition is $95 per person and $80 for Senior Class and Spirit of Women members. Register for the spring semester of Mini-Medical School by calling (800) 377-4325. For more information, visit www.baystatehealth.org/minimed.

Stronger Businesses Program Slated for March 20

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Stronger Businesses Program will begin on March 20 at the Business Growth Center at Springfield Technology Park. Designed for business owners who are focused on growth and want to take a fresh look at their markets, revenues, and operations, this workshop meets for five mornings over a seven-week period and includes two private technical-assistance sessions, one price for up to three people per company, and peer-mentoring sessions over breakfast.

“It is specifically designed not to be Business 101,” said Karen Utgoff, co-founder and facilitator of the program. “The series emphasizes active learning and immediate application of specific tools and techniques to gain fresh perspective and identify opportunities and challenges, with the goal of turning those insights into actionable steps.”

Added Laurie Breitner, the program’s other co-founder and facilitator, “we were gratified to learn from participants in earlier sessions that they found the program very useful, and all reported that they had improved their businesses and made well-defined plans for future growth — more capabilities, more customers, more sales, increased profitability, more employees.”

The Business Growth Center has again received a grant from the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corp. to support the Stronger Businesses Program. Business owners from underserved communities are particularly encouraged to attend.

“While this program is designed for existing businesses, we also welcome startups and nonprofits that need assistance defining and planning growth,” said Marla Michel, the Business Growth Center’s director. “We ran the program last year, and every participating business reported positive results. We are proud to offer a program with such compelling impact.”

Additional information about this and other programs is available at www.businessgrowthcenter.org/seminars-workshops or by contacting Mary Marquez, assistant program manager, at [email protected] or (413) 355-5680.

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